Cynthia was still in a bad mood. A very bad mood.
She was still clutching an ice pack to her neck, even though she didn't need that, and sipping on juice with her other hand, glaring at Cyrus.
The fact she was on such a bad mood didn't help her taking more open-mindendly what the vampire had just told her about his so-called "perfect world".
A world without injustice? Great. No strife, no wars, and no corrupted society? Sign me up.
No emotion or spirit, and a self-proclaimed vampire god? All aboard the nopetrain.
"No wonder your plan didn't work before," commented the woman, still hastily looking at him: "you're fucking crazy."
Cyrus closed his eyes and rested back against his armchair: "You are just the same as everyone else, I should have imagined it. You're still too imperfect to understand the greatness of my plans. But fret not," he reopened his eyes, and Cynthia shivered from his souless stare: "if not you, someone else will wake up in my world, and understand. I have all eternity ahead of me to fulfill my dream."
Cynthia shook her head, finally setting the ice pack aside: "Ugh, don't you hear yourself? You're not doing this for the sake of society, you're an egoistical child still chasing your dream. Who tells you that's what other people want? Perfection is a subjective thing, and therefore can't exist for everyone; I don't care if you got such a trauma that you want to wipe away forever your oh-so-sad-and-angry emotions, it's YOUR problem, and you will not force it on others!"
Cyrus was going to hastily reply, but after a few pensive moments Cynthia squealed in recognition: "Wait, if you said you already tried this and failed...you are that Cyrus? The one who founded Galactic Industries at the young age of 21, and who disappeared roughly 20 years ago after the Mt. Coronet accident?! I was still in kindergarten back then, but my grandma does still mention the accident here and there!"
The vampire stared at her in disbelief, and then buried his face in one of his hands: "Of course you'd know, despite your age...it made quite the news back then. I'm not surprised to know people still talk about...about my failure."
Trying to push back the memories and the disappointment they brought, he eyed the young woman, expecting another tirade about his project, but instead found himself showered in questions about the Legendary Pokémon - how they were, how their power was, how they communicated...the blonde surely was passionate about mythology. (Still though, the tirade happened later)
"In any case," said Cynthia changing topic, after she felt like she'd ranted enough about his morals -or lack thereof- : "how did you even happen to become a...a vampire?"
Cyrus stiffened, seemingly starting to get uncomfortable for the first time: "It's none of your business."
"Yeah, I'm kind of starting of getting the habit to this reply…" she was admittedly annoyed at that, but recognized it may have been rude of her to ask...it probably wasn't something pleasant, so she changed topic: "How about Distortion World, how did you manage to get here, and even live here? How are you able to keep Giratina at bay? I would have expected it to wipe anyone away from its territory, or something."
"It's a long story," he replied, massaging his temples: "but interdimensional travelling it's actually easy once you get how it works, and the Legendary isn't as dangerous as it's famed to be."
"And Mars, Saturn and Jupiter? They're Pokémon, right? How can they speak, or turn into humans at will?"
"I needed servants, they were willing to abide my orders in exchange of humanhood; there are quite a few things that a vampire's powers can grant. Any more questions?"
Cynthia, grinned, her eyes sparkling: "Actually, yes!"
It was true that vampires were part of that mythology branch she wasn't majorly interested in, but they were fascinating creatures nonetheless and she wanted to sink into herself as much knowledge as she could: "Are you really a creature of the night? It seems you're up at roughly the same time as I! And what are your weaknesses, surely not silly things like crosses and garlic like in folklore, right? Can you read others' minds? And can you fly, or transform yourself in a flying creature like a bat? How many of you are there?"
Cyrus raised a hand to stop the flood of questions, and even though he looked quite uncomfortable he patiently replied to everything: "Here, in Distortion World, time isn't stable so I couldn't say...however, I am sensible to sunlight, so that may be why my kin prefers a nocturnal lifestyle. And no, sunlight doesn't turn me to ashes, nor I am bothered by garlic or crosses. I'd rather not share my real weaknesses.
I can't read others' minds normally, but I can to a certain extent while sucking blood. I prefer blending with darkness to move in your dimension...it's hard to explain, but I don't fly nor transform myself; it's like I become one with darkness, and can move through it.
I have no idea about others, as I prefer my solitude, but during the...first period I've been contacted by other vampires. Apparentely there's a whole hidden society of them, but I'd rather have nothing to do with them...they're no less disgusting than humans."
The Sinnoh's Champion smiled at him: "Well, thank you! I actually wasn't expecting you to reply to everything; it's very interesting to know!"
She gracefully sat up from her armchair, and exited the room looking for the kitchen, as it was almost lunch time.
Cyrus followed her with his gaze briefly. He didn't remember smiles could be so beautiful, and such a realization angered him.
"...there's nothing here. The results were glitched anyways, so most likely this is not the right place."
Steven sighed as the cops started retreating from Turnback Cave. It was true it wasn't logical for Cynthia to be there, but it was the only clue he had and he subconsciously clinged to it. He swore to check back later by himself, in case he could find something, anything.
Cynthia was such a nice girl, it was beyond himself who could hurt her. Sure, as the first female Champion she had some issues due to some extreme traditionalists, but they would never bring it to such an extent. She was an all-around loved character, very popular even beyond Sinnoh...this made no sense.
And then, there were also his feelings mixing in with the natural concern. Before this mess, he was planning to ask Wallace to momentarily take his place as Champion so that he could spend some time in Sinnoh, with her; he would have used his obsession with rocks as an excuse to get a tour from her, and then work from that...ever since she saw her at the International League Conference and they became friends, his feelings rapidly changed. He wondered if she felt the same way, too.
But that was of no importance now. Leaving a last glance -for now- at Turnback Cave, he followed the cops out of the place.
None of them seemingly noticed the shadowy silhouette of Giratina reflected on Sendoff Spring's waters.
"Ok, listen,"
Cyrus raised his head from his papers, seeing a quite nervous Cynthia leaning against the doorframe, tapping her foot: "I can close an eye and...ugh...try and cooperate with you, but at one condition: I want access to all of your library rooms."
"Someone else may find you even funny. I don't need to bow down to your whims, I'll eventually take what I need, human."
"And stop calling me human! I have a name, and I'd like you to show me at least some respect if I am to be stuck here!"
"Fine, Cynthia. The answer is still the same, I don't need to come down with useless pacts with you. Why do you even want to get into the private room so badly? Not even my servants are admitted there."
"Seeing from the amount of mythology books you have in the other rooms, I think it's safe assuming there are more in the private one, possibly rarer or more interesting. You should know by now how much of a nerd I am in that subject, and it seems that burying myself in books it's the only entertaining activity here…" she tried being as convincing as possible, even if that was only half the truth.
Cyrus narrowed his eyes.
"...do you think I'm stupid?"
"I...of course not!"
"I noticed what you were looking for in the library the other day. And your blood this morning confirmed it. I am not going to let you run away so easily; not until I can rest assured you will cooperate, even once you're back."
"Oh fine, it's that what you want? Ok, I will "cooperate"! Just as long as I don't have to be stuck here!"
The vampire shook his head at her: "I don't trust you."
And with that he left the room, audibly closing the door behind him.
The days following were extremely stressful, for everyone.
Cynthia, now without ideas on how to get out of her prison, was avoiding contact with anyone, but still keeping up her defiance as to at least not let her pride shatter as well.
Cyrus would just pretend it was like as if she was still in her own home, and sneaked up on her, paralysis and all, whenever she was vulnerable.
Mars, Saturn and Jupiter were still very loyal to their Master's side of course, but tried being nicer to Cynthia in hopes to unwind some of her stress -and, subsequentially, the stress in the whole mansion. Cynthia would sometimes vent to Saturn or Mars, so they were also starting to sort of empathize with the woman.
"Cynthia, look!"
The blonde woman turned her eyes from the book she was reading to see a grinning Mars, in her Noibat form, happily swirling in the air while pointing at a messily-made flower crown on her head: "See it? I saw one of these on the cover of that book you were reading me yesterday, and I thought it looked soooo pretty, so I made one! Am I pretty~?"
Cynthia couldn't help but burst out in laughter and petting Mars' head: "Of course you are! You've always been, silly! But wait," she looked more carefully at the flower crown: "I've never seen those flowers, are they...from Distortion World?"
"Sure are! They're cool, right?"
"Oh, yes, very much. Everything looks quite blue in Distortion World, isn't it?" replied the woman, softly touching one of the blue, curled petals of the unknown flower, seeing some red peeking out from its center: "Or red. They contrast quite nicely, though."
Mars lowered so that she was next to Cynthia's ear, her voice a whisper: "You know, I actually like it this way. Kind of….remindsmeofSaturn."
Cynthia was taken aback, and then gave a loving smile, chuckling lightly: "Ooooh, so you like him? I see, the flowers are blue, with red inside their core -or better, heart. You're quite poetic actually, sweetie~"
"D-don't you dare mocking me! And….don't tell him either! I said nothing!" squeaked Mars, her fur even redder than it was before.
"Of course not, I'd never," replied the blonde, gently scratching the Noibat's head: "it's a secret between us, promise. And I think he will find you very pretty too!"
"I'll go show him!" grinned Mars, ready to take flight out of the room, but stayed pensive for a moment and then looked at Cynthia: "Is there someone you like?"
Cynthia mused on the question for a moment, and shook her head: "There may be someone. I...I really didn't give it much of a serious thought yet, though. I always preferred focusing on my work, and with being happy with myself, rather than men."
"Is that maybe someone waiting for you in the other world?"
The Champion's gentle expression faded to a sad smile: "Yes. I hope he's not too worried."
When she looked up again to Mars, her big eyes were filling up with tears. She often forgot just how emotive the Pokémon could be at times.
"That's...that's just sooooo sad!" bawled the Noibat, and Cynthia was quick to hold her in her arms: "Shh, it's ok sweetie, it's not a tragic lovestory or anything! We're just close friends!"
"T-that's still sad! I know I'd miss Satty, even if we stayed just friends! And Master Cyrus and maybe even Juju too!"
Determination lit up Cynthia's silver eyes.
"Don't worry for me, Mars. I'll eventually get back home. Soon, hopefully. And, aren't you hungry? I'll make you something sweet, and we can show Saturn how pretty you are with the flower crown!" concluded the woman with a wink.
Mars instantly cheered up and started flying in circles around Cynthia's head: "That sounds good! Will you make me pancakes~?"
"I will make you pancakes."
"With extra Nutella, whipped cream and strawberries?"
"How would you eat it elseway?"
The two headed for the kitchen laughing, and Cyrus, observing them from an hallway, felt something tugging at his chest.
It was when she found herself tangled in her bedsheets, unable to sleep and wondering when would he bite her again, that she truly knew something was horribly, terribly wrong with her.
Ever since the talk with Mars, Cynthia had tried her best to take her proverbial lemons and make lemonade out of it. She spent her days as best as she could, using the house as if it was hers, even finding some enjoyment in homely chores -especially cooking- . She would spend time with her little batty friends, even strolling out in that chaotic world with them, and she initially was very surprised to find she was having fun.
Even though she disliked it, she tried being more compliant towards Cyrus' hunger, and in an attempt as to not see him and the whole situation as enitirely negative she tried spending some almost-friendly time with him as well. She didn't like to admit it, but he was actually a very clever person and had the most entertaining talks -debates included- with him than she had with anyone else on Earth. And for how much he constantly pissed her off, there was something about him she couldn't quite pinpoint that almost made her want to just hug him and try to help that poor shell of a man.
She actually never considered things from his point of view, but this existance...it must have felt so lonely for him, and degradating to be reduced to an humanoid leech, having to do such filthy things in order to survive.
Cynthia actually had found herself pondering about it one day while she was baking cupcakes, all because Giratina decided to stick its head in the window to have a taste of the pastries.
"I think I know why you've let him here, you know?" she told to the banished Legendary, helping it to more cupcakes: "You share the same pain. You're lonely, outcasted, misunderstood by others, and you can't do anything about it."
Giratina briefly raised its head from the sweet treats, intensely looking at the woman, before diving into them again.
The blonde smiled to herself: "Yes, he wouldn't admit it either. But that's because he brought Mars, Saturn and Jupiter here right? Whatever he may say, he does feel lonely, and he probably needs someone giving him some support, too."
Whatever had changed between them, it was apparent even in her blood it seemed, as Cyrus had commented at some point how it tasted better. He was seemingly trying to make the bite itself a better experience for her as well, as it had become more tender, even licking her neck to prepare her for the bite, but that was probably her mind over-romanticizing things as a psychological defense. Or to justify why, to her horror, she found herself moaning during the last few bites.
But nothing, nothing could justify why she would go as far as to crave the vampire's bites. It was something that completely ashamed her, and failed to follow her logic, or even her emotions.
The bites had already increased from two to three per week, yet there she was, merely at the second day without being bitten, and she was desperate for another one.
Her head was clouded, as if she was feverish or drunk, but she picked up immediately the low voice in her room.
"Are you still awake?"
Cynthia spun around so quickly that Cyrus was almost startled, and she furiously grabbed him by the collar of his jacket.
"What the fuck, why did it take you so damn long? Just get over with it already, please…!" she aggressively pleaded, so unlikely of her, while pulling the vampire against her.
Cyrus was so shocked by surprise that for a while he just didn't know how to react. He finally gave in to his vampire insticts and to her pleas, without even bothering to paralyze her.
As a result, he could feel her arms clinging to him, grabbing at his hair and clothes, and her blood tasted even better, leaving him to wonder just how much more could it get better than this.
A while later, while flying in the mansion to give a last security check, Jupiter found the vampire sitting in an armchair, staring wide-eyed at the crackling fireplace.
Seeing his unusual expression, she nervously approached him: "Is...is everything alright, Master Cyrus…?"
"She wanted me to bite her."
Jupiter sighed, and posed herself on the armchair, albeit keeping her distance.
"That would be quite normal."
"But I haven't sensed anything from her blood. There was some self-loathing, but everything was just drowned in her...pleasure."
"Oh right, I haven't told you yet, did I?"
Cyrus looked at her, narrowing his eyes: "What, Jupiter?"
"Well, you never asked information about it, so...but anyways," she tried upkeeping her cool facade, even if her Master often managed to crumble her in a pile of anxiety: "the substance you inject her with, to not let her feel any pain, it's, well….addictive. I'm honestly surprised she lasted a bit over a month without giving into it."
"...elaborate."
"Well, it's not something very known, if not for vampires romantically involved with only one human, because usually vampires are creatures who rarely prey on the same individual repeatedly. But yes, since it's both a painkiller and pleasure-inducing, it can be very addictive. I actually think that, should you two continue this, it will become even a worse addiction. She will be the one demanding it to you, and will become unable to live without it.
Thankfully, it's nothing like those drugs and meds humans use, so it should be much easier to get out if it, should the feeding stop. Kind of like badly ending a relationship, it kills you at the beginning and you can't stop thinking about it, but you eventually get over it...I've already seen it happen."
"I see…" was all that Cyrus muttered in reply, his eyes darker.
Well, at least he now knew he had a warrancy over that blood he so much craved for.
A/N: phew, I'm not particularly happy with how this one came out. Idk, everyone always seems OOC for how much as I try ;v; The only ones who are supposed to be OOC are Mars and Saturn (especially Mars); due to them being cute young bat Pokémon I can't help but imagining them more childish in this AU...sorry guys, but I have a weak spot for fluff xD They'll have time to be mature in future fics anyways!
As always, thanks to everyone for taking their time to read this! I'm really grateful!
(and very sorry for being so late in uploading this, it was actually been all written up -like also the next chapter- since before I posted Ch4, I've just completely forgot about it because of IRL issues. Sorry!)