With the festivities over, the Day students had finally gone to bed. It would be up to them to help clean up when morning came around. However, there were still many things to tie up, namely the commotion that could have turned the entire festival day into a warzone.
Upon being summoned by Ren, the Vampire Knights and Cassandra had come to Chairman Cross's office. The Chairman similarly had summoned the Hunters over, Misaki included. All of them had gasped in shock at Anju's injuries and the blood upon her clothes. Even more shocking was the presence of Rodin. Once more, Cassandra had expressed immense apprehension at the man, though the vampires beside her gave her the courage to face him, though it also helped that he was being handcuffed.
Still, that wasn't the most disturbing thing.
"It's not really working…" Anju gasped as she downed her fifth glass of water. "My throat still burns…"
"Alright, I'm out of ideas." Misaki huffed.
"Like I said…" Rodin spoke from behind, flanked by two Death Dealers. "The kid needs blood."
"Why don't you start talking straight first?" Ichigo growled, his pistol pointed at him. "Why the hell would Anju need blood?"
"You have to trust me kid." Rodin answered. "She's not going to last much longer like this."
Akira frowned, still mistrustful of the man. Then again, he somehow seemed to have a very impressive understanding of Anju's condition. "Chairman, I propose we do as he says. I don't want to see Anju suffer any more."
Chairman Cross stared at Ren, who merely shrugged and prepared a blood tablet solution nearby. The vampire hurriedly gave the drink to Anju, who downed it quickly. Instantly, it looked like she recovered, her pained expression disappearing. She panted in relief, feeling the fire in her throat die down.
"Told you." Rodin smirked, an action that earned him an angry smack to the head. "Agh!" He moaned. "Seriously, why the head?"
"Enough!" Chairman Cross snapped. "I've had enough strange things going on. Now is not the time for violence!" As soon as everyone quieted down, a Vampire Knight approached Ren, whispering into her ear.
"Chairman." Ren spoke. "My sister is ready."
"Very well." The Chairman nodded. "It's about time we got answers as to what happened." At this, a vampire came in, bearing a tablet that was now connecting to Queen Ai's very own. As soon as it was placed upon the Chairman's desk, the image of the vampire Queen appeared.
"Kirihara, it's been a while." Ai greeted before she turned to the rest of the people in the room. "And you all as well. I trust your festival went well?"
"It was a success your Majesty." Cassandra bowed, as did all the other vampires. "However, there were some rather unnerving occurrences that I'm certain you've heard about."
"So it would seem." Ai frowned as she now looked upon Rodin. "So you are the one I've heard so much about. From what I have heard, you helped to fight back the intruders from Helsing. As I'm already certain that you know of my identity, I would like you to introduce yourself."
"Of course." Rodin replied. "My full name is Rodin Gordon. As you might have guessed, I was a former member of Helsing."
"Now then Mr. Rodin, I would like you to tell me everything that happened today." Ai said sternly.
"I don't intend to keep anything from anyone." Rodin said. "I admit, I did sneak into the school. But that was because of her." At this, he gestured to Anju. Everyone now turned to look at her, causing her to feel nervous.
"May I ask why?" Ai frowned.
"Well, I have quite the information network." Rodin said. As he began to explain himself, grunts where heard from outside. Everyone turned as a woman now barged in through the door. She trod over to Rodin and immediately rammed her knee into his stomach.
Everyone's mouths fell open as Rodin's eyes bugged out of their sockets before he collapsed to the ground, struggling to breathe.
"Serenity…" He gagged. "W-Why? I didn't do anything yet…"
"I thought the plan was to stop anyone from Helsing then get away before you get caught!" Serenity screamed at him. "How did the plan get shit-fucked to this extent!? Do you really not want to be imprisoned, or do you have some sort of fetish for being behind bars? Or are you really just a shit for brains monkey!?"
"Look, the whole thing was kind of a work in progress okay? Especially that last part!" Rodin grumbled as he recovered, only for the woman to punch him in the gut again.
"A work in progress?" She bellowed. "Oh my lord you are a fucking dumbass! I can't believe I didn't see that coming!"
Wow… Anju gulped as Rodin was being roasted by the extremely foul-mouthed arrival. She watched as two Vampire Knights emerged in the door, immediately apologizing to Queen Ai for not being able to stop her.
"Alright, enough!" Ai yelled exasperatedly from the tablet, cutting the argument between Rodin and Serenity. "Just tell me exactly what happened."
Rodin and Serenity glared at each other before they relented and resumed explaining their actions to Ai. "Well your Majesty, I thought I'd let you know that Helsing has one heck of an intelligence network. They found out a few details about the kid's medical records from Wakaba General."
"That's… alarming…" Ai frowned, sounding distressed. "It seems we need to beef up our security, and do a whole staff screening while we are at it."
"You ought to." Serenity nodded. "Those shits at Helsing are nuts beyond your understanding. But back to the point, they found something that in their heads, is pretty damn screwed up."
"What?" Ichigo asked.
"Simply put…" Serenity said. "The kid can potentially birth a vampire child."
"Can't all humans do that?" Misaki asked. "I mean, there a Dhampirs."
"No." Rodin said as he faced Anju. "Kid, I don't want to scare you, but as you have seen, you aren't exactly human right now."
"What do you mean by that?" Emi frowned.
"You see, her blood has been able to adapt to vampire DNA." Serenity continued. "In short terms, she could sire a complete vampire, even a Pureblood." Silence sank in as everyone processed this news. As one, they turned to Anju, who was also having a huge bout of shock herself.
"Haaa…" Ai groaned, burying her head in her hands. "So this is what Aidou wanted to talk to me about. When I heard there were very strange reports concerning Anju's clinical tests I didn't think we'd get this kind of strange…"
"Wait, wait…" Shinji now spoke up. "Are you saying that she is like a vampire now?"
"Honestly, we don't know." Rodin said. "But Ms. Cross, don't mind telling us what you did with Cliff?"
Anju breathed, knowing that as of now, there was nothing left but to tell the truth. Thus, Anju recounted her battle with Cliff, especially her new powers that she had displayed. The tale, as unbelievable as it sounded, was found to have no faults, as confirmed by Rodin and Serenity.
"And that's it…" Anju finished as she reached the point where she had fallen, completely paralyzed. "After that, Mr. Rodin came in and saved me. If not for him, I don't even want to know."
"Holy…" Ichigo gasped. "What the hell?"
"Yuki Kuran." Chairman Cross said. "It seemed she left quite something in Anju."
"What does that make me then?" Anju asked. "What… what am I?"
"You are something like me." Rodin answered. "Just, in a more benign way. Time for me to explain exactly what Helsing is, and what we do."
"The organization started from the old Hunter's Association." Rodin explained. "We were a rag-tag bunch who constantly watched how the current Association did things. As it turned out, loads of us were pretty dissatisfied with how things worked. We felt that there were hundreds of vampires whose crimes against humans could never be brought to light since evidence couldn't be compiled against them. So we took matters into our own hands. At least, that's what they said. Damn I was an idiot for believing them."
"How do you mean?" Chairman Cross asked.
"Helsing's real objective is the destruction of vampire society." Rodin answered. "At least, that's what it devolved into. And they'll do anything to get it done. Even if that meant casting away parts that made themselves human." Rodin now raised his hands, looking to the cuffs. "Uh, to make my point, I need to show you something. So, would you mind removing these?"
Ai frowned as Chairman Cross looked to the rest of the Hunters present. Deciding unanimously that he was of no threat, the Chairman nodded for his cuffs to be removed. Grudgingly, the Death Dealer removed the cuffs, giving Rodin free reign. "Now then." He said. "Whatever you see, please don't freak out too much."
As everyone pondered the meaning of his words, Rodin reached for the black glove on his right hand. As he removed it, they saw that the glove was a lot longer than they thought. Once the glove itself came off however, their eyes were immediately drawn to Rodin's right hand.
It was not human. The skin had been completely blackened with the fingers sharpened into long, sharp claws. Red veins pulsed across his arm, with an eerie red 'eye' on the back of the hand. The more Anju stared at it, the more she got the sensation that the arm was hungry.
"What on earth is that?" Kidomaru asked, clearly unnerved.
"This?" Rodin answered, raising his arm. "This is one of our biggest secrets. We call them Bloodbane weapons. Believe it or not, this thing was a clawed gauntlet once. Now, it barely resembles it, along with the arm I wore it on."
"What kind of atrocious creation is that?" Emi asked, keeping her distance as did the other vampires. If one didn't know better, they were afraid of it.
"This is Helsing's answer to vampires." Rodin explained. "Bloodbane weapons were something we made to effectively destroy a vampire. These things target your people at the cellular level, decaying away your own genetic material. It can even stop your regenerative powers."
"The vampires of the Kraven clan." Ai recounted. "All of that was your doing?"
"Yeah…" Rodin nodded bitterly. "I personally took part in that murder."
Silence once again spread through the room, the only sound being Cassandra slumping into a chair, a dreadful look crossing her features. Akira's face now twisted into one of pure anger as he walked to face Rodin. "Tell me, did you kill Cassandra's mother?"
"No." Rodin answered. "But I was with the person who did it. I saw that day, how he was ready to butcher a helpless woman and her kids without a shred of remorse. That's when I knew I was siding with the wrong people. That is why I left, along with Serenity here."
"Who is this person?" Ai asked, while keeping a stern look upon her son.
"His name is Arthur Banel." Rodin answered. "He is also known as 'One', considering he is the strongest of us all."
"Wait…" Anju said. "Those two, they called you former number four. Does that mean…"
"Helsing's top warriors are numbered from one to ten based on their strength." Rodin explained. "Before I left, I was ranked their fourth most powerful fighter. Giselle is the fifth, while Cliff is eighth."
"So… I was fighting only the eighth strongest among you?" Anju gasped.
"Correct." Rodin nodded. "Helsing is nothing to scoff at. They have an extensive network across the world all geared toward tracking down and killing vampires. I'm certain that this place also has been under their watchful eyes for a while. And while you can hold your own against most of their main forces, it is their top ten you'd better watch out for. They are called the Executors for a reason."
"Tell me Mr. Rodin." Chairman Cross asked. "How many of these Bloodbane weapons do they possess?"
"For now, only the Executors have them." Serenity said. "They are the only ones who have survived bonding themselves to those weapons."
"Survived?" Shinji frowned. "How do you mean?"
"You see." Serenity explained. "Bloodbane weapons give a shit-ton of power to the ones wielding them. Incredible strength and speed, healing abilities, even longer life spans. In short, they become something like vampires without losing the human part. However, there is one big drawback. That's because the main ingredient in making them is the heart of a Pureblood vampire."
Shocked gasps went through the room, especially from the vampires themselves. Serenity paused for a bit, allowing them to collect themselves before resuming. "Because of that, it makes these things somewhat alive. And they have an unquenchable thirst for blood, be it human or vampire."
Serenity now pulled out a massive syringe filled with blood, immediately stabbing it into Rodin's twisted hand. The man grimaced as the women pushed down, the syringe immediately feeding its contents into the arm. The arm twitched slightly before the red marks vanished, though its clawed appearance remained.
"And that's why the asshole Executors want to kill vampires so bad." Serenity said. "Not only does it slake their bloodlust, it makes sure that the weapons don't in turn kill them. Also, feed them enough and the weapons get stronger too. You can imagine what sort of fucked up mentality arises from that…"
The vampires' gazes went cold, and Anju knew why. To Helsing, they were nothing but fodder, fuel to spurn their genocidal crusade.
"Hold on…" Anju said. "You said I'm like you now. What do you mean?"
"I also added more benign kid." Rodin replied. "See, like me, your body appears to have been enhanced as well by vampiric blood. Only instead of destroying your cells like a Bloodbane weapon does, it seems to have altered itself to support your body, hence why you've seen better stamina and strength. It appears latent, but when activated it gives you a boost unlike anything, along with a few extra powers as you have seen." Anju immediately thought to 'Shadow', the dark being that aided her in battle.
"Still, I'm not exactly sure if those powers will change in time." Rodin said. "Which is why I wanted to give you this proposal."
"What kind of proposal?" Anju asked.
"Simply put, let me train you." Rodin said, stunning all in the room.
"And why would we even agree to this?" Ichigo frowned.
"I must concur." Misaki nodded. "Leaving her with you is quite a stretch with all you've just told us."
"Well, got any other ideas?" Rodin asked. "Hunters like you have no way of training a kid with vampire powers. Now maybe the vampires can help, but would you really try to handle a delicate situation you know nothing of?" He looked to Akira as he asked this. Akira looked between Anju and Rodin, uneasiness showing in his eyes. The Kuran prince sighed as he made a decision.
"I have no choice but to agree." He nodded, shocking the others. "While we may be able to help Anju with her powers, we may unwittingly put strain on her body. The vampire DNA within her could damage her human body if we cannot properly control it. Altogether, this may turn out to be a delicate case. We don't know whether our methods could harm her, and that is a danger I will not accept."
"Alright then." Rodin nodded. "Additionally, I can also give you some information I have regarding the Kraven clan."
"You have quite good information on hand Mr. Rodin." Ai smirked. "Colour me impressed. I suppose now though I ought to be worried about you."
"It's not that good." Rodin said. "But it concerns their movements, and their little project."
"Project Paragon." Ichigo said. "Have they progressed in it?"
"I'm not sure kid." Rodin answered. "But I know plenty of human settlements have already been attacked by those feral monsters. Could have been worse, if it weren't for the vampire knights. But I have a bad feeling that they weren't interested in killing people."
"Then what do you think?" Cassandra asked.
"Not sure I'm afraid." Rodin said. "But, I do know that these creatures are coming from across the ocean, most likely being hauled off as cargo and then let loose. Maybe he just wants you to know that he can threaten anywhere he wants."
"And likely spread out my forces…" Ai said. "We will need to squeeze out of Lestat all possible locations for their new project. Every second we waste makes the current advantage we have over the Kraven clan redundant."
"Agreed." Chairman Cross nodded as he turned to Rodin. "I don't suppose you'll cooperate?"
"I might as well." Rodin smiled. "I want to stop Helsing, but I also want to stop that maniac Kraven vampire. As of now, our goals align. However, I do things my way. Rest assured I won't use any shitty methods, but I think I work better as an independent force."
"Fair enough." Ai nodded. "Though I would like to request your help with Lestat. We've tried almost everything and he still doesn't talk."
"Alright." Rodin agreed. "Maybe this ol' fart can make some vampire cooperative."
"And I will speak to the Association Council. With Rodin's information, tracking the Kraven clan may have just become easier." Chairman Cross added.
"We'll have to prepare as well." Akira said as he looked to the vampire students. "It may become necessary to act in place of mother's knights." To this, his friends and Cassandra nodded.
"Well then, let's get this shit started." Ichigo said.
"Hold it kid." Serenity held her hand out. "Death Dealer or no, your weapons don't do shit to those monsters. Come find me later. I got something good for you that might just help."
"Why are you so nice to some kid you just met?" Rodin frowned.
"The kid needs more help than you." Serenity cursed as she lit another cigarette. "So zip it shit-face."
"Alright. It seems our next move has been made." Ai nodded. "All of you, be careful. The days ahead are surely fraught with danger." Everyone nodded in agreement as Ai cut the transmission, signaling the beginning of hectic days ahead.
Anju was packing. She had already been given the list she would need for her training with Rodin. While Chairman Cross and the rest of her friends had offered their help, she had stressed she needed to be alone. So many things had happened that she still needed time to get to grips with it all.
Still, there was just one person she needed to talk to. A tap on her window signaled his arrival. Anju now went and opened it, allowing Akira to enter.
"Your days just become more and more complicated, don't they?" Akira said.
"I don't ask for it." Anju grumbled.
"I doubt you would." Akira smiled as he took a seat on her chair. "So, what was it you wanted to talk about?"
Anju sighed. It was time for the main issue at hand. "Back at the concert, when I kissed you…" At this, Akira froze, finally realizing the grave importance of the topic, and why she told him to make sure he wasn't followed.
"Look, I…" Anju started, but found it hard to construct her sentence. "At the time, well, you see… Uhm…"
"Anju, wait." Akira interrupted her. "I… too have some things I would like to tell you…"
"Like what?" Anju frowned.
"Truth be told, I've been quite bothered about something, specifically about what my grandmother told me when she was within you." Akira confessed his own feelings since that day at Kraven castle. Anju remained silent as she sat down on her bed, letting him speak. "She said something very leading and… well I've been stumped on why I react to it so strangely…"
"If I may Anju…" Akira breathed deeply, collecting himself. It was an action he rarely did, so Anju felt quite perturbed by it, even more so when he did it a second time, and then a third.
"Dammit, I feel pathetic…" Akira sighed. "I could face monsters but this paralyzes me. Isn't that degrading? My peers would surely have an anxiety attack should they find out."
"Akira…" Anju sighed. She now walked over and knelt by him while grasping his hands. The contact surprised him slightly, but then he stared into her eyes. Shock flooded him as he beheld her crimson pupils. In almost every way, she resembled a vampire.
"I want to tell you something…" Anju began. "Ever since you saved my life, I've always admired you. You were a vampire, yet you loved humans as well. You loved seeing them grow together with your friends in the Night class. I watched you every time. You worked and fought with all your strength to protect your ideals and dreams. I wanted to do that too, because it was so admirable."
"But now?" She frowned. "Now I feel like that admiration is becoming something else. It's becoming something that I cannot describe. I don't know when it started, but recently, when I think about you, I get this uneasy feeling in my chest. I don't know why, and it plagues my thoughts. I keep thinking of you as a close friend, but now I don't really know…"
Akira breathed, mustering himself. As soon as he did, he clasped her hands as well. "Truth be told Anju, I've felt something similar." He said, shocking her. "Recently, when I think about how much you do for me, I feel happy. I feel glad that a human like you supports me and my dreams. What you do gives me strength Anju, and I've always felt that way. But now, I don't know why I feel it is something more. I chose not to think about it during my training, but seeing you again has only made it all the more unavoidable. It infects my thoughts in ways I could never imagine."
"Haha." Anju chuckled. "What is wrong with us?"
"Well, I am quite the fool." Akira smirked.
"Remember our first dance?" Anju asked. "The annual ball?"
"How could I forget?" Akira smiled. "I did… something rather risky, didn't I?"
"Yeah." Anju nodded. "I kept telling myself that it wasn't anyone's fault, that we lived in different worlds. But you know what? Despite it all, I found myself wanting more from you. I tried to hold back, but I think at some point it just spilled over. We rarely saw each other when Cassandra first came to the school, so I was constantly able to avoid it. But now? I feel hungry again, and I don't know how long more I can contain it."
She laid her head on him, closing her eyes. "Tell me, what is it like, to endure a thirst that you cannot quench?"
Akira remained silent, for he knew not the answer. All he could do was stroke her hair as the deep meaning of her words sank in. He too remembered what he had done at the dance, how it seemed he was about to partake of her blood. Anju had already known what that entailed, what it meant for a vampire. His attention now went to the vein pulsing at her neck, and his own eyes flashed crimson. Could he just savor a small amount? Would it be enough to answer his burning questions?
He felt his fangs extend, his own instincts cried, pleaded, screamed at him to do it. He moved closer and closer, with Anju being none the wiser…
And then he pulled away again. He didn't know why. He just couldn't do it. "I'm sorry Anju. I don't know how to answer your question."
Anju sighed internally. "Yeah. I guess you wouldn't…"
"But would it be alright to give me more time?" Akira asked, causing her to look up into his mud-brown eyes. He now caught the sight of her own. They were no longer pure crimson, but brown with a tint of scarlet. Actually, perhaps the scarlet had intensified since then. "I'll think about it more, and when I do know the answer, can I tell you?"
Anju blinked at first, confused at the answer. Then she smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I suppose I need that too."
Akira now stood up, feeling that their conversation was done. "Would you like me to help you pack?"
"No." Anju shook her head. "You've got things to attend to. It wouldn't be right to keep the Night Class's head student away from them for long."
"Cassandra is the head for now." He replied. "But I do thank you for your understanding." He now raised her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles. "Till we meet again Anju. Please take care."
Anju watched as he strode to the window and disappeared into the night. She then turned her attention to her hand where his lips touched her flesh. At that instant, she wished it had been longer, even for a moment.
He had seen everything that happened in her room, known what they were doing. Still, he felt it inappropriate to stop them. However, a sad look crossed his eyes the minute Akira left.
"So foolish, the both of you." Chairman Cross sighed.
The Next Day
She sighed as she looked at the luggage bags on the floor. Not too long ago it seemed she had come back for good. Now, she was leaving again. Anju looked at her open palm, frowning as she knew that while it looked that way, it wasn't completely human anymore. Would she grow claws next? Or maybe fangs? She didn't know.
She was now in the main courtyard of Cross Academy, waiting for Serenity to drive her to Rodin's secret residence. Rodin himself had business with Queen Ai and would therefore meet her later. For now, she had to be content with his assistant's presence. She wasn't sure how she would interact with the foul-mouthed lady, but she figured it was time to get used to it if it meant getting control of her power. Already she had said her goodbyes to Ichigo and Akira, who had to now work toward investigating Helsing's operations worldwide.
She turned to the main entrance to see Misaki along with some of her classmates and the prefects approaching. While she did agree it wouldn't be safe to tell them of her new powers, she couldn't just leave without saying goodbye.
"Hey Ann." Hibiki nodded. "Guess you're leaving again huh?"
"More than I'd like." Anju sighed. "But I don't have a choice. Something… changed inside me. I don't know what it is, but it brings danger to this place. It brings danger to all of you."
"Damn Cross." Isabel frowned. "You really have the worst luck. This is like, the third time in a row you've gotten crap from being involved with vampires."
"It's not like I asked for it." Anju groaned. "It just happens."
"A little too much if you ask me." Misaki said. "Someone ought to try and find out why trouble loves you so much. I mean, we all get it, but never as bad as this. Seriously this is beyond ridiculous."
"Just be careful." Laura said. "I saw that Mr. Rodin fellow and this Serenity woman. They look pretty scary."
"I doubt they'd hurt me." Anju said. "Besides, Serenity seems only to be violent to Rodin, so I'm sure I won't be on the receiving end."
"That isn't exactly comforting…" Frederick replied.
"Well, I better get used to it." Anju shrugged as the jeep now pulled up. Everyone watched as Serenity wound down the window, flinching (even Isabel) as they looked at the woman's eyes.
"So kid, you finished with your goodbyes?" Serenity asked. "I'm not good and all with the sentimental stuff, but even you should have a proper goodbye. You're gonna be gone for a while after all."
Anju now watched as Hibiki moved forward to hug her before presenting her with a small picture of her and her friends from the Day class. "Just promise that you won't forget us. Chairman Cross did say you may not be able to write. We hope that at least with this, you'd know we are there."
Misaki came forward next, presenting her with a thick roll of bandages. "These aren't just regular bandages." She explained. "They also help serve as muscle relaxants, just in case you get too worn out from training. I made sure you'd have at least a few months' worth."
"Thanks you guys." Anju smiled before Isabel herself came forward. Anju gulped the minute she saw the stern look on her face.
"Ah hell." Isabel grumbled. "I ain't one for sappy stuff. And I sure as hell don't know what to get you to help with whatever training you are going on. But if there is one thing I want you to remember…" Isabel now reached for her pocket and took out a small object. Anju immediately recognized it as the prefect armband she used for her duties. "You're still a prefect under me. So whatever happens, I still want you to do your hardest and not screw shit up. You can do that, that's all I need."
"Senior Dunois…" Anju replied as she gingerly took the armband. She fitted it on her sleeve, amazed that it fitted perfectly.
"Chin up Cross." Isabel said. "I know you got this. And don't you dare speak a word of what I just said to anyone. Especially Kitsuke."
"My lips are sealed." Anju nodded.
With nothing left to say, Anju grabbed her bags and placed them into the trunk of the jeep. She climbed in, closing the door while waving to her friends. Even while Serenity drove off, she waved until she couldn't see them anymore. As they drove to the main entrance of the school, Anju blinked in surprise as many of the Night class had arrayed themselves by the pathway to the gate. She recognized Cassandra and the vampire prefects, who were waving to her and wishing her well. Smiling sadly, she waved back, wishing at least she could have seen Akira. Still, she knew his responsibilities.
"You've got great friends kiddo." Serenity said as she drove. "I've never seen anyone who could capture both human and vampire hearts the way you can."
"I just want everyone to live in peace." Anju replied. "Is that too much to ask?"
"Nope." Serenity replied curtly. "In fact, I reckon that's a pretty fucking good dream."
Anju cringed slightly at the vulgarity before she turned to Serenity again. "So, are we starting immediately?"
"What?" Serenity arched an eyebrow. "Hell no. That shithead Rodin is out till tomorrow. But don't worry. I'll personally make sure that jackass does his job right. Meanwhile, I have some arrangements to settle with you. First off, what size shirt do you wear?"
Castle Kuran
"I admit, this is pretty nice." Rodin nodded as he studied the halls.
"You are in the dungeon Mr. Rodin." Ren said. "Nice isn't a word I would use."
"Hey, the bastards at Helsing don't even bother with proper management." Rodin explained. "Compared to what they have, this here is a Five-star hotel."
"It seems an unfortunate fate awaits any who fall into Helsing's grasp." Ren surmised. "Possibly they don't care much for prisoners since they intend to kill them afterward, if what you told us about them is accurate."
The two remained silent as they approached a door flanked by two guards. With a wave of Ren's hand, the guards stepped aside and opened the door into the small room that lay behind. Chained to the chair was Franklin Lestat. Rodin studied the man, from the missing arm, to the blood on his clothes to the decay on his face.
"Oh yeah." Rodin nodded. "Definitely a Bloodbane weapon."
"The injury must have been decades ago." Ren said. "The power of these weapons is indeed terrifying." She now turned to Rodin, gesturing to the prisoner. "All yours. Just don't kill him."
"Interrogation tends to work better when they are alive." Rodin nodded. "But don't worry. You can still keep him after this, though I'm not sure if he'll be in better condition than he already is." Ren nodded slightly before turning to leave. Rodin now seated himself in the chair across Lestat, staring at the Kraven clan vampire. "Hey there bucko. How you doing?"
Lestat craned his head upward, frowning as he observed Rodin. "You are no vampire Knight. Who are you?"
"That's not important Lestat." Rodin said. "You just need to know that I'm here to interrogate you, and that if you cooperate, I walk out and leave and make sure you don't suffer."
"Haha…" Lestat chuckled. "Go ahead. I've already survived losing an arm." He gestured now to the limb that was no longer there. "Nothing except death is worse."
Rodin sighed. "You know, maybe you should search your memory before saying that." He now stood up, lifting his right arm. At once, it twitched, and the gruesome claw unfolded right before Lestat's eyes. As the vampire scientist observed it, he did something that he had never done since imprisonment.
His eyes widened in fear.
"No…" Lestat shook his head. "No no no NO NO!" He started to shake, sheer terror overcoming him. "It can't be! I… I remember now! You're the one! You were among those who attacked us!"
The vampires outside looked at each other in alarm while Ren's frown deepened. Rodin paid it no heed as he clamped the claw down on Lestat's shoulder. The vampire screamed as the Bloodbane weapon went to work, decaying his cells and feeing off his very flesh and blood. Rodin held the grip for a few more seconds before letting go, holding his trembling arm as the vampire whimpered in agony.
"That was just the start." Rodin replied as the clawed fingers flexed. "Tell me what you know about this Project Alucard, and I walk out of this place and leave you alone."
"Never!" Lestat replied through gritted teeth.
"Then I suppose we keep at it, and see what will break you." Rodin replied.
Lestat groaned as he watched Rodin approach. "No! Stay away! Don't come near me you monster!"
"That's right." Rodin nodded grimly. "I am a monster." He began once more, and the screams of the imprisoned vampire echoed throughout the halls.
Author's Note:
Finally done with this. Truth be told, I felt now was a good time as any to look back on earlier aspects of the story, which included Anju's and Akira's relationship. There were many (cliched) leading things in earlier chapters, but at this point in the story I wanted to give the feel that the lines between them are blurring, along with their responsibilities to themselves. I hoped that it would add a complexity to everything thus far that I wasn't able to explore much in the previous arc.
On a secondary note, I'm coming to what I feel is the most interesting part of this final arc. Please bear with me as I continue to upload the subsequent chapters, and I appreciate your understanding for long wait times as I need to focus on my job as well.
Once again, please read and review on anything you feel could have been improved with this.
Jdbl00d