Hero Stories: A Permanent Mark

...What's going on? Wasn't I just moving Lord Kane's coffin?

Shouldn't we head back now, Mel? The butler said it's dangerous inside the forest.

I must be dreaming about that day... The day my sister and I ventured into the deep forest...

*squeaks weakly*...

Hey, stay still! Your wound will get infected if you keep squirming around like that.

Just a dumb girl who couldn't ignore the whimpers of the weak... That's all I was.

Relax, we've been here before. Besides, you're the one who wanted to come pick flowers for our parents, remember?

I didn't know we'd go this far... Plus, it's getting late. Everyone's going to be worried.

Quit worrying, we just need a few more and we're done.

But if we're going to treat this baby Beaver's wounds properly, we...

*furiously squealing*

That must be its mom and dad! Why do they look so angry?

They must think we're trying to take away their baby.

*loud, angry shrieking*

Abby, look out!

Ugh...

Melissa! Are you...all right? You... You're bleeding so much...

I'm fine! Just stay back... Stay back and hide behind me.

I remember it like it was yesterday. She was trembling in fear, just as scared as I was, yet she still tried to protect me.

BANG! BANG!

Good, they've run away. What were you two thinking, coming to a place like this? Your father was worried sick...

Mister... Melissa, she's hurt. She was trying to protect me and...

Oh, no... Lady Melissa! Medic! We need first aid!

I'm sorry... If I didn't try to save the baby Beaver, you wouldn't have gotten hurt...

Oh, stop it. You know I've always liked that about you, the way you're so kind to everything.

Besides, this is nothing. Any big sister would've done the same. It doesn't even hurt that much.

Stop smiling like that. You're obviously in pain...

I would do it all over again if I had to.

Here, take this flower we found and listen carefully. This is the proof of my promise to you...

...Don't make promises you can't keep.

...No matter what, I'll be there to protect you, Abby.

I thought I had forgotten... But I guess the memory still lingers in my dreams.

This forest hasn't changed at all. If anything, the one that changed is...

I can't believe you can sleep so peacefully when we have people chasing us down as if their lives depended on it. You sure are something else.

They're nothing but a nuisance at best. But you seem to be pretty concerned about them.

What?! Are you trying to imply that I'm actually afraid of them?!

That wasn't my intention.

I'll never get used to that irritating way you speak.

And we keep running into these annoying animals... Are you sure this is the right path? I know for a fact you know this forest inside and out.

You know this fact how?

Lord Kane mentioned it in the past. This is the forest where he met you and bestowed upon you his blessing.

...Yes. I was worthless, but he made me whole.

But rather, I didn't realize you were so interested in me. Now, if only you could take half as much interest in carrying Lord Kane's coffin...

Fine, fine. There's no need to nag me, especially not with that smile on your face.

That was the day I lost everything... If I hadn't met Lord Kane that day...

I wouldn't be here today.

A dead end? There has to be a path down this cliff.

No, I can't. I don't even have the strength to run any more.

I found her tracks! It's that way! Hurry!

That was my last refuge, I thought I'd be safe there... How could this happen?

I didn't think you'd actually come. Do you honestly still believe this land belongs to your kind?

What do you mean? This land belongs to my parents. I have the right to...

As a Human! You had that right as a Human. This land now belongs to m, I mean it belongs to Humankind!

As a Vampire, you're our enemy. Your ilk don't belong here.

How could you...? My parents entrusted you with this land in good faith!

That's enough! Get her! Whoever kills that Vampire will be paid handsomely. Make sure she doesn't escape!

Is this really because our family fell to ruin and I became a Vampire? No... That's just an excuse.

They were always like this. Pathetic Humans, driven by nothing but greed...

Gotcha! Good thing I got here before the others.

I take it you're all trying to kill me because of the bounty on my head?

Exactly. With all that money, I could quit risking my life hunting Vampires and live comfortably for the rest of my life.

I suggest you surrender now. With everyone after you, there's no way you'll make it out alive.

You'd better just hand over your worthless life to us.

So this is what I've been reduced to. A worthless life.

But...I refuse. Why do I deserve to die? Why...

*bones snapping*

This place is infested with pests.

Those clothes... That giant hammer... K-Kane? But why...?

Ah, I see. I'm not the one you're after.

O-Of course... Who would dare go after you? Please, just this once, if you could let us...

Argh...!

Why... Why did you help me?

I was only trying to rid myself of witnesses, at first.

But I have changed my mind. I see before me immense potential, though it is still incomplete.

Incomplete... How did you know?

You have the longevity of a Vampire, but you lack the proper strength of one.

Do you wish to live? Then take this sword and kill that Human.

Kill...? I can't do that!

I will not intervene again. Either you or that lowly Human will die, that much is clear.

You're just going to stand and watch? R-Really?

I've never held a sword before, let alone killed a...

You have no other choice. Taking action is your only road to survival.

I can't do it. How could I kill someone just so I can live...

You'd rather die, then? No, enough with this hypocrisy. Follow your true desire.

Kill for your survival! Kill so that you may walk the path of life!

......

N-no... Don't come any closer. I don't want to die yet!

*gasps*... THUD...

...All my life, I've cared for and nurtured other lives. But this time, I've done the exact opposite.

It's strange... I don't feel sad at all. No remorse, just...

What you've slain just now is not some Human pest, but your weak and feeble past.

Ugh... What are you doing...? Why are you drinking my blood?!

I am simply rewarding you for accepting your new life.

Stay still. It won't take long.

It's like when Melissa turned me into a Vampire... But it's different.

I can feel it. I'm becoming...whole.

*collapses*

Forget your past. And when you awake...

You will be born anew under my command.

These marks... It must've been Humans.

Innocent animals have lost their lives. Poor things...

Ah, c'mon, it's not like they don't have other predators. They just died sooner than expected, is all.

They did buy us time... I suppose their deaths were not in vain.

You know, maybe staying in the forest isn't such a good idea. Oh, I know! We need to find another place to stay!

Have you thought of a particular place?

Nope, but I might as well start now. Let's see, we can't go far because of our mission...

As I expected, you didn't have much thought behind your words.

So what, you have a better idea?

Give me a moment to think. After all, when you act without thinking, your body ends up paying the price...

For now, let's go to the destroyed Human village. I'm sure we'll find a place to hide Lord Kane's coffin there.

Wait, we barely managed to avoid the Slayers and now you want to go back to their territory? You've got to be kidding me.

A lamp does not shine on its own base, as they say.

They would never think to look for us right under their noses.

It's nice to meet you, Elvira. My name is Abigail. I started serving Lord Kane not too long ago.

I'm still learning, but I'll do the best I can.

She doesn't look very reliable. I hope she doesn't get in the way.

Is there something on your mind?

No. You know what we're doing today, right?

Yes, we're here to eliminate the Humans who have recklessly expanded their territory. Shall we get going?

No, I don't want to die...

Oh my... What will you even do without any arms or legs? It will be better for you to just die here in pain.

Smiling during the job? She definitely has a few screws loose. Still, she's not so bad at this after all.

Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?

Oh, no, not at all. You know what? You're more interesting than I thought.

...I'm not sure what you mean, but I'll take that as a compliment. Anyway, we seem to have cleared the area. Shall we head back?

Yes, let's. Staying longer is only asking for more trouble. We finished ahead of schedule, thanks to you!

Oh please, it was nothing. I look forward to working with you again, Elvira.

I remember this place. This is where we first met, right?

The lives of helpless Humans were extinguished and the earth was sown with their blood. It was...a miserable day.

And yet, I remember you thoroughly enjoying yourself that day.

How could I not? You were watching me from behind, as if you were evaluating me.

Was it that obvious? I was just curious about how good you were. We'd be traveling together, after all.

How unexpected. The situation seemed entirely different to me.

What's that supposed to mean? Ugh, forget it, I don't want to know. So, where are we going now?

Let's go to the destroyed village for now. I'm sure we'll find a decent spot there.

I've seen some of Slayers' posts here and there. Never thought I'd be back here of all places.

Let's be careful. We wouldn't want another run-in with them now, would we?

I don't see much of a reason to worry. As long as the Slayers' main force is away...

We can easily deal with individual Humans. Alone, they're weak and pathetic.

You sound pretty on edge today. What's got your feathers in a bunch?

I am acting no different than my usual self. Besides, what I said about the Humans is true.

That may be the case, but we still shouldn't underestimate them.

Or have you already forgotten what happened the last time we let our guard down?

Maintain formation and separate Kane from his minions.

Make no mistake, there are no second chances!

Ugh. They just keep coming and coming. Abigail, go and help Lord Kane!

I wish I could, but these Humans are resisting as if their lives depended on it.

You may be strong, but you won't get through so easily.

We've been training and preparing for this very day!

Kane, the last Vampire Lord... Your death here, on this day...

Will mark the end of this war.

Lord Kane... At the hands of a pathetic Human? This can't be...

Get a hold of yourself! I'll create an opening even if it kills me, go rescue Lord Kane!

We're running out of time! Hurry!

...Of course not. It's not something one would forget.

I still have no idea how they managed to inflict a mortal wound on Lord Kane. But lucky for us, it turns out that nothing is impossible when you're cornered.

The decision you made in that split second... It made me see you in a different light.

*Chuckling* It comes with experi, Hold on, different in what way exactly?

Well... I'll leave that up to your interpretation.

Doesn't feel much like a compliment, but whatever. I'll take it. Anyway, my point is that you shouldn't underestimate Humans.

But you shouldn't cower in fear either, obviously. Like anything, you have to find a healthy balance. Got it?

Of course. Unlike a certain someone I know, I'm a quick learner.

...Attitude aside, just make sure you don't forget. It'll help you one day, that's for sure.

I'm getting tired of playing with you. It's time for you to get out of my sight!

...!

They're like cockroaches... Where do they keep coming from?

We'd better find someplace where the Humans don't set foot. But does such a place even exist?

...There is a place not too far from here.

Huh? And you're saying this now? We could've gone there first!

You never really asked. Besides...

I'd rather stay away from that place.

That place being... Ohhh, THAT place.

Well, unfortunately for you, we can't exactly afford to be picky. Lead the way.

I never thought I'd have to go back there... But it seems I'm out of options.

After all, our top priority is to keep Lord Kane's coffin safe from harm.

Who would have thought there was such a fancy estate in a place like this? Wait, why does it feel familiar?

I take it memory isn't your strong suit. We've been here together before.

Oh, right! I remember now! You completely lost it and slaughtered all the Humans here.

You're omitting some key details...but yes, this is the place where that happened.

I can still see traces of that day here and there. Mmm... And there's even the faint scent of blood hanging in the air.

I guess no one's been here since then, huh? Then again, who would want to come to the site of such a massacre?

This place was formerly the secret estate of the Bloodrose family. Few people knew of it to begin with.

Oh, is that right? Then it's perfect. It's nice and cozy, and best of all, no Humans.

But if this was your family's estate, why did you kill all the Humans living here?

Because they did not deserve to live.

*chuckling* Ah, so it's like that. Well, say no more. We wouldn't want you angry now, would we?

C'mon, lighten up, will you? Sheesh, someone sure knows how to hold a grudge. A change of topic, then. Where should we put Lord Kane's coffin?

I know of a suitable spot. Follow me.

I have no regrets about that day. In fact, I did what I had to do.

Because if I didn't sweep away my past, I wouldn't have been able to move forward.

Alright, I tagged along like you asked. But what business do we have here anyway?

There are personal matters I wish to take care of.

Hmm, this place is crawling with Humans. Thought you might need backup, is that it?

No. I will deal with them myself. I only wanted someone to witness what I have become.

...Have it your way then. Besides, it's not like this requires the both of us. Just don't take too long. I hate waiting.

You don't seem very happy to see me. As I recall, there was a time when you tried to hunt me down. Well, here I am now.

This can't be. You never had the ability to fight...

W-What do we do? We're all that's left.

What do you think?! We kill her and save ourselves! There's no other way.

I see you, too, know the truth... The truth shown to me by Lord Kane.

Ever since my rebirth, I've been asking myself this question: What should I do with this newfound power of mine?

And I've come to a decision. I shall rid myself of the past that has betrayed me.

How does it feel to be hunted by your prey?

G-Get away, you monster! Leave me alone!

A candid reply. I appreciate the sentiment. Now, I did entertain the thought of sparing your life at the very least...

But I'm afraid I cannot. You see, I can't let bygones be bygones just yet.

*groans in pain* I-I was wrong, plea-please forgive me...

*giggling* My, you seem to be in pain. I suggest you endure for a bit longer. Who knows, I might have a change of heart and let you go.

......

You might want to call it a day. The Human's already dead.

I see. A pity.

You made quite the mess, I'll give you that. I knew you were a freak, but this is something else.

So, I take it you're done? This was nice and all, but it'd be great if we could head back now.

Yes, I'm done. Now I have no reason to ever come back.

Wait, no. There is one last place I must go. It won't take long, so please wait.

This place reminds me of that day. It's as if it was yesterday.

I'd received an urgent message and came to the estate as fast as I could. Little did I know I'd be greeted by...

Conwell...and my sister.

Mel...? Where have you been? Everyone's worried about you.

I'm sorry, Abby. I was in a bit of a situation. There was no other way.

Why do you look... No, it can't be.

That's right, I'm a Vampire now. How do I look? Not bad at all, right?

You... What have you done to my sister?!

I merely granted her her wish. It just happened to be aligned with mine.

Make no mistake, I asked her many times. It's an irreversible choice, after all. Regardless, she...

Leave Conwell out of this. It was my choice and mine alone, and I take full responsibility.

I'm leaving with Conwell. It's what's best for our family. Of course, people will still find out sooner or later.

Is this goodbye then? Don't go, Mel... You promised...

You promised you'll always be there to protect me.

Don't worry, Abby. I didn't forget. But could you send me off with a smile for today?

I feel like my future will be all the more brighter if I had your blessing. So please, do this for me, won't you?

...Okay. If that's what you really want...

Thank you, Abigail. You're my one and only beloved sister, and I wanted your blessing, at the very least. You have no idea how happy this makes me.

If you're happy, so am I. But, what's that coffin for?

Oh, it's a gift from Conwell. Supposedly a memento to celebrate the oath of eternity.

It's a bit too large for me, but very comfortable. I can move around all I want! Want to take a look inside?

To be precise, my dear, I let you borrow it, not keep it.

Same thing! Or were you planning on taking it back? That's not romantic at all.

......

I wanted her to stay, but I had to let her go. With Conwell, she seemed...

...Happier than ever.

Abby, how have you been?

Melissa? Wh-What are you doing here?!

Conwell's gone to spend some time in his domain, so I decided to come see my beloved sister!

I'm glad to see you, but you can't be here. After the fiasco, the whole family decided...

To hunt me down, right? They gave in to pressure and agreed to protect the family's honor, or something like that.

Morons. As if that'll ever happen.

But what brought you here? Is everything alright?

Of course. I'm happy, and I'm about to be even happier. In fact, that's why I'm here.

You see, I found a way to keep my promise to you.

Urk...! What is this? Is this b-blood?!

Conwell's. I've been collecting it in secret. I can't do it with my blood alone, but a mixture of Conwell's and mine will do the trick.

Drink this, and you'll become a Vampire like me.

Melissa, stop! I don't want to...!

Why not? Don't you want to live with your dear sister forever?

Of course I do. But this is...

It's okay, Abby. Like I said, no matter what happens, I'll be there to protect you.

And if I'm to protect you from the tyranny of time, turning you into one of us is the only way.

Just take it all in, Abby. For both of our sakes.

I can feel my body transforming. Is this truly what's best for us? Or is this just...

...Ah, I'm...

I'm no Vampire Lord, so for now, the best I can do is to keep you from aging...

But don't worry, I'll always be there to protect you.

......

Neat place! Nobody will find us here. But isn't it strange...?

It's faint, but I can sense a power similar to Lord Kane's. Now, I wonder what was here before...

...Let us go now. We still have Lord Kane's mission to complete.

Right, right! We'd better hurry or else...

They must be here. Surround the building so no one escapes!

But I thought we'd been covering our tracks... How?

Tsk! Now our plan's all ruined!

How naive of you to think that a plan will never have setbacks. Still, you're not to blame for this problem.

After all, nothing in this world can be so easily erased.

Ah, the last survivor, I take it? Good riddance. I was starting to get bored!

The poor thing's trembling in fear. How pitiful.

Let us release this Human from his woes.

Now you're talking! Let's see... There's just so many options.

Talk all you want. You don't have much time left.

My friends must have contacted the Vampire Slayers by now. They're coming for you, and you're as good as dead!

Seriously, why would you say that now of all times? Provoking us won't do you any good you know. Or, was that your plan?

Well, your plan worked, I suppose.

Argh...!

Aww, but I was just getting started. It's no fun if you die so easily.

One should always mind their place, lest they meet an ugly end.

Are you saying that to me? No, you must be talking to the fool who just ended up dead.

I'm glad you're aware. Anyway, we can't stay here any longer. We must change our hiding spot.

But this was the perfect place to hide... Now where do we go...?

We're just missing one last Bloodrose scum. She can't have gone far.

Find her! Not a single Bloodrose must survive!

Is...everyone really dead? Am I the only survivor? How could this happen?

If only Melissa were here, none of this would have happened.

This way! I found her tracks!

Where do I go now...? Can I even make it out of here alive?

*collapses*

Melissa, where are you? You promised you would protect me.

Please save me...from this hell.

We're behind schedule. The ship must have set sail from across the continent by now.

Already? But we haven't prepared at all.

Energy is surging from Lord Kane's coffin!

Elvira, help would be appreciated. If we don't stem the flow now...!

I think we're safe now. By the way, where did you learn to handle a coffin like that?

Is that what's important right now? The energy has already spread throughout the area.

The Slayers could have seen it. Moreover...

SQUEEEAK!

It's drawing in uninvited guests.

I'm glad Lord Kane is recovering, but at this rate it'll be impossible to hide the coffin.

Plus, the more of these creatures there are, the easier it will be for the Slayers to track us down.

*squeak*

These creatures and I will act as bait and distract the Slayers. In the meantime, please find a spot to hide Lord Kane's coffin.

If a decoy is what we need, then wouldn't I be the better option?

Getting the Slayers off our tails is important, yes, but keeping the coffin safe takes priority.

Orrr, you don't think I have what it takes, and you want to deal with them yourself.

You're starting to catch on quickly. Or did I happen to say that part out loud?

...Suit yourself. It's not like I trust you to handle the coffin anyway.

Please find a suitable spot and hide. And don't forget to suppress the energy flowing from the coffin.

Enough with your nagging. I'll do fine on my own.

You, on the other hand, had better make it back alive. I don't think I could bear the second-hand embarrassment if you got yourself killed by some Humans.

A needless concern. Well then, please take good care of Lord Kane's coffin.

I finally took back my family residence from the Humans.

It's nothing but an empty shell of the past, but still, I have to protect this place.

There are only two Bloodroses left in this world. If I don't protect our home...

My sister will wake up to find herself with no place to return to.

It's been a while since I found Melissa's coffin... But she hasn't woken up yet.

Is it because she suppressed her energy to avoid the Humans? Or...

Hmm? How come I don't sense her energy anymore?

Did the Humans find her? Did they take her coffin?!

Strange, there's no sign of entry here. So where's the coffin?

She woke up! That must be it. The residual energy suggests that she woke up a while ago.

But then why didn't she come find me? Where did she go...?

Am I not important to her anymore?

Those vagrants weren't lying after all. We finally found you, the filthy Vampire that stole Kane's coffin!

You seem to be mistaken. You didn't find me. I waited for you.

But since you took so long and made me wait, I need to punish you. I wonder how I should make you pay?

Even when there were two of you, you could do nothing but flee. What do you think you can do on your own? Know your place and surrender.

That way, you won't end up dead like your foolish master. Hehehe...

How foolish you Humans are. You tell yourselves that you know better, yet always make the worst possible choices.

If only you had kept your silence, you could have died a peaceful death. Sadly for you, you won't get to do that anymore.

So much for negotiations. Remember the training, boys. Surround her!

By their numbers, it looks like I've managed to lure in all the Slayers in the area as I planned. This is going to be tough, but I can still manage.

I hope you're ready. Behold! I will show you all the glory of the power Lord Kane bestowed upon me...

The power of blood.

That must be the energy being released from Lord Kane's coffin... Just what exactly is Elvira doing?

Alright, done! Now Abigail can track me down.

But she sure is taking her sweet time. Did the Humans finally manage to skewer her like a pig?

I'm afraid your wish has not been granted.

Ah, she returns! C'mon, you know I was just joking. More importantly, did everything go as planned?

Of course. But I didn't realize you'd be advertising Lord Kane's location for everyone to see.

I did it so you could find us. And it worked, didn't it?

I asked you to hide Lord Kane. Was that so difficult? Or are you trying to lure the Humans in on purpose?

You even chose this spot, of all places. Well, you're certainly making it easy for the Slayers.

Oh, don't be so cross. There shouldn't be anyone nearby anyway if you did your job properly.

And I did, of course. But you ought to always expect the unexpected.

There's too much at risk, we must immediately...

Look. Do you see that weird smoke...?

Your decision has sparked the interest of those Humans.

You said you did your job properly! Why are there still Humans strolling around?

Judging by their outfits, they operate in a different jurisdiction. They must be reinforcements deployed from headquarters.

Ohhh, I see. So it's my fault, is it? Whatever, let's just deal with them for now.

Ugh...!

What a pity. Why'd you have to notice that?

You could've gone home alive tonight if you'd just been a little less observant.

A-Ahh! Y-You're...!

There's nothing here to bother you, so...

You'll be able to rest in peace.

U-Uff...

*sighing*... What a pain... This means we'll have to move Lord Kane's coffin tonight.

I told you, didn't I?

When you act without thinking, your body ends up paying the price... It's a shame, really...

...Are you saying that to me?

Well, Elvira. If it sounded like that to you, then maybe I was.

You irksome brat...

Whatever, it's fine. This isn't the time for that. We need to figure out where to relocate Lord Kane.

Yes, obviously.

More energy is overflowing from Lord Kane's coffin!

I'll take care of it. Your assistance, if you will.

Now the energy shouldn't leak so easily. At least, not while we're on our mission.

That's a relief. I gotta say though, it sure is strange.

What exactly do you find strange?

How are you able to control Lord Kane's coffin so well, hmm? Dealt with a Vampire Lord's coffin before, perhaps?

I have...but it's all in the past.

Why the long face? Hold on, I just remembered something. You won't believe this.

You know the Vampire Lord Conwell? The one killed by Humans. Well, rumor has it...

His Vampire lover is in Ritania.

What was her name... Melissa, I think?

......

But hold on, don't you have a sister named Melissa? What are the odds, right?

If you have something to say, then say it.

Still upset? I thought you'd be happy. C'mon, you finally found the whereabouts of your long-lost sister.

Why do you think she's in Ritania? I doubt she's running away from Humans. Maybe she's after something?

Enough with this meaningless conversation. Let us focus on the task at hand.

*giggling* Looks like I'm walking on thin ice.

*sighing* You're no fun. Alright then, let's find a spot to hide the coffin, and get ready for our mission.

I tried to forget about her. I tried to hate her. Yet I'm still relieved to hear she's alive.

What is she doing in Ritania? What was so important that she didn't even come find me?

It's pointless trying to find the answer with what little I know. But if I ever see her again...

No, knowing won't change a thing. Not after all this time. What's done is done...