Forgive me reviewers, for I have sinned… looks nervous Sorry for the lack of updating, I've been on vacation and… well, I've also been very lazy. But, I have decided to change! More updates! Hopefully…

I didn't edit this much, just spell-check it. My beta-reader is on vacation too… So no sarcastic comments from her…

"What the hell are you?" Hitomi asked in a soft whisper. Her voice was trembling so hard, she had trouble understanding what she had said. But, he didn't.

"Dilandau Albatou, vampyre mercenary."

Chapter 4

The apartment was almost silent except for the shallow breaths that came from Hitomi Kanzaki. In front of her was a tall man, clothed completely in black. He could almost blend in with the shadows except for his silver hair. It would reflect it the dim light every time it moved the slightest bit. One would almost mistake him for an angel, except for the dark blood that was smeared over his lips and trickled slightly from his mouth to his chin. The deep red stood out as a horrible contrast to his pale skin. This was no angel.

Hitomi's eyes were wide with fear, confusion and strangely curiosity. She slowly relaxed her tense body and cautiously stood up to face him completely. Her hands went up to gently touch the small wound on her neck. A surprised look appeared on her face when she felt that the wound had already stopped bleeding and was beginning to form a scab. What on earth… How come the bleeding stopped so quickly? How is that possible?

"By morning, the wound will be gone, and all that will be left will be a slight bruise." The deep voice started her from her deep thoughts. That was when she realized this man, vampyre, was still there, still in her home. His red eyes were staring at her with a nameless emotion and Hitomi began to shift uncomfortably under his stare. Stop staring at me…

"What do you want?" she asked, finally bringing her eyes to his.

"Nothing, nothing at all…" and without another word, he leaned in quick as lightening and kissed her neck. He was careful to avoid the two small holes that he had made. Hitomi could feel shivers travel down her spine as the soft lips pressed against her tender neck. It was a feeling of pain and pleasure at the same time, something she had never experienced before. "Well, maybe I do want something." He chuckled softly against her neck, and the rumbling of his voice made Hitomi squeak.

"What's that?" She had gained control of her voice box again, but now her body was shaking, in fear or excitement, she did not know. It could have been a possible mixture of both. What is he doing to me? Why am I feeling this?

"Not now, maybe later… my little sparrow."

Hitomi's eyes widened at the new nickname. Sparrow?But before she could ask anymore, he had pulled his body away from hers and was making his way to her window. Hitomi stood, unmoving, watching him easily sliding the window opening and sticking one leg at a time out. Before leaving, he called out, "Goodbye little sparrow…"

The moment Hitomi saw him leave, she sunk down to the floor and huddled into a ball.

Asturia, Downtown

It was strange, a shadow moving within shadows. A normal human probably couldn't even tell the difference between it and a violent wind. A normal human. But the maroon eyes that were watching were quick and sharp, like the ones of an animal. The eyes followed the shadow as it descended from the apartment window and leaped a death-defying four stories to the ground. The shadow moved faster than the wind as it flew over the empty streets and down a nearby alley. Maroon eyes narrowed. The owner leapt down gracefully from the tree that he was previously perched in. His body was tense and alert, ready for action.

The man was now sprinting silently across the same street, and headed towards the alleyway. Vampyre, I shall destroy you…

In the alley, there was no light, nothing but the pale, almost non-existent glow coming from the moon. No intelligent person would even dare to think about traveling down there at night, no intelligent person. The pair of maroon eyes could make out two figures. The position they were in was strange, a truly awkward one. One of the figures was forced into the side of a dumpster, while the other figure leaned over the other. But, the eyes knew they were doing so much more.

"Stop, vampyre." The strong, commanding voice resonated in the empty alley, with an air of power and authority laced into it. The figure that had been leaning suddenly tensed and turned his head to where the voice had come from. He saw a man, tall and well-built. His hair was a deep brown that could easily be mistaken for black, and his maroon eyes were sharp. The tensed figured eyes narrowed slightly when he saw the long sword, a Japanese katana, in his hand. A slayer…

"I'm not finished," said a soft voice. The maroon eyed narrowed again, obvious anger in them. His body began to shift into an attacking position when he realized that the figure had dipped his head down to the other's neck. "I'm warning you vampyre, stop."

"Alright then," the figure pulled away and stood in front of him. In one hand, the figure was holding the other, a man. The man's body was limp, arms and head slumped and twisted in strange positions. Maroon eyes tore themselves from the body and onto the possessor of the arm. His eyes widened in recognition. No, I destroyed you already. You were supposed to never return…

"No hello? How rude," remarked the figure. He was pale, both skin and hair, and dressed in a costume of black. A twisted smirk had formed on his face, and the red eyes were taunting. "I would think you would remember me, Van Fanel." The name was hissed out, spite and disgust rang clear as a bell. Seeing no reaction from the slayer, the vampyre continued, "After all, out little duel was more than memorable."

Van winced slightly as he remembered the fierce battle that he had with the vampyre. The hand to hand combat, taunting and battle cries, and finally the vampyre bring his own sword upon him. His hand moved subconsciously to still unhealed wound from the base of his neck to below his collar bone. But unlike him, the vampyre's wounds had healed, all trace of battle erased from his pale alabaster skin.

"I remember you vampyre."

"Vampyre? I do possess a name if you must know."

"I don't care, let the man go."

"Oh this?" The hand released the body of the man that it help. A sickening thud echoed in the alley as the body fell lifelessly to the ground. Arms and legs were sprawled on the dirty cement in awkward angles. A sad sight, a limp rag doll. The vampyre looked disgusted with the limp body and kicked it away from him. It rolled over a few time before stopping a few feet ahead of Van.

Van could see that it was an old man by the wrinkled hand that poked out from underneath the body. There's no hope for him, he's too far gone… A sickening feeling of failure and regret twisted in Van's stomach. I have failed to save him, but I will destroy this one… Fierce determination reflected his eyes, as well as anger and revenge.

The vampyre stood motionless, staring at the slayer with amusement in his eyes. He had not expected such… emotion to come from the slayer, especially over one old man who had lost his way. No matter how much training he goes through, a human is still a human. Affected by others and unable to control their emotions. Weak, pitiful creatures… They should be exterminated.

"I really must leave now, farewell slayer," the vampyre turned slightly to the side and prepared to disappear into the night. But suddenly, a silver dagger flew from out with such speed that it managed to slit through his clothes and graze his elbow. The vampyre reached out just as quick to grab the dagger in mid-air and inspect it. It was a beautiful object, made of heavy silver and adorned with sapphires near the hilt.

"Such a beautiful weapon, I think I shall keep it."

"Stop! I command you!" The figure paused slightly and his shoulders began to shake. It took Van a moment to realize that he was laughing. Laughing at his command!

"No one commands Dilandau Albatou, not even you slayer." Dilandau disappeared into the night, a shadow returning back to its home. Van stood still, staring at the spot that Dilandau had once occupied. I can't go after him, he's too fast. Dilandau Albatou… where have I heard that name? And why did he survive my attacks from before? They were fatal; he should have been destroyed… A frown graced his lips as he realized something.

"He took my good dagger…" Pulling out the twin of the stolen dagger he added. "I'll get it back." Turning his attention to the limp body that was sprawled on the cement, he bent down. The old man was breathing shallowly, chest barely moving. His eyes were unfocused when he noticed Van staring at him, like he was looking through Van instead of at him. Van smiled sadly, for he knew what came next. "Sorry old man…" The dim ember of life died in the old man's eyes and the shallow breaths stopped.

Van reached over and closed the man's eyes. Then he pulled out a silver cell phone from his inside coat pocket. With a sigh, he dialled. "I found another one."

Downtown Police Department

An angry Yukari Uchida stormed down the halls of the police department. Her face was a blotchy red colour and her arms swung about her, almost whacking an unsuspecting trainee. Luckily, he managed to dodge the arm, but continued on muttering about almost being "killed". Yukari didn't seem to even notice this; instead her mind was focused on getting her hands around her boss's throat. Another body found! And I wasn't even notified until now?! Who the hell does he think he is? I need to know these things! Bastard!

She marched up to the last door in the hall and prepared to give the pompous ass the lecture that he would remember till death. As she lifted a hand up to knock, or break, the door, she heard 2 voices. Someone was already in there, a man. A frown marred Yukari's features. Who could be talking to him now? It's 3 AM… Curiosity got the best of her, and she leaned in to listen.

"You saw him this time?"

"Yeah. Name's Dilandau Albatou."

"Well, if you saw him, why didn't you stop him!? Geez, you could've prevented this geezer's death. Not that he wasn't going to die sooner or later…" Yukari gasped. Whoever the hell the guy was, he knew who the killer was. Her whole body shook slightly. I don't get it, if they know who he is, why don't they go get him? Her attention was caught again by the unfamiliar male voice.

"There was no point, he was going to die." Anger coursed through Yukari's body and she knew she couldn't take it anymore. Without even thinking properly, she opened the door and ran in.

"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!"

The two men stared at the shaking form of Yukari Uchida, both with shocked expressions on their faces. One man was in his mid-forties and with the beginnings of a beard on his chin. His tie was loosed and his hair was dishevelled. This man was Miss Uchida's chief, probably the only person who thought they had authority over her. The other man, however, Yukari didn't know. He was leaning on one of the file cabinets and his stance was tired, sluggish even. Untamed, dark hair covered his eyes slightly, giving him a boyish look.

"First of all, YOU!" Yukari pointed a slim finger at the chief and continued, "YOU! How dare you not inform me about the body found downtown!" The chief had come face to face with the wrath of Yukari Uchida. His eyes had widened considerably, and now he was struggling to come up with an explanation that would save his life.

"I uh… Well, uh Yukari… I uh…"

"You what?!"

"Well, the body was found at 11:56 PM, and it was your day off so I didn't want to bother you."

"Bull! You have never cared about my wellbeing and you never will!" Yukari continued to grill the chief mercilessly called him by titles like 'The ass of the century' and 'Pompous jerk of the year". It honestly was a sad, sad sight. After the chief had lost every bit of dignity and Yukari was satisfied, she turned to the other man, with murder in her eyes. "And YOU!"

"Christ lady! I don't even know you!" The other man had already stopped leaning on the file cabinet and now stood up straight.

"Well neither do I! All I know is that you saw the killer and the victim and did NOTHING about it! What the hell were you thinking?! Were you even thinking at all?!"

"Lady, you just don't understand," The man's voice dropped to a soft whisper, a sad one too. He raised his eyes to Yukari, and for some strange reason her heart just melted. His eyes, there was so much sorrow, so much regret. It was all real, nothing fake or made up. Why is he in so much pain?

With a soft sigh, Yukari continued, "What don't I understand?" She watched as the man looked over to the chief, almost asking permission. Yukari turned toward the chief and shot him a hard glare. "What do both of you know that I don't?" The chief stared back at Yukari, and for once, Yukari saw that he was unsure. The cocky and arrogant police chief was unsure of himself; it was a first, at least for her. "Tell me."

"Might as well tell her Van," muttered the chief after much thought, "She is a part of this case and... she might ruin my office if you don't." Almost immediately after he said that, a wallet came flying at his head. "Christ, Uchida! You could've taken my eye out that, wait… is this my wallet?"

"Yeah, you're not really hard to pickpocket."

"I'm going to let that go… this time. Anyways, Van tell her." Now both Yukari's and the chief's attention was tuned onto the young man named Van. Van let of a deep sigh, filled with a tiredness both Yukari and the chief understood very well. Taking a deep breath he stared into Yukari's eyes unblinkingly and started his explanation.

"The murders that have been committed, all of them, were not done by a human… it was a vampyre."

Yukari stared at the young man before her, and continued to stare until her regained her ability to speak. "You're out of your bloody mind!" But before she could continue on about Van's sanity, she was interrupted.

"No, I am not. I'm serious. How else can you explain all the victims being sucked dry of all blood, but with no wounds, no scratches, and no bruises? Save the ones of the neck. It wouldn't be possible for a normal human to do that, you have to agree."

"I don't have to do anything. Although I can't explain any of the facts you presented before me, I'm not going to agree and say a freaking vampire did it!"

"I saw him, tonight." This simple phrase shocked Yukari again into silence. From the other side of the room, the chief observed with curious and surprised eyes. After a few moments of silence, a smirk appeared on his lips and he spoke out.

"You know Van, I think you are the first man to ever be able to shocked and shut the mouth of Yukari Uchida." A huge yellow file can straight at his head, narrowly missing it by a few inches. "I should really shut up now…"

"That's a smart thing to do," muttered Yukari darkly. "You said you saw the killer, but what makes you think he's a vampire? I highly doubt he would carry a sign around saying 'I am a vampire, stake me'." Yukari's cynical and questioning eyes focused on Van's face waiting for an explanation.

"I know he's a vampyre because before I got into a fight with him. Both of us were wounded, heavily, cuts all over. I still have the cuts on my chest and stomach. His, however, are all gone. Healed. Also, the wounds should've killed a normal human, but he didn't die."

"Right, and when did this happen?"

"A few days ago, near Rose street. It was pretty late at night, so no one heard."

"Near Rose street? Close to the Asturian Rose?"

"Around there I guess, why?" Van looked up to see Yukari frowning slightly and deep in thought. After a while, she looked at him again, and for the first time, Van saw the doubt beginning to melt from her eyes. Does she believe me now?

"What… did he look like?"

Van's face turned dark as he remembered the cocky and disgusting opponent. He remembered him, in perfect detail. "He has pale skin, white even. Silver hair along with that, and red eyes. He's tall, cat-like. One might say he looked like a ghost, something from hell, even the devil."

"It him…" Yukari was no longer concentrating on Van. She was too lost in her own thoughts, the memories of the dead man who came back to life again. The man found in Hitomi's apartment corridor. Her apartment, on Rose street… All of this happened but a few days ago. Van couldn't have been lying; he had probably never seen Hitomi before, or her. If he's not lying, it means he's telling the truth. And if he's telling the truth, does that mean that the killer really is a vampire?

"My friend, she saw him… she was the one who found him. In the Asturian Rose, in her corridor… But, he was dead when the paramedics found him. He wasn't breathing, and there was so much blood lost. But, when we got to the hospital, we saw him get up and walk, he came back to life…"

"Your friend? Does she live on the 4 floor of the building?" Van's sharp eyes looked into Yukari's eyes, impatient and searching for an answer. But he got no response, only the muted mumbling of Yukari. "Yukari, tell me! Does she live on the fourth floor?"

Van's sharp and loud voice snapped Yukari out of her trance-like state and brought her mind back to earth. "I would think so, yes. Why?"

"I saw him climb up to the fourth floor of the Asturian Rose and enter through a window."

"Oh my God… Hitomi…"

I wanted to add more Hitomi/Dilandau action… But, I didn't… er… Still, please review… I might update sooner if you do! :P

- Dana