"It was in the late 16th century that vampires came into existence. Created in labs, we were. Basically just well defined bat chimeras. Don't give me that look, the civilization we came from with advanced—but it was lost. Anyway… Where was I…? Ah yes. Just chimeras, though most—including me—take offense to it." Devin explained, Edward's curious gaze following his every movement. He's very willing to learn…
"How come there aren't, you know, more of you?" the alchemist asked.
"Because, like I said, the country we came from disappeared off the map. So all the knowledge went with it. Back then, though, there were greater numbers. Like normal humans we fell in love, had intercourse, and raised a family. Some, though, fell in love with normal-everyday-humans."
"And… the bloodlines started running weaker and weaker by the generation…" Edward finished with a nod to himself, looking down at his lap, where his hands were resting—one on the other. "So… what about the myths and stuff? Like sunlight is poison? You have no reflection? You live hundreds of years? You're—"
"Pace yourself, boy." Devin laughed, leaning back, only slightly. "We can walk around in broad daylight, we have reflections, the oldest of us there ever was only lived to a hundred and four, we can die as easily as anyone else, we can't turn into bats in a poof of smoke or fly and we have shadows."
"Oh… So, you're basically humans on a blood diet." The boy murmured thoughtfully. If this was true, he could give in to believe vampires existed. Everything seemed to make more sense, and everything wasn't out-of-this-world. Everything was being explained—having light shone on it. "Say… what about that whole… drinking blood, anyway…?" There were tones of nervousness in his voice as he peered at Devin, apparently on the edge.
"Well… all vampires, no matter how much blood of one you have, need human blood. Full vampires, as myself, need it regularly or we'll become weak quicker. I feed every few days myself. Half-blooded vampires can usually get away with once every week or two. Quarter-blooded vampires could easily go a whole month without feeding.
There's a catch, though. See… most vampires have tastes in blood; as one might have tastes in wine or chocolate. So we usually find one person whose blood tastes the best to us. The real problem is the claiming. Usually, though that's for halfies and lower—us full bloods feed too often."
"'Claiming'?" Edward asked in immense curiosity, cocking an eyebrow.
"Yes. If you don't claim that person, it is as easily as that—" Devin snapped, "—for another to take them away. But if you've claimed them, no other vampire can touch 'em. It goes for anyone claimed. It's under the Vampirian Law Codes."
"'Law Codes'?" Edward echoed, stifling a yawn.
"Well of course. If we didn't have any guidelines, it'd sure as hell be messy." Devin chuckled. "They're mostly about feeding rules. Like… anyone younger than thirteen is disqualified… What's with the look? Sure, we may suck humans' blood, but we aren't barbarians about it. We're just as civil."
"That's good to hear, then… But, I want to know more about… about claiming… And feeding… When will I have to f-first f-fed…?" Edward yawned once again, and he felt Devin's hand push against his shoulder. Without hassle, he fell back onto his pillows, his eyes shutting once again. "And… w-why did… did the bite st-stop bleeding…?"
"Not for a month, young one," Devin said soothingly, standing. "And because… when a vampire feeds from someone, it's their duty to heal that wound so the prey doesn't bleed to death. We've somehow adapted, so that when we kiss who we bit—the wound heals…" The man laughed softly, watching the boy sleep. He shifted, muttering something that sounded like 'Winry'. "Ah… Young love, it must be. Goodnight, Edward. I will visit in a month to see how you are."
With those words, he walked quietly across the room, toward the window. Looking down, he saw the three returning home. Devin waited before he heard the front door opening and calling from a girl downstairs. He heard an echo of a younger voice, much more hyped and happy then the first. With grace, Devin pushed himself off of the windowsill and landed very cat-like on the ground below. Looking upwards at the open window, he smiled before heading off with a trot.