Valdez Part One: Hidden

16th Century Rome

As Sora sneaks into the mansion at dawn, Vanitas meets him in the foyer, "Where have you been, little brother?"

Vanitas stands by the stairs with his arms crossed, eyes a narrowed, glare. Sora gasps softly, eyes slightly wide. He shrugs lightly, looking away, "I.. I went on a walk.. Couldn't sleep.."

"Don't lie to me, Sora." Vanitas replies, his anger seeping into his voice, "I know where you were. I expected the truth from you. It isn't like you to hide things from us. Sneaking out like you did? Staying out all night? That isn't like you. Give me the truth now, Sora. What have you been doing?"

"I can't tell you." Sora won't look at his brother.

Vanitas stares the younger boy down, "We don't keep secrets, Sora."

Sora doesn't respond, and Vanitas sighs, closing his eyes, "Who is the boy?"

Sora looks at his brother with even wider eyes than before, "You saw him?"

Vanitas opens his eyes, they're guarded and angry, "I've been watching you for awhile. Ever since you got lost in the forest. You've been sneaking out to meet with that boy. He doesn't live in the village, and no one's seen him. Who is he, and why are you sneaking around with him?"

Sora looks away again, I can't tell him. Vanitas frowns, uncrossing his arms. The anger in his eyes turn to worry, "Sora.." He walks up to his brother, putting his hands on the younger boy's shoulders, "Please.. Just tell me who he is. I won't tell Father, if that's what you're afraid of."

"Vanitas.." Sora looks up with tears in his eyes, "I can't tell you.."

Vanitas looks conflicted, "Sora.. Why? Why are you doing this?! Don't you see that I'm just trying to protect you?! I can't protect you if you keep me at arm's length, brother! Whatever trouble you're in, just tell me so I can help!"

"You have it all wrong, big brother.." Sora pushes Vanitas away gently, "I'm in no danger, it's not me I'm worried for by telling my secrets."

Vanitas stares at him in confusion, many feelings swimming around in his golden gaze, "Sora..."

Sora stares back, his blue eyes shining with pain and longing, "Vanitas.. I wish I could tell you, I really do. But.. I just.. Can't. You just won't understand. No one will."

Vanitas blinks slowly, looking like Sora slapped him. He frowns, averting his eyes, "You never keep things from me, never once in your life have you.. So.. Why now? What's changed?"

"Me." Sora replies, "The way I see things, the way my heart feels. I'm not the same little boy I was even a few months ago. Life changes people, you told me that. You just have to trust that I know what I'm doing, and that I'm okay. You have to understand that there are things in my life that I have to keep a secret. I love you, Vanitas, truly, but this is something I have to keep locked away. Okay?"

The older boy's eyes shine with hurt, "Sora.. Who have you become while my back was turned?"

For the next couple of weeks, Vanitas watches Sora, and waits. The brothers don't speak past the usual "hellos." One night, Vanitas follows Sora as he leaves the mansion. He stays far enough away that Sora won't be able to notice him. Vanitas's eyes widen when he sees the boy Sora meets. One moment, Sora's alone, then in the blink of an eye, the silver haired boy is there. Vanitas frowns lightly, My worries are true. It's as I feared. One of them has Sora under their spell. Vanitas returns to the mansion and waits for Sora to return. And as he had before, he confronts the young brother int he foyer.

"Why are you protecting him?" Vanitas asks.

Sora jumps and looks away, "Wh-what?"

"Don't stall. I know you went to him again. Tell me what he doesn't want known. I can save you, you won't have to be afraid anymore." Vanitas replies.

Sora looks at his brother in confusion, "What? I think you're confused.."

"Oh, I know exactly what's going on, little brother. But fear not, I can save you, I won't let him hurt you, I promise." he says, smiling lightly.

Sora's eyes widen, "Vanitas.. You have it all wrong, he won't-"

"It's okay. I know what those things can do to someone like us. Don't worry, Sora, you won't be under his spell for much longer."

"Spell?" Sora frowns, "I'm not.."

"You don't have to protect him anymore, he can't hurt you now. I'm going to set you free." Vanitas walks over and hugs Sora, "Everything will be okay."

"What? Vanitas.. No, you're wrong, what you think you know-" Sora tries to reason, but Vanitas isn't hearing him, "Shh, it's alright. I'll protect you now. Don't be afraid. That monster can't hurt you anymore."

"Vanitas.. You're wrong.. Please, just let me explain.." Sora closes his eyes, tears swelling in his eyes, "You've got it all wrong, Riku would never hurt me. He loves me, brother. And I love him."

Instantly, Vanitas's body stiffens. He moves and holds Sora at arm's length, his golden eyes hard, "What did you just say?"

Sora stares at Vanitas with fear, he'd never seen Vanitas like this. This rigid, this cold. The warmth in Vanitas's eyes is gone. Sora shivers, "Brother.. I'm not in danger.."

"This is worse than I thought." Vanitas turns away from Sora, "You're deep under his spell. The normal way of fixing this won't work now. I'll have to release you through much darker measures."

"What..?" Sora shakes, "What are you talking about..?"

Vanitas sighs, closing his eyes, "You were never supposed to find out. I didn't want you mixed up in this. But, I guess it's too late to hide it now. You're at the mercy of a monster, after all." He opens his eyes and looks at his brother, "I'm the one that sets the victims free, Sora."

"H-how.. How do you.. Do that..?" Sora dreads each word, he already knows the answer.

Vanitas's eyes narrow, "I kill the monsters that hide in the night."

Sora's eyes widen, "You.. You're..."

"That's right." Vanitas turns fully to Sora now, "I'm a vampire hunter."

Tears slide down Sora's face before he even notices he's crying. His body trembles, and then he screams. Vanitas covers Sora's mouth, "You'll wake Father!"

Sora sobs, pushing against his brother. Vanitas hugs the boy to him, holding him tight, "Why are you crying? I'm the good guy here.. I'm going to save you, then you won't have to feel the pain anymore. So, stop crying, okay?"

Sora continues to sob, "No.. No.. This isn't fair.. No.. It's not.. Supposed to be.. Like this.."

"Shh, shh.." Vanitas mutters softly, rubbing the back of Sora's head soothingly, "Everything'll be okay, little brother. No more tears, big brother's here. You're okay now. You're okay."

Sora shakes his head, clinging to his brother, "No.. Vanitas, brother.. No!"

"It's going to be okay." Vanitas glares at the front door, Let that monster try to get to Sora again. I'll stop him from using Sora any longer. I won't let Sora die by their hands like she did.