Chapter 22

Reiko swept into the living room to see Rose stalk out of the building, Lorelei staring after her. His love slowly turned around, her expression one of dazed confusion. She smiled sweetly at him before closing the distance between them, holding his hands in her own. She leaned forward and kissed him, bringing a smile to his face. Lorelei pulled away before blinking and cocking her head to one side.

'What is it?' she asked softly. Reiko quirked an eyebrow. 'You have this look in your eyes. You seem concerned about something. Your face is drawn and your skin is paler than usual. Something's wrong. Tell me, what is it?' Her eyes had grown wide and frightened and her own face had turned just as pale as the vampire's. She chewed on her lip anxiously. Reiko took a deep breath and held her close.

'I'm afraid I must take my leave.'

'What? Why? Where are you going?'

'I'm afraid I cannot say…it is of great importance, and I do not believe that it can wait,' the vampire muttered softly, his voice filled with regret. Lorelei reeled back at this statement, as though he had stabbed her, wounded her to the point that she would never heal. She stared at him through pained eyes and was surprised to see the agony that shone in those hazel orbs, mirroring her distress, piercing her where she stood.

'I understand now…' she said softly. 'You don't love me anymore, right?' Her voice had fallen to a soft whisper but Reiko heard how her voice had become tortured and choked. He winced before tightening his grip on her hand, careful not to hurt her, knowing that what a vampire might consider to be a light tap could be near fatal for a human being. He shook his head and kissed her deeply before pulling away and staring at her searchingly. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her, as though he would never let go.

'Don't ever let me hear you say that to me again!' his voice sounded odd, as though it were pained. His next words escaped him in the form of a hiss. 'I love you…I always will. I don't want to go but I must. It is a duty I must attend to for my people, my clan.' Lorelei looked up at him, tears filling her eyes.

'No…you're wrong…they're not your people. You don't belong with them. You belong with us, the humans. You're not like them.'

'I'm glad you think it. But that does not change who or indeed what I am. For three years I have been thus, and this is what I shall continue to be until the day my pretense at life ceases.'

'You said you don't want to go,' Lorelei whispered, her tears rolling down her face freely. Reiko was silent but he held her still closer, trying to comfort her as best as he could. 'The sun will soon rise. Stay one more day. Please don't leave me so soon.' She started moving, still holding his hands, pulling away from him. Reiko watched her with his drowning eyes, his features one of torment. She continued to move away from him, but tugged lightly at his hand, indicating that he should follow her. He did so without hesitation, without thinking. She smiled at his eagerness, his obedience and kissed him again.

'Just one more day,' she repeated again. 'Please. For me. For us.' Reiko found himself nodding and then found himself standing in the windowless bedroom. Lorelei closed the door behind them and kissed him again, over and over, and Reiko responded each and every time, his heart swelling with an unconditional love, and a raw need for him to demonstrate this love for her in some way. It seemed Lorelei also wanted to do the same, and it was with surprise that the vampire found himself on the bed, Lorelei on top, both of them kissing each other deeply, lovingly. Lorelei began to gently peel away his layers of clothing, making him shiver in the wintry atmosphere of the room. They kissed time and time again before making their love fully understood.

Downstairs, Trish sighed.

And prayed that an unhappy end would not befall her friend, the vampire.

---

Afterwards, Reiko cuddled Lorelei close, watching her sleep, a gentle but sad little smile on his face.

'I love you,' he whispered to his sleeping partner. She did not hear but she stirred slightly, a small moan escaping her lips. Reiko smiled again before brushing away a single strand of her hair. He leaned down and kissed her gently on the forehead before lying down beside her and holding her close, waiting for her to awaken.

He was a man of honour; after committing to something as intimate as what they had just done, it was dishonorable and cruel to leave Lorelei in such a position, as well as insensitive. He loved her far too much to ever do such a thing to her, and he was determined to prove his love for her somehow or another. Lorelei had unwittingly made him insecure when she had suggested that perhaps the vampire had stopped loving her. Reiko was determined to prove that this was not the case. Without even realizing, he cuddled her even closer and snuggled his face against her bare shoulder, closing his eyes as he felt her nearness. It was a sensation he couldn't quite get enough of, and after so long of living by himself without very many close friends, it was something which he took great delight in.

As the sun began to set, Lorelei began to rise. She stirred slightly against him before opening her eyes and blinking several times to clear her sleep hazed vision. Reiko watched all this with a tenderness he had once thought was impossible to feel. She suddenly noticed that he was watching her closely and smiled, as though in relief.

'You stayed throughout!' she cried, breathless with happiness. Reiko blinked before smiling and nodding.

'I would never leave you like that. I love you.' He kissed her gently before repeating, 'I will never leave you.' Lorelei seemed reassured and slowly sat up in bed, clutching the bed sheets around her, hoping to retain some modesty.

'How long are you going to be? You will be back soon, won't you?' Reiko smiled again before kissing her gently once more.

'I don't know how long I will be absent for, but I can assure you, I will be back. You have to-'

'Trust you? Reiko, I trust you with my life. I just can't trust you with your own. I've patched up your wounds before, remember? And I have a terrible feeling that those wounds were mere scratches compared to what you usually get…' Reiko sighed softly before lowering his head, staring down at his hands. Lorelei curled her knees up to her torso and wrapped her arms around them. 'Promise me something, Reiko. That wherever you're going, you'll come back in one piece.' Reiko nodded silently at the request, his face grave.

'I promise to do my utmost to return to you.' Lorelei watched him searchingly before looking away from him, staring with unseeing eyes at the blank white wall.

'You didn't promise what I asked for.'

'What are you trying to say?' Reiko asked quietly, his eyes grave and serious, his voice soft. Lorelei bit her lip, hating herself for sounding so weak and fragile, hating herself for sounding so dependant and needy.

'Because if you go, something's going to happen, and you might not come back from it alive!' And melodramatic. God, she loathed sounding so melodramatic, and she carried this feeling of shame like a heavy burden. Reiko didn't laugh or spite her in any way. Instead, he cuddled her close to him and kissed her over and over, telling her without words of how much he loved her. Lorelei pulled him down on top of her, desperate for him, desperate to drown herself in the lake of passion.

---

'Do you love me?' Lorelei asked afterwards. Reiko looked genuinely surprised by the question.

'Yes! Of course I do!'

'Then don't go,' she replied bluntly. The vampire was utterly silent and had turned totally still and statuesque, in the way that only a vampire could achieve. It made her fear that he was gone even when he was right beside her and had his arms around her. 'Don't go.'

'You don't even know where I plan to go.' His voice was gentle, reasonable.

'I don't need to know. With you, I know that there can only be danger involved.'

'That's awfully presumptive of you.'

'But I'm right aren't I?' The vampire made no reply. 'See? You're not answering. I'm right.'

'Lorelei…'

'If it wasn't something dangerous you would have told me. But you haven't done and that shows only one thing; that you're hiding something. You would have told me if it was something safe. But because it isn't you haven't. And the reason why you haven't is because you're scared that someone is going to stop you! Someone like me…or Trish…or someone!'

Reiko bit his lip anxiously before silently slipping out of bed, grabbing his clothes and a towel and going to the bathroom, not wanting to continue this painful conversation any longer, knowing that it was not doing either of them any good. Lorelei was left lying alone in bed and she slowly rolled over to curl up in the warm area that the vampire had only so recently vacated. She let out a whimpering sob and started to cry heavily into the pillow, breathing in his faint scent.

'Don't go…' she whispered. 'Please don't go…I'll never see you again if you do…' She gasped as flames licked at her vision, as she heard a high piercing cry, as she watched drops of blood splatter on the walls. She sat up quickly, gasping for breath, her heart filled with a nameless dread.

'Reiko!' she cried out, her voice filled with a desperate urgency. She strained her ears but was rewarded by the sound of the front door slamming. She whimpered again before throwing on her clothes and rushing downstairs, calling the vampire's name. Trish met her at the bottom of the stairs, a frown on her face, looking confused and concerned. Lorelei ran straight into her arms, gasping still.

'Reiko…where…where's Reiko?' Trish held her, supporting her.

'Reiko? He just left. He wouldn't tell me where he was going…'

'Oh no…' Lorelei groaned with despair. 'No…no…already? But…' she flung herself out of Trish's arms and hurtled through the front door. 'Reiko!' she screamed. There was no answer. The stars stared down at her and only the moon was there to hear her cries. She shivered in the cold night air and ran a little way before pausing. She took a deep breath, filling her lungs with as much air as she could.

'Reiko! Reiko!' she cried. But even as she called for him, she knew that it was no good. The vampire was already well on his way, and had melted into the darkness.

---

Reiko continued to move within the shadows, his eyes ready to notice any motion that was made around him. The rustling of the leaves as the wind blew past them, the rippling of the water on the surface of the roads, the roaring of cars as they sped past him, never noticing him so well hidden was he. None of this escaped his attention. Overall, for a city, the night was peaceful, but the aura of calm was lost upon the vampire.

His mind was focused only on the mission that had presented itself to him. Trish had said that harpies were a power-hungry race, that they loved the bathe in the glow of might, that they would do anything for a little more. There was no such thing as enough power, and the harpies' craving for it was boundless. Just as he was trapped in the prison that was life, they were trapped in a prison of their own making. Their hunger for might would never be satiated. It was an odd thought, but what was perhaps more strange was the fact that Reiko felt able to gain some comfort from knowing this, and was able to keep his spirits up. There were some similarities between their races after all. There were some things they had in common, he just needed to find them all. If he could then making this bond would be much easier. It just had to be.

He shivered slightly as cold high winds blew past him and he found his thoughts turning to Dante. Where was he and what was he doing right now? Was he even still alive? Had the myth worked? He had no way of knowing and all he could do was wait and hope. He shook his head before forcing himself to focus his attentions on what lay before him. He needed to keep his wits about him if he really wanted this to work. He licked at dry lips before moving again, keeping to the shadows, the way he always did, uneasily scanning the skies in case any harpies were out and about. He thought of Lorelei. This had to work for her sake. He had never felt this way about anyone before, and the thought of hurting her caused a lump to form in his throat. He'd found something precious. He didn't want to lose it after such a short period of time.

Soon, he had entered into the industrial region of the city that stood alone and abandoned in the small hours of the night. Only rats or perhaps a stray cat or two would visit the area at this time. He checked the skies again before stalking forwards, his body lithe and graceful in the darkness. A cat mewed at him from the darkness and he hissed softly in reply, causing the cat to melt away with a flick of its tail. He paused, scented the air meticulously before moving forwards slowly, carefully. Eventually, he turned in a full circle, feeling uneasy and apprehensive before pressing his hand against a wall. When the surface shimmered slightly, Reiko smiled and stepped through.

The noise of the guild embraced him the way it always did. Vampires gathered in their groups, talking quietly amongst themselves, gossiping and sharing news. They fell silent as a few caught sight of him. They watched him as one, waiting for some kind of instruction, paying him every attention. Reiko merely nodded at them, giving his silent motion for them to continue on as normal as he began climbing the steel stairs that led to the first floor. Reiko padded towards his main office, sighing as he did so, aware that many of the vampires were still watching him curiously. He slipped into his office as quietly and as unobtrusively as possible but was dismayed to find that he had not taken enough care. Remy soon appeared and watched him closely.

'Master,' he intoned formally. Reiko nodded, acknowledging that he was there before shifting the glass panel that acted as a counter, revealing the trunk that it had been resting upon as though it was the actual base for a proper table. 'Master,' Remy repeated again. 'Do you need any help?'

'I care not for your services. Leave me to my own devices.' Reiko looked up quickly as soon as he had spoken, realizing how harsh he had sounded. He sighed. 'I'm sorry. I'm under a great deal of stress at the moment.'

'I can see that,' came the dry reply. Reiko turned his back on him once more, telling himself that he had no time for foolish emotions to come in the way. If Remy was going to be overly sensitive, then that was his problem to deal with. As for him…well, the darkness would not provide cover for eternity; time was limited. He simply had to get what he needed and then move out as quickly as possible.

He heaven open the trunk and gazed at the contents, ignoring for the first time ever his keepsakes from his childhood. He sifted past the photos, a broken yo-yo, a pair of roller skates, and a traditional Japanese costume that had once belonged to his father. Afterwards, when this was done and provided he came back in one piece, he would have to take these things home. A guild that was filled to the brim with vampires was no place for such treasured items to be kept. Eventually, he reached the bottom of the trunk and smiled as he slid open the secret compartment. He looked around quickly before noting that Remy had left him alone, just as he had asked. He delved into the trunk, pocketed something, closed the old chest and then got up. He replaced the glass panel back to its proper place before dusting off his clothes and drifting out, locking the door behind him.

He seemed to glide down the stairs and before any of the vampires were able to notice once more his presence amongst them, he was gone and was back in the world outside.

Reiko took a deep breath and closed his eyes before setting off into the darkness once more, his eyes always on the alert, this time looking for harpies, not to hide from them but to approach them instead. But the problem presented itself to him immediately; where was he to begin looking? If the dragon was out and about and hunting only harpies then most would be in hiding. He realized that what he should have done was to go to Rose and ask her where to go. As soon as he thought of this, he rejected it, knowing that Rose would never agree. Lorelei had been right. He'd been scared that someone would try and stop him had they known what his plans had been. He paused suddenly, his eyes narrowing. Had he just heard it? Yes, there it was again. He hissed softly to himself before dashing forward, staff at the ready, leaving the safety of the shadows, running out into the open.

Sure enough, there were two young vampires, slightly younger than himself. By the looks of things, they had turned to death as humans at the age of seventeen. They were both cowered against a wall, their eyes wide. Before them stood three harpies, Reiko could tell immediately because of their soot coloured wings. He was alarmed to realize not for the first time that he could sense no difference between them and ordinary humans. He let out a feral snarl, hoping to distract the harpies for a split second. As planned, the three stopped and Reiko dashed in, standing between the vampires and the harpies. When the latter three next turned in his direction, the surprise in seeing the extra vampire was only too obvious. The two young vampires opened their eyes slowly and looked up, puzzled by the stillness and the lack of noise. The male caught sight of the black coat, the staff and the proud stance and quickly put two and two together.

'Master!' he gasped. The female shivered and drew closer to her companion, her eyes wide with fear. Reiko gave them a quick glance, silently checking them over before smiling with satisfaction. They were scared but unhurt. He dreaded to think what he would have done had his brethren been injured in any way.

'Asrun.' Reiko's voice was loud and commanding, clear.

'Master?'

'Take Lily and go.'

'For help?' There was a silence. Asrun was shocked to see Reiko shake his head. Was he crazy?

'I want no one else to become involved. Return to the guild, tell Remy that he is in charge until I return.' If I return…he thought to himself sadly. He realized that the two were still there. 'Well? What are you waiting for?' he said sharply. 'Go!' He heard movement behind him, felt their auras fading, knew that they had obeyed. He then faced the harpies, who were all looking puzzled by the sudden turn of events. He smiled and lowered his weapon, startling them even more.

'My apologies, ladies. I am sorry for appearing to threaten you. I mean you no harm.'

'Shame,' growled one, recovering from her surprise. 'Because we do.'

'I have words with your Queen.' All three of them stopped again, gasping.

'What?'

'With Queen Romana?'

'Her Excellancy?'

'You are indeed correct. I wish to speak with her on a matter of great importance. I speak on behalf of my people and on behalf of those of your race, for I see no way in how our feud is benefiting either of us.'

'What are you trying to say?'

'I wish to form an alliance. I wish to renew the bond that once existed between harpies and vampires. The bond that once was in place before the troubles began.' All the fight seemed to have been knocked from the three would be attackers.

'And…and w-why would you expect our Queen to give you a hearing, vamp?'

'Yes, what makes you think that she'll want to listen?'

'W-why would she want to form an alliance with your disgusting kind?' Reiko took in the expression on their faces and noted how their eyes shone with a strange light of uncertainty. He had them right where he wanted.

'Because,' he said quietly, in a voice that commanded authority. 'Because I can offer your race the kind of power that has never been encountered by any King or Queen in your history, the kind of power that is above even your wildest dreams.' The harpies were unsure as to what to do; Reiko could see their indecision reflected in their eyes. He knew that they were asking themselves the same questions; was he telling the truth or was he lying? Should they attack him as one and kill him now and run the risk of losing the chance to gain more power and glory for their race, therefore incurring the wrath of their Queen? Or should they take him to the harpy strong holding? At length, the first, the eldest one, stepped forward, her position at ease.

'Vampire, we have decided to give you the gift of life. We have decided to give you a chance. If what you say s true, then I am sure that her Excellency will give you a warm hearing.' Reiko bowed low and smiled.

'And of course, if it turns out that I have betrayed your trust,' he said slowly, thoughtfully, 'then I am sure that no mercy will be shown. For what chance does a single vampire have against many of your race?' The harpies silently agreed and felt slightly more comfortable with the situation. He was right, this strange vampire, they decided. What could possibly go wrong?

Reiko followed them silently, two behind him and one in front. He had their trust, he'd be granted a hearing. What could possibly go wrong? He already knew the answer.

Everything.