Blade: Bloodlust

Blade #11
"CHANGE"

By Dino Pollard

The blood.

I'm swimming in it. A river of blood. And I'm so very thirsty.

No! Mustn't drink! Mustn't give in! Must fight! Must... fight...

Is this a premonition? Is this what the future holds? Is this what I've become?

No! I'm better than they are! I'm not like them! I won't give in!!

Yet, whenever I reach the edge, to try and pull myself out, the current carries me away once more.

"RARGH!"

I lash out, my fist wrapping around her throat. She stares at me, fear in her eyes. Those same eyes begin to turn pale. She tries to say something, yet no sound comes out.

"Blade, what the hell're you doin'?!"

I turn my head to see an elderly man with straggly white hair and a rough beard glaring at me in shock.

I recognize him. I know him.

"W-Whistler..."

"Put 'er down!"

I turn back to my captive, her struggles continuing, but not as powerful as they once were. My memory registers her as well. Carefully, I loosen my grip on her and set her down on the ground.

"HUUUUUUUUUUUH!!!"

A large breath is drawn into her lungs, and she coughs a few times before standing. I look down at her.

"Karen, I-"

"I know," Karen replied.

"Was I... unconscious?"

"Don't you remember?"

My mind races, trying to piece together the fragments.

"Hunger," Whistler states. "His cronies took Kristy, Hannibal, and that detective. You went after them. To stop Hunger's membranes, Hannibal sacrificed himself. When you got back, Karen wanted to run some tests on you."

"...At my suggestion..." I say, my memory piecing itself together. "After I... killed Karis..."

Whistler simply nodded as he looked me over. Then, he looked at Karen.

"I suppose you'll want the test results," she said.

"Later. Right now, I need the serum."

"Already? But you-"

"I know what I'm talking about," I reply, staring at her. I can feel the fangs, and I know that my eyes are beginning to take on the reddish hue that all vampires have. "Give me the serum."

Karen moved over to the table where there were several chemicals lined up, and an injection gun sitting there.

"Strap him in," she said as she began to prepare the serum.

I turned to the metal chair that sat behind me. Carefully, I took my place on it, my wrists resting on the leather straps. Whistler fastened those, as well as the ones around my ankles, bonding me with the chair.

Karen walked over, the gun in hand, and a vial sticking out of the top of it. There was a reddish liquid in it.

Come on, come on! I need it!!

"...Hurry..."

She slowly plunged the needle inside my neck, pulling the trigger back. The liquid sank down and traveled through my bloodstream.

At first, the reaction is difficult. My body convulses as the serum travels through, especially to my heart.

Then, I feel relief overcome me as the chemicals take effect, purging me of the unholy thirst I crave.

I felt the fangs sink back, and the convulsions stop. I draw in thick bursts of air before looking at Whistler. His stern expression remains unchanged, but he begins to unfasten the straps.

"Now, why don't you let me tell you about those test res-"

"I said not now. I have to go."

"Why?" Karen asked. "And where?"

"Scab," I reply. "He's sure to have some information on Hunger."

"You can't go out already," Whistler said. "Ya need your rest."

"Too bad."

I pick up the armored covering that slips over my left arm, and strap it on. Then, I slip on the gauntlet that fits on my right arm. A flick of the wrist causes the silver blades to emerge.

The guns are next. One by one, I load the clips and remove the safety before holstering them. Then, the sword.

Titanium, acid-etched with a silver lining. I slide it into the sheath and fasten it to my belt.

I grab a leather trench coat and climb into the car.

Whistler watched silently as Blade sped off.

"You saw what happened, right?"

"How could I have missed it?" Karen asked. "He's starting to rely on the serum more and more. The mutations are changing him."

"So he's becoming a vampire?"

"No..." she said. "He's becoming something else."

As the car sped off, Charlotte watched with rapt attention.

"Finally..." she muttered, slowly pulling out and following.

Kristy tossed over and over in her bed, yet sleep wouldn't come.

"Dammit..."

She had become so accustomed to being up during the night. Fighting vampires or selling herself. Now, after the incident at Hunger's, she swore she wouldn't do that again. After Hunger's defeat, she figured that the world could go a few nights without Kristy the vampire slayer.

There was a knock on the door.

"Go away..." she muttered.

The knocking persisted.

"I said go away!!"

Still, knocking.

"Jesus H. Christ..." she muttered, climbing out of bed. She walked to the door and opened it up.

"WHAT?!"

A man stood there. He wasn't very tall, and wore a fine, Armani suit.

"Hello," he stated. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Carlos Drezen."

"I know about you..." she said. "You're a vampire, and that means you can't come in unless I invite you..."

"Oh please," he said, stepping inside. "First of all, this isn't your home. And secondly, even if it was, that rule doesn't apply to a Daywalker."

Kristy's eyes grew wide with fright.

"Did you just say Daywalker?"

"Of course," Drezen replied. "I'm like your friend Blade. The only difference being that I'm not about to become a freak."

"What do you want with me?" she asked, slowly backing towards the bed. She kept her gun underneath her pillow. If she could just reach it in time...

"Well, I simply want Blade," he replied. "But to get to him, I have to go through his friends. That includes you, my dear."

She made a break for it, rolling over the bed, grabbing the gun, and falling on the other side. In an instant, she flicked the safety off, and looked over the bed.

He was gone.

"Where are you?!"

No answer.

Her eyes scanned the room, and she slowly moved about.

"The door's open..." she muttered. "Did he run off?"

She slowly closed the door. Once the lock was turned, something dripped down on her. Her eyes drifted upward to see Drezen clutching the ceiling, fangs bared, and eyes glowing red. He dropped from his perch and landed on her.

The door kicked open. Scab's eyes drifted to the entrance, and saw Blade standing there, gun ready.

"OH SHIT!!" he exclaimed, crouching behind the bar. The vampires turned around to face him. Blade responded by unloading round after round into them.

"Ashes to ashes..." he said as he tossed the empty guns to the ground.

More attacked him, and he replied in kind by combating them. He grabbed one by the neck with his silver-encased arm, and a small blade popped out between his thumb and forefinger.

His gauntlet blades sliced into another one, before he drew a double-bladed throwing knife. Each end was curved in opposite direction, in order to allow for return. It was silver as well.

It left his hand in a flash, slicing through bodies and necks before returning to him, stained with blood.

"Dust to dust."

He walked over to the bar and looked down, where Scab was cowering in fear.

"You know what I want."

"I-I swear that I don't know nothin'!!" Scab exclaimed. "I'm an informant, but I can't inform when all my customers are dead!!"

"This is a message, Scab," Blade warned. "A message for anyone who tries to take Frost's place."

"Then you know?"

Blade's armored hand gripped Scab's throat tightly, and slammed him against the bottles.

"KNOW WHAT?!"

"Someone's trying to take Frost's place!!" Scab stated in a choked voice. "He's trying to get as many vampires together as possible!!"

"WHO?!"

"I don't know, I swear I don't!!" Scab shouted. "Hunger!! He used to work for Hunger!!"

Blade dropped him, then picked up his discarded guns.

"Remember why you're still alive, Scab," Blade noted.

"Where're you going?"

"You think I'm dumb enough to tell you?"

Charlotte followed Blade as he exited the bar.

"I saw what you did," she said.

"What're you gonna do?" Blade asked. "Arrest me?"

"No..." she said. "I just wanted to let you know that I think what you're doing is sickening. You're sparing that... monster just so you can use him as an informant?"

"Isn't that what you cops do with your sources?" Blade asked. Charlotte offered no reply. "If you're finished, I have work to do."

"Not without me you're not," she replied. "I can still charge you for grand theft auto. And now, I can also add murder and vigilantism to those charges. I'm sure if I looked long enough, I could find a whole host of other activities."

"Let's get one thing straight!" Blade spat. "Your department? Half of them are playing gopher for the vamps. Why do you think there are so few vampire-related deaths reported?"

"Because they're improbable," Charlotte replied. "No one would suspect a vampire."

"How many public reports can you remember in which the victim had puncture wounds on the neck?"

Charlotte stopped and considered what he had just said.

"I-"

"You have no clue what you're getting into. So stay outta my way!!"

He climbed into his car and sped off.

Drezen walked into his office, with his assistant close behind.

"Yotyio, I want those reports on my desk by Monday morning," he began. "As well as the status of our special projects."

"Yes sir," Yotyio stated. "What about the girl?"

"She's no longer one of our special projects," Drezen replied. "Now please leave. I have some... business to conduct."

Yotyio exited the room, and Drezen poured a bloodwyne in a glass and set it on his desk.

"You can come out now," he said.

Blade slowly stepped out into the light.

"Here," Drezen said, handing him the drink. "I'm not very thirsty."

Blade knocked the glass out of Drezen's hand and lifted him by the neck.

"WHO IS IT?!"

"E-excuse me?!"

"Who's trying to take over the vampire nations?"

"I have no clue who you're ta-"

"Don't play dumb with me, Drezen!!" Blade spat. "There was a reason you wanted me to take Hunger out!! And that was because someone who was working for him has plans that will serve your purposes! Now tell me-WHO IS IT?!"

"You really know so little about yourself, don't you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you have any idea how Morbius' bite affected you?" Drezen asked. "The bloodlust grows more every day, doesn't it? That's why you drained Karis."

"Shut up!" Blade spat.

"That's what happened, isn't it?"

"SHUT UP!!" Blade exclaimed, hurling the smaller man into the wall.

"You're a fool, Blade..." Drezen said, slowly standing. "Karis had an enzyme in her blood which sped up the process."

"What are you..."

"The transformation is about to begin."

"No..."

"You can feel it, can't you? Don't fight it, son."

"ARGH!!"

"Soon, you'll be one of us."

"N-NEVER!!"

"Never say never, friend."

Blade screamed out in torture. Sharp pain shot down his back, as holes began to appear behind his shoulder blades. Without warning, skin and bones jutted forth from it.

Wings. He had wings.

He looked down at his armor, as it began to fall off when his body flexed. His fingers were the next source of pain as massive claws grew from the tips.

Drezen walked up to him, hands in his pockets.

"You look magnificent."

Blade swung his hand and swatted him aside. Then, he crashed through the window, his wings catching the air and taking flight.

Drezen sat down in his chair, activating the intercom.

"Yotyio, please look into some window repairmen, as well as carpet cleaners."

"No," Drezen replied. "Get Trent on the line."

Blade #12
"THE HUNGER"

By Dino Pollard

"Correct," Drezan replied into the headset he wore. "I watched with my own eyes as it happened. The enzyme in Karis' blood truly helped matters. Without it, who knows how long it may have been before the transformation took place?"

"If you think you can rally the nations."

"You're every bit as dedicated to the old ways as your father was, Trent."

{{ I have to be. The old ways are how it should happen. Frost and his little agenda cost us countless lives. I hope that as his successor, you know better. }}

"Do you honestly think I had supported that sniveling worm?" Drezan asked. "Frost was simply a means to an end."

"Enough, Trent. He's dead. Time to move on."

{{ You're sure that Blade won't be a threat in his transformed state? }}

"He barely knows who he is anymore, let alone his mission. Trust me, I have this all planned out."

Yotyio entered the door with a man by her side. He was tall, dressed in a suit similar to Drezan's.

"You'll have to excuse me, my six o'clock has just arrived."

"Of course. Bye."

Drezan removed the headset and pressed a button on the phone, canceling the call. He then stood to shake the man's hand.

"Hello Vincent," Drezan stated.

"It's been a long time, Carl," Vincent replied. "I assume you've been keeping busy?"

Drezan nodded.

"How are things in Washington?" Drezan asked, sitting down behind his desk. He motioned for Vincent to sit in an empty chair in front of the desk.

"Business has gone down ever since those freaks practically eliminated Seattle," Vincent replied. "It's hard to sell drugs when there's no one to sell them to."

"An unfortunate situation," Drezan noted. "We have problems of our own here."

"Explain."

"Ever since Frost's death, the vampire nations have been fractured, operating independently. It's anarchy, now. And it makes us an easy target for Blade."

"The Daywalker's still around?" Vincent asked with shock. "I had heard that he was out of the picture."

"We all thought so," Drezan replied. "But he mysteriously resurfaced not too long ago. Just when Hunger was trying to create a new race of vampires. Several of his allies reappeared as well."

"Do you have a plan to eliminate him?"

"Of course I do. That's pretty much what all vampires are planning. Blade must be disabled before any plans can be put into motion. Fortunately, I've already done this."

"How?"

"That, my friend, is my little secret."

The night air feels so cool on my naked back. It lifts me as my wings carry me through the sky.

I have changed. I am no longer that weak fleshbag. I am no longer that lost child with an impossible mission.

Kill the vampires. Destroy every one of them. I was a fool to think I could ever do it. Not even Strange's magic could eliminate the vampires. Still, they return.

And now, I am their superior. I am their god-king. Not even Dracula himself could stand up to me now! I am supreme!! I am Blade!! I am... thirsty...

The hunt begins.

"Goddammit, where is he?" Whistler asked, looking at his watch again.

"He needs some time to cool off, that's all," Karen replied.

"Fuck that," Whistler stated. "I'm not sittin' around waitin' f'r his ass to come home. I'm goin' out there."

He grabbed his shotgun and limped towards the door.

"Wait!" Karen exclaimed. "You can't just-"

"Watch me," Whistler stated.

"This the victim?"

"No, someone just felt like sleeping in a pool of blood. Of course it's the fucking victim, who else would it be?"

"50,000 comedians out of work and you're auditioning at a crime scene..."

The officer bent down to look at the young girl. Her neck in particular was covered in blood, moreso than the rest of her body.

A woman came up behind them. One of the officers stood to block her path.

"Hold it, lady. This is a crime scene."

The woman reached inside her jacket and pulled out a badge.

"Detective Charlotte Jones," she replied.

"Sorry detective."

"What's the story?" Charlotte asked.

"Caucasian female, late teens. About 105 lbs."

"Cause of death?"

"Undetermined right now. We just got here ourselves."

"Does she have a name?"

"Maybe, but she has no ID on her."

"Who called it in?" Charlotte asked.

"She ordered room service earlier," the officer replied. "When the employee got here, he found her dead."

"Let's have a look at her."

The officers moved aside, allowing Charlotte to examine the body. Once she saw the face of the victim, her eyes grew wide.

"Kristy..."

Her latex-covered hand reached around the victim's head. She turned it slightly, and ran her hands over the neck.

"You find something, detective?"

"Maybe..." Charlotte stated.

She noticed two punctures in the skin. Somewhat close together. After everything she'd seen lately, Charlotte knew what they were.

"Shit..."

"Hey, you got the stuff?"

"Yeah, you know I got it."

The man opened up a briefcase to reveal several bags with a white powder in them. The other man looked over it and grinned.

"Perfect," he stated, picking up his own briefcase. When he opened it, the seller saw that it was filled with money.

"It's all there?"

"Yup."

"Goo-"

*ROOOOOOOOOWR*

"What in the crap?!"

Both men looked up to see a large creature with batlike wings protruding from his back diving towards them.

"DAMMIT!!"

Both the men drew their guns and opened fire.

*BANG*

Blade grabbed the nearest one, snapping his arm like a twig. Then, he clamped his mouth down on the man's neck.

"ARGH!!"

"Sonnuva..."

Blade dropped the lifeless body and turned to the next man, blood still dripping from his fangs.

*GRRRRR*

"FU-FU-FU-FUCK ME!!!"

*BANG**BANG**BANG**BANG*

"NO!! DON'T!!! PLEASE, DO-"

*SNAP*

"AHHHHHHH!!!!"

*GRRRRR*

The man fell to the ground, his body completely drained. Blade stood and looked towards the sky. He roared with pleasure before taking flight once more.

Trent stood before the eleven people gathered before him at the table. He smiled before taking a seat at the head.

"Gentlemen," he began. "Please, sit."

Each one did as they were told. Trent folded his hands and leaned forward slightly.

"As you no doubt know, the clans have been... fractured as of late. After the events with Frost, the elders were dispatched."

"Do you mean to say that you want to try and restore the vampire nation?"

"Why not?" Trent asked. "It's sorely needed. The only way we'll have any chance of survival is if we restore order. The old ways kept us sustained for thousands of years. Now, it's time to return. Tell me, have any of you been out there on the streets lately? We're being massacred. Hunters are able to target us easily, because we're not organized. We can't let that continue."

"What about the Daywalker?"

"Don't worry about him," Trent stated. "Soon, the Three will be reunited. And then, my friends, then we shall see what erupts."

Whistler examined the bodies of the two drug dealers. He stuck a small device with a needle attached to the end of it in each of the victims. The digital screen read 0.

He placed his hand to his ear.

"It's me," he stated. "An' it doesn't look too good."

"I did a check," he stated. "The bodies have been completely drained, so they weren't turned."

"There's a blood trail leading off slightly, but then it just... vanishes. Maybe the guy turned inta mist."

"You don't think this has anything t' do with Blade, do ya?"

"But...?"

{{ But after his encounter with Karis... and his mutation... it's a very strong possibility. }}

Whistler looked around as he lit a cigarette.

"Things just couldn't get any better..."

Blade #13
"MASSACRE"

By Dino Pollard

{{ I've been on this trail f'r hours now, Karen. Tell me y'got something that'll help. }}

"I'm trying, Whistler," Karen replied. "But without a sample of Blade's mutated DNA, I won't be able to accomplish much."

*THUNK*

"Hold on..." Karen stated. She reached for a gun on the counter. "I've got a visitor..."

She switched off the radio and slowly moved towards the source of the sound. Carefully, she brought the gun to ready.

Karen Jensen isn't much of a sharp-shooter. Her aim's not the best in the world. First and foremost, she's a doctor. But, when she sees something that's not supposed to be there, she doesn't hesitate.

*BANG*

The figure dodged the bullet, merging back into the shadows.

"Damn..." she muttered.

*CHK*

Karen's heart stopped when she felt cold metal pressed against her head.

"Is that any way to treat a friend?"

She slowly turned to see Charlotte Jones holding the gun. The police detective lowered her weapon and holstered it.

"What are you doing here?" Karen asked. "I thought you had your fill of us after the incident with Hunger."

"Believe me, I wish I did," Charlotte replied. "I just thought I should let you know something, though. It's about Kristy."

"What about Kristy?" Karen asked, looking up at her.

"She's dead."

"What?"

"She was murdered in her hotel room," Charlotte explained. "There were two puncture wounds on her neck."

"A vampire..." Karen muttered.

"Exactly," Charlotte stated.

"This couldn't have happened at a worse time..." Karen muttered.

"Place looks kind of empty..." Charlotte observed. "Where's Blade and that other guy?"

"Blade's... god knows where..." Karen replied. "And Whistler's searching for him."

"What's going on?"

"What do you mean?" Karen asked.

"I never wanted to be a part of your crusade," Charlotte replied. "But now, it looks like I've been dragged into it. So I want full disclosure."

"You don't have any part here..." Karen stated. "Forget everything you've seen here, Detective Jones. Go back to your life - while you still have one to go back to. Once you get mixed up with vampires, your life as you know it is over."

"You know the vampires won't let that happen," Charlotte said. "They already know I'm connected to Blade. How long will it be before they come after me?"

"You're making a big mistake."

"I already made one the moment I tried to take down Blade."

Karen sighed and sat down in a chair. She motioned to a microscope.

"Take a look at that."

Charlotte gave her an odd look, but walked over to the microscope anyway and looked through it. What she saw was something that appeared to be blood cells. However, they seemed to constantly be changing.

"What's this?" she asked.

"A sample of Blade's blood," Karen replied.

"Why is it changing?"

"It's mutating - just like he is."

Charlotte looked up at her, concern evident in her face.

"What does this mean, then?"

"It means that if we're not able to do something about it, then Blade could very well be turning into what we've feared the most."

"Which is...?"

"Picture it this way..." Karen began. "A vampire. With ten times their normal strength, and no weaknesses. Blade is the next step in vampire evolution - a Daywalker."

"Then what's Hunger?"

"Homonus nocturna superior," Karen stated. "Basically, a mutant vampire."

"And Blade? What's he going to become?"

"Blade is going to become the ultimate in vampire evolution," Karen replied. "He is going to be what Hunger tried to create - a super vampire. Even worse, he may have other mutagenic attributes that other vampires don't."

"Like...?"

"Hannibal was able to turn into mist, not all vampires can do that. Hunger had telekinetic abilities. Some vampires can turn into animals, like bats or wolves. This... super vampire could possess all those abilities - and more."

"Then what are we so worried about?" Charlotte asked. "I mean, if Blade turns into this super vampire, that just means it'll be easier for him to take out the rest of them."

"If only it were that simple..." Karen replied. "One of the reasons Blade's able to resist his bloodlust is because of his humanity. He's part-human. But, as vampires evolve, they become less similar to humans - genetically, mentally, and physically. Just like as humans evolve, they become less similar to monkeys. If Blade becomes this creature, there's a very strong possibility that he won't have a shred of humanity left."

"In that case... how can he be stopped?" Charlotte asked.

"........."

"Karen...?"

"...I don't know."

He walked through the streets, a tall man in a black trench coat and fedora hat. He was alone. It was night. For these three thugs, that made him easy prey.

One of them stepped out in front of him, a cigarette dangling from his mouth.

"Hold up for a moment, buddy," he said, dropping his cigarette on the ground and putting it out with his boot.

The man didn't even look up, his eyes still hidden by the rim of the hat. The other two thugs came up behind him and stood there.

"Yer in Dragonetti territory, now," the head thug stated. "That means, ya gotta pay th' toll."

"Very well..." the man stated, still looking down. "How much is it."

"Everything you've got," the thug continued. "And I do mean everything."

The thug's skin seemed to turn white, and fangs extended from his teeth. The man turned and saw the other two thugs had the same look.

"I'm looking for the creature that stalks this night," the man continued, as if the revelation that these hoodlums were vampires didn't phase him.

"That's me," the leader stated.

"No..." the man said with a grin. "You're not him. He would destroy you in an instant."

"Not before I kill yer ass!"

The vampires charged him.

"Fools..." he stated, delivering a swift kick to one of them.

"Uncoordinated."

He grabbed another and slammed his head against the wall.

"Unprepared."

The third one was lifted over his head and thrown into some trash cans.

"Sloppy."

He reached inside his coat and pulled out a long sword.

*FSSSH*

The three vampires turned to ashes once the man seperated their heads from their bodies. He placed the sword back inside the concealed sheath in his coat.

"Yo Scab! Hit me!!"

"I dunno, man," Scab replied. "You've had a lot already."

The vampire looked at Scab and the two broke out into laughter.

"That's a good one, man!"

"I'm tellin' ya, I should've been a comedian," Scab stated, pouring the man another shot.

"Hey Scab," another customer stated.

"What's up, Mike?" Scab asked, walking over to him. "What've you been up to?"

"Maiming, killing, raping..." Mike replied. "Y'know, the usual!"

"Heh heh..." Scab chuckled, pouring a shot for himself.

"So, I hear ya had an incident with th' Daywalker."

"Yeah," Scab replied. "Bastard took out all my fucking customers that night..."

"Well, at least you're back in business," Mike stated, lifting up his glass.

"Amen t' that," Scab replied, lightly striking Mike's glass with his own.

*CHNK*

*CRASH*

Scab and Mike, as well as the other patrons looked up to see a large creature with batlike wings standing in a large hole that used to be the door.

"IT'S HIM!!!" Scab exclaimed. "IT'S THE FUCKING DAYWALKER!!!"

"Damn..." Mike muttered. "I heard he was big... but I didn't know he was that fucking big!!"

"HE'S AFTER ME!! FUCK, KILL THE BASTARD!!"

"Dude's mine," Mike stated, taking a bottle and smashing it against the bar. He held it up as a weapon. "C'mon, Bat-Man, let's see what ya got..."

Blade drove his claws into Mike's chest. The vampire instantly turned to ashes.

*FSSSH*

"C'MERE YA FUCKIN' FREAK!!" another vampire exclaimed, running at Blade with a chair. He swung the chair down, but only hit mist.

"What the fuck...?"

The mist began to lump together behind the vampire and Blade appeared in it. He grabbed the vamp's head and in one, swift motion, tore it from the shoulders.

Scab ducked behind the countertop. He opened a cabinet behind him and crawled inside it. Once inside, he pushed out the back, and crawled into the storeroom. He quickly covered up his exit and grabbed a shotgun he back there just in case. Screams from his patrons echoed inside his ears as Blade killed them off one by one.

Scab quickly loaded the shotgun, and held it close to him, sweat falling down his forehead at a constant rate.

"Shitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshit....."

Suddenly, the screams stopped. Scab looked up.

"I--is he gone....?"

Nothing but complete silence.

*CRASH*

A clawed hand slammed through the wall.

*CRASH*

The other hand followed.

Scab moved back, holding the shotgun up, prepared to fire.

Blade pulled his claws out, and took part of the wall with it. He stepped into the storeroom, where he saw Scab waiting.

"F-F-F-FUCK ME!!" Scab exclaimed, pulling the trigger.

*BOOM*

"FUCK ME!!"

*BOOM"

"FUCK ME!!"

*BOOM*

Scab's aim was too off, the bullets kept whizzing by Blade, but not one found its mark. Blade came closer.

*CLICK*

"FUCK ME!!"

Blade's arm shot out, his hand wrapping around Scab's neck. Slowly, Blade brought him closer...

*CRASH*

"Drop him."

Blade turned to see a man standing there in a trench coat and fedora hat.

"It comes down to you and I, monster."

Blade threw Scab against the ground and slowly walked towards the man. Before he could step any closer, a sudden slash appeared on his arm, blood leaking from it. He looked up and saw that the man was holding a sword stained with blood.

"I suppose it's only fitting that you know the name of the man who is going to kill you," he stated. "I am Gilgamesh. And you, Blade, are my prey."

Blade #14

"DUEL OF THE HUNTERS"

By Dino Pollard

If it was able to, Scab's heart would be beating so hard that it'd probably break through his chest. But, despite the fact that he doesn't have to worry about a beating heart doesn't mean that he's in any less danger.

Blade, once a human/vampire hybrid who hunted the undead has mutated into something... different. He's more than a vampire, and even further from humans. Now, he's a creature of the night - and after killing Scab's customers, he was about to kill Scab himself. That was before he should up.

"He" being Gilgamesh, a monster hunter who has his sights set on Blade. Scab doesn't know a damn thing about this Gilgamesh guy, save for the fact that he looks like he can make good on his threats.

Scab knows that both guys mean business - and whoever wins will come after him next. That's something he really doesn't need. Having vampire hunters kill off your customers is bad for business, but getting yourself killed means you have no business.

The vampire god was in a hilarious mood when it was Scab's turn. His strength is sub-par, his healing is slow, he can't change into anything, and he's got this thing about diseases and doesn't like feeding on humans. But, Scab does have some smarts and business sense which is why he went into business as a bartender. By serving drinks with blood in it he "borrowed" from blood banks as well as animal blood, he was able to remain cool with the hunters. And since he was providing a service to the vampires, he also stayed off of the radar of the clan leaders.

Scab knows that there's only one way out of this mess - and that's to get rid of both Blade and Gilgamesh. Whether he wants to admit it or not, Scab needs help.

"Ever hear the phrase, 'living well is the best revenge'?" Trent asked. The eleven vampires sitting at the table said nothing. "My father was a great man. You all knew him. He was the head of this council, and he was good at what he did. He kept us within the good graces of the human politicians. We lived as seperate, but as one."

Trent took a seat at the head of the table.

"But he was betrayed," he continued. "By Deacon Frost. You all know this. Frost killed Dragonetti because he represented the old ways. And what was Frost's alternative? Chaos. Insanity. He nearly wiped us all out with his crazy stunts. Ever since then, we've been fractured. Vulnerable. But, we'll survive. We're better than the humans, but we can't let them know that. It's time to return to our rightful place in the food chain."

"What of the Three you mentioned?"

"We already have one of them on our side," Trent replied. "Blade will be joining us, soon. And I've already seen to locating the third."

"'And lo, when the Three who Walk the Day unite - he shall rise.'"

"The Prophecy of Erebus..."

"La Magra was weak, my friends," Trent stated. "And he was channeled through a weak vessel. The Book of Erebus states that it's true. It's our job to insure that the prophecy is fulfilled. But, in order to do that, we must be united as one."

The eleven leaders looked to each other, then to Trent. One of them stood.

"I believe it's safe to say that the nations stand with you - it's time to fulfill the Prophecy of Erebus."

A flash of steel.

Followed by a trail of crimson.

Gilgamesh's face remained unchanged as he returned to his original fighting stance, blood dripping from his sword. Blade ignored the pain, as well as the warm liquid trickling down his body. The part of him that was human would be impressed with Gilgamesh's skill. But that part is gone - replaced by a monster. A monster that has one desire.

Blade dove forward, claws about to tear into the Forgotten One. Gilgamesh sidestepped, slamming his arm against Blade's back, and following it up with a swift kick.

The Daywalker regained his footing, growling.

"I offer you one warning - stand down and die a noble death. Resist, and perish slowly. Either choice will result in your demise."

Blade's wings extended, and propelled him upwards to the skies. He continued to fly upwards, gaining speed before he reversed his direction and dove straight towards his enemy. Gilgamesh stood ready, prepared to cleave Blade in two. He swung the sword as Blade came near, yet hit nothing but air.

Mist circled around him, and began to gather behind him. A large, black arm shot out from the mist and grasped Gilgamesh's neck. The rest of it slowly transformed back into Blade.

Gilgamesh dropped his weapon to the ground and tried to pull at Blade's hand. His resistance was rough - yet not frantic. The Forgotten One seemed to remain very calm. Blade flicked his wrist quickly.

*KRAK*

"That's life f'r ya," Whistler stated, inhaling a cigarette. "Y'know you vampire scum have ruined my life? Y' started off by killin' my family. To get vengeance, I begin hunting. Then, I hooked up with this kid who happens t'be a Daywalker. So, me an' this kid, Blade, we work together f'r years, right?"

Whistler watched the gallon meter continue to rise.

"Can y' believe these fuckin' gas prices? It's fuckin' insanity, I tell ya. Anyway, where was I?"

He looked down at the vampire tied up in front of him and lying on the ground.

"Oh yeah, that's right. Anyway, isn't it ironic? Most of us hunters actually end up turnin' into vamps ourselves. Kinda fucked up, eh? I mean, there's Hannibal, he was a vampire. An' I got turned. Karen was almost one. An' Blade, well Blade's th' Daywalker. He was born part-vampire."

The meter stopped and Whistler removed the pump from his car. He pulled the lever once more, dousing the vampire with the gasoline.

"Y'know, you fucks really make me laugh," he stated. "I mean, y' act like you need th' blood - that evil is just in yer nature. But, what about me? What about Hannibal? Even after we were turned, we still kept up the fight. We still continue t' hunt you leeches. So, don't gimme that bullshit that y' don't got any other choice. We've all got choices. Yer just too weak t' make the right ones."

He stopped the pump and replaced it. Taking the cigarette from his mouth, he looked at it as it slowly reduced the paper to ash.

"But, even though I hate bein' a vampire, I gotta admit..."

He tossed the cigarette on the vampire, and the small, fiery tube ignited the gasoline.

"'Least I can smoke without worryin' about that fuckin' cancer."

"I told you not to come here," Drezan stated.

"Yeah, I know, but I've got problems, Mr. Drezan," Scab replied. "I got Blade an' some other fuck, Gigamon or somethin', fightin' it out."

"Gilgamesh."

"Huh?"

"The person Blade's fighting is Gilgamesh, not Gigamon you imbecile."

"Well, can y' help me out or what?"

Drezan leaned back in his chair.

"Very well," he stated. "Now get out."

Scab stood from the chair, and looked at the liquor cabinet.

"Y'mind...?"

"Yes, I do. Out."

Scab nodded and hurried out. Once the door closed, Drezan picked up the phone and dialed.

"This is Drezan - I want to speak with Dallas."

Los Angeles

The girl turned a corner and continued to run.

For years, she feared this day. She knew it was coming, she knew that she couldn't avoid it, but she hoped that it wouldn't happen. The two armed men chasing her proved otherwise.

"FREEZE!!!" one of them shouted, before opening fire. She gritted her teeth in pain as a bullet tore through her leg. She fell to the ground, and looked up as the two men slowed down. One of them placed a hand by his ear.

"Unit 1 to Base - target acquired."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that."

The man looked up to see a foot seconds before it connected with his face.

The foot belonged to a man dressed in dark clothing complete with a black trench coat. The second armed man opened fire.

The man in the coat, leapt away, but a bullet caught his arm.

"Damn!" he hissed. He looked down at the wound, surprised that it was causing so much pain.

"This is Unit 1 requesting back-up. We've got an NW here."

The NW as the man referred to him grasped the gun and slammed it on the back of the man's head. He held it in one hand and helped up the girl.

"You alright?"

"Yeah," she muttered, taking his hand and pulling herself up.

"Any idea why they're after you?" he asked.

"I might have one..." she replied. "You'd never believe me, though."

"Try me," he stated, reaching his hand into the wound, feeling around for the bullet. His teeth were clenched in pain as he grasped it and pulled it out. "Holy shit... that's why it hurt so much..."

"What?" she asked.

"The bullet... it's silver..." he shook his head and dropped it. Then, he looked at the girl. "What's your name?"

"Elisa," she replied. "Elisa Hill. If... silver hurts you, then that means you're..."

"A vampire," he replied. "Name's Angel."

"What happened to Unit 1?!"

"We've lost contact with them, Commander."

"Fuck!!" Commander Dallas exclaimed. "Not good."

"Commander, you have a call."

Dallas pressed a button on a panel.

"This better be good news!"

"Mr. Drezan?!" Dallas exclaimed.

"We know she's in LA, sir. I'm sending some more units on her trail."

{{ Good. But now, it's time to concentrate your efforts elsewhere. }}

"What are you talking about?"

{{ Blade. He needs to be brought in immediately before he becomes even more dangerous. }}

"So... let me get this straight... you're a vampire."

"Something like that..." Elisa replied to the young woman with the short, brown hair.

"But, you can walk around during the day?"

Elisa nodded.

"I'm lost..."

"It's a legend from the Book of Erebus, Cordelia," Angel stated.

"The Book of WHAT?!?" Cordelia asked.

"The Book of Erebus," the other man in the room replied. He had a proper British accent and there was a pair of glasses perched on his nose. "The vampire Bible."

"The Book speaks of vampire/human hybrids - beings that have all the benefits of vampires, but none of the weaknesses," Angel stated. "They can withstand sunlight, silver, holy water, crosses, and garlic. They have our strength, healing abilities, senses, and craving for blood. The legends refer to them as Daywalkers."

"That's what I am," Elisa said. "My mother was really into vampires and all that mythical creature of the night bullshit. One night, she met a real one. He impregnated her. When I first discovered I was a vampire, she would tell me how special I was - how lucky I was to be granted this gift. She would seduce men and bring them home so I could feed on them. I got away as soon as I could - using blood from animals and blood banks to sustain the cravings. I always knew someone would be coming after me. I don't want to have anything to do with this stuff. I just want to be left in peace."

"I know what that's like..." Angel muttered.

"You don't know who was chasing you, though?" the man with the glasses asked.

Elisa shook her head.

"Wesley, why don't you try hitting the books, see if you can get any information on Daywalkers," Angel stated. "See if there's some reason why anyone would be attacking them. I'll hit the streets, and Cordelia--"

"AHHH!!!" Cordelia shouted, gripping her head. Angel and Wesley rushed to her aid.

"What is it?" Wesley asked. "What do you see?"

"T-the Three..." Cordelia muttered. "P-prophecy... Forgotten One... AHHHHH!!!"

Cordelia's scream was the last thing heard before she passed out. Angel and Wesley looked at each other.

"This is big..."

New York

Whistler examined the body of Gilgamesh, and sighed when he saw that the man's neck was twisted.

"Dammit Blade..."

He noticed the sword lying next to Gilgamesh and picked it up. It was extremely heavy, and he had a hard enough time holding it upright. He wondered how anyone could actually use it in battle. He laid it down beside the fallen warrior and moved on.

"The Temple of Eternal Night..." Trent stated. "Luckily, it wasn't too badly damaged after Frost's attempt at summoning La Magra."

He looked down the massive structure, before turning to face the other vampires.

"Soon, the Prophecy of Erebus will be fulfilled," he stated. "Soon--"

*BREEEP*

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small cell-phone.

"Yes? You have? Perfect. Bring her in immediately. Then, I want Blade."

He turned off the phone and placed it back in his pocket.

"It begins soon."

Los Angeles

*CRASH*

Windows shattered as dozens of men dressed in some type of silver body armor entered, armed with guns.

"All of you, freeze!!" the leader ordered. "We only want the girl!!"

"Tough," Angel replied, his fangs extending.

"Angelus, I presume," the leader stated. "We're Silvereye. A government organization specifically designed to deal with vampires. The girl you're harboring is a menace who must be eliminated. Silvereye has heard of your exploits, and if you turn her over to us, we'll allow you to continue unharmed."

"I've been hearing idle threats like that since before your ancestors were born," Angel said. "You don't scare me. And you're not getting this girl."

"Fine," the leader stated. "Silvereye - dust them all. Even the two norms."

"GET OUT OF HERE!!" Angel shouted, tackling the leader. Wesley pulled Cordelia out of the line of fire, with Elisa following.

Angel's hand grasped the armor, then it began to burn.

"The armor's been blessed," the leader commented, backhanding Angel. There was a crucifix attatched to the gauntlets.

Silvereye agents opened fire on Angel, who tried to dodge as best he could.

"AIR BLANKET!!" the leader shouted. One of the agents held some type of device in his hand and pressed a button on it. It released a yellowish mist into the air, which caused Angel to go into shock.

"What's happening to him?!" Elisa shouted.

"Garlic..." Wesley replied.

"To hell with this, then!!" she exclaimed. "I'm sick of running!"

She ran out into the open, grabbing the attention of the agents who were prepared to kill Angel.

"Over here!!" she shouted. "If you let him go free, I'll go with you."

"N-no..." Angel weakly muttered.

"Deal," the leader stated. He pointed a gun at Angel. "Come towards us slowly - or he dies."

Elisa slowly raised her arms and stepped forward. One of the agents ran forward and slipped a pair of restraints on her arms.

"You've made a wise decision, girl," the leader said. He looked to his agents. "Incinerate the place."

"NO!!!" Elisa exclaimed. The leader backhanded her, and Angel started to move forward. He felt something tug on his foot, and turned to see Wesley there, motioning for him to move quickly. Angel followed.

"Over there!!" an agent shouted. "They're trying to make a break for it!!"

"Then stop them!!" the leader shouted. The agent hurled something in the direction, and followed the rest of the Silvereye team just before all hell broke loose.

*BOOM*

New York

Blade manuevered himself through the air to the best of his abilities as bullets flew by him, courtesy of Silvereye agents on the ground. He flew downwards, slashing past them.

"MANUEVER G-14!!!" an agent shouted over the roar of battle. Agents fanned out, unleashing streams of fire from their guns. The heat was getting to Blade, and he was beginning to weaken. The distraction allowed the agents to fill him with enough silver to take out fifty vampires.

He looked up, and saw the Silvereye agents standing above him. One of them drove a foot into his head, slamming it on the pavement. Restraints were clamped on, just as the world began to fade to black.

Los Angeles

Angel pushed aside some rubble, as he came out from the section of the hotel destroyed from the grenade. He turned around to see Cordelia and Wesley. In the distance, he saw a transport driving off.

"What do we do now?" Cordelia asked.

"You and Wesley are going to Sunnydale," Angel replied. "Find out everything you can about the Daywalkers and the Book of Erebus."

"What about you?" Wesley asked.

Angel watched the transport go off, as his face changed.

"I'm going after them."

He broke out into a run after the transport.

Blade #15
"THE SUMMONING"

By Dino Pollard

He strained against the bonds with all his might, yet nothing came of it. His massive strength seemed useless against them. Whatever material they were made of must have been extremely strong.

The creature known as Blade roared with an inhuman rage. His eyes were blood-red as he stared at his captors.

He recognized one of them as Drezan - the man responsible for this. A younger man stood by his side. Silvereye agents stood behind them, and there was a striking young woman with restraints clamped on her arms.

"Well done, Commander," Drezan stated. "Well done indeed."

"I try," one of the agents stated, removing his helmet. "Silvereye has done their part. We need payment."

"You amuse me, Commander Dallas," Drezan continued. "You act as if you have a choice in this matter."

"Come again?" Dallas asked. "I was promised payment if Silvereye aided you, Drezan. I expect payment."

"You forget who founded Silvereye," Drezan replied. He turned and quickly back-handed Dallas. "Idiot! You work for me, understand? You do what I tell you, and you'll receive payment only when I believe your job has been completed!"

Drezan looked at Trent and nodded. Trent grinned.

"Let's get the three Daywalkers in place," he stated. "Nothing can stop us now."

Outside, the Silvereye transport which brought Elisa here contained one more passenger. Although this passenger was beneath it.

Angel dropped down from the bottom and his eyes scanned around the area from his vantage point.

Corinston International

A few moments ago, the building which houses Corinston International was a peaceful symbol. That was before Abraham Whistler entered.

"Let me just say this one time," he stated. "I'm looking for Drezan. If I don't see him in ten minutes, I'm gonna start pickin' people off."

He raised his shotgun just as security guards took aim with their pistols.

"Oh give me a fuckin' bre--"

*BANG*

"It's okay, folks," one of the guards stated, walking up to Whistler's body and holstering his gun. "The threat's long go--URK!!!"

Whistler's hand tightened around the guard's neck.

"Now that wasn't very nice."

*KRAK*

He stood up and looked at the remaining guards, his vampirism obvious.

"Now then, where's Drezan?"

"I can answer that."

Whistler turned around to find a young Asian woman staring at him.

"I am Yotyio, Mr. Drezan's personal assistant. How can I help you, Mr. Whistler?"

"Ugh, I hate research..." Cordelia muttered.

"Unfortunately, we don't have much of a choice," Wesley stated.

"I've got a better idea," a young, blonde woman stated. "How about I go and help Angel."

"That would be unwise, Buffy," an older British man replied. "We must concentrate on the matter at hand."

"The matter at hand is that something big is going down with the vampires," Buffy replied. "And as the slayer, shouldn't I be there to stop it?"

"We must know more about this Prophecy of Erebus..." the older man stated. "Unfortunately, without the Book of Erebus, we're going to have some serious trouble locating anything on the Prophecy."

"How come we've never heard of these Daywalkers before today, Giles?" Buffy asked.

"I honestly have no idea," Giles replied.

"She was attacked by an organization who referred to themselves as Silvereye," Wesley stated.

"That's right, they said they were part of the government or something," Cordelia noted.

"Hmm..." Giles muttered.

"What?" Buffy asked. "What 'hmm'?"

"I just find it odd... an organization like that wouldn't be so quick to admit an affiliation with the government..."

The three Daywalkers - Blade, Drezan, and Elisa - were each placed in a triangle shape. Drezan was the only one not chained down.

"I think we're ready to begin," Trent noted. The Council was gathered behind him. "We just require the Minister."

"Minister...?" Elisa asked.

"The Minister is the only vampire skilled enough to perform the Prophecy," Drezan replied. "Thankfully, we were able to locate him."

"Yeah, real lucky..."

A man dressed in a black robe with red symbols on it came forward. His face was extremely pale, and he held a large book in his hands.

"The Book of Erebus..." Elisa muttered. Drezan grinned at her knowledge, but said nothing.

The Minister stepped in the center of the triangle and opened the Book. He flipped towards the back and placed it on the small podium in front of him.

"Erebus, vampyr skot o hyj. Kieqal val thoe sapow."

"What's he saying?" Dallas asked.

"It's a dead tongue," Trent replied. "The Minister is the only being on the planet who knows it."

"Jui no myg wek alos!"

He reached into his robe and pulled out an odd knife of some sort. He placed it at his wrists as his fangs extended.

"Erebus, mito lo wret!"

He sliced his wrists, blood dropping down from them.

"Mito lo wret!"

The Minister's eyes began to glow bright red and he held the dagger in front of him.

"Mito lo wret!"

The three Daywalkers winced in pain as slits appeared on their own wrists, blood dripping down from them.

"Mito lo wret!"

"I remember you..." Whistler muttered. "You were there when Drezan resurrected me."

Yotyio nodded.

"You should have never left us, Abraham," she stated. "You could have lived as a lord."

"Only problem with that is that I'd still hafta live with myself..."

"Drop the gun, Abraham," Yotyio stated. "You know it's useless against me."

Whistler looked down at the shotgun for a few moments. Then, he dropped it and got into a fighting stance.

"Alright ya demonic bitch," he stated. "Let's go."

Yotyio's eyes became pitch black and she leapt at Whistler with incredible speed. Whistler slammed his arm into her stomach and swiftly kicked her in the jaw. Before his leg connected, she grabbed it and flipped him onto his back. She grabbed his arms and placed her foot on his throat.

"What's a fuckin' demon like you doin' working fer th' vamps?" Whistler asked, struggling to get the words out.

"Why else?" Yotyio asked. "Money. And what better way to make it than by serving as a bodyguard for a wealthy Daywalker."

"Daywalker?!" Whistler exclaimed. "Did you just say Da--ARGH!!"

He cried out in pain as Yotyio increased the pressure on his throat.

"Yes, I did."

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm going inside," Angel replied to the guard.

"And who the hell do you think you are?" the guard asked.

"Angelus," he replied, quickly driving a stake into the guard's heart. He stepped over the ashes into the entrance. Inside, he saw a sight which he had only witnessed in dreams.

Angel fumbled around in his coat and pulled out a cellphone.

"Wesley? It's me."

"I'm fine."

{{ Glad to hear, do you have any information that can help us? Any advice? }}

"Yeah..." Angel replied.

"Start praying."

Wesley looked at the cellphone oddly once Angel terminated the connection.

"Hmm... that's strange."

"What?" Buffy asked. "Is Angel okay?"

"I'm not too sure..."

"Where is he?" Buffy asked.

"He didn't say."

"Find out."

Wesley hit the recall button on his phone.

"Angel, it's me. Where are you?"

"Angel?" Wesley asked, before the connection was terminated. "Angel?"

He closed the phone and placed it in his pocket.

"Just great," Buffy muttered.

Whistler's hands wrapped around Yotyio's and he swung his legs upward, striking her in the back and knocking her off of him. He leapt to his feet and grabbed the shotgun, aiming it at her.

"Please, Abraham," Yotyio stated. "That toy won't affect me."

"We'll see about that, bitch," Whistler replied, pulling the trigger.

*BOOM*

Yotyio fell back from the impact, but didn't go down. She glared at Whistler and leapt at him.

"Mito lo wret!!"

The Minister cried out as red energy formed between the three Daywalkers, linking them. His entire body began to glow bright red, and a red bolt of lightning shot upwards into the sky.

The platform slowly rose to the top, and as it did, the roof opened revealing the night sky. Drops began to fall from the sky. A few drops fell and Trent looked down at his hand.

The drops were red.

Whistler could see outside the doors of Corinsten International the red drops falling from the sky. He lowered his shotgun and stepped forward.

"The Prophecy..." he muttered. "The Temple..."

"Blood..." Angel muttered. "The skies are bleeding... it's just as the Prophecy foretold..."

Elsewhere, a motionless being began to move as the blood fell upon him. He stood, and his hand gripped the heavy blade fallen by his side.

Blade #16

"DEATH FROM ABOVE"

By Dino Pollard

I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood. (7:12)

There followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, which fell on the earth. (8:7)

Something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. (8:8)

Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice, as it flew in mid-heaven, "Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth." (8:12)

They have power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to smite the earth with every plague, as often as they desire. And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends from the bottomless pit will make war upon them and conquer them and kill them. (11:6-11:7)

"But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!" (12:12)

All over the world, chaos ensues.

In Sydney, eight outcasts try to quell rioting.

In Baltimore, a man clad in scarlet fights to save a city which is not quite his own.

In Hammer Bay, terrorists dedicate their efforts to saving lives.

In Snow Valley, students watch in horror, and the three adults responsible for them are at a loss.

In Sunnydale, a slayer feels useless.

In Canada, super-powered government agents strive to keep the country from being torn apart.

In Detroit, a dead man stalks the undead.

Across the world, a team of foreigners whom cannot stand each other now fight together as one.

In Madripoor, a small team of SHIELD agents does what they can - despite their small numbers.

In New York, costumed heroes unite to fight a threat which many are unfamiliar with.

It is a threat which billy clubs, repulsor blasts, and web balls are effectively useless against. It is a threat they have never faced - and one they have never expected to face.

And in a warehouse on the outskirts of Queens, one person gives voice to the problems...

"It's like the end of the world out there..." Karen stated.

"Yeah, and I should be out there trying to stop it," Charlotte said. "Tell your friends that I'll be watching."

"What are you, nuts?" Karen asked. "This could be the apocalypse, and you still want to arrest Blade?!"

"This isn't the apocalypse," Charlotte replied. "Onslaught, Galactus, those are examples of the apocalypse. This is red rain and some rioting. Nothing that the heroes can't handle."

"This isn't a job for the heroes..." Karen muttered. "This is a job for people who work in the shadows that the heroes are afraid to set foot in."

Life.

He feels it as it comes back into his body.

He stands and looks out, the drops staining his bald head. His hat lies on the ground, filling with the crimson rain. He dips a finger in it and licks it. His eyes fill with rage.

"Refrain."

He grasps the massive blade on the ground, lifting it as if it were nothing. Then, he runs.

Life was a joke.

That was the attitude that Angelus possessed. He is known throughout time as one of the most ruthless vampires ever. His savagery was unmatched. He took what he wanted, when he wanted, and how he wanted. And he loved every minute of it.

That was before gypsies cursed him by returning his soul to him, forcing him to cope with his sins. Forcing him to live in constant turmoil.

The Angelus is gone, and Angel is all that remains. He has never feared death. Before tonight, he has never known true fear. Before tonight, he has never seen the face of his creator.

The Minister was born for this.

He knew the time would one day come when he would be called upon. He knew that the Prophecy would be performed sooner or later. He knew that his life would be incomplete before he performed it.

Now, as the large figure stands overhead, the Minister smiles before death washes over him. He has done his part, his mission is complete. Now, the Minister believes he can have peace.

Unfortunately for him, there is no peace for the Damned.

Trent remembers hearing stories of the Dark One from his father. He remembers Dragonetti telling him that one day, the Dark One would rise again, and the world will belong to the Vampyr.

Trent has lived for that day ever since. Yet, he always remembered his father's advice.

"Do not rush things. This is how mistakes are made. And with matters involving the Prophecies, one mistake can mean certain doom."

Trent knew why Deacon Frost failed. Because he made a mistake. Trent made no such mistakes. Trent is perfect. He thought of everything.

Now, he is smiling up at the legend, filled with pride and ego.

Whistler began to walk towards the exit of Corinson International. He felt drawn to something... something he couldn't explain. Almost as if his endless thirst would be sated if he followed this attraction.

"Where do you think you're going?" Yotyio asked.

Whistler said nothing, just continued on.

"Whistler! Get back here!"

Whistler ignored her.

"We're not finished yet!!"

He turned suddenly, and glared at her, his fangs bared. A growl emitted from the depths of his throat. The effect startled Yotyio, but she quickly recovered.

*BOOM*

Then, she fell back. Whistler turned away from her, running towards the Temple.

He felt the drops land on his bare skin. There was an unmistakable warmth to them. The warmth of life.

The effect was intoxicating. Every instinct in Blade's body screamed out for him to take as much of the red rain into his mouth as possible.

Yet, he resisted. Something about it felt wrong. He knew this. He knew this shouldn't be happening. He knew that it was up to him to try and stop it.

But he didn't want to.

This is NOT the way Elisa Hill expected her life to end. She never wanted to have any part in the hidden war between man and vampire. She just wanted to live a normal life. A mundane existence is all she's ever wanted.

She should have known that she was expecting too much. She was one of three Daywalkers - human/vampire hybrids whose destiny it was to participate in the Prophecy of Erebus.

She avoided the gaze of the being who stood in the center of the circle, above the Minister's dead body. When she did, she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. Below them, where Trent, Dallas, and the other vampires and Silvereye agents stood, there was another man coming onto the scene.

And she smiled.

Commander James Dallas felt like a pawn. He shouldn't have trusted Drezan. He was appointed the head of Silvereye because of his exceptional record with SHIELD.

He knew why Drezan had founded Silvereye - to keep the vampires in check. Using his contacts, Drezan turned Silvereye into a government agency. Top secret, very hush-hush.

And now, Silvereye has been turned into a bastardized version of what Dallas thought it was.

Carlos Drezan has waited his entire life for this moment.

He grew up in poverty, and started at Corinston International as a research assistant. With a little hard work, as well as devouring a few superiors, Drezan moved up through the ranks to the position of CEO.

But he never forgot his heritage. His contacts at an LA law firm by the name of Wolfram & Hart provided him with some of the Vampyr Prophecies. The Prophecy of Erebus was the one which stood out to him.

He gained the support of Deacon Frost easily. He knew Frost was destined to fail, and gained his "friend's" assets. He pretended to support Hunger as well, simply using the means to get to Blade. With Trent, Drezan felt a partnership. Drezan found a kindred spirit.

And now, Drezan is prepared to reap what he has sowed. The Prophecy is a success. With Blade in chains, and the Slayer on the other side of the country, he knew that there was no stopping him.

Powerful hands shot out and wrapped around the neck of the Silvereye agent. Angel forcefully pulled him back and threw him against the wall. The gun fell, and Angel quickly grabbed it. He delivered another powerful kick to the agent's chest, being careful not to touch the armor.

He took aim with the semi-automatic and backed up. The agents and vampires turned to see the commotion. Trent's face contorted with rage.

"Angelus..." he growled, fangs extending.

"Been a long time, Trent," Angel noted. "How long's it been since Boston?"

"Twenty years," Trent replied.

"Twenty years, huh?" Angel asked. "Wow, looks like you haven't come up much since then. Still following in daddy's footsteps?"

"I don't have time for this shit," Trent stated. "You've got one gun, those Silvereye agents combined have five. Who do you think has a better chance of walking out of this alive?"

"If I go down, I'm taking you to hell with me..." Angel said, his face shifting into vampire mode.

"Kill him," Trent ordered, turning away.

"Hold your fire!" Dallas shouted. Trent glared at him, and Dallas simply glared back. "Silvereye's no longer for sale. Especially not to cocksuckers like you."

The vampires stepped back from the agents. Trent lowered his head and considered this turn of events for a moment. The sound of laughing was apparent.

"Dallas, you fucking moron," he muttered. "You see that up there? Do you actually think silver bullets are going to stand up to him?"

"Only one way to find out," Angel stated. He pulled the trigger, nailing several of the vampires immediately. Trent dodged away to the side, running for cover.

"DUST 'EM!!" Dallas shouted, and the agents joined Angel in the firefight. The vampires tried to go for cover, yet most were taken out right away. The ones still alive opened fire with their own weapons, yet they had no effect on the Silvereye armor. The bullets may not be able to cause Angel any serious injury, but they still hurt like hell.

The flash of steel was the next image seen. Vampires suddenly turned to ashes when no bullets struck their flesh. The blur stopped and stood in the center of the arena. He wore a black trenchcoat and held a massive sword in his hand. The drops fell on his bald head, and his gaze fell directly on Angel.

"You..." he stated, holding up the sword. "The vampyr with a soul."

"Always nice to be known..." Angel muttered. "Who're you?"

He looked up at the platform which was several feet in the air.

"I have many names," he stated. "But you may call me Gilgamesh."

"Gilgamesh? The mythical monster hunter?"

"As you can see, Angelus, I am no myth."

"Right, so what's going on?"

"Erebus," Gilgamesh stated.

Blade felt rough, aged fingers stroke his chin. His eyes drifted upwards to look in the face of evil itself. The man who stood there was one whom inspired sheer terror. He took one of his clawed fingers and dragged it along Blade's cheek, drawing blood with it. He then brought the claw up to his mouth and licked it clean.

"I am very impressed, Daywalker. You represent strength and force of will."

Blade grunted in reply, and the man moved over to Elisa.

"You are a young one... beauty, innocence, and grace all rolled into one. I shall enjoy partaking of you."

He then moved to Drezan.

"The faithful... the one whom has supported me like no other. Incredibly devious, the personification of age and intelligence."

He moved towards the center, where the body of the Minister once lay before being converted to ashes. He looked out at all three of them.

"The time has come for a celebration," he stated. "Erebus walks the Earth once more. And mankind shall wither and fall."

Sunnydale

"This is REALLY starting to tick me off!!" Buffy exclaimed, trying to fight off a couple of vampires. "What is with all these vampires?"

"Quite simple, really," a man with a British accent replied. He entered on the scene and grabbed one of the vampires, driving a stake into. "Y'see that red rain? Not somethin' the weatherman counted on."

"Sounds like you know what's going on," Buffy noted, staking the second. "Come on, Spike. Out with it."

The young British man took out a cigarette and looked up at her as he lit it.

"It's an ancient prophecy."

"What prophecy?"

He sighed, exhaling the smoke, turning away from her.

"The Prophecy of Erebus."

"What's that mean? Who's Erebus?"

Spike sighed and looked down at the ground. He seemed almost afraid to talk about it.

"The vampire god."

Buffy's eyes grew wide.

"Oh..."

"Anyone think a plan may be in order?" Dallas asked.

"Do what you wish," Gilgamesh replied. "I have one task."

The legendary monster hunter looked up at the raised platform. He climbed upward, by leaping from wall to wall, leaving Angel and Silvereye alone.

"Trent's mine," Angel stated. "You guys might want to think about getting back-up. Lots of back-up. Vamps are going to be drawn to this place, and it'll take more than five vampire hunters to stand up to them."

Dallas slipped his helmet back on, activating the interior comm-link.

"Get back to the transport, men. We're returning to base."

"What?" one of the agents asked. "Sir, you can't be..."

"Take a look at your sensors," Dallas replied. "We're detecting tons of bloodsucking bastards heading towards here. And I'm not gonna engage them without a full strike force. Agreed?"

The four agents nodded.

"Good, then let's go."

Dallas ran towards the exit, with the four agents following him. Angel held up the gun, but was struck from behind. Trent stood above him, anger flashing in his eyes.

"Get up, asshole. I'm going to enjoy tearing you apart."

Angel slowly got to his knees, and suddenly drove his fist into Trent's groin. The son of Dragonetti roared in pain, giving Angel the chance he needed to get to his feet and deliver a hard left punch to Trent's face. He hit again with the right. Trent fell back, slightly, but grabbed Angel's fist before he could strike again. Trent pulled Angel towards him, and twisted the arm behind his back. He pushed hard on it.

*KRAK*

Angel bit his lip, trying to block out the pain. A quick kick from Trent sent him tumbling to the ground.

"You've gone soft, Angelus," he stated. "You're weak. You couldn't kill me in Boston. You can't do it now."

Angel gripped his shoulder, and snapped it back into place. He growled deeply - it was the growl of a wild animal. Something Trent never expected out of anything with a soul.

The next thing Trent saw was Angel's elbow before it struck him between the eyes. A kick to the abdomen followed. Angel wrapped his arm around Trent's neck, slamming him hard against the ground. He proves why Angelus was one of the most ruthless vampires of all time.

Angel walked over to where the gun was left. He picked it up and aimed it at Trent.

"Come on, Angelus," Trent stated. "We both know that you don't have the guts to kill me."

"Really?" Angel asked.

*BRATATATATATATATATATATATA*

"I sense another... One whom I never expected to see once more."

*THOOM*

The hunter looked up at Erebus, and held the massive blade in his hands.

"Gilgamesh."

"I killed you once, demon lord," Gilgamesh stated. "I will do it again."

Erebus began to chuckle.

"Do you really think that the Prophecy simply summons me? I expected more of you."

Erebus extended his arms, energy linking him with the three Daywalkers who cried out in pain. Erebus looked up towards the sky, red beams of energy emitting from it, and beginning to form a portal of some sort.

"The demon realm..." Gilgamesh muttered.

He moved quickly, his sword moving like a blur.

In that instance, Blade felt the slack in the chains as he was released. Yet, the energy link between him and Erebus prevented him from moving.

Gilgamesh dove into Erebus, the pair falling back, and the circuit breaking.

"NO!!!" Drezan cried out. "Where the fuck is Trent?! How the hell did he get up here?"

A deep growl was the next sound Drezan heard. He saw Blade standing in front of him, fangs and claws bared. And in that moment he locks eyes with Drezan, a moment of clarity strikes him.

And he remembers...

"You can come out now," he said.

Blade slowly stepped out into the light.

"Here," Drezen said, handing him the drink. "I'm not very thirsty."

Blade knocked the glass out of Drezen's hand and lifted him by the neck.

"WHO IS IT?!"

"E-excuse me?!"

"Who's trying to take over the vampire nations?"

"I have no clue who you're ta-"

"You really know so little about yourself, don't you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you have any idea how Morbius' bite affected you?" Drezen asked. "The bloodlust grows more every day, doesn't it? That's why you drained Karis."

"Shut up!" Blade spat.

"That's what happened, isn't it?"

"SHUT UP!!" Blade exclaimed, hurling the smaller man into the wall.

"You're a fool, Blade..." Drezen said, slowly standing. "Karis had an enzyme in her blood which sped up the process."

"What are you..."

"The transformation is about to begin."

"No..."

"You can feel it, can't you? Don't fight it, son."

"ARGH!!"

"Soon, you'll be one of us."

"N-NEVER!!"

"Never say never, friend."

Blade screamed out in torture.

Sharp pain shot down his back, as holes began to appear behind his shoulder blades. Without warning, skin and bones jutted forth from it.

Wings. He had wings.

He looked down at his armor, as it began to fall off when his body flexed. His fingers were the next source of pain as massive claws grew from the tips.

Drezen walked up to him, hands in his pockets.

"You look magnificent."

Blade swung his hand and swatted him aside. Then, he crashed through the window, his wings catching the air and taking flight.

Outside the temple gates, Commander Dallas led Silvereye into battle against what seemed to be an unending army of vampires. Dallas was confident that this was what he should be doing. Drezan may have created Silvereye to further his own means, but Dallas was far more comfortable in turning them into a force for good.

As Dallas was busy fighting off some vampires, he didn't notice another coming up behind him.

*BOOM*

Dallas looked up as ashes fell on him. Above him stood an elderly man with white hair and a beard holding a shotgun.

"Looks like you fuckers could use a hand."

"Sir, get back!! He's one of them!!"

"Hold your fire!!" Dallas ordered. "This one's different."

"Yer pretty damn trusting," Whistler stated.

"I never said I trusted you," Dallas replied. "I just need all the help I can get."

"Why is it whenever I'm around you people trouble follows?" Charlotte asked, watching as blood fell from the sky.

"Just luck," Karen muttered.

"Drezan..." he muttered.

"You..." Drezan stated, terror filling him. "You know..."

"I remember."

Blade dove towards him, and tore Drezan loose from the chains. The claws became embedded in Drezan's skin. Blade pulled him close and growled.

"The bloodlust is gone, Drezan. But I thought I could use one for the road..."

He opened his mouth wide and chomped down on Drezan's neck. The blood of a Daywalker coarsed through his veins. He felt strength as he drained all the blood, save for a single pint left over.

Blade lifted Drezan over his head, listening to Drezan's pathetic threats and insults. And, Blade pulled. He threw both pieces over the edge.

"Face it, Drezan. You lost."

He turned and saw Elisa chained as well. Slowly, he walked towards her, and stared at her. Then, he snapped the chains.

*CLANG*

"Not fast enough... you're losing it."

Gilgamesh tried to move quickly, attempting to gain a bead on Erebus. The vampire god was too quick, though, and grabbed the sword between his hands.

"You failed."

Erebus pulled the sword away from Gilgamesh and threw it to the side. He then pointed up.

"Soon, the demon world will intrude upon this world. And the Earth shall belong to the demons once more."

Erebus moved like a blur, slamming his palm against Gilgamesh's chin. Before Erebus could move closer for the kill, he stopped.

"The impure one... the one with a soul."

"It's over, Erebus," Angel stated. "Your followers are all gone. And we've already insured that forces are stopping any other followers from getting here."

"Do you truly believe that, Angelus? Do you truly believe you can avert the apocalypse?"

"Wouldn't be the first time."

"Daywalkers... you turn on me as well?"

"Drezan and Trent are dead, the other vampires have a deterrent, and we stopped you before you could fully open the portal. Your power only comes from the three Daywalkers. That circuit was broke. You lost."

"Untrue. The portal may not be fully open, but it is partially open. The forces shall come through, albeit not as fast. You cannot face them all at once."

"He's right," Gilgamesh stated. "Something must fill the void."

"I think I've got a pretty good idea," Elisa said. "Anyone else agree with me?"

Blade smiled as Angel, Gilgamesh, and Elisa tackled Erebus. He fought hard, trying to shake them loose.

"AWAY, GNATS!!!!"

A sudden backlash of energy forced the three back, freeing Erebus. He stood, his eyes glowing brightly. Until suddenly, something rammed up against him.

Blade pushed forward with all his might, his arms wrapped around Erebus's waist, his wings working hard to propel them upward. He lifted Erebus up and looked him in the eyes.

"Face facts, asshole. You're fucked."

He put all his strength into a throw, tossing Erebus through the portal. Blade turned as it slowly began to decrease in size, when something reached out and grabbed his leg.

"SO ARE YOU, DAYWALKER!!!"

"NO!!!" Elisa shouted, as the three of them were forced to watch the man they hardly knew fight for his life. "We have to save him!!"

"It's too high up," Angel stated. "Even if you could reach him, the gravitational pull of the demon world is too strong. You'd be sucked in, too."

Elisa, Angel, and Gilgamesh were forced to watch as a man they didn't even know gave his life in order to ensure their survival. Blade became pulled deep inside the demon world, and the portal closed.

The last sound heard was the echo of Erebus's laughter.

Blade Annual 2002
"GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS"

By Dino Pollard

The event always replays itself in my nightmares.

There was somethin' a

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