AN: Hey hoomans... Sorry for the late uploads. Had some close calls... Got better then sick, and now I'm functioning again.
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Advance chaps and new novel in Patreon and KoFi.. links are at the end of the chap.
Anywho... Here's the chap
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Back to 1990 right after the unknown woman left
ROBIN'S POV
I watched the woman leave, her steps unsteady but determined as she disappeared into the night. Once she was far enough away to not hear us, I turned to Rosalie, my face serious.
"We've got company."
Rosalie sighed dramatically, her golden eyes rolling. "Great. Just what we need after dealing with a sobbing drunk. Is this guy another stalker, or is he just lost?"
We both knew the answer. Whoever it was lurking outside wasn't human. Their scent was unmistakableâa predator's scent, cool and sharp. If it weren't for the fact that they were clearly a vampire, I might have thought someone had taken up vaping around the pub.
At first, I'd dismissed them as a passerby, another wandering vampire looking for a place to rest or feed. But then I felt itâthe unmistakable spike of killing intent directed at us. This wasn't a casual stroll. This was someone watching us closely, waiting for the right moment.
Rosalie folded her arms, looking in the direction of the presence. "If he's not leaving after she's gone, then he's here for us. That's either confidence or stupidity."
"Or both," I muttered, brushing off my apron. "But he's made one mistake already."
"And that is?"
"He messed with our night off."
Rosalie smirked at that, but her posture was still tense. "Do you think he's after her, though? Like one of those sick vampires you told me about? The ones who like to play with their food?"
"Possibly," I admitted. "But now it's personal. I actually like that girl."
"Same." Rosalie's expression darkened. "Let's deal with him. Preferably without wrecking too much."
That last part was wishful thinking.
After closing the pub and locking up, we strolled into the night, our footsteps echoing on the empty streets. We didn't need to search long. He was waiting for us, leaning casually against a sleek black Kawasaki motorcycle.
The guy looked like he'd stepped out of an edgy '90s action movie. He had long black hair that fell past his shoulders, a katana strapped to his back, and a black trench coat that screamed "mysterious antihero." His golden eyes glowed faintly, proof he was a "vegetarian" vampire like us.
Rosalie snorted quietly. "Great. He looks like one of those 'Blade' guy you told me about, but like his European cousin decided to pay us a visit."
I stifled a laugh. "Be nice. Maybe he just wants to borrow a cup of blood."
"Doubtful. Look at that pose. He's dying to monologue."
Before we could say anything, he stepped forward, his expression sharp and serious. Without a word, he raised his hand, and the air around him seemed to shimmer. A blade-like shard of black material formed out of nowhere, harder than diamond and sharp enough to cut through steel.
"Oh, he's skipping the monologue!" I said, genuinely impressed. "A man of action."
Rosalie raised a brow. "You wanna fight him, or should I?"
"Let's tag-team. Think of it as couples therapy."
The fight began with a rush of movement. He closed the distance between us in an instant, swinging the katana in a wide arc. I ducked, the blade slicing through the air with a sharp whistle.
"Fancy," I commented, sidestepping as he swung again. "But does it come with a warranty?"
Rosalie lunged from the side, her movements graceful and lethal. She aimed a punch at his ribs, but he reacted quickly, forming a barrier of diamond-like material to block her strike. The ground cracked beneath them from the force.
"Nice trick," Rosalie said, shaking her hand like she'd stubbed her toe. "But let's see how long you can keep up."
We didn't use our powers, at least not yet. It felt almost unfair to compel him into submission or overwhelm him with my voice. Besides, we hadn't had a good fight in ages.
He wasn't just strong; he was skilled. His movements were calculated, his strikes precise. He used his ability to create weapons and shields on the fly, adapting to our attacks with impressive speed.
Rosalie and I moved in perfect sync, years of fighting together making us a formidable team. She distracted him with a feint, and I darted in to land a kick to his side, sending him skidding across the pavement.
"Tag, you're it!" I called, grinning.
He recovered quickly, flipping to his feet and glaring at us. He raised his hands, and a dozen razor-sharp shards appeared around him, hovering menacingly.
"Oh no," I said mockingly, holding up my hands. "Not the dramatic floating knives! Whatever shall we do?"
Rosalie smirked. "Duck."
The shards shot toward us like bullets. We dodged effortlessly, the projectiles embedding themselves into walls and the ground around us.
"Hey, careful!" I shouted. "Do you know how much this street probably costs?"
He didn't reply, charging at us again. This time, Rosalie intercepted him, catching his katana with her bare hands. The blade, indestructible to most, screeched against her marble-like skin.
"Cute sword," she said, yanking it from his grip and tossing it aside. "But you're gonna need more than that."
He didn't falter, forming another blade out of thin air. But before he could swing, I grabbed him from behind, locking his arms in place.
"Gotcha!" I said cheerfully.
He struggled, but Rosalie stepped closer, her golden eyes gleaming. "You done yet, or do we need to keep playing?"
For a moment, he paused, his breathing heavy. Then, to our surprise, he smirked.
"Impressive," he said, his voice smooth but accented. "But this isn't over."
He dissolved the weapon in his hand and broke free from my grip with a burst of strength. Before we could stop him, he leapt onto his motorcycle, revving the engine.
Rosalie and I exchanged a glance as he sped off into the night.
"Well," I said, brushing off my hands. "That was fun."
Rosalie frowned. "Should we follow him?"
"Nah. Let him have his dramatic exit. He'll be back."
"How do you know?"
I grinned. "Because I still have his katana."
Rosalie looked down, realizing she was still holding the weapon. She laughed, shaking her head. "You're terrible."
"Thank you, love."
With that, we turned and walked away, anticipating the guys visit.
~~
The Next Night
It was another slow evening at the pub. Robin and Rosalie were going about their shift as usualâRobin whipping up orders in the kitchen and Rosalie handling drinks with her usual "charm." Charm, of course, being a mixture of forced politeness and a stare that could make grown men rethink their life choices.
But tonight wasn't just about serving customers. The couple had both sensed him. Mr. Edgy-Vampire-Katana-Guy was back, lurking just outside the pub like a rejected extra from The Crow.
Robin smirked, her voice carrying deliberately as she called to Rosalie, "You know, I was thinking of starting a katana collection. It's such a unique weapon. Very practical in modern times. Totally doesn't scream 'try-hard.'"
Rosalie caught on instantly, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Oh, absolutely. Nothing says 'I'm mysterious and dangerous' like carrying a giant knife on your back. Very subtle."
From outside, they could practically feel the guy's embarrassment radiating through the wall. He was listening.
Robin added, "You know what would make it even better? If the owner just left it behind. I mean, what kind of guy loses his katana?"
Rosalie snorted. "Probably the same kind who picks a fight with two people and ends up running away. Talk about a power move."
They heard the scrape of boots against the pavement. The door creaked open, and in walked Stalkerâor at least, that's what they were calling him until they actually got his name. He looked about as uncomfortable as a vampire could look, his shoulders stiff and his jaw tight.
He tried to play it cool, leaning against the bar with a casual air that was ruined by the faint flush of embarrassment on his otherwise pale face. "You have something that belongs to me," he said, his voice low and dramatic. "Give it back."
Rosalie raised an eyebrow, barely holding back a laugh. "Oh, you mean this?" She pulled the katana from behind the bar, twirling it with one hand like it was a baton.
Stalker's golden eyes narrowed. "Careful with that."
Rosalie's smirk widened. "Why? You afraid I might cut myself? Or worse, make it look less edgy?"
He clenched his jaw, clearly regretting every decision that led him to this moment.
Robin, sensing Rosalie was about two seconds away from enchanting him just to mess with him, stepped in. "Rosie, let's not make him cry. He looks like he's had a rough day."
Rosalie pouted. "But he's making it so easy."
Robin ignored her, turning her attention to Stalker. "Look, we'll give you your sword back. But you need to work on your approach. Coming in here all broody and demanding? Not a great look."
Dick crossed his arms, trying to regain some dignity. "I'm not here to chat. Just give it to me, and I'll leave."
Robin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh, you'll leave, huh? Like last night?"
That hit a nerve. Stalker straightened, his expression hardening. "You got lucky."
Rosalie burst out laughing. "Lucky? Oh, honey, no. We were just being nice."
Robin stepped closer, her voice calm but firm. "Let me show you something, Stalkerâor whatever your name is."
Before he could respond, Robin locked eyes with him and open her perfect lips letting her skill activate, her voice so beautiful and haunting, compelling him to follow her orders, that it seemed to freeze the air. Stalker's knees buckled, and he dropped to the ground, unable to move. His katana clattered uselessly beside him.
Rosalie leaned against the bar, clearly enjoying the show. "Look at that. You're already kneeling. Didn't even have to ask."
Robin shot her a look but couldn't help smirking. She crouched down so she was eye level with Stalker, who was glaring up at her, clearly humiliated. "Now, I could've done this last night. But we didn't. You know why?"
Stalker didn't answer, his pride refusing to let him.
"Because you're not a threat," Robin continued. "You're just... lost."
Robin released him, and Stalker stumbled to his feet, brushing himself off like nothing had happened. He didn't thank her, of course. That would've required swallowing his pride, and he clearly wasn't ready for that.
"So," Robin said, crossing her arms. "Are you going to tell us your name, or should we keep calling you Katana Kid?"
He hesitated, then finally muttered, "Alexander."
Rosalie raised an eyebrow. "Alexander? That's it? No 'Lord Alexander the Great of Brooding?'"
Alexander shot her a glare but said nothing.
Robin stepped between them, her expression unreadable. "Well, Alexander, it's nice to meet you. Now, why don't you tell us what you were doing following that woman last night?"
~~
AN: for those who isn't aware of one of the paid member perks, they can insert a character in the story. So yuo. That's one of em... đ He's pretty chill.
Like always. Much much love and thanks for those who still stuck around and send support in any form. Letting me know y'all are still there for me. đ„č I'm trying my hardest to not let go and just keep going. So i appreciate it.
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that you wanna join, and I or some of the friends we already have there will send you the link. Were all harmless! đ¶đ
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