Читать книгу: «I am Dracula. An interview with the greatest vampire», страница 3

Chapter 2: Becoming a Vampire

Turning Vlad into a vampire

Vlad’s encounter with the vampire who turned him

Fose: So, Dracula, can you tell me about the first time you encountered the vampire who turned you into a vampire? Did you seek him out, or did he come to you? And what led to your initial meeting?

Dracula: Ah, the origin story. How quaint. I suppose I could indulge you, although I doubt you have the mental capacity to fully comprehend it. You see, I didn’t seek out the vampire who turned me, nor did he seek me out. It was a chance encounter, if you will. I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Fose: Can you elaborate on that?

Dracula: Elaborate? Very well. I was a warrior, fighting for my country and my people. I was a man of honor and principle, unlike most of the weak-minded fools of this era. One day, I stumbled upon a cave in the Carpathian Mountains. Inside, I found the vampire, slumbering in his coffin. It was then that fate decided to intervene.

Fose: And what happened next?

Dracula’s eyes glinted with a cold, detached amusement as he considered the magician’s question. What happened next is none of your business, he drawled, a sardonic smirk playing at the corners of his lips. Suffice it to say that the vampire turned me into a vampire, and my life was forever changed.

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest as he regarded the magician with a calculating gaze. You can’t even begin to comprehend the magnitude of that change, he continued, his voice dripping with contempt. I became immortal, with powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. I could move faster than the blink of an eye, sense things that no human could ever detect, and crush a man’s skull with a single blow.

A flicker of something almost resembling regret passed over his features, but it was gone in an instant. But with great power comes great responsibility, he intoned, his voice low and deadly serious. I had to learn to control my thirst for blood. I had to learn to exist in a world that I was no longer a part of. And I had to learn to do it alone.

He leaned forward, his piercing gaze fixing the magician in place like a butterfly pinned to a board. Do you have any idea what it’s like to live for centuries, never aging, never changing, always on the outside looking in? he demanded. To watch as entire civilizations rise and fall, as empires crumble to dust and new ones take their place? To see the same mistakes repeated over and over again, with no hope of ever seeing true progress?

He chuckled darkly, a sound like shards of ice raining down on glass. You humans are so limited in your scope, he said, a note of contempt creeping into his voice once again. You see only what’s right in front of you, never looking beyond the horizon to the infinite possibilities that lie beyond. But I…I have seen it all. And let me tell you, mortal, it’s not a pretty sight.

Fose: Impressive! Can you tell me about the nature of the vampire who turned you?

Dracula’s eyes glinted dangerously as he regarded Fose. The nature of the vampire? he repeated incredulously, as though the question itself was beneath him. You humans always want to categorize and label everything, don’t you? But some things are simply beyond your comprehension.

He paused for a moment, as if considering whether to reveal any more. Finally, he spoke again, his voice low and menacing. The vampire who turned me was no ordinary creature. He was powerful, cunning, and ancient, with a hunger for blood that could never be satiated. He had been alive for centuries, perhaps even millennia, and he had seen things that would drive a mortal mad.

Dracula’s voice grew colder, his eyes glinting with a fierce intensity. But make no mistake, he warned, he was no friend of mine. He saw something in me, some potential for darkness and destruction, and he exploited it. He turned me into a monster, a creature cursed to roam the night, forever hungering for the blood of the living.

As he spoke, the air around them seemed to grow chillier, and Fose couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down his spine. Dracula’s power was palpable, and his rage was all-consuming. It was as though he were reliving that fateful night, the moment when his life had been forever changed. And in that moment, Fose knew that he was in the presence of true evil.

Fose: And how did you react to the transformation?

Dracula: How did I react? I was terrified, of course. I had become something that I had previously thought was only a myth. But I soon realized the advantages of my new state. I was stronger, faster, and more powerful than any mortal. And I was immortal, free to roam the earth for eternity. It was a gift and a curse, all rolled into one.

Fose: Thank you for your time, Dracula.

Dracula: Don’t thank me, mortal. Your time is fleeting, and your existence is meaningless. But I suppose I should commend you for your feeble attempt at understanding the complexities of my life.

Reasons for Vlad’s selection

Fose: Dracula, I’m curious about the more circumstances surrounding your transformation into a vampire. What do you think made you stand out to the vampire who turned you?

Dracula: What could have possibly made me stand out to the vampire who chose to bestow the curse of immortality upon me? Was it my cunning, my ruthlessness, my unquenchable thirst for power and blood? Or was it something deeper, something hidden beneath the surface, something that even I myself have yet to fully comprehend?

You see, my dear magician, there are many theories as to why I was chosen. Some say it was my bravery in battle, others claim it was my unwavering loyalty to my people. Perhaps it was the mere fact that I was a prince, with a lineage that stretched back centuries. Or perhaps, and this is just speculation mind you, the vampire who turned me saw something within me that no one else could. A spark, a glimmer of potential that was just waiting to be unleashed.

But then again, who knows? Maybe it was just a whim of fate, a roll of the cosmic dice that landed me squarely in the path of this ancient creature. Whatever the case may be, I can say with certainty that my life was forever changed by that fateful night. And now, as I stand here before you, centuries later, I can’t help but wonder… what would have happened if I had never been turned? What kind of man would I be today? Would I still be a prince, or would I have met some other fate? These are questions that will never be answered, my dear magician. But then again, maybe that’s just the nature of life… full of mysteries and unanswered questions, just waiting to be uncovered.

Fose: Fascinating. And was there any particular purpose behind your transformation? Did the vampire who turned you have some grand plan in mind?

Dracula: Ah, the purpose of my transformation, a question that has haunted me for centuries. I cannot discount the possibility that there was a greater purpose behind my transformation. Perhaps the vampire who turned me foresaw some role that I would play in the grand scheme of things. Some part to be played in the great cosmic drama that unfolds around us all. Or perhaps he simply saw in me a vessel through which he could express his own dark desires and ambitions.

But regardless of the reasons behind my transformation, I have come to accept it as a part of who I am. A part of the endless cycle of life and death, of predator and prey, that defines the world of the vampire. And though I may never fully understand the motivations of the vampire who turned me, I can take comfort in the knowledge that I am a creature of power and immortality, destined to walk the earth for all eternity.

Rituals or processes involved

Fose: Dracula, can you tell us about any rituals or processes that were involved in your transformation into a vampire? Were there any specific ceremonies or preparations that were required, or whether there were any specific items or tools involved in the process?

Dracula: Ah, the transformation. It was not a mere process or ritual, but rather a culmination of events that led to my rebirth as a vampire. It was not something that could be achieved by a simple ceremony or a set of preparations. It was a journey that took me through the depths of darkness and the heights of enlightenment.

Fose: Can you elaborate on that? What do you mean by depths of darkness and heights of enlightenment?

Dracula: Ah, the depths of darkness and the heights of enlightenment. These are the two poles between which the journey to becoming a vampire oscillates. The depths of darkness represent the innermost depths of one’s being, where the primordial instincts reside. It is the place where one confronts their deepest fears, their darkest desires, and their most repressed emotions.

To embark on the journey of becoming a vampire, one must first confront the darkness within and accept it as an integral part of themselves. This involves a process of self-discovery and self-exploration, where one delves deep into the abyss of their being and faces their inner demons.

Once one has embraced the darkness within, they are ready to ascend to the heights of enlightenment. This is the stage where one gains a deeper understanding of the supernatural world and acquires the knowledge and power necessary to become a vampire.

The heights of enlightenment are characterized by a sense of clarity and focus. It is a state of heightened awareness where one is attuned to the subtle energies of the universe and able to harness them for their own purposes.

To reach the heights of enlightenment, one must master the art of meditation and visualization. This involves training the mind to focus on a single point and to visualize vividly the desired outcome. Through this process, one gains a greater understanding of the supernatural world and acquires the power to manipulate it to their advantage.

In summary, the journey to becoming a vampire is a complex and arduous one, requiring the individual to confront their innermost demons and to master the art of meditation and visualization. It is a journey that is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to embrace the darkness within and ascend to the heights of enlightenment.

Fose: Were there any specific tools or items that were involved in the process?

Dracula: Ah, tools and items. Yes, the process of becoming a vampire is a complex one, requiring not only mental and emotional preparation but also physical preparation. There are several tools and items that are necessary for the transformation to occur.

First and foremost, there is the need for a sacrificial altar. This altar must be constructed with the utmost care and precision, as it is the focal point of the transformation ritual. The altar must be made from materials that are both durable and symbolically significant, such as stone or wood. It must also be adorned with symbols and inscriptions that represent the powers and energies of the supernatural world.

In addition to the sacrificial altar, there are several other tools that are necessary for the transformation process. These include a ritual knife, a chalice, and various herbs and oils that are used for purification and protection. The ritual knife is used to make the necessary incisions and to collect the blood that is required for the transformation. The chalice is used to hold the blood and other substances that are used in the ritual. The herbs and oils are used to cleanse and purify the body and to provide protection against negative energies.

Of course, the most important item in the transformation process is the blood of a vampire. This blood is essential for the transformation to occur, as it contains the supernatural energies and powers that are necessary for the individual to become a vampire. Obtaining this blood is not an easy task, as vampires are notoriously secretive and difficult to find. However, for those who are dedicated and determined, there are ways to obtain this precious substance.

Once all of the necessary tools and items have been gathered, the individual must undergo a period of intense preparation and purification. This involves fasting, meditation, and various physical exercises designed to strengthen the body and prepare it for the transformation. Only after this period of preparation is complete can the individual proceed with the actual transformation ritual.

In conclusion, the process of becoming a vampire is a complex and demanding one, requiring not only mental and emotional preparation but also physical preparation and the use of specific tools and items. The sacrificial altar, ritual knife, chalice, herbs, and oils, and the blood of a vampire are all necessary components of the transformation process. For those who are dedicated and determined, the path to becoming a vampire is one that is filled with challenges and obstacles, but ultimately leads to a state of supernatural power and immortality.

Fose: Can you give us an example of these elements?

Dracula: Ah, an example you seek. Very well. Imagine a dark, misty forest, thick with the scent of damp earth and rotting leaves. The trees loom above you like towering sentinels, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. In the distance, you hear the mournful cry of a wolf, and the hooting of an owl. The very air seems to thrum with an energy that is both ancient and primal, and it sends shivers down your spine.

Now, imagine standing before an altar, draped in black silk, surrounded by flickering candles and strange, esoteric symbols etched into the stone. You hold a chalice in one hand, filled with a dark, viscous liquid that seems to pulse with a life of its own. You can feel the weight of centuries pressing down upon you, as if the very air is charged with the power of ages past.

These are but a few examples of the elements that were present in the process of my transformation. It is not a simple matter, to become a vampire. It requires a depth of dedication, and an understanding of the forces at play that is not easily attained.

Fose: That sounds quite complex. Were there any other challenges that you faced during the transformation process?

Dracula: The challenges that one faces during the transformation process are numerous and varied. One must overcome their fear of death, embrace their inner darkness, and learn to control their primal urges. It is not a journey for the faint of heart or the weak of will.

Fose: It has been a pleasure to learn about the process of becoming a vampire from someone who has experienced it firsthand.

Dracula: The pleasure is mine. May my journey inspire others to embrace the darkness within and become one with the undead.

The impact of Vlad’s transformation on his life

As I sit here in front of Dracula, I am struck by his commanding presence. His tall stature and muscular build hint at the immense power that lies within him. His skin is weathered, with lines and creases etched into his face, evidence of the countless centuries he has lived.

His eyes, however, are what truly capture my attention. They are dark and piercing, seeming to look right through me and into my very soul. There is a fire within them, a fierce intensity that speaks to the strength and determination that has carried him through the ages.

His hair is dark and thick, with strands falling across his forehead and framing his face. It is a sharp contrast to his pale skin, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance.

As I continue to study him, I am struck by the sense that I am in the presence of something truly remarkable. Despite his age and the countless challenges he has faced, Dracula exudes a vitality and energy that is infectious. It is clear that he is a being of immense power and strength, and I cannot help but feel honored to be in his presence.

Physical changes of becoming a vampire

Fose: Dracula, many people are curious about your physical appearance. As an immortal being, have you changed your physical form over time? Can you describe how you may have looked in the past?

Dracula: My physical appearance has indeed changed over time. As an immortal being, I have had centuries to experience various transformations. In my earlier years, I had a more youthful and vibrant appearance. My skin was smooth, my eyes were bright, and my hair was long and lustrous.

As time went on, however, my appearance began to change. My skin became more weathered and my eyes grew darker. My hair lost its sheen and began to thin. But even as my physical appearance has changed, my power and strength have only grown stronger.

Psychological toll of immortality

Fose: Do you ever regret becoming a vampire?

Dracula: Regret? No, I do not regret my decision. It is not something that one can undo, nor would I want to. Living forever may seem like a curse to some, but it has its advantages. I have witnessed the birth of great ideas and the downfall of tyrants. I have loved and lost, but I have also gained so much.

Fose: That’s a fascinating perspective. But with all of your experiences, do you ever feel lonely or isolated?

Dracula: Of course, there are moments when the weight of my existence can be overwhelming. When everyone around me is mortal, and I am not, it can be a lonely feeling. But I have found solace in my ability to adapt and embrace change. I have learned to appreciate the beauty in each passing moment and cherish the connections that I make with others. For example with you, dear friend.

Fose: That’s very nice, thank you. How do you cope with the passing of time and the changing world around you?

Dracula: I keep moving forward, always learning, always growing. There is always something new to discover, a new culture to explore, a new relationship to build. I have made mistakes in the past, but I have learned from them and strive to be better. Life is precious, and I intend to make the most of it, for as long as I can.

Impact of Vlad’s transformation on his life

Fose: I would like to explore the topic of your relationships with others after your transformation. Can you tell us about how your true nature affected those around you?

Dracula: Of course, my dear Fose. As you know, my transformation into a vampire was not a choice, but rather a curse bestowed upon me. I was forced to hide my true nature from those around me, for fear of being rejected or even hunted down like an animal.

However, as the centuries passed, I found that my relationships with others became increasingly complex. There were those who were fascinated by my immortality and the power it bestowed upon me, while others were repelled by the very idea of my existence.

I had to learn to navigate these relationships with care, for fear of revealing too much about myself and risking my safety. Some saw me as a monster, while others saw me as a savior, a protector of their kind.

And yet, despite these challenges, I remained optimistic. I found that there were those who could accept me for who I was, and even love me despite my differences. It was through these relationships that I was able to find a sense of belonging in this world, even as I struggled to hide my true nature.

So you see, my dear Fose, my relationships with others have been both a challenge and a blessing. Through them, I have learned to navigate the complexities of human emotion, and to find a place in this world that accepts me for who I am.

Feeding on human blood

Fose: So, Dracula, I’m sure you get this question a lot, but I have to ask – how do you deal with hunger and thirst as an immortal vampire?

Dracula: Oh, you know, just the usual. A quick sip here, a small nibble there. Keeps me going. (smiling).

And frankly, it’s the eternal struggle of a vampire. You see, my dear magician, it’s not as simple as just going to the nearest blood bank and filling up a jug. No, no, no. We vampires have standards, you know. We’re not just going to drink any old blood that comes our way. It has to be fresh, it has to be human, and it has to be… well, let’s just say, of a certain quality.

Now, you might be thinking, But Dracula, isn’t it difficult to find fresh, high-quality human blood on a regular basis? And to that I say, yes, yes it is. But that’s part of the challenge, isn’t it? It keeps things interesting. You have to be creative, you have to be resourceful. You have to think outside the box.

Of course, there are some vampires who aren’t as discerning as I am. They’ll drink any old blood they can get their fangs on. But not me. I have standards. I have taste. And I refuse to settle for anything less.

Now, as for the thirst itself… well, let’s just say it’s not pleasant. It’s like a constant itch that you can never scratch. But you get used to it, after a while. You learn to ignore it, to push it to the back of your mind. And when it becomes too much to bear… well, that’s when it’s time to go hunting.

Fose: And what about the emotional toll of taking lives? Have you ever struggled with that?

Dracula: Ah, the emotional toll of taking lives. What a fascinating topic, my dear magician. You see, as a vampire, I have a unique relationship with death. It’s not something that bothers me in the way that it might bother a human. After all, I myself am already dead, in a sense.

But that’s not to say that I take life lightly. No, no, no. I may be a bloodthirsty monster, but I do have some semblance of ethics. I don’t just go around killing willy-nilly, you know. There has to be a reason. A purpose. A justification.

Now, some might say that any reason for taking a life is unjustifiable. But those people clearly don’t understand the complexities of vampire society. Sometimes, a human needs to die in order to maintain the delicate balance of power between our kind and theirs. Sometimes, a human needs to die in order to send a message, to make a point, to assert dominance.

But that’s not to say that I enjoy it. Oh no. There’s nothing enjoyable about taking a life, no matter how necessary it may be. It’s a weight that I carry with me, a burden that I can never fully escape. But it’s one that I’ve learned to live with. After all, what choice do I have? I’m a vampire. It’s in my nature to hunt, to kill, to feed. I can’t change who I am. All I can do is try to minimize the damage that I cause, to be as careful and selective as possible. And if that means that I have to bear the emotional toll of my actions… well, so be it. It’s a small price to pay for immortality, don’t you think?

Fose: That’s certainly an interesting perspective. But what about any ethical dilemmas that may arise as a vampire? Have you ever faced any?

Dracula: Ethical dilemmas, the favorite topic of mortals. Let me tell you, my dear magician, being a vampire is not an easy feat. We constantly face ethical dilemmas – do we feed on innocent humans or try to find alternative sources? Do we use our powers for personal gain or do we stay hidden from society? These are the kind of questions that keep us up at night, or rather, during the day when we should be sleeping.

But let’s not forget the basic principle of survival – we need blood to survive. And as much as we try to be discreet and feed on animals, sometimes we slip up. And when we do, we face the consequences of our actions. The guilt can be overwhelming, especially if the person we fed on was innocent. But at the end of the day, it’s either us or them, and I choose me every time.

As for ethical dilemmas in the grand scheme of things, let me ask you this – do humans not face the same dilemmas? Do they not have to make tough decisions to survive or protect their own kind? The only difference is that we vampires have a more direct approach to our survival. So let’s not judge, shall we? We all have our demons to face, and mine just happen to be a little more… fang-y.

Fose: I see. And how do you satisfy your bloodlust? Do you have a preferred method?

Dracula: Well, I do have my preferences, but I like to keep things interesting. Variety is the spice of undeath, you know.

Bloodlust. The sweet nectar of immortality. Well, let me tell you, my dear inquisitor, it is a most delicate and intricate process. You see, not all blood is created equal. Oh no, there are subtle nuances to each and every drop that must be taken into consideration. The type of blood, the age of the donor, their health, their emotional state – all of these factors come into play.

But fear not, for I have spent centuries perfecting my craft. I have tried it all, from draining my prey completely dry to taking just a small sip, leaving them alive but weak. And let me tell you, there is nothing quite like the thrill of the hunt. The adrenaline that courses through my veins as I pursue my quarry, the anticipation of sinking my teeth into their flesh, the ecstasy of the first taste of their blood – it is all quite intoxicating.

But of course, I am not without my methods. I have honed my skills to ensure that my victims suffer as little as possible. I make sure to choose those who are already on the brink of death, so that their passing is swift and painless. And when I do take my fill, I always make sure to leave enough for them to survive, if only just.

So you see, my dear, bloodlust is not a simple matter of quenching one’s thirst. It is an art, a science, a delicate dance between predator and prey. And I, Dracula, have become quite the master of it.

Fose: I can imagine. But have you ever struggled with addiction or other negative consequences of feeding on human blood?

Dracula: Struggles? Negative consequences? No, my dear Fose, you misunderstand. There is no struggle, no negative consequences when it comes to feeding on human blood. It is the purest form of sustenance, a divine elixir that revitalizes my being, and fills me with boundless energy. It is not addiction, but rather a necessity for my survival.

Feeding on human blood is a sacred ritual that has been passed down through generations of vampires. It is an honor to partake in this timeless tradition and to experience the ecstasy that comes with it. The taste of blood is exquisite, each drop like a precious gem, and the power it grants me is beyond measure.

As a vampire, I do not suffer from the physical or emotional tolls that humans do. I am beyond such trivialities. Feeding on human blood is not a burden, but a gift that I am privileged to possess. It is a source of vitality that allows me to fulfill my purpose in this world.

So, no, my dear Fose, I have never struggled with addiction or negative consequences. Feeding on human blood is my life’s calling, my raison d’être. And I embrace it with open arms and a grateful heart.