Cirque Du Freak Zachariah Saga Chapter 5
My head was in a disarray of spins and revolutions. How! How can Vancha, a rude, self-indulgent, cocky, and not to mention disgusting man be one of the most honored and revered vampires of the whole clan! My head started to throb irritably just attempting to have the whole thought pass through, but I suddenly realized that me standing during this meeting of vampires would be not the politest thing to do so I went ahead and sat in the nearest opening seat.
"Now that our final guest has arrived, let us continue this meeting," Prince Mika sighed annoyingly with his long fingers locked together, "Prince Vancha, I hope that your mission of killing the vampets that found our mountain went well."
"Yes, although it took longer than expected, I took care of all the vampets so they will not be able to leak any information about the mountain," Vancha grunts irritated by the memory of the man who had almost killed me.
"That is all well, but it also seems as though you have taken upon an assistant," Prince Mika eyed me with suspicion and intrigue.
"While searching for the vampet, I met Zac, and he was injured. Since I could not leave Zac as he was, knowing the existence of vampires, I gave him the choice of becoming a part of the clan or continuing his life as a human," Vancha explained.
With a short grunt Prince Arrow spoke, "Although I do not question your intelligence, I must ask. Did you know all of the consequences of Zac becoming a vampire? And do you realize the mistake you have made?"
"Yes, I do realize that making Zac into a vampire could have turned out worse than it should have, but I think only destiny can tell whether it was a mistake giving Zac the choice." Vancha replies his confidence not wavering.
An arrow of guilt pierced my heart, as a bitter feeling spread across my chest. I have always hated people sticking up for me, and I couldn't stand seeing Vancha protect me. Standing up by instinct alone and with an untapped confidence I speak with courage, strength, and honor that would make even a king falter. Adrenaline pumping through my veins I speak "Sire, if you will allow me to speak, I have a few things to say on behalf of my master," I took a deep breath, " Vancha did not make a mistake by blooding me, and destiny can shut its trap cause I know Vancha did the right thing!"
As eyes and mouths were open wide, I could feel the tension in the atmosphere just waiting to pop the bubble. With a snarl and agitated tone, Prince Mika was the first to speak, "I see you have not taught your little brat here to show some respect."
With a sigh, "Please pardon my assistant, he just got carried away." Vancha protected me once again.
"No, Vancha, I didn't get carried away. It's the truth and if you want me to prove it to you, then hit me with whatever you got. A test? A battle? A quest? I'm up for anything!" I announced, a thumb pressed against my heart to emphasize my seriousness.
Ironically the first to speak was actually not speech at all. Prince Vancha was chuckling ever so slightly. If any of us weren't vampires we wouldn't have heard it. "How nostalgic and humorous, is it not Prince Mika?" the bald-headed prince said, laughter still lingering in his speech.
"Nostalgic? I think not. Humorous? I do not see anything the slightest bit funny with how this brat has been talking. I say we haul him to the Hall of Death just for questioning a Princes' authority!" Mika growled.
"Peace, Mika." Arrow tried to calm the black-cloaked vampire. "He is only this emotional since we are in doubt of Vancha's judgment." Coughing a fist so he too will calm down from his bit of humor, Arrow continued to talk, "Vancha, I must say you have picked up a very fiery pup."
"Zac would make a very fine vampire. He has a talent for combat, he has the sense of honor and pride as one, and he is a very quick learner. Those are the reasons I truly wanted to blood him." Vancha announced a smile on his lips.
For the first time in my entire life as a vampire, Vancha had praised me. Although his compliments weren't the best or sweet, I could tell those were harsh compliments and not deceitful truths. I could've died proud knowing my master was actually proud of me and not ashamed for what I have done.
"Sires, I apologize for what I have said." going down on one knee, "To prove to you...no to the whole clan...that Vancha did not commit a mistake in blooding me," dropping my head in a bow, "Please give me a quest for me to complete. For I will do whatever you tell me to do or die trying." I pleaded, wanting the Princes to give me a chance to redeem my master's honor.
With another chuckle from Prince Arrow he was again the first to speak, "A quest? How interesting. What say you Sire Mika?" Arrow raised a hand pointing it toward Prince Mika.
"If it'll take this child away from the mountain as soon as possible than I will be in total agreement." Prince Mika huffed.
"And you Prince Vancha?" Arrow turned his head to the other prince to his left.
A deep sigh escaped Vancha's open mouth and he scratched his forehead not quite sure of what to make of the situation. "Although I do not like the idea of giving Zac a quest, since he is still inexperienced in the ways of the vampire. I will not judge him and dishonor him by treating him as a child." my master tells the whole council.
"Well now that we have come to an agreement. What sort of quest should we give this young whelp?" Prince Mika sneered cynically.
"A quest that'll be fair and challenging. Something that'll bring out his true potential," Arrow grunted.
"Than how about this for a quest? We shall give Zac one year to hunt down 5 vampets and return to the mountain with proof for each one. That way he'll be of some use at least," Mika replied coolly.
"Fair enough," Vancha nodded. "Now that all topics have been discussed, this meeting is over," all three Princes stand and the rest of the vampires exit the Hall and back to their duties.
Walking out of the hall, my heart was pounding and cold sweat dripped from my heated brow. I first tried to understand my predicament and realized that I didn't have a clue on how to even start this quest! How was I supposed to finish this quest when I didn't know how to even do it! As I was thinking about a way to solve my situation a hand was placed on my shoulder and I didn't realize someone was behind me. I yelped from the sudden touch and backed away and turned.
"Peace, brother," a brunette vampire raised his hands in defense. The man was around 6 feet and a half and short tree-bark brown hair which was dirty and messy. His eyes were a strong and bright blue and on his left was a small scar going down from his eyelids.
I stammered and gulped. "I-I'm sorry. You surprised me... Um...w-who are you?"
"My name is Axel Stones. I found out that you needed some help on your quest so I thought it would've been good for me to give you some advice." the messy haired vampire grinned widely.
"Thanks a lot... I didn't even have a clue on how to do this quest..." I sigh losing hope of finishing this quest and bringing Vancha's honor back.
"Don't worry. You're new, so it's to be expected," Axel nods. "To finish a quest like this you will need a map, a weapon, flasks of blood, some human currency, and clothes." Axel listed and I tried desperately to memorize. "A map, blood, and clothes can easily be given to you by the court master, but the rest you'll have to get by yourself." Axel noted with his finger in the air like a teacher.
"Okay. So where is the court master?" I questioned wanting to start this quest as early as possible.
"He's busy right now so go to the court master's room to the left and get one of his helpers to give you the supplies." Axel explained.
Before I knew it, I was rushing toward the room so I can begin, but my manners kicked in and I turned. "Thank you!" I shouted with cupped hands and the image of the kind vampire with his back toward me and a fist raised brought a grin to form.
My footsteps got nearer and nearer to the room, but before I could enter a voice told me to stop. Turning my head I see my master, Vancha panting.
"Phew! I thought I'd never find you!" Vancha sighed and belched loudly. "Before you go I wanted to give you a little going away present," Vancha chuckled rubbing his thumb to his nose sheepishly.
In his hand was a sword, but not any sword. It was a Japanese katana and it was covered in a velvet red clothe. I took a hold of the sword by the handle and unsheathed it from the scabbard. It was a fine jet black color with one white streak going down the edge and the black reminded me of the night sky and the white reminded me of the moon that I always looked up toward. This katana was an extreme marvel and was probably crafted by a legendary black smith and taking the weapon made me feel another arrow of guilt. This prestigious weapon deserved a better user than me.
Stammering I didn't know what to say, but a chuckle coming from Vancha told me that he wanted me to keep it. Although a man giving a sword to a boy isn't the most dramatic scene from a soap-opera I was ready to cry and I could see tears about to well up on my master's eyes as well. With one sleeve rub to my eyes I dried my tears and put on the strap across my shoulder where the handle stuck out my left shoulder. Battle ready for anything.
Although this would be the last time Vancha and I would see each other for a whole year. The two of us were content in not saying any words when we part and Vancha walked away to his Princely duties. With his back turned fresh tears welled in my eyes and they dripped down to my chin and lips and I began to sob. Vancha abruptly stopped and turned.
"Don't go and cry on me you big baby." Vancha sniffed, tears also coming down and sobs also coming out. "If people see you like this. They'll think I raised a baby..." Vancha explained. "Now go on and make me proud..." Vancha turned his final tears coming out and the echoes of his last remark still fresh on my mind.
I went and opened the door to the court master's room and my quest had finally begun.