A/N: Based on the latest Kamen Rider Kiva Episode
Devlin was going on a nightly ride around town. Like Danny, Devlin made it a habit to go on nightly patrols, just incase there was any sort of Fangire activity going on in Amity Park. After the defeat and sealing of the Rose Fangire, the perfume store known as the Garden of Eden had to be closed down due to the owner mysteriously vanishing. After doing his own personal investigation, he'd discovered that the owner and Rose Fangire had been one and the same and has used his perfumes to mark his targets. The lot would be cleared out and rented out to anyone who wanted it.
As Devlin rode on the Blood Fang, disguised by its special Shadow Veil to mimic the appearance of his moped, he noticed something in the rearview mirror. Looking closer, he realized who it was.
"Johnny 13 and Kitty," Devlin smirked as he watched Johnny racing through the street, hollering at the top of his voice, along with Kitty who was holding tightly around his waist for her dear after-life. She had good reason to with Johnny's bad luck companion, Shadow, hanging around waiting for things to go wrong. Despite Kitty and Johnny 13 being somewhat enemies towards Danny, Kitty was one of Devlin's clients, along with Spectra and Desiree. As such, Kitty had talked Johnny out of attacking him once in exchange for his service since ghosts didn't carry Earth money.
Devlin smirked. Above, he could see Danny Phantom and Danni Phantom chasing after the biker couple. Though he and Danny had a mutual dislike for one another, they did have a truce and acted civil towards one another for Danielle's sake. They loved her enough not to hate each other that much. Of course, Danny would never let Danielle stay over at Fang Manor nor would he allow Devlin to stay overnight in Fenton Works, using the Fenton Stockade as a threat.
Johnny's shadow was causing several things to happen. Several lampposts blew up, a fire hydrant burst, and cars began to break down. This wasn't anything new for Johnny 13, the biker ghost of bad luck.
Devlin knew Danny could handle Johnny, but maybe some assistance from Fang would be welcomed. Activating the Shadow Veil to conceal himself, Devlin then reached into his vest pocket for the Fang Whistle and blew.
Back at Fang Manor, Fangula was having a little snack when he heard the whistling. "Strange, the Blood Rose didn't make a sound," Fangula said. Nevertheless, he flapped his wings and flew over to the window, opening it up before flying off into the night.
"Pull over, Johnny, before I make you!" Danny yelled as he fired ecto-blasts at Johnny 13, missing each time.
"Sorry, twerp, but tonight we're going to be enjoying a little joyride!" the motorcycle riding teen ghost hollered back. "Shadow, attack!" Separating from Johnny, the black mass known as Shadow flew straight at Danny and slashed at the halfa. The bad luck entity didn't get much farther before Danni backed up her brother by nailing Shadow in the face with an ecto-filled fist.
"I'll handle this thing, Danny!" Danni said. "You go after those two." Shadow hissed but got a kick in the face.
"Thanks, Danielle!" Danny smiled before going after Johnny 13 and Kitty.
Danni hurled her fist at Shadow but it turned itself intangible before swiping at her. She yelled as she got scratched in the arm before it grabbed her and hurled her towards a building. What would've been a painful impact turned into a soft landing as Danielle felt something catch her. Opening her eyes, she could see the red eyes of Fang as he held her protectively before setting her down.
"Devlin," Danni Phantom smiled.
"I was in the neighborhood," he said as he looked up to see Shadow flying at them with claws out and teeth bared. "Get ready, luv," Fang said as he took out a capsule and then hurled it at the shadowy specter. The capsule exploded and there was a bright flare of light. Danielle shielded her eyes and could hear Shadow screeching in pain before it turned quiet.
"Well, that takes care of that," Fang said as he wiped his hands together. "Now, time to help Daniel."
"Kid, don't you ever give up?" Johnny asked as he hurled an ecto-blast at Danny.
"Nope, and I never will!" Danny smirked as he dodged the blast.
"Geez, you're just like my pops, always riding on me," Johnny said in exasperation. He suddenly froze. He started sweating slightly and became slighter paler than before.
"Johnny, what's wrong?" Kitty asked. She had never seen him like this before. He may have been a lunkhead, but she still loved him with all her heart.
"It's Shadow," Johnny said, feeling his shadow's pain through their connection. The weakened Shadow gave off a whimper, catching the two ghosts' attention before it rejoined its host in an instant as Johnny sped up.
Danny knew there was no way he could match Johnny when it came to speed but he still flew after them anyway. A lot of stuff was being damaged due to him being here. At least with Smart Brain PR, Danny Phantom's reputation could still be protected and he wouldn't get blamed for all this. Thank you, Mayor Montoya. In truth, she was actually someone who worked for Smart Brain.
Johnny grinned as he looked at his rearview mirror. Danny was nowhere to be seen. "Hah, we lost him." He saw a shimmer next to him. "Huh?"
"What's wrong?" Kitty asked her beau.
"I thought I saw-HOLY CRAP!" Johnny yelled as he saw the blood red Blood Fang appear, with Fang Sniper Form riding it and Danni sitting behind him with her arms around his waist. "What the hell are you supposed to be? The thing that crawled out of the Black Lagoon?"
Fang had noted that his armor in Sniper Form resembled the 'Creature from the Black Lagoon' in terms of its scaly green appearance. Despite that, he wasn't going to allow Johnny to get away with the insult.
Fang instructed Danni, "Grab the girl, I'll handle the guy." Danni nodded and then jumped off her seat before grabbing Kitty. It then ended up turning into a catfight as the two ghost girls wrestled.
"Hey, let go of my hair, jailbait!" Kitty hollered.
"Tell your boy-toy to pull over, biker girl!" Danni snapped as she and Kitty struggled. Johnny was trying to maintain his balance and control over his bike, but it was proving difficult with the two fighting behind him.
"Hey, stop that!" Johnny yelled. "I can't control my bike!"
"Then I suggest you pull over and stop," Fang said.
"Tough luck!" Johnny snapped, revving his engine. It roared and it took off. Unfortunately, Kitty got thrown off his bike and into the air, still fighting with Danielle. "Kitty!"
"Now that the girl's gone," Fang said as he held up his Sniper Magnum. "I can really cut loose!" The turbine on his gun spun as he fired three watery projectiles at Johnny, pelting him and his bike. Those water-bullets actually hurt! Gritting his teeth, Johnny took out a chain and threw it at Fang. Fang ducked the first time but Johnny swung a second time and immediately caught his neck. Fang struggled to remove the chain from his neck.
"Hah, beat that, whatever you are!" Johnny laughed.
"I don't think so!" Fangula smirked before flying off Fang's belt and biting on Johnny arm. Johnny let out a scream as he let go of the chain, shaking the vampire off.
"GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!" Johnny yelled out as he shook his arm rapidly. Fangula flew off and perched himself back onto Fang's belt. Fang removed the chain but then used it for himself instead. He threw it at Johnny, who caught it, expertly. "Sorry, freak show, but that's my trick!"
"Don't bet on it!" Fang said as he hit the gas. Johnny's eyes widened as he figured out what was happening. The Blood Fang drove ahead before racing around Johnny. The chain bound tightly around Johnny and he could see Fang ahead of him. Fang then pulled at the chain, winding Johnny up like a top, sending him into an uncontrollable spin. As a result, Johnny crashed right into several trashcans.
"Good show, my boy!" Fangula complimented.
Johnny dug himself out of the trash, enraged that he'd been beaten, his bike totaled, and that someone was a better biker than he was. He was ready to go after Fang when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, his eyes widened in shock as he stared into the opened Fenton Thermos.
"See ya in the Zone, Johnny!" Danny said before the Thermos sucked Johnny into itself. Danny quickly capped it. Danielle, holding the Thermos that had Kitty inside, landed next to her brother. She could sense what Danny was thinking as his eyes were focused on Fang. He wanted to know Fang's identity and knew that both Danielle and Fangula were connected to it, somehow. Fang gave both halfas a nod before racing away, obviously trying to look for a place to change back.
Fang passed by a new restaurant which had just opened a few days ago. He remembered Danielle talking about it. It was called "Treasures of the Sea" since the restaurant specialized in seafood. She'd even applied for a job there as a part time waitress since she needed the extra money. She couldn't use Devlin's Smart Brain credit card forever, could she?
Fang heard Fangula ask, "Oi, boy, you feel it too?" Fang nodded. "You want to check it out?"
"Of course," Fang said with a nod before racing back home towards Fang Manor, covering himself with the Blood Fang's Shadow Veil in order to move unseen and undetected.
The next day…
"You really want to work there with me?" Danielle asked with a shocked expression on her face. She and Devlin were sitting at their usual table, eating lunch. Danny had stopped grilling her about Fang but she knew he wanted to know Fang's identity and was just biding his time. She did know him just as well as she knew herself after all. Being a clone was handy that way.
"Correct," Devlin nodded, eating the lunch Miriam had prepared for him instead of buying it from the cafeteria counter. Danielle was also having lunch which Miriam had prepared for her too, stating that it was a little something extra.
"But…you have your own business," Danielle stated, referring to his freelance job as a makeup artist.
"Even so, it wouldn't hurt to have another job, just incase. This is just a trial run for me," Devlin said.
"OK," Danielle smiled, excepting the answer. "I'll have to talk to Mister Emmanuel. He's the head chef and owner."
"Of course," Devlin nodded. He then noticed two of their friends missing. "Say, where are Seras and Richard? They would be joining us right about now."
Danielel suggested, "Maybe they got sidetracked."
Richard was walking though the school halls, more correctly stumbling as he wasn't wearing his glasses, towards the cafeteria to meet with his friends. He then proceeded to meet face to face with a wall and another meeting with his back and the ground. He sat up rubbing his forehead "Well that felt wonderful," he said to himself.
A couple of students snickered at the sight of it, while other students thought nothing of it and went on their way. Richard noticed that his backpack wasn't on his back, most likely coming off as he fell. He had only one shoulder strap on to begin with. He felt around for it, having to find it because his glasses were in said backpack. He then saw the backpack brought up to his face with a hand attached to it. He had to squint to see who the hand belong to. He smiled to see it was Seras. The smile quickly turned to a look of embarrassment as he remembered that she must've seen him fall.
"Hey, Seras," Richard greeted. "Guess it was my turn to fall down, eh?"
Seras knelt down in front of him. "I guess so," she said. She then noticed her friend's glasses were missing. "Ricky, where are your glasses?" she asked.
"In my backpack," he answered quickly
"That's not where they belong," Seras said with a sigh. "Front pocket?" she asked, Richard nodded. She decided to ask another question while pulling the glasses case out of the backpack. "So how come they're inside your backpack instead of being on your face?"
He sighed and confessed, "A couple of girls said I look cute without them."
Seras shook her head as she opened the case "You wanna know what wouldn't look cute?" she asked. But before Richard could answer she answered for him, "You on the ground with a broken nose or god forbid worse." She put the glasses on his face. "Besides, you're cute already," she said while helping him up.
He blushed at that last statement. "Thanks, Seras." They both started walking to the cafeteria.
"If you don't want to wear your glasses why don't you just get contacts?" Seras asked.
"Are you kidding me? I'm not gonna willingly stick something in my eye. I'd rather take another bump to the head," Richard answered back.
"You're a strange one, Mr. Belmont," she sighed.
"And here they are," Danielle said as she saw Richard and Seras entering the cafeteria. They went in line, picked up their trays and food, before sitting down at the table.
Devlin scrutinised Richard's face. "Where did that bruise come from?"
Richard replied, "I had a face to face meeting with the wall."
Devlin blinked and decided not to ask more of his peculiar friend.
"So, what have you guys been talking about before we arrived?" Seras said as she bit into her carrot stick.
"You know that new seafood place?" Danielle asked as she popped a meatball into her mouth.
"Treasures of the Sea?" Seras asked. "Oh, I have." Actually, she was recalling something Tamashii had told her about the place. So far, ever since it opened up, people who went there mysteriously vanished. He suspected that it was because of a Fangire or something similarly sinister. It was the Slayers' job to stop it, nonetheless.
"Well, I got a part time job there," Danielle informed. Seras nearly choked on her food in shock from the news. "Are you okay?"
"I'm (cough) fine!" Seras said before taking a drink of water to wash down the bit of food that had been stuck in her throat. "A part time job, there? Why? Your parents are not exactly poor."
"I wanna earn my own money for a change," Danielle said.
"And I decided to join her," Devlin said. Richard narrowed his eyes.
"Um…since when do you work for anyone but yourself? Thought you were more of a cosmetics guy than a restaurant dude," Richard said.
"This place isn't the Nasty Burger, Richard," Devlin said sternly. "It's a high class place with good service and great food."
"You've been there?" Richard asked.
"No, not really, but I heard it had very good reviews," Devlin answered.
Richard rolled his eyes. "So, you're going to wait tables?"
"We shall see."
Seras looked worried for her two friends. If a Fangire was targeting clients, who to say it wouldn't start targeting the staff? Maybe she would need to look into this, more up close and personal.
After school, seeing as he didn't have anymore appointments, Devlin went to the restaurant with Danielle on his moped. He walked into the restaurant with Danielle.
Danielle said to Devlin, "Wait here while I get ready for work," Danielle said as Devlin sat at an empty table. "I'll bring the chef right over, OK?"
Devlin smiled and nodded before she left towards the staff room to get her uniform on. So far, the restaurant didn't look all that suspicious. It was clean and themed quite nicely. There was stained glass windows depicting sea life, the tablecloth was an ocean blue colour, and there were fish tanks where customers could choose what to have as a fresh meal. It looked just like any other seafood place.
Danielle came back, dressed in white long sleeved shirt with a black knee-length skirt, a black vest and bowtie. He smiled as she came over, looking cute. "Good afternoon, sir. May I take your order?"
"I'd like you on a plate covered in salad dressing," Devlin flirted. Danielle blushed and smacked his arm with her notepad.
"Devlin!" she scolded, covering her reddening face.
Devlin chuckled. When he calmed down, he asked, "So, when do I get to meet the owner?"
Danielle smiled, "He's already waiting for you in his office. You can see him right now."
"Thank you."
Devlin stood up and Danielle led him towards the head chef's office. He knocked on the door and heard an accented, "Come in." He pushed the door open and walked inside, ready for his interview.
Chef Emanuel sat at his desk as Devlin sat down across from him. He was just like in the picture the Slayers had of him. Devlin was beginning to get weird vibes from him but shook off the feeling.
"So, Miss Fenton tells me that you wish to work for me," Chef Emanuel said. "Care to tell me why you think you can perform this task?"
Devlin smiled. It was time to sell himself and he wasn't going to be too humble or brag. He would just exaggerate the truth a little.
Later that night, the Slayers were having another meeting.
"So, does anyone have any new clues?" Tamashii asked. Behind him was the usual whiteboard but this time had the picture of the Treasures of the Sea restaurant as well as its owner and head chef, Chef Emanuel, who was a middle aged Spanish gentleman with a clean moustache, greying black hair and dressed in a fine chef's uniform. "Anybody?"
"Well, the food was great," Bob stated after he and Chiaki had gone there under the guise of customers. "But there doesn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary."
"Even I couldn't find anything," stated Bunshichi who'd disguised himself as a health inspector. "If this guy is a Fangire-"
"He is," Tamashii said, pointing to his eyes. "My Ryuugan told me so."
"Look, all I'm saying is we can't just go in all gung-ho and start killing the chef for 'supposedly' being a Fangire," Bunshichi said, doing air-quotes using his fingers when he said 'supposedly'.
Tamashii sighed. "I guess you're right about that, but they've been several bodies found and all of them had eaten at that restaurant before they were attacked."
"Their final meal," Chiaki said. "Disturbingly poetic."
Tamashii noticed that Seras had been awfully quiet. "Seras, what's wrong?"
Seras took notice of Tamashii called her. "Oh, nothing, nothing at all," she said, shaking her head.
Tamashii's tone grew stern, "Seras…"
"Well, Devlin and Danielle are working there, part time, waiting tables," Seras answered. Sooner or later, Tamashii would've found out anyway.
"Your friends are in enemy territory?" Tamashii asked.
"They don't seem to be in any danger, yet, and all the victims were customers, not staff members."
"Regardless, they might be in danger."
"They already went home after their shift ended," Seras said.
"Oh, well, maybe tomorrow then," Tamashii said.
"Right, tomorrow, Friday," Seras nodded.
Friday, after school…
Tamashii and Seras both entered the restaurant, as if they were both on a date. They could see waiters and waitresses taking orders, as well as bringing the orders to the tables.
"You know, this isn't such a bad place," Seras said, her arm hooked around Tamashii's
"Just keep your eyes peeled," Tamashii said as they both walked into the restaurant. They sat down and soon a waiter came.
It was a familiar face.
It was Devlin!
"Good evening, sir and madam," Devlin greeted, "May I take your orders?"
Tamashii narrowed his eyes as he picked up the menu as Seras picked hers up too.
"What are you doing here?" Seras asked.
"Taking orders," Devlin stated, matter-of-factly. "So, what will it be? Appetizers perhaps?"
"Never thought I'd see you waiting tables," Tamashi stated, "Rich boy."
"I try to live as the common man, my good fellow," Devlin stated.
"And the fact that Danielle works here isn't an excuse?"
"Whatever do you mean?" Devlin smirked, "I'm not the one on a date right now."
Seras blushed at the implications. "Um…you see…"
"This isn't really a date," Tamashii stated, causing Seras to frown.
"Well, date or not, you still need to order. So, what will it be?"
"Thank you, come again," Richard stated after giving his customer their order before taking the money and giving out change. Richard sighed. "Maybe I should've taken the offer." Richard was currently standing at the counter of the local Nasty Burger. It was minimum wage, but at least it was a part time job. Living alone didn't come cheap so he had to make money, even though his parents gave him an allowance and paid for the place he was living in, bills and all.
He was slightly envious of Devlin and Danielle. While they were both working in a classy seafood restaurant, he was working in the greasy Nasty Burger. His first job had been as the mascot, giving out coupons and ended up getting kicked around by the local kids. Finally, hr actually got promoted to cashier. Not much of a promotion, but at least he didn't have to wear that costume again.
Of course, something was bugging Richard. Devlin had told him about another team of vampire hunters. Though Devlin hadn't given out much information, he told Richard that the team was made up of people they knew. Was he talking about Seras?
By 7 pm, both Danielle and Devlin's shift was over. They were dressed in their civilian clothes as they stepped out of the restaurant. It wasn't that bad and the people were nice for the most part. There were some unruly customers, but they were dealt with easily enough.
"So, how does it feel to be like the 'common man'?" Danielle teased.
"Fulfilling, in a way," Devlin shrugged.
Danielle smiled, "I knew you'd like it."
Suddenly, Devlin's expression changed as he froze. Danielle had learnt to recognize that look quite easily. "Fangire?" she asked.
The Blood Rose was making its sound, calling Devlin to fight.
"It is," he nodded. He grabbed his helmet and handed the other to Danielle. "Let's go."
"You mean…?"
"We're partners, aren't we?"
In a nearby parking lot, a couple was backing away in fear from a strange humanoid creature. It resembled a lobster with a shining blue carapace and with the lobster claws acting as shoulder pads. It wore an armored kilt and holding a trident. The Lobster Fangire hissed as he approached the couple, ready to do them in.
The couple ran for their lives. However, they were stopped when the man felt the trident strike his back. He convulsed as the woman screamed, watching as he lost all color and became transparent like glass. The woman dropped to her knees, unable to move, frozen with terror, as the Lobster Fangire went over, removed the Trident, and focused its attention on the woman. He was about to strike her when a small object collided with his face and caused it to shriek in irritation from the soot that had gotten in its eyes.
The woman felt herself being helped up and turned to see a girl with green eyes and white hair. "Ma'am, you better run, now!" The woman nodded frantically before running for her life. Danielle frowned at the body. They'd been too late to save the man.
Devlin stepped forwards, facing the Fangire, as the monster got the soot out of his eyes. Devlin called out, "Fangula!"
"Alright, let's go!" Fangula called out as Devlin rolled up his sleeve. Fangula flew over bit into Devlin's arm, materializing the belt from ghostly chains in an instant.
"Henshin!" Devlin called and Fangula quickly attached himself to the belt.
"Wake Up!"
The chains formed and shattered, revealing Fang in place of Devlin. The Lobster Fangire appeared surprised but then recovered to go on the attack. Fang ducked under a trident thrust before striking the Fangire in the chest with a powerful punch. He then kicked it in the chest before giving it a good right hook. The Fangire suddenly spewed foam at Fang, blinding him, before striking him in the chest. Fang was sent flying and he crashed into a car.
"Fang!" Danielle yelled.
Tamashii and Seras had just arrived when Tamashii's hadRyuugan activated, telling him that aFangire was around. Seras was not surprised to see Fang in the area as well, fighting with the Fangire. She could see Tamashii's hand shaking. She knew he wanted to fight, but she had to keep him calm. No reason to allow the Fangire to escape.
Fang wiped the foam off his visor and rolled out of the way in time when the Lobster Fangire jumped him and stabbed his trident through the hood of the car.
"Boy, call Savage!" Fangula instructed. Fang quickly reached to his belt and pulled out his Savage Whistle before placing it between Fangula's lips.
Back at Fang Manor, in the main chamber, Lobo was building a house of cards with Gillian, Francis, Miriam and Walter watching. He held up the two final cards that would complete his work.
"Nobody…breathe…" he warned as he was about to place the cards but then the sound from the Savage Whistle ruined his concentration, causing the house of cards to collapse. "GOD DAMN IT!"
"Watch your language!" Miriam scolded sternly. Lobo grumbled.
"Lucky for that boy I like a good fight!" Lobo shouted as he ran towards the window and leapt out before he turned into blue energy and flew into the air.
Fang grabbed the Savage Saber as it unfolded before the chains wrapped around his left arm and torso, shattering and forming the Savage Armor. His visor and Fangula's eyes turned cobalt blue as result as well. Letting out a howl, Fang crouched down and rested his sword on his shoulder, eyes trained on the Fangire. He then dashed forwards.
Weapons were swung as sparks flew from them clashing with one another. The Lobster Fangire found it quite difficult to deal with this new feral Fang. The Fangire tried to attack but Fang slipped around him before slashing him repeatedly in the back. He then sent him flying with a kick. The Lobster Fangire blew foam at Fang but he leapt over it and slashed down with his sword, chopping off one of the Fangire's antennae. The Lobster Fangire howled in pain but was then sent sailing by a powerful right hook and crashed into the side of a van. Fang stalked towards his prey but then was halted when a white van stopped in front of him. Fang stumbled backwards as the van doors opened, letting out 4 Guys in White. Fang narrowed his eyes as they trained their weapons on him after surrounding him.
"By order of the Guys in White, you are under arrest under the Anti-Ectoplasmic Entity Act!" one operative stated. Fang growled. They thought he was a hostile ghost? They were letting the Fangire escape. Of all the times for these idiots to show up it had to be now!
"Drop your weapon and nobody gets hurt!" another operative warned but knowing them they would shoot regardless.
Fang weighted his options. If he let himself be captured, who knows what they would do to him? They would put him through painful experiments before dissecting him. That was how they worked. He knew he could beat them and was fighting his currently feral urges to do so, but he knew that would make things worse. It was a shame since it would really make his day now that they were letting the Fangire get away. They were probably so focused on him that they conveniently didn't notice it.
Luckily for him, he had an angel. Ecto-blasts rained down on the GIW operatives as they scrambled out of the way. Fang looked up to see Danielle, smiling at him. He took advantage of the distraction and began launching nerve blows on the GIW operatives, knocking them out instantly. Seeing all four operatives out cold he then leapt onto the roof of the van to seek out the Fangire. However, the Lobster Fangire had escaped, thanks to the Guys in White's interference. Growling in annoyance, Fang placed his Savage Saber between his jaws and leapt up. Danielle grabbed his arms before flying him back home. They still had a Fangire to find. It couldn't have gotten far.
Tamashii and Seras walked out of their hiding spot and towards the unconscious Guys in White. Tamashii picked up one of their guns. It was a strange device. From the way they were talking, they were probably some kind of organization that hunted ghosts. It wasn't his business, but these morons had let a Fangire get away. It was unforgivable in his opinion.
"You better be careful with that," Seras warned, concerned for his safety. "If that thing can hurt ghosts then I don't want to see what it does to humans."
"I've handled worse," Tamashii said. "Wonder why they were after Fang? He isn't a ghost."
"Well, in this town, you can never tell," said Seras. "So, what do we do now?"
Tamashii cocked the gun, "Let's go fishing."
Seras quirked an eyebrow, "Did you just make a joke?" She received no answer from the stoic leader of the Slayers. "OK, fine," Seras said. "Let's go after that Fangire."
Danielle and Devlin entered Fang Manor and went straight up the stairs into the main chamber. After returning, Lobo had gotten back to creating the house of cards, but the sudden slamming of the doors caused the house of cards to collapse once more. He growled in frustration.
"Why were the Guys in White after you?" Danielle demanded. "They usually don't go after anything that doesn't have an ecto-signature without reason."
"I don't know," Devlin answered, avoiding the question. "They're just idiots."
"OK, I admit that, but you must've done something."
Devlin sighed, "I may have…attacked one of their jets."
"What?" Danielle yelled in surprise. "Why?"
"After what they tried to do to you and your family, could you blame me?" Devlin questioned.
"I guess not. But by making yourself a target? Not a very smart move."
"I know that now. I never intended to end up on their most wanted list." Devlin groaned as he took a seat. Gillian brought him his tea. "Thank you."
The sounds of footsteps could be heard as Topper walked into the chamber. "I heard an argument. Anything interesting happened while I was gone?" Topper grinned as he took his own seat and with a snap of his fingers, a cup of coffee appeared.
"Just another Fangire, nothing too unusual," Fangula said from his perch on Devlin's head.
"Well, let's see," Topper said as he took off his top hat, reached into it and pulled out a parchment. He unrolled it. "And if this was ever sealed, it'd be your 9th one so far."
"It got away," Devlin informed. "There was some outside interference."
"The almost top secret government agency known as the Guys in White?" Topper inquired. "Why did they interfere? Or do I want to know?"
"They are a nuisance at best," Devlin said. "Not worth my time, really."
"But they may prove troublesome," Francis spoke as he began constructing the house of cards now as Lobo leaned back against his chair, not wanting to do it anymore since it'd just collapse again.
"What will you do then, My Lords?" Gillian asked, referring to Devlin and Fangula.
Devlin contemplated. Because of his recklessness, the Guys in White were gunning for him. Sure he could ask his father for assistance but what would that say about his reputation. Somehow, he had to fix this problem himself.
"I'll figure it out, eventually," Devlin nodded.
"Well, you should also figure out what to do about this new Fangire," Fangula stated. "There's something odd about it."
"Odd, how so?" Miriam inquired.
"I sensed that it'd absorbed the life energy, but not consume it," Fangula answered.
"You mean it wasn't eating it?" Danielle blinked.
"I could sense that it was inside it, but it wasn't using it for sustenance," Fangula explained. "Could mean just about anything."
"Another dilemma, wouldn't you say, My Lords?" Topper smirked.
"Whatever, just let me at him," Lobo said with his fists clenched. "Guys in White or not, it's going down."
"My, my, Wolfy," Topper teased. "You're taking this rather personally, aren't you? Like you really care…"
"Bite me, Top Hat!" Lobo snapped.
"Ooh, feisty," Topper mocked. "Heel, boy!"
"I am not a dog!" Lobo shot back as he stood up. The sudden movement caused Francis house of cards to collapse. He sighed.
"Stop arguing, you two," Devlin spoke sternly. The two complied with their master, one of them at least. "We can either stay up all night arguing about this, or just wait until tomorrow."
"That's right," Danielle realised. "Devlin and I have early shifts at the restaurant."
"You and Devlin?" Walter blinked. "Young master, you got yourself a job?"
"Yes," Devlin admitted.
"But why take a job when you are so wealthy, My Lord?" Gillian questioned. She saw him cast a glance at Danielle. "Oh, I see."
"To be with his lover, the man is willing to go through any lengths," Topper said in a sing-song voice. "How utterly romantic."
"Well, I should be heading home now," Danielle said, checking her watch. Her face had turned a lovely shade of red from the teasing. "Mom and dad might get worried."
"Why not stay over for dinner?" Devlin invited. "I don't think they'd mind."
Danielle nodded. "Right, I'll give them a call." She dug into her pocket and took out her cell phone. She headed towards the door and opened it. "I'll be right back." She exited the main chamber as the door closed behind her.
"So, regarding this Fangire, it's up to something," Fangula said.
"I agree," Devlin nodded. "But we need to know its human identity first though."
Back at the Café Mal d'Amour, in the basement, Tamashii was showing Bunshichi what he'd picked up.
"Nice gun," Bunshichi admired. "Who'd you swipe it from?"
"Some people calling themselves the Guys in White," Tamashii said as he headed for his sake cabinet. "Heard about them?"
"Basically the government's answer towards the 'ghost problem'," Bunshichi said as he took a look at the gun. "They didn't put up much of a fight, did they?"
"Fang took care of them after they allowed the Fangire to escape," Tamashii said.
"And what were you doing?" Bunshichi asked. Tamashii would never let any vampire get away.
"I was watching Fang," Tamashii said.
"You mean waiting for him to finish before you went after him yourself," Bunshichi countered. He sighed and said, "Tamashii, he doesn't sound like that bad a guy."
"He's still a vampire, so he may turn into a potential threat," Tamashii remarked.
"And all the good he's done does not matter at all?" Bunshichi questioned. "He did save Seras and Chiaki."
"When he becomes a threat, then no," Tamashii replied.
"You mean 'if', Tamashii," Bunshichi corrected, "If he becomes a threat. I know there aren't any clues that he won't be a threat, but there isn't any evidence to support that he will be either."
"He's still a vampire. Sooner or later he'll be going after blood, and I'll be there, waiting for him."
"There are better ways to get blood aside from attacking humans these days, you know?" Bunshichi retorted. "Who's to say he isn't getting it that way?"
"We can't be sure," Tamashii argued. "With all the Fangires running around, Fang could easily be getting his own sustenance without us knowing it. I plan to make sure either way."
"You're going to use that, huh?"
"Yes, I will."
"Well, I just hope you don't end up with your ass handed back to you."
The Lobster Fangire had fled into an underground room for safety. Fang had nearly done him in if it weren't for the Guys in White getting in the way.
The Lobster Fangire reverted to his human form, which was hidden in the shadows. He walked over towards a set of coffins, all lined up next to one another. "Soon, my brethren," he said in a Spanish accent, "Soon, you will return to your former glory." He held up an orb of life energy. Tendrils of energy started to flow out of the orb and into the coffins. "Yes, soon…very soon…"
A/N: Well, what is this Fangire up to? We'll have to wait and see. Thanks to my pals who helped me out!