Black heavy curtains hung from the window, and blocked out the sun. I noticed they were made from a great quality cloth from Egypt. A purple-curtained bed canopy decorated the bed itself. Everything was regal but gothic, and whoever owned this room gave me bad vibes. I know we are monsters, but he or she seemed to like skulls especially of kine. For decoration a little too much and it made me cringe thinking about how many people died, for these decorations, and frankly my dear, I didn't want to think about that, especially not right now.
Looking over, I noticed a few blood packs in a bowl being chilled with ice. Feeling a bit hungry, I quickly went to look through the bowl, only to freeze where I stood. In the bowl, there was four blood bags labeled child, baby, old man, and virgin woman. Feeling disgusted with the other options, I chose the virgin and hungrily bit into the blood bag, drinking the entire thing. I sighed contently, feeling the pain in my head start to vanish and soon cease to a mild but bearable throbbing. Eventually, it would go away on its own.
Suddenly the door opened, scaring me half to death. I am already dead, but if I were kine still, I would have had a heart attack. That horrible woman Eliza was here again, and it didn't take a rocket scientist to know that this was her bedchambers. She smiled crudely at me before slamming the door behind her. She was so eager to get to me she forgot to lock the door.
Using her shadows to bind me, she tossed me on the bed. Anxiety and fear began to wash over me. Eliza was known for her taste in love for women. I heard she was bisexual, but she enjoyed bedding women more than men, saying men are only good for work and business-related issues. Straddling me, she traced her long black nails down my breasts. ''Oh, look at you. Now that you're out of that dress, you look so much sexier. I'm going to enjoy having you as my personal little plaything," she cooed, smiling wickedly.
(Oh, fuck no!) I thought to myself. (I have never been attracted to women in my life, and I am not especially letting this Lasombra witch have her way with me! I have to get out of here!)
Her fingers fumbled up to my neck, unlocking, but not removing, the collar that weighed me down like a heavy button, staring hungrily at my neck. She quickly bit down on my neck, drinking my vitae. I was afraid she was going to diablarize me until she stopped and licked her lips. ''Amazing. You taste as sweet as wine, but so, so much more fulfilling. Let's get this over with. " She purred seductively, or at least she tried. That creepy Clotho lady from God of War would've done a better job. Not having any of that, I kicked her as hard as I could, catching her in the nose. I smiled, hearing a satisfying crunching noise from her nose breaking. She hissed before screaming in agony. Scrambling quickly to stop her bleeding nose, she let go of me and I took the chance to snatch the keys for my collar from her robe and make a run for it. Adrenaline and fear coursed through me as I ran for my life. Completely unlocking the collar, I tossed it on the ground, relieved to hear a heavy clank of it hitting the ground. ''STOP HER! DON'T LET HER ESCAPE, AND IF SHE DOES, I'LL HAVE YOUR HEADS!" Eliza screeched.
The hair on my back stood on edge as a flood of ghouls and wicked Cainites flooded the hallway.
Using my Obeah discipline, my third eye opened immediately on my forehead, allowing me to see my enemies' weaknesses: a bright ray of light shot from my forehead, quickly incinerating any foe around me. Even in the face of final death, the Sabbat still wanted to fight. What kind of idiot keeps fighting after seeing his friends get destroyed? Common sense would tell them to head for the hills. Apparently, they were not present when God had passed out brains. The bastards don't seem to use them anyway. A gangrel viciously lunged at me, hoping to rip the flesh from my bones. Unfortunately, it was short lived because he met his final death when the ray from my third eye hit him. Hitting the ground, the gangrel desperately tried to rip out his insides before bursting into ash. Frightened ghouls and vamps that surprisingly had the common sense not to mess with me scattered away in fear.
I smirked. (Not so tough now, are you?) I thought to myself. Everything seemed to be going well before the hulking figure from earlier that had the audacity to hit me over the head stepped out before me. The dwarf Malkavian tsked his lips, while the highly deformed Tzimisce had an amused smile on his face. ''Now, now, little bird. Go back to the nest before mother bird finds out what you've done," the Malkavian commanded. His voice was raspy, and if it wasn't for my vampiric hearing, I wouldn't have heard it. It sounded like all he did was smoke cigarettes when he was alive.
"Stand aside or I'll have to kill you." I warned him, but that didn't faze the two at all because once again the giant took out another instrument of pain to bludgeon me with. This time, it was one of those hammer mallet things, like the one that Harley Quinn has. Swinging it quickly, he tried to hit me with it, but I snatched the chain that was around his neck and made him miss. Making a choking noise, the non-friendly giant fell on top of his companion, crushing him under his weight.
''LUTHER, GET OFF ME! YOU'RE CRUSHING ME, YOU IDIOT!" The Malkavian yelled, frantically trying to get the other man off of him, but it was to no avail.
Grabbing the huge mallet the Tzimisce had dropped, I summoned the strength I didn't know I had. The Malkavian's eyes widened in fear as he realized what I was going to do. Before he could other a single word, I brought the mallet down on both of their heads. A satisfying splattering noise was all that was heard in the silent hallway. Seconds later, they returned back to dust. ''Rot in hell, you bastards," I muttered before running out the door pushing a startled and confused ghoul out of the way, snatching the keys off him while I was at it. I managed to find the exit, but unfortunately, the one I wanted was full of guards and Tzimisce. I had to take the less favorable route, and to my dislike, it was a sewage drain. Delightful. What did I do in life to deserve this, I'll never know, but sitting down and feeling sorry for myself won't keep me alive.
I forced myself to trudge through the dirt, feces, and grime. I felt like a Nosferatu, and I was glad for once that I was dead, because if I were mortal, I'd die from all sorts of dirt, disease, and vermin that loitered this hell-hole.
I saw light, which I thought was a good sign but my shoe's heel broke, and I lost my footing falling deep in the water below. Once again, I tried to regain myself, but the water was too deep, and I didn't learn how to swim in my mortal life. My mind went blank and the world went black as the water swept me underneath. The only words I uttered were ''Fucking Eliza. I hope you rot in Hell for all eternity."
*Meanwhile At the blood bank*
*Louis's p.o.v*
Ah, Mortals. Who could hate them? It was so much fun to flirt my way to a good meal, and the cute receptionist at the desk was more than willing to part with four high quality blood bags: two for me, and two for Daniel. I spoke in her native tongue words of honey, and they rolled off my tongue like silk as the receptionist looked both ways before going in the back and handing the blood packs to us. She giggled as I took her hand in mine and placed the gentlest of kisses on it.
That seemed to do the trick, because she swooned and blushed. Daniel was starting to get a bit impatient, so I ushered him out and wished her a good night before we back out near a dark area to wolf down the blood packs, before anyone saw. ''Feeling better, Tremere boy?" I asked, crossing my arms.
Daniel threw the empty pack away and raised an eyebrow at me. ''Don't ever call me that again, and yes, I'm feeling much better, thank you," he replied back with a genuine smile.
''Good, good," I muttered. We heard giggling coming from around the corner, and me being the fabulous but nosy person I am. I just had to check it out. Daniel was busy checking his phone texting somebody. It was probably his girlfriend, but who knows. ''Come on, let's check it out," I said, tugging him by the arm.
''Why?" He asked.
''Because it'll be fun. Now, stop asking questions." I quipped. The other Cainite shrugged before allowing himself to be tugged along. It was disappointing really. I wanted him to put up so much more of a fight. He was kind of cute when he was angry, but a tremere is still a filthy tremere.
Quietly walking up to where the sound of the giggling was coming from, we rounded the corner to see Kevin draining a young Japanese girl near to death. Before I could even call out, Daniel ran for him, punching him as hard as he could. I gasped and ran over to catch the girl. She was very beautiful, but pale and sickly looking because of Kevin. Her brunette hair was cut in a bob, and her sky-blue kimono was decorated with white doves and flowers and her own blood because of this monster.
''What were you thinking?! You could have killed her!" I heard Daniel snap at him.
Kevin laughed madly ''Just enjoying lunch before you two idiots interrupted,'' he casually replied, clutching his now bleeding face. I couldn't believe him. I know we prey on humans for nourishment, but draining them completely was morally wrong and against the masquerade, and here that bastard was draining people. He had no shame that he was basically out in the open.
''You son of a bitch. I'll let Isaac and the prince know what you did, " I heard Daniel threaten.
Kevin could care less. ''Gosh, you are so sensitive. See, this is why I like the Sabbat better. We kill for fun, and no one gets in trouble."
''You what? Sabbat…" Daniel uttered in complete disbelief, which made Kevin giggle like the nearly dead girl on the ground. ''Louis, you take her to the hospital. I'll deal with him. Here's my girlfriend's aunt and uncle's address. Meet me back there," he ordered. And for once I agreed with him. The last thing I heard was Kevin laugh maniacally and then scream once as I took the girl to safety. Fortunately, there was a festival taking place and cops were everywhere. They stopped me, seeing the girl in my arm. I lied and told them I had found her like this, and thankfully, they fell for it. Taking the girl, an ambulance was called, and she was escorted to the hospital, leaving me by myself to deal with the whole situation. I really didn't want to go see what happened to Kevin. I detested violence, and while I indulged in it when I had to, truly deep down, I am a pacifist.
Shaking what happened out of my thoughts, I texted Isaac where I was and when I'd be back and set out to a catch a bus to where Daniel's girlfriend was. Hopefully, the little brat wouldn't attack me. Stupid hunters.
*2 hours later *
*Daniel's p.o.v *
Returning back with Yukie, i was treated very unkindly when I was getting off the bus. The bus driver gave me a suspicious smile before bidding me a goodnight. Going up to Yukie's aunt and uncle's house, Yukie noticed the frowned plastered on my face. ''Babe, are you upset because they were rude to you? Don't feel too bad. Not all Japanese bus drivers or citizens are mean," she said as she tried to comfort me.
That wasn't the case. ''It's not the bus driver. It's Kevin," I replied.
Her eyebrows furrowed. ''Him again. What did he do now?" She asked.
''I'll tell you later, hun. I promise." I wasn't lying, but then again, I hoped she eventually will forget about it. Knowing Yukie, she has the memory of a genius. I can't even remember what day it was sometimes.
Digging in her purse, Yukie took out her keys and unlocked the door. To our surprise a bunch of her friends and family popped up and shouted ''HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Yukie was startled at first by the sudden shouting, but remembered that today was indeed her birthday. She was so busy with everything that she had forgotten all about her special day. Happy faces and chattering relatives circled the both of us and dragged Yukie inside. The house was beautifully decorated with cutesy Pokemon characters, mainly Pikachu because he was the star of the whole show and their mascot. There also were presents and food everywhere and it all smelled delicious. Too bad I'm dead and I can't eat any of it.
Yukie's aunt Hiroe came out, holding a Pikachu shaped cake. ''There's the birthday girl. Come sit down, dear. The party's just beginning," she chirped happily, placing the cake down and ushering Yukie to a cutesy pink decorated chair that was decorated to look like a throne, just for this special occasion. Everyone began to sing happy birthday, but they sang in Japanese, so I couldn't follow along and ended up clapping awkwardly like a seal.
After the song was over, I noticed Louis flirting with one of Yukie's male cousins. He didn't seem to be trying to feed on him. Probably was just going to ghoul him. Everyone fell silent when uncle Daizō dimmed the lights. ''Okay, birthday girl. Make a wish," he said, pushing the cake towards her. Yukie smiled and blew out the candles while everyone cheered and clapped. Cutting the cake, aunt Hiroe passed out a good size chunk of cake to everyone in the room, which the guests happily accepted.
Emiri dived and ducked and eagerly pushed pass all her relatives to ensure she had the best piece of cake. Aunt Hiroe gently scolded her and gave her a piece of cake. The child bounced out the room happy and giggling, nearly knocking over Adannaya and Chelsea, who just walked into the room at the wrong time. Haruhi, unhappy with how unenthusiastic everyone was, decided to shake things up a bit. Standing up to stretch, she took a megaphone from out of her backpack.
Where she got that thing, I'll never know. ''LISTEN UP, EVERYONE! ALL THIS CHIT CHAT IS BORING, SO LET'S OPEN PRESENTS INSTEAD!" She spoke out loudly, making myself and her family and friends cringe from the loud noise.
Swooping down like an eagle, uncle Daizō snatched the microphone from her. He spoke something in her ear that made her pout angrily like a little child. Grabbing a chair, she sat on it legs crossed and refused to talk for the time being. After cake, everyone started to eat what food was available. There was pizza, BBQ, salad, chicken, etc., and I envied all the kine who were still alive to eat it. Ace quickly saw me standing by myself, looking at everyone else eat, and ran to my side. ''Can I get you anything, mas… I mean, Daniel?"
I looked at him from the corner of my eye and shook my head no. ''Not right now, but thank you, Ace. I'll let you know if I need you to do anything for me." I assured him with a smile.
The younger man smiled, happy to hear that he had pleased me. 20 minutes later after everyone finished eating, it was time for Yukie to open her gifts, which her family was very generous in giving her an abundance of. Not even I had that many gifts on my birthdays. Sitting down in a wooden chair, aunt Hiroe passed Yukie a pink present that was medium in size. ''This one is from Uncle Daizō. He had to fight at the mall to get it. It was the last one," Aunt Hiroe said, placing the gift on her lap. Yukie unwrapped the present and smiled. Inside was various Japanese K-pop artists CDs in a box, with some Vocaloid songs thrown in, too.
"Happy birthday, kiddo. I hope you like it."
"Oh, thank you, uncle Daizō. It's perfect." At that, Yukie placed the gift on the floor while Ace handed her his gift. It was an envelope, so it was obviously a birthday card. After she opened the envelope, 40 bucks fell out, while a hello kitty birthday card sand a cheerful song. "Aw, Ace. This is the first time you've ever given me a gift," Yukie said picking the money off the floor.
For once, Ace gave an awkward smile. "It was nothing. Besides, it's your special day, so I thought I'd at least do something for you," He casually replied back, picking at the dirt and grime on his nails.
Next up, Haruhi gave Yukie her gift, which was heavy and huge in size. Tearing off the wrapping paper, Yukie squealed excitingly. Inside was the latest PlayStation. ''Tada! I know you love video games, so I saved up and bought you a PlayStation. I was going to get you an Xbox One, but they were all sold out. Sorry," Haruhi giggled, throwing her arms around her cousin in a great big hug.
''Why are you apologizing? This is the best gift ever." Yukie asked hugging her back. Uncle Daizō gently took the game system from her and placed it on the table. Everyone else gave their gifts afterwards. The house was soon filled with video games, manga, art kits, clothing, candy, etc.
Louis decided he wanted to speak up, clearing his throat dramatically to get everyone's attention. "Yukie, before we wrap this up, 'Daniel wanted me to give you this. Please do hurry and take this, I'm not fond of holding it…" Louis ordered before placing the box on her lap.
Yukie raised her eyebrow at him, but shrugged it off and gently opened the box as if a poisonous viper would jump out and bite if she wasn't careful. As soon as the lid was removed, a very hyper and friendly black kitten jumped out the box and into her arms. ''Awww, she's perfect. Thank you, Daniel," Yukie said, happily hugging the kitten close to her heart.
I didn't want to kiss her in front of her family that probably would be awkward and a bit rude, so I gave her arm a gentle squeeze. ''Ayah, are you trying to give her bad luck? Why did you get her a black cat?" A female elderly guest asked. The family members around her tried to hush her, but she stood her ground.
Ugh, I hated the superstitious types. Using my seduction i strolled over and took her hand and mind. "Miss, I can assure you I'd never give your relative something that would cause her any harm. Just sit down and enjoy the rest of the party, okay?" I assured her.
The old woman was flattered. Falling for my vampiric charm, she sat down and said nothing else. Glad to see that there would be no more outbursts from the old woman, I returned back to my spot near Yukie as if nothing had ever happened. After that, the party went on until the guests were tired and urged to go home. I was surprised to see Louis still hanging around. He was busy talking to Yukie's aunt, who generously tipped him 90 bucks for helping with the party. After we cleaned up the place. He began to leave, but leaned forward to whisper in my ear. "Meet me at our hotel. We need to talk. I already alerted the baron of what happened today. He wants to see you in person."
I nodded okay, and he gave me somewhat of an odd smile before bidding us goodnight. At that, I closed the door. Unfortunately, aunt Hiroe was right behind me, causing me to jump. The middle-aged woman crossed her arms. ''Daniel, dear, where were you and Yukie today? You both promised to help set up for the party. You both weren't fooling around, were you? Don't lie to me, young man," she said narrowing her eyes.
(Ugh…. I don't have time for this,) I thought. A flood of excuses filled my mind, and I decided to lie a bit, but give her the partial truth. ''Louis and I left early to go buy that kitten for Yukie. I didn't want her to know about it, so I left her at a nice cafe while we ran out to go get her," I lied, hoping to God she'd just go upstairs and leave me alone, but nope, she stood her ground.
''You're one of them, aren't you?" She asked.
I stiffened. ''One of what, a filthy American?" I asked playing, dumb, but that just seemed to upset her more.
''Daniel, I know you're a vampire. I used to be a ghoul," She replied back.
If I was alive, my heart would have stopped. A part of me thought about holding her down and ripping her throat out, but once again, would it really be worth it? Plus, Yukie wouldn't forgive me. Sighing I looked her dead in the eyes. ''How did you know?" I asked. This time, I was genuinely curious.
"Isn't it obvious? Your fangs are poking out a bit, and don't forget that unnaturally golden eye Tint color you have," she replied casually.
''Hmmm…so you knew the entire time, but chose not to respond negatively. I'm surprised. Who was your master?" I asked.
''I can't remember his name after what happened. He tried to wipe my memories of the kindred society permanently, but as you can see, he failed," Hiroe said, locking the door and putting on the extra lock, which she must have installed today, because it wasn't there before. ''Now, I don't mind you being with my niece, but whatever you do, please don't hurt her," she added.
''I'd never hurt your niece. I'm not that type of guy," I promised.
''That isn't just physically young man. It's mentally and emotionally. My poor niece has been through enough especially with her last boyfriend. " The older woman reminded me.
All I could do was shake my head. She clearly was only trying to look out for her niece, and I respected that. ''I promise to take care of her. We're even planning to get married one day," I said, smoothing back my hair.
Aunt Hiroe looked at me very interested and relieved to hear that. ''Really? That's nice. I was just about to ask you about that. I don't want her to stay unwed forever. In that case, you have my blessing, but if you hurt her, you'll have an all too permanent stay in Japan, young man," Aunt Hiroe threatened. She heard someone come down the stairs and quickly looked me over once more before vanishing off into the kitchen.
''Daniel my boy you still down here? Yukie and her friends are upstairs watching a movie why don't you go join them?" Uncle Daizō said cheerfully, patting me on the shoulder.
''Oh yeah, okay. I'll be up with them soon. I was just helping aunt Hiroe in the kitchen. The dishes needed to be washed," I said. I know I've been lying up a storm lately, but hey. You have to do what you have to do on order to survive, especially as a vampire.
''That's great to hear, son. Now, run along. I've got to get to work. Something happened back at the lab, and they need my assistance with, ASAP!" The older man replied.
''Oh, man. I hope it's not nothing too serious," I replied.
''I'm sure it isn't, my boy, but enough talk. I'll see you kids tomorrow. Goodnight." Uncle Daizō then left swiftly, only returning again to grab the hat and coat he forgot on the rack.
Chuckling, I went upstairs, nearly falling from the cats chasing each other happily down the steps. Yukie's room door was slightly ajar, and the sound of girlish giggling was heard in the room. The girls must be giving each other a makeover or something. I shuddered at the memory of my female cousins using me as their personal Barbie doll because they either were bored, had no girl siblings of their own, thought it was funny to dress me up like a doll, or some other reason I wouldn't guess at in a thousand years. I absolutely hated spending time with them, but my mom made me because she thought it would bring us closer together. Oh, how wrong she was. I hate to admit, but because of my stupid cousins, I actually did learn how to put makeup on and apply it on others.
It was very useless talent for a man like myself, but at least, if I need some spare change, I could go into the cosmetology career. Hopefully, it'll never get to that point. I knocked on the door. The giggling ceased, and that right there was a sure sign the girls were up to no good, or my name wasn't Daniel. Peeking her head out the door, Haruhi made sure the coast was clear. ''Oh, it's just you. I thought you were aunt Hiroe," she slurred a bit, but then giggled. Her face was flushed a deep pink, and I smelled exotic booze on her breath.
''Haruhi, have you been drinking?" I asked. I obviously knew she had been, but I decided to just ask her anyway. I didn't want her to think I was scolding her. I was just hoping none of her friends or Yukie drank some themselves.
Haruhi was mischievous. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know that. ''No….." Haruhi murmured, giggling again and almost falling over. I caught her in my arms and dragged her into the room. Unfortunately, Haruhi had persuaded Yukie and her friend Adannaya to drink some, too. There was a half empty sake bottle on the floor with some glass cups. Even though they had drunk a lot, it wasn't lethal, but Yukie and Adannaya were out like a light. There was Chelsea, though, who was busy playing around with Haruhi's makeup.
''Well, it looks like you guys partied a little too hard," I said jokingly.
Chelsea swatched a pink blush on her arm, admiring the color. ''Well, they did, I didn't. I don't trust alcohol, so when they decided to drink… illegally, by the way!" Chelsea spat towards Haruhi, who I placed on a bed nearby. Haruhi giggled again, throwing her head back and letting out a loud snicker. Chelsea shook her head. ''Hey, Daniel. I'll take care of these two so you can go explore, or sleep, or whatever. I need to get rid of the evidence before aunt Hiroe has a fit," Chelsea said. Getting up, the young alchemist stretched her arms and legs and started to clean up the sake and cups.
I nodded and opened the door. ''Hey, when they come to, tell Yukie I'm out with the others. I need to talk to Isaac," I said.
Chelsea nodded in return. "Fine with me, but don't stay out too late, or the Demons will get you. My father says Japan has a history of mermaids," She said.
''Mermaids?" I asked.
''Yes, and some of them are mean. Very mean. I heard they sing to lure men to their deaths, but if you listen too long to their songs, you'll go deaf. He also told me that they are so ugly, sailors have killed themselves from seeing them, and that their taste for human blood is so immense that they even eat people just for fun," she added.
It was hard not to laugh. It really was. ''Chelsea, I assure you. Mermaids don't exist, sweetheart. Your dad was probably just trying to scare you away from the ocean," I replied back.
Chelsea looked back at me, appalled. ''You think they are a myth?" She asked, slightly offended, and that's when i heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Chelsea ignored me for the time being and scrambled around, throwing out the evidence. That was my cue to leave, so I bolted before Hiroe could get suspicious. Taking the spare house keys, I went out and locked the door behind me.
* An hour later *
After taking the bus to the hotel the baron, Louis, Vv, and Romero were, I asked to see Isaac Abrams and was politely led up to his hotel room. As I knocked on the door, Isaac quickly answered ''Daniel, my boy. It's nice to see you, Louis was just telling me about the incident earlier," he said, opening the door and letting me in. Louis wasn't here, but Vv was. I could hear her singing in the shower to some fancy song I've never heard of before. ''I'm afraid Romero and Louis aren't here right now. They went out for drinks." Isaac informed me. Pulling up a seat, the older Cainite sat down.
''Louis can drink human beverages?" I asked.
The older vampire shook his head no. ''Absolutely not, but he likes the way it smells. Have a seat young man I'm proud of you. Louis told me all about you and Kevin. I've alerted the prince and they are doing a thorough search of his apartment. It turns out you were right in your accusation of him. He was indeed Sabbat. We found a hitlist of very important kindred, including myself," he replied.
I whistled. ''I knew something was off with him. I'm just glad I caught him in the act before it was too late. Those Sabbat members are ruthless," I said.
Agreeing with what I was saying, Isaac took a pen and paper, jotted something down, and slid it over to me. It was a number of the Japanese prince of this city. ''The prince of this city would like to see you Daniel. It appears you are quite the popular guy now," he said with a light chuckle.
I groaned. "Do I have to?" I asked in a pleading voice.
''Yes, young man. We don't want any trouble from him, after all. I assure you it won't be too bad. Besides, when we get back, there is a money reward waiting for you from Prince William himself, so I'm certain that the cards are all in favor for you. there's nothing to be afraid of.
Now, off you go. Vv is getting out of the shower, and I don't want her to know you were here." At that, I quickly ran out. I didn't want to be anywhere near her. Plus, she has a strong dislike for Yukie. Who knows what she'd do if she smelled her on me again. After leaving the hotel, I had nothing else to do, so I decided to go back to the house and retire for the night, or at least try to.
Meanwhile
*On a plane to Japan *
*Sebastian Lacroix's p.o.v *
After having to see my hideous cousin's face again, I felt in a horrible mood. He was actually upset that I was alive! That bastard! I hope he rots in Hell. The only reason I'm on this stupid plane with his idiotic adoptive childe is because my great little cousin is in danger, and I need the money. I was so in need for money I ghouled a stripper and stole a wad of cash out of her purse. Now, I don't feel bad. She brought this on herself. I just hope she doesn't figure out it was me and alert the police. Looking over, I turned to Homando he was busy reading a strange book in a language that was so ancient, no one or their mother spoke it. Deciding to try and ease the tension, I cleared my throat to get his attention. ''So, how long have you known my cousin?" I asked.
He shrugged. "A very long time to someone like you," he answered back. not taking his eyes off the book, "but to me, it has been but a brief moment."
"Someone like me?" I asked, already starting to lose my patience. "Don't you know who I am?!"
Homando nodded. "Oh, I know," he said quietly in his irritatingly easygoing voice, "and I know that compared to me, you have barely lived the years of an infant. I may not look it, but I have lived a thousand years. I saw Jesus himself," he added.
I was immediately interested. "What was he like?" I asked.
"If you think I'm laidback," Homando said, looking at me, "you don't know what Jesus was like. I never once saw him angry. He was always at peace, no matter whether people were praising him or scolding him. He was very perceptive, too."
"How so?" I asked. I hated to admit it, but I was quickly becoming fascinated with this line of dialogue. Then again, how often does one speak to someone from a completely different time period?
"I was on the outskirts of Nazareth, once, and I met the man face to face," Homando began. "He looked me in the eye, and for a moment, it felt like his gaze went right through me." He sighed, and continued. "Somehow, I knew that he knew who and what I truly was. He told me, 'There is room for everyone in my father's kingdom. He invites everyone, whether he is Jew or Gentile, free or slave, man or woman. All you need do is accept the invitation.' I accepted his invitation, and ever since then, I have wandered this world knowing that there will never be another person like him ever again."
"You're sure about that?" I asked. "You seem like a good guy. Annoyingly laidback, but better than most people my cousin keeps around him."
Homando gave a quiet chuckle, as if he knew something I didn't. "Oh, believe you me. He is a good man, and I am not. That is all I will say on the subject," he said. With that, he returned to his book, being as annoyingly laidback as one could be. How my cousin dealt with him, I'll never know.
Meanwhile
*Maria's p.o.v*
Waking up, I groaned. I felt wet and a bit slimy. When I came to, I realized I was in a cave. It was wet, and water was dripping off the cave's ceilings. I felt something or someone stroking my hair, and it reminded me of when I was a child back in France. My mother use to play in my hair and sing to me when she was alive. Now, this would have been comforting if it wasn't a strange woman singing something I've never heard before in my life. That's when I looked up and saw her. She was magnificent. I couldn't believe it. A real Mermaid. At first, I thought I was hallucinating, but she was real. She was a long black-haired half-koi, half-Japanese woman with shiny brown eyes, and scales decorated her face. Her gills moved rhythmically, and upon seeing me awake, she smiled. Crawling away, she jumped, disappearing into the water below. Suddenly, they appeared, more mermaids even more beautiful than she was. I just hoped they were friendly.
To be continued.….
Edited by Darkest Nightmare's Dread