Chapter 23: A Bond Thicker than Blood

An exploding sound can be heard as the ground shakes violently, making huge cracks on the thick walls as dust and rocks fall from the ceiling. All of these happened because of a strong force that came from the entrance, the iron gates were effortlessly destroyed. The vampire bats were alarmed by this. Thus, rushing from different directions as they attacked altogether. But despite their number and the incredible power they just possessed, there's this strange feeling that kept on bugging them. Even the place was already surrounded by darkness, their sharp instincts tell them that whoever or whatever lies at that entrance is a big threat to any of them. It was as if something that is way beyond their level.

As much as they wanted to retreat, the voice inside their heads is much stronger than they can resist.

'Kill him!'

This drives them to charge even if it costs them their lives. And just like what their instincts tell them, they can't match the perpetrator's strength. What's worse, he doesn't move alone. The other two vampires are fighting alongside him. It's like they're as fast as the wind - no actually, they run faster than the wind that no normal eye can see. And the tallest is the fastest, taking them down one by one in a single blow.

"They're too many! We'll be wasting our time fighting them all. This darkness becomes bigger and bigger if we didn't stop him!" Isabella informed as she used her power to create illusions that would distract the monster bats.

"She's right," Gray agreed, "If we stay here, the darkness will turn every human into a vampire before we know it. Leave these small fries to me, I'll handle them."

"Are you sure?" Rae asked.

The lad simply smirked at him, "Of course, who do you take me for?"

Rae snickered, "Just don't kill them. They're still humans, I can still save them once this battle is over."

"Roger that." Gray saluted as they turned their backs, "I'll catch up with you guys before you know it." He grinned.

"Tss... What a cocky hybrid..." Isabella rolled her eyes.

"We'll leave the rest to you." Rae nodded before he and the princess moved forward faster than the wind.

They can feel the source coming in the middle of the building. And if their hunch is right, that's where King Alucard is also located.

"Now, now... Let's start this party!" Gray grinned confidently as he made some cracking sounds from his knuckles.

"His comrades left him!"

"He's all alone now!"

"We shouldn't be afraid!"

"Let's finish him!"

Gaining confidence from how things turn out, the vampire bats charged towards him. But this tall lad didn't even get bothered by it. With such speed, he managed to dodge their attacks or even deflect them with his bare hands. He managed to take them down one by one: grabbing their heads and quickly throwing them on others with incredible strength. For some, he managed to blow a punch on their faces causing them to lose their fangs in one hit. And kicking their stomachs as if a boulder of rock has been laid upon them. All of these were done by Gray as he moved swiftly that would be impossible for human eyes to follow.

"Do not fret! We can stop him!"

"We're many and there's only one of him!"

"Onwards, my brothers!"

More monster bats rushed towards him and flock altogether, using their weight and body to prevent the lad from moving. But it became useless when electrifying energy suddenly surrounded him that blew them all in a strong force. This drives them to shock as their bodies became numb and paralyzed.

"Not bad." Gray snickered as he wiped the sweat off of his face, "There's more?"

Onwards, another batch of vampire bats was rushing towards him.

The tall guy heaved a sigh, "This is gettin' old, I need to catch up with Rae, y'know."

He stretched his right arm forward, pointing his index finger. Sparks started to surround his body as they spread towards his arm. Then, he raised it, pointing to the heavens as the clouds became dark and gray.

"It's time to dance." He smirked.

All of a sudden, lightning flashed and thunders rolled. Series of jagged lightning blasted from above, electrifying portions of them in one hit.

"T-this guy's bad news!"

"It's like the bolts of lightning obey him!"

The monster bats screeched before they were all put to sleep with Gray's electrifying attack.

"And that's what I call, the Dancing Lightning." He proudly said with such a feat.

While this is happening, the two moved forward, heading towards the source of darkness as they felt its strong and ominous aura from afar. They were being chased and greeted by some vampire bats and they shoved them off as they can.

"I don't understand..." Isabella said.

"What is?"

"These vampires were once criminals, imprisoned into this place for the sins they've committed. Yet why are you still so eager to save them? It'll be fine even if they die."

"No, you're wrong about that, princess." Rae responded, "I am the guardian of both worlds, and that makes humans include in the list under my protection."

Isabella was about to insist when the lad added, "Furthermore, why should I take someone's life just because he's once a criminal? I don't want to let go of the tiniest possibility that they can still change and have a new life. That's why I want to save them."

The princess sighed, "Sometimes, I don't know if you're just way compassionate or too naive."

The lad chuckled, "I'll take both as a compliment."

Suddenly, the windows shattered as one vampire came crashing by a strong force from the outside.

A whistle escaped from the lad's lips, "That's Gray for you!" He proudly said.

Then, another group of vampire bats came rushing towards them. Isabella was ready to attack when Rae stopped her.

"I got this." He smirked and placed his hand on the wall.

The ground suddenly shook and walls moved as if they have a life of their own. Then all of a sudden, the walls on both sides moved and squished the monster bats, knocking them unconscious.

"Alright, we're good to go." And they continued running forward.

"I didn't know you can do that," Isabella said who's obviously amazed by what she witnessed earlier.

Rae chuckled, "Of course, I can't. It was actually Damien's power, not mine."

The princess became flustered, "What do you mean by that?"

"I can obtain someone's power by drinking a little amount of their blood."

Isabella narrowed her eyes, "That's... terrifying yet flabbergasting."

The lad made an awkward laugh before they stopped from running as they reached the door. This is where they can feel the powerful dark energy. And this is where they assume it'll take them to King Alucard.

"I arrived just in time." Gray grinned as he appeared behind them.

'T-that was fast! This hybrid vampire isn't a joke after all!' Isabella thought.

"When we open this door, there's no going back." Rae said and took a deep breath, "Here we go!"

With his two hands, he pushed the doors open before they've been swallowed by the darkness completely.

***

"Young master Rae!"

He slowly fluttered his eyes open soon as he heard Damien's voice. He noticed the dark dome has gone and now he's sitting on the ground, facing the front of their house.

"Young master, are alright?" Rin asked as they came rushing towards his side.

"I'm fine." The lad replied as he rose.

"Where's Primo?" Damien asked when he looked around.

Rae shook his head, "He's in a better place now... resting." He flashed a sad smile.

A moment of silence has come and pass. After all, they share the same bond and ties with that small talking bat. And now he's gone, all they could do is bid him goodbye in silence.

Rae took a deep breath, "I should go now, we've got no time to waste."

He glanced at Isabella and she nodded at him. Like what they've agreed on, she'll bring him to King Alucard in exchange for saving her sister.

"Hey, Rae!" Gray called and walked towards him, "Maybe uhh... You'll be needing a helping hand and..."

"Alright." The lad smiled.

"Wait, really? I'm not yet done speaking."

Rae chuckled, "I already know what you're going to say. Besides, I can feel I'll be needing your help."

Gray grinned, "You got it!"

"Wait!" Aria stepped forward, "I'm coming with you too. It is my duty to watch your every movement."

"Miss Grosvenor, I know how much you're dedicated. And I know it would be shameless for me to ask this, but please stay here." He said in such desperation, "If we both go in such a dangerous place and not even having a single guarantee of our safe return, who will watch over this city? Who will protect its people? That's why I'm asking you this favor, Miss Grosvenor... Please, stay here and protect the humans in my place until I return." He bowed his head deeply, much to everyone's surprise.

'Is he serious? For real?' Apollo said.

'Hmph! We can't be certain. But I'm starting to view this opportunity in a different light.' Artemis said.

'What do you mean, sister?'

'Aria, think about this: if that Dhampir fights King Alucard and gets perished, we don't have to worry about him anymore. Also, the idea of guarding this place wasn't bad at all. We can't let any vampire have their way while we're here.'

'Point taken.' Apollo agreed, 'On the other hand, if he managed to defeat King Alucard, he'll officially be the next Dracula.'

'That wouldn't be a problem, right, Aria?'

The lass was lost in thought for a moment. But she agreed to their conversation regardless.

"Alright." She briefly replied in which Rae flashed a bright smile.

"Thank you, Miss Grosvenor! I owe you one." He unconsciously grabbed her hand in excitement.

"Vampire King, we should go." Isabella interrupted and he was reminded of the thing that needs to be done.

"I already asked Frisca to take us there." She added.

"Here," the crow handed Rae a piece of her feather, "Once you break it, I'll know your location and will be able to pull you back from here."

"Thank you, Miss Frisca."

"Don't mention it, I'm doing this as ordered by my master." She soon opened a circular portal that leads them to their destination, "May the spirits of the dead guide your path." Frisca mumbled before they entered and were swallowed by the light.

***

Soon as he opened the huge doors, they were greeted by a strange room. Its floor and walls were coated in flesh, and the disgusting smell of blood lingers all around.

"What the hell is this place?" Gray mumbled as they stepped forward.

"Ciella!" Isabella exclaimed when she looked ahead. They found the lass's body stuck on the wall made of flesh, unconscious.

While the two gently pull the body out, Rae kept on gazing around, having this unnerving feeling.

'Something doesn't seem right...' He thought, 'I'm glad we found her... but why does it seem so easy?'

Looking at the floor of flesh, the lad noticed something strange as it slowly made a small wave as if breathing. Glancing at the walls, it also did the same. The moment he realized this, the doors behind suddenly shut on their own.

"Guys, wait!"

Tentacles made of flesh suddenly attacked Isabella. Fortunately, Gray was fast enough as he quickly grabbed the princess and dodged the attack.

"What was that!?"

"This whole place is alive! We have to stay sharp!" Rae explained as he rushed towards their side.

Ciella's body emerged from the walls, releasing her from the slimy flesh. But much to their surprise, her limbs were coated with dark slimes as her nails grew longer. There is also dark energy flowing in her veins.

"As expected... You are indeed her son..." She said, but it was mixed with a deep and dreadful voice. It was as if they're talking to a different person.

"I can't wait to make you regret the day you were ever born."

"King Alucard..." Rae narrowed his eyes as if he's certain who's been controlling her.

"You scoundrel! What did you do to my sister!?" Isabella glared as her eyes turned bright red.

Ciella scoffed, "Can't you see? I've corrupted her body and soul. It was easy, after all, this child hates me from the bottom of her heart. So if you want to kill me, you have to kill her first!" And she laughed like how demons would.

"Serafino," Rae called, "Mark my words, I'm going to save Ciella and end your cowardice right here and now." He seriously said as his eyes turned red.

"Oh?" the lass snickered, and all of a sudden, she appeared right before his face, "Why don't you try?" Her eyes were filled with vast darkness where her pupils can no longer be seen.

With such speed, she swings her claws but Rae was able to dodge her.

"Ahh... So you already know, eh? Her claws are filled with deadly poison. Don't get hit, okay?" And then, she started attacking again, chasing the lad all around.

"Rae!" Gray was about to help him when the tentacles moved and attacked him, "Tsk! I almost forgot about these!"

As for Isabella, she was shocked and petrified at that moment. She feels responsible for what happened to her sister that she can't help but blame herself.

'You disappoint me again, Isabella...' A voice whispered in her ear.

'You can't even accomplish a simple task. And now it's your fault why Ciella became like that...'

'At least she'll serve her purpose, unlike you!'

She held her head and closed her eyes, "Stop it! Stop!"

The voices kept on going when one strong voice suddenly calls her name.

"Isabella!"

She shot her eyes open and saw Rae who's blocking Ciella's attacks.

"Don't listen to any of it!" He continued, "Don't forget why you're here, remember?"

'Why... I'm here?' She echoed. Then, Ciella's face suddenly flashed inside her head.

'That's right...' she clenched her fist, "I'm going to save my sister!"

Isabella rose and turned half of her body into smoke and rushed towards Ciella, pushing her as hard as she could. The ground shook when she hit through the walls.

"I never thought you'd actually do that to your sister." Gray blinked.

"I have to." Isabella flashed a painful expression.

"We have no time to waste!" Rae turned to face them, "We have to save Ciella, to do that, we must find a way to release her from his control."

The two nodded as they both agree with him. Then, they heard Ciella getting up from her place.

"You're indeed an awful sister, Isabella." she tilted her head to the side, making some craking sounds. Her hair turned black as an ominous dark aura surrounded her.

"Don't let her claws get into you." Rae reminded before they charged towards her.

Before anyone could reach her, Ciella dug her claws on the fleshy ground and it shook violently. Its veins turned purple as poison started to spread quickly. A big wave came which was easily dodged as the three of them jumped higher. But the tentacles attacked while they're still in midair. This time, it's more aggressive.

"They're filled with poison!" Gray shouted as he dodged them as fast as he could.

"We can't get near her like this! They're increasing in numbers." Rae said as he cuts the tentacles using his sharp blood crystal, "We have to get closer to her."

Isabella gazed at a distance, "Leave this to me."

Suddenly, she released thick smoke that surrounded the area. With that, the tentacles were confused about where to attack them.

"Now!"

In a flash of lightning, the aggressive flesh tentacles were burned and turned into dust. As for Ciella, she narrowed her eyes, preparing to fight as the thick smoke gets closer to her side.

"You fools cannot hide from me!" In a stomp of her foot, the smoke around her was blown away. But soon as she did, the three of them are already charging towards her. One from her left, the other from her right, and then from behind. In a split second, they started attacking at the same time. Ciella managed to block their attacks when she swung her arms as she turned around. From their punches and kicks, she countered them all with her claws. Unfortunately, they managed to avoid getting hit even at such speed. But fortunately, on her part, they can't harm her more than those punches.

After all, they still care for this shell.

'What a bunch of fools!' she snickered and released poisoned needles from her body.

Swiftly, Rae made a barrier of crystal to blocked her attack. At that moment they stopped attacking, Ciella grabbed this opportunity and jumped as high as she could, attacking them from above. But much to her surprise, Isabella was waiting for her as she jumped high as well, delivering a strong punch.

From behind, she sensed Gray's presence, ready to dig his huge claws on her. She quickly moved her head down to dodge the attack, resulting in him cutting her long hair.

"You insolent!" she threw more needles at him which would be impossible to dodge in midair. Thankfully, Isabella was right on time. Soon as she managed to grab his arm, Gray's body turned into smoke and the needles pass through them.

"There's something on her nape!" He exclaimed, "My instincts tell me we need to destroy that."

Rae agreed because that only means one thing: they've found a weakness!

"How dare you..." Ciella gazed at the strands of hair she just lost, "You'll pay for what you did!"

When she screamed, the ground shook violently as the walls moved, forming a big wave. The tentacles became more aggressive, lashing anywhere and out of control, resulting in them getting separated.

Rae rushed and appeared behind Ciella, reaching for the black crystal attached to her nape. But before he could do so, the ground suddenly made a big wave as the tentacles whipped at him. As he avoided these, he failed to do his mission.

'The thing on her nape, that must be what's controlling her!' he said and communicated with the two through telepathy, 'But we need to do something to distract her, or else we won't be able to destroy it.'

'How are we going to do that?' Gray asked as he destroyed the tentacles with his claws.

'I've got an idea...' Isabella said as she dodged the aggressive ones, 'But I need some time for this to work.'

'We'll cover you.' Rae glanced at Gray and like he already knows it, he nodded in response.

And with that, the two gentlemen ran towards Ciella's direction. Rae wounded his arm and turned his blood into orbs.

"Oh? So you're planning to hurt me now? How heartless of you!" She snickered, "Just as I thought, your role-playing as Mr. Nice guy is nothing but a fake!"

Just then, she felt cold chills running her spine as she met his cold red eyes.

"Not a single word from you can harm me." Rae seriously said as he was aiming his orbs at her, "I'm more concerned to get you out so you won't be able to say anything else through her beautiful mouth."

And after that, the orbs rushed towards her, keeping up with her phase as she tried to avoid them. Each time an orb hits something, a strong explosion comes after. And from the thick smoke, she'll be greeted by Rae, ready to hit her with his fist. Ciella used her claws to block the attack but they were shattered to pieces. Before he could grab her, she kicked his stomach as hard as she could and jumped higher.

'I can't believe they decided to hurt this shell now. What does that bastard have in mind?' King Alucard thought through Ciella's mind.

But then, he suddenly sensed someone's presence behind.

"Didn't they say... Never let your guard down on the battlefield?" It was Gray, wrapping his big furry arms around her so that she won't be able to escape.

"You insolent-" she was about to use her poison needles, but Gray was fast enough as he released a white light that electrified her whole body.

And then, she fell to the ground.

The pinkish mist started to surround her as she heard some giggling sounds lurking around. Slowly opening her eyes, the place around her suddenly shifted as she was suddenly standing in the garden.

The giggles and laughter became louder as she saw two girls running around the flower fields. They're spreading their arms as they ran, closing their eyes as they savor the cool breeze of wind. Petals of every color flew like confetti, being blown freely under the beautiful blue sky. She almost didn't recognize the two girls running around, the smiles on their faces are the things she hasn't seen nor done for so long.

Ciella pursed her lips, how she missed these good old days. If they came from a different family, would they be able to experience this fun again?

Who knows? Maybe or maybe not. How she wished she can do something about it.

"You can!"

She heard the older girl said to the younger. She was crying because of the wound on her knee, seems like she got tripped from running earlier.

"I-I can't do it, sister! It hurts!"

"You can, Ciella! I know you can do it. You're strong!" the older girl gently patted her sister's head, "Just close your eyes and focus. The pain will surely go away."

Young Ciella did as she was told. Slowly, the wound closes up and vanished like it was never there before.

"I did it! I did it, sister!"

"See? I told you so!"

Ciella chuckled at the scene before her. She almost forgot something like this ever happened in the past. To be more precise, she remembered less from her childhood memories. It was something she wants to forget the most, after all, not knowing there's also good ones with it.

"How nostalgic, isn't it?" Isabella said, standing beside her.

"Bel..." She glanced at her sister with a painful expression.

"How I wish we could return to those days... where we have fewer things to worry about... where it's just me and you, don't you think so too, Ciella?" Isabella glanced at her sister as well.

She nodded as a response, "Yeah... I wish for it too, more than anything else in the world..."

While this is happening, Ciella's body in the real world was standing still while Isabella is in front of her, holding her hand. The pink mist has taken its effect as she stopped struggling and attacking them.

"Rae, look!" Gray pointed how the black slime has slowly left the right side of Ciella's body.

Her right eye has returned to its normal state, showing her purple pupil.

"Princess Isabella, you can do it," Rae mumbled as if praying with his heart that her sister will be saved.

"Come, Ciella..." Isabella offered her hand, "It's time for us to come back." She smiled at her.

"Why... Why do you still care for me even I've hurt you many times?" Ciella cried, "You've been rejected and disregarded because of me. You should be hating me, Bel. Why are you still nice to me?"

"Because we're sisters." Isabella pulled her for a hug, "We only have each other, that's why I'll always care for you no matter how many times you hurt me..."

Tears ran down their cheeks.

"I always believe... you are stronger than me. Since the day you were born, I promised myself to protect you at any cost. And I'm sorry for being so powerless when he discovered your ability... I couldn't protect you back then and now I'm willing to fulfill that... Even if it costs me my life!"

Suddenly, Isabella grabbed the dark crystal stuck in her nape and pulled it with all her might. Ciella groaned in pain as her whole body throbs like she's being torn apart.

The whole place started to shake, and the poisonous tentacles started to attack aggressively again.

"What is happening!?" asked Gray as he tore them to pieces with his claws.

"I wish I know," Rae replied and gazed in Isabella's direction.

Suddenly, they heard Ciella screamed in agony.

"Get off me, you bitch!" She struggled as she was pushing Isabella's body away from her, "This shell is mine! And you won't be able to save her!"

King Alucard's voice was once again can be heard from her.

But Isabella didn't listen, she continued pulling the crystal even she receives wounds and scratches from her sister.

"I am going to take her back!"

"Die, you imbecile!"

Blood splattered as Isabella managed to remove the dark crystal from her sister's nape. The black slimes disappeared as her limbs returned to normal. Her purple pupils can now be seen as Ciella has finally been set free from the dark energy.

But soon as she fluttered her eyes open, blood gushed out from Isabella's mouth and coughed vigorously. That's when she realized, her claws were pierced right through her chest.

Slowly, Ciella shook her head and quickly removed her arm, "No..."

"ISABELLA!" Rae shouted, rushing towards them. He caught the lass's body before it could ever reach the ground.

Ciella took few steps backward, but because of the corruption draining her energy, her legs gave in and she tripped on the floor. She was shaking while gazing at her sister's empty eyes.

Gray ran towards them as well and destroyed the dark crystal which slipped through Isabella's fingers as she fell.

"Princess! Please, hang on! I can save you!" Rae called and tried to take the poison out of her blood.

But Isabella shook her head, "Don't... bother, Vampire King... the poison's too strong... it's spreading quickly... Instead..." She reached for his face and touched his lips with her bloody hand. He can feel how it has become dry and cold.

"Thank you... for helping me... I have nothing else... to give... but my power... And I know, I'm asking too much... but please... take my blood, my power... Take it... and avenge us... Give him the taste... of his own medicine..."

Isabella's body is slowly turning into ash," And thank you... you're the only one... who called me 'princess'..."

She flashed a sad smile and mouthed her final words before completely turning into ashes.

Rae drank the blood on his lips and ensured that not a single drop will go to waste. His heart made a huge pound as a new power entered his entire system.

"Fools! You'll all die in this place! I won't let you escape! " A grave voice echoed as their surroundings started to collapse.

The black slimes grew thicker and were slowly approaching them. And the poisonous tentacles continued to attack. If it wasn't for Gray, they would have been dead long ago.

Rae rose and called for his friend, "Gray, take Miss Ciella with you and get out of here as fast as you can."

"What about you?"

"I told you if there's someone who will stop him... It has to be me..." The lad gazed at him with eyes that tell how he has finally made up his mind.

"Vampire King, wait..." Ciella grabbed the hem of his clothes, "I know my sister gave her power to you... And I'm willing to do the same..." She looked at him desperately, and he can't bring himself to reject her at this point.

"If you combined our powers, it'll have a greater effect on its victim." She inflicted a wound on her palm, "Please... avenge my sister..."

Rae nodded as a response and took her hand, sucking the blood out from her wound. His heart beats faster as fragments of memories flashed simultaneously in his head.

Voices started to echo altogether as visions came one after the other. From a moment, he saw two young princesses running around the garden. The smile on their faces swiftly vanished when the residents of their house discovered Ciella's black hair.

Loud cries echoed as the young princess was forcefully taken away from her sister. And after that, her next memory was seeing the face of her biological father, staring coldly at her.

"Show me your power." He said in a dreadful voice that could make anyone shudder.

Showing nothing but fear, the king flicked his tongue and seems unpleased.

"Your majesty, if you may..." said one of the servants.

"Speak."

"The princess is still young and needs proper education. If you let me train her, we'll be able to draw out her true power in no time."

"Hmm..." After tapping his finger three times, the king agreed, "Very well. Do whatever you want with her, as her fate is in your hands. Make sure to give me good results."

"As you wish, Your Majesty." the servant bowed politely and took the girl to a place where she was surrounded by male vampires.

"Don't be afraid, my dear." They grinned menacingly, "This is all part of your training."

"No! S-stay away! Don't touch me! Sister, sister please help me!"

Rae held his head as he heard nothing but screams of a young vampire girl desperately struggling from the hands of those male vampires. Their laughter and her sorrow etched deeply within him that made his blood boil.

"Rae! Are you alright?" Gray called and the lad was finally back in reality, where everything is about to collapse.

The lad nodded, "I'm fine... Just take her and go..."

"You'll definitely come back, right?"

Rae pursed his lips, he can't lie something uncertain to his dear friend.

"Swear to me, Rae! Swear to me you'll return in one piece!" Gray stretched his fist towards him.

He stared at it for a moment and flashed a sad smile, "I swear." Then, he bumps his fist to Gray's, "Now go!"

Gray carried Ciella in his arms before turning his back and running as fast as he can.

'What a coward!'

'You're no friend of his!'

'True friends fight and die together.'

"Whatever voices you're hearing..." Ciella mumbled, "Don't ever listen to any of them."

Gray scoffed, "I already know that."

He kept running until an explosion came from behind which blew them out of the darkness. Gray groaned in pain as he slowly got up, seeing how the darkness has grown bigger than its already affecting the skies and turned gray.

"Rae... be careful..."