AU: Hello beloved readers. Thank you so much for reading the first chapter, and again, I apologize for spelling and grammatical mistakes. It has been a week or so since I have posted the first Chapter and decided to post another to see where shall the story go. Please, do write me your comments and reviews so I can learn and improve. Thank you and enjoy.

"Dialogues"

Thoughts

Another language

Inner Demon


Chapter 2

I remember that specific night…

It was a brilliant night sky filled with thousands of sparkling stars, winking and shining above the heads of both Nobles and humans simultaneously. The Moon represented its full scope, illuminating a massive range of white light in the pitch black sky. The scene was that of a flawless night likely to be found in the paintings, or in the peaceful imaginations of a great artist.

Somewhere around the murky ground, which inhabited under this perfect and exquisite dome, was a colossus mansion devoted to a certain event; a huge ball, a big celebration held by the hands of one of the greatest Nobles on earth and in mankind's history.

The Great Ancestor…

The mansion owned by this mighty Noble was enchanting, decorated with fabulous lights, repaired by the skilled hands of the finest architectures and refined by the best men under his hands, only to be prepared for this memorable night. The structure was so luxurious that could easily be mistaken for a grand palace. The walls were painted and sculptured by decorative images and figures likely to be found in ancient myths. Well-formed statues, big and small, perfectly surrounded the area, and over all, the whole building was sieged by the finest greenery and gardens full of flowers of the night which illuminated the moonlight that shone upon them.

Around the enchanting mansion, which was breathing the scent of varied spells and magic invisible to the naked eyes, chariots of different sizes and looks began to settle themselves in proper lines before the structure; each carrying valuable assets as well as people of mighty ranks known as the Nobility. Men and women stepped out of each fancy vehicle, dressed all in the finest fabrics, decorated with the most expensive jewelries, and carrying the scent of glory only known and associated with the Vampires. While making their way proudly to the mansion, which the hugest event was about to begin, the noises of chatters and sweet laughers gradually filled the nocturnal air.

The tranquility and zest that had filled the night was so intense that it had tactfully concealed a grim scenario that was about to occur; even from the keen eyes of the Nobility.

In one of the specific rooms of the many stories which nestled in all corners of this mansion, I was busy making the small young prince, precisely the son of the great owner, his son, ready for the ball. I had made sure that his dress and features would suit for the event as well as his father's difficult taste. The fabrics (I had made sure were made out of the finest silks and design) were made by myself… proudly.

Although the young prince had argued, whined and went as far as to fight me to talk to his father that he would dismiss his son from being invited to the party, but unfortunately, the Great Ancestor dealt the blow back on the young prince and made me vow with my blood that I would ensure to bring him all dressed up and finely prepared at any cost.

It took me a whole week to manage and find a good reason to convince Little One- by promising him a few outside walks in the day, in the gardens and some horse-back-riding lessons- in order to participate in his father's party. Not that I even appreciated the way he was always using his post of authority to force the child doing things according to HIS liking.

Quite frankly, this was not the first (and probably won't be the last) time that I had witnessed myself how Dracula made his son to do his biddings. The child used to wear weary, anxious or a bit petrified expressions as excuse in hope to coax the Vampire King to dismiss him from intrinsic obligations. Unfortunately, the result would be that the young prince got punished… terribly so.

Although, I dare say that the kid used to break the laws on purpose so that he could be alone and enjoy a bit of his isolation- no longer worrying about the high expecting eyes of his father hunting him during day, lunch, dinner, study and finally, sleep- but sometimes I could easily see how much he wanted more than just loneliness as his sole companion.

Dracula was aware about it as well, but he never minded. Sometimes I used to doubt that he enjoyed tormenting the poor kid for no good reasons. Unfortunately, there were things far beyond… better say… out of my will, hands, and also authority to do for the prince; except blaming myself nonstop.

However, the least I could do was to provide him as much fun and amusement as I thought would befitting a child of his age. Although, being nearly chronically 180 years old, he had the features of an 8 year old boy in the point of view of his people. Surely, even for an eight year old child, he was a bit smaller than ordinary kids; not that I had any problems with, but in comparison to other youths in his age which had developed to tall and grown lads, capable of helping their parents in work, farm and other daily routines, the young prince was indeed small. I had ensured him that his height and small limbs will one day would grow enough that he'll bloom into the most handsome and tallest man that no one had ever seen. I had got a smile of approval as result.

I was busy with my own train of thoughts when his gentle voice interrupted me. "May I leave the ball after everyone is settled and father gets satisfied with my presence?" Small paraffin coppered hands played with the tail of the cravat that hung over his small chest.

I smiled, biting back a light chuckle as I knew how much he had grown sensitive and bore slight harbor for things which he was unwillingly forced to do. I finished brushing his silky soft chestnut hair and tightened it in a small blue ribbon.

"We have talked about this a million times. There is nothing you should be afraid of, Little One. By the way, I think this… obligation of yours sounds more fun than chore to me." I brushed his shoulders from any unwanted hair or dust off. "There! You're ready."

I turned him around to have one last good look at him. He was dressed in a milky white vest under a tranquil blue jacket which reached to his knees, being separated into two tails from behind. The coat contained fancy golden embroideries which I had sewed them myself. His small legs were warmed by the matching milky white leader pants and a pair of knee high brown boots. Around his neck, I had placed a white cravat which its continuous tail fell on his chest, and a pan was settled on the middle of its knit.

I see you still cherish this Little One!

The pan was the form of an elegant blue pendant, which I had given him on his 8th birthday. He loved it to the point that I kept seeing it being always hanging as a necklace around his neck, hidden under his shirt when his father eyed it skeptically. However, when there were solemn events, Little One used to pin it on his jacket or cravat for public display.

Returning from my reverie, I found it difficult to keep myself in check with how he looked at me with those beautiful yet disappointed blue eyes. I couldn't help but to hug him tight yet gently, so that I wouldn't ruin his attire.

"My, you are so ADORABLE!" I squeezed him and found him wrap his small arms around me return.

"Nane please… you're embarrassing me!" He exclaimed bashfully.

Putting him down again, I watched him with a happy smile. "You look like a gentleman. I think I should accompany you in the ball just to ensure no one would kidnap you and run away." I chuckled lightly at my own jest.

Be careful with what you wish for, idiot! I scoffed at the insult my inner Demoness threw at me.

The young prince sighed and hurried towards the tall vanity mirror beside his bed and observed himself in his own reflection. Straightening his jacket and vest, he beamed as he regarded my tall frame. "I think I look good enough to satisfy father's expectations." His smile grew bright enough to show those pearly small fangs.

Suddenly, his face fell in a broken visage.

And I know why…

The kid misses her a lot and no blaming in that!

Yes… she was everything to him and left sooner than anyone's anticipation.

I was his Nane and was trained to be a savvy woman. Therefore, I knew exactly what had bothered him out of the blue. I strolled gently toward his small frame, kneeled behind him so that he reached to my chest, and wrapped my arms around him gently.

"Now, now… what's with the sad face? We had a deal, remember? No sad faces, no tears, no recalling tragic memories." He sniffed.

I looked at his reflection and found some warm tears building up in his beautiful blue eyes, nose tinted red and a pink hue dusted his cheeks. How it broke my heart whenever he was at the verge of tears. Yes, I had grown fond of this kid as I looked after him, trained him, taught him, and raised him like a son of my own. After all, it was the main reason why I was brought to this mansion, what I was assigned for, promised, and more dominantly, vowed with my life to do.

Raise and make him besting his father to be the ONLY one suited for the Draculean household's throne.

Letting out a gentle sigh, I decided to break the silence. "I bet your mother would've been very proud if she could see you like this." I softly whispered. He held his head up and looked at my reflection, watching me smile maternally.

"Yeah… I think she would." He forced a smile back. Paraffin hands reached and wiped the tears away with one more sniff.

I held him close to my chest and rested my head atop his, careful not to ruin his brushed hair. Finding his shaken shoulders straighten, the young prince set his small delicate hands on my arms which surrounded his fragile form in a loving embrace. After what it felt eternity, I found his gleaming orbs conceal behind closed lashes, a happy smile formed those beautiful pouty lips.

Both treasured the silent tranquility which enwrapped us so enjoyably. "Although, come to think of it, I think your mother is already watching you and is smiling, for her son has grown so fine and is about to bloom into a strong, handsome, and beautiful young man."

Suddenly, I found him turning around and crashing into my chest, wrapping his tiny hands around my frame and softly sobbing. He was always a very kind and compassionate child, having a heart made out of pure gold and easily displaying emotions when a specific moment raged his fragile feelings. I embraced him again and stroke his back soothingly.

"It's all right dear… it's all right. I understand your pain, but tonight… I went as far as to do so many things just see you happy and now, you're crying." I whined childishly.

He gently drew back from me while chuckling heartily. Cupping his delicate face in my hands, he let me wipe away his tears. "I know, but I couldn't help it. I miss her so much." He sniffed.

I stroke his pink tainted cheeks with my thumbs and found him smile; a smile that revealed his small fangs which he only used to show whenever we were alone together. He never smiled often, too afraid that his fangs- which in comparison to Drac's were too small to be noticed- would reveal themselves and make him appear as one of those fiends. He despised it.

I on the other hand, had made him realize that his smile was more beautiful like that than ever, and he should neither be hiding it from me nor be ashamed of exposing it to others. From that time, he tried to work on it more.

Drawing back from reminiscing, I refined his attire and planted a chaste kiss on his forehead. "Now, if you want to make you mother and Nan happy, go out there and enjoy the ball." I smiled encouraged.

As a result, he beamed in delight, making his face that of a beautiful divine angel.

Glancing nervously at his tall bedroom doors, I noticed his slight hesitation and gave him a gentle nudge. "Don't be afraid…I will watch you all the time."

"I know Nane… I know."

His eyes returned to me and gave a confident nod. Dashing to the doors, I stood before him in full height (Come to mention it, he barely reached my knees as I was approximately more than two feet tall in my demon form). I stood with my hands clasped together in front of me, watching the little Count opening the double doors with a little difficulty and turning around to give me one last look. His face was the most exhaled and beautiful face I've ever seen him wear throughout the entire month.

"All right! I'll try to enjoy my time… and as long as I feel you by my side me, I shall have no worries." He laughed in his childish tone, spreading the sound of heaven's bells ring in the chamber.

"Yes, I will always be watching you, where ever you are." I nodded.

A bright blush dusted his cheeks. "I know." He faced the outside world again. "Thank you so much for everything, Nan Roxana." He walked off while waving his hand, stepping out to join the greatest people who lived in his world and he in theirs with great bravado. I waved back at him while whispered a silent prey.

"Have fun…D."


Au: Wow, it turned longer than I had planned. ^_^ Don't forget that I appreciate your reviews. Love you all.

Vampire Hunter D and the Great Ancestor belong to Hideyuki Kikuchi.

Roxana belongs to me.

p.s. Nane is the Latin form of Nan.