Chapter 14: A weapon of choice
After a night filled with excitement, the girls returned to their respective homes. Julie found herself sitting alone, feeling a sense of happiness and accomplishment. She couldn't believe she had engaged in such activities, something she never thought she would do.
However, amidst the lingering joy, Julie knew it was time to refocus her mind. She needed to regain control over her vampiric urges, as last night's fun hadn't completely erased the memory of her previous failure during her first hunt. She realized that losing control while feeding had been a challenge, and she hoped that with more experience, it would become easier. To assist her in this endeavor, Julie decided she needed a weapon.
Contemplating her choice of weapon, Julie ultimately settled on a sword. It felt right to her, providing the necessary balance between strength and practicality. A scythe would be too cumbersome to hide and carry around discreetly, while a gun would contradict her image and potentially clash with other heroes, like Batman.
However, the decision to wield a sword did not end there. Recalling a show from her previous life that featured a vampire character who used a sword, Julie felt a strong connection to the weapon. She remembered how cool and powerful it looked in action, inspiring her to follow suit.
With her choice made, the next challenge was acquiring the right sword. Julie wanted a weapon that matched her powers and needs, opting for something formidable and serious rather than a mere plaything. She knew that a standard blacksmith might not be able to craft a sword of sufficient quality, one that wouldn't easily break under her strength.
After thoughtful consideration, Julie remembered a person who could procure the sword she desired. This person resided in Crime Alley, a place known for providing exceptionally strong weapons. The memory came from the same show that featured the vampire with the sword, where the character Artemis obtained her weapons from the same source.
Formulating her plan, Julie continued with her mundane day-to-day activities, further deepening her friendships with Katie and Missy. Their bond had grown stronger after the previous night's adventure, and there was now a greater level of openness and closeness between them. With the day passing by, Julie awaited the moment when she would be free to embark on her mission.
When the night arrived, Julie ventured out. It was approaching midnight, but that was not a hindrance to her vampiric nature. Transforming into a bat, she took flight, experiencing the exhilaration of flying for the first time. Her powers granted her convenience and speed, allowing her to swiftly reach her destination—Crime Alley.
Arriving at the location, Julie initially had no idea where to find the specific shop she sought. However, she used her hypnotic powers to engage with people in the area, seeking information. Eventually, she obtained the address from a gang member she encountered. With the knowledge in hand, Julie proceeded towards her destination.
Navigating the streets of Crime Alley, Julie finally stumbled upon the inconspicuous shop entrance she had been searching for. Stepping inside, she was greeted by a rough-looking man behind a desk. The man's disheveled appearance and beanie gave him a rugged charm. Julie entered with caution, as she knew to remain guarded even in the presence of seemingly ordinary mortals.
The man, known as Joe Chill, glanced at Julie, assessing her from head to toe. Masked individuals were not uncommon in this part of town, so his suspicion was not entirely unexpected. Joe broke the silence, asking straightforwardly, "What do you need?"
Julie paused for a moment, then looked directly at Joe. She wasted no time, demanding a sword of the highest quality, emphasizing her desire for the best available.
Joe, looking at Julie with a mix of surprise and skepticism, was accustomed to dealing with eccentric requests. He asked for more specific details about the type of sword she desired, reminding her that she needed to provide some guidance. He also mentioned the need for upfront payment before he could proceed, as he couldn't simply hand over any sword without compensation.
After a brief moment of consideration, Julie produced a picture of the sword she desired and handed it to Joe. She specified the style, dimensions, and requested the use of the finest materials. Moreover, she expressed her willingness to pay extra for a custom-made sword.
Joe looked at Julie, finding her request somewhat extraordinary. He questioned her about the cost of a custom sword, warning her that it might be quite expensive. However, Julie dismissed his concerns, assuring him that money was not an issue and urging him to focus on crafting the sword. She inquired about the estimated time it would take to complete the weapon.
Joe considered Julie's determination and replied that with additional payment, he could prioritize the order and deliver the sword within two weeks. He explained that the sword she desired was not a simple short blade but a long sword that required meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality materials.
With the terms established, they agreed and signed a contract, binding them under the laws of the underworld. Julie chose the name "Rose" as her signature, quickly jotting it down on the document.
The upfront payment for the sword amounted to $50,000, a substantial sum for most, but insignificant for Julie. She promptly settled the payment, considering it a small price for the weapon she desired. Satisfied with the transaction and contract in place, Julie left the shop, transforming into a bat once again and gracefully disappearing into the night sky. She felt a sense of happiness and relief, knowing that soon she would possess a sword that could aid her in controlling her vampiric urges.
As the night remained young, Julie scanned the streets below, searching for potential victims. After all, she needed to replenish her blood supply to satiate her vampire cravings. With renewed determination, the little vampire embarked on her hunt.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone