The following morning, the campfire had long since burned down to embers, and the crisp air carried the faint scent of dew. Zeppeli stood in the clearing, his flamboyant hat casting a shadow over his sharp features. Jonathan was already there, practicing his breathing techniques, his movements fluid and precise. Ethan, on the other hand, leaned against a tree, arms crossed, watching with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
Zeppeli turned to Ethan, his voice carrying the weight of a seasoned teacher. "If you wish to fight against the darkness, you must learn to wield the light. The Ripple is the energy of life itself, carried through one's breath. It is the power of the sun, harnessed by the living."
Ethan frowned, tapping his chest. "Yeah, uh… about that. Breathing's not exactly my strong suit."
Zeppeli squinted, his piercing gaze narrowing. "What do you mean? Everyone breathes."
Ethan shrugged, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Let's just say I'm on a strict 'low oxygen' diet."
Jonathan paused mid-stretch, glancing at Ethan with a puzzled expression. "A low oxygen diet? Is that some kind of training regimen?"
Ethan chuckled. "You could say that. Let's just leave it at 'I'm not your average guy.'"
Despite his skepticism, Zeppeli agreed to let Ethan attempt the training. Jonathan stepped forward, demonstrating the proper breathing techniques. He inhaled deeply, his chest rising as golden energy began to ripple along his arm, glowing faintly in the morning light. With a controlled exhale, he sent the energy coursing through his body, his movements radiating power and grace.
"See?" Jonathan said, turning to Ethan with a smile. "It's all about rhythm and focus."
Ethan nodded, stepping forward to give it a try. He inhaled, exhaled, adjusted his posture, and even tried to mimic Jonathan's movements. But no matter what he did, nothing happened. No golden ripples, no surge of energy—just the faint sound of the wind rustling through the trees.
Zeppeli observed him closely, his expression thoughtful. "Your breathing is unnatural," he said after a moment. "It lacks the rhythm of life. It's as if… you're not truly alive."
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "That's because, technically, I'm already dead."
Jonathan's eyes widened, and Zeppeli's gaze sharpened. "Dead? Explain."
Ethan hesitated, then decided to give them the abridged version. "Let's just say I'm not your typical vampire. I don't need to breathe, and sunlight doesn't exactly fry me, but I'm not exactly brimming with life energy either."
The clearing fell silent. Jonathan's expression shifted from confusion to unease, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. Zeppeli's eyes narrowed, his posture tensing as if preparing for a fight.
"A vampire," Zeppeli said slowly, his voice cold. "You expect us to believe that?"
Ethan raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Look, I get it. Vampires aren't exactly the most trustworthy bunch. But I'm not like Dio. I'm not here to hurt anyone."
Jonathan's voice was strained, his usual warmth replaced by a hard edge. "Dio killed my father. He turned my home into a nightmare. And you expect us to trust you just because you say you're different?"
Ethan met Jonathan's gaze, his crimson eyes steady. "I don't expect you to trust me. But I'm not your enemy. If anything, I'm here to stop Dio, just like you."
Zeppeli stepped forward, his hand glowing faintly with Ripple energy. "And why should we believe that? Vampires are creatures of darkness, driven by hunger and malice. How do we know you're not just biding your time, waiting to strike?"
Ethan's jaw tightened. "Because if I wanted to hurt you, I would've done it already. I've had plenty of chances."
The tension in the clearing was palpable, the air thick with mistrust. For a moment, it seemed like the fragile alliance might shatter before it even began.
Zeppeli's hand remained raised, the golden energy of the Ripple flickering ominously. "Prove it," he said, his voice low. "Prove that you're not like Dio."
Ethan hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. Do your worst."
Zeppeli didn't hesitate. He stepped forward and placed a hand on Ethan's chest, sending a controlled pulse of Ripple energy through him. Instantly, Ethan flinched as his skin tingled with heat. Beneath his clothing, faint sparkles danced across his skin, like sunlight reflecting off water. It didn't burn, but it felt like standing under the summer sun after spending years in the shade.
"Fascinating," Zeppeli murmured, withdrawing his hand. "The Ripple reacts to you differently. It does not destroy, but it resists. Your body is… unique."
Ethan rubbed his arm, the sensation lingering. "Great. So, I'm allergic to life energy. That's not ominous at all."
Jonathan's expression softened slightly, though the wariness remained. "If you're truly not like Dio, then why are you here? What do you want?"
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't choose to be here. I was pulled into this world by… let's just call it a higher power. My goal is to survive and stop anyone who threatens innocent lives. And right now, that means stopping Dio."
Zeppeli studied him for a long moment, his gaze piercing. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. We will give you a chance. But know this: if you betray us, I will not hesitate to destroy you."
Ethan smirked, though there was no humor in it. "Noted."
Just as Ethan was beginning to make progress, a familiar voice broke the tension. "Oi! Jonathan! Zeppeli!"
They turned to see Robert E. O. Speedwagon approaching, his signature hat tilted at a jaunty angle. He was carrying a satchel and looked slightly out of breath, but his usual charm was intact. His sharp eyes immediately locked onto Ethan, and he sniffed the air dramatically, as if trying to catch a scent.
"Speedwagon!" Jonathan greeted him with a smile, the tension in the clearing easing slightly. "What brings you here?"
Speedwagon grinned, though his expression quickly turned serious. "I've got news. People have been going missing in Windknights Lot. Whole families, vanished without a trace. The locals are saying it's the work of a vampire."
Zeppeli's eyes narrowed. "Dio."
Ethan frowned, his mind racing. "Windknights Lot… maybe that's where Dio's castle is?"
Jonathan nodded, his expression grim. "If he's there, we need to move quickly."
Speedwagon's gaze shifted to Ethan, and he raised an eyebrow. "And who's this bloke?"
Ethan extended a hand, smirking. "Ethan Cross. Professional trouble magnet."
Speedwagon sniffed the air again, his nose wrinkling slightly. "Hmm. You've got a strange aura about you, mate. Not quite human, but… not entirely evil either. I can't quite put my finger on it."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You can smell that?"
Speedwagon grinned, tapping his nose. "Call it a gift. I've got a knack for sniffing out people's true nature. And you, my friend, are a bit of a mystery."
Jonathan chuckled, the tension easing further. "Speedwagon has a way of reading people. If he says you're not entirely evil, I'm inclined to believe him."
Ethan smirked. "Glad to hear I pass the sniff test."
Speedwagon clapped him on the shoulder, his grin widening. "Don't get too cocky, mate. I'm still keeping an eye on you."
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