chapter 9 is ready and i already have chapter 10 in the works. and i'd like to thank everyone who took the time to review the chapters. thank youz ;D and in case anyone is wondering, takuya may or may not keep it in his pants. we'll just have to wait and find out.

The Wastelands

Chapter 9

"Sorry about that," Zoe said as she left the bathroom, brushing her damp hair.

"It's alright." Takuya didn't look up. He was reading what appeared to be a note and had a look of anger on his face.

"What's wrong?" Zoe looked around and became confused. "What happened to the body?"

"I ate him."

"Good one. What did you do?"

Takuya finally looked up at her. "I disposed of the body," he replied nonchalantly.

Zoe shook her head. "Not even gonna ask how......"

"Before I got rid of it, I went through his pockets and found a few things, including this note." Takuya handed it to her.

She took it from him and skimmed it. "So he was sent to personally track me down. Well, too bad for your master but I kinda killed his little hitman."

"Whatever. He was a moron and was on the verge of being killed anyway. He's one of those idiots that tried to take over, but had no clue how to do it. Guess this was his last chance of redemption."

Zoe smirked. "Well, now he doesn't have to worry about going back empty handed. I did him a favor."

Takuya pulled her down on the couch beside him.

"I'm going to change your gauze, seeing how you got this one soaked." He began to remove it off her neck.

"Sorry. I just wanted to clean up a bit," she said apologetically.

"It's alright. You seem to have an endless supply of gauze pads anyway."

Zoe shrugged. "You never know. I've already gone through like eight cardboard boxes of the stuff in the past year."

Takuya shook his head. "How you've managed to stay alive for so long is beyond me."

"What can I say? I've learned to take care of myself."

Takuya didn't reply as he taped on a fresh pad.

"Thanks," Zoe said, touching the pad gingerly.

He nodded and they both sat there in complete silence. A few minutes later, Zoe broke the ice.

"So now what?"

"Only thing we can do. Put you into hiding. It's the only way to keep you safe." Takuya looked at her. "I'll make sure I get you somewhere, but then I'm going to have to leave."

"What's going to happen to you?" Zoe asked worridly.

"I'll be fine," he lied.

Zoe didn't look convinced. "Will you be, or are you just telling me that you will be okay?"

"No, it'll be okay. Alright?" His eyes bore into hers.

She looked down and nodded.

"I've recruited a few of my friends to help us get you to safety," he said.

"I think I know who you're talking about," she replied with a smirk.

Takuya rubbed his neck and smiled apologetically. "Yeah, sorry about that. They're pains in the ass, but overall they're not that bad."

"Nah, it's alright. If they try anything I'll kick their asses," she quipped.

"No shit. But they have my back." Takuya noticed the scratches on her chest, and pulled her shirt down slightly to get a better look.

Zoe froze, and her face turned bright red. "Takuya!"

"What?" He then realized what he was doing. "Oh, sorry! I didn't mean it like that. It's just that you know- I saw the scratches, and uh......"

She looked like she wanted to smack him upside the head but restrained herself. "It's okay. Next time just ask before you jump down my shirt."

"Sorry.........."

Before things got even more awkward, Zoe decided to change the subject.

"So.....do you have any ideas where I could go?"

Takuya nodded. "A few. I'm having the guys look into them right now. They'll let me know in a little while. I told them to come here as soon as they find out." He paused for a moment, then looked at her. "You may want to pack a few things for when we leave. Because as soon as they show up, we're leaving. I have to get you out of here as soon as possible."

Zoe sighed, then began to gather up a few belongings. She grabbed her duffle bag and put a few outfits in it, along with some of her weapons.

"Zoe, you won't need any of that stuff."

She pushed her hair out of her face. "You never know. I may need these sooner than you think."

Takuya considered it, then agreed. "Yeah, you have a point. I'm hoping you won't need them but it would probably be safer to have them anyway."

Zoe didn't say anything as she stuffed a few more things into her bag. Takuya made his way to the bar and poured them each a drink.

"Hope you like your drinks strong."

"Oh, good idea. Get us trashed before we make my escape." Zoe shook her head and smiled.

Takuya smiled back. "Not trashed. Just relaxed." He handed her a glass. "Cheers."

They both downed their drinks. Zoe squeezed her eyes shut as the alcohol burned her throat. She groaned and rubbed her sore neck.

"Probably not the best idea for me to drink with these stupid stitches."

Takuya was already pouring himself another glass. "What?" He asked, not really paying attention.

"Never mind."

Just as Takuya went to drink, Kouji leapt into the window. He was panting.

"Hey.........oh, good. Alcohol," he said, stumbling over.

"Dude, are you okay?" Takuya handed Kouji his drink. Kouji needed it more than he did.

The black-haired vampire gulped it down, relishing it. "I'm fine. I just rushed here as fast as I could."

"Where are the others?" Takuya asked.

"I already got ahold of them. I gave them directions how to get here. Don't worry," he said, catching Takuya's look. "I told them to be careful and not to let anyone see them."

"Good. Zoe, this is Kouji. Kouji, this is Zoe. But you guys already met." Takuya smirked.

"Yup. Not the best first encounter but whatever," Zoe replied.

Kouji looked down. "My bad. Takuya didn't tell me that you were his girlfriend until later."

"I'm not his girlfriend."

"I know. He told me that you used to be, though."

"Alright," Takuya interrupted, trying to change the subject. "Damn, where are those guys?"

As if on cue, Kouichi jumped into the room, with Tommy close behind.

"Hey guys. Where's J.P.?" Takuya asked.

"He'll be here in a little bit," Kouichi told him.

"Alright, the only place that looked safe enough was the place that Tommy checked out," Kouji said. "It's forty-five minutes away and it looked clear of all activity. The place hasn't been touched in years, according to Tommy."

"Yeah, Zoe should be safe there. She just needs to keep a low profile for awhile and let the search for her die down," Tommy explained.

"Good. As soon as J.P. shows up, we'll get ready to leave." Takuya looked at them, serious. "The four of you can come, but when we get to the halfway point, start heading back. That will be a safe enough distance where I can bring Zoe alone."

J.P. entered a moment later. He was carrying a black bag. "Sorry. Got here as fast as I could. I brought the clothes you asked for." He handed Takuya the bag.

Zoe looked at the bag, slightly confused. "What are the clothes for?"

"Well, if we're going to smuggle you out, it would be easier for you to look like a vampire. It won't look as suspicious and we can make an easier getaway." Takuya handed the bag to Zoe.

She looked into the bag and her eyes widened. "You want me to wear this? Hell no!"

"Come on, Zoe. It's the only way," Takuya said.

Zoe sighed. "Dammit. Be out in a few minutes." She walked into the bathroom and locked the door.

"She's going to kill me when she gets out," Takuya said, trying to contain his laughter.

"Damn right I will!" Zoe shouted from the bathroom.

The five vampires burst into laughter, with Zoe yelling at them to shut up. Although Takuya was laughing on the outside, he was a nervous wreck. The worst had yet to come and he knew it.

chapter 9 is done as you can see. don't know how many chapters i have left. im kinda just going with the flow for now and we'll see what happens. read and review please!!!!!! :D