Hello there, everyone!
Welcome to the first chapter, the first step, to a new story!
Yeah! Starting the New Year with full steam! This time with Demon Slayer!
I messed up badly on sleeping on this anime/manga for so long! After watching the whole thing in the span of a few days, I HAD to write something of my own! So here we are!
I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
I'll see you in the next one! Kisses!
Now... without further ado...
Let's get it!
>>> ⚔️ <<<
The Demon Slayer Corps.
An ancient organization whose sole existence is to protect humanity from Demons, vile, supernatural creatures spawned from darkness, that pray on humans, on flesh and blood.
For centuries, Demon Slayers waged war against the Demons in secrecy, protecting humanity's way of life, without so much as being recognized for their efforts by the government.
Even when outclassed by the vile demons in almost every aspect, they still risk their own lives in order to safeguard those who only wish to live their normal, everyday lives.
They defend their lands..
But what about elsewhere?
In a far distant land, a certain order of warriors defend their lands from their own vile monsters.
Our story begins in a peaceful city in the outskirts of Western Europe. The second half of the 19th century paved the way to many innovations to the way of life.
Inventions, art, architecture, and so much more in a wave that seems to never stop. Every day that goes by is a step towards a better tomorrow.
In the busy streets, people are dressed in colorful, dancy clothes, another mark of the big changes the industry has brought. The women wear beautiful dresses, as well as decorated hats. The men, mostly sharp suits, and don't forget the many hats available.
But within the crowd of people, a man stands out. Wearing something unusual for the time, as a matter of fact, it looks like he's from another time altogether.
Wearing leather armor, with metal shoulder pads, metal greaves and a whole lot of leather pouches, not to mention the sword on his hip, straight out of the 15th century. He looks like he's ready to fight something, ready for war.
His blonde hair tied in a bun has a beautiful contrast with his deep blue eyes.Walking with a confident stride, chest out, full of charisma, he stopped in front of a building, waiting for someone.
It didn't take long for the front door to open, revealing a pair of excited eyes looking back at him.
"Ulrich!" A beautiful woman. Long, deep purple hair, the same as her eyes. She wears a simple white, wool cap. She jumped out of the door into his arms, he hugged her back moving into a quick spin and a meaningful kiss. "I thought you weren't going to return for a month!"
"It's great to see you again, Liz." He replied. "The Grandmaster called me back, we're going out on an important mission."
"You're always going out on important missions." She grabbed his hand as the two walked together. "When are you gonna tell me what exactly is it that you do, hmm?"
"Well, you're gonna have to wait to find out. It's very important after all."
"You and your mysteries." She pouted. "Does it have to do with this sword you're always carrying around everywhere."
"Hmmmaybe."
"Will you stop being so deviously indirect and just tell me already?!" Liz hit his arm with a barrage of weak, playful punches.
"Hehe, I'm just playing with you. I could tell you, someday. But not today."
"Hmph!" She pouted once more, looking away. "So why are you here anyway? Just to tease me?"
"Just wanted to see you before heading out." Ulrich pulled from his pocket a watch, checking the time. "In fact, I'm willing to arrive late at my destination just to get a kiss from you. And you know how I am."
"Yeah, yeah. You hate waiting for people and making people wait for you. C'mere, you." Liz grabbed him by his the collar, pulling him in for a kiss. The two fought a little for dominance as they shared that passionate kiss, that lasted for what seemed to be minutes.
As the two finally let each other go, looking straight into each other's eyes.
"That was worth the wait." Said Ulrich.
"There's so much more when you get back." Replied Liz, in a sultry tone.
"That's exactly the type of motivation I needed." He turned back. "I'll come back soon!" Waving back to his lover.
"I'm sure you will." She smirked, waving back.
~~~
A few minutes of running and a whole bunch of shortcuts later, Ulrich arrived at the meeting location. A castle.
Built by it's creators to stand the test of war and time, it passed the test with flying colors. Many winters had passed since its stone walls were built, and yet here it is, still standing tall. The headquarters of the Vampire Hunter Legion.
"You're late, Von Liechtenstein!" Yelled a guard standing on top of the gate. Clad head to toe in armor.
"I am?" Ulrich checked the pocket watch again. "Damn it!" He ran in.
"This kid." The guard quickly opened the gate, closing it just as quickly as the man ran in the castle.
Ulrich ran through the courtyard of the castle, heading straight to the main hall, where his peers waited. He barged through the front door, much to the surprise of the other Hunters.
"Sorry I'm late!" He apologized. "I had... important business to attend to."
"Look at him, already giving excuses." Said one of his peers. A woman. Long blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing armor much like his own, and donning a wide brim traveller's hat. "I should cut you where you stand for making us wait."
"Bite me, sis." Ulrich barked back. "That's the first time I'm ever late. Unlike you."
"What?!"
"Enough you two." Said a third hunter. A tall, grizzly old man. Short brown hair, full beard. His green eyes tell a tale. He's seen some shit in his days. "The Grandmaster is here."
The three fell silent as the sound of a cane hitting the ground suddenly hit. They looked up at a balcony standing a few meters above them, where at a stand awaited the Grandmaster of their Legion.
An old man, well on his 70's. Gray hair, and a long wise man beard, he wears a black surcoat.
"Leonie, Ulrich, Johann. You're all here. We can proceed."
"Grandmaster." The three said together, taking a knee.
"As you were quickly briefed through your messages, we have received word from one of our spies on the whereabouts of a Vampire Lord." Said the Grandmaster. "The sources are trustworthy, so rest assured there's no mistake in that part. If they meant a Vampire Lord, I'm sure it must be one." His sister nudged his arm, giving him a look of disapproval for contesting the Grandmaster's word.
"Grandmaster, pardon me for contesting," Said Ulrich, "but Vampire Lords are clever and deceiving. The Legion has only managed to kill a handful of them in the past. What would lead to one of them being careless?"
"A just question, Ulrich."
Ulrich nudged his sister's arm, giving her a grin.
"But the development that took place in order to lead the Vampire Lord to be careless is rather simple." He took a pause, raising the tension. "He's working with someone."
That caught the three hunters by surprise, for a Vampire Lord rarely steps out of the shadow, and in the rare case they do, they simply send a minion out to do their duty. Them working together with another is even more rare.
"Another Vampire Lord?" Questioned Leonie.
"I'm not sure." The Grandmaster shook his head. "And that's exactly why I asked to see you three. As our most successful hunters, I am sending you in this mission. To hunt down the Vampire Lord, and find out who is working with him. If it turns out to be another Vampire Lord, you know what to do."
~~~
After getting briefed about their mission, the three hunters set out to get ready for the upcoming challenge. The three had all faced Vampire Lords before, and all were a challenge of their own, but two Vampire Lords working together is unheard of. Vampires are territorial, they operate alone, and often fight each other for control. Vampire clans are common, but those generally share familial bonds, and even then, only one Vampire Lord is in control.
Two Vampire Lords sharing a common goal could be dangerous.
"After this mission, I'll surely be promoted to Master." Said Ulrich, teeming with overconfidence.
"Don't get so cocky. You still have to live through this." Replied his sister. "It won't be easy."
"I'm the best swordsman the Legion has ever seen. No Vampire has ever harmed me before, this will go the same as it always goes, with me landing the final blow! I don't even need help!"
"Ugh! You're so arrogant! Master Johann, help me out here."
"As much as it pains me to say it, he's right. He is the best sworsman in the Legion, better than me, even."
"Ha!" Ulrich laughed.
"But that's exactly why I trained you two. If you two weren't better than me in the end, I wouldn't have done my job right." Johann concluded.
"I guess you're right." She agreed.
"And..." Johann continued. "This will be my final mission."
"What?" The siblings were surprised.
"When I trained you two, I wasn't training just two more hunters, I was training my substitutes. And seeing that both of you already exceeded my expectations, this seems to be a good time for me to retire."
"Huh?!"
"Master, you can't-"
"I'm old. I've seen and done enough for multiple lifetimes." Said Johann. "I already spoke to the Grandmaster and he agrees with me. It's all decided. After this mission, you will both be promoted and take my place, both as Masters of the Vampire Hunter Legion."
"Master Johann, please." Leonie still contested, her brother stopped her. He agreed with Johann.
"We will do our best to honor you, Master Johann."
"Good. I'm sure you will both be just fine. Now, let's move out. The faster we complete this mission, the faster I'll be able to enjoy my retirement!"
"Heh, come on, Leonie. Let's go get those filthy, soulless vampires!" Ulrich looked back, he saw the worry in his sister's eyes.
"What's wrong?" Ulrich questioned.
"I'm not sure about that. To take Master Johann's spot? It's a huge burden."
Ulrich walked up to his sister.
"Don't worry about it. We'll do just fine, we're the best hunters the legion has ever seen in years. Plus, you have me, and I have you. When we're together, nobody can stop us!"
Leonie looked up, she saw the confidence and sincerity in her brother's eyes.
"Alright then. But YOU will teach the rookies."
"Ugh, fine... more like beat them into shape."
"Come on, you two. The sun's going down, we'll lose our advantage!" Yelled Johann.
"Won't need it!" Replied Ulrich. "You got ME in the team!"
~~~
The hunters traveled to the spot the legion's spy spotted the gathering of the vampires. They stopped and dismounted their horses a ways away from the spot, walking in closer the cover of darkness. The Vampires thrived in darkness, but in comparison to the hunters, darkness was merely adopted, the hunters were BORN in it.
Part of their ruthless training. The Hunters had to go through hell in order to be accepted into the ranks of the Legion. Swordsmanship was one of the most important skills. Survival skills, toughness, endurance, all needed in order to fight a foe that so heavily outmatched them in every field.
Vampires feel no pain, no remorse. Their Regeneration powers make them nearly unkillable, unless you know the right way to kill them. One of their few, solid weaknesses is sunlight, something that is out of question in the darkness of night.
The three scouted the area from the distance, looking for a suitable way to slip in undetected.
In the distance, a huge mansion, or what was left of one. The ruins were decades old, home of an ancient, noble family. Even decades rotting away, the woodwork still looks sharp, giving away a wealthy vibe.
"This place is crawling with thralls." Johann spotted them through a spyglass. "We must find a way to avoid them, otherwise they could alert their Lords and we can miss this opportunity forever."
"A distraction." Added Ulrich. "I'll go the other way, make some noise, that will draw their attention, and you two sneak in."
"Could work." Said Leonie.
"Yes. You can avoid them easily. Leonie and I will be in position, waiting your signal."
Ulrich split up from the others, getting closer to the mansion. Once close enough and within reach of the thralls, he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, concentrating. By doing that, he's able to sense the intents of every being around it, especially evil, that way"detecting" the presences around him, which makes avoiding them easily.
As he sneaked his way past the patrolling thralls, he started the next part of his plan, to create a distraction.
"Now all I have to do is-"
Suddenly he felt a presence getting closer. Quickly unsheathed his blade, in a single swing, the thralls head was on the ground.
"That was close, I let my guard down for a second... doesn't matter. The distraction."
He sheathed his sword again, pulling from his pocket a small ball.
"This will draw their attention." He threw the ball in the other direction.
Back in front of the mansion, the thralls heard a faint sound of something going off, like small fireworks. They also saw in the middle of darkness the sparking lights.
Immediately, the thrall "leader" ordered the others to go investigate, staying behind, guarding the mansion with another thrall.
"It worked. We can eliminate those two quickly." Said Johann, Leonie nodded.
As the other thralls arrived at the location of the sparking lights, they saw them a few meters away, but another thing got their attention first, the body of one of their own.
Quickly they tried to run back to warn the others, but just as quickly Ulrich dispatched of them with a single swing of his sword. Cold as ice, he wiped the blood on the blade, and headed back, as if nothing had happened.
As he arrived at the mansion, now free of patrols, he saw his peers waited.
"Not much trouble, I hope?"
"Nothing major. Let's go. I wanna be done with this before dinner."
And they marched in.
~~~
"The Legion's Blue Cornflower? Why would that be interesting to you?" The Vampire Lord asked.
"Lord Muzan is interested in it. You claimed this "Legion" uses it to create something, as you do to avoid the tyranny of the sun?" The other figure replied.
"Indeed. It's properties are a mystery. We use it in order to resist sunlight for a limited time. In the past it was used against the Vampire Hunter Legion, but they quickly found a way to turn it against us."
"So you're saying the effects are limited?"
"They could be. There's not enough research. The only Vampire Lord capable of understanding it was slain before reaching any meaningful discoveries. And without him, I'm afraid there's absolutely no other way."
"Heh, you underestimate Lord Muzan." The figure smirked.
Suddenly, the door to the mansion was breached, and the three Vampire Hunters marched right in. Armed with their weapons and torches.
"Judgement is upon you, scum. You won't prey on the innocent people of these lands anymore."
"Vampire Hunters! You tricked me?!" He jumped back, wryyyying, showing his fangs.
The other figure however, stood still. Chillingly staring back at the Hunters. The darkness in the mansion allowed only the pair of deep purple eyes to glare back.
Directly at Ulrich.