Chapter 4: Feverish

The night is full of wonders and mysteries. From what most of us thought it's just a factor of a passing day, or the opposite of daylight, there's always something more within the night.

The fact that the blue bright skies turn to dark black, there's always a limitation of what our eyes can see, what our ears can hear, and what our nose can smell.

The things we can't easily see, hear, and smell, they were all being hidden away by the vast darkness of the night. That's why, creatures born from it take this advantage to have their way and satisfy the hunger they've been suppressing during the day.

But of course, not all those living in the dark will remain from there and will succeed in everything they do. It would be a problem if the evil deeds of these dark creatures will prevail for a long time. That's why they are here, the hunters. Those who hunt in the night to capture these supernatural beings and stop their schemes.

Them alone, can stand against these dark creatures of the night because of the gift they have from above. Yes, the holy weapons. A golden artifact that contains a divine power, enough to defeat any dark creature. But of course, not all mortals can use this. Only those who were chosen and prepared to take the risks.

Speaking of dark creatures and hunters, from the dark streets and alleys of Los Angeles, there's a chase between the two beings.

This vampire, carrying a little girl in his arms, kept on running in such speed that no normal human can match with. But that ends tonight. He's being chased by two hunters. And they're not just any other hunters. They have a golden cross symbol on their clothes. Which means they're part of the Holy Ministry, an elite group of hunters.

And that doesn't mean he's going to give up. He won't let them win.

With that, this male vampire paused from his tracks and turned to face the hunters.

One is wearing a white robe, and the other is wearing a black hoodie sleeves with a black tube inside. Which is obvious that the hunter in black is a female.

"Take one more step and I'll break this child's neck!" The vampire threatened while holding the poor girl's neck.

With that, the hunters stopped and stood still on their position.

"Let the girl go." Said the white hunter with a male voice.

The vampire scoffed, "Don't take me for a fool! Lower your weapons or I'll kill this girl!"

The white hunter shook his head, "No, you let the girl go. Trust me man, that won't work for her." He pointed the huntress beside him.

"Don't underestimate me! Are you mocking me!?"

The vampire was about to break the girl's neck when he was suddenly shot the moment he moved his arm. It was so fast that he didn't realize it even he's no ordinary creature.

He was shot on the shoulder and soon as he let the girl go, the white hunter made his move and took the girl's body away from him.

Knowing what's going to happen next, the vampire was about to escape when the huntress quickly appeared in front of him while pointing her golden gun on his head.

"W-wait! Have mercy... T-there's a reason why I did this..." The vampire trembled.

But the huntress gazed at him with her cold golden eyes, "Do you really think I care?" She mumbled before she pulled the trigger and killed the vampire. Soon, it turned to ashes.

After that, droplets of water suddenly fall until the rain poured out hard. The white hunter placed his robe on the girl's head while carrying her unconscious body.

"Mistress, are you alright?"

"Yes." She briefly responds.

"We should head back. You need to rest. You've been working hard for weeks an--"

He was cut off when their communication device suddenly glowed and vibrated.

'All elite hunters are asked to go to the Philippines. It was said that the Vampire King was spotted in there. This is a direct order from Master Grosvenor!' Said the voice from the communicator.

With that, the huntress started walking.

"Mistress, wait! Where are you going?"

"Didn't you hear that, Isaac? Lolo* is asking me to go back. Then I shall."

"B-but you haven't got any rest, Mistress!"

"There's no such thing as rest in the battle field. You already know that." She glanced at him with those empty eyes before she left.

Soon as she came back to her place and changed her clothes, she immediately packed her things and ride a private plane going straight to the Philippines. After all, the news about the Vampire King is something that shouldn't be ignored.

***

When she opened her eyes, what's before her is the white ceiling of her new apartment. That's when she remembered everything before she came back. She's been in Los Angeles for 5 years and now she was asked to come back. She had no complaints though, except for the fact of the heaviness she's feeling all over her body.

She doesn't like it.

And a simple pain like this won't stop her from doing her everyday task. One of those is to be a student in disguise to blend in with the society.

Yes, she didn't even need to study nor to get a diploma. She's already a gifted child since the day she was born. For some reason, she can learn things way quicker than the other kids. Same goes for her secret life as a hunter. Despite the fact that she's born from an environment of all-males, she was able to reach the top and exceed their strength. She became an elite hunter at an early age of 13.

And here she is, preparing herself to go to a university because her grandfather told her so. It's another way for her to investigate humans as well.

Who knows? The Vampire King might be one of them so she has to be cautious most of the time.

Soon as she reached the school, she went straight to the SSG office and saw no one. Of course, it's expected. She came way earlier that she doesn't want the dizziness and heaviness she's feeling in her body get the better of her.

With that, she sat on a chair and started reading a random book. But after a few minutes of silence, she suddenly closed the book and stood up.

'This heavy pain is getting worse. I have to move to forget about this pain.' She thought and quickly took the broom and sweep the floor. After that, she wiped the windows and tables.

Just then, the door suddenly opened.

"Oh, Ms. Grosvenor! Good morning, you're so early!" Rae greeted with a bright smile.

She politely bowed her head as if greeting him back.

Then, Rae noticed she's holding a broom.

"Ms. Grosvenor, what are you doing?"

"Cleaning." She briefly responds as if stating the obvious.

Rae shook his head, "I-I mean, why are you cleaning first thing in the morning?"

She sighed, "I'm bored."

'I can't tell him this pain. I can't show any weakness in front of anybody.' She thought.

He chuckled, "Is that so? Then..." He took the broom away from her grasp, "I'll give you something to do. It's called, Operation: Hunting Mr. Salem!" He cheerfully said and winked at her.

Any girl would squealed and might melt from his charming smile, but seems like it has no effect on Ms. Grosvenor.

"Alright. I shall follow you."

"It's settled then. Let's find him in the entrance!" Rae raised his fist in the air.

With that, he suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the office. They quickly rushed towards the entrance gate as he was greeted by his fans.

Not long enough, they saw a familiar figure heading his way towards the gate.

"Good morning, Mr. Salem!" Rae greeted with a bright smile.

Gray frowned, "It's you again..." He grumbled.

"I'm glad you remember us. We're here to--"

"I already told you, I'm not interested." Gray started walking and ignored them.

Instead of getting disappointed, Rae turned around and waved his hand.

"Alright, see you later, Mr. Salem!"

'What a weirdo...' Gray said to himself and just shrugged.

He thought that's the end of the conversation. During their research time, he went straight to the library to gather some information on the topic assigned to him. Gray went towards the shelves and grabbed some books.

When he removed one book, he saw someone standing on the other side of the shelf.

"Mr. Salem! Fancy meeting you here! Have you finally decided to join us?" Rae whispered.

"W-what the--!?" He almost cursed and bumped the shelf behind him. Good thing he didn't.

"Are you a freaking stalker!? I already told you my answer!"

"Hmm... But why?"

"Ha?!"

"I wanted to know why you don't want to join us. I'm way positive you're the only one suitable for the job." Rae held his chin, "There must be some kind of reason."

Gray glared at them, "I don't need to explain myself to both of you." He said before he marched away.

"Oh, that didn't work." Rae scratched the back of his head.

"Maybe he's right." Ms. Grosvenor said, "Maybe we're indeed stalkers."

Rae chuckled, "Do you think so? Were just simply convincing him."

"Why? I just don't get it."

Rae rubbed his nape, "I don't know too. I just... feel he's the right one to fill that position. I can feel he's more capable than what we can think of."

Ms. Grosvenor blinked and gazed at him in wonder. She doesn't understand.

How can someone put so much trust on a stranger? Does this person even know how to doubt someone? Is he that innocent and naïve?

She has a lot of things to say and ask. But it seems like it would be a waste of energy to ask them all. She would just tag along to all of this. After all, for some unknown reason, she forgot the pain she's feeling since this morning. She also forgot how bored it was earlier when he came.

And another strange thing, even the lad in front of her is way talkative, she doesn't dislike it at all. Rather, she finds his voice way relaxing and soothing.

'I wonder why...' She pondered.

And while she's at it, the so-called "operation" goes on. Whenever they have time, they would find Mr. Salem and Rae would always try his best to convince him. Be it inside the gym, in the garden, inside the cafeteria, and even in the male's comfort room!

It was as if everywhere he goes, he would be able to see them accidentally or on purpose. Gray can't even focus on the tasks he needs to accomplish within the day. This keeps on happening until the end of their classes.

Until Gray can't hold it anymore... He stopped walking on the hallway and turned around to face them.

"For Pete's sake! Could you stop following me!? What do you want!?"

Rae blinked, "We already told you. We want you to join us in the SSG."

"I already told you a hundred times, I'm. Not. Interested."

"But you haven't told me why. I guess I need to know." Rae insists.

That made Gray frowned even more, "Ugh! Because you guys are annoying! Why me? You could've choose anyone else!"

"No!" Rae raised his voice which was much to Gray and Ms. Grosvenor's surprise.

"There can't be anybody else. It has to be you, Mr. Salem... I know you're the perfect fit for the job." He looked at him with those sincere and decisive eyes.

With that, he can't say anything more. It feels like he was forced to swallow the words he wanted to say. He was left speechless.

"I've already given you a valid reason why I chose you. Now it's your turn." He said.

Gray blinked and looked away, "Give me some time..." He mumbled, "I'll tell you my answer tomorrow..."

Rae blinked, "Oh sure... No problem."

Gray turned around, but before he left, he said,

"By the way, if I want to follow a leader like you, then you shouldn't disregard your member's health." He said and walked away.

With a puzzled look, Rae blinked several times. He doesn't seem to understand what Gray has told him.

"Do you think he'll approve?" Ms. Grosvenor asked.

Rae shrugged, "Who knows? Isn't that something to look forward to?"

And there he goes again, having that carefree smile. How can he do that without any worries in life? It doesn't even seem like he's faking it. For the first time, she met such an odd person.

***

But she has so much to think about than meeting and thinking about Rae.

The sun has finally set and it's time for her to do her job as a hunter. Who knows, she might encounter the Vampire King once again.

As she was patrolling above the cities and kept on running and jumping from one building to another, her hunch didn't disappoint her. From afar, she saw that crimson bloody red hair roaming around the city--the Vampire King. And it seems like he's not alone, there's a bunch of vampire bats following him.

'Is he planning to take his army and ruin this peaceful night?' She thought and ran as fast as she could, 'Like hell I'm going to let them.'

Then, she jumped high from one building to another until she's near to reach them.

Both of her rings glowed in golden light and turned into golden guns. Before she pulled the triggers, it was like in a slow motion phase. The vampire king gazed at her direction and their eyes met. His expression seems like he's into trouble.

And then, a loud sound of gunshot echoed around. Good thing Rae managed to dodge her bullets as quickly as he can. And some vampires behind him were the ones gotten hit by those bullets.

'She's here! Could there be any worse than this?' He thought.

"Who's that? Your friend? When did the Vampire King ever had a good relationship with a hunter!" The biggest vampire said, which he assumed to be their leader.

"You got it all wrong, y'see..." He didn't get to finish his sentence when the huntress attacks again.

"She's not my friend!" Rae exclaimed as he dodged as fast as he could. The other vampires spread out in mid air as they avoided her bullets as well.

"Run where ever you can. My bullets can still hit you." She mumbled and moved her index finger. Suddenly, the missed golden bullets moved on its own and hit the other vampires. Thus, they turn to ashes.

'S-she can actually do that!?' Rae gulped as he witnessed this.

He flinched when she suddenly gazed at him and pointed her gun at his direction.

"You won't get away."

"Boss, what should we do? That huntress is a bad news!" Said one of the vampire bats.

"Hmm... They don't even look like comrades. She's aiming for the Vampire King as well." He said, "But I can't let her have him. It should be me who's going to tear that brat apart!"

With that, the vampires charged altogether towards Rae. As he was fighting these vampires head on, he was dodging the huntress's bullets which ended up getting hit on the vampires' heads.

'What's this? Why is he fighting his own kind? Is this for show?' She thought, 'Why would he even exert some effort to put up a show in front of me?'

She was about to shoot when she noticed their leader charging towards her direction. She's about to shoot him instead but the pain she's feeling earlier suddenly came back to her. The heaviness and how her head throbbed so hard, causing her to miss the shot. The huge vampire took a deep breath as if taking a blow from his upcoming attack.

Seeing this, Rae already knew what will happen next. He quickly rushed towards the huntress who seems to be unwell. He managed to cover her ears before the vampire leader delivered a deafening screech that sent the window glasses to shattered pieces. With that, he groaned in pain as his ears bleed due to the attack. As for the huntress, she saw what happened and was confused of his actions.

But knowing she's still on the battle, she quickly got up and shot some vampires even her vision's starting to spin around.

"Damn it! That huntress can still aim a shot after that screech!" The vampire leader said.

"Boss, the Vampire King protected her."

"That brat! I'm going to kill that friend of his this instant!" Then, the huge vampire rushed towards her.

As she pulled the trigger of her gun, suddenly, no bullet came out. And the vampires thought she went out of it.

"This must be my lucky day!" He swings his huge claws and was about to hit her when she dodged his attack. But soon as she took few steps backwards, she was already at the edge of the building, causing her to fall on such height.

Is this how she's going to let herself get defeated? By a bunch of low-level vampires?

Is this how she's going to let herself be killed? Through the fall and because of the silly pain she's feeling?

'How absurd...' She said to herself, but of course. She won't let it all end to this. She has to at least finish her mission 'til the end.

While in mid-air, she pointed her gun at the leader and was about to shoot him when she saw a figure jumping on the building towards her direction. It was the Vampire King, who grabbed her arm and didn't even mind the gun she's holding. He pulled her close to him as he spreads his huge bat wings.

Suddenly, she heard a strong explosive sound from that building. Unknown to them, after his ears bled from the screech, he used that blood, left its traces and made it explode just in time that he saved the huntress. Most of the vampires died on that explosion but not their leader, who's now trembling in anger and rage.

'It'll be much trouble to face them head on while protecting the huntress. I shall retreat from now.' Rae thought and flew away as fast as he could.

As for the huntress, the explosion is the last thing she saw and heard before her dizziness takes over her head. All she knows, there's warmth that's been wrapped around her body that she wished would never go away.

Soon, they arrived at her place. Good thing the window's not locked and he used it as a passage to get inside her room.

It was the same room as what Yana used to. The pattern, design, and outlooked changed a bit but he still can't help himself recall that this room used to belong to her.

Rae shook his head, 'Stop thinking about it! I've got to focus!'

Gently, he laid the huntress to her bed and tucked her in.

"Young master?" Rin called from the window on the other side, "W-what are you doing?" She whispered.

"Rin, I need your help."

Both Rin and Damien jumped from the other side and entered the room.

"I can heal physical wounds, but I can't heal this one. Her body's burning hot." The lad explained.

Rin gently held the huntress's forehead to check her temperature.

Damien noticed the golden cross symbol on her clothes, "Young master..."

"I know..." Rae said as if he already knows what he's going to say, "But I can't just leave her be."

Damien and Rin exchanged glances and sighed in defeat.

"Alright. I'll help her and get some medicinal herbs." Rin said and pulled Damien to help her.

"Do you think it will be alright?" Damien asked, "I hope he's not doing this because that huntress lives on Yana's apartment."

"I know what you're thinking," Rin said as she prepared the herbs, "But I trust and respect the young master's decision."

Damien sighed, "I trust him too, more than anyone. But I hope his kindness won't become his downfall."

"Oh? Is that a tone from a brother I can hear?" Rin teased.

"Don't start now." Damien scoffed.

It was true, indeed. Since the day he decided to follow the lad, slowly, he became close to him. So close that he treated Rae as if his own younger brother. Maybe what he's feeling right now is what elder brothers normally feel. The feeling of worrying.

But aside from that, there's also one thing that's been bothering him since he saw that huntress.

'Strange... Where did I ever see her face?' He pondered. *

***

There was a vague memory she remembered as a kid. She thought she has already forgotten about it but how strange that she has come to recall it now.

Eighteen years ago, she came to save a stray kitten stuck on the tree. The tree's way too high for a small kitten to come down. It's not that she felt pity on it. It's just that the noise its making is a bit annoying that she doesn't want to hear its cries anymore.

With that, she climbed in the high tree and rescued the cat. Suddenly, a man in a priest outfit came rushing towards her.

"Do you need help?" He asked, thinking it would be hard for her to go down.

He spreads his arms and gazed above, "Come, I'll catch you."

When she jumped, instead of landing in his arms, her foot landed on his face before she could land on the ground.

"Thanks, mister." She said with a stoic expression.

"Do you really have to do that?" The man turned around and pointed the footprint on his face.

"Didn't your parents teach you not to stomp on other's face? It hurts, you know!"

She blinked, "I don't have parents."

His eyes widened when he heard those words. It's evident on his ocean blue eyes how his eye brows furrowed and gazed at her with a gloomy expression.

"How.. sad..." Is all he could say.

She tilted her head on the side, "Why?" *

The next thing he said made her surprised. It might be in his low voice but she wad able to hear it as clear as day.

"I hope you'll be able to find someone who can take care of you and make you happy." The last thing she could remember was his sad smile but with a sincere eyes that showed how he truly meant what he told her.

With that, she slowly fluttered her eyes open after that dream she had. She was facing her ceiling when she remembered the heaviness of her body yesterday. But right now, the pain and dizziness suddenly disappeared like it didn't happen. She can comfortably get up as she felt refreshed deep inside.

"Why did I ever dreamt of that silly priest?" She mumbled and noticed something on the top of her forehead. When she removed it, she realized there are herbal leaves on her forehead.

'When did I ever put these on?' She pondered and recalled what happened last night.

Memories from last night flashed inside her head in fast forward motion. From the time she fought the Vampire King and the other vampires. Until she fell from the building and was saved by the Vampire King.

'I'm certain of it... the warmth I felt last night came from him. But why... why did he save me?'

Her thoughts were disturbed when she heard the doorbell rang. Now that she feels way better than before, she stood up and opened the door. A familiar face came and greeted her early in the morning.

"Ms. Grosvenor, good morning!" Rae smiled brightly at her.

She just nodded as a greeting. What more is there for her to say? Speaking could be a waste of energy for her. Plus, she just got better, she doesn't want to feel that pain again.

"I'm sorry..." She suddenly heard him say that made her look at him in the eyes.

"I didn't realize soon enough that you've been feeling ill since yesterday. As the president of the SSG, I should've been more sensitive towards my members. To make up for my mistake, I cooked some porridge for you. I hope you'll like it." He handed her a bowl of food with its pleasing aroma.

She stared at the bowl for a moment. She's still processing the scene before her.

"Why..?" Is all she could say.

'Clearly, it's not his fault that I got sick. It's me for being not strong enough. Besides, why does he have to do this? I'm nothing but a complete stranger to him. Was he this nice to everyone? What should I say in this kind of situation? Should I decline? Would it be rude not to accept this?'

"Ms. Grosvenor," Her thoughts were disturbed when she heard his gentle voice, "You're part of the SSG now. It's my duty to look after you. That's why, please accept this small token. Let me take care of you just by this." He smiled brightly that made her feel something strange within her.

"Oh, and by the way," he added, "Next time, please tell me if you feel unwell. You don't have to force yourself, I'll be really mad if you do it again, okay?" He pouted which looks way adorable than she has ever seen.

'He's really... such an odd person...' She thought,

'But... I don't hate it...'

She clutched her chest as she felt something strange springing deep inside her. Is it a good sign? Is it what the priest had told her? How she wished she'll get to know about this strange feeling.

***

Author's Note:

*Lolo - a Filipino term used for 'grandfather'

*See Anti-Sucker Chapter 25

*See Anti-Sucker Chapter 49