Chapter XIX: A Night of Monsters
The twin moons hung high above the black sky, bathing the city below them in their haunting, ethereal light. The soft glimmer of street lamps, both magical and oil-fueled, provided lesser forms of illumination, but even all these lights could not chase away all the shadows night inevitably brought.
Rip Van Winkle used these shadows in her favor, moving through the blackness like a shark silently swimming through the dark seas. Nothing else moved upon the cobblestone streets. To both the monster's eyes and ears, the winding thoroughfares of Tristania were completely deserted. It was the exact opposite of their state during the day. While the bright sun shone overhead, the capital was a busy mass of humanity going about its business; now that the darkness had descended, everyone had scurried off back into their homes all in order to avoid being the victim of the killer that was rumored to stalk the streets.
It was a situation that was so very aggravating for the vampire sniper. With her powerful psychic awareness, she could sense hundreds, if not thousands, of tasty little morsels just within the buildings all around her. They were asleep, dead to the world and the dangers around them, so completely vulnerable, with only a few pieces of wood and masonry between them and her ravenous fangs. But despite the gnawing hunger, Rip kept herself in check. The authorities were very much aware of her nightly activities, if the curfew they instituted were any indication. This meant that the guardsmen would be out tonight in force, and the prospect of being cornered indoors whilst she was exposed and feeding did not appeal to her. If given no other choice, she would definitely break into one of the homes and kill the occupants within. But such an action would serve as a last resort. Thankfully, her senses had managed to detect one person still out and about, completely alone in a nearby wooded park area.
"You should have listened to ze guards und stayed home," Rip chuckled as she swiftly made her way towards the lone soul. The trail led the hungry vampire to a well-to-do part of the city, one that was composed of a residential neighborhood that either served rich commoners or some low on the totem pole nobility. The park was fairly large, a green forested area with well maintained grass lawns and finely trimmed trees. The vampire surmised the fool she was tracking to be some arrogant noble who thought themselves too good to obey the mandated curfew.
Thank God for idiots, Rip thought as she strolled calmly through a moon-lit glade at the center of the park. She soon came to a break in the trees and saw a young woman, perhaps in her late teens to early twenties, sitting upon a wooden bench next to an ivy-covered fountain. The woman was facing away from her while seated, but Rip was able to make out her short green hair and the rumpled but expensive looking pink dress she was wearing. The vampire smiled. This would be easier than she thought. The human before her looked to be wealthy, and therego unused to physical exertion. She wouldn't put up much of a fight. And if her prey managed to scream, no one would hear the noise in such a large and deserted park. The only complication that could arise was if the woman turned out to be a noble; her magic might prove to be an annoyance. But even wizards could be taken by surprise. Just ask Foquet.
The vampire readied herself to spring. Her eyes radiated with unearthly blue light. Her fangs grew sharp, mouth watering in anticipation of the feast to come. Muscles tensed tightly, and her heart thumped loudly in her throat. Gloved fingers gripped the polished wood of her musket firmly. The woman's scent was in her nose, the sound of her pulse in her ears. The monster was ready.
Like a tiger waiting in the brush, Rip pounced.
She became a black blur, leaping out of the shadows and into the silver moonlight, her feet barely touching the grass as she dashed forwards faster than a bullet. The runes on her left hand flared as it fed her its mysterious mystical power, fueling her vampiric sprint and increasing her speeds to levels unmatched by any except the late Luke Valentine. Within the mere span of a half second, Rip crossed a hundred meters and was upon her prey. The woman barely let out a screech of surprise before the sniper slammed into her, grabbing the green-haired lady by the neck and dragging her down onto the grass. Rip registered her prey's startled green eyes before her hunger overwhelmed her and she opened her razor-sharp maw, ready to tear into the delicate throat she was squeezing.
Suddenly and without warning, the woman lashed out with her right hand and her fist collided solidly with the vampire's jaw. The blow was unnaturally powerful, the force knocking Rip's head back and loosening her grip upon her prey's neck. The green-haired woman moved faster than a regular human was capable of, twisting her hips and legs upward and with a swift lunge extended her limbs up and out, her booted feet slamming directly into the vampire's torso. The kick was much more powerful than her punch, the force enough to sent the vampire flying backwards.
Rip quickly recovered from her surprise and nimbly landed on her feet about ten meters from the green-haired woman, who was slowly getting up to her feet. The vampire snarled at her prey, somewhat frustrated at being denied her meal, and it took all of Rip's self control to hold herself back to assess the situation. The woman's hits were incredibly strong, perhaps as strong as her own before being empowered by Louise's familiar runes. There's no way she could be human, but she didn't smell like a vampire either.
"What the hell are you?" the woman asked aloud, her left hand rubbing at her neck which was showing ugly bruises from Rip's rough handling.
The vampire gave her a sardonic grin. "Funny. I vas about to ask you ze same question."
The mystery woman frowned, her green eyes narrowing in annoyance. "I'm guessing you're the one who's been responsible for all the recent murders that have been plaguing the city."
Rip shrugged, her left hand nursing her sore jaw. "Vhat's it to you?"
"Me? I couldn't care less," the woman sneered. "Commoners are are chattel, there's plenty of them to go around. What I do care about is that your foolhardy slaughter has put my master into a dangerous position. We had thought that another vampire was responsible for the crimes, but seeing you..."
"Vait," Rip frowned, her blue eyes narrowing. "Did you say master?"
Suddenly, her danger senses flared. She cursed and attempted to leap away, but it was too late as she quickly found herself snared by the legs from large vines that had erupted from the soil. They swiftly slithered up to wrap around her torso, squeezing tightly before ensnaring her arms as well. Rip yelped and tried to break through the plants, but despite her inhuman strength the vines failed to yield. More and more vines encased her bound form, trapping her musket against her chest as the weeds completely fastened around her.
"Vhat ze hell is this?!" Rip screeched. As much as she struggled, the plants wrapped around her limbs held tight. The green-haired woman merely giggled at her predicament; this only caused the trapped vampire to snarl menacingly, her dagger-like teeth gnashing in fury. "Let me go you filthy schlampe! I'll tear your freaking heart out for zis! You're as good as dead, you hear me?!"
"My, my, what a foul mouthed creature," spoke a voice. It was the deep baritone of a male, but what concerned Rip the most was that she could not detect the direction of its source. Her senses told her that there was no one in the immediate area except for her and the green-haired woman. Yet the voice had sounded close, and from everywhere, as if it were the air itself that was talking to her.
From out of nowhere, a man appeared. It wasn't the same as teleportation, or whatever it was that Shrodinger did to get around. The man hadn't just "popped" in like the catboy did. There was a rippling in the air, like the wind itself parted, which allowed the dark form of the finely dressed gentleman to step out from behind it.
The newcomer was an older man who looked to be in his mid-forties. He was tall and handsome, fairly well built, with dark brown hair and a full beard. His dark blue clothing was of high quality, made from expensive fabrics such as silks and velvets. He directed a cold glare at Rip, dull black eyes looking lifeless in the moonlight. But perhaps the thing that Rip noticed about him most were his long, sharp canines.
So, she thought. This world does have vampires within it.
"To think I had thought the massacre terrorizing this city to be the work of one of my kind," the dark man said. "Instead, I find this beast befouling Tristania's air."
"Master," the woman spoke, bowing deeply as the man approached them.
"Good work, Ophelia," the woman's master stated.
"Thank you, master. You were right. With the curfew in place, this... thing went straight for me." Ophelia grinned at Rip, giving the trapped vampire a smug satisfied look. "Thankfully, whatever it is, it was no match for me."
Rip merely laughed aloud at the woman's arrogant statement. "Don't get too full of yourself, bloede kuh. If your boyfriend here hadn't shown up vith his fancy magics, zen I vould have spread your insides all over ze grass."
"You shut your filthy mouth you-"
"Enough!" The male vampire shouted, swiftly silencing his servant. He quickly turned to Rip and began to move closer, confident in his vine trap's ability to keep her contained. "Tell me, what manner of creature are you?"
Although her situation was quite dire, Rip showed no concern whatsoever as she gave the man a wide, razor-sharp smile. "Oh? I thought you vould have guessed by now, seeing as you are vat you are." The Millenium officer chuckled. "I am a vampire."
"You lie!" The woman, Ophelia, shouted in anger. "Vampires are noble creatures, beautiful and immortal, capable of summoning the power of Ancient magics!"
Rip now directed her grin towards the green-haired woman. "Oh? Is zhat vhy you whore yourself out to vone? So he can teach you his little... tricks?"
Ophelia snarled with fury and was about to leap forwards when she was brought to heel by a sharp glance from her master. Her anger still palpable, the woman turned away from the captured artificial vampire and directed her fiery glare out into the glade behind them.
"Please stop antagonizing my ghoul," the male vampire stated as he rubbed the bridge of his nose in irritation.
Rip raised an eyebrow as she looked towards the green-haired servant. So, that was this world's version of a ghoul? Lame. She definitely preferred hers. Sure, her type of ghouls weren't as intelligent or strong as Ophelia was, but at least her ghouls knew when to the hell shut up.
"You claim to be a vampire, but you display none of the characteristics of one," Ophelia's master stated as he began to walk around Rip's bound form, his dark gaze observing. "Your eyes are illuminated with a devilish blue fire. Your teeth are like a crocodile's, vicious and undignified. You exhibit much strength and speed, but show no signs of being able to cast Firstborne magic." He then eyed the long barrel of her weapon, which was sticking up out of the vines wrapped around her, its bayonet jutting up into the dark sky. "And you carry a commoner's weapon. If you are what you say you are, then you are unlike any vampire I have ever met."
Rip glanced back until her glowing blue eyes met his from behind the lenses of her glasses. "Vell, um, mister...?"
"Milan," the man stated. "Baron Luceius Milan."
"First Lieutenant Rip Van Winkle." The female vampire bowed her head, an attempt to be polite. Well, as much as she could have done so in her currently constrained position. "Pleased to meet you, Baron Milan. As I vas saying, an educated man such as yourself should know, or at least be avare, zhat his kind may not be the only type of vampire in the vorld. After all, zhere are many races of man upon this planet, are there not?"
The Baron stopped circling around Rip and stood directly in front of her, his eyes narrowing. "Are you saying that you are a new species of undead heretofore undiscovered in the many years our kind have been walking this earth?" The dark man sneered, obviously not buying Rip's excuse. "I have lived in this world for over two centuries and I have never once heard of another species of vampire, let alone one with such striking attributes as you."
Rip tried to shrug, but found it too difficult a move to pull off while wrapped in vines, so she settled for giving the Baron a goofy grin. "Err... I'm from really far avay?"
"Master, this is pointless," the green-haired ghoul spoke up, her eyes shining with irritation. "We have captured the beast, let us turn it over to Lady Daphne and be done with it."
"Patience, Ophelia," the Baron said. "This creature, whatever it is, is unique and unknown to me. Her claims of being a second, previously unknown species of vampire has... piqued my academic curiosity." The man smiled at Rip, which made her nervous since it was a very unfriendly smile.
"V-vhat are you planning to do vith me?" Rip asked, unable to keep the concern from showing in her voice.
"We turn you over to the authorities," the Baron answered. "The true authorities, at least when it concerns these matters. You made a foolish blunder when you chose Tristania to be your hunting grounds, monster. This city is a safe haven for vampires such as myself: those who have sworn to forgo the killing of humans. In exchange for... curbing our natural instincts to feed on blood, we were granted safety and amnesty within Tristania's walls. You endangered all of us with your unregulated feedings, as well as our place within this society. Though my fellows and I keep our existence secret, all of us have created lives here, and we will not stand for some outsider just waltzing into this city to jeopardize all that we have worked so hard to achieve."
"Oh," Rip said simply. She lowered her head, letting the long black strands of her hair cover her pale face.
The Baron sighed, obviously believing the move to be one of contrition. Perhaps the other vampire even felt shame at her actions? If so, then the being before him could not be a complete monster. If she could feel shame and guilt, then it was possible that this woman could be redeemed. He too had killed and slaughtered humans in his younger years before he saw the light. Everyone deserved a second chance.
"Listen," he said to his prisoner. "For all is not lost. I shall speak with Daphne, tell her that you were unaware of the situation in this city. You are different type of vampire, after all. We can not realistically expect you to have known. If you renounce your bloodlust and agree to only feed on other fluids, then the Crown may have a place for you in..." The male vampire stopped speaking as the sound of choked laughter began to emanate from the bound dark-haired bloodsucker.
Rip's shoulders had begun to shake when the Baron was presenting his case, but as the man continued to speak she could no longer hold in her mirth and soon cut loose with her snickering.
The male vampire frowned. "Is there something funny?"
His only answer was more laughter. Rip's head shot up as she loudly cackled, her eyes leaking tears of hilarity.
"Stop it!" Ophelia shouted. "Why the hell are you laughing?"
Rip finally choked off her amusement, forcing herself to bite her tongue in order to cease the giggling that still threatened to burst forth. "Oh, I'm so sorry. It's just zhat for a moment there, I vas really scared." The bound vampire gave them another grin, her teeth still sharp and vicious. "You see, when I saw zhat you vere a vampire, I thought zhat I vas facing a fellow monster. One that vas dark and soulless, a creature of ze night that brought nightmares to all who vere unfortunate enough to come across him." She let out another soft chuckle, though this time there was absolutely no mirth in it. This time, her laughter was degrading, insulting... and very, very predatory. "Instead, I see now zhat I am fighting a volf without teeth. Can't you two see ze humor in it? Here I vas, almost pissing my panties, sinking I vas going to have to fight for my life against a vicious monster as evil und deranged as I am. Instead," Rip's eyes narrowed, the twin points of indigo light cold and sharp in the dark shadows of her face,"Instead... I find zhat my opponent is nossing more zhan a neutered dog."
"H-how dare you!" Ophelia growled, her green eyes furious. She made a move towards the bound vampire, but her master stopped her with a wave.
"Stop, Ophelia," he stated. Though his outward demeanor was calm, his voice shook with barely contained rage. "That's exactly what this filthy creature wants. She's nothing more than a cornered animal waiting to be put down. Let's return to the palace and turn her over to Daphne. Then we can wash our hands of this entire miserable mess."
Their conversation was cut short by a loud snort coming from their captive. They looked towards the female vampire and noted the disgusted sneer on her previously smiling face. "Baron, please. Zhat isn't going to happen, you ball-less fuck. Vant to know vhy? Because I'm going to kill you both, right here, right now. Not only have you vasted my time with this pathetic little trap of yours, but your stupid little kumbaya live-und-let-live bullshit has offended me. I can't allow you live on general principle."
"Why you-" Ophelia said, but was cut off as Rip continued to speak.
"Tinker tailor, soldier sailor, vizard or vastrel," the monster of Millennium smiled. "My bullet punishes all vithout distinction!"
From beneath the mass of vines, Rip's finger found the trigger of her jezail. With a sharp pull, flint struck pan causing a spark to ignite the black powder within. Ignition was followed by detonation and soon a loud bang erupted from the open barrel of her musket, which was currently pointed towards the open sky. Ophelia and the Baron flinched upon hearing the loud explosion, but they quickly gathered their wits about them.
"Oh?" Baron Milan sneered at his prisoner, lazily waving his hand to clear the air in front of him of gunsmoke. "And what was that supposed to accomplish?"
His only answer was Rip's unwavering carnivorous smile.
"Master!" Ophelia shouted. Her sharp ears had heard something strange. It sounded like a swift swish of small object cutting through the air in many directions. "Watch out!"
Before the Baron could react, a bright blue trail crossed his view. It dropped from the sky, impossibly fast, and shot directly towards his surprised face.
"Die, you schwein!" Rip laughed as she forced her warhead to veer down directly into the other vampire's head, waiting for her bullet to pop it open like an overripe watermelon. Instead, to her shock, it smashed into an invisible barrier which had formed a mere foot in front of the man's face.
"Master!" Ophelia called out in concern as a massive explosion rocked the aria and almost tossed her off her feet.
Despite the power of the defensive spell around the Baron, Rip's bullet impacted with the power of a tankshell, and it shattered the invisible wall easily. Unfortunately for her, the bullet fragmented upon contact with the barrier, exploding into a million small shards which peppered the Baron's body. Although it wasn't the fatal one-kill shot that she had planned, the fragments of her bullet still slammed into the other vampire with much force, akin to being blasted by shotgun pellets. The Baron choked out a gasp, blood gushing from the numerous wounds in his torso. He collapsed onto his knees, arms clutching at his torn flesh, as he coughed and gurgled in pain. Ophelia knelt down next to him, her face horrified and in shock.
"W-what... was that?" The Baron gasped out. "Was it... her musket shot? But how? H-how did it... penetrate my Counter barrier?"
Rip felt the vines loosen as their caster's agony forced the spirits controlling the plants to vanish. She immediately tore through them, freeing herself from the vines' grasp. "Nice trick. But your force field is no match for my jezail."
"You filthy animal! You'll pay for that!" Ophelia shouted at her. The ghoul didn't move though, torn between attacking her enemy and staying by her injured master's side.
"K-kill her!" snarled the male vampire.
That was all the urging Ophelia needed. Faster than any human could, the ghoul lunged forwards and crossed the distance between herself and Rip. She then lashed out with a deadly strike intended to smash the female vampire's face in. Rip remained unfazed by the attack, easily dodging the punch all the while maintaining the demented shark-like grin on her face. Ophelia continued to push the offensive, letting out expert jabs and strikes followed by powerful kicks that, had they connected, would have easily crushed stone. But Rip's enhanced speed allowed her to dodge all the ghoul's attacks with ease, and she enjoyed the look of frustration that was mounting on the green-haired woman's features.
Things got a bit more difficult though when the Baron began lending aid to his servant. Roots and vines sprang up from the ground and tried to wrap themselves around Rip's feet. Thankfully, the plants did not move with the speed that they had earlier, most likely due to the Baron's serious injuries. When the grasping weeds failed to catch her, the male vampire tried a different tactic, controlling the spirits within the earth to cause the roots and vines to wrap tightly together to form long, sharp spears which thrust forth from the ground, each attempting to skewer the swift female vampire. Rip was forced to dodge constantly in order to avoid the green and brown spears, all the while the ghoul Ophelia continued her barrage of kicks and punches. Things got even harrier when the Baron decided to add blades of slicing wind in with his spears, one of which almost lanced the female vampire in the face when she had ducked to avoid the wind blades.
"Enough!" Rip snarled as she abandoned defense. With familiar runes flaring brightly, the vampire went on the offensive. She lashed out with her musket, slicing a wide sweeping arc. The attached bayonet cut through several of the Baron's plant spears and forced Ophelia to leap backwards lest she get bisected in the middle.
The dark haired vampire exploded forwards, her rune-enhanced speed allowing her to close in on the ghoul who was caught defenseless mid-leap. Ophelia's green eyes widened in horror as she saw Rip appear out of thin air. She was unable to do a thing as the insanely fast vampire thrust her weapon forwards, the long bayonet piercing deep into her belly and sending a blaze of hot agony throughout her body. Before the impaled ghoul could even scream, Rip tore the blade out, causing blood to geyser out of the wound. She then reversed the motion of the musket, lashing upwards with the stock of the weapon which struck Ophelia in square in the jaw. There was a mighty crack of wood meeting bone, and the green-haired woman was sent flying into the air before landing with a loud thump onto the soft grass several feet away.
Despite the grievous injury inflicted upon her, Ophelia did not remain still for long. Grunting in pain, the ghoul forced her trembling body up to its knees whereupon she directed an angry, hateful glare at the dark-haired sniper. "I'll kill you, you filthy dog!" She shouted, while her right hand gripped her torn-open belly.
"Vell, I got to admit, you are vone tough noodle," Rip laughed. She then ignored the ghoul and turned her full attention to the Baron, who had managed to lift himself to his feet. Much to her irritation, she found that his wounds had almost completely healed. Only a few moments ago his torso resembled that of ground up beef; now there were only a few light cuts visible through his shredded attire. Damn. It looked like the vampires of this world healed wounds incredibly quickly. That meant she would have to take him out swiftly, before his body had any chance to recover from its wounds.
"Your turn, Baron," the sniper told him.
The male vampire didn't bother answering back, and instead lashed out his hands. The air around him rippled, and soon numerous sharp blades of wind were sent flying forwards. Rip let out a loud cackle as she attacked, dashing forwards and meeting the air blades full on. Her incredible speed allowed her to dodge the crescent-shaped knives of wind quite easily, and she soon closed the gap between her and her target.
The Baron let out an angry growl before waving his hands up, and Rip's eyes widened in surprise when the air itself seemed to swallow him up. Within seconds, he had vanished from her sight. The female vampire frantically searched the area around her, using both eyes and her sixth sense, but they could find no trace of the Baron. She cursed and fell into a defensive stance, holding her musket down and to the side, ready to strike out or perform a sweep with the attached bayonet if and when the other vampire showed himself.
Her danger senses sparked and she swiftly dodged to the left just in time to avoid being beheaded by an air blade. She then performed a quick sidestep to avoid getting impaled by a plant spear shooting forth from the ground, quickly followed by a twist to avoid two more wind blades before parrying away an incoming spear with her musket.
Damn it, this bastard is really trying my patience, Rip grumbled as she was forced to evade several more air blades and grass spears. As she danced around the Baron's countless barrage of magical projectiles, the vampire desperately tried to pinpoint his exact location. Try as she might though, she couldn't find a trace. This was exactly like her first encounter with Foquet; her senses could not detect the other vampire at all. Except... that wasn't exactly true. When the Baron appeared the first time, she could detect him then. She was aware of him, both visually, spiritually, as well as with her other senses. It hadn't been like with Foquet, where her eyes, hearing and psychic abilities kept sliding off the thief like water off Teflon. In the Baron's case, he was only invisible to her when he used that weird trick with the air.
The air. Rip cursed her stupidity. Of course. This vampire said he could use Firstborne magic, whatever that was. The Baron had already proven with his numerous wind blades that he could manipulate the air with ease. He was probably using the element in a similar way, only this time wielding it in such a way as to allow the vampire to hide himself. The Baron was probably shaping the air currents around himself, causing the flow to bend light and block sound, as well as stop whatever it was her sixth sense used to detect things.
So how the hell do I find him? The dark haired vampire thought as her deadly dance of avoiding the plant spears and wind blades continued. Think!
She couldn't use her eyes. Smell was out of the question. So were her ears and sixth sense. That really didn't leave much else, unless she felt like sticking her tongue out in an attempt at tasting him out. What else could she use to bring that bastard out of hiding? Think! Think!
Suddenly, an idea dawned on her. Rip leaped back a dozen meters, all in an attempt to put more distance between her and the Baron, wherever he may be. She crouched low and focused all her energy completely upon her surroundings. She used all the tools her vampiric body gave her: sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, and especially her inner third eye. She spread her awareness around her, all the while the familiar runes etched upon her left hand continued to flare brightly as it fed each of her six senses with power.
It took the dark-haired vampire a full two seconds, (an eternity during a life or death struggle) but she eventually found her break. To Rip's surprise, it was her eyes that found the Baron; not the mundane eyesight she usually used, but the sight she had gained through her conversion. Her night vision, the one that let vampires from her world see in complete and utter darkness, proved to be the key to breaking through the Baron's cloak of air. Vampire night vision, unlike the night vision of humans and other mundane earthly animals, didn't function by using non-visible light to see through the dark; vampire night vision sees the dark itself. With it, vampires could see their surroundings despite the total absence of light and could differentiate various black shapes within the blackness.
As powerful and versatile as the Baron's spell was, it proved to have one fatal flaw. His spell bent light, it blocked smell and sound, it even blocked Rip's psychic abilities. But it could do nothing for the darkness. Darkness, after all, was the simply the absence of light. It was, for all accounts, nothingness. It was void.
And so, when Rip's focused eyes scanned the grassy glade for any sign of the Baron, she spotted him standing by some trees fifty two meters from her location. It was pure bad luck for the Baron to choose such a hiding spot. He was within the shadows caused by the trees blocking the moons' light. It was within those dark shadows that Rip's vampire eyes saw him, a black silhouette against the blackness. If he had chosen to stand out in the open in the full light of the moons while magically cloaked, then she would never have discovered him. His mistake, a mistake that many creatures of the night made, was to trust in the darkness. It was too bad for him; the darkness loved her more.
For the second time that night, Rip Van Winkle pounced. To the naked eye, she was there one second, and the next... she was gone. Her glowing blue eyes seemed to hang there for a moment before streaking away, an optical effect that was just an afterimage caught by the human retina. She quickly reappeared fifty two meters away, near a shadowy copse of trees. Her form was bent forwards, caught in a lunge as she had thrust her musket forwards, its tip jabbing straight out in front of her. The vampire remained in that position for a moment, her pale face grim and stoic.
Before long, dark red liquid began to drip down the blade of her bayonet. At first it was a slow stream, but as the seconds passed it flowed more steadily, until the red fluid began to drip off her weapon and pool onto the grass below her. Suddenly, the air in front of the dark-haired woman seemed to pull apart, revealing the still, frozen form of Baron Milan. His bearded face was twisted in both shock and agony as he looked down at Rip, as well as the tip of the bayonet that was firmly imbedded within his chest.
"H-how...?" He gasped out before blood erupted from his mouth to dribble down his chin.
"Simple, dear Baron," Rip told him as she stood up straight, before callously yanking out her weapon. She watched with deranged satisfaction as the man collapse to his knees before her, blood steadily pouring from the large open wound in his chest. "I'm a volf, while you are just a lap dog. Zis vas never a contest to begin vith. It vas merely a slaughter."
She gave the bleeding man a wide, razor-sharp smile as she raised the musket overhead, the attached bayonet's blade ready to slice off his head. "Any last vords, Baron?"
The bearded man spat at her feet, then directed a fierce glare up into her face. "I die with my soul intact. What about you?"
His words caused Rip's smile to slowly vanish. She met his angry look with one of her own, glowing blue eyes narrowing in distaste, before shaking her head in irritation. "Fine, zen. I'll see you in hell."
"You can count on it," the male vampire sneered.
Before Rip could strike him down, she felt something heavy slam into her and quickly found herself bowled over onto the ground. The force of the impact caused her to loose the grip on her musket, and it flew through the air to land in the grass nearby. Strong arms wrapped around her neck, and Rip gasped in pain when she felt a hard knee press against her back.
"Master, run!" Ophelia yelled as she tightened her arms around the dark-haired vampire's neck.
The male vampire nodded at his servant before lurching to his feet and dashing away.
"Get off me, you schlampe!" Rip growled as she struggled with the ghoul, attempting to pry the woman's incredibly strong arms away from her neck. Without the power of the runes fueling her, both of their strength was currently equal and Ophelia had the upper hand as she kept a tight grip around her.
"I'll kill you, you disgusting, filthy monster!" The green-haired woman snarled into Rip's ear as she continued to tighten her strangle hold. "I'll make you pay for hurting my master! No one touches the Baron! No one!"
"Fick dich!" Rip gripped tightly onto the ghoul's right wrist and pulled with all her might. She managed to pull the limb off her neck but Ophelia renewed her efforts, forcing her knee harder into the vampire's back while using all her considerable strength in an attempt to force her right arm back around Rip's neck. The dark-haired woman would have none of that, though. She opened her mouth and sunk her sharp teeth right into Ophelia's arm. The woman let out an ear-splitting scream as Rip's jaw clamped tight, her teeth tearing through flesh and bone. With an inhuman, animalistic growl, the vampire snapped her head up, ripping off the green-haired woman's thumb as well as a large chunk of her forearm. Blood gushed across Rip's face as Ophelia screamed again, the remaining arm around her neck slackening. The vampire used this to her advantage as she dropped her head forwards, then slammed it backwards straight into the ghoul's face. There was a sickening crunch as Ophelia's nose shattered, and the woman fell limp as Rip tossed her off.
Not bothering to give the ghoul a parting glance, the Millennium officer got up to her feet and grabbed her musket. She felt the power of the familiar runes flow through her body once more, and she readied herself to chase down the fleeing Baron. She absolutely hated it when her prey escaped, especially self-righteous bastards like Milan.
"Stop!"
Rip sighed, shoulders drooping in exasperation, as she directed an annoyed glance down at Ophelia. The ghoul looked quite the mess, with her nose broken and face covered with blood. She lay on her side clutching at the mangled remains of her right arm, while the original stab wound in her belly continued to bleed out all over her once pristine dress. All in all, the green-haired woman was quite a different sight from the well kept noblewoman she had been just a few moments ago.
"Vhat do you want?" Rip asked, tapping her foot in impatience.
"F-fight me, you bitch!" Ophelia shouted as blood dribbled out of her destroyed nose. Frustrated tears fell from her green eyes as she tried with all her might to stand. Unfortunately for the ghoul, her body seemed to be at its limit, and her legs would not obey. "Fight me! Now!"
It was quite obvious that the fool was trying to buy her master time to escape. Such loyalty! It was kind of sweet, in a pathetic sort of way.
Rip grinned. She tapped at her chin, acting as if she were thinking it over, when she obviously was not."Let's see. Umm... nah. I don't sink so." The vampire turned away and began walking in the direction she sensed that the Baron was running to.
"D-don't you turn your back on me!" Ophelia screamed with a sob. Her voice sounded desperate, and almost pleading in its tone. "Stop, damn you! Stop!"
"Nein." Rip glanced back at the woman and rolled her eyes. "I told you. I don't have time to play vith dirty little ghouls. I have bigger fish to catch." She then grinned and gave the struggling ghoul a wink."Don't vorry, though. As soon as I'm done vith your master, I'll come back and play vith you some more. I'll even bring you a present." The vampire turned away from Ophelia, her smile vanishing. "I'll bring you his head."
"No! Don't you dare!" The green-haired ghoul cried out at Rip's retreating back. "Don't you touch him, damn you! Come back here! Come back!"
The vampire ignored the injured ghoul's cries as she moved forwards. She could sense the Baron several blocks away, and moving quite slowly. She must have injured him severely if he hadn't managed to put on his cloaking spell again. Good. This would make the kill that much easier.
Rip Van Winkle smiled, then began to whistle Beethoven's fifth symphony.
0
Baron Milan coughed, expelling more blood out of his mouth and onto the cobbles as he madly scrambled to get away. He tripped and fell numerous times as he fled, trying with all his might to keep himself from panicking.
How the hell had that creature managed to pierce his Wind Veil? That spell was impossible for anyone to see through, even his fellow vampires couldn't detect him with that spell surrounding him. It blocked all forms of detection: light, sound, even scrying spells were unable to penetrate it. So how had that black-haired demon seen through it?
The Baron clutched at the deep wound in his chest, praying that it would heal quickly, before that evil creature tracked him down. He knew that he had been extremely lucky; an inch or two more to the left and the bayonet would have pierced his heart. Then he would be dead, and that would be that.
He really hoped that Ophelia was safe, but sadly it wasn't very likely. She had saved his life, most likely at the cost of her own. Many in his inner circle had questioned his wisdom when he chose to make the former criminal a ghoul instead of letting the authorities execute her for her crimes. But Ophelia had proven to be grateful to him for the second chance he gave her, and though she still had much work ahead he was certain that she could redeem herself if given enough time.
He truly prayed for her safety. She didn't deserve to die by that monster's hand. He should have stayed with her. They should have fought that beast together. It was wrong to abandon her like that. He should have stayed!
But... he was scared. Tonight was the first time in over a century that he had come close to losing his life. But that was no excuse. He was an old fool, and a coward. His fear may have cost poor Ophelia her life.
The Baron shook his head, forcing himself to keep moving. He had to warn Daphne. He had to warn Tristain. This new monster, this self-proclaimed vampire, was more powerful than any creature he had ever faced. That thing could not only see through his Wind Veil but her first attack had managed to shatter his Counter barrier. Her power was unbelievable, but it was the nature of the beast that truly frightened him the most. She was beyond evil, a being of pure darkness who reveled in maliciousness. She was a threat not only to his conclave of reformed vampires, but to the entire nation of Tristain itself. The Crown needed to know what walked the streets of its capital. He had to warn them.
The Baron tried to increased his speed, but a limping trot was all he was capable of at the moment. He had lost so much blood. He would need to feed tonight, and not just on sweat or saliva. He needed blood to not only heal but regain the strength he had lost. He hated feeding on blood, as there was always that slim possibility that he would lose control and devolve back into the monster that he used to be. But it couldn't be helped. That creature was still out there, and he would need to be at full power if the kingdom was to have any chance of putting it down.
Rip Van Winkle needed to be stopped.
The vampire continued his painful walk, his mind clouded with both the physical agony of his wounds as well as the preparations that needed to be done once he got in touch with Daphne at the palace. He was completely preoccupied with such thoughts when he moved across the entrance of a dark alleyway. That was why he didn't notice the black shape step out from the shadows and move behind him.
0
Rip ran through the streets, her boots hardly making a sound upon the cobbles below. She had been delayed in her hunt for the Baron as she had stopped for a few minutes to reload her musket. Even though the male vampire had looked half dead the last time she had seen him, she remembered just how quickly he had regenerated after her first attack. It would be extremely foolish to go after him whilst unprepared.
Going by her sixth sense, Rip was able to perceive that the Baron had stopped moving and was waiting immobile at the same spot he had been for the past ten minutes. This information was either very good or very bad. His lack of movement could mean that he had lost too much blood and had fallen unconscious. Then again, it could also mean that he had managed to heal his wounds and was laying in wait for her to show up so he could attack. Either way, Rip couldn't allow him to escape. If what the Baron had said was true, he and his cadre of goody-goody vamps had a direct pipeline to the Crown. If he got word of her identity to the authorities, then she was as good as toast. As impressive as her abilities were, she really doubted that she could survive for long on her own against an entire nation of mages hunting her down.
Plus Louise would be pissed.
Rip stopped in front of a dark alley, which was where her senses were telling her that the Baron was hiding. The alleyway was in between two abandoned buildings, the walls of which were high and the space between them narrow. It was not an ideal place for her to shoot her jezail, as it would be impossible to control the bullet's trajectory in such tight confines. Of course, she could just crash the musket ball through the bricks if she were so desperate, but that would only result with the two buildings crashing down on top of her. The high and narrow walls would also inhibit her own movement, making her incredible speed all but useless within their boundary.
"Come out, Baron!" She called down into the alley. "I know zhat you're in there! Vhy don't you just make it easy for ze bose of us and just come out so I can kill you und be on my vay?" The vampire frowned when she received no answer. "If you don't come out, I'll just shoot you from here! Sure, I might miss, but I'll knock ze entire block down on top of you!" She was bluffing, of course. She couldn't risk bringing any attention to their little spat, and she could feel a lot of guards around her, many of whom were close enough to respond at the sound of a building or two collapsing nearby.
As before, there was no answer to her threats. Rip sighed, extremely annoyed at how her night had turned out. She was still quite hungry, and hadn't had the chance to feed at all because the Baron and his stupid ghoul decided to cut in on her fun. "Vhatever," the vampire grumbled as she hefted her musket onto her shoulder and began to move into the alley.
As far as alleyways went, this one was pretty clean. There wasn't too much garbage strewn around, and it lacked the distinctive smell of urine that was so prevalent in alleyways from Earth cities. Rip remained cautious though, as the Baron could have lain any number of traps to catch her off guard. He had some very weird spells in his arsenal, and she didn't wish to be caught by surprise by his entangling plants again.
Eventually, the vampire reached the end of the alley, only to find a surprise waiting for her. Up on the wall at the end of the passage was the Baron. He had been crucified, his limp body stuck to the bricks by what looked like large silver nails driven into both palms, neck, as well as his feet. The male vampire was still alive, though obviously in much pain, as he struggled vainly with the nails impaling him in an attempt to pull himself from the wall. His mouth opened and closed and tried to gurgle out few words, but such a task was impossible since he had a six inch spike of silver imbedded into his throat.
"Vhat ze hell happened to you?" Rip asked, her eyes wide in surprise and disbelief.
The Baron gurgled some more, trying to say something, when all of the sudden Rip heard the sound of something streaking through the air. She whirled around and shrieked in astonishment as something large and silver sped past her head. There was a solid thunk from behind her, and the female vampire turned to see that a long silver sword had embedded itself into the Baron's chest, directly into his heart. The man's face was twisted into a look of astonished disbelief, a look that he would be wearing eternally in death.
Rip slowly turned her attention back to the entrance of the alley as she heard foot steps coming from that direction. She readied herself, dropping into a defensive stance, her musket held out at the ready. From the dark she could see a tall form, completely enshrouded in black, moving towards her in a sedate pace. It was a man, with brown skin and black hair, wearing black clothing that was eerily familiar in style. He almost blended into the shadows in his dark clothing, the only other color that stood out from him was the white on his collar.
"By the sweat of your brow you shall eat..."
The man continued to walk down the alley towards her, his steps steady and strong. In his left hand he held a sword, almost identical to the one that had killed the Baron though this one's blade wasn't silver.
"Until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken..."
Closer and closer the tall man approached. Rip steadied her nerves, unable to take her eyes from him, feeling the tight clench of dread within her chest. There was something wrong here.
"W-who are you?" she asked aloud, her hands gripping her musket tightly. Although from his smell she could tell he was human, her danger senses were screaming at her. This man felt deadly.
"Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. We are nothing but dust, and to dust we shall return."
The man was close enough for the vampire to make out his features. He was older, perhaps in his late thirties or early forties, and looked to be of Asian or Polynesian descent. His harsh black eyes focused upon her with an unbreakable hatred, and Rip could feel her skin tingle from the acrimony that was being sent towards her. A glint of something bright caught the vampire's eyes, and those blue orbs widened in horror when she saw the silver crucifix hanging from around his neck.
"N-nein... this is impossible," she gasped as she realized that the man's black clothes were those of a Roman Catholic priest. "Iscariot! You are vith Iscariot!"
The Black Priest gave her a wide, frightening smile. His eyes shone with both joy and righteous indignation, as he was now presented with the opportunity to truly perform God's work.
"I am the sword of the righteous! I am the bringer of His gospel, emissary of His word. Let the hearts of the sinners tremble upon my passing, for none who abandon God shall live to see the dawn."
With those words, the priest raised his sword, his dark unflinching stare like a cold hand grasping tightly at one's neck.
"Amen!"