Blood: Awakening - Part 4

 

The woods were silent as the moonlight cast an eerie glow down through the trees. A slight breeze gently swept leaves in front of the mouth of the cave in which Damien and his family had dwelled unbothered for centuries. A soft crunch briefly interrupted the silence as Damien dropped from the trees holding some sort of small creature in his hands. "Putrid mongrels need to be controlled. I can't keep feeding our new guest with rejected familia and I'm curious as to how this will affect her. I don't think anything like this has been done before." Thought Damien to himself as he silently made his way into the cave and down towards where Alison was being held captive. 

Once Damien was at Alison's holding area, he knelt down and opened a small entry hole to Alison's barred prison. "Farewell, you disgusting beast." Hissed Damien as he dropped the small animal into the cage. The creature whimpered as it fell through the darkness and yelped once it hit the ground. Damien then rose to his feet and began to make his way out, grinning as he indulged himself in the sickening sound of Alison feasting on the helpless animal. "as Kaydle's maker, she will have no choice but to be drawn to me once she is strong enough. She will be the greatest protégé in the history of this family. Our name WILL be reclaimed." He hissed silently to himself as he faded into the darkness. 

Damien

The bass from the dancefloor thudded through the walls as Zulu and Kaydle walked through a back hallway of the nightclub. Muffled chatter from the clubgoers faintly drifted in and out as well as an earthy aroma of marijuana. Zulu led Kaydle into his study and locked the double doors behind them. "Please, have a seat. You have nothing to fear I simply would like to talk." Said Zulu as he motioned towards an empty chair. Kaydle scoffed as she turned the chair around "Tch. I'm not afraid of anything. Whatever." She hissed back as she sat down. Zulu walked to his massive bookshelf and silently scanned his selection of literature. 

Zulu

After a few more moments of silence, Zulu grabbed a very old, worn book and approached Kaydle as he thumbed through the pages. "Kaydle is it? I do not think I properly introduced myself. I am Zulu. I am the owner of this club. My mother brought me to this country many years ago to escape a war-ravaged village in Africa. Unfortunately, I learned America can be just as cruel after my mother was gunned down by the authorities in front of me. Foster care was no place for me so I eventually ran away and made a name for myself in the streets. After years of hard work, I have finally begun to reap the benefits of my labors. Although my crew is well-known in this city, I believe you have a gift that could help us against our competition." Kaydle silently shuffled in her seat as Zulu continued, " I have always been fascinated with the dark arts of the spirit world. A lot of work has gone into building this collection. Here, have a look at this." Zulu handed the book over to Kaydle and she slowly began scanning the pages. 

Kaydle

"Holy shit, what is this?" Said Kaydle out loud as she began to scan the pages faster. Zulu stood back in disbelief at the speed at which Kaydle absorbed the literature. "Extraordinary. You really read all of that information in nearly 30 seconds." Said Zulu as he observed Kaydle. "It says here that ancient vampires are mainly the ones with the ability to turn people, and if you are turned by a pure-blood ancient, you could possibly have the ability to turn others." Zulu continued to scan his library as Kaydle dived deeper into the book. "Kaydle, tell me more about this vampire you encountered. Did he happen to mention his name?" Kaydle's face slightly twisted up as she hissed back, "Damien. He said his name was Damien. He was white as hell and wore an all-white suit. He knew my fucking name and claims to have known something about my father which is weird, seeing as how he's been dead my entire life." As Kaydle spoke, Zulu continued to search through his library.

"I know I've seen that name before somewhere. There is a lot of superstition surrounding this city. Ancient tales of monsters and other supernatural beings inhabiting the woods that separate this city from the smaller towns around us. It has always intrigued me but I haven't really had anyone to discuss these matters with, especially in my line of work. Just a moment because I know for a fact I have seen that name before." Kaydle was trying to focus on what Zulu was explaining to her, but an overwhelming feeling began to take over her. "Zulu... I think I'm...I think I'm hungry." Zulu calmly placed his book down as a concerned look slowly swept over his face. Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Yes?" said Zulu nervously. Through the door, a man shouted, "Ayo boss man, got this little chico out here late on payments. What's the move?" Zulu turned to Kaydle with a menacing grin on his face and said, "I think your lunch just got here." 

Zulu placed his book down and responded. "Bring him in." The door opened and there stood Shotz and another goon holding a slightly beaten man by his shoulders. Shotz looked around the room as he entered and momentarily glared at Kaydle. "What the fuck yall got going on in here? Yall starting a book club?" He said as he shoved the man through the door. Kaydle could smell the blood pouring from the man's wounds and it was beginning to drive her insane. A feral-like feeling began to overwhelm her as her hunger grew. Zulu could see the clear irritation overtaking Kaydle. "Shotz, close the door and step away from him." Shotz closed the door and the second he locked it, Kaydle flew over the desk and plunged her fangs deep into the man's throat. Her eyes rolled back into her head as the blood flowed and the feeling of ecstasy washed over her. Shotz stood frozen with a look of fear on his face. "Dawg what the FUCK!?" He shouted as Kaydle drained the man of his life before his eyes. Her nails grew into claws as she sunk them deeper into her prey, holding him steady as he slowly died in her arms. 

Shotz

"So this is what we do now? Feeding our opps to white bitches? This ain't crazy to you?" Said Shotz to Zulu after witnessing Kaydle's savage feeding. Zulu glanced at the dead body momentarily then turned his attention to Shotz. "Look, I know this is not conventional, but we could use her in the business. What could they do to stop us with this on our side?" Shotz was silent as he considered the situation. Although it was strange, Zulu had a point. What could their enemies do to them with this type of power on their side? His options were also limited seeing as how his boss, the head of their criminal organization, was very interested in teaming up with a vampire. He had no choice but to fall in line. "Alright, so what's the next move?" 

"This girl, Kaydle needs our help. According to my studies, once she becomes stronger she will be drawn to the one who did this to her. Something tells me that is what he is waiting for. Her friend is missing and I'm willing to bet he is holding her hostage for leverage. From what I understand about these creatures, every time she feeds her strength increases. I feel as though our enemies will serve as a perfect food source for her. We eliminate our enemies, increase her strength, and eventually we can take the fight straight to her maker." Shotz took a seat and began to roll up a blunt. "You really a whole nerd for this weird shit boss. I see the vision, but what in the hell are we supposed to do against a fucking vampire? Wouldn't this dude be stronger than her anyway? What if we did find him and he just kills everybody including her?"

 Zulu skimmed through his book briefly then replied, "I do not think he would want her dead. According to this, when a vampire, specifically an ancient one, turns someone? They intend to bring them into their family. Kaydle has been recruited. This Damien fellow would more than likely need her alive." Shotz finished rolling up and then said, "Okay, so he needs HER alive, what about us? We ain't no damn Draculas, what in the hell are we supposed to do?" 

Kaydle wiped the blood from her face then interjected, "You..you want me to turn you don't you Zulu? I don't know how to. In that book you gave to me, it said that a vampire turned by an ancient could possibly possess the ability to turn others as well. It said I carry a special type of venom that can be released only for changing, but I don't know how to do that. Excuse me, Shotz? Can I hit that?" Shotz looked at his blunt, then at Kaydle, then at the dead body in the room, and said "Ew what? You just ate a dude, you not about to hit my shit! I'll roll you your own because hell no. And Zulu? If you want to be a bloodsucker then be my guess but I don't want NO parts of that. At all. Yall sound crazy." Zulu smirked as he replied, "Yeah, I guess I can no longer keep it a secret. I want this power as well. Although Shotz does not want this gift, I believe some of my other men would be willing to accept it. We would be unstoppable in this city. I understand you may not know how to turn people now, but I believe once you become stronger? It will become more clear to you."

 Shotz finished rolling Kaydle's blunt and then handed it to her. "Yeah, to be honest, a lot of these niggas ain't got shit to lose. I know a couple of them fools would be down for some shit like this." Kaydle took a deep drag from the blunt and exhaled a cloud. "It's strange. I can feel this is some strong shit, but I don't know, it's almost like something is missing from it.." Shotz's face twisted up at her remark as he fired back. "Yeah, you're definitely a monster because this is some grade-A kush. Speaking of which, Jay told me he saw some of Snowman's boys pushing work in the subway not far from here. That's our turf and I'm not going for the disrespect. Maybe we take some of the boys along with little sharp-tooth over here and pay them boys a visit." Zulu's face almost lit up at Shotz's information as he replied, "That's a great idea. Get strapped up and grab some backup. I want you to personally see to it that Snowman's people get introduced to our friend here." Shotz nodded in agreement then silently stood up and blew out a cloud on his way out of the room. "Talking crazy about MY weed is the wildest shit I heard so far. Do you know who I am?" Kaydle rolled her eyes and continued to smoke as Shotz made his exit. "I like Jay more than him. Sensitive little prick isn't he?" 

The subway station was busy and bustling as random citizens hurriedly made their way through. The stench of cigarette smoke and urine was in the air and the multiple conversations layered the subway station with a muffled blanket of indistinct noise. Kaydle, Shotz, and Jay were accompanied by a few other members of Zulu's gang as they descended the stairs. Kaydle turned her nose to the air and inhaled deeply then immediately began to cringe. "Ugh, I don't know if you guys can smell this shit like me but it smells HORRIBLE down here oh my fucking god." Shotz scanned the area for their target as they made their way deeper through the subway. "I mean I know it stinks like shit down here but it's probably worse for you. Don't you, uh, people have like a better sense of smell or some shit?" Kaydle quickly fired back at Shotz, "What do you mean you people..OH yeah, you know what? Never mind." The crew continued to walk through the subway when all of a sudden Jay came to a halt and nodded toward the end of the subway platform. "Ay Shotz, that's them over there. How do you want to play this?" 

Snowman (far right) & crew

Shotz leaned against a wall and slightly observed Snowman with some of his dealers. He was surprised to see a gang leader in the field so close to the action. "Jay, you and the fellas split up and make yall way down there. I'll slide up smooth behind yall with Kaydle. Hold on, where in the fuck did she go?" Said Shotz as he visually scanned the area for their new co-worker. As Zulu's gang figured out their attack tactics, Kaydle slipped off into the crowd and was nowhere to be found. "Man, we don't have time for these types of games. Yall go ahead and make your way down there. I'm right behind you." Jay nodded silently in agreement as he turned with his crew and made their way towards Snowman. 

The crowd thinned out as the subway patrons entered the boarding train, making their chances of using the element of surprise slightly thinner. Shotz carefully observed Jay as he and his squad made their way down the platform. "Little dude solid as always. Where in the fuck is this white girl? Zulu got me out here on some bullshit." He said to himself as he began to head up the rear of his soldiers. Jay and the two other members of Zulu's crew carefully spread out with all eyes intensely locked on their targets. The crew kept their distance as they carefully watched Snowman and his boys. Shotz gave Jay a quick nod to signal for them to hold their respective places. They had Snowman unknowingly surrounded. Jay could hear his heartbeat as the crowd grew smaller and smaller. This wasn't his first mission, but it was his first time out in the field under strange circumstances. The two others were locked onto Snowman as Jay did his best to make himself inconspicuous. "Where in the fuck is Kaydle?" Thought Jay to himself silently. "I don't like this shit at all." 

Jay watching Snowman

The subway station was nearly empty now as Zulu's crew moved in on Snowman and his gang. Jay slid his hand silently into his pocket and gripped the handle of his gun as he awaited their next move. Snowman seemed to still be unaware of his opposition as he and his gang continued their conversation. Shotz reached under his shirt as he began to make his way towards the men. The time for the attack had come, and Shotz wasn't known for being shy to a gunfight.

 He took a couple more steps before stopping dead in his tracks as he felt the cold barrel of a gun push up against his back. Snowman began to laugh loudly. "What are you stupid holmes? Do you think I would come to your side of town without backup? Junior, take his strap vato!" The gunman behind Shotz reached forward and yanked the sawed-off shotgun from Shotz's waistline. "Man FUCK!" said Shotz as he slightly raised his hands. Snowman turned his attention towards Jay and continued, "I see you clutching baby vato. Make a move foo and your pinche puto leader gets dropped holmes." Jay removed his hands from his pocket with his gaze fixed angrily on Snowman. The crew had been made and things were looking grim for Zulu's gang. 

"Lay these guys down foos. Let's teach these putos a lesson about fucking with Los chicos de la muerte!" Snowman's crew had all their weapons trained on Shotz and his boys as they ordered them to their knees. Snowman gave one last glance around to make sure they were alone before they executed Zulu's men. The gang leader made his way toward Shotz with his gun clutched tightly in his jacket pocket. The evil grin disappeared from his face as he mentally transitioned from street tactician to cold-blooded murderer. Snowman pulled his gun out and cocked it back with his eyes locked onto Shotz. "I had all this shit planned out holmes. Took you putos long enough to try this shit. I knew your boy had us pegged. After I put you putos down? I'm coming for your boss holmes!" Snowman began to raise his gun with his finger itching for bloodshed. 

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!" the scream of terror came from one of Snowman's goons as Kaydle dropped from the ceiling and sank her claws into his unsuspecting crewmate. All of the men turned their attention to Kaydle as she savagely ripped pieces from the thug. "What the fu-SHOOT THIS BITCH HOLMES!" screamed Snowman as he watched his fallen soldier's lifeless body slip from Kaydle's claws. "Get FUCKED!" roared Kaydle as she leaped towards Snowman with her claws out and her fangs dripping with blood. Shotz threw his head back hard into the gut of Snowman's henchman behind him causing him to drop his gun as well as Shotz's shotgun. "You finna die bitch!" Shouted Shotz as he quickly grabbed his shotgun and blew half of the man's head off. *BANG* The blast from his gun echoed through the subway as his brains painted the wall behind him.

Snowman's remaining crew watched in horror as Kaydle soared through the air at their leader. His crew was too distracted by the horrific sight to realize Zulu's men, who were expecting some type of surprise attack from their vampiric partner, began to gun them down. Snowman fearfully backed away as he fired 4 shots directly into the enraged vampire coming at him. Kaydle winced as the bullets ripped through her body. She landed on Snowman with her claws plunging deep into his shoulders. "Fuck that shit kind of hurts." She thought as she reared her head back and prepared to end Snowman's life. Shotz ran and jumped into a sliding maneuver on the bloodstained subway platform as he blew the kneecaps off one of the remaining goons. "That's why they call me Shotz bitch!" Jay knocked the wounded man over and continued to open fire on anyone who didn't come with his crew. "Dawg this shit is insane!" Screamed Jay as he took cover and blindly fired his weapon from behind a pillar. Shots rang out from Snowman's remaining crew as they attempted to kill the monster who had their boss pinned down.

 Kaydle swiftly plunged her fangs into Snowman and began to drain him. Jay was out of bullets and began to observe the carnage from his place of hiding. One of his men took a clean shot to the head and fell right next to him. Shotz was busy struggling with the last remaining member of Snowman's crew when all of a sudden he felt a burning sensation in his leg. "Mothafucka popped me!" Snowman's goon overpowered Shotz and knocked him down. His shotgun hit the ground and let off a shot that knocked Kaydle clean off of Snowman.

Snowman

Kaydle went flying into a wall and smacked it with a sickening thud. "Okay, now THAT fucking hurt!" she said about the shotgun shell that exploded in her shoulder. The kneecap-less goon from earlier desperately crawled to a nearby gun and reached for it, only to be stopped by a bullet to the back of his head, courtesy of Zulu's remaining henchman. "Ay, Jay!" he shouted, "That's all of 'em. Let's get the fuck up out of here!" Jay dashed from behind the pillar and rushed to Shotz's aid. "C'mon let's go." He grunted as he hoisted Shotz up. "Kaydle, you good?" Kaydle slowly gathered herself as she observed the aftermath of the battle. The horrific scene didn't seem to bother her as she rose to her feet. "Yeah, I think I'll be okay. I'm pretty sure you almost blew my goddamn shoulder off Shotz, so thanks for that." Shotz growled back through his pain, "Bitch! You coulda told us you were about to pull some sneaky shit like that! Props though, that shit was hard as hell. Let's go!" Zulu's crew hastily made their way to the stairs and out of the subway station, fleeing the scene as sirens could be heard approaching in the distance. 

Back in the cavern where Alison was being held, the sickening sound of bones breaking could be heard from Alison's dungeon. She screamed and cried in agony as her body began to twist in the darkness. "Fuck! What's happening to me?!" She screamed as she winced and thrashed about in the darkness. "It feels like my insides are being ripped apart. I just want to die." She thought to herself. There was an intense pain coming from her back. She couldn't see very well, but she knew something terrible was happening to her. "Through all this shit I'm still starving...My back is killing me, what is going on?!" Footsteps could be heard faintly approaching from far up above. "Oh no...He's back. He's going to drop another one of those animals down here I know it. I'm so hungry I can't help but keep...eating them." Damien's cruel and cold laugh cut through the darkness like a blade. He was at the mouth of the dungeon holding what appeared to be a small dog in his claws. "You sound like you could use a bite child. Well, here you go!" He shouted as he dropped the poor creature into the darkness where Alison was kept hostage. The creature yelped in pain as it hit the ground below.

 Alison began to sob silently, knowing what was about to happen next. "I'm sorry you poor thing...I don't have a choice." The sound of chewing and yelping rang out through the darkness as Alison devoured her meal. Damien stood above holding a torch as he peered into the darkness. "My my my, it's so dark down there that even I'm having a hard time making out what has become of you child. Let us shed a little light on your dire situation shall we?" He hissed as he dropped the torch into the darkness. It hit the ground and began to burn out in the blood. Alison screamed as she observed the thick, blonde hairs that covered her now elongated arms. "What in the fuck have you done to me?!" An evil grin spread across Damien's face as he observed his creation. "Well, THIS was definitely unexpected. Kaydle should love the new look. I sense she's getting stronger. Soon you will be reunited dear, sweet, Alison." He hissed as he made his exit. The fire burned completely out as Alison sobbed in the darkness. "Kaydle...Please hurry.." She cried out as the dungeon went completely dark. 

Changed Alison