Last time:

… "Wait a minute.  You're not just calling to apologize.  What do you want?" I demanded.

There was another moment of silence; then Yumi, her voice cracking, said very quietly, "Help, Hidaka-san.  Our coven is being killed, one by one.  There are only four of us left – and I suspect that once we are all dead, you and the rest of Weiss may be next."

*   *   *

Dream of Crimson – Part VIII

By Vikki

Disclaimer:  Not mine.  Have no money.   Please don't sue.

Flame Policy:  Honestly … can't we all just get along?  ^^x;;;

*   *   *

Pause.

I sat still for a moment as I fought an inner battle between reason, compassion, and paranoia.  Compassion coupled with paranoia won out.  "Who is killing you?" I asked solemnly.

"I don't even know!  This is perhaps more distressing than anything else," Yumi exclaimed, hysterical for an instant, then immediately calming down.  "I … I have suspicions, but they are no more than a hunch, and –" she cut off.  "I cannot discuss that over the phone either.  It is too great of a risk."

I wanted to rub my temples, but my good hand was occupied holding the phone.  "Well, I can't come to you, Yumi-san.  I'm in the hospital, as you obviously know."

"Then I will come to you," she said simply.  "Is tomorrow at noon a good time?"

I couldn't help it; I had to ask.  "Okay – why do you think I can help you this time?"

Yumi laughed a ghost of that dangerous laugh she had.  "Ken Hidaka, you have done the impossible – you have come up against five vampires in as many days and defeated them all."

"By pure luck," I retorted.

"You do not give yourself enough credit.  But it is enough regardless.  I think that – no, I know that you can help us."

"You –" I began, half embarrassed and pleased and half annoyed, before the nurse came in again.  "Hidaka-san, you need your sleep," she reminded me sharply.  I groaned, but before I could say anything to Yumi, I heard her chuckle again.

"I can hear that it's your bedtime, Hidaka-san," she said in a wispy, tired voice.  "I will see you tomorrow, then?"

"This doesn't mean I trust you," I said sharply.

"Of course not," Yumi answered.  "Oyasumi nasai." Click.

*   *   *

                Youji was again the one in my room with me when Yumi showed up.  I had warned the playboy ahead of time of the witch's arrival, but that didn't stop him from watching her warily as a nurse escorted her in.

                Yumi looked exhausted.  There were dark circles under her eyes and her face was pale despite her dark tan.  Her clothes were casual, though – she wore jeans and a dark red sweater – which made me feel relieved.  I had half-expected her to come dressed like a slut.  She carried a small black case with her.  "Konnichiwa," I greeted her.  "Meet Youji Kudou.  Youji, meet Yumi Ryuuki.  Uh, sit down, get comfortable."

                Yumi looked around her as if in confusion before her eyes came to rest on Youji.  She blinked several times, her eyebrows knitting slightly, before she said, "I must ask you to leave, Kudou-san.  I will be warding this room, and it would be easier if you were not here."

                Youji crossed his arms and looked at me, quirking an eyebrow as if to ask, do you really think you can trust her?  I was torn with indecision for a moment, and it must have shown because Youji stood up, proving that he towered over Yumi.  His features darkened as he turned a fierce glare on her.  "If Ken has one scratch on him, I will kill you with no regrets."  He grinned dangerously.  "So don't try anything."

                Yumi's sigh was heavy and laden with cares, and she rubbed her temples.  "Kudou-san, if I wanted to hurt Hidaka-san, do you really think I'd do it in here, right now, with a dozen witnesses to my presence in this room?  Rest at ease, then; the only blood that will spill here will be my own."

                Youji grunted, throwing a glance at me again.  I nodded in answer to the silent question, and he slipped out the door, sliding around Yumi with his natural fluid grace.  I shut my eyes and laid back on the pillows, listening to Yumi put down and open her case.  "You came, then," I said slowly.

                "Did you really expect any different?" Yumi sounded slightly amused.

                "I didn't know what to expect.  I never know what to expect from you," I answered, cracking my eyes open.

                Yumi was baring her forearm and holding a small knife.  Holding her wrist over a paper cup, she made a small cut with a grimace of pain and let the blood drip.  "I'll take that as a compliment, Hidaka-san," she said.

                There was a moment of silence as Yumi finished bleeding herself and sealed the cut with a word and a tap of her bloody fingers against her broken skin.  Why didn't Aya do that for me? I wondered while Yumi closed the shades in the room and began to dribble the blood at the four corners of the room.  "Uh, what are you doing?"

                "Warding this room.  I'm calling upon vrondi – supernatural creatures insubstantial like air – to surround this room and turn away unwanted ears."

                "That requires blood?"

                "It is a summons, merely another aspect of blood magic," Yumi shrugged slightly as she said it, turning back to me and seating herself in the chair next to my bed.

                "It's a wonder you don't all bleed to death," I observed under my breath just loud enough for the witch to hear.  She chuckled throatily.

                "I suppose it is.  Now, if you please, I need silence."  She sat upright, closing her eyes, and crossing her fingers in a strange and intricate pattern.  She began to mutter to herself.

                The room stirred.  At first it wasn't visible, but I could feel … somethings … brushing by me.  They were not hostile, but curious.  Who? Who? They asked silently.  I shivered and rubbed at my ears – they almost tickled.  Then something – Yumi, I guess – guided them away.  Then their presence was a bit more visible, because the blood in the four corners of the room evaporated before my eyes, and a short gentle breeze ruffled my bed sheets and Yumi's hair.  And all was quiet.

                Yumi opened her eyes and smiled a surprisingly gentle smile.  "Did you like the vrondi?  They did like you," she said with a short laugh.

                "I – I guess," I said in embarrassment, rubbing my ear still.  I had encountered those once before … at Youji's room, when he was recovering from the first vampire attack.  Aya could summon vrondi as well – he was the only one who could have put any ward on the playboy's room.

                The witch laughed again and leaned back in her chair, studying me for a while.  I put up with it for a little bit, but eventually I fell to glaring at her.  "What?"

                "I was just thinking."  She paused.  "What do you think of Kudou-san's abilities?"

She sounded as if she was just trying to make conversation, but her eyes were too shrewd for that.  Regardless, I couldn't hide my surprise; I never was a good actor.  I blinked at her.  "Youji?  Abilities?"

Yumi frowned slightly.  "You didn't notice?  Kudou-san has latent psychic skills.  They're very slight, but he seems to able to pick up on the basic gist of the thoughts of those closest to him."

Apparently my sixth sense wasn't that sensitive – which might have explained why it never seemed to warn me of danger until it was too late.  "I didn't know," I said honestly.  "But I don't see why I should trust you about that."

"I told you the truth about being a Slayer, didn't I?" she pointed out seriously, leaning forward again and putting her elbows on her knees.  "Hidaka-san, I need your trust.  As I told you over the phone, there is this … threat.  If we can, we should … I mean, I would prefer … that we work together."

The silence lengthened as I looked at the witch, considering everything.  As far as Youji went, I realized that her explanation made sense – after all, he always seemed to know what I needed almost before I asked.  But trusting Yumi was almost too much to ask.  I hardly knew her.  I knew she had killed at least one person, even if it was a willing victim.  And she had tried to manipulate me before.  On the other hand, she had warned me about this latest threat.  But maybe that was only because she needed my help.  Could I really let her colleagues be struck down mercilessly?  Was it right to let them die because I thought that they killed unjustly?  What right did I have to judge that, when I killed on the average of once a week?

Ultimately, it was a choice between the lesser of two evils, and the witches were simply less evil than anything else I had encountered (except that boy in the weapons shop).  I swallowed and closed my eyes.  "Do I really have a choice?" I asked quietly.

"… Yes," Yumi said after a moment.  I heard her chair shift as she rose to her feet.  "I realized last night that I cannot force you into anything, Hidaka-san, for whether you work with me or not, you are too important to the Underworld to neutralize.  Thank you for your time."  She began to walk to the door.

If those words had been intended to manipulate me, they succeeded phenomenally.  I immediately sat up.  "Hey!  Did I say that I wouldn't work with you?" I demanded.

Yumi turned back to me, eyes wide as if amazed.  If she was acting, she was a damn good actress.  "Nani?" she inquired in a near whisper.

I made my decision.  "Sit down," I said sharply, "and tell me about this threat before the rest of your coven gets killed."

For the first time, Yumi gave me a real, genuine smile of relief and gratitude.  "Thank you, Hidaka-san," she said without a trace of ice or sarcasm.

                And for the first time, I thought that maybe I could trust Yumi – just a little.

Once she had sat down and gotten comfortable, Yumi started her tale from the beginning.  Apparently the trouble began the night after I had come to the Hot Cat Club.  (It took me a moment to realize that it had been only nine days since then – it felt like several eternities.)  Every night for eight nights, witches died – one from suicide, another from a brutal werewolf-style mauling, another from an overdose of drugs, another from a vampire's 'kiss' – the list went on and on.  Yumi's coven had tried everything from warding to Shinigami mantra to exorcism circles, but still, witches kept dying.  They were out of options – and what remained of Yumi's defeated coven had finally asked Yumi to come to me because of my success as a Hunter.  (I had to stifle a laugh at the idea.)

                "There are now three of us – Keiichi was mauled last night," Yumi finished quietly.  Her eyes were suspiciously moist, but she had succeeded in holding back her tears thus far.  "It has been – awful.  Beyond words."  She swiped a finger across her cheek, catching a single tear before she looked at me earnestly, squaring her shoulders, turning to business with obvious effort.  "I don't expect you to know what sort of significance this has, Hidaka-san.  Witches are not creatures easily defeated – which brings me to the crux of the issue.  Three members of my coven were killed by a vampire bite.  Rather like you, witches cannot be rolled under, yet none of their bodies showed any signs of resistance or a trauma that could knock them out.  From all appearances, they just … let themselves be sucked dry."  She wrapped her arms around herself and asked abruptly, "Do you think they'd let me smoke in here?"

                I stared at her.  "Um … no," I said finally.

                She grimaced.  "I suppose not," she said slowly.  "Well.  The point is, I highly doubt that Natsu or Rika or Eiji would have simply sat back and let a vampire drink their blood.  Something used powerful magic on them to freeze their bodies, or … I don't even know," she sighed.

                "But you have suspicions," I supplied.

                Yumi sighed, tilting her head.  "Yes."  She gave me a particularly piercing look.  "Are you ready to hear this, Hidaka-san?  This may hit particularly close to home."

                I felt my stomach clench with nervous apprehension.  "Just say it."

                Yumi drew a breath.  "I believe the one killing my coven is Bel'uah."

                The air in my lungs whooshed out.  "Bethany-san is doing this?"  I knew she was dangerous, but … "You just confirmed my worst fears, thanks a lot," I said fiercely, although I wasn't actually angry at her.  So … Bethany wasn't just powerful and nonhuman; she was a murderer.  I wondered at how I could have been so blind to Bethany's intentions!  Maybe I'd been affected by her strange, subtle abilities more than I'd thought.  And Aya is associated with her!

                Yumi cleared her throat, grabbing for my attention.  "I know you have spoken with her."

                "As you pointed out the first we talked," I pointed out.

                "Yes.  Well.  I don't know what she told you, but Bethany – Bel'uah – whatever you want to call her – is arguably the most powerful nonhuman in Tokyo.  I couldn't tell you what she is exactly – her nature is beyond determination for one such as I – but she commands a vast arsenal of … 'evil' creatures of the Underworld, if you could truly contrast anything as 'evil' versus 'good'.  Among them are blood vampires, certain werewolves, Reapers, psi-vampires—"

                "What?"  I bolted upright, sitting ramrod straight and feeling my stomach stitches tug with the sudden movement.  "Did you say psi-vampires?"

                Yumi blinked at me.  "Yes …" she said, slowly frowning.

                I was almost afraid to ask the next question.  "What …" I swallowed.  "What are the characteristics of psi-vampires, Yumi-san?"

                Yumi tilted her head.  "What does this have to do with—"

                "Humor me," I interrupted.  "It's important to me."

                With a suspicious look, Yumi nodded.  "Very well … 'Psi-vampire' is short for 'psychic vampire'.  They are often dead humans who had an unusually strong connection to the lifestream in their lifetime.  They are rather unlike their blood-sucking cousins.  Rather than thriving on blood, they thrive on the emotions of those around them.  To be around a psi-vampire is often to feel tired and frustrated, as if you have been upset or excited for an overlong period of time.  Skilled psi-vampires can get a rise out of their companions to feed off their emotions without making them feel emotionally drained, however."  She paused, looking at me; I must have looked very distressed because she asked, "Daijoubu ka, Hidaka-san?"

                "Aa, daijoubu," I managed.  "Please continue … what do they look like?  What are their sleeping habits and eating habits?"

                Yumi looked even more suspicious now, but she continued.  "They are often pale, but for the most part they maintain a human appearance.  If you look very closely, they do have sharp fangs, but they are almost always useless.  Unlike blood vampires, they do not have to sleep during the day; instead, they sleep the sleep of the dead at night.  And they do not eat.  Well, they can eat, but it is not sustenance to them."  She paused.  "Psi-vampires are really very harmless.  They don't kill their victims; other than feeding off emotions, they are practically living beings.  Why should they concern you?"

                It was all I could do to keep asking.  "Y-Yumi-san … can … can psi-vampires perform magic?"

                Yumi nodded.  "Most can."

                I swallowed hard.  "A-and can they … you know … drink blood?"

                Yumi's gaze was sharp.  "A blood fetish, you mean?  Yes, some psi-vampires can drink blood, and some choose to do so.  They gain strength from it.  Those that perform magic can use the blood to enhance their connection to the lifestream as well."

                I sagged in defeat.  Aya …

It all fit together.  By being cold and unemotional, Aya often managed to frustrate Omi, Youji, and myself – a way of obtaining the energy he wanted to feed off of.  He was pale; he rarely ate; he could perform magic.  And worst of all, he had a connection to Bethany.

"Hidaka-san, should I call a nurse?" Yumi sounded genuinely concerned.

I blinked out of my reverie feeling exhausted and defeated, and shook my head.  "No … I – it's not important right now.  I just …" I trailed off.  Even though I said that it wasn't important, I had the horrible sinking feeling that it was important – dreadfully important.  I closed my eyes.

Aya.  He was under Bethany's control without question.

Yumi.  She would oppose Bel'uah to the end of her days.

It was time to choose sides.

"Yumi-san."  I stared at the sheets.  "Regardless of what Bel'uah has done to your coven, I'll help you fight her."

Yumi blinked at me in obvious surprise.  "Oh?  Why?"

I raised my eyes to meet her gaze steadily.  "Because … because she made it personal.  On purpose."  I clenched the sheets in my fist.  "I'm going to set things right."  Aya … we'll free you.

"That sounds like the Ken I know," said a voice from the doorway.  I looked up in surprise to see Youji, but Yumi just glanced at him calmly.

"Youji! How much of this did you hear?" I demanded.

"Not a lot," Youji confessed.  "Came in to warn you that another serving of that delicious gruel the nurses call miso soup is on the way.  Want me to get you something at the Kuroneko?"

"Uh, please," I said as Yumi smiled demurely, obviously amused.  I spoke quickly.  "Youji, Yumi-san is providing us with information about our targets.  There's been another rash of attacks.  Yumi knows who is behind them, and she can brief you on it while you go get a decent lunch."  I managed a smile.

I needed them both to leave so I could digest everything I had discovered, but I needed to talk to Yumi later.  I could only hope that Youji would use those supposed psychic powers to understand what I wanted.

Youji frowned at me slightly, then looked at Yumi, and then he looked back at me.  And then he smiled.  "I'd be honored to be briefed by someone as gorgeous as you, Ryuuki-san," he addressed Yumi.  "Please, right this way."

Yumi's smile was a combination of amusement, amazement, and sexual undertones.  She practically swaggered by him, matching his flirting attitude with ease.  "Thank you, Kudou-san.  Please call me Yumi."

Youji followed her out into the hall.  "Certainly, Yumi-san …"

Their voices faded.  I laid back and closed my eyes, content to let my mind wander and sort things out without conscious thought.

That was when I felt the hostile nonhuman force at the door of my room.

I tensed and my eyes snapped open as I twisted in my bed to stare at the doorway.

"I think you have some explaining to do, Hidaka," the figure said.

Aya.

*   *   *

Author's Notes:  Another short part.  I may later combine this part with Part Seven; they flow together pretty well anyway.  I wrote the second half of this section while slowly falling asleep, so if you catch any mistakes or find it horribly, unbearably bad, please let me know.  It'll probably see a major rewrite in the near future, when I'm not dead on my feet.

This chapter is the bomb that rains on everyone's party, I guess. ^^x;;  Eheh heh … so … how 'bout that reverse psychology?  ::sweatdrop:: Don't kill me, please.  I didn't even know I was using reverse psychology until Evan told me I was.  Er, yeah … please, PLEASE tell me what you think of Aya and Youji's respective … skills.

Someone asked about Omi being out of it.  I don't know if I'll get around to explaining in the story, so here goes.  Omi was 'rolled under' without even looking into the vampire's eyes because it was one heck of a strong vampire.  Youji, too, was 'rolled under', but before the takeover was complete, Ken smacked him.  The shock of violent physical contact broke him out of the passive hypnotism.  Omi, on the other hand, was completely overtaken by the time Ken got to him, so presumably Aya had to use another exorcism circle to snap him out of it.  Yeah.

In other news, there are a few nods in this story to another anime and a fantasy author … I think I'll let you guess what I'm talking about.  ^^x;; Good luck!  Please tell me what you find; I'll tell you what I did next time.

Thanks, as always, to all the awesome reviewers who give me the inspiration to write!  You're all beautiful!

~~Vikki