Things were proceeding as Miro believed. The vampires were growing their ranks within the surrounding communities while gathering information on the wizards and his allies. Releasing the Five would only assure Miro's victory.
An elite force of vampire warriors, the Five had few rivals (save Miro, Hannibal and Donovan). Known for their trickery, fighting prowess, and brutality, Miro believed they would assure victory against the wizards. Still, he was cautious in these estimations. The wizards, from what he had heard, had faced creatures of immeasurable strength. If they had beaten them back, what would prevent them from defeating him.
This is how Miro now found himself in the sanctum of the dark kitsune Fukushu. The supernatural world knew of the nine tails ferocity as well as part in the events of last year. If anyone had insight into the weaknesses of the wizards it would be him.
Fukushu gazed down at the vampire lord, bemused look on his vulpine face. "Lord Miro what an unexpected surprise."
Miro scowled, it had taken him far too long to discern Fukushu's location. "Fukushu," he bellowed. "I have come seeking counsel."
Fukushu raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his throne as he studied the vampire. "Counsel you say," he asked. "I beg to differ, you have come seeking assistance."
"You have fought these wizards before," Miro stated. "Who better to help in their defeat? Tell me how to destroy them. Lend me your strength."
Fukushu chuckled softly, shaking his head as he stared at Miro. "Advise I will give," he smirked. "However, my troops as well as my service I will not give."
"You wish the destruction of the wizards don't you?"
"Yes," Fukushu nodded. "However if I recall correctly my former master sought your aid in his war with the wizards. you refused. Now you wish to gain my service? To serve under your leadership? I think not vampire."
Miro growled, the kitsune chuckling softly at the vampire. Fukushu obviously had little respect for him, which only angered the vampire lord. Fukushu was probably more powerful than Miro, however, he did have a trump card. "If you will not help then allow me to use the essence of your former master," he stated. Miro now pointed to the gem clutched tightly in the kitsunes hand. "I know what power lies within that gem you cling to."
Fukushus face formed into a scowl as he stared daggers into the vampire lord. The power of Villar lay within the gem he possessed. In time the titan would regain his physical form. Until then Fukushu would protect it.
"This gem is not to be used for your petty wars Miro," Fukushu snarled, safely tucking the gem in his pocket.
"I was not asking permission," Miro replied. "Ann."
Fukushu winced as he felt several blades pierce his back. Whatever had attacked him was quiet as the grave and exceedingly skilled. The kitsune now tried to free himself from whatever was attacking him, finally calling for help.
"Abolith!"
Miro watched as a blue blur lept from the shadows. In one fell swoop he watched as she first severed Ann's hands at the wrist before kicking the vampire child away. Ann now rolled to a stop at Miros feet, her childish face expressionless as she glared at Fukushu and Abolith..
Fukushu winced as Abolith removed the clawed gauntlets of the vampire child from his back before tossing the severed hands at Miros feet. The dark kitsune watched as the vampire child gazed at her bleeding stumps before lowering her gaze to her severed hands.
Ann's face showed no emotion, she seemed unbothered by her wounds, like someone dealing with a scratch. Slowly the vampire child pressed her bloody stumps against her severed hands, Fukushu astounded as the hands reattached themselves in moments, Ann mechanically testing them before gazing up at Fukushu and Abolith with dead eyes.
"Leave my sanctum," Fukushu warned, the kitsune tightening his grip on his sheathed blade.
Miro frowned, even with Ann by his side an attack on Fukushu and Abolith would be suicide. Motioning for Ann the two vampires now made their leave.
"You wished for advise Miro," Fukushu called. "So I shall give it too you. Facing the wizards is a death sentence. Do so at your own peril. However if you show your face here again, the pain I shall inflict upon you will make you beg for death."