Edited version
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The Mergence
Day 3
The mines were infested with cave dwellers, children and adult alike worked rigorously for the expansion of their barricade, no one was spared from labour, if they were fit to walk, they were fit to work. This particular mine was situated beneath the main cavern, making it convenient for them to access the materials they needed, they then piled these rocks on the lower ground. Up in the chieftain's meeting quarters, hunters and scouts congregated around a wooden table, a map of the world laid on top, along with a stack of coin purses.
"Okay this is what we have to purchase the ingredients." Masato tapped the brown bags with his finger. "We should have the potion by the eighth night, if we can reduce our shopping to two days maximum."
"Can Kou and I go, please Chief?" Takato pleaded.
"No. I cannot risk sending everybody. I need you two here. Akihito, Vald and Eri will go to Vldörf." The chieftain worriedly turned his attention to his son and nephew at the far corner of the room. Akihito had his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against a wooden beam. He was distant and quiet, wanting space to calm himself. The young vampire wore long clothes to cover his skin that was decorated with bruises. However no one knew exactly what type of punishment Akihito had received, he was ashamed and was careful not to tell, thus he distorted his story upon arriving home.
Before the three dwellers were returned back to their colony, Asami and his men greeted them once again, this time there was no mercy in his actions. He barged in to seize the catapult and potion before arresting the sorcerer and sentencing him behind bars for a decade. The aristocrat's necklace was never found, which irritated Asami a little. No reference to his participation in the hunt was mentioned that day. He'd intend to keep it a secret. But he did reveal his discovery of Akihito's relation to the chieftain. Masato wasn't happy, nor was he surprised, he had always kept his son in the shadows to protect him and if any harm were to be brought onto his son because of their social status, Masato would be devastated.
However not all hope was lost. The catapult could be rebuilt and the potion recreated. Halvir had a habit for transcribing his old research notes into a fresh journal, the original journal somehow ended up in the children's playroom, stacked in between the other picture booklets. Perhaps a couple of unruly brats had snuck into their private quarters and stole his work as a prank, meaning that the journal Asami had taken was the newer edition. Henceforth Masato had organised a mission for three vampires to travel to Vldörf, a grand city where the rarest ingredients could be found. What made this city appealing was because it had a neutral zone where all three major races could come, meet and trade. For the sakes of greed they were able to unite temporarily. However as good as it sounds, Vldörf did have a notorious side where criminals thrive and racial prejudice blight. There was no government, no monarch to enforce a strict law over the entire city, rather it had different factions operating in their own districts, depending on the type of faction, that district was either poor with high crime rates, or rich with proper security and safe streets.
"Aki, are you sure you want to go to Vldörf? I'm still concerned sin—"
"I'm fine father." Akihito interrupted sharply. "Besides I'm not a hunter like the others. I'll search for the ingredients within two days."
"Can't we just rescue Havi?!" Vald exasperated. He couldn't bare the absence of his lover any longer and was fuming.
"Vald! You know that will only make things worse with that tyrant. Now we've got the research journal we just need to make it again. We have a set plan to stick to if we're going to survive through this, Halvir can come later. Now you're the only who has spent more time with him, and you know what these rare ingredients look like. So that's why you need to go. Now you two go pack and go inform Eri of the quest I have assigned you three to."
"This is bullshit!" Akihito's cousin yanked his hair in frustration before stomping off. Masato could only shake his head despondently. Failure was not an option but it seems to be the only path they were cascading into. If only he could hide his people somewhere else, somewhere safer, but this was their home, they were sick of running, mistreated. It was time to take a firm stand, no matter the hardship.
"See you in a few days everybody." Akihito lightly spoke as he left the room.
Time was ticking, it was foolish to idle. The sooner they obtain the ingredients, the greater the chances of their colony surviving the hunt was increased. Akihito did not have time to ponder sorrowfully over the negative turnout of events. Instead he used the suffering of his people to stimulate himself with the willpower to carry on. Another factor to get him moving was the thrilling excitement to explore beyond the woods. Never before had he seen the outside world besides the Silverblood's main territory. This was going to be a new experience for him, a chance to finally have a taste of real freedom. Usually Masato would be opposed to sending his son far out but Akihito was ranked as their top infiltrator. If the rare ingredients were sold out he could always resort to stealing.
One hour later.
"Akihito." Masato placed his hand on his son's shoulder. "Stay safe."
"I'll be fine." Akihito reassured before climbing onto the saddle of his brown horse.
"Are you sure you got everything?" His father asked with a look of concern.
"I got everything I need." The younger vampire indicated to the packed luggage hoisted on the back of the horse.
"Remember to protect your skin during the day."
"I will father." His son smiled warmly. This reassured the chieftain and his faith returned.
"Take care. And you too Vald."
Vald inclined his head in regards to farewell his uncle.
"Don't worry Masato-sama. I'll watch over them boys like an eagle." Erina strode pass the chieftain on her horse.
"Please do watch over them Eri."
"That won't be a problem." She winked confidently. Chiba Erina aka Eri, was known as a guardian or protector of the colony. The woman was an elder vampire, almost the same age as the chieftain. She was a cave warrior and a nurse, having long and wavy sun blond hair, blue eyes and a tall-fit physique. Nicknamed the 'blond goddess' by many perverted men, her height only resulted in many faces being smothered by her mouth-watering bosoms. Eri had a short temper and was often belligerent to those who dared to vulgarly comment on her body. But aside from this, people loved her. The woman had a motherly atmosphere, allowing her to easily bond with others. Eri's favourite clothing consisted of wolf fur sewn together in a metal-studded dress cuirass, symbolizing her bravery in hunting. However since they were heading towards a city where werewolf shape shifters do roam, it was best to stick to bear fur.
"Everybody ready?" Vald asked his companions.
"Ready than ever," Akihito nodded with determination.
"Lead the way Valdy-kun," Eri grinned cheekily. Vald could only sigh. This was why he didn't want her to come, he would be treated as a child, even in front of strangers. But that was Eri, they couldn't change her personality, it was the essence of her character.
"Bye everyone." The three waved to their people.
"Take care you three." Masato and the cave dwellers wished them good luck as they descended on their journey.
"Oi Takaba! Don't forget to bring me some souvenirs!" Akihito's friends hollered.
"I will, bye!" Flicking the reins and kicking the horses by the flank they rode off onto the unmarked roads, racing against the world's clocking rotation. The time due to arrival would be dawn, if they didn't stop to rest, however that would impractical since eight hours of travelling would be tiring for both the rider and animal. Facing the daylight was inevitable for them and they would need to let their horses graze occasionally to replenish their stamina.
The first rays of light begun to peep out of its slumber. "Cover yourselves little ones! The sun is about to come up!" Eri warned them.
"Got it!" The boys replied.
The vampires were covered up nicely with a hood and scarf, leaving only their wandering eyes visible. Eventually the sun broke the horizon and radiances of orange streaked out over the land to stretch back the forest silhouettes. Akihito always admired this breath-taking scene and would often sneak out from his cave to watch this phenomenon, daydreaming on the wonders that exist beyond this land. He didn't want to spend the next couple of centuries hidden beneath the surface of the Earth. Sometimes he envied his cousin's flexibility to travel, if only he was allowed to fly free without any responsibilities but a direct connection to his father meant that he was the next chieftain in line, if Masato dies or retires. Vald took from his mother's side, therefore he was not a Takaba.
Overtime the fireball in the sky rose, emitting daylight to reveal the forest's beauty. Green vegetation had receded when autumn had settled in. Winter chills from the north begun to travel down, triggering a dramatic change in the foliage pigmentation. Hues of red, yellow and brown leaves from deciduous trees blazed the whole landscape with vibrant colour. Even in this season, the sun's potential only proved a hindrance to their travels. They had survived the malignant creatures of the night, now they had to conquer mother nature's scorching orb, a vampire's worst nightmare. They wouldn't necessary disintegrate into ashes in an instant when exposed, rather the radiation would cook their skins, similar to that of a human sunburn but indeed more fatal. After they emerged from the pine forest, they stopped on a meadow hill. From here they could see a spectacular city constructed near the ebbing shores of the sea. Smoke trailed off from the chimneys of clustered buildings while ships from all over the globe docked at the busy port, unloading their goods.
"Wow is this the city?" Akihito awed.
"Yeah we're here, and it still looks the same," Vald confirmed.
"So how do people get along? You know, vampires eat humans, so how are they able to maintain peace?"
"Trust me, its chaotic, that's why each major race has its own section of the city. They only get along in the main market square for trade. If you wander in the wrong place, be prepared for trouble."
"So are we going to the vampire district?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Didn't you hear what we discussed in meeting?"
"I think so…" Akihito's mind had been occupied on the thoughts of revenge, blocking aside chunks of information said that day.
"Aki, you're face was blank for almost the entire meeting. I'm w—"
"Oh my, a storm is coming!" Eri interrupted them as she pointed to the murky clouds forming above the agitated seas.
"Really?! Good, that will make our shopping during the day much easier. Let's go!" Vald galloped his horse down the steep hill, prompting the others to follow his lead. Thunder roared in the distant, blowing breaths of cold air along with the lingering smell of salt water.
"So which gate are we going exactly?" Akihito raised his voice so the others could hear him.
"The human gate. Don't forget the Silverbloods have invested some of the property and districts here. Last thing we want is for Asami to know that we're searching for those ingredients. We need to lay low," Vald answered back.
"So is Asami here?" Akihito looked unsettled, that bastard better not be here he cursed internally.
"He's back in his castle, unless he has business to attend to, we don't know for sure."
Well that wasn't reassuring for Akihito.
With the storm stirring off the coast, they whipped the reins, encouraging the horses to gallop full throttle towards a gate. The city was enclosed by stone walls that stood defiantly upright. Approaching the side of a wooden gate, Vald rode closer to the checkpoint.
"Halt there black cloaked riders!" The gatekeeper warned, only his brown eyes were visible through a rectangular opening. "There's a fee you must pay before you enter. It is to prove that you have come to trade in this city. Unless you have the appropriate documents that prove that you live here, then I'll let you pass."
"We are vampires from the East. We're just looking forward to trade in this city," Vald responded to the man.
"East you say? Are you Silverblood vampires? You don't bear the silver crest. If you are Silverbloods, use the other gate!" The man snarled.
"Eastern colony sir." Vald pulled down his scarf to reveal his face partially.
"Vald?! My boy haven't seen you in while. Phew, I though it was a couple of trouble making vampires. Followers of Aurieas are welcomed any day. Come on in. Oi! Let them in men!"
"Thank you Yama."
"No worries. Say, where's that sorcerer friend of yours?"
"Holiday." Vald lied outright.
"Oohhh. Anyways good luck with your visit!" The gates parted from the middle, allowing the three to enter.
"Psst, how do you know that guy?" Akihito prodded his cousin's shoulder.
"Contacts. I have a few here. Just follow me and keep quiet."
The horses trotted at a leisurely pace as they moved through the streets. The humans would often turn their heads to stare at the three vampires active in broad daylight, their cloaked attire drew mocking attention. Ignoring them, Akihito's eyes wandered around his new environment. The buildings here were built in either plain brick or wood, housing local inns, apartments, or artisan shops. The cobblestone pavements were ruined from years of neglect and was polluted with brown mud and excrement, sanitation here was poor and its filth had attracted vermin from every corner. For vampires this was a green moment, their stomachs churned in revolt since the air reeked of feculent matter. For nobles a separate gate was erected for private access, away from this poverty-stricken district. But no matter how repulsive it was to their liking, the three continued onwards holding their breaths as much as they could.
Beggars scattered along the curb of the road or in front of shops, asking and moaning for money. "Spare a change for a poor soul?" A bewhiskered old man begged on his knees, his hands were trembling as he held out his palm. While Eri and Vald ignored the man, Akihito impeded his horse by pulling the reins back, yanking the animal's head towards him. The boy had never encountered human derelicts before, his colony had none, neither did the main Silverblood city. The man's hands were covered in grime, nails were ingrained with dirt and his clothes were tattered. Sadness was seen in his green eyes, filled with a history of unfortunate stories. Akihito could not turn a blind eye on an unprivileged being, it was selfish and he didn't have the heart to say no. Reaching into his front pocket he pulled out his own stash of coin purse. He untied the string strangling the bag, his awareness was clouded by his current task, oblivious to the beggar's coveting stares. Midway during his unravelling, the man sprung from his spot and greedily snatched the coin purse from his hand before bolting off with his money.
"Hey! Give it back! Vald, Eri!" Akihito's panicking voice alerted his companions of the trouble. He attempted to pursue the man on his horse but the thief had escaped through a narrow opening in between the building. "Damn!" Akihito cannot squeeze a horse through there.
"Aki!"
"Aki-kun! What's wrong?!" His companions rushed to his aid.
"That beggar robbed me!"
"Did you offer him money?" Eri crossed her arms, eyebrows crooked on one side, deducing his reaction.
"Maybe…" Akihito's eyes averted in guilt.
"Welcome to Vldörf. You're the first Takaba to ever get robbed," Vald teased.
"I didn't know that would happen!"
Eri laughed at his mistake, it was silly but she was warmed by his act of kindness. "Well you've got a lot to learn Aki-kun. Your only twenty-three, you still have a long way to go."
"Fine. Forget about it." Akihito shrugged it off, money was disposable...then he saw something that irked him. "Wait a minute, there's a guard over there! Don't they know how to do their job?! I've just got robbed in front of him." Akihito indicated melodramatically to an armoured guard slouching against a wall whilst sitting on a wooden stool. His head was tilted to the side, eyes were sealed shut and he was snoring loudly as drool hung from his mouth.
His companions glanced briefly to the lazy human with disinterest. Vald shook his head. "Like I said, welcome to Vldörf. Let's go before we get wet."
"Don't worry Aki-kun. I'm sure the money he took will feed him or a few friends. They do it for survival, don't feel down. You did a good thing, that's all that matters." The older woman gently rubbed his back in a circular motion.
"Thanks Eri-sensei. Still, that was my saving."
"Oh my poor little boy."
The companions followed Vald into a quiet alleyway, far from the public and noise. Indistinct chatter faded as distance augmented seclusion. They were entering the slums and the pavements no longer bedded the floor, instead it was replaced by damp soil and a layer of garbage, Akihito dare not look. It was cramped and squalid here, the houses were built on top of one another without a care for adequate space and the wooden frames were coated with black mould. Clothes hung from the ropes above their heads and stray dogs roamed freely, riddled with fleas. Approaching a property linked within a terrace, Vald dismounted to politely knock on a wooden door. After several knocks they waited patiently. Droplets of rain lightly showered, tapping faintly onto their cloaks. A minute had passed and the door finally swung open. Out came a man, his blond hair had been tied back into a pony tail.
"Marus!"
"Vald?! Hey, hey! Welcome back to Vldörf." The man greeted with open arms. "Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes. And who are they?"
"This is my younger cousin Takaba Akihito, and this is Chiba Erina." The brown haired gestured to each individual.
"Are they cave dwellers like you too?"
Vald nodded. "Lower your scarfs and show him."
The two followed as instructed to reveal their slightly curved fangs, a characteristic feature for their race and frequently used to differentiate between other breeds of vampire. Those who feed on animal blood have evolved canines that curve inwardly at the tip, designed to penetrate and adhere into tough hides. Vampires that reside on land generally have fangs that are shorter and less wider since the human flesh is softer and their veins are more accessible. Lord Asami's fangs were retractable which are only found within the elite kind. To be classified as an elite, one must exhibit extraordinary powers or physical traits not found in a normal vampire. Eight hundred years ago, a council was formed by ten overlords to outlay the laws and principles within the vampire world. They were known as the Alvichor, consisting of only elite breed vampires. Cave dwellers were definitely out of the category for recruitment and speed does not account for it. Lord Asami was not a member of this faction. It was unknown to why he was excluded from joining but instead of loathing, the vampire lord had chosen to mount his own rule in the east, far away from their influence.
Asami did not judge a vampire based on their talent but rather their willingness to serve him. This attracted those who sought to join a prestigious faction in spite of their limited abilities. Rumours claim that the Alvichor's were intimidated by the Silverblood's flourishing popularity. Who wouldn't be? The chances of being overthrown were high, they were officially a competitor than an ally, however a great distance between the two had prevented a likeliness for conflict. Asami's main problem now lies with territorial disputes between the human prince; Mikhail, and werewolf prince; Fei Long.
"Phew." Marus swiped his forehead in relief. "Thank goodness. Last week a vampire got out of control and tried to make a snack out of me in the market. But anyways, what brings you three here?"
"We've come to trade for a few days," Vald replied.
"And you want to stay over?"
"Yes. If you could please let us. A lot of things have happened, I'll explain to you once inside."
"Sure, anything to help a friend. Come on in. There's a rent stable nearby once you unpack. Leaving your horses here might not be a great idea."
"Thank you Marus."
Marus invited them in but Eri decided to wait outside and guard the horses. Akihito gaped at the human's living standard, it wasn't as he expected based on the condition outside, the interior was rich in texture and colour, treasures were framed on fancy shelves, ranging from voodoo-like figurines to rune artefacts, and the floors were clean, a pleasant sight at last. Marus escorted the two upstairs where they would be staying.
"Okay I only have two beds but I can bring out a futon for you. My other spare room is filled with junk so I hope you don't mind." Marus opened the door, inside it situated two single beds, one on each side of the room with a small window located in the middle that was curtained by thick brown wool.
"This will do, thank you," Vald said. It was dark enough for them, that's all that mattered.
"No worries. Make yourselves at home. I haven't had guests in a long time, gets pretty lonely. So settle in. I'll take your horses to the stable once you've all unpacked."
While Marus went to obtain a futon for his guest, Akihito headed back downstairs. "We've got a room Eri-sensei."
She clapped her hands together. "Great lets unpack."
Gathering their belongings, they settled down the luggage against the side of the wall before disrobing out of their travel clothes and into something snug. "You two can have the bed. I'm fine on the floor."
"Are you sure Vald?" Akihito asked considerately.
"Go ahead Aki. A bed is a bed. Get some rest. We'll shop for the ingredients in the late afternoon. Most close till midnight or later, otherwise they lose making money from vampires."
"Thanks Vald. Hey Eri-sensei, did you move my cloak? Eri?" The two turned around to find the elder vampire face down on her bed, sprawled out and snoring, fairly loudly too.
"So much for protector." Vald rolled his eyes. "Well I'm getting some sleep. You get some too. Don't worry too much we're safe here. Marus is a good friend, he was a companion in one of my travels."
"Yeah I suppose we're safe." Akihito trusted Vald and he let himself relax just for now. He hopped onto his bed, letting out a big yawn and a stretch after a long trip before lying down and drifting off to sleep...
…||[]||…
Dark clouds, angry and threatening hovered above the city, the howling wind blew ruthlessly, hurling up loose debris and propelling the torrential rain against the window, rattling the glass panel. A flash of lightning penetrated through the gaps of the curtain, sending a quick light of pale lapis to colour the plain wall. Akihito's eyelid twitched, not because of the storm but to the eldritch whispers loitering within the room, uninvited to his knowledge. Another bolt of lightning struck, rumbling in the distance, and revealing a short glimpse of humanly shadows converging along the wall. The temperature in the room begun to drop dramatically and his body didn't like it, he hugged the blanket tighter to his chest. The murmuring in the dark became noticeable for Akihito but he didn't take it seriously and laid there tiredly, blaming his lucid state for these imaginary voices playing in his head. His eyes remained closed until he heard young children giggling, followed by the sounds of scampering footsteps. Now this was becoming strange, Vald didn't mention to him that his friend had children living within the residence. Curious, he sat up, rubbing his droopy eyes before turning his head towards the doorway.
"Harrrr! Who are you people?!" Akihito shrieked in horror. Eyes widened to the fullest as colour drained from his face to the whitest shade, blanched at the sight of the unexpected visitors huddling around his bed. He jerked clumsily from under the cotton sheet, tangling and dragging the fabric along unintentionally as he attempted to flee to the corner of his bed. Surrounding him were children of all ages, their waxy skins were leeched of colour, paled and grey. Lips were cyanotic blue and veins black. They even had no eyeballs, just an empty socket, filled with a black void of space. Their hair was shrivelled, dry and lacking contrast, and clothes were ragged as if they had been worn for years. The children shuffled closer with anticipation, smiling and tittering with sinister intent.
"What do you kids want?!" He looked defensive at this stage. Obviously these kids were dead and he wanted an answer to why they were haunting him.
No reply came from them, only advancement.
"Stay away! Vald, Eri! Wake up! Help!" Even his companions were not responding to his distress calls, was he really dreaming? Decomposing arms began to rise, confining him closer into the corner and restricting his movement.
"Vald! Eri! Please wake up!" Akihito cried desperately.
Again no response came.
Akihito needed to escape, he stood up so he could leap over their short statures but froze when he saw how jam packed the room was with children. He couldn't even see his companions sleeping. Were they even here? Cold sweat damped his forehead, he wanted to faint on the spot, that's how scared he was. Akihito was stuck there, the only option left was the window. The children grew impatient as they eyed their defenceless prey, jittery they became. The blond took a step, creating a shallow depression in the mattress. That was when all hell broke loose. The horde of children swarmed forward with their arms extended out to drag Akihito off his balance, multiple hands latched onto his ankles and lower extremities.
"Haaa! What the hell?! Get off me!" He tried to shake and kick them off.
Effective teamwork enabled the group to successfully pull their victim off from the furniture and onto the empty floor, the spot where Vald should have slept. Now at a pregnable position they leapt onto him forcefully, pinning down his flailing limbs with their feet, hands and knees with such aggression. Their icy touches sent a wave of shivers up his spine. Akihito had to fight for his life, he was being buried alive by the piling mass.
"Let me go! Piss off!" He screamingly protested, thrashing his body side to side.
The children fought over for their prized vessels. Competition incited violent clashes and a chaotic mess of nudges, jabs and shoves. Akihito saw this as an opportunity to break free but the ghosts were not willing to let him go. One brunette girl dressed in a bloody gown grabbed onto Akihito's shirt before clawing into his stomach, leaving red lines that was oozing with blood on his skin. "Arghhhhh!" Akihito screeched out in pain. Tears ran down his cheeks as the ghost mutilated him. He was scratched until his shirt was ripped and his inner flesh exposed, raw and red.
With an open wound in sight, the children transmogrified into wispy shadows. The little girl, now a collection of dark energy, streamed into his bleeding cut. "Please help me…" Akihito rasped out weakly. His entire body shuddered and convulsed as the entity seeped into him. One by one these spirits entered without permission and it felt as if his body was being squashed by a heavy weight and he couldn't breathe. After the third count he lost track of time and his vision blurred before his world fell black.
He prayed for Aurieas to save him from this nightmare.
She answered.
Akihito's conscious suspended off into another dimension, waning away from his attackers and down into the abyss in slow motion. Eventually Akihito's body stopped sinking, there he floated hopelessly, however something cheeky decided to play with him.
"Weeeeeeeee!" A baby voice squealed excitedly towards him before it bonked itself onto his head.
The impact forced him to snap his eyes open. "What the?" He found himself staring at a cerulean orb, its brightness illuminated the surrounding darkness with a blue aura. "Where am I now? What are you?" Akihito looked around before prodding the orb, it recoiled back with the cutest giggle he had ever heard and for some reason its warm presence soothed his heart, extinguishing his fear of the dead.
"Waittt!" More squeaky voices wailed in the distance. "Don't leeaave us yet!"
Akihito saw three orbs behind the first, their colour was murky and black and they were vibrating intensely. "What in the world is happening?" He muttered, everything that was happening in front of him was bizarre and he was trying to decipher the meaning behind all it. Gradually the constant shakes caused the dull shade of the orbs to luminescent to a blue colour like the first, as if it were being purified by a spiritual cleanser. Now beautifully lit, the three glided to join its sibling. Like fireflies they danced around Akihito, spiralling around him before flying closer to one another and merging as one, forming a larger ball of energy. Once coalesced the united orb settled below his navel before fusing painlessly into him. A strong current of serenity washed over his soul, lulling him into deep relaxation and rest.
Splash!
A bowl of cold water had been emptied onto Akihito's face, rudely awakening him from his dream.
"Wake up Aki. Nap time is over," Vald said before walking out of the room with a cloak hanging over his shoulder.
Akihito yawned as he stretched out his cramped muscles. His hand fell to where he was attacked. After feeling no pain or traces of blood he sighed in relief. What a dream!
He was back to reality.
…||[]||…
Meanwhile on the other side of the city.
"So this creature's wing is the key ingredient for the potion." Asami held up the dried ingredient to survey its quality. "Interesting." The vampire lord was seated in another office situated in Vldörf. Kirishima entered the room with a list in his hand. "What news do you bring me Kirishima?"
"Lord Asami we have purchased all the ingredients that can only be obtained from special traders here. No one can order them besides us, and furthermore we've got a few problems."
"List them." Asami placed the wing back into its container. He leaned forward, ready to receive the negative report.
Kirishima read the writing on the paper. "First up, the human protestors near our district have caused some damage to our shops, the repairs are underway. The second is about the party your hosting tonight for your aristocrats in relations to economic improvement. The problem is um…they're bringing their daughters…" His eyes lifted to watch his master's reaction. Asami's eyebrow twitched. The vampire lord slumped back against his office chair, pinching his nasal bridge and groaning as he recalled a series of flashbacks.
"Oh Lord Asami, I like you to meet my lovely daughter Suki!"
"Oh Lord Asami I like you to meet Misaki!"
"Oh Lord Asami!"
"Lord Asami!"
"Lord Asami, can I please have your attention!"
Driven by avarice and a thirst for power, many woman, rarely men, attempted to court the vampire lord, they've sent proposal after proposal, nagging him for attention, but despite his polite rejections and fake smiles, he would soon reach a breaking point. If he wanted to marry, he would choose a bride himself. It took commitment to maintain a healthy relationship and he was not ready, his task was not yet complete. Unless he could find a method to silence the never-ending proposals. That was when the Bloodmoon Hunt gave him thoughts, a feasible option to replace an actual marriage where he had full control. No love needed, no commitment, no dramas. Everyone knew that spouses obtained from the ancient hunt were excluded from the benefits of marital rights since they were classified as 'kidnapped', thus no one would object on how Asami treated him or her. The hunt was near and he didn't want to wait another fifty years, but who was he going to chose? It had to be someone of his taste.
During the annual ball at his castle, Asami was lucky to be saved by a flock of sheep from the most daunting marriage proposal of his life. An Alvichor overlord had travelled for diplomatic reasons, inviting himself and his entourage to the party. Lord Asami was happy to offer him accommodation and show off his prosperous city. However…the older vampire had brought his daughters along and they were fawning all over him prior to the ball. To shun them away would be a sign of disrespect especially in front of one of the oldest vampires alive. That was why he stood on the second floor, to avoid conversing with the overlord's and aristocrats daughters. It was obvious they wanted to setup a marital link between the vampire lord for their own personal gain. When the sheep scattered in, Asami was left red-faced. Gossip associated with the Alvichor would spread at a pandemic scale. Initially the vampire lord wanted to chastise the blond intruder with cruel measures but after meeting him, that all changed.
"Sire? Shall I continue on?" Kirishima interrupted his thoughts.
"Yes go on, I'm listening."
"Right sire, several hours ago our human spy had reported that three vampires had been spotted in the human district, they were not wearing our silver crest."
This piqued Asami's interest. "Any evidence to suggest their background?"
"Yes." Kirishima pulled out a coin purse and handed it to the vampire lord. "It has an initial sewn on the side."
Reaching out to observe the empty bag, Asami lifted up the flappy edges to read. Eri had stitched on those letters to prevent the bags from getting mixed up. Which was not a great idea for privacy reasons. A smile curved on Asami's lips. His little cave pup was here. However his amused smile quickly faded when he realized they could be here for the ingredients. That means they still have their hands on the formula. They must of hid a copy somewhere. Those sly bats!
"Kirishima. Send a spy in disguise to Nim's Apothecary immediately. If they are searching for the ingredients, they would go there. And do report to me the identity of those cave dwellers."
"Yes sire, and if they turn up, shall we arrest them?"
"No. Lets see how far they will go."