My name is Arrmaduke Franchesquo Kcudagen. Born in 1472 in what is now Gibraltar I am a descendant of the lost race of Atlantians. My parents and I were poor blacksmiths. Living was hard when we made money and harder when it was stolen from us. My mother died when I was a young boy and then my father when I was about 12. Now living on the streets, fending for myself I sought shelter and food and warmth. One day when I thought I shall surely would have died an old man came up to me and took me in as his apprentice, being that he had no family of his own. He was a brave knight and he taught me how to use the swords that as a youngster I was taught to make. Sir Hernando Walsh would spar with me till his sunset days and then he would sit and watch squire Skifs and I spar. I was a lad in my teens when he passed away.
Suddenly an uncle of mine requested for my presence. I was to marry his daughter, whom also was a pure blooded Atlantian. That was not lived long, for a fortnight after our betrothal and a night of hot passions, I was called away to war.
It was there at a stop point before the battle that I met Herraldo in a tavern. I was twenty-two when he took me away to a secluded spot where he proceeded in making me eternal, like him. His golden brown hair and gray eyes beckoned me against my will. His clawed bony hands holding me uncomfortably close…
It was then that he began to teach me all I need to know for the rest of eternity. He told me that my life that I led in life was no longer possible; I was dead to the world. Vashchesqua, my cousin, was to be forgotten… But how can a man that loves a woman forget her so easily? Yes I grieved for her company and love. Herraldo disciplined me against it. He said it was for the best. He told me many things…such as the NEED to make more like us or else our demise would come quicker. He told me that I only had 600 years to live…if I didn't make another in half that time, then it was my time to die. Let's just say I had a lot to fear for the future. Would I please my new father? It was difficult, at best.
It was the third night of my unlife when I started to defy Herraldo. I admit that I was a little rough the night before, but that evening I apologized. He attacked me anyway. The only way to get away was to fall off the roof we were on. the old tiles gave way and I hit the cobbled street on an odd angle, but fained to be hurt. If he let his guard down then I could show him I meant business. I was angered in any case and anyone on that street felt my wrath, for what were they doing out in a vampire infested town? The fools. One woman came out to see the commotion and I followed her into her house, Herraldo watching me nearby. I had calmed and I knew what he wanted me to do; kill. I was tired of meaningless death, so I whispered to the woman and her children, "I will not do anything to you if you what I say. Pretend I'm attacking you. There's another vampire outside who wants me to, but I wish not to." So was the plan for them to scream and I would make the noise for the ruckus, but never actually doing anything permanent.
Afterwards, I motioned them to be silent, as if dead and I cut myself to fain their blood. Done with the task I went up to the mother, she backed to the wall, frightened. All I did was kiss her forehead and thanked her. I left the house and headed back to my dwelling , as did Herraldo. I knew that night that I was smarter than that bastard. I tricked him into thinking that I killed as aimlessly, as he does.
I had met a young woman by the name of Allissa. True to her name she embraced my way of life in death; curious by it and by me. Infatuated with my charm, looks, and manner she and I fell in love. My father was not pleased; greedy to have me for himself.
I turned Allissa to be like my father and I, knowing that we'd be together for the rest of our existence. Unfortunately somehow the villagers found out and came after us. She was barely an hour old and I had hardly taught her anything when they were after us.
She could hardly keep up with me, not knowing of the higher power I gave her. I had to stop and wait for her, but then villagers were surrounding us. Armed to the teeth with anti-vampire weapons, I knew that it would not help us if I got caught. Upon retreating to the rooftops, pleading for Allissa to follow. She could not… She was surrounded and their weapons kept me at bay, not helping her. I was still a baby myself and my father had not taught me anything useful in this situation.
I watched as my darling Allissa was staked to death, screaming out to me, her hand reaching up for me to grab, to haul her from shark infested waters. I reached back to her, but our fingertips never touched… Her hand slipped beneath the human bodies as they cut off her head… I screamed her name and felt a presence behind me…as if it were my father watching all of this, amused and mocking me.
I immediately headed back to our dwelling and stormed into the room. He acted so innocent. I struck him. In reflex he struck me back. We got into a physical fight, our blood mixing. I noticed how mine was hotter than his… Was it in the heat of battle? Was it one of us fed earlier than the other? My hypothesis stands as this. I have a heart, unlike that unkind bastard who calls himself my father.
It so turns out that he never knew about the attack on my dead darling Allissa. Forget about her…that was all I could do. But what I learned is that a vampire cannot forget. We cannot heal the mental pains of the heart. They only get worse with time.
We healed our wounds and he mocked me, saying that now that I was done shedding the bloody tears, us vampires have, over one whom is no more that I was too weak to go hunt. He had to go fetch me a meal. After that he threatened never to do that ever again. Herraldo said that I was a grown man that should be able to take care of myself.
What wasn't he telling me??!! Did he expect me to read his mind??!! Upon numerous occasions he would perform a feat that I knew not how to. I asked, because that is the only way to learn. I was scorned and talked down to. He would criticize my lack of comprehension of my powers. How could I when I knew not what a vampire was before Herraldo??!!! After that I stopped asking and merely watched, careful not to be seen, and studied what he would do.
One night he took me out, feeling generous and full of himself. We ran though the empty streets, careful not to be seen by late-nighters. He commented on how nicely I kept up with him. He knew not that I practiced my powers while hunting on my own.
Herraldo took me to an alley behind an old hat shope. He said to follow and with that he went through the wall. I knew I could not ask how; he would only get angered, and that was not pleasant. I thought about this logically. Herraldo once told me that now I am a vampire all I have to do is think about what I want to do and then do it. There was nothing not in my reach of accomplishing. I took a breath, clearing out the cobwebs, and followed him in. To do this task, I merely said to myself, "There is no wall. Only an image of one." And I crept through the pore spaces.
Upon rematerializing on the other side, Herraldo gave me much appreciated praise. I looked around, stunned… Mirrors… And not a soul in sight…
Once again my father said to follow him. I watched him as he turned into smoke and diffused through the ceiling. Like a dream, I did what I wanted and reformed along side of him. As soon as I came he went. Herraldo levitated and beckoned me to follow him. I did. We flew over rooftops and over homes and businesses. The night was beautiful.
We landed on the roof of a church and Herraldo went to sit and lean up against the steeple and asked me to join him. I did so and got the prize I've always wanted: love. We cuddled and watched the stars move across the sky. This was the moment I've waited for, longing for since I met him. He was beautiful in his own way, and I'm sure he thought the same of me. That night we showed it. It was times like those that made our relationship worthwhile. Unfortunately, I was to find they came few and far between.
After I reached 72, Herraldo and I were at a gathering of nobles and well-to-do's when we saw a fascinating creature. A brunet spitfire of a woman yapping to the men and staying clear of the gatherings of women in their corners. Herraldo was more intrigued than I, so let him hunt her for attention.
I kept to the sidelines, as it were, and watched as he smiled at her, as she joked with her. I had never seen him smile so impishly. I sneered with disgust. A burning hatred like a bonfire started to grow in my gut. I, to this day, cannot determine if it was hatred for my father or for this woman. Yes, regardless of being abused, I craved attention from my father; I was jealous of this woman now receiving attention that should have been spent in me! I pondered why was it that he could smile now; at her! Wait. There was once where he smiled…when we met. DAMN HIM, I thought. I knew it was then that he met his next child. I could guarantee that he was replacing me with this bitch. Huh. So I really cant please him; not at all.
Well I let him have her. I went to the ordure's and nibbled on caviar and other such delicacies. The punch was lacking…blood. It amazed me how evil I really was in this form. I eyed my punch and reflected on that thought. Then upon observing the living inhabitants of the room I couldn't believe that I wished upon all their blood. I wanted to kill them all and I wanted them all dead.
I closed my eyes to clear my mind. No! I don't want that. I don't want to wish that upon them. They are like I once was!
Suddenly a lovely young woman came up to me and asked for a dance. I smiled, enjoying the glitter in her deep blue eyes and the lovely paleness of her skin and the rosiness of her lips and cheeks. "I accept Madame," I said with an extravagant bow. She curtsied and we began the waltz that just started. I had to admit, it was the most fun I had in over 50 years. She had a most radiant smile, and it was then that I knew I wanted her for my self.
And wouldn't you know it, it was then that Herraldo decided to make trouble again!! There was a scream and the music as well as the dancers stopped as gentlemen ran out and that brunet and my father ran in! He snatched me by my arm and attempted to haul me away, but I held my ground. It was then that he growled in my ear, "Let's go NOW!"
"What did you do?!" I snapped back.
He whispered, "I'll tell you later!!"
I looked back at my dance partner as I was hauled out. She watched me go as I watched her ignore the catastrophe. I didn't even know her name! Nor did she know mine. Before our eye contact was broken I sent her a demand, through mind control, telling her to meet me the next night, just after sunset, at the grand fountain in the center of the city. I hoped she got it, for our eye contact was broken before I get a confirmation she did get it; Herraldo tugging me away.
"WHY DO YOU NEVER DO AS YOU ARE TOLD!!??" Herraldo screamed at me.
I retorted in a cool voice, "Why do you never give me reason to obey?"
He slapped me hard; a mortal's neck would have been snapped with that force. I hit furniture and attempted to regain my bearings as he stomped over, the brunet watching. She, as obnoxiously as my father, said, "Your son is quite the brat, now isn't he?"
I growled, "I could say the same for you two." I got a boot in my stomach. I could no longer stand this daily abuse. I sent them both into a wall with my power. They looked at me shocked, thinking I was a weakling and unknowledgeable in my vampiric powers. I rose from my spot on the floor and silently walked up to Herraldo. He stood, as did his equal and I wrapped my hand around his throat and held him to the wall. Scowling, I could see that he was unsure of my intended actions. "Arrmaduke, do whatever it is you plan and leave."
"And when I leave, father," I said in disgust. "I will never again see the horrific likes of you and your tart ever." My eyes turned red with hatred and anger. I loosened my grip to slid my fingers away, but not without causing damage to his neck. He gripped his wounds as the blood spilled from his veins onto his suit, staining his white shirt. As that woman…Kimberly aided him I turned to walk out.
I neared the front door when I heard a commotion on the other side. The villagers had come to rid the city of us!! I walked back to Kimberly and Herraldo.
"What are YOU doing back?!" he demanded, clearly angered by me.
"I merely came to see you before your demise…" I hissed and faded out as the villagers barged in and swarmed the room.
I knew the city must know what I looked like from that insolent at the party that Herraldo and his tart caused, so looked for shelter in a place where Herraldo would never stay; basements and attics, closets and crumbling buildings. Aye, this what vampires resulted in doing during the years of mass murder, the 1700's.
However the year was 1544 and vampires still roamed freely in crowds. But I still had an appointment to keep. That day I took refuge in a wine cellar, in a secluded part where the dust had not been disturbed by movement. It was difficult to sleep, but it was at least safe.
Night came and I hid in the shadows, like a shadow, watching. And there she came, that elegant creature I had come to admire at the previous night's party. I whispered in her mind to act as if she did not meet her contact and to walk away to where there were fewer people.
As she did I followed along side of her, and when opportunity presented its self I appeared to her, sitting on the steps of a building.
"You did come!"
"Yes I have. But it is not safe to be on the streets this evening, my dear."
"What happened last night?! That man you were with, what did he do?!"
"That coward kidnapped me and passed me off as some sort of prized puppy, then threw me away like garbage."
"I'm sorry,"
"Thank you, but me must get off the streets."
"Yes, let's shall."
I had no place of my own, and I knew of no suitable place for her, so as we walked I thought about where we could go. People would pass us and seem not to notice. But I had to think about where we could go!
She must have sensed my troubles so asked, "We could retreat to my place,"
I looked at her, at those beckoning eyes. A feeling of comfort and a release of tension soon came to me as if put in. I used my mind to ask her if she could understand me and if she was one of my kind. The response…was yes. "Who hunted who, my dear?" I said amused.
She giggled. "I hunted you, as your father hunted my sister,"
"Your sister??!!"
"Yes. I wanted to go to the party, but our father wouldn't let me go unless an older sibling took me!"
"Then I am glad what happened happened."
"And I as well,"
I leaned down to kiss her. It was brief for she pulled away. I asked, "Did you know all along that I was?"
"No, not until you told me to meet you did I even think you might be. You were quite charming for cattle, and I knew something was awry."
"Ah,"
"Come, we will go to my family,"
I followed her to the poor crumbling part of town, where they lived in a building with no windows. The only means of entrance was to diffuse through the wall and once we were through I received a shock. Never in my days had I seen such a large family of vampires!!
An old one, however powerful looking, spoke up, "Castella, who is this whom you have brought!? Can he be trusted?!"
"Father, this is…" she did not know my name, so I spoke up, "Arrmaduke Franchesquo Kcudagen, Sir. And you have my undying word of secrecy of this place and of your family."
"Where are you from?"
"The southern bit of Spain, an English colony, Gibraltar"
"Though you are not Spanish,"
"I am not, sir. I am a descendant of the lost race of Atlantians,"
whispers and chatter was heard throughout the room. the father of this family ceased their mumbles with a hand and asked, "How did you come to meet my daughter?"
"We met at the dance held at Sir Guilios's"
"Ah. I see."
Then what appeared to be the oldest woman there whispered into the ancient one's ear. He then turned to me and said, "Sir Kcudagen, you appear to be quite an acceptable proposal…"
"Father, he is already like us."
"Oh is he now?! And may I ask how long you've been on this planet?"
"seventy two years, sir,"
"You haven't aged past 24,"
"Thank you, sir. And you look well for your age."
He made a cough laugh at my flattery. "Oh do I now?"
"Yes, sir,"
"What clan are you from, may I ask?"
"Clan??!" I had no clue as to what he was talking about.
"Yes. Come now, you must surely know."
"No sir…" I said bewildered.
"No? how can you not?!"
"My father never told me about that…"
"He didn't? what poor kind of father doesn't teach his offspring about their heritage!! Who was your father?"
"Herraldo."
"Who??!"
it was then that I knew I was in hot water. My father's name held no weight… in fifty years that fool couldn't have told me very important things that can get me far in this world?? He must have condemned me to be his slave for the rest of eternity!!
A younger child went to her father and spoke to him softly. He seemed to understand. "Oh! That retch!"
I withdrew my pride at the sound of this ancient one's scrutiny. I just HAD to be chosen to suffer, to have been reborn of a retch father!
The master spoke, "I am sorry Sir Kcudagen. You appear to be a very decent person. A decent man who has suffered much hardship. I am Tao, once a Mongol leader, this is my clan of the black fox. And you are welcome here."
"Father," my match, Castella, said. "I would like your permission to have him for my own,"
"Soon, my dear. Soon. We must be sure we can trust him. A vampire that doesn't know his clan is to be carefully considered."
"Yes father,"
"Sir Kcudagen, you can stay up in the loft in this building."
"Thank you Sir,"
"Now, to show good faith, why not you fetch us this evening's meals?"
"How many would you like, sir?"
"Seven should do it."
"As you wish," I said with a bow then exited the building. Castella followed me outside. "You can lower them into the cellar here, Arrmaduke,"
"Alright,"
"You think you can make the count?"
"It will be hard, but I will try."
"Good luck,"
"Thank you." And I was off to find seven victims for what appeared to be a dozen people! I started simply. I passerby with no one around. I would hypnotize and then drag them to the designated spot, careful of any onlookers. That grabbed me three, but it took a long time to accomplish.
I also had to look out for anyone who recognized me for there appeared to be a party of hunters going around that evening. A few people I had to coerce into an alley to hypnotize them there and bring them back; that got me two more.
Now that the streets were quite empty I had to go and steal people from ramshackle homes. Castella's family might not be please, but at least it was blood…that's how Herraldo always taught me. find high status when available, but never exclude the destitute and that is how I made up the difference. It was near dawn when I finished and I retreated indoors to their lair to find them feasting, whilst I starved. I let it not bother me, for it would be my actions and thought and words that would be closely judged by their master.
It was then that I wondered who the master of MY own family was. Was there one? Was he still alive? Was my family master a he at all (that would explain Herraldo's disloyalty)? Was he nice? If so, how ever did Herraldo be chosen?!!
After the feast, I was given the dregs then made my way up to the loft. Unfortunately, it was rather run down up there and I was sure sun would shine through. But it was where I was told to stay, so I found myself the darkest corner, wrapped myself up in an old sheet that was up there and slept uneasy that day. It was a new place with new people, both of which I did not trust, but needed to only enough to show that I was willing to follow directions.
The next evening I was no worse for wear, thankfully, and I ventured down to the main gathering room to find them awaiting me. "Nice view…but I think your roof needs a little work."
"Noted, Sir Kcudagen. Now please, sit with us. You need to know your next job."
I obeyed, unsure as the predicament was becoming hazardous, but if I truly loved Castella, then I would endure the worst. It's a test for loyalty and love, and those kind of challenges are the most difficult.
Needless to say, I passed the challenges and was allowed to have my prize, Castella. That very night I took her to a tomb that I found during my tests, wherein we made sweet, ecstasy filled love.
Hours after I took her there we laid against the granite and listened to the minds outside as we snuggled. She suddenly sat up and gasped.
"What? What is it?"
"My family. They are in trouble! Come!"
we swiftly dressed and even faster raced for home, where we found it under siege. There was time yet until the mortals found admission to the innards. I knew I could take them on, just as long as they saw nothing of me but as a shadow. So it was that I told Castella to stay, and I as a mist descended upon the infidel and started cutting their throats open. I prayed that this would not affect my new family, that I could keep them for a long while more that no one vampire would die from this.
As a shadow of the lamppost, I looked about and sensed that I killed all those that had dared to oppose. I came out of hiding and found the glorious battle won by me. I gave a toothy grin of pride and hissed in pleasure at my victory. Looking up to my love, I beckoned for her to come and we entered indoors to find other mortals dead, the vampires wherein were all safe.
Master Tao spoke, "Has the infiltration been diffused?"
I answered, "I killed the last outside, master."
"How grand. Thank you, Arrmaduke. I do believe that you are to be as trusted as any of my other children. Do not abuse the privilege."
"I won't disappoint you, sir."
"Come now! We must find other hiding! Surely others know where we are!" and so Master Tao led us in mist and shadow form to another hiding place. It so turned that the city became no longer safe for us to reside wherein, so to the outskirts of the country we fled.
During our time there in the country, the first week, my right shoulder was tattooed to indicate that I was a valued member of the Black Fox Clan, for I was not them by blood. As the prickly sensation surged through my arm during the tattooing, I felt a great welling of pride for doing better than my vampire father gave me, for being accepted by people for being whom I was, to be welcome, included, and loved.
Castella and I lived many a happy year together and we were quickly blessed with a son of our own, Charleton. Like the typical, beautiful baby vampire boy that he was, Charleton grew slowly and absorbed the world around him swiftly.
The family now consisted of Master Tao, his first child and mate Katal, their three children Ron, Domay, and Cenna. Ron's two mates, one his daughter, Silvia and Patricia, and his son Henrik. Domay's son Benjamin and his born sister Chelsi. Katal's two children Lucius and Castella, and our son Charleton. And Master Tao's two son's Yungeen and Oken, and formally Kimberly, whom went off with my bastard father.
On clear nights Castella, Charleton and I would sit out and gaze at the stars and I would teach him how to hunt grasshoppers and crickets, fireflies and mosquitoes. It was a wonderful, simple life that we led for a good number of decades.
But all good things come to an end. The youths of the group were now restless and reckless, craving action. Master Tao wouldn't stop them, believing that all youths need to learn from their own mistakes after a certain point. However, letting these youths to do as they pleased was a big mistake that would come back to threaten us all. Livestock from neighboring farms were being slaughtered and those farmers looked for blame in each other, wolves, anything. Master Tao did nothing even then, which was his second mistake. Eventually local farmers believed that foxes were behind the attacks and were thought to be residing in the very household that my clan were in. Honestly, they were. They were Black Foxes.
The culprits, I found, were Yungeen, Henrik, and Benjamin, after I over heard their boasting to one another. I could no longer hold back and I came forth from the shadows and quietly gave them a talking to. They joked at my concerns and paid no attention to my warnings. It was then that I went to speak with Master Tao. He too seemed unconcerned, but I knew that where this was headed would be our downfall.
Trouble was not far in time. Mere months passed and as I expected, the farmers were looking to stop the night slaughters. I kept a close ear to the community of mortals as their anger grew and even attended one of their night meeting is City Hall some five miles away. I posed as one of them, a tramp, if you will. Towards the meeting the question was raised as to whom I was. I merely said that I was residing in the old, (supposedly) abandoned farm house until the weather cleared enough for my travels to continue. The lie was accepted and the second question asked of me was if there were killer animals living nearby that old house. I said that I hadn't seen nor heard any, but I was sure to keep an ear and an eye out of any came along. This too was accepted and the meeting was adjourned.
On my walk home I did much thinking. Thank goodness that it was believed that an animal, not a vampire was thought to be blamed, or else our home would sure be invaded. Upon reaching the lair, needless to saw that my family was disappointed, yet relieved, when I told them what I had just done, but still they were not concerned about the mortals. I would at least keep a close eye on them.
Now having lost my family and my security my heart ached and my eyes shed tears of grief as I sat in a dank alley. I looked to the dark skies above the city and felt the cold wind blow through the tears in my clothing. Being so infinite and powerful I thought I could have done more. In my deep thoughts and sorrow I had not heard the old man walk up to me.
"Lad? I bet a fine young man like yourself can play the mandoline well."
"what's it to you?" I snapped.
"There's a job at the local tavern and they are short a member due to a fight last week. Will you fill the place?"
"is it a night job? Do I get residence?"
"yes. yes to both."
It was beter than nothing. I got up and followed him a block to the tavern. He showed me my room and clothes I could change into.
"The next show is at midnight, lad. Do you know Dafelramse?"
"I do, very well."
"Good! That's what you'll be playing." He left me, closing the door behind him. I changed and looked myself over in the mirror. Oops. I forgot. I cant. I looked and saw no one there. Thank goodness the old man was a bit blind in his old age.
I went out and he showed me where I would be sitting and gave me my instrument. As I took his he grabbed my hand and looked upon my black claws. Then he looked up into my eyes and smiled and let go.
I checked my pocket watch and saw that the time was drawing near. I tuned and softly practiced my trills and ties. When the time came, the rest of my band showed up, a motley crew of fellow beggars and poor. They stared at me and my long hair and the tattoo on my shoulder, but left it at that. they sat down and the tavern started to fill up for our performance and for their drinks.
Our leader cued us up when my solo came everyone stared at me at the way I skillfully played, making the piece flow like petals on the spring's wind. Even after I was finished, everyone stared at me, gaping, silent. My band had not the wits to continue as I had mesmerized the lot with my music.