The begining of this strange relationship is starting ? How can a vampire and children bound ? Slight spoilers on the novel Mikaela the vampire.

Enjoy

When Crowley returned to his training room, Yuu followed him. The young had found a broomstick that would serve as a sword. He then stood in profile just like the red, remaining out of the room, raised his arms in the same way and began to imitate the vampire. Not without hiding repeatedly behind the walls. Eusford, on the other hand, was not fooled and knew perfectly well that he was being spied on. He pretended, however, to not notice anything. Moreover, Yuuichiro repeated the movements alone later.

" What are you doing Yuu ?" asked Yukina when she discovered him.

" I'm learning swordplay."

" Swordplay ? But how ?"

She noticed that he was looking sideways while wielding his staff. Yukina went to the edge of the terrace. Downstairs, Crowley was training. Yukina looked at her brother, then the vampire.

" So you're learning from him."

" Yup. You said we got to study something, and I chose to learn how to fight. If you recall all vampires in Sanguinem were wielding a sword. It must be efficient. I hope to be strong enough one day to take back our family." revealed Yuuichiro.

" Oh. You're not wrong about this. Well I'll study as well and will look for a way to defeat vampires." announced Yukina.

" Perfect."

A little down below, Crowley knew the kid was still here. He heard him of course, but his words weren't the problem. What puzzled him was that someone was willing to learn swordplay from him. And he hadn't forgot. That time when he was still human. When he himself was learning, and then later when he taught young noblemen.

" Why did he stop ?" wondered Yuu.

Crowley closed his eyes with a sigh, then resumed his training. Later, Yukina found a treatise on chivalry which she reported to her brother. He read each night after the stories. Then during the day, he spied on the vampire during his training. That day when he came to his training room, Eusford immediately caught Yuu's scent. Seemed like he really was willing to learn. The child wasn't here, never when the vampire was there first.

" It's been eight centuries since I taught someone swordsmanship. I miss that sometime."

Would be nice if he could teach again. He rounded eyes. He, a vampire, teaching a human child ? Whoa. What the hell happened to his brain. Crowley shook his head before getting in position. However, he couldn't get this idea off his head. Was it so bad after all ? It's not like a human could really hope to win against a vampire such as himself. Plus, that would be another way to kill time. On the other hand, why should he care ? The vampire tried to focus and forget all this. He more or less succeeded in it. Because when he was done and out, Yuu went in it. Crowley stopped.

"…"

Then it was like his body reacted instead of his brain. He made a U-turn and went back. Yuu was there, repeating the movements he knew. Crowley looked at him … before entering. The child startled when noticing, and froze. Eusford moved Yuu's foot with his own, then corrected his stick. Then he stepped back, leaving a dumbfounded dark-haired kid.

" Well what are you waiting for ?" asked the vampire.

" B-but why … why did you …"

" Your position was wrong, and you're too edgy with your stick."

" But why … why are you … doing this ?" asked Yuuichiro.

" I don't really know." confessed Crowley.

The child was too confused to continue. So the vampire left. Yuu went to watch him leaving. After he disappeared from his sight, he rushed to his room.

" You won't believe it !" he yelled while opening brutally the door.

" KYAAA !"

Yuu went in and closed the door. Yukina sent him her pillow straight on the face, scolding him for scaring her.

" Okay okay ! Sorry, alright ?" said Yuu, catching the pillow falling.

Yukina then asked what was all this ruckus.

" Well I was there, training as usual when Crowley just came in and corrected my stance. Not only that, but he expected me to continue. It was like … like he was teaching me somehow. But why ? Why would a vampire do this ? And what should I do ?" told Yuu quickly, pacing up.

Yukina blinked, then close her book. After a while, she responded.

" Then continue."

Yuuichiro blinked as well.

" What ?"

" If he's willing to teach you, then continue and learn from him. After all, vampires do use us for food, so it's only fair, isn't it ?" developed Yukina.

" Hmmm … quite right here. Fine, I'll let him teach me. And I think you should learn too." decided Yuu, pointing her.

" Okay. As long as you study."

" Why you …. Hmph, deal."

Yukina nodded. She put her book in a corner of the room. They went to fetch another broomstick for her. So in the afternoon, when Crowley went back near the training room he apperceived the twins inside. Sat on the floor, it seemed like they were waiting for him. The progenitor looked at them for a while. He could see the place where he taught children during Middle Age. So he walked in, like he did back then. To that could help him forget about the crusade, to those children now willing to take lessons from him. Crowley stopped one meter before them. The twins have stood up. Each were staring at the other. No fear in those green eyes, just curiosity. No hate either. Weird. And changing.

" Morning you two. We'll begin by the basics." he announced.

Without any question, the Yus got in position. Eusford naturally explained what he expected from them. The lesson began. None of them tried to think about how strange it was. The vampire corrected them if needed. It went just like that. At the end he asked them to remember what he taught and just left. The twins looked at each other. Well that went well. They went back to their room, then met others kids. Little by little, a routine settled. They were to meet the vampire twice a day, morning and afternoon. Crowley managed to found wooden swords for them.

" Very good. You're progressing." he said one day.

And … he let a little smile appeared. Both tilted their head in astonishment. Crowley understood, and quickly ordered them to continue.

" He smiled to us." said Yukina later.

" And he praised us." added Yuu.

" Yeah, I don't know which one surprised me the more."

" You said it. No one ever praised us excepted our family. No adults." reminded Yuu.

" And here it's a vampire. What the hell is wrong with that one ?" wondered his sister.

" Wrong … you'll think I'm crazy, but … is it so wrong ?"

" I confirm, you're totally crazy. But I got your point. It feels good to not be afraid in his presence."

The twins were back in the afternoon. And this time, they surprised him.

" Thank you." made two voices.

And he was the one staring at them. Thank you. Two words he never, ever heard from humans. Let alone children. But those did. They left without waiting. Decidedly this case was strange. Not it would stop so soon. It would even go deeper. Crowley noticed soon that the kids weren't just learning swordplay. They were trying to improve their global knowledge as well. Approaching Yukina who was making a writing exercise, he leaned over her shoulder. Yuuichiro was in front of her, doing the same.

" You made a mistake here." he said.

" Oh. You're right." said the girl.

She erased then corrected.

" So I see you're not only learning how to wield a sword."

" Indeed. We can't go to school so we're learning on our own." replied Yukina softly.

" …"

" Gah, I can't get this grammar thing." made Yuuichiro, biting his pencil.

" Let me see …" intervened Crowley.

He took the book. After a while, he explained it to the kid. Yukina just smiled. Why not trying that. So the vampire stayed with them, supervising their lessons, helping from time to time. When the different lessons stopped, it was almost evening.

" Already ?" thought Crowley.

Since when days were flying that fast ? The twins thanked the vampire again. They went to play before dinner. Eusford just scratched his head in reflection. What did those little humans did to him ? They got nothing special after all. Except maybe they weren't afraid of him. How did it happen exactly, he wasn't sure. Perhaps each one made a step toward the other. Anyways, during the following weeks the trio continued its routine. Little by little the Yus went to study with Crowley the morning, then practiced swordplay, study again and practice in the afternoon.

His aides weren't long to notice this new occupation.

" Lord Crowley, are you really teaching those humans ?" asked Horn Skuld.

The three of them were in the office room, the 13th progenitor reading a report.

" I am." he simply said.

The vampires women looked at each other with surprise.

" But … but why ?"

" Yes they're just livestock nothing more." added Chess Belle.

Crowley frowned a bit. However, he took the time to think.

" To tell you the truth, I have trouble to explain how it happened. It was …"

Natural. Yes, it went naturally between them. Maybe there wasn't really an explanation, or rather he didn't bother finding one.

" They're not afraid of me." he let.

" Huh ?"

" I can see it in their eyes. They're even smiling to me now. I find it refreshing somehow."

His subordinates blinked in confusion. The fact that humans and vampires could get along seemed beyond their understanding. Crowley noticed it was time for him to meet the twins. He went up and let the women reflecting on what they learnt. As usual the children were already here. He greeted them, and they went in the middle of the room.

" It's been three months now that you began your lessons. From now on, I will be your opponent." announced the vampire.

Up until now the twins were practicing fighting with just the two of them. He would be an opponent of another calibre. But fine, this way they'll get use to a strong and fast adversary. They began by simple moves, then faster ones before the actual fight. Yuuichiro was the first to engage against the tall vampire. However he didn't hesitate and squared. Crowley smiled internally. After a while gauging each other, they attacked simultaneously. The wooden swords clashed.

" Good, Yuuichiro. Pay attention to your stance … that's it." commented Crowley.

" Yah !"

Crowley dodged him. Yuu was too slow to regain his balance. The vampire pointed his sword under his chin.

" That was not bad at all. You'll have to work on your agility and speed. But that's only the second stage so don't worry about it." declared Eusford.

" Fine, and thank you."

Crowley nodded, before inviting Yukina with a head sign. Just as her brother she didn't hesitate, but let him come first. She wasn't as strong as her brother, so she compensated by agility. In the end, he made her sword fly in the air.

" Very well, Yukina. You'll have to work on your strength a bit and speed."

" Alright."

Now time for other lessons.

Taking care of the children really kept the vampire busy. Now, they were authorized to be in the office, most of the time for playing society games. Crowley chuckled when realizing they were also imitating his noble way of walking. Even their way of eating was becoming more refined. Others kids were wondering where in hell did they spent their whole days.

" We're studying." replied Yuuichiro.

" Studying ?" repeated several voices.

"Yes. Maths, history, geography, Japanese and the rest." precised Yukina.

The children exchanged glances. That seemed boring enough to avoid others questions, which was convenient for them. The kids decided then on a game to play. As they were running chasing each other, Yukina collided with a common vampire. That one gave her a cold look. The brunette opened her mouth to apologize, but remained silent before that stare. So the vampire grabbed her by the neck and lifted her.

" Release her !" yelled Yuuichiro.

The vampire was about to throw her against a wall : making a U-turn he met with his master.

" Put her down." said Crowley, with a cutting tone.

" Sir, she was insolent with me."

" That human belongs to me, so I'll handle her."

Yukina was released, and coughed. Yuu went quickly to her while Eusford ordered his congener to leave. Then, Crowley invited Yukina to follow him. Her brother followed as well. Once away from indiscreet ears, the adult vampire asked what happened. Yukina didn't hesitate to answer. A good point for her : the progenitor appreciated her honesty.

" Why didn't you apologize ?"

" I was about to, but … the way he looked at me … my mouth stayed close." she confessed.

" What do you mean ?" interrogated Crowley, stopping and turning to her.

Yukina leaned her head.

" It looked like … I don't know … like he was the master of the place, like everything was due to him."

" Arrogant, in a word." summarized Crowley.

" Yeah."

" Well us vampires are that way. So you've got to learn to be careful first, then humble next." advised Crowley.

Yukina pouted. This idea didn't please her.

" But … you're not like him." intervened Yuuichiro.

" Hm ?"

" He's right. So why can't he be more like you ?" added Yukina.

Crowley blinked. Did those humans cubs have a high opinion of him or what ? He stared at their faces, which were reflecting sincerity.

" Anyway, sometimes you have to keep a low profile and not just with vampires. It's a way of defusing a conflict and avoid trouble." resumed the ginger-haired.

" People should also get back on earth : some things are not so important so they should just let it go." said Yukina again.

" That's not so simple. People do have an ego and a pride. You can show them you're smarter than that. Restraining yourself is important : it's a proof of maturity, intellect and wisdom."

"Alright, I understand." sighed Yukina.

" Perfect." concluded Crowley.

However, he thought about including this lesson in their apprenticeship. That was also useful in combat, as well as hiding their emotions. Meanwhile they resumed their walking to arrive at the office. The twins decided to play chess while the vampire attended his business. After five minutes …

" Crowley ?"

" What is it Yuuichiro ?"

" Why are vampires so proud ?" asked the boy.

" That's a good question. We're proud of our physical strength of course, and of not being captive of ugly human emotions. And surely because that's all left to us." responded Crowley.

" All that's left to you ?" repeated Yukina.

" Hm hm. We do not have human emotions anymore." revealed the vampire.

The twins looked at each other.

" Wait. You mean … you had them once ?" wondered Yuuichiro.

" Of course, since we were humans before becoming vampires."

" YOU WHAT ?!"

This time, Crowley lifted his ruby eyes to see two puzzled faces. Ah right, they couldn't possibly know. He confirmed it : vampires didn't just pop out from nowhere.

" So … what kind of human were you before ? And who turned you ?" asked Yukina.

Crowley didn't answer right away.

" I think you're a bit too young for this kind of story."

" Too young ? Yeah you're right, after all it's not like we lived the end of the world …"

" Saw all the adults die before our eyes …" added Yukina.

" And were captured by vampires to serve as food supplies. Not to mention we were abandoned by our parents." ended Yuuichiro.

" -_-. Fine. But now, it's dinner time so you should go." resumed Crowley, getting up.

" Okay, so will you tell us after supper ?"asked Yuu.

" Hmmm …"

" Pweeeeaaase !" they smiled.

" Alright I got it. Meet me here after your meal."

The twins smiled before joyfully leaving. Crowley sighed once the door closed. Seriously, what was with those two ? Oh well, not that their relationship was normal. He pondered on if he should tell them his story. The children were right, they went through so much for such a young age. His story should be fine in comparison. When the time came, the vampire came back to his office. He sat on a sofa. Suddenly, after five minutes of waiting he smelled blood.

" ! "

The Yus entered.

" Kids ? Were you hurt ?" asked immediately Crowley.

" What makes you think that ?" they asked.

" You smell blood."

" Whoah. That's impressive. No we weren't hurt. We just have a gift for you." replied Yukina.

" A gift ? For me ?" made Crowley, surprised.

The little girl tended a glass full of blood. The vampire looked at it, then at them.

" You saved me earlier. Without you I would probably be dead. So I wanted to thank you properly." explained the brunette.

" Same here, you saved my sister." added Yuu, rising a hand.

They were looking at him as children waiting for the parent to open his gift. Crowley tended his hand, collected the blood before drinking it. He saw them smiling. It really was a thanks, nothing more.

This done, they sat beside him waiting for the story.

" You're familiar with History now. I was born during the 13th century, in a noble house. As the third son I couldn't hope to inherit anything so I chose to be a Templar Knight. Do you know what it is ?" began Crowley.

" Yes I read that somewhere !" made Yuu.

" Me too, me too. It's a … ah, a knight from a special order who fought …" thought Yukina.

" During the crusades !" exclaimed Yuu.

" Exactly. A soldier of God."

They remained silent for an instant.

" Wow. Then if must have been a shock to meet a vampire." guessed Yukina.

" You don't say." approved Crowley.

He continued his story : his involvement during a crusade, what he saw there, his despair, his fear and everything else. His first encounter with a vampire. The shock. The incomprehension. He returned from that hell alive, but broken. What he did to continue to live : teaching kids swordsmanship. The Yus smiled at that : that was surely the reason he did the same with them. What happened in the village he resided in. How it all began. Crowley talked without pause, without knowing how the children were feeling at this. Now that he had begun he just couldn't stop. Until … he felt two pressures on his shoulders. The twins fell asleep, their head against him.

" That was worth asking me to narrate my life." he said.

And now, what was he supposed to do ?

" Kids ? Hey kids wake up."

But they just moaned and put an arm around him. Eh ?! Seriously ? He sighed. Looked like he had no choice. He lifted his arms in order to pass them around the little bodies. After ensuring his grasp he stood up. The twins awoke a bit, embraced his neck then put their head against his. Alright then, let's go. The vampire brought them to their room and put them on their mattress.

" Yaaaawn ! Thanks for the story Crowley." yawned Yuu.

" Yeah … was great." added his sister.

" Hmph ! You fell asleep just before I finished it. Well then, good night kids." he smiled.

" Night."

The next day, the twins resumed their daily routine. With a little thing in addition : offering blood to the one taking care of them. Crowley told them it wasn't necessary, but they insisted. Since it was a thanks he accepted it.

" Hey who's that ?" asked Yukina.

" Where ?"

She pointed a place where a vampire with long silver hair was there.

" Why does he seem familiar ?" asked Yuuichiro.

" My thoughts exactly. I've got the feeling I've seen him somewhere."

" Let's check it out." suggested her brother.

The twins approached the part of the building where this newcomer was chatting with Eusford. His aides were also there. The children stopped at a safe distance.

" Hey. I think I saw him in Sanguinem." muttered Yuuichiro.

" You're right, but there's more."

" Like what ?" wondered Yuu, looking at her.

" This outfit, this hair colour … it's the vampire who turned Crowley." revealed Yukina.

" What is he doing here ? How can Crowley even speak to him ?"

" I don't know."

A bit farther, Crowley sensed the twins' presence. He had a bad feeling about this. He didn't know why but he already didn't want Ferid Bathory to find about them. Speaking of him, he also spotted them. The kids hid. As Ferid was looking in their direction, Crowley made a head sign to Chess Bell, as well as miming a sentence. Hide them. Chess nodded.

" So Ferid-kun, are you sure you really need me there ? I think I'll pass this time." resumed Crowley, walking away to catch his attention again.

" Aaaaw come on, this will remind us of good old times."

Meanwhile, Chess arrived behind the twins. She touched their shoulders. They had the reflex to send their fists she easily blocked.

" Come with me. Crowley-sama's order."

The Yus followed her without hesitation. Chess Bell led them right in the middle of the basis for all the children. Then, she made them enter an empty room.

" Wait here."

The Yus exchanged glances. Looked like the adult vampire wanted to hide them. But why ? Was that other noble dangerous ? But why would he attack them ? They remained silent, waiting for the moment they would go out. After a while, the door opened.

" Come on." announced Crowley.

Around them, others kids believed and muttered they had been punished. The twins couldn't care less. Once outside, they began.

" What happened Crowley ?"

" Nothing kids."

" Then why did you hide us ?" wondered Yukina.

" You shouldn't spy on adults you know."

" But he is … he is the one who hurt you." made Yuu.

Crowley stopped, and sighed.

" So what ? Was it because you were spying ?" he questioned, turning to them.

" But how can you even speak to him ?" asked Yukina.

" None of your business, is that clear ?"

" Okay fine, so why did you hide us from him ?" she insisted.

" Because I don't want children to spy on my business." replied Crowley.

" Hun hun." said Yukina, clearly not convinced.

" Oh really. You could have gone anywhere else instead." added Yuu.

" And you would have followed. Enough with that, I don't have to justify myself with you. Now go get ready for your swordplay lesson."

The Yus sighed while the vampires were leaving. However, Chess and Horn were also wondering about this action. Chess was the one who dared to ask him. However Crowley didn't really know what to answer. Just … he didn't want Ferid to take interest on the kids. Not them. Not again.

" Crowley-sama has his reasons Chess. We don't have to know." intervened Horn.

He thanked her mentally. Now, time to meet the Yus.