Fearless Vampire Hunters (Nemesis x Smallknight)
Finally, after days of voyaging, Esme crested the hill that lay before her destination: St. Gabriel's Mission. The old church, once a mission that housed and helped the poor and down-trodden, had gone into disrepair for the last century or so. Recently, a coven of vampires had decided that it would make one hell of a nice set-up. Below it lay catacombs, oddly laid out in maze-like patterns, allowing the creatures reprieve from sunlight. During the day, they hid themselves deep within the church's bowels, nearly a handful of hunters had been slain trying to go after them, half-cocked. Esme didn't want to join that club.
Nearby was the town of Brookhollow, a small village like many others, simply trying to live in harmony. Recently, the poor town had been haunted by the creatures, many of its citizens found dead, and a few children missing. A few hunters had come to help, hearing the town's messengers, sent to find help. Unfortunately, thus far the majority of those coming to help were utter twits. Esme had decided to come lend a hand, hoping to do her part to help rid the town of its infestation.
Heading down the hill, she walked passed the crumbling building, towards the town. She would go check out the building after a while, for now, she needed sustenance. For the last few days, she had journeyed mostly by foot, and she was ready for a rest. So, at a nearby inn, she settled down for a bit of ale and some food, as well as a rest in one of the rooms.
As afternoon settled upon the city, a well rested Esme left the inn, strapped to the nines, before heading across the meadow separating the town from the old church. The building itself was practically non-existent. Once a two-story church of maybe 2000 square feet, it was now crumbling stones and wood. The facade had fallen off, leaving the gutted interior completely opened. The second story slumped, the front of it leaning almost to the first floor, yet somehow not breaking off.
After a few hours of scoping out the crumbling dwelling, she found herself a place to lay in wait, hidden fairly well, but with a decent view of the exit to the caverns below ground. Opening her quiver, she loaded the small crossbow that was locked onto her forearm, clicking a silver-tipped arrow into place before wrapping her fingers around the release. In her other hand, she grasped her Cross of Xavier, fingers clenching tightly around it as the sun settled beyond the horizon. And, it seemed the instant the sun was gone, the creatures were unleashed.
Two crawled out of their hole, focused on the nearby town. Pausing, the female of the two sniffed the air, a slight hiss leaving her lips. And, with her existence given away, it was time for action. Esme's fingers pulled the trigger, the bolt flying from her arm, plunging into the creature's stomach. She let out a scream, signaling the others of the attack. Quick as possible, Esme re-loaded the bow for future use, before reaching down to grasp a throwing knife. Three more of the creatures emerged, raising their numbers to five. Somehow, it still didn't cross her mind that she could possibly be outnumbered.