The BLOOD Saga, Series 1: Night

by Dion Mystique

A vampire's love for a human girl sparks a bloody revolution. 500 years later, the dhampir descendant of Lord Frederic and Lady Maribel is confronted by the bias coven that slew his vampire forefather - some being those he's known for years. Wade/OC

21. Chapter 20: Brokenhearted

BLOOD/Night

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As our party closes distance with Aldington, another fond memory comes to mind… I remember the time Damien and I had our first date. It was about a month into our relationship, after we developed a lot of common ground. Andrew was off tending to other business ventures, while we created…something beautiful together.

***Flashback to Nottingham, England 2005…***

It was a beautiful day, unlike any other… My Sweets wanted to travel the town together, and was behaving like a little child with a piece of candy in his hand. It was the cutest little sight – watching him drag me around, making me feel like a babysitter.

"Stuey, look at this!" he ran up to a cute little window display of…rodents in a pet shop. For some strange reason, Damien loves mice and other creatures of the sort. It creeps me out, but whatever makes him happy. "Oh, they're so cute… They look rather unusual; must be a new species."

"Those aren't mice, those are marsupials."

"They're cute!" he snarled.

I threw up my hands in surrender, "Okay, they're cute. I get it."

"Stuey…" he cradled against my right side. And then…he looked up to me…with 'the look' – the dreaded puppy dog face that I could never resist. "…I want to go see the little cuties. Come with me?"

"Come with me?" I playfully mocked, speaking in a high-pitched voice.

"Stuey…?" he hopped like a spoiled child, giggling at my teasing behavior.

"Alright, alright. I'll go with you."

"Yay!" he cheered.

Hearing the joy in his voice was enough for me. Damien's happiness makes me feel whole to this day… When we arrived to the display of marsupials, Damien began hopping like a happy little toddler.

"Hee-hee-hee! Ah-hee-hee-hee!"

"Damien, you're quite the character", I giggled, amused by his energetic behavior.

"But, Stuey…they're so cute!"

"Yes, they are", I looked into the little display, and observed how…adorable the little critters were.

"They're called 'Sugar Gliders'", explained a male sales rep. We turned around to see a flamboyant male associate, who sported a boa and rather 'comfortable' clothing. He fetched one of the little pocket pets from the display, and held it in the palm of his left hand. "But, I call them 'Sugar Babies'. This one's named Athena."

"Oh, can I hold her?" cooed my bouncy lover.

"Sure, here you go", the sale rep handed the little critter to my lover. Just looking at how well Damien bonded with the little glider…touched me. The flamboyant rep smiled at my lover's giddy personality. "These little cuties are actually £1500. They're well worth the buy: easily trainable, friendly, and you can carry them almost anywhere. I have one at home right now."

Damien gave me "the look", and I closed my eyes… I didn't want to gaze into "the look", or I'd have a little marsupial flying on my shoulder every 2 seconds.

"Stuey, can I have one?" he asked, tilting his head with a cute smile.

"Mm-mm", I shook my head.

"But it's cute, Stuey!" he whined.

"Mm-mm."

"But, Stuey…!"

"Calm down, sir", the sales rep patted Damien on his shoulder, and gave me a sinister look. I swallowed my saliva in a hard ball. "Athena, smooch-smooch the big man."

"Smooch-smooch?" I confusedly reiterated, before the little rodent jumped on my shoulder and froze me where I stood… And, that was the moment that my 'fear of rats' came into play. It tickled, but I was still frozen solid, not daring to move a single muscle. I looked to the snickering twosome with an expression that screamed distress. "Get this thing off of me… Please? I hate rats."

"That, my friend, is not a rat", corrected the sale rep, as the Sugar Glider crawled onto the top of my head. The boys cooed at how the little rodent took to me, watching it sniff away at my hair. "Aww, she likes you, sir. I think she wants to go home with you."

"Stuey, she likes you", my lover second the notion.

"Mmmm…!" I whined, fighting 'the look' with all my might.

But, to no avail, I couldn't fight "the look"… I ended up buying Damien…a rat. The little…thing kept crawling around in its cage, making my skin crawl. I know, I know – a big guy like me being edgy around rodents isn't top-dollar masculinity wise. Oh well, anything for Damien's happiness…I guess.

"Athena, you're going to have a wonderful life with your new 'papas'."

"Eww! I'm no rodent's father, thank you very much", I gagged. The little critter placed its hands on its head, and covered its face… Its body began to wiggle. Huh? What odd behavior. "What the devil is that thing doing, preparing to take a dump?"

"You hurt its feelings, you meanie", Damien hissed.

"I still don't like rats."

"It's not a rat!" Damien turned his head up at me and walked off. "Hmph! Be that way… Come on, Athena – Daddy Stuey's being a scary little bum sickle."

"Are you seriously getting angry with me for a rat?"

"Nyih!" Damien stuck his tongue at me and walked off.

"Oh, boy…some first date", I tagged along, feeling it best to not leave his side in such a big city.

Despite the fact that he was angry with me, I enjoyed watching Damien toy around with his little…um…'Athena'. We returned to our car, drove to the local park, grabbed our blanket and picnic basket and enjoyed the outdoors…with our new pet…'Athena'. Lord, if you only knew how jittery I was, eating near a marsupial… I could barely take a bite of my sandwich.

"Mmmm…!" I whined with nervous energy.

"What is it, Stuey?"

"Mmmm…! Do we really have to let…Athena eat with us?"

"I'm not leaving my 'baby' in the car, so there."

"But it's so…furry and small and… I just don't like rodents, that's all."

"Stuey, you really need to break out of that silly fear", he laughed, before the little critter looked up to me with its beady little black eyes. Damien fed his little pet small pieces of chopped carrots, and I noticed how…cute it looked, chewing away at its lunch. "Athena's a little cutie pie, just like you…Stuey. But, you're not little – you're big and solid-built, which is just as nice."

"Well…I guess she isn't all that bad. Now that I look at her…she seems like a nice pet for you."

"It's 'our' pet, silly."

"I'm not so sure about that…I mean, well…" I began tripping over my words, unsure of what I should say next. I'm not very fluent when it comes to…'Athenas'. All of a sudden, a stray cat began sneaking up on the cage. I picked up a rock from the grass, and tossed at the cat, chasing it away. "…Yeah, scat, you mangy cat! I paid money for the little critter, and I'm not letting you get your paws on it! Now, off with you!"

The cat hissed at us, and then ran away. What a barbaric little pussy! I can't stand cats as much as I can't stand rodents, but I'm not scared of them… I just don't like cats, period. They stink, they tear things up, and they leave fur everywhere… They're just disgusting, and I'm not letting a filthy little stray spoil a £1500 purchase.

Damien picked Athena's cage up and began baby-talking with her, "You see that, Teenie? Papa Stuey loves you, after all. Ooh! Want to give him a kiss?"

"Say what now…?" I jittered in a bolt of fear.

"Come on, Stuey, give her some sugar…please?" I froze up when he asked me that. But, oh well, I suffered the gesture… I closed my eyes, puckered my lips and allowed Damien to place the cage near my face. I felt Athena's nose tickle my cheek, and I giggled. Damien giggled with me, pleased by how I began getting along with our new little pet. "You see? She's really cute and fuzzy."

"Yes, she really is."

From that moment on, Athena became our first pet. We had her for a few months, before Damien gave Athena to my baby cousin, Jennifer. It was the best little birthday present she could ask for. We see Athena from time to time when passing through Hamilton City, which is five hours from here… As a matter of fact, it's the city directly after Rutherford. When we're done with all of this, perhaps we could pay my baby cousin a visit…and catch up with 'our' little Athena.

***…Back to the present***

So, that was my first date in a nutshell… I bought Damien a Sugar Glider that he fell in love with, and I somehow managed to conquer my fear of rodents. Well, I wouldn't say all of them – I still have a fear of rats, mice, and guinea pigs. God help me if it were a sewer rat – I'd soil myself if that were the case.

Damien's sleeping, resting his head on my lap. I haven't seen him this tuckered out since…Brownstone. You know what, I'm starting to realize how tired everyone's starting to become. Our trip has been quite the long one, and I'm beginning to feel the strain myself. Perhaps a little nap will do me some good.

I close my eyes…and rest for the next hour or so.

---

(Opening Theme 2 – Chikyuugi (Globe) by Matsuzawa Yumi)

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Chapter 20 – Brokenhearted

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An hour later…I awaken.

Looking out the window, I notice that we've finally arrived to Aldington's city limits. At first sight, the legendary city appears as any other metropolis: economically booming, outlined with the latest in progressive technology and natural resources. Amongst all things, Aldington is known as "the Scholastic Capital" of Europe; a moniker that residents carry with pride. Some of the world's greatest minds spawn from Aldington, and I'm proud to say that one of my family members lives in these parts… I wonder what he's doing these days.

"What's got you beaming like a flashlight, pup?" questions my ever-so nosey ginger bud.

"I just remembered something: I've family in these parts. I almost forgot about that."

"Doesn't Papa James have a vacation home here?" Damien asks, cradling against me in his drowsiness.

"Yes, but he's not visiting this year; although, I've a cousin who lives in the Judicial District… Geoffrey Saunders – I'm sure you should remember him from the family reunion."

"Are you talking about the 'Cousin Geoffrey' who spanked me on the bum in his drunkenness?"

"Yes, that one", I giggle, remembering my cousin's outrageous personality. "I think he's a charge nurse in the local hospital. Perhaps we could drop by there, pay him a visit and whatnot."

"Well…I guess it wouldn't hurt. Just watch that crazy cousin of yours – he has a habit of 'patting things' he has no business touching in the first place."

"Henry's not the type to give his targets time to breathe", Yuvraj reminds, examining Aldington's beautiful scenery. His cautionary verse catches our attention, and modifies our easygoing behavior. "It's best that you boys stay close to us. The King will surely confront us on sight, so it'd work to our advantage if we stick together. Remember – Henry's an SSS Class warrior, so he's no one to be trifled with."

"Listen to him, fellas", Stephen seconds. "You'll do yourselves some good by not getting others involved, as well. If he gets the chance, Henry will take hostages. Also, Aldington is a Gideonite capital; no one here is your friend, so that means – Stu – that your cousin could be working for the enemy."

"If you're offended by our concerns, we apologize, Stuart", Yuvraj extends.

What's with the apologies? …Well, with him being a formal man and all, Raj is prone to behaving with impenetrable serenity. It's rare that you see a man of his stature lose his patience. Oh well, honor amongst friends I presume… I better return his actions with a little of the old "Bennett charm".

"Don't be so melodramatic, Raj. I'm not the easiest person to offend. I'm well aware of the concerns of my friends… I value the companions I've made just as much as I do my lover."

"Just make sure not to hop in the bed with one of us, if that's the case", Stephen's sarcasm tickles everyone in the car. "I mean it – if I see your ugly arse in my cot, I'll bitch-whip ya to Hell and back."

"Sorry, but I'd rather much have my 'chocolate milk', not a creamy 2% boob like you."

"Don't make me come back there and slap the titty milk out your mouth, pup!"

"Puppies bite back, you old cum fart!"

"Boys, boys – enough already!" Damien giggles, silencing our little spat.

"Hmph! I've no time for him, anyway", my lover cradles against me, still feeling a bit drowsy. I plant a kiss on his head. "Still tired, love? Want to rest some more?"

"No, I'm just a little car weary, that's all."

"You know you have Daddy's shoulder whenever you're ready."

"I'll remember that", I plant another kiss on his head, making him giggle.

"Aww, sugar cereal – now cut it out!" jokingly teases our rude driver. Raj giggles under his breath, as I stick my tongue at the crabby old goat. "You can stick your tongue at me all you want, pup! Turn down the 'sweetness level' for once, will ya?"

"Are we being jealous now, Steve?" I ask in laughter.

"No, but my stomach's being sick looking at all of that. Muah this, muah that – it's enough to make an old man catch sugar diabetes."

"Oh, spare me the green-eyed talk", we laugh for a little, behaving as we always do.

Stephen and I have been friends for quite some time… I'm beginning to understand why Damien takes to him so much. He's a very caring individual, though he has a rough way of showing it. That's how most gingers are, at least to me: rough around the edges, but they're the most lovable people around.

Stephen's stomach begins to rumble, "Well, that's it – the old tummy's running on E."

"I could go for a nice meal myself", agrees the Time Bender.

"I wonder if there's a diner around here."

"Why not try the Denny's downtown?" I suggest.

"That'll do. Mind giving Kate a ring for me?"

"No problem, chum", I retrieve my mobile from my side pocket, dial Natalie's number and listen to her ringback tone. She appears to like Metallica a lot – I can hear 'My Apocalypse' playing, which is actually her favorite song… The Head Mother answers. "Hey, Nattie… No, we're all right, we were just wondering if you wanted to go to Denny's with us… Okay, I'll tell them… Alright, see you there."

"Is she up for it?" Damien asks, as I end the call. I nod with a smile, making my boy excite. "Oh, goodie, I get to try out the new breakfast platter!"

"That's very cute of you, dear", I giggle, humored by my lover's perky attitude.

"What? I love pancakes!"

"And I love your pancakes, but you don't see me doing a praise dance about it."

"Oh, hush up!" Damien smacks me on my shoulder, as we all burst into laughter. As the humorous mood dies down, my fiancé cradles against me. I'm really getting used to his tenderness, almost to the point of being spoiled… The day's not complete, without a little loving from my boy. We look into each other's eyes, gazing lovingly at one another. "I love you so much, Stuart."

"Oh, Damien…" I stare with love.

"Stuart…"

"Damien…"

"Stuart…"

"Damien…"

"Stuart…"

"UGH, God, take me now…!" Stephen sarcastically complains.

"Oh dear…" Raj bursts into laughter.

"Stephen, one more outburst and I'll bitch-slap you with one of your brambles", I teasingly threaten.

"I'd like to see you try, ya camel-faced tit-munch!" he playfully snaps.

"How dare you, you hairy-lipped snatch gnome!"

"I ain't daring a thing, ya jimmy-bred cum splotch!"

"HA! I'm done…" Damien bursts into laughter with Father Yuvraj. "…That…is…enough! I swear, you two act like a pair of stooges when you're together."

"We know", Stephen and I admit, joining in on the laughter.

The rest of our drive was very peaceful, full of laughter and joy. It's a shame that tender times like these are momentary… It's rather saddening to know that. Laughing and enjoying the company of our friends – that is what makes this adventure fun for Damien and me. However, at the end of our fun…lies the grim truth.

The King's lurking around in Aldington, waiting for our arrival.

---

Meanwhile, back at Infinity HQ, the rampage continues… Father Andrew, Uncle Alexander, Grandpa Christopher, and the active Methuselahs stand before the awakened Dietrich. Grandpa Frederic has lost all sense of reasoning, and approaches them with bloodthirsty jaws. His breathing is beastly, his eyes are darker than the night sky, and his frame is animated by a monstrous aura of darkness. In this state, the legendary protagonist can only see blood… He can only see his darkest of desires.

"Feed me…" he demands, sending his targets into a state of alertness. "…Feed me, before I take what I want. The darkness…it wants blood, and so do I!"

"Should we exterminate him, Father Andrew?" Brother Randal asks of his creator.

"No, don't do that. He's brainwashed, not homicidal. If you kill him, it will give the Count another tally on his 'victory chart'. The best thing for us to do is restrain him and synchronize the energies inside of his body. His existence will do the rest of the work."

"No more talking…!" Grandpa Frederic manipulates the air pressure surrounding him, creating a violent sonic boom at his feet! The sonic boom propels him forward, as he rears his right hand behind him. His fingernails mutate and become grisly claws. "YOUR LIFEBLOOD IS MINE…!"

"Everyone, scatter – I'll create a defense!" Grandpa Christopher commands, causing his comrades and superiors to retreat. The earth begins to quake, reacting to his power increase. Grandpa Christopher's eyes glow with a silver light, as my Great-grandfather closes distance with his only son. "…Forgive me, dad! Heartbreak!"

My Grandfather's body shines with a blinding silver light, robbing the rampaging Dietrich of his vision… The ageless nightwalker covers his eyes, reacting to the darkness's suffering. The darkness fears the light; therefore, my Great-grandfather feels the light's stinging pain.

"AAH…!" Grandpa Frederic manipulates the airstream trailing from his body, causing him to come to a halt. The Dietrich suffers the light's burning curse. "AAH…! My eyes…I CAN'T SEE…!"

My Grandfather fiercely emerges from his blinding field of light with a mass of silver flames shining from his speeding frame! Grandpa Frederic feels the sting of son's strong right fist blasting into his stomach! He loses breath, reacting to his abdominals' minor injury. The empowered half-breed concentrates his existence, spreading a silver territory from his airborne frame… Grandpa Frederic suddenly feels something happening to his body.

"Why…can't I move?" asks the confused Dietrich of his assailant.

"Simple…you've been ensnared by 'the ultimate seal'."

"Ultimate…seal?"

"Yep, you heard right", Grandpa Christopher's shining eyes release a pulse of silver light. "Sorry about this, old man. But, a son's gotta do what a son's gotta do!"

My Great-grandfather is encased in a shell of Sticky Finger's metallic hands! Grandpa Christopher hovers away from the sealed Dietrich, as his comrades and superiors watch what appears to be the end of the battle.

"Well…that was quick", snickers Brother Heath.

"It's not over", corrects the empowered radical.

"You mean…?"

"Yeah, that won't hold him", recognizes Brother John, before giving two of his subordinate Methuselahs specific orders. "Kev, Jay, prepare to slow him down on my command."

"Roger!" preps his fellow Lost Boyz.

Brother Randal preps his Highwaymen for a combination attack, "Ronnie, Red, PJ, assist your brothers. I'm going to amplify your attacks using my Find Your Wings technique. If we can slow him down well enough, Father Andrew, Lord Alexander, we'll leave the rest to you."

"Sounds like a plan", accepts the Crusnik Lord, as a shield of Crimson Matter forms on his right forearm.

"Get…this…OFF OF ME…!" roars the hostile Dietrich, as Grandpa Christopher's Heartbreak seal begins to crack. With one monstrous jerking of his arms, the top of the shell shatters into metallic rubble! "RAAA…! HOW DARE YOU LOCK ME IN THAT PIECE OF SCRAP METAL! I'LL KILL YOU!"

"Do it, now!" commands Grandpa Christopher of the Methuselahs.

Brother John and Brother Randal rally their subordinates for battle, "Everyone, let's go!"

"Okay!" Sister Sarona summons her mounted ghostly turret upon her right forearm, aims and fires a colossal wave of electrical currents! She rallies her fellow marksmen. "Red, Kev, attack now!"

"I'm on it!" Brother Heath materializes his handguns into a ghostly shotgun.

"Time for some firepower!" Brother Kevin materializes his automatic rifle into a ghostly breech-loading swivel cannon held in his arms. The marksmen aim their special firearms at their target. "Ready…!"

"Fire!" Brother Heath fires a colossal wave of crimson-colored energy from his shotgun, and Brother Kevin does the same with his swivel cannon.

The trio of energy waves crash into Grandpa Frederic's stationary body, surrounding him with a shell of pure energy! The hostile Dietrich begins clawing away at his spiritual prison, attempting to break free!

"What the devil is this…? GET IT OFF OF ME…!"

"Paul, Jayson, immobilize him!" commands Father Andrew.

"Will do", smiles the Swordsman, before he draws his blade.

A storm of rose petals emerges from Brother Paul's saya, just as Brother Jayson blasts a violent blizzard from his right fist! The two powers crash into Grandpa Frederic's energy cage, causing him to lose mobility!

"He's handicapped", confirms Brother Paul.

"Jojo, Randy, finish him off!" preps Brother Jayson.

"On three…" Brother John energizes his right fist with silver light. Brother Randy summons a funnel of wind around his body, awaiting his fellow leader's command. The two cyborgs aim their right fists at the immobilized Dietrich. "…One…two…three!"

The Leader Methuselahs release their energies upon their target, creating a shining funnel of silver light! The combined powers crash into Grandpa Frederic's energy cage, causing an atomic reaction – the cage solidifies into a thick shell of Crimson Matter!

Brother Randal preps his superiors for action, "Alright, he's good to go! Take him out, guys!"

"Andrew, synchronize your frequencies with my shield!" commands the Crusnik Lord, as he holds his shield of Crimson Matter in front of his body.

"Okay", the Cyber-technologist places his right hand behind his comrade's shield, filling it with a strong pulse of sound waves. As their energies combine, Father Andrew makes an emotional plea to his brainwashed comrade. "Come back to us, Fred!"

Uncle Alexander's shield of Crimson Matter emits a ruby-colored wave of supersonic energy! The disruption wave travels the air, and crashes into Grandpa Frederic's immobilized body! The impact fills the Dietrich with a potent surge of Crimson Matter currents… The currents cleanse my ancestor's mental state, and frees him of the King's mortal curse. The nightmarish aura fades…and my Great-grandfather is finally freed of the King's blinding curse of darkness.

"Alright, that should be enough", recognizes Father Andrew. The onslaught of power ceases, and the cage of Crimson Matter surrounding Grandpa Frederic dissolves… Drew and Uncle Al dash towards their weakened friend, successfully catching his collapsing body. The Crusnik Lord holds his old friend in his arms, as Father Andrew looks to his Methuselahs with a proud smile. "You've done a good job, kiddos. Head to my lab for reprogramming. That was a lot of power output; the affects could toy with your psyche."

"Will do, Boss Man", nods Brother John.

Leonard and Niccolò make a late arrival, descending from the sky. The Former Clergymen come to a soft landing upon a bed of airstreams. Despite their late arrival, their comrades are pleased to see them.

Grandpa Christopher decides to make a smart remark, "Well, you two sure took your merry little time."

"Please, forgive our tardiness", humbly apologizes the Former Cardinal.

"We were tending to the last of the residents", continues the Former Pope, as the former ecclesiasts approach their fellow superiors. "This is far from over, I'm afraid. Did you not sense it?"

"Sense what?" questions Sister Sarona.

"The Count…he's almost here", Leonard's cautionary verse rallies his comrades. "It'd be best for us to secure the front for you. We will act as a shield for you. It's best for us to confront the Count first, due to our past relationships with the Church."

"You're going to face him alone…?" exclaims the Crusnik Lord. "Are you bloody serious…? You may be vampires, but you're not supermen!"

"Have faith in us, old timer. We're very capable of handling Valdo's power."

"You need not worry about us", Niccolò seconds.

"You won't face him without me!" the sound of a woman's voice calls from the rooftops of Infinity HQ. Everyone looks in the direction of the voice, and is amazed by who they see gazing upon them… It's Mother Wendy, who arrived to check on the condition of her recuperating Combat Specialist. "I hope you don't mind me dropping in unannounced!"

"Better late with style than nothing, right?" giggles my Grandfather, tipping his hat to his female comrade.

"Benvenuto (Welcome), Wendelina!" excites the Former Cardinal, as his elder sister leaps from the rooftop with the greatest of ease. The beautiful Abbess soars through the air, before landing softly upon a bed of airstreams in the midst of her friends. Niccolò embraces his elder sister, delighted to have her in his presence. "My dearest sorella maggiore (elder sister), I'm so happy to see you. What brings you here?"

"My soldiers, and Il Conte's (the Count's) presence", the Mother Superior looks to her comrades and subordinates with concerned eyes. She speaks from her heart. "I know you may disagree, but this is personal. Valdo has my husband, and I refuse to stand back when he chooses to behave with such boldness."

"Like we have a choice in the matter", jests the Cyber-technologist, bringing a smile to the Abbess's lovely face. "You're always welcome to take arms with us, Wendy. Be sure remember that, lassie."

"Registered and saved", bows the Abbess, before she grasps a handful of her holy garments. Mother Wendy tosses her gown off of her body with a single swing, revealing a foxy skin-tight leather latex suit, with matching boots, gloves and belt. The male Methuselahs turn beet-red, marveling at how…stunningly attractive the Abbess looks underneath her holy robes. She strikes a pose to tease them, speaking with feminine seductive flair. "Alright everyone, now I'm ready for…battle."

The male Methuselahs faint, unable to take the Abbess's nonviolent onslaught of sex appeal. Sister Sarona stands alone, shaking her head at how juvenile her comrades are acting. The superior radicals are humored by the cyborgs' comical behavior. Mother Wendy giggles a little, before turning to her fellow superiors with a warm smile.

"Well, that's enough fun for today. I'm staying out here with Niccolò and Leonard. Andrew, Alexander, please take care of Frederic. I don't want to be the one to see Stuart's tears, especially over something like this."

"Don't you worry your little head, missy", assures my Grandfather. "Dad's health is top-priority right now. We'll leave the rough stuff to you three. Just make sure to get the job done right."

"We'll be counting on you, good luck", wishes the Crusnik Lord.

"Alright Methuselahs, fallout!" commands the Cyber-technologist. He suddenly notices that his male Methuselahs have already 'fallen out'. He changes his delivery to better suit the situation. "Um, ahem, I mean 'get up and head to rehabilitation'. Hurry along now, kiddos."

"Okay…" whines the sexually overwhelmed male Methuselahs. The boys rise to their feet and begin following their embarrassed female comrade to Father Andrew's laboratory. In unison, the male Methuselahs begin hallucinating that they're following Mother Wendy. "…Where are you going, my love? Wait for baby!"

"Geez, what a bunch of losers", grunts the embarrassed Sister Sarona, being followed by her comical assortment of male comrades.

"We love you, Mother Wendy!"

"I ain't Mother Wendy, you oversexed jackasses!" snaps Sister Sarona.

"Okay, Mother Wendy!"

"UGH! Shoot me!" whines the mortified Huntress.

The superiors are humored by their subordinates' odd behavior. Grandpa Christopher, Father Andrew and Uncle Alexander join them, parting ways with the volunteering defenders.

"Good luck, guys", wishes the Cyber-technologist in his departure.

"Grazie, amici miei (Thank you, my friends)", bows the Former Cardinal. Niccolò stands up straight, turns on his heel and looks towards the entrance. His elder sister and fellow former Clergyman stand at his side. "I can sense Il Conte… He's currently two hours from here. When he arrives, Valdo will most likely become hostile."

"I'm used to his excitable temperaments", Leonard giggles, having knowledge of his former lover's confrontational nature. "Don't worry. I know how to talk to him, so an actual fight is reduced to a '50:50 ratio'. Hopefully, luck will land us on the nonviolent side of our invisible coin."

"We should rest ourselves until he arrives", Mother Wendy walks to a nearby courtyard bench and has a seat. Her younger brother and new comrade joins her. The beautiful Abbess asks a personal question. "Boys, do you think we have the power to stand up to Valdo…and my husband?"

"Only time will tell, Wendelina", Niccolò answers with a confident smile.

"I second that notion", Leonard agrees. The soft-spoken former ecclesiast looks to his new female comrade with a loving smile. "We'll handle Valdo, while you take care of Thaddeus. I think it's best that way."

"Grazie, Leonardo (Thank you, Leonard)", smiles the beautiful Abbess.

The wait begins… In two hours, the Count will arrive at Infinity HQ's entrance. With T.A.T.U. currently being at Level 6: Black security, it may be a challenge for him to breech the association's defense. However, this confrontation is unavoidable in more ways than one.

Mother Wendy must face her husband in order to make a connection with him… Fate will bring them together again, just like the Mother Superior predicted days ago. Sadly…their reunion won't be as tender as Mother Wendy envisioned.

---

Breakfast was delicious! Denny's was never my favorite eatery, but you can't have too many preferences on an empty stomach… Oh dear! I think I better excuse myself to the nearest restroom – nature's calling.

"Excuse me, I'll be back", I announce before departing from my conversing set of friends.

"Take your time, love", pardons my fiancé. Non-name brand flour gives me a sour case of the runs; sad, but true. Damien already knows why I'm leaving the table, and giggles about it. "I told him not to order those waffles, but he wouldn't listen to me. Poor thing."

"Leave it to the bum-suck to put himself in that kind of situation", Stephen sarcastically comments.

"Stevie, no bad-mouthing your friends in their absence."

"Oh, so you're gonna make me stop then, little fella?" the flame-haired nightwalker flashes his fangs at my fiancé. Damien turns his head away from his elder, making Stephen laugh. "Ha! I thought so, sugar face. Don't go fooling around with old men like me. My bite is ten-times worse than my bark."

"Oh, really?" Damien smiles, before snatching Stephen's ear with his left index and thumb finger.

"YOWCH! Enough with the ear-pulling, Day-Day!" squirms the mischievous ginger, making everyone laugh. Damien releases his brother-figure's ear, planting a kiss on Stephen's left cheek. Stephen smiles proudly. "Well, I guess a little kiss makes up for the damage done."

"What an easy old fool", snickers Father Yuvraj under his breath.

"I heard that, ya senile old crap trap!" snaps the excitable Irishman.

"That's nice."

"Don't try to blow it off!"

"I'm not arguing with you, Paddington."

"Geez, what a little sissy!"

"I'd rather be a 'sissy' than a scene queen", Yuvraj cleverly retorts.

"What did you call me!"

"A scene queen. What, is your hearing going bad because of a little pinch?"

"Why you fat-nosed toilet gnome! I ought to break your face in for that!"

"I dare you!" the Punjabi-Canadian grabs a hold of his dining knife.

"Boys, don't even start that!" fiercely commands the stern Head Mother, scaring the arguing twosome.

"Yes, ma'am", submits the argumentative radicals.

"Nothing like a little comedy relief after a nice, warm meal", sarcastically smiles the Optic Master, receiving ugly, mocking faces from his argumentative superiors. Father John snickers at their childish behavior. "What's with the weird faces? You look like angry chimpanzees trying to catch a cab."

"I was going to say baboons, but chimps will do", seconds Brother Theodore.

"At least we don't look like a naked mole rat and an oversexed horse", Stephen's blunt remark makes the two younger radicals think… TJ looks at his reflection on his emptied glass of milk, and visualizes a naked mole rat's face. JoMo does the same and sees the face of a brown horse. Their fierce expressions speak a thousand unsaid words – they've been offended. The haughty Irishman laughs at their reactions. "Ha! Serves you right, trying to run one over on good old Paddy. You younger lads need to learn your place."

"Spoken like a true old fart", bucks Father John.

"Oh, still got a set, do ya?" Stephen returns, fiercely staring his junior in the eyes. "That's some tough talk coming from a fruitcake like you. Why don't you sit down and polish your nails like a good little girl?"

"Don't get jealous because I can get more girls than you."

"Yeah, and if you do, Mel will bitch-whip ya back to California. It's a damn shame that your girlfriend's wearing the pants in the relationship, ya wet-eared pansy!"

"Yeah, well at least my sack doesn't burn my girl's oven, firecrotch!"

"That's enough!" sternly scolds the Head Mother, instantly pacifying the immature spat. The two opposing sides have a seat, and begin shooting each other grim stares. I return from the restroom, having relieved myself of some…rather unwanted passage. Natalie greets me, as I have a seat next to my boy. "Welcome back, Stu. Did you get it all out, soldier?"

"Remind me not to eat waffles from this place in the future. It's rather embarrassing, having to excuse yourself for something so…disgusting."

"There's nothing wrong with bodily functions, Stu."

"Yeah, don't be so dramatic, love", Damien gives me a kiss on my cheek. "You're still my big man, regardless of what a waffle does to your rear end."

I blush in a mode of embarrassment, "Thanks, Sweets…I think."

"Well, we better pay the bill and get going", announces the Head Mother, as she stands from the table. Natalie begins walking towards the cash register. "I want you boys to go relax in the car. I'll go pay for our meals."

"Will do, Kate", the rest of us stand from out chairs. All of a sudden, our existences sense an immeasurable amount of energy from the area surrounding us. Natalie stops in her tracks and turns around, realizing what this means. Stephen looks to his old friend with serious eyes. "He's somewhere around, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is. I'm going to hurry and take care of the bill. We don't want anyone getting involved in this."

"Good form, Nattie", I nod, sending her on her way. I look to the rest of my party, knowing well that this is the moment of truth. Sucking up my pride, I make a confession. "I can't lie to you…I'm a bit nervous about this."

"Don't worry, Stuey", pets my loving fiancé. I look down to him, as he cradles against my left arm. Damien looks into my eyes with a smile. "I'm pretty sure things will turn out just fine. We just need to have a little faith."

"If only things were that simple", Brother Theodore's contrary verse grasps Damien's attention. "You see, Henry is a very clever and sneaky fighter. He's also very dirty – he'll take his enemies down by victimizing others; that's just how he operates. If given the chance, he'll become ruthless and start playing mind games with us. It's best not to underestimate a man of his power class, DC. You'll end up dead with that kind of attitude…and I think I speak for everybody, when I say that I'd rather see you living than dead."

"He's right, Damien", I hold onto my boy, with my right arm. He looks up into my eyes, and notices that I'm smiling at him. "Stay focused, love. The battle ahead is sure to be a tough one."

He smiles at me and nods, "Okay, Stuey! I'll do my best!"

Natalie arrives from the cash register and rallies us for departure, "Alright, boys, let's go. And make sure to stay together at all times."

"Yes, ma'am", understands the rest of our party.

---

The people of Aldington: an unconcerned civilization that behaves quite rudely… We're definitely in the middle of a Gideonite capital. The looks the people are giving us… It's enough to freeze a person's soul to death.

"Do they…know who we are?" I ask of my senior companions.

"Yes, they do", confirms the Head Mother. "They can tell from the emblems our clothes that we're Infinity radicals. Plus, every Gideonite knows my face, so that just makes things even worse for us."

"Do you think they'll attack us?"

"We're vampires, fella", Stephen answers. "If they attack us, all we have to do is scare them away. Humans tend to become antsy around more powerful figures."

"Just remain natural", advises Father John.

"As if I we have a choice."

"You took the words right out of my mouth", seconds Father Yuvraj.

Watching from a bird's eye view atop of the city's highest building, the King follows our every move using his existence… He notices that we're walking along Jackson Street, which is the heart of the city's Commercial District. King Henry folds his arms, amused by how his target fails to blend in with the crowd.

"Little black birds, fly away into the evening sky", recites the King, referring to our distinguishable apparel. "Carry the souls of the deceased to their final resting place, little black birds. Deliver to the creator his fallen children… Stuart Bennett, the time has come. I pray that you're the one who will liberate me from a life of interminable treachery. That is, if you can withstand my Dark Side Moon's uncanny attack."

A cold chill freezes me in place… My party stops and looks back at me. Their faces are solemn, but curious.

"Stuart, are you all right?" asks Father John.

"A chill just ran up my spine."

"Yeah, me too", seconds Brother Theodore.

"Henry must be really close by, if that's the case", Natalie estimates. "He has a habit of stalking his prey, before moving in for the kill."

"Better get rid of those jitters, Stu", Stephen suggests, grasping my attention. "Dark Side Moon has an innate ability to feed off a person's fear. If you're scared of him, he'll overpower you. Remember that, fella."

"I'll keep that in mind. Many thanks to you, Steve."

"Don't thank me yet, Stu", a poison ivy leaf trails through the wind from the east. Stephen looks in the direction the leaf traveled from, and peers up at the highest building in the area. Everyone looks in the same direction, and perceives a dark figure spying on us from the building's rooftop. "That's Henry. The old fool's waiting for us to get somewhere quiet, then he'll confront us."

"How long has he been up there?"

"Probably for an hour or two."

Damien clings to my waist in a jittery mood, "He's…creepy-looking."

"Don't worry, Damien", eases Father Yuvraj. "That's just his way of playing mind games with his victims. Unlike most Clergymen, he has a little class; he doesn't like to make a scene. Still, for him to present himself with such mysteriousness…"

"…He has an ulterior motive in mind", Natalie finishes, showing knowledge of her ex-husband's personality. She ignores Henry's distant obscure image and continues forward. We tail her, listening to the Head Mother's serious verse. "We haven't the time to deal with his voyeuristic games. We're scheduled to meet with Father Luis and the Rolling Stones at the Franklin Resort in 30 minutes, so let's get a move on."

"They're here? Since when?"

"They phoned me about an hour ago, before we entered the Denny's parking lot. Luis heard rumors of a violent nightwalker stalking the streets of Aldington. The Rolling Stones volunteered to help with the criminal's detainment. From what I've read in his memo, our target is known as 'The Moonwalker', and attacks young victims in the night. He wears a silver trench coat and hat – those are his two most distinguishable features."

"A mission and a stalker? Sounds like quite the eventful day."

"AAH!" screams a young lady in the crowd. We're stopped in place, alerted by her shriek. From what we're witnessing, a thief has just stolen her purse. "Someone, help! That man stole my purse!"

"Why isn't anyone helping that woman?"

"That's how Aldington is: no one gives a damn", answers the Optic Master.

"How rude of them, neglecting a lady in distress. Excuse me for a second."

I pursue the petty thief, utilizing my innate wind manipulation to give me a strong endurance boost. My party watches, as I hastily chase after the fleeing crook, aiming to retrieve the young lady's purse. The people of Aldington marvel at my daring display, as I bound forward like a valiant steed.

"You'll go no further!" I roar, before tackling the petty thief to the ground. Spectators are marveled by my heroic actions, having never seen such an inhuman display of endurance. I snatch the young lady's purse from the thief's hands, stand up and send him on his way with a warning. "Get moving. Don't let me catch you stealing from anyone else, or I'll send you flying to the moon. Understood?"

"Y-y-y-yes, sir!" the cowardly bandit flees from the scene, intimidated by threatening verse.

Spectators applaud my performance, as the young lady approaches me to retrieve her belongings. She greets me with a delicate and graceful first impression.

"Thank you, sir", she shakes my hand.

"Scum leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I believe this belongs to you."

I hand the young lady her purse. The beautiful townswoman gratefully receives her belongings.

"I'm sorry to trouble you, Mr.–", she fails at guessing my name. "Oh, forgive me. I didn't get your name."

"Bennett…Stuart Bennett. And you are?"

"Whitney Houston – from Manson."

"Manson, you say?"

"It's a little town west of here", she giggles, realizing that I'm new to the area.

"Well, that goes to show how much I know about my home country. Right?"

"We're not entitled to know everything", she smiles, amused by my personality. And, just like any younger woman, she behaves as such. "Are you seeing anybody right now?"

"I'm engaged, actually."

"Really? That's wonderful, congratulations!"

"Thank you, miss", I smile, delighted by her kind nature.

"Where's the future missus?"

"Standing over there with the rest of my friends", I look to my party, and Ms. Houston sees…well…the only girl of my group: Natalie. To test her sense of liberality, I summon my party. "Everyone, come over here for a spell! I'd like you to meet our new friend!"

My party approaches, bringing a smile to the young lady's beautiful face. She appears to be pleased to see them, but her attention is mainly focused on Natalie, whom she believes to be "my future bride".

My party arrives, as I introduce our newest acquaintance.

"Everyone, this is Whitney Houston – from Manson."

"Hello there", she waves.

"You look rather young, lassie", snickers the coquettish Irish nightwalker. "How many years are you?"

"I'm 16, as of yesterday."

"Well, we wish you a Happy 'Late' Birthday", extends my loving fiancé, before clinging to my left arm.

I hold my fiancé in my arms… Whitney gets the idea and her eyes widen.

"Mr. Bennett, is this your–?" she begins with shocked expression.

"Ms. Houston, this is Damien Crosse – my fiancé and lover", I announce, bringing a smile to my acquaintance's lovely profile. Damien shakes her hand. I introduce the rest of our party, pointing them out with a proud left hand. "And these are our band of associates: Natalie Neidhart, John Hennigan, Yuvraj Dhesi, Theodore Wilson, and Stephen Farrelly."

"A pleasure, miss", bows the formal Punjabi-Canadian.

"Same here", seconds Brother Theodore.

"Ditto", thirds Father John. "What brings you to Aldington?"

"I'm meeting up with an Internet buddy", she smiles, before recognizing who we are. Her eyes widen, as her sense of recollection surfaces. "Wait a second…I know who you guys are: Wade Barrett and Mr. Cross, Natalya, Tyson Kidd, Sheamus, Jinder Mahal, and John Morrison! Whoa, talk about a streak of weird luck!"

"Are you a fan?" asks the Time Bender.

"I've been keeping up with the WWE for five years. My little brother and I watch RAW, Smackdown, NXT, and every Pay-Per-View together. I have him to thank for giving me something else to watch besides Pretty Little Liars, which just so happens to be my favorite show."

"Mine too", confesses Father John.

"Really now? Don't you just hate how they keep teasing A's identity?"

"I know, 'A' needs to be unmasked already", they share a little laughter, and all the men in the party stare the Optic Master down; all except for Damien, of course. Father John looks at us with confused eyes. "What? I like the show, it's good. You should watch it sometime."

"We'll pass, thank you", we decline, behaving as most men would.

"Ms. Houston, if you don't mind me asking…" begins the Head Mother.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"…Do you know how to get to the Franklin Resort?"

She points to the north, "Down that way, four blocks, can't miss it."

"We have some important business to tend to. If you're available later, perhaps we could hang out. You seem like a really sweet young lady. Here's an idea: why not bring your little brother with you?"

"Oh my god, he would love that!" she excites, fetching her cellphone from her purse. She searches her phone and accesses her mobile's 'New Contacts' tab. "Mr. Bennett, do you mind if we exchange phone numbers? I want to be able to keep up with you guys."

"Sure thing, dear. My number is: 074-0651-9972."

She fills in the numbers and saves it, "I'll be sure to call when we're on our way."

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Houston."

"Call me 'Whit', my nickname", she waves to us, hurrying to meet up with her Internet buddy. "Later! Hope you enjoy the Franklin Resort!"

"Take care, Whit!" I wish to our departing acquaintance. I notice that my seniors are smiling at me. Ignorant to the nature of their behavior, I do the only logical thing – I ask questions. "What's with the smiling faces? You look like a collection of life-sized China dolls."

"Always the charmer, aren't ya?" Stephen teasingly asks.

"Um, you've no room to talk, Mr. 'How Many Years Are You?'."

"What? I was being neighborly."

"Yeah, right, whatever", my smart remark makes everyone in our party laugh at him.

"Oh, you can all kiss my arse! I like kids, so stop condemning me."

"Then why were you eying her like an old pervert?" I ask, picking at his naturally flirtatious nature.

"Well, to be honest…I saw the lassie in a dream last night", Stephen becomes serious, which is rather rare for him. Our hilarity ceases, as he covertly shows us the surfaced brambles on his right hand. "I didn't want to say anything, but Green Day showed me Ms. Houston's fate. It's not a pretty picture, either."

"Is it something we can prevent?"

"I don't know, Stu. However, that poor little lady is The Moonwalker's next target. She says she's going to meet up with an Internet buddy, but I think this 'buddy' may be a killer in disguise."

"But, we have to rendezvous with Lu and the Stones at the Franklin Resort", points the Youth Minister. "We're already being followed by the King, so looking out for Ms. Houston… That'll break up the party."

"We don't have any other choice. We have to split up."

"I second that, Stu", agrees the Head Mother. She looks to her subordinates with commanding eyes. "Ok. Theodore, Yuvraj, John, come with me. Damien, Stuart, Paddington, tend to Ms. Houston. Preserving the lives of innocents is top-priority to we Infinity radicals."

"Aye, good looking out, Kate", agrees the Earth Master, retreating his brambles into his existence.

"Stuart, I designate you as the leader of your team", commissions the Head Mother. "In this situation, it's best to have you as the head of your party. Paddington, don't be a sour puss and listen to Stuart. Understood?"

"No problems here, Kate."

"I'll do my best, Nattie", I promise with a smile.

"Also, be watchful of Henry. His existence isn't as strong as it was a few moments ago, which means that he's currently on the move. Try to avoid him at all costs."

"Roger!" Damien salutes like a little soldier, making everyone smile.

"Take care guys – for Infinity", Natalie wishes.

"For Infinity", we return.

We part ways – Natalie's group heads for the Franklin Resort to meet with Luis and the Rolling Stones, while my group tails Whitney. I hate to do this, but Stephen's always right about things like this. Green Day must have empathic features to have the ability to make predictions… Regardless of whatever the outcome will be, we'll do our very best to protect Whitney from this notorious nightwalker.

"They really think they can stop me?" questions a mysterious figure, obscured by the darkness of the alleyway next to our former meeting spot. A sinister grin decorates the figure's malevolent profile. "The people of Infinity are a rash bunch, indeed. Meddlesome fools, your death will be slow and painful…I promise you that!"

The veiled serial killer steps back into the darkness, disappearing from sight. It appears as if our next offender's taking a stealthy approach. As expected, The Moonwalker's following my group using unorthodox methods. It's one thing after the other – the King's stalking us, and now a serial killer's on our tail.

What awaits us in the future? I haven't a clue…and I'm afraid to find out.

---

Brother Johnny's sitting in the northernmost corner, which is nearest to Mary Victoria's cell. He hasn't moved from that spot since the security door was closed. The Twins are resting near Father Jorge's cell. No one's said anything since the Former Clergymen left… The silence is beyond peaceful – it's so bloody quiet, you could hear a pin drop.

"I wonder if everything's done and over with", sighs the bored Brother Jonathan.

"I was just thinking the same thing", seconds Mary Victoria. She looks up at her caged window, wondering what's happening outside. She listens through the wall with her left ear…and hears nothing. "No one's screaming, and I don't hear any explosions. Either they've come to a standstill, or the battle's over with."

Father Jorge notices the cradled Strigoi, and questions the Twins.

"What's wrong with your friend?" he asks.

"The Count's on his way here", explains Brother Joshua. "Brother Johnny is the Count's son. So, I'm guessing they have some kind of empathic connection."

"How's your heart, Johnny?" Brother Jonathan asks of the unnerved Strigoi.

The emotional nightwalker answers indirectly, refusing to look at anyone, "It's still cold… No, it's even colder than before. This feeling…it's starting to bother me. I don't like it!"

Mary Victoria stands from her bed, and walks to the center of her cell. As the former "Chief of Record Keeping" for the Church, the Vestal's full of valuable information. What she's about to share is one of many secrets hidden in the back of her mind.

"The Sire of the Count, Lord Johannes von Dracula, is biologically tied to his father", she reports.

"What did you say…?" everyone in the House is frozen with overwhelming shock. Brother Johnny stands from his corner and confronts the knowledgeable inmate. "Talk to me. What do you mean by that?"

"Just as I said – your genetics are one with the Count's, which is normal. However, it comes with a forbidding price."

"What is it?"

"Lord Johannes…your blood overexcites when you're father's near you", the Vestal's revelation robs her listeners of their words. Mary Victoria returns to her bed, crosses her legs and continues to explain herself with more detailed deliverance. "What you're feeling right now, Lord Johannes, is called 'The Broken Heart'. Your emotions become so grim, so painfully overwhelming, that you transmute into your original self: a ravenous Kyonshī with an unquenchable desire for life energy."

"I…what?" Brother Johnny falls to his knees in disbelief.

"I'm sorry, Lord Johannes… But, having you around us is actually putting everyone in this room in grave danger. Master Leonard and Master Niccolò made a mistake when…"

"Shut up!" commands the emotional nightwalker, releasing glassy tears from his eyes. Everyone is stunned to see what's happened to his tears – they've gone from blood to liquefied glass. "Shut up, I don't want to hear it anymore! Boku wa shinai to kikou (I won't listen)!"

"Monja (Nun), are you certain of this?" questions the concerned Necromancer.

"I wouldn't steer you wrong, especially about something like this", she confirms.

"Tch! Esto es muy malo (This is very bad). Of all the times for us to be locked up."

"Let's just pray that Master Leonard and Master Niccolò return soon", the security door suddenly begins to unlock. Everyone watches as the House door opens. Brother Heath's arrived, lightening the tension with his charming presence. "Well, I can't believe I'm saying this…but I'm glad to see you."

"What's the catch, Vickie?" smiles the humored Gunslinger.

"It's Lord Johannes. You have to get him to a containment room."

"Why, did he commit an offense?" asks the confused Methuselah. Brother Johnny stands to his feet, and looks to his new friend with glassy eyes. Brother Heath jumps in a mode of shock. "Whoa! What the heck happened to you, hombre…?"

"La Monja (The Nun) says that he's transforming", Father Jorge explains, grasping the Gunslinger's attention. The Twins stand to their feet, as the Necromancer continues. "El Conde's (The Count's) blood runs through his veins. We should've said something about this earlier. It's unsafe for him to be running about when Valdo arrives. You'll be in danger if Brother Johnny becomes a Kyonshī. They're unlike any other vampire, and are very dangerous fighters. In Mexico, we called the Kyonshī Los Asesinos (The Killers)'. That alone should tell you something about Lord Johannes's true power."

"He's right about that", Uncle Alexander arrives, having followed Brother Heath in his concerns. The Crusnik Lord's presence grasps the attention of everyone in the room. He approaches the slowly transforming Strigoi and speaks directly to him. "Jonathan, listen to me. It's dangerous for you to be free right now. Our best move, in consideration for the innocents on base, will be to place you under cybernetic confinement. I renovated the destroyed confinement chamber with my magic, so your room's ready for occupation."

"What about…everyone else?" asks the concerned Strigoi.

"They're fine, young man. Come. I must escort you to Father Andrew's laboratory for prepping. Jonathan, Joshua, return to your quarters for the evening. We'll brief you on Johnny's progression by the hour. Brother Heath, you should do the same."

"Yes, sir – for Infinity", salutes the Methuselah and the Twins, before departing from the House.

Uncle Alexander turns to Mary Victoria and delivers a very important message.

"Ms. Crawford, Master Niccolò and Master Leonard request your services", he reports, bringing a smile to the Vestal's face. The Crusnik Lord looks to Father Jorge and delivers a similar message. "Mr. Arias, your services will be needed as well. After some consideration, and a referral from your former superiors, we'd like to welcome you into our ranks. Stay in confinement or take the job – the choice is yours."

"We're already on your side, Sr. Crosse", confirms the Necromancer.

"We'll do what we can to help", seconds the Vestal.

"Good show, children. Your release will be in the next 24-hours."

"24 HOURS…?" exclaims the outraged inmates.

"Yes, 24 hours. A day's timing is needed to register your paperwork and to get the approval of the Head Mother. Basic procedures and all."

"Funny, now I know how a Gideonite under job review feels", laughs the Vestal, entertaining herself with a little workplace humor. No one's laughing with her. She smacks her teeth and turns her head with a smile. "Tch! Oh, whatever! I thought it was funny."

"It was charming, to say the least", the Crusnik Lord places his hand on the Strigoi's shoulder. He looks to Brother Johnny with an assuring smile. "Come along now, Jonathan. Your chamber's not going to fill itself."

Brother Johnny lowers his head with shamed expression, "Okay. You lead the way."

"Behave yourselves, children", kindly orders the Crusnik Lord, as he escorts the Strigoi to safety.

The cybernetic door closes behind them, and automatically secures the House. Father Jorge walks to his cot, has a seat and begins thinking… He cups his hands, wondering what will become of his pending release. Mary Victoria looks to her fellow inmate with curious eyes.

"What's wrong, Jorge?" she asks.

"Nada, sólo pensar en algo (Nothing, just thinking about something)."

"What are you thinking about?"

"What's it to you, Monja (Nun)?" questions the humored Necromancer.

"Just concerned. My emotions have been on high as of late, so worrying about my friends comes natural."

"Well, if you must know…I'm thinking about Damien."

"Again?" laughs the Vestal. "Can't you get him off your mind? He belongs to Mr. Bennett."

"No puedo (I can't). It's hard, Victoria – I like him so much, but…"

"Jorge, listen to me", Mary Victoria's kind tone captivates the emotional Luchador. "Damien's a very delicate person. If you force yourself into his life, you'll end up chasing him away. Instead of stealing him away from Mr. Bennett like a lovesick crook, you should try to be his friend instead… Me, on the other hand – I've someone to catch up with upon my release."

"Someone to catch up with? What do you mean by that?"

"It's not all that different from your situation", Mary Victoria relieves herself of her headdress, revealing her beautiful head of curly hair. She symbolically tosses her headdress to the ground, impressing her inmate. "That was 'Step 1'. Now, in 24-hours, I must talk to Sister Eve."

Father Jorge curiously tilts his head, "Do you have business with her?"

"It's not 'business', Jorge… It's making up for a lot of lost time."

Mary Victoria's hiding something personal from her fellow Ex-Clergyman.

What business could she have with Sister Eve? That's a mystery in itself… With the Count now less than an hour away from Infinity HQ, the entire center of operations is in grave danger. What nightmares await the safeguarding trio of Mother Wendy, Father Niccolò and Father Leonard? Only time will tell.

---

"AWW, where are they-hihi?" yawns the lazy Brother Naofumi in his Yoko form. Currently, he's resting on a couch in one of the Franklin Resort's private rooms. Father Luis and the rest of the Rolling Stones are there, waiting for our party to arrive. "Mmm, this couch is very comfortable-hihi. It makes my fur feel nice-hihi."

"Why are you in your Yoko form, Sergeant Yamamoto?" questions the highly annoyed Leader. Paul approaches his subordinate, picks the Yoko up by his pelt and makes him whine. "Would you change back before you get us in trouble? Room service passes through here every hour, you know."

"Gomenasai (I'm sorry), I'll change back-hihi!" the spontaneous Yoko transforms into his normal state. He has a seat next to Father Luis, who is currently reading a newspaper article. The curious 9-Tails noses in on his comrade's activities. "What are you reading, Urive-sama?"

"An article about The Moonwalker", answers the concentrating Luchador. "It's a report about his preceding victim – a young man named 'Salvatore Bono'. From what it says, he was going to meet with his girlfriend, Cherilyn Sarkisian, but he didn't show up. He was found dead, drained of every ounce of lifeblood in his body, at precisely 9:30 AM yesterday morning. He was a resident of Aldington for 3 years, and had plans to marry his girlfriend by the end of this year. Una historia tan triste (Such a sad story)."

"That bastard's taken way too many lives", snarls the angered Co-Leader. Stephanie stands from her chair, approaches the window and gets a good view of Aldington's crowded streets… She notices the arrival of Natalie's group in the parking lot. Stephanie also notices the change in her superior's numbers. "Katherine's here, but she's short a few men. Paddington, Damien, and Stuart aren't with her."

"Knowing her, she has her reasons", passes her loving husband. Brother Anthony picks up a very peculiar smell. His aggravated sniffing grasps his comrades' attention. Paul decides to cut a crack at his subordinate's canine-like nature. "What is it, Wolf Boy? Caught a whiff of some barbeque or something? If you did, point me in the right direction; I'm damn near starving to death."

"Sorry, Capitano (Captain), but I'm not smelling barbeque…its blood", the untransformed Werewolf's revelation disturbs his comrades. Brother Anthony stands to his feet, and excuses himself to follow the scent. "I will return shortly. I must investigate. Keep Mother Katherine company while I'm gone."

"Wait a second. Take Yamamoto with you, Wolf Boy. We'll handle the rest."

"Yay, a buddy mission-hihi!" cheers the Yoko in his transformed state. His aggravated Leader grabs him by his pelt, making him whine in a world of pain. "Yip-yip, I'll transform, I'll transform-hihi!"

"Uh-huh, don't let it happen again, Fox Boy", Sergeant Yamamoto transforms back to his normal self. Paul releases his subordinate's hair, as his wife giggles under her breath. The Ace Vanguards leave the private room to their superiors. The Leader has a seat on the couch, and smiles. "You know, four years ago, I was just another man working for the WWE. Now, I'm fighting vampires with my wife, a mass of vampire rebels and two clowns. Life sure knows how to change on you at the last minute."

"I heard that", smiles the humored Co-Leader. Stephanie has a seat next to her husband, and cradles against him. Paul holds his lovely wife, as she begins thinking about their family. "I wonder how the kids are doing. They're pretty attached to their Uncle Shane, but I'm starting to worry about them. Kids aren't safe with bloodsuckers running around and everything… We should give them a call after the meeting."

"I'm way ahead of you, Baby."

"Paul, I'm not a 'baby' anymore", giggles the blushing Co-Leader.

"Yeah, but you're my baby. Daddy's going to need a little 'extra attention' tonight."

"Sure, if we can get a moment to ourselves. With The Moonwalker at large, killing innocent people, we're always on-call. But, I'll be sure to make a note of that on my 'To Do' list."

"Looks like the Honeymoon's far from over", jests the reading Luchador, humoring his amorous comrades. A knock comes from their door. Father Luis answers the door, reciting the beginning of a confidential, rehearsed password. "Why is your face hidden from the sun?"

"Because I'm the walking dead, and I tan easily", answers the smiling Natalie. Father Luis opens the door, inviting his superiors into the private room. Paul stands to his feet and greets his Head Mother with a handshake. Stephanie does the same. "Sorry it took us so long, Paul, Stephanie."

"Where's the rest of your crew, Madre (Mother) Katherine?" asks the curious Luis.

"Pursuing The Moonwalker's next target: a girl named Whitney Houston. Not only that, but Henry's stalking us. I think he plans on attacking, but I'm so sure about that anymore."

"Why the change of heart?" Stephanie asks.

"Henry would've attacked us by now. This would've been the perfect opportunity for him to take us out, but he hasn't made a single move… That's not like him."

"Then, we'll rule him out until he becomes hostile", strategically decides the Leader of the Rolling Stones. Paul looks to Father Luis for the remainder of the briefing. "Lu, do your stuff."

The Masked Radical retrieves a mini-computer from his business suit. He enters a personal access code, and accesses a holographic profile of The Moonwalker. Everyone pays close attention to Father Luis's explanation.

"Raquel Wilmer Creed III: a 'Class D –' nightwalker of Norwegian decent. He comes from an aristocratic family in Oslo that owned 45% of the city, and had substantial influence over the Norwegian government. Creed was supposed to inherit his father's business, but was bitten by none other than El Conde (The Count) circa May 1649. Unable to contain his bloodlust, he killed his entire family and some innocents of Oslo. He was driven out of the city by an angry mob, and subsequently developed a vendetta against both vampires and humans. Creed took the persona of 'The Moonwalker', donning silver garments and a matching top hat. In less than a year, Creed became notorious for' taking no prisoners', executing everyone in sight – man, woman, child, and beast. His existence is based on the element of Empathy, and is called 'Blood on the Dance Floor'. His symbol left behind is a moon created from his victims' blood. Creed is considered to be a '1-man army', and is very dangerous. Infinity HQ's Criminal Research Facility has deemed Creed as a Level 5 threat."

"Sounds like a comic book villain", snickers the humored Father John.

"Sí (Yes), but he's short a few hundred goons and is ten-times battier than The Joker", Father Luis deactivates his holographic projection and retreats his mini-computer into his business suit. He extends a plan to his comrades. "I advise that we work in conjunction with Estuardo's (Stuart's) group. If Sra. Houston is The Moonwalker's next target, he's sure to be found lurking around their area of investigation."

"Do you really think it's wise to leave Henry unattended?" questions the concerned Brother Theodore.

"I was just thinking that myself", seconds Father Yuvraj.

"If he chooses to interfere, we'll cut him down where he stands", Paul's cellphone rings. He takes the call, already knowing who it is. "Did you find anything?"

"Ten bodies, dead in the facility's storage room", reports Brother Naofumi. "Kiba-kun (Fang) has picked up traces of vampire DNA on the victims' skin. From the looks of things, they've been dead since last night. We've already contacted the police."

Paul holds his head in annoyance, "Damn! This guy works fast!"

"What do you suggest we do from here, Shachō (Boss)?"

"Keep the authorities busy, and make sure to conceal your badges. Aldington's a Gideonite capital, so we don't want them suspecting us of any kind of misconduct."

"Ryōkai (Roger)", understands the Yoko, before ending his call.

"What was that all about?" questions the Head mother.

"Yamamoto and Carelli found ten dead-heads in the storage room, courtesy of The Moonwalker. The authorities are on their way as we speak."

"Then, we better get moving. Aldington Press will go berserk if they see me anywhere near this resort."

"Good call, Boss Lady. Let's move out."

---

It appears as if The Moonwalker's more of a fearful enemy that one would expect. He has all of Aldington ensnared in his web of death. No one's exempt from his path of destruction. Currently, Stephen, Damien and I have tailed Ms. Houston to a restaurant called "Café Suzette". Her Internet buddy's nowhere in sight, so I'm guessing he may have stood her up… However, as time progresses, a young man joins her at Ms. Houston's reserved table.

I nudge Stephen, grasping his attention, "Hey. I think that's him – the Internet buddy."

My team members catch a good glimpse of this so-called "Internet buddy".

"Looks fairly normal to me", my fiancé dismisses.

"No, I won't pass him off as just that. That's too risky."

"Hold on, Green Day's picking up something", Stephen concentrates his existence, summoning his emerald brambles. Green Day senses a strong vampiric energy wave circulating through the young man's body via psychography. He gets a confirming image: traces of territorial energy within the Internet buddy's blood. "He's a vampire, but it looks as if he's able to 'conceal his true image'. Whoever this lad is, he's good at disguising himself."

"Do you think he'll attack her?" Damien asks.

"Not in plain sight", the Internet buddy looks to us for a split second, and then returns his attention to his date. We continue reading our lunch menu to remain incognito. I give my team specific orders. "He knows we're watching him. Act natural and wait for him to make any suspicious moves."

Our target and her rendezvous are now on the move. The "Internet buddy's" probably reacting to our presence. We wait until the couple's near the door before standing.

"Everyone, let's get going", I order.

"Okay", understands my party.

Our target's rendezvous obviously knows who we are and has something to hide. If he weren't behaving so suspiciously, we wouldn't be tailing Ms. Houston's party… Using the rooftops, my team pursues our target with the upmost precaution. There's no telling what will happen when we finally reach a stopping point.

Hopefully, Ms. Houston's life won't be in danger when that happens.

---

Time's up… The safeguarding trio stands from their seats in Infinity HQ's courtyard. In the distance, a set of headlights are seen approaching the center of operation's highly secured gates. The Count's and the Archbishop's existences are starting to build up… As feared, they're coming with "loaded guns".

"This is it", sighs the nervous Abbess. Mother Wendy preps her comrades for the enemy's arrival. "Boys, are you ready to face the past?"

"Sí, sorella maggiore (Yes, elder sister)", nods the Former Cardinal.

"Fate does not scare me", seconds the Former Pope, as the Count's limousine parks at the gate.

"They're here. Brace yourselves, boys."

The Count's chauffer aborts the driver's seat, walks the left rear door and opens it for his masters. The Lord of the Night steps from his backseat, dressed in his best hooded travelling suit. His overwhelming power sends a chill through every soul in the facility. Mother Wendy clenches her fists, attempting to squeeze the fear from her bones… To no avail, she still feels a cold sting of trepidation in her heart.

("I've been waiting for this moment for centuries…so why…?") the beautiful Abbess places her right fist to her heart, realizing how afraid she's become. ("…Why am I so scared? Come on, Wendelina, pull yourself together! Your husband's standing right in front of you, and now's your chance to…")

Mother Wendy notices the corrupted image of her beloved – the abominated beast known as "a Dietrich". Her heart drops with despondency, reacting to the overwhelming pain of seeing what's become of her husband. Count Valdo and Archbishop Thaddeus approaches the gate with demanding charisma.

"You!" the Count points to the trio of safeguards in the courtyard. "Open the door. Now!"

"You've no business here, Conte Valdo!" Niccolò declines with commanding tone.

"Cardinal Niccolò, is that you? What are you doing cavorting with the enemy?"

"What I should've done centuries ago: indirectly tell you to 'kiss my ass', you psychotic bastardo (bastard)! Unfortunately for you, the Church is slowly leaving your side. I predict that, in less than a year, your entire movement will become nothing more than a forgotten record in a college textbook."

"He's right, and that's why we've cut our ties to your madman's crusade!" Leonard seconds.

"Moody Blues, you too!" outrages the Count. Thaddeus looks to his master with uneasy eyes, for he knows how violent the Master Vampire can become. However, despite the grave insults that lie before him, Count Valdo remains calm. "Fine. So you've decided to dig your own graves. I'm a man of understanding, and I can excuses this ignorance once…and only once. I offer you one chance to return to me. If you refuse, I will break this gate down and killer EVERYONE on this base… All except for my son."

"You mean the son you will never see?" questions the bold Abbess, angering the Count even further. Mother Wendy looks to her corrupted husband with melancholic eyes. To exact a small ounce of her revenge, the Mother Superior plays mind games with her archenemy. "Just like you've kept me from my husband, my friends and I will keep you from your son. From what I've heard, he doesn't even want to see you… Your very image breaks his heart to pieces! Pitiful – a man who's a threat to his own child's existence!"

"You will NOT speak to the Count with such arrogant verse, lest you wish your tongue ripped out!" scolds the Archbishop, before clinging to his master's right arm. Mother Wendy is silenced. The corrupted Ecclesiast looks to his wife and former comrades with resentful eyes. "You will address the Lord of the Night with respect. Always."

"Thaddeus, what's happened to you?" questions the emotional Abbess.

"Nothing you can handle or cure. I like being this way… I've got more power in my hands than ever before. Count Valdo is an amazing man…and lover."

"No…no, you didn't let him…?"

"He turned Thaddeus into a Dietrich", Leonard angers.

"You coward!" Niccolò roars, enraged by what the Count's done to his brother-in-law. The precipitation in the air begins to excite, forming water bubbles that instantly changes color. The water bubbles turn purple, and start to converge with the Cryobiologist's body. "Thaddeus belongs to Wendelina, not you! You will pay for what you've done to their marriage!"

"I cannot overlook this, either!" Leonard's voice becomes fierce, as a cluster of stars forms around his body. In the same manner as his fellow Ex-Clergyman, the cosmos surrounding him converges with his body. The two energizing radicals are donned with metallic armor made from pure elemental energy. "Wendy, get ready for an attack. You must save your emotions for later."

"I'm way ahead of you", Mother Wendy invokes the spiritual energy around the area via her existence. A quartet of winged female specters appear before her body. She holds her hands forward, summoning gauntlets of pure alexandrite crystals upon her forearms, before balling her fists for the battle ahead. "Valdo, you will pay for your sins this evening. And, I will take my husband back by force!"

"Hmph! What a pitiful little front the lot of you are", laughs the arrogant Master Vampire. Count Valdo looks to his loyal Dietrich for assistance. "Thaddeus, my love, expose of them for me."

"As you wish", the corrupted Archbishop excites the water vapor surrounding his right hand.

Thaddeus aims his energized hand at the gate, and unleashes a powerful ray of golden liquid! The liquids make crash into the gate, placing overwhelming pressure on its cybernetic security shielding… The shield begins to crack, reacting to the Archbishop's influential power!

At the same time, Brother Johnny feels his heartbeat becoming violent! He falls to his knees, being overwhelmed by the freezing pain that's taken over his entire body!

"My heart…AAH…!" the pain's too much for him to handle.

Father Andrew notices that something terrible is happening to the suffering Strigoi: his body's developing a furiously animated black aura! His hair's beginning to elongate and solidify, his skin's losing a substantial amount of pigmentation, and his aura's ferocious wind's beginning to rip at his clothes!

The Cyber-technologist does everything to sustain his subject's brain waves and energy level using his technology… But, it appears as if his work's all for naught – Brother Johnny's power level continues to rise!

"Make it stop…MAKE IT STOP…!" Johnny screams, hoping that God will hear his cries.

His shirt is completely ripped from his body, revealing frightening protrusions of genetic glass from the linings of his upper body and arms! Uncle Alexander and Grandpa Christopher enter the laboratory, after gaining access using the room's security keypad.

They hurry to Father Andrew's side, concerned for the subject's mental state.

"What's happening to him?" questions my concerned Grandfather.

"Valdo's here, and my technology's going haywire with this much energy output!" Father Andrew's keypad sparks, signifying a system overload. T.A.T.U. appears on the supercomputer's screen, worried for her creator's safety. "T.A.T.U., are you all right?"

"I am, Father Andrew… Forgive me for this, but I must ask you to leave this place."

"What? T.A.T.U., I'm not leaving you behind!"

"In the past hour, I modified the Methuselahs' recovery rate to 200%. All units are at 100%, and are ready to be dispatched. Lord Frederic's expected to recover in 5 minutes. Until then, you must leave this place. Brother Curtis's transformed state is too much to handle, even for someone as powerful as yourself."

"Why are you asking me to run away?" questions the emotional Cyber-technologist.

"I know this is a foolish thing to do…but…if all else fails, I'll send a massive wave of Crimson Matter throughout the facility by self-detonating myself."

"No! T.A.T.U., I forbid you to do something so reckless!" orders the outraged Noise Master.

"There must be another way", seconds the Crusnik Lord.

"I'm afraid there isn't, Mr. Crosse. If anything, my electrical discharge will inflict the Count with irreversible wounds… This is my way of showing that even machines have hearts. Please, you must understand my feelings… None of you can defeat the Count, so my life would be at risk regardless of what transpires. If you can hold him off for 10 more minutes, I'll be able to pull this off. Refugees are being transferred to the Barcelonan Branch via cybernetic teleportation as we speak… It's all right. I know what I'm doing."

"Listen to her…AND GET OUT OF HERE…!" pleads the suffering Strigoi. As his body continues to transform, he makes a final request of his comrades. "My mind…is fading… My father's here, I can feel it! Before I lose myself, I want all of my friends to leave this place… And don't forget about Mary Victoria and Jorge – they're not bad people once you talk to them for a while. Dad…is strong! He's strong enough to kill you all…and I'm afraid…that I might…kill you too! If I take anyone's life…I'm sorry… Please…please, don't hate me!"

"Father Andrew, all of you, leave this place", requests the security system.

T.A.T.U. watches her creator lower his head, submitting to her wishes. The Cyber-technologist nods, turns on his heel and evacuates the area. Uncle Alexander and Grandpa Christopher follow in his footsteps. As the laboratory's security door closes, T.A.T.U. looks to the suffering Brother Johnny with mournful eyes.

("Everything's falling apart… Brother Curtis is reacting to his father's presence, by transmuting into a pureblood Kyonshī. Everyone's in danger of being killed, and the only thing I can do is sacrifice myself for their safety. My life was short, but I'm glad that I was created. Father Andrew, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me… Commencing 'Mass Biological Self-Destruction' procedures – detonation time: 10 minutes.")

T.A.T.U.'s absolutely right – everything is falling apart… Who knew that the Count's presence would have such a drastic effect on Brother Johnny's biological and psychological state? When he fully transforms, the entire foundation of Infinity HQ will be shaken with overwhelming carnage. And my Great-grandfather's currently unconscious, expected to awaken in the next 5 minutes… Out of everyone on the base, he's the only fighter who can possibly thwart the Master Vampire's merciless assault.

Father Andrew contacts all fighters on base using telepathy, ("Everyone, to the courtyard. T.A.T.U.'s planning a mass detonation. If we can hold Valdo off for 10 minutes, we'll be able to weaken him… Best wishes on the battlefield, my friends – for Infinity!")

("For Infinity!") salutes the radicals.

The Methuselahs are on the move, including the revived Sister Eve. The Twins are on the move as well, hoping to arrive at the confrontation before anything grim transpires… Everyone's cooperation is needed in this battle. This may very well be the beginning of the end. My party's currently dealing with the situation in Aldington – a serial killer named The Moonwalker. With the King on our backs, stalking us at every corner, what will become of our mission?

Will we be successful at stopping this murderer at large?

Will T.A.T.U.'s plan be successful?

What nightmarish power is the transformed Brother Johnny capable of?

Will Mother Wendy ever get her husband back? These questions and many more will be answered sooner than you think… I pray for the safety of everyone.

The battle to bring an end to the bloodshed continues…

---

(Ending Theme – "Colors" by Utada Hikaru)

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(Up Next: Chapter 21 – Angel of Mine)