Ethan's gift

With heavy hearts but lighter minds, Aiden and Ethan returned to their shared room. Aiden's revelations hung between them, heavy with meaning and consequences.

"So if I understand correctly," Ethan summarized, sitting on his bed, "you need blood to keep control and stay at the top of your abilities?"

Aiden nodded, looking somber. "That's right. Without blood, I weaken, and my thirst becomes harder and harder to control. I'm afraid of what I might do if I were to snap."

Ethan remained silent for a moment, thinking intensely. Then he looked up, a determined glint in his eyes, and an amused expression.

"Then drink mine."

Aiden startled, shocked.

"What? No, out of the question! I can't do that to you!"

But Ethan continued. "Listen, you need blood and I'm volunteering. I'd rather you drink mine than attack someone out of desperation. Besides, we're friends, right?"

Aiden felt his throat tighten with emotion.

"But what if I don't stop in time? If I hurt you?"

Ethan shrugged.

"I trust you. And at worst, I'll knock you out with my gravity if you go off the rails. Come on, don't be a blushing virgin and get over here." Then, laughing, he added, "But go easy, it's my first time."

He held out his bare wrist, determined. Aiden hesitated a moment longer, then, overcome by thirst and his friend's insistence, approached. With infinite care, he took Ethan's arm and brought it to his lips. His canines elongated, brushing the tender skin. He cast one last look at Ethan, seeking his approval.

"Go ahead," the latter breathed, confident.

It was like an electric shock through his entire body. The blood, hot, thick, slid down his throat like the nectar of the gods, quenching the furnace of his thirst, a weight lifting from his shoulders. He felt his strength return, the fatigue receding like a tide.

He drank with restrained avidity, struggling not to get carried away by the frenzy of hunger. And all the while, Ethan remained still, a solid rock in the storm, offering him what he needed without judgment or fear.

After a few gulps that seemed both an eternity and a fraction of a second, Aiden pulled away, gently wiping his mouth. He contemplated the wound that was already closing thanks to his power and felt a wave of unspeakable gratitude.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice hoarse with emotion. "You can't imagine what this means to me."

"One step at a time, that's what friends are for," Ethan replied with a smile, despite the slight pallor of his face. "We'll find a way to feed you without you having to hurt anyone. I promise you." Then, he added, "Or else, other ways a bit less correct, I might have a few plans that I'll tell you about later."

Aiden returned his smile, feeling for the first time in a long time a little lighter, a little more in control. He felt a subtle change in himself, like a puzzle piece finally fitting into place.

A notification appeared in his peripheral vision:

"Congratulations, you were able to consume blood from a new person. All your characteristics increase by 1 point:"

Name: Aiden

Species: Dhampir

Level: 7

Exp: 0/640

Health: 230/230

Strength: 16

Agility: 21

Intelligence: 13

Endurance: 20

Skills:

Enhanced Night Vision

Close Combat: Level 2

Points to allocate: 0

Aiden remained pensive for a moment in front of this information, measuring the implications. Each type of blood he drank seemed to bring him different benefits. What if this was the key to progressing, to becoming stronger without losing control?

A fleeting thought crossed his mind. Those older students like the one he had confronted, those bullies who harassed the weaker ones... Wouldn't they deserve to be the prey of the predator he was becoming? By taking a little of their blood, he could put them in their place while becoming more powerful.

As if he had read his thoughts, Ethan put a hand on his arm.

"Hey, I see those gears turning in your head. Whatever you're considering, we'll do it together, okay? You're not alone anymore. And if you're thinking the same thing as me, like something related to the kind of guy from earlier, I had the same thought, and it seems like an excellent plan to me," added Ethan, a sadistic smile on his face. "I can't stand that kind of guy, so it'll make a very good excuse."

Aiden nodded, dispelling the last mists of temptation. Yes, with Ethan by his side, he would find a way.

With a knowing smile, the two friends immersed themselves in the development of a plan.

Ethan, looking at Aiden, said:

"With the blood you just drank, you should hold out for a while. During that time, we'll familiarize ourselves with the school, the people, the rules, and observe a bit to see if other things like this afternoon will happen again, and how often. And after that, we can start choosing a first target, what do you say?"

Aiden thought for a moment about Ethan's proposal. The idea of choosing targets, of delivering justice himself, had something exhilarating about it. Yet, a part of him still hesitated, torn between his desire to do good and the temptation of ease.

"You're right," he finally said slowly. "We can't rush in headlong. We need to be careful, to think through each step carefully. But I like the idea. Giving these tyrants a taste of their own medicine, while becoming stronger to protect those who need it... It's tempting."

Ethan nodded, satisfied.

"Exactly. We'll be shadow vigilantes. The guardians of Elysium. Sounds good, doesn't it?"

Aiden couldn't hold back a laugh at his friend's childlike enthusiasm.

"Don't get too carried away. We're not superheroes yet."

"Come on, enough plotting for today. How about we go train a bit?" he suggested with a smirk. "I can't wait to see what your new skill points are worth against my superpower!"

Aiden returned his smile, feeling the excitement of the challenge rise in him. After all, what better way to relieve tension than a little exercise?

"You're going to eat dust," he retorted, jumping up. "Get ready to discover the dhampir's new power!"

-------

Will this plan be a good or bad idea? They'll soon find out.