Author's Note: hello guys! So I'm back again, this time I won't disappear. Those of you waiting for updates for my other stories, don't worry it's coming! Just Please boost me up with reviews, thanks.
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Chapter 7
Itachi looked at the young face of the king as he stuffed sweets after sweets into his mouth with little interest. He was of course a lot more interested than he showed in his new partner —or whatever they had become, but at that moment he was more aware and alert, and therefore, more interested in their surroundings. He looked towards the door of the small dainty restaurant every time the door opened and the small bell hanging on top of it chimed, so much that his eyes were cramping up a little but he ignored it.
The smell of baked goods, sugary and thick, filled his nostrils and Itachi glanced at the array of sweets, pudding, tarts, cakes and the likes laid out in front of him, or rather the king. It was enough to spill to Itachi's side of the table.
He had no idea why they were here in this place that seems to be very popular to the civilians since the door opened every ten minutes, and behind him sat a handful of customers. They were on the run with unknown number of Nines hot on their tail, it wouldn't take them long to find Itachi and the king even if they were running night and day, but at least they would have had a head start. It made no sense to Itachi why they were sitting casually here in plain sight.
Itachi clasped his hand around his gun under the table and looked up at the king who did not even look at him, too focused on eating the sweets he had ordered. Would it be better to force him out after all? Itachi remembered what had happened in the boat just last night and knew that it would be difficult if not impossible to do so. Itachi tightened his hand around the gun, still tempted to try.
They had just left the seashore and were entering the Fire city when the king had let out emphatically that there were places he needed to see. Itachi had of course ignored him, he found the tantrum unimportant to his general goal, that is until the king also let out that he was hungry. Itachi had quickly pressed his gun to the kings back in a discreet way that made sure no one noticed them. He had not wanted the enforcers to come there and question him. Even as a hunter that would've taken too much time. Time they had none to spare. Yet, if the king had tried to hurt anyone because of his hunger Itachi was sure he would have tried to stop him no matter what.
Despite the tension between them at that moment the king had somehow managed to convince Itachi that it was not blood he hungered for, but human food. Itachi acted unsurprised but in reality he was disconcerted by the thought. Vampires eating human food, he'd never thought it was possible.
But here they were, him staring while the king ate without reserve. The king did not seem to consider Itachi a threat in fact, which served to trouble Itachi and remind him constantly of the difference in strength.
"Hmm delicious! "The king had said this a number of times since he started eating but Itachi could not decide if there was sincerity in the words. The king's cheek were covered in frosting and food crumbs, his blue eyes shone and he lidded them every time he said those words but Itachi was still not convinced. He'd never heard of a vampire who could eat human food, not one. He'd studied the information available on vampires in the hunters academy countless times and it only stated that vampires fed on blood only. He had noticed, of course, after living in Elfim for years that the Negatives who lived there ate normal human food except Itachi had never really considered them to be vampires. They were weak and resembled humans in every way. In fact they were humans in his eyes. But blue eyed vampires were different, or so he had thought.
The kings shuffled through the sweets with his fingers and ate whatever he choose without finesse. Itachi would have expected a king to have more manners than that but this king had never fit the description of a king from the beginning. He was small, thin, his eyes hollow. Itachi had made him strip off his richly clothing, his earrings, rings and bracelets, even the shoe beaded with gems, one of which the king had used to pay for all the things he had bought. Now the king looked even more ordinary. Except for his eyes...
"What's wrong, are you not hungry?"The king brought those blue eyes on Itachi's face and Itachi tensed, his shoulders rising before he could control them. Itachi tightened his hand on his gun again, it was no coincidence that it was pointed straight at the king. Every time he looked at those eyes, he always felt as though he was staring at someone else, infinitely wise and strong. His hunter senses, like strands of hair, stood on end and electrify
Itachi glanced at the sundae the waiter had placed in front of him on the king's request which he had left untouched, now melted and not looking very palatable. Even if he was hungry there was no way he'd eat something so sweet.
"What are we doing here? "Itachi ignored the question and asked. He meant here to mean not just the restaurant but the Fire city as a whole. Although the king's sun-bright hair was covered under a blue baseball hat and he wore gray overalls that were loose around his thin shoulders and fell to his feet, he still stood out like a sore thumb among the numbers of business men and women, clerks and youth that came into the restaurant. Some of them even turned their head towards Itachi and the king as they took their seats. Itachi himself was still wearing his black round-neck shirt and equally black slacks. His red overalls was on his thigh under the table covering his gun from view.
The king licked his thin fingers with his tongue looking blissful, his eyes closed and a smile on his lips, "why else? "He started, "We are here to have fun and fill our stomach with good food. "
Itachi looked towards the empty pile of cake trays and sundae cup, he wouldn't exactly call them food. He looked at the king once more, "we do not have time for fun, "he said, "let's leave immediately. "
"There are still places I want to see, "said the king pouting. Itachi stayed at the sight of it, he could not exactly pinpoint what was so ridiculous about the sight of it, whether it was the kings flushed puffy cheek and squinted eyes or the very fact that the king was actually resorting to such a display. Did he think Itachi would be moved by the sight?
"This is the Fire city, the city of fun. So we must have fun before we leave. Right, Itachi-kun? "The king continued.
"I told you not to call me that way, "Itachi said, he felt hackles rise on his skin when the king called him like that. Perhaps it was how it made Itachi feel small or because it seemed a little more intimate somehow. The last thing he needed was any form of intimacy with the king. The bell chimed and Itachi glanced almost automatically towards the door. A couple entered the restaurant and did not look their way. He turned his eyes back to the king.
"I do not think you have forgotten but let me remind you that your people are after us, me in particular. Fun is the last thing I care about, "he said.
The king somehow managed to reinforce his pout, he squinted even more, pursed his lips even more and puffed his cheek ,his face going red with the effort.
"But..."he drew the word with something Itachi hesitated to call a whine,"the deal was you keep my people from finding me for a week while I do anything I like. "
"Do not add any unnecessary things to our agreement, " Itachi said without a blink, "the deal is I keep you from being found for a week. Nothing else. "
"What's the point, I want to see the circus! "The king all but wailed, this startled the customers behind them as they turned to stare at them. Itachi felt the pin prick of their eyes and gritted his teeth.
"Don't do that again, "he said. The king seemed to realize that he was behaving like a child, a spoilt child for that fact and leaned back on his chair, food forgotten hands folded still pouting. Itachi had no idea why he was still doing that.
With a sigh Itachi said, "only the circus. "He thought it was best to allow this one freedom then they would leave the city on high speed. He hoped the king could keep up with him.
"And the trade fair, "the kings eyes lit up and he leaned forward with the beginning of a smile on his lips. Itachi looked at him for a moment and nodded with a close of his eyes,
"And the trade fair for twenty minutes then we leave. "
"One hour each, "Itachi opened his eyes and furrowed his eyebrows looking at the king to see if he was deliberately trying to annoy him. The king looked expectant and his smile had blossomed into a grin.
"Twenty minutes, "Itachi said, resisting a scoff.
"Each? "Asked the king.
"Each, "Itachi agreed.
"Hmm, "the king turned his eyes to the side with a thoughtful expression. He still intends to continue with this? Itachi raised one eyebrow.
"Okay, twenty minutes each and the park for ten. "He said.
"You are not allowed to add another place "Itachi said.
"Only this once, Please? "The king clasped his hands together and smiled, looking eager for acceptance. The kings Itachi had heard of would never do something like this. For the first time, Itachi wondered if he had made a mistake. He swept the kings small figure with his eyes briefly and looked at the door as it opened yet again.
"Ten minutes each, "he said and brought his eyes to see the king smirk momentarily then the king raised his hand with a happy cry which drew eyes to their table. Itachi looked at the king with another understanding that still managed to puzzle him: so he wanted to see those three places? Itachi did not understand why any of this was important but he forced himself not to care. It had nothing to do with him, he did not need to know the reason why the king wanted to see these places or why he looked so happy about it. Like a child going out to play for the first time.
With a shake of his head, Itachi shook the unnecessary thoughts from him and got to his feet, careful to tuck his gun back into the pocket of his overalls and tucked his hands into the sleeves. From the corner of his eye he saw the king get up as well.
"We've got an hour, let's go, "Itachi said. The king nodded and furrowed his forehead at something on the table. Itachi looked to see that it was his untouched sundae cup, did he want that as well?
"Are you going to be okay? "The king asked and Itachi blinked, "you didn't eat anything. "
Itachi exhaled, "it's none of your concern,"he said with finality. The king shouldn't care about him because when the deal is done, and Itachi learned the secret to the blue eyed vampires' life force, he would wipe them out without fail. Itachi focused his eyes on the door and opened it. He'd already vowed to himself and to his dead clans member. Nothing would stop him from erasing the blue eyed vampire species from the face of the earth. Not even the playful, carefree face of the childlike king.
They neared the circus and the uninviting sound of cheer reached Itachi's ear to which he frowned. The bustle of life around the circus did not appeal to him, there were men and women, children and teens walking about, talking like parrots perched on trees. He was caught up in his own discomfort about being around this many people he noticed a little too slow when the king started to run towards a tent. Itachi did not run but picked up pace enough to catch up with the running king.
The king aimed for the tent that Itachi could hear the loud cries of voices filled with excitement and laughter. This caused a sudden wave of repulsion to him, there would be at least a thousand people in that tent. Itachi would rather stay outside but the king was already pulling the tent open and walking inside. Itachi did not trust that the king would not try to run, he was sure that the king wanted to. Why would the king stay with Itachi when he could survive out here by himself?
Itachi followed him and held a hand to his nose at the smell of sweat and what he thought was urine mixed with something foul. His eyes settled on the crowd seated in a tight space watching what appeared to be a stage act. He looked for the blue baseball hat and found it walking back towards him on the head of the king.
Itachi was prepared to stand by the entrance, hands folded, he would blend with the shadow and watch the king the entire time, but the king grabbed his hand out of the blue.
"Come on Itachi- kun! There is space at the front. "Without his consent, the king started to pull him down the crooked steps. Itachi pulled his hand from the king and instead of making a scene although he doubted if the crowd would pay them any attention, he followed complacently behind the king.
They seated on the fourth row, much to Itachi's annoyance. The light from the stage shun on his eyes making it almost impossible for him to watch the crowd. Even though Itachi trusted his senses to tell him when the Nines were closer, he also wanted to be able to find the best possible escape route.
The king clapped and cheered beside him, apparently unconcerned about any of it. Itachi discreetly took a gander at him and found the blue eyes focused solely on the stage master. A man wearing an hideous mask that looked like the imagined face of a red demon, beastly looking with sharp teeth stood on stage talking. Itachi tuned out most of what was said but knew when the stage master asked for a volunteer for his next act.
The loud clamour of the crowd vibrated the ground under Itachi's feet, it seems everyone wanted to be chosen. On the stage, two girls dressed scantily in white and purple wearing cat ears stood by a clock wheel and smiled at the audience.
The crowd fell silent, he could only hear their breathing. Itachi started and dropped his folded hands when the light shone on the person beside him.
"Yes!" Cried the king and got to his feet. Itachi had been aware of the king crying out with the crowd but he had not paid him any attention. He reached out a hand to grab the king and keep him there, if the king was on stage it would be easy for him to slip away using some kind of distraction. Itachi needed him by his side where he could watch him and at the same time make escape easier for them both. He was stymied by the look on the kings face, the king's eyes danced like sapphire jewels, Itachi would have described them as pretty to himself and no one else, his smile wide and open. Innocent.
Itachi had stayed stunned too long and by the time he blinked, the king was already jumping high over the crowd and on the stage.
"Wow, what a very enthusiastic kid. "The stage master praised. "What's your name son?"he asked.
"Ikumi! "Declared the king with his grin spreading wide.
"Ha ha, Ikumi- kun, you sound very excited. Are you afraid, don't be because these pretty onee - chans will be looking after you okay. "
Ikumi —Itachi did not feel that the name fitted, something about it seemed off to him but it did not matter. Names did not matter to Itachi, especially not the king's.
The king turned to look at the girls who cheerfully guided him to the wheel. The crowd still sounded like chickens squawking to Itachi's ears but his attention was focused almost fully on the king. He watched them strap the king upside down to the wheel. The stage master held up three daggers the size of Itachi's hand and showed it to the audience.
He threw the dagger one after the other at the king, missing him by a few inch above his head and near his side, Itachi could see the skill that the man possessed in throwing those daggers from so far away, although he said things like:
"opps, that was dangerous "and "ow! So close. "
As if he had almost touched the king by mistake and the crowd hushed even more, perhaps holding their breath.
The next dagger went straight into the king's stomach, or so it seemed. The crowd screamed, loud enough that Itachi had to duck his head on reflex. To the untrained eye, it seemed as though the dagger pierced through the kings stomach and disappeared inside his body but Itachi had seen the quick catch one of the girls had made. So fast was it that it would have been hard to follow. Itachi looked at the girl, she had a slight figure, her hair in two buns. It seemed this circus was not as simple as it looks.
Itachi's senses went haywire. A scream drowned out the loud voices of the crowd and others followed in succession.
"Bl —blood! "The voice shook, with fear Itachi suspected already on his feet. He knew immediately, his senses pinpointed three locations in the crowd, like arrows they highlighted black coats.
"Vampire! "The crowd broke loose. Itachi jumped on top of a vacated chair as men and women took to their heels screaming, the sound tore the cramped space and anyone outside would be horrified at it. Itachi back flipped into the air, his eyes focused on the stage where the king should be. He landed on his feet, the sound of his shoe hitting the wood floor drowned out by screams and shouts.
He looked unsurprised at the empty wheel. He had known this already, now all he had to do was make sure the king would not get far. To his side a woman screamed, Itachi turned his head and saw the black hair of a man on her shoulder. No, not a man. A vampire.
Itachi blew past the woman and the vampire with the echo of his gunshot. That did not stop the crowd from pushing over each other to get to the door. Itachi leaped into the air and his shots sounded resolutely in the air, the dusts of dead vampires floated after him and using the head of a stranger, Itachi propelled his body out of the narrow flap of the tent.
He landed on one knee, eyes darted left and right looking for that blue baseball hat. He could not find it. Itachi stood straight and walked as his hunter senses guided. Vampires in broad daylight; this was not unheard of but it was unusual. Something must have driven them out of hiding. Shadowed faces with blue eyes flashed behind Itachi's eyes and he quickened his pace.
Itachi walked past a blind alley and stopped. His hunter senses tingled. Itachi drew his gun from his pocket as he walked with certain steps into the alley. The stale foul stench of rubbish greeted him, woods lay resting on the walls and rubbish tins beside them, heaped to the brim till spilling. Then he saw her. The body of a girl, probably five year old. She lay on the ground, the shoulder of her dress torn and a gaping hole on her neck bleeding still and forming a pool of blood around her. She was not dead. Yet.
Itachi felt that the person he used to be would have paused at the sight —he raised his gun to the girl's head. The person he was would have felt something but the person standing there staring at that child felt nothing. It should have terrified him but Itachi met the thought with resignation. He had already decided that no vampire should be spared, he would kill all of them. Not even a child vampire will escape him.
Itachi pulled the trigger.
The shot rang loud and clear and deafening, but she was still alive. Itachi blinked at the blue eyes looking up at him. In front of him, kneeling in front of the girl his back to her, was the king he had been looking for. His blue eyes had a bright light in them, steady and unblinking.
Itachi blinked again when blood slowly trailed down the front of the kings face, past his nose going to his lips. The king did not reach up to clean the blood but continued staring.
"What are you doing? "Itachi was the one to break the silence, immensely confused. He had not sense the king but only felt the cool wind brush his skin before the king appeared as he is.
"You can't kill her like that, "the king said.
"What? "Itachi furrowed his brows.
"You can't kill her, "the king repeated. Itachi had no idea why the king was demanding something so unusual but did not care, could not care.
"She is a vampire, "he said to explain everything.
"and you are are a hunter, I know but it is not her fault that she became a vampire, "the king said.
No, it is yours, Itachi thought. "That does not matter,"he said and moved his gun in position to fire at the girl again. The king grabbed his gun and Itachi widen his eyes at the hand. He looked up to see the kings eyes, blue and steady with what Itachi could tell was anger. He could not fathom what the king was angry about that he held on to Itachi's hunter weapon without flinching. Itachi could hear the sizzling sound and smell the burning flesh, yet, the king did not move his hand.
Itachi gritted his teeth when he tried to pull his gun away and the king held it there by force. It became a tug of war with the king's strength surpassing his.
"You can't just decide that on your own,"said the king as he sent Itachi's gun flying out of his hand. Itachi widen his eyes, knowing it was possible, that the king was stronger than he looks, than Itachi, was different from actually experiencing it.
"The girl is too young to be killed like that, "the king continued. "If you try to then I will have to stop you. "
Itachi's heart beat rapidly in his chest but it was not of fear but immense anger. The king had no idea what he was saying. If Itachi left that girl to live she would become a vampire, to Itachi that was worst than death. Death was mercy. Yes and this king is just trying to create more monsters like the Nines. The world didn't need that, Itachi didn't need that.
Itachi pulled out his other gun and held it to the king's head, "get out of the way, "he demanded. The king's eyes settled and he remained where he was, even though Itachi moved his gun to face the girl. The king met his eyes straight on, unwavering, unflinching.
Itachi fired.
Twice.
His shot rang and the kings body flew with force to the wall behind the girl. The wall cracked and looked about to cave in.
Itachi took two breaths and cooled his anger. He walked towards his gun and picked it up. "What are you going to do about her? "He asked.
The king sat up with a groan, his face covered in blood. He grinned, "send her to my home, "he said.
"And send your people straight for us? "Itachi frowned.
The king crawled towards the girl and raised her mouth to his wrist . Itachi looked away when her small fang pierced the skin of the king's wrist. "No, "said the king, "I will make sure she avoids them. "
Itachi turned and the girl opened blue eyes and stared at the king with something close to awe. "Go to Elfim, tell them the king sent you. "The king instructed her as though he expected her to do just that. "Avoid everyone on your way. "
The girl nodded and got her feet shakily, then she started to climb the wall like a spider. Itachi watched her disappear feeling like something was crawling under his skin. "What did you do to her? "He asked. "Did you turn her into a noble, a Nine? "He had to ask.
The king got to his feet and laughed scratching his head. "Something like that, "he said. More blood rolled down his face and into his shirt. Itachi picked up a dirty old rag and handed it to him without a word and not Looking at him.
"Ah, Itachi - kun just like I suspected. You have a warm side to you after all. "The king said, Itachi could tell he was smiling. Oh well, let him think what he wants. Itachi did not care.
Author's Note: whew! That was one long chapter. This story is going to be super long. Anyway, thanks for reading. I hope to hear from you soon. Hopefully next chapter would be shorter.