Author's note: It's probably not canon, I just discovered this anime and was captivated, but I'm making it so it's okay for Twilights to kill normals IF there's a bounty on their heads. Otherwise this story can't occur.

It all started with a contract.

Nic watched with an evil smile as the pale haired man bickered with another guy. The man had the shittiest hairstyle, tousled on the top and shaved on the sides. His hair was jet black and his skin was pale and untanned, despite the fact that it was high summer. Nic couldn't make out most of what they were saying… too much back and forth and gesturing… but at one point in the conversation he caught a good look at the back-haired man's mouth. You fucking asshole was pretty easy to make out.

Neither of them were tagged so this would be an easy kill and the bounty said alive or dead. When he had that option, Nic preferred dead. Nic examined the blonde. He was wearing a white dress shirt, a blue vest with gold buttons and blue slacks. He looked like a rich asshole, to Nic's eyes, slumming it for some reason. Whatever, it was time to get this over with. Worick was at work but he hardly needed him for something this easy.

The argument reached some kind of conclusion and the pretty boy sniffed and started off, the black-haired fucker following behind him, mouthing dickwad at his back. Nic smiled as he jumped off the roof, landing neatly in front of them.

Nic was mildly surprised when the guy with the dumb haircut reacted with very good if normal speed, sweeping mister rich asshole behind him as he pulled a long knife. Nic just grinned at the stranger, who got a little wide-eyed as he saw the tags.

"It's a Twilight. What should I do?" Nic could clearly make out the words since the fucker wasn't taking his eyes off him.

"Kill him of course!" Oh really? Nic's grin widened as the guy looked pained.

"You want me to die? Well fine, it's what I'm for." And suddenly the idiot moved to attack. Nic cut him down as easily as breathing. The body fell and he neatly stepped over it. Blondie didn't try to run, which was smart, just looking at him expressionlessly and Nic didn't like that. He'd make the bastard –

His hypersensitivity saved Nic's life. He felt something behind him and managed to move just enough. The knife in his back missed his heart and spine, getting a lung instead. It was still a right proper fuck up and Nic looked over his shoulder, wide eyed, right into the face of a dead man. The bastard grinned and for one sick, crazy moment Nic wondered if he was looking into a mirror. He knew he grinned like that…

I suck at dying, don't I? Nic read the words on his lips even as darkness crept around his vision. The blade was pulled out of his body with a gout of bright red blood and acting with the last of his strength, Nic slashed the stranger again. This time he hardly reacted, just taking the blow and Nic realized there wasn't really any blood and sure as hell no organs just… just…

His sword clattered to the ground and Nic vaguely felt the kiss of asphalt before consciousness faded away.

Nic woke up to the sound of soft beeping and the sound of antiseptic.

Nic felt no real pain yet was careful not to move. Memories of that last battle played through his mind and he knew moving would set off an avalanche of pain for no good reason. Because he had to be at the clinic. But who had brought him here?

Prying open his eyes, Nic found that everything was blurry. A few quick blinks fixed that and he carefully looked around the room. To his sad amusement, Worick was there. He was asleep in a chair, his blonde hair spread messily and his head cocked at an angle guaranteed to cause muscle aches, when he finally woke. His mouth was half-open and Nic watched as his breath stirred his hair. Maybe Worick was snoring. Nic knew what that vibration would feel like, how Worick's chest would thrum under his hands.

Then little Nina walked into the room and Nic could easily read her lips. He's awake! Then she was running out and Nic glanced at Worick. He was lifting his head, blinking blearily before grimacing and rubbing his neck. Then a single blue eye widened and the face of his friend, owner and lover turned towards him.

"Nico, thank god," and Worick was there, by his side, gently taking his hand. Nic was aware of how large Worick's hands were, yet how surprisingly gentle they could be. "We almost lost you," Worick said and Nic swallowed, feeling a strange pain deep in his chest. He was twenty-eight. Did it even matter if he died… but yes. Yes, it mattered, he wanted those last few years with Worick.

Im FiNe. Speaking was a tremendous effort but with the IV's and tubes, signing was out of the question. Worick winced before picking up a cup and putting a straw between his lips. The taste of water kindled his thirst and Nic sucked it down eagerly, enjoying every drop.

"I'd ask what happened but you can tell me when you're better," Worick said as he drank. Then Dr. Theo sauntered into the room and began checking him over and saying things. Nic could have read his lips but didn't bother, closing his eyes. He was tired but mostly he wanted to think. Nic carefully replayed the final moments of that fight in his mind. He'd cut the man and there hadn't been much blood. Just raw, red muscle, like meat. And beneath that, where there should have been organs there had been… plant fibres? Nic tried to focus on the memory. Yes, something like a dried frond. And had there been string or wires…? He wasn't sure but he'd seen the glint of something metallic.

Nic wasn't ready to come to any conclusions yet but he knew he was going to find those two again. Not for the bounty, though. Not at all.

He wanted an explanation.

The first person to get an explanation, though, wasn't Nic. It was Worick.

It was three days before his lung was healed enough that they got all the tubes out. There had been tubes in his chest, draining the fluids and letting his lung inflate properly. It hadn't hurt much but Nic was glad to see them go, it had been itching like crazy. And the IV's came out and Nic was finally allowed out of bed, to his utter thankfulness. Using a bedpan really sucked.

Of course, that meant he could sign and that meant Worick wanted an explanation.

"What the hell happened out there? And why didn't you bring me with you?" Worick's expression was calm but Nic knew he was angry. Angry that he'd been left behind, thinking Nic was trying to protect him because he was normal. And the shitty thing was, that wasn't it at all.

I didn't bring you because I thought it would be easy. Just a bounty on a normal for selling bootleg Celebrer, Nic signed, remembering the bounty on the wall that'd caught his attention. He didn't like bootleg Celebrer, it was usually cut with other crap and the users often died. He looked like a dandy I could take in my sleep. I didn't think I needed you and you were busy. Really, he did jobs like that all the time. Worick met his eyes and after a moment, nodded.

"Alright, I accept that. What went wrong?" Nic knew his friend well and from the minute relaxation, he knew Worick accepted his story. Well…

He had a bodyguard. He tried to attack me so I killed him. I stabbed him right in the heart. Self-defense was allowed and the normal HAD tried to kill him. I stepped over his body and was about to kill the dandy when he stabbed me in the back. Worick stared at him, his blue eye widening. He wasn't a normal. I don't know what he was. When he stabbed me I cut him a second time and he didn't bleed right. In retrospect Nic should have noticed that when he'd cut the asshole down the first time. But who looked for that? Of course people bled, it's what they do! I could see into his body and there weren't any organs.

"…That is complete bullshit," Worick said and Nic glared. Yes, it was a fucking unbelievable story but it was the truth! "What was in there if it wasn't organs? I mean, it wasn't empty right?" Worick looked like he thought Nic might be losing his mind. Well, fuck. Feeling a bit despairing, Nic signed the last part.

It looked like dried plants. Something glittered, it might have been wire. And I think I saw string. Like, hemp? Nic threw up his hands before signing strongly. I know it's fucking insane but this is what happened! Yes, it was completely batshit insane but it was real. Worick took a deep breath before shaking his head.

"Well, we'll just stay away from them. Some shitty bounty on a Celebrer dealer isn't – what?" Nic was shaking his head firmly.

We are going to find them, together. We are going to demand an explanation. Nic signed firmly. A thought was percolating in the back of his mind but he wasn't going to share it with Worick yet. He hadn't quite decided on it and this was his choice. If it was real and not some kind of mirage tormenting him.

"You're curious?" Worick asked, frowning and Nic just met his gaze impassively. With all their years together he was sure Worick could sense that wasn't it. But he wasn't backing down, wasn't pulling away. Nic held Worick's gaze until the other man exhaled before signing. If this is what you want I'll back you up all the way. I just want to know why. The signing suddenly seemed more intimate than the lip-reading and Nic felt a twist in his heart. That made him want to tell Worick, but the nebulous idea in his mind was just that, nebulous.

I'm not even sure yet. I just need to know. Nic signed back and Worick's eyes bored into his or a moment longer before the blonde man nodded. Then he smiled before pulling a cigarette out.

"Well, it's going to be interesting. I'll be behind you all the way," he said lightly and Nic gave him a rough side-hug. "Hey now, watch it!" Worick laughed before lighting his cigarette. Nic just enjoyed staying with him, taking it easy.

He wasn't fully recovered yet but as soon as he was, the benriya would be on the hunt.

It took a week after he was recovered to pin down the two strangers. And when they finally caught up with them, it was mildly amusing.

"Hacky… sack. Hacky… sack. Hacky hacky hacky SAC! Hacky… sack. Hacky… sac. Hacky hacky hacky SAC!" The guy who was bad at dying was outside, in the street, tossing a beanbag ball from one foot to the other. When he got to the 'hacky hacky hacky SAC' part he pulled some kind of trick with it. Nic had to admit he was very good at it, whatever the hell this was exactly. Although what in fuck was a hacky sac anyway and why was he wasting his time with it? Was this some kind of agility training?

Giving up on figuring it out, Nic gently touched Worick's shoulder before moving like the wind.

"Hacky – buh?" A foot hit nothing but air as the ball was snatched away. Nic bounced it on his palm, grinning, as the stranger looked at him. Grey eyes stared at him blankly before going wide. "Oh, shit." He looked very calm, too calm, and Nic could pick up the controlled fear. Interesting from someone who apparently couldn't die. "I was absolutely certain I'd killed you."

FunNy I tHouGHT tHe saMe ABOuT yoU. Nic said before dropping the ball. It hit the ground with a sad thump. TeLl me whAT you aRe. Nic hated talking this much but he didn't know if this asshole knew sign language and he wanted Worick to cover them. The black-haired man just met his gaze evenly, his expression still perfectly composed.

"It doesn't matter. I'll defend my master with everything I have. Shall we begin?" He took a martial art stance and Nic shook his head.

No. Fuck Your MaSTer. TeLl me! Nic demanded, feeling tight as a wire. The answer to his question might change everything or nothing. The man stared at him for a moment before finally giving him what he wanted.

"I'm a kind of zombie, but an extremely advanced one. The only true way to kill me is fire. Does that satisfy you?" Nic's hands closed into fists but not because he was angry. No, that was the answer he wanted.

I waNT to be LiKe YOU! Nic said and the man in front of him suddenly left his martial art pose, his expression one of shock. Make me LiKe YoU! The zombie's eyes dropped, resting on his dog tags for a moment.

"Are you in your thirties, Twilight?" he asked and Nic didn't bother to answer, just staring at him. Vaguely, he wondered what Worick was thinking of this. The stranger sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's… possible my master could do that. He's a powerful wizard and he likes necromancy. But the ritual for it is so old school… I don't know. He would have to – NO!" The man lunged at him but it was laughably slow. Nic danced back –

And was caught by surprise as the other man was hit with three red, glistening darts, cast from on high. One grazed his shoulder but the other two went through his back, causing him to stumble. Then he turned away and Nic could feel the vibrations that meant he was shouting. A window slammed open above and the blonde haired man was leaning out. Nic held up a hand to tell Worick not to shoot as he read that man's lips. You fucking idiot was about the nicest part. Then the zombie was shaking a fist at the blonde who – Nic blinked as the guy in the window made an obscene gesture before vanishing.

Nic easily felt the movement as Worick joined him. He didn't look at his partner, though, too intent on the scene in front of him. The front door slammed open and the… wizard?... kept berating his zombie bodyguard. The zombie was hand-waving wildly and Nic was sure this was noisy as fuck.

Very abruptly, it turned physical. The zombie lunged and tackled the blonde and it turned into a wrestling match. A dirty one, with plenty of hair pulling, some biting from the blonde, choke holds and one good hit to the balls. Nic made a mental note that zombies had balls of steel, from what he was seeing. Finally they both seemed to get it out of their system and by some mutual agreement, they separated. The blonde was breathless and disheveled while the zombie wasn't breathing hard at all, but did look frazzled.

"Do you know sign language? My friend is deaf." Nic read Worick's lips easily and shook his head. The blonde looked surprised before fluidly signing.

Yes actually my sister is deaf and can't lip read to save her life. Well, that would be useful. This idiot can sign too although he mostly knows slave sign. What?

Fuck you I sign fine just because I was stupid stop making fun of me you piece of shit – Then the zombie got slapped upside his head. There was a 'I am going to wring your neck' gesture but the blonde ignored him. I am Robert. The zombie gestured, spelling out his name.

I am Maximillian von Ashbael the Sixth. However, you may call me Max. Nic thought he really did seem like a rich asshole. That might be good though. What do you want if you're not here to kill us?

"He wants you to make him into a zombie like me," Robert answered the question aloud and the blonde man blinked slowly at him before gesturing.

Why in the world would you want that? He's no stronger than a mortal man and no drugs work on him. Nic blinked at the thought. He… wouldn't be a Tagged anymore? That suddenly gave him an unsettled feeling in his gut. He didn't like being a Twilight, who would like that bullshit? But it was what he was, Nic's identity. The thought of losing it was… scary. Still.

I am TweNTY-EIghT. Nic growled, looking at Worick. He just looked back but Nic could see the sudden hope in him, tempered with a great deal of caution. It ISn'T EnougH. He needed more. More time with Worick, more time on this earth. Seeing a dead man stand up had given him a dream. You will make this happen. You owe us. Max looked outraged while Robert smiled, just a touch.

Owe you for not killing us? Are you insane? The gestures were quick and agitated. Nic smiled at him slowly. The little asshole was not intimidated at all and Nic met angry blue eyes. I am a very powerful wizard you know!

"Boss – " Then Robert was pulling Max so they were facing away and putting their heads together. Nic glanced at Worick and tapped his ear but Worick shook his head. He couldn't make out what they were saying either. Nic was willing to bet they were discussing their chances, though. He hoped they came to the right decision. There was suddenly more hand waving and Nic glanced at Worick. He was holding back a laugh. At times like this, Nic really wished he could hear.

"Fine! Fine!" The wizard was facing him now and suddenly signing. Fine I can do it but damn it do you know how EXPENSIVE that ritual is? You must pay for it! It requires six ounces of gold flakes! …what…?

You are rich you can pay, Nic quickly signed but then Max slapped his hands together with a scowl.

If I were rich would I be selling my handmade Celebrer?! That stoped Nic because shit, it was true. Why would a rich asshole be selling Celebrer on the street? Shorty was just a dandy, not rich. I cannot – Robert had tapped blondie on the head.

Gold symbolizes forever. Gold is eternal. Are there modern materials that can substitute? Robert gestured and Nic wondered exactly what they were going on about. Update the ritual. You have to anyway, half the ingredients are crazy.

"Yes, you are right," the wizard said aloud, a suddenly dreamy look on his face. "Yes, yes. The fibres of the sacred plants, where would we even get them? But my ancestor noted all the properties needed. I can update the ritual and bring it into the modern era. Yes! I can do this!" Sudden manic enthusiasm lit his face. "And if I do it once I can do it again and finally get rid of this clod – ARGH!" Robert had very neatly given him a wedgie. "YOU – " There was a sound a little like a gun going off, a little like a balloon breaking. The zombie went flying away and hit a brick with a resounding thud. The grimace on his face indicated it was painful as he slowly slid down. The dandy began frantically adjusting his clothing. "I need to work on this! Come back in a week. I'll have a better idea then. Robert, come!" Nic looked at the zombie and frowned. He'd slid down the wall and left a large smear of… something… on it. Robert was still grimacing.

Was that bits of bone embedded in the wall?

"I said come!" Nic suddenly hated the little dandy as the zombie jerked forward, falling onto his face. The way his legs moved was… weird… as if he couldn't control them.

"Stop it! You've broken his back!" Nic could read Worick's lips in profile and he pulled his lips off his teeth, knowing it had to be true. Robert was pulling himself with his arms, pained grimace on his face as his legs dragged uselessly.

"He deserved it for pushing me that far and I know exactly what he is capable of! Keep your nose out of this!" Max glared at them furiously and Nic's hand dropped to the hilt of sword. He gripped it so hard his hand hurt as Robert kept dragging himself forward.

DoN'T treaT him LikE a DoG. Nic said, feeling a deep, dark rage in his heart. The wizard was treating the zombie like a Tag and somehow, it was worse because he wasn't a Tag. He was a man and even if he was a dead man he deserved better than to be dragged around with a magical leash.

"Calm down," Robert looked like he was having trouble speaking. His legs were twitching, though, gradually starting to move. "I was out of bounds. I apologize, master. Please forgive me." Robert managed to pull his knees beneath him into a kneeling position, his head down. Max stepped over to him and Nic had to dig his fingernails into his hands as the arrogant little asshole stepped on his head.

"Your current humility will last for a day, if that. Save your worthless apology and come with me, now," the wizard said acerbically before removing his foot and going back into the house. Robert breathed heavily for a moment before pulling himself to his feet and looking at them both. Then he lifted his hands with a small smile as if to say it is what it is. Then he followed his master inside.

After a moment of silence, the benriya turned away. As they walked, Worick drew out a cigarette and glanced at him before he signed.

Are you sure about this? That shrimp is a little prick. Nic grunted a laugh before gesturing a reply.

This could be my chance. I have to follow it. He just wanted more time. He'd always wanted more time, time to spend with Worick, time to see the sun and feel the wind on his face, time. Could be expensive. We will make it work. Hopefully they wouldn't need six ounces of gold. Worick breathed out a cloud of smoke.

Yes, we will. I just hate that little asshole. Nic met Worick's gaze and saw a darkness in his blue eye, a darkness that matched his own. They both had strong feelings about being used and abused. Nic's mind went bad, bad places as he lifted his hands to gesture.

I hate him too.