City of the Damned

“Jack the Ripper strikes again!” The headline of the London Inquiry exclaimed. The rain continued to pour down outside of my humble abode as I tore the newspaper in half out of spite. I have been trying to find out the wretched serial killer’s true identity for over a month now but to no avail. All of my many attempts have proven futile, as the infamous Jack the Ripper is both untraceable and unstoppable. “Helena, are you going to be hunting tonight?” I looked up and saw that Sir. Fluffy, my trusty sidekick has entered the living area with a cup of tea in hand, or paw I should say considering he is a cat. Long ago, Sir. Fluffy was once a human but after trespassing on a mysterious old woman’s property with intent to steal from her. It was revealed that the old woman was in fact a witch, as she cursed him into being a talking, human-like feline for all eternity. ‘Tis a sad tale for Fluffy but he’s adapted to his reality quite well considering the cruel circumstances.
“Certainly, I already have a target in mind.” I say with a smirk on my face. Oh, did I forget to mention my other occupation, I am also a vampire hunter. A heavy burden indeed, but it’s a burden I bear to carry in order to keep London safe from creatures of the night, vampires and murders alike.
“No, Helena, you can’t be serious, not her.” Sir. Fluffy pleads. The her that he was referring to was no other than the queen of all vampires, Morgana. Morgana was a frightful creature, she’s lived for centuries and has killed enough to make even the worst that humanity has to offer shudder in her presence. I’ve been trying to locate her for years now, and have just recently discovered her underground lair where she and her clan reside. It will be a difficult task and one that I must face alone but I’ve been preparing for this moment ever since I first became a vampire slayer.
“Oh yes, Sir. Fluffy, her.” I say as I pack up the last of my supplies and tools including my trusty wooden stake. “And you aren’t coming, I must face this alone, it is not your fight but mine and mine alone.” I throw my bag around my shoulder and prepare to venture outside leaving my one and only friend behind.
“But Helena…” He begins his green eyes growing wide with concern and fear. Before he could object further, I open the front door as a blast of cold rain hits my pale face.
“I will return Fluffy, don’t worry.” I say trying to reassure him but to no avail. I step outside as I close the door behind me not daring to turn around and look into his sorrowful eyes once more. I look up hoping to see the sun shining bright but instead all I see is foreboding gray smog covering the skies. I sigh as I pull my jacket closer to my face trying to hide from the relentless downpour. I shuffle past the dark clothed masses, getting the occasional odd glance here and there. I’m assuming this is because I am a woman dressed in men’s clothing which is both highly unusual and frowned upon, but I don’t particularly care what they think of me. The sidewalk is filthy with dirt and grime as I continue on my way to face death itself head on. Morgana and her clan of 1,000 lost souls dwell in the deepest, darkest areas of the city where no mortal dares to enter, the sewer system. Not even Hades himself would want to live in a place so vile and disgusting, but since vampires cannot smell anything besides blood when potential pray ventures close, they don’t care about the putrid stench of their surroundings. They only care if it can shield them from the sun and provide different entrances into above ground London for when the night comes, and their time of feeding begins.
I make my way into a dark and desolate alley where I discovered the best and most direct entrance into the sewers. The rain has finally started to die down as now only cold little drops fall from the gray skies. Both my long hair and my clothes are soaking wet, I run a hand through my black hair trying to untangle the mess but my attempts proved futile. Suddenly, my entire body tenses as I sense someone’s presence lurking in the shadows behind me. I reach for the sharp knife located promptly in my leather boot. I hope for the best but prepare for the worst as I turn around to face my stalker with knife in hand. “Why, hello there.” I hear a male voice say as I come face to face with the culprit. He is leaning against the wall of a brick building, his long black coat flows in the wind, his pale face glowing in the now moonlight. The stranger smiles at me while proceeding to stride ever so arrogantly towards me. My body still tense as he studies my emotionless face, I continue to hold an unwavering grip on my knife. “You won’t be needing that,” he says as his hazel eyes gaze down at my weapon.
“And who might you be?” I inquire while raising an eyebrow and looking straight into his eyes. Not even bothering to put down my knife.

Notes

Dear whoever is reading this,

I FUCKING LOVE YOU.