Chapter 4

The Rise of New Ranks

Well, the day had come. Whatever he had planned for her she'd approach it headstrong and with dignity. Still, it confused her about why he wanted her to meet by the large sewer line. To her it was an entry way to a dank, stinky, and often rat infested place. But to them it was a home away from home. A place where their fellow monsters could go to prepare for the real world above. Even though a lot had left the Underground, some decided to stay behind until they were ready to face the humans. Meanwhile they could train and relax all they wanted.

"Where is she? I told her at exactly eleven o'clock this morning yeah? Come on girl, where are you?" he asked, realizing it was already two minutes passed the scheduled time.

If she didn't show of then his friends would be plenty pissed at him for wasting almost half their day, especially Ela who'd taken time off from the club to help out. But just when he was about to give up and return inside, he heard her pull up; riding Axel as always. It seemed she decided to wear her normal biker gear. Good it would help not to worry those still living below.

"You're late." he sternly told her.

"I know, I'd lost some of my gear this morning and was running all over to find it. Please don't be mad with us." she asked of him as she bowed.

Though he was one to mostly be on time, he knew there were those days when things just didn't seem to go as planned.

"It's cool, just as a friendly tip though, get a belt or something to carry your stuff." he told her as Axel transformed into a blade for her.

Before they could enter the huge pipe though, a loud yell could be heard coming up on them as he looked back.

"Alucard!" he heard.

Looking back he saw his partner running at him with all she had; sand flying into the air as she cast a deadly glare at him.

"Crap crap, alright just go straight and you'll find a wall. Push on it and you'll see an elevator. Pull the lever and you're there." he told her while preparing for her.

"But what about the others?" she asked, not knowing what the others looked like.

"Here's a picture, find them and get started. I'll join you when we're done here."

"Will you be alright?" she asked worryingly.

"Heh, the worst she can do is kick my ass. Now go!" he shouted.

Knowing this information she did as he said while he prepared for his partners assault.

"You promised me yesterday you dick!" she shouted.

"Come on Juls, it's just a game. Look, I promise later today I'll come play with you. I promise!" he pleaded.

"Too late!" she replied angrily as a wave of matter appeared behind her.

"Mother..." he whimpered as it crashed down on him.

All she could hear were a bunch of grunts and yells as she moved along the tunnel. Though for a sewer pipe it was rather clean. No mold or gunk on the walls, no rats, barely any water, it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. But when they approached the wall Axel stopped her so they could talk.

"Are you sure about this Rachel? I know you're determined to do this, but what if something goes wrong?" he asked while sitting in her hand.

"I know, I'm worried to, but if it means protecting our little child then I'll take those risks." she said before giving the wall a good shove.

"Our child?" he asked

"I mean my child! Yeah, ehehe." she corrected herself nervously as the door slid open.

Their minds were distracted though when they saw what was hidden from them for so long. A whole city made from wood and pipes that ran under their very own. And down below, monsters, a lot of them. It almost surprised him the most. How hadn't someone found it? It was probably protected by an illusion spell or something similar.

"Well, you ready?" he asked as she stepped into the elevator.

"Yeah, you'll be with me right?" she asked before grabbing the lever.

"Until the end." he promised as they both descended into the new city.

With her visor pulled up everything became a lot clearer. What an amazing sight for the both of them, even if it seemed a bit run down in comparison to their own home. It still had a charm that both liked.

"You did remember to call the babysitter right?" he asked while thinking of the child.

"Mhm."

"Good girl."

After hitting the bottom floor though the nerves began setting the best of her as she flipped her visor down. Seeing so many monsters one place, it wasn't something she was use to. Shoot, Axel was really the only monster she knew. Not to mention she knew nothing about who was down there. There could have been molesters or even rapists.

"You're nervous aren't you?" he asked.

With a nod of her head she answered as he took her right hand.

"It's okay, we'll be fine. Do you still have the picture?"

"Yeah, here." she said before handing it to him.

"Perfect, just hold on. I'll find 'em for us." he told her in his soothing voice.

If she was leading them it would have taken all day, but with him, mere second. With the photo raised his blue eyes turned green as he scanned the images. With this he could run through all being around them, no matter how far away, and pin point their location so long as nothing was in the way. Person by person he scanned until he found a good match.

"Straight ahead." he told her before taking the first step.

Looking around there weren't many families to be seen, but there were no shortage on little kids running around. What were they? Like she knew, the world of monsters still made her question things.

"When I was a kid I always thought monsters were just things of fairy tails. Nothing like this." she said out of the blue.

"That's something you'll learn. In the olden days they use to kill and devour humans, but after the great Hunt many fled for their lives. Knowing someone could and would kill you on sight isn't a good feeling Rachel."

"I know, but it's still weird you know?"

"Indeed, even I feared for my life after encountering my first owner. But after hearing about this place I decided to hitch a hide on a cargo boat and chill here for a while. I thought I told you this."

"You did, but why leave?"

"Heh well let's just say my previous owner in the U.K didn't take kindly to what I really was. You should have seen him, running like a little wimp. I thought young people today liked large robots." he scoffed.

"Hehe well I like you." she told him before hugging his metal arm.

Could robots blush? Because if he could he would have been a deep red. Even from a human woman it still felt good to have her softer body pressed against his. They'd only known each other for a month, but even then he felt a connection between them both.

"Yeah, also they're just ahead." he pointed out.

"Yay!" she cheered as they came up on the ground.

Among them stood a tall man with grayish skin, eyes with no pupils, and who wore an old army uniform. Next to him was a girl who stood at about her height, white hair, red eyes, must have been another vampire. And lastly stood a dark-skinned boy who had a buzz cut, and who wore only a tank top and jeans. Were these really the people he'd told her about.

"Excuse me, are you friends with Alucard?" Axel asked as they approached.

"Yep, and you two must me Rachel and Axel. My brother said you two kind of stole his thunder yesterday." she said.

"Oh yeah, sorry about that." she said with a nervous chuckle.

"Don't be, he needs to be taken down a peg every once in a while. Anyways, I'm Ela, his younger sister, this is Jerel, his best friend and my lover, and this big guy here is Frank, our instructor."

"Wow, you're pretty big." Rachel said to Frank.

"Thanks little lady, I was made that way. And you, you're quite the tall guy yourself. Put her there." he told Axel before extending his hand for a shake.

"It's a pleasure for me as well." he replied before giving his hand a good grip.

"Grrr, good grip you got there." he said before letting go.

Someone was missing though as Ela looked around for her brother.

"Before we get started, have you seen my brother? I swear he said he'd be here." she questioned.

"He's, caught up in something right here." she answered.

"Oh, huh, well maybe he'll come by later."

"Maybe, but for now it's time we get this show on the road." Jerel said as he pulled out a laptop.

So what exactly were they going to do? She still had no clue as to what was going on, but they seemed to know everything. While standing there she watched as Jerel typed something in while his girlfriend opened up a panel attached to a large pole that sat beside them.

"Alright, I think we're all set here. You two ready?" she asked.

"For what exactly?" she asked nervously.

"For your fight. This is but step one to becoming one of us, that is if you're not too chicken." Ela teased.

"Now you, don't go scaring her like that. Look, everyone has to do this, no questions asked. So unless you feel like backing out now, get in there and let's see what you got." Frank told her as he opened the door to the large arena.

Why was she getting so nervous? She'd done this plenty of times before. So why now? Was it because of what Alucard had told her about being a protector? Or maybe it was the risk of losing, and in such losing the chance to become something better for her little Tanner.

"If you're not feeling up to it, you're always welcome to quit." Jerel told her as she struggled with her decision.

"It's now or never. Either way, we've got things to do." Ela said before grabbing the gate.

"Wait! We'll do it." she answered.

"Rachel, are you sure? After all, you've only just gotten the hang of wielding me a few days ago."

"Yeah, I'm sure." she answered before they entered the arena.

"Alright, but if at any time you feel unable to continue just call out to me." Frank told her.

With all that in mind the anticipation and nerves were getting to her. What kind of vile creature would they be pitting her against? Nothing too dangerous she hoped while entering the circular space. Once inside, it was on as Jerel activated the barrier around her. Now that surprised her as she looked around in a panic.

"Relax, it's only a barrier to ensure the safety of everyone else here. Like Frank here said, if you're not up to it just give us a signal and we'll be good to go." Jerel told her.

"You think she's got a chance?" Ela asked.

"Hard to say. If she's been doing this before, then yeah there's a chance she could win, but then again we've ready something a little special." he answered before hitting Esc

And just like that the test began as the gates before them opened up. At first all they could hear were a few growls, then from the darkness jumped a creature that looked like a cross between a dog and a monkey. Even its tail had a set of claws. The scales along its back stood up as its piercing yellow eyes glared at them with such hate and hunger.

"Ahuizotl, male, it's back and head are protected by armor like scales that protect it from enemy fire. Solution? Its underside." Axel told her while examining the creature.

"Seems simple enough." she said as he transformed into a katana.

To her it seemed like a simple enough enemy, but this beast had more tricks up its sleeves, and it was prepared to use them at all cost. With her mind-set though she charged forward as the creature pulled back its head. With her eyes on the prize she raised she sword, but not before getting blasted by one of its howls. It wasn't finished with her yet. With its prey down it lunged at her tail claws first as they tried stabbing her in the heart, but with a quick roll she was able to cheat death.

"Who's this again?" Ela asked.

"Prisoner A26, Ahuizotl. Caught devouring a mother and her children around a month ago. It was to be executed a few weeks from now, but I decided to let it have a bit of fun before its end comes." Frank replied with a satisfied grin.

"You're joking right? You're really throwing something that dangerous at her?" Ela asked curiously.

"Yep." was all he gave her.

"Ah...run girl run!" she cried out.

"I know!" she cried out as the beast kept scratching away at her leather suit.

Though she'd faced several monsters before, they seemed tame compared to this thing. Its speed was much faster, its body was much more nimble, and that tail was really getting on her nerves. But then it hit her, if she dodged at just the right time perhaps she could get the jump on it. It was worth a shot at least.

"Axel, I'm gonna try something a little crazy okay?" she told him before lifting him up.

"Wouldn't be the first time." he replied before charging the blade with his energy.

"True that." she replied before charging forward.

The timing need to be perfect, or else she'd find herself in a world of trouble. With its eyes focused on her, it opened its maw to let out another sound wave, but this time she was ready. Judging by how wide it was last time, she easily spun to the side as the wave hit the barrier. And with step one down step two began as she swung her blade up, in an attempt to reveal its vulnerable underbelly.

"Now Rachel, finish it!" Axel called out as she swung up.

But as Frank knew, killing it wouldn't be that easy.

"Heh, it's not gonna work." he said.

And right he was. Instead of taking the hit, it used its claw tail to grab a hold of her weapon; pulling it from her hands before lunging for her.

"Rachel!" he called out as he transformed back.

Her life was over, or so she though, before her partner grabbed its jaws. With all his strength he kept it from biting off his fingers, but power would only last so long. Sooner or later he'd have to let go, unless he wanted no fingers. But how could they beat it? She wasn't strong enough to pierce its back, and the thing was too clever quick for them to flip it. They were running out of options.

"Arg, Rachel listen to me. Ugh, do you see a glowing orange button on my back?" he grunted while his fingers began chipping.

"Huh, oh yeah. This one?" she asked as she touched the surface.

"Yeah, do you really trust me?"

"Yeah of course."

"Rachel..." he replied in his suspicion.

"Axel..." she exclaimed.

"Not helping. Listen, you need to trust me on this. You see that glowing button on my back? Push it, but I need you to be with me on this. Now, do you trust me?" he asked while pushing back.

They had only met a month ago, but in that time he'd saved her hide many times. And now, it was her turn to help him. With her mind clear she reached for the button; giving it a good push. Afterwards, things got a little more interesting. While pulling her hand away glowing blue lines began appearing all over her body.

"W-What's happening?" she asked, worried as her body began tingling.

"Just focus on me." he replied before letting go.

"Alright, I trust you." she softly replied as the lined enveloped her body.

Who knew if this would work, but it was better than letting her get eaten. While inside the void of light she could heard gears clicking and turning.

"What's going on? Where's Axel?" she asked worryingly while looking around.

But like an angel from heaven she heard his voice echo inside her head.

"You're not alone in this, and I'll prove it to you now!" he exclaimed with great passion.

She could feel it, the support she needed to move forward, to protect those important to her. It was unimaginable as she felt herself meld with the light.

"Thank you Axel, please give me your strength." she asked while smiling.

"Very well, now, let's continue shall we?" he asked as the arena came back into view.

Everything appeared normal, everything except her. While their opponent was busy regaining its vision she noticed something different about her hands and legs, they were made of metal. Not only were they, but every inch of her body vanished under the metal body. She couldn't believe it, even her body was shaking as she tried comprehending what just happened.

"Relax, I can feel your heart rate increasing. What I've done is rare among other monsters, but it should help." he told her.

"What is it though? And why do I feel so normal?" she asked while moving around in her body.

"Our bodies and spirits are now one, and you now have control over my power. Just visualize what you want, and let it rip." he answered.

The feeling of trust and confidence overwhelmed her as she saw the beast recover from its blindness, and with her new powers who knew what she was capable of. Well, there was only one way to find out. As it charged up for another blast she focused only on what she needed.

"Alright think Rachel, shock-wave, something that's faster." she thought before extending her right arm.

In her mind an image appeared as her arm began shifting and turning; changing into just what she needed to give her an edge in battle. Before her was a large plasma blaster; charged and ready to let loose.

"Excellent, now show it what you've got." Axel said as she took aim.

There were no questions there as she pulled the trigger in her mind. With a loud boom the bolt of plasma launched; slicing right through its shockwave attack before hitting its mark inside its mouth. Unfortunately she wasn't unscathed as the wave threw her back.

"It seems we've damaged him, to an extent." he told her as she caught her balance.

"So what now? Just go with what feels right?" she asked as the beast roared in pain.

"Precisely."

"Good enough for me." she said with a satisfied grin.

While in pain it also gave them the perfect opportunity to deliver a second strike. With her arm switch from a gun to a sword she charged forward while it threw its claws forward in trying to stop her, but it proved useless as she dodged left and right, before cutting off its main method of attack, its tail.

"This is incredible, I feel so much more nimble and free."

"Heh that's my partner. Now you're truly wielding me!"

"And it feels great!" she cried as she dodged another roar.

This power, it was magnificent. What she'd fears as a human, she feared no more. She had the courage, the determination, and the will to push forward. Never would she stop protecting those important to her, and never would she falter. On this day, she'd pledge to not only defend her son, but the whole city if she had to!

"You're blood's really flowing. Did this make you excited?" he asked curiously while having a feeling she was enjoying herself.

"You have no idea." she replied before the thrusters around her ankles activated.

Even as a machine she found herself able to move just as smoothly as she had when human. Such an amazing feeling had come over her, a feeling of pride and accomplishment.

"You're seeing this right?" Jerel asked, stunned by what had happened.

"Yeah huh." she replied as the three of them watched on in excitement.

One move, that's all it would take to finish it off. While it flailed in pain she took the opportunity to use her increased strength to knock it into the air with her blade, and with her target airborne she took aim before blasting open its stomach; spilling its blood before it could even turn to ashes.

"Huh, five minutes. Not bad for a newbie." Frank said as he wrote it down on his clip board.

"But is she alright." Ela wondered as they watched her stand there, her body drained of nearly all its energy.

It seemed as they separated from each other before her head began spinning. Luckily she had her partner there to catch her.

"A big rush huh?" he asked.

"Kinda, yeah." she said before standing up straight.

"Don't worry, you'll get use to it after a while. Not bad for a first timer though. You really took advantage of me. How'd it feel?" he asked.

"Pretty good, like I could do everything I'd done before, but ten times better." she answered.

"Told ya." he said as they left.

He wasn't the only one there to congratulate her though. Everyone that had watched was there with smiles on their faces, or in Frank's case a satisfied smirk.

"That was awesome! You were getting wrecked out there, but then you two combined into some cool robot and just...boom." Ela squeed, her mind blown by the events that transpired.

"Very interesting, you wouldn't mind if I ran a few tests on you right?" Jerel asked Axel.

"Uh sure?"

"What about you?" Rachel asked Frank.

"Hm...you're form was fairly nice, but you'll need to improve on the flow of your attacks. I'd say you're good though." he told her with a thumbs up included.

"Good." she sighed with relief.

But something was still missing, or someone as she looked around.

"Where's Alucard?"

"Good question, I swore he said he'd be around for this. Maybe he got caught up with something else." replied Ela.

They had no idea. Because of Julie he was unable to make it to her fight, and instead found himself being dragged down the street drenched in sea water and covered in her matter.

"Come on Juls, can't we talk about this?" he asked in hope of some mercy.

No answer was given, but instead a sinister smirk that sent chills down his spine.

"Help me!" he called out to a nearby pick up truck.

Nothing, he's screwed up royally.