Tiberiusvampirestory

From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe

It’s something of a habit. Almost like a pre-flight check before a mission. I stand outside of myself and look myself over.

My hair is shoulder length and shaggy. I used to wear it much shorter when I was in the Legions but living for thousands of yeaars, I've relaxed somewhat.

My face is the same. I had expected it to change. I thought it would get longer, higher cheek bones, perhaps even a gentle point to the ears… but no, I am the same as I have always been. Except, older now. There are a few signs of age, some laugh lines around the eyes, but not bad. The sun glasses I’ve had for years. They are wraps, with a red rubberized frame and gold tinted mirror lenses. As many hits to the face as I’ve taken, they’ve never broken. I guess they’re special like me.

My armor is crimson and gold. It’s made up of technological and magickal components that I’ve collected over the years. The protection of the armor is superfluous. I’m a tough little bastard. The armor just makes some things easier.

A scarlet cape flows from my shoulders. Cloaks have found their way back into popular fashion but mine’s almost a classic Superhero type. It’s fastened on either clavicle by a gold disk. Mystical symbols in yellow line the edge.

My awareness shifts back into my body and I feel ready to go. The ground falls away beneath me and the night air rushes past my face. I wish it was day time. I always wish it was day time.

The ruins lay below me and I touch down outside the door. The door is broken, cast aside. But no looters come here. Even they know better.

I make my way inside. The upper chamber looks like a Roman bath house. But the marble is shiny black and the baths are all empty. In the middle of the room are stairs leading down. I pause at the top, staring into the blackness below. The stairs descend into darkness like the entrance to a crypt and I can smell the stench of unlife. Being a champion of the living, it makes me want to retch.

Oh well, I guess there’s a reason I was the one they decided to send in here.

The chamber below is massive. It’s much larger than the outside would lead you to believe. You can’t even see the far walls. It’s the same black marble as above but the floor is lined with pews like a church. The pews are hewn from grey granite.

I reach a wall and there is an altar there. The sudden appearance of … people… from behind the altar startles me. I raise my blades defensively and back-pedal a few steps. But they make no move to attack. The first one is female and she looks almost amused. Their minds are open to me. They will not attack unless I give them reason.

“Jarmin”.

It is their name and I hear in my mind.

Torches are being lit and from the opposite side of the chamber I see another group emerging from the altar on that wall as well.

“Delos”.

To the South…

“Feeny”.

To the North…

“Vandal”.

The Vandals are the leaders and their Head acknowledges me.

“These are the Clans of the Night”.

I nod.

“You seek the *********. It lies beyond, I will show you”.

I nod again and follow.

“Vale, Nightmare, follow”.

The one called Nightmare has black curls to his shoulders. His clothing is a mix of Victorian and black leather. He is a walking cliché. Fucking Vampires. But he’s strong enough to present himself however he wants.

As he falls in behind me he sniffs the air. I feel his hunger. He’s going to lose it. Even the Head can’t control him. I’m not sure if he speaks aloud or I just hear him.

“Do you drink? Did your mother drink? How clean is your blood”?

They aren’t used to anything being faster or stronger than them so my reaction caught him by surprise. I spin and the back of my hand shatters his jaw. He’ll have trouble feeding for a while.

He lays on the floor, stunned. He’s used to being king of the jungle but now it’s time to put the fear of God into him. Time to remind him why he hides in the dark.

I raise my sunglasses and pure Solar Energy pours out. Nightmare screams and the others shield their eyes. I lower my shades before I destroy him. As the smoke clears I can see he is shaken to the core. Nothing has ever scared him like this, not even when he was turned.

“My blood? I carry the Sun in my veins. My blood will end you. Now leave me be”.