ZK Chromedragozoid: What else happened that night? Take a look. Revenge or sympathy?

Devlin fell on his knees in front of Mr. Oliver's chair. He looked down at the shattered fragments of the Fangire's body and collected them into his hand. Weeping, he crushed the shards in his hands out of sorrow.

"This…this isn't right…" Devlin sobbed as his shoulders shook.

"Devlin…" Danielle placed a hand on his shoulder.

Mr. Oliver had been his mentor ever since he came to Casper High. The man had helped him improve his violinist skills as well as offered advice, like a father. Maybe it was because it was part of the promise he'd made to Devlin's father, but now the man was dead.

And Devlin knew who was to blame.

He suddenly stood up to his feet and walked towards the door, ignoring Danielle's voice as she called out to him. She chased after him only to hear the sound of an engine roaring as the Blood Fang raced through the empty and quiet street, leaving a trail of red. It didn't take a genius to know where the dhampir was headed.

The door swung wide open with a slam.

"AKASHI!!"

That was all Tamashii and the rest of the people inside the Café Mal d'Amour heard before Devlin lunged at Tamashii, grabbing the samurai by the neck and then slammed him on top of the counter. The customers all fled from the battle that was about take place.

Tamashii could see that Devlin's face was livid. The dhampir's face was contorted into a mask on incomprehensible rage as he glared at the Slayer with one single glowing red eye.

Of course, Tamashii also noticed that the eye was also wet with tears.

"You bastard," Devlin growled. "You killed him!" He pulled back a fist, ready to drive it through the other Rider's head. His hand was held back by the wrist. Spinning his head around in a rage, he saw that it was Danny. "Let me go, Daniel! Or so help me I'll-"

"Devlin, don't do this, not like this," Danny advised, recognizing the hate-filled glare Devlin was giving him. Valerie had given his ghost form that same look up until she stopped hunting him, but he knew what vengeance looked like in someone's eye. He had seen it in Tamashii as well.

Tamashii coldly retorted, "You thought that just because he was your friend he wouldn't betray you?! The woman I loved betrayed me for her own kind. We loved each other and she still helped kill my family! And just because he was your friend for a few months he wouldn't betray your trust!? Stop being such a naive little boy and grow up!"

Devlin glared back, and spat, "Even so, that does not give you the right to pass judgment on all other Fangires!" He started to tighten his grip on the Slayer's throat.

Tamashii didn't make a move to remove Devlin's hand. Someone else did it for him.

"Devlin, what are you doing?" Seras shouted before she went over to wrench Devlin's hand from Tamashii's throat. "Let Tamashii go!" She had heard the commotion and come down to check, only to see Devlin strangling Tamashii.

Devlin took in a deep breath and slowly removed his fingers that were pressing on Tamashii's windpipe. Danny let go of Devlin's other hand as well.

"Devlin, what's your problem?" Seras asked. Devlin looked surprise. She didn't know? He then turned his gaze towards Tamashii.

"Why don't you ask this murderer?" Devlin hissed before he walked away, but not before gulping down a cup of piping hot coffee left on the counter. He grimaced in disgust before heading towards the door, slamming it close behind him.

"Tamashii…" Seras asked, looking at Tamashii directly, "What did you do?" Tamashii remained silent, "What did you do!?" she repeated, raising her voice.

Tamashii's only reply was, "I killed a Fangire." He then elaborated, causing Seras' eyes to go wide. When he finished…

SLAP!

Tamashii placed his hand on the red mark on his cheek. Seras' body shook as tears fell from her eyes.

"Seras, I…"

"I hate you!" Seras shouted, "I HATE YOU!!" She then ran out of the café.

Bob sighed, "Dude, Tamashii, you just pissed off two people."

Tamashii shouldn't have cared, but he did. He hated seeing Seras cry. "Correction, Bob," he eyed Danny, "It's more like three people." He then turned and made his way to the garage in the back of the café. "I'm going to the park…to clear my head."

Danny sat down on the counter, "Man, that guy has issues."

"It happens when you have your entire family slaughtered before your eyes," Bob said as he served a piping hot cup of coffee to Danny. "Here, on the house."

As Danny casually took a sip of the warm liquid, he began to think of what he was letting himself, his friends and Danielle get themselves into. Fangires were not ghosts. They were something else, something that Danny had no knowledge about.

Maybe a call to Desmond could help clear some things up.

Danielle had arrived at the café to see a dejected Devlin stepping out, his head down. In her hands was the violin case which contained the Black Star. It broke her heart to see him this way so she approached him. "Dev, I'm so-" she was unable to finish her sentence when he wrapped her tightly in his arms. "Devlin?" she questioned, confused by his behavior but could feel moisture on her shoulder where he was resting his head. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him still.

"He's gone…I couldn't save him," he sobbed. Danielle understood. Mr. Oliver had been a kind man who was someone you could go to with your problems. He provided a sympathetic ear to the students, and now he was gone. Devlin's hold on Danielle tightened, just to make sure she was there and was not going to leave him. He needed her for support because if she wasn't there then he would once again collapse, weighed down by his depression. He continued to cling onto her, desperately.

Danielle heard the door slam again and looked up to see Seras, angrily wiping away tears. Was tonight going to leave a lot of people upset and heartbroken?

Devlin removed his arms from Danielle and turned to look at Seras. Though she was aligned with Tamashii and the Slayers, he felt no hatred for the girl. It was Tamashii that had gained his ire, the girl was only collateral. Plus, she was a friend. No way he could refuse her. "I'll take you to the Fentons'. Danielle can just fly there."

"Thank you," Seras nodded. She walked over to the couple and hugged Devlin. "I'm really sorry for what Tamashii did."

"I know you are," Devlin nodded. "I know you are." He looked up when he heard an engine roar to life and a black bike speed past them. He could vaguely make out the shape of the Slayer's leader speed away.

Devlin was sorely tempted to go after him and beat his face in. He resisted the urge to do so. He decided to head back towards Fang Manor. He needed to get his head clear and work through his grief. Maybe someone to talk to might help. But first, he needed to take Seras to the Fentons' home. The night had taken its toll on a lot of people.

Devlin dropped Seras off at the Fentons' without any difficulty, though he noticed how his own girlfriend was staring at him. Seras had been holding him quite tightly as she laid her head on his back. Devlin knew that Seras was just trying to find comfort, but Danielle couldn't help but feel a little jealous.

Danielle assumed human form in an alley before walking out of it, to greet Seras and Devlin.

"I'll take it from here, Dev," Danielle said to her dhampir boyfriend. "You just go and get some rest."

"Right," Devlin nodded. He walked back to his bike, "Goodnight, you two," he said before mounting his bike and putting on the helmet before speeding away. He needed to get some data on the Slayer system.

As soon as Devlin arrived at Fang Manor, the boy dismounted from his bike and threw off his helmet. He grabbed the Black Star and pushed the door open and rushed straight towards his room. In his room there was a desk with his laptop computer. He placed the Black Star's case gently on his table before walking over to his desk. He turned on his computer and waited for it to boot up. When it was done, he sat down and began pressing the keys. He was going to access Smart Brain's mainframe.

"Let's see what information I can get about the Slayer system," Devlin mused as his eyes scanned over the screen. A bright red "ACCESS DENIED!" was what he saw. "So, access denied, huh? We'll see about." He pressed a sequence of keys and soon the screen lit up with the words "ACCESS GRANTED!" in bright green. Soon, he was able to view several file folders of Smart Brain's top secret and confidential projects. He saw a file marked "RIDER SYSTEM" and clicked on it. What he saw was a list of all the developed Rider systems and several that were still in development. There were several plans, design specs and schematics of the Rider systems, like the Inzecter system, the Rider Gears system as well as the Smartrooper suits. He scrolled down and his lips curled into a smile. "Slayer system." He clicked on the link and he soon found the data he was looking for.

"Now, this is interesting," Devlin said as he read.

The Slayer system was developed 20 years ago. The original prototype was created to combat against the Fangires. There were several design flaws but overtime the prototype was able to be used on the field. However, the prototype soon failed and thus the system needed to be updated. The Slayer system has been updated a total of nine times, and the current version is called known as "Slayer System Version X". The prototype version did not have the current Burst Mode due to design flaws and the extremity of the energy.

Devlin scanned the data and then found what he needed. Though the system had been perfected, there was still a weakness Devlin could exploit.

That was all the information Devlin needed. He scanned the information and then logged off. He looked over at the Black Star and frowned.

He opened up the case and pulled out the violin. "I can't believe I'm even doing this," he said to himself. He then placed the violin against his neck and the bow against the strings before he began to play. It was a beautiful yet sad song to honor Mr. Thomas Oliver.

Tamashii stopped and parked his bike near a bench in the park. He needed time to lie down and rest his eyes. He removed his helmet and dismounted from his bike before he went over to the bench and lay down. His mind was full of thoughts. He had dedicated his life to the extermination of Fangires and vampires but never stopped to think that good ones existed. To him, that was impossible, yet Fang had destroyed that world view even thought Tamashii tried hard to maintain it. Even his teammates thought he was getting too obsessed about this. The look on Seras' face hurt him more. How could she do that?

The words he'd exchanged with Devlin had been cold and harsh, yet very true, at least in his own opinion, yet the other Rider whom he saw as a potential threat chose to defend another Fangire to the point of fighting him. Tamashii could still feel the soreness on his chest where Fang's Bloody Moon Smash had collided. There was still a bruise there, which would eventually heal itself…eventually. All his wounds did…at least the physical ones did.

As he contemplated on his thoughts, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He opened his eyes to see a young girl looking at him curiously.

"Hey, Mister, what are you doing out here?" she asked him. She was looking down at him with a pair of big, green eyes.

Tamashii retorted to the girl, who didn't look any older than ten or twelve, "Aren't you a little young to be out so late?"

"Hey, I'm almost 12!" she said indignantly, "And what are you doing sleeping out here so late. It's not safe."

Tamashii sat up and rolled his eyes, "I can defend myself. What can you do?" The girl had dark brown hair and green eyes. Her hair was unruly and short, barely reaching the nape of her neck. She was also wearing blue pants that went past her knee and a red T-shirt.

"Well, I can…Um…" the girl hesitated and shrugged.

"Just, go home," Tamashii said, lying down again.

"I don't have a home," the girl spoke sadly. Tamashii opened his eyes and sat up again, looking at the girl. The clothes she had did look a little dirty and ragged and she looked like she hadn't eaten in days. She looked like a runaway. "I ran away."

"Why?" Tamashii asked.

"My foster parents, they…" the girl couldn't continue. Tamashii could see bruises on her arms and near her collarbone. She probably had others too under her clothes.

"They abused you," Tamashii finished. The girl nodded, sniffling a little, her eyes wet with unshed tears. Tamashii felt sympathetic for the girl and asked, "What's your name, kid?"

"It's Sandra, but you can call me Sandy," the girl said.

"I'm Tamashii," Tamashii introduced himself. "Now, come on." He stood up, "Let's go."

"Go where?" the little girl blinked.

"Come home with me. You need to get cleaned up," he said. The girl shook her head. She didn't trust Tamashii just yet. The Slayers' leader could understand that since he was a stranger and she'd been abused by adults. So, he grabbed her hand.

"Hey, let me go!" Sandy yelled. He did. "Huh?"

He bent his legs to get eye level with the girl. "Look, you can either come with me, or starve and die of cold out here," Tamashii said seriously. "You don't have a home, you said it yourself, so you need to learn to trust me." He gave her a tender smile, "You can trust me. I got friends that can give you shelter."

"Oh, OK," Sandy nodded and took Tamashii's hand. "Just, promise you won't let anything hurt me."

"I won't," Tamashii nodded. "You can trust me." Sandy smiled brightly as tears began to roll down her face. Tamashii could see that they weren't tears of sadness, but more of joy.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" asked Sandy. All her life she hadn't met a single adult who was this nice to her, and now Tamashii was here, and she felt safe.

"I think it's because you remind me of someone…Someone I lost a long time ago," he said. Tamashii stopped and lightly pushed Sandy behind him. A man wearing all black and a black ski-mask stepped out of the shadows, gun in hand.

"Just give me your money and I won't have to shoo--" He was cut off as Tamashii's fist found its way into the man's abdomen. He then followed with a roundhouse kick to the man's head, knocking the would-be mugger away.

He looked back at Sandy and smiled lightly, "Told you I could protect myself. And I promise to do the same for you."

Sandy beamed as brightly as any sun.

As the pair continued to walk away from the groaning mugger, they weren't aware that they were being watched. Once the pair was far enough away, a person donned in a thick trench coat that had the collar turned up to help hide their identity stepped into the night air.

The figure calmly walked over to the groaning mugger and looked down at him. He looked to be in pain. His breathing was labored and having trouble moving.

"Less that you deserve," the figure growled. "No one messes with my property."

Cracks began to spread across the flesh that was sticking out of the coat. A slight hissing noise echoed from the figure's throat before two insect-like fangs appeared in the air. They descended and punctured the neck of the would-be mugger. The man cried in pain, but no one heard. Soon his flesh turned as clear as glass before he slumped.

"Punishment delivered," the figure chuckled before slowly walking in the same direction as Sandy and Tamashii.

Down in Fang Manor's basement was Devlin's lab where he would brew potions. There was a shelf with labeled glass bottles, jars and vials filled with the ingredients he would need to concoct his potions. He also used a modern day chemistry set as well as the traditional cauldron in his potion making.

The basement also housed a large screen monitor. It was actually a computer made by Smart Brain and with it Devlin could use it to call on anybody in the world. It was basically a large vid-phone to him.

Devlin walked down the stairs to the basement. As usual, it was dark and gloomy and lit up by torches. However, he had grown use to the environment. He liked the dark solitude, like his father and brother.

He had gotten the information about the Slayer system from the Corporation's databanks and now he wanted to get the information from the source. It would either be his father or brother, but he knew that the Riders systems were currently being developed by his brother's branch of the company, though other branches did help constructing them.

Maybe he could find out more about the Slayer system from his brother.

Devlin approached the large console and entered the command through a series of buttons. He was going to make a call straight to his brother.

"Hello, onii-sama, this is Kyoichiro," Devlin said.

The bike ride had been exhilarating for the young runaway girl. Tamashii could drive swift and fast on his bike. Luckily, there was no traffic so it was a breeze. Tamashii soon slowed down as he pulled over towards the Café. He looked to see that the lights were still on but the door had the 'Closed' sign hanging in front. He knew that the others might be waiting for him. At least, maybe Bunshichi. Bob and Chiaki may not be in the mood to talk to him after making Seras cry again.

"Here we are," Tamashii said as he removed his helmet. Sandy hopped off the vehicle and removed her own helmet. The holy Rider took hold of her hand and they slowly walked towards the door.

"It's closed," she frowned. Tamashii took out a key and put it into the keyhole. With a twist, he unlocked the door and pushed it open. Sandra followed him inside before he closed the door and locked it once more.

"What is this place?" Sandra asked.

"My friends and I run this café," Tamashii said. "Take a seat at the counter while I fix you something to eat." Sandra gingerly did as told and climbed onto one of the seats. She leaned over the counter and rested her chin on the surface. It felt good to be wanted, but she wasn't sure how long. She didn't trust Tamashii entirely, yet.

Tamashii went into the kitchen and searched the fridge. He would make her a sandwich and lucky for him they still had slices of turkey meat, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and bread. It wasn't exactly a large meal but it would suffice for her. Also, a glass of warm milk to wash it all down.

The girl seemed to have been on the run for quite some time. With the way her foster parents been treating her, he knew they wouldn't care. One less mouth to feed. Though, she was in the system, a ward of the state. Until she was officially adopted, she would be sent from one foster home to another.

Tamashii wouldn't allow that to happen, so he had to find a way to help the girl. He let out a sigh. "I may need to call the boss for this one." As much as he hated to admit that he was being funded by Devlin's father, who was a vampire, they did owe their benefactor much. It just pained Tamashii to realize the truth that all the money that backed them up and their weapons had been provided by one of the creatures they periodically fought. He still couldn't wrap around the idea but still, he was only human, so to speak. He needed help, even if it was from a vampire.

"Here, you can take the bed," said Danielle as she unrolled a sleeping bag.

"Danielle, are you sure?" Seras asked, already dressed in a pair of extra pajamas. "I mean…"

"You're a guest, it's okay," Danielle said.

"Thank you for putting me up for the night," Seras said to the female halfa.

"Hey, it's what friends do for each other," Danielle replied. "And, you did the right thing. I mean, Tamashii was such a jerk. He killed Mr. Oliver."

"I couldn't believe that he was really a Fangire. He was really nice."

"He was, and Dev is taking it really badly," Danielle frowned.

"Were they close?" Seras asked.

"He was Devlin's mentor, of course they were close. The guy knew Devlin had talent and wanted to help him improve."

"So, there was mutual respect there, right?"

"Yep."

Seras sat down on the bed. How could Tamashii be so cold as to kill someone as kind as Mr. Oliver? Sure, he had been a Fangire, but after Danielle and Devlin had explained it to her, he had not fed on humans for many years. That had to mean something. But, Tamashii still firmly believed that all vampires were evil and there was no room to interpret otherwise. However, after getting to know Devlin and being saved by Fang, she had her doubts.

"So, are you ever going back to the café?' Danielle asked.

"Oh?" Seras responded. "I mean, yes, eventually. I just need to be away from Tamashii for awhile."

"Well, I understand."

The man stood in front of Café Mal d'Amour. "So this is where my little pet went…" His skinned cracked like glass, showing the tell-tale signs of a Fangire.

The man stepped closer to the building and his skin cracked further before he began changing into a new Fangire. It was like the others with stained glass skin, but black cords seemed to wrap around it in the spaces between the sections. A single blade was growing out of each forearm and each one looked like they could cut through anything. A loincloth that looked like it was stained glass with a skull design in it. The Fangire's face looked to be a mess between holes and an insect's face that had a horizontal mouth filled with teeth. A pair of blue horns was jutting from its head and helped make its animal part known. This was the Earwig Fangire.

The screen in front of Devlin was bright with the image of the current CEO of Smart Brain Tokyo. This was Ichijyo Desmond Amakusa-Akuma, Devlin's older brother and a Zodiac Knight.

"It's good to hear from you, little brother," Ichijyo nodded. "Couldn't be bothered to call home more often?"

Devlin sighed. It was just like his brother to tease him like this. Ichijyo wasn't an overly emotional individual except when it came to his old flame or his current fiancée. He had changed, though. He was much more open with his family and it had become more frequent since he started seeing Raven.

"Been busy," Devlin shrugged. "Fangires have a way of taking up one's time."

Ichijyo nodded silently, "It appears that father wasn't exaggerating when he told me about them after all. Daniel has been sending reports and asking questions lately."

"So he's been keeping you informed," Devlin nodded. "Good. Then perhaps you can enlighten me to certain facts about a Rider System I came into contact with."

"Smart Brain has been in the business of creating Rider Systems for a while," Ichijyo replied. "You will have to be more specific."

"The Slayer system," Devlin commented.

Ichijyo glanced at his brother with some curiosity, "What do you need to know about it? Last I was told, it was being held for testing."

"Then someone decided to go for a field test," Devlin commented, "Because I have fought it about three times now and almost got myself killed once by it."

"WHAT?!" Ichijyo cried. His shock and anger was two-fold. One: because a Rider System was out in the world without his knowledge. And secondly: because someone had tried to kill his brother, again.

"I believe that Father went over your head on this one," Devlin continued. "The Slayer's group is being funded by Smart Brain and if you don't know about it then I can only think of three people who could."

"Megami, Mother, and Father," Ichijyo sighed. "Megami doesn't know about Fangires and Mother prefers to stay out of these things. Father is the only one who could orchestrate this behind our backs without us knowing about it."

"I'm rather surprised that you are just finding this out," Devlin commented.

"He contacted me after you revealed yourself as Fang," Ichijyo sighed. "He was mainly concerned about your abilities and those of Fangula's little friends. He never mentioned Slayer."

"That's just the way Father is, unfortunately," Devlin nodded. Their father was always so secretive. It did come with the job when you were a high ranking Deathtron official. "Of course he'd ask incase Fangula or the others were dangerous."

"He cares for all of us, you know that, even if he doesn't show much affection," Ichijyo replied.

Devlin was about to say something in response when he heard the Blood Rose. It was calling him to battle, "I'm sorry, onii-sama, but it looks like I'm needed."

"Just be careful, little brother," Ichijyo informed. "And try not to get yourself killed."

Devlin gave his brother an arrogant smirk, "I'm always careful," before he shut off the link ran up the stairs. He called out, "Fangula, let's go!"

Tamashii had just brought the sandwich out for Sandy when all of a sudden his Ryuugan activated. Dropping the plate he then leaped over the counter and grabbed the girl protectively. He did it so that she wouldn't be harmed by the rain of glass as a demonic figure broke into the café, shattering the glass window. It stepped over towards the two, bladed arms raised and pointed at Sandra.

"Give me the girl, and I might let you live," the Earwig Fangire demanded.

"Please, don't let it take me!" Sandra begged.

"I promise," Tamashii said as he stood up. Sandy hid behind him as he glared at the intruder. "Leave now, Fangire."

"I think not, human," the Earwig Fangire said. "That little girl is mine, I own her!"

"She is not the property of a filthy Fangire like you!" Tamashii snapped, drawing out one of his swords.

"Hey, what's all the racket," Bob said as he came down the stairs. He then saw the Fangire. "Oh, shit!" He shouted at Tamashii, "Tamashii, what did I say about bringing your work home with you!?"

"Go back upstairs, Bob," Tamashii said. "I'll handle this!"

"I think not," Bob said as he got into a battle stance. "This is our café and we're protecting it together."

The Earwig Fangire chuckled, "Just two of you to stop me? That's not even a challenge."

"No, but I am!" Bunshichi roared as he ran past Bob and straight at the Fangire. His fist collided with the demon's face and sent it flying through the other window, shattering it as the creature landed outside. "Heh, still got it!"

"You two, take care of Sandy!" Tamashii commanded, "And clean this mess up!"

"Hey, who's the kid?" Bob asked.

"I'm Sandy," the girl introduced.

Tamashii made sure he had the Slayer belt on and ran towards the window before leaping out of the café. Bob just shook his head.

"What a mess," Bob grumbled before going to get a broom and dustpan. "We're going to need new windows.

Outside, the Earwig Fangire was just getting the cobwebs out of its head from Binshichi's punch. "For a mere human, that bug one packed a punch."

"Yes, he did," Tamashii agreed. "Now, before I kill you, tell me why you're after the girl."

"Well, if that girl's bitch of a mother was still alive, she'd tell you, but I already gutted her," the Earwig Fangire chuckled. Tamashii's eyes widened. "You see, I'm the brat's real father! I raped her mother and 9 months later she popped out. I only knew about it 10 years later when I came for a visit." Tamashii's eyes narrowed at the term 'visit'. It probably wasn't one she'd been expecting."I killed the mother when she told me she gave her little girl away. Ever since then, I've been tracking her from one foster home to another."

"And you killed the last foster parents, didn't you?" Tamashii asked. Maybe that was why Sandy had been running away.

"Hey, I am maybe a Fangire, but we do take care of our own kin," the Earwig Fangire said. "Those humans just kept beating her. I had to kill them." He continued,"I was just waiting for the right time when I should take her with me. Snatching her just like that wouldn't have been fun so I hunted her. She looks old enough now, so why don't you hand her over to me and I'll be on my way."

'This Fangire has to be lying,' Tamashii thought but he knew that there would be some truths to that story. His Ryuugan could detect if someone was lying and the Fangire either was a really good liar or had been truthful the entire time. If that was true, then Sandy was…Sandy was a half-Fangire.

"So, what's the answer?" the Earwig Fangire asked. "I'll just take her anyway, even if I have to go through you and your pals."

Tamashii's answer was simple. He strapped the Slayer Knuckle to his right hand and slammed it against his left palm.

"READY!"

"Here's my answer! Henshin!"

"FIST ON!"

In a golden flash of light, Tamashii had transformed into Masked Rider Slayer. "Go to hell, you filthy Fangire!"

"Wow! Cool!" Sandy exclaimed as she watched the entire thing unfold. Slayer looked towards the window.

"Sandy, get back," Slayer warned. The Earwig Fangire let out a hiss and charged at Slayer. He slashed at the white armored Rider with its blades. Sparks flew, but there were no visible marks on the armor indicating any damage. As the frustrated and angry Fangire swung its blades again, Slayer grabbed one before sending the Earwig Fangire flying with a punch. The Earwig Fangire crashed against a car, smashing the windows.

Slayer walked towards the Earwig Fangire, cracking his knuckles. The Fangire got back up and lunged at him. Slayer grabbed his foes horns and then spun around before throwing him into a lamppost, denting it. The Fangire groaned in pain as it tried to gather its bearings.

The Earwig Fangire, with all his talk, was just so weak. Of course, that didn't mean the monster was any less of a threat. There was no telling how many lives this demon had taken in his search for Sandy.

The Earwig Fangire hissed and charged angrily at Slayer who drew out his Slayer X-Calibur and shot him in the chest several times, sending him staggering back. Immediately after, he converted his weapon to Sword Mode and started to slash at the Fangire. The Earwig Fangire tried to fight back but Slayer proved to be the better fighter as he rained down the hits.

The Earwig Fangire suddenly got lucky and used one of its blades to strike Slayer in the arm, causing the Rider to lose his weapon. The Fangire then kicked him in the chest hard, sending him sprawling.

The Fangire spat in disgust, "Now, I'm going to take my kid, and you're not going to stop me." The Fangire turned towards the café.

One of the mistakes one would make on the battlefield, would be to turn your back on your opponent. It was good advice since stupid mistake like that could get you killed.

Slayer pushed himself up to his feet and drew out the Knuckle Whistle from his belt. He slid it inside his buckle and the red gem reacted, activating the whistle's properties. Slayer's right hand reached down and he detached the Knuckle from the belt.

"SLAYER KNUCKLE: RISING UP!"

The Earwig Fangire spun around at hearing this announcement to see Slayer rushing straight at him. The Slayer Knuckle glowed with power as the cross on his chest glowed. He then threw his armed fist at the Fangire.

"BROKEN FANG!!"

At that moment of contact, the Earwig Fangire found he could no longer move. He watched in horror as cracks started to form all over his body, starting from where the fist had collided. The Earwig Fangire unleashed a screech before his body shattered in an explosion of glass shards and flames. Unlike the Frog Fangire, his soul hadn't been destroyed as it floated upwards.

The soul was intercepted, however, when a black and gold metal bat swooped in and swallowed it in midair before flying over to his partner, spitting out the black gem into Devlin's hand.

Slayer turned around and removed the belt, allowing the armor to vanish. "You're late," Tamashii said. "I already dealt with that thing."

"I can see that," Devlin replied with s frown as he leaned against a wall. Ever since Mr. Oliver's death, the only thought on his mind was killing Tamashii. He had calmed down somewhat, but any possible future alliances between the two had been affectively ruined by the Slayer's actions. It would appear that they would never become friends. "So, what did this Fangire do?"

"Rape, murder, and attempted kidnapping," Tamashii said. "He even confessed to it."

Devlin nodded. It would appear that Tamashii actually had a good reason this time, but this did not excuse him for killing Mr. Oliver. "I see." He started to walk towards the Blood Fang.

"So, you didn't come here for a fight?" Tamashii questioned. He had half-expected Devlin to come for revenge.

"I did, originally, but we're both tired. It's been a really long night and I'm exhausted," Devlin mounted his bike. "But, next time, we will fight and only one of us will be able to stand afterward." He put on his helmet and drove away, with Fangula following after him.

Tamashii gave a nod and turned around back to the café. He said, "Board up the windows, Bunshichi!"

"Hey, you're not the boss of me!" shouted Bunshichi.

"Like hell I'm not! Now get the tools to board up those windows, meat-head!" Bunshichi merely grumbled before heading to the back of the café to find some tools. "You too, Bob! Go to the supply store to get us some boards!"

"Gotcha," Bob nodded as he headed for the supply stores.

Out of the corner of the doorway, Sandy peeked back out to look at Tamashii. A bright smile was on her face as Tamashii walked closer. Once he was at the door, she leaped out and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.

"Thank you!" she cried out. "You made it go away!"

Tamashii looked to the dhampir that was hugging him. Almost by instinct, he began to stroke her hair as she started to cry. She wasn't crying because of sadness, but she was crying because her nightmare was finally over. They were tears of relief.

The girl was half-Fangire, but Tamashii couldn't bring up any hatred for her. She wasn't responsible for how she was conceived. He still hated Fangires and the one he just destroyed only reminded him why he hated them. However, a stray thought entered his mind. How many children like Sandy were out there being tortured by Fangires for their heritage or being hunted for recruitment purposes?

He gave the young girl a tender smile, "Sandy…let's get you something to eat."

ZK Chromedragozoid: One more Fangire meets its end at the hands of Slayer, and a new finisher. BROKEN FANG!