It was another few hours until the rest of the house settled in to sleep. Kimizuki had left for his patrol shortly after dinner and was not due to return for a while yet. Silently, Mika opened his bedroom door and stepped out. He could hear the even breathing of Shinoa and Yoichi as they slept, unwitting of the bloodthirsty monster lurking in their house. Mika walked quickly to the front door and let himself out into the night air.
Kimizuki had been right. Rain had begun to fall about an hour ago and the waves crashing on the shore became increasingly more violent as the storm moved inwards. The cold, heavy drops felt good on his burning flesh.
Blood.
In the moonlight Mika could see the slumbering town. With a conscious effort he turned away from the small collection of buildings and began to walk along the shore. He didn't trust himself to be near anyone while the thirst raged inside of him. He needed to find somewhere to stay where he knew he wouldn't be of danger to the squad or townspeople. Each step was heavier than the last, the salt spray biting sharply at his exposed face and hands.
Blood.
He walked until the moon was high in the sky. Though the rain obscured his vision he was certain he was far enough away from the humans. The wind was beginning to tear at his clothes and he was thoroughly soaked. The burning ache in his throat was making it difficult to concentrate.
Shelter. He needed shelter.
There were no man made structures nearby, though the rain made it impossible to see beyond twenty feet in any direction. Perking up his ears Mika listened carefully. Somewhere close at hand was the hollow, scraping sound of wind being pulled through a crevice. Peering at the cliffs that loomed ahead he spotted a small opening in the rock face, just big enough for him to slip through. He worked his way in to what happened to be a cavern. Though it was dark it was blessedly free of the wind and rain. Mika took off his white cloak and laid it out to dry on a low rock shelf.
The cavern extended back beyond the reach of the muddied moonlight. Minding his footing on the uneven ground, Mika ventured further into its depths. About thirty feet from the entrance his keen vampire eyes found a disused fire pit. Just beyond that was a small alcove in the rocks where some one had made a rude bed. On a hunch, Mika searched the area and found a small bundle of charred driftwood. Soon enough he had embers glowing brightly.
Blood.
This place reeked of humans. It likely had been a safe haven for fisher folk or travelers caught out in unfavorable weather. The light of the fire allowed him to investigate further, distracting himself as best he could. There were a few personal belongings strewn about the cavern floor-clothing, an old sun hat, a net.
Distantly, through the howling of the storm, Mika heard uneven footsteps approaching from the outside. Kicking sand on the embers to extinguish the light he edged his way silently to the mouth of the cave. The rain obscured any scent he may have been able to glean. Before he could prepare himself a figured ducked in to the crevice, its form covered by a sodden cloak.
Mika stood just out of sight behind a jutting rock, his hand on his sword hilt. The figure stopped, most likely smelling the recently smothered fire. A hand slipped beneath the folds of its cloak as it moved forward cautiously. In one swift movement Mika emerged from his hiding place, drew his blade and pinned the intruder to the cavern wall. A startled cry escaped from what turned out to be a young man as he felt Mika's blade press against his throat.
Blood.
The harsh scent of the human's panic struck the vampire, his jaw tightening to restrain pernicious fangs. The boy was younger and slighter than himself, thin almost to the point of being haggard. Meeting Mika's crimson gaze he froze, recognizing the creature before him.
"P-please," the boy began meekly, "I was just trying to get out of the storm. Please don't kill me." Mika felt the boy trembling beneath his grasp.
"Drop your weapon," Mika commanded. The boy raised his hand and released the small stone dagger he held there.
"Please," the boy said again, "don't hurt me. I didn't know there would be anyone in here. If you let me go I will leave." A flash of lightening ripped across the sky outside followed by a low growl of thunder.
Blood.
"So that you can warn other humans of my presence? I don't think so." Mika's hand tightened around the boy's throat. He could feel the boy's blood pulsing there fueled by terror. The beast within him savored the sensation.
"No!" The boy grabbed at Mika's wrist. "There are no other humans near here. This is my home."
No other humans, Mika thought numbly. No one to miss him. He lowered his blade, his senses focusing on the roaring pulse under his fingers. The boy saw the vampire's eyes shift to his exposed throat. He began to struggle in earnest then, clawing and kicking at Mika, his breath coming fast. This only served to excite the vampire; the predator finally had its prey.
The boy's flesh was hot beneath his lips. He could smell the blood just beneath the surface, tantalizing him. Dully, as if from a distance, Mika heard a stifled cry as his fangs pierced the skin.
Blood. It rushed in to him, quenching the fire that had consumed his whole being. The vampire shuddered as the blood flowed through him, sharpening his senses and revitalizing his body. He drank eagerly. The madness that had clouded his mind for so many days was beginning to recede.
He continued to pull at the fragile life line until a muffled gurgle brought him out of himself. Releasing the boy's neck, Mika lifted his head. Blood covered the human's front, further soaking his cloak. Mika recoiled. The boy fell to the cavern floor, limp and unmoving.
No.