The InkWell Writing Challenge

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Author's note: I have decided to expand on the story of my previously submitted work Blood and Bronze. The series will dwell on the prequel and how it all started. Each of the stories in the series can stand alone, yet will from time to time have recurring characters. I hope you will stay with me for the rest of the journey.

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Series Title: Sanguine and Steel

“I swear Leo, you and these scavenger hunts of yours could probably reduce the world's problem on land pollution.”

“I'll take that as a compliment any day cara mia, but there's really something I've got just for you on this little trip of ours.”

My mouth was caught in the shape of an 'O', expressing my surprise at his statement as I watched Leo glance back at me, clear mischief evident in his deep golden gaze.

Nobody expected a vampire of his calibre to spend his days rediscovering the next supposed innovation humankind decided to make-- but was also quite eager to get rid of all due to a minor glitch-- before he would salvage what remained and make it work all together.

Away from human knowledge, whatever the great Leonardo made became an invaluable contribution to our otherwise secret society of vampires.

“You sure this isn't just your way of rubbing whatever it is you're about to show me into Vlad's face?” I asked him lightheartedly while trying to keep up with his long strides. I glanced up just in time to notice his usually carefree demeanor turn grim, “That brother of yours? I'm afraid no one has yet to invent something that'll help pull that stick out of his culo, you get what I mean?”

I felt the tense atmosphere dissipate as fast as it appeared as I watched Leo wink back at me, a smug smirk on his face. To many others, it was no surprise to see Leo and I together due to our family's common social circles, however it still remained a mystery what brought on his falling out with my brother when they used to be quite the closest friends.

“We're here.” I stopped beside Leo and curiously stared at the tattered cloth draped along the wall. I raised an eyebrow in question as I glanced up at Leo, only to see the amusement in his eyes as he raised an index finger to his lips, murmuring his reply, “Seems like the concealing hologram actually works eh? But that's not the only thing I'm about to show you.”

Before I could question Leo any further, he pulled aside the tattered cloth to reveal a hidden entrance to what I could only describe as a clash between a futuristic or steampunk-themed bunker.

“Is this.. like your workshop or something?” I slowly made my way inside as I glanced at the rotating cogs that made up one wall, trailing my eyes towards the ceiling that reflected at least a dozen images of what was currently happening across the world. “This is all.. pretty cool...” I finished lamely, more at a lost for words than anything else.

“If you think that's cool, you'll be awed at what they have managed to create this time around.” 'They' meaning the humans; Leo always favored being around them more than his own kind, with me being a curious exemption. I was pulled away from my moment of wonderment as I heard Leo call my name from a farther room, following the deep bass of his voice, I gasped in horror as I finally saw the only thing that laid inside that room.

“Leonardo! Is that--”

“It's not, cara mia. Come and have a closer look.”

The sudden seriousness in his tone had me doing just that, my other senses keeping up as I noticed the absence of the scent of blood from the body before me. I finally confirmed for myself that this 'man' was in fact not human once I caught a glimpse of his severed arm, wires were in place instead of the usual blood and gore that I would have expected.

I jumped slightly in place as I felt Leo place a heavy hand on my shoulder, turning me slightly towards him so that he had my full attention for whatever he was about to say next.

“Kiera, I'll be leaving this man in your care. He could very well be humanity's next salvation.”