CHAPTER ONE
"They're coming!" cried a raven-haired innocent with all the power her voice could muster. "They're coming!"
A riot of shouts could be heard ahead as the feminine voice reached the ears of the others.
"WHAT!"
"How did they know?!"
"How many are there?!"
"How did they find out?!"
"Did someone reveal us to them?!"
"Is there a spy among us?!"
Suspicion began to spread throughout the large, damp chamber like a maddening disease. Accusations began filling the room, tearing apart the alliance. No one dared to trust, not even their own families.
"SILENCE!" yelled the head of the group, finally interloping the virus that was breaking their bond. The unrest of shouts turned into low murmurs, still holing the tone of accusation within them.
"I SAID SILENCE!" demanded the leader again, immediately followed by the deathly quiet he commanded. His people looked up at him in question, clearly wanting an explanation to this turmoil.
"Friends, we cannot let our own suspicions tear us apart! We need each other in order to survive not only this battle, but also the countless others to come! We need all the cooperation and support we can get from each other in order to come out alive! Obviously, Lord Rubius had somehow found out, but that is not important right now as-"
"Of course it's important!" interrupted an angry shout, "How else will we know that this'll never happen again?" This question raised the virus of fear once again, and soon, countless of other objections followed.
"I SAID SILENCE!" yelled the leader once again, getting the respect he wielded. "It is not important right now for we have to escape first before we can interrogate this further. Now Rei, how many of them did you see?" the man gently asked his 17 year old daughter.
"A-about twenty." the girl struggled to regain her breath, "all armed." A look of panic had once again struck the faces of the occupants.
"How can we possibly go up against so many of them!" a frenzied man cried out.
"Armed too!" added another. Murmurs of agreement could be heard throughout the room, a sense of hopelessness setting over them like a dark cloud predicting doom.
"PEOPLE!" yelled the leader once again, "We cannot lose faith! We have too much to fight for! Our families, friends, loved ones.. all the people in our lives! We WILL beat them no matter what!"
"Quite large words coming from a human" sneered a loud voice within the dark shadows of the tunnels. The room went deathly still.
"They're here." a whisper announced, echoing throughout the room. Everyone knew how this was going to turn out.
The ruthless beasts stepped out from the deep shadows of the echoing cave, their massive fangs glinting in the light. Smirks were more than visible in each vampire's face. They were eager to feed.
"We are ready." The Hino leader declared firmly, prepared to take on the challenge, even if it meant reaching the jaws of death. They shall not run away like cowards. They shall take back what rightfully belonged to them.
"Well then, human, let the games begin!" Concluded the vampire leader with an air of superiority. Mortals were weaklings compared to the supreme ancient creatures ruling the night. Weaklings should not be left alive to contaminate the world.
Immediately, the two races began to charge forward, both thirsty for blood. The once brown underground chamber began to transform into the bright color of crimson as shrieks of pain radiated to the far corners of the tunnels. The battle has begun.
Rei watched on in horror at the losing battle, unable to comprehend the amount of human corpses rapidly falling to the ground. Her friends were dying one by one, but she could do nothing to save their lives. No matter how much strength her ancient bloodline granted her, she still could not fight the dominating powers of these nocturnal creatures. They were just too strong.
She saw the mighty figure of her father ready to send another vampire into the deep pits of hell with the bloody hilt of his blade. However, before the great Hino leader could finish his task, a glistering sword wedged itself deeply into his back.
Rei wanted to cry out a warning to her oblivious father, but could not find her voice to be functional amongst this terror. She looked around the room at the massacre of blood bath draining the floor, promoting the victory of the vampires. She glanced once again at her wounded father, slowly weakening from the constant strikes of these ruthless beats. Even his strong muscles and heavy body could not undertake the repeating fatigues that the immortal swords inflicted. He was slowly being backed into a lonely corner.
"NO!" Rei yelled with fear. She would not let her father die! Not while she was still alive! With all the speed her body could muster, she sprinted towards his direction, contempt in saving him. Or joining him in death.
But suddenly, a steel sword appeared from behind her, impacting a heavy blow to her raven head. She was immediately knocked off her feet, her body landing heavily upon the solid crimson ground. She could smell the stench of blood within the soil. Her head began to pound with infuriating pain. She struggled to lift her head up and glance at her father's fighting form. Her vision began to slowly blur, but she kept her head up in determination. She would not let herself faint.
Through her unclear vision she saw the powerful figure of her father suddenly freeze. She held her breath tightly, contempt to know the sudden change in the great Hino leader. Slowly, the tip of a metal sword wedged its way out of his stomach, causing the red liquid of life to rapidly flow from the open wound. Blood was gushing everywhere. It took a moment for the frantic girl to realize what was happening. Her beloved father was slowly abandoning this world for the embracing arms of death.
"NO! FATHER!" Rei cried with her all remaining strength as his heavy body hit the solid ground with a loud thud. A riot of shouts could be heard around her, but she tuned them out. There was no hope for them now.
A solitary drop of tear slipped from her clear violet orbs as she slowly drowned into a bottomless void with no return.
*~*
Busy day at the market.
Filthy stands lined on either side of the dirt road leading to the polluted city. Humans stood over stalls of goods in hopes of earning a decent living today, rejoicing under the sun, their only friend. The other superior races hate the sun, preferring the night to hunt for prey.
Too bad the sun does not shine so much.. Vampires enter a deep slumber when light comes.
Humans are so predictable. Everyday it's the same routine.
Wake up at the peak of dawn. Set up their pathetic store stand. Rejoice in relief under the sun while holding great hope within their heart that business would flourish today. Clean up their stand just before sunset. Return home and cower away in fear.
The exact routine everyday. Certainly a boring race.
Aha...here comes entertainment...
Sirens could be heard very close by. The humans panicked in alarm, quickly packing their belongings.
Suddenly, blue automobiles charged into the dirty street with brutal force. The drivers stepped out quickly, eager for the sight of death.
"You filthy humans are not allowed to conduct business within city premises!" yelled a gray beast. His backup was clearly behind him.
Humans shrieked at the sight of the werewolf authority. They saw the predatory glint in their eyes, ready to taste raw human flesh. Looks like there would be an interruption to their daily routine. An interesting disruption.
From the tall disintegrating building, the commotion beneath took on the image of tiny ants running away from big hairy spiders. Those that got away were lucky. Those that were captured were torn apart instantly. Certainly a sight to behold..
Human blood mixed with fruit juices and mud, tainting the brown earth with red. Wagons of vegetables rolled onto the street, taking the hard work of the humans to dissolution.
Nothing left for the lonely mortals to live on. The law of nature has once again taken into affect..
Among the massacre, a sole form caught my sight. The mortal woman walked through the path of blood, unaffected by the falling corpses of her own kind. At last, a human that has finally realized her position in the world. as an insignificant speck of dust.
But what's this? She seems to be radiating some kind of aura. A mighty powerful one for a human..
There is something about her.
Jumping on the rooftop closer to the crimson ground, I closely viewed her whole profile. A blank face plastered onto the head, with a cheek that appears to have been scorched by flames. Her clear violet eyes held no understanding of the circumstances around her. She is an empty shell. Her mind is completely somewhere else.
But wait? How is she able to cast her shield?
I look closer upon her face. My eyes travel along her tattered cloth for any sort of sign representing her identity. My eyes land upon the silver bracelet on her right wrist.
It had a crest embroided. The symbol of an ancient family.
She must be a Hino priestess.
She has the bloodline of a very powerful family.but a mortal family non-the less.
Even the great human families fell during the revolution. All humans are weaklings now, despite their ancient bloodline.
But how is it that she is still alive among this world? Should the vampires not have eliminated her long ago? She does, after all, pose a great threat to their power.
There must be something protecting her.
Suddenly I noticed the mark on her forehead. A birthmark.
The symbol of the key.
A slow grin crept onto my face.
My search is over. I have found the object I have been looking for.
But suddenly, a human grabs her from among the massacre. He is running with all his might, dragging her behind him. They leave the death scene inconspicuously. No hungry beasts are after them. Certainly a stoke of luck.
But I am not about to let the object of my search be taken away so abruptly. Especially not by a weakling mortal. I will keep my eyes on the Hino priestess.
I want to be certain she has what I want.
*~*
"I know that you are very busy Makoto, running the soup kitchen and all, but I just want this one simple favor, if that's okay with you."
"Shoot!" replied a cheerful brunet, an emotion very rarely seen these days. "You know that I would do anything to help you Osha."
"Thanks" sighed Osha with relief, "I really do appreciate this."
"No problem!"
"As you know, the Hino alliance was demolished a week ago." began Osha.
"Yeah, a real shame. They were good people.fighting for us. for the human race. I wish I could do something to help them, but I guess it's too late now." sobbed Makoto sadly, the happy mood rapidly leaving her.
"There is." stated Osha in a solid voice that left no room to question humor, "Okama Hino, the leader of the alliance, as you know, had a daughter. In fact, an only child. Loved her more than ever I would guess."
"Oh?" Makoto looked up with both puzzlement and interest.
"She is approximately your age, around seventeen."
"Yes.?" Makoto hinted for him to go on.
"She is the only survivor from that night's massacre." Osha dropped the final piece, more harshly than intended. Shock has clearly over ridden all other emotions on Makoto's face.
"Dune found her wondering the streets about two days ago. She was among the 17th street human market arrest. Being the last surviving Hino, the vampires see her as a threat. You know what happens once a human is seen as a threat by vampires."
Makoto nodded her head solemnly. Of course she knew. Everyone knew.
"You want me to hide her?" guessed Makoto.
"As sharp as always" answered Osha with a smile, but sadness could still be seen in his cinnamon orbs. They will always be there.in everyone's eyes.
"I got it covered" accepted Makoto with a strong nod.
"Good" replied Osha as he walked over to the wood-chiped door that was beginning to decompose. He pulled the metal stained handle, the flap creaking in its full contempt to announce its opening.
There stood the raven-haired priestess that the jaws of death failed to claim. Her clear violet eyes took in the blond haired man before her, then the tall amazon brunet. She tried to process the information to her brain.but it was no use. The jumble of events and emotions of that night took up all the space.
The images kept resurfacing. not leaving her alone. A sea of motionless corpses on the floor.each drenched with the crimson blood.
Her father's almighty figure falling.the last ray of hope extinguished.
Her world crashing down before her.powerless to do anything.
A deep bottomless void taking over.
Fire burned inside her soul, scorching her from within. Just like that night it had scorched her cheek, trying to swallow her completely. A delicate cold hand came up to touch the mark the flames have left. In memory of her father.
She wanted revenge.
*~*
"All of the Hino rebels are dead, Lord Rubius" reported the vampire leader at the night of the massacre.
"Good" replied the powerful being with flaming hair, quite pleased with the outcome. "Our prince will be glad to hear this. However, the black poison crystal is still strongly reacting. There must be another mortal with the Hino bloodline."
"B-But how can this be?" cried the reporting vampire with disarray. "All the Hino rebels are dead!"
"There must be one remaining" firmly stated the being known as Rubius. "The crystal is still reacting to a powerful source. But it cannot be Okama Hino since I have his head.. Did you get his heir?"
"H-Heir?" echoed the lesser vampire with puzzlement.
"Yes, Okama Hino had an offspring. A girl, I believe."
"My-my men did not see a specific girl of the Hino bloodline. W-We scorched the place after all was presumed dead" replied the vampire nervously.
"Presumed?" questioned Rubius with the cock of an eyebrow.
"Y-Yes. Every mortal was lying on the floor. All that remained alive were burned within the fire."
"You are implying that you don't know for sure whether the Hino girl was there or not?" Rubius summarized, his crimson orbs digging deep within his inferior's soul.
The vampire gave a slight shake of his deathly white face, cowering away in front of his commanding leader. A flash of anger crossed Rubius' face. He did not take well to cowards.
"I am thoroughly disappointed Velorus. I want all Hinos dead."
"I-I un-understand my lord. I'll get right to it" Velorus quickly replied, slightly raising his head to meet the commanding vampires' gaze. He quickly dropped his dropped his glance at the sight of the red vampire's disapproving scowl.
"Good" smirked Rubius, satisfied to know that his soldiers still feared him. "I don't want this child to become any sort of threat in the future."
"I understand my lord" Velorus once again replied, ready to obey the given orders.
A deep pause settled in the well-furnished surroundings before Rubius spoke again.
"I want her dead by 78 hours, or I'll have your head."
*~*
"Are you SURE you don't want anything?" asked an insistent Makoto for the fourth time. Once again, the priestess answered with a silent nod.
"Alright then, suit yourself." sighed Makoto as she took a large bite out of the brown apple, "But I must warn you, we don't get fruits this fresh very often."
"Anyways," began Makoto, trying to get any sort of word out from the silent girl, "You'll like Ami. I'm sure of it. In fact, I don't think I have ever met anybody who didn't like Ami."
"That's for sure" the voice of a young red head agreed, "And I'm not saying that just because I'm dating her."
"Hello to you too Omi" greeted Makoto with annoyance, "And you don't have to keep rubbing in the fact that you're not single anymore. Frankly, I am more than surprised that you finally muttered enough courage to ask her out."
"Gees!" defended Omi, "Can't a guy even brag about his girl without getting burned?!" Makoto gave him a dirty glance, obviously meaning no.
"Anyways," carried on Omi, as if nothing happened, "Who's your new friend?"
Makoto looked at the quiet Rei, silently asking for permission to answer. Rei nodded, clearly understating the current scenario despite her inner turmoil.
"Her name is Rachel Augusta and she just moved here from Crusade." Makoto answered solemnly, rehearsing this speech many times before in her head.
"Nice to meet you Rachel, I'm Omi Reece" greeted 24 year old, formally extending his hand. Rei returned the polite gesture by accepting his hand with a friendly shake.
"Thanks." she muttered for the first time, greatly surprising Makoto.
"No problemo!" he answered cheerfully, "Always nice to meet new p-Ami!"
Just then, a petit dark blue haired woman stepped into the old parlor, a smile already adorning her face.
"I missed you too Omi!" she greeted before giving him a kiss. "Hi Makoto, and is this..."
"Yes Ami, this is Rachel" Makoto quickly interjected before Ami could say anything else. "The person I told you about over the phone."
Ami nodded in understanding, noticing Makoto's eyes shifting uncomfortably at her surroundings.
"Was I in the topic of conversation?" asked Omi with an idiot grin.
"If it'll make you feel better about your pathetic life, then yes" replied Makoto with annoyance, rolling her eyes at the idiot.
"So ready to go?" Ami quickly asked, before a fight could break out between the two.
"Where are you guys going?" Omi asked, temporarily forgetting Makoto's insult.
"Somewhere away from you!" proclaimed Makoto as she ushered Ami and Rei out.
"Go FUCK yourself Makoto!" yelled out Omi in anger.
"But then I'll be copying you" smirked Makoto sweetly before shutting the parlor door in Omi's face.
*~*
"The Hino Alliance has fallen" declared the ancient woman with remarkable youth. Her deep green hair swirled around her slim body, like mist that will forever block her from mortality.
"So we heard.." Replied the blond standing in front of the knowledgeable ancient, a face completely void of all emotions. A slight nod of confirmation was given by her beautiful aqua haired partner.
"This is not good" the ancient sighed, "It is disturbing the balance of nature." A deep pause followed her wise voice as she reflected upon a resolution. "However, there might still be a chance. The last Hino has survived. A few mortals are currently looking her after. The vampires must know by now. They would want her dead. She poses a great threat to their power."
"We will personally protect her, Setsuna," promised the well-built blond. "We will not let her out of our sight."
The ancient one smiled, but the gesture did not reach her deep eyes of sorrow. "Are you two prepared to face a vampire army?"
"If it comes to that, then yes." Answered the melodic voice of the once silent beauty. Her light green eyes illuminated determination. "We will not let the last Hino fall."
The ancient known as Setsuna nodded in approval. "Very well. Haruka, Michiru. Do not fail me, or her. She is the holder of a very important item foretold by the ancient book of prophecy. Do not let this item be scorched by the vampires. It may very well be an item that could save humanity."
"We understand" replied the partners, gracefully bowing to their superior.
They have eliminated many vampires before. This would be no different.
*~*
"Speer me." the pathetic creature known as Velorus cowered within the shadows.
I smirked.
This creature that had massacred so many mortals before is now pleading for mercy. Doesn't he know that mercy doesn't exist? It never did. It never will.
I moved in closer for the kill, my sword thirsty for immortal blood.
"I-I work directly under L-lord Rubius" warned the wretched creature. A shame that he would disgrace his race so much.
"I'll give him your regards." I replied before pointing the tip of my blade to his neck. All creatures are pathetic.
"Wh-who are you?" the fraying beast asked, fully aware that death is upon him.
"Omega."
"They're coming!" cried a raven-haired innocent with all the power her voice could muster. "They're coming!"
A riot of shouts could be heard ahead as the feminine voice reached the ears of the others.
"WHAT!"
"How did they know?!"
"How many are there?!"
"How did they find out?!"
"Did someone reveal us to them?!"
"Is there a spy among us?!"
Suspicion began to spread throughout the large, damp chamber like a maddening disease. Accusations began filling the room, tearing apart the alliance. No one dared to trust, not even their own families.
"SILENCE!" yelled the head of the group, finally interloping the virus that was breaking their bond. The unrest of shouts turned into low murmurs, still holing the tone of accusation within them.
"I SAID SILENCE!" demanded the leader again, immediately followed by the deathly quiet he commanded. His people looked up at him in question, clearly wanting an explanation to this turmoil.
"Friends, we cannot let our own suspicions tear us apart! We need each other in order to survive not only this battle, but also the countless others to come! We need all the cooperation and support we can get from each other in order to come out alive! Obviously, Lord Rubius had somehow found out, but that is not important right now as-"
"Of course it's important!" interrupted an angry shout, "How else will we know that this'll never happen again?" This question raised the virus of fear once again, and soon, countless of other objections followed.
"I SAID SILENCE!" yelled the leader once again, getting the respect he wielded. "It is not important right now for we have to escape first before we can interrogate this further. Now Rei, how many of them did you see?" the man gently asked his 17 year old daughter.
"A-about twenty." the girl struggled to regain her breath, "all armed." A look of panic had once again struck the faces of the occupants.
"How can we possibly go up against so many of them!" a frenzied man cried out.
"Armed too!" added another. Murmurs of agreement could be heard throughout the room, a sense of hopelessness setting over them like a dark cloud predicting doom.
"PEOPLE!" yelled the leader once again, "We cannot lose faith! We have too much to fight for! Our families, friends, loved ones.. all the people in our lives! We WILL beat them no matter what!"
"Quite large words coming from a human" sneered a loud voice within the dark shadows of the tunnels. The room went deathly still.
"They're here." a whisper announced, echoing throughout the room. Everyone knew how this was going to turn out.
The ruthless beasts stepped out from the deep shadows of the echoing cave, their massive fangs glinting in the light. Smirks were more than visible in each vampire's face. They were eager to feed.
"We are ready." The Hino leader declared firmly, prepared to take on the challenge, even if it meant reaching the jaws of death. They shall not run away like cowards. They shall take back what rightfully belonged to them.
"Well then, human, let the games begin!" Concluded the vampire leader with an air of superiority. Mortals were weaklings compared to the supreme ancient creatures ruling the night. Weaklings should not be left alive to contaminate the world.
Immediately, the two races began to charge forward, both thirsty for blood. The once brown underground chamber began to transform into the bright color of crimson as shrieks of pain radiated to the far corners of the tunnels. The battle has begun.
Rei watched on in horror at the losing battle, unable to comprehend the amount of human corpses rapidly falling to the ground. Her friends were dying one by one, but she could do nothing to save their lives. No matter how much strength her ancient bloodline granted her, she still could not fight the dominating powers of these nocturnal creatures. They were just too strong.
She saw the mighty figure of her father ready to send another vampire into the deep pits of hell with the bloody hilt of his blade. However, before the great Hino leader could finish his task, a glistering sword wedged itself deeply into his back.
Rei wanted to cry out a warning to her oblivious father, but could not find her voice to be functional amongst this terror. She looked around the room at the massacre of blood bath draining the floor, promoting the victory of the vampires. She glanced once again at her wounded father, slowly weakening from the constant strikes of these ruthless beats. Even his strong muscles and heavy body could not undertake the repeating fatigues that the immortal swords inflicted. He was slowly being backed into a lonely corner.
"NO!" Rei yelled with fear. She would not let her father die! Not while she was still alive! With all the speed her body could muster, she sprinted towards his direction, contempt in saving him. Or joining him in death.
But suddenly, a steel sword appeared from behind her, impacting a heavy blow to her raven head. She was immediately knocked off her feet, her body landing heavily upon the solid crimson ground. She could smell the stench of blood within the soil. Her head began to pound with infuriating pain. She struggled to lift her head up and glance at her father's fighting form. Her vision began to slowly blur, but she kept her head up in determination. She would not let herself faint.
Through her unclear vision she saw the powerful figure of her father suddenly freeze. She held her breath tightly, contempt to know the sudden change in the great Hino leader. Slowly, the tip of a metal sword wedged its way out of his stomach, causing the red liquid of life to rapidly flow from the open wound. Blood was gushing everywhere. It took a moment for the frantic girl to realize what was happening. Her beloved father was slowly abandoning this world for the embracing arms of death.
"NO! FATHER!" Rei cried with her all remaining strength as his heavy body hit the solid ground with a loud thud. A riot of shouts could be heard around her, but she tuned them out. There was no hope for them now.
A solitary drop of tear slipped from her clear violet orbs as she slowly drowned into a bottomless void with no return.
*~*
Busy day at the market.
Filthy stands lined on either side of the dirt road leading to the polluted city. Humans stood over stalls of goods in hopes of earning a decent living today, rejoicing under the sun, their only friend. The other superior races hate the sun, preferring the night to hunt for prey.
Too bad the sun does not shine so much.. Vampires enter a deep slumber when light comes.
Humans are so predictable. Everyday it's the same routine.
Wake up at the peak of dawn. Set up their pathetic store stand. Rejoice in relief under the sun while holding great hope within their heart that business would flourish today. Clean up their stand just before sunset. Return home and cower away in fear.
The exact routine everyday. Certainly a boring race.
Aha...here comes entertainment...
Sirens could be heard very close by. The humans panicked in alarm, quickly packing their belongings.
Suddenly, blue automobiles charged into the dirty street with brutal force. The drivers stepped out quickly, eager for the sight of death.
"You filthy humans are not allowed to conduct business within city premises!" yelled a gray beast. His backup was clearly behind him.
Humans shrieked at the sight of the werewolf authority. They saw the predatory glint in their eyes, ready to taste raw human flesh. Looks like there would be an interruption to their daily routine. An interesting disruption.
From the tall disintegrating building, the commotion beneath took on the image of tiny ants running away from big hairy spiders. Those that got away were lucky. Those that were captured were torn apart instantly. Certainly a sight to behold..
Human blood mixed with fruit juices and mud, tainting the brown earth with red. Wagons of vegetables rolled onto the street, taking the hard work of the humans to dissolution.
Nothing left for the lonely mortals to live on. The law of nature has once again taken into affect..
Among the massacre, a sole form caught my sight. The mortal woman walked through the path of blood, unaffected by the falling corpses of her own kind. At last, a human that has finally realized her position in the world. as an insignificant speck of dust.
But what's this? She seems to be radiating some kind of aura. A mighty powerful one for a human..
There is something about her.
Jumping on the rooftop closer to the crimson ground, I closely viewed her whole profile. A blank face plastered onto the head, with a cheek that appears to have been scorched by flames. Her clear violet eyes held no understanding of the circumstances around her. She is an empty shell. Her mind is completely somewhere else.
But wait? How is she able to cast her shield?
I look closer upon her face. My eyes travel along her tattered cloth for any sort of sign representing her identity. My eyes land upon the silver bracelet on her right wrist.
It had a crest embroided. The symbol of an ancient family.
She must be a Hino priestess.
She has the bloodline of a very powerful family.but a mortal family non-the less.
Even the great human families fell during the revolution. All humans are weaklings now, despite their ancient bloodline.
But how is it that she is still alive among this world? Should the vampires not have eliminated her long ago? She does, after all, pose a great threat to their power.
There must be something protecting her.
Suddenly I noticed the mark on her forehead. A birthmark.
The symbol of the key.
A slow grin crept onto my face.
My search is over. I have found the object I have been looking for.
But suddenly, a human grabs her from among the massacre. He is running with all his might, dragging her behind him. They leave the death scene inconspicuously. No hungry beasts are after them. Certainly a stoke of luck.
But I am not about to let the object of my search be taken away so abruptly. Especially not by a weakling mortal. I will keep my eyes on the Hino priestess.
I want to be certain she has what I want.
*~*
"I know that you are very busy Makoto, running the soup kitchen and all, but I just want this one simple favor, if that's okay with you."
"Shoot!" replied a cheerful brunet, an emotion very rarely seen these days. "You know that I would do anything to help you Osha."
"Thanks" sighed Osha with relief, "I really do appreciate this."
"No problem!"
"As you know, the Hino alliance was demolished a week ago." began Osha.
"Yeah, a real shame. They were good people.fighting for us. for the human race. I wish I could do something to help them, but I guess it's too late now." sobbed Makoto sadly, the happy mood rapidly leaving her.
"There is." stated Osha in a solid voice that left no room to question humor, "Okama Hino, the leader of the alliance, as you know, had a daughter. In fact, an only child. Loved her more than ever I would guess."
"Oh?" Makoto looked up with both puzzlement and interest.
"She is approximately your age, around seventeen."
"Yes.?" Makoto hinted for him to go on.
"She is the only survivor from that night's massacre." Osha dropped the final piece, more harshly than intended. Shock has clearly over ridden all other emotions on Makoto's face.
"Dune found her wondering the streets about two days ago. She was among the 17th street human market arrest. Being the last surviving Hino, the vampires see her as a threat. You know what happens once a human is seen as a threat by vampires."
Makoto nodded her head solemnly. Of course she knew. Everyone knew.
"You want me to hide her?" guessed Makoto.
"As sharp as always" answered Osha with a smile, but sadness could still be seen in his cinnamon orbs. They will always be there.in everyone's eyes.
"I got it covered" accepted Makoto with a strong nod.
"Good" replied Osha as he walked over to the wood-chiped door that was beginning to decompose. He pulled the metal stained handle, the flap creaking in its full contempt to announce its opening.
There stood the raven-haired priestess that the jaws of death failed to claim. Her clear violet eyes took in the blond haired man before her, then the tall amazon brunet. She tried to process the information to her brain.but it was no use. The jumble of events and emotions of that night took up all the space.
The images kept resurfacing. not leaving her alone. A sea of motionless corpses on the floor.each drenched with the crimson blood.
Her father's almighty figure falling.the last ray of hope extinguished.
Her world crashing down before her.powerless to do anything.
A deep bottomless void taking over.
Fire burned inside her soul, scorching her from within. Just like that night it had scorched her cheek, trying to swallow her completely. A delicate cold hand came up to touch the mark the flames have left. In memory of her father.
She wanted revenge.
*~*
"All of the Hino rebels are dead, Lord Rubius" reported the vampire leader at the night of the massacre.
"Good" replied the powerful being with flaming hair, quite pleased with the outcome. "Our prince will be glad to hear this. However, the black poison crystal is still strongly reacting. There must be another mortal with the Hino bloodline."
"B-But how can this be?" cried the reporting vampire with disarray. "All the Hino rebels are dead!"
"There must be one remaining" firmly stated the being known as Rubius. "The crystal is still reacting to a powerful source. But it cannot be Okama Hino since I have his head.. Did you get his heir?"
"H-Heir?" echoed the lesser vampire with puzzlement.
"Yes, Okama Hino had an offspring. A girl, I believe."
"My-my men did not see a specific girl of the Hino bloodline. W-We scorched the place after all was presumed dead" replied the vampire nervously.
"Presumed?" questioned Rubius with the cock of an eyebrow.
"Y-Yes. Every mortal was lying on the floor. All that remained alive were burned within the fire."
"You are implying that you don't know for sure whether the Hino girl was there or not?" Rubius summarized, his crimson orbs digging deep within his inferior's soul.
The vampire gave a slight shake of his deathly white face, cowering away in front of his commanding leader. A flash of anger crossed Rubius' face. He did not take well to cowards.
"I am thoroughly disappointed Velorus. I want all Hinos dead."
"I-I un-understand my lord. I'll get right to it" Velorus quickly replied, slightly raising his head to meet the commanding vampires' gaze. He quickly dropped his dropped his glance at the sight of the red vampire's disapproving scowl.
"Good" smirked Rubius, satisfied to know that his soldiers still feared him. "I don't want this child to become any sort of threat in the future."
"I understand my lord" Velorus once again replied, ready to obey the given orders.
A deep pause settled in the well-furnished surroundings before Rubius spoke again.
"I want her dead by 78 hours, or I'll have your head."
*~*
"Are you SURE you don't want anything?" asked an insistent Makoto for the fourth time. Once again, the priestess answered with a silent nod.
"Alright then, suit yourself." sighed Makoto as she took a large bite out of the brown apple, "But I must warn you, we don't get fruits this fresh very often."
"Anyways," began Makoto, trying to get any sort of word out from the silent girl, "You'll like Ami. I'm sure of it. In fact, I don't think I have ever met anybody who didn't like Ami."
"That's for sure" the voice of a young red head agreed, "And I'm not saying that just because I'm dating her."
"Hello to you too Omi" greeted Makoto with annoyance, "And you don't have to keep rubbing in the fact that you're not single anymore. Frankly, I am more than surprised that you finally muttered enough courage to ask her out."
"Gees!" defended Omi, "Can't a guy even brag about his girl without getting burned?!" Makoto gave him a dirty glance, obviously meaning no.
"Anyways," carried on Omi, as if nothing happened, "Who's your new friend?"
Makoto looked at the quiet Rei, silently asking for permission to answer. Rei nodded, clearly understating the current scenario despite her inner turmoil.
"Her name is Rachel Augusta and she just moved here from Crusade." Makoto answered solemnly, rehearsing this speech many times before in her head.
"Nice to meet you Rachel, I'm Omi Reece" greeted 24 year old, formally extending his hand. Rei returned the polite gesture by accepting his hand with a friendly shake.
"Thanks." she muttered for the first time, greatly surprising Makoto.
"No problemo!" he answered cheerfully, "Always nice to meet new p-Ami!"
Just then, a petit dark blue haired woman stepped into the old parlor, a smile already adorning her face.
"I missed you too Omi!" she greeted before giving him a kiss. "Hi Makoto, and is this..."
"Yes Ami, this is Rachel" Makoto quickly interjected before Ami could say anything else. "The person I told you about over the phone."
Ami nodded in understanding, noticing Makoto's eyes shifting uncomfortably at her surroundings.
"Was I in the topic of conversation?" asked Omi with an idiot grin.
"If it'll make you feel better about your pathetic life, then yes" replied Makoto with annoyance, rolling her eyes at the idiot.
"So ready to go?" Ami quickly asked, before a fight could break out between the two.
"Where are you guys going?" Omi asked, temporarily forgetting Makoto's insult.
"Somewhere away from you!" proclaimed Makoto as she ushered Ami and Rei out.
"Go FUCK yourself Makoto!" yelled out Omi in anger.
"But then I'll be copying you" smirked Makoto sweetly before shutting the parlor door in Omi's face.
*~*
"The Hino Alliance has fallen" declared the ancient woman with remarkable youth. Her deep green hair swirled around her slim body, like mist that will forever block her from mortality.
"So we heard.." Replied the blond standing in front of the knowledgeable ancient, a face completely void of all emotions. A slight nod of confirmation was given by her beautiful aqua haired partner.
"This is not good" the ancient sighed, "It is disturbing the balance of nature." A deep pause followed her wise voice as she reflected upon a resolution. "However, there might still be a chance. The last Hino has survived. A few mortals are currently looking her after. The vampires must know by now. They would want her dead. She poses a great threat to their power."
"We will personally protect her, Setsuna," promised the well-built blond. "We will not let her out of our sight."
The ancient one smiled, but the gesture did not reach her deep eyes of sorrow. "Are you two prepared to face a vampire army?"
"If it comes to that, then yes." Answered the melodic voice of the once silent beauty. Her light green eyes illuminated determination. "We will not let the last Hino fall."
The ancient known as Setsuna nodded in approval. "Very well. Haruka, Michiru. Do not fail me, or her. She is the holder of a very important item foretold by the ancient book of prophecy. Do not let this item be scorched by the vampires. It may very well be an item that could save humanity."
"We understand" replied the partners, gracefully bowing to their superior.
They have eliminated many vampires before. This would be no different.
*~*
"Speer me." the pathetic creature known as Velorus cowered within the shadows.
I smirked.
This creature that had massacred so many mortals before is now pleading for mercy. Doesn't he know that mercy doesn't exist? It never did. It never will.
I moved in closer for the kill, my sword thirsty for immortal blood.
"I-I work directly under L-lord Rubius" warned the wretched creature. A shame that he would disgrace his race so much.
"I'll give him your regards." I replied before pointing the tip of my blade to his neck. All creatures are pathetic.
"Wh-who are you?" the fraying beast asked, fully aware that death is upon him.
"Omega."