Author's Note: Okay so this is part two of the last chapter basically. It was too long so I only posted like half of it before. I added a bit more to it though too. Allura and D are really in for a kick pretty soon. For those who are curious about Allura's drunken spell from earlier…I might make a bonus chappie to show what happened cause it's been in my head all along xD. Might I stress. Anyway…so…I suppose you must go read the chappie now so…be off with you! And enjoy! And review!

Chapter Ten: The Bitter Past and Present pt II

My hands trembled almost desperately as I reached for the pack. I let out a growl as I finally bit into the plastic. My system began to revive itself instantly. Even faster than it used to. My growls slowly began to subside into low husky purrs. It was soon empty and I reached for another. That's when I saw D's face. It was that look again. His eyes narrowed, mouth set in a grim line. He was…disgusted? Not this again. Not now. My large eyes narrowed angrily. The last thing I needed was to deal with D's prickish frame of mind. I threw the pack at him with a snarl. "Stop it!" I snapped. He dodged and caught it with ease before it splattered against the wall. "How dare you!" I began to sob again. He placed it down on the nightstand wordlessly. "How dare you..!"

"Do you even know anything about me!? Wipe that fucking look off your face! You don't know anything!!!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. "You selfish, self-pitying, loathsome, judgemental, BASTARD!!!" He said nothing only stood there calmly as usual. I laughed grimly. "Wow. My temper gets the best of me once again huh?" I scoffed. I angrily wiped at my eyes. "I will not cry!" I gritted my teeth. "That bitch! That old, bitter, heartless, envious, little BITCH!" I kicked the foot of the bed, effectively shattering a hole in it. "Do you have any idea what she did to me!? No of course not! Humans are always the ones in the right! Isn't that it!? Is it okay for her to ruin my life because I'm a vampire and she's a human!? God D!!" I covered my face with the colorful quilt beneath me. I absolutely refused to look at him right then.

"I lost my temper yes…but you can't blame me!!" my shouts were slightly muffled. "She took something very dear to me away…leaving behind one of the ugliest scars I have. You think you are the only one who has suffered because of your genes?" I shook my head incredulously. "I used to be a dhampiel D. Just…like…you, for fourteen years I spent my life hiding my shame, I made stupid choices yes, but we all have to move on, and I'm trying but you-you make me feel like some sort of monster for my biological needs when I'm not even hurting anybody. What makes you so different from them? How does it feel when people look at you the way you look at me? Right now…there is no difference D. Wake up." I said harshly, throwing the blanket from my face and sitting up. "The thing that hurst the most is that…not only were the two most important people in my life brutally murdered, thanks to her… but they will soon be forgotten by this town. No graves. No memories. Just left behind to rot in the dirt and fade away into history like they never even existed." I sniffled. "And you…." I glared up at him coldly. "You have the nerve to assume I would have eaten her. That I'm the evil one. How dare you look at me like that?" I shook my head in exasperation. Not bothering to look at him I stomped to the door and opened it. "Out." I growled staring at the wall.

I did not hear anything, only the impassive flat foot steps of a dhampiel leaving the room. I slammed the door behind him and heard a guttural voice say something along the lines of 'Oh smooth D…real smooth.' Left hand. With a sigh I felt a deep pang like a punch in the gut. Perhaps I was a bit harsh. Sitting on the bed, springs creaking softly beneath my weight, I picked up the pack again and placed it in my lap to hug myself briefly. It was official. "Life sucks, and then you die." I muttered before I bit into the pack. D had asked before 'what I was'…I scoffed at the memory. I walked idly to the window, my pale slender fingers brushing aside the soft white curtains. My keen eyes could see everything under the moonlight. I even unintentionally saw into a few windows. I paid it no mind…already used to it. I enjoyed the view to keep my mind off of the sick feeling in my gut. I moved closer to the window and peeked downward upon hearing the Inn door opening.

When I saw D walking out I hung back, hiding behind the curtain. One of the mercenaries came up to him with a jolly, and arrogant smirk on his face. Of course I could not hear what they were saying properly. As usual though D did not seem to even be paying attention as he spoke. He followed D along stubbornly though as if asking him something, with a wicked expression. No sooner had he even finished his last sentence before-

-POW!!!

It was like the punch from hell. I winced at the sound and the sudden movement. What the hell? The poor, very human, and very injured mercenary had been flung back at least six feet by the blow from the seemingly undaunted dhampiel. I covered my mouth. Had I really pissed him off so badly? I shuddered, backing away from the window. I heard several people crowding around, coming to the fallen mercenary's aid and I resisted the urge to chuckle. Whatever he did he most likely deserved it. D did not just hit people. Rubbing the back of my neck where I was nearly bitten, I picked up a third pack from the cooler I had discovered at the other side of the room. The phantom feeling of Vincent's mouth was making angry again. I wanted that feeling gone! I growled again. Now that I was fully rejuvenated I started to ruminate on the fact that I had finally teleported tonight. Could I do it again? I would try later. I was bored. Being all ready to go right then and there I huffed. Where was Rico? Perhaps I could pester him. There was no need to pester him right then…but there was also no need to spend the night here, what was I an invalid? I was a bloody vampire!!! I felt the need to apologize to the children. I probably frightened them with that horrid display earlier.

I grabbed my cloak that was neatly resting on the back of a chair and swung it onto my shoulders in one fluid motion. Clasping the front shut I smoothed out my hair as much as possible. With one last drink I was off. I fluidly glided down the stairs with a new sense of calm. My senses had never felt so heightened. Something was different. I heard breathing and felt a familiar presence before Ted spoke up. "Ally, you okay?" he asked. I nodded. "What happened?" he asked hesitantly. I scowled at the floor. "I'd rather not relive it. Just an old aquaintance of mine." I managed. "And the dhampiel?" his tone was wary. "Is a fucking prick, but I owe him my gratitude anyway." I huffed. He nodded. "I'm sorry if I'm bothering you…you just seem a bit…detached now. I was worried." he stated. I smiled weakly at him. "Oh Teddy…I've missed you dearly, I really did, and I was happy to see you even if just for a moment, I'll have to be leaving though and I can't guarentee that I will survive this one, if you never see me again be sure to always remember me fondly." I walked over to the aged boy I knew and kissed his cheek.

He flushed and backed off. "Shucks Ally, don't go doing that…an old man like me can't handle it." he remarked. I chuckled. "Still the same old Teddy McRobinson, eh? Don't ever change Ted, not ever." I told him in a mock stern tone. "Wouldn't dream of it." he swallowed. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you've gotten?" he asked. I nearly busted out laughing. "Thank you Teddy, but everybody calls me beautiful, I barely even notice my looks." I remarked matter-of-factly. "I know. That only makes you more lovely." he admitted. I smiled warmly. "I can think of several other people who do notice though." he told me candidly. I frowned and he mumbled a quick apology. "I'd best be going now. I have some goodbyes to say, if you see the Graham children tell them I said goodbye. I have a lot to discuss with the dhampiel." I huffed the last part with a bitter tone. "I hope to see you again before you leave." he nodded at me. With a nod, I exited the building without a sound.

The crisp night air was a comfort to me as I walked along the street, avoiding all eye-contact with my hood over my head. I could feel people's fear, hear their pounding hearts, and smell the nervous sweat. They all shied away from me. I had no intention of even looking at Paula again. If I were a stuck up dhampiel who happened to have an extra rod up my arse tonight, were would I go? I noted that I should probably talk to Rico first. D was probably a bit steamed. I noticed a man being helped along with his head pushed backward and a small towel pressed against his face. The smell of blood his was potent in the air. He stumbled along with his arms over the shoulders of two others who were supporting him. His voice came out in muffled swears and groans. I recognized him right away from before and stifled a chuckle. D was really pissed wasn't he?

"Oi! Ally-girl!"

"Hello Rico." I smiled turning to him. Ah yes the only being not quivering from fear because of my presence. He was running over. Gripping my shoulders he looked me over. "Hey, you okay? Did he hurt you?" he asked a bit out of breath, surveying me. "No. No, I'm fine." I pushed his hands down gently, not liking to be doted upon. "Good." he scratched the back of his head, looking around. "God Ally, you just keep shaving years off my life don't you?" he grinned. "By the way…damn girl, what did you do to him?" he placed his hands on his belt with a thoughtful frown.

"I don't know what you mean." I folded my arms emotionlessly. "He's behaving a bit weird." Rico explained. "I just thought that maybe something happened between you two." a simple shrug was added. I let out a long sigh. "I yelled at him." I admitted. "That's it?" he raised a brow. "Well…I said some pretty nasty things…oh and I threw a blood pack at his head and kicked him out." I muttered a bit sheepishly. I did not like losing my cool. Nevermind talking about it. It was embarrassing. "I'm guessing you wont tell me what was said." he flat-lined. "It was quite deep-rooted so I'm afraid not. I am still pissed at him though." I shook my head. "Where is D?" I furrowed my brow. "By now? I don't know. I went to the inn to look for you and McRobinson said you'd flown the coup so I've been trying to find you and D wasn't really in my scope." he shrugged. "I have to pick a bone with him…preferably now that I am much calmer and less liable to get… emotional on him again." I explained with another tired sigh. Rico shrugged. "What are you gonna do now?" he asked me.

"Allura! Allura!" a little voice called. "Wait!" another chimed in. I quickly looked over my shoulder to see Emmie and Anthony running in my direction. I narrowed my eyes in dissaproval. "Anthony, Emmie!" I was shocked to see them out so late. "What are you doing out here at this hour? More importantly how did you get out?" I placed my hands on my hips but could not remain cross with them when they clung to my legs to tightly. I looked up and shook my head. "Uncle Ted said you were leaving." Emmie panted. Anthony nodded enthusiastically. "We didn't want you to leave without saying goodbye." his sister added in teary eyed. I sighed and knelt to their level. "Come here." I hugged them tightly. People made horrified sounds and gasps. Rico remained silent. After all this was not uncommon.

"We snuck out the back door and ran as fast as we could." Anthony explained almost proudly. I shook my head with a resigned smile. "…Can't we come with you?" he asked with an adorable little blush. "Hush!" Emmie covered his mouth with a blush of her own. I gave them a sad smile. "It's too dangerous." I shook my head. "I d-don't …want to be here…not without my mommy." Anthony shook his head hiding his tears with his little sandy bangs. I pursed my lips grimly. Reaching over, I brushed them away and made him look at me. "Listen both of you." I said almost sternly. "I promise to do all in my power to bring your mother back to you." I swore to them. They stared at me with their glistening wide eyes and I couldn't look at them for too long. I did not want to cry in front of them. It would not help them. "I'm going to look for D now." I told them calmly. "So you still haven't told me what you're gonna do now?" Rico asked. "You heard me, I'm going to look for their mother and put a stop to this abomination." I stated. "Just you and D?" he asked. "There is no reward for this." I told him. "And there is a guarantee that if you come you will have casualties, we might not even survive at all." I filled in bluntly. "I don't mind…but I'm sure my guys wont agree. Still I don't like the idea of you and him after that display today." he frowned. "I'll be fine Rico, I'm a big girl." I smirked. "That's right! Allura is a big girl! She's strong!" Anthony expressed his faith in me readily. I smiled brightly in response. "What he said." I chuckled. "Yeah well…be careful anyway." he stated flatly. I grinned and held his face in my hands. "This is for the men…" I kissed his cheek. "This is for the other kids." I kissed his other. "And this is for you." I gave him a peck to the lips. He stared frozen in place as I laughed a bit. "Don't read to much into it." I wagged a finger at him. "Goodbye Chevalier." I teased and used said finger to poke his chest. I was off after that. I gave the children one more fond hug and was gone.

******

After going off on D like that I had to admit to myself that I was slightly afraid. True I could probably take a hit like that better than a fragile little human man but still that didn't mean I wanted to. I told myself that I was being foolish. There was no guarentee that D would attack me if he saw me. In fact the probability was very slim. He was far too level-headed. That I knew of…perhaps he was one of those postal freaks. The thought made me pause. I felt like smacking myself. I was not fourteen anymore! I had not displayed this sort of behavior in decades. I did not entirely regret what I did or said to D. I had a right to occupy space, vampire or not. He had not said anything to me but I just knew what he'd been thinking. I knew it…and I hated it. I was so used to getting it that I usually just ignored it, but it bothered me when someone with the same basic problems as me had the nerve to judge me just the same as they did. I reached up to scratch the side of my head and felt the sharp point of my ear brush my wrist. I glared at nothing in particular. I hadn't felt self-conscious about my ears in decades either! I touched them briefly. He had them too damn it.

I let out a childish huff folding my arms in front of my chest. Where was that fucking stick! It was not as though I could ask around. The moment I got too close people would probably just scream bloody murder and snatch out crosses or something. I strolled about ignoring the nervous presences around me. When I finally noticed a familiar dark shape it was purely by chance. My footfalls had stopped abruptly and I felt my stomach drop. He wasn't facing me. I briefly entertained the thought that he didn't notice me. Not likely but still…I knew I wouldn't be able to make my way over to him. If he didn't see me now, he would the moment I took a step in his direction. I slowed my breathing, still angry. I resolved that to talk about this I needed to be eye to eye with this hunter. Preferably without punching him. Or behaving like a jittery horse ready to run at any moment. Nobody else would have noticed that I was there but as I moved toward him I just knew. He was perfectly aware. He was just intent on ignoring my presence. I teleported so that I was standing behind him (I got the hang of that quickly), reaching out to tap his shoulder and demand acknowledgment.

In the blink of even a vampire's eye his fingers closed around my wrist like a vice. "What?" he asked. I did not look at his face. I simply stared at the floor, impassively holding at bay my negative emotions. I could not hide my bitter expression though. Why bother? I stood motionless as a statue. "I apologize for my conduct hunter." I said curtly. "We need to talk…you and I." I added pulling my arm away. He didn't answer, simply turned to face me. "Look at this point in time the two of us can either work together or very well become competitors." I stated flatly. "However I do not see the sense in that considering I am not in this for pay and there is no reward for this that I am aware of unless you're holding back information. If, let's say we do this thing together, because frankly I think it would go much smoother with both of us working as a team, I expect to be treated like I have a right to exist. I never disrespected you for your genes, or biological needs so I deserve common curtesy." I stated with a very dry emotionless air. He just stood there silently. "You like to work alone." I dead-panned. "Yes, yes. But this is not for me D…I'm not getting anything out of this. It's for two little children who I made a promise to, for all of the innocent people who have lost their lives to this horror story, and for a principle that I live for. I will not die until I am no longer of use to this world. I am doing this. With or without you." I turned around swiftly. "If you want to help me…you are welcome. I have no way of paying you or getting money to pay you and don't think I would prostitute my body just for your help, I have too much pride for that." I said quietly over my shoulder.

I took another step and my arm was caught in his grip once again. "We're leaving now, since you seem to be so well intact already." he stated. I stared at him, realizing this was his way of agreeing. It looked like we would still be working together after all. My tense body relaxed, and it wasn't until then that I had realized I had been ready for a fight. He released my arm before I could take it back. I pursed my lips. "Perfect." And here I had assumed he was angry. This pulled a thought back to mind. "Why did you cave in that poor mercenary's face?" I asked with dry hidden amusement. "I didn't cave in his face." he said flatly. "He's fine. Broken nose, and a possible fracture." he added. I smirked to myself. "You forgot concusion." Left Hand spoke up with an amused scoff. "He's right." I told D with a chuckle. I was used to the idea of left hand being there as long as I didn't have to look at him or touch him. "There is no need to take out frustrations on humans, if anything you should have lashed out at me not him, I pissed you off after all." I drawled curtly. D gave me a slightly surprised look before looking ahead. I raised a brow in suspicion.

"Where were you?" I asked. "Burning the body." he answered almost casually. I nodded. "If he's not gone for good this time, I don't know how to get rid of him." I said with a roll of my eyes. I still felt shaken up but there was no need to act like it. I was a tough, focused woman and I had to re-establish that now. "Anyhow on to business. I'm assuming you already know where the stables are." I said flatly as I sauntered up ahead of him in a rush to keep moving. I did not expect an open apology from D, I knew him better than that by now. He had already done so. Grudges would not do for this job. Normally I would be unable to remain silent, and I would be teasing him or bombarding him with questions. Instead I was just as silent as he was.

The stables were in the same place I remembered them to be. I grinned softly. Teddy was never one to like change very much. He was a nostalgic person, and well…losing your childhood friends might make you that way. Nothing was very different in fact. I clicked my tongue for Duster just to make sure he was fine. I heard his whineys from inside the structure as if he was trying to get out. I let out a breathy half-laugh. I behaved as thought I were alone. It was odd when I was perfectly aware of D walking close by. Perhaps his cool indifferent nature was rubbing off on me. I opened the doors hearing the familiar creak and being hit with the old familiar musty smell. Wow. The nostalgia hit me like a ton of bricks as I looked around. Eyes catching Duster, I hurried over to his stable as D walked calmly to get his horse. "Whoa." I soothed stroking his snout. I saddled him up with all the tender care I had. It was unwise to form such an attachment to my horse. In my line of work he was likely to be killed brutally but…I had him since I was sixteen. He was a very old horse. It was amazing how he still managed to be alive. He was my old friend. Loyal. Strong. Some would even say wise. He cooperated without any qualms. "Almost ready there, hunter?" I drawled. There was only a click in response. I grinned wryly.

I dexterously swung my leg over the saddle, effectively mounting my horse. Duster trotted obediently out after D rode past, exiting out the door. Damn dhampiel and his horse. Still I wouldn't trade Duster in just yet he was old but…maybe sometime soon he could go into retirement. I would really miss him but he deserved some peace. For now though…it was still just me and him. I galloped out after D. As we rode down the street I noticed Teddy standing in front of Paula's house with a glare as he pretty much banged on her door. Well someone was in trouble. I scoffed. He noticed me watching and gave me a nod and a meaningful wave goodbye. I knew I would probably never see him again. So I returned it and blew a kiss before breaking into a gallop. I had mostly the closure I needed from this place. I would return to bring back Mayra Graham, and complete some unfinished buisiness…if I survived this.

******

To a third observor, D and I must have looked like quite the fearsome duo. Two silent, dark beings, simply shapes in the night with untold lethal ability. Neither of us uttered a word. My expression was dark with determination beneath my hood. I still hadn't removed it, there was no point really. My mind began to wander. Briefly the thought then came to mind…how did D feed? I made a puzzled face. Animals perhaps. We probably wouldn't be stopping anytime soon. Well that suited me just fine. What were his sleeping patterns like? Being half and half it was hard to tell. I tried to sleep at night when I was a girl…but it was hard. It was not impossible and I wanted to hide my secret that badly…but as for D…did he even bother? Everybody knew what he was and the only time I'd even seen him sleep was back when we shared a bed at Ruby's Inn. That had been a hilarious and aggravating night. Somehow I couldn't help but think that someone out there was snickering at me over the memory. We reeked of aloe for quite awhile after that one.

As dysfunctional our dynamic was…we still made quite the team. Odd. A lopsided smirk graced the lower-half of my face. I would enjoy working undercover in Durfrey. Acting was absolutely marvelous fun. Perhaps the amusement I got from it would aleviate some of the stress of this job that I had taken upon myself. It could be an occasion to tease my associate as well. I would need to get a good scope of a few missing faces, or just people who were regulars there that hadn't been seen in quite some time. Not too much of a regular that the people would recognize them upon first glance, hey she was not a miracle worker, but enough to get them in without much questioning. Also I had to do background checks and the like so until then we'd have to lie low. We could figure out how to do this when we stopped. As if reading my thoughts D brought his mount to a halt. I realized that I didn't know the horse's name. Knowing D, he probably didn't.

"Let me guess…you get the fallen log and I get the tree branches right?" I asked sarcastically. "Shhh." he motioned his hand at me for silence. I pursed my lips. With a puzzled frown I tuned into my surroundings but found nothing. Had he heard something? How come I could not feel anything? "Just keep moving." he said with a quiet suspicious tone. "And this time ride in front of me." he added for good measure. I frowned. "D, I refuse to be kept in the dark every time something vital is happening." I whispered harshly as I did so anyway. I felt like a child being ordered around. Not a pleasant feeling for someone my age. "Keep it quiet, girlie." his left hand murmured. I pursed my lips. "Not so far." he called cautiously after me. I twitched. It was like a five year old being told to stay where mommy could see them. Irritatingly embarrassing. Not to mention degrading and just annoying. I tuned into my senses but could find nothing. What made him so special that he knew something was up and I couldn't even get a tingle? I was the one who was a full blood, my sense should have owned his. I all but openly pouted. "Back." D had ordered sternly…and when it finally revealed itself to me it was too late. My eyes widened beneath my hood at the split second sighting. It was black…and net like. I grabbed my sword defensively slicing at the foreign object flying towards me. I saw D's blade swing…and then nothing.

The last thing I remember thinking in my head was "Oh fuck me."

Author's Note: Review for me! I want some feedback lol. What just happened to our little duo…well duo and a half-ish if you count lefty but still…what happened to them? Bwahahaha!!! You will find out the next time I Update!

Tsuki no Rekuen: LOL xD how scandalous! *mock gasps*. Anyway no it's not selfish lol. I don't mind as long as you like it. I suppose it's a bit of both. Although I'd like to say D is going through a big internal conflict over her. Is she or is she not a monster kind of thing…and his sort of feeling of actually…'liking' her as a person. She is just confused as hell over his behavior because of it, and is kind of starting to take more of a shining to him then before but is pissed that he doesn't let her…ish. Anywayz yeah lol. Ciao

Kitten652: I shall update as long as you review! *dramatic hand over forehead* lol. Ciao.