It was night time when both Fang and Slayer ended up facing against a couple of Fangires. From their appearance, they were a Cobra and Gecko Fangire.
"Looks like the Dragon wants us dead," said Fang.
"Are you surprised?" asked Slayer.
"Not really," Fang shrugged. "But let's remind him with whom he's dealing with." He called, "Roulette!"
"Pyun Pyun!" the small golden dragon answered as he zipped through the air and then hovered above Fang. "I've come as you've called! Tension Fortissimo!" The dragon then flew across Fang's body, breaking the chains holding his shoulders.
Slayer reached up to his mouthpiece and it popped right out. He flipped it open and entered the three digit code. It was 777. He then pressed "ENTER".
"INITIATE: PALADIN SYSTEM!"
Fang's shoulders unfolded into a pair of golden wings which released a large swarm of golden bats. The bats kept the Fangires at bay as Fang raised up his left arm, allowing Roulette to attach himself to it.
"FINAL WAKE UP!"
The bats enveloped Fang's body as a result, transforming him into his strongest form. He became clad in golden armor with a reinforced red chestplate and a new helmet with a black mouthguard and crescent moon ornament.
"SLAYER SYSTEM: CAST OFF!"
Slayer's armor loosened and then flew off, revealing the red six pointed emblem on his chest and the sapphire armor underneath. The wings spread out and covered his body before they were absorbed and turned his bodysuit ivory white. His gauntlets, boots and helmet now matched the rest of the armor. The eyes changed color from blue to red as the golden sections of his Save Mode faceplate reconfigured, the top section becoming horns and the bottom sections moving to the spot where his ears were.
"HAH!" shouted Fang as he threw his left arm to the side, releasing the flames from his back which then formed into his cape.
"PALADIN MODE: ACTIVATED!"
Slayer attached a Power Whistle into a slot in the back of the Paladin Phone and then rotated the slot around the side to become the handle, eyes trained on the two Fangires.
The two Reptile Clan members showed no fear and charged at the two Riders. How stupid. Fang tugged at Roulette's head as Slayer pulled out the whistle kept in his gun handle before sliding it into the Slayer Buckle.
"WAKE UP FEVER!"
"PALADIN BLASTER: RISING UP!"
Fang leapt upwards as Slayer aimed his Paladin Blaster (the Paladin Phone's gun mode) at the Fangires. The charge up was instantaneous as the antennae, which became the barrel, produced a glowing golden magical circle in front of it.
"FINAL RISING BLAST!"
Slayer then pulled the trigger, unleashing the massive blast which also caused an equally powerful recoil that threw him backwards.
Fang dropped down on the Fangires and the red energy collecting at his feet became a pair of wing-like blades. He then executed his attack, "IMPERIAL MOON BREAK!"
Slayer's attack hit the Cobra Fangire and the intense burst of heat petrified it. Slayer vaulted off a wall to offset his recoil and performed a flying kick, shattering the fragile Fangire.
Fang performed several kicks in quick succession which hit the Gecko Fangire. His blades also hacked away at his opponent before the Fangire shattered into oblivion. Fang threw his cape over his shoulder and turned around to face Slayer. Slayer's armor vanished in the form of glowing blue fragments which fell away from his body as Fang's armor glowed golden and vanished in the form of bats. Roulette and Fangula perched themselves on Devlin's shoulders.
"That really helped me relieve some stress after Finals," yawned Devlin as he stretched.
"Don't get cocky," warned Tamashii. "Just because you have that new form doesn't mean you're invincible."
"I know, I know," Devlin agreed. "The only think I'm looking forward to is the dance. After all that studying, the Finals and this, I really want to have one night where I can be normal for a change."
"Normal is a relative term," stated Tamashii. "Let's get home. Sandy must be worried sick by now."
Devlin grinned teasingly, "You're going soft, Akashi." Tamashii ignored his fellow Rider as he mounted the X-Lion and put on his helmet. Devlin mounted his own bike, the Blood Fang and also put his helmet on. Both Riders then sped off home with Roulette and Fangula flying after the two Riders.
"I think I might enjoy seeing the Freshman dance this year," Sam grinned as she went through her music collection. "I mean it's going to be a gothic costume party. How cool is that?" She was glad that Devlin was part of the committee. He had good taste.
"Yeah, cool," Tucker sighed. He was in a huff since his suggestion of a techno-paradise was rejected the second it left his mouth. Devlin said he wanted everyone to enjoy the dance, not be bored to tears. Him and Sam having to DJ the event was almost like rubbing it in his face. He and Sam would be the only Juniors there.
"I'm kinda neutral with that," Danny chuckled. "I have to deal with it enough with Devlin and Ichijyo."
"Yeah, you deal with that on a regular basis, don't you?" Sam laughed. "So, is Danielle excited about it?"
"Please," Danny groaned. "She's been freaking out about it since the announcement. Since it's a Halloween-themed ball, she wants something that will complement what Devlin's going to wear, which she doesn't know since he won't tell her."
"I'm surprised that you're so calm about it," Tucker commented. "Usually you'd have the anti-creep stick out and ready to bash Devlin over the head."
"He broke it last time he was over," Danny growled. As soon as Danny showed up with the bat, Devlin had used his chains to snap it in half, warning him that it would be his neck next time. A devilish smirk then came over his face. "Besides, dad got these new 'Fenton Ghost Tracers'. I figure if I keep one on Danielle then I can follow her easily."
Tucker rolled his eyes as Sam sighed. She spoke, "Danny, I think you need to let this whole rivalry with Devlin go. It's obvious that he's the right guy for Danielle."
"But, Sam…" Danny began.
"No buts, Danny," she snapped. "Devlin has proven himself to be the perfect gentleman and boyfriend for Danielle. When I see them together, it's like I'm seeing us."
Danny bristled at the comparison. "I'm not like him," he denied.
"You're both superheroes who can transform to protect the city and the people they care about," Sam stated. "You're both alike where it counts. The difference is that he doesn't let anything like fame, popularity or riches go to his head." There was a popularity poll between Masked Rider Fang, Slayer and Danny Phantom and it currently looked like a pretty close race. Danny had been smug about it when he found out. Devlin just treated it with indifference. Tamashii couldn't care less about it.
Danny frowned, "You're seriously never going to let that go, are you?" The Guys in White had given his parents a large sum of money to buy their house and Danny, as usual, had let it go to his head.
"Dude, you replaced us with robots," Tucker reminded. "She's going to be using that against you for a really long time."
"And can you honestly say you can beat him in a fair fight?" Sam asked.
"What is that supposed to mean?" asked Danny.
"You have seen him fight Fangires as Fang, and don't forget that he can switch forms to suit him in battle. Not to mention he has a freaking dragon backing him up and his own Fangires," stated Tucker. "He can just switch forms during a pinch and turn it into a victory."
"And if you haven't been hiding under a rock, then you would know about his latest transformation," added Sam. She, of course, was talking about Devlin's new Demon Emperor Form. One guy got a picture of it and made hundreds of posters. That person was secretly Topper. Sam actually had one of the posters in her room. She also collected the news articles that mentioned Fang and kept them in an extra scrapbook. "Demon Emperor Form. Ring any bells?"
"I can take him," Danny said confidently as he crossed his arms. "Remember that I beat Pariah Dark and my future self."
"Well, you only beat Pariah Dark because of the ecto-suit and you beat that evil future you by catching him by surprise with your Ghostly Wail," reminded Tucker. "Devlin here knows all your tricks and has tricks of his owns. If he were to go Demon Emperor on you, you'd probably get your butt kicked from here to downtown."
"Whose side are you on?" Danny's frown deepened. That was another thing. Devlin just kept getting stronger. Danny had trouble defeating a single Fangire and needed to use his Ghostly Wail just to shatter them. Devlin could kill them in just one blow when in Demon Emperor Form, which made the difference between them obvious. Still, Danny was grateful to have his and Tamashii's help to deal with these energy-sucking demons and vampires. Before he met Ichijyo, he never thought vampires were real.
"Danny, please just try to get along with Devlin," Sam requested. "He's the brother of one of your closest friends and your sister's boyfriend. And not to mention you both can get along if you try. He gets along fine with Tamashii."
Danny sighed. "OK, I'll try, but I don't have to like it."
"Thanks, Danny." She kissed his cheek.
"Tamashii!" smiled Sandy as she glomped the samurai. Tamashii smiled and patted the girl's head.
"Have you been good?" he said. She nodded. "And your schoolwork?" Sandy would be starting school right after summer and right now as being home-schooled. Miriam and Walter were handling her current education.
"I'm doing great," she beamed. They had celebrated her 12th birthday not too long ago. That was when they'd told her the truth and well she'd been in shock and upset. One would if they found out that one of their parents had been a Fangire, not to mention one that raped her mother. She'd recovered after the revelation but Tamashii could still see sadness in her eyes. The Slayers and the Fang Gang took great effort to show her that she was among family.
Devlin smiled at the scene. A while back he and Tamashii had been enemies ready to kill each other, but now they were allies and living under the same roof. He was actually ready to consider Tamashii a friend but he would never really voice it out loud. Fangula and Roulette flanked him.
"I'm heading up to my room," said Devlin. "Good night." He walked past Tamashii and Sandy and walked up the stairs leading to the wing where his room was. As soon as he got to his door, he noticed it was slightly ajar. Narrowing his eyes, he pushed it open slightly and gawked at the sight.
"Good evening, Dev," smirked Danielle who was sitting on his bed. "I asked my folks that I would be spending the night. You don't mind, do you?" She gave him a sultry look. Her hair was out and a portion of her bangs was covering over her right eye. The long black shirt with his emblem -- a red bat -- on it looked really good on her and she was wearing really short shorts underneath. He looked at her fine legs and his eyes trailed up her body before settling on her face. His single visible eye focused on her neck and he gulped. How long had it been since the last time he fed on her. Fangula and Roulette took notice and started to tease.
"Ooh, Master's girlfriend is here!" snickered Roulette.
"What a nice surprise, huh boy?" added Fangula. Devlin went into the room and slammed the door in their faces. He heard two voices yelling out, "Ow!" but paid no mind to them as he 'floated' towards the bed. He then sat down next to her and bent his neck to sniff her neck.
"You smell absolutely delicious," he complimented. One of Danny's fears had been Devlin feeding off Danielle, but he didn't know that it'd been going on for quite awhile now. If he knew than there would've been a huge fight about it. It was an alternative to sex since they were too young to go that step yet but not too young to experiment. Danielle loved it whenever he bit her. It was the ultimate high. "Like roses."
"Just some new soap," she said nonchalantly. "And shampoo."
"Well, they make you just smell so divine," he complimented more. "And you look good enough to eat." He licked his fangs.
"I was hoping you'd say that," she grinned. She tilted her head to the side and stroked her neck. "Come on, you know you want it." He took hold of her waist and pulled the girl onto his lap. He started kissing her neck, making her moan. Then he licked the spot before, finally, he bit down which made her gasp and moan in deep pleasure. She ground herself against him as he held the girl around the waist.
"Oooh, Devlin…" she moaned.
Claire Brewster always got what she wanted and she wanted that handsome Amakusa boy as her date. He was unique. He was the one boy among all the Freshmen that would reject her but did it as polite as possible since he was a gentleman and didn't want to humiliate her. It'd all started when she went to him to fix her makeup for a date. She'd dumped that boy soon after since her sights were on Devlin. Though he dressed oddly and had friends that were near the bottom of the social Food Chain, he was rich and his personality just drew you in. The way he talked and composed himself showed that he possessed a lot of sophistication and it would only be fair that he had a girl that was as sophisticated. She was the one who got him into the committee so he owed it to her for at least a date, but he still rejected her.
Claire loved it when they played 'hard-to-get'. It just made the chase more fun. It wouldn't be entertaining without some sort of challenge. He was indeed a prize worth the effort since he was the son of one of her father's business partners. She just didn't understand why he'd kept it a secret from the entire school. He was rich and now everyone knew it to be true after that party in his mansion.
She had to admit that despite the odd theme for the dance, he had a good eye for quality. He got the best decorations and equipment for the dance ready and also the best snacks and refreshments. He was even going to sing at the dance. She'd heard him sing in that café he always went to and she just couldn't believe that he hadn't been approached by a talent-scout. His songs were original. She loved the one called "Destiny's Play" the most for some odd reason and she hoped he would sing it at the dance. He mentioned that he had other songs too and she was looking forward to hearing them.
Claire was clueless of his dislike for her. He was polite to her only to save face. Behind her back he would plot and use his potions to get her back and she never suspected him for once. Boy was she a ditz. Despite numerous rejections, she still wanted him to become an official member of the A-List. He was at least better company than Dash and some of his football buddies. Heck, even Kwan liked him. Star and Paulina also liked him because he'd made them twice as beautiful, a feat that was thought impossible. He really did indeed possess magical hands when it came to makeup.
She'd already picked up a costume. If she played her cards right, Devlin Amakusa would be all hers.
The Dragon roared as he threw a vase into a wall, barely missing Mitsuomi's head. The stoic Komodo Fangire didn't even budge from his spot to dodge. Once again, two members of his clan had been defeated by Fang and Slayer. The talk about Fang being the Demon Emperor's heir was also grating on his nerves and Slayer's last few victories in his new form had earned him the nickname "The Prince's Paladin".
For the past couple of weeks, the Dragon had sent numerous Fangires after the two, only to have them obliterated. The Cobra and Gecko were the last loyal Fangires but now he no longer had any followers with the exception of Emi and Mitsuomi. The vampires he'd recruited were also being threatened by the Slayers who found their nests and exterminated them. Even the 'Demon Prince' helped them out.
But, all was not lost. Soon, very soon, he would kill those two for interfering in his plans. He was going to become the Fangire King and to do that he needed to destroy the two biggest threats of the Fangire Race: the Paladin and the Demon Prince.
Mitsuomi just watched with an even expression. He'd warned Tamashii to cease his interference and had been insulted and ignored. If his brother wanted to die so much, he could just let him. Emi didn't show it, but she was still worried about all this. The other Clan Heads were split about Fang, since finding out he was the heir of the Demon Prince. The armor, which resembled the Demon Emperor's in every detail, confirmed it. Dragon didn't want to accept it. If he did then he'd have to bow down at the dhampir's feet and he would sooner die than kowtow to a half-breed.
Emi knew of the Akuma Clan. They were a family composed of numerous species of supernatural beings and highly respected. They were close to being considered royalty. The head of the clan, Ichiro Damien Amakusa, was said to have unmatched power and his wife was rumored to be an angel. That alone made the Clan both frightening and well respected in the supernatural community. Such power…and their children were nothing to scoff at either. One was the legendary Vampangel and the other one, their youngest, was now the Demon Prince. The couple had a daughter too but she wasn't as powerful as her brothers, but still powerful in her own right nonetheless. To become enemies with them was considered suicide.
Of course, from what Mitsuomi had gathered, the head of the Akuma Clan and the Demon Prince were not on good terms. Still…she was concerned. A father would go to the Ends of the Earth for their children. Well, a good and devoted father at least.
The Dragon was, in a way, her father, but she had doubts about his priorities. Would he sacrifice her for his plans? She wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer to that.
Mitsuomi knew that the final battle was approaching. As much as he would like to fight his brother, gauge the true level of the last Akashi's power, he knew it went against his Master's wishes. Mitsuomi knew the true extent of the Akashi's power. There was an ancient strength buried deep within his brother. Somewhere, deep down, Tamashii Akashi had a power that could rival that of the Demon Emperor's at the height of his power.
The power of the Magabarai…
Vlad had been observing Fang for quite some time now, learning about him, his possible strength and weaknesses and so on. What he didn't know was the Rider's true identity, which continued to elude him. His spies never saw what Fang looked like under his armor and Fang seemed immune to overshadowing. Being the oldest halfa in existence, this frustrated Vlad. First, he was annoyed when Fang rejected his offer but now he hated him as much as he hated Danny. The two were obstacles in his plans. Fang would often be there to assist the two halfas protecting Amity Park, defeating Skulker or whatever ghostly henchmen he sent their way. When he sent the Fright Knight, things hadn't gone as well as he'd planned. To make a long story short, the Fright Knight was no longer under Vlad's employ.
The Fright Knight had Fang pinned against the wall. The Rider was in Blood Form, his default battle form, and was losing the fight. The Fright Knight held Fang by his throat and his Soul Shredder aimed at his heart.
"You've impressed me," admitted the Fright Knight. "Not many have lasted this long against me. You have earned my respect." Fang said nothing. "That is why I will give you one last honor." He tightened his grip. "Any last words?" asked the Fright Knight.
"Just one," Fang gasped, "Roulette."
"Huh?"
"Pyun Pyun!" shouted the golden dragon as it floated over the two combatants. "Tension Fortissimo!" Roulette flew towards Fang and quickly attached himself to Fang's left forearm. "FINAL WAKE UP!" Fang's body glowed with a golden light that was so intense that the Fright Knight had to shield his eyes. When the glow finally subsided, the Fright Knight felt a hard impact against his stomach that sent him flying. The Spirit of Halloween's eyes widened when he saw Fang standing in his full regal glory. Fang had changed into his Emperor Form.
Fang made his way towards the Fright Knight, walking like a king. The Fright Knight, as his orders dictated, charged at Fang and took a swipe at him. Fang caught the blade in his right hand, much to the Fright Knight's shock, before he found himself being kicked repeatedly by Fang. The sword was yanked from him and tossed aside as Fang continued his violent assault. Fang then stepped backwards, pulling the head of the dragon, allowing the image under the window on Roulette's back to rotate before it stopped on his emblem.
"WAKE UP FEVER!"
"BOW DOWN TO YOUR KING! IMPERIAL MOON BREAK!"
Fang performed a tornado kick that was empowered and armed with a sharp energy blade which cut through the Fright Knight's armor. The Fright Knight then found himself on the ground with Fang standing above him.
"Do you yield?" the Rider asked.
The Fright Knight bowed his head. "I know when I am beaten. You may claim your victory. Finish me."
Fang shook his head. "Your after-life is now in my hands, so I may do with you as I please." He shot a chain from his wrist that grabbed onto the Soul Shredder before he pulled it into his hand. "Do you, Sir Fright Knight, choose to become my faithful vassal from this day forth, to serve me loyally and without question, to fight by my side as my ally and not as my enemy, and to become a knight of my court?"
The Fright Knight was surprised by the offer but quickly got down on one knee with his head bowed. He was an honorable knight and he recognized who his better was. This would be his new king. "I do." Fang tapped the Fright Knight's shoulders with the Soul Shredder, knighting him.
"Now, rise, Sir Fright Knight, First Knight of the Court of the Demon Prince," commanded Fang. The Fright Knight stood up and put his right fist to his chest.
"I shall serve you without question, Master."
Fang had caused the Fright Knight to defect to his side, a fact that enraged Vlad. He felt humiliated and had gone after Fang himself, which had been a huge error. Vlad had returned from that fight alive but with numerous injuries. It would appear intangibility was nothing when faced with cold hard Lucifer Metal. Those chains had nearly crushed him and those blows had left bruises on his bruises. The fight had been completely one-sided from the start, even if Vlad appeared to be having the upper hand from the start.
The GIW agent, the same one Devlin had humiliated as Fang, codenamed Operative V, was not happy. He'd had to watch Fang becoming famous in the eyes of the citizens of Amity Park. He now knew Fang wasn't a ghost since he'd learnt after one very unpleasant experience.
"NOW! SLIME HIM!" shouted Operative V as he and several lesser GIW members sprayed green ecto-slime all over Fang. Fang became covered by the stuff and stumbled backwards from the assault. The slime blinded him and soon he was forced onto his back by several ecto-blasts from the GIW's guns. They wanted him alive…at least for now. V wanted to kill him himself.
"OK, load him in, boys," V grinned. They all did as told.
Suddenly, a golden blur zipped through the air and attacked them, shouting out, "Tension Fortissimo! FINAL WAKE UP!" What V saw had to be impossible but it did happen nonetheless. Fang's body suddenly started glowing gold and he was starting to get up. The GIW were stunned and confused. That slime should've stopped him. It worked on all the ghosts before so why not him?
The only conclusion was that Fang wasn't a ghost. Ghost couldn't change like that.
The slime had been removed as soon as Fang threw his right arm to the side, revealing his new form. Undeterred, V ordered for them to attack but the shots from their weapons had no effect on Fang now. He then knocked them out without any effort with well aimed blows. Fang glared at V, who stared back, his entire body shivering in fear. Fang said one thing:
"Know your place, human, and BOW DOWN TO YOUR KING!" He tugged on the head of a dragon-like ornament attached to his left arm.
"WAKE UP FEVER!"
"IMPERIAL MOON BREAK!"
V just watched as Fang jumped up and performed a heel-kick with a sharp energy blade attached to his leg. The blade sliced one of their vans completely in half. Fang landed on the ground and tossed his cape over his shoulder before turning away and walking off. V shivered at the display of power as he watched dumbly while Fang leisurely escaped from the GIW.
Since then, V had dedicated his every waking moment into finding out who Fang really was under that mask and finally destroying him.
Devlin was lying in bed with Danielle cuddling him as she slept. He was still awake. Plenty had happened in the last two weeks. First, he got attacked by the Fright Knight and now gained a new servant. Apparently, like all his other forms, his personality would shift even in his Demon Emperor Form. Savage Form made him a cunning berserker, Sniper Form made him cool and collected, and Juggernaut Form made his strong and silent. The only exceptions were Blood and Quartet Forms. The Demon Emperor Form, it seemed, made him act arrogant, haughty and aristocratic, demanding respect from everyone around him due to his power. Topper measured him to be an S-Class supernatural being while in that form. He also had the habit of shouting out, "bow down to your king" which further complemented his new haughty nature. At least kicking Vlad's butt and putting him in his place had been fun.
Vlad was on the ground with numerous bruises on him after a relentless assault from Fang. Fang, in his Demon Emperor Form, stood over Fang with a look of disgust.
"Leave, and never come back, or I shall make you bow down to me with my feet," threatened Fang coldly. What he meant was that he was going to stomp Vlad flat into the ground. Vlad got the message and disappeared.
The stained glass tribal markings resembled the ones that Fangires had before they revealed their true forms. Sandy also had the same markings that popped up during odd times. Topper deduced that all that transforming into Fang had made him into an artificial Fandiri. He didn't have Fangire blood in him, so it made sense. When Danielle saw that the markings covered his whole body whenever he summoned them, she just thought they looked cool and was like a full body tattoo.
Of course, he also had a new 'tattoo' to go along with the full body one.
Devlin looked at the palm of his hand and willed the emblem to appear. Like his stained glass tribal markings an emblem which resembled a red bat now appeared on his right palm whenever he willed it. It'd shown up a week ago. Turning into Demon Emperor Form numerous times seemed to have been the cause. Fangula did say that the armor was empowered by Fangire energy stored in the Demon Emperor Stone. This emblem was the Mark of the Demon Emperor and was further proof that he was the new heir of the Demon Emperor.
He made the emblem disappear and turned his head to gaze at Danielle. If he was a prince, then Danielle was his princess. And if he were to be a king, he wouldn't choose anyone else but her to be his queen.
"Wake up, Devlin."
Devlin muttered, squeezing his eyes shut, "Five more minutes, mother…" He felt someone shake him and his eye slowly peeled open before it snapped wide open at the sight of his Master.
"Master Bat Li!" exclaimed Devlin as he shot up in bed. "What are you-? How did you-?" He calmed down and asked again, "What are you doing in my room and how did you get in?"
"I came to wake you for training, Devlin," the Master of the GekiJyu Bat-Ken stated. Master Bat Li would come visit at odd times to check up on his disciple. One time he made the mistake of visiting Devlin at the Fentons and nearly got shot by Jack.
"You could've knocked first," Devlin grimaced.
"I did, but when I didn't get an answer I let myself in," said Bat Li. "Now, go take a shower and get dressed. We train in 15 minutes."
"Could you leave first, please, Master?" Devlin requested.
"If I did that then you'd just steal some time to cuddle with your lover," stated Bat Li bluntly. Danielle was still fast asleep. How she could remain asleep in the middle of this commotion was amazing. "I'll stay right here until you're done."
Devlin blushed at the mention of 'lover'. "But-" Bat Li bopped Devlin on the head with his fan.
"Devlin, remember our agreement when you became my disciple. What was it?"
"Never argue with you," Devlin recited bitterly. Bat Li nodded.
"Good, now hurry up. You've already wasted 3 minutes."
Danielle sighed as she looked over several of the gowns and other costumes that she had available to her in one of the costume shops in town. She wanted the dance to be perfect, but the problem was that she didn't know what costume Devlin was going to wear. She was going to ask him that morning, but Bat Li had whisked him off before she could.
"OOOOOOH!" Danielle groaned. "Why does Devlin have to be so secretive?! I want to have the perfect outfit!"
"Okay, calm down Danielle," Jazz said soothingly. "Really, Devlin will like you in anything you wear."
"I know," Danielle pouted. "But…we rarely get to do things like this and I want it to go perfectly."
"And you want to show up that annoying Claire girl too," Gillian smirked.
"That too," Danielle giggled.
"So, is there anything you had in mind that Devlin might like?" Jazz asked.
"Well…I thought maybe a noble lady gown or something as my first choice," Danielle shrugged. "Except…"
"The cleavage those things reveal is a mile long," Jazz snickered.
"I don't mind if Devlin ogles me," Danielle blushed, thinking about how badly Danny would freak out if she wore something like that in public. "I just don't want everyone else to do that too."
"Well, I think you could afford to wear something that showed off your figure a little better," Gillian admitted. "You only wear my choice of clothes when you stay at the manor or are nowhere near Amity Park."
"Um," Danielle blushed.
"Oh lay off, Gillian," Jazz giggled. "Danielle is just not used to being considered a total hottie by the men around her save for Devlin. She's never felt the need to wear tight clothes to catch his attention."
"No fair," Danielle pouted. "Using psychology is cheating!"
"I use what's available to me," Jazz snickered.
"Okay, that's it," Gillian huffed. "I say it's high time that Danielle shows just how hot she is! That will show all the girls at the dance why their charms don't work on Master Devlin!"
Gillian grabbed Danielle's hand and dragged her off into the store. While Danielle protested the entire way, Jazz just followed with a grin on her face. It was time for her baby sister to come out of her shell and bloom properly.
"Again," Bat Li ordered. He was sitting on a chair in the main chamber and had his arms folded. The peculiar thing was that he had his eye closed. That didn't mean that he had no idea what was going on. Practicing Bat-Ken, his hearing had become sharp enough to compensate for sight, like a bat.
Devlin was going through a complex Bat-Ken kata. This was a new one for him and he'd made minor mistakes. That was enough to warrant a repeat of the same kata. It'd already been several hours and Devlin was tired but this was training. Bat Li, as his Master, saw to it that his disciple always trained to improve himself. The war-fan had been a gift and also a symbol stating that Devlin had reached a new level, a level with even more training.
Bat Li had shown the kata to Devlin only once and the boy had memorized it. That didn't mean he could do it perfectly on the first try.
The kata was smooth and fluid, like a dance, and didn't seem all that threatening, but applied in battle it could become a deadly technique. The vampires never knew what hit them when Devlin used the war-fan to slice their heads off.
Devlin finished the kata and waited for his Master to give him the order to repeat again, but he didn't get it. Instead, Bat Li said, "We're done here for today. You may rest." Miriam came along with some lemonade and Devlin walked over to take one glass off the tray. Bat Li also took a glass and sipped.
"You've done well, disciple," said Bat Li.
"Thank you, Master," Devlin nodded as he sat down on the chair.
Lobo looked up from the couch, cards laid out on the coffee table. With Francis at the café along with the others, he decided to play Solitaire to kill time. Of course, he'd ended up watching Devlin's performance. Bat-Ken was an interesting martial art. The users would be in a trance-like state but still able to fight.
"Oh, I also heard about this dance you're going to have at your school," said Bat Li with some interest. "The Freshman Dance?"
"It's going to be held next Friday," Devlin stated. Today was Saturday. "I've been helping to organize it."
"I see, and does this Freshman Dance have a theme?"
"It's going to be a costume party with a gothic-horror theme," answered Devlin.
"Costume party…" Bat Li sounded interested. "So, you have chaperones?"
"Francis and Lobo," answered Devlin. "They volunteered."
"You volunteered us," clarified Lobo gruffly. "Francis doesn't mind but you could've asked."
"Oh, don't complain. You get to walk around in your true forms and not freak people out for once," aid Devlin. His set of whistles would allow the three last Fangires of their respective clans to assume their true forms whenever Devlin blew them when out of his armor.
"Who knows, you might have fun," said Fangula as he flapped down.
"A party sounds fun!" cheered Roulette. "I wanna go!"
"May I attend?" asked Bat Li.
"I never pegged you for the party animal," said Devlin with a cocked eyebrow. "I thought you preferred peace and quiet."
"True, but you're like a son to me and I would love to see this thing you organize."
"Thank you, Master," Devlin bowed his head.
"I can't believe you got me these," Danielle whimpered. "Doesn't it make me look…easy?"
Danielle was talking in regards to the outfit that Gillian and Jazz had convinced her to buy. It was a skimpy thing that looked like it was made of black material that was borderline on leather. The skirt only reached down to just above mid-thigh with a see-through section that reached to where her ankles were. Her shoulders were bare and her cleavage would be wide open for all to see. It certainly didn't help that there was a black strap that led to a choker for her neck. It would only make her breasts more pronounced. A pair of sleeves tied with brown leather were included, but weren't long enough for her shoulders.
"Oh nonsense!" Gillian giggled. "Devlin might get a massive nosebleed by seeing you. It doesn't mean that you look easy. I know of plenty of vampires who dressed like that."
"Name one," Danielle frowned.
"Her name was Evangeline A. K. McDowell," Gillian smirked. "She was powerful vampire mistress who was a master mage. She seduced hundreds of men and was considered one of the most powerful vampires out there."
"Really?" Danielle gaped.
"Oh sure!" Gillian smiled. "I got plenty of tips from her. That outfit reminds me of her."
"Bet she didn't have a problem with guys," Danielle frowned.
"Well, don't tell anyone I said this but she had a secret," Gillian giggled as she leaned in close. "She was turned when she was barely old enough for junior high. She had to use glamour spells to make herself look like an adult."
"Really?" Danielle gaped.
"Yeah," Gillian nodded. "If a girl with a ten-year old body can do it, you can definitely do it."
Devlin looked himself in the mirror and smiled. "Now I really make this look good." He was trying out his costume. It was a black jacket with white trimmings and two rows of silver buttons. He wore matching pants and boots. On his hands he wore white gloves with his emblem on the back of the hand. Finally, hanging from his back was a black cape with white lining.
"Oh, Master, you look really sharp!" complimented Roulette as he hovered next to Devlin.
"I agree," added Fangula. "Absolutely smashing."
"Not yet," he smirked. "I need to put on some makeup." Fangula and Roulette wondered what he meant and then watched as their partner's hair turned silver and his ear elongated and became pointed. His skin became ghostly white and finally his stained glass tribal markings appeared on his skin. His visible eye turned red with a slit pupil. His fangs were also more pronounced. The color of his skin made the markings stand out more.
There was a knock on the door and Devlin said, "Come in."
"Hey, Dev-WOAH!" shouted Richard as he saw his appearance. Devlin turned and gave him a toothy grin.
"Like my costume?" he asked.
"Devlin, I barely recognized you, man," responded Richard. The Belmont had been ready to throw one of his knives at Devlin but then remembered whose house this was. He never really saw Devlin's vampire form so this was a first for him. He still recognized his friend, though. "Nice threads."
"And you too," Devlin observed, "Dr. Jones."
"Hey, you recognize it," grinned Richard, dressed like Indiana Jones. "I just wanted to show it off."
"There's another reason, is there?" Devlin questioned. Richard rubbed the back of his head.
"Yeah…" Richard admitted, "I was hoping to ask Gillian."
Devlin blinked. "Gillian?"
"Well, I wanted to ask Seras, but y'know…"
"Say no more," Devlin nodded. "But, unfortunately, she's out right now."
"Damn," Richard cursed. "So, who are you supposed to be?"
"The Demon Prince, of course," stated Devlin.
"You sure look the part," Richard nodded.
"My dear Richard, of course he does. He has an image to protect," commented Fangula.
"Master would be beating girls off with a stick when he shows up," chuckled Roulette. Devlin rolled his eye in response.
"The dance isn't until next Friday, so you have plenty of time to ask Gillian out," reminded Devlin.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," remarked Richard. "I just hope she says yes."
"You'd be surprised." Maybe this way Gillian could chase someone else instead of him.
"You know, I'm surprised you didn't try to wear your armor and pass it off as your costume," Richard commented.
"The thought has crossed my mind."
Lobo leaned back on one of the couches in the main hall while he was tuning a guitar that he was planning to use during the performance. While he was volunteered to be a chaperone, which was annoying, he didn't mind playing some music. Besides cards and Chess, it was one of the only things that really had him and his housemates connect. They had played a few times together over the years. This would be the first time they played as a group in a while.
"Hey, Lobo," a young voice called.
Turning up, Lobo saw Sandy skipping towards him. Scrambling onto the couch across from him, she sat down.
"Hey, squirt," Lobo nodded. "What's up?"
"Bored," Sandy sighed. "What are you doing?"
"Tuning my guitar," Lobo answered. "Didn't you hear about the dance that Devlin wants us to play at?"
"Yeah," Sandy nodded. "Tamashii and Seras are going and I want to go too."
"Oh yeah?" Lobo smirked. "Sorry squirt, you're a little young for that."
"I'm not too young!" she protested. "I'm twelve!"
"Well, it's a High School Freshman dance so you have to at least 14 to get in," Lobo said. "And well you really can't pass off as 14."
Sandy crossed her arms and pouted. Lobo looked up from his guitar and sighed. "Hey, squirt?"
"Huh?"
"You wanna hear me play a song?" he offered.
"Really?" Sandy's eyes brightened.
"Sure," Lobo nodded.
"OK!" Sandy beamed.
His fingers started stroking the strings as he played for this little girl. Even if she was just a kid, she was part of this really strange family.
"Hey, Sam," said Devlin as he came down to the Mansons' basement. "Your parents let me in. I hope you don't…" He just stopped at the foot of the stairs, staring. His lips curled into a grin as he placed his hands to his hips, enjoying the show. Currently, Sam and Danny were lying on the floor, making out. After several moments, the young 'Demon Prince' cleared his throat to catch their attention. Immediately, the two upperclassmen separated with flushed faces and messed up hair and clothes. They quickly tried to fix their hair as Devlin continued to watch, amused.
"Enjoy yourselves?" Devlin asked with that annoying smirk of his.
"How long were you standing there?" Danny said with a glare that could burn holes through Devlin if he tried hard enough.
"About 3 minutes," Devlin tapped his watch. "I'm here to speak to Sam here, Daniel." Danny growled. He knew Devlin just called him that to rile him up. Vlad did. He approached the older goth girl and then handed her a few CD's. "I hope you could use these for your gig next Friday." He was talking about her DJ-ing at the Freshman Dance with Tucker. Sam scanned through the CD's and gawked. "You like?"
"These aren't even out in stores yet!" she gaped. "Even I couldn't get them! How-"
"I know people. Actually it was from a friend of a friend," said Devlin cryptically, "of a second cousin who knows people." He shrugged. "You'd be surprised how many people you meet while on the road."
"Thanks," she smiled.
"Consider those gifts then," he smiled and then he turned to look at Danny. "Daniel, let's talk in private."
"Fine by me," Danny nodded. He turned intangible and phased through the ceiling as Devlin turned his body into a colorless mist.
The two reappeared about the Mansons' roof. Devlin had his hands in his pockets as Danny had his arms crossed.
"So, what is this about?" Danny asked.
"For awhile now we've been at odds," stated Devlin. "I come over to see Danielle, you burst through the door with a baseball bat, and then we end up arguing." He narrowed his eyes, "I think it needs to stop."
"Oh, really?" Danny cocked an eyebrow. "Or else what?"
Devlin snickered, "Daniel, you know how powerful I've become. I may even be a match for Pariah Dark or that other you." Danny narrowed his eyes, "Possibly even stronger."
"I could take you," Danny said confidently, eyes flashing green. Devlin's visible eye turned red as the markings appeared all over his skin.
"You could, but then it would upset Danielle," said Devlin logically. "She loves you as a brother and she loves me. We love her too."
"So, what's your point?"
"I'm not saying we should be friends," Devlin grimaced. "You haven't earned enough of my respect to garner that right, but you are helpful when it counts. You're an ally. Eventually, I may marry Danielle and that means we'll be family." Devlin looked sickened at the thought of calling Danny family.
"OK, what about Tamashii. I mean he…"
Devlin interrupted, "The difference between you and he is because his life wasn't a bed of roses in comparison. So, he has some hatred in him. You attack me for very little reason whenever I am with Danielle. You think I may force her to do things against her will because I have potions."
"Well, I don't really trust you all that well. You could-"
"Just because a person can, doesn't mean a person will."
They were glaring at each other intensely. Devlin sighed. 'This is for Danielle. You owe her that much.' He spoke, "Let's both agree that we love her enough to at least tolerate each other. If I do prove dishonorable, you have my permission to kick my ass from here to Chinatown."
"Tempting offer," Danny replied.
"Is that a yes or a no?" Devlin was losing patience.
Danny walked closer and then raised up his fist. "It's a deal." Devlin pounded fists with Danny as a sign of goodwill and that they now had established a new truce. "But if you hurt her…" Danny warned.
"I'd slit my own throat before I would ever do that," finished Devlin, one of his Lucifer Metal blades sliding out of his wrists, dangling from the chain thus emphasizing his oath. "You have my word of honor."
Danny was still having problems with Devlin's growing power. If the armor wasn't enough, it was those new weapons and forms. Then, he had that dragon. To put icing on the cake, Devlin possessed that powerful Demon Emperor Form. He even had the Fright Knight serving him, which just continued to boggle Danny to no ends.
Mark was a Freshman in Casper High and really looking forward to the Freshman Dance. He already had a date and all he needed was costume. Inside his bag was his costume and he smiled. "Oh, this is gonna be good!" As he was walking away from the store, he didn't notice he was being followed.
"Um…dinner," the stalker spoke as he followed after Mark.
Mark was about a few blocks away from home when he accidentally stepped on some gum. "Ugh, crap. Damn gum." His face twisted in disgust.
His stalker came up behind him and smiled before his face gained several cracks that resembled stained glass patterns. He licked his lips in delight and shouted, "Food!"
Devlin immediately heard the 'voice' of the Blood Rose, telling him to fight. His eyes narrowed as he said to Danny, "I need to go. Bye!" He turned his entire body into mist with Danny watching.
Mark, with only one shoe, was running in fear. He'd even discarded his costume. "What the hell!?" He was being chased. A blur zipped past him and then stopped in front of him. Mark fell on his rear and backed away in fear. "Please, leave me alone!"
"And let a juicy morsel like you get away?" the Fangire stated. "Never." It was a humanoid frilled lizard with black skin and green stained glass scales. "Now, hold still." He summoned fangs made of glass from his body which floated above his head and got ready to stab them into his victim's neck. They then zoomed through the air but were shattered by a length of chain. The chain retracted as the Frilled-Lizard Fangire looked away from his meal to the one who interrupted him.
"Hey, Fangire, leave him alone," said Devlin, sticking to the shadows. A flapping sound could be heard.
"Or what?" snorted the Frilled-Lizard Fangire.
"Wake Up!"
Fang walked under one of the lampposts in all his armored glory. He cracked his knuckles, saying, "Or I'm going to kill you."
"JUST TRY IT!" The Fangire roared and ran straight for Fang. Mark sat there and watched the entire fight.
At Café Mal d'amour, Tamashii's Ryuugan reacted and he sensed a Fangire. "Looks like it's nearby." He got up from his seat and towards the door.
Fang yelled out in pain as he was being attacked by the speedy Fangire. Mark had fled in the middle of the fight. The Fangire kept slashing at the Rider mercilessly, laughing as he did. "Hah! Demon Prince? You're a joke!" He sent Fang tumbled along the sidewalk with a punch. "You're not even worth my time!"
"Then what about me?" questioned Slayer as he showed up on his bike. He zoomed at the Fangire on his X-Lion and then clothes-lined him, causing the evil reptilian to fall flat on his face. Slayer's bike screeched to a stop as he squeezed the brakes before he dismounted and look at Fang. "Having trouble?"
"I'm just getting started," scoffed Fang.
"Let's finish this," suggested Slayer.
"Gladly," Fang grinned. He flicked his wrist and then charged at the Fangire. He was about to move again when Fang tossed one of his potion capsules at his feet. The Fangire ended up stuck as the capsule broke and gunk covered his feet and stuck him to the ground. Fang then got his second wind and started attacking with several rapid-fire punched in the chest. He then used an uppercut that sent the Fangire falling, ripping the gunk. The Fangire pushed himself back to his feet and hissed.
Slayer watched with arms crossed. So far Fang had relied too much on his Demon Emperor Form to finish off Fangires. Slayer didn't want his rival's skills to diminish so he just stood there to observe. He wanted to see if Fang could finish this one all on his own.
Fang kneed the Fangire in the gut a few times before using several painful palm strikes to send him staggering backwards. He then performed a roundhouse to his face which was followed by a back kick that sent him flying through the air. The Fangire was unable to fight back and earlier in the fight he had the upper hand.
Roulette hovered next to Slayer, watching. "Does the Master not need help?"
"Maybe, but you'll help when he gets in a pinch, right?" asked Slayer.
Roulette shot back, "Won't you?" Slayer responded with a shrug.
The Frilled-Lizard Fangire let out a snarl and opened up its frills, letting loose several beams of energy that slammed into Fang. Fang's armor sparked as he staggered backwards. Regaining the use of his speed, he started to zip around Fang, striking him mercilessly.
"OK, I think now is a good time," pointed out Slayer.
"OK!" cheered Roulette. "Tension Fortissimo!" The miniature golden dragon zipped straight towards the fight. He got to Fang and broke the shoulder chains before shouting out, "FINAL WAKE UP!" as he attached himself to Fang's left forearm.
Fang's body glowed with a golden radiance before the light subsided. Now Fang was in his most powerful Demon Emperor Form. The Fangire threw his fist at Fang's face but it got caught in Fang's golden armored hand.
"You dare to strike me with your soiled hands?" Fang questioned angrily. "BOW DOWN TO YOUR KING!" He struck the Fangire down with his fist and the force of the blow caused the ground to crack. The Fangire picked himself up and glared at Fang who now would not grant him mercy. Fang went and began to pummel the Fangire, relentlessly, with powerful punches and kicks.
Slayer eyes scanned the battle. Now Fang had an overwhelming advantage and all because of the dragon. Slayer himself had been doing some research about the original Demon Emperor too and hadn't gotten much information either. The sources were either to scarce or already destroyed. It must be to preserve the true identity of the Demon Emperor. Still he knew someone who possibly held such information, but he would ask for something in return as payment and more often than not, the price was incredibly steep.
"WAKE UP FEVER!!"
"IMPERIAL MOON BREAK!!"
Slayer's attention returned to the fight as Fang hacked away at the Fangire with his energy blades as he performed a bicycle kick that shattered the Fangire. Fang landed on his feet, the blades fading away, and threw his cape over his shoulder as he turned and made his way towards his fellow Rider.
"Why did you not assist me?" asked Fang curiously.
Slayer shrugged, "You were handling things well enough on your own. I also didn't want to get in the way."
"That's smart of you, my Paladin."
Slayer grimaced. He hated being called the "Prince's Paladin". He was nobody's servant, damn it! "Stop calling me that, Amakusa."
"I would but it's so much fun, Akashi," teased Fang.
It was only a few more days until the dance and Devlin along with his band members needed to get some practice done. Setting up their instruments in the main hall, the Fang Gang (as dubbed by Richard and stuck) readied themselves for the songs they were going to play. Lobo had tuned up his electric guitar while Francis was working with his bass guitar. Gillian was testing the tones on her keyboard while Devlin put the microphone through its basics.
In the audience, the Slayers were in attendance. Drake, Richard, Danielle, Miriam, Walter, Roulette, and Fangula were likewise watching.
"How's the equipment handling?" Devlin asked as he tested the microphone again.
"Pretty good," Lobo nodded as he played some chords. The notes came off perfectly. "Don't notice any immediate problems."
"Everything looks good on my side," Francis announced as he checked the speakers connected to his bass guitar.
"I'm good!" Gillian smiled as she gave a thumb's up to her fellow band members.
"So the equipment is good," Devlin nodded. He then turned to his audience for direction. "Any requests? We'll have to play our songs."
"Play Supernova!" Danielle called.
"And we have our first song," Devlin nodded. Turning to his band, he gripped his microphone. "All right, you all know what to do, right?"
"Yeah!" the three band members nodded as they got their instruments ready.
"Okay. One….two….one, two, three, four!" Devlin signaled before the music began.
SUPERNOVA
I can feel this rushing emotion
just as the fire has started, the music has begun
I just want to become your glowing star today!
It never seems to be enough
I fight on forward no matter how tough
As try to be in the sky lighting up the heavens up above
Don't doubt my strength… as I burn right through the sky
And I use my wings to burn the sky as I fly
I wish… that my star never starts Descending
I hope our night is never ending
I am the emperor that's a Blaze
Bow before the curtain of light that I raise
Be with me flying through the sky
As I burn to ashes, and die
I want to be your source of heat
For you I get this fever and won't admit defeat,
Until the night is done and over
I want to be your…Super nova!
The fate of the world in my Hands
I control both the heavens and Lands
I have all I need, all of the worlds
With the power of the dragon's Breath
I don't extinguish till there's none left
Wake up and catch the fever,
In the end I want to be your believer
I crash…into the world, completely intact
so prepare for impact
I am the emperor that's a Blaze
Bow before the curtain of light that I raise
Be with me flying through the sky
As I burn to ashes, and die
I want to be your source of heat
For you I get this fever and won't admit defeat,
Until the night is done and over
I want to be your…Super nova!
Waiting for the time of the eclipse…
There's no need to escape…
This is simple fate…
Prepare for me as I come in close for a kiss…
I am the emperor that's a Blaze
Bow before the curtain of light that I raise
Be with me flying through the sky
As I burn to ashes, and die
I want to be your source of heat
For you I get this fever and won't admit defeat,
Until the night is done and over
I want to be your…Super nova!
Like a candle lit at last,
I strike hard, I hit fast,
Burning right into your soul,
The Dragon had finally settled down before taking a seat at his desk. "So, what's the plan?" asked Emi.
"Well, the Young Dragon has been wishing to face me for some time, has he not?" asked the Dragon.
"You plan on attacking him?" questioned Mitsuomi.
"Not just him, all of them. They'll be at that school on Friday. That is when we will strike. That is when they shall fall. And that is where I shall rise, taking my rightful place as lord and master of ALL Fangires!"