Work Text:
New York City
2035
The elevator appears to be out in this apartment complex, which is a peculiar service for a property as steeply priced as this. To further compound my misery we're situated on the top floor and here I find myself lugging endless boxes filled to the brim with his incalculable wardrobe collection, luckily, my vampiric abilities allows me to labour on unemcumbered. Physically anyway.
Thanks to my beloved, i've learned that throughout the years, fashion comes and goes and some pieces are forever banished to the annals of time. Yet, my dearly beloved has never been capable of parting with what can now be described as ancient artefacts - items better suited as pieces displayed behind glass in a museum. Not him no. Did I happen to mention his penchant for frills and the colour purple - lord all mighty, so many hues of purple that could overdose a porphylophile enough so that they would relent their obsession.
I set the box down next to the mound of cardboard ready for the great sort. I sigh, apprehension creeps in at the thought of undertaking such a herculean task. He simply has too much stuff! The humans call it hoarding, and my beloved I can comfortably say, is clearly afflicted.
I take stock of our new environment; a penthouse in Soho, a very large piece of real estate for Manhattan standards, architectually inspired by Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical - a definitive nod to the French aristocracy right here in the New World.
I can feel the beginning of a smile forming on my lips as it has been many decades since I laid eyes upon such shapes and designs in our travels. A fondness for the memories for the place we first became acquainted; and also contempt, at the participation in the hellacious battle that forced me to reliquish my humanity.
So, I am certainly carrying mixed feeling about this new abode however, I'm not one for making these type of decisions. It is he over the years who has made the sound investments and as a consequence, it is he who has allowed us to live like royalty. Regardless of his financial acumen, it doesn't mean to say I cannot voice my concern, a right of which I will fully utilise...
"So what do you think? Takes you back doesn't it?"
He prompts, appearing out of nowhere as he often does, he makes his glorious prensence known.
And that he is certainly glorious. Copper skin that will never tarnish, hypnotic eyes of emeralds that pierces the very depths of your soul, raven-black hair; soft and luscious that shimmers a shining abyss. He who has forever captivated me throughout the centuries and he who will continue to captivate me for our centuries to come. Remittance made flesh, he is the prize for renouncing my humanity. And he is certainly worth the price of admission.
"Monk! It's rude to ignore people while they're talking to you!"
He barks, in that quiet assurance i've come to admire over the course of our unity.
I hide a ghost of a smile from forming, i'm unwilling to showcase my enrapturement to further bolster his already monumental ego. He is fully aware what he does to me that i'm sure.
I scrutinize the space around us noticing the various reliefs and patterned plastering and remark,
"It's a little ostentatious don't you think?"
"Nonsense. If given the choice to you my darling, we'll be living in a monastery devoid of indulges of this mortal plane. I for one did not take the vow of poverty so I will not be impoverished due your proclivities. And besides, who says we can't have nice things?!"
He flatly retorts.
I'm unable to hide the makings of a wry grin, as he is correct. All I need in this life of sin, is him. Although I do not him expect him to abide by the set of creeds I follow, as I know he suscribes to a different doctrine, or has previously. So he can have his gaudy apartment aslong I can have one room untouched by his extravagance.
"Fine, fine. Although there's no accounting for taste..."
I wryly comment.
He's distracted from my scrutiny, evidently busy conjuring decorating ideas by recommending,
"This place is screaming to be furnished in antiques, i'm also thinking royal purple drapes, it would look magnificent adorning the high arched windows. Don't you agree?"
A cold shiver travels up my spine at his suggestion for more purple. It would appear that my personal damnation does not consist of fire and brimstone but of lace and drapes and the colour purple. This man has taken purple to beyond the levels of obsession, but of worship.
I sigh tiredly, as I know this will be a losing battle, he's practically unstoppable once he's driven to exact one of his passions.
Reserved to my fate, I ask,
"Of all the places in the world, why did you happen to choose a busy, crowded and dirty city like New York?"
In this day and age, although we are vampires, we do not stand out from the average human being. Ears rounded through reconstructive surgery and the ability to daywalk through ultraviolet blocking pills. Advances in technology has allowed us to blend into the populous seemlessly, free to live our lives with no restrictions. And I must say, to once again feel the sun on my skin is a privilege I will never again take for granted.
He abruptly halts from unpacking granting me his full attention and cryptically remarks,
"Well, the big apple will make for our new home base."
I feel my brows come together as I query,
"Home base?"
"Indeed, we've been travelling and fighting off the record for so long, so before you glower at me I figured that we should act within a more official capacity. With your blessing of course."
He reasons.
Appreciating his consideration for my thoughts I surmise that we have certainly been busy throughout the years. Together as partners fighting the good fight. Not only do we act as one in our minds, bodies and soul. We act as one to uphold our promise, our oath, to our great allies whose legacy we strive to uphold. Although the sun has set on their time here on Earth, their quest for justice and their desire to safeguard the future, lives on through us. The spirit of Richter, Annette, Juste, Maria and Edouard - their principals, their light, continues to burn bright in us both. Although, their absence is felt and I miss them everyday.
To once again wield God's sword of judgement, I have found my purpose besides my utter devotion to my dragon. His love has allowed me to earn the restoration of my honour, through this hardship I can feel the presence of God within me again. A comforting presence I thought was forever lost. A presence felt even in my new form as a creature of the night. Which makes me believe that just perhaps, he stands by all his creations...
Afterall, we are all his children and we are made in his image.
If the foresaken are purpotedly not able to love, then how can a vampire like me who supposedly lost his soul hold such deep affection for another? Unless, our love for each other has redeemed our blighted souls? Such a notion surely cannot be beyond the realms of possibility...
As I witnessed it in Edouard - who was sired from the very depths of hell itself and also, I see it in him...
Who I wrongly accused of losing his... to he, who has become my beloved...
"To work for whom?"
I ask, trying to recall organisations I encountered in the past who fought supernatural forces.
"Apparently, they call themselves the Agency. A multi-national secret branch of the government that mainly deal with paranormal occurences and national defense."
He explains enthusiastically, hearing the excitement in his voice ignites a flame inside me to ready myself and commit to his cause.
Yet, our relationship does not function on easy acquiescence, we maintain the spice in our relationship by regularly arguing about the most innocuous. Incidentally, like an old married couple - going on over 200 years and counting.
I balk,
"You claim it to be such a powerful organization but yet they choose to go by such an unimaginative name. It's no wonder i've never heard of them."
I see frustration building as he has a habit of pacing and then floating on the spot when agitated, I hide a grin as he falls for my opposition every time.
"It's not the name that's important Mizrak! Think of all the leads we could attain and how it could help it us in honouring our allies. 57 years will come in a blink of an eye and it's important that we commemorate our comrades 300 years since our battle with Erzsebet and Drolta."
He explains, and I have to agree, our allies fought for the freedom to live in peace, and it's our duty keep up the fight in their stead.
However; peace is a relative term, I have witnessed men continue to commit unspeakable atrocities even now in this modern supposed enlightened age, human-monsters enacting evil on a scale that would dwarf any machinations of any supernatural force. Seeing what i've seen, I often ask myself as to whom is the bigger monster?!
Remaining on topic I ask,
"I second that notion, These days we seldom keep our ears to the ground so it would be advantageous to be more proactive in our approach. But tell me first, how did you manage to catch wind of such an opportunity?"
"I was recommended, and told by Alucard himself..."
I momentarily fall silent at the revelation, processing how the great dhampir Alucard could weave into this tapestry.
Much like our allies from yester-year, I look back with great fondness of the memories fighting side by side with the legendary warrior. Our epic battles with Erzsebet's vampiric army and the mind games and manipulation of Mephistopheles will forever be seared into my psyche. Despite the odds, united we stood that allowed us to block our enemies and the forces of evil from ever getting a foothold. However, government work does not fit a wanderer like Alucard, so it begs the question - how did he become embroiled in such affairs?
"Forgive me if I cannot fully grasp the concept that a Tepes has somehow become a civil servant, in addition, I also find it hard to believe that such a powerful being become subservient to any powers that be..."
I press, hoping he would enlighten me further to fill in the gaps.
He lightly chuckles in that once infuriating manner to say 'I'm an ancient vampire, therefore I know more than you so try your best to keep up'.
"Well the thing is, he's not. Subservient I mean. Like the majority of experts in their field, they go on and become consultants, drawing upon their skills and experience to impart advice to those who seek it. In a way that is mutually beneficial to both parties. And that is exactly what he did."
He asserts.
I rub the stubble on my chin listening to the rasping sound as I take time to gather my thoughts. Quickly deliberating that such an endeavour would be good for the both of us. Although he refutes that he has become a part of God's justice, but I know better, I know that he derives great pride and satisfaction at becoming my rock - my fortress that continues to protect me from uncertainty. In these ever-changing times, he has become an immutable part of my life that steadies me from self-doubt.
In the past, his words of wisdom has allowed me to resolve the internal conflicts with who I am, to then help me further resolve the hating who I am through my beliefs. As recompense for his unwaivering support, inturn, all I did was chastise and insult him while he stood there and took it. All the while, his only crime was to try and warn me, to protect me from the evils of this world - how wrong was I? To berate him like I did accusing him for being an animal that lost his soul, then only to find him become my better part. The memory of which fills me with great shame. People can and do change and perhaps, this is further proof that creatures like us do retain our souls afterall because...
...As I look upon him, I do not see a curse... the only thing I see, is a blessing.
"Mizrak?! Will you pay attention for one moment please? Listen up. This is very important."
He implores.
"Sorry my love, I was little distracted for a moment there."
I dismiss, hiding my enchantment. I can't help it, he's as bewitching to me as when we first met.
A knowing smile threatens to make itself known before he quickly train his face in earnest to ask,
"I need your input in this my darling. It feels as though i'm imposing my desires, not only in this move but also forcing this new role onto you. Am I being too pushy on you Mizrak? You'll tell me right?"
Letting out a contented sigh, I reassure him by saying,
"You're not imposing. You forgot didn't you?! You should know by now that, wherever you go I'll follow. After 200 years, that should've been made crystal clear?!"
"I'm supposed to be too old and too strong yet, you're the only that managed to leave a mark."
"Now you get it. And I assure you Olrox, my mark will never fade."
I approach him, hearing his breath hitch. A sense of pride takes over me at how much I can still affect him all these centuries later. Taking him in my arms, I embrace this beautiful soul, together as one in rapture - as i've learned now, as it always should be.
Still wrapped in my arms, he murmurs
"We won't be alone in this Mizrak."
"How so?"
"Tera is assigned to the west coast and as she oversees the west, we shall be the custodians of the east - together."
The news about Tera honestly takes me by complete surprise. I've not heard any mention of Tera since we freed her from the manipulation of Mephistopheles. Like us, she also sought to lay low and in time she appears to have found the loving and caring person she once was prior to being turned into a vampire - if her new guardianship role is of any indication.
We share a prolonged passionate kiss, just because I can. Frequent tactile affection is the unspoken language we speak that fortifies our devotion. Most prominently, it is to sate an impulse to touch him - as he knows I can't keep my hands off him for too long.
Sighing in satisfaction he queries,
"I take it from your more than enthusiastic response that you're onboard?!"
Starkly aware at how much it drives him crazy, I drag my stubbled chin along his neck while simultaneously running my fingers through his silken raven strands. Stating emphatically,
"I was onboard as soon as you mentioned another chance to work with Alucard. Adding Tera to the mix further beseeches my desire to become God's sword once again. I simply can't turn down this opportunity to exact divine justice."
His lips quirk as he responds with a teasing lilt to his voice,
"That's quite a mouthful there Mizrak, yet a simple yes would suffice."
I won't dignify his comment with an answer so instead, I brush my beard and then my lips along that elegant swan-like neck. My fangs extend on their own so I lightly nip his left trapezius muscle in that way that drives him into a fervourous excitement.
My ministrations appeared to have been successful in envoking his desire (it always does) as I see lust in their verdant green emerald depths. His body starts to shiver to then to quiver, he's reaching his limit of resistance...
Commendably, his self control allows him to absently say,
"These days Alucard goes by the name Genya Arikado. Mizrak, we'll need to start thinking up our own aliases..."
He gazes at me adoringly like I hung up the moon. I've been obsessed about this man since our first encounter centuries ago in that courtyard in Machecoul and it has never waned since. To be eternally grateful to him is an understatement, for he has saved me from the precipes of oblivion, not once, but twice. From certain death and later, from myself. No amount in heaven and earth will be sufficient for a repayment. I willingly bequeath him with my mind, my body and my soul. He is the one who holds exclusive ownership to my heart and I don't see that ever changing.
"We can do that yeah... but what i'm thinking about doing right now is far more fun..."
I declare, rocking my hips forward letting my desire known.
Through a lustful groan he says,
"It's about time we got down to it, these rooms are not going to get christened by themselves."
"I thought it'll be fun to keep you waiting."
I snark.
"For a holy man you sure know how to play the devil."
"I only learn from the best."
I return his adoring gaze to revel in his amusement recalling the times how he became my mentor - patiently he waited and guided me through the chaotic period of a newly turned vampire. As my campanion - he rode the waves of my fluctuating anger at being turned without my consent, facing my ire unflinching to prove his utter devotion. And finally, as my lover - it's his humanity and from what i've observed, he is a man of great principles and honour and without a lack trying, qualities of which I was powerless to resist...
...For i've found my one true, soulmate...
I found my forever by his side, attaining an equilibrium as he continues to be my foundation. As small recompense, I utter him a prayer,
'The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold - Psalm 18:2.'
"Come on Mizrak, don't keep me waiting!"
He commands, shifting to the master bedroom in his mist form while I was distracted.
I hasten to make a move and what greets me does not disappoint. To a vision of pure seduction...
He mounts the bed in a manner of utter temptation as the silk sheets highlights the lines and ridges of his godly physique.
My heart thumps heavy in my ear, he has successfully lit my senses on fire. I want him, I need him...
My lust has reached critical mass, I simply want to devour him. To claim what is mine.
Gaining a moment of lucidity I hover over him, it's imperative that he's reminded of how I feel, so I want to declare 3 little words with great meaning,
"I love you."
The words trigger an immediate response as he violently drags me down to exact our commitment.
Ensnared into the throes of passion.
This what we have, this who we are and it will never fade. My search is over. With him, my soul has found peace.
For he will never abandon me, and I, will never abandon him.