As they emerged from the dim confines of the gymnasium, the air thick with the sweat of exertion and the lingering echoes of their training, a scent wafted towards them—a human presence, stealthy and intent. Cid's instincts pricked at him; he knew who it was. Instead of retreating to the sanctuary of their dormitory, he veered towards one of the military school's training facilities, a place where warriors honed their skills amidst the clangor of steel and the fervor of combat. Zeph, ever attuned to Cid's shifts, followed closely behind.
They entered the training hall, stepping into a sparring room where the air was charged with anticipation. Cid turned to Zeph, his voice a low whisper, "Stay to the side and do not interfere with the fight." Zeph nodded, his keen hearing capturing every word, and settled onto the bleachers, where spectators often gathered to witness displays of martial prowess.
With a bold stride, Cid took his position at one end of the sparring platform, his voice ringing out like a clarion call, "I know you are there, Ruby! Step forth! I have awaited this rematch!"
From the shadows, Ruby emerged, her eyes ablaze with a fierce determination. She had trailed Cid, curiosity igniting within her since she had glimpsed both him and Zeph entering the gym. The aura surrounding Cid felt different, charged with an energy she could scarcely comprehend.
"There is something changed about you," Ruby declared, her voice a mix of excitement and caution. "Your presence, your aura—they've transformed. What have you become, Cid?"
A smirk danced upon Cid's lips, his violet eyes shimmering with a hint of mischief. "I have grown stronger, Ruby, just as you have since our last encounter. Yet, I am not here to discuss my newfound might. I seek to settle the score between us, once and for all."
With a grin, Ruby dropped into a fighting stance. "Very well! I have longed for this rematch, and now seems the perfect time. Let us see if your newfound powers can withstand my own!"
From the bleachers, Zeph observed intently, his heightened senses absorbing the tension that crackled like lightning in the air. As a Lupivampyr, he was in tune with the subtle shifts of power and emotion, and he sensed that this bout would be unlike any he had witnessed before.
The two warriors circled each other, their movements a dance of fluid grace. Ruby's Qi flared around her, a vibrant crimson aura that cast an otherworldly glow across the sparring floor. Cid summoned his own Qi, the Eclipse Flame flickering at his fingertips, a dark fire that promised devastation.
In a flash, Ruby surged forward, her fists a blur aimed at Cid's face. He fought with only a fraction of his true power, slipping past her blows with an agility that seemed almost supernatural. He retaliated with quick jabs, each strike ignited with the heat of his dark flames, leaving Ruby to dodge and weave, her senses heightened by the thrill of battle.
As the fight escalated, Cid unleashed Void Ember Orbs that glowed with a chilling light. With a flick of his wrist, he sent them hurtling towards Ruby, the orbs exploding upon impact and enveloping the arena in a shroud of darkness. Ruby, undeterred, tapped into a primal strength within, her spirit igniting as she unleashed a torrent of fiery energy that tore through the shadows, illuminating the arena once more.
"Cid, you shall not catch me so easily!" she cried, charging forward, her sword ablaze with crimson flames. Each swing was filled with a fierce determination, a testament to her growth.
Cid danced around her strikes, his scythe a blur as he deflected her flaming blows, all the while holding back to keep the spirit of their friendly sparring intact. He tested her limits with carefully timed counters, appreciating her resolve and strength, even as he felt the widening gap between their abilities.
"Impressive!" he called out, relishing the challenge she presented. Ruby's determination was a beacon, illuminating her path forward, and he admired her growth since their last encounter.
As Ruby charged again, Cid activated Phantom Manipulation, conjuring flickering shadows that danced around him, creating the illusion of multiple Cids. Ruby's instincts kicked in, her eyes narrowing as she tried to discern the real from the phantoms.
"Stay focused!" he urged, watching her slice through the shadows with her sword, flames erupting with each swing.
Timing his movements perfectly, Cid slipped behind her as she dispatched yet another illusion. "Gotcha!" he exclaimed playfully, sweeping his scythe low and knocking her sword from her grasp. It skittered across the ground, just out of her reach.
In that moment, standing above her with a gentle smile, Cid proclaimed, "It appears I have won this round, Ruby."
Breathless and exhilarated, Ruby gazed up at him, her heart racing from the friendly contest. "Alright, you bested me! But mark my words, I shall unravel your secrets next time!"
As Zeph cheered for Cid's victory, Cid extended a hand, helping Ruby to her feet. Their spar was not merely a clash of strength but a celebration of their bond, a connection forged in the fires of competition and camaraderie.
Cid approached Ruby, seeking a moment of conversation. She agreed, and the trio—Ruby, Cid, and Zeph—engaged in heartfelt dialogue, sharing tales and insights. Cid deftly avoided mentioning his vampiric nature or Zeph's werewolf heritage, instead focusing on the mysteries of Qi and sensing Ruby's burgeoning potential. He encouraged her to seek out General Zephyr to learn more about her own powers.
Grateful for his counsel, Ruby departed to her quarters, leaving Cid and Zeph to ponder her lingering presence. "This is not the last we shall see of her," Zeph remarked, a knowing glint in his eye.
"Indeed," Cid replied, a sense of anticipation stirring within him. They returned to their rooms, the night enveloping them in its tranquil embrace.
The following day, after the morning's homeroom and special classes, the group convened in Lucy's room. She revealed that the restoration of the portal to the vampire realm would take longer than expected—approximately twenty days. Additionally, she spoke of an impending event at the military school during that same period.
In but twenty days, all military schools across the Earth would gather for a grand sparring match, a spectacle that would draw the esteemed heads of the Four Big Families, eager to scout promising talent for their expeditions. Lucy assured them that she would have the device ready before the event concluded, granting them a two-week reprieve afterward to explore as they wished, including a visit to the vampire settlement, provided they returned in time.
With the full twenty days ahead of them, they dedicated themselves to training. Lucy urged them to visit her room after classes, where her advanced simulation equipment awaited. She also unveiled a new game, gaining traction among students, allowing them to engage in combat as avatars, refining their skills in a spirited and competitive manner.
Eagerly, Cid, Zeph, and their companions seized the opportunity to hone their abilities in the days leading up to the grand tournament. Each evening, they gathered in Lucy's room, immersing themselves in the simulations that mirrored the fighting styles of students from rival schools.
Cid found himself adapting and evolving, weaving his newfound powers as a Vampire Lord into his combat techniques. Zeph, now a formidable Lupivampyr, reveled in his enhanced strength and agility, mastering his Phantom Claws and Elemental Qi Channeling, crafting devastating combos that left virtual foes in disarray. His Aura of the Alpha proved invaluable, bolstering the morale of his companions during their training.
As the tournament loomed closer, excitement coursed through the military school, students buzzing with anticipation to showcase their talents before the esteemed heads of the Four Big Families.
Yet for Cid and his friends, the tournament represented more than mere competition; it was a vital step in their quest to rescue Dee from the clutches of the vampire settlement.
In their training sessions, they plotted strategies and contingencies for their forthcoming infiltration. Lucy toiled tirelessly on the ancient teleporter, her brow furrowed in concentration as she navigated its intricate mechanisms.
Aria, now a steadfast ally, contributed her insights into vampire society, her family's knowledge of the settlement's layout, and potential challenges, which proved invaluable in their planning.
As the final days before the tournament approached, Cid felt a surge of purpose and resolve. The path ahead promised peril, yet with his friends at his side and the power of the Eclipse Veil coursing through him, he felt prepared to confront whatever trials awaited.
In the quiet moments between training and strategy discussions, Cid often found his thoughts drifting to Dee. He wondered how she fared within the heart of the vampire settlement, and a deep ache settled in his heart—a yearning to bring her back to safety.
But Cid understood that rushing in blindly would only jeopardize them all. They needed to be clever, to devise a strategy, and to strike at the opportune moment. Thus, he channelled his worries and longing into his training, pushing himself relentlessly with each passing day. Four days before the tournament, the group gathered in Lucy's room to discuss their plans for the upcoming event and the operation ahead. Little did they know, an occurrence was about to unfold that would irrevocably alter their fates.
In an age long forgotten, before Draven rose to prominence as a legendary figure among vampires, and long before the bitter war between humans and vampires erupted, there existed a remarkable epoch when both races coexisted in harmony. This extraordinary time unfolded 9,000 years ago under the benevolent reign of the original Vampire Queen, Seraphina, the Eternal Guardian.
Queen Seraphina, revered as the third Queen of the Vampires, led her people for nearly a millennium, captivating the hearts of her kin with boundless compassion. Under her nurturing rule, a magnificent kingdom flourished, where vampires and humans lived in peace, united by a shared vision of understanding and balance.
Though her reign witnessed the rise and fall of countless factions, it was her unwavering love and guidance that illuminated the path for her people through the shadows of the night. Seraphina's legacy became one of hope—a testament to the enduring power of unity even in the face of darkness.
After ruling for 9,000 years, Queen Seraphina chose to enter an eternal slumber, hoping to awaken one day and witness how her descendants would continue the peace she had so diligently established. One of her most trusted aides, a Wight named Vespera, who cherished Seraphina more than anything, vowed to remain in the burial chambers when Seraphina was laid to rest. Vespera promised to awaken her beloved queen in the years to come.
Unbeknownst to Vespera, as the years passed in Seraphina's absence, conflict began to brew between humans and vampires. The Vampire King who succeeded her could not replicate the authority and respect that Seraphina had instilled during her reign. Everything fell apart, leading to a devastating war between humans and vampires that lasted over 500 years. As the conflict raged on and eventually subsided, most vampires retreated underground, blending in with humans to survive. Meanwhile, Seraphina's coffin became buried beneath the grounds of a certain military school that had been constructed above it over time.
Now, just as Cid and his group were engaged in conversation in Lucy's room, Vespera decided it was time to awaken her queen.
As the group chatted, they suddenly noticed the shocked and horrified expressions on Cid, Cindy, and Zeph's faces. It was as if they could all feel an ominous presence nearby—something incredibly powerful, poised to disrupt their peace.
Beneath the military school, Vespera knelt before Seraphina's coffin, her hand trembling as she opened a small vial of her blood and poured it onto the surface. The thick crimson liquid spread like a web across the dark wood, seeping into every crevice until the locks on the lid clicked open with a resounding echo. As Vespera lifted the heavy lid, a powerful presence filled the air, causing every vampire or subclass within the vicinity to feel its weight.
As Seraphina emerged from her eternal slumber, Vespera couldn't help but be awestruck by her ethereal beauty. With long silver hair cascading down her back in waves and piercing red eyes that seemed to glow with warmth, she exuded both elegance and strength. Her flowing white garment was adorned with intricate patterns that emphasized her regal yet fierce persona, while hints of red beads and symbols hinted at her connection to magic or blood.
As Seraphina stepped out of the coffin, she moved with grace and poise, one knee on the ground and the other leg bent in readiness for action. Her pale skin radiated light, giving her an otherworldly quality that contrasted beautifully with her striking red eyes and vibrant hair. Tiny delicate markings traced along her arms and shoulders, emphasizing her mystical nature and making her look both enchanting and formidable.
One of Seraphina's most distinct features was her pointed ears, which extended gracefully upwards as a distinguished hallmark of her supernatural heritage. Their sharpness and delicate curves enhanced her facial features, adding to her regal and otherworldly appearance. Adornments such as small jewels or intricate red earrings hung from them, further enhancing her enchanted beauty and hinting at her connection to magic.
Seraphina, an Original Vampire with mastery over blood skills and magical abilities, focused her mind on her target. With a burst of energy and a flash of bright red light, she and her Wight Vespera teleported into Lucy's room, having emerged from their resting chambers. Seraphina could sense the presence of Cid, the closest vampire-like being nearby. She had chosen to materialize before him, hoping to surprise both him and the two other vampire subclasses she sensed—Cindy and Zeph.
As Seraphina and Vespera suddenly materialized in Lucy's room in a flash of crimson light, the group recoiled in shock. Cid, Cindy, and Zeph instantly felt the overwhelming power radiating from Seraphina, their vampire instincts screaming in recognition of an Original. They dropped to their knees in reverence, unable to resist the primal urge to submit before such an ancient and mighty being.
Lucy, Aria, and the others stared wide-eyed at the ethereal beauty of Seraphina, her silver hair cascading like moonlight and her red eyes glowing with an inner fire. Even without vampire senses, they could feel the aura of authority and grace that surrounded her.
"Rise, my children," Seraphina spoke, her voice melodic yet commanding. Cid, Cindy, and Zeph slowly stood, their eyes still downcast in deference. "I have awakened from my long slumber to find the world much changed. Tell me, young ones, what has become of the harmony between our kinds that I strived so hard to nurture?"
Cid stepped forward, bowing his head respectfully. "Your Majesty, I am Cid, a Vampire Lord of the Condemned family. Much has transpired in your absence. War and strife have torn apart the peace you once achieved. Vampires and humans now live in a fragile truce, but tensions simmer beneath the surface."
Seraphina's eyes shimmered with sorrow. "It pains me to hear this. The dream I held dear has been shattered." She turned her gaze to each member of the group, sensing the unique mix of human and vampire energies among them. "Yet I see before me a glimmer of hope. You are a diverse group united by bonds that transcend race. Perhaps you are the key to restoring the balance I once sought."
Aria, ever the diplomat, curtsied gracefully. "Vampire Queen, we are honored by your presence. I am Aria, of the Four Great Families of Humanity. We would be humbled to learn from your wisdom and work towards rebuilding the bridges between our peoples."
Seraphina smiled warmly at Aria. "Your heart is true, young one. I sense great potential in all of you." She then turned to Cid, her eyes piercing into his very soul. "Cid, I perceive a great destiny intertwined with yours. The power within you is vast, yet tempered by compassion. You will play a pivotal role in the trials to come."
Cid met her gaze, feeling a strange connection to this ancient queen. "I am at your service, Your Majesty. My friends and I seek to rescue one of our own from the vampire settlement. We could use your guidance in navigating the complex politics and dangers that await us."
Seraphina nodded thoughtfully. "I will aid you in your quest, young Cid." Draven's voice echoed within Cid's mind, saying, "It's a good thing you bowed. I believe my blood flowing through you now understands her significance. She is the third Vampire Queen and one of the three most powerful Originals ever to exist."
Seraphina gracefully approached Lucy's chair and sat down, her Wight following closely at her side. "I should introduce myself properly," she said. "I am Queen Seraphina of the Vampires—well, I was. And to my right is my most trusted aide and dear friend, my Wight, Vespera."
Vespera was an ethereal beauty, much like her queen, with long silver hair that flowed like moonlight and vibrant red eyes that reflected her unwavering loyalty. She was clad in a luxurious leather outfit consisting of a crop top and tactical pants, complemented by sturdy boots adorned with skull motifs. In her hand, she wielded an ornate crimson scythe, its blade imbued with dark power. A flowing cape draped elegantly over her shoulders, enhancing her aura of elegance and lethality.
Cid followed suit and introduced himself and the rest of the group. "I am Cid, a human turned vampire. I evolved into a Vampire Lord just a few days ago, so I apologize if I don't know much about our ways yet. I've only learned a little from the vampire we wish to save, as well as from Aria here, who has gathered information from her family's archives during the conflicts humans had with our kind.
To my left is my Wight, Cindy. She is part of a new race recently discovered by humans called Goblins. And beside her is Zeph; he's a werewolf but now a mix-breed, as I turned him not long ago."
Cid noticed the smile on Seraphina's face as he spoke. He continued, "The other humans here, besides Aria, are Lucy, also a member of one of the Four Great Families of Humanity, and finally, Cayden, my first friend."
Seraphina's smile widened as she listened to Cid's introductions. "I am pleased to meet all of you," she said, her voice warm and inviting. "It brings me great joy to see humans and vampires working together once more, even if the circumstances that brought you together were less than ideal."
Her gaze lingered on Zeph, curiosity sparking in her crimson eyes. "A werewolf turned vampire... how fascinating. In all my years, I have never encountered such a being. Your existence is a testament to the potential for unity between our kinds."
Zeph bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored to be a part of this group and to fight alongside them for a common cause."
Seraphina then turned her attention to Lucy. "And you, young Lucy, possess a brilliant mind and a kind heart. I sense that your role in this endeavour will be crucial. Your knowledge and skills will be invaluable in the trials ahead."
Lucy blushed at the praise, her eyes shining with determination. "I will do everything in my power to help rescue Our friend and restore the balance between our peoples."
Then Seraphina turned her gaze to Cayden, Cid's first human friend. "Cayden, I sense a noble spirit within you. Your loyalty to Cid and this group speaks volumes about your character. Together, we shall forge a new destiny for our peoples."
Cayden felt a rush of pride at her words and smiled. "Thank you, Sera. I will stand by my friends, no matter what lies ahead."
Seraphina nodded approvingly before addressing the group as a whole. "I commend you all for your bravery and dedication. The path before you is fraught with danger, but I believe that together, you have the strength to overcome any obstacle."
She rose gracefully from her seat, Vespera standing attentively at her side. "I will accompany you on your journey to the vampire settlement. My presence may help to smooth the way and grant you access to areas that would otherwise be barred. And, if necessary, I will fight alongside you to protect those you hold dear."
Cid and the others exchanged glances of awe and gratitude. To have the legendary Vampire Queen herself as an ally was beyond anything they could have hoped for.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Cid said, bowing deeply. "Your support means more than you can imagine. With you by our side, I know we will succeed in our mission."
Seraphina placed a gentle hand on Cid's shoulder, her touch radiating warmth and comfort. "Have faith, young Cid. The bonds you share with your friends are your greatest strength. Nurture them, and they will see you through even the darkest of times."
As the group began to discuss their plans for infiltrating the vampire settlement, a sense of hope and determination filled the room. With Queen Seraphina and her faithful Wight Vespera joining their cause, they knew that anything was possible. The dream of unity and peace that Seraphina had once fought for was now their own, and they would stop at nothing to see it realized once more.
Cid shared his plan to see if he could speak to Dee's mother, believing he might strike a deal with her. He sensed that her mother would not want any tragedy to befall her daughter, and since she was the current Queen, gaining her support would be crucial. As Cid spoke to the group, he exuded authority and leadership. Seraphina, observing him, felt a warmth in her heart and thought, "If this man ever decided to rule the vampires, I would back him and guide him."
Breaking her from her thoughts, Cid looked at her and said, "Your Maj—"
She cut him off, saying, "I am no longer Queen, so don't call me that. From now on, we are friends here, so call me Sera, and my Wight, Vera!"
"Understood, Sera," Cid replied. "I should explain everything that has happened in history, at least according to the history books, as well as my journey of becoming a vampire and the current situation we are in."
Sera suddenly grew serious, looking at Cid and listening attentively. He relayed in great detail everything about Draven, how humans gained abilities, Draven's labyrinth, the Xeltharans invading Earth, the creation of the military schools, and all the events leading to his transformation into a vampire in Draven's labyrinth. He spoke of how he met everyone, Dee's true identity, and how he and Dee loved each other. He explained how he was not a regular vampire but something known as a Qi vampire, capable of feeding on Qi, the life energy. Finally, he detailed everything that had happened with the werewolves and the events leading up to their current predicament.
He also mentioned the upcoming military tournament involving all the other military schools, where students would face off in friendly competition. Cid explained their plan to infiltrate the vampire settlement after the tournament was over, as they would have two weeks to do whatever they wished. They aimed to use this time to grow stronger, ensuring they wouldn't go in blindly, as they had no idea what to expect when infiltrating the settlement.