Soul of the Devil
Act II
Amy hummed happily to herself as she prepared for her first official date with Alucard. She didn't know what it was, but ever since telling Sonic off the previous night she felt amazing. It was as if for years she had been hobbled by unseen chains, and now at last she was free. For the first time she felt completely in control of her life, and she reveled in it. Before, if Sonic had just barged in, she would have just exploded in anger for a bit and then locked herself in her room crying. But this time she had taken control in a way she never knew she could. Then the kiss with Alucard, and asking him out. . . it was like she was accessing all this power she had never known existed, it was exhilarating!
Now that Amy thought about it, ever since meeting Alucard, she had been growing. Their conversations over the months since they first met, had been as instructional as they were enjoyable, and Amy had always come away from them with more than she started. Taking a moment from her pondering, Amy smirked as she stared at herself in the mirror.
The red dress she had selected for her date, had a plunging neckline that was deep enough to be enticing, yet shallow enough to stay decently modest. The dress's hem stopped just above her ankles, but was cut to show off her shapely legs with every step of her ruby red high heels. On her lips she applied scarlet lipstick, with just enough eyeliner and eye shadow to give herself an air of mystery, and sensual allure.
"Girl you look like sin itself." Amy commented to her reflection as she struck a sensual pose, her smirk widening as she considered the effect she would have on Alucard. Glancing over at her bathroom clock, Amy saw it turn from five fifty nine to six. A moment later there was a knock at the door, Amy smiled. Alucard was so punctual you could almost set your watch by him. Grabbing her purse, Amy checked herself one last time in the mirror, then headed for the door.
Dracula smiled as the hover-limo he was in descended. Alighting quietly outside Amy's front door. This was the night he had been planning for for over four months. Ever since he had made the decision to pursue Amy he had been making contacts and preparations in the city of Night Babylon. Several nights a week he was there, setting himself up as the rich playboy owner of an up and coming tech corporation, and infiltrating the social cliques of the city. Long ago, in the old world, he had hidden dozens of caches of gold and platinum coins and bars. Precious metals being the only cash form that could be guaranteed to maintain its value.
Dracula had bought controlling interests in a variety of companies, In Night Baybalon, and abroad. Swiftly taking command through mental manipulation, and the occasional discreet assassination. Now he sat as a spider in the center of a small, but swiftly expanding, web of financial and social power. One he intended to grow until it made him the unofficial lord of all he surveyed. He was an old hand at this, it was how his kind had always survived, from the shadows. More to the point however, recent events had given the lord of the night, a moment of epiphany.
Much though he hated to admit it, Una had been right. If the world was to survive, it needed an immortal hand to guide it. For as evolved as they were, and as much tech as they possessed, the residents of this new world were, collectively, a pack of idiots. The savants among them had let them manage thus far, but the center could not hold. The new world needed a leader of thought, a leader of culture, vision, and strength. A leader who would maintain peace, and ensure the mistakes of fools and petty demagogues, did not sentence the planet to die a second time. It needed Vlad Tepes Dracula!
However, before he could rule openly, Dracula needed the one thing that had ever separated him from mortals and immortals alike. A true connection with another being, Dracula needed a queen. One whom he respected as an equal and whom could check his thought process, so that he might consider alternatives. Something he had always had a degree of difficulty with, it was hard to concede you were wrong when ninety nine percent of the time you were the smartest person in the room. Una had come close to being a good canidate, but never had their bond gone beyond business. She was his second in command in the dark underworld he had carved out from the shadows, where he had originally decreed humanity should be left to rule itself, but never more than that. He would have called her a friend, but even that felt like a lie. She had been a subordinate, and both had accepted that arrangement. Dracula needed more, he needed an equal, one he had shaped himself to be his match in all things, he needed, Amy Rose.
Stepping out of the limo and into the crisp night air, Dracula once more donned his fabricated persona of Alucard. While Amy was the one whom had asked him out first, he had requested she allow him to make the night's plans. Tonight he would draw Amy into his web fully, and show her all the wonders the night had to offer. Adjusting his tie, Alucard allowed himself a brief smile. By the time this night ended, Amy Rose would be a Vampire Queen in mind, soul, and shortly thereafter, body. Softening his smile and sniffing the bouquet of blood red roses he had brought, Alucard stepped up to the door, and knocked at exactly 6:00pm.
Amy opened the door with a smile, that swiftly turned to an approving smirk as she took in Alucard's ensemble. A black suit over a red dress shirt and black tie, with shined leather dress shoes. While his long black hair, had been combed back and put into a ponytail. Alucard gave a theatrical bow so flawless Amy would have sworn he practiced it, as he offered her the flowers with a playful smirk of his own.
"Milady." He stated, making Amy giggle.
"Wow you are old fashioned, most guy's would have just gone with: 'Hey'." She replied as she took the flowers. "Roses, very subtle Casanova." Amy quipped. Alucard shrugged.
"It seemed appropriate." Alucard replied nonchalantly. "Besides, you did say they were your favorite. Along with lilacs, and lotus." Amy nodded, with a genuinely happy expression.
"Thank you Alucard. . ." She breathed out, her tone heartfelt.
"For the flowers?" He asked, guessing that wasn't what she was talking about.
"For remembering." She corrected, confirming his guess. During his surveillance, Dracula had only ever seen Sonic bring her daisies. Alucard shrugged, pretending to be embarrassed.
"Just trying to get the night off on the right foot." He replied, with just enough hesitance to appear vulnerable, while looking away in feigned embarrassment. It had the desired effect, as Amy leaned forward to place a chaste kiss on his cheek.
"Your doing perfect." Amy reassured. "Just give me a moment to put these in some water, I'll be right back." She stated with a smile. Alucard nodded.
"I promise not to move from this spot." He declared with a smile, that Amy returned as she headed back inside.
A few minutes later Amy reappeared to find that, true to his word, Alucard had not moved. Offering his arm, Amy laughed at the cliched gesture before taking the offered limb. As she was escorted to the waiting hover limo, Amy stopped and stared.
"Oh wow, I've only ever seen cars like this at a distance! How on earth did you afford this?!" Alucard again pretended to look embarrassed as he replied.
"About that. . . I should probably mention there are a few things about me I never brought up. Have you ever heard of Sanguine Industries?" Amy nodded.
"They're that new tech firm that everyone is so impressed with right? They used to be called Rehinheart Inc but got bought out by some billionaire genius from out of nowhere." Alucard gave Amy a surprised look. She shrugged. "Tails refused to stop talking about them last time I saw him. He said their new products are incredible, and that they use software and hardware ten years ahead of their time." Alucard nodded., clearing his throat as he pretended to be slightly more embarrassed, even putting on a bit of a blush.
"Yes well. . ." Before he could explain however Amy turned to stare at him in shock.
"Wait, you're not telling me that. . ." She trailed off.
"Sanguine Industries is my company." He confirmed. Amy stared at him with her mouth hanging open slightly as he recited the story he had fabricated for the occasion. "The day we met I was actually looking for a nice place to build a new house away from the city. Someplace I could relax and not be bothered by the paparazzi. Anyway, instead I found you, and. . . I've been coming here regularly ever since to see you." It was a good lie, and it had the sought after effect, Amy turning bright red as she realized he had been returning specifically for her.
"So how long have you had feelings for me?" She asked softly, deliberately avoiding Alucard's gaze.
"Since the day we first met if I'm honest." He replied, continuing to act embarrassed and hesitant. "I. . . I've never felt about any girl how I feel about you." It wasn't exactly a lie either, Amy had been a source of fascination for Dracula since they had first spoken. Now, those feelings of interest had evolved into something the Lord of the Night had never felt before. He wasn't sure if this was the feeling mortals called 'Love' but regardless, the only girl he cared to have at his side anymore was Amy Rose. Amy's face reddened even further as she glanced up at Alucard.
"That's. . . the most romantic thing anyone has ever told me." Amy stated softly, looking at Alucard with an expression of absolute affection. Alucard gave Amy a gentle smile, one he was surprised to discover was entirely genuine.
"Well you, are the most romantic thing that has ever happened to me." Alucard replied evenly. Again surprised with how little deception he found in his own words. "So I guess we're even." He finished with a chuckle, as he opened the door and stepped aside to allow Amy to enter the car.
Their reception once they reached the restaurant was, like everything else about the evening, staged for maximum effect. The photographers and tabloid reporters mobbing the entrance for a look at the world's most successful up and coming billionaire yelled and took pictures, as Alucard dutifully ignored them in favor of devoting his attention to Amy. The maître d' scraped and bowed appropriately at what 'pleasure' it was to see him again, and of course the head chef and restaurant owner came out to greet him as if they were old friends, and to insist upon seeing to his and the lady's order personally. And even as Alucard moved to pull a chair out for Amy, he was greeted by name by innumerable fellow diners, all members of the absolute elite of society.
No one questioned who it was who had tipped off the reporters. No one batted an eye at why such a newcomer to the city, billionaire or not, should have such a close personal relationship with the staff and owner of the most famous restaurant in town. Not a single individual there wondered how it was that movie stars, supermodels, and titans of industry should be so friendly with a man who until a short while ago, had no presence whatsoever in their various social circles.
Amy however, exactly as predicted, was completely awed by it all. However more importantly, she noticed how, despite all the fame and wealth those around him possessed, Alucard's only interest was in her.
"I'm sorry about all this Amy." Alucard stated, careful to inject just the right note of frustration into his voice. "I guess I wasn't as discreet about setting this up as I thought. If you'd like we can go someplace else." Amy smiled and shook her head, just as Alucard knew she would.
"It's fine Alucard, honestly, it's kind of exciting. Most of these people I've only seen in the news, or in movies and magazines." Alucard shook his head ruefully.
"Yes, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't trying to impress you a little when I chose this restaurant, but this place is a circus." Amy giggled.
"So this wasn't all part of the plan." Alucard put on his very best look of shock.
"N-no!" He, lied, pretending to stutter and blush. "I'd never try to-" Again Amy laughed, reaching across the table to squeeze Alucard's hand.
"Hey relax, I'm just kidding. Still, even if you weren't trying too, I am impressed." Alucard looked away in false embarrassment.
"Well. . . as long as you're enjoying yourself I suppose." Amy smiled, giving Alucard's hand another squeeze. Alucard faked an embarrassed grin as the head chef, as promised, came to ask for their drink order. It was at that moment that the biggest part of Alucard's plan began. No sooner had he and Amy given their drink order, than a series of screams and cries of alarm rang out from the back of the restaurant. No less than a dozen mobians of various types burst out of the door that lead to the kitchen, each wearing a ski mask and carrying various types of melee weapons. Apart from their masks, every member of this invading group was dressed in what could best be described as 'biker outfits' mostly leather and jeans. As the group fanned out to cover the exits, their leader, a large wolf by the look of him, swaggered out to the center of the room twirling a crowbar in his right hand. The screams of the diners pausing as he spoke.
"Alright all you rich fat-cats," He began as he twirled a large crowbar in his right hand. "here's how this is gonna go! You all stay in your seats and give us what we want, and nobody here gets their faces rearranged. Capiche?" As the screaming resumed regardless, the wolf seemed to grit his teeth beneath his mask before bringing his crowbar down on a nearby table to smash it into splinters. "I SAID SHADDAP!" He roared, instantly silencing the room. "That's better! Stig! Dirthammer! Chop! Relieve our fellow diners of their valuables!" The three in question, a bear, a tiger, and what seemed to be a weasel, instantly moved to obey. Holding a pair of burlap sacks, they went from table to table gathering wallets, jewelry, and electronics. Beside Alucard, Amy tensed, however he met her eyes and shook his head. As Amy stared at him in shock, no doubt wondering why he was stopping her, he mouthed the words 'not yet' as he palmed a fork and steak knife with a practiced ease. All too soon, the weasel reached their table, and leered at Amy beneath his mask.
"Oooh! Hey boss, check out this cute little number! Maybe we should take her as. . . collatermanal." Dracula had to put considerably more effort into not ripping the weasel limb from blood soaked limb than he thought he would. However, with a glance at Amy to keep her calm, they waited as the leader of the gang walked over. With a smile that, even hidden by a mask, was disgusting by any measure imaginable, the wolf looked Amy over.
"Yeah. . . I think you might be right Chop. Be a shame to leave such a cutie in such a dangerous neighborhood. AM I RIGHT BOYS?!" Immediately a chorus of cheers and hollers of agreement answered. The wolf continued to smile, as he placed his hand on Amy's shoulder. "C'mon sweet thing, on your feet like a good girl." Amy, thinking she now had an idea of Alucard's plan, rose from her seat, trying not to gag at the wolf's breath, as she prepared to summon her hammer. Just before the wolf could begin to lead Amy away, Alucard spoke, his voice deathly calm.
"I am only going to say this once. . ." He intoned, his soul burning with an unholy rage, despite his calm demeanor. "let miss Rose go, return what you have stolen, and leave this place immediately." For a moment, no one spoke, then a chuckle rippled through the assembled gang, starting with their leader the chuckle became a full blown fit of laughter. As the wolf gang leader and the weasel doubled over with mirth, they made a classic mistake of overconfident fools everywhere. . . they took their eyes off their targets.
Alucard's movements, while still just within the range of normal humanity, were nonetheless blindingly fast. In one swift motion, he got to his feet and plunged the fork he had taken into the right eye socket of the weasel. The bag holding flunky's cry of agony cut short, as the prongs of the fork punched through bone and into gray matter. The leader reacted with a surprising degree of speed for a mortal, managing to recover from his shock and take a step forward with his pipe raised. . . before Amy reacted.
Summoning her hammer with a simple snap of her fingers, Amy brought it down without hesitation on the skull of her oblivious target. Before meeting Alucard, Amy might have pulled her punches, and held back just enough to avoid killing her foe. However, as she raised her hammer, an inexplicable bloodlust and rage, exploded through her body. In that instant, she didn't see another sentient being before her, she saw an insect, a maggot, a piece of unclean filth that had dared lay hand upon one he was unworthy to so much as lick the boots of. She grinned savagely as she put almost her full strength into her swing, feeling an almost orgasmic bliss as she heard the wolf's neck snap, and his skull shatter.
For the first time in her life, Amy Rose had just killed another living thing, and to her shock and mild disgust, found that she had enjoyed it. For an instant, she stared at her hammer, covered in blood, as a tiny voice in the back of her head demanded to know what she had just done. However, that voice was swiftly silenced, as the melee began.
With cry's of their leader's name and roars of anger, the group of bikers turned thieves charged at Alucard and Amy. Both of whom simply glanced at one another, and smiled. . . .
With a single motion, Alucard hooked his foot underneath the deceased biker boss's crowbar and flicked it into the air. Catching it just in time to stove in the skull of his first assailant with a blow to the side of the head before twirling out of the way of two others like a ballet dancer. Blinded by rage, the pair, a leather vest wearing crow and a rabbit wearing jeans and a baseball cap, charged at Alucard without any thought to strategy. With contemptuous ease, the incognito vampire king kicked a chair into the legs of the rabbit, causing him to slam face first onto the floor.
The crow, armed with a switchblade, lunged at Alucard in a genuinely laughable attempt to stab him. Ducking under the attack, Alucard spun into the crow and used his arm as a lever to flip him into an empty table, disarming him in the process. With hearing well beyond the capability of any mortal species, Alucard learned both that the rabbit thug had recovered, and had been joined by two others of considerably greater size.
Throwing the crowbar high into the air, Alucard whipped around and threw both the switchblade and the steak knife he had taken off his table into the unprotected throats of the rhino and bear on either side of the rabbit. The rabbit, now sporting a bleeding nose and broken whiskers, just had time to register his shock, before Alucard caught the falling crowbar and summarily brained him with it. Jumping nimbly over his fallen foes, Alucard landed atop a table, turning to see how Amy was doing. The instant he saw her, Alucard felt his undead heart, still for a second time.
Amy was surrounded by no less than seven blood soaked and broken bodies. Her quills were lightly spattered with crimson gore, her dress slightly torn, and her white gloved hands now stained scarlet. Her eyes glittered with unrestrained fury and bloodlust, and on her face, was a savage smile of psychotic glee. Alucard was frozen as he watched her swing her hammer in a magnificent upward arc, a spray of blood and teeth shimmering in the air as she sent another target flying. She was beyond beautiful, she was flawless, perfect, a goddess of violence and fury that no mortal could possibly gaze upon and not be enraptured by. In that moment, Alucard knew, he would do anything for this girl, his power, his kingdom, his immortality, he would offer them all upon her alter if only to see her smile. At long last, the king of the undead, the lord of vampires, the ruler of all that dwells in the dark. . . had fallen in love.
Amy snarled in fury as she spun on her heel to knock aside a blow from a steel pipe with the haft of her hammer. Kneeing her assailant in his crotch, Amy used the end of the haft to knock the wind out of an attacker coming up from behind. Whirling around she struck the goon behind her, a large bull wearing leather pants and a jacket, in the side of the head, hard enough to break off one of his horns and snap several vertebra in his neck. Turning again she threw her hammer into the face of a hawk wearing dark shades over his mask, knocking him unconscious, and shattering his beak, before turning her attention to the still doubled over silver fox in a denim jacket she had nailed in the balls. With a dismissive snort, Amy grabbed a long stemmed champagne glass off the table next to her. Breaking off the cup from the stem with a little pressure from her thumb, Amy created a passable improvised stiletto, that she promptly stabbed into the neck of the recovering fox before re-summoning her hammer.
However, for all her battle prowess, Amy was not an immortal, nor immune to oversight. Her rage blinding her to the need to conserve strength, Amy had gone full tilt right out the gate, and the exhaustion was beginning to tell on her, and exhaustion leads to mistakes. Pausing to catch her breath, Amy failed to notice that one of her victims, wasn't quite as dead/unconscious as she thought. With a scream, Amy felt white hot agony lance through her body, as her muscles locked up. Falling to the ground, Amy saw her attacker standing over her, a sparking tazer in his hand. Instantly, the few remaining opponents she had, gathered around her, sneering.
"You should'a just come along quietly and let us have our fun." Snarled a doberman, as he raised a baseball bat covered in spikes. "Now die you unspeakable bit-" It happened in a terrifying blur of motion. One moment the small group of bikers was standing over her, the next, they dropped their weapons, screaming, as their guts spilled out of four neat slash marks in their bellies. Amy felt the air turn to ice as a figure loomed over her in a black suit, his voice like that of the abyss itself as he spoke.
"Filth such as you shall never lay hand upon my queen!" The voice was a barely audible whisper, and Amy just had time to see a hand with fingers ending in razor sharp claws, before losing consciousness. . . .