Secrets Held Within
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The year is 1864, and a traveling youth by the name of Dark finds himself stuck in the small town of Azumano. During his stay he discovers a mysterious mansion, and suddenly finds his destiny intertwined with that of it's enigmatic occupant.
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Chapter 14
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Satoshi stared at Krad for a long moment before giving a dry smile. "Of course," he said, sinking back into the couch he was seated in.
"I'm going to make sure all the drapes are closed," Dark said, quickly drawing himself across the room. The thick drapes of the living room had been drawn quite a while ago, though just to make sure there was as little possibility for an incident, he made a quick second round before returning to the living room. He took a seat next to Krad, who was awkwardly trying to explain to Daisuke how he survived, exactly, without blood.
Satoshi watched, mildly interested, while Daisuke stared in awe at the majestic male before him. Even Risa and Riku had returned to the room and were watching him with curiosity.
"So," Dark said, when an awkward silence fell into the room. "You guys getting along?"
"You could say," Riku said, shrugging. Her attention focused on Krad, again. "But…you're really a vampire?"
"I do not lie to you," Krad said, shaking his head.
Satoshi raised a brow. "And you're ashamed of it?"
"I am."
"But why?"
"I don't know," the blonde admitted, "Perhaps it is the reputation that the name brings on. Perhaps it is that I have lived to see too many days…too many nights. I'd do anything to be human…mortal, again."
"Can you do anything?" Daisuke asked, leaning forward a bit.
"To be human again? Not that I know of. I'd hate to risk further damnation, though." Krad's voice was bitter, and a trace of a scowl lingered on his face.
"To be damned for a sin you didn't commit…how cruel." Satoshi almost seemed to be enjoying himself. "If what you say is true, of course."
"Only once, have I ever had human blood," Krad murmured. "And I won't ever, again."
"It's a good notion," Satoshi began, "But what if you can't stop yourself? Isn't it dangerous for you to be here? We could hardly defend ourselves against you, don't you think?"
"That is what I've come to believe."
"That's a little harsh, Satoshi," Daisuke said, his red eyes piercing through his friend. "He hasn't done anything to hurt us, you know."
"You're right. But I worry. What if he does?"
Dark stood up from his seat, lazily. "He won't."
"You can make certain of this?"
"Satoshi, I promise you. He's not going to hurt you."
"Then let him promise."
Krad swallowed and let out a sly grin. "I respect you, young one, for your integrity. You have my word that I will not lay a hand on you. Any of you, for that matter. I don't plan to be around long enough to let that happen."
A cold chill drifted down Dark's spine, and ha gave the blonde a long stare. "What do you mean?"
"Because of certain…circumstances, I'll have to go back to my house, anyway." Krad's eyes looked distant for a moment, and he added, "And I have a certain feeling that future incidents will separate us further."
"Eh? Krad, you're always speaking in riddles."
"A bad habit of mine, I suppose," the vampire said dryly.
"Well…" Riku said, drawing out of her silence. "You're free to stay as long as you like."
"That was bold!" her sister exclaimed. "But…I don't mind. Anything for Mister Dark."
Dark couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Thank you, Risa. You're so kind."
The girl clearly missed the sarcasm when she exclaimed in glee, "Of course! Anything for you."
Krad rose from his seat, slowly, and moved like a shadow back towards his room.
"Where are you going?"
Dark followed him for a few steps before the blonde, looking paler than usual responded, "Back to bed. All this excitement has…worn me out. If you'll excuse me…?"
"Yeah, sure. Just get better soon, okay?" Dark said, adding quietly, "And don't worry. You're in good hands."
"Then I thank you. Very much, for your care."
"It's nothing. 'Night, Krad!"
"Goodnight, indeed…"
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Dinner was served late into the night, and the four young teenagers and the older travelers settled around the table. Picking into the luscious chicken leg on his plate, Dark made no effort to conceal his hunger.
"Pig," Riku said, giggling, from her side of the table. She gave a weak cry when Risa elbowed her.
The five chatted aimlessly, not on any one topic. Krad was not spoken of, however, as he had not come out of his room since he had entered it several hours ago. Dark ached to make sure the blonde was doing well, though he didn't want to worry the others. He forced himself to stay out with them and chuckle at their jokes, chat about their problems. Anything to keep them from getting suspicious or curious.
The twin's mother came in a short while after they initially began eating, and said with relative cheerfulness. "Oh, Dark. I've got great news. Did you hear?"
"Hear what?"
"They're opening the roads again tomorrow morning. You won't have to stay in this little town, anymore! Isn't that great?"
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Short chapter, I know, but this thing is getting to it's end. Eh, only a few more chapters!