Sunday,18th September
Natsuno's room
If I went to bed after Tohru-chan's wake, I knew I wouldn't be able to rest. Even so I fought for sleep. Surprisingly when one's fighting for sleep and the mind is trying desperately to close its doors; not thinking about the horrible death of a loved one, the slightest disturbance can wake one up.
Step.
The same feeling I had that night at Tohru-chan's house was back.
It… is crying while collecting the postcard I threw out…
At dawn I checked outside my window. Most of the fragments of the greeting card were gone.
So, Shimizu, am I next?... I won't be killed that easily!
It was time to prepare for a war.
19th September
Mizobe District
I wanted to know my enemy better which led me to renting all kinds of horror movies with vampires.
I watched them at the house of the Mutou family even though it was slightly inappropriate. Especially Tamotsu's behavior… Tohru-chan's brother didn't believe in the supernatural. Would I believe if all of this hadn't happened? Probably no.
I felt so alone. How will I fight them? Me and what army? Tohru-chan if you were alive…
Sunday,25th September
At the library
''…They are all gone?'' I asked myself while scouting out vampire related books. The dusty shelves pointed out the possibility of someone deliberately going out of his way to acquire all the supernatural books.
''No books about vampires, not even legends handed down in this village about the living dead…'' Now that was suspicious. ''Could it be someone else figured it out?'' I conversed with myself while searching for the name of the one who rented those books: Muroi Seishin. The monk?
…
My first visit to the big temple of the landowner's family sure fascinated me. I didn't know my way around much though so I just paced around until I found people to talk to.
I had previously heard about Muroi from some rumor the grannies were boosting. Something about him being a novelist…
''Oh my! There is a lovely guest, dear!'' A woman dressed in a kimono said to someone as I came around from a corner. What a pretty lady!
I greeted them with the normal "Good afternoon'' It's already so late…
Muroi san had gone out and I informed the woman about him having taken a book I wanted to read. His mother, or at least she gave the impression of being that, apologized because Muroi's novel research was in the way of my studies.
I left hoping to get to meet him next time.
In the end it's just a material for his novels. I guess this was a huge waste of time.
Natsuno's room
I felt tired again and also somewhat stupid. Bringing two pieces of wood together, I tied them up so they form a cross.
''Can this actually work?'' My own question sounded in the room while I tossed the cross away.
Somehow, I'm starting to feel more and more insane. All in all, is Shimizu really dead?
It was yet another sleepless night with burning questions like that in my head.
Same night, 10PM
Tohru's grave
[Tohru]
What's it like to be dead? Humans always wonder throughout their miserable lives.
It's dark... A dark dream full of regret. In my case the regrets were:
leaving my family grieve my death
not working things out with Natsuno
I woke up trapped in a tight space and pushed against wooden walls two-three times before giving in to the stress. I WAS IN A COFFIN!
Wait, wait, wait I'm underground right, HOW CAN I BREATHE?
Then I noticed I didn't really feel the need to inhale. I could also clearly see the wooden coffin without the help of a single source of light. I eventually started to comprehend what the situation was.
Memories came back and resulted in a painful headache.
Shimizu Megumi, she was the one who killed me! Draining every last bit of blood I had. And the last words she said to me: ''You can't have MY Yuuki-kun! DIE!''
How could dead people feel fear? I was clearly shaken by that memory. Natsuno? Oh, yeah, she was madly in love with him. I can't I have him? But he is gay…
I was amazed at myself because that wasn't the time for these thoughts. Yes, I had feelings for Natsuno, even though my heart had stopped my dead brain remembered well enough the affection. Do my feeling even matter anymore? Neither I nor Shimizu were worthy of him now. I am dead, means Natsuno will forget about me.
Cold water came out of my eyes. I don't want him to forget and go to the city…
I heard the sound of digging above me and some voices. Male and female.
''I bet he is as good as dead.'' That was Megumi and it sounded like she wanted me to remain a corpse. "From what I see only bad people that died with regrets rise from the dead. The bastard was so close to Yuuki-kun, what could he possibly have to complain about? ''
Only people with regrets? Well in my last moments I did wish to see him and tell him what's been on my mind since we kissed. I guess that makes me a sinner and a bad friend huh. There is my biggest regret…
Open.
Some earth dirt fell on my eyes but I couldn't help but see Tatsumi's beyond satisfied face and Megumi's hateful eyes when she saw I was not as dead as she expected.
Tatsumi offered me his hand and pulled me out of the hole. For a minute none of us spoke. Well I couldn't speak - I noticed when trying to give out a ''Thank you''.
''You have to let some air in Tohru-san.'' Tatsumi continued to grin.
I nodded. And answered Megumi's intense stare with a frown.
''Thanks for letting me out.'' Suddenly I felt abdominal pain. My stomach was telling me I was hungry for something and that something wasn't a sandwich.
''Are you hungry, bastard?'' Megumi finally spoke.
''…''
After that I only did horrible things I do not wish to share.
…
Wednesday, 28th September
Shakku
[Natsuno]
''So there is no way Shimizu can come back to life?" It had come to my mind to ask Dr. Ozaki to confirm Shimizu's death for me.
''If she came back to life in that condition, she'd be a zombie or a vampire! HAHAHA!'' He said that as a joke and laughed awkwardly.
''I understand. Sorry for asking such a strange thing.'' Quickly turned around and ran.
I was a little hurt by the doctors laugh. Maybe I thought if it was him he'd understand.
Don't hope… I'll deal with this alone but HOW?
I had to start from somewhere and the most suspicious place was the castle.
Walking through a woodland; still thinking; not giving into the tiredness.
I saw two kids observing the castle. They had hid behind a small bush and one of them I think I recognized. There was someone behind them with a murderous intent.
This is bad I have to do something!
''OI! You there! What are you doing?'' I didn't raise my voice too much.
The kiddos were startled and turned my way; the other figure hid behind a tree. Good.
''You are Shimizu's friend right? I have something I want to ask you. Come…'' I kept it short and led them out of the woods.
We walked some time and the boy figured I was as he said ''the guy who recently moved here''. Yeah, yeah.
''You two…were being watched.''
''EH? We didn't notice!'' They both said in synch.
I was curious what they were doing there but no concrete answer came out.
''Could it be you guys… suspect the Kirishiki family too?'' I was blunt.
''Too? Does that mean… you do?''
I nodded at that but soon after regretted it because I was jumped and hugged tight. The younger boy started going on about how no adult believed them.
''What's with you? Let go!'' I didn't like it when people were touching me. Tohru-chan was an exception but this is… Shit… I end up thinking about you no matter what I do.
''I SAW SOMEBODY THAT'S ALREADY DEAD GO INTO THAT CASTLE!'' His words were worth my attention and I believed them to his surprise.
Akira and Kaori were so happy and to be honest I was glad I wasn't the only one too. We looked around while talking.
''Did you send Shimizu's greeting card?'' I asked the girl that introduced herself as Kaori.
''Eh?...No.'' Her eyes were looking down. ''I think I left it at her grave since you didn't take it… You received it?''
''Yeah. And I believe you guys because I saw Shimizu.''
SHOCK.
''Even so part of me finds it hard to believe, that's why I am going to dig up Shimizu's grave!'' My words left them staring for some time.
…
Saturday, 1st October
That day we dug up the grave. When we finally did our job and opened the coffin… it was empty.
Kaori was saddened by it but soon we had something else to worry about.
Someone came behind her and was going to bite her neck with dog-like teeth.
Had she not found the charm she left at Shimizu's grave at her funeral, she wouldn't have made it out alive.
After she was free from the vampire's grasp I hit him with my shovel even though I was scared to death. This felt so wrong! I just hit a person…
I checked his breathing, he was dead.
''He was dead to begin with…I can't feel his body temperature.'' I said to them.
We threw it in the hole. And didn't bother to cover it up. If the adults found a vampire… that would actually help.
Sunday, 2nd October, bad luck all day
Next day we wanted to check the grave and since none of us slept much we met there pretty early.
It was fixed…as if it hadn't been dug out.
Akira suggested they are vampires and can't do anything in the day but I had seen a young guy from the Kanemasa mansion freely walk in daylight. He was even going to attack them if I wasn't there.
So we continued plotting our strategy; the enemies were quite outnumbering us so what was logical to do is stop them from rising. We had to dig more graves … or so was the plan.
Same day, after sunset
Natsuno's house
''I'm home.'' What a long day…
''Welcome, Natsuno. You have a guest.'' My mum's greeting.
''A guest? Tamo-chan?''
''No, this little girl with a puppet. She's in your room.'' They answered and I was already freaking out.
''In my room?! Don't let people in my room like that!''
But when I went; there was no one there.
My dad explained how the girl had an important matter to discuss … and she asked if it would be okay for her brother to visit too! Shit, they got me.
''And… what did you say?'' I hoped my dad was smarter than that.
''Well I said sure.''
Invitation complete.
''I see.'' So they've come for me. Stressful sweat drops formed on my face as I knew my life was in danger.
After I found out they had gained access to my house by using dirty tricks, I decided my room a temple. All the religious charms; crosses I possessed were now glued to every wall and window in my room. Will this stop them? I thought to myself while ''decorating''.
[Tohru]
"No! TATSUMI, WHAT THE FUCKARE YOU PLANNING TO DO TO MY YUUKI-KUN! Don't lay a finger on him!" Megumi snapped again. She probably heard Shizuka had tricked Natsuno's parents to gain access. And then...
I hid behind a tree as soon as I saw all the hunters assembled in front of Tatsumi. They were planning a massive attack of the Ozaki hospital, the doctor in charge of which had also found out about our existence.
"Natsuno has discovered too much already. If we don't kill him now he will endanger our plans in this village…" Tatsumi began explaining to the pink haired devil.
I knew...why they needed me. I wanted to avoid thinking about it…
"THEN AT LEAST…LET ME DO IT!" Huh? She wanted to kill Natsuno?
"No. If you disobey Sunako's orders you won't end in one piece so to say. I have high hopes for you, don't disappoint us." He kept it short and she was extremely mad.
Sunako's orders… were for me to kill the friend I fell in love with.
Cruel isn't it? I hugged my knees as I sat on the grass. The night was unwelcoming and cold just like my tears. But i couldn't stop them.
Fate had said its final word and we all acted upon it.
Monday, 3rd October
[Natsuno]
''Dad, do you happen to know what happened to the crosses in my room?'' They were gone when I came back from school the next day so I wondered if he had something to do with that.
''I threw them out.'' His tone was angry. ''You know I hate things of that sort. I wish you would have nothing to do with them too.''
''..eh..'' How am I supposed to defend myself then? ''I understand… Thanks for the new chair.''
I took my leave after giving my thanks for the present.
Sigh.
11:40PM
Chills went through my body when night came. Two days had passed since that little girl had said her niichan would come ''later''.
Did they give up on coming? It's been two days already…No … The real question is who will come. Whoever it is I won't fall victim without a fight. I'll defend myself!
I gripped the monkey-wrench in my hand. This wasn't my only weapon of course: a wooden stake and a hammer hidden in my shirt; a fast-made wooden cross; monkey-wrench and a strong desire to survive. I had it all.
The Shiki attack the hospital.
{Megumi}
I participated in the attack but as soon as it was over I ran through the thorny woods; some plants ripped my skin but I couldn't care less. Yuuki-kun! Yuuki-kun! After Ozaki it was now his turn and I wouldn't allow anyone else to kill him. I didn't hate Yuuki-kun even though he had tossed my feeling away..
No! I won't let Yuuki-kun get killed by someone else!
I tripped and fell; tears dropped from my eyes.
Tatsumi's gonna punish me but I have to…!
Tuesday, 4th October, 00:01AM
[Natsuno]
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Someone knocked on my window; twice; just to make a noise and announce his presence clear.
I made sure the cross was near me as the knocking continued.
Finally I could clearly see a silhouette. Someone was behind that window and he was here to kill me.
I stood up in fear with cross in my left hand and monkey-wrench in my right; the creature tried to force the window open.
This shadow isn't Shimizu's… My mind was analyzing the situation. So is it that man I hit with a shovel?
I tightened my grip, remained still at the figure's attempts to enter..
He stopped and walked away.
Tracing his way by the sound I sensed how he went to the front door and tried his luck there.
The door was unlocked.
WHAT?! I thought it was locked! Did dad leave it open?!
I remembered how he forbid me from locking it when we first came in the village. He is always like that…no they both are! They go against the community norms and think they are always right…and despite that dad couldn't just accept my sexuality. They wanted to live in the ''beautiful'' countryside, force me in this place, change me to be more like them. IT's NOT FUNNY AT ALL! I'm going to leave this place! I am testing in the city university! There's no way I'm dying in here!
While all this was sprinting in my head the creepy creature entered and tried to unlock the door to my room – without success.
I soon felt his presence behind me at the window again. I leaned on the wall awaiting.
Knock, knock.
He tried again. Just try and enter again. This time I'll catch you and show you to the villagers…
''Natsuno…'' A voice most dear to me broke the silence.
This voice!
''It's me…''
The wrench fell loudly on the floor escaping from my trembling hand.
The voice of someone I care about is calling me. I let my head hang down loosely; closed eyes. There's only one person who calls out to me like that.
I slid the barrier of the glass and quietly asked:
''Who's there?'''
''It's me.'' He quickly replied.
I should NOT open.
I know I have to stay right here protecting myself.
I know I have to…
Left hand reached to the window handle . ~Tak~ I slid it open.
''Oi…'' I saw him squatting below my window. His head was pressed down.
I let one of my hands rest on the sill and he snatched the opportunity to grab it and pull me.
''AH!''
He kept on pulling with one hand; the other one was hiding his face…or tears.
I used all of my strength and inertia from the strong pullback finally showed me the face of the dead one.
Tohru-chan!
I didn't let him out of sight as my body went backwards. His eyes were puffy and black-red; expression so pale.
''Tohru-chan?'' He… My bestie was agitated that he had failed to pull me out; as soon as he looked in my intense eyes his hands covered the pale face he didn't want me to see.
Tohru-chan stormed back to the woods.
Huh… Is he ashamed of himself? Tohru-chan… is one of them but… Fuck no, no, no why?!
''TOHRU-CHAN!'' I was so confused …at the situation and at my feelings.
[Tohru]
I can't do it after all! Natsuno wouldn't follow me right? They'll kill my family-
I stopped by a tree and sobbed thinking I was alone in the dark woods.
''Hmm, so they really did send you to kill Yuuki-kun.'' Megumi creeped me out.
I gripped my fist and continued crying still panicking about what to do.
''This is something only a sadist like Tatsumi can scheme.'' That moment I cast eyes up to look at her.
''If I don't do it he will attack Aoi and Tamotsu… and send someone else to kill Natsuno.'' Were all the words I could say after so many tears. Tatsumi had blackmailed me with that.
''So you're gonna kill your friend?'' Megumi sounded haughtily. ''Family is more important to you?''
''YOU'RE WRONG!'' I hit the tree with my fist and made it shake; some leaves fell.
''I'm wrong? How so? Explain yourself.'' You know nothing ...
''Natsuno…Natsuno found out about us and now Tatsumi wants me to get rid of him. Even if I refuse to he will still be a target… I could protect my siblings ..'' I can't save him so at least the ones I can- I don't know anymore!
''Then why are you just standing here?'' She raised an eyebrow. ''Are you scared?...Fine. I'll do it. I won't waver!'' Shock.
''Shimizu, don't!'' She doesn't get it. I don't want him to … He is as important as family he is my best friend! Natsuno… if he dies in the village he wouldn't be happy! He wants to leave!
I grabbed her shoulder. ''If you go against Tatsumi's will who knows what he will do to you!'' It was my desperate attempt to stop her. If she bites him first she will make him her toy before she drains him. I shook my head at the thought of Natsuno with her. ''You know how scary he can be!''
''I know very well.'' Megumi removed my hand. ''You just watch and don't get in my way, bastard! Yuuki-kun is mine..''
You!
Both my hands were put on my face to wipe off tears, which didn't stop. How many days had I cried?
Can I really let her kill the one I love?
''TOHRU-CHAAAAN!'' Natsuno went after me!
''Natsuno-!'' My hoarse voice said as the other shiki smiled creepily and ran towards the voice.
[Natsuno]
I knew very well what following him would result into…
Despite that I left through the window.
''Tohru-chan! … TOHRU-CHAAAAAN! '' I shouted in the quiet night. Tried to avoid going deep in the woods so I just used the roads where I didn't need a flashlight to see.
I didn't want to think about that…No. I just didn't try to remember that they are the ones who killed Tohru-chan… I didn't want to accept the possibility of him rising. I wouldn't care if it was Shimizu or anyone else…anyone but Tohru-chan.
Running with that on my mind I reached the old spring and memories came back in the form of flashes:
''The water from this spring is said to have healing powers. It's cold and reeeaally refreshing! Also I've heard you can get more clever if you drink from it! ''
''Oh… WaAH!'' Tohru-chan splashed that icy water at my face.
''HAHAHAHA! You have to take those university exams so drink up a lot! Hooraa~" He did it again and again.
''Cut it off!'' I was already wet to the skin.
…
That's right he was a good person, hence why everybody liked him. Even Masao. So why did Tohru-chan waste his time with me? I stared at the flowing water. I know I am not friendly at all…but he was always so warm-hearted.
Putting my hand in the cold water reminded me of his hand a moment ago when he grabbed me.
''Why… why is he so cold now?''
{Megumi}
Yuuki-kun could die… but there's also a big chance he will rise. Also if he's meant to die I want it to be by my hands! I watched his sad expression as he reached to touch the spring.
I was about to make my way to him but then I saw Tatsumi was already headed his way.
''Yo! You are Yuuki Natsuno-kun, right?''
'Who's asking?'' My crushy bravely stood up and faced Tatsumi.
''I don't think we've met before. I'm Tatsumi. I serve the Kirishiki family.'' He looked back at the big castle.
''So, what do you want?''
''You… are very perceptive. The first one to learn about our existence. Also you're brave. You could have ran away but you didn't. It's 'cause you are a nice guy. You couldn't leave. Despite the short time you were here this village became your home…and although they are a few you have some friends. But we have a little problem here.'' His voice became darker. ''If you had just stayed at home but noo you began investigating just like doctor Ozaki. We can't allow you to hunt us!''
''And you want to kill me?'' Yuuki-kun sounded really confident and I was once again reminded of the reasons I like him. Ahhh, he's so cool. ''But you do realize I won't surrender so easily? I'll run until I can't breathe.''
''That's good and all but I have a better idea. Megumi-kun, you can come out.''
EH? He knew I was here?
''Shimizu…'' Yuuki-kun didn't use my first name as I got out of my cover. How cold. I want to make you say "Megumi-chan~".
Is Tatsumi giving me permission? I can bite Yuuki-kun? Then I can hypnotize him and make him do love to me before I take his last drops of blood. Kyaah, this is the best! Forbidden love~!
In my head I had already started making plans of what I could do with him.
''Tatsumi-san, I…'' I was excited but my face showed more of sadness.
''I know. I'll make an exception. I suspected this would happen.'' Yatta! I'm allowed to! I will have Yuuki-kun!
''Eh?'' He was so friendly with me I was surprised. Yuuki-kun was watching me meanwhile. That intense king stare made me shiver.
''It's just us now. You can do whatever you please!'' That's what I was waiting for hehehe~.
I smirked and my eyes became red as blood, lust and all kinds of feelings overtook me.
''Yuuki-kun try to understand.'' I approached him. ''I am better than some stranger, right?''
On Yuuki-kun's face a hateful expression was written.
…
[Natsuno]
No! You are the last person in this world I want to be killed by! Fucking horny stalker girl!
I looked over to Tatsumi and then at her. The shiki had me cornered.
I don't want to die! I promised myself I would leave this fucking place! I can't let myself be killed by them or all my effort …what did I study so hard for.. I'm not dying here! Not by her hand!
''Right?'' Shimizu repeated her question but I was only disgusted by her. ''Yuuki-kun.''
They continued taking steps towards me and there wasn't much place for me to back off.
Suddenly I was hugged from behind; my mouth being covered by someone's cold hand.
…
[Tohru]
I watched them corner their prey. I wouldn't care so much if it was someone else but Natsuno. Megumi wants to kill him! I can't let her…
Only thing I could do to protect him was to bite him. There was a unwritten rule we followed: whoever bites the victim first gets to be the one to …kill it.
I've killed so many already…Why are my hands shaking now?
I was holding the most important person in this world in my hands.
Using more strength than necessary I even lifted Natsuno from the ground; as gentle as I could.
''Natsuno… Natsuno, forgive me… Please don't hate me…'' I whispered apologetically in his ear.
Unconsciously I held him more and more intimately, pressing my body against his back, but I could see the fear in the corner of his eyes. Were those the eyes of a betrayed one?
I was afraid of his words. Would it be hatred? Disappointment? Would he say he hates me? Or would he beg for his life?
''Tohru…ch…'' Natsuno tried but little escaped the mouth I had closed.
I licked his neck and placed a kiss on the spot to assure him the last thing I want to do is hurt him. By doing that I carefully observed his reactions. His heart is beating so fast… is it fear or is he embarrassed?
Tears were running down my cheeks as opened my predator mouth behind my one and only best friend.
Bite.
My teeth sank deep into his skin.
''Ah!'' Natsuno moaned in pain but also pleasure as red liquid flushed into my mouth. Did it hurt? Even though the hungry carnivore in me was out I could still think clearly. That was something unusual. His moan sounded so hot… but I'm hurting him.
''NO!'' Megumi was mad and disgusted at what was happening before her eyes. ''Are you two fucking GAY for eachother? UGH.'' She stomped on the ground. Is this really what it looks like to them?
While I was feeding, Natsuno stayed still. Why? Doesn't he want to stop me? Or at least deny what she said?
His hand with an innocent movement touched mine and wrapped fingers around it making me release the mouth I was covering. ''Ngh..'' Never will I know the meaning of this gesture but he didn't seem mad at me. Somehow I knew… or wanted to believe that.
With that same hand he was holding I lifted his chin up gaining even better access to his blood vessels. Natsuno clearly moaned this time.
''Ho hoo~, aren't you two enjoying this a little too much, Tohru? Could it be that what Megumi said is true?'' Tatsumi, sarcastic as always.
Maybe I should…
I didn't take much blood from him but Natsuno passed out. He slumped on the ground because I wasn't able to react and catch him. His blood's aftertaste left me craving for more but I knew this should have been the first and last time I got a taste of it.
I gave Tatsumi and Megumi both a glare; squatted by Natsuno's side and pulled him up to a sitting position and set his head on my squatted knee; chin up which made his purple locks fall down his shoulders and back.
He was so beautiful, I couldn't hold in the blush.
''It is true.'' I finally gave Tatsumi an answer and his face turned deadly serious all of a sudden. My black predator eyes now locked with Megumi's. ''That's why, Megumi , you can't have him!''
''Tsk. Yuuki-kun is not yours!'' If looks could kill those fierce eyes of hers would have put an end to my life.
'Oi oi, you two! We finished our job tonight. What's left is to drop him home and hypnotize him forget what happened. Stop fighting you're such kiddos! '' Tatsumi tried to lower the tension in the air.
''No, she needs to understand something!'' I leaned in to the younger boy in my arms for a kiss. This should make it clear. It was enough for me to gently suck on his lower lip and Megumi squeaked in disgust as if she had seen a cockroach.
Even Tatsumi was surprised. I know it's a lie and I feel even guilty of the things I did to him tonight… Natsuno's heart doesn't belong to me… but at least it will make Megumi give up on him. He isn't interested in her, right?… Well that applies for me too why am I getting full of myself? Even kissed him like that…
I'm the worst.
After the reflections I moved away from his face. Did my eyes deceive me or did he really look at peace while in my arms?
'' I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! EW EW EW!'' I heard her cries; picked Natsuno up with the strength of a shiki.
''I'll take care of the rest.'' I informed Tatsumi and he gave me a nod of approval.
…
Sorry for the many updates lately, I am going over old chapters and fixing my dumb English xD ~also improving some little details~ . Forgive me if you are receiving email spam! Please let me know what you thing about my story in the review section c: