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One of the most difficult jobs of a vampire hunter was distinguishing them from humans. Anyone could be a vampire, from the common farmer or barkeep to the lords and nobles of the land. Intelligent vampires knew how to keep it that way as well, and as a result grew more powerful in their long lives. Most vampires that were caught and dealt with by vampire hunters were new, fresh bloods who did not yet know how to handle their newly acquired power, or felt they were invincible.

The vampire that Claude had set his sights on today, however, was an unusual case. Linhardt Von Hevring was young, but they were known for their intelligence. It should have been a simple matter for them to conceal their vampiric nature, yet it seemed like they made no effort to hide it. Several accounts had been recorded of little incidents, rookie mistakes, pointing to it. Visitors had spotted fangs while he briefly spoke to them, people living near the Hevring estate had reported unusual wounds on necks and arms, as well as a tell-tale lethargy that followed the loss of blood. His parents, who had been examined for vampirism themselves to bolster their case, claimed there was no way he could possibly be a vampire, but the evidence stacked against them.

It became clear when Linhardt mysteriously disappeared. Fled from home as the heat was turned on them, many believed. But Claude knew there had to be more to the story. He knew Linhardt. They may not have been particularly close, but it hadn’t been that long since they went to school together. Linhardt showed no signs of vampirism then, in fact Linhardt was the last person Claude would have suspected. Linhardt was disgusted at the sight of blood and loathed violence.They were a healer, a passionate scientist, and a pacifist. If they had truly been turned, Claude couldn’t imagine it was something Linhardt sought out.

Upon learning of the reports about Linhardt, Claude decided he had to be the one to learn what was going on. He couldn’t let any other vampire hunter take this lead. This was his job, he wanted to get to the bottom of this.

The investigation was short and simple, there were several accounts of unusual activity in the area Claude had tracked Linhardt to, including people noticing that an old, abandoned cabin appeared to be occupied. No one ever saw who was living there, but it had been cleaned to some extent, and some minor repairs had been done. This must be where they were staying, Claude could tell. It was hard to believe they would even put this much work into something, but if holes in the structure were letting too much sunlight in it could have been necessary.

So, Claude stayed nearby. He staked the place out, waiting for Linhardt to return home before morning. Of course, he didn’t need to wait long before an exhausted looking young, green haired vampire appeared. They didn’t notice Claude waiting nearby, appearing to be focused entirely on returning home to rest.

Now was the time. Claude casually left his hiding place and spoke, acting as though he had just been passing through the area by coincidence. “Ah, Linhardt!” He greeted them with a bright and carefree tone. “Wasn’t expecting to run into you out here. You don’t seem like the ‘roughing it in the woods’ type.”

Linhardt took a step back, his eyes widening, shocked at Claude’s sudden appearance. They examined the man carefully. Claude watched Linhardt, studying their reaction. One may have expected fear or arrogance from a vampire when confronted with someone they know is a skilled fighter, even if they are not aware this fighter is a trained vampire hunter, but Linhardt expressed something more like tired resignation.

“Claude. If you’re here to kill me, then please just make it quick,” Linhardt said, sounding like they had just given up.

“Why would I do that?” Claude asked, his head tilting just slightly to emphasize his confusion at Linhardt’s statement.

Linhardt closed their eyes just a moment, taking a deep breath in, taking the moment to figure out just how to put their thoughts into words. “Why else would you be out here? Claude, I have done my research. I know you are a vampire hunter, and a rather skilled one at that. I’m not going to bother fighting you, so just get it over with, please.”

It was not surprising Linhardt knew, but it was inconvenient. Or, it would be if Linhardt had an ounce of fight in them, but it seemed like they had been resigned to this fate, perhaps for some time.

“I’m not going to kill you, Linhardt. You’re probably the least threatening vampire I’ve ever seen. Have you even fed in the last month? You look sick.”

Linhardt looked away slightly. It was true, they knew they must look like a mess right now. They had not been taking very good care of themself since they were turned. “I can’t. I feel sick in the stomach every time I feed.”

“See? That’s not normal for a vampire. And then you let the hunger build until you cannot control it anymore, right?”

Linhardt nodded.

“That’s what I thought. Linhardt, you’re not a threat to us. You just… need some help, and you can still live your life.”

“Help?” Linhardt questioned, speaking a little louder than usual, gesturing wildly and more passionately as he continued. “Can you undo what’s been done? Can you make me human again? It’s hopeless, Claude. I can’t live like this! I was a healer, Claude! And now I’m nothing more than a monster!”

Claude came in close. Gently, he grabbed Linhardt’s hands and held them between the pair at chest height. Linhardt fell quiet.

“I can’t undo what’s been done to you. I don’t know how. But maybe you can figure it out. You can’t give up without even trying, right?”

Linhardt spoke more quietly, “that’s an optimistic view… How can I figure anything out when I can’t even feed?”

“Look, we’ll figure it out,” Claude tried to assure. “I can help you find ways to feed that won’t harm anyone. You know, I always had respect for you, I’d rather not hurt you if I don’t have to. So why don’t you come with me? We can help you figure out how to take care of yourself, and in return you help us find a cure for vampirism. You could help other vampires like you, who don’t want to be vampires.”

Linhardt was silent for a time, until finally they sighed. Claude could feel Linhardt relax, seeing their shoulders fall and their head tilt down. “Fine.” he agreed. “Alright. I’ll give it a try. Only because you do have a strange way of figuring things out. I’m sure if anyone can figure out how to make a hemophobic vampire feed without feeling sick, it might just be you.”

Claude smiled his usual charming smile and let Linhardt’s hands go.

“I don’t really want to die, you know,” Linhardt continued, “I just can’t continue living this way. But maybe you’re right. Maybe there is a chance.”

“There’s always a chance, you just have to be ready to take it,” Claude said, moving to lead Linhardt back to the little cabin for the day. “Let’s rest today, and tomorrow let’s take this chance together.”