Without a creator

Nebula took a seat, her gaze fixed intently on George as she began to explain. "What you've become is extraordinary, George. Some would say you're the devil's favorite cousin, others might call you the last demon made. Some would simply label you a blood sucker. But across all cultures, you're known as a vampire."

George's face remained impassive, showing neither shock nor surprise. Nebula cocked her head, realization dawning. "You already knew these things, didn't you?"

George turned away, moving to the living room where he collapsed onto the couch, head in his hands. He shook his head a few times, as if trying to dislodge the thoughts swirling within.

Finally, he looked up at Nebula. "I've known for a while," he admitted, his voice heavy with resignation. "I just... couldn't come to terms with it."

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his gesture. "The signs were obvious. The insatiable thirst for blood, my new reaction to sunlight – everything pointed to me being a vampire. It all made sense, except... it didn't."

George stood up, pacing the room as he spoke. "Nothing actually makes sense. How did a curse turn me into a vampire?! And why wasn't it enough for that witch to kill my wife? Why did she have to do... this to me?" He gestured at himself, arms outstretched in bewilderment.

Nebula remained silent, watching George with a mix of sympathy and understanding. She knew this wasn't easy for him. Humans feared what they didn't understand, and becoming a vampire was a monumental, terrifying leap.

"George," she said softly, "I know this is overwhelming. But understanding what you've become is the first step to controlling it, to making sense of your new reality."

She took a step closer to him, her voice gentle but firm. "The witch who cursed you... there's more to her actions than you know. More to this whole situation than you can imagine right now."

George stopped pacing, turning to face Nebula. "Then help me understand," he pleaded. "You seem to know so much about all of this. Why? How are you involved in all of this?"

Nebula took a deep breath, weighing her words carefully. "I'm involved because... well, because someone needs to be. The supernatural world isn't just vampires, George. There are witches, like me, and other beings you haven't even dreamed of. And sometimes, when a new vampire is created, especially under unusual circumstances like yours, someone needs to step in to guide them."

She paused, letting her words sink in. "I'm here to help you, George. To teach you about what you've become, to help you control your powers, and to protect you from those who might want to harm you – like the vampire you encountered last night."

George's mind reeled with this new information. Witches, vampires, a whole supernatural world hidden from view. It was almost too much to process.

"Okay," he said finally, his voice steadier than he felt. "I'm listening. Tell me everything I need to know about being a vampire. And then," he added, a note of determination entering his voice, "you're going to tell me everything you know about the witch who did this to me. Because curse or no curse, vampire or not, I'm going to find her and get my cure,"

Nebula nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "That's the spirit, George. But first things first – let's start with Vampire 101. Take a seat. This might take a while."

Nebula took a deep breath, settling into her role as instructor. "Alright, George, let's start with the basics. As a vampire, you've gained incredible strength, speed, and heightened senses. You can heal from most injuries at an accelerated rate, and you don't age. Sunlight won't kill you, but it will weaken you significantly."

She paused, making sure George was following. "Your main weakness, of course, is your need for blood. Without it, you'll weaken and eventually fall into a dormant state or worse, go out of control like the last time,"

George nodded, absorbing the information. Nebula's expression turned more serious. "But George, it's crucial you understand this: there are others out there far stronger than you. The vampire you faced last night? He's just the tip of the iceberg. There are ancient vampires with powers you can't even imagine."

George frowned, recalling his recent battle. "Speaking of that vampire, he kept mentioning something about a 'creator'. What did he mean by that?"

Nebula's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, the creator. In vampire society, the one who turns you is known as your creator. They're typically responsible for teaching and guiding their progeny. Creators often hold a position of authority over those they've turned."

She leaned forward, her voice lowering slightly. "The fact that you were turned by a curse rather than another vampire makes you unique, George. It's part of why I'm here. You don't have a traditional creator to guide you."

George's mind raced with this new information. "So, does that mean I'm... weaker? Or less of a vampire somehow?"

Nebula shook her head emphatically. "Not at all. If anything, it makes you more unpredictable. Your powers might develop differently, or you might have abilities other vampires don't. It's uncharted territory."

She stood up, pacing as she continued. "This is why it's so important for you to learn control. Your unique situation could make you a target for those who fear what they don't understand, or those who might want to exploit your potential."

George sat back, trying to process everything. "Okay," he said slowly. "So I'm a vampire without a creator, potentially with unique powers. What does that mean for me going forward? And how do I... you know, feed without hurting people?"

Nebula smiled, appreciating his concern. "That's where I come in. I'm going to teach you how to control your thirst, how to feed safely, and how to harness your new abilities. It won't be easy, but I promise you, George, you're not alone in this."

She paused, her expression turning more serious. "But remember, there's still a lot we don't know about your particular situation. The witch who cursed you, the reasons behind it – these are mysteries we'll need to unravel together. Are you ready for that?"

George stood up, a new determination in his eyes. "I'm ready. For all of it. I need to understand what I've become, and why this happened to me and Carmen. Whatever it takes, I'm in."