Blade: The Hunger

By Adnan Khan

The streets were dark with no one in them. No one was around. No one woke up. There was nothing. Absolutely nothing, except for some dumb college sluts who were waiting for some guy to pick them up. It was just sick how people degraded themselves like this. But this is the way the humans are. This is not the story about the human race though. It's a story about a different race. A race that lives among the humans.

"God, this night just sucks. Not a single pick-up. I'm about to fuck this and go home."

"You got that right. Thing is, we to far from home. We gotta get a guy to take us home."

"Um...so what do we do? What are we supposed to be doing out here, what do you mean by pick-up?"

They were three girls, all of them from ESU. Two of them were prostitutes, who were used to this, the other one just got mixed up with the wrong people. It was just sad, really sad.

All of a sudden, all three of them saw a man walking toward them. There were three of them in fact, all of them wearing long flowing trench coats. They were black, the clothes were. Two of the girls started cuddling up to them, hoping to "ride" them. The third one was wondering what the hell was going on.

"You don't know these guys, why are you cuddling them?" Then she realized what they were. "You guys are prostitutes. Oh my God, I'm not a hooker!"

"Jeez, are you stupid?" one of the girls asked. "Of course we're hookers!" Then she looked back up to the man "You wanna lil' fun? We can give you a lot of fun."

"Oh yeah..hehe," he replied. He had a thick raspy voice, and when he said that, the other two men laughed.

The girls backed up a little, frightened. The "leader" grabbed one of the girls and brought her neck up to his mouth. He started kissing it. The girl just let go because she thought it felt good.

"Oh....oh..yeah...Oh--" She was cut off as her body went limp, blood running down her neck. The man let go of it and the body dropped to the ground, dead.

The new girl started running, and she didn't look back when she heard the scream of terror from her friend. The girl just kept running. She was more frightened then she had ever been before. Then she ran right smack down into one of the men.

"Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!!" she just kept murmuring. The vampire looked at her interested.

"Stop your bickering, I can make this quick. Hehehe." Soon, the other two men caught up to them. They had blood dripping from their mouths. They laughed again with their dark, evil, raspy laughs.

"What's wrong girl, regretting making those friends? Those hookers?" he grinned as he said this, his crimson-stained fangs plainly visible. "Hehehe---Urk!"

The girl saw a giant cylindrical bullet in the man. Then, all of a sudden, the body became dust. The two other men looked up.

"Daywalker!" they sounded surprised and frightened. "Let's get 'em!" They ran at him with their fangs out trying to claw him. The "Daywalker" just shot two long 6" bullets into their hearts, and their bodies evaporated.

"Who-o a-are...y-you?" the girl asked, obviously frightened. "Who were they?"

She looked up at the man. He was wearing a long black flowing trench coat. Underneath it, he was wearing a thick black vest that contained more guns than the girl had ever seen. She also saw a sheath that contained a sword. In the man's hand was one of the biggest guns she had ever seen, that was loaded with one of those bullets. When she finally looked at the man's face, she saw the face of an African-American who wore sunglasses. He had some of the blackest skin she had ever seen.

The man looked down at her, but said nothing. He grabbed her head, checking both sides of her neck. Then, he released it, walking away.

He is Blade--a vampire hunter. Possessed of all their strengths, but none of their weaknesses. His mother, a human, was bitten by the vampire Deacon Frost when she gave birth to him. Thus, Blade has dedicated his life to eliminate the vampire scourge from the face of the earth.

The human race is degrading, one of the most degrading races in the universe. They fight wars amongst themselves, kill themselves, kill others. They are evil, just plain evil. Some are good, one out of a lot of people. All of them have done bad things, all of them.

They think they know everything, they have one of the biggest egos on Earth. What they do not know is that they are being eaten. They are cattle to another race. The race this story is about. Maybe it's good that these creatures of the night kill humans. Maybe it's good that these... vampires... rid the planet of this giant virus that is stripping the world of it's rescourcses.

Blade knows this, he knows that humans do this. He is human himself, but he knows one good thing about humans. They fight for their freedom. They fight for their right. Blade knows that they will never be taken by vampires. So he protects this virus. He knows, if that vampires took over, it would be worse.

By Adnan Khan

Blade looked up at the starry sky. It was the first time he actually admired the stars. He felt a soothing feeling from the view. He lay back on the grave thinking. He was at his thinking place. His mother's grave. She had been killed by a vampire. Blade himself had become partially the species of his mother's killer. He had been bitten by the "living" vampire, Morbius.* Ever since, he had felt a power gnawing in him. A power to drink blood. He had been able to resist it, until now.

(* Back in Marvel's Peter Parker: Spider-Man #8 -- Ry)

Blade was thinking about his past, present, and future. What would his vampireness do to him? Blade had no idea. He felt alive, more than usual. He got up from the grave and walked out of the cemetery.

"Hrolf! Come to me! You're really starting to piss me off."

"Yeah yeah yeah. Whatcha want Drezan?" Two men were talking to each other in a dark lit room underneath an abandoned apartment complex. If you can call them men. One was a tall, buff, werewolf looking creature. The other was a short, red eyed, drooling freak.

"I want to know if you will accept my offer," said the short creature, obviously Drezan.

"Man, why me? You know no vampire ever killed that dumb fuck. I'm not gonna try," replied the werewolf.

"You are different Hrolf, you are not like a normal vampire. You are a vampire that is like a werewolf. You alone can defeat Blade."

"The only one who had a chance was Frost, but that was when he had all that mumbo jumbo magic shit in him."* Hrolf said angrily.

(* As if we have to mention it? Back in the blockbuster movie Blade -- Ry)

"Are you disobeying me? It's not like I'm sending you in alone. I have an entire army at my hands. It was Frost's last gift to me. Hehehe." They both laughed at this.

"Ok, I'll do it, but you gotta back me up."

"Master, the Daywalker has been sighted by your scouts. He will reach the designated area soon." A thin raspy voice said confidently. "He will die, I'm sure of it!"

"The Daywalker is not an easy foe. I alone can kill him. Do you not remember the night him and that bug killed everyone of the first generation of my vampires?* Except you of course..." A dark voice said, a little annoyed.

(* Back in Marvel's Peter Parker: Spider-Man #7 -- Ry)

"Yes yes, I will tell your creations to be extra destructive. Heeheee heee." The vampire giggled with glee.

Hard alternative music rocked the dance floor of the club. Lights flew around the giant room while a few hundred people were dancing there asses off.

"Hey! You can't go in there! You gotta pa-!" A man flew threw the door of the club. "Wow, you got some fist in there nigger."

"You're white. I'm black. Tell me why I shouldn't kick your sorry ass for calling me a nigger?" Blade stepped in walking over to the man.

"I don't know." The man took a knife and swung it at Blade's leg. Blade brought his hand down in a blur of speed and grabbed the man's hand before it could touch his leg.

"Not a good idea. Never swing a knife at someone who's standing over---"

"NEVER SAY NEVER BLADE!" In stepped Hrolf with thirteen vampires at his side.

"Hrolf....what a surprise." Blade took out a shotgun from his trenchcoat. It had a long needle like bullet in it.

"Not a good idea Blade, I got thirty vampires itching to get some of the action. They're all right there." The glass above shattered as thirty more vampires came falling from the roof. All the kids scattered from the area, many screaming.

Blade looked up at them. Ptooph! Ptooph! Ptooph! Ptooph! Bullets started flying out from Blade's gun and they started hitting the vampires in there chests, causing them to disintegrate. Blade took out another gun and started firing both guns. Hrolf smirked at the sight of the battle and took out two swords. It took only minutes before there were only three vampires left, not including Hrolf.

"Come on Hrolf, let's play." Blade smiled as he tucked in his guns into his trenchcoat. He took out a long katana and raised it into the air. The other two vampires took out their own swords and lunged at Blade.

"These are two of the most elite vampire sword fighters in the world. Let's see how good you really are Blade," said Hrolf.

The first vampire swung his sword towards Blade's face by bringing it up above his head and then down toward his face. The other vampire meanwhile swung his sword around toward Blade's rib cage. Blade quickly blocked the first sword by bringing his sword above his face as the other blade slashed his side. "ARGH!" Blade retaliated by swinging his own sword at the second vampire's neck without even bothering to look. The vampire was hit at his neck, but it didn't go all the way. It just made him bleed.

Without responding the second vampire swung his sword at Blade's legs to cut them while the other jabbed his sword at Blade's heart. Blade swung his sword at the sword coming toward his chest and brought the sword down at the other vampire's sword. Both vampire's collided into each other head first. Blade quickly jabbed his sword at both of their hearts and watched as they evaporated into dust.

Blade looked over at Hrolf who was already taking out two swords from their sheaths. "C'mon, let's rock!" Hrolf and Blade both ran at each other at full speed. Hrolf swung one sword at Blade's face while he used the other to block Blade's attempt to stab his heart. Blade's katana hit Hrolf's and then Blade, in a quick blur, quickly brought his sword to block Hrolf's katana coming at his face. While doing so, Blade flew into the air bringing his right leg up at Hrolf's face by spinning around completely. His leg impacted on Hrolf's face and Hrolf stumbled back.

Hrolf dropped the sword he was gripping in his right fist while bringing his left hand, sword out, at Blade's chin. Blade's neck to mouth got slashed.

"ARGH!" Blade cried out.

"Hehehe, gonna get a new scar buddy? How 'bout a matching one on the back of your neck?" Hrolf flipped up into the air sending his right leg at Blade's head, which was now covered in blood. Blade got knocked back and fell to towards the ground. Before he could reach it, Hrolf grabbed him by the arm and flipped him onto his back. Hrolf then brought his sword on the back of his neck, slashing it, creating another cut. "Told ya I was gonna give you a matching scar! Hehehe."

He began bringing his size twenty feet down on Blade's back and head, full force. Each time he hit him, Blade went, "Ugh!" Hrolf stopped after doing this thirty times. He grabbed the back of Blade's neck, and flipped Blade onto his back.

"Got any last requests?" Hrolf asked.

"Yeah, I got two. Go fuck yourself and then rot in hell!" Blade spit at Hrolf's face, which never reached it's target.

"HA HA HA HA!" Hrolf roared in laughter. "I never thought I'd see this day, nor did any other vampire! I'm gonna be a hero! HA HA HA! Never will another vampire suffer under--URK!"

Hrolf never finished his sentence. Nor would he ever say a word again. He had a sword in his throat. Correction, not in, through! Hrolf dropped to the ground in pain, trying to scream. He pulled the sword out of his throat, bringing a bloody ball with it. His voice box! He turned around and looked at a teenage white girl, dressed like a slut. She was shivering, while holding another sword in her hand. She had got them from the two disintegrated vampires. She swung the sword with all her strength, but missed because Hrolf had dropped to the ground. He was already creating a pool of blood, spreading from his neck.

Blade looked at her as she said, "I-is he dead?"

Blade smirked and replied with pain, "No, you missed.......... his heart. But I'm gonna let ......... him live. This is better .......... than killing a vampire." He laughed.

The girl helped him up and put his arm around his shoulder. "My car's out back, I think I can get you to it."

"Never ...... never did catch your name."

"It's Kristy, you?"

"Blade," he muttered back.

III

By Adnan Khan

"There you are lil' girl! Hehe, come to Blade!" Blade said standing over Kristy, her white hands up, covering her head in fright. "It's not gonna be painful, sort of." He grabbed her trembling hand and picked her up. He grabbed Kristy's neck and brought his mouth down on her neck--

Blade woke up. It was the first time he had slept in a long while. He wasn't used to the peace and the dreams. And he was certainly not used to the nightmares. He looked across the room to the bed. Blade was sleeping on he sofa because he had a guest. A stray girl who had saved him a few days back. What was I thinking? Blade thought to himself, looking at the sleeping girl. She had saved him at a club Blade had gone to, looking for package. Hrolf had jumped him, bringing around twenty vampires with him. Blade had disposed of them, but when he took on Hrolf, he almost got beat. Luckily, the girl had saved him. Hrolf had lived, because Blade wanted him to feel pain, instead of just disintegrating.

"B-Blade?"

Blade looked up and saw the girl was awake. He had brought her back to his place since she had no where else to go. She was a homeless girl, making a living off of sex. Blade wondered, Why did I bring her here? I've never cared for the homeless.

"Yeah?" Blade replied.

"I'm scared."

Blade sighed. "What now, Kristy?"

"What's that thing at the window?" Blade looked up, worried now. He saw two red eyes peering down at him. Within seconds, his sword was out of his sheath and up to waist position, ready to swing. The creature kept on looking, as if it didn't notice Blade.

"Stay still Kristy. Stay still."

"O-o-okay," She replied stuttering.

Blade inched his way back to the door. It looked like he was leaving, like a coward. But despite what it looked like, Blade had a plan. A minute or so passed and Kristy was still shivering. All of a sudden she heard a thump, and then a crash.

KTAAAASH! Glass shattered everywhere as the creature came flying down, Blade right behind it. The creature grabbed Blade a split second after the shattering and slammed him into the ground. Before Blade could recover, the creature disappeared. Just like that.

The short man named Drezan was sitting at his desk when a man entered the room. It was 3 in the morning and Drezan was doing some of his human work. He was one of the three vampires who could go out in the day. No one knew how he did this, nor did anyone dare to ask.

"What is it?" Drezan asked the man.

"Hrolf has failed. Blade defeated him with the help of a girl. Hrolf is not dead though, he is healing from his injuries as we speak," the man replied.

"He was never meant to win the battle. He is such a fool. I was hoping Blade had killed him. Oh well. What interests me is this girl you speak of. Who is she and where does she live?"

The man was taken aback. Hrolf was meant to fail? He thought. "Her name is Kristy, no last name. She has no home. A stray. Blade went into her car though."

"A car? How does she have a car when she's homeless?"

"We do not know, sir."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes we ar--URK!" Drezan had thrown a stake at his heart with pin point accuracy. The man turned into dust.

Drezan spoke into a speaker at his desk, "Yotyio, I need you to clean up something." He closed his eyes, and then after a minute he opened them. A girl, eh?

Blade looked around. The creature had just disappeared. How could it just do that? Blade looked at the girl and saw that she was just as surprised as him.

"Where'd it go?" Kristy asked.

"I don't know. But I think we had better get out of here. Just in case."

"Okay."

As Blade and Kristy were entering the car, Blade told Kristy to drive. Kristy said okay, and got in. She started the car and noticed Blade hadn't got in. She got out of the car.

"Blade? You there?" No answer.

"Blade? A-are you there?" Just as before, no answer.

"There had been an unusual development in Blade's activities. He was not killed by our vampires," A high pitched voice said.

"WHAT!?" A dark voice said angrily. "What happened?"

"Hrolf attacked him. As usual, the stupid was defeated."

"Hm .... Hrolf, that fool. He must be eliminated. What about the girl? Have you found her yet?"

"We believe the girl was there, at the club. But she is gone," The man thought for a moment, "permission to speak my opinion, master."

"Speak."

"I believe that the girl is the one who saved Blade from Hrolf. Her name is Kristy."

"Kristy. Very well. I must go now. I have personal matters to take care of."

"Yes, master."

"You need not call me master anymore, Jean. It is time I told you my real name."

"What is it?"

The man smiled, "Call me ... Hunger."

Kristy looked around. Where was Blade? She thought.

"Huuuh...." Kristy looked up and saw the creature that had disappeared earlier. It was different now. It had a more muscular build and it's skin was brown. Before it had been a tannish color. The head was bald, with dark red, piercing eyes. On it's fingers, long nails that looked like claws, where dripping with blood. It was huge. About 7 feet tall.

Kristy screamed. She jumped into the car, which still had it's engine going. She pushed the gas and roared off at full speed. It was near dawn and a man had walked out of his home to grab the mail he had forgotten to check yesterday.

The creature looked at him. The man looked at the creature. He knew right then, he was screwed. In just six steps, the man covered fifty feet. The creature grabbed the man's neck, and brought his mouth down on his head. It's sharp teeth pierced the man's skull into his brain. The man could feel his brain's energy disappearing. After the brain's energy was gone, the creature ate him.

By Dino Pollard

Kristy took a sharp turn at the corner. The rising sun blinded her.

She looked in the rearview mirror. The creature that had attacked her and Blade last night... what was it? It couldn't have been a vampire, especially since it was out in the daylight.

One thought kept racing through her mind, though.

Where did Blade go?

If Kristy was heading in the right direction, 2 miles away, she would have found the answer to that very question.

Blade stood in front of a gate to the police impound lot. Using his vampiric strength, he broke the lock and pushed the gate open.

"Freeze!!"

Blade turned to see a black woman aiming a gun at him. She wore an NYPD sweatshirt, and her features, attractive though they were, gave the impression that she wasn't someone you wanted to mess with.

"I said freeze, asshole!" she repeated.

"I'm just picking up something that belongs to me," Blade stated.

"Then you go through the proper channels," she said. "It's early and I'm always a bit cranky before I've had my coffee. So you don't want to piss me off."

"Perhaps it's the other way around," Blade said, moving closer to her. He easily towered over her, his features inspiring terror in her heart. He grinned, revealing two fangs.

"What the hell are you...?" she asked, stepping back, slightly. In her life, Detective Charlotte Jones had thought she'd seen it all. Little did she realize how wrong she was.

"Go away, woman," Blade stated, smacking her gun aside. He then grabbed her throat and lifted her off her feet. "This is none of your concern."

"B-bullshit!!" Charlotte choked out.

Blade effortlessly tossed her aside. He then walked inside the lot and spotted a bike towards the back. Fairly large, black with silver attachments. Once he climbed on it, he started it up. Then, with a rev of the engine, he drove off, leaving Detective Charlotte Jones in his dust.

"What do we do about Blade?"

"Blade is mine," Hunger stated. "You will do nothing. How fairs Membrane?"

"He hasn't had much of a chance to fight Blade yet," the vampire beside him said. "He just finished feeding, and now he is currently following Blade's young companion."

"Good," Hunger said. "It's all falling into place..."

Kristy took another sharp turn. She had no idea where she was going, or where she even was. But, she did know that she had to get as far away from that... thing as humanly possible.

Humanly possible? She realized that term took on new meaning. After what she's seen, how can anything be humanly possible?

Her thoughts were interrupted as the creature landed in front of her, causing her to swerve to avoid striking the creature.

"Hello, child," he said. "Tell me, where is Blade?"

"I-I don't know!" Kristy exclaimed. "Please... don't..."

"Sorry," the creature said. "Membrane doesn't do requests!"

"Then maybe Membrane needs to lean ta be more open-minded!!"

"Who dares?" Membrane asked, turning around. An elderly man, with long, white hair and a beard, as well as wearing a leg brace and sunglasses stood before him. He was holding a strange weapon in his hands, aiming it right at Membrane.

"Let the girl go," he said. "This is between us vampires."

A solitary house on the outskirts of the city. Inside, Dr. Karen Jensen stared at the computer screen and shook her head.

"I don't know what to tell you, Blade," she said. "It's been awhile since I've seen you. Now, I'm worried about what's happened to you. It looks like Morbius' bite has really affected you. Your DNA... it's..."

"I can't worry about that now," Blade said. "I need to get out of here."

"Blade, wait!" Karen exclaimed. "He's alive."

"Who is?" Blade asked.

Karen simply looked at him.

"I think you know who I'm talking about."

"What do you mean 'us vampires'?" Membrane asked. "I am far more than a simple vampire. It is time you learned that!"

"Really?" the old man asked. He lifted up the weapon, the barrel beginning to glow brightly. "Let's find out!"

The blast was silent, but powerful. It tore right through Membrane, leaving a gaping hole in the center of his body.

"I-impossible!!" Membrane exclaimed. "What is that?"

"Good question," the old man replied. "It harnesses pure, ultraviolet rays, and unleashes them with devastating effects. I'm not sure what to call it, though. Maybe a sun cannon or a light beam or something as equally cheesy."

"But, I'm more than a vampire!" Membrane stated. "This can't happen to me!"

"You used to be one, though," he said. "Your DNA still has vampiric characteristics. Regular ultraviolet rays filtered through the ozone layer won't harm you. But, when they're harnessed and focused into a single blast? Yer gone, pal."

He fired a second blast, smaller than the first, which took off Membrane's head.

"Who are you?" Kristy asked.

"A friend," he replied.

"Whistler!"

The old man turned to see Blade walking towards him, a gun aimed right at his chest.

"Nice to see you, too," Whistler muttered. "Put down the gun, Blade. We're on the same side."

"How do I know that?" Blade asked. "How can I trust you? And how are you out in the daylight?"

"That would be Karen," Whistler replied. "She gave me an injection. Remember when she found a way to cure herself? Frost's attack caused her to lose a lot of her research, but she was able to make up for some of it. It only suppresses the vampire cells for a short time, though. And pretty soon, it's gonna wear off. So we better get someplace safe."

"Wait a minute!" Kristy exclaimed. "Who's Karen?"

"You'll meet her soon," Blade replied.

Hours Later

"This goes deeper than I thought..." Kristy stated.

"Deeper than any of us thought," Karen added. "Unfortunately, it's not over yet. We've still got a lot more to do. I've analyzed the DNA sample you took from Membrane. At the base level, he is a vampire. But, he's a genetically-altered one. He's been altered to the point where the regular weaknesses don't affect him as much. Yet, it's all experimental. Apparently, instead of feeding on blood, he feeds on brainwaves. Thus, his name. Unfortunately for him, the process isn't perfected. After a period of 72 hours, the cells begin to break down. I assume he didn't even know that. Whoever sent him may try to create more like him. And if they're able to perfect the process, then we could be in trouble."

"Why not use the sun cannon or whatever it's called?" Kristy asked.

"It needs to be recharged," Whistler replied, rounding out a bladed object. "By direct sunlight. I was barely able to manage that second blast. Here, try this."

He tossed a small gun to Kristy.

"It's lightweight," he said. "Chamber's already loaded. Silver hollow-point bullets, filled with garlic. Make sure you aim right. They won't kill unless you hit either the head or the heart."

"Anything else?" Kristy asked.

"You probably won't be able to handle anything else," Whistler stated. "The kick-back on an automatic would probably be too much for you. And that definitely rules out the possibility of using anything like a shotgun."

"What about a sword?"

"Do you know how to use one?"

"Doesn't everyone?"

"I think that answers your question," Blade stated.

"'Bout time ya got out," Whistler said. He picked up some sort of armor. "Here, try this on."

Blade slipped it on his left arm, clipping it over his shoulder.

"It gives you a bit more protection than your old body armor did," Whistler began. "Trust me, it'll come in handy. I also got this over here for ya."

He pointed to a gauntlet lying on the table. Picking it up, Blade slipped it on his right hand. There were razor-sharp claws on each of the fingertips. Perfect for up-close combat.

"They're retractable," Whistler said. "That'll also come in handy."

"Everything's set then," he said, reaching down on the table. Picking up the sunglasses, he put them on.

"We're back in business."

"Hello, Hrolf."

The vampire/werewolf crossbreed looked up at the female warrior towering over her. She was extremely tall, at least 6'3". An Amazon, he guessed. He was in an infirmary owned by Drezan, where he had to get his voicebox repaired. While he didn't want to have to rely on others, Drezan had insisted. Now, he was beginning to wish that he hadn't listened to his employer.

"Hunger sends his regards."

With that, she swiftly drove a stake into the vampire's heart, causing him to turn to ashes instantly.

By Dino Pollard

"Do you accept?"

"Yes," Drezan stated. "You will have access to the vampires who follow me."

"Excellent," the larger man said. "Hunger will be most pleased."

"Let's not forget his side," Drezan noted.

"Not at all," the larger man said. "In addition to your services, Hunger will deliver Blade -- unharmed. Well, relatively unharmed, anyway."

"Perfect," Drezan stated. "Tell Hunger I'll be in touch."

With that, Drezan walked towards his limo. Once he was gone, Hunger's assistant grinned.

"Hunger won't be a part of the game anymore, Drezan," he said. "And neither will you. As for Blade, I have my own plans for him."

Elsewhere

A place where vampires can indulge in the blood of innocent humans. It is affectionately referred to as a vampire convention. Yet, the undead who come here prefer to call it a blood bank.

Innocent humans are fooled into coming here. They are mostly runaway teens, living off the streets. The majority of humanity, especially the so-called "upper class," believe these poor fools to be subhuman. They're considered a stain on humanity.

Social status matters not to the race known as vampire. Nor does the color of skin, or the background. They aren't prejudiced. Some would say it's an ideal race. Except there is only one thing they're interested in -- the taste of blood.

At midnight, they seal off the doors, as well as any hope of escape. Then the massacre begins.

The human cattle attempt to flee to open the doors. Some of them simply accept their fate. Others, though, can be stubborn.

Some would say, which is better? Living a life off the streets, continuing to suffer, or to become a vampire, who's only hope of survival is to kill others?

Some fall. Blood stains the walls and the floors. The vampires enjoy themselves, toying with their prey. Some of them treat this as a sexual experience -- others simply drink their fill.

It is a scene not unlike a wild college party; yet this is far more dangerous.

However, one of the few remaining humans still among the living looks up -- and sees a savior descend.

An armored fist slams into one of the vampires. They all move as far away as possible from the new arrival.

He's a tall, black man, very well-built. Dark sunglasses conceal his eyes. He wears a black shirt and pants. His torso is covered with some kind of silver armor, as is his left arm. His right hand has an odd type of chain-mail glove on it. Across his chest is a bandola of stakes. Over this, he wears a trench coat. The vampires know what's underneath that coat -- weapons. Weapons capable of killing them.

Whispers are muttered throughout the crowd. Whispers of his name: "... Blade ..." Whispers of his title: "... the Daywalker ..."

If Blade cared about intimidation, he would grin. In the past, he would take pleasure in such fear. He's matured since then, though; much has happened. Now he only cares about one thing -- the kill.

He doesn't give them a chance to attack; he simply moves. First he physically assaults them. His strength is equal to theirs, but combined with his armored hand, it is even moreso. A flick of his wrist and a silver stake flies out, striking down a vampire, turning it into a charred skeleton.

One vampire attempts to be a hero by trying to fight the Daywalker head-on. The right hand, which is covered with a chain-mail gauntlet, suddenly enters the fight. Retractable silver claws extend from the fingertips, long enough to cause some serious damage. He tears into the vampire, flaying the creature of the night inch by inch -- and he enjoys every second of it.

His armored hand reaches inside his trench coat, and a semiautomatic is drawn. He begins unloading streams of silver bullets, which take down his enemies with ease.

A flash of steel, and the vampires know what happens next.

The blade. The blade which helped kill Deacon Frost. The blade which aided in the defeat of Dracula. The blade which has the blood of hundreds -- possibly thousands of vampires on it .. and now, it will be stained with their blood as well.

He moves like lightning, slashing heads off, stabbing into hearts. The vampires have no prayer.

Few are still alive, and they begin to surround him. The claws retract back into his gauntlet as he reaches inside his trench coat once more. He pulls out a small, red orb. A click is heard, followed by a high-pitched beeping. Quickly, he tosses it into the center of the room, and makes a break for the door, blowing the lock with bullets.

Then, the building erupts in flames.

{"Blade, was it really necessary to blow up the place?"}

"No," Blade replied through his headset. "But it was fun."

{"Did you at least keep one of them alive? So we can find out who Membrane was working for?}

"These were just impures," Blade stated. "They're not high enough on the food chain to know anything. They're basically foot soldiers. If we want information, we need to go after the bigger fish."

{"Then what was the point of this?"}

"Like I said before," Blade replied. "Fun."

"Anyone else notice he's been a bit more bloodthirsty than usual?" Kristy asked. "I mean, he let Hrolf survive, and now he goes and massacres these vampires."

"That's what we do, kid," Whistler stated.

"The point is, how can we be sure that all the humans were dead before he blew the place up?" Karen asked.

"Blade may be many things," Whistler replied. "But he ain't reckless. He knows what he's doin'. Trust me."

"Trusting vampires..." Kristy muttered. "Perfect."

"I used to be a vampire," Karen noted.

"So I'm the only one here who's NOT a vampire in some way or another?!" Kristy asked. "I gotta get outta here. I'll be at my motel room if you need me."

Once Kristy sped out in her car, Whistler changed the frequency on the comm-link in front of him.

"Keep an eye on her."

Detective Charlotte Jones watched as a car pulled into a spot at the Sleep-Easy Motel. A young girl, not more than 18, got out and unlocked one of the doors.

"Bingo," she muttered. She knew trying to find the man who robbed the impound lot the other night would be too difficult since his bike had no license plate. Instead, she gave his description to her sources. One of them, a night club bouncer, said he saw him leave with a frequent club-hopper -- girl by the name of Kristy. He gave Charlotte Kristy's current address.

She has been on a stakeout, monitoring Kristy's place for the past few hours with nothing. Now she finally gets a bite.

Opening the car door, she drew her gun as she rapped on the door.

"Police! Open up!"

Nothing.

"I said open up!"

Again, nothing.

"I'm giving you 'till the count of three, then I'm breaking down this door. One... Two..."

"Three!" Kristy replied, opening the door; aiming a gun at Charlotte. The Police Detective quickly brought her own gun up.

"Drop your weapon," Charlotte ordered.

"I don't think so, vampire," Kristy stated. "Don't move! I know how to use this thing, and I'm not afraid to use it!!"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Charlotte said. "I'm Detective Charlotte Jones. I have reason to believe that you're mixed up with a felon. He's a big, black guy. With fangs. Know anyone like that?"

"You can at least have the decency to say his name," Kristy said.

"I would if I knew what it was."

"Oh no!!" Kristy said. "You're dead, now!"

"STOP!!"

The two young women spun around to see a young man with shaggy brown hair. He was wearing a brown trench coat and smoking a cigarette.

"I think there's been a mistake, Kristy."

"Who are you?" Kristy asked.

"I'm a friend of Blade's," he replied. "The name's Hannibal King."

"Here is the information you wanted, Mr. Drezan," Yotyio said, handing him a file.

"Thank you, Yotyio," Drezan replied. "This is everything you were able to get on that girl, correct?"

"Yes sir," the young, Asian woman stated. "She goes by the name of Kristy. Her real name is Kristine Warson. Her parents were killed by vampires when she was 10. She witnessed the entire thing. She then began making a living off of the streets. Her car was most-likely stolen, or it belonged to her parents. We haven't found a license plate number, though. It seems the reason she tried to fight Hrolf* wasn't because she wanted to save Blade, but because she wants revenge on vampires."

"Obviously," Drezan said. "Thank you, Yotyio, that is all."

Once his secretary left the room, Drezan looked down at the blurred photo of Kristy. He then took an odd-shaped dagger and slammed it on the picture.

"You're mine."

"How are we supposed to believe you know Blade?" Kristy asked.

Hannibal handed her a small headset. Kristy hesitantly placed it by her ear, and heard Whistler's voice on the other end.

"You believe me now?" Hannibal asked.

Kristy said nothing, just handed him the headset.

"Look, I don't know who the hell you are," Charlotte said. "All I know is that this girl is under arrest for prostitution and an accessory to grand theft auto."

"We don't have time for this," Hannibal said. "We've gotta hurry before--"

He stopped, looking around. Red eyes pierced the darkness. As they came closer, the three found they were connected to vampires.

"Shit."

By Dino Pollard

What would you do if you were just a child and bore witness to vampires killing your parents? If you were Kristy, you'd start living off the streets, using your body to make money. Then, you'd accidentally fall in with a band of vampire hunters.

What would you do if you were just a police officer who entered into a romantic relationship with a member of the X-Men? If you were Detective Charlotte Jones, you would have had a somewhat stable relationship until it would be called off. Then, you would go on with your life, until you discover a large black man stealing a motorcycle from a police impound lot. Now, you're also part of the underground, whether you like it or not.

What would you do if you were just a private investigator who became a vampire hunter? If you were Hannibal King, you would work with Blade and Frank Drake-the Nightstalkers. Then, you would become a vampire, yet you would also continue to oppose them as well as continue your work as a private investigator.

Place yourself in any one of those positions. Tell me what you'd do if you were suddenly attacked by a cadre of vampires.

Hannibal reacts instinctively, driving his fist at one of them. Although he refuses to use his vampiric powers unless absolutely necessary, he has no quarrel with using his great strength against them.

Kristy begins firing everywhere with the gun given to her by Whistler. The clip's loaded with silver bullets, enough to kill a vampire.

Charlotte on the other hand, has simply her regular firearm, which isn't enough to kill the vampires, but it works to slow them down.

"We can't stand up to them alone!!" Hannibal exclaimed. "We don't have the weapons we need!!"

"So what do we do?" Charlotte asked. "Politely ask them to wait while we get something that CAN kill them?"

"Whistler, we need some help down here!!" Hannibal shouted into his headset. "See if you can get in touch with Blade!!"

"I'm tryin', King," Whistler stated. "He's not responding, though."

{{ What do you mean he's not responding? }} Hannibal asked. {{ If we don't get some help here soon, people are gonna start dying on us!! }}

"I said I'm doin' everything in my power to try and reach him," Whistler replied. "And I meant it. I'm gonna keep trying. Whistler out."

Whistler sat back in his chair after he had broken communication with Hannibal. He hated this. He didn't want to betray Hannibal and Kristy's trust, but it was the only way.

"I've done it!!" Karen exclaimed, running into the room. "I've figured out what Membrane's weakness was!!"

"What would that be?" Whistler asked.

"His brain," Karen replied. "Brain waves are the source of his power. Or were. Just like vampires get their power from human blood, Membrane gets it from brain waves."

"So all we gotta do is destroy the brain," Whistler said. "Sounds simple enough."

"I never said it was that easy," Karen stated. "Membrane's skull is extremely thick. Getting past it is the difficult part."

"So how do we do it?"

"The way I see it, you can either attempt breaking a hole in the skull, thus granting access to the brain."

"Or...?"

"Or, you can try and go in through the nasal cavity," Karen stated. "Unfortunately, it seems like that's the best way for us to go. Because that UV laser won't have enough power."

"I gotcha," Whistler said. "You mind excusin' yourself, Karen? I got some work I need to do here."

"Are you all right?" she asked. "You've seemed a bit distant lately."

"Just tired is all..." Whistler replied.

"Right..." Karen stated, looking at him skeptically. "Well, I'll be out of your hair now."

"Thanks," Whistler said as she walked out. He looked down at the comm-link. Access to Blade was cut off.

"Whistler!!" Blade exclaimed inside his headset. "WHISTLER!!!"

No answer.

"Dammit!!" he exclaimed. He tried changing the frequency. "Hannibal?"

Again, nothing.

"Blast!!" he stated. Quickly turning on his bike, he headed in the opposite direction of the base.

"You two try and get to the car!!" Hannibal ordered. "I'll see if I can hold them off."

"Come on!" Charlotte exclaimed, grabbing Kristy's arm.

"Wait, we have to-"

"He can handle this, kid!" Charlotte stated. "Come on!!"

Kristy looked on as Hannibal began to take on the vampires single-handily. Then, she followed Charlotte.

"Move over," Kristy ordered. "I'm driving."

"Does it really matter?" Charlotte asked, sliding over to the passenger seat.

"Yes, because you're a cop," Kristy replied. "You have to follow the rules of the road. I couldn't care less about them."

She put the car into neutral and slammed on the gas.

"What are you doing?" Charlotte asked.

"Neutral drop," Kristy replied. "You'll see."

Once the needle reached 6,000 RPMs, Kristy quickly shifted into drive, and the car raced at the vampires.

"HANNIBAL, LOOK OU-" Kristy began. However, Hannibal seemed to evaporate into nothing as she ran through him.

"OH MY GOD!!" she exclaimed. "Ha-"

"Right here," Hannibal replied, appearing in the back seat.

"How did you-" Charlotte began.

"Transformed into mist," Hannibal said. "Whistler's not responding, and I can't get in touch with Blade."

"So, what do we do?" Kristy asked.

"First, we swing by the police station for questioning," Charlotte ordered. "Then, you guys are gonna tell me what the fuck is going on around here!!"

"I can tell you right now," Hannibal said. "I'm a vampire. I also hunt the bastards, and I run a private investigation service. Kristy's another hunter-albeit new to the game. We work with Blade, the guy who you're after. Right now, we're trying to find out who's changing vampires into giant creatures that drain brain waves. That about cover it?"

"No, it doesn't!!" Charlotte exclaimed. "This is insane!! Vampires? Monsters that feed on brain wa-"

Charlotte stopped herself when she realized what she was saying. This was a world where mutants and super-powered humans existed. Come to think of it, vampires aren't all that far-fetched.

"...you've got a point," she said.

"Right now, we're-WATCH OUT!!!" Hannibal shouted.

Kristy quickly swerved the car to avoid hitting a creature. She then realized that it was exactly like Membrane.

"Ohshitohshitohshitohshit!!!" she exclaimed. "Not another one!! Not now!!"

"See if you can-"

Hannibal was cut off as something lifted the car off the ground. He looked out the back to see another creature holding the car a few inches up.

"Hello, Mr. King," a vampire in a black trench coat stated. "Please, come with us. Or, risk serious harm."

"Fuck off," Hannibal replied, before spitting in the vampire's face.

The vampire simply wiped it off and nodded to one of the membranes.

The car was lifted even higher.

"Mr. King, I implore you, for the safety of the ladies, that you come with us."

Hannibal looked at Charlotte and Kristy, then back to the vampire and the membranes. They couldn't fight them off alone. Not without help, anyway.

"...Fine."

A bar, sounds simple enough. However, the clientele here aren't singles, or married people cheating on their spouses. They're not depressed alcoholics who come in to drown their sorrows, nor are they people who want to unwind after a long day at work. They're vampires.

The bar is open from dusk until 4 AM, not long before the sun comes up. That gives the vampires just enough time to retreat to someplace safer.

Unfortunately for them, they won't have that chance tonight.

Blade walks in the door, looking around. A silence falls over them. He stepped over to the bar.

"What are you doing here, Daywalker?" the barkeep asked.

"I'm looking for you, Scab," Blade whispered. "The only reason you're still alive is because you're my little bitch. Would you like me to announce it to the rest of the bar?"

"No..." Scab replied. "Let's go somewhere private."

He motioned for the other tender to keep an eye on things as he led Blade into the back room. Once inside, he lit a cigarette and took a long drag on it.

"What do you want to know?" he asked.

"I want to know about these creatures running around," Blade stated. "The ones who feed on brain waves."

"I don't know nuthin' abo-"

"Don't lie to me, Scab," Blade stated. "You're not very high up on the food chain. But, you've got your ear everywhere. Now, answer me. Who's behind this?"

Scab took another drag on his cigarette, hesitating. Finally, he spoke up.

"Calls himself Hunger. He's made some powerful friends. Among them are Carlos Drezan."

"Who's Drezan?" Blade asked.

"Frost's successor," Scab replied. "There's a rumor going around that he's like you. A Daywalker. He's also got people inside your organization."

"Who?" Blade asked.

"I can't-" Scab stated. Blade grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against the wall.

"WHO?!"

"...Whistler."

VII

By Dino Pollard

"WHISTLER!!" Blade shouted, hopping off his bike.

Whistler stepped in through an adjoining room.

"What is it?" he asked. "I was just-"

Blade stormed right up to him and punched him with his armored fist.

"Just what?" he asked. "Making a call to Drezan?"

"What are you talking ab-"

"Don't lie to me," Blade stated, claws extending from his gauntlet. "Your thirst may be repressed, but that doesn't mean you're-"

"Blade, are you crazy?!" Karen exclaimed, running in. "Let him go!"

"Stay back, Karen," Blade stated.

She picked up a nearby gun and aimed it at him.

"I said let him go."

"He's working for Drezan!!" Blade exclaimed.

"Who?" Karen asked.

"Frost's successor!!"

Her mouth quite literally dropped open, as her eyes widened. Slowly, she lowered the gun, and then dropped it.

"Whistler?" she asked. "How could you?"

"He... brought me back..." Whistler replied. "Resurrected me as a vampire. I had no choice. He-ARGH!!!"

Blade and Karen both stepped back as Whistler writhed on the ground.

"Some-something... in my brain... the bastard... I'm his puppet..."

"Where are the others?" Blade asked.

"Hannibal and Kristy haven't returned yet," Karen replied.

"...he has them..." Whistler stated.

"Drezan?" Blade asked.

"No... someone else... Drezan's ally..."

"Who's that?" Karen asked.

"Dunno..." Whistler replied.

"Welcome, my friends," a vampire stated, greeting them. "Brother... and future members of our family."

Hannibal simply glared at him, and looked back at Kristy and Charlotte. He couldn't let them be turned as he had been. He couldn't let anything happen to them. And, when he saw Whistler again, he swore he would make the son of a bitch pay.

"You promised not to hurt them as long as we didn't put up a struggle!!" Hannibal exclaimed.

"I never said we were going to hurt them," the vampire said. "Forgive me, my name is Trent. I'd like to introduce you to my employer..."

He led them through the building until they came to a single door. Inside was a large vampire, sitting in a chair.

"I'd like you to meet Hunger," Trent said.

Hunger looked up at them, two lifeless whores lying on the ground, blood on their necks.

"Perfect, you've arrived," he said, standing up. He picked one of the whores up as well. "Care for a snack?"

They all stood their ground.

"Not hungry, I see," Hunger said. "Very well. Let's get down to business. You've seen the membrane creatures. My plan is to mass-produce them."

"Are you insane?!" Kristy exclaimed.

"Membrane is the next race," Hunger replied. "They will replace the humans, and the vampires will be their leaders."

"Too bad it'll never happen," Hannibal said. "You know it won't last. Once the humans are gone, the membranes will come after you."

"I doubt it," Hunger stated. "If they try, they won't last long. Besides, they are completely obedient to their masters. Observe."

One of the membranes entered the room. When it saw Kristy and Charlotte, it moved towards them. They immediately drew back.

Then, the creature stopped in its tracks.

"You see?" Hunger stated. "Obedience. It is the way of the future."

"What do you want from us, then?" Charlotte asked.

"We can always use more membranes..." Hunger said with a grin. "Then again, I'm rarely satisfied."

The Quencher, after-hours. Just before dawn. Most of the vampires are gone already, either drunk off their asses or simply trying to hide from the sun.

Scab, however, stays wide-awake. Counting up the cash made from a night's work. As a low-level vampire, he may not have much respect. But, he's a weasel. Able to gather information and supply drinks, which is how he stays alive.

He walks out of the back room, after placing last night's profits in the safe. Then, he finds himself staring down the barrel of a shotgun, with a silver stake pointing right at his forehead.

"Hello Scab," Blade stated. "We need to talk."

"Hey Blade... how ya doin'?" Scab asked, lifting his hands up. He noticed Karen and Whislter standing behind him. "So, I see ya got your whole crew here."

"Who is Drezan working with?" Blade asked. "Who sent out the membranes?"

"I dunno..." Scab said.

"Wrong answer," Blade said, cocking the shotgun. Scab gulped in fear.

"I can only give you a name," Scab stated. "I hear he's some guy called Hunger. Some sort of freak. He likes playing around with genetics an' stuff like that. A regular Dr-fuckin'-Frankenstein."

"Where do we find him?" Whistler asked.

"All I can tell ya is to find Trent," Scab said. "He works for Hunger. Find Trent and you find Hunger."

Blade's finger began to pull on the trigger.

"Drezan, talk to Drezan!!" Scab exclaimed. "He's the CEO of Corinstin International!! He'll tell you everything you know, just please don't kill me!!"

Blade dropped the shotgun.

"Thanks Scab," he said. "You've been a big help."

"These threats aren't gonna keep working, Blade!!" Scab shouted. "Man's gotta make a living!!"

Blade turned and fired a stake from the shotgun. It pinned Scab's shoulder to the wall.

"ARGH!!!" he shouted. "THIS FUCKING BURNS!!!"

"Then don't fuck around with me, Scab," Blade stated. "You don't want anymore threats, fine. From now on, I'll just start shoving stakes in you until you answer."

Scab managed to get the stake out, and simply glared at Blade as he walked out.

"Karis," Trent stated, upon seeing the tall woman enter the room. "How went the meeting with Hrolf?"

"He's dead," Karis replied. "Would you expect anything less?"

"Not at all," Trent replied. "I see Hunger was wise when he hired you. One of the greatest assassins in the world. You live up to your name."

"Hrolf was an easy kill," she said. "The whole thing was a waste of time. I pray that Hunger will have something a bit more challenging next time."

"I don't know about Hunger, but I will have something more akin to your talents," Trent stated.

"What do you mean?" Karis asked.

"All in due time, my dear," Trent replied. "All in due time..."

VIII

By Dino Pollard

Corinstin International. A large-scale company that handles various overseas operations. Manufacturing and the like. Little does anyone know, that they're also involved in arms dealing.

The CEO of Corinstin is one Carlos Drezan. A man who is largely mysterious, and rarely seen by the public eye. The majority of the public doesn't even know he exists.

He does this to avoid exposure. Carlos Drezan is of special breed-one of only three in the world. They are called Daywalkers. Basically, Daywalkers possess all of the strengths of vampires, but none of their weaknesses. It would be perfect, aside from the fact that they also suffer from a vampire's bloodlust. Drezan doesn't mind, though. He has no problems with drinking blood.

Drezan pressed a button on his intercom.

"Yotyio, please cancel all my appointments for this morning," he said.

"Yes Mr. Drezan," Yotyio replied. The intercom went dead. Drezan stood from his chair and walked over to a bar. There was a red liquid in one of the bottles and he poured it into a glass.

"You may come out, now," he said as he sipped it.

Blade stepped out from the shadows, his sword held in one hand.

"Hello Blade," Drezan stated. "It's an honor to meet a fellow Daywalker."

"Cut the crap, Drezan," Blade ordered. "I know you're Frost's successor. I know you have access to all of his resources."

"True," Drezan replied. "Yet, I also have my own, as you can see. Would you like a drink?"

Blade recognized the scent of the liquid. It was faint but it was there-blood.

"I'm not like you."

"Spare me, my friend," Drezan stated, turning to face him. "Do you honestly think I'd degrade myself to 'feeding?' This is a blend of my own creation. It's called bloodwyne-a perfect mixture of alcohol and blood. Quite delicious, and very filling."

Blade felt a tingle in his throat. His mouth was parched, and he would give anything for a drink. His blood felt as if it was on fire. He needed something-anything. After all, Drezan had said that it was a mixture of alcohol and blood. It wasn't anymore wrong than taking donated blood.

No... Who knew where it came from? Who knew that people weren't bled dry to make this? He suppressed his hunger, trying to concentrate on the task at hand.

"Hunger..."

"Yes, of course you do," Drezan said. "Take a sip."

"What's your connection to him?" Blade asked.

"I beg your pardon?" Drezan asked.

"I know you're working with Hunger," Blade replied. "He's kidnapped some of my friends. I want them back. And I'll go through you to get them if necessary."

"Oh yes!" Drezan stated. "Now I know who you're referring to."

"Where is he?"

"I'm afraid I don't know," Drezan replied. "You see, we've never officially met. I've only met with Trent, his assistant. I give him access to my resources, and he gives me access to his."

"What would that be?" Blade asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I can't disclose that information," Drezan said with a grin. "You sure you don't want a drink?"

Blade quickly drew a gun and fired a bullet at the wine glass. It shattered instantly.

"Look at that!" Drezan sighed. "Now I'll have to hire somebody to clean this mess up!! Blood is so hard to get out..."

"Let's cut to the chase," Blade stated, aiming the gun at Drezan. "Tell me everything you know about Hunger."

"You know, you should be careful," Drezan said. "You could poke somebody's eye out with that thing."

"I'll do more than that unless you tell me what I want to know."

"Tell me, Blade, have you felt different at all, lately?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Have you felt at all... hungry?"

Blade gave no reply, and his face remained as if it were carved out of granite. However, secretly he knew what Drezan referred to. Ever since he was bitten by Morbius, Blade had felt different. He had felt hungry. Not even the serum was able to repress the hunger as fully as it used to.

"Just tell me where to find him," Blade ordered, his finger on the trigger. "I'm not known for my patience."

"As you wish," Drezan stated. "There's an old train station, about 50 miles north of here. You'll find Hunger there. But, fair warning, my friend. He won't be easy to defeat."

"Don't patronize me, Drezan," Blade growled. "Once I'm finished with Hunger, I'm coming back for you."

He began to walk towards the window he came in from.

"Oh Blade!" Drezan shouted. "Have you had any dreams lately?"

Blade stopped dead in his tracks. He knew about the dreams Blade had been having lately. The dreams of feeding on Kristy.

How could Drezan know so much about him? He hadn't told Whistler about them, so how could he know? It didn't make any sense...

Blade pushed the thought towards the back of his mind and went out to the balcony. Once he was gone, Drezan picked up his cell-phone and hit the redial button.

"He's on his way."

"So, that's where Hunger is?" Whistler asked.

Blade nodded.

"According to Drezan, at a train station 50 miles north of here."

"When do we leave?" Whistler asked.

"'We' aren't leaving," Blade replied. "You and Karen are staying right here."

"The headset's range isn't that far," Whistler noted. "There's no way you'll be able to keep in touch wi-"

"That's the point," Blade snapped. "The last thing I need is another slip-up like last time. From now on, I'm keeping my eye on you, Whistler."

"Look kid, you hafta understand the situation I was in," Whistler stated. "I didn't want to betray you, but I didn't have a choice."

"I was under the impression that you would choose death as opposed to living as a vampire," Blade muttered. "That's why you wanted me to kill you before you turned, wasn't it? Or were you just using that excuse so that you would gain my trust?"

"...a lot has happened since then..." Whistler noted. "The change was hard on me. As a vampire, I had more of a basic need for survival. That's probably why Hannibal hasn't killed himself."

"I don't give a shit about any of that!!" Blade exclaimed. "I'm going to bring Kristy and Hannibal back. After that, you had better hope that you're in better shape than you were last time. Otherwise I'll be dealing with you."

He got into the sleek, black car and drove off, leaving Abraham Whistler alone to consider his options.

Suddenly, there was a loud slam. Whistler stood, and rushed over to another room, where Karen was working.

"What happened?" he asked as he walked in.

"...it's hopeless..." Karen muttered. "Utterly hopeless..."

"What is?" Whistler asked. "Karen! What's wrong?!"

"It's Blade..." Karen replied. "He's mutating."

"I have good news," Hunger stated. "Blade is on his way."

"How is that good news for you?" Kristy asked.

"You'll just have to wait and see what I have planned for our friend," Hunger replied with a toothy grin.

"Remember the plan," Trent stated.

"I understand," Karis replied. "He won't get past me."

"For your sake, I hope you're right."

Blade slammed his foot on the accelerator, the car pushing 6,000 RPMs, going well over 90. Any cops foolish enough to try and give him chase wouldn't be able to catch up with him. Besides, at this time of night, no one came on this road.

Almost no one...

He saw something ahead of him, a figure standing on the road. Quickly, he swerved and slammed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding the woman. Getting out of the car, he flicked the safety off his gun, just to be safe.

She was a vision of beauty. Tall with long, black hair. Her body was very shapely, and from the looks of it, she was some sort of an athlete.

"What are you doing out in the middle of the road?!" Blade exclaimed. "Are you outta your fucking mind?!"

"Some would say so..." she replied, grinning.

Blade suddenly felt a great unease. Something wasn't right about her. He drew his gun in a lightning fast movement and aimed it at her, the laser sight targeting her forehead.

"My, my, so soon?" she asked. "I'm not that kind of girl..."

"Then what kind are you?" Blade asked. "The blood-sucking kind?"

"Oh please," she stated, swiftly kicking his gun away. "I'm an assassin. A genetically-altered one at that. There's not much you can do to stop me, so just make this easier on yourself."

"Sorry," Blade replied, his claws extending from his gauntlet as he drew his sword with his free hand. "I'm stubborn."

By Dino Pollard

Her blade sliced through the air.

*CLANG*

Blade's arm, encased in a steel covering, blocked it, and he swiped at Karis with his claws. She was a genetically-altered assassin. Very skilled in the killing arts. She was working for Hunger, a new blood-sucker on the scene who wanted to use his genetically-engineered vampires to overrun the city. Unlike normal vampires, these ones feasted on brain waves. He christened them membranes.

Karis also had some dealings with Trent, Hunger's assistant. The extent of which we do not know. For some reason, Trent doesn't want Blade to encounter Hunger.

Blade didn't care about any of that. All he knew was that Hunger was holding his friends captive, and that he wanted to try and take over the city. Something these leeches never learn-this is BLADE'S city, and if you try to make claim to it, you end up a pile of ashes.

He was silent as he slashed at Karis with his own sword. Titanium, acid-etched with silver lining. Extremely painful to vampires. She simply grinned, reached down to touch the blood running from her wound, and licked it.

She wasn't a vampire, he knew that much. That made her even more dangerous.

"Don't you see, Blade?" she asked. "You can't stop me. You can hurt me as much as you want, it doesn't mean shit."

"Glad to hear that," Blade replied, reaching into his coat. He quickly whipped his hand out, a throwing blade being hurled towards her. She allowed it to cut into her arm as it blurred past.

"Yes..." she moaned. "Do it again..."

"What do you mean he's mutating?!" Whistler demanded. "How the hell is he mutating?!"

"I-I don't know..." Karen replied. "I was analyzing his DNA, and it turns out that he IS mutating!!"

"Is it the serum?"

"No... the serum won't help him. He's not mutating into a vampire. Well... not in the traditional sense, anyway."

"Then what's going on?"

"I don't know what he's mutating into," Karen said. "All I know is that whatever it is, it's NOT human!!"

Kristy was thrown back into her cell, her clothes in tatters. The vampires who took her simply grinned with satisfaction as they closed the door.

She had been taken before, living off the streets forced her to deal with that. Some of them had even been rough. But she'd never had to go through that.

It was humiliating, in every sense of the word. She thought she was sick with herself because of what she had to do to survive. She thought that nothing would ever cause her to sink lower.

She was wrong.

What those vampires did wasn't normal. It was... inhuman.

"Welcome back," Charlotte Jones stated from an opposite cell.

"Leave me alone..." Kristy weakly replied.

"You should be used to this," Charlotte continued. "You're a prostitute after all."

"Shut up..." Kristy stated.

"Why are you mad now?" Charlotte asked. "Simply because they didn't pa-"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!" Kristy snapped. "You wouldn't understand... you COULDN'T understand!! You don't know what it's like out there on the streets, you've never HAD to know!! Don't pretend to know what my life is like, you self-righteous bitch. Anything you've ever had to deal with in your life is a walk in the park compared to what I've been forced to swallow!! So just... just leave me alone..."

Charlotte said nothing else, just turned her eyes away from the young girl.

Kristy's sobs were the only sounds heard.

"What the hell are you?" Blade asked.

"Find out for yourself..." she replied, leaping at him. She was too fast, he didn't have an opportunity to use his sword, but his claws were ready as they sliced into her abdomen.

"Ooooh...."

He straddled her chest, his claws grazing her throat.

"Talk!" he exclaimed.

"Do your worst, Daywalker," she taunted.

He put some additional pressure on a claw, drawing blood along her neck.

"Oh yes..." she moaned. "More... please... more..."

He suddenly realized that whatever she was, Karis seemed to get off on pain. It excited her. Torture wouldn't do any good.

Then, he caught sight of the blood on his claw. He simply stared at it for a long time, with Karis still pinned beneath him.

Blood... he thought to himself. So thirsty...

"You like that, don't you?" Karis asked. "You like how the blood looks."

She loosened a hand from his grip and brushed her hair back, turning her head to give him access.

"Go on... have a little taste..."

Yes... so very thirsty...

"You know you want to."

So very much... so very thirsty... Just a little drink... She'll enjoy it, and she's your enemy anyway. Go on... just a little sip...

Blade's breaths became short and ragged, his mouth slightly parted as his fangs began to extend.

"No..." he stated. "I'm going to kill you."

He wrapped his gauntlet around her neck. Her perfect, delicious neck.

Slowly, he began to squeeze it. Blood seeped from the small wound he created.

His vision became blurred. Taking his sunglasses off, he found it didn't help at all. His blood was on fire, and he was beginning to see nothing but red.

Red on her neck, red on his sword, red on his claws...

A flowing river of crimson. And he was so very thirsty.

"Observe, my friend," Hunger stated. "Soon, my membranes will overrun the city."

"You're an idiot, Hunger," Hannibal muttered. "Do you honestly think the rest of the world will sit back and let you and your little playthings take over? We're only the first line of defense, there are many more."

"True, but you're the strongest line of defense as well," Hunger said. "I already have plans for Blade, make no mistake about that. But after I've eliminated him, as well as the rest of your little band, who will stop me?"

Hannibal said nothing, just looked on as the vampires began to be transformed into membranes.

"C'mon, you little whore," a vampire said, opening up Kristy's cell. "Frankie needs someone t' relieve 'em."

"Hey Frankie," Charlotte called from her cell. "Why don't you leave the kid alone and come after a woman?"

Frankie looked down at Kristy. She'd already been done a few times. But Charlotte hadn't been touched at all. He would make sure he was first to break her.

"Awright bitch," he stated, closing Kristy's cell and opening Charlotte's. "Let's get down to-ACK!!"

"Let's not and say we did," Charlotte stated as she delivered a swift kick to his head. Grabbing a piece of wood she'd fashioned into a make-shift stake, she jammed it in Frankie's chest. He instantly turned to ashes.

"Pig," she stated, picking up his key and opening Kristy's cell. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Kristy was still lying in her fetal position.

"Come on!!" Charlotte insisted. "We have to get going before more come!! We need to find some kind of weapons."

Kristy didn't move.

"Fine," Charlotte stated, bracing the young girl against her as she struggled to walk.

Blade continued to stare at the blood as it seeped onto his gauntlet, staining it.

"So thirsty..." he stated.

He moved his hand from her neck, and clamped his mouth shut on it, his fangs sinking into her flesh.

"Yes..." she moaned as he began to drain her.

By Dino Pollard

The tall, black woman is Charlotte Jones. Single mother, police detective, and former lover of Warren Worthington III. The lithe, white girl by her side is Kristy. Teenager, whore, and aspiring vampire hunter. When she was a young girl, her parents were killed by vampires, and she was forced to live off the streets, using her body to make money.

These are the last two people you'd ever expect to be together. But, here they are. Charlotte attempted to arrest Kristy, because of her connection to Blade, possibly one of the greatest vampire hunters on the planet. They were interrupted by the intervention of Hannibal King, a longtime ally of Blade's, as well as a vampire himself. They were attacked by vampires, and in exchange for the women's safety, Hannibal agreed to stop his resistance.

Until recently, Charlotte and Kristy were captives of Hunger, a vampire who plans to use his genetically-altered vampires, called membranes, to overtake the city. Charlotte was left to rot in her cell, but Hunger's minions frequented Kristy's cell, taking her against her will. The ordeal traumatized her. Charlotte was able to escape by tricking a vampire to open her cell. She's forced to carry Kristy along, though, or leave her to the mercy of their captors. She's seen what happens because of that.

"Come on..." Charlotte muttered, looking around. "There has to be something around here I can use as a weapon... Kristy! Damn you, Kristy, snap out of it!!"

Kristy said nothing, her eyes wide and her body limp.

"Shit..." Charlotte cursed. "Okay... let me think about this for a second... What stops vampires in the movies? Holy water, but there's none of that around here. Crosses, but that's only if you believe in it. The sun, and that's not gonna help me inside a building. Garlic, don't have any of that. So that just leaves a stake through the heart. Problem is, this one stake is all I have, and it's not enough against all these vampires. I need to find something else. A gun or something. It won't kill them, but it'll probably keep them down for awh-"

She then realized something. At the motel, when they were attacked, Kristy's bullets were able to kill the vampires. Hers just harmed them. Kristy's gun must have something that kills vampires in it.

"Come on," Charlotte stated, continuing to drag her along.

"RRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!"

The roar was inhuman, and couldn't have come from any conventional animal.

It came from deep within the throat of Blade, his ivory fangs stained red, blood running down his body from his mouth.

At his feet lay Karis, a female assassin who derived excitement from pain. Blade lost control, and drained the blood from her body. Now, she was lifeless, her heart no longer beating.

However, it wasn't enough. Blade still hungered, he was still haunted by the thirst. And right now, he didn't care too much about doing what was right, but doing what he needed to do in order to survive.

He tore the door from his car, got in, and slammed his foot on the accelerator.

As Blade drove off, Trent stepped out from the bushes. He looked down at Karis, and took a drag on a cigarette.

"Congratulations," he stated, tossing a pack of bills on her dead body. "You performed the task exceptionally. You hoped he would turn you. Too bad he was more interested in your blood."

He looked off into the distance. Blade was already well-gone, and his body was into the change.

Soon, the mutation would begin. And Trent would control it.

Let Hunger continue his pathetic plans of dominance. He was a fool, just as Frost was. Trent knew how things must be done. His father was part of the council. And soon, Trent would rebuild that council-even after Frost had foolishly destroyed it.

"Where did you put our weapons?" Charlotte asked, threatening a vampire with a stake.

"I-I don't know!!" he exclaimed.

"You do, and you're gonna tell me," Charlotte continued.

*BANG*

"What the hell?" Charlotte asked, backing away as the vampire turned to ashes.

"Looking for this?"

She looked up and there was Hunger towering over her, the gun in his hand.

"I think it's time to see how the membrane technology works on humans," Hunger stated.

Charlotte couldn't help but notice that Hannibal wasn't with Hunger as he had been before.

So where was he?

"To hell with this," Whistler stated, loading his rifle. "I'm going down there."

"You can't," Karen exclaimed. "Let Blade handle this."

"Hell no," Whistler stated. "I'm the one who got him into this mess. I gotta get him out. Where's that blasted cannon?"

"You don't know what you're doing!!" Karen shouted. "And I'm not gonna let you go."

"How're you gonna stop me?" he asked.

She said nothing, just folded her arms across her chest and glared at him.

"That's what I thought," he stated, walking over to the car. When he opened the door, he seemed to be pushed back.

"You put a fucking cross on the seat?!" he exclaimed.

"I knew you wouldn't listen to reason, so this was the only other way to go," Karen replied. "Let Blade handle this on his own."

Whistler threw down his gun and began muttering curses under his breath as he walked over to his workbench.

Hannibal strolled freely through the corridors. Hunger had given him free rein--why, he didn't know. He should realize that Hannibal would try to do anything to disrupt his plans.

Yet, the nature of it appealed to the vampire in him. The sheer brilliance of it. Hunger sought to create a new breed of vampires, ones that would survive the weaknesses. In general, he was trying to genetically engineer a daywalker.

Hannibal shook his head, throwing those thoughts out of his mind. He had a job to do, and that was to destroy Hunger's plans.

"Strap her in," Hunger ordered, as Charlotte was strapped into the machine by undead hands.

"It's my duty to assure you that this will hurt," he stated, looking at her. "A lot, and for a very long time."

"You sadistic son of a bitch..." she cursed.

"Flattery will get you everywhere," Hunger grinned as he motioned for the machine to be activated. The transformation slowly began, and Charlotte let out a cry of pain.

A gunshot rang through the air, and the vampire who activated the machine instantly turned to ashes. Kristy stood with the gun in her hand, taking careful aim with it.

"Stay back!" she ordered, before pointing it at Hunger. "Or he dies!"

"Foolish cattle," Hunger stated, as Kristy suddenly felt herself thrown up against the wall. "I'm power incarnate!! Not even Blade could kill me!!* And you think you have a chance?!"

(* Back in Marvel's Peter Parker: Spider-Man #7--Dino)

"Jesus..." Hannibal muttered, as he found a room with dozens of beings lying dead on the ground. The stench of blood and rotting flesh was undeniable.

"Interesting, aren't they?" Trent asked, entering the room. "These were Hunger's failures."

"Don't even think about stopping me, kid," Hannibal warned, his eyes filled with hatred.

"By all means, go ahead," Trent stated. "Destroy this place, destroy the experiments. It won't make any difference. Hunger's like a cockroach. No matter how many times you step on him, he'll still come back. Personally, I couldn't give a rat's ass about what happens to him. As far as I'm concerned, he's lost it, just like Frost did."

"Tell me what I need to do," Hannibal ordered, grabbing Trent by the shirt collar.

"Mr. King, please," Trent stated. "I'm not your enemy."

Hannibal slammed him against the wall.

"Then prove it, you sniveling sack of shit!!" he spat. "Tell me what I need to do!!"

Trent hesitated for a moment, then spoke up.

"Go out this door and take a left. At the end of the hallway, you'll find a booth overlooking a large field, where hundreds of membranes lie in wait. Hunger's planning on unleashing them, soon. You don't have much time."

Hannibal tossed Trent to the ground, and immediately transformed into mist, racing down the hallway.

Trent simply grinned. He beat Blade here, but there was no doubt in his mind that the vampire hunter was on his way.

"Damn, this job sucks."

"Whaddaya talkin' about? This is the best job a vamp could ask for!"

"Bullshit."

"Dude, being a sentry rocks!! Think about it this way: We don't have to do any work down below, and if any humans come by, they're ours."

"IF being the key word, Ry. When was the last time a human came by here?"

"Well, look alive, Jase. Because there's a car coming towards us."

Jase tossed his cigarette to the ground and drew a gun.

"'Bout fucking time... There better be a family of six in that car, and at least one hot bitch, because I'm pretty damn hungry and horny as fuck."

"Uhh.... they're not slowing down..." Ry noted.

"Oh shit!" Jase exclaimed, drawing a gun.

The car kept on coming, before spinning slightly as the driver braked.

*SKREEEEEEEEECH*

Once the dust cleared, the two sentries watched, trying to catch a target with their eyes. And then, they spotted it.

"Just wound 'em!" Jase shouted. "They taste better live!!"

"It looks like it's just one..." Ry noted. "Looks like we gotta share, dude."

The figure stepped through the dust. In his hand was a long, samurai sword. His facial features slowly came into focus, and the sentries noticed that a couple of the man's gritted teeth were pointed. Combined with the sword and his get-up, they recognized who he was.

"IT'S THE DAYWALKER!!" Ry exclaimed. "FORGET THE BLOOD, DUDE, JUST KILL HIM!!"

*BANG*

*TING*

*BANG*

*TANG*

*BANG*

*CLANG*

*BANG*

*PTANG*

Blade's sword easily deflected the bullets. Before the vampires could let off another shot, he leapt at them, sword cutting through their necks.

The vampires instantly turned to ashes, leaving the entrance unguarded. Blade looked into the night sky. Dawn would be coming soon.

Hannibal turned on the lights once he entered the room.

Trent wasn't lying. It was indeed a booth. One which sat above a large area where membranes were in wait. He looked around the booth for something that might destroy them, but found nothing. He was about to go searching for something, when he heard voices.

"...boss is gonna turn that human bitch into a membrane."

"No shit."

"Naw, I'm serious, man."

"Will that work, though?"

"Boss is gonna find out."

The human bitch?

"Charlotte!" Hannibal muttered. HIs body instinctively changed to mist form.

Hunger continued to force Kristy against the wall, not allowing her any quarter.

"You were a fool to get involved, child."

"NNNNGH!!!"

"Your arrogance will be your dea--"

"NO!! NO!!! N---!!!!"

"STOP HIM!!!"

Hunger turned away from Kristy, dropping her to the ground. The door to the room opened just in time to accept a vampire flying through it, turning to ashes before he struck the ground.

"You..." Hunger muttered.

A silence fell over the vampires as he stepped through the doorway. The blood-stained sword he held inspired terror in their still hearts.

"Daywalker..." Hunger stated with a grin. "It has been too long..."

Blade's only reply was a low growl uttered from the depths of his throat. His lips curled into a snarl, revealing his fangs.

He moved like lightning, slashing through the vampires in the room. Stakes flew and the sword sliced through them like butter.

Hunger had other plans, however, as he telekinetically forced Blade against the ground.

"Pitiful," he stated. He mentally took control of a discarded stake, manuevering it above Blade's chest.

*BANG*

Hunger grunted, feeling the silver bullet strike him in the back.

"Shit!" Kristy exclaimed, holding the gun in one hand, and helping Charlotte regain balance with the other.

Blade coiled his legs, and shot them out into Hunger's chest. The villain fell back, and Blade instantly snapped up.

"Hurry," he stated, watching Hunger. Rather than finishing the fight, he ran. He reached into his coat, pulling out some grenades. He dropped them behind him. He knew they wouldn't stop Hunger, but they would be able to slow him down slightly.

Hannibal materialized in the corridor just as Kristy and Charlotte passed by, with Blade close behind.

"Hold it!" he shouted.

"Hannibal!" Kristy exclaimed.

"The membranes," Hannibal stated. "They're in here."

Blade shoved his old friend aside, not even bothering with a greeting. He looked over the booth at the membranes gathered there.

"There must be hundreds of them..." Kristy noted. "How are we going to stop them all?"

"Do you have any more of those grenades left?" Charlotte asked. Blade simply shook his head.

"Used them all up on Hunger," he replied. "He'll be coming this way, soon."

"So what do we do?" Kristy asked.

"Look," Hannibal stated, pointing to a button on the control panel. "It'll activate the sunroof."

"Why would a vampire have a sunroof?" Charlotte asked.

"Experimentation," Blade replied. "Hunger wants to be responsible for the next evolutionary step in vampires. That would require resistance to sunlight."

Hannibal flipped the switch.

<< ACCESS DENIED. OVERRIDE KEY REQUIRED >>

"Shit!" he exclaimed.

"Now what?" Kristy asked.

Hannibal looked up, across the way.

"Over there," he stated. "There's a manual switch."

"I can't get over there," Blade said.

"No..." Hannibal agreed. "But I can."

"Won't you die, though?" Charlotte asked.

Hannibal said nothing, just changed to his mist form.

"HANNIBAL!!" Blade shouted.

The vampire detective moved through the air, and rematerialized on the other end, hanging carefully.

"HANNIBAL!!!"

Hannibal drowned out his friend's crys, and instead grasped the manual switch. He tugged hard on it, and the whir of machinery was heard.

He lost his grip, falling down to the area where the membranes were just awakening. The sunlight caught him in midfall.

The destruction of the membranes and of Hunger's plan will always haunt this unlikely trio. Because it is also the day that a great man sacrificed himself in order to spare the world the agony he had to endure as a vampire.

"Dammit..." Blade muttered.

"Umm... I don't want to alarm anybody..." Kristy stated. "But, can we get going? Like, right now, before Hunger catches up to us?!"

Blade stood, running out of the doorway. The sound of footsteps was heard, and he knew that they belonged to Hunger.

"Come on!!" he exclaimed, leading the way out of the complex.

MAKING OF "THE HUNGER"

"Blade has got to be my favorite series by Dino here at M2K (and that’s saying a lot, since he either writes or co-writes, like, half the titles on the site). "
-Russ Anderson

That quote pretty much sums up everything you need to know about Blade: The Hunger. When the title was abandoned after issue #3, I thought it would never get another writer. But, while I was on a writing kick and tying up loose ends in other books, I decided to do the same for Blade. Little did I know that what originally started as a small, side-project quickly became one of the most acclaimed runs I've ever done.

I admit that throughout pretty much all of "The Hunger" I was winging it. Adnan didn't have a very clear direction set forth in his first three issues. As you've just finished reading, the first issue was basically a set-up for the series and the storyline didn't really begin until the second issue. Even then, it was little more than a collection of random ideas thrown together. I expanded on those original concepts as best I could and introduced some of my own in order to produce the finished product which you see in front of you.

So what was altered or changed in this story-arc? Well, pretty much nothing. Except for the ending. Hannibal was always supposed to die at the end of this arc, in order to sacrifice himself. But there was supposed to be a final battle between Hunger and Blade. That was before I had a talk with Adnan and he told me a lot of useful information about Hunger which I didn't know. At Adnan's request, I staved off the battle between Blade and Hunger. Will it ever happen? Well, if you haven't read the rest of the Blade series on the site, then wait for the next CE - Blade: Bloodlust.

-Dino Pollard
April 6, 2002

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