Oh, Dark Night

Chapter 2: Lust for Blood

Dmitri was the very perfect balance of his three mentors, yet he had so many questions. How was it he, a mere mortal could scale the highest buildings, run on silent feet, hear voices from far distance, and even withstand Lestat's strength when he teased about killing Dmitri? He kept thoughts to himself, however not keeping his thoughts of happiness, and serenity from Armand. Dmitri was curious about the outside world, which was with held from him by Armand. He did not object to this of course, not wanting to sound ungrateful.

It was one night all would change for both, with Dmitri's simple request for water. Armand having grown use to such needs gave him the glass. Upon sipping at the drink, Dmitri found it to be terribly thin, and bitter. As poison would to a human's lip. Immediately Dmitri spit it out and said with scorn, "Armand, if I am a burden, just say so do not poison me."

"Why would I, your blood, flesh, and mentor do such?", Armand said, and slow realization took him.

Quickly Armand took up Dmitri with such speed, not a hair on his head stirred. With in few seconds, Dmitri, and himself stood in front of Marius's latest residence. Armand beat with fury upon the door. Only to have Marius catch his fist in a mid strike. "I knew you would come. I also knew you would come with hatred.", he stated, releasing his grip.

"Who told you such?", Armand demanded.

"Lestat",

"What is the meaning of this? Why does water taste like poison in Dmitri's mouth?", Armand asked eagerly.

"The legend, of the vampire child being born from his mother's womb.", Marius stated it simply. , "Dmitri was that child. No bonds hold him to a Master. He is a blessed child."

"The legend I never cared for. I was blind, but how would it be possible?", Armand asked again.

"The child was in your mother's womb, just starting it's life, as a dammed kissed her with the kiss of immortality.", Marius started, "However the child lay dormant in that blessed sleep, only to awaken and grow, draining the breath from her lungs."

Dmitri sat there listening to both, only to state as plain as day, "I am not mortal. I am dammed?"

"Not truly dammed, for you cry pure tears of the sea that created all. God has not condemned you.", Marius said embracing the confused child in his arms, "You must promise me one thing, do not kill. If you kill your tears will change from ocean to blood. Do not kill even the evil ones."

Dmitri nodded, knowing that he being as pure as one who lives forever can be would never kill, not even evil. Upon returning both he and Armand were greeted by Lestat. "You went in such a rush, I thought the mortal was going to perish.", he remarked.

"No, however I'd enjoy the sympathy you would give as the way you still grieve over Nickolus.", Dmitri retorted.

"What is this? What event has changed the mortal so you find the deepest of my secrets?", Lestat asked curiously.

"He is a vampire", Armand stated, "As he was when born."

"Is this true child that you have been one for your entire existence?", Lestat said quietly.

Dmitri would only laugh at this, Armand answered, "So Marius tells, ask him yourself Lestat. He was there on the birth."

Dmitri stopped laughing, realizing how thirsty he was. He sent the thought only to Armand, What is this feeling of thirst, brother?

Blood hunger, I will find you a place to feed without killing. The response came through the mind, which Dmitri had known he could do.

Later Armand took his brother to a whorehouse. Drink as though kissing, take only a small amount, enough to have her faint, and move on. Play with them as though you are their lover. Do not let them see the fangs. Armand instructed plainly.

Dmitri obeyed every word repeating the process as each recovered, and only when he had his fill did he stop.

Dmitri learned quick, and was much stronger than a vampire his age should be. No restraints held his abilities from full potential. Soon Dmitri was able to keep even Lestat from laying a hand on him. He still acted the same, giving Armand the same warmth, and dreams.

However his curiosity about the outside world grew immense. He cradled with whores for blood but this was the only humans Dmitri had seen in his life, and they were dirty, both soul, and mind. He wanted to see real people, learn from them, see what they were like.

One night Dmitri, and Marius sat together. "Why do mortals not notice us?", Dmitri asked.

"We look like them, and are able to hide better, however do not misjudge that they do not notice they may.", Marius answered.

"Why are they all worried over how they look?", Dmitri continued.

"You have a lot of questions, little imp.", Marius teased.

"I just want to know what they're like, Uncle Marius.", Dmitri responded, "I watch from a distance, I want to know more about them."

"If that is what you really want to see Dmitri, I will allow you to go live among them.", Armand said behind him.

"Thank you Armand!", Dmitri gave Armand a tight hug.

"I have kept the world from you until now. Explore it. Remember I will be visiting every night."

So Dmitri started his new adventure A.C. 195, with the words of advice from his brother, and Marius. "Act as though you have no memories of your past, and they will ask no questions. Chop your hair and keep it the same even though it grows back constantly. First, and foremost do not let them know what you are, if they did they may fear you.", Marius had said.

So Dmitri set out with joy. He loved walking among beings who's thoughts and feelings were filled to the brim. He marveled at skyscrapers, and things he had never seen. Soon he left earth, and went to the colonies, joining in a war. Dmitri remained quiet, studying them with all senses by day, and drinking by night. Armand stayed with Dmitri at night but left to sleep before dawn.