Chasing Dawn 3: Sticking a Neck Out

A lone compound stood in the desert. One light shone from the inside.

Jonathan watched from a sand berm, eyes squinting in the early morning dark.

“Why do we have to wait?” He frowned impatiently. “It's morning. Now's the time.” He turned to Abe beside him. The older hunter waited patiently.

“Not yet.” He whispered. “We need to wait for the sun to be out. Give the vampire time to set into a deep sleep. He probably hasn't even settled into bed yet.”

“So…” Jonathan asked, confused. “This Dracula. What's his deal? Why does he want Lucy?” Abe glanced down at the question.

“He is an ancient evil.” Abe explained. “Feeds and feeds. Takes and takes. It is what he is.”

“No, not that.” Jonathan inquired. “I mean… Why Lucy? What's so special about her?”

“Nothing… and everything.” Abe explained. “Dracula simply took a liking to her. He found her attractive. Nothing more to that.”

“And?” Jonathan grew frustrated. “Why would he take her? For that? Why? Why keep her in his lair, as you said?”

“Because he craves company.” Abe explained. “He has someone to… be with. For eternity.”

“So he's just gonna keep her around?” Jonathan shook his head. “And do nothing else?” Abe closed his eyes. He sighed.

“Dracula has drives he wishes to… satisfy.” Abe spoke. “That is why he needed a woman. To satisfy his… carnal desires.” Jonathan frowned at the answer. Then slowly, it all became clear.

“No.” Jonathan shook his head. “Not my Lucy. She would never-”

“She wouldn't.” Abe locked eyes. “But she isn't herself down there. She is under the vampire's influence. His will is hers. Hers to command… so she does as he desires.”

Jonathan stared wildly at the compound. He stood to run at it when Abe pulled him back.

“No, boy!” Abe commanded. “Not yet. It's too dark-”

“Are you telling me…” Jonathan couldn't find the words. “Right now? It's happening right now?”

“Yes.” Abe looked solemn. “She is fulfilling her duties as a bride of Dracula. I'm sorry…” he finally let go.

Jonathan slumped against the sand berm. Just a few meters away, Lucy was in Dracula's arms… and he was in her. Jonathan could only shut his eyes, but the images played in his head. All he could do was wait. Wait as Dracula had his way with Lucy. Wait for the sun to rise.

“What if we're too late?” A sense of urgency rose in him. “What if she-”

“Listen to me.” Abe interrupted. “The sun *will* rise. And when it does, we will have our chance. But we cannot let our emotions cloud our judgement.” Jonathan nodded, but uncertainty clawed at his heart.

“What if she doesn't want to come back?” Fear gnawed at him.

“She will.” Abe assured him. “Lucy may be under Dracula's spell, but deep down, she is still there. We just have to free her.”

Jonathan steeled himself. He refused to believe she was lost forever. She was his best friend, and he was not leaving her behind.

---

Renfield picked at his plate, filled crawling with bugs. He popped one into his mouth. Crunchy.

“Well…” Abe rounded a corner, crossbow in hand. “Look who we caught lingering.” Renfield froze, his eyes narrowing. He set the plate down, clearing his throat.

“I'm surprised you came alone.” Renfield sneered.

“Not alone.” Jonathan emerged from behind. Renfield saw him and a cruel smile grew.

“Why… if it isn't the little whore's boyfriend.” Renfield taunted.

“You will die for that.” Jonathan stepped up.

“And her?” Renfield teased. “Actions speak louder and words, and oh… words couldn't describe it.” Jonathan balled his fists. “You should have heard her moans echoing these halls. She wanted it… and the master gave. He gave so much she couldn't take anymore.”

Jonathan gripped his silver blade, eyes growing watery. Heart breaking bit by bit.

“Enough!” Abe barked, turning to Jonathan. “Don't listen to him. He's trying to get into your head. Go find Lucy. That's all that matters.”

Jonathan wiped his eyes with his sleeve and made his way deeper into the compound. Abe turned to Renfield. The loyal servant grinned.

“The boy will be lost to the catacombs.” Renfield spoke with confidence. “Those who enter never return…” Abe stared back unamused.

“That's a risk I'm willing to take.” He aimed his crossbow in between Renfield's eyes, and fired.

---

Jonathan descended into a maze of catacombs. The floor was made of soil. He left a trail of glow sticks, a “trail of crumbs” for him to find his way back. A lamp held before him, lighting up the space.

“Lucy.” He whispered. Hoping to find her. For it to not be too late. He held his breath as he entered a chamber. It was empty except for what looked like a marble statue… until it moved.

Bare feet walked the floor. Pale white skin matched a revealing white dress. Lips red. A familiar face.

“Lucy…” Jonathan gasped, lowering the lamp. He found her.

Lucy approached. Calm, her hips giving a sway. Her lips formed a mock pout. She frowned, but it was all fake.

“What took you so long?” She asked coyly, her tone laced with a teasing edge.

“I got held up.” Jonathan maintained his composure.

“I waited so long for you to come.” Lucy shrugged, toying with him. “Dracula was here. You never came… so he came inside me instead.”

“No.” Jonathan winced. “I'm here now.”

“You are…” Lucy smiled, but it was empty. “Come to me… come into my arms…” she extended her arms. There was no eagerness to her actions.

Jonathan approached. Heart pounding in his chest. Lucy approached as well. Her bare feet are silent. Her hands were about to cup his face… suddenly Jonathan held out a cross. The look on Lucy's face twisted, as if offended. Her eyes went black, and fangs emerged.

“You dog…” she hissed. “God didn't save me… what makes you think God will save you too?” She snarled.

Jonathan shook, holding her back with whatever faith he had left. Abe came running in. He tapped the boy's shoulder.

“You're doing great, kid.” Abe encouraged him. “Hold her at bay. I will end this. Once the master is dead, take her outside.” And with that, Abe went deeper into the crypt.

“Lucy…” Jonathan held his ground. “I know you're in there.”

“I was.” She sighed. “For the first night… when I was still tight. I became loose by the second.”

“Those are not your words.” Jonathan shook. “Words of a demon. I know you're still in there.”

“Look what he did to me…” Lucy threw her head back, revealing two holes on the side of her neck. She licked her fangs with a moan, tilting her head to the side. Showing off the marks of her master. She locked eyes with him. There was nothing in hers.

“Lucy no…” Jonathan's heart broke. He was not as strong as Abe.

---

A lone sarcophagus lay in the middle of a chamber. It’s only guardians dead or distracted.

Abe entered, lance in hand. He leaned on the sarcophagus lid, slowly pushing it open. Dracula lay inside, his chest bare.

In most circumstances, Dracula would have detected an intruder. Heard one, smelled one. But after nights of sex his senses grew dulled. Weakened. Abe stood over his nemesis, lance in hand. Blade of silver.

“Sleep…” Abe scowled. “Never to wake.” He brought down the blade with all his might.

---

Jonathan walked up the stairs out of the crypt in silence. Lucy hung limp in his arms as he carried her. Puncture marks marred her neck, a haunting reminder.

Jonathan stepped into the outside, the compound burning behind him. He set her down on the ground. The land darkened by the clouds covering the sun.

“Please…” he begged. “Please…” the clouds parted, rays of sunlight finding Lucy. Color returned to her face.

Lucy's eyes opened, warmth within them. She adjusted to the morning light, looking around until they found Jonathan looking down at her.

“Hey…” she smiled.

“Hey…” Jonathan smiled back. He helped her to her feet, legs shaky like a newborn fawn taking its first steps. He held her tight. She did the same. “You ok?”

“Yes.” Lucy breathed a sigh of relief, resting her head on his shoulder. “Thank God…” she looked up at the blue sky. After days of not seeing it… she was beneath it once more.

She and Jonathan looked into each other's eyes. They were together again. They shaded a tender kiss, holding onto one another, as if afraid to let go.

Abe emerged from the destroyed fortress. He looked upon the young lovers with a smile. They're alive and together again. No matter how dark the night… The sun always rises.