Light in the Dark (Young Dracula) 1

ch. 10: Blood Sport

Rugby tryouts were today and Vlad was excited to try. He was only able to convince his dad when Robin complained about how violent the sport was. Then the Count took it upon himself to teach Vlad plenty of ways to cheat in the game. 

The classes were all allowed to watch the tryouts and Anna sat with Robin, Chloe and even Ingrid. "Go Vlad go!" Chloe shouted her support. "Come on Robin, show some support for your best mate." She insisted.

"Ooo, rugby, so interesting." He spoke sarcastically and played with his fake bandages, the way he was able to get out of trying out.

"I'll join in with you Chloe. Go Vlad go!" Anna offered. 

"Thank you." 

"Go Vlad go!" They cheered together. Ingrid was only there to watch people get hurt which she thoroughly enjoyed.

But apparantly Robin was able to enjoy th sport when his friend played because he got pretty into it. "That's it Vlad! Tackle him! Tackle him!" He exclaimed. "No! Get up! It's only a knee, you've got another one!" He shouted. Chloe looked to him. "What?" He asked.

"I'm so proud of you. Who'd have thought? You're a real Branaugh after all." She said.

"Is he dead yet?" Ingrid called out from behind them.

"He's battered and bruised but he'll live." Chloe told her.

"What a shame." Ingrid commented. Once tryouts were over Anna was the first to leave the stands and see Vlad. It really did look rough for him and she wanted to make sure he was okay. Coach was down at the field with the team assigning numbers and positions. Up close Vlad looked worse, covered in mud and he was massaging his jaw.

"For showing bravery, determination, and a willingness to tackle anyone, the fly-half will be... Vladimir Count." The coach announced.

"Aw yes!" Vlad exclaimed.

"Yes!" Anna exclaimd as well as Robin and Chloe came up. 

"Did he make it?" Chloe asked.

"Yeah!" Anna confirmed.

"Great job Vlad!" Chloe exclaimed as he walked up. He hugged Robin and gave a quick hug to Chloe.

"Thanks. I'm on the team." He grinned. 

"Well deserved. You did great out there." Anna said, waiting for her hug. Vlad went in for a hug and may have held it slightly longer than the others.

"Thank you." He replied.

Back at the castle the Count held a celebration for Vlad complete with a confetti canon and paper crowns. "Here's to the glorious triumph of my son and heir, Vladimir Dracula!" He exclaimed. 

"Thanks dad." Vlad smiled happy for once to be praised.

"My noble son has bloodied his soul by deceit and cunning, he's triumphed!" The Count continued. But then Ingrid kicked the record player, ending the music.

"Except he didn't use deceit." She revealed, looking to ruin the celebration.

"Ingrid." Vlad whispered, hoping she would stop.

"Or break a single rule!" She continued.

"Ingrid!" Vlad spoke louder.

"Or cheat!" She finished and the Count sat in disbelief.

"Vladimir, is this true?" He asked.

"Yeah but I got on the team." Vald replied. 

"Waht?! You've dragged the name of our family through the mud and then poked it with stakes! Go to your room!" The Count spoke angrily.

"But-"

"Go to your room now!" the Count yelled, shaking the castle. Vlad hurried away and the count used his goblet to calm his nerves.

"I made at least three boys cry today and without even looking at them." Ingrid spoke proudly.

"Go to your room too." The count spoke quietly.

"But I haven't done anything!" Ingrid insisted.

"I know but when the bedroom door's closed I can't hear you talking!" The Count shouted.

"I hope you get tooth decay!" She shouted back and stomped off.