Hi, everyone. Sad news. My home pc died. Unless a miracle occurs tonight when I try to repair it (and I am by no means hardware savvy at all!) I'm probably going to be limited to access only during the workday. And of course, writing with pen and paper which slows me down. And I'm not able to buy a new pc right now. :(
I'm so sorry.
But here's the next chapter. Please be kind, it's definitely raw and some of the concepts are still gelling. I know this chapter is going to need lots of editing attention!
I have NO idea why I'm being so mean to Alucard. I swear, I really
do like him! ^_^
Chapter Five - New Places, Familiar Faces
"Ambush!" Left Hand shouted, just as the woods around D and Alucard erupted in fur, fangs and claws.
"A bit more warning would have been nice!" Alucard snapped as he drew his sword.
D said nothing as Alucard had already voiced the complaint he would have. Left Hand was normally more useful! D drew his own sword and felt an increase in his awareness of Alucard's proximity and wondered at that, but put it aside as the first wave of...whatever they were attacked.
The creatures were covered in dun and olive toned fur, baring sharpened fangs with their gruesome smiles. Impressive claws threatened from both front limbs and hind, and the creatures appeared to be equally dexterous with both sets. The gorilla-like things cut off any escape, surrounding D and Alucard both on the ground and in the trees above them.
One larger creature launched itself in a flat dive at Alucard with slashing claws leading as another one dropped from a tree branch trying to catch D under its weight. As if it were a signal, the rest of the creatures attacked as well. D and Alucard whirled away from the preliminary attacks with an unplanned simultaneity and something snapped.
It was a bizarre sensation. D felt as if he were looking with not only his own eyes, but Alucard's as well. Somehow, this dual vision didn't disorient him. He had a sense of what Alucard's battle instincts were also, as Alucard's sword snaked out and severed a tendon on the leg of one of the creatures, even as D's own sword sliced down lopping off a head.
Alucard's eyes met D's in a shocked glance. In a timeless moment, D smiled very deliberately at Alucard letting him know that not only did he feel it too, but he welcomed the synergy between them. Alucard smiled wolfishly at D and without thinking, positioned himself so that between them, D and Alucard could together survey the entire battlefield before them. Something between them clicked.
Aware, accepting, even welcoming the connection, Alucard's and D's battle instincts meshed, turning the two dhampirs into a singular, irresistible fighting force. Without words, without glance, without any communication of any kind, they traded foes, ducked each other's attacks so an unwitting creature was skewered instead and fought, in two separate bodies but with one battle instinct, until the entire pack of the creatures was either dead or gibbering as they fled through the trees.
The threat over, the battle instincts faded as did the synergistic connection.
"That was..." Alucard began.
"...remarkably efficient," D finished.
Alucard grinned, "I was going to say interesting and eerie, but efficient will do!"
"What the hell was that?!" Left Hand interjected. D and Alucard ignored him.
"Do you think it will happen again?" Alucard asked.
"Don't know," D replied, bending down to wipe his blade clear of gore on the fur of a downed and still creature.
Alucard simply smiled as he too cleaned his blade.
He was unprepared for the crazed, slathering creature that leaped out from behind a tree and slashed across his throat. Alucard's mouth worked soundlessly as he was unable to form words around the very serious wound.
"D!" Left Hand shouted for him, somehow sensing Alucard's plight. D whirled, took in the scene at one swift glance and cleft the fleeing creature in two with one powerful slash.
D turned to see what he could do for Alucard when from behind him a strong, clear, female voice called out, "Heal!"
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Reviews, comments and constructive criticisms are always welcome! Please feel free to email me also if you see something awkward that needs to be clarified or fixed. I need all the help I can get!
stargarde@stargarde.com
Next chapter teaser - Gossamer Wings and Scary Dreams