Night of the Hunter ( Keru-chan & Gatichan)

[Gatichan]

Night of the Hunter

 

 

 

Name:

Rafael Capodimonte

 

Race:

Vampire

 

Age:

2500 years old (outward appearance, that of a 25-year-old male)

 

Appearance:

 

History:

Rafael Capodimonte was born into Italian nobility around the beginning of the 16th century. When he was alive, he was rather lazy, a known bisexual Casanova and gambler. Turned when he was 25, Rafael spend his first century moving around Italy, afraid of crossing the borders of his native country. With time, he came to learn several European foreign languages, developing a love and interest in art, theater and music. Now, at the turn of the 18th century, he has bought an large house near the center of London to escape vampire hunters near Venice, where he had been living for the past 500 years. Little is known of his whereabouts or personality- all his neighbors know is that he is wealthy and that he has odd hours, usually only coming out at night.

 

[Keru-chan]

Name:

Cynric Ainsworth

 

Race:

Human

 

Age:

21

 

Appearance:

History:

Cynric Ainsworth, a young man that has experienced the most of life's surprises under the 21 years he has wandered on the earth. On the 9th October in the outskirts of a little village, Cynric Ainsworth was born into a genus of Vampire Hunters. Right from the beginning he was trained and raised by his parents to become an excellent Hunter. An emotionless killing machine. He had everything in his hands to become the ultimate Hunter. Everything besides the will. And without a will then it doesn't matter how good one are. Without a will, then you're useless as a Hunter. On Cynric's sixteenth birthday his parents were brutally murdered under one of their hunting journeys. And all of this gave him a reason to hunt. Some years later he was recruited by an organisation working with hunting Vampires. For two years he travelled through the world completing missions to later on return to England in the search after the guilty for murdering his family. Not much are known about this young man besides the fact that he doesn't leave any loose threads.

[Gatichan]

When Rafael opened his eyes, it was to find himself inside a dark, unfamiliar room. The noises that flittered through to the inside of his dark, dark bedroom that contained no windows whatsoever, were unfamiliar to him. Isolated words floated over to him…words in a language that wasn’t natural to him…words in English…and then, it all came rushing back to him in a flash.

 

He had had to leave his bella Italia and retreat to this cold, gray city further north. He had last resided in Venice, the pretty city with the decadent buildings, an even more decadent lifestyle and fine museums through which Rafael had glided through on several nights after he had dined. Music, romance, history, adventure- all that had been in the night’s air whenever he had woken up and deeply breathed in, but after the attempts on his life little more than a month before, Rafael had been forced to leave for good. His association to two others of his race had had him linked to a number of rather flashy human murders and as the saying went, he had been made guilty by association. He’d had no choice, after the vampire hunter association operating from Rome had twice almost captured him, but to leave his home country and venture into the unknown, small English isle. Already Rafael was beginning to wish he’d moved to another country with a more melodious language, because the female voice calling out from somewhere in the streets below that she was selling match boxes was grating on his nerves. So despite the fact that his throat began to burn like fire from blood thirst, Rafael remained lying still on his bed, feeling alone, depressed, but at the same time furious at his having been chased away from his home.

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[Keru-chan]

The blood. It covered everything. The four walls, the earlier white bed sheets and of course the lifeless bodies that laid in front of him. Their faces, contorted in fear and pain. Their eyes, wide open without even the slightest sign of anything that resembled something positive in them. Bite marks decorated the severely wounded bodies that barely looked human. It was always the same memories that came to him at night to haunt him. And even though he still could admit that it was a horrible sight he had by this time already gotten used to the grotesque pictures that he got to behold. He could describe every single little detail in every one of them. A couple of years ago he had despised their regularly visit, nowadays his eyes only observed them. One after one and then let them all fade away as the morning arrived. This of course resulted in early mornings and late nights which itself led to reduced sleep. But both his mind and his body had already accustomed to this. It was now a part of his daily life.

And once again he had spent another ten minutes thinking of his past. It wasn't that unusual seeing him in this state. No, it happened a lot recently that he suddenly just got swept away by it all. Sometimes he could remain like this in hours. Hours of just thinking. Cynric drew a deep breath that was followed by a light sigh before letting his gaze be directed down in the book in his hands. The sound of hoves that clappered against asphalt echoed in his head as he slowly connected to reality once again. Outside the little side window on the door in to the carriage the sun was setting. Telling him that the darkness would soon threw itself over the landscape and claim control over the sky. Which also meant that it wouldn't be too long before most of the underworlds creatures would come out to enjoy the night. Or to be more accurate, before the Vampires would leave their coffins to feast. To secure his own safety, Cynric once again laid his right slender hand on the gun that were hidden under his long black coat. As long as he had that he would be safe from their razor sharp fangs that longed to penetrate his pale skin. Laying the book aside he drew a hand through blueish black short hair, leaned back on the seatback and closed his eyes. Allowing himself to sleep some time before reaching the captial of England, London.

And even though he already knew what was waiting for him in the dreams world he let go of reality once again to return to the hellish nightmares of memories from his life. The smiles. The laughters. Those peaceful days and then the end to those. The blood. The corpses and the desire for revenge that took it's beginning in the roots of his parents death. And then he reminded himself of the promise he had made to himself that day when he had gotten the message that he no longer had a home to return to.

'I'll avenge you.'

[Gatichan]

Rafael couldn’t remain lying there forever, because he would soon need blood, yet still he remained prone inside his dark coffin beneath the master bed he had had shipped all the way from Venice to London. The bed was extremely heavy and would have caused good ten humans to lift it up and carry it anywhere, whereas he could have picked it up with one hand and tossed it anywhere inside his new apartment that he had wanted to have it in. But Rafael lived in a world of appearances. It was necessary and important to uphold a certain image in this new society he had come to live in, because he was planning on residing for a longer period of time there.

 

It had been for a certain reason that Rafael had selected London as his new home city. He had heard various tales of the growing city through several travelers and tourists he had had the pleasure to feast on in Italy. He had known about the buildings, the cobbled streets, the Thames, the dog carts, the poor, bedraggled children that lived on the streets. He had heard of the magnificent Tower Bridge with all its horrific history, the old Shakespeare Theater and of course the nobility of having a royal family as head of the country. But he had also heard tales of poverty, of illness and stench and to this he had been drawn. Who would really notice or realize that beggars and other poor people were disappearing off the London streets? Who would care? If anything, wouldn’t the better to-dos be relieved that the rabble was diminishing?

 

So, long before he had known for sure that he was to leave his beautiful home city of Venice, Rafael had begun to prepare his voyage. Little by little, he had started to have his belongings shipped to London, and once he had made the acquaintance of a lawyer traveling around Italy, Rafael had approached him and sought out his guidance upon finding himself a new abode. And indeed, the esteemed lawyer, who had turned out to have a rather good hand when it came to finding peculiar things that suited Rafael’s lifestyle without raising too much attention or asking any peculiar questions, had found him this house. It had been old, but Rafael had money, so it hadn’t been difficult to have it restored to better fit his high standards. But it really had been a matter of pure good luck that the house had been finished when Rafael had received news that the hunter association had been after him. By then, the greater part of his belongings had already been en route to England via ship, so it hadn’t been difficult for Rafael to call in a favor or two. Stowed away inside a large, heavily locked safe, he had undertaken the voyage north, leaving his beloved Venice behind for London.

 

Rafael sighed. The thirst was becoming the dominating thought inside his head and he could feel his fangs elongating. He really couldn’t put off hunting any longer. So, with a sigh that suggested he had more years on him than it seemed, Rafael pushed against the heavy coffin lid and it opened with a creak.

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[Keru-chan]

He was falling. Falling down into a endless hole of darkness. His sky blue eyes were open but the only thing he could se was a compact darkness that surrounded him. The colour of death. Then suddenly a gently pat was placed on his head by a coarse hand.

"Cynric".

A dark manly voice called out for him and suddenly he wasn't falling anymore. And the darkness continued to fell and hit the ground like waves against cliffs. They formed themselves to trees. Flowers, stones and clouds. Automatically he had closed his eyes when realising that he wasn't falling anymore. And when he once again opened them he found himself staring up at the sky that was stained by innocent white clouds. Where were he? With a deep breath he heaved himself up in a sitting position, letting out a quiet groan when his mind was attacked by a horrible headache. But that didn't stop him from standing up though.

Slowly he stumbled his way through the field to the end of it and continued into the forest. It smelled familiar and the feeling of nostalgia calmed his nerves. He had been here before. The young man stopped temporarily to let reach out for one of the trees and let his fingertips wander over the bark. Then he heard it again. His name. But this time it was a female voice that was calling out form him.

"Cynric".

He followed it deeper into the woods and for every step he took the headache seemed to get worse. But he also got small glimpses of different memories. He and his mother on their way to the village. He and his father fighting with tree swords and a lot of more things that made his heart ache of longing. He wanted them back.

Then everything was devoured by darkness once again and he found himself laying down on the sofa in the carriage. It had stopped. Which meant that he had reached his destination. The black haired man sighed and grabbed the book before opening the door. Even though it was night the streets were filled with people of all ages. Young, old and middle-aged men and women. If they only knew the danger of being outside at this time they would probably sit home. So unaware of everything that the night involved.

After having paid for the ride he headed in in the crowd with both his hands resting in the pockets on the black coat. Wherever you went there would always be at least one who had fallen victim to a vampire. Ancient. Immortal. Monsters. They have been called a lot of things under the years. But for the most of the time they were regarded as a .creature that didn't exist'. And even he who had been born into a family of Vampire Hunters had been skeptical at first. He knew everything about them. But had never seen one. So it wasn't strange that there had been doubts in his mind first. It wasn't before his parents got killed that he actually realised that they were out there. Hiding in the dark. They were invisible for those who didn't want to believe. For those who didn't want to see the truth.

"Young man, please!" A shrill child voice broke through his thoughts.

Made him immediately stop and then turn around to let his gaze sunk down to the boy with the stretched out hat. His sky blue eyes didn't reveal anything, but as he continued to observe the boy his face expression seemed to soften significantly. Even without Vampires, humans still continued to suffer.

"Here you go" He let down some coins in the hat and the boy gave him a bright smile before disappearing in the crowd.

They were all suffering. Even though they weren't aware of it. And with those words lingering in his thoughts he continued his walk on the London Street on this cold Sunday night.

[Gatichan]

Once he had slipped past his bed unused, untouched bed, Rafael crossed through the unlit bedroom towards the heavy oaken doors. He was sure that the men who had been put to work on his new house hadn’t understood why he had insisted on having two doors to enter the room by. The first one that anyone who chanced into the depths of his new apartment would see from the gloomy hall was a common, simply door. Nothing spectacular at all. When one opened it, however, one would find a steel-enforced oaken one. Rafael had known that the English wouldn’t know what to think of such a door, but to Rafael’s kind, this was essential: no human, no matter how strong, would be able to break the door open from the outside. Once it had been shut closed, it was impossible to move…except if one had supernatural powers as he did. This door alone was what protected Rafael from the foreign outside world when he laid down to sleep. The coffin, although equally difficult to break open, was a dad giveaway as to his nature if found. Soon, when he had gathered his bearings better and knew his way around London and the English society, Rafael would employ house discreet maids. They would be asked to clean around and give off the image that people really did live inside Rafael’s apartment. As he’d already said: appearance was everything.

 

Stepping into the cold bathroom – Rafael was going to have to contact Mr. Rutherford about having someone come up to see that his rooms were heated every night before he woke up – Rafael glanced at himself in the mirror. Not that he’d expected his outward appearance to change or anything, but it was still a relief to see the same handsome, thin face staring back at him through pale green-blue eyes. Twenty-five years old- this was the way he had been frozen for eternity. Back when he had still been human, it had mainly been his fear, after having seen his younger brother die of cholera, to one day fall ill and unnecessarily suffer the way his poor brother had. As a human, Rafael had been vain and even though with time he his personality had thankfully improved in certain aspects, he still dedicated a lot of time to grooming. After all, a vampire’s beauty was what attracted human beings as prey in the first place. Picking up his fine golden and pearl brush, he began to work through his longer dark hair. It reached well past his shoulders and to his chest. To the English society, it was bound to look frivolous and underclass, but in Italy no one would have noticed anything. Rafael made a face: he had grown to love this length, but he was going to have to cut his hair every night while he lived there in London, otherwise he ran the risk of attracting the wrong attention. Reaching up, Rafael stared straight into his own eyes as his fingernails, which could cut through his skin that to humans was as impenetrable as marble – unless one was a Vampire Hunter and had the correct, necessary, fatal weapons – tore, cut and trimmed his hair into that of a neat, upper class Englishman’s. Now, as long as he dressed appropriately, he wasn’t likely to arouse suspicion at all.

 

Walking towards the room where he kept his seventeen chests filled with fie, expensive clothes that had been tailor-made for him by Italian designers, Rafael purposefully and painstakingly began to put together the outfit of a better-to-do gentleman. Even though it wasn’t necessary, because since his transformation he had no outward flaws at all, he opted for a fine long black walking cane, topped with a circular silver ball. It was bound to attract attention, but the kind that he aimed for: it ought to be known that he had come to live in that London area. Putting on a black hat that wasn’t too flashy, Rafael stepped out into the night, feeling his eyes changing. He had really drawn out his desire for blood for as long as he could, but it was time that he fed. As he stepped onto the dirty, dark street of London, a young boy, happily bouncing some silver coins in an old worn hat hurried by, not looking where he was going. Rafael’s sharp eyes took in what humans probably couldn’t see: the beginnings of disease. Due to the poor child’s living, he had come into contact with a virus that would end with terrible suffering, lung collapse and finally, inevitably, death. Already the faint reek of illness surrounded him, invisible to humans, yet not to him. Despite the boy’s age, Rafael knew that in the long turn, what he was about to do, would spare the boy a lot of suffering. Lowering his hat slightly over his eyes, Rafael ducked his head and, at a steady, inconspicuous human speed, began to follow the boy.

[Keru-chan]

Laugther. Voices of all tones. High pitched, dark, soft and hoarse. It seemed to be no end on this ocean of sounds. But the young man only perceived the words that the voices said as a muffled murmur.

The only thing that lighted up his way was the street lamps and it's turbid yellowish glow that were threwn down on the uneven pavement. Over and over again the sky blue eyes let their gaze be swept through the crowd. Examined the unfamiliar faces that passed by. Seeking for a clue that would reveal their secret. Paler skin. Unnatural colour on the eyes. Outstanding beauty or even some kind of hint of fangs. Every once in a while he saw someone with one of these things. Making his stomach slightly turn in disgust when realising their true form. But even if his hand every time automatically placed itself on the well hidden gun he didn't draw it. Instead he let his gaze remain over them so that they would know. So that they would notice that they couldn't hide from him. They couldn't hide from his eyes. And every reaction were different. Some of them simply ignored him and continued with enjoying themselves in the human company that each of them had hanging after them. Some of them met his eyes but didn't make any attempt to threaten him. And others would try to avoid his merciless eyes by distancing themselves from him. After heaving heard something like this it was only natural to ask why he didn't do anything when they were right beside him. Rather than he couldn't he wasn't allowed by the organisation to do anything that would draw attention. They wanted the people to continue to blindly live their lifes unaware of the danger that they exposed themselves to every day. Cynric couldn't blame them though. If people knew, they would panic and then regard life a living hell. It was better if they remained blind.

The black haired man suddenly seeked his way out of the crowd and continued through a dark, narrow alley that soon petered out in a couple of stone stairs, still wet by yesterdays rain. He only passed a few people on his way. They were either drunk or homeless. But the one thing that they had in common was that they all probably was unhappy, and that they all were gathered around barrels which red and orange flames shot up through. Warming their bodies and hands and telling their stories. Sharing all of the bad parts of their lives.

When he finally stopped it was before a rather old tree door whose appearance could easily fool anyone. Because behind it a big bar was hiding. Cynric straightened his back, and then stretched out his clenched fist to knock on the door five times in a very special way. Then with a creak it slightly opened and an eye was seen through the small gap between the door and the wall. It took some seconds before the door opened fully and the first thing he saw was a tall muscular man that when compared to himself, looked like a mountain.

"Welcome" He muttered out with a unfriendly voice.

But Cynric didn't take notice of that but simply passed the threshold and the mountain man. Music, energetic music floated through the room together with a smell of smoke from cigarettes and cigars. With a deep breath he slowly walked over to the bar to be met by the bartender who immediately glared back at him.

"Excuse me sir but I've heard that you have information about a suspicous person".

Some seconds passed and they continued to stare at each other. Then with a sigh Cynric laid two coins on the disk. Which the quickly accepted and as he had looked through the man's thoughts Cynric leaned over the disk, lending the man his ear.

"I don't know that much about him. No one knows much about him. The neighbours says that they he's rarely out in daylight and is usually seen a lot on the night instead. They also says that for the moment they haven't seen any other person in the house but the man himself".

With a small frown the young man continued to lean over the disk, waited for more information. But it seemed like the stranger didn't want to tell anymore. And his own patience began to run out. It didn't matter what he did. The man didn't want to tell him. So he turned around, looking defeated but instantly drew his gun, pointing it at the man. And suddenly it got awkwardly silent.

"I need more. Some things that not everyone knows" It wasn't a threat but Cynric couldn't avoid sounding a little colder than he had expected.

The man stepped back, fiery red in the face. But even if his face expression was pure anger his eyes showed the fear that he held for the gun.

"I don't know anything more!" He hissed at him.

And then, suddenly his light pink lips was curled into a slightly amused smile.

"I'm sure you know more if you don't want a bullet in your head".

 

After a long while he left the bar with an adress on a note. A note to the person that would answer his questions and lead him to the culprits. Wether the stranger wanted it or not.

[Gatichan]

The little boy’s clothes were poorly and had several holes that probably caused the small child to freeze at night and during the day when a strong wind blew. He loped along merrily, making the coins inside his hat jingle and his mouth probably water as he imagined all the nice food he could buy with it to fill his empty, aching stomach. Rafael shook his head and looked away. It was when he tried to put himself in the place of his victims, try to feel as they felt, try to imagine their hopes and dreams that he found it hardest to feed. But he had gone too long without blood already and if he didn’t want to become careless, he was going to have to lure the little boy towards him. Seeing that further up ahead a man was trying to light one of the gas lamps that had gone out and would shed a little light onto the dark London street, Rafael knew that he had to act right then.

 

“Hey, you there!” he called out quietly, but so that in the boy’s ears it sounded normal. The boy turned around immediately, hastily hugging his cloth hat closer to his chest in an attempt at hiding his day’s work. The sight pained Rafael- in Italy, he had fed on well-fed tourists and not on children, but reminding himself that this midget had no parents or promising future, he waved, motioning for the boy to come closer. Any normal child would have glanced towards their parents questioningly, seeking approval, but this little one immediately hurried towards Rafael. Only the slightest flicker in his eyes told Rafael that the boy’s instinct was still somewhere there, cautioning him against Rafael’s possibly ill intentions. “You called, Sir?” the boy asked and Rafael nodded, careful to stand beneath the closest gas lamp that had mysteriously gone out before the boy had turned around. “Yes,” the vampire replied. “Would you like to earn some money? I have an errand for you.” The boy’s eyes lit up as he cast aside his last inklings of doubt, sensing a large reward and thus sealing his doom.

 

Since no one else aside from the lantern lighter had been in the street, but with his back turned on them, Rafael scooped the boy up and vanishing into a blur, reappeared again inside a pitch black alleyway that he had walked by before. The boy was so stunned by the sudden movement that his mouth fell open, but Rafael had taken precautions and clapped a hand over the boy’s mouth. And then, before he could properly come to his senses, Rafael had already sunk his elongated fangs into the doomed child’s neck. His vampiric senses took over as the first squirt of rich, rich blood filled his mouth and he closed his eyes, giving in to the delicious taste. All too soon he had drunk up all the blood, the boy uttering nothing louder than a sigh as Rafael filled his last minute on earth with pictures of sunlight and happiness. Licking the holes he had created to close them, Rafael closed the boy’s eyes and gently lowered him onto the cobble stones. Remorse coursed through him at the sight, but he was an animal and needed to feed- that was his nature. And even though he was nowhere near satisfied, it would do until the next night.

 

Before returning to his new, lonely abode, Rafael made two stop-overs. First, he slipped a hand-written note under the door of Mr. Rutherford, requesting that his lawyer send over maids the very next day to decorate his apartment and to bring some life into it. They were to spread the word that he, the new owner of the house, had been quite ill for some time, but that he would soon feel better to leave his bedroom and look around London. And the second invitation went to the only vampire whom Rafael knew that lived in London. It was time, before he started to properly introduce himself to the London higher society, that he learned some names and memorized the venues he was to soon visit.

[Keru-chan]

Whispers that came from the dark. Quiet secrets that was let out to the world. Apparently there had been a couple of disappearances this month. Which wasn't exacty unusual but the thing that seemed to frighten the humans were the knowledge of that the bodies weren't found again. And the fact that it could happen to anyone. That was revealed by the difference between the ages of the ones who had 'stopped existing'. Wherever you walked there was always some kind of 'missing' posters. On the street lamps. On the walls. Everywhere. But then you could ask yourself, what about those who didn't have people who would notice their disappearance? Those, they were forgotten. Brought to the shadows to never come out to the light again. It was sad. That people could be forgotten so easily. So that was why he had a notebook full of names. Names that belonged to those who then became devoured by the shadows. If no one remembered them, then it was the same as that they had never existed. And a human's worst fear, that was becoming someone that would be forgotten after death. Even if themselves weren't aware of that it was there inside of them. It isn't only the story about the famous that should be passed down to the next generation. Also the stories about the lonely, the poor and the sick. The ones who weren't that lucky in life should also be told to the people. To remind them of the world's less fortunate. The light has always to be followed by darkness.

The young man continued to patrol the streets in the search for the right adress. But before beginning his search he was forced to make some short stops gathering information Politely asking questions about the disappeared. As well as his job was destroying Vampires he also was the one responsible to find out what have happened to the ones who disappeard since most of the cases circled around the supernatural. The ones who shouldn't exist. Vampires. It was his duty to do this as the Protector of the London area.

After having done that he wrote down the names in the book and all of the information he had managed to gather from the sources. Elijah Birch a thirteen year old boy that had lived together with his mother and brother. No father. Claire Wilkins, twenty-two year old woman that resided in the outskirts of London. Alone. And then finally, Darwin Solomon a older man that was going to fill sixty-three just a week before he disappeard. He had lived together with his wife until a year ago when she died of sickness. After that he had moved to a smaller apartment in an older house. The landlord himself had said that Darwin was a bit of a loner and didn't talk so much to anyone.

Two people who wouldn't be missed, and then a child. Someone had been careless when handling with the blood thirst.

Cynric looked through it one last time before letting the small notebook return to his pocket and then with the adress note in his hand he seeked his way to the house. It was a elegant building but even though he could still see the small hints of it's age. If the one he seeked for was really living in this house (which wouldn't surprise him since the bartender at the bar had seemed pretty terrified) then he would probably have to make himself ready for more than one surprise. After everything he had been through he decided to simply stand there, letting his eyes examine the house not attempting to do anything. Taking a step into a Vampire's home was exactly like suicide. He would have to catch him outside. And if it really were a Vampire living here. Then he would be able to feel his smell. Because Vampire Hunters were famous for being a little different from humans. Stronger, faster and capable of taking more damage than a human. They were also wellknown for leaving a special kind of smell after. The smell of death.

[Gatichan]

Rafael had begun to make his way home when he came, by chance, upon another fellow vampire. As was natural to their kind, Rafael could sense when another vampire was nearby and he stopped walking. Looking around himself and realizing that no one was looking at him right then, he jumped into the sky, landing on the top of a post office. Crouching down, yet careful to emanate that he would welcome company, Rafael waited and then, sure enough, a male vampire appeared beside him, also crouching. “Greetings,” the man introduced himself with a slight nod as he removed his top hat. “I’m Dominic and you are…?” Rafael copied the gesture as he introduced himself. “I’ve never seen you around here, so you must be new to London. My, my- I sure hope the hunter I came across tonight hasn’t followed you all the way here.”

 

Rafael stilled at these words, fear taking a hold of him. He had believed to have escaped from Italy without having attracted any attention- had he really been followed? This was a disaster- someone had followed him all the way from Italy to England? He hadn’t been successful in shaking off his pursuers? Leaning forward, he narrowed his eyes. “Tell me more about this hunter. What did he look like and how do you know that he’s new here?” he wanted to know. Dominic, who had been turned at a later age than Rafael, some time in his early forties, leaned backwards against the wall of the chimney he had come to rest behind with a snort. “I’ve lived here in London all my life, since the time I was still human. I know these streets like the back of my hand and I’ve seen many of our kind, as well as the hunters come and go. I know each of the hunter’s routes, know where they believe they’ve cleverly hidden away their secret meeting places and where they’re most likely to be patrolling. But tonight, I came across an angry young man. I’ve no idea where he’s come from because I didn’t hear him speak, but by appearance he certainly fits in with the hunter crowd here. Early twenties, I’d say. Dark haired, with a murderous aura. I’ve no doubt he’s come here looking for someone.” He raised an eyebrow. “Could that someone be you?”

 

He hardly dared to hope, but the description didn’t fit the two men who had been after him back in Venice. Of course Rafael wasn’t as stupid as to believe that the hunters hadn’t appointed someone else to go after him, so he still needed to be on the look-out, but his tense muscles relaxed. He shook his head, returning his eyes to the London skyline. “I hope not,” was all he said, not wanting to tell the stranger too much about himself yet. He’d already made the mistake back in Italy of getting in with the wrong crowd, so he was going to have to be more careful. “Do you know Mycroft?” he suddenly asked, crossing his fingers on his left knee. Dominic smiled and this time Rafael saw real warmth. “Of course I do. Then you must be the guest he’s expecting tomorrow. I’ll be there myself- together we’re going to show you around and show you the ropes. But for now,” he said, standing up and gazing at the sky. “It would be better for you to return to your home. The cockier hunters come out around this time and it wouldn’t be advisable of you to meet them already.” Rafael nodded and tipping his hat, vanished, reappearing on top of a house that stood opposite to his new abode. He’d actually wanted to reappear on the doorstep of his house, but something had held him back. Estranged, Rafael gazed down into the street and then, seeing a young man standing in the shadows, he understood, recognizing the man from the description he’d just heard: this, surely, was the new vampire hunter. And, it seemed, he’d already found Rafael’s living quarters.

[Keru-chan]

Considering the unsettling silence it seemed like the house was at the time, empty. It didn't surprise the young man though. The Vampires was after all, the rulers of the night. A cold breeze plunged his black hair in motion and Cynric drew a deep breath before taking up his notebook and the thin pencil that he always carried with him. And then he placed the pencil's sharp end on a new page untouched page and began to draw the house. Under his childhood a lot of people had given him compliments regarding his drawing skills. They used to say that he would surely grow up to become an artist but he knew better than that. He knew that his future had already been decided when he was born. No matter where he went a Hunter was always a Hunter. And one who tried to escape fate was one that was doomed to die in disgrace. And the least he could do for his parents for preparing him for this life, was to bear his name proudly on his shoulders. They had showed him that even kindness had to be balanced with strictness. And in that way together with their death they had showed him that the world was everything else but kind. And that you had to be strong to survive.

The pencil moved across the paper in smoth movements. It was almost like it was floating. Making thin lines that together began to form the house. Then suddenly he stopped, moving his gaze forward to the house. Noticed this slightly uneasy feeling of someone else's presence. A person who was for the moment not visible for his human eyes. Hiding somewhere there his gaze couldn't reach.

"Hiding won't help you".

It almost sounded like he was talking to himself because of the silence that followed his words. Obviously the one who observed him hadn't expected a visitor. Which was understandable. No one liked unwanted visitors. Especially not Vampires. That made him remember those several times he had intruded in their homes. Every single one of them had attacked him without a second thought. And every single one of them had been killed by his hand. But he didn't slip away from death totally free. The few scars that leapt over his body was a proof of that. And he would surely get some more in the future. Or to be more accurate, he would surely get some more under the time he was alive. He didn't have anything against risking his life more humanity since it was that he existed for. That and that only was his reason for living, together with his desire after revenge.

[Gatichan]

The human was certainly young, not much older than twenty, if he was even that old to begin with in the first place. And his posture told Rafael that he was determined, possibly prepared to resort to violence if he was attacked and, by the jaunty way his shoulders were slightly tipped to the side, he was very self-assured. A most deadly combination for a hunter, even more so since it was Rafael he was apparently after. As Dominic had mentioned, he didn’t look as if he took his job lightly at all; rather the opposite seemed to be the case. Rafael had always been perceptive- already back when he had still been a human, his talent for reading the atmosphere and moods of people had greatly aided him in his Casanova days. Once, an old friend of him had claimed that Rafael could sweet-talk his way out of murder, even if fifty people had seen him commit the crime he was so suave. But those days were long over and experience had taught Rafael to choose his battles wiser.

 

Raising his chin slightly when he heard the man’s whispered words, Rafael smiled. What would be the best course of action? Although he wasn’t exactly celebrating that his house had been discovered and this would mean that he might as well forget bringing along maids to his house to create some elaborate story- this really angered Rafael, since he was being chased out of the new home he hadn’t even had the time to properly make for himself, much less get to know. But attack the man? No- Rafael wasn’t in the mood for violence. Simply walk away was likewise no option because the sun was close and he would need to return to his coffin. Sighing slightly with exasperation, Rafael closed his eyes and sent his voice into the other man’s head.

 

Why are you looking for me? I know you not, so why do you come to bother me? And I’m not hiding- just turn around and you’ll see me.

[Keru-chan]

In the wait for the other one to respond the young man continued to let his pencil wander over the paper. The familiar scratching from the pencil and the sound of the wind was the only thing that broke the heavy silence that rested over the area. Which didn't bother him at all. Silence was a nice exchange once in a while. And he didn't even bestow the risk of being attacked from behind a thought. Because even if it certainly didn't look like it in this position he stood in for the moment, his body was always prepared. Prepared for fight. And his mind was always prepared for death. But even once had he been afraid of dying. And he wasn't afraid this time either. Then suddenly a unfamiliar voice came in between his thoughts, echoed in his head and formulated words that probably belonged to the owner of the house. Making the corner of his mouth slightly twitch as he threw a glance behind and over his own shoulder. And indeed, there was a man behind him. But not exactly as he had imagined it. The stranger was well distanced from him, sitting safely on the top of a roof. But instead of letting the other one read his thoughts he choosed to close his mind for the Vampire and slightly parted his lips to speak.

"Sir, I'm by half here on order for the organization I work for but I'm also here on of a personal interest. You have something that I want".

Cynric turned around, letting his notebook slip down in his pocket together with his pencil to soon after that lift his hand up in the air as a sign that he hadn't any intention to harm the Vampire. For the moment at least.

"Ainsworth, does it sound familiar to you? Five years ago two persons sharing the surname Ainsworth got brutally murdered" He paused and tried to see if anything had changed with the Vampire's stance.

But due to the distance between them he was unable to do so and instead pressed his lips together while waiting for the other one to answer him. He knew that this man had something to do with it. And he was not going to let this one escape without getting the answers he had seeked for under such a long time.

[Gatichan]

When the young man turned around, Rafael’s eyes widened slightly. In his mind, vampire hunters had always been cruel beasts, covered with scars and hideous to look at. But this one was different. Perhaps it was the age, but everything about the hunter warned Rafael to stay away. This human had seen enough destruction and death to last several lifetimes. There was also no fear in his sky blue eyes and that, astoundingly, attracted Rafael to him more than the hunter’s appearance. The young man was, there was no other word for it, the most handsome vampire hunter Rafael had ever seen. With his bluish black short hair, his fine chiseled features, the way his long fringe mysteriously fell over his nose and eyes, almost hiding them – only that Rafael’s vampiric eyes could see all – his small finely shaped lips and the firm way they were set. It was strange, but the longer Rafael stared back at the solitary hunter, the stronger the impulse came to move closer to him and admire him from closer.

 

Was he insane?! So much interest in a human was foolish and condemnable. The young man down in the street below was his natural enemy! It would never have done for Rafael to have felt anything but distrust and weariness, if not hatred, towards him. Slightly shaking his head as if to clear it from these errant thoughts, Rafael opened his mouth to retort to what the young man had said when the name called out stirred unpleasant memories within him.

 

Returning his eyes to focus them on the hunter, Rafael felt something unbeknownst to him fill him: pity. Irrelevant of the errant feelings he felt for the young man in that moment – Rafael decided later to blame them on his lack of enough blood – he knew that the road the young man was on would be a dark one that led to death. The perpetrators he was after weren’t your 24/7 vampires- they were vampiric, undead assassins. Their powers ranged far beyond those that Rafael commanded despite his many years. It was clear that the hunter had a personal interest in the Ainsworth Assault – perhaps those slaughtered had been relatives or close friends. Something akin to honor bound Rafael to the vampires behind the heinous deed, but something about the way this hunter had come out to seek him, alone and brave, impressed Rafael.

 

I’ll be coming down now, he sent the message to the hunter’s ears, sensing that the other had shaded his mind. Standing up, he sighed inwardly- so much for London as a promising new town. He was probably going to have to leave England after his conversation with the young hunter. And even though he always received awed looks from his prey, Rafael professed that this man, like all hunters, would be blind to his beauty. Vanishing into a blur, Rafael reappeared in front of the hunter, yet at a still safe distance, just in case. Looking into the sky blue eyes and feeling an unusual tightening in his stomach, Rafael nodded once. It is true- I do have information about that incident. Maybe we should go inside and talk.

[Keru-chan]

It felt like it was against his nature to have such a peaceful conversation with the man. But that, my friend had many different reasons. And it didn't only base on his hate for Vampire's. No it also had with the fact that he was born as Hunter to do. Usually, children born in completely Hunter dominated families already had something like a despise against Vampire's inside them. He though, he was different. He had come to hate the creatures later on in his life. Which no one of course, didn't know. That was just another one of his secrets that he kept tightly locked within his heart. He wasn't dumb enough to run around and tell everything about himself to everyone. It was best if he remained a stranger to everyone he met. In that way he would never be hurt and the person would never be harmed by him. And he wouldn't have to feel any kind of guilt for it either. It was best if no one knew who he was, where he came from and who is parents were. It was unnecessary for them to know. Because this was his life. His decisions and no one else's. He wouldn't need it either way after he had finished his life goal. And when that time would come, then he would fade away. Not leaving a trace of his existence behind him.

The monotone voice ringed in his ears, making the young man slightly jerk and take a step back of pure instinct. His sky blue eye's followed the other one continuously. Observed every movement the Vampire took. They were smooth and featherlight. And it was clearly seen that the man in front of him was older than his outer appearance revealed. In some way they could be perceived as, accustomed on a higher level than the usual. Cynric drew a deep breath in the search after oxygen to fill his lungs with as he slightly moved his fingers. As he would remain a no existence he wouldn't trust anyone else besides himself either. The people in this world was liers and traitors. He had got to know this information since a long time ago. They were always hungry. Searching for more, and more after that.

The young hair didn't move a muscle when the Vampire reappeared before him, luckily enough he was still slightly distanced from himself. Giving him a chance to defend himself if the other one would try anything. But after having let his eyes examine the other one and having considered the not so overly hostile aura that surrounded him he gave his muscles permission to lightly relax. The man was elegantly dressed in a style that matched his pale green-blue eyes that didn't give away anything. His skin, was as expected, extremely pale. But not sickly, it was rather pale in a delicate way. It was beautiful and flawless, almost glowing in the moonshine that the city was drenched in. His face was thin with very clear and visible lines that had this touch of royalty and his violet coloured hair mattered it perfectly. The Vampire was without a doubt, extremely attractive. But Cynric knew better than to let himself be fooled by appearance. After all, that was something his parents had learned him many years ago. That to never judge anyone by their looks. Therefore, his face remained unmoved by the other one's beauty. His sky blue eyes had already gotten used to the Vampires beautiful outer but even him had to sometimes, remind himself of the fact that they were evil and it was his duty to kill them. Which had made him to make a promise to himself a year ago. To never, ever consider a Vampire to be anything else but an enemy. It was for his sake, and for his parents sake he had made this promise.

The Hunter straightened his back when the Vampire suggested that they should go inside and continue their conversation inside his house. Which was something that of course, made him a little unsure. Cynric was well aware of the things he had thought about earlier, that going inside a Vampire's home was the same as suicide, but if it now were true that the man had information about the thing was true then. Then possibly, maybe he could let himself follow the other one inside. But what would happen if the Vampire suddenly attacked him when they were inside? He wouldn't know anything about his surroundings and his escape ways would be limited. But the possibility of the other one not being here tomorrow, made the Hunter to choose what to do.

"Don't regret inviting me in later".

He said the worlds with a vague smile. But it wasn't a warm or happy smile. No, it was a rather cold and warning smile that would hopefully erase any kind of sinister plans inside the Vampire's head. But the smile never reached his eyes, that seemed awfully empty.

[Gatichan]

Was it possible to feel empathy for an enemy? This was the question that Rafael asked himself as he approached the younger hunter. Everything about him told him that the young man was lonely, so, so dreadfully lonely. And that he’d built a barrier around himself, an impenetrable wall that would keep others out and far away from him. A heavy sadness seemed to have draped itself around the hunter’s shoulders and Rafael, something most untypical for him, began to catch on to the sadness. This would never do- he was vampire, damn it: he couldn’t possibly have such feelings for a hunter. But he did. And this didn’t exactly make it any easier when he saw that, as he’d presumed, the hunter remained totally unaffected by his outward appearance. Once Rafael had been a vain man, and even though those days had long since passed, the fact that this handsome hunter couldn’t have cared less about him irked him and hurt his pride.

 

Hearing the uttered threat, Rafael couldn’t help but laugh scornfully, glad for this socially accepted manner of letting off steam. “I could kill you with my eyes closed, human,” he spat, glaring at the hunter. Why the hell had he even felt anything akin to sympathy for this idiot? Any human ought to have been honored to have Rafael pay him even the slightest bit of attention. Maybe, Rafael grimly thought as he turned his back on the hunter to access the steps that led to his front door, he was only so thin-skinned because it had been so long since he’d had a good laid. He irritably shook his head- why on earth was he thinking such things with this hunter standing so close behind him? This was neither the time nor place to think such personal things. “Stay outside and go to hell, or come inside,” he barked over his shoulder as he fitted the old brass key into the front door and turned it, opening the door with a loud, protesting creak. “If you wish to know what I know, then come inside. Just know that if you kill me, you’ll never know what I do. It’s up to you, but don’t waste my time.” With that, he stepped into the dark corridor and disappeared into the darkness beyond.

 

The house keeper had lighted the candles on the walls, but they had gone out when Rafael had opened the doors. Leaving the hunter to stumble through the darkness, Rafael ascended the stairs to his apartment. He didn’t wait for the other man- it was up to him to decide what he wanted. Rafael would give him five minutes to follow and then he would enter his sleeping chamber. After he was inside, there would be no way for the hunter to attack him unless Rafael opened it from the inside. The higher he climbed, the angrier Rafael became that he was going to have to give up the home he’d only just found. Why had the blasted hunter have to have come and found him then of all times? Why couldn’t he simply have gone after another vampire? Why hadn’t one of his fellow vampires killed the hunter? Why was he yet again being chased out when he hadn’t been the one responsible for the AA? Stopping on the landing in front of his apartment, Rafael unlocked the front door and stepped inside. His excellent ears heard stumbling footsteps from below and he smirked: so the little hunter had decided to follow him into his lair after all.

 

Because Rafael had been brought up by a mother who had cared a lot about etiquette, Rafael knew to be the perfect host. His eyes flashing red, he lit up all the candles that had strategically been placed around the apartment. He naturally didn’t need the light, but he knew that the hunter would be more comfortable with the faint glow. Removing his jacket in one smooth, elegant move, Rafael stepped into the enormous living room. His furniture had thankfully already arrived and so he could gesture with his hand towards the couch furthest away from him. While out in the street he had been able to ignore the young hunter’s pulse, inside the room the hunter’s scent would soon become the dominating smell inside his nose. Even though Rafael wished the hunter no harm – yet – he was going to take certain precautions. “Sit down,” he offered curtly, sitting down only after his guest had.

 

Crossing his long legs over, Rafael pressed his long fingers against one another below his chin, letting his eyes languidly pass over the hunter’s body. More and more details came to sight as he did: he could detect minor splashes of dirt that indicated that the young man had been travelling recently. And were those faint traces of dried blood on the left wrist? So the hunter had already had some kind of violent encounter that night, so, so. Leaning back as he eased deeper into his luxurious sofa, Rafael carefully placed his arms on the sofa arms. “So…” he said, letting his voice trail off. “You wish to know about the Ainsworth Assault. I can tell you what you wish to know, but before that, I wish to know why it means so much that you would have followed me from Venice to London.”

[Keru-chan]

It was a laughter that the Vampire answered him with. A very patronizing laughter if someone was to ask for his opinion on it. Something that made his corner of the mouth minimally twitch in dissatisfaction. And at the same time he wondered how he ever could have thought that the man possibly wasn't someone to see as a threat (for the moment at least). Right now he just realised that they were all the same. They all looked down on the humans and on the Hunters. They all considered themselves a creature of a higher rank. Ridiculous. The Hunter slightly shook his head with closed eyes and let out a very short and quiet chuckle behind the other one's back. So incredibly ridiculous. Somehow the stranger had gotten his thoughts to trail of their usual track. And he regretted that he had let him do that. But most of all he was disappointed in himself for having believed that relaxing for even some few seconds was alright.

"How funny for you then" He quickly shot back with a somewhat suave tone on his emotionless voice.

It was amusing how fast the Vampire's mood had changed. At first he had seemed to be a pretty much polite man with good manners. Now he was nothing else than dirt. A simple step in a stair for the Hunter. And he was going to get past him. It didn't matter how or which metods he used to do it. As long as he got what he wanted then nothing else mattered. Not the organisation, not his duty to follow orders or anything. So close and yet so far away from what he wanted most.

The young man's gaze closely followed the man while he plunged his body into motion. And followed the Vampire's example and approached the building. It rose up before him like a mountain that wasn't possible to climb. But he would climb it. He would do the impossible and fight against everyone's beliefs. Cynric would gain a place in the history book, in the people's minds with the surname Ainsworth. And he would make the heaven shatter and the hell to fall apart. He would make angels fall and burn the demons with their own fire. Nothing more, nothing less.

The young man quietly observed how the Vampire pressed the key in after having left a warning and then suddenly, a shrill creak cut through the air. Making Cynric slightly jerk by the sudden sound. But he quickly re-gathered himself and vaguely smiled at the man's words.

"But Sir if I kill you then you're dead, you can't do so much in that state I believe".

It was a rather cocky comment that left his minimally parted lips. And he knew very well what a Vampire was capable of. Though he couldn't restrain himself from saying it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. But he hadn't the pleasure to listen to the other one's answer before he disappeared into the darkness that rested inside of the house. At first you could say he had been hesitant to venture into the darkness. But since he already had passed the threshold and had accepted the Vampire's invite he couldn't back down on his words. And that was the thing that kept him going while he somewhat clumsy stumbled his way through the dark and soon reached the very long awaited stair. With his hand placed on the parapet he thereafter took himself up the stairs and soon reached another open door that led into a slightly lit room.

He cleared his throat and then went into the apartment, letting his gaze be swept around to examine his surroundings. Even though he found it hard to distinguish anything in the dark was the few things that were visible enough for him to assume that the man was what you could call, rich. But before even having a chance to explore more the Vampire appeared in front of him, ordering him to sit down. And much to his own dismay he did as the other one had told him to and sunk down on the couch. As far away as he could get from the man. Because he was very well aware of the danger of being in the same room as a Vampire. And besides, all alone. Something that evoked an unpleasant shiver to leap down his spine. And then suddenly, the man began to smile. Letting out another light chuckle.

"Oh, you thought that I have 'stalked' you all the way from Venice to London? Sir, I'm sorry to disappoint you but I only recently became aware of your existence. And regarding my interest in the Ainsworth Assault as you call it, is personal" He said and leaned back on the sofa, watching the other one continuously with his sky blue eyes and then suddenly he shrugged his shoulders with closed eyes.

"But I guess it if it's that important to know, then of course it is no idea with hiding it from you. You would still found out about it sooner or later. That's what Vampires are good at, right? Getting what they want" He opened his left eye and bestowed the stranger a merciless and cold look before opening both of his eyes, letting his gaze trail off towards one of the candles that hanged on the wall.

"I'm their child".

[Gatichan]

The hunter’s cockiness was beginning to get on Rafael’s nerves. He’d also heard the impolite retort that the youngling had made while he’d stupidly and gracelessly stumbled around like a drunk in the dark below, but Rafael had chosen to ignore him. After all, a wise man knows when to shut up. And anyway, the hunter was below him. He ought to feel awed that Rafael was even wasting time on him, but as the hunter sat down opposite him, the urge to rip him to pieces became overly strong again. Bloody hunter- it was thanks to him that Rafael was being forced to throw all his plans overboard.

 

When he then heard the hunter’s confession that he hadn’t actually been the vindictive assh*** who had been responsible for chasing him out of Venice, Rafael dug his long fingers and their nails into the arms of the sofa chair. What!? So this young hunter hadn’t been the one who was to blame for his having had to leave so hastily? And here he had been, having attributed intelligence to the young man who had so boldly, albeit stupidly, stood out in the middle of a dark street in the middle of the night to approach him, the vampire. Rafael had to admit that the esteem with which he had regarded the hunter had sank rather dramatically. His upper lip curled in obvious disgust. He’d believed to have been about to have a longer conversation with someone he almost had considered his equal, but instead, all this boy was, was a parasite. Another hunter who had only got lucky and who didn’t deserve the merits that Rafael had, rather gladly and with reluctance, given him. Oh no, this boy was no one special and he was already dearly regretting having invited the man inside. Perhaps it really wouldn’t be a bad idea to kill this hunter then and there…

 

But then the hunter continued and admitted why he was so interested in finding Rafael that he stopped abusing the sofa chair arms out of shape. So, so, Rafael thought as he eased deeper into his comfortable sofa. The plot thickened. Several things began to fly through his head at this revelation, but none of his thoughts were happy ones.

 

To begin with, Rafael now knew that the hunter had been informed of his existence, even though he hadn’t been the one who had discovered him. This meant that the hunter knew someone who had known about Rafael and who had also, in a suspiciously short time, told the hunter where to find Rafael, even before Rafael had known himself that he would have to flee to London. This mean that the hunter had to have connections to someone living in Italy, someone who had possibly been spying on Rafael for a longer time…and if Rafael had the possibility of getting his hands on the name of that person who had been responsible of forcing him to give up his relatively peaceful like in Venice…then Rafael was going to do everything in his power to have that person punished to death: he was either going to go after that individual and get his own hands dirty, or he was going to employ the two that were responsible for the Ainsworth Assault. But in order to find out who the hunter had been who had tipped the younger man in front of him off, Rafael was going to have to keep the man alive…and get the hunter to give away his secret.

 

The next thought that flew through his mind was that if the hunter was the son of the Ainsworth Assault victims, it was obvious that the hunter was now an orphan. That told him a lot of things, especially since the hunter had repeatedly stated that his interest in Rafael was of a personal nature. The most important thing was what the hunter hadn’t mentioned: the fact that a hunter association was backing him in his inquiries. And that, in return, meant that the hunter was on his own…without a backup plan…and that meant that if Rafael did tire of him and did away with him, then no one would miss the hunter. At least, not immediately.

 

And the last most important thing that passed through Rafael’s mind was that if the young hunter’s parents had been killed, then it was obvious that the hunter in front of him was also in imminent danger. On the positive hand, this meant that Rafael didn’t have to bother killing the man- he knew then and there that darker creatures were out to kill the hunter. On the negative hand, the hunter’s having visited Rafael could and probably would reflect badly on the vampire and this could become a headache. Rafael doubted that the hunter knew the reason behind is parent’s deaths, but as soon as he disclosed the, granted, little that he knew, the hunter would find himself falling into a bottomless pit of deceit, confusion, revenge and darkness. Not an altogether nice cocktail and Rafael would be the harbinger. He had grown, over the centuries, to stay out of trouble and this hunter, the more he found out about him, the more obvious it became that he was nothing but trouble.

 

“I doubt that anything I tell you will please you much,” he slowly muttered, frowning severely. Distasteful- this whole situation was becoming a headache and Rafael wanted nothing more than to get rid of the hunter. “I can guarantee you that when I tell you- if, I tell you- what I know, you’ll wish you hadn’t ever found out. And even though I seriously couldn’t care less, you ought to know that right now, as we speak, a noose is being pulled tighter around your neck. The persons who murdered your parents were acting on orders. So even if I did give you the culprits’ names, it wouldn’t help you, because behind their names are other faceless individuals who wanted your parents dead. And I’m pretty sure that those same people won’t be all too happy when they find out that you’re running around asking uncomfortable questions.”

 

Rafael clasped his hands together in his lap, arching a perfectly defined eyebrow. “Don’t get your hopes up. It would actually be a bit of a nuisance if you did die, because I am greatly interested in your telling me who the rat was that informed you of my leave from Venice to London. And I promise you that I will tell you what I know, as well as perhaps- perhaps,” he accentuated this by raising his right index finger, “go actually as far as arranging a meeting between you and the vampires who slaughtered your family. But only if you first answer my questions in a satisfactory way and give me the information that I want.” He smiled. “I think you could say that we have a Catch 22 situation here: I know something you desperately know, while you have information that I need. We could both help each other…or damn each other to hell. It’s up to you.”

[Keru-chan]

The possibility that the Vampire felt somewhat slightly annoyed by his presence was 100%. But did the Hunter care? No. Not really. Since it was the stranger who had invited him in, then he had to take responsibility for having done that too. And the fact that Cynric knew the irritation that grew in the other one's chest he hadn't any plans or a intention to behave. The stranger weren't (in his eyes) not worth his politeness. Those sky blue eyes of his could clearly see the marks after nails that had punished the furniture. But there was no longer any kind of signs of any feeling in the man's face expression. What did the other one think about now? How troublesome he were? And that he regretted having met him? The younger one hoped something something extremely dearly that it were that case.

A sigh slank past his slightly parted lips and the Hunter sunk back further down in the comfortable sofa. Allowing his body to rest until the moment of leaving would come.

 

Even though he hadn't had any motivation for hating Vampires in the past that didn't mean he had feared them either. The creatures had just been a part of the stories in the books. Ridiculous folklores that didn't seem to have any end. But not even once in his life he had feared them. Not after he became aware of their existence, and not before. Actually, now when he gave it another thought there wasn't really anything that he was afraid of. And he didn't have anything he 'loved' or really liked either. Even though he was a person. He didn't really have anything inside of him. But it wasn't like it bothered him or anything like that. It was just the first time he realised how empty he actually was. And it felt kinda strange thinking about how many years he had lived without noticing it. The lack of personal stuff. But the question was: Had he been just as empty before his parents had died? That my friend, was a really interesting question. And no one could answer it. Not even himself because he only remembered small fragments from his childhood. And it was usually fragments that belonged to either the time after the murder or before. So his life weren't more than just a desire after revenge? The Hunter lightly frowned at his own thoughts but then let it all go. It didn't really matter, because ther wasn't any rules that said what your life is supposed to circle around. It was different from every person. For other it may be money, or love or family. For him it was revenge.

 

The man raised his gaze, placed it over the Vampire that slowly seemed to return to the room from his thoughts. And what he said did effect the Hunter. Surprisingly enough. The knowledge of the possibility that he had came here for nothing was not something that he really appreciated. But after having considered the fact that anything could be useful his eyes slightly softened as the other one continued to speak.

 

Apparently those who were behind the Ainsworth Assault was just a tiny little part of something bigger. Something bigger than he ever could imagine. But did that make him hesitant about it? No, absolutely not. If he had been afraid of death then he wouldn't have come here. He wouldn't have become a Vampire Hunter at all. It was the things that came later on in the conversation that really mattered. The Vampire had something he wanted. And apparently, he had something that the Vampire wanted. But the one thing they had in common was the fact that they both needed information. The stranger wanted to know about his contact. And he himself wanted to know those who were behind the Ainsworth Assault. The Hunter let therefore, some couple of seconds under silence pass before preparing himself to answer. Leaning his elbrow against the armrest and placing fingertips on the temple on his head.

 

"Firstly I just want to say that if I was afraid of death then I wouldn't even have come here so it's no idea trying to come with your little threats that others are out after me. Secondly, why so interested in that person? Is it possible that you feel...angered about having to leave your dear Venice? Well, that doesn't serve any purpose. You would still have to leave that place anyway so it doesn't matter if it happened a little earlier than planned, right?" A vague smile broke through his, so ever emotionless wall and the Hunter raised a eyebrow as the smile widened.

 

"Forgive me Sir for not trusting Vampires but I'm not so sure that you will give out the information that I want. After all, you said you could kill me with your eyes closed right? Then when I have told you about my contact then you can just make it easier for yourself and kill me. Because no one will miss me anyway. I'm an orphan so I don't have a home or people to return to, which also means that no one would notice if I disappeared. It's just like the ones who falls victims for your fangs. Simply gone" He stood up from his sitting position, letting his hands slip down in the pockets on his coat.

"Do you know what Mr Vampire? I think I'll return on a more suitable day. It seems that nothing will be solved this time anyway so I'll take my leave now. Besides I assume that you maybe wants some rest and get some more time to get accustomed to your new home, am I right?" He turned around, bestowed the other one a short glance before once again turning his back to him.

"Yeah, I think I'll do so. Goodbye for the moment Mr Capodimonte, I hope you'll sleep well".

And then he just began walking.

[Gatichan]

Rafael let the hunter go, disgusted. So he had what the man wanted to know, but all he received were insults and disrespect? Well, f*** him. Rafael knew that once he left London and contacted the two behind the Ainsworth Assault, it would only be a matter of time and the hunter would be staring at trees from below the ground. Rising elegantly, he waited until the hunter had finally left his apartment before causing the doors to slam shut with his psychic powers, spitting on the floor in the direction in which the vampire hunter had disappeared. „Va‘ all’inferno,“ he said under his breath darkly.

 

The hunter had been right about one thing, though: it was high time he laid himself to rest. His entire body grew tired and he knew that the sun was close to rising. Entering his sleeping chamber, he secured the heavy board across the door to keep him safe and then, shedding his clothes, Rafael climbed into his coffin beneath the large, king-sized bed. Before he lay down again, however, Rafael ran a hand tenderly over the soft, silken sheets. It had really been a while since he had last spent a night rolling through the sheets with a lover. Perhaps it really was time that he found himself another one. As soon as he returned to Venice, he was going to go out on a prowl again.

 

As he laid back and closed the lid of his coffin, Rafael thought back to the words the hunter had said. Fierce anger coursed through his veins as he recalled how the hunter had taunted his having had to leave his birthplace. What did that stupid human even know? It was obvious that the hunter didn’t have any sentimental feelings or treasured anything as Rafael did. That was probably also the reason why he was so cold and lacked emotion. Rafael clenched his hands into fists as the first rays of light began to peek over the depressingly gray city of London. Stupid hunter. But soon, he wouldn’t be a concern to Rafael anymore.

 

The day passed by quickly and uneventfully. As Rafael had asked of Mr. Rutherford, prettily dressed maids arrived to bring life, light and glamour to the still rather plain apartment. Fresh flowers were placed inside vases, curtains were hung up and when the final furniture packers arrived, the maids pointed out where the heavy grand piano ought to be placed, as well as the rest of the furniture. By the time they left, the apartment smelled sweet like sunshine, humans and life.

 

When the sun had finally fallen back into its bed, Rafael’s eyes flashed awake. Even though his sleep was heavy and he hardly ever dreamed, his resolve from the night before had strengthened. He would leave London that very night. There was no reason for him to remain there any longer- his heart belonged in Venice and if the little vampire hunter vermin hadn’t been the one who had chased him out, then Rafael would find out by himself who was responsible for his departure. Even if it took longer, Rafael would find out the name of the man who had betrayed his whereabouts to the young hunter.

 

Letting himself out his sleeping chamber, Rafael wrinkled up his nose in disgust when he smelled his apartment. While on the one hand he felt rather nostalgic to see his old belongings set up the way they were, he greatly disliked the smell. Still, the familiarity wasn’t enough to sway him- he didn’t belong in London and he never would. Stepping into the bathroom, Rafael once again cut his long hair short and then, dressing once again as he had the night before, he crossed to the balcony and opening the windows, jumped out into the night. This time he wasn’t so choosy, but fed off the first whores that his eyes saw. His eyes flashed red as he dropped the three lifeless, blood-drained bodies to the floor. That night he didn’t care about being cautious- he simply needed enough energy to get as far away from London as possible.

 

“You…seem to be in a hurry.” Rafael whirled around with his fangs bared, but it was only Dominic. The other vampire was looking at him strangely. “Where were you? Mycroft and I were waiting for you, but you didn’t show up.” Rafael hastily wiped the blood from his chin. “I’ve decided to leave London,” he explained curtly. “That young hunter that you saw has found me and is making trouble. He’s come searching for those responsible for the Ainsworth Assault and I’m returning to Italy to tell them that he’s searching for them. Hopefully they’ll put an end to him.” Dominic, who had been precariously perched on the top of the stack of old boxes containing dirty diapers, hopped down, frowning. “That wouldn’t be a good idea, Rafael. You know that in Italy, you’re already being searched. I cannot let you return- that would be suicide.” Rafael walked past him. “I’m willing to take my chances.” He glanced over his shoulder before vanishing into a blur. “Or do me the favor of killing this stupid hunter who has tainted my honor by insulting my intelligence.”

 

Dominic pursed his lips when he was left alone again. “Well…maybe I will take care if that vampire hunter…”

[Keru-chan]

The hunter were certainly surprised that the Vampire had let him go. But there was no point in turning back so he continued walking. And finally left the house behind him as he dove into the darkness. Slowly the sky turned to change into a lighter colour of fiery red and warm orange and the stars faded away. Just like another thousand souls out there in the world. How many exactly died on this moment? And exactly how many was born on this second? Which was the dominating feeling in the world right now? Sadness? Anger? Or happiness? He didn't know. He didn't even know he himself felt for the moment. Was he disappointed regarding the fact that the visit had been just a waste of time. Or was it this bittersweet defeat of having been so near victory?

His own footsteps echoed between the two stone walls that rose up along his sides. And the sound of his breaths were quiet and discrete. In the background everything changed for every step he took and when he finally reached the street the sky had turned into it's ordinary light blue colour. He momentarily stopped and drew a deep breath as he let his eyes examine the surroundings. Early morning. Long nights. Nothing had changed. Not even now. And this made the Hunter wonder if it would ever change or if it were going to be like this, forever more. Humans saw changes as frightening, and they said it was hard to reach them. Other people said that they sometime just happened by themselves. Just like that. But did they even notice it? That they had changed? Would he notice it? If he sometime changed would he feel it and realise that something wasn't normal? A deep sigh slank past his slightly parted pale lips and the human thereafter went out on the streets.

The number of people being outside at this time was very few. But even so there were still those who like him, wandered along the streets. And everyone he passed he let his gaze rest over. And everyone replied with a light nod. What were these people thinking about? Did they have sleeping problems? Were they being haunted by nightmares just like him? Was the dreams that otherwise were so awaited for other not appreciated by these people? Once again he didn't know, but one thing he knew was that they were all suffering. He could see it in their eyes. No kind of life spark or happiness. Only clear signs of fatigue. Did he also look like that? Or had he also looked like that on that one day? The young man sighed and continued his walk until he reached his destination. And he found himself standing in front of a little en pretty much unknown shop. The windows were dirty and on the door it hanged a sign were it stood that it was closed. Cynric though, didn't show any account and let his hand embrace the handle to then open the door. The sound of bells ringing started directly and he took the final step over the threshold to then let go of the door that closed itself behind his back.

The inside of the shop was almost as worn out as the outside. Some few dolls here and there that missed something. An eye, an leg or an arm. Coffins were lined up on the left side of the room and the only light came from the candles that were placed out in the shop. Letting his eyes look around in the room he went to the counter and let his hand rest on the chime that stood there. And just a few seconds later after the sound had faded away a old man with round glasses appeared behind him.

"It was a while since I last saw you, Ainsworth" Said the man and continued to polish the vase in his hand with the handkerchief.

Cynric didn't answer him and instead only observed how the other one took his place behind the counter.

"So what do you want this time?" The man said, putting the vase down on the counter and looking him straight in the eye.

The Hunter let his sky blue eyes met the man's gray ones and then exhaled. Slowly and calmly. He turned his back to the man, and leaned back on the counter while crossing his arms across his chest. And looked out through the dirty window.

"I want the note" He simply said and a long moment of silence followed his words.

Thereafter, and very suddenly a little white paper was placed beside him on the counter. It was carefully folded but even so he could se a small fragment of ink from the position he stood in. He reached out for the paper and gently picked it up and unfolded it and eyed through the text.

Two missed. One boy and one woman.

Then he let the paper be placed in his pocket and he started walking to the door.

"Cynric".

The man's familiar voice broke the silence, made him immediately stop.

"You should stop now when you still have a chance. Don't torture yourself anymore".

He drew a deep breath and buried his clenched fists in his pockets. Not turning around. Not moving at all. Then slowly, his lips formed a warm and sad smile.

"It's too late to turn around now. And you know that very well Benjamin".

Then he left the man there. Staring at his back as he disappeard. It was too late for him to take another path in his life. The only one that existed was the one he already walked on. That had been confirmed with the meeting with the Vampire from yesterday. Even he had warned him. But there was no turning back now. And even if there was a chance for him coming off this road he wouldn't take it. This was his call. This was his life. And nothing could change his fate. He would live, like a cherry blossom. He would bloom and then he would wilter. That had been his destiny from the beginning. Ever since the day he was born he had been prepared to carry the burden of taking on the Ainsworth name on his shoulders. And he swore that the day when he stopped carrying it, would be day when he died.

The first stop for the day in duty was at the harbour where he found the woman that had gone missing yesterday. Her body was decorated by bite marks and her dress that once had surely been beautiful was ripped apart. He had closed her eyes, and then he had carried her down to the water. Throwing her lifeless body into it and watched it sink to the bottom as it began to disintegrate. His second stop was in an dark alley where he found a familiar person. The boy that he had given money. He was laying on the ground, and his eyes were already closed. It almost seemed as he was sleeping and there was surely those who believed in that theory. But not him. He could see the mark of fangs on his neck.

The Hunter crouched down beside the little boy, letting his finger ran through the hazel coloured hair. So young. So incredibly young. He hadn't even had the chance to start his life before meeting the end. Why him? Why just this little creature? Couldn't the Vampire had taken someone else? This soul had so much left to experience in life, and now everything was just gone. This boy was alone. Just like himself. And to his dismay he found himself thinking that the boy had been very alike him when he had been around his age. Filled with a never ending hope. But that one thing had sunk to the bottom of despair. And was now beyond his reach. A slight anger filled him when he once again let his gaze rest over the boy. And then slowly and very suddenly the little body began turning into dust. No one would remember him. No one would notice that he had disappeard. That this little boy no longer would walk this streets. Cynric took up his notebook and pen and wrote down the boy's name in the book while looking at the little note that he had gotten from Benjamin.

Ian Birch.

The day passed quickly and it didn't take long before the sun once again left the sky unprotected from the darkness. And the streets once again became filled with people. People that seeked for entertainment. They didn't know. They didn't know that two persons and surely more had gone missing. And they would never know that they were dead. Everyone besides himself.

Cynric raised his hand, examined the stone in his hand and then threw it into the water that were only a couple of metres away from him there he sat, on the bench under a street lamp that was surrounded by moths. Then slowly he parted his lips and started to quietly hum on a song that his mother used to sing for him. It was a sad melody that was about a girl and a boy. The boy and the girl were siblings and were always fighting until the day the girl became ill. The boy spent every day taking care of her but couldn't prevent the day when she died to come. And when the girl died the boy fell into despair and let himself be engulfed by the darkness. He saw many horrible things and experienced many terrible moments. But then he woke up and realised that it all was a dream. He learned to appreciate life and never fought with his sister. And the girl never fell ill. But instead the boy became sick and lived his last days in happiness before dying. Under the time he had dreamed he had gotten a choice to take the girls place and he had done that. His mother had always said that it was sad but beautiful at the same time. And that she loved it because it showed the truth that was hidden from the people.

The sound of footsteps interrupted his humming and automatically his hands seeked for both of his guns. A security control just in case.

"That was beautiful".

Cynric didn't turn around to see who it was. Because he already knew that the one that was behind him was a Vampire. The voice didn't belong to anyone he knew and the way the person had just suddenly appeared revealed the truth. He sighed and leaned back on the bench. This was definitely not the best day in his life.

"Go away and I may spare your life for this time, you filthy Vampire" He answered the other one rather coldly and continued to look out on the ocean.

But it was pretty obvious that the other one wasn't going to leave him alone. A Vampire did not go back after having approached a Hunter. It was a part of their pride that didn't allow them to leave. Ridiculous. Some of them did still not care about their life, not even after death. A patronizing laugther replied him and suddenly he could feel cold breaths caressing his neck from behind. But he did not move. He did not change face expression. No he remained unmoved by it all.

"I'm sorry Mr Hunter but I can't do that. Not before you promise me that you'll leave Mr Capodimonte alone".

The Vampire's nail was playfully wandering up his neck and over his cheek and a unpleasant shiver leapt down his spine. And then everything happened so fast. The Vampire had grabbed the collar of his coat and he had embraced one of his guns to then point it at the man's forehead. And then they stood there. He, still in the grip of the Vampire's hand and his gun pressed against his head, just between the eyes. A vague grin answered this and the Vampire released him with a relatively powerful push which made him glide some metres backwards. And when he finally stopped he pressed in the trigger. Letting the bullet cut through the air in the search for his target. And it hit him in the shoulder making the Vampire scream of pain as he placed his hand on the wound.

It didn't take that long for him before the Vampire was laying on the ground, heavily breathing. He himself only had some light scratches, he was pretty much unharmed though. He crouched down by the man's side, letting the gun's pipe wander over the Vampire's body.

"I don't think you would do something so stupid considering your rank. Are you a friend of him? Or what is the reason behind this stupid action?".

Cynric only got a restrained light chuckle as an answer back and he grabbed the Vampire's collar and stood up. Then he began to go towards the house he had visited yesterday.

The body was heavy, but the Vampire didn't resist which only made it easier for him. And when they finally reached the house he released the Vampire and placed his foot on his back and pointed the gun at his head. The Vampire exhaled and remained on the ground as the human waited for some kind of reaction from the inside of the house. It was the man's choice if he wanted to rescue his little Vampire companion or if he would let him die.

[Gatichan]

Rafael left Dominic and then stopped in a highly transited street, waiting for a dog cart to approach. He didn’t have long to wait before two horses pulling the cart appeared. Raising his hand, Rafael motioned for the driver to stop and the man willingly did, glad that he had finally found a further costumer for the night. Stopping smartly beside Rafael, the man jumped down off his seat and raising his hat politely to Rafael, hastily opened the door for him to enter the small, yet comfortable carriage. “Where to, Sir?” Rafael gave Mr. Rutherford’s address and leaning back, waited for the carriage to be closed and the horse cloppings as the beasts were urged along their way.

 

In the short time that it took for the dog cart to reach its destination, Rafael mused over what he had told Dominic. He very much doubted that his fellow vampire would be as stupid as to seriously go after the hunter, but if he did, Rafael couldn’t care for the outcome. He was done with London. Knowing now what he did, there was no need for him to remain in exile. Unknowingly, the hunter had given Rafael priceless information that he had needed in order to return to Venice in peace. A content smile flittered over the handsome vampire’s face as images of his beloved Venice returned. He wouldn’t bother with ships and land carriages and trains- this time he would fly directly to Venice once all the formalities had been taken care of.

 

The dog cart pulled up outside Baker Street and Rafael climbed out, pressing some shillings into the driver’s dirty and arthritic-plagued hand, adding a golden coin as a thank you for having arrived so quickly. Nodding at the man’s profuse thank yous, Rafael smartly knocked against the door to Number 221 A and then stepped back to wait for someone to open up. It wasn’t that late yet, and still Rafael was sure that Mr. Rutherford was fast asleep. When eventually a butler opened the door to politely inquired what Rafael needed, the vampire produced the Italian business card he always kept with him and handing it over, requested immediately to see the lawyer. The butler, obviously knowing how important the card bearer was, immediately let Rafael into the house and led him straight to a large drawing room, where a fire was merrily burning inside the fireplace. “Mr. Rutherford will arrive shortly,” the butler bowed before leaving the room without a sound.

 

Rafael had only just stepped over to the window to gaze out when the house owner arrived, dressed in a long robe and puffing on a surely expensive pipe. “Don Capodimonte!” he cried out boomingly, hurrying forward to pump Rafael’s hand warmly. “What brings you to my home at such a late hour? Please, please- sit down! Some brandy? Would you care for some tobacco?” he asked, forgetting that Rafael had never accepted either back when they had met in Italy. Once again Rafael carefully declined, but took the tasteful armchair with the golden and red back opposite Mr. Rutherford near the fireplace. With the reflection of the flames dancing in the elder man’s face, Rafael could see the deep age lines that had etched themselves into the lawyer’s face over the years. Aging- that had been what had scared Rafael the most back when he had been young. This had also been the main reason he had opted for the way of life he now lived by. “So,” the lawyer smiled at Rafael as he stretched his feet out comfortably towards the heat. “Can I help you with anything? Are you perhaps unhappy with anything at your home? How has London been treating you so far?”

 

Like a piece of shit, Rafael would have loved to respond, but knew better than to answer in such a way. Instead, the vampire clasped his hands in his lap. “Not at all, Sir. In fact, I am content with the way you have ordered it for my apartment to be. There is nothing at all to complain about and I must commend my sincerest and deepest gratitude to the maids you employed: they left my home feeling as such: a lovely home,” Rafael purred, inwardly rolling his eyes by the easy way his words had once again fooled and mesmerized his counterpart: it had always been this way since Rafael could remember. He had been donned with the gift of persuasion- he really ought to have become a politician. Putting on a sorrowful expression, Rafael shook his head. “But alas, I fear that life here in this northern city is far too different and uncomfortable for me.” He faced Mr. Rutherford with an apologetic, but firm look. “I’m very sorry to trouble you, but I have decided to return to Venice as soon as possible. There are certain things that I need to take care of before I leave and for this reason, I have come here tonight.”

 

Mr. Rutherford was, understandably, thunderstruck by this piece of news and tried, for a good half hour, to convince Rafael of remaining, going into a monologue as he praised London in all its facets, trying to prolong Rafael’s stay, but the longer he spoke, the more insistent Rafael became in his decision to leave. So eventually, even though he greatly regretted it, the lawyer stood up to fetch Rafael some paper so that he could write and issue commands about what was to become of his belongings in London. New arrangements were easily made and, for appearances, Rafael agreed to waste some of his immense fortune by arranging a ship and train journey back through France towards Italy. Signing the papers that were laid out before him, Rafael leaned over the piece of stationary paper that Mr. Rutherford had passed on to him as the lawyer returned to his study to place the precious documents inside his safe.

 

Addressing the letter to the elder of the two who had been assigned with the Ainsworth Assault, Rafael fluidly and quickly wrote his letter in Italian. The message was short, yet to the point:

 

The Ainsworth son is in London, looking for trouble. He’s plotting revenge- assassination is mandatory. Price for more information for assassination of person who tipped Hunter Association of my flight to London.

 

Thanking Mr. Rutherford again for his help, Rafael said goodnight and then left Baker Street. Vanishing into a dark side street, he closed his eyes and needing a moment, found Mycroft’s mind as it scanned the area where he was in. Relaying the message that he was soon to leave London and that Dominic might have got himself into trouble with a young hunter, Rafael vanished into thin air, appearing on his balcony. Closing the windows, he undressed and made to enter his sleeping chamber, but then stopped, sensing that that damned hunter had returned…with Dominic, it seemed. Frowning at these unwanted visitors, Rafael turned around and stepping back to the balcony windows, peered down between the curtains. Hating the hunter’s cocky sneer as he glanced up at him with his gun directed at Dominic’s head, Rafael was about to send a powerful psychic attack at the silly boy when Mycroft’s furious voice filled his head. Leave him! This is a London matter- do nothing of it. I am nearby with some London associates- we will take care of this damned hunter!

 

Rafael immediately stepped away from the window. The matter to him was over and without further ado, he stepped into his chamber and closed the door behind him, locking himself safely away from the outside world. Still, something made him remain where he was. Would the vampire hunter survive the onslaught of the London Connection? And why did it bother Rafael so much if the hunter, who had come looking for trouble himself, was badly injured? Restless, Rafael placed his hands against the cool oak of the door. Perhaps he would remain awake a moment more to see how the following fight would ensue. And if the hunter needed assistance…well…maybe Rafael would step in. Maybe.

[Keru-chan]

Some minutes of complete silence passed and the Hunter's patience had begun to run out. And while he waited for the other one to come and fetch his little friend that so obediently laid under his foot he noticed this uneasy feeling that a cold breeze brought with. And no longer it wasn't just him, the defeated one and the house. No, they weren't alone anymore. Or more correctly said, they wouldn't be alone after a while. The black haired man exhaled, bored of waiting he swiftly pointed the gun at the Vampire's leg instead and pulled the trigger. And a painful, horrified scream echoed out in the night. Made the black crows that had rested on the nearby house roofs to flee the field. And when the Vampire began to quiet down it was with a sharp but surpressed swearword. Obviously, the new wound in his leg would slow down the healing process. And that was exactly what he wanted. After all his dust wouldn't be so much of use for him.

"What was that good for?!" The Vampire angrily hissed at him and tried to move under his foot.

Something that made the Hunter to stomp his foot down between his shoulders. It was almost like a rebuke from the master to a slave and much to his satisfaction the Vampire stopped moving. Probably because of the fear for the gun in his hand. It didn't matter if he used some of the bullets soaked in holy water and blessed by a priest. He had two more rounds in one of his inner pockets on his coat anyway. The Hunter answered the Vampire with a light chuckle that sounded extremely empty and cruel.

"Entertainment I guess? We can't have you leaving the stage before the show has ended, right?".

He straightened his back and then suddenly, perceived some kind of movements on the balcony. Immediately he let his gaze raise up to one of the windows. And indeed, there stood a shadow. Looking down at him between the bloodred curtains. If the other one thought he didn't see him then he was wrong. He saw him perfectly fine and even though not all the details were shown for his human eyes he knew exactly who it was. No other than Mr Capodimonte. The owner of the house and the so called 'new Vampire' to this area. With narrowed eyes Cynric observed how curtains once more slightly moved and the shadow disappeared from his eyeshot. Well, whatever then. Then he would just kill this one here. And it would be his fault that this man or rather creature would die. Because the other one had actually gotten a chance to save his life. But even so he couldn't help but feel a little upset. He hadn't even considered to save this trash. Maybe the Vampires weren't so close as he had expected. Cynric sighed and drew a hand through his black hair while parting his lips to speak.

"It seems that Mr Capodimonte doesn't want to save you. What a shame. On less than a minute you became useless for me" He poked the Vampire with his foot and got a muffled growl back from the other one under him.

Something that made him smile. Vampires. They had always been potrated as elegant but they were actually just bloodthirsty animals. A fact that he had been aware of all the time. They weren't different at all from his theory. Then suddenly this feeling of not being alone came true. Four dark silhouettes appeared in front of him. One middle aged man, one young woman, one younger man and then once again a middle aged man. Everyone with the signs that revealed that they weren't humans. They radiated a powerful feeling that made himself immediately lock his mind for the outside. Then he erased all the unnecessary thoughts in his head just in case.

"Well this was surprising. I didn't expect to meet you here" He said while widely grinning.

The Vampires just looked at him with a glance of contempt in their glowing eyes. Then, one of them stepped to the front. It was the younger man that didn't seem much older than himself. But even so it seemed like he was the one with most authority amongst his companions. His gray eyes first examined the victim under his foot before meeting his own sky blue eyes.

"No, we didn't know either that we would be forced to go here. It's a shame that time is being wasted like this, don't you agree Ainsworth?" The man said emotionless.

Cynric simply shook his head and then once again let his gaze rest over the man, but there was no longer a smile on his lips. And his own face was just as empty and cold as before.

"I actually do. It's a shame that people always chooses the complicated way".

The man raised one of his eyebrow, somewhat surprised over what he had said it seemed. And then he quickly put up his emotionless face expression.

"Then why not drop all of this here?".

The Hunter sighed, sadly smiling at the man as he parted his lips once again. Why had everything to be so complicated? Why couldn't everything just remain simple? He wanted to return to those days when he didn't have to care about anything. When his back was protected by his parents and when he just had to enjoy life. Where had those days gone? Where had those memories disappeared? And where had that carefree boy went that he once had been? Everything he knew had fallen apart. And he had built up a new path for himself. But he couldn't build a new world. It was too stained by darkness and despair to be rescued. So he had given up on that. Justice. Did it exist? Maybe, it probably just existed for those who seeked for it. And he would never stop seeking for it as long as the culprits walked free.

"I wish that everything was so easy. But unfortunately I can't leave. Not this time Mycroft".

And then everything became quiet, and the only thing that interrupted the peace was the Vampire's unpleased face expression and his muffled 'that's too bad'. Then everything began. And he released the man from his fot and pointed his gun at the enemy that was closing in. How many more times would he have to embrace this trigger? How many more times would he have to listen to the familiar sound of the bullet that was shot? And how many more times would he have to kill? That was the thoughts that filled his brain as he fought against the Vampires. He held his defense up perfectly fine. Making them step backwards in shock.

"Don't underestimate me or you'll regret it".

And even though this was definitely different from all of the other fights that he had gotten through it still had one thing in common. The Vampire's always wanted to kill him. He made a backflip, reloaded the gun with the first extra round in his jacket and then he drew his second one to fend of the arm that was about to grab him. The woman stepped back with a painful growl and he turned around, only to get a powerful kick in his stomach. The black haired Hunter flew backwards, rolling a couple times on the ground before getting control of his body by placing his hand down on the ground. And he quickly got up on his feets again even though his chest hurt. He dodged, crouched and shot. Fought with every single way he knew. And with all of his power. But they were too many. Three on one. And even though the fourth one hadn't moved he had still a hard time getting in hits on them while avoiding them. Suddenly a hand grabbed his collar and pounded him down on the ground. And catched off guard he lost his breath and instead felt how something warm filled his mouth. He swallowed the blood and raised his gun and shot the man through the eye. It had happened so fast and so unexpectedly that the Vampire that had thought that he had the upper hand hadn't gotten a chance to react. And now instead he fell lifeless to the ground. But just in the same second as Cynric had freed himself from the man's heavy body someone kicked him ridiculously hard in the stomach and he rolled all the way to the nearest wall which he hardly hit.

"Give it up Hunter. You can't win this fight".

He could feel the anger that flowed through his veins and he heaved himself up from the ground. His muscles felt sore and one or two of his ribs were surely broken. But he couldn't stop here. Because then everything else would have been for nothing. Both his body and mind told him to stay on the ground and accept defeat. But his heart fought for something else.

"Then I'll grow stronger and win next fight!" He screamed and got up on his legs only to get another hit in his face.

And he stumbled back, only vaguely being capable of keeping himself up.

"Stupid human. Why do you put yourself through this?! For people who already are dead?" Mycroft's voice raised and Cynric suspected hearing some kind of wrath in the Vampire's voice.

He straightened his back and took the next punch that the man delivered. And he clenched his teeth and once again concentrated on standing up.

"You wouldn't understand even if I told you. Not a monster like you" He whispered and wiped the blood off his corner of the mouth with the back of his hand.

And he looked up at the man. With eyes that clearly told him that he would never give up. And just in the second that he was going to get punched again he raised the gun and pulled the Vampire near him. Which resulted in that he pressed the gun pipe against the man's chest, exactly where the heart was. And it got silent. The companions to Mycroft just stood there beside, watching the scene. But they were like him, badly hurt. The only difference was that they would heal faster than him. And that was why they didn't care about the wounds on their arms.

"I don't want to be pitied. Because I've myself choosed this path. I don't care if it hurts. Because I know what I want. You can't ever make me stop Mycroft. Not now, not tomorrow. Never. I'll never stop before I've gotten the one thing I want" He made a short pause to breath and then continued, steadily and cold "It doesn't matter how many Vampires you send after me. I'll kill them all. It doesn't matter how many obstacles you put in my way, I'll always find a way to come over them".

And then he let go of the Vampire.

"I'm not saying this because I want you to understand. I'm saying this because I want you to know".

For a long while they just stood there, staring at each other. Right in the eyes. And neither of them seemed to have any intentions to leave. He would never stop. And then suddenly, the older smiled. And turned to take his leave.

"You have your mother's eyes. Angelica and Robert, end him".

And then, just like that the man disappeared and left him with his two companions that licked their fangs. Prepared themselves to eat. He didn't have any bullets left. But he had his knife and that alone together with his will would be enough reason for him to try.

[Gatichan]

Rafael had remained inside the safety of his sleeping chamber, but had slipped out after he’d heard the first gunshot. Silently flittering closer to the window again, he peered out to see what had happened below. It seemed as if Dominic had been shot in the leg. This only proved that the hunter was a sadistic bastard- why toy with the vampire, when he was so obviously in the more powerful position? This angered Rafael and so he remained where he was, sensing that Mycroft and the others were gradually approaching the scene. And with a slightly arched eyebrow, Rafael watched the happenings from his perfectly safe position above, detached.

 

Although he had little else than loathing for the vampire hunter, Rafael had to grudgingly admit that the younger man was courageous. He knew few men who would willingly face four age-old vampires as the hunter obviously was. And even though Rafael had secretly been hoping that his fellows would rip the annoying little being apart, he was oddly fascinated by the hunter’s strength, ability and calmness in the face of danger. Or was it really all that and not simply the fact that the hunter lacked the actual will to live? Rafael had lived long enough to know that when one was usually supposed to experience fear and run away, at the most admit defeat, yet insisted on playing the hero and thrashing forward, even if there were no way to survive, then that either meant that that person was fighting for a person he loved, or couldn’t have cared less for his life. In this manner, although the vampire hunter would hate Rafael for drawing this conclusion, the younger man was similar to the two behind the Ainsworth Assault.

 

A shadow fell over Rafael’s face when he saw how the hunter fell and for a moment seemed as if his last hour had chimed. But again, although he never would have believed the hunter capable of turning the tables, Rafael was witness to the hunter surprising even Mycroft. Rafael took in a sharp intake of breath, even though he strictly didn’t actually need to breathe, but it was a mannerism he had obtained to be able to coexist amongst humans. Although vampire hunters had been born with the ability to pick out vampires amongst a normal crowd of humans, even the stupidest human would have realized that something was wrong if the person standing beside him didn’t appear to be breathing. So when Mycroft easily slipped away with a smirk and commanded his two comrades to finish the Ainsworth brat off, Rafael’s mannerism kicked in again and he continued to once again breathe.

 

Mycroft had vanished from the battle scene below, but lightly rapped against the window of Rafael’s balcony, demanding entrance. Rafael hastily stepped back to let the elder vampire in, bowing his head respectfully. Despite the young age that Mycroft had been turned at, he was much, much older than Rafael. “Pray tell me why you didn’t choose it fitting for me to have dealt with the human by myself,” he said, with all the respect that someone of Mycroft’s standing deserved. “Forgive me for my not having gone to you house tonight, but this at least I could have finished off myself.”

 

Mycroft shook his head, looking Rafael over appreciatively. Rafael felt his stomach clench- he knew that look all too well. So, so- Mycroft seemed to have taken a liking in him. This development could make matters…complicated. Rafael smiled as politely, yet as disarmingly as he could- it was never wise to brush off a potential admirer and lover…especially if the current admirer happened to be the head of the London Coven. “Because, dear Rafaelo,” Mycroft replied in his quiet voice, pronouncing Rafael’s name the Italian way as he reached out to touch latter’s hair. “Because. My men will take care of the hunter and then you’ll have no reason to leave London. As for the brothers in charge of the Ainsworth Assault- I’ve sent messengers to them already, letting them and thus any of your friends in Italy know that as long as you remain in England, you are under my protection.” He smiled as he stepped up to Rafael and kissed him on the lips. “You would be stupid to return, since here on my island you are a free man and untouchable.” And with these parting words, Mycroft had disappeared off into the night, leaving a shattered Rafael behind.

 

What was worse than having a teenage vampire hunter stalking him? Having an enamored five thousand year-old vampire Mafioso giving him pretty eyes and expecting Rafael to become his next willing bed companion and new member of his coven. Which was exactly the opposite of what Rafael had wanted- he longed to return to Italy, to his country, to his old way of life. Hearing the sounds of the battle increasing below and wondering that none of his neighbors had awoken yet, Rafael reappeared beside the window, his mind frantically searching for an opportunity to get away from Mycroft’s touch. Down below, the vampire hunter didn’t seem to be faring so well anymore and suddenly, a thought struck Rafael: what if, if the hunter really came close to losing his life, what if Rafael jumped down and finished Mycroft’s goons off instead to save the hunter?

 

He blinked rapidly various times. The idea was outrageous, preposterous- it was a downright blasphemy. And yet still, it was something so impossible to have foreseen, that not even Mycroft would believe that Rafael would have been so bold and so reckless to turn against his own kind...