Ch. 31 Princess Connection
The crescent moon watched over the cold night. A small, dark village nested quietly as though time did not pass. A tall castle built from gray stone overlooked the town. It remained protected within its high walls surrounded by a large mote designed with a bottomless chasm. Hiding deep inside the castle interior was a small chamber with an opening resembling a window and only one piece of furniture. A set of wax candles rested on the antique table with a red cloth overlay. There stood a tall man wearing a black cape over by the window. His gray hair matched the cobwebs on the ceiling. His eyes were yellow like flames flickering in the wind. His face looked aged with a pointed beard, a moustache splitting below his nostrils, and the bag underneath his eyes. He reached out to grab the moon that seemed so close.
"We vampires have a noble existence," the man spoke to himself, "but we are not complete. If I drink the blood of royalty, I will become complete. I will become the supreme vampire, superseding death itself." His eerie grin revealed the razor fangs in his smile. The candles blew out.
Royal Manor
Hime watched the twilight from her glass window. Flandre came walking into the room with a large tray consisting of tea and sugar.
"Fuga," said Flandre.
"A quiet evening deserves a rewarding refreshment." She held her glass cup and plate, preparing for her evening brew.
"Yo, Blondie!" Kurumu barged in the room. Hime's expression grew bland now that the moment was ruined.
"What is it now, Kurumu?" Hime asked.
"It's about the other day." Hime raised an eyebrow. "Rai didn't look too happy when he came back from the beach."
"So, you've noticed." Hime drank her tea. "He did seem rather irritated after our discussion. I cannot blame him after our little rendezvous with my brother."
"...You have a brother?"
"That's right, it was Emile. Rai has seen how far my family is willing to take my life. It seems he's thinking things through."
"…But, if anything happens to them because of your family…" Rai glared at her, "I'm going after you first...and that's a promise."
"A fight for the throne, huh?" Kurumu pondered.
"I don't have any interest in the throne, however," Hime assured.
"Fuga."
"The fight is only going to intensify from here on out. Rai should be ready for the battles approaching. Our forces are small; He is so far my only asset, and my soldier whom I've granted my Flame to. But, he is unreliable." Kurumu looked around the room.
"Now that you mention it, where are those boys?"
"Fuga."
"At Sherwood's? They probably took Jolt with them."
"Sherwood requested Hiro to help with the housework, but Rai insisted on making any repairs needed," Hime detailed.
"Awww, she just wants her little man so she can cuddle with him!" Kurumu made smooching sounds.
"…I know. I don't mind." Hime smiled. "She can have him as much as she wants for now."
Sherwood's Manor
Rai and Hiro walked into Sherwood's Den. There were two large pink sofas facing the oval counter at the center of the room. To the right was her majesty's favorite "throne." The window revealed the sunset coming from outside. Hiro rested on one couch as Rai took up the other side. Sherwood sat as she held her "Rabbit" in a tight grip. The handyman stretched his arms with relief.
"Well kid," Rai cracked his knuckles, "That should just about do it. Hiro changed the light bulbs in the house while I finished reattaching the fire alarm."
"Raaarrr!" The large panda bellowed behind Hiro.
"…and Ryu helped, of course."
"Thank you," Sherwood acknowledged them. "I appreciate your courtesy. You are free to take the rest of the night off." Ryu sat in the corner and enjoyed his thickets of bamboo leaves for dinner. Francesca picked up the tea tray and offered the boys a cup. "Come, join me for some rest."
"Fuga," she said monotone.
"Thanks," Hiro smiled.
"Don't mind if I do," Rai grabbed the cup and chugged it down. "…!" He quietly realized how hot his drink was and held his breath. Francesca offered the last tea cup to her lady.
"Thank you, Francesca," Sherwood responded. Jolt leapt off Sherwood and cozied himself on the sofa next to Hiro. "Mr. Ortega, you said earlier that Hime met with our brother, is that right?" Rai swallowed his drink to reply.
"Uh, yeah, she did," Rai answered. "Based on his looks, I can tell you guys are a lot alike."
"I can't say for certain." Rai sat the cup down on the table.
"You don't know?" Hiro asked.
"I don't," Sherwood explained. "He's my brother, but we don't live together."
I wouldn't expect a brother to be living in a doll house, Rai thought.
"I even have some siblings I've never really met. We're royalty; we're different from your average family."
"And that's putting it mildly," Rai added. Sherwood rose from her seat and walked over to the window.
"But my older brother, Emile, was very kind and generous to me as a child. At least, I think he was." She remained deep in thought. Rai recollected their encounter back on the ghost ship. He could still remember the immense power that he released after Riza made an attack on him. There was no telling if her family would pose a threat in the future.
"But you're going to have to fight him someday, huh?" questioned Hiro.
" 'Tis the fate of those born of the King's loins."
"Hey Sherwood," Rai called to her.
"That's Princess Sherwood," she corrected.
"...Princess, I was wondering if you knew anything about the Soul of Terror." Sherwood stared at Rai for a moment.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know anything about that."
"You mean that weird ball around Hime's neck," Hiro inserted. "The thing Rai chased after when he first came to the mansion."
"My sister was the one to inherit the stone before I was born. It's likely that she'll know more about it than I do." As the sun finally sat, Rai, Hiro, and Jolt decided to take their leave. They said their good-byes to Francesca, Sherwood, and Ryu at the front door.
"Alright, guess we'll be heading out," said Rai.
"Well, see you later," Hiro bowed to them.
"Pika pi," Jolt hid behind Rai's shoulder from Sherwood's hugging wrath.
"Say hi to my sister for me," Sherwood requested. The two nodded and headed out. "Oh wait!" Rai and Hiro turned around.
"What's up?" Rai asked.
"It's not just my sister and I who need to worry. You need to be careful, too."
"Huh?" Hiro looked puzzled. "We should?"
"She's got a point," Rai interrupted. "We're staying with Hime, which puts us at the front of her defense. If they want her, they're gonna try to get through us."
"I cannot say at all what some of my siblings may be plotting," Sherwood confirmed. "Plus, you're soldiers in the Royal Guard now."
"Fuga," Francesca concluded.
"I'll be careful," Hiro smiled nervously. The three hiked back to the mansion through the Sasanaki Pass. Rai became more irritated the closer Hiro tried clinging to him.
"Dude, seriously, I'm gonna need some space," Rai suggested.
"Oh, right...sorry," Hiro said timidly. Rai checked his tool belt and pulled out a gray flashlight from his right holster.
"Here, use this so you can see," He offered Hiro the device. He switched it on and blasted Jolt's face. The mouse was now seeing stars. "Better?" Hiro shined the light around the area. The two suddenly noticed a pair of gleaming yellow eyes peering through the bushes.
"Meow," A black cat strolled by. Hiro sighed in relief.
"I'm feeling oddly tense now because of what Princess Sherwood said."
"About being careful of enemies coming out from nowhere? Yeah, that would make someone anxious."
"Pika?" Jolt snapped out of his confusion.
Vrrrrm!
The sound from a motor started rising. Jolt turned his head to see what it was. A bright light shot directly at his face. He went blind, again.
"Huh?" Rai shifted his attention the source of the screeching tires. It turned out to be a motorcycle with a rider wearing her helmet.
"Hey guys!" Riza greeted them. She removed her helmet.
"Yo, Riza," Rai answered.
"You're going back to the mansion, right? Need a lift?" Jolt shook the blind spots from his eyes.
"I'm good, but Hiro might want to take you up on that offer." Riza glanced at his flashlight.
"Why? Is he scared of the dark?"
"Come on, guys," Hiro protested. Suddenly, horrible screeching filled the air along with the fluttering of wings. Jolt covered his ears wishing for the noise to stop.
"What the...?" Rai looked high up. Riza's ears perked upward.
"Something strange is coming this way!" Riza shouted. Her arms transformed. "Get ready!" A swarm of black bats soared right at them.
"Bats!" Hiro cried. The horde flew in circles to ensure they didn't escape. "Is it Reiri?"
"Or that other guy, Zeppeli." Rai presumed. He didn't want to find out. "Jolt, let 'em have it!"
"Pika…" Jolt stood in the center. "CHU!" The electricity fired in all directions. The bats simply evaded the attack and continued their blockade.
"What's with these things?"
"I'm afraid your efforts are futile," a voice echoed everywhere. The bats took off and reassembled above their heads. A tall dark man floated just in front of the moon. His huge cape shrouded his body only exposing his head to the public.
"A vampire?" Rai questioned.
"My name is Dracul," he responded.
"Dracul?" Riza asked.
"Is that short for Dracula, because I'm noticing a resemblance," Rai detected. Jolt readied another lightning bolt.
"What did a vampire come here for?"
"A werewolf?" Dracul pondered. "I have no business with a dog…" He turned to the furious Jolt. "…or vermin."
"I'm not a dog!" Riza argued. Dracul turned to Hiro.
"I came for you," he demanded. "Yes, you little man. The soldier of the royal princess." Dracul floated in front of the group and offered his hand. He revealed his uniform as a tuxedo with black pants and a jacket, including a white shirt underneath. "Now, will you come with me?" Rai and the others stepped in front of Hiro.
"If you want the boy, you're gonna have to make an appointment," he secured his ground.
"He's not just gonna say, 'sure, why not'," Riza added.
"Hehe," he chuckled. "A boy and his dog."
"I told you…" Riza grew pissed, "DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Riza lashed out at Dracul. He flew high over the playing field.
"A little girl cannot defeat me!"
"Then let's play with the big boys!" Rai drew his hammer. Dracul dug into his shirt and pulled out a pair of shiny objects. He quickly tossed them at Riza and Rai.
Swish!
A scratch formed on Riza's cheek and Rai's lip.
"Damn, that's gonna leave a mark," Rai felt the sore on his mouth. "We're still good to…" Rai tugged on his arm, but he wouldn't budge. They both turned to their wrists, now handcuffed to a nearby stop sign.
"Everyone should follow the leash law," Dracul jested.
"Riza!" Hiro cried.
"Pipipi!" Jolt cried.
"Hey, get these off us right now or else!" Riza ordered.
"They cannot be removed with brute force alone," the vampire informed them. "Now, soldier of royalty, you'll be coming with me."
"Pikachu!" Jolt leapt out at Dracul.
"Don't let him get Hiro!" Rai called out.
"Such a nuisance," Dracul smiled. "I can't have you meddling, now can I?" Dracul shot a sudden glance at Jolt. His eyes became hypnotic as Jolt felt more lazed, lulled to an unguarded state.
"Pika…" Jolt stopped. His body dropped to the street.
"Jolt, what are you doing?" Rai asked.
"You're voice can no longer reach it," Dracul stated. He summoned a large whip.
Crack!
Hiro was locked in a snare. The bats took over; creating a raging cloud around the three. Rai and Riza tugged harder to remove the cuffs. Riza's strength prevailed as the sign cracked apart from the concrete.
Crackle!
Riza quickly ran after Dracul. She dragged the sign along with Rai.
"Hiro!" she yelled.
"Up there!" Rai pointed to the sky. The bats made off toward the crescent moon. Dracul's laughter echoed beyond the night.
"Hahahaha," he laughed. "If the princess wants her soldier back, she should come to my castle!" Rai and Riza watched helplessly as they disappeared.
Royal Manor
"Well then, Reiri," Sawawa escorted her. "Please, take your time." She left the room, leaving Hime, Flandre, and Kurumu to stay with the young vampire. Kurumu kept her guard up for any tricks Reiri might be planning.
"So," Hime spoke. "What are you here for tonight?" Reiri sipped her tea; calm and composed.
"If you must know, I overheard something interesting tonight," she smiled.
"What do mean by that?" Kurumu asked. Reiri looked at her, and then averted her gaze back to Hime.
"Princess, do you know a vampire named Duke Dracul?"
"Duke Dracul?" Hime responded. "I've heard of him. I recall he was quite old."
"Someone in the Royal Family has made contact with him recently, it seems." The two stared at one another for some time. "Let's hope nothing comes of it."
"Hold it right there, Miss Vampire skank!" Kurumu blurted out. "Why the hell should we even listen to you? For all we know, you could be working with him just like with Zeppeli!"
"My maid does make a valid point," Hime twiddled her hair. "Relations amongst vampires are strong. You don't speak of your internal problems to other races normally."
"Oh, but princess," Reiri boasted earnestly, "Are you and I not close friends?"
"You don't find it fun to see my blood stolen by another vampire, do you?"
"I guess little miss vampire doesn't like competition," Kurumu inserted.
"That's a good question," said Reiri. "In any case, watch out for Dracul."
Bam!
"Take me to him!" Riza huffed. Riza and Rai came running into the den. Everyone witnessed the two chained to the street sign.
"Rai, what happened to you?" Kurumu asked.
"It's a…long story," Rai answered with blood on his lip.
"That's not important!" Riza shouted. "Take me to wherever that rotten vampire is!"
"Oh my," Reiri giggled, "It looks like I was too late after all."
Dracul's Castle
The whip crackled within the castle.
Crack!
"Gaaaagh!" Hiro cried in pain.
Crack!
"Gaaagh!" Hiro fidgeted with his chains as the stings overtook him. His arms were tied behind his back leaving him defenseless on the ground. The dungeon had nothing more than stone walls and a small window to the outside. A candle flickered in the empty cell, casting a shadow over Dracul and his prisoners.
Crack!
Scars and bruises began forming over his entire body.
"Pika!" Jolt shouted nearby. He wrestled around in the large shackle trapping its body.
"You damn soldier of the Flame…" Dracul hissed. "You became half-immortal thanks to the power of the Royal Family. Oh, how I despise you!"
Crack!
"Gaaaaghhh!" Hiro screamed.
"What a great yell." Jolt started up his static. "You should be very grateful."
"Pika…CHU!" The electricity surged through the chains into the stone wall. Dracul noticed Jolt's attempt.
"There's no helping you now, rodent." Dracul had an idea. "…I wonder if you are as immortal as this boy." He stretched out his whip. Jolt trembled as Dracul walked closer.
"Stay away from him!" Hiro shouted. Dracul turned to the furious boy.
"I see you still have some fight in you. We'll have to fix that." He walked back to Hiro. Jolt shook to escape. Dracul glanced over his shoulder. "I'll be sure to deal with you next." He readied the whip for another round. "I'll have you learn what it feels like to be an immortal. The value of being able to die...even if you want to. Do you know what it's like to have your master hold the reins to your life?" He smiled devilishly. Jolt watched the blue smoke exiting Hiro's body through his scars. "For soldiers of the Flame, even if they're decapitated, if you reattach the head right away, they'll be brought back to life." He drew a sword from his belt. "Now, don't you want to test that out?" He Hiro shook his head in hesitation. Dracul laughed manically.
Royal Manor
"Fuga!" Flandre applied the cotton swab to Riza's scratch. Kurumu was attending to Rai on the other side of the couch. The alcohol stung on Riza's face.
"Ow-Ow…" Riza complained.
"So, you're saying Duke Dracul kidnapped Hiro?" Hime asked.
"Actually, it was more like fifty bats," Rai clarified. "And Jolt with him."
"That jerk!" Riza declared. "I won't let him get away with this!"
"You got that right!" Kurumu hailed vigorously. She accidentally pressed the cotton onto Rai's lip. He cringed from the sudden pain.
"Fuga," Flandre fixed her grip on the street sign. With a tight turn in separate ways, she broke apart the pole from the cuffs.
"It's a trap to lure you out, Princess," Reiri assumed. Flandre readied to remove the handcuffs from Rai's wrist. "I'd say it's probably one of the five head siblings…"
"If it is," Rai stood up, "Then we better hurry and find them."
"Possibly. But in any case, if we don't rescue him within two to three days, the Flame of Life within him will be exhausted and he will die." Rai and Kurumu looked at one another. They both nodded.
"That's terrible for Hiro," Reiri uttered. "Princess, for the time being, please do not leave your house…"
Ka-chink!
Kurumu locked Rai's right handcuff onto Reiri's left arm. The two were now chained together.
"What is this, a joke?" Reiri asked irritated.
"You're taking us there," Kurumu demanded.
"And be attacked by another vampire who I don't have any concern with? It doesn't seem to be part of my jurisdiction." Riza grabbed Reiri and raised her from the ground.
"Are you ready to give up on Hiro?" Riza questioned her.
"Excuse me, would you mind not touching me with your filthy paws?" Reiri asked.
"Reiri," Rai spoke.
"Huh?" she was confused.
"You're the only one who knows the way to Dracul's castle, and I'm not about to lose someone else on our team." The three stood around her.
"Princess, can you say something to your servants?" Hime looked out the window.
"Reiri…I'm asking you too," the princess decreed. She stood shocked at her decision.
"You know very well it's a trap."
"…Only until we enter it." Reiri sighed in defeat.
"I cannot refuse if you are asking me to do it, princess." She smiled. "Very well then, I shall take you to Duke Dracul's Castle as requested."
"Fuga," Flandre threw the scythe over to Rai. He fumbled with his left hand until he had a good grasp on it.
"Woo, had butterfingers for a sec," Rai sighed. "Alright, we're heading out!"
"Ya-hoo-hoo!" Kurumu applauded.
Ka-chink!
Reiri locked Riza's right handcuff to Kurumu's left arm.
"Hey, what the hell are you doing?" Kurumu asked.
"Well, it only seems fitting if I'm not the only one stuck," Reiri smirked.
"You've got a lot of nerve!" Riza barked. Reiri turned back over to Hime.
"Princess, you owe me one." Hime giggled quietly.
"I'll pay you back someday with interest," She promised.
"I cannot wait." Reiri looked back over to the handcuffs. "I'll take you there, but can you get these obtrusive handcuffs off us?"
"Not gonna happen," Riza replied.
"Fuga." Flandre moved the street sign to the hallway.
"My, I won't run away," Reiri assured.
"I don't think so," Kurumu said unconvinced.
"Do you not trust me?"
"Well," Rai scratched his head. "It's not really a matter of trust, but more like we don't have any keys to get these off."
"You don't have the keys!?" Kurumu cried.
"Nobody asked you to use them, Boobs for brains!" Riza shouted. The four looked at each other.
"So…" Rai inserted. "We going or what?"
Kurumu flew at a steady pace. She held onto Riza's arms as they hovered over the mansion.
"Hey, you're pretty strong for a succubus," Riza complimented her.
"Yeah, I have a habit for getting people around," Kurumu sweat dropped. "Are they still coming?" Kurumu and Riza looked behind. Rai and Reiri floated towards them.
"Hey, can't you fly any faster?" Riza asked.
"My goodness, why must I travel with this disgusting beast?" Reiri moaned. Rai looked at the extraordinary view from high above.
"Whoa," Rai awed the sight. "So this is what looks like from up here."
"Come on, pick up the pace!" Riza shouted. "You're the one supposed to be leading!"
"...What a fussy, little bitch." The four made off toward the moon in the sky. Hime and Flandre stayed back at the mansion and watched them venture ahead.
"Well, Flandre," Hime announced. "Let's get going."
"Fuga?"
"We will be jumping right into the enemy's hands. We have to prepare accordingly." Her gaze grew serious. "Don't you agree?"
"The barrier should be just ahead," Reiri called out.
"Everyone, stay close!" Rai added. Reiri and Kurumu soared en route for the crescent moon. Rai and Riza kept one eye open. They vanished.
A cold wave washed over them as they passed a wall of energy. When they reappeared, the moon was behind them and a small village rested underneath their feet.
"Wow," Kurumu said amazed. "It's a town just for vampires." There were bundles of houses clustered in rows with trees marking the pathways around town. In the village, there were vampires dressed in black capes and formal attire. They all had the same traits; sharp fangs and red eyes.
"Were we always this close to one?" Rai asked.
"This and the other world are not separated by physical distance." Reiri explained, "But…"
"Shut up, will ya!" Reiri shouted. The four landed on a crumbled stone wall. They quietly sneaked down a flight of steps leading into the village, and then quickly hid behind a small patch of bushes. Rai leaned in through the leaves with Reiri to his right. Kurumu searched from the other side with Riza on her left. The two rivals bumped into each other.
"Could you not lean so close to me?" Reiri requested.
"Then move closer to your side!" Riza growled. "If you hadn't noticed, we're all stuck together!"
"And whose fault is that?" Rai and Kurumu started getting annoyed.
"Will you both close your mouths?" Kurumu suggested. Reiri and Riza only stared daggers at one another.
"Alright, on the count of three, we make a run for cover," Rai tugged on Reiri's chain. She shifted her attention. "One, two…"
"Wait!" Reiri warned him.
"Why? What's wrong?"
"We can't move in closer just because you want to." Reiri pointed at the vampires standing in the alley. "Firstly, what separates the inner land from the outer land isn't just soldiers."
"You're annoying me," Riza interrupted.
"Riza!" Kurumu shushed her.
"Throughout the area surrounding the castle, are the lower vampire…" They studied the vampires making conversation amongst themselves, unaware of their presence. "They can instantly sense the presence of a werewolf and smell the scent of human blood. Since Kurumu's a succubus, her power won't be detected by other beings."
"That's why Zeppeli didn't notice me back at the hospital," Kurumu realized.
"Any ideas how we're supposed to get through unnoticed?" Rai asked as he observed the vampires movements. Reiri gently clasped Rai's chin. She hauled him towards her and stared face to face.
"That's why," Reiri slowly opened her mouth. Her fangs drew near his neck. "I'm going to…"
"WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO?!" Riza kicked Reiri up the back of her head. The force pushed her on top of Rai. He opened his eyes and looked to see Reiri resting on his lower half.
"Rai," Kurumu looked amazed, "I didn't know you were such a player."
"Wait-what?" Rai grew flustered. Reiri smiled. He picked himself up and offered Reiri to her feet.
"However, this stupid bitch still can't understand something so simple," said Reiri.
"What do you mean!?" Riza pointed fingers. "You were going after his blood!"
"Unless you both are bitten by me and turned into vampires, you'll never be able to pass through here. It will be impossible for you to even make it to Duke Dracul's castle."
"I'm gonna have to go undercover then, right?" Rai figured.
"Wh-whatever!" Riza disagreed. "I'd rather die here with an unfulfilled mission than be bitten by a damn vampire!"
"You are but a beast, huh?" Reiri informed. "Padding your ego while forgetting your objective, are we?" The two stared each other down. Rai pulled down his collar.
"Let's get this over with," Rai complied. Kurumu and Riza looked at Rai in confusion.
"You're actually going to go through with it?" Kurumu asked.
"We're running out of options." He looked over past the bushes. A vampire was approaching their hiding spot. "And we're out of time."
"All right, then," Reiri held onto Rai's neck. She leaned in closer.
"Just try not to suck him dry," Kurumu stated. Reiri smiled.
Chomp!
Rai felt his skin being punctured by Reiri's teeth. He reached out to the heavens to try and escape the pain. The blood being infused into his body dripped out from her fangs. Kurumu and Riza sweat dropped as they watched. Reiri finally released her hold on Rai. He slumped to the dirt.
"Rai, you okay?" Riza asked.
"That depends," Rai replied lazily. He lifted himself from the ground. "I'm not sparkling, am I?"
"Who goes there?" The vampire declared. He approached the bushes. Rai leapt out with his right hand hidden.
"Hey!" Rai smiled at them. "What, uh, brings you to this side of the realm, hehe?"
"…I've lived here for centuries," the vampire answered. "I've never seen you here before."
"Yeah, I just moved in, so I thought of about getting a nice place. You wouldn't happen to know of any good real estate, would you?"
"Gaaah!" Riza's voice fled from the bushes.
"What was that?" the vampire asked. Rai grabbed the vampire's collar. His eyes turned dark red. He waved his hand in front of the vampire's face.
"We are not the ones you're looking for." Rai hypnotized the vampire into a long, induced trance.
"…You-are-not-the-ones-I'm-looking-for," the vampire turned around and headed back to town. The crew stepped out from the bushes.
"Way to go, Rai," Kurumu complimented.
"Well done," Reiri acknowledged him. "You'll make a fine member of the night."
"Thanks," Rai considered, "but I'll stick to my day job,"
Dracul's Castle
Splash!
Dracul splashed a cold bucket of water over Hiro's head. He awoke from his tiresome nap.
"No sleep for you," Dracul announced. "The Flame of Life hasn't burned out yet." He tossed the bucket aside. In his right hand, he revealed a three armed candle holder with well-lit torches. He tipped the candlestick so the wax melted onto his face. The stinging sensation landed on his cheeks. "But it is a truly wonderful thing. You will not die, even undergoing all this torture." He smirked. "But very soon…soon, I, too, will be able to enjoy having eternal life, just like you." Jolt listened with one ear open. "This decrepit old body will be restored." Hiro raised his weak head.
"…be restored?" he whispered.
"Your precious, little master…the princess is on her way to save you."
"Pikachu," Jolt thought.
"The soft-hearted princess who can't even desert a servant." Dracul returned the candlestick to the table. He picked up Hiro from his shirt collar with his left hand. He used his free hand to search Hiro's clothing: shirt, pants, and shoes. He tossed him back on the floor.
"Pikapika!" Jolt shouted.
"Hmph," Dracul was displeased. "It seems you do not possess the power he is searching for."
"He?" Hiro asked.
"Isn't it obvious? The princess' brother."
"…You mean Emile," Hiro stared in fear.
"Siblings fighting for the throne; what a repugnant scene. I drink the princess' blood and her brother loses an enemy; like killing two birds with one stone." He laughed out loud.
Flandre steered the truck down the Sasanaki Pass. Sitting in the passenger's seat was Hime. "There are some basic rules even in a fight amongst Royal Family members," Hime explained.
"Fuga?"
"One will not use an army. Am I attempting to break that rule?" The next exit lead towards the lakefront. "Or…"
The four made a quick dash by the next corner to a dark alley. A tall oak tree blocked half the entrance, allowing only two people to fit between the stone houses. Kurumu and Riza sneaked against the wall while Rai and Riza stood close to the tree. Reiri felt the presence of more vampires approaching.
"Hide!" Reiri warned them. Kurumu and Riza hid deeper behind the corner. The two quickly scanned the area for a hiding spot. The footsteps came closer from the walkway.
"You guys are supposed to be hiding!" Riza whispered.
"Where would you recommend, dog?" Rai looked to the top of the oak tree. Kurumu noticed Rai bending his knees.
"Rai?" noticed Kurumu.
Whoosh!
"Wah!" Reiri shrieked. Rai leapt about twenty feet into the air while dragging Reiri along. As he descended back to earth, they landed at the top bush of the tree. Two vampires in black hoods were walking down the street with knapsacks over their shoulders. A leaf fell on the vampire to the right. He looked up at the tree.
"Is something the matter?" the left vampire asked. They stared at the tree for a few seconds. Kurumu's and Riza's heart had beaten faster.
Squeak!
A bat flew out from the top branch. It took off into the night.
"I must be seeing things," the right vampire responded. They continued on their way. Once they were out of sight, Rai and Reiri jumped out of the tree over to Riza and Kurumu.
"Nice air time," Riza flattered him.
"Must be the vampire power kicking in," Kurumu deduced.
"You see," Reiri spoke proudly, "You'd have been spotted if you hadn't turned into a vampire." Riza turned away in embarrassment.
"It does come in handy," said Rai. The four scurried for the castle at the far edge of the village. "Is there anything else I should know about?"
"I would avoid touching garlic."
"Look!" Kurumu pointed to the stone castle ahead. They walked across the bridge over the bottomless pit. They eventually reached the tall, wooden doors of the fortress. Just standing in front of this tower made any intruder feel like a mouse. "Is this Duke Dracul's Castle?"
"Hiro and Jolt must be inside somewhere," Riza added.
"It'll take hours to search the place," Rai assumed. Riza looked to the upper level of the castle.
"Not necessarily…" Reiri thought. Kurumu's wings shot out of her back and lifted Riza upward. Reiri lifted off the ground with Rai dangling behind. Once they were high enough, they descended onto the fifth story balcony. It was an empty area with nothing but an empty terrace. There were doors leading into the castle, but the door to the right was almost 40 feet in height compared to the door on the left.
"That's a big opening," Kurumu noticed.
"Either it's for a large guest or they really screwed up the architect," Rai guessed.
"Let's hurry and get inside," Riza advised.
Ba-thump!
The ground quaked from the sudden tremor.
Ba-thump!
"Th-what's that…?" Riza uttered.
"My, looks like there could be a castle guard here," Reiri realized.
"A guard?" Kurumu questioned.
"Who is it, King Kong?" Rai asked.
CRASH!
A massive beast blasted through the giant doors until it shattered to pieces. It had a muscle build for the upper half of his body. Black fur covered his arms and legs with iron braces on its wrists, neck, and ankles. The creature had only one eye and one horn on its bald head.
"RAAAAAAAARRGGGHHH!" The Cyclops howled.
"Oh, looks like she's arrived," Dracul listened to the ruckus coming from outside the dungeon. "We shall go to greet her."
"Pikachu!" Jolt retaliated in his chains. Dracul grinned.
"Shall the games begin now? I will soon…soon become the supreme vampire in this realm! Once I drink the princess' blood, I needn't fear even death itself. For I…will be greater…than death."
"Hime…" Hiro spoke weakly."
"RAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!" The Cyclops charged in at the group. Kurumu and Reiri flew at great speed to avoid his grasp. From the destroyed doorway came Dracul with his hostages.
"What?" He said shocked. "Are you telling me it's the four of you who have come to me? Where's the princess?" From the air, Reiri and Kurumu soared away from the creature.
"Yo, Hiro!" Kurumu waved to him.
"Damn you!" Riza shouted. Her arms transformed as Kurumu sat her on the ground. "My name is Riza Wildman. You got me good back there." She lifted her wolf fist in spite. "I swear upon the name of the great warrior, Volg Wildman, I will defeat you!"
"That was the plan to begin with," Rai added. Reiri nestled Rai next to Riza.
"They seem to be doing well," Riza looked over to the two captured allies. Dracul gritted his teeth.
"I have no business with the likes of you!" Dracul declared.
Thud!
He tossed the bodies to the ground.
"Hiro! Jolt!" Rai yelled out.
"Looks like you were abandoned by your precious master, you useless imps."
"Pika pi…" Jolt was being crushed by Hiro's weight. Dracul raised his hand in the air.
"Kill them!" The Cyclops followed his master's order. The beast went running in at the four.
"Damn it!" Riza shouted. "Do something!"
"There's nothing I can do!" Reiri shouted.
"Then let's split up!" Kurumu cried. Reiri took to the left as Kurumu took the right. Rai and Riza went off in similar directions.
Bonk!
They ran into each other.
"Watch where you're going!" Riza growled.
"What do you think I'm doing!?" Rai fired back.
Punch!
The Cyclops punched Rai and sent him and Reiri to the other side of the balcony.
Pow!
They crashed against the awning. Rai pushed himself off the floor as Reiri floated into the air.
"Shit, this isn't gonna work," Rai stated.
"Not as long as we have these cuffs on," said Reiri. Rai noticed Kurumu and Riza dodging the Cyclops by jumping and flying overhead. Riza pulled Kurumu down and grabbed the beast by the horn.
"I got you now!" Riza yelled. The Cyclops tried to shake her off. Kurumu swung in and launched her foot into the Cyclops's eye.
Bam!
"RAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGGHHH!" The Cyclops screamed in pain.
"Hit him dead center!" Kurumu smiled.
"That's how you do it!" Rai rooted. The Cyclops grew into a rage. It charged back at Riza and Kurumu. Her wings flapped overhead, avoiding him once again.
*Grab!*
"Huh!" The Cyclops grabbed Kurumu in his muscular grip. He threw her straight at the ground. "Kyaaa!"
Crash!
Riza lifted herself from the crater. "Damn, that hurt." When she tugged on her arm, Kurumu laid on the ground. The Cyclops started walking closer. "Come on, we're sitting ducks here!"
"I can't!" Kurumu complained. "My wing is bent!" Her right demon wing bent in the opposite direction; forcing the wingspan to bend at 120 degrees. The beast raised his foot ready.
Whack!
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRR!" The Cyclops cried in pain. He could feel the pinch of his pinky toe as though someone threw a boulder on top of it. Rai hauled back his hammer.
*Whistle*
"Hey ugly!" Rai shouted to the giant. "I'm over here!" The beast turned to Rai and Reiri. "Fresh carné ready for dinner!"
"I don't suppose you have a plan after he goes for us," Reiri assumed.
"I'm working on that." Rai ran as he pulled Riza along. The beast followed the two until they were blocked by the castle wall. They stopped as the Cyclops readied to lunge at them. "Reiri, what else can vampires do?"
"It's a little late for a tutoring session, isn't it?" Reiri hassled. Rai placed his foot on the wall. He pressed his next foot until he started running upwards. His balance changed and was now running sideways up the castle. The beast jumped at them.
"Now!" Rai jumped from the wall and performed a backflip.
Bam!
The Cyclops crashed his head deep inside the castle wall. Rai descended down onto the beast. His eyes grew red as he pulled out his scythe. "Let's cut to the chase!"
Slice!
Rai embedded the blade into the beasts back. The beast roared behind the encased stone.
"Reiri, fly!" Reiri hosted Rai in the opposite direction. Rai pulled the blade as it started tearing a rip onto its flesh. Rai pulled the blade out and landed over by Riza and Kurumu.
"You guys alright?" Rai asked.
"We're fine," Kurumu assured. "But…"
"Boobzilla can't fly anymore," Riza pointed out.
"You fool!" Dracul declared. The beast finally pulled out his head and turned to the group in anger. His eyes were now red from the sore and blood dripped down its back. "You will not defeat him that easily!"
"We'll see about that!" Riza shouted to him.
"How?" Kurumu asked. "We hit him with everything we had!"
"…Not everything." Rai interrupted. Rai dug inside his belt. He pulled out his steel cutters and nuzzled it between the chains.
Chink!
The chain separated between Rai and Reiri.
"What the hell!?" Riza yelled. "You could have done that the whole time!?"
"Just needed to be sure of something," Rai glanced at Reiri. "You were a big help getting us here." Reiri smiled.
"We are friends, are we not?" Rai reached over and snapped the chains for Kurumu and Riza.
"Man, those things were rough on a girl's skin," Kurumu massaged her wrist.
"So, do you have a plan, reaper?"
"Just one," Rai pulled his scythe forward. "Riza, get everyone out of here." The beast charged in at the four. Kurumu, Riza, and Reiri all separated away from Rai. The beast brought his fist down. "Soul Breaker!"
Crash!
Its fist crushed Rai. Everyone looked in shock with his final stand ending as such.
"PIKA!" Jolt cried. The girls were left speechless at his useless heroics. Dracul started chuckling.
"Hehehe, I honestly doubt that the boy could have survived that," Dracul concluded.
Rumble…
The castle began to shake. A light escaped from underneath the Cyclops hand, blinding him in radiance. The light brightened enough to create a beacon over the entire village. Vampires viewed the commotion being caused at the palace. The giant's fist slowly began to rise above Rai's head. His form completely changed as he finally exceeded the Cyclops strength.
"No way," Riza's mouth gapped open.
"This is…" Kurumu recalled, "...his true power."
"Oh my," Reiri stood surprised. "Perhaps I should have drained his blood earlier."
"Wh-what is this?" Dracul trembled with fright. Rai looked over to Dracul with glowing eyes, his left being red as the other being yellow.
"You have underestimated my power, Dracul," Rai announced. He twisted the Cyclops wrist and forced him to the ground.
Boom!
"Rrrrrrrr," The beast groaned in pain.
"This power…it can't be!" Rai started walking towards Dracul. As the moonlight shined on Rai, he exposed his black and yellow armor. His skin was now white as snow and his hair was black. He cracked his knuckles as he drew out his blade. "You're…you're…"
"The executioner," Rai finished his sentence. The Cyclops rose to his feet and reached for Rai. In a split second, Rai phased his entire being into a crowd of bats. They all screeched as they began attacking its face. The Cyclops tried to shoo them away. They all rejoined above the Cyclops into one person. Rai came down with his blade.
Slice!
Rai's sword diced right through the beast's horn. The beast bellowed as Rai landed to the ground. The hero jumped over to the beast and landed an uppercut straight into his jaw.
Pow!
The Cyclops went shooting straight into the sky with Rai following right behind. Rai grabbed the beast's leg and hurled him over his shoulder.
"So long, big brute," Rai proclaimed. The sheer force caused the beast to shoot back to earth like a meteor. It flew past the wall to the bottomless abyss beneath the castle. Its voice echoed until it descended into silence. Rai fell to the ground causing a crater where he stood.
"Such a wonderful show," Reiri clapped.
"Is that all you can say?" Kurumu asked.
"Hey, we can't forget Hiro and Jolt!" Riza added. The four looked back over to Dracul…who was nowhere to be seen. Reiri and Riza quickly dashed for their comrades. Reiri and Kurumu lifted Hiro as Riza removed the rope from Jolt. Rai placed his sword through his belt and walked over to his comrades.
"Oh, you poor thing," Reiri comforted the boy.
"You're gonna be okay," Kurumu insured.
"Thank you…" Hiro whispered. "…Everyone…" He looked over to the hero standing before them. "…Rai?"
"In the flesh…" Rai jested. "…somewhat." Jolt jumped over to Rai's shoulder.
"Pika?" Jolt looked him over.
"It does rather seem to be an improvement," Reiri winked to him.
"You really did it now!" Dracul shouted. His voice echoed over their heads.
"You got what you deserved!" Kurumu shouted.
"You're next!" Riza demanded. "So get down here!
"Don't think you're leaving here alive!" Dracul spoke with confidence.
"What are you thinking?" Reiri rebutted. "We should be running away from here!"
"Too late!" In a matter of seconds, they were surrounded by hooded vampires lining the walls of the fortress. The entire village had them completely trapped within.
"A swarm of low-class vampires, I assume," Rai stood ready.
"Get them!" Dracul demanded.
"Very well," a voice replied. Everyone shifted their attention to the unknown intruder. "I will be your opponent." Everyone looked to the other side of the bridge.
"Hime…" Hiro guessed.
"So, you finally decided to show yourself, Hime?" Dracul assumed. "I've been waiting for this moment. Princess, give me eternal life!" From the other side of the castle walls was the princess standing amongst her army of fish men.
"Just know that," she pointed out, "It'll be an all-out war."
"Riza!" Poseidon waved to them behind the line of fish men. "I missed you so!"
"Princess," the fish elder questioned. "Are you sure we will be of use to you in this battle of yours?"
"What is this, Princess?" Dracul asked. "Was it not against the rules to use your army?"
"You're mistaken," Hime clarified. "My objective is to punish all those involved in the kidnapping of my royal servant…and my pet. Or…are you saying you're a servant of a member of the Royal Family?"
"…Very well. I will withdraw for now. But don't think I've given up, yet!" The vampires all vanished into the darkness, leaving only the six to stand alone on top of the castle. "Also, the vampire over there." He looked over to Reiri. "You committed a taboo by cooperating with a werewolf, and will be considered a vampire outcast…remember that." Dracul dissipated into the night. In a flash of light, Rai returned to normal…except for the fangs growing out of his teeth. Kurumu turned over to an upset Reiri.
"Hey," Kurumu spoke. "…You did…pretty good for a vampire." Riza decided to add in her comment.
"Yeah, I guess," she scratched her cheek. "But…"
"Riza?" Reiri seemed surprised by her honesty.
"…IT WAS BECAUSE YOU WERE SO USELESS THAT WE GOT INTO THIS MESS!"
"Just how disrespectful of a bitch are you!?" Reiri argued. She dropped Hiro onto Kurumu. "To think you've forgotten that it was I who got us here in the first place!"
"Shut up! I told you not to call me a dog!"
"What's wrong with calling a dog a dog!?" The two continued their argument.
"Fuga!" Flandre pointed to them.
"You don't have to break down everything they're saying, Flandre," Hime assured.
"Glad to see you're in one piece," Rai smiled. His fangs shined through his smile. Jolt felt a shiver shoot through his spine.
"Pika…" Jolt jumped behind Kurumu.
"No offense, but you're looking more like a monster," Kurumu pointed out.
"What do you mean?" Rai asked. "I feel alright, I got super strength, super speed, I can turn into bats…" Kurumu grabbed his scythe to show his reflection. "My teeth are much cleaner and—holy crap I'm a Mexican Vampire." As their squabbles continued, Hime and the entire fish army observed their antics.
"Ah, to be young again is so wonderful…" the fish elder recalled. "You knew if I were a few years younger..."
Royal Manor
Everyone stared at Rai observing his new transformation. He now had red eyes, sharp fangs, and white skin. For some strange reason, he preferred to have his hair combed back.
"Give it to me straight," Rai asked. "How bad is it?" Hiro, Jolt, and Kurumu looked at one another, and then back at him.
"Well, it doesn't look too bad," Hiro suggested.
"Are you kidding?" Riza rebutted. "He's starting to smell like a damn member of the undead."
"I'm sure Hime should be able to fix you," Kurumu guaranteed.
"I hope so," Rai prayed. He looked over at Jolt. "I'm starting to get hungry." Jolt ducked underneath the couch. Hime walked into the room. In her hand, she had a small glass vile and tossed it over. He caught it. "What's this?"
"It's a vile of the Flame of Life," Hime explained. It looked like a bottle with a sharp tip. "This should cure your vampire illness." Rai popped open the lid. He carefully took a slight sip.
"Ack!" Rai coughed. "It tastes like something burned!" Suddenly, Rai's skin began to retake its brown color. As Rai continued drinking, the fangs from his teeth shortened and his eyes returned to normal brown. Rai stared back into the scythe's blade to see himself average. He ruffled his hair back to its messy style. "Just how I like it."
"Now that we cleared this matter, it is time we all gained some rest." Everyone nodded.
"Wait, doesn't Riza need to drink the antidote?"
"What?" Riza asked. "I don't need the princess to cure me. I'll be fine after a night's sleep. Werewolves and Vampires blood don't go together, so it'll clear out eventually."
"I don't know about you, but I'm tired out after fighting giant one-eyed freaks," Kurumu sighed. "Let's go, Jolt."
"Pika pi," Jolt nodded. Rai and Hiro were the last to exit the den. Rai stopped at the door and turned to Hime.
"Hey, princess," said Rai. "…about yesterday…" Hime raised her hand.
"There's no need for that," Hime interrupted. "I see you have become more resilient; Taking on risks even though you were aware of the consequences. If I hadn't recommended the serum to you, you might have been trapped as a vampire forever."
"Yeah, I kind of took a shot with that one." Hime smiled to him.
"…There may be hope for you yet. Try not to be so impetuous in the future," Rai nodded to her. He exited the den. Hime looked to the crescent moon high in the sky. She gently touched the green soul hidden within her dress. "Being able to control this power; however, might be an issue."
Rai walked up the stairs and turned to the right corner. He noticed Kurumu and Jolt sitting on the awning.
"Aren't you guys supposed to be in bed?" he asked.
"What, and leave you to start a battle royal with Miss Gothic Diva?" Kurumu enforced.
"Nah, we're cool."
"Pika!" Jolt smiled. The three headed for their bedroom. From the window, a figure floated high above the mansion. Her grin faded as she watched the trio vanish into the darkened mansion. The exiled vampire flew back to the graveyard.
-To Be Continued-
Flandre: Fuga!
Hey Hiro, what are you doing here?
Hiro: Reiri came to save me, so I want to save her!
Yeah, she did help break you out from Dracul's prison.
Flandre: Fuga
Aw crap, Reiri's in a shit load of trouble! All rights reserved and materials used belong to their respective owners!
Hiro: Reiri, we're coming to rescue you!
Next Time: Princess Banishment
Uh, dude…
Hime: Would you mind not standing behind everyone while quaking in fear.
Time to move him to the front battalion. Charge!
Hiro: Ah! Don't do that! What about the reviews!
No time!
Flandre: Fuga! Fuga!