Free Reginald Baxter the Vigilante Vampire by J.E. Shook Page B

worshiped by all. I killed my fill in battles, and then honed my craft further in the Colosseum. Even when Rome fell, I continued to fight, for I was still thirsty for blood. Eventually I found a man able to kill me, but instead he turned me into the true symbol of power. I died and became even stronger. In the crusades I killed ten thousand men alone. There has never been a warrior like me before, and there never will be one again. If there are any who wish to disprove that, return here in three weeks time and face me. We will battle in front of all, and prove me correct. So who is this city's champion who might give me a challenge? Will there be anyone to step up and fight? I am tired of killing weaklings from such a proud race of beings. I hope to break a sweat here before moving on to the next city."
    Most of the observers appeared disgusted at the man's attitude, but no one stepped forward to offer a fight. Even as an immortal, there were still ways to kill vampires. The thought of fighting the man filled Reginald with dread. He knew of many vampires who used words to intimidate and cause fear in others, but this man seemed different. His face, body, and words displayed the intense battles that he had lived through. His every movement made him seem ready to leap into battle at any moment. There were likely some who could match his prowess, but those numbers were few. Reginald knew he would not be volunteering for that fight.
    After a couple minutes of silence, the man spit on the ground. "Weaklings! If no one will fight for this city, I might just have to make my own fun here!" He slammed his hand backwards into the side of the building, causing a hole about the size of a head. As he shook the dust loose from his hand, he bellowed laughter. "Bring me someone who can fight, and I will move on. Otherwise, there will be fun to be had by all. Three weeks!" With that he leaped down from the podium and quickly made his way through the crowd, leering at them as they quickly parted for him.
    As the man came close, Reginald made sure to keep his head pointed down somewhat. He nodded slightly as the man passed by, trying to keep his breathing under control. Up close, he seemed even larger and intimidating. He watched as the crowd broke into groups and began to gossip about the strange man. He saw a pair of officials looking over the damage to the building. They were gesturing angrily as they talked. 'I guess they were too afraid to approach him earlier,' Reginald thought. 'Can't say I blame them.' He glanced back and saw the man walking up the path that Reginald had come. Shaking his head, he meandered through the vampires and began to walk down a more rugged path.
    The rugged path lead down towards the cheaper residences of Requiem. The trees were not as maintained with many basically sticks poking up from the ground waiting to fall over. Several of the yards had large patches of dead grass. The houses were much less elaborate here, though most were well sustained. He saw a couple of men sitting in one yard playing chess. They looked up and nodded as Reginald passed by.
    Reginald walked along for several minutes, getting further out into the Requiem. He glanced at the numbers on the wooden signs along the path. "I should be getting close," he muttered. "I'm sure I remember the number right."
    Just as he was ready to give up, he stumbled onto the house he was looking for. "This looks just like his houses in Atlanta and Los Angeles. I guess that shouldn't surprise me." The house was made of unpainted granite, contrasting with the nearby houses that were made of more modern building materials. Windows were hollowed out at intervals and filled in with panes of glass. A double door stood in the middle with a stone pathway leading up to it. The lawn was well manicured with a pair of trees planted on either side.
    Reginald stepped up to the door and raised his hand to knock. He glanced at his watch. 'It really is getting on into the