Au: Here is the 8th chapter. Hope you enjoy it ^_^ BTW, I have some news; I only have two or three more chapters left till this story ends, thus, I was curious as whether you have found this story interesting, worth, or good enough till now that I would work on a prequel for this story, featuring the beginning as to HOW, WHEN, and WHY did Roxana come to Dracula and got the obligation to take care of D in the first place? Your kind suggestions will be warmly read and considered.


Chapter 8

Standing at the wide bulky metallic bridge which connected the world to the castle of the lonesome Countess, the blonde huntress and I gazed at the now crumbling castle in the broad sunrise. It had been some time before I glanced at the young woman beside me, deciding that it was better to make some introductions, for we hardly got any time to make a proper or formal presentation.

Walking beside her I extended my hand, "Given the current circumstances, we can now introduce each other, right?" I smiled courtly. "I am Roxana, a huntress like you, pleasure to meet you,"

"Pleasure is mine." She shook my hand firmly, either was it from the stress she went through or for the shock as aftermath. After all, such event which had occurred was even too much for someone like her; not her cup of tea at all…

"Leila… Leila Marcus. I am also a vampire hunter." She said. We let our hands drop and I joined it to cross my arms on my chest.

"So, your first hunt?" I pointed at the falling mansion.

Leila shook her head. "But it will be my last." I glanced at her.

"Why? Thinking of retiring so soon?" I laughed and saw her smirk.

"No, but it wasn't my cup of tea." Ah! Same thought eh? "And I realized that he was right of what he said to me." my brows furrowed in confusion at her confession.

As if caught off guard, Leila glanced at me flustered and a mere pink dust covered her cheeks. "Oh, pardon me. I got off a little." She ran a hand through her short shaggy hair.

Aw! Little crush we have! I heard my demoness coo.

Why don't you take a nap and leave me alone?

Great idea! Night!

I shook a hand in indifference. "It's ok kid. You have gone through a series of heavy events; it's normal to space out for a while." I smiled.

"You talk as if you have been through the same?!"

"Well, quite frankly, I had been when I was in your age so I know the symptoms. It takes months up to years to overcome the aftermath. But the good thing is you're not alone." I smiled sheepishly.

"What do you mean?" Her blue orbs widened a bit.

"Uh, you said him! So, I assume the young hunter whom we met is your ally, am I right?" I saw her blush a bit. "I guess you two have tagged along right?"

She shook her palms at me, her face nearly red as cherry. "No no no, it's not what you think!" She exclaimed. "He and I are only hunters… I mean… we had encountered before, but… you know… we are just," she was OBVIOUSLY stuttering. "Hey you know what? We are only colleagues in hunting. We were assigned on the same mission, my brothers and him. Unfortunately, only now I am left from the Marcus'." She sighed resentfully.

I gave a firm tab on her back. "Chill out girl. You must have been tough to survive to this point. Be damn proud of yourself hon." She stared at me confused. "Besides, I can speculate that you and the young hunter had a long journey and it's normal if something has developed amidst the way. It's always_"

"SNAPP IT OUT WILL YOU?" She retorted; face red as a cherry again. Boy, I guess her red tight suit was starting to get jealous.

"Hey, I am only stating a fact." I raised my hands in surrender. "I can see you are a strong woman and he is a noble and handsome young man," She glared at me. "It is nice to couple with someone of the same profession; makes life more interesting and convenient." Her eyes glowed in a familiar glow.

I see you have grown fond of him after all…

"It was possible if he wasn't who he is." I heard her whisper.

"Why? Who is he?" Leila sighed like… dreamily at my query.

"He is the best vampire hunter that exists in the Frontier. He is unlike any other man you had ever seen… he is quite famous and I'm surprised you haven't recognized him." She looked at me quizzically. "However, his name is Vampire Hunter D." she sighed again.

I stared at her for a long time. When I didn't answer, she looked back at me with a confused look. "Don't tell me you haven't heard of him?" She nearly exclaimed in shock.

"Pardon me but no… never heard of this DEE." I said his name almost comically.

She giggled. "It's not DEE; it's one alphabetical name… D!" My eyes widened in bewilderment.

"D?!" I repeated the name, she nodded. "As in_"

"No one knows his true name." Leila smiled. "How lucky is the one who'll learn that." She blushed again but I didn't bother teasing her this time. I was used to watch girls in her young age swoon and fancy a heroic, gallant, brave, and strong male when they encounter. It was cliché!

"D?!" I shot my eyebrows high before resting my hands on my hips. "So, where is this mysterious, one-alphabetical-named D?" I stood before Leila and saw her pointing behind me. Turning around in a bad angle which made my back bones crack a bit too, I glanced at the hunter and then… I whirled around completely, frozen in spot.

In the broad gleaming sunlight, walked the young hunter clad in a dark battle suit, colored as midnight black. Upon his head laid a wide brimmed hat, slightly reflecting the golden rays of the sun. Under the traveler's hat was a curtain of long wavy brown mane, dancing in the gentle breeze. His long black cape wooed in the wind as well, exposing occasionally his well-toned muscles, the tight elegant armor upon his broad chest, as well as those strong elegant long legs hugged by his tight leather pants. Some strings of golden lines ran down his laps and also armor, gliding from his sword belt to his combat belt on his chest and hips.

The man's features held a sense of authority and the strength that emitted from his unearthly aura, spoke volume. This was no ordinary man. As my eyes scanned his features from top to bottom, I felt my heart skip a bit when I laid eyes on his countenance; his complexion on the face and naked hands were as white as paraffin. On his face was a set of sharp eyes filled with gleaming cobalt orbs. His long dark lashes cast shadows on his high chiseled cheek bones. He had a sharp aristocratic nose, residing above pale thin lips.

I had seen many, MANY, young men described as being handsome, but this youth was anything like I had ever laid eyes on… he was exceptionally

Holy GOURGUES! Now HE bumped me out of my nap too! WOW! No, absolutely breathtaking beautiful! I kept hearing her whistling wolfishly. Now I have enough reason to dream sweetly by the sight of him… night night!

"Wow!" I whispered in awe by the beauty, grace and strength this young man possessed. Suddenly, I got blinded by the gleam of something resting on his chest; a pendant as color of lava blue magmas. Then it struck me!

This is the same man I encountered when I first came in the mansion!

"HEY!" I shouted at him, storming toward him with a fueled anger. "You are the man whom I fought a few hours ago right?" I pointed an angry index finger at his chest but found him walking past me as if nothing happened.

Eh! I turned toward him. "Hello?"

I walked to him, and still heard no answer. "I am TALKING to you." I retorted and found him ignoring me again. This time I accidently hit my left hand to his and found him stop in his tracks and regarding me with those alluring blue eyes. His face was placid, held no expression like an elegantly carved statue.

"Finally, "I fumed. "Glad that I got your attentions, young man!" I swear, I sounded like my old self again, that old nagging hag who was disrespected by the young. "Yeah, remember me? I remembered you from that pendant. So, I fought the great vampire hunter 'D'." I sounded mostly as if like mocking him.

Leila was there for a second right at my face. "Y-y-you mean," she glanced between us. "You two actually… f-fought?" her expression was of genuine shock. Her eyes were nearly bulging out their sockets.

I shrug my shoulders and answered. Her face turned into one of mortification. "You've got to be kidding me?!" She nearly yelled.

"If ya don't believe me then ask pretty boy there." I pointed where D had gone to tend to his dark mare.

Leila gasped. "You_"

"Listen honey. I assure you we did clash swords, though briefly. I never intended to step on his tale for, I didn't know who the hell he was, ok?" I pouted innocently. "By the way, if I had known he was with such high reputation and fame, I would have gladly challenged him in a more honorable battle, worthy of his taste." I sighed frustrated.

Watching Leila's face, I didn't know whether to laugh at her shocked face or pat her sympathetically for her lack of proper intellect.

Poor girl! I won't blame her. There are always creatures out there that even nowadays people are ignorant of their dark existence. Having heroic or small duels are not so out of line as well.

Leila finally let a long breath out of her lungs as if a heavy burden was off her shoulders. "WOW!" She rested her hands on her hips. "Girl, you are either too proud of your skills or too naïve and only talk. I mean how do you expect me to believe that someone like you has CLASHED swords with the great Vampire Hunter that lives in this world?" She was out of breath now.

She speaks as if anyone who does take up pretty boy is either with horns or tails! It's just freakin' a duel! Kids these days… What would her reaction be if you two weren't so rudely interrupted and you ended up knocking him down?!

I giggled. "It's fine if you don't believe me my dear." I patted her gently on the shoulders. "I am SURE that he," I pointed at the hunter who was now mounted on his dark steed, ready to hit the road. "Would gladly explain the short encounter. Maybe, then you might believe me?!" I smiled at Leila's flustered face.

Suddenly her face turned cherry red again. "Wait, are you implying that you won't come with us?" She nearly fainted from either anxiety or exhaustion.

I looked at her with a thoughtful expression. "Of course. I mean, look," Her expression turned toward the patient hunter. "He has one horse and has place for just one more passenger for him to ride till the next town. So, I assume, it's safer and better for you to go with him." She jerked her head toward me.

"You mean_"

"I MEANT what I said young lady. So, have fun you two and one thing Leila," I smirked mischievously. "Good luck with that ice-prince, 'cause you're gonna need it." Her eyes widened.

"WE ARE NOT_"

I laughed hard at her flushed face. "Ah, come on! Take it easy Leila. I dare say it is normal to have some romance developed in such adventures. The only issue is I think it's harder with him. You two can make a nice couple." She was about to retort when I held a hand up. "Come on! You both had gone through difficult times. A little heart to heart chat would bring ya together. I mean, I have seen many good lookers, but dare say he is the most beautiful one I had seen." Leila's flush now reached tenfold to her neck and ears.

I stifled a giggle and she yelled at me. "IT'S NOT FUNNY!" I finally burst into heart filled laughers.

"You are not making a crime hon." I wiped away a tear at the corner of my eye. "I see you have grown fond of him so?" the crimson dressed huntress made a longing look. "Hey, maybe he seems heartless on the appearance, but I bet there lies a heart made of gold under that strong chest." Her blue orbs gave me a bemused look. A watery smile plastered on her face.

"You know, you are the strangest stranger I had ever met." I smirked at her conclusion. "Not only we have met for a few moments, but you talk as if you know us better than ourselves. I mean," her gleaming eyes looked determinately at me. "When you saw him, you didn't blush or swoon like most women do, instead you barked at him with anger. And now, you talk of him as if you know his true self…" She knitted her golden eyebrows at me.

I took a few minutes pondering over her statements. Finally, I gave her a lopsided smirk. "I tell you what, I had seen many people and things, beautiful and ugly; therefore, I have grown used to see exceptionally outstanding things in this world. When you grow as old as me," I saw her head nodding. "You might understand how to regard things as more commonly."

"How old are you? You look young enough to me." I laughed at her query. "Do not let appearance fool you child. I'm older than I look." A small smile found itself on her pink lips.

"You sound like an older sister then."

"More or less." I started for the hunter and as Leila followed beside me, I regarded the hunter who was still emotionlessly waiting. Anyone would have thought he was part of the bridge's ornaments since he sat so silently and motionless.

Leila advanced him first. "Mind if I ask you to give me a ride till the next town? The reward money would be rightfully mine you know. But hey, I'm generous." She smiled cockily.

Well, at least she is courageous enough to ask him to tag along with…

A smile of approval came to me when I saw the elegantly paraffin white hand of the hunter raise toward the huntress, signaling for her to take and mounting. Leila's face was surprised as if not expected such gesture.

Told you he isn't a heartless child!

But my smile fell when I saw her gently pushing the beautiful hand away and making herself the effort to mounting the horse herself, aiming to sit in front of the hunter. I stifled a giggle as the still rejected hand of the hunter was kept in midair, showing the confused expression he probably held while watching the mere cheeky behavior of the young huntress.

She caught him off guard by that mere rejection… poor fella! Maybe I should have told Leila of having some modesty instead of encouraging her of false bravado.

No wonder she is still single! Quite feisty she is! I heard the inner demoness in me laugh bemused. I even gave a lopsided smirk. "Yeah, perhaps."

Suddenly, something glimmered in the broad daylight. The sound of roaring engines filled the air and caught everyone's attentions aside from the famous vampire hunter as if he knew well what the flying object was. There flew the rocket-ship which Meier and Charlotte wanted to take to fly to their destination, the city of the night and distant stars…

"Where is he taking her?" Leila merely whispered as she joined me to watch the ship fly, seeming the rocket's engines were not working properly for the glow of the flames came out with difficulties. The old age of the ship build by the advanced technology of the nobles seemed to be caught up to it.

"Away from here." Came a whisper like a gentle wind from the hunter, like a whisper spoken in a passing breeze.

"Away…" Leila tightened her fists beside her hip and looked hopefully at the flying object. "Come on you can make it… …COME ON!" She exclaimed, praying with her eyes for the ship to continue on its destination.

Finally, the engines, as if heard the prayers of those who made for its safety, alongside all it passengers to reach their dream, boost to life and flew toward the distant galaxy. "Fly AWAY!" I turned toward the woman whom had sworn to destroy the noble yet now stood before him and her loved one praying for their safe arrival!how Hippocratic!

A single tear escaped Leila's eyes, making me smile in sympathy. Finally, it was over as the ship was nothing to be made out but just a small winking dot in the sky; a gleaming star in the broad daylight!

Sighing loudly, I advanced the young hunter and called for Leila. "Come on, don't wanna keep the pretty boy waitin' yeah?" Leila smiled at me and ran to join the hunter.

"So this is goodbye isn't it?" I nodded my head at her. "It was good to see you Roxana."

"Same here Leila." I looked at the youth. "And was also an honor to meet you Vampire Hunter D. Hope to see you one day again so we could finish our duel." I saw his face titling to me slightly, his face was still hidden by the curtain of long silky waves of his chestnut brown hair. "I have seen you as a worthy opponent. It would be a great privilege to fight you again young warrior."

No response, no reaction. Leila glanced at D in disbelief. "Well, do take care of yourselves and_" then something hit me. "Hey, hunter," I called him. "Are you not a vampire? How are you able to stay in the sun for so long?" My eyes widened in horror.

Oh boy! We kept him roasted by now… no wonder he isn't talking to me. He wants to rip my head for sure for letting him roast out here.

You know what? Now I really wanna sleep! If you're rip into pieces, you know how to patch yourself up together right?

Oh shoot!

Leila laughed at me while she clutched her stomach. "You are so HILARIOUS Roxana!" the air was filled with warm laughers again. "No, he's a dhunpeal to be exact." She said.

Dhunpeal! Meaning, HALF human, HALF vampire?!

Suddenly, a whole new bizarre scenario came playing right at my face. This Vampire Hunter D is a DHUANPEAL?!

Somehow the whole fact which was just a succinct word made me recall the similar stories I had encountered, and the hunter here now made more sense to me. My trembling giggles soon turned into heart filled laughers. I laughed harder and longer than the now bewildered huntress who was eyeing me skeptically.

Now, you make us look like laugh stalks ran away from an asylum! Where was the fun point?

"DHUANPEAL?!" I exclaimed as if the most hilarious joke of the world had been said right at my face.

You lost it again, huh?

"You mean to tell me that this great vampire hunter is a half-breed; half human, half vampire?!" I couldn't stop laughing while tears threatened to fall from my eyes. "Oh gosh! ok…" I slapped my palm to my chest to regain my regular breathing. "Good one really!" Leila was starting to glare at me. D was as stoic as he was from the start.

"Pardon me hunter, no offense but," I took a deep breath. "I think I can now understand you and please do correct me if I am wrong." I shifted on one leg and made a casual standing. "Let me guess, hunter, you are born from a very strong vampire father and a special human mother, making you a Dhunpeal. Later, you got some daddy-issues with your old man and decided to go on your own path, leading to disliking vampires and swear to annihilate the entire race of Nobles and finally, settle scores with your father." Leila's eyes were nearly bulging out.

"I am not finished! You had probably even had a tragic love story with another human woman. Also, because of what you are, you are alone and feel banned by both humans and vampires yet, no one knows that…" I paused for another wave of laughers built inside my mouth from a sudden thought.

"I would even dare to say I won't be surprised, considering your looks and powers, you are the son of the great Vampire King who is called Dracula." I glanced at Leila who knitted her eyebrows. "And now, you are on the journey, a man alone to fight his own conflict, turned against his own kind for the sake of the human race, seeking your father to kill him and put an end in the vampire race. In the meantime, you are also cleaning up daddy's messes right?" I scoffed bemused.

"Where did I hear the story before?!" I swear, all my family members who shared similar backgrounds with this young man began walking right in front of me. I looked at the hunter and finally, found his face fully toward me with an expression which spoke of …utter shock!

I smiled brighter. "Now don't tell me you have a twin brother, do you?" his eyes widened in disbelief. "See young man? It is not so hard to understand you… however, it is not my place to judge your actions, but I hope whatever path you chose, you'll succeed. Good luck, Vampire Hunter D." I nodded courtly and waved toward Leila before turning on my heels and starting toward Shadow still giggling.

My keen midnight black steed looked at me when I began approaching him when suddenly, a gentle breeze flew past my face, sending me a message in form of a whisper through my ears…

"Nane?!"

I stopped in my tacks and turned around, finding the two hunters still watching me with a confused face. I shrugged my shoulders and returned again.

"Nane…."

I stopped again, feeling a strange feeling of nostalgia overwhelm me.

What the hell is going on? Whose voice is this? Am I just imagining things?!

Shadow, as if sensing my discomfort, began to gallop, heading for me when suddenly he slowed down till he stopped a shy ten feet away. His eyes locked on something or someone behind me.
Sensing his attention distracted, I slowly turned around and found the tall young hunter standing a few feet away, clearly dismounted and heading toward me.

Watching him as in waiting for him to say or do something, the youth just stood his ground, his face hidden under his wide brimmed hat. I cleared my throat before I spoke. "Need something, Hunter? Did you forget something?" the only thing I could make out from his countenance was his lips which were tightly sealed. At my query, I found the lines of his jaw tightening.

Oh! Don't tell me he is still mad at me for making him toast… or have I pissed him off by what I said earlier?!"

Realizing that perhaps I had offended him, I raised my hands in surrender. "Hey chill out kid! I didn't mean to offend you or your family alright?! I just made some speculations. That's all… no need to be holding a grudge for such small minor reason."

He didn't answer and when I took a step back, he didn't advance. "Hey, I am truly sorry if I said something that upset you. I apologize for my rude behavior and if it's a fight you're looking_"

"Nane!" his voice came as an audible voice, succinctly, yet spoke volume. By the hidden emotions laid in that word, I turned to find his lips slightly parted, assuring me that he INDEED call me THAT.

Regarding him for a long time, only the gentle breeze wooed between us, making our hairs and his cape dance in the wind. My heart was beginning to throb faster in my chest for an unknown reason; as if this man spoke a word that had long been forgotten; as a key to unlock the Pandora box in my concealed in my heart.

"W-What did you call me?" I whispered shakily.

Raising his head, we finally locked gazes, and I found his blue orbs gleaming with a feeling of… …longing?!

"N-Na… Nane!" his voice stuttered like a broken child, making my heart ache.

No offence, but hit the road before another misunderstanding occurs!

But this man is calling me…

I don't wanna blow your bubbles, but remember the last time you found another of your nemesis' acquaintances? He betrayed your trust and ran with all those treasures away to God-knows-where.

She was right.

"Sorry kid, you got the wrong person… farewell Hunter D." I spoke with a serious tone and hurried toward my steed when a familiar sound played in my mind.

"Nane…" A child laughed sweetly in my memories, his brunette locks danced in the wind. Blue Cobalts gleamed in the beaming sunlight. Small paraffin hands delicately stroke my demonic visage with love and longing.

"Nane… you're back…" The blurred image began to clear, revealing the innocent countenance of a child with a round face, small nose, and beaming eyes. He smiled fully, exposing his cute little fangs. A slight pink dust covered his cheeks and his image was as beautiful as the man before me… "Nane… I missed you so much."

I found my lips form a smile and I kissed his forehead in affection. "I did too Little One!."

Opening my eyes, the scent of citrus and jasmines filled my nostrils, making my heart skip faster in my chest. "Little One!" I called the boy.

Realization hit me hard like being struck by lightning. Turning slowly to regard the still frozen hunter, I found his lips part and close again, conflicting whether to speak or not. Something warm glided down my cheeks and I found my eyes blur with fresh tears that danced in my eyes. "Little One?!" I whispered to him.

The hunter took a step further and regarded me patiently. "Nane!" he smiled.

He smiled!

A smile that showed his gleaming fangs, a full content smile…

Like the Little One.

Everything came back to me and before I knew. My memory played familiar images and I recognized this man who once I looked after when he had only few years of age. "D… my precious Little One." I gasped when he nodded in recognition.

After centuries of search for him by ransacking heaven and earth, I had given up, for every time failure was my only result. For some time I even assumed him being dead. Now, this boy whom I always loved just as a son of my own, stands before me as a full man he'd become. My little blossom has finally matured, bloomed into such beautiful and mighty Dragon…

My precious Little One,

My dear little

Dracula.

To Be Continued...


Spoiler Alert: D's true name is still unknown, but given the hint in the first manga that Larmica asks D if his name stands for Dracula or not, plus, at the end of the letter Dracula sends to Jonathan Harker while on his way to the Count's castle in Bram Stockers' movie Dracula, that D did stand for Dracula. :giggle: But we can still prey for the differ. :shrug:

I thank you all again for reading this story and please, do not forget to review. / Thank you!