Disclaimer: Nothing has changed.

A/N: Thanks so much to Kitala, Christian T. Belmont, and Psychotic Vampiric for the reviews. They mean so much to me, and a very special thank you to Christian T. Belmont for giving me Joachim's eye color. Well, here's chapter 4. This chapter is pretty slow because I'm revealing the forces at work and it's mainly a conversation…fun stuff. Things will pick up again in the next chapter I promise. As always I apologize for anything being wrong. (I worry so much about that.) Now on with the story.

Chapter 4:

"Wh-what?" Soma stammered, rather shocked by this statement.

"I will not repeat myself."

"Why then?"

"My reasons are my own. Come, we must flee this alley."

Without giving Soma a single moment to react, Joachim pulled Soma down the alleyway by his arm, and out onto the nearby street. Joachim stopped and released Soma from his grasp. Soma took this opportunity to rub his now sore shoulder, and to take a good look at Joachim. A blind man would know he's a vampire… Soma thought as he peered upon the fangs that Joachim so freely bore. The mysterious vampire turned his head so he could look at Soma, a few whitish-silver strands of hair falling across his face.

"So you are Dracula's reincarnation." Soma nodded in response. "I see. I pray you…do not turn into him."

On that note, Joachim disappeared into a darkened purple cloud, leaving Soma to stand there, in the middle of the street, confused. "Who…was that?"

"An introduction I believe he gave you." A familiar male voice rang out from behind Soma.

"Arikado, why is it you always show up at the most convenient times?"

For a moment there was no response. "What matters is that I am here."

Soma turned around and looked at Arikado with a questioning look. "Is there something you want to tell me, or are you just here to annoy me?"

"Rather harsh, wouldn't you say? Anyway, it is not safe to speak of such things here." Arikado turned and walked down the road from the direction he came. His black suit and dyed black hair making him blend into the night, and if it wasn't for Soma's keen since of sight he had obtained since his two transformations he most likely wouldn't have even taken notice of the half-vampire.

Soma followed him, knowing full well that he wouldn't get anything out of Arikado unless he pursued. Soma didn't know how long he followed Arikado before he came to a rather large apartment complex. Soma was slightly surprised when Arikado got on the elevator and rode it up to one of the main suites at the top.

"So this is where you live?" Soma half joked as he looked about the suite.

"No, Soma…you know full well I live in England. I merely rented this place out for my stay…come sit. We have much to discuss." Arikado took a seat on a nearby couch.

"Arikado," Soma started as he sat down on a chair across from his host. "Am I going to have to fight again?"

"I am afraid I can not yet answer that question…there are many forces at work, and Yoko, Julius, and I are trying our hardest to prevent any harm from befalling Mina and yourself."

Soma sighed in aggravation…that wasn't the answer he had wanted. "Okay, fine. What about that guy from earlier…Joachim was it?"

"Ah yes. Joachim Armster. He is an ancient vampire. Far older than myself, he has his own personal reasons for helping…but his help is more than welcome. Joachim is an excellent addition to our little vampire-hunting team."

It was the first time that Soma had ever heard Arikado use any sort of humor or sarcasm in his speech. "So he's one of the good guys?"

"For the time being, yes."

Soma and Arikado talked for several hours about recent events, and from what Soma had gathered: A being from Arikado's past had stepped forth to resurrect Dracula, and from the sounds of things…this wasn't the first time this being had done so. Since the being was one of immense dark power, all creatures of darkness within the area had awakened their powers, even those who had gone into slumber long ago had reawakened. Japan itself was on the verge of an entire country take over, and none of the humans even noticed. The reason for Soma's dizziness had something to do with the demonic fog, but; Soma didn't quiet understand that part of the conversation.

"So the guy behind everything, his name is Shaft right?" Soma asked, trying to clear up the many questions swimming around in his head.

"Yes, and he is not someone to be taken lightly."

"I see. Um, before I forget…someone was watching me on the bus today. I think it may have Joachim…the aura feels the same."

"I would not be surprised. Joachim fears my fathers return more than any other…he may watch you closely until this is all over."

Soma sighed in aggravation once again; the last thing he wanted was a bodyguard. He knew that it was probably best if someone did have an eye on him, just in case something happened…but he would've preferred it was someone that he knew.

"If you are still wary of Joachim…I would ask him for some straight answers when next you meet."

Arikado's voice had ripped Soma away from his thoughts. Soma nodded slowly in response and stood up. "Well, I had better be getting back…I don't want to stay out any later than need be."

Soma excused himself from the conversation and room. As he exited the building he could feel Joachim's presence nearby. He heaved a sigh…

"If you're going to watch me, you might as well walk with me. I have a few questions that I need answers to."

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A/N: And that is Chapter 4. Whoo hoo. As always let me know what you think.Elixir9