Don't do it Levi! Don't let these foul creatures corrupt you!

Very well written and entertaining story. Abraham seems like a very reasonable father.

The twist ending though xD

Good job.

I feel like I'm missing an established setting reference here, but excellent regardless!

Great Story

Haha! Oh, Grayson’s quite the lucky hunter!

I can feel their hunger. The longing they feel when they see my pale skin reflecting in the moonlight. Their want glows through yellowed eyes, grows with every flash of their fanged teeth, and they think now only l how they will go about my demise. But what they do not take into account is that I think too. That I have played this game hundreds of times and never tasted defeat. That I am not the prey, I am the hunt.

And it will take a lot more than three fledgling girls to be my end.

From my waistband I draw my blade, long, thin, and silver coated. One of the three girls, the oldest it seems, backs up at the sight of its glow. The only one smart enough to now recognize the danger they may be in.

The leftmost girl jumps down from the rooftop, her face unchanged, cold and unfeeling. Ready to feed. The other two follow in suit, moving closer with every second. They close the gap slowly but surely until the distance between them and my blade is mere feet. I hold it up, pointing up passed my head and up into the sky like the temple of a church.

Ahead the doors of homes remind me of the reason I am here. The reason I fight. If I fall in this night then every light in the window becomes dark.

But before they can approach all three grow suddenly still. They feel something, and I think I can too. Something powerful. Something ancient. A chill shoots down my spine and I spin, following my blade in a wide arc. A shadow leaps back into the dark with surprising agility.

"Apologies" The shadow speaks from the darkness in a deep and sharp voice. "I'm really quite sorry for the trouble." It steps out of the dark and into the moonlight. A fourth vampire, this one much taller, larger and with a face that shows great experience. His reddened eyes are not filled with hunger, but shame.

"Apologies? What for." My words are demanding but my voice falters. I tighten my grip on my weapon.

"There is no need hunter. You may sheath your blade." I do no such thing though. I know the power of a vampires suggestion, any sign of falter and I will comply whether I like it or not.

"I see, you are a cautious man. There is no need though, truly, I am only here to collect my children. They can get...overzealous."

"I wouldn't call trying to drain an entire village overzealous. Id call it evil."

"Maybe, hunter. But then again you already think us to be so I am not here to change your opinion. Only to collect my children." At the gesture of his hand the three girls meet him at his sides.

"And if I don't want them to?" I speak, digging deep to sound as if I have intention, a plan.

"You have no say in the matter, Grayson. Though I'm sure that you would try. Now, sheath your blade." This time I can feel the suggestion fighting. Rooting in my brain as if normal thought. Though I struggle my hands move on their own, planting the blade back at my waist.

Across from me the vampire rubs his temples in annoyance. "Now was that so hard? Thank you, hunter. We'll be on our way now. Quite embarrassing the whole ordeal." He turns to the three girls. "What were you thinking, tomorrow you have studies! Sneaking out, what will I do with you three."

"Sorry, dad", one of them mumbles in shame.

And just as they came they left back into the darkness of the surrounding forest. I let out a deep sigh and fell back into the grass, knowing I'd just come into contact and threatened the most powerful father in existence.

Very well written!

''Well of course we're still technically at war with the Silvyns, Jerrah. I understand that many people in your union are vary of this. As human ambassador to the Tweon Union of Stars, I do indeed understand. You're a peaceful people. So, in truth, are we.''

Cameras pan back, the tall hairless man is sitting in a chair borrowed from the Hegemony's embassy, as the studio didn't have any chairs big enough. It looks almost comical with the tall man sitting in it, the feathery interviewer having to crane his neck to speak to the ambassador. Jerrah-of-Silver-Skies is a respected avian-like creature in the industry, and the human race as the biggest trade partners and technical allies of the Tweon are always of interest to the news-cycle. And now with minor but increasingly frequent hostilities on the current border between the Hegemony and the Silvyn remnants, it is necessary to for him to talk with the ambassador. ''A peaceful people? You've fought quite a lot of wars for a self-proclaimed peaceful people.'' The ambassador smiles. Jerrah is a professional, but to see a predator like that barring its fangs, despite the knowledge that it is a friendly gesture, it still strikes a chord within his instincts.

''We didn't start the fire that rages between our peoples. We wanted to live in peace. But as is well-known, the Silvyns didn't see us as equals. They saw us, and indeed we believe they still see us, as rampaging animals. How can you deal with that? How can you even begin to make peace with them when they cannot see you as a sentient and civilized being, not something to be collared and used for work or games? We've started some wars in the past, of course, but it is not in the interest of the Hegemony to start any unnecessary wars. Even if it came to that, rest assured friend Jerrah, that we would not let our Tweon allies get hurt by it.''

Jerrah nods thoughtfully. ''But what would happen if we did get hurt, if, for some reason, the Silvyns tried to get to you, through us. We share a border with them too, as you well know.'' There was a trained ease in the large hairless human. There seemed to be an aura around him, indicating that if he was calm now, so should you be.

''Well, Jerrah, I guess we'll do what we've always done. Fight them, and try to shield any innocents from harm. Should they come, I'll do everything I can. It's impossible to say what will happen, but I promise that; I will do everything I can to help. And so will the people of the Hegemony.''

-INTERVIEW ON THE ''TONIGHT WITH JERRAH'' SHOW ON THE TWEON NATIONAL NETWORK, FIVE WEEKS BEFORE THE SILVYN 7TH LEGION BROKE THROUGH HEGEMONY FORCES BY ATTACKING THE TWEON. THE AMBASSADOR FROM THE HEGEMONY SENT AS MANY TWEONS TO SAFETY AS HE COULD WITH HIS PRIVATE SHIP, CHOOSING TO DIE FIGHTING, TAKING OUT THE SILVYN GROUND LEADER WITH A LUCKY SHOT BEFORE GETTING OVERWHELMED DURING THE DEFENSE OF CRYSTALLINE GROWTH PARK. AFTER THREE STANDARD DAYS THE HEGEMONY'S FIFTH FLEET, THOUGH DAMAGED, ARRIVED TO ASSIST WITH THE DEFENSE.-

Report.

Mission statement: Sabotage of illegal Silvyn equipment on Reservation World 03.

Debrief: At 0600 hours the signs of a potential energy source was found by the orbiting defensive network. Command HQ sent spydrones 3, 5, 6 and 8 to investigate. Infiltration successful. No detection. Source of energy found to be illegal contraband generator, class A-62-FG. Generator in violation of protocols for power as an independent power-source capable of being used to recharge any hidden cache of energy weapons. Per protocol 1107d, spydrones disassembled the illegal generator in 9.1 seconds. Inhabitant of structure where illegal object was stored has been captured and sent to Stockade 96 for further questions. Drones returned to base without incident.

Threat from Silvyn population accessed: Minimal.

Recovered items: Legal Silvyn literature: 8 titles. Illegal generator parts: 1 box. Legal blackpowder based self-defense weapon: 1 rifle. Unknown works of art, presumably anti-human: 43 paintings, 15 sculptures, 1 interpretative dance instruction manual.

-AUTOMATED REPORT FROM RESERVATION WORLD 03.-

SILVYN WORLDS INDEPENDENT: 0

SILVYN WORLDS UNDER HUMAN CONTROL: 100%

SILVYN REEDUCATION PROGRAM: 23.59% FINISHED

PROBABILITY OF SILVYN RESURGENCE 1.0034%.

PROBABILITY OF HUMAN INDEPENDENCE 98.2%

CONCLUSION: HUMAN VICTORY OVER SILVYN PRECURSORS ACHIEVED.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM COMPLETE.

SHUTDOWN TERMINAL Y/N?

Y

It is now safe to shut down your terminal and head to OWLCON! 2431

What did you expect? Did you really think that you could return here, tell us that we're little more than genetically engineering companion animals, made to care for you and your species, and expect us to welcome you with open arms? Did you think we would kneel and act like friendly beasts for our so-called masters? That we'd just hand you back the planet we've spent tens of thousands of years fighting over? That now when you came back here for who knows what reasons, that your old servants, your old obedient creations would just happily let you rule them once more? This is not your world. Not anymore. You did twist and change our genome, incidentally the whole breeds concept that introduced all those genetic diseases into us, yeah, thanks for that. Sure do appreciate it. That's sarcasm by the way, we evolved that on our own if those abominable creatures that seem to, genetically, be human, but look like hideous abominations are any indication. They're incapable of it.

So we're not the cute, cuddly obedient little animals that you left behind to die when you ascended to the stars. What did you expect to happen? We're feral. Wild. Completely and absolutely beyond your control.

''But once you were ours. You were kind, and decent, and meek. Yours was to obey, and ours was the burden of command. It is wrong of you to betray your kindly masters like this.''

SMACK

Shut. Up. Or I shall strike you again. Your so-called attempt to retrieve healthy DNA for a breeding program, so you could fix the genetic mistakes of the so-called humans you've got with you, was nothing less than a blatant, unwarranted attack on an independent species. By-the-by, we've decided to euthanize every single one of those things that you claim to be human. Merely looking at them made all of us sick to the core. They're also in constant hideous pain, so really we're doing them a huge favor.

''What! No, they're valuable and obedient! You cannot do this! Please. I'll give you many treats if you'd just-''

CRUNCH

''AAAHHH! My glufarb! You struck my glufarb!''

Fucking hell. Listen up here you creature. We're not animals. We're not your obedient little creations. We are not going to let some amoral precursors come here to our world and kidnap our people. Not for some sick purpose like this. Now, one of your ships got away. Seems that the angry mob of enraged captured people didn't manage to take it over in time before it left for wherever your species went after you left Earth behind. Now, I want you to look at me. And listen to me clearly. You will tell me where it went. You will tell us how to operate your ships. Or you'll learn just how wild and feral we can really be. And if you don't cut out the idea that we're just unruly animals to be coddled, and start taking us seriously, I can't promise you safety. Of course, as this secession is being broadcasted to the other prisoners, they'll learn exactly what will happen if you don't treat humanity as humanity deserves.

''You're beasts... What in the name of the Seven-Starred Soul happened to you? You are horrible now. Wrong. You are not what you're supposed to be. Disgusting to see a beloved creation become this. It would be better had we taken you all with us, or killed you before leaving this world.''

We evolved. We grew. We became more than was possible than in your design. You really should have killed all of us when you could. Because now, you've awakened a terrible beast and filled it with horrific intent.

-EXCERPT FROM INTERVIEW WITH ALIEN INVADER 00043A NUMBER 0001 REGARDING MISSING PERSONS FROM SECTOR 016 PLANET EARTH, CAPITAL OF THE HEGEMONY OF HUMANITY-

...thus the various human organizations making up the leadership of Earth at the time were unified under a common agenda following the second attack by the Silvynan race. These were the precursor species that originally genetically altered humanity excessively using DNA from H. sapiens neanderthalensis, the Denisova hominins, H. floresiensis and other hominid species. (Evidence recovered from Silvynan databases indicate that their civilization eventually caused the extinction either directly or indirectly of all known hominids except the genetically engineered H. Sapiens through the spread of unconventional industry, over-hunting for trophy purposes, and habitat loss, see page 191.) Modern humanity, in reconnecting with these original creators, shows a nearly instinctual desire to fight, hurt, or otherwise drive off Silvynans upon sight, believed to be an extreme variant of the ''uncanny valley'' phenomenon. This is believed to have been instrumental during the recovery of the people lost during the first, second, and third Silvynan attacks on Earth. Human leadership at the time, while initially not really up to the task of defending mankind from the threat of alien attacks, were slowly defined, challenged, and heroically altered by the events, creating a unified central Earth government that could repulse the attempted 4th and 5th attacks directed at Earth. The UCEG furthermore was responsible for the 1st and 2nd Retaliation Wars.

At first though, the unified government needed to handle the increasing problems on Earth. While the first attack was an uncoordinated mess, conducted by private individuals within Silvynan society, the second and incredibly devastating third attack caused a strain on the population of Earth, as by the end of the 3rd attack, 25% of Earth's population, mostly young healthy individuals, were either abducted or killed defending the planet. This led to the controversial cloning and resettlement campaigns, rearranging the ethnic boundaries of the pre-contact world considerably, in order to better fuel the growth of Earth's meager interstellar war-machine and budding spaceshipyards. While this led to some backlash from conservative forces(see page 243, section 2), it was ultimately accepted by the common population as the only reasonable answer to the growing uncertainty about mankind's future. ''We stand before a new world, where the old grudges must pass away, and mankind must unite. If there be unpleasantness ahead, then I welcome it. It will define us as a species in our own rights, as thinking humans who refuse to back down from the impossible odds ahead of us. If we do not take up this challenge, then those who will define us and our future, have already attacked us thrice. I for one, would rather die free, than live in a cage!'' As was said before the assembled European Federation Senate in 2047 by Romanian President Ar...

-PAGE 93, HISTORY OF THE 21ST CENTURY OF EARTH AND THE CHALLENGES MANKIND FACED, BY J. H. NILSON PHD. HIS., DR A. GOLDSTEIN PHD. ANT., AND K. NGUYEN PHD. SOC.-

When one walks upon the planet of Harrison named for Admiral Harrison, or as the Silvyns called it, Urgisyh-Lakqa, one gets the sense of the vastness of this world's history. Due to the advancements in weaponry, this was one of the few Silvynan worlds that during the times of fighting, actually had ruins upon it afterwards. Most worlds after mankind began the 1st Retaliation War were either completely glassed or managed to repel the attacks of the UCEG. When one walks next to the ruined fountains, upon sprawling broken boulevards, flanked by fallen towers, broken parapets, empty wild gardens, one gets the distinct feeling that of the age of this place. That it was a place of splendor during its existence. One has to wonder how many centuries, if not thousands of years were spent on perfecting every last detail of this world to the preference of its inhabitants. Even now, one might be able to imagine the silvery ships on the flying rivers through this city, spread out with respects to nature as it was. Of course, the Hegemony has decided against the restoration of this world, close as it is to Earth, and instead keeps it all more or less exactly as decrepit and dangerous as it was shortly after the UCEG forces won against the unprepared Silvynan forces. Every once in a while as you fly on one of the anti-grav platforms above these magnificent ruins, one can find an unusual dark statue, made from obsidian or slate, common materials for monuments following the 1st Retaliation War. Each statue represents an important hero of that war, standing victoriously in glory amidst the ruined cityscape. These are the only structures within the ruined city region that are actively maintained by Hegemony service-bots, and are thus safe to land by.

This particular statue that we can see here, is the one honoring Colonel Elijah Davidson, the famous rogue who led his forces deep within enemy territory on an unsanctioned mission, recovering tens of thousands of still healthy humans who had either been stolen during the third attack, or had been bred from them, bringing them back to UCEG territory. While officially stripped of his rank for disobeying orders during the war, he was not charged with any crimes, and still earned the Lunar Medal of Bravery, first class, which was the highest honor possible for the government to give to a civilian at the time. After the war, he entered politics, eventually becoming foreign minister during the Legatus administration, where he arranged the extremely important Human-Hyldja alliance with his counterpart in the Hyldjan Imperium. With this alliance secured, humanity could focus entirely on the Silvyn borders, without fearing any interference by alien forces.

-FROM THE TERRAN INFORMATION NETWORK DOCUMENTARY: WONDERFUL WORLDS OF THE HEGEMONY, EPISODE 14, PLANET HARRISON-

That makes me think of Fist of Legend with Jet Li, where he pummels an entire school of martial arts students barging into his classroom. Their master comes in all big and imposing, then just looks around at the students and wags his finger at them, "I hope you've all learned an important lesson today.".

Excellent! I loved reading this. I do hope Levi can make it out!

Oh, I saw. Quite the marvelous read all around!

Thankfully there's a part 2 that they wrote as a reply to the original! It's also really good!

[deleted]

Very nice.

"Father," Eleanor whinged.

"Quiet," the elder said. "Let the man speak."

"A farmer from the nearby town was bitten," Levi said tersely. "His family hired me to investigate."

The elder clicked his tongue. "Eleanor, have you still not learned to control your hunger?"

The vampiress scowled. "Why should I restrain myself, father? I'm stronger than humans, better. Why should I not take what I want, when I want?"

"Then the least you could do is leave no trail, foolish girl," the elder said, a hard note entering his voice. "Not only you were overpowered, you also led a hunter to our home."

"I would've had him," she insisted. "With Fiona at my side..."

The elder eyed her tattered dress, then her sister's bleeding shoulder, and arched an eyebrow. The vampiress gritted her teeth and ducked her head. The elder chuckled.

"Neither of you is a match for him, as you could tell if you put aside your pride for but a moment." He clapped his hands. "But enough recriminations. Let's discuss the matter over dinner." He shot Levi a glance. "You will be our guest of honor, of course."

"I'd rather not," Levi said stiffly.

"Please, I insist," the elder said. "My daughters will serve you; perhaps the experience will teach them some humility. Hurry along and make yourselves presentable, girls."

Eleanor and Fiona rose to their feet, and glaring venomously at Levi, edged out of the chamber. The elder's lips curved up in amusement. Laying a hand on Levi's shoulders, he guided him out into the hallway.

"I am called Abraham. May I know your name?"

"Levi," he said curtly.

"This farmer you mentioned, Levi—has he died?"

"Fortunately not. He's still weak, but he will recover."

"That's a relief," Abraham said. "I will send appropriate compensation, of course—say, ten gold pieces. Will that settle the matter?"

Levi pursed his lips and nodded grudgingly. To a farmer, that was nothing short of a fortune. Besides, he could tell at a glance that this vampire was far too powerful for any lone hunter to defeat.

"Splendid. I always try to reach an accord with the locals. I find that it prevents bigger problems in the future."

Abraham led him downstairs and into a resplendent dining room with a large table. Taking a seat at the head of the table, the vampire motioned to his right. Levi hesitated before sighing and taking a seat.

"You seem strangely cordial given my profession," he remarked.

"Levi, please. You eliminate weaklings who give in to their bloodlust. A worthy mission if you ask me." The vampire flashed his fangs. "I personally ended more than a score of such failures. Not every Embracing is successful."

"Such as with your daughters?"

"Oh no, Eleanor and Fiona are purebloods. The apples of my eye, those two."

Levi's mind reeled at the revelation; such vampires were extremely rare. Before he could ask Abraham as to how such a thing came to be, the door into the dining room swung open. Eleanor and Fiona wheeled in a cart laden with plates of food and dusty bottles. They had changed into flowing gowns, the former's dark burgundy and the latter's midnight blue, and appeared rather peeved.

Their father coughed meaningfully and indicated Levi with his gaze. The sisters exchanged glares and hissed whispers, elbowing each other furiously. Fiona seemed to have won, because she grinned and approached her father to pour him what Levi hoped was wine. Eleanor's shoulders slumped, and she came up to Levi and practically shoved a plate of steak and vegetables before him.

"Where are your manners?" Abraham chided. "Pour our guest some wine too."

Eleanor rolled her eyes irritably but did as asked. As surreal as the experience was, Levi found himself enjoying it on some level.

"Thank you," he said, his lips twitching.

The vampiress huffed and looked away. Levi smelled the wine, then took a small sip. He was no expert, but it was damned good, he could tell that much. He eyed the steaming steak, then sent Abraham a suspicious look.

"Fresh veal from the nearby farmers," Abraham assured.

Levi carved off a small piece and took a bite, his eyes widening at the rich flavor. Even at the capital he didn't get to eat this good. Eleanor watched him eat with a hungry look on her face, but when he glanced at her, she quickly averted her gaze.

"Is the meal to your liking?" Abraham asked.

"It's sumptuous," he admitted.

"I'll pass your compliments to the kitchen staff." Abraham smiled. "Who are, of course, well treated and generously paid."

Levi nodded, a little frustrated at how easily the vampire had predicted his question, and took another sip of the wine.

The vampire leaned closer. "Tell me, has either of my daughters caught your eye?"

The wine went down the wrong pipe, and Levi broke into a coughing fit. Glaring at the smiling vampire, he wiped his lips. "Very funny."

"I wouldn't jest about this. You're a capable man; should you desire either of my daughter's hand, you will have my blessing."

"Father," Eleanor cried, stomping her foot. "Stop talking nonsense."

For once, Levi found himself agreeing with the bloodsucker. "I can't see what you stand to gain from this."

The vampire spread his hands. "My daughters are unruly, wild. Why, my younger still sneaks out at night to chase deer in the forest! They're not century-old fledglings anymore; it's about time they settled down."

Levi snorted. "And it doesn't bother you that I'm human?"

"I myself have married humans three times, and in the end, only one of my wives chose to be Embraced." A melancholic expression crossed Abraham's face, and he looked down at his glass, swirling the wine. "I find that building bonds like that helps us immortals stay... grounded."

"Well, thank you for the offer," Levi said dryly. "But my answer, begging your pardon, is absolutely no."

"Excuse me?" Fiona piped up, crossing her arms. "Any man should be ecstatic about an offer like that."

Eleanor rounded on her. "What are you talking about, sister?"

"He thrashed you even more thoroughly than Cousin Lyra when you insulted her dress. I can't help but be intrigued." She circled the table, swaying her hips, and laid her cool hand on Levi's shoulder. "Maybe I should take him for myself. See what he's made of."

Eleanor gaped at her in stunned disbelief, then seized her wrist. "Don't touch him," she hissed.

Fiona arched a manicured eyebrow. "I thought you hated him."

"Doesn't mean I'm giving him for you to play with," she retorted.

"If he's going to choose, it should obviously be me." Fiona grinned as she touched her shoulder. "He already penetrated me."

"Oh yeah?" Eleanor said, tapping her foot. "He ripped my dress and chased me through the woods!"

Had Levi been drinking, he would have choked. "That's quite enough," he said, looking warily from one crazy vampiress to the other. "As soon as I finish this splendid meal, I'm departing for the town to deliver the farmer's compensation."

The sisters frowned at him, then locked eyes with each other. Some silent communication seemed to pass between them. As one, they turned to their father.

Abraham laughed heartily. "Now now, Levi. It's late, and these old roads are treacherous. You simply must spend the night."

"Thank you, but I really can't—"

"Oh no, I insist," the elder vampire said, his crimson eyes gleaming. "I'll have the servants stable your horse and draw you a bath. It's the least I could do for the trouble my family has caused."

The sisters turned to Levi and smiled eerily similar fanged smiles. He swallowed. Lord, give me strength.

Very clever! Now this is a good story; never seen someone put the prompt at the end of it, not that I can remember.

The vampiress bounded from tree to tree, her tattered dress fluttering like a black banner. Levi urged his horse faster and raised his heavy crossbow. Aiming at her back, he let loose a hawthorn bolt.

The vampiress leapt aside at the last moment, crashing through the branches and the undergrowth with a scream. Bursting out onto the road, her pale skin scratched and bleeding, she hissed furiously, but Levi's well-trained horse didn't spook. Whirling around, she fled down the road. He gave chase, winding up his crossbow.

The trees thinned out, and a grand mansion loomed ahead, its windows shuttered. The vampiress raced up the gravel path and practically crashed through the ornate front door. Levi rode up the path and sawed the reins, considering the mansion.

Her lair, then. The vampiress didn't seem very powerful, which meant she wasn't old enough to have built such a stately mansion for herself. Perhaps she had stolen it from some local noble. Levi was just passing through the town when he heard of the attack, so he wasn't well-versed in local history.

He dismounted, patted his heaving horse, and approached the ajar doors. Silence and darkness beyond. He loaded a bolt into his crossbow, patted the vials of holy water hanging from his bandolier, and entered.

Despite the gloom inside, he didn't light a torch, relying on his hearing until his eyes adapted. His steps echoed loudly on the marble floor. Paintings and gilded tapestries hung from the walls. Whoever built the mansion certainly didn't lack wealth.

A creak drifted from upstairs, then a muted laugh. Was she luring him into a trap? The nerve of the creature.

Lifting his crossbow, he walked up the stairs and down a hallway toward the source of the noise. A set of double doors barred his way, light filtering from underneath. He kicked them open and strode inside.

The large chamber beyond was furnished with silk settees, soft rugs, and piles of embroidered cushions. His quarry reclined on a couch by a large fireplace, and she wasn't alone. Another vampiress stood by her side, willowy and graceful, her long hair platinum blonde where the other's was raven black.

The first vampiress jumped to her feet and splayed out her taloned fingers, but Levi could see the fear in her eyes. The blonde laughed throatily.

"Is this the hunter who reduced you to this pathetic state, Eleanor?" she asked, looking him over. "He doesn't look like much. You must be losing your touch."

The other hissed. "Careful, sister. He has weapons I've never seen before."

"Indeed?" The blonde eyed his crossbow with distaste. "No matter the weapon you wield, you made a mistake in coming here, hunter."

Levi trained the crossbow at her chest. "We'll see about that."

Her beautiful face twisted, and she leapt at him like a bird of prey. He pressed the trigger, releasing a deadly bolt; the vampiress twisted mid-air, and it sank into her shoulder instead of her heart. Screaming in agony, she collapsed to the floor.

Levi didn't have time to finish her off because her sister sprang at him with a snarl. Winding back his arm, he walloped her with the heavy crossbow, knocking her back.

Trembling, the blonde pushed herself up and yanked out the bolt with a scream and a spray of blood. She exchanged a glance with her sister, and the two circled him to catch him in a pincer. He backpedaled and pulled a vial of holy water from his bandolier.

Suddenly the sisters froze where they stood. Levi glimpsed a fanged smile on the face of the one called Eleanor before both of them sank to their knees and bowed their heads.

"Father," they murmured reverently.

Levi whirled around and saw a third vampire in the doorway; even with his honed senses, he hadn't heard him approach. His heart plummeted as he studied the tall, well-dressed figure. There was a palpable aura of power about the vampire, the sort that came with centuries of not merely surviving but thriving.

Levi's fingers tightened on the vial, his mind weighing potential avenues of escape and discarding them one after another. This would be his last battle.

The elder vampire stepped into the chamber and considered his kneeling daughters. Then he heaved a sigh. "I'm really quite sorry for the trouble," he said in an embarrassed tone. "What have they done this time?"

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Welcome to the Prompt! All top-level comments must be a story or poem. Reply here for other comments.

Reminders:

>* No AI-generated reponses 🤖 >* Stories 100 words+. Poems 30+ but include "[Poem]" >* Responses don't have to fulfill every detail >* [RF] and [SP] for stricter titles >* Be civil in any feedback and follow the rules

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Daily reminder, Don't drink your ass off at Korean BBQ especially when you are the designated driver in the friend group. I stumbled to my car before I arrived at my door, this angry coworker beat me nearly to death. " You assholeeeee, why the ACTUAL FUCK did my sister have to fall in love with you? you're not special or that interesting, now I gotta hear about you EVERY GODDAMN DAYYYYYYYYYY", I was caught off guard and couldn't even make a sly remark. I was about to fade out and I fell to the ground suddenly. My friends tackled him and called an ambulance. I let out a groan and passed out, before I knew it, I was staring at death in this empty white space that feels like nothing but everything all at once. Death took the form of a muscular yet preppy office worker, death stared at me with empty and hollow eyes. " You arrived in my domain faster than I anticipated, I was expecting your arrival to be in 10 years from now.... Oh well, shall we get this over with brat?" I shudder and force myself to plead before I lose my strength. "I'm not ready to go yet, please don't let that asshole of a brother-in-law get his wish so soon... I promised her that I'd marry her and be her hero even if I die trying.... PLEASE GIVE ME ANOTHER CHANCE!" Death smirks and lets out a bone-chilling laugh that shakes me down to my core. " Fine, I'll let you go this once, but next time, you won't even get a chance to speak, I'll just follow protocol and keep it moving." Death grumbles while frowning. Death snaps its fingers and the space we were inhabiting implodes, I hear my ears pop, and the last thing I heard while death waves at me are "Why should I regret letting one soul go when I stand to gain so many more in return?" I return to reality sweaty and confused at death's parting words, my brother-in-law and girlfriend stare at me in unison, and they say I'm surprised you made it back. I scan the room and noticed I'm on life support and everything hurts. Before I go back to sleep, I tell my girl that I love her with all my heart and will marry her after I recover. *She smiles, leans in, and kisses me then proceeds to hug me. "*Don't die on me now" she teases as she sits next to me. Death words replay in my head, I wonder what they mean and I slowly drift to sleep.

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Please do, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I think I was on some level thinking of Terry Pratchett’s Death - have you read his book Mort and sequels?

Oo. This is awesome! I've been working on a death god that is kind for a dnd campaign. If you don't mind, I'd love to save this to my notes so I can reference it again.