Announcements: Cutting Costs (2024) » January 2024 Copyfraud Attack » Finding Universes to Join (and making yours more visible!) » Guide To Universes On RPG » Member Shoutout Thread » Starter Locations & Prompts for Newcomers » RPG Chat ā€” the official app » Frequently Asked Questions » Suggestions & Requests: THE MASTER THREAD »

Latest Discussions: Adapa Adapa's for adapa » To the Rich Men North of Richmond » Shake Senora » Good Morning RPG! » Ramblings of a Madman: American History Unkempt » Site Revitalization » Map Making Resources » Lost Poetry » Wishes » Ring of Invisibility » Seeking Roleplayer for Rumple/Mr. Gold from Once Upon a Time » Some political parody for these trying times » What dinosaur are you? » So, I have an Etsy » Train Poetry I » Joker » D&D Alignment Chart: How To Get A Theorem Named After You » Dungeon23 : Creative Challenge » Returning User - Is it dead? » Twelve Days of Christmas »

Players Wanted: Serious Anime Crossover Roleplay (semi-literate) » Looking for a long term partner! » JoJo or Mha roleplay » Seeking long-term rp partners for MxM » [MxF] Ruining Beauty / Beauty x Bastard » Minecraft Rp Help Wanted » CALL FOR WITNESSES: The Public v Zosimos » Social Immortal: A Vampire Only Soiree [The Multiverse] » XENOMORPH EDM TOUR Feat. Synthe Gridd: Get Your Tickets! » Aishna: Tower of Desire » Looking for fellow RPGers/Characters » looking for a RP partner (ABO/BL) » Looking for a long term roleplay partner » Explore the World of Boruto with Our Roleplaying Group on FB » More Jedi, Sith, and Imperials needed! » Role-player's Wanted » OSR Armchair Warrior looking for Kin » Friday the 13th Fun, Anyone? » Writers Wanted! » Long term partner to play an older male wanted »

Blood & Fire: 2nd attempt

Seattle

0 INK

a part of Blood & Fire: 2nd attempt, by SugarNspikeS.

Seattle, Washington or what's left of it.

SugarNspikeS holds sovereignty over Seattle, giving them the ability to make limited changes.

1,132 readers have been here.

Setting

Image

What was once the busy and bustling city is now a barren wasteland of crumbling buildings and over-grown vegetation. Only a few human settlements still survive and most of the vampire clans have given up on hunting in this area due as they believe the tribes have all left.
Create a Character Here »

Seattle

Seattle, Washington or what's left of it.

Minimap

Seattle is a part of Earth.

1 Places in Seattle:

7 Characters Here

Venlak [50] "The true battle is within. We must learn to control our desires rather than letting them run free."
Brandon Lamont [40] "I didn't lose my humanity when I died."
Lance "Elder" Mason [9] "Just because you don't believe the legend, doesn't mean it isn't true."
Darren [5] "Why must we suffer at the hands of others?" - "One goes, another comes. Everyone is replaceable."
Flynn O'Connor [3] Play with fire..and you'll get burned
Jayce Ericson [1] "What the hell is going on?"
Florin Morvant [1] But babe... you taste so good.

Start Character Here »


Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Venlak Character Portrait: Brandon Lamont Character Portrait: Flynn O'Connor Character Portrait: Darren
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Ven clung tightly to Brandon as he closed his eyes. He was already falling asleep, somehow. His thoughts dragged off into what would happen when they awoke. What would they do when they awoke? His mind was racing with joy, but preventing him from talking. Hopefully he would be enabled to talk when he awoke. With his final thoughts, he too, went out like a light. Slowly fading, and soon diminished into his sleep.

Brandonā€™s dreams were not very settling. He remembered all the things that Darren had told him had happened to him in the hospital. The abuse, the way their parents had ignored him. In the dream he was in the hospital with Darren in a padded cell. The walls fell away into a black abyss and Brandon was trying to save Darren when a huge white and blue dragon flew out of the abyss and breathed a torrent of ice shards at the two of them tearing them to shreds. The dream then faded away, but it wasnā€™t enough to wake him up. He managed to sleep until morning. He woke up before both Darren and Ven. He sat there still holding Ven in the same position he was in when he fell asleep. He just smiled and held him tight until he woke up.

Darren slowly mumbled, forcing himself up from his side. ~Freedom is all an illusion. You must break free of your chains. Let me in. Let in your protector.~ Darren shrugged, sitting upright. He didnā€™t need to act like anything was wrong. It wasnā€™t. He usually had intellect when first waking up as well. Turn around, he saw Brandon and Ven. ā€œI see you two slept well.ā€ Darren said jokingly as he pointed out the obvious. He felt exhausted, mentally. Like always. ā€œEverythingā€™s so peaceful. Itā€™s so foreign to me.ā€ Darren muttered quietly, slowly standing up. Itā€™d be awhile before Ven woke up. He looked too tired to even attempt moving in his sleep.

Brandon was thrilled that Darren was lucid and not freaking out. ā€œWell, I wouldnā€™t say I slept well, but I slept deeply.ā€ He sighed. He slowly slid Ven onto the bean bag. ā€œI didnā€™t get to answer all of your questions last night before you passed out.ā€ He smiled at Darren. ā€œI didnā€™t stay in Seattle all this time. I actually just came back last year. After I thought you and Tony were both gone, I went looking for any kind of information on legends of vampires, so I knew what to look out for and if I had to feed on humans or just blood. I realized I could feed on any blood, not just human, but I also found some really old legends about a savior to the humans that would have the power to bring the vampires to their knees. It was said that he would return in the land of the rain where the sun set on the ocean. I figured that meant Seattle so I returned to help him if I could when he returned. A year later I find you and Ven.ā€ He explained. He gave Darren a big hug. ā€œSo when sleeping beauty wakes up, we should go get you something to eat and get your meds in before the voices get too loud.ā€ He grinned. He didnā€™t want to tell him about the dream and worry him more than he needed to.

Darren sighed. ā€œI have to learn how to take care of these voices on my own or when theyā€™re triggered, I wonā€™t be able to stop what they make me do.ā€ He hugged Brandon back gently. ā€œAlso. Why did you sleep well? Was it too weird? I mean, it was weird for me. I had the weirdest dre-ā€ Darren cut himself off, thinking of how heā€™d word it. ā€œAnyway. Where did you hear these legends? Do you have an idea who the savior is? Are they still suitable to do it? I mean Iā€™d assume this person is able to do it if the legends are like that.ā€ He couldnā€™t stop himself from talking. ā€œWhat if they kill- Kill- Kill- Kill us?ā€ Darren was surprised when he couldnā€™t get the next word out. ā€œThat was weirdā€¦ I never had anything like that happen- happen- happen- hap-, Happen before.ā€ Darren looked at himself weirdly. This was a new one.


Brandon listened to the many questions. ā€œI know you need to learn to control your voices, but the meds can make it easier. Even when they run out, if youā€™ve taken them for a long time, it could potentially reverse them.ā€ He spoke softly, his voice was still raspy from everything he had done the night before. He wasnā€™t used to heavy breathing anymore. ā€œI had some weird dreams too. As far as the legends go, I went as far as Brazil and other parts of South America listening to the legends of the humans from a distance. They were never very specific, but from what I heard it seems like heā€™s going to have the power to wake up the power in humans to defend themselves. I donā€™t think weā€™ll be killed if we help out and make it clear we feed on animals not humans.ā€ He heard the way Darren was having trouble with his words. ā€œI think we might need to switch your medication. If this is one of the side effects.ā€ He got the bag of meds and the book of descriptions. He crossed off the medication and took out a new one. ā€œThis one only seems to have a few side effects like dry mouth.ā€ He said as he set it on the counter.

Darren chuckled. ā€œIt- It- It- It- Itā€™s not the medication. Itā€™s me struggling to keep control.ā€ He sighed. ā€œIā€™m just so confused. Itā€™s hard to choose between pleasure or pain. Iā€™m not strong enough to handle them.ā€ Darren felt like heā€™d weigh them down, and he would. He wanted to leave, but he wanted to stay as well. He knew which one was right and which one was wrong. ā€œItā€™s hard fighting a battle I know I canā€™t win.ā€ Darren was so focused that his word stuttering had stopped, only for a brief time. ā€œI donā€™t get why- why- wh- w- why Iā€™m like this.ā€ He felt a surge of anger embody him, making him press away from Brandon. ā€œBut I canā€™t survive on animals alone. Itā€™s the thirst thatā€™s unbearable with these voices!ā€ Darren stood up, storming off to see if he could find a book to read.

Brandon took the information in and tried to understand Darrenā€™s point of view. He could see the anger in his eyes, but he knew that wasnā€™t really Darren. He walked over to him as he was looking at the books. He had grabbed a few of the pills off the counter. He bit into his own wrist and let the blood start to flow. ā€œFine, you wonā€™t have to quit cold turkey, here.ā€ He came up behind him and pressed his wrist up to Darrenā€™s lips. He knew it was risky and that Darren might not be able to stop himself, but he refused to give up on him. ā€œDamn it youā€™re family and I donā€™t care what the hell is wrong with you, you donā€™t give up on family. Iā€™ll do anything to help you. Now drink up so you can take these and get those things to shut up so you donā€™t have to fight them as much.ā€ He demanded. He didnā€™t care if Darren was mad at him or not he was gonna get better or die again trying.

ā€œI feel quite insulted, Brandon. You know heā€™s not in control and you still offer your blood to him.ā€ Darren took a whiff of Brandonā€™s blood before opening his mouth. ā€œBut Iā€™ll still go along with it. Why wouldnā€™t I? Everyone needs their family. Even if that family left their siblings under the belief that they were dead.ā€ He chuckled, slowly pressing his teeth against Brandonā€™s wrist. ā€œThe pills will take aboutā€¦ Ten minutes before taking effect. Heā€™s taken them so many times Iā€™ve lost count.ā€ After he took the needed blood, he voluntarily took the pills as well. ā€œYouā€™re lucky that Iā€™m the rational one. A big difference from the one you first faced that smacked Ven to the side into a wall.ā€

Brandon could see what was happening and he had no idea that it had gotten this bad. He didnā€™t say anything to the one that was controlling Darren as he fed on the blood. He didnā€™t want to give them any more fuel to try and turn Darren against him. He waited about fifteen minutes before looking at Darren and seeing a slightly confused look on his face. ā€œAre you Darren now?ā€ He asked cautiously. ā€œI didnā€™t realize it had gotten that bad. Multiple personalities now?ā€ He hugged him before he had the chance to answer. ā€œDonā€™t let them turn you against me, I didnā€™t know you were alive.ā€ He whispered in his ear.

Darren was rather confused. ā€œOf course Iā€™m Darren. Who else is Darrenā€¦ that you knowā€¦?ā€ He didnā€™t know why Brandon hugged him so suddenly. ā€œTo respond to the previous part first, ā€œtheyā€ told me it was (Dissociative identity disorder) D.I.Dā€¦ And he told me youā€™d do anything to protect me.ā€ So he was rather confused on the hugging part. ā€œHe told me that while you protected me from the outside, heā€™d do so from the inside. A bit weird. Also, he said not to listen to what you said when he left. That youā€™d be speaking about how he talked about making me believe you were dead. Heā€™s quite nice, yet he refuses to tell me his name.ā€ Darren could see why Brandon would say that though. Itā€™s how the man sounds and how he said it. Darren wouldā€™ve thought something was up had he not been told, or seen it from Brandonā€™s view. ā€œBut I think Ven might wake up soon consideringā€¦ā€ He looked around for a clock of some sort. ā€œI saw him fifteen minutes ago. He might be waking up soon.ā€
-
Ven actually woke up around the estimated time. ā€œHm?ā€ He was still exhausted, but at least he could talk and think sense again. ā€œWhere are you guys?ā€ Venlak stumbled to get a good standing on the ground. His mindset and vision were still returning after his long sleep.

Brandon smiled at Darren. ā€œWell, he doesnā€™t need to protect you anymore now. Youā€™re out of that awful place and you have me. And yes he did say that I let you think I was dead, but I thought you were so it wasnā€™t intentional.ā€ He said before hearing Ven wake up. ā€œOver here, just had to get Darren a snack so he could take his pills.ā€ He called out. He turned around to see Ven and suddenly the room started spinning and he felt dizzy. ā€œOkay thatā€™s not good.ā€ He said as he tried to steady himself on the bookshelf next to him. He fell to his knees before looking up at Ven. ā€œI need to feed.ā€ He growled. His own instincts kicking in. He breathed in deeply trying to get the smell of blood to track something to eat. But right now he could only smell his own blood and barely a little of Venā€™s. He ran out of the store and breathed in the outside air smelling a deer nearby and a human. He growled and took off in the direction of the deer where he tore into it and drained it dry. He hoped that Darren was in control enough not to hunt the human as well.

Ven tried to rush to Brandon, to stop himself from falling. ā€œBrandon!ā€ He was rather too late in getting to him. Venlak himself stumbled forward, face planting on the ground. What if he ran into trouble outside and he was alone? A lot of things could happen!
-
Darren shifted to the side, pressing forward against the ground. ā€˜Where are you going Brandon? You recently fed didnā€™t you?ā€™ Darren tried his best to slow down Venā€™s falling while still rushing after Brandon. His attention was fixed upon Brandonā€™s smell, following it. He had a slightly different pheromone radiating off him, just like Ven, making it easier to hunt ā€˜em down. Coming up behind Brandon, he gently placed his hand on Brandonā€™s shoulder. ā€œAre you alright?ā€ Darren asked questionably towards Brandon. Was he ok? Why did he need to feed anyway?

Brandon looked up at Darren cautiously. His face was covered in deer blood. ā€œIā€™m better. I didnā€™t have a lot of blood in me before I offered. I mean, I fed yesterday but I also ā€˜gaveā€™ a lot of it yesterday. I didnā€™t think it was that much, but I guess I was wrong. I felt the hunger hit me right after the dizziness and the only blood I could smell was my own and Venā€™s. I had to get out of there before I hurt either of you trying to feed. I might need to get a couple more deer or something, just to be safe.ā€ Brandon thought it was kind of odd to, he had at least one and a half wolves worth of blood in him still by the time Darren had fed on him and he didnā€™t take all that much. ā€œI think there might be something wrong with me, Iā€™m burning through blood quicker than I should be.ā€ He said after doing the math in his head. ā€œEven with all the extra running around and stuff yesterday, I should have had more blood in me.ā€ He looked worried.

Darren sighed. ā€œMaybe itā€™s nothing related to these things that youā€™re thinking about. Maybe itā€™s related to the thing you think might not affect you as a vampire in whole.ā€ He crouched down to Brandonā€™s level. ā€œJust take a break, get some blood, and donā€™t do anything. If it still runs out of your system, weā€™ll know something is up.ā€ Darren gently rubbed Brandonā€™s back, sighing again as he did. ā€œWeā€™ll figure it out. Trust me.ā€ He wouldnā€™t let Brandon die in the future. So he was going to figure out a way to help Brandon. Itā€™d be the first and last thing he did for today, or else heā€™d forget about taking his pills. (Tag. Might have to go soon, and be back around 4-5ish.)

ā€œSounds like a plan. To think, all those years I tried to take care of you, and now youā€™re taking care of me. I love you bro.ā€ He smiled and gave Darren a brotherly hug. ā€œCan you tell Ven whatā€™s going on? I need to go get some more animals. You guys are welcome to join me hunting if you like. Just follow my scent.ā€ He offered. He felt bad for running out like that, for making them worry, but it was better than the alternative. He stood up and sniffed the air. He caught the scent of a bobcat sleeping in a nearby building using it like a cave for shelter. He was gone in a flash. He had the creatureā€™s neck snapped and was feeding when he realized that he was in the hospital where his parents said he was born. ā€œHmm, maybe thereā€™s some information here that could help me figure out whatā€™s wrong if itā€™s something genetic or an illness.ā€

He began looking around the place and searched through all the file cabinets pulling any file related to his parents, his brother or himself. He knew that the files were usually kept on the computers, but he also knew that physical copies were also required. He found several files in the building as well as some other animals using it for shelter that he ate. He began to look through the files. He found some interesting things in his motherā€™s file. She had received treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. ā€œShit, that could be bad.ā€ He muttered after reading it.

Darren nodded, walking off. Something felt off but Darren couldnā€™t place his mind on it? Tongue on it? He forgot the term people used. He rushed off to go back to Ven and tell him. He was surprised they hadnā€™t ran into either human nor vampire. Darren came at the front entrance to the store. ā€œHey, Ven.ā€ He entered, letting Ven know he was here.
-
Ven quickly responded, walking towards Darren. ā€œIs Brandon okay?ā€ He was confused, or rather, the state Brandon left in. ā€œHe didnā€™t look okay so how do we know if heā€™ll be okay?ā€ Ven pushed for some kind of information on this.
-
Darren was trying to keep up as it was. ā€œD-donā€™t worry about Brandon. He only went out to find some animals to feed upon. He was deprived of blood, so he went to go get some. Thatā€™s all there is to it.ā€ And Darren hoped so. Darren grabbed his jacket which somehow got off him as he slept, placing it on him. ā€œJustā€¦ Stay here. I have some things I have to take care of.ā€ He walked out without letting Ven respond. He felt like he had a needed purpose to try and help Brandon, no matter what he said. Darren only hoped that in leaving Ven to help Brandon, Ven didnā€™t run into trouble while he was gone.

Brandon took the files and went back down to the main entrance of the hospital. He figured it would be best if he didnā€™t go running off while waiting for Ven and Darren to come join him. He went back to reading over the files. He looked over Darrenā€™s file to see if there was anything that could give him more insight into his illness. He saw nothing that he didnā€™t already know seeing as they didnā€™t have any records after the time he was put in the asylum. He looked back to his parents apart from their mom having CFS, he also saw that their father was hypoglycemic. Both conditions could be passed down genetically and might account for his burning through blood at a high rate. He was anxious to tell Darren to let him know that he might have figured it out. He sat down in the waiting room, he wondered if the emergency generators in the basement would still work, they were in the basement when the flare hit, so they may have been shielded from the flare. But they would have kicked on right after, not that anything electrical would work that could use the power.

Darren slowly wandered off. ā€œI think I know who the savior is Brandonā€¦ And itā€™s my job to get him now.ā€ Heā€™d heard about a human the Vampires recently got. He was tooā€¦ Human to pass anyoneā€™s test of current knowledge. ā€œIā€™ll bring him back, and no one needs to die.ā€ Darren mumbled. He didnā€™t know what was coming over him. It was a feeling he couldnā€™t push away. ā€œThose damn vampires are gonna pay.ā€ He gritted his teeth. One two. One two. One two. Darren listened to a melody playing in his head that he became accustomed to his time at the asylum. It didnā€™t matter whether the voices made it or not. Heā€™d make sure no one got hurt when he could do it. Could he do it? He didnā€™t know. Darren had to believe in himself. Inā€¦ himself. ā€˜You may hate me for leaving without notice, but youā€™ll find a note somewhere explaining myself, Brandon. I only wish you do not come after me.ā€™ The vampires which he was after were possibly experienced more than any of them. So unpredictability would have to be on Darrenā€™s side.


Brandon was beginning to wonder what was taking so long. He knew his scent was strong enough to follow in his state. He decided to go to the basement and check the generator while he was waiting for them. He took a look at the big machine and noticed that the fuel tank was empty, so there was nothing he could do anyway. He went back up and sat down and when he did, he heard a crinkling sound. He stood up and checked his pocket and saw a piece of paper in his pocket. He unfolded it and saw it was a note from Darren. It read: ā€˜Hello, Brandon. Most likely, by the time youā€™re reading this, and I wonā€™t be cheesy, Iā€™ve made my way to someone I believe to be the savior, as you put it. Ven is only aware that you went out to find blood since you needed it. Donā€™t follow me, as I donā€™t expect Iā€™ll be returning. But I hope that in my attempt, I somehow get the humanā€¦ Dragonā€¦ Priest, guy, to you. Your dearest brother, Darren.ā€™

ā€œThat little bastard!ā€ Brandon growled as he put the note back in his pocket. He took off back to the bookstore. When he got there he told Ven about Darren had done. ā€œI think I should go after him, even if he told me not to. Heā€™s gonna get himself killed before he finds the damn savior. And what the hell does he mean by Dragon? Is the savior a dragon?ā€ His mind couldnā€™t stay fixed on one topic. He was erratic and jumpy. Heā€™d finally found Darren and now he just ran away to try to save humanity. ā€œIā€™m gonna try to stop him before he gets killed, you can come with to help me, or you can stay here and be safe. I wonā€™t have a problem with either, but if youā€™re coming with we need to leave now.ā€ Brandon said as he grabbed a handful of dopamine pills. His plan was to knock his ass out and medicate him so he wouldnā€™t run away.

Ven was still trying to wrap his head around what was going on. ā€œI thought he was heading back to you.ā€ He quickly swung his jacket over his shoulder, trying to understand why Darren left in the first place. All three of them couldā€™ve done it in the first place. ā€œWell we have no idea where heā€™s heading, so how do we know which direction to go in?ā€ Ven was trying to make sense of this, or as to why Brandon was so erratic. But he also knew what heā€™d do if his own brother did this stunt, so he understood it however slightly. ā€œDo you have an idea where heā€™s going?ā€ He rushed outside he Brandon. Ven would just have to follow Brandon to Darren, seeing as how he didnā€™t know exactly how to follow Darrenā€™s scent, unlike Brandon, who has lived with Darren for some time.
Brandon tried to calm himself enough to explain things a little bit clearer. ā€œI thought he was going to come back too, but he knows something about the legends that I have been following the last few years.ā€ He sighed. ā€œI realized that thereā€™s something wrong with me. Iā€™m burning through blood quicker than I should, moreso when things are chaotic like the last couple days. He thinks he knows where the savior of the humans is and he ran off thinking the savior could help me or something. Itā€™s just a combination of genetic crap and the vampire virus. Heā€™s overreacting and I know heā€™s doing it out of love, but thereā€™s no need for him to do that.ā€ He looked back and forth around the city. His hunting and tracking instinct taking over, he sniffed the air, his brotherā€™s scent was similar to his own, but just a little more musky. ā€œIf the savior of the humans is here and the vampires know about it, theyā€™ll have him hidden away somewhere, most likely in that huge mansion they like to stay in, pretending to be royalty like children.ā€ He snarled. ā€œHeā€™s gonna go there first, but if he barges in, with the state of mind heā€™s in, heā€™s gonna get killed before he gets inside. Iā€™m gonna have to drug him to calm him down.ā€ He said. He found Darrenā€™s scent in the air. ā€œHeā€™s this way.ā€ He said as his head snapped like a hunting dog in the direction of his prey.

Ven nodded, rushing behind Brandon. Heā€™d trust Brandon no matter the situation. ā€œBut are you sure he needs to be drugged? Maybe explain things to him and maybe heā€™ll listen.ā€
-
Darren continued walking. ~Are you sure you want to do this? These Vampires have more experience than you. What if you die? What then? Even if you took that into account, what about Brandon? Heā€™ll never forgive you for letting yourself die knowing the consequence.~ ā€œThen damn the consequences. I know who the savior is and I have a chance to get them to safety. Itā€™s more than enough to settle the consequence. If you canā€™t see that, then shut up.ā€ Darren growled. He wasnā€™t in the mood to discuss this. ā€œNow Iā€™m going. Itā€™s most likely he found the letter and looking for me.ā€ He only hoped the Mansion he spoke about didnā€™t come into Brandonā€™s mind. ā€œHopefully, and I say hopefully loosely, we can get to the Mansion before it crosses his mind.ā€ He continued walking, deciding to try and block out the voices.

Brandon was faster than the average vampire. It might also account for his blood use the last couple days and his fatigue. He was well fed right now, so his speed wasnā€™t being affected. He followed the scent until he could see Darren. ā€œIā€™ll try it your way first, but if he doesnā€™t listen, heā€™s getting himself knocked out.ā€ He whispered just loud enough for Ven to hear. He slowed down his movement so that he was silent and approached from up wind so he wouldnā€™t be able to smell them. He bent down and launched himself at Darren wrapping his arms around his neck and going limp to pull him to the ground. They were just about a block in front of the mansion and Brandon did his best to keep from drawing unneeded attention to them. ā€œWhat the hell do you think youā€™re doing?! Why are you trying to get the damn savior, you wonā€™t even get past the gate. I know you think you need to protect me and help me, but getting yourself killed wonā€™t help any of us. Come on, letā€™s go home and rethink your strategy. If we get more people to help, or at the very least find a way to infiltrate the mansion and get the savior from inside, weā€™ll have a better chance.ā€ Brandon explained and hoped that Darren would listen to reason.

Ven tried his best to stay up with Brandon. (So short on Venā€™s part.
-
Darren grumbled as he tried to keep Brandon up. ā€œI can get in there. Iā€™m a Vampire. Getting the Savior is all that matters, isnā€™t it? If so, youā€™ll let me go do what I have to do, Brandon.ā€ Darren had no interest in not trying. The Savior had to be in there. Darren could do something. ā€œJust let me try something for once! Youā€™ve always been there for me, when I was suppose to be there for you!ā€ He tried his best to continue walking, but Brandon was weighing him down, and just when he thought Brandon was enough, Ven tried to weigh him down as well. ā€œDamn it Brandon. I understand how you feel, truly. But I have a chance to make everything right. After all everything Iā€™ve gone through, let me have this one.ā€ Darren was begging in his own way to do something right. He failed to be there as a brother for Brandon, and Brandon was always there for him. It had to be Darrenā€™s turn to be there for Brandon now. He had to keep going. Heā€™d do anything for Brandon.

Brandon dug his heels into the dirt to act like an anchor for Darren. ā€œYou big idiot, Iā€™m not telling you that you canā€™t go in there and you canā€™t rescue the savior. Iā€™m just telling you that we need to have a plan first!ā€ Brandon growled as he struggled to stop Darrenā€™s movement. ā€œI know you want to do something for meā€¦ to help me for once, so help me now. Stop what youā€™re doing and letā€™s get a plan before you get yourself killed just because you feel bad about a childhood you had no control over.ā€ He said. He reached into his pocket and grabbed the pills just in case he didnā€™t get through.

Darren tried to push on. ā€œBut I had control over it. I couldā€™ve been better if only I spoke out sooner. That was my mistake.ā€ He paused as he listened to Brandon. ā€œBut what if I could get the Savior out without having to get a plan? I could do it.ā€ His voice drifted off. ~Listen to him Darren. Itā€™d be the smart move to do. Iā€™d hate to have you die on me. And then I die with you.~ Darren didnā€™t want to listen to them. But he was a sucker for logical thinking. ā€œI guess I can see how Iā€™d get myself killed.ā€ He said as he looked at the Mansion. Before, he wasnā€™t thinking logically, but now he was.

Brandon put the pills in his pocket again. ā€œGood, now I donā€™t have to drug your ass.ā€ Brandon chuckled. He turned to face Darren and looked into his eyes. ā€œDarren, you know our parents, I told them you were talking to people that werenā€™t there and they just told me you had an imaginary friend. If you had spoke up they would have just said it was childish nonsense.ā€ Brandon spoke softly. ā€œYou donā€™t owe me anything Darren, certainly not your life. If anything I owe you. I tried to tell them that the asylum was mistreating you, that they were abusing you. I knew what was happening to you and I couldnā€™t stop it.ā€ Brandon had a tear roll down his cheek. He didnā€™t like thinking about what the asylum did. ā€œI have no doubt that youā€™d be able to get in there, itā€™s the getting out that would be hard to do. Did you even have an exit strategy? Do you even know what the Savior looks like?ā€ He chuckled. ā€œCā€™mon, letā€™s go back to the bookstore and plan this thing out. Also I found our medical records while I was hunting in the hospital. Yours obviously are incomplete but I also got mine and our parentsā€™.ā€ He smiled. ā€œI think I figured out what was wrong with me.ā€

Darren turned towards Brandon. ā€œYou were gonna drug me?ā€ He asked laughing. ā€œI mean, I had an escape plan. Kind of. I guess it wouldā€™ve been hard to get out of. Besides, I owe you a lot. You always visited me, no matter how bad I got. Youā€™re the one person that kept me going.ā€ He brought his hand around, patting Brandon on the head. ā€œIā€™m always gonna take care of my little brother, even if he always takes care of me.ā€ Darren was intrigued by what Brandon had found. ā€œSo whatā€™s wrong with you exactly? Is it something that can be fixed?ā€ He was hoping it could be fixed. It had to be fixable. ā€œI mean, you can tell me on our walk to the bookstore.ā€


Brandon grinned. ā€œI was only gonna drug you if you didnā€™t cooperate.ā€ He chuckled. As they started walking back to the bookstore. ā€œIā€™m not completely certain what was wrong, but I looked at our parentsā€™ medical records and found this.ā€ He handed the open files to Darren and pointed to one spot. ā€œMom was treated for chronic fatigue syndrome, something that the doctors still hadnā€™t found the cause of when the flare hit, it might be something passed on genetically. Then thereā€™s this.ā€ He opened the other file and pointed to something else. ā€œDad was hyperglycemic, so both of these could have been passed down to me and been dormant until now. If these conditions reacted or mutated with the vampire virus it could explain why I was burning through blood so quickly, I may have to feed more than average for the rest of myā€¦ well forever.ā€ He explained.

Darren tilted his head. ā€œSo thereā€™s no way to fix it?ā€ He was surprised Brandon was so calm about all of this. ā€œWouldnā€™t that get annoying?ā€ Darren quickly went over the the files. ā€œIā€™m sure they found a way toā€¦ā€ There had to be a way to help Brandon. ā€œI refuse to believe thereā€™s nothing out there to help you. There has to be.ā€ What kind of like would Brandon have if he needed to feed constantly? He didnā€™t want to think about it, but it plagued his mind. Heā€™d find the cure. Or something to help Brandon. ā€œBut why donā€™t I have it? It doesnā€™t make any sense. I have my disorder, which is weird. Neither of them had itā€¦ā€ Or maybe it was just something in Darrenā€™s life that made him this way. ā€œIā€™m over thinking things.ā€ He laughed quietly as he continued to walk with Brandon to the Bookstore.


ā€œWell, Iā€™m not sure that itā€™s cureable, but I think itā€™s treatable. Iā€™m pretty sure I remember Mom taking pills that she said were for her ā€˜exhaustionā€™. I think that might have been what she was talking about. I can check that book of prescriptions when we get back to the bookstore and see what treatments were used then maybe pick some of the meds up.ā€ He thought about the genetic possibilities. ā€œThatā€™s a good question, but then genetics work in weird ways. Mental disorders, physical disorders, all that kind of stuff can be brought on by a lot of factors and the way things are in the world right now, we just donā€™t have all the information we need.ā€ He smiled. It wasnā€™t long before the three of them were back at the bookstore. He thought it was odd how quiet Ven was being. Heā€™d have to make sure to spend some alone time with him later. (tag)

Darren nodded, walking inside the bookstore, giving him some free time with Ven. He knew when some people needed some time alone anyhow. So he left no comment, but an unspoken answer with a nod.
-

Ven was a good listener. As he noticed Darren walking in, he turned towards Brandon. ā€œItā€™s a bit weird. If we know where the savior is, why donā€™t we just rescue him? He could be dead before we can come up with a plan, couldnā€™t he? Then itā€™d be all for nothing.ā€ Ven said quietly, looking to the ground. To think about it all ending in vain. He couldnā€™t bring himself to wrap around that thought. So many things could go wrong. So many. ā€œBesides that, I think weā€™ll have a good run getting into the mansion when we come up with a plan.ā€ He was also wondering about these pills. If they could help Brandon, heā€™d have to get them.

ā€œI really donā€™t think those vampires even know heā€™s the savior. If theyā€™re keeping him in the house, most likely theyā€™re using him as a feeding human or a pet. Those humans get treated surprisingly well. I actually lived with them for a while right after being turned. Also, from the stuff I read about the savior, he wonā€™t even know heā€™s the savior.ā€ He looked at Ven with a smile. ā€œI agree that weā€™ll have a better chance with a plan first. I think it might be best if you and Darren go into the mansion, they probably wonā€™t take me back. Iā€™ll need you to make sure Darren gets his meds. Iā€™ll be waiting out here for you. If the savior is someoneā€™s pet, you may have to get them to take the savior out of the mansion so you have a better chance of getting them to the human settlement. But it might be a good idea to wait and take care of it in the morning with a fresh mind."

Setting

4 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Venlak Character Portrait: Brandon Lamont Character Portrait: Flynn O'Connor Character Portrait: Darren
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Flynn had never been so cramped in her whole life. Not to her memory anyway.

Frightened out of her mind, she had slammed herself into the rotting carcass of a nearby vehicle. The windows had all been shattered long before and some birds had clearly made a nest out of the front seat. Flynn, thanking whatever gods there might or might not be, practically flew through the back shattered window. Her thin boyish body was a blessing at this moment as it helped her avoid the shards of glass dangling like teeth in the old warped window frames. Blood would only draw them. Some of the nesting birds chirped at her--startled by her appearance but thankfully, they did not take to the air. It must be sitting on an egg, Flynn thought gratefully. She had heard about the protectiveness of mothers. She couldn't remember her own.

Flattening herself, Flynn wedged herself under the back seat in the small rotted space between the floor and the back bench. It was very cramped. But the scent of the birds should cover her own. Should. Should. Her heartbeat seemed to say it too. Should. Should. Should.

But if it didn't? She was a snack for them. Waiting to be tasted. Waiting to die. A tin can snack. Flynn swallowed dryly, focusing on steadying her panicked ragged breathing. It was far too loud in this tiny space. Her sense of time felt warped. Her feet began to cramp uncomfortably. Gingerly, slowly, she tried to stretch her toes in her awkwardly fitting boots. How long had passed? Minutes? Hours? Would the pack even look for her? Maybe they would just be grateful...

Time passing. The gentle rustle and chirping of the mother bird. Time passing. Flynn shifting as gently, softly, gingerly as possible. Listening. Straining her ears for movement. Any sign that she was found. None came. She must have fallen asleep out of sheer exhaustion at some point. She jolted awake, nearly exclaiming in surprise when the sound of running footsteps, fast, very fast came to her ears. She stuffed a fist into her mouth, biting down to silence herself.

"Brandon!" She heard a male voice. Familiar. The same one from before? Then a sound as if someone fell. Could vampires be clumsy too? She was shaking with the effort to keep herself silent. Shaking with the fear of discovery. Flynn heard moment, someone getting to their feet? Someone else running. Two pairs of running feet? The sound grew distant. She waited. Silence. The mother bird twittered in her nest. They didn't smell her? Was this a trap? Hesitantly, she inched from her hiding space. Her body protested, aching as she drew herself into a crouch. Cautiously, she peered through the back window at the bookstore. The scent--the very cold scent was fading. The mother bird, realizing Flynn was still present began to cry out loudly. This seemed as good a time as any to make her exit.

It was light out--an early pink of morning. Were vampires weaker in the day or was that a myth? Flynn couldn't remember. She didn't want to personally find out. As quickly and quietly as she could, she made her way toward the edge of the city. Her bag rattled softly as she jogged, the medicines she'd scavenged clinking around. A sense of relief washed over her as she made it to the treeline. She was nearly home. And she was not dead. Or undead.