Blood Runs Deeper

Chapter 7 – Violet Visions and Blackouts

A distorted reflection stared back at me in the murky, lukewarm bathwater.

This wasn't my own reflection. Rippling waves of violet swirled around in the pool like soundless echoes, my own green eyes floated to the surface and glinted with preternatural malice as they swayed with the out-of-sync rhythm of the water.

This had become an unpleasant and frequent occurrence in the past couple of weeks. I would take an expeditious glance in a mirror, and she would be there. I would walk past a window, and she would be there. Reflective surfaces haunted me as I knew what would lurk behind; trapped behind the pane of glass trying desperately to break through, trying to take over my body.

The ripping, violent attacks in my chest had become more frequent and more excruciating. They would occur soon after I would see her, these sick timed attacks oddly pleased her, I soon came to realise. A gut-wrenching feeling dropped in the pit of my stomach as I knew I would be expecting an assault anytime.

I secretly hoped that I would black out, which I sometimes did. At least I wouldn't have to bare the fully fledged pain conscious. There was nothing I could do but wait, so I let my troubled mind wander to some of the events of the previous weeks.

One of the brothers was acting very abnormal as of late. Ayato had successfully avoided me on every possible occasion. At dinner he would steer his gaze away from mine or if he accidentally caught it, he would look at me as though I was a stranger, a constant reminder of the past. He was keeping something from me – he was keeping something from all of us.

Vague answers were slowly revealed the more time that I spent here with these six brothers. I had found out who the man with the raven hair and ruby eyes was - Richter, the brother's uncle. The man I had known my whole life. I also knew that I had come here for a reason. Finding my fathers diary on the first day here couldn't have been some sort of freaky coincidence and neither was constantly seeing the amethyst haired woman...

I was suddenly jolted out of my thoughts when a creak sounded from the bathroom door. Didn't I lock it? I sighed as I covered myself as best I could with my hair and arms and plunged myself out of the tub. I dashed across the room, grabbed my towel and wrapped it around my frame; dignity being restored.

Peering out of the small crevice in the door, I was suddenly thrown backwards when the opening swung around and hit me square in the chest. If the door didn't knock me out, the pain I will be facing soon will, I thought as I lay crumpled on the tiled floor.

The light from the hallway was blocked by a tall figure. Golden hair tangled in between a pair of lethargic blue eyes.

Shu.

His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. "It's... you," he frowned. "I didn't... see you there..."

"Clearly," I mumbled and flashed him a weak smile as I tried to heave my body up from the floor. But his arms were immediately around me. I felt myself elevated from the ground as he carried me over to the bath.

Wait, the bath?

Before I realised what was happening, the sensation of water lapped against my body, a pair of legs placed on either side of me. I looked behind me and saw a sleeping Shu, seemingly unconcerned at the current situation.

"Shu," I hissed as I attempted to rouse the blond. I turned my body in a full turn so that I faced him, uncomfortable with the previous position. "What are you doing?"

He grunted in annoyance. "You wanted to take a bath... I wanted to take a bath... This is the outcome..."

"I've already had a bath." I rolled my eyes and gestured to the water. "This is my bathwater. Hence the towel and the wet hair." I made a move to get out of the tub, when I was suddenly unable to move; a pair of arms pulled me back down and caged me from any further escape routes.

"You're so bothersome... Why can't you just sit still and be quiet?"

I sighed as I realised that something was still nagging at me. Then I remembered – I was impatiently waiting for one of my attacks to begin. I would always make it out of sight and hide while the attacks came and went. No one had to know about them. Unnecessary questions would be asked, and simply I didn't want the fuss.

"Shu?" I asked hesitantly while he opened one eye.

He sighed. "…What is it?"

"Why are you and your brother's all so different?" I have to admit, this question has bugged me for a while.

"We have different mothers," he explained. "Reiji and I are from the same mother... The triplets from another, and Subaru… who is also from another mother."

"Oh, I see. That does make sense now. Beatrix, Cordelia and Christa, right?" I was shocked at my words. How did I suddenly know this information? It was as though my mouth spoke on its own accord, prior knowledge flowing off the tip of my tongue.

Shu was just as perplexed at my words as I was. "How... do you know that? Did one of my brothers tell you?"

"No..." I shook my head, face uncertain. "I didn't even know myself… the words just... sort of... came out." I laughed awkwardly. "It's probably nothing. Maybe I'm just psychic or something."

"Heh. What an intriguing woman you are turning out to be." He closed his eyes while a tiny smile lingered on his lips.

My cheeks reddened at his comment and I buried my face into my hands, attempting to mask my embarrassment. A low chuckle rumbled from the vampire opposite, my body suddenly pressed closer to his.

"I can hear every beat that your heart makes as it pumps that irresistible substance around your body..." He whispered in my ear. He brushed away my damp hair and exposed the pale skin of my neck. "I bet if I bit through, it would spurt bright red blood like a geyser..."

"Not today, please, don't..." I pleaded, knowing that if he bit me, I would be too weak to fight off what was surely coming.

"What? Are you frightened?" He taunted, his cool breath on my neck. Goose bumps crawled along my skin, my body altering to the contrasting temperature. My breath hitched in my throat as his fangs sunk deep into my neck. He brought his arms around my back and gripped me tight.

All at once, the familiar sensation formed in my chest. The pain immediately began to grow and intensify, until I screamed out in agony. Shu released me at once. I was hunched over while my hands clawed at my chest, begging the pain to stop.

"M-My... chest…" I wheezed. "It's happening... again..."

I bathed in a bath of my own blood; it horrified me. I panicked; I couldn't breathe.

The pain had never been this intense before.


Shu looked on in bewilderment. He shook her body in a poor attempt to release her from this attack, but it was futile.

Was this something he did to her? Was that why she asked him not to bite her?

Her lifeless form suddenly flopped backwards and submerged itself into the blood bath.


Shu thought of only one place to go as he carried the unresponsive Mari through the halls. And that place resided with his younger brother, Reiji. He may be troublesome to bear, but he was advanced in his knowledge of potions, cures and antidotes. He ambled his way into the laboratory and took in the shockingly sterile sight.

The blond saw Reiji immediately. His back faced him, a book in hand as he leaned against the table in a casual, yet proper manner – a manner that he believed only Reiji could achieve. The vampire in question turned his head towards the intrusion. His once calm features furrowed in disgust.

"It doesn't surprise me that someone who grew up so spoiled should break their toys so quickly." He said as he eyed the girl in Shu's arms.

Shu sighed and closed his eyes. The insults Reiji would constantly throw at him no longer held their meaning. They lost their strength long ago, about the time when Shu found that his mere existence held a less than valuable meaning.

"… Do you have anything to wake her?" Shu asked. "She had some kind of fit... I've never seen anything like it…"

Reiji grumbled something eligible under his breath. Although he despised his brother, he could not allow Mari to die. For whatever reason, his uncle was insistent that she lived. Besides, he had no particular grudge over the mere mortal apart from her disgraceful punctuality.

"I will look through my selection. Meanwhile, place her on the clear table over there… if that isn't too much for a deadbeat to handle." He gave his brother a menacing glare and marched over to his stock cupboard.

Shu sighed in annoyance. This whole escapade was troublesome. But he couldn't leave her to die. He couldn't let another mortal slip from his fingers. He did what Reiji asked and placed her lifeless form down onto the table.

She had lost weight, he observed. His eyes raked her frame, the towel barely holding onto her dignity. Her collar bones protruded and stretched over her ghostly skin with such force, it was as though they could tear it. Her face displayed no visible health, cheeks gaunt and hallow. Even her knees held no flesh, they were all bone, oddly shaped and obtrusive.

"This is possibly the right concoction," Reiji contemplated as he appeared at the table. "There is only one way to tell."

Shu raised an eyebrow. "… Possibly? You're going to give that woman something that you don't know… works?"

Reiji made a noise of discontent at his brothers 'concern'. It oddly vexed him. Since when did he care?

"We either try this and she wakes, or we don't and she dies." He informed him. "Her breathing is already running thin."

"… Fine," the eldest resigned with a sigh. "Do whatever… just make sure she wakes up."

A triumphant smile crossed Reiji's lips. He held up the vial that contained the green substance and brought it up to Mari's dried lips, tilting it so the content slithered down her throat.


"Where am I?"

Confusion laced my tone as I darted my head from side to side.

I was stood in the Sakamaki courtyard.

Yet this wasn't the courtyard I was acquainted too. The atmosphere was foggy and unclear to my eyes. Objects around me had no distinct edge, it was fuzzy and blurred. Everything was faded, even the striking hues of the roses were dimmed down by the graying taint.

"Over here!" A familiar voice shouted, breaking through the clogged and puzzling climate.

I spun around to see a much younger Ayato, Laito and Kanato. They bounded past me, not blinking an eye to this stranger that blocked their path.

Can they see me? I thought and slapped my palm against my forehead. Well, of course they can't.

They're not the current triplets.

They looked around the ages of eight or nine, innocence written clearly on their small, unscathed faces. It didn't look like corruption had taken an effect on them yet. The troubles of the future were still in their blue prints, plans not yet taken into construction.

This must be a memory; a dream of some sort.

I watched as Kanato, who trailed behind his two much more lively brothers, stopped abruptly; black bats fleeing in haste from his arms.

"The bats," he sniffed as he began to cry. Tears streamed down his pale, youthful cheeks, dripping onto a much newer Teddy. "The ones I just caught... they flew away."

"Don't cry, Kanato!" Laito reassured him as his green eyes gleamed with sincerity. "We can catch them again."

Ayato quickly glanced at his other fiery-headed sibling and nodded vigorously; flashing Kanato a wide, toothy grin. "Yeah! So stop your snivelling! I'll catch 'em for you!" Two flaming heads rushed off into the distance, leaving their poor brother to dry his own tears.

"Ayato?" The two boys stopped in their tracks when a formidable tone reached their ears.

I recognised this voice.

Flowing amethyst hair reached my line of vision while green eyes sparkled with disdain as she glowered down at the two red-headed boys. Her penetrating gaze steered away from Laito and focused completely on Ayato.

"Is this where you have been?" Her eyes narrowed, voice haughty. "Now come along with me."

My hands curled into fists. It was her. The woman who had haunted me ever since I entered the Sakamaki household.

Why was she doing this? Why me?

Laito turned away from the woman. "Come on, Kanato. Let's go."

"Sure!" He chirped happily, the both of them vanishing from sight.

Ayato glared at her with an expression mixed with fear and hatred.

Her gaze hardened. "You're going back inside to study."

Ayato scrunched up his face, fists clenched. But then he timidly stepped back.

"N-No way!" He objected, weakly. "All I've done is study!"

The woman's gaze turned colder. "I don't want any excuses. Return to your room."

"How come Kanato and Latio get to play, while all I ever get to do is study?" He asked.

"Because you're not like other children."

Ayato glanced at his two brothers who played around them in bliss. A desperate yearning clung to his face.

"No, I wanna play more!" He yelled.

"How many times must I tell you!?" She bellowed, while Ayato flinched away in terror. "You are the successor. Do you understand what that means? Now, tell me what you must do."

His vibrant green eyes lacked their usual luster as they dropped sullenly to the ground. "I must become number one. I must become better than anyone."

"And if you fail?"

"I am not my mother's child, so I will be sunk to the bottom of the lake?" Ayato asked with a hint of uncertainty, foreign to his usual confidence.

The woman gave the boy a crooked smile. "Exactly, good boy! You are worthless to me unless you are number one. Worthless boys must spend eternity at the cold, damp bottom of the lake, all alone, where no one can help them. Unless that is what you want, go to your room."

Ayato didn't need to be told twice as he stalked glumly towards the mansion.

I glanced over my shoulder to see Cordelia sat on a bench. Kanato made his way over and stood in front of her, eyes giddy. "Mother?"

"Kanato, my little song bird," She acknowledged with a warm smile. "Sing that song to me."

"Yes, mother."

Kanato started to sing sweetly when Laito soon joined the duo. He glanced at Kanato, then to his mother, who he looked at in adoration. Their mother is oblivious to Laito's stare as she focused her attention on Kanato's melody.

My earlier theories by Shu are confirmed – this was the triplet's mother, Cordelia. I supposed that the triplets couldn't be completely blamed for their behavior; this upbringing scarred them.

Jolted out of my thoughts, I heard the distinct sound of a dogs bark. Once I located the origins, my eyes are met with three individuals, two of which are sat at a dainty table underneath a dome shaped pavilion.

A butler was stood to the side while a woman with golden hair and striking blue eyes was perched at the table, absorbed in her needle work. I instantly thought of Shu – their appearances almost mimicked one another. I also noticed a younger Reiji, absorbed in his book.

The trio looked up from their activities to the sound of the dog. Suddenly, a younger Shu came into sight. His blue eyes glowed as he looked down to the bundle of fur in his arms. The puppy playfully pawed at his cheek while he giggled.

Shu looked adorable. The puppy did, however, help him win this new title.

As soon as the woman became aware of the presence of her son, she immediately rose from her seat and scowled.

"Shu, what are you doing there?"

Shu hurdled towards her and extended out the puppy.

"Look!" He declared. "A friend just gave him to me!"

The woman narrowed her eyes. "Release that thing at once."

But her demands went unnoticed; Shu continued to look at the dog fondly. "Hey, that tickles!" He chuckled as it licked his cheek. Reiji narrowed his eyes.

"Shu!" His mother snapped. "You are the eldest son and therefore the next head of the family. You must learn how to conduct yourself at all times."

His mother turned to the butler and nodded. He seemed to know what she meant by this short gesture, as he made his way over to Shu and immediately attempted to prise the animal out of the boy's arms.

"What are you doing?!" He screamed while tears pricked the corners of his eyes. "No! I promised Edgar I'd take care of him!"

The woman stalked towards the scene and towered above her son; eyes narrowed at his disobedience. His lip trembled, yet his grip slackened on the dog. A golden head could be seen as it hung down in despondency and dashed towards the manor.

His mother returned to her previous seat at the table. Reiji looked over to her.

"Mother, I have finished memorizing this entire book," he smiled.

But she didn't spare him a glance as she picked up her needlework once more. Reiji placed the book down onto the table while his head and eyes drooped to the floor.

My ankle suddenly brushed up against something sharp. I steered my gaze down to the small graze that had formed on my lower leg, when my eyes met a single white rose on the ground. My smile widened as I bent down to retrieve it, when my finger caught one of the thorns, a bead of blood on the tip of my finger.

I averted my gaze up and realised that I was stood on a lengthy path. White roses entwined themselves in the vast green foliage that lined it. A tower was in my line of sight, while a small figure gazed up at it with longing.

I ambled my way towards the form when I took in their familiar appearance. Chalky strands danced around his face as they hid one of his dark red eyes from sight. Subaru's eyes were fixed on the window of the tower, eyes brimmed with nothing but sorrow. I followed his gaze and my eyes were met with a woman; her snowy hair cascaded down her back while her red eyes mimicked the boy's in hue and in emotion.

The pale headed woman veered away from the window and disappeared from sight. Subaru gloomily looked down to the ground and sighed. An unexpected clinking noise sounded from the ground and my eyes instantly darted to the disruption. A sleek, intricately decorated knife lay still on the floor as it glinted in the synthetic sun.

Why was a seven-year-old carrying a knife? What was he planning on doing with it? I wouldn't trust Subaru at any age with a weapon such as this. I knew that he would often go blind with rage, unable to control his actions. He could end up doing something rash and impulsive.

All at once, my vision blurred and my feet shifted from underneath me. I was spinning. Colours swarmed behind my eyes, when abruptly, it stopped. I realised that once again, I was in another location. The lake reflected the sun in it's aquatic hues, while mountains formed a backdrop to the picturesque sight. Zooming in, I saw two occupants sat at a table, in close proximity to one another.

I knew who these people where immediately.

Cordelia rested her fist against her cheek while violet hair whipped forwards. Green eyes were unusually soft as she looked into the ruby eyes of her partner. Richter's wispy strands shifted with the breeze, his eyes filled with devotion.

"Cordelia," Richter spoke lovingly. "You are easily the most beautiful and elegant being alive." He took her hand as she giggled with amusement. "It is obvious that all things exist to love you and kneel at your feet." He continued. Cordelia had her eyes closed, a soft smile on her lips.

"Richter," she began. "I would like you to always stay by my side just to whisper your sweet nothings."

My eyes widened. She was married to his brother, wasn't she? This wasn't right.

Yet somehow, I wasn't surprised.

Cordelia's gaze raked over me. 'Dear Mari, how can you really not have guessed?'

I stumbled backwards with surprise. She can see me?

She smiled knowingly while her green eyes sparkled tauntingly. Her voice suddenly entered my head, and I realised that she was speaking to me – telepathically.

"I have to say, I am disappointed that someone of my bloodline can be so terribly ignorant to what is right before her eyes."

"What are you talking about?" I questioned while her eyes crinkled at the corners.

"Open your eyes. Why do you think I am familiar to you? Why do you wonder endlessly where you have seen our green eyes so many times?"

"No," I laughed humourlessly and ran my fingers through my hair. "No, no. You're not... you... you can't be!"

"I am afraid that I can." She glanced down to her hands, then to the man opposite her. "Let us introduce ourselves… properly."

At her words, Richter turned to face me. I looked at his wispy raven hair, which was a perfect match to my own. I then steered my gaze to Cordelia's green eyes and slid down to the floor. It sunk in completely.

"That's right, Mari," Cordelia smiled wickedly. "We are your parents."