2 weeks ago, Paris
"Are you sure about this?" Anju asked worriedly.
"Totally." Rodin snickered. "We'll be completely fine with all we got here."
"We wouldn't be in this state had a certain someone not underestimated our living costs, thus ending up with us not having a lick of fucking cash…" Serenity growled from behind.
"Look! The website said discount hotel okay?" Rodin grumbled.
"And if you checked the prices with at least fifteen other options, you'd have found out that at least three others only cost a fucking THIRD of this one!" Serenity yelled. "Next time, I plan our trips, and I have custody over the damn credit card!"
"C'mon! This was my first time planning for three people!" Rodin retorted defensively.
"Guys, c'mon…" Anju sighed. "We really shouldn't cause a scene."
"It's fine Anju." Rodin said. "We are in one of the most secure places here, no one will notice us."
"We are hiding underneath a plane about to get onto the tarmac of an airport runaway." Serenity glowered. "I don't think we exactly have a good hiding spot you idiot."
"And are you exactly sure about this landing strategy?" Anju frowned, obviously feeling concerned. "As far as I see it, we are jumping out of a plane without parachutes. I mean, Shadow can help me with that, but what about you two?"
"Relax kiddo." Rodin smiled. "I've done this plenty of times. I'll be good."
"I already have my own custom made parachute." Serenity said. "I already tested it out, so we'll be fine."
"Wait, is that why your bag is so damn huge!?" Rodin asked, pointing to the massive rucksack on Serenity's shoulders. "Hold on, what about our food? The flight is estimated at twelve hours!"
"I dunno." Serenity shrugged. "I had to ensure I survived this crap trip back, and I sure as hell am not letting you share with me. As for food, I had to dump some of yours to make room for all this, so don't expect much. At most, drink your own fucking blood."
"I am not a vampire!" Rodin growled. "And what about Anju?"
"Anju has what she needs." Serenity said. "Unlike you, she's young and needs more nutrition to grow. So be a fucking adult already and give the kid some leeway alright?"
"Okay look." Anju sighed. "I can share some of my stuff with Rodin. Lately my appetite has been, manageable lately. I can endure, I'm sure of it."
Serenity now turned the glare at her. "Seriously kid? You still remember what almost happened in Holland?"
"I know." Anju said. "I nearly did something… something bad. But I swear, I've been training. I'll control myself this time."
Serenity and Rodin exchanged uncomfortable glances before looking back at Anju. "Fine." Serenity said. "But remember what I will do if you lose it."
Jerome Lang huffed as he stood back up, glancing at the girl who had intercepted him. He had already read the files concerning who she was. However, Helsing had lost track of her weeks ago, since Cliff had attacked the academy and confirmed her powers. However, what she had then was just a trickle of what she had now.
He didn't need to be psychic to sense it. Immense power coursed through her body, almost spilling out of her skin. He made quick glances at her equipment, studying everything from the rod in her hands to the clothes she wore.
"Cliff said you had similar powers to those shadow creatures Purebloods could summon." Jerome noted. "However it seems you have improved it to be an exceptional utility tool. I wonder if I could even cut through it."
Anju did not respond. She merely crouched low, hefting ready the staff I her hand.
"And I wonder what sort of power that rod has." Jerome continued talking as his Bloodbane constructs flexed themselves. "Surely it is more than just a prodding tool, yes?"
"Is it your habit to speak your mind to everyone?" Anju frowned.
"Usually." Jerome said. "I feel it helps show that I'm not as simple as I look."
"Well, seeing it doesn't give me an advantage, I suppose I shouldn't concern myself." Anju said. "It can get distracting."
"So Rodin did teach you a few good things." Jerome noted. "But I wonder if he taught you to survive me?" Jerome now breathed as his coat writhed. In addition to the claws, two more appendages appeared, this time acting as large tentacles ending in four sharpened claws.
"So finally going serious huh?" Anju said as she breathed, keeping the staff at bay.
"Do try to struggle as much as possible for me." Jerome said. "I would personally love to see how far you've grown."
"Be careful what you wish for." Anju replied as Shadow twitched upon her body.
WHAM!
Rodin winced as the Helsing soldier flew a good ten metres before hitting a wall. He turned as a pair trained their guns at him. Quickly, he dodged out of the way as they pulled the triggers, bullets peppering the ground right where he was. Finding a sizeable rock, he took it in his right hand and threw it at them. The rock smashed the barrel of one of the guns, causing its chamber to blow. As they reeled from the explosion, Rodin quickly dashed toward them, delivering a vicious clothesline to them both.
"And that's that." Rodin smiled, remarking the unconscious members of the squad. He now tapped on his earpiece, speaking into the mike attached to his jacket. "Serenity, how are things going on elsewhere?"
"The knights are being led by the Kuran prince and headed to where Jerome likely dropped his forces off. Everyone else is mopping up what is left of the assault force. As for Jerome, Anju herself is handling him." Serenity reported.
"Got it." Rodin nodded. "I'll be heading to the other side. Jerome may have had a hidden surprise we know nothing about. He may be quite the sick freak, but he's a freak with one hell of a brain. It isn't unlikely he has a backup. I'll radio in if I find anything."
"Just make sure you move fast enough to help Anju if this shit goes tits up." Serenity said. "I know she said she was able to keep things under control, but I can't help being worried."
Rodin nodded grimly. "I hear you. She can still walk in daylight, but she's more closer to a vampire right now. What happened in Holland was a close shave already. I just hope this time doesn't get worse."
"Then you'd better quit dicking around and be there when I say so." Serenity said.
"Roger that." Rodin said as he sprinted away at full speed.
Jerome lashed out the claws, ripping through trees like paper. They homed in on Anju, who expertly deflected them with the rod. Jerome charged in, the scythe blades slashing downwards. Anju quickly stepped to the side, the scythes missing her. One of the coattails now began to twitch, and Jerome was forced to use the tentacle arms to defend against a wickedly sharp claw that extended from it, whipping around Anju's legs in an uppercut slash.
No. Jerome rectified. The shadow creature, it serves well as both defense and attack. He lashed the pincers out. Immediately the claw from Anju melted away only for a large construct like a bat wing extending out from her back to block his strike. With the opening, Anju thrust the rod out, striking him in the gut. Jerome faltered at her incredible strength, leaving him open to another strike from Shadow in the form of what looked like thorny rose vines that extended from Anju's sleeve.
"Very well done." Jerome remarked as he dug his weapons into the ground, halting himself whilst wiping the blood off the cut at his cheek. "All of your power right now is on the level of a high ranked vampire Knight. It seems Rodin knew what he was doing whilst training you. I almost didn't defend properly against that." Anju said nothing as the thorn extensions retracted.
"Now that I think about it…" Jerome fingered his coat. "I heard plenty of our facilities across the world went dark. All reports mentioned something about some dark cloaked figure smashing apart all the defenses. At first I assumed it was James Ridley, but then again if he acted there'd be no survivors. So it must have been you?"
"Think what you will." Anju said as she readied herself again. "Right now, I only have one objective here."
"So it seems." Jerome nodded. He now stabbed one of the tentacle appendages into the ground. Anju's eyes widened before she jumped high. Her cloak now morphed out two bat-like wings that bore her aloft as the tentacles burst from the ground.
"So the Shadow can do that as well hmm?" Jerome remarked. "Impressive. Unlike most Purebloods that use them as a way to overwhelm the enemy, yours functions more like a piece of armour. No, rather an extension of yourself."
Anju flew again, avoiding the clawed tentacles that came for her. One lashed at her from above, ready to snap shut. Instantly, she twisted her body. The black wings gave a forceful flap and she shot away just as the second claw attacked from below, colliding into the first.
"Very impressive." Jerome said as he continued the attacks. "Not a vampire, not a human, but something in between. I truly wish to learn more about you."
Anju stayed silent as she dodged the attacks, sometimes pivoting midair or on the trees to smack the claws away with her rod. Truly, this was one of the most difficult things to do. Even with Shadow doing everything it could to support her, it was still a chore to learn how to adjust herself against the wind currents that could throw her off. It was especially difficult in Paris, where her stunt on the top of the Eiffel tower against that Brute exposed her to battering winds that threatened to crash her into the building. To that end, she had to learn herself since Rodin had not much tips to give. Thankfully, she still had her memories from when Yuki had taken control to guide her, so at least she wasn't going in completely blind. Still, she had much to improve on.
"Now then, why don't we up the tempo of this?" Jerome smiled as he now swung the tendrils faster and faster. Anju felt her heart race as she willed herself to move faster. Shadow flapped its wings as hard as it could, but even then there were many narrow misses, and even more nicks and grazes upon her flesh.
"Have a care now!" Jerome chuckled as he chased after her, attacking all the while. Quickly, one of his scythe extensions sliced apart a tree. A pincer now grabbed it and expertly threw it at Anju. As she turned to dodge, a clawed tentacle snagged her wings. The other quickly followed, effectively immobilizing her as the tree closed in.
"Pity." Jerome mumbled. "I expected more."
Then, something red flashed, and the tree immediately split in half. Jerome's eyes widened as a red coloured energy wave sliced through his tentacle extensions. Quickly, he braced himself against the attack with his other extensions. He grunted against the force of the blow, straining to dissipate it whilst his tentacle weapons regenerated. A tearing sound could be heard, and his eyes widened as he saw the scythe and pincers start shredding apart.
With a cry of effort, Jerome used as much force as possible to break the wave apart. The dissipated power exploded in all directions, cutting apart trees in the process. Jerome now looked at the extent of the damage his constructs had taken. They had been torn, the stray fibres forming them now swaying in the breeze as they attempted to join back together.
"Threaded blood? Or blood threads? It's hard to tell from the weapon's appearance. But at least I know it can be broken. Which means I have a chance." Jerome now turned to look at her, and now wariness crept through every bit of his being.
Anju hovered in the air with Shadow's wings. Her rod now ran black with reddish vein-like marks upon it. But none of that was as intimidating as the massive scythe blade the now protruded from the rod, blacker than night and covered by reddish marks that made it look like a mesh of blood vessels were grafted on.
"Now then…" Anju now twirled the scythe, aiming the blade at Jerome. "Time we finished this."
"Seriously!?" Ichigo blinked. "Anju is going after that freak?"
"What kind of power does she have that she can handle an Executor?" Akira asked.
"Why is that currently the only important thing to you stupid dipshits!?" Serenity yelled in their ears. "Quit wasting your brain cells and do something important, like helping your vampire friends or cutting that asshole off!"
"Okay, she kinda has a point." Henry said. "And I seriously don't want her yelling in my ear again. So let's hurry and get to the other side of the mountain and make sure he doesn't get away. Also, we ought to find Gabriella quickly. She should be in urgent need of medical attention."
"Agreed." Akira said, still wincing from Serenity's yelling. "Henry, Shinji, ensure that no one escapes. Use whatever means necessary to stop them."
"Understood." Shinji nodded.
"Ichigo, sweep the western side of the mountain to make sure Anju has adequate support. I will go to Gabriella to help heal her wounds." Akira said.
"Alright then." Ichigo nodded. "Time to nail this guy's ass to the ground."
"Just don't kill him." Akira said. "He could hold valuable information about Helsing or Mortis Kraven."
"I doubt we'll need to worry about that." Ichigo said. "Remember what I said before? Anju has like, zero killing intent in her."
"Well news flash kiddo…" Serenity scowled. "Anju has racked up quite the body count whilst you lot were away. Holland, Paris, Ukraine. She killed plenty of Paragon beasts."
Silence spread through them as they processed this new information. Ichigo broke the silence just a few seconds later. "What the actual hell?"
"Haven't kept up with the news haven't you moron?" Serenity replied. "Heard of this 'Lady in Black' appearing in Europe recently?"
"Wait, that was Anju?" Henry exclaimed. "I mean, I thought it was some other vampire working behind the scenes."
"Let's just say Rodin takes a very practical method to his training." Serenity said. "And don't worry your asses off. I fitted the kid with plenty of stuff to help her survive that dumbass ape's routines."
"Considering what she gave me, I don't doubt that." Ichigo remarked as he looked at his guns.
"Seems Anju is just getting new surprises each day." Akira nodded. "But for now, Serenity makes a fair point. We have a duty to fulfil right now. Best we get on with it."
"Right!" Everyone nodded.
Ridiculous! Jerome thought furiously as he send more attacks at Anju's way. However, the girl either dodged them all or sliced away his appendages with the massive scythe of hers.
The staff. It must have the ability to siphon her blood and materialize it into a solid form. It looks similar to our Bloodbane weapons! Serenity must be the one who made it! Jerome gritted his teeth in frustration as he withdrew his scythe claws, now materializing two more tentacle appendages that dove straight at her.
Quickly, two sharp claws materialized from the trenchcoat, parrying the claws and giving Anju the opportunity to slice them apart.
Her command over the Shadow is impressive! Jerome frowned. She has absolutely no blind spots! Anju now dove straight at him, weapon raised to attack Jerome now lifted the large pincer claws and attempted to block, only for her to torque in midair and deliver a full powered drop kick that pushed him back a few metres.
Anju landed on the ground, Serenity's specially created boots absorbing the impact of her landing. "Shadow!" Anju called immediately. Suddenly, Jerome noticed an extension on the ground that stretched from Anju's black coat. As soon as it reached him, a storm of thorny vines exploded out of it, slamming straight into Jerome's defenses. The Executor grunted as Shadow pushed him back again. Immediately, he loosed clawed tentacles, aiming to slice the dark being away.
In response, Shadow collapsed itself, now sneaking under the Executor's feet and materializing into its humanoid shape. Shadow now slashed at him, blood spilling from the massive wound. With Jerome off balance, Anju now charged in and delivered a punch, blasting Jerome off his feet.
Shadow now removed itself from Anju and dashed in, slamming the Executor down on the ground as Anju herself followed up with a heel slam onto his stomach, the blow leaving a dent in the earth where Jerome lay. As he coughed up blood, Anju twirled away and, dragging the blade through the soil, sliced the scythe upward. The blow knocked him into the air again, Anju following immediately. As soon as she was close enough, she gave another quick slice. Reminiscent of her battle with Cliff, Jerome's body was launched downward again, a huge cloud of dust erupting from the ground where he landed.
Anju kept herself in the air, alert for any changes. Shadow itself throbbed, sensing her own wariness creeping through. It's okay. Anju said, as if speaking to it. We just need to be careful. He might… At this, a red light flared from the dust clouds. Anju braced herself for the shockwave of power that buffeted the air.
"I never thought I'd have to use this…" Jerome breathed as his white coat now became black, red streaks appearing upon it. The pincer claws now reformed, but this time they were blockier and had jagged claws. The tentacle appendages reformed as well, spines appearing along their length while the scythes formed, their blades taking on a serrated edge.
"Blood Drive…" Anju breathed as she readied herself.
"Of course you'd know about this." Jerome breathed as blackened lines ran across his face. "But I wonder if Rodin prepared you well enough for this?"
"He told me what a Blood Drive does." Anju said. "Pushing your very body to its limit using the power of vampire blood inside you. It's something only you Executors can do to force upon yourselves the power of a Pureblood from your Bloodbane weapons. But to do that, it must inhabit your body first."
"And you think my time limit will be your opening yes?" Jerome straightened as he flexed his formed appendages. "My dear, you won't have time to think about that at all."
Jerome now lashed out the tentacle arms, faster than before. Anju immediately was forced to parry before using the push to take to the air, intending to get out of reach. Suddenly, a small circle appeared behind her. She barely managed to react before the appendage struck her full force in the back, the jolt going through her spine as her teeth gritted in pain. The attack now careened her downwards, slamming her into the ground. Instantly, the ground beneath her glowed. Anju quickly flipped herself back as two large pincer claws burst out and nearly impaled her.
"What is that?" Anju asked. "Hunter magic? Or maybe…"
"Surprised?" Jerome said as he stalked forward. "Well, perhaps you will find out the answers, or perhaps not. Either way, this farce of ours has gone on too long and I intend to end it now. I would have loved to see the alterations to your body, but Arthur has commanded your death, and I am loathe to disobey for my own personal reasons." With that final statement, Jerome now charged in, his appendages glowing eerily as they stretched outwards.
Anju fought back as hard as she could, dashing all over with a speed equal to vampires as hundreds of Bloodbane limbs struck all around her. With his Blood Drive now active, Jerome's attacks were stronger, and his weapons now much harder to destroy. Anju was slowly forced into the defensive, furiously using everything she had and directing Shadow as quickly as possible to parry any attack she saw coming.
However, they were attacking too quickly and in too many directions for her to keep up with. Already she felt various lacerations across her arms, shoulders and back. Anju was then finally slammed to the ground again by a scythe blade that appeared in midair. As she tried to recover, a massive pincer claws burst out of the earth and grabbed her, crushing a few ribs before tossing her through a few trees.
Jerome watched as Anju's crumpled body stood back up. As blood spilled from her mouth, Jerome watch incredulously as her wounds slowly healed. "Impressive. You truly embody the powers of a vampire. I wonder how this was so? I heard much about your harboring of Yuki Kuran, but never did I think it would have the result I see here."
Anju got back to her feet, breathing heavily as the wounds on her body healed. Still, that did not dispel the exhaustion that ran through her. That needed more time, and time was now a luxury she could not afford. She thought. If I use that, I might have a chance. She thought as she hefted her scythe again. But right now I need loads of concentration to even trigger it! I need to put some distance between us!
"Well, if you aren't moving, I suppose I will." Jerome said. Anju now saw the glow of the circles behind her. She ducked, and the scythe blades missed her head by inches. As she attempted to escape, a tentacle appendage exploded from underneath her, the claws now wrapping around her face and lifting her off the ground. Anju attempted to pull it away, but its grip was too strong.
"It seems I needn't have worried at all." Jerome smiled as he walked closer to her, a scythe appendage now snaking out of his coat. "If I could handle you alone, then it means we were far too concerned with you. Regardless, you still need to die. You've proven yourself a threat. And so, you must be eliminated." With this, he raised the scythe. "Too bad, I would have loved to study a specimen like you."
Then, gunshots sounded through the air. Jerome now twirled the scythe away to deflect a few wayward bullets. As he attempted to locate his attacker, the glow of sigils lit up the ground under him. Jerome relinquished Anju to defend himself from the explosions that followed soon after.
Anju tumbled away as the area blew up, Shadow instinctively forming a protective barrier around her. As soon as she stood up, her eyes widened at her savior.
"Wow…" Ichigo remarked. Serenity wasn't kidding. You actually look badass now. Colour me impressed."
"Ichigo!" Anju called. "Wait, was that you?"
"Huh?" Ichigo frowned. "You mean those explosions? Yeah. But the blasts are only real destructive if there are a lot of shots. That's why Havoc is a semi-auto."
"…" Anju remained silent. Then… "You shot explosives at me? Weren't you worried that I could get blown up too?"
"Like I said, I only used a few shots." Ichigo explained. "Besides, Serenity said something like that wouldn't even faze you. Also, you are free now thanks to that, so you're welcome."
Anju stared at him a little longer before she spoke again. "Still the sadist. Good to know you haven't changed."
Ichigo sighed. "I don't even know if that is an insult…"
"Well, you two are certainly talkative." The two of them turned to see Jerome stand up, his coat pulsing with red energy. "Surely you realise I'm still here?"
"We did." Ichigo said as he pointed both guns at the Executor. "Just didn't care."
Jerome snorted. "So, the famous Ichigo Kitsuke. I wondered what caused someone lie you to mellow out against vampires."
"Yeah well, I suppose we all grow, don't we?" Ichigo said as he thumbed Wither's hammer. "For better or worse."
"A shame." Jerome said. "I would have liked you."
"Sorry." Ichigo said. "But I don't do well with psychopaths."
"Well then, let's finish this yes?" Jerome now reached inside his coat and took out a syringe filled with scarlet red liquid. With a forceful grunt, he thrust the syringe into his abdomen, forcefully pushing the needle in. As soon as it dropped, Jerome's coat flared with more of the pulsing red energy.
"Fresh blood huh?" Ichigo said. "Guess that's how he extends the Blood Drive I've heard so much about. Any ideas right now?"
"How much time can you buy me?" Anju asked.
"Dunno." Ichigo answered. "Maybe a few seconds."
"Not enough." Anju breathed.
"If you won't start, then I will." Jerome said as he lashed his appendages out. Ichigo and Anju jumped back to avoid the tentacles. Circles appeared behind them, and the dodged the massive scythes and claws that emerged to strike them from behind.
"Is that a Pureblood's power?" Ichigo asked. "Or some sort of newly made Hunter art?"
"No clue!" Anju said as she deflected another claw. "But it's pretty annoying!"
Ichigo squeezed off a few shots, but Jerome blocked expertly before having a tentacle strike from his left. Ichigo barely dodged, the claws grazing his ankle. "I see what you mean!" Ichigo answered.
"So dull." Jerome smiled. "No matter what, even you cannot match this power. Blood Drive utilizes the very strength of the Pureblood that was used to create this weapon along with Hunter arts and magic! Feeble ones such as you cannot hope to stop me at this stage!"
Ichigo and Anju desperately tried to hold off the appendages, but to no avail. Jerome's coverage was great and his reach longer than expected. Furthermore, the myriad attacks that came from every direction pressured them. Ichigo was soon knocked to the ground while Anju was pinned with a pincer to her back and a scythe blade to her front. Jerome now aimed to finish them both off with the tentacle claws. Suddenly however, as the claws were about to reach, a wave of shadow rushed in, knocking them off course. The three of them watched as ravens descended, their black forms pulling Ichigo and Anju out of danger.
"So you are the one behind this attack." Akira said as he set Anju and Ichigo down by his side while brandishing his sword. "I will see you in chains Executor, for your crimes against my people."
"Akira!" Anju gasped.
"What about Kurenai?" Ichigo asked as he picked himself off the ground.
"I gave her what she needed. She's out of danger but she'll be out of commission while her limbs are being reattached." Akira said as a dark look appeared on his face. "And on that note, I have debts to repay to our Executor friend here. I sensed a great power from this direction, which I can only assume is his Blood Drive."
"So, the famous Kuran prince." Jerome smiled. "I hoped to meet you one day. You will be quite the specimen for my new ideas on Bloodbane weapons."
"I'm afraid I have no such plans." Akira said as he drew his sword. "I intend to stop you here and bring you before the vampire and human courts to account for your crimes."
"If you can defeat me that is." Jerome smiled. He now strained as his coat radiated with more power. The appendages thrashed and writhed, and now all three of them could swear something like purple eyes appeared upon them, turning them into something less like claws and more like ravenous mouths that demanded food.
"Well, seems he has pulled out all the stops." Ichigo said as he reloaded. "What is the game plan?"
"He requires blood to fuel his weapons right?" Akira answered. "Then we force him into a battle of attrition."
"Yeah, we tried that." Ichigo answered. "Asshole has spare blood vials in his pockets to keep himself sated. Also, his Bloodbane weapon has some sort of special power to great some sort of gateway. He can attack us from anywhere. So unless we have another idea…"
"I do." Anju replied. "Just keep him off me for a few minutes. We do that, and we stand a chance."
"Anju, are you sure?" Akira asked.
"Yes." Anju said. "I have a plan. Trust me."
Ichigo and Akira looked at each other. "Well, I ain't got a better one." Ichigo said. "And you know what Serenity said about what she's been doing."
"Very well." Akira nodded, though he was obviously hesitant about this. "We'll buy all the time you need."
"Okay then." Anju said as she unfurled Shadow's wings, flying away quickly.
"What is she up to?" Jerome frowned. "No matter. She won't get far." He now prepared to intercept her, but was interrupted by a hail of bullets.
"Eyes on us you piece of shit!" Ichigo shouted as he fired both guns. Akira now charged in, shadows coalescing around his sword as he landed the initial blow. The pincers strained against the full force he had brought to bear, but Jerome's defenses held still. Akira now unleashed his power at point blank, telekinetically pushing the Executor back as he raised the blade for another blow. Jerome raised both scythe appendages and parried the blow, the force of it now forming a depression in the ground.
Ichigo quickly tagged a few trees with Havoc's bullets, sigils lighting them up before they exploded, causing them to fall upon the Executor. Akira now backed away as the trees fell upon them. Jerome lashed out with his appendages, destroying the falling trunks before lashing his tentacle claws at Ichigo.
Ichigo ducked quickly, the claws soaring over him as he thumbed Wither's hammer, firing two rounds in quick succession. They hit Jerome's coat, but the power of the Bloodbane weapon stopped their decaying properties.
"So she finally found a use for it hm?" Jerome asked. "When Serenity was asked to create a weapon which could only affect vampire flesh I imagined it would have taken the form of a bomb. Too bad that child was far too sentimental, just like Rodin."
Ichigo frowned before he looked to his right. He then turned to Jerome again. "She says you should stuff that comment up your ass, and die from it."
"So her lip hasn't changed a bit." Jerome chuckled. "Still, I suppose I should thank her for completing the research. Once I'm done with you all, I'll be taking that gun."
"You seem to think we intend on losing to you." Akira said as he took his stance, the sword pointed at Jerome.
"You seem to think you can win." Jerome countered. "What gives you this confidence?"
"Nothing real special." Ichigo said as he aimed the guns again. "We are just really bad losers."
"And we also aren't too merciful on those who harm innocents." Akira said as his eyes flashed red.
"Such bravado." Jerome said. "A Pureblood and a turned human Hunter fighting together. I never thought it possible."
"It is." Akira said. "But only to those who work to pursue it."
"And maybe a small bit of maturing here and there." Ichigo admitted.
"So you openly admit you were being childish all those times?" Akira frowned. "Are you sure this is the time Ichigo? We face an enemy now."
"Shut up idiot!" Ichigo growled. "I'm just stating the facts!"
"You know Ichigo, sometimes silence is golden?" Akira replied. "I mean, that could be used against you by particular individuals who find being with you a chore."
"Yeah well, bite me." Ichigo retorted.
Silence stretched between them for a few seconds. Then, Ichigo and Akira charged in as Jerome lashed out his Bloodbane appendages. Akira sliced apart a tentacle before ducking under a pincer, aiming for Jerome. As Jerome parried Akira's sword, Ichigo jumped upwards, dodging a retaliating claw before landing upon it, using it as a pad to jump higher and firing rounds from above. Jerome moved to shield himself, but now left himself open to a strike from Akira. The sword flashed, and Jerome cried out as it left a sizeable gash in his arm. Not wanting him to breathe, Akira manifested dark claws on his left arm, dealing a vicious backhand to him.
Jerome flew through the air, but lashed his tentacles claws to anchor himself, simultaneously trying to aim for Akira as well. Akira dodged quickly, slicing at the tentacles with his full might. His sword managed to only cut one partially, but was still successful in disrupting Jerome's balance. This now left the Executor open to a salvo of bullets from behind as Ichigo fired. Jerome instantly blocked them with his claws and scythes. As the explosion enchantment began to appear, he created sigils that teleported them elsewhere, avoiding the blasts.
"Neat trick." Ichigo grinned. "Never saw that before in my Hunter training. But that means you're wide open!" With that, he tossed something at Jerome's head. The Executor frowned as he studied the object before it blew in his face. Jerome now roared in pain as the flames burned him.
"Blaze grenades hm?" Akira said. "A useful tool in cornering groups of vampires. And much less destructive than a Molotov too considering its controlled projection." Akira now quickly took advantage of Jerome's temporary blindness, forming his wings and flying up to deal a slash across the Executor's chest.
"Wretched children!" Jerome growled, obviously becoming annoyed now. Withdrawing his current appendages, he grunted and strained. Now, his coat itself appeared to writhe, as if it were alive. Akira and Ichigo watched as purple coloured eyes formed upon the sleeves, the cuffs now devolving into a tattered shape that resembled teeth. With a cry of effort, he now unleashed his full power on everything around him, an unknown number of threads now slicing apart the undergrowth.
Anju knelt upon the ground and concentrated, doing her best to ignore the rumblings of battle in the distance. She had to remain focused. A single delay would surely put Ichigo and Akira in further danger. She breathed, remembering Rodin's lesson on the subject.
"Blood Drive is a very powerful ability that the Executors can use." Rodin said during the lesson. "They allow the Bloodbane weapon to feed off their life force and therefore increase the vampire blood in them. This allows them to draw upon more power from it, more precisely, the power of the Pureblood vampire that was used in its creation."
"That's pretty dangerous." Anju admitted.
"If they have a stockpile on blood, they can keep it up for longer periods." Rodin said. "Cliff at that time had little of that, so he felt the fatigue of using such a power that much sooner. But there are some who can go at least an hour without having the effects show. Giselle is one such person."
"The fifth." Anju recounted. While obviously young, she couldn't help shake the feeling Giselle was more than she let on. She was dangerous, that much Anju could tell. "So, why are you teaching me this?"
"Remember what I said before, how you are very much like an Executor?" Rodin said. "The fact is, while you may not like it, you are very similar to an Executor since you have vampire DNA mixed with human DNA."
"Kinda like those Paragon beasts as well." Anju remarked.
"Yeah, I suppose." Rodin nodded. "Well, I know it might be a bit of a stretch, but I have a feeling you might be able to pull that off."
"Blood Drive?" Anju gasped. "Wait, is that even safe?"
"Blood Drive in essence is empowering the vampire blood inside us." Rodin explained. "My guess is that the vampiric splicing of your blood will ensure your body doesn't self-destruct in the process."
"How?" Anju frowned.
"I'll teach you how to feel the vampiric side of you. The next step you have to do is to make it overtake you. Let it fill you completely, and then set it alight with everything you have. It'll be tough, I know. I've never done something like this before after all. But if you really want to stay on the front lines, mastering this would help keep you alive."
Anju snapped back to reality. Since then, they had practiced loads, and every time she tried it, she had felt something within her. The only sensation she had that pointed to its existence was the burning sensation that filled her entire body. She remembered the sensation, similar to the night Akira had partially turned her. The raging pain as if her body was on fire, the day her own humanity was slowly being transformed into that of a vampire.
It was only that sensation that signaled it was working. So Anju constantly focused on feeding it. As it flared within her chest, she allowed it to spread through her body, from her toes up to her fingers and her scalp. As she did, Shadow writhed behind her, its body now glowing with a red aura. Anju now felt the fire go to her lips and her jaw, even into her teeth. Her veins bulged as her blood rushed through her body, feeding every cell with the unnatural power. The sensation washed over her completely, and she opened her eyes again.
"Okay…" Ichigo groaned. "That one hurt." He looked to the cuts on his body that were not healing. The Bloodbane weapon had done its work, nullifying his vampire regeneration. He knew the coat was dangerous, but he wasn't counting on it being able to cut through so many things so effortlessly.
Akira himself looked tired. Being so close to Jerome meant he felt the direct effects of the weapon. He coughed up blood as the weapon itself seemed to cause his body to decay. Purple welts appeared all over where he had been cut. Thankfully they were not so severe, so he was still capable of fighting. However, it was a fact that he was weakening.
"Be thankful that I find you two more valuable on the examination table, along with that Kraven princess." Jerome growled as his coat unleashed the clawed appendages again.
"So it was Katarina you were after, as I suspected." Akira said as he stabbed his sword into the ground, pushing himself up with a groan. "If you want to get to her, you need to get through us."
"Considering the shape you both are in, I'm certain I can manage." Jerome smiled.
"I wouldn't bet on it man." Ichigo grunted as he got to his feet. "The two of us are pretty hard to kill."
"False bravado will get you nowhere." Jerome stated as his appendages readied for their next attack. "And once you both are down for the count, my plans will be far less complicated." Wasting no more time with words, Jerome's claws lunged.
Instantly, something black flashed past them and the appendages, all six of them, were sliced apart. The three of them stared in shock as the pincers, scythes and tentacle claws fell away, disappearing into shredded thread fibres. The reason for their shock however, was the girl who now stood before them.
"Anju?" Akira gasped as he beheld her. It seems in the short time she had gone, something drastic had occurred in her. First was the scythe she held. The blade and chine no longer appeared smooth; instead it had the appearance of a bat's outstretched wing. What looked like a bat's head made up the heel and tang of the weapon and the shaft now appeared as if rose vines were curled around.
Now, he gazed at Anju directly. The cloak- no, her whole body was pulsing with red energy. Shadows also coiled around her menacingly as the black wings on her body unfurled themselves, much larger than before. The shadows spread to her hands and ended in claws while a small band wrapped around her neck, two red eyes that he assumed belonged to the Shadowy apparition gleaming against the black. But more startling were her eyes. They were a much deeper shade of crimson than before, and at the corners of her mouth, he could swear he saw fangs.
"Impossible!" Jerome yelled. "How could someone like you use our Blood Drive?"
Anju didn't respond. She merely walked up to Jerome, hefting the scythe blade as she did. Jerome reconstructed his weapons and attacked again, only this time…
"The guy seems desperate." Ichigo said as he walked over, observing Jerome lashing out at Anju, who merely cut away the appendages with her scythe of blades formed from shadow. "None of that poise is there anymore."
"Like a hunter who has discovered he is prey to another." Akira said. "What in the world could have happened to Anju…"
Anju continued unabated, striking faster than any of them could follow. Then, she dashed toward the Executor, so quickly that none even saw what had happened. A quick flash of black and Jerome's chest was suddenly raked with blood. He cried and stepped back, only for a mass of tendrils to explode at his feet and batter him from all sides. As he staggered; vomiting blood, Anju crouched low as Shadow peeled itself off her, now fusing with the scythe itself, making the blade larger to the point Akira was certain he'd be cleaved in half as well. Anju quickly moved in, her scythe flashing as she struck Jerome over and over, twirling the blade around her body expertly. Jerome now fell to his knees as Anju raised the scythe one more time, immense power now funneling into the weapon before she brought it down.
The resulting slash blew apart the undergrowth directly behind the Executor, numerous trees being obliterated as many more fell to the ground. Akira and Ichigo watched as the dust cleared. Some hit the ground with an audible 'thud'. They watched in amazement as Jerome's body lay still, his coat torn to shreds and now appeared to be 'bleeding' red liquid. Anju herself remained motionless.
"Shit…" Ichigo breathed. "I totally don't want to piss her off now…"
"Agreed." Akira nodded. "Imagine our surprise when we tell everyone."
"Heh, wonder if Senior Dunois would shit her pants." Ichig chuckled menacingly.
"I don't think we should hope for such reactions Ichigo…" Akira panted. "At any rate, we should get ourselves checked out and Jerome in custody. It seems Anju has completely destroyed his Bloodbane weapon, so I doubt he'll be of any threat anymore."
"Your right." Ichigo grunted. "My damn cuts are barely healing up despite my vampire nature. I'll be chugging lots of blood tablets after this mess." He now walked to Anju. "Hey, we should start heading back."
Anju didn't respond. She merely remained stock still. Ichigo sighed. "C'mon dummy. Did you lose your sense of reality just by fighting that dude? Seriously, you are still such a dimwit."
Anju now snapped her head back at him, and both of them caught sight of the look in her eyes, a gaze of pure hunger.
"Ichigo! Run!" Akira shouted as he dashed forward. But it was too late. Anju immediately pounced on Ichigo. He struggled as hard as he could, but she was too strong to even push off.
An animalistic growl escaped her throat as her mouth parted to reveal two fangs. Ichigo raised his hands to push her head back. Instantly, shadowy claws reached from behind her and forced his hands away, allowing Anju to bite into his neck.
"Shit!" Serenity cursed as she connected herself to Rodin. "Rodin, it's happening again!"
"She's lost control again?" Rodin answered as he handled the last of Helsing's troops. "Call up every single teacher and the vampires! Have them stay inside their dorms! I'm heading over now!"
"This is just like Holland again." Serenity muttered. "She must have overused her Blood Drive. She'll attack anything within a few feet of her to satiate her thirst for blood."
"Do we even have enough?" Rodin asked. "Last time we had to use at least four syringes to get her under control. And I don't have that many on me right now."
"I'm headed your way." Serenity said. "Just don't get yourself fucked over before I get there!"
"Yeah, wish me luck with that." Rodin said. "That kid is way stronger than most people think."
"And that's why I'm bringing the taser." Serenity said. "It's the only thing that will pacify her till we can inject blood into her body."
"Isn't that a little too drastic?" Rodin asked.
"Shut the hell up and get going!" Serenity roared. "We don't stop her, she could attack everyone in the school!"
"Anju! Come to your senses!" Akira said as he attempted to repel her. Lying a few feet away, Ichigo was motionless save for heavy panting, a result of Anju greedily draining him. It was a repeat of the time Ichigo had turned, only this time Anju didn't seem to be finished. As soon as Akira neared to pry her off, her attention went to him. Now, Akira fought back against the girl who only a month ago he had considered frail. Even with all the strength he could muster, keeping her from biting him was difficult.
Anju groaned and struggled against him, Ichigo's blood dripping from her lips as she bared her fangs. It didn't seem that she was satisfied with Ichigo's blood. Instead, Akira believed her thirst had only intensified. He was even certain he saw drool beginning to drip from her mouth.
As he resisted her, his thoughts strangely turned to the day Anju was about to leave. A thirst that can't be quenched. Those were the words she had asked him that day. Akira frowned as he pondered on the meaning of those words, along with all he had experienced since then.
Perhaps you and I face the same problems. Akira thought. Perhaps I too have a thirst that cannot be quenched, merely because I resist the facts before me. I wonder if this was fate as well, just like the play of the Vampire and the Rose.
So be it. Akira resolved at last. If this is the only way I can be true to you, let it be. Instantly, he let his arms go and allowed her to bite him. He felt the twinge of her fangs as she drank at his blood. He allowed her to drink what she wanted, even rubbing one hand over her head.
Slowly, she began to calm down. Before Akira knew it, she had fallen asleep. He could now hear footsteps approaching and people calling out. For now it seems, this night was over. Yet Akira knew from this point on, greater trials awaited them all.
Author's Note:
Happy 2020 everyone! Here's hoping this new year will be filled with plenty of great things! As for me, I'm hoping to be able to finally finish this story! With Anju finally back in the mix, I'm about to start up the final arc of this whole story! Wish me luck that my work doesn't keep me from it all.
On a side note, this chapter ended up longer than expected, especially with all the fighting and the obvious drawback of Anju's new power. And with the final part of this chapter, I'm also hoping I can start to explore a little into Anju and Akira's relationship. This is the first time I'm doing a romance setup, so I hope it goes well after everything so far.
Do read and review, and hoping you will stay tuned all the way to the end!
Jdbl00d