Van and Kiosun
Chapter 1
By: Empress
Explanation: I began this about a year ago, and every time I had a free hour or so, I would sit and write on it. It progressed slowly because I had so many other activities to do and at times, my inspiration left me. I was inspired by my love of both vampires and Escaflowne, and twisted the two together in this strange way. This is what came out of it.
Scenario: Zaibach doesn't exist. Allen isn't a part of this, nor is the Moleman or the Duchy of Froid. In fact, I kept very few things the same. This is almost an alternate universe, except for a few things. Van, Folken, their mother, Balgus, Merle, Hitomi, Amano, Yuki, and the lady who grabbed Merle when Fanalia was burning were the only characters I kept. Everyone else is original, so DON'T USE THEM! Unless you get my permission. I took great liberties with certain things...Hitomi's parentage is nothing like in the show, for my own purposes I changed them. Also, the Draconians...I rewrote some of their history, made up a bunch more, and gave them an interesting twist. This story was written for my sake, not anyone else's, and so the changes I made are illogical and sometimes pointless. However, if you like chaos and pointlessness, this is the story for you.
WARNINGS: READ THESE! IF YOU DON'T, I CAN'T BE RESPONSIBLE IF YOU RUN ACROSS SOMETHING YOU DON'T LIKE! There are vampires...this includes bloodsucking, bad puns on names, and references to sex. Also, yaoi, shounen-ai, servant girl bashing, a very mild lime, a wicked Balgus, sap, sap, and more sap. Also, poorly written plot turns, at the fault of my wicked muses and their penchant for death. Van is gay! Don't like it, you are welcome to leave. If you don't mind this stuff, go ahead! Have fun in my romp of insanity! And please, review! (Also, if you happen to see any misspellings or poor grammar, tell me! I try my best, but no one's perfect...) On with the story!
Van Fanel, soon-to-be-King of all Fanalia, threw down the polish rag with a curse. His sword was so shiny it looked new minted. His rooms were as tidy as he could make them, and the maids wouldn't let him near the rest of the palace. Still, he was restless. He had tried music, studies, and sparring, but for the past week, there had been a restlessness that nothing could ease for even a minute.
After a few minutes of useless pacing, he decided to try his luck at the stables. Perhaps there he would find something to do. If nothing else, he could go riding. He stalked out the door, irritation visible on his face. As he passed one of the servant girls, she turned white and her eyes widened in fear. He wondered what could have made her so scared...surely not him? The walk to the stables was a short one, and Van found himself outside the doors before his mind could register it.
Inside, the stables smelled very strongly of horse, but there was a faint undertone of cedar as well, likely from the fire. It was warm, the heat wrapping around his body like a blanket. He paused for a second, standing on the edge of the lamplight. As he scanned the stable's interior, his eyes lit upon a crate with broken harness on it. A needle and leather thread lay discarded next to it, as if the work had been set aside for a few seconds and then forgotten. This was exactly what he needed! Mending harness was not one of Van's best skills and would take all his concentration to keep his stitches straight. He seated himself if the straw and began to piece together the bridle sitting on the top of the pile.
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About an hour later, Van placed the last bit of leather aside and grabbed wearily for another piece. When his hands met upon the wood of the crate, he blinked, surprised. A quick glance outside told him that it was about a half an hour after sundown. A shadow flicked in the corner of his vision, and Van was on his feet with empty hands...he'd left his sword in his room. As he cursed himself for stupidity, the shadow spoke.
"What can I do for you, young master?" It was a groom, completely unfazed at Van's reaction. The boy looked maybe fifteen...Van himself was seventeen, just turned. Van regarded the mended harness and the restlessness returned.
"Saddle my stallion please, I'm going riding in the woods," Van snapped, annoyed at himself. Why was he so restless? Lately he had been unable to sleep, preferring to walk the dark halls. He loved the dark...it was so quiet, no one to bother him. No fawning courtiers, no hopeful young women... As much as he loved Merle, sometimes she was just too much. She wanted more than he was willing to give...she thought they were more than friends. He fidgeted nervously. Even thinking about the problems he faced made him feel confined, trapped. After what seemed like an eternity, the stable boy returned with his horse... No, it was a different horse than he normally rode. Still, maybe this mare just needed exercise.
"Here sir...I took the liberty of asking the cook for some bread and cheese in case you got hungry." Van turned to the boy, astonished. None of the servants had ever thought of anything like that. They never offered things unless they thought they could get something in return...but this lad had seemed completely honest. Like he really cared? Van took a closer look. He had dark black hair and pale skin. He seemed to wince away from the light and stand in the shadows. He wasn't bad looking either...he looked familiar though...
"What's your name?" Van asked.
"Laike, sir."
"Do you have other siblings that work in the palace? You seem familiar."
"No sir, I'm the only one in my family. Perhaps you've seen my brother in the city though?"
"I don't think so... Never mind. Thank you for the food. I'll try to be back before midnight."
Laike nodded and stepped back as Van tossed himself on his horse. As he galloped away into the city, Van wondered, since when do servants leave their hair loose?
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The guard at the gate yawned. It had been so uneventful tonight...not so much as a whisper, not even from the town itself. The forest was so peaceful at night...he loved the nightshifts, they were so relaxing. He half-turned as he heard hoof beats on the main road from the city.
"Out for a ride in the forest?" The figure on the horse nodded. "Alright then. I'll open the gates!"
The gates creaked open and the figure waved a gratitude. The guard waved back and shut the gates. He wondered if he should have gotten identification...but no. It wasn't his job to keep anyone in the city... Just out.
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Van smiled grimly as he rode out of the city. He knew a certain guard master who would have been livid to find security so lax, but he certainly wouldn't complain. The road into the forest was cushioned with pine needles; their sweet scent released as the horse stepped on them. He brought his mount to a trot, wanting to enjoy the night for what it was. The cool breeze on his face, the soft chirping of bugs, a rustle in the trees nearby.
He turned the horse towards the sound, slowing to a walk. When he broke out into the clearing, a small group of deer turned their heads towards him in surprise. When he stopped moving and made no move to hurt them, they went back to grazing, keeping a cautious eye in his direction. He leaned on his mount's neck, enjoying the warm scent. This horse was certainly better than his usual. It was far more responsive and good-natured.
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Van sat for some time, content to watch the deer graze. All of a sudden, he felt a presence at his back that wasn't *quite* in tune with nature. He whipped around, startling the deer into flight. In the tree behind him, a young man sat...no, not so young. Maybe a year or two older than Van himself. Van regarded the stranger cautiously. He had long black hair, and pale skin. The man here reminded Van of the stable boy at the palace. The same high cheekbones and fine features, the same...Grace. Stealth. The aura of total control of the night. Van cleared his throat awkwardly.
"My name is Van. Van Fanel."
"I know." The words seemed to drop into the silence. Van flushed.
"Ano...who might you be?"
"My name is Kiosun. Ki for short." Van flushed again, uncomfortable, and not sure why.
"Do you have a brother at the palace stables? I think I met him earlier..." Van trailed off. The other man laughed, a deep, rich, sexy sound.
"Yes...you must have met Laike. He's my younger brother. He gave you the horse?"
Van nodded cautiously. "Yeah...I'd never seen her in the stables before. She's sweet."
"We bred her, at my sister's farm. It's a gift, from me to you." The young man laughed again, as Van thanked him. "It was more in self-interest than anything else. I needed a riding companion who had a horse that could keep up. There were a lot of other guys I could ride with, but none, I think, as good looking as you."
Van directed a sharp glance at Kiosun. The other boy grinned. "Nor with your...preferences."
Van gaped. He had been very careful never to tell anyone. If Merle ever found out... She'd be heartbroken. He had never dallied with any of the attractive young men he'd met...he hadn't really ever given them second glances. How could this young man know about his preferences? It was dangerous information. If any of the other people in his kingdom found out, he could be disinherited, or worse, executed. The young man closed his eyes slowly.
"Van...I have been watching you for some time. Your walks in the woods, your aversion to the daytime. You are so very like I was when I was your age. It started when you turned seventeen, didn't it? Changes began to occur, ones that you didn't understand. The daylight becoming too bright, the nighttime becoming so comforting. Let me tell you about your past." Kiosun leapt from the tree landing lightly on his feet. Extending a hand to Van, he kept talking. Van took his hand and dismounted.
"Your mother, one of the angels, Draconians. Your father, the King of Fanalia. Your father, though, has no bearing on what is happening to you now. Your mother, however, is the cause of these changes. Your wings...may I see them?"
Van nodded. This young man seemed to know everything about him... What difference would it make if his last secret were confirmed? He took off his shirt and spread his wings. Kiosun let out a soft, wistful sigh. "So...beautiful."
Van turned to regard his wings. Throughout his whole childhood, they had remained white, pure. Now however, the tips of each feather had turned gray. His eyes widened. He hadn't flown since he was five, and therefore had not seen them. Kiosun reached out his free hand- Van noticed they were still holding hands- and touched Van's wings.
"I have something to explain to you," Kiosun said as he stroked the soft feathers. Van found it strangely sensual, and shifted, wondering if he really minded this touching. Kiosun smiled gently and withdrew, leaving one last caress. The he continued speaking.
"Your mother is the cause of these changes. Your wings will turn entirely black, your teeth pointed, and soon you will be unable to stand the touch of the sun. Do you know why?" Kiosun was regarding him with a wistful air. Van shook his head, not sure where this was leading. Kiosun turned and began to walk through the forest as he talked. Van followed, hands still linked.
"Van, you are kyuuketsuki. Night Stalker. Prince of Darkness. Vampire."
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"Nani?! Surely, you aren't serious! Me, a vampire? I am the heir to Fanalia! I still have to complete dragonslaying! I can't be a vampire!"
Kiosun stared at him. "I am serious! Don't you wonder why these changes have been occurring? I have been sent as your guide, essentially."
"A guide?"
"The changes are not easy, Van. You need someone to tell you what they are and how to deal with them. Also, the changes will not occur completely unless a full vampire...I don't know how to say it exactly...there's a ceremony type of thing. Then all the changes will be completed and you will be a full-blown vampire. If you decide you don't want to be a complete vampire, these changes will begin to hurt. Your wings may become useless. Your teeth won't be able to chew the food correctly, but neither will they ever be completely vampiric. Already, your food preferences have been changing, right? Rare steaks, meats and heady wines become more desirable. Soon your cravings will be for entirely raw food. I can help you, Van!"
Van pulled away, filled with conflicting emotions. Him, a vampire? Kyuuketsuki? How could this be? Surely, Kiosun was lying...but why would he lie? There was no real reason... Van shook his head, confused. Kiosun grabbed his shoulders and forced his head up, staring straight in his eyes. "Van, you really have no choice. If you don't believe me now, you can wait for more of the changes to occur. Go back to the palace tonight and tomorrow night come here again and find me. Your horse will remember the way. She is yours now...make sure no other groom besides my brother handles her. Goodnight, Van..."
Kiosun bent quickly and gave Van a kiss on the cheek...then he was gone into the night. Van reached up and touched his cheek, savoring the kiss...then he shook his head. This was foolish... Still, he knew that he'd come the following night. Somehow, this wasn't something he could refuse.
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Van walked slowly back to the city, leading his mare. His thoughts whirled in agony and confusion. This...how could this happen to him? His mother's fault...none of the other Draconians were like this. At least, none that he'd ever heard of. So, why was this happening to him? He had just turned seventeen...would he never see his eighteenth birthday? Would he never be King of Fanalia? One year left, and then he'd have ruled Fanalia. But now...how could he be a king if he could never step in the sunlight? How could he be king if he had to drink his subject's blood? Before, the only question he had was about marriage, and how he was going to successfully cover his preferences. The country needed an heir, but he wasn't sure how he could lay with a woman without his disgust becoming evident to her...and then of course, she would tell his advisors, and they would confront him.
The question had been very important to him then... Now it seemed an easy thing to cover up. These other things though... They were dangerous. On the other hand, he really had no choice. He had to become a full vampire or suffer the atrocities that Kiosun had mentioned. He shook his head in anguish. Kiosun was right. His decision had been made for him.
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The gatekeeper saw the same cloaked figure on the road. So, he had made it safely through the forest? There were rumors...rumors of people who had gone in and been attacked. They claimed it was a person, but not entirely human...they had shamefacedly admitted that they were unharmed, but that the person who attacked them was interested only in seducing them... The gatekeeper blushed. Other people's interests were none of his business. How they chose to take their pleasure was their problem...at least the city guard had not been asked to take care of the problem.
He returned his attention to the road and the traveler. The cloaked figure stirred unease in him... There were waves of anger and sorrow radiating from the man...The gatekeeper shivered, frightened. There was danger in this man... He decided to ask whom it was, just to make sure.
"Ho, traveler, I need some identification please." He yelled, his voice sounding weak even in his own ears. The figure nodded and pulled back the hood of his cloak. The guard fell to his knees in the dirt.
"Lord Van! Oh gods...Balgus will kill me!" Van suddenly saw a way to get out the following night.
"So, gatekeeper...what's your name?"
"Ratek, Lord Van"
"Well, Ratek, I can make sure Balgus never finds out about this..."
The guard was practically sobbing at his feet. "Anything, Lord Van!"
"I need to go to the same place tomorrow night. Maybe every night for some time. Maybe you could let me out then... Of course, no one would ever find out."
"Yes, Lord Van! I mean, no, Lord Van! Of course, no one will hear of this! Very good sir!" The guard collapsed in relief. Van grinned coldly. What good luck... Ratek opened the gate for him and Van proceeded into the city.
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A servant girl intercepted Van the second he stepped into the palace walls.
"Lord Van, Balgus would like to see you. He says it is a matter of extreme urgency. I will take your horse and you may go immediately." She reached for the reins.
"NO!" She jumped back. Van continued, softer. "No thank you, I'll take care of her myself."
She gave him an unreadable glare and flounced off. He made a face at her back and then grinned impishly. Ah, the small pleasures in life! He made his way to the stable and began to untack his horse. She stood rock steady, happily complying with any command he gave her. When he brushed her, she leaned into the strokes, a stupid-happy expression on her face. Van could almost swear she was purring. A tow headed girl ran up to him, hair tied in a tight little bun, a worried expression on her face.
"Lord Van! I can do that, sir!" He gave her a measuring glance.
"Can you get me the stable master please?" She looked terrified that she would be in trouble, but ran off anyway. A few minutes later, the stable master rushed in and bowed at his feet.
"Lord Van?"
Van turned to the mare, patting her forelock. "This mare...I would like for her to be the horse I regularly use now. My stallion...you may give him to Lord Joshin's daughter, Rosalind. She needs a good horse, not that pathetic pony she's got now. She comes on the hunts occasionally. It will be good for her. Also, I want no groom to touch this horse except for myself and Laike."
"Laike?" The stable master looked confused.
"Yes, the groom that came with her. She was a gift from a friend. I know Laike will be around to tend to her. Let no one...NO ONE else touch her. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Lord. I will see to it personally."
"Very good. Now, I'm off to see Balgus. If there is any question on this mare's care, send for me immediately. It's important."
"Yes, sir." Van waved a farewell and walked towards the palace.
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"Lord Van, how dare you leave the palace without permission! I don't want you wandering around the city unescorted. May I assume you came straight from the stables here? Which means you left without your sword! This is inexcusable behavior for a man about to become king! With your brother disappeared, you are the one in direct ascendance to the throne! If something were to happen to you, your cousin, Kuwaro, would become king!"
Balgus continued his rant while Van pondered the last statement. Kuwaro would make a far better king than he would. Kuwaro had been raised to power...he ran his father's holdings, and he was already betrothed...in fact, he was betrothed to Rosalind... That would be a good match. Her sweet temperament and his solidity. They would probably be the best ruling pair that Fanalia had seen in quite some time. Balgus suddenly whirled around and started yelling.
"Are you even listening to me? Don't you care about the future of your kingdom? I have been mentor and guardian for your family for years, and I don't want a distant cousin stealing the throne that is rightfully yours!" Van interrupted him wearily.
"Balgus, I just went for a ride to steady my nerves. I leave in a few months to the rite of dragonslaying. I am, understandably, nervous. I DO care about the future of Fanalia, more than you can imagine. However, it is none of your business where I go in my free time. Besides, what could go wrong in a peaceful city like Fanalia? I am perfectly safe, and I don't need you mothering me and breathing over my shoulder about everything I do!" Van's voice had gotten sharp and Balgus stared at him, fear in his eyes. Van ignored this and continued.
"Speaking of Kuwaro, I went to the city tonight to prepare for a journey to visit him. We've always been good friends. I leave tomorrow night. I don't know how long I'll be away, but I'm taking a friend with me, and NO ONE else. No guards, no retainers. Just my friend and I. I meet him at the gates tomorrow night. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am rather tired and will need my rest for the journey. Goodnight, Balgus."
Van left and closed the door firmly.
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Lying in bed, Van found he couldn't sleep. The things Kiosun had told him... At the time, he'd been in a sort of shock. The emotions he'd felt had been detached, like they weren't really his. Now, they struck him. He began to shake uncontrollably, tears leaking from his eyes. He wrapped his arms around his knees, wishing he had someone to comfort him. As if his prayer had been granted, strong arms wrapped around him and a weight settled on the bed next to him. A masculine smell drifted around him, and Ki's voice whispered comfort in his ear.
"Van, I know...shh...everything will be all right. Everything will work out." Van calmed slowly, relaxing as Ki held him. The tears stopped and Ki held out a small cloth. Van wiped his eyes and turned to face him. A bleary question popped into his head.
"How did you..."
"Get in? It was easy. I followed you in the shadows. No one looks too closely at the shadows. It's a primitive fear, but it works to my advantage. By the way, that was an impressive show you put on with Balgus." There was a smile in the other man's voice. "Am I to assume we'll be traveling to meet your cousin then?"
Van flushed, for an inexplicable reason wanting Kiosun to approve. "Ano...I hope you don't mind... But I thought that if I was to...to become...kyuuketsuki, there would have to be another in line for the throne. Kuwaro is the perfect person. He regularly hunts dragons, so the rite would be no problem for him. He also has excellent leader skills...I, on the other hand, would make a horrible king, especially now that..." He trailed off.
"Sounds good to me." Van flushed again. Kiosun continued. "In that case, you should get some rest. I'll stay here and protect you."
Van nodded and slipped into sleep, feeling completely secure for the first time in years.
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Van woke to a gentle hand stroking his hair. Kiosun was up on an elbow next to him with a positively gorgeous smile on his face. A lamp was lit on Van's bedstand, and the lights of false dawn were filtering through the window. Ki wore no shirt, and his well-muscled chest was gently lit, emphasizing his fair skin. Van blinked sleepily and cocked his head. Ki answered the unspoken question.
"It's about an hour until dawn. I need to be leaving soon to prepare for the journey myself. How long will this journey take?"
Van shook his head. "It takes about six days hard riding. About the same if we covered nights only. We can sleep in taverns during the day. Is that all you need to avoid the sun?"
"Yes. Inns or taverns will be quite sufficient, as long as the windows are barred. I can remain awake and coherent during the daytime, but it is best if I sleep. If that is all, I shall leave now and return to my safe haven. Rest a few more hours and then pack. Meet me at the gates an hour after sunset." Ki bent and kissed Van full on the lips, then was gone, the slowly closing door the only indication that he had left.
Van replayed the kiss in his mind, enjoying the warmth and love that had been in it. Then he shook his head and berated himself for foolishness. Love? How could Ki love him? Ki was just his guide, sent to help him through the changes. It was just his personality, not love.
Van sighed philosophically and closed his eyes to take the prescribed sleep. After all, who was he to argue with a creature of the night?
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Van rode slowly to the gate on his mare, carefully guiding her through the bustling people waiting to send him off. He had hoped that no one would find out, but evidently, one of the servant girls had been spreading rumors. People of all classes and social standing waved to him, shouting well wishes at the top of their lungs. He briefly thanked the gods that he wasn't riding his stallion. Large crowds had always worried the beast, and made him jumpy. The mare was steady and patient, and while not as showy, was perfectly behaved, even towards the children tumbling around her hooves. All of a sudden, from the opposite side of the square came a piercing shriek.
"Lord Van!" He winced. "Lord Van, take me with you!"
Merle came bounding up, anger written on every hair of her body. "Lord Van, why was it that I was the last person in the whole city to find out about this trip?! I thought you cared about me!!"
Van tried to cut in. "Merle, It's just that I..."
She ran right over his words. "Don't worry, I forgive you! At least I found out in time to pack my bags! My pony will be here in a few minutes, packed up and ready to go, so don't you worry about a thing."
Merle beamed up at him, but Van shook his head. "Merle, you are not coming with me. This trip is a political trip, and you would just be bored while Kuwaro and I talked about political matters. Besides, your pony wouldn't be able to keep up with us, which could add days to our travel time. I should be back in a month or so. And if you're good while I'm gone, maybe I'll bring you a present, alright?"
Van braced himself for an explosion... An explosion that never came. He looked in surprise at Merle, who was shaking her head. She looked at him with hurt eyes, then burst into tears and ran off in the direction of the stables. He stared after her. A matronly woman came to his stirrup. "Lord Van, sir?"
Van looked at the woman, whom he knew to be Merle's guardian. "Yes?"
"Merle will be fine. I had already forbidden her to go with you, so this was just a small act of defiance. She thought if you agreed to it, I might let her go." The woman looked vaguely resigned. Van smiled at her.
"Thanks. I just know she'll be safer here with you. Take good care of her." He turned his horse and continued towards the gate.
It had been sundown when he left the palace, but with the delays in the city, it had taken him nearly an hour and a half to get to the gates. Kiosun was already there, mounted on a showy chestnut stallion, barely suppressing a laugh. Van rolled his eyes towards the crowd behind him, gesture hidden from their view but visible to Ki. Ki just grinned and nodded towards the road.
"Shall we go?" Ki's stallion danced in place, eager to go. Van turned his mare and waved graciously to the Fanalians. They cheered happily as Van and Ki wheeled their horses to the rode and galloped down the road into the forest. As soon as they were safely out of sight, Van reined his horse in and slumped in the saddle. Kiosun's horse was at his side instantly, as Ki supported Van.
"Van, what's wrong?" He asked, worried.
Van straightened wearily. "It's just the crowds. So many people expecting so much from you. It's like they just grab the energy from you. Another reason Kuwaro would make a better king...He thrives in crowds."
Ki made a sympathetic noise. "Well, for the next week, it's just you and I. No crowds, no fawning courtiers or hopeful women. No worries."
Van grinned, hearing an echo of all his complaints. Ki smiled. "Well, we better get going. We'll just take it as a nice easy walk for now. I assume there's no rush to get to your cousin's?"
Van shook his head. "Nope, we have all the time in the world."
An unidentifiable expression flickered over Ki's face and was gone, leaving Van to wonder if he'd even really seen it. Kiosun said nothing though, and turned his horse back to the road. Van followed, pondering the enigma that Kiosun posed.
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They rode up to the inn about two hours to sunrise. A very grumpy innkeeper was awakened, cheering up only when he saw the gold in Van's hand. He immediately became very solicitous.
"My good gentlemen, how may I serve you?" he beamed at them.
"We'll stable our horses, and when we come in, we'd like one rare steak and two glasses of your finest red. Also, we need..." Van trailed off, but Kiosun continued.
"One room for today and hot baths for tonight. We'll be leaving after sunset."
The innkeeper turned curious eyes on Van, but just nodded. "Yes, sirs, your room will be ready immediately, as well as your steak."
Van and Ki led their horses to the small stable along the side of the inn and began to groom them in silence. When finished, they walked together into the dark tavern room, where a sleepy barmaid was setting their food on a table. She turned back towards the door and suddenly saw them standing there.
"Oh!" she jumped and squeaked, then looked flustered. "I didn't see you come in. Your food is right here and I'll bring the drinks in just a minute."
Van and Ki traded amused glances as she sauntered off to the kitchen, indignation stiff in her back. Van sat down on the hard wooden bench and Ki sat across from him. Van spoke first.
"Was I right to assume you wouldn't want anything to eat?" He was a little worried, and desperately wanted to please Kiosun.
Ki nodded. "Yes. Or at least, I would like something to eat, but somehow I don't think it's on the menu."
Van smiled half-heartedly at the joke, knowing that soon it would be him saying things like that. Ki's grin vanished when he saw Van's expression.
"Tonight, Van, I'll tell you how I became vampire. Perhaps that will set your mind at ease. Truly, it is not as bad as it seems. There are many good points too. You'll see."
Van simply nodded and cut into his steak. The inside was a nice red color and steam rose from it. Placing a piece in his mouth, he realized he had no appetite for it. Ki had been right...the cravings for purely raw meat had intensified. He shoved the plate aside as the servant returned with their drinks. She took away the plate with no comment and left them alone to sip their wine. Kiosun was watching Van carefully.
"You were right, Ki. I guess I am kyuuketsuki."
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Nothing was further said about the matter; Kiosun just nodded and dropped it, sensing Van's reluctance to speak about it. The two finished their drinks and walked up the stairs to their room.
Van looked around the room and nodded approval. Scrupulously clean, it had a large bed, a washstand, two chairs, and a chamberpot. The bed had fresh sheets and there were towels next to a bowl of water on the washstand. Ki had walked to the window and closed the shutters, making sure they were secure and appeared to be light proof.
Staring at the bed, Van began to feel uneasy. Kiosun had already stripped off his shirt, tossing it into a corner and stretching luxuriously. Van admired the play of skin over muscle, but glanced away quickly as Ki turned his way. Glancing at the bed again, Van sighed. Weren't there any easy answers anymore? The empty bed mocked his silent question.
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Kiosun exulted when he noticed Van staring at him. So, he was interested! Ki had seriously begun to wonder when Van barely responded to his flirting... It wasn't many that could resist a vampire's charm.
Kiosun noticed Van looking worried...following his gaze, Ki saw the bed. His mind whispered a silent curse as he realized why Van had been skittish since they got to the inn. Van was nervous about sharing a bed. Maybe he wasn't interested after all?
Van briefly let out a sigh and Ki jumped, surprised. Neither man made a move towards the bed. The silence was profound, tension stretching, quivering in the air. Minutes passed as Kiosun waited for Van to move. Van glanced at Kiosun, waiting for him to move. Finally, Ki started laughing, finding the situation very unnatural. Usually, men and women fell at his feet to do his bidding. Even fellow vampires were willing to do anything he asked. Here was a young man who was not afraid of him or awed by him, but simply took him as a friend. Or at least, Ki hoped it was more than friendship... But it seemed as if he would have to court Van in the old-fashioned way!
Ki moved towards the bed as Van stared with wide eyes. Sliding under the covers, Kiosun beckoned him.
"Come on Van, you'll get no sleep standing there! You'll need all your rest for tomorrow night, we've a long ride ahead of us." Van just nodded, and walked over to the bed.
Kiosun grinned inwardly, considering this a battle won. Van slid in beside him, keeping strictly on one side of the bed, body tense, back stiff. Perhaps the battle had only begun... Settling back into the pillows, Kiosun watched Van as he took off his own shirt. Near perfection... Ki's heart ached as he saw the beauty shyly revealed. Vampires in stories were always so beautiful, but in real life, many of them were distinctly hideous. They seemed happy though, and that was all that really mattered.
Returning his attention to Van, he realized that the young king-to-be was staring at him with an odd expression on his face. Unease, uncertainty, and nervousness were foremost, but there was something undefined as well. Also realizing that he was drooling, Ki shut his mouth with a snap.
"Ano, I..."
Van just smiled sadly and pulled the blankets around him. "Never mind. We really do need to get some sleep. Rest well, Ki."
Kiosun nearly jumped with glee. Van had used his nickname!
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Van stared uncomfortably at Kiosun, as his friend was ogling him. Ki suddenly realized what he was doing and tried to apologize. Pulling the blankets up to his chin, Van brushed it off. "Never mind. We really do need to get some sleep. Rest well, Ki."
Something made Kiosun grin, but Van just turned over and closed his eyes. For now, he would just go to sleep and worry about everything the next evening.
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A timid knock at the door awakened Van. Opening his eyes, he slowly remembered where he was. An inn room with Kiosun. Somewhere during the day, Ki's arm had slipped around Van's waist. Flushing, Van removed it and padded to the door. Opening it, he saw the innkeeper twisting an apron in his hands.
"Ah, good sir," the innkeeper said, "I was just coming up to tell you that night has fallen. Am I to assume you wish to leave tonight?"
"Yes, of course. Let me wake my companion. We'll saddle our own mounts."
"Excellent. Shall I make you a travel pack? Some food, water? A small extra charge, of course, but no one makes a better meat pie than my wife!"
Van shook his head. "No, we have everything we need, thank you. Here is your payment for the dinner, the room, and a small extra amount for the trouble we've caused you."
The innkeeper beamed. "Thank you, sir!"
Closing the door firmly, Van padded quietly over to the bed and placed a gentle hand on Ki's shoulder to wake him. With lightning fast reflexes, Ki's arm shot out to grab Van's throat. However, Van was already out of the way, halfway across the room, sword grabbed from near their saddlebags.
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Kiosun sat up, completely awake, and grabbing thin air. "What...where..."
Realization dawned as he glanced around the room. "I...oh." Turning to Van he stared, amazed. The young man had his sword out with a startled but determined look on his face. Ki looked at his hands. Vampires never missed. Their very survival depended on cat-like reflexes. Van may have vampire blood, but he hadn't been made a complete vampire yet...no man should move that fast. Perhaps it was just Van's presence. Perhaps Ki just hadn't wanted to move fast enough to kill.
"Van, I...I'm sorry. It's just reflex anymore. My safe haven could have been ambushed at any time. I got used to sleeping half-awake. Tonight, I slept very deeply. Too deeply. I should not have reacted like that. Can you forgive me?"
Van lowered his sword. "Of course. Accidents happen. Some habits will save you. Others will kill you. Keep the good ones."
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"It was...about fifty years ago." Van looked at Kiosun, confused. They were riding through a forest, very similar to the one in Fanalia. It may have been a branch of the Fanalian forest...Van didn't know.
"The changes started to happen to me. I began to hate the foods I used to love. Green leafy things disgusted me. Red meats and red wines began to taste good. I never got drunk off the wine though, no matter how much I drank. I was son to a duke, and we had our small court. A high classed lady, a matronly woman, was visiting our court for a few weeks, on a business trip with her father, a merchant. While she was staying with us, she noticed my odd behavior. The restlessness, the food preferences...All the symptoms you are experiencing now. She herself was a vampire, and called herself Sara, though I doubt that was the name she was born with. One night she cornered me returning from the banquet hall. She told me what was happening and threatened to tell my father what was going on. Of course, I didn't want my father to know I was a vampire. I meekly agreed to whatever she wanted. She abused me, putting off the bonding ceremony until it was almost too late.
"The ceremony itself is pretty simple, but I didn't know that. The changes happened to me very fast, and soon I couldn't deal with them. I went crazy during a banquet, and started tearing at the rarest meat the cooks made. Finally, they just brought me a platter filled with raw steaks. I ate them all, gorging until I couldn't eat another bite. The servants carried me to my room while my father tried explaining to the guests that I was just fine. Sara came to my room later that night and performed the ceremony. There was no love there, though, and so the bond between us broke immediately."
Seeing Van's confused look, he explained further. "The bonding ceremony not only completes the vampiric changes, but it also forms a bond between the two vampires. When there is no love in that bond, the vampire bond breaks, leaving the parent vampire perfectly fine, but the child vampire crippled for life. She beat me then left me, broken, bloody, and nearly insane, while she left with her husband. I hated her; I had hated her from the moment she told me what I was. But there was little I could do about it. I left my father a note, explaining that the woman had first poisoned me, then raped me. I told him that for my shame, I could not return to the duchy. I packed my clothes and left.
"At first, I had trouble. I didn't understand how to take my meals, and many of my first victims died. I had torn out their throats. The next few, I took too much blood from, and they died later. Finally, a vampire from a kiss- that's group of vampires- came to see what the rumors were about. A rogue vampire child, whom the parent had abandoned. He found me shivering in an old barn with townspeople and torches surrounding me.
"He saved me from them, then taught me how to take my meals. Seduce the victim, engage in..." Ki paused. Seeing Van's blush, he smiled faintly and continued.
"Then take only enough to live with. Leave, and let them wake up, feeling tired and dizzy, but otherwise unharmed. Living near roads helps, always a meal on the go."
Van felt ill.
"I have been entirely unable to stand the presence of a woman ever since Sara. My father looked for her to kill her for what happened to me, but she couldn't be found anywhere. The vampire from the kiss understood, and told me that sometimes many vampires felt that way. I left him thirty years ago, and I never found out his name. I have lived in Fanalia ever since, looking for more of our kind. One of our duties is to train every vampire we find. Many don't survive the change. Suicide is the only way out. They don't believe that life is worth living as vampires. Van...what about you? Do you think you can live like this? No, don't answer! Over the next few nights, I will show you the best parts of being a vampire. Then, you can tell me how you feel."
Van nodded, accepting it. They rode for a few minutes in silence, Van reflecting on Ki's story, and Ki fighting old memories. Finally, Van broke the silence.
"Ki, I know the myths about vampires, but no facts. How many of the myths are true? And why are we chosen to be vampires?"
Ki thought a moment. "Vampires are creatures of the night. We cannot stand the touch of sunlight. Our skin burns until nothing is left of us but dust. Vampires do drink blood. It is all we can digest except for water and some wines. Our reflexes and strength are superhuman, and we age very slowly. I was seventeen when I became vampire. Fifty years later, I am still seventeen, physically.
"As to your second question, remember how I said your mother was the cause of this? Your mother was a Draconian, a race originally from the mystic moon. One of the Draconians carried a...disease, if you will. He began spreading it through humans on purpose, as soon as he knew what it was. Lucard Rimidalv was his name. When his seed combined with human, a race of vampires was formed. The first bonding ceremony was an accident, when he mated with one of his children. Once he realized that the two factors-his disease and the ceremony-were related, he began to create his own race. One odd thing he noticed was that some human babies got the disease, and some didn't. When studying why, he discovered that the child must have Draconian blood. Two humans cannot produce it, even if one of them is Vampire. So Lucard mated with as many Draconian women as were willing, and spread the disease to nearly all of them. The women never knew it, so their children carried the disease too.
"Now, about a tenth of the Draconian population has the disease. Your mother, daughter of one of Lucard's women, carried the disease. She passed it on to you. Finally, the Draconians realized what was going on. Tracing family lines, they discovered whom it originated from. A law was passed. Any women descended from the original set were forbidden to have children. Your mother was prophesized to meet your father though, and they couldn't change that. They sent her out of their safe city, and she made her way to Fanalia. Hence, you."
Van pondered what Ki said. "So," he began, "You have Draconian blood too?"
"Yes. My father met my true mother in the forest on midsummer's eve. The Draconians didn't know she carried the disease, evidently, so she decided to have a romp with my father. I was born, and she immediately shipped me to his duchy, not bothering to check if I had the disease. He accepted me and adopted me into his legitimate family."
"And you have wings also?" Van asked.
"I do."
Van sat thinking about this. "So, we both came from Draconian mothers. When they carry the disease, aren't they vampires too?"
"No. When Draconians have the disease, it is passive. It does nothing to them, and they don't know they have it unless one of their children shows it. Only children that come as a result of a human-Draconian mix become vampires."
"I see. So my mother never knew she had the disease?"
"She did know. Her mother was one of the women who had gotten the disease from Lucard. The problem was, at her birth, the wisewomen predicted the meeting at the lake with your father. They also predicted two children. The leaders of the draconian city decided not to change fate, so they sent her out of the city. She did meet your father, and there were two children. Folken, and you."
Van paled visibly. "F-Folken? So he's..."
Ki shot him a sympathetic look. "Your brother was vampire too. A lone vampire took him in. They faked his death and he has been with the other vampire since. They love each other very much, Van. I would not wish to part them. You are mad at your brother...you blame him for your mother's death. It was not his fault. When he disappeared then, your mother realized that the disease passed on from her. She realized that you had it too. That was what broke her heart. It neither your fault nor your brother's."
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Van clenched his teeth, face twisted in agony. Slowly, it softened until Van was silently weeping. Ki pulled Van from his saddle, hugging him close as the boy wept on his shoulder. Finally, Van looked up pitifully at Ki.
"Is my brother really happy?"
Ki's opinion of Van rose. "Yes, Van. The vampire with him is Angelique. She takes very good care of him. Your brother often came with me to watch you. It almost killed him seeing your suffering when your mother left. He wanted to storm in there, kidnap you, and forget the kingdom."
Van smiled weakly. "I can just see him doing that too."
Ki smiled too. "Well Van, we have about five days hard riding left, and I plan to show you everything about Vampires that I can."
Chapter 1
By: Empress
Explanation: I began this about a year ago, and every time I had a free hour or so, I would sit and write on it. It progressed slowly because I had so many other activities to do and at times, my inspiration left me. I was inspired by my love of both vampires and Escaflowne, and twisted the two together in this strange way. This is what came out of it.
Scenario: Zaibach doesn't exist. Allen isn't a part of this, nor is the Moleman or the Duchy of Froid. In fact, I kept very few things the same. This is almost an alternate universe, except for a few things. Van, Folken, their mother, Balgus, Merle, Hitomi, Amano, Yuki, and the lady who grabbed Merle when Fanalia was burning were the only characters I kept. Everyone else is original, so DON'T USE THEM! Unless you get my permission. I took great liberties with certain things...Hitomi's parentage is nothing like in the show, for my own purposes I changed them. Also, the Draconians...I rewrote some of their history, made up a bunch more, and gave them an interesting twist. This story was written for my sake, not anyone else's, and so the changes I made are illogical and sometimes pointless. However, if you like chaos and pointlessness, this is the story for you.
WARNINGS: READ THESE! IF YOU DON'T, I CAN'T BE RESPONSIBLE IF YOU RUN ACROSS SOMETHING YOU DON'T LIKE! There are vampires...this includes bloodsucking, bad puns on names, and references to sex. Also, yaoi, shounen-ai, servant girl bashing, a very mild lime, a wicked Balgus, sap, sap, and more sap. Also, poorly written plot turns, at the fault of my wicked muses and their penchant for death. Van is gay! Don't like it, you are welcome to leave. If you don't mind this stuff, go ahead! Have fun in my romp of insanity! And please, review! (Also, if you happen to see any misspellings or poor grammar, tell me! I try my best, but no one's perfect...) On with the story!
Van Fanel, soon-to-be-King of all Fanalia, threw down the polish rag with a curse. His sword was so shiny it looked new minted. His rooms were as tidy as he could make them, and the maids wouldn't let him near the rest of the palace. Still, he was restless. He had tried music, studies, and sparring, but for the past week, there had been a restlessness that nothing could ease for even a minute.
After a few minutes of useless pacing, he decided to try his luck at the stables. Perhaps there he would find something to do. If nothing else, he could go riding. He stalked out the door, irritation visible on his face. As he passed one of the servant girls, she turned white and her eyes widened in fear. He wondered what could have made her so scared...surely not him? The walk to the stables was a short one, and Van found himself outside the doors before his mind could register it.
Inside, the stables smelled very strongly of horse, but there was a faint undertone of cedar as well, likely from the fire. It was warm, the heat wrapping around his body like a blanket. He paused for a second, standing on the edge of the lamplight. As he scanned the stable's interior, his eyes lit upon a crate with broken harness on it. A needle and leather thread lay discarded next to it, as if the work had been set aside for a few seconds and then forgotten. This was exactly what he needed! Mending harness was not one of Van's best skills and would take all his concentration to keep his stitches straight. He seated himself if the straw and began to piece together the bridle sitting on the top of the pile.
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About an hour later, Van placed the last bit of leather aside and grabbed wearily for another piece. When his hands met upon the wood of the crate, he blinked, surprised. A quick glance outside told him that it was about a half an hour after sundown. A shadow flicked in the corner of his vision, and Van was on his feet with empty hands...he'd left his sword in his room. As he cursed himself for stupidity, the shadow spoke.
"What can I do for you, young master?" It was a groom, completely unfazed at Van's reaction. The boy looked maybe fifteen...Van himself was seventeen, just turned. Van regarded the mended harness and the restlessness returned.
"Saddle my stallion please, I'm going riding in the woods," Van snapped, annoyed at himself. Why was he so restless? Lately he had been unable to sleep, preferring to walk the dark halls. He loved the dark...it was so quiet, no one to bother him. No fawning courtiers, no hopeful young women... As much as he loved Merle, sometimes she was just too much. She wanted more than he was willing to give...she thought they were more than friends. He fidgeted nervously. Even thinking about the problems he faced made him feel confined, trapped. After what seemed like an eternity, the stable boy returned with his horse... No, it was a different horse than he normally rode. Still, maybe this mare just needed exercise.
"Here sir...I took the liberty of asking the cook for some bread and cheese in case you got hungry." Van turned to the boy, astonished. None of the servants had ever thought of anything like that. They never offered things unless they thought they could get something in return...but this lad had seemed completely honest. Like he really cared? Van took a closer look. He had dark black hair and pale skin. He seemed to wince away from the light and stand in the shadows. He wasn't bad looking either...he looked familiar though...
"What's your name?" Van asked.
"Laike, sir."
"Do you have other siblings that work in the palace? You seem familiar."
"No sir, I'm the only one in my family. Perhaps you've seen my brother in the city though?"
"I don't think so... Never mind. Thank you for the food. I'll try to be back before midnight."
Laike nodded and stepped back as Van tossed himself on his horse. As he galloped away into the city, Van wondered, since when do servants leave their hair loose?
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The guard at the gate yawned. It had been so uneventful tonight...not so much as a whisper, not even from the town itself. The forest was so peaceful at night...he loved the nightshifts, they were so relaxing. He half-turned as he heard hoof beats on the main road from the city.
"Out for a ride in the forest?" The figure on the horse nodded. "Alright then. I'll open the gates!"
The gates creaked open and the figure waved a gratitude. The guard waved back and shut the gates. He wondered if he should have gotten identification...but no. It wasn't his job to keep anyone in the city... Just out.
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Van smiled grimly as he rode out of the city. He knew a certain guard master who would have been livid to find security so lax, but he certainly wouldn't complain. The road into the forest was cushioned with pine needles; their sweet scent released as the horse stepped on them. He brought his mount to a trot, wanting to enjoy the night for what it was. The cool breeze on his face, the soft chirping of bugs, a rustle in the trees nearby.
He turned the horse towards the sound, slowing to a walk. When he broke out into the clearing, a small group of deer turned their heads towards him in surprise. When he stopped moving and made no move to hurt them, they went back to grazing, keeping a cautious eye in his direction. He leaned on his mount's neck, enjoying the warm scent. This horse was certainly better than his usual. It was far more responsive and good-natured.
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Van sat for some time, content to watch the deer graze. All of a sudden, he felt a presence at his back that wasn't *quite* in tune with nature. He whipped around, startling the deer into flight. In the tree behind him, a young man sat...no, not so young. Maybe a year or two older than Van himself. Van regarded the stranger cautiously. He had long black hair, and pale skin. The man here reminded Van of the stable boy at the palace. The same high cheekbones and fine features, the same...Grace. Stealth. The aura of total control of the night. Van cleared his throat awkwardly.
"My name is Van. Van Fanel."
"I know." The words seemed to drop into the silence. Van flushed.
"Ano...who might you be?"
"My name is Kiosun. Ki for short." Van flushed again, uncomfortable, and not sure why.
"Do you have a brother at the palace stables? I think I met him earlier..." Van trailed off. The other man laughed, a deep, rich, sexy sound.
"Yes...you must have met Laike. He's my younger brother. He gave you the horse?"
Van nodded cautiously. "Yeah...I'd never seen her in the stables before. She's sweet."
"We bred her, at my sister's farm. It's a gift, from me to you." The young man laughed again, as Van thanked him. "It was more in self-interest than anything else. I needed a riding companion who had a horse that could keep up. There were a lot of other guys I could ride with, but none, I think, as good looking as you."
Van directed a sharp glance at Kiosun. The other boy grinned. "Nor with your...preferences."
Van gaped. He had been very careful never to tell anyone. If Merle ever found out... She'd be heartbroken. He had never dallied with any of the attractive young men he'd met...he hadn't really ever given them second glances. How could this young man know about his preferences? It was dangerous information. If any of the other people in his kingdom found out, he could be disinherited, or worse, executed. The young man closed his eyes slowly.
"Van...I have been watching you for some time. Your walks in the woods, your aversion to the daytime. You are so very like I was when I was your age. It started when you turned seventeen, didn't it? Changes began to occur, ones that you didn't understand. The daylight becoming too bright, the nighttime becoming so comforting. Let me tell you about your past." Kiosun leapt from the tree landing lightly on his feet. Extending a hand to Van, he kept talking. Van took his hand and dismounted.
"Your mother, one of the angels, Draconians. Your father, the King of Fanalia. Your father, though, has no bearing on what is happening to you now. Your mother, however, is the cause of these changes. Your wings...may I see them?"
Van nodded. This young man seemed to know everything about him... What difference would it make if his last secret were confirmed? He took off his shirt and spread his wings. Kiosun let out a soft, wistful sigh. "So...beautiful."
Van turned to regard his wings. Throughout his whole childhood, they had remained white, pure. Now however, the tips of each feather had turned gray. His eyes widened. He hadn't flown since he was five, and therefore had not seen them. Kiosun reached out his free hand- Van noticed they were still holding hands- and touched Van's wings.
"I have something to explain to you," Kiosun said as he stroked the soft feathers. Van found it strangely sensual, and shifted, wondering if he really minded this touching. Kiosun smiled gently and withdrew, leaving one last caress. The he continued speaking.
"Your mother is the cause of these changes. Your wings will turn entirely black, your teeth pointed, and soon you will be unable to stand the touch of the sun. Do you know why?" Kiosun was regarding him with a wistful air. Van shook his head, not sure where this was leading. Kiosun turned and began to walk through the forest as he talked. Van followed, hands still linked.
"Van, you are kyuuketsuki. Night Stalker. Prince of Darkness. Vampire."
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"Nani?! Surely, you aren't serious! Me, a vampire? I am the heir to Fanalia! I still have to complete dragonslaying! I can't be a vampire!"
Kiosun stared at him. "I am serious! Don't you wonder why these changes have been occurring? I have been sent as your guide, essentially."
"A guide?"
"The changes are not easy, Van. You need someone to tell you what they are and how to deal with them. Also, the changes will not occur completely unless a full vampire...I don't know how to say it exactly...there's a ceremony type of thing. Then all the changes will be completed and you will be a full-blown vampire. If you decide you don't want to be a complete vampire, these changes will begin to hurt. Your wings may become useless. Your teeth won't be able to chew the food correctly, but neither will they ever be completely vampiric. Already, your food preferences have been changing, right? Rare steaks, meats and heady wines become more desirable. Soon your cravings will be for entirely raw food. I can help you, Van!"
Van pulled away, filled with conflicting emotions. Him, a vampire? Kyuuketsuki? How could this be? Surely, Kiosun was lying...but why would he lie? There was no real reason... Van shook his head, confused. Kiosun grabbed his shoulders and forced his head up, staring straight in his eyes. "Van, you really have no choice. If you don't believe me now, you can wait for more of the changes to occur. Go back to the palace tonight and tomorrow night come here again and find me. Your horse will remember the way. She is yours now...make sure no other groom besides my brother handles her. Goodnight, Van..."
Kiosun bent quickly and gave Van a kiss on the cheek...then he was gone into the night. Van reached up and touched his cheek, savoring the kiss...then he shook his head. This was foolish... Still, he knew that he'd come the following night. Somehow, this wasn't something he could refuse.
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Van walked slowly back to the city, leading his mare. His thoughts whirled in agony and confusion. This...how could this happen to him? His mother's fault...none of the other Draconians were like this. At least, none that he'd ever heard of. So, why was this happening to him? He had just turned seventeen...would he never see his eighteenth birthday? Would he never be King of Fanalia? One year left, and then he'd have ruled Fanalia. But now...how could he be a king if he could never step in the sunlight? How could he be king if he had to drink his subject's blood? Before, the only question he had was about marriage, and how he was going to successfully cover his preferences. The country needed an heir, but he wasn't sure how he could lay with a woman without his disgust becoming evident to her...and then of course, she would tell his advisors, and they would confront him.
The question had been very important to him then... Now it seemed an easy thing to cover up. These other things though... They were dangerous. On the other hand, he really had no choice. He had to become a full vampire or suffer the atrocities that Kiosun had mentioned. He shook his head in anguish. Kiosun was right. His decision had been made for him.
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The gatekeeper saw the same cloaked figure on the road. So, he had made it safely through the forest? There were rumors...rumors of people who had gone in and been attacked. They claimed it was a person, but not entirely human...they had shamefacedly admitted that they were unharmed, but that the person who attacked them was interested only in seducing them... The gatekeeper blushed. Other people's interests were none of his business. How they chose to take their pleasure was their problem...at least the city guard had not been asked to take care of the problem.
He returned his attention to the road and the traveler. The cloaked figure stirred unease in him... There were waves of anger and sorrow radiating from the man...The gatekeeper shivered, frightened. There was danger in this man... He decided to ask whom it was, just to make sure.
"Ho, traveler, I need some identification please." He yelled, his voice sounding weak even in his own ears. The figure nodded and pulled back the hood of his cloak. The guard fell to his knees in the dirt.
"Lord Van! Oh gods...Balgus will kill me!" Van suddenly saw a way to get out the following night.
"So, gatekeeper...what's your name?"
"Ratek, Lord Van"
"Well, Ratek, I can make sure Balgus never finds out about this..."
The guard was practically sobbing at his feet. "Anything, Lord Van!"
"I need to go to the same place tomorrow night. Maybe every night for some time. Maybe you could let me out then... Of course, no one would ever find out."
"Yes, Lord Van! I mean, no, Lord Van! Of course, no one will hear of this! Very good sir!" The guard collapsed in relief. Van grinned coldly. What good luck... Ratek opened the gate for him and Van proceeded into the city.
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A servant girl intercepted Van the second he stepped into the palace walls.
"Lord Van, Balgus would like to see you. He says it is a matter of extreme urgency. I will take your horse and you may go immediately." She reached for the reins.
"NO!" She jumped back. Van continued, softer. "No thank you, I'll take care of her myself."
She gave him an unreadable glare and flounced off. He made a face at her back and then grinned impishly. Ah, the small pleasures in life! He made his way to the stable and began to untack his horse. She stood rock steady, happily complying with any command he gave her. When he brushed her, she leaned into the strokes, a stupid-happy expression on her face. Van could almost swear she was purring. A tow headed girl ran up to him, hair tied in a tight little bun, a worried expression on her face.
"Lord Van! I can do that, sir!" He gave her a measuring glance.
"Can you get me the stable master please?" She looked terrified that she would be in trouble, but ran off anyway. A few minutes later, the stable master rushed in and bowed at his feet.
"Lord Van?"
Van turned to the mare, patting her forelock. "This mare...I would like for her to be the horse I regularly use now. My stallion...you may give him to Lord Joshin's daughter, Rosalind. She needs a good horse, not that pathetic pony she's got now. She comes on the hunts occasionally. It will be good for her. Also, I want no groom to touch this horse except for myself and Laike."
"Laike?" The stable master looked confused.
"Yes, the groom that came with her. She was a gift from a friend. I know Laike will be around to tend to her. Let no one...NO ONE else touch her. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Lord. I will see to it personally."
"Very good. Now, I'm off to see Balgus. If there is any question on this mare's care, send for me immediately. It's important."
"Yes, sir." Van waved a farewell and walked towards the palace.
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"Lord Van, how dare you leave the palace without permission! I don't want you wandering around the city unescorted. May I assume you came straight from the stables here? Which means you left without your sword! This is inexcusable behavior for a man about to become king! With your brother disappeared, you are the one in direct ascendance to the throne! If something were to happen to you, your cousin, Kuwaro, would become king!"
Balgus continued his rant while Van pondered the last statement. Kuwaro would make a far better king than he would. Kuwaro had been raised to power...he ran his father's holdings, and he was already betrothed...in fact, he was betrothed to Rosalind... That would be a good match. Her sweet temperament and his solidity. They would probably be the best ruling pair that Fanalia had seen in quite some time. Balgus suddenly whirled around and started yelling.
"Are you even listening to me? Don't you care about the future of your kingdom? I have been mentor and guardian for your family for years, and I don't want a distant cousin stealing the throne that is rightfully yours!" Van interrupted him wearily.
"Balgus, I just went for a ride to steady my nerves. I leave in a few months to the rite of dragonslaying. I am, understandably, nervous. I DO care about the future of Fanalia, more than you can imagine. However, it is none of your business where I go in my free time. Besides, what could go wrong in a peaceful city like Fanalia? I am perfectly safe, and I don't need you mothering me and breathing over my shoulder about everything I do!" Van's voice had gotten sharp and Balgus stared at him, fear in his eyes. Van ignored this and continued.
"Speaking of Kuwaro, I went to the city tonight to prepare for a journey to visit him. We've always been good friends. I leave tomorrow night. I don't know how long I'll be away, but I'm taking a friend with me, and NO ONE else. No guards, no retainers. Just my friend and I. I meet him at the gates tomorrow night. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am rather tired and will need my rest for the journey. Goodnight, Balgus."
Van left and closed the door firmly.
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Lying in bed, Van found he couldn't sleep. The things Kiosun had told him... At the time, he'd been in a sort of shock. The emotions he'd felt had been detached, like they weren't really his. Now, they struck him. He began to shake uncontrollably, tears leaking from his eyes. He wrapped his arms around his knees, wishing he had someone to comfort him. As if his prayer had been granted, strong arms wrapped around him and a weight settled on the bed next to him. A masculine smell drifted around him, and Ki's voice whispered comfort in his ear.
"Van, I know...shh...everything will be all right. Everything will work out." Van calmed slowly, relaxing as Ki held him. The tears stopped and Ki held out a small cloth. Van wiped his eyes and turned to face him. A bleary question popped into his head.
"How did you..."
"Get in? It was easy. I followed you in the shadows. No one looks too closely at the shadows. It's a primitive fear, but it works to my advantage. By the way, that was an impressive show you put on with Balgus." There was a smile in the other man's voice. "Am I to assume we'll be traveling to meet your cousin then?"
Van flushed, for an inexplicable reason wanting Kiosun to approve. "Ano...I hope you don't mind... But I thought that if I was to...to become...kyuuketsuki, there would have to be another in line for the throne. Kuwaro is the perfect person. He regularly hunts dragons, so the rite would be no problem for him. He also has excellent leader skills...I, on the other hand, would make a horrible king, especially now that..." He trailed off.
"Sounds good to me." Van flushed again. Kiosun continued. "In that case, you should get some rest. I'll stay here and protect you."
Van nodded and slipped into sleep, feeling completely secure for the first time in years.
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Van woke to a gentle hand stroking his hair. Kiosun was up on an elbow next to him with a positively gorgeous smile on his face. A lamp was lit on Van's bedstand, and the lights of false dawn were filtering through the window. Ki wore no shirt, and his well-muscled chest was gently lit, emphasizing his fair skin. Van blinked sleepily and cocked his head. Ki answered the unspoken question.
"It's about an hour until dawn. I need to be leaving soon to prepare for the journey myself. How long will this journey take?"
Van shook his head. "It takes about six days hard riding. About the same if we covered nights only. We can sleep in taverns during the day. Is that all you need to avoid the sun?"
"Yes. Inns or taverns will be quite sufficient, as long as the windows are barred. I can remain awake and coherent during the daytime, but it is best if I sleep. If that is all, I shall leave now and return to my safe haven. Rest a few more hours and then pack. Meet me at the gates an hour after sunset." Ki bent and kissed Van full on the lips, then was gone, the slowly closing door the only indication that he had left.
Van replayed the kiss in his mind, enjoying the warmth and love that had been in it. Then he shook his head and berated himself for foolishness. Love? How could Ki love him? Ki was just his guide, sent to help him through the changes. It was just his personality, not love.
Van sighed philosophically and closed his eyes to take the prescribed sleep. After all, who was he to argue with a creature of the night?
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Van rode slowly to the gate on his mare, carefully guiding her through the bustling people waiting to send him off. He had hoped that no one would find out, but evidently, one of the servant girls had been spreading rumors. People of all classes and social standing waved to him, shouting well wishes at the top of their lungs. He briefly thanked the gods that he wasn't riding his stallion. Large crowds had always worried the beast, and made him jumpy. The mare was steady and patient, and while not as showy, was perfectly behaved, even towards the children tumbling around her hooves. All of a sudden, from the opposite side of the square came a piercing shriek.
"Lord Van!" He winced. "Lord Van, take me with you!"
Merle came bounding up, anger written on every hair of her body. "Lord Van, why was it that I was the last person in the whole city to find out about this trip?! I thought you cared about me!!"
Van tried to cut in. "Merle, It's just that I..."
She ran right over his words. "Don't worry, I forgive you! At least I found out in time to pack my bags! My pony will be here in a few minutes, packed up and ready to go, so don't you worry about a thing."
Merle beamed up at him, but Van shook his head. "Merle, you are not coming with me. This trip is a political trip, and you would just be bored while Kuwaro and I talked about political matters. Besides, your pony wouldn't be able to keep up with us, which could add days to our travel time. I should be back in a month or so. And if you're good while I'm gone, maybe I'll bring you a present, alright?"
Van braced himself for an explosion... An explosion that never came. He looked in surprise at Merle, who was shaking her head. She looked at him with hurt eyes, then burst into tears and ran off in the direction of the stables. He stared after her. A matronly woman came to his stirrup. "Lord Van, sir?"
Van looked at the woman, whom he knew to be Merle's guardian. "Yes?"
"Merle will be fine. I had already forbidden her to go with you, so this was just a small act of defiance. She thought if you agreed to it, I might let her go." The woman looked vaguely resigned. Van smiled at her.
"Thanks. I just know she'll be safer here with you. Take good care of her." He turned his horse and continued towards the gate.
It had been sundown when he left the palace, but with the delays in the city, it had taken him nearly an hour and a half to get to the gates. Kiosun was already there, mounted on a showy chestnut stallion, barely suppressing a laugh. Van rolled his eyes towards the crowd behind him, gesture hidden from their view but visible to Ki. Ki just grinned and nodded towards the road.
"Shall we go?" Ki's stallion danced in place, eager to go. Van turned his mare and waved graciously to the Fanalians. They cheered happily as Van and Ki wheeled their horses to the rode and galloped down the road into the forest. As soon as they were safely out of sight, Van reined his horse in and slumped in the saddle. Kiosun's horse was at his side instantly, as Ki supported Van.
"Van, what's wrong?" He asked, worried.
Van straightened wearily. "It's just the crowds. So many people expecting so much from you. It's like they just grab the energy from you. Another reason Kuwaro would make a better king...He thrives in crowds."
Ki made a sympathetic noise. "Well, for the next week, it's just you and I. No crowds, no fawning courtiers or hopeful women. No worries."
Van grinned, hearing an echo of all his complaints. Ki smiled. "Well, we better get going. We'll just take it as a nice easy walk for now. I assume there's no rush to get to your cousin's?"
Van shook his head. "Nope, we have all the time in the world."
An unidentifiable expression flickered over Ki's face and was gone, leaving Van to wonder if he'd even really seen it. Kiosun said nothing though, and turned his horse back to the road. Van followed, pondering the enigma that Kiosun posed.
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They rode up to the inn about two hours to sunrise. A very grumpy innkeeper was awakened, cheering up only when he saw the gold in Van's hand. He immediately became very solicitous.
"My good gentlemen, how may I serve you?" he beamed at them.
"We'll stable our horses, and when we come in, we'd like one rare steak and two glasses of your finest red. Also, we need..." Van trailed off, but Kiosun continued.
"One room for today and hot baths for tonight. We'll be leaving after sunset."
The innkeeper turned curious eyes on Van, but just nodded. "Yes, sirs, your room will be ready immediately, as well as your steak."
Van and Ki led their horses to the small stable along the side of the inn and began to groom them in silence. When finished, they walked together into the dark tavern room, where a sleepy barmaid was setting their food on a table. She turned back towards the door and suddenly saw them standing there.
"Oh!" she jumped and squeaked, then looked flustered. "I didn't see you come in. Your food is right here and I'll bring the drinks in just a minute."
Van and Ki traded amused glances as she sauntered off to the kitchen, indignation stiff in her back. Van sat down on the hard wooden bench and Ki sat across from him. Van spoke first.
"Was I right to assume you wouldn't want anything to eat?" He was a little worried, and desperately wanted to please Kiosun.
Ki nodded. "Yes. Or at least, I would like something to eat, but somehow I don't think it's on the menu."
Van smiled half-heartedly at the joke, knowing that soon it would be him saying things like that. Ki's grin vanished when he saw Van's expression.
"Tonight, Van, I'll tell you how I became vampire. Perhaps that will set your mind at ease. Truly, it is not as bad as it seems. There are many good points too. You'll see."
Van simply nodded and cut into his steak. The inside was a nice red color and steam rose from it. Placing a piece in his mouth, he realized he had no appetite for it. Ki had been right...the cravings for purely raw meat had intensified. He shoved the plate aside as the servant returned with their drinks. She took away the plate with no comment and left them alone to sip their wine. Kiosun was watching Van carefully.
"You were right, Ki. I guess I am kyuuketsuki."
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Nothing was further said about the matter; Kiosun just nodded and dropped it, sensing Van's reluctance to speak about it. The two finished their drinks and walked up the stairs to their room.
Van looked around the room and nodded approval. Scrupulously clean, it had a large bed, a washstand, two chairs, and a chamberpot. The bed had fresh sheets and there were towels next to a bowl of water on the washstand. Ki had walked to the window and closed the shutters, making sure they were secure and appeared to be light proof.
Staring at the bed, Van began to feel uneasy. Kiosun had already stripped off his shirt, tossing it into a corner and stretching luxuriously. Van admired the play of skin over muscle, but glanced away quickly as Ki turned his way. Glancing at the bed again, Van sighed. Weren't there any easy answers anymore? The empty bed mocked his silent question.
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Kiosun exulted when he noticed Van staring at him. So, he was interested! Ki had seriously begun to wonder when Van barely responded to his flirting... It wasn't many that could resist a vampire's charm.
Kiosun noticed Van looking worried...following his gaze, Ki saw the bed. His mind whispered a silent curse as he realized why Van had been skittish since they got to the inn. Van was nervous about sharing a bed. Maybe he wasn't interested after all?
Van briefly let out a sigh and Ki jumped, surprised. Neither man made a move towards the bed. The silence was profound, tension stretching, quivering in the air. Minutes passed as Kiosun waited for Van to move. Van glanced at Kiosun, waiting for him to move. Finally, Ki started laughing, finding the situation very unnatural. Usually, men and women fell at his feet to do his bidding. Even fellow vampires were willing to do anything he asked. Here was a young man who was not afraid of him or awed by him, but simply took him as a friend. Or at least, Ki hoped it was more than friendship... But it seemed as if he would have to court Van in the old-fashioned way!
Ki moved towards the bed as Van stared with wide eyes. Sliding under the covers, Kiosun beckoned him.
"Come on Van, you'll get no sleep standing there! You'll need all your rest for tomorrow night, we've a long ride ahead of us." Van just nodded, and walked over to the bed.
Kiosun grinned inwardly, considering this a battle won. Van slid in beside him, keeping strictly on one side of the bed, body tense, back stiff. Perhaps the battle had only begun... Settling back into the pillows, Kiosun watched Van as he took off his own shirt. Near perfection... Ki's heart ached as he saw the beauty shyly revealed. Vampires in stories were always so beautiful, but in real life, many of them were distinctly hideous. They seemed happy though, and that was all that really mattered.
Returning his attention to Van, he realized that the young king-to-be was staring at him with an odd expression on his face. Unease, uncertainty, and nervousness were foremost, but there was something undefined as well. Also realizing that he was drooling, Ki shut his mouth with a snap.
"Ano, I..."
Van just smiled sadly and pulled the blankets around him. "Never mind. We really do need to get some sleep. Rest well, Ki."
Kiosun nearly jumped with glee. Van had used his nickname!
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Van stared uncomfortably at Kiosun, as his friend was ogling him. Ki suddenly realized what he was doing and tried to apologize. Pulling the blankets up to his chin, Van brushed it off. "Never mind. We really do need to get some sleep. Rest well, Ki."
Something made Kiosun grin, but Van just turned over and closed his eyes. For now, he would just go to sleep and worry about everything the next evening.
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A timid knock at the door awakened Van. Opening his eyes, he slowly remembered where he was. An inn room with Kiosun. Somewhere during the day, Ki's arm had slipped around Van's waist. Flushing, Van removed it and padded to the door. Opening it, he saw the innkeeper twisting an apron in his hands.
"Ah, good sir," the innkeeper said, "I was just coming up to tell you that night has fallen. Am I to assume you wish to leave tonight?"
"Yes, of course. Let me wake my companion. We'll saddle our own mounts."
"Excellent. Shall I make you a travel pack? Some food, water? A small extra charge, of course, but no one makes a better meat pie than my wife!"
Van shook his head. "No, we have everything we need, thank you. Here is your payment for the dinner, the room, and a small extra amount for the trouble we've caused you."
The innkeeper beamed. "Thank you, sir!"
Closing the door firmly, Van padded quietly over to the bed and placed a gentle hand on Ki's shoulder to wake him. With lightning fast reflexes, Ki's arm shot out to grab Van's throat. However, Van was already out of the way, halfway across the room, sword grabbed from near their saddlebags.
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Kiosun sat up, completely awake, and grabbing thin air. "What...where..."
Realization dawned as he glanced around the room. "I...oh." Turning to Van he stared, amazed. The young man had his sword out with a startled but determined look on his face. Ki looked at his hands. Vampires never missed. Their very survival depended on cat-like reflexes. Van may have vampire blood, but he hadn't been made a complete vampire yet...no man should move that fast. Perhaps it was just Van's presence. Perhaps Ki just hadn't wanted to move fast enough to kill.
"Van, I...I'm sorry. It's just reflex anymore. My safe haven could have been ambushed at any time. I got used to sleeping half-awake. Tonight, I slept very deeply. Too deeply. I should not have reacted like that. Can you forgive me?"
Van lowered his sword. "Of course. Accidents happen. Some habits will save you. Others will kill you. Keep the good ones."
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"It was...about fifty years ago." Van looked at Kiosun, confused. They were riding through a forest, very similar to the one in Fanalia. It may have been a branch of the Fanalian forest...Van didn't know.
"The changes started to happen to me. I began to hate the foods I used to love. Green leafy things disgusted me. Red meats and red wines began to taste good. I never got drunk off the wine though, no matter how much I drank. I was son to a duke, and we had our small court. A high classed lady, a matronly woman, was visiting our court for a few weeks, on a business trip with her father, a merchant. While she was staying with us, she noticed my odd behavior. The restlessness, the food preferences...All the symptoms you are experiencing now. She herself was a vampire, and called herself Sara, though I doubt that was the name she was born with. One night she cornered me returning from the banquet hall. She told me what was happening and threatened to tell my father what was going on. Of course, I didn't want my father to know I was a vampire. I meekly agreed to whatever she wanted. She abused me, putting off the bonding ceremony until it was almost too late.
"The ceremony itself is pretty simple, but I didn't know that. The changes happened to me very fast, and soon I couldn't deal with them. I went crazy during a banquet, and started tearing at the rarest meat the cooks made. Finally, they just brought me a platter filled with raw steaks. I ate them all, gorging until I couldn't eat another bite. The servants carried me to my room while my father tried explaining to the guests that I was just fine. Sara came to my room later that night and performed the ceremony. There was no love there, though, and so the bond between us broke immediately."
Seeing Van's confused look, he explained further. "The bonding ceremony not only completes the vampiric changes, but it also forms a bond between the two vampires. When there is no love in that bond, the vampire bond breaks, leaving the parent vampire perfectly fine, but the child vampire crippled for life. She beat me then left me, broken, bloody, and nearly insane, while she left with her husband. I hated her; I had hated her from the moment she told me what I was. But there was little I could do about it. I left my father a note, explaining that the woman had first poisoned me, then raped me. I told him that for my shame, I could not return to the duchy. I packed my clothes and left.
"At first, I had trouble. I didn't understand how to take my meals, and many of my first victims died. I had torn out their throats. The next few, I took too much blood from, and they died later. Finally, a vampire from a kiss- that's group of vampires- came to see what the rumors were about. A rogue vampire child, whom the parent had abandoned. He found me shivering in an old barn with townspeople and torches surrounding me.
"He saved me from them, then taught me how to take my meals. Seduce the victim, engage in..." Ki paused. Seeing Van's blush, he smiled faintly and continued.
"Then take only enough to live with. Leave, and let them wake up, feeling tired and dizzy, but otherwise unharmed. Living near roads helps, always a meal on the go."
Van felt ill.
"I have been entirely unable to stand the presence of a woman ever since Sara. My father looked for her to kill her for what happened to me, but she couldn't be found anywhere. The vampire from the kiss understood, and told me that sometimes many vampires felt that way. I left him thirty years ago, and I never found out his name. I have lived in Fanalia ever since, looking for more of our kind. One of our duties is to train every vampire we find. Many don't survive the change. Suicide is the only way out. They don't believe that life is worth living as vampires. Van...what about you? Do you think you can live like this? No, don't answer! Over the next few nights, I will show you the best parts of being a vampire. Then, you can tell me how you feel."
Van nodded, accepting it. They rode for a few minutes in silence, Van reflecting on Ki's story, and Ki fighting old memories. Finally, Van broke the silence.
"Ki, I know the myths about vampires, but no facts. How many of the myths are true? And why are we chosen to be vampires?"
Ki thought a moment. "Vampires are creatures of the night. We cannot stand the touch of sunlight. Our skin burns until nothing is left of us but dust. Vampires do drink blood. It is all we can digest except for water and some wines. Our reflexes and strength are superhuman, and we age very slowly. I was seventeen when I became vampire. Fifty years later, I am still seventeen, physically.
"As to your second question, remember how I said your mother was the cause of this? Your mother was a Draconian, a race originally from the mystic moon. One of the Draconians carried a...disease, if you will. He began spreading it through humans on purpose, as soon as he knew what it was. Lucard Rimidalv was his name. When his seed combined with human, a race of vampires was formed. The first bonding ceremony was an accident, when he mated with one of his children. Once he realized that the two factors-his disease and the ceremony-were related, he began to create his own race. One odd thing he noticed was that some human babies got the disease, and some didn't. When studying why, he discovered that the child must have Draconian blood. Two humans cannot produce it, even if one of them is Vampire. So Lucard mated with as many Draconian women as were willing, and spread the disease to nearly all of them. The women never knew it, so their children carried the disease too.
"Now, about a tenth of the Draconian population has the disease. Your mother, daughter of one of Lucard's women, carried the disease. She passed it on to you. Finally, the Draconians realized what was going on. Tracing family lines, they discovered whom it originated from. A law was passed. Any women descended from the original set were forbidden to have children. Your mother was prophesized to meet your father though, and they couldn't change that. They sent her out of their safe city, and she made her way to Fanalia. Hence, you."
Van pondered what Ki said. "So," he began, "You have Draconian blood too?"
"Yes. My father met my true mother in the forest on midsummer's eve. The Draconians didn't know she carried the disease, evidently, so she decided to have a romp with my father. I was born, and she immediately shipped me to his duchy, not bothering to check if I had the disease. He accepted me and adopted me into his legitimate family."
"And you have wings also?" Van asked.
"I do."
Van sat thinking about this. "So, we both came from Draconian mothers. When they carry the disease, aren't they vampires too?"
"No. When Draconians have the disease, it is passive. It does nothing to them, and they don't know they have it unless one of their children shows it. Only children that come as a result of a human-Draconian mix become vampires."
"I see. So my mother never knew she had the disease?"
"She did know. Her mother was one of the women who had gotten the disease from Lucard. The problem was, at her birth, the wisewomen predicted the meeting at the lake with your father. They also predicted two children. The leaders of the draconian city decided not to change fate, so they sent her out of the city. She did meet your father, and there were two children. Folken, and you."
Van paled visibly. "F-Folken? So he's..."
Ki shot him a sympathetic look. "Your brother was vampire too. A lone vampire took him in. They faked his death and he has been with the other vampire since. They love each other very much, Van. I would not wish to part them. You are mad at your brother...you blame him for your mother's death. It was not his fault. When he disappeared then, your mother realized that the disease passed on from her. She realized that you had it too. That was what broke her heart. It neither your fault nor your brother's."
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Van clenched his teeth, face twisted in agony. Slowly, it softened until Van was silently weeping. Ki pulled Van from his saddle, hugging him close as the boy wept on his shoulder. Finally, Van looked up pitifully at Ki.
"Is my brother really happy?"
Ki's opinion of Van rose. "Yes, Van. The vampire with him is Angelique. She takes very good care of him. Your brother often came with me to watch you. It almost killed him seeing your suffering when your mother left. He wanted to storm in there, kidnap you, and forget the kingdom."
Van smiled weakly. "I can just see him doing that too."
Ki smiled too. "Well Van, we have about five days hard riding left, and I plan to show you everything about Vampires that I can."