Edward gripped his waraxe tightly, the wolves' lips pulled back in a wicked snarl, as the vampire spawn circled to surround them. Rachel, a vixen of sleek build and swift skill clenched her silver dagger tightly, if she was going to die tonight she intended to drag as many of these monsters back into the grave as she could. The two heros stood back to back, shielding each other from the approaching darkness even though they knew this was likely to be their last battle. But death would be a blessing compared to the fate that no doubt awaited them...

The beasts had them surrounded and began to close in hungrily. They took only a few steps, however, before they stopped in their tracks, shuffling uneasily, some glancing back over their shoulders. Edward snarled, “Come on, you rotting bastards! I’m ready for you!” but Rachel’s hand clutched his arm tightly. He wheeled to face her, then turned his gaze to follow hers. Silence spread through the gathered vampire spawn, and the horde seemed to part like water as their master strode forward. It was a tall and obviously female kangaroo that made hardly a sound as she moved with unnatural grace and confidence.

“My friends!” purred the vampire's voice. At the sound, Edward let his axe clatter to the ground. “It's been to long and I see the years have not been kind.” The vampire stood a breath away from the stunned adventurers, towering head and shoulders above them. She smiled, revealing needle-sharp fangs in a threatening welcome. Edward was struck speechless, but Rachel managed a gasp, her lips forming a name she had not spoken in years. “Sylvia?" Indeed their where far worse fates then death, like facing an old friend you thought you had buried.

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