When hasard decides to change lives. For the unbelievable.
Egnlish isn't my mother tongue, so sorry for the mistakes.
Sanguinem, vampire capital.
A large and wide silhouette crossed the passageway leading to the underground city. Further on, two guards stepped aside with a bow of the head, not without glancing at the two people who accompanied him. Other vampires also gave them a look. Two children were indeed walking beside the vampire, without any fear. But why were they coming with him ? Were they his snack for his journey ? Not only that, but those children weren't dressed with usual livestock clothes. So any vampire who was crossing their way couldn't help but be intrigued. The tall vampire accompanied the kids until a house. Then, the trio stopped.
" Well then kids. I'll let you here with your family while I'm going to visit Ferid. Behave and don't go outside without caution, alright ?" said the vampire.
" Yes Crowley !" answered two voices joyfully.
Crowley Eusford then knocked at the door. A young girl opened.
" Yuuichiro ! Yukina it's been so long !" welcomed Akane.
" I'll come fetch you this evening." announced the vampire.
Others children were arriving to greet the kids. However, they instantly stopped before the predator. Eusford didn't mind them at all. He was instead caressing Yuuichiro and Yukina's head. Which caused dumbfounded expressions. Mika, the elder with Akane, caught the vampire's expression. It was … soft. He shook his head lightly. Soft ? No it couldn't be. But it was. Broad smile, warm eyes … it was definitely an expression full of tenderness. His brother and sister warned them though : their relationship with him was special. Had to see to believe however.
" Have fun."
Yuuichiro and Yukina turned to their family, only to chuckle.
" What ? We told you about us didn't we ?" reminded Yukina.
" Y-yes but … it's so hard to believe ! How did you get so close to him ?" asked Mika.
" And how come you're not afraid ?" continued Akane.
First, they came in. They took off their coat with the exact same moves. Not so surprising. After all, they were twins. Yukina decided to tell about what happened to her and her younger brother.
Meanwhile, Crowley arrived at Ferid's mansion. He pushed the gate and walked down the stone path. A child opened and welcomed him. He then preceded the nobleman to the vampire's living room. Crowley found the 7th progenitor busy reading.
" Aaaah come in Crowley-kun." smiled Ferid Bathory.
The redhead approached the sofa on which stood his congener. He asked him what he was reading, and Ferid replied that he was reading the Bible. Crowley noted, however, that the title of the book was about the origin of the names.
" So, tell how are your little ones ?"
" Fine. Mind telling me why you're always asking after them ?" replied Crowley.
The redhead glanced a suspicious look at his mate. His interest in those children did not please him. In a general way, Crowley didn't like him to be in their presence. Each time, it gave rise to a protective instinct worthy of a mother in him. And Ferid was amused, as now judging by the smile he offered.
" Because they are cute to begin with, and I do admit that I find your relationship interesting. What about you told me your story? Who tamed who ?" questioned the noble.
" You're quite curious. Is that the reason why I'm here ?"
Ferid was smiling, but his eyes kept a cold hue. Crowley Eusford, his companion for now eight hundred years was different. Bathory could feel the distance. His voice was even colder. Eusford would growl if he could. The twins were a sensitive topic. And Ferid didn't like this new attitude of him.
" Ha you got to admit that your relation with those human cubs is amazing. Come on tell me !"
Crowley stared at Ferid for a moment. If he spoke about it, what would be the consequences ? He knew the phenomenon well too much not to believe there was a potential risk. On the other hand, Ferid saw that he was close to the children. He could not hide it from him. For once, Crowley showed him clearly with the expression that fit the atmosphere, that it displeased him to speak about it. Ferid knew it.
" And what will you gain from it ?" asked the ginger-haired again.
" Killing some time first. So quit making me languish !"
No choice then.
The story began four years ago. The end of the world of men had arrived a year earlier, and children under thirteen had been captured by vampires and taken to their underground city. There, they served as a food source, regularly supplying blood to vampires via collection centers. They were in exchange housed and fed. But that stopped there. As for the care, reassurance, comfort, there was no one there. They were all left to themselves, shut up in this immense city without sky, almost without sun. Dark, cold. Despite this, the children were trying to keep smiling. In one of the streets, a group could be seen that played tag.
" Gotcha !" exclaimed a nine-year-old girl, touching a kid's shoulder.
" Moooh so unfair !"
He went to sat with others who had been eliminated from the game. Yuuichiro was running along his sister to catch the remaining kids. He caught one of them. The finishing line wasn't far. Just enough for them to capture almost everyone.
" As always, the Yuus are the fastest." declared Akane.
The twins chuckled. Time for another game. Football was chosen with a ball made of old clothes. The day was spent peacefully. When the evening arrived, Yukina and Akane helped the youngest to wash : the dark-haired girl filled a basin of hot water that she placed in the room acting as bathroom. She helped the younger ones washing themselves, while Mika and Yuuichiro set the table. The older ones were the last to wash, by two. Then the little family sat down to eat. In the evening, Yukina read. She had brought back from the time of the catastrophe the book of Thousand and One Nights. They fell asleep at the sound of her voice.
The next day took place as every morning the call. Sanguinem's children walked and lined up in front of the vampires to check their presence. The little ones had to decline their identity. Mika was first, then Yuuichiro and :
" Yukina Hyakuya."
Yuu's twin sister joined them and everyone waited for the rest of the family. They went to the collection room for the collection.
« Don't move. » ordered a vampire.
None of them uttered a sound when he stung their neck.
" Us vampires allow you to live, as long as you provide us with blood." he said, mocking tone.
" Funny, but sounds to me the other way around : we allow you to live thanks to our blood. Thus without us, you just die." retorted Yukina.
To what her brother snorted, and the vampire snarled. This unpleasant formality done, the kids gathered and looked for another game. Mika watched Yukina playing doll with her sisters. Four years … it has been four years since the end of the world. The twins arrived right at this moment. Mika smiled : He had advanced towards them to introduce himself. The arrival of twins was an event in the orphanage. However, Yuuichiro had not quite welcomed Mika. The blond had just greeted him, a little against his will, it is true, and it ended in a fight. Mika hit Yuuichiro, just in time to welcome Yukina's fist on his cheek. The brunette had literally jumped on him, and once on the ground had grabbed him by the collar to teach him that if he dared to touch her little brother again, she would beat the crap out of him.
Yukina was aggressive, as the director discovered during their first moments in here. Mika asked her why while they were brought to Sanguinem : because she didn't trust grown-ups at all. However with time, both of them warmed up : Yuuichiro proved to possess an unparalleled kindness, Yukina was the protective one and the one to solve conflict in the family. A family in which they totally integrated in.
Meanwhile, an event was about to occur which would change the twin's life forever. Crowley Eusford was walking toward the queen's palace for an audience. The noble had just reported to her a mission where he had to repel a unit of the human army, in a surprise assault. The redhead put one knee on the ground. Krul gave him permission to speak.
" Very well. Thankfully you took the initiative and rally others vampires' faction. It avoided us a loss and a defeat. As a reward, I allow you to take five heads of my livestock." decided Krul Tepes.
" I give thanks to you generosity, your Highness." answered Crowley.
He got up, bowed and left the throne room. Vampires escorted him to gather the promised children. They started taking them at random. Including Yuuichiro, who found himself pushed into a small group. Yukina immediately went to stand next to him.
" Oh wait, we got five of them." said a vampire.
Chains were attached to their necklace, on the buckle holding the medallion with their name. Then the five children were dragged to their new master.
"Yuu, where are we going ?" muttered Yukina.
" I don't know." replied her brother with a worried voice.
Passing by, they discovered the rest of their family, grouped in a corner. The arrival and the gesture of the vampires had frightened the children who had dispersed. Only the ones who didn't react in time were caught. Yukina waved goodbye, feeling a lump in her throat. The other Hyakuyas watched without understanding. The group was brought before Crowley.
" Here you go my lord."
" Perfect."
The redhead distractedly took the circle of chains, and pulled. The children had no choice but to follow. They were asked to ride in a vehicle. This is how the twins were taken away from their family. As usual, they curled up against each other during the trip. At least they were together, as they had sworn when they came to pick them up and take them to the orphanage. None of the children emitted a sound during the trip. Once in Nagoya, they were brought down. The redhead entrusted the charge of the children to Horn Skuld. The latter took the chains, and led them to the underground base. There, she undid the chains. Chess Belle began to pick up their names.
" …"
" Well ?" she asked, before the twins.
No answer. Instead, they were holding each other's hand, and looked at her with cold green eyes.
" Chess Bell-sama asked you a question." said a common vampire.
" What's the point in knowing our names ? You're going to send us to school maybe ?" retorted Yuuichiro.
" You insolent ! I'll teach you some respect !" exclaimed the vampire, raising a hand.
Yukina pushed her brother. Luckily for them, his hand was stopped by Crowley behind.
" I already told you to not raise a finger on them."
Yukina frowned : what ? Vampires here weren't allowed to touch them ? That was new.
" But he was insolent !" protested the vampire.
" That doesn't change anything."
Crowley release his fellow vampire, and approached the Yuus.
" Oh ? Twins ? That's the first time I have some."
Meanwhile, the little girl straightened her chin and planted her green eyes in those of the vampire with an air of defiance. She was planted in front of her brother, who came out from behind to look at the vampire too. Around, the others were shocked by this audacity. Crowley, on the other hand, smirked. They had guts, those two.
" Tell me you two : have any idea of where you are ?" he asked ?
" Why ? We're not in Disneyland ?" replied Yukina.
" What is Bizneeland ? You're in my domain now. Any of us is able to rip off your head with a simple slap. So I would drop the attitude, if I were you." simply stated Crowley.
" Tch." hissed Yuuichiro.
" Understand ?" insisted Crowley.
Yuuichiro leaned his eyes. But Yukina narrowed hers. Another kid name Takuma from here went to fetch the children. The Yus widened their eyes: here, children were frolicking in the sun in an inner courtyard. Some played football, others with small cars and some ran after. They seemed to have much better morale than in Sanguinem. Takuma noticed their surprise.
" Where were you before ?" asked Takuma.
" Sanguinem." replied Yuuichiro.
" Oh. Well I don't know it, but things are different here. I saw you earlier. Crowley-sama is quite tolerant with us : he forbade his congeners to hit or simply touch us. We can read for those who know, go outside in this courtyard, we even have mattress … all we have to do is behave." explained Takuma.
" And why is he doing all this ?" asked Yukina.
" Dunno. Seems like he's different. Almost … nice."
The twins exchanged glances. A nice vampire ? This kid stayed too long in the sun. Takuma motioned them to follow him. He led them to a room that would be theirs. Two mattresses were there, which delighted the twins. The children being less numerous than in the capital, they lodged by two in a room, provided with a room of water and toilets. He let them get use to the place. Yuuichiro tested the softness of his bed, before lying there. Yukina, on her side, went to the window. They had a view of the city in ruins. Great. Finally, they saw the outside here, not like in the capital.
" It really is different in here." said Yuuichiro.
" Yeah … but we lost the others." made Yukina.
Yuu turned to look at her. Their family ... they were the only ones left. As usual, he thought. They had never had a family. Their parents had tried to kill them. Yuuichiro saw his father walking towards him armed with a kitchen knife. Yukina had defended him, throwing a vase at his father's head. She had always protected her little brother. Yet Yuuichiro thought he'd been happy to be with children of his age. The face of each one passed before his eyes. Yukina came to lie next to him. In the evening, Takuma came to get them for dinner. Hey, dinning all together here ? The children were indeed gathered in a refectory. On the way, they met the master of the place. Yukina turned her head away. Crowley stopped, and watched her pass. The girl walked straight as an i. He sighed. Next time he would choose himself. In the refectory, Takuma went to take his usual place.
" Oh twins !" exclaimed a girl.
" You're part of the new comers ? Come with us." added another one.
The twins sat at the end of the table, quite surprised by the friendly atmosphere. They were asked to introduce themselves, which they did. They were assured that they would be fine here. Then the conversation rolled over, while the twins stared at their plates. Then they took their fork in an identical motion. None participated in the chatter. They left the table first.
Present time.
" Hahahaha ! Rebels already ? laughed Ferid. And so, how did you get along ?"
" Not easily. None of us was of course interested by the other species. However, Yukina did have a talent that piqued my curiosity, and Yuuichiro got interested by my hobby." continued Crowley.
" Oh ?"
Ferid waited for him to resume the story of himself. Crowley uncrossed his legs, passed one on one knee and asked for a glass of blood. Ferid grabs a carafe and filled a crystal glass, which he then holds out. Crowley took his time emptying the glass, under Bathory's impatient gaze. Then he put the glass down, and settled more comfortably before resuming.
The first night was difficult for the twins. Unable to sleep, their eyes got lost in the sky from the window. They thought of the others Hyakuyas, and wondered if they missed them as they missed them. They fell asleep late enough. The next day, Takuma took them to the collection room. They were not surprised. Once this detail was settled, they sat down in the courtyard to watch the others play. They mentally compared the place to Sanguinem. They were in the open, of course, but then ? Suddenly, three of the older ones came to plant themselves in front of them with mocking mines. Yukina sighed softly : something in common with Sanguinem.
" So the new ones ! Are you comfy in here ?" made one of them.
The twins only look at him coldly.
" There's only one rule to be fine here. Bring me what I ask. Got it ?"
Yukina closed her eyes. Should she send her fist in his face right now or wait ? Yuuichiro immediately sensed the tension of his twin : he glanced at her. Hmmm ... fighting to survive was usual in Sanguinem. He and his sister had already got their fair share of fighting. Yuu preferred to avoid the fight, however he knew it was also necessary to impose quickly. In the capital there was also a gang leader to whom the others paid a tribute in exchange for his protection. The Hyakuyas had been their victims for a couple of weeks before they realized it was better to leave them in peace.
" So you'll give half of your daily food." resumed the kid in front of them.
" And how about you get lost ? We already saw people like you in Sanguinem. You don't scare us." retorted Yuuichiro.
" Oh yeah ?" he said, grabbing him by the collar.
That was enough for his sister to act. They thought because she was a girl she would quietly stay out of it. But Yukina hit him straight on the nose. Then, she sent a kick on his stomach. Yuuichiro jumped on the back of the one who was aiming at his sister, making him fall then keeping punching at him. The last one pulled Yukina's hair, who screamed. However, she sent her elbow in her opponent belly. Then she hit him with her joined fist on his head. Suddenly, a voice of thunder froze everyone.
" What the hell is the meaning of this ? Fighting isn't allowed here !" exclaimed Crowley.
" Then remind it to those idiots. They came here to racketeer us." replied Yukina.
Crowley looked at the three kids on the ground.
" Really. If so, they will be punished."
" They attacked us !" said the one below Yuuichiro.
" Are you serious ? Three against two ? Younger than you on top of it ? " said that one.
" Indeed, that's not very credible. I understand you were just defending yourselves. But I want it to be the last time."
Yukina closed her eyes for a very brief moment, then stood up. So did Yuu, and they left without a word. Crowley looked at them. Those were going to be difficult. He didn't pay any attention to the remaining kids on the floor. Their pain and humiliation should be enough. However, he ordered the vampire in charge of feeding the humans to reduce their share. Three days passed without any incident. One day, while the twins were laid on a piece of grass, three little girls came to ask them to play. Crowley was surveying them since the last time. No one tried to approach them, but he was still vigilant.
" Hey guys ! Would you like to play riddle with us ?"
" Mmmmh … not my favorite game." replied Yukina.
" Me neither ! Let's play the adventurers instead." intervened another girl.
" Adventurers … hey sis, how about you tell us a tale ?" suggested Yuuichiro.
That was an idea that pleased everyone. The three girls immediately sat while Yukina straightened, before announcing the Little Red Riding Hood. Yuu did the same. His sister knew how to make her stories alive, with different intonations of voice, with conviction in what she was telling. In Sanguinem, she even made paper silhouettes whose shadows animated her stories. Yuuichiro saw that the girls in front of them were immersing themselves in the story. They jumped at the arrival of the wolf, salivated against the contents of the basket. Yuuichiro had already heard the story, yet he listened with the same pleasure. When the end of the story came, the three girls applauded and asked for another story. Their applause attracted the attention of others, surprised to hear such an event. A little boy came to ask what was going on.
" It's Yukina, she's telling tales."
" Tales ?"
" Yup. Come and sit with us."
Noting this was going peacefully, Crowley left. Curious, the boy took his place. Looking around, Yukina saw two others approaching, then sitting down. She then began another story. She charmed his audience like the previous one, and one of the boys asked if she could tell another one tonight, in front of the others. Yukina hesitated. They insisted.
" In Sanguinem we got a book and paper silhouettes. If you can find this, we'll make a little theater." announced Yuuichiro.
" That's neat ! Come on you lot, let's get all this." exclaimed a girl.
They ran away. Yukina sighed. After all why not. They were not going to stay in their corner all their lives. Just like Ferid, Crowley allowed children to read. He had the surprise to see a group in his library. Usually, only one came at a time. He asked what was the reason for this gathering.
" Yukina is going to tell us stories tonight, and we wanted to know if we could have a storybook and some paper." asked shyly a boy.
" Paper ?" repeated Crowley.
The vampire didn't see the point between stories and paper. However, he offered them white sheets while a boy found a book of tales. And they left as quickly as they came. The redhead scratched his chin. Thus, the new ones were telling tales. Curious, he waited for the evening and went to the refectory. He gently pushed the door. The children had gathered in the back. Yukina was perched on a table next to a lamp. The place was plunged in the darkness. Crowley entered in silence, then walked along a wall. The brunette looked at him for a moment, the time to take into account his presence. He then leaned against the wall. Yukina started her story. The shadow of the silhouettes she had created animated the tale, giving it relief and veracity. Yuuichiro helped set the scene : trees, grass, and even stars through a pierced sheet. Crowley found himself enjoying the show. He almost even applauded in the end with all the others. Yuuichiro felt proud of his sister. Everyone went out commenting on his favorite passage. It was thus tacitly decided that Yukina would tell a story every night.
" Crowley-sama, where are you going ?" asked Horn Skuld one evening.
She had noticed with her comrade that their master was ceasing activities at a specify hour, whether they were finished or not. It could be a report or a book it didn't matter, if he had to stop in the middle of a sentence, he just did it and this for almost a month.
" I'm going to a show." he smiled.
A what ? The vampires exchanged a glance.
" You can come, but don't make a sound."
Curious, they followed. The red-haired one led them to the refectory, and he sat down on a table. His helpers sat on a bench, astonished to see the children gathered there. For the moment, they chatted with each other. Then the twins made their appearance, and hush gushed. Yukina climbed onto her table while her brother laid out the decor sheets. His sister then lit the lamp.
" The story of Aladdin." she declared.
The shadow of a boy was projected on the wall. The children had found a copy of the Thousand and One Nights, which had delighted the storyteller as much as it sadden her. She was reading this book also in Sanguinem.
Thus, the three vampires came each evening to attend the narration. Crowley rummaged in his library for other books. He found one of the Grimm Brothers, and another of Charles Perrault, translated into Japanese. He went to lay them both in the room of the Yus, whose nickname had been adopted by all. Two months had passed since their arrival. Crowley went back to his office. On the way, he met Yuuichiro, who immediately swept his chest, looking all confident. The redhead rolled eyes with a smile.
Later in the day, as he read on his couch, Crowley found a green-eyed girl leaning toward him. Yukina watched him for a moment, her dark hair falling around her face.
" Are you the one who gave us those books ?" she asked.
" Yes."
" Why ?"
" Because it appears that I enjoy your stories." simply said Crowley.
Usually, the twins weren't showing much their emotions. But this time Yukina really looked surprised. He, a noble and high-ranked vampire, liking to hear stories ? Even finding an interest in it ? Did he drank a junkie's blood ?
" Surprised I see." he smiled, while she blinked.
" I am, I must admit." she couldn't help but confess.
" I can understand why. Usually us vampires aren't interested by anything else than blood. Pretty boring in fact. So you provide me quite a distraction here."
That was something Yukina never knew. If she understood him well, vampires were bored most of the time. But that would explain their presence every evening. Yukina left the room. Now that she was thinking about it, in Sanguinem the vampires there were just roaming all day long. She found her twin in their room, and told him everything.
" He is so weird." commented Yuuichiro.
" Yeah. But … this isn't so bad if we think about it. We got to admit we more comfortable here than in Sanguinem. No one is annoying us anymore, we got better food, can get out and see the sky …" summarized Yukina.
" You're right. But you know, I'm getting kinda bored too, what could we do other than telling tales ?" asked Yuuichiro.
" I was reflecting on it too. I'd love to study a bit. I'm feeling so ignorant ever since the Apocalypse."
" Studying ? I said I was bored, not desperate." made Yuu.
" Believe me, it should occupy you more than enough. I read that knowledge is power, and frankly it can't hurt us."
Yuuichiro silently admitted her point. An additional month passed. Yukina had started her second storybook, always with the same success. One day, Yuuichiro saw Crowley practicing with a sword in a room. The boy watched him for a moment. Crowley felt his presence, and turned around. Yuu hid before he saw him. Then he began to think. The vampires all used swords. Probably because it was the only effective weapon. He leaned his head again. The handling of this weapon seemed interesting to him. The boy watched the vampire until he stopped. He hid behind a door as he went down the hall. Of course Crowley noticed his presence but didn't mind. Yuu went out his hideout then to the room. The ground was covered with dust, leaving the footprints of the vampire. Without thinking, he put his foot on a footprint. Then another, and yet another reproducing the movements of the adult. He then bit his lip as he stopped.
And if ... yes, he could probably do that.