Everything isn't always nice and fun in life. Time to learn that, Yuu.
Enjoy and comment !
Four years had passed since the end of the world. Yuu mentally grew in contact with his friends. The first year was not easy for them, their friendship with the Prince of Sanguinem had aroused jealousy. First in the form of insults and attacks. But Yuu has quickly stopped it. Since they had not been molested. Yuu continued to bring them some objects: books, pencils, toys, blankets or pillows he did pick out. However, he did not think to bring them food, believing that the food given to the young was enough. Mika had thought to ask him, when he realized that the vampire was doing well enough as it is, without any other consideration than friendship.
However, he was aware of a rumor that another noble could remedy the situation. He would only give a little of his blood, which was not over priced. So the twelve years old boy had made his decision : he went to the mansion of Ferid Bathory. The idea that Yuuichiro may not appreciate had crossed the noble's mind, and especially the fact that if the little one bit also his comrades that could be considered as theft. And theft of blood was put to death among the vampires. But Mika assured him that Yuu asked nothing, and respected the vampire law. This assertion swept the last of the noble reticence. So he agreed. In exchange, Mika would have access to good food and could even bring it back to his family.
It lasted quite a while. Mika hid his double life to his family and especially to Yuu. But Akane one day discovered it all.
« Mika ! You give your blood to a vampire ? » she exclaimed.
« Yes, how do you think I get the ingredients for your curry ? » he answered.
« But ! I thought it was Yuichiro who gave them, as for the rest ! » said the young girl.
« Yuu is actually doing more than enough for us like that. I'm not a profiteer, me. I give a little of my blood, that's all and that's not much. I might as well do that for my family right ? » resumed Mika.
« But how long will you do this trade ? » asked Akane.
Mika did not answer. He didn't know. He might pretend it was nothing to him, the truth was that in reality it was humiliating. He was solding himself for his family, but was sold anyway. The young did not know how long he could endure this regimen. Meanwhile, it was necessary to deceive. Look good in front of his family and before Yuuichiro. Fortunately, Ferid bit him in the shoulders, where he could hide the bite marks. He also saw to pass several days between visits so they heal. But his will was weakening days passing. Especially when he had to face the look of Akane. Mika felt soiled. They were trapped here for the rest of their days. These are the reasons that led him one day to make a fatal decision.
During his visit, Mika subtilized a map and a weapon. It was time. They had to leave this place, this prison. Akane, who was waiting for him like every night, was the first aware of his plan. Mika asked her to wake everyone up. After that, the family went out at night to win its freedom.
« Mika, if we're going Yuu will be sad. » objected one of the kids.
« I know. But we can not stay in Sanguinem anylonger. » responded Mika.
He apologized mentally tothe little vampire since they were out of their home. He hoped that their friend would understand. He equally thanked him for all the joy he had brought them, but now their paths separated. Mika's heart lightened when they approached their goal. Alas, they quickly understood what death trap they had fallen in. Ferid Bathory blocked their way when they reached the exit. Mika was petrified. No ... a game ... it was a game for the vampire. Ferid went out to Suri, grabbed her and bit.
« SURI ! » screamed Akane.
Suddenly Ferid stopped. He felt something coming. Suddenly Yuuichiro jumped on his shoulders, and violently pulled his hair. Ferid let out a very little manly cry.
« LET HER GO ! » he yelled.
Suri fell to the ground, lifeless. Ferid struggled.
« RUN ! Don't stay here ! » shouted Yuu.
Mika pulled himself together, and ordered his family to run to the exit. With shouting children rushed. Ferid hissed : Yuu would derail his plan.
He eventually took off the vampire from his head, at the price of a few strands. He threw away the little one, then sped to deal with the fugitives. But Yuuichiro bounced against a wall and got back. Mika then used his weapon and shot the noble to move him away. Ferid dodged. Yuu heard the ball whistle over his head. Correcting its trajectory, Bathory caught Akane that he pierced with his hand. He then cut the throat of a small one.
« AKANE ! » screamed Yuu and Mika.
The vampire rushed toward the blond who fired again. The dodge of the noble allowed Yuu joining and tackle his legs. Then grabbing him by an ankle he threw him away. While Yuuichiro dam Ferid, Mika Akane dragged by her shoulders.
« Mika ... leave me ... bring the others ... to safety. » she articulated.
« No way I'm gonna leave you behind ! We're going all out or not ! » answered Mika.
« Mika ! » called Yuki, the one with glasses.
Akane struggled and fell to the ground. She pushed Mika.
« Just go you idiot ! You can't do anything for me, and Yuu won't be able to hold back the vampire for long ! » she exclaimed.
Mika looked up, noting that his vampire friend was once again cast on the ground by Ferid. The latter had torn clothes and even an arm missing he immediately tied up.
« Run ! » resumed Akane.
To tears, Mika got up and ran to the exit. His sister and the others ran with him. In the tunnel, the little blonde screamed his despair. Inside, Akane smiled. On the whole family, only two had died. Ferid noticing the flight of the children narrowed eyes. Yuu's also noticed. He then rushed to Akane, who was bleeding to death.
« AKANE ! Hold on please ! »
« Yuu ... thank you ... thanks to you ... others are safe. » she breathed.
Yuu felt the dawn tears. He took the hand of his friend.
« What's happening here ? » said a feminine voice.
Krul Tepes came on. She immediately noticed her son and his desperate mine.
« He tried to kill my friends ! » he revealed, showing Ferid.
Krul turns her gaze to Ferid.
« Really now. You let one one my precious seraphs escape. » she said, approaching Yuu and Akane.
« Mom can you save her ? » asked Yuu.
« Yes I can. She just has to become a vampire. » responded Krul.
« No … thanks. » whispered Akane.
« The choice is not yours I'm afraid. » resumed Krul, while biting her lip.
She then shed her blood in the mouth of the girl. Yuu was charged to keep her still during the process. During that time, Krul went to have a word with her congener. Yuu looked at Akane's wound closing, a sign that the transformation was effective. Akane was sweating, out of breath.
« Akane ! » said Yuu, lifting her.
He held her against him, relieved that she was still alive. But the concerned one for her part, was devastated. Now she was a vampire. She was no longer a human being, she could not be part of her family. Yuu released her.
« It's going to be alright Akane, I'll take care of you. You'lle probably be able to live at the palace with me now. » he said.
Ferid left. Krul then turned to her son and certainly now an adoptive daughter. She was not as good a subject as that which had escaped, but she would satisfied in the moment. She could probably use it to find the other.
« Well you two, it's time to go home. » said Krul.
« Yes mom. Thanks a lot for saving my friend. » smiled Yuu.
« You're welcome my baby. »
Akane was in shock. Two of her family members had been killed, and she became a vampire. Outside, Mika and the others had finally managed to get out of the vampire city. They discovered the outside world. It was winter and it had snowed. The smalls ones were shivering. Mika started walking. They had to find shelter quickly. The guilt was crushing his heart, and he struggled against tears. It was all his fault. If only he had listened Akane and asked Yuu what he needed, none of this would have happened. Akane and the other two would be still alive. Fortunately Yuuichiro intervened. He did not know how he found them, but he thanked him. Thanks to him, a good part of his family had escaped a disastrous fate.
« Well that wasn't planned. » he heard.
Startled, Mika looked up. He saw ... a human. A hooded adult man, accompanied by two women.
« I thought that just one of you would get out there, not a whole band. Oh well, what is done is done. » resumed the man.
Mika said nothing. So there were still people out ? Vampires had lied to them. Humanity had not extinguished. Akane ... Mika felt tears running down his cheeks, but this time with relief. They were saved. He walked over to the man whom he hugged. The other children also threw themselves into adult arms, hit hard by their escape. The trio of soldiers therefore found to calm this little world, before taking them with them.
Meanwhile, Yuu had been forced to wear Akane in his arms. The girl was paralyzed. Yuu laid her in his room. Eyes wide open and mouth open, Akane seemed disconnected. Yuu watched a moment. He shook her by the shoulder, in vain. It was all the fault of Ferid. The young vampire felt the rage invade. He left the room, then rushed towards the noble mansion. He passed before three people he did not recognize.
« Yuu ? » said Chess Belle.
« He looks angry. » added Horn Skuld.
« He's heading to Ferid's home. Stay here. » ordered Crowley.
The noble with red strands rushed.
For his part, Yuu smashed the door of the mansion. Advising Ferid surprised by this tumult, he rushed at him and jumped him on the chest. The progenitor collapsed to the ground.
« WHY DID YOU DO THIS ?! » roared the child.
« Yuuichiro. In case you didn't noticed, your little friends were trying to flee. What is strictly prohibited. » answered calmly Ferid.
« ARE YOU KIDDING ME ? YOU DIDN'T NEED TO KILL THEM ! » resumed Yuu, grabbing his clothes this time.
While talking he crashed his head on the floor. Ferid grabbed the little brown around the waist, and pushed him away. Yuu released him, but soon returned to the attack. Ferid dodged. The young fell back on his feet and continued. But Yuu suddenly grabbed his opponent by an ankle when he stepped aside. The vampire tugged, unbalancing Bathory. Then twirling he sent him against a wall. Without giving him time to recover, he rushed to him with a roar of rage. But he was stopped halfway.
« Yuuichiro ! But what the hell is wrong with you ? » exclaimed Crowley, holding him by shoulders.
« Aaah Crowley-kun. You'd be nice to teach your son some good manners. » said Ferid, straightening.
« And you, can you tell me what you did to my son for him to be like that ? » interrogated the ginger.
« He tried to kill my friend this rotter ! » exclaimed Yuu, struggling.
« Huh ? »
« Some livestock just escaped tonight. I simply intervened to prevent that. » precised Ferid.
« YOU DIDN'T NEED TO KILL THEM FOR THAT ! » yelled again Yuuichiro.
He escaped from the grip of Crowley and rushed again on the other one. Ferid stopped him by putting a hand on his head. But the child grabbed his wrist, grabbed top with his other hand and literally made him an outlet. Eusford thought that his lessons were bearing fruit, even if he would have liked another than Ferid to pay the price. Yuu placed a foot on the throat of the adult and then twisted his hand.
« Now listen to me you stupid idiot ! If you ever dare to approach Akane, I'll rip your head off ! » threatened Yuuichiro.
« You look like your mother when you're angry. » smiled Bathory.
In response Yuu broke his hand. Crowley intervened and approached the small one. However, he then released Ferid and ran out of the mansion. Ferid put his fingers up and then got up to finish by arranging his clothes.
« That's what happen when you let children playing with livestock. » he said.
Crowley returned him a sidelong glance. He did not like what the noble did to Yuu. He didn't even seem to notice the return of his father. So he preferred to leave the place without a word. He found that his aides whom he informed of the situation. Chess reviled Ferid for daring to upset the prince. She knew they could not trust this guy. Eusford said nothing. He entered the palace and went into Krul's chamber, where Yuu was supposed to be. He suddenly heard crying, but from a feminine voice. Through the crack in the door, he found a girl in cattle held pay all the tears of her body in Yuu's arms. Both were sitting on the floor. A tear rolled down the cheek of Yuu.
« Yuu. » said Chess Belle.
« Better to leave them for now. » said Crowley.
« But … »
« Come now, Chess. » said Horn Skuld.
The three vampires departed. Inside, Yuu stroked the head of Akane. He returned to say he had gone to explain with the responsible of the tragedy. Which had acted as a trigger for the young vampire, screaming her despair. Yuu shared her sorrow : he had lost all his friends, two of them were dead. Moreover, he felt the act of Ferid as a treason. He knew that the Hyakuyas were his friends, yet he had attacked. Yuu didn't want them to leave either, though not to the point of murder. Ferid could simply have stun or block them. But no, he has to made blood shed. And that Yuu would never forgive him. Eventually Akane's tears dried up.
« Forgive me Akane, I couldn't protect them all. » he said.
« It's not your fault Yuu. On the contrary, thanks to you most them could escape. » responded the concerned one, wiping her eyes.
« But by the way, why did you want to leave ?» questionned Yuu.
Akane then looked down. Then after a moment of silence, she told him everything. How Mika had come to give blood against food, how he had experienced it as a humiliation he had not bear in the end. So he had stolen a map and a gun, and then they fled.
« But … but why didn't he ask me ? I would have bring food ! » exclaimed Yuu.
« Because he didn't want to take advantage of the situation. You were already doing so much for us. »
« Well of course we're friends. I mean I never had the sensation you were abusing or whatever. I'm the one who came to you in the first place. » recalled the vampire.
« I know right. But now is not the time to lament : what's done is done. » continued Akane.
« Still, to want to leave … » resumed Yuu.
« You can not understand. You, you're a vampire and the prince of the city. You always had everything you wanted : toys, parents and a family that loves you and freedom. All that was taken from us. We are slaves here, food suppliers and that's it. If one of us dies, your kind do not care. »
Yuu sighed. It is true that his situation was not comparable to that of Hyakuya's. If he had not been a vampire and one of them instead, without doubt he would have done the same. Hey, speaking of parents, he had not even said hello to his father. Barely had he paid attention to him. But he could not let Akane alone.
« That is true. But I'll take care of you now. I will teach you what you need to know to live well here. After ... » he said, putting an arm around her shoulders.
Akane looked at him.
« After I don't know. We'll see. Maybe you'll have the opportunity to see Mika and the others again. »
Akane sighed. What a pity. The girl suddenly yawned, exhausted by all these emotions. Yuu was embarrassed : he did not know if he could allow her to sleep in the bed that he still happened to share with his mother. But where else to lodge her ? He had an idea. He took Akane in his arms, then went out through the window. Jumping on roofs, Yuu led his small protégée in the Eusford mansion. If his memory was good there was a small bed, where Yuu sometimes napped. The vampire had taken it expressly for the child, a little big because he thought he would grow. He put Akane on the threshold. This was not closed, needless to vampires. He then led upstairs. The bed was still there. Yuu took the blanket and shook it out to remove dust, like the pillow.
« Yuu where are we ? » interrogated Akane.
« At my father's place. This room was for me before. You can sleep here, and rest assure I will stay up. » announced Yuu.
Sleeping, she did not know if she could. Yet she was a nervous wreck. Also slept she did so. Akane was a moment surprised to sleep in a bed. Yuuichiro for his part, took the chair Crowley used to settle on until the little brown fall sleep. For a moment, Akane remained open eyes. Then, the emotional fatigue taking over, she fell asleep. Five minutes later, Yuu perceived noise down. Moving silently, he went to see. Eusford and the others were just coming back. Yuu looked behind him : they might wake up his friend. And he wanted to see his father. Finding that the girl did not need him, Yuu went through the door and closed it quietly. He went down the stairs, the trio was in the salon.
« Yuu ! » exclaimed Chess happily.
« Hi Chess. » said Yuu, hands in his pockets, with a little smile.
The vampire ran to him and hugged him against her. Yuu hugged her with some gratitude.
« So little scamp, is that it you're calm now ? » asked Crowley, approaching.
« No. If I ever meet Ferid he'll better keep aloof from me. » said Yuu, still angry.
« Yuuichiro, he is a noble higher up than you and an adult. Therefore you are asked to behave and be polite with him. » made Crowley notice.
« And don't you want me to kiss him while you're at it ? Better he doesn't come close to me and Akane. » retorted Yuu.
Crowley sighed. He would eventually forget about it in a while. Meanwhile, Yuu came to him at his request, and they embraced. Yuu felt much calmer in the arms of the tall vampire. Crowley kept the kid against him for a moment. Until the child straightened in alert. He pulled away from the arms of his father, and sped like lightning from above.
« Akane ! » he called.
Downstairs Crowley blinked. Would they have a guest by any chance ? He went upstairs too. Yuuichiro had brought a little girl in his room. Well, the little one was early. The latter jumped discovering the tall figure on the doorstep, and hid behind the brown.
« Don't be afraid, it's just my father. Dad this is Akane. Mom turned her a while ago. She is to stay with me. »
« I see. But next time, warn me before bringing someone here. » simply said Eusford.
« Sorry. She was tired and I didn't know where else to bring her. »
Crowley just went.
Three days after the tragedy, Akane was in front Krul Tepes. The queen watched her. The girl was thirsty, she could see it very well. So she asked what one brings her a child. But Akane refused to touch it. Yuuichiro asked to specifically take care of his friend.
« As you wish Yuu. You'll be responsible of her then. » accepted Krul.
Yuu thanked her cheerfully, making the sovereign smile. He then brought Akane with him.
« You should drink a little you know. You don't look well. »
« I'm not thirsty. »
« Come on, it's obvious you're thristy. It's painful for a vampire. »
But the girl refused to touch human blood. The next day, Yuu brought her a glass of blood. He tried to make her drink, but she looked away. The prince insisted, she protested. He put the glass under her nose. Akane struck the object that rolled on the ground.
« I don't want to be a monster ! » she yelled.
Yuu froze.
« A monster … so that's how you see me. » he said.
Akane froze, realizing what she had just said. Yuu stood up and left the parlor where they were. Akane bit her lip and swayed on her feet. Two hours later, Yuu returned to find her. The brunette had not moved. She glanced to her fellow being.
« I'm sorry Yuu. I wasn't thinking about you but the other one. The one who killed Suri and one of my brothers. I didn't want to become a vampire, I want to be human again. » she said with a broken voice.
« But if you don't drink then you'll die. And how are you going to find the others ? » said Yuu.
Akane didn't reply.
« Fine, I know what we will do. You're gonna drink my blood. Usually it's forbidden but never mind. It's urgent and it's not human blood. » decided Yuu.
Akane looked up at him. Yuu scratched his neck. The blood flowing from the wound made Akane drool. Yuu then enjoined her to help herself. Timidly the brunette approached, then leaned toward the vampire's neck. Blood intensely relieved her. Akane quenched her thirst.
« Thank you. » she whispered.
« You're welcome. But you know … about being human again I don't think it's possible. » informed Yuu.
Akane down eyes again. But she couldn't remain so, Mika and the other would hate her if she became a vampire. That intrigued Yuu.
« How do you know ? He didn't hate me, although I'm a vampire. And you, you're his family so even if you drink human blood they won't be mad at you. »
Akane ponded these words. The thirst had been terrible, spreading pain throughout her whole body. How long could she bear this ? Not very long she was afraid. But maybe Yuuichiro was right. After all they had finally appreciate him, and almost forgot that he was a vampire. Plus Mika and all other were completely unaware she had survived. They thought she was dead. Akane was already a vampire, it was too late. Reversing was probably impossible. It was not as if it were a curse. She had received blood that was mixed with hers and had metamorphosed into depth. How to undo that ? If it was feasible it would be known without doubt.
« I have to think about it. » she said.
Yuu smiled. To pass the time he proposed a game, but the girl was really not in the mood. She even wondered if she would be able to play again one day. Yuu therefore left her alone, falling back on a book. Crowley had returned to Nagoya. Busy taking care of her friend and comfort her, Yuu had barely seen him. Too bad, he's most urgent needs.
« Say Yuu. » started Akane, sat before a french-window.
« What ? »
« What will be my future here ? »
The little brown haired, lying on one of the couches blinked. Then he slipped a bookmark and closed his book.
« Good question. I never really thought about it. » he confessed.
« Really ? Well it is true that you you're a special case. But for someone like me ... I do not think I can spend my days playing. » said Akane, turning to him.
« Why not ? »
« I don't know if it'll be possible. »
« If it is I who ask then no doubt that yes. You must still play a little Akane. It will do you good, and then you have to keep smiling for your family. » resumed Yuu, kneeling.
« Yes surely. Mika always did his best to amuse everyone. He would not like me to be sad, and surely find him also to have fun wherever he is. » admitted Akane.
« That's good. Otherwise, it is true that if you want to find them one day, it involves going out since they are outside. So ... you will have to learn to fight. » thought Yuu.
« To fight ... yes you're right. Because I'll certainly have to protect my family one day. What should I do ? » questionned the girl.
« We'll ask my mother, she must know. Otherwise, come here, let's play a little. »
Akane smiled, stood up and joined the brown one. They went to his room to start a board game. Concentrated on her game, Akane did not remember anything else. She relaxed and smiled slightly. She looked up her playing partner. Fortunately he was there, she would not be left to herself among the vampires. Yuuichiro would be her best, and certainly the only support. The young one then proposed another game, to continue to occupy his friend. But Akane then asked to go to the queen, to begin her training as soon as possible. Yuu preceded her in the hallways.
« Oya, here come Yuu and his great friend. » said a voice they'd rather not hear.
Yuuichiro's face immediately becomes cold. He put an arm across Akane, who was watching the noble with fright.
« Don't approach. » warned Yuu.
« Ooooh you're so cute when you play the fair knight, my little Yuu ! » rhapsodized Ferid.
« I'm serious Ferid. Let us pass or I won't hesitate to hit you. »
« Haaahaaa ! Very well sir protector. Just pass then. » said Ferid, making a reverence.
Yuu took Akane's hand. The girl was petrified, and hid as best she could behind her friend, but given the size difference it was not very useful. Ferid gave her a sly look. The children went away and atteint the throne room without incident.
« Ah Yuu, what brings you my baby ? » said Krul, discovering him.
« Moooom, I'm not a baby anymore ! I'm coming for Akane, she want to learn how to fight. » answered Yuu.
« Very well. We'll get her to follow the guards curriculum. » responded the queen.
« Cool ! When will she begin ? » asked Yuu with a smile.
« In two days. Meanwhile, go find her new clothes. »
Yuu nodded, then motioned for the girl to follow him. Akane bowed to Krul before joining her friend. A vampire took Akane measures in a room, then announced to have to make them. So it willtake a little time. This formality completed, the children returned to play.