Author's Note: It has been a while since my last update but I hope this chapter was worth the wait! I'm pretty sure most of you have noticed Joachim is going over the deep end. Prepare to read a lot of violence, pain, and sex in this particular chapter. This story is rated M, after all :) Sara will make her appearance in the next chapter if you are curious to see how I will write her into the story. Joachim has really changed a lot since Chapter I...and Catherine's fate certainly doesn't help :( Also, in case you missed Walter's 'secret' in chapter 25, I hope you will now understand why the Ebony Stone is so important to him.
Joachim struck me as being a very 'dark' kind of character in LoI, hence the escalating amounts of violence and sex. Joachim definitely is not 'likable' in many ways, though that will change later on in case you are worried things have gone too far.
Special Thanks
As always, thank you for reading this story. Very special thanks go to those who took the time to review. Constructive comments help me improve my writing and encourage me to continue updating. I think a lot of fanfiction writers don't finish their stories because they think no one is reading them. So, if you like this story (or don't?) please don't hesitate to let me know.
Very special thanks:
LateNiteSlacker (for editing my work!), Rahar Moonfire (for editing my work as well and always reviewing) :D, Suikorin (thanks for the constructive comments and compliments!), Andinah (I'm glad to know you like the second ending better), & haruharu (wow, it really sucks that the Belmonts are poor now. I am currently working on the LeonXJoachim story so stay tuned for the release of Chapter I after it is edited)
Chapter XXVII
The haze surrounding him lifted when he opened his eyes. Darkness greeted him instead of heaven's light… Where am I? He blinked several times as he took in the heavy scent of pollen drifting through the cool night air. The familiar sounds of the night filled his ears – the chirping of crickets, the soft flow of water from a nearby fountain, and leaves rustling in the gentle wind. After blinking several times, he sat up, his entire body aching with pain. A gasp fled his lips as he pulled his legs close to his chest, realizing that he was lying naked on the cold, stone earth. His colorless flesh gleamed in the red moonlight flooding through the room's broken glass ceiling. Various types of plants grew within the room. Vines and ivy climbed the walls and nearly reaching the ceiling. After only seconds of contemplating his surroundings, he knew where he was.
Eternal Night.
"Catherine!" His voice croaked her name but only silence greeted him. He scanned the room, searching for her, and hoping the sights around him were imaginary. She was not there. "No! This can't be! Catherine? How can I be here?" He pressed his hands against his face as he sought to remember what had happened. Yet, the sight of a familiar face reminded him that he did not have to. Joachim trembled upon noticing Walter's tall, armored form leaning against the back wall of the room. The vampire's brilliant red hair coiled against his ashen visage. A frown creased the corner of Walter's lips upon hearing the young man's anguished cries.
"The lady is not here. Forget her, for you shall never see her in this life or the next."
With a broken scream, he jumped to his feet, not caring that his nakedness displayed before his lord's thirsting eyes. The fact he was still alive was unbearable. Unable to endure it any longer, his throat released a howl of rage and his once cold, pale blue eyes became engulfed by a fiery will to rip apart the red-haired lord like a savage beast. Joachim felt his soul erupt in anger. "No! You bastard! Why? I was going to die, and everything was supposed to end! Why do you keep me with you in this immortal hell?"
"Enough!" The vampire waved his hand, which subsequently struck him across the face. In spite of their distance from one other, Walter's power was unrelenting – and growing stronger, more possessive, the longer he remained in Eternal Night. The pain throbbing through his wounded cheek meant nothing, for the most agonizing crime had already been committed upon his heart and soul. Tears slipped down his cheeks as if to burn the unholy flesh to the bone with their sadness. Something inside him shattered like glass. Joachim fell to his knees upon the ground in a fit of sobs. Though his words meant nothing to the demon, his injured soul compelled him to voice the crimes committed against it.
"No! Tis' not enough!" He screamed, searching the room for his swords. If he could have found even one of them, his rage made him capable of driving it through the other lord's tainted heart. "Nothing is ever enough for you is it, Walter? Beat me, scorn me, punish me any way you wish! But Catherine? Why did you take me back to this wretched place—"
"Because, as I have said before, you belong to me." The dark anger within Walter's voice filled the room. As if possessed, the demon's eyes glowed of fire, willing to devour the young man's pain without a second thought. Despite his lord's beauty, a terrifying maliciousness filled every fiber of his being. With wolf-like steps, the red-haired lord padded toward him, his great, black cape sweeping around him like unfurling wings. Walter's armor gleamed like freshly spilt blood in the moonlight. Though the demon was more powerful, the youth's wounded heart made him unpredictable and dangerous. As if knowing it, the red-haired lord remained at a watchful distance. The sound of his deep, resonant voice made the air tremble. "You think I would let you die there with her? You insult me with your whining, crying, and pathetic laments! For what?"
"Innocence!" Joachim screamed the word, whilst he drew a breath and bared his fangs. As if his words could unleash the fires of hell upon his lord, he roared furiously. "She meant everything to me! I will never forgive you for what I did to her…because of you…"
"I do not ask for forgiveness." Walter replied with a cold, indignant glare reaping through his calm gaze. Something in his eyes, however, revealed that his servant's words succeeded in striking a nerve, nonetheless. "I saw you with that woman – ready to die. Death is what she wanted, and death is what she received. Though you loved her, have I not shown you the same devotion? I gave you my blood, my body, and everything you could desire – eternal life, beauty, and strength! Yet, you would rather die!" One of Walter's gauntlet-covered hands balled into fist. As if ready to smash the defiant youth to pieces, his eyes blazed whilst he tilted his head up and roared into the night. The force of his rage and power made the walls quake. The stone secured around his neck glinted under the moon's deathly red light.
Joachim looked upon the object and its master hatefully. No amount of words could describe the loathing in his eyes. With a quivering snarl, he collected his thoughts until he rasped. "I did not want anything you offered me!"
"But you took it nonetheless." Walter's eyes glinted. "And when you did, you sought even greater power. Do not try to be so noble, Joachim. You thirst for power, lust for blood, even to the point of begging for it. You believe the humanity you felt with her was genuine?" Loud, cruel laughter escaped the other lord's throat. He threw his head back, allowing his thick, red hair to cascade against his broad shoulder blades as an amused look appeared across his face. The vampire's elegant lips formed a mocking smirk. "Oh, my dear servant…love will not save you from this life-"
"Why?" Joachim snapped. "Because it did not save you?"
Walter's eyes widened into saucers. The amusement left his face as if the young man's accusation had disintegrated it. A dark shadow crept across the red-haired lord's ashen flesh when he stepped forward, trembling when he replied quietly. "What?" With a huff, he approached Joachim's naked form until he eclipsed the moonlight shining upon him from above. The air in the room became suddenly colder. Joachim's breath escaped from his gaping mouth in thick, silvery puffs. Without batting an eyelid, Walter's starlit eyes focused upon him, daring the youth to speak. After silence returned it, he hissed under his breath. "I am curious to know your meaning. I am the master of Eternal Night. You, on the other hand, are nothing more than an ungrateful little wretch I preserved out of pity. Not even eternity will change that fact, Joachim. Accept it. Otherwise, I may grow weary of looking upon you!"
"You know my meaning!" Joachim hissed, ignoring the fact that Walter was capable of striking him at any given moment. It would only take a single, well-aimed punch to send his frail body reeling against the stone. "I know why you play those games. Has eternity made you immune to the love of others, or perhaps, jealous of it? I suppose she was just something you played with in your boredom. They say she was the devil's concubine-"
"No!" A horrible, enraged scream fled Walter's lips as he backhanded the young man across the face. Spurts of blood flew into the air. Joachim fell, coughing up blood, upon the ground by his lord's feet. It was rare for his lord's anger escalate to such an enormous scale. Red lines trickled down his chin and neck as he lay, gazing upward into Walter's eyes, and unable to look away. The fire in the red-haired lord's eyes could have incinerated him. After pausing a moment, the youth threw his head back and burst into a fit of cold, delighted laughter. The sound echoed through the lonely room as he rolled across the floor, laughing so hard his chest ached from the exertion. Walter's eyes penetrated into him but he no longer cared.
Glee replaced his pain. He struggled to cease laughing, whilst he remarked, allowing the boldness in his voice to fill the silence. "Oh my, did I say something? My master is more sensitive than I thought! It seems that the precious possession you own, owns you…and your heart! Apparently, you still have one!"
"Silence!" Walter's heavy boot collided into his chest and he roared, grasping the young man by the neck with his vice-like grip before tossing him across the room. Joachim flew toward the wall until his back collided against it. A dull, snapping noise filled his ears as he collapsed upon the ground, shuddering, whilst he forced his blood-stained lips into a cheeky grin. Without giving him the chance to get up, Walter translocated and snatched him by the neck with such force that his breath emptied from his lungs. But he loved the pain. Indeed, he had grown so used to it that he longed for it. Although he could have, he did not struggle, even when Walter's tightening grip threatened to suffocate him. Joachim smiled indignantly whilst the demon's abyss-like eyes threatened to swallow him in their darkness.
"I…loved her…" Walter's grip upon his throat lessoned until he dropped the creature on the floor like lead. The red-haired lord's armored frame heaved whilst he retreated from the youth's callous gaze. Curtains of his lush, red hair swept around his ashen visage.
Joachim relished Walter's grief-stricken expression. For the first time, his lord's skin seemed to pale to the point of lacking all color. The youth heaved clots of blood whilst he struggled to sit up, ignoring his throbbing head as the smile upon his lips broadened. Some small part of him wanted to anger Walter to the point of killing him. Rage bubbled inside Joachim like a volcano, which was fueled by the sight of his lord's pain. Like a cobra preparing to strike, the pale creature hissed. "What do you know about love? Really, do not make me laugh, for my face is rather sore as it is! You always want what you cannot have, Walter." Joachim began to giggle wildly, even though the situation was far from amusing to his wounded mind and heart.
Walter's lower lip curled. Disgust filled their starlit pools as if he were looking upon a leper. Joachim fell against the ground but reached up, grasping Walter's hand, unwilling to let go until his lord kicked him in the chest like a dog. He fell back as several of his ribs snapped like toothpicks under the force of Walter's steel boot. "Insolent wretch!" He spat. "Death would be too good for you. I do not know why I bothered saving you-"
"Oh, I think you do!" Joachim smiled until he coughed up blood. Between incoherent gurgles, he managed to continue laughing. "It might be wise for me to continue living. At least in doing so, I can curse you for all you have done. I swear, I will not allow you to forget!"
"There are many things I could do to you, now…" Walter's voice fell to a deathly whisper as he loomed over the laughing creature who, by all accounts, appeared to ignore him. Joachim's mind was in a haze. He could neither see or grasp the meaning of his lord's words. Everything inside him was twisted and broken, like a piece of warped driftwood rotting in the sea. Yet, he sensed his lord was attempting to reach through his clouded thoughts. While staring down at the writhing form on the floor, Walter continued calmly. "Though I could punish you, your current…condition…is sufficient. It seems you are not yourself, as of late…"
"This is what you wanted, is it not?" The youth spat, still laughing, he floated upright. It was miraculous that he still moved. Locks of glossy white hair swept against his pale cheeks as his eyes drifted to Walter's face. Trembling, his naked form fell into the vampire's arms. When he lord attempted to move away, his hands flew to Walter's face and cupped it until he forced his blood-covered lips against his. Walter's eyes widened instantly as he gagged, nearly throwing the creature away. Without giving him the chance, Joachim broke the kiss and whispered. "Now you have me, Walter. If you want me to submit, by all means, make me into your slave. You can keep me for a thousand years and I will hate you always. You drained me of love until I am empty of it, now."
A long, thoughtful pause returned the boldness of his words. He half-expected his lord to slam him against the ground like an insect. To his surprise, Walter wrenched himself free and backed away, his eyes glinting. "How very dramatic." he scoffed, ignoring the youth's angry growls. His smooth, graceful lips curved into a disgusted sneer. "Eternity is a long time, Joachim. Love does not die, even though humans do…" Though he did not finish, the young man understood his implication. Not even centuries could wash away the sorrow experienced by the lord of Eternal Night. As if knowing the young man's perceptiveness, he hissed, his fangs flashing like knives whilst he retreated into the shadows. Walter had never walked in the light, for shadows were the only things he knew. Pain resonated through every fiber of the demon's visage. However, a proud, restrained smile soon erased his sorrow and doubt, like a tide washing away footprints in the sand.
What was he without her? Love was a dead and meaningless concept, for something profound within his soul died with her. The woman who stood by him, comforted him, cared for him, devoted herself to him, and loved him was gone. Tears welled in his pale eyes as he pictured Catherine's smiling face, her lovely green eyes…reduced to memories. Catherine existed now only in his mind and heart – or more accurately – what was left of it. An empty shell of his former self suffered for his sins. The only comfort he received was the fact that both the woman he loved and the child he fathered were in heaven. Joachim loved them both more than himself. Now, he loved nothing, for all the love inside him was gone, leaving behind a decaying, mindless shell of a man. Hatred marred him until he felt nothing at all. The cruel grip of the curse seized his mind and heart the moment he awoke and discovered himself damned.
Catherine's soul still pleaded for him to escape the darkness surrounding him. The youth's pale eyes widened as he delved deeper into his accursed thoughts. Somewhere in the dark confines of his mind, he heard the sound of an infant - his child – crying out for its father's love. The loss and grief he felt echoed through his empty soul as he stood, staring into Walter's black eyes and waiting for the abyss to swallow him at last.
Walter would have things his way. The vampire's voice darkened. "I want you to find Lady Trantoul and bring her here. The Crimson Stone is near…and I suspect that former knight may know its whereabouts. I can feel its power growing…far too strong…" His fingers reached for the stone around his neck and danced across its jeweled surface. For a moment, a look of uncertainty appeared across Walter's ashen visage. "Perhaps a worthy adversary will face me at last. Though your efforts were valiant, you were hardly a challenge. I cannot afford to be distracted."
"Distracted?" Joachim breathed and coughed up blood. As if it were a nuisance, he brushed the red liquid off his lips with the back of his hand. A wicked grin crossed his lips as his steely gaze bore into the red-haired lord with a will to tear him to pieces. Like a wild animal, a hungry look appeared within them as he snarled. "Given time, I will show you how challenging I can-"
"Silence!" Walter raised his hand, ignoring the young man's attempt to bait him. His dark eyes narrowed impatiently. "The lady lives in Brendelham. I want to keep her alive for a little while…just so that I may see how powerful this Leon Belmont truly is." A tint of red flashed through Walter's gaze. One of his gauntlet-covered hands curled into fist, ready to smack the pale creature if he so much as moved. He articulated his words to avoid the possibility of misinterpretation. Whilst he spoke, Joachim looked on impassively, his temper cooling upon hearing his lord's voice soften. "Watch over her…very carefully. However, her blood is not for you. You exist only to serve me. If you do as I say, perhaps, I may grant you a reward."
The young man's eyes glinted. "Such as?"
"We shall see."
Joachim grimaced when his red-haired tormentor slinked closer. "You are growing weak," Walter whispered, his dark eyes glinting like gemstones in the white moonlight. Pale beams danced across his armored frame, giving him an ominous, ethereal appearance. The anger in the demon's eyes seemed to relent somewhat as he continued. "Even though you want to die, your body will heal itself against your will. Tis' an ability you shall come to appreciate, once you regain yourself. Nevertheless, your need for blood is increasing…" A bitter sigh escaped Walter's lips whilst he surveyed the wounded young man lying on the ground. "Though I should leave you here as punishment for your insolence, you have suffered greatly. I am willing to be generous with you, so long as you do not disobey me again."
"Generous?" The young man wheezed, his dagger-like eyes stabbing into the other lord. "You have…done nothing…except take from me since the time we met, Walter. The only thing I want from you now, is your life."
With a smirk, the red-haired vampire kneeled beside him. Curtains of lush, crimson hair flowed around Walter's refined cheeks whilst he shook his head. "It seems you are still lamenting over that woman." Impatience seeped through his beautiful features whilst he continued, a hint of sarcasm filtering through his voice. "Suffering does not make you entitled to power. Your ingratitude makes you unworthy of my attention."
Desperation seeped through Joachim's stagnant eyes the moment Walter tried to turn away. Without thinking, he seized the red-haired lord by the wrist. "I am worthy! But were it not for you, I would still be-"
"Human." Walter's smile faded.
Joachim stiffened under the red-haired lord's penetrating stare. Already, he could feel the bones in his ribcage mending themselves. His hand lifted, touching his cheek, and he noticed that the swelling in his face was subsiding. Although the pain was immense it was gradually lessening. The wounds he sustained from his master's abuses would have taken months to recover from if he was human. He cringed the moment Walter's gauntlet-covered hand cupped his face and lifted his head, allowing strands of his ivory hair to cascade across his slender shoulder-blades.
With a huff, the red-haired lord gave the youth a knowing look while whispering in his ear. "If you are indeed worthy…drink from me freely, as you once did. If you refuse, I will shatter your pathetic body like glass. Decide."
Joachim did not need to decide, for the searing pain in his mouth compelled him to take his lord's offer. One of his delicate hands slid across Walter's shoulder to his neck, brushing aside the coils of Walter's deep red hair until his fingers grasped the other vampire by the nape and pulled his head forward. Despite his forcefulness, Walter merely continued to smile, his dark eyes glittering whilst the young man's lips parted. More than anything, he longed for the sweet, luscious taste of his master's blood. It sickened him when he thought of how much he depended upon Walter. The smile upon the red-haired lord's graceful lips sought to dominate and trap him. However, Walter's mesmerizing beauty still greatly influenced his heart, for he no longer had the strength to resist it. After drawing a heavy breath, he wrapped his arms around the red-haired lord's waist, kissing the side of Walter's neck with his cold, ashen lips. Walter's milk-white, flawless skin made the young man shiver the moment his lips covered it. With ravenous delight, Joachim kissed and licked Walter's neck and tightened his embrace.
Walter released a groan, allowing his head to fall back, his hair tumbling across his broad shoulders and back in crimson waves. Walter's eyes flutter closed. Though his master had no heartbeat, he sensed the demon's arousal growing. Joachim covered every visible part of his neck with hungry kisses as his voice lowered, whispering the sound of his lord's name like a prayer, until his fangs greedily punctured through the delicate flesh. Euphoria consumed every part of his body and drowned his pain in blood. He felt Walter shudder, his great frame tensing as the young man fed. Warm, luscious blood rolled down Joachim's throat and trickled from the corners of his lips. Walter's blood revitalized him in ways nothing else could. While he drank, he began to feel stronger, and his once agonizing wounds felt like mere pinpricks. Yet, he knew what his lord expected in exchange the moment he withdrew and felt his body become limp. Walter's powerful hands caught him around the small of his back and held him.
Joachim gazed up at his face, noticing that Walter was breathing heavily, his eyelids half-closed as if in a dream state. Walter's cheek pressed against his own, the coldness of his flesh making him shudder. Streams of blood trickled down the other vampire's sloping neck. Walter's calm, sonorous voice made the young man fall completely still. "Tis' not too late for you to regain my favor…" he whispered as his lips pressed against the young man's forehead. Despite wanting to wretch from his touch, the youth felt a dull ache from his body cry out for more. A gasp parted through his lips upon feeling his master's hand snaking down his thigh to the hardening organ between his legs. He fell limp in his arms, offering himself to his master's lust. What was one more crime upon his soul…if he still had one?
Laughter escaped his throat from the gentle, possessive, touch of his lord's hand upon his erection. "You want to reclaim me, don't you?" He managed to rasp, his chest heaving as Walter's hand became more demanding. The pleasure of it filled him and made his pale, lifeless eyes become alight under his escalating desire. He looked up into Walter's black eyes, losing himself in the abyss as the other lord's lips covered his in a forceful kiss. Joachim wrapped his arms around Walter's neck, falling into his lord's embrace as their tongues intertwined, the hotness of the red-haired lord's breath contrasting with the icy feel of his hands.
Walter shed his armor as if it weighed nothing at all. It was not long until his lord's smooth, rippling arms held him close. Two pale bodies sprawled on the ground, illuminated in the moonlight flooding through the glass ceiling above. The earthy dampness surrounding them gave the impression of hell's Eden. The pale young man tried to absorb himself in the beauty. As if he were an angel that fell from the heavens, he sat up, casting his gaze upon the starry night sky until it was blocked by Walter's sculpted form. Hungry lips covered his and he found himself enclosed within his master's grasp. If he could cry for his soul, he would have in that moment. But he lost himself in his master's kiss and roaming hands. There was precious little foreplay. Walter's claw-like nails dug into his back and ripped the delicate flesh. The pain made Joachim's eyes spring open, though the silent, restrained agony appearing across his face made sound meaningless. He gritted his teeth and continued to smile. "You are so very predictable, milord." Joachim barely suppressing the urge to chuckle when Walter's eyes lifted to his face. "Shall this become routine over time? I hope not, lest you grow bored of me."
"That will not happen." Walter muttered, feigning interest in their conversation. The heaviness in his voice indicated he was not about to relinquish his arousal. Whilst the young man combed back his lord's thick, red hair, Walter's muscular frame covered him. A smug smile spread across Walter's lips. The demon's hot breath brushed across his cheek, his dark eyes gleaming whilst he continued. "I prefer it this way, for this is how it should be. Pride is meaningless in servitude."
The smile upon the young man's lips slowly faded. Hardly a moment later, his lord's hips moved forward, and the accursed, hardened organ entered him. But he did not cry out. He simply lay there, gazing up at the sky whilst his lord took him. Pain blinded his vision but he no longer cared, even as blood began trickling down the inside of his thighs. The soft chirping of crickets disappeared in the sounds of Walter's ecstasy, the moans of pleasure and the panting of his breath. Everything seemed to wash away from his mind as his lord converged upon him. Walter was the one dominating, taking, and doing as he wished. Joachim cried out whilst he bucked against his lord's thrusts, commanding him to go even deeper. He felt the red-haired lord's hold upon him tighten, nearly crushing his ribcage, whilst the force of his movements increased. Though they were face to face Walter did not look him in the eyes. He was not worth looking at.
There was no gentleness or compassion, yet he continued to respond to Walter's demands. He moved with the other lord, gasping and moaning when he remembered it was supposed to feel enjoyable. He tried to think about why such an act was so profound. The only answer he could think of was pleasure. Fleetingly, he thought of love, but he could not remember its meaning. Love. It was a word society had given too much power, for its very significance had destroyed its meaning. I love you. Three simple words people often spoke in order to convey the importance of their union. Walter never said it to him. Walter continued to thrust, panting heavily, his muscled arms strained. Joachim looked up into his lord's pleasure-entrenched face until the demon's kiss, which was cold, deep, and hungry, silenced his agonized moans. Walter rocked against him, harder and faster. Despite it all, he could feel the building sensation inside him, as the red-haired demon dragged him toward his inevitable release. It was then, just before, that the words escaped Joachim's lips. "I love you…" Words he meant and did not mean. Lies and truth mixed until neither were distinguishable, and had become as inseparable as their bodies and souls.
For an instant, Walter's eyes widened. His nails dug deeper into the young man's flesh until it bled. Blood flowed freely down his back, seeping into the soil and staining his hands. Though he had clearly heard the words, he returned them with a moan. Barely a moment later, he spilled his seed and collapsed, pinning Joachim against the ground beside his heavy frame. The moonlight blended with their ashen flesh as they lay drenched in perspiration, blood, and fluids. The chilling silence that followed made the youth's lids flutter closed. He was supposed to feel exhausted and sleep. Yet, sleep would not come. He stroked Walter's thick, red hair, and forced a smile. A malicious, cold smile that remained plastered upon his face as his lord drifted to sleep beside him.
Even though you are the master of this castle, I am the master of you.
Sleep well, milord, for you are mine…
… Forever…
Hours later he was alone. Walter had risen, dressed himself, and disappeared without looking at the pale creature on the ground. Joachim pretended to be sleeping. When he was certain his lord was gone, he sat up and searched for his clothes. Unsurprisingly, Walter had returned his swords and left them with his clothing in the middle of the room. He snatched his robes, brushed the dirt off them, and dressed himself. Come here. I need you, now. I am hungry and in quite a bad mood. Let us go and search for something to drink. While the master is away, we shall play. A wicked grin crossed his lips as the blades rose up and surrounded him, their sickly, greenish light illuminating his pale face in the darkness. Like a specter, he floated toward the door and entered the room beyond, eager to find something to occupy his thoughts.
It did not take him long. A demon was lurking a few feet from the door. It had a humanoid shape, though its disfigured head and arms were covered in dirty bandages. Its thin body smelled of rotting flesh and death. In place of hands were three long, narrow blades covered with remnants of dirt and blood. The blades extended at least six feet, and were able to cut a man in half with a single well-aimed swipe. It was just the challenge he sought. All of the monsters under Walter's control were mindlessly aggressive. Though the creature refrained from attacking, knowing he was a vampire, the young man did not return the courtesy. With a loud, presumptuous laugh, he stilled his swords behind him and commanded the central sword to rise above his head, its steel blade projecting at the unwary demon. Let's have a little fun, shall we? I despise the smell of that thing! Kill it. The blade flew forth and impaled the creature through the chest. A horrendous roar vibrated through the room. The demon jumped back and dislodged sword. With a feral roar, it leapt into the air and used its long, pointed blades to burrow underground. His eyes narrowed upon the disturbed path of soil left in the demon's wake. One of the creature's three-pronged claws jutted through the soil, ready to slice him in half if he did not move. How dare you try to kill me! His thoughts raged whilst he bared his fangs. He was more than willing to demonstrate the extent of his power. A little target practice would be fun. What better to practice on than a willing sacrifice!
His superior speed enabled him to dodge the blade effortlessly. The demon's rage made it stupid and reckless. Despite missing him, it continued to dig underground until it burst from its hiding place in a single, leaping bound. Yet, the vampire had anticipated it. He waited until it landed upon the ground and drew back its arm to attack. He sent his sword away again, watching the weapon piece through the demon's shoulder and force it back against the ground. With the speed of a viper, he leapt upon the creature and tore into it with his fangs. Blood spattered across his face when his incisors clamped around the creature's jugular. Pieces of muscle, bone, and tissue flew into the air whilst he ripped into it like a hungry beast. Its blood, however, tasted as foul as its rotting flesh. It was sour and bitter – for demons were lifeless, soulless things, and without a heartbeat to keep the blood warm.
Though its blood was disgusting, he smiled as he severed the tendons in its neck with his fangs. Blood pooled around him as the head detached from the body and rolled across the ground. But he was far from satisfied. He withdrew his fangs and grasped the headless corpse, digging his claws into it until he succeeded in ripping its arms and legs completely off. The ease in which he dismembered it surprised him. Everything – whether it be beast, human, or demon, could become nothing if he wished it. Blood splashed across his face and he tossed the torso of the creature on the ground, watching its entrails spill out and seep into the dark, muddy soil. Rivers of blood poured across his armor, robes, and hands until he was surrounded by a sea of red. The bliss nearly made him tremble. Pale, lifeless eyes glanced about the room in search for more. With a proud laugh, he floated away from the scene, not forgetting to give the severed head a last kick as he left the room.
It did not take him long to find more of the burrowing demons. In a single room alone, he discovered two of them milling about. Like the previous one, neither attacked him, though the scent of the demon's blood on his clothing alerted their attention. They moved away, dragging their blade-like hands across the stone in an attempt to escape into the room beyond. Are you afraid of me? Trying to flee like the vermin you are. There is no point. I have decided what shall be done with you. Satan in hell cannot save you from me! If you think your master is cruel, you have yet to see what his servant is capable of! The demons burrowed themselves into the ground. Like the last, they stuck one of their blades above the soil, attempting to cut him apart as they barreled underground. He bared his fangs, positioning himself above and between them. When they burst from the ground he snatched them both by the neck. Whilst gripping them in each hand, his thoughts drifted to the dormant swords. You know what to do. Two blades abandoned their alignment and cut off their arms in a spray of blood. The demons' anguished roars shook the room as he dragged them across the floor, laughing as he went, whilst admiring the blood smearing the ground in their wake.
With a feral snarl, he dropped them on the ground and began to rip one of them apart. He buried his fangs in its face, tearing away the bandages covering it until he sighted the gruesome, disfigured thing it concealed. Empty eye-sockets, a half-formed nose, and a misshapen mouth located where a cheek should have been. Without hesitating, he dug his nails into its accursed flesh and ripped it apart, mutilating the corpse until it was even more unrecognizable than before. He threw his head back, laughing to no one, whilst he peeled its skin away and devoured the rotten flesh. Eventually, he grew tired of the lifeless thing and stood up to stare at it. It was nothing more than a pile of flesh, bone, and blood. With a huff, he stomped on its skull with his boot, relishing the dull, crunching noise that filled the silence. Though the other demon was still alive, writhing in agony on the ground, he floated back and allowed his swords to finish his work. The blades swept away and stabbed through the demon's feet, their steel points projecting downward and into the soil, fastening it to the ground.
For a long time he floated around the demon, circling it like a vulture as it writhed pathetically. He watched as death began to take its cruel, merciless hold upon the senseless creature. Slowly but surely, its struggles against the swords lessened, until the sound of its roars died to an eerie silence. Finally, the demon moved no more. Dark, red blood pooled around the body. Cover me! The swords dislodged from the ground, speckling the air with blood as they obeyed their master's command. Joachim extended his hand to one of the blades and summoned it. His steely eyes darkened with hunger, whilst the tip of the blood-covered sword hovered over his open palm. Droplets of blood fell into his willing hand, staining the pale, white flesh with crimson rain. He pressed his palm against his lips, running his tongue across his unholy flesh to taste the rancid splendor of his carnage. His eyes rolled back in their sockets as a cold, emotionless laugh broke from within his throat. Beautiful, thick, blood rolled down his neck and chest. It stained his hair red when he ran his hand through it, brushing back the pearly white strands when a broad, unyielding smirk replaced his laughter.
Demon blood was far from satisfying to a vampire. The strong, powerful thirst made his fangs ache for more. Before long, he left the earthy beauty of the garden and returned to the gravel road outside the castle. He could sense it was nighttime again in the human realm. Upon reaching the border, his gaze caught sight of a young man riding down the path upon a chestnut colored mare. The figure was dangerously close to Eternal Night and completely unaware of it. With a grin, he sent his swords into the trees whilst attempting to brush off the blood covering his armor. It excited him when he realized the young man was completely oblivious to his presence. Perfect.
He moved through the trees until he was ahead of the human and found a log by the road to sit down on. His prey would come to him – completely unaware he was about to walk straight into his own death. He waited quietly until the horse's hoof beats resounded through the silence. Just as he expected, the horse sensed him before the human did and abruptly halted upon the path. He listened to the young man attempt to urge the beast forward. The mare flicked her tail and thrashed her head, her dark eyes widening the moment she sighted the pale creature lying in wait. The young man's impatience grew. With a huff, the human tried to spur the animal onward, and dug the heels of his boots into the equine's stomach. The boy's impatient attempts received the opposite effect. With a snort, the mare whinnied and attempted to turn around whilst its rider gave a stubborn yank against the reigns. Finally, when the animal would go no further, the young man slung his leg over the saddle and hopped onto the ground. Joachim watched the human – who appeared to be around the age of eighteen or nineteen – unhitch a lantern hanging from the saddle and withdraw a piece of parchment from a pocket inside his robes. Using the lantern's dim light, the human held the parchment up and ran an index finger across its wrinkled surface whilst a puzzled frown creased the corners of his lips. In the dark, he overheard the young man mutter to himself.
"Creightel was supposed to be the next village…but I have found a forest instead. I should have taken the left path when I came upon that divide in the road…" With a sigh, the human folded the parchment and stuffed it into his robe. He gave the equine an irritated glance and grasped the reigns before trudging ahead. The mare jerked her head back however, with a sharp tug, the young man continued onward. "Perhaps, t'was unwise for me to have purchased such a high strung beast…and this map is no better." The young man grasped the lantern in his other hand and let it swing casually forward and back. With almost child-like amusement, he chuckled to himself and gave the horse another reproachful glance. "Come old girl, stop being so difficult!"
After a few minutes, its orangey glow illuminated his deathly pale figure. The young man halted in and raised the lantern in an attempt to discern who it was. "Who goes there?" The human asked, and his voice abruptly tensed. Joachim could almost taste the young man's blood, for he could hear the sound of his heartbeat quickening, which made the blood in his veins flow faster. He half-expected the human to turn and run away. By all accounts, his ashen skin indicated he was one of the undead. But the young man seemed to ignore it, or at the very least, was ignorant of the telltale sign.
Joachim wheezed, grasping his shoulder with his hand when he slowly turned his head to look at the human's face. His pale, steely eyes took note of the youth's handsome appearance. The human's face still possessed a boyish charm. Bright blue eyes gleamed in the darkness, accompanied by graceful curls of light blonde hair. A true Adonis. One who was most likely popular with women his age but naïve enough to overlook it. It took a great deal of effort for him to avoid smiling, for he was supposed to be in pain. He made a great show of it, closing his eyes and gasping. Twenty years of experience taught him how to appear injured, ill, and weak. Though his voice possessed a twinge of sharpness, he managed to soften it enough to lure the human closer. "I…did not mean to startle you…" He gasped and crumpled forward, his lithe form shaking as he continued. "I…fell off my horse…and seem to have wounded my arm. I cannot walk, for the fall twisted my leg. I did not know what to do, so I simply sat down here, hoping someone would find me, eventually."
"Are you wounded badly?" Despite the human's curiosity, he was sensible enough to keep his distance. The light from the lantern illuminated the dull, red sheen of blood covering his arm and legs. The grisly sight made the youth draw away for a moment, until the sound of his voice lured him back. The mare, however, once again stopped and refused to go any further until the young man gave the reigns a sharp, impatient jerk. Reluctantly, the horse stepped forward, clicking its incisors and flattening its ears upon its head.
"Tis…not as bad as it appears." Joachim coughed then forced a smile – or tried to, for it spread easily across his lips. "My wife is with child and expected to give birth tonight…I was in a hurry…and my horse frightens easily. I suppose a wolf may have startled it, though I know not where the beast went."
The lie worked perfectly. In fact, it worked better than he expected. Perhaps his wan, tired expression appealed for the young man's sympathy. When he pretended to struggle to rise, the youth darted forward to assist him. It was far too easy. Nevertheless, he sensed the human's youth and inexperience contributed to his reaction. The boy had never seen death. He could tell when he looked into his eyes, which were completely ignorant of pain and suffering. "Are you a nobleman, by chance?" The youth asked whilst allowing him to take hold of his arm. The creature's gaze darted to his clothing. Fine robes, leather boots, and a neck scarf made of red silk. He forgot about the fact a human's vocabulary often designated the class in which they belonged.
With a courteous nod, he answered calmly. "I am a lord. Forgive me for not introducing myself. Tis' been a rather long evening, as you can see. My name is-" He paused a moment, trying to think about what he wanted to say. He could not remember his surname. What was it? Armand? Arminster? How could he have forgotten such a thing! He wanted to clamp a hand over his forehead in dismay, though before he could, the young man eagerly spilled the answer.
"Are you an Armster?" He asked. The youth's perceptiveness astonished him. He could barely comprehend what to say until he added. "My family was closely associated with the Armsters. You look so much like Lord Zaeviean I could not resist asking, forgive me for making such an assumption-"
"How clever of you." he answered; trying to hide the fact he was both surprised and impressed behind a veil of pain. "Yes. I am his son, Lord Joachim Armster."
"So, the rumors are true!" The human gasped. His expression, once uncertain, became alight. "They say his son resembles his father. I did not believe it until now. I would be more than willing to assist you, Lord Armster. I regret, this horse is rather excitable, and it could startle again if we attempted ride it."
"Tis' fine, I might yet be able to walk," he muttered impatiently. "Who are you?"
"Oh, I am terribly rude!" The youth's cheeks flushed a vibrant shade of red. Even in the darkness, he could see his embarrassment as he introduced quickly. "Nathaniel Caelan. I am certain you have met my father?"
Oh, indeed, he met him all right. The words 'closely associated' would be better suited as 'closely indebted' to the Armsters. Stupid boy! I am sick of conversation. This is going nowhere. He truly has no idea what I am. Tis' a shame, for I really would have enjoyed watching him flee in fear. Fortunately, he did not have to wait much longer. The human escorted him down the road. Joachim limped and winced in pain. Though, he could not deny, his legs might have actually failed him because no longer remembered how to walk properly.
"I wish we met under better circumstances, Lord Armster." The human began, smiling readily at the deathly pale creature grasping his arm. "Tis' a beautiful evening, nonetheless." Indeed. He thought. I doubt, however, you shall think so when I kill you… The youth remained unaware, chattering merrily, perhaps attempting to distract him from the pain of his 'fall.' "Coincidentally, I was on my way to Creightel to visit my sister, Jezebel. I was studying in Italy the past year. Are you acquainted with her?"
"Oh yes, how could I forget such a woman." Her blood tasted sweet on my lips when I slaughtered her like a cow. Filthy whore…
"She mentioned you in her letters." He continued, smiling as he withdrew a piece of parchment from his pocket and glanced at its contents. A look of uncertainty crossed his face. "I admit…I am worried about her. My sister was supposed to write to me but I never received a letter. I planned to surprise her by returning home earlier than expected. Have you seen her recently? Is she well?"
"She is dying to meet you," Joachim replied. It took a great deal of effort to keep himself composed, though his guise was beginning to wear. At last, he could see the tension in the young man's face whilst he added, carelessly. "You will be joining her soon enough, I'm sure." In hell, after I rip your beautiful face apart with my bare hands and sink my fangs into your throat. Stupid boy…if you were not so attractive, I would have killed you already. Yet, you have no idea. I hope you like surprises. I know I do.
"I beg your pardon?" The young man stopped abruptly. His once congenial expression faded when his bright blue eyes fell upon the pale creature's smirking expression.
Perhaps, you are not so stupid after all…but it is too late, now. I was getting bored of you, anyway. Though, I am sure, I can find some excitement from you still. "Oh, tis' nothing, really." He began and turned to face the stunned young man. The act was over and the curtain was about to fall, drawing their unnecessary little courtship to an end. Icy blue eyes fell upon the human, watching as his fear began to build, whilst he moved in for the kill. No. Not kill – he wanted this one alive…for himself. "I was thinking about ripping your throat out, but then I realized I wanted to hear the sounds of your screams. So, perhaps, I will let you keep it…whist I drink from you tonight."
"What?" The youth gasped and pulled away, though the effort was futile. One of his powerful hands snatched the young man by the throat and lifted him up. It was much easier to kill humans than monsters. Most humans did not possess the mindless, aggressive nature of monsters. This one, in particular, was as meek as a newborn lamb. Amidst the sounds of the man's frightened yells, he looked at the face of his Adonis, and traced his eyes across the handsome curves of his cheekbones and neck. He did not want to damage something so gorgeous – at least, not until he was finished with it. Thus, he squeezed the human's jugular just enough to weaken and suffocate him. The young man's cries silenced as his flailing arms fell limp at his side. Between fits of laughter, he grasped the human by the hair and dragged him away, returning to the darkness of Eternal Night.
Hours later, his human companion awoke, lying on the wooden floorboards of the stage in the theater. The pale creature had seated himself in one of the balconies, watching over his captive until he saw him stir. Like a falcon descending upon its prey, he leapt from the balcony and landed softy upon the floor below. His companion was not fully aware of his surroundings. It was how he wanted it. Coils of the youth's pale, blonde hair fell around his face whilst he lay there, unmoving. The Adonis' beautiful, flowing gold robes fanned around him and across the floorboards. A wealthy young brat with expensive taste, not unlike himself. But wealth mattered little. All naked men looked the same. The human body did not distinguish wealth from poverty or higher class from lower class. The pleasure Joachim would reap from that body was no different, either…
Barely conscious of it all, Joachim tore apart the man's beautiful gold robes until his thirsting eyes fell upon bare flesh. A quiet, though pained moan escaped the human's lips when his body was exposed to the theatre's cold and dusty air. Though his thoughts whirled, the organ between his legs hardened, reminding him that he could still feel something. With a feral snarl, he turned the weakened young man over so that the man's front pressed against the dusty floorboards. Foreplay was unnecessary. There were only two things the pale demon wanted, and by the end of it, he would have both. His pale, greedy eyes scanned the young man's gorgeous body. Truly, he had been lucky to find something so worthy of his use. He ran his hands across the human's smooth, sloping back, delighting in the arousal it created within himself. The throbbing organ concealed beneath the whiteness of his britches, demanded gratification. I hope my master does not become jealous if his servant has a little fun on the side. I have my own needs, too. I only hope this human will live long enough to satisfy them before that wretched Succubus decides to show herself…undoubtedly…she will. A scowl pressed across his lips as he removed his britches and cast them aside. But he had thought too soon. It did not take him a moment to notice the succubus sitting in one of the balconies overlooking the stage.
Her eyes hungrily watched him from a safe distance. However, upon realizing she had been sighted, she smiled coyly and called out. "Ah, I thought you would be back! And look what you have brought with you! Oh, this is just too good to be true! Perhaps I could assist you-"
"He's mine!" He snapped, baring his teeth when the demon extended her bat-like wings and began to fly about the room.
She cackled at the sight of his naked lower half, eyeing it hungrily whilst calling out again. "Is that so? Don't be so selfish! I thought you might share him with me. But fine, have it your way…"
The warning look in his gaze was enough to keep her away – for the moment. He remembered when such an act meant something to him. He did not know anymore and did not care. He knew what he needed and sought to take it for himself. Always taking, for the only one whom he would give himself to was his lord. Everything else was his. Even the young man, sprawled out naked on the floor, unaware. This beautiful Adonis' pure flesh would be his. He could tell by looking at him that he was as inexperienced as he once was. A smirk crossed his lips as he covered the young man with himself, whilst his finely tipped ears heard the sounds of his screams. The youth tried to crawl away but the creature's superior strength and hunger was too much. Perhaps he would be merciful, in his own, special way. With a broken cry, he sheathed himself inside his prisoner, eager to spoil the innocence lying beneath him. He could feel the man's body trembling, his muscles tensing, as the white-haired demon consumed him. Now, I truly am the pale rider… He filled the human with himself and began to thrust, not caring that he had not bothered to prepare his unwilling companion. Blood seeped down the human's legs, staining the floorboards beneath his flailing form crimson. While moving against the human's writhing body, Joachim grasped the base of his neck and pulled his head back. With a snarl, he bit into the tender flesh, relishing the taste of his warm, thick, blood. Although the euphoria made him come, he continued to thrust inside him, knowing he was still hard and hungry.
Joachim suckled upon the man's neck, unhindered by the sight of his Adonis' agonized expression whilst he took what he wanted. The blood rejuvenated him, made him stronger, and allowed his body to thrust harder. He barely knew what he was doing until he came again, losing himself the explosion of pleasure that racked through him faster than wildfire. Blood trickled down the youth's neck and spilled across the dusty floorboards. Joachim ignored the shuddering gasps from the dying man pinned beneath his beautiful, milky white flesh. The voraciousness of his appetite was impossible to fulfill. Only when he removed his fangs did he realize that his companion was not moving. He prodded the man's back with his fingernail and withdrew himself. Damn! I suppose mortals are frail…as I once was.
Like a scavenger, the succubus flew toward him, eager to fulfill the need the human failed to satisfy before dying. He rubbed the accursed organ, feeling the sticky wetness of the tip against his probing fingers until he began to pump against its shaft with his hand. The pleasure it enticed within his body made him gasp. He threw his head back, allowing the damp strands of his silky white hair to cascade against his shoulders whilst he worked against his stubbornly hard erection. From the corner of his eye, he caught the succubus attempting to surprise him from behind. She wrapped her lithe, supple arms around his torso and ran her slippery tongue across his chest. He was approaching his release, and thankful for the fact it would come before she could subdue him. The friction of his hand increased until, at last, he spattered the floorboards with his corrupted seed. A moan escaped his lips and he fell back against the demon behind him.
The succubus embraced him, unwilling to release him so easily from her grasp. But he did not show any interest or resistance, even when she pressed him against the floor and positioned herself on top of him. It did not take long for his hardness to return. He was barely conscious of his own body, even as it pierced her and he began to move, feeling everything with him drain away whilst she laughed and rocked, eager to take advantage of his weary state. He ran his fingers through her long, silky blonde hair, immersing himself in the scent of roses. The succubus was an agile lover, skilled at producing pleasure in every way imaginable, even from the pale creature who felt nothing at all. He gasped as he moved within her, and felt her tighten around him, ready to accept him when nothing else would. Amidst his moans, his blood-stained lips formed a smirk.
I look forward to our next encounter, master…