Three days had passed since the savage attacks that had left many of them bloodied and battered, but now calm had taken its place. The sun was setting over the cliffs, casting long shadows across the barren ground below. Mikoto had waited, hoping to continue the journey, until Mariam turned completely. It took around three days to become a vampire. Once Mariam's wounds were healed, she did administer anti-venom. But she knew it wouldn't work. On a normal lower-class vampire, it was no problem. But with a queen's venom, the odds were stacked against it. Mikoto had discovered that a long time ago. Anastasia's bite was potent and life-saving. She didn't blame her, except for the fact Anastasia bragged about it being a happy accident. Something she had planned to do in the future. And oh, what a fight that was. Days of electricity bloom high in the air, spreading out in waves. She didn't understand why the wolves and vampires ran towards the bloom. Only to find out later, much to her embarrassment, causing another blooming flower of time to change your panties if you wore them. It's what the wolves called it. "Panty changer!"
Mikoto sat next to Vita, their legs dangling over the edge as they looked out at the vivid colors painting the evening sky. "It's not easy what I've asked of them," Vita said softly, her fingers still stroking Mariam's hair. "I didn't lie, but I didn't tell them everything either."
Mikoto glanced at Vita, remaining silent. She could sense there was more Vita wanted to say.
"I told them eternity could be theirs if they wished it. I told them of the power, the heightened senses. But not the costs." She looked down at Mariam's resting face. "Not the pain that comes with it or the hunger. "Vita lifted her eyes to Mikoto's. "You understand, don't you? Why I spared them those details? I wanted to give them hope."
"Hope?" little misaka spoke. She was sitting in an overstuffed recliner, a plate of cookies in her lap. "did they not see the world she was building while we slept? And they couldn't find a place in that growing society. I mean…yea being a vampire is great, but…" she chomped on a cookie, crumbs falling on her small chest. She brushed them away. "giving away your freedom and doing whatever you want…" taking another bite. "I mean," shaking her head, "there are some real bitches out here in vampireland. But I guess there are some who need the control we live by," reaching over and grabbing a bottle of milk and taking a drink.
Mikoto nodded slowly. She understood the yearning for hope all too well. Hadn't she grasped it herself time and again? Even now, knowing the truth of her nature, hope still bloomed within her.
"Are you sure it had nothing to do with the stories you were telling?" Mikoto said. "Or the embellishments, I should say."
A soft smile appeared on Vita's face. "Those are some good stories." Mikoto rolled her eyes. "And did you tell them the three rules to becoming a vampire?" Vita nodded. "You must have a family to continue the line. You must be at least thirty years old and willing to pass a psychological exam." She grinned.
"Pretty sure you would've failed." Mikoto snickered in response, and then she reached out and squeezed Vita's hand, hard.
Mikoto's eyes were thinned and dark, meeting Vita's gaze. "I hope she is a handful for you." She nodded, her fangs slipping out. "And…. oh, believe me, I will be watching and laughing. Considering all the pain I went through with you?" Vita's eyes wide and watery, hearing the bones of her fingers creaking. "My mistress… whatever could you mean?" A growl tremored in the back of Mikoto's throat. "I know you know what I am talking about. You and the wolves always making plans and carrying them out…" She arched her brows. "What is it that you called me again? Hmmm…." Vita's shoulders trembled, "Mistress, Mariam is sleeping. You don't want to do anything that might wake her suddenly, like a jolt of electricity on my account? Would you?" A heavy silence filled the hesitation. "It's ok, my mistress," Mariam whispered, her voice tired and weak. "If it is what she wants, then…" Vita quickly covered her mouth.
Mikoto's deathly glare faded, reaching over and patting Mariam's head. "In due time." She sighed.
She stood up and stretched, looking around.
The muck and disgust that covered the grounds were gone. Repulsed by its stench and how her boots would slip and get stuck in it, Mikoto used her electricity to burn it, creating whirlwinds of iron and sand to carry most of it away. Leaving behind nothing but burnt ashes that would rise and flutter with the wind.
The temple's ancient stones and crumbled ruins surrounding the blood-filled pool glowed warm crimson in the fading dusk. Smooth ripples spread across its thick surface as bubbles rose and burst, sending out wispful floral scents. She slowly took a breath and held it. The smell of it intoxicating and calling her. She stared at it for a long while. Watching the ripples slowly spread. Her thirst grew, licking her lips, remembering and savoring her last visit to the queen of blood.
"nothing but the good stuff." little misaka whispered."still got a few more questions to ask her?" She added. Mikoto nodded, cracking her neck, turning, and taking in the army behind her.
The others carried on their daily tasks, finding comfort in the routine. Weapons were checked and cleaned, and blades sharpened to a fine edge. Fires crackled, and meals sizzled as if it were any ordinary evening. The little ones scampered about, their laughter and excited chatter filling the air like crickets on a warm summer night. They clung to the adults, seeking contact and affection. It didn't hurt that the warriors indulged them with smiles and outstretched hands, scooping them up and spinning them around, nuzzling noses. Much of it from what they did in the garden.
The little ones had started to change, no longer frail, frightened shadows but filled with light and energy. They relished in the gentle touch and care that had been denied for so long. And it seemed to benefit the warriors who reciprocated the affection greatly.
And she saw them together. Nya was talking to her. The young woman who'd been a beast. The daughter of the Queen of Blood. "I knew she was a wolf," little Misaka said.