A/N: Chap 5 of Masked Rider Fang!
Tamashii sat down, listening to Seras' report. "So…this 'person' defeated the Fangire?" asked Tamashii.
"Yes, I never got his name, though," answered Seras.
"And you went after the Fangire on your own?"
"Ye-yes," stuttered Seras, knowing that she went against orders. Tamashii said nothing to her; he simply examined the picture. Tamashii's eyes flashed briefly, the pupils become narrow slits, once again giving him an animalistic look. He looked at the picture, but it was more like he was looking beyond the picture, seeing things that the eye couldn't normally see.
He placed the picture down and his eyes returned to normal. "I can't tell who this really is. One thing is for sure though; he's a vampire, meaning he's just another target. You're dismissed, Seras. Get some sleep; you've had a long day." Seras nodded and walked toward her room. Tamashii continued to look at the picture. "Strange, even my Ryuugan can't see who he truly is under that armour…" His eyes flashed and he grabbed his head in agony. Images flashed in his head. One image was prominent though, a ring, depicting a skull engulfed in flames. "Damn memories…" he muttered.
Devlin stood atop one of the many residential buildings in Amity Park. It was night and currently the dhampir was observing a fight between Danny and the ever so frequent Skulker, who called himself the 'Ghost Zone's Greatest Hunter.' Fangula perched himself on Devlin's shoulder, watching the battle with some degree of interest and curiosity. He was curious as to why his partner wanted to be here.
"Aren't you supposed to be picking up Danielle for a date?" Fangula asked.
"Oh, I am," Devlin smirked. "But maybe I should make myself, I mean Fang, known to Daniel again."
"You wish to rub this new power in his face, right?" Fangula asked. He knew that was one of the many reasons why Devlin was here. Devlin rolled up his sleeve.
"Oh, but of course." Fangula flew off Devlin's shoulder and bit down on the exposed arm. The dhampir gasped as he felt the rush of power running through his veins before the ghostly chains wrapped around his waist. The chains then morphed into his Fang Belt. Grabbing Fangula, Devlin said, "Henshin," before attaching the vampire onto the front and leaping off the roof.
"Wake Up!" both Devlin and Fangula called out as the chains wrapped around them, before expanding and shattering.
Danny and Skulker stopped their fight for a moment to see a new figure enter the scene. Danny's eyes widened, recognizing the figure from several nights ago and from Danielle's story.
"Who is that?" Skulker smirked, looking at the armoured form of Fang. He seemed to be sizing up his new prey. "Might make a nice addition to my wall."
Silently, Fang dashed towards Skulker and smashed his fist into the hunter's face. Skulker never even saw it coming and neither did Danny. Danny shouted, "Hey, that's my bad guy!" He flew after Fang.
Skulker activated one of his cannons and fired but Fang ducked and landed a vicious knee strike into Skulker's metal stomach. He then grabbed Skulker by the shoulders and threw him over his shoulder. Skulker landed hard on the asphalt as Fang turned around. Skulker roared and fired several deadly missiles at Fang but they were blocked by a green ecto-shield. The missiles exploded but did no damage to Fang or the shield. Turning his head slightly, Fang could see Danny standing behind him.
Danny gave Fang a look before flying at Skulker again, both ghostly fighters trading punches, kicks and ecto-blasts as they flew high into the air. Fang watched as the two combatants fought and admired the green explosions in the sky.
"Ready to finish this?" Fangula asked. Fang nodded.
"Release the Chains!" Fang called out as the chains around the metal surrounding his right boot loosened. He then kicked up his right leg, allowing the chains to shatter and the wings to spread up. Looking up and taking aim, Fang leapt high into the air. Danny could see Fang flying into the air and gasped.
"Woah," Danny let out before he saw Fang coming back down again.
"DARK MOON BREAK!!" Fang roared before coming down on Skulker like a meteor. The hunter was caught off guard as the kick smashed into him and took him down to the ground. He crashed onto the street, hard, as a crater shaped like a bat formed under his body. A glowing bat-shaped logo was also shining on his chest as Fang stepped off. Skulker struggled to stand but his suit was malfunctioning. He gave Fang one last glare before his suit finally exploded. From the remains, Fang could make out a small and green frog-like glob digging its way up. Kneeling down, he grabbed the glob, which was actually Skulker's true form under all that armour.
"Unhand me!" Skulker screeched. "I am the Ghost Zone's greatest hunter! Bow down to me!" Fang heard Danny floating behind him and turned around to see the halfa armed with his Fenton Thermos. Nodding, he threw Skulker into the air. The Fenton Thermos fired a beam that caught Skulker and sucked him in before Danny fastened the cap on. He then turned his attention towards Fang who stared back at him.
"Who are you?" Danny asked. The only answer he got was Fang pointing towards the crater before he turned to walk away. Danny wanted to go after him, but a sudden fog rolled by and obscured his vision. The fog then cleared away. Fang had suddenly vanished like before.
The faint green mist seeped through the gaps of the windows before collecting together. The gas then solidified into a male figure. Devlin had once again escaped from being questioned by Danny. He walked over to the window and opened it up so that Fangula could enter. Despite being able to phase through solid matter, Devlin's home had been enchanted so that no ghost, except for Danielle, could enter using the power of intangibility.
"Now that was fun," Devlin said as he took off his hat and shed off his vest, tie and shirt, wearing only his slacks and black long-sleeved undershirt. "To see that look on Daniel's face."
"Shouldn't you be picking up Danielle for that date of yours?" Fangula questioned before hanging himself on a special perch on the ceiling. "She would be wondering where you are."
"Once Daniel tells her that he saw Fang, I doubt she'd be wondering," Devlin said as he took out a clean shirt from his closet. He slipped into it and buttoned it up before tying on a new neck-tie. "Besides, I was just showing Daniel what I could do."
Fangula frowned and reminded Devlin, "We're supposed to be fighting the Fangires, remember? Ghosts are none of your concern."
"Doesn't mean I shouldn't fight them at all," Devlin said as he put on a vest and a new hat. Putting on his shades, he then got ready to leave.
"Do you have the whistle with you?" Fangula asked. Devlin had told him to never follow him around.
Devlin took the Fang-Whistle out of his pocket and showed it to Fangula briefly before slipping it back into the pocket. "Don't worry about me. If there's a Fangire, I'll give you a call." He then closed the door behind him.
When he was sure Devlin was gone for his date, Fangule flew over to a telephone and picked up the receiver, dropping it on its back before dialling a number. After a few seconds, he finally received an answer.
"Hello, who is this?" the voice on the other end asked.
"Top Hat, how is it going?" Fangula asked.
"Oh, I am doing well here. The mansion is almost ready for you. When it's done, it will be the ideal home worthy of you and your partner." Topper then asked, "And about the stones…"
"I'm still looking!" Fangula explained. "The boy has hid them someplace he hasn't told me about. It's like he doesn't trust me."
"Trust can be easily broken but takes a long time to take shape. Have patience, My Lord."
Fangula grumbled. He'd been patient already for far too long now. He had to find those stones, now!
"And then the guy vanishes without a word!" Danny sighed as he ranted to his sisters.
"So this guy beat Skulker," Jazz blinked. "He must be tough then. Even you have trouble beating him sometimes." Jazz had come to visit over the weekend. She was currently attending college and majoring in psychology.
Danielle was only half-listening. She was busy getting herself ready by checking herself in the mirror. Going on a date with Devlin always made her nervous. She wasn't sure why. Maybe it was because he was so mature or because he was so handsome. She always felt so plain compared to him when he went through the effort to make himself look good for dates. It justified why she tried so hard to look good to him. Even if he liked her no matter how she looked.
"What do you think, Danielle?" asked Danny.
"Huh?" Danielle blinked as she turned to her brother. "Uh…sounds like a tough guy I suppose. If he isn't attacking you then he's probably a good guy though."
Danny frowned. "I don't trust him." He crossed his arms.
"More like you don't like the competition," Jazz said. "I think you're jealous."
"Me? Jealous?" Danny scoffed. "Jazz, please don't make jokes that aren't funny."
"Well, he does sound stronger than you," Jazz said.
"He just got lucky," Danny muttered. Danielle rolled her eyes and sighed. No matter what form they were in, both he and Devlin would always end up with their rivalry. It was like the natural order between those two.
Danielle heard the doorbell and practically flew towards it yelling, "I got it!" She was so eager and hoping that it was Devlin that all her feelings of nervousness evaporated. She opened the door to see Devlin holding a bouquet of roses and wearing a smile.
"Good evening, Danielle," Devlin said with a wink. "I'm here to pick you up for our date. These flowers are for you," Danielle took the flowers and sniffed them before sighing.
"Thank you, Devlin," Danielle said before kissing him lightly on the lips. Devlin seemed to revel at the short contact.
"Bring her back by 10, OK?" Jazz reminded the dhampir as she took the flower from Danielle. Devlin tipped his hat.
"Most certainly, Jasmine," he said, winking at her. He then took Danielle's hand in his. "Let us make the most of tonight then, my darling."
As the two young teens walked away from the house towards Devlin's scooter, Danny just slouched in his seat. Over time he'd come to accept Devlin as Danielle's boyfriend. Compared to the rest of the male population, Devlin was actually decent guy. He was smart, sophisticated, and a gentleman. The only flaw he could see was that Devlin was as secretive as his brother.
That, and the fact that Devlin was an arrogant, sarcastic and pretentious prick, at least in Danny's eyes. Devlin could be a jerk to those he disliked and a friend to those he liked.
Despite all that, Danny trusted Devlin with Danielle. He knew from experience that Devlin would risk everything for Danielle. He had even attempted to murder Vlad for 'killing' Danielle before she was permanently restored. Seeing the Bat Orphenoch tear into Vlad had been frightening.
The scooter stopped in front of their first stop, which was Café Mal d'amour. It seemed like the ideal spot to start their date. Removing his helmet as he dismounted, Devlin helped Danielle off her own bike and helped her remove her own helmet. She frowned when she discovered she had helmet hair.
"Oh, my hair's ruined," Danielle pouted. She had properly brushed it before. Devlin then touched her hair.
"Turn around," he softly instructed and she did. He removed it out of its usual ponytail before Danielle felt a brush running through her hair. She gasped slightly in pleasure as she felt his hand on her shoulder. She was wearing a dark blue tank top and blue jeans. Nothing too fancy, but Devlin loved her in it. She then felt him stop and he spun her around to kiss her lips. He pulled away, leaving her panting.
"You should wear your hair down more often," he said, caressing her raven tresses with his gloves hand. She knew he could steel feel through them. She sighed a bit. "You look lovely, Danielle."
"I think I'm a little plain compared to you," Danielle admitted.
Devlin chuckled, "Luv, you could wear a potato sack and I'd still say you were the most beautiful creature I had ever laid eyes on." He then took her hand in his. "Shall we?"
Danielle beamed as Devlin led her towards the entrance of the café and opened the door for her. They then entered, welcomed by a familiar face.
"Welcome to Café Mal d'amour," Seras greeted and then noticed who they were. "Oh, Devlin, Danielle. What brings you two here?"
"We're on a date, Seras," Devil said. Seras frowned for a second before smiling.
"Your usual table, right?" Seras said.
"Yes," Devlin nodded. Since their first visit, the table they had sat at had become their usual table. No one else was allowed to sit there since it had become symbolic as the first table the first customers had sat at. Devlin and Danielle sat down on the table where a white tablecloth was laid out and the menus sat. Apparently, Devlin had reserved the table beforehand. Devlin idly noted that the café now had customers. Obviously the advertising worked. Seras then returned to take their orders.
"So, the usual drinks for starters?" Seras asked.
"Chamomile tea, please," Devlin ordered.
"I'll have an ice cold glass of watermelon juice," Danielle ordered.
"Coming right up," Seras said before swiftly going over to the bar.
"So, heard anything new today?" Devlin asked, smirking.
"Oh, just about a certain armoured hero beating Skulker," Danielle said. "Danny won't stop talking about you."
"He talks about me?" Devlin questioned.
"Actually, he talks about Fang," Danielle said before correcting herself, "Well, it's more like complaining."
"Ah, envy. I doubt he'd admit it."
"Are you trying to gain fame?" Danielle looked at her boyfriend sceptically.
"Whatever do you mean?" Devlin cynically asked.
"Look, I know you and Danny don't like each other, but can you please get along for me?" Danielle pleaded. Devlin sighed and smiled at her.
"You know I can't ever say no to you," Devlin said before tapping her nose gently. "Love you too much."
"And I love you."
Seras brought their drinks and now the couple was ready to order. Danielle ordered the Fish and Chips with the side of salad and Devlin ordered a steak, medium rare. Seras then asked if they would want any desert after their meal and the couple unanimously agreed on a large chocolate, vanilla and strawberry sundae.
Fangula flew over towards Devlin's closet in an attempt to seek out the Fangire soul stones but to no avail. He knew he could wait but he needed to know NOW! He then decided to rummage through Devlin's desk drawers and found something quite interesting. It was a folded up sheet of paper with the SB emblem printed on it. Fangula knew that Devlin's family ran a company with the same initials so he placed the paper on the floor and unfolded it. He then examined what was drawn on the paper.
"Quite an impressive machine," Fangula admired. These were plans for a special motorbike dubbed the Blood Fang. It included the design specs, schematics as well as a detail of its equipment and functions. "The boy has been holding out on me. This is the perfect steed for him." He then folded the paper back up. "Maybe Topper can do something with this."
He flew over to the window and pushed it open before flying into the night's sky, carrying the plans.
Devlin and Danielle enjoyed their meal together. They just talked about things that had happened recently.
Danielle was surprised when he mentioned the name Kitty, Johnny 13's girlfriend.
"You did her makeup?" Danielle blinked.
"A few times," Devlin answered. "I don't discriminate my clients, Danielle, even if they are enemies."
"Anyone else we know as enemies ask you to do their makeup for them?" Danielle asked suspiciously.
Devlin counted with his fingers and listed it out, "Well, there's Desiree and…Spectra."
"Spectra!?" Danielle blurted out in shock.
"She likes looking young and she pays well. That's basically it, unless you want to add on Paulina, Star and Claire to the list."
Danielle frowned. The A-List girls were some of the people she hated in high schools. "Do you still have to do their makeup?"
"It's my responsibility, luv," Devlin frowned. "I wish I could stop, but it's my passion…"
Danielle placed her hand on his. "I understand. Asking you to stop doing girls' makeup for them would be like asking me to stop being a hero. It's who we are."
"I'm glad you understand, luv," Devlin said before kissing her hand. She giggled. It tickled.
Inside of his castle, Vlad Masters sat in a plush chair while staring at several papers in his hands. He made it a point to keep up on everything that was going on in Amity Park that concerned the odd or strange. What the papers didn't report, his ghost spies that he had in the Amity Park did.
Recently, his attention was focused on the appearance of bodies that were as clear as glass. He had desperately wanted to examine the bodies himself, but there were no opportunities to get at them yet.
His contacts in the Ghost Zone hadn't reported a ghost that had abilities like that. If there was, then it was a new guy. This guy was probably someone who hadn't appeared yet. If that was true, then Vlad wanted to meet up with this new ghost.
Another figure that warranted his attention was this armoured figure that was found fighting some of the oddest creature that the spies had ever seen. He had defeated several of the creatures with surprising force. Enough force to destroy the bodies and release what Vlad assumed to be a soul. The figure was collecting the creatures' souls.
Perhaps he was someone who gathered souls and sent them to the Ghost Zone? Many questions pooled in Vlad's mind. Then again, there was simple way of finding the answers was by meeting with this individual in person.
And maybe persuade this individual to join him.
Fangula was hanging out in the mansion that he had purchased under Devlin's name and Topper was having remodelled. The top hat wearing being was reading over the plans for the Blood Fang.
"Hm," Topper pondered as he read them over. "Very nice. Devlin is indeed a smart one. This vehicle is very much suited for him and you in this modern age."
"Oh yes," Fangula nodded. "If I had my body today, I would have the same kind of vehicle for myself."
"And it's only a coincidence that numerous women of this age like men with motorcycles?" asked Topper with a smirk.
"Don't start with me, Top Hat," Fangula growled. "Otherwise I will not commission you for the construction of this vehicle."
"Oh perish the thought, My Lord!" Topper smiled. "I'm only having fun. Now, why me? Smart Brain Corporation can easily make this for Devlin." Topper had spotted the emblem on the plans.
"Ahh, true," Fangula agreed. "However, they do not have access to the same kinds of materials that you do."
"So, you want me to get materials from 'there'?" Topper asked with a growing smile. "It will cost you. Both for materials and the labour needed for construction."
"And what kind of amount are we looking at here?" asked Fangula with some trepidation. Topper's prices could vary depending what you asked and what you had to offer.
"I may be able to think of…something," Topper mused. Fangula shivered at those words. "In the meantime, shouldn't you be looking after your partner?"
"He's fine," Fangula assured him. "It's not like he's totally helpless. He has his vampire abilities and those potions that he carries around with him often."
"He has the whistle I gave you, right?" Topper asked.
"If he didn't, I wouldn't have left him alone," answered Fangula.
"I would very much like to meet your young partner one day," Topper smirked.
"You might just get your chance as soon as this place is finished."
After dinner and sharing dessert, Devlin decided to take Danielle to the park for a walk. Actually, Danielle had flown both of them to the park. Devlin had to admit that he loved flying with Danielle. He couldn't fly outside of his Orphenoch form and flying with her felt oh so wondrous.
"This is amazing!" Devlin exclaimed as Danielle smiled down at him.
"Danny told me that he always flew with Sam like this," Danielle giggled.
"I can see why Samantha enjoys this," Devlin laughed merrily. The smell of the night air, the light of the moon, the sparkling stars and everything seemed so different whilst one was flying.
They then landed on the pathway in the park and Danielle turned back to human form, hugging Devlin arm.
"If only I had my violin with me," Devlin said as he walked with her down the path. "That would make this night perfect."
"You can do that while serenading me later," Danielle sighed as she leaned against him. Danielle let go of his arm before looping her arms around his neck and kissing him. His eyes closed as the kiss deepened. However, his hearing then picked up on something. He reluctantly broke the kiss but Danielle hadn't had enough as she began to kiss his neck. He moaned but was able to ask, "Did you hear something?"
"What?" she asked whilst kissing his ear. He shuddered at the contact. His ears were quite sensitive and the way she touched them made his entire being tingle.
"I thought I heard something," he said. He took her hand. "Come on." He then led her towards the direction of the sound. It sounded almost like…a violin? Who was playing a violin in the park in this hour of the night?
They arrived at a gazebo and both teens could see a woman dressed in a white sleeveless dress playing a piano. Her hair was done up in a beautiful bun. Danielle admired the woman as she played the piano. However, while Devlin enjoyed the music, his eyes were narrowed at the woman standing in the gazebo. Something didn't fit around here.
Devlin and Danielle could see a jogger, walking towards the woman like he was in some sort of deep trance. It was the music! He then realised what the woman was when he saw a octopus tentacle coming out from behind her.
Devlin knew he had to act quickly. His claws lengthened before he jumped into the gazebo and slashed at the tentacle. The tentacle quickly withdrew into its owner and the woman stopped playing, glaring at Devlin.
"How dare you!?" the woman yelled angrily. Danielle and the jogger were suddenly free of their trance. Devlin eyed the violin and then with a quick swing of his arm, broke the strings.
"Stopping you," Devlin answered, with a smirk, "Fangire."
The woman let out a loud hiss before her body began to change. She gained red skin and a large bulbous head with a beak and small eyes. Tentacles hung down her back like a cape and her feet looked like boots with pointed up toes. Danielle gasped in shock at seeing a Fangire change in front of her while the jogger let out a scream and stumbled backwards before tripping.
"Danielle, get the man out of here!" Devlin ordered as his claws retracted. "I'll handle her!"
Danielle nodded and helped the man up before running off with him. She would return to help Devlin.
Devlin dodged as a tentacle lashed out at him. He then pulled out his whistle and blew.
"It sounds like he's calling you," Topper said as he cupped his left ear.
"Work on that vehicle, Top Hat!" Fangula reminded before flying out the window to assist his partner.
The tentacle wrapped tightly around Devlin's throat as he struggled to remove it. He had been careless and the thing had grabbed him.
"You cost me my meal!" the Octopus Fangire screamed, "Now you'll take his place!"
Devlin then saw a black and white blur in the corner of his eye and smirked. The Fangire wondered what he was smiling about before a green blast of ectoplasmic energy exploded in her side. With a loud screech, the Fangire released Devlin who began to cough as he breathed in much needed air.
Danielle, in her ghost mode, glared at the Fangire with her illuminating green eyes as she helped Devlin up to his feet. "Are you okay?" she asked her boyfriend."
"I am, now that you're here, luv," he smiled at his girlfriend. He could hear Fangula flapping behind him as he rolled up his sleeve. "Let's finish her off!"
The Fangire growled and then fired black balls of explosive ink from its mouth at the two hybrids. Danielle quickly summoned up a green dome of energy to block the blasts. When the blasting stopped, the Fangire had escaped.
"Where did she go?" Danielle asked but Devlin didn't answer as he ran off. "Devlin, hey!"
"I'm going after her!" Devlin shouted. "I'll be right back!"
"Be careful!" Danielle shouted after him, cupping her hands around her mouth.
The Octopus Fangire was back in her human form and running from the scene. She hadn't expected to have any interference with her feeding for tonight. Just who were those two children? Most of all, her violin was ruined. Where was she going to find a replacement now?
"Your violin playing maybe beautiful, but the way you use it is a mockery," Devlin commented as he walked across her path and stood in front of her.
"You!" she yelled, changing into her Fangire form.
Fangula flew into Devlin's hand and he pressed the small vampire against his exposed arm. The Fangire rushed at him just as his Orphenoch markings appeared on his skin and the ghostly chains wrapped around his waist before materializing the blood red Fang Belt.
Devlin ducked and then raised up his hand to grab the tentacle aimed for his head. "Henshin!" Devlin called as he attached Fangula to his belt.
"Wake Up!" Devlin and Fangula called out as the chains wrapped around the both of them like a steel cocoon before expanding and thus shattering like glass, revealing the fully armoured form of the Masked Rider known as Fang.
The Fangire was taken aback by this as Fang let go of the tentacle and charged at her, smashing his fist into her beak. The Fangire screeched and lashed out her tentacles. Using his enhanced agility, he was able to dodge the lashing of the tentacles, further annoying the Fangire.
He then rushed out at her and grabbed her by the waist, causing the Octopus Fangire to drop her violin damaged before it was crushed under Fang's foot. This enraged the Fangire further as she threw Fang into a lamppost. He stood up but then received a barrage of black exploding ink balls. When the barrage ended, the Fangire had once again escaped.
"She's gone," Fangula said with deep disappointed.
Fang nodded and was about to leave when he heard a sound of applause.
"Very impressive."
Fang recognised that voice. It was a voice he hated with all his heart. His fists clenched tightly as he turned around to see the ghostly form of Vlad Plasmius.
"You handled yourself very well, my friend," Plasmius said as he walked over towards Fang. The Rider stood stationary as he watched the evil halfa approach him. "Too bad that thing, whatever it was, got away."
Fang remained silent, which suited Plasmius just fine. He just loved to hear himself talk.
"So, do you have a name?" Plasmius asked. He didn't receive an answer from Fang. "Well, speak up!" Plasmius ordered. Still no answer. Fang then turned away from Plasmius. He had other matters to attend to, more important than trading words with Vlad.
"Don't you dare turn your back on me!!" Plasmius shouted as he sent an ectoplasmic eyebeam at Fang's back. Fang spun around and swung his fist, deflecting the beam. Plasmius' eyes widened in shock. He had never seen anyone, save for Pariah Dark, deflect one of his blasts like that.
Fang then turned back around and walked away as a thick fog rolled up. When the fog faded, Fang had vanished. Vlad gritted his teeth in anger. He hated being ignored. One day, he would find out the identity of this masked man. One day…
He swore on it.
Bob Makihara, a friend of Seras and member of the Slayers, was riding his motorcycle back to Café Mal d'Amour. He had several grocery bags strapped to the back of his motorcycle. He was shocked to see the Octopus Fangire speed right by him. "Oh, no you don't!" he yelled and took off after the Fangire. The Fangire turned around and shot an explosive orb at Bob, knocking him and his bike into the air. He landed on the ground, followed by his bike. He and the bike were fine, fortunately. "Where'd the…" he was interrupted when the groceries landed all around him and on his head.
"Crap, Chiaki's gonna kill me," muttered Bob. "If I ever get my hands on the thing I'm gonna kill it myself."
Fang managed to elude Vlad using the help of the strangely convenient fog that had mysteriously rolled by. For some reason, he suspected that Fangula was responsible for that. He didn't have a need to ask him as the sealed vampire removed himself from the belt and the chains wrapped around Fang before unravelling, stripping off the armour in the process and leaving a disappointed Devlin.
"She got away," Devlin muttered.
"We'll get her next time," Fangula assured him. "Now, you better find your paramour. You have a tryst to continue."
Devlin blushed slightly at the terms 'paramour' and 'tryst'. He knew what they meant but their significance in this age had greatly changed. Regardless, he had to agree with Fang. They could catch the Fangire some other time.
Fangula bowed his head and then flew off into the night. Devlin then decided to go in search of his girlfriend.
"Danielle! Danielle, where are you?" he called A pair of hands then covered his eyes and he smiled.
"Guess who?" he heard a feminine voice ask teasingly.
"Danielle," he said and his eyes were uncovered. He turned around to see Danielle, back in her human form.
"So, did you beat that Fangire?" Danielle asked. She frowned when he shook his head sadly.
"She got away," Devlin replied. "And I had a run in with Plasmius."
"Are you okay?" Danielle asked worriedly. Plasmius wasn't someone you wanted to meet on a night like this, alone.
"He didn't even know it was me," Devlin chuckled, amused that another halfa couldn't see past his helmet. He then looked at Danielle lovingly before surprising her with a deep kiss. The female halfa gasped but then closed her eyes to enjoy it, kissing back. They broke the kiss, a little reluctantly for both parties, as they gazed into each other's eyes.
"I think I should take you home," Devlin said as he sniffed her hair. It smelled like lavender.
"Why? It's still early," Danielle said as she rested her head against his chest, tracing circles on his chest.
"That Fangire's on the loose," Devlin stated, "I need to go find her and destroy her."
"Can't it wait?' Danielle asked, almost desperately. She really wanted to enjoy this moment a little longer.
"I wish it could, but it can't," Devlin said regrettably. He took her hands in his and smiled. "Let's get you home."
Vlad was practically livid at the armoured being he had tried to talk to. He had completely ignored the evil halfa and just left without a word. Obviously this being was very confident in his power or else he wouldn't have turned his back. It made Vlad feel that the armoured being thought that Vlad wasn't even worth his time.
His battle had been impressive. It was obvious that the creature he had been fighting was powerful. It spoke volumes about the armoured man's power. One had to be strong if they wanted to fight creatures like that.
There was now the question of just what the creature was. It wasn't a ghost, since it was actually solid. Even when ghosts made themselves visible, they were still untouchable by normal folks.
One of the things Vlad hated was being in the dark of things like this. In his line of work knowledge equalled to power and if he could find out more about the armoured being, maybe he could manipulate him, use him, and turn him into one of his many pawns.
Both Devlin and Danielle reached the Fentons' home before the dhampir escorted the female halfa towards the door. Danielle smiled at Devlin, softly.
"I had a great time tonight, Devlin," Danielle admitted.
"So did I, darling," Devlin spoke as he caressed her cheek with his hand. Danielle sighed at the contact. "So did I…"
Danielle looked worried, though. "Are you sure you're going to go after that thing again?"
"I have to," Devlin said seriously. "It's my duty."
"Maybe Danny and I can help?" Danielle volunteered but then she received a steely eyed gaze from Devlin. It always meant 'no'.
Devlin shook his head before saying, "Thank you, but I would rather work along." His hand trailed down her cheek. "Goodnight, Danielle." He turned to leave but Danielle, feeling bold, grabbed his arm and spun him around before giving him a passionate kiss. Devlin was initially startled by this but then began to kiss her back.
Danielle pulled back from the kiss, cheeks flushed, and smiled impishly.
Devlin asked, "Was that your way of trying to change my mind?"
"Maybe," Danielle giggled. "Did it work?"
"Let's just say you can really be persuasive," Devlin replied, "But the answer is still no."
Danielle sighed and shrugged, "Well, it was still worth a shot."
"Yes, it was." Devlin tipped his hat, "Goodnight, Danielle."
"Goodnight to you too," Danielle said before retreating through the front door. She waved at him before closing it.
Devlin could hear Fangula flying over towards him. Curious, the dhampir asked his partner, "Where have you been?"
"Oh, somewhere," Fangula said, mysteriously. He had just gone to recollect the plans after Topper had them copied before stashing them back into Devlin's desk. He followed as Devlin went back to his scooter. "Are you going after that Fangire?"
"Like I said before, it's my duty," Devlin said as he strapped on his helmet.
"Our duty, you mean," Fangula affirmed.
"Right, our duty," Devlin agreed, correcting himself.
"Well, speaking of duty, mind telling me where you kept those stones?" Fangula questioned as Devlin started up his engine.
Devlin had kept the stones in a safe place. He didn't want the Fangire souls he'd sealed to escape and have not told Fangula where he'd kept them. "Soon, Fangula..." With a growl the scooter then drove forward down the streets. He was out Fangire hunting. Fangula followed to make sure his young partner wouldn't get too in over his head.
The Octopus Fangire had returned to the spot where she'd dropped her violin, or what was left of it now. She collected all the pieces and cursed angrily under her breath. Over the years, she had used this very violin to lure in her victims. Now, it was ruined, and it was all that wretched boy's fault!
She had to get her violin repaired soon before the hunger overtook her. She needed her music. She needed the power to entrance her victims, to lull them to her.
And most of all, she needed to kill that boy!
After several hours of searching, Devlin and Fangula were unable to locate the Octopus Fangire. She was just too slippery. From what Devlin had told Fangula about her, Fangula doubted that the Fangire would go out hunting until her violin was repaired.
Dejected, Devlin then retuned home to his apartment. He was greeted by both Miriam and Walter, his servants and guardians.
"How was your date, dear?" Miriam asked as she finished doing the dishes.
"It was fine, Miriam," Devlin said as he removed his shoes and put on the house slippers. "I had a good time with Danielle."
"How good of a time, young sir?" Walter said in a teasing tone as he read the evening paper. Devlin blushed at the implications.
"Just spending time together," Devlin responded swiftly. Fangula rode on his head as he walked into his room. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Walter and Miriam said in unison as they watched Devlin enter his room. They both looked at the clock. It was already sometime past midnight.
"He didn't seem to notice that he'd been out so late," Walter said worriedly as he folded the newspaper.
"He has seemed a little exhausted lately," Miriam added, worried too. Ever since she could remember, she had acted as the nanny for Ichijyo, Magami and now Devlin. She loved them like her own children and had watched them grow up. Out of the three, Devlin was definitely her favourite.
"He does have a mission, Miriam," Walter reminded. "Fighting these Fangires is no easy task."
"I know, and it worries me," Miriam frowned.
Devlin dropped his vest and hat to the floor before falling onto his bed in a heap. That Fangire who he'd allowed to escape was a slippery one. At least he was able to see her human form so he would have no trouble identifying her on a later date.
His mind wandered towards Danielle, his beloved girlfriend whom he'd fallen in love with. The subject of love brought back one of the most painful events he'd been forced to endure.
Flashback…Several months ago…
After escaping Skulker with Valerie's help, Devlin and Danny quickly flew straight towards Vlad's castle.
Unfortunately, they were too late.
Danny, Valerie and Devlin could only watch helplessly as Danielle's body melted into green ectoplasmic goo that drained into a rectangular contained under the slab she had been bound to. Devlin's body shuddered as tears began to fall from his single exposed eye. Danny was shaking too and Valerie could be seen clenching her fists in rage.
Her rage was nothing compared to those of the dhampir.
Vlad was able to pick himself up and smile in satisfaction. "Well, at least one thorn in my side is gone. Now, what should I do with you lot?"
His voice...that monster...Devlin hated him...He took Danielle away!
Turning around, Devlin looked directly at Vlad with the coldest stare he could muster, "You know, Plasmius...I'm actually a little glad that Danielle's dead." Danny and Valerie both gave Devlin bewildered looks. Vlad quirked an eyebrow in response to those words.
"BECAUSE NOW THERE'S NOTHING STOPPING ME FROM TEARING YOU TO PIECES!!" Devlin screamed before transforming into his Orphenoch form. His wings spread out and he flew straight at Vlad. He was caught of guard as the Bat Orphenoch used his claws on him.
Valerie and Danny didn't even try to stop Devlin. However, what they didn't know was that a human figure was rising up from the goo
…End Flashback.
"If Danielle hadn't come back, Vlad's blood would be on my hands," Devlin mused aloud as he stared at his gloved hands. "Nothing else mattered when she died…"
Fangula stared at his partner from his perch. Devlin probably hadn't realised that he'd told the story out loud. At least Fangula knew how precious Danielle was to Devlin and how much she meant to him.
Yawning, the dhampir pulled the covers over his body. Tomorrow was a brand new day.
There was a terrible crashing noise in the store as the night janitor cleaned the music supplies store for the night. Now curious, he walked out to where the noises had come from. What he found was several of the violins on display broken and torn apart with pieces missing. At the epicentre of the mess was a woman in a white dress, fitting a piece of a violin in place with the rest of her instrument.
"Hey, lady!" the janitor cried. "You can't be here! I'm calling the cops!"
The lady turned around and hissed angrily. The janitor swore he could see some kind of markings appearing on her face as she did so.
It was the last thing the janitor saw before tentacles coming from her back wrapped around his head.
Eventually, morning came and Devlin had to cover his eyes with his blanket to block out the rays coming through his window. Fangula was also annoyed by this and went to close the curtains. However, Miriam, who'd just entered the room, had other plans.
"Rise and shine, dearie!" Miriam called out as she opened the curtains wide, allowing more of that dreadful sunlight to shine through. Fangula instinctively hissed before flying straight under the bed to avoid the rays.
"5 more minutes, please…" Devlin whined as he tried to snuggle back into bed. Miriam swiftly pulled the covers away, "Miriam!"
"Get yourself cleaned up, dressed and to breakfast, dearie," Miriam said firmly. Devlin couldn't really argue with his nanny. He got out of bed and grabbed the towel and bathrobe before walking towards the door.
Miriam peaked under the bed and was briefly startled by the red eyes before remembering to whom they belonged to. "Good morning to you too, Count Fangula."
"Nothing is 'good' about this morning," Fangula frowned. "Back in my day, servants would allow a vampire to sleep in."
"Well, this is not your day, it's the modern age. Now get out from under there. I need to clean his room." Fangula reluctantly flew out from under the bed. "There's breakfast prepared; a fresh bowl of blood just as you like it."
Fangula grinned before darting off towards the dining table.
Several minutes later, Devlin returned to his room dressed in his black bathrobe. Miriam had left fresh clothes on his bed and had even made his bed for him. He went over to the clothes and removed his bathrobe before putting his clothes on. He then combed his hair in front of the mirror, making sure his bangs covered the right half of his face. There was something under those bangs that reminded him of one terrible night. It would always remain there, as physical proof of one of the worst nights he'd ever experienced and left him with a hate towards all vampire hunters. Danielle had never seen it and he had no reason too. Picking one of his hats and putting it on, he then walked out of his room, properly dressed. Finally he slipped on his shades, finishing the look.
Both Devlin and Fangula sleepily sat at the table and enjoyed their breakfasts. Miriam was indeed a good cook. She had even spiced Fangula's meal with cinnamon for extra taste.
Devlin ate his breakfast along with Fangula, Miriam and Walter. It was always like this in the apartment and Devlin enjoyed these moments of togetherness with his family. Though Miriam and Walter were not really his parents, he couldn't help but think of them as his godparents, which they were.
His meal consisted of toast, a slice of ham, scrambled eggs and sausages. In his glass was ruby red liquid that had been chilled. He would drink this liquid often. It was blood. As a dhampir, he would still need blood to sustain himself. He could see Fangula drinking blood from a bowl through a straw to reduce mess. It was slightly amusing to see Fangula feed himself, despite the fact that he didn't actually need blood in his sealed form. Devlin deduced that Fangula just enjoyed the taste of blood and only drank it to satisfy his cravings and not his non-existent hunger.
Topics of conversation often arose during these times.
"Ahh," Fangula sighed after slurping the blood through a straw. "My dear, you are indeed a wonder. Francis himself couldn't have done better."
"Francis?" asked Devlin. "Who's that?"
"Uh," Fangula gulped. He realized his flop. "He's uh…an old servant of mine. Quite the good cook."
There was a bit of silence before Walter casually said, "Nice weather today, isn't it?"
"So, I passed by that mansion last night while I was searching and could see some sort of construction work going on there," Devlin commented.
"Isn't that the same mansion that Count Fangula here wanted to buy?" asked Walter.
"The same," Devlin nodded. "I guess someone already beat us to it. Too bad." Devlin wasn't in any hurry of moving out anyway. However, what he didn't know was that Fangula had bought the house under Devlin's name with Topper's assistance. The boy came from a wealthy family so he could afford it. In the end it would be totally worth it.
Fangula was also due to meet with Topper today. There was a surprise that Topper wanted Fangula to see.
"Well, it's not surprising," Miriam commented. "Maybe someone wanted to have a more Gothic feel to this town with all the ghosts running about."
"True, very true," Walter agreed.
"I wonder who bought it," Devlin frowned. "I wouldn't be surprised if it was Plasmius."
"Speaking of Plasmius, how bad of a ghost is he?" Fangula asked. Last night had been his first meeting with the vampiric halfa.
"He's a halfa, like Danny and Danielle, except he's totally evil," Devlin explained with eyes narrowed.
"You don't like him much, do you?"
"What was your first clue?"
"Like you don't like Daniel?"
Devlin sighed and said, "Though Daniel and I share a dislike towards one another, we don't hate one another. It's a rivalry. Plasmius, on the other hand, is someone I hate."
Fangula smirked. Hatred, huh? That was the drive he was looking for in Devlin.
Walter turned on the TV to the morning news where the news anchor, Harriet Chin, was reporting.
"And in today's news, another victim has been found murdered in Casper High. He was the janitor and found in the music supplies store in the school and his body was found completely transparent like glass," Harriet reported. "Police have refused to comment on this case but lately, similar cases have occurred in Amity Park. Is this the work of a serial killer on the loose or something more malevolent?"
Both Fangula and Devlin exchanged grim looks. It would seem the Fangire had struck again the previous night.
Meanwhile, at the Café Mal d'Amour, Tamashii and his co-workers were watching the same news report as Chiaki got the café ready for business.
"Man, another one," Bob commented with a frown. "It must've been the same one that swiped me last night."
"Could be," Tamashii nodded in agreement. "A Fangire attack."
"So, we're going after this thing, right?" Bunshichi grinned eagerly, "Oh, please, tell us we are."
"First we need to know what it looks like human," Tamashii said. "Then, we strike." He then asked. "By the way, where's Seras?"
"Oh, she went out for a morning jog," Chiaki answered. "She's a teen model so she needs to stay in shape, remember?"
Tamashii nodded. He knew that Seras was a trained Slayer. She would always have her weapons on her just in case.
Seras was jogging around Amity Park. When she past by the school, she could hear a soft melody that sounded like it was coming from a well played violin. "Where is that coming from?" she asked herself as she felt compelled to investigate it.
Meanwhile, Devlin was in his room playing his violin. He was playing on the Blood Rose that his father had given him. He knew it had special properties, like forcing a Fangire to reveal their true forms, but he knew nothing else about it. His father had neglected to send anymore information and when asked, the only answer Devlin got was, "You'll see."
It frustrated him whenever his father was so cryptic and never gave a clear answer. But, there were some merits to it…he just had to find out what they were.
Seras was taken in by the music and walked straight into the football field that was behind the school. She couldn't control the movement of her legs but then did she want too.
She made her way to the stands and she could see a beautiful woman playing the violin with such grace. It was like an angel from Heaven had come down to Earth to play her sweet song.
Seras soon stopped in front of the woman, who stopped playing.
"Who are you?" Seras asked, still dumbfounded by the beautiful music. The woman grinned and markings appeared on her face, making Seras realise what she was, "Fangire!" She pulled out her guns and began shooting at the disguised monster who just shot out one of her tentacles to smack Seras' weapon away. Two additional tentacles then wrapped around Seras before pulling the young girl towards the Fangire.
"So young, so innocent," the disguised Fangire spoke as she stroked Seras' cheek. She flinched in disgust and tried to move her head away, "And so full of life. I'm going to savour this." She then assumed her Fangire form to feed.
In his room, Devlin suddenly heard his violin making a sound, but without the bow touching it. Fangula heard it too and alerted Devlin, "Boy, we need to go! There's a Fangire!"
Devlin nodded and grabbed his helmet before running out of his toom. They didn't have any time to waste. Devlin also sent a text message to Danielle, urgently.
"Where is it?" Devlin asked. Somehow, Fangula could pinpoint where the Fangire was.
"Your school! Casper High!" Fangula yelled out. Devlin sent the message. "Now, hurry up!"
"I got to go now, Miriam, Walter. See you two later!" Devlin said quickly before running past them and out the door with Fangula flying fast by his side.
Walter and Miriam exchanged knowing looks.
As the Fangire was ready to feed on Seras, a blast of green energy sent its head snapping backwards and then two more blasts hit her tentacles, forcing her to drop Seras.The teen modelrubbed her rear when she dropped but then grabbed her gun and began shooting at the Fangire. The Fangire hissed as the shots came. Seras' eyes wandered around and then she saw something black and white floating down. It was Danni Phantom!
"Fancy seeing you again, huh?" Danni greeted with a wave.
"Yes, thanks for the save," Seras grinned back. "Now, let's get this thing!"
The Fangire hissed and then lashed out with her tentacles. Both girls got hit and then they were being bound by the tentacles. Danni discovered, too late, that she couldn't phase out.
"Two for the price of one," the Fangire snickered. "Must be my lucky day. Now, who do I feed on first?"
When they arrived in the parking lot, Fangula immediately shouted at Devlin, who was ready to get on his scooter. "No, not that thing! Follow me!" Devlin didn't want to argue so he followed Fangula towards something covered by a tarp. From its shape, Devlin could identify it as a bike. "See what it is." Devlin grabbed the tarp and pulled it away. He let out a gasp as his eye widened in surprise. "Surprise, huh?"
"This…this is…?" Devlin stuttered.
"The Blood Fang, as you designed it," Fangula nodded.
The bike was amazing. It was based on the shape of a Harley Davidson but with a blood red paint job. Three small headlights were located in the front and two racing fins in the shape of bat wings were on the rear fender. The emblem for Fang was also on the vehicle's gas tank.
"You like it?" Fangula grinned.
"But…how?" Devlin asked, still shocked by this. "I just drew it up. I never sent the plans." He gave Fangula a suspicious look. "Did you…?"
"I found them, sent them to a friend of mine," Fangula answered quickly. "Now, we haven't the time to play '20 Questions'! There's a Fangire on the loose!"
Devlin nodded, agreeing with Fangula, before mounting his new bike. He revved the engine and it let out a growl before he raced into the streets. Fangula flew after him as the engine roared like a lion.
Danni and Seras were still struggling against the Fangire's grip as she began to choose who she'd feed on. Devlin had just wheeled into the field and was seeing the whole thing. Rolling up his sleeve, he then grabbed Fang and pressed him against his arm so that Fang could bite him. After being bitten, Devlin felt the rush of power as his Orphenoch markings appeared and the chains wrapped around his waist, materializing into the Fang Belt.
"Henshin!" he cried out before attaching Fangula to the belt.
"Wake Up!" both of them called out before charging, running across the stands towards the Fangire and the girls. The chains wrapped around him and expanded before shattering to reveal his armour.
Fang leapt up and dealt a vicious karate chop that cut the tentacle holding Danni. Seras was surprised too when he used his hands to snap the tentacle holding her as well. The Fangire recoiled in pain. She recognised Fang immediately and glared at him hatefully. Taking advantage of the Fangire's distraction, Seras took aim with her gun and fired. The Fangire's violin was one again ruined as a bullet cut the strings and went through her instrument again.
"YOU BITCH!!" the Fangire howled as she prepared to blast at Seras but then Fang smashed his fist into her face. The Octopus Fangire then decided to flee with Fang in hot pursuit.
"Who is that?" Seras asked.
Danni answered, "His name is Fang."
"Fang?"
Seras looked to where the armoured being and the Fangire had vanished to. She now had a name to attach to the face. Her friends were going to need to know about this.
Fang followed the Fangire and ended up somewhere within the building. He looked around for her. All of a sudden, she appeared right above him and shot several explosive ink balls at the Rider. She then dropped down and lashed out with her tentacles, knocking him through a window, shattering the glass. He fell through the roof of a supply shed just under the window. The Fangire then decided to finish Fang off and fired her explosive ink balls at the shed, blowing it up. Satisfied that Fang was no more, she turned to find a new violin and new prey to feed upon.
Unfortunately, for her, Fang was not out yet.
The Fangire turned and then was rammed by the Blood Fang before rolling across the floor. Fang was atop the vehicle, revving up the engines. The Fangire, deciding that it was best to live and fight another day, decided to flee from Fang. Fang then gave chase on his bike.
The Fangire arrived on the streets with Fang in hot pursuit. She morphed her feet into a pair of wheels which she then used to skate along the streets at high speeds. Lucky for Fang, the traffic was low for the day.
The Fangire spun around and then tried to kick Fang off his bike. He ducked under her leg and then she spun around again to do it once more. Fang clotheslined her and she swerved out of control for a second before regaining her balance. Making her distance, she then shot a tentacle which wrapped around Fang's neck. She squeezed tightly, attempting to suffocate the Rider.
"Oh, no you don't!" Fangula cried before detaching himself from the belt and then flying at the Fangire. He circled her head and she attempted to swat him away out of annoyance. Fangula then flew over to the tentacle and bit down.
The Fangire screeched and loosened her grip around Fang's neck. Taking the tentacle, Fang tied it around his handlebar before accelerating. The tentacle got caught by an empty car and as a result the Fangire did an unplanned turn and smashed face first into the driver's seat window. She then fell onto her back. Her low moans of pain made Fang know that she wasn't going anywhere for a while.
Fang stopped his bike and dismounted, his eyes focused on the Fangire.
"Time to finish this," Fangula said.
Fang nodded in agreement and then called out, "Release the Chains!"
The sky darkened as the chains around his right armoured boot began to loosen. Kicking up his leg, the chains shattered, allowing the blood red wings to spread out. He then took a flying leap into the air, with the help of his boot, before flipping in mid-air and plummeting back down like a meteorite.
"DARK MOON BREAK!!"
The Fangire attempted to flee but it was already too late as Fang's foot smashed into her, crushing her to the ground. The force of the attack caused a large crater in the shape of his emblem to appear. His glowing emblem also appeared on her chest before cracks spread out all over her body. As a result her body shattered, releasing the Fangire's soul.
The sky turned back to normal and Fangula swallowed the soul before it got away. He then flew back towards Fang and spat the sealed soul stone into his partner's hand.
"You got a lot of explaining to do, Fangula," Fang said, his tone serious.
"Well," Fangula sighed, "I thought it would be a nice present."
"It is," Fang agreed. "So, who is this friend of yours?"
"You'll meet him soon." Fangula cast a glance nearby and saw Topper standing behind a car before the top hat wearing being vanished.
In one of the chambers of the mansion, two men could be seen playing a game of Chess. One man, Lobo, was in a black three piece suit but with no tie and slightly messy short and black hair. His eyes were like those of a predator. He appeared to be in his mid 20's.
His opponent, Francis, was dressed as a butler and wearing white gloves. His hair was short and a brownish colour. He had a strong looking jaw and a muscular build. His appearance was of someone in his early 30's.
Serving coffee to them was a young teenage girl, Gillian, with black hair that reached down to her shoulders and wearing a schoolgirl uniform. She wore a bored expression on her face. She appeared to be 14 to 15 years of age.
The first man then smirked as he took a sip a coffee and said, "Checkmate." The piece he put down to seal his win was in the shape of a wolf.
Topper leaned against the wall, amused. "Well, now the gang's all here. Hope the Lord and the New Lord will like it."
A/N: Like Topper said, the gang's all here. I'd like to thank Ten Faced Paladin and Shadow Element 13 for their help and such.