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Description
From atop the hill the village looked like it was in a state of complete chaos, but once Alfred was actually down in the cross fires it was worse than just chaos. Much, much worse. The bitter and spicy scent of smoke filled his nose and lungs making breathing a difficult task not to mention the thick plumes were also making his already sensitive eyes sting. The heat from the rouge flames felt hot on his skin and made him sticky and sweaty under the material of his clothing. People ran left and right- like chickens with their heads cut off- as they tried to escape the claws and fangs of the many shadow hounds that ran rampant. Desperate cries for rescue rung in his ears from every direction, but there was no way he could possibly answer them all. Alright Al… just run in the first direction you hear something from.
Arthur's Border collie, Reginald, barked at him as if saying 'what are you waiting for?' "Give me a minute Reggie! I'm tryin' to figure this out." He huffed back in frustration only earning him an irritated growl from the dog. Alfred perked his ears and listened for a moment and it wasn't long before there was another cry for help. It was small and strained- a voice filled with tears- coming from inside one of the nearby houses whose roof was slowly burning in flames.
When Alfred came to the house the scream had come from there was a woman standing at the door. She pounded the wooden slab with all the might her frail fists would give- which wasn't much. "Please someone help! Anyone! My daughter is still in there!" She cried desperately as he tried in vain to open the door that had been somehow busted shut. No one stopped to help her- all of them much too preoccupied with saving their own hides than that of an innocent little girl.
Deeming this job the most important on in the bunch the young vampire approached the frantic woman Reginald close at his side, "Step aside, I'm gonna bust down the door and get your daughter out." The woman looked up at Alfred with wide tear rimmed eyes as if she couldn't fully process the fact someone had actually approached her and offered their help.
"Victoria!" She called back through the door. "S-sweetie, we're gonna bust down the door so stay far away from it okay?"
"Mommy! I'm scared!" The little girl cried from inside.
"I know honey, but just get away from the door and we'll get you out alright?" The little girl squeaked out a word of understanding and Alfred prepared himself. He stepped back a bit from the door, angling himself so that his shoulder would take full force of the impact. He took in a deep breath and braced himself before he ran for the door, barreling into it with the force of a small train and splintering it clear off its hinges.
"Wait here, it's too dangerous. I'll be back in a minute. Come on Reggie!" Reginald gave a bark of understanding as he dashed after Alfred into the depths of the slowly burning home. The thick smoke stung his eyes and scratched at his throat- filling his lungs and making each breath a struggle. The vampire shielded his forearm over his eyes; squinting his lids half way closed against the smog. "Victoria!" He coughed out. "Victoria, where are you!?" Alfred called into the inferno.
"In here!" A small voice cried between coughs. "Please help-!" Her small cries were cut off by a shrill high pitched shriek. Panicked something had happened Alfred pushed forward, running down the hall way towards the sound the scream- narrowly avoiding falling debris in the process. As Alfred approached the doorway where the girl's desperate cries were reaching a crescendo the young vampire was finally able to see the source of her desperation for salvation. Looming over her tiny trembling figure was the bulking and intimidating one of a shadow hound. Its entire body was the color of midnight shadows and its fur bristled as it bared its enormous pearly white fangs down at the defenseless girl- its piercing crimson red eyed gaze so intense it looked as if the hellish creature was staring into her very soul.
The small girl screamed and cried as she curled her thin frame into a defensive fetal position with her hands cupped up over her head- tiny fingers entangled tightly into locks of dirty blonde hair. "Hey ugly! Why don't you pick on someone your own size!?" Alfred immediately challenged the creature picking up a large piece of fallen wood to use as a make shift weapon. The creature swung its large black head from side to side before finally turning around far enough to notice Alfred standing in the door way. It scanned him for a little while with those crimson eyes before finally sauntering around until it stood square in front of the young vampire- its hackles raised and the fur on its broad shoulders standing up on end as it prepared to a fight. Dark menacing growls rumbled deep in the bowels of the creature's throat as it continued to bare its fangs in hopes that it could scare Alfred off with intimidation alone. There was no way in hell that was going to happen, not in a million years.
"What? Do you want a growling match?!" With that challenge Al snapped his mouth wide open and allowed his fangs to extend fully as well to make himself seem more intimidating. With that bit of action Alfred threw himself at the creature, using his super strength to its full advantage as he barreled into its side and knocked it over and away from the cowering little girl.
The beast snarled and growled fiercely as the two supernatural beings grappled a little bit- narrowly avoiding more falling debris all the while- before Alfred managed to snake his arms around the thing's neck and render it subdued for a few brief moments. "Reggie! Get the girl outta here! Bring her back to her mom!" Alfred growled out as he struggled to keep creature in his grip from wriggling his way out of captivity. The dog let out a brisk bark in understand before he bounded over some fallen pieces of wood until he reached the young girl's side. The smart black and white creature nudged the girl into gripping onto the loop of his black leather collar before he began to lead the poor coughing and crying dear out of the house and to the safe arms of her awaiting mother.
The shadow hound snarled and growled as it thrashed its muscular legs and swished its bushy tail in an attempt to distract Alfred long enough so the beast could wriggle free. Alfred held firm though, locking his arms together at the elbow and even going so far as to wrap his legs around the monster's waist once again locking the limbs together at the ankle. The shadow hound snarled and growled, its enormous jaws snapping open and closed as its pearly white fangs faintly glistened in the dim light of the burning room. Alfred had to hold on just  bit longer… he had to make sure the girl and her mother had a chance to get far away before he even considered letting the beast go free. The young vampire squeezed his eyes shut and grit his fangs together as he held onto the demon with every ounce of strength he had in his body. He couldn't let go… he couldn't let go….
Several agonizing moments had slipped past him by the time Alfred finally gave in and allowed the creature to run free- the beast snarling viciously as it broke from Alfred's grip. While the beast was momentarily distracted by its new found freedom Alfred took the opportunity to force himself up and haul ass down and out of this house before the walls collapsed around him.
Unfortunately the universe did not seem to be on his side today. As he ran Alfred unceremoniously tripped over a fallen piece of furniture causing him to land face down on the hard wood floor. As his face made contact with the ground his glasses cracked from the pressure in between the two- a small piece of fractured glass scratched the skin just under his eye before the crystal like material fell with the rest of the rubble. The young vampire hissed in pain as he brushed his fingers over the injury, feeling the familiar slick and sweet smelling liquid coat his finger tips. "I don't have time for this shit!" Alfred cursed his bad fortune as he attempted to get up again despite the fact he only had one good lens to see out of.
His luck only grew worse from there.
Alfred heard a fierce snarl rumble behind him and the young vampire had barely had time to turn around before the Shadow Hound from early pinned him to the floor- it's massive forepaws bearing down on Alfred's broad shoulders. The young vampire hissed at the uncomfortable amount of weight and stared wide eyes at the pair of glowing red eyes that stared down into his own. As the blonde struggled- flailing his arms as much as the beast's paws would allow and kicking his legs- he couldn't help, but think how ironic it was that the tables had turned within the matter of a few short minutes. But laughable irony aside Alfred had to figure out some way out of this situation. There was no way he could die- no not yet anyways and not like this. But… what could he do?
The Shadow Hound glared down intensely into Alfred's gaze with its piercing crimson eyes gaze. Alfred suddenly found himself unable to move- each and every one of his limbs felt as heavy as led weights. Even just the small movement of twitching his finger took all the strength he had left in his body. What was this, this feeling? As the beast stared down into Alfred's endless blue eyes the young vampire felt like he was unable to tear his gaze away no matter how many times he tried. The beast stared and stared and with each painfully slow second that passed Alfred only felt his stomach churning with this feeling of absolute dread- almost as if he could feel all the pain in suffering that had brought this monstrous creature into being.  The sadness, the despair, the burning anger, and the itch for revenge….
That's when Alfred saw it. It was only for a brief moment, but in that split second the Shadow Hound's eyes transitioned from its previous hue of scarlet red to bright blue, the same bright blue as the vampire's own eyes. The realization seemed to suck the wind out of him like a swift punch to the gut. His eyes spread wide and his mouth hung agape; his jaw working up and down as if he was trying to say something, but the words became caught in his throat. This shadow hound… it was his. The suffering that had brought this sadistic creature into being was the very suffering that Alfred had endured only a few short years ago.
The monster growled defensively, its lips still drawn back in a snarl and its teeth once again glowing dimly in the fire light. It barked fiercely before swiftly drew one of its forepaws backwards so its claws raked against the delicate flesh of Alfred's shoulder. Alfred himself cried out in pain as the sensation ripped across his nerve endings and warm sticky blood began to seep from the wound and sink into his newly tattered clothes. The creature seemed to park in laughter at the sound of Alfred's pain filled cries as swept its paw down in the same motion again on Alfred's other shoulder this time. The vampire wailed again and the shadow continued to enjoy the suffering as that was its only purpose in life; to cause other's pain.
What a terribly sorrowful existence.
Alfred's chest heaved and he squeezed his eyes shut tightly as he laid there taking the injuries; his body still incapacitated from the Shadow Hound's cruel stare. If this kind of treatment continued Alfred wouldn't be able to last much longer. Sure with his life as a vampire it took much more to kill him than it did a human and any injuries he had ever sustained usually vanished within a day or two, but that didn't make them any less painful.
Well… crap… what am I supposed to do now? If this keeps up I'll…
"Indecastrous!" A voice suddenly shouted from down the hall, back by where the entrance to the house was. Alfred looked up just long enough to see a flash of white light stream like a falling star above his head and pounding into the Shadow hound with enough force to knock the creature off of Alfred and back a few feet where it slammed into an awaiting wall. The young vampire willed himself to sit up against his elbows- wincing in pain as he did so. He weakly turned his head backwards to see Arthur standing there- Reginald close by his side- with his right hand glowing with the same white light that had passed over Alfred's head only a few short moments ago. The young vampire's gaze slid over to where the shadow hound lay now unmoving with its large dark body was slowly fading away like ashes into the air. "Damn…" Alfred chuckled quietly. "… Maybe I was wrong about your magic… Artie…" The young vampire let his head fall back against the floor with a solid thunk. "Okay… yeah… I'm not okay…" He groaned as he ground his teeth together; letting his head lull off to the side.
"Blood sucking git!" Arthur shouted as he rushed over to Alfred deeming the Shadow Hound now completely incapacitated. The warlock 's green eyes flickered back and forth nervously as he gazed upon Alfred's torn shoulders. "Cor blimey… I should have left you in that bloody tree…" Reginald padded over to Alfred, whining and hanging his large black and white head.
Alfred swallowed thickly and took in shaky breath. "Did… d-did that little girl get out okay?" The battered vampire inquired.
"Yes, yes she's right as rain. Now stop your infernal talking and save your strength. I've got to get you out of here." Arthur sighed in exasperation as he began wracking his magic infused brain with an idea of how to move Alfred out of the building without disturbing his injuries too much.
Alfred felt a smile tug up in his lips at the confirmation of little Victoria's safety. "Good… I' m glad…" He whispered softly as he lifted his hand with some effort and gently ruffled Reginald's ears in praise. Alfred let his hand fall back limply to the floor. He felt his strength starting to fade even further; the searing pain in his arms dulling away into numbness.
"I'm going to draw up a transportation circle- don't you dare move in inch." Arthur explained- then threatened- as he dipped his fingers in the only available ink source. Alfred's blood.
Alfred's eyes fluttered closed as Arthur worked around him—the warlock's thin fingers working quickly and efficiently as they drew various symbols and letters. Alfred felt beyond weak. It was almost like the world around him was fading to silent darkness. The crackle of the fire and Arthur's shuffling becoming muffled and distant. Well that certainly wasn't a good sign…. "Oi! Don't you dare die on me you blood sucking git! I will not have responsibility for your death on my hands." Arthur shouted as he smacked Alfred across the face (not very hard, just enough to jolt the vampire awake).
Alfred winced and let out a low his at the stinging that ripped across his shoulders when he moved. "I'm… I'm not dying… I'm tired…" Alfred muttered as he attempted- unsuccessfully of course- to swat Arthur's hand away—only causing himself more pain.
"Well stay awake for just a few moments longer and I'll have us out of here." Arthur explained as he finished drawing the last few symbols on the circle. Alfred let his hand limply fall back down again; his eyes now half lidded and blankly staring up at the smoldering ceiling above him. Blood… he needed blood, but of course his own blood wasn't going to anything for him. No… he needed to feed and the closet living thing was Arthur (With the exception of Reginald, but dog blood never did catch the vampire's fancy). Alfred could feel his vampiric instincts starting to drown out his rationality. His sense of self was quickly evaporating into the smoke infested air around them. The blonde's eyes fluttered open- a reddish haze slowly taking over the sky blue color of his irises. He vision changed. Suddenly it was as if Arthur's skin had become transparent and the vampire could see every single vein, artery, and capillary flowing with the thick and luscious liquid that was blood.
So tempting… so tempting it was. Just the mere sight of it was enough to make Alfred's mouth water and his fangs slowly begin to extend down to their full length. He had to have some. Just one little bite couldn't hurt. This was a life or death situation on the young vampire's hands. He could forgive himself this one time. Alfred felt himself unconsciously sitting up; his tongue caressing his dry lips as he focused solely on the highway of veins in Arthur's neck. Just a little further….
"Don't you even dare think about biting me. I know full well what vampire bites do to people and I for one will not have my… a-aroused by your lust for blood." Alfred stared up blankly at Arthur who in turn only glared down at the vampire with that venomous green gaze. But… but he was so desperate…. Arthur gaze softened momentarily as brushed as hand over Alfred's matted wheat blonde hair. "Be patient… I'm not going to let you die." He spoke- Alfred intensely watching the way the warlock's lips curved and bent with his words.
Alfred remained unmoving for a few moments before he finally let himself lye back on the floor and nodded his head in agreement. Arthur gave a brisk nod, "Reginald stay in the circle. Vampire, just sit still and don't move." Arthur commanded and both creatures obeyed the older man's words. The warlock closed his eyes and exhaled deeply before he placed his finger covered fingers on the floor by the circle and muttered a single word, "…Lumous…" There was bright light- far too bright for Alfred's sensitive eyes to handle- before he suddenly found himself streaming through a vortex swirling with more colors than he could have ever imagined.

Description
From atop the hill the village looked like it was in a state of complete chaos, but once Alfred was actually down in the cross fires it was worse than just chaos. Much, much worse. The bitter and spicy scent of smoke filled his nose and lungs making breathing a difficult task not to mention the thick plumes were also making his already sensitive eyes sting. The heat from the rouge flames felt hot on his skin and made him sticky and sweaty under the material of his clothing. People ran left and right- like chickens with their heads cut off- as they tried to escape the claws and fangs of the many shadow hounds that ran rampant. Desperate cries for rescue rung in his ears from every direction, but there was no way he could possibly answer them all. Alright Al… just run in the first direction you hear something from.
Arthur's Border collie, Reginald, barked at him as if saying 'what are you waiting for?' "Give me a minute Reggie! I'm tryin' to figure this out." He huffed back in frustration only earning him an irritated growl from the dog. Alfred perked his ears and listened for a moment and it wasn't long before there was another cry for help. It was small and strained- a voice filled with tears- coming from inside one of the nearby houses whose roof was slowly burning in flames.
When Alfred came to the house the scream had come from there was a woman standing at the door. She pounded the wooden slab with all the might her frail fists would give- which wasn't much. "Please someone help! Anyone! My daughter is still in there!" She cried desperately as he tried in vain to open the door that had been somehow busted shut. No one stopped to help her- all of them much too preoccupied with saving their own hides than that of an innocent little girl.
Deeming this job the most important on in the bunch the young vampire approached the frantic woman Reginald close at his side, "Step aside, I'm gonna bust down the door and get your daughter out." The woman looked up at Alfred with wide tear rimmed eyes as if she couldn't fully process the fact someone had actually approached her and offered their help.
"Victoria!" She called back through the door. "S-sweetie, we're gonna bust down the door so stay far away from it okay?"
"Mommy! I'm scared!" The little girl cried from inside.
"I know honey, but just get away from the door and we'll get you out alright?" The little girl squeaked out a word of understanding and Alfred prepared himself. He stepped back a bit from the door, angling himself so that his shoulder would take full force of the impact. He took in a deep breath and braced himself before he ran for the door, barreling into it with the force of a small train and splintering it clear off its hinges.
"Wait here, it's too dangerous. I'll be back in a minute. Come on Reggie!" Reginald gave a bark of understanding as he dashed after Alfred into the depths of the slowly burning home. The thick smoke stung his eyes and scratched at his throat- filling his lungs and making each breath a struggle. The vampire shielded his forearm over his eyes; squinting his lids half way closed against the smog. "Victoria!" He coughed out. "Victoria, where are you!?" Alfred called into the inferno.
"In here!" A small voice cried between coughs. "Please help-!" Her small cries were cut off by a shrill high pitched shriek. Panicked something had happened Alfred pushed forward, running down the hall way towards the sound the scream- narrowly avoiding falling debris in the process. As Alfred approached the doorway where the girl's desperate cries were reaching a crescendo the young vampire was finally able to see the source of her desperation for salvation. Looming over her tiny trembling figure was the bulking and intimidating one of a shadow hound. Its entire body was the color of midnight shadows and its fur bristled as it bared its enormous pearly white fangs down at the defenseless girl- its piercing crimson red eyed gaze so intense it looked as if the hellish creature was staring into her very soul.
The small girl screamed and cried as she curled her thin frame into a defensive fetal position with her hands cupped up over her head- tiny fingers entangled tightly into locks of dirty blonde hair. "Hey ugly! Why don't you pick on someone your own size!?" Alfred immediately challenged the creature picking up a large piece of fallen wood to use as a make shift weapon. The creature swung its large black head from side to side before finally turning around far enough to notice Alfred standing in the door way. It scanned him for a little while with those crimson eyes before finally sauntering around until it stood square in front of the young vampire- its hackles raised and the fur on its broad shoulders standing up on end as it prepared to a fight. Dark menacing growls rumbled deep in the bowels of the creature's throat as it continued to bare its fangs in hopes that it could scare Alfred off with intimidation alone. There was no way in hell that was going to happen, not in a million years.
"What? Do you want a growling match?!" With that challenge Al snapped his mouth wide open and allowed his fangs to extend fully as well to make himself seem more intimidating. With that bit of action Alfred threw himself at the creature, using his super strength to its full advantage as he barreled into its side and knocked it over and away from the cowering little girl.
The beast snarled and growled fiercely as the two supernatural beings grappled a little bit- narrowly avoiding more falling debris all the while- before Alfred managed to snake his arms around the thing's neck and render it subdued for a few brief moments. "Reggie! Get the girl outta here! Bring her back to her mom!" Alfred growled out as he struggled to keep creature in his grip from wriggling his way out of captivity. The dog let out a brisk bark in understand before he bounded over some fallen pieces of wood until he reached the young girl's side. The smart black and white creature nudged the girl into gripping onto the loop of his black leather collar before he began to lead the poor coughing and crying dear out of the house and to the safe arms of her awaiting mother.
The shadow hound snarled and growled as it thrashed its muscular legs and swished its bushy tail in an attempt to distract Alfred long enough so the beast could wriggle free. Alfred held firm though, locking his arms together at the elbow and even going so far as to wrap his legs around the monster's waist once again locking the limbs together at the ankle. The shadow hound snarled and growled, its enormous jaws snapping open and closed as its pearly white fangs faintly glistened in the dim light of the burning room. Alfred had to hold on just  bit longer… he had to make sure the girl and her mother had a chance to get far away before he even considered letting the beast go free. The young vampire squeezed his eyes shut and grit his fangs together as he held onto the demon with every ounce of strength he had in his body. He couldn't let go… he couldn't let go….
Several agonizing moments had slipped past him by the time Alfred finally gave in and allowed the creature to run free- the beast snarling viciously as it broke from Alfred's grip. While the beast was momentarily distracted by its new found freedom Alfred took the opportunity to force himself up and haul ass down and out of this house before the walls collapsed around him.
Unfortunately the universe did not seem to be on his side today. As he ran Alfred unceremoniously tripped over a fallen piece of furniture causing him to land face down on the hard wood floor. As his face made contact with the ground his glasses cracked from the pressure in between the two- a small piece of fractured glass scratched the skin just under his eye before the crystal like material fell with the rest of the rubble. The young vampire hissed in pain as he brushed his fingers over the injury, feeling the familiar slick and sweet smelling liquid coat his finger tips. "I don't have time for this shit!" Alfred cursed his bad fortune as he attempted to get up again despite the fact he only had one good lens to see out of.
His luck only grew worse from there.
Alfred heard a fierce snarl rumble behind him and the young vampire had barely had time to turn around before the Shadow Hound from early pinned him to the floor- it's massive forepaws bearing down on Alfred's broad shoulders. The young vampire hissed at the uncomfortable amount of weight and stared wide eyes at the pair of glowing red eyes that stared down into his own. As the blonde struggled- flailing his arms as much as the beast's paws would allow and kicking his legs- he couldn't help, but think how ironic it was that the tables had turned within the matter of a few short minutes. But laughable irony aside Alfred had to figure out some way out of this situation. There was no way he could die- no not yet anyways and not like this. But… what could he do?
The Shadow Hound glared down intensely into Alfred's gaze with its piercing crimson eyes gaze. Alfred suddenly found himself unable to move- each and every one of his limbs felt as heavy as led weights. Even just the small movement of twitching his finger took all the strength he had left in his body. What was this, this feeling? As the beast stared down into Alfred's endless blue eyes the young vampire felt like he was unable to tear his gaze away no matter how many times he tried. The beast stared and stared and with each painfully slow second that passed Alfred only felt his stomach churning with this feeling of absolute dread- almost as if he could feel all the pain in suffering that had brought this monstrous creature into being.  The sadness, the despair, the burning anger, and the itch for revenge….
That's when Alfred saw it. It was only for a brief moment, but in that split second the Shadow Hound's eyes transitioned from its previous hue of scarlet red to bright blue, the same bright blue as the vampire's own eyes. The realization seemed to suck the wind out of him like a swift punch to the gut. His eyes spread wide and his mouth hung agape; his jaw working up and down as if he was trying to say something, but the words became caught in his throat. This shadow hound… it was his. The suffering that had brought this sadistic creature into being was the very suffering that Alfred had endured only a few short years ago.
The monster growled defensively, its lips still drawn back in a snarl and its teeth once again glowing dimly in the fire light. It barked fiercely before swiftly drew one of its forepaws backwards so its claws raked against the delicate flesh of Alfred's shoulder. Alfred himself cried out in pain as the sensation ripped across his nerve endings and warm sticky blood began to seep from the wound and sink into his newly tattered clothes. The creature seemed to park in laughter at the sound of Alfred's pain filled cries as swept its paw down in the same motion again on Alfred's other shoulder this time. The vampire wailed again and the shadow continued to enjoy the suffering as that was its only purpose in life; to cause other's pain.
What a terribly sorrowful existence.
Alfred's chest heaved and he squeezed his eyes shut tightly as he laid there taking the injuries; his body still incapacitated from the Shadow Hound's cruel stare. If this kind of treatment continued Alfred wouldn't be able to last much longer. Sure with his life as a vampire it took much more to kill him than it did a human and any injuries he had ever sustained usually vanished within a day or two, but that didn't make them any less painful.
Well… crap… what am I supposed to do now? If this keeps up I'll…
"Indecastrous!" A voice suddenly shouted from down the hall, back by where the entrance to the house was. Alfred looked up just long enough to see a flash of white light stream like a falling star above his head and pounding into the Shadow hound with enough force to knock the creature off of Alfred and back a few feet where it slammed into an awaiting wall. The young vampire willed himself to sit up against his elbows- wincing in pain as he did so. He weakly turned his head backwards to see Arthur standing there- Reginald close by his side- with his right hand glowing with the same white light that had passed over Alfred's head only a few short moments ago. The young vampire's gaze slid over to where the shadow hound lay now unmoving with its large dark body was slowly fading away like ashes into the air. "Damn…" Alfred chuckled quietly. "… Maybe I was wrong about your magic… Artie…" The young vampire let his head fall back against the floor with a solid thunk. "Okay… yeah… I'm not okay…" He groaned as he ground his teeth together; letting his head lull off to the side.
"Blood sucking git!" Arthur shouted as he rushed over to Alfred deeming the Shadow Hound now completely incapacitated. The warlock 's green eyes flickered back and forth nervously as he gazed upon Alfred's torn shoulders. "Cor blimey… I should have left you in that bloody tree…" Reginald padded over to Alfred, whining and hanging his large black and white head.
Alfred swallowed thickly and took in shaky breath. "Did… d-did that little girl get out okay?" The battered vampire inquired.
"Yes, yes she's right as rain. Now stop your infernal talking and save your strength. I've got to get you out of here." Arthur sighed in exasperation as he began wracking his magic infused brain with an idea of how to move Alfred out of the building without disturbing his injuries too much.
Alfred felt a smile tug up in his lips at the confirmation of little Victoria's safety. "Good… I' m glad…" He whispered softly as he lifted his hand with some effort and gently ruffled Reginald's ears in praise. Alfred let his hand fall back limply to the floor. He felt his strength starting to fade even further; the searing pain in his arms dulling away into numbness.
"I'm going to draw up a transportation circle- don't you dare move in inch." Arthur explained- then threatened- as he dipped his fingers in the only available ink source. Alfred's blood.
Alfred's eyes fluttered closed as Arthur worked around him—the warlock's thin fingers working quickly and efficiently as they drew various symbols and letters. Alfred felt beyond weak. It was almost like the world around him was fading to silent darkness. The crackle of the fire and Arthur's shuffling becoming muffled and distant. Well that certainly wasn't a good sign…. "Oi! Don't you dare die on me you blood sucking git! I will not have responsibility for your death on my hands." Arthur shouted as he smacked Alfred across the face (not very hard, just enough to jolt the vampire awake).
Alfred winced and let out a low his at the stinging that ripped across his shoulders when he moved. "I'm… I'm not dying… I'm tired…" Alfred muttered as he attempted- unsuccessfully of course- to swat Arthur's hand away—only causing himself more pain.
"Well stay awake for just a few moments longer and I'll have us out of here." Arthur explained as he finished drawing the last few symbols on the circle. Alfred let his hand limply fall back down again; his eyes now half lidded and blankly staring up at the smoldering ceiling above him. Blood… he needed blood, but of course his own blood wasn't going to anything for him. No… he needed to feed and the closet living thing was Arthur (With the exception of Reginald, but dog blood never did catch the vampire's fancy). Alfred could feel his vampiric instincts starting to drown out his rationality. His sense of self was quickly evaporating into the smoke infested air around them. The blonde's eyes fluttered open- a reddish haze slowly taking over the sky blue color of his irises. He vision changed. Suddenly it was as if Arthur's skin had become transparent and the vampire could see every single vein, artery, and capillary flowing with the thick and luscious liquid that was blood.
So tempting… so tempting it was. Just the mere sight of it was enough to make Alfred's mouth water and his fangs slowly begin to extend down to their full length. He had to have some. Just one little bite couldn't hurt. This was a life or death situation on the young vampire's hands. He could forgive himself this one time. Alfred felt himself unconsciously sitting up; his tongue caressing his dry lips as he focused solely on the highway of veins in Arthur's neck. Just a little further….
"Don't you even dare think about biting me. I know full well what vampire bites do to people and I for one will not have my… a-aroused by your lust for blood." Alfred stared up blankly at Arthur who in turn only glared down at the vampire with that venomous green gaze. But… but he was so desperate…. Arthur gaze softened momentarily as brushed as hand over Alfred's matted wheat blonde hair. "Be patient… I'm not going to let you die." He spoke- Alfred intensely watching the way the warlock's lips curved and bent with his words.
Alfred remained unmoving for a few moments before he finally let himself lye back on the floor and nodded his head in agreement. Arthur gave a brisk nod, "Reginald stay in the circle. Vampire, just sit still and don't move." Arthur commanded and both creatures obeyed the older man's words. The warlock closed his eyes and exhaled deeply before he placed his finger covered fingers on the floor by the circle and muttered a single word, "…Lumous…" There was bright light- far too bright for Alfred's sensitive eyes to handle- before he suddenly found himself streaming through a vortex swirling with more colors than he could have ever imagined.