Chapter 18: The Return

Panting and gasping, Slade has finally managed to reach their hideout after his narrow escape from the Vampire King. It was an ability he has never seen before. Who would have thought a hybrid brat like him could become this strong?

'But that doesn't mean I'll give up!' He thought, 'I'll make sure to take him down after this!'

When he reached the doors, everyone was surprised to see his condition.

"Slade? What happened to you?" His partner, Amaya, came to his aid with a horrified expression.

"Take me... to Master Vulpine..."

"But your wounds! You need to drink blood."

"TAKE ME TO HIM!" Slade demanded that his voice echoes throughout the building.

"What's the commotion down there?" A firm voice asked from the stairs, it was the vampire he's been longing to see.

"Master Vulpine... Help me!" Slade crawled in the best he can, "I need more power! I have to take revenge!"

Vulpine appeared before him and held his chin, "Ah, you poor child... Who did this to you, Slade?"

"It's the vampire brat, Master! There was definitely something strange about him but I'll make sure to bring his heart to you!"

"You mean..." Vulpine raised his voice, "You went out to see the Vampire King?" His eyes went cold as Slade finally realized how he easily gave away the crimes he did.

"Yes..."

"You attacked him... and used the seal without my permission..." His grip on his chin tightens like he was about to break his jaw.

"F-forgive me, Master Vulpine!" Slade cried, "I didn't mean it! I just wanted to defeat our enemy as soon as possible. I did it all for you!"

"But you disobeyed me, Slade... You know very well what happens to disobedient children like you..." Vulpine grinned devilishly.

"No... Forgive me, Master! Please give me a second chance!"

"You failed me once, Slade. And I don't want any more failures." Soon as he snapped his fingers, the mark on Slade's shoulders glowed and smoke smoldered from his skin, causing him to groan in so much pain.

"Aaarrghhh! Forgive me, FORGIVE ME, MASTEEEEER!!!"

His flesh was being absorbed by the mark as he was slowly rotting away until nothing was left but the floating symbol.

Then, at Vulpine's command, the mark turned into a glowing red crystal.

"Now, now... Who wants to go next?" His cold gaze left the other vampires in fear and with terrified expressions. Some didn't even dare to look him in the eyes.

"Slade, what a pathetic fool." Linnaeus scoffed like everything that happened before him was something normal.

Vulpine chuckled, "Seems like you'll all be good now. Let this be a lesson for everyone." He smirked as he went back to his place.

"Master..." A girl with very long hair approached him from behind.

Suddenly, Vulpine burst out laughing, "Kagami, did you see that? Slade's face and body have almost been deformed! He looks so awful and weak -- ALL BECAUSE OF THAT KID!" He laughed once again.

"Ahh, he never ceases to amaze me, Kagami. He's turning out someone I expected him to be. How thrilling!"

When he has finally calmed down, his grin slowly fades and was shifted to his usual composure.

"Seems like you have something to say, Kagami. What is it?"

"Master, I don't question your action towards Slade. He deserves that punishment. However... now that he's gone, who would take his place to complete the plan?"

"Ah, my dear Kagami. You don't have to worry about such things..." He gently caressed her cheek, "I already have someone perfect in mind. I'll be the one to pick him up myself."

Vulpine grinned as his eyes glowed in crimson red.

***

Rae gazed at the water from the basin, he was staring at his reflection for a moment.

'Would he answer if I call? I bet he would get mad for disturbing him. But I need some answers...' His brows furrowed, seems like he's being hesitant. But after a long pause, the lad heaved a heavy sigh.

He lifted his left arm above the water, "Here we go..." Then, he wounded himself and let some blood spilled on the water. After few drops of blood, the water suddenly became red.

And when he gazed once again, the reflection turned out differently. He was now facing a figure with long blood-red hair.

"What do you want?!" A complaining voice greeted him.

"Long time no see, great grandfather!"

"Spare me with formalities! State your business, idiot!"

Even being shouted at, Rae remained smiling, "I came to ask you something, great grandfather."

"HUH!? You disturbed me just to ask something!? Heh! No wonder you're indeed stupid!"

The lad just laughed awkwardly.

"Hmph, fine! What is your question? Make sure it's something IMPORTANT!"

Rae gulped, "I was wondering, great grandfather... We belong to the masters of blood art and we're capable of almost anything with this power. I just wanted to confirm... is it possible to obtain others' power just by drinking their blood?" His face became serious when he began to mention his question.

The figure crossed his arms, "It is." He replied, "If you're strong enough, a drop of blood would suffice to obtain another power. BUT..." He raised his voice.

"You have to be wary. Obtaining a new power from others means a new responsibility. You have to control it. Getting other abilities without mastering the other will lead to your death bed."

"What will happen if I take much power carelessly?" Rae asked.

"What do you think? You'll surely explode, idiot!" The figure replied, "Gone by the wind, without a single trace left in the world you lived in..."

The lad looked down when he thought about it. It was something he less likely to happen.

"Now, it's my time to ask..." Said the figure, "What are you planning to do with that information? Don't tell me you're planning to do something foolish with that power."

"I wanted to be stronger..." Rae responded, "That's what I told you when we first met, great grandfather. And I haven't changed my mind."

"Being a Vampire King isn't going to be easy."

"I know. But I have to move forward to achieve that. And the first step is... I have to defeat King Alucard."

His eyes shout for decisiveness and passion, like how they were when they first met. He tried many times but it's impossible to change his mind since then. And that made this old vampire smirked.

"Well then, why don't you start by drinking that blood in your pocket?"

The lad flinched, "H-how did you know?"

He scoffed, "You have a lot of ways to go to get to my level, kid!"

"I really can't beat you, great grandfather." Rae chuckled and took a small bottle of blood from his pocket.

Just like Damien has said, he kept his word when he told him he'll give his blood to confirm his theory. And now he's ready to test that out.

He opened the lid and started drinking the blood.

"Urgh!" He frowned.

"Still can't get used to the taste? It's been five years already!"

"I don't know... My body reacts this way by the taste of blood." The lad wiped his lips.

"Well, now that you mentioned it... You should be more aware when the time finally comes that you won't react that way after drinking blood."

"What do you m--!!!" Rae paused from talking when he felt his heart made a loud thump.

He clutched his chest from the heavy heartbeat as he gasped for air. His vision starts to spin around as he felt dizzy.

"Ah, I forgot to mention..." He heard his great grandfather's voice.

"For first-timers, they'll experience those kinds of side effects after drinking another vampire's blood. But don't worry, you'll eventually g..."

Rae didn't get to hear the last sentence when he slowly lost his consciousness.

When he slowly opened his eyes, everything around him is floating in thin air. The things inside his room: the chair, table, books -- it feels like there's some kind of magic controlling them which make him stare in awe.

'Is this... Damien's power?' He thought and gazed at his hand.

Then, at his command, the floating objects move around anywhere he pleases.

Suddenly, he heard a crashing sound from the door. From there, Rin stood with her mouth agape from what she's seeing.

"Y-young master... are you... a psychic now?" She asked.

Rae laughed, "I'm not. I just tested Damien's theory. I drank his blood, and it seems like I can obtain the owner's power by drinking it."

The lad noticed the small bottle where the blood was contained earlier. It seems like it has been broken when he suddenly collapsed.

'This is a perfect opportunity to test my new ability...' He stretched his arm towards the broken bottle. Its shattered pieces come and stick together. After a while, the small bottle was fixed like it was new again.

"Very handy." He chuckled.

When he gazed back at the door, Rin quickly left and took Damien with her.

"You've got to see this!" She excitedly said.

"What's so important that you need to break my arm like this?" Damien complained. But when he glanced at Rae's bedroom, his eyes widened at the scene before him.

"Bloody hell..." He mumbled, "My theory... it's true!"

"It is indeed." Rae smiled as he put his things back to their original places, commanding them to move with just the use of hand gestures.

"Now that we have proven this to be true, I guess we shall now undergo more experiments!" Damien said as his eyes are burning with excitement.

Rae smiled nervously, "As long as it's not that difficult, I'm willing to help you in any way I can."

"Young Master, you indeed have a heart of gold."

Rin cleared her throat, "Setting that aside, Damien, don't you have something to report to Young master?"

"Ah! That's right, I have good news for you, Young master..."

Their conversation was interrupted when they heard someone yawning from the door.

"Forget about formalities! How long are you guys going to make me wait?"

Said a young lad around 15 years old with his pale white skin, pointed ears, small fangs, remarkable jet black hair, and crimson red eyes. His voice might've changed but the way he talks gives away his identity.

"Primo?" Rae asked.

The young lad smirked and bowed his head politely, "I have returned, Young master."

In such glee, Rae suddenly hugged him.

"Welcome back, Primo!"

"Ugh! You don't have to do this, Young master! This looks so awkward! We both look adults now!"

"Adult? But you look younger than me, Primo." Rin chuckled.

"You got it all wrong, Missy." Primo gently moved away from the hug, "This is my true form and I've lived longer than any of you. Which basically means... I'm your senior!"

Damien and Rin laughed, "Yeah right, Mr. Senior Citizen!" They teased.

"Take that back, you greenhorns!"

Rae chuckled, "It's good to know you're back, Primo. But... where's Frisca? I believe you two traveled together." He asked as he looked around.

"Ah, we parted ways soon as we came back. She said she can feel her true master's presence lurking around. It must be a perfect time for her reunion with her master. And I don't want to ruin it."

"I see. I hope she'll be able to find her master now..."

***

Speaking of which, some kilometers away from the Van Helsing residence, Gray can be found walking in the streets while carrying some grocery bags. This is how he usually spends his Saturday mornings.

But then, he paused and looked at the skies above, he frowned as he gazed upon its grayish color.

"Ugh. I hope it doesn't rain. I have laundry to do after this." He grumbled and continued walking.

Reaching the place he called home, he saw a girl around 10, standing in front of the gate.

She has this long raven black hair, scarlet red eyes, and a fair skin tone. She looks like any other normal young girl out there and he doesn't feel any threat towards her. But one thing is for sure, she is nervous. He can hear the sounds of her loud heartbeat as she was gazing upon the house.

The lad took a deep breath, hoping he'll never scare her.

"What's wrong, kid? You're standing in front of my house." He tried to smile, but it turned out to be an evil grin. This made the girl more uncomfortable and even more nervous.

But despite all that, she began to speak, "M-my master... she's inside that house..."

Gray raised an eyebrow, "Master?"

'Isn't that what they call their martial arts teacher?"

He scratched the back of his head, "Look kid, there ain't no master in here. You've got the wrong house."

The girl shook her head, "No, I'm not mistaken. I can feel it. My master's inside that house!" She pointed at the building beside her.

"I already told you, there's no m--!"

Both of them were stunned when they felt a strong aura coming inside the house. More precisely, it came from the mistress's chambers. Knowing this, Gray quickly rushed inside and headed towards that room.

Upon opening the door, the aura they felt grew stronger as the skeleton on the bed glows. Slowly, flesh appears on each part, covering the bones layer by layer. While this is happening, hair started to grow on its head becoming longer and longer. After the skin has covered the muscles, lips popped out and nails grow on the fingers. Sclera from the eyes appeared and followed by its eyeballs.

Watching this, Gray can't help but feel petrified and amazed. Is this really happening before his eyes? Isn't this just another illusion? Is he dreaming right now?

But all his questions and suspicions were cleared when the girl earlier suddenly entered the room.

"Master!" She exclaimed and ran towards the figure before them.

She chuckled, "Long time no see, Frisca."

"I missed you so much, Master!" The girl cried.

The woman gently caressed her head as if comforting her. Then, she gazed at the lad standing in the doorway.

She chuckled once again, "Why are you just standing in there? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"M-mistress, is that really you?" He stammered.

"You should already know the answer to your question, silly." The woman smirked, referring to his instincts as a wolf, "But if you're still not convinced, I'll give you the permission to touch me." She stretched her hand towards him.

Gray slowly walked closer and held that soft hand. He noticed how her nails turned red and grew longer like before. The soft and smooth hand which perfectly fits his, the warmth of this hand that he missed the most. Upon confirming his suspicions, Gray quickly knelt down and planted a soft kiss on that hand.

"Welcome back, Mistress." He smiled genuinely.

"Indeed I am." The woman smiled, "And I can feel we have a lot to catch on."

***

Going back to the Van Helsing residence, the vampires inside are very much delighted by their reunion. They've talked about their adventures while living separately with each other.

"You've grown so much, Young master." Primo smiled, "I can also feel a strong aura coming from you since we last met."

"You flatter me too much, Primo." Rae chuckled.

As he glanced upon the window, Primo saw the familiar apartment next door. It holds a nostalgic feeling inside him.

"Is Miss Yana around? I want to surprise her."

"Primo, wait! That's ---" Rae was already too late when this young lad moved way too fast that he's already in front of the apartment's gate.

"I wonder what she'll look like after seeing me." Primo giggled and started pressing the doorbell.

When no one responded, he pressed it again and again. Not until he felt someone came.

"Excuse me." A young woman with short lavender hair, golden amber eyes, and a beautiful face came and approached him while carrying some grocery bags. He didn't notice her presence not until she was already near him -- which is a bit suspicious if you ask him.

"What are you doing in front of my apartment?" She asked with a poker face.

"Your apartment?" Primo blinked few times.

Good thing, Rae came just in time.

"Ms. Grosvenor!" He called, "I'm sorry about that. Primo thought someone we know still lives in this apartment."

"I see." She replied, "He's a vampire too, right?" Soon as he met her cold gaze, Primo distanced himself and positioned for battle.

'This woman... my senses tell me she's no ordinary human... Could it be that she's one of them? If that's how it is, I must protect Young master!' Primo thought and was about to deliver an attack when Rae suddenly stepped in their midst.

"Yes, he is. But he's not what you think he is. I swear."

Miss Grosvenor narrowed her eyes, still being suspicious of the new face.

"I believe you'll be needing some help on those." He smiled, referring to the grocery bags she's carrying.

"There's no need, I can manage." She stepped towards the gate and noticed she won't be able to open it as her hands are full.

"Mind if I help?" Rae offered his hand and smiled.

With no other options, she gave some bags to him and opened the gate. After that, she took her keys and opened the door.

Primo couldn't believe his eyes, 'D-did she just let me go? If she's indeed a hunter, she couldn't just let this matter slide. Does she know Young Master's a vampire too? She should be. She found out my identity in just a glance.' He held his head and looked flustered,

"What the heck is going on?!"

Following her inside, Rae noticed the few things in this apartment. The small dining table, two chairs, a small sofa, a flat-screen television, some cabinets, a few utensils, and plates -- only suitable for a single person living inside. But despite all that, the place is neat and well-organized.

"Just place them here." Miss Grosvenor said, pointing at the table.

The lad did so as they stood next to each other. He noticed she was staring intently at him.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"You look awful." She replied, "Your skin tone looks paler."

The lad glanced at his arm and confirmed that she's indeed telling the truth.

"Ah, yeah... I've used so much blood last time." He said, referring to his fight with Slade at the park.

She frowned, "Have you not eaten yet? You, vampires, have your ways of replenishing your energy."

"I did drink some animal blood but..." Rae smiled awkwardly, "As expected, they still taste as bad as I first drink them."

"So you're telling me, you haven't drink a single human blood before?"

"I did... my friend offered her blood but... It tasted the same." He sighed, "You see, unlike other vampires, blood tastes awfully different for me. Must be because I'm a Dhampir.*"

"Does that mean... my blood tastes the same?" Miss Grosvenor glanced at him and he met her gaze. He was surprised by her question.

Asking that out of the blue made him remember how she forcefully made him drink her blood through her lips. That smooth and soft lips delivered the warm and sweet blood in his mouth.

'Wait...' Rae paused when he realized something, 'Come to think of it... I didn't even wince a bit when I tasted her blood twice. It tasted as sweet as candy, something I haven't had before...'

He gulped before answering, "No, yours taste differently..."

She heard her heart skipped a loud beat upon hearing those words. Why does it make her feel light and fuzzy? Does that mean, it made her happy?

'Why am I... feeling this way?' She thought, 'Compose yourself, Aria! You shouldn't show any sign of weakness in front of your enemy.'

"Ah!" Rae said, "I-I didn't say that because I wanted to drink your blood or something. I just... stated the truth..." He further explained.

"I understand. But if... I offered my blood right now, would you drink it?"

Rae flustered by the second question, no one ever saw that coming -- even the twin guns, Artemis and Apollo.

'A-Aria! What are you doing?! Have you lost your mind?!' Artemis exclaimed.

'Hmm... It doesn't seem like she's been hypnotized. Is she sick, perhaps?'

'This is no time for jokes, Apollo. Clearly, our Aria wouldn't say something like that!'

'I-I know that, sister! But, I want you to look at that...' Apollo referred as they looked back at the two.

Rae was clearly surprised, upon processing those words, his cheeks turned red as he looked away.

"I-if... you're okay with that..."

"Why would I not be okay with it?"

"Well, if you're... offering your blood just to test me, I don't want that. I want you to... give it to me wholeheartedly."

She held her chin, "I see. Does grabbing someone else's hand include?"

Rae then remembered the time when he suddenly licked the blood out of her wounded finger. With that, he blushed harder.

"I-I didn't mean that I swear... Like I said, your blood tastes differently -- as well as its scent."

While in the middle of explaining, he noticed how the lass covered her lips and chuckled.

"I was just joking. I'll make sure to offer my blood someday if I am willing." Her lips arc, forming a smile.

This is the first time he has ever seen her smile. Usually, Ms. Grosvenor displays a poker face. But right now, it was as if he's facing a totally different version of her. And it was something he doesn't dislike, for sure.

"Ms. Grosvenor, you smiled..." He grinned.

The lass became conscious and the smile quickly faded.

"I... am?" She held her lips, "Forgive me, I didn't notice."

The lad shook his head, "It wasn't a bad thing, rather... You look cuter when you smile."

Her heart skipped a beat again. This time, even faster and even louder. It was as if a series of drumbeats played inside her chest.

'This feeling again... What is this? Why does my chest react this way when he's around? Is this one of the Vampire King's abilities?' The lass thought and gazed at the lad beside him. But the moment she did, he smiled at her and she felt the heat on her cheeks.

"Y-you..." She was about to say something when suddenly, they both felt an ominous aura lurking around.

They quickly went outside a saw a thick pink smoke heading their way. With his extraordinary vision, Rae found out this familiar smoke.

"Princess Isabella?"

The said princess fell on the ground and she looks in pretty bad shape. That's when they learned she was being chased by a group of vampires.

"Young Master!" Primo called, they noticed the presence as well.

"Damien, take care of the princess!"

"On it!" Damien quickly rushed towards Isabella who's still conscious.

"Vampire King..." She called.

"I'll take the left." Ms. Grosvenor said and Rae nodded before they attacked in opposite directions.

Turning her rings to guns, Aria ran towards some vampires who ferociously surrounded her. They all attacked together but before their claws reach her, the lass took a quick turn and shot their heads in a short span of time. After blowing their heads off, these vampires turned to ashes.

'Were my eyes playing tricks on me? A hunter helping a vampire?! Is this really possible?' Primo rubbed his eyes at what he's seeing right now.

As for Rae, he was quickly attacked by one vampire and left a huge wound. But it seems like it doesn't affect him at all. He used this as an opportunity to turn his blood into floating orbs. Chills ran from their spine as their senses tell them they're in great danger. The vampires tried to escape but it's already too late. At his command, the orbs attacked and blow them up to ashes.

After that, the lad came towards Isabella who's been feeling weak. Her physical wounds might've been healed but it's still obvious how she has been through a lot.

"What happened?"

"Vampire King, help me!" Isabella grabbed the hem of his clothes, "Ciella... Please save her!"

Rae lowered his body and held her shoulders, "Princess, calm down. Tell me what happened."

She took a deep breath, "When we departed, I managed to lure away the vampires who were chasing me. I thought I've succeeded, only to find out that Ciella was no longer in her unit." Isabella gripped tightly on his shirt as she did her best to calm down.

"That's when I found out, she was asked to come back..."

"By whom?"

Isabella gazed into his eyes, "King Alucard..." Her voice trembled, "He has finally stepped foot into this realm... And he's got Ciella -- he's been using her as a weapon this entire time. I'm begging you... please save her... Save my sister!" She cried.

"I tried to take her back, he's too strong for me. I barely escaped to reach you... Please, save her!"

Based on her heavy sobs, he can clearly tell how much suffering she has been through before getting here. And the fact that King Alucard is closer than he thought sent some thrills to his system. This is the moment he's been waiting for, the day where he can finally meet him and put an end to all the evil deeds he committed.

"I'll go." He said, "Take me to King Alucard." He looks deadly serious.

"Thank you! Thank you very much!" Isabella cried.

"Hold right there, Young master!" Primo rebutted, "Are you freaking telling me right now you're going to face Alucard on your own?!"

Rae nodded, "Yes. If there's someone who would stop him, that should be me."

Primo frowned, "What are you saying? This isn't your responsibility. Why do you need to place this on your shoulders?"

"You're wrong, Primo. This is my responsibility. This happened between the feud of my family and the Alucards." He explained and gazed at him decisively, "I am a Van Helsing. I won't just sit still and let him harm innocent lives. It's time to put an end to this long-term feud."

"I see..." Primo looked down, "The pride of a Van Helsing, eh..."

Suddenly, black particles surrounded the young lad as they felt a dark presence lurking within him.

"Primo..."

"You remind me something, Young master... You're right, this family feud should've ended long ago. As the youngest member of the Van Helsings, you feel obliged to fulfill this duty. I admire that..." His crimson red eyes glowed as the skies eloped within total darkness even it wasn't nighttime.

Everyone prepared themselves for the worst as they felt the ominous dark aura surrounded this young-looking vampire.

"In that case, let me fulfill my duty as well -- as a member of my family."

"Primo, I don't understand what you're saying."

"Let me put it this way, Young master... If you want to go and defeat King Alucard, you have to go through me first!"

"What?"

"Primo, what's gotten into you?" Rin asked.

"Why would you go this far, Primo?" Rae asked in a serious tone as he figured out the old companion isn't joking.

"Ah, that's right! I haven't told you my real name, not even your mother knows my true identity. Let me re-introduce myself... I am Prince Vincent Loki von Stein Alucard."

Their eyes widened upon hearing the last word.

"A-Alucard..?"