Sharp Teeth and Horses
Yang stared slack jawed at the woman that lay unconscious in her arms. She had instinctively caught her without even realizing it. The body was cold, it held no warmth to it but somehow it was breathing?
“Yang?” Weiss called out from on top of the stairs.
“Weiss, get down here now.”
Weiss hopped down the small hole without hesitation at Yang's serious tone and when she saw the scene in front of her her jaw also fell.
“That’s a-“
“Vampire.” Yang finished, “What is she doing in here?”
“I could say the same to you.” Yang almost broke her neck with the speed she looked down. Red met golden eyes and for a moment everyone was still until the woman pulled herself out of Yang's arms.
“State your business vampire.” Weiss snarled, readying her rapier after snapping out of her stupor. Yang fell in beside her, leveling her greatsword at her.
The woman just sighed and stood up straighter stretching out her sore bones. Yang took it as her opportunity to look her over properly. She had long black hair flowing freely over her back. Two cat ears swiveled around in her head, she was a vampiric faunus. As much as Yang hated vampires she couldn’t help but admit that the stranger was beautiful. Angular features and deep gold eyes, women were definitely Yang's weakness. But this was no woman. It was just a husk of what was once a person. Looking away from her face she finally saw the scroll on the woman’s back.
“My business? Who sent you here?” The mysterious woman still seemed disoriented, as if she had just been woken from a deep sleep.
“That’s none of your concern.” Weiss gritted out.
“Are you working for Adam? Did he send you to come get me?”
“We’re with the Dawnguard.” Yang spoke from beside her companion.
“Dawnguard? That’s not a name I know..” she was rubbing her head.
“The Dawnguard would have me kill you where you stand.” Her sword glinted dangerously reflecting the purple flames flickering above them.
“I see. Well kill me and you’ve killed one vampire. But know that if you do, Adam will send people after you and they won’t be as kind.”
“Is that a threat?” Weiss sneered, stepping closer to the vampire.
“It’s a promise.”
They were at a full standstill for almost two minutes. Two vampire hunters staring down a lone weakened vampire. Why they didn’t just kill her was a question they were both internally pondering.
Yang moved first, sheathing her sword and rolling her shoulders out. Those gold slitted eyes followed her every move. She grabbed Weiss' arm and pulled her away so they could speak without the vampire hearing.
“Yang, she has an elder scroll.” Weiss hissed under her breath keeping one eye on the fanged girl.
“A what?”
Weiss snapped her head to her with wide eyes, “Yang you trained with the Greybeards, you are the Dragonborn and you don’t know what the elder scrolls are?!” Yang just shrugged in response. Weiss’ eye twitched.
“Well what are we gonna do with her?”
“I don't know! I suppose my sister would say kill her but for some reason I feel like we shouldn’t!”
“Weiss she’s a fucking vampire we can’t let her go.”
“You don’t think I know that?!”
“Wonderful to see I’m in the hands of such capable vampire hunters.” The faunus mused from behind them. When they turned to look at her she flicked her cat ears as if to remind them that yes she could hear everything they said. “Listen, if people are after me something bigger is going on. I can help you both find out what that is.”
Weiss sheathed her rapier and pinched her brow, “Where do we need to go.”
Yang swung her head to her, “You can’t be serious.” Weiss just elbowed her.
“The clan I was a part of used to live on an island west of Menagerie. I would guess they still do. By the way, you can stop referring to me as a vampire. My name's Blake, good to meet you.” She put her hand out for a handshake but neither hunters took it. “Such a hospitable bunch.” She drawled sarcastically.
“Any idea on how to get out of here?” Weiss asked.
Blake seemed to finally look around and take in her surroundings, “Your guess is as good as mine. This place looks pretty different from when I was locked away.”
Weiss scoffed “Well how long have you been down here?”
“I- I can’t tell… I feel like it’s been a long time. Who’s Remnant's High King?”
Weiss and Yang glanced at each other, “That matter is actually up for debate. The Empire supports Ironwood but many in Remnant are loyal to Robyn Hill.” Robyn was the only one brave enough to take a stand against the Empire. She led a group of rebels known as the Stormcloaks that constantly picked at the Empire's side destroying camps and trade routes. She claimed herself to be the one true Queen of Remnant.
“Empire? What Empire?”
Weiss rolled her eyes, “The… Empire. From Atlas?”
“Atlas is the seat of an empire?!” Blake looked truly stunned but if she didn’t know there was an Empire that meant she had been locked away for…
“You’ve been down here for over one thousand years?!” Yang almost fell over. Most vampires they encountered were only a few decades old. Some hundreds and those were powerful. But a vampire over a thousand years old? They had never encountered one. “Shit.”
But Blake was ignoring her and was pacing back and forth. “I must’ve been down here longer than I thought. Definitely longer than we planned.” She looked up at them, “Please, let’s hurry. I need to get home so I can figure out what happened.”
Weiss sucked in a breath as she too finally grasped the magnitude of the potential power Blake held, “Ok let’s get out of here.”
The trio made their way out of the stone structure keeping their eyes peeled for any more hostiles. Weiss spotted an exit on one of the cave walls where a few boulders and stones would serve as a way up.
They clambered up and we’re almost out when Yang took notice of the giant stone gargoyles sitting on either side of the exit.
She approached one peering into its eerily lifelike eyes, “Hey Weiss doesn’t this kinda look like it could wake up any sec-“
KRACKKK
The statue suddenly split apart causing the stone to fall off crumbling into dust. From underneath the cracked stone a very much alive gargoyle appeared teeth gnashing. If it hadn’t been for Blake grabbing Yang by the back of her armor and pulling her away she would’ve no doubt been crushed in between the jaws of the monster.
The gargoyle on the other side also awoke, training its eyes on the unlikely trio. The gargoyles resembled the master vampire they just defeated. Except their skin was much rougher like a rock rather than leathery. They had no morals or conscience on what was right or wrong. They simply killed.
The one on the left rushed towards them again following after Yang. She spun out of the way letting crash down the boulder they just climbed up.
The right gargoyle trained its eyes on Blake charging at her claws outstretched. She flicked one cat ear in annoyance and reached behind her cloak revealing twin daggers. She threw one blade in between the charging monster's eyes. The creature faltered and fell to the ground face first. It flipped over landing on its back giving Weiss the chance to spear it through with her rapier. A stab through the heart put it down for the count.
The other gargoyle snarled and climbed up the side of the boulder again ready to avenge its fallen companion. Blake was busy trying to free her weapon from the solidifying dead gargoyle so it was up to Yang and Weiss to take care of this one.
It gnashed its teeth at Yang again, seemingly focused on her alone. She met it head on with her sword shoving it horizontally into its mouth to stop it from biting her head off. It clawed at her chest digging deal gashes into her chest plate.
“Weiss!” Yang gritted out through clenched teeth.
The white haired girl dashed around behind the monster and ran her rapier into its back and into its chest but the cut wasn’t deep enough. It growled and released Yang's sword from its maw and turned towards Weiss. It grabbed at her with its massive claws but right before contact was made two hands grabbed onto the massive creature's wings.
Blake grunted as she held back the giant creature with brute force alone. Yang took her chance and finished the job with a clean overhead swing ending the gargoyle execution style. Blake let go of the wings letting the headless gargoyle fall to the ground, its body shattering into pebbles when it hit the ground.
“I’m tired of this fucking crypt trying to kill me.” Yang stormed out of the exit leaving Weiss and Blake to follow after her.
They had no more trouble getting out of the cave and soon the sight of sunlight reached their eyes. Their pace quickened at the thought of fresh air. Blake pushed past the two hunters and rushed out into the open air.
Which turned out to be a slight mistake. Somehow it slipped her mind that she was still a vampire and her eyes and skin burned as the sun's rays hit it. But for a second Blake didn’t care. She hadn’t been outside in years .
She took in the sight of the trees and grass. Flowers blooming and butterflies flying about. She had almost forgotten how beautiful Remnant was. She couldn’t help but smile. But the pain became too much and she pulled up her cloak covering her head and shielding her eyes from the sun.
Weiss and Yang appeared from the mouth of the cave cursing quietly to themselves as their eyes adjusted to the light again.
“Where did you say we were going again?” Weiss asked while she stretched. Yang had wandered off and was whistling trying to summon their mounts from wherever they had run off to.
“Menagerie. There’s an island that’s not a part of any hold. That's where the White Fang castle is. Where Adam is.” She hasn't seen Adam in obviously many years but she couldn’t help but dread their upcoming reunion. The last time they parted it hadn’t exactly been a kind farewell. She remembered him yelling at her parents as they took her away from his castle. Then how her own parents shoved her into that crypt and locked her away. She didn’t know who to trust anymore.
She heard the sound of hooves approaching and assumed another attack was imminent but when she looked at the horizon two riderless horses came galloping. A stocky buckskin and a pale white horse. She could assume who their riders were.
They both approached their respective riders with a gentle nuzzle on Myrtenaster part and a hard shove courtesy of Ember. Weiss patted his nose affectionately and gracefully climbed onto his back.
Yang shoved her horse playfully right back and clambered onto her back and patted her neck. Ember caught wind of Blake and immediately reared away from her with a snort.
“Easy girl, don’t kill her just yet.” Yang whispered into her horse's flickering ears. Slowly Ember headed her words and settled down. Blake watched feeling something warm in her chest grow at the sight of the rude and gruff hunter treat her horse so gently. She immediately snuffed it out. Adam had warned her about humans fearing faunus to the point of them resorting to murder.
Not only was she a Faunus but she was also a vampire, double the discrimination from humans.
“You can ride with Ember and I until we stop and get you your own.” Yang's strong voice broke her from her inner thoughts.
Blake chuckled as said horse took two more steps backwards at Yang's words. “Thanks but that won’t be necessary.” Yang tilted her head in confusion.
Blake outstretched both hands, conjuring a purple ball in between her hands. She closed her eyes, focusing her power into the orb. ‘ I need you old friend’ She threw the ball of magical power on the ground and when it hit a flash of purple light blinded anyone looking briefly. When Blake could see again she saw her old friend once again. A black skeletal horse stood in front of her pawing the ground. His mane and tail were made of purple flames flicking as he shook his head out. His eyes were two purple glowing.
“Gambol!” Blake rushed to him and pulled his face into her chest. The flames didn’t seem to harm her. The undead horse pulled away from her and snorted in her face. “I’m sorry for taking so long but I promise I’ll let you out more often.” Blake held her hand out in front of her and after a moment Gambol pressed his forehead into it. She was forgiven.
Weiss and Yang had seen spectral summons before but this one was different. It had more awareness and if not for its skeletal appearance Gambol could’ve been a regular horse. Blake just kept on surprising them.
“Let’s go vampire. You’re burning daylight.” Yang huffed and urged Ember into a trot.
—
They had been riding for a few hours now with no major delays. The only issues being the concern of running into travelers on the road whilst one of them was riding a flaming skeleton horse. That issue was resolved by Blake using her cat ears to hear when someone was approaching and moving behind the trees that lined the paved road to avoid detection.
Weiss or Yang would go with her to ensure she didn’t try escaping.
If she wasn’t so weak from lack of food or blood Blake would have left them behind. At full power the two day trip would have been a breeze but as of now even summoning Gambol was exhausting. She’d need to feed soon. The hunters would surely cut her down if she even bared her fangs.
The spell she had cast on them was wearing off quickly. When the stone mechanism she was trapped in stabbed through Yang's hand the small amount of blood went to Blake. It gave her enough mana to be able to place a mind altering spell on both Weiss and Yang. Just a small one to… persuade them not to kill her.
The sun was setting behind the snow capped mountains off in the distance. Soon they would have to stop and set up camp somewhere. There was no way they’d be able to stop at an Inn now.
Yang and Weiss hadn’t spoken much since they left the crypt but it was clear that they were close. Something more than friends but not exactly lovers.
Speaking of Yang, something was definitely off about her. When Blake had fallen into her arms she got a close up view of Yang's mouth. She had fangs, no canines . Her eyes were a blazing red but for a split second she could’ve sworn they were a nice lilac. She definitely wasn’t a vampire though. She doubted she could just ask the hunter what she was without getting a greatsword in her heart so she’d just have to wonder.
“We’re stopping here.” Yang's voice broke through the silence.
They steered their horses off the road and into a clearing by a river. Weiss set about gathering water and pulling their rations out of her saddle bag. Yang went off into the forest to grab a few logs to start a fire. Blake just kind of awkwardly stood by, unsure of where to assist.
Myrtenaster and Ember were standing as far away from Gambol as possible cautiously grazing on the tall grass. Blake decided to give the flesh horses a break and dismissed Gambol who disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Yang finally got the fire going and Weiss handed everyone their portion of food, pausing at Blake for a moment to ask if she even ate food.
“You’re professional vampire hunters and yet you know so little about us.” Blake blinked.
“We don’t usually ask questions.” Yang said with a sharp tone underlying her voice.
“Maybe you should.”
“Your kind doesn’t ask questions when they kill innocent people.”
Blake stayed quiet at that. She knew rogue vampires that killed mercilessly were a thing but the way they spoke it was like almost all vampires were like that. A lot of things could change in a thousand years, she supposed.
“I’ll take first watch.” Yang stretched standing up.
“That isn’t necessary, I hardly need sleep.” Blake offered.
“Ha.” Yang laughed without humor, “Like I would ever trust a blood sucker to watch over me.”
Weiss nodded in agreement.
“Suit yourself.” Blake leaned back against a tree and made herself comfortable. Weiss laid on a fur blanket facing the fire.
Yang took a few laps around the perimeter of their little camp ensuring no vampires had followed them out of the cave. After her fifth lap she seemed satisfied and sat down next to Weiss’ sleeping form.
Blake never moved from the tree too caught up in her own thoughts. She wondered if Adam was angry with her still, he had always been controlling over her specifically. But why wouldn’t he come get her himself? It was obvious he sent people after her. So many unknowns. Blake couldn’t even be sure of the world anymore. Remnant had changed so much, a civil war must’ve been hard on its people.
Blake looked up to where Yang was sitting cross legged running a rag over her sword. The firelight was dancing over her eyes making it seem like they too were blazing with flames. Now that they were resting Yang had removed her helm and Blake could see the woman underneath.
She had her wild blonde hair tied back in a pony tail using a thin strip of leather so it would be out of her face. It was odd. Blake could sense an ancient sort of magic within her but she couldn’t quite pin point it yet. Not to mention the whole fang situation she had going on.
Again she stayed quiet about her questions rather than cause an argument to start.
A few hours later Yang gently shook Weiss awake and they switched spots. Somehow Blake thought Weiss would be more open to conversation but when she tried asking her something all she got was an ice cold glare. It was going to be a long night.
—
Another day of riding and another awkward night later they arrived on the shore where they would need to take a small boat to reach the island the castle was on.
“This is it.” Blake took in the sight of Adams castle from afar. It looked pretty much the same as she remembered. It looked more worn down but that was expected.
“So we’re going into a vampire infested castle to give them an Elder Scroll and return a lost girl that they had locked away for a millennia to the king of all vampires.” Yang snarked while getting their rowboat ready.
“Yep.” Weiss popped the p making it clear she wasn’t as sure of their plan anymore.
“Try to keep the vampire hating to a minimum when you’re in there please. For your own safety. And do NOT mention this ‘Dawnguard’.” Blake imputed.
Yang rowed their boat through the small portion of ocean and onto the rocky shore of the castle. There were no guards positioned outside surprisingly so their walk up the stone bridge was unbothered.
Gargoyles lined each light post making the trio stiffen each time they passed one but luckily they all remained statues. The front gate of the bridge was lowered stopping them from reaching the huge wooden entrance doors.
“Halt!” A voice reverberated from behind the iron gates, “who goes there?”
“It’s Blake. Blake Belladonna.”
It was silent for a few seconds and then the loud grating sound of gears turning reached their ears. The gate lifted up allowing to step beyond the gate and reach the doors.
“Lady Blake has returned!” A cloaked watchman appeared from the side of the castle where the lever to raise and lower the gate was. He bowed and opened the double doors for them letting them step inside the castle.
The inside was nauseating. As soon as the doors opened the stench of blood and decay reached their noses. Weiss had to summon all her strength not to wretch. The door they went through led them to the main hall where they stood on a balcony overlooking the two long tables filled to the brim with body parts.
Pig heads and intestines draped over the tables like crude table decor. Vampires were sat at each seat laughing as they tore into arms and legs.
Yang clenched her fists to stop her hands from reaching for her sword.
“Blake?” A man’s voice spoke. The whole room went silent as all eyes turned to them.
“Adam.”
“Our long lost companion has returned! Blake do you have my Elder Scroll?” Adam rushed from his spot at the table to meet them at the bottom of the steps.
“I’m gone for a thousand years and all you care about it the scroll?” Blake scoffed. “Yes I have your precious scroll.”
Adams smile faltered and for a split second his eyes flashed with annoyance, “Of course not my love. Must I really say the words aloud? Ah If only your traitor parents were here I would let them watch this reunion before putting their heads on spikes.” His voice was laced with venom. Yangs hand shook without her permission. Weiss looked more plane than usual.
Adam turned to the two of them. “Now tell me who are these strangers you’ve brought to the White Fang?” His one eye were a piercing blue the other had been scorched away by a previous injury. Bull horns curled around his red hair giving him a deadric appearance.
“These are my.. saviors. The ones who freed me.”
Adam seemed to regard them carefully, “For my loves safe return you have my gratitude. Tell me, what is your name?”
Weiss knew that if Yang spoke it would’ve been something that would land them on their feast table so she spoke instead. “Weiss, and this is Yang. I assume you are Lord Taurus?”
He grinned, “That is correct. By now Blake would have told you what we are.”
“You’re vampires.” Yang spat out.
Adams smirk stayed on his face, “We are. I count some of the oldest and most powerful vampires in all of Remnant in my court. For centuries we’ve lived here far from the cares of the world. All that ended when her parents betrayed me and stole away that which I value most.” As he continued on his face contorted into that of rage.
“We brought her back.” Weiss interjected sensing that they were approaching a very sensitive topic.
Adam stopped pacing and his smirk came back. “That you did. For that you deserve a great reward. There is but one gift I can give that is equal in value to both the Elder Scroll and my Blake. I offer you my blood .” He held out his arms as if he had just offered them a million septims. “Take it and you shall walk as a lion among sheep. Men will tremble as you approach and you will never fear death again!”
Weiss took a step back from the bull. “And if we refuse?”
Adams lip curled up in disgust. “Then you will be prey like all mortals. I will spare your life this once but you will be banished from this hall. Perhaps you still need convincing?” His smile shifted into something more sinister, “BEHOLD.”
His body began to contort and shift into his vampire lords body. His was larger than the one at the crypt. His head was adorned with a crown and his power radiated off him in waves. He was absolutely huge towering over them menacingly. His horns transformed with him becoming longer and curling around to twist towards the front. Death had never felt so close before.
“Now make your choice .”
Before they could refuse he sniffed the air in Yangs direction.
“Ah I see we have a stray in our halls.” The court burst into laughter as they understood his implications. “ I Can fix that for you.” He was speaking directly to Yang.
Weiss placed a hand on Yang's chest pushing her behind her. “Thank you for your generous offer but we must refuse.”
Adam snarled, “Then know that if you ever return WE WILL KILL YOU.” The entire halls laughter grew louder and some even hissed at them baring their fangs.
Adam raised a clawed hand in their direction and in a confusing spiral of time they were back on the shores of the island. The boat rocking in the water next to them.
Weiss fell to her knees vomiting onto the rocks. Yang not faring much better but managing to stay on her feet.
“Let’s-“ cough “Let’s get the FUCK out of here.” Weiss grabbed onto Yang's extended hand and pulled herself up shakily. They hauled their bodies into the boat and made their way back to the mainland.
—
They didn’t relax until they reached the Dawnguard front doors. They couldn’t get a second of rest for soon as they walked in Winter was standing on the balcony demanding answers as to why they were gone for so long.
It was hell explaining everything and by the end of it they had two exhausted hunters and one extremely pissed off Winter.
“So you encountered what they were looking for, a vampire, and you found an Elder Scroll and what did you do with them? You delivered them straight to their leader's door.” Winter was furious, mostly directing her words at the younger Schnee. “By the divines this is worse than any of you or I could handle.” She turned on her heel and left them leaning against each other in the center of the room.
Weiss was unusually quiet after getting reprimanded by her sister. She had always tried to live up to Winters expectations but it was never enough.
Yang led her to her room and gently coaxed her into bed. She tried to leave but Weiss grabbed her hand.
“Can you just hold me? Nothing else. I just need a friend right now.” She sounded so small .
Yang climbed in next to her and pulled her close to her chest. “It’s gonna be alright ice queen.” A small slap to her stomach made her chuckle.