Disclaimer: This is it! The New York siege comes to an end as both forces culminate in a final clash of titanic proportions.
Alucard and Theokoles wrap up their duel, along with assistance from Nero and Seras. But the Shadow of Death reveals he hasn't even touched the full extent of his abilities. What more could this ghastly fiend be holding back?
The wolf pack masses an enormous force of Werewolves that pushes back the vampires to the brink. Vladimir and his team later join in the fray as the fighting takes them to the streets near city hall.
Dante, Ramone, Jason and Jacob continue their clash with the mysterious beings. Jacob and Venus clash and the youngest Salvatore unleashes his tremendous might. Ramone manages a stunning victory over his opponents while Dante with the aid of his Devil Trigger state secures his own win. Jason and Mugetsu continue their duel where we see the full extent of their respective abilities.
Klaus has activated the Anima device, turning thousands of unfortunate citizens into his mindless puppets as their memories and souls are erased. What will become of the night when our heroes band together as one unit?
Also, 40 chapters in! And the story will continue to get better!
Chapter Forty- The New York Siege Part V
Nero revved the Red Queen twice, charging towards Theokoles as he raised his blade. Theokoles responded by smirking, calmly raising his own as the two clashed. Wielding his formidable sword with one hand, Theokoles easily held off Nero's advance as the young knight struggled against his opponent's frightening strength.
"Only one hand? Even Dante didn't have this much power, just what the hell kind of freak is this clown?!" Nero thought to himself. He raised Yamato which was in his second hand, crossing both blades over and trying to overpower Theokoles.
Theokoles shoved Nero back, kicking him in the stomach and sending him skidding back several feet as Nero rolled to a stop. He looked up, only to find Theokoles phasing to his side and smashing him back into the ground. Theokoles jammed his sword into the ground, near Nero's throat as he smashed his foot unto his shoulder.
"Who are you, boy?" Theokoles asked, strangely curious as he stared down as Nero squirmed, unable to move.
Seras attempted to intervene, rushing with shadows spreading around as she flew straight for Theokoles like a speeding bullet. Intending to attack him, she instead found herself in his grip as he snatched her by the neck. Gasping, she felt his monstrous physical strength as he instantly began squeezing and crushing her neck. With his foot still against Nero he pulled Seras closer, his eyes roaming down to her ample chest as he flicked his tongue out in a lustful manner.
"I'll have fun with you later big tits, beat it" Theokoles said kissing and then licking her face. With a vicious grunt he proceeded to toss Seras away like a piece of clothing, sending her crashing into a nearby adjacent building creating a rather sizable impact as pieces of concrete and glass crumbled down.
Turning his attention back to Nero he again questioned. "What's it matter?!" Nero shouted back. Theokoles' eyes drifted to the Yamato blade Nero gripped tightly.
"How did you acquire the Yamato? There is only one being I know of whom wielded this blade. The only one mighty enough to actually defeat me. But, that was a very long time ago so I again will ask: Who are you?" Theokoles questioned.
Nero responded by closing his eyes, opening them as they turned a burning red color as his voice deepened. With a shout Nero's body became wrapped in a glowing and pulsing blue aura as his Devil Trigger exploded around him, causing Theokoles to jump backwards. Folding his arms, Theokoles smirked as he watched Nero stand to his feet, the spectral aura shaping around him as Nero pointed the Yamato.
"What the hell does it matter who I am?" Nero asked as Theokoles chuckled.
"Humor me why don't you? I am finally awake after 2000 long years rotting in a coffin in the earth." Theokoles stated, running a hand through his slick backed blonde hair and licking his lips.
Nero then stared, "You said only one being ever wielded this?" he said gesturing to the Yamato in his hand. "You mean Dante's brother?"
Theokoles frowned, "And just who the hell is Dante?" he asked, genuinely curious once more. Realization soon set in, his face twisted into a deep scowl, his eyes flashing as a murderous hatred began building, which soon gave way to amusement as Theokoles cackled.
"I see, so that motherfucker actually bore children to carry on his legacy? Unreal, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. No matter, I will say this: I don't know how you acquired that thing, but know this; it won't make a difference. You will soon find out boy, that the difference in our abilities and strength" Theokoles said beckoning his massive sword to him as he caught it and spun it rapidly with one hand before raising it.
"Is like the gap between a spider and the fly trapped in its web" Theokoles grinned, his fangs growing as a violet colored aura burned around him.
"My weapon, Ares, against the Yamato. A fair contest if I do say so" Theokoles said, motioning for Nero to attack.
Nero oblidged, sprinting forward and shouting. He swung rapidly with Yamato, mixing in wide and strong fierce attacks. Theokoles parried or dodged each attack, smirking the entire time as he spun and dashed around Nero, evading each attack. He jumped into the air, spinning Ares around as a massive dome of red and black energy formed along the flat edge of the blade. The eye upon it opened up as Theokoles fired the energy in a massive orb.
Nero sucked his teeth, sensing this technique was much too powerful to simply defend against. He jumped and then rolled out the way, just as it impacted in the ground creating a massive fiery explosion, leveling the street and with it obliterating a massive and sizable portion of the street.
Nero raised the Yamato, firing several thin beams of energy as the cutting power of the sword. Theokoles proceeded to use his marvelous speed, moving about in faint blurs as he dodged each attack.
"Not good enough kid!" Theokoles said slicing downward with Ares. Nero barely avoided the damage, his Devil Bringer being sliced on the shoulder as he staggered back. Behind him, he noticed a thin and deadly trail of energy cutting deep into the street, tearing through several cars and into one of the buildings for a good distance before finally dissipating.
"What the hell is this?! His sword barely touched me but it did this much damage?!"
Nero checked his shoulder, he was bleeding, and the wound wasn't closing despite his Devil Trigger being activated.
This was not good.
Elsewhere…
Dante continued slashing with Rebellion, cutting Mercury across the stomach and hacking away at Diana and Minerva. All three charged forward, waving their swords as the devil hunter proceeded to parry each attack.
Jumping back, Dante charged forward, ducking and rolling under one attack before spinning and pulling out his pistols. He fired on Mercury, shooting him square in the chest. He pulled Rebellion out, slashing several times before slashing upwards, knocking him into the air, blood pooling to the floor as Mercury shouted.
He blinked, noticing he was several feet high into the air and Dante appeared right before him.
"Time to end this!" Dante shouted pulling Rebellion out; he slashed four times causing deep horrific wounds as Mercury cried out. Dante began charging his power through Rebellion, the blade glowing bright red as he raised his blade overhand with both hands and proceeded to viciously slice downwards, cutting through Mercury's body as he smashed him back to the street level causing a sizable impact.
Dante landed to his feet, breathing and huffing heavily as he jammed his sword into the ground, turning to face his other opponents. Mercury's body twitched a final time before he slumped down, completely dead, his form nearly bifurcated.
"Well, this party's gotten pretty damn crazy. Any other takers?' Dante asked with a weak smirk.
Minerva, Diana and now Jupiter all stared. "Mercury…defeated? Impossible" Diana stated lowly as she took a cautious step back. Jupiter responded by charging forward, sword raised high as he intended to strike Dante with his guard down. Just as he seemed ready to strike, his body was suddenly jolted by a violent force. A thin beam of black energy suddenly pierced through his neck, the force increased to such it completely decapitated him in a swift motion as his body froze as his head fell off. Jupiter's head rolled to the floor as blood pooled out and his body collapsed. Dante and the others looked on in shock before manic laughter greeted their ears and a lone figure suddenly jumped down near the remains.
"Hehehehe! Good, I made it just in time. I've waited a long time to get back at these bastards and I plan on enjoying it!" the figure said standing to full height and slowly turning to Dante, whom instantly recognized him.
"Dude, Kazuya?" the devil hunter questioned as Kazuya again broke into manic laughter and waved his hand. "Don't worry Son of Sparda, I'm not gonna steal all the fun. Just don't kill these bastard too badly; I won't be able to mop up their bodies afterwards!" Kazuya said staring down Minerva and Diana. Dante slowly stood to full height, gazing at Kazuya with concern.
His appearance seemed, wild, unkempt and savage. His hair was messy, bits of blood clinging to several strands. He had bruising around his face as well as his neck. The plated micro vest he wore had cracks in several places and a good portion of the piece was missing along the back and sides. Part of his pants were torn and ripped. His chilling brown eyes cast a powerful and deadly gaze of intensity.
Kazuya again laughed, pointing to both Minerva and Diana. "I'll give you a count of four" he said holding four fingers up. Minerva and Diana both braced themselves as Kazuya took a step back.
"Four" he said in a low and chilling tone. Kazuya sped forward, impaling Diana clean through her heart with his hand, stunning her and her counterpart with his tremendous speed.
Coughing up blood she slumped forward, Kazuya grinning wildly as he held the position.
"And to think I spent all those years under Klaus wing, constantly being mocked and spat and taunted by his most precious Acolytes. But no more" Kazuya growled lowly, blood staining his arm as he clenched his free fist.
"Kazuya…please….it was never personal. It was all…for…his Majesty…I…I…beg you" Diana pleaded as Kazuya's grin widened. He concentrated, gathering energy before firing a massive black colored beam clean through her body. The blast ripped through her chest and torso as she was lifted into the air and sent crashing back several feet, smashing with tremendous impact into a large car causing the alarm to go off.
Kazuya stood there, his arm outstretched, bits of blood and charred flesh still clung to his hand as he lowered it.
"You will never utter that bastard's name around me ever again" Kazuya said with intense anger as he then smirked.
"Now then, who's left?" Kazuya asked catching Dante's eye as the devil hunter smirked and reached for Rebellion as both men turned their attention to Minerva who shook and raised her own weapon.
Ramone and Saturn continued their duel, Ramone summoning his impressive speed and continuing to dodge each and every one of Saturn's sword strikes. Saturn slashed horizontally as Ramone jumped and flipped over landing several feet back. Concentrating, Ramone held out his right palm, golden energy began forming around as it soon encased his body in a shrouded aura, his amber colored eyes flashing more intensely. The golden light then encased his right arm, forming a massive claw shaped form. Behind him, the spectral form of a massive wolf reared back, howling at the top of his lungs as it continued growing in size and mass, Ramone's form stood in the center continuing to channel the energy as Saturn looked on, fear beginning to creep.
"Well, shall we end this dance? Among my brothers I tend to avoid prolonging my battles, but I admit this is the first time in a very long time where I have been pushed more than usual. With one blow I will finish this" Ramone stated sliding his foot back and preparing to strike.
Saturn responded by shouting, gathering energy around him and releasing it as the wind picked up. But he was too late, Ramone sprinted forward appearing as nothing but a faint blur. Raising his clawed arm Ramone shouted and slashed downwards, completely eviscerating Saturn into shredded bits. The resulting outpouring of his energy created a sizable explosion, the wind blowing fiercely and violently rocking the streets.
The violence ended as Ramone now stood in the center, his clawed arm outstretched as the spectral shape of the wolf howled before slowly dissipating. The only remains of Saturn were a few bloodied scraps as Ramone snorted and waved his arm once.
Meanwhile, Jacob continued a violent and savage duel with Venus. Breathing hard he stared at her, his fists clenched tightly as his fangs grew and he snarled. Venus was covered in bruises and lacerations as she glared harshly.
"This…this can't be. I am an Acolyte of His Majesty! I cannot be defeated by the likes of some lowly dogs!" Venus responded charging forward and cursing Jacob. The youngest Salvatore responded by smirking, lowering his hands at his side.
"Does this mean the mighty Jacob Salvatore has given up?" Venus taunted charging straight for him and preparing to raise her fists.
Her taunt was met when Jacob speedily dove his fist clean through her stomach, piercing to the other side as blood gushed out. Impaled upon his arm Venus collapsed forward, staggering under the great pain as she cried out. Jacob licked his lips, taking the next brutal step. His own body became shroud in a gold aura as he initiated his own Power of the Bloodline transformation, the mighty talons of a spectral wolf encasing his arm as he violently pierced through her lungs and heart as the wolf howled and snapped its jaws.
"Far from it bitch. Consider this duel settled. This is also payback for making me toss my favorite cap away. You can take that with you, to the afterlife" Jacob said spitefully, pulling his arm free and causing a cascade of blood to ooze out. With a final cry and cough Venus collapsed to the floor.
Jacob promptly spat on her body out of spite, lowering his arm as his energy dissipated.
The battle between Jason and Mugetsu continued. Jason slashed twice with his claws, barely scraping Mugetsu against his face. Mugetsu sneered, raising his own reptilian talons and slashing across Jason's shoulder. But again much to his own bewilderment, he left but a minor scrape as Jason skidded back and then pause.
"But…how? He is unable to pierce my hide, yet I cannot damage his body? What is happening?" Mugetsu questioned as his tongue flicked in and out.
Jason responded by cracking his neck twice before pointing. "I've figured it out. As I said before, there is nothing my claws cannot cut. But it's been a while since they're really let loose and as such they may be a little duller then normally. But still, I think I've figured out just exactly how dense your skin is. My muscles are used to it now" Jason then grinned viciously as his fangs grew. 'Next strike, I'll pierce that hide of yours" he taunted causing Mugetsu to fume.
"Impossible! No one can cut me!" he shouted and sprinted forward as Jason began cackling. Mugetsu slashed with his claws, mixing in using the talons on his feet as Jason evaded each strike. Slashing widely, Mugetsu missed as Jason ducked under his swing. Raising his hand, Mugetsu intended to block and laughed as Jason's claws scrapped against his skin.
"I told you, moron!" Mugetsu said grinning. Jason narrowed his eyes, pressing harder as his claws pressed deeply into Mugetsu's reptilian scaled, blood trickling out as he formed a vicious slash across his forearm as Mugetus' eyes widened and he jumped back.
Horrified, Mugetsu held his hand up, blood trickling down as he shook from both shock and disbelief.
"It…can't be" Mugetsu uttered lowly. Jason smirked, flicking some blood off as he chuckled. "Let's continue" Jason shouted running forward. Mugetsu swiped once, Jason ducked and countered by slashing across his chest, blood spraying out as Mugetsu staggered back. Mugetsu shouted and continued trying attacking, each time Jason would counter and slash his body.
Mugetsu jumped back, bleeding from several vicious lacerations and panting as he cursed and glared as Jason laughed and flexed his fingers.
"I will not die to some dog! I am something beyond. Something….evolved!" Mugetsu shouted as his body began pulsing, causing Jason to narrow his eyes. Mugetsu's body became shroud in a deep green colored aura. With a fierce and primal shout, Mugetsu hollered at the top of his lungs as energy exploded around him causing wind to pick up as well as creating a massive dust cloud.
Sensing the energy, Jacob and Ramone all turned in their brother's direction, concerned as they sprinted over.
Jason however did not seem too concerned, instead facing this new challenge. The wind died down, the dust settling as Jason concentrated, seeing the shadowy form of Mugetsu from the thickness of the dust.
"Prepare yourself Werewolf…I haven't used this form for some time" Mugetsu hissed revealing his new transformation as the dust finally settled.
Jason's eyes widened, "What the hell?!"
Mugetsu now stood much taller, almost 8 feet tall. His dark green reptilian hide now formed and covered his entire body, there were dark blue spots across his torso and shoulders. His talons were even longer, curved and thicker. He stood bipedal and had a very long curved thick tail coiled around and wiggling. The rows of spines down his back grew much larger. On each of his feet, the big toe had a six inch curved sickle like claw in much the same manner as the Dromaeosaurid species of dinosaurs.
Mugetsu also had two large swooping horns curved backwards on his head. Opening his mouth, he flicked his tongue in and out as he hissed. Most disturbingly, Mugetsu now sported six arms as he flexed his claws.
"Time to die!" he shouted and charged forward. He slashed wildly, his arms attacking at different opportunities causing Jason to go on the defensive. Jason grit his teeth, dodging one attack and evading a second until he was sliced across the chest. He paused, slashing with his own claws and causing Mugetsu to raise his tail in defense. He then whipped it out as Jason teleported away swiftly before going on the attack again.
Each time Jason attacked, his blows were blocked. Mugetsu took both his hands, slashing and creating a terrible wound across Jason's torso as blood pooled out causing him to wince.
"Jason!" Jacob cried out as Ramone growled and sucked his teeth.
Mugetsu began laughing as he stepped back, wagging his tail and flicking blood off his claw.
"See, and with my pheromones fully released now that I am in my full demon form, the nulling effect on your healing factor is twice as strong. Face it Salvatore, you're history" Mugetsu sneered.
Moments later, Jason rubbed his torso, looking at his blood stained palms. Then, he began laughing, wildly as he reared back and cackled with joy causing Mugetsu confusion.
"Let me explain something to you. Do you know why you couldn't damage me before? It's because of who I am. Among my brothers I have the greatest resistance and durability to pain and injuries. I don't get broken bones, I don't get cuts or bruises and I almost never bleed. My body is like a living shield, no matter the damage or attack I can't be harmed. I don't get tired and I never run out of gas. Hence my nickname; The Strongest Shield. But you have actually managed to injure me, for the first time in over 1,000 years. THANK YOU MUGETSU! I've never felt more alive in combat!" Jason exclaimed and sprinted forward, to the confusion and annoyance of Mugetsu as they continued.
Mugetsu continued attacking, slashing all over Jason's body and causing great deep lacerations. Jason continued attacking, not slowing down and with a vicious psychotic grin on his face. He was slashed across his face, he continued attacking. Across his shoulders, legs and back, he kept coming.
"This doesn't make sense! Even a Werewolf has his limits. Why is he still acting as if he isn't hurt?! Can he really not be harmed? No, I will bring him down!" Mugetsu said to himself as he then slashed down with all six arms at once, directing downward on Jason's body as blood cascaded out.
Jason spat up a large amount, staggering back as blood collected underneath. Crouching he slowly stood to full height, examining himself as Mugetsu snickered.
The front of his shirt was completely shredded as was much of long white coat and the right thigh portion of his pants. "Tch. At this rate, I may actually die. Fuck it, didn't wanna use it but I guess I've got no choice" Jason said reaching for his waist. Mugetsu's eyes drifted down, it was here he noticed for the first time Jason actually had a sword strapped to his body. The sword was long, curved and single edged, roughly the size of a nodachi and with a guard extending inward from the center. The handle of the sword was wrapped in black silk and the guard colored bronze.
Mugetsu snorted, his eyes contorting to fierce anger as he gave a tremendous shout and began sprinting forward.
"You think some little sword can cut me down?! My skin is the hardest ever formed! Nothing can cut me. No matter what you do it won't make a difference! I am unbeatable, face it Salvatore you're history!" Mugetsu shouted with rising anger.
He watched as Jason calmly gripped the handle of his sword with his right hand, slowly pulling it out of its scabbard. With a final pull he released his sword, the blade instantly glowing a bright and shining shade of light green. The blade continued shining, pulsing and humming as Jason adopted a stance, gripping the blade tightly with both hands. Concentrating, he focused, gaze intently set upon Mugetsu as the reptilian fiend reached closer and closer.
"Oh it might" Jason stated lowly. He raised his sword overhead, holding it just as Mugetsu drew closer. Then with tremendous might and a primal shout Jason waved his sword down in a clean but savage cut. The result blow causing a massive shockwave, exploding around the two combatants as Jason's blade released a tremendous buildup of power causing the resulting ground to quake around them. The wind howled at ferocious speeds, knocking back massive slabs of concrete as well as several vehicles, sending them scattering around the street crashing into several buildings.
Dante, Jacob, Ramone and even Kazuya all braced themselves from the tremendous explosion. After what seemed like an eternity, all four fighters quickly gathered several feet behind Jason, watching as the explosion died down and the wind settled revealing an awful sight.
Jason stood in a deep crater formed from his attack. His sword drawn in both hands as he maintained his form, the blade tipping low to the ground. Sliding his foot back Jason waved it once and sighed. He then smirked as he gazed at the condition of his opponent.
"Damn, guess that hide of yours is a lot tougher than expected. You'd be sashimi right about now without it" Jason said smirking and baring his fangs, running a hand through his brown hair.
Mugetsu, or rather what remained of him stood before him, terribly wounded. All six of his arms were completely sliced off, blood oozing from the wounds. He had a deep and terrible gash running from the top of his collar bone and splitting evenly down his torso to the tip of his groin; entrails spilling to the floor as blood caked beneath him. He was panting and wheezing heavily as one eye was shut tightly.
"Damn you…DAMN YOU!" He shouted but then coughed blood. Jason tossed his head back laughing. "What the hell kind of sword is that thing?!" Mugetsu questioned still spitting up copious amounts of blood.
Jason raised his sword with one hand. Dante himself took note of the special blade. The blade hummed and pulsed continually. It reminded him of the sound of lightsabers being swung from the Star Wars movie series. He had to smirk himself as a result.
"This" Jason began to explain. "Is called the Manji Blade. It is the sharpest sword ever to be forged. Its destructive power is such it can slice through anything and everything. Long ago in ancient Babylon a mighty and terrible Werewolf clan came to power during the reign of Babylon's cruelest and most oppressive king. The clan's alpha commissioned that a weapon be forged so as to protect his family from the king's encroachment. He sought the aid of a powerful witch and using dangerous magic she crafted the Manji Blade from his very soul. Born out of his soul, the blade became hot with his desire for vengeance and his thirst for blood and such sliced through anything it touched. It was not until several of the clan elders breathed on the sword, infusing it with their spirit that the blade cooled. And so the Manji Blade was passed down through the descendants of that Werewolf clan, all the way down, to me" Jason said with a terrible grin. He gestured to Ramone and Jacob whom both casually nodded as realization set in for Mugetsu.
"The Salvatore's are the modern descendants of that clan. As such this blade is really more of an heirloom" Jason said with pride beaming in.
"The Strongest Shield. The Sharpest Blade. How can such power exist in this lifetime?" Mugetsu questioned. Succumbing to his wounds he collapsed to his knees, his body wreathed in pain. Jason turned to Ramone, whom nodded, as did Dante. Shrugging he turned back around to Mugetsu.
Jason dashed forward in one blur, slicing off Mugetsu's head in a clean motion as he slid to a stop behind his opponent as his headless corpse collapsed to the floor, his head rolling to a stop.
With a satisfied sigh, Jason waved the Manji Blade once, slowly sheathing it.
Across town…
"Old man was dumb. Old man was really dumb. Old man should known better than to make Raskos angry. People make Raskos angry many times and Raskos just eat them all. Old man thought it was just strength that wins a fight, but Raskos showed him!"
Raskos sat cross legged in the middle of the street, hunched over a bloodied and gory stump as he snapped his head up sharply, chewed and sighed. Standing to full height he hunched his shoulder, breathing heavy as he snapped his jaws. His fight with the strong man Arthur had ended. Raskos celebrated his victory, by promptly tearing apart, disemboweling and finally eating the old fighter. Nothing remained, but a few bloody scraps and bits of bone fragments.
Raskos was so engrossed in his feeding he almost didn't notice the sudden appearance of several helicopters over the scene, their lights descending on him as he snorted and looked up.
"Attention Raskos! Listen up!" the pilot of one shouted over the loud speaker as Raskos sneered.
"We just received word there is a large swarm of enemy troops marching towards City Hall. We could use your help!"
Raskos responded by promptly snorting and turning his back, seemingly unimpressed as he ignored the pilot.
"Hey Raskos, did I mention these enemy troops called you a sissy?" the pilot responded.
That seemed to strike a nerve as Raskos promptly turned, his eyes seething with a powerful hatred as he growled and clenched his fists.
"Yeah man, we overheard all of them calling Raskos a sissy boy princess who's probably gay" the pilot again said over the loud speaker as the choppers began pulling out.
"No! Raskos not sissy boy! RASKOS IS STRAAAAAAIGHT!"
Raskos proceeded to leap high into the air, swooping over the helicopters heading downtown for city hall, roaring with tremendous fury as he began a new rampage.
Meanwhile…
Raul dropped to one knee, grunting and straining as he used one of his swords to prop himself up as he grit his teeth and spat to the floor. Before him, Sage held her twin broadswords low as she chuckled and smirked.
"I expected something different this time around wolf. You disappoint me yet again" she taunted as Raul growled.
"Damn it all! I knew this bitch was strong but this, this is ridiculous. I'm fighting at the limits of my abilities and she's just been toying with me! I need to think of something quick. If I don't, I'm as good as dead"
Raul slowly stood to full height. Sighing deeply he closed his eyes. Opening them, he phased away, moving with lightning speed racing towards Sage like a speeding projectile. They clashed swords, sparks flying in the wake of the energy being developed as they began attacking, hacking and slashing. Sage easily parrying his attacks as she laughed and taunted.
"You'll have to do better wolf!" she said kicking him back several feet. She swung the right blade, a massive gale erupting around, spiraling towards Raul as the vicious wind collided with his body. The high winds also proceeded to badly cut and slash him from every angle as he cried out. Raul crashed into the side of a tall building, buried deep into the wall as he coughed blood and grunted.
"Damn it" he grumbled unhappily, his grip lessened as his swords fell back to the ground, directly in front of Sage whom looked up, smirking as she raised both her swords.
"Time to end this, now die!" she said, her body glowing. The sky began rumbling as the wind increased, kicking up at her feet as she braced herself. Lightning streaks danced through the sky, concentrating overhead as Raul slowly looked up from where he was embedded in the side of the building.
Sage continued building power until her attack was finished. With a shout she slashed downward with both swords. The wind and lightning combined into a massive tornado, lightning streaks dancing in the center as it expanded into an overwhelming vortex reaching to the sky and firing straight towards Raul who looked on in horror.
The gale collided with the building, a massive explosion occurred, rocking the city streets causing a deep rumbling. Sections of concrete broke apart, falling to the street levels as nearly half of the building was utterly decimated in a titanic explosion.
After several moments, the violence subsided, dust and smoke slowly pluming from the massive crater where the building once stood.
Satisfied, Sage chuckled and placed her swords behind her back. She tossed her long braid and smirked. "Too easy" she said in regards to their duel, turning and beginning to walk up the street. "I'll begin to inform his Majesty of my success" she stated. Sage halted her steps when she heard a massive and thunderous BOOM behind her, causing the ground to rumble and shake as she turned around curiously. Suddenly a massive and scorching pillar of fire erupted from the ground, racing to the sky and proceeding to spread out in a massive arc causing Sage to leap backwards.
"What the hell is this?! These…these flames. They're different from before. White as snow and this temperature… it feels as if there is a small sun emerging out of the ground" Sage said looking on in surprise and shock.
Slowly, emerging out of the center of the crater was Raul. His fists were closed tightly, blood staining his clothes as his left eyes was shut tightly. His shirt and top portion of his outfit were completely burned away leaving him bare chested, pieces of his pants were singed as well.
"This battle is far from over Sage" Raul said, his voice echoing.
"What the hell is this?!" Sage shouted immediately brandishing her weapons. Raul held out his right palm.
"My normal flames were insufficient so I had to use something more drastic. What you are witnessing, are the sacred and holy ancestral flames of the Lycanthrope bloodline. Said to burn hot as the sun as an all-consuming holy fire purging anything in their path. The flames are notoriously difficult to wield, only three beings in history have ever successfully used them. The pure pristine white flames can burn away anything I set them against. Be ready" Raul said lowly as he braced himself.
In a flash he disappeared, dashing to Sage's blind spot and channeling a massive amount of flame in his palm, firing it in a steady continuous stream. Sage barely dodged, the right portion of her face as well as her shoulder being singed by the flames as she cried out. Terrible and awful burns formed across her body as she slashed with one blade, summoning massive gales which surrounded her and sped towards Raul.
"Wind feeds a fire and makes it stronger" Sage said taunting Raul. He merely slid one foot back, holding his palm flat and with a shout unleashed an all-consuming and massive torrent of white fire. The flames snuffed out Sage's wind attack and sped towards her. There was a massive explosion as the fires spread causing a massive roaring glow.
Raul's sandy blonde hair rustled from the wake of the explosion as he calmly waited. Things slowly died down, until Sage re appeared, badly burnt and panting heavily, struggling to stay to her feet.
"This can't be, I will not lose here" she muttered. Sage raised both her swords, charging her power as she prepared to attack.
Raul raised his right palm. His arm began glowing very brightly as flames circled and shrouded his entire arm all the way to his fingertips. Raul cracked his neck and sprinted forward, shouting at the top of his lungs as he and Sage charged at breakneck speeds. His arm outstretched, they clashed in a fiery explosion as their bodies became encased in a massive dome of energy.
Raul was breathing heavily, his arm outstretched as he grit his teeth. Several feet behind him Sage stood there, slowly lowering her swords. Seconds later they slipped out her hands and fell to the floor. Breathing heavily, blood splattered from her mouth as she slowly began falling to the ground.
"Damn…" she said as her body suddenly burst into hot white flames, incinerating her body to smoldering cinder as it crumbled apart. Raul collapsed to one knee holding his right arm. It too was badly charred and singed, steam hissing off it slowly as he winced from pain.
Meanwhile…
Roman stabbed the final Reaper in the chest, holding his blade steadily as the beast squirmed and howled in pain. With a satisfied chuckle he twisted the blade and slashed upwards, completely tearing the beast in two and causing blood and entrails to ooze out to the floor. Roman leaned back, holding his blade across his shoulders as he watched the remainder of his unit finish up. Pluto and the others viciously silenced the remainder of the Reaper horde in increasingly vicious and gory fashion.
Dexter's group could only watch, unsure of whether the Black Hand would turn on them. Rosette cautiously drew two arrows from her quiver, Vladimir gripping the handle of his sword tightly.
Roman merely watched with mixed interest, turning back to his team. "Anything else to be done here?" He asked. Each member proceeded to shake their head. Roman turned towards Dexter's group.
"We saved your asses here, so where's the next slaughter fest?" Roman asked as his group chuckled. Dexter prepared to speak when his radio blasted loudly.
"Is someone there? Anyone? We need major assistance now!" a soldier frantically shouted as Dexter responded. "This is Dexter, what's the situation?" he asked as the group gathered to listen.
"Oh man Dex it's bad, real fucking bad. Klaus is a real sick motherfucker for what he's done now. He's somehow brainwashed ordinary civilians into some kind of zombie like slaves or something. I mean, there's dozens of them roaming the streets chanting about 'His Greatness, His Majesty'. But that's not the bad part, they're actually killing each other, and anyone they come across. Our units are stretched thin as it is and we need some serious assistance. There is a whole mob of them headed straight for City Hall!"
Dexter's face turned grim, as did Rosette's and the rest of their groups. What more was Klaus planning to toss at them this night?
"Dex, we have to help, right away. If we let City Hall be destroyed, it's just one more stepping stone for Klaus to build towards his new world" Rosette said earnestly. Hearing footsteps, Dexter turned to see Roman and the rest of the Black Hand approaching.
"Let us make one thing clear: We couldn't care less about what happens to the humans. The Black Hand has only ever been interested in its agenda. Which is quite simple: To live as we choose and to prove we are the best swordsmen in existence. We fight who we want, when we want, how we want and nobody tells us what to do. That is the creed we live by, both now, and on that day, 2000 years ago" Roman said, his eyes scanning each of the group. Rosette stared; he sounded exactly like Jason did when she questioned the motives of the Salvatore Brothers.
"But this war is about more than that. Human freedom is at stake, and so is ours. Klaus' machinations are going to affect all beings, demon and human alike. And given that bastard destroyed many of our brothers in his quest for power, we cannot forgive him. We'll fight with you, but when the time comes I will be the one to kill Klaus. Got it?" Roman said lowly staring at Dexter.
"Hey get in line pal, I owe that asshole a ripe beat down" Dutch said making his presence known, wincing in pain as he slumped forward.
"What happened to you?" Vladimir asked suddenly growing concerned. Dutch squinted, "Motherfuckers shot me in the ass" he said very matter of factly.
Dexter felt his jaw drop, Rosette's eyes widened while Roman himself felt a chuckle brewing.
"Wha…who shot you in the ass?!" Dexter said running over to his cousin, noticing he was bleeding from his rear end. "Who? That who would be you motherfucker! You fired directly while I was near your line of fire dipshit" Dutch spat annoyed. Dexter couldn't help but stare with his mouth open as Dutch shook his head. "Look this Klaus guy might be a sick fuck and all that and I get that about preserving freedom and whatnot, but this" Dutch said gesturing to the wound on his backside. "This is low"
Vladimir promptly sheathed his sword. 'Take us towards city hall. Even if we're all that remains, we will protect it with our lives" Toshio walked up, tapping him on the shoulder and smirked. "Let's do it bro" he said confidently as Vladimir nodded.
Roman turned to his group, they nodded as he sighed and said "City hall it is"
Across the city…
Nero panted heavily, blood pooling down from his wounded shoulder as he dropped to one knee. Facing Theokoles, the young knight struggled to his feet as Theokoles smirked and narrowed his eyes. "That all kid? If it is I may as well just kill you now and save myself from anymore impending boredom" he taunted.
Nero promptly sprinted forward, shouting as he waved Yamato once, while brandishing the Red Queen in the other hand. He revved the handle once, slashing downward as Theokoles caught the blade in one hand. Nero attempted to attack with Yamato only to have it knocked from his hand. Theokoles stared at Red Queen, for some time. Then, with the faintest of motions he proceeded to snap the mechanical blade in half causing Nero to widen his eyes in sheer shock.
Jumping back, Nero watched as the Red Queen dropped helplessly to the floor and Theokoles smirked.
"I'll spare you any unpleasantries" Theokoles said preparing to attack. He then felt something pierce his chest as a hand ruptured through, followed by a swarm of shadows as he staggered forward. From behind, Seras could be seen, her crimson eyes flashing as a trickle of blood formed at her lip. Seras removed her hand, leaping and flipping over Theokoles as she landed at Nero's side.
Theokoles grinned viciously, the hole closing in seconds as he raised his sword overhead. He began spinning it at a rapid pace; a bright crimson orb of energy forming in the center surrounded by a swirling vortex of black energy. The orb continued growing in size and volume, reaching greater and greater sizes all the while making an awful screeching sound as Seras and Nero looked in horror.
"No, that's way too much power for just us!" Seras said concerned as Nero swore and pulled out Blue Rose.
Theokoles began cackling with madness, continuing to charge his attack. Just as he prepared to strike, he sensed a presence near him. Turning to his right he saw a massive wall of black shadows form, dozens upon dozens of eyes enshrouded in the void as a single great mouth opened revealing rows of teeth. The mass attacked him, biting his arm clean off and causing a fountain of blood to spray out as Theokoles cursed several times. His attack instantly dissipating, his sword jamming into the floor as he staggered backwards.
The black swarm of shadows decreased in volume as a lone brutish figure emerged from the midst. Theokoles again cursed and frowned. "Oh, you"
Alucard stood there, cracking his neck in several places as he folded his arms.
"Master!" Seras shouted excitedly as Nero lowered his sword. Alucard smirked and said, "It's been some time since my head has been blown away. Come, let us finish this dance Shadow of Death" he challenged as Theokoles grabbed his sword and smirked. However, a voice halted his movements.
"Theokoles, retreat, for now. I require you for further purposes"
"No fucking way! I'm not done with these asshats" Theokoles growled viciously and stepped forward. His body suddenly jolted and he dropped to his knees, wreathed in pain. Grabbing his face with both hands he clutched tightly leaned back and gave an awful and horrifying screeching wail of pain and agony, echoing for miles and causing Seras and Nero to shield their ears, even Alucard appearing disturbed by the screech.
Theokoles' face turned paler, his skin beginning to crack as veins pulsed and bulged around his eyes as they flashed.
"You motherfucker! You motherfucker!" Theokoles roared as he cursed and smashed the ground with his fist causing it to crack.
"Then we understand each other. Retreat, for now. I'll keep you entertained another way"
Theokoles slowly began rising to his feet, the excruciating pain writhing in his body beginning to subside as he panted and growled. Standing to full height he muttered another curse before gritting his teeth.
"That bastard. Thinking he can tame the Harbinger of Death. I am the Bringer of Pestilence, God of Demons, I cannot be tamed and I do not bow to anyone's feet. He will pay, I swear he will pay" Theokoles said grabbing his sword. With a furious roar he teleported away leaving behind a bewildered Alucard, Seras and Nero.
Nero scratched his head, "Just what the hell was all that?" he asked. Seras shuddered, "Who was he talking to? Was it Klaus? Did Klaus…do something to make him more controllable? If Klaus can control that…thing, then what can he do to us?" she questioned.
Alucard's crimson eyes narrowed, his hair flowing from a gentle breeze. With a scoff his back turned, beginning to walk off. "Seras, let's go, my child" he said.
"Yes sir" Seras answered running after her master. Nero remained still, then, he too ran to catch up.
Elsewhere…
Dante, Ramone, Jason and Jacob heard a loud and massive crash, causing them to turn around. Kazuya said "What was that?
Dante looked up, "It's Sion!" he said running over followed by the rest of the group.
Further up the street, Sion jammed Oblivion into the ground, propping himself up as he breathed heavily. He was covered in bruising and deep slashes as he spat to the floor. Standing a few feet away, Rogue was likewise similarly injured, breathing heavily as he hissed and bore his fangs. His heavy and thick armor was cracking, falling in pieces to the floor. Sion slowly stood to full height just as the group arrived as he held them at bay.
"Stay back! I must be the one to finish this!" he shouted and removed his sword, charging forward. Rogue and Sion clashed swords, holding the embrace and continuing their duel. Slashing and parrying, Sion jumped back and sprinted forward as his sword collided with Rogue's. Their blades then were knocked out of each others hands. Sion punched and battered Rogue who countered by kicking him in the stomach. Sion slid across the floor before charging forward. Rogue threw a big haymaker as Sion ducked underneath. Sion then acted quickly: He removed three of the rings on his wrists, unleashing his greater levels of power. The first increasing his levels of physical strength, the second his speed and reaction time, the third ring removing the limits of the amount of magical energy he could summon further augmenting his abilities. The result was quite gruesome, within the span of a few seconds Sion proceeded to punch through Rogue's armor, blowing away a significant portion of his sternum, ribcage and his upper torso in one clean swipe causing the behemoth to howl in pain as he spat blood.
Sion slid to a stop, panting heavily before collapsing to his knees. Rogue continued howling as he writhed in pain. Sion slowly turning, his black and spiky hair falling down, returning to its normal color of dark brown as he exited his Restrained Devil Trigger. Rogue turned slowly, screeching and hissing before he pointed a finger at Sion.
Dante jumped in front, holding Rebellion steadily as he was joined by Kazuya and the others. However it proved unnecessary; Rogue spat blood as he staggered forward. Then he uttered his final words.
"Klaus…forgive…me…."
He then crashed to the floor, his body twitched before finally growing still as he passed on.
Sion sighed heavily, struggling to his feet. "You ok dude?" Dante asked holding his hand out. Sion chuckled, "Yeah, thanks man" he said as he was helped to his feet.
"Brother, your wounds still aren't healing" Ramone said, concerned over the nasty injuries Jason sustained. Jason snorted, clutching his chest and torso which was still bleeding from Mugetsu's attack. With a shrug he proceeded to rip off his shirt and jacket, exposing his muscled body as he tossed the bloodied clothes to the side. "I'll be ok bro, now, what about her?" he asked noticing movement out the corner of his eye.
Minerva shook from fear as she watched the group. "They defeated Rogue. No…no this is too much!" she said turning to run. Kazuya blocked her path in an instant, grabbing her by the throat as she struggled and squirmed. "No, let her be, she is of no more concern. It's not worth the effort" Ramone said objecting as his brothers looked at each other.
Kazuya stared, long and hard into Minerva's eyes. Despite his growing penchant for violence against Klaus' subjects, he found himself agreeing with Ramone as he released her.
"Don't be absurd Kazuya! Finish her now while you have the chance!" Jacob shouted, growing flustered. Kazuya merely shook his head, walking past her. "I save my vengeance for Klaus. Let's move on" he said gesturing for the group to follow him. Sion and Dante looked at each other before shrugging and following. Ramone did the same, as did Jason who again called to Jacob.
"Yo, Jakey, come on bro let's just move on. Hey, little bro, you hear me?" Jason called turning back to his brother.
It all happened too fast. Moving faster than his brother's could react to, Jacob leaped high into the air, growling with increasing rage as he loomed over Minerva. With a savage shout of fury, he proceeded to bury his knees directly into her neck in a vicious and damaging dropping knee attack. Her body smashed to the ground, cracking the floor as her neck bent at a crude angle and her body twitched from the force of the blow. Her neck snapped with a sickening crunch as Jacob kept growling, his fangs increasing in size as he snapped his jaws.
"Jacob, stop it! That's enough, just what the hell are you doing?!" Ramone shouted at his brother's brutality. Jacob didn't answer, instead he leaped high into the air, flipping back down to his feet with a grunt. A maddening and sadistic grin crept to his face as he turned his head, in the direction of where he left Venus' body some twenty feet away. He held out his left palm, balling his right fist to his waist. With another battle cry, Jacob fired a massive orb of bright golden energy which illuminated the street level as it raced for Venus' body. Colliding with her, the resulting attack created a massive explosion causing the wind to pick up, the street to rumble and crack and several buildings to shake. The group looked on as Jacob's attack subsided. The only thing left was a smoldering crater and rising plume of ash and smoke. The youngest Salvatore gave a satisfied grunt as he lowered his hand.
"What the hell is wrong with you? They were done, they didn't needed to be killed so recklessly!" Ramone shouted. Jason merely smirked and folded his arms while Kazuya, Sion and Dante just stared. "Man, talk about overkill, even for me" Dante said as Sion narrowed his eyes.
Turning to his older brother, Jacob spat to the floor in anger and glared. "They got exactly what they deserve, and you, you make me sick sometimes I swear. This is war, there's no time for softness and mercy big brother" Jacob said. Ramone merely stared, anger still flowing through him. Jacob waved his arm, "If it were Jason or myself would they have shown us any mercy or kindness?! They're scum Ramone and that is how you deal with scum. You're a Salvatore, where's your pride?" Jacob shouted.
"My pride as a Salvatore remains with us, and with Lucian. Do not ever forget that. This may be war, but sometimes even your enemy doesn't deserve to die, like a dog. Think about that next time, little brother" Ramone said shaking his head and walking away. The group continued on, leaving behind Jacob whom was still fuming mad over the incident. Spitting a second time, Jacob stomped the floor and said "Ah fuck it" as he ran to catch up to the rest.
Elsewhere…
Klaus looked up, narrowing his eyes as he balled his fists, becoming visibly disturbed. Victoria slowly approached his side, "What's wrong?" she asked.
'Rogue…has been defeated" he said closing his eyes, silently mourning the passing of his general. Victoria, shocked at this revelation stiffened. "Is there, is there anything you want me to do?" she asked.
Klaus slowly opened his eyes, a mask of anger and pain creeping to his face. "No. There is nothing left to be done. This battle tonight has proved far more useful. We will wrap things up soon. I want you at city hall when our forces convene." Klaus commanded turning his attention back to the city.
Across the city…
Hiro staggered back from the deep slash wound delivered to his chest and shoulders. Ryoga stood before him, both swords out as he too was deeply wounded. Their sword duel having carried on for the past hour with neither gaining much ground, the end was near, either for both of them or only one.
Jamming his sword into the ground Hiro closed his eyes, reaching for his red bandana as he slowly removed it revealing once again, his War's Eye. The eye blinked several times as Hiro once again faced down Ryoga.
"So, it has come to this. One last technique left to settle this" Hiro said staggering as he flashed his amber eyes. His cloak jacket began rustling as Ryoga chuckled, despite his own tremendous injuries. Ryoga waved both his katanas, eager to finish their fight. "Not since my days in the Demon World have I encountered an opponent of your caliber. Surely you won't disappoint"
Hiro responded by closing his eyes, slowly re-opening them as bright sparks of golden energy began circulating and swirling around him. The great spectral form of a wolf loomed over, howling as Hiro concentrated as he began channeling his full power causing Ryoga to look on questioningly.
"Hhmm, Power of the Bloodline. Said to be a Werewolf's greatest and most lethal technique where they channel the collective might of the ancestors into their physical form, concentrating it to such a degree as to enhance their speed, strength, reflexes, endurance, spiritual energies to unprecedented levels. I've only heard about it but to see it with my own eyes. Just what does he intend to do?" Ryoga thought to himself.
Hiro reached for his sword, grabbing the blade as the energy dissipated and concentrated into the blade. Gripping it, Hiro saluted once with the sword, waving it and then reached for its scabbard. He slowly sheathed the blade into it, jamming it with great force creating a powerful shocking force as Ryoga's eyes widened. Hiro then slowly slid his left foot back, bending with his right as he gripped the sword in his left hand. His right knee bent further, his posture straightening as he crouched very lightly and also leaned forward. Hiro then dropped his right hand lowly, flexing his fingers as he clenched and released his fist twice before finally settling.
"I will unleash my greatest technique. Come, Ryoga, the Demon Swordsman. One blow is all I shall need" Hiro stated confidently as he stared coolly.
"That stance, it's of the battou-jutsu. Drawing the blade from its scabbard at rapid pace to increase cutting power and speed. But, is he truly that fast? No. I can beat him. In our entire battle his speed has steadily decreased. I can do this!"
Ryoga quickly sheathed his own dual katanas, adopting a similar stance to Hiro's as he braced himself. Both men remained utterly still, not budging an inch, staring with deadly precision and intensity.
And then he moved. The speed was staggering. Hiro gave a low grunt, disappearing as the ground quaked in his wake causing massive slabs of concrete to upheave itself.
"He disappeared! It will come down to the speed of our draws"
Ryoga shouted, he too disappearing. Moving at hyper speed, both men drew closer and closer, covering the distance between the two with remarkable might. Looming closer and closer, they began to draw their blades. It was then Hiro did the next drastic step; with his left foot he took an additional step forward, followed quickly by his right as he unsheathed his blade, clashing with Ryoga in a massive attack.
Just as quickly as it began, it was over with Hiro now standing with his sword and sheath in hand, panting heavily as his body shook from the sheer force and strain of his attack. Some six feet behind him, Ryoga staggered forward, dropping both swords to the floor as blood gushed out from every portion of his body, spraying to the air like a geyser as his armor cracked and broke away revealing his dried and withered body complete with a shriveled head and sunken eyes.
"Urgh, what….was that?" Ryoga struggled to speak. Hiro sighed, closing his eyes and slowly reopening them.
"The highest level of battou-jutsu. It's more than a simple sword draw: I attacked the nine vital targets of traditional kendo in one instance. The sheer strain on the body is overwhelming. Once I sheath my sword, your heart will stop and you will die. I have walked this earth for centuries, but you are the first opponent since my days as a samurai to force me to use such a technique. Consider this my parting fit, farewell, Ryoga" And with that Hiro, very slowly and deliberately began sheathing his sword, with a final push into its scabbard the battle ended and Ryoga collapsed, dead.
Lastly…
The Anima device activated turned thousands of New York's ordinary citizens into walking mindless puppets of Klaus' machinations. They stalked the street amassed in droves, joined in with the remainder of his massive force of super powered Vampires and ghouls. A large contingent was on the march, heading directly for city hall. Moaning, chanting and whispering past their lips as they continued stalking on.
"For his greatness, his Majesty, forever hail Klaus. He will be the one to free mankind from this cruel and terrible world of lies" one began chanting as the rest joined in.
Approaching the entrance to city hall, they were met with resistance.
"Well, what do we do? They're still human, I think" Rosette said reaching for her quiver of arrows. Vladimir frowned, not liking the prospect of possibly having to kill ordinary people.
"Unless Klaus himself turns them back, there's little we can do" Dexter said cocking his rifle.
Vladimir along with the others stood on the front entrance of city hall, watching with displeasure at the growing number of enemy forces marching towards them. From behind him, Master Sato slowly walked forward. "I know your heart, my pupil. You do not wish to needlessly cause the deaths of the innocent. But my son, this is war. And unfortunately for us, our enemy fancies himself a god. Klaus has shown that he is willing to use innocent people for his own twisted purposes. These people, we might not be able to save them but at the same time, we cannot allow them to go unchallenged. We have but only one option" he said staring into Vladimir's eyes, who swallowed a growing lump in his throat.
"I know…" he said balling his fists. Master Sato then turned back to the growing mob.
"Well, let us begin"
And with that he jumped straight into the fray, followed quickly by the others whom engaged the enemy. A massive circle was formed, the fighting taking place in the center as the mob of brainwashed citizens began chanting and praising Klaus' name.
Master Sato brandished his trademark long shirasaya, cutting and slashing with surprising speed considering his age. He wore his kimono draped across his shoulders, billowing with his every spin and turn as he cut down each foe which dared to cross his path. Surrounding him, several vampires attempted to swarm. Master Sato sheathed and pulled out his blade again, slicing their heads off. Noticing movement out the corner of his eyes he signaled to Vladimir.
"Vladimir, the entrance!" he said. Several ghouls staggered up the steps to the closed off doors of city hall entrance. Reaching the top, their bodies suddenly jolted forward as a long sword jammed through their backs, impaling them upon the door. The sacred blade of the Sokolov bloodline burning them to pieces in holy fire as they howled in agony.
Vladimir lowered his arm, reaching for his rifle and beginning to fire. He deliberately used his blade; whilst they fought, nothing unclean would be able to break through so long as the blade remained intact.
Dexter as well as Dutch fired from their assault rifles, shooting down ghoul and vampire alike. More of the Anima victims attacks, swiping and trying to swarm as they fought them off. Rosette fired her bow, hitting every target square in the heart. Looking up, she could see they would be overwhelmed in a matter of moments.
Master Sato slashed with his sword, the blade becoming stuck in the skull of one Anima slave who grabbed and knocked it out his hand. A vampire tried attacking from behind. Master Sato slowly stood to full height, letting his kimono fall to the floor. Spinning around he released a savage and mighty reverse punch, hitting his target square in the chin and sending the blood fiend sprawling back dozens of feet, crashing into the ground with a sickening thud. The fighting halted for a brief moment.
"No…no way. How can a mere human possess this kind of might?!" a vampire said worried as he and several of his comrades began shaking.
Master Sato dropped into a deep fighting stance, left fist tucked near his chest as his right fist was stretched out, trembling slightly.
"Hhhm. Must have put just a tad too much power into it. I'll be surprised if your jaw can even move after that" he said shrugging his shoulders and exhaling out deeply.
"Vladimir!" he called to his pupil. Vladimir answered, "Sir!" and took position by his side.
"Toshio!" Master Sato again called.
"Sir!" came the reply.
Renji! Sakyo! Ukyo!"
With his disciples in tow, Master Sato faced the horde before them, adopting a different fighting stance as he calmly exhaled, his eyes exuding a supreme amount of confidence, as well as strength and determination causing even the vampires to flinch.
"Fight with me, my pupils, my disciples, my sons. Fight with me, and we shall not fall. Are you with me?" he asked not taking his eyes off their enemies.
Vladimir stomped both feet, sliding his right foot back as he balled his right fist to his waist and held his left hand out. "With you always, sensei" he answered. Toshio and the rest made similar gestures.
"Of course" Toshio replied.
"Until the end" Renji said grinning. The twins likewise nodding.
"For Japan" Sakyo replied. "For freedom" said Ukyo.
Just then a massive burst of red energy exploded in the center some feet away, blowing away portions of the ground as well as a few of the small trees around. The energy dissipated, revealing none other than Victoria. Only, she was backed by all manner of beasts from the evening's war. Smirking she batted her eyes and snapped her fingers.
"Begin" she said simply and watched as the chaos unfolded.
Several Juggernauts lumbered forward, wielding their massive Vulcan cannons. Laughing the fiends were joined by more of the Anima slaves and vampires, forcing the group to tighten together.
"Man this some bullshit" Dutch said unhappily as he reached for a spare ammo clip. "Got shot in the ass now have to deal with this. Look at that big motherfucker got a damn cannon strapped on his back!" he said as Dexter frowned.
Just when hope seemed lost, a deep and long howl pierced the air causing the battle to pause. Vladimir instantly recognized it and smirked. 'We're not dead just yet" he said happily.
Sprinting forward, Michael and the entire wolf pack appeared. Wasting no time they jumped into the fray, opening fire on the enemy forces who returned fire.
"Hold the line and do NOT give up!" Michael shouted pulling his Desert Eagles out and shooting down two vampires. The wolf pack spread out, dashing through the enemy ranks. Sergei and Alex fired from several of their rifles, Kathy using her revolvers as they continued on. Kali and her pack also joining the attack. With a toss of her long red hair, she whipped out twin long knives, cutting and hacking several vampires to pieces as she fought alongside Michael.
The battle to defend city hall shifted to overdrive. Vladimir and his pals combating the Anima slaves in hand to hand combat, using their superior martial arts training. Vladimir taking down one whom tried stabbing him with a knife. Avoiding the wild slashes he kicked his assailant hard in the leg, alternating right and left as he grabbed the weapon hand, twisting the joint back before knocking the person to the floor. Toshio and the others likewise defending themselves with punches and kicks.
Master Sato was perhaps most impressive, despite his elderly appearance his was frighteningly fast and lethally strong. Snapping and twisting joints, delivering savage and thunderous hard bodied elbows, knees, kicks and punches. Many vampires began cowering just at the mere sight of his attacks.
Michael paused, looking up to see three Juggernauts approaching as they readied their cannons. He prepared to strike when he looked up in the sky.
"Slaughter them, Wolf's Bane!"
Lucian suddenly appeared, whipping out his sword and unleashing a torrent of destruction. All 1000 fangs unleashed as he cut a deep path through the enemies, human and vampire alike as they were slashed to ribbons. Landing to his feet he splashed blood off his blade and promptly sheathed it, turning to Michael with a neutral expression. He noticed Kali some few feet away as she gave him a curious glance. Turning back to Michael he said "Interesting guests we have this evening"
Michael said 'Look, we need the Salvatore's more so than ever probably. Help us, fight with me" he said pleading as Lucian did not respond.
"Brother!" Lucian heard turning to his right, to see his brothers, along with Dante, Sion and Kazuya fast approaching. Just as they banded together they heard a deep crazed laughter as a massive swarm of bats suddenly filled the air, swarming in a mass vortex.
Alucard slowly formed, casting a sadistic glance as the vampires began cowering and shaking. Removing his pistols he opened fire, killing dozens of them in gory fashion. Seras and Nero soon appeared, Nero waving Yamato once and unleashing a large crescent wave, obliterating several of the Animal slaves in one swipe, further decimating the enemy ranks.
"Alright, looks like all the power players are just about here!" Nero said with a confidant smirk as he pulled out his Blue Rose pistol. And indeed, for much of the remainder of the group soon came to aid. Raskos emerged from atop one of the far adjourning buildings, roaring as he plummeted to the street level with a thunderous smash. Grinning he sneered as he beat his chest, beginning to smash any foe to cross his path.
Sion and Dante each used their blades Rebellion and Oblivion respectively, slicing and tearing through several ghouls. Dante smirked, back flipping to avoid an attack before pulling out his pistols. Opening fire he crossed arms, shooting down several Anima slaves.
The Salvatore's combined their might: Lucian using Wolf's Bane, Jason wielding the Manji Blade and Ramone and Jacob fighting with their fangs and fists respectively. Kazuya pointed his right finger at a struggling Juggernaut, firing a concentrated beam as it decapitated the large foe.
Packs of Sires appeared, snarling and snapping their jaws as they ran forward intending to pounce on anything that could move. Rosette found herself surrounded and cut from the group. She batted one away with her bow before another leaped forward, knocking it from her hand. She pulled out a large combat knife, slicing one in the eye as it howled and backed off.
'Rosette! Rosette hang on!" Dexter shouted as he sprinted forward. Dozens of Anima slaves blocked his path as he opened fire, batting them aside trying desperately to reach her. Rosette sucked her teeth as a Sire snapped at her foot as she jumped and flipped over one only to be tackled to the floor. "Shit!" she said frantically as she tried to get to her feet. Rosette then watched very unhappily as several of the wolf like beasts closed in, snapping and licking their jaws as Dexter shouted "Rosette no!" Rosette watched as one leaped forward intending to pounce on an easy kill, just as she braced for her death, the Sire was suddenly snatched out the air, causing Rosette to look up at the massive figure lurched over her.
Holding the struggling fiend, a monstrous creature, standing a staggering 13 feet tall growled deeply as it bellowed mightily before tossing the Sire away as it smashed to the ground with a grisly crunch. The creature leaped in front of Rosette, roaring with such fury as to halt the other scuffles taking place, causing everyone to look on in amazement.
Rosette had never before seen a beast like this. It sort of resembled a Werewolf, yet seemed different. It had large pointed ears, but a lion's like mane, a bear like snout with massive fangs and teeth, dark brown fur, black tiger stripes and a very long prehensile tail, like a primate's. The beast snorted, smashing the ground with its right fist while holding its left palm near Rosette, signaling it was defending her. The Sires, now numbering twenty stalked closer and closer.
The beast roared and attacked, charging forward with speed and beginning to rip and tear the Sires apart. It slashed with its large heavy paws, disemboweling or outright eviscerating the Sires who swarmed it. Biting into its flank, shoulders and back the beast rolled around, swiping them and grabbing them. One Sire jumped to its back, biting with great force as it roared and flung it off. It spun, backhanding one, then spun again slashing apart a second and third. One leaped for its chest, the beast grabbed it, snapping its back with a savage crunch and tossing it aside. The creature continued spinning, biting and slashing all the while not allowing even one of the Sires to touch Rosette, whom stared in sheer shock.
Finally, it punched one Sire in the face before smashing tis body to the ground, causing the remaining three to retreat, tails tucked as they whined and howled. Looming to full height, the creatures roared with tremendous fury before calming down, slowly turning to Rosette as its features softened, panting and rumbling softly as she slowly stood to full height just as Dexter rushed over.
"Babe I'm fine, but, what is this?" she asked gesturing to the creature as Dexter shrugged.
"It…it couldn't be" Lucian said, to his brother's confusion. Michael too seemed to recognize this newcomer while his pack shrugged.
Rosette took a cautious step forward, staring long and hard. Something seemingly clicked as she smiled very gently.
'Seth?"
Seth snorted a reply before baring his teeth.
"About damn time you guys realized it was me! Guess I can't blame you though, since I haven't taken this from in centuries" Seth said, his voice echoing as he snorted again. Dexter felt his jaw drop, just how the hell was this Seth?
"I think I can clarify. Seth is not just a Shapeshifter. He is something of a legend. A hybrid. A perfect union of both wolf and shifter" Michael said walking over, followed by Lucian and a few others.
Michael sighed and said, "Seth is a Wereshifter; half Werewolf, half Shapeshifter" as everyone gasped. Seras turned to Alucard, "Is…is that possible?" she asked as Alucard chuckled.
Lucian said, "Originally, Shapeshifting began as a genetic offshoot to Lycanthropy, thousands of years ago. As such our two species, though evolved differently are nonetheless capable of inter breeding. It doesn't happen often though. I have heard the legends myself but to see it with my own two eyes. This is extraordinary. This means something remarkable" he said as everyone turned to him.
"You are looking at the first Wereshifter hybrid, in over 800 years" Lucian said.
Seth snorted and then rustled his fur, quickly turning his attention back to the now greatly diminished enemy forces.
Victoria, irritated by their resilience disappeared in a flash of red light leaving behind several bewildered vampires.
'She left us!" one cried, staring in fear at the group.
But another took to the initiative to charge forward, leaping straight for the heart of the group as everyone braced themselves. Suddenly, the vampire, along with several of its comrades were violently impaled by scores of blades and bayonets which seemed to appear from nowhere. The blessed weapons causing them to crumble and wither away as the blades lodges into the ground.
Recognizing the tell tale sign, Alucard began chuckling and clapping his hands as Seras too recognized it. A flutter of Bible pages appeared, circling over the group before spreading in massive volume as a tall figure emerged in the center, rising to full height.
Vladimir, Rosette, Dexter and a few others gasped. "Son of a bitch, they didn't abandon us like how we first assumed" Dexter said. Rosette nodded, "I'm actually glad"
"Well well, looky here. The Iscariot's top ranked assassin. The Regenerator" Michael said smirking.
Lucian narrowed his eyes, "The Paladin Priest". His brother's also took note of this newcomer.
"Iscariot's Trump Card" said Jason.
"Judas Priest" said Jacob and Ramone.
Kazuya said, "The Killing Judge"
Vladimir said, "The Bayonet Priest. Angel Dust. Dust to Dust. Executioner" just as this figure began laughing wildly as Alucard finished.
"THE PALADIN, FATHER ALEXANDER ANDERSON" the vampire count shouted just as Anderson raised scores of bayonets and flung them towards more vampires and ghouls, killing them instantly.
"What do my eyes lay sight on? The undead, walking amongst the living, and their legion is large. Do mine eyes approve of this? Does God approve of this? NO. Iscariot will not allow it, I will not allow it" Anderson said pulling two bayonets out, mashing them together in a cross and taking a stance as he grinned.
"You will be cut down like straw, and tremble before my wrath. Now then, SOLDIERS OF ISCARIOT, COME FORTH AND WE WILL SMITE THESE DEMONS AND ALL HERETICS BACK INTO HELL!" Anderson shouted as everyone looked around the surrounding buildings. Rows upon rows of Paladin priest began appearing, leaping to the ground levels and taking ranks, forming an impressive line not only between the remaining horde but also blocking the main entrance to city hall. Among them were two unique characters: A nun wielding a katana with a red scabbard and a priest with glasses, wielding two pistols and holding a lit cigarette in his mouth. Both took positions beside Anderson with the nun wielding the same sadistic smirk as Anderson.
Vladimir couldn't help but be impressed at the order the Iscariot forces demonstrated as he looked around.
"Now then my soldiers of Iscariot. Speak to me O'Children and servants of the Lord. Tell us who you are!" Anderson said. Beside him, Heinkel Wolfe and Yumie Takagi began reciting along with the entire unit.
'We are soldiers of Iscariot. We are Judas Iscariot!" they said as Anderson pulled more blades out.
"And what do you possess in your right hand?" Anderson asked as they replied.
"Daggers and poison!"
"And I ask of you, what do you hold in your left hand?" Anderson said.
"30 pieces of silver!" they replied. Yumie began unsheathing her katana while Heinkel readied her pistols. The Anima slaves along with the vampires charged forward, straight for the Iscariot troops who opened fire with their own weapons. Anderson tossed blade after blade, all the while continuing the Iscariot battle creed.
"So Iscariot, what art thou?" Anderson shouted slicing through a ghoul. Beside him, Yumie pulled her katana out, rapidly tearing through several vampires as Heinkel shot down more of the Anima slaves.
"We are apostles, yet not apostles. We are adherents, yet not adherents. We are believers, yet not believers. We are heretics, yet not heretics. We are disciples of death, Death Disciple Group. Only bowing and praying forgiveness of the Lord;
Only bowing and defeating the enemies of the Lord.
Wielding our dagger in the night and poisoning the evening meal,
We are assassins; the Assassin Judas.
When the time comes, we shall cast our thirty silver pieces at the altar
And hang thy head from our rope.
Thereby we shall fall to Hell in cabal.
Lined up in square formation, we seek to do battle with the 7405926 demons of Hell.
APOCALYPSE NOW!"
The Iscariot forces helped turn the tide, reducing even more of the would be city hall invasion. Even the mighty Juggernauts falling to their skill and might. Just as things progressed, a voice halted their actions.
"Very well done, Iscariot, Hellsing, Nightstalkers, and the Order. You have fought with valor, courage, conviction and tenacity. This night shall be worthy of remembrance in the history books."
Everyone froze, recognizing the voice. "Klaus…" Anderson swore as he splashed blood off his bayonets and looked to the night sky. Rosette held close to Dexter as he pulled her to him while the remainder of the group listened.
"This fighting could go on indefinitely. But I have another purpose in mind. I admit that you have pushed my forces to the brink, for now at least. I do not wish to see any more blood spilled, when I have such great plans for mankind. I will say this: I am repelling what remains of my forces. Take this time my friend. Treat your wounded and injured, mourn your dead and send them off, rest, recover your own forces. At dawn, I will request a special audience. Meet my forces at the Great Lawn in Central Park where we shall discuss in person what my goals are and what your future awaits. As I have said before; I am building a new world, and to do that I must end this. People will die, but through their death I will usher in peace and freedom. Let me save you from this awful world of lies"
And with that, Klaus' forces instantly began retreating leaving behind a bewildered group.
"That arrogant prick" Nero spat angrily. Vladimir sighed, collapsing to his knees and breathing heavily. "Let's just do what he says for now at least. We've spared the city at least further destruction. Radio our forces and let's call it a night"
Michael then turned to Lucian and to Kali. "Kali, will you stand by us, with your wolves?' he asked. She smiled back, "Of course. For an old friend" she said winking. Lucian, with his back turned did not answer. Slowly turning, his brothers waited cautiously at his reply. He held out his hand as Michael raised his eyes.
"Take my hand and stand by me, brother" Lucian said as Michael grasped it strongly. "Thank you my friend" Michael said smirking. "It shall be forever known, that on this night we embraced each other, as brother" Lucian said returning the smirk, their packs howling in celebration.
And so, the remainder of the chaotic and awful night slowly began to pass on. The group disbanded, tending to their wounded, meeting with allies and recovering from the long and hard night of fighting. Hours passed, no other battles or skirmishes taking place in the already worn and battle weary city.
From his post, Klaus sat at his makeshift throne, contemplating himself the evening's events. His eyes drifted to the far side of the city, just over the Hudson River and the horizon. Then, he watched, perhaps with a sense of content himself as the first bright beams of sunlight began slowly filling beyond the river as dawn soon approached.
"They will listen, and they will answer. I await their reply" he said clenching his fist.
End Chapter
MAN! Sorry this was so long but as you can see, I wanted to make it nice and juicy for you. Stay tuned, big developments next chapter.
Klaus meets with the allied forces. There he divulges his true plot. What is his goal? What is he after? As our heroes listen, they find that Klaus and even Theokoles himself has a deep connection intertwining many of their past. What will this revelation prove and has the fighting truly ended? Stay tuned!