The return of vampirehunter!Eriol and the prequel to Chapter 6, 088 Blood. Also, did you know you can change the story width? It's up there on your right, above the chapter selections. I personally recommend the 1/2 story width option, because I find it makes reading so much easier, and also because it appears that I have written more than I really did. ;)

xxx

087. Nocturnal

Eriol tapped his fingers on the table along to the melody, as his eyes lingered on the songstress presently crooning out a song on stage. He decided that although the 1940s was a rather depressing era, with war around every corner, he rather appreciated their music. Eriol had finally tracked his latest assignment to this nightclub a few days ago. He was quite certain that the vampire was in fact the head of this fine establishment although it seemed his human partners seemed blissfully unaware.

Eriol really should have acted the moment he tracked him down, but then he came into the nightclub and was bewitched by the girl singing on stage. The only reason he hadn't stabbed the vampire, was because he knew that once he did, he would no longer have any excuse to visit the nightclub again. He would likely be off on another assignment, in another part of the world. It would have to end today, however. He had wasted enough time.

With a start, he realised that the song had ended and the audience was clapping in appreciation. He clapped along, watching as the songstress was manoeuvring her way through the crowd towards his table. She smiled as she sat down gracefully opposite him, "A penny for your thoughts Mr. Eriol?"

"Ah, Miss Tomoyo." Eriol smiled, "I apologise. I have had some things on my mind. But I assure you, you sang beautifully. Even more so than yesterday."

Tomoyo coloured slightly as she accepted his compliment, "Yes, you seem to say that every day Mr. Eriol."

Noticing his quarry make his way to his office from the corner of his eye, Eriol was slightly distracted from answering Tomoyo's next question.

"Hmm, I'm sorry Miss Tomoyo. Could you repeat that please?"

"I asked, if perhaps you would like to walk me back? I have ended my shift for tonight." Tomoyo repeated, head slightly bowed.

Oh. Eriol's heart thumped slightly. When was the last time he felt that?

With great effort, he managed to reply, "If it was any other day Miss Tomoyo, I would be honoured to escort you. But unfortunately today, I have a meeting."

"Oh, I see." Tomoyo said, sounding slightly embarrassed, and perhaps, a little disappointed. "That's alright." She got out of her seat, "I'll just be going now then."

Hurriedly, Eriol stood up as well and grasping her hand, he pressed a kiss to her fingertips, "Goodnight Miss Tomoyo."

She rewarded him with a smile, "Goodnight Mr. Eriol. Perhaps I'll see you tomorrow?"

Eriol faltered, and then shook his head slightly, "I'm afraid Miss Tomoyo, this would be the last time we shall see each other in a while. I am leaving for business tomorrow."

"Oh." The disappointment in her voice was unmistakable this time.

"Yes." Eriol replied needlessly, "I would never forget your lovely voice Miss Tomoyo."

Tomoyo sent him a soft smile, "And I would never forget you Mr. Eriol." And then she was gone.

Eriol sighed deeply. He had left behind many maidens in his lifetime. He did not care to think how long, it depressed him sometimes to remember exactly how long he has been alive. But nobody affected him as much as Miss Tomoyo had. It was preposterous really, all they had were a few days of conversation together.

Suddenly, he heard a scream from the office. Over the noise of the nightclub, no one else had picked it up. After all, Eriol was the only in the nightclub with non-human senses. Quickly, he broke the door open and found his target lying over a girl on his desk. Disgusted with himself for waiting so long to kill the vile creature, Eriol drew out his stake and with deadly precision, stabbed the vampire in the heart.

"She was trying to quit." The vampire rasped out with his dying breath.

Eriol frowned, and turned immediately to the girl on the desk. What he saw nearly caused his knees to buckle.

It was Miss Tomoyo.

He blindly pressed against the puncture wound in her neck, trying to stem the flow of blood. "Miss Tomoyo!" Eriol cried, trying to shake her awake.

Her eyes fluttered open softly, although they remained unfocused, "I just wanted to quit. He wouldn't let me go. I think I angered him."

"Why did you want to quit Miss Tomoyo?" Eriol asked, trying to keep up the conversation as he picked her up and strode out the club through the side door.

"I thought, maybe, I could follow him." came her whispered reply.

"Him?" Eriol asked again, as he jumped between buildings.

"Mr. Eriol."

He nearly missed the next building then.

Tightening his hold on her and gathering her closer to his chest, Eriol doubled his speed and soon found himself in front of an apartment door. He rapped sharply on it, praying that the occupant was home.

The door opened and he walked in quickly, ignoring the expression of shock on the occupant. Placing Tomoyo gently down on the sofa, he turned to the other man in the room, "She has been bitten Syaoran. I need your help."

Syaoran had his arms crossed, a wary expression on his face. "How long have you known that I've been staying here Eriol?"

"Ever since you moved, I think." Eriol replied, eyes pleading, "Look, Syaoran, she's bleeding. Help her!"

Syaoran let out a resigned sigh and moved over to examine the girl on his sofa. After a few moments, he turned to Eriol, "She has lost a lot of blood. Either she bleeds to death, or I'll have to turn her."

Eriol had to fight the urge to vomit. It was his fault. Had he done his job and killed the vampire the moment he tracked him down, this wouldn't have happened. He looked down at Tomoyo, her complexion even paler than normal, and nodded. "You'll have to turn her then."

Syaoran turned towards him, "You are a strange one Eriol."

Eriol shook his head, "She wouldn't remember me, would she?" His fingers lingered on her hairline.

"She was taken violently. I do not think she would retain any memories." Syaoran replied, studying the vampire hunter.

"And you would take care of her?" Eriol questioned again.

Syaoran sighed, "I would. Consider it my thanks to you."

Eriol nodded. "Then I would leave her with you. Thank you Syaoran."

He let himself out quickly, not wanting to be there to see Syaoran turn her. Eriol stared at the closed door of Syaoran's apartment and as the tears flowed down his face he promised to himself that he would never leave her again.

Never again.

xxx

Syaoran and Eriol most definitely have a back story. Alas, this is a 100 situations fic between Tomoyo and Eriol so I probably won't be able to get into it here. Ah wells, I hope this answered some questions from chapter 6. I am rather fond of vampire!Tomoyo and vampirehunter!Eriol so perhaps they would feature again. Let me know what you think!