Disclaimer: Next chapter is up!
Vladimir and the others are rescued at the last moment by the Soldiers of the White Lotus, a mysterious and covert strike unit led by Vladimir's master. Wielding formidable anti-Vampire weaponry and fighting prowess, they make quick work of the vampires threatening the group. As it turns out, Vladimir has a special connection to this group, going back to his childhood days as a pupil of Master Sato. Who are these soldiers? How well can they be trusted after so many years?
Klaus meanwhile unleashes the most deadly of his servants, with some of the top echelon of LOD further igniting the flames of war. The Master of Death meanwhile plans for a very special action. In a stunning move, Klaus broadcasts himself to every news station in the world with one bold claim: Surrender, or New York will be destroyed.
But hope is not lost, our heroes continue the fight and in several well executed maneuvers, the tides begin to shift. The second portion of this battle begins now.
Chapter Thirty Seven- The New York Siege Part II
Master Sato gazed down at the scores of vampires on the street level. He still wore his typical ankle length kimono, colored royal purple as it draped his shoulders. A gentle breeze causing it to blow slightly. He held a long slightly curved black cane in front, resting comfortably as his hands lay on the top.
"Toshio, let us begin" he commanded to the man standing beside whom nodded. "Yes sensei" he replied and waved two index fingers. Instantly, more soldiers began appearing on the roof tops as the vampires looked on nervously.
"Begin!" Toshio commanded as he and the Soldiers of the White Lotus plummeted to the streets below. Landing in front of Vladimir and the others, they formed a phalanx position, two dozen men armed with FN-SCARs and FAMAS took aim as Toshio began to give commands.
"First wave, open fire, break apart their ranks!" he said waving his hand. The vampires shouted and hissed, sprinting forward as the soldiers opened fire. Their bullets piercing the hearts, heads and chests of the vampires halting their advancement as they gave out horrid cried of agony, their bodies beginning to crumble and melt away before breaking apart to dust.
"Urgh! Holy rounds?! No, these are something far worse! URRGH!" one vampire cried out as his head exploded and his body turned to powder.
The first wave ceased firing, pausing to reload and allowing the second wave to take point. These soldiers, dressed in high tech gear wielded different weaponry. They wore battle suits, with the chest, arm and shin guards resembling the famed Samurai armor from Japan's feudal period. The colors ranged from jet black, silver, crimson red and dark brown. They wore high duty ballistic helmets and wore dark colored visors covering a large portion of their face. Strapped to their waist were compact sub machine guns, MP5's from what Vladimir could tell. It was what they carried in their hands which caused everyone to stare in wonder.
They wielded the famed pole arms, the Naginata in their hands. The soldiers stood in perfect formation, their Naginata held upright as they remained absolutely motionless.
"F-F-FIRE!" one of the vampires ordered as they cocked their weapons and opened fire, unleashing a hail of bullets straight for the group.
The soldiers in front did not fre.t They instantly began spinning their pole arms rapidly around, deflecting the bullets while keeping the others safe.
Toshio then shouted, "All waves, press forward, attack!"
Instantly, all hell broke loose as the Soldiers of the White Lotus initiated a massive assault upon the vampires. Bullets flew through the air as the super power undead monsters met their end.
Some vampires charged forward, firing from their own weapons as they jumped into the melee. The soldiers were prepared; dropping their assault rifles they pulled out thin and razor sharp katanas, slicing and tearing through the vampires, sending body parts scattering to the ground. One soldier spun around, slashing through two vampires before side kicking a third away. He spun again, impaling a vampire with his sword and slicing up, tearing the fiend completely in half. The soldier then watched three charging vampires, bending down he crouched into a tight position before waving his arms out, throwing scores of blessed throwing knives which not only killed the vampires but lit their bodies on fire as they burned intensely.
Toshio nodded up, three figures jumping down to the street level and into the fray. "Long time Vlady!" one called out, flipping over the second and brandishing twin Mac-10 submachine pistols. He fired on a squad of vampires, his holy ammunition reducing the undead fiends to ash as they cried out from the bullets. Having spent his ammunition, he placed his pistols away and pulled out twin short kodachi's, brandishing the short blades as he began slicing and tearing through the vampires, cutting off heads and limbs.
"Renji!" Vladimir called out excitedly as his old time friend flashed him a thumbs up.
Dashing past Renji were two men, wearing identical uniforms and closely resembling one another, obviously twins. They stood back to back as they were encircled by several vampires. One of them pulled out a large chain, a sickle attached at one end with a large ball at the end. Spinning the ball end of the chain, he waited while his accomplice pulled out a sword.
"3" one said as the other nodded.
"2"
"1!" they shouted together and dashed into combat. The one wielding the sword sliced through several vampires, mixing in martial art moves as he punched and added kicks and sweeps, creating a deadly blend of sword play and physical combat. His accomplice, wielding a standard kusari-gama swung the sickle end of the chain, impaling a vampire through the head before flipping over, wrapping the chain around its neck and with a savage twist, pulled the head clean off before spinning and tossing the chain around it, slicing more vampires.
Integra, Walter and Rosette watched, utterly astounded at the display before them. The vampires were quickly losing more of their rank, only about 12 or so remaining, yet the Soldiers of the White Lotus hadn't lost a single man. Who were these men?
"This is…incredible" Integra said widening her eyes.
Toshio himself finally jumped into the fray, reaching behind and pulling out a long straight edged katana with a circular cross guard. Wielding it in a reverse grip, he slashed through more vampires, their wounds bubbling before they burst into flames, howling with tremendous agony as they collapsed in a flaming heap. The battle ended with Toshio and Renji tag teaming the final vampire, slicing off his arms before cutting him. Renji split him in half while Toshio sliced his head off, remaining in a crossed position as the head bounced to a stop. Both men stood slowly, nodding and giving a satisfactory grin as they casually flicked the blood off their blades before sheathing them.
Vladimir, stared, impressed the skill of his old teammates. They looked the same as he last remembered. Toshio stood about 6'4, just a little taller than Vladimir. He still wore his typical outfit: Black pants tucked into traditional Japanese style tabi boots, but with a slightly modern take. He wore a form fitting sleeveless black shirt tucked into his pants. Tied across his waist was a white sash, a bow forming in front of which he kept his sword strapped across behind him. He wore silver and black colored arm guards and greaves and fingerless black gloves. His dull brown hair, tied casually in a low ponytail contrasted his gentle light green eyes. Renji, as always had his black hair cropped short, casually swayed to one side. Wrapped around his head was a black bandana. He wore a similar outfit to Toshio; the main difference was he wore a plated armor vest over his shirt.
Lastly, the twins, Sakyo and Ukyo wore matching outfits; Black sleeveless top, black pants, black boots, gold and black arm guards with matching greaves.
"Clear!" one of the soldiers shouted jamming his Naginata into the still twitching head of a vampire before removing it.
Master Sato, having come down to street level walked towards the group, calmly observing the damage as he nodded. "Good, spread word to our other units across the city. Engage the enemy wherever necessary and kill any in your path. Cooperate with the military as well, lend aid to evacuating civilians at check points" he commanded.
"Sir, right away sensei" the soldier replied bowing and pulling out a hand radio.
"Vladimir, who…who are these men?" Integra asked watching them cautiously as Vladimir beamed with pride. He seemingly disregarded her, running up to the group just as Toshio, Renji and the two twins turned, grinned happily and spread their arms. All men then embraced each other in a warm and joyful group hug, laughing and smiling ear to ear.
"DAMN it's good to see you guys! Toshio, Renji, Sakyo, Ukyo, how the hell have you been?" Vladimir asked excitedly at reuniting with old teammates. Toshio flashed him a grin, "It's been the usual man. Things of course will never be the same without Kenshin, God rest his soul. How about yourself? Why didn't you call and tell us you got married and have a freaking son you bum?!" he said laughing as the group dropped the embrace.
Vladimir scratched his head, sheepishly grinning. 'Yeah about that, I was gonna call once everything got settled but as you can see" gesturing to the dozens of scattered corpses of the defeated vampires.
"Vladimir" Integra said as the rest of the group approached.
"Don't worry, I've known these knuckle heads since I was a little kid. They're the best of the best. Guys, meet the Soldiers of the White Lotus" Vladimir said introducing his old allies, each of the respective soldiers giving their own variation of a gentle greeting.
"The White Lotus….the descendants of the Takahashi bloodline? My father used to always mention them to me when I was younger" Rosette said staring at the soldiers, noticing the emblem of a white lotus flower on their clothing.
Now it was Vladimir's turn to stare. "Wow, not many people know about them"
"The White Lotus are said to be the modern descendants of an ancient and very powerful clan of samurai, dating back to the earliest days of Japan's feudal era. In those days, demons and other monstrous creatures plagued the land. It was said a mighty samurai clan, having made a pact with God, vowed to remove all traces of evil from the land. In doing so, God promised to bless up to a thousand generations with the will and power to combat all evil which threatened their lands. From that day forth, the Takahashi bloodline became legendary" Rosette explained as everyone listened intently.
"Unbelievable, Vladimir, you say you trained under these people?' Walter asked, quite impressed.
"My parents sent me to Master Sato's school when I was about 8. I spent 6 years under his tutelage, learning everything I know about the martial arts. He's one of Japan's most sought after and respected teachers. And also, one of the cruelest" he said as Toshio and the others chuckled.
"Oh come now my boy, I wasn't that bad" Master Sato said, a gleam reflecting off his eyes.
From there the group focused back on their main mission objective. President McGuire was secured and sent to an evac site where her injuries were tended to. Vladimir, along with Integra, Rosette, Walter along with the Soldiers of the White Lotus headed into the city where their forces were continuing to fight against Klaus' horde.
"Klaus is really not pulling back, he's unleashed all of his minions into the city and they're raising all sorts of hell" Vladimir said from his position. He along with Mariska, Rosette, Toshio and a few others were flying overhead in a chopper, overlooking the damage as they flew over the city. Vladimir gazed out the chopper window; the sun was beginning to set just over the Hudson, reflecting off the dark waters as evening approached. Checking his watch, his clock read 6:50. With a sigh he then turned back inside the chopper as the pilot said "We're just over Midtown right now. But the fighting has reached as far up as Morningside. Our people estimate that by night fall, all of Manhattan could be under siege"
"Vladimir, we need to work fast then" Toshio said with his arms folded as he narrowed his eyes. Just then, Rosette's radio squawked as someone frantically shouted.
"Hello? Does anyone copy over?"
She grabbed it, "Dex is that you?"
"Oh thank God you're alright. Did you get the President out ok?" Dexter asked.
"Nevermind that, what's going with you?' Rosette asked concerned. "Dutch just called into some rather interesting 'friends' of his. Apparently the Marines he's still in contact with are sending some heavy aid. Anti-vampire weaponry, holy rounds and ammunition, explosives, not to mention additional troops are on their way into the city. We've begun quarantine procedures as well. It's still a long shot but for the moment the vampires can't impede further into the city than they have" Dexter explained.
Everyone took a deep sigh of relief. Rosette then said, "Dexter listen very carefully. Have all of our men engage the enemy as necessary. I'll meet up with you shortly. Stay safe baby, over" Rosette said switching off her radio.
"Pilot, head for the nearest quarantine zone, we'll join the fighting there" Dexter instructed as the pilot nodded and the chopper made a sharp right turn.
Just then, Toshio reached behind him, pulling out a long object bound tightly in brown cloth. "By the way man, you're going to need this" he said with a smirk.
Vladimir blinked and then took the object, unwrapping it and finding much to his surprise, it was the Sokolov blade, passed down in his family for generations. Slowly pulling the ancestral weapon out, he stared at it and then to his old teammate who grinned.
"But, how did-"
"Your wife" Toshio said as his eyes glanced over to Mariska who smirked and batted her eyes innocently at her husband.
"You always were so sneaky, for good reason I suppose. Thanks hun" he said placing the blade by his feet.
Meanwhile…
Time Square continued being the scene of terrible destruction as hordes of vampires marched through the area, continuing to kill any in their path. The area between 7th and 8th avenue and between 42-44th street was littered with dead bodies. Cars and other vehicles lay strewn about, smashed and completely wrecked.
Sitting on top of a pile of wrecked trucks, Rashkor overlooked the devastation. With a satisfied hiss, he watched as some of his Sire roamed the streets, ripping into and feeding on any corpses they came across, snapping and snarling as they did so. Ryoga stood at the bottom, seemingly bored with the sights before him, watching with mild interest as a couple of vampires fed from the body of a soldier.
"This is stupid, I'm outta here" Tristan said shaking his head and preparing to walk away. With his back turned, Rein adjusted his sun glasses as he said "Running scared boy?"
Tristan glared as Rashkor laughed. Before he could respond, Tristan spun around, pulling out his massive double bladed sword and spun it rapidly, deflecting the charged shot that was fired directly on him. The impact causing a small explosion, sending him skidding back several feet. Rashkor instantly jumped down while Ryoga and Rein looked on with mild curiosity.
"Damn, and here I am thinking I would have made that little sneak attack" Nero complained sucking his teeth as he calmly approached the group. Pulling out his dual axes, Rashkor pointed them at the devil hunter as he grinned. Surrounding them, the packs of Sires and vampires closed in.
"Back off clown, this one is mine, we've got unfinished business me and him" Tristan said slowly approaching.
Nero despite being surrounded didn't look at all concerned. With a casual wave of his hand he then said, "Anytime you're ready"
Instantly, gunfire broke out as dozens of armed soldiers suddenly appeared, armed to the teeth as they fired on the vampires, killing some and sending the rest scattering for cover. The Sires howled as their bodies were riddled with bullets.
Nero sprinted forward, his Red Queen clashing with Tristan's blade as they initiated their duel. Tristan spun his blade around rapidly as Nero parried and deflected.
A swarm of bats began swirling in the center of the street, increasing in volume and mass. From the center, powerful and twisted laughter could be heard. Moments later, Alucard and Seras appeared, brandishing their weapons and opening fire.
Seras leaped over her master, rolling to a stop as she planted her feet firmly and fired on a group of vampires, reducing them to nothing. A Sire tried pouncing, Seras evaded its lunge swinging around and grabbing it by the neck. With a sharp crank she twisted and pulled, the beast crying out in pain before having its head entirely ripped off as Seras tossed it away and resumed opening fire.
Alucard laughed wildly, firing from the Jackal and Casull. Pausing to reload, his body was then suddenly and violently jolted by a massive electrical charge, causing his body to twitch and combust. The blast subsided as Rein slowly hovered down, palm out stretched as he removed his sun glasses.
"Time to die, vampire Alucard" Rein said coldly as he charged a massive lightning bolt in his palm and sprinted forward. Alucard's body dispersed in a mass of shadows, all covered in dozens of eyes as Rein froze.
"Finally, a creature worthy of my power. Come on, show me what you've got then!" Alucard shouted wickedly, rising from behind Rein. With one gruesome move he impaled his opponent through the midsection with his right hand as Rein staggered. Rein grunted, charging lightning all around as Alucard's body was fried, causing him to be knocked back several feet.
Seras, preparing to come to her master's aid jumped back, avoiding the sword attacks of Ryoga as the swordsman wielded both of his blades. Rashkor soon dashed to his comrades side, grinning maliciously as Seras nodded her eyes. Rashkor was then sent crashing to the floor, sliding several feet away.
Seth stood there, his leg outstretched in a kick as he gently lowered his leg before pulling out his sword and shield. With a primal shout, Seth charged forward, beginning a vicious fight with the Beast Tamer just as Rashkor jumped back to his feet and clashed his axes with Seth's sword. Seth and Rashkor then began a frenzied fight, slashing, cutting, parrying and deflecting each other's attacks as they dashed around the street.
Ryoga stared down Seras and then slowly, he sheathed his swords causing her to cock her brow.
"I would like to think you were giving up" Seras said. Ryoga snorted a reply. "You are not armed with sword, nor any type of blade. I will not fight you in such a way. It's against my code" he said very matter-of-factly and causing Seras to widen her eyes in sheer amazement.
Across town…
Michael fired from his twin Desert Eagles, turning three vampires to ash as he ejected the empty catridges. Kathy ran beside, using her twin Revolvers as she fired the incendiary rounds, igniting and incinerating several more of the vampires. Raul and Hiro both worked in tandem, slashing and cutting through the vampires. Sergei and Alex, along with support from Robert, Karl, and Hanya fired from heavy assault rifles.
"Hanya! On your six!" Sergei said mowing down a vampire that tried tackling the behemoth Werewolf who grunted a thank you. Hanya then held out his right arm, his nails forming claws as he began hacking and cutting off the heads of several of the vampires around him.
The wolf pack was busy fighting off massive numbers of Vampires and ghouls, sending Klaus' army on the defense. Michael placed his pistols away, slowly reaching down for his blade Fenrir. Unsheathing it he moved at high speeds, slashing and cutting several vampires to shreds all the while dashing about the city street.
From her vantage point, several stories above where the pack was fighting Raven was offering support from her sniper rifle. Picking off any stragglers and mowing down vampires that tried surrounding the group. Pausing to reload she tapped her ear piece, "This is getting too easy. Something's not right" she said.
Raul heard her, grunting a response. Spinning his twin short swords rapidly, he spun in a circle, parrying with one while using another to slash a vampire through the midsection before cutting its head off.
"She's right Michael. We've managed to hold them back for some time. Plus, the sun is setting, it will be dark fairly soon" Kathy said reloading her revolvers.
Michael narrowed his eyes, scanning them around the battle field. He then turned towards downtown where much of the fighting was continuing to take place.
"I wonder how Lucian and his brothers are fairing" Michael said.
Meanwhile…
Lucian gave a mighty and feral roar, smashing the vampires face to shreds with his bare hands. His fangs bared, claws in the shape of fearsome and deadly talons, eyes flashing crimson red as his amber eyes flashed. Lucian growled and slowly turned around, gazing at his brothers.
Ramone casually decapitated a vampire with his bare hand, Jason roared and bit off the arm off one before ripping out its heart. Jacob, always the most violent of his siblings was savagely ripping and tearing apart vampires and Ghouls alike.
Lucian prepared to speak when his gaze shifted past his brothers, to the lone figure slowly approaching the brothers.
"Ah, the famed Lucian Salvatore. Klaus' favorite test subject. So nice to finally see you in action, in the presence of your brothers"
Lucian snorted once as he tensed, his brothers instantly forming by his side as he took a couple of steps forward.
"Ramone, Jason, Jacob, leave this to me. We will meet later, head downtown to the Financial District, you'll find more of Klaus' pawns there. Go! Quickly my brothers" Lucian commanded not taking his eyes off this new adversary. For once, his brothers did not protest, turning to each other quickly and sprinting off in the opposite direction.
Lucian watched their retreating forms before turning back to his opponent.
"It's been a long time Krista" Lucian said finally addressing her by her name. Krista chuckled, holding her arms out as she grinned.
"Indeed. I wonder, how greatly will Klaus appreciate it once I become the one to bring an end to Lucian Salvatore" Krista said stopping about six feet away from Lucian. Lucian blinked and then slowly turned around him.
Surrounding them, were numerous vampires. Lucian quickly began counting but he could see it was useless. There had to have been well over five hundred of the blood fiends who began hissing, eyes flashing dark red as they cocked and aimed their weapons.
Krista chuckled, "You seem concerned Lucian. Too much for the eldest Salvatore? No worries, it will be over quickly, I promise you" she taunted.
Lucian scoffed, "And you think bringing with you vampires assures you victory?"
"No, that's why I brought over 500 with me" Krista said clenching her jaw tightly.
"500. Well then…" Lucian said slowly turning, as if walking away. Suddenly he crouched into a low battle stance, swiftly pulling out his infamous blade Wolf's Bane. It all happened so swiftly Krista nearly missed it.
"Slaughter them! Wolf's Bane!" Lucian roared tremendously as his voice echoed. Leaping into the air, he swung Wolf's Bane once, beginning a chain of consecutive attacks as Lucian viciously slashed and tore apart the vampires surrounding him and Krista with such remarkable speed all that could be seen were flashes of light. A massive explosion ignited, sending sparks flying as a powerful boom sound erupted sending flames and blood into the air.
Krista widened her eyes, absolutely horrified as Lucian landed gracefully on his feet, holding his sword in his right hand as it burned brightly with deep blue energy, blood staining the blade as it dripped to the floor.
"This….this can't be!" Krista said horrified.
"500? You miserable creature. If you had five MILLION of these wretched things, it still wouldn't change a thing. This sacred sword has been passed down the Salvatore line for generations. Wolf's Bane; a thousand fangs unleashed in one swing, perfect for your measly 500" Lucian stated as he slowly waved his sword, the light fading, blood splashing off as he swiftly sheathed it.
Meanwhile…
Raskos roared for the fourth time, bellowing as he beat his chest. A vampire tried frantically crawling away only for him to be smashed to paste by his massive foot.
"This is the most Klaus has to offer?! Give me more! More blood! More bones to fill my belly!" The Monster of Pelham shouted loudly. Piled high, stacking several feet were the numerous corpses of the vampires, ghouls and other creatures Klaus's army had summoned forth. Raskos snorted and turned from his grisly scene, before being halted by the sudden appearance of a withered and elderly old man about six feet away.
The man was dressed in flowing black robes. His skin was wrinkled, indicating his age, possibly around 80. His eyes were dull gray as was the color of his slick backed hair. His body, tall and lanky was absolutely motionless.
Raskos sneered, saliva dripping from his lower lip. "So, who do I have the pleasure of eating next?"
The man rubbed his chin. "I am called Arthur, beast. I shall be the means to your execution" he said very casually.
Raskos laughed, hard. He then balled up his right fist and let it sail straight for Arthur, only to find to his dismay the old man casually stopped it with minimum effort, holding his hand in place as Raskor stiffened.
"So, you got some moves old man. That alone won't save you!" Raskos said as he brought his other hand down, smashing into Arthur with incredible force causing a massive shockwave.
Elsewhere…
Vladimir hopped out of the chopper, followed closely by Integra, Rosette and the rest of the group. They landed near Central Park West on the corner of 108th in the middle of a quarantine zone. There a combined joint effort composing of Army National Guardsmen and the Marine Corp were busy repelling Klaus' army while at the same time ensuring the continued evacuation of citizens. The streets were filled with armored vehicles, tanks and vans. Soldiers lined the sides, some resting in between their patrols. Bullets whizzed through the air as the vampires were held at bay, holy ammunition turning dozens of them to ash.
Entering one of the main tents, the group watched as an officer nodded over to them. "I take it you are what's left of the President's convoy? No matter? Commander Sheppard at your service" said the commander in charge. Dressed in full combat gear, Vladimir noticed the number of badges strapped to his gear. Obviously the commander was no stranger to conflict.
"Commander, what's the situation?" Integra asked, not wasting anytime.
"Well, the good news is Manhattan is still standing. Bad news? We have untold numbers of casualties, and not just with civilians. We've managed to keep the vampires at bay, for the moment but more keep popping up. But they aren't the only thing to worry about. Whoever this Klaus is, he's got some real nasty fuckers at his disposal. By nightfall, the city will be entirely overrun."
Rosette then said, "Do we have orders?"
"Directly from the President: Kill them all" Commander Sheppard said folding his arms. Vladimir sighed and said, "We'll assist in any way we can. Is there an armory or somewhere we can load up?" he asked.
"You kidding me? We received word about the assault on the President's limo. You guys stared down over two dozen super powered vampires AND came out alive? Hell you should have my job" Sheppard said eliciting laughter from the soldiers around him.
Vladimir chuckled, as did those around him.
The group reconvened at a weapons station about fifteen feet away from the main tent. They wasted no time, stocking up with all the essentials.
The doors to the tent opened, and there stood Dexter, Dutch following behind moments later.
"Dexter!" Rosette said running and greeting her fiancé with a big hug, leaping into his arms as they embraced deeply. Dexter gently set her down, kissing her several times before turning to Vladimir.
"Thank you" he said. Vladimir smiled and nodded his head gently.
"Make it quick cuz, we've got one more evac zone to stop through" Dutch said exiting as Dexter nodded. Rosette blinked in confusion as Dexter then held up the large silver case he had by his feet.
"You wouldn't be complete without this babe" he said with a smirk, watching as Rosette opened the case.
"Oh my" Walter stated chuckling as Integra said, "I never knew you were an archer, Rosette"
Inside the case, was a Martin brand longbow. It was specifically modified for use in combat though. The bow was colored jet black, featuring a sight on the handle and had a draw weight of about 50 lbs.
"Oh my goodness, a Jaguar Recurve Bow?" Rosette said taking it out the case as Dexter grinned.
"Close, I had it specifically designed and modeled after a similar make and model. It also folds, so it's easier to carry. And the arrows are made of a titanium alloy, and they've already been blessed." Dexter explained handing Rosette a quiver with a large number of arrows.
Five minutes passed, and the groups departed. Integra remained behind, still reeling from the injuries she suffered. Walter joined with Rosette, Vladimir, Dexter along with Toshio and the others as they headed further into the city. Vladimir finally managed to change out of his suit and pants, now wearing black fatigues, a black thermal, black boots and a ballistics vest. Rosette changed as well, wearing tight black pants, a black tank top with a denim vest over.
"So where are we headed?" she asked as they rode in a large armored van.
"34th st, they need more help securing the area" the driver said making a left turn.
In his seat, Vladimir loaded ammunition into the clip of his pistol. "We Sokolov's have a tradition" he said as Rosette and the others turned to him.
"Before the next heir and leader can take the position, they have to undergo a rigorous test. You must survive for two weeks on your own in the middle of winter in the Russian Far East. You face all sorts of threats and danger; the cold freezing temperature is one thing. That part of Russia is crawling with all sorts of animals and plants that can kill you. Packs of Eurasian Wolves prowl the forests, Brown Bears and Siberian Tigers, Amur Leopards the hills and mountain sides. Not to mention there are Boars big enough to skewer a grown man. If starvation doesn't kill you, dehydration will, and of course there's hypothermia and a host of nasty sicknesses and diseases you can catch from a combination of poor water, lack of nutrition and exposure to the elements" Vladimir said finishing his task as he loaded his twin Barettas. Dexter and the others staring in sheer amazement at his story.
Leaning back, Vladimir folded his arms and chuckled at recalling his time in the wild. "My father explained it best; if we can face nature in all her fury, then nothing of the supernatural can be a challenge for a true heir of the Sokolov bloodline. I'll never forget my first night: All I had was a flashlight, a hunting knife, a dozen matches, my clothes, a hunting bow, rations and a signal beacon. If things got too rough, the signal beacon would be my salvation, at the cost of failing the test. The cold was unbearable. I didn't have a full solid meal for two days before I finally managed a kill."
"Oh my Lord, Vladimir, are you serious? How did you survive for two weeks?" Rosette asked. Vladimir gave a weak chuckle and shrugged.
"Guess it was by the grace of God"
"Damn, how old were you?" Dexter asked.
Vladimir paused, "13"
"Get the fuck out" Dutch said causing some laughter.
Vladimir himself laughed and said "I nearly died, twice. But I managed. If I can fend off tigers and bears in the Russian Far East, Klaus' army won't scare me. We will win this fight, I swear it, by the blood of my ancestors" Vladimir said putting on a black tactical glove.
Everyone nodded in agreement, Vladimir's confidence inspiring them.
Across Town…
"We are live here at Channel 7 Eyewitness News with continuing coverage on this unspeakable tragedy. For over three hours now, New York City has come under attack by an unknown enemy with a substantial amount of enemy troops pouring into the city, killing any in their path. But perhaps, most strangely, it is the nature of the enemy that has our forces puzzled. As reported from our analysts in the field, the unknown enemy soldiers are seemingly immune to the shots fired from our armed forces. Bullets do not seem to faze them as they continue to attack despite being shot multiple times. Even more disturbing, the grisly nature of what these soldiers do once they kill"
News analysts at Channel 7 were continuing live coverage of the fighting and destruction well into the early evening. The Eyewitness News station was in chaos and disarray, the station crumbling and shaking caused from explosions outside, rocking and shaking the building. The lead journalist, a beautiful woman dressed in a black business suit with short curly dark brown hair nervously held the microphone up as the cameraman steadied his shot on her.
Clearing her throat she again began to speak.
"All ties to the outside world have been severed. We do not know if this broadcast can be seen by those outside the city. From those of us here at Eyewitness News, stay inside, stay safe, our armed forces are doing all they can to quell this violence" she said finishing her report as she slowly lowered the microphone.
She then blinked, and felt raw pain stab through her chest as blood splattered out in a gory fashion as she gave a sharp howl of pain and agony. There was a gaping hole the size of a small melon through her chest, a hand outstretched clutching her still beating heart before pulling out as her body collapsed to the floor.
There stood Klaus, a wicked smile on his face as he crushed her heart and tossed the remains aside. Screams of fear and terror erupted in the station as Klaus spread his arms, blood dripping from his hand as his grin widened. Staring directly at the camera, he slowly spoke.
"Does this make you feel safe? Does this make you feel as if you are protected? DO NOT TURN THE CAMERA OFF. Witness how easy it is for me to kill. Now, I have much to say, and I will be heard. If you wish to prolong your miscreant lives for but a moment longer, keep rolling cameraman" Klaus threatened as the cameraman shook with great fear, nodding his head in agreement.
Klaus then watched as the camera panned back, fitting Klaus' full appearance as he tossed his arms back, his cloak tucking behind him as Klaus chuckled.
"First, I want this broadcast to every station out there. I do not care the location; Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, Rome, Montreal, Tokyo, make sure the whole world can see this" Klaus said gazing at the panicked and frightened faces around the news station. Clearing his throat, Klaus began speaking.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Klaus. In my original human life, I was known as Vercingetorix. I was born over 2,000 years ago during the 1st Century BC. I was a tribal war chief. I fought against Julius Caesar during his infamous Gallic campaigns. Now, your history text books state that after losing the battles, I was captured and brought before Rome where I was then executed. But ladies and gentlemen I tell you this; your history books, have lied to you. The world is a much different place than you understand it to be. Oh it's not just the ancient texts, your governments, and its leaders, have lied to you since the first human civilizations began. My friends, you, are not alone in this world. Humans are not the only beings to call this planet earth home. If you will, take a look at some of the fighting occurring in this fair city of New York"
Klaus then directed the station crew to switch the broadcast to the major fighting outside. The station was then flooded with images of the war torn Manhattan. For those left alive in the city, their televisions were bombarded with images of unspeakable horror. Bodies being savagely ripped and torn apart. Bodies being drank dry of blood or desecrated in other sick ways. The scene then switched to Times Square, showing Seth, Seras and others fighting against Tristan and other members. All across the city, revelation of the allied forces fighting against Klaus' army was brought to light. And with it, the revelation that supernatural beings exist.
The screen returned to Klaus who chuckled. "Yes, that is correct. The myths, legends, fables and tales you assumed were false, are indeed true. My fair people; Vampires exist. Vampires have been among us for thousands of years. Werewolves are real as well, as are devils. These are truths your governments wish to keep secret from you. And that brings us to the crux of tonight's issue. The notion, of truth. When Christ was brought before him, Pontius Pilate posed the very basic question: What is truth? Is truth what appeases us, makes us content, fat and happy? Is truth simply what best measures up and corresponds to reality? My friends, the truth is that this world is full of lies. It is full of suffering and persecution, of malice and strife, of death, pain, hate, anger, misery, fear, intolerance, and perhaps most potent, sin. This war, carried out by my grand order LOD was started because we have fought against an irrational and damaging notion. A notion that has held mankind back from true glory since the dawn of the Christian church. That notion, is free will. The Christian Church has stifled humanity's true progress with this absurd notion. That God loved humans so much, he designed us with free will, to be able to think and behave morally, make our own moral decisions even if it means inciting rebellion against his will and committing evil and sin. What an awesome lie! Therein lies the issue. With free will, all evil and malice were brought forth into the world. But without free will, there will be no good and evil, right and wrong, only nothingness. And at last, this brings us to my final point"
Klaus then held out his right hand, slowly turning it over and holding his palm cupped.
"Children of the free world, listen closely. I am building a new world. And to do that, I must end this one. My group LOD is drawing closer and closer to achieving our goal of a new world, free from all malice and strife. I have acquired a uniquely crafted device which eliminates free will, and in doing so we will save mankind from its continued destruction. In four months' time at the end of summer, we will destroy this world. But first we will finish our business tonight. And so, I leave you with this"
Klaus then phased, disappearing in a swift blurred after image. Seconds later he reappeared with yet another journalist, gripped tightly by his hand as the man squirmed and struggled.
"Manhattan must surrender itself to the will of LOD. By sunrise, New York must be under my control. If not, I will destroy this city and all its inhabitants. If any of you still doubts our power then please do this. Cameraman, there is satellite video feed directly over the Top of the Rock observatory deck. Please load it directly to the live coverage." Klaus instructed gazing at the crew around him.
Moments later the screens in the station showed the imagery from the Top of the Rock in midtown. And there, standing at the top, was Theokoles.
Klaus laughed, tossing his head back. "Now you will witness the full power of LOD"
"Theokoles, it is time. Show them, show all of the world! All eyes are on you!"
From his position overlooking the city Theokoles began wildly laughing as he slowly raised his right palm high to the sky.
"How many victims? 100? 500? No…I think 10,000 should suffice!" he shouted.
Dark red energy began swirling around Theokoles, spreading to his palm. After moments of charging up, Theokoles unleashed a torrent of energy reaching high into the sky forming a massive pillar. The pillar then dispersed into thousands of needle thin energy beam racing and shooting all across the sky. Theokoles laughed wildly, cackling with madness as the energy beams spread forth until all of Manhattan was illuminated by the energy before it began raining down.
The target, were the people within the city. Men and woman, children, soldiers and citizen alike were targeted as the beam impacted their bodies causing them to combust and explode.
All across the city, horrible cries of pain and anguish filled the air as people left and right were dying.
"What the hell is this?!" Seth shouted ducking under one beam as Seras surrounded the two in a swarm of shadows. "No clue, be careful!"
Theokoles continued his violent rampage for several moments before the violence stopped. With a satisfied chuckle his eyes flashed as he continued his twisted laughter.
Back at the news station Klaus having seemed satisfied with Theokoles' brutal assault finished his business. He killed the journalist in his hands and tossed the lifeless body away. "My forces will continue their assault. I await the surrender from your leaders. Farewell" and with that Klaus teleported away in a swift blur.
Lastly…
"Well, let's see what they do" Theokoles said with a brutal smirk. Klaus narrowed his eyes, sitting in a throne composed of various skulls and bones magically generated and surrounded by scores of vampires as they bowed and knelt to him in reverence. Crossing one leg over, Klaus rested his chin in his palm as his eyes flashed.
"Indeed we shall. Theokoles, you can join in the fray to your content. I await the humans answer. And answer they better, because I am really in the mood to smash"
End Chapter
MERRY CHRISTMAS! My (late) Christmas gift to you all. Next chapter in the works. Happy holidays and God bless!