Disclaimer: Ok, this is it! I've long dreamed of this chapter since I first introduced Theokoles and I plan on making it an epic of epic epicness!
Alucard. The No Life King, Casper and Zamiel, Dracula, The True Immortal, The Impaling Prince, Bird of Hermes.
Theokoles. The Shadow of Hell. The Harbinger of Death. The God of Demons. The Bringer of Pestilence. The Despair.
Two beings whom stand out as monsters among monsters with centuries of terrifying lore about their fabled abilities shall face each other in a true clash of supernatural might. But Theokoles is unlike any opponent Alucard has ever faced. Has the monster of the Hellsing family finally met the one being he cannot defeat? A being so terrible, so wicked, so sinister and with a love of death and chaos the likes of which rivals even the Count himself.
Dante watches as Jason and Jacob engage their opponents. The Son of Sparda is later roped into assisting Ramone against the mysterious new opponents. These mysterious beings wield strength and battle prowess the devil slayer has never seen before. Jacob eagerly toys with the beautiful and alluring Venus, but is the youngest Salvatore in over his head when she reveals her true might? Jason engages Mugetsu and finds out first hand the terrifying ability his opponent wields. Have the Salvatores met their match?
More fighting and mayhem continues as the Black Hand enters the scene. Their leader, a monstrously powerful demon warrior named Roman orders his comrades to oppose Klaus at any opportunity.
Klaus, seeing his forces stretched thin then initiates his most terrible move yet. A wicked ritual involving the Anima device in his control. What terror awaits as our heroes continue in the war against Klaus? Stay tuned to find out!
Chapter Thirty Nine- A Clash of Monsters: No Life King vs. The Shadow of Death
Theokoles smiled, his fangs growing as he watched Alucard drain the blood from the remaining bodies surrounding him. Alucard chuckled, tossing a dead body away as blood oozed from his mouth, dripping off his imposing fangs. A gentle breeze picked up in the night air, stirring Alucard's long flowing black hair adding a serene touch despite the sight of death surrounding both creatures and the scent of blood and decay.
Alucard then slowly began walking forward, hands low as he grinned and laughed. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Theokoles. And now I must say, farewell" he said now standing some five feet from the Harbinger of Death.
Theokoles tossed his head back, laughing as he shook his head. "Don't tell me you actually think you have a chance at beating me? You silly silly dog. They told me stories of your power. How you glide through oceans of blood, how your very name alone froze the blood of men and made them shit their pants. The Hellsing family's pet creature; a monster among monsters whose powers make Hell itself tremble. Why it all sounds like..." Suddenly Theokoles' eyes widened, his irises shining as his body was instantly surrounded in a deep purple aura as the massive and colossal spectral form of a greta horned four armed devil hovered above, dwarfing both his and Alucard's physical presence. Alucard even managed to whistle in surprise.
"Rubbish! You think your name carries a legacy? I was walking through blood stained battlefields long before your ancestors even existed. I was worshipped as the God of War by the Romans. Humans sang terrifying praise of the Shadow of Hell before vampires ever came to be. 'A monster among monsters', please" Theokoles stated as he grinned with maddening ferocity. To his surprise, this only served to entertain Alucard even more. The vampire count reaching for his weapons as he drew his ehad back in laughter.
"Then show me what you can do Shadow of Death! Prove to me the tales of your power! Make me bleed, make me cry, push me, test me to the limits of my power. Come on, I beg of you!" Alucard shouted taking aim with the Jackal and Casull.
Theokoles responded by raising his right palm, the spectral form rumbling as it lifted its own massive arms, preparing to fight.
"Releasing Control Art Restriction Systems to level One. Situation A, unlock limited release abilities, engage the enemy until he is eternally silence. Cromwell approval, CONFIRMED!" Alucard roared and dashed forward with tremendous speed. He fired from both his pistols, the bullets piercing the air and striking Theokoles all across his chest and body. Theokoles winced, surprised he actually felt pain from the blessed rounds. He shot his arm forward; the spectral arms stretching out in similar fashion to Nero's Devil Bringer. Alucard was snatched and then smashed into the ground repeatedly before Theokoles raised him. Suddenly his body burst in a swarm of bats, increasing in size and volume as Theokoles was totally engulfed. Theokoles gave a brutal roar as he smashed and sliced through the bat swarm with his claws. Alucard reformed amidst a swarm of shadows, aiming the Jackal straight for Theokoles' temple, and fired several rounds sending his opponent stumbling back.
Theokoles groaned, the bullets lodged deep in as his body began expelling them. He took his left palm, concentrating as Alucard's body was suddenly engulfed in a wreath of flames. Despite being covered in flames, Alucard charged Theokoles, firing from both his pistols. Theokoles began cackling wildly, the devil spectre form increasing to even more colossal size as it shielded him, then took its massive four arm and crushed Alucard, swatting out the flames as his body became a burned and charred stump.
Theokoles continued laughing, his eyes returning to normal as the devil spectre was reduced to a violet colored aur, flickering around his body.
"Come on count! I thought you were some regular bad ass!" he taunted walking forward.
Alucard's body pulsed, moving before bursting into a pool of blood and shadows. He began increasing in size, growing in mass as he began towering over Theokoles whose eyes widened from surprise.
Alucard could be heard laughing as dozens of eyes sprouted across his body. The shadows began morphing into a giant hellhound, only this one was unlike any other before. Massive and imposing as it stretched and contorted to colossal sizes, its jaw opening revealing pointed dagger like teeth as drool pooled in its mouth. The beast rumbled before roaring as Theokoles smirked.
"The Black Hound. Baskerville. Impressive" Theokoles said bracing himself. Baskerville roared, more shadows spreading out as they engulfed Theokoles before the dog roared again and sprang forward, its mouth attempting to ensnare Theokoles who laughed despite the danger.
Theokoles suddenly burst free from the shadows, blood splattering everywhere as Theokoles jumped down. He raised his right hand, his massive and frightening sword phasing into his palm. A single open eye on the flat side of the blade as it blinked rapidly as Theokoles spun it around rapidly, slicing and tearing through the remains of Baskerville as the hound cried in pain. Theokoles slashed downwards, splitting it in half as blood poured out, splashing the Shadow of Hell in the face. Theokoles then widened his eyes as he saw Alucard reform amidst the remains, guns aimed straight for his face.
"Night night" the vampire count hissed and unloaded a flurry of bullets directly into Theokoles' face, causing his head to explode in a bloody and gory mess. Theokoles' body collapsed to its knees, blood cascading from the fresh wound and spilling to the floor as his headless corpse twitched before it stopped moving.
Alucard grinned, chuckling as his hair flowed gently and he placed his pistols away. With a satisfied hiss he said "Farewell Theokoles, the Harbinger of Death, it's been fun" and turned to walk in the opposite direction. Alucard some fifteen away before pausing, slowly turning around.
His body, from the right portion of his face down to his waist level including his arm were then viciously blown away by a massive force; blood and bits splattering like a water balloon as he staggered backwards, collapsing to his knees, his body wreathed in pain as he shuddered, his crimson eyes widening at the sight before him.
"What?!"
Meanwhile...
Lucian roared again, slashing forward with his massive paw, cutting Krista across her stomach. His eyes widened as a massive plume of miasma erupted from her wound, nearly engulfing him. With remarkable speed he phased away in a blur, landing adjacent to her and jumped several feet away, narrowing his eyes.
"Any injury I land to her causes her to release the miasma. If am not careful, even I may not survive that much toxin" the eldest Salvatore thought to himself, watching as she began laughing and twirled her sais around.
"Come now, don't tell me I have the mighty Lucian Salvatore on the defense. Very well, if you do not attack, then I will..." Krista said taking one step back. With a quick twirl of each sai, she then threw them towards Lucian with tremendous speed.
Lucian dodged each one, moving in faint blurs before landing. He raised his brow, "That was it?" he questioned but then watched as she smirked and casually pointed to the floor
Both of her sais were jammed into the ground, one in front the other behind Lucian. Krista then teleported above, her body glowing a deep pink color as as Lucian was then surrounded in a pink sphere, completely cutting him off as he looked around frantically. Krista hovered over, raising both palms as she then shouted. "Die, Prince of all Lycans!" she threw her palms down and unleashed a massive blast of the miasma vapor, racing toward Lucian with frightening speed as his eyes widened. It touched down, spreading into the sphere containing him and increasing in mass and volume. Lucian was completely engulfed in the blackish/purple vapors. The sphere broke as the miasma grew in size and volume, growing taller and taller until it towered in a massive cloud like a small sky scraper.
Krista landed back down, dusting off her hands and chuckling. She folded her arms, satisfied with her work. "This miasma is a special creation of Klaus' after years of alchemical research. It is so potent it can melt away any substance and is quite resistant to most magical treatments. Even a Werewolf as old and mighty as you are no match for it. And thus ends the might of Lucian Salvatore" Krista said chuckling watching as the miasma cloud vapor swirled, contained from spreading further by her twin sai's.
Inside the vapor, surrounded by nothing but an inky blackness Lucian had collapsed to on knee. Struggling to bear his senses as he felt both the suffocation of the vapor and the burning acidic effect. But he did not fret or panic, rather, he began reaching for his blade. Slowly, he gripped the handle tightly, thumb pressed against the cross guard of his nodachi-esque sword. Lucian then began breathing heavily, concentrating.
"Faith and honor, be my shield. Courage and valor, be my armor. Might and righteousness, be my sword. Resist them, Wolf's Bane!" Lucian howled at the top of his lungs. He pulled Wolf's Bane from its scabbard, the blade glowing a blueish white color and shining with fierce intensity. It pulsed once and instantly began dispelling the miasma vapors as they swirled around Lucian before twisting and controting in shape.
Krista blinked and then watched in horror as the sphere containing the vapors dissipated, the vapors now free as they expanded in size and spread, dissolving some of the street and surrounding buildings and cars. Moments later, Lucian stood there, Wolf's Bane held steadily in his hand as it continued shining and pulsing.
"No...no...IMPOSSIBLE!" Krista said in horror.
Lucian gave a vicious growl, his fangs growing as he waved his sword once and sheathed it. "Your little vapor might kill some other low level fool, but it won't kill me. Did you honestly think you had the power to destroy me? Fool!" Lucian roared.
Krista held up her right hand, firing another large stream of the miasma vapor which sped toward Lucian like a rocket. "Die you damn dog!"
Lucian stood still, his eyes closed as he took no effort to defend himself. Suddenly his body disappeared in a flash, the vapor hitting a slab of concrete and completely dissolving it.
"What?!" Krista said. She looked frantically around and then up towards the night sky.
Lucian plummeted towards her, his body transitioning. His blood red eyes and amber irises shining with greater intensity. His snout beginning to morph, fangs and teeth growing, claws forming from his nails. His body turned into a thin and bright beam of reddish gold light, racing and zig zagging back and forth around the air before spreading in a great mist form. Out of the center, Lucian emerged fully transformed in his wolf form as he roared with tremendous fury and dropped towards Krista who had no time to react. It all happened in moments. Lucian snapped his jaws and bit her entire head off in one gory swipe, blood gushing out like a geyser as her decapitated corpse stood still as her arms dropped.
Lucian landed to the ground with a monstrous thud causing a great rumbling, down on all fours, holding her still bleeding head in his jaws. Her headless corpse collapsed seconds later.
In a final act of defiance and to signal his victory, Lucian crushed her head to bloody bits, letting blood and bone splatter down from his blood stained teeth and jaws as he snorted and growled.
Meanwhile...
Dante watched as Jason slowly approached Mugetsu as the hooded figure still did not move. Jason grinned, his fangs growing as he began laughing. The wind picked up, causing his long sleeveless white coat to blow as he pointed.
"Alright bub, I'll let you take the first shot. Come on, do your best" Jason taunted. Mugetsu did not respond, continuing to remain still. Jason prepared to speak when Ramone interrupted.
"Jason, again I implore you brother. There is something highly unnatural about him. Take proper precaution, for once in your life" Ramone said quickly turning his attention back to the six figures before he and Dante.
Jason responded by smirking, and sprinting forward in a flash of speed. Reaching Mugetsu in a couple of seconds he balled his right fist up and let it sail. There was a massive impact as Jason attacked Mugetsu with fierce intensity. However, much to his surprise he found Mugetsu simply blocked with one arm.
"So, you do have some fight in you" Jason said as his amber eyes flashed and he jumped back. Mugetsu then slowly reached up, pulling his hood down and revealing his face. It was enough to make even the savage Jason Salvatore and others raise their eyes in shock.
Mugetu's face seemed deformed and misshapen. His right side was covered in green reptilian like scales; his right eyes resembling a lizard's complete with a slitted pupil. The left portion of his face seemed normal save for the three deep scars running over his eye.
With a snarl he raised his hands and sprinted forward. Jason just ducked underneath the claw swipe as he flipped over. Mugetsu turned, raising his sleeves to reveal massive talon like claws on his hands, his arms covered in green reptilian scales as he hissed. Opening his mouth, he revealed rows of sharp dagger like teeth and a longue thick forked tongue colored deep blue, like a skink.
"Ugly motherfucker. Ok then, let's play" Jason decalred raising his own hands. His palms began increasing in muscle mass and size, his hands forming into massive clawed palms as he roared and charged Mugetsu.
Dante turned his attention back to Ramone and Jacob, the latter preparing to duel with the alluring and mysterious Venus.
Dante reached for Rebellion, holding his trademark sword across his shoulders as Jacob chuckled. Venus bobbed her head towards her companions. "Leave the Salvatore runt to me. The rest of you can take the Son of Sparda and the other Salvatore there. No interruptions with my fight. Kill them where they stand. And should you fail, do not even think about coming before his Majesty. Am I clear?" Venus said in a chilling and lethal tone. Her comrades responded by tossing off their masks and cloaks, revealing their physical appearances. Venus took this as a yes as she turned back to Jacob who smirked.
"Alright then sexy, let's dance" he responded by raising both his fists up with a sadistic grin. Dante and Ramone meanwhile were surrounded by the remaining fighters. Standing back to back the devil hunter chuckled and shrugged. "I suppose you have some big strategy or something?" he asked.
Ramone answered, "Yes. We kill them" he said very matter of factly and causing Dante to blink. "Sounds good to me, well then..." Dante said charging forward as the others brandished their summoned weapons. Dante clashed with Saturn, the two men pushing against each other with their swords as Mercury and Jupiter closed in. Dante slashed with Rebellion, parrying and defending against their attacks as he countered with his own. He jumped forward, using Stinger as he thrusted forward knocking one of the men aside. He parried quickly and then rolled out the way of the second attack.
Ramone dodged the attacks of Minerva and Diana. The two women working in tandem, their attacks perfectly synchronized. Ramone parried several kicks and punches, ducking and evading several attacks. He pressed his own attack, throwing several kick combinations as both women worked together. Minerva ducked and leaned under a round kick from Ramone; Diana coming forward as she summoned a sword and intended to slash his leg off. Ramone sucked his teeth, teleporting to safety. Both women did the same, now brandishing two fearsome curved broadswords as they hacked and slashed wildly. Ramone using his impressive speed, avoiding being impales or sliced.
"Drive!" Dante shouted as Rebellion glowed brightly and he slashed forward releasing a great wave of red energy. Saturn deflected it while Jupiter and Mercury released their own. Dante dashed to the side, appearing behind Saturn and swinging his sword. Saturn deflected and countered by slashing. Dante parried, and quickly pulled out one of his pistols as he fired several rounds. Saturn dashed around the bullets before he took position next to his comrades. Dante chuckled, swinging Rebellion around and watching as all three men did not move. They raised their swords.
"For his Majesty" Saturn said.
"His Majesty" Jupiter replied.
"All hail his greatness, his holiness, Klaus" Mercury said.
Dante raised an eyebrow, then watched as each men gave a salute with their swords and sprinted, this time moving much faster. Dante grit his teeth, parrying their each and every blow with increasing difficulty.
"Hhhm, so these guys are no slack amateurs" the devil slayer thought to himself as they dashed around the street level. Dante managed to slash Saturn, performing Million Stab as he thrusted and knocked him aside. Mercury swung with his blade as Dante parried, flipped and kicked him aside. Jupiter charged, Dante slashed upward and then back with great force. However this did not seem to slow his opponents down who shrugged his attacks off and continued forcing him on the defense.
Jacob finally engaged Venus as the two met in physical combat. Jacob attacking with a vicious flurry of punches and kicks, Venus seeming to have no trouble deflecting as the youngest Salvatore grinned maliciously the whole time. Jacob threw several kicks out before sweeping her legs out. Venus planted her hand down, springing back up as she twist kicked Jacob who blocked. Venus took the momentum as she spun around, hands planted on the ground as she spun, rapidly kicking as Jacob parried and blocked. She flipped back to her feet, running forward and unleashing her own attacks. Jacob parried and blocked several punches from her as she increased the ferocity of each one. He launched his own attack, brandishing his claws and swiping several times, managing to nick a few strands of her hair. Venus responded by striking him across the face; Jacob countered by viciously kicking her across the face as both skidded back several feet.
Jacob chuckled, brushing his cheek where he got struck. "Not bad, not bad" he said. Venus did not respond, wiping a small trickle of blood away from her lip. With a sigh she reached and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear, turning her body. She stared at Jacob and suddenly dashed forward in a burst of speed causing the youngest Salvatore to stumble backwards.
"What?!" Jacob shouted as she buried her knee clean into his jaw, sending him crashing backwards where he smashed into a building. Venus landed and ruffled her dark hair.
"They informed us of how arrogant you Salvatore's are. I see you live up to your infamy" she taunted. Jacob emerged from the rubble, seething mad as he growled and charged forward unleashing a flurry of rapid fast punches. Venus caught his fist, holding the embrace as Jacob continued growling and snapped his jaws. The sheer output of power emanating from the two was such the ground began cracking and breaking as they smashed deeper into the street with a thunderous crack. Venus then smiled, ever so gently as she brought her foot up clean into Jacob's face, knocking him aside as he rolled to a stop. Venus chuckled and again tucked her hair back. Jacob slowly stood to his feet, growling as his eyes flashed.
"Ok so you're better than I thought, no matter" Jacob said spitting to the ground and smirking.
Dante and Ramone continued their duels respectively. Dante was slashed several times before knocked aside. He flipped back to his feet and braced as Saturn smashed his sword down. Holding against his larger opponent Dante kicked him away, leaning back as he swung Rebellion in a wide arc, slashing through his other opponents before jumping back to height.
Ramone dodged several sword swipes, spinning and dashing using his formidable speed. Even for a Werewolf, he seemed to be unusually fast. Punching rapidly as he pummeled Mercury before spinning and kicking Minerva aside.
Dante and Ramone stood back to back, Dante with Rebellion low as Ramone held his hands up, palms flat.
"There's something about these clowns. When I fought them before they were tough sure but this...they don't fight like anything I've faced before." Dante stated, for once sounding serious. Ramone nodded in agreement. "I agree, my brothers and I have encountered all manner of fighters through our lives but these things are remarkable. They work in perfect tandem, their attacks done with precision and timing. This one will be a difficult fight" Ramone stated as his claws lengthened.
Dante sucked his teeth and charged, slashing rapidly with Rebellion as Minerva, Diana, Jupiter and the rest surrounded the devil slayer. Ramone intervened only to be kicked aside by Saturn and quickly set upon.
Dante found it harder and harder to parry their attacks as some managed to work their way in. Finally, the demon slayer saw that all of his opponents converged at once; Rebellion batted from his arms as he was simultaneously impaled from all directions by their weapons, blood splashing out as he slumped forward in great pain.
Elsewhere...
The Black Hand, the most terrible and vile criminals of the Demon world had finally arrived on the battlefield to aid in the war against Klaus. Their leader was a fiercesome and vicious warrior named Roman. Roman had founded the Black Hand shortly before the Demon Invasion of the Human World, just before Sparda battled and defeated Mundus and sealed off the two worlds.
And now they had come to New York, lending some well needed aid as Vladimir's group was under siege.
Roman gazed at the group of humans, a mix of mild curiosity and boredom could be seen in his chilling eyes. His eyes were unusually colored; green irides, no discernible pupils and with a red sclera. His long flowing cloak blowing in the night breeze.
His attention shifted to the massive form of Reapers and vampires surrounding the humans in the center of the street.
"Hmph. Reapers. Not since the days of Sparda have we encountered these things. Leave it to Klaus to summon these things" Roman commented causing his subordinates to chuckle.
Dexter grit his teeth, gazing at each members of the Black Hand before back to Roman. The second member to the left of Roman, named Xerxes was shorter than Roman. He was dressed in matching pants, boots and shirt as his leader but with slight differences. He wore an open thick black vest with a high collar as well as a dark gray scar tied around, covering the lower portion of his face. The third member, Quint was the shortest, thick and stockly built as his muscles stretched the fabric of his long coat. He had on dirty and blood stained dark brown pants tucked into his black boots. The last member Pluto was the tallest, towering over even Roman and dressed in similar clothing.
"Relax human. We've no interest in your precious city. Our business is with Klaus. That is the only reason we agreed to fight. Got it?" Roman said eyeing Dexter curiously who frowned.
Roman snapped his fingers. Dexter blinked and saw that the group had vanished, only to find they had teleported down to ground level with frightening speed. He and the others inched back cautiously.
The Reaper Horde began bellowing, waving their flails and smashing their shields. Vampires and ghouls alike hissing as their crimson eyes flashed dangerously.
Roman chuckled and bobbed his head.
"Pluto" he commanded.
"Got it" his subordinate responded. Pluto reached behind him, pulling out a very large and thick scroll which he quickly unfolded. Everyone looked on in curiosity as Pluto walked to the front. The scroll glowed brightly as four symbols appeared. The symbols rumbled before the scroll expanded and and four objects escaped from each symbol, spinning high into the air as each member raised their right hand, catching each object.
They were swords, massive, imposing and frightening swords causing Dexter's group to tense up.
"Oh, terrific, they brought their swords" Rosette said unhappily as she held her bow steady. Vladimir turned to her curiously as she clarified.
"The Black Hand is notorious for collecting Devil Arms, more specifically swords. They have a fondness for finding powerful swords and adding to their collection. Each member wields a particularly gruesome and nasty blade. Yet despite all their talent, there are only four blades in the group's entire history that they've never collected" Rosette explained as the group listened intently.
"There's the sword, Rebellion. I'm sure you guys are aware the sword belongs to Dante. Then there's Oblivion, Sion's sword. When the Black Hand attempted to invade New York, Sion defeated them and banished them back to the Demon World. Third, there's the Yamato, the sword once wielded by Dante's brother, Vergil. And lastly...lastly...there's" Rosette said drawing off as everyone paused.
"The sword Sparda, wielded by the Legendary Dark Knight himself. There's a legend that states that Sparda and the Black Hand once fought for ownership over his sword. I don't think we need to go into who was victorious" Dexter finished for Rosette.
Dexter watched as the Black Hand began spanning out, facing the horde of monsters before them. Roman raised his own massive sword. It resembled a zweihander but with a much more massive and exaggerated appearance; the handle resembled the sword Sparda, one portion curving around the inner portion. The handle itself was a gold metallic design with a lustrous shine. The blade was long and massive, single edged with numerous markings and etchings along the dull side. There was a skull like design complete with long horns on both sides of the handle, serving as a kind of cross guard.
Xerxes' wielded a large broadsword with a thin bony handle wrapped in heavy cloth and a cross like pattern serving as the cross guard. Quint's sword resembled a large cleaver, held steady across his shoulders. The blade was covered in numerous blood stains and splatters. Lastly, Pluto's sword was long and straight edged with a serrated blade, oval shaped cross guard and a long red tassle at the end.
Roman waved his massive sword once, signaling to begin the attack.
"Gentlemen...party time" he said. And with that they sprinted forward in a burst of speed, straight into the fray as they instantly began hacking and slashing through the Reaper and vampire horde.
Roman slashing through dozens of vampires, wielding his blade with one hand. The blade glowed a burning and fiery reddish golden color with its every swing. Roman grunted, slicing a Ghoul in half before spinning and slashing in a wide arc, cutting through Reapers. Even with their magic fortified shield, the brutes fell prey to his mighty sword.
Xerxes tore and cut through more of the horde, dodging attacks and parrying even as he was swarmed. Pluto worked with Quint, their attacks in perfect synch.
Rosette and the others watched in sheer disgust and amazement at the sight. It was only in the span of 30 seconds but the Black Hand had managed to reduce over half of the surrounding Reaper horde.
Roman slashed downward, a Reaper being split in two as he dodged the flail of a second, swiping with his leg and knocking its head off before grabbing his blade and cutting through a third.
"And the slaughter goes on" Roman said chuckling as he slashed wide in an arc, several pillars of fire erupting from the ground and scroching dozens of vampires in the process.
Across the city...
Alucard, despite his graphic injuries watched as Theokoles' headless body began reforming. Alucard himself restoring himself from his own injuries amidst a pool of blood and shadows.
Theokoles reformed his head, cracking his neck and squirting out blood from his nostril. Reaching he ran a hand through his chin length blonde hair as he smirked.
"Not bad vampire. I admit, I haven't experienced pain of that magnitude in over 2,000 years. Not since I battled against him. Be satisfied, you managed to make the Shadow of Hell feel pain. But it will be the last time in this fight, I guarantee it" Theokoles said with a sadistic grin as he began laughing.
Alucard, having fully reformed began to laugh as well. Spreading his arms out, a swarm of bats began engulfing the two beings amidst their chaotic laughter.
"Then show me, Shadow of Death. Show me the limits of my might against you!" Alucard shouted sprinting forward. He thrusted his right hand forward, intending to spear Theokoles through his chest. Theokoles countered by teleporting out of harm's way. Reappearing to Alucard's side he raised his hand, summing his massive sword and slashing Alucard into three bits, blood splashing to the floor with some staining Theokoles himself. Alucard spat out blood, seconds later he again began grinning.
Alucard's body morphed into a giant hell hound, biting and tearing into Theokoles' torso and body, ripping savage chunks out as the Harbinger of Death cackled wildly. Theokoles countered by powering his demonic aura, dark violet energy cracked and sparked around as the hell hound was obliderated from the sheer output of the demonic aura.
Theokoles waved both his hands, raising his right palm to the sky. Several pillars of scorching hot magma erupted from the ground, surrounding Theokoles before engulfing and swarming Alucard who dispersed into a flurry of bats.
Alucard reformed, hovering over Theokoles and brandished his pistols, opening fire. Theokoles, without even looking teleported away avoiding the gunfire. Both men landed, facing each other.
Theokoles cracked his neck several times before glaring. "Hmph. You aren't too bad, vampire" he said closing his eyes. Alucard grinned, exposing his massive fangs as his crimson eyes flashed.
"This is fun. Theokoles and Alucard: Two monsters among monsters in a duel to the death. What say we really turn it up now?' Alucard questioned raising his pistols.
Theokoles chuckled, his eyes still closed. "Very well" he said, slowly beginning to open them.
Alucard blinked and instantly had both of his arms blown completely off in a gory splatter as his eyes widened, staggering back as blood continued pooling to the ground.
Theokoles' eyes turned pitch black; his irides a burning fiery orange color as he stepped forward. Theokoles dropped his gaze to Alucard's torso; thin and deadly laser beams firing from his eyes as they blew a massive melon sized hole through Alucard's torso.
"No Life King. The True Immortal. Such bullshit, I wanted a challenge Alucard. You are the first opponent in well over 2,000 years to make me feel pain and yet, am I coming upon the limits of your own abilities? Show me more vampire!" Theokoles shouted as his eyes returned to normal and he grinned maliciously.
Meanwhile...
Michael waved Fenrir once, slowly sheathing his long katana as he placed it into its scabbard. He surveyed the damaged around his team. The pack had continued fighting, pushing and stretching more of the vampire army, all the while protecting any remaining civilians. Tapping his ear piece Michael spoke.
"Anyone copy?" he said.
"Roger Michael what's your twenty?" the response came.
"The vampires and Ghouls keep pushing, but their numbers are definitely thinning. We've perhaps reduced Klaus' total force to perhaps 1/3 of its former number. Any new orders from HQ?" he asked.
"All of our forces are pushed across the city. Unfortunately, until we get more aid, this is all that's left. Do the best you can and keep us up to speed, HQ out"
Michael swore, adjusting his coat before turning and running a hand through his thick tousled black hair.
"Boss, this is getting more serious. I've just gotten word that all of the city's bridges and ports are beyond capacity. We cannot evacuate anyone else should the situation grow more severe. And also, just where the hell did Hiro run off to?" Robert said walking over and adjusting his rifle as the pack came together. During their recent conflict, Hiro had gone off in search of a threat, promising he would return. That was well over 20 minutes ago.
"Hiro can handle himself, I'm sure of it" Kathy said placing her revolvers away. Michael prepared to speak when he froze, catching a faint but familiar scent stir his nostrils. He was forced to then turn and gaze up the street, watching as dozens of vampires marched down the street.
"Tch, great" Michael said rolling his eyes and pressing his thumb against the guard of his sword. The pack took up formation, prepared to meet the threat. The vampires continued approaching, cocking their weapons and were about to open fire when suddenly dozens of bullets rained down on them, from seemingly all directions. Frantically, they scattered, trying to avoid the shots whilst defend themselves only for one after another to fall. Their bodies convulsing amidst their agonized cries of pain as they burst into flames from the blessed rounds.
Within moments, only about six were left, quickly set upon by dozens of figures whom proceeded to rip and tear the vampires to shreds to the surprise and bewilderment of Michael's group.
"Uh...ok" Sergei said blinking as Alex shrugged.
"Now that's how you do it" Hanya said with a smirk.
"Indeed it is. It's been some time Michael, I see your pack has grown since we last met" a voice said.
Michael blinked, turned to his left as he and the pack watched the approach of a female figure surrounded by dozens of soldiers.
She stood perhaps about 5'8, with wavy and curly dark red colored hair. Her skin was fair colored. She had a full and curvy voluptuous figure, most notably a large and ample bosom. Her figure further complimented by her choice of attire; She wore tight fitting dark blue jeans tucked into knee length black boots. She had on black tank top tucked into her jeans with a form fitting black leather jacket.
Michael stiffened, becoming visibly perturbed by this approaching new comer, something Kathy noticed as she cocked her head curiously.
"Indeed we have. And yes, it has been a long time, Kali" Michael said folding his arms as Kathy stood closer to him.
Kali smirked, a gleam reflecting off her amber eyes as she then chuckled.
"I take you two have met?" Kathy asked curiously immediately sizing up Kali.
Clearing his throat Michael said. "This is Kali. She's one of the oldest wolves alive. Lucian and myself have been in close association with her for many years. Kali, this is Kathy, my mate"
At the mention of 'mate', Kathy took Michael's hand into her own, clutching it tenderly as if to further emphasize he was hers, and hers alone. Around them, the pack began chuckling, notably from Sergei or Hanya.
Kali walked closer, whistling as she stared from Michael, and then to Kathy who returned the look with her own emotionless stare.
"Your mate? So you've finally gotten over her then haven't you, Anya that is?" Kali questioned placing her hands on her hips. She had mild Romanian accent which flowed off her velvety voice.
Michael hesitated, "Yes, if you say so"
"Interesting. Well, we can catch up at a more opportune later. As you can see, Klaus' minions are tearing this city apart. Let us hurry and put an end to this nonsense" Kali said quickly turning, her long hair flowing behind. She directed her own subordinates to begin fanning out.
"Damn Mike, didn't know she was in town" Sergei said with a shit eating grin as Michael frowned and shot him an angry look, causing his grin to widen.
Kathy cleared her throat as Michael turned to her. "Kathy look here's the deal. You see...Kali and I..."
"Michael, it's fine. I'm a little more secure in myself to not be threatened by someone from your past. Last I checked, I am the one you claimed as your mate" Kathy said winking and then kissing his cheek.
"But, I am curious. Were you guys just really close associates, or was there something more?" she asked with a coy grin. Michael's silence answered her question.
So the pack continued on, and much to their surprise they found more aid coming. Scores of Werewolves began appearing around the city. Many of whom, Michael, Kali and Lucian had shown great kindness to in the past and as such offered to lend their strength in the war against Klaus.
Across the city...
Dante's body slumped to the floor having been ruthlessly impaled by his opponent's blades. Minerva, Jupiter, Diana and Mercury jumped back, watching as their target collapsed and did not move.
Ramone meanwhile found it harder to repel Saturn's attacks, evading his vicious sword slashes while trying to gauge an opening. Backflipping several times he landed to his feet, wiping a small trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth and narrowing his eyes as Saturn slowly approached holding his sword low.
"Hhm, this is taking longer then expected" Ramone said bracing himself.
Just then there was a loud explosion as a massive burst of energy rocked the city streets, causing each combatant to freeze in their tracks.
The energy generated was being spawned by Dante, whom rose amidst a small crater formed by the outpouring of demonic power circulating his body. Dante promptly pulled out each of the blades lodged in his body and then gave a feral and mighty shout, red energy pulsing around him as he shifted to his Devil Trigger. Cracking his neck, his wounds closed up instantly he stared at his opponents.
"Hmph, guess you guys are tougher than I anticipated. Ah well, round two anyone?" Dante said shrugging. He waved his hand, beckoning Rebellion to his hand as he caught and swung his blade once and charged forward with mighty speed.
Minerva and the rest gathered their own weapons, clashing with Dante only now the tables turned. Dante parried their attacks while mixing in his own, the added boost in speed and power proved more formidable as he began slashing and tearing through them. Minerva was slashed across he torso and kicked aside, Mercury impaled and knocked down while Dante spun, using Stinger and thrusting Rebellion into Diana and smashing her into the ground with a sickening smash.
Jacob on the other hand continued his duel with the alluring Venus. The youngest Salvatore glared as Venus stood a few feet from him, not moving an inch. Jacob then straightened, slowly reaching up for the baseball cap tucked low over his face causing Venus to stare curiously.
"Giving up?" she taunted, intending to rile him. However to her surprise, Jacob didn't give in to her taunts. he removed his cap, exposing his messy chin length curly brown hair which he quickly straightened out. Dropping his hat to the floor he slid his foot back and slowly raised both hands.
Ramone caught the whole thing out the corner of his eye as Saturn questioned.
"I would focus on our fight, rather than concern yourself over your brother. It seems Venus is finally getting to her groove" Saturn stated. Ramone shook his head.
"I'm not concerned about Jacob. I'm concerned for him" Ramone clarified causing Saturn some confusion.
"You see" Ramone began to explain. "My dearest younger brother there is the most volatile and explosive of my siblings. Hot tempered, impatient, reckelss, and with a mercilessly and disturbingly violent streak. Add to that a notoriously short temper, and Jakey there is a force to reckon with. But, he doesn't always take his fights seriously. Out of all my siblings, he takes the longest usually to finish them because he taunts his opponent too much and withdraws his full abilities. But, once he gets pissed off enough or he realizes his opponent is stronger than he is, that is when the real Jacob comes out. And the best part? His hat. Little brother there loves collecting baseball caps. And when he intentionally removes it during a fight, one of two things are about to happen" Ramone said folding his arms.
He then gave the faintest of smirks, showing the first sign of any real emotion since the fighting began and causing Saturn to growl from annoyance.
"Either Jacob is taking the fight seriously and will not hold back any more. Or he doesn't want to get blood on his hat" Ramone stated. And then, he grinned, his fangs prolonged. "Or both" he said charging Saturn with swift speed, kicking him into several cars causing a big crash.
Jacob snorted once, lowering his hands.
"Let's do this" he said lowly. Venus blinked and then watched him disappear in a blur.
"Ho-" she began only to find his knee buried deep in her gut causing her to topple over in pain. Gasping for air she tried countering only for her fist to be caught by Jaocb who tossed her over his shoulder. Sprinting forward with greater speed, he began a flurry of lightning fast punches, connecting all over her body. Finding his rhythm, Jacob began maniacally laughing.
"Come on hot stuff! I thought this would be harder!" Jacob said halting his assault as Venus staggered. Growling she charged forward, summoning her sword and intending to impale Jacob only for him to catch her blade with two fingers, causing her to stare horrified. Jacob grinned, a psychotic and vicious smirk appearing as he swiftly raised hier left leg planting a hard side kick and sending Venus crashing into the side of the nearby building sending chunks of concrete raining down to the street.
Jason and Mugetsu continued dueling. Jason slashing wildly with his claws as Mugetsu used his own. Jason growled, his claws growing in size as he sprinted forward. He slashed Mugetsu across the face only to find much to his surprise, they did not cut. Mugetsu countered by swiping with his talons as Jason swiftly phased away, landing some feet back.
Frowning, Jason began flexing his hand several times.
"His skin, I definitely made contact and yet my claws did not cut him. Something more, it felt like my claws were raking against solid diamond. Just what is up with this freak anyway?" Jason mulled over to himself.
Mugetsu then said, "You are wondering about my skin no? Well then, allow me to explain" Mugetsu then tossed his long black cloak off exposing his body and causing Jason's eyes to widen.
Mugetsu's entire form was covered in dark green reptilian hide, his skin thick and scaly. There were rows of black spines running from the base of his neck all the way down his spine. He flicked his long forked tongue in and out and kicked his robed away, now sporting tattered and torn long black pants and bare feet. His nails in the shape of long talons.
"My hide is unlike any you've ever encountered. Nothing on this earth can pierce my reptilian flesh. My skin is a fusion of several thousand different micro layers of hide and scales. Coupled with the constant outpouring of my own demonic energy and it solidifies it harder than diamond. And the best part; my body secretes a very unique pheromone, one which invades the body and suppresses the healing process negating it entirely. In other words; your ability to regenerate and repair damage to the body is null when in the presence of my body's pheromones. I can cut you, and you cannot cut me. This will make for most splendid combat, does it not?" Mugetsu explained chuckling and again flicking his tongue.
To his surprise, and annoyance, Jason merely responded by charging head on, laughing the whole time.
"Let's test that skin of yours then huh? There is nothing my claws cannot slice!" Jason roared waving his hands. He ducked under Mugetsu's talons, swiping across his shoulders and again unable to cut him. He slashed three times across the torso and again was unable to cut him. Mugetsu countered by slashing Jason across the chest with his feet and sending Jason skidding back.
Mugetsu then frowned, noticing there was no blood from his attack. Jason's tank top was torn, exposing the wound on his chest was nothing more then a swelling, the skin turning a mild red color from irritation as Jason clutched his chest.
"Hmph" he said and stared back. Mugetsu's eyes narrowed; "Most curious, my claws should have raked your skin clean open" he said to which Jason spat to the floor.
"Hey, let's go at it again, I want to test something out. What? Scared?" Jason said forming a psychotic grin as Mugetsu scowled and sprinted forward.
Lastly...
"Is this it? Is this all you really had? Such a shame I overestimated you. You were hailed as the most powerful vampire in the world. The true pioneer of immortality, the Impaling Prince, No Life King, the King of Vampires, the famed monster of the Hellsing family and the pinnacle of their bloodline's legacy. Pfft, what bullshit. You were less than a man, a vampire even. Less than dog shit. No, even dog shit if of a higer order. You were more like maggot shit, vampire Alucard"
Theokoles stood in the center of the street, his left arm held out in front, his right hand holding his massive and imposing sword. The street was completely obliderated: cracks forming large craters, vehicles smashed, chunks of concrete turned up and upheaved.
And in his left hand, hoisted off the floor and with a massive pool of blood pooling underneath, was Alucard. His torso had a massive hole torn through where his heart had been. He was missing his arms, nothing remaining but a stump. A portion of the left side of his face was blown away; his one good eye barely moving.
Theokoles narrowed his cold and hate filled eyes. Sighing he growled lowly.
"Though I will admit, this is the first fight in 2,000 years I have engaged in where I thought I may be pushed. But alas, all fun comes to be spoiled in the long run. Farewell, vampire Alucard. Consider it an honor to have met and engaged the Shadow of Hell, though I wish you could say you lived. But I'm sure you will make a tasty meal. I haven't consumed a vampire in such a long time, I plan on enjoying it" Theokoles said in a sadistic and malevolent tone.
Opening his mouth, his teeth morphed into frightening size and shape.
However Theokoles was forced to halt his actions. Dropping Alucard's body he turned, holding his blade flat as he deflected a crescent shaped wave of energy.
"Looks like we got here just in time, damn, they really did a number" Nero said walking up. He held Yamato in his right hand, the blade glowing as he reached for the Red Queen. A black streak hovered over before dropping to the floor, revealing it to be Seras.
Crouching low, her eyes instantly locked on to Alucard's corpse.
"No...no...MASTER!" Seras shouted horrified and charging Theokoles head on.
'Wait hang on! Damn!" Nero said revving Red Queen as he too charged.
Theokoles spun his sword around twice before pausing, grinning as his fangs grew and his body became shroud in a violet colored burning aura.
"More meat, more bones. Good, and look what we have here. I've always had a thing for blondes, especially with tits as massive as those" Theokoles said breaking out into sadistic laughter as Seras and Nero charged.
And finally...
Klaus stirred, opening his eyes and exhaling deeply. Rising from his throne he walked over to the edge, gazing out at the scene. The Manhattan nighttime sky illuminated by the fire created by his army fighting against the allied forces. Billows of smoke pluming high into the evening air. Explosions rocking across the city caused from gun fire, artillery shells and explosives detonating.
The Master of Death closed his eyes, slowly opening them. His long hair and black cloak flowing in the evening breeze. Klaus reached into his robes, pulling out the Anima. The orb glowing brightly as it began pulsing and flashing.
"I am the first to admit when I am at fault. And so I will admit that our enemies have better prepared themselves than I anticipated. To think they would actually dig themselves in this deep and push my forces to the brink. But alas, I have one more way to keep myself entertained." Klaus said raising the Anima.
The Anima began rumbling, glowing brightly as it then slowly floated in the air, continuing to ascend above Klaus high into the sky.
Klaus began wildly cackling and spread his arms. "In four months time the world will end, and a new one will be born from the ashes. Mankind will ascend to true glory so that all will know the glory of his Majesty. But tonight, so that the world may bear witness I will demonstrate the future. I will activate this device on this night and showcase its true might"
The Anima began vibrating and rumbling more intensely. It continued flashing for several moments before finally contracting in size. After several moments, it gave a final flash and released a tremendously bright and powerful burst of light. The light completely filled the night sky, shining with such intensity it appeared as natural daylight. The light continued pouring on, seemingly endless. And just as abruptly as it appeared, it dissipated as the Anima fell back into Klaus' possession as he chuckled.
Back on the ground, several soldiers near Times Square walked down as a single platoon, guns at the ready.
"The hell was that light? Man this night keeps getting more fucked up" one commented. The group froze, seeing a lone figure amidst a pile of corpses.
"Vampire? Again?" a second commented.
"No...no it's.. a woman. Ma'am, U.S. Marine Corp, we can help you! Are you injured?" the captain called out running up to. The woman in question, was mumbling something incoherent.
"Ma'am, we can help. Can we get you some assis-"
The captain was cut off by the knife suddenly and viciously jammed into his trachea as he staggered back and then fell dead. His comrades instantly set upon him pointing their rifles at the woman. It was then they noticed her appearance.
Her skin was deathly pale, the color drained from her lips. Her eyes were black and appeared sunken into her skull.
"What the hell is this!?" a soldier panicked suddenly noticing more people creeping out from the surrounding environment. All moaning and chanting incoherently, their appearance similar to the woman whom pointed her knife and began speaking to the soldiers in a chilling and echoing voice.
"No one will leave this night alive. His greatness, his Majesty will guide his children into a new era of peace, of love, of mercy and of true freedom. Hail forever his greatness, Klaus" she chanted.
What Klaus had committed was unknown, but it added further terror into the already maddening night.
End Chapter
Get ready, most of the main fights will wrap up by the next chapter. Klaus siege on New York is nearly at close, as he reveals more of his machinations and desires. Who will survive? Who will die? Stay tuned!