Jaiden stood in a mental world made by Jacqueline, this one resembling a Night hunter Training room. Jacqueline stood before him as he held up a playing card, while Cora Mires stood to the side, arms crossed and a stern expression on her face.

“Eight of Spades,” said Jacqueline. “Keep trying.”

Jaiden dismissed the card then considered what he would summon next. This was easier said than done, however. Was this really an elder vampire he was talking to? His last confrontation with an elder vampire had ended badly, and he couldn’t get that confrontation out of his head. Even though this was a mental world, one could see Jaiden trembling.

“You have nothing to fear from me,” said Jacqueline. “I promise.”

“She’s locked up tight at the bottom floor of the facility,” said Cora. “And I’m in here with you, so yeah. She won’t hurt you. I promise.”

That was some comfort, thought Jaiden. He took a deep breath, which he realized was kind of redundant in this world and summoned another card.

“Queen of hearts,” said Jacqueline. “Remember, the mental barrier you make must keep your thoughts in just as much as it needs to keep my thoughts out. Try again.”

Jaiden gave an exasperated sigh.

###

Every recruit in that facility spent the next couple of days training. The human recruits honed their aim to pinpoint precision, Jaiden slowly but surely learned how to protect his mind from other vampires, and Alice learned more swordplay and went through the obstacle course.

And on the final night, all of them came quite far. By now, most of the humans could kill a chupacabra in two shots, sometimes one. Jaiden finally gained an adequate mental shield to walk outside the mirror prison without hearing vampire voices in his head.

And as for Alice Hayes, she could hold her own while sparring with Jasmine Ross, countering her moves as quickly as efficiently. Eventually, Alice sparred with Gordon as well, and after a while Alice fought both to get some experience with multiple opponents.

As for the obstacle course, Alice did manage to get through it without slipping, falling, or getting hit. However, on the final night, when Gordon stopped a stopwatch, he was forced to shake his head. Her time in the obstacle course was average at best.

“Well,” said Gordon. “You’re at least fighting with a sword like someone training like an elder. As for this, I’m afraid you’re simply adequate, but it will have to do. We’re…”

“I know,” said Alice gravely. “We’re out of time.”

###

Alice left the elevator and entered level five. This floor was crowded today, with many people pouring into the various rooms. It was the night before the new moon, and even though they trained to have minds of steel, it seemed everyone needed just a little comfort before the battle, and everyone was turning to a different place for it. Every room represented a religion, and every room was full. Even the non religious needed someone to talk to, as the room marked ‘psychology’ had people streaming into it as well. Alice could only imagine what they’d be talking about in there, but that wasn’t why she was here. Alice had chosen a different path.

Alice followed a crowd into level five’s chapel where monks at the altar sang a Gregorian Chant, casting a solemn mood over the congregation. Those sitting already had their heads bowed in prayer. It wasn’t long before Alice took a seat and clasped her hands together. She looked up at the image of Jesus Christ hanging on the cross, then bowed her head with the others.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve spoken to you,” she whispered. “After Dad died, I felt so lost and afraid, and then when Arthur disappeared, I was overcome by despair. When he didn’t come back, I felt like my prayers weren’t being answered. I kept asking myself how you could have let this happen…how you could let such suffering happen and…and I lost my faith.

“But after everything that’s happened, I’ve realized something. I am not the same woman I used to be. I’m stronger than I was before, and I know that if I hadn’t suffered, I wouldn’t have that strength. Even before becoming a crucivire, overcoming the pain I faced had made me stronger, just as Arthur became stronger by overcoming his own pain. The Alice I used to be would have despaired at the odds we are faced with. The Alice I am now will fight these vampires head on. With hardship comes the chance to overcome suffering, and become a stronger, better person than you used to be.

“It is those who promise a life free of suffering that cannot be trusted. I have seen the lengths some will go to in order to obtain such a life, turning themselves into monsters who will cause untold suffering on others if it gets them what they want. I now know that I would rather suffer for an eternity than become a monster like that.

“And so I no longer ask you to prevent my suffering. I will accept the road you’ve laid before me with all the courage I can muster. I know you will not fight my battles for me. All I ask is for the wisdom to defeat these monsters myself and end their dark reign over Saint Vivia City…Amen.”

With her prayer finished, Alice stood. Soon she walked down the pews with her head held high and a fierce look in her eyes.

###

Director Farrow once again sat at the head of the conference room. All the Night Hunter Captains, including Captain Wager, sat in the room with the dhampirs and Alice. The viewscreen in the room showed a map of the vampires’ forest, and Farrow used a laser pointer to highlight sections of that forest.

“According to our inside source,” said Farrow. “There are three primary defenses we will have to bypass to reach the mansion. The first threat is a ring of mines on the outer edge of the displacement spell. They are far enough away from the main vampire forces that the sound produced by explosions won’t bother them. The second is made of magical traps, hexes cast to go off when a living thing enters their sphere of influence. The third is, naturally, the vampire army itself, hidden in underground passages and set to ambush us as we make our way to the mansion.

“For the first ring, I’ve enlisted the U.S. Military to use targeted airstrikes at our point of attack. While we are avoiding targeting the mansion and the underground passages with explosions to avoid a magical reaction, this should hopefully clear most of the mines and allow us to pass through. As for the hexes, we will send in the werewolves first. From our records, silver and hexes don’t mix, so the werewolves should be able to survive whatever magical traps they’ve set up and help clear the way for us.

“Last, but not least, our main army will head up the rear. This will force the vampires to attack us with their own forces at the ambush point. With most of their army engaging ours, this will clear the path for our new crucivire and the dhampirs to assault the mansion directly. Using a military helicopter, we’ll drop holy water spray to cover the outside the mansion, and then drop our supernatural fighters to make for the seal chamber as directly as possible.

“Fortunately, the vampires haven’t sealed off the underground chamber. We can only assume that ritual cannot be done in a completely enclosed space, leaving the chamber accessible.

“To ensure our victory. The Night Hunter council has authorized the use of weapons from the silver armory. Most of these weapons will go to Gordon Brand’s team. First, Gordon will wield Excalibur.”

Gordon already had Excalibur on his belt, and the blade gleamed in the light.

“For Cora Mires,” said Farrow. “We appoint Durendal, the sword of Roland, Paladin of Charlemagne.”

A Night Hunter brought a long box which he placed on the conference table in front of Cora. Cora opened the box to reveal a cruciform sword with gold inlaid in the hilt. Cora picked up the weapon by the sheath and nodded to Farrow.

“For Jasmine Ross,” said Farrow. “We grant use of the Dyrnwyn, sword of Rhydderch Hael.”

Another box was brought in and placed in front of Jasmine. She opened it to see another sword with golden inlays, the hilt and cross guard bearing a twisting, elegant shape. Jasmine picked up the blade and nodded.

“For the crucivire Alice Hayes,” said Farrow. “We grant two cursed blades made by the swordsmith Muramasa.”

Two boxes were placed before Alice, and she opened one to see a Katana with a black hilt and tsuba. Alice couldn’t help but grin at the sight of it.

“Alice Hayes,” said Farrow. “Are you familiar with the power of these swords?”

Alice shook her head.

“Some of the blades created by Muramasa bear a curse. This curse can enhance the speed and strength of whoever uses them, but inflames their bloodlust, making the user lose control. We can’t allow the dhampirs to use them given their weakness to bloodlust, but Crucivires have proven resistant to it, likely because they gained their power from resisting bloodlust to begin with. This sword should help close the gap between you and the elders.”

Alice, understanding what she was being entrusted with, nodded solemnly.

“The second Muramasa is for Agent Phoenix,” said Farrow. “If you manage to rescue him, he’ll likely need a weapon. As for other weapons, I will bear the spear of destiny myself and lead our assault force, while Captain Wager will be given the Axe of Forseti. In reserve, we have both the Golden Fleece and the Shroud of Turin to heal the wounded when this battle is over.”

At another time, Alice might have been shocked to hear about the Golden Fleece being mentioned so casually. She didn’t have time to worry about the ramifications of ancient Greek myths being true, however. She had a job to do.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” said Farrow, his eyes fierce and commanding. “I cannot stress the importance of this mission. We still do not know what ritual they are performing, but we cannot allow magic to remain in the hands of these vampires. Such power can dictate the very fate of the world, and so it is the world itself we are protecting tonight. Remember that.”

Everyone nodded grimly, and Alice clenched her fists.

###

It was late afternoon, the sun halfway down the sky, as the Night Hunters prepared for the upcoming battle. All started in the general armory, picking guns and stocking up on ammo. Once armed, the Hunters marched out of the underground facility, through the mansion, and out the backdoor to a field where armored vehicles waited.

As he approached the armored cars, Jamar was joined by Robert.

“So, you decided not to quit, huh?” asked Jamar.

Robert nodded, “Me not being here isn’t going to stop the vampires, and if we don’t stop them here, it’s only a matter of time before they reach my family, so yeah. I’m still here.”

Jamar nodded, “I’m glad you’re here.”

Not far away, Marcia entered an armored van with Hayden, her werewolf partner, wearing her robes and silver amulet. Marcia sat across from her in the vehicle and looked up. Hayden looked nervous, more nervous than Marcia felt, and it wasn’t hard to figure out why. Hayden, as a werewolf, would be unconscious in werewolf form. Going into battle asleep couldn’t be a comfortable proposition.

“Hey,” said Marcia. “I’m looking out for you out there. You know that, right?”

Hayden nodded, “I know.”

Nearby Alice, Gordon, Cora, and Jasmine walked towards a cargo helicopter, two sets of blades not yet spinning. Each had a magic sword tied to their belt as they strode forward. As they walked, Gordon looked down to notice a holster and pistol on Alice’s belt.

“What’s that for?” he asked. “Don’t you know…”

“Yes,” said Alice. “I know the sound will disable me. The pistol only has one bullet, and I’m keeping it as a last resort. After all, I spent all that time learning to shoot. It seems a waste to ignore those skills entirely.

“Just warn us if you intend to use it,” said Gordon.

Alice nodded.

Soon they reached the helicopter and stepped aboard. Inside they found Jaiden Blau standing in the center, his glamour up and a sword at his side. As they stepped up, his eyes immediately turned to Alice.

“You’re Alice Hayes?” he said.

“I am,” said Alice.

She could see a deep sadness in his eyes and understood his pain. She’d been like him not too long ago. At least his mind was still intact, but she wished she could break his curse just as hers was.

“You’re the one who convinced Miss Jacqueline to help me?” he asked.

Alice nodded, “Glad I could help. I learned about you from Arthur…Agent Phoenix, I mean. I could sense he was worried about you.”

Jaiden seemed surprised but nodded gratefully.

“How are you holding up?” asked Gordon.

“As well as I can,” said Jaiden. “I can keep the voices out, but I can still sense them, like people banging on a door demanding to be let in.”

“Are you sure you’re up for this?” asked Cora.

Jaiden nodded.

“Very good,” Gordon looked down at the sword at Jaiden’s side, a Norse sword from the Viking era. “What blade is that?”

Jaiden drew it, revealing a blade with mistletoe engraved into it, “Mistilteinn,” he said. “One of the few swords I can use that won’t inflame bloodlust or kill a vampire on touching it. Don’t worry about me. I’m ready to fight.”

Gordon nodded, “Alright people. Get your earplugs. We’re going to need it when we take off.”

###

Lord Victor, Harold Stone, and Archibald Jackanape stood atop the mansion’s roof, their eyes somewhat overwhelmed by the remaining twilight, though they didn’t show it. In front of them, Serena the witch spread out a mat with arcane markings all over it. She slowly and precisely poured herbs, oils, salts, and other items in marked spaces on the mat.

A moment later, Serena knelt by the mat and began a chant that was warped and distorted, inaudible even to vampire ears. Soon the items on the mat glowed, and then an eerie green light overwhelmed the roof. When the light faded, the mat had four swords and a silver coin lying on it. Surrounding them, now resting on the roof, lay stone gargoyles.

“It seems the Red Council came through for us,” said Harold, who then grinned. “I’d have loved to see how our rival’s faces looked when the council authorized this.”

Victor nodded. They knew the Night Hunters would be bringing out the magic weapons they’d stored up, so Victor knew they’d need weapons of their own. The lord of this manor reached down and picked up Gram, a sword of Norse make. Drawing it, he saw a blade with a snakelike dragon engraved on it and nodded in satisfaction. Harold reached down and picked up two short Greek swords, both made of bronze with leafed blades. One was said to have belonged to Perseus, and the other was said to have belonged to Peleus. Finally, Archibald reached down and picked up a Spanish blade with an elaborate hilt and cross guard. Tizona, first used by legendary warrior El Cid.

“A bit smaller than I’m used to,” said Archibald. “But I suppose it will do.”

Victor also picked up the silver coin. Examining it, the coin showed a gargoyle on one side, not unlike the stone gargoyles that now decorated the roof. The other side showed a script engraving, the spell that kept the gargoyles as stone. This would be useful very soon. These gargoyles hadn’t been operational for over a hundred years, but here, with magic unsealed, they would be devastating.

“We have our weapons,” said Victor. “Let’s head below and prepare for the ritual.”

###

A line of Armored vehicles drove through the forest road as twilight slowly slipped lower and lower below the trees. It wasn’t long before the cars parked themselves along a large stretch of road. Slowly, but surely, Night Hunters in their black uniforms stepped out of the back of these vehicles and marched into the forest.

Director Farrow walked at their head, his gun in his hands and the spear of destiny strapped to his back. He wouldn’t actually be using that weapon like a spear. He couldn’t keep up with a vampire’s speed. The true power of the spear of destiny was far more subtle, and they’d need it in this fight.

Captain Wagner walked behind him with his holy water cutter, water tank on his back, and a large golden axe in his belt. Finally, Agent Walker marched behind them both, armed with a sniper rifle, and after a few minutes, they stood where the perimeter of the displacement spell lay. Farrow raised his fist, signaling for the hunters behind him to stop.

At the same time a cargo helicopter hovered into the general vicinity of the vampire’s mansion. Within that vehicle Alice, Gordon, Cora, Jasmine and Jaiden sat buckled into seats by the wall, sitting in silence as they waited.

Soon all the hunters were in place, and now all they could do was wait. Time passed, and before long the sun fell completely below the horizon, casting the forest into darkness. The only light came from the Night Hunter’s flashlights and the stars twinkling above. Even some of the stars were hidden by scattered clouds, leaving patches of pure darkness in the sky.

As they prepared for the displacement spell to drop, the doors of the cargo helicopter opened, and the five warriors stood at the edge with parachutes on their backs and swords at their sides, ready to jump at a moment’s notice. A few helicopters flew around them, each carrying a payload filled with holy water beneath them for the initial assault.

Even wearing earplugs, the sound of the helicopter was uncomfortable for the five supernatural warriors, but all of them ignored it as they had their mission in mind. Alice, in particular, stared at the empty clearing where the mansion was hidden and glared.

I’ll be there soon, brother, Alice thought.

###

Beneath the mansion, the seal began pulsing, its red light getting brighter and dimmer in regular intervals. The ritual had not yet begun, and yet it seemed the seal sensed that something was about to happen. The elder vampires looked up at this and couldn’t explain it.

“What do you suppose that’s about?” asked Archibald.

“Does it matter?” asked Harold. “Let’s just get on with it.”

“One moment,” said Victor.

Briefly, Lord Victor looked through the eyes of vampires still on the surface. Beyond the displacement spell, high in the air, they could see several helicopters. No doubt the Night Hunter’s more supernatural warriors were in one of them.

“So predictable,” said Victor. He turned to Serena. “Let’s begin.”

Serena nodded and turned to Agent Phoenix, still chained down to that slab and praying softly. All around him were vampires in ceremonial robes with golden masks on their faces. They all carried bowls filled with blood or candles that burned with red flame. Serena stood just above Phoenix’s head and began chanting.

Lord Victor, meanwhile, took the coin he had obtained and twisted it until it snapped in two.

###

Atop the mansion, the stone gargoyles began to crack. A layer of stone fell away to unleash grey creatures with twisted features and bat wings. The creatures began to roar, and then flapped their wings, taking to the sky.

From the helicopter, still looking down, it was Cora who spotted the gargoyles first, appearing as if from thin air a mile above the tree tops.

Gargoyles! Cora sent the thought to the others, and they looked down to see them, trepidation appearing on their faces.

Get ready to fight! Gordon sent to the others.

###

Director Farrow, Captain Wagner, and Agent Walker stood, watching as the displacement spell became a visible, transparent wall rippling like water. The wall then twisted and began to dissipate, sections disappearing one by one. Soon, the magical energy faded completely, leaving the forest empty. All the Night Hunters tensed, ready to run forward at a moment’s notice.

Farrow pulled out his communicator, “This is Director Farrow. The assault begins now. Hit them with everything you’ve got!”