~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~

It had been days since Moka fell sick. Naruto had been staying beside his sister's side, taking care of her needs while supervising her unsettling condition. Akuha, Kalua and Morrigan had volunteered to accompany Moka. They even tried desperately to garner information about Moka's illness, ransacking the grand library of the mansion in the process; their effort was nugatory. Naruto sighed for the umpteenth time as he cupped Moka's forehead; her condition had exacerbated as she slipped into a coma. "Her body temperature remains the same. It's…"

"Weird?" Morrigan sat on Moka's bed and gently stroked the silver-haired vampire's hair. "There is no progress whatsoever to her fever. We can't find anything about Moka's condition. Now, we can only hope Issa-sama and Lady Akasha return."

Naruto clenched his fist and gritted his teeth furiously. Gazing in distress at Moka's pale lips, Naruto grimaced. "I'm pathetic. I can't even do anything for her."

Morrigan sighed. "It's not your fault, Naru-kun."

"I'm her brother." The blond grasped Moka's hand and shut his eyes, ashamed. "I'm supposed to protect her."

"Naruto-kun…" Morrigan sighed as she caressed Naruto's cheek. "You too. Get some rest."

"No." The blond shook his head vehemently. "I don't want her to stay in this bedroom all by herself. When she was young, she was always afraid of loneliness. She is just like Kokoa-chan, always bugging me to sleep with her and give me childish excuse to at least keep her company for the night."

The succubus smiled. "She's very fortunate to have an onii-sama like you."

Naruto remained stoic and responded monotonously, "It is my duty as her brother to take care of her. I…"

Morrigan yawned and stretched her limbs.

"Go get some sleep now, Morry-chan. I can handle the rest."

The succubus arched a brow questioningly. "You sure?"

Naruto nodded while his eyes were fixated blankly on Moka, as if he was in a trance. Morrigan sighed and leaned forward, whispering softly into Moka's ear. "You have to wake up for your brother's sake. At this rate, even the great demon king will fall ill. If you wake up now, onee-sama will bring you to a candy factory right away and buy you as many sweets as you want. Onee-sama will promise you anything… so please… just wake up."

Morrigan surveyed Moka's beatific features, desperately trying to find a hint of reaction from the vampire.

Moka remained cruelly motionless.

The succubus closed her eyes and kissed the silver-haired vampire's forehead. "Please wake up, Moka-chan. Can't you see everybody is worrying for you, especially Naruto-kun? Naruto-kun can't take it any longer if you stubbornly keep this up."

~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
(Next morning…)

Naruto, dressed in a casual orange hooded jacket and black jeans, stirred the pot of steaming hot soup and ladled the brew before taking a sip. The blond frowned distastefully and pinched salt from a jar before spraying it into the pot. Smiling contently, Naruto ambled to the sink, grabbed a handful of diced carrots and tossed it into the brew. "A little more rosemary herb will do the job."

"You need some help, nii-chan?" Kalua beamed as she snatched a cleaver from the sink. "You're cooking something delicious for Moka-chan, right? I'll help! Leave it to me- kyah!"

Reacting upon impulse, Naruto took an instinctive step forward, snaked an arm around her waist swiftly while seizing her frantic arm that was wielding the cleaver and prevented the ditzy vampire's fall. The blond gulped as he noticed the edge of the sharp knife was mere inches away from his eye. Kalua chuckled in embarrassment. "Sorry, nii-chan. I'm always so clumsy. I wish I can be some use to you and- kyah!"

Kalua's hand slipped and the cleaver formerly in her hand sailed through the air before piercing into the wall. Naruto sighed and grasped the blonde vampire's hand. "Kalua-chan…"

Tears swelled in Kalua's eyes as she stared pleadingly at Naruto. "N-Nii-chan… I… I just want to-"

"Can you get me some vinegar from the cupboard?"

The blonde vampire wiped her tears, smiled cheerfully at her brother and nodded. "Umm!"

Naruto carefully pulled the cleaver from the wall and threw it out of the window. "Note to self; keep the dangerous utensils out of Kalua-chan's range."

Kalua handed the bottle of vinegar to Naruto and chirped. "Here you go!"

"Thanks." The blond took it appreciatively and smiled. "After you blew up the kitchen all those years ago, you developed a phobia for kitchenware and never come and help me in the kitchen anymore. Why the sudden change?"

"Well…" Kalua blushed. "I figured I should help you, despite my tendency to destroy things. I just want to do something for Moka-chan. She is my sister after all. And… I want to lift your burden. We're family, nii-chan. Don't bottle everything up to yourself. I'm… I mean… We're here for you, nii-chan."

Naruto dropped the spoon into the pot and embraced Kalua lovingly. "I'm sorry, Kalua-chan. I didn't realise my turmoil is affecting the people around me. Will you… forgive this foolish brother of yours?"

"You have nothing to apologise for." Kalua caressed the Naruto's cheek affectionately and stared lasciviously at his lips; she was suppressing her urge to succumb to passionate pleasure and kiss the oblivious blond. Shaking her head, Kalua smiled. "I-Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I kept some rosemary herb in the pantry. Can you get me some?"

Kalua giggled and skipped to her destination, only to trip on a potato and she yelped aloud. In a spur of moment, Naruto blitzed forward and caught Kalua before she fell. The blond sighed when the capricious vampire pouted. "S-Sorry! I-I just get so clumsy when I step into the kitchen. I… I…"

Succumbing to temptation, Kalua jumped on Naruto and sank her fangs into his neck.

The blond deadpanned. "Kalua-chan, how many times must I tell you? I am not your lunch!"

Unbeknownst to the couple, Akuha was hiding behind a wall, spying on them.

~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~

Naruto strolled to Moka's bedroom as he carried a dispassionate façade with a tray of soup in his hands. When he reached his location, he was surprised to see Akuha leaning against the door of the chamber. She gracefully opened the door and allowed Naruto in. "I thought you were training in your dojo?"

"I am the eldest amongst the four sisters, aren't I?" Akuha smirked. "Concern for my precious Moka's wellbeing is my priority."

The blond settled the tray on a table and smiled. "Then would you mind grabbing a bowl over there so I… W-Wait, what are you-"

Akuha seized the tray and brought it to Moka's side. "Let me feed her. Look at you. You're going to become a panda with those dark circles around your eyes."

Naruto sighed and situated himself on the chair beside the silver-haired vampire's bed, observing the dark-haired vampire's hospitality. She blew the spoon of soup, reducing the scorching heat of the brew before dipping a few drops on Moka's lips. "Say, your blood is toxic, right?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm not sure if anybody asked you this before but…" Akuha's lustrous violet eyes radiated power. "Why is Kalua resilient to your blood?"

Naruto shrugged. "Her blood is special. She is probably the only vampire… No, she is the only being in this universe whose blood can mingle with the virulent blood of mine and withstand the drawback. Her body is practically immune to my presence. I'm not sure why but I do know it must be because of the blood she inherits from both Lady Gyokuro and the vampire king. I'm not sure about Kokoa-chan though. She never drinks my blood, so I don't wish to take any risks."

"I see." Akuha pondered. "Alucard is my honourable grandfather. I am the descendent of the great monstrosity and heir to his throne. Once I acquired Alucard's almighty power, and with the accused blood of the sovereign of hell, I will fulfil mother's wish. When that day comes, nobody will stop me. That was my plan from the start, wasn't it?"

The dark-haired vampire stared into her brother's benign sapphire eyes and averted her gaze. "So why… so why am I ambivalent about the operation? Am I getting soft because of him? I plan to avenge kaa-sama. I plan to assert rightful vengeance upon this household. I promised myself to fake my emotions. After what Issa did to my mother, I cannot forgive him. I… but I… after living here under one roof with this family… and Naru-nii… that hatred in my heart is dissolving. Now, I just want to stay as it is in this peaceful life and stay by Naru-nii's side… I'm so pathetic."

"Akuha-chan. Akuha-chan!"

Akuha broke from her stupor and stared awkwardly at the blond. "W-What?"

"Akuha-chan, you have been staring into space. Are you alright there?"

"N-No." Akuha chuckled nervously. "Just… thinking about something."

The dark-haired vampire resumed her work, not knowing Naruto was eyeing her curiously.

~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~
(A few hours later…)

Naruto stood beside the window of Moka's bedroom, his hands slotted inside his pockets and he stared insouciantly through the window panel. The despotic and narcissistic monarch of the vampire council, Gyokuro, emerged from the shadows and stared predatorily at an unconscious Moka. "Lady Gyokuro, what is it that you want?"

"Well, that's quite rude." The vampire elder licked her lips. "I am simply visiting my sick Moka. Is there any problem to that?"

The blond abhorred the way Gyokuro addressed Moka, and he was gravely disturbed by her blissful tone. The vampire elder studied Moka and grinned haughtily. "I see. She is infected by thatvirus. Oh me, oh my, this is troublesome, isn't it? This virus is feisty at its prime and deadly when it gets bored with its host."

Naruto widened his eyes and snapped his attention at Gyokuro. "Y-You know something about the virus, don't you?"

The vampire elder nodded and smiled malevolently. "Of course, my dear. This virus originates from the depth of hell. It infects its host, paralyses the body and eventually devours the victim from inside out. Nasty little thing. It has a mind of its own. It is, however, born from, lack of better word, leftover demonic energy. You could say it comes from an almighty devil who unwittingly expelled the toxic energy into the atmosphere. If nothing cleanses that energy, it will evolve into… pests."

"Speak!" Naruto shook Gyokuro's shoulder furiously. "You know so much about Moka-chan's illness; surely you know something about the cure, don't you? Tell me!"

The vampire elder simply smirked. "I assumed I have already established the fact that the source of that abomination's suffering derives from..."

The blond froze when his vision was enveloped by sheer darkness and the only thing he could see in the void of emptiness was a pair of sinister, crimson eyes glaring viciously upon him. An avalanche of anxiety and a plethora of unsettling fear consumed Naruto as he was forced to swallow the lump of consternation down his throat. The repugnant aura of undisputed hatred overwhelming Naruto brought him unwanted nostalgia.

"Have you forgotten... me?"

Those words echoed sinisterly through his mind.

Naruto clenched his quavering fist and muttered solemnly in a raspy voice. "K-Kyubi..."

"That's right." Gyokuro chuckled in amusement. "You are the source of your precious sister's suffering."

"T-Then… what should I-?

The vampire elder wagged a disapproving finger as she grinned mischievously at the blond. "To answer your previous question, I do know how to cure that abomination's disease."

"Then what are you waiting for-"

"I did not say I will help."

Naruto stared incredulously at Gyokuro. "Then what have we been arguing for the whole time?"

The vampire elder took a bold step forward and stared impishly into Naruto's eyes. "Your price. If you win the wager."

The blond rolled his eyes. "What's the bet?"

"Don't roll your eyes, fox." Gyokuro sneered. "It's impolite."

Naruto diverted his gazes to the floor and growled. "Just speak. What's the condition? How do you want to play it?"

The vampire elder merely chuckled. "I want you to fulfil three of my wishes."

The blond scowled. "What-"

"That's right." Gyokuro smirked maliciously. "It's exactly as you've heard. My first wish is quite simple. I want you to pledge your allegiance to me. I want you to bow before me, pledge your servitude to me and only me! If I tell you to jump, you jump. If I tell you to sit, you sit. If I tell you to bark, you do it without a moment of hesitation. That's right. You will drop your precious pride and become my slave. I'm sure a fox demon like you holds promises with high regard, even for something like that, won't you?"

"Why are you doing this?" Naruto balled his fist, suppressing his aggravation.

The vampire elder shrugged nonchalantly. "You want to save your precious Moka. I want you to save your precious Moka. It's… synergy."

"And I'm supposed to trust you?"

"You can choose otherwise." Gyokuro turned away and widened her teasing smirk. "But if that abomination doesn't receive the cure in the next ten days, she will die, I can assure you that. Take the risk. Question is: can you take the risk?"

Naruto looked away, unwilling to condemn his fate, yet uncertain about his impulsive decision. The vampire sighed mockingly. "If you feel my proposal is unreasonable, then I can change my first wish if you may."

The blond arched a dubious brow at Gyokuro.

"Simple. If the first wish is so torturous, then I shall present you some mercy." Gyokuro giggled behind her hand. "If you distance yourself from your sisters, as well as Morrigan and Lilith, I might consider saving Moka."

"Might?"

"Yes." The vampire elder smiled. "If I judge that your performance is inadequate, I will break off the deal. It is that simple. Of course, regardless of your ridiculous bravado, I still have to ensure that our contract is guaranteed. Therefore, if you agree with my proposal, we will seal it off with a blood spell."

"Whoa, whoa. Hold it." Naruto scowled. "What do you mean by blood spell? Since when did our conversation jump from saving Moka-chan to… a shady blood spell?"

"I can assure you that this blood spell is not a perfidious scheme." Gyokuro smirked lewdly. "This blood spell allows you to fulfil your agreement to your contract. Failure to uphold the rules of the contract, as well as the term and conditions, you will be subjected to severe punishments. I won't spoil the fun for you and divulge the consequence."

"Give me some time to think about it." Naruto whirled around and walked out of the chamber.

"In the end, I know I will betray myself to protect them."

~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~

Garbed in an ominous black suit and a stark white tie, Naruto needed to find a sequestered place to think. He had not left the castle for months and the tempting desire to explore the realm of the living was unbearable. The blond wished to isolate himself from his cherished people and contemplate his cornucopia of incessant problems. The fact that Gyokuro was constantly inveigling him to concede to her mendacious deals was unnerving to say the least.

The blond decided to travel to an alternate dimension via his father's simulation device. Tenaciously, Naruto trespassed through the forbidden chamber, keyed in the passcode and a gate slid open. The blond strode briskly into the spacious, white room and muttered. "Computer, randomise the settings. Just bring me to somewhere else."

"Understood." A feminine voice responded monotonously. "Commence operation."

In an instant, Naruto was vacuumed into a dimensional rift and vanished into a fading light.

~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~

Naruto stepped out of the tenebrous shadows and stood before an antediluvian castle. The ferocious thundercloud hovered vilely above the majestic palace, producing a malignant ambience that foreboded cataclysm. The magnitude of the mansion's size was tremendously massive, but the blond was surprised that the estate consisted of a beautiful botanic garden. Sniffing the atmosphere, Naruto scowled. "This is certainly intriguing. There is only one entity living in such a large place."

"What brings you here, my prince?"

The blond's eyes widened as he whirled around. "S-Shizuka-hime…"

The silver-haired vampire, whose ethereal beauty and her aristocratic elegance were unrivalled, stood before Naruto; her monarchical presence was imposing, yet refined. She was dressed in a silver kimono and she stood with an air of indifference. Her graceful pair of vermillion eyes, soft pink lips and her divine features made her one of the most irresistible vampires in the realm of the demons.

Shizuka smiled and bowed. "To what do I owe the pleasure of meeting someone of your calibre here, my prince?"

Naruto sighed. "You don't need to address me with such formality. Naruto will do."

"May I ask then, Naruto-sama?" The silver-haired vampire smirked. "What are you doing here? This is, after all, my realm."

The blond looked away. "I… I don't know. I guess…"

"You sound troubled." Shizuka caressed Naruto's cheek and smiled deviously. "Why don't you come in? We can talk in a comfortable place."

Recalling the uneventful ball, Naruto sighed apologetically. "I'm sorry about…"

"That night?" The silver-haired vampire retained her angelic smile. "I have to apologise for my insolence at that party. It's just that I am not fond of Gyokuro's company. Her presence irks me."

Naruto reciprocated the benign smile. "The feeling is mutual."

"Follow me. I'll show you around." Shizuka spun around.

~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~

Akuha was an observant individual. She recorded everybody's schedule mentally and knew their routines. Issa Shuzen, the emperor, had recently been entering the mortal's world and was absent most of the time. Akasha followed her husband dutifully as a faithful wife, while Gyokuro kept her agenda and ulterior motives sealed in her chamber, along with herself. As for the girls, Kalua spent her time ogling Naruto's photos in her bedroom secretly, while Morrigan updated her wardrobe of fashion hourly.

Her youngest sister, Kokoa, would set up her tea ceremony with Lilith. As for Moka, she was still unconscious. Akuha was an opportunist; she knew the time was perfect, because a certain devil incarnate was not in the castle. The dark-haired vampire ventured out of the palace and ran to the deserted hideout.

It was the forbidden basement sealed beneath the depths of the grand castle.

Akuha knew something iniquitous was buried within the basement.

When she reached the entrance of her destination, she scoffed at the measly lock of the gate. "No lousy padlock can stop me from reaching to my goal!"

Adroitly, she jammed her finger into the lock, fiddled for a moment before an audible tick sound could be heard. Unlocking the gate, Akuha kicked the door off its hinges and darted down the flight of stairs. When she descended to the ground, she swiped a bead of sweat from her forehead.

As she tilted her head, as if on cue, the torches hung on the walls ignited and illuminated the dark chamber.

"W-What… is this?" Akuha stared in awe at the monstrosity before her. She could feel a familial sensation in her heart as she studied the grotesque features of the beast before her. "A-Alucard… is… that you?"

She could feel the radiating pulses of the monster's power; even though the beast was in an eternal slumber, Akuha could still feel its presence engulfing her. "G-Grandfather… I am here to free you."

Her psychotic smile widened. "Forgive me, Naru-nii, for what I must do."

~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~

"Tea?"

Naruto smiled. "Yes please."

Shizuka gracefully held the teapot and poured the aromatic beverage into the golden teacup. "This is a Chinese Oolong tea. I have it imported from China. The natives called it the Iron Goddess. I'm sure you will like it."

"Thank you." Naruto stared at his steaming tea and sighed.

"What's wrong?" Shizuka blinked. "You don't like the tea?"

"N-No, it's not that." The blond gazed upon the soporific moonlight, which somehow cleansed his fatigue. He smiled as the glittering stars blinked at him in the granite sky and the soothing breeze sailed past. Naruto picked up his teacup and blew on it, watching in silent admiration at the ripples forming on the surface of his beverage. The blond took a sip and placed the cup on the saucer. "Shizuka-hime, what… is love?"

Shizuka smiled with a sagacious demeanour and patted her moist lips with her slender finger. "Love is something not to be trifled with, my dear. Love is a concerto, a centre of gravity for the lovebirds and something that cannot be purchased. It has no price, but its value outweighs a mountain of gold. Love is the enchanted dawn of every heart. It is that condition in which happiness of another person is essential to your own. Without love, the world is but a tomb. It is the emblem of eternity; it confounds all notions of logic and time, effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end."

Naruto stroked his chin. "You sound like you know a great deal about it. Have you loved someone before?"

"Yes." The silver-haired vampire nodded. "I was once imprisoned by the Imperial Coven. I was looked upon by others as an exotic creature. I was an endangered animal to them. I was fed with humans as my every meal, until they gave me a strange one. This mortal… this man… didn't fear me. He looked into my eyes, as if sympathising with me. In the darkest hour of my misery, he did not ostracise me. I chose not to eat him and listened as he told me his stories. Gradually, I fell in love with him."

Shizuka clenched her fist. "But they took everything away from me. The vampire hunters murdered him. They murdered the man who I loved. In a fit of rage, I slaughtered his killers, but I did regret doing it in front of their children. I found out the hunters were parents of two children. One of them amused me though. The boy wished to follow me. I don't understand it. In the end, I left. I did not want the child to be branded as a menace, just like me. I may be a vampire, but I too have principles that I uphold."

"I'm sorry." Naruto stared apologetically at the silver-haired vampire.

"It's alright, my dear. I'm used to this loneliness." Shizuka traced her sight to her hand and chuckled. "With my powers, it is without a doubt that I am destined to be suffering in an incessant isolation."

"Do you really believe in destiny?"

"It's choices, not chances, that determine your destiny, Naruto-sama." Shizuka smiled. "I chose to accept this destiny."

"Why?"

Shizuka arched a brow. "Is this why you're here? Starting a discourse with me about love and destiny? I find it hard to believe."

"Perhaps you're right."

"Pardon?"

Naruto's sight was downcast as a shadow blanketed his eyes. "It is serendipity that I came here. And it is serendipity that I came here to consult you about my problems."

"Oh?" Shizuka grinned impishly. "Am I now a consultant?"

The blond stifled a chortle and grinned. "So, how do you feel… love?"

The silver-haired vampire caressed Naruto's cheek. "The best and most wonderful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. I believe real lovers are connected to the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are or where you live. There are no boundaries if two people are destined to be together. True love is an unstoppable force."

"The heart?" Naruto touched his chest. "What can love give me?"

"Love can give you many things, and it can give you nothing. But most importantly, it gives you happiness in life. To love and be loved, that is the happiness produced by love."

"I see…" The blond studied the ground, as if contemplating deeply about the matter.

Shizuka sighed. "Why are you asking me these questions? Is something bothering you?"

"Someone told me that my destiny is devoid of love. That I am not meant to love and be loved, and that I am for something more."

The silver-haired vampire giggled. "What a silly child. My dear, you wouldn't believe that, would you? Every living creature is promised with love."

"But I am-"

"Even the great demon king knows how to love. It is because he chose not to love. There is a difference between not knowing and choosing not to know."

Naruto diverted his eyes to the petals of the Sakura tree. "I don't have the confidence to tell myself I am capable of love."

Shizuka shook her head disapprovingly. "Your compassion and concern for your family's welfare and wellbeing are signs of your love for them. You are what you are, not what others deem you are. Do not be fooled by the words of the unkind."

"Then tell me, Shizuka-hime, would you choose to be hated by the ones you loved, in exchange for their safety and happiness, or would you choose to run away from this difficult choice."

The silver-haired vampire furrowed her brows and smiled teasingly. "How will the one you love gain happiness if she has to hate you for it?"

"I…"

"Still," Shizuka interjected. "I would not run away. Someday, everyone has to face their demons. I would choose to be hated, if I truly loved him. Sacrificing your happiness for the happiness of the one you love is by far the purest type of love."

"Sacrifice?"

"Yes. Once you truly love someone, once you see that glimpse of heaven, you will understand. As I said, your destiny is built by the decisions you make." Shizuka smiled. "To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by the one you love gives you courage. Remember that, Naruto-sama."

"I see." Naruto stood up. "I understand now. I know what I must do."

The blond bowed politely. "Thank you."

"No, thank you." Shizuka closed her eyes and smiled. "It has been a while since I talked to someone. Promise me you will come here often and talk to this lonely woman, hmm? Perhaps share some of those silly jokes of yours, like the one you told me at the ball."

Naruto smiled. "Yeah, it's a promise of a lifetime."

~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~

Morrigan pulled a book from her bookshelf and jumped to the soft mattress of her bed. Flipping through the pages, the succubus smiled.

"The Little Mermaid."

Morrigan blinked and swerved her attention to the doorway, only to see Naruto smiling at her. "It is your favourite literature piece, isn't it?"

"Yes." The succubus gestured the blond to seat beside her, who gladly obliged. "The mermaid tragically fell in love with someone who wasn't meant for her. Though they live in separate worlds, she still falls in love with the human. And she willingly drinks the potion from the witch just to gain a pair of legs, knowing that every step she makes, she will walk and feel the sting of swords piercing through her feet. And if she kisses her true love, she will acquire a soul. However, if she fails, she-"

"She will disappear into bubbles." Naruto finished for Morrigan. "I never liked the ending."

"It is sad, yes." The succubus smiled. "But I admired her love for the prince. Even though she was dying, she still cannot bring herself to kill the man she loves. For an unrequited love, she sacrifices her life for the happiness of the man she loves and becomes sea foam."

Naruto grasped Morrigan's hand and sighed. "If a hug represents my love for you, I would hold on to you forever."

"What's wrong, Naruto-kun?"

The blond shook his head and remained dreadfully quiet.

Morrigan bit her lips as she mustered her tenacity. "This is the perfect chance. It's now or never."

"Naruto-kun… do you… love me?"

Naruto's eyes widened in petrification as he registered the question and he felt his heart had quickened its beats. The blond regained his composure and stared apathetically into the succubus's ethereal emerald eyes. "I would be lying to myself if I say I don't love you, Morrigan. But, as the situation stands, please forgive me for what I must do to you."

The blond stood up and glared impassively at a startled Morrigan. The succubus was perturbed by the ambience as it became a mixture of apprehension and doleful silence. She was simply infuriated that her supernatural ability to perceive emotions through her empathic sensory prowess was failing her. She could not read Naruto's emotion. The fact that the blond refused to meet her eyes, as if not acknowledging her existence, frightened her. "It has always been my duty to serve you."

"W-What do you mean by-"

"It is like the foolish little mermaid who falls in love with the mortal. They live in separate worlds. It is the reason why they can never be together. It is the reason why the mermaid becomes nothingness."

Morrigan protested. "But-"

"We live in separate worlds." Naruto interrupted with an emotionless tone. "Please do not misunderstand me. I have never loved you, Morrigan Aensland."

The succubus felt like her world had collapsed brutally before her. Heaven knew she needed not to be ashamed of her tears, for they were rained upon the tribulation of despair, overlying her heartbroken soul. She kept telling herself it was a nightmare as she stared in disbelief at Naruto. "H-How could you be so cruel all of a sudden? It's a lie, isn't it? How could you not feel anything for me-"

"I have things to attend. I must take my leave now."

Instantly, Naruto's frame dissipated into a swirl of flames.

~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~

Naruto barged into Gyokuro's chamber with an inebriated demeanour and glared viciously at the vampire elder.

"Do you have your answer now, fox?" Gyokuro smirked as she toyed with her cup of wine, her legs crossed and her malefic intents flaring in her eyes. "I am getting impatient now."

"I…"

"You're finally ready, right?"

"Yes." Naruto dropped his head in defeat. "I'll do it."

The vampire elder blinked and cupped her ear mockingly. "Sorry? What was that?"

"The answer is yes! Do you hear me? I'll do what you want! As long as you can save Moka-chan… I'll do what you want."

Gyokuro grinned triumphantly as Naruto fell into his knees, staring blankly at the carpet. "Come, fox. I will perform the ritual now to seal the contract. You won't expect me to walk to you, right?"

The blond rose to his full height, but halted when the vampire elder bellowed. "Did I give you the permission to stand, fox?"

"W-What-"

"I told you, didn't I?" Gyokuro grinned. "Once you accepted to my condition, you will drop that silly pride of yours and obey my every command. I don't want you to walk to me."

The vampire elder grinned mischievously as she made a crawling gesture with her hands. "I want you to crawl to me."

Naruto balled his fists and swallowed the lump of umbrage down his throat. He glared scornfully at Gyokuro who was taunting him. The vampire elder had mercilessly forced him to push those he loved away and now she had stripped his pride away from him. Begrudgingly, Naruto gritted his teeth and lay on the ground, slowly crawling towards the mirthful and sadistic vampire elder. Gyokuro guffawed nefariously as she looked down upon the blond.

"This humiliation, this… disgraceful act… it's all worth it."

When Naruto had reached her feet, the vampire elder snatched his collar and pulled him to her. "Listen to me, fox. From today onwards, your body, your being, belongs to me. Once I have finished this blood ritual, I want you to distance yourself from them immediately. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Lady Gyokuro." Naruto muttered in a dejected tone.

"That's my fox. And don't worry. Like my dearest Kalua, I am immune to your poisonous blood." Without hesitation, she sank her fangs into Naruto's neck and savoured her victory as she watched the devil incarnate shed a tear.

~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~.X.~.0.~

Ah! This chapter is finished.

Pairings:
Pairings undecided:
1.)NarutoXAkuha
2.)NarutoXKalua
3.)NarutoXMoka
4.)NarutoXMorrigan
5.)NarutoXShizuka (From Vampire Knight)
6.)NarutoXSelene (From Underworld) - This is surprisingly quite a popular choice. I'm already considering this pairing.
7.)NarutoXSuggestion
8.)NarutoXFelicia (From Darkstalkers)
9.)NarutoXRuby
10.)NarutoXMizore
11.)NarutoXKurumu
12.)NarutoXUrd (From Ah! My Goddess)
13.)NarutoXUriel (From Darksiders)
14.)NarutoXFury (From Darksiders)
15.)NarutoXLady (From Devil May Cry)
16.)NarutoXTrish (From Devil May Cry)
17.)NarutoXHarem

If you have any suggestions for any new pairings, I will consider. Urd was inspired by a reviewer who told me about Ah! My Goddess.

Please review.
(P.S: I will update the next chapter when this story hits the 1000 reviews mark. Teehee!)