Vivillia and Vladimir kept eye contact for a few moments, the glistening moon shining down on the two. Vladimir clenched his mask in his palm, his fist a ball of iron holding a delicate fabric. Vivillia seemed indifferent to the crimson eyed man's movements, instead she was interested in him getting to work.
"So where can we meet to exchange them?" Vladimir held his hand out as he spoke.
Vivillia held her palm on her hip as she responded with a blunt tone "Why can't you get it now?" Her masked head titled as she gave a somewhat thoughtful look.
Vladimir gulped as he held his arm before responding "It's…In possession of someone who I don't know is willing to hand it over"
Vivillia crossed her arms for a few seconds. The moon looked down on her specifically and left Vladimir in only her shadow as she stared forward. She hummed to herself as she tapped a pocket on her shirt, a silent clinking sound gave out from inside.
She whistled slightly before reaching in and pulling out a small blue flask, two of them. She held them out to Vladimir as she stated "Give one to the person you need it from, and drink the other shortly after"
Vladimir held them in gentle cupped hands, his fingers, still slightly burnt from earlier in the day, twitched as the cold metal made contact. His charred hands grasped the vials calmly, his eyebrow raised as he wondered why she would give them to him.
"Soooo, what do these do exactly" He held one between his non damaged fingers. Holding it up to see through the moonlight.
"Mind control, simple as that, doesn't wear off…I think" She muttered that last part, her hand on her hip as she stared at the vial.
Vlads eyes widened as he turned to her. His crimson gaze confused as he asked "Wh-What?!? Why would I need to hypnotise him?"
Viv shrugged as she stated bluntly, like it was obvious "Well, to get the amulet of course, though I doubt a Champion like himself would be kept under for too long"
Vladimir lowered his hand as he looked down at the metal cylinder carefully, its blue liquid shining despite only a drop of light hitting it. Vivillia turned away as Vlad raised his head back up to see her.
"I'll see you soon, if you can't get it today, bring it here tomorrow" Viv waved her hand as she began to walk away.
Vladimir held the vial tightly, his hand twitching as it lowered to a pocket on his trousers. He took another look at Vivillia before putting the vials away and turning away from her, his body tensed yet also relaxed at the same time.
He swiftly pulled his mask onto his head, his hand slightly trembling as he let it go. Vladimir held his head at a straight stance before beginning to walk away, Viv glanced at him before she turned away one last time.
Vladimir swiftly made his way through the city, at this point it was far past the middle of the night. He gulped as he stared at the long street that he needed to go down, though unlike before, he wasn't in too much of a rush.
He began to slowly walk through the street, his crimson eyes glanced around as he calmly walked. It was silent, only a small faint flickering sound from the nearby lights. This was a relaxing moment he needed after what happened earlier.
He lifted his hand to his mask, his fingers stung as they touched it, as they have for the whole day. Vlad had been able to ignore it for a while but it simply got worse, and the fact it was an Order, likely meant that it was not healable by time, but rather another Order.
He held the top of his mask tightly, his fingers dug into the fabric as it was slowly pulled upwards. His eyes widened suddenly as he pulled it back down with both hands, he nearly got too comfortable.
He took a quick breath before speeding up, every step let off a faint clap sound. Vladimir thought to himself, what is this feeling? It felt like a thousand eyes were staring at him, ones just out of reach, some over his shoulder.
He took a quick inhale before running, his fists clenched into each other. His scorched fingers stung as they dug into his palms. His palm pushed against the lower part of his mask like a hydraulic press.
His legs felt like they were burning, he was running so fast, too fast, his mind couldn't keep up with his body. Suddenly Vlad's ankle turned mid step, he skidded across the rough terrain for several metres, the skin on his cheek bruised and torn as he came to a stop.
He groaned to himself, muttering "How did I…How can I do that?"
He held his hand in front of his face, the burnt tips of his fingers a reminder that he wasn't normal anymore, though he wasn't already. Vladimirs legs felt like they could simultaneously run forever and couldn't move a muscle.
He sighed deeply as he muttered again "I need rest, I need to sleep"
His hands shoved against the ground firmly, a deep sigh coming from his throat. Vladimir got onto his knees for a moment, his muscles stretching themselves tightly. His head stared downwards as he prepared himself to stand up.
A gulp slid down his throat as a heavy breath entered his lungs. He looked forward, his body now feeling light again. He took a step forward, then another, then another. Vladimir moved without even thinking about it, before he knew it, he was back at the hotel.
He looked up at the building with wide eyes, a deep breath entering his throat before he reached to his mask. He pulled it off calmly, his eyes staring down blankly. He took a deep breath before taking a step towards the door.
As Vladimir grabbed the handle he found a crack in the door, it was dark on the inside. As he pushed it open he found the room was empty, they had closed up for the night. He sighed deeply, it made sense, why would they still be there so late?
Vlad swiftly walked through the building, reaching the elevator only a few moments after arriving. As his finger reached to press the button he stopped, his hand tensed now, he looked to the side to see a room to the staircase.
Vladimir let out a calm sigh before walking through the door, he didn't want to wake everyone else up, not because he didn't want to disturb people, but because he wouldn't want to bother with it. His head began bopping side to side as he walked up each flight calmly.
Eventually he reached his floor and swiftly walked to the room, it was strangely not tiring to walk up to floor six. Vladimir gulped as he wondered if Ivan was asleep, he would probably need to get some rest beforehand.
He pushed open the door and took a step in. He turned swiftly to shut it behind him, though he noticed as he closed the door a sound of water running. Vladimir slowly turned around suspiciously to see something surprising.
Ivan was standing in a small kitchen like section with a kettle and a cup. His mouth was slightly open, he was staring, his expression both confused and surprised. Vladimir held his mouth open slightly as he looked at him confusedly.
"Uhh, heyyy Vlad" He leaned against the counter as the kettle finished boiling.
Vladimirs head slightly tilted as he asked "What are you doing?"
Ivan curled his lips as he glanced away before muttering "I'm just grabbing a drink"
Vladimir walked to the counter as he looked at what Ivan had out, it was everything needed to make coffee. He gave him a suspicious look which Ivan returned with a nervous teeth grit, unable to keep eye contact.
"There's more, you wouldn't sleep after having coffee, you don't plan on it do you?" Vladimir placed a hand on the top of the kettle.
Ivan sighed deeply as he had a short nod "Yea, I haven't slept for a few days, it's pretty hard to sleep with a searing injury"
Ivans eyes widened as he turned to Vlad before asking "And…Where have you been?"
Vladimir widened his eyes as he asked "Got enough for two cups?"
Ivan grabbed another cup from a cupboard above them. Then he poured the water in before mixing the coffee beans in, then it ended with a small cup of milk poured into both. Ivan tipped his cup to Vlad before taking a long sip.
Vladimir did the same shortly after, a slow exhale left his lips as he tried to cool his mouth from the heat. He groaned slightly at the taste and texture, he felt there was something wrong with it, but he couldn't see too many problems.
"How is it?" Ivan asked as he lowered his cup.
Vlad responded bluntly "I don't know why, I don't think I like coffee, maybe it's just it in general, though it works for energy I guess. It's so sweet and creamy though"
Ivan let out a huh sound as he listened, he took another sip before turning and asking seriously "So, mind telling me what you were up to?"
Vladimir took a deep breath before responding bluntly "I found our thief"
Ivans eyes widened as he asked confusedly "How?! How did you find them already?"
Vladimir shrugged "I got lucky"
Ivan placed his cup down as he stated happily "Well that's good, did you get the gem?"
Vlad shook his head as he responded "No, I know where she is"
Ivan stated calmly "That's fine, we can take her in, grab the gem, get the contract signed, mission complete"
Vladimir eyes widened as he said worriedly "Wait no we ca-"
A sudden shock struck his whole body, the cup falling out of his grasp. The material shattering on the hard floor as Vladimir collapsed onto his knees. Ivans eyes widened as he grabbed Vlads arms, lifting him up.
"Hey Hey! Look at me! Stay awake! Hold on!"
He dragged him to the couch nearby and dropped him onto it. Vladimirs eyes were nearly shut, his whole body ached, his injuries from before were catching up. Ivan laid him down as he crouched next to him.
"We can wait until tomorrow, we can find her"
Vladimir let out a short hiss to himself as he muttered "We can't do th-AA!"
His throat burned, the kick he received had nearly caved it in. He had forgotten about his fingers burning at the moment, it was nothing currently. Ivan lowered his eyebrows as he looked at Vladimir in confusion, why couldn't they find her?
Vladimir gritted his teeth as he let out a short statement "She is from…The Underground…She is willing…To trade-Agh…The gems"
Ivan looked at him thoughtfully, his hands around his knees as he squatted a short distance from Vladimir. He looked down for a moment, he could take that offer to trade, but how would they know it would work out? How do they know if it's not a trick?
Ivan stated calmly "Let's leave this for another day okay?"
Vladimir gritted his teeth again as he pushed against the couch, barely managing to get himself onto his knees. Ivan looked at him in shock that he was pushing through the visible cuts and injuries he had.
Ivan stood up as he took a step back, though ready to catch Vlad if he fell again. Vladimir pushed himself onto his feet, holding on the arm of the couch for support, his body still hurting. His breathing became heavy and constant as he looked at Ivan with tired eyes, nearly shut.
"Vivillia, that's her name, she can help us, it's better to work with her than against her"
Ivan thought about it for a moment, his eyes widened as he looked at Vladimir "You've said it yourself, people here don't like people from the underground. How would they react to know we let the thief go?"
Vladimirs eyes widened as he thought of that, they would need some kind of explanation for how they got it, and where the thief was. He didn't know much about this multiverse stuff still, what if the gem has some recorder in it?
Ivan gulped as he continued hesitantly "It's how it works, it's the political way. They make the people from the underground a common enemy, a thing to rally the people around, a way to keep the status quo in check"
Vladimir nodded acceptantly "I understand…"
Ivan asked softly "Is she at the warehouse?"
Vladimir nodded to which Ivan continued "Alright, you get some rest"
Ivan walked past him calmly, staring forward with an expression of slight sadness. Vladimir looked down in annoyance, he felt weak, physically and emotionally. Vivillia was going to be brought in, it's his fault, he made the deal and betrayed her.
His eyes widened as he remembered something she told him, his head turning swiftly as he tried to walk over to Ivan. Ivan had reached the door but noticed Vlad moving, he had stopped in front of it.
He turned to see Vlad leaning against a wall now while crouched, asking calmly "Something else?"
Vladimir stated "Listen, Vivillia agreed to giving it, if that gets out it could tarnish the Champions, it might work out making the trade"
Ivans eyes widened as he asked confusedly "I'm sorry what?" His voice was louder, slightly irritated.
Vladimir nodded as he stated "We can make a peaceful solution to this"
Ivan squinted as he responded "Why are you so protective of her? Is it just because she's from the underground? Isn't it everyone for themselves?"
Vlad looked down as he muttered "Well yes…There's also something else"
Ivan raised his eyebrows as he asked "Which is?"
Vlad worriedly stated "Listen, she made me drink something, if she thinks it my blood will explode"
Ivan stopped in place, he turned to Vlad as he asked with a low tone "What…Did you just say?..." He was silent for a moment before continuing "Was it red in a vial? Did she drink one?"
Vlad nodded nervously to which Ivan slammed his hands on his face as he said worriedly "Oh fuck, fuck, fuck, oh god save us" Ivan fell against a wall, he hit his backhand against it which shattered a portion of it.
Vladimir felt a chill run down his hurting spine, his eyes wide in fear, Ivan's kind feeling changed. Ivan's fist left the hole in the wall, pieces of it fell onto the ground off his knuckles. Vladimir didn't know how to react, Ivan broke a wall that easily.
Ivan turned to Vlad as he stated swiftly "That woman is with the Verindax Cult, and a very bad person in it too, only a few get those vials, if she has them, she is a danger"
Vladimir asked confusedly "Wait, she said she had no money and was stealing the gem to sell it, someone like that wouldn't need money, hell she agreed to trade the jewel we were given for it"
Ivan pinched his chin as he muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper "Someone like you isn't suited for this…You don't deserve to be here…It's too much for someone like you"
He leaned back as he turned to Vlad, his eyes dull as he stared the crimson eyed man in the eyes. Vladimir tensed up as he tried to stand up, he tripped though and fell into the wall behind him.
Ivan sighed as he reached into his pocket, the red jewel came out within his palm, even though it seemed too big to fit in the pocket. He let out a breath that escaped in a small line, his lips barely parted to do so.
"Here, you can have it, careful giving it to her though" He held it out to Vlad who barely could push himself onto his feet.
Vladimir cautiously took the jewel and cupped it in his hands, a large gulp going down his throat as he stared at the priceless object. His balance still unsteady as he leaned against the wall, every muscle in his arms still tensed and hard.
Ivan walked out the door, his dull eyes staring forward. He didn't know where he was going, he just wasn't going to stay there. Vladimir straightened up, he took a nervous step forward, his leg still hurt.
He winced as he took the step, then another. Vlad gulped before walking as fast as he could, he approached the elevators swiftly. As he reached them he noticed the door to the stairs was open, he looked over to see Ivan standing next to the rails in the centre of the stairs.
Vladimir was confused why he was just standing there, until Ivan grabbed onto the top of the rails, and jumped. Vlads eyes widened in horror as he ran into the stairs and looked down, his legs pain didn't matter anymore.
Vlad yelled "IVAN!" His crimson eyes stretched wide as he stared down.
To his surprise and relief Ivan was standing down there unharmed, he landed the jump. Ivan heard him but didn't look up, he didn't want to deal with this at the moment. Ivan walked through the door swiftly, his head still low.
Vladimir let out a heavy sigh before turning around, his legs began to lessen in pain much to his relief. He got into the elevator and went down, it doesn't matter if his legs were better, they still hurt too much, not to mention the run back.
As Vladimir left the building he couldn't find where Ivan was, he had gotten out far earlier and left no traces. Vlad clenched his fists as he took a swift breath, before beginning his run back to Vivillia, though he wasn't alone.
His runback took only twenty minutes, no one was around, much to his relief. As he returned he let out a yawn, it was past four in the morning, he needed some sleep after this. He finally reached where he last met Vivillia, the gem tightly gripped.
He called out "Vivillia I have it!"
As he looked around the area he noticed multiple smaller bags, he couldn't help but feel curious about them. He crouched down to one and pulled the top open, it made no noise at all, a trick he learned a few years back.
His eyes widened as he saw what was inside, a sudden chill stroking along his spine. His fingers cautiously picked up an item, it didn't touch anything else as he pulled it out. A small pistol, it had a unique design on it, its barrel jagged, the same as the ones Raisax had.
His grip on it and the gem were lost as he felt a sudden sharp hit strike him in the cheek, his face slamming into the hard cold ground. He let out a short gasp of pain, his palm painfully pushing himself up.
As he did he heard a familiar voice bark out to him "Old habits die hard huh?"
Vladimir turned to the voice in shock, he muttered "Vivillia"
He held his cheek as he winced while asking "What the fuck did you do?"
Vivillia bluntly responded "Cry me a river, it was just a kick"
Vladimir coughed a few times as he stood up, the gem tight in his grasp, alongside something else. He looked at her irritatedly, a gesture she returned, though her eyebrows raised as she noticed the gem in his palm.
"You actually got something, looks nice too" She held a hand on her hip as she spoke with an impressed tone.
Vladimir nodded as he stated "Yea I got the gem, also something else"
He pulled his other hand up, the pistol cocked and ready, his fingers on the trigger and the barrel in an uncomfortable looking way. Vivillia looked seriously at him, not a single muscle moving.
"Are you with the Verindax cult?" Vladimir demanded, his voice croaked from the sudden volume.
Vivillia tilted her head slightly as she stated "An empty gun isn't that threatening"
Vladimirs eyes widened as he asked "Why do you think that?"
"Your fingers are covering the barrel in an unusual way, anyone who has seen a gun knows how to hold it, and it's not like that"
Vladimir looked at her seriously as he lowered the weapon, his fingers caressing the gem tightly. Vivillia sighed as she crouched down, much to the confusion of Vlad. She waved her hand in front of herself, clearly wanting Vlad to come over.
Vlad crouched in front of her as she said "Listen, I left that hellhole a long time ago"
Vladimir glanced down for a moment as he asked "What was it like? Working for them"
Viv was silent, staring forward seriously until she finally spoke "Scary, I felt like I could be stabbed at any moment…"
She gulped, her eyes wide. A memory of a monster of flesh and whatever else. His tendrils drug behind him as he walked, if he took someone to his private area, they were never seen again. A walking nightmare, with a smile so unnerving it would paralyse a psycho.
Vladimir held out the gem to her, he was unnerved by her silence but decided they had to go through with it. She looked down at it, her eyes still wide but she soon relaxed before taking the gem.
After she reached into her pocket and handed over the amulet. Vladimir gently cupped it in his hands, his fingers quivering as he held the item worth more than his life. Viv looked at the gem for a few seconds before clenching it tightly.
She stood up and took a few steps back, she held the gem in the air to observe it in the moonlight. Her eyebrows raised as she saw the quality, the amulet was already worth a lot, but this gem was beyond it.
She let out a whistle "Pristine Ruby"
Vlad looked at the amulet cautiously as he stood up "This is it, thank god"
Viv said bluntly "Well, that's it, be on your way, we might meet again in the future…Though likely not"
Vlad nodded as he put the amulet in his pocket, his fingers twitched slightly. This mission was already over, all he had to do was give Lev the amulet and everything would be done. It was a relief how easy it was this time.
Vlads eyes widened slightly as he asked "Hey do you have my knife?"
Viv responded bluntly "Hm? Oh yea it's just in that bag, I'll grab it"
She reached down to a bag and rummaged through it for a few seconds. Though she soon stood up and held out Vladimirs knife, no changes from before. He reached out calmly, grabbing the end of the blade tightly.
He felt somewhat relaxed at this moment, it was short lived though. A bullet pierced through Vlad's wrist, blood splattered onto the floor. The knife clattered onto the floor, its blade covered in blood.
Vladimir gripped his wrist in pain, however he got another injury soon after, as another bullet struck his hip. He turned with gritted teeth, his eyes wide in fear and pain, his muscles tensed, his breathing quick and pained.
A third bullet came as he turned, striking across his teeth, knocking out a blood soaked tooth. Vladimir couldn't think, his mind overwhelmed with pain and constant blood circulation. A final bullet hit right into his torso, into his lung.
Vlad collapsed onto his knees as he wrapped his arms around his chest. Blood dripped through his mouth, a small puddle of the red liquid surrounded him. His vision began shaking, the world felt like it was sideways.
Vivillia clenched the gem in her palm tightly, her hands tensed. Out of the darkness another bullet came right at her, diving straight to her temple. She swiftly pulled her hands forward to catch it.
As she tossed it aside a voice yelled out to her "Don't move"
Out of the darkness a man walked out, Vladimir recognised him, the receptionist at the hotel. His teeth gritted, his eyes wide, his grip on his weapon shaking. He wasn't confident, he was scared, even though he was armed.
The man continued to point the gun at Viv, his face full of hatred and worry. Vivillia raised her hands nervously, his barrel was not empty, still four bullets left. If she wasn't careful she was done.
He angrily shouted out "You don't belong here, either of you Brackens!"
Viv responded irritatedly "We never hurt you, why hate us?"
Her eyes widened as she felt a sharp slash on her cheek, a small stream of blood released from her face. He had barely missed her head, only grazing her cheek but it still did damage. He held the gun even tighter, three left.
"You fuckers did everything bad to us! We had good lives without you, we lived in peace, and you ruined it!"
Viv scoffed as she yelled "Go on, name one thing, name a single thing we have done"
"Destroy the House Of Alliance? Kill our Duchess? Or don't let me start on that monster Cannibal Carey"
Vlads eyes widened as he heard him mention his name, Carey was hated in particular, what made them despise him and all of them so much? He's never heard of a House Of Alliance, or a Duchess, he didn't know there was a ruler.
Vivillia lowered her head for a moment, the man angrily shouted "You're not saying anything because you know I'm right"
Viv didn't move her head, he continued "You are only a monster, you know it, well call me an exorcist! I'm not standing for it…Glory To The Higher!"
His finger clenched around the trigger, in that moment Viv looked up with a cruel gaze, he could feel it even if he couldn't see it. She jumped several metres high, the man couldn't even see her jump.
She went straight for him, his eyes widened as he leapt out of the way. He shot a single bullet at her, striking her shoulder. Her right arm was now more difficult to move, it hurt with every muscle tensed or pulled, two left.
Vladimir saw this happening, his eyes wide, though he noticed something, the bullets that struck him were all over the floor, he had an idea. At the same time, Vivillia kicked a piece of rubble off a wall and kicked it at him.
It hit him right in the hip, his ribs cracking audibly. He gasped in pain, staggering a few steps, barely able to keep standing. He was desperate now, he shot right at her with a swift pull of the trigger, one left.
Viv barely sidestepped it, the bullet cut thinly across her jaw. She angrily spat out a drop of blood, she wiped her cheek with a glare behind her mask. The man held his gun tightly, he only had one more chance.
He held the trigger tightly, about to pull it, he muttered to himself "Glory To The Higher"
He pulled the trigger, however at the exact same moment he was struck in the knee, a force stronger than he could imagine. He glanced to his side, Vladimir stood there, a steaming gun in hand, breath heavily escaping his lungs.
The final bullet from his weapon flew at Viv, she smacked it away with her backhand, a large cut appearing across it, though no blood left. The man gritted his teeth but didn't have much time to think as he was soon hit again.
His head smacked against the ground, his mouth wide as his eyes slowly flickered closed, he was out cold. Vladimir fell onto the ground and sighed deeply, his grip on the amulet still tight despite his injuries.
Vlad muttered to himself "Man it has been a while since I have been this beat"
Viv laid face down on the ground, groaning heavily, her mask scrapped across the hard cold ground. The two sat there for a bit, not talking, just breathing heavily. They were getting used to the pain they had suffered.
Viv muttered while muffled "Ughhh, I hate fighting during a hangover"
Vlad looked at her confusedly as he asked between heavy breaths, between each word "You…You got drunk before this?"
Viv shook her head "That's what I call it, I had a drug that made me stronger, after it though I feel really weak"
Vlad sighed as he responded "Really? You say you're weak yet you can do that?"
Viv nodded as she pushed herself off the ground, sitting up against a wall with her arm over a bag. She reached into it and pulled out an orange syringe, she rammed it into her own hip and pressed it in, letting out a pained grunt.
Vladimir looked in confusion at what she was using, though his demeanor soon changed. His eyes widened as he saw her wounds close and repair themselves, regrowing back into place. She didn't move at all, just sitting down with her head back.
As her wounds fully closed she let out a sigh, reaching for the bag again. Vlad was still in shock, how did she heal her wounds? How is that possible? He thought only Ennzoll could do something like that.
A moment later she tossed another syringe out of the bag towards Vlad, landing right in front of his feet. He looked down at it surprisedly, glancing at Viv who simply tilted her head. He nervously picked it up and held it next to his torso.
The needle was clearly sharp, Vladimir gulped in fear as he cradled it close, he didn't know how deep he should stab it, or where it should be done. Viv saw his hesitance and sighed, standing up and rolling her arms as she approached him.
"Come on, hold still" She irritatedly demanded of him.
She grabbed the syringe harshly off him and held it to the centre of his chest. Vlad gulped and closed his eyes as Vivillia prepared to inject it. She glanced at him in surprise, was he really that afraid of needles?
She placed a hand on one of his as she said calmly "Just take a deep breath, it only hurts for a second"
She doesn't know why she spoke like that, it was not normal for her to be so soft. She hated pretending to be nice, yet this time it was genuine. She gripped his hand tightly as she prepared to inject it.
"Squeeze my hand if you need to" Her eyes staring blankly at the needle.
Vlad took a deep breath as she swiftly injected it, he held her hand tighter which she returned. The needle pushed the orange substance into him, before soon fading away into nothing like it never existed.
The needle left as soon as it went in, Vivillia leaned back as she threw it aside. Vlad hadn't let go yet, he still held her hand, she was slightly annoyed but felt a sense of acceptance. She sat in front of him cross legged while she waited.
She chuckled and rubbed the top of his head, stating "There, it's done, it was just a pinch, now your wounds will heal"
As she spoke his wounds began to close and return to how they once were. Vladimir slowly opened his eyes as he felt his injuries slowly fade away, the pain subsiding as the seconds went by, his body beginning to feel more relaxed.
Vlad sighed as he muttered "Thank god"
Viv nodded as she said "Yea yea, can you let go now?"
Vlads eyes widened as he noticed he was still holding her hand, his grip still like iron. He coughed to himself as he let go, a sudden sense of discomfort coming at the realisation. He held his hand back on the amulet which was on the ground.
He asked calmly "What is that thing?"
Viv responded bluntly "It's called Pure Veles, it's not actually physical, rather it injects into your soul and reverts your physical body back into the original shape of your soul"
Vlad looked at her in pure confusion as he said "Whaaaaaaaatttttttt? You could just say it regenerates"
Viv shrugged "Well that would be a lie"
Vlad groaned in annoyance, of course it wouldn't be that simple, this whole thing was so complicated for him. The multiverse isn't just universes, it's monuments that hold universes. People can have solar systems in their eyes, there's even doppelgangers all around.
Vlad muttered "Is that all? Please god"
Viv let out a mmm sound as she shook her head, saying bluntly "Nah, that's one bit, you can do a lot more with it…W-Well I can't do too much, but you can"
Vlad sighed and muttered "Just…Give it all"
Viv sat back as she said "Can't, because I don't know everything"
Vlad smacked the back of his head against the wall as he said defeatedly "Of course"
He pushed himself back up onto his feet, stretching slightly as he looked around. Viv sat back, her hands on the ground behind her. Both their fingers quivered, they were tired, they were doing so much for so long.
Vlad turned to her as he asked "Does the pure thing make you feel tired usually?"
Vivillia laid back as she muttered "Sometimes, depending how hurt you are"
Vladimir sighed deeply, his eyebrows shaking as he felt his fingers hurt. Somehow, the burns on his fingers were still there, the Pure Valas didn't work. He gritted his teeth as he scoffed to himself, looking to the side.
Viv looked at him and muttered "Hey, if you want to stay here and rest, feel free to, I won't bite ya"
His eyes widened slightly in surprise, she was letting him stay there, she was more relaxed, to the point of feeling safe enough to sleep around him. He looked down for a moment before sitting down, the ground was hard, yet felt more comfy than the ground in the underground.
Vlad tilted his head to the side as he looked upwards "Am I the only one who thinks it's refreshing to sleep on the ground?"
Viv mumbled "Yea you are, I wish I could have a bed"
"I have a bed, but yet I didn't feel refreshed after sleeping"
"Good for you I guess, you have a bed, lucky"
Vlad asked in disappointment "Did you hear anything I said"
"I heard the first part"
Vladimir sighed deeply, slowly falling to the side. He stared forward blankly as he laid on his side, his arms resting lifelessly on the ground. Viv glanced at him before looking to the man who attacked them, still unconscious.
Vlad looked at him and said "He's been shot in the leg and injured, he's not getting away even when he wakes up"
Viv shrugged as she responded "Yea true, besides we can just knock him out again, he's still a normal human, even if he is determined"
Vladimir closed his eyes, it felt like forever since he slept under the stars. The gentle gaze of the sky looked down at him, even if he was not native to that land. He felt his heart beat softly, the blood smoothly streaming through his veins.
Vlad yawned as he asked tiredly "One more question?"
"One more and then I'm out"
"The thing you put in my blood, when does it wear off"
Vivillia let out a short squeak, she muttered through the side of her mouth "N-Never…"
Vladimir could barely hear, though he had a bad feeling. Viv curled her lips as she laid back, her hands behind her head. Vladimir let himself relax on the ground, his stiff limbs slowly relaxing. Viv closed her eyes as Vladimir felt himself slowly drift away.
His body felt light, there was a sense of nothing, he felt somewhat free. His whole life he had not felt free, only work, work and work. He remembered a time, rain pouring in the underground, he was on his way to repay a depth to the Poil Gang.
He hid under a small canopy next to the bridge, just across it was where the Gang lived. He clenched the small bag of money in his hand, he could buy multiple meals with it. He held it close to himself, a sigh escaping his mouth.
The air smelled like a mix of water and shit, yells and bangs from people getting into fights echoed through the streets. Yet no one cared, it was a common occurrence these days. It would be unusual to not hear yelling or hitting.
Vlads hands remained in his pockets, his dull eyes staring forward, a crimson gaze piercing each raindrop, his head covered by his hood. He didn't flinch at anything, even gunshots and screams, he was like a walking shell.
The rain slowly lessened, though he knew it was only temporary, it lasted a long time with only temporary reprieves, at least in that area. He sighed deeply as he walked into the street, his first step landing in a large puddle filled with used cigarettes.
Vlad tapped his trouser pocket, letting out an irritated groan as he felt nothing in there, someone had stolen his pack. He held his hands in his jackets pocket as he continued walking, coming into a small alleyway.
There was a small neon sign above a doorway, it said Poil Bar. Vlad scoffed, they weren't inconspicuous at all, not even trying to hide it. He walked in, the bag tight in his hands, still only staring forward with a dull expression.
As he entered he was met with a distant soundtrack, every beat was heavy and cut into the motif. He found only a few people in the Poil Bar, three men sitting on stools, open drinks next to them.
One turned to him as he muttered "Can we help you?"
Vlad bit the corner of his lip, he had forgotten what was owed, he didn't need to give this to him. He clenched the money in his fist, as he shook his head. Vladimir turned away back to the stairs, only a peak of the bag was visible.
The main man noticed it and said "Woah woah, where are ya going with that?"
Vlad sighed as he stated "I owe this to someone, I made a wrong turn"
The main man said "I don't think you did, Red Walker…Names Joshua, I don't like it when people try to lie about their debts"
Joshua sat up in his seat as he clenched a bottle, Vladimir looked at him irritatedly, he hated that nickname, but it was the only way to stand out. Vlad held out the money with an irritated look, his head pointed down as his slim arm stretched as far as it could.
Joshua swiftly snatched the bag, looking in to see closed notes of money, they were tied together with elastic bands. Joshua raised an eyebrow as he looked back to Vladimir, who returned a look of disdain.
"I could've sworn you owed us four grand" He squinted his eyes at Vladimir as he spoke with a suspicious tone.
Vlad shook his head as he bluntly stated "No, we agreed on three"
Joshua lowered his head, staring up at Vlad with the top of his eyes "Hm, Perry, check it"
Perry reached behind the bar as he looked at the contract, his small eyes scanning it swiftly. He looked across it several times in only a short time. Vladimirs fingers twitched nervously as he felt his breaths become heavier.
Perry closed his eyes as he handed the paper to Joshua, pointing to one line in the middle. Joshua read it over swiftly, though soon his eyes widened in shock and confusion. They soon turned to anger as he stood up.
He barked to Vladimir "No honour huh Red Walker? Trying to underpay us?" He smacked his hands against his chest as he said "After we helped you!" He couldn't help but feel betrayed.
Vladimir looked down for a moment, he just wanted to leave now, he couldn't get the money needed in time. Vlad rose his head to stare Joshua in the eyes, his dull crimson gaze felt like an iron directly on Joshuas face.
"Here I thought you would respect this colonies way, is this how you did it in your one?"
"I'm from this colony"
Joshua let out a stream of harsh air as he said "So you would know we always pay our debts, it's our only duty and requirement in this shithole"
"Stop talking already"
Joshua shook his head as he took a step towards Vladimir, he was taller, much taller. Joshua was a rare case where someone surpassed six feet in the underground, it was practically one in a million there, even Vladimir was considered tall.
"Do you have the rest of the money with you?"
Vlads face remained dull as he responded bluntly "No"
Joshuas fist clenched, he swung only a second later. Vlads eyes widened as he barely leaned out of the way, the fist barely scraping along his cheek. He grabbed his arm before kneeing him in the chest.
Another tried to punch him, Vladimir swung at him first and managed to strike him in the jaw, a crack echoing. Joshua grabbed his jacket before punching him in the face, then again, then again.
Vladimir pushed his hand off him and took a step back right before Joshua landed an elbow to his shoulder. Vladimir gagged as blood dripped from his mouth, he held his hand together before smacking Joshua in the back multiple times.
As he attacked him in a feral rage, he didn't notice the third man coming behind him. He punched Vlad in the face and kicked him in the chest. Vlad fell into the wall, several glasses shattered on the ground.
He coughed out several drops of blood, his ears ringing and his eyes strained. Vladimir gritted his teeth as he leaned up, his arms shaking in pain. The man grabbed a broken glass and threw it at him as he clenched his fists.
Vlad knocked it away and barely moved his head enough to avoid the punch which left a crack in the wall. Vladimir grabbed his shoulders before headbutting him, blood flying from his nose. Vlad punched him in the chest and then the face, left then right swings.
As he collapsed Vlad let out a deep exhale, his eyes wide, drops of blood between his teeth. He took a few steps from the wall, forcefully pushing through the collapsed body of Joshua. His teeth gritted as his head slowly raised, his eyes filled with strain and effort.
The moment he did however he was grabbed from behind, his back was kneed as he was lifted up. His legs wobbled in the last man's grasp, he couldn't kick him or even headbutt him. Usually he could escape a grab like this, but his injuries limited him.
As he was about to be kneed again a loud bang sound came out, blood splattered onto his cheek. Vlad stopped moving as he felt the mans grasp slowly release. He slowly turned to look at him as he fell to his side.
Blood streamed from his shoulder, from his arm to his neck. Vladimir looked down in horror, his mouth closed as he stared down in shock and confusion. He swiftly turned to the doorway, and in there stood a figure with a gun pointed at him.
He muttered "Who are you?"
The figure stayed silent, only lowering their weapon. They walked into the room, swiftly passing Vlad without a word or acknowledgement. He could see them a bit more clearly, jeans, a black jacket, short dark hair, and a mask that hid their face and most of their head.
The figure grabbed a wine bottle, twisting the cap open swiftly. They dropped the cap on the floor before taking a heavy drink from it, turning it completely downwards, their gulps loud. Vladimir wiped his mouth as he watched, blood soaking his sleeve.
The person slammed the bottle down before grabbing another, they opened it as fast as the first but did something different. They held it out to Vladimir, their mouth through the mask was blank, no motive.
Vlad nervously took it with shaking fingers, he held it to his mouth before taking a long drink. A moment later he spat it out, half wine half blood, his mouth stung but it felt cleaner. He sighed deeply as he poured some on his hand before splattering it on his face.
The figure drank more from the bottle before speaking, their voice deeper and strict "I was told I could get some red eyes here"
Vlads grip on the bottle tightened, he scoffed as he readied, the figure didn't move though. They just threw the bottle to the side before kneeling next to Joshuas bloody body. His fingers twitched as the veins in his hand hardened.
He muttered "Help, ple-"
The figure smashed his head with their fist, not a drop of remorse or hesitance within them. Vladimir sighed as he grabbed his money, holding it close to his chest as he turned away. As he took a step to the door a bullet whizzed by his face, his eyes wide as he turned.
The figure was pointing their gun at him, stating calmly "I saved you, shouldn't you repay me?"
They walked to him and planted the barrel into his chest, Vlad glanced down before looking back at the figure irritatedly. They were significantly shorter, yet had a sense of danger to them, like a fuse on the verge of blowing.
Vladimir groaned as he reluctantly handed the bag over, the figure grabbing it in an iron grip as they observed it closely. They looked back at him before pulling the gun away, putting it into a holster on their hip.
Vlad took another step towards the exit, muttering to himself "Fucking no point to this"
The figure noticed him as they called out "No money huh? You can get this back if you do some work for me"
Vladimir stopped in place, turning as he asked "How?" His eyes squinted confusedly.
The figure crouched next to Joshuas body and withdrew a small pocket knife, they held it close to his ear before jamming it into the flesh. They carelessly pushed the knife through his lifeless corpse, cutting out the ear.
They stated as they cut "We have a little group here in the underground, we've got good connections across the city, it would benefit you to work with us"
Vladimir asked suspiciously "What kind of group is it?"
The figure pulled his ear off as they responded bluntly "Call us the Verindax, it's a pretty large group. The underground may be the land of the lawless but nothing says we can't team up, look at these guys"
Vladimir said irritatedly "They died"
The figure stopped in place before putting the knife on the ground, they said calmly "Yea, they made a mistake, messing with you. But you are also making the same mistake"
Vladimir shook his head as he stated "I'll stay on my own, it's easier"
The figure sighed as they responded "Fine, you do you"
Vlad turned as he walked out, leaving them to carve up the body parts of the rest of the gang. He had heard of their kind, people that sold body parts from people who failed to pay debts, you make a killing from people looking to augment their bodies.
He placed his hands in his pockets as he left the bar. Staring forward irritatedly as he left the alleyway back onto the main area. He looked up, seeing the angle of the giant skyscraper in the centre of the colony, every colony had one, it's where the newcomers always came from, riding high into the sky.
Vlad scoffed as he muttered to himself "I have to go to the other end, Alkiver Casino is on the southern edge of the colony…"
He looked up as he stated "Maybe I can make money there…From you…Cannibal Carey"