The Many Paths to Faith!
I ran hard down the streets of Lower Manhattan, chasing after some drug store robber that I just happened to see running out of the store with a sack full of money and whatever else he took. Though I was fast in my own right, he was young, built, and pretty fast too. I do love a challenge! So I took some time to enjoy the hunt. He was currently doing well by jumping over fences and shooting down corners, but after twenty minutes into the chase, he started to get winded.
"Giving up?" I taunted and my voice spooked him from behind, keeping him motivated to run even harder. It's too bad he doesn't have the body of a supernatural being; like me. Otherwise this chase would have been a lot more pleasing. As he turned a corner, I suddenly heard him hit something solid and his form fell to the sidewalk, hard. When I arrived I sighed at the man withering on his back as he held his sweat dripping face with both hands. Apparently, he had run right into the pole of a street light. How – disappointing.
"Boy, you punks take the fun out of everything, don't you?" I lazily said, for the guy was so tired from the run he could barely get up! But, I took some pity on him, for having lasted as long as he did. So I just knocked him out, returned the bag of goodies to the store owner, and shipped the robber's ass to the nearest police department. All in all, it had been a boring day and I had really hoped this hunt would bring me up to spirits. So much for that!
After that little spoof, I took a walk down a few blocks till I came upon a church. St. Paul's Chapel; read the sign that stood in front of the old building. It had a Roman design for the front; well most churches do for being the inheritance of one of the religious capitals of the world. Four stone pillars supported its arch which held a shelf of a stone statue of a man. I'm guessing that would be Paul. I think. I'm not particularly religious myself but nor do I discriminate. After all, I'm a free thinking being. I don't care what everyone believes in or whoever they choose to follow. I just prefer to be left out of it! Yet, as I stared at the building, curiosity struck me as its sign also said; 9/11 Exhibit Inside.
Unsure if I was able to enter the building at all, I took a deep breath and started for the wide doors. They were open, of course, but I still felt a sense that someone was watching me, very closely, as I walked through the threshold. I didn't burn up, but nor did I feel completely welcomed. I wonder why? Normally a creature, like me, isn't welcome to these sorts of places, but my own interests blocked me from that kind of reasoning.
Once inside, I found it warm yet refreshing with incense and such from the candles. To my right was a table filled with pictures and documents about that tragic day. Even pieces of the old buildings were lying there for display. Some exhibit! But it was the rest of the interior that left me weary. It was wide and spacious with its long wooden seats. Marble white pillars lined the walls and between windows as they stretched all the way to the sky blue ceiling and the chandeliers made the place quit elegant. The only stain glass window was in the far back behind the altar. From atop the altar stood a decorative statue with two black stone tablets; replicas of the Ten Commandments. Flags and self-made rugs hung from the second story balconies in tribute for the country, the church, and the terrorist attack. Since I was sooo busy being observant of my surroundings, I didn't even hear the heartbeat that entered the place and was now standing just a few paces from me.
"Good evening, my child," Said a calm and soft male voice. I whipped around and tensed when I saw the old man. Well, fairly old as he had gray facial hairs on his upper lip and chin, though on his head was fairly dark gray. He wore the traditional all black robe and a white collar around his neck. I guess he's the priest of this place for his dark eyes looked at me rather suspiciously through those thick framed specs.
"Hi – um – Father," I said and bowed my head a little in respect. "I was just – looking."
"Are you lost?" He asked and I almost did a double take. We took a few moments to stare one another down, until I broke the ice.
"Teh, maybe," I breathed honestly with a small laugh. "I don't even know why I came in here at all!"
"Perhaps, you are here to renew your faith?" He asked and I shrugged, turning my gaze from him, even if I hid them behind my sunglasses.
"My faith," I breathed coolly, "Has nothing to do with this. I was just curious of what was in here. That's all."
"I doubt it," He said and that made me turn to face him again. "Most people, who come here, ask about their faith. Rather it is on the path of Righteousness, or Valor. Despite the differences in yourself; I know for a fact that you are here for a reason, Dampire C."
I didn't move and nor did he make any movements towards me. He knows me, or at least he knows my tittle. "So," I started easily, trying not to provoke any unnecessary scuffles, "You're not going to cast me out with some prayer or something?"
"Unlike most of my Brothers, I prefer to look upon this world with an open mind," He smiled at me, as if that would ease the tension. "My doors are always open, for those who wish to seek solitude from the tragedies of the outside world."
I wanted to spit out that I was one of those tragedies, but I kept silent and went for the door, thinking it was time for me to leave before he 'does' get in the mood to bless me.
"If you ever wish to return, ask for me; Father Brandon," He said as I walked away, "For I am always here should you wish for a consultant."
I turned back to him, and I stared into those calm, brown eyes of his before nodding and took my leave. Once out of the church, I started quickly down the corner and took a deep breath. That was a close one! I thought for sure that priest would have pulled out his cross on me, though I doubted it would work. Yet I was kinda relieved he didn't. Though I guess I would have deserved it. I mean, how stupid was that of me to walk right into a House of God, and not expect to be burned on the spot because of what I had chosen to become? I guess the priest took pity on me. I frowned at this. I don't need pity! Not from him, or anybody else! As if I need a consultant anyway. What makes a priest better than a psychiatrist? I guess I'll find out eventually.
Dusk was upon me as I turned to Chinatown. Ah, Chinatown; one of my favorite places to be besides Times Square. The place was littered with China's culture. Tightly placed buildings were decorated with Chines written signs and paper made lanterns as the streets were crowded with people. Down the road was a street just for the markets. Fruit and vegetables of all kinds sat in crates or baskets for tourists and locals to buy. Now that the warmer weather was upon us, even markets with hot food were starting to appear. I stopped in front of a 'Kung Pow' cart that held noodles and assorted meats that just seemed to call to me.
"Hello', how are you!" Said a Chines woman to me, so I smiled and returned the greeting then pointed at what I wanted. She happily poured the noodles and such into a hand sized box and offered me chopsticks once I paid her.
Walking down the street as I ate my food, I took in all the colorful sights and smells of the area. The place just seemed to let out a soothing aura whenever I was here. China was a very interesting culture, in my opinion. Despite its Kung Foo movie actor's and trading reputations; the music and honor of its people allowed me to simply step back and smell the cherry blossoms. Despite living thousands of miles overseas, the Chinese didn't seem to mind the company of the American people either. In fact, they preferred it, as long as it was good for business; much like any other citizen looking to make a buck. As for me, it reminded me of the days I was still practicing Kung Foo.
I had a Sensei that was from China herself. Yet he came to Maine to teach some of the younger American's about self-defense. I was one of those students. I had trained under his profession for almost five years before he told me he would be moving here; in the Big Apple. I wonder if he is here at all, and if he is, I better avoid him. For all those that I held respect for, when I was still all human, I now try to avoid for their own safety. I sure as Hell would not like their blood on my hands should my other half decide to come out and throttle them! Still, it would be nice to see a familiar face every now and then.
I'm lonely. Plain and simple. I guess the priest was perceptive enough to notice, that's why he offered me a place to speak my mind. But I can't. I knew that once I started out on my own, I would forever be alone because of what I am. I guess it's just wishful thinking on my part. Going on in this life thinking I wouldn't have to put up with anyone. But I miss my old life. I admit it! Okay! I miss my friend and roommate; Amy. I miss going to college and being surrounded by her friends as they tried to befriend me. And yes… I even miss being in Transylvania. And – if I thought on it long enough – I even miss being with him. Much to my despair, just being by myself just isn't enough. Maybe it's the human half of me that wants to reach out for others. It's almost funny. I'm constantly surrounded by people in this city, yet I feel like I'm all alone.
As the dark of the night makes itself known, and the street lamps begin to shine, I drop my empty box into a nearby garbage can and started to leave the area. Sheesh. Although Chinatown calmed my mood, it seemed to work too well as my thoughts continued to stray back to him. Screw this! I need some action to get my heart pumping again and my head out of the past!
My prayers were answered when I heard a scuffle just a few blocks from where I stood. I quickly approached the area and found a young woman with a boy being teased and terrorized by five local punks. Don't they ever learn? Noting the black eye on the boy's face, I frowned and hastened my approach. If there is one thing I cannot stand, its child abuse!
"Yo! Ass Faces!" I shouted, drawing all their attention to me. "Your mother must have lived on a farm to have birthed you pigs!" I pointed to each gang member and smirked as their eyes flashed in rage towards me. Normally, I don't go around insulting one's mother, but if it drew their attention away from the mother and child, then I'll do it. And as soon as one of them said "Get her!" all five of them left the two so they could vacate the area.
A street lamp was the only light for them to see, as they tried to strike and kick at me. But I avoided all their attacks and just decided to use my feet only. I like to challenge myself and I sure wasn't in the mood to get my hands dirty tonight, so I just left them in my pockets. I gave a good round-house kick to one guy's gut, sending him flying into the empty street. Kicking and tripping up the rest of the punks was a slice of cake. I even pulled out a few old Kung Foo moves of my own. I even left the last guy standing in shock as I easily jumped over him and knocked him out as my boot collided into his chin.
They cursed and cringed on the cement ground as I stood triumph over them. Looking towards the leader, I kicked him on his back and stood on his chest, allowing my weight to nearly crush the wind out of him as I knelt down just inches from his face. "Listen well, Douche-bag," I spat coolly and with venom while his eyes stared up at me in fear, "I do not tolerate bullies of any kind! The next time I see either of you picking on someone smaller than yourself, I'll end you with one of these!" I pulled out my gun and pointed the end of the barrel at his nose. His heart rate increased as his body shook with fear. "Understand?"
He nodded quickly as I slowly got up from him. "NOW BEAT IT!" I shouted and kicked one of the guys in the ass as they got up and ran from my sight. Once they were gone, I laughed cruelly at their retreat and twirled my gun for a minute before putting it back in my pocket. Their lucky I wasn't in a killing mood! Then again, I don't want to scar the little eyes that were watching me with shear interest. Looking up, I noticed that the young Chinese woman and her son were still in the area. I guess they just wanted to watch.
At first, neither of us did anything. For a moment I thought they were going to run for it, but the woman just took a few steps towards me; looking like she had run a marathon, she breathed, "Thank you!"
I smiled and nodded back. Before I could leave, her son made a mad dash towards me and gave me a quick hug around the waist. It took the air out of me, for I have not received this kind of affection before after saving someone! Yet, it was nice. A small and such a simple act, but… it was nice. It must have for the boy smiled up at me and held on even tighter. I smiled back and patted his black haired head. The mother also smiled as she waved her son back to join her. They waved a "Good bye" at me and left to wherever they were headed to.
I gave a sigh at myself, but my smile remained. That whole act just left me feeling a little bit lighter. The loneliness was still there, but not as strong. Ah, kids. Sometimes you just gotta love their innocence, though I hope I didn't teach him any bad habits!
Jumping to a nearby rooftop, I whistled happily to myself as I thought about the events that ended the day. Yet, as I was going to jump to the next building, the sound of a heart beat following up the rear made me stop. The being that belonged to that heart beat stopped as well. It smelled like a male; old but not really old, and he walked with a strong but steady pace. Man! I hate stalkers! But I'll let him think I haven't found him out just yet.
Going back to my whistling, I jumped down and crossed the street. Whoever he was, he sure wasn't going to call it quits for the guy had followed me all the way up to Broadway! Oh well, its time I called a Time Out! As soon as he was in feet of me, I turned into an alleyway and pulled out both my guns, intending to make the idiot eat a few rounds. As soon as I turned to face him, the sound of a latch was released and an armed crossbow was aimed just inches from my face as my guns just barely brushed against each side while pointing into the guys face.
I didn't even breathe as I finally recognized the guy who had been stalking me. That hat! And that cold cowboy get-up! And most of all – those eyes! Those dark brown eyes sharped with such focus while his nose and mouth were covered by some bandana with an eye. As soon as he saw my face, his eyes widened some. None of us moved, or could hardly breathe as we realized who we were to one another.
Van Helsing!? Here!? In New York City!? And my only guess could be as good as his! Thinking fast, I turned, leaped to a garbage dumpster and jumped to the nearest roof before he could even breath a word.
"C!" His rough voice hollered at me but I didn't listen as I ducked behind a ventilation system. "C! Wait! Please! I – I just want to talk!"
(Scoffs!) As if! He's just here to kill me because that's his job! I thought as I stayed in the shadows while his footsteps indicated he was trying to find a way up.
"C? I know you're up there!" He said and I heard him fiddle with the inside of his jacket. "Please, C! I just want to talk! I promise!"
Promise? Promise!? As far as I'm concerned, promises don't mean shit after somebody said he would take your life away after you have been cursed! But I was wondering why he was here to begin with. Was it just by coincidence because he read about me in the paper and wanted to discover if the rumors were true? Or, did the Vatican hear about me causing trouble and sent their best hunter to dispose of me quietly? One or the other was true, yet something scared me about the first question being right. IF he read about me, who's to say somebody else would figure out I was still alive as well!? One thing is for sure, I'm not going to get my answers by hiding from him like some frightened rabbit!
Looking over the side of the roof, I found Helsing wandering the street in disappointment, making me thing that I had caused him to lose hope on coming in contact with me again. But – I changed his mind when I jumped down behind him, yet I kept my guns free in my hands.
"What do you want?" I growled and he whirled around to face me. Scarf gone, his face gave me full view of his shocked yet relieved expressions.
"C!" He breathed in wonder. "You are alive!" He made a move to confront me, but I took a step back and held a defensive stance. Noticing how threatening I looked; despite the fact that he had put his crossbow away, he raised both his hands up as if to surrender.
"Not as alive as you think!" My growl deepened into that demonic tone as I felt my eyes burn behind my sunglasses. Though the alley was dark, I could still see the calculation in Helsing's eyes before he lowered his hands and breathed out a sigh.
"It's alright, Dampire," He started in a calm voice. "I'm not going to kill you."
"Why not? I am an evil creature, am I not?" I asked as I kept my grip on the handles of my guns.
"Evil creatures don't save mothers and their children," He stated and I cursed to myself, for he must have been watching me. "Nor accept any hugs from children either."
"So what? You've been spying on me this whole time?" I accused as I held my ground.
"I didn't know it was you, C," He said sounding sincere. "I – thought you were dead."
"Really," I smirked and placed my guns back in my pockets, but kept my hands there just in case. "Just what brought you to that aspect?"
"When you were no longer by Dracula's side –!"
"DON'T -! Say that name!" I hollered and pulled out a single gun and pointed it at his face. He didn't move but nor did he look surprised at my reaction. He just stood there while my gun was two inches from his nose. His mouth was set firm as his eyes never left mine, despite them being covered with sunglasses. "I RESENT that son of a bitch! Do you hear me?" I hissed angrily. "If it weren't for him my life wouldn't have been so fucked in the first place!"
"I know," He said and we held a staring contest for some time. When I heard a few heart beats coming towards us, I quickly put my gun away and Helsing and I moved deeper into the alley, away from prying eyes. "I have a place," He said suggestively and I returned his offer with a glare. "Please. We need to talk."
Letting out an aggravated sigh, I nodded and followed him down the sidewalk. We walked till we were in the East Village. At midnight, the place hardly seemed threatening. Peaceful and quiet, except for some party going on in one building, the place was nice. We entered, to what I assumed, was a hotel. With a common red brick pattern and dark brown doors, we quietly entered the dimly lit building. Following in mute silence, Helsing walked pass the lobby and up the flight of stairs. Guess he thinks he's too Boss for the elevator! Not like it will slow me down! But we were up a few more flights before I heard his lungs struggling for air.
"Need a hand?" I offered with a dark snicker as he rested against the metal bar, but he just rolled his eyes and brushed me off. Finally, we arrived at the top and he opened the door to a simple hallway. We walked to the end of it and he opened a door reading; Room 204. Once open, he offered me to step inside first. Huffing at the offer, I brushed passed the old Hunter and slowly stepped pass the threshold.
Despite the dark, I could clearly see how simple the room was. One bathroom to the right, a bedroom to the left, and a clean living room with a small sofa, table and a TV that sat across from it. I turned to face Van Helsing as soon as he closed the door and flicked on the lights.
"Make yourself at home," He offered, but I don't need his generosity.
"I'm not staying. And no, you can't make me," I warned coolly. He breathed out another sigh and decided to walk pass me and fiddle with a coffee maker. After a few minutes of awkward silence, I started the process of interrogation. "Why are you here?"
After fixing himself a mug of straight black, he turned to face me with a sense of uneasiness, but he spoke anyway. "A week ago, I was approached by a Cardinal of the Order that a vampire was making itself known in a populated area; New York City. After he stressed over the possibilities of what kind I was dealing with, I agreed to take the job. I – didn't know it would be you."
"And why is that?" I asked as I kept my expression even.
"Because I was insisted to believe you were dead," He said sternly and took a sip from his mug but did not sit down, and nor did I.
"Insisted?" I asked and removed my sunglasses, intrigued at this bit of news. Somebody forced him to believe that I was really dead? "How?"
"About over a month ago, I went back to the village in Transylvania to see how you were doing," He continued, but with a little more remorse, "When I tried to find you, one of the villagers told me that you had disappeared. I tried to get more answers from the Count's human servant, but – he told me the same thing. When I asked to face Drac – I mean the Count," He quickly corrected himself as my face hardened with annoyance, "He wouldn't appear. Ranfield said he was in dispose of and I was no longer of any interest to him because he was still searching for you, or… well, that's the impression I got."
"Ha, so the idiot still thinks that I'm alive for his benefits," I smirked while Helsing frowned at me.
"You don't intend on ever going back, do you?" He asked, his tone low yet sour.
"Of course not! Don't you get it? I'm free! Finally free from that life of slavery and abuse!" I held out my arms as if in welcome. Helsing's eyes watched me carefully as I walked to the window and pulled back the drapes, revealing the lights of the city to our eyes. "Look! I was born here! In this wonderful city of lights, people, and rats! Even the members of the police force are asking for my help! I can do whatever I want and get the blood I need without really killing anyone! I – am – free!"
He took a few steps towards me and set his mug on the coffee table while forcing himself to look like a scolding parent. "If this is freedom, C," He started calmly, "Then why are you still tearing up people with those claws?"
Giving a quick glance at my nails I just gave him a soft smile and turned to face the city view again. "Well, of all people – you should know how hard it is to contain that kind of urge."
He frowned at that, and I knew I had hit a nerve about a certain past event of his. Yes. I do remember the story that he told me when Van Helsing, himself, became a black Werewolf and defeated him. AND – How he accidentally killed a woman he had hoped to live and love for the rest of his days. Such is the life of a monster. "That's the real reason why you brought me here. To see how well my control is. Well, F.Y.I. I am getting some professional help. Therapy and all that."
"Therapy?" His dark eyes squinted in confusion.
"Yes! Therapy!" I growled and sat down in the chair across the sofa. "Apparently, you're not the only one concerned for my 'mental' state."
Taking the seat in the sofa, Van Helsing watched me closely as we settled into an awkward silence. After a few minutes of calm breathing, he broke it. "Of all things considering, C," He started uneasily, till his eyes locked with mine, looking like he was really sincere, "I am truly sorry."
"Why?" I asked calmly as I lazily crossed my legs and laid back in the chair some more. "It's not like it was you who made him a vampire. Right?"
A few minutes passed by before an epiphany hit my brain as Van Helsing's guilty face was never changing. Narrowing my eyes I stood up and tried to shake off the realization with a hysteric reaction. "No way. No fucking way!" I laughed and giggled in a frantic attempt to hold back the rage that was threatening to surface. "YOU!? You! You're the one responsible of turning the once Prince of Wallachia into the Prince of Darkness!? That's –!? That's just hilarious!"
"I still don't remember much of my past since – all that has happened since then," He said as his face screwed into annoyance at my display of humor.
"You a time-traveler or something? Or are you just one of those people that get stuck living with the same damn life over and over again?" I smirked as he stood up as well, facing me with a stern glare.
"There was a time when I believed that some things were better off left forgotten," He said coolly as the humor left my face. "But – now I realized I was wrong. The past is important because it helps us recall our mistakes so we do not repeat them. So, C. No matter how much you wish to forget him. You can't. Or anything else for that matter."
"What makes you think you know all there is about me that I would, let alone think, on making the same mistakes twice?" I spoke lowly and threateningly.
"Because I know what the power of darkness can do to a person's mind," He said calmly. "And I'm not just speaking out of experience either. I can see it in your eyes, C. You're struggling. Not just from heartbreak. But inside of you there is a constant war for your soul. What Dra… what he did to you, I'm sure even he didn't realize what he had just started."
"Oh? And what was it that he had started? Hm?" I took a step forward till I was less than a foot from facing him, my boots giving me the height advantage.
Before he could reply, a knock at the door turned both our heads to it. Looking at the time, and back to him, he was also wondering who would still be up at this hour. When the knocking came again, I made the jerk, with my head to the door, silently telling him to reply to it. Sighing, he placed his hands on his hips and turned to face the door.
"Who is it?"
"Room service!"
Turing back to face each other, we both held a look of, not only confusion, but doubt. Really? Room service at this hour? And at this time no less? Who is this punk trying to fool?
Aren't you going to answer it? I sent the thought to him, which would have startled him if he hadn't been so tense.
Nobody knows of my exact whereabouts, save for the Order. And I know for certain that this hotel doesn't do nightly deliveries. He replied mentally, confirming both our suspicions.
"Fine. Then I'll answer it!" I growled out loud and then walked towards the door.
"Wait! C!" Helsing went to stop her but she was too fast.
"I'll tell the guy to go stuff it!" I said and as soon as I opened the door, I smelled something fowl coming off the guy, as well as see a big bazooka in both his scrawny arms.
BOOOOOM!
Shooting pain exploded in my chest as well as knocks me off my feet. All my vision could see was the scene of the room going backwards with speed and pain as my back made contact with glass and wood. Then the next thing I knew I was falling down. Down. Straight to the ground floor of the hotel area. I hardly had time to brace for impact, as my body was in shock. Before I could even consider counting the ways of my descent, my back came into contact with something made of hard plastic and glass. The sound of an alarm deafened my hearing made me realized I had landed on somebody's car. Great! Just what I needed to break my fall!
Van Helsing's dark eyes widened as he watched how C was suddenly tossed backwards by the stranger's huge weapon. Her body crashed right through the window and she disappeared from sight. A few seconds later he heard an impact from below and a car alarm going off outside. Before he could make a move, the intruder pulled out a handgun and started firing at him. Ducking behind the sofa, Helsing quickly pulled out his trusty dart-pipe. Made of simple wood and its ammo laced with drugged-up sticks, it was his only other choice of weapons he had just in case he didn't want to kill his opponent. After all, he needed answers as to why the guy was here in the first place and he couldn't get them if he was dead!
After the guy was finished shooting at him, it was Helsing's turn. As quick as he could, he barrel rolled to the other side of the room and aimed his pipe at the black hooded man. With a heavy blow on his part, the dart aimed true into the man's windpipe. The man dropped his gun and went to pull out the stick, but he chocked and struggled to stay awake. As Helsing neared the man, he saw how his light blue eyes suddenly glazed over and rolled to the back of his head as he fell on his back, fast asleep.
Breathing in and out to calm his heart, he quickly pulled the guy into his room and then grabbed the bazooka weapon and threw it in his bathroom. Lucky for him, the man only had one missile. Remembering who had taken the shot, Van Helsing quickly raced down the hall and to the stairs. Climbing down the steps, as well as jumping a few, he finally made it to the lobby and shot out of the main doors. Looking around for the source of the car alarm wasn't hard, but he had to get to her fast before somebody else does!
"C?" He quickly approached a now imploded, red Chrysler. The Dampire was moaning and groaning in pain, but at least she was still alive. "Are you alright?" He asked as he cautiously approached, knowing that she wasn't going to be in a good mood.
"Ooooh! Just peachy!" I groaned in aggravation. Coughing out and spitting some blood out of my mouth, the pain started to slowly dissipate as I tried to sit up. "I just love getting my chest blown, followed by being shot out of a hotel room and then falling forty fucking stories onto a piece of shit Chrysler!"
"Here," He offered me his hand and I took it. I yelled in pain as he pulled me off of the remaining car's roof and onto the sidewalk. Holding me by the shoulders he assessed the damage that I had taken. My shirt was ruined, so that left my black bra exposed as parts of my burnt and bleeding skin started to heal.
"Oh, leave me alone!" I shook him off and gritted my teeth as I held my back, for the impact had more than probably put damaged to my spinal cord and loosened several disks. Though it was slowly healing, I was still not happy for the act of violence that had suddenly plagued my person just moments ago. "Where is that little shit? I'm gonna rip out his guts for this!"
"I knocked him out," Helsing said as he followed me back into the hotel room, "As soon as he wakes, we'll get our answers. Just don't rip out his guts until we do."
Screw Helsing and the stairs! After what happened I decided to go for the elevator, which he didn't argue over as he followed me inside the little compartment. The ride up was less then enjoyable, as I kept glaring at Helsing then at my ruined black shirt. Shure my coat was still in tacked, but I still don't like the idea of floundering about with my breasts open! Zipping up my front half, I breathed out another angry sigh as I stretched and bent my back a bit. Hearing several pops, I felt the strain leave my spine as the rest of my healing factor took over. Helsing said nothing as he just silently observed me from the corner of the elevator.
Finally, we arrived at the floor and I was the first to reach his room. Almost ripping the door from its hinges, I found the black robed ass lying in the hallway. With vengeful intent, I kicked his unconscious hide and he went sailing back to land on the sofa.
"C!" Helsing rounded on me angrily. "I know your upset, but we need him in one piece!"
"I didn't break anything! Yet!" I added with venom as he approached the man. He pulled the unconscious dude into a sitting position and used a few wire ties to tie his wrists and ankles together.
"I could use a Coke," I grumbled out as I sat in the chair from across the scumbag.
"Sorry. All I have is water or coffee," He said coolly and stood back to relax his rigid form.
"What about that green stuff you were chugging down back in Transylvania?" I asked and smirked at his tired expression.
"Absinth. Strong stuff. Especially when I need a quick fix," He said and sat just a few feet away from the dude, but then froze when his eyes spotted something on the skin of his neck.
"I'll bet," I said but then noticed how his attention was drawn away from me, "What is it?"
"A pentagram," Helsing grumbled out in disapproval as the circled upside-down star was clearly visible under the man's jugulars. "This man is a Follower of the Devil."
"Oh, really? Man! Their just as bad as the rats around here!" I spat in boredom, for I really wanted this punk to wake up already so I can kick the answers out of him!
"What do you mean by that?" Helsing asked, not liking how I was so calm about this.
"I – shot down a Devil Worshiper about a week ago," I admitted as I recalled the incident, but Helsing's eyes widened with barely controlled rage and fear. "What?" I looked at him, suddenly surprised that he would care about the Followers of Evil, "The bastard was going to rape a woman! So I yanked him off and got rid of him the best way I know how! You know, I should be given an award for wiping the slate clean of these guys!"
"Now I understand. By shooting that Follower, you just provoked the Black Hooded Cult!" He quickly spat out at me, his dark eyes hardening with anger. "That's why he is here! He followed us so that he could kill you and anyone else you met with, just for the sake that you interfered with their rituals!"
"Rituals? You mean that woman would have been sexually used just for the sake of praising the fucking Devil?" I asked with discussed and made an annoyed sound when Helsing nodded at me. "Sick fucks!" I pulled out my gun and pointed it at the still knocked out Follower.
"No, C!" Helsing lunged forward and grabbed my wrist, tilting the barrel end of my gun away from the guy's face. "You will not kill him! Not while I'm around!"
"Then leave!" I growled as my eyes turned red, but Helsing remained where he was and did not for a second, release his hold on me. We froze though when the Follower started to groan and wake up. Pushing Helsing off of me I pocketed my gun again as the old Hunter turned to face the man, yet kept giving me a warning glare.
When his light blue eyes cleared of fog he started to struggle against his restraints, yet stopped when he saw how Helsing was towering over him.
"Why did you attack us?" Helsing started out coolly.
"That bitch over there!" His eyes narrowed at me as he nodded his head in my direction. All I did was return the glare. "She has been given the powers of our Dark Lord, yet she shoots down our followers like dogs! She needs to be punished!"
"Fuck you!" I spat at him and pulled out my gun, but Helsing raised a hand to stop me.
"Dampire C is not your problem," Helsing hissed threateningly, then showed the man the cross he wore around his neck. "The Holy Order is! And – I'm only going to give you one warning! Back off or else your Followers will have me to deal with!" Then he actually untied the guy and stood back. "Go and tell your Group! Know that if they deal with Dampire C then they deal with the Holy Order as well!"
The man only laughed. Mixed in drug exhaustion and malice. "The Black Hood already knows all about you, Van Helsing!" He spat as I growled and Helsing did nothing but watch him closely. "As for Dampire C! Our Priest is cooking up something special for her, IF I failed to return!" Then he pulled out his knife and quickly stuck it in his chest. Helsing froze as I stood up while the Follower landed on his knees. Blood dribbled out of his mouth and chest wound as his eyes stared up at us in glee. "Viva el diablo!"
With that said he fell to the floor and died, his blood staining the cheap carpet. "Don't bet on it, pale!" I countered his 'Long live the Devil' phrase.
"This is bad," Helsing muttered as he rubbed his forehead in thought.
"Gee! Ya think!" I hollered at him angrily. "THIS wouldn't have happened if you hadn't showed up!"
"You were the one who killed one of the Black Hooded Followers!" He rounded on me miffly; angered that I was accusing him for starting this commotion.
"Only because he was gonna molest a woman!" I spat back and then rubbed my face in irritation. "Look! We're not getting anywhere by fighting with each other! We need to know where these guys 'set up' and bring them down!"
"Do you realize what you're asking for!?" He growled out as his eyes flashed dangerously at me. "You are asking to start a conflict, if not a war, against one of the most dangerous Cults out there! And I thought it was you who said it was unwise to start such things!"
"Ya well, it's a little late to go back on that!" I pointed out to the dead Follower on his floor to the broken window. "These guys have bazookas in their arsenal! Which, I'm still not happy about being blown in the chest by one of them! Second; they are after me! Which suits me just fine! I don't need any help from you! And I certainly didn't ask for it! So, you could do me the favor of staying the Hell out of my way, OR you could stick around and help out!" I breathed heavily for the next few minutes as I tried to cool my own temper. Now was not the time for bickering amongst ourselves! I'd hate to think of what else could be up the sleeves of those Black Hoods for me, let alone cutting loose out on the streets! "What's it gonna be, Van Helsing?" I spat out, growing impatient with the man's silence. "You in? Or out?"
"Alright," He breathed and started for the bed room. I followed him, but just up to the threshold and watched as he started to gather his things. "I'll call the Order and let them know of what's going on. But, I won't mention you."
"Thanks for that," I said then froze when I heard police sirens coming from outside. Someone must have called about their car being smashed into. "Hurry up! We're out of time!"
Increasing his pace, Helsing gathered his things and we rushed out of the back entrance of the building before the cops could investigate our presents. The dead Follower and his weapons remained in the hotel room, so as to keep the cops distracted from us.
"Over here!" Helsing pointed to a black Saturn vehicle and pulled out his keys. I climbed into the passenger seat as Helsing stuffed his bag and such, into the back and then placed the keys into the ignition. The engine roared into life as Helsing pulled the stick into drive and started town the road. As I examined the interior of the car and its nice smell, Helsing gave me another warning glare. "This is a rental, so don't touch anything!"
"Yes, mother," I dribbled out and Helsing rolled his eyes as he drove down East Houston Street and started for Broadway. "Where are we going anyway?"
"To a church," He said as his dark eyes scanned the almost empty roads.
"Oh, great. Just what we needed. You gonna ask for a Priest to preach the Hell out of them now?" I spat the sarcasm out like it was made of vinegar.
"He can do more than that," Helsing smirked at me as he turned on another street. "I promise you."
"Don't make promises you can't keep. You got that?" I warned, but he only shrugged me off.
About twenty minutes of silence had passed us by before Helsing pulled the car up to a church that seemed very familiar to me. ST. Paul's Chapel.
"Been here before?" He asked when he noted the recognition in my eyes.
"Ya," I breathed out as he turned off the car and hopped out and grabbed his bag. I followed suit as I closed the door and trailed after Helsing towards the Chapel's entrance, its pillars looking as tall as usual in the darkness of night.
As soon as we were walking down the aisle, Helsing almost made me jump as he yelled out, "Father Brandon! I seek your wisdom!"
His voice echoed some before I heard footsteps coming to us from the east wing. A door opened and out came that Priest I had met yesterday. His old face bared a smile and thick glasses as his black robes hung from his slender frame.
"Good evening, my old friend," He said and the two shook hands for a second, before the Father landed his eyes on me, and then smiled. "And to you, Dampire C. What brings you to St. Paul's?"
"Trouble. I'm sorry if we woke you, but we seek your council," Helsing said as I muttered, "What do you mean we?" But he ignored me.
"Of course. Follow me, if you please," He said and then led us into the west room where his office resided. The man offered us some tea, which Helsing took in gratitude and I; out of politeness. After we got settled, Van Helsing told the man everything that has happened so far with the Black Hooded Cult. Father Brandon listened with concern as he held onto his prayer beads as if to give him strength.
"It would seem they have offered a challenge to you, my child," The Priest said to me in his calm demeanor.
I wanted to say, "Duuuuuuuh!" but kept myself quiet as I slowly paced up and down the room. I was tensed and my other half was more than ready to rip the souls out of those idiots, but I had to stay focused to what this holy man had to say.
"From what you have told me, and what I know about this Cult," He took a deep breath before saying, "It gives me no pleasure in saying that C is right." I smirked as Helsing's eyes widened in surprise. "The Black Hood must be brought down. I – have heard too many confessions from the innocent that they have been used and abused too many times by this dark group of the Followers. Just recently a young man said he had lost his sister to those vile people. And – she was only sixteen, going on seventeen."
"That could be significant," Helsing pointed out as he frowned at the possibilities. "The age of turning into maturity, for a woman, could also be used in an Offering, or Summoning."
"Summoning?" I choked out when I realized what they were talking about. "Wait. You mean like a – Demon Summoning!?"
"Yes, I'm afraid that is exactly what he means," The Father said gravely before taking a sip of tea.
"The Follower said that they were planning something for C's punishment," Helsing said and gave me an 'I told you so' look. I growled and my pace increased in earnest, for I had no intention of fighting against a Demon from Hell!
"So then tell us how to find these Sons of Bitch's before they complete the summoning!" I hissed out before saying, "Sorry, Father." Knowing full well that cursing in front of a Priest isn't really welcoming, let alone swearing in a House of God.
"It's alright, my child. If it weren't form my vows I would agree with you," The man smiled at me then stood up. "I have some resources that just might help both of you. Follow me, please."
He opened a bookcase that led to a set of stone-made stairs that went down. "During times of crisis, the church's followers made this chamber for storage; as in weapons and such to fight against dangerous threats."
"Cool," I voiced and smirked as it echoed off the walls, for as we went down the air became more stuffy and dusty. There was hardly any light, but the Priest took care of that with a modern day flashlight. At the bottom was a wide room filled with old stuff like crosses of different make, and a life size statue of Merry as shelves of scrolls lay beside her. Cobwebs hung everywhere and I was slightly reminded of being in a certain castle. Shaking off the memories I watched as the Priest and Helsing went for a huge chest sitting in the corner.
Removing the key from his garments, Father Brandon opened the old lock and removed it from the hinges. Cracking it open my eyes widened to what was hidden inside. Guns! Small swords and boxes of ammo! Taking out a sword, which was a bit shorter than the length of my arm, I pulled it out to see how Japanese it looked. A Holy Katana! Nice! The blade was slightly curved as the hilt was made of dark leather which branded the sign of the cross. Light, for me, and easy to swing.
Helsing and the Priest smirked at my prize as I stood back and swung it a few times. "An excellent choice, C," The Father nodded his head at me. "A priest from Japan brought that sword here on his last days on Earth. He said he hoped it could be given to someone who is worthy of it and use it against evil. I see no one else here that fits that description."
Deeply humbled at the Priest's proclamation, I took the sheath he gave me and placed it in it. "Thank you."
"You'll also need these," Helsing gave me a couple boxes of ammo bullets. "They're just right for your guns and their blessed with the highest of prayers." Taking the boxes, I stuffed them in my coat pockets and tied the katana's sheath to my lower back, where I could easily reach it. "Now that we have the tools, how about a plan?"
"Well, as far as I know about gangs and cults, there should be more than one base of operations, right?" I asked as we started for the stairs.
"Yes and the Black Hooded Cult holds many ceremonies in abandoned buildings and such, but there is only one base that gets their sources from. But it is somewhere in Brooklyn, yet I know of a few other Brothers that can help you to locate it," Father Brandon said and closed the bookcase once we were back in his office. "Though I doubt they'll still be there, now that two of their Followers are dead in your name, Dampire; they will most probably move closer to Manhattan Island for the ritual."
"Yet, the main leaders could still be in Brooklyn," Helsing said as he pocketed a few guns as he turned to me. "C. I'll go to Brooklyn and see this base for myself. You stay here and get whatever leads you can and if necessary; save the girl before she is killed. Use whatever means possible but keep it quiet! You don't want your pray getting scared before you can trap it!"
"Right," I smiled and pulled out my phone, "We should all swap numbers, just to stay in further contact." The men nodded and I was impressed the Priest even carried a Smartphone! As soon as we were connected, we started for the doors.
"Just don't do anything stupid, C," Helsing said as we marched back up the aisle. "If it gets too much to handle, call me! I don't want any repeats like we had at the hotel!"
"You know, that wasn't my fault!" Okay. Maybe it was. I scorned in annoyance and turned back to the Priest. "You keep an eye out too, Father! We don't want anything happening to you or this pretty chapel!"
"May God be with you," He blessed us with a kind smile as we headed out the door. I appreciate the prayer and his support and all, yet I just couldn't shake off this feeling that things were gonna get worse. I guess I should be nervous. Unlike vampires, Demons have no physical form and can be a pain in the ass to deal with. Since this Cult, which I've pissed off, wants to punish me by summoning one, I'd better stay on my toes.
"It's gonna be okay, C," Helsing said as he took notice of the nervousness on my face. "I've dealt with Cults before and, if we do it right, we will bring them down!"
"That's not what concerns me," I said as we stopped in front of his vehicle. He watched me as I lowered my gaze to the stone ground. "What if – because of me – other people will get caught up in this mess I've made?"
"I've had to live with those consequences too," He breathed out and I saw how his train of thought was back on the past. Thoughts and images of a woman who chose her life to fight only to end up dying by his hands. "The best advice I can give to you, C, is to live with it, learn from it and try not to make the same mistake." We stared at each other silently for a moment before the man patted my shoulder and got into the car. "I'll call you if I find any leads. Let me know if you find anything too."
"Good hunting then," I waved at him and he tipped his hat to me in return before driving off. I watched him go until I started down the sidewalk that would lead me to my own apartment. It was time to stalk myself with necessities and prepare for the battle that awaited me. Let alone of what I have to reveal to the SVU Team, I have a few others that owe me favors. This city is huge, and those dark bitches have plenty of holes to hide in so I'm gonna need plenty of eyes open for any suspicious characters.
The sun started to rise up, but I wasn't even tired. My body was pumped with so much adrenalin and restlessness that I didn't even have it in me for sleep. Still, the reassurance from Helsing and Father Brandon was helpful, now it was just the matter of settling things with the Black Hooded Cult before they kill the girl. I just hope we make it in time!
Back again people! So sorry for the long update, but I had some issues to work out. Again! But now that I am back I hope to be delivering more awesome chapters! I hope you liked this one, for now the real fun begins! And – don't worry! Dracula will be coming in soon!
Until then, REVIEW and REVIEW like there's no tomorrow! Your awesome REVIEWS keep me going after all! : D Hope to see you all next time and have a happy October! It's fall now! Almost time to switch those clocks! This means if I want to complete this story before the end of the year I better get cracking! *Cracks knuckles and prepares to type like mad!* Until then, God bless and I'll see you soon!
Love to all; BR2