As soon as they arrived at HQ, Rosa and Sam were taken to the infirmary. They even managed to obtain themselves a private room and, not only that, according to Sam they'd also got themselves assigned the division's head doctor. Courtesy of Louie. The room contained a few beds and some complicated and technical looking machinery that Rosa couldn't be bothered to try and comprehend.
'Medical stuff,' she guessed.
Rosa didn't know why, but the Hunter HQ having an infirmary had never once crossed her mind. The more she was left to think about it the more of an idiot she felt, an organisation based around hunting murderous creatures of hell were bound to get injured and need a place to receive care. It wasn't like hunters could exactly walk into a normal hospital with the claw wounds of a werewolf. How would you even attempt to explain that?
The infirmary was almost as big as the HQ's nave, except it was separated into lots of smaller rooms for doctors, patients and storage.
The room she found herself in had bright white walls enhanced by the warm, comforting lights that shone down from the ceiling. Rosa was sat on a bed with thin, blue covers as she patiently waited to be discharged. She'd told her doctor she felt completely fine many times but Dr Sana wouldn't be wavered. It was like trying to persuade a brick wall to move aside. After fighting a failing battle Rosa accepted she wouldn't be going anyway until the doctor had analysed her.
Sam was laying across a bed beside Rosa as Dr Sana performed her final checks on the hunter. It turned out the camaz had shattered half her ribs, snapped her collarbone as well given her some nasty bruising and cuts.
The doctor pulled out a vial holding a strange, vibrant concoction, that looked as if it came straight from a fantasy novel, from her white coat and fed it to Sam. Despite Rosa's scepticism, after Sam consumed the elixir the colour had returned to her skin, the grimace and strain faded from Sam's face and her body seemed to relax.
"Alright Sam, all you need now is some rest and you'll fighting ready by tomorrow," Dr Sana said.
Sam smiled weakly. "Thanks Bianca," she said before relaxing her head into the hospital pillow.
Dr Sana then turned and walked over to Rosa. She was a pretty woman with hazel eyes and smooth, dark brown hair tied back away from her face that looked like it hadn't aged since her early twenties. In fact now that Rosa thought about it nearly everyone she'd met in this world looked extremely young. Louie, Audrey, Emma, Sam, even her parents who she knew were well into their forties never looked a day past thirty. Why was that? It was like some strange force was preserving their youth and prime conditions.
"So Rosa I understand your eager to escape," Dr Sana smile, "I'll make this as fast possible. Lie down please." Rosa nodded with a sheepish smile and then maneuverered herself onto her back. The doctor equipped a pair of new latex gloves and gently applied pressure across Rosa's entire body, searching for any possible damage. But just as Rosa had been saying, Dr Sana found nothing. Rosa couldn't explain it but despite being thrown into a car like she was a pebble she felt completely healthy. After travelling from Rosa's head all the way to her feet, Dr Sana nodded satisfied and threw away the latex gloves.
"Just one last check," she announced.
Carefully, Dr Sana placed her hand onto Rosa's sternum and closed her eyes. Rosa watched stunned as, a glowing stream of green light began to flow across the back of Dr Sana's around forming a strange twirling symbol bisected by a straight line. Suddenly a strange warmth spread across Rosa's body, like she was being gently hugged by an invisible force. It felt as if it was taking hold of each and every one of her cells and analysing their condition. Eventually after the strange warmth was content with its work it withdrew back to Dr Sana and she lifted her hand off Rosa's chest.
"You were right," Dr Sana stated in disbelief. "I don't know how, but despite slight exhaustion your body is completely fine. You're fit to be discharged."
"Thank you Dr Sana," Rosa said happily.
"Hopefully the next time we meet won't be here," Dr Sana said with a smile. "Oh I almost forgot, Louie wants you to head to the commander's office."
Rosa nodded as she hopped off the bed and walked towards the infirmary door. "See you later Sam," Rosa said.
Sam made a weak attempt to wave goodbye but never opened her eyes or moved her head. As if she was trying to fight off a violet migraine. Wanting to let her friend get some rest, Rosa quickly made her exit.
Unfortunately due to all the chaos, Rosa hadn't remembered the way she'd been brought to the infirmary and had absolutely no idea how to get back to the HQ's grand hall. She spent the next ten minutes mindlessly wandering around dimly lit, cryptic halls until finally she ran into an officer who was able to guide her.
The vast room was as busy and filled to the brim with officers as last time. It still amazed how different it now felt compared to that silent and desolate atmosphere she'd first sat in. Rosa cautiously made her way across the room, trying her utmost best to get in no one's way. She failed miserably. Red faced, she followed her memories and strolled down the long corridor until she successfully made it to the end where she found commander Ruthor's office. As she approached she could hear voices booming from inside. It sounded as if an argument was taking place.
"What the hell was a Camaz doing out of South America? And here of all places?" Rosa heard a woman question. That voice. She quickly recognised it from the night of her first hunt. Audrey Lelan, Sam's older sister.
"It's following someone's commands," Emma replied. "It has to be, otherwise it would've butchered every student and teacher it found."
"To control a camaz you'd need to be at least at the level of a vampire prince," the commander growled.
Slowly and silently, Rosa stepped closer to the door.
"So we're dealing with a vampire prince. Great," Audrey grumbled.
"Or something even greater," Louie commented.
"What? Do you think we're dealing with a vampire lord?" Emma asked alarmed.
"I don't know yet," Louie answered.
"Do you think this creature could be responsible for everything that's happened?" Ruthor questioned.
The room went silent and Rosa got the impression they were all looking to Louie, waiting on his response.
"How long are you going to wait out there?" Louie asked. Rosa panicked and leapt away from the door. "I'm certain I asked Bianca to send you into Ruthor's office, not to eaves drop outside."
'How did he-?' Rosa began to question as she sheepishly twisted the door handle and slid into the office.
"It sounded important," Rosa muttered. "I didn't want to interrupt."
"It is important. But it also involves you and in my books that means you have a right to know," Louie told her.
He was stood leaning against the far wall. Ruthor sat at his desk while Audrey sat crossed legged on the corner of the desk. Emma was to her right, leaning on the wall beside the door. Feeling awkward with everyone's eyes on her, Rosa quickly took a place beside Emma, folding her arms so they were identical to her sister's. Louie turned back towards Ruthor.
"No I don't," Louie admitted, continuing the original discussion. "However, I do think there's a good chance this monster is at least linked to James' case."
"James' case?" Audrey asked.
"Before his death, James left me orders. One of those orders was to assign Louie a specific case," Ruthor explained. He turned to Louie. "As it's your case, you have the lead. The division's resources are at your disposal. How do you want to proceed?"
"Thanks," Louie replied plainly. "But for now I need nothing, I've got to do something first," he left the comfort of the wall, "Rosa let's go. You're going to want to get some rest. Tomorrow morning we're going on a little trip."
Rosa's brows furrowed however before she could open her mouth, Audrey jumped off the desk.
"Don't tell me you're organising a meeting?" Audrey asked ominously.
Louie responded with a grim nod. "I haven't been left with much choice." He then made his way out of the room.
"I'll be back tomorrow night," he called back.
Frowning, Emma propped herself up off the wall and trailed him out, Rosa quickly followed suit. As she walked through the door, she gave Ruthor and Audrey a wave.
"Have fun," Audrey grinned and waved back. Ruthor gave her a firm nod as the door closed. By the time she glanced back round, Louie and Emma were already halfway down the hall. Rosa was forced into a light jog in order to catch up.
"Are you sure about this?" Emma questioned.
"I am," Louie responded.
"Should I not come too?"
"No. The division needs you here. We'll be fine Em, nothing bad is going to happen."
Her sister sighed but nodded in agreement.
"Where are we going?" Rosa asked, struggling to keep up with their walking speed even while maintaining her jog. Just what in the hell was their pace?
"It'll be easier to show you than explain," Louie stated. "If it helps, we're travelling inland. A few hours' drive." It didn't help.
They entered the HQ lobby.
"I've got some work to get done so I'll see you back at the house later," Emma announced before vanishing through one the many doors that ran along the grand hall's wall. Rosa really wanted to know what was through all of them doors. The entire building was like a labyrinth of mystery and prospect, it fuelled her curiosity like wood to a flame. Louie and Rosa carried on forward and left the HQ. She followed him quietly all the way to the car park. The silence threatened to follow them home but once at the car Louie came to an abrupt stop. He turned to Rosa and pulled something out the inside of his coat.
"I believe this is yours," he said. In his hand was her black, jagged dagger. He offered out the weapon and Rosa graciously accepted it.
"Thank you," she said. Her fingers carefully traced over the blade as it filled her with familiar reassurance. Rosa hadn't realised how much she'd missed having it on her.
"I heard you managed to stab the camaz," Louie said. "Not bad. Not bad at all." To Rosa's surprise, a slight smile cracked across his usual icy expression.
Without another word he got into the car. Holding onto the dagger as tightly as possible, Rosa couldn't help but let a grin shape her mouth.
Black Wraith IV
He'd left Rosa to sleep back at the house under Emma's care. They'd both be safe their behind the wards and seals while he solved this mess.
The Black Wraith stalked whatever the hell it was, he'd learnt its scent now. He could track it like a bloodhound, especially when it kept making a habit of carelessly revealing itself to Rosa. Furthermore it didn't seem to be hiding itself any longer, especially not tonight. Was it growing desperate?
Ideally he would've waited until he was truly prepared and knew what it was, but it'd been growing too close to Rosa. Just the other night on their hunter it'd almost taken her, right below his nose. Luckily she had the instincts to run. Originally he'd berated her but after sensing what's hunting her the direhound is the safer choice.
The Wraith remembered the sensation like was only moments ago. It was still there when Rosa mentioned the shadows, he could feel the Abyss lingering in the darkness. It was only when Audrey suddenly arrived it vanished.
Uncertainty the Wraith guessed. It doesn't like to take risks. Definitely confirms the intelligence then. It had vanished when he'd suddenly arrived after it killed James and Mary and then when Audrey turned up. It didn't know who she was or her capabilities, as she was skilled enough to hide them from a first glance, and had chosen to strategically retreat. It'd had done the same for him as well, but then that night after killing the direhound it had been ready to fight him and claim Rosa. It's made its analysis of him and believes it can kill him and is clearly prepared to try.
Good. He alone might be enough to draw it out now.
The Black Warith found the end of the tracks, he knew he was being lured but was unfazed. He couldn't waste it uncovering its presence like it had tonight, when it wanted to stay hidden it was undetectable to even him. Besides, traps could operate both ways when the victim knew they were in one.
As the Wraith advanced closer to the source, he had to take a deep breath to tame his inhuman senses, the Abyss lingered in the darkness all round. It was here.
The Wraith took another step forward. Suddenly shadows darted out from the darkness, their bodies sharpened like blades. On instinct, the Wraith swung his blade, the enchanted steel tearing the shadows apart. Enchanted steel is effective against it, good. Means it can most likely kill it too. It uses shadows to attack, just what in the hell was he fighting. There was nothing of the sorts in the bestiaries. Louie grumbled as a thought flashed across his mind. Or more accurately it has been removed from the records.
"Shit fucking laws,' The Wraith cursed. 'They're going to get us all killed.'
More shadows burst out at him, but he was yet to see their owner. His prey was nowhere to be seen. It felt as if it was everywhere. Like it was the darkness itself. A dreaded feeling sank into his stomach. He cursed again, desperation and rage had driven him to depths even he shouldn't venture unprepared.
The attacks were dangerously fast, like bullets, and as they they sped past his body or dispersed against his sword, he could tell they'd tear him to shreds. This was definitely the creature who'd been causing all the massacres. It may have tried to imitate a vampire or similar beasts but, in the Wraith's mind, there was no other option. He needed to kill it here and now.
But how? He scanned the darkness, he found nothing. How could he kill something he couldn't find?
The shadows attacks grew in number and became more violent. The Wraith was forced to kick it up a gear just to survive, leaping and dashing like an acrobat, his blade always moving. And even then he began to be overwhelmed, shadows slashing shallowly across his skin, creating small lacerations. He wouldn't win like this. He couldn't slaughter a creature like this if he didn't know what it was. A strange scent filled the air. Was that magic? Is it some form of mage? … Wait he knew that scent -
Suddenly off in the distance, the Wraith saw the hazy silhouette of a man, forged from the same darkness of the night, blending in perfectly.
The Black Wraith charged. It struck the silhouette, sinking it sword deep into its inky chest. Nothing. The creature didn't even react. It raised its arm gathering the darkness, the Wraith withdrew his blade and severed the limb instantly, thankfully cancelling its channelling power. The limb reformed from the darkness immediately, in fact he realised both wounds had healed. It was completely unharmed. What the hell is this?
The creature burst forward with immense speed, it struck the Wraith in his chest. The air rush from his lungs and he felt something crack and pain radiated across his body, he ignored it.
The Wraith leapt back and slowly the creature approached gathering the darkness to its side.
He wouldn't win like this. Couldn't win. He didn't know what it was, how to fight it, how to harm it and most importantly how to kill it. This battle was lost, he realised sourly.
The Black Wraith retreated. The creature attempted to stop him, launching a barrage of shadows, but he simply cut down the attacks. After a while it left him alone. Whether it could no longer track him or just didn't think he was worth the time didn't matter, he'd gotten away.
When he reached safety, the Black Wraith came to a stop. He stared out hatefully into the night.
He'd lost.
It stared after the Black Wraith, a sadistic grin upon its shadow forged face. It was unfortunate it couldn't have killed the legend tonight however, it still successfully declared the difference in their power like crystal. The Wraith may be able to survive and encounter with it, but that was the limit of his abilities. He couldn't harm it, he couldn't kill it and he will be powerless when it finally comes for the girl. The grin upon its face grew. If he was one of their greatest, it needn't worry about any other but the Archknight. And that variable was already taken care of. Soon their entire world will be brought to an end.