Van Helsing stared at Alexial in shock.
"Is that it?"
"Yeah that's everything that happened."
She looked down at her feet. "To ignore what he saw is a crime against heaven."
She got up and went to a window. Dante was talking with a cardinal. A heavy sigh escaped her as she watched the hunter.
"You still love him don't you?"
"More than anything in the world."
He'll see the light one day.
I hope so.
He will trust me.
Van Helsing could you understand where I was going when I told you that story?
You seemed confused about a lot of the story.
Half the time I couldn't tell what he was thinking. I tried so hard to allow him to say something to me, but he couldn't.
Alexial your just tired and you haven't been sleeping well have you?
No, I keep getting bombarded with visions of the past, present and future. I can't make out much in the visions. It's just about as confusing as the one Dante and I had envisioned the day I died and came back.
Do you think it had some meaning for you?
I guess someone was trying to get Dante to warm up to me I guess.

Anyway Van Helsing I have something for you. It was the second part of my mission.
I don't understand.
She moved towards him.
Hold out your hand.
She placed a silver chain in it. The charm was a tear drop of the purest diamond. Inside it was a small red flower.
What's this?
A parting gift from your Anna.
He shoved her against the wall.

You see the tear she shed when you saw her in the cloud solidified in my world. God sent me to give it to you. A gift to keep you going.
He let her go. Love is what makes us stronger Van Helsing.
She smiled at him and turned and walked away.
Van Helsing looked at the necklace and smiled to himself.
It's to bad Dante doesn't think like that, he muttered to himself.

Later that day he found Alexial and Dante in the same room. Like always they were in silence in opposite corners. Alexial shot Dante another dark glare for the hundredth time within ten seconds. Van Helsing looked towards heaven seeking patience.
Will you two stop being so childish?
This is between me and him Van Helsing so but out.
He shrugged and turned to walk out the door.
Can't say I didn't try.
He stood out on the balcony watching the coming night. He couldn't understand these two. They were hopeless. They needed each other. Especially to win this.

Alexial made sure that Van Helsing was far enough away before she even thought about telling Dante what was on her mind from the day he stepped into the lab at Vatican City. This was far more dangerous than that of the threat Dorian could pose or even that of any monster born of legend. Looking at him lovingly before becoming serious. She stared at the wall above his head.


I think the end is coming soon.
Who's yours? he said almost in a joking manner. (almost)
she said seriously.
Dante looked at her startled.
Dante don't look so startled.
She wasn't looking at him just staring into nothingness. I knew it was inevitable, my death that is. We are all destined to die when we are born.
The day I saved you?
You just delayed it for awhile Dante.
She titled her head to the side to look at him.
What about that vision we shared?
That could happen, but I doubt it.
She pushed off the wall and headed for the balcony. Dante stood up and walked out of the room. Alastor slapped at his back as if in warning. He ignored the implements and continued on walking away. Still he couldn't banish the nagging in the back of his mind.
That's what you do best D walking away from me. Alexial thought sadly into his mind. You're always running Dante. And you will always run from love.
He didn't react to that. He just kept walking.

Alexial stood on the balcony watching the world go on around her. She could feel the presence of every living animal around her. There were a few pigeons around, an alley cat, and two dogs. Looking around she felt something that she's never felt before. Changing into her fox mode she leapt up on the roof.
Her back was turned to the threat. Her ears flicked this way and that. The thing was snarling what ever it was.
Oh great a werewolf. Just what I need.
She whipped around ready to fight but the werewolf was already gone. Looking around she retreated to her room. Something wasn't right and she could feel it.
Carefully with the skill born of cats she stalked towards where Dante was. Sarah was with him. She moved in the room and leaned against the opposite wall to Dante. Hours passed as the three sat in silence.
Alexial watched Dante out of the corner of her eye. Her ears were trained on his deep even breaths. He was asleep for now. A bad feeling washed over her again so bad that it shook her from a sound sleep. The dark visions were of Dante's death at the claws of a black werewolf.
You know Alex something isn't right, Sarah said quietly.
I know. Dorian hasn't made his move yet.
What are we going to do about him?
Don't know. Someone has to find that picture.
I don't have a clue to where it is.
I do.
Your going aren't you?
Yeah, I have to.
Be careful Alexial.
I will be.
Alexial stole one last look at Dante before putting her hood up and walking out the door. Sarah sighed and headed back to the kitchen.
As the door closed Dante opened his eyes. A heavy breath escaped him. Something bad was going to happen he felt it shake him. Darkness followed Alexial around like a lost puppy, and it scared him sometimes of course he's never admit it.

Alexial walked down a dark alleyway knowing she was courting trouble by coming here. Her senses were alive to everything around her not just the animals. There were three humans stalking her and at least two mystical creatures. Both auroras bespoke of darkness. She recognized the one of a devil and the other wasn't familiar. Both parties were closing in on her position. Her ears were trained on everything around her.
Hello little girl would you like some company? one human beckoned.
She shivered slightly. Turning to face them her eyes glowed amber in the dark. The men backed away.
What are you?
A demon what do you think?
She snarled at the men. They became brave and leapt to take her down.
Those scientist men would pay a pretty penny for you.
She just chuckled at them. Then she became serious and began to fight back. They didn't even lay a finger on her, as she fought with little of her strength. The men turned and fled.
That's what I thought.
A small sound caught her attention but it was to late. Something heavy crashed into the back of her head. Darkness overcame her.

Light was coming through the window as Alexial came to. Her head was hurting. Her sight was slowly coming back. There was someone in the room with her.
So your awake my pretty, Dorian purred.
You make me sick.
I see. I think I might be able to change that Alexial darling.
She snarled a warning as he got up and approached her.
Stay away from me!!
He stopped.
So we need to be broken. I can do that.
I'd die before you could break me.
You're so smug about that aren't you?
It's not smugness it's confidence.
Sure it is. Your ego is to big to be brought down softly.
A snarl escaped her. Or is this about that Devil Hunter that Shriven speaks of Dante I think is his name?
Dante will come for me, she snarled.
Keep telling yourself that. He won't find this place.
Don't be so sure.
Keep believing what you want angel.
He calmly walked out of the room leaving Alexial in a sad state. A low sound came from her throat. Sadness washed over her because she knew that Dante wasn't coming. He'd die first.

Alexial sat on her knees staring out into the distance. She had been here for three days. She knew that Dante didn't like her, but to leave here here with this monster. It shook her like nothing else did. Her powers weren't helping much. Being away from Dante like this was making her weak. Her mind couldn't focus on fighting only on the Devil Slayer. Looking about the room from the first time since being captured. The room was well furnished.
I miss Dante.
She shook her head as her mind yet again drifted to the Devil Slayer. Something caught her attention like no other thing did. It was the smell of blood, devil blood mixed with humans. Dante??!!!
That set her mind on fire. It was faint though. That gave her some added strength to know that he needed her. Her eyes shifted to a deep amber with touches of crimson. Dorian wasn't in the house. Her now energized senses told her that. With a snarl she ripped the chains out of the wall. Dorian must have assumed that my powers would weaken if I was away from Dante. He was partially right. She smirked. He didn't figure that if he hurt Dante I would feel it or smell his blood. That empowers not weakens the fool.
Standing up to her full height as her hanyou form she looked around the room. A magical yet dark power was in the corner. Slowly making her way towards the object she noticed it had a sheet over it. It's magical lure made her take off the sheet. There was a picture. As she looked at it a smirk graced her features.
Your own doom is at hand Dorian Gray.
Putting the cover on the painting she picked it up carefully. Looking at the closes exit she bolted for the window. Something stopped her as she hit the window pane. She was thrown back.

Dorian's head shot up as he felt power shake him.
I see your mate is trying to escape my prison, Dorian replied coolly.
I want her back now, Dante said calmly
I thought Shriven was right about you.
Give her back, now!!! Dante snarled loosing his patience faster than normal with this immortal.
My we are protective of her, Dorian observed.
Our job isn't finished yet.
Oh is that how you see her? As a job? Shriven seems to think it's something much more than that.
Shriven doesn't know me very well then. Alexial is nothing to me.
We'll see won't we?

Alexial felt a shift in her heart beat.
Dante?!

Oh Dante I would like you to meet my partner, Shriven.
We've already met.
Hello Dante, I see Dorian's attempts to enrage you have failed.
Shriven remained in the shadows as he talked.
Yes they have.
What would you say if I said that I raped that girl of yours.
She's kill you first.
Not if she's unconscious.
Dante winced inwardly. The what if's' began to run through her mind. The Devil Slayer mind kicked in. He pushed the what ifs to the back of his mind.
Yes, she is a lovely creature.
For some reason anger flared in his heart, yet he kept a cool face. Dante's cool action were getting to Shriven. Anger flared and he leapt for Dante.
Dante leapt to the side as Shriven jumped out of the darkness to slash at him. He was able to avoid his onslaught. He felt a familiar power rush over him. It was of youkai origin. A familiar power and presence washed into him. His blue eyes changed to amber before they returned to a blue.
Have my power Dante. Use it as you will. End this strife with this Devil. And concentrate on bigger fish.
I will.
Then did it occur to him that this would drain her to the point of death.
Don't be ridiculous Dante my power is infinite to you.
A rush of something washed over him. He ignored it. His eyes shifted yet again to amber. A youkai rage stole over him.

Alexial sighed in annoyance as she felt Dante change. Now you will know my pain and my regrets.
She sat down on the bed clutching the painting. Her ears were trained on everything around her. In her mind's eye she could see the fight that Dante was going about.

Dante calculated Shriven's moves quickly. He leapt forward with speed that he had never known before. He assumed it was Alexial's fault. Not that he didn't like this rush of power, it was addictive. He didn't know his senses could be heightened to the point that he could smell fear. That made the demonic senses worse. The blue of his eyes melted away to amber then faded into crimson.(not good at all)
So you've gained a little power, big deal. I'll still kill you, and take that mate of yours, Shriven growled.
You can try, Dante said in a low sinister voice. She'd prefer a true creature of darkness.
You think your so cool when you change wait until you see a true Devil at work.
Shriven roared as his form shifted and grew larger. His noramlly green hide changed to a dark blood red. Long bat-like wings emereged from his back where spikes were running down his spine. His form became more wolf-like. He looked like a scaled, winged werewolf. His amethyst eyes shifted to amber. His fangs grew longer. He smirked with himself as he stood there facing Dante.
Do you really think your hot stuff now don't you? Dante said cooly.
Do you think you are Dante?
I don't think I know.
Shall we test that theory?
Of course.
The two locked in something almost akin to mortal combat. It was feirce. Dante was able to aviod most of Shriven's attackes but some hit home. A slash tore into Dante's coat. Dante's hits hit more home on Shriven. Alastor made a punishing slash against Shriven's back.
I never imagined you'd be the type to backstab Dante.
Dante's only answer was slight deep breaths. They stared at one another.
I fight head on Shriven and you know it.
So cocky Dante like that bitch of yours.
She's not my bitch.
We'll see when we're done.
The rain began to pour as they locked in combat.

Alexial felt and smelled the rain before it came. A small smell caught her attention.
she cursed.
She held the painting close to her. The smell of wet dog was in the room. A snarl escaped the creature behind her in the shadows. The blue of her eyes melted to amber. As she changed into her fox state.
This fight is mine werewolf.
She sat the painting down and lashed out at the beast. It snarled and was able to evade the attack. She lashed out with her hind foot. It caught the werewolf across the chin. It hit the wall. It snarled and leapt for the window. It shattered when the werewolf hit it. She felt the magic that was binding her leave her body. A smirk graced her features. She picked up the picture and bolted out the window. Her massive black wings spread as she headed towards Vatican City.

Dorian felt the sheild break.
Clever girl.
He turned and walked into the shadows.

Alexial dashed into Vatican city not caring that everyone was staring at her. Her tail flicked back and forth as she looked for a familiar face amoung the people.
Van Helsing?

She moved towards him and handed over the pitcture.
Hang onto this for me please I'll have need of it later.
Is this what I think it is?
Yeah it is. Now I need to go.
She leapt out the door not waiting for his answer. She took to the stairs in leaps and bounds. Her mind told her he could take care of himself and she knew it, but she couldn't help but worry. I'm coming Dante. Hang on a little longer. She steps were sure as she followed the scent of his blood.

Shriven was loosing horribly to Dante. He wasn't even breaking a sweat at this. The Devil Slayer leapt forward to finally finish this game. It wasn't amusing anymore. Shriven was loosing power vastly and to quickly to be much of a challenge anyway.
You're all talk and not enough power to back it up.
The devil leapt forward and slashed at Dante. Dante evaded it. See no challenge.
Shut up!! Is that why you'll never finish you're brother off?
Dante started. The devil kicked out catching Dante across the face. He tasted blood. His thumb ran across the cut.
You're dead.
Alastors punishing force cleved the devil's head from his body ending the fight quickly. Dante spit on the demon's body.
Tell him I said hello.
He turned to walk away to find Dorian so he could get Alexial back. A familiar presence was approaching him at a rapid rate.
You're a bit late Alexial.
Better late than never I guess.
Are you all right?
I've been in better shape, but I'll live.
Come on we better get back.

They turned and walked slowly back towards Vatican City. A million questions were burning on Alexial's mind but she dared not to ask.