Chapter 4
The courtyard made him feel at peace, but then again, he felt at peace for a while now. "You finally showed up; you sure took your time getting here." Suzu said.
"Sorry, I kind of got lost, this place is kind of big." He said. "So, what did you want to—"
"You're my long-lost brother, there, I said it!" she exclaimed cutting the teen off, she looked anxious due to Allen's silence. "Well, aren't you going to say something?"
"Well, you kind of took me by surprise so I'm trying to comprehend what you just told me." He stated. "I mean, I was actually hoping that you could explain these." He pointed to his ear and tails. "I didn't have these before." Suzu took a breath, she could explain this in a single sitting.
"Alright, listen up because I don't want to have to repeat myself over and over again because you can't keep up." She said. "Alright, Naruto Uzumaki is our grandfather and we're the fraternal twins of his daughter aka our mother, Hana Uzumaki, and her husband." She said not knowing the name of their father. "Years back, our mother went to the world populated by the old humans, she wanted to see it and bring something back for the records; but she suddenly gave birth to us there, and I'm sure you can imagine what they saw her as."
"A monster."
"That's right…" she clenched her fists. "She was wounded trying to get back home safely, she even disguised our ears and tails using her magic; it was one of her specialties." She said. "But, somehow you were left behind, and she died when she got back home, and so for years I grew up without parents all while believing that my sibling was dead. Grandpa thought you were dead too, but then you suddenly show up when the Princess summons a hero." Suzu laughed. "Your fight with Leo confirmed it, you used a power exclusive to our family, and when I sniffed your towel; it smelled like mine…" she paled.
"I'm going to just pretend I didn't hear that last part."
"Please do." She really didn't want to say anything about it, but she slipped up anyway. "I don't if you really believe me, but I know who you really are; your name stayed the same too." Allen, had always been his name even before he met Mana. Silence reigned as a million thoughts went through his mind, but when he put the pieces together through certain events in his life, Suzu's words began to make sense. He clutched his chest, as things began to finally settle in and his natural response came out.
"I believe you." He smiled. "It's strange, but I can feel truth in your every word." Suzu began to smile. "Allen Uzumaki, my full name." it was going to take some time to get used to.
"Yes, and it's a royal name respected in all the kingdoms for a reason; so be proud of it." She knew that she was. "So, is there anything you'd like to know, while we're here?"
"Yeah, you said old humans, what did you mean by that?"
"Well, it's a bit difficult to explain, but we're human as well; only our bodies have evolved over thousands of years to continue surviving here." She stated. "This is the birth place of humanity, and when surviving the planet's natural changes, we didn't flee like they did, we stayed and survived; refusing to leave our home just because things got tough." She could see that he was following her, but only barely.
"Wait a second, the humans I was living with, where are they living since I can assume that they aren't on this planet."
"The old humans live on a world exactly like the way this one used to be, they wanted to flee this world and when it came down to it; a massive and powerful seal was used to transport them to the world they call Earth, we let them keep the name and after a while we simply chose to forget about them." She explained. "When they left, 359 of us stayed behind and now look at us; tell me who has it better. Us or them?"
"They've been in a bloody war for over 7,000 years." He stated. "I think the results speak for themselves, not to mention I've been fighting in said war for years so I can honestly say that I prefer this world." He chuckled. "I mean, this place doesn't have monsters like Akuma or any demons, right?"
"Well, there is the occasional monster sighting outside the borders of both kingdoms, we warn each other if they get close enough; that's when everyone goes on high alert." She stated. "It's been mostly orcs, trolls, and a few other monsters you hear from stories; nothing serious really." She explained. "Not like vampires, bug monsters, demons, succubi, or doppelgängers, you know nothing that serious involving monsters who can use magic like our family." She sounded nervous. "I mean it isn't like we're some of the very rare few who can use both ki-power and magic…damnit!" she cursed.
"So…"
"It's complicated, very complicated, but you don't have to worry about it right now." She said.
"Alright, but those monsters you listed sounded very specific."
"Alright, we had a run in with them before; that vampire being the most annoying one since we can't seem to get rid of her." She said in agitation. "She annoys both kingdoms, and she's strong, really strong."
"Well, if she shows up again the I'll take care of her."
"You say that, but she's really, really strong." She wanted her brother to understand. "I'm going to say that she's just as strong or stronger than Leo, and that's saying something."
"Have you ever fought her?" Suzu nodded 'no'.
"I'm not exactly proficient in fighting, I come up with battle plans and such, don't get me wrong I can hold my own, but taking on someone like Leo is beyond my capabilities." She admitted. "She specializes in enhancement magic since it increases her strength, speed, durability, and ki-power abilities." She explained. "But, enough about that; I want to know how smart you are." She said.
"Why?"
"Long lost brother or not, I want to make sure that you're as smart as me; a 170 IQ or lower is unacceptable!" she explained.
"You have some really high expectations."
"No, my expectations are very reasonable." She said. For what seemed like hours, Suzu would grill her brother on what he knew and what he would have to learn including the history of their home; these lessons would last all day until night came.
Biscotti Republic – Firianno City – Castle – Nighttime
It kept him up to the point where he had to step outside the castle. Allen's ears twitched a bit as he roamed the outside of the castle, he yawned but he couldn't sleep; something wouldn't let him. It felt like he was in a state of constant danger, like someone was watching him. Slowing down, he frowned and quickly turned around. Standing there of short stature was a buxom 14-year-old girl. She could only be described as a true beauty, she has pale shiny skin, seductive red eyes, and fine facial features. Her silver hair is tied in a ponytail through a large ribbon on top of it all, allowing others full view of her face. She adorned a soft black evening dress with a big heavy skirt. Her upper body is dressed in a lace embellished ribbon and a short-tailored jacket. Her hands are donned with long lace gloves, not exposing any bit of skin exterior. She was staring at him with a smile, her slit red eyes glowing. 'No ears or a tail, and this aura she's giving off.' He didn't have his weapon on him. This girl was the source of the danger he felt. "So, you must be the vampire, my sister told me about."
"Shalltear Bloodfallen, it's nice to meet you, Hero."
"Nice to meet you too, and my name is Allen." He stated trying to figure out what to do. "So, what brings you out tonight?" he was ready to defend himself, and something told him that he would need to.
"Well, I just wanted to meet the hero face to face, and to find out that you're an Uzumaki; well I just had to meet you." She stated walking forward causing Allen's tails to flow a bit faster. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, I just didn't expect you to look so young, I was expecting something a bit scarier." He stated. "Not a cute young lady." Shalltear chuckled.
"Do you think flattery is going to help you." She asked.
"I'm hoping it will." He stated. 'I can't really afford to fight her while I'm so close to the castle; if I can get her to the battlefield then I might have a chance to take her down.' he had to try. "We should take this conversation somewhere else, who knows who's watching us; I'd like some privacy."
"Oh, and where were you thinking of taking me; to the battlefield maybe?" she knew what he was planning. "I didn't come here to fight, I just want to talk, I especially want to hear about the old humans." Looking at her closer, he saw that she had the ears of an old human.
"You were an old human?"
"No, this is the sad result of my becoming a vampire; it's like this with most of the non-humans." She stated. "We're forced to resemble those who abandoned their home and people, it's very depressing, but some embrace it and consider themselves higher beings than humans." She stated.
"Are you one of those people who look down on humans?"
"Maybe, maybe not, I am the most powerful vampire after all." She claimed. "It's only natural that I would."
"What about Naruto?" Shalltear sighed.
"Naruto Uzumaki, I can't tell if that guy is human or not, hell the guy is way older than me." She stated. "I hate to admit it, but he's by far the most powerful being in the world; I only get away because I come when he isn't around."
"But, he's here right now." Allen stated. "Did you really want to talk to me that bad?"
"I just wanted to get here before any other non-humans come." She stated. "I also wanted to get a taste, but I've decided to—"
"Take some."
"Excuse me?"
"I'll let you have some of my blood if you promise not to attack anyone." Shalltear gave him a questioning look. "Come to me when you're hungry but leave everyone else alone." The vampire began to laugh, but Allen was dead serious.
"You really do have a hero complex."
"Maybe, but my main concern right now is the people you'll hurt, if I can prevent that then it'll be worth it." He explained. Shalltear's umbrella turned into black butterfly's when she dropped it. She walked up to the teen with a smile, he was really going to let her do this. He leaned down, it looked as if they were going to kiss. Fangs bit into flesh. The Hero allowed himself to lay on the ground while the vampire took what she wanted. It was the best she'd ever taste, she didn't want to stop drinking. He body began to heat up as an immense lust began to consume her. Letting up, she lapped up the blood that dripped from the bite marks on his neck. Not letting a drop touch the ground, she wouldn't let any of it go to waste. "Are you done yet?" he began to try and push her off him, but she wouldn't let up. 'At least she's not biting me anymore.' He silently said. His eyes suddenly widened when Shalltear kissed him. "Ok, that's—" he was silenced when she took his lips. 'What is it with older women kissing me?!' he silently exclaimed. Of course, he was referring to Road, despite her appearance, she was much older than him. Using his tails, he lifted the girl off of him; she was light enough for him to pick up. Wiping his mouth, he looked at the now blushing vampire. "I said you could have some blood, I never said you could do that to me." He said upset by Shalltear's sudden assault. "Did you get enough blood?"
"Yes." She said regaining her composure. "You can put me down now." Allen sighed and put her down. "I will be back when I need more blood, so please keep healthy." She said walking away.
'I wonder if older women are just naturally attracted to me?' he went back to his room. 'Why are they always trying to dominate me?' He groaned, he hoped that this was a one-time thing. He knew better, this was going to happen again. At least Road hadn't seen what happened, he didn't know if she was the jealous type, but he didn't want to find out.
A Week Later – Biscotti Republic – Firianno City – Castle
Magic and Ki-Power, both originated from the energy once known as chakra. Anyone could use ki-power with enough training, but magic was extremely rare among humans; though certain non-humans could use magic. He could guess that Shalltear was able to use magic. Over the past week, Suzu had been teaching him all she knew; Allen never actually received a proper education, so he was ignorant in certain areas. Then there was Naruto, the man was able to clarify things that he didn't properly understand and tell him things that he didn't know. It was him who sent the old humans to another world just like they wanted, he made sure the 359 humans survive the changing world, and he started the two kingdoms; the man was involved in most if not everything. He really was old. Adapting to living here wasn't as hard as he thought it would be, but this applied for him. Road was another story altogether, she was homesick, and since she couldn't get back; this fact only made her more depressed. Comforting her was the best he could do while Elmar looked for a way to get her back to her world. "So, how are the sweets here?" Allen asked while Road ate.
"So much better than back home!" she exclaimed in joy.
"I know right." He smiled. "The food reminds me of what Jerry's cooking." He said.
"That guy from the Order, the one who somehow manages to keep giving you food without running out, him?" Allen nodded 'yes'.
"Wait, how do you know about him?"
"Oh, I infiltrated the European Branch a few times to spy on you." She stated. "I was inches away from you so many times, and you ever noticed." The teen stopped eating upon hearing this. "I know what you do behind everyone's backs when they aren't looking." Allen blushed. "What would that Miranda woman think of you if she ever found out that you—"
"There's no need to say anything else, let's just keep this between the two of us, yeah?" he was embarrassed.
"No need to be so shy about it, so you like older women; there's nothing wrong with that…" she smiled. "After all, you like me, then again I do look a bit younger than you." Allen's taste in women seemed to vary. "What about that Lenalee girl, did—"
"No." he stated flatly. "Lenalee was a good friend, I'd already established that with her."
"Oh, she liked you and you turned her down."
"I only saw her as family and friend." He stated. "I'm glad she took it so well." He said. "What about you?"
"Does it look like I've ever been in a relationship?"
"Wait, what about—"
"No!" she exclaimed. "Why do people think that I would be that close to him, we were friends that's all." She stated. "When I heard that he'd been reincarnated inside of you, I was actually really upset since it ruined my plan to destroy your innocence and take you out of the war without killing you."
"That's an interesting way of looking for him." Suzu said coming up to them. "May I?"
"By all means." Allen said, Suzu sat next to her brother.
"So, you two are enemies, well, were enemies anyway."
"Yeah, but not anymore." Road said finishing her food. "Now we're just 'friends'." She said smiling.
"I see." She said. "I should tell you both that there are going to be extra guards out tonight, we've begun to predict when that vampire will show up, we've informed Princess Leo as well." She stated. "So, be careful tonight." This caught Allen by surprise, Shalltear seemed like a very careful person; not one to get caught easily. Then again it had taken them a long time to figure out her feeding habits, but they didn't know about his deal with the vampire; luring her away from the castle was the smart thing to do. At least he hoped so.
Chapter 4 End
