A/N: You know, I'm just about kicking myself in the ass for putting off this chapter for so long. What can I say? I hate action scenes and important matters kept me in another sect of fanfic-dom. Anyway, you'll notice the zombies and some of the experiments talk (in a foreign language). As I said before, most of this is inspired by Resident Evil 4; if you haven't played/watched it…you don't know what you're missing.

Disclaimer: This pathetic reproduction of Vampire Hunter D does not represent the views at nor does it give justice to the masterpiece created by Hideyuki Kikuchi.

THE DIE IS CAST

CHAPTER 4

"Maitelé…Maitelé du nësta…" The man mumbled to himself, crouching in the shrubbery and watching anxiously with hollow eyes. He remained fixated on the two cyborg horses and their riders approaching at an alarming speed. His brow furrowed in concentration.

Three small maggots crawled from an open, festering wound on his shoulder, burrowing themselves into his raggedy clothes. He took no notice. A primitive mind, he could only focus on only one objective in a single moment. Of course, he was luckier than most of his kind. He could articulate, accomplish tasks one at a time, and remember things for up to 12 hours. He was like a child in most respects.

The man slowly backed away from his vantage point. The riders were still a good mile or so off. They had yet to reach the forest's edge. Stumbling backwards, the man's empty eyes left the pair and their mounts. He had but one purpose: to announce their arrival. With all the speed he could muster, the man broke into a run, bounding across hill and dale, weaving between the numerous trees that littered the swamp.

The man ran into a clearing, knocking over several headstones with a clumsy gate. "Hatalá! Hatalá!" His warning rang out loudly and clearly. "Hatalá!"

The rising sun let off an eerie glow that illuminated the Hunter's face, giving his Adonis features a heavenly set. It looked like God Himself was shining down on the dhampir as an act of mercy for cursing him with such a miserable existence.

Emily Marlowe couldn't help but cast a glance in his direction every few minutes, afraid that if she didn't keep checking, he would vanish. As if he wasn't real. As if he was a part of her dream.

The attention the mayor's daughter was giving him did not go without notice. Although D did not acknowledge her looks, he was constantly watching her out of the corner of his eye. The parasite in his left hand had warned him that there was something strange about her, and D had no intention of letting her out of his sight.

Crossing the desolate region, the two observed each other intently, each for separate reasons.

So far their journey had gone on without so much as a word passing between them. But quiet to Emily was almost unheard of. She lavished in the company of conversation and laughter. D was neither. He was always so serious…and staid.

The early morning silence was beginning to get the better of Emily. "Nice weather we're having, isn't it?"

D turned his head to look at her. Emily was hoping to catch anything that might resemble a smile on his countenance, but instead was given the same impassive look he always wore. The Hunter looked onward once more, urging his horse on faster.

Good one, stupid. She thought inwardly. Guess this Hunter's not one for small talk.

Low cast fog licked at the horses' legs as they cantered along the dirt path that snaked through the marshy terrain. Gray storm clouds stirred overhead, threatening to spit down rain on the unfortunate travelers. Disconcerting stillness clung to the air as the two riders pulled into the cemetery.

D's black steed halted sharply, throwing its head back. The dhampir looked around, eyes probing over every tree and embankment. A loud whinny from Emily's mount made the Hunter turn his sights to the mayor's daughter. The horses were panicking. There was something nearby.

Yet D was unnaturally calm. "You should head back to the village."

"What? And miss all the fun?" Emily pulled back on the cyborg horse's reins. An unsettling knot had formed in her stomach. Perhaps it would be better to turn back now. "You know, maybe—"

"Quiet." His words came of a surprise to her.

The silence that surrounded her was almost deafening. It unnerved her to not hear a bird singing; it caused her heart to quicken when the wind failed to disturb a single leaf. What could the Hunter possibly hope to hear? It was as if time itself had stood still.

The sun had become obscured behind the clouds and haze that seemed to pour forth from the graveyard. D surveyed his environment a second time. Approximately 50 headstones speckled the dilapidated grounds, which had fallen into disarray months ago. In front of each tombstone was a large hole and mound of earth. Not to mention the lack of a corpse. This, however, was not the work of any grave robber.

A rustling sound came from the nearby bushes. Both riders looked to the source of the foreign sound. D's hand rested on the hilt of his sword. The leaves quickly ceased to move. Several minutes passed and nothing further was heard.

The Hunter dismounted, sword in hand. In a situation where most would walk cautiously, the dhampir stepped up to the bushes as if he had no fear at all. Using the tip of his longsword, he ran it back and forth across the shrub, gently feeling for any obstacle.

Raspy breathing rang softly in D's ear. The Hunter twisted around in a swift 180 degree turn, only to be greeted by a horrific monstrosity lunging at him, teeth bared and claws extended. The unexpected attack left D's sword still at his side. The beast's claws gripped tightly onto the dhampir's shoulders, the nails digging into his flesh. The mere momentum of the creature's speed was enough to knock D off his feet, sending him flying onto his back. The Hunter needed to regain the upper hand. He brought his legs up and gave one sharp kick to the beast's pelvic bone. The brutish creature gave out a low growl. But D's action was enough. The creature flipped head over heels, landing on its back just behind D.

The Hunter wasted no time in getting back onto his feet. He was surprised, however, to see just how quickly the beast had gotten up. The two stared each other down in a stalemate; each waiting for the other to make the first move. What sort of creature was this? It could've easily been mistaken for a werewolf at first glance, but something wasn't right. This monster wasn't built like any werewolf. It was too tall and its whole body seemed to hunch over, as if it was in staggering pain. The hair that covered its skin was scarce and far between and there were no ears or tail to speak of. This was something evolution had no part in. This was the work of a Noble.

Emily had watched the entire scene play out in less than 3 seconds. She had no time to act or help the Hunter in his struggle, when a second beast leapt from the same bushes D had probed. Emily dug her heel into the horse's side, pulling sharply on the left rein. The horse was confused by the sudden order, tossing its head to the side; it spun around, exposing its haunches to the oncoming danger. The second creature's claws dug into the horse's backside. The ear-splitting sound of claws tearing through metal rung throughout the marsh. The horse lost the use of its back legs and fell to the ground, its front legs giving out under the weight. Emily rolled out of the way, less than gracefully. Reaching for the swords on either side of her waist, she quickly unsheathed them, running at the beast, which was busy trying to free itself from the twisted metal of the cyborg horse.

The screeching sound of metal being ripped through did not go without notice from D. He looked back at where he had left the mayor's daughter. She had tumbled off the wreckage that had been her horse and was reaching for the scabbards at her hips. Drawing the swords, she ran at the creature struggling to get out from under the cyborg horse. D made a move to join Emily; it would be easier for the two of them to defend themselves together. But before the Hunter had taken even one step, the werewolf-like beast he had been fighting, moved in front of him, successfully blocking the dhampir's way. The creature snarled, snapping its elongated fangs menacingly. D raised his longsword, bringing it down faster than the eye could see. The monster easily evaded the attack, charging the Hunter again.

Emily slid her right sword in past the second beast's collarbone, letting the thin metal drop down deep into the creature's chest cavity. A howl of pain sounded from the wounded animal's throat. The young woman backed off, steering clear as the black beast rolled helplessly around on the ground, thrashing madly. This thing had indeed been a werewolf, at one point or another. Now, it had become an effective killing machine.

The creature flipped itself onto all fours, blood oozing from the aggravated wound by its neck. Hopping awkwardly over the remains of the cyborg horse, the werewolf came closer to Emily, growling brutally. Milk-white foam dripped from the snarling chops, teeth exposed and ready to rip the woman limb from limb. The smell of decaying meat that only a carnivore carries came in waves that flooded her senses and an irrevocable fear had nestled into her core. Emily swallowed hard. She was never dependant, and she always came out on top.

She dropped her right sword, which had already been kissed by battle and tasted the sweet nectar of its fruit. Her free hand touched the holster on her thigh, elegant fingers unfastening the silver handgun and wrapping around the handle. The werewolf was mere feet away now. The woman slowly began sliding the gun from its cradle.

But the beast acted quicker than anticipated. A sudden lunge found the animal aiming for Emily's throat. She jumped back, but not far enough. The werewolf's claws gouged into her side, tearing easily through flesh and muscle. The woman's first instinct was to drop her left sword and clutch her side. The beast leapt off behind her, turning quickly for a second assault. Emily had let out a cry of surprise, her mouth agape. It felt like she had been ripped open completely. Foreseeing the animal's attack, she tumbled to the side, more or less falling to the ground as the werewolf charged again. As it pivoted for a second time, Emily raised the silver handgun level to the beast's chest. She pulled the trigger, once, twice. Two silver bullets made their way into the animal's upper body, just right of the sternum. The creature recoiled, standing up on two legs, drawing its upper appendages close to its chest. The werewolf's head flew up, letting out one last howl to the clouded sky before collapsing to the earth.

Emily's eyes closed and she took several ragged breaths before she dared open them again. The werewolf had been reverted back to its human state. A severely maimed young man with black hair lay naked on his side, empty blue eyes looking up to the sky. His childish face looked so peaceful, as if all of his suffering had now ended. The young woman recognized him as the butcher's son, who had disappeared months earlier.

The clash of sword against stone reminded Emily that another battle still raged on. She propped her weight onto her elbow, gradually pushing herself up until she was in a sitting position. Biting down on her lip, she forced herself to her feet, ignoring the pain shooting out from the injury on her left side.

Aqua eyes surveyed the on-going assault. D and the monster he fought dodged blow after blow, moving in an obscure dance that covered the graveyard. The beast would swipe at D, barely escaping the longsword that made for its head. The Hunter would leap on top of a gravestone to get a better advantage, evading the claws that intended to gut him.

Emily felt helpless to aid D in his conflict. Blood ran from her side, down her leg in large rivulets, saturating her pants a dark maroon, and dripping onto the dirt to form small pools. The young woman's porcelain fair skin became wan and pale. Shakily, she reholstered her pistol, finally able to admit she could do no more. This was D's fight and his fight alone.

D swiped in a low arc for the beast's legs, but the blow was easily evaded. Two equally matched beings in battle, there would be no fair outcome. Fate's intervention was only a matter of time. The monster snarled again, keeping just a sword's distance from the Hunter. There was no upper hand anymore. The two fought on equal terms on equally suitable terrain, neither having the advantage.

Suddenly the beast stopped, raising its short muzzle into the air, as if smelling for something. A low rumble seeped from its throat and it looked back down at the Hunter. Its eyes had become crimson red with hunger…with bloodlust. The creature promptly turned its sights to the mayor's daughter, licking its lips eagerly. It bounded for the small hill that the young woman stood on, unarmed.

The werewolf-like creature that had been fighting D had suddenly turned and was sprinting in her direction. Caught off guard, Emily reached for her swords, neither of which was there. Her second instinct was to reach for the twin guns on either hip, but as she fumbled with the releases, the monster had already closed the fifty yards that had separated them. The beast straightened itself, towering over the woman. Saliva threatened to drip down on her as the creature inhaled the scent of the crimson liquid that poured from her side freely.

Emily's eyes widened. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. She couldn't understand how the young Hunter could just abandon her here. He had left her wounded to face the beast even he couldn't defeat. Then she recalled what he had said last night in the library. "But don't expect me to protect you."

Hatred coursed through her. She couldn't blame D. He had done what was right by him. If it had not been for all of those goddamn vampires she wouldn't have to die like this. Her voice quivered. "Fuck the Nobility…"

Her eyes closed. She didn't want to see it coming.

"…Emily?" The brutish and guttural voice questioned her name, as the tip of the Hunter's longsword passed through the monster's chest.

The woman face was enveloped by a look of sheer horror met with recognition. The werewolf-like creature looked solemnly at her even as its body began turning into ashes. Within seconds, the monster had been reduced to a pile of dust, with D standing behind it, sword still extended.

It had called out her name…

"The first die has been cast," Auclair smiled smugly to himself, "hasn't it, D?"

The Noble watched the battle come to a close. The Vampire Hunter had successfully slain Jonathan's experiment 5b: "Alexander". The Noble detested using names with his experiments, because to him they were no more than lab rats, animals destined to be dissected and tested on all for the false ideology of science.

Ten LCD monitors graced the wall of Jonathan's study, each linked to a camera that had been strategically placed to survey all angles of the cemetery. To say the vampire was impressed was quite the understatement. He had expected the black werewolf alone to be enough to handle both of them. It was a shame that both the overgrown canine and Alexander had failed him.

"Unfortunately for you, Hunter, the cards are in my favor." Jonathan continued to smile. He knew how the dhampir fought; he knew what he could expect from the infamous Hunter now. He chuckled faintly.

A gentle hand caressed the Noble's pallid cheek and a delicate chin came to rest on his shoulder. The woman's soft breath tickled his neck. "You're happy you lost?"

He looked up at her out of the corner of his eye. "Happy? Of course not." Turning in his chair, the Noble's eyes greedily took in the woman's naked form. "But I do consider this has turned to my advantage."

"Oh, really?" She giggled to herself, completely lost in admiration for her capturer. Little modesty restrained her from planting her supple bottom on the vampire's lap, running a hand through his disheveled black hair.

The Noble had already become tired of the woman's presence. She had been so much more desirable when she resisted him. Seeing her straining against her bonds, had been so alluring to the vampire's senses, he couldn't contain himself from taking her.

Now she was simply another doting servant. But the Noble's carnal pleasures extended far beyond any physical beauty. What he desired was for the woman to keep that determination and strong-will, even when he took her to the heights of pleasure she would never know again.

"When will I become more?" Her angelic voice rang in his ear; bring him back from his fantasy. The woman's supple lips kissed his earlobe, traveling down his neck.

"Hmm?" The Noble raised an eyebrow.

In between kisses, she repeated herself. "You said you would make me so much more than what I am. When?"

She playfully nipped at his neck. The corner of Auclair's mouth teased into a smile. "Soon."

His hand ran down her bare thigh, caressing the soft skin. "But for now, I need you to do something for me."

"Anything…" The woman moaned.

The Noble cupped her chin, bringing her face to his. "I want to send out another experiment. Ask Quinn to send out A4. Now, go."

He released his hold on her and very nearly pushed the woman off his lap. She looked back at him, almost pouting. But she knew better than to try the vampire's patience. Draping a white linen over her shoulders, she made her way out of Lord Auclair's study, letting the door shut noiselessly behind her.

Jonathan bit down on his thumb, continuing to watch the Hunter and mayor's daughter on the screens.

A/N: Whoo…that was a long, frickin'-ass chapter.

Anyway, I did this image a LONG time ago. Since my first chapter of "PtDA" was up. If you want to see Emily Marlowe, her outfit, and weapons…please go to my profile and scroll down till you find the link.

So, what'd you think?Was the action easy enough to follow?

marcusfangirl – Maybe…All will come to those who wait…

Kitala – Well…at least it wasn't 3 months until this update. Glad you're still interested.

lucidscreamer – Thank you so much for the compliment! I'm glad someone recognized that I was attempting to stick close to the novels. I'd love to hear about any authors you have to recommend.

prettywalls and lickingwind(ows) – There are plenty of other writers on that do San Francisco. I know you think we're a bunch of crackpot weirdos, so I doubt you'll look around. Tough luck, buddy.

Kritikos – Kind of pathetic I have to prompt my best friend to review on my stories. Yes, I know it was a good idea, dah-ling. I am a genius. Da…