I watched the taxi drive away and had a strange feeling of déjà vu, as if I had just seen someone off in the same way not long ago. Everything was the same: a slight sadness at parting, the pleasant warmth on my cheek after the farewell gesture, and the quiet joy that the person I had seen off had had an unforgettable day.Sighing, I ran my hand over my cheek to dispel the thought and smiled: "It seems that this is my destiny in this new life — to constantly save those around me." It seems to be a tendency of mine — to always get involved in situations where someone needs help.
But the day wasn't over yet. I was determined to get home, wait until nightfall, and then sneak into the school newspaper room to check my hunch: what was that vampire Lily had stumbled upon looking for? How did she become an unwitting witness, and why did the attack happen in that particular room?
Lost in thought, I slowly turned into an empty alley and, making sure no one could see me, resorted to my super speed. Everything around me froze, as if I had suddenly pressed the pause button on a huge movie of life. The second hand on my watch stopped moving, and time seemed to stand still.
To be honest, it's very difficult to describe how I move. From what I can understand, my brain and body can accelerate to incredible speeds. When I want to "stop" the outside world, it really does freeze, and I continue to move as if nothing had happened. But if I decide not to "stretch" time, but simply to quickly move from point A to point B, then the world around me will move almost normally, only slightly slower so that my brain has time to process the incoming information.
Thus, my perception of time and spatial processes is not simply a "slowing down" of everything, but rather a flexible adjustment: I can, figuratively speaking, "speed up" myself or "freeze" the world around me, depending on my goal. At the same time, my brain, like the most powerful computer, adapts to the speed and adjusts to it. And if I don't want to delve into every detail while running, I can skip information or perceive it on a subconscious level so as not to feel bored or lonely in a stretched-out moment. But as soon as I want to, every speck of dust floating in the air becomes visible, and every raindrop becomes tangible, as if I am able to "read" the world frame by frame.
Of course, my ability to process data at super-fast speeds can grow without visible limits. However, I realise that by using my brain to its full capacity, I risk becoming a cold, insensitive creature, subject only to logic. After all, emotions are also part of perception, and if you switch completely to rational thinking, you can lose the nuances of life and humanity. And after all the twists and turns of my rebirth, it is precisely these human feelings that are dear to me: joy, sadness, empathy... I want to live a full human life, even with superpowers, rather than turn into a soulless machine.
While thinking about all this, I didn't notice how I had arrived home
home. After going through my usual routine (had dinner, changed clothes), I waited for night to fall. Then, choosing a moment when everyone in the house was asleep, I slipped out into the street, reactivated my ability, and rushed to the school. A couple of seconds later, I was standing in the dark corridor near the school newspaper room.
Judging by the looks of it, someone had tidied up a bit: broken furniture had been removed, scattered papers had been gathered and stacked in piles. But there were still mountains of documents, old newspapers and all kinds of archival junk. "Where to start?" I thought, looking around. It looked like I would have to go through everything — there was no other way.
I mentally rolled up my sleeves and went back into acceleration mode. An outsider would have seen me just standing in the middle of the room, sorting through papers at an unimaginable speed, but for me it was comfortable and not at all tiring. All the texts, all the smallest details, flashed through my mind. And the more information I absorbed, the more often the thought occurred to me: "What if I should return to the scientific research I was engaged in in my previous life?" I was once a prominent scientist and even thought about creating an interdimensional portal. Suddenly, it was research in that field that would answer the question of how I was reborn in this world.
However, at the mere thought of returning to complex experiments, I was overcome with fear: "What if I ruin everything and lose this new life that gives me so much joy and makes me feel young? After all, no one knows how this 'magic of rebirth' works." Perhaps someday I will be ready to sit down at the drawing board again, pick up my scientific papers, and devote myself to the discovery of portal science. But not now. For now, I want to enjoy my second childhood — even if it's not always safe, it's full of vivid colours and emotions. When you live with the experience of your past adult life, you especially appreciate the opportunity to fool around, fall in love, make friends, and do silly things, big and small...
My thoughts were interrupted by a signal from my brain that something among the old newspapers had caught my attention. I slowed down and stopped, holding a yellowed 1956 issue in my hands. On the front page, I saw a black-and-white photograph of a large family. But my gaze immediately fell on the figure of a young man in the centre: he was standing next to an adult man and looked particularly tense... And I recognised that face.
"That's the vampire," I whispered, feeling a chill run through me. "The one I killed here a few days ago. So he was trying to remove all traces of himself?
My gaze fell on the headline:
"Tragedy in Kingston: Collins family murdered. Eldest son wanted by police."
Kingston, New York, 15 October 1956
I carefully unfolded the newspaper and began to read the article, eagerly absorbing every word.
"Horrific discovery on farm" Early in the morning of 14 October, a neighbour of the Collins family, Mr Harold Brooks, discovered a horrific scene at their home. The entire family — Jonathan Collins (45), his wife Martha (42) and their two youngest children, Emily (12) and Thomas (9) — were found dead in their bedrooms. According to Sheriff Walter Donnelly, the bodies were "completely drained of blood."
"This is the most heinous crime in the history of our town," the sheriff said at a press conference. "We are working around the clock to find the person responsible for this horror."
"Missing son: prime suspect?" The only missing member of the family was 19-year-old Lucius Collins, the eldest son. According to neighbours, he had been acting strangely in recent months, often going into the woods and arguing with his father.
"He kept talking about 'voices' and nightmares," said Mrs Edith Clark, a neighbour. "Jonathan was thinking of sending his son to see a specialist, but Martha, Lucius's mother, was strongly against it."
The police issued a warrant for Lucius's arrest. His car, a dark blue 1952 Customline Ford, disappeared along with him. The sheriff warned that the young man might be armed and asked all residents to report any suspicious encounters.
Customline, disappeared along with him. The sheriff warned that the young man might be armed and urged all residents to report any suspicious encounters.
"The Mystery of the Bloodless Bodies" Medical examiner Dr Henry Forsythe described the condition of the victims as "unprecedented." Despite the absence of visible wounds, there was not a drop of blood left in the bodies.
"This doesn't fit any known method of murder," Forsyth said. "It's as if the blood... just evaporated."
Rumours spread throughout the city: people whispered about "evil forces" and old legends of vampires in the Hudson Valley. But the authorities insisted that the tragedy
was caused solely by human beings.
I clutched the old newspaper in my hand and smiled quietly: "Well, Lucius, now your secret is out. The Collins farm... So that's where it all began. And that's where it must end."
Despite the satisfaction of my discovery, I felt a disturbing tingling in my chest. On the one hand, I wanted to rush there immediately and deal with the vampires once and for all. On the other hand, for some reason, I felt uneasy. Something told me that such an outing could be more dangerous than it seemed. And after all, I could have missed important details.
"I need to contact Abraham," I decided. He would surely want to be involved in this, and his advice would be useful.
I glanced around the school newspaper room, checking to see if there was anything else left, but no other clues caught my eye. When I was sure that further searching was pointless, I clenched the newspaper in my hand and, succumbing to my usual speed, disappeared as if I had never been there that night.
I headed for the payphone standing at the edge of a deserted street. I dialled the number Blade had given me and waited for an answer, listening to the dial tone. Alas, no one picked up. "They're probably hunting vampires or busy with other things," flashed through my mind. However, it was scary to wait until tomorrow: what if the members of the nest decided to "have dinner" on innocent people again?
"All right," I whispered to myself, "if that's the case, I'll go to their room uninvited.
They say arrogance is a sin, but I couldn't do otherwise. Turning on my super speed, I was at the door of their motel room in an instant and, without hesitation, slipped inside, ignoring any locks. I looked around: a dim lamp lit up the shabby little room, and some bags and boxes were piled up against the wall. There was no one inside, but judging by the scattered belongings, they hadn't left yet.
On a small table, I saw a heavy black suitcase, slightly ajar. I approached and lifted the lid. I was greeted by a hunter's arsenal: pistols, a shotgun, various types of cold weapons, grenades with a strange bluish glow. I could also see silver bullets — judging by the markings, they were clearly intended for fighting evil spirits.
Next to the suitcase lay an old, worn book in a leather binding. Curiosity got the better of me, and I picked it up, carefully opening the cover. The title page was covered with numerous notes, and the first lines read:
"The Origin of Dracula (From the writings of Gregory
Batori, 1715)"
I began to flip through the pages, and something strange happened: every time I turned a page, the text seemed to change places with other entries. It seemed that the book was not just an old tome, but a magical artefact in which all the material existed in a non-linear fashion. Sometimes I came across handwritten words in Latin, then illustrations of terrible creatures flashed by.
Finally, I concentrated and read more thoroughly:
From the writings of Gregory Báthory (1715)
"This demon in the flesh was not born of hell itself, but is the fruit of human pride. He originally lived under the name Vlad III Tepes in Transylvania, but his mortal life was cut short in the 15th century. Unable to find peace, he was resurrected through dark rituals with the help of an alliance with the vampire deity Varna. Thus, the world came to know Dracula, the prince of the night, who had absorbed ancient magic into his blood. They say that his human essence was
destroyed and replaced by an insatiable thirst for power and blood. Now he is not just a vampire, he is darkness incarnate, capable of keeping entire kingdoms in fear.
Addendum, 1897 (Author unknown)
"There are references to the Vampire Stone, a powerful artefact created by the first demon, Chron, who is considered the progenitor of the entire vampire race. This stone gives Dracula power over life and death, but, according to hunters, it also makes him more vulnerable to silver and sunlight. Rumour has it that destroying the Stone could strip Dracula of some of his powers.
"Powers and Abilities"
(From the diary of alchemist and hunter Emile Durand, 1762)
"Immortality: The prince's body is capable of regenerating even from ashes, provided that his blood is preserved in a vessel. Sowing this blood mixed with magic will bring him back to life.
Control over the elements: Accounts mention mists, storms, and hurricanes summoned at his command.
Hypnosis: A single glance from Dracula can break the will of his victims, turning people into mindless
marionettes. This happened in Paris in 1790, when a whole squad of guards came out against him, but they all fell without a fight.
Teleportation Dracula disappears in black clouds of darkness, as if dissolving into the night. One such demonstration was witnessed during the siege of a castle
in the Carpathian Mountains in 1748.
Connection with demonic entitiesThere are references to his alliance with
Morgana le Fay in 1883. It is said that through joint rituals they summoned spirits from the Dark Dimension.
"The Wickedness of the 18th Century"
(From the report of Louise de Montfort, 1734)
"The Red Death epidemic (1720) Dracula deliberately poisoned the water in Marseille, turning hundreds of residents into bloodsuckers like himself. The city was saved by hunters who used a kind of "garlic gas," the formula for which has now been lost.
Destruction of the alchemists' guild (1755) In Prague, he drank the blood of twelve high-ranking
alchemists, hoping to strengthen his connection to the Vampire Stone.
The Curse of Catherine II (1786) Disguised as Count Orlov, Dracula infiltrated the Russian imperial court, wanting to create an army of vampires among the guards. He was stopped by a moon-silver blade forged by Ural shamans. He then fled, fearing his ultimate destruction.
"Weak Points"
(From Abraham's notes, 1983)
"Modern technology and ancient artefacts are our key to victory. Ultraviolet light, for example, is deadly to most vampires. Blade is developing special lamps that generate UV radiation capable of burning their flesh.
According to some sources, the Vampire Stone can be disabled with a powerful electromagnetic pulse, but to do so, one must reach Dracula's lair and find the stone itself. Blade believes this is possible, although the path will be difficult: he will have to break through the prince's minions' defences.
However, even destroying the Stone does not guarantee that Dracula will fall forever. I suspect that the key factor is a ritual capable of destroying the very magic that binds the prince to the Dark Dimension...".
I felt a chill run down my spine. Reading these notes, I began to understand more and more what terrifying monsters this world hides. And if Dracula is capable of such things, then many of his "junior" brethren are also quite evil. I couldn't help but wonder: would I be able to stand up to such creatures, even with my near-divine power? Perhaps they were much stronger, more cunning and more devious than me.
My fingers involuntarily clenched the tattered pages. As I turned the pages, the book seemed to change right before my eyes. I wonder why Abraham left it here so carelessly? Could it be that it is of no particular value to him — or, on the contrary, that it is important, but he is not afraid that it will be stolen?
I glanced back at the door, but Blade and Abraham were still gone. Several hours had passed. It was almost six in the morning, and they still hadn't returned. It was Monday, and I had to get up in an hour and a half for school. My mother would be upset if she woke up and found me gone.
"Yeah, right," I thought, "how am I going to juggle all this? I've gotten myself involved in hunting bloodsuckers, but my parents are waiting for me at home, and I love them, no matter what. I can't bear to think what would happen if the vampires decided to attack my family while I was off being a hero somewhere far away. Neither my super speed nor my strength will help me be everywhere at once..."
I sighed. Too many problems and fears had piled up at once. "I need to at least deal with the current situation with the murders in our town, and then I'll think about the future," I decided.At that moment, I heard the sound of a key in the door lock. I flinched and saw Blade and Abraham enter, both looking grim and obviously tired after a night of hunting. They were so engrossed in conversation that at first they didn't notice me standing in the corner with a book in my hands.
I cleared my throat to let them know I was there:
"Um, it's me, Bruce," I said, smiling modestly.
The two hunters jumped, turning around in unison. Abraham clutched his chest convulsively: "Damn it, Bruce! You could have given me a heart attack!"
!" he said, breathing heavily. Blade shot me a look that clearly showed his displeasure at my daring to come here.
"Sorry," I shrugged. "I couldn't get through on the phone, and it's urgent. And... " I pulled out the book, showing them the cover. "I've been reading your 'little' book.
Abraham looked up at me and raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? You had time to rummage through my things?"
"Well, it was just lying here on the table. I figured if you keep it here, it's not a secret." I shrugged and, gathering my courage, added, "By the way, Abraham, why do you keep such a 'treasure' in plain sight? Anyone could come in and steal it."
And at that moment, I noticed the old hunter glance furtively at Blade. Something was clearly hidden behind this book and its mysterious properties. Something that might explain the nature of vampire magic much more deeply than I could have imagined...
"You see, Bruce," Abraham began, running his hand wearily through his grey beard, "this book you've been so fascinated by is no ordinary tome. I'm sure you've noticed that the pages seem to have a life of their own. Well, it was enchanted by a very powerful mage. For this reason, no vampire or their minions can even touch it — not even Dracula himself is capable of doing so. And to ordinary people who are not involved in hunting evil, it looks completely blank: not a single line of text, just pale paper. So it doesn't interest them at all.
He shook his head thoughtfully, as if recalling the details of some ancient ritual:
"So the book is safe for us hunters. But it is out of reach for any evil spirits.
"But I managed to open it and read it," I remarked, turning the book in my hands. Faded symbols were visible on the cover, emitting a strange, almost tangible warmth. "Why?"
Abraham grunted:
"It's simple. The enchanted diary can only be opened by someone whose hands are stained with vampire blood. And as far as I know, you recently killed one, right?" He narrowed his eyes, and a smile flashed across his lips. "Besides, we have an old custom: any newcomer who wants to become a hunter must pick up this book and read at least one page. Consider it a kind of initiation. Anyone who cannot lift it is automatically considered an accomplice of evil. And then... well, they don't have the most enviable future ahead of them.
I frowned:
"Yeah, 'harmless', you say. If you don't get the book, does that mean you're a vampire's henchman? And you just cut his head off?
"There are no easy solutions in our line of work," Abraham smiled crookedly. "When there's a war of annihilation going on every day, pitfalls are inevitable.
I was just about to object when Blade interrupted in a sharp tone:
"Enough philosophy," he grumbled, looking at me with a displeased grimace. "Tell me why you're here this time. I told you, as soon as we find the vampires' lair, we'll let you know."
I noted with satisfaction the hostile sparks in his eyes, but tried to laugh it off:
"Actually, I already found it!" I announced with deliberate mystery and, raising an eyebrow slyly, took a newspaper from my pocket.
"What do you mean, 'found'?" asked Blade, slouching his shoulders and shifting his distrustful gaze from me to Abraham.
"The location of the nest," I explained, unfolding the old, worn-out issue. "Take a look."
I handed the newspaper to Abraham. He squinted and pored over the article, gradually frowning. When he finished reading, he passed the newspaper to Blade, and I noticed how the half-vampire pressed his lips together grimly.
"This guy in the photo is the one I killed. Lucius Collins. I recognise him. I think he was trying to steal this issue from the archives so that no one would connect the old murder with the current events. And I believe that the current nest is located in his former home, on the Collins farm." "I said this with obvious triumph, because now we had an important lead." "So? When do we go?"
"Looks like you're right, kid," Abraham said slowly, nodding to Blade. "Sounds very plausible."
Blade finished reading, threw the newspaper on the table and said:
"Today, definitely," he shook his head, "it won't work. We need time to prepare. We need to scout the area and check our weapons. I suggest we leave tomorrow at four in the morning. It's time to pay those creatures a visit and finish them off." His dark eyes fixed on me. "Are you sure you want to come with us? It'll be dangerous, lad."I replied, trying to sound as confident as possible:
"I have strength, I have speed, and this has become a personal matter for me. You're risking your lives too when you go after those monsters.
Abraham sighed heavily:
"Bruce, we risk our lives every day. It's our job to keep the evil creatures under control so that ordinary people can sleep peacefully without fear that someone will attack them at any moment. Think about it again. If you don't come tomorrow, we'll understand and we'll be happy for you. You're too young to lose everything for this slaughter.
I felt uncomfortable at the thought that they considered me just a teenager who had decided to play superhero. But I had already made up my mind: I would fight. Yes, I was young, but I had abilities that I could use to save people.
"The decision has been made. I'm coming with you. But I promise I won't get in the way of the professionals, if that makes you feel any better. However, I'm not going to sit on the sidelines either. This is my city, and I want to protect it.
"But why take on this responsibility?" Abraham tried to reason with me one last time.
"Because I can. And don't worry, I'm much stronger than you think," I said firmly.
Blade grumbled discontentedly, pulling his weapon bag closer to him:
"Well, tomorrow at four in the morning. Don't be late. We have a serious hunt ahead of us. You know where the old farm is, right?"
"Of course," I nodded. "I've already figured it out.
"See you there, then," Abraham replied and waved his hand wearily to indicate that the conversation was over. "Now go on. I take it you have school today? After our night out, we're going to sleep late.
"Right," I couldn't help smiling. "You're lucky. I doubt I'll be able to sleep for the next 24 hours."
Glancing around the room, cluttered with weapons and old books, I felt a strange kinship with these hunters for a moment. They may look at me with a mixture of distrust and concern, but their goal is the same as mine. "So tomorrow everything will be decided," flashed through my mind. And then I used my speed and disappeared in an instant, leaving only a light breeze behind me.
The next second, I was back in my bedroom. I quickly undressed and collapsed onto the bed. A few moments later, there was a knock at the door, and my mother stood there:
"Bruce, get up immediately! It's time for school, you'll be late!" I heard her calling.
"Okay, Mum, I'm awake," I replied, still not quite out of my thoughts of the upcoming hunt. And, staring at the ceiling, I muttered quietly to myself: "Tomorrow at four in the morning. Be ready, Bruce."
***
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