Author's Note : this is a rewrite of chapter one. I'm taking up the project again with renewed passion and I hope you guys would love this version better. If you see anything you like, don't like tell me about it. I would love to hear what you think. Thanks for reading!
Enjoy!
Chapter One
The morning was like all others that had come before it. Well, it was not morning for humans as the orange moderately warm sun had began to set, but it was morning for Lance and therefore time to wake up the king.
It wasn't that they, The Blue Eyed Vampire clan, could not live under the sun, their fair skin was highly tolerant of it. It was their eyes that suffered under the sun. Sensitive as it was, the light rays were incredibly piercing.
Lance gave the king another ten minutes of sleep knowing all too well how the king liked to complain that they never let him sleep in. Lance smiled, Naruto was such a spoilt king. The type that would surely appal the human race.
After ten minutes flew by and it seems guests had began to arrive, their voices echoing through the wide halls of Akatsuki castle, Lance pushed away from the wall he had been leaning on and approached the double sided door that almost touched the roof.
"Your majesty, "said Lance as he knocked once then twice on the door, "I'm coming in. "No sound came through the door and Lance with his hand on the hilt of his sword, opened the door.
He stepped into the dark room but his eyes saw as though it was daytime. He approached the window avoiding the toys scattered around on the floor. Why his majesty enjoyed playing with them Lance did not understand. They were many of them thrown haphazardly around for anyone to trip on. The king seemed to value them highly, Lance would not be the one to destroy any of them.
Safely maneuvering his way to the window without stepping on anything— which wasn't difficult having gotten used to it, Lance lifted up the drapes and the bright moon light shone into the room, settling on gold hair, turned silver by the light.
Naruto let out a groan and sat up blinking his wide blue eyes and rubbing at them to drive out sleep. How adorable, thought Lance with a smile.
"Good morning, your majesty, "said Lance, a hand to his chest as all knights greeted their superiors. Of course the king was the only one he ever showed this to.
"Lance? Why are you here? Did you stand guard in front of my door again? "
Lance did not confirm the king's assumptions, it was usual for him to ask questions like this, "your majesty, the guest are arriving, you should get ready now,"he said.
The king eyed him for a moment and sighed. "I have told you before Lance, it's not your duty to guard me, there are Negatives for that. You should be at home with your wife, do you want her to hate me more and say that I am stealing you away? "
Lance only smiled, "no one can hate you, my king, "he said, "and you had me long before she was born, she can't complain knowing how I have sworn my life to you. "The king seemed to enjoy reminding Lance about his wife and children even though he knew fully well that Lance would never leave him for them. Maybe he was worried about betrayal or being abandoned. Lance could never hope to understand Naruto's reasoning, how he could think there was anyone who would ever abandon or betray him. Naruto was well loved and the people, including the human population that live in Elfim, adored him. That is why they were all gathered today to celebrate with him.
Silence from Naruto caused Lance to start, "your majesty, we must get you ready for the party. You don't want to keep your guest waiting—"
"Ah ah, "the king groaned, his eyes falling close for a moment. He sighed and opened his eyes to stare at Lance, who frowned, "remind me again why we are having this stupid party? "
"Your majesty, "Lance admonished, "this is a celebration on your honor, everyone is taking it very seriously. "
"Yes yes, "grumbled the king as he started to push aside red blankets embroidered with gold thread.
Lance quickly got his royal slippers from under the bed and position them on the mini stair in front of the bed. Naruto looked down at him for a silent moment before allowing Lance to grab his small pale feet and slip on his slippers.
"Thank you Lance, now you can get Joann, she will get me dressed. "He climbed down the stairs and stood, a very impressive height for his body that was not much older from a twelve year old human. His blonde hair was pressed from sleeping but his blue eyes were as brilliant as always.
Lance knelt, smiled up at his king, "Happy birthday, your majesty, "he said.
The king smiled broadly, "thank you. ha, I'll never get used to being known as five hundred years old, "he laughed.
"And of course, you are much older. "
Naruto nodded, "but this is good, for the people since I can't really remember my birthday. It's good to have a birthday, I'm going to get lots of gift! "Smiling broadly, the king gestured at Lance, "go on, I want to get dressed. "
Seeing Naruto in high spirits allowed Lance to feel relieved, like a weight dropping off his shoulder. Naruto always looked like he didn't enjoy much these days, always locking himself in his room without a word to anyone. It seemed the only thing he enjoyed was playing with these toys. This party should do him some good, give him a chance to socialize and have fun with living people. Always being inside Akatsuki castle, never going out or meeting new people, was surely what was wrong with Naruto. It's not as though Naruto was not allowed to leave the castle, but it wasn't proper for him to be seen too frequently. Lance and the others decided the king needed to be revered as a God which he was now. He was.
Lance smiled, "yes, I will get Joann for you. "He exited his majesty's room and saw the young Negative with her fellow retinue standing outside. They bowed their heads, never meeting his eyes as always, "you may go in, " he told them. "Be quick. "
"Yes Your Excellency, "Joann replied, and with their heads lowered, the group of men and women followed behind her into the room. They would arrange the king's room, even though he always wanted things to be left as it is in there, but they can't. The room has not been cleaned for three days on the king's orders, from what Lance had seen, anymore and they would be in trouble.
Lance leaned on the wall again and waited. He never hated waiting, he has been doing it all his life for Naruto, for his king. He'd wait forever if Naruto wished it.
Dressed richly in white shirt with frilly sleeves, red shorts and a kingly red cape embroidered with red and silver threads, and embellished in beads, Naruto stepped out of his room. He found Lance standing outside his door as he had expected, his eyes close, silver hair falling over one eye. Standing like that he looked like a hero from one of those adventure novels Sasori sent him. Good looks and good sense of loyalty, Lance was certainly the ideal Knight.
His blue eyes opened and Naruto smiled at him, "You were waiting for me again, "he said.
"Of course, I want to accompany you to the party, your majesty, "Lance replied, standing now with one hand on his sword.
Naruto nodded, it was the reply he had expected. When would Lance learn that Naruto didn't need him to wait around for him? He was a General in his own right now, he had other responsibilities, he should be able to leave the taking care of Naruto to someone else. Naruto inwardly sighed. Even though he told Lance practically every time that he didn't need to be catered for and watched so closely, the stubborn man refused to stop.
"Thanks, "said Naruto. "Has the party started already? "He asked as he fell into step with Lance walking closely but a little behind him.
"Yes, the guest are all here and they are excited to see your majesty, "Lance replied with a pleased smile.
Naruto smiled back, a false smile that he had practiced in the mirror to look genuine enough to fool even Lance. The man watched him too closely for signs of unhappiness which made him even more determined to be around Naruto. It's not that Naruto didn't want him around, no, he valued Lance highly, that is why he wanted the man to have a life outside of him. Naruto couldn't have that.
The life of a king, even though one that was practically just a figure head at this point, was too demanding. A lot of people were counting on him to keep The Blue Eyed Vampire clan alive. He couldn't disappoint them, and unfortunately for him that meant he had to make certain sacrifices, such as abandoning his desire to travel the world and try new things. Creating the Blue Eyed Vampire clan wasn't meant to take all that away, but the more famous they became, the bigger their world got. People, vampires alike came to them and suddenly he was king to an entire city. As king he couldn't leave and do whatever he wanted. It was hard to find happiness in what has become like a prison to him.
The sound of music grew closer as they climbed down spiraled stairs with polished wood railings. Akatsuki castle was beautiful, built almost three hundred years ago from scratch. The arched hallways were wide and went on for way too long. Naruto always hated having to walk it, especially with the weight of his jeweled crown cresting his head. This was his birthday and he needed to look happy, overjoyed that his people were once again there to celebrate with him, but why did he feel as if a dark shadow was on his back? A hollow feeling in his chest, like something was missing made it so much harder for him to even put on the act that was expected of him. This feeling was not new, It had been going on for sometime now, growing worst each day.
Naruto couldn't pinpoint exactly why he felt so bad most of the day, spending it alone playing with his toys or sleeping at odd times in the afternoon. Either way, the thought of going to this birthday party his people had organized for him wasn't filling him with joy.
"Your majesty?"Naruto blinked and looked sideways at the pale handsome face of Lance who was staring at him with a worried frown. Huh? Had he been lost in thought for too long?
"What is it, Lance? "He asked, putting on a smile, his eyes slanting close.
"Is something wrong your majesty? "He asked.
Naruto laughed, "nope, I'm good. Why? You worry too much Lance, no wonder your wife is always complaining that you are ruining your good looks."
A puzzled but not distracted look set on Lance's face. "Your majesty, when did she complain to you? "
Naruto shook his head, "forget it, doesn't matter. We are here now. "He looked at the Negatives standing by the closed double sided door and they moved to open the doors. At once the music from inside got louder and the brightness was almost too piercing. The trumpet sounded his arrival.
Naruto smiled at Lance once before walking into the room. The music stopped, along with the chattering voices of people, all eyes stared towards him. In this room was only the Fullbloods and some Positives; the Fullbloods identified by their blue eyes.
Would be nice to see other eye colours, thought Naruto as he walked towards the stairs and red carpet that trailed to the throne, seeing blue eyes everyday was so boring. Still he smiled at his people and nodded at them. So many unfamiliar faces stared at him, some with smiles others with smug looks of respect and smirks of pride, Naruto guessed. Were this really his people? He didn't know a thing about them, barely knew any names.
Keeping his smiling pleased expression Naruto made it to the throne seat. Left and right of it were five and four lower but gold made seats meant for the Nines. Only one of them was seated there, and she stood now giving Naruto a formal bow. Nashiki.
Naruto returned the nod and turned to face the crowd of blue eyed guests, dressed richly in fine clothes that glittered and shimmered.
"You can continue, "he waved and movement started again, the images of beautiful faces started moving and producing words, music blared from the speakers and all was once again as it was.
Naruto sighed and almost flopped into his seat if not for Lance who arrived and pushed the royal stool under his legs. Apparently it was unbecoming for a king's leg to dangle from his throne. Naruto smiled at him when he looked up, he smiled back as always and took position to Naruto's right standing. Naruto had long given up on him ever seating down along with the other Nines. Where were they anyway? No matter how much he searched, Naruto could not find anyone of them besides Lance and Nishiki. Did they decide not to attend the party? Ah, that would be nice. Just as Naruto started to feel a glow, another trumpet sounded. He scoffed as their names were announced:
"His Excellency, Nagato, his Excellency Yahiko, her Excellency, Yoko, her Excellency, Konan arrive! "Cried the announcer. A young bald Negative.
They filed in looking all high and mighty. Words of adoration poured out from the lips of the audience who obviously thought they were very cool. Were they really? Naruto's lips curled, when did he make such arrogant people.
The Nines walked in a straight line led by Nagato. The violet haired man had eyes covered by a pair of glasses trained solely on Naruto, effectively ignoring his admirers who tried to get him to look at them even once. What does he want now?
Lance laughed, " Your majesty, Nagato is very displeased with you because of how you have shirked most of your duty to him, "Lance said.
Naruto buried into the seat, "he is not going to give me grief about that right now is he? That four eyed jerk, he should just let it go already, jeez. "
Lance chuckled, Naruto would have glared at him because he was really serious but now the four had neared him.
"Your majesty, "they chorused and bowed in almost perfect sync, all led by Nagato. He was more of a king than Naruto felt.
"Yahiko, Konan, Nagato, and Yoko, you all look well, "said Naruto with a nervous smile.
"We'd be so much better if, ' your majesty' did not leave his job to others, "said Nagato without a single trace of smile on his hard but handsome face.
Naruto pursed his lips at him thinking jeez, this guy really just came here to give him grief didn't he.
Konan opened her purple painted lips, "yes your majesty, and so do you, "she was always so gracious. "Happy birthday your majesty. "
And was always so lackluster, but Naruto knew deep down she meant well, and even though she said that looking glum and without a smile, she was truly happy.
"Thank you, Konan, "Naruto smiled at her and leaned back when a pair of breasts encased in a black kimono pushed forward almost smacking him in the face.
Naruto stared at her, "Yoko, "he'd play nice for now and not move but if she tried anything— she grabbed his face.
"Your majesty, five hundred years old and you haven't aged a bit. You are really the best specimen of a man, truly beautiful. And those eyes are just so —"
"Calm down Yoko, why do you always treat his majesty like your own personal toy. Are you still planning to sell his body parts, "this was Nagato. The man was mean spirited but he just saved Naruto from being molested by Yoko, his hand holding her back by the hem of her kimono.
Naruto smiled at him gratefully.
"No way, I'm not going to sell it. Just keep it in my best collection, "Yoko pouted, a really cute sight apparently because her admirers started to sigh and make swooning eyes. Jeez. If they only knew she was a freak obsessed with human body.
"Ah, Yoko, how are you? "Naruto asked to change the subject of body parts and weird collections.
"Ah your majesty cares so much about me, are you sure you are not in love with me, "her blue eyes shone. "Perhaps now you want to be my husband. "
"No! I'm pretty sure that I don't want to be your twenty eighth husband, "said Naruto getting tired of her always proposing to him. She always did this, every single time.
"That's right, don't upset his majesty, Yoko- sama, "a chuckling voice said and the crowd parted to reveal a pink haired beauty, looking sixteen but she was also a Nine and she had more fans than even Yoko, with voices and eyes turned to her.
"Sakura! "Naruto leaned forward with a smile and laugh"you came. " It was no secret that Naruto favoured the young vampire, the newest member of the Nines. He'd turned her barely ten years ago.
"Of course I did, "Sakura said and waved to the crowd. "How are you, your majesty, "she smiled.
"Just call me Naruto, I told you already. "
"Naruto - sama, happy birthday, "she obliged and bowed. Naruto shook his head deciding then not to reprimand her for her excessive formality. Maybe she had to in front of their guest. All their eyes were on them. It wasn't everyday that the Nines and the king were in one place. They all had their duties.
"You should really consider marriage though,"Sakura continued.
"Why are you bringing that up? There is no point for a man who can't have children to marry. "Naruto said frowning a bit. It's not like he didn't want to get married, he just didn't see the point when he couldn't impregnate a woman. His son had also carried that curse too didn't he.
"I see Sasori is not here today, "said Yahiko as if catching Naruto's thought.
"Oh yes, he is your favourite but he never comes to your birthday party. It's already been four years since he left Akatsuki castle, "Yoko said.
"He won't come because I told him not to, "said Naruto. Sasori was off having adventures, it was Naruto's wish. There was no reason for the two of them to stay in Akatsuki castle. And from the toys and tales Sasori sent him, Naruto felt like he was also there having the adventure with him.
"Eh, "Yahiko didn't look very interested. "In that case I'm going to mingle a bit. "
The Nines took their seats but two space were open. Naruto wondered about Deidara, another Nine that hung around Akatsuki castle.
"Lance, where his Deidara? "
"He is on the mission, your majesty. "
Mission. Naruto remembered. Oh yes, mission. Every three years Naruto gave the vampires permission to hunt humans. They needed blood, there is nothing they could do about it but,those days always left him feeling a deep sadness. If only the blue eyed vampires were not vampires.
"Deidar—"the announcer was cut short and the door opened, immediately the smell of blood, strong and pungent swept in. All the vampires in the room turned rigid with attention, drawn to the blood.
"Your majesty, "Deidara bowed and grinned, "the mission was successful. "
Naruto couldn't smile back, he never could after the hunting.
"Then, everyone, "he raised his voice, "enjoy the...refreshments, "his lips pulled tight together and he almost didn't get the words out. He couldn't, shouldn't show his sadness to them, but then again they weren't looking. Naruto lowered his eyes and heard words of gratitude as the people filed out of the room. Naruto knew where they were going, a room inside Akatsuki castle, big enough to hold many people, also called the Akatsuki feeding room.
Lance remained at his side. Naruto almost didn't have the strength to say anything to him or even hide how he was feeling. Young as she was Sakura was a slave to Vampire hunger so she wasn't there and Lance, even though he saw how sad Naruto was, couldn't know let alone understand why Naruto was sad. Ten years ago, maybe Naruto would have been the first to get there, been the first to drink human blood. But ten years ago he had thought humans were deceitful animals, not worthy of anything else but to be hunted and eaten. That's why the hunting rule exists. But after that day ten years ago Naruto made a new rule that the only time his people would hunt humans was after three years and only then. That day he had met a human that changed everything.
"Lance, join them. "Said Naruto without raising his head.
"No, I will stay with you, "Lance replied as Naruto had expected and hoped. But he couldn't force Lance because of his persistent sense of duty to abandon the part of him that was a Vampire just to please himself.
"Just go, "Naruto snapped, he didn't need Lance at his side right now, "it's an order. "
The man's entire being seemed to vibrate his refusal and desire not to go but in the end, his sense of duty won and he looked once for a long moment at Naruto before exiting the ballroom.
Naruto sighed and looked toward the grand room, gold painted walls, alight with the bright glowing lights of the chandeliers, gifts piled before the tall, delicious looking cake. He should open some, that was the only joy he ever got from these parties but he felt no desire or strength to do it. So he called the royal guards and asked them to take him to his room.
Maybe he should have gone alone but the presence of negatives, so human like, sooth him somehow.
A loud sound blasted from the floor below them. Naruto's eyes went wide. What —what was going on?!
Akatsuki castle was eternally quiet, the only time anything loud was heard was during parties, but from the sounds of swords and yells, some people were fighting. And it was coming closer.
Naruto felt something shake him and his jaw twitched. Something was happening at last, something interesting was happening.
He kept his eyes trained on the hallway expecting and waiting, he needed to see.
"Your majesty, seems like a fight has broken out below us, we should take you to your quarters, " the urgency in the soldier's voice was very clear. He must have known that was no ordinary fight, there was an intruder.
Who would dare though, especially today when all the Nines were gathered in one place. Naruto felt like jumping and spinning around, a smile threatened to break out but his guards would think he was insane if he just started smiling. They were already freaked out as it is.
Naruto didn't want them hurt, "just go sound the alarm, "said Naruto, "I'll be fine on my own. "
"We can't leave you, your majesty! "The two men said so loudly as if the idea that they could was just so far out of their mind and they wondered how he could think they could. Naruto didn't want them hurt which was likely with an intruder in the castle. This was the first anyone had ever made it this far. Intruders come into the city looking to kill Naruto, but they never made it past the gates and Naruto only learned about their existence at all by word of mouth.
Someone appeared. He was fast as he knocked down two negatives guards, but Naruto could make out black hair and a red overall. The person stopped as if surprised to see him there, then he moved, faster than before and the two negatives beside him were down.
A pistol was pointed at him, straight in the eyes, "don't move, " a voice deep and clear came from the man. So this is what a pistol looks like in real life. Wait, this was no ordinary pistol. Naruto could see a smoke line coming from it, almost as if it was hot. But it didn't burn the man.
"So this is a hunters weapon, "he said. He knew his excitement was obvious, he wanted to touch the object and feel if it really burned.
"Don't talk, "the man frowned. "And don't make any sudden movements. "Without warning he was being carried over the man's shoulder. The smell of the man was strangely sweet, was it his blood or just his normal smell. It smelled like pine and nuts.
"Why are you going up? "He asked as the man climbed the spiral stairs three at a time.
"Shut up. "He dropped Naruto and took out a rope. He tied Naruto's hand and placed a gag in his mouth. They burned, the ropes. Another hunter's weapon? Naruto looked at it with shining eyes. So cool.
The man lifted him again and was running, more guards appeared but he shot them down. They were negatives, weapons like that would only hurt them but not kill them. They were barely vampires. Naruto hoped no one was dead and that they got treated soon. If they were wounded severely it would be troublesome. But so long as it is just a hunter's weapon they shouldn't die, their human half should protect them.
Naruto could only hope. Getting to the window on the second floor, the man dropped him again. He took out some kind of paper and placed it on the glass. It exploded, a loud sound that left Naruto's sensitive ears ringing.
He was stunned for a bit but he felt himself being picked and a rush of air. Was he being kidnapped? Yes he was and that was amazing!
To Be Continued.
Glossary Of Terms
Nines: they are nine in numbers and are the humans Naruto turned himself. Outsiders call them nobles.
Fullblood: they are the ones turned by the nine and borne by them as well. They have blue eyes like the nines but were considerably weaker.
Positives: they are the ones born from Fullblood mating with other Fullblood. They require blood in small quantity.
Negatives: they are the ones born from Fullblood mating with humans or negatives and from positives mating with positives and humans. They are the weakest of the bunch. They require almost no blood at all.
note that neither fullbloods, positives nor negatives can turn humans into vampires.