Disclaimer: Next chapter is here. Dexter is in the fight for his life as he is chased down by the group of inhuman monsters unleashed by LOD. Will he survive the night or will he wind up as dinner?
The Vatican catches wind of all the activity taking place. Maxwell informs Anderson of an early part of the churches history involving LOD that begins to unravel the group's horrifying goals.
Likewise, Integra and the Hellsing forces contact Vladimir in Russia. LOD is mobilizing for a massive invasion targeting several key locations across Russia. Vampires, further strengthened by demon blood are on the war path as Klaus has them searching for mysterious documents.
Lastly, the assassin, Kazuya begins his hunt for his next target. We learn a little more of his background in that all of his killings have been towards unveiling the identity of a mysterious being that committed vile terrible sins against him. Who is this person Kazuya has so desperately sought for half a century? What is the source of his anger and hatred against all sinners?
As our heroes continue their investigation they find themselves facing increasing levels of danger. Peeling back the layers of deception they find that the mysterious events are far grander, go back centuries and far more terrifying and monstrous than they could have ever imagined and that everything they have believed in, everything they have accepted as truth, may be a horrifying lie.
Author's Note: Before I begin this chapter I want to clarify something. This is in response to some messages I've received. This story is in no way an attack on religion or faith. I'm a pretty devout believer myself and am simply being creative in forming a rich and engaging storyline. As I explained in the first chapter this story will examine and in the conclusion explain several key theological elements. Namely, the nature of sin, the origins of evil, the notion of free will etc. By the story's end everything will be woven together and explained. With that, enjoy!
Hellsing/Devil may Cry are owned and copyrighted by Kouta Hirano and Capcom respectively. All credit goes to the original authors/creators.
Chapter Fifteen- The Gaze into the Sun
Dexter ran as fast as his two legs could carry him. The night became an evening of pure terror as the monsters unleashed by LOD were in hot pursuit. Dexter sprinted along a trail route, skillfully leaping over a fallen tree branch as he continued on. Behind him he heard the awful cries and wails of the creatures. There must have been at least a dozen of them. Dexter prayed; possibly the hardest he had ever prayed before in his life. He prayed he would live to survive the night and pass on the information he learned.
Dexter came to a sloping hill. Sliding down he looked over his shoulder. The creatures burst from the brush and cover of the woods in hot pursuit. Drool cascading down their disgusting and ravenous maw as they snapped and snarled.
Taking his pistol he aimed, half running and half skipping as he fired over his shoulder. One creature was shot in the shoulder causing it to tumble and roll. Dexter fired three more times but his aim was off. The creatures continued giving chase. One jumped forward and took its dirty nails and raked him across the back nearly knocking him over. Dexter grit his teeth as he unconsciously threw his body forward and sent the beast flying over his shoulder and smacking against a tree. Dexter felt the hot and messy flow of blood from his back but ignored it.
Dexter tore through the woods. He tripped and rolled over a log and quickly hopped back to his feet. Dexter kept running until finally, feeling himself growing tired and out of breath he burst through the woods and out into a large field.
Collapsing to his knees he turned and watched as the creatures sprinted out and fanned out forming a circle. Their eyes dead set on him. One of the fiends rolled its tongue out and licked its already filthy and bloody chops. Another raised its finger; blood caked on as it sucked on it and made a shrill chuckle. A third creature pressed an attack, wrapping its arms around him and beginning to squeeze. Dexter felt every bone in his body beginning to creak and strain. Taking his weapon he fired the entire clip into its eye and blowing the creature's brains out.
Dexter had spent all his ammunition. Quickly looking from side to side it all came to him in a sudden epiphany. Everything; realization, understanding, and clarification.
He was going to die.
Dexter tossed his pistol to the side. The creatures were now making an odd purring sound as they slowly closed the circle. Breathing heavily everything seemed to slow down for Dexter as he closed his eyes and prepared for the bitter and painful sting of death.
With a heavy and deep sigh Dexter eased his body. He could hear the creatures, their light footsteps on the soft grassy field. Their ragged breaths and quick snarls. Their smell seemed to grow stronger; putrid and rank. Dexter clenched his fists tightly as he uttered his last words.
"I love you Rosette" he said.
However, death never came for Dexter. The trees and woods beyond them began to sway and rock violently. There was a deep rumbling sound coming from the woods causing Dexter to slowly open his eyes. The creatures were all fanned out facing this new sound. Beyond the cover of trees and carried gently by the night breeze, a deep and piercing howl filled the air.
Dexter immediately recognized it and broke into goose bumps. He knew that call anywhere.
The call of a wolf.
With a loud crash a massive wolf burst from the cover of the trees, sprinting towards the group at top speed and howling fiercely as its snout curled back revealing sharp pearly white fangs as it snarled. The wolf was as tall as a horse, but bigger, more muscular. Its body seemed built like a bull. Most alluring was the color of its fur; pure, clean white fur as blank as freshly fallen snow.
The wolf barked twice and jumped forward, knocking the creatures aside as it bit down on one and viciously tore its head off before using its back paw to kick a second one aside. Landing, the wolf turned to Dexter, eyed him curiously and then back to the creatures as it snorted twice.
The creatures howled and attacked. The wolf sprinted, drawing their attention away from Dexter as it ran across the field, snapping, biting and tearing at the inhuman monsters. The wolf galloped as three of the creatures climbed on its back. With a yelp it bucked and heaved, kicking one away and tearing into another. Body parts went scattering as the wolf crunched down on one creatures head and sending it scattering. It knocked the ones off its back and swiped with its paws. A couple of the creatures bit and tore into its hind quarters as another wrapped it arms around the wolf's shoulders and began squeezing, temporarily halting its movements. The wolf yelped from surprise then felt a sharp pain jolt through tis body.
Dexter then watched heard the sound of gunfire. From the cover of trees the cyclists who had attacked the meeting appeared. Parking their bikes they flicked the safeties off their weapons and took aim, preparing to shoot Dexter who began to crawl backwards.
"Dexter!" he heard a man shout as sprinted toward the group, pulled out two large sub machine guns and opened fire killing two of the gunmen and drawing attention to him.
"Sion!" Dexter shouted as he watched Sion toss a handgun to him. Catching it Dexter opened fire on the nearest creature blowing its brains out and kicking a second away as he sprinted to try and assist the wolf.
Sion pulled out his sword immediately slashing and hacking through the creatures and armed cyclists. Cutting one cyclist in half and taking his fist and knocking off the head of another. Several more of the creatures sprinted to him. Sion's body glowed bright red as the creatures movements were halted. Their bodies then twisted and contorted in horrifying shapes as their spines and limbs were snapped and torn in numerous fashions before their heads were crushed in. Sion's body returned to normal as he sprinted toward Dexter.
The wolf finally freed itself as it heaved the last creature off sending it flying away. It turned to its left and opened its jaws as it snapped down on one creatures arm and ripped it off. It stood up on its front paws and used its hind legs to kick another in the face. Finally the wolf jumped on top of the remaining creature and savagely tore it to shreds, ripping off its head, legs and arms as blood and matter splattered to the floor.
With a pant the wolf reared to full height. Blood caked its jaws and it was bleeding from its previous wounds but did not appear seriously hurt. Dexter fired on the final creature, killing it instantly as Sion rushed over.
"Good thing we decided to come. Are you ok?" he asked checking to see if Dexter had been harmed.
"One of those fucked clawed my back, but other than that I'm fine. Thanks for saving my ass, you too, Seth" Dexter said calling to the white wolf. The wolf barked twice and then began to shrink to normal size as Seth phased back to human form. Dressed in dark gray sweat pants that were torn and ripped he shook his head and smirked. "Dude we're a team, we got your back no matter the threat. Besides, Rosette would never forgive us if we let you get killed" he joked.
The mention of her name caused Dexter to shudder. He could face any manner of supernatural threat, but the possibility of facing his fiancé's wrath terrified him more than anything.
The bushes close by the trio began to rustle and about a dozen or so Nightstalker agents emerged, arming their weapons they quickly spread out on the field, checking the bodies of the deceased creatures and the armed gunmen.
"Clear! Burn the bodies make sure they don't get back up still" one officer shouted. Dexter waved his hand, "Wait at ease. I want to see something first" Dexter said walking over to one of the creatures. Looking down he stared intently.
This specimen was female. She had dirty blonde hair and appeared to be in her mid-20s. Her clothes were tattered and ripped as well as horribly filthy and caked with mud and excrement. More strangely were the presence of several large veins pulsing around her eyes. It was then that Dexter for the first time got a good look of the eyes: Dull red with green irises.
"Man, what in God's name are these things? Zombies?" he asked. Sion shrugged, "No clue. They seem to be used as a weapon of sorts." He stated.
"Sir! Over here, one of the gunmen is still alive" an agent said ushering the group over.
The gunman in question, dressed in a black motorcycle suit and clutching his abdomen tightly sat up straight as Seth walked over, kicking him in the face and buried his foot deep into the man's chest.
"Talk asshole! Who the fuck sent you guys? Why was my friend targeted like this? I don't take too kindly to people that like to mess with my family. Answer me!" he shouted pressing harder as the man spat up blood.
"Urgh! They…they wanted to test the Ghouls out" he answered with blood dripping down his lip.
Silence greeted his ears as Dexter's eyes widened. "Did you say Ghouls? Wait that would mean a vampire sired them. There was no vampire here tonight. But these things can't be Ghouls. They're much too fast and strong. Quit spewing bullshit" Dexter spat annoyed.
The man whimpered, "They're Ghouls alright. And there is more on the way. A lot more, you bastards have no idea who you are fucking with" he said smiling very weakly. The man then closed his mouth. He began fiddling with something in his mouth using his tongue; it seemed as if he were poking a loose tooth with his tongue.
"What's he doing?" an agent asked. The man continued poking the loose tooth before stopping. He then bit down hard as everyone heard a crunching sound and watched as he began chewing. Immediately, Dexter recognized what was happening.
"It's a false tooth, he's eating a cyanide pill stop him!" he shouted but it was too late. The man's body began convulsing and white foam and saliva erupted in his mouth as he began drooling and shaking violently. It lasted for fifteen second and his body went limp, dead.
In Russia…
Kazuya opened the door to his safe house. He flicked the light on and panned the room. All of his equipment; His weapons and ammunition, computers, databases, files and various assortment of clothing would all have to go.
Kazuya sat down in the middle of the room, continuing to search. He felt an increasing level of frustration over the recent events. Standing up he then walked to the far corner of the room towards a row of candles placed before a metal stand. On the stand was the picture of a beautiful woman. She had long silky jet black hair with bangs covering her deep brown eyes. Her skin was the color of cream; smooth and lustrous. She was wearing a royal purple colored summer dress that hung below her knees and dressed in black heels. Her legs were crossed and her hands rested comfortably in her lap. Around her neck she wore a gold chain attached to a large pendant. The pendant was of an Aramaic inscription for 'faith' with a red colored gem in the center.
The woman was smiling gently and her entire demeanor was that of peace. Kazuya dropped to both knees facing the picture. He slowly removed his mask and let it drop to the floor. Running a hand through his hair he sighed deeply as his body shook violently.
"I've searched, and I've searched. I've searched to the ends of the earth. I've seen the most depraved minds of this planet. I've witnessed sons lose their mothers, fathers having to violate their daughters and worse. And despite my efforts, I am still unable to bring your murderer to justice. Why? I do not know. I will not stop. That I am sure of. No matter the risk, even if it means I must let the devil himself steal my soul. I…must avenge your death. I will not stop until I make him suffer." Kazuya said holding back the raw emotion he felt burning in his soul.
Despite his best efforts, a single tear rolled down his cheek. Then another and another until he brushed them away.
"I will restore honor to our clan. I will continue to do his work until time stops or until the very flesh from my body is torn apart." Kazuya said in between heavy breaths. He then stared at the woman's picture. Her beautiful and sweet smile causing his soul untold agony.
"Until next time…mother" he said standing up.
Kazuya proceeded to pack a large bag. Loaded with his most valuable equipment he grabbed his cloak and tossed it on. Kazuya then went and placed his mask on. With another heavy sigh he scanned the room and shut everything down. He exited and shut the door behind. Ten seconds later a spark ignited and the room became engulfed in flames that quickly broke into a raging and powerful flame that destroyed the room and all that remained.
Meanwhile at the Order of the Cross…
Vladimir stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his tie and frowning. He was mad. Ever since these recent events he found himself growing more and more angry.
Mariska walked into their room, stared at his expression and chuckled. "Babe you keep scowling like that and you'll develop wrinkles" she teased. He slowly turned, looking more agitated. "My gut tells me that bitch Klara is up to something. She was WAY too cooperative in agreeing to set this meeting up. She's planning something. I can smell it damn it" he spat.
Mariska cocked her head, "Oh? So what now you're like a Werewolf and can smell when someone is lying or being dishonest?" she asked.
Vladimir paused, then sighed which quickly turned into a chuckle. "I'm sorry I'm so testy. I just can't for the life of me-"
"Stand politicians or the games they play. Honey I got all that by now. Just go and do your job. Find out anything that we can use to stop LOD" Mariska said walking over and gently holding his hand.
"You're right babe, thank you" he said smiling and pulling her close. At that point Mariska smiled, inched closer and whispered in his ear. "Hurry and come back. I've got something…'special' for us tonight" she said and kissed him on the cheek. Noticing her husband's excited look she smiled, "One last thing" she said drawing a curious glance from him.
Mariska put on a hard cold stare as she pointed a finger. "You tell that cunt Klara I said if she tries to pull anything with my hubby, I'll make sure she spends the rest of her days eating her food through a tube." She said as Vladimir stared shocked. Smiling she kissed him again and said "I love that tie, by the way".
Ten minutes later Vladimir walked down the steps preparing to leave. He was surprised to find Sergei, Robert and his sensei, Master Sato waiting. "Thought you could use some backup in case that bitch tries to pull a fast one, Boss" Robert said flashing a grin. Sergei likewise grinned while Master Sato nodded gently.
"Man does everyone have a sixth sense I don't know about?" Vladimir said laughing. "Thanks guys but I think I'll be fine. Besides I show up with a couple of wolves and it'll freak them out. How about just the two of us, sensei?" Vladimir asked his master.
Master Sato chuckled, "Hhm not a bad idea" he said nodding slightly. "Take care of things here guys. I'll be back soon" Vladimir said turning to Sergei and Robert who gave him a thumbs up.
With that, Vladimir and Master Sato departed for their arranged meeting. Proctor drove the two into the city where it would take place. The meeting, arranged by Klara would take place in her mansion located in St. Petersburg. As they were riding into the city Master Sato turned to Vladimir.
"There is something I wished to discuss with you" he said.
"Sure sensei, anything" Vladimir responded.
"This group, the one calling itself LOD. How exactly do you plan on going about in finding and stopping them?" he asked curiously.
Vladimir shifted uncomfortably in his seat and stared out the window, watching the lights of the city flash as they drew near their destination.
"I figured we go for their leadership. We find out who this Klaus is and we take him out. The problem is that despite their activity they have managed to stay remarkably low key. I also plan on arranging a meeting with Sir Integra and Hellsing. We've worked well together in the past and we could use their Intel and support." Vladimir responded turning back and facing his master.
Master Sato nodded, "I see. Understand though my pupil. There is something else at work here. What LOD plans to do is terrible no doubt but I sense there is something else we are overlooking. Some far greater threat" he said.
From the driver's seat Proctor said, "We've arrived sir".
The car pulled up to the curb and parked as Vladimir stared at the massive sprawling building before them. "Well, guess I shouldn't be surprised this chick is living in the fast lane" he said dully causing Proctor to laugh.
Klara's mansion, located just near the bank of the Neva River was a massive complex, indicative of the owner's substantial wealth. The architect and design was typical for St. Petersburg; a reflection of the areas rich background during the reign of the Russian Empire. The mansion in Vladimir's view resembled a cathedral rather than a place of residence.
Opening the door Vladimir turned to Proctor. "Hey Proctor?"
"Sir?"
"Don't get too comfortable. I guarantee we'll be back before you know it" he said with a smirk as Proctor chuckled. "As you wish sir" he answered and turned off the ignition watching as Vladimir and Master Sato exited.
The two stepped onto the curb and approached the front entrance. After knocking a servant opened the door, greeted the two of them and welcomed them inside. Taking them into the guest area where everyone was waiting. Vladimir could see Klara sitting at the head of a large rounded table surrounded by men in suits. Scanning the room he saw a large bookshelf, a plush Persian style rug in the center, a piano on the far end and above was a large chandelier.
"Welcome Vladimir" Klara said standing up and motioning for them to come and take a seat. Seeing Master Sato she raised her eyebrows curiously.
"And who is this?" she asked.
"My godfather" Vladimir stated simply causing Klara to stare. Master Sato had his hands folded behind his back as he stared back. Klara tossed her hair back and shrugged. "Hhm fine shall we?" she said walking back over and taking her seat as Vladimir and Master Sato did the same.
Immediately, one of the men at the table began speaking. "These vampire attacks have left the country reeling. The Prime Minister is demanding we take immediate action in finding these fiends" he said strongly.
"Mr. Sokolov, have your forces made any progress?" another asked Vladimir who cleared his throat.
"Yes and no. We know the identity of the group controlling the vampires. They call themselves LOD and their leader is a man known as Klaus. Klaus' goals aren't entirely known but his plans threaten not just Russia, but all of humanity as well" Vladimir stated. He didn't bother to tell them of LOD's plans to subjugate the human race. He felt it better suited for another time.
"But I digress, what of that assassin? Where has he disappeared to?" Klara asked.
Vladimir paused. "We believe he has left the country after his fight with the Vatican's agent Father Anderson. Given the outcome of their battle it makes the most sense. Honestly at this point, our focus should be LOD and stopping them. We have new information indicating that LOD is plan-"
"I'm sorry. You said he escaped. How could that be? I thought you said you would find and capture him?" Klara said challenging him.
"Here we go" Vladimir thought to himself.
"It's true we were pursuing him. To make a long story short: We were informed that Anderson was headed for the island nation of Fortuna. We were not the only forces aware of this. Hellsing sent their agents as did my own forces, the Vatican as well as a group calling themselves the Nightstalkers. A fight ensued and in the end, Klaus himself revealed himself. But what was most interesting was the assassin himself was there." He explained.
Silence greeted him. "And your agents did not think it prudent to capture him?" Klara asked with an indignant tone.
"No they did not. The threat of LOD is far greater than the assassin. I trust that my forces made a wise decision" Vladimir said keeping calm. Master Sato simply sat in silence. Arms folded, coat draped over his shoulders and his eyes closed.
"That is unacceptable Vladimir and you should know I'll be sure to let the Prime Minister know of our incompetence" Klara said crossing her legs. Some of the men nodded in agreement.
"Look" Vladimir began. "Tell him whatever you like. I don't give a shit really. My biggest thing is working to stop LOD. Our information indicates they are preparing for a massive strike against several locations across Russia." He said feeling his anger rise.
"A strike, right and how are we expected to be convinced of your ability to stop them?" Klara said running a hand through her smooth blond hair.
"You've already heard of how reliable my pack is. They will no doubt be able to find this group." Vladimir said in praise of the wolves.
"Sure right. Leave the security of our country to a bunch of dogs" Klara said causing some laughter.
"But there is one thing I wished to discuss with you Vladimir. I've watched, for a long time now, your performance as leader of the Order of the Cross. You've done good but there is one thing you seem to lack. You have no drive for power. In the right hands your group could be the mightiest force ever to come out of Russia since the time of the Soviet Union. In this world it's power that determines who leads who. I have a proposition for you Vladimir" Klara said standing to her feet causing Vladimir to raise his eyebrow.
"Sell your group to us, me specifically. You can keep your home, and your family, and your wolves even but give me control of the organization. We feel that more can come if it sees new leadership" Klara said sitting on the table and fixing her business suit.
Vladimir grew quiet, for a long time and slowly scanned the table. Each of the men were waiting for a reaction. He turned to Master Sato whom was still silent and unmoving.
"Good he's thinking. I hope he gets angry. Yeah let the fucker be mad" Klara thought.
But she watched as Vladimir began chuckling. "Should have known you'd pull something. Fuck your offer, fuck your proposition and fuck you for being sneaky and conniving. As if I'd sell out my family's legacy. For two hundred years we have fought a war with the forces of darkness to protect pieces of shit like you all. I actually pity you, Ms. Klara. The security of our nation is not threatened by a leader who does not seek power by any means. No, it is threatened when the people he strives to protect place their faith in power and control instead of human beings." He said standing to his feet. Master Sato finally opened his eyes. "Hhm this has been very interesting. Are you ready to go home my boy?"
"Yes sir I am. Farewell Ms. Klara" Vladimir said bowing slightly and turned to leave.
"Gentlemen" Klara said. The men sitting at the table stood up, pushed their chairs in and proceeded to walk around and surround Vladimir and Master Sato, blocking their exit. Arms folded they stared with great intensity as Klara chuckled causing Vladimir to stare.
"When someone denies me what I want, let's just say I have my ways of convincing them. This will be your only chance. Will you sell your group to me?" Klara asked.
"No" Vladimir said walking to exit when one of the men stepped in front. A big burly man with a chubby face, acne everywhere, beady eyes, dirty blonde hair and wearing a navy blue suit. Quite possibly, there couldn't be an uglier person on God's green earth.
"I don't think you are hearing right boy" he said in a thick accent. From what Vladimir could tell it was Bulgarian. He took a meaty finger and jabbed it at Vladimir's chest. "No one refuses Ms. Klara. You have fifteen seconds to change your mind" he said as the men began chuckling and Klara smirked.
Vladimir looked at the finger, to Master Sato who nodded and back to the man. "I'll give you three to remove your hand" he said. The man laughed and remained still.
Bad move.
Before he could react Vladimir had snapped his finger back, breaking it and causing him intense pain as he cried out. Vladimir then grabbed and tossed him aside and placed a kick square in another man's gut before spinning and dodging a punch thrown. He dodged a second strike; taking his right hand and parrying the blow before using his left to grab the man as he delivered a series of quick successive punches to his face sending him sprawling.
Vladimir watched as all the men rushed him. He threw a side kick out, kicking one in the groin before dodging a second man as he threw his own kick out. Vladimir moved with surprising speed, parrying each hit thrown to him while delivering his own.
One man threw a high section round house kick which Vladimir leaned back and ducked under. Vladimir took his foot and kicked it out from him as he planted an axe kick to the man's chest. He turned and threw a quick jab, breaking another man's nose and sending him to the floor. The big Bulgarian from before rushed him. Taking his free hand he threw quick haymaker swings which Vladimir evaded. The man then grabbed Vladimir by his collar. Vladimir grabbed his wrist with his left hand. He took his right and punched the man in the nose, snapping the cartilage as blood squirted out. Vladimir then escaped the man's grip by taking his right hand and striking the bend of his elbow forcing it to bend. He then bent it backwards before securing a supine wrist lock and flipped the man over. Vladimir then grabbed him by the arm, pulled until he felt the bones begin to pop and snapped his arm as he cried out and swore in fluent Bulgarian.
One last man pulled out a Balisong knife, swinging it around before slashing twice. Vladimir slid into a defensive stance. Light on the balls of his feet as he readied himself.
The man slashed from the right as Vladimir jumped back and planted a low level roundhouse kick at the man's shin causing him to drop. He again slashed wildly with the knife. Vladimir then crossed both his hands as the man lunged in a straight path with the knife. Vladimir used his hands in a cross block to halt the attack. He then quickly grabbed the man's wrist, bending it to the side as he stripped the knife free and elbowed the man hard in his chin causing him to stumble back.
The man made a final attempt to attack. Vladimir did a front kick to his groin, side kick to his leg, knee strike to his solar plexus and shoved him back before tensing and performing a hard lead leg side kick connecting with the man's jaw and sending him crashing into the bookshelf and landing on the floor.
With a sigh Vladimir paused and observed the scene. The men were all sprawled on the floor, groaning and in the big Bulgarian's case crying and whimpering from their respective injuries.
He turned back to see Klara, her eyes intense and mouth hanging open which she quickly closed and growled a string of obscenities.
Vladimir began fixing his tie and smoothed his jacket. "Let this be your final warning. If you do anything, I mean anything at all to threaten my order, my home, my family or my security ever again. You will pay dearly, Klara. I could just report this little dance to the Prime Minister. I'm sure he'd be very interested in knowing how you really operate" Vladimir said glaring at her.
Klara stared, a deep and powerful hatred burning in her eyes. "This isn't over, not by a long shot Vladimir" she growled. Vladimir looked at her before turning to walk away leaving behind the battered and bruised men.
At the Vatican…
"A Sin Eater? You are sure of this?" Maxwell asked Anderson who stood in front of his desk. Anderson's gaze intensified as his eyes narrowed. "The tattoo no doubt confirms my suspicion. Somehow, someway this boy is a surviving member of the Sin Eater bloodline. But, they were said to have been wiped out ages ago. How could this be?" he asked.
Maxwell stood from his desk, walking over to the window and gazing at the grounds of the Vatican from outside. It was well into the evening and the sun was setting. From his view he could see various clergymen; priests and nuns alike moving about and performing various activities.
"First you must understand their origin. The Sin Eater bloodline goes back right before the foundation of the Catholic Church. There was a sudden and violent outbreak of demonic possession and horrible acts of wickedness. A Jewish rabbi made a pact with the demon responsible for the madness which granted him tremendous spiritual power but at a price. Members of his bloodline would become influenced and touched by this great evil at the time of their birth." Maxwell explained.
"I'm…not sure I really follow" Anderson said.
"Alright then tell me. Exactly how did this man combat you? Did he wield any formidable powers?" Maxwell asked.
Anderson then recalled Kazuya's frightening transformation. His changed visage and the appearance of that strange entity which seemingly possessed him. He explained it all in great detail. Maxwell became eerily silent.
"It…possessed him? Christ then the legend is true" he said facing Anderson.
"Legend?" Anderson asked.
"Do you know why they are called Sin Eaters? Because members of this line were said to be able to devour the sins of a person in order to strengthen their spiritual power. Such a power is not without consequences. This power would slowly corrode and rot away the soul, in time leading the wielder to commit heinous acts to strengthen themselves. The Sin Eaters were said to have been touched by an agent of the Devil himself" Maxwell explained.
"So what they became possessed?" Anderson asked.
"In a sense. But this demon, this terrible pestilence stalked entire generations causing members of this gene line to sink into depravity. But there is something else you must know, and this pertains to LOD. Their origins have ties to our church" Maxwell explained watching Anderson's changing expression.
"Are you saying LOD infiltrated the church?" Anderson asked with increasing frustration as he grit his teeth.
"No, they began with our church. Originally they were part of the Gnostic sects around the time Paul was doing his missionary travels. Their leader, Klaus then re-arranged them to more…'intriguing' goals" Maxwell explained.
"Anderson. What I am going to tell you is only known to His Holiness. Understand very carefully what I am going to tell you" Maxwell said putting on his most serious look as Anderson said nothing.
"We paid for their silence. The church agreed to support LOD and in return all evidence of their involvement and all ties were to be stripped from the archives. Time passed and the name of LOD quickly faded into obscurity" he said in a tone so low it sounded like a whisper.
Back in Russia…
Vladimir entered the front entrance. He was mad. Mad that the meeting was a set up. Mad that everything seemed to be hampering his ability to solve these events, find LOD and stop Klaus' goals.
"Vladimir" Master Sato said walking around and turning to face him as Vladimir immediately straightened up.
"Do not for one second, begin to take to heart what that woman said. You are strong and wise my pupil and I have never been more proud of you. Ever since…ever since my son, Kenshin was taken from me I have seen you as my own flesh and blood. Know that you can and will succeed in your quest to find and stop this man from his goals. Do you understand?" Master Sato said calmly but with fierce intensity.
"Yes sir" Vladimir responded. Master Sato nodded and turned, heading up the stairs. "Go and rest, my pupil. Kiss your son; make love to your wife. We will take care of this menace in the morning" he said walking away as Vladimir bowed.
Vladimir then entered his office, shut the door and was surprised to see none other than Dante himself leaned against the wall.
"Your wife told me you were away. I figured I'd just wait for you to return" he said cracking a smile as Vladimir chuckled and took a seat at his desk.
"I take it you have something to share then? I was surprised you didn't come back with Michael" Vladimir said facing the devil hunter.
"Been doing a little digging myself. Call it freelance. But I came away with this little trinket of information" Dante said placing a sheet of paper in front of Vladimir who began to read it.
"St. Petersburg. March 10th, 2015. 10:00 pm."
The date and time was circled. "What is this?" Vladimir asked. "I encountered some of your vampire friends. Only, these things were different. Far different than any vampire I have ever heard of" Dante said, for once being completely serious.
Vladimir paused, '"Different how?" he asked.
"These things were strong. I mean frighteningly strong. I suspect these are the ones LOD has been giving demon blood to." Dante said.
"Damn. If you say they are tough then this situation is even more dire" Vladimir responded.
Just then his telephone rang. Picking it up he was pleased to hear who it was.
"Hello Vladimir, it's Integra" she said from the other line as Vladimir sighed.
"Man, it's good to hear a friendly voice. You wouldn't believe the bullshit I've been going through" he said flatly.
Integra chuckled, "Perhaps soon we can discuss it in person. But I call about some information you must listen to" she said. Integra then explained the whole ordeal with LOD. Their origin and ties with the early church, Klaus' goals and everything else they had discovered.
"I understand it that LOD is preparing for a strike against Russia. Vladimir, you will need our assistance" Integra said.
"Considering these recent events, I would argue against it. You need to concentrate on protect-"
"Vladimir. England is safe, for now. I'm not asking out of obligation. I am offering, as a friend" Integra said softly.
Vladimir was silent before he began chuckling. "Well my mother always taught me that when a friend offers their help to never turn them down. We have a date; 1 week from today is when they plan to strike. I'll be sending Alucard and Seras to assist you. Take care, Vladimir" and with that she hung up.
Vladimir turned back to Dante. "Well, looks like we'll be getting some help. Hope you don't mind sharing your kills with Alucard" he taunted. Dante grinned, "Who says anything about sharing? I'll prolly just end up capping him as well" he joked causing Vladimir to laugh.
After settling that Vladimir had retreated to his bedroom. It had been a long day and he would have a lot to do in order to prepare for this coming attack. Facing his bedroom window he stared out at the evening sky. The sky was clear; stars illuminating the nighttime. Bowing his head he said a quick prayer.
"Lord, I know I've made many mistakes in my life. But I ask you. Please, give me the strength to protect my country and eliminate this vampire menace" he said earnestly. He then walked over to his sons crib where the young child was sound asleep. Vladimir took his hand and gently stroked his face. Joseph stirred slightly before turning his head.
"He's looking more and more like you every day" Mariska said from behind him. "One day I had asked my father if he would ever be mad with me if I decided not to stay in this life style. Hunting and slaying monsters in the name of God. He told me that no person, whether they are born into it or not should ever have to face the evil that we Sokolovs have faced for two centuries. He told me that if it were my true desire, he would certainly give me his blessing to leave this lifestyle." Vladimir said growing quiet. He still hadn't turned and faced Mariska.
"I wonder, will Joseph ask me the same thing when he's older?" he said staring at his sleeping son. Behind him he heard Mariska clear her throat. "He's your son, of course he will. But, how about paying attention to your wife?'
He chuckled. "Sorry I have been a bit neglectful. What is it..you..wanted to…? Damn!" he said turning to face her.
Damn was right as Mariska was looking particularly stunning. Her hair long and silky. She wore a red and black satin lingerie set; Red bra, black G-string and wearing red lipstick. Smiling, she placed her hands on her hips as she watched Vladimir's jaw drop.
"Thought that would get your attention. Now you better hurry otherwise you may not see it again for a long time" she said seductively and moving towards their bed. Vladimir closed his jaw, looked back down at Joseph and whispered "You might end up with a little brother or sister. Get back here girl" he said amorously and moved towards his wife.
Lastly…
Kazuya stared down at the busy street below. The wind picked up and began blowing his long cloak in the wind. Clenching his fist he pulled out a pair of binoculars from within his cloak and gazed at the crowds below. He found his target.
A beautiful woman in her late 40's with dark brown hair tied in a bun and dressed in a black business suit. She carried a briefcase in one hand and was busy talking into a cell phone in the other. The woman was crossing a busy intersection before she placed her phone away. Crossing the street she then entered a large apartment complex.
Placing the binoculars away Kazuya straightened his body and sighed. "My search has taken me to this city. New hunting grounds, same purpose. I will avenge her death and restore my clan. Prepare yourself, Manhattan. I will purge your sins, in his name. I swear it" he said before turning to exit his vantage point.
End Chapter
Coming next, Kazuya's mission to punish sinners has taken him to New York! Will his actions arouse the interest of the Nightstalkers? Who is the person he wishes to kill?
The Nightstalkers meanwhile contact Integra and inform her of their recent encounters. As the pieces to the puzzle begin to fit everything points to one destination: Russia. Both agencies prepare to lend assistance to Vladimir as the counter to LOD's assault begins to form. LOD amasses a massive force of super powered vampires to strike against the Order of the Cross and Russia at large. Will our heroes be able to stop this awful plot from taking place?
Stay tuned, another big fight is coming up! Thanks for reading!