Eiji shook awake violently and broke into a coughing fit. He just had another horrible nightmare. He'd been getting them ever since Ash had realized he was the vampire. These dreams all started the same, with Ash locked in Eiji's room with him. He had the same face expression that he had that day; broken and empty. Eiji always tried to reach for him in his dreams but found that he couldn't move. He would call out desperately to Ash who would look at him. Ash would smile sweetly at him and gently put a hand on his shoulder. He would whisper words of comfort to Eiji. Then his face would go completely blank and he would put the gun against his head. Eiji screamed, he always did but no sound left his mouth. In some dreams Shorter was at the door banging franticly and yelling for Eiji to let him in. In other dreams it was just Ash and Eiji. Whether Shorter was in the dream or not, the conclusion of the dream never changed. Ash would fire the gun and Eiji would watch him die. The light would fade from Ash's eyes and his blood would oozed all over the floor. Even after waking the dreams he would still see Ash's lifeless body vividly in his mind. Eiji was always left with an ominous feeling of dread. He wondered what would happen to Ash after he died. Would Ash take his own life? He silently prayed that Shorter and the others would be able to convince him otherwise.

He missed Ash's day self. The absents of day Ash in his live left him feeling more hopeless then he had ever before. Ash was locked up and Eiji knew he would never see him again. He would never get to see Ash's smile or laugh with him. He would never feel Ash's gentle loving touch or hear his sweet voice. Vampire Ash was always cruel, collective and rough. He had been taking his sweet time ever since Ash was confided to his room. It was tiring to deal with him and to make matters worse it was getting harder to pull up nice memories with Ash. The last memory with day Ash was extremely dramatizing and he didn't want to remember Ash as the broken person he was that day. Shorter was not helping matters by flinging himself into trying to find a cure that most likely did not exist. His desperation made Eiji more afraid. If he was to lose Shorter as well… He didn't know how he would deal with it. If Shorter died, then Ash would die after himself. It made the situation even more hopeless.

At the thought of Shorter Eiji turned his head slightly to look at the clock. 7:30. Shorter should have been back to check on him. He always did before Ash's night self showed up. He usually was not there when vampire Ash showed up because it hurt him to watch Eiji get bitten. Did Shorter check in while he was still asleep? If that was the case, he should still be there. Shorter knew Eiji worried about him and always stuck around as long as possible. A horrible thought crossed Eiji's mind. Did something happen to Shorter? Eiji's blood went cold.

"No, please no." he begged in his mind. "Please let Shorter be alright." Eiji wanted to call someone to ask but he knew no one was around. They would all be downstairs discussing the current situation. Now that Eiji thought about it most of Ash's men started avoiding him after Ash was caught. It seemed like they wanted to stay away from him to make his inevitable death easier on themselves. Eiji didn't blame them but it made him even more lonely to think about it.

Before Eiji had any more time to worry about Shorter's current location a soft knock came from the door. If Eiji had any energy he would have jumped in surprise. Turning his head to the side he saw Shorter peeking in. All the fears and worries seeped out of him. He felt his breathing return to normal and gave a small sigh of relief.

"Are you awake?" Shorter asked. Eiji nodded shortly and attempted a smile. Shorter smiled back and walked into the room. The second his whole body was in view Eiji jerked back in surprise and his smile faded

"What happened?" He gasped softly. Shorter was not wearing a shirt and Eiji could see a bloody bandage wrapped around his waist, upper torso and upper left arm. He had a blood-stained bag slung over his shoulder that was riddled with bullet holes. His right arm was in a sturdy cast. The rest of his was covered in bruises and sharp cuts and he smelled faintly of dirty sea water.

"My escape plan didn't work out." Shorter said rubbing the back of his head with his left hand. "I had to use the emergency plan. I jumped out a third floor window into the sea and…" He nodded towards his right arm "This happened." He paused then continued quickly. "It's not broken though so I should get it off in a few days…"

"This happened at the research facility?" Eiji asked frowning. "You shouldn't go back there again."

"No need!" Shorter said and to Eiji's surprise he smiled cheerfully. It was the first time in a while that Eiji saw him this happy. If he was happy that could only mean…

"Did you find a cure?!" Eiji gasped. If he really found a cure that would change everything. It meant Ash would get better without hating himself to much. It meant that Eiji would live. It meant they could continue on exists in the future together. It meant Ash's men would stop guiltily avoiding him and Shorter would go back to laughing carefreely. All this excitement was too much and Eiji broke into another coughing fit. Shorter waited until it had died down and reached into his blood-stained bag, pulling out a small grey container.

"I sure did." Shorter said smiling widely. Eiji's face broke into the real smile he had for a while. His mouth mussels felt weirdly tense.

"Then everything's alright!" Eiji said happily. Shorter's smile faded slightly and he rubbed the back of his head again.

"I know I found a cure but…it's still not guaranteed." He said weakly. Eiji's ball of happiness popped and he felt gloom enter once again. Shorter started to explain how the cure worked. While he spoke Eiji euphoria was replaced with a growing sense of dread.

"Before Ash shows up tonight, I need to give you the cure so he can drink it out of you…" Shorter finished off watching Eiji's reaction.

"If that happens Ash will have to fight his vampire self" Eiji said meekly. "And if he ends up losing against him, he'll hate himself even more…"

"I don't think Ash can hate himself anymore then he already does." Shorter said bitterly. "You haven't seen him Eiji he's…he's not himself at all…"

"What if it does work?" Eiji asked quietly. "If it works and he's cured. If he sees what he did to me he might still hate himself…What if he decides that what he did was to horrible and tries to kill himself again?" It was quiet in the room for a few minutes.

"Are you not going to take it then?" Shorter finally asked worriedly.

"No, I'll take it…" Eiji sighed. "It's still the best choice we have…I just don't like it… No matter what I do Ash seems to always get hurt. He was fine until I came along and now…now that he let me get close to him, I managed to hurt him… I just hate this!"

"That's not true." Shorter said. "He's happier with you then he has ever been. He never had someone he could open up to before."

"And look where that's gotten him." Eiji laughed bitterly.

"Eiji," Shorter said. "I know it seems hopeless now. Let's just give him the cure and see what happens." Eiji looked Shorter in the eyes for a moment and nodded. Shorter nodded back and pulled out the cure. He filled the shot and turned to Eiji. The Chinese put it against Eiji's forearm, then hesitated.

"I don't know how you should feel after taking this." He told Eiji. "You could get drowsy or feel sick or go numb. I didn't have time to ask the science all the questions I needed to."

"It's fine." Eiji said. "It can't be worse than a vampire venom…Just do it." Shorter nodded and pushed the needle into Eiji's vein.

8:45 the next morning…

Ash knew something was different though he didn't know what. He had woken up that morning to bright sunlight but, instead of feeling guiltily refreshed, he felt dizzy and gross. He first thought that he didn't bite Eiji the night before but then realized that he didn't feel hungry. Vampire who do not get a meal get extremely hungry and he wasn't feeling that at all. That being said he still was feeling weird. He was more aware of his body then before. He could feel the blood flow through his veins and his heart beating in his chest. He was awake of every little movement he made. There was also the sensation that someone was sleeping in his mind. He didn't know why he thought that, but it felt like part of his brain was still asleep.

As the day continued the sensation grew worse and worse. By the time the sun started to set, he had become uncomfortably aware of every breath he took. After the last ray of sunlight was gone the thing in his mind started to stir. Ash knew, though he didn't know why, that the thing would wake up in a couple of hours. As the night progressed Ash started to feel physically weak. His body was becoming heavier and sluggish with every passing hour. Finally, his body couldn't take it anymore and gave out on him. He toppled over and surrendered himself to emptiness. His eyes closed but instead of feeling his conscience fade like it did every night as he fell asleep he realized he was still wide awake. He lay there in darkness for a few second then…the thing in his mind woke up. Ash opened his eyes and sat up. Or at least the thing in his brain did…

Ash had no control over his own body.

Well this is a shock.

The thing in his mind said in a hollow echoing voice.

You aren't supposed to be conscience.

"Who are you!" Ash demanded in his head.

Me? I'm you.

Ash felt his mouth form a smile and a wave of dread hit him. If this thing was him did that make it his vampire self?

That's correct! The voice said gleefully. This will be fun! Let me show you how your nights look.

Ash felt his mouth open and his voice rang out strongly.

"Shorter! Get in here! I'm hungry!" It was quiet for a moment, then Ash heard footsteps. The door slowly opened and Shorter walked in. From where Ash was standing, he could see bandages peeking out from under Shorter's clothes. His right arm was in a cast.

"What happened to you?" Ash snorted. Shorter didn't answer. He stopped at the doorway and observed Ash for a couple of minutes. Ash's eyes narrowed for a second and then his mouth formed an innocent grin. Shorter's shoulder's sagged.

"What's wrong Shorter?" Ash cooed. "Did you expect something different tonight? Perhaps maybe my day self?" Shorter flinched and clenched his fists.

"Well you aren't wrong." Ash continued in a board tone. Shorter's head jolted up, his wide eyes in shock. "He's awake right now but…let's just say he doesn't have any control." Ash's smile turned amused. "Did you expect he would?" Ash threw back his head and laughed meanly. Shorter looked disheartened as he took out a key and unlocked Ash's chains.

"Knock it off." Ash snarled to his vampire self.

Oh my! Are you mad?

"Why are you attacking Shorter? Isn't he on your side?"

You are as bad as Eiji. Shorter isn't one of your men. I have to keep him in his place, or else he might rebel"

The chains clattered to the floor and Ash stood up stretching.

"Right." He said jumping up and down a few times to warm up his legs. "I'm heading out! Don't disturb me like last night. I like to eat my meal in peace." Shorter growled but didn't stop him. His eyes were once again glued on the ground. Ash felt a wave of fear hit him. When his vampire self said meal that could only mean one thing…He was going to bite Eiji.

"Don't!"

But I have to. You see Eiji's mine. And his blood taste so good. You'll understand in a minute. He's a delicacy you won't find anywhere else. His soft skin is-

"STOP!" Ash screamed in his mind. He felt himself chuckle as he walked up the seconded floor landing towards the third floor. Two of his men passed him. When they saw him, they looked away and hurried down the stairs. Ash struggled. He needed to move something…even a pinky. If he could get control of himself, he could prevent Eiji from getting attacked. They arrived at the third floor and walked to Eiji's room. Ash pushed open the door loudly and strolled in.

Eiji was awake. He looked up when they entered the room and his face hardened. Ash had never seen such a cold expression on Eiji's face.

"Hey Eiji." Ash cooed sitting down next to him. "How are you doing tonight?" Eiji didn't answer but his glare deepened. "Where you expecting something else? Shorter seemed to be." Eiji clenched his fists and looked away.

"Don't be angry" Ash said gently putting his hand under Eiji's chin and making him look at him. "When you're angry like this you make your blood taste weird. Calm down so I can have a delicious meal." He put on a fake pout. "Or do you want day Ash not to feel full tomorrow." Eiji looked tiredly at him. Vampire Ash smiled smugly and moved his hand softly down Eiji's face and to his throat.

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF HIM!" Ash screamed in him head, struggling wildly. Vampire Ash chuckled again and let go of Eiji. He slowly pulled the blanket down from Eiji's chin so he could see his pale neck. Ash felt his heart quicken as he felt himself licked him lips hungerly.

"No stop please stop…." Ash begged. "Don't do this! I don't want this!

But I do.

"Eiji…Eiji!" Ash yelled in his mind. "Fight him! Don't let him bite you! Don't let him near you!"

But Eiji didn't move. He didn't even flinch when Ash put his hands firmly on his shoulder. He didn't look mad or angry, he just watched Ash with a calm tired expression. Ash recognized the look on his face. He had seen it before whenever someone had accepted death. Their faces would change from fear to calmness and they would relax.

See, Eiji understands. He understands that he's mine…yours…ours. We own him. He understands that he needs to die in order for us to live.

"No, Eiji fight me!" Ash continued to yell "Don't let me do this to you! Don't give up just because it's me. Don't just accept death!" Ash felt himself started to lean in. From under him Eiji watched him approach then he closed his eyes; his body relaxing. Ash felt his lips part in a satisfied smile.

There's my precious Eiji. All snuggled up and warm for me. Ready to be eaten when I choose to.

His words rang through Ash's head, cruel and smug. Ash felt sick. Although he had no control over his own body his mind was racing. Vampire Ash's mouth was inches from Eiji's throat, and he felt his mouth opening wide.

"Stop…stop…STOP!" It happened in an instant. Ash's mouth froze over Eiji's neck, fangs touching his pale skin. Vampire Ash shuttered and Ash felt him mind get wrenched away. For a second the world went black and then he blinked back into reality. Ash felt himself moved forward again, and his teeth sunk into Eiji's neck.

It was delicious. Ash couldn't actually taste it, but he could feel the feelings of pleasure radiating off his other self. He could hear Eiji's heart and feel Eiji shutter under the venom's influence. He could taste the warm blood in his mouth and smell it's sweat aroma. He hated it. He hated this creature. He hated himself. It was like his dreams again. It was worse then his dream. He wished Eiji never had met him. He wished Eiji would hate him. He wished he was the one lying in bed dying. He once again wondered how fate could allow this. How any higher being could allow Ash to do something so horrible to someone like Eiji?

After a couple of hours, he finally felt himself pulled away. Looking down he saw Eiji lying there his eyes blank and empty. He was still breathing but faintly.

Looks like he survived another day.

Vampire Ash's voice ranging through his head. He smiled smugly down at the dying Japanese and then went to the door. As he left the room he found Shorter waiting outside. When he saw Ash he tensed.

"He's alive." Ash said and Shorter relaxed slightly. "Take care of him, would you? I'm going to head back." He gave a yawn and started down the hall.

I told you he was delicious. Admit it you enjoyed it.

"Damn you!" Ash growled.

Alright be that way. Whatever reason you're still awake I feel that it is not going to go away for a while…that means you will be back tomorrow with me. There's so much I want to show you. Ahh you're angry again aren't you.

"How does Eiji put up with you!" Ash snarled

Because he loves you. He loves you so much that dying like this isn't going to faze him. Or at least it isn't going to faze him anymore. He wasn't always this brave. You should have seen him in the beginning. I thought I would have to hunt him down but all it took was me calling his name and he came running. It was such an easy meal. And then after he knew my secret, he did me the favor of staying quiet. Isn't that nice?

"Shut up!" Ash shissed. "I won't let you bite him again!"

Oh?

His vampire self's voice became cold.

You think since you got control of your body for a second you can suddenly stop me? Don't make me laugh. That will never happen again.

Ash struggled again in his mind and he felt his other conscience slam his down.

Stop struggling and enjoy the ride! Look at the bright side at least you can see Eiji again before he dies. We still have a couple more nights left.

"No," Ash cried. Was that really the amount of time Eiji had left?

Yes, I can feel it. His body shouldn't be able to hold out for too much longer. Don't worry though I only need a few nights worth of blood left, so we won't go hungry once Eiji is gone. After I drink my fill you can do whatever you want with his body.

His vampire self paused for a moment then continued.

Of course, there's always the chance he'll surprise me be again. I thought he was a goner couple days ago, but he keeps hanging on. Maybe he'll do the same now.

"So, there's a chance he'll survive?" Ash said trying to not sound hopeful. Vampire Ash snorted.

A very small change but yeah, I suppose he could out live your illness. He's stronger then he looks. Of course, if he does I will make sure to break his neck before I leave for good.

"What? Why?" Ash cried in horror.

I own Eiji and the only way to completely own him is to make sure that no one else EVER gets the change to touch him. I will own his mind. I will be the last thing he thinks about. I will own his sense. I will be the last thing he sees, hears, touches. I will own his body. I will be the last thing to touch him while alive. I will own his life. Once I have no more use for him I will dispose of him.

"You're sick." Ash snarled. Was this really a part of him? He would never do this to Eiji. He knew he wouldn't.

I am part of you. I am that dark desire you get in a fit off passion, the thought that flies through your head late at night. I am that feeling of possessiveness you get when you get jealous. I am the greed you feel when you kiss Eiji. I am the pride you feel when Eiji looks at you lovingly and you know he doesn't look at anyone else that way. I am all these feelings multiplied and powerful.

Ash felt shameful. His feeling were running wild and he couldn't even control his own body. He needed to fight this creature and save Eiji. There wasn't any other way. Even if Eiji outlasted him he would just kill him anyways.

Ah, here we are.

They had reached Ash's room. Ash hadn't even been aware that they were walking. He hated that he had stopped paying attention to his surroundings. Ash felt himself sat down and he wait. A couple minutes later Shorter came in. He looked tired and sickened. He glumly bent over and chained Ash up again.

"Don't look so sad." Vampire Ash simpered. "You have tomorrow and the day after that and after that to get your hopes shattered." Shorter swore angrily and stomped out of the room; slamming the door behind him.

Well until tomorrow

With those final words Ash felt the other conscience slip to the back of his mind. He could feel it falling asleep. As its presence disappeared Ash felt himself slump forward and enter into a dreamless sleep.