CH7

Roger had missed Barnabas again. Willy answered the door, looking a bit ragged.

"Barnabas is in, but he's real tired. Miss Akemi had him up all night training," Willy explained.

"Why at night?" Roger asked.

Willy shrugged. "We just do what Miss Akemi says." Looking down, he waved and said, "Hey Daniel."

"Is Akemi here?" Daniel asked. "I wanted Dad to meet her."

"Sorry, Daniel, she went home this morning. I'm sure she'll be back this afternoon," Willy explained.

"Will Barnabas be up this afternoon?" Roger asked, not pleased about this 'training' with a young girl. It sounded very fishy for a grown man to spend all night with a school girl.

"OH yeah, Miss Akemi will make sure he gets up. You can count on that," Willy said firmly.

"Willy," Roger said firmly. "Did you notice anything odd? Like Barnabas taking liberties with this girl?"

Willy gapped at him. "Barnabas? Oh no, Mr. Collins. Barnabas wouldn't do that. She had him playing catch with a rock when I went to bed. I guess they too a long run, then she had him out back tossing logs back and forth. She wore him out. Barnabas could barely move this morning."

"Logs? Don't you mean branches?" Roger asked.

"Nope, logs," Willy said firmly.

"I can see that. Akemi is really strong," Daniel piped up.

Eyeing Willy, not believing the story he was telling, Roger said, "Then I will return this afternoon. When is this Akemi coming back?"

"Her and her folks usually appear around four or so, right out here in front." Willy told him.

"Then I will return at four," Roger told him. "Come Daniel."

.

As she feared, Azami was hard to wake up when Akemi tried to get her out of bed. "Come on if you're coming!" Akemi grumbled as she pulled on Azami's arm.

Moaning, Azami sat up and rubbed her eyes. Glancing out the window, she complained, "The sun's not even up yet."

"It will be when we get there," Akemi assured her.

"Is breakfast ready?"

"After we get there."

Akemi guided a lethargic Azami into her clothes and down the hall to Mama Yukari's magic room. Half asleep, Azami didn't care what Akemi put on her. Akemi had dressed her in her school uniform. After all, Akemi saw this as an 'official duty'.

Coming out of the portal into the afternoon sun, Azami winced at the brightness. She also noticed what she was wearing. She looked down at herself, then saw Akemi was wearing her school uniform too. "What's this? We're not going to school," she said indignantly.

"We're doing something official, so we have to wear our school clothes," Akemi said firmly.

"You didn't tell me that!" Azami said, scowling at her sister.

"TWO demons?" a voice asked in surprise.

The sisters turned to see Reverend Trask coming towards them. Azami noted the hard hat, water gun and crossbow.

Laughing at him, Azami pointed and asked, "What are you suppose to be?"

"The death of you!" Trask announce loudly, and pulled his crossbow. Before he got it to his shoulder, the crossbow flew from his grasp and the girl with different colored eyes caught it. She eyed the weapon and chuckled again. "Akemi, is this guy for real?"

Akemi shrugged. "He's a Baka." she said in a huff. "Kanae give you a touch?" she asked.

"Yeah, so we could play yesterday," Azami said.

Trask whipped out his water gun and pumped it up. He aimed and found they were no longer in front of him.

"What do we do with this guy?" Azami asked from one side.

"This usually works," Akemi said from his other side. She knocked his hardhat off and waved her hand.

Having them on both sides of him, Trask hesitated, not knowing which way to turn.

BONG

The girls jumped away as the brass pan cracked Trask on the head. He crumpled in place. Lacking anything better to do with him, they dragged him back to where his car was parked and stuffed him in the back seat.

"Here comes another one," Azami said as she watched a police car come up the road.

"No, that's Sheriff Patterson. He's a good guy," Akemi told her.

Akemi explained to the sheriff what Trask was doing. He had them load Trask into his back seat and his crossbow and water gun in the trunk, then drove back the way he came. He was going to take Trask to 'cool off' for a while.

.

Walking back to the house, Akemi and Azami noticed anther car had pulled up into the driveway. Seeing Daniel with another man, Akemi ran to them with a cry of, "Hi, Daniel!"

"Hi, Akemi!" Daniel replied with a bright smile.

Roger noted the girls that ran up to Daniel must have more than a touch of albino in them. While Akemi had pink hair and normal colored green eyes, her sister, Azami, had one red eye and very light pink, almost white hair. After their introductions were done, Daniel introduced both of them to Roger.

"Pleased to meet you both," Roger said, smiling pleasantly. "Daniel has talked a lot about you, Akemi," he said, which caused her to blush.

"I'll go make sure Barnabas is up. Come on in," Akemi said and ran in the house.

"How come your uniform is blue, not black like Akemi's?" Daniel asked Azami.

"I'm still in primary school. Akemi is in her first year of high school," Azami told him. "Are you gong to have breakfast with us?"

Daniel chuckled, "It's afternoon, don't you mean dinner?"

Azami paused. "Oh yeah, this is the other side of the world, right? Yeah I guess I do mean dinner."

Roger asked, "Jet-lag, huh Miss Azami?"

"That's getting your days and nights mixed up," Daniel supplied.

Azami nodded. She was mixed up, the sun hadn't even been up a half hour ago.

.

Roger noted Akemi seemed to have free rein in the house. She came downstairs, announcing Barnabas would be down shortly, then asked Willy to get some nourishment ready. Roger waited until Willy left the room then asked, "Miss Akemi, just what are you doing here with Barnabas?"

"I am helping him. Barnabas is really weak. He can't even go outside when the sun is up," she explained.

"But Willy said you had him outside last night, doing exercises," Roger said.

"Right, because he needs to toughen himself up. He's been hiding in the dark for far too long," Akemi told him.

Roger frowned at her and said, "That does not make much sense."

"They are vampires, Dad." Daniel explained.

"Daniel, will you please stop that nonsense!" Roger said firmly.

"It's not nonsense. We are vampires," Akemi said.

Getting bored, Azami went to see what Willy was doing. She found him in the kitchen warming up some blood. "Ah good! Thank you Mr. Willy!" she said happily. She then sniffed the air and frowned.

"This is for Barnabas. Miss Akemi says he needs it every day," Willy explained.

"That's cow blood," Azami said, scrunching her face up. "Don't you have any transfusion packs?"

"We don't, sorry," Willy replied.

"Can I have some of yours?" Azami asked meekly. "I'm getting hungry, I missed breakfast."

Willy eyed her and pulled his collar up. "I don't think that's a good idea," he said nervously.

"Awww please?" Azami begged. "You smell really good."

.

Barnabas came down the stairs fully dressed. "Ah, good to see you, Roger," he said with a smile.

Roger wasn't in such a good mood. "Barnabas, what's this nonsense about vampires? This girl believes she is one."

Just then, Willy burst out of the kitchen looking scared, Azami following him.

"Please?" Azami whined.

"Miss Akemi, your sister wants to suck my blood!" Willy cried.

"I won't take much," Azami pleaded as she chased after Willy.

"Willy, it's OK, it doesn't hurt," Daniel offered.

"Azami!" Akemi barked. "Stop bothering Willy. There's blood in the kitchen if you need it!"

Azami frowned at her. "Yeah, nasty old-hamburger smelling COW blood! What do you think I am, a peasant?" she asked harshly.

Roger rolled his eyes. This was becoming ridiculous. "All right, enough with the vampire stuff. Barnabas, just WHAT is going on here?" he demanded.

"Azami! Leave Willy alone!" Akemi said, getting in between them.

"Fine! Is there at least tomato juice here?" Azami asked with a flail of her arms.

"In the refrigerator," Akemi said, pointing the way. Turning to Roger, she said, "Mr. Collins, we are vampires. That's why we're here, to help Barnabas."

"OH, hogwash!" Roger stated. "Barnabas, what are you doing with these girls?"

Barnabas left out a sigh. "What they say is true, Roger. Akemi and ... I'm taking it that was her sister, came to help me because I too am a vampire."

"Does Sheriff Patterson now about this little game your playing?" Roger asked harshly.

Suddenly, Akemi was in front of Roger, glaring up at him. Sternly, she said, "This is no game, Mr. Collins! The safety and welfare of Barnabas, your family and the entire town depends upon us teaching Barnabas and making him strong enough to be a good vampire!"

Roger had never seen anyone move so quickly. She had crossed the floor to stand in front of him in the time it took to blink an eye. He also saw a fire in her eyes that made him back up a few steps. His gut told him she was telling the truth.

"So sorry to be abrupt, Mr. Collins," Akemi said apologetically, "But what I'm dong here is serious work, and for everyone's sake, I cannot fail."

Roger's mouth worked and he managed to get out, "For a vampire you certainly are well mannered."

"Thank you, I try my best," Akemi replied.

"It's OK, Dad," Daniel said cheerfully. "I know it's hard to believe. I didn't believe it at first. I thought Akemi was related to superman. She is really strong and she can do magic tricks too."

Azami came stomping back in the room. "Akemi! The tomato juice is gone. There's regular food, but what am I suppose to drink?"

"You can always go back home," Akemi reminded her.

Azami shook her head. "No, I came to help you," she stated. She cast a longing look at Willy. Willy shied back behind Barnabas.

Barnabas cracked a grin and said, "Willy, I hope you don't expect me to save you from them."

Again, Daniel called over to Willy. "Willy, it doesn't hurt, honest." He then asked Akemi, "Should we show him?"

Akemi blushed and asked, "You mean, you really don't mind?"

"Heck no. You're my friend right? Don't friends do things for each other?"

"Oh, Daniel," Akemi said softly.

Roger watched as they hugged. He didn't understand what was happening until after Akemi put her mouth on Daniel's neck and he heard a slurping sound. Daniel held Akemi close. After a moment, Akemi let him go and said meekly, "Thank you, Daniel-san."

Daniel nodded at Akemi, smiling at her.

Pointing at Akemi and Daniel, Azami cried, "Hey, no fair! Why do you get real blood and not me?"

"He's MY friend!" Akemi shot back.

"Sisters share!" Azami stated.

"NOT this time!" Akemi snapped back.

Roger looked at Daniel's neck. There was hardly a mark where Akemi had bit him. He sat down and said, "Well, I suppose it's only right that I be at least as brave as my son. Miss Azami, come over here."

Azami perked up and ran over to him. "Really?" she asked, smiling broadly and showing her fangs.

"Yes, dear," Roger said, motioning her close.

"Be gentle," Akemi warned.

Azami nodded. Placing her hands on Roger's shoulders, Azami leaned close. Roger put a hand on her back as she put her mouth on his neck. Bracing himself to feel pain as she sank her fangs in, all he felt was a pin prick. She drew slowly, which felt kinda good. She then licked his neck and pulled back to say, "Thank you, Mr. Collins."

"You're welcome, dear," he replied automatically. He swore his mind was going, did he really just let a vampire suck his blood?

"Can I get you anything, Mr. Collins?" Azami asked. "Food, a drink?"

Roger shook his head. "I'm fine. I do have a question. I have always heard that vampires drain people to death. I don't even feel dizzy," he noted.

Azami giggled. "Mr. Collins, we don't need much. Only vampires that are very hungry would do something like that. Besides, if we killed anyone, then nobody would trust us, and that would lead to big problems," she explained.

"You are very wise, child," Roger noted. "How old are you?"

"I'm twelve, Akemi is fourteen," Azami said, beaming him a smile. "Would you like a stool for your feet?"

"I'm fine, really," Roger assured her. "I would like to hear more about this family of yours."

.

While Roger kept Azami occupied, and Daniel had Akemi's attention, Barnabas sat down and began working at his pitcher of blood, glass by glass. Although he'd hadn't thought it possible, he did get a decent day's sleep, and he felt much stronger. The white glare from between the drapes was bright, but not quite the blinding intensity it had been. He also noted he could hear every conversation as if he was sitting right beside them. Azami was going on about all her mothers. Daniel and Akemi were pondering if they should go outside and play.

"Excuse me, Daniel, Miss Akemi," Barnabas said.

"Yes?" they chorused.

"It is fine if you want to go out, Miss Akemi. I'll be all right here," Barnabas told her.

"Are you sure?" Akemi asked in a worried tone.

"Absolutely. Thanks to you, I am feeling stronger and the light doesn't have such a powerful affect on me. I don't think I'll try going outside yet, but there is a difference."

Akemi nodded. "Azami, are you going to stay here?"

Azami turned and nodded, "I'll watch him."

Seeing Daniel look at him, Roger nodded and said, "Don't go too far."

"We won't Dad," Daniel assured him. He clasped Akemi's hand and led her out.

.

"Come on, Akemi, there's a cave up here on the hill I want to show you," Daniel said as he ran through the woods.

Following behind him, Akemi felt a yokai presence. The sun was setting, and she was sure it was coming from the cave ahead. "Daniel, wait!" she cried.

Daniel crashed through some brush to stop on a well worn path In front of the cave. Eyeing Akemi as she ran up to him, he said, "There's nothing to be afraid of. Old folks said there was a monster around here, but I think it's just a story."

Akemi grabbed Daniel's hand to keep him from going any further. "Daniel, I think we should leave. There is something in there."

"Really? What do you think it is?" he asked.

"Mama or Papa can find out later. We need to go," Akemi said firmly.

"UUUUUH." came a heavy moaning sound from the cave.

'Daniel, now," Akemi prodded. She went to pull him back through the brush. Daniel fell, his shirt caught on a branch.

"UUUUUUH!"

Seeing the fearful look in Akemi's eyes, Daniel became frightened. Akemi broke the branch holding him. Daniel charged three steps and got caught again.

Looking back at the cave, Akemi whispered, "Oh no."

A man sized form shuffled out of the cave. In the waning light, Daniel could see the remains of clothes and flesh hanging off it.

"Zombie! Daniel, RUN!" Akemi screamed. Akemi then stuck her arm out and waved her hand.

BONG

The brass pan hit the zombie's head and bounced away. The zombie kept shuffling towards them.

"UUUUUUH!" the zombie intoned.

Akemi grabbed Daniel and pulled him out of the brush as he belted out a scream. She ran fifty meters downhill, then stopped to look Daniel over. Most of his shirt was gone and he was scratched, but otherwise unhurt.

Eyes wide, Daniel blubbered, "It didn't work. Akemi, go, I'll slow him down!"

"No!" Akemi snapped, "He'll kill you! I can run faster. Run away, quickly!"

"I'm not leaving you!" Daniel stated, even as he peed his pants in fear of the thing coming after them.

Akemi saw the zombie shuffling through the brush. She launched herself at it. Running full speed, she jumped and brought both feet up to kick it hard in the chest. The impact toppled the zombie over in the brush. Akemi landed prone just outside the brush.

"UUUUUUUH!"

"AKEMI!" Daniel screamed.

Akemi got up and raced back beside him. Clasping hands they ran back through the woods, the mournful groans of the zombie following them.

A figure raced towards them to join their retreat. "What's going on?" Azami asked.

"Zombie!" Akemi said, glancing behind her.

"How many?"

"One."

Azami stopped and gapped at her sister. "Just one? Why are we running?"

"I don't want it to get Daniel!" Akemi snapped.

Through the dim forest, Barnabas came running. He came up and grabbed Daniel. "I'll see to Daniel. What is out there?"

"It's a zombie," Akemi stated. "If you can keep Daniel safe, we can trap it."

Looking up in the trees, Azami said, "Look, vines, zombie on a rope?"

"Get them, I'll keep it busy," Akemi told her. Akemi then ran over to a thick branch that had fallen and broke off ten feet and knocked the smaller branch remains off it to make a large, crude staff.

"UUUUUH!"

The zombie was coming downhill towards them. Azami zipped up a tree, collecting vine. Akemi took off in a blur of speed. She ran around the zombie and used the branch to knock his feet out from under him, which also broke off four feet of branch.

"UUUUH!" the zombie complained as it got up.

Azame dropped down near Barnabas and Daniel. Her hands moving in a blur, she fashioned a noose, then grabbed the other end of the vine and ran up a tree and out onto a thick branch. "O-KAY, tie him up!" she announced.

Akemi shot past the zombie again, breaking off four more feet of her branch as she tripped him up. Tossing the remains of the branch aside, she raced over and grabbed the other end of the vine. As the zombie got up, she ran around him in tight circles trailing vine, causing him stop and to try and follow her fast movements. She wrapped the vine around his legs, then raced away and yelled, "Pull!"

Azami hauled up on the vine, which tightened around the zombie's legs. He fell, then was hoisted into the air. Azami tied the vine off and dropped out of the tree.

"UUUUUUUUUUH!" The zombie groaned, flailing it's arms.

Azami came over to Barnabas and Daniel. Thrusting a finger in the air she cheerfully announced, "Zombie wrap!"

Barnabas wasn't listening. Studying the zombie as it flailed it's arms, he recognized who that was. "Jeremiah?" he asked in a whisper.

"You know that thing?" Akemi asked.

As if in a trance, Barnabas approached the zombie who slowed it's flailing to settle it's gaze on him.

"Ba bas ... UHHHH!" the zombie intoned.

"Jeremiah!" Barnabas said with a cry. He dropped to his knees and wailed out, "That's my brother!"

Akemi and Azami looked at each other. "We need more help," Akemi stated.