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Chapter 2

Ever since the day the hunter known only as Eisenfaust came to town, things have begun to change for the better. It has been only a month, and yet the vampire population has dropped dramatically. People have now been able to walk the streets at night. The man that was once unknown is now a household name. Some have even proclaimed him a town hero. This has not gotten to his head however. He never walks the streets in the open. He doesn’t appear for people to see. He still has business to do. There is one vampire family left; and, interestingly enough, they are his clan’s mortal enemy…
It was a few minutes past midnight. The city was bustling just as it was during the day. Incredible progress has been made ever since the first day. People now walk the streets without fear of vampire attacks. Young couples sit in the park and stare at the stars in awe. Crowds of people wander the sidewalks in search of their next thing to do. The odd thing is that no one is aware that they are being watched. The good thing for them was that the hunter was doing the watching. He leaped from rooftop to rooftop; his brown eyes searching the streets for potential predators. But since he eliminated almost all of the vampire threat, it has been quiet the past few days; no incidence of vampire attack, no bodies bearing vampire bite marks. As he thought of this relief, a slight trace of a smile appeared. But still, the last remaining vampire family has yet to be found. The Sinclair family has always been elusive to his clan. No one has even seen a Sinclair face to face.
“It’s odd that they haven’t come out to feed yet,” he thought to himself. “Either they are very good at hiding the bodies, or they have blood reserves somewhere. There is also the possibility that they get their fill from animals; though vampires will take human over animal any day…” He was approaching the west sector of the city, where the park was. With no predators in the streets, and a lot on his mind, maybe some meditation in the park would do him some good.
The clock struck 2 AM as the hunter entered the park. It was a clear night, as the stars shown brightly in the empty sky. He did not have his broadsword with him; instead, he carried a short thin sword that was easily hidden under his coat. Because of this, he could walk the sidewalks without drawing attention to himself. The park was a vast area, miles in diameter. In the northeast corner was a pond with a large fountain. You could see the water from all corners of the park. In the center was a large stone statue of the city’s founder. Trees were everywhere and the grass was always green. One of the park benches near the center offered the hunters weary legs some rest as he had been patrolling the city for a few hours now. He sat down and looked up into the night sky.
His family has a saying that their ancestors went to the stars after they passed on. He started to fumble with his necklace. “Father…” he thought, “I miss you. Why did those monsters have to take you and Mom away from me? I need your guidance…”
His thoughts lasted for only a moment until he heard a noise. He looked in its direction. He saw a young woman walking up the sidewalk across from him. She was wearing a crimson cloak over a black gown. Even though her hood was on her head, her long black hair showed through. Her face was perfect, with no blemish or mark, and her eyes were of a shimmering grey. As she walked, she was humming a solemn tune. For some strange reason, it had a relaxing effect on the hunter’s nerves.
“Who is this woman…” the hunter thought, “and why does she have this effect on me?
She walked up to the statue and looked up at the sky. She must have had the same need for relaxation as the hunter. She must not have noticed the hunter in the distance watching her, as she did not notice a brutish-looking man coming up behind her. She whirled around when she finally herd his footsteps.
“Hey there, little lady.” said the man, “You look lost. Perhaps I can help you find your way home.” He advanced towards her with a smile that reeked of malicious intent.
“I appreciate your concern, but I am not lost,” she replied, calmly and quietly. “I merely came out to look at the stars.”
“Well then,” said the man, still advancing. “Would you need a bodyguard? It would be a terrible shame if something happened to a…pretty girl such as yourself.”
“I can take care of myself,” she spoke with an apprehensive tone. Her icy blue eyes made clear her intentions. “I don’t need your help.”
“Aww, come on. I’m only trying to…” he started to say.
“I believe she wishes to be left alone.” The hunter approached them casually. Even though he was supposed to be searching for vampires, his sense of chivalry rose to the occasion.
“Hey buddy,” the thug growled back. “Can’t you see I’m busy?”
“I can see that, but I don’t think she wishes to be in your company,” the hunter replied calmly.
The thug glared at him. “I think you should leave us alone before I have to get angry.” He then turned to face the girl. As soon as he did however, he felt a firm gloved hand on his shoulder’s pressure point.
“I believe I said she didn’t want to be with you,” the hunter spoke.
“Buddy, you have been asking for this.” The thug spun around and took a swing at the hunter. He merely steeped to the side to avoid the punch. Every time the thug swung, the hunter would step to the side, dodging the blow. After a minute of this, the hunter saw an opening and swiftly delivered a blow to the thug’s stomach. The thug went down hard, gasping for air.
“I’m gonna get you for that!” He reached into his pocket for his knife, but as he tried to pull it out, he felt the point of a sword press against his neck. He looked into the hunter’s emerald green eyes with fear.
“I think it is time for you to leave,” the hunter said casually. The thug quickly got the hint and ran off. The hunter sheathed his sword, and then turned to the girl.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” she replied. “Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.” As soon as her grey eyes met his brown eyes, the hunter felt a connection between them, as if their meeting was more than just coincidence.
“So…” he said, unsure of what to say next. “What are you doing out so late?”
“I like to look at the stars at night. The view from here is astounding. What about you?” she asked.
“The weather is nice out, so I thought I would go out and get some exercise. I didn’t think I would be doing this kind of exercise though,” he replied. She laughed for a few seconds.
“Well, I have to get home now. It’s late, and I have to turn in. Thanks again for your help.” She turned and started to walk away. The hunter felt something pinging at his chest when she did this, something he could not explain.
“By the way,” she turned and said, “I never did get your name.”
He paused for a moment. “It’s Eisenfaust.” he replied.
“Hmm… That is an…interesting name. Well, so long.” She started to walk away again.
“Wait,” he said suddenly. She stopped and turned around. “It’s Victor. Victor Donovan,” he said, unsure of himself. She smiled.
“Maeve. Maeve St. Clair,” she replied. “Until we meet again, Victor.” She turned back around and walked off into the night.
Victor decided to head home as well. It was close to three in the morning, and his body needed rest. As he walked home, he thought to himself.
“That was odd… I never give out my name like that to a complete stranger, Much less a woman. What is wrong with me?” He continued to ponder what happened after he entered his home. “Maeve St. Clair, what a person. I don’t know what persuaded me to do what I did today, but I intend to find out soon.” He removed his gear, changed into his night wear, and went to bed.
“Wait… Why does that name sound familiar?”