It had been weeks since Vlad Tepes began his search for the Mad Queen. Over those weeks Dracula followed many a lead. At first he had hope, perhaps he was close to finally finding his wife. Eventually though, those leads grew cold leaving Vlad with few options. The unquestioned lord of the vampires was beginning to lose hope as he made his way towards a small inn.
Entering the dingy establishment, Vlad noticed several vampires residing around at tables near the back. Just from the look of this place Dracula got a sense that few came here and those that did, did not want to be bothered. As he wearily made his way towards the bar he hoped he could get some rest before continuing on his way.
"What's your poison," the vampire bartender asked as Vlad eased himself into a stool. Observing the scene, he could see various rough looking vampires imbibing a mixture of alcohol and blood. "Just a drink," Vlad replied. "Hold the poison for now." The vampire bartender raised a curious eyebrow before pouring a mug filled with blood, minus the alcohol. Few came into this establishment without wanting to drown their sorrows in liquor. Whoever this vampire was did not seem to know that. "Do you have any rooms for rent," Dracula asked.
"Yeah," the bartender replied. "But we don't get alot of people wanting to stay. You new in town?"
"Yes," Vlad sighed. "I just need a room for the day." The bartender shrugged, stating the price as Dracula slid a few coins in his direction. Lifting the mug to his lips Vlad now drank deeply. Obviously this place needed to refresh their stocks, the blood tasting a bit stale as it slid down his throat. It would sustain the vampire lord but, it was quite clear this wasn't the kind of place one went to for nourishment.
"Hey you."
Vlad turned slightly, watching as a rather large vampire sauntered towards him. Judging by his attire, Dracula could see he was part of a gang. Now things began to make sense for the unquestioned lord of the vampires. This dive bar was the headquarters of a local street gang. For Dracula, it had been far too long since he traveked the realm of the vampires. He was more legend than real now, meaning few would recognize who he was. "What set you roll with," the vampire gangster asked.
"None," Dracula replied wearily. "I'm only here for a meal and a short rest before I depart." Vlad had no desire to tear this fool to pieces, yet he could see the vampire tense at his words. "Yeah that's not how it works around here," the vampire gangster replied menacingly. "This is Blood Lord's territory. Ya don't want trouble then ya should go!"
Dracula sighed, he was exhausted, losing faith in his search for Lisa. Sizing up the group of vampires within the bar, he could see several of them now standing at the ready. None of those vampires posed any threat to him, he could tear them to pieces as easily as someone tearing up a piece of paper. Still, bloodshed and violence were not something he was looking forward to. As he was about to reply, the vampire gasped.
Dracula raised an eyebrow, watching the tough looking vampires body tense before a small hand tore through his chest. The vampire gangster gazed at his heart before he crumbled to dust, revealing the unlikely murderer.
Dracula narrowed his eyes, watching as a red haired child of eight now bit into the vampires heart as if it were an apple. Hopping into the stool beside him, Dracula watched the girls small legs sway slightly from her seated position. Although Dracula himself was unsure of who this girl was, the other vampires within did as they quicklysat down to stare at the floor.
"Ann," the bartender stammered, his face growing even paler as he took a step back from the child. Dracula studied the girl carefully, she didn't seem to be much of a threat. Dressed in a childish Victorian gown with her red hair in twin braids the child vampire continued to eat the heart before smacking her small hand on the bar. Obviously the bartender took this as a signal for a glass of blood as he shakily poured it for the girl. "Who are you," Vlad asked.
The girl now reached behind her back, placing a book on the bar. Dracula noted the book was old and worn as the girl pointed to the name. "Ann of Green Gables," Vlad asked. "Your name is Ann?"
A soft kick from the girls swaying feet seemed to signal an answer. Vlad nodded, watching as the girl now slid a parchment towards him. As he opened it, Dracula quickly read it over. "It appears Wyatt has sent you to assist me in my search," he said. "Is that correct?"
A soft kick now signaled yes from Ann.
"It also says you don't speak," he continued, Ann once more softly kicking the bar as an answer. Dracula nodded, looking towards the fearful bartender for answers. "Care to elaborate?'
"You don't know," the bartender gasped. "That's Little Ann! The Tepes families personal bodyguard and assassin. She's probably got a higher body count than that kitsune they call the Angel of Vengeance!" The bartender now quickly slid Draculas coins back to him, fearfully looking the pair over. "Look pal if she's with you then drinks and lodging are on the house. Just...just put in a good word for me with the Tepes family okay?"
Dracula turned raising an eyebrow as he studied the unassuming girl carefully. "It has been far too long since I have traveled these lands, " Vlad stated. "I could use a companion of your......notoriety."
Ann grinned and now Dracula could see the malice in this child's face. A small chuckle now escaped the vampire lords lips as he gazed upon his companion. He and Ann were going to have quite the adventure together.