Chapter Text
⚠️ Trigger Warning:
- mention of suicide
- depression
- graphic description of gore
PART I
Ext. Vampire Hunter Association - Morning
30 years ago…
It's 5:30 in the morning.
That is the usual time for the ceremony honoring the fallen Hunters. Right exactly at the break of dawn—the only time they believe in the new beginning. However, the sun seems to have shied away behind the dull clouds that are threatening to pour down.
Several men and women in black suits lined up, one foot apart from one another as they all shared the same grim looks, eyes either casting down on the ground or looking straight ahead…Or like me, who’s more accustomed to observing quietly. It has become a habit that overpowers my self-restraint—a habit of memorizing the faces that have managed to survive the ‘Hunt’.
This crucial occasion is held every month. Yet due to the association's error to incur so many losses against troublesome vampires, the ceremony is forced to be held every week. The arrival of dead bodies has gotten more frequent…As it is to be expected. The majority of the hunters have become restless when a new threat has emerged, taking several veteran hunters’ lives and giving us no time to breathe.
We had no choice but to brace ourselves for what’s worse about to come. That includes being greeted with dead bodies by the gates of the association territory and a roll call of victims before we could start our days at work.
We were free to inspect them. Some of the hunters who have passed would remain to have looked the same, except their complexion was paler, completely devoid of life. While most of the lifeless bodies of hunters who arrived last week…were left beyond recognition. Most of them have already taken their own lives before the vampires could get to them. It ended up breaching VHA’s contract in the restrictive action section—
”Hunters are the blades and shields of mankind. To point one’s blade at oneself to commit suicide will have one's title as a Hunter revoked. They will be sent back to their respective families to get a normal burial. However, the Vampire Hunter Association will still be responsible for holding a funeral for them and other necessary steps to be made effectively.”
“Hunters are not sanctioned nor have the authority to make drastic decisions to take their own lives.”
“We pave the way for tomorrow, we hunt to extinguish evil, and we never succumb to the darkness.”
As strict and baffling as it may sound for those who have fallen due to fear and cowardice, they would never have the privilege of maintaining their title as a Hunter once they have decided to end their lives. Suicide was never an option in this kind of job and most certainly no space for weaklings.
Even so, at the furthest back of my mind, they still died valiantly, may it be done with their own sullied hands. I would not blame them for making such a difficult choice in order to find their own peace. The peace that almost felt like a distant dream for the rest of us.
Which is why even to this day I would still keep every curve and shape of their faces and bodies, even the spikes and length of their locks, engraved in my memory. Their names, the tones of their voice, the hue of their orbs, and the creases of their skin—I study them all carefully. It is the least I could do to remember them before they take their last breath.
As I stood among the Hunters who had respectfully chosen silence the entire morning, one voice softly spoke near my side, almost sounding like scolding.
“It’s rude to stare at people who are grieving, you know?”
My eyes immediately flicked towards the guy next to me, brows furrowing at the fact that he had to start an unnecessary conversation during the funeral. It is customary to remain quiet until the ceremony’s over. Yet this particular person doesn’t seem to care that his comments alone would send looks his way. When he does notice the unwanted attention followed by clearing of their throats, he’d inhale sharply before straightening his posture as he gives them apologetic glances.
It took a few more minutes of silence before the coffins were marched towards the association’s church. The fallen’s closer peers would have the privilege to say their farewells and salute them one last time before the time of their burial.
Upon closer inspection, the black suits we all wear for this specific occasion seemed to have wrinkled. Not even bothering to iron them, thanks to the limited time we have to prepare. There is also a whiff of cigar lingering on some of them. Even a hint of booze or a questionable scent that may require a thorough wash in the laundry. It is clear to me that everyone hasn’t been able to get a break. Perhaps already mulling over who might be the next one resting inside the coffin embraced by a bed of flowers. They might be thinking of the possibility that the coffin seemed like the break they all needed.
The very temptation that could get all of humanity doomed forever.
I cannot deny their weariness. It’s already written all over their faces. This job has been taxing for the sake of our livelihood, putting our lives on the frontlines day after day…
After day after day after day after day after da—
“Hey, you alright?”
The same guy who bothered me earlier peered at my face, giving me a clearer view of him as I remained seated on the cemented bench. A pair of honey colored eyes is looking at me in concern. The type of stare that I never asked for. My attention went elsewhere immediately as I caught a glimpse of his braided golden hair swaying along the gentle breeze. It is almost blinding as the sun’s that I could barely tolerate the sight of it. Compared to the rest of us, his black suit is neatly ironed with no sign of permanent crease on the sides…he’s decently groomed himself for the occasion.
Noticing that I haven’t given him an answer, he awkwardly shifts his posture before settling down on the same bench I am sitting on, just on the different side. “You…” he paused. “You seem like the type to suffer in silence.” And it ended up with something I didn’t need to hear. If this is his way of showing concern, then I believe he’s terrible at doing so.
“Are you new here? No, don’t answer that. You look like you’ve been working here for quite a long time.” Like I said, terrible. I silently grumbled and remained uncooperative to…whoever this is. He fell silent for a while until I took a quick glance at him at the corner of my eye.
“Whoa, you have fierce golden eyes.” He mouthed an ‘o’ as he kept studying me. I grew more annoyed by how persistent he is. He then lifted his forefinger and pointed at his eye before wiggling it towards mine. “Those eyebags are bad—”
My jaw was already clenching as I shot him a glare in hopes that he would take a hint that I have no interest to continue this conversation, which doesn’t count as one as I haven’t said anything to consider it as an exchange between peers who are practically strangers. He then raised both of his hands as a gesture of surrender and slowly backed off and stood away from the bench.
“I see that you're not in the mood to talk. My bad, I’ll…get off your tail now.” He rolled his lips as his thumbs pointed in a certain direction before sauntering off. A huff escaped my nostrils as I thought, “Finally,” having the time to be alone.
The gentle rustling of the tree leaves began to muffle the chattering noise of my fellow Hunters. There were subtle whimpers and uneven breathing from a distance. It must've been a member of the Delta Squad who lost four of their men. Four men who were dispatched two days ago.
Each squad consists of five members to become an official team. Losing all four members would put the remaining Hunter's place in a tight spot. Meaning, not being in a whole 5-man group would not give them any permit to step out and hunt. Worst-case scenario, if they weren't able to fill the empty spots in time, they'll either be stationed and grouped somewhere else or be forced to collect their belongings and leave their rosary badge, a symbol that they were part of VHA as a Hunter.
Would they have a normal life outside these tall and dull buildings? Perhaps, maybe in due time. Every single one of us has different opinions and work ethics to stick to that’ll reflect on how we deal with our lives as a normal citizen. But one thing I am certain…everyone of us here, may it be a retired Hunter or a veteran, none of us would sleep with our eyes closed after going through a long traumatic day of hunting and saving people’s lives.
And most times…helplessly praying not to point our weapons to the victims who are turning into what they feared the most. Becoming a bloodthirsty vampire.
“Hey.”
I broke out of my daze when one of the Hunters approached me, unbothered by all the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the field. He strided confidently, making his tall and slender build stand out among the crowd. You would mistake him as a model by the way he struts. He soon stopped at the curb and showed a half smile. His gelled black hair revealed his downturned grey eyes, kindly glancing at me. He looks rather tired despite his appearance looking all spruced.
This person is the leader of the Zebra squad, the group I am part of.
“Mateo.” I greeted, nodding my head once as a brief acknowledgement of his presence. There was silence between us that lengthened after I greeted him. It was as if he’s prompting me to say something to him first. I gave him a short glance and cleared my throat before staring off somewhere else to avoid him boring a hole in my face. Then a sigh escaped my lips. “...I already did my chores if that’s what you’re worried about.”
As the leader, Mateo is the only person who would nag us to thoroughly wash our uniforms and iron them before resting or do specific tasks to keep our minds sharp. He would even shamelessly barge into our rooms to check if we did follow every instruction he gave us before dismissing our weekly meetings. He is a man of great discipline. Sometimes too nitpicky and a bit too brazen, though.
“Good.” Mateo hummed approvingly. “That saves me a lot of trouble. Because if you haven’t done so, you will be in the laundry duty with your brothers Courtney and JayJay. I guess I shouldn’t be too worried about you ‘cause of your rule-abiding tendencies.” He nodded his head from side to side playfully as he emphasized the word with an air quote using his fingers.
I exhaled as I shifted my eyes to look at the pavement’s cracks and leaned forward to rest my arms on my thighs. “You’re here to talk to me…This—” I made a gesture in the air as I glanced up at him. “This isn’t the talk you meant before the ceremony.”
“Right—you’re favorite phrase, don’t beat around the bush!” He leaned forward. “Classic Xiao.” Mateo let out a chuckle before clearing his throat as he pulled away. I could only shake my head at the moment of his attempts to pull out jokes. I am no fan of humor. Not because I’m a terrible jokester, but it can get too inappropriate and unnecessary considering that we just had a funeral. Even so, I do not hate the idea if it’s Mateo who initiates it.
“I’m sure you’re already aware about our fifth member stepping down to settle at the rear. It wasn’t the smoothest discussion we had like—two weeks ago? All the yelling and cussing like a bunch of brats you are.” Mateo clicked his tongue, seemingly disappointed as he recalled how we took the news of parting from our fifth member. It was indeed the noisiest argument we had in years.
“I quit,” was what our investigator declared in our office. None of our brothers accepted his decision while Mateo already had the news coming. I, on the other hand, wasn’t sure what to feel about it that time. Perhaps I was just too shocked to say anything at that moment. I chose to let the noise drown as I succumbed into my thoughts.
“Apparently our sweet Fazar didn’t exactly leave the association. That smartass must’ve thought there aren’t many jobs that would pay that great considering we’re still at war.” Mateo scoffed, but soon after had gone quiet, thinking on what he’s supposed to say next. “He decided to become a guard dog at Base-86.”
I immediately turned to face him with my brows evidently crunched together. Mateo’s lips were pressed into a thin line as he slowly bobbed his head. He must have caught on to what my reaction would be at the mention of that base. Then I say slowly, “The rejects.”
Mateo winced as soon as I uttered that. “I could’ve worded that more kindly, but er…yes. Exactly what they’re called.” He said the last sentence through his teeth with his jaws clenched in a disappointed manner and shook his head. “He’s decided to spend the rest of his life monitoring them. It’s a safer job but not exactly the safest either. But perhaps, it's something he’s well suited for.”
That may be true. Knowing Fazar, he’s more skilled at thorough surveillance and studying than actual Hunting. He may have a few skills for combat, but not too skilled to deal with a large mass of vampires. In VHA standards, he’s considered a liability in a squad. It doesn’t matter if you’re skilled intellectually, it still has to be on par with your on-field hunting skills. We only managed to get him into our squad because we were mostly brawns and a bit of brains while he’s exceptional at the latter. But to be placed at Base-86…that seemed more like a punishment hidden behind a blessing.
“...I know it’ll happen eventually, but I didn’t expect it would happen so soon.”
Losing a valuable member in our squad is already troubling enough for us to fret about. We’ve lost a lot of comrades from the Hunt with all of them getting a proper burial every single week. They would need at least 10 groups to be sent out for the Hunt and most of the time 9 of them would perish in an instant. We only have less than 300 groups left in the association. It was as if our lives were already counted by the time those gluttonous vampires appeared.
Not to mention getting new recruits would take months before we could get introduced to a new member. All the process, the papers—god, it’s already making my head spin.
I felt a gentle hand pat my shoulder, making me turn my attention back to Mateo’s eyes. There was a hint of weariness hidden behind those kind grey orbs. I knew him long enough that he won’t let it show. Not in front of our other two members nor anyone else he knows in this place. Which is why despite the gravity of our current predicament, he would instead pull up a smile with even the slightest dimple would appear. It almost looks natural whenever he does it.
“Xiao,” He uttered in a low tone as he held his gaze on mine. “You know I love you.” I flinched, my back straightened as I blinked. My eyes then narrowed as I searched for his own with my brows now furrowed again.
“Please don’t tell me that,” I pleaded through my clenched teeth, eyes flickering from him to the people around us. “It sounds inappropriate.” Mateo snorted as he gave my shoulder a squeeze and shook me lightly as the weight of my body followed his every push. My expression remained unchanged even after he let go.
“You should have gotten used to my affection by now.” He lightly patted my back as he tilted his head, bobbing it towards a glass sliding door, urging me to stand up and follow him into the building. I immediately obliged, pushing myself off the bench and smoothened whatever creases had formed on my suit.
“Favoritism is prohibited and unprofessional—”
“Alright, alright. I get you.” Mateo waved his hand in an attempt to dismiss this side of talk, much to my discomfort. “Anyways, I’m here to ask you to accompany me and review the papers that just arrived today. Now that Fazar’s out of the picture, I have no one else to assist me to read all that mountain of documents.”
As we walked through the sliding door, many men and women in black were already busying themselves by drowning themselves into work. They were all walking at a quick pace, careful enough not to bump onto each other. Mateo strided in a beeline, his heel clacking against the checkered floor while I tried to match his steps from behind. There were a few greetings of good mornings and hellos when we passed by a hoard of office workers with either documents in hand or cups of coffee. One almost spilled on my suit, but I managed to swiftly avoid it thanks to how fast we’re moving. As Mateo and I converse, the bustling noise muffled both of our voices in which he had to raise his voice twice the usual volume.
“I couldn’t ask the two of your brothers for help because—well, they currently have their hands full.” He glanced at me over his shoulder. I couldn’t seem to understand what kind of response he’s expecting from me. It took me a few moments before realizing that he meant that I should come up with a joke just to complete his humorous remarks. But unfortunately, I’m no humor guy. I could only give him a pointed look with my lips pressed together. Enough for him to translate it as me saying ‘Seriously?’ before he shrugged it off and continued on walking ahead.
“We’re lucky to have received new recruits this month.” He chirped. “It could’ve taken us months to get any news from HQ or we would have disbanded by the end of March.” His heel then squeaked when he halted on his tracks. My steps had slowed down by the time he turned around revealing his eyebrows knitted together. He pulled his lower lip between his teeth before speaking again. This time he lowered his voice down as he hunched forward to speak close to my ear.
“Apparently, we got a genius among them. He’s one of the few who are still on standby before getting assigned into an official squad.” I raised a brow. Mateo pulled away with a knowing smile as he extended his left arm to grab the door knob and twisted it. “He attended the funeral earlier.” I raised another brow as his smile widened as he witnessed my reaction. No new recruits were able to attend the funeral without being officially named a Hunter. Such a privilege will only be given to those who have already been into the field of the Hunt.
“Are you implying to scout this…” I waved my hand around the air and gestured at him. “Genius to fill Fazar’s spot?” Mateo firmly nodded before pushing the door open. A faint smell of black coffee tickled my nose as my eyes caught specks of dust floating around, bathing into the sunlight that had finally made its way through the windows. I caught a sight of clouds slowly dispersing at the sky to make way for the blinding king. The gloomy atmosphere earlier is no more. A soft hum of the air conditioner and ticking sounds of a clock hanging on the white painted walls, indicating the time that it’s six o'clock in the morning.
“Here it is…Behold, Mt. RecHunt.” As soon as I heard Mateo speak again, I turned my attention to the towering pile of documents on his 8 feet wide table. He gestured theatrically at it while forcing his widest smile. I approached the table and took a few papers to study the contents. My eyes travelled from the texts, then trailed back to the papers on his table before glancing at him.
“Mt. RecHunt?” I echoed, emphasizing the vowels.
“Yeah, it’s self explanatory—”
“Right,” I narrowed my eyes as I shifted my weight on another leg. I put back the papers I picked on the table and scanned his desk. Specifically, a conveniently organized document lying near his stamp and pen. “I’m hoping that the genius you were talking about is at the top of this pile.” Bobbing my head towards the mountain of papers he spoke of as Mateo followed my gaze and began to drum his fingers against the table.
“...Or perhaps one of those that have been neatly placed on your working space.”
“You don’t want to look through other documents?”
He raised a brow, somehow looking more surprised. “There could be someone else you might want to check other than the genius guy—” Tapping his knuckle against his desk, he walked up to his seat and pulled it out of his way as he chose to remain standing just so he could reach for the top most part of the towering pile of papers to divide it in a reachable height once he has seated.
“What could he have possibly done to earn that name anyway?” Mateo, who has finally sat down, shuffled the pages from the pile he just divided before glancing at me as he wore a grin.
“Curious, are we? Go ahead and pick a pile.” He flipped through the pages without saying anything else. I felt my brows furrow and let out a sharp sigh before grabbing the nearest chunk of documents into my arm. Most tables are already occupied with messy folders and dividers. They haven’t been organized properly ever since Fazar has left the squad. Hopefully one of these new recruits would be willing to clean up this mess.
As soon as I caught a slightly empty table that I believe to be the only spot for dining, I carefully placed the documents down on the available space. I then pushed the clutter aside to give more room that is enough for 3 divisions of papers that I’ll be labeling as ‘Likely to be selected’, ‘Selected for an interview’, and…well, ‘Rejected’.
Picking up the trash, I noticed that there were empty plastic wrappers of biscuits and a few paper cups that hadn't been thrown to the bin. I shot Mateo a glare as he caught me in utter disbelief as I gestured at these junk on the table. His eyes flicked back on the documents as he groaned.
“Those were your brothers’ snacks. I told them to clean those up before going to the laundry area. Those kids never learn…Clean it up for me?” Shaking my head, I took the nearest bin close to the table and pushed all the junk to the edge. The plastics crackled against my palms and the surface of the wooden table as it all fell off straight to the hole of the trash bin. Having the table all cleaned up, I plopped down on the couch and began to check the documents one by one.
The first paper I pulled off the top of the pile read in bold texts with a passport sized photo attached to it.
- - - - - -
Int. Vampire Hunter Association - Special Squad Office Building
“Mr. Lazaro?” Mateo read the name printed on the document before looking up to the interviewee, waiting for a response. He has put on browline glasses for this special occasion. Well, to him at least. For the person who will be sitting on a black foldable chair in front of the Zebra squad? This will be their first official interview within an office of one of the special squads of VHA. Despite all of them passing their first Hunter Examination, signing up to be part of a squad would require a face to face interview. A…very thorough interview that consists of textbook questions. When he noticed my attention was fixating on his foot, his hand immediately clutched onto his knee and rubbed his palm against it.
“Benjamin Lazaro.” He paused. “...Sir.”
The interviewee, a potential member of our squad, spoke in a cautious tone. Perhaps he had already noticed only me and Mateo are seated in front of him. Yet he didn’t think of bringing it up for the sake of not disrupting the flow of the interview. His amber eyes then roamed for a few seconds to scan the office we’re in as both of his hands rested on his lap. However, his foot seemed to be tapping restlessly.
Mateo didn’t pay it any mind and resumed questioning the interviewee as he grabbed and clicked his pen with three long clicks. “Is this your first time applying to join a vampire hunter squad, Mr. Lazaro?” It didn’t take that long for him to get a response before checking the document again. This time, Mr. Lazaro took a few glances at me as I stared back at him without blinking. He grew even more nervous as I kept my eye on him. Every single bead of his sweat appearing on his forehead grew in numbers every time he found my eyes only fixated on him.
Why do I have to pressure him this way? That’s because this is part of the interview. We don’t hold just any interviews. We’d rather call this their second examination.
It’s a test not notified prior to the new Hunters, to prove themselves that they are worthy to become part of the Zebra squad, a group specially formed as the last resort for the Hunt with members specifically hand picked by the president of VHA. If they are going to join us, they should be able to withstand being uncomfortable. Once hunters are out to the Hunt, there will be no time for comfort.
As Mateo fired the last question, he fidgeted on his pen as he began pressing it with two quick clicks and one long click before following it up with a longer click. It made Mr. Lazaro was less enthusiastic about his answers as Mateo kept him flinching every time he played with the pen. There were a few more questions asked that ended awkwardly between both parties. The interview didn’t take long before we signaled to let the next interviewee in.
“Mr…” Mateo fixed the rim of his glasses before reading the name printed on the paper. “Wurst…?” His tone raised a few notes as the interviewee’s surname was read. The interviewee gave him a nod and a smile behind his thick mustache. “Yep, that’s me.” He said with a popping ‘p’ as I continued with my task just like before, staring hard at the interviewee. His huge build barely fit the foldable chair and I’m beginning to feel bad about it, it’s close to breaking.
While the chair creaked for help, Mateo cleared his throat before raising a question. “You’ve graduated from a military school…Why choose becoming a hunter in VHA? Wouldn’t being a soldier give you more opportunities out there?” Mr. Wurst adjusted himself on his seat, making the chair creak every time he shifted. “Well…” His eyes then found mine as he thought of answering Mateo’s question. I saw his brows furrow with his eyes narrowing for a few centimeters as he stared back at me.
“I’ve heard that there are great Hunters that need all the help they can get due to the increase of vampires within the city.” The chair creaked as he leaned forward, not breaking his eye contact with me. “Being a soldier is one of the greatest honors to serve our country, but I’ve always been stationed at the rear, not partaking in any missions. It’s been very uneventful for me, so I took the Hunter exam and…here I am.” Mateo bobbed his head to nod, mulling over his answer. As he rubbed his chin, he noticed that the silence within the room grew longer. He glanced at the two of us without changing his posture in his seat. I stayed true to my unwavering determination not to blink during this interview and I know this is already making Mr. Wurst uncomfortable until…
“Although I am concerned about something.” Mateo raised a brow as Mr. Wurst began to lower his tone. He wasn’t muttering it due to the way the vibration of how deep it was echoed throughout the room. His eyes remained looking at me as if he’s hinting something to Mateo that must be addressed. It’s too soon for me to assume that he is too bothered by my piercing glares. Or perhaps…
Adjusting the rim of his glasses, Mateo leaned closer to the table, tilting his head ever so slightly enough to catch a ray of sunlight as it caused a glint on its metallic hinges. “Other than mankind's impending doom, what else would be in your greatest concern right now, Mr. Wurst?” This time, Mateo couldn’t help himself from not forcing unnecessary humor. I could only surmise his patience is running thin by the way the corner of his lips twitched. He is supposed to be the one asking the questions, but he’s lenient enough to satisfy the interviewee’s curiosity.
And that curiosity is directed to me.
His throat evidently bobbed before he shifted his position again to face Mateo, causing another noise from the poor chair. “Is it true that there are immortals working under VHA?” The tension suddenly increased as soon as he dropped the question. The way he worded immortals had me on the edge of my seat, jaws clenching at the thought of what he might be implying. I sensed contempt. Something I am familiar with for centuries of my service as a Hunter. Yet I remained silent. I never dreamed of disobeying orders from Mateo, to not speak a word during the interview. I may not be able to say anything, but I am certain that our leader already knew such questions would be raised.
These new recruits didn’t know any better than to ask something so controversial within the VHA’s premises. “It’s true.” Mateo simply answered in an oddly enthusiastic way. “It’s not a secret once you’ve entered VHA. Most of us are immortals. But there are also beastmen, spirits, and half breeds.” I felt his gaze on me as I kept my focus on Mr. Wurst’s reaction. A twitch on a brow, reddening eyes, clenched jaw, a pale complexion, tensed muscles, and a growing vein on his temple. He didn’t seem to like what he is hearing from our leader right now.
He isn’t the first one to make such a reaction. The majority of these new recruits believed that the employees of VHA only consisted of human hunters. I won’t blame them for being too surprised when on the front desk of VHA greeting them isn’t entirely human. They have been working here longer than 3 or more generations and that includes me. By the time I finished scanning his figure and facial expressions, I felt a burning sensation on the left side of my neck— a symbol that many carry as a Hunter is engraved on my flesh. With Mr. Wurst busy glaring daggers at me, Mateo began clicking on his pen again with two quick clicks as he spoke, facing me with a knowing smile.
“Have you heard of a deity that works as a Hunter in VHA, Mr. Wurst?”
“...A deity?” Mr. Wurst choked as he spoke with eyes widening at the question. Mateo found his expression amusing as he seemed to be holding himself from letting out a chuckle. Mr. Wurst, however, didn’t seem to find this that entertaining. Scoffing, he continued, “Why would a deity be working to kill vampires—”
“Being able to interact with a deity is such a rare thing in the 21st century.” Mateo cut him off, raising his voice as an attempt to shut him up. “Being gazed upon by a deity, however, now that’s the rarest thing you could ever experience in your life, Mr. Wurst.” Confused by what Mateo is trying to imply, he began to stammer only for Mateo to drown his voice again. He’s already enjoying the fact he has the upper hand in this room.
“But we’re able to change that rarity to something that you could experience occasionally. Think of this interview as an example. Have you not noticed anything strange in this room, Mr. Wurst?” Mateo spun the pen between his slender fingers playfully till his thumb reached for its clickable head.
“One of the deities is within this very room with us.” Then silence took over. Only the soft humming of the air conditioning machine and the ticking wall clock made the stillness less deafening. The three of us kept ourselves unmoving on our seats, waiting for someone to say a word. Yet the only exchange we had for the whole two minutes of silence were glances and glares.
Finally, Mateo heaved out a long sigh as he grew impatient for not receiving a response from the interviewee. He then lifted up his pen as he pressed a one long click before ending it with an echoing fast click. This took his attention, breaking eye contact with me. “To answer your question you were about to ask earlier…” Nails drumming against the surface of the desk, Mateo spoke up once more. “How about we give you a demonstration?”
“What?”
Light on my feet, I pushed myself off my seat with the tip of my toe on the cushions and leaped across him to reach the other side of the room and landed from behind. I didn’t give him enough time to react by swiftly flicking my wrist, releasing the hidden small blades under my sleeves and sending them flying towards him. The sharp tips of the blades pierced through the edge of his clothes and began to bend like a rope from top to bottom, restraining him on his seat. He attempted to yank his arms off with strength alone until he let out an agonizing cry. The metal is sizzling in heat against his pale skin.
Or so he believed that a mere metal was heating up.
Mateo stood up from his seat and walked around the desk to lean against its edge in front of Mr. Wurst. The pen that was in his grasp earlier is now neatly tucked into his breast pocket as he smoothened the front of his waist coat. Rolling his lips as he thought for something to say, he crossed his arms and looked him in the eye. I’ve already noticed the signs. His eyes are a color of blood. Not only with rage, but with the failing attempt to keep his hunger from showing.
“We got an anonymous tip recently. It turns out the information was so spot on!” One of the members of Zebra squad finally showed up, revealing his auburn hair, curling near his hazel eyes as he turned around from camouflaging on the right side of the room’s walls. JayJay, our tactician. He approached Mr. Wurst before tapping the metal that cuffed every part of his limbs on the chair. He then smugly said, “This is made of silver. Hurts like a bitch, doesn’t it?”
“You…!” Unable to get another word out of him due to the burning pain against his skin, Mateo sauntered closer to him as his shadow loomed over his cracking and tearing face, a side effect on vampires who had contact with silver metal. Mateo’s tall stature is intimidating from where I stood. To keep him still, I grabbed his hair and pulled it down to keep his chin up and face Mateo straight in the eye. I could feel his head trembling in resistance.
“Your papers were almost believable but the font used was off.” Mateo slowly hunched over, close enough to meet Mr. Wurst’s eye level as he searched through those crimson eyes. “VHA doesn’t usually let vampires enter the facility as it is too great of a risk...but not for us special units. It’s our job to take those risks. Which is why we had to go through mountains of recruited Hunters papers in advance to identify an intruder.”
In a blink of an eye, Mateo had his hands on Mr. Wurst’s face, covering most of it, only leaving one eye for him to witness his deadpan expression. His grey eyes were glowing as sea green flames began to form and wrap around his hand, engulfing Mr. Wurst’s visage. He let out a much louder cry of agony as the flames burned him, melting his flesh.
“I am no deity. But my second in command is here to make sure your overdue stay here in the mortal realm will get your ass back to where you belong.”
And then…
Crack.
Mateo clutched on his head, fingers digging through his skull as he effortlessly crushed it beneath his palm. The fractured frontal bone pierced through the lobe of his brain, instantly shutting his vision to witness eternal void. His eyes are close to popping, almost ready to explode as his face and innards are slowly engulfed into flames. No drop of blood managed to spill on the floor. The flames consumed it before it began to splatter and boil it within the infiltrator’s veins as it evaporated to nothing but steam.
As soon as the screams weakened, Mr. Wurst’s body spasms had been put to a halt as he had grown limp. He who disguised himself as an ex-soldier revealed to be a vampire is no more. A whiff of burning flesh lingered for a few moments as the fire finally extinguished by itself.
Mateo carefully pulled his hand away from the vampire. His broken face looked so grotesque and began to disintegrate as soon as rays of sunlight bathed his whole body. My grasp on his hair loosened its grip as it melted in the air. Looking back at Mateo, he gave me a firm nod as his way of thanking me before returning to his seat to grab a clean cloth, cleaning off the blood tainting his palm.
“Let him in.” He announced. The door swung open as two blonds entered the room. One of them is weaponsmith of the Zebra squad, Courtney, who has been tasked to let in interviewees when prompted to. His light green eyes showed a hint of annoyance as his sight remained at JayJay. “I cannot believe you guys are having all the fun while I’m here as your doorman.”
“Oh—shut—up, Courtney!” JayJay shook his head. ”Last time I checked you were whining about your carpal tunnel just ‘cause you—” Jayjay air quoted, “—Did most of the laundry.” Courtney rolled his eyes and scoffed as he closed the door behind him then sauntered over beside Mateo, leaning against the office desk. Meanwhile, my eyes are already set on the other blond, more golden in color. The same long braided golden hair and bright honey eyes staring back at me. He had already put on a gentle smile before us to behold.
“Aether, was it?” Mateo called, sounding much more enthusiastic than before. My eyes wandered from our leader before flicking back to the person who entered with Courtney.
“Yes, sir.” The guy named Aether replied with a sharp nod, pulling a genuine smile on Mateo’s face. I could tell by just seeing his dimple appearing on his cheeks.
“The information you’ve given to us last week is deemed to be accurate.”
“It’s my job to be an informant, sir.”
Mateo then raised a brow before flipping through the papers to get Aether’s document form. Letting a short airy laugh, facing the paper to us as he glanced back at him, appearing to be amused by what he had just discovered.
“The genius is in our midst!” He explained slapping the paper sharply. “You’ve done your part well for delivering us the tip. You leaving yourself out of the picture on purpose to keep it anonymous was a slight mishap, but the accuracy of the information was the only thing I needed. You did a splendid job.”
“Thank you, sir!” Mateo stood up and leaned forward to extend his hand towards Aether. Blinking in surprise, Aether hesitantly walked over to reciprocate the gesture and smiled sheepishly. “Welcome to the Zebra squad, Mr. Investigator.” At that moment, his smile widened as he firmly shook Mateo’s hand.
The two of them are making their ecstaticness obvious as they shared a brief laugh. The three of us, however, aren’t able to match their enthusiasm. Jayjay’s smiling, but he’s failing to hide his vexed look by how hearty Mateo is laughing. Courtney is confused, but isn’t bothered by the loudness considering he had known JayJay as the loudest among us.
“I’ve heard the mention of a deity from outside, but I’m still shocked to know that it’s really true.” Aether extended his arm to me, eyes round, expecting for a handshake. He had already shook the rest of the members’ hands after Mateo had declared him to be part of the team.
My eyes lingered at the sight of his palm, and slowly made its way to stare back at him in silence. “I won’t let you guys down through the Hunt.” He said positively, as he kept his hand still expecting for a shake.
I on the other hand did not return the gesture and simply turned my heel to walk towards the door. Stopping in front of the office door as I put my hand on the handle, I turned my head slightly, bangs almost covering my vision.
“Promises are unnecessary,” I twisted the handle. “Such honeyed words won’t be fulfilled once you’re dead.” And with that, I pushed the door open and left the office, leaving them to deal with the rest of the welcoming.
- - -
Zebra Squad’s P.O.V.
The remaining four inside the room awkwardly exchanged glances. The original members of Zebra squad knew that Xiao would be the least joyful about meeting a new face in the group. Aether’s gaze remained locked at the door left ajar, exactly where Xiao had stormed off cooly. “He doesn’t seem to like me,” He broke the uncomfortable silence in the room as he explained further. “He was like that to me too during the funeral.”
“Ah, well. Sorry, bud. You’ve met him at his worst.” JayJay winced as he approached Aether and patted his shoulder apologetically. “It’ll take some time getting used to.” Aether could only let out a nervous laugh at his attempt to comfort him. Courtney jogged out of the office to watch Xiao’s frame get smaller and smaller from a distance. He exhaled as he bobbed his head to call them to follow behind him. The rest of them did, closing the office door for today as they walked their way out of the office buildings, quietly following Xiao’s back.
“Quite an enigma, isn’t he?” Mateo muttered close to Aether’s ear, causing him to flinch and take a one side step to create a space between them. Mateo chuckled at the sight of him, eyeing him from bottom to top before setting his eyes back to Xiao’s glum back.
“10 years of working here, I didn’t expect to be working with a deity who serves as a vampire killing soldier. He’s known for outliving most of our seniors…and their murderers.”
Mateo’s brows were knitted close into a frown as he reminisced of the days he first met Xiao. He would be lying if he said it was a pleasant first impression. Everyone would agree if you have met a deity whose only purpose is to slaughter enemies and outlive those who have fallen centuries ago. The first description they would share to anyone who would ask about him.
“He’s the reason why VHA is still standing. Many lives may have been lost, but seeing his back like this makes all of your worries seem irrelevant. Despite his…exterior indifference, he’s much kinder than you think. That’s enough reason for us all to look up to him.” JayJay and Courtney bobbed their heads in approval, both walking ahead of Mateo and Aether.
“He’s earned the title of the Punisher. A name fitting for a deity who has lived all his life to kill and punish all evil. He may have us now as his team…” Mateo’s proud voice faltered, pulling his lower lip between his teeth as he pondered what to say next.
“He’s always…meant to think that he’ll walk this same road alone.” The silence grew heavy as soon as Mateo stopped talking. The atmosphere was rather somber than the funeral they had attended. Aether hung his head lower, looking at the pavement and his feet as he let them embrace the silence.
“And yet…” Until he couldn’t bear the quietness of their guilt to eat them alive. “...His shadow remains at the length under our feet’s reach.” Aether sought for their attention as he continued to let his thoughts free.
“He may feel like he’s always ahead of us to take this road alone, but right now he’s still making his presence known to us. He knows he wants us to have his back that way.” The three stared at their own feet as they continued on walking right behind Xiao who had already stopped on his tracks by the curb. His shadow extended to the tip of their shoes as they all slowly glanced their way up to his frowning face, already growing impatient to the four of them.
Mateo snorted and ruffled Aether’s hair. “In other words, ‘No man is an island’. You have just been hired and you already have him figured out.” Letting go of his hair for Aether to comb back to its original state, he looked at him warmly.
“You truly have a way with words, young man.”
To be continued…