Roanapur Nights

A Rosario+Vampire and Black Lagoon Crossover

Chapter 2

The smell of death surrounded the entire area as Cassandra looked out over the water as the boat she rode on began to make port. The city before her was a perfect place for a decent hunt, but her purpose wasn't to feast upon the populus, but rather she was here to tutor their vassals, no, her brother and his daughter. Looking at his bride she wasn't sure, but there were certain aspects that she shared with succubi.

It was not her place to ask, and besides, the girl showed vampiric heritage. If his bride was a succubus then it was no concern to her. It only meant that he would not be shared. Granted, she was stronger than a succubus, but she didn't like the idea of intruding where she was not welcomed. Besides, her mother had informed her that once his period of isolation was over she was to attempt to court Tsukune.

Personally, she believed it was a smart choice for a potential mate. She would have no problem having multiple children from his bloodline. Naturally, if he felt that they needed to be connected to humanity she would be fine with it. Perhaps even staying in this city could be an option. She doubted that the city itself would be gone when his period of isolation was over. From the smell alone she could tell that it would be a welcomed change. Any vampire would love the scent of the hunt in the air.

The Lagoon finished docking, and she watched as the crew finished ensuring that it would go nowhere. The harpy that walked with the captain was more proof that things were changing toward a direction that would ensure the need for a full integration into human society. Her mother had personally been more of a proponent in the idea of moving toward a fully integrated society.

Granted, it would be difficult, at best, for a human to exist around beings like herself, but it would not be impossible. Humans were fraile, but they were not hopelessly so. Besides, there was evidence of the two worlds joining. The fact that an organization was already forming to oversee it was more than enough proof.

She didn't have a doubt that within the next decade it would be nothing to see humans and monsters living together. She chuckled slightly at the thought. She knew that the Lamias would be similar to the Succubi and Yoki Onna in that they would be seeking husbands. The idea of a Lamia getting to live with a human all while his world turned upside down amused her. Of course it meant that vampires would be expected to do the same.

She didn't doubt that they would, but she did wonder what kind of partnership would arise from it? Would the humans be willing to live as they do? That in and of itself made her question if they would be up to the task. Then again, they could eat normal food, at least they could for a while. They couldn't substitute everything through normal food. Blood was absolutely needed. Fresh from the source was best, and from a willing individual made it better. Perhaps, while living here, she could indulge slightly. Granted, she would attempt to court Tsukune later, but there would be nothing wrong with seeing if there was a human in this location that suited her.

She wasn't picky about it being a male or female. Either was fine with her. While she was still considered young by other vampires' standards she had lived long enough to know that both sexes had their benefits. Males could be courageous, daring, and if properly endowed quite enjoyable. Females were often softer, lovelier, and far more erotic. She had enjoyed both, but if she was to be completely honest with herself she enjoyed the male form far more.

There was something to be said about being held in a pair of arms. Granted, most of the time she was far stronger than they were, but regardless the feeling of being protected was enticing. She sighed, enjoying her moment, and walked onto the dock itself. Stepping foot into the city, even at this distance, she could sense the various degrees of the hunt as it stood out to her.

She could practically drink in the death that surrounded her. The distant sounds of screams echoed through the air, the faint smell of sex mixed with blood was intoxicating, and she could think of nothing more beautiful. Still, she waited while the rest of the boat was unloaded, and then she followed the crew into their office. Once inside she caught a quick glimpse of the captain kissing the harpy.

Such openness was fetching, but again she would not go where she would not likely be welcomed. Instead she turned toward her brother and his child, "Now, our first lesson is simple enough," she said as she looked at them both, "As members of the Dimitrescu family you have the ability to fully integrate into the shadows," she said as she pointed toward the various dark corners of the room, "As such, your bodies will become intangible for brief moments of time. This will not harm you, but it will allow you to sneak upon enemies and allies alike."

Cassandra watched as Roxy looked at the shadows, and then her little hands grabbed for her father. She could see him holding her hand gently, and the act wasn't lost on her. Of her sisters she was the only one to not know her father. Bela's father was a minor noble connected to a younger bloodline. He'd actually lived with them for a while, acting as a father should, doing what was right as a vampire, but eventually he was forced away.

It wasn't their doing, or her mother's doing, but rather his own family that wished for his return. The fact that he asked nothing of their mother, demanded no dowry, requested none of her lands, and did not ask for a single favor other than to be a father to their daughter was enough to cause his family's ire. She wasn't sure what happened to him afterward, but she did know that it had upset Bela quite a bit. Daniela's father was another matter.

Cassandra, as the oldest, had been a scant five years old when Daniela was conceived. The noble that was her father claimed that she had offended his sight. He requested her death for the offense, and her mother informed him that she would defend her daughter to the death from him. At the time the reasons were lost upon her, but looking back she understood all too well. It was a thinly disguised reason to bed her mother. The battle between them lasted a scant two hours. Neither was victorious, and in the end the noble had used a holy relic to override her senses.

Her mother was powerless against it, and for the next three days she was mated like a bitch in heat. The noble had laughed at his treachery, but since there was no consent given he was found at fault. Consent, even token consent, was often the difference between life and death. It was why most vampires would use blackmail to get what they wanted. Even if there was a reason behind it, even if it seemed hopeless, there was consent given.

This noble had taken without consent, and as such his punishment was the living death. He was bound in blessed silver, taken deep within the dungeons of their own castle, and placed in a place where he would be fed but a single aged bag of blood a day. Daniela was the only thing from him that was welcomed. Her sister, despite coming from such a wretched man, was a breath of fresh air. She was a loving and doting sister.

Of course she knew Dragă's father. Her youngest sister's father was her mother's favorite. His family was of a much higher station than their own, and yet he had fallen in love with her mother. The two of them were like teenagers, laughing, teasing, playing, and flirting throughout the house. He'd taken time to not only get to know her mother, to learn about all of them, but to become part of their family. He'd also been forced to leave by his family, but their reasoning was that consorting with their bloodline would show weakness.

For their kind that was a very real and honest reason to leave. There was little doubt that his heart was broken. She had watched his interaction with their mother, and she watched as he lovingly left them all. Dragă was his gift, and as such they had to defend their right to keep her multiple times. But her own father, he was someone she had never known. She knew only that her mother had selected her father because of his gifts.

He had the same future sight as she did, he was cunning, and his mind was one that did not give itself over to fear. She did not know if her mother cared for him or not. She didn't even know if the choice to bed him was simply for her. She only knew that her mother had not mentioned his name. That she would not talk of him, and that his place was apparently well above her station. He had consented to making her with child only if she would ensure that the child never knew of him.

As such Cassandra had never attempted to use her sight to find him. Yet, seeing young Roxanne reach for her father for comfort made her own heart hurt. Most would believe that she was cold, indifferent, and that she could watch any of those around her die and that it would not affect her. To some degree they were correct, but only because she had forced herself to become hardened against emotions. She still felt things, and seeing a child with her father made her feel longing like she could not express.

She desperately longed for a childhood that would never come back. She longed for the chance to be a little girl held by her father and told that it would be okay. She had been cared for by her mother. She had been loved, taught how to become one with shadow, to blend into the world around her, and to use the gifts that she had to further the name of their great family.

She had learned all of this, but she longed for the chance to be held by someone that she would acknowledge as her parent. She pushed the thoughts aside. There would be a time to long for something that likely would never be. Instead she knelt down to be on eye level with Roxanne.

"Do you fear the dark?"

Roxanne nodded, "Bad things happen in the dark," she said, her voice a whisper, "Bad people do bad things."

Cassandra nodded, "And this is so, but now you will control the dark," she replied, her voice calm, "Those that do bad things will be at your mercy. They will learn to fear the dark because it is your domain."

She stretched out her hand, "Come, let me show you the power you hold over the dark, and allow me to show you your new dominion. Those that dare to defile it will find themselves wishing for the sweet embrace of the reaper."

She led Roxanne toward the darkened corner, and further in until almost no light was present. She stood in the darkness with her, and then she touched her shoulder, "Now, I wish for you to focus. I want you to feel the darkness around you. It is not merely there, but it is alive. It exists to serve you. Do you feel the life force of it?"

Roxanne was quiet for a moment, "It feels thick, like oatmeal," she said softly, "It tickles."

There was a soft giggle from the child, and Cassandra smiled, "Very good, now, I want you to imagine stepping into it. Push an opening in the dark, and then step forward."

For a moment Roxanne was there, and then she disappeared from sight. Cassandra continued to smile as she simply disappeared from sight. The fact that she had done so on her first attempt meant that she was gifted. For a moment there was nothing, and she felt the energy of her young student.

"Now, I want you to look around. See a place where there is shadow or darkness, and move there. When you are there, step out. But, beware young one. If you choose a living person's shadow you must take care to not exit close to them. Doing so could cause them harm. Do so further out."

She was gone for a moment, and then the sound of a gasp caused Cassandra to look toward Revy. Her young student had appeared behind her mother, and currently had her little arms wrapped around her mother's leg.

"I did it mama!"

There was an amused chuckle, and Cassandra watched as her young student's mother gently hugged her back, "I see that shortstack," she said to her, "You did great."

The praise wasn't given just to be given. She could sense that the woman meant every word of it. Yes, it was obvious that she was a caring mother in her own right. It was also obvious that she was exceptionally protective. Those traits pointed to the fact that she had the correct temperament to be considered at the very least a lower member of their house. As she watched her youngest student she kept her senses open. It would never do well for a vampire to ignore the world around them.

What she sensed was her older student. Her younger brother had ventured over to the dark, and she could feel what he was doing. He'd listened, which told her much about him. He was intelligent, that much was obvious. He seemed to sense the darkness, and she waited. A moment later she felt his presence within the dark itself. The fact that his daughter, her niece, was gifted was obvious, but now she could see that he was as well.

She didn't say a word, but instead she simply allowed him to do as he had obviously heard. The effect was seen a moment later. Two arms emerged from the darkness, wrapping around the woman that was hugging her daughter. Those two arms gently held her, and slowly he pulled himself completely from the dark. She watched as he kissed her neck, and the woman didn't chastise him. No, she seemed to revel in the display of love.

"Good," she said as she watched him, "You've done well, both of you have done excellent this evening."

She walked toward the window of the Lagoon Company office, "Tell me," she asked as she looked into the dark beyond, "What kind of city is this?"

It was Chyou, the harpy, that answered, "It's known as the city of the dead," she replied, nearing the vampire, "There are no questions asked, and even for monsters it is a dangerous place."

Cassandra cocked an eyebrow at that statement, but Chyou did not take the statement back, "Truly, it is a dangerous place. The humans here exist under the understanding of the way things are done. Each and everyone of them live by the philosophy that they are simply waiting for their bullet," she said as she neared Cassandra, "While they might not know the exact ways to destroy a vampire there are things they can do that will weaken one. I do not make threats, but instead I simply warn you. I will not tell you to not hunt, but I will warn you to be selective of those you."

Cassandra considered the words, "Very well, I thank you for the warning," she said as she looked at the city, "I suppose that I need to stay away from those with resources, correct?"

This time it was her younger brother that neared her, "Avoid the triads, Hotel Moscow, the Huang and Miao families," he said, and a moment later his bride neared them, "I'd also avoid the Cartel, the Italians, and The Latin Kings," she said, "Trust me, while they might not have the backing of either Hotel Moscow or the Triads they can, and will, do everything they can to get to anyone that takes out a standing member without it already being a war."

Cassandra took a moment and nodded, "Very well," she said as she moved toward the shadow, "Still, the night calls, and I so desperately wish to experience this city."

It was the woman that chuckled, "Yeah, it has a draw to it," she admitted, "but if you want to experience it, why not go to the yellow flag?"

This caused Cassandra to pause, "What is that?"

Revy looked at Rock who was shaking his head, "Revy, are you sure about this?"

Cassandra studied them for a moment, "What is it?"

Her younger brother looked at her, "The yellow flag is a bar, the bar, here, but there's always trouble," he said as he neared her, "I normally wouldn't suggest it."

It was his bride, the woman she noticed acted a bit like her sisters, "But she's not like everyone else, and besides, it'd be funny to see her handle one of the assholes that tries to get handsy."

Cassandra looked at her, "There are men there that attempt to lay their hands on others in a familiar way?"

Revy nodded, "Yeah, but whatever happens is on them."

The remark made Cassandra smile. She looked toward the city itself. Yes, it made sense that if one attempted to play with their life it would be acceptable for them to pay with it. She would travel to this Yellow Flag, and she would see where the night led her.