Chapter 25: A Bottled Up Scream
Lady Lia, together with the three vampire hunters were seated in the Conference Room at the 'Hunters' Organization Headquarters.
" I want the vampire hunter who goes by the name of Lechary Ameryl to be on Socrates Hill by zahur on the second day of the new moon. If you fail to do so, then the organisation will not be spared to see the dawn of a new day... "
Ichiru's voice bounced from the sound proof walls and echoed around the room.
" Today is the day, isn't it? " Lady Lia spoke up, leaning forward.
She was aiming the question directly at Lechary.
Lechary only nodded mutely and did not reply.
" Your ladyship, there is something that I wish to clarify, " Zero began, noticing that Lechary was watching him closely.
" Please do so, Zero, " Lady Lia urged.
" Why did Ichiru pick today out of all days? Why it is that today is being most emphasized? Does he know something that I don't? " the vampire asked her.
" Yes, he does know something which might add to his advantage against the Necromancers for today is the day where all bonds between their abilities and souls are broken, leaving them at their most weakest, " the director explained.
" So, does that mean Lechary is affected? " Glenn asked, looking concerned.
" Not in the slightest bit in a sense but… " Lady Lia trailed off, looking at Lechary who quickly looked down at her lap.
" But what, your Ladyship? " Zero pressed, waiting expectantly for the Lady Lia to finish her sentence.
" There would be certain complications where Lechary is concerned. In simpler terms, Lechary would be affected mentally but not physically unlike the Necromancers who will be affected by both mentally and physically. "
" Mentally? " Glenn echoed, confused.
Lady Lia nodded, " Meaning that Lechary will be forced to remember certain agonizing memories and thus torturing her mind. However, this only happens randomly at any point of the day. "
Zero was shocked by this revelation.
" Forgive me for asking you this, Lady Lia but is Lechary… a Necromancer since today does have an effect on her? " Zero asked, taking his chances.
Lady Lia paused before answering, choosing her words carefully, " This is something confidential, Zero and I'm afraid that I cannot answer your question. "
The vampire hunter was disappointed.
" Oh, I see. Sorry, I did not mean to pry. "
Soon after, there was silence as they were absorbed in their own thoughts.
Lechary was the only one who was staring at the clock, waiting.
Only another seven hours…
Before I see you again…
Ichiru…
The time for his appearance came too soon enough. Lechary had preferred to come here, to Socrates Hill on her own. Conversely, Lady Lia had insisted that Zero accompany her and Glenn on standby in the case of an emergency.
" This is one battle that we must not lose! " Lady Lia had spoken these exact words to her after all of Lechary's reassuring that she would definitely be alright on her own, which was indeed pointless.
Lechary's grip on the hilt of her sword intensified.
His presence is imminent…
I can almost taste it…
He's coming…
Lechary knew that Zero felt it too. His presence. In view of the fact that, the other vampire hunter had his gun out.
Lechary scanned the surroundings carefully and with precision. Every movement made, including the shadows were taken into consideration. After all, one can never be too careful.
Both Lechary and Zero were now back to back, their awkwardness forgotten. They guarded each others' backs.
He can only come…
From three ways…
Front…
Back…
And…
Lechary's eyes widened.
" MOVE! " she yelled.
In a split second, several swords were flung at their earlier positions. They had managed to dodge the attack which came from…above.
From above…
The only place which was left unguarded…
Very typical of him…
" Above? " Zero gasped, shocked.
" Very good, Lechary. Just what I had expected from someone who is a highly qualified vampire hunter such as you are. Good girl. "
" Ichiru! " the girl spat out. " Show yourself! "
Ichiru only chuckled.
Lechary tried to find the source of his voice but Ichiru was smart. He made his voice resonate from all different directions and not just in one route. This made it difficult for her to find him.
" Ichiru, why do you want Lechary for? Why did you make this threats to the 'Hunters' Association for? " Zero demanded. " Your fight is with me. "
" My dear brother, you do forget, don't you? You and the Cross Academy killed her, didn't you? I come now, seeking revenge in order to resurrect her… "
Without warning, another round of swords were flung in their directions. They evaded them again.
This is difficult…
If I can't get hold of his position…
Then…
We won't last long…
Just where are you hiding, you stupid coward…?!
Lechary squinted as she stared hard into the darkness, trying to make out Ichiru's location.
I have to end this conflict quickly…
Before…
It comes…
Then, I'll be done for…
Without warning, it struck her. Her pupils dilated as the images implanted themselves into her brain, replaying themselves in her mind. Lechary's breath came out ragged and excruciating. She sank to the ground weakly, her hold on her sword loosening and at last, it fell from her hand. Tears pooled in her eyes as she clutched her head, trembling uncontrollably.
NO…!
This can't happen…
Not now…!
Giving in, the girl uttered a piercing and inhuman shriek which cut through the night like a knife.