Heart of the Beast
Part Eight: One Year Passes




"It's been almost a year since Janus last showed her face around here." The German mage, Erik piped up, still staring aimlessly into the computer screen. "Good riddens too."

"I'm sure whatever crimes she committed against Kindred and Lycanthrope alike will be properly punished."

Kenshirou sat up and looked around, his slate-blue eyes looked at the rain-soaked window. Erik and Tanaka were too busy talking to see the younger twin heading for the window. The doctor unlocked the window and opened it, looking out into the rainy street. Seeing a distant figure running off, Kenshirou sprung into action by leaping down from the window. Chasing the object with great speed and endurance, Kenshirou could make out the distinct features of a Nosferatu vampire. The smell of the sewer mixed with the lingering odor of rain make Kenshirou almost gag with each stride.

Drawing a red bladed katana, the handsome medical doctor picked up his speed and went in for the kill. Then the popping sound of a gun woke up the neighborhood, Kenshirou was tagged in the chest by a bullet. He stopped in his tracks as five large men with machine guns grinned vampire fangs. They had the symbol of the Brujah on their hats. The Nosferatu leapt over their shoulders and to safety. They were mildly surprised that Kenshirou was still highly active while blood seaped onto his white lab coat. The medical doctor wiped some of the excess from his chest and licked his fingers, then gave the vampires a grin they will never forget... if they live that long.

Staring into Kenshirou's maddened eyes was like staring into the eyes of Satan himself. The Brujah pumped all machine gun fire at the mysterious doctor, only the find that they were hitting air. From out of nowhere, Kenshirou leapt down and sliced one of the soldiers in half with the red blade... from head to crotch. Whirling the blade around, he tagged another soldier in the head, slicing the top lobe off. The soldiers drew silver weapons, making Kenshirou smile even more. "Silly vampies... don't you know who I am? Hint: I am the opposite of Midnight therefore I can make..." Kenshirou raised his hand as a ball of light appeared within the clawed fingers. "...MAKE THE SUN RISE!!!" The vampires turned into piles of ash under the beams of the homemade sun. Kenshirou made the ball of light vanish and holstered the blade.

"Damn..." He looked at the mud trails where the limousine took off moments before.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



"Hold still!"

"OW!!!"

"That's what Silly Ken-Ken gets for playing Romper Room with the Rabble." Erik grinned, watching Tanaka tend to Kenshirou's chest wound.

"Well, I had to do something."

"Did you see who it was you were following?" Tanaka asked, putting a gauze pad over the wound.

"Yeah, it was Janus's chauffeur, Patches the Nosferatu."

"...she's back." The Yakuza hitman looked at Erik, frowning.

"I coulda told you that." Erik frowned back, equally concerned. "She probably wants revenge for you turning her from art fiend to Martha Stewart wannabe."

"Ain't that the truth?" Tanaka's silver eyes locked into Kenshirou's through the shades, his hand delicately touched his cheek. "You should be more careful, Kenshirou. They might had something that would hurt us."

"Fat chance of that happening." Kenshirou whispered, sliding his hand on top of Tanaka's.

//They're gonna neck again.// Erik thought, standing up. //For all purposes, someone should explain to them that brotherly love doesn't necessarily mean doing it like rabbits...//

"Hey! Get a room!" Erik shouted over his minor repulsion, then pointed to the phone. "Don't you two love birds think someone should inform Herr Crawford and Herr Leonhart that the hag's in town??"

"Forgot about that."

"Well!!??? Stop making out and get to the phone!!"



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



"Order's up!"

Brad took the plates in his hands and carried them to the table in the corner, sitting there was Yugo and Fang, only a year older. The two at least, found solace in each other, at least Fang found purpose with Yugo by his side. Brad set the plates down and headed to the other tables to clear them, the door opened and a familiar figure stepped inside. Brad turned around and in stunning glory, was Basara wearing a nice formal evening wear and on his neck was a thin necklace with a sapphire and diamond snowflake. Basara was smiling very beautifully through his frost pink lips, his inviting pools of blue eyes made Brad drop all he was doing and walk over.

"I'm sorry that I'm less than flattering right now." Brad smiled and kissed Basara's cheek.

"I love the smell of Chinese cooking." Basara smiled as he sniffed Brad's shirt. "And a hard working man."

"Let me get you a table." The arch-mage escorted Basara to a corner booth, then vanished in the back. "Long, I'm taking a break."

"Oh, okay." Long nodded, then finished rolling an eggroll.

Sitting in the corner booth with his lovely young boyfriend, Brad wrapped one arm around him and pulled him close.

"What brand of perfume are you wearing? That smells so nice."

"It's that new kind you gave me for my birthday." Basara smiled, his hand on Brad's knee.

"It suits you."

"Brad! I wanted to deliver the good news!" From his coin purse, Basara pulled up a letter and handed it to him.

"You've been nominated for your role in Twelfth Night!?" Brad's midnight eyes lit up with excitement. "That's great!"

"Isn't it though!? But..." Basara took Brad's hands in his. "I couldn't have done it without you."

"Kitten." Brad smiled, they leaned forward and kissed deeply. With a jolt from his seat, Brad raised his glass and grinned. "The drinks are on me!"

That rose a stir from the patrons of the restaurant, they clapped and cheered. Long stuck his head out to see the excitement.

"What's going on?" Grandpa asked.

"I dunno. But now everyone's gonna get plastered. Must be a celebration."

"D'oh!!" Grandpa shouted. "What is that pea-headed American DOING!?!"

"Whatever he wants, Grandpa... whatever he wants."




-Continued-