"Very recently actually. Right after I realized how you useful you are to me. For your ability to ensnare the mind. For your physical strength. And for your anti?social charm so reminiscent of Leticia's here. Not everybody would be automatically accepted to be my body guard, but you certainly qualify, my dear. Do not let your fears and inadequacies stand in the way, by the way. You have passed the test. You proved yourself. I accept you now. Yes, it is true?as unbelievable as it may be.?And you are very welcome, I know you will thank me later," Henry smugly reassured the vampire.

?

"Of course I consider it to be superior. I get to be my true self. My reflexes are faster. My instincts are sharper. My acuity and physical prowess are enhanced. And my mind is in the right place, implying it is uninhibited by?irrelevant considerations that plague lesser minds. It is similar to being a vampire,?only better. Vampires are primitive killers with some limitations. I am equally good at killing, and I?am not going to be caught sucking blood. And besides, some vampiric lore, though widely disbelieved in this rational age, is at least known. My?attributes and weaknesses are too individual to ever have been recorded. At least as far as I know.?You are rare, but still fairly common, you follow the same pattern as others of your kind. I am unique. There are none like me, not mentally, nor physically, with Rena here being the only exception I am hitherto aware of. I am unique, I am special, I am indeed a superior being. Far above ordinary humans, a predator in my own right.

?

It does seem regrettably like I have some limitations though, so I will accept your services. Rena?my darling, when you say that Caligari is not?easy to kill, let me preface my words with a qualification that I am not averse to a?slow methodical killing any more than Leticia here is. And yet, how shall we proceed with this. What makes this kill difficult and how can the difficulty be overcome?" Henry wondered, his friendly, wicked, light hearted expression turning into that of intense determination. ????