Van Helsing (IwaOi)

{ Part Four }

The game of cat and mouse was not foreign to Iwaizumi Hajime. In fact, the children of his village, specifically Hinata and Kageyama, refer to the game as "tag". They chase each other around the schoolyard for fun until they tire themselves out and go home. What was foreign, however, was the fact that he was playing it with Count Dracula—and Iwaizumi expects it to be very tiresome.

After his recent dreamlike encounter, Iwaizumi informed King Koutarou of what had happened. He and the rest of his court were very pleased to hear that the vampire's identity was revealed. They were not filled with the the same level of enthusiasm when they discovered who exactly the vampire in question was.

"Count Dracula?" Sir Keji questioned in disbelief. "Why would a legendary vampire such as himself attack our kingdom?"

Iwaizumi cleared his throat. "I had asked the same question, to which he provided no such answer—"

The king's eyes widened in surprised. "I beg your pardon? You actually spoke to him? No one in the history of Vollean has ever been able to talk with him and live to tell the tale. What did he say to you exactly?"

"He was very flamboyant and made an obvious effort to avoid any questions I asked him regarding the attacks. He even went as far to cast a freezing spell upon me. Dracula knew I was Van Helsing and made it clear to me that he would be back."

He also had mentioned that I was beautiful and interesting, but Iwaizumi blushed and kept that part to himself, still unaware of why he did so.

Koutarou shifted around hesitantly in his throne. "Well, while this is all very alarming to say the least, I am grateful that we are in the presence of Van Helsing himself."

"If I may, my king," Keji started, bowing slightly to Koutarou then turning to Iwaizumi. "Iwaizumi Hajime, I humbly request on behalf of my King and our kingdom that you extend your stay here in Owlia until Count Dracula never steps foot in here again. I will ensure that you have a comfortable stay to the extent of my abilities."

Kouratou looked at Keji, surprised at his sudden boldness. Still, his eyes were filled with adoration.

"I know that I may appear very selfish as of now," Keji continued. "But I only want to see the children of this kingdom run around the streets once again—and for their mothers to not worry. I want my King, especially, to smile knowing that his people are safe.

"If you defeat Count Dracula while staying here," he added, sounding more frantic by the second. "That would show other vampires like him not to mess with you or Owlia!"

Before Iwaizumi could respond, Koutarou raised his hand, signaling for silence in his throne room. He stepped off his throne and placed an arm around the now blushing Keji, which earned a few snickers from the rest of the court. "I do not wish to burden you with the troubles of my kingdom, but I, King Koutarou of Owlia, ask that you at least consider."

Feeling antsy from everyone's eyes on him, Iwaizumi took a deep breath and faced Koutarou. "I'd be happy to help on one condition."

Koutarou practically jumped in the air from his response, nearly knocking the crown off of his head. "Name anything and it's yours!"

"I ask for the use of your royal library. It has information that I could possibly use in this mission."

"Of course! Of course! Konoha! Sarukui! Please escort Iwaizumi to the guest quarters and show him the royal library! Keji, please come see me in my study!" Koutarou said while running out the room, with Keji happily trotting behind.

The three men walked down a seemingly never ending hallway decorated with portraits of Owlia's previous rulers. As Iwaizumi examined the paintings, he noticed that the kings and queens before Koutarou and Vanessa were are very serious and intimidating. The painting of Owila's current rulers showed an obvious shift in mood, with both the goofy king and beautiful queen sporting huge smiles. Iwaizumi wondered how long their smiles lasted.

"I would hope that meeting with our dear king didn't tire you out too much," the man on his left sighed, brushing away his blond-brown hair.

"Especially when it is quite obvious that he and Keji fancy each other," added the other knight. "Right, Konoha?"

Konoha nodded. "Why, Sarukui, they're most likely making love to each other as we speak!"

As the two shared a laughed, Iwaizumi finally let out a breath that he seemed to be holding in for a long time. "I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed their odd behavior around each other!"

"The whole court is aware of it, like some fun jest that we all are apart of. We await the day when we hear the announcement of marriage," Sarukui smiled, hand on his heart.

"What about yourself," Konoha said as he playfully nudged Iwaizumi on the shouder. "Surely even Van Helsing has a lady at home that is longingly awaiting his return?"

The first thought that came to mind was that of Dracula's beautiful face and flirtatious aura. Iwaizumi quickly shook his head. Did he use a love spell of some sorts on him? "I have no interest in women romantically, but I don't have a handsome gentleman for me at home either."

"Hopefully you'll one find soon! Perhaps you'll meet your future lover here in Owlia!" Enthused Sarukui.

They stopped in front of a big pair of huge, wooden doors, each carved with beautiful images of owls. 

"Behold! The guest quarters!" Konoha grinned.

"May you feel well rested in the morning and have pleasant dreams!" Sarukui added, in the same playful tone as his fellow knight. "The royal library is right there at the end of the hall!"

Iwaizumi watched as he pointed to two glass and marble doors, much bigger than the ones attached to his room. These Owlians never fail to amaze me, he thought.

After the three men parted ways, Iwaizumi washed up and dressed himself in the night garments the King had set out for guests.

He blew out the candles in the room, leaving nothing but the moonlight through the window to illuminate the path to Iwaizumi's cozy and white bed.

"Finally, alone with my own thoughts," sighed Iwaizumi, now getting under the covers.

He had only planned to stay for a couple nights at most, but considering who exactly he's dealing with at the moment, he might have to stay at least a couple weeks.

During his early career, he had first heard of Count Dracula when he was nothing but a drunk man's tale at the time. But as the years went on, the people of Vollean came to realize just how foolish they've been. Several unexplainable vampire attacks started to erupt all over the land, all severe but non fatal. Needless to say, the people of Vollean started to tie their kingdom's attacks to Count Dracula—a once fictional vampire king that they've learned to fear.

Now in his 27th year of living, Iwaizumi, as well as other vampire hunters, have been able to spot glimpses of the so called "Count". It started off as seeing a glimmering aquamarine amulet in the forest that they and the rest of the general public had been able to connect those of the ancient vampire kings. But as of last night, Iwaizumi was able to see Dracula's glowing red eyes, which no one else has seen besides him.

Perhaps I should do some more research, wondered Iwaizumi, I shall venture into the library tomorrow!

His eyes drifted to sleep as he thought of his next plan of action.

***