Vampire Lover

Chapter 3: Shadows of the Base

Back in the Bloodhunter base, Li Mo could feel a tension in the air. The dim lights cast long shadows across the stone corridors, and the faint sounds of activity echoed as she made her way through the base’s heart. This place was meant to feel safe, a sanctuary against the supernatural threats they fought daily. Yet, for Li Mo, it felt anything but secure. She was about to embark on a mission that went against everything the Bloodhunters stood for. And she was entirely alone in her journey.

Her first stop was the treatment wing, where the base’s medical and magical care was administered by their resident healer, Furiana. Skilled and wise, Furiana was respected throughout the organization for her healing abilities and extensive knowledge of supernatural lore. If anyone could know about reversing a curse or breaking the chains of vampirism, it would be her.

“Furiana,” Li Mo greeted as she entered the healer’s chambers. The room was filled with the earthy scent of herbs and potions, and various magical artifacts lined the shelves.

Furiana looked up from her work, her face softening as she saw Li Mo. “Li Mo, it’s been a while,” she said, motioning for her to sit. “I was starting to think you’d forgotten about this old healer.”

Li Mo managed a small smile, though her mind was clouded with thoughts. “I could never forget you, Furiana,” she replied. She paused, trying to think of the best way to bring up what she wanted without arousing suspicion. “I actually came to ask you about something… specific.”

“Oh?” Furiana tilted her head, her perceptive eyes narrowing slightly. “And what might that be?”

Taking a deep breath, Li Mo leaned forward, her voice hushed. “I’ve heard… stories. About ancient spells. Ones that could reverse the effects of curses, maybe even undo… transformations.” She paused, watching Furiana’s reaction carefully. “Do you know anything about them?”

Furiana frowned, setting down the small vial she had been holding. “You’re asking about powerful, dangerous magic, Li Mo. Ancient magic isn’t something to be taken lightly, and it’s almost impossible to find. What you’re talking about — reversing a transformation like vampirism — that’s not just a simple spell. It’s a curse older than any of us, bound by dark and potent forces.”

“But is it possible?” Li Mo pressed, her desperation seeping into her voice.

Furiana sighed, looking away as though choosing her words carefully. “There are whispers of such magic, yes. But they are just that — whispers. Rumors passed down through generations, scattered across time and distance. And even if they’re true, finding someone who could help you would be… nearly impossible. You’d be walking a path lined with danger, Li Mo.”

Li Mo’s heart sank slightly but remained resolute. “I understand the risks. I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

Furiana studied her, a hint of concern in her gaze. “Why are you asking this, Li Mo? Who would make you take such a risk?” Her voice was gentle but probing, as though trying to unearth the truth behind Li Mo’s desperation.

For a moment, Li Mo felt the urge to confide in Furiana, to tell her everything about Lu Chi and her impossible situation. But she held back. If the base found out that she was trying to find a way to save a vampire — even if that vampire was once the man she loved — it would lead to questions and consequences. She wasn’t ready for that.

“It’s… something personal,” she said finally, keeping her tone steady. “Just… curiosity, I guess.”

Furiana didn’t look convinced but didn’t press further. “Well, if you’re serious about looking into this, start with those who understand magic deeply. But be cautious, Li Mo. This is a dangerous road, and once you start, it’s hard to turn back.”

Li Mo nodded, grateful for the healer’s words of warning, but her mind was already set. She would find a way to reverse Lu Chi’s curse, no matter the cost.

Leaving Furiana’s chambers, Li Mo went to check on her injured comrades. Many of them had suffered in recent skirmishes with vampires, and the sight of them — bruised and bandaged — made her chest tighten with guilt and sorrow. She made her way to the infirmary, where her friends were resting.

In one room, she found Yato lying in bed, his chest wrapped in bandages. Crisia sat nearby, her leg propped up, flipping through a magazine with a bored expression.

When Yato saw her, he grinned despite the pain. “Li Mo! You’re alive! Good to see you.”

Li Mo smiled, the sight of her friends easing some of her burden. “Barely,” she replied, playfully rolling her eyes. “But I see you two aren’t faring much better.”

Crisia scoffed, tossing the magazine aside. “Yato here is the reason I got injured. He thought he could take on a vampire twice his size.”

Yato groaned, wincing as he shifted. “Hey, I had it under control. Mostly.”

Li Mo laughed softly, grateful for the lighthearted moment. “I’m glad you’re both okay, though. It’s dangerous out there.”

As they talked, she felt a pang of guilt. Here they were, fighting and risking their lives every day, completely dedicated to the Bloodhunter mission. Yet she was harboring a secret, a quest that went against everything they stood for. She had found a small reprieve in their camaraderie, but she knew that her path was now different from theirs.

After spending time with her friends, Li Mo left the infirmary and retreated to her quarters. Alone in her room, she sat on her bed, her mind racing with the information Furiana had given her. She knew now that her search for a cure for Lu Chi would not be easy. There was no clear path, only faint whispers of ancient magic and distant rumors of powerful spells that could possibly reverse his transformation.

In the quiet of her room, Li Mo allowed herself a moment of vulnerability. She took out a small locket from her pocket — a keepsake she’d held onto from her time with Lu Chi. The memories of their days together flooded her mind, filling her with a mixture of warmth and sorrow. She clutched the locket tightly, feeling the weight of her mission settle over her.

Her thoughts returned to Lu Chi’s face, the pain in his eyes when he’d told her what had happened to him. She couldn’t bear the thought of him suffering in the darkness, bound to a life he had never chosen. She had to try, for him, for the chance of bringing him back to the light.

That night, as she lay in bed, Li Mo felt a newfound sense of determination. She had the beginnings of a plan. The path ahead was filled with shadows and uncertainty, but she knew one thing for sure: she would find a way to break the curse, even if it meant venturing into the deepest, darkest corners of the world. The forbidden reunion with Lu Chi had reignited a purpose within her, and now, there was no turning back.

In the days to come, she would continue her duties as a Bloodhunter, but her heart would be focused on a different mission — a personal mission that no one could know about. She would seek out the scattered knowledge, search for any trace of the ancient magic, and find the answers she needed to save him