Van Helsing (IwaOi)

{ Part Two }

As the light shined between the evergreen trees, Iwaizumi smiled. He always looked forward to trips like these—ones where it's just him enjoying the journey to another far away land.

"How are you feeling, Augustus?" He asked while petting the chocolate brown horse. "Owlia is just an hour away. We shall be there in no time, my friend."

Until then, Iwaizumi took in the beautiful hills and mountains that decorated the country of Vollean. He longed for days when he could just roam though the never ending forests. But as Transylvania's protector, he can't stay too far away from the small, lackluster town.

Soon enough, magnificent buildings covered with blue and gray tapestries appeared on the horizon. Trees appeared to be mere roaches compared to Owlia's gigantic gates. Once Iwaizumi got closer, a guard approached him.

"Ah, hello! I take it that you must be Iwaizumi Hajime, or should I say, Van Helsing?" He said.

Iwaizumi took off his hat. "Either one is fine, sir. Could you please direct me to King Koutarou's castle? With the recent vampire report, I ask that we make haste."

"Of course!" The guard said while mounting his pure white horse. "Follow me, Mr. Van Helsing. The trip will take no longer than fifteen minutes."

As the metal gates lifted, the two men entered the kingdom of Owlia one in front of the other. Although it was just as quiet as Transylvania, the silence in Owlia was more unsettling than anything.

"More vampire attacks around the country! Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Get your newspapers here!" A young boy with dirt on his face shouted. He voice alone echoed throughout the nearly empty streets that surrounded him.

Iwaizumi grimaced. He remember when he was once that boy, venturing town to town to hopefully gain some coins, but always coming home with nothing but his hands in his pocket.

"Hey, lover boy," A low voice purred. "If you come with me I can make it worth your while."

As he looked over his left shoulder, he saw a young woman with smudged eye makeup appear from the shadows of a back alley. Her clothes were tattered and torn and her hair was a mess.

"Pay no attention to women like her," the guard warned. "They have no respect for themselves. Preying on young naive men to steal any change in their pocket."

Iwaizumi nodded as the woman walked away. "If I may, it appears that there are not many citizens that roam around. There must be a reason for that, am I correct?"

The guard sighed. "The streets of our kingdom were once full of life and laughter. Crime was nonexistent and poverty was a thing of the past. But ever since our beloved Queen Vanessa passed away three years ago, our kingdom suffered greatly. That damned vampire attack last night made matters worse. Instead of our people hiding due to grief, they hide in fear that they might be the next victim. Those who don't fear commit crimes against those who do."

"I see, my sincerest apologies to you and your kingdom. How has the king been?" Iwaizumi asked while petting Augustus's mane.

The guard remained quiet for moment. During the silence, Iwaizumi looked around him as the stone road surrounded by townhouses and shops faded into trees and dirt roads. As he looked ahead, a magnificent castle stood not too far way.

"Our king has been through much dismay since then." The guarded started. "He has unfortunately become less open and sociable with his people. We haven't seen him outside the castle in almost two years. Nevertheless, we are still loyal to our beloved king for I believe he still has our best interests in mind. After all, he did send you—Van Helsing—to aid in our vampire problem. It also appears that we have arrived. Please follow me."

Once the two men got off their horses, the guard led Iwaizumi to the front doors of the castle. As he looked around, he saw sword-wielding, silver knights. On their chestplate was a painting of a blue and grey owl taking flight. He noticed the same image planted into flags all over the Owlia.

"Good morning, Sir Keji," The guard said to a helmet-less knight. "I have brought you Mr. Iwaizumi Hajime, just as you requested."

"Thank you, Tsukishima," Keji smiled. "Your assistance is greatly appreciated by both our king and myself."

Tsukishima firmly shook his hand and turned to Iwaizumi. "I suppose this is goodbye for now. I do sincerely hope you enjoy your time at Owlia. It truly is a wonderful place to live, you have my word."

"I look forward to the rest of my visit, thank you," said Iwaizumi as he watched him return to his guard post.

As he faced Keji, he took into account how ethereal his appearance was. His wavy, raven-colored locks stood out against his pale, glass like skin. His ocean eyes were gentle yet firm—a gracefulness only acquired by knights like himself. 

Keji shook Iwaizumi's hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you in person. I have no doubt that King Koutarou will also think the same as myself. We've heard so much about you."

Iwaizumi couldn't help but get flustered when Keji touched his hand. He quickly shook away any distracting thoughts that appeared in his head. After all, he has a misson to accomplish.

"Right this way, Mr. Van Helsing."

***

Wowie it's been an long long time ever since I uploaded the first chapter to this story :( but here I am again better than ever (hopefully) I do plan on updating this story more frequently once On Campus ends along with another story I'm writing. I hope you guys enjoyed this story so far and as always...see you next chapter!

XOXO

Stormy~