Alucard's left eye opened halfway and was immediately assaulted by
the blazing brightness of the morning sun. He instantly snapped the eye
back closed, the accompanying throb of pain exploding through his head.
After waiting a few moments, he opened the eye a crack and gradually
allowed himself to adjust to the daylight before opening both eyes fully.
For several moments he blinked and stared at the blue, cloud-dotted sky through the trees. It was already after sunrise, obviously. How long had he been lying here?
He lay there blinking for a bit longer, still not entirely sure how he had ended up here, and then the memory of last night's events hit him like a chunk of rock out of Castlevania's outer wall.
He had wanted to bite Mori! Taste her blood, drink it, drain her life, kill her even!
The desires that had been so consuming, so unavoidable, during the night had receded now that the blanket of daylight covered the darkness. He could still conjure up a desire for blood if he concentrated on it, if he tried hard to bring it to the surface, but otherwise it was barely even noticeable.
That made the memory of the previous night even harder to bear.
Alucard knew he should get up, but he did not want to confront the group. He didn't want to see Mori after what he had done the night before, and he didn't want to deal with Maria and Nayra in the first place. He knew they were hungry, and he knew that he was probably the only one who carried food. He usually kept several rolls tucked inside his cloak, and sometimes fruit and other nourishment. He knew he should get up and feed them.
But he couldn't.
He couldn't face them after last night. How could he? Had Mori told the others about what had happened? Would they be fearful of him, as distrustful as he was of himself? Mori did not know his background, did not know about the now-dormant monster inside him. He should tell her, but he didn't want to risk frightening her away. She seemed to be the only being on earth that cared about him (other than maybe Maria) and he didn't want to risk destroying that bond.
He couldn't go talk to them.
Yet he knew he had to.
Sighing quietly, Alucard forced himself into a sitting position. He would go, of course. His pointless adherence to a standard of chivalry and devotion would make sure of that. He needed to feed them, and then he needed to escort them to the nearest town. If he could even find it. He hadn't been out of Castlevania for so long that he barely even recognized this road. It had changed a lot over the years.
The half-vampire finally stood and walked in the direction of the camp, using his not-entirely-gone ability to smell human blood to determine the direction. After not very long, they came into view. Nayra was still huddled under his cloak, but Mori and Maria were sitting on a log together, talking about something. They stopped when he approached.
"Hey, Alucard!" Nayra grinned brightly. "Like, where were you? We were, like, getting worried."
"I wished to give you some privacy," Alucard answered honestly. He didn't, couldn't, elaborate.
"I had the strangest dream last night…" murmured Mori.
Alucard blinked in silence. Was it possible that Mori didn't remember the events, that she only chalked them up to a nightmare?
"What happened?" he asked, sounding genuinely curious. It was rare for his voice to contain as much emotion as it did at that moment.
"I don't remember..." she answered, thinking. "Running in the darkness, through the woods, being scared of something. I don't remember what. You were in it, though."
Alucard was speechless. He just stared at her. How could she not remember? Maybe she did, but was pretending it was a dream in order to assure him she held no grudge against him. In any case, Alucard was grateful that she had forgiven him.
"Do you have any more food?" she asked, sounding a bit sheepish. Maria, as usual, was silent. Alucard nodded and produced some bread, as well as a few fruits. Everyone seemed curious as to where he got all this food from, but nobody said anything.
They ate quietly, focusing on their meal. Alucard kept wondering about Mori's comment. Had she really thought it was all a nightmare? He, Alucard, had had some fairly realistic nightmares before, and sometimes confused those memories with recollections of actual events. Perhaps she had thought it was just a particularly vivid dream, and was unable to remember enough details to realize it had actually happened. Or else she knew it had actually happened and didn't want him to be worried. But how could she pretend like nothing had happened? He had screamed at her to go away and leave him alone, when she had just been trying to make sure he was okay. How could she not have been hurt? It had been for her benefit, but she hadn't known that. She would have thought she had somehow offended him, or that she had done something wrong in trying to check on him. Besides, didn't she notice the gash on her cheek? It was still there. Maybe she didn't feel it and nobody had commented. Or else she figured she'd gotten it some other way, like having rolled onto a sharp stick near her face while she slept. Alucard decided that if she needed to talk about it with him later, in privacy, she would.
After the meal, the party again set out on the road. After a short discussion they agreed to go north, away from Castlevania's remains. Maria was fairly sure there was a town only a few miles away, so the group set off in that direction. Alucard shot several glances at Mori, trying to read her expression, but she seemed to have turned her concentration within. Maria and Nayra tried to make conversation, but Nayra's vapidity soon caused Maria to lose interest. The group made most of the trek in silence.
About midafternoon, when Nayra's complaints about the walk were starting to become completely unbearable, the first signs of a settlement began to appear. Farmhouses, then more farmhouses, then a tavern. After a few more minutes of walking, the group had reached the middle of the town.
It was fairly unimpressive. The dirt road ran down what was obviously the main street, with a few shops and restaurants on either side. An inn or two, atop a tavern, was also visible. At the end of the cluster of civilization, a single church steeple rose. There were not many people around, perhaps because of the heat of the sun-baked day. A few figures moved down the street, some lazed on porches, and others were visible through the windows of buildings, but there was nothing impressive about the town.
Alucard was sure they stood out against the overwhelming drabness of the settlement. His suspicions were rapidly confirmed when a little boy, who had been sitting on a porch petting a dog, raced into the bakery he was resting in front of. Alucard could vaguely hear a call for the boy's mother, who poked her head out the window, frowned slightly and then disappeared again.
Alucard got the feeling they weren't welcome. Out of the four of them, the only one who was dressed 'normally' was Maria. Nayra was, too, but the large wings sprouting out of her back undoubtedly made her dress seem of little importance in comparison.
"Do you wish to rest here tonight?" Alucard asked the others softly.
"We don't really seem wanted," Mori observed, stating what everyone had been feeling. "Maria? Do you know how far it is to another town?"
"Several days away from here, walking," Maria responded. She seemed grateful that Mori desired her assistance. "It would be faster by carriage, but I doubt we can find one here."
Alucard sighed. In just a few hours it would be getting dark. He wouldn't mind camping again, but he knew that Nayra definitely would, and the other girls probably wouldn't be happy about it either. They deserved a hot meal and a relatively safe place to sleep. Even though, he realized, camping might be safer than an inn attached to a tavern. If they were attacked by any forest creature, Alucard could fend it off easily. He didn't know how easily he could protect them against the sort of people who lurked at taverns, because he had no desire to be accused of murder.
"Would you prefer to rest here or continue on?" Alucard asked, though he had a good idea of what the answer would be.
"Like, I totally don't wanna camp again!" Nayra squealed.
Mori nodded. "I'd prefer to stay here as well."
Maria shrugged. "If they want to stay, that's fine."
Alucard could tell from her tone that she would prefer moving on. He knew Maria was uncomfortable with the reception they'd already gotten, and would prefer to camp. He, too, would, and that would leave them split. He could probably force them to go on, because he was the unofficial leader of the group. However, he was more worried about Mori's opinion, and she seemed to really not want to camp again. Maybe she was scared of something like the previous night happening again. Alucard didn't really blame her. Besides, he didn't even know where they were going. He had planned to simply wander, become completely lost until he found himself. He hadn't counted on having company.
"Very well," he responded. "Where would you like to stay?"
All of the inns looked relatively well-kept, and Alucard doubted any of them would be too dangerous in a small town like this. But then again, you never knew.
Mori glanced around, then gestured toward one of the smaller places, but the one that looked the best kept. "That place looks the safest," she declared. "Anyone disagree?"
No one did.
"It might be more expensive, though..." she trailed off.
"Do not trouble yourself over such matters," responded Alucard, assuring her he could easily cover the cost.
The group entered the building, finding a snoozing clerk placed next to a staircase leading upward and a door leading into what was obviously the bar. It was empty now, in midafternoon, but Alucard guessed it would fill up as the night approached. After all, why would there be so many taverns in a settlement as tiny as this one?
"Excuse me, sir.." spoke Alucard.
The man jerked awake, staring at them uncomprehendingly for a moment. Then his sleepy face twisted into a scowl. "What do you want?"
"We're looking for a place to stay," Mori answered for him. The man looked at her, frowning, obviously unsure if he was awake or not.
The man continued to glare at them. "Five hundred," he replied sourly.
Mori gasped softly and hissed into Alucard's ear. "He's ripping us off! No hotel room is worth that much. He just doesn't like us."
Alucard wordlessly reached into his pouch and pulled out the needed sum, shoving it across the counter.
The man handed them a key, still looking unfriendly. "3. Up the stairs, second to your right."
"Thank you," replied Alucard, guiding the others up the stairs.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Nayra began to babble.
"Like..what is everyone's PROBLEM with us? They're totally mean!"
"We do look kind of odd," Mori answered with a slight smile. "They probably wonder if they had too much to drink last night..."
"Whatever," replied Nayra definitively.
By this time they had reached the doorway. Alucard placed the key in the lock and turned it, pushing in the door.
All four were unimpressed with what they saw.
Two straw beds were covered with a thin fabric, looking very scratchy and uncomfortable. There was no blanket, but no need of one, with the heat.
"Are we just gonna, like, stay here all day?" Nayra squeaked.
"You are free to leave if you so choose. I will remain here."
Apparently pleased with this prospect, Nayra scampered out the door. Maria looked as if she was going to follow her, but then remembering Alucard and Mori, decided she wanted to remain in the room with them.
Both of them wished she would go away.
"There are still three familiars left," Mori reminded Alucard. "You should reveal another one."
Alucard nodded, taking a seat on the nearer of the two straw beds. Though the increasing size of the group was a bit annoying, he had to admit that he felt genuine curiousity for how the other familiars would turn out. He reached into his cloak and pulled out the first card his fingers brushed against.
Ghost.
Mori was watching with rapt attention, and even Maria seemed interested.
Alucard tapped the card twice.
A rush of cold air instantly hit him, almost knocking him off the bed and causing him to reflexively shut his eyes. Nothing like this had happened for the other two, and for a moment Alucard had wondered if he had made a mistake in choosing the Ghost to release. When the wind had subsided, Alucard cautiously opened his eyes.
Before him stood the Ghost Familiar.
Alucard had been half-expecting a true ghost, but the person standing before him was definitely made of flesh and blood. At first glance Alucard thought the figure was female, but on closer inspection he realized it was male, although quite feminine in appearance. He looked young, perhaps not older than fifteen, but he also gave the impression of being ancient, as if he had been arrested in his growth for many years. His hair was long, but appeared to have grown from years of inattentiveness rather than intentional styling. His eyes were gray and full of sorrow. He stared at the ground, his ragged gray clothes and bare feet furthering his unkept image. Even his skin had a grayish tone. Perhaps the strangest thing about him was the gray-white aura that emanated from his body, making him appear spectral and almost otherworldly. He did not speak.
"What is your name?" Alucard inquired.
The boy's head snapped up, an extremely frightened look on his face. Upon seeing Alucard, however, the terror in his eyes eased, replaced by almost a tenderness, a devotion that took Alucard aback. However, he didn't respond.
Alucard stood up and approached him, and, by a sudden impulse, touched the boy's cheek. He flinched horribly as Alucard's hand approached, but upon seeing that he wasn't going to be struck, he relaxed somewhat.
His skin was icy cold, but he seemed very much alive. However, the glow and the impression of agelessness made Alucard wonder. It was almost as if he was somehow trapped between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Not as far into the world of the dead as ghosts were traditionally thought to be, however.
Being touched gently by Alucard seemed to relax the boy enough that he could formulate a reply to the half-vampire's question.
"Sei, sir..." The boy seemed unsure of himself, almost as if he could not even remember his own name. Either that or he felt uncomfortable using it.
"You're safe with us, Sei," Mori said from nearby, sensing his discomfort.
Sei whirled around, the terror in his eyes again, until he looked at Mori. Then he seemed to relax again.
"Thank you for your kindness, ma'am."
The boy seemed frightened of everything. Alucard found this strangely ironic, since ghosts themselves seemed to be the target of many peoples' fears. The boy was surprisingly polite for one his age. He was surprised by the fact that he wanted to know Sei's past. Wanted to know what had made him the way he was. Most of the time he could care less what people had been through, because he, Alucard, had probably been through a lot more. He hated hearing people angst and complain. And he knew that what people decided not to share was their own private business.
Still, he wanted to know about Sei.
Maria, apparently relieved by the added presence in the room, declared that she, too, was going to leave the stuffy room for a while. After a brief discussion in case she and Nayra did not return before Alucard wanted to go to sleep, it was agreed that the three girls would share the larger of the two beds, and Alucard and Sei would share the smaller one.
Maria left once the discussion was finished, leaving Alucard and the two familiars there. None of them had any desire to leave the room, fearing they would be treated with the same harshness they had received on the way here. Mori and Alucard were also tired from the walk, and were grateful for a chance to rest. Alucard couldn't help wondering if he should have released Sei after Maria left. Now he wouldn't have an opportunity for that private conversation with Mori, if she even wanted to have it.
Mori curled up on the bed designated for the girls, instantly falling asleep. Alucard wanted to join her in a nap, but decided not to. After all, the more tired he was tonight, the better. He didn't want to have to face the same temptations as before...
Sei eventually took a seat on the edge of his and Alucard's bed, looking around nervously as if he expected to be punished for this action. When no reprimand came, he relaxed slightly. Alucard wanted to talk to him, but recognized from Sei's expression that he wanted to be left alone. It was an expression that Alucard felt himself wearing too often.
Alucard reclined on the bed, folding his arms behind his head. He was tired, but he knew he had to stay awake. He couldn't afford to be awake in a closed room with four humans tonight.
So he just stared at the wooden ceiling. Stared and waited for night to fall, waited for his instincts to return that he knew had the potential to destroy anyone if they got out of control.
He only hoped he would be able to keep them in check tonight.
For several moments he blinked and stared at the blue, cloud-dotted sky through the trees. It was already after sunrise, obviously. How long had he been lying here?
He lay there blinking for a bit longer, still not entirely sure how he had ended up here, and then the memory of last night's events hit him like a chunk of rock out of Castlevania's outer wall.
He had wanted to bite Mori! Taste her blood, drink it, drain her life, kill her even!
The desires that had been so consuming, so unavoidable, during the night had receded now that the blanket of daylight covered the darkness. He could still conjure up a desire for blood if he concentrated on it, if he tried hard to bring it to the surface, but otherwise it was barely even noticeable.
That made the memory of the previous night even harder to bear.
Alucard knew he should get up, but he did not want to confront the group. He didn't want to see Mori after what he had done the night before, and he didn't want to deal with Maria and Nayra in the first place. He knew they were hungry, and he knew that he was probably the only one who carried food. He usually kept several rolls tucked inside his cloak, and sometimes fruit and other nourishment. He knew he should get up and feed them.
But he couldn't.
He couldn't face them after last night. How could he? Had Mori told the others about what had happened? Would they be fearful of him, as distrustful as he was of himself? Mori did not know his background, did not know about the now-dormant monster inside him. He should tell her, but he didn't want to risk frightening her away. She seemed to be the only being on earth that cared about him (other than maybe Maria) and he didn't want to risk destroying that bond.
He couldn't go talk to them.
Yet he knew he had to.
Sighing quietly, Alucard forced himself into a sitting position. He would go, of course. His pointless adherence to a standard of chivalry and devotion would make sure of that. He needed to feed them, and then he needed to escort them to the nearest town. If he could even find it. He hadn't been out of Castlevania for so long that he barely even recognized this road. It had changed a lot over the years.
The half-vampire finally stood and walked in the direction of the camp, using his not-entirely-gone ability to smell human blood to determine the direction. After not very long, they came into view. Nayra was still huddled under his cloak, but Mori and Maria were sitting on a log together, talking about something. They stopped when he approached.
"Hey, Alucard!" Nayra grinned brightly. "Like, where were you? We were, like, getting worried."
"I wished to give you some privacy," Alucard answered honestly. He didn't, couldn't, elaborate.
"I had the strangest dream last night…" murmured Mori.
Alucard blinked in silence. Was it possible that Mori didn't remember the events, that she only chalked them up to a nightmare?
"What happened?" he asked, sounding genuinely curious. It was rare for his voice to contain as much emotion as it did at that moment.
"I don't remember..." she answered, thinking. "Running in the darkness, through the woods, being scared of something. I don't remember what. You were in it, though."
Alucard was speechless. He just stared at her. How could she not remember? Maybe she did, but was pretending it was a dream in order to assure him she held no grudge against him. In any case, Alucard was grateful that she had forgiven him.
"Do you have any more food?" she asked, sounding a bit sheepish. Maria, as usual, was silent. Alucard nodded and produced some bread, as well as a few fruits. Everyone seemed curious as to where he got all this food from, but nobody said anything.
They ate quietly, focusing on their meal. Alucard kept wondering about Mori's comment. Had she really thought it was all a nightmare? He, Alucard, had had some fairly realistic nightmares before, and sometimes confused those memories with recollections of actual events. Perhaps she had thought it was just a particularly vivid dream, and was unable to remember enough details to realize it had actually happened. Or else she knew it had actually happened and didn't want him to be worried. But how could she pretend like nothing had happened? He had screamed at her to go away and leave him alone, when she had just been trying to make sure he was okay. How could she not have been hurt? It had been for her benefit, but she hadn't known that. She would have thought she had somehow offended him, or that she had done something wrong in trying to check on him. Besides, didn't she notice the gash on her cheek? It was still there. Maybe she didn't feel it and nobody had commented. Or else she figured she'd gotten it some other way, like having rolled onto a sharp stick near her face while she slept. Alucard decided that if she needed to talk about it with him later, in privacy, she would.
After the meal, the party again set out on the road. After a short discussion they agreed to go north, away from Castlevania's remains. Maria was fairly sure there was a town only a few miles away, so the group set off in that direction. Alucard shot several glances at Mori, trying to read her expression, but she seemed to have turned her concentration within. Maria and Nayra tried to make conversation, but Nayra's vapidity soon caused Maria to lose interest. The group made most of the trek in silence.
About midafternoon, when Nayra's complaints about the walk were starting to become completely unbearable, the first signs of a settlement began to appear. Farmhouses, then more farmhouses, then a tavern. After a few more minutes of walking, the group had reached the middle of the town.
It was fairly unimpressive. The dirt road ran down what was obviously the main street, with a few shops and restaurants on either side. An inn or two, atop a tavern, was also visible. At the end of the cluster of civilization, a single church steeple rose. There were not many people around, perhaps because of the heat of the sun-baked day. A few figures moved down the street, some lazed on porches, and others were visible through the windows of buildings, but there was nothing impressive about the town.
Alucard was sure they stood out against the overwhelming drabness of the settlement. His suspicions were rapidly confirmed when a little boy, who had been sitting on a porch petting a dog, raced into the bakery he was resting in front of. Alucard could vaguely hear a call for the boy's mother, who poked her head out the window, frowned slightly and then disappeared again.
Alucard got the feeling they weren't welcome. Out of the four of them, the only one who was dressed 'normally' was Maria. Nayra was, too, but the large wings sprouting out of her back undoubtedly made her dress seem of little importance in comparison.
"Do you wish to rest here tonight?" Alucard asked the others softly.
"We don't really seem wanted," Mori observed, stating what everyone had been feeling. "Maria? Do you know how far it is to another town?"
"Several days away from here, walking," Maria responded. She seemed grateful that Mori desired her assistance. "It would be faster by carriage, but I doubt we can find one here."
Alucard sighed. In just a few hours it would be getting dark. He wouldn't mind camping again, but he knew that Nayra definitely would, and the other girls probably wouldn't be happy about it either. They deserved a hot meal and a relatively safe place to sleep. Even though, he realized, camping might be safer than an inn attached to a tavern. If they were attacked by any forest creature, Alucard could fend it off easily. He didn't know how easily he could protect them against the sort of people who lurked at taverns, because he had no desire to be accused of murder.
"Would you prefer to rest here or continue on?" Alucard asked, though he had a good idea of what the answer would be.
"Like, I totally don't wanna camp again!" Nayra squealed.
Mori nodded. "I'd prefer to stay here as well."
Maria shrugged. "If they want to stay, that's fine."
Alucard could tell from her tone that she would prefer moving on. He knew Maria was uncomfortable with the reception they'd already gotten, and would prefer to camp. He, too, would, and that would leave them split. He could probably force them to go on, because he was the unofficial leader of the group. However, he was more worried about Mori's opinion, and she seemed to really not want to camp again. Maybe she was scared of something like the previous night happening again. Alucard didn't really blame her. Besides, he didn't even know where they were going. He had planned to simply wander, become completely lost until he found himself. He hadn't counted on having company.
"Very well," he responded. "Where would you like to stay?"
All of the inns looked relatively well-kept, and Alucard doubted any of them would be too dangerous in a small town like this. But then again, you never knew.
Mori glanced around, then gestured toward one of the smaller places, but the one that looked the best kept. "That place looks the safest," she declared. "Anyone disagree?"
No one did.
"It might be more expensive, though..." she trailed off.
"Do not trouble yourself over such matters," responded Alucard, assuring her he could easily cover the cost.
The group entered the building, finding a snoozing clerk placed next to a staircase leading upward and a door leading into what was obviously the bar. It was empty now, in midafternoon, but Alucard guessed it would fill up as the night approached. After all, why would there be so many taverns in a settlement as tiny as this one?
"Excuse me, sir.." spoke Alucard.
The man jerked awake, staring at them uncomprehendingly for a moment. Then his sleepy face twisted into a scowl. "What do you want?"
"We're looking for a place to stay," Mori answered for him. The man looked at her, frowning, obviously unsure if he was awake or not.
The man continued to glare at them. "Five hundred," he replied sourly.
Mori gasped softly and hissed into Alucard's ear. "He's ripping us off! No hotel room is worth that much. He just doesn't like us."
Alucard wordlessly reached into his pouch and pulled out the needed sum, shoving it across the counter.
The man handed them a key, still looking unfriendly. "3. Up the stairs, second to your right."
"Thank you," replied Alucard, guiding the others up the stairs.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Nayra began to babble.
"Like..what is everyone's PROBLEM with us? They're totally mean!"
"We do look kind of odd," Mori answered with a slight smile. "They probably wonder if they had too much to drink last night..."
"Whatever," replied Nayra definitively.
By this time they had reached the doorway. Alucard placed the key in the lock and turned it, pushing in the door.
All four were unimpressed with what they saw.
Two straw beds were covered with a thin fabric, looking very scratchy and uncomfortable. There was no blanket, but no need of one, with the heat.
"Are we just gonna, like, stay here all day?" Nayra squeaked.
"You are free to leave if you so choose. I will remain here."
Apparently pleased with this prospect, Nayra scampered out the door. Maria looked as if she was going to follow her, but then remembering Alucard and Mori, decided she wanted to remain in the room with them.
Both of them wished she would go away.
"There are still three familiars left," Mori reminded Alucard. "You should reveal another one."
Alucard nodded, taking a seat on the nearer of the two straw beds. Though the increasing size of the group was a bit annoying, he had to admit that he felt genuine curiousity for how the other familiars would turn out. He reached into his cloak and pulled out the first card his fingers brushed against.
Ghost.
Mori was watching with rapt attention, and even Maria seemed interested.
Alucard tapped the card twice.
A rush of cold air instantly hit him, almost knocking him off the bed and causing him to reflexively shut his eyes. Nothing like this had happened for the other two, and for a moment Alucard had wondered if he had made a mistake in choosing the Ghost to release. When the wind had subsided, Alucard cautiously opened his eyes.
Before him stood the Ghost Familiar.
Alucard had been half-expecting a true ghost, but the person standing before him was definitely made of flesh and blood. At first glance Alucard thought the figure was female, but on closer inspection he realized it was male, although quite feminine in appearance. He looked young, perhaps not older than fifteen, but he also gave the impression of being ancient, as if he had been arrested in his growth for many years. His hair was long, but appeared to have grown from years of inattentiveness rather than intentional styling. His eyes were gray and full of sorrow. He stared at the ground, his ragged gray clothes and bare feet furthering his unkept image. Even his skin had a grayish tone. Perhaps the strangest thing about him was the gray-white aura that emanated from his body, making him appear spectral and almost otherworldly. He did not speak.
"What is your name?" Alucard inquired.
The boy's head snapped up, an extremely frightened look on his face. Upon seeing Alucard, however, the terror in his eyes eased, replaced by almost a tenderness, a devotion that took Alucard aback. However, he didn't respond.
Alucard stood up and approached him, and, by a sudden impulse, touched the boy's cheek. He flinched horribly as Alucard's hand approached, but upon seeing that he wasn't going to be struck, he relaxed somewhat.
His skin was icy cold, but he seemed very much alive. However, the glow and the impression of agelessness made Alucard wonder. It was almost as if he was somehow trapped between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Not as far into the world of the dead as ghosts were traditionally thought to be, however.
Being touched gently by Alucard seemed to relax the boy enough that he could formulate a reply to the half-vampire's question.
"Sei, sir..." The boy seemed unsure of himself, almost as if he could not even remember his own name. Either that or he felt uncomfortable using it.
"You're safe with us, Sei," Mori said from nearby, sensing his discomfort.
Sei whirled around, the terror in his eyes again, until he looked at Mori. Then he seemed to relax again.
"Thank you for your kindness, ma'am."
The boy seemed frightened of everything. Alucard found this strangely ironic, since ghosts themselves seemed to be the target of many peoples' fears. The boy was surprisingly polite for one his age. He was surprised by the fact that he wanted to know Sei's past. Wanted to know what had made him the way he was. Most of the time he could care less what people had been through, because he, Alucard, had probably been through a lot more. He hated hearing people angst and complain. And he knew that what people decided not to share was their own private business.
Still, he wanted to know about Sei.
Maria, apparently relieved by the added presence in the room, declared that she, too, was going to leave the stuffy room for a while. After a brief discussion in case she and Nayra did not return before Alucard wanted to go to sleep, it was agreed that the three girls would share the larger of the two beds, and Alucard and Sei would share the smaller one.
Maria left once the discussion was finished, leaving Alucard and the two familiars there. None of them had any desire to leave the room, fearing they would be treated with the same harshness they had received on the way here. Mori and Alucard were also tired from the walk, and were grateful for a chance to rest. Alucard couldn't help wondering if he should have released Sei after Maria left. Now he wouldn't have an opportunity for that private conversation with Mori, if she even wanted to have it.
Mori curled up on the bed designated for the girls, instantly falling asleep. Alucard wanted to join her in a nap, but decided not to. After all, the more tired he was tonight, the better. He didn't want to have to face the same temptations as before...
Sei eventually took a seat on the edge of his and Alucard's bed, looking around nervously as if he expected to be punished for this action. When no reprimand came, he relaxed slightly. Alucard wanted to talk to him, but recognized from Sei's expression that he wanted to be left alone. It was an expression that Alucard felt himself wearing too often.
Alucard reclined on the bed, folding his arms behind his head. He was tired, but he knew he had to stay awake. He couldn't afford to be awake in a closed room with four humans tonight.
So he just stared at the wooden ceiling. Stared and waited for night to fall, waited for his instincts to return that he knew had the potential to destroy anyone if they got out of control.
He only hoped he would be able to keep them in check tonight.