RPG Hold Tight, Drink Deep [M-LVS]

[Onix]

[CENTER][COLOR=Red][SIZE=4]War of the Blood[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=SlateGray]The bright Venetian sun filtered through the scattered clouds illuminating the crowded street. A few white shapes floated across the azure blue sky, a comforting memory of childhood locked in their puffy forms that mimicked flowers, trains, and elephants on unicycles.

The people walking on the sidewalks spoke in rapid Italian, most smiling and holding hands with their companions. Italian was, after all, one of the romantic languages, so it made sense that they would be a romantic people. Love populated this hot, sunny spring day.

No one noticed the lone man sitting beneath the wide parasol. Had they noticed, they would have been struck by his achingly handsome countenance, his dark complexion, and his platinum silver hair that hung long and loose. He sipped a cup of dark, sweet smelling liquid as his eyes flickered at the paper he held in one slender-fingered hand. A silver dragon wrapped around the ring finger, a large silver band around the middle.

Beyond his silver hair and beautiful face, he was an unremarkable young man. Clad in dark slacks and a wine-red t-shirt, he blended into the crowd easily. The heavy, ornate silver cross the hung around his neck glinted in the sunlight, shining in the shadows cast by the umbrella overhead.

He leaned back slowly, smiling, a single strand of silver hair dangling outside the gloom he wrapped himself within. His smile was placid and simple...but seemed to be masking something. The handsome young man had a darkness around him, darker than the shadows of the parasol.

With a low rustle, a cloaked figure appeared in the chair opposite the young man. The other person was swathed in a dark robe, his only distinguishing features the eyes that glinted out from behind his hood.

"I have the information you requested," said the cloaked man, in heavely accented English. His speech felt out of place in the Venitian sun, not just his accent but his tone.

"Grazie, Khmer," said the smiling man.

The cloaked man reached into his dark robes and pulled out a sheif of ivory paper. The young man, in turn, fished around in the pocket of his slacks, drawing forth a large amethyst hanging from a golden chain.

"Is it truly the Night Amethyst?" gasped the cloaked man.

"I believe it is called the [I]Soir Améthyste[/I], but yes," said the silver haired man. "The [I]Le Capitaine de les Soir[/I] did not wish to part with it, but I convinced him otherwise."

"So, if I may ask, what business do you have with [I]Il Signore di Sangue[/I]?" asked Khmer.

"Your Italian is much better than when we last me, Khmer," said the younger man, giving off a low chuckle. "I simply wish to aquire [I]Il Sangue Rubino[/I]."

Khmer gasped again.

"And what do you intend to buy with that little gem?" asked the man in the cloak.

"Ah, that's for my personal collection," said the silver haired man. "I already know where to find the rest of the gems as well. On [I]Il Signore[/I] has managed to elude me so far."

"And why would you give up the Amethyst?" Khmer asked, his voice taking on a hard edge.

"Who said I gave it up?" asked the young man.

The silver-haired man shot out his hand, grabbing Khmer's robes. The "spy" shot backwards, as if propelled by some great force, his cloak being ripped off. He was only visible for a brief moment, revealing himself to be a dark, older man of eastern descent, muscular and holding a knife in his hand.

[I]So he was going to cheat me, eh?[/I] thought the young man.

A second after skidding into the sun, Khmer burst into flames, the sun scorching his skin, causing it to melt away. He was reduced to blakened bones a second later, and they quickly crumbled into dust.

The young man threw the cloak around himself, striding off into the sunglight. He picked up the Amthyst and sheet of paper off the table, leaving the paper he had been reading. It fluttered to the ground, sun crawling across stylish writing on the ivory shief of paper....

[I]Kuroichi, one of our men will meet you in Venice at three this afternoon.
Be there on time, with the price you promised, and you shall recieve the information promised.
[INDENT]-Khalid of the Gyshram[/INDENT][/I][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[CENTER]~~~~~~~~~~[/CENTER]

[COLOR=Red][SIZE=1]So begins the War of the Blood. I think I might need to explain a little about what Kuroichi is doing here.

[I]Le Capitaine de les Soir[/I] and [I]Il Signore di Sangue[/I] are the Kerleks of France and Italy, respectively. Seven of the major Western European have Kerleks leading the Ijuuj in them (Spain, Italy, France, Germany, England, Ireland, and Greece). Each of the Kerleks has one of the seven gems that the Ijuuj are supposed to have forged that give them power over religious artifacts. Kuroichi intends to steal them to give power to his Clan, the Krilat Zmaj. In case you want to use them in any of your posts, the Kerleks and their gems are:

Spain-El Capitan de Obscuridad (The Master of Darkness), keeper of La Piedra de la Luna del Obscuro (Dark Moonstone)
Italy-Il Signore di Sangue (The Lord of Blood), keeper of Il Sangue Rubino (The Blood Ruby)
France-Le Capitaine de les Soir (Captain of the Night), keeper of Le Soir Amethyste (The Night Amethyst)
Germany-Die Fuhrer von Leichen (The Leader of Corpses), keeper of Die Leche Smaragd (The Corpse Emerald)
Ireland-The King of Death, keeper of the Death Diamond (couldn't find a Gaelic Translator)
England-The Fang Boss, keeper of the Pearl Fang
Greece-The Emperor of Skulls, keeper of the Skull Sapphire (couldn't find a Romanized Greek translator, and am too lazy to directly translate Greek to English characters)

I apologize if my translations are poor, as I only speak Spanish.

The current characters (sign ups still wide open) are:
Kuroichi of the Krilat Zmaj (ULX)
Keitha of the Gyshram (demonchild781)
Kali (Kare) of the Nyroma (Nefertimon)
Abaddon of the Myrkur Aniol (Danethol)
Elizabeth Archer of the Gwyar (Methuselah)
Aaron Alexander of the Ijuuj (DragonBlood)
Erald Lightfeather (Kyu Hitori) of the Gwyar (Reizou)
Garyuu Zokusai the Human (kairiKIce2)

Fight for power. Fight for honor. Fight for Blood.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[demonchild781]

Keitha sat patiently amongst the limbs of a large oak. People buzzed around the base of a tree, not even realizing that the woman was above them. Keitha watched them for a moment, as they laughed and flirt with one another before she brought her attention back to her target.

The woman wallacing around the beautifully crafted dance hall was a master piece of her time. She was tall, slim and fair. Her beautiful sandy blonde hair was pulled back in a tangle of curls. Her large blue eyes glowed with the joy of all the excement of the party.

Even though she looked like a modern woman, dressed in the latest fashion, Keitha knew better. The assasin had studied various people, but she was most familiar with the blood thirsty villians known to the world as vampires. And this beautiful display of a woman was just that, a vampire. She had coaxed all these lovely humans, full of lust and money, to her humble human in an attempt to win their power and their blood. She was a clever mistress, being over four centuries old helped ones cunning. But it wasn't going to save her from the Gyshram.

Keitha smiled slightly underneath her black mask as she slid her hand over Chaela. She lept from the tree to the window edge without a soul noticing that she had even moved. Keitha knew that bringing death to her target would have been easier from the perch she had in the tree with her hand gun. But she always seemed so dissatisfied with that method. She liked using her sword to kill her vicitims, especially fellow vampires. She had learned in the past that the powerful creatures could dodge bullets or take one without any harm, and having blessed aimanetion was dangerous to her own health.

Keitha slid the window open and crawled into the room, staying hiden amongst the drapes. Most of the people had filtered out of the room by the time she had made her way in. It was better that way, she supposed. Less innoncent eyes to see her task at hand. There were a few shadows amongst the room as Keitha crouched to the floor.

"Bring forth thee to my service." Keitha whispered softly bringing to life two shadows from the far side of the room. She smiled again as she sent them off to find Elizabeth, her sandy blonde target.

"Where are you, assasin!" the woman rushed into the room, anger streaked across her face as the shadows returned to their rightful places.

"I am here, Lady." Keitha whispered, here voice rolling through the room as if a breeze was carring it.

"Show yourself, you worthless trash!" the woman shouted at her. "I have no time for the Gyshram's games."

Keitha smiled as she slid from her hiding spot and darted across the room in a blur. The vampriss tried to keep up with the assasin's movement, but failed miserably. Keitha smiled again as she took to standing behind a large grandfather clock.

"You're laughing at me, aren't you, Gyshram?" the woman cursed, frantically searching the room for Keitha.

"Why would I laugh at such a lovely lady?" Keitha's voice was filled with mockery as the shadows in the room began to dance about.

"Show yourself, coward!" the woman twirled around in her elequent dress, her hair spiralling around as well.

Keitha rushed from her place of hiding and was in the woman's face sword extended and shoved through the woman's heart. The woman's face distored with pain as she gasped for breath. Keitha flicked the sword lightly and caused the woman to scream slightly.

"I am no coward, madam Elizabeth." Keitha pulled the blade with a quick jerk and watched the woman fall to the floor in a pile of dust. "And you are no threat to any one any more." Keitha smiled.

"Elizabeth!" some one shouted from the other room.

Keitha rushed to the window and jumped out onto the limps of the tree. She watched people rush into the room to find Elizabeth. She smiled as she left the scene to take her next target.

[Imp]

[color=blue]In a desert where the sands and the rocks scattered about it were tinted purple by the moonlight, where pearly white horses gallopped in the distance, upon a fairly large stone whose tint was darker that that of the sand below, there sat the vampire Kali, staring at the full moon with wonder and tranquility. For she had an instinct and even an ability to divine the events to come, that which comes from the prception of fate which she personally called someru.
"The sands of silver amethyst, the rocks of violet haze, the carefree horses calm and white as the moonlight, that which comes from the alabaster Luna above, contrasted by the sky which reflects my eyes, scattered with stars of diamond, ruby, sapphire, and clear enough for even mortal eyes to witness their beauty." Kali said this quietly, just incase someone could hear her. She then held up her little sword, positioning it so that the turquoise orb was placeed right between Kali and the moon, making it look like a teal-colored solar eclipse was taking place. Carefuly holding the sword in position, Kali let go and instead held it up with the force of her mind. After closing her eyes and not opening them until five minutes' time passed, the orb took on a shiny black aura. In the orb was the image of a phoenix, glistening brightly in its aqua color.
"Ah, alas," Kali softly and calmly cheered, "today is the day of the Phoenix, a day in which magic thrives and passion never dies..." She then held her sword in her hand again, absentmindedly giving it a little wave, causing a stream of glowing purple dust to fly from it and explode softly some ten feet above her head. Then, she held up her other hand, pointing it in a way so that the ruby ring on her left hand perfectly reflected the moonlight towards a red star to the right of it, right through the orb on her sword.
"Luna, shine through Oritasu, summon holy Fire with Fire Relic..."
"Give flight, sprout flame, shower Enchantment and Fear..."
A beam shot up through the sword, swirling in a fog then bursting into bright blue flame, the hottest flame possible. With not even a screech, the Phoenix emerged from the flame. Though Kali returned her sword to its container on her skirt, her left arm stayed up long enough for the bird to lift her up in its talons, without even catching its holder on fire. Kali's other hand shot up and wrapped around the phoenix's other leg while she was being lifted up into the night.

"Now, mighty Phoenix, fly into the lair of the Sapphire, the first holy destination of our particular Blood War..."[/color]

OOC: Don't have time to post much else...

[Kairi]

Deep within the mountains of northern china, a great blaze has been set at the base of the mountain. The smell of burning corpses fills the night air as the sky becomes dark and cold...full of death. ''Why do they still hunt me so..,'' Zoku thought to himself...miles away from the fire. Taking a deep breath, he stops at his waterfall within the forest where he usually finds his peace away from the world. ''It had been 2 years since the last time they have come after me...its a shame i had to kill them all. I would have shown them mercy but they simply would not tell me who they were working for... were they murks, assassins, or even from my former clan back in Japan...''
Coming to the waterfall Zoku takes out his Wild Wind Sword and washes the blood away in the cool water. ''What a waste of life........I prayed that they would not be so foolish...I prayed that I would at least know the name of my enemy...'' Wrapped up in confusion...and looking at his already healing wounds, Zoku decides to take a bath in the now sparkling water reflecting the nights sky. Taking off his weapons and clothing, he slowely desends feeling the cold bitterness of the water slivering all through his body. ''How good it feels to be alive,'' he says to himself.

Later that night Zoku prepares himself for his meditation period...in an attempt to calm his mind and spirit in regards to the nights events. After several moments of deep breaths and stretching.. Zoku sits Indian style on the grass looking up into the sky taking in the infany of its beauty...neverending. Falling deep into a trance...Zoku begins concentrating all his KI energy within himself as well as from the surrounding environment around him creating an aqua blue aura around his body. Suddenly he has a vision...(the sky is bright red with fire burning in all directions. In the sky are 7 gems glowing brightly blasting power energy waves across the valley...''the source of the fire'' Zoku thought to himself. The sky begins to rain blood, and a great earthquake arises shaking the entire planet) Slowely Zoku comes out of the trace...seeing himself glow in his own aura. ''Thank you Gaia for your gift in sight and energy...'' a prayer which Zoku mutters underneath his breath. However a rush of pain and evil desires overcomes him for only a moment with his vampire scar on his neck pulsing. ''So...it has begun. After all this time the great Vampire clans are in conflict. Blood has already been spilt...and the first move has been made...'' In an instant the desire overcomes him...his desire for blood...his desire for death...all the muscles in his body tensing up...breathing hard, becoming light headed...his scar pulsing as if it were being stabed over and over again.''no...i will not give in...i will not submit to it...GOD WHY HAVE U CURSED ME SO...!'' After hours of torment he finally settles down and collapses exhausted on the moist grass beneath him. Gathering his thoughts...he wills himself onto his feet.
''you are not one of them...you do not partake in their ways...'' constantly running through his mind.
''let us see where this war goes...and what part I am to take in it...'' calming down yet again with deep breaths.
taking his sword and shotgun...Zoku expands his muscle mass concentrating his KI energy at will and is gone with the wind. With amazing speed he begins his journey runnning westward...
Thinking to himself ...''I hope i may find peace and wisdom on this new quest...for i am going to need it; i cannot do this alone. Walking back into the world of Vampires...a world I have long avoided...i pray i may be of some help to the clan that you, Gaia, want to be the victor in this time of conflict.''

[DragonBlood]

Arron Stood in the darkness, he moved his sword quickly, the sound of a cut and then blood, followed by a body hitting the floor, he reversed direction and swung wide, a slight gurggle erupted from the creature who had now no throat. A shadow passed in front of him, Arron stretched out his hand and the shadow fell away, reveiling yet another assassin. Arron thrust foward quickly and flicked the sword harshly with his wrist, the assassin ran a short few steps and fell with his head rolling away beside him. A sudden shot rang out and Arron quickly twisted his body as the bullet passed him harmlessly. He turned and ran foward, his sword held point foward, suddenly a body slouched on the edge of the blade. Three other assasins jumped at him, Arron pulled his dagger and quickly as the had come the three fell to the floor.

The encounter had taken no more than thirty seconds, The shadows dispersed slowly. Arron looked around, the halls of the old ruined city were stained with blood, light began to shine through the slit windows of the corrador. "Do not try to hinder my bidding. Or at lest do so with more skilled assassins." He set off down the corrador, as he passed the places where the light should have been a shadow fell over the area.

He went on in this way for some time befor he reached the end of the hall, out in the courtyard stood his horse, the creature was the most strange of any undead creature Arron had ever come across, it, unlike some many others, could stand the day light, in fact the horse seemed no different now then when it was a living creature. Arron pulled his hood over his face and went and mounted the horse, "Well now, off we go."

Horse and rider set off.

[Orcus]

[COLOR=Sienna][SIZE=1]The cloudy sky masked the luminous moon that would have shone down on the bustling New York City?s nightlife. Traffic was still, as the rain beat down gently yet rapidly against the polluted streets, the mild-mannered citizens. The sidewalks were littered with soaked people sharing an umbrella long enough to make it to their destinations then go their separate ways.

The night seemed no different then any other night, so no single individual thought to gaze upon the rooftops of the towering buildings that surrounded them. For up upon the everyday rooftops was a not so everyday citizen of the city. His hair was jet black, and his trench coat streamed in the wind. A cross with a ruby in the middle hung loosely around his neck. He looked no older than 16, but his face shrouded the truth behind him.

He gazed down on the night, his eyes dancing with intrigue. His thoughts were interrupted by a low ringing noise. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He listened to the speaker, not taking his eyes of the street. His eyes grew wide with fear suddenly. He shoved the phone into his pocket and leapt from rooftop to rooftop back towards his apartment. He stopped on top of the building across from his and peered into the window. He could clearly make out six shadows.

[I]Dammit?.[/I] he thought to himself[I]?Chienzeru and Kay?liel must be in trouble. Otherwise Kay?liel would?ve mentioned that she had guests over and she wouldn?t have stopped talking so abruptly. If the bastards in there have done anything to them? [/I] Kyu leapt towards his window in a blind rage.

The glass shattered and he flew straight into the wall. He looked up to see who the attackers were. ?Aw, crap!? He jumped up and hid behind a nearby door as the attackers pulled out machineguns and began firing. Kyu pulled out his handgun. [I]This is suicide?[/I] He jumped from behind the door and shot two of the humans right in the heart. They collapsed, lifeless, to the ground.

Their comrades looked down at them and then back at Kyu. But instead of the menacing figure, all they saw was an empty door way. One of them suddenly dropped to the ground, a gash in his throat. The last one felt a sharp pain and gasped, then looked down. Kyu?s blade was protruding from his stomach. Kyu pulled it out then drove it through the man?s heart. He stood over their bodies for a second and recited a small prayer. [I]Sorry?.[/I]

He walked over to Kay?liel and Chienzeru and untied them. Kyu scowled, ?How could you allow yourself to be captured? By humans none-the-less?? Chienzeru sighed, ?We had our guard down. We were just relaxing and the next thing we knew we were being bound and gagged.? Kyu sighed and turned to Kay?liel, ?You?re okay, right?? She nodded. Kyu sighed and walked over to the couch and sat down. He put his head in his hands, ?Next time make sure you?re prepared. If they had been vampires as ourselves?*sigh* It doesn?t matter. Tomorrow let?s find a reclusive spot to train.? He stood up and walked towards his room, ?Until then?let?s all get some rest.?

[B]OOC: I put an attachment of what Kay'liel looks like. She looks like Lenne, but wears Paine's clothes.[/B][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Kairi]

In the city of Venice, on a beautiful summer day in the heat of the scorching sun...a large crowd of tourists engulfs the entire city taking interest in every site that they laided their eyes upon. Even the lone man with silver hair...girls laid their eyes upon him without even looking at his face. A sense of perswation and control was set upon the young girls.
A slight smirk came upon the young man as he continued his walk to his destination. [I]Look at how weak they are...it's really quite sad.[/I] he thought to himself. Continuing down the street, he set his eyes upon a prey. [I]It would be good to have a nice snack before my next meeting to optain what I seek. [/I] As he stalked her...moving amongst the crowd as if he were a ghost, he could start to feel her heartbeat within his own...a sense of warm spread across his body, as he came closer to his meal. Despite him doing this for many centuries; the thrill of the hunt never desipated with time...it grew. His power almost unmatched, taking the knowledge and strength of his victims...[I]it should be I who rules...not them...soon my destiny will be fullfilled.[/I]
Now seeing his opportunity to satisfy himself...he placed his soft but firm hand upon the womans shoulder to get her attention[I]excuse me miss, I was wondering if you could help me?[/I] As she turned around she immediately feel into his spell...falling deeper and deeper into his power she glared up at his big, gorgious grey eyes as he led her into a dark corner hidden away from the crowd.
Slowly he stroked his hand across her cheek...feeling the warm of her tender skin. The woman became aroused, and desired him right there in that moment...feeling the desire inside himself, in an instant his fangs were upon her neck...ripping through her flesh as he indulged himself in his prize. Blood trickling down his lips and chin, he felt himself being filled. Taking back himself from her mortal wound, he tossed her aside into a local garbage can, discarding her. [I]what a meal that was...[/I] feeling a rush within his undead body, her blood was like liquid fire. In his pleasure his eyes turned to a light red.

[I]Its been a long time...Kuroichi...[/I] a voice said...a man leaning against the other side of the dark corner showing only a partial part of his face.
[I]*slight chuckle* I was beginning to wonder if you would ever seek me out Zoku, my old friend.[/I]
Turning around from the corner, Zoku looked at the face of his dear old friend. There was a long pause between the two, an overflow of memories came upon the two...
''How long has it been Zoku, 3 years since the war back in Japan.''
''Yea, you haven't changed at all,'' a slight laugh came to both of them...''
''I'm surpised that you came so close to me without me sensing you Zoku, you've gotten stronger.''
*slight smirk* ''As have you, I sense that there are great things moving now within the Clans...the Krilat Zmaj have grown quite powerful since the last time I remembered them surfacing.''
''I thought you took an oath never to take an interest in our kind ever again Zoku...you see your scar as a weakness, and you ran away from us, I took you in as one of our own. To train my armies of Hunters and vampires who I chose from the war...and you threw it back in my face...you had such potential' 'in a harsh tone with Kuroichi remembering what happened all those years ago...however with a slight sigh with respect to his old friend.
Almost shivering remembering his past, stuttering in a rage and saddness, ''No need to remind me Kuroichi, I remember what I have done. I could no longer kill the innocent...and be wrapped up in petty politics. Even when you took me as one of your own...I was still human...set apart from all of you. I must atone for my sins my old friend. I know what your trying to do, and I won't try and stop you now...for it is not my place. I ask you though, are you the one who has been looking for me all these years, sending assassins and murks to do your bidding?''
''I think you know the answer to that question already Zoku...do you want me to end the pain for you right now,'' moving amongst the shadows with amazing speed Kuroichi thrust his hand on Koku's neck and lifted him into the air, now exposing his vampire fangs. ''I can take it all away; I can end your curse, and give you a new one...you do know that the vampire in which you seek is already dead. She was killed not to long ago by a vampire of the Gyshram. It's ashame really, Elizabeth would have been a wonderful ally...but, nothing can be done about it now.''
Feeling Kuroichi's grip becoming tighter around his neck, tears of sorrow arised from Zoku's eyes, realizing now that his curse would never end......for a moment he was tempted to let Kuroichi change him...but with all of his human emotions Zoku's body pulsed with immense energy...''NO!'' and with a somersault kick, Zoku connected with Kuroichi's lower jaw making him loss his grip on Zoku falling backwards. Both men feel to the ground; and within an instant they were both standing back up with both swords drawn, with each pointing one anothers blade at their throats.
At that moment the crowd closest to them shot up in a panic due to the view of swords, and the entire scene turned into a chaotic scene. Realizing not needing the aggrevation to draw attention to themselves any further...they both put away their weapons.
''there will be a time my old friend...when you will come back to me,'' proclaimed Kuroichi, and in an instant he was gone leaping up upon the nearest rooftop and he was gone...
[I]what are you planning...what are you thinking my old friend?l[/I] Zoku thought to himself, with him now jumping onto the closest rooftop escaping the scene with the police being heard coming in the distance.
[I]it was good seeing you again, however I'm afraid of what will happen the next time we meet.[/I]

Meanwhile on the opposite side of town, Kuroichi has already come upon his destination for the meeting place that Khalid had sent him too.
[I]One day, you will become one of us...or you will die my dear Zoku.[/I] Then deciding on a plan, Kuroichi pulled out a cell phone and dialed a number...
''......what is your will my Lord Kuroichi?''
''servant...there has been a complication...please get me in touch with the assassin Keitha of the Gyshram clan.''

[Danethol]

"...and why would you offer me this information?" Abaddon brushed a strand of hair from his face, leaned his head back, and took another shot of whiskey. "Because Lord Kuroichi wishes it" replied the shadowed man standing behind Abaddon's bar stool. "The lord admires power, and all beings know of the power of the Mykur Aniol, and of you, Master Abaddon. The lord helps those he respects, and always saves them a seat at his table. Perhaps if this gesture of friendship appeals to you, you will offer him your hand as well." "Perhaps. But if your Kuroichi knows of the Mykur Aniol, and of me, he would [U]also[/U] know that I prefer to walk alone." Abaddon slowly rose, placing a $5 bill on the table. "Buy yourself a drink, and tell your master that Abaddon sends his utmost thanks." With that, Abaddon strode through the exit toward the spot revealed to him.

-------------------------------------

"Hey, putos, check it out!" A group of Mirichai and humans laughed as they ran to a cache of boxes in the center of a large warehouse. Tearing them open, the air was filled with jubilant whoops and yells as the men pulled dozens of guns from the crates. "Charlie came through! He actually got the delivery here! Hahaaaaa!" The men continued to celebrate, firing rounds into the air. "Man, lookit all this firepower! Those East Side fools better be prayin' to God! Hahahahaa!" [I]God? What do you lowly, murderous villians know of God?[/I] The laughter stopped as the men loked in all directions, searching for the place the echo came from. Suddenly, the skylight above them shattered. The dark figure of a man dropped two stories with the flying shards, and slammed into the ground with enough force to crack the concrete. Abaddon slowly rose up as the men and vampires cocked their weapons. "Maybe you should try some praying yourselves. You do know the Lord's Prayer, do you not?" Abaddon took a step forward, cracking glass under his boots. "Our Father, who art in heaven..." Azaziel, Abddon's treasured blade, slowly left the sheath. "Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." All at once, the Mirichai and humans yelled, and let out a barrage of gunfire. Effortlessly dodging bullets, Abaddon sank Azaziel into the gut of his first victim. Flinging him aside, Abaddon charged toward another group of opponents. "Give us this day our daily bread." Slicing thug after thug, Abaddon turned to face the remaining men. "And forgive us our trespasses..." Abaddon sheathed his sword and drew his guns, twirling them above his head, then quickly thrusting them out at his foes. "...as we forgive those who trespass against us."
Letting out shot after shot, Abaddon holstered his guns as smoke billowed from killzone. Suddenly, Mirichai vampires raced toward him, claws and teeth bared. Abaddon slowly unsheathed his sword again. "And lead us not into temptation..." Turning to avoid a Mirichai's claws, Abaddon continued his motion and replied with a backwards slash, decapitating the vampire. "..but deliver us from evil." Abaddon ducked another Mirichai's attack, then swung his sword upwards, cleaving the demon from groin to forehead. He then spoke the next three lines of the prayer while striking down another foe in turn. "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory..." Turning to the last fleeing Mirichai, Abaddon drew one of his guns and pointed it at the creatures back. "...for ever and ever. Amen." With one last blast, the last fighter dropped.

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Three hours later, Abaddon sat perched on the top of a local skyscraper, letting one leg dangle off the side. "...Kuroichi, huh? Heh. Maybe I should go thank him in person for that tip after all. What's the wosr that could happen. Smirking, Abaddon stood up and lept off the building. Hitting the roof of a lower building, he raced off, jumping from roof to roof, travelling once again...

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Kuroichi stepped into the bright foyer of [I]Il Signore's[/I] opulant palace, discarding his cloak as he stepped into the safe room. Though sunlight poured in through high windows, stained with religious images, the light was carefully filtered, making it safe for their kind.

"[I]Ehi[/I]!" cried the receptionist behind the large mahogany desk. "[I]Che fare tu pensare sei fare[/I]?"

"I was merely discarding my cloak, madame," said Kuroichi, flashing the young woman a smile deigned to make her ankles melt.

He strode by her, knowing she wouldn't do anything to stop him. And he was equally ready to dispatch her, had she tried anything stupid. Though masked by an illusion he had learned from his Nyroma teacher, his katana was still ready at his side.

As he passed through the hallways, a guard, clad in a security uniform, barred his way.

"[I]Sosta[/I]!" the guard barked.

"No," Kuroichi replied, grinning.

Dark ochre splashed across the wall as Kuroichi cleaved the man's shoulders from his waist. With almost dainty elegance, the silver-haired Vampire stepped over the bloody corpse, moving up with plush-carpeted staircase.

Il Signore [I]needs better security, me thinks[/I], thought the grinning Vampire.

***

Pardon me if my Italian is poor. I don't actually speak the language, so...yeah. Heh.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[DragonBlood]

Arron walked into the foyer of the palace, and removed his hood, the receptionist smiled and nodded to him, "[i]Night rider[/i]." Arron nodded back, "[i]Il Signore called for me?[/i]" "[i]Yes sir.[/i]" "[i]Thank you.[/i]" Arron began down the hall. After a moment he caught the distinct smell of blood. "[i]What in the World?[/i]" He looked around for a moment, there was the body of a gaurd, severed in half. "[i]Il Signore![/i]" Arron cried as he ran up the stairs. Suddenly he saw the silver haired figure walking down the hall...none the less heading for Il Signore's office. Arron looked out a window, across the courtyard was the window of the office. Arron focused on the room, he blinked his eyes...

When he reopened his eyes he was standing in the office, just behind the big chair Il Signore knew he was behind him, and they both knew that Kuroichi would be comeing in the room any moment...Arron put his hand on his sword

[Ezekiel]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Beth blew lightly over the dusty pages of an old book, relishing the smell of moth eaten paper...she loved that smell...the smell of knowledge. A small smile crept it's way onto her usually emotionless face, those grey eyes sparking like they hadn't done in many years. Others of her clan were out fighting there way to get what they wanted, but why fight strangers when you could study them?

Since the female was well versed in many languages, she didn't have any trouble with ready the Italian that the ancient texts were written in. She laughed softly at some of the absurd things that people believed hundreds of years ago, remembering that many of the people in her clan would have believed the same. How strange it must have been for them to grow old in this changing world. The thought amazed Beth as she herself had grown old through many changes. Her mind then drifted to some of her old friends, those who she had grown a part from. She still saw them every now and then, but not as much as she would have liked.

Suddenly, from around the corner, an old voice was heard speaking slow Italian. Beth imagined that it was a foreigner talking to a guide; this Library was, after all, a relic of sorts. She gasped and almost dropped the book she was studying, hurrying to hide behind one of the tall bookcases.

She cringed as two men in their late 50s came into view, looking at the table of opened and dusted books with perplexed expressions. They eventually, after looking not so thoroughly, came to the conclusions that there was no one around and began searching through the old books for something. Beth realised that they were looking at books detailing cultist rituals. Her eyes widened at the idea of what information like that could be used for if taken into the wrong hands.

Beth stepped out and cleared her throat, much to the surprise of the two men now standing before her. The one, a British gentleman, smiled slightly and walked forward, his arms outstretched. But Beth didn't let him speak, she knew she had to stop these two. Squeezing her eyes shut, the young woman muttered [I]'I?m sorry' [/I] before casting a minor spell, freezing the men?s shadows to the floor. When they both realised what had happened they stood in shock, not knowing what to do. Just to complete the spell, Beth set up an orb that would provide constant light, making sure that the two would never leave this place.

She sighed deeply and picked up a couple of books, pushing them into a bag slung over her shoulder. Just before leaving, Beth bowed her head to the two men, muttering another apology...then, she was gone for good. Walking into the night air in search of a place to stay.

[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Two blades glittered through the air, descending towards the Silver-Haired Demon. He batted away the swords with his own sword, slicing off one of the guard's arms in the process. With a quick spin, he whipped around and decapitated the second. As Kuroichi walked further towards the room of [I]Il Signore[/I], the resonating screams of the wounded guard echoed after him. A sudden stop to the noise signaled his end.

The next massive aspen door opened to reveal at least ten guards, armed with guns and swords. They glared menacingly at the blood-stained intruder.

"[I]Il Diavolo d'argento dai capelli! Soste![/I]" cried a guard.

"No," said Kuroichi, smiling.

The guards raised their guns, aiming dead on. Kuroichi didn't flinch as the triggers were pulled, sending several rounds of ammunition hurtling towards his body.

There was a sudden roar of noise as the bullets richocheted off some unknown force around Kuroichi. It was a mixture of a metallic-scream, the splintering of bones, and the explosion of gunpowder.

As the smoke faded around the room, it revealed Kuroichi clad in a blood-red armor, smiling smugly. Blades ejected from the hand guard, and with a quick flick of the wrist, he hurled them at the guards, taking down five with the toss. He sword found its way through the rest, the guards too stunned to even move.

As he stepped in front of the massive iron and Blackthorn door of [I]Il Signore's[/I] chamber, Kuroichi had to stop and chuckle.

[I]The man really likes showing off, doesn't he?[/I]

The doors exploded open with a resounding crash, startling the guards inside. Kuroichi dispatched those closest to him with a few quick sword strokes.

"Ah, [I]Il Diavolo d'argento dai capelli[/I]! We meet at last," rang the heart voice of [I]Il Signore[/I].

The man sat in a plush red chair, wearing a rich Armani suit cut to his robust physique. Though pale, his face had a ruddy sheen. Whether it was from blood or wine, Kuroichi could not tell. The man was obviously old, due to his gray hair and the wrinkles in his fat cheeks.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to find me, since the death of my comrade, [I]Le Capitaine[/I]," said Il Signore with a false ease. Kuroichi could sense the tension in the room.

"You were the hardest to find, [I]Il Signore[/I]," Kuroichi said, turning the charm on full. "I commend you. Perhaps it is the blackthorn and iron the door is made of that made you hard to track? Or perhaps you are just that clever. Now, since I don't want to kill such a briliant man, surrender the ruby."

He paused a moment, as if sensing something else. Something other than the tension. Something more powerful. At last, he smiled.

"And Night Rider, save yourself some pain and just go home. Tell the Fang Boss I'll be there soon."[/SIZE][/COLOR]

***

[COLOR=Red][SIZE=1]Okay, anyone who can tell me the importance of the woods I mentioned gets a prize. Come on, work those brains.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Danethol]

Abaddon slumped heavily onto a slightly torn seat as the train left the station, slowly but surely, amid the sound of squealing metal. Closing his eyes and leaning back, he tried to figure out where this path was taking him. [I]Kuroichi, huh? I wonder...[/I] Abaddon opened his eyes as he heard a sound behind him, a sudden rustling. Brushing back the hair from his face, Abaddon smirked. "One thing [U]is[/U] sure about you guys...you are persistent." "We're merely making sure our friend's travelling has gone smoothly, Master Abaddon. The Lord always wishes his friends to be confortable, especially when coming to see him." "Firstly, I am no man's master, so stow that talk..." said Abaddon, rising from his seat. "...and secondly, I am yet to be called a friend. I am merely meeting Kuroichi to personally thank him for his extensive help in my war on sinners. Professional courtesy, nothing more." He took a step forward, then stopped as he heard the servant reply, now with a voice considerably less friendly. "You may find, sir, that it is...unwise to refuse the Lord's hand. It would be for the best to accept his friendship." "That, [I]sir[/I], remains to be seen. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a yet un-visited beverage cart left on this train. I do not wish to find you when I return." With that, he strode down the walkway. When he returned, the man was gone. In his place was an opened letter. [I]Lord Kuroichi will await you in the center square of Venice after he has finished some personal business. May fortune follow you.[/I] Abaddon pressed one arm against the window and leaned toward it, sipping his whiskey, and watching the trees roll by. "Kuroichi...I wonder. I hope he isn't as annoying as his messengers."

-------------------------------------

"Fermata finale! La fermata finale per Venezia! Tutti via!" Abaddon threw his white travelling cloak around his body, put on a pair sunglasses, and walked out into the warm Venice sun. "Hmm...well, however this turns out, I'm betting it'll be interesting." With that, Abaddon began his walk to the center of the city...

[Kairi]

''Hold your ground servants...Hold Your ground!'' ordered the head vampire to his minions as they took their positions in the courtyard of a prestigious mansion in the heart of Greece...the city of Iamia. Silence took hold of the air as a dozen or so vampires stood waiting for their attacker to make its move.

''Maybe it is gone my lord...we all cannot not sense anything here.'' said a young vampire.

[I]No...he is still here...[/I] Lord Ishma thought to himself as he took in the site that was before him. Many of his dear friends for centuries lay dead with severd heads...and missing limbs. Dawn was approaching within an hour...and he wanted this murderer to be found. It must be an assassin from the Gyshram clan...no mere vampire could move and kill like this.
''Take out your holy weapons...and your crosses my brothers...we will get this intruder before light breaks.''

A flash of light came from the far corner of the field...exploding into one of the vampires chest, it burst apart his rib cage destroying the vampires heart. Before they could react a shadow was upon them...slashing through necks as if they were paper. Moving amongst them more energy blasts came from the attackers hands...explosions and screams were everywhere. They were all around Ishma now...even with the eyes of a vampire he couldn't keep track of its movements. The ground became soaked with blood when one vampire after another feel to their knees in defeat to their adversary. In a load roar of rage..Ishma cried out ''Show Yourself you vile creature.'' At that moment a dark figure appeared before him with a silver trenchcoat...and a large blade dripping with what he could only imagine to be blood.
Quivering in a fear in which he has never felt...Ishma asked...''what is your business with us...what is the mean of this attack.''

*no answer* with both figures standing within the shadows...with the sun rising within minutes...the dark figure raised his blade pointing at Ishma.

With the wind calmly blowing across the plain...with mighty pillars surrounding the two...they both took to the sky. Drawing his katana, leaping from one pillar to another trying to get position on his moving target, with great speed they lept at one another swinging with full force with their weapons striking one anothers blade with an echoing impact; the clashing of steal anad power. With great speed a swift battle took place...both warriors twisting and jabbing, slashing and blocking effortlessly with their swords. Both showing a remarkable experiance and technique in battle. As Ishma raised his katana to attempt a downward attack, the dark figure moved straight into Ishma with great force grabbing Ishma's grip upon his katana with one hand....and thrusting his own sword into Ishma's heart.
Still alive...Ishma fell to his knees in shame...he pulls out his enchanted holy cross and showed it out in front of him chanting an ancient spell

''My God...hold back this evil which is before...cast him back into the flames of hell...I envoke thee...I envoke thee with this cross.'' cried out Ishma as he sensed his strength leaving him with the loss of blood as his undead body began to steam from the rising sun. However his enemy did not move...just standing there staring at him...

''Why isn't it working...what kind of vampire are you...''

Smirking with a slight laugh...the dark figure's came into view with blood flowing down his face. ''I am no mere vampire...forgive me...but I cannot let you stop what needs to be done.''

Dawn broke across the courtyard in a magnificant expansion of light as the falling vampires around him began to roast to a burning crisp.

[I]I'm dissapointed in the weakness of these Ijuuj...i expected much better.[/I] Zoku thought to himself. Taking in what kind of reprocusions will come to him for his actions this night...he knew what he was doing needed to be done. The gems must be moved and protected...[I]Kuroichi must not get all of them...[/I]

Walking into the now unprotected mansion...Zoku desends into the dungeons of the great structure. Knowing that he was now walking on unholy ground...Zoku knows that he must concentrate his might and energy in order to fight off the immense evil that is within this place...so that we woud not loss control of himself.

Looking around him walking through the great stone hall several hundred feet under the mansion, he looks at all the ancient statues of some of the most powerful and well respected vampires of all time.

Coming to a massive twin set of doors made of steal, text of many ancient spells were all over the door as Zoku pushed through them revieling a large ceremonial chamber with a bright, glowing stone within the center upon a pedistal. Beyond it on top of a long stone staircase lay a throne with only but a black clock with a flaming skull as its head sitting upon it.

With a firm and respectable...''Emperor of Skulls...I come before you with a message of great importance...the Sapphire is no longer safe here within your walls. The Silver-Haired Demon seeks to unite all the gems of the Ijuuj...which will create an unbalance among the clans. The gem must be hidden...for Kuroichi will most certainly come here to take it. If a simple human as I could get this far...imagine what he will do to you sir.''

''You foolish human...why should I believe you? No mortal nor undead has ever taken one of the Ijuuj gems.'' said the Skull Emperor with a thundering voice.

''Kuroichi knows where the gem is hidden...and I have served under him and I know what he is capable of. He is as we speak after Il Signore di Sangue whom I believe holds the Blood Ruby. We must hid the gems in order to buy us time to take action against Kuroichi.'' Zoku's voice becoming impatient and annoyed with the ancient's arrogance and ego.
Knowing that his moment of opportunity is coming...knowing that he couldn't possible defeat the Skull Emperor...he slowly begins to concentrate is energy into his fists...ever so slightly so that he would not alarm the Emperor.

''The gems will be safe...and the Ijuuj certainly don't need the help of the likes of a human. Now...die for punishment for disturbing me like this and killing my fellow vampires...
As the great vampire decended from his throne of skulls, his true size became apparent. His dark clock seemed to engulf the entire room with a shadow of darkness as the head became brighter with the flames intensifing.
But the human stood his ground...taking in a deep breath, and slowly letting the air out...feeling the energy rise within himself...knowing that his surroundings would not help him due to the fact that everything was dead. All he could do was use his own energy.

Calmy with the sense of authority...he spoke softly ''you obviously...have no idea...'' and in a rapped rise in rage and explosion...''who you are fucking with.'' A beautiful aura surrounded Zoku shaking and breaking apart the ground that was beneath him. His muscles expanding and his eyes becoming bright with the same blue light that surrounded him...Zoku pulled out his shotgun from his belt and quickly shot three shots at the eyes of the Skull Emperor. BLinding him for only a few moments due to the pain in his eyes, he put away his shotgun and Zoku raised both of his arms clamping his palms together. Forcing power through his arms from the force of his gut and biceps...he creates a small but effective energy ball above his head. Sizing up his target he throws it at the middle of the Emperor's cloak causing a massive explosion all around him. Lossing control of his now crippled form the floating skull retreated back to his throne to repair himself.
Knowing that there wasn't much time...Zoku ran to the pedistal and grabbed the sapphire returning to the exit in which he came from. High pitch screams came from the creature ''WHO ARE YOU!''

Coming back out into the steaming hot sunlight...he takes a few deep breaths in his exhaution...and runs into the rising sunlight...and fades away dissapearing away from the mansion.




*THAT NIGHT*

''I must speak to your lord sir, it is of great importance...'' as Zoku approached the entrance to the ancient temple in Sparta, Greece. It was midnight with the entire skyline in darkness with no stars glimmering up above. Pain still lingering from the wounds and loss of energy from his battle with the Emperor of Skulls and his servants.

''You have the scent of a human boy...why must I let you see him...you don't have an appointment'' stated the guardian to the entrance. ''He is feasting...and does not wish to be disturbed...so please be on your way and goodnight.''

Looking around to see his options, Zoku see's that the temple is very well guarded with close to 3 dozen vampires scouting the area from the temples rooftops.

''Then if willing sir...can you please give this note to your master...it is of great importance to him as well as for all of your clan.''

The guard looked down reading the writing on the envelope...[I]To the first one...for your highnesses eyes only...[/I] When he was done reading the line he looked up and saw that the human was gone.

Later that night the guard was bowing before his master...''Master...this here is a message from a unknown human who claims it to be of great importance. He was like no other human that I have ever sensed before.''
Giving it to the first one...the leader of the Gwyar. The supreme vampire of them all. This is what it read...

[I]My name is Garyuu Kokusai...you may have heard of me...and i most certainly have heard of you great one. There are great things moving amongst the clans...and I have knowledge that Kuroichi, the Silver-Haired Demon wishes to steal all 7 gems of the Ijuuj giving his clan great power; which may be in competition with own my Lord. However I may be a simple human...my mission to protect the balance of this planet is in great importance. I would advice you to warn your most power vampires Erald Lightfeather and Elizabeth Archer of these events. My Lord...as we waste time...Kuroichi will become stronger and will come to overthrow all the great clans. In my attempts to protect us all I have taken the Skull Sapphire in attempts to hid it from him. War is upon us all... [/I]
In a calmness in his voice...''contact Beth and Kyu...and bring them too me...as well as all the heads of Ijuuj...I must speak with them.''


A far off distance from the temple...Zoku again takes time to meditate and regain his full power once more. He sits in the desert...a cold breeze takes hold of him as he concentrates..and falls into another trance. Thinking to himself...
[I]since no one knows who took the Sapphire...and me warning the Gwyar...the Ijuuj will have no choice but to keep a look out for Kuroichi and any other suspicious vampires around the gems. They are protected...for now...the war has only begun. [/I]

[DragonBlood]

Arron smerked, "[i]My dear [b]young[/b] lord, you know very well I will not leave that easily.[/i]" he walked out into the open, hand on his sword. "[i]You see, for one I only take orders from the Kerleks, and two the death of Le Capitaine is on your hands.[/i]" Arron walked up to Kuroichi, "[i]The assasins can be so very hard to deal with can't they. But I guess they gave you what you wanted.[/i]" Returning to Il Signore's side Arron smiled again, "[i]I don't suppose you would give the Night Amethyste back to us?[/i]" The sarcasm was high in his voice.


OOC: don't you mean wood? unless Iron counts as a tree type now...but no I have no clue.

Ice, that is one massively long post...

Oh yea, any thing spoken like [i]this[/i] is in Italian.

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]"Not on your life, Night Rider," Kuroichi growled.

The sound of guns cocking filled the air as [I]Il Signore's[/I] remaining guards aimed at the younger Vampire.

"Baka na," Kuroichi growled.

With a quick flick of his wrist, blood-darts shot at the guards, killing them all. He smirked as the darts melted back into blood, mixing with that of the other guards.

"Now, Night Rider, [I]Il Signore[/I], can't we be civil about this?" Kuroichi asked, stepping foreward. "I don't really want to have to kill any more people, especially venerable warriors such as yourselves. So just hand over [I]Il Rubino[/I], and I'll be on my way."

"Never, you curr," snarled Night Rider, drawing his blade. "I would rather die than let some impudent whelp like you take the Ruby."

"Aaron, my boy," said Il Signore, "while I apreciate your staunch loyalty, I would prefer you leave [I]Il Diavolo[/I] to me. Inform your master of the trouble. I'll send word as soon as I kill the fool."

"[I]Il Signore[/I]..." Aaron began.

"That is an order. Go!"

"Yes, you heard him," Kuroichi sneered. "Fly away, Aaron, my boy. Put that little teleporting trick to good use, eh?"

Il Signore rose from his plush chair, the piece of furniture groaning. He picked up an empty wine glass in his large, meaty hand. He put the other hand on Aaron's shoulder, in a fatherly way.

"If you die, I shall never forgive myself," Aaron said, staring harshly at [I]Il Signore[/I].

"It is my fault if I fall, Aaron. Now go, tell the Fang Boss what is going on."

With a curt nod, Night Rider vanished from the room.

"Aw, I've done gone and got the warm and fuzzies," said Kuroichi, smiling cruelly. "So am I going to kill you now, or what?"

"You obviously don't know the power of [I]Il Rubino[/I]," said [I]Il Signore[/I], drinking deep from the wine glass. He smacked his lips as he drained the glass of the red liquid.

"Maybe I don't know it's full abilities, but I do know that it will give me great power, greater power than you!"

"You can try, Kuroichi, but you will fail."

***

Sorry to get rid of you like that, DragonBlood, but Kuroichi and Il Signore need to have a little alone time to kill eachother.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Danethol]

Abaddon sighed as he awoke from a brief nap, shielded from the sun by the cool shade of a parasol. Sitting down and slumped against the parasol's handle, he sleepily glanced out at the giant palace he had rested in front of. Families and tourists alike walked all around him. Glancing at the giant clock in the center of the building, Abaddon groaned. "Only 15 minutes of sleep?" Another groan left his mouth as he slowly stood up. "It's past the meeting time. For such an important man, this Kuroichi sure isn't punctual." His eyes quickly darted to the doors of the palace. He watched with new interest as an almost entirely black wearing man strode outside. Judging from his facial expressions and body movements, Abaddon could tell he was angry. He squinted as he attempted to read the mans lips. "That...f..fool? Hmm. Wonder what's going on here." The man ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes. After a few seconds of what seemed like quite deliberation, the man opened them again. Then, to Abaddon's utter surprise, the man was gone. He blinked to make sure, then confirmed it again. The man had simply dissapeared into thin air. "...he's not human. Could that have been Kuroichi?" Suddenly, the smell of fresh blod wafted into Abaddon's nostrils. The odor was drifting from the still-open doors to the palace. Straining himself, he also smelled the presence of another, or maybe two more, vampires inside. "Kuroichi or not, I'd better look into this. Blood has been spilled, and if it comes from innocents, vengeance must be served." Abaddon then walked toward the building, quietly running hishands over his guns as he strode up the tall steps...


OOC : Just so you know, ULX, I'm not planning on interfering in your battle with Il Signore, or even entering the same room, so don't worry about that.

[demonchild781]

"It all seems to move so quickly, my Lord." Keitha bowed before the Gyshram clan leader. His powerful structure and stern face showed his distaste in the happenings of what was taking place. The powerful vampire clutched the wooden arms of his chair in frustration as he stared past the small, delicate looking assasin before him.

"Yes, it seems so, my shadow assasin." The lord's voice was filled with anger and bitterness. He had no desire to rule the other clans nor to be ruled by any of the others. This Kuroichi was young and almost naive, it seemed, to be searching for all the 7 gems of the Ijuuj. But yet...he seemed to be pulling it off. The Gyshram lord shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

"Come to me, my assasin." He barked and Kietha rushed to his feet, lowering herself once more. He took a hold of her hands and played with her fingers. They were rough from the use of her sword, but they were deliteful none-the-less. He had never had the great chance to have her in his bed, but he loved her. She had been the perfection of loyality and obience after the death of her lover so many years ago. She was always greatful, obeyed orders without questioning, but smart enough to make her own judgements. She feared nothing and stated her distaste in something. She had questioned his judgement a few times and he listened to her advice. She was far wiser than the short thousand years she had been on this planet.

"Where is my Lady, Lord?" Kietha kept her head low, still perched on her knees.

"She consluts another one of our loyal assasins. She does not like this Kuroichi and wishes him dead." He spoke almost to himself.

"I do not think that wise, my Lord." Kietha responded softly as if she was afraid of his raft, but her voice was just as fault proof as always.

"Oh," the Gyshram lord replied. He lifted her head, allowing her to place her hands at her side once more.

Kietha stared boldly into her lord's eyes, never flinching as she spoke. "Kuroichi is far more powerful then our humble assasins, my Lord. He would even be much for myself."

The Gyshram Lord nearly jumped to his feet, sending Kietha to her feet to avoid his fist. He wasn't aiming for her, but the unexpected noise had sent him into an almost blind rage. "WHAT!?" He screamed at her.

"Apologies my Lord." Kietha lowered her head.

The Gyshram lord gave a deep sigh and relaxed back into his chair. He called for a servant, a human servant. The husky creature rushed into the throne room and dropped to his knees and bowed, hitting his forehead on the floor with a thud. Kietha smiled at his display, but kept her head low. The Gyshram lord tried not to laugh at Kietha's amusement.

"Fetch my beloved wife!" The lord barked, making the poor man tremble.

"Ye...yes my lord." the man spoke, stumbling to his feet and rushing from Kietha and the Lord's sight.

The lord let out a great laugh and Kietha raised her head to seem him smiling.

"If only you could teach them your bravery and courage," the lord flashed a great smile at Kietha, who returned the gesture.

Only moments later, the lord's wife enter the room in some form of dissatification.

"Why have you called for me!" she screamed at her husband.

The attractive vampire smiled at his wife and her flustered appearance. "Come my beloved wife, our great shadow assasin has news for us." The Gyshram lord stood to take a hold of his wife in a gentle embrace as he led her to her seat. Once seated both Lord and Lady turned their attention to Kietha.

"Ah, it is our dear sweet Kietha." The Gyshram lady smiled brightly at the sight of Kietha. "I am so sorry you had to see my terrible display." The lady bowed her head gently in a form of apology.

"No need my Lady, I understand your frustration." Kietha smiled humbly at the far more attractive woman.

"What news do you have for us, dear sweet Kietha." The lady waved a gentle hand towards the assasin before she placed it comfortably upon her husband's thigh.

"My Lord and Lady, I have been watching Kuroichi when my assignments permit me to. As you already know, he searches for the seven gems and has two I do believe. Or will have two." The lady squinted her eyes, obviously unaware of this information. "He wishes to rule over all of the clans, which I assume you already know. But to fight against this very powerful Silver demon would be suicide, I assure you."

The lady nearly jumped from her chair in utter surprise. Kietha never spoke of an enemy that she, herself, could not defeat, let alone one that the whole Gyshram clan couldn't. The lord coaxed her back into her seat and held her delicate hand in his.

"I am sorry to upset you so, my Lady. But it is the truth. I could not defeat this Kuroichi on my own and if I cannot defeat this vampire, I do not believe that all of our assasins combined could defeat him. He is far too powerful." Kietha lowered her head slightly.

"Then what do you purpose?" The Gyshram Lady asked.

Kietha rose her head, a very devilish smile creased across her face. The smile made both Lord and Lady shift uneasily. "To join him." She spoke in a tone that niether leader had ever heard. A tone that struck fear in both of them and made them question her loyalty. If she had been any other of their assasins, she would have been put to death amitedly.

[DragonBlood]

OOC: Thats ok ULX, If I killed you now, then the game wouldn't be very fun now would it. :devil:


IC:
Arron walked angrily down the hall, this Kurochi had become much to big of a thorn in his side. He stormed through the recption center, pulling his hood over his head as he walked out into the air.

He mounted his horse and began heading north.

Some time later Arron came across a large party, mostly teens, all drunk. Arron dismounted and began walking up to the house, some young punk pushed into him, "[i]Hey peace o shit! Who invited you to this party?[/i]" The punk reaked of beer, Arron looked down at the boy, his eyes flashed deep red for a moment. "[i]What the!?[/i]" A quick instant later the boy was headless. The other drunk teens cheard as there friend fell to the floor, Arron lifted the carcas and the head and marched in side. He sat on the couch and drank down the blood, most of the people took no notice. "[i]Hey, whats up?[/i]" A younger girl sat next to him, trying to get close.
Arron put his hand on her shoulder, and quickly ripped into her neck, around this time some of the others sobbered up, and began to panic. Arron quickly finished with the girl. "[i]Humm. Good, now, OUT![/i]" the people all flead the house in random panic...


Arron sat on his horse as the two moved out of the city. The party had been a short side track, but a tasty one none the less. Now Arron was ready to ride for England. The two set off.

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]"Oh, and before you go all 'superiority' on me," Kuroichi quipped. "I noticed your little 'blood-creation' trick. Nice touch, but far too dramatic for battle."

"My, aren't you perceptive," said the Kerlek. "And I was so hoping to catch you by surprise!"

In an instant, a blood spiraled around [I]Il Signore's[/I] arm, turning into a massive blade. Blood quickly surrounded the rest of his body, forming ornate, spiky armor. His other hand was covered by a spiked glove.

"Impressive," Kuroichi said, smirk crossing his face. "Or would be, if I couldn't do it better."

Blood rushed from the corpses of the fallen, spiralling around Kuroichi's sword arm. The blade was coated by Blood-Metal (as I've taken to calling it), the weapon longer, more jagged, and far more menacing. His arm also became covered with the material, a lighter, plate-mail structure going up to his shoulder, providing movement and defense.

"Shall we begin, then?"

"I'll let the [I]child[/I] begin the [I]game[/I]," [I]Il Signore[/I] said, smugly.

In a flash, Kuroichi was upon the armor-clad Kerlek. His massive sword swung down, shattering the Kerlkek's arm blade. As he spun with the follow through, Kuroichi stabbed several Blood-Darts into the Ijuuj's chest. [I]Il Signore[/I] staggered back, and Kuroichi shot his a haughty glare.

"Still so smug, [I]Il Signore[/I]?"

The older Vampire wrenched the darts free of his chest. Blood swirled around the wounds, and they quickly closed.

"I am the Lord of Blood, my boy. So as long as I have ready acess to that most holy of substances, you won't be able to stop me, unless you kill me in one blow!"

"That can be arranged!"

Kuroichi's eyes flashed bright red. The sound of whistlling wind started up, and Il Signore whirled around just in time to see his deck fly at him. The massive chunk of wood exploded into splinters, sending the Kerlek through the air. He landed with a heavy thud, his armor shattering.

"Should I kill you now...or prolong your suffering a bit more?"

"How about you die!"

From nowhere, huge spikes of Blood-Metal thrust up around Kuroichi, nearly skewering the silver-haired Vampire. He jumped back just in time, the spikes screaming against eachother.

"Very impressive!" Kuroichi cheered. "Nearly dead, and you still have that brilliant idea. I commend you, [I]Il Signore[/I]. If you weren't so adamant about keeping that Ruby, I might spare you. But as you demand to never part with it, I guess I must kill you first."

"You don't have the power," [I]Il Signore[/I] growled. He staggered to his feet, fresh armor coating his body.

"You may not keep the wounds, [I]Il Signore[/I], but you still feel the pain," Kuroichi said, grinning cruelly. "And I not only have power, I have the Power!"

Kuroichi's eyes flashed red again, and [I]Il Signore[/I] was sent flying back against the wall. He head snapped back and blood flew from his mouth.

"You doubted me far too much until the very end, [I]Il Signore[/I]," Kuroichi said, leveling the Kerlek a fierce gaze. "And you [I]never[/I] doubt Kuroichi of the Krilat Zmaj!"

His eyes blazed again, and the wall dented behind [I]Il Signore[/I]. He hacked and wheezed, more blood trickling from his cracked lips. His armor fell to pieces, melting back into blood.

"And now, because you were a stupid, fucking arrogant piece of shit, I'm going to kill you and take the Ruby. And I;m going to enjoy crushing your precious Ijuuj, bit by fucking bit."

Five blood darts whistled through the air, pounding into [I]Il Signore's[/I] shoulders, arms, and chest. Kuroichi's eyes flashed yet again, and the Kerlkek convulsed violently. Cracks exploded in the wall behind him. The stained glass window high above nearly shattered.

"So, [I]Il Signore[/I], where's the Ruby?"

"I'll *cough* never tell *hack wheeze* you *cough*, you sadistic little prick," [I]Il Signore[/I] choked out.

"Then I'll just tare your palace apart until I find it. I'll kill anything that moves, shatter anything I deem necessary. I will utterly destroy this entire city if I have to. But I [I]will[/I] have that Ruby!"

"You will never destroy the Clans," the Kerlek wheezed. "You are far too ambitious. If you aren't killed by one of the Clans, then you will destroy yourself."

"Then call me suicidal, because with the power of the seven Gems and the entire Krilat Zmaj, no one could touch me."

"You cannot beat the Clans. They will overwhelm you. You will lose, [I]Il Diavolo d'argento dai capelli[/I]. You are feared, you are worshipped, but most of all...you are hated."

"Enough!"

Red energy exploded around [I]Il Signore[/I]. Plaster and marbled shot through the air around Kuroichi. Shards of glass from the shattered window high above rained down upon him. The glass fell like a shower of light, flashing in the sunlight, glittering and shining bright colors through the room.

Kuroichi stepped out of the beam of unfiltered light. Glass now littered the ground, glowing with a seemingly ethereal light. Kuroichi used a bit of his power, the shards floating above the ground. With a small hand gesture, they shot at [I]Il Signore[/I], shredding his shirt. Clearly visible on his pale, flabby chest was the Ruby, hanging from a large gold chain.

"Looks like I don't have to obliterate your little mansion afterall, [I]Il Signore[/I]. But you know what? I'm going to do it anyway, just to spite you."

The Ruby floated into his hand. Gently slipping it into his pocket, he walked out of the large room, leaving [I]Il Signore di Sangue[/I] to rot forever.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Danethol]

[size=1]
Abaddon raced down the winding passageways of the palace. The smell of fresh blood came closer every second. As he turned the last corner, he saw before him a gigantic door of decorated, cast-iron doors. Running his hand up them, pushing, then pounding on the doors, Abaddon could tell they were bolted shut from the other side. He took a few steps back, readying himself for a charge. Before he could take a step, however, a mounstrous pound came from the other side, denting the metal outwardly toward him. His eyes widening, a second boom tore the doors off the hinges. With an ear-wrenching, creaking noise, they fell to the floor, ending with a deafening slam onto the ground. Lowering his arms from his face and squinting through the dust cloud, he spied a lone figure walking through the haze. As the figure came closer, it became more clear and definite. A silver haired vampire, clearly worn from a battle, stopped about ten paces from Abaddon. Brushing back some hair, the man smiled warmly at him.

[b][color=gray]"Ah, you must be Abaddon. I apologise for not meeting you at the agreed time. My meeting with [i]Il Signore[/i] ran a little overtime."[/b][/color]

One glance at the blood-stained room that had literally been torn apart behind Kuroichi was all Abaddon needed to see of the "meeting".

[b]"You killed him?"

[color=gray]"I did."[/color]

"...and what for what purpose?"[/b]

Kuroichi quickly slipped a gliterring, red gem into his front pocket.

[b][color=gray]"The [i]Il Signore[/i] had something of mine, that is all. He refused to give it up...and I believe you saw where [u]that[/u] led."[/b][/color]

Abaddon involuntarily bared his teeth. Something was not right about this man. This did not seem...just. Placing a hand on Azaziel, Abaddon took a step toward Kuroichi, who simply shook his head and smiled.

[b][color=gray]"Why is it the zealous are always the [u]first[/u] to bear arms in the name of good?"[/color]

"You [u]killed[/u] these men. Without proper explanation, I cannot accept your answer as just."

[color=gray]"Stay your hand! Have I not aided your crusade with information in the past? Eh? Come now, all will be explained later. But please, stay your blade. I have killed many and fought long, and the last thing I want is another tiring battle and needless kill."[/color]

"I think you will find, Kuroichi, my death would not be needless or easy. I will follow you, though...but this does not mean we have an alliance. I [u]will[/u] have answers, Kuroichi."[/b]

With that, Abaddon's hand left his weapon. Kuroichi walked beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

[b][color=gray]"Of course, friend...er, Abaddon. Everything will be sorted out in it's due time."[/b][/color]

Satisfied with this temporary truce, Abaddon followed Kuroichi out the main doors of the palace, just as Venician police began to stream inside the building, fatally late.

---------------------------------

OOC: Sorry if you didn't want your character modded, ULX. I just wanted to take Abaddon in this direction. If you want me to retract this, I can. Your call.[/size]

[demonchild781]

"Lord!" a man rushed into the throne room, flying past Kietha and falling to his knees before both lord and lady. A light smile creased Kietha's lips as she watched the lesser vampire before her.

"How dare you enter here without permission!" The Gyshram Lord rose from his chair with great anger.

"Forgive me my lord," the man pleaded.

Kietha walked almost aggrogantly towards the man on the floor. She looked directly into the eyes of her lord as she slid her hand across the man's shoulder. He shuttered with fear as she sank her nails delicately into his flesh. "My Lord, I think your humble servant has great news for you." Kietha bowed her head lightly and then flashed a smile at his Lady.

"What have you to say?" The lady was the first to respond, coaxing her husband to sit once more.

"My Lady, this Kuroichi has not only aquired the Blood Ruby, but has managed to kill Il Signore!" The man nearly shouted, still keeping his head low and his eyes hidden.

"How can that be?" The lord replied, nearly leaping to his feet again. "Il Signore was no mere vampire lord, he was powerful and wise!"

"That is not all my Lord," the man added carefully trying desperately not to upset either the Lord or his lady.

"Continue," the Lady demanded.

"There is a human, Zoku he goes by. He is powerful my Lady and he desires to stop Lord Kuroichi and has aquired the Skull Sapphire for the Emperor." The words that seeped from his lips were hurried and filled with panic.

"It seems that the war between the clans has begun, my Lord." Kietha allowed her hand to slip away from the man before her, lowering her head once more.

"What do you purpose we should do with this Zoku?" The Gyshram lady asked, her face calm and flat.

"Let me handle Zoku, my Lord and Lady. I've never met a human I could not defeat." Kietha smiled, more to herself than any one else. "I think it wise that you focus on forming an alliance with Kuroichi."

For a moment there was heavy silence in the room before the Lord spoke up.

"We will take your advice into consideration my shadow assasin. I do wish for you to keep an eye on this Zoku. I want to know more about him. As for you," he pointed towards the man. "Send me Sokata."

"Yes my Lord," the man lowered his head farther and then rushed from the room just as quickly as he had entered.

Kietha watched him with amusement before turning back to her Lord and Lady. "I shall discover the truth behind this human man named Zoku. Fair well my Lord and Lady. Drink and Rest well." Kietha bowed her head once more before taking powerful long strides towards the large oak doors. Before leaving the large tiled room Kietha could over hear her Lord and Lady speaking.

"We better keep an eye on her, David." The Lady spoke sweetly.

"No need, Liltha. Kietha has been the perfection of loyality for more than 500 years, I trust her with my life and my clan." The Lord replied.

"I wonder sometimes where your heart lies my dear husband. If its with me or that shadow assasin of yours." The lady's words had become increasingly bitter.

"Don't worry so much my sweet wife."

Kietha swung the doors opened and swirled around. "Good evening to you." She bowed towards her Lord and Lady before shutting the door behind her. "Foolish, far foolish." She smiled to herself as she made her way towards the exit.

"Your coat Kietha?" The man at the door extended his arm. Kietha placed her arms into the sleeves as the man slid the heavy material over her shoulders.

"Thank you Jacob." Kietha smiled and nodded her head as he opened the door for her. A blast of cold air flew into Kietha's face, shoving her hair from her face. She grabbed the hilt of her sword and before Jacob could say "your welcome", she was gone into the shadows of the night.

[DragonBlood]

Through combination of teleportation and unnatural speed Arron was now with in sight of the fortress of the Fang Boss. "The English are so un natural." He muttered to himself as he rode passed the two guards at the huge rod iron gate.

The fortress was rather bland in Arron's opinion, simple English style castle, though this did make for few unwanted guests prying around, it left something to be desired.

Arron walked quickly through the castle halls, he made his way to the Fang Bosses chamber and threw open the doors.

"Who dare's enter here with out my bidding!?" The boss yelled.

"It is I, the Night Rider, with news from [i]Il Signore[/i] who lies now dead." Arron said as he walked up to the Fang Boss, the older vampire had a shaved head, his leather cloak was drapped around him, a large ring was on one finger. Beside him sat a large black wolf.

"[i]Dead!?[/i] How can this be, Kuroichi!"

Arron nodded.

"I will have his head for this! This young punk of a Clan lord will die for this blastphemy! Guard!"

one of the guards from the hall turned into the door way, "Yes lord?"

"Go send Riders to all the clans, tell them we request there alligance, also send word to all the other Kerlek's, I want a meeting."

"Yes sir, oh my lord the Emperor of Sculls has also requested a meeting,"

"Why was I not notified?"

"Sorry my lord, the message only just arrived a few moments ago."
The guard turned off.

The Fang Boss turned back to Arron.
"So this Kuroichi wants to play war does he. I will give him a war then."


Arron sat on the wall of the castle, the Fang Boss had dubled the guard and incressed the watch on all ports into England.
'This Kuroichi has started something deadly, he will kill us all if some one dosen't stop him.' he thought.

[Kairi]

[I]this is Deborah Tran...given you the lastest breaking news around Europe from your local newstation WNEN. There have been reports of many murders and outbreaks of violence all around Europe...the first was in France just a couple weeks ago with a breaking and entering of an ancient crypt...now there have been reports of similar acts of violence in Greece and Italy. Bodies have been found everywhere...as well as large piles of ash lying around as well. Is this the work of terrorist organizations, a cult perhaps...or are there greater things happening around us that we do not yet understand?'' Hold on one moment...we have some breaking news...there seems to be a massive tornadoe...*are you sure that is right gorge*...yes, um, thats right people...there is a giant tornadoe on the very northern part of Italy with the radius of about 2 miles...this is incredible...[/I]

In the plains of northern Italy Zoku trained within the vortex of the tornadoe...he had just awoken from his meditation...seeing the death of the head Ijuuj who was protecting the Blood Ruby.
[I]I must get stronger...[/I] he continually thought to himself as he swung his mighty Wild Wing Sword in constant motion and prefection in tune with his fighting techniques. Slashing here and there...jabbing and thrusting himself as if he were in an actual battle.
[I]The real battle is not in the world...but within himself...[/I] his teachers words echoing in his mind...
[I]Isn't life worth fighting for...isn't it worth dying for...[/I] with each passing moment...Zoku felt himself push harder...and harder...using all of his energy and might to advance himself...concentrating his energy as well as taking in all that surrounded him increasing his speed and muscle mass...his senses in key with everything around him...the air...the animals, grass, earth...the aura appeared yet again while with great speed he continued to train....lossing himself in it all.

Putting away his sword...he paused to catch his breath and relaxed his muscles as the whirling winds began to collapse around him....
[I]Not yet...not yet...[/I] as he heaved in and out as much air as he could...feeling like this lungs were about to collapse within him...his body giving way to exhaustion. Suddenly he let out a cry of rage bringing forth the winds yet again...the earth seemed to crumble from beneath his feet. He felt himself lossing control...feeling a rush of confusion and wrath in reaction to the past couple of days events. Slowly and calmly he relaxed himself again...hearing the helicopters just over the hills. As the tornadoe desipated.
[I]Probably taking aim at the site that I've created...I must not let them see me...[/I] he realized; and in an instant he was gone...


*A few hours later*
In the city of Granada, Spain...room 255 of a magnificant hotel in the most romantic city of Spain...Zoku lay in the shower of his eligant hotel room. Letting the hot water droplets fall upon his face as a rush of steam and heat overwelmed him as the bathroom began to bake him alive. It had been a long time since Zoku had ever slept in a room such as this. Many years now he had lived in the wilderness...disconnecting himself from the rest of society.

''It certainly has been a long time since I've had a hot shower like this...'' he laughed to himself...''oh mom what you would say to that...'' laughing again but then realizing the arrogance. The memories coming back to him now...*back in Japan*...his mother dying in his arms...his village set up in a great blaze...the shadows around him.'' Awaking from his little daydream...Zoku shot up in the shower tub and let out a quick and yet pathetic little niffle and tear.
Turning off the shower and stepping out onto the now wet tiles of the floor...Zoku looked at himself in the mirror. At first admiring his fasique...a sense of pride and joy seeing how handsome he was...but seeing still the vampire scar on his neck...and turning around to see the tattoo still lingering on his back.
''It wasn't my fault...'' he tried to convince to himself...''they thought it was me...but it wasn't.'' flashbacks of screams and blood all around him as his childhood life feel apart before his eyes.

''My torment will never end...will it, my battle within, my evil and good...my curse will not be uplifted from me now...'' Kuroichi's words coming back to him from just a couple days ago...

[I]''I can take it all away; I can end your curse, and give you a new one...[/I]
[I]''there will be a time my old friend...when you will come back to me,'' [/I]

For a moment Zoku dwelled on those words...''is that all that is left for me to become...is that my place...maybe it isn't such a obsurd idea to join my old friend. We could rule this world together...what we could create...what we could destroy! To crush those pathetic clans...who made them supreme anyway!'' his voice becoming more and more sadistic..his thoughts thinking of only the thrill of it all...the pleasure of killing at will...having the fate of ones life in your hands.

''STOP IT!'' he yelled at himself...his scar feeling the pain of the bite as if it were still fresh...''you must not think such things....thats not what you are.'' He could feel himself now battling his evil half...flinching and shivering just at the thought of giving into Kuroichi's words.

Walking to the balcony of the hotel room...opening the curtains letting in the scorching blindness of the sun...adjusting to the sunlight...he looked upon the streets, full of people beneath him. Families walking through the market place together...a young couple holding hands strolling the streets...and another one eating at the corner cafe with each others hands within the others, just staring at each other...not just an hour ago did Zoku walk amongst them. Gorging himself in a well prepared plate of spagetti...one plate turned to two...and two to four. Smelling the flowers...feeling the aroma that surrounded them...taking in the simplicity of the moment...shopping to his hearts desire...

Feeling now an overwelming feeling of pleasure and warmth...Zoku found himself yet again outside on the balcony...looking at the masses.

''Why would I give up such things...the pleasures of a human...for power to be like them...'' he concluded to himself. [I]My curse...is yet my strength...for I am not like any other human...[/I] Then again ...looking at them all...knowing that they don't have the faintest clue on what realities the world holds beneath their already blinded eyes. The world of vampires...

[I]One more gem...and then I will begin to relax...Madrid must I go now...[/I]

Leaving the balcony window open...Zoku turned to his king size bed...he put up his trench coat and pants up on a hanger, putting just boxers on and a sleeveless shirt to sleep in...placing the sword on the floor next to the bed...and putting the shotgun behind the 3 pillows he had put up for himself, he finally passed out on the feather pillows, feeling the comfort and satisfaction of the bed
...falling asleep to the noise of the busy streets outside.
[I]Let us see what the new day brings tomorrow night...I pray that we are not lost yet...let us see where my deeds will bring us...[/I]

...and then he was out...like the dying heart-beat of a little girl... a deep sleep that he had not felt in many centuries...

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]"Abaddon, have you ever been to Madrid?"

Abaddon looked over at his companion. They sat on the seats of an old subway car, traveling through the Italian lands. It was night, and thus safe for them to ride.

"No. I do not believe that I have visited Spain yet in my crusade."

"It is a beautiful country. Perhaps my favorite in all of Europe. That's where we're headed."

"And for what?"

"The Moonstone of Darkness, of course. It is the closest stone, except maybe the Emerald of Corpses."

"What about Greece...the Sapphire of Skulls..."

"It has been taken by a human. An old friend by the name of Goryuu Zokusai. My sources informed me of his recent victory over the Emperor of Skulls. It will make things easier if I can take two at once instead of one."

"Why do you desire the gems so...?"

"If I am to tackle all of the opposing clans, even just the combined force of the Ijuuj, I will need as much power as I can gather. Maybe I could hold off against them for a little while, but I am still not strong enough. The gems might provide enough power to defeat a few of the clans, four at the most..."

Abaddon looked over at Kuroichi. The man's face was hard, dark and brooding. But there was a feral glee, sparkling in his eyes.

"That is why I need powerful allies like you. With your power, your leadership in the Krilat Zmaj, we could take on four clans easily. With the Myrkur Aniol itself...and the gems of the Ijuuj...we would be unstoppable."

"Why do you want the power of my clan? Why not the Zugai, or the Labareda, or even the Knubrap?"

Kuroichi was silent for a moment.

"I was made by a dead soldier...a fresh Vampire, slain on the battle field. Many died to the hands of a single Vampire in that battle. The Vampire was a Myrkur Aniol by the name of Gabriel. His power runs in my veins. I am Myrkur Aniol."

"You have the blood of Gabriel!" Abaddon roared. He rose quickly to his feet. "You have the power of one of the Archangels?"

"Gabriel is more my Grandfather than anything else. His power was transferred, then given to me. Diluted, but still great."

Abaddon stared at Kuroichi incredulously. He seemed to want to say something, but sat down.

For a while they rode in silence. Eventually, Abaddon piped up.

"Why Spain? Why not Germany?"

Kuroichi paused. Then, flashing a devilish grin, he sneered, "Because Zoku is going there too."[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[CENTER]***[/CENTER]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Zoku stepped into the dark crypt. It was a secret passage to [I]El Capitan del Obscuro's[/I] secret stores. There, he could find the Dark Moonstone.

As he stepped into a long hallway, he became slightly unnerved by the utter stillness of the burial ground. There was no sound at all. Not a word, not a whisper. The silence was smothering.

"Come out...Kuroichi."

Out from behind a wall of caskets, stepped the silver-hair demon. Even in the pitch black, he radiated an ehteral glow.

"Good job, Zoku-kun. I am impressed with your perception. But have you gotten any stronger since your aquisition of the Sapphire of Skulls?"

"You know!?"

"There is nothing I do not know anymore. My spies are everywhere. Krilat Zmaj, Gyshram, Human...all do my bidding."

"So you have taken the Moonstone..."

"Iie, Zoku-kun. I have yet to pilfer that particular gem. I wanted to see if you were worthy of it. By fighting you, here and now."

"What?"

"Let's test the power of the Silver Haired Demon against the Man of 2000 years. Hell, let's pit the power of Blood and power of Skulls against eachother. You even have the advantage...seing as we're in a crypt."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you know?" Kuroichi asked, feigning shock. "The Sapphire of Skulls give the wielder not only an immunity to holy artifacts...but the power to command skeletons. Just as the Ruby of Blood allows me to make and control the purest essence of life."

A massive Blood-Metal claw sprouted from Kuroichi's hand. A similar one formed quickly after. The blood traced up his arms, but going no further.

"Call upon the Skulls, or meet your end."[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[CENTER]***[/CENTER]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Sorry if I hijacked Zoku, Ice. Remember, Kuroichi has mastery over blood, able to creat it, mold, and even use it to heal injuries. You have the ability to control skeletons. Make it a good fight. If you decide to end it, make it a good one. And try not to kill Kuro just yet.[/SIZE][/COLOR]