DISCLAIMER: None of the characters except for the villain and extra personalities belongs to me.

WARNING: This fanfic includes: Saitou x Sanosuke pairing;a vampire character; random sillyness and unedited words.

PART 2: Subtle Hints of Danger

Wild hysterical laughter followed him as he ran for his life in the black of night. He could hear the monster's breath, feel its presence loom closer and closer. He felt his way through a dim alley, hoping to lose his attacker and finally be safe. The pale moonlight was of no help against the darkness enveloping him. Blindly, he went on the narrow lane, his breath coming in short gasps, fear coursing through every fiber in his body.

Suddenly, he slammed against something hard and solid. A wall. He cursed silently, trying to find another opening. But there was none.

He had no choice, no hope, and he knew that his pursuer felt that too. For whoever it was, laughed and slowly approached him, as if savoring his victory.

"Thanks for making me work up my appetite. Your death won't be meaningless, so don't despair."

Then all he felt was strong arms gripping his neck and a sharp prickle at his twitching neck. All he heard was the wet, suckling noise and his own muted moans. All he knew was that he had entered a dead end, for both the alley and his poor, short life.

"What kind of monster would do this?"

Saitou barely heard the revolted question of the younger officer behind him, as his mind was echoing the same question.

He stared at the body sprawled awkwardly before him. The victim was young and was practically unmarked except for the two punctures in his neck. His face was frozen in a look of utmost fear and horror.

Saitou's eyes narrowed as he noticed that there wasn't any drop of blood near or on the victim's body. The alley was devoid of any signs of struggle.

There could only be one being to do this, and it sure is not human.

A vampire.

He almost laughed at his silly deduction. Here he was, stressed out and on a case, and all his foggy brain could come up with was a fictitious bloodsucker? Saitou was starting to think he'd gone mad.

Sighing, he commanded his subordinates to bag the body up and inform the necessary people of what happened. Then he started walking back to his office, his head full of unanswered questions, barely recognizing the red bandanna tied around the victim's leg.

Darn. Another case. And here I was, hoping for a little break.

He opened his office door, and slowly sunk to his chair. Subconsciously, he drew out a cigarette and started smoking. After three sticks and zero angles for the case, he stopped, crushing the remains of his cig in a nearby ashtray.

Maybe he was working too hard. He could easily transfer this case to someone else. Then he could have all the time to watch his roosterhead's endeavors a little more closely. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, his eyes drifting to the calendar on his wall as he thought of the possibilities.

But his mind rejected the idea of taking a break as he saw that it was only a week away from his birthday. Not that it mattered a lot to him, but he was sure Sano would expect some sort of celebration. The kid was into parties and having fun when it suits the occasion. This case would give him extra pay, and that would be really helpful if he wanted that day special, for Sano at least.

Hmp. As if Sano would remember it anyway. He's too busy with his life to look at the stupid calendar.

He stopped his pondering as he noticed a piece of paper stuck in the hinges of his window. Frowning, he stood up and snatched it free and stared at it for a few moments. It was antique-looking, made of brownish parchment, and it seemed to emanate bad news. It was simply addressed to him, labeled OFFICER FUJITA in crimson ink.

Saitou's eyes narrowed as he read the message written in what seemed like blood.

This is more than just a case

Ignore and more will take place

For what you took must be returned

To the place where love and hatred once burned

Recall my name and know thy curse

Let this mind game have its course

To lead you in this serious game

Start with the body down the lane

----A.

"What the hell?" he said loudly.

The darkness crept silently around Sano as he trudged home. He walked slowly; tired by the work he had been doing all day. Hauling rice sacks can't be too good for one's back, and he was feeling the full effect of it now. His shoulders were sore, and he was looking for a long rest in their futon. The thought of a nice, soft bed almost made him run, but his aching legs protested against it.

Saitou should give me good back rub for all my troubles.

"Long day?"

Sano turned around and saw a man leaning against a cherry tree. Hidden in the shadows, as if waiting just for him.

"Says who?" he countered, his senses in full alert.

The man stepped out of the tree's faint shade and smiled at him. "Remember me? The guy from yesterday?"

He nodded, calming down a bit. "At the gambling house. What do you want?" he asked again and mentally berated himself for being so rude.

The stranger shrugged and walked casually towards him. Sano couldn't help but stare at the sleek grace of the strange man.

"I just wanted to thank you again. I was really embarrassed about yesterday, and I wanted to apologize if I acted ungrateful," the man replied. "I am Alkira, by the way." A pale hand extended to shake his hand.

He smiled and shook Alkira's hand, tensing as he felt how cold the hand was. "It was nothing, really," he said anyway. "There's no need to apologize."

He felt odd, as if he had done this before. But that seems impossible, as he looked at Alkira closely. Surely I would remember a face like that, he thought as he noted the long dark hair, the sleet gray eyes and the mysterious smile (who was now saying something). Nope. I don't think I've met anyone like him. But why does he seem so familiar?

"...I can understand your reluctance, as I am a total stranger." Alkira was saying, and Sano realized that he had totally spaced out on the guy.

"I'm sorry. What?" he stammered, ashamed of being distracted.

The man smiled, seeming to notice his embarrassment. "I asked you your name, but you seem a bit secretive so I thought----"

He laughed sheepishly. "Oh! That was what you were saying. I totally spaced out. I'm Sanosuke, but most folks here call me Sano."

Then he noticed how dark it was, and knew that he was late to cook dinner for him and Saitou. So he added, rather hastily," I'm sorry, but I have to go now. I've got to cook dinner and---"

Alkira nodded in understanding, amusement sparkling in his eyes. "Go ahead. It's alright."

"Okay, nice meeting you", Sano said as he tried to run as fast as his stiff legs could carry him.

Left alone in the darkness, Alkira just smiled. The trap was set, and the players were all in position.

"Let the games begin."