Disclaimer; I do not own Van Helsing or Law and Order SVU. Only C!
Of Signs and Old Scores!
It had become a long week. Detective Elliot Stabler had cruised around the city for days. The only lead he found was a homeless wife who had witnessed her husband (along with a few others) being taken into a black van with bright headlights, blotting out the image of a tall and dressy looking guy; who was offering them free food and clothing. When he asked where they had set up, she told him the van had turned a corner and vanished.
The woman tried to warn her husband and the others that the man wasn't to be trusted, but their hunger and desperation overcame reason. The woman was in a mess of fear and sadness as Elliot tried to calm her and reassure her that they would find him and the rest of the missing people. She had given him a small photo of her husband and that was it. After that, he returned to H Q to reveal his findings.
The Captain heard and pondered over several minutes before he picked up his phone and started to call a certain Dampire into the mix. Since the Count told him where he was staying, Cragen found it useful to keep the address and phone number of the Hilton. Putting the phone on Speaker, the others gathered around so as to communicate with C and the Count together.
"Alright," The Captain began coolly as he turned his dark eyes to the phone. "We have a lead."
"It's about damn time!" C's irritated voice came from out of the phone.
"It's not much of a lead, so don't get too excited," Detective Elliot countered with a small smile, as if to ease the already thick tension. "Anyway," He cleared his throat as he continued. "I met a woman who says she saw the guy that was claiming to be helping out the Homeless by putting them in a van and taking them to God knows where. Know offence to you vampire folk."
"None taken, Detective," The Count's smooth voice came out with a hint of irritation. "Do continue."
"Well, the woman said she tried to follow them, but they disappeared," Elliot said as he sat down next to his partner. "That's where you guys come in, that is if C is ready now."
"I'm more than ready to go back into the field and hunt down the bastard that's taking the Homeless!" C's voice nearly yelled out with high determination, or – was she just itching to leave that hotel that she's been forced to occupy with her former Master?
"Calm down, my dear," The Count's voice sounded cool yet almost threateningly. "We shall indeed, now that the others have found a lead, we shall be ending this hunt very soon."
"Sounds to me that you already know who it is." Tutuola eyed the phone in clear suspicion; like he could see the face of the Count staring back in a thoughtful manner.
"I may have a few treacherous suspects in mind for wanting my Dampire to expire," The vampire's tone was low and icy. "There have been several techniques used, by my kind, to cover ones scent. The most common use is a specific herb or a very potent plant. Did you happen to find anything during your visit to this woman?"
"I – did not," Elliot managed to say and rubbed the back of his neck while the others seemed confused. "Like you suggested; you or C might be able to recognize this plant or even trace the woman's memories for anything suspicious."
"Do you have any ideas why the guy is kidnapping the Homeless?" Olivia finally asked, yet sounded uneasy, for even knowing the answer could be bad, but they had to know.
"Probably to create an undead army or something," Munch spoke in a teasing manner, but the rest didn't find it amusing in the least.
"That's not funny!" C's voice spat out of the phone harshly.
"Indeed," The Count's voice breathed out coolly. "Yet… You may have a point. IF a foe of mine is 'collecting' the poor for such things, then we must search for them now before he sees fit to unleash such a terror upon your city."
"I completely agree," Their Captain stood up as his dark eyes hardened. "New York does NOT need a damn Apocalypse of the Damned running around and such! As soon as you and C are ready, meet Elliot and Olivia on Second Avenue. Detectives Tutuola and Munch will be on Eighth Avenue along with myself. I'll have other officers up at Harlem; check to see if their missing people too as we all scan the island and meet up in Upper East Side and then look to the West. We'll keep each other posted by phone."
"We'll see you guys there then!" C said but Tutuola added something before they can hang up.
"How was your week off?" He said and he can almost hear her breathing out in embarrassment.
"That's none of your business!" She hissed out miffly.
"Considering the fact that you nearly chocked me to death, I think we deserve to know some details of your nights with the guy." Elliot's eyes sparkled as Munch rubbed his brows.
"I WILL kill you!" C hissed angrily, but the men just chuckled, as did the Count from the other side.
"Until this evening then," The Count hung up as that Cheshire cat grin stayed on his face while he looked at me calmly. I returned his stare with a glare as I bounced my knee repetitively, while sitting on a stool. Ranfield was cleaning some dishes in the small kitchen as he silently watched in the background.
"Don't be so hasty, my dear," Dracula spoke smoothly as he approached me. "I am eager to end this Blind Man's game as well. But, we must not charge in blindly. I fear that these Homeless have already suffered a worse fate than death."
"Wow. You worrying about other people has left me rather… shocked!" I spoke dryly with a hint of sarcasm and he frowned in return.
"Don't get me wrong. If the humans were left for dead or even maimed, I wouldn't even bat an eye," I grinned as he said 'bat' but let him continue, "However. Since they are being taken, we have much more to worry about."
"Tell me about it," I groaned and rubbed my head at the thought of another vampire doing this. "I think… It could be Cornwell, but… How can we know for sure?"
"We do not," Dracula stated calmly yet kept those blue eyes of his flashing dangerously at the mention of the said vampire. "Although it is possible, it shouldn't have been. I should have killed that maggot when I had the chance! Then perhaps… none of this would have happened." He turned to me slowly, looking quit apologetic for his past mistake.
I sighed and climbed off my stool to stand next to him, watching him face me as I watched him closely. We stood like that for about a few minutes before I shattered the silence. "I know," I said and rubbed the back of my neck, trying not to feel awkward. "And I know you're sorry and all but, we can't keep looking back on what we did; wishing things turned out differently. We have to keep moving forward, even if it hurts."
Dracula, for a moment looked surprised, but then his slow smile came and he took the opportunity to stroke my face with his cool hand. "You, as always, are correct. You have become wise, my C. Wiser than most and well beyond your years. This is another reason of why I am so fond of you."
"Phff! Ya right! I just said that so we can get ready and kick some ass! And speaking of getting ready!" I trotted to the bedroom and towards the closet. Almost yanking off the door's handle I pulled it open and retrieved Mercy and all the rest of my weapons. "I'm bringing along a few extra for you." I added as I felt the Count's presents behind me, and probably looking not too pleased at the sight of my armory. "In this city, there's no telling what we'll run into!"
"I am fully aware of how this city frolics with its criminal inhabitants," Dracula spat out in dislike. "I would rather see every last one of them run through with stakes of their own."
"Ha. I bet you would!" I smirked as I finished strapping on my gun belt. "But, now a days; bullets work just as well. If not worse."
"So I have noticed," He smirked as I put a few three inch long knives into my boots and pulled on my coat for the final touch.
"Well? How do I look?" I asked as I struck a pose. Those eyes of his seemed to be made of fire, for I felt the burn of their glow as he scanned me from head to toe, smiling that devilish grin of his to.
"Like a woman ready for the Hunt," He smirked and pulled on his cloak and we marched back into the living room. "Do not let anyone inside this room, Ranfield. Wait till we have returned and let us know if complications should occur."
"Yes Master," The British man bowed with his bowler cap still on and then smiled at me. "Do be careful and good hunting to you both!"
"Don't worry. I'll protect him," I jabbed a finger at the Count who (surprisingly enough) rolled his eyes at me. Then he took my arm and the scene around us changed into the downtown streets of Manhattan, New York. "Should the others be around here soon?"
"Right ahead of us actually," Dracula pointed a pail finger ahead of me. From across the street sat Detective's Elliot and Olivia in their beat up, brown Honda.
Smirking, I decided to get a jump on them. Without turning to ask for permission from the Count, I took off like a bullet. Zooming across the street and easily dodging incoming traffic, I lightly jumped and landed with a turn so as my butt can rest on top of the hood of their car. Elliot's reaction was a classic curse as Olivia stared out of the window at me in wonder while I just grinned at the two.
"Can't you people show a little more respect to others with weak hearts?" Elliot growled as he and his partner climbed out of the car to great me.
"C? Are you feeling better?" Olivia asked me in her kind and concerned tone. I smirked and took off my sunglasses.
"Ya. Thanks for asking," I said and before I knew it she had pulled me into a hug and started whispering prayers of thankfulness. I groaned but allowed her the brief moment anyway.
"You can thank me for her normal state of control later, I'm sure," The thick and sour tone of Dracula nearly made Elliot jump again as the vampire stood just feet from him.
"I swear to God I am going to start putting bells on you two!" He muttered in irritation.
"Bells do not do well when one is hunting," The Count smirked and then his handsome face turned serious again. "We have no time to lose. Show us where this widow is and we shall proceed from there."
"Widow? You're saying her husband is dead already?" Elliot looked insulted yet still unsure as to be doubting the vampire's word.
"It is more likely that he is. Given to what you mortals are up against, I highly doubt that whoever is after my C will want to leave anyone else alive," Dracula stated coolly leaving us all feeling rather modified.
"Well, I'm hoping we'll find some of them alive," I said, trying to sound optimistic, but my voice sounded rather empty.
"We'll do what we can. Elliot said that he met her at Peters Field just up ahead," Olivia's eyes pointed in the direction of the Field. "We'll follow you in the car as you and Dracula stay close but not seen together. Understand?"
"Agreed. If the enemy is watching, we do not want to give him the indication that we are ready for his attack," Dracula agreed and then turned to me calmly. "I shall be close by should you need me."
"Right." I said and was about to go on ahead but Elliot stopped me.
"Be gentle when you speak to her," His eyes grew serious. "We don't know anything about her husband or the others yet, so try not to sound too… doubtful."
Staring at him for a moment, I nodded and turned to leave at the same time Dracula disappeared from sight. I can still feel his presents close by, but he kept that distance like he himself was looking out for me, or for the person that was still after me.
I didn't need help to find the poor woman. All I needed was the clues of baggy close and puffy red eyes while her dirty blond hair was pulled in a ponytail. She was sitting alone on a bench when she spotted me approaching her. She must have heard of me because her blue eyes widened and she quickly stood up to greet me.
"Oh! You-! You-! You're Dampire C! The Dampire C!" The woman pointed at me as she sounded hopeful. "The strong and vampiric and… and… courageous Dampire C!"
"Ya, that's me," I breathed out as she started to smile and approach me a bit more, but I took a step back and she halted her approach. "No offense, but you smell." I said as my nose wrinkled.
"I – I understand," She said and looked like she was going to cry again. God almighty! Why do I always get stuck with the sappiest of people! Keep it together! She's only upset because her husband is gone, so it stands to reason of why she's upset! I thought as she took a deep breath to calm herself. "They say you can find anyone again with just their scent. I brought one of my husband's socks just in case!" She pulled it out and I had to force myself not to gag.
"Not – necessary!" I held up my hands in defense before she could hand me the wretched thing. "All I need is your memories. Some clues might come up as I scan your mind with mine. …If you mind?" I added rather uncomfortably. Mind reading was never my forte, but I guess I can stand it if it finds that jerk that's been after me.
"All – alright," She stuttered nervously. "I'll show you what I know. It – it won't hurt, will it?"
"No," I smiled at her in reassurance. "Think if it feeling as… like naked in a windy day."
"Oh," She blushed some and giggled. Well, I had to say something similar to the feeling of being 'exposed' to another's telepathic pull, didn't I? With another more aggravated sigh, I turned to stare into her blue eyes.
"Just relax, and don't fight me," I said as she nodded and returned the stare, not blinking in the slightest.
I felt some pressure at my front forehead, but I kept focused as the image of her glossy blue irises were soon replaced with an image. It was a man. Well, the dark blob of him looked like a man, for he was standing in front of some serious headlights of a vehicle. His voice seemed distorted but I can tell he was encouraging several strangers; including the woman's husband, for something to eat and such. The man pointed to the back of the supposed van and the woman's memories began to focus in more on her husband. He was somewhat handsome with a goatee and dark eyes. He said something about returning to her with some supplies, but that was it. The vision faded.
The memory faded as soon as her husband's image faded and as soon as I could see her face again, I cringed at the fresh tears that stand her face.
"He looked – so real!" She began sobbing and then she lunged at me, but only so she could cry on my shoulder. Oh boy. I don't like dealing with this kind of shit. "Please! Oh, please! You have to find him! Please find him alive!"
"I'll… do whatever I can to find him. I promise," I said as I lightly patted her on the back to try and sooth her, but even then it left a knot in my stomach. Taking out my wallet, I had her use some tissues before stuffing two hundred dollars in her hands. "Go. Clean yourself up. Eat something. Let me and the police try and find your husband and all the rest. That's all I can do."
"Thank you. Oh, thank you Dampire C! God bless!" She hugged me again and then we parted ways.
As soon as I was back trailing down the street the van had gone, I groaned in annoyance at the smell that was left on me. Oh, well. At least I did what I could to help her.
That was very kind of you, darling. The Count's voice rolls smoothly into my head. Rolling my eyes I pocketed my fists and kept walking.
I only gave her false hope. I frowned as I replied in kind for I was too busy keeping an eye out for any familiar vans. Did you see what I see?
Yes. It appears that this man was purposely hiding his identity.
So that others, who can read minds, won't be able to trace him. I finished with a growl as I turned a corner down on Twenty Ninth Street. This guy is pretty crafty. Or – he is a vampire and he knows how to hide from me – even you!
So it would seem. I heard him reply bitterly as I thought about anyone else in the vampiric world to be turning against me. There is no time to relay a message to the Council, my C. He countered my thoughts as I hastened my pace down the sidewalk. This fool must be found soon! If not tonight!
Right. He could catch on that we are looking for him and might attack sooner! Which meant that any of the Homeless could already be dead or worse; undead! This is sooo not good! Hearing a ring from my phone, I pulled it out and opened it.
"Yes?" I called into it rather roughly.
"Find anything?" Olivia's voice asked, obviously ignoring my foul attitude.
"Just a 'playback' from what Elliot said," I replied as I walked passed a few beat up buildings and that's when I felt it. Someone watching me. "Guys. Are you close by?"
"Yes. We're just a few cars behind you. Why?" She asked, noting the change of my tone.
Turning my eyes up to the building I felt the wind blow by along with a familiar scent. Blood. It seemed fresh too.
I smell it too! Stay where you are! I am coming!
"Get out of that car and come here!" I ordered and hung up before she could ask any questions. Dracula had appeared before me and we were looking between two buildings; standing across the street from each other. Tall and thick with age, something seemed off about them instead of the regular, abandoned and broken down look.
"The blood seems to be coming from inside that place," He pointed out to the building across the street as I watched the two Detectives coming towards us from the corner of my eye.
"But I felt like someone was watching me from this one," I pointed to the old thing from right next to us.
"Whomever it may be could be masking themselves, for I do not sense anything," The Count said and then pointed back to the building from across the street. "Except for the blood that I smelled in this one."
"Blood? Don't tell me you two are getting thirsty already!" Elliot mocked casually as he and Olivia stood beside us.
"We might as well split up then," I suggested as I spotted the sun setting down behind some far off buildings. "Olivia and I can take this building, while you guys take that one." I pointed to the other building.
"Being sexist again, C?" Elliot smirked as I rolled my eyes while Dracula glared in return.
"Actually, I wanna see how well you guys team up and bond," I stated calmly. When they exchanged looks of horror and disgust from each other and then back to me, I just had to smile while Olivia tried to hide hers. "That was a joke."
"A poor one at that, darling," Dracula hissed as he and the rather disappointed Detective crossed the quiet street and towards the building. "Do let me know if you find someone."
"Ya, ya, ya. You know I got this!" I waved of as Olivia and I headed for the doors of the abandoned pile of stone, wood and whatever else that kept it up on its foundation.
"Why is it that vampires and other demons hide out in wreaked old buildings?" Olivia asked as she and I passed through the doors and started down a long hallway.
"Call it a 'self-image' problem," I said coolly as I took every step with caution. I wasn't planning on getting jumped any time soon. "To live somewhere that's as dark and bleak as you makes you feel better."
"You think so?"
"I don't know. Got that from a psychiatrist once," I turned to meet her gaze and she tilted her head to one side and gave me a 'really?' look. "Just stay alert. Remember you're not hunting for every day criminals here. We could be dealing with a psychotic, undead, bastard."
"Thanks for clearing that with me." She replied rather stiffly, yet I heard her pull out her gun.
"This really sucks."
"You're vocabulary is quit amusing," The Count smirked as the mortal rolled his eyes at him.
"Let's just get one thing strait here, Count," Elliot started out sternly. "I'm the Officer in charge here! I don't care how old you are or what rank you are in the Undead World. When you are in New York, Law Enforcement takes over!"
"And I'm sure your officers have done a fine job over the years," Dracula drawled out rather coolly, "Unlike my time, when those who feared death by committing even 'one' crime; rarely occurred."
"Is that supposed to be irony?" Elliot asked bitterly as they moved on through the building. It was starting to get dark and so he had to pull out his flashlight, but he noticed how the Count didn't need light to see. Of course, being a vampire made him eligible to see through darkness. "See anything yet?" The man asked as the old bat had moved three rooms ahead of him.
"No. But the blood is still here. Fresh," He replied making Elliot's skin bump up and down his spin.
"What a way to phrase it," He muttered as he kept searching each abandoned room.
Ignoring the man's annoying rantings, the Count moved to the lower levels of the old building. With the scent of blood getting stronger he didn't stop until he would find its source. Odd thing was that there was no scent of maimed flesh or even a body. Just – blood. Why? What did it mean? Although his intuition told him he should recognize the situation, he couldn't. Something was wrong.
No one, besides them, was in this thing. It stank of rot and dust, but the blood was still as strong as ever. Following its path to the next level down, the Count took note of how the atmosphere changed.
Someone was killed down here. He thought as the smell of fear and death practically wafted around him.
"Count? Where'd you go?" The Detective's voice echoed to him, but he didn't reply. "You better not 'jump scare' me or I will fire on you!"
Dracula was too focused on the closed room before him to care about the man's fears. Without another thought, the vampire summoned his shadows and opened the door and it swung and hit the wall with a loud bang. When he entered the room, he could tell that there was no body, but the scent of blood was now so fresh it made his throat tight.
"What the Hell you doing down here?" Elliot managed to catch up to him as the beam of his flashlight shown over the Count's shoulder.
"You may want to see this, Detective," The vampire said darkly as his bright blue eyes spotted something on the far wall.
"What is it?" The mortal stood next to him and then flashed the light on the wall to get a better look. What they both saw made their stomachs tighten. "Oh my God."
Writing. Written in the blood that the Count had smelled earlier. Big and bold lettering was shining off the Detectives light as they both silently read the morbid message.
DEATH SHALL COME TO THOSE YOU HOLD DEAR! LET YOURSELF SHED YOUR FINAL TEAR! FOR THE MOON SHALL RELEASE ITS POWERFUL LEER! THUS HER FATE SHALL BE SEALED!
"What the Hell does this mean!?" Elliot breathed out, for his heart was starting to race. "'The moon shall release its powerful leer?' Just what does that mean to you!?"
No! Not again! This cannot be!? The Counts mind began to race and, if his heart was still beating, it too would be pounding like the drums of war. War. This was a sign of war from an enemy. That he knew for sure. He had seen this sign before! Back when C was… Oh no!
"Call the woman! NOW!" Dracula ordered, his face was the exact expression of hidden fury.
"What's going on? You know what this means?" Elliot asked but he brought out his phone and began to dial anyway.
"Tis a sign I have seen before. Similar to what I found when C had disappeared almost six months ago," Dracula felt his throat tighten as the will to hasten the man's phone was tempting, but he left the Detective alone. But, after a few flat rings his phone suddenly went silent.
"Shit! I have no signal here!" Elliot cursed which in turn made Dracula nearly cruse. This was not the time for technology to delay! Both C's and that female Detective's lives were in serious danger! And, if what the rhyme they found to be true, he knew what his enemy had in store! The moon! The leer of the moon was a common reference for the most uncontrolled beast in the world! And he feared the worst for both woman!
"C? Do you sense something?" Olivia asked but I didn't answer as she and I had traveled to the fourth floor of this place. She was only starting to get the heebie jeebies! As for me; I was feeling more than a little anxious. Something was definitely not sitting well with me. Even my other half was having trouble focusing as I seemed to feel like the building itself was trapping me! Trapping us!
"I think I saw something," Olivia whispered as she slowly approached a shaggy looking room. It was dark for her eyes, but I stayed close behind her; ready to pull her out of any harm's way. Raising her gun, she professionally pointed it at both directions before going to the back of the room as I stayed in the door's frame. And – that's when I heard it. Breathing! Deep and heavy and almost growling! I felt myself tense up like a knot as Olivia was oblivious to the sound.
"Detective?" I called to her quietly, but she didn't hear me, for she was too focused on some holes in the far wall. As soon as she raised her small flashlight to it, to peer inside, nothing happened. When she shined her light to the second hole and then…
"ROOOOOAR!"
She screamed in fright at the sight of an ugly dog's head with a jaw full of sharp teeth. I quickly took action! Grabbing her by the back of the coat, I flung her out of the room as a brown haired creature smashed through the remaining wall and stood up to face me. Oh SHIT! A fucking Werewolf was standing right in front of me! I hadn't even realized it was a full moon tonight!
"C!" Olivia shouted for me as the beast began to swipe its massive claws at me. I ducked and dodged each one. When I found an opening, I aimed a kick right at its jaws, sending it spiraling backwards. It broke through another wall.
"RUN! Get out of here!" I waved at her as I kept my front to the Werewolf. Getting out my gun with some silver bullets (thank God I came prepared) and aimed the barrel at it. But it took action faster than I could pull the trigger and pounced on me, almost knocking the wind out of me. We flew over Olivia and into another room. Its claws were digging into my arms as I tried to prevent its mouth from biting me by lodging my gun between its jaws. It thrashed us and dragged me across the dirty floor as he tried to shake me free from my hold. Its growling caused him to constantly drool on my chest. YUCK! But it was better than having the dog bit me!
BANG! BANG!
The Werewolf howled in pain as it stood up from me. Turning to see the source of gunfire, I saw Olivia holding out her gun at the dog's back. IS SHE STUPIDE OR WHAT!? They were only regular bullets so of course the only thing she did was attract its attention to her and piss it off even more! She was trembling as soon as it starting to growl at her, its teeth jaws vibrating for something to chew on.
"NO! Olivia!" I shouted as she turned on her heels and ran, the huge dog not hesitating to give chase.
Olivia had NEVER been more afraid in her life! Of all the things that she had been through, even with Dampire C; THIS topped her list! She ran as hard and fast as she could to try and escape the huge monster that was pounding quickly for her! She could hear its ragged breath! Imation those teeth and black eyes! She made a quick turned, which she knew would through off the beasts pace a bit, into a spare room and closed the door. But the creature was too strong and broke down the door and she collapsed from the impact, her gun flying out of her hands. The door itself was flung on top of her, and the beast took full advantage to land on her. Her heart was in her throat as her lungs burned from the air she was quickly sucking as the thing stepped on the broken door, nearly crushing her lower body by its heavy mass.
It was about to lower its jaws at her throat and, in that moment, she sent a prayer for aide for someone! Anyone! She couldn't die like this! Not like this! And then… her prayer was answered. With a black flash, from behind the huge dog, she saw C jump onto the beast's back and began to stab at him with two knives.
The Werewolf threw his head back and howled painfully as I continued to stab and slash at its furry shoulders and back. He staggered backwards and began to try and buck me off. I remained as I dug the knives into him for leverage. He wouldn't have that and began to pound me into every wall he could find!
"C!" Olivia hollered as my ears began to bleed and my eyes saw stars for how many times I was squished and hurled into walls, but I still did not let go. If I did than I was as good as bitten! I wanted to bit back, to hold on, but I didn't want a mouth full of that dirty brown fur! Though I was having second thoughts about that, the Werewolf took advantage of my hesitation and succeeded on pulling me off of his back with one powerful, claw. He threw me into the floor and squeezed my throat and chest till I was dizzy, and then he threw me against the wall where I was now face leveled with its terrible jaws. It roared into my face, giving me a clear smell of its breath and my heart pounded with realization. I'm going to die! Or - become horribly mangled!
The Count froze when he heard a faint yet familiar roar from a distance. "No!" He breathed out and immediately zoomed out of the room and out of the building. The Detective called after him but he ignored him as he was now facing the building that his Dampire and the woman officer had disappeared into hours ago.
"Hey!" Elliot managed to reach him a few minutes later, his breathing heavy from the sudden run. "What's gotten into –?"
He stopped mid-sentence as another roar came out of the building, followed by a feminine scream.
"Oh God! The girls!" Elliot stuttered as he realized they were facing something monstrous again! Several sounds of gunfire was heard and another inhuman howl followed. It sounded like it was coming from the fourth floor! "Let's go!"
"Stop!" The Count grabbed his arm before he could take any more steps towards the place. "You are only mortal! You will not stand a chance!"
"That's MY partner in there!" Elliot yelled out in anger. "And C is in there! Do you really thing this is a time to be arguing about who stays and who goes!? You're gonna need all the help you can get, pal! And I won't take no for an answer! Got it?"
Dracula hissed in anger, but he couldn't argue with the fool. As much as he hated to admit it, he was right. There was no time and the woman needed them now! So if he was willing to be a self-righteous fool, he won't stop him.
"Fine!" Dracula growled and then allowed his dark power to engulf and transform his humanoid form. "But! You will have to take the other rout with me!"
"No! Wait –! GAAAH!" Elliot's cry of surprise was short lived as the Hell Beast form of Dracula picked him up by the arms and hauled him into the air and together they shot towards a fourth floor window where he could hear the struggles of his Dampire against a Werewolf. Dracula's teeth was set and his eyes blackened with rage as he spotted them. He WILL NOT lose her again!
I was starting to lose consciousness as the dog's teeth was ready to chomp on my face, but then I hear a familiar, demonic bat-like screech, coming from my far right.
CRASH!
With a flash of grayish skin, the dog was shoved away from me and I fell to the ground as the two beasts disappeared to some random room where I began to hear them growl, hiss and hit each other.
"C! Olivia!" I hear the voice of Elliot coming towards me and then his eyes found Olivia; for the man had appeared the same time the Count did. My eyes were still seeing spots but I saw him immediately go to his partner's side and pull of the door's remains off of her. "Liv! Are you okay!?" He grabbed her face and examined her for any injuries.
"Ye – Ya!" She breathed out heavily and then pointed in my direction, where I was still slugging against the wall, my healing abilities slowing making me recover. "She – she tried to stop that – that thing! But – but –!"
They both froze when they heard a loud snap coming from one of the two beasts, and then all went quiet. I knew the Count had won, for I could feel his dark aura pulsing with its victory over the Werewolf's demise. He must have broken his neck, for there wasn't any other option (besides a silver bullet) to stop that dog in its tracks.
"Carolyn!" I heard Dracula's panic filled voice as his heavy boots bounded my way. "Carolyn!" I heard him again and almost flinch as cold hands held each side of my battered face. "Oh, my love. Are you alright?"
"I've had better – days," I rasped out as my vision became clearer and the pounding in my head slowly disappeared. He was helping me to heal, which I wasn't complaining over. I groaned as he helped me to my feet and then pulled me into his arms. His noble chin resting on my head as I felt him tremble some. He feared for my safety. It would have been a touching moment when I realized there were other eyes watching us.
Elliot had helped Olivia to her feet as well and both were smiling in my direction. I frowned and tried to pull away, but the Count's grip was not letting up anytime soon. But then, Elliot had pulled out his gun and was now heading into the room the Count had emerged from. Though I was gonna say that Dracula had taken care of the Werewolf, I could see in his eyes that nothing was going to deter him otherwise.
Finally, the vampire released me and was looking into my eyes with relief. "I thought I almost lost you again." He breathed out honestly, for the hands holding my shoulders were still shaking some.
"Don't tell me you've lost faith in me that easily!" I smirked, but his expression didn't change. For whatever reason he truly was afraid that I was going to die or something like that! The men must have found something to indicate otherwise. That would be the only reason he seemed so protective of me now. "What did you guys find?"
"Another message written in blood," He spoke darkly as his eyes hardened at the mention of it. "I… I thought that –!"
"Hey, C! You better come and see this!" Elliot's voice interrupted the Count and we both stared into the room that he had walked into. Olivia was the first to go as we followed behind her. What we found was a messed up body of a naked man. Lying face down as my knives stuck out of both his shoulder blades; the former Werewolf.
"Wasn't it some man-beast you killed?" Elliot and Olivia stared at the corps in silent shock.
"Once a Werewolf is killed, the curse is lifted out of the man that was used, and thus leaving behind his body to die," Dracula explained coolly as he stared down at the poor man in silence. I didn't know if he felt sorry for the guy or was sending an 'RIP' prayer to him. Either way, Dracula had saved us all from a bloody end.
"Vampires, demons, and now... Werewolves," Olivia muttered more to herself as she rubbed her temples, obviously not liking our whole situation at all. "I seriously need a drink after tonight!"
"I'm with ya there!" I patted her shoulder and she sent a look of thanks to me.
"C. Look at the guy's face," Elliot pointed to the man and I walked over to him and knelt down to get a better view. What I saw made my heart sink. The man had dark eyes, which were now empty, and a goatee on his chin. He looked somewhat young and handsome even though his neck had been broken. Oh God! The Homeless woman's husband!
I stood up and ignored the worried stares I got in return, even from Dracula. I had failed to keep my promise to her. There was no way we could have known that someone was using the poor man for the Curse of the Werewolf, but still… This was really bad. I felt numb. Here I wanted to finish my case and help the city by finding their missing people only to discover a horrible truth. They were being taken and then changed into mindless beasts all to get to me!
"It's all my fault," I muttered as I turned my back on them. If I hadn't acted like some Goddamn hero these poor people wouldn't have to suffer like this! I was so hot I punched the wall, leaving a massive hole as I began to tremble with both anger and guilt.
"No!" Dracula came over towards me and wrapped his arms around me tightly. "This is NOT your fault! Do not blame yourself for the atrocities of others! You are merely a target in their eyes! Don't let yourself falter because of this!"
I didn't believe him but nor did I argue back. I was too angry. Angry at myself and at the bastard that would use the poor for his twisted schemes! I didn't hear the other two reply as they chose to silently observe than participate, which I was thankful for. But, something else was wrong as I heard Elliot take a few steps towards the poor man's body. I heard the floor creak under his weight as something beneath the floor seem to give away.
"Nobody move!" I shouted and turned to face them. Their eyes grew big at me, wondering what else could be catching me attention. Dracula's hands had moved to my shoulders, but he didn't release me as he too could hear something below and around us moving and creaking.
"What is it?" Olivia asked, fearing that it could be another Werewolf. After a few odd yet tense minutes of silence passed, Elliot finally grew impatient.
"This is stupid!" And he began to walk towards his partner. "Let's phone in some help and –!"
"NO!" I shouted but it was too late. The moment that Detective Stabler shifted his weight, the entire floor gave out on us. Along with the corps, all four of us took a long plunge down into the dark depths of the building. There was not one person that was shouting in surprise as we fell through another floor and then another until we were plunging into darkness.
Dracula had never found himself in a more humiliating situation before! Here he was; falling to God knows where along with two mortals and his Dampire, in some forgotten building in one of the most populated cities in the world! THIS was definitely more humiliating than his defeat at the hands of his old rival; Van Helsing! When there was finally solid flooring for them to land on, they all gave a loud "OAF" as they landed on several debris from the fallen flooring that came with them. Throwing a random four-by-four off of his chest, Dracula stood to assess their situation.
Their fall had kicked up lots of dust, but he could see that the two mortals seemed fine. They had landed in some sort of wide basement. His blue eyes spotted something shining and saw it was the officer's flashlight. It's beam was pointing on, from what he could tell, were metal bars. Now that was suspicious. But first, he had to make sure his Dampire was alright.
"Carolyn? Carolyn! Are you alright?" He spotted her lying just a few feet from him, her face contorting in pain. He smelled her fresh blood being spilled and feared the worst.
"Uaaagh! This is not my day," I groaned out through gritted teeth as I forced both my legs into the air, for one of my calves had been run threw by a sizable wooden splinter that had acted more like a stake. God Almighty! If I don't survive this Heaven and Hell was gonna hear it from me!
"Oh, my C," Dracula knelt down to me and brushed some of my black hair from my face (for my sticks had long been lost in this mess) as he looked sympathetic at my predicament. "Hold still!" He grabbed my ankle and lifted my impaled leg. Gritting my teeth in pain, for it burned like Hell, he grabbed the thickest end and yanked it out with one pull. I yelled out a long "OW" as the holes in my leg began to shrink with new skin. "GOD! DAMN IT ALL!" I hollered and this time the Count didn't take the time to scold me for my language. If anything, he seemed to agree whole heatedly!
"C!? You okay!?" Elliot's voice asked with worry as I spotted him being helped by Olivia out of a pile of wood and scraps of wall paper.
"Just fucking perfect!" I hissed as Dracula pulled me to my feet and examined for any more wounds I had earned during our decent into this damn place. "How are you two holding up?"
"Fine! Thanks for asking!" Elliot returned the comment in kind, for I wasn't the only one pissed at our bad luck! "Now would somebody tell me just what the Hell is going on here!?"
"It would appear that someone has purposely lead us down here," Dracula huffed out as he kicked away several rubble from his feet. Sniffing the air he froze when an all too familiar scent began to surround them all. "And – we are not alone." He tensed as he saw Elliot, unknowingly, approach one of the bars while reaching for his flashlight. A claw hand nearly grabbed his and the man stumbled back in fright as a huge, dog-like, head appeared and roared at him.
Olivia shouted as she and Elliot moved closer to Dracula and myself. Another Werewolf! What the fuck!? But – that wasn't all! There was growling and howling all around us! Lights had suddenly brighten the place and I froze at the absolute horror that surrounded us. We were in a basement full of man sized cages that held at least one Werewolf in it! There were dozens of snarling and growling, twelve foot tall dogs at us! All from brown, black, grey and even a dirty blond! Holy shit! We are in some serious trouble here!
"Jesus!" Elliot shouted in fright as his back locked with mine while Olivia stayed behind the Count and we formed a protective circle around us.
"By the Devil himself!" Dracula muttered his shock as his blue eyes widened at all the caged Werewolves around us.
I was too shocked to believe what we had fallen into. All these cursed dogs! Caged for who knows how long? When my eyes spotted to a pile of bones and ripped clothing at one Werewolf's feet, my stomach churned until I felt like getting sick. The missing Homeless! The puzzle was starting to come together now!
"Where the Hell did all these dogs come from!?" Elliot asked as his nerves were shot to no end.
"It's them," I said in a low and trembling tone. When the others turned to face me, Dracula looked just as mortified as the two Detectives. "It's the missing Homeless."
"ALL OF THEM!?" Elliot hollered out in shock as a few Werewolves snarled in his direction. "MY GOD!"
"But –! Wasn't their over sixty Homeless missing?" Olivia looked confused as she was counting each drooling and teething beast. "I only see… thirty! *Gasp!* Oh God!" She must have noticed the bones in most of the Werewolf's cages and figured what happened to the other people. They had been fed to these monsters that were once like them. It was sooo sick and inhuman that there was no easy way to accept this! This is terrible! Absolutely horrible! There were no other words to describe how despicable this was! There was just one question:
"Who would DO such a thing!?" Elliot asked as his shaking hands held his gun.
"I believe I can answer your question, Detective," A smooth, male voice came from just above us. We all heard a click followed by each footstep as our eyes searched for the approaching menace. But, Dracula and I already knew who it was going to be! That voice! That voice was the last thing I heard before I was tossed into the sea along with the cross I was bound to! His form came right above a caged Werewolf as he held his cane right under his palms. That pale face and ginger hair sneered down at the four of us as his orange eyes grew darker. His suite and top hat reflecting off some of the artificial light bulbs that hung from every other caged beast.
"Like my new collection?" He grinned his sharp fangs at us as his arms spread open in welcome.
"Cornwell!" Dracula snarled at him as his blue eyes grew dark and his claws grew, itching to tear into the undead coward.
"Another vampire!?" Elliot muttered, half shock and exhausted at once. For this was becoming some night for them all!
"Yes," Sir Charles Cornwell answered two both statements as his eyes showed how pleased he was to see us. "Though it is quite an honor to have the Prince of Darkness here in New York, I originally planned to have that half-breed here alone. But, why fret when I can kill two birds with one stone? And those mortal friends of yours. They will make a tasty meal for my Werewolves!"
"You – are one sick bastard!" Elliot commented rather stiffly. "Don't you know if you killed us, the whole state's Law Enforcement will be hunting you for the rest of your life?"
I wanted to smack Elliot right there and then, but Cornwell's amusement echoed all around us as I just glared in return. "Your mortal laws do not apply to me, good Sir!" He grinned down at the man as his eyes twinkled, like he had heard the best damn joke ever. "Although, I am sad to see such a pretty thing like her to be devoured by my pets," His eyes scanned Olivia and she trembled from his implications. "Oh well. They need to eat and I do hate it when you mortal officers get in the way of my goals. This way, I get to eliminate all my enemies at once. Though your tenacious spirit has astounded me, Dampire. You and your King WILL die tonight!"
"Like I said; sick bastard!" Elliot spat out and he almost jumped when I slipped him a gun from my private arsenal. I gave one to Olivia too and she exchanged a nervous gaze with me and then nodded. These weren't just any guns I was packing! And it will definitely help their chances down here!
"Yep!" I agreed with Elliot in my casual and cool tone as all eyes went to me in surprise. "He's sick, twisted, and just one ugly roach to squish. You didn't think I'd survive from that cross you tied me to, didn't you? Well, that's tough shit for you. I am a survivor after all! I've learned to be prepared for dealing with scum like you!"
"What? You think your little guns will save you? Don't make me laugh!" He sneered down at me hatefully.
"I think we all know who's getting the last laugh tonight!" I smirked and Dracula raised his eyebrows at me before reading my mind. He grinned in return at me as he stepped closer to my back.
"Well done, darling," His blue eyes shined with approval as I felt his hands on the handle of both my automatic handguns. He had no choice now. There was waaaay too many Werewolves to be taking out with just his Hell Beast form. So, he would go along with it, even if it is for a 'one time' deal!
"And besides, these aren't your typical guns," I smirked at him as he rose a hairy eyebrow at me. With a dramatic flair, I pulled of my overcoat and revealed my rifle (Mercy) from my back. Sure when I was getting pounded by the Werewolf, the barrel was digging into my spine! But! Now I get to use her till my heart's content. Dracula had pulled out both my guns at the same time I had brought my rifle in my hands. The two Detective's raised their own guns, which I had slipped them, and we were now pointing them at anything that was snarling in our direction.
"Their filled with silver blessed bullets!" I grinned with my fangs showing as I removed the safety and loaded the rifle's barrel with a loud SHUCK SHUCK.
"We shall see how many of those bullets you have left after you face all of them!" He hissed and then pushed a button on the side of the wall. A loud CLANG was heard and all the Werewolf cages swung open. Now free from their imprisonment, each wolf snarled and howled to attack us.
"Enough to blow away you're fucking head off!" I growled out and aimed my rifle at the nearest wolf that was going to pounce my way. With a loud BANG, he fell to the floor with a sizable hole in his chest. The fur melting off his body and his form shrinking back to the man that he had once been. "Aim for their chests!" I hollered to the only pure humans in this dump as all Hell broke loose!
Dracula had shot down two at once as the Detectives began firing at their own opponents. When a Werewolf jumped in between us, causing us to jump away, the rest of the pack began to swarm. Well, Dracula and I dodged with ease as Olivia and Elliot lost balance and were now at the mercy of four, drooling wolves. Turning to aid at them, I fired my rife. They went down like rage dolls as the other two were shot down by Dracula.
"Carolyn!" Dracula hollered to me as he threw aside one wolf and shot him in the heart. "Take those mortals out of here! I shall deal with Cornwell!" I was about to argue but his eyes flashed a warning. "GO NOW!" And with that he jumped after the retreating vampire; who was beginning to realize that his plan might fail.
"LET'S GO!" I hollered at the two and motioned them to follow me. We ran down a nearby hallway where just ahead, a set of stairs to the first floor lay before us. The race to escape was heart pounding, more for the humans than myself, but we ran as over ten of those brutes followed after. I turned around every now and then and fired at one, my aim hitting true. Elliot did the same, but he wasn't as successful. I made sure they stayed ahead of me as we ran up the stairs, already ahead of the pack.
"It's locked!" Olivia shouted as she pounded on the door like a mad woman.
"MOVE!" I yelled and she did. With one swing of my foot the door was down and we continued to run throughout the labyrinth of rooms and hallways.
"OH SHIT!" Elliot shouted as a Werewolf came out of nowhere and stood in front of us. Olivia didn't hesitate though. With one shot she had the dog down and out for the count. Patting her on the shoulder, we kept moving. "We can't let these things loose in the streets!" Elliot frantically explained and I agreed. Let alone zombies or undead vampire slaves; Werewolves would cause even more chaos in a populated area! We couldn't leave the building until they were all dead! Damn it!
"Alright! Let's keep moving up!" I said and we ran over to another set of stairs. You would think and elevator would have been more handy, but… not for this kind of crisis! As we climbed higher, we shot at any wolf that would dare approach us. Yet, as we made it to the fifth floor, the humans were starting to get winded.
"This – is – ridiculous!" Elliot gasped out as I shot down another dog. At this point most of them were cautious of their approach and were finding ways of getting the jump on us. I can hear them below as I believe they will come up threw the flooring now.
"Just don't get bitten!" I suggested as I loaded another round in Mercy. Olivia was sweating bullets herself but she didn't lower the gun as she and I were the only ones pointing at every direction the Werewolves would come from. "I lost count some time ago but I think there's five of them left." I reassured coolly as Elliot leaned up against the wall for support.
"That's what I came to as well," Olivia's chest heaved as we neared the windows.
"I still can't call for help!" Elliot cursed at his phone and tossed it aside. "I bet the bastard's found a way to block our calls!"
"I wouldn't be surprised," I said with a frown. Cornwell has always been known to be a sneaky little shit. After all, he used his former slave to stab me with a stone knife covered in snake venom, scorpion venom, and Deadly Nightshade! It left me bedridden for weeks! I'll NEVER forgive him for that! I shall avenge Onyx and all those he has wronged! Even me! I've been wanting my revenge against him for too long now! It's a shame Dracula's doing it for me, but oh well. I have to help out these two anyway. Even with my guns loaded with silver cored bullets, they wouldn't stand a chance!
"Think the Count can defeat that guy?" Elliot asked once he had caught his breath back.
"Oh, he can beat him. Easily. I'm just sorry that it won't be me," I smirked and Elliot rolled his eyes.
"Right," He drawled out and looked inside the gun's chamber. "I've got two bullets left. Got any more?"
I pulled out a clip and handed it to him. Muttering a thanks I handed one to Olivia and she took it without question.
"Did you know this would happen?" She asked, obviously questioning why I was packing a lot of heat.
"I didn't know what would happen tonight," I spoke honestly. "But I've been through enough to learn that it never hurts to be prepared."
For now, she accepted my answer. Good think to, because (just as I predicted) several, furry claws came punching through the floors. They clawed at the edges, to make the holes bigger, as the Werewolves snarled for our blood.
"Son of a bitch!" Elliot cursed as he raise the barrel to the first crazed dog to great him. "I hope your lover tears that guy a new one for me!"
"At least you're not getting knocked out!" I replied and shot down a second, gray Werewolf. He fell back down the hole he came from as the blond Werewolf raced at me. Olivia nicked its arm, but that only pissed it off even more. I jumped in front of her and nailed the butt end of Mercy into the mutt's snout. The dog slid back some and sneezed from my blow. Those dark eyes looked up at me as his jaws vibrated angrily. Two black Werewolves and this blond were left. No turning back now! I noticed how Elliot and Olivia were ready while the three dogs seemed to wait for the right moment to pounce.
They all jumped at us at once. Swinging quickly, I gave a good roundhouse kick into the dirty blond wolf's chest, sending him flying into a cubicle. Olivia had dived away to the side and fired as Elliot fell to the ground and began firing every round he had at the dogs face. Elliot's Werewolf was down for the count (when he finally hit it in the chest that is). Olivia's opponent had dodged most of the bullets and saw me as a second option. He dived and succeeded to ram me through a wall. I felt something sharp run through my shoulder as the Werewolf's claws ripped into my lower gut. With a good kick, I managed to throw him off me before he could sink his teeth into my other shoulder. Raising Mercy, I didn't think twice as I pulled the trigger.
BANG!
The dog fell backwards and reverted back into the Homeless he had once been. Gasping in pain, I looked to see a broken piece of metal sticking out of my shoulder. "Oh, shit!" I spat and noticed that I had released some blood as well. My stomach was in a mess and I wondered why I wasn't healing faster. Until I smelled it. Poison. The claws of those Werewolves had been laced with the same poison I had been stabbed with almost half a year ago. Damn it all!
"C!" Olivia panicked as she saw the state I was in. "Oh my God!"
"Should I pull this out?" Elliot asked as he knelt down to examine the metal that was still in my shoulder.
Stupid question. "Yes!" I wheezed out as my body began to tremble with sickness and pain. The poison was working its way fast through my body. At this rate, I don't think I'd be able to heal! The Werewolf we had first fought must have had poison too, for the scratches on my arms were still there. The poison was just now kicking in. Oh, Jesus! What do I do now?
I hissed in pain as Elliot pulled out the piece of metal with all his might. "Sorry!" He steadied me upright and tossed the shard away. "Hey! What wrong with you? You look horrible!"
"C?" Olivia looked at me. Concern was written all over her face as my breathing became elaborate and my skin felt hot. "What's happening to you?"
"Poison," I spat weakly and tried to level myself on my feet, but the poison had already locked my legs from moving.
"What!? Poison!? How!?" Elliot gaped at me as the two tried to help me to my feet, but I might as well be standing on Jell-O.
"From – their claws," My voice started to sound weaker. Damn that Cornwell! I hope Dracula's giving it to him before I pass out! Although, passing out sounded rather good, a movement ahead of us had caught my attention.
The blond Werewolf had gotten up from my recent attack and was now charging at us with all his snarling might. Summoning the last of my strength I tossed the two Detectives aside right before the beast rammed into me. We flew backwards and right out the fifth story window. With the sound of breaking glass we fell through the air and straight down to the awaiting sidewalk. It all seemed to go slowly as I kicked the dog off of me and raise Mercy to his chest. With one loud BANG, I managed to kill the Werewolf right before hitting the ground.
The fall left me jarred and I heard several of my bones break as my limbs rolled to the side unmoving. The poison was now burning me up as my blood flowed from me, leaving me lying in a puddle of it. I felt my mind go fussy as the light of a street lamp was flickering overhead, or… was it my vision? I couldn't tell as I could hear my heartbeat actually struggling to pump whatever blood I had left to my head. It was the first time I felt weak and – dying.
I'm dying. It's happening. I'm really dying. I thought and I couldn't help the small smile that continued to grow on my face. I can die after all. Te he. And here – I thought – I couldn't. Shows what I know… about… being me.
I heard somebody shout for me, but it sounded distant. Like on the other side of a canyon. A far away voice in the wind. It started to sound stronger as I heart echoing footsteps coming towards me. Who is it? Who is coming to see me at my end? Will it be an angel or a demon that will take me away for my final journey?
"C!" A horse feminine voice called out to me and then I felt a pair of hands help roll me on my back. I hadn't even realized I had landed on my side until now. "C! Oh God! Oh please God, no! C!" She sounded broken. Sad. Why? I can die now. She shouldn't feel sad for me.
"Oh no," A second more male voice came in as my eyes tried to focused on the faces that hovered over me.
"Heal, C! Why aren't you healing!?" She shook me some. Didn't she already know? I already told her I was poisoned, and so it slowed down my healing abilities. But, I still don't understand why she looked so upset. I know I looked like Hell, but I didn't feel pain anymore. I felt… like I was starting to float. I just seemed to be still in my body, as if waiting for something… or someone. Ah. Now I remember who. Him.
"Liv. She's dying," Elliot's voice sounded weak and sad as well after i felt his hand touch my wrist, obviously noticing how weak my pulse was getting. What is it with these two? Why do they not want me to die?
"No! NO! She can't die! You can't die! Not now!" Olivia tried to reason with her as the Dampire's hazel eyes looked glossy and far away, yet she was smiling. A peaceful smile too. Like someone who was ready to die. "C! Please! You found yourself again! You and Dracula made up! Remember!? You can't die now!" Tears were falling from her brown orbs as she continued to shake the woman, as if to wake her up. "C? C!"
I guess I shouldn't leave now but how can I stay? I thought as I tried to outstretch my mind to reach his. I'll forever regret it if I can't talk to him one last time. Forgive me. I'm sorry… Master… I wasn't strong enough… I'm sorry.
Carolyn!
BOOM! BOOM! I'm back everyone! I am soooo sorry for the long wait and all! My laptop's hard drive had to be replaced and from then I just got sick and then I had family stuff to take care of. I hope this next Chapter makes you all realize that I am NOT giving up on this story! Thank you all for your support and awesome REVIEWS!
I hope the jump scare scenes didn't get you that badly! Lol Well, I'm going to start on the LAST CHAPTER NOW! That's right! This story is almost done! See what happens at the end! What will Dracula do and what will C chose!? Will Cornwell meet his maker or will he escape to leave the Count morning over C!? Come and read the final Chapter to find out!
Thank you once again for being sooo patient with me and for sticking to me for sooo long! :'D Your REVIEWS keep me going! REVIEW and REVIEW and I'll see you all again soon in the Grand Finally!
Love you all! BR2