A New King

BY: Lucifer136

What day is it? I feel I've lost track of time, not that it matters. Did I even remember to take my medicine? Shrimp! I didn't, ugh…. Mom and dad are going to notice. I guess it's just best to tell them I forgot. I am going to pay Libra a visit so I think it best to tell them there and then as they take a break.

"Hey, can we go now? It's getting cold."

I look down to see my backpack unzip just a bit. A small black cat with red eyes looks back at me. A red color with a silver bell attached to it, engraved with a name, 'Kuro'.

"But, you're in my backpack. How can you be cold when I'm the one shivering outside here?"

I gently say as I chuckle softly. Even as I've aged, Kuro has remained my best friend. It's odd, even now Libra still doesn't know about him, maybe it's for the best that Riku is the only one that knows. But that carnival affair a few years back was a major problem back in terms of explaining how I came across the vampire carnival.

"I'm a kitty and very sensitive to the cold."

"Fine, but only because I'm getting cold too. I know the forecast said snow this whole week, but it's ridiculous how fast it melts and more appears. Just let me test my parents that we'll be coming over to Libra HQ."

"Okay, but hurray."

"Alright, don't be such a drama queen."

I take out my phone and press the power button. The screen immediately flashing up, the lock screen being my parents and I. I really have changed, the image is more recent. My hair has gotten darker, almost black with a pale white forelock now. Eyes remain red, a little redder than dads actually. I'm also a little taller than mom now. I chuckle as I recall her comment one day when she saw I was just a bit taller than her and the small dramatic scene she made for giggles. I let it go as I typed in my pin and sent a text to the group chat I created for mom, dad, Kuro, and me. I made a separate one with uncle Riku.

Alex: :p Would it be alright if I made a quick stop by Libra?

Chain:...

Chain: So long as you can get home rather quickly. I'll be alright with it. But wait for your father's response. I'll be in the office in about half an hour, got some loose ends to tie up on my end.

Alex: Plz be careful.

Chain: Is my baby getting scared?

Alex: I'm not a baby.

Chain: The fact you said you aren't means you still are.

Alex: DAD!

Steven: Oop, guess I couldn't hide forever.

Steven: You know, I see it. You are still a baby. Which means I can still tease you.

Alex:...

Chain: XD

Alex: Unfair, but dad. Can I come to the office?

Steven: I don't know, do elevator jokes work on every level?

Alex: More dad jokes, hahaha.

Steven: LOL. Sure you can come over.

Chain: :)

Steven: But don't come straight to the main lobby. Go to the break room and I'll meet you there.

Chain: I'll know where to head too if I don't see any of you in the lobby then ;)

Steven: :)

Alex: Why do you guys always flirt in the chat? No, I shouldn't have to read them.

Chain: It brings a smile to our faces that you at least know when we are.

Alex: Hmmm….. I'll see you guys soon.

Chain: Love you both.

Steven: Love you two more.

Alex:... I love you guys too. Ttyl.

I put my phone away and let out a sigh.

"Parents."

I grab my backpack and gently put it on as I walk out the park and in the direction of Libra. You know, now that I think about it. It has been rather quiet today, no incidents to report. It's just not Hellsalem's Lot. I know.

I let out a small seeable breath and allowed myself to erase my existence enough to go invisible and hob onto a lamppost. I kept hobbing from one to the other, allowing snow to dislodge and hit people underneath. I held in my laughter as I saw people look up in confusion, fright, or both. Turning my gaze I see some small-time thief steal a purse with a young woman following after them. Really? People still do that?

I shake my head and hob down, swapping under their feet to throw them off. The man looked up in horror. As he got up once more and went to run, I grabbed the back of his jacket and threw it against the floor. He let the purse drop and took out a knife ready to stab at the air. I let out a puff of air. Revealing myself just slightly.

"You try to defend yourself when you were stealing. I don't think it's fair that you have a weapon and I don't."

The man screamed in terror before going to attack me, lucky I dodged and went back into invisible mode. Grabbing him by the right shoulder and with my right arm punched him in the face. His body went flying straight into a lampost, hitting it face first. I made myself solid once more and picked up the purse handing it to the beyodian lady.

"Sorry about that. I promise I'm a good person, I don't typically get into fights. Well, I got to go. Have a nice day."

I went invisible once more before she could utter a word and left with a leap back onto Libra. As I made my way there, I left a trail of screams and shouts of anger. Eventually, somewhere along the way I made myself become visible as I hopped from post to post. Laughing as my trail left behind until I reached Libra. I jumped around the building and until I could find the window leading to the break room and jumped onto that window ledge. Using my powers of invisibility to slip through the window before going back to a solid.

"Was the trip a good one?"

I looked up, I knew the voice. It was someone who worked under my dad. A man around his mid-twenties with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes, with fair skin. We don't see eye to eye. If rarely, we mostly argue. I hate how he demeans and treats me.

"None of your business."

"Well, then what are you doing here? Libra members only."

"I asked my parents if I could visit and it's not like you can do anything."

"Just because you're mommies and daddies baby, doesn't mean you should be here."

"I've been here longer than you. Practically since I was an infant. So I have more seniority than you."

"And? You don't actually have status here."

"I am being trained under Libra, so I do have some status."

"You brat. It means-"

"You can leave now."

The man froze and looked behind me to see dad. Fear in his eyes as well as embarrassment.

"Go help Patrikc with a transportation job. We'll talk later."

"...Y-Yes, sir,"

He left leaving only dad and me. I looked at him, as if expecting to be scolded. Instead his father closed the door, looking at him with some sympathy.

"Reminds me of my younger years."

"You?"

"New views can also bring fear and some here in Libra harbour hatred and fear towards vampires and certain creatures."

"But…."

"I know that our family is different."

He walked towards me. His hand patted my head and guided me to sit down on a chair. A table in front of me. I took off my backpack and gently placed it on the ground, unzipping it a bit for Kuro to breathe. At least for my comfort.

"They will know soon enough, but right now. Just be you and work towards that goal. You have a wonderful family and your godfather has been very open to your ideas given our history and Leo's own experience."

"I know."

At moment I felt arms wrap around me, causing me to freeze and before I could enter combat mode. I hear a gentle and soothing voice.

"It's just mom. Don't get scared."

I relaxed and allowed her to kiss my left cheek. Looking up at her as she then went to dad, to which I looked away, but could hear them kiss. But mom spoke to me, allowing my attention back to my parents. Her voice showed concern and anger.

"Steven, we have to find a reason to fire that man."

"At this rate we might as well fire everyone who is butting heads with our son, but we're also understaffed."

"The others have come around, that man is stubborn and won't listen to me unless I hold him down by his heart."

"...*Sigh.* You do have a point there, love."

"Besides, to bully the new and young recruits? This is the first time we've ever done this and our son is part of that group. That man had taken a liking to picking on our son simply because he managed to trap a blood breed once without fighting."

Dad turned to me. "I'm still impressed by that."

His attention turned back to mom. "I'll take a look at his record and any complaints. If it's a high case and no one has said a word. We'll fire him and wipe his head of Libra."

"I think we should do more background checks even after hire."

"Actually, not a bad idea. I'll tell Klaus later on today and tell him you suggested it."

I spoke up. "Ahem! I'm still here."

Mom and dad laughed at me. I'm sure I pouted. Mom came over and hugged me again.

"I'll never forget about my baby."

"If you guys are done talking business. I just came by to say 'hi' and see you guys doing okay. Also, I have a school orchestra recital in two weeks."

Mom's face soon had a huge smile on her face.

"Piano or violin?"

"Violin. They didn't choose a piece this time that had a piano part to it. Not that it matters to me. I have an advantage playing two instruments."

Dad spoke up, rather proudly.

"That's my Alex. You'll bet we'll be there, even if we're late. We won't miss it for the world."

I could only smile. "I know. Oh! I almost forgot…. I forgot to take my medicine this morning and I'm about to run out."

Chain smile fell and she looked at me with a serious look as did dad. Sh bespoke before he did.

"Maybe we should set up a system to help with that. I'll call Dr. Estevez right now and ask her about your medication."

"How about the symptoms, any change?"

I shrug. "I don't know, I can't tell the change."

They both sighed. Dad speaks in a calm tone and gentle smile.

"Go home and get some rest, Alex. You have some vacation time from school right now."

"Yeah, okay."

I get up and begin my way towards the window. I looked back to see mom blow me a kiss and give me a smile. I could only nod and make my way back home.

It was uneventful, at least from my perspective. A few shouts of anger here and there. Mainly about falling snow, getting home, the chaos, or the traffic. Going through the window, I sat on the ledge and took off my shoes inside. Mrs. Veded knew I was coming later, I typically do. I could hear her humming a tune and talking to her children via phone. I smile as I walk to my room.

Taking off my jacket and placing it on the bed. With my shoes underneath it. I open my backpack and allow Kuro to come out. PLaying video games and jumping to our manga stack. I swear, I'm going to need a bigger bookshelf soon. From my backpack I pick up a book I need to read over the winter break. I head out of my room and downstairs. When my parents come I want to be the first to greet them.

I take a seat on the couch and try my hardest to read the book, but the voices in my head finally begin to speak. Even so, I power through the book but I can hear their comments.

'Maybe get rid of that man?'

'No, no. That goes against his wishes.'

'Why do you care?'

'He's going to be powerful. The next leader of Libra.'

'But what about the temple?'

"That's right, what about the temple?"

'What about Libra?'

'The Werewolf Bureau?'

"All of them."

'Oh, looky here. He can't decide.'

"I can't decide."

'You have to choose.'

"I don't want to."

'But you must. See you can't have it all, you must make a sacrifice. One way or another.'

I put the book down and lay down on the sofa I was sitting on. Staring at the unlit fireplace drawing no warmth or comfort.

"A sacrifice? What kind? There's so many."

'A sacrifice of sadness.'

"I refuse. I don't want anyone to cry. I'm not mean, right?"

'What about those games you play?'

"TTRPG or video game?"

'Both.'

"They mean nothing, it's just for fun. To relax."

'Liar.'

"I'm not a liar!"

'Yes you are.'

'Yes you are.'

'Yes you are.'

I clutch my head in my hands. I could feel my voice drop and get cold.

"Shut up already. Just for a bit."

'He said shut up.'

'Shut up.'

'Shut up.'

'We'll shut up.'

I close my eyes and let the darkness and panic comfort me instead of the warmth, that is until mom and dad get home. The voices went quiet, but I could hear them whispering. Nothing can shut them up, but that's peaceful enough.

I know I don't have to choose, but my future remains a mystery and cause for concern. I don't know what I want, except to be a good person. I don't always want to fight, but I'll do it for those who need protection. There is a way, right? I'll be sure to find it. I don't have to choose, not now and not ever. I will find my answer.

My eyes began to finally get heavy, as did the rest of my body. I felt cold as I slept but before I gave into the sweet seduction that is sleep. I felt a warmth curl up next to me, something warm cover me, and I could have sworn Mrs. Veded spoke. I wasn't sure what it was, but it felt warm and kind.

…...I'll find my answers. I always do and I always will. I have to, so I won't give up and keep looking…...