Scrambling down to the lower level of Motoabe�s studio warehouse, Grace and Benten stopped and looked around trying to find a way out. The hurried steps coming from behind drove them on, running down the hallway into the next room.
They entered a photo gallery sectioned off into several sections, dimly lit and apparently offering no way out. They stopped trading worried looks, and then a shot careened over their heads. Benten pointed over to the far section across the room and they ran.
Luck seemed to abandon them staring into the enclosed portion of the gallery. No exit, no windows not counting the corner section of the skylight above, and certainly not the best situation to be in.
�They�re in the gallery!� called a voice from behind.
Grace carefully laid Lum on the floor. Several long heavy pedestals ran in a row across the center of the room and she cleared away the pictures on top, pushing them together to form a makeshift wall. Benten joined her behind it, laying Ran on the floor between them.
�Guess this it,� she said, reloading her blaster.
�Looks like it,� replied Grace. She slapped a fresh clip into the Uzi, hunkering low waiting for the first sign of Hiroki�s people.
It wasn�t long in coming, several figures stepping out into their sights. A burst from Kimball and vampires disintegrated into smoldering heaps. As their bones clattered to the floor, Benten peeked around wincing at the mess. She drew back and found Grace leering at her handiwork.
�What�s so funny?� she asked.
Grace laughed. �These silver bullets are the shit.�
Both of them burst out laughing then Hiroki called out to them.
�Miss Kimball!�
They hunkered low expecting an attack.
�Miss Kimball?�
Benten shrugged at Grace, giving her a quizzical stare. Grace waved for her to stay quiet, inching slowly up.
�Come now ladies. I�m trying to negotiate here!�
�Well we�re not in the mood to talk right now!� Benten shouted back.
A long silence followed.
�I would like to spare any unnecessary violence in my gallery. Those pictures are worth a lot of money you know.�
�Should have thought about that before you kidnapped Lum!� called Grace.
Hiroki could be heard laughing. �Ladies, you cannot escape so why resist, hm?�
�Because we like watching your vamps crumble into tinder wood,� answered Benten.
�Not the answer I was expecting.�
Grace covered her mouth suppressing her giggles, giving Benten a high-five for her humor.
�Anyway,� continued Hiroki, �I would not be joking about this situation. You are cornered and we hold all of the advantages.�
�Wrong!� called Grace, Benten smirking as she shook her head. �For somebody with the all the cards, you seem to be doing a lot of talking.�
�We want Lum back.�
�You�re not getting her without a fight, so bring it on!�
Another long pause.
Benten moved up close to Grace. �What do you mean �bring it on�?� she whispered.
Grace placed a finger to her lips hushing Benten to silence. The silence continued, drawing worry to their minds.
�Kimball,� Hiroki called out again. �We will retrieve Lum, and Ran. Make this easy on yourselves and surrender.�
�Hm, that reminds me,� Grace said. She undid the sling on her Uzi, handing it to Benten. �Tie her up,� she told her, pointing down at Ran.
�I�ll just shoot her.�
�No!�
�Why not?�
�Benten, will you just tie her up and stop arguing with me!�
Grumbling, Benten set her blaster down, turning Ran over. �Oh you don�t know how lucky you are, Ran,� she whispered to Ran as she bound her wrist behind her. Meanwhile, Grace cradled Lum in her arms, gently patting the woman on her cheek.
�Lum, wake up. We need you,� whispered Grace.
Lum moaned, slowly opening her eyes again.
�Grace?�
Grace smiled. �Feeling better?�
Lum shook her head slowly. �No. I-I feel weak� drained.�
�You should, much of your zack power has been drawn from you,� commented Benten.
Dull steps from above drew their attention up to the skylight. Grace grabbed her Uzi, pressing closer against the pedestal pulling Lum with her. Suddenly the lights went out. Benten muttered several curses, snatching up her blaster and went prone covering the front.
�Grace?� she called back, a slight tremble in her voice.
�Relax. They�re just trying to scare us.�
�Well it�s working.�
Kimball continued to scan the skylight. �They won�t try anything as long as they don�t know where Lum is.�
�And when they mark her. What then?�
�We can expect trouble.�
�Great. I hope Shinobu got back to Blade and the guys.�
Grace gave her a brief look, staring fearfully back up at the skylight.
�So do I, Benten��
* * * * *
Whisking back to Tomobiki, the guys helped Eric up the sidewalk to the Moroboshi home. Ataru grabbed the doorknob, starting surprised as it and part of the door itself came away in his hand.
�Cover the door!� whispered Eric.
Chibi and Parma went to either side of the doorway, weapons locked and loaded. Gently, Ataru pushed it open, peering into the darkened home. He paused.
�Get in there, Ataru,� whispered Shu.
�Why me?�
�Because it�s your house, stupid!� replied Parma.
Damn, muttered Ataru. He stepped in, swallowing the lump in his throat as he moved down the hall.
�h-h-hellooo,� he called lightly when he reached the corner. An audible click sounded, Ataru immediately diving for the floor.
PBOOM!
PBOOM, PBOOM!
�AHHHH! GRACE, GRACE, IT�S ME, ATARU!�
�Ataru?� called a timid voice out of the darkness.
�Shinobu?�
A light came on, Shinobu and Jariten huddled in the far corner beneath several blankets.
Chibi and Parma charged in coming to an abrupt stop. �Who�s shooting!� cried Parma.
Shinobu burst from the blankets, rushing into Ataru�s arms, crying loudly. In came Kakaguri, Shu and Blade, wondering as well as the others what happened.
�What the hell,� muttered Blade staring at the menagerie of bullet holes stitching the wall and floor.
�Hey guys!� called Chibi from the kitchen. �There�s three dead guys in here!�
Shu pulled Shinobu from Ataru, turning her around. �Shinobu, what happened? Where are the Moroboshi�s? Where�s Grace and Benten?�
Shinobu was hysterical; blubbering incoherently trying to tell them what went on. Shu clasped a hand over her mouth telling her to calm down. She drew in several deep breaths, reaching up pulling his hand down.
�The vampires got Lum,� she told them.
�What!� exclaimed Eric. �How?�
�It was Ran. She�s one of their slaves.�
Several jaws dropped open.
�Oh now can this get any worse!� exclaimed Ataru. �The girls are gone, Lum�s been taken, and Blade�s hurt. We�re going to need a lot more daywalkers to fight them!�
�Ran,� said Megane in disbelief. �Ran is a slave? I don�t believe it!�
�It�s true!� exclaimed Jariten, flying over to them. �We went to Ran�s home. She stunned me, and when I woke up Grace, Benten and Shinobu were there.�
�Shit,� growled Blade. He angrily limped over to the wall and slid down to the floor. The pain in his leg made him grimace more, chest heaving as his body worked to mend the damage. He knew what he needed to speed up the effort.
�Where�s my mom and dad?� Ataru asked.
�In the closet asleep,� answered Shinobu. �We knocked them out, not my choice, and then those three dead guys came around trying to kill us. That�s when we realized Ran was one of them.�
�So where did Grace and Benten go?� asked Shu.
Shinobu fumbled through her dress pockets, pulling out the paper containing Motoabe�s address. She showed it to Shu, Mendou committing it to memory. He turned, knelling down next to Eric.
�Blade, we�ve got to get down to Motoabe�s and get Lum back.�
Blade agreed. �Moroboshi, Shinobu, Jariten, you stay here with me. Shu, take the others and get going. We�ll be along shortly.�
Shu doubted Eric could be much of a force with his injury, and now they faced not only Motoabe, but Rimialdi too. Still, they had to try before their dark plans bore fruit.
�We�ll be looking for you.�
�I�ll be there, now get moving.�
Shu stood up. He placed a determined gaze in his eyes, looking at Megane and his three companions. Megane held Grace�s Desert Eagle in his good hand, his resolve matching Shu�s. As ready as they were going to be, they rushed out the door.
�Ataru,� called Blade. Ataru knelt down beside him. �Listen, you�re going to have to do something I never thought I�d ever think about doing in life.�
�Calling it quits and fleeing the country?�
Eric slapped him on the side of the head, grabbing Ataru by the collar. �No you fool!� He grimaced as another wave of pain shot through his leg. When it passed, he sat back.
�Shinobu� go up and get Grace�s bag. Jariten� go get that small one I have.�
They ran up the steps. Eric glared at Ataru for a moment.
�How much do you love Lum?�
It was a strange question, Ataru wondering what that had to do with their situation.
�I� I guess I lover her a lot.�
�There is no guess in this, Moroboshi. Either you love her or not.�
Ataru swallowed hard. �I� I do love her.�
Back down the steps came Shinobu, a bag clutched tight in her hands. Jariten flew down right after her with Blade�s bag.
�See, I told you there would be another time,� said Eric to Jariten as he handed it to him. Jariten smirked, hovering back up into the air.
Quickly, Blade pulled out his hypo-gun, loading it with serum and pressed it right up against his damaged knee. �Stand back,� he told them, and fired immediately tensing with pain as the serum shot into his leg. Shinobu winced, pressing her face into Ataru�s back unable to watch as Blade writhed in agony. Finally, Eric settled down and grabbed Grace�s bag. He pulled out a packet of blood, ripped the seal off the top and began drinking its contents.
�Oh, this is making me sick,� said Ataru.
Eric drained the pack and grabbed another slugging it down as well. When he was finished, he picked up his hypo again, calling Shinobu over.
�Take this,� he said as he rolled up his right sleeve.
She looked at it, wondering why. The answer became apparent when blade smacked the pit of his forearm, drawing up several veins.
�It�s set to draw, press the nib to my skin and pull the trigger,� he told her.
�No, no! I-I can�t do that!�
�Shinobu, damn it! Stop all of that whining and get on with this!�
Shinobu fought to hold back her tears. Kneeling down, she did as instructed, placing the nib of the hypo on a vein. She could not look, turning her head away pulling the trigger. A pop came from the gun, and then the vial began filling with his blood.
�Okay, that�s enough,� said Blade when it was a quarter full.
He took it from her and tapped on the glass clearing any air bubbles. He turned to Ataru. �You ready?�
�For what?�
Blade arched a brow. �Like you said, we�re going to need more of me to fight Motoabe and Rimialdi.�
Ataru caught on then. His eyes widened with shock and he drew back. �You want me to take some of your blood? Are you insane? I don�t want to be a vampire!�
�Moroboshi, this tiny dose will not turn you into a permanent daywalker. It should last long enough for us to finish this fight.�
Ataru continued to hesitate, staring fearfully down at the hypo. They were running out of time and Blade started to grow impatient.
�Moroboshi, I thought you loved Lum?�
�I do, but�.�
�No buts here, Ataru. Your woman is in trouble. Are you going to help her or not?�
Ataru crossed his arms, thinking a moment. He shrugged and kneeled again.
�No, Ataru!� cried Shinobu. �You can�t let yourself be turned like this!�
�He said the effects would be temporary.�
�You don�t know that,� said Jariten, much to his surprise. �He doesn�t know that either!�
They all waited for Ataru to make up his mind. He took a sleeve and pulled it up. �I�m sorry, Shinobu, but this is the only way to help Lum and stop Rimialdi.�
�Ataru�,�
He raised a hand ending her protest. �Okay, Eric. I�m ready.�
Blade placed a hand behind Ataru�s neck guiding him down to the floor.
�What gives?� asked Ataru as he sat down on his back.
�This is probably going to be the most painful thing you�re going to feel in your life, Ataru,� Eric told him. �The shot is going to be on the side of your neck. You still want to do this?�
�Great, now you tell me. No sense in backing out now. Let�s do it.�
Blade placed the hypo against his skin. �Shinobu, Jariten, sit on his legs.�
They did, and with a short pause, Eric pulled the trigger.
For a brief second, Ataru shook. He stopped; blinking his eyes a moment and looked back over his shoulder.
�Huh. That wasn�t so bad. Blade, You guys can ge�.�
Outside the Moroboshi home, a blood-curdling scream could be heard throughout the neighborhood�
* * * * *
In the darkness, a nervous feeling passed through the three women trapped in their makeshift enclave, wondering how long before the vampires decided to make their move. Benten kept a watch on the doorways, occasionally checking on Grace and Lum. In the ambient light coming in from the skylight, she could barely see Lum�s haggard face; her body huddled protectively between her and Kimball. Grace too sat with her knees drawn up, her head resting on them. Benten could tell something was wrong with her, reaching out giving her a light tap.
Kimball looked sharply up.
�Grace, what�s wrong?�
Grace stared at her strangely, and then looked away with considerable effort.
�I know what they�re trying to do, Benten,� she answered in a tired voice.
�What?�
Biting her lower lip, Kimball inched further to the end of the pedestal. �I�m getting hungry, Benten.�
Benten drew back. �Oh, damn.�
�Yep, and if this goes on much longer I might lose control of myself. That�s exactly what they want me to do.�
Ran�s laughter drew their attention. The bound woman lay on her side behind them, watching with ever growing cheer realizing that soon either Grace would break, or Benten would have to kill her.
�Fools! The Master will prevail, and you cannot prevent it!�
�Shut up, you traitor!� snapped Benten, threatening to hit her.
Kimball grabbed her hand and Benten turned with a start, fear heard clearly in her gasp. She let her go and apologized. Suddenly, Grace looked up. Her breath began to increase, and she let out a light whine.
�What is it?� asked Benten.
�B-Blood. I smell blood.�
Benten frowned. �Those bastards. Teasing you like this.� She rose up on her knees, shouting, �Hey, knock it off out there!�
�Are we getting a bit nervous now?� came Rimialdi�s deep menacing reply.
Outside, Rimialdi stood swirling a goblet of blood around in his hand, biding his time knowing that eventually the vampire in Kimball would overpower her silly notion of pity for the humanoids. Then, once she was safely out of the way, would Lum be back in his arms preparing for their night together. Even though he was very impatient, he allowed himself the luxury of taunting his prey.
�Ladies, let us end this nonsense. I have won, and I will have Lum as my queen. You too can be part of our new empire� just surrender.�
Several loud shots burst around the entrance, the vampires diving away for cover. Rimialdi stood unfazed by the shots, glaring with distain at his subjects. He shook his head and took another swig from the goblet before responding.
�Aw, tearing up the walls like that. So uncivilized.�
Inside, Grace forced Benten back down behind the pedestal trying to settle the raging woman.
�Your playing right into their hands1� she whispered at her.
�So? Sitting her is not helping, and with you about to go berserk what else can we do?�
�Wait! Blade and the guys will be here.�
�Yeah, like they�ll be in time!�
They traded stern looks, and then Grace sat back resting her head against the cold concrete wall. Peering up at the corner end of the skylight, she could make out the stars in the sky, wondering if this was how her life would end. Ducking back before one of Rimialdi�s people could take the opportunity for a quick kill, she returned to her fetal position fighting back the cravings pulling at her nerves.
�Benten, you�ve got to hold out. If I can�t hold on then it will be up to you to finish me.�
A gentile hand touched her shoulder, Kimball looking back to find Lum staring sadly at her. There were tears in her eyes, and she rested her head on her arm, hugging Grace as tight as she could.
�No, Grace,� said Lum. �You can�t be giving up on us now.�
Ran laughed in an irritating tone. �Face it, Lum. The Master will have you, and I will become Hiroki�s woman! There is no other way!�
�Shut up, you!� shouted Benten. Reaching out, she grabbed Ran by the collar of her dress, yanking her up close. Benten pulled her pistol, forcing the barrel into her mouth.
�You better shut up before I loose control and finish you!�
�Benten,� called Lum weakly.
Ran stared at Benten, a mocking twinkle in her eyes. Frustrated, Benten thrust Ran back to the floor, giving her a kick before holstering her weapon.
�If you do need to attack anybody, take her first,� she said.
�No! I only want Master Hiroki to turn me,� whined Ran. �Not her.�
Benten sneered. �Sickening,� she said, settling back down into their long wait for help to arrive�
* * * * *
As fast as the law allowed, Shu and the guys raced down the highway to the Takanawa section of Tokyo, finally reaching their destination al little after darkness set in. Shu led them into a small back alley several block from Motoabe�s studio, and after checking their weapons gathered to formulate a plan.
�No doubt Motoabe will have his people out padding the streets to buffer against any unwanted attention,� Shu said.
�So do we charge in and hope for the best?� asked Parma.
�No. We�re going to have to try and sneak our way to the entrance and strike before they realize what is happening.�
Chibi smirked. �Sneak in? We don�t even know where Lum is being held, or if Grace and Benten will be inside. Not to mention the fact that this Rimi-guy and Motoabe will be about just looking for fresh blood to add to their dinners.�
Kakaguri cuffed him on the back of the head. �What, so Ataru�s gone you have to go and take his place?� he shouted at him.
�We�re going into a nest full of blood-suckers with most of our viable ammo shot up and not knowing if we�re too late or not! Blade�s not here, the odds are not good!�
Megane shrugged his injured arm out of its sling, taking Chibi up by the front of his coat. His penetrating eyes cut though the man with a withering stare.
�Get a hold of yourself,� said Megane. �Lum, our princess from space, is in need of our assistance. As her loyal elite stormtroopers, it is our duty to go to her aid.� His brows twitched, a devious smile coming to his face. �Besides, can you imagine what rewards Lum might �allow� the person who saves her, hm?�
Chibi�s expression brightened. �Let�s go!� he cried, chambering a round into his gun. �Lum is need of us!�
Mendou slapped a hand across his face, drawing it down in disbelief. It was a sorry reason for motivation, but at this stage of the conflict anything was acceptable.
With a sharp wave of a hand, Shu led them down the back alley. The small band sneaked along the streets, avoiding the major walkways, climbing over fences and through secluded yards until finally they reached the studio warehouse.
Pressing back up against the side of the building across the street, Mendou carefully peeked around the corner. Sure enough, there were several of Motoabe�s minions out in the street. A light call from Parma up on roof of the building drew him back. He looked up, Parma pointing over to the top of the studio. Barely visible from his view, Shu could see portions of the skylight were broken in, damage not done by ordinary means. Megane peered around, arching a brow as he surveyed their situation.
�What do you think?� he asked.
Shu shook his head. �It�s going to be a challenge. Did you see the skylight?�
Megane peered out again. �Benten?� he said.
�Probably.�
Parma rejoined them, and they paused to rethink their plan.
�I saw three guys up on this side of the roof,� Parma told them. �It looked like they were staring down at something inside.�
�Armed?� asked Shu.
�Yep.�
Shu rubbed his chin, thinking a moment. He peeked around the corner again, and then hefted his HK, cocking back the bolt.
�Four guys out here, three on top, who knows how many more inside. Looks like a charge is in order here.�
�Charge?� came the guys.
�Thought you said you didn�t want to do that?� said Megane.
�Front entrance is right across the street, and there is no time to search for another way in.�
They could not argue with that. Trading last looks, the four got ready waiting for Mendou�s signal to attack.
Mendou himself did a short prayer. At the count of three, he stepped out into the open facing down the people guarding the entrance. Their surprise was brief, Shu letting loose with a burst of fire downing two and driving the rest for cover.
Letting out a yell, the guys rushed across the street�
* * * * *
Time was beginning to grow short for Hiroki, and the news being relayed to him from one of his underlings did nothing to improve things. With his sword draped across his back, Hiroki stood ready to make a move against the three women hunkering in his gallery when the call came through. Finally, he frowned angrily, barking a quick command into the receiver and snapped it shut.
�Hiroki?� said Rimialdi, noting his change.
�Abe has failed us, Master,� came his reply. �Blade has killed him and is still loose in the city.�
Rimialdi growled low at the news.
�It is well that Abe did not come back here,� he said.
Hiroki nodded. �I will have to go and take care of him before he discovers our whereabouts.�
The report from a gun outside drew their attention. Hiroki turned as one of his people rushed down the main hallway.
�Milord! Someone is forcing entry into the studio!�
�Then why are you here instead of fighting to keep them out!� shouted Motoabe.
With a sharp slap, Hiroki broke the man�s neck and kicked his carcass aside. �Blade!� he growled, motioning to the vampires around him to head off this new attack.
Inside the gallery, Grace lay shuddering in Lum�s arms, fighting with every last ounce of willpower to keep from rising up and attacking her friends. The pain in her head continued to build, jaw clenched tight, breath heavy and uneven.
�Lum� get away from me!� she managed to say.
�Grace� Grace are you going to be alright?� asked Lum.
Kimball let out a loud growl and Lum pushed herself away into Benten. They both stared at her shaking in fits on the floor, and Lum reached out with a trembling hand.
�Grace?� she said again, but a wild swipe of an arm barely missed her and she drew back.
�K-Keep her away f-from me, Benten.�
Benten pushed Lum behind her, Ran�s derisive laughter pressing on their nerves. The dull report of a gunshot made them all pause, then there was another shot. Kimball sat upright.
�That�s one of my babies,� she said excitedly.
Benten could hear the dim sounds of a gunfight, smiling brightly. �It looks like the cavalry has arrived� oh I could�ve thought of something better to say than that.�
�Don�t worry it fits,� replied Grace. She checked the clip on her Uzi, making it ready for action.
�What�s say we break out of this trap we�re in?�
�You bet.�
Kimball pointed up at the edge of the skylight, Benten nodding. Suddenly, Ran began shouting out the alarm hoping that Hiroki or Rimialdi would hear her.
�Hiroki, Hiroki, they�re trying to break out!� she cried.
Lum grabbed Ran, tussling with her as she squirmed, placing a hand over her mouth. Together, Benten and Grace rose up peppering the skylight. Glass and debris showered down into the gallery, several cries rising up as their shots found their mark. Grace turned her Uzi on the wall next to the entrance, stitching a path across it. Her shots drew a reaction, gunfire blazing back at them from the entryway.
�Pissed�em off!� said Benten, hunkering down behind the pedestal.
�Good, I�m cranky and in the mood to kill,� replied Grace.
Leaning around the side, Grace let go with a furious burst of fire, emptying the entire clip as she sprayed the area. She drew back, quickly reloading and listened for a reply. All they could hear was the sound of the fighting from outside.
�Do you think they�re gone?� whispered Lum.
Slowly, Benten and Grace peered up over the side. No shots came, the two exchanging questioning looks stepping out into the open.
�Looks clear,� said Benten.
�We�ll see. Lum, can you walk on your own?�
�I think so.�
�Good, undo Ran�s legs and drag her along.�
�Why are we bringing her with us?� Benten asked Kimball.
�Because she�s still our responsibility.�
�She�s a traitor! Look, let me shoot her and poof! No more Ran problems.�
Grace gazed at Benten in disbelief. �And you guys were childhood best friends?�
�Time changes a person.�
�Knock it off. We bring Ran with us.�
Benten let out a growl. �Okay, but Lum if she starts yelling, rip off one of her stockings and stuff it in her mouth.�
�Are you quite through?� snarled Grace through grit teeth. Benten nodded, and they inched up to the side of the entryway.
A quick peek found the hall clear and the women moved on.
* * * * *
Shu�s attack met with more success than anticipated, penetrating through the outer atrium into the heart of the studio. Most of their opposition had been easily brushed aside, and the guys began searching for the girls.
�Lum!� called Mendou as they moved through the rooms.
Entering a large set, the guys heard the sound of running steps coming from the adjacent hall. In burst several vampires not expecting to come upon their enemy so soon. Shots rang out, bodies crumbling and a gunfight broke out. Shu told them to back out, covering their withdrawal.
�Where to now, Mendou?� said Parma with some urgency in his voice.
Shu pointed down the hall, but they made only a few steps before more of Hiroki�s minions appeared. They dived for cover as gunfire ripped through the hall.
�Anyone get hit?� called Megane from the doorway of the room his dived into.
Shu, along with Kakaguri, had taken cover in the adjacent set; Parma and Chibi lying low in the stairwell leading up to the next level. He checked Kakaguri finding him uninjured.
�No casualties here.�
Parma and Chibi shifted positions covering the upper floor as well as the way they had come.
�I�m all right,� said Parma. A tap from Chibi on the shoulder made him notice the warm sensation flowing down the right side of his neck. Reaching up, he winced at the bloody mess that was once his ear.
�Ow, damn it!� he cried. �You bastards, that was my ear you know!�
�Shit, I missed him,� they heard one of Hiroki�s people say.
The gunfire picked up again, being returned as best as possible by the guys. Megane waved at Shu, pointing at the pistol in his hand. He was down to his last clip, giving Mendou a questioning shrug wondering what they were going to do next. Bullets chirped precariously over his head, Shu going prone. He shot Megane a grimaced looked, realizing that without any way of locating Lum, they were stuck.
Suddenly the shooting stopped, then Hiroki called out to them.
�Blade, I don�t know how you found me, but I assure you, you will not leave here alive.�
�He thinks Blade�s with us,� whispered Kakaguri to Shu.
Shu sat up. �Let him. This Motoabe might not attack until he�s located him.�
�Won�t take him long then.�
Hiroki called to them again. �Blade, I know you can hear me. We have Lum, Miss Kimball and her friend. Give up this mad crusade of yours and join us. There is plenty of room for everyone.�
�Bullshit!� shouted Chibi. �You�re going to kill us no matter what!�
Hiroki laughed, impressed by the deduction. �Well, at least they aren�t kidding themselves,� he said.
Rimialdi, hanging back away from the fight, did not like the delay. �Hiroki, quit this banter and kill them,� he ordered.
�Yes, milord,� replied Motoabe.
He made a few gestures with his hands and a few of his minions made ready to move on them. Above, he could hear more of his people making their way to the top of the steps, and once he felt every thing was ready, drew his sword from its scabbard.
�Last chance, Blade,� he said.
A cry went up from behind them, Hiroki rolling his eyes up wondering who else could be calling at this time of night. Through the door leading from the main lobby a body flew slamming headfirst into the wall. The bright lights from a pair of motorcycles outside flooded the hall and in stepped Blade. Beside him appeared a surprisingly calm Ataru, and then Shinobu came into view with Abe�s warclub held tight in her hands. Jariten hovered up behind them looking around for his cousin.
�Yo, Hiroki,� called Eric, drawing his sword. �You talking to me?�
The guys peered out, letting out a cheer at the site of Blade.
�Alright! Time to finish this thing now!� cried Megane.
Hiroki stood stunned for a moment, berating himself for such an oversight. Rimialdi glared at Eric, snarling as he did.
�Ah, nice to see you at last, Rimialdi,� said Blade. �Don�t worry, we got your number too.�
Motoabe interposed himself between them.
�Master, I do think you should retire from the area,� he said.
Malenkov stepped back into the shadows, dropping out of sight.
�Moroboshi,� said Blade with a light gesture of his head.
In a split second and flick of his coattails, Ataru was gone down the hallway.
�Wow, I knew Ataru was fast, but not like that,� commented Chibi.
Motoabe arched a brow, glaring at Blade. �Once I�m done carving up your friends, we�ll take care of you, Blade,� he said.
�No, no, no, no, no, Hiroki!� replied Eric, pointing his sword at him, �your ass belongs to me.�
A devious grin appeared, Hiroki accepting the challenge. �Take care of them,� he told his people, �kill this girl and the child, but leave Blade to me.�
Shinobu and Jariten grimaced, backing fearfully out into the lobby again. As Hiroki�s followers headed for the guys, Blade limped towards Hiroki.
�Ah, so Abe did get a piece of you,� commented Hiroki, shifting position, eager for the fight coming on.
�Yeah, but don�t let that fool you, Hiroki. I�m still more than a match for the likes of you.�
�We�ll see Blade.�
Swords flashed, Eric and Hiroki crossing blades as they joined in combat�
* * * * *
Through one of the larger rooms Grace, Benten, Lum and Ran moved trying to avoid running into the fight raging loudly at the front of the studio. Although she wanted to go and help, Grace thought it best if they kept Lum away from potential danger or recapture, taking what the figured was the back way through the building to safety.
As they carefully made their way along, Benten noticed the ravenous look on Kimball�s face. She appeared demented, the blood lust hot in her eyes. It must be taking all of her concentration to keep from attacking them.
�Grace, uh, why don�t you go and find something to, er, eat?� suggested Benten.
�What and leave you here so Rimialdi�s followers can take Lum again?� snapped Grace, rounding on her.
Benten reared back. �I�m sorry, but you don�t look well.�
Grace drew in a deep breath, backing away from them. �I�m not, but I can�t abandon you all now.�
�I can protect them until you find something, listen to me talking like this!�
That humored Grace, drawing a short laugh from her. She looked to check on Lum and Ran, finding Lum down on her knees apparently weak and exhausted.
�Are you going to manage, Lum?� she asked.
Lum looked tiredly up. �Yes.�
Benten took the makeshift leash from Lum�s hands, giving Ran a sharp tug away from the woman. �Oh, just to lose this burden,� she said.
Ran glared angrily at Benten. �Master Hiroki will eliminate Blade, and then he will find me. You�ll see. You�ll all see!�
�Shut up!� Benten and Grace shouted at her.
�Ooo, lets keep moving before I take up that offer you made, Benten,� said Grace.
Entering through the next door, they found themselves in one of Hiroki�s storage rooms. There were stacks of disassembled props and platforms, bins full of lighting equipment and boxes of other odds and ends about.
�Hm, this look promising,� commented Grace.
�Why. Just a bunch of junk and stuff,� said Benten.
�Got to be a door leading outside then for this much stuff to be in here.�
�Ah you think well, Miss Kimball.�
A clatter of lights crashed behind them, Lum suddenly collapsing to the floor.
�Lum!� cried Grace, quickly rushing over.
Gently she patted her cheek and Lum moaned.
�We�ve got to plug her in somewhere,� Benten told her.
�You mean like recharge her?�
�Yeah. Even a short charge will get her back up and running long enough to call down her UFO.�
�You can go this way,� came a voice from one of the darkened corners.
Instantly, Grace and Benten spun around weapons pointed ready to fire. Out into the light stepped Ataru and they let out a gasp of relief.
�Moroboshi!� cried Benten. �What the hell do you mean scaring us like that?�
Ataru raised a brow, smiling lightly as he came closer. Something clicked in Grace�s mind. She narrowed an eye, peering at him.
�Moroboshi, what�s wrong with you?� she asked.
The mention of Ataru�s name drew life into Lum. She gazed excitedly up at him. �Ataru,� she called, trying to raise her arms up.
�Save your strength, Lum,� he replied.
Ataru looked up, and began to slowly gaze around. Benten, now sensing something different about his actions, took a wary step away from him.
�Ataru, something�s not right with you,� she said.
He held up a hand, motioning for them to be quiet. �He�s here,� he said after a moment.
�Who?� asked Grace.
�Rimialdi.�
Jaws dropped open, Grace and Benten glancing frantically around.
�We�ve got to get Lum out of here,� whispered Benten.
Ran laughed, and then jerked the leash out of her grip.
�Over here, Master Rimialdi! We�re over� mmrph!�
Ataru�s hand clasped tightly over Ran�s mouth. She stared fearfully at him, suddenly breaking out into a giggles. Ataru let her go and she slumped down to her knees.
�What is so fucking funny?� growled Benten.
�He�s, he�s, he�s been turned!� cried Ran, bursting into chuckles again.
Shocked stares locked on Ataru. Grace could not believe it, and she slowly moved closer to him. Ataru did not try to stop her as she pulled down the shades he wore, seeing the slight glow in his pupils. Her Uzi came up and Kimball backed quickly away.
�What the hell is going on, Moroboshi!� she shouted.
�It�s only temporary, Grace,� answered Ataru, crossing his arms unafraid.
�Temporary!� said Benten, �Ataru, something like this can�t be temporary!�
�It can be if you were not bitten.�
�Who did this to you?� asked Grace.
�Blade.�
�WHAT!�
Ataru looked around again. �Get Lum out of here,� he told them, staring out into the scattered props and equipment.
Benten helped Lum to her feet, dragging Ran along after Grace. A shadow shifted suddenly in front of them and crate sailed out thought the air in the direction of Ataru. He moved diving out of the way. Benten�s blaster spoke, random burst ripping the area. A hard shoulder tackle from behind threw her to the floor, Ran planting her knees keeping her down. Angrily, Grace turned to pull her off, but a sharp blow to the side of the head sent her sliding across the floor with a cry.
Out of the darkness appeared Rimialdi, eyes lock furiously down upon Benten.
Ran looked up. ��Master,� she said, grinning brightly.
�Get off me, Ran!� cried Benten. Desperately she groped around for her blaster, but Malenkov kicked it out of reach.
�Foolish woman,� he said.
Grace�s furious yell made him turn, greeting her full on as she leap with fingers barred. She literally bounced off Rimialdi and he laughed drawing back launching a blow that pitched Grace head over heels into the far wall. She heard a sharp crack, painfully realizing that the side of her hip had been broken.
�You cannot defeat me, Kimball!� cried Malenkov. �Lum is mine, and you will become my slave as well.�
Slowly, Grace pulled herself up and turned around. �Never,� she said with a vicious snarl.
Benten finally pitched Ran off her back, Rimialdi spotting her as she crawled towards her blaster. She was out of his reach, and Benten gathered it up turning towards him. The Old Blood dashed aside, barely avoiding the shots. Again it was Ran knocking her aside preventing Benten from drawing another bead on him.
�Damn you!� cried Ran, kicking Benten hard on the chin.
Dazed, Benten fell back, another kick to the stomach rendering her helpless. Ran raised a foot high above her head ready to deliver a killing blow when she felt a hand grip her by the ankle. Lum concentrated, and with what energy she had left delivered a sharp shock that drew a long cry from Ran. She collapsed, Lum letting out a sigh resting her head down on the floor.
Two hands suddenly picked her up from the floor. Lum moaned as she stared straight into Rimialdi�s glowing red eyes.
��no�,� she gasped unable to do anything to defend herself.
�Now, Lum,� Rimialdi said, pushing her head to one side. �You will become one of us, and we will spawn a nation that will last forever.�
His mouth opened, fangs barred as he started pulling her close.
�You�re a bit premature, don�t you think?� Ataru said from behind him.
Malenkov spun around, lashing out, but Ataru casually ducked, planting a fist into Rimialdi�s side. He groaned, staggering aside, Lum still clutched tight in his grasp. Rapid punches flew rocking Rimialdi back. Lum dropped aside, Malenkov crashing into a stack of steel supports.
He growled, slowly turning around to stare incredulously at Moroboshi. �This is impossible!� he said. �No mere human is able to move like that!�
�Call me different,� replied Ataru. �You�re finished, Rimialdi.�
Rimialdi let out a cry, leaping through the air colliding with him. They tussled on the floor, exchanging blows, arms flailing in a life or death struggle. A heavy foot caught Ataru in the midsection, thrusting him back. He hit the wall, sliding down next to Grace.
�Ooo, you guys never said this would be easy,� he said to her, grimacing in pain.
�Hell of a time to bitch, Ataru,� she replied.
A scream, Lum calling for Ataru as Rimialdi scooped her up, dashing off into the darkness. Painfully Ataru stood up eyes locked in their direction.
�Stay here,� he told Grace.
�Are you kidding? I�m going get Lum back before Rimialdi turns her.� She tried to stand, but the pain from her broken hip stopped her. Her face twisted up, moaning in agony as she slid back down to the floor.
�You�re in no shape to help me,� continued Ataru. �Benten, stay with her. I�m going after Lum.�
�Like hell�.� Benten started to protest, but the stern look Ataru shot her cut that shot.
�Be careful, Ataru,� said Grace.
Moroboshi shot her a wink then with a smooth flow, darted off�
* * * * *
Malenkov dragged Lum along into another storage room in search for a way out. His plans were temporarily set back, but with Lum he could rebuild silently, span a new breed that in time would control this miserable island and expand the power of vampires worldwide. The memories of the harsh encounters with the other Old Bloods, threats of failure echoing in his mind but he would show them. No longer would vampires skulk in the shadows without a prominent voice, his would be their release, their triumphant entry into a new world order!
In the dim light ahead, Rimialdi spotted a double door barred shut with by a heavy iron bar, locked with chains. Lum let out a moan as he set her down on the floor, Malenkov gripping the chains and pulled. Several snaps sounded, metal links bouncing across the floor. He grabbed the metal bar and began to pull it back when a voice called out to him from the darkness.
�Leaving us so soon, Rimialdi?�
He spun, eyes darting about in search of the source of the voice.
�Moroboshi?� hissed Rimialdi.
�I do believe we have some unfinished business, Rimialdi.�
Malenkov was a blur, picking Lum up from the floor. He backed away towards the doors holding her close.
�Moroboshi! Lum is mine. Do not try to stop me!�
Something hit the floor, Malenkov turning towards the sound. Through the air an object flashed up over his head shattering the light above. Rimialdi let out a growl, darting for cover behind a large crate, and it grew quiet once again.
Malenkov extended his senses trying to pick up the slightest trace of Ataru. His grip around Lum tightened and she moaned.
�Be silent,� he whispered, clasping a hand over her mouth.
�Rimialdi�� Ataru suddenly called lightly from the darkness.
�Where are you, Moroboshi?� shouted Malenkov.
Silence�
The red in Rimialdi�s eyes grew brighter. He took a hesitant step away from the crate, head scanning their surroundings.
�Moroboshi!�
�Nhehehehehe! This is great!�
�I�m warning you, Moroboshi. Show yourself or I will kill Lum!�
Ataru�s answer came in the form of a silver stake slicing through the air into Rimialdi�s left kneecap. He let out a cry dropping Lum as they both collapsed to the floor. Quickly did the Old Blood gathered his hostage back up, pulling himself back over to the wall.
�MOROBOSHI!� raged Rimialdi. Taloned fingers wrapped around Lum�s throat pressing into her flesh. �Moroboshi! Stop your attack and come out or I will rip open Lum�s throat!�
�Such a coward we are. The great Malenkov Rimialdi, Old Blood extraordinaire afraid of a mere whelp like me.�
�Come out, Moroboshi,� hissed Malenkov again.
Another stake zipped through the air, Rimialdi pulling his body aside as it lodged deep into the wall next to his head. He was not ready for the next one and it imbedded itself into his exposed side drawing a satisfied growl. Leather snapped; Ataru�s coattails flittering as he shifted around the boxes and crates. Again, another stake flew slamming into the broad side of Rimialdi�s shoulder. He cried out and his grip on Lum faded. Desperately, she pushed herself away and rolled across the floor. It was all she could do and lay helpless, too weak to run.
But Rimialdi was having no better time at it, fighting to pull the painful stake from his shoulder. He let it drop, turned and reached down to grab the one protruding from his side. In that second, Ataru threw another stake straight into the center of his back. Malenkov lurched forward, head up toward the ceiling as he tensed from the pain. He dropped forward and then pulled himself across the floor until his hands found purchase on the cold wall.
��moroboshi�� he gasped weakly, pulling himself up into a half sitting position.
The lights slowly came up just enough for him to see Lum. Slow steps echoed from the darkness, and Ataru appeared across the way. He held a long stake in his right hand and glared over his shades at Rimialdi. Malenkov�s face was a mixed contortion of pain and agony, light trails of smoke twirled up into the air around the bloody wounds. A low chuckle from Ataru brought fear to the disreputable vampire, and he glared at him.
�Moroboshi! We can come to terms!� he said.
Ataru walked over to Lum and knelt down. She could barely raise her head up, but when she saw his face, Lum smiled weakly at him.
�Let me finish this problem then I�ll take care of you,� he said.
The dark smile never left Ataru�s face as he walked up to him.
�Terms? I don�t think what you have to offer is a good thing, Rimialdi.�
�But, but you are one of us now� Moroboshi! Don�t you see?�
�See what?�
�The power you now wield. Can�t you feel the strength being a vampire gives you?�
Ataru stood still, drawing in several deep breaths. He could sense a new kind of vigor in his body, power and abilities he thought he could never possess.
He let out a light hum and Malenkov grinned evilly.
�Yes, Moroboshi. Feel the power, feel what you can do. Discover your potential. Reach out and embrace your new life!�
Ataru closed his eyes as the warm sensation flowed through his body. �Darling,� called Lum softly from behind and that snapped him from Rimialdi�s spell. He kicked Rimialdi from the wall onto his back, stepping down on his chest forcing the spike through his body. As Malenkov growled in agony, Ataru knelt down next to him.
�Almost, you bastard,� he said. Drawing a mallet from his coat, Ataru placed the tip of the stake right at the center of Rimialdi�s forehead.
�You know this is kind� a funny,� Ataru said to him. �Blade told me I�d never get the chance to use this on any vampire� looks like he�s wrong for a change.�
�Moroboshi!� cried Rimialdi.
The mallet came up, and with one hard strike plunged the stake through Rimialdi�s head. He cried loudly up to the sky, flesh searing away amidst a bright glow of fire and energy, coursing down to the floor. There was one last flash of light, Ataru stepping back shielding his face. For a brief second he saw what appeared to be a skeleton but with a bat like wings sprouting from it�s back. The flames rose again then died out in a puff of smoke.
Ataru knelt down poking through the ash remains that once was Malenkov Rimialdi. He stood up and dusted his hands, heading back to Lum.
* * * * *
Returning back to the adjoining storeroom, Ataru cradled Lum triumphantly in his arms basking in self-glory.
�Ah, yes,� he said cheerfully. �Looks like �Ataru the Slayer� has once again prevailed.�
The stunned looks coming from Grace and Benten stopped him. �What?� he asked.
�I can�t believe you actually killed Rimialdi,� replied Grace.
�I can�t believe he actually had the nerve to stand up to him,� added Benten.
�Come on. I�m a daywalker now, remember?� said Ataru. He suddenly staggered, dropping to one knee.
�Ataru?� said Grace, but he held up a hand.
�I�m okay,� Ataru finally said. �I think my daywalking powers are just about over though.�
�That�s a blessing in disguise,� muttered Kimball, trading a humored look with Benten.
Ran moaned behind them, shaking her head as she regained consciousness. She opened her eyes and tried to sit up.
�Hey, what�s going on here?� she said, tugging against the strap binding her wrist. �Benten, what are you doing here at my photo shoot, and, and why are my hands tied behind me?�
�Oh, so you don�t remember anything that just happened?� asked Benten.
�What? What�s happening? I�m supposed to be featured in a spread for Mister Motoabe!�
Grace pulled herself painfully to her feet while Benten untied Ran.
�And you don�t remember kicking me in the back, or stunning Lum and Jariten?�
Ran stood up looking confused at her.
�Now why would I want to hit you, Benten?�
�I guess Lum�s shock broke her from Hiroki�s spell,� said Grace.
Benten made a frustrated gesture with a fist. �Darn, and I was going to pound her ass for hitting me like she did.�
�Gee, with friendships like this, it�s a wonder you guys are both still alive.�
�Well it hurt!�
Rolling her eyes, Grace shook her head. �Come on. We still have to get Lum plugged in, and I�m hurt and still hungry.�
�This way,� said Ataru, leading the way through one of the aisles. Grace limped along, Benten and Ran right behind her.
�Benten, does all this have something to do with Hiroki?� asked Ran.
�You said he was going to put you in a magazine?� replied Benten.
�Ahuh.�
�Forget it.�
* * * * *
Shinobu�s angry cry filled the lobby drowning out those coming from the vampires and human slaves being cast about. She had gone from innocent and helpless to angry spin mode, Nashimaru�s warclub held out bashing anything that got within her deadly radius. Above Shinobu�s head, Jariten ensured that anybody managing to get past her got a face full of flames.
Several screaming alpha�s had already been sent on their way, running into Shutaro�s deadly blade as he and the rest of the guys drove off the remaining groups. Between their fire, flame, sword and club, it was apparent that Rimialdi�s dreams of a future empire were nothing more now than flittering puffs in the wind.
Off in one of Hiroki�s sets, the fight between the two daywalkers raged with full intensity. Blade�s injury hampered him slightly, but he held his own against Hiroki�s attacks, striking back fiercely with his own. Their swords clashed, sparks flying away the stinging hiss of metal sounding as the blades scraped against each other.
Hiroki attempted to feint and draw Blade to one side, spinning quickly around expecting his side to be exposed. His blow met steel, Eric drawing his sword around with lightening speed parrying the sword aside, crossing over to strike at Hiroki�s head.
Barely did Motoabe duck, rolling across the floor. He leaped up onto the top of a table and stepped back to regain his stance.
�You are good, Blade,� he said with a laugh.
Eric limped over, his weapon held at the ready. �I�ll give you credit for skill,� he said, �but not for talent.�
�Oh, now its insults, eh? You must be realizing that I�m more than a match for you.�
�No. I�m just getting tired of playing around that�s all. Is this the best you�ve got?�
Hiroki�s face turned down in a dark sneer, yelling angrily as he lunged towards Eric. His sword came down, crashing hard against Blade�s with enough force to dislodge them from their grasp. The two men slammed down to the floor, growling furiously at each other as the tussled around. Hiroki managed to get his hands around Eric�s throat, squeezing tight trying to choke the life from him.
He rolled up on top of Blade, slamming a knee into his side drawing a guttered cry from him, and then began to slam his head repeatedly against the floor.
�I will kill you, Blade!� he shouted, increasing his pace.
Eric finally had enough. His hands came up, palms slamming the sides of Hiroki�s head. Motoabe�s grip fell away as he reared back in pain then a solid blow to the chin rocked him back. Blade rolled onto his side briefly shaking the stars from his eyes then rose up only to receive a kick to the ribs. The pain flashed through is body, but Blade ignored it. He caught Motoabe�s leg, twisted it around slamming him face first to the floor.
�So you like playing drums, huh?� he said, taking a hand full of hair. �Well that�s my favorite instrument too.�
Eric returned the favor to Hiroki, but at a much faster pace. Satisfied that he was sufficiently dazed, Blade drew him up, launching several hard blows to the stomach and turned him around. A sharp backhand staggered Motoabe, but he recovered gripping Eric by the throat once more.
�Not this time, asshole!� shouted Blade. His arms came up, breaking the grip; two well placed chops shattering Hiroki�s clavicles. He yelled in agonizing pain, Eric rearing back delivering a punch that sent Motoabe sailing through the air into the table behind them. It shattered into bits, Hiroki rolling around on the floor.
Finally, he came up on his knees. In that instant Blade was behind him, one blade of his double-edged charka at his throat.
�I�ve never killed someone like me,� he said close to one ear. �Not to say I�m not going to, but I�ll just let you know you picked the wrong side of the fence to be on, Hiroki.�
The blade flashed and Motoabe let out a throttled cough, clutching his hands to his throat as blood ran though his fingers. He fell onto his side; hacking and choking for breath while Eric walked over and picked up his sword.
�You see, Motoabe, there�s always one fool who thinks he can take me. Always somebody who wants to press their luck and test me. They always end up like you.�
Hiroki spit up a clot of blood, turning over onto his side and glared up at Blade.
�(Gaaghk)� The, the only fool� is you� Blade,� he said in a raspy voice. �You, you may have won today but� (cough, cough)� but t-time will eventually catch up with� you!�
�Not before I kill every vampire on this planet.�
Hiroki let out a harsh laugh. ��you� can never accomplish that! Our kind is to widespread� it can only� only grow stronger.� He pointed a bloody finger up at him. �While you� you grow older.�
Blade stared down at Hiroki as he collapsed into fits, drawing in his final breaths.
�T-T-Time will eventually catch up with you� Eric Blade. One day you will� will meet your fate just� just like� I have��
Eric raised his sword high, plunging it through Hiroki�s back into his heart. There was no flash, no decay of flesh just Motoabe�s final gasp as his life left him forever. For the first time in his life, Eric Blade felt fear run through his body, the foreboding words of Hiroki echoing through his mind, one standing out from them all.
Time.
From the hallway somebody called his name breaking him from his thoughts. �In here!� he shouted, and the rest of the rescue parties arrived. They all stopped at the threshold staring at Motoabe�s lifeless body.
�You got him,� said Shu.
Eric jerked his sword from the body, wiping the blade clean across Motoabe�s back.
�Yeah. Yeah, I got him.�
Resheathing the sword, Eric headed for the doorway. �Lum?� he asked.
Grace, leaning on Parma and Kakaguri for support, pointed out towards the front lobby. �Ataru�s got her outside hooked up to a motorcycle battery.�
�What about Rimialdi?�
Benten let out a light humph. �Ataru nailed his ass,� she told him.
The dim sound of sirens echoed from the street, signaling that it was time to leave before they were discovered.
�The vampires scattered to the four winds, Blade,� said Megane. �What do we do about them?�
Eric could hear Motoabe�s words again in his mind.
�Nothing,� he finally said. �They won�t be much of a problem anymore.�
�So we just leave and let the police find all this?� asked Shu.
�No. Short-Stuff!�
Jariten flew up into his face. �That�s Jariten, buster,� he growled.
Eric laughed. �Right. Need you to do something you�re good at.�
�What?�
�Torch this place.�
Jariten�s eyes went wide. �You mean burn it down?�
�Set a few fires in these rooms. By the time the fire department arrives, this place should be an inferno.�
�And nobody will know anything,� said Grace.
The sirens were getting louder, Blade giving Jariten a light slap on the rear.
�Get going. Shu, Benten go with him just in case there are any stragglers about. Oh and start with that room,� he said, pointing over his shoulder.
Jariten flashed him a grin, flying away to finish the last act in this evening of nightmarish events that had befallen them�
* * * * *
True to form, Jariten�s flames flowed quickly through Motoabe�s studios, the glow from the burning building lighting the night skies. Fire trucks surrounded the area, but it would be several hours before the blaze could be extinguished.
That was fine to the people observing the blaze on the top of a building several blocks away. A solemn silence was observed, their minds reflecting on what had happened and now where their life would be heading. Even though Rimialdi and Motoabe were gone, the vampire underworld still remained. Revenge could still be a threat to them if any of the vampires, or their slaves desired it.
Shutaro sighed, leaning on the edge of the roof resting his chin on his hand.
�Well, we can�t say this is the end,� he said.
�Nope,� replied Parma. �I guess we�ll be looking over our shoulders from now on.�
�What a mess,� said Chibi, sitting down dejected.
�You should not have to much to worry about,� Blade said. �I don�t think the Old Bloods here in Japan want their existence publicized. In any event, you all know what to look for, there shouldn�t be much you cannot take on.�
Shinobu leaned up against Shu, staring sadly at the city skyline. �Now that I know vampires exist, I wish I could forget about them.�
�Do not worry, Shinobu,� said Shu. �Once I purge the Mendou Family Organization, I will ensure you as well as everyone else will not come to harm.�
�Speaking of which,� Grace said. She swatted Eric on the arm. �What about him?� she asked nodding over to Ataru.
Moroboshi sat cross-legged at the center of the roof, Lum cradled in his arms still hooked up to a battery from one of the bikes. He appeared calm, wearing his dark shades staring out at the burning building.
�What about him?� answered Eric.
�You turned him, Blade. Now he�s a vampire. What are you going to do about that?�
�I didn�t turn him. My blood is not like yours, and that tiny dose I gave him will not be enough to make him a vampire anyway.�
Kimball crossed her arms. �Are you sure about that?�
Blade started to answer, but her skeptical stare made him pause. �He won�t turn,� he finally told her.
�Gee, let�s hope not,� commented Shinobu. �He�s bad enough as a walking leech now.�
They all laughed.
�Hey, Blade. I got one question for you?� said Chibi.
�What�s that?�
�Now that we�ve curtailed vampire activities in Tokyo� uh, what are you going to do about Grace here?�
A question that had been overlooked until now, Eric found himself the center of concerned stares. He really did not know how to answer it, rubbing the back of his neck nervously fighting to come up with the right answer.
�Blade you can�t kill her. Not after what she�s done for all of us,� said Benten.
�I know, I know!� snapped Eric.
Grace smiled, walking up to him. Blade tried to avoid her gaze, but she playfully moved around keeping in his view.
�So, ah, what are you going to do, Eric?� she finally asked him.
Eric pulled off his shades, laughing lightly to himself. �Guess I�m going to have to change my mode of operations.�
�Good idea. I�ve come to like you in an odd way. Doc Standish would be quite thrilled to meet you.�
�Yeah, I think your doc should touch base with my doc. Who knows? Maybe a cure can be found for the vampire virus.�
A loud crash came from the burning warehouse, part of the roof caving into the structure. Everyone�s eyes were transfixed on the scene then Ataru�s voice startled them.
�We need to go,� he told them as they turned back around.
He stood supporting Lum, the Oni woman groggy after her near brush with death.
�Lum needs to sleep, and I�m not feeling so hot myself.,� continued Ataru.
There was nothing more for them here, and after the days activities they all could use some rest.
�Well, we need to be getting back Stateside,� said Blade.
�I�ll arrange for your flight home,� Shu said.
�Got something dark and quiet in first class, dinner and drinks included?� joked Grace.
�Ah, yes I think that can be arranged, Miss Kimball.�
Grace could see a sad look on Benten�s face. �Why so glum?� she asked her.
�Nah, I�m not too good on good-byes. I mean I really am going to miss you, Grace. Oddly enough, I had quite a blast hanging out with you, despite all of the risk.�
Her words made Grace stop for a moment. �Yeah, I�m going to miss you guys too. Even you, Moroboshi. You better be good to Lum, or I�ll come back and straighten you out right quick.�
Jariten flew up and gave her a firm hug. �Bye, Grace,� he said. �And please don�t be so hard on yourself. You�ve always got friends to help you, so you�ll never be alone.�
�Oh, you�re so sweet, Jariten,� exclaimed Grace, hugging him again.
His lecherous leer drew a frown from the guys.
�Yuck,� said Kakaguri to Chibi. �You ever seen such a shmoozer move in your life?�
�Yeah, come to think of it I have.�
�Really? Where?�
Chibi glanced back at Ataru and Kakaguri rolled his eyes up to the sky with a shrug.
�Yeah, I should have known,� he said�