Chapter 2: Memory
A memory…
A thought lost to time…
One filled with not only happiness, but sadness and regret…
A memory…of a single little girl…
One she treasured….
And a time she could no longer return to…
But she was not a normal human girl, she wasn't even human. Her people were scorned by man, treated as savages, and barbarians. To humans, they were no different than beastkin.
These, were the vampires.
Living in the shadows of the world, they avoid the humans that could do them harm. With the long line of violence between the two races, things such as this are bound to happen. Thankfully, they came to an agreement, as the vampires moved to the darker parts of the world, vowing never to harm humans again. One such family of vampires were the Alucard.
A bright moon hung over a large estate that sat behind a massive rose garden, the beautiful bouquet lighting up the rather bland estate. This is the home of the Alucard family. Within this large home—if you could call it a 'house'—two people lived. One such resident was outside, sitting on the ground in the middle of the rose garden sipping tea. She had on a black frilly dress and a rather large bow that was tied on her collar, her hair tied in pigtails by two black ribbons, and her eyes a shimmering crimson.
Her small hands held her tea and saucer, as she took sips of the warm liquid that filled her cup. She removes it from her lips and looks down into the cup at her own reflection. A look of dissatisfaction was present on the young girl's features. Something was ailing her, thought it was nothing life threatening, at least to a normal person. Though to her, it was a matter of life a death.
She was bored.
She had nothing to do.
All she really did was toy with her familiars, who were a big black cat, and small fat flying bat, which isn't really something to keep you entertained for long. The only other thing she did was have tea and converse with her father, Clavis Alucard, the other resident of the estate.
She did not have any qualms with their peaceful life, she just wished to meet some other people. She wanted to go out and see what the world looked like. Though it wasn't like she has never seen the world outside of her home. It just wasn't the best experience for her. However, that didn't stop her curiosity and being shielded from the world only seemed to fuel her curiosity.
Though one day she got her wish.
Her boredom reached its peak, as she finally succumbed to her desires. She snuck out from her father's sight and went into a town a good ways away from her home. Thankfully, she managed to learn teleportation magic from her father well enough that she can at least travel short distances. In that town, she met a boy and his family. She finally found someone else to talk to other than her familiars, but their meeting wasn't like destiny or something sweet.
"So who the hell are you supposed to be?" a small boy asked in a rather brash tone. He had blond spiky hair, a white short sleeve shirt, and black short. His face was scrunched up in irritation, as he did not hide his emotion of anger. It was written all over his face. "And who do you think you are picking on my little brother?"
"Who am I?" the blond haired girl repeated his question. Her voice was light, and the way she spoke was a bit old-fashioned, and almost chivalrous. "Why should I give my name to some peasant?"
"Peasant!? Alright, listen here… Whoever you are! You don't just bump into someone, and start mouthin' off and talkin' shit because you got a small stain on your dress. Grow up." The boy looked next to him at another boy who was cowering. "Jin, are you ok?"
"Yes, brother… Thank you."
"No problem." His anger left him momentarily, as he spoke in a lighter tone. "Don't worry I've got your back." The boy smiled, as Jin smiled back at him.
"Grow up? Me?" the girl repeated the question in confusion. "I think it is you who needs to grow up. You curse, and carry on like a little brat who forget their home training."
"Shut up, you stupid rabbit." The boy spat.
"Rabbit?" the girl furrowed a brow at the name. "What did you just…?"
"Those two damn ribbons on your head. If you didn't come close up I'd think you were some wild rabbit that lost her way." The boy growled.
"Why I never!" Rachel's brow began to twitch with irritation, as her eyes shot daggers at the boy. Never in her life has she been called such a thing, nor has her collected nature ever waved. But to be insulted like this was unacceptable, as a fire was lit within her soul. "How dare you call me that! Have you never been taught how to treat a lady, you worthless pig?"
"I've been taught. I just don't care." The boy said bluntly. "At least not to show manners to someone like you."
"As expected from one of the lower class. You truly are a pi-no… Ingrate. Yes, I think that fits you perfectly. As your vulgar tone is that of a dog that can only bark, but never have the audacity to bite."
"Why I outta—!"
"Alright, Ragna, that's enough dear." A woman with long blond hair, and green eyes said softly.
"Come on son. You need to treat women with more respect." A man stood beside her, sighing and shaking his head. His tone was gruff and masculine, but it also had a bit of a sarcastic tone to it, so it was a little difficult to tell if he was being serious or not. The man had black spiky hair with dark colored eyes, and a bit of a toned figure. "You remind me of myself when I was a kid… And that ain't a good thing." He pats the boy on the back and gave him a little push to the girl in front of him. "Come on now. Apologize."
The boy groaned in protest, as a tint of red slowly came across his cheeks. "I'm...sorry for calling you rabbit… And for disrespecting you like that… It was a bad first impression."
"Well… I suppose I should apologize as well. I did not mean to cause your younger brother harm. I lost my temper. It was not very ladylike of me." The girl took a breath to calm herself down. Getting her composure back, she gives the blond haired boy her name. "My name is Rachel… And yours?"
"It's Ragna…" he responded.
"Aw, see that? Now Ragna, you show her around ok?" the woman says.
"What!? Why!?"
"Oh?" the woman cocks her head and gave Ragna a rather chilling smile. "Is there a problem sweetie?" the woman asked. Ragna, Jin and the black haired man shivered, as they stared at the woman's uncomfortable smile. The temperature around them went down several degrees, as her smile shook them to their cores. The spiky haired boy shook his head quickly.
"Nope! No problem at all! I'll get right on it!" His voice cracked, as he shook in fear. Drops of sweat poured down his face, as it dropped down off his chin.
Afterward, she, Ragna, and Jin went around the village. There was not much to show, but to her, it was all new experiences. Her eyes were opened wide in amazement as she was shown around. Ragna didn't really get what was so special about a few cows or shops. However, to her, it was something brand new. Though, the name of the village really caught her attention.
"Woodland? Why such an odd name?" Rachel asked as the trio made their way out of the village and into the forest behind it.
"I couldn't even tell you." Ragna shrugged. "I guess some guy decided to name it that because we're next to this small forest."
"It seemed like this person lacked imagination." Rachel said. "Reminds me of a certain idiot I am not acquainted with."
"Oh yeah…?" Ragna forced a smile, as his brow twitched. "You mind TELLING me who this idiot is?"
"Oh, you know them quite well. He has blond spiky hair,"
"Grr…"
"A very vulgar attitude,"
"Grr…!"
"And a stupid face."
"Alright, that's it!" Ragna yelled as he lunged at her to grab her, but she quickly sidestepped out the way. She giggled a little to the boy's anger, which only served to piss him off even more.
"What is the matter? You seem upset. Did I do something wrong?" Rachel asked in playful ignorance.
"When I get my hands on you…! Your dress won't be the only thing stained with dirt…!"
"Oh, my!" Rachel let out a gasp, as she ran off.
"Get back here!" Ragna yelled as he ran after Rachel. He raised his fist and swung it in rage, as he yelled at her. "When I get my hands on you I'm gonna shove you back in the hole you popped out of!" Ragna threatened.
"Oh no," Rachel turned around to him and put her hands up. "Please, show mercy. I am so scared."
"Oh, you're gonna get it…!" Ragna quickly picked up speed as Rachel did the same. Jin quickly ran after them as it turned into a wild goose chase, with Rachel making Ragna—quite literally—eat her dust. Having power over wind is one she now realized just how fabulous of a power it was to have.
After tiring Ragna out and getting a few of his usual snark thrown at her, they come to what looked like a sanctuary. It seemed as if a small temple once stood here, but it was in shambles. There was a large hole in the middle in the middle of the sanctuary, almost like a bottomless pit. However, they really didn't care much about it or pay it any mind. The trio walked to the ledge and looked out over the edge.
The girl's eyes shot open, as she was captivated by the spectacular view before her. From where they stood on the hill, they could see far and wide, as the three looked over the lush green forest below.
"I always come here with Jin to chill… It's a pretty nice spot." Ragna told her.
"That it is. I must say this is fascinating..." Rachel said in awe.
"Hey… Brother…" Jin called out to him, as Ragna turned around to hear him out. "I'm getting a little hungry. Is it ok if we head back?"
"I guess so… Hey, Jin. You head back without me ok?" Ragna told him.
"But," Jin pouts. "I want to eat with you. Afterwards," the pouting boy looks down to the ground as he mumbled. "I thought we could play…"
"Jeez," Ragna puts a hand on his brother's head and pats him. "You know I'll play with you. But for today, I've gotta show her around. You know that."
"I do…but…"
"No buts alright? How about tomorrow I make something for you? Anything you want." Ragna offered.
"Really!?" Jin smiled.
"Yeah. Now go home for now Jin. Mom and dad are probably shitting bricks worrying about you."
"Oh, you're right!" Jin gasped as he started to run back into the forest. "See you later brother!" He waves to them, as Ragna smiled and waved back to him, as he watched him run out of view. Rachel took notice of his caring and warm smile. It wasn't a smile she saw him with today and was quite new to her. She didn't even know he could make a smile like that.
"You seem to truly love your little brother." Rachel said.
"Of course I do…" Ragna puts his hands in his pockets, as he kicks a small pebble a few inches away, and lets out a heavy sigh. "Damn it all…"
"Oh? You seem down. Did you want him to stay?" Rachel asked as she heard the change in his voice.
"Not that… I just…don't have the money to buy him a gift for his birthday…" he hung his head down in disappointment, as he kicked another pebble a few paces away from him. "I'm pathetic… A big brother who can't give his little brother a simple gift…" the boy took a seat on the ledge, as he hung his feet off the edge. He looks down, and closes his eyes, as he let's out a disappointed sigh. "So damn pathetic…"
"It is the thought that counts."
"?" Rachel's abrupt voice took him from his thoughts, as he turns to her and asked. "You say something?"
"It is the thought that counts, Ragna. It is an old saying." Rachel takes a seat next to him and continues. "That boy, Jin. He cares for you, and I truly doubt he cares what you get him." A breeze blows past them as it ruffles their hair, her pigtails swinging in the wind, as her bangs fell down over her face. She fixes the fault in her hair with a finger and continues. "He shall accept the gift without hesitation. And he will love it."
"How do you know that? How are you so sure?"
"Because this gift came from a loved one. He shall except because it came from you. Because it came from his beloved older brother."
"!" he stared at the girl wide eyed, as those words left her lips. "Never really thought about it like that…" Ragna looks up into the sky, as he saw a few birds flying through the empty blue sky above. "Huh," he closed his eyes, letting the wind blow passed him, as his hair danced in the breeze. "Maybe you're right…"
The two ended up spending the entire day at that hill, staring into the great empyrean, and the forest below. Rachel bided Ragna farewell, as she went back to her home. She did her best to make sure she wasn't spotted and succeeded in evading her father.
With the excruciating day she had, she quickly got herself ready for bed, taking a nice warm bath. As she bathed, she giggled a few times at the day she had.
"That boy… Ragna. Is quite the interesting human." Rachel stepped out of the bath and dried herself off. Getting to her room and walking over to her closet, she takes out her night gown. She takes the gown from the closet and lays it on her bed.
It was a silky, white, sleeveless gown, that seemed to cover her entire body. She throws the gown over her head, as the gown stopped at the top of her feet. "What a long day…" the vampire sighed to herself as she crawled into her bed and goes under the sheets.
As she laid down in her bed, she had the urge to visit that same village once more. She started to think of what her father would say, but decided to take the chance, and visit the village one more time. Just one more time, she thought.
The next day she went in search of Ragna as she, Ragna, and Jin spent the day together. Rachel found him entertaining, as his reactions to her teasing were amusing. Much more amusing then what her familiars would do, or say. She would visit again and again, but it wasn't for the village anymore.
It was just for him.
Rachel pondered over the subject and wondered just what force drove her to want to see this same boy each day. Every day she went to see him, and spend time with him. She even got to know his family, and would sometimes have dinner with them. She was surprised that Ragna was cooking one night, and tasted his dishes, as she found her taste buds explode with flavor. However, one night, she lost track of time and was caught by her father.
"Rachel! What are you thinking!?" Clavis grabs her shoulders and hugs her tightly. "You worried me to death Rachel… Why would you leave to go to the human world?" he pulls himself off his daughter, as she saw his worried look. She's never seen him so afraid in her life, and it hurt her. Taking a minute to gather herself, she spoke.
"I…wanted to see what they were like. While I was there… I met this boy…and his family."
"Rachel. I forbid you for going back." He told her in a stern tone.
"What!?" Rachel gasped wide eyed. Hearing those words, she young vampire felt sadness wash over her, as if her entire world came crashing down on her. Her heart rate escalated, as she felt it ready to jump right out of her chest.
"It is far too dangerous. You know how humans view us… I don't want anything to happen to you. Please understand. You know what happened last right?"
"…Of course… I can never forget…"
"I do this for your own protection. I don't want to lose you too… So please, do not return to that village."
Despite his warning, that same warning fell upon deaf ears, as Rachel just didn't want to part with them, or more precisely, him. Now that she knew just how fun it was she could not just leave them be. She couldn't, and she didn't want too. The next day, she snuck out once more to see, Ragna. But her normal day with him soon came to an end, as Clavis found out, and went to her directly.
Ragna, Rachel, and Jin made their way out of the village, and to their usual spot at the sanctuary on the hill. The normal arguments that broke out between Ragna and Rachel carried them all the way. Jin watched them argue, and with being left on the back burner, he tugged on Ragna's arm. The boy looked over to Jin and saw him pouting, as he asked in a concerned tone.
"Is everything alright Jin?"
"No… Not really…"
"What is it?" Ragna asks.
"You've been ignoring me this whole time…and I feel…a little…" Jin looks down, as his voice trailed off. Ragna just laughs, as he throws an arm around his shoulder, and puts him in a playful neck lock. A smile came onto Ragna's face, as he started to rub his knuckles on the whimpering boys head.
"Oh don't tell me you're getting jealous? Come on Jin you know I'll never leave ya."
"Hehe. I know brother." Jin smiled and pushed Ragna off of him.
"Oh? The kid thinks he's tough huh?" Ragna sends Jin a sinister smile, as his eyes gleamed. The smaller blond haired boy saw the look in his brother's eyes and quickly ran away, Ragna soon giving chase after his whimpering little brother.
"Get back here!"
"No!"
"Hehe." The vampire couldn't help, but giggle, as she watched the two brothers play. They soon make it to the sanctuary on the hill, but the moment they got there, Clavis arrived. Rachel gasped, as she backed up a little at the sight of him. The look he was not only silent anger, but disappointment and sadness.
"Rachel… Did I not forbid you from speaking to humans?"
"Hey. Who the hell are you old man?" Ragna asked.
"Brother…" Jin said in a worried tone.
"Jin…stay back."
"Father, I'm sorry…" Rachel apologized.
"Father!?" Ragna gasped. "So this guy's your dad?"
"Yes…" Rachel closes her eyes and folds her hands. "Please forgive me, father… I… I just…"
"You just what?"
"I just want to see the human world. I want to see what it has. Even if it's just this little village… I've seen so much already. I just couldn't stay away..." Rachel said.
"Rachel, I will say it once more. You are never to leave the manor. And you are to stay away from this boy." Authority was in both the man's eyes and tone, as he spoke. He grabs her arm, as she winces a little from his firm grasp. "I shall reprimand you later."
Before he could take her, Ragna grabbed Rachel's hand and took her from his grasp. He took a step in front of her, her hand tightly gripped in his hand, as he gave Clavis a stern glare. "Hey old man… Sorry, but she's with me."
"Ragna…"
"Ragna is your name? Sorry, but this is my daughter. Who are you to her?" Clavis asked.
"She's a friend of mine."
"A…friend…?" Rachel gasped.
"A friend hm?"
"Damn right. I don't care if you are her father… She's with me. So piss off. And if not, you're gonna have to take her by force. So if you want a piece of this, bring it old man."
"Ragna, stop." Rachel pleaded. She knew what her father was truly capable of, and if he really followed through with that threat, he wouldn't live to speak of it. "It is ok… I'll go. This way you won't get involved."
"There's no way I'm letting you go that easy." He tightens the hold on her hand, as his tone became much softer. "Just stay by me… I won't let 'em take you… I swear I'll keep you safe."
"!"
"Brave words… I must say you are one interesting human." Clavis said.
"What? Human? The hell does that mean?" Ragna asked.
"Brother… What are they talking about?" Jin asked.
"So you don't know what my daughter is do you?" Clavis asked. He saw Ragna's confused expression, as he went on with another question. "What if I told you that I was a vampire? What would you do?"
"A…vampire!?" Ragna gasped.
"Vampire!?" Jin gasped.
Ragna turned his head to Rachel, as he stared at her and asks in a shocked tone. "Is…that true? Are you one?"
Rachel didn't answer right away. She tightened her grip on Ragna's hand and swallowed a large lump down her throat before she forced herself to answer. "Yes… It is."
"I can't believe it…"
"Ragna I was going to tell you! But I didn't know how, and I—!" Rachel soon stopped her rambling as she saw there was no point to it. She looks away from him, and down onto the ground, as she closes her eyes. "I'm sorry…"
"So…what will you do now?" Clavis asked. "Now that you have this knowledge. What shall you do, Ragna?"
"A vampire huh? I didn't think I'd meet one… Crazy how my day is." A smirk slowly appeared on the boys face, as he chuckled a little. "Sorry old man, but if you think I'm gonna let you take her because she some vampire then you're dead wrong. It doesn't matter if she's a human, vampire, beastkin, or a goddamn daemon. I don't care what she," she looked at Ragna in awe, as he held her hand tighter. "She's still Rachel."
"!" Rachel felt her heart jump out her chest, as her eyes widened in disbelief. Did he really just say that? She expected him to run away, and leave her, never to return again, or try to kill her himself. But instead, he chose to stand by her. It caught her by surprise, and she saw that it caught Clavis by surprise as well.
"So you care little that she's a vampire?" Clavis asked in slight amazement.
"No. And," Ragna quickly picks up Rachel bridal style, as the small vampire lets out an "Eek!" from the sudden action. A heavy tint of red that matched her eyes came across her cheeks, as he held her tighter. "I don't care to continue this boring ass conversation. I promised this stupid rabbit here I'd show her the flowerbed. Besides our dinners gonna get cold, so I'll see you later." With that said, Ragna leaps over him, as Jin follows behind, leaving Clavis behind.
"Brother, what we're you thinking?"
"I wasn't really. I couldn't just let him take her now could I?"
"But…we basically just kidnapped his own daughter," Jin said. "Can't we get charged for this?"
"I…didn't even think about that. Well shit. Let's worry about the possible jail charge later."
They went on and on, but Rachel wasn't really listening to them, as she was too busy trying to cope with the fact that she was being carried. She held him tight as he leapt up a few small hills, Jin following behind. Surprisingly enough, the two were incredibly athletic. Now being pretty much pressed against his chest she could feel his rather toned chest. If she recalled correctly he was six years old. For a six year old, he was pretty toned.
This was the first time she was being carried in such a way. Sure her father has carried her to her bed sometimes, but this was the first time she felt like this. And she liked it. It was like she was some princess being carried away by a prince. She's read stories like those several times, and at points in time, she thought about it. About her being the princess, and would more often than not, dream about it.
'What is wrong with me…? Why do I feel…so happy?'
As they ran through the forest with her in his arms, she saw the trees beginning to open up into a bright light. She closed her eyes to shield herself from the heavy light, as they went in. It went quiet for a few seconds, as she wondered what happened.
"So you gonna open your eyes rabbit? We're here."
"Huh?" Rachel slowly opened her eyes, as she gasped in awe. Before her laid a massive flower bed, as colors such as pink, white, red, blue and violet were spread across the field. "What is this?"
"Well, I DID promise I'd take you to see the flowerbed right? And here it is." Ragna said. The blond haired boy looked down at Rachel to see her looking away from him. "Hey, you ok?"
"I'm alright...but there is a slight dilemma."
"What is it?"
"You...haven't put me down yet..." Rachel told him in an embarrassed tone. She couldn't look him straight in the eye. She didn't know why, but she felt that if she looked at him, she'd explode.
"Oh yeah… Sorry about that." Ragna puts her down on the ground, as gently as he could. The moment her feet were back on the ground, he noticed the particular change in color on her face. Her usually pale skin was now a searing hot red. Scratching his head, he asked the vampire. "Hey, you ok? Listen, sorry about just taking you up like that."
"N-No… That was not your fault. The fault is mine…" Rachel was a bit concerned about the way she felt. She felt light, and she couldn't stop blushing. No matter how hard she tried, the redness just would not fade away. She looked over her shoulder at Ragna, and quickly turned away, as she began to play with her hair, twirling her finger within her pigtails, as it wrapped around her small finger. 'What is this feeling…?'
"Brother…" Jin's voice cut through the awkwardness, as Ragna turned to look at his groaning brother. "What's going on?"
"Huh? What are you talking about? Well whatever. Let's just have her take a look around yeah?"
"Yes." Rachel shook off the awkwardness that plagued her, and walk out into the massive flowerbed. A smile came across the vampire's face, as she was truly speechless by the beauty before her. The wide array of flowers made the atmosphere around them so serene. "This is quite the spectacular view…"
"That it is." A familiar voice cut in.
The moment they heard it, they whipped around and saw Clavis walking towards them. Rachel backed up a little but was surprised when Ragna ran in front of her and puts his arm out. "No means no old man. Can't you take a damn hint?"
"Yes, I have." He stops in front of Ragna, and smiled, as he puts a hand atop the boys head.
"What?"
"You…have been a great tour guide and friend to my daughter. And I thank you." Clavis says.
"Thank? For what?"
"As you know… We vampires are viewed, as monsters, and freaks. However…even after knowing who—and what she was…you still protected her, and took her out of harm's way. It seems that not all humans are bad. You passed."
"Wait so… You were testing me!? Are you kidding!? The eff man!"
"I needed too. I can not just have my daughter here with the risk of her getting hurt now can I? She seems to have been sneaking out a lot lately… I wondered what it was, just to see it was because of you."
"So…you knew?" Rachel asked her father.
"I knew you were sneaking out, I just did not know where."
"But if you knew, then why didn't you stop me?" Rachel asked.
"You seemed so happy, and I did not want to stop you. Though I must admit," Taking his hand off the irritated boys head, he walked over to his daughter. "Finding out you were traveling to the human world gave me a bit of a scare, but it looks like you were in good hands all this time." The tension he had on his face vanished, replaced with a gentle smile. He put a hand upon the small vampire's head, stroking the top of her head. "Do not stay out too long. Your tea will get cold."
With that said he vanished, and left Rachel with a confused and irritated Ragna, and a confused Jin. From then on, she would go to him without fear of her father and he's even invited Ragna over to his home. Months passed as Clavis got to know Ragna even more, as Ragna got to know Clavis and Rachel even more. Clavis would even allow Rachel to stay over at Ragna's house and sleep over for long periods of time.
It was also in reverse, as Ragna stayed at her house several times, and was amazed by the sheer size of it. He looked at the estate in awe as his jaw dropped, and hung down.
"You're telling me…you live HERE!?"
"Is it really that amazing?" Rachel asked.
"Yes! The hell kind of house is this!? This shit is a mansion! How the hell couldn't anybody find this place?" Ragna wondered.
"My father put a barrier up… It's the reason why it seems to be night time. It's so people cannot come into trouble us." Rachel explains.
"Well, that barrier did the fucking trick… Holy crap..."
"Well enough gawking, and come inside. It is much more comfortable inside than out." Rachel told him, as she started for the large door. Ragna followed her in, and when he got inside, he was completely thrown for a loop.
"Are you some rich kid or something?"
"I am not. But I am one of high stature. I recommend you show me due respect." Rachel said with a playful giggle.
"Not in your life…" Ragna growled. His anger left him momentarily, as he sighed, his thoughts roaming elsewhere. "I wonder if Jin's gonna be ok?"
"He shall be fine. Your father is with him." Rachel reassured.
"Still… Him out in the forest for so long is worrying… He's not much for fighting." Ragna scratched his neck and groaned. "I just hope that idiot doesn't get hurt…"
"You worry too much."
"Ah. There you are." A soft tone spoke, as the two turned to see Clavis walking over to them. He greets Ragna with a bow and leads him to his room not far from Rachel's. It soon hit their time for them to go to bed, as they went to their separate rooms. Though a certain vampire found her way into Ragna's room, and it wasn't met with a calm response.
"What the fuck are you doing here!? Don't you have your own bed!?" Ragna asked as he was woken up by Rachel crawling into his bed.
"I am aware of my bed you idiot." Rachel spat.
"Then what the hell are y—!?"
"I had a nightmare."
...
…
…
…
…
"…What?" Ragna stared at her blankly, showing no emotion whatsoever in his expression or voice.
"Like I said… I had an unpleasant dream, and my father is farther than this room. So I came in here."
"…Heh… Hehe… Haha…! Hahaha!" Tears started to fall down Ragna's eyes, as he cried with laughter. "Oh, my—Oh, my GOD! Holy shit, rabbit! You've got to be kidding…"
"J-Just shut up!" Rachel yelled at him. "This does not happen often! I just," her tone quickly changed from her angered, and embarrassed tone, to a softer, and almost saddened one. "Need to be with someone…"
Ragna soon stopped laughing, as he looked at her saddened expression. "Is there something you want to talk about?"
"No…"
"I know you're lying. If it's something I can help you with then…"
"Can you bring people back to life?"
"What?" Ragna gasped slightly, as he was caught off guard by her rather odd, and unsettling question. "Bring people…back to life?"
"I'm… Forgive me, I didn't mean to say that… Just forget I said anything."
"I can't just forget that you know… The hell did you mean by that?" Ragna asked sternly. The room went silent for a bit, as Ragna just stared at the saddened girl. The silence was lifted with a sigh from her, as she began.
"My mother…" Was all Rachel said. But with only those two words, Ragna got the memo.
"She's dead…"
"Yes… She died… Protecting me from humans." Rachel looked down at his chest, as she felt her heart clench. A lump clogged her throat and hindered her speech, but she swallowed it quickly and went on. "It's why my father resented me leaving. He…didn't want me to end up like my mother… And that nightmare was…"
"It was about her…" Ragna finished.
"Yes. And I couldn't be alone… So I needed someone with me. It didn't matter who… If I am troubling you, then I shall—" Rachel was stopped, as she felt an arm wrap around her. She looks up and sees Ragna smiling at her. It was a smile she's seen often enough, but it was never directed at her. This smile is one he would only show his brother, and it was a warm one. Snuggling closer to him, she closes her eyes. "Your…warm…"
"Am I?"
"Yes…" a small smile formed on the vampire's face, as she spoke in a soft tone. "Thank you… Ragna."
"No problem… You can be such a baby sometimes…" Ragna chuckled.
"I shall deliver punishment on you tomorrow for that remark…" Rachel said sharply. "But for now…" her sharp tone vanished instantly, as she yawned. "Goodnight Ragna…"
"Nite."
This was the first time she had ever been the warmth of another, other than her mother, and father. Spending time with him, and roaming the human world outside of the small village Ragna, and his family lived were all new experiences. He even took her to one of the big cities a good distance away from their village.
They took a carriage, and it was the first time she's ever ridden in one. Her eyes shined like the luminous moon that hovered her estate, as she rode in the carriage. Her eyes grew wider once she saw the city. It was bustling with people. There were street performers, shops, restaurants, everything. She couldn't believe that so much could be in one place, and she's missed all of it.
However, something rather unexpected soon occurred.
Something she herself was not ready for.
It was mid-autumn the following year, and Ragna told Rachel he had a present for her. She wondered what it was, and what it was for. With curiosity getting the best of her, she asked him what it was.
"It's…a surprise. Just don't ask any questions, and just meet me at our usual hangout spot."
"If you are going to ask me for a favor, the least you can do is drop the snark." Rachel said.
"You damn…! Just meet me at noon tomorrow ok!? Shit, this is embarrassing…" Ragna groaned.
"Very well."
The next day came by, as Rachel informed her father that she will be heading out. She arrived at 12:00 on the dot, and looked around to see he wasn't here. She didn't have to wait long as she heard footsteps and saw Ragna walking towards her. Tapping her foot and folding her arms she sighed.
"You tell me to come here at 12:00, and you keep me waiting? You should be glad that I decided to come, as I had better things to do."
"I swear to god…!" Ragna's eye twitched, as he growled at the small vampire.
"Oh, my… You look like you're ready to explode. Are you alright?" she asked in fake worry.
"I don't even think I should still give you this…!" a large vein popped up on Ragna's head as he cursed her out under her breath. Rachel just giggled to herself at the boy's anger, but her attention is soon turned away from his face to a rather nicely wrapped gift box in his hand.
"What's that?"
"…Well…I'm already here…makes no sense to go back home now." Ragna scratched his head in frustration and lets out a deep breath to calm himself down. He extends his right hand to Rachel and growled. "Here."
"?" Rachel was a little hesitant, but she took the gift from him opened it up. Her eyes opened to quarters as she reached into the now opened box, and pulled out a silver chain with a ruby gem in the middle. "What is…?"
"Happy birthday…" Ragna groaned.
"You…remembered?" Rachel asked in shock.
"Yeah… I did… I saw that in the larger town we visited a few miles down. It's where we get our supplies from, and I saw this in one of the shops. So…I got it for you."
"I don't…know what to say…" Rachel looked at her reflection through the jewel. She was captivated by the beauty of the jewel and with a smile, she puts the necklace around her neck. "It… It's beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it."
"I do." Rachel lifts the pendant in the palm of her hand and looks down at it. It was a gorgeous crimson. "But… Why such a gift? This seems like it cost much more than a simple card…"
"Kind of… But I figured it would be the perfect gift since the color...matches your eyes..."
"My eyes?" Rachel asked.
"Yeah." The blond haired boy scratches the back of his neck and looks away. "A beautiful crimson red…"
"!" His sudden compliment caught her off guard, as a bright vermillion showed itself onto her features. She tried her best to hide it, but her pale skin made that task impossible. Without really thinking, her legs moved, as she walked closer to Ragna, and pushed her head into his chest.
"H-Hey! What's with you!?"
"I…do not know… I just…wanted to do this." Her arms slowly moved around the boy and held him, causing Ragna to blush as well. "Is this…bad?"
"N-Na…That's not…it."
"May we…stay like this for a little while?" Rachel asked, a little hesitant to speak as her once calm demeanor was gone.
"I guess… I don't mind." His arms started to move, as he wrapped it around her small frame. The two just stood there; alone and wrapped in the embrace of the other. Though, this peace and serenity she had did not last after that. Events began to weave itself together. Events that would change her life forever.
"Father? What do you mean by that…?"
"Rachel… My end is near…"
"Can you "see" it?" Rachel asked in a frightful tone.
"Yes," the man nods. "Soon… Very soon… This world will change. However, once that change arrives, my life will come to an end. I have "observed," it with my own two eyes."
"Impossible… Father…!" Rachel dove into her father's arms, as he held her. Stroking her head gently, a warm smile comes across his face that matched his embrace.
"It's ok… Do not fret. Once that time comes… I shall show my secret to you…"
"Secret?"
"That…will be reveal on my death bed…"
"Father…"
Fear took over her entire being. The events that he spoke of soon took place, as the world did change. However, it was not for the best. And it changed her life forever.
One year later…
"You…bastard…!" Ragna laid on the ground, covered in wounds, as his right arm was now black, and his right eye was crimson red. In front of him was a man clad in white armor and a girl with blond hair and pigtails. But it wasn't just any girl. He knew her well.
It was Rachel.
"You…!" He clenched his teeth and looked at Rachel in pure rage. His fists were balled up tight, gripping the blades of grass and ripping them out of the ground. "You bitch…! My mom, my dad…my brother…! How could you…!?"
"…"
Rachel sat on her bed with her head between her legs and her arms wrapped around her legs, leaning on her bed head and her sheets covering her. The events that took place replayed in her head over, and over again. The rage and malice he had in his eyes that he directed her way, the dry salty tears that stained his angered face. The words he threw at her, doing more damage than any blade could hope to do, as she felt her heart shatter into pieces.
'She's a friend of mine...'
'You stupid rabbit…!'
She clenched her dress tightly within her hands, ready to tear the black fabric. Short flashes and images of Ragna came to her. His voice echoed in her mind.
'You bitch…! My mom… My dad… My brother…! How could you…!?'
His words echoed through her mind over, and over again. She couldn't stop it. She tried to throw them away, but she couldn't. No matter how hard she tried. While in deep, her door creaked opened, as Clavis walked in and looked at his daughter. She did not look back at him however, as she kept her head down.
"Rachel... They…summoned the last two…right?"
"…"
"I am sorry for…what happened to him. I managed to get Jin to a safe place away from the village... Though he was picked up by the NOL."
"How could I do that to him…? What is wrong with me?" Rachel asked herself in disbelief. Each word that came from her was like a dagger that pierced her father's, heart.
Clavis heard her sniffle, as she lifted her head, and looked at him. Her orbs shook and glimmered, her visage on the verge of tears. "Rachel… You had no choice… If you assisted him, you would be endangered of being killed…" He walks over to his daughter, as he pulls the sheets off of her. "I do not want to sound selfish…but I am glad that you are here."
"How…? How could I do that to him…? Why father…?" her voice shook, as she spoke. She clenched her dress tighter, almost ripping it, as she bit down on her lip. "If I knew this would happen… Then I should have listened to you and stayed away from him… I would never have known him… And it wouldn't have hurt so much to lose him…"
"Rachel…"
"Why…" she looked up at her father and asked. "Why did this have to happen?"
With a sigh, Clavis began to explain the specifics of what happened as her eyes opened wide. Her heart stopped and her entire body froze in disbelief. She couldn't believe what she just heard. She felt anger build up inside of her upon obtaining the knowledge. What they summoned forth and why. It was all for one thing.
"All…for a possibility…"
One year later...
"Father!" Rachel stood outside her estate and saw it set ablaze, as fire shot out of the windows. She ran into the burning house and covered her mouth to stop herself from inhaling the fumes. She ran all around the house, searching for her father, and praying that he was still alive. Finally, she found him in his room, but he wasn't in the best condition. The ceiling collapsed on him and buried him under the rubble. Rachel quickly ran over to him and tried to lift it up, but her efforts proved fruitless.
"Rachel… I have a task for you… Listen closely…" Clavis spoke weakly.
"Father, please! Do not speak!" Rachel begs as she turns to Nago and Gii. "Help me!"
"Yes, princess!" the two said, but stopped as Clavis shook his head.
"Rachel… It is time I tell you our family secret…"
"Do you mean…! THIS is what you meant by—!?"
"There is no time to talk… You must hurry... This is my last request…"
"No, it's not! Don't talk like that!"
"Nago… Gii… Take good care of my daughter." Clavis told them. The two were on the verge of tears as their tears began to accumulate in their eyes, ready to burst.
Rachel pleaded again, and again to her father, but was soon silenced by him, as he informed her on what she needed to know. With a smile, Clavis orders her to go, and do this last task. With no other choice, she tells her father she will return soon and runs out. She makes her way to the catacombs of their home, deep in their basement and takes something from a heavily sealed box. She found something odd within, but she didn't spend too much time on it.
She ran back up to her father, but was not fast enough, as explosions took up the estate. Rachel began to dart for the room she left her father in but was tackled out the window by her familiars, as flames burst out of the window they just dived out of. Slowly rising up from the ground, she looked in horror at her home. Fire exploded out every window, as the house soon collapsed. It was no longer the wonderful home she has lived in since she was born. It was now nothing, but ashes.
The vampire fell on her knees and looked in disbelief at the rubble that was her home. Her eyes were opened to the size of quarters, as she looked at the state of her home. The night sky that hovered above vanished as rain clouds appeared.
This proved two things.
The barrier was down, so others could now get in.
And her father was dead and gone.
She looked upon the wreckage that was once her home, as the smoke from the fire caused a downpour. A single droplet of rain turned into a heavy storm, as her hair became drenched. Her bangs fell over her face and covered her eyes. Nago and Gii just looked at Rachel with saddened eyes, as they too grieved over the loss of their home. Soon footsteps were heard, as a stampede of feet clapped on the floor. They got closer and closer, but the vampire paid them no mind.
Several men in NOL uniforms appeared and stopped right behind her. One man walked up to her and spoke. "We have finally found you. Rachel Alucard… You are under a rest for the mass murder of Woodland village, and arson. You have the right to remain silent." He rambled on, as the soldiers cuffed her, but she didn't care. She didn't care about anything. Her eyes were fixated on the wreckage of her home as the reality of it all came crashing down on her.
She heard Nago and Gii trying to fight them off, but the noise from them was soon silenced, as they were put in special Ars magus bindings.
As they took her away she stayed silent, her bangs blocking her eyes so they could not see the expression on the young girl's face. But that's not where it ends. She was later forced to join the NOL, as punishment for manslaughter, and arson on Woodland village, and her own home.
Not even a month had passed, as she heard even more grievous news.
"The operation to hunt down, and extinguish all vampires is complete. Every other run away, make sure you put them in concentration camps per our orders. We will exterminate all these unholy vermin once, and for ALL!"
With that news spread across the NOL, Rachel did not get the easy treatment. She was looked down on and scorned by others. Years, and years went by, as she felt herself wasting away.
Now she was truly alone.
She rose through the ranks, but she never cared about it. She didn't care about anything. Everything she cared about was already gone. They were already dead.
They were now nothing, but a memory.
A memory, best left forgotten.
That ends this chapter! I tried to write this in Rachel's point of view so I did my best not to delve into the thoughts of others. Thought'd be a good idea since this was her backstory and all. And thank you to the people who have read, reviewed and liked this story. I hope you all liked this chapter as well and I'll see you next time.
Chapter 3: The sea ahead