"Hahaha… little brats, come get your food!"
The barrier-sealed gate creaked open. A handful of vampires marched in, herding a group of terrified humans. But when they caught sight of Tenra, Herbert, and their crowd already gathered inside, they faltered.
"What are you all—"
The lead vampire didn't get to finish. Tenra's eyes flashed with a sinister gleam—he unleashed his Sacred Gear in an instant.
Forbidden Balor View.
A ripple of invisible power swept out. Everything within Tenra's sight—human and vampire alike—fell into frozen time.
"Now!"
Tenra lunged, fists crackling with spiritual energy. He dropped several vampires before releasing his grip on the evil eye.
"What are you standing around for? Run if you want to live!"
His shout snapped the dazed humans out of their trance. Someone bolted first, then the rest stampeded after, desperate to escape. Their lives had been ripped from normalcy, dumped into this nightmare—anywhere but here was paradise.
Herbert and the little vampires were just as wild with excitement. They didn't know how Tenra had done it, but they didn't care. One by one, they shifted into bats and shot out the door.
"Lord Tenra, let's go—hurry!"
Gaspar and Valerie, faces flushed with adrenaline, rushed to Tenra's side.
But Tenra only shook his head, a cold smile on his lips.
"Not yet. We wait."
He stooped, grabbing an iron sword, and finished off the fallen vampires—blade through the heart, no hesitation.
Those panicked escapees were bait, nothing more. Once they drew the chaos outside, Tenra and his two could slip away in the confusion.
Valerie and Gaspar didn't understand the plan, but they trusted Tenra completely. Whatever he said, they'd follow.
Minutes crawled by. Sweat beaded on Tenra's brow. At last, the distant roar of chaos reached their ears—shouts, screams, the city thrown into disorder.
"Go!"
Tenra darted out, Gaspar and Valerie close behind.
The streets outside were pure bedlam. Civilians and vampires alike chased the fleeing humans and bats. No one noticed Tenra's little group as they slipped through back alleys and deserted lanes. Once or twice, other vampires crossed their path, but Tenra's evil eye swept them aside, freezing time just long enough for a clean getaway.
They broke free of the city, plunging into the forest. Each of them leaned against a tree, gasping for breath, hearts pounding with relief. Just a little farther—once they cleared the woods, vampire territory would be nothing but a memory.
"L-Lord Tenra, why's it getting foggy?"
Gaspar's voice trembled as he panted.
Tenra and Valerie turned. Thick mist was rolling in, swallowing the forest, creeping toward them fast.
"Damn!"
Tenra's face darkened. He remembered the stories—powerful vampires could manipulate fog, using it to block sunlight, cast barriers, even attack.
Before he could warn the others, the mist surged, coiling together, and formed a monstrous tiger. The beast roared, its tail trailing vapor, then lunged.
"Look out!"
No time to dodge. Tenra shoved Gaspar and Valerie away with all his strength. The fog-tiger crashed down, a shockwave blasting them off their feet.
Valerie tumbled across the grass, finally coming to a stop. Tenra twisted midair and landed hard, but upright. Gaspar wasn't so lucky—he slammed headfirst into a stone, eyes rolling back as he collapsed, unconscious.
"Shit!"
Tenra scrambled over, hauled Gaspar up, and slapped his cheeks. Nothing. The kid was out cold.
"Valerie, you okay?"
With Gaspar slung over his shoulder, Tenra hurried to Valerie.
"I… I…"
She winced, showing him her leg—a long, bloody gash ran down it.
One unconscious, one wounded. Tenra's heart sank.
The fog-tiger dissipated, the mist thinning. Maybe the enemy couldn't keep up such attacks. But Tenra spotted several vampires closing in fast—shouts echoing through the trees.
"There! Over there!"
"Damn brats! Damn human!"
"Catch them—don't let them escape!"
Tenra exhaled slowly, forcing himself calm. He stroked Valerie's forehead gently.
"Valerie. I can only take one of you with me. Gaspar's out cold. You have to choose."
With his current strength, carrying two would be suicide. He'd get caught, and none of them would make it.
But Valerie didn't panic. She smiled—soft, bittersweet.
"Lord Tenra, please take Gaspar. He's been trapped here since he was a child. He's always dreamed of the world outside."
"Living with you and Gaspar… those were the happiest days of my life. I don't want to say goodbye, but…"
"Promise me you'll escape!"
By the end, tears streamed down her face.
Tenra looked away, heart heavy. He'd known she'd say this.
But he wasn't one to hesitate. He wiped her tears and spoke softly.
"Valerie—live. Wait for us. Wait for me and Gaspar to come back and save you."
"I will. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait for you both. I'll wait for Lord Tenra and Gaspar to come back for me."
She nodded, her faith unwavering.
Remembering Valerie's fate in the original story, Tenra made a decision.
"Valerie—inside you is a Sacred Gear called [Sephiroth Graal]. If you ever awaken its power, don't tell anyone. Don't use it carelessly. If you do, disaster will follow. Promise me."
Valerie's eyes widened at the revelation, but she didn't doubt him for a moment.
"I promise, Lord Tenra."
The shouts grew closer. Tenra knew there was no more time. He brushed Valerie's cheek, then turned and sprinted into the forest with Gaspar over his shoulder.
Valerie watched them go, tears shining on her cheeks. And through the pain, she smiled—a smile full of hope and prayer.
"Lord Tenra… Gaspar… you have to escape. You must…"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
Explore More Amazing Fanfiction on My Patreon!
Unlock 30+ Advance Chapters and Enjoy Exclusive Stories Early!
��patreon.com/GoldenLong