The Smith household is somewhat frayed after the events of the previous night – but a ranch is still a ranch, and there are chores that must be done. The children handle most of these today, so that the adults can confer on their current situation.

Annabelle's tired expression shows that she didn't get much sleep, having stayed at Gunn's side throughout the night while the young Eeee struggled against the effects of the vampire blood she was exposed to last night. With Lacrimosa taking over that duty now, the middle-aged Eeee woman fixes a simple breakfast for people, including a sort of blood-and-cream pudding served warm.

Her father, Garret, sits at the head of the table, with his son Beeb and his wife Gitch on his left, while Arkold and Alptraum are seated on his right, with an open seat between them and the patriarch set aside for Annabelle.

"So," Garret says once Annabelle is seated. "Are we in for more trouble tonight? Gunn is still feverish and can't keep any food down, by the way."

"Possibly, that was only one group. There are more out there," Alptraum says, tone serious. He looks down at the pudding and shrugs. He picks up a spoon and adds, "Gunn can't keep anything down? That's bad. Looks like we'll have to find a way to cure the vampires, not just destroy them, to ensure she won't become one."

"Destruction is the only cure for being undead that I ever heard of though," says Beeb, his glowing pink eye-orbs the only color on his otherwise all-black body.

Arkold sits with one arm on the table as he leans over his blood porridge and eyes it tiredly. "The ones that were here should be dead. Ah, deader if you get my meanin'. That were-poodle ended up at the bottom of the quicksand." He carefully tests the porridge with his spoon by prodding and stirring it lightly. "And we'll probably be goin' after the others like Alp here says. Goin' to need stakes and torches. Oh, and the location of something called the 'Great Bird'."

"You need to eat that before it cools," Gitch whispers across the table to Arkold. "Otherwise it'll start to clot."

"No 'probably' about it; we are going," Alptraum adds, then takes a bite of the porridge. "I promised to help, and I intend to see this through. I'm sorry I couldn't stop him in time before the vampire did what he did to Gunn."

"Great bird?" Garret asks, his forehead more wrinkled than usual. "Swamp birds are many things, but 'great' ain't one of them," he snaps.

The wolf grimaces at that. He tries once again to not think about the dread blood Gunn coughed up last night. "Thanks," he tells the woman. Then he lifts his spoon, shrugs, and takes a bite.

"I think they meant the old titan, Dad," Beeb offers. "The one out in the middle of the swamp? Where you told us to never go? Remember?"

"Could it be a crashed airship or something? Some people stylize them after birds a bit," Alptraum suggests, then looks at Beeb. "Great Titan?"

The middle-aged bat nods, while Garret just mutters to himself. Beeb says, "It's ancient – probably older than the swamp even. We've all been there, naturally, since we were told not to go."

Alptraum pauses to glance at Arkold, then comments after taking another bite of the porridge, "Oh, like gnawing on burnt meat is any more gross than drinking blood. Sheesh." He grins, then looks back to Beeb and asks, "Where is it and what is it?"

Arkold reaches for his tea and sips half his cup before putting it back down. Then he shoots Alptraum a dirty look and grins queasily. "Titan? Sounds big whatever it is," he remarks. "Any caves or other enclosed spaces around it?"

"It's a bit to the southwest, maybe five miles," Beeb says, rubbing his jaw. "Half-buried in a small island, I remember, and pretty overgrown. It was some sort of magic statue I think, ages ago. I suppose a bunch of vampires might find it homey. It has plenty of dark places to hide." This last comment causes Gitch to blush briefly, the color showing through the light gray fur of her cheeks.

Alptraum shrugs and continues eating as the directions are explained. He then looks at Gitch and asks, "Is something the matter?"

Alptraum blinks, realzing, and says, "Ah, nevermind." He grins and goes back to eating.

The wolf takes another bite followed by another sip of tea almost immediately afterwards. When Alptraum asks if there's something wrong he not-so-subtly elbows him. "We think we'll be best off if we attack them during daylight hours," he says.

"Attacking them may not be the best option, Arkold," Alptraum says and looks at him. "We have to make sure Gunn doesn't become one of them. So, I think we have to find out from them how to lift Draco's curse."

"What about Gunn?" Annabelle asks, worriedly. "You don't need to bring her, do you?"

"I don't think we do. It's a possibility she may become one of them if we didn't get it out of her in time," Alptraum says and sighs, thinking a moment. "I think I should check on Gunn. There might be a way we can tell if she is being affected."

"Oh. Right. Yeah," mumbles the wolf distractedly as he eyes the porridge some more. "I'd still rather approach them durin' the day, though. Just in case they decide we'd make a better snack than a talk. Hey and Alp," he glances at the boy, "careful not to touch her, yeah?"

"I'll bring you to her then," Annabelle says, and stands up quickly. "Beeb, you get the boat ready."

"It's how we could tell. We'll need water at hand," Alptraum says to Arkold. "We need to know if she's changing."

Gitch grabs onto her husband's arm tightly. "Wait! You're sending Beeb with them?" she asks.

"If you think it'll work, go on. I'll come too. I don't think I'm hungry after all." After standing the wolf pushes in his chair and refills his teacup to take with him.

"I know the way best, aside from the girls," Beeb argues. This leads to a high-pitched, rapid-fire complaint from Gitch, and the two of them are quickly engrossed in the argument.

Alptraum shrugs, then downs the last of his porridge. "I don't know what it'll do," he replies as he gets from the table. Alptraum stretches, then looks at Garret and Beeb, saying, "Look, I'd rather not any more of you get hurt. Can't you just draw us a map?"

"I have some experience with boats," Arkold offers helpfully. "I should be fine for piloting yours."

"I'll make up a map then," Beeb says with a sigh, while Gitch smiles triumphantly and throws Alptraum a grateful look.

"And besides, Beeb, you're needed here. Your family will need you in case another group shows up while we're gone," Alptraum replies. "I appreciate the offer, but I really think you're more help here."

"Besides I might get jealous if any more people with wings join our little quest," adds Arkold with a grin towards Beeb.

"He has wing envy," Alptraum adds.

While Beeb works on the map and prepares the boat, Annabelle leads Alptraum and Arkold across several connecting bridges to a tiny one-room structure. Inside, the curtains are drawn tightly closed and the only light comes from a single candle. A small bed holds Gunn, covered by a sweat-soaked sheet and breathing shallowly. Lacrimosa kneels nearby with a bucket of cool water, which she dips a cloth into every so often to daub her sister's forehead with.

"Any improvement?" Alptraum asks Lacrimosa as he approaches. He kneels down at the side of the bed and looks at Gunn, his expression soft.

Arkold folds his arms as he leans against the wall. "Can't say I've ever dealt with this sort of thing before," he explains, his voice low and grim. "But if you need any help from me just say the word and I'm on it."

"She's calm," Lacrimosa says, brushing some stray, damp hairs out of Gunn's face.

"Ah, Lacrimosa? Would you please expose her arm for me… ?" Alptraum asks quietly, his eyes never leaving Gunn.

Laccy looks to her mother first, and at a nod from Annabelle she pulls the sheet away from Gunn's left arm.

Alptraum looks down at his ebony hand and sharp claws. He motions Arkold close and says, "Be prepared with some water. I don't know what will happen." Slowly, he spreads his fingers and holds his hand just above Gunn's, careful to not touch her. "Gunn," he says softly, "Can you hear me? Do you feel anything over your arm… ?"

Arkold hands his teacup off to Annabelle and picks up the bucket of water near the bed.

The Eeee girl doesn't stir, although Alptraum can certainly feel the heat coming off of her arm.

Alptraum looks up at Arkold with a worried expression. He takes in a breath, then very quickly and lightly taps a single finger on Gunn's arm.

Aside from a reflex twitch, nothing happens.

Alptraum lowers his hand slowly, lightly resting it on her arm.

Gunn still doesn't react, but her pulse is racing under Alptraum's palm.

Alptraum lifts his hand off. "Well, she hasn't changed yet, at least. She's fighting," Alptraum says quietly to the others.

"What… what did you just do?" Lacrimosa asks quietly.

Easing his tense grip on the bucket the wolf reaches up and clears a bit of his own sweat from his brow. "I guess that's better than we have a right to expect," he murmurs. Then louder, says, "So do we bargain with the Captain or do we try and run him through? Either way I'm up for it but I'll leave the decision to you Alp."

"Well, I found out last night … that the vampires react badly to my touch. I'm … not exactly normal," Alptraum answers, turning to look at Lacrimosa. "Arkold here was ready, in case Gunn reacted as well. I'm glad she didn't."

"Yeah he's a right odd one," jokes the wolf half-heartedly.

"Oh," Lacrimosa says, as if the explanation makes perfect sense to her. "You're a wandering Holy Man!"

Arkold laughs. "That may be pushing it, miss."

Very softly, Lacrimosa whispers to Alptraum, "You really could use a more reverent sidekick though."

Alptraum chuckles and shakes his head. "No, not exactly, ah, it's a long story," he says. "For one, I'm one of you. But," he says with a shrug, "As you can see, I look different. My mother's side of the family … is hard to explain."

Alptraum glances up at Arkold and says, "I know it's more risky, but I can't let Gunn become one of them. I think we have to talk to them."

Again the wolf shrugs. "Like I said I'm up for anythin'. But I still think we ought to go durin' the day," he says.

Alptraum nods, "I agree. We can scout it out, and plan for the worst."

A nod from Arkold, who says, "Then we'd better get workin' on the stakes and torches. Beeb shouldn't take too long with that map and I'd prefer to get there at mid-day."

"Oh," Laccy says again, nodding and giving Alptraum a wink. "You have a Mysterious Past then. I should have guessed that, really."

"Hey I have a mysterious past too," Arkold says with a grin. "I just don't look half as creepy as whitey here."

The Eeee girl blinks at Arkold, but is too polite to say what she thinks about that. "Well, you're monster slayers. It's expected."

Alptraum chuckles and nods to Laccy, "Along those lines, yes. I might tell you about it sometime. It brings a new dimension to strange." He looks to Annabelle, then back to Lacrimosa, "I probably don't even need to say this, but I really think Gunn will need someone with her at all times. Having family close, and reassuring her, may help her fight this. I promise I'll do everything I can to help her. Also, be prepared as you may get attacked again. I hope not, but we don't know how large the group is and we may not be back in time." He stands and with a final look to Gunn, he says, "Hold on, Gunn. You can win; you're stronger."

---

Beeb's map relies heavily on large landmarks that could be seen for some distance, especially from the air. Still, the hardest part of navigating the swamp for Arkold was getting Hogarth to turn in the right direction. The giant boar's wounds from the other night were largely superficial, and he seems eager to help out his new friend.

It ends up taking longer to travel the few miles deeper into the swamp than it did to reach the Smith Ranch from Bog Bend. The trees are even larger and more densely packed here, and every surface is draped with some sort of parasitic vine, moss or lichen. Passage often requires steering between and even under the giant tree roots, but eventually the boat reaches a remarkably clear area.

It's easy to see why the ancient titan would be dubbed the 'Great Bird'. In form, it resembles an armored Vartan draped in a cloak of moss. Two giant wings stretch out stiff and solid looking, with odd cylindrical pods attached to their undersides. The fore-talons of the giant clutch the hilt of what might be a sword, but the object is stabbing straight down into the sandy soil of the island, hiding its shape. Gaping holes in the giant's head suggest the eye-sockets of a skull, and beneath the span of wings all is hidden in shadow. The legs or hindquarters of the figure are indeed buried into the island itself.

From the edge of the trees, a few figures can be seen patrolling along the wings, with other sentries situated on the shoulders. It's an ideal defensive position, with no way to approach without being out in the open.

Alptraum lets out a low whistle. "Would you look at that? The name fits," he says to Arkold. "Looks like they've got creatures which aren't vampires up there, too. This looks worse and worse. Hmm. Should we raise a white flag and go in to talk?"

Crouched down on the deck of the boat Arkold surveys the scene with a look of clear distaste. "Eh, I don't like it," he answers. "They have too good a shot at us up there and we don't exactly have ranged weapons of our own. Still, guess we don't have a choice. Can't see a better route from here. If you want to step out and get their attention I could go with you or hide back here in case it goes wrong. But, eh, like I said I don't have a crossbow with me. Won't help much if I wait to ambush. Ehhh, let's go."

Alptraum ties back his hair into a loose ponytail and stands up carefully. He lets out a loud whistle while they're still under some cover. "Hello up there!" he calls out.

Arkold steps out and gives a wave to what he suspects are zombies. "Hey!" he calls out. "Nice bird you got there!"

The figures on the titan freeze in place, and a moment later a horn blats three times in quick succession. Another figure exits the shadow of one wing, and walks to the shore of the small island. "Who are you?" it calls with a Gallisian accent. "Show yourselves!"

"Only if you assure us you will not fire," Alptraum calls back, nervous.

"Are you claiming parley?" the figure barks.

"We've come to parley," agrees Arkold as he eases the boat around a large root and towards the shore. "About your little problem."

"And hopefully, they'll honor it," Alptraum mutters.

As the boat gets closer, it becomes clear that the speaker on the island is an emaciated looking Gallah in a worn uniform. The soldier waves Arkold towards a makeshift dock where a small fleet of mismatched boats are tied up.

"I've got a bad feeling about this, but not much else we can do," The Eeee mutters darkly.

Following the instructions of the thin Gallah, Arkold guides the boat – or rather guides Hogarth, who guides the boat – towards the dock. "Eh, too late to worry about that now. You knew this would be risky when you decided to do it. And, hey, just think of Gunn and you'll be fine," he tells Alptraum reassuringly.

"I've been in worse places," Alptraum mutters to himself. "The Yodhsunala temple, for one. I lived there. I just hope this is short."

The emissary on the beach backs up warily as Hogarth drags the flat-bottomed boat up onto the shore. The man has the look of a shepherd breed, with none of the 'mutt' traits that mark the lower classes of Gallahs. Still, he is unarmed, looks on the verge of malnutrition, and is starting to lose his fur. "Ho there… is that beast dangerous?" he asks, pointing at the giant boar.

"Only to your toes," quips Arkold as he hops off the boat and sets about securing it.

Alptraum does a light hop out of the boat and onto the dock. "As long as you don't bother him, you should be fine," he adds.

"I'm Corporal Jayne," the canine says, somewhat listlessly. "How should I introduce you to the bloodsuckers?"

"I'm Alptraum Bar Reisender," The Eeee responds.

"Arkold, at your service," replies the wolf with a bit of a bow.

"Uh-huh," the dog grunts, and motions for the pair to follow as he begins shuffling back towards the titan. "You the two that caused the cursed ones so much grief last night?"

"We were defending a family. They should expect such to happen. Nothing personal," Alptraum replies with a shrug, then follows.

Arkold nods with a grin. "No hard feelings."

"Eh, doesn't matter," the corporal replies. He leads the pair to the edge of the shadow cast by the port wing of the titan, where a small bivouac of tents can be made out once their eyes adjust. A few more ragged soldiers mill around, with the blank black stare of zombies. "You got the Lieutenant a good one, but he 'survived', so to speak, so we were expecting you. Didn't bring the girl with you though, did you?"

"No. Not until we know what you want, and if you even need her. I will not risk her life further," Alptraum replies darkly.

Arkold surveys the shadowed campground with a neutral expression. When a zombie solider shuffles on by not far from him he turns his gaze to watch it for a moment. "Countess Draco must have some real power to have done this," he remarks. "Can't say I like it really."

Alptraum nods slightly at Arkold's comment. "This is bad," he says.

"She's not so bad," the dog mutters, and guides them over to an opening in the side of the titan's body. "I guess you want to see the Captain then, may his worm infested heart explode in his chest."

"Avralie. We'd like to see the Captain," Alptraum responds, voice even and unemotional. His ears flick about, following the sounds.

The wolf glances at the Corporal. "Not so bad, eh?" He steps forward, glances around to make sure there isn't a vampire nearby to hear him and then whispers, "But your Captain is isn't he? Didn't want this, did you? Don't want to be here?"

Somewhere at the rear of the camp, a few pitiful canine whines can be made out now and then. "I don't know what he is now… he's just the Captain. I'm not like them, though. I would have been set free like the others, but they dragged me along. Just in case they needed a snack, I suppose." The corporal takes out some flint and lights a torch from the pile stacked near the open hatchway. Several of the zombies shy away – not that they were very interested in the trio of mortals to begin with.

"We'll try and help you out," says Arkold. He moves to give the Corporal a well-meaning jab in the shoulder, then pauses as he thinks better of it. Never know what might fall off after all.

Alptraum watches Arkold, then chuckles as he halts mid-move. "We want an end to this, for all those involved. No one is benefiting from this situation," the Eeee says quietly.

Corporal Jayne just grunts at the offer, and leads them inside the titan. The innards have long ago been stripped of anything that could be removed, leaving a mostly empty shell with walls covered in plumbing. The odd ceramic material that it's made from and the jumbled tubing makes for an environment of disturbing echoes. "Stay close, and watch your step," their guide advises. "Only the Captain is awake during the day, but the Officers don't like to be stepped on when they're… asleep."

Alptraum glances downward and does a quick sonic strobe of the darkened floors. "How many officers are here?" he asks the Corporal.

Taking this advice to heart Arkold is careful to watch his step as he makes his way in the ancient artifact. "Right cheery place you've got here," he remarks quietly. "All fit for an Inquisitorial party."

"Eh, maybe five or six left," Jayne says with a shrug. "Hard to tell. Forgotten how many decided to go sunbathing already." He leads them through a narrow corridor into a chamber somewhere higher in the torso, and a few unmoving forms can be seen in the flickering torchlight. They don't look asleep at all, just… inert.

"So … tell us about Countess Draco? What does she look like?" Alptraum inquires as they go. He flicks his eyes warily to the sleeping figures.

Arkold grimaces as he steps over the legs of one such inert vampire. He watches the figure as he moves past it with a mix between curiosity and apprehension. "I'd almost forgotten how strange magic could be," he whispers back to the others. "Don't see it much offworld."

"Never saw her face, she wore a mask," Jayne says. "At least, I hope it was a mask. I don't think the loyalty of her troops was forced though, I'll say that much." He opens a circular door, which reveals a rung ladder leading further upward. "This is as far as I go," he says. "The Captain will be at the top. Good luck."

"Er it wasn't a veil was it?" the wolf asks before heading in.

Alptraum pats the Corporal lightly on the back, careful to touch only clothing. "Be well, all right? We'll do what we can," Alptraum tells him, then steps through to climb.

"No, it was a hard mask, part of her armor," Jayne replies. "I'll wait here for you."

Arkold looks visibly relived. "Oh. Great. Almost thought I might have met her already – and it wasn't a fond farewell if you get me. Anyway," he glances up the ladder where Alptraum is going, "be seein' you, Corporal." And then he moves to follow the bat.

The tube eventually opens up into what must be the head of the titan. Two open ovals form the eyes; each rimmed with a few sparkling remnants of thick glass. A large chair sits at the focal point of the eyes, and an armored form occupies it, with its back turned to Alptraum and Arkold.

Alptraum raps a knuckle lightly on the wall. "Alptraum Bar Reisender and Arkold here to see you," the Eeee says calmly and firmly.

"Please come around into the light, so I can see you," whispers a hollow-sounding voice from the seated figure. "I am Captain von Danken."

Alptraum slowly walks around the chair. The light glints slightly off the shiny ebony fur of the Eeee, and shines brightly off his long white hair.

Arkold joins the bat in the light. Less darkly colored than his companion he seems oddly out of place in the murky gloom. His golden hair and light gray fur being entirely too sunny. "Hey," he offers to the seated figure.

The Captain shows no fear of the light, as it plays across his metal and chitin armor. So complete is the suit, that no hint of skin is to be seen, nor any glow of vampiric eyes from behind the closed visor. The armor was probably white at one time, but now has the dullness of an antique stored too long in a damp basement. "You came. I didn't think you would."

"I said I would. I wish your officer hadn't done what he did in an attempt to force us. I am an Eeee of my word," Alptraum replies and nods. "But, that's a non-issue. Please, tell us about this curse, Draco, and how to lift it."

"We're funny that way," says Arkold with a humorless grin. "Besides we have our own reasons for being here. And not just to help the girl."

"Ah, the curse," the Captain wheezes. "We laughed when we heard it. The Countess had us at her mercy and she just let us go… we though she was mad. Then we began to change. Some of us, anyway. She cursed us thus: Your flesh will mirror the darkest pits of your hearts, and those who change will never know rest. Eternal will be your flight, until an innocent of those you have harmed sheds tears at your plight."

"Zombies follow without a mind, vampires who take from the lives of others, and weres who are filled with bloodlust and rage. Huh. Well, can't say it doesn't have style. Sense no, but definitely style. Bit of irony there too," considers the wolf out loud. He reaches up and rubs his chin as he watches the Captain curiously. "But tears? Can't see how kidnapping Gunn or harmin' her would make her shed tears for you. Looks like you're goin' about this all wrong."

"I see. I am afraid Gunn would have been no good to you, after your officer did what he did to her. I do not believe she would shed tears for those who attacked her and her family," Alptraum replies, not harsh, just in a tone of fact. He nods toward Arkold. "Some became zombies, some became vampires … may we inquire as to what you became… ?"

"As for breaking it," the Captain says, "I was told the key. But it is useless now, as you have pointed out. It is ironic that the Gallahs and other lower-ranking troops were unaffected by the curse. Or perhaps not. As for me? Well, see for yourself… "

The Captain lifts his visor. The sun shines into an empty helmet.

"Nothing, empty," Alptraum says quietly and takes a step back. "I think the key is useful … but I think you also see it incompletely."

"Woah," says Arkold as he recoils on expecting to see a face. "I g-guess she figured you were, ah, empty. On the inside. But uh I do have an idea for you if you'll hear me out." He glances at Alptraum too. "You too, bats. I think I have an idea."

Alptraum nods to Arkold, "As the usual joke about Eeee go, I'm all ears."

The figure closes its visor. "Indeed, I am a hollow man. My life was devoted solely to my military career, to become a landed Chevalier. I am my rank and position, and nothing more. But the key… the cure for the curse that the Countess told to me alone, although she spoke it out loud: Only those who do not succumb to the urges of their new forms can be saved. Only those who were truly noble. So you see, it's all pointless. My officers have drunk blood, the zombies and beastmen have killed mindlessly and without remorse."

Arkold chuckles until he gets another glance at the empty helmet. Then he shuts right up. "And you, Captain? Have you become empty? Or, ah, do you still care?"

"They are my men, even though they are monsters," the shell of von Danken replies. "I am responsible for their actions, even though I do not participate in or condone them."

"Then it's your responsibility to save them, no matter what. That's the noble thing to do. That's the mark of a good officer," the wolf points out. "You may just be their only hope."

"So, you care for them," Alptraum replies, not unkindly. "That speaks well of you, and of you being somewhat more than just a hollow soldier. I think Arkold is right; you can save them from themselves."

"Save, perhaps, but not cure," the Captain says. "And as you said, the girl will not show pity on us. I cannot claim that this fate is undeserved."

"If you were willing to make amends for what you have done, perhaps she would," Alptraum suggests, then rubs his chin. "Did it specify it had to be a girl or what… ?"

"So you want to languish forever preying upon the innocents and never making amends, or do you want to try and do something to make penance? Maybe it won't save you. But it'll help you in other ways. It helped me, an' I wasn't all too different from the lot of you. Help these people, and help yourselves," suggests Arkold.

"An innocent," the Captain says. "Lt. Havome thought the one that attacked his raiding party was appropriate. We had hurt her, certainly. And she was a virgin, and old enough that that distinction meant something."

"You're only totally doomed if you give up. Find yourself and look inside. You can still undo this if you don't give up. Come back with us, just you. Come, talk to her," Alptraum suggests, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

"An innocent virgin who'll cry over you, eh? Uh, well, Gunn prolly ain't goin' to. Maybe she'll kick you in the shin. She's got fire that girl does. Bu' I think you blew it killin' her animals and attackin' her. Maybe you ought to have helped her out instead," the Jupani considers. Then he glances at Alptraum, scratches his head and shrugs. "Could work. Maybe she'll listen after all, eh? An' if she doesn't well maybe you'll learn how to make amends. An' from there figure how to help another."

Stepping back and leaning to whisper to Alptraum the wolf adds, "I can' help but think this sounds really sappy. Usually I leave the sappy speeches to Tulani, but she ain't here."

The Eeee chuckles silently and nods slightly at that. "To be honest, I feel for him. And I think I know what Draco wanted to do, in a way. Maybe she wanted to show them what it felt like to be truly seen as a monster, and how hopeless the world can look. How they're making the people of Sylvania feel," Alptraum whispers back.

"What could I do?" the armor rasps. "She would be desperate to avoid her fate, and would do anything. There is no innocence in that," the Captain explains, and raises his right arm. Resting in the gauntlet is a stake of polished and lacquered wood, with a thistlebark thorn embedded in the tip. "We all carried these, and used them to kill many of the vampiric Eeee, although they were not true monsters. If Havome would thrust this into his own heart, he would redeem himself and save the girl. But I know him, and he will make no such sacrifice. Take this, find him in the sleeping chamber, and end him. That will save the child."

Arkold nods to that. "Yeah," he whispers in agreement. "Plus maybe she wanted him to help out in the hopes of a cu-" He pauses in his whispering to listen to the captain. By the time the captain has finished speaking the wolf has lost his train of though. Instead he asks the animated armor, "You sure about this? He's your own man an' all."

Alptraum shakes his head slowly. "I think you do understand what Draco wanted you to see. Now you know how it feels to be a monster, or be seen as one," Alptraum tells the armor quietly. Alptraum picks up the stake and turns it over in his hand slowly.

"He is no longer a man, but I cannot destroy him myself," van Danken says. "You can."

The Jupani reaches over and pats Alptraum's arm. "C'mon kid. Let's go save Gunn."

Alptraum looks at the stake long and hard. He then looks at Arkold and says, "I have no compassion for Havome, but … this seems wrong."

"You are young, and full of idealism," the Captain says to Alptraum. "Like so many of the young men that have come to me in the past. But sometimes you must accept that you cannot save everyone. Sometimes, all you can do is grant them mercy."

"Heh, avralie. And the irony is, I hesitate holding an item your men would have willingly used on me, without concern or mercy," Alptraum replies quietly. "I've seen a lot of death, Captain. A lot of people who have died who shouldn't have – children. Killing one person never ends there; it ripples out, to their family, their friends."

The wolf shakes his head. "He's got a point Alp. If you let him, uh, 'live' then Gunn will suffer. And Havome will too. Maybe others. Sometimes the best way to save many is to sacrifice the few. It can be merciful even if it isn't perfect," he says.

"We are already dead here, except for Jayne," the armor says. "I would have destroyed them all myself already, but… but I am their Captain. I can order them to their deaths, but I cannot order them to starve, or to be noble."

"Well, I can end him, and the others around him," Alptraum says quietly and nods. He looks at Arkold and says, "Let's get this over with. I suppose it is my duty, being who I am."

"Please give my apologies to the girl and her family," von Danken says.

"We will," Alptraum replies, then walks back toward the ladder. "Rest in peace," the Eeee says, then starts down the ladder.

Arkold begins to follow but pauses after a step and turns around to face the Captain again. "Anythin' else you want done? Last request an' all," he offers.

"Take the corporal with you," the armor answers. "Get him something to eat and burn his old uniform."

Arkold nods. "You got it. On my honor – what's left of it anyway." The middle-aged wolf glances around uneasily as he searches for something to add. Some final word – something that might offer comfort. Not being very good at these things he just offers his hand instead.

The Captain shakes hands with the Jupani, and to Arkold it feels like there are real flesh and bones within the gauntlet, if only for a moment.

Jayne is still in the chamber below, somewhere in the titan's chest. The air is thick with the smoke from the torch, and the corporal has passed the time by arranging some of the vampires into ridiculous poses.

Alptraum walks back into the chamber with Jayne, the sensation of being in a tomb that much stronger. He looks down at the stake, then grips it firmly. He looks around the room, searching for Havome.

One of the 'sleeping' vampires has the skin on the right side of his face crudely sewn back into place where it was torn off before. The corporal glances at the stake in Alptraum's hand, but doesn't say anything.

Arkold climbs down moments later with a sober look on his face. When he spots Jayne he walks over to the man and lays his hand on his shoulder. "It's time to go. The Captain asked me to take you with us and see you fed," he tells him.

The Eeee quietly walks over to Havome and kneels down. "Jayne, the end has come for them. The Captain asked us to destroy him," Alptraum explains quietly. He brings the stake up and positions it over the vampire's chest, not touching him. "Please, go with Arkold. I will handle what must be done."

"Go?" Jayne says, looking confused. "But… but… then he'd just vanish too. Without at least one person left in his command, the old bastard wouldn't have any existence left at all."

"He wants to go. He wants an end," Alptraum replies, then looks at Arkold.

"Eh… we better stay here for a moment bats. They may not go quietly," warns the Jupani. The wolf draws his own blade and gives Jayne a pat with his free hand. "He knows when his time is up, Jayne. Don't think too badly of him though. He's doin' this to save others."

"As you like," Alptraum replies, then looks back to the vampire. His grip tightens, then with a neutral expression, he slams the stake into the chest of the vampire.

Lt. Havome's eyes fly open, and he screams to wake the dead! Which is exactly what happens, as a half-dozen sets of red eyes open to witness his death-throes. There is a flicker of something in the vampire's eyes when he locks his gaze with Alptraum… and then the body is still. Dead weight.

Alptraum reaches out and touches the vampire's face to see if the same reaction will happen again. "It's over for you," he replies quietly.

There are no flames, but wisps of black vapor begin to leak from the body as it starts to decay.

Alptraum gets up and looks to the other vampires. His muscles tense, readying for a fight.

"Jayne, cover my back. As for the rest of you … " he eyes the closest bunch of vampires, " … it's time to die. For good." Arkold draws his sword back in anticipation of the battle to come.

The remaining six undead have silently formed a circle around Alptraum. The first one steps forward, a poodle as black as the Eeee is, and holds out his hand. Resting on the palm is another of the killing stakes – probably the one the man himself used.

Alptraum looks stunned momentarily. Carefully, the Eeee reaches out and takes the stake. He smiles slightly and says, "Perhaps some nobility still remains."

Arkold blinks, then slowly lowers his sword. He watches the gathering curiously. "On second thought let's go, Jayne. I'll introduce you to Hogarth." He nods the man towards the exit and begins heading out himself.

"A flicker," the dark poodle says, and rips open his uniform to bare his chest.

Without a word, Alptraum strikes with the stake, driving it into the creature's chest.

There is no scream this time, only a sigh of release. The vampire goes limp, and collapses silently to the floor. The others crowd closer, each with their own stake, jostling to be the one to go next.

"Yeah, sure," Jayne says, and leads Arkold out of the room with the torch. Alptraum doesn't really need the light, afterall.

Alptraum goes about the grim task of destroying those remaining. He does so without another word. He ends the torment of those around him in the dark, only the echoes of the room to define it out for the Eeee.

Outside, the gloom under the wing is put at bay by a raging bonfire in the middle of the camp. Just as Jayne and Arkold emerge from the titan, the last of the zombies stumbles onto the pyre.

Arkold tries not to dwell too much on the mass suicide of the already dead. "Hogarth'll probably like you. I'm guessin' you have a decent heart Jayne. An' I know of this hole-in-the-wall bar I'm goin' to take you to. If you can stand the music the meals aren't too bad and the ale is watered down just enough to only be mediocre rather than bad," Arkold goes on.

"Oh!" Jayne barks, and drops his torch. "Hold on, I have to check… I mean, I took care of them during the day, they couldn't really think anymore… " he stutters out, and then dashes off into the shadows at the rear of the camp.

"Oh, wait, hey," Arkold calls off after the ex-soldier. Then after an exasperated sigh he dashes off after Jayne.

A short time later, Alptraum exits the unusual structure. He inhales, glad to be out in the open and the air again, then looks around for the others. "I'm going to thump Arkold if he left me here and I have to fly back," he mutters.

The corporal runs into Arkold on the way back, and puts a hand on his shoulder. "Don't go back there," he says in a choking voice. "They could take care of themselves afterall."

The wolf gives the corporal a confused look, tilting his head to the side. "What's back there anyway?" he asks as he tries to lean around the other man and get a look. Then he frowns, leans back and shakes his head. "Y'know what? I don't want to know. Let's get out of here."

"Yeah, let's do that," the Gallah says. "You mentioned ale, right?" he asks as they head back to were Alptraum is waiting.

The Eeee sees them coming. "I think it's time we left this place," Alptraum says. "Come on, we've got a family to check on." He also nods toward the Corporal and adds, "And the beginnings of a new life for him."

"Yeah it's not the best ale by any means. Watered down local variety. You probably got better in Gallis. Wine at least if not ale. Now I know of this halfway house that has better ale, and Blackshire isn't so bad if you like mead … " Arkold can be heard discussing the various drinks around Sylvania long before the two canines can be seen by Alptraum. When the two reach the bat and the ship, Arkold waves and nods to the bat's words. "C'mon. Let'sgo see how Gunn is doin'. We can ask the Smiths to make Jayne some new clothes while we're there."

Hogarth is happy to see everyone, even the stranger, and wags his little piggy tail. Before stepping onto the boat though, Jayne turns to face the head of the titan, stands up straight, and gives a final military salute. He then strips off his uniform jacket and all marks of rank and regiment before tossing it onto the bonfire.

Alptraum huffs and nods. He climbs back into the boat and settles down. He glances back at the strange structure one last time. With a small salute, he says, "Rest in peace, Captain. I think you had more nobility than you believed of yourself."

As if in response to the Eeee's words, an armored helmet rolls from the open eye of the titan, glittering on its way down like a single tear.