According to what the public tend to associate with vampires, it would be unusual for one of them to walk around in sunlight on broad daylight, however the regenerative abilities of the NIghtless, combined with sunscreen with a solar protection of 200, they had evolved past this weakness. His research had lead him a dense forest, and with some handsight he could aome kind of light wind moving at high speed from tree top to tree top.
-I was hoping you'd be here,Chipp Zanuff.
-Huh? Oh,it's just Grandpa Mononoke. -The breeze stopped in place to reveal the man who was causing it: a young but slim man of white hair and red eyes, wearing a black, sleeveless jacket and white trousers. His most peculiar accesory went for his main weapon of choice: and arm blade sticking out from his right glove.
-Ah,I feel the rush of a thousand emotions when I think I shall not be addressed so again...
-What..?- Chipp wasn't expecting a jovial response to the nickname.
-To be honest… I have made the difficult but necessary decision t olive in seclusion, officially. But before I can attend to this retirement, I have been visiting those whom I would like a final match, so my seclusion can be without regrets.
-That's why you're here… I have to say,I'm sorta flattered.
-Those were my intentions with you as well, nontheless our business may extend beyond this encounter, depending on how worthy you may prove.
-If you want a fight ,bring it on! I'll show you the ultimate move of Tsuyoshi-style ninjinsu.
Instantly after this statement the ninja stroke forward with his arm-blade. The dandy gentleman simply retaliated with a powerful kick, showing their difference in pure strengh.
Both vampire and mortal entered a sort of dance, with Chipp trying to connect a Blade attack at superspeed but Slayer managing to dodge them all with his classic dandy style.
-Your speed may be second to none, but you can't rely on it when dealing with a more capable opponent.
Before he could finish this sentence,the barrages ceased,but Slayer knew better and kept himself alert. The master of Ninjutsu was indeed a master in all their techniques, now making himself unseeable for the naked eye. When as close as possible, he left his invisibility, hoping for a sneak attack by charging one of his punches,but he lack the full extend of vampirism powers: his opponent could simply sense the life energy he always radiated.
-RESSHOU!
-Not bad, still not enough! PILEBUNKER!
Slayer took a step back and counterattacked with him own charged punch, throwing Chipp high in the direction of a large oak. Before hitting the tree trunk, the ninja recovered and landed horizontally in it, climbing even higher with a sprint and jump for a knee attack.
-"Going for a forward attack may prove to be your best outcome,young man." -The vampire wasn't really worried on this fight,as his regenation would even account for tore clothes,but he was expectant on how he counted on landing this assault.
Slayer jumped forward, but before he could go for the grab, the ninja had already dissapeared into a rush of leafs. In a momento he had appeared on his back, successfully grabbing his enemy by the neck and delivering a slash through his neck.
-GENROU ZAN.
- "Impressive"-Slayer reflected to himself.-"Even if my age is perhaps starting to show, throwing me off-guard isn't an easy task. He has undoubtely demonstrated the persistence and adaptability a leader needs. Yes, he is the right candidate, even more optimal than I thought ."
While he was focused on this train of thought,he didn't bother raising his guard when his opponent launching him into the air,dealing numerous slashes from all directions .Of course, this dealt close to no real damage to the NIghtless, who simply laid down in the ground as if he was posing comfortable in bed.
-I've seen enough.I'm satisfied.- he stated.
-How do you like it?- the ninja replied, as he had also had a fun time.
-I must say,I've certainly enjoyed it. -The vampire had stood up and clapped with honesty- By the Bye,I do believe you still intend to seek the presidency?
-Yeah, I gotta set the world right.
-Then please allow me to disgrace some candid adivce: it will not be enough.
-Not enough...?- This statement stunned the yougn shinobi.
-Trying to set the world right... Your determination, good sir,is admirable. -Slayer sat on his cloak as a small recliner-But to put so much stock in a mere title... Such folly is synonymous with admitting that you are powerless. I may be so bold,but what have you done thus far to "set the world right"?
Chipp stayed silent. The geezer was right, he was so focused on running for presidency he hasn't actually started helping the world as he should!
-Do not take my comments as an attempt to halt you. -Slayer continued- As a matter of fact,I'm willing to to aid you on this mission. Tell me, what do you know about the Assassin's Guild?
-They're just a bunch of hired goons commiting crimes to who can pay thembut I don't want revenge against them anymore. Also,his leader had promised me his help me when I become president.
-Venom,you mean? He has stepped down from that position and disbanded the guild.
-WHAT?- exclaimed the ninja.
-I may share your view on what the guild currently was,but in his creation it had a different purpose: to maintain order by taking care of corrupt leaders in the interest of preserving a good social order.
-That sounds like a meaningful organization. -Chipp confessed.
Slayer smirked. He was getting through the young man.
-Allow me to make you an offer.
-Since this is the first time you're playing,we will first go over the basics.
After perceiving some genuine interest about the sport from the kid he took under his wing ,Venom decided to visit a small bar far from the populated area so he could properly explain him how pool works.
-In each game there is are fifteen numbered balls you need to sink in each of the six pockets of the table. These balls are placed with a triangle in the beginning of the game and you can only move them by hitting the cue ball ,the white ball without a number, with his stick called the pool of the coloured balls are stripped and the other seven are solid coloured, and when you score with one type you claim it for the rest of the match . The 8 ball is a special case, you need to avoid scoring this one until there are no more balls of your type on the table, or else you lose.- Are you following for now?-Venom asked.
-I hit the white ball with the stick,two types of balls and I can only introduce one of them,and the 8 ball is dangerous. I think I got it.- Eddie had seen how Venom and his opponents played the last couple days and perceived for the most part how it worked .
-There are additional rules about the game,but for now I want you get some practice. -Venom racked up the balls with the triangle and place the cue ball in the opposite side of the table. - Try breaking the formation with the best shot you can.
-Okay.- Eddie grabbed a pool cue and tried to position himself like the adults played, but it was easier said that done. After a small miss,he could only slighty move the ball by hitting it by the upper part.
-It's alright, you're just starting. -Venom reassured him while repositioning the cue ball. - I admire you tried to copy my stance, but everyone has their preffered handtrick. Try now placing your index finger over the cue and don't hold it so tightly, like this.- Venom made a shot that scattered all the balls on the table, introducing two stripped balls in the pockets.- You now have to score with round balls,and if you introduce a stripped ball you lose your turn. Try aiming for the 1 ball next to the corner.
- Alright, place my finger over the cue, and don't grab it so tightly-The blonde child corrected his stance the best way he could , receiving a small help from his teacher, and shot directly into the intented ball this time.
-Well done-Venom felt -your shot had the right angle , you just needed to put more strength. Now, the cue ball is in a compromised position , surrounded by two of my opposite balls, and you'd probably need to lose a turn to get out . But when you have enough experience ,you can make a move like …this- The hustler hit the cue ball with the right angle so it jumped over the 1 ball and score done of the stripped balls in the adherent hole.
-Amazing…- Said Eddie,dazzled by the move.
-Hey, you two need to go. -the bartender told them from the booze- I don't want that kid around when the dunkyards start coming.
-Very well,we'll call it for today.-the -You'll rest some reast, we're leaving early tomorrow to our next match in London.
The pair left the bar and started traversing the old districs of the city. Even so early in the year, a mild breeze could be felt throughout the inhabited streets .While the hustler reflected whether he should buy a more formal attire for his young companion in case it got colder, the blonde kid had a troubled face having a reflection on his own.
-Sir, I have something I need to tell you. -he said after giving it enough thought- I haven't told the full truth about where I came from.
-I was wondering when you would want to elaborate about it, Edwin Blackard.
-What?!-Edwin replied in shock.- How did you...?
-Last night I did a small research on missing children near the towns I had found you.- Even after leaving the guild, Venom could still use his gathering sources to gather information - As an advice, if you don't want to get found, you shouldn't still go by your real name.
-Oh... -He almost facepalmed himself after realizing how moronic it was from his part.
-At one part, you were honest about your manor and some close houses burning down. But the strangest part is that both your parents survived the fire,and simply left the village afterwards. Not only that, but you have a twin sister who had also ran away some months ago.
-A brother. - Edwin coldly replied.
-Excuse me?
He looked at Venom with a defiant glance.
-I never had a sister, only a brother.
-I see. -Venom considered not asking any further, but a small theory came in his mind.- Does your brother by any chance wear a nun outfit?
-Wait, have you met Buri then?
-A while ago, he asked to use my pool skills to start an entertaining group, but I declined after a short fight.
-So he's moving on, great. -Edwin gratefully smiled.
-Your sibling was decently capable on his fighting skills, but you lack any money and can't defend yourself . What exactly was your plan to survive after abandoning your town?
-Well, I'm really good at mechanics,like robotics and stuff. Maybe someone would take me as an apprentice in a shop?
-You seem to be more isolated than I thought,if you think the world worked as easy as that.
-Look, I just... Needed to get out of there, you understand?
Before Venom could give him some words of comfort, he stopped right on his tracks, feeling danger on cue, a familiar shadow emerge from one of the alleyways , carrying the corpse of a man that Venom knew so well. In a desperate last ditch effort, Eddie(the shadow) dragged himself to the nearest town, but to his misfortune
-AM I... AM I GOING TO DIE?
-Sir, is that man okay? He looks so pale... -the child asked worried.
-You don't need to worry about him. In front of us...there is just a pathetic grinder.
A mixed bag of emotions went through Venom's mind :the killer of his master, the monster who taunted him using his corpse, the reason of his reoccurring nightmares... Was now the equivalent of a run over dog waiting for someone to put him out of misery.
-Edwin, hide behind those barrels while-Venom said, as he handled him the empty suitcase-I'm sorry I have to expose you to this brawl, but sometimes in life there are matters you need to face.
-Yes, sir.
After Venom approached the creature to a safe distance, Eddie realized who the
-ONE OF ZATO'S CRONIES...
-Say what you want. As long as it makes you happy.
The beast could only exhale a grunt, too tired for a conversation. The leftovers of the man Venom once loved weren't looking good either; even with the magical properties of the Forbidden Beast some parts were beginning to rot away, and previous fights had only accelerated the process. Even the blindfold had slipped, revealing the empty space where Zato's blue eyes once were.
-It seems you have reached your limit. Let me so the honor of sending you to hell.
-AM I... GOING TO DIE?-The shadow shuddered - NO! I WON'T ACCEPT THAT! NO... WAAAY...!
Eddie launched forward and, but his opponent reacted even faster, summoning three cue balls in front of him and countering the dragon bites out of his way. The beast would fight not to meet his end,even beyond from what his body could handle.
After possessing and using Zato's energy until he passed away, the monster had relied on brute strength over an efficient strategy. This could have been enough for their previous encounters, but Venom had learnt from its mistakes, and combined with Eddie's slower speed, he could now prevent every move thrown at him.
The former assassin was simply treating this encounter as another job, with his biggest worry in mind on how Edwin could take the showcase of a brutal beatdown, but the kid was excitingly expectating his elegant abilities.
-That ...is...BEYOND SUPREMEEE! -Edwin's eyes shined in admiration on his newfound guardian angel and cheered for him, albeit quietly not to distract him.
The demon on the other hand wasn't having such a pleasant time. Even when trying to keep some distance,taking flight or using debris, his opponent could always find the perfect Tactical Arch, and strike him before he could properly launch himself as a sword. His only winning move was to use the poorly lit streets to sneak close to his opponent and deal the most damage he could.
Unknowingly to him, Venom was tricking into this train of thought. Before he would have considered letting Eddie get away rot in other place, but now with a young companion,he couldn't take any risk. He needed to finish the forbidden beast after he reappeared, here and now.
-DARK SENTI...
-Now! DIMMU BORGIR!
Venom summoned a giant ball cue that swallowed his enemy and sent him away, followed by numerous coloured balls surrounding it, mimicking the starting position of a poll match. As in one, the hustler shot a powerful ball into the formation,but instead of breaking all balls used this energy returned to strike Eddie's ball like a meteor into a planet, pulverizing its insides.
Edwin celebrated that end fight in awe, but Venom had a bittersweet feeling. No matter how emotionally painful, he had destroyed his former love's corpse ,the moving remains of his past life.
... But even so, the shadow still remained .
-WHY AM I STILL ALIVE? - Eddie questioned, both him and the hustler looking at awe at the supposedly impossible outcome. -HIS BODY DECAYED, BUT... I'M STILL...
-Fear and death... has he overcome the concept of death?
-HEHEHEHEH... HAHAHA HAHAHAHA!
In a sudden turn of events, Eddie had achieved a strength beyond a solid body allowed,and hia shape was transforming into an unclear monster with many mouths and limbs. With these he unleashed hell against his previously confident opponent, overwhelming his guard until he got disarmed abd knocked to the ground. Edwin bravely left his hiding spot and put himself between them,grabbing Venom's pool cue as a weapon .
-L-Leave him alone!-he shouted. -Eddie, stay out of this!
-EDDIE? OH, WHAT A IRONY. YOU EVEN RERESEMBLE MY FORMER HOLDER. BUT NOW, I DON'T HAVE AN USE FOR YOU,MORTAL!
Without a chance to defend himself, Eddie had deliver a launching slash that sent him away, in such an angle that his cheeks started deeply bleeding.
-JUST STAY DOWN THERE, YOU PATHETIC LITTLE MAN! I'LL JUST FLY AWAY! THERE'S NOTHING TO HOLD ME DOWN ANYMORE!
Rising through the night and leaving two men in medical need, a dark monstrosity could be seen all around town.