A blind date with a vampire || 18+ (Psychological.)

[Saga]

The male didn't bother to dress up much but at least he had to be convincing that he was a human when down the city, so he grabbed one of the winter jackets stuffed near the door, in a narrow wardrobe. He barely had any clothes, and shoes and all. He came in Alaska with the idea to never come back, so now when his plans changed he found himself in a disadvantage - no brandy, nor fashionable clothes around, something vampires really cared about.

 

Once he stepped outside in the blizzard, his body stood strong like unmovable rock, but still the whipping wind irritated his eyes. His hand rose before his face, blocking partly the snow. He looked up.

Physics.

Some humans were actually smart to observe and create theories, testing and experimenting. It took them time but still they could penetrate through the laws of nature. As for vampires, that came naturally.

 

Luis couldn't really teleport inside of a supermarket, nor he wished to get his face whipped in case he decided to use the trees like hop-on-hop-off tool, especially when the wind was stronger in higher places. If he walked, it'd probably take him one day to reach the city.

 

The vampire didn't want to overuse his powers right now when he wasn't exactly sure what he was capable of or more specifically - what he wasn't capable of yet.

 

It couldn't be helped, he thought as his blue eyes switched to amber. Slit pupils focused on what was in front and the male disappeared into the forest.

 

His footsteps were mute, feet barely touching the soft surfaces of the freshly fallen snow as he moved with the wind. It felt amazing, the kind of power surging from within him, his body didn't feel heavy nor did he feel any difficulty at moving despite the obstructing him storm.

 

Once he neared the city where the blizzard wasn't so strong as the geological features were with a different amplitude than the one in the mountains, he could finally walk.

 

Shinohara noticed one of the supermarkets, probably the only one working in such weather, and walked in. He was kind of excited while patting the snow off of him once he walked in. ...It was his very first time in a supermarket, even if it were embarrassing to admit for an almost 500-year-old vampire. Now, of course he could defend himself with excuses like - I don't eat human food ..or, I have maids and butlers...or, I usually eat at high-class restaurants. But still, it was embarrassing to admit it.

 

He nervously patted his pockets to reassure himself that he carried his credit cards. It would be so pathetic if he had to go back empty handed and tell Rene that he forgot his money.

 

Once he checked and rechecked all his cards he sighed in relief, and walked further into the store. His first hardship was to deal with the static entrance gates. For a person who used the most expensive and newest technology, be it in his office or during meetings in other companies, he never stumbled upon static gates which looked like some maze of poles.

 

The vampire frowned as he stood before them, in hope that they would be at least automatic or something. Unfortunately he couldn't even imitate another customer, the weather was so bad that only two or three other people were in the store.

 

Luis sighed and braved up, the worst that could happen was to break something - big deal. He bumped into the poles, twisted his torso and got trapped within them. With slow, both impatient and uncertain movement he span along to squeeze himself out of the 'gate'.

 

That was exhausting, and it was only the beginning - he thought.

 

Shinohara noticed some weird-looking, portable "machines" - he called them in his mind. He looked around, noticing the shopping carts ordered in a perfect column. He had to use that? The male scratched his head. Inwardly he thought of actually raising the salary of the maids in his household - that kind of 'job' was really something.

 

The vampire pulled a shopping cart and urged to move. He had no idea what to buy. What did humans eat again? Moreover, what did Rene like to eat?

 

As he was strolling around with the still empty shopping cart, he paused before a shelf with porn magazines. He blinked a few times - did actually humans buy these? He reached curiously towards one when he heard a woman giggle behind him.

 

He retreated his hand right away, probably humans weren't supposed to touch them? He leaned forth, staring thoughtfully at the covers - but there were prices. He got curious so he randomly put ten of these inside the cart.

 

Next stop was the cosmetic sector, even though he had no idea what he was buying - he found it fun.

Ah. That's right..I don't have any shampoo.

 

Shinohara. at least, was good when it came to cosmetic products. But still a frown took place on his perfect features - why everything was so cheap? Could it be he entered a really cheap store? He looked around, kind of worried. He didn't want to buy anything cheap when it came to Rene. Besides, vampires were wealthy enough and eccentric enough to spend ten thousand dollars just for some rare yet unique shampoo brand.

 

The male leaned onto the cart, sighing heavily - he didn't know what to buy. That would be tough, he thought.

 

One hour he spent inside that store, even though he planned to be back in just fifteen minutes at most. Well, on the bright side..he managed to buy a lot of things - so he walked out happily with ten big bags in hands..though he probably looked like a kid that just bought some cheap candy yet pretty enough for him to be content.

 

The way back wasn't much different like one hour ago, the blizzard was stronger up in the mountains so he disliked the fact he couldn't use his hands to block it out of his face - damned bags.

 

Once he neared the house he caught Rene's fragrance in the air, his eyes shifted to amber as he looked to side. What it was, he wondered. The vampire walked to there, then paused before an unnatural snow pile - his foot nudged it a bit to discover Rene's suitcase.

 

He had to rearrange the grip of these ten bags in order to get the suitcase as well, no wonder the human looked as if he had something to say when he left him in front of the bathroom's door.

 

Sweet home, he thought when finally reached the house entrance.

[KohakuShadow]

Rene felt his body relax as he enjoyed the heat, and the feeling of the water as it hit his skin. His long hair floated around under the water. His eyes closed slightly as he enjoyed the silence, the sounds of nature being the only moments of sound that broke the silence. It was peaceful here, and he could see why Luis chose this spot. It was isolated, quiet, and peaceful.

 

A frown eventually crossed his face a bit as he thought about that, L...Luis.... he gently ran a finger along his neck again as he felt the spot he bit, I wonder if he hates me..... he thought as he got a slightly gloomy look. There was obviously a reason he didn't drink human blood, and there was a reason he did everything he could to avoid him. But at the same time, the thought of never seeing him again hurt more than any hatred Luis might feel towards him.

 

His head rested against the cool edge of the bathtub as he tried to get himself to feel better, no.....I had the choice to save a life.....I couldn't live with myself if there was something I could do....and did nothing..... he frowned as his hands wandered around his body, pausing at the places Luis touched again.

 

Now is not the time....if you spend too much time you'll pass out.... the thought told him, his head jerked up slightly as he realized he was starting to fall asleep. He put a hand to his head, as he realized the water wasn't as hot as when he started. He sat up slowly, his body feeling wobbly due to being so relaxed as he reached forward to pull the plug out of the tub.

 

He slowly and carefully go out of the tub before sitting on the edge of the tub to wring his hair out again. He sighed as he looked around That's right....no towels he thought as he slowly walked towards the bedroom Luis pointed to where he looked around again. Closet.... he thought as he soon found it. He opened it and grabbed a simple t-shirt. His hair and skin starting to get chilly due to the change in temperature.

 

“Sorry...I'll have to borrow another t-shirt....” he said to the silence as he grabbed another shirt to dry his hair. He felt silly, that he had to use a shirt that wasn't even his for it, but the idea of getting a cold because he didn't properly dry his hair didn't appeal to him.

 

He managed to wrap the t-shirt around his hair to get as much moisture out as he could before putting the other t-shirt on. He was gratful to the warmth of the t-shirt, but as he noticed, it was larger than what he could wear. He sighed as he looked at the pants. There was no way they would fit, and the idea of trying to make his way downstairs seemed like a monumental task.

 

“Fine....just the shirt....” he thought as he closed a drawer and removed the shirt around his hair. He touched it and gave a slight sigh as he felt it was dry enough to at least not make a soaking mess on the bed.

 

Bed... he thought as the looked over at it. He wandered over to it in a daze and finally let himself fall onto it. His body finally thanking him for not moving anymore. It was warm and soft, the blankets causing the cool air to turn warm again. He rolled over onto his side and wrapped the blanket around him as he felt his eyelids drop. The darkness of sleep finally taking over, I'll....just sleep until he gets back..... he thought as he nuzzled against the pillow.

[Saga]

The house has started to get warmer thanks to the heating system working a bit over one hour, which somewhat relieved Shinohara. If Rene was to catch a cold in the middle of the mountain, lacking blood and food..and clothes.. he'd have risked the existence of vampires as a full hand of spades on the table.

 

The vampire closed the door with a push of his back as his hands were busied and walked inside. The snow fell off, tracing after him up to the couch. He dumped the baggage onto the floor, lowering his body to pick the scattered clothes around the place. A side fact but Luis disliked dirty and messy places.

 

Once he dumped them into another bag as most of the clothes were torn, he put it aside in one of the kitchen corners. Now, he had to get to cooking. As the human lost quite some blood, Luis decided to make some specific dishes. One of the facts he could actually relate to that was because Shinohara's clan had most human servants who were the blood supply for most vampires. As such, vampires had to take care of them more or less..or at least pay to people to take care of them.

 

In the past Luis actually was a doctor, one of his "past lives" so to say, as he had to change his location and identity every 40 to 50 years. But being around humans, especially with some serious injuries caused by vampires, the Luis who was getting older and hungrier made it hard for him to continue with his 'doctor life'. But the knowledge of the human's body was handy after all.

 

Lost in his thoughts about his 'yesterdays' and all he lived through before meeting a human that, unbelievable, chained him, Luis started cooking.

 

A bit over forty minutes took him to prepare something refreshing, starting from

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He made enough of food for Rene to eat, but as for himself he decided to make one hot coffee mug which was the last thing he served on the dining table.

 

The vampire looked content, though he was wondering what was Rene doing? The male headed upstairs, walking pretty quietly as it was natural for him to move as if even the silence was too loud.

[KohakuShadow]

Rene tried to keep an ear out for Luis but found himself submitted to the desire of sleep. Normally he would expect to even see the shadow that had recently been mocking him, or another buried memory, but more than likely due to the exhaustion, he for once, had a restful moment of sleep.

 

The warmth of the air, and the bed surrounded him in relaxed safety as he continued to sleep soundly. Though even through the deep sleeping there were some smells that seemed to waft through the house. It smelled inviting and delicious.

 

The scents began to cause Rene to roll over, his stomach starting to growl with hunger. “Mmmm...” he moaned softly as he rolled onto his back. 'Food Rene.....it's food...'

 

“Mmm....sleepy......” he mumbled into the silence, “.....hungry....“

[Saga]

The male made his way upstairs, calmly yet quietly walking towards the bedroom. It wasn't hard to find Rene, vampire's senses were dangerously altered so Luis knew where to find him. As soon as he neared the door he could detect the stable heart rate of the human, though more slowed - was he sleeping?

 

Shinohara peeked from behind the door case as the door was forgotten open, as soon as he peeked he heard the male moan in his sleep, sleepily rolling around.

 

The vampire smiled and crossed hands in front of his chest as shoulder leaned against the door's side jamb.

Mmm....sleepy...........hungry....

 

No surprise, his stomach was causing Luis' hearing quite some disturbance, all that grumbling which sounded to Luis like thundering.

 

- Would my Queen get up to eat downstairs or would prefer lunch in bed? - he teased.

[KohakuShadow]

The warmth and the softness of the sheets was so nice, but he could feel the hunger that nagged at him get worse.

 

Would my queen get up to eat downstairs or would prefer lunch in bed?

 

The familiar voice helped wake him up from his debate of sleeping or getting up. His body moved heavily on the bed as he slowly gathered the sheets and pulled them from over his head.

 

“L...Luis...you're back so soon?” He said slowly as he shifted himself into a slight sitting position. His hands rubbed at his eyes as he tried to get himself to wake up more.

 

He yawned as he blinked sleepily and looked up at the vampire who stood in the doorway. “I'll eat downstairs I just....” he kept the sheets over his lower half as he remembered he was only wearing the shirt.

 

“I....” he blushed a bit “I couldn't find any pants that fit.....” he said finally.

[Saga]

The human finally awoke. With his hair down, could be called bed hair, he looked really tempting. But the vampire had other plans so he tried his best to ignore that tempting lamb in front of him.

 

L...Luis...you're back so soon?

 

Soon? In fact he came back rather late, it took him longer to deal with that supermarket, something he wanted to forget.

 

The vampire walked in, unzipping fully his jacket which he forgot to remove while rushing in the kitchen. The only layer of top clothing he had, once it dropped down his topless body moved to the wardrobe to get some of his basically plain T-shirts.

 

“I'll eat downstairs I just....I....I couldn't find any pants that fit....

 

Shinohara spread one white T-shirt open as muscles flexed in twisting motions to get it on. His body lowered to pick the jacket and then fetch one other damp T-shirt which he stared at. Did the human just..use his expensive T-shirt..to wipe himself?

 

- Pants.. - he finally proceeded the sentence, - ..I don't mind you without such. Get up, it is warmer downstairs near the fireplace.

 

He headed out, still staring at his T-shirt which even if looked simple and plain costed him one thousand dollars.

Shinohara was trying to get used to living with another being...

 

His steps paused as he frowned, thinking to himself

 

Wait..am I the housewife in this relationship?!

[KohakuShadow]

Rene scratched his head a bit and stretched slowly as he could feel his muscles still protest at moving. But fortunately the warm bath had helped with relaxing him, so he was at least able to move a bit.

 

He watched the vampire undress himself and take off the jacket his eyes blinked a bit as he realized Luis had only the jacket on, 'He went out like that?' he thought as a slight smile crossed his lips.

 

He watched him go to the closet and pick up the shirt. He seemed to stare at it quite some time, which made him a bit nervous. 'Oh no....did I do something wrong...?' he thought as he shifted in the bed.

I don't mind you without such. Get up, it is warmer downstairs near the fireplace.

 

“Eh!?” he blinked as his focus went from the shirt to what he said. “A...are you sure?” he said softly, blushing slightly. He sighed as he finally got up and followed the vampire down the stairs.

 

He was quiet as he followed behind the vampire, until he noticed that Luis seemed to be thinking about something.

 

“L....Luis....I'm sorry I used your shirt...I...I just dried my hair....I'm sorry...” he said softly as he continued to follow him. “....I'll buy you a new one if you wish....” he said nervously.

[Saga]

The vampire was trying to proceed all the new things - having his powers awoken, having a human around him, having a Queen, mating with a human, caring for one...and letting that same human walk around him freely not trembling in fear... What left to say about using his clothes as some wiping cloth.

 

He resumed walking, letting the damp shirt drop over one shoulder while carrying in one hand his jacket.

 

L....Luis....I'm sorry I used your shirt...I...I just dried my hair....I'm sorry.....I'll buy you a new one if you wish....

 

Luis paused again. Now, it was hard to get over his vampire's pride. He lived for over 400 years with it, and it was hard to get used to a mortal in such a short time. Somewhat he tried his best to push aside his dislike to humans after all they did to him but at the same time he couldn't deny how mesmerized he was by them - especially by Rene.

 

- ..My bad. I am not used to mortals. To you I might seem like a supernatural creature that plays magic tricks for your entertainment and amazement, but as you entered our world..let me tell you something..

 

The vampire completely averted his body towards Rene, his blue eyes cold yet sincere,

- We don't like you. Humans are something we see the same way you, humans, see the pigs you feed on. And if you are to follow me into the rabbit hole, - he moved forth, looming over Rene with his height - ...Make sure you get to know what 'vampires' are.

 

The dark-haired male stared briefly at the other, why did he want to kiss him so badly when he was so damn set on protecting what was left of his vampire pride.

 

He frowned - that was right. He not only got chained to the mortal through the contract but also cooked for him... was he going insane?

 

Damn. His head started to hurt. It'd been nice if that were just another one-night stand that went bad. But it wasn't either one-night stand, nor the sex with Rene was bad.

 

Sex...

 

Damn it. Focus, Luis. Focus.

[KohakuShadow]

Rene frowned as he followed quietly. His eyes drifted to the side as he probably should have just let his hair air dry or get the sheets wet. But then the vampire might have been unhappy about him doing that as well. He sighed softly as he tried to think of what he could have done differently. But nothing really came to mind, since he really didn't want to catch cold.

 

My bad. I am not used to mortals.

 

Rene looked up at the vampire as he got a hopeful look on his face.

 

To you I might seem like a supernatural creature that plays magic tricks for your entertainment and amazement, but as you entered our world let me tell you something...

Rene's expression turned from hope back to depression.

 

We don't like you. Humans are something we see the same way you, humans see the pigs you feed on. And you are to follow me into the rabbit hole....Make sure you get to know what 'vampires' are.

 

Rene blinked as he shrunk back a bit as the powerful frame of Luis loomed over him. It was in situations like this he definitely felt small and insignificant. The words hurt a bit, but he knew they were true, and why should vampires like humans, throughout the books he read, and movies throughout history vampires were betrayed as heartless monsters.

 

Rene frowned and looked down to the side, “L....Luis....I...” he frowned as he knew that the vampire was right. There was a lot he didn't know, he had already been reading books, and even learned about some things from Zurashi, but there was so much he didn't know. So much he wanted to know and he was willing to learn.

 

“L...Luis...I....I really do want to learn....I'm sorry I made you mad.....” he said softly as he gently touched the shirt. “I'll learn....”

[Saga]

That was better, now. The human felt the slight touch of what Luis' existence meant into the vampire world - fear and destruction. Hell, the Vatican had a hard time dealing with him, not to mention Zurashi could barely hold his own son down.

 

..Then again, a string of irritation loomed over him. What was he doing? Statistically speaking, Rene was so young in comparison to Luis. If anything Luis had to act as a grown-up. While right now he was acting as his 15-year-old self, spoiled and annoying.

 

L...Luis...I....I really do want to learn....I'm sorry I made you mad....

 

The human touched his..Luis' shirt nervously yet gently. It was unbearable..since when Shinohara was a sex freak? He felt like he hasn't done it for weeks when in fact a few hours earlier he was pumping his seed into that male.

 

Ngh..Pumping his seed - he had to stop thinking.

 

I'll learn....

 

Verona seemed so determined; he wanted to learn? When was the last time he ever heard a human say that...well, leaving aside the Vatican that insisted on experimenting with vampires for the sake of knowing Luis' race. Nothing more than a pretense though, even if they claimed it was to find suitable medicine, and cures. Shinohara actually knew if they could've gotten their hands on him, they'd rejoice on the thought of experimenting with a pure-blooded.

 

He made an audible sigh; what was the point of scaring Rene?

 

Luis retreated as rubbed awkwardly the back of his head,

- Let's get you eating, your stomach sounds are killing me. - he pointed to his ears that were at least ten times more sensitive than these of a mortal's.

 

- We can talk while you are eating. - he led the way downstairs.

[KohakuShadow]

Rene kept his gaze down as he felt like he was being scolded. The truth was he had been learning, he read books, and even wrote down the things that Zurashi had told him about that weren't true about vampires, despite them being written in books.

 

He sighed as he allowed himself to be scolded. He didn't think it was fair, but at the same time, with the shirt, the fact that he had forced himself into Luis' world he understood why Luis was mad. If anything, Rene had done so much to annoy Luis, he sighed as he kept his gaze away from the stern eyes of the vampire.

 

The sigh that Luis released make him relax just slightly.

 

Let's get you eating, your stomach sounds are killing me.

 

He looked up suddenly to see Luis point to his ears. “Ah! Y...Yes! I'm sorry!” he said as he occurred to him, 'His senses....they must be much stronger....his hearing especailly....' he thought as he nodded.

 

We can talk while you are eating.

 

Rene nodded again, “Of course....” he said as he followed the vampire down the stairs.

[Saga]

The male left Rene take a seat on the table, while he was setting the damp shirt before the electric fireplace to dry. Then he hanged the jacket back into that narrow wardrobe, to head back to the table where he left his coffee mug.

 

Luis took the seat across the table, even though it was quite far from Rene's..he somewhat wanted to keep that distance for now, while getting used to Rene.

 

His slender fingers reached for the mug, not really looking over to Rene's direction,

- You've met my father before coming here, I suppose. ..What did he tell you to make you come to Alaska?

[KohakuShadow]

Rene sat down at the table and blinked as he looked at the food that Luis had made. 'Oh my!' he thought as he looked at the delicious meal that had been made. 'Luis made this? It smells wonderful!' he thought as he smiled a little. Everything was so fresh and delicious, he then frowned a bit as he reached for a fork.

 

He looked over as he watched Luis set the shirt down to dry, a soft sigh escaped as he stared down at the plate. He felt that same sudden feeling of depression, that he had ruined so much for Luis, and that there was probably a part of him that did hate Rene.

 

“…..” he quietly stared at the food before shaking his head again, 'Just eat, he made it for you, it may have been a pain for him but your stomach growling will bother him too.' He kept quiet as he served himself some of the food Luis made.

 

You've met my father before coming here I suppose...What did he tell you to make you come to Alaska

 

The statement made him pause from eating as he looked up. “Ah...He....” he paused as he thought about it. “Your father told me about the Shinohara family....and....about you....” He said as he thought about the vision he had about young Luis. He pushed the food around nervously as he took a bite, his eyes widened at how good the food was. It was really delicious, even he hadn't made anything that good. He tried to decide if he wanted to tell Luis about what he saw, about Anna, he frowned a bit as he thought that keeping it a secret wasn't good either.

 

“.....y...your father....s....showed me something......a....about your past too.....” he said softly. “Th.....that's what convinced me to follow you....I....I really didn't want you to die.....”

[Saga]

The human chewed and by the sound of it, as Luis didn't meet eyes with the other, he liked the food. Well, even if he didn't like that kind of food - he had to eat it because from now he'd be eating healthy food..for Luis' sake too. Blood tasted bad when humans didn't take care of themselves.

 

Your father told me about the Shinohara family....and....about you....

 

The vampire listened quietly, sipping from his coffee. He wasn't surprised Zurashi spoke about the clan, and obviously if he wanted to 'wed' Luis to Rene..he probably slipped some sobbing-story.

 

.....y...your father....s....showed me something......a....about your past too....Th.....that's what convinced me to follow you....I....I really didn't want you to die.....

 

See. How he guessed it. It was just so 'Zurashi-like'.

 

The vampire rose his gaze to look over Rene, the male seemed bothered. What on earth, from all that worth 400 years long life, did Zurashi exactly show?

 

- I wouldn't have died. - his eyes strayed from Rene's direction, looking outside the window to stare at the snowstorm.

 

- I was preparing to sleep one thousand years, that's the so called 'eternal sleep'. In case we are not woken up once the millennium is over, we die.

 

Luis set his mug on the table, wondering if it were a good idea to ask what did Zurashi show him or not.

 

- ... What did you see? - he glanced over, again.

[KohakuShadow]

Rene continued to eat quietly, enjoying the meal as best he could, despite the uncomfortable topic, and silence.

 

I wouldn't have died.

 

Rene paused and slowly looked up at the vampire.

 

I was preparing to sleep one thousand years, that's the so called 'eternal sleep'. In case we are not woken up once the millennium is over, we die.

 

"...." he frowned as he looked to the side 'but if I'm his eve...does that mean.....I wasn't needed at all then.....' the thought made him depressed again.

 

... What did you see?

 

He didn't look up but said quietly, "Anne....."

[Saga]

Anne.....

 

A name his clan avoided mentioning. The name.

And here was the mortal, mumbling it over as if something insignificant and something that shouldn't be said aloud.

Or so it sounded to him, and it irked him.

 

The vampire averted his eyes to the windows again, quiet for a brief moment.

 

- Jacqueline Anne. - he leaned aback, resting his back against the chair. Was he ever asked about her in his life, he wondered.

 

After the accident Zurashi forbid anyone to speak about her, and Luis knew about it. Somewhat he wanted to lash out on someone about it, he always waited for someone..anyone, to say that name so he could break their neck.

 

- ..So? Why would Jacqueline make you come to Alaska? Or could it be you pitied me?

 

[KohakuShadow]

Rene frowned at the silence, he shouldn't have said anything, he kicked himself for mentioning her name. He just knew she was important to him, probably even more so than himself, 'Yeah....that's why....' he thought as he set his fork down and sat in silence.

 

Jacqueline Anne

 

He heard as he flinched at the way his voice said her name. He frowned again as he bowed his head more trying to hide.

 

So? Why would Jacqueline made you come to Alaska? Or could it be you pitied me?

 

He looked up quickly and frowned, “No! I....I just...” he stopped as he tried to explain why he wanted to, without angering Luis. “I just wanted to try and....help......” he frowned and bowed his head, “I just don't want anyone to hurt you again.....”

 

“I....” he looked away as he finally mustered the courage to ask, “Please tell me about her....Sh....she obviously cared about you.....”

[Saga]

The human protested,

 

No! I....I just...

 

Of course Luis knew deep inside that there was no way he did it out of pity, no matter how insane one could be - there was no way for them to offer their body and blood just out of pity.

 

I just wanted to try and....help......I just don't want anyone to hurt you again.....

 

Hurt him? Ah, that was right. Despite how strong and immortal vampires were, in fact they were really fragile, just like humans were.

 

Please tell me about her....Sh....she obviously cared about you....

 

Shinohara looked to his coffee mug, how could he describe something he couldn't understand?

That woman, and humans in general. Vampires and beasts avoided and yet abominated the human race - nothing good came from being around them. And yet, humans such as Rene himself appeared now and then - they were the real mystery.

 

The male looked up to Rene's direction. He knew that Zurashi showed him the things from his point of view, how the oldest vampire saw it. But now it was turn for Luis to show everything through his eyes.

 

- Close your eyes, and relax. Trust me, and I will show you Jacqueline. - the vampire waited for Verona to do as told and then he raised his hand forth.

 

Fingers flinched slightly as power started oozing from the palm, Shinohara's were known not only for the oldest clan. They were the archivists of the past, one of the main reasons why Vatican kept them close - they needed archives and everything about the past, secrets, unseen facts and events.

 

The room grew dim, images span around them as if they were in a cinema hall, turning back the time year by year.

 

**

 

LONDON, 1346

 

Rene and Luis stood in front of Shinohara's estate back in that time. Unlike Zurashi, this time Luis tagged himself along with Rene - probably he missed seeing the past so vividly and probably he wanted to be the narrator of his own childhood.

 

- Follow me. - said he as he passed through the gates, walking inside his old home.

 

It was obvious how wealthy the family was since back in 13th century, the infrastructure was still bad and most people lived under straw roofs, only the aristocrats in big cities could have the luxury of real roofing.

 

The vampire led within, walking upstairs down a long, long corridor where Zurashi's cabinet was. Once they reached the room, Luis paused in front of the slightly opened door.

 

When was the last time he saw Anne's face so clear? He avoided using his powers to go back in time, it was just an illusion of the past and he couldn't bear the idea of seeing 'ghosts of time'.

 

- Luis, this is Jacqueline Anne. She will be working for Shinohara family and starting from tomorrow, she will be your homeroom teacher. - Zurashi gestured around to introduce them to each other, - Jacqueline, this is my son - Shinohara Luis.

 

The young vampire stared at the woman dully, his eyes didn't indicate any sparkle of life or excitement...unlike the young woman.

 

- It is my pleasure to meet you, sire. - Anne out stretched her hand but the heir didn't even glance to the hand, he completely ignored the woman.

 

- Ah..sorry, I am probably out of line. - she wondered if vampires disliked touching humans since Zurashi also avoided the handshake greeting.

 

Luis' father sighed audibly, kind of ashamed of his son's poor manners. The least he could do was nod his head or something.

 

- Excuse my son's poor manners, Miss Jacqueline. - something he often said, in fact he also said that to Rene the first time they met. Zurashi always felt that his son lacked social skills when it came to his personal life, on the other hand he was pretty much convincing and manipulative when it came to doing his job - go figure, why Luis was such a prick.

 

- No, please. Do not apologize. - Anne smiled sincerely.

 

While both of them went down to business, Shinohara gestured to Rene to follow him inside the room and take a seat somewhere. It was as if something were to happen. Once the vampire took a seat across the room where he could watch his old self, he glanced to Rene. Would the human actually accept that kind of Luis, he wondered.

 

Zurashi suddenly excused himself, leaving both of them alone in the cabinet - like a 'get to know each other' time. However, silence took place for nearly ten minutes. The young heir simply sat there like a decorative doll, not even paying a glance or two to Anne's direction. The woman grew impatient.

 

- Young Master, do you know why I accepted this job? - she asked, smiling lightly.

 

The little boy didn't even flinch, what did he care about it. In fact, she wasn't the first human to walk around the estate - they were everywhere, being sucked, fucked and some even completely eaten. Why would he care about her reasons for accepting the offer of being part of that disgusting farce.

 

- You.. probably think I am doing it for the money, I guess... - she looked really awkward, knowing well enough that Shinohara's paid even for humans to be fucked and eaten, after all the vampires claimed blood filled with adrenaline had an amazing taste. But she wasn't there to be screwed or to provide from her blood.

 

The young boy rose from his chair and attempted to leave. As Anne was well-mannered, she disliked the fact she was ignored when she was trying her best to talk to the boy. Besides, Zurashi might've been older..a lot older than her, but that boy there was fourteen-year-old!

 

The woman grabbed Luis' by the wrist and in return she was slapped across the face, it looked rather painful. The room echoed with that 'slapping sound' and her cheek was bleeding.

 

- Don't touch me, whore. When you speak to me, avoid my eyes. When you are in my presence, lower your head. And when you want to talk, ask for permission.

 

That were vampires for you, prideful and strong. Humans were belittled, in fact they were actually doing it themselves. Shivering, crying, begging - that was all they knew.

 

As soon as he tugged his hand off her grip, he headed for the door but suddenly his eyes widened.

 

WHACK!!

He couldn't avoid the smack against the back of his head, he didn't expect it. In fact he was so entranced in his thoughts that he completely ignored the woman's stomping his way.

 

- ..You!! - he turned around, his blue eyes switched to amber and slit pupils showed anger.

- Me! Yes! Me. Apologize to ME! - she was angrier than him.

 

What was she talking about? A vampire apologizing? Was she nuts?

 

The Luis who was sitting in one of the room corners, watching his own past, averted his eyes yet smiling gently. It was about to happen.

 

- I will not--

- Yes, you will. - she grabbed his hand and pulled him forcefully to get him back to his seat, - Spoiled brats don't talk back to their elders.

- Spoil--... - the young boy couldn't even make one full sentence, did that woman ever shut up?

- Sit down! I am talking to you! And when an elder is scolding you, you look them straight into the eyes. If you feel remorse, lower your head! When you want to say something, ask for permission!

 

- ... - the young boy was getting irritated, - Or what? Gonna tell Zurashi? Did he fuck your brains out that you can't comprehend the situation you are in?

 

Anne looked like she was about to pull her own hair! What was wrong with that boy! That language!!!

 

Another loud slap echoed.

 

Luis who was looking away, chuckled deep inside. That was right. The only human that ever hit him. He looked towards the scene from the past, seeing his old self with chin averted to side from the strong slap the kid received.

 

A low growl hummed from the young boy's throat and his fangs peeked under his upper lip. Shinohara kicked the desk, sending it straight into the wall, right next to where the Luis from the future sat. But the vampire looked unfazed by the crash, after all he knew what happened the best.

 

- I am done with your stupidity. - he rose to tackle Anne down the floor, dead set on killing her. But oddly the woman didn't struggle.

 

Anne laid down the floor, staring with her serious eyes fastened at Luis. The boy's hand stopped a few inches from the woman's chest where her heart beat, pausing the idea of taking out her heart. But for the young teenager that scene with him on top of her, hand hovering over her chest didn't cross his mind that looked like anything but killing.

 

- Why are you not begging? - he asked, baffled.

- Begging? Why would I beg?

- I am about to kill you, that's why.

- ...I ask you again, Young Master. Why do you think I applied for that job? - she finally got him listening to her.

 

The teen on top of her looked confused, so she laughed.

- I think it's time for you to listen to me and get your hand off my boob, Young Master.

 

The boy jumped backwards, kind of embarrassed..kind of confused...kind of..interested.

 

- God, really. - she sat up, patting her clothes off, - Is that what it took for me to get you finally pay attention? I wonder how I am going to make you listen to my boring lessons at school.

 

She sighed and got up to pat the rest of her clothes.

 

- Speak. Why are you here? Aren't you afraid you might die?

- Die..? Why would I die? - she cocked a brow.

- Humans don't last long around us, per se.

- Humans don't last long around their own kind either. - she smiled.

- Then you chose to die around vampires? - the young boy got confused even more.

- ...What a dark boy. - she sighed, - I am not going to die any time soon. Moreover, I am returning the favor.

- ..Returning the favor? - Luis frowned, was that woman crazy?

- Mmmmmhm! - she smiled wider, - You saved me five years ago.

 

What on earth, Luis thought. His face adopted that blank stare,

- When did I ever save you? I don't even know you.

- ..Well, I guess Young Master doesn't bother with the poor. My mother was sick and died shortly after getting sick. I became an orphan but ended up in a slave bazar where slaves were being sold.

 

The young boy tried to reckon any memory of him being in such a place but nothing came to mind. So what was she talking about?

 

The woman continued,

- Your family bought me but since I was too young to be an escort, I was assigned in the kitchen. - she said awkwardly, - Young Master came once when trying to steal food. And so I--

 

Ding, his memory started working so he frowned, he had the habit of sneaking in the kitchen to get food for stray dogs or any animal he found.

 

- Stop it. I don't like where this is going.

- Well, I was blamed because of you and I was about to be killed. Your bravery to stand up for me out of ten hundred people of my own kind left an impression on me. I mean, isn't it normal for a human to save another? But there was you, a vampire. I also don't like your race, Young Master. But here I am today--

 

She rose from her chair more prideful than any vampire Luis knew.

 

- ..--I am ready to save you.

- Right. - Luis kept frowning and wanted to leave the room, he couldn't bear it anymore. That woman was simply sick in the head.

 

- Before you leave, Young Master. I want you to remember something.

 

Luis paused and looked over shoulder.

 

- Luis.., to save a human's life is a beautiful honor. Saving a human..makes you human. - she smiled even though the boy disappeared.

 

The woman sighed heavily, rubbing her elbow, she seemed in pain. And no wonder, the vampire was strong even if young.

 

- And I believe that.. - she talked to herself alone in the room, - ..saving a beast is far more beautiful for beasts can be truly noble in heart.

 

 

[KohakuShadow]

Rene kept his gaze away from the table, Luis, and the plate of food that he suddenly couldn't enjoy anymore. He sighed softly as he readied himself for whatever aggression might come. He had crossed a line, and he knew it. But he was being honest, if it was pity, he would have left the first chance he got, or he wouldn't have even bothered coming to find him anyway. No, it was something else that drove him to Alaska, something else that made him want to help the vampire, even though he knew very little. Even with his reading and trips to the library, there was still so much he didn't know, and so much that was written he knew had to be false.

 

Close your eyes, and relax. Trust me, and I will show you Jacqueline.

 

The statement got him to relax a little and look up at the vampire slowly. He closed his eyes Luis raised his hand. His body relaxed as he allowed himself to be shown what he asked Luis to show him.

 

LONDON, 1346

 

Rene looked around at the estate that he was brought to. It was amazing to see such a past in what seemed like in person. It was a past he remembered learning about in school, but to see it, was definitely different.

 

Follow me.

 

The voice said as he looked back at Luis and quietly followed him through the gates.

 

'His home....' he thought as he looked around, occasionally pausing to take a look before making sure he didn't fall too far behind Luis.

 

Luis, this is Jacqueline Anne. She will be working for the Shinohara family and starting from tomorrow, she will be your homeroom teacher.

 

Rene paused as he watched quietly. The woman was a beautiful young woman, her eyes so full of life and no fear. He looked at the young vampire, the adorable young vampire who was much different in thie scene. Obviously this was before the scene that Zurashi had shown him, but he could still see from time to time, the same sulking young vampire that was in this memory.

 

Anne tried to shake the young vampires hand but was met without the greeting. He tilted his head slightly as he watched.

 

Excuse my son's poor manners, Miss Jacqueline.

 

A small smile crept over Rene's face as he heard the same words the morning after he had been brought to the estate that night.

 

The woman didn't seem to be bothered by it. Rather she seemed ready to get over the formalities and get down to business. He smiled slightly until he looked over at Shinohara and followed him inside the room.

 

It was strange to wander around a memory and actually interact with the objects. Despite that he took a seat and returned his focus to the memory. He tilted his head slightly as he watched Zurashi leave, but immediately understood why.

 

Young Master, do you know why I accepted this job?

 

The young woman smiled as she spoke. But despite her brightness and her politeness the young vampire didn't seem to care. Rene closed his eyes slightly and gave a slight shake of his head. A small smile crossed his lips again as he could see that even though Luis was obviously quite old, he still displayed some of that same sulky behavior.

 

But, knowing the little bit he did know, he could understand why. Still, it was cute to him, even someone so old still acted like a child from time to time.

 

You, probably think I am doing it for the money, I guess.

 

He tilted his head slightly as he listened, but her statement wasn't finished as the young vampire went to leave the room. A soft sigh escaped him as he knew the behavior as he had done the same on many occasions. His eyes shifted slightly to Luis before going back to watching.

 

The woman was not scared though, even as she tried to keep the conversation going. But she was also not going to be ignored by the brat that was before him. His eyes widened as she grabbed the young vampires wrist.

 

But she was met with a slap, he blinked and raised his hand to his mouth slightly as he was unaware of that type of violence. In fact even with Luis' aggression the vampire had never actually struck him before. It made him nervous, but he was also not the type who would just let the vampire strike him, even if he was old.

 

WHACK!!

 

The sound drew him out of his thoughts as he watched the young woman smack the back of his head. He kept his hand over his mouth as he fought the urge to chuckle. The woman was in fact fearless, and he admired her for that.

 

You!!

Me! Yes! Me, Apologize to ME!

 

The look on the young vampires face made him smile again, it was aparent that no one had ever spoken that way to him, and it shocked him. His admiration for the young woman just grew.

 

I will not--

Yes, you will. Spoiled brats don't talk back to their elders.

 

He smiled thoughtfully as he watched the scene, she was right, though even with her influence he still seemed to act like a spoiled brat. But despite that, Luis was still charming, cute, and he knew that there was a gentle side to him that he wanted to see more of. But it was apparent that the pride that vampires had was hard to break through.

 

With the argument and the foul language it wasn't surprising that the woman slapped him again. His eyes shifted back to Luis who seemed to smile at the memor. 'How cute.' he thought as he went back to watching,

 

If he hadn't known what happened later on, he would have been woried about the young vampire killing Anne, but the unwavering bravery and defiance of her was really admirable. In fact it seemed to stop the attack that young Luis who was obviously surprised by it.

 

Why are you not begging?

Begging? Why would I beg? I ask you again, Young Master. Why do you think I applied for that job?

I think it's time for you to listen to me and get your hand off my boob, Young Master.

 

He smiled in amusement again as the statement got Luis to jump off of her.

 

God, really. Is that what it took for me to get you to finally pay attention? I wonder how I am going to make you listen to my boring lessons at school.

 

Rene let out a soft laugh as he watched. She was really something, he liked her, and he wished he had a chance to meet her, though the thought made him frown. He knew he couldn't and the thought depressed him.

 

He returned to listening to the conversation as she mentioned that he saved her. She had been sold, but it was the Shinohara family that saved her from being a slave, rather she worked in the kitchen it seemed. He gave a slight smile as she mentioned that he used to steal food.

 

The woman was blamed for what happened, but he had saved her. He watched intently as he listened to the story.

 

I mean, isn't it normal for a human to save another? But there was you, a vampire. I also don't like your race, Young Master. But here I am today.

 

It's true, humans saved other humans, though he could argue that there were humans who would even turn their back on other humans, but that was a different argument. He blinked as she rose from her seat.

 

--I am ready to save you.

 

Rene's eyes widened a bit. He watched the young vampire who didn't seem to be moved by her words at all. Rather, he was ready to leave without a second thought. But paused when she spoke again.

 

Luis.., to save a human's life is a beautiful honor. Saving a human..makes you human. ..saving a beast is far more beautiful for beasts can be truly noble in heart.

 

His heart seemed to skip a beat as he remembered Vuk, and thought about Luis. Twice he chose to save a beast, or rather, what most people would call beasts. But to him, they weren't beasts, they were lives that had the right to live. While others would have turned their back, and in the case of Vuk, the kids killed him, he desired only to help and save the beasts that crossed his path. His eyes drifted down a bit as he thought about it deeply.

[Saga]

But as it seemed he cared not in that scene, in fact Luis just ran away under the pretense of being prideful. If he spent one more second near Anne, she would've made him blush. The young boy wasn't used to that kind of attitude. All the 'praising' he got was due to his pure blood, which meant he had to be brutal and make creates tremble.

 

Unfortunately Zurashi made the mistake to leave his son in his brother's hands, Luis' uncle. A brute who wouldn't accept any mercy in Luis' eyes, he needed soldiers...beasts..monsters. Humans, according to him, were nothing but a piece of meat.

 

Shinohara looked to Rene and rose up from his chair, he beckoned Verona to follow as it was really dangerous of the human to run around on his own in that place - not that he'd get lost..but rather he might see things..traumatizing things.

 

Once they exited the room, the memory grew blurry and the walls of the corridor shifted to what looked as a school basement. The bright light came from nothing by the ignited torches, the soil under their feet was the reason for that dusty air. But if there wasn't that huge circle of boys trapping one's attention in their liveliness, one could probably notice how eerie the basement was - something like a deep cave but under the school.

 

- I bet one silver farthing!! - yelled some boys in that massive circle which didn't stop swinging around from all that pulling and pushing, it seemed that some kind of 'show' was going on.

- I bet one gold coin! - a voice of some rich brat roared and made the audience even more excited.

 

Luis grabbed Rene's hand to lead him in between all that crowd so they could go to the first "rows". The young vampire was tied and pretty dirty, sitting on the ground.

 

- Come on, Shinohara! Dad said there was no other fight such like one between two vampires! - a rich human boy said that had some underground connections.

- Oh yeah! And mine said that pure blooded vampires are different!!

 

Money were thrown around and on the dirt stage where Shinohara and one more vampire stood, tied like some animals.

 

Why again had he to hold back? He could've killed everyone in the basement, but Zurashi strictly forbid Luis to use his powers to kill until he realizes the value of life. But Luis was already brain-washed enough under the influence of his uncle that his hatred was too obvious - humans weren't worth a single coin even as slaves.

 

- Dude! They are not fighting each other!

- Probably the one over there knows Luis is pure blooded and is afraid? - one of the kids wondered.

- Then let's convince them!

 

The crowd started throwing rocks at them, the cave echoed the urging yells - Fight, fight, fight!

 

Of course the vampire before Luis wouldn't dare hurt a royal, then again he was just a timid vampire who got himself caught. As for Luis, he had to obey Zurashi, his father was really scary when angry.

 

Bur from all the beating and the rocks raining on them both, Luis got injured. The royal blood flowed down his fragile neck which stirred the other vampire.

 

Shinohara wanted to show Rene what humans were, and what vampires were. The old vampire spoke as watched himself being pushed down and bitten by some low-ranked.

 

- Look, Rene. We are creatures of instincts. But tell me, what kind of creatures humans are? Do they humiliate and torture due to instincts?

 

Another twenty minutes passed before the crowd started losing interest because Shinohara refused to fight and just stood there being beaten, eaten, and humiliated as a royal would be in such a situation. No wonder the young vampire disliked his father so much back then.

 

Once everyone left, commenting on their way out the basement how much money they lost or won, Luis finally sat up. His clothes dirtied with blood and soil, the vampire's eyes were closed as he pretended to be unconscious. Once he opened his eyes, the amber glowed in the dark.

 

- ..And she called me a spoiled brat... - the young vampire mumbled as it was one week after he met Anne and he kept avoiding her, in fact he was skipping her lessons right now.

 

The boy easily broke free, reaching for his awfully wounded neck. If he could only fight back, he would decorate the school's gates with these bastards' guts.

 

He stared at the ground, coins, blood and dirt surrounded him. Once he imagined his long-lasting life ahead, it sickened him. Humans had it nice, all that mortality.

 

From the far running steps echoed, the young vampire frowned as hurried to hide into some corner where the light didn't reach him.

 

- Luis? Luuuuis? - Anne called, rushing inside the basement.

 

The young vampire spat in quiet voice,

- How humiliating..

 

- Luis? - the woman paused right beside where Rene was standing, looking around, - I know you are here, come out!

- ...

- ... - the woman sighed deeply, - Why must you be so stubborn? Come out, you skipped my lesson---!! My god!

 

She saw the state Luis was in once he stepped into the light. It was horrid, all that blood and dirt.

 

- What were you doing!? Did you fight again!?

 

The vampire frowned, how could he say that he didn't fight but was rather the one beaten!?

- So what if I did? - spat he.

- I told you to not fight! Even your father said you are to fight not! Did you hurt anyone?

- Yeah, right. I did. I ate one human and the others ran away. - he rolled eyes, patting his trousers off the dirt as much as possible.

 

Of course Anne could tell when he lied so she stared at him with a frown.

- Let me help yo--

- Stay away! I don't need your help, you are annoying!

- You are the annoying one! - she crossed arms before chest but then her frown softened, - You lied to me, you didn't fight, right?

 

Shinohara kept patting his clothes, pretending to be busy.

 

- Are you in pain? - she broke the silence and worriedly stared at him.

- I feel no pain. - acted he, or not. It was the result of his 'training' under his uncle's watch.

 

WHACK!

 

- ...WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

- Did it hurt? - she grinned after smacking the kid.

- ...It did no--

 

WHACK!

 

Luis frowned and grabbed the woman's hand after she smacked him again,

 

- I will break you arm if you hit me again.

- You would've broken it long ago if you really wanted to. Now, don't sulk and let's get you cleaned. - she ruffled his dirty hair.

[KohakuShadow]

Rene tilted his head slightly as he watched the young boy run, a slight smile he got was because he sensed something, something that made the young boy seem so cute.

 

Rene returned his attention to the young woman who sat, not going after him, she was an intriguing woman and he really did like her fearless nature. He thought to himself he needed to continue to be himself. There was obviously something Luis found interesting about him, and he wasn't about to change just because he found out the existance of vampires and that Luis was from a very old clan.

 

If anything, none of that mattered to him, Luis was Luis, it didn't matter what he was or how old he was, Rene was intrigued by him because he was the first person to show him the way he knew things were, not what people wanted to believe.

 

He looked up as Luis got up and beckoned to him. He got up and quickly began to follow, but, for a moment pausing to look back at Anne. He frowned a bit as he knew what her fate was, he wondered if she too knew that at some point that would be the case. He then turned and left, making sure that he didn't lag too far behind Shinohara.

 

As the memory changed he looked around, all the while making sure he didn't fall behind. It was dark, and dirty, the light from the torchers the only thing that gave any visibility. He blinked as he paused and stared at the circle of boys. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched and listened to the bets that were being shouted.

 

His teeth gritted as the boys reminded him of the boys he encountered in his own schooling days. His anger paused as he felt Luis grab him. He blinked and followed him through the crowd and his eyes saw the boy who was on the ground. 'Luis....' he thought as he had the urge to do something, but stopped as he remembered it was a memory.

 

Come on, Shinohara! Dad said there was no other fight such like one between two vampires!

Oh yeah! And mine said that pure blooded vampires are different!!

 

He frowned as he watched the boys get excited and through their money around. He looked at the two vampires as the shouting and excitement grew. But even as they were ready for the fight Luis did not budge. He blinked as he watched hoping that it was going to end, but frowned more as the boys started to throw rocks and chanted Fight.

 

Rene fought the urge to look away because he needed to. He had to. The rock that drew blood was the thing that cuased the other vampire to finally attack Luis, though despite that, Luis did not fight back. His eyes grew sad as he begane to understand even more Luis' confliction about humans.

 

Look, Rene. We are creatures of instincts. But tell me, what kind of creatures humans are? Do they humiliate and torture due to instincts?*

 

Rene frowned and looked up at Luis, looked back at the crowd as he remembered what his own mother told him after he too had gotten beaten up by the boys who killed Vuk. He unconciously squeezed at Luis' hand before letting go slowly. Humans were sick, not all humans, but there were a lot who were, a lot who did such horrible things all in the name of fun. “......”

 

Afterwards the silence was all that was left, silence except for the young boy who finally got up after all of that. The rage and anger was apparent and he didn't blame the young vampire, he too felt anger, and he would have been pleased to see the vampire kill all of the people in the basement.

 

It was the sound of a familiar voice that broke the silence, and sure enough, it was Anne who had come down looking for him. She was of course surprised to see what happened to Luis and tried to help him, but being the prideful vampire he was he didn't want it.

 

Despite his attempt to lie to her, she seemed to see right through it. More, she was relieved he did not fight.

 

Are you in pain?

I feel no pain.

 

WHACK!

 

A little bit of a smile came across his face as she was not afraid to hit him again. It was still cute that he tried to ignore and brush off the slaps she gave him. Rene really did like Anne, and he was glad that she was a part of his life because she was someone who was not moved by his status.

 

I will break you arm if you hit me again.

You would've broken it long ago if you really wanted to. Now, don't sulk and let's get you cleaned.

 

He smiled just slightly again as he watched, it was true, which was similar to when he had fallen asleep in that room. Why wasn't he scared? Because he knew if Luis wanted to kill him, he would have done it a while ago. Even now, with the occasional moments where he did get nervous and scared of Luis, it wasn't the type of fear that would make him run. He just didn't want to hurt Luis, he just wanted to see the cute and adventurous boy that he saw before.

[Saga]

The vampire watched the two figures from the past with his hands jabbed in his pants' pockets, he missed Anne and if he were asked whether he loved her or not - he'd probably deny it but deep inside he knew, he loved that human. Which was the reason why he picked that scene, to show it to Rene.

 

Luis took out one of his hands off his pocket and with a gentle swing of fingers he made the scene blur out and in to a different day, different place, different kind of pain.

 

They were in Anne's room, the woman was writing her report to Zurashi as the vampire was almost always away, not like Luis didn't care but he got used to the feeling of being somewhat fatherless.

 

As the human woman kept scribbling down, excited to share her days with Luis and what a wonderful child he was just he had open to people and vampires, suddenly the door was slammed open.

 

- Miss!! Hurry! Please! - one of the maids looked so disorientated and scared, trying to catch her breath through dry lips.

- What is going on? Did Luis do something again? - she frowned.

- NO! HIS UNCLE! Luis might die!

 

Anne's eyes widened. She remembered Zurashi's warnings about Luis' uncle. He was the one who usually trained young, royal vampires but as the only heir of the oldest clan, Luis, was put through a training..which was horrifying even in the eyes of vampires, what to say if through the eyes of a human.

 

The young and beautiful women rushed as fast as possible through the corridors and stairs, Shinohara's residence was truly enormous. If Anne was mesmerized by its size at first, now she was cursing for taking so long to reach the far wing where the training grounds were.

 

Luis from the present, who accompanied Rene, this time chose to leave the human alone. He did not watch to watch such a thing so he put a spell on Rene in order to guide him through the past and left the hypnosis. If Rene really wanted to follow Anne and see what she saw, he could follow her or just leave the 'memories' like Luis.

 

Once the vampire left the memories, Rene was taken to a dark corridor where Anne's rushing steps whipped the floors, heavy breathing could be heard but as close as she was getting to the training grounds - that distinguished noise of a human in rush...disappeared. It was swallowed by the horrible screams coming from behind a huge gate.

 

- Luis!!! - Anne shrieked in worry, she pushed against the gates and they slowly opened.

 

When enough of space was provided for her body to slip through the opening, she quickly moved and let go of the gates which slammed behind her. Once her eyes witnessed the horrible scene, her skin grew pale, her hairs stood up - goosebumps would come and go in waves. The woman fell silent.

 

All the kids that took part in the little 'bidding game' in that basement were tied and screaming while the low-ranked vampire who drank from Luis was tortured by his uncle. As for Luis, he was sitting on a chair, like a soulless doll. But little Anne knew what was happening. In her mind it looked like Luis and his uncle were getting back at these children, but the truth was - Luis had to make a choice. If he wanted one of his own to survive the night, he had to drink from all these human children until they drop dead. But there he was, watching his own kind tortured, being scolded by his uncle while the humans were screaming because of fear. Fear that the blood ponds around them from the low-rank vampire would soon awake Luis' urge to kill humans.

 

- Wha..What is going on? Luis? - Anne looked his way but Luis could not move. His training with his uncle was not really physical one - why would his uncle train a royal who has the strongest blood running through his veins? His training was mental.

 

Luis' uncle abhorred humans, he saw potential in Luis. He had no children of his own but he was planning to turn Zurashi's son into the strongest vampire in their history, a vampire who would make both, humans and vampires, submit to their ''reign''.

 

The children saw light, a ray of hope, when they saw their teacher. They started begging to be saved, to be freed. Which disturbed Luis' uncle 'atmosphere'.

 

- Who are you? - a deep and filled with hatred echoed.

 

Anne flinched and looked from Luis to the other man, who was cleaning his claws from the vampire blood. The low-ranked vampire's stomach was open and little logic and calculations on Anne's part led to the conclusion - was Luis' uncle playing with that vampire's boys guts? The woman stumbled backwards in fear.

 

- I ask again. Who are you? - his brows locked in a frown.

- I..I-I am Anne, L-Luis' caretaker and teacher.. - the woman responded like under a command.

- Ha? A human is his caretaker? Why have I not been informed about such an important matter?

 

Luis was sitting there, his eyes dead and zoning out into the blood in front of him. It was easy to choose, was it not? Save your kind, let the rest die. While the boy was still into that trance-like state, a high-pitched scream startled him. His body flinched and he looked to the side, where Anne was fighting against his uncle's grip.

 

Shinohara's heir's eyes grew to that warm amber color and his body shot up as if hot water were thrown over it.

 

- Uncle! - Luis rose his voice.

 

The other vampire threw a glance to the boy,

- Did you make a choice?

- Choice..no..I.. - Luis was to be put into that trance state once again, not able to go against his uncle.

- THEN SIT DOWN! - he yelled.

 

Luis started to tremble and quietly sat down but Anne quickly caught up why Zurashi was so concerned about his son when with that particular vampire.

 

- LUIS! GET UP! - said she.

 

The young boy lifted his chin, what was Anne doing? Did she not know that the vampire who held her neck in his palm could easily snap it in two? Luis shook his head, not because he wanted to disobey Anne but rather giving her the signs - 'do not speak more'.

 

If she owned Luis who saved her in the past, she could not let go. She should not. Her humanity spoke and she continued talking,

 

- Look at you, Luis! Where is your cocky attitude you always show me? Or is it just a mask you put on to act tough? It is okay to be weak, but you are not! HESITATING to kill humans! If that is not strength, tell me what else would be such!?

 

Luis' uncle growled and slammed Anne against a wall, probably breaking a rib because the woman coughed blood. The young boy's mental state was unstable, he just froze there.

 

- I see. So you and that little whore have something going on, is that right, Luis? - his uncle dragged the wounded woman to the table where his instruments for torture were placed. He did not even bother to remove all sorts of knives and such and slammed her body onto that table.

 

- Unc..Uncle..Zurashi's law... Luis tried to speak even though he looked afraid.

- Law? Ah..The law. ''Do not harm humans'', was it? Well, Luis. This is going to be our little secret, right? Or... - his uncle smiled and looked over his shoulder - you can save her.

 

Luis, unaware of his amber eyes, flinched. His uncle knew that Luis refused blood and he wondered until when could he keep it up. The older vampire easily tore Anne's clothes even though she was struggling, but he still continued to talk to Luis.

 

- You can make another choice. Drink from her or kill that trash there, he is about to die anyway. - his hand pointed to the low-rank vampire.

 

Shinohara's heir had witnessed such horrible things but he was still pure, he had never killed. Yet his uncle was making it clear. Then again, what proof did Luis have that Anne would not be killed? The boy looked down and his eyes saddened, did he not tell Anne that humans die around vampires? Why would she even try so hard?

 

- Luis! Do not listen to him! - she kept struggling through the pain she felt but she would not let that boy become a murderer or even worse, have a young royal drink blood and go on rampage.

 

It took a single slap to send Anne unconscious, his uncle really disliked the noisy type. Once Anne lost consciousness, the kids continued to scream. Their ray of hope was suddenly gone.

 

- So? What are you going to do, Luis? - his uncle turned around to look at the boy.

- I.. - Shinohara clenched fists around his loose pants, squeezing hands as if that made him stronger - Uncle..Zurashi will punish you...we have to stop..

 

The man got angry,

- Zurashi, Zurashi... it's all you know. You weakling, hiding behind your father's power. Is that all you can do?

- I.. - Luis looked up and saw Anne's unconscious body onto the table with blood dripping off her mouth, - Uncle..I can't do what you are asking me to. I have to obey Zurashi. - once again he hid behind his father, using his father as an excuse.

 

- You seem to misunderstand something, Luis. You think I will not hurt you if you fail my training. Get up and take off your coat. - his uncle rolled his sleeves up calmly, clearly about to 'discipline' the young boy.

 

Shinohara knew very well that disobeying his uncle ever resulted in pain, physical pain. That was the reason why he clenched fists. No one else knew how strong his uncle was but Luis himself. After all, he was Zurashi's brother, it would humiliating if he was a weakling. But between his uncle and his father, Luis knew who was stronger. And if he had to take on his father's wrath - Luis preferred to drop dead instead.

 

The young boy got up, taking his coat off.

 

- Maybe if I make you bleed enough with a wound in a place hard to notice, you will finally drink? - so said, just before Luis could look up his uncle was already piercing the young vampire through his stomach.

 

The shock was enough for him to freeze at one place, he could not even utter a single word. His eyes started to glow, his claws growing as his fangs poked behind crimson lips.

 

- I really have high hopes for you, Luis. Do not disappoint me or I will not waver killing you. - his uncle retreated his hand, the room filled with the wonderful aroma of the royal's blood.

 

- Ngghahh! - Luis finally reacted to the pain and dropped on his knees. Unable to move himself, his uncle dragged him by the arm right to the unconscious woman.

 

- Now then, drink if you do not want to die.

 

His uncle though misunderstood something as well. Luis did not fear death, and triggering Luis' powers in such way was dangerous. When such a royal vampire was triggered, he could fight equal to another royal.

 

- Uncle..I...will follow..Zurashi's law.. - his claws digging into the hard surface under his hands, the table on which Anne was on started to slightly bend.

 

His uncle of course caught up.

- Oh...I see. Was that what you were trying to do, Luis? To get me trigger your powers so you can make me leave?

 

The young boy grinned through bloody fangs and looked to the other vampire's direction,

- I, indeed, have many weaknesses, Uncle. But if you only have one, I know it the best than anyone else.

- My, my. Where did the scared boy go? Were you not trembling a minute ago?

- Did you not train me for that purpose? - Luis could barely hold onto his consciousness, he could black out or jump a human any moment soon but he stood there, staring into his uncle's eyes.

 

- I must admit, you are my best student. But you should know..you can't win against me in that state of yours.

- True. But I can die trying. And if I die...the one vampire you fear would come after you. Am I not right, Uncle? Do you not fear Zurashi?

 

- Silence, you ignorant brat. Look what your father is doing to our kind. Starving us, making us into Vatican's pets.

 

Indeed Luis also disliked Vatican but more than Vatican he disliked vampires who harbored the greed typical for humans.

 

- I.. - Luis made a step forth and helped his body up against the table - I am..the heir of Shinohara's clan, the oldest clan in our history. I banish you in my father's stead, may you have a disagreement upon my decision, shall Zarkovnjii Shinohara judge you instead. You are banished, Vergil Shinohara.

 

His uncle's eyes winded as Luis just recited the script of an official banishment from the vampire's society.

 

- You... remember my words, you brat. If you ever stand before my eyes again, I will kill you. - his uncle disappeared into the dark, bedding his farewell with a great warning towards the only heir of Shinohara's throne. In fact, that was something Luis was told by his father, to never challenge his uncle because that would mean he would be in danger. And if Luis died, the one who would rule them all would be Vergil.

 

Left in the training grounds, Luis vision started to blur heavily. But he had things to do. Was not what Anne said? That he was strong. He would not bend a knee, not after someone tried to save him. Not after his vampire's pride was on the line.

 

The young boy moved, taking from the ground pieces of Anne's torn clothes to soak some of the royal blood in. Once some amount gathered, he limped his way to the low-ranked. He was half-dead actually. Luis squeezed the gathered blood from the clothe onto his wounds. It was enough to prevent death at least.

 

Then he limped to the table again to take a knife, heading to the tied human children who shook in fear, trying to inch away from him. As if they believed, after all he did to save them, that he was...a monster, and nothing more. Luis felt sad because they were not wrong - he was a monster. Who would move around with a hole in his guts? It was not normal and anyone would scream in horror, especially with that knife in his hand.

 

- I have one advice to you all. - said Luis as he lowered down and sat on the floor, letting his guard down beckoning them to come and have their ropes cut, - Forget what you saw, speak of it not...and once you go out from this house..leave the town. Do not dare to come back or I..I will kill you.

 

Of course Luis did not plan to kill anyone. He just wanted the kids to leave town, he would not be able to take it if they made him 'the monster at school' and avoid him. At least when he was bullied, he still was around humans - living beings. How funny it felt, it made him chuckle while cutting ropes off and watching them run fast - one after another.

 

Again, the silence reigned. One low-ranked unconscious and one human unconscious. He had to carry them fast outside to get them treated or things might end up bad. He could not choose, again. So Luis thought, even if it costed him his life - something Zurashi always scolded him for, he had to move them. The wounded vampire easily lifted the woman in his arms. His raw powers would not last long, so he limped quickly with her in arms to the unconscious vampire. As it was hard to lift the other too, he had to drag him along.

 

The boy limped quickly towards the gates, leaving a fresh trail of blood behind him. It was not hard to open the heavy gates, but once he used more of his powers, he noticed that his vision was gone. Just like a human fainting, seconds before fainting their vision disappears. But Shinohara continued to limp even though he could not see.

 

Once he made it out the corridor, the maid who waited there screamed. She did not know what to be worried about, the two unconscious bodies or the heir who was about to die!? The woman rushed to get some help, which was like a relief for Luis. He felt safe and exhausted. He wondered if napping now would be a good idea. So the vampire, left the bodies down on the ground and fell asleep as well.

 

So did the memory started to dissolve, leaving Rene with the sight of three wounded bodies - whether a vampire or a human, Luis' reason to show it to Rene was,

 

..we all get hurt.

[KohakuShadow]

Rene's gaze went from the scenes to Luis, his eyes glistened with sadness as he watched the vampire. He turned back to the scene and sighed softly. It didn't take much for him to figure out what Luis would never admit, but it was obvious, he could see it in the way Luis looked, and it didn't surprise him, she seemed like an amazing woman, someone who seemed to help Luis not lose his way.

 

He would thank her for that, though he knew she would also probably be just as frustrated with some of his behavior as he got. But that was to be expected, despite his age, he still had this childlike attitude, something that while it was irritating at times, he did find charming.

 

He smiled inwardly as the thought crossed his mind, but his focus went back to the images before him, he blinked and tilted his head slightly as he watched Anne. He couldn't help but move among the ghosts of the past and look at what she was writing, but it wasn't long until the silence was disturbed by the frightened maid.

 

“NO! HIS UNCLE! Luis might die!”

 

The statement made his body tense, he watched as Anne seemed to understand what that meant, while he didn't he knew he would find out. He watched as the young woman ran out of her room, he turned to look back at Luis, but found that he was nowhere to be seen.

 

“L...Luis...?” he said softly, he grew nervous for Luis had said nothing, he just left, which told him that what he was about to see was not going to be good. He took a step forward and hesitated again, he frowned as the voices told him to turn back, but he couldn't so he just turned and followed the worried woman through the estate.

 

It didn't surprise him that the memories took him to where Anne ended up, he haulted in his tracks as he heard the screams. It was horrible, disturbing as he continued after Anne. He squeezed through the opening she had made in the gates and froze as he saw the scene, it was even more horrible than the screams, but still he continued to watch.

 

He could see why they were screaming, the smell of blood and death filled the air, as he watched Luis sit still, in a state that he had never seen before. A state that was unlike the vampire he knew. He didn't understand what was going on or why, but he could see that Anne knew, and whatever it was, he knew it was not good.

 

“Wha...What is going on? Luis?”

 

He heard her say finally, a slight sigh escaped his lips as he felt like it was finally over, with Anne there everything would be ok.

 

“Who are you?”

 

The feeling died as quickly as it came as he heard a voice, filled with hate, a deep voice that made him shudder. He followed Anne's gaze to the man who was clearly responsible for all of this. He also got a clearer image of what was going on, the guts of the vampire being played with.

 

The sight disgusted him and made him nervous, but at the same time, it angered him, someone who would torture not only humans but their own kind was clearly, a monster.

 

The conversation left the Vampire curious and probably annoyed, annoyed at the fact that a lowly human was taking care of Luis. Rene's hands clenched into a fist as he could only watch as the Vampire man-handled Anne without any real effort. The strength of a vampire was both stunning and frightening.

 

But the scream seemed to wake Luis from his trance, something that he was relieved about. But Luis' Uncle took the opportunity to once again stop Luis in his tracks.

 

“Did you make a choice?”

“Choice....no....I....”

“THEN SIT DOWN!”

 

The voice even made Rene shrink back a bit, and in the moment what he was watching became clear to him. “would you save a beast or a child” the question caused his eyes to widen, his hands relaxed at his side as he got an idea as to why Luis asked the question. He remained standing there, lost in the thought of the question, the meaning behind it, the meaning behind seeing this memory until he heard the familiar and strong voice of Anne.

 

“LUIS! GET UP!”

 

He looked over quickly to watch what happened next, he knew he would have plenty of time to think about the question, but he had to watch, to learn. This was the choice he made and he wanted to learn. Anne was really amazing to him, so strong and sure of what she believed in. He admired that.

 

He flinched as he heard the thud against the wall, and the blood that Anne coughed up. If he hadn't already known how she died, he would have thought that she would die right there. But it still startled him and disturbed him to watch Luis' Uncle slam Anne onto the torture table.

 

Rene turned back as he heard the Frightened Luis speak to his uncle, something that didn't seem to phase the vampire at all. “Do not harm humans” he muttered to himself as he rubbed his arm, a law that obviously Luis' Uncle cared nothing about, if anything, he seemed to enjoy the fact that he was more than willing to break the law.

 

He wanted to scream at Luis, tell him to save Anne, something, anything, but it was merely a memory, ghosts from the past that he could do nothing about. These were events that had already happened, he was at the mercy of these memories.

 

He made him angry, all of the “choices” that were forced upon Luis, which weren't real choices, they were choices that were created by his Uncle to force him, to manipulate him into something that he wanted. It killed him more to see Luis so unsure, so hesitant of everything, he placed a hand over his stomach a bit as he could feel a pit grow.

 

The feeling didn't last long as Rene turned around quickly at the sound of a slap, and Anne losing conciousness from what his uncle did, the screams seemed to get louder and more maddening as the situation seemed to get worse.

 

“Zurashi will punish you.”

 

The statement pissed off the Vampire, Rene felt it was safe to think that this Vampire probably hated Zurashi.

 

You seem to misunderstand something, Luis. You think I will not hurt you if you fail my training. Get up and take off your coat.

 

The statement caused Rene to shiver again, whatever was going to come next, was going to be horrible, and it didn't seem to take long for his assumption to be true. The sound of Luis in pain caused Rene to close his eyes for a moment, as he saw the vampire pierce his stomach. It made him sick, sick to see and sick to know what Luis had gone through with this horrible man.

 

Uncle..I...will follow..Zurashi's law..

 

Rene once again forced himself to look at the scene that played out before him. Luis was more like the man he knew now, confident and unwavering, but it still concerned him, this man was strong, Luis was still young and it still made him worry about Luis.

 

I am..the heir of Shinohara's clan, the oldest clan in our history. I banish you in my father's stead, may you have a disagreement upon my decision, shall Zarkovnjii Shinohara judge you instead. You are banished,*Vergil Shinohara.*

 

The statement Luis recited seemed to stop his uncle in his tracks, a moment that relieved Rene even though everything still seemed so dire. It didn't help that the man, threatened Luis as he left, and just from watching, Rene knew this man would follow through on his threats given the chance. The situation seemed to be mitigated, but the question of what would happen in the future was clearly something that must be on Luis' mind even if he wouldn't say anything.

 

So many thoughts, and questions ran through his mind as he watched the boy labor around the room, and heal the vampire as well as save Anne. But the fact that he let the kids live, on the condition of never coming back again brought up the question of saving a beast and a child. He remembered his own answer, why not save both, and there before him, he witnessed a vampire saving both, the scene filled him with a slight bit of hope, he had never faltered on his answer and this further confirmed his own thought. He would save both if given the chance, anyone, creature or human deserved to live.

 

He watched the memories fade, as he watched Luis save the two, and fall into a deep sleep, but it was clear, everyone ends up hurt, regardless of who or what you are, and the thought which was an equalizer for any living thing, still left him saddened by that truth.

[Saga]

The memories finally dissolved, presenting them both back to where they were to begin in - in that spacious room in Alaska. Luis was sitting on his chair, sipping his water calmly. He wanted Rene to see Anne, to see why Luis treated humans well and yet stayed away from them. They were fragile, mortal and often fell to the initial emotion - fear. But still, some of them would throw their lives away just to fight for something they believe in - that was no different from how vampire's pride worked.

 

But there was one more reason for Luis to pick that horrible scene for last.

 

Rene chose to be with Luis, to be around a royal. Probably if he were to be together with a low-ranked, things would be safer. However, Rene had to know that except for Zurashi, Luis and a few loyal vampires to the Shinohara's family - all the rest hated that clan. They hated Zurashi's reign and certainly they did not fancy Luis, who as a heir followed his father's law. If some of them had the chance to kill Zurashi - they would. If some of them had the chance to get to Luis - they would. Rene on his own was enough of a reason for some vampires to use the human as a way to get to the heir. Even the Vatican would not stand by, if they knew they had the perfect weapon to keep Luis on a leash.

 

And once again that would trigger Luis' pride. If someone thought that they could touch 'his things'. Probably having that mind-set was unhealthy but Shinohara was for a first time in 400 years attracted to someone, to a human. Of course he did not know how to behave, how to 'think of it' - so he covered it up with ...pride.

 

- Welcome back, my Queen. I suppose by now you are aware how our 'society' works. - Luis glanced to Rene with a faint smile, - There is no mercy and certainly no good intentions. And I am--

 

Luis paused with a very deep frown on his face. His body rose and he looked to the door's direction.

 

- Rene, meal time is over. We have to go. - Luis seemed in a hurry.