Subdued moonlight fell in slivers against the forest floor, the clouds partially covering the otherwise incredibly bright moon. Despite the lack of adequate light Ash maneuvered through the roots and brambles quickly and quietly. As he delved further and further a sense of unease began to grow in the pit of his stomach. Something was off. The usual smell of pine was tainted by a hint of copper and iron, his mouth tasting the metal in the air. Blood was spilled somewhere. And it wasn’t very far. With one hand he reached behind his back, tugging at the straps that held the cloth bundle to his bag. Slowly the wrapping began to unravel as he slipped it from his shoulders. As the cloth fell away it revealed a long spear with a bright red tassel near the spearhead. The shaft was wooden with strips of steel reinforcing the weapon, the tip was a glittering metal that reflected the moonlight onto the trees. He gripped the spear loosely in his hand with practiced ease.<br/><br/><br/>He knew deep in his bones there was going to be trouble tonight. It didn’t help that throughout the night he had heard the unsubtle footsteps crashing through the woods behind him. At first he had thought it was most likely harmless, some curious townsperson trying to figure out what was going on. But now he figured it was more dangerous than anything. Something else resided in this forest and Ash was slowly figuring out just exactly his foe might be. He didn’t want it anywhere near anyone else other than himself. Although he also didn’t want to scare off his tail. If he confronted them they could run off into the forest and get themselves into more danger. For now Ash thought it best to leave them be until he could become the center of his foe’s attention where they could make their escape. A long sigh escaped his lips as he followed his nose towards the source of the metallic smell in the air. His follower was going to make a complicated situation much more difficult.<br/><br/><br/>The scent of blood became more and more apparent as he slipped through the trees, keeping his spear tucked underneath one arm and the cloth it resided in underneath the other. His eyes picked out what he was looking for. Beneath the trees and laying against a tree trunk was a slain deer. It was crumpled on the forest floor like a rag doll. Ash jogged slightly faster to approach the body and get a better look at it. He crouched down to the slaughtered creature and inspected its wounds. Long claw marks raked across its side and multiple puncture marks marred its body. The body seemed to be almost completely drained of blood other than what was spilt on the crumpled leaves surrounding it. Suddenly everything clicked in the monks head.<br/><br/><br/>“Why does it always have to be vampires... why can’t it ever be a simple dream spirit that can be blessed away or maybe even a bored mogwai. Anything other than a vampire nest...” Ash softly muttered to himself as he stood from the body. Now everything seemed to make sense. A vampire Wu shaman must’ve decided to use the forests plentiful spirits to cause the nightmares. Then they’d steal away the people too sleep deprived and defenseless to feed on them somewhere in the forest. At least this gave Ash a small amount of hope for finding survivors. Vampires tended to keep their blood-bags alive for as long as possible as to continue their feeding. Ash began to recount the number of people who’ve disappeared and he soon began to realize that this nest was anything but small.<br/><br/><br/>Ash stood from the corpse and was about to continue moving when he saw a figure shift in the corner of his vision. He cursed under his breath as he threw the clothe he was carrying onto the ground and gripped his spear in both hands. He cleared his throat as he took a stance. “I know you’re out there. Either come face me now or I’ll find you myself.” He shouted through the trees, his feet slowly pressing wider. His eyes wandered through the trees as he desperately tried to search for the person who was stalking him earlier. “And whoever was following me earlier better come to my side or run as fast as you fucking can back home if you want to survive.” He called once more, hoping his weapon would continue to make him the priority target away from his stalker.