Chapter 8-A Great Foe

"Little piggies where are you? I'm sure there are some around here, I can smell them" with zero caution the figure the voice belongs to walks to the clearing.

Hearing the sound behind them, the wolves turn to meet their new prey.

The largest wolf quickly charges the figure. Its mouth salivating from the long wait. Now there is meat right in front of it. Under the cover of darkness, it can use its power. It turns into a shadow beneath its feat and surges forwards. A couple of metres from the target it leaps into the air to sink its teeth into the meaty flesh.

Only this time it finds itself feeling weird. Weightless. The wolf head plops to the floor. Its body a bit behind it.

The man takes three steps forward. Three wolves are bisected plopping to the ground. The last two wolves attempt to flee this monster but within seconds the life burns out of their eyes.

"Ah there you are, in the trees", the voice gleefully remarks at his findings.

Leon clenches his fist drawing blood, his head thumping and his rage boiling, unable to even compare to what he felt just before. His memories begin to whir through his mind, reminding him that right now in front of him lies one of his hated foes.

"Vampire" he utters with disgust.

"Wow, how knowledgeable this little piggy is" the vampire responds, the sarcasm dripping from his mouth.

Unable to hold himself back, Leon leaps towards it, leading with the toxic tipped spike.

"Hmmm, the best way to deal with piglets". While dodging Leon's attacks he brings his fist to meet the other palm, as if some great idea hit him.

"That's right, I knock them unconscious then tie them up".

As he speaks, his left knee is driven into Leon's stomach. The air leaves his lungs as he stumbles back grabbing his stomach.

"Not enough?"

As the vampire steps forward to continue his attack, Leon quickly moves. His hand drives the weapon into the vampire's chest.

After the unexpected attack the man steps back, clutching at his chest.

After a moment he grabs the stick, pulling it out. As the spike is flung into the bush, he makes an exaggerated bow.

"Ta-da" he gestures at the now closed hole.

"Don't you know there are three things that can kill a vampire" feeling the need to lecture him he puts on an act.

"One, the sunlight", he makes a gesture as if he is looking for the sun.

"Two, holy magic. You don't look like one of those old, wrinkled priests".

"Three a vampiric sword. Wait, hold on a moment, I carry the very of my own demise". As he holds out the sword that was at his waist with both hands "how could this be?"

As Leon hurries to continue the attack on the condescending enemy, it speaks once again.

At blinding speed, the blade slices through his chest, a deep mark left horizontally along it.

"However, even if it fell into your hands, it would be but a toy".

Leon's body slumps to the ground. The red gem that he kept as a keeps sake drops to the ground as the chains that held were sliced.

"Valecia, give me strength".

As his battered body drops to the floor, he reaches out to it.

"Silly me, if they die, we can't farm them, you're not dead yet are you?"

As the vampire strides towards him, Leon reaches out for the crystal.

Heartbreakingly, the gem crumbles in his hands leaving only fine particles behind.

At the man's kick, shapes begin to from in his vision, his head feeling like someone is splitting it open.

As the pain continues, Leon's consciousness leaves him.

"Now then should I take this one back first or go and find more and take them together". The man walks in circle as he decides on what he wants to do.

"Wait is he even alive, humans die of the smallest injuries".

"Looks the cut has healed completely, bravo".

'Now I've decided I will tie it up and take it first'. He proceeds to take off the small line of rope from his belt'.

"Where did he go?"

Before the man can turn round a fist embeds itself in his cranium. The force sends him hurtling through the air.

'So, it's another vampire again'.

"Wow the piglet is so full of energy again, maybe this one is a high-quality blood bag".

In response to his words, Leon's fists blaze.

For what can only be an eternity the two figures go blow for blow. Each impact smashes the nearby vegetation. Sparks set a light much of the remaining debris.

"Hoh such vigour, your regenerative abilities seem inhuman". After seeing the brutal blows that had been inflicted on both sides healing, the man can't help but thinking.

'I must start taking this human seriously, Red Thorn has anti-healing properties. It will be the best response'.

'I now have complete control over the flames, next I should-'.

At an instant both disengage but some ten metres between themselves.

The vampire, Alder takes the chance to unsheathe his sword.

"Getting scared, are you?" Leon taunts.

As the vampire attacks Leon's sides, he is suddenly surprised. Dozens of ice crystals form at Leon's side before shooting. Dodging most of the attacks, one of the crystals makes heavy contact with his feet. The ice instantly expands on contact, trapping his foot for half a second. Instantly he sees Leon bearing down upon. Without the option of retreat he decides to focus on offence.

A thin vertical line of blood is quickly formed and pushed forward, slicing Leon's right arm off.

Yet he pushes forward.

Metal spears puncture Alders body pinning his joints. Leon collects one of the spears and slices Alder's right arm. Alder shatters the remaining spears and backs away. The sword that he was holding flung into the air now in Leon's clutches.

"I believe you said this could kill, now it is in my hands".

"Maybe I have unlocked some hidden power and can now tell the future" Alder nonchalantly praises himself.

"But alas it is pointless as such weapons can only be wielded by, wielded by. Hey why is the sword glowing?" Alder stomps his feet at the sudden glow from Red Thorn.

'That would make him a vampire. No, maybe a half-vampire as he has the gemstones all humans have. A tri-attribute half-vampire how interesting. As for this battle dawn will approaching in only a couple of hours, can I beat him without fully showing my hand?'

Breaking up his thoughts, Leon begins his attack as Alder tries to maintain distance.

'Well, it's not like my mission was to fight this one'.

"I let you borrow Red Thorn. An interesting specimen like yourself I will be sure to dine on later".

"Like I am letting you get away, you die tonight".

Leon quickly cuts the distance between the two, preparing to slash him.

"Blood wave".

Disrupting Leon's approach, a large surge of blood crashes out from Alder, hitting everything its path. The wave striking Leon, knocks him back.

By the time the liquid wall has dissipated the vampire is gone.