The Black King Project

[Meanwhile in the Upper World...]

Roshan and Barry studied the screens with a mixture of concern and anticipation. The dark room was illuminated only by the white glow of the screens displaying information about "The Black King Project." The nameplate above the data read in bold, black letters, catching their attention.

Roshan, his Elephas features outlined in the dim light, shifted his weight and spoke with a deep, resonant voice. "This is it, Barry. We've been working on this for years, and now we're on the verge of a breakthrough."

Barry, his Selkie features reflected in the screens' glow, nodded in agreement. "It's almost surreal to see it all coming together. The Black King Project – Grant and Alessia's legacy. Kaizer's legacy."

They focused on the central screen, where Kaizer's image was displayed alongside vital statistics, magical capabilities, and other intricate details. The information seemed to paint a portrait of Kaizer's essence, an amalgamation of his Vampire lineage, unique abilities, and the intricate web of magic that surrounded him.

Roshan tapped a few commands on a nearby console, causing additional data to appear. "It's crucial that we monitor every aspect of his being. The Cauldron wants him for their own purposes, but we're not about to let that happen. The power within him, the mix of Vampiric and Serpentine blood, the potent magic – it's unparalleled. The Cauldron sees him as a tool, but we see him as a force that could change everything. Perhaps he can bring back Alessia."

His words hung in the air. Barry released a heavy sigh and gestured with a fin toward the screen, where Kaizer's avatar and stats shared space with those of a woman. Her long, somewhat unkempt black hair framed the details of her statistics.

"We've got a small hiccup," Barry began. "This girl Kaizer's been spending time with—Kira Kurokawa, right? They've been pals for two years, and for some reason, Ryder's been letting it slide... You don't reckon she'll cause any trouble, do you?"

Roshan shook his large, elephantine head and let out a hearty chuckle. "If anything, Kaizer has just turned into a handsome young Human. Bound to catch the ladies' attention." His laughter resonated through the room, while Barry rolled his eyes.

The sound of a door opening quickly reached them, and Queen Hundred, the Queen of All Queens, entered with graceful footsteps. Roshan turned to face her, his expression now serious. "How can we help you?"

Queen Hundred remained silent for a moment, surveying the room. Her breathing was slow and peaceful, and her eyes showed no malice or violence. "Is the doggy not here?" she inquired.

Roshan maintained his composure, but Barry retorted, "Better than an ugly little bat."

Queen Hundred sharply turned her gaze toward Barry, a flicker of hatred passing through her eyes before she took a slow breath.

"I believe we got off on the wrong foot, as the Humans like to say," she cooed. "If this... alliance... is going to be of any good, we must work as a team. Don't you agree?"

Roshan kept his gaze on the Vampire queen, feeling beads of sweat dripping down his face.

Barry grumbled, "Sure, whatever," and went back to analyzing the screens.

Queen Hundred turned her attention to Roshan, smiling in a way that was more unsettling than a cold stare. "I hope you're not still mad at me for... well, doing what I did to your friend... and your city. If it means anything... Gertrude died with honor. She was a good mother and grandmother up until the very end. Sad, really, that it required her to become an outlaw, a criminal. So, so sad that her very own offspring dragged her into hell, and cursed her with the weight of killing her own husband and also, giving Alessia everything she needed in order to transform into what she is now... You know, the giant, destructive, demonic monster that sleeps beneath all our feet?"

Roshan stammered, "Miss Hundred—Queen Hundred, what are you here for? Ryder is not present at this time, therefore, if there is anything we can do for you, please tell us."

Queen Hundred smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, Roshan, always so cordial. Well, I guess you're right. I'll get to why I'm really here. I have information: One of my Best Blood facilities was robbed in broad daylight. We still have not identified the culprits, for they were wearing skeleton masks. These were no ordinary street thieves; it took skill and cunning to infiltrate the building. Also... a shipment of Necessaries you recently sent me went rogue and tried to revolt. The guards killed most of them. Doesn't that count as bad product? I demand compensation."

Roshan's gaze narrowed, and wrinkles creased his grey forehead. "You say that as if we can just come up with 30-40 Humans right here and now. Please maintain a realistic perspective when speaking to me; otherwise, this 'alliance' won't go anywhere indeed."

Queen Hundred paused, then smirked as she stared back at Roshan.

Her eyes scanned the room one last time before she turned around to leave. "You can be so harsh sometimes, Roshan. I never said I needed compensation right now. But, I will get out of your hair now. Consider us acquainted. May our shared cooperation last." She let out a soft giggle as she turned the corner, her footsteps fading out as Rashon and Barry were left alone.

Roshan looked over at Barry to say a word of comfort and realized that Barry was already crying, his seal head hung low.

"She... killed all of our friends, Roshan... " Barry said through gritted teeth. "And we're supposed to just let her walk around our HQ like it's nothing?"

Roshan tried to think of something to say, but he knew the pain that Barry felt could not be subsided with mere words. He felt it too. The woman who destroyed his city, who killed his friend Gertrude, mother of Alessia, another dear friend who died because of Queen Hundred's evil. If it hadn't been for Queen Hundred's tyranny and her fear of new, powerful bloodlines that could undo everything she's built, then Kaizer never would have been stolen in the night, and none of the events after would have ever happened either.

However, as per the command of the current leader of the Ouroboros, Ryder The Wolf, they were expected to keep the peace. Roshan wondered how they went from rebelling against the Vampires to working with them, and what Grant might say about all this.

As if reading his mind, Barry, still sobbing, croaked, "Hey... whaddya think Grant would have to say about all this? Heh, I bet he'd have a good ol' laugh, that's what I think. Grant always laughed, even when things went terribly bad."

Roshan offered a slight smile, nodding in acknowledgment. "Indeed, he did."