Post by Ves on Dec 11, 2006 20:21:48 GMT
(( Okay, as promised, the final part of my little tale. One minor point however, this one is stupidly long, I kinda started, then carried on a bit, said hi to mr Jack Daniels then went mental and wrote more. I would have split it up a bit but.....
I did kinda promise this would be the last, so consider yourselves warned. Also of note is the clicky link within the story, just incase anyone wants to know what the hell the thing is
;D ;D ;D Enjoy!! ))
Old pains and sweet revenge : All is forgiven (aka, the last bit ) [/u]
For the second time that night Alita exited the bar via the window as Mephiston launched himself and his charge out into the street, the cries of their pursuers worryingly close as the window frame rushed by. Staggering slightly as he landed upon the road Meph turned to look back and saw the first of the braying pack rushing through the passage door into the bar room.
The few remaining Vampires of Sharesh’s group burst out of the passage and immediately spread out, they’d seen what happened to those foolish enough to treat the ones they hunted tonight without due care and caution. “There they are, in the street!” yelled one as his gaze passed the window, spotting Mephiston with Alita in his arms knelt in clear view. “They’re hurt pretty bad, the chase won’t last long, and then we can have some real fun. Come on!” he called as he hurled himself out at them with a brutal yell.
Mephiston lowered his passenger to the floor carefully as he braced himself for the impending attack and reached for his sword, cursing angrily as he recalled laying it on the table in the now destroyed office below ground. With a grunt he threw himself at the Vampire, the stubborn refusal to lie down and die while he was still able to fight pushing any fears for his own safety aside. Finishing what he’d started was all that mattered now.
“What the…?” thought a puzzled Mephiston as he was suddenly grabbed firmly by the shoulder and shoved back to the ground by an unseen hand from behind. A figure swept past him, little more than a blur as it collided with the leaping beast from the bar, the bestial cry from the attacker suddenly cut short as it’s head and body tumbled to the ground, landing several feet apart.
Alita looked up at Mephiston and then the head that had finally come to a halt just inches from her and the ‘man’ that had saved her, trying hard to work out which of the faces looked more surprised by the new arrival. Stammering slightly, partially due to shock but more from the cold wind whipping at the coat as she hugged it tightly around her, she finally managed to speak “I dearly hope that was a friend of yours, or we’re in some serious trouble”
Before Mephiston could reply the stranger had returned, walking casually toward them without a care in the world as he sheathed one of the largest swords Mephiston had ever seen across his back. He calmly stood and helped Alita to her feet, instinctively standing between her and the new arrival protectively. “Just make sure you’re ready to bolt the second things turn nasty, I came here alone, and this guy could be trouble.” he whispered, with Alita nodding her comprehension.
“It’s been a while Azrael, why is it every time I see you there’s an angry mob hunting you with thoughts of murder on their mind?” asked the stranger as he tugged his face scarf aside “Though at least I don’t have to wait for you to dig your way from under a destroyed home this time. Do you have any idea how many strange looks you get when stood by the ruins of a building for a week and a half?”
“What are you doing here? I’ve kept to my word, stuck to your rules and helped many in the city you sent me to.” Meph replied, looking a little nervous for the first time since he arrived in Lublin, “This is a private matter, though you might be interested in what’s happened here. But how about we leave that for later, ‘cause any second now that angry mob you mentioned will be coming out of there and trying to make me and this young lady here into abstract street art.”
Alita took a moment to study the new arrival; he was tall, handsome in a rugged sort of way, the kind of man that some women dreamed of rushing to their rescue in moments of need. Then she noticed his eyes, and realised that he was another Vampire, nothing living could have eyes as dark and fierce as those. “I’m trapped in the middle of a war between Vampires, if I make it out of this alive I’m getting the hell out of this hunting business.” she thought before the stranger spoke again and her mind ceased it’s wandering and snapped back to the here and now
Nodding the stranger pointed to a nearby roof-top “Meet me up there, I’ll be just a moment” and with that, he vanished as quickly as he’d arrived.
Mephiston looked around quickly before turning to Alita “You can wait here, get the hell out of here, or come with me, which ever choice you make I can’t ensure your safety, but that’s beyond my control. Make your mind up time, what’s it going to be?”
“I’ll stick with you for now, way I see it, those things are going to come after me once they finish with you. If I can help you finish them off it makes life a lot easier for me” she replied as she slowly made her way around the bodies of the other hunters in the street, gently closing their eyes, whispering a quiet prayer for each of them and taking any equipment that might prove useful. As she slid fresh clips into the pistols Mikeal had used before the enemy had drained him of blood she added “Besides, you’re not the only one with a personal interest in this anymore. These guys were the only friends I’ve ever known. They died trying to save this city from these filthy blood sucking bastards, no offence, and as long as I can still fight for them, I will.”
Moments later the strange team of blood soaked Vampire and near naked hunter were hiding from the biting wind as they huddled behind a chimney stack.
Looking down at his side Mephiston was pleased to note that the bleeding had stopped, meaning that at least he was healing, maybe not as quickly as he was used to but it was better than nothing. His clothing was still dripping with blood, and for once most of it was his own. “Never should have underestimated her, not something I’ll be doing again that’s for damned sure”
“If only I hadn’t heard a statement like that a million times before, I might have believed you. Here, seems you left this behind, probably not a wise thing to do.” laughed the stranger as he once again appeared as if from nowhere, tossing Mephiston the sword he’d left behind as he did. Then he took a more serious tone “So, care to explain just what the hell you’re doing here instead of Paragon? When you started looking for Sharesh you had a few of us worried, I came here to make sure you hadn’t switched sides, and if need be make sure you couldn’t try the same thing again. Looks like you’ve behaved yourself, in a manner of speaking at least, and it’s clear you’re not looking to join her. So what’s the deal?”
“Revenge, plain and simple, once she lies at my feet broken beyond repair, it’ll all be over and I’ll go home to Paragon. If there’s a problem with that, well I guess it’s just too bad, because the only place I’m going while she still lives is hell.”
The stranger nodded solemnly “Then I might as well help while I’m here, there’s no way I came all this way just to leave before a good, old fashioned fight. It’s been too long since I got to use this thing” he said as he drew his sword once more, a beautifully crafted odachi measuring well in excess of five feet long from hilt to tip.
While the two men spoke Alita peered over the roof edge to the bar, “Umm guys, sorry to bother you, but we got company heading this way real fast. And boy do they look pissed” she called as she backed away and pulled the pistols from the coat’s pockets ready for action
Mephiston nodded and hefted his weapon then turned to the stranger “Fine by me, but Sharesh is mine, anything else is fair game. Just make sure that if things get out of hand you get her out of here and some place safe.”
***
Alita’s guns suddenly roared into life as she opened fire at several of the blood addicts as they scrambled up the side of the building, climbing the fire escape, drainage pipes and anything else they could find in a frenzied charge to do the bidding of their masters. Bodies dropped down to the ground and blood fell like rain as the hollow points tore through their ranks, but for each defeated enemy there was always more to take their place, and Alita’s ammunition was severely limited.
As the guns fell silent Mephiston reached out and dragged her back, placing her between himself and the other man. Swords at the ready the two Vampires shared a glance and nodded slightly, then with blood chilling roars they fell upon the first of the host to reach their roof top haven.
The two Vampires met their enemies steel first, their swords biting deeply into the flesh of the addicts, blood trailing from their blades as they swung in devastating arcs of death. All around them people fell silently, dead or dying from wounds that no mere human could have hoped to inflict.
The force behind the blades often more than enough to lift the crazed humans off their feet, casting them from the roof to plunge to the hard ground below. The sickening thuds of impact reaching the ears of the inhuman pair and caused them to grin and laugh darkly.
Mephiston felt the enchantments of his sword feeding him valuable energy as each stroke landed, he was getting stronger, faster and as this new strength flowed through him he channelled it all into his sword arm.
“Enough!” called Sharesh as she floated lightly over head and came to rest a few feet away from the unstoppable pair, her fanatical minions breaking off their attack to rush to her side, leaving Mephiston and the new comer to move in between them and Alita. Sharesh looked at Mephiston and laughed coldly, finally speaking in a distinctly mocking tone “Awww poor Azrael, did the nasty Vampire lady not die when you tried to blow her to pieces? Did you really think it would be so simple? I thought you’d be a little more creative than that, but no, once more you have proved to be nothing more than a disappointment. I am ashamed to think that for nearly four hundred years I waited for you to return and take your place by my side, only for you to return and try to destroy all that I have created.”
She pushed aside the addicts kneeling by her feet, drawing an evil looking sabre as she strode out of the host “You have betrayed your kind, your clan and most importantly me. Now you will pay for your crimes against your kin, with your life”
Mephiston nodded “Fine by me, but before I cut out your black heart and ram it down your throat there are a few matters I would like to take care of, then I’m all yours.” then turning on his heel he faced his companions and pulled a small communication device from his belt “Don’t forget, you promised to keep her safe. And please don’t interfere, this is one enemy I have to face alone.” tossing the device to the other Vampire he added “There’s a recording on there of everything that has happened so far. If I don’t make it, you know who to deliver it to right?”
The man nodded “The same name I gave to you when we first met I assume, and don’t worry about the girl, she’ll be as safe as I can possibly ensure at this point,” then he looked at Alita “Though maybe she should start looking into a new line of work, something a little less dangerous perhaps, like bear wrestling or child care.”
Alita couldn’t help but laugh at the remark but quickly calmed herself “Tonight you saved my life, and have done more to protect me since then than anyone has done over the entire span of my life so far. I owe you much, and yet I don’t even now who I am thanking.”
Meph smiled at her “I have gone by many names over the years, though most now know me as Mephiston. Tonight however, I claim back my first name, the one my father gave me as a child, the one that was tarnished with the darkness that she inflicted upon me a long time ago. Tonight, Azrael Lorr will once more fight to defend what he holds dear, and destroy the evil that has plagued him for far too long.”
Turning to face Sharesh as he finished speaking he bowed formally and slipped into a fighting stance, sword ready, eyes fixed upon hers and his lips pulled back to reveal an evil looking smile “Okay you black hearted cow, time to put an end to your foul plans once and for all”
Sharesh smiled sweetly “It’s so nice how you worry about the welfare of others in your final moments, and never fear, no matter where she runs the girl will be found. She’s not important really, but just knowing that your final wish was her safety will make bending her to my will all the more amusing”
“You talk to much, lets just get this over with.” growled Mephiston, his sword leaping out as if to emphasise his point
Their swords slammed together and sprang apart in a shower of sparks, and the two inhuman foes circled each other slowly for a moment before launching into a fresh attack. Mephiston didn’t have the patience for an extended duel, all that mattered was slaying his enemy and ending the centuries of bloodshed and suffering she had been responsible for.
A small voice nagged at the back of his mind, “You’re responsible for your fair share of bloodshed and death, who are you to judge her?” but he didn’t give a damn, this wasn’t the first time he’d heard this voice. He didn’t have time to reflect on his self doubt; there was work to be done.
He was surprised to find Sharesh was amazingly skilled with a sword, her slight frame and delicate, fragile appearance hid her strength and skill well, and Mephiston was hard pressed to find an opening for him to land a solid blow. He danced around her, cutting and drawing back, only to see the cuts heal in a moment, and the tiny amount of blood that was spilt wasn’t even worth noticing. They moved too quickly for mere human eyes to follow, stamping and thrusting, hacking and cutting, lunging, parrying and retreating, killing blows missing by the slightest fractions of an inch or being turned away at the very last second by sheer skill and daring. Both combatants drew blood here and there, though none of it vital, nor could they find or force an opening long enough to exploit.
Once more they sprang apart, their sides heaving, the breath burning in strained lungs. Nothing could keep this pace up for long, and Mephiston seemed the worse of the two, the knife wound in his side which had only just healed was still causing some trouble. But he shook his head and once more hurled himself at Sharesh, need and desperation feeding new strength into his sword arm as he launched a savage flurry of blows at his opponent.
And then he moved too slowly, leaving himself open after having yet another attack deflected by her blade. Sharesh took full advantage of this and punched him brutally in the side of the head, sending him crashing backwards across the roof.
Meph lurched up onto one knee, pausing there a moment, breathing hard. Things weren’t going quite as well as he’d planned, but he refused to be beaten. All it would take was one mistake and everything would be over, one way or the other.
Sharesh stood over him, placing the tip of her sword under his chin to lift his head until she looked into his eyes “It’s over little man, you’ve lost, any last words?”
“It’s not over until you lie dead and broken you bitch!” he yelled, and spat up into her face as he shoved himself from the ground and into the battle once more.
His sword everywhere as he launched another flurry, the ferocity and speed of his attack forcing Sharesh back a few steps as she hurriedly parried the rain of blows that fell upon her, and then she refused to move any further.
The two blades lashed out, collided and locked, their owners snarling at each other over the crossed swords. Each of the Vampires trying to push the other back, working furiously to work the stalemate to their advantage. Small sparks raced along the edges of the sword, shining brightly in the night.
Suddenly Mephiston thrust his head forward, driving it into the nose of Sharesh savagely with a resounding thud and a snap, and as she screamed in pain and surprise he battered aside her sword and brutally hacked at her neck with all the strength he could muster.
Over and over his blade slammed into her body, even as the strange Vampire stood with Alita moved forward to drag him away from the dismembered form he still tried to attack it, near four centuries of anger and hatred towards the one who had turned him from an innocent young warrior into a dreaded creature of darkness had finally come to a head, and the release caused by slaying her was too much for Meph to bear.
Suddenly the rage that had been driving him on faded away, leaving him trembling a moment before his legs gave out from under him, sending him crashing on his ass. Alita rushed to his side, wrapping her arms around him, partly hugging him with relief, partly to help restrain him.
A shrieking wail caught their attention, the first sound the assembled blood addicts had made since the fighting started, and they watched them fall upon the remains of Sharesh.
The addicts tore at the body of their fallen master like a pack of wild animals feasting on a carcass, desperately devouring the blood they had become so dependant upon as it poured from the multiple ragged gashes Mephiston had hacked into the woman Vampires flesh.
They fought bitterly amongst themselves, each trying to defend their place at the grisly feast, dark blood covering their faces and dripping from their mouths as they growled and snarled at each other.
Mephiston scrambled quickly to his feet, never taking his eyes of the frenzy before him as he whispered to the others “That is one of the sickest things I’ve ever seen, and I’m a Vampire. I get the feeling it would be a real bad idea to still be stood here when they finish up”
“Too late!” hissed Alita as the feeding host turned their collective gaze upon them. The host was once more silent, all internal animosity brushed aside at the sight of the one who had taken their only source of the precious blood they needed away from them.
“Run, do it now while they’re focused on me. I’ll lead them off and lose them, I won’t be able to keep up with you guys but I can stay ahead of this crowd of wasters. The time will give me chance to heal up enough to make a real break for it. I’ll make it back to the city in no time. Just make sure that recording gets somewhere the information on it can be put to use as soon as possible, they need to be warned about this blood thing before any of this shit happens there.”
“What? You expect us to just leave you here with them? Are you f**k**g mental?” Alita was gob smacked that such a plan was even being suggested
“You got it. By the way, the head butting, a little underhanded don’t you think? I thought you were a hero these days, above such devious antics.”
“A hero I might be, but I’m also a Vampire, we’re allowed to fight dirty. Shame she forgot about that. I’m just glad she was dumb enough to gloat and give me time to catch my breath.”
“Well you fight impressively, no wonder you manage to survive as long as you did before we found you. And don’t worry about the girl; I’ll make sure she is safe. If there is anything of use on this recording, might I view it before passing it along to Prince Akkarin?”
Mephiston nodded “Be my guest, now get the hell out of here. Bolt on three ready? One, two, three!” and with that he dived over the edge of the roof, landing lightly on his feet as he hit the pavement below. As his legs bent to absorb the impact he looked behind him, grinning as the addicts scrambled down to give chase and the strange Vampire carried Alita away to safety. Turning again he set off at a brisk pace, not wanting to evade the pack behind him too much in case they lost heart and went in search of easier prey.
He darted down alleys, leaping over fences with ease, all the while being sure he kept close enough to the host behind him to hold their attention. It seemed easy at first, but as the effects of the huge blood dosage they had consumed began to take hold the pack at his heels started to catch him. The effects of the blood mixed with the frenzied desire to kill their prey boosting the strength and speed of the addicts beyond Mephiston’s reckoning.
Muttering angrily to Mephiston pushed himself harder, sprinting down another alley, the aches and pains from the constant fighting began taking their toll as the dark mists of exhaustion moved in to cloud his vision. Ahead the ally took a sudden turn, but he didn’t notice until it was too late, slamming against the wall with his shoulder and bouncing off in the new direction instead.
The sounds of pursuit grew ever closer as he ran recklessly through the dark labyrinth of moon lit alleyways. “I’ve come too far, worked too hard and achieved too much tonight to die in some god forsaken shit-hole of a back street” he muttered to no-one in particular, though it was at least partially to himself as he tried to find some hidden reserve of strength through sheer determination. He was tired, he couldn’t feel the impact of his boots upon the hard cobbles any more and the knife wound in his side was frequently sending sharp lances of pain through his body.
Suddenly he burst out of the alley and into a moon lit square; once he’d come to a skidding halt he leaned on his sword to catch his breath.
“Well, at least I don’t have to run any more.” he panted as he gradually regained his composure, using his free hand to rub the numbness from his aching legs. Grunting quietly as he stood up straight, he readied himself for the rapidly approaching mob, sword steady in his hand and grim determination on his face.
They came spilling into the square, wild eyed and foaming at the mouth with exhaustion. Meph watched as they started shoving each other aside to get out of the alley, there were more of them than he recalled, but it wasn’t like he had much choice in the matter, in the end he’d have to fight.
As one the host moved in to attack, once again eerily silent. Mephiston snarled as he tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, then with a savage roar he charged into their midst. He cut about him brutally, the keen edge of his blade slicing through flesh and bone with equal ease as he swung it two handed. Blood sprayed thickly, steaming slightly in the cold night air, pooling in the crevices between the cobbles beneath the stamping feet of the combatants.
Many fell to Mephiston’s blade, never to rise again, but still the addicts fought on. Clawed hands and makeshift weapons striking out along with long knives as they forced him back step by step. Eventually his back thumped up against the brick wall of the square, leaving him with no where left to go.
He reached deep down inside himself for any last reserve of energy he had left, cursing silently when he found nothing. Left with no other option he kept on fighting, his sword sweeping the host in a gleaming arc as it caught the moon light. Four of the addicts fell forward as they died, their bodies knocking Mephiston off balance as the host pushed forward to replace the dead. And before he was able to free himself, half a dozen weapons struck him.
He cried out in pain and shock, then again as the blades and claws of his attackers were pulled free. Again and again they struck, the host jostling for position to attack their masters killer. The strength went out of Mephiston’s legs, causing him to slide down the wall leaving a thick bloody trail behind him. He eventually sat down on the blood slicked cobbles, his head slowly drooping forward until his chin rested against his chest. They were still stabbing him, and although he couldn’t feel it any more his body shuddered under the impact.
He watched almost disinterestedly as the hand holding his sword slowly relaxed and let go, the weapon clanging loudly in the quiet night as it hit the ground. As the everlasting darkness of death finally clouded his vision after waiting so long for him, Mephiston, Azrael Lorr, was gifted with a perfect full moon on a cloudless night as his last sight , he admired it’s beauty as the addicts dragged his body back into the alley, shuffling silently back to the place they called home with their prize.
This little note at the end serves as an excuse for any delay in the posting of what WILL be the last section of this little literary shambles.
I did kinda promise this would be the last, so consider yourselves warned. Also of note is the clicky link within the story, just incase anyone wants to know what the hell the thing is
;D ;D ;D Enjoy!! ))
Old pains and sweet revenge : All is forgiven (aka, the last bit ) [/u]
For the second time that night Alita exited the bar via the window as Mephiston launched himself and his charge out into the street, the cries of their pursuers worryingly close as the window frame rushed by. Staggering slightly as he landed upon the road Meph turned to look back and saw the first of the braying pack rushing through the passage door into the bar room.
The few remaining Vampires of Sharesh’s group burst out of the passage and immediately spread out, they’d seen what happened to those foolish enough to treat the ones they hunted tonight without due care and caution. “There they are, in the street!” yelled one as his gaze passed the window, spotting Mephiston with Alita in his arms knelt in clear view. “They’re hurt pretty bad, the chase won’t last long, and then we can have some real fun. Come on!” he called as he hurled himself out at them with a brutal yell.
Mephiston lowered his passenger to the floor carefully as he braced himself for the impending attack and reached for his sword, cursing angrily as he recalled laying it on the table in the now destroyed office below ground. With a grunt he threw himself at the Vampire, the stubborn refusal to lie down and die while he was still able to fight pushing any fears for his own safety aside. Finishing what he’d started was all that mattered now.
“What the…?” thought a puzzled Mephiston as he was suddenly grabbed firmly by the shoulder and shoved back to the ground by an unseen hand from behind. A figure swept past him, little more than a blur as it collided with the leaping beast from the bar, the bestial cry from the attacker suddenly cut short as it’s head and body tumbled to the ground, landing several feet apart.
Alita looked up at Mephiston and then the head that had finally come to a halt just inches from her and the ‘man’ that had saved her, trying hard to work out which of the faces looked more surprised by the new arrival. Stammering slightly, partially due to shock but more from the cold wind whipping at the coat as she hugged it tightly around her, she finally managed to speak “I dearly hope that was a friend of yours, or we’re in some serious trouble”
Before Mephiston could reply the stranger had returned, walking casually toward them without a care in the world as he sheathed one of the largest swords Mephiston had ever seen across his back. He calmly stood and helped Alita to her feet, instinctively standing between her and the new arrival protectively. “Just make sure you’re ready to bolt the second things turn nasty, I came here alone, and this guy could be trouble.” he whispered, with Alita nodding her comprehension.
“It’s been a while Azrael, why is it every time I see you there’s an angry mob hunting you with thoughts of murder on their mind?” asked the stranger as he tugged his face scarf aside “Though at least I don’t have to wait for you to dig your way from under a destroyed home this time. Do you have any idea how many strange looks you get when stood by the ruins of a building for a week and a half?”
“What are you doing here? I’ve kept to my word, stuck to your rules and helped many in the city you sent me to.” Meph replied, looking a little nervous for the first time since he arrived in Lublin, “This is a private matter, though you might be interested in what’s happened here. But how about we leave that for later, ‘cause any second now that angry mob you mentioned will be coming out of there and trying to make me and this young lady here into abstract street art.”
Alita took a moment to study the new arrival; he was tall, handsome in a rugged sort of way, the kind of man that some women dreamed of rushing to their rescue in moments of need. Then she noticed his eyes, and realised that he was another Vampire, nothing living could have eyes as dark and fierce as those. “I’m trapped in the middle of a war between Vampires, if I make it out of this alive I’m getting the hell out of this hunting business.” she thought before the stranger spoke again and her mind ceased it’s wandering and snapped back to the here and now
Nodding the stranger pointed to a nearby roof-top “Meet me up there, I’ll be just a moment” and with that, he vanished as quickly as he’d arrived.
Mephiston looked around quickly before turning to Alita “You can wait here, get the hell out of here, or come with me, which ever choice you make I can’t ensure your safety, but that’s beyond my control. Make your mind up time, what’s it going to be?”
“I’ll stick with you for now, way I see it, those things are going to come after me once they finish with you. If I can help you finish them off it makes life a lot easier for me” she replied as she slowly made her way around the bodies of the other hunters in the street, gently closing their eyes, whispering a quiet prayer for each of them and taking any equipment that might prove useful. As she slid fresh clips into the pistols Mikeal had used before the enemy had drained him of blood she added “Besides, you’re not the only one with a personal interest in this anymore. These guys were the only friends I’ve ever known. They died trying to save this city from these filthy blood sucking bastards, no offence, and as long as I can still fight for them, I will.”
Moments later the strange team of blood soaked Vampire and near naked hunter were hiding from the biting wind as they huddled behind a chimney stack.
Looking down at his side Mephiston was pleased to note that the bleeding had stopped, meaning that at least he was healing, maybe not as quickly as he was used to but it was better than nothing. His clothing was still dripping with blood, and for once most of it was his own. “Never should have underestimated her, not something I’ll be doing again that’s for damned sure”
“If only I hadn’t heard a statement like that a million times before, I might have believed you. Here, seems you left this behind, probably not a wise thing to do.” laughed the stranger as he once again appeared as if from nowhere, tossing Mephiston the sword he’d left behind as he did. Then he took a more serious tone “So, care to explain just what the hell you’re doing here instead of Paragon? When you started looking for Sharesh you had a few of us worried, I came here to make sure you hadn’t switched sides, and if need be make sure you couldn’t try the same thing again. Looks like you’ve behaved yourself, in a manner of speaking at least, and it’s clear you’re not looking to join her. So what’s the deal?”
“Revenge, plain and simple, once she lies at my feet broken beyond repair, it’ll all be over and I’ll go home to Paragon. If there’s a problem with that, well I guess it’s just too bad, because the only place I’m going while she still lives is hell.”
The stranger nodded solemnly “Then I might as well help while I’m here, there’s no way I came all this way just to leave before a good, old fashioned fight. It’s been too long since I got to use this thing” he said as he drew his sword once more, a beautifully crafted odachi measuring well in excess of five feet long from hilt to tip.
While the two men spoke Alita peered over the roof edge to the bar, “Umm guys, sorry to bother you, but we got company heading this way real fast. And boy do they look pissed” she called as she backed away and pulled the pistols from the coat’s pockets ready for action
Mephiston nodded and hefted his weapon then turned to the stranger “Fine by me, but Sharesh is mine, anything else is fair game. Just make sure that if things get out of hand you get her out of here and some place safe.”
***
Alita’s guns suddenly roared into life as she opened fire at several of the blood addicts as they scrambled up the side of the building, climbing the fire escape, drainage pipes and anything else they could find in a frenzied charge to do the bidding of their masters. Bodies dropped down to the ground and blood fell like rain as the hollow points tore through their ranks, but for each defeated enemy there was always more to take their place, and Alita’s ammunition was severely limited.
As the guns fell silent Mephiston reached out and dragged her back, placing her between himself and the other man. Swords at the ready the two Vampires shared a glance and nodded slightly, then with blood chilling roars they fell upon the first of the host to reach their roof top haven.
The two Vampires met their enemies steel first, their swords biting deeply into the flesh of the addicts, blood trailing from their blades as they swung in devastating arcs of death. All around them people fell silently, dead or dying from wounds that no mere human could have hoped to inflict.
The force behind the blades often more than enough to lift the crazed humans off their feet, casting them from the roof to plunge to the hard ground below. The sickening thuds of impact reaching the ears of the inhuman pair and caused them to grin and laugh darkly.
Mephiston felt the enchantments of his sword feeding him valuable energy as each stroke landed, he was getting stronger, faster and as this new strength flowed through him he channelled it all into his sword arm.
“Enough!” called Sharesh as she floated lightly over head and came to rest a few feet away from the unstoppable pair, her fanatical minions breaking off their attack to rush to her side, leaving Mephiston and the new comer to move in between them and Alita. Sharesh looked at Mephiston and laughed coldly, finally speaking in a distinctly mocking tone “Awww poor Azrael, did the nasty Vampire lady not die when you tried to blow her to pieces? Did you really think it would be so simple? I thought you’d be a little more creative than that, but no, once more you have proved to be nothing more than a disappointment. I am ashamed to think that for nearly four hundred years I waited for you to return and take your place by my side, only for you to return and try to destroy all that I have created.”
She pushed aside the addicts kneeling by her feet, drawing an evil looking sabre as she strode out of the host “You have betrayed your kind, your clan and most importantly me. Now you will pay for your crimes against your kin, with your life”
Mephiston nodded “Fine by me, but before I cut out your black heart and ram it down your throat there are a few matters I would like to take care of, then I’m all yours.” then turning on his heel he faced his companions and pulled a small communication device from his belt “Don’t forget, you promised to keep her safe. And please don’t interfere, this is one enemy I have to face alone.” tossing the device to the other Vampire he added “There’s a recording on there of everything that has happened so far. If I don’t make it, you know who to deliver it to right?”
The man nodded “The same name I gave to you when we first met I assume, and don’t worry about the girl, she’ll be as safe as I can possibly ensure at this point,” then he looked at Alita “Though maybe she should start looking into a new line of work, something a little less dangerous perhaps, like bear wrestling or child care.”
Alita couldn’t help but laugh at the remark but quickly calmed herself “Tonight you saved my life, and have done more to protect me since then than anyone has done over the entire span of my life so far. I owe you much, and yet I don’t even now who I am thanking.”
Meph smiled at her “I have gone by many names over the years, though most now know me as Mephiston. Tonight however, I claim back my first name, the one my father gave me as a child, the one that was tarnished with the darkness that she inflicted upon me a long time ago. Tonight, Azrael Lorr will once more fight to defend what he holds dear, and destroy the evil that has plagued him for far too long.”
Turning to face Sharesh as he finished speaking he bowed formally and slipped into a fighting stance, sword ready, eyes fixed upon hers and his lips pulled back to reveal an evil looking smile “Okay you black hearted cow, time to put an end to your foul plans once and for all”
Sharesh smiled sweetly “It’s so nice how you worry about the welfare of others in your final moments, and never fear, no matter where she runs the girl will be found. She’s not important really, but just knowing that your final wish was her safety will make bending her to my will all the more amusing”
“You talk to much, lets just get this over with.” growled Mephiston, his sword leaping out as if to emphasise his point
Their swords slammed together and sprang apart in a shower of sparks, and the two inhuman foes circled each other slowly for a moment before launching into a fresh attack. Mephiston didn’t have the patience for an extended duel, all that mattered was slaying his enemy and ending the centuries of bloodshed and suffering she had been responsible for.
A small voice nagged at the back of his mind, “You’re responsible for your fair share of bloodshed and death, who are you to judge her?” but he didn’t give a damn, this wasn’t the first time he’d heard this voice. He didn’t have time to reflect on his self doubt; there was work to be done.
He was surprised to find Sharesh was amazingly skilled with a sword, her slight frame and delicate, fragile appearance hid her strength and skill well, and Mephiston was hard pressed to find an opening for him to land a solid blow. He danced around her, cutting and drawing back, only to see the cuts heal in a moment, and the tiny amount of blood that was spilt wasn’t even worth noticing. They moved too quickly for mere human eyes to follow, stamping and thrusting, hacking and cutting, lunging, parrying and retreating, killing blows missing by the slightest fractions of an inch or being turned away at the very last second by sheer skill and daring. Both combatants drew blood here and there, though none of it vital, nor could they find or force an opening long enough to exploit.
Once more they sprang apart, their sides heaving, the breath burning in strained lungs. Nothing could keep this pace up for long, and Mephiston seemed the worse of the two, the knife wound in his side which had only just healed was still causing some trouble. But he shook his head and once more hurled himself at Sharesh, need and desperation feeding new strength into his sword arm as he launched a savage flurry of blows at his opponent.
And then he moved too slowly, leaving himself open after having yet another attack deflected by her blade. Sharesh took full advantage of this and punched him brutally in the side of the head, sending him crashing backwards across the roof.
Meph lurched up onto one knee, pausing there a moment, breathing hard. Things weren’t going quite as well as he’d planned, but he refused to be beaten. All it would take was one mistake and everything would be over, one way or the other.
Sharesh stood over him, placing the tip of her sword under his chin to lift his head until she looked into his eyes “It’s over little man, you’ve lost, any last words?”
“It’s not over until you lie dead and broken you bitch!” he yelled, and spat up into her face as he shoved himself from the ground and into the battle once more.
His sword everywhere as he launched another flurry, the ferocity and speed of his attack forcing Sharesh back a few steps as she hurriedly parried the rain of blows that fell upon her, and then she refused to move any further.
The two blades lashed out, collided and locked, their owners snarling at each other over the crossed swords. Each of the Vampires trying to push the other back, working furiously to work the stalemate to their advantage. Small sparks raced along the edges of the sword, shining brightly in the night.
Suddenly Mephiston thrust his head forward, driving it into the nose of Sharesh savagely with a resounding thud and a snap, and as she screamed in pain and surprise he battered aside her sword and brutally hacked at her neck with all the strength he could muster.
Over and over his blade slammed into her body, even as the strange Vampire stood with Alita moved forward to drag him away from the dismembered form he still tried to attack it, near four centuries of anger and hatred towards the one who had turned him from an innocent young warrior into a dreaded creature of darkness had finally come to a head, and the release caused by slaying her was too much for Meph to bear.
Suddenly the rage that had been driving him on faded away, leaving him trembling a moment before his legs gave out from under him, sending him crashing on his ass. Alita rushed to his side, wrapping her arms around him, partly hugging him with relief, partly to help restrain him.
A shrieking wail caught their attention, the first sound the assembled blood addicts had made since the fighting started, and they watched them fall upon the remains of Sharesh.
The addicts tore at the body of their fallen master like a pack of wild animals feasting on a carcass, desperately devouring the blood they had become so dependant upon as it poured from the multiple ragged gashes Mephiston had hacked into the woman Vampires flesh.
They fought bitterly amongst themselves, each trying to defend their place at the grisly feast, dark blood covering their faces and dripping from their mouths as they growled and snarled at each other.
Mephiston scrambled quickly to his feet, never taking his eyes of the frenzy before him as he whispered to the others “That is one of the sickest things I’ve ever seen, and I’m a Vampire. I get the feeling it would be a real bad idea to still be stood here when they finish up”
“Too late!” hissed Alita as the feeding host turned their collective gaze upon them. The host was once more silent, all internal animosity brushed aside at the sight of the one who had taken their only source of the precious blood they needed away from them.
“Run, do it now while they’re focused on me. I’ll lead them off and lose them, I won’t be able to keep up with you guys but I can stay ahead of this crowd of wasters. The time will give me chance to heal up enough to make a real break for it. I’ll make it back to the city in no time. Just make sure that recording gets somewhere the information on it can be put to use as soon as possible, they need to be warned about this blood thing before any of this shit happens there.”
“What? You expect us to just leave you here with them? Are you f**k**g mental?” Alita was gob smacked that such a plan was even being suggested
“You got it. By the way, the head butting, a little underhanded don’t you think? I thought you were a hero these days, above such devious antics.”
“A hero I might be, but I’m also a Vampire, we’re allowed to fight dirty. Shame she forgot about that. I’m just glad she was dumb enough to gloat and give me time to catch my breath.”
“Well you fight impressively, no wonder you manage to survive as long as you did before we found you. And don’t worry about the girl; I’ll make sure she is safe. If there is anything of use on this recording, might I view it before passing it along to Prince Akkarin?”
Mephiston nodded “Be my guest, now get the hell out of here. Bolt on three ready? One, two, three!” and with that he dived over the edge of the roof, landing lightly on his feet as he hit the pavement below. As his legs bent to absorb the impact he looked behind him, grinning as the addicts scrambled down to give chase and the strange Vampire carried Alita away to safety. Turning again he set off at a brisk pace, not wanting to evade the pack behind him too much in case they lost heart and went in search of easier prey.
He darted down alleys, leaping over fences with ease, all the while being sure he kept close enough to the host behind him to hold their attention. It seemed easy at first, but as the effects of the huge blood dosage they had consumed began to take hold the pack at his heels started to catch him. The effects of the blood mixed with the frenzied desire to kill their prey boosting the strength and speed of the addicts beyond Mephiston’s reckoning.
Muttering angrily to Mephiston pushed himself harder, sprinting down another alley, the aches and pains from the constant fighting began taking their toll as the dark mists of exhaustion moved in to cloud his vision. Ahead the ally took a sudden turn, but he didn’t notice until it was too late, slamming against the wall with his shoulder and bouncing off in the new direction instead.
The sounds of pursuit grew ever closer as he ran recklessly through the dark labyrinth of moon lit alleyways. “I’ve come too far, worked too hard and achieved too much tonight to die in some god forsaken shit-hole of a back street” he muttered to no-one in particular, though it was at least partially to himself as he tried to find some hidden reserve of strength through sheer determination. He was tired, he couldn’t feel the impact of his boots upon the hard cobbles any more and the knife wound in his side was frequently sending sharp lances of pain through his body.
Suddenly he burst out of the alley and into a moon lit square; once he’d come to a skidding halt he leaned on his sword to catch his breath.
“Well, at least I don’t have to run any more.” he panted as he gradually regained his composure, using his free hand to rub the numbness from his aching legs. Grunting quietly as he stood up straight, he readied himself for the rapidly approaching mob, sword steady in his hand and grim determination on his face.
They came spilling into the square, wild eyed and foaming at the mouth with exhaustion. Meph watched as they started shoving each other aside to get out of the alley, there were more of them than he recalled, but it wasn’t like he had much choice in the matter, in the end he’d have to fight.
As one the host moved in to attack, once again eerily silent. Mephiston snarled as he tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, then with a savage roar he charged into their midst. He cut about him brutally, the keen edge of his blade slicing through flesh and bone with equal ease as he swung it two handed. Blood sprayed thickly, steaming slightly in the cold night air, pooling in the crevices between the cobbles beneath the stamping feet of the combatants.
Many fell to Mephiston’s blade, never to rise again, but still the addicts fought on. Clawed hands and makeshift weapons striking out along with long knives as they forced him back step by step. Eventually his back thumped up against the brick wall of the square, leaving him with no where left to go.
He reached deep down inside himself for any last reserve of energy he had left, cursing silently when he found nothing. Left with no other option he kept on fighting, his sword sweeping the host in a gleaming arc as it caught the moon light. Four of the addicts fell forward as they died, their bodies knocking Mephiston off balance as the host pushed forward to replace the dead. And before he was able to free himself, half a dozen weapons struck him.
He cried out in pain and shock, then again as the blades and claws of his attackers were pulled free. Again and again they struck, the host jostling for position to attack their masters killer. The strength went out of Mephiston’s legs, causing him to slide down the wall leaving a thick bloody trail behind him. He eventually sat down on the blood slicked cobbles, his head slowly drooping forward until his chin rested against his chest. They were still stabbing him, and although he couldn’t feel it any more his body shuddered under the impact.
He watched almost disinterestedly as the hand holding his sword slowly relaxed and let go, the weapon clanging loudly in the quiet night as it hit the ground. As the everlasting darkness of death finally clouded his vision after waiting so long for him, Mephiston, Azrael Lorr, was gifted with a perfect full moon on a cloudless night as his last sight , he admired it’s beauty as the addicts dragged his body back into the alley, shuffling silently back to the place they called home with their prize.
