The Red Moon, underground
offices;
Hiroki scanned over the music venue for tonight�s opening festivities, crossing off those he did not approve, circling ones he wanted to hear more than once that night. Being both owner and manager was a real chore even for a vampire like himself, but he did not mind. After all, the extra income surely would be needed to support the Master�s silent takeover brewing in the wings.
A look up around the office found Malenkov Rimialdi seated in a high back chair wearing a pair of headphones. He wore a dark smirk on his face and it was obvious that something was disturbing him. Abe, along with a few of his slaves and minions, were carousing on the couch carrying on playfully.
Such idiots, thought Hiroki.
Suddenly, Rimialdi snatched off the headset. He held it out away from him, snarling at the music blaring from the speakers. Abe and his entourage immediately stopped and the room grew quiet.
�Hiroki,� growled Rimialdi.
�Yes, Master?�
Rimialdi paused to sneer at the headphones again. �Hiroki, this noise, the one the chattels refer to as �rap�. What do they see in it?�
Hiroki was relieved that the anger in his master was not directed at him. �It entertains them, Master.�
�Entertains! Are they mad? It is nothing but repetitive phrases linked together by an insidious rhythm filled with derogatory comments and degradations!�
One of Abe�s female companions spoke up in a timid voice. �Master, rap is the word of our generation. The voice of our frustrations and freedom.�
�Shit,� muttered Abe as Rimialdi slowly turned around. He locked a withering stare on her and she retreated back behind Abe.
�Is she one of us?� he said back to Hiroki.
�Yes, Master.�
A lip curled, Rimialdi�s eyes glowing bright. �This� �Noise�, is irritating. I�ve been around long enough to be able to identify music, speech or any other forms of utterance found on this planet. Your �word� can easily be summed up by placing one consonant before it.�
He raised his left hand, index finger and thumb crooked to form the letter �C�. �Don�t forget it.�
Hiroki could barely hold back his chuckles as Abe and the others sat perplexed.
Rimialdi turned back around. �Hiroki, send these fools away. We have things to discuss.�
A quick wave of a hand, Abe and his crew left the office. Once they were alone, Rimialdi tossed the headphones on the desk.
�The first thing we will outlaw once we have taken over,� he said, pointing to them.
Hiroki snickered. �Is there something on your mind, Master?� he asked.
�A couple of things. First, I understand your little newcomer, the one I spared for you, has fled our group?�
A tight swallow sounded from Hiroki. He hoped he could keep that under wraps until she�d been relocated. The thrumming of Rimialdi�s fingers on the wooden surface conveyed his impatience.
�Uh, yes, master. Unfortunately, she decided to leave us.�
�And why is that?�
�She had a problem coping with becoming a vampire.�
�A problem?� Rimialdi frowned. Picking up the paper lying on the corner of the desk, he opened it up and folded a few pages back.
�If she has had a problem, then she must have gotten over it by now,� he said, pointing at one of the articles. The story described a series of murders down in the central docks; murders they both knew that were not done by their sect.
�Damn,� said Hiroki.
�This will bring unwanted attention to our cause, youngster.�
�I understand, Master. She will be found and dealt with immediately.�
Rimialdi placed the paper down. �Good. Now then about tonight. Have all the proper invitations been sent out, and have all of our brethren in Tokyo been instructed to convene here?�
Hiroki nodded. �I sent advance passes to all the more important chattel around the city, all vampires within the city limits have been sent passes. We should have a good turnout, and a decent night of turnings.�
�Excellent, excellent. Once we have recruited the important ones, they will go and turn their families. After our power base is established, we will branch out to the outlying cities until all of Japan has been subjugated.�
�A nation of vampires. United and unstoppable,� added Hiroki.
�Yes, but we will control our spread. The chattel must be allowed to co-exist. It would not be wise to eliminate them totally.�
They both laughed, imagining the potential glory and power to be had if their plans bore fruit. Rimialdi�s mood suddenly grew dark again.
�And speaking about eliminations, I have also heard that several of my subjects have been killed over the last few days. What do you know about this?�
Another issue Hiroki wanted to keep under his hat. Abe must be leaking information to the Master, the fool!
�Yes, ah I have also heard of this. My sources have no lead on this, but there has been a rumor that a hunter might have slipped into the city.�
�A hunter?�
�One that might be hard to track.�
Rimialdi leaned towards Hiroki, the light in his red eyes bright. �Are you telling me that one of our chattel has had the nerve to kill our people, and that we cannot track them down?�
�It might not be chattel doing the killing, master.�
That stunned Rimialdi and he sat back. For a long moment he was silent, fingers again strumming the top of the desk. Finally he stopped, placing a stern gaze on Hiroki.
�Do not delay on finding this killer, vampire or otherwise. Locate and kill them. Is that understood?�
�Yes, master.�
�Good. Now I want to go and rest before tonight. Awaken me when the sun has set.�
The Old Blood got up and headed for the door, stopping just as he grabbed the knob. �Do not fail, Hiroki,� he said. �Everything depends upon the success of tonight.�
�There will be no mistakes, master.�
�There had better not be.�
Rimialdi left leaving Hiroki with a dark feeling of dread. He looked back down at the paper on the desk and frowned�
* * * * *
Outside the Club Red Moon,
7:45PM
Fiery red hair shimmered beneath the glow of the neon signs above the Red Moon, a high-heeled foot tapping impatiently as time ticked slowly by. Ran, Lum�s childhood friend glanced down at her watch then looked at the crowded streets. No sign of her, she thought gazing at the throng of people swarming around the main entrance. No doubt it would be crowded, but after seeing how large this place was, Ran guessed that it would not be uncomfortable.
She checked herself again, smoothing the sides of her tight red macram� dress, cinching up the cords holding her seductively sexy white blouse up. A little daring, but she was always a rebellious one.
Lum�s darling will no doubt fall madly in love with me after seeing this outfit, she thought. A devious snicker came from Ran, and she grinned imagining all of the distress about to be played upon Lum. After all, she deserved something like this for taking my Rei from me.
Up to one side came a man whose lurid intentions could readily be seen in his eyes. He ran a lustful gaze on her, breaking out into a grin. Ran noticed, but continued to ignore him.
�Hey babe, alone tonight? I got a pass to the pre-show, wanna�,�
�Get lost before I mace your ass!� snarled Ran.
He immediately retreated.
Ran�s angry glare faded away as she spotted a long, white limousine roll up across the street. It was Mendou, the family crest emblazoned on the side of the rear door. It stopped and the chauffeur got out. He opened the door and snapped briskly to attention as Shutaro Mendou emerged.
Looking his best in an all white suit, Shu gazed around at the crowd gathering around. �We will call when we are ready to be picked up,� he said to the chauffer.
Extending his arm, Shinobu wrapped hers around his and stepped out. Immediate catcalls followed remarking upon the tight white satin mini-dress and low heels she wore. She blushed, Shinobu throwing the shawl around her shoulders up higher to conceal her embarrassment.
Ran called to them, waving excitedly and Shu waved back.
�Shu, I�m cold,� whispered Shinobu, inching closer to him.
He patted her hand lightly. �You won�t be once we get inside and start dancing,� said Shu.
�Hey, Mendou!� called Ataru�s voice. �Stop primping and let us out!�
The couple smirked, walking towards Ran. Out came Chibi, Parma, Kakaguri, and then Megane appeared stopping briefly to adjust his jacket.
�Hey!� called Benten from behind.
Megane started and turned quickly around. �What do you want, woman?�
�You�re supposed to be my escort!�
�So?�
A hand reached out snatching the hapless man his tie, pulling him down. �So start escorting!�
The grip was released, Megane hacking and coughing as he held out an arm.
Benten stepped out clad in a dark brown suede dance dress and matching boots that literally broadcast to the male population around them �Easy� in bold letters.
�Augh! Where are your manners, Megane?� she grumbled.
�I have manners, and how did I become your escort anyway?�
�Hush. Just be thankful you have such beauty to follow you around.�
�Beauty? You look like a biker slut!�
�Shut up, I am a biker slut�.� Benten paused, narrowing an eye at Megane. She grinned, squeezing his bicep firmly. �You will pay for that little quip later. Now lets go.�
A sharp jerk guided him along allow the last couple to exit. A hush abruptly passed through the crowd as Lum appeared. Every male stood transfixed unable to break his stare away. She wore a seductive gold lame� cheongsam dress cut teasingly away around the sides of her waist, flushed tight to her body accenting the curves of her hips and breast. French curls shaped Lum�s long turquoise tresses, and the matching spiked five-inch heels only added to her alluring vision of beauty she projected.
Slaps echoed as dates and girlfriends broke the looks of their companions, and even Shinobu had to give Shu a few shakes to bring him back around. A lecherous snicker came from behind Lum; Ataru unable to help himself thankful for the spectacular view the gods had given him.
�Darling isn�t this wonderful?� exclaimed Lum.
Ataru looked around, his eyes immediately targeting all the women milling about. His snickers increased and he found it difficult to conceal the broad grin on his face.
�Uh, yes, Lum, (hehehehehe), yes it sure is.�
Lum picked up the familiar wayward tone in Ataru�s voice. She frowned and latch hold of his arm leading him over to the rest of the group.
�Well you finally decided to carry your deviant self over here, eh, Moroboshi?� said Shu.
�Can�t rush greatness now, can we, Mendou?� he answered.
Shu rolled his eyes. �Come on!� he said leading them on through the throng of people to the main entrance.
A hulking bouncer greeted them before they could cross the threshold. �Clubs not open yet to common customers,� he said, frowning down at them.
�What! C-C-Common� COMMON!� exclaimed Shu. �Do you know who I am?�
The bouncer looked Shu over. �No,� he replied.
Shutaro literally had a heart attack right there on the spot. His wave of injured ego passed replaced by a determined gaze that burned in his eyes.
�You, my misinformed fellow, need to get out more,� he said.
�Hey, Mendou,� said Benten. �What did you do, forget to arrange reservations for us?�
�I don�t need any!�
Ataru patted Shu gently on the shoulder. �There, there, Mendou. Don�t take it personal now. Everybody knows that you have visions of grandeur every once in a while. We�ll just go and wait in line with the rest of the �Common� folk.�
Shu tensed. He removed Ataru�s hand with a sharp shrug and gazed back up at the bouncer. �I am expected!� he shouted.
The bouncer was unmoved. �You got a pass?�
Several seconds went by as Mendou hesitated. �Oh yeah,� he said, reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket. He handed them over to the bouncer, receiving a satisfied nod.
�You may go in, Mister Shutaro Mendou,� said the Bouncer, ushering them past.
Shinobu swatted Shu lightly on the arm. �All that ruckus when you had those with you,� she said. �I�m so embarrassed.�
�So I forgot,� replied Shu in his defense.
�Who cares? We�re in and that�s all that matters,� Ataru said. He threw up his arms, shouting, �and its time to let the world know that Tomobiki is here to PARTEHYYY!�
�Oh this aught to be good,� whispered Chibi to Parma, both of them breaking out into laughs as the group went inside�
* * * * *
The mixed crowd at the entrance of the Red Moon grew denser with each passing minute. The array of bouncers carefully screened everyone, allowing those with early passes to enter, forming a line of select individuals they deemed �safe�, and turning away anyone who felt out of place or looked wrong. It was this mad clamoring of humanity that Eric Blade came upon when he arrived on the scene.
Stepping out of the taxi, Eric paid the driver and stood silently staring at the throng, unimpressed. There was no doubt he fit the dress code; a tan, double-breasted suit, matching Gucci dance shoes and long cape more than covering that aspect. He reached into his jacket, and with a sharp snap put on his trademark Rayband sunglasses before making his way across the street.
His towering presence startled all who encountered him, people hurrying to make way for this newcomer. Blade grinned deviously as he came up on the lead bouncer. It grew deathly silent as the two men eyed one another.
�You going to let me by, junior?� Blade finally said.
�Are you expected?�
Blade paused, noticing the two bouncers taking up positions to either side of him. His grin broadened; Eric casually pulling a stylish toothpick from his shirt pocket, rolling it arrogantly around in his mouth before answering.
�You can say that.�
The Bouncer sneered at Blade. �I don�t think so,� he replied.
�You don�t think so? What you got a problem with me, kid?� Blade sniffed the back of his hand. �I washed so that can�t be it.�
Several snickers sounded from the crowd, quickly silenced by a sharp glance from the bouncer. He let out a grunt and said, �You didn�t stay in the shower long enough.�
Eric started slightly. �Oh, oh I see now. You�ve got a color problem with your eyes.�
�Why don�t you beat it? You don�t have a pass anyway.�
�Really now,� replied Blade. He started to turn then paused brows arching up in surprise. �Uh, oh, what, what, what�s this?� he said patting the front of his jacket. He reached inside, and then snapped out a small card straight up under the nose of the bouncer.
�That what you looking for?�
The bouncer�s sneer grew deeper, upper lip quivering, unable to ignore the pass being brandished in his face. Snatching it from Blade�s hand, he bent it a few times hoping to discover it was a fake, but was quickly disappointed.
Eric�s mocking grin grew wider, and he looked out over the top of his shades at the man. �Guess I should go on inside, eh?�
Reluctantly, the bouncers stepped aside.
�Thank you. You know you guys should work on your manners, and check that attitude of yours. Might cost you folks a lot of well paying customers. See�ya,� he said with a wink and click of his tongue as he walked past.
Waiting until Blade was out of earshot, the lead bouncer looked over at his companions.
�Go notify the boss that we might have a troublemaker in our midst,� he told them.
* * * * *
Interesting, thought Grace watching the minor confrontation that had just transpired. Standing off to the side at the far end of the building, Grace studied the situation trying to weigh her options, searching for an opportunity to get in. Without a pass it appeared she�d have to wait forever with this unending crowd, and that was not the option she wanted.
Stepping back she braced a leg up against the wall and crossed her arms dropping into deep thought. Well it was certain that vampires were flourishing, Grace marking several that passed earlier. Of course they all possessed passes, all of them except for her. It might have been worth the effort to try and get that girl at the hotel to finagle her one, but she did not want to give away the fact that she was a vampire.
�Shoot,� Grace said in frustration. She leaned back around and looked at the crowd again. Nope, no let up, in fact it appeared to grow even larger. A step from behind caught her ears. Grace tensed and slowly looked back over a shoulder.
�Sumimasen. Kibun wa ikaga desuka?� said a handsome, well-dressed man.
Grace stared at him speechless for a moment. She could see his eye drift seductively over her body, admiring her tight red miniskirt and heels. Looking confused, Grace shrugged innocently.
�Ah, you are an American woman, no?� he said.
�Uh, yeah.�
A low chuckle emanated from him. He moved closer, leaning on the wall with one arm continuing his survey. �And you are alone?�
Grace fought back the urge to punch this creep. �Yes.�
�Really? Are you here to �peruse� Tokyo�s finest selections?�
If I were, you�d certainly be out in the garbage can, she thought. �Uh, depends on what selection we�re referring too?�
He laughed. �You have a sense of humor. I like that. I also like your dress. Nice and tight all in the right places.�
It shouldbe, its two sizes too small, mused Grace. I was lucky enough to find a pair of shoes that fit.
The stranger peered around the corner.
�Oh, that�s why you are here. I thought you were sick or something.�
�No. I�m just waiting to get inside.�
He leaned around the corner again, letting out a grunt. �Hm, that does pose a problem for somebody without connections.�
Grace narrowed an eye slightly. This guy knows something!
Putting on her best alluring grin, she shifted her body immediately drawing the man�s attention back to her.
�And I suppose you have �connections�?�
A sudden start from him stopped her. �Did I say something wrong?�
�You�re one of us,� he replied.
�Come again?�
The man smiled, teeth barred to display his fanged teeth. A vampire, and Grace realized her mistake by allowing hers to show.
�Well now that changes everything,� he continued.
�It does?�
�Yes. The Master was very explicit on having all of us attend this opening.�
Uh-oh.
Placing a hand to his chin, he gave her a curious stare. �How is it you do not have a pass. For that matter, why is an American female vampire visiting our fair city?�
Ooo, this was going to take some serious lying, thought Grace.
She fought back panic, steeling her nerves. �Uh, I came here to, ah, get a change of pace. America is starting to become a bit hostile.�
�So I hear. I guess you have not been in Japan long enough to receive the word from the Master.�
There�s this �Master� again. Standish�s theory is starting to become fact.
�Yes. I�ve not been in country very long.�
�Then I will help you, uh that is if you agree to be my escort for the rest of the night?�
Sleaze!
�Sure. I�m very, very interested in meeting the �Master�. Who knows� we both might gain something out of tonight.�
She gave him a seductive wink, wrapping an arm around his�
* * * * *
By the time the rest of the crowd was allowed in, the party inside the Red Moon was at full swing. Spacious with multiple levels and dance floors, lights flashed, disco balls flickering amidst the dim interior, people dancing and communing excitedly. Hiroki, up in one of the darker platforms, was pleased looking down upon the patrons.
Things were going well he could see. The foolish chattel drank like fish, perfect for short visits to the corners where select teams seduced their hapless victims, making them slaves or outright kidnapping for turning later on.
�Hiroki,� called Rimialdi out of the darkness behind him.
�Yes, Master?�
Rimialdi set down the martini glass of blood in his hand, ushering aside the two female vampires cooing against him and stood up next to his prot�g�.
�I like the turnout. It proves to be a good start for our plans.�
�Your wisdom has, as usual, been superior. If we can convert the required chattel here tonight then by weeks end we should be in position to control a fair portion of Tokyo.�
�Yes.� Rimialdi paused as he eyed a small cluster of women walking by on the platform below. �An the choices we have before us here are� superb.�
�I see you taste has not diminished over the years either,� said Hiroki with a laugh.
�I still have my needs, and a future leader must sire a brood to follow him, no?�
�Of course, of course, Master.�
The lights suddenly dropped, and then several spotlights began panning around the crowd. [Is everybody having a good time!] called the DJ over the P.A. system. The crowd let out a cheer in response. A fast paced dance number started to play drawing more people to the dance floors. The DJ continued.
[Yes, yes, yes! The Red Moon would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone that has come to our grand opening tonight! Let�s hear it for the folks from way up north in Takamatsu!]
Another cheer rose from the crowd. Blade, standing near the edge of the main dance floor grimaced a bit as the noise stung his ears. All though he�d been asked several times to dance, Eric politely begged off the offers, concentrating on his search for Rimialdi. The club was way to packed with vampires to pick out the Old Blood�s presence, so it was coming down to a slow and tedious search hoping to stumble across him. Unfortunately, most of his weapons were left behind; a few throwing knives and his double-edged charka the only things at his disposal. The DJ called out another district drawing more cheers, and Blade smirked again, moving on to continue his search.
[Can I hear a call from Nerima!]
In their booth not far from the dance floor, Ataru and the gang stood watching the throng of people around them waiting for a break to go out and join in on the festivities. Ataru suddenly spun around.
�Hey, why is this jerk calling out all those bum districts?� he said to his friends.
�Silence you fool!� shouted Shu. �Stop acting like a drunken monkey and sit down!�
Ataru did have a few drinks, but not enough to disrupt his thinking.
�Mendou, you traitor! Tomobiki is the liveliest part of this city and their snubbing us! Are we going to stand for that?�
�No!� cried Ran.
�What are you going to do, Ataru?� asked Megane. �They don�t even know we exist!�
�Oh really?�
Ataru spun around and quickly found a partially clear table not far away. He jumped up on it and cupped his hands to his mouth.
�Hey! Hey, you�re forgetting Tomobiki! What about Tomobiki?�
Lum, covering her face briefly with her hands, shot quickly over to him. �Darling, will you get down form there!� she pleaded, tugging on a leg.
�Gagh, look at that idiot!� exclaimed Parma. �Can�t he just for once act like a normal human being?�
�Are you kidding? That is Ataru�s normal self,� answered Megane.
Over at one of the bars, Grace and her new escort watched Moroboshi as he continued to call out the name of his home district. She shook her head in disgust, taking another sip from the drink in her hand.
�What and idiot,� she said. �Definitely not a vampire.�
�Looks like dinner if you ask me,� commented her companion.
Grace cut her eyes briefly over at him, refraining from saying more in fear that the fool on the table would be needlessly killed.
The music picked up, a throng of men moving up desperately vying for the chance to ask Lum to dance. She ignored their advances and continued to plead with Ataru to come down.
�Darling! Will you get down from there and dance with me!�
�This fool can hear me I know it! Hey, HEY, WHAT ABOUT TOMOBIKI!�
Lum started to get angry. �Darling!� she shouted again, and hovered up into his face.
Almost at the same time one of the spotlights locked it�s beam on them. In her gold dress, Lum looked like an angel sent from the heavens, and that was exactly what Rimialdi thought as his eyes caught sight of her. Hiroki sensed his sudden silence, but before he could ask what held his attention, Rimialdi spoke.
�She is mine,� called his voice in a tone only vampires could hear.
Blade�s head snapped around, searching the darkened platforms trying to locate his target. It was no good, the overlying presences diffusing the trail. Quickly he looked back in the direction of the dance floor and the couple held in the beam of a spotlight.
�Fools,� muttered Blade, and he pressed his way through the crowd towards them.
Grace tensed at the sound of Rimialdi�s voice not expecting him to speak. It was obvious that a very powerful vampire was now claiming this strange girl attracting so much attention, and that only meant another soul was about to join their ranks.
Not if she could help it.
�Hey, where are you going?� called her escort.
�To mingle,� she called back, disappearing into the crowd.
Lum finally ended up in Ataru�s arms. �Darling, will you behave!�
Ataru tried shifting around her, but she latched on tight. Suddenly the DJ called out again.
[Did I hear somebody say TOMOBIKIIIII!!!!!]
�Well, that idiot actually got a word in,� Shu said to the other above the ensuing din.
Back in the upper tiers, Hiroki looked back and forth between the couple and Rimialdi with some concern.
�Master, do you intend to go down and claim her?� he asked.
�No. Bring her too me,� answered Rimialdi.
Hiroki nodded, gesturing to Abe standing down on the platform below them. A curt gesture towards Lum relayed his instructions, Abe moving into action.
By then, Ataru and Lum rejoined their friends in the booth.
�See, guys. Just a little dedication to your home district would be greatly appreciated,� Ataru said.
�Naahh! You�re a baka, Moroboshi,� snapped Benten, slamming down the last of the drink in her glass. �Jumping around on tables like that.�
�It was one table, and I think you�re drunk.�
�Still you should have a bit more restraint, Ataru!� said Shinobu.
�Nah, there was no harm done,� commented Kakaguri.
A waitress arrived at the table, her tray full of drinks. They all stared up at her before trading confused looks.
�I know I didn�t order this,� said Megane.
�No,� replied the waitress. �It�s from several of your golden girl�s new found admirers.�
Lum peered out spotting several of the men around the club leering in her direction. Shuddering, she pressed up closer to Ataru. �Creeps. Darling will protect me, won�t you Ata�.�
Ataru sat snickering lightly, a drink in either hand ready to swallow them down. Lum caught his arms before they could come up, and just before angry words could fly, another song started playing. It was a slow dance, Lum quickly out tugging Ataru along with her.
�But I don�t want to dance with you!� cried Ataru.
�Oh, stop being so stubborn and come on!� replied Lum.
�Geeesh, such a pair,� said Ran as they disappeared into the crowd. �You�d think with all of the men cooing after her, Lum would give up on Darling and find greener pastures to graze in.�
�What so you can steal him from her?� asked Benten.
Ran took a swallow from her drink. �Why not? It�d serve her right after what she did to break up Rei and I.�
�Ah, a jealous thing we are tonight,� said Parma.
�You really don�t think she came here on a friendly basis, did you?� Benten said.
�Yeah, but it�s� it�s Ataru,� commented Chibi.
Ran glared at them, angered by the conversation. �Lum has always had things her way, and, and I�ve always been deprived of any fun. She gets all the royal treatment; she gets all of the fun. She�s even drawing all of the men!�
Bristling with fury, Ran hurriedly got out of the booth.
�Where are you going, Ran?� Megane called to her.
�To get a drink!�
Shu smirked, a momentary look at the multitude of drinks on their table.
�Strange,� he said.
�She does have a point though,� Shinobu said. �Lum is drawing all the attention from the guys here.�
Benten drained the last of her drink from her glass, smacking her lips as she set it down. �Well I�m not going to let her spoil my evening. Come on, Megane. Let�s go dance!�
Megane�s protest fell on deaf ears as Benten jerked him from the both.
�Well?� said Shinobu, glaring at Shu.
�Ah, yes. Where are my manners? Shinobu, would you� URK!�
They were gone in a flash, leaving Chibi, Parma, and Kakaguri alone.
�Well guys, let�s not let these fine refreshments go to waste,� said Parma, picking up another drink.
* * * * *
Cheek to cheek danced Ataru and Lum, swaying together with the slow rhythm. It was the perfect setting for Lum, thrilled by the chance to be close to her loved one. For Ataru, it was a perfect opportunity to scope out all the fantastic chicks around the club.
Lum let out a low sigh, resting her head on his shoulder. �Oh Ataru, this is just the right setting for us. It�s so romantic.�
�Hm,� replied Ataru.
Lum hugged him tighter. �Darling, do you think we can take some time away from the city for a while?�
�Sure.�
Her eyes widened, not expecting his positive answer.
�Oh, Darling, we need some time alone. There are lots of things to talk about. Our futures, our, our relationship.�
�Perfect.�
�What? You think we are perfect?�
�Excellent.�
The joy in Lum grew. �Then, then Darling, why don�t we plan on getting married?�
�As soon as possible.�
She drew in a long breath, not sure what to say. �Ataru, do you mean it!�
�Definitely a must.�
�Oh Darling you�ve made me so happy!�
�Later on.�
Lum�s sudden cheer abruptly dropped. �Later on?� She stepped back startling Ataru. In one hand he held his ever-present black phone book open, a pencil marking ticks next to a list of women.
�Darling,� she said. �Did you not hear anything I just said?�
�I�m sorry, were you speaking to me? I thought you were humming along with the music.�
Disbelief turned to anger, and Lum began to work up a doozy of a zack when a dark figure appeared beside them.
Abe Nashimaru gazed silently down upon them, his wild gleam sending a shudder though the couple. Lum pressed back up against Ataru, hugging him tight.
�May I cut in?� he asked Ataru.
�Oh, sure if� Argh!�
Lum�s fingers dug into the meat of his back.
�Ah, no I think I want to finish this one out, thank you.�
It appeared that was not the answer this man wanted, brows furrowing close together. Ataru spotted two more men moving into position beside him, and it looked like trouble was about to begin.
�I believe the lady will enjoy dancing with me,� continued Abe.
He started reaching out towards Lum when suddenly another couple interposed themselves between them.
�Ooops! E�scuse me,� said Blade, bringing the woman in his arms to a stop completely blocking Abe�s view of Lum and Ataru.
�Get out of the way,� snarled Abe.
�Hey, I said I was sorry and� you know you guys should find women to dance with. I don�t think this here club caters to your kind of thing.�
A deep low growl came from Abe, teeth grit tight ready to rip the throat out from this interlopers neck. Lum and Ataru took advantage of the opportunity and quickly danced away from the scene.
�You better move before I kick your ass.�
Blade�s brows rose up. Gently ushering his partner aside, he planted his fist on his hips going eye to eye with Nashimaru.
�What did you say?�
Abe tried to intimidate him; baring his fangs just enough for Eric could see.
Blade smirked. �Right with you, pal,� he whispered, curling his upper lip.
That sent a shock though Abe, and he stepped back even with the two men that accompanied him. The started to approach Blade, but Nashimaru spread his arms out. He eyed Blade a moment longer and then smiled waving them back, giving Blade a slight bow signaling that he had won this round, slipping off into the darkness.
Hm, that was close, thought Eric. He noticed that the couple was gone, and glanced around.
�I better go find them,� he said to himself, picking up the dance with his partner once more�
* * * * *
The creak of Malenkov�s knuckles caught Hiroki�s ears alerting him to the fact that the Old Blood was not pleased by Abe�s failure. Nothing needed to be said as they watched the events unfold below, Hiroki heading quickly for the stairs.
* * * * *
The song was finished, Ataru and Lum returning to their booth. Lum felt uneasy after the incident on the dance floor. Not so much about the intrusion from that creepy guy, but the lack of care or concern for her well-being from Ataru.
�Ataru!� she shouted. �You were going to let that man take me from you!�
Parma stopped sucking on the straw in his drink and frowned at Ataru. �What guy?�
�Some large dude wanted to cut into our dance,� answered Ataru.
�And you were going to let him?� exclaimed Chibi.
Ataru shrugged. �Why not? Then I could have danced with one of those gorgeous babes flocking around this club.�
Lum started sharply. Stunned by the comment, she turned away from him, heart heavy with sorrow. Shinobu and Shu returned to the table.
�Something wrong?� asked Shu as he slid in.
�Yeah, Ataru was about to let some guy dance with Lum,� said Kakaguri.
Mendou tensed. �Moroboshi! What are you thinking about?�
�Phone numbers, addresses, and future dates with voluptuous women!�
�You cur! Can�t you see how your cold behavior has insulted Miss Lum?�
�She should be thankful I have this.�
Lum whipped around. �What!�
�Yes. This could be the stuff that will warm a cold-hearted soul like me.� He pulled out his black book, holding it up. �Before you get me, I�ll be all nice and toasty warm.�
�Boy is that a crock!� said Chibi.
�Shame on you, Ataru,� said Shinobu. She squinted hard trying to read the contents on the open page. �Is my address in there?�
�What!� shouted Lum.
Shu shot to his feet. �Moroboshi! Carry yourself like a man and accept your fate! Give that to me!�
�Never!� cried Ataru, clutching the book tight to his chest. �I�ve got a gold mine here just waiting to be tapped!�
Lum had enough. Her hands shot out, slipping between his and yanked the black book from Ataru�s grasp. A furious flurry of rips and tears shredded the thing into small bits.
�There! Now the only thing going to get you toasty warm is me.�
As the couple argued, Grace stood not far away watching over them with close interest. She scratched her head, wondering how such a lovely girl could be so attached to such an ugly lout. There had to be something in the chemistry, and if that formula ever got out, woe be on to this world.
However; the danger they did not realize around them made it imperative that she keep close. She could see vampires lurking about just waiting to make a move on the girl and whisk her away to god only knows who. If there was some way she could get a message to them, warning them of the threat and get them out where she stood a better chance of protecting them all. Another dance song started and the DJ came up once again.
[Okay, people! It�s time now for spotlight dancing contest!]
All of the anger disappeared from Lum. �Darling! This is our chance too show everyone how good we dance together!�
Ataru was not listening: head slumped forwards motionless. Suddenly he started laughing in his familiar lecherous laugh.
�No, Lum. This is a perfect time for me to flow through the crowd and collect addresses of babes.�
�No!� cried Lum. She dived for an arm, but Ataru was swiftly up from his seat poised on top of the backrest of the booth.
�Yes! And since I; Ataru the Player, is destined to score points with all the women here tonight, I must do what is natural!�
�Yeah, but you don�t have your book anymore,� Parma said. A swat on the head from Shinobu silenced him.
Ataru smiled. Reaching into his jacket he pulled out another black book. �(Hehehehehehe!) A Pro must be ready for the worst. I�m off!� With that, Moroboshi bounded away, Lum�s angry call following as she shot off after him.
Kakaguri shook his head, sighing deeply. �Ah, those two. One of them should make a stand and come to terms with the other.�
In the darkness close by, Grace shook her head at the spectacle. �Just can�t see what she sees in him,� she said, moving off to follow them.
Across the club, Abe stood in silent fury; Hiroki next to him quietly berating his underling.
�The Master is quite furious with you for failing, Abe!�
�I got sidetracked, Hiroki.�
�We saw. Why did you back down?�
�Because he is one of us!�
There came a pause, Hiroki recalling a report from his security about a vampire who could be a problem. Obviously this was the same man, but surely he heard the Master�s voice. Now unless he wanted to challenge them, no, no, he would not dare do that� or would he?
Lum�s desperate call caught their ears and they both spotted her standing alone at the edge of the open dance floor frantically looking around for Ataru.
�Looks like luck has smiled upon us, Abe,� he said. �Think you can complete your task?�
Abe straightened his tie, giving his hair a quick shake. �I�m on it,� he replied.
Lum�s calls also caught Blade�s ears as well. He stood not far away from her and then caught sight of Abe making his way through the crowd towards her.
�Uh oh,� he said. The DJ picked that time to start the music; �Crush� by Jennifer Paige. He smiled. �Seems I get to strut my stuff tonight.�
Abe was a mere arms reach away from Lum when out of thin air Blade appeared. Wrapping an arm around her waist, Eric guided the startled woman out onto the dance floor.
�Dance? Why I�d love too!� he said cheerfully. A teasing click of the tongue and mocking wink was the last thing Abe�s angry eyes saw before the crowd swallowed them.
Rimialdi let out a low, throaty growl seeing the second failure. He turned briskly away from the railing and returned to the darkness of the booth.
Meanwhile, Hiroki rubbed the bridge of his nose, irritated by the ongoing delays. He did not want to return to the Master, deciding that personal intervention would be needed here. Abe arrived, but before he could speak, Hiroki held up a hand.
�Just watch them,� he ordered, stalking angrily on through the crowd.
Megane and Benten saw what just transpired, but to them their attention was strictly on Lum and this mysterious man twirling her gracefully around the floor. Benten quickly turned and waved over to their table, beckoning the rest of the gang to come and see what was happening.
See you blow�n me a kiss
It doesn�t take a scientist
To understand what�s going on, baby
�Whoa! Check out Lum!� exclaimed Chibi when they arrived.
�Yes, but who is that foreigner dancing with her?� asked Shu.
�He�s good, I�ll say that much,� said Benten.
�And there she goes again drawing all of the attention,� snarled Ran.
It was true, the song barely started and already everyone around them was stepping back to watch the duo perform. Across the floor, Ataru stopped from pestering another woman, turning his swollen face around to see what was going on. He started; tensing with shock as the man she was dancing with pulled her close, grinding seductively in rhythm with the music against Lum�s body. She saw his reaction, playing on the scene appearing to enjoy it.
It�s just
(Ah)
A little Crush
(Crush)
Not like I faint
Every time we touch
Stunned eyes and open jaws appeared on her friends faces, freezing them in a trance.
�Lum?� gasped Benten.
Ran clenched her fist, shaking with fury. �Ooo,� she snarled. �Look at her� showing off!� She spun briskly around, forcing her way through the people standing behind her.
�Ran, where are you going?� called Parma.
�To get another drink!�
It�s just
(Ah)
Some little thing
(Crush)
Not like everything I do
Depends on youuu
(Sha la la laa)
Ataru was hopping mad. �Hey, hey you two timing wench! Stop that! Stop that right now!�
She ignored him, grinning brightly as Blade whisked her around again.
Hiroki stared at Ataru. Yes, her boyfriend, he thought placing a hand to his chin. Not the handsomest of things, and sure to be a bother later on. Ah, nuisances. A brief look off into one of the dark corners near him drew two scantily clad female vampires over.
�Yes, milord?� they said together.
�You see that young man over there?�
They looked at Ataru. �The ugly one?� asked one.
Hiroki nodded. Pointing first at them, then jerking a thumb in Ataru�s direction, he made a short cutting motion across his throat. They two vampires grinned, smoothing their tight skirts and started after him.
Grace could only look at Ataru in disgust, not believing he had nerve enough too be upset by his girlfriend�s actions, especially after the things he�d been doing around this club. Served him right, she thought. Loser, can�t make up your mind on what you want and�.
She perked up noticing the two strange women slinking up on either side of him. No, this fool had not suddenly become a woman magnet. Something was wrong. Her suspicions were confirmed when one of the women grinned flashing a pair of fangs. It was a setup, and her unwanted charge apparently was to be their next main course of the evening.
�Damn it!� she said, shaking her head. �Now I�ve got to go and dance with this walking octopus. There is no justice in this job!�
The two vampires were ready to make their move when Grace pushed Ataru out onto the dance floor. �Come on� �Cutie�,� she said taking him by the hands. �Let�s give these two a run for their money.�
Ataru was not one to argue, his lecherous mind gladly following this gorgeous woman�s lead.
What is this? Hiroki muttered in disbelief. He cast a forlorn gaze briefly up to the ceiling and walked away back into the crowd.
Say the word �forevermore�
That�s not what I�m looking for
All I can commit to is �Maybe�
(Maybe)
Blade lifted Lum off her feet, spinning slowly before pulling her close with her back to him.
�You and your friends have got to leave,� he whispered as low as possible.
Lum turned slightly, but this stranger�s firm grip held her in place. �Why?�
�You all are in danger, especially you.�
They parted, Lum following Blade�s lead as he guided her out then back again.
�There�s no time to explain. First chance you get, gather you friends and get out of here.�
�Are you going to help us?�
�I�ll be around.�
Fear filled Lum, a lump stuck in her throat. As she was spun around, she could see Ataru dancing with another woman, that lecherous grin of his frozen on his face. Her jealousy returned, blocking out all other thoughts.
�Oh, I�d like to leave him here to whatever it is that�s threatening us,� she said to Eric.
�It�d fix things, but not in a good way,� he answered.
Vanilla skies
(Vanilla skies)
White picket fences in your eyes
Blade dipped Lum back and at the same time Grace, more to get this cretin off her, did the same to Ataru. All four stared at each other; Blade smirking as he looked at Grace; Grace turning her head slightly to one side as she stared back.
A vision of you and me
(And me)
She�s a vampire, thought Blade.
He�s a vampire, thought Grace.
�Darling, I�m going to fry you so hard,� growled Lum.
Ataru only snickered then both couples drew up to finish the dance.
It�s just
(Ah)
A little Crush
(Crush)
Not like I faint
Every time we touch
It�s just
(Ah)
Some little thing
(Crush)
Not like everything I do
Depends on youuu
(Sha la la laa)
Hiroki glared at them from the nearby bar, wondering who the two intruders were, how they got passes into his club, and how was he going to get rid of them. Their meddling was sure to cause difficulties, and the Master certainly did not tolerate his commands not to be obeyed. Causing a scene would scare away the rest of his guest and give the club a bad reputation he could not afford.
Somebody slammed a fist down on the bar and a woman�s angry voice cut through the din.
�I want another drink, damn it!� a redhead raged at the bartender.
�I�m sorry, but you�ve had enough I�m afraid.�
She slammed her fist on the bar again.
�I�m not drunk! Now give me another drink!�
Wasn�t she with the Master�s woman? Hiroki thought. Yes, yes she was. Why is she so upset? He glanced back at the dance floor, and then smiled moving closer.
�I want a drink!� raged Ran.
Hiroki gave the bartender a slight nod. Another drink was made, Ran tossing the decorative miniature umbrella aside and slammed it back.
�Bah! That was watered down! Give me a strong one!�
�Hold on a minute, pretty lady,� said Hiroki.
Ran rounded on him. �Mind your� pretty lady?�
�Yes. One I dare say could be the prettiest one here.�
A blush formed, Ran placing her hands to her cheeks as her anger passed away.
�Oh, oh why thank you. This is so embarrassing.�
Gently, Hiroki took Ran�s hands in his. �Why?�
�Because no one�s ever said that to me.�
�Nonsense. Why is such an attractive lady so angry?�
The blush faded, Ran putting on a pout, turning around to the crowd.
�Because of my so called �best friend�, Lum,� she answered.
�Really?� Hiroki could not believe his luck. �And the�.�
�I don�t know who the black man is, or the blonde, but the guy she�s dancing with is her darling.�
�Darling?�
�Ataru Moroboshi.�
The name sparked something in the back of Hiroki�s mind. Leaning back, he repeated the name several times trying to recall where he had heard that name before.
�Is he somebody famous?�
�Notorious is a better word,� answered Ran. �Lucky as all get up.�
�Lucky?�
She nodded. �Everything seems to go his way.�
Superstition did not run in Hiroki�s blood however; from this girl�s tone and from what he had seen so far, it might be prudent to approach this situation from another angle.
�I did not get your name?� he said.
�Ran.�
�Ran. Nice. I�m Hiroki Motoabe, you might have heard of me or seen some of my works.�
Ran shook her head.
�I�m a photographer. Fashion modeling to be exact. I�ve done spreads for Vogue, Cosmopolitan, <<O>>.�
�You have!�
�Yes.� Hiroki inched closer to her. �I don�t think your friend Lum is all that attractive. In fact I would dare to say that you are the better of the two.�
Ran�s blush returned. �Mister Motoabe,� she said, turning away.
�Ran, would you do me the honor and allow me to use you in my next layout?�
�You mean you want me to be a fashion model?�
�It�s a big spread most likely to be seen all across Asia.�
Ran was thrilled at the chance to show off her beauty, and what better way to show up Lum than to appear in a fashion magazine. This would be great!
�Yes! When do you want me?�
Hiroki arched a brow, grinning with pleasure. �How about tomorrow, ah let�s say eight?�
�I�ll be there.� She paused then asked, �Where is �there�?�
Hiroki laughed. He pulled out his card and handed it to her. �Try not to be late.�
�Oh I won�t!� replied Ran. �Lum will beg me to introduce you, and Darling and his friends will want to come down and watch too!�
An audience was not what Hiroki desired at this stage of the game. �Uhm, Ran. Can you keep this just between us for now? I want to maintain a low profile and crowds will only disrupt my work.�
She pondered his request, nodding cheerfully as she pocketed the card. �Oh thank you, Mister Motoabe!� cried Ran, hugging him in a tight embrace.
It was hard to control his urge, but Hiroki did gently pulling away. �You�re welcome. Now you better go and get some sleep. Our session might take most of the morning and afternoon.�
Ran thanked him again, rushing away back towards her friends. Pleased by the turn of events, Hiroki smiled sinisterly and went to inform Rimialdi of his plans�
* * * * *
After the dance and applause, Lum and the rest of the gang returned to there booth; Ataru right up in her ear raving about her actions.
�You see, you see? Now you know why I act like I do, TRAMP!�
Lum giggled, humored by Ataru�s tirade. �Darling�s just jealous. Admit it.� She replied, latching on to his arm.
�No I�m not! I just want everyone here to see what your real persona is!�
�Oh, give us a break,� said Benten. �We all know how much of a leach you are. Serves you right that Lum has finally decided to have fun for a change.�
�Yeah,� added Megane. �How does it feel to have your love life threatened, Mor-o-boshi, hmmm?�
Lum suddenly let out a gasp. The words of the mysterious man returned and she looked around trying to find him. No luck, he disappeared back into the crowd and oddly enough so had Ataru�s partner.
�Benten,� she said, pulling her friend aside.
As they talked, the rest of them ordered more drinks, settling back to enjoy the music.
�You know I can really get to like this place,� said Shu. �Drinks are cheap, music is diverse, and plenty of other people around to mingle with.�
�Yeah, but I don�t know if I like all of those dark corners,� Parma said. �Gives the name �Red Moon� an unsettling tone.�
�Stop being such a �fraidy cat,� replied Megane. �It gives this place just the right setting and�.�
�What!� Benten suddenly shouted, startling them. She stared quizzically at Lum for a few seconds before frantically looking about the club.
�Uh, is there something wrong there, ah, Benten?� asked Chibi.
�Where�s Ran?� Lum asked them.
�Beats us,� answered Parma. �She�s been acting strange all night.�
Shinobu spotted Ran making her way through the crowd. A cheerful grin replaced the dark frown on her face. �Here she comes.�
Ran did not sit down, but asked the guys to pass her purse over.
�Hey, Ran!� exclaimed Ataru, but she paid him no mind.
�I�m going to go home now,� she said with a mischievous wink.
�Ooo. Hubba hubba!� Kakaguri teased.
A stiff swat clocked him, Ran allowing her anger too pass before continuing.
�I�ve got a big day tomorrow and I�m going to need all the sleep I can get.�
Waving cheerfully, Ran bid them goodnight as she left.
�Whoa! Whoever got lucky landing her is soon to be in for a treat,� said Megane.
�I don�t think Ran is doing anything of the sort,� replied Shu. He looked at Shinobu. �You don�t think she�d do that, do you?�
�She�s an alien.� Shinobu shrugged. �Who knows?�
�And we need to leave too,� added Benten.
�Now?� asked Megane.
She was right up in his face. �Yes, now, escort.�
Megane swallowed hard. �Uh, okay. I guess it�s time to go if you say so.�
Lum turned to Ataru only to find him up on his knees on the seat leaning over the top of the booth into the next one. Several women were trying hard to ignore his advances as he calmly asked for their names and addresses.
�Darling!� she cried, pulling him back by the back of his collar.
�Damn it, Lum! What do you want now?�
�We�re leaving.�
�Oh? Good bye.�
Ataru started to climb back up on his knees but Lum leaped into his lap to stop him.
�We�re all going!�
�Unless we�re going to the chocolate shop, I�m not leaving!�
�Darling!�
Chibi rubbed the side of his head. �Well Lum it is kind of early.�
Benten slammed a fist on the table ending any more resistance. Shu glanced at his watch, noting the time.
�A quarter till midnight. I�ll call for our limo and it should be here by then.�
Lum traded a fearful look with Benten.
�Shu, is there a station near here?� asked Benten.
�Yes. It�s a decent walk through the park but we�.�
�Let�s go.�
�Come on, Darling.�
�But I don�t wanna go!�
Shu placed a foot up against Ataru�s hip and pushed the reluctant womanizer out into Lum�s waiting arms. She immediately placed him in a tight headlock, leading him struggling towards the doors.
Up in Rimialdi�s dark corner, Abe and Hiroki awaited their master words hoping his wrath would not be severe. The Old Blood swirled the thick liquid in his goblet around eyeing them both with equal distain. Taking a deep draw, he smacked his lips and looked out across the club.
�Hiroki, that young lady has ignited a fire inside me,� he said.
�Yes, I can see this, Master.�
He looked up at him. �Then why is she not here?�
His voice was laced with a growl, and Hiroki shuddered lightly.
�The intruder is one of us, Master,� said Abe.
The goblet in Rimialdi�s hand abruptly stopped. He sat motionless, but they could feel the anger welling up around him.
�One of my minions dares to defy me?�
�It is obvious this newcomer is not from here,� commented Hiroki. �Master, I managed to have a chat with one of Lum�s friends.�
�Lum?�
�That is her name, Master. The stranger is not known to her, nor is the blonde who prevented two of my girls from removing her boyfriend.�
�There is another interloper?�
�Yes, Master. I do not know what she is after, but it certainly is not Ataru Moroboshi.�
Abe started sharply, staggering a few steps back.
�A-A-Ataru! Ataru Moroboshi?� he exclaimed.
�You�ve heard of him?�
Abe glanced back and forth between them. �That�s the guy who almost got the Earth invaded by those aliens!�
�I am a fool!� declared Hiroki, smacking himself on the forehead. �I knew I�ve heard that name before.�
�And, and when he won, the chick he was chasing became his fianc�.�
Rimialdi took all of this news in with interest. He stood up going back over to the guardrail and then turned around.
�That means Lum is an Oni,� he said. �Exquisite.�
�Master, Lum is not of this planet,� Hiroki pointed out to him. �Her blood might not be compatible with our blood.�
Rimialdi was not to be deterred. �Her blood will be perfect, Hiroki.� They could hear the excitement in his voice. �She will be my queen and sire young to reign over our lands.�
�But she�s engaged to be married to that lout,� said Abe.
�That can be fixed,� replied Rimialdi, locking a terse stare on him.
Turning, the old one searched the crowd below for his woman to be. �Hiroki, our priorities have changed.�
�They have?�
�Lum is to be brought to me immediately. All other operations will stop until this has been accomplished.�
A sense of foreboding filled Hiroki. Questioning his master�s commands surely meant death, but something felt wrong about changing their objectives so suddenly.
�Master, Lum will be brought to you, but might I suggest we stay with our plans?�
Rimialdi looked briefly away from his search. �I want her, Hiroki. Is that clear?�
He swallowed. �Yes, Master.�
Rimialdi turned back around, continuing his scan of the crowd. �Where is she?� he suddenly said.
Abe and Hiroki stepped up beside him.
�Their not in their booth,� said Abe.
�Hiroki,� snarled Rimialdi.
Hiroki calmly scanned the crowd. His gaze reached the main entrance and he caught a brief glimpse of Lum dragging Ataru outside.
�They are leaving, Master,� he said.
Metal creaked beneath Rimialdi�s grip.
�Get her back,� he commanded.
�Yes, Master.�
Hiroki gave Abe a curt nod, but before he could leave, Rimialdi stopped him.
�And kill this Ataru Moroboshi as well,� he added.
Abe grinned, rushing of to do as commanded�