Roanapur Nights

A Rosario+Vampire and Black Lagoon Crossover

Chapter 9

Cassandra Dimitrescu took a moment to study the new home of her brother, her niece, and his bride. She was certain that eventually she would be given the wonderful gift of immortality, and when that happened she would be welcomed as a sister. Personally, she could accept that. Revy was already a cunning opponent, and it was obvious that if given a few decades to hone her abilities she would become a force that most would step away from.

The new home itself was well crafted, although it lacked some of the charm of Castle Dimitrescu. Still, it was seated in a place of power, and that was exactly where she believed one such as her brother belonged. She studied every corner of their home, feeling the shadows, feeling the power, and feeling the life that surrounded them. Dozens upon dozens of lives that seemed to be ripe for harvesting, but they were connected to allies of her brother. As such they were allies of her mother. She would not harm those connected to their family.

She moved toward the door and opened it to see a youngish man standing there. He was Yoki, but more specifically he was a sorcerer. She felt the magic pooling from him, but his body had been honed, pushed, and made into a weapon. She could appreciate what he had done to himself. He gave a slight bow, "Welcome," he said as he stood there, "I am Fang Fang Huang of the Huang family. As I understand you are here in an official capacity."

She smiled, keeping her fangs from simply poking out, "Correct," she purred as she studied him, "I am here to teach my brother and his daughter about their power."

He nodded, "Just so, and as such you have been considered part of their family, and thus part of ours."

He stood for a moment and looked at her, "May I ask to come inside?"

She moved, and he strolled into the home without a second thought. She admired his courage. Granted, she would not harm him since he was an ally, but there was no denying that his bravery was fetching. She moved behind him, her black cloak covering her, the hood brought up over her head, and she watched as he came toward the entertaining room, "May we sit and converse?"

She motioned for him to take a seat, and then she followed suit. The comfort of the chair she had chosen hugged her like a loving parent, and she enjoyed the feeling. It was as if the very chair was her mother reaching across the ocean and holding her as she did when she was not but a small child. She longed for those days, and yet she understood that they would never again grace her. It would be her turn eventually to hold a daughter, or perhaps a son, and show her child the attention and love that be lavished upon them.

"What business do you have with my brother?" she asked as she studied him, "I was informed that he became part of your organization, so I can only assume that you are here to speak to him in an official capacity as well."

He smiled, "I did not come to see him," he admitted as he looked at her, "I actually came to see you."

She studied him for a moment, "Please, why would you wish to visit me?" she asked as she studied his face, which she had to admit was fetching in its own right. He was the perfect blend of feminine and masculine that she had grown quite fond of, "We do not know each other, and my reason for being here is simply to ensure that my niece learns her powers."

He smiled, "That is true, but I had to assume that you were lonely, something that I understand all too well, and I believe that you could use a friend."

She considered his words, "Such proclamations are often said before requests. There have been those that believed that favors could be won with honeyed words," she said, her voice neutral, "They believed that by saying a few sweet things they could earn their way into our graces, perhaps even into our beds. Such is a folly."

He didn't seem offended, but instead he shook his head, "I understand about having those who wish to pretend to be friends simply because of the power they perceive that you may have. There have been no end of those who would align themselves to either my sister or myself because they believed that we could give them access to untold power or riches," he said, his voice acidic than she assumed he wished it to be, "Which is why I come asking for nothing, well nothing other than the chance to meet with someone that would perhaps enjoy sharing company with me."

She studied him, and breathed out, "Very well," she admitted as she stood, "I shall see if your claims are true or not."

He nodded, and then took a moment to look at the apartment itself, "I will say that I am quite glad that they decided to take our offer. It seems fitting for them to be closer to us, and at the same time it allows us to show them the security that is fit for someone who is a trusted friend and associate."

Cassandra studied him as he talked, and she saw no deviations. There was no presenting or attempting to hide the truth. He simply spoke from the heart. It was enough for her to feel as if he was indeed being honest. She stood, gestured her hand to him, and although surprised he stood and offered his own. Taking his hand she walked with him to the balcony just outside of the apartment itself. She stood listening to the sounds of the city as the day came close to its end. The final rays of the light of the day whisking around them as the sun prepared to leave them to the uncertainty of the night.

The night itself promised much, and she felt the calling of it. There was her niece whom she was to teach, but a mere moment to enjoy herself had arisen. He looked over the area around them, and then pointed toward a small corner away from their own. A faint smile crossed his face, "From my memories of highschool, along with what I have learned over the years, it is acceptable for vampires to ingest mortal food, for a while, correct?"

She gave a nod, "Yes, that is accurate," she admitted, "And would that place be a restaurant?"

A faint smile crossed his lips, "It is. It's Yao's Ramen. The noodles are quite good, but he does offer a blood dish," he said as he looked toward it, "It's boar's blood noodles. The noodles have been processed from the blood of boars, allowing a truly unique taste and texture. I am not certain if it is something you would like, but perhaps you may enjoy it."

A faint smile crossed her lips, "Such a food would be interesting, and perhaps it may even be something that I would be willing to take back with me after I have finished teaching."

With that he smiled at her, stepped back into her apartment, and led her toward the door itself, "Then, shall we?"

She followed, intrigued by his nature, and stayed close by as they made their way toward the stairwell. She had been warned to stay away from the elevators. Not because they were abnormally dangerous, but rather because each of them had been trapped should a rival organization attempt to step in and take that which is not theirs. The preparation made sense, and she applauded them for preparing ahead of time.

In truth she found no fault with this location. The apartment was well suited for the needs of her brother and niece, the building itself was rich with decor and trappings, and there was a feeling of well deserved belonging that flowed through it. While their mother was connected to the Miao Family, due to issues surrounding what had happened with her dearest little sister, it would make sense to consider forming an alliance with the Huang Family as well.

She could see the city itself becoming something of a melding pot for both monsters and humans. If nothing else it would ensure that those that wished to live among the humans could do so easily enough. Still, she followed Fang Fang Huang out into the night, and they began to make their way toward the shop he spoke of. As they walked she took in the sights around her. Her senses were open, allowing her to hear all that existed.

She felt the predators that were hunting in the dark, and her lessons to young Roxanne came back to her. The dark was their domain. It was their place, and those that lived and hunted in it needed to be wary of their actions. If they harmed none that were of concern to those that ruled the night then they would continue their existence, but should a single hair be harmed upon the head of those they held dear then they would face annihilation.

The lights of the city all seemed to glow with an aura of its own. It wasn't the flashy and trendy lights of Tokyo or New York. It was the lights of a city that was just as alive as any other monster. There was no doubt in her mind that the city itself was a monster. One that fed on those that came to exist here. Each death was another it claimed for itself.

"You can feel it," he said as he walked beside her, "The life of the city, you can feel it around you. I know because I feel it."

She nodded, "Yes," she admitted as they walked, "I feel it. I feel the very existence of it. The city has a strong heartbeat, and it seems to greedily grab all that would dare to live within its borders."

He nodded as they continued to walk, "And you wouldn't be wrong," he said as they walked, "The city exists as a monster, and have no doubt that it is a city of predators."

He gave a faint smile, "And yet I have not found another city that I would rather live in," he said as they came toward a small shop, "It is a place of no questions, and it is a place that I have felt accepted in. There was an idea that my sister was presented with, and I long to see it accomplished."

She raised an eyebrow, "What idea is that?"

He looked toward her, "An idea that humans and monsters could live together. I believe that Roanapur could exist as a sort of trial for it, but of course in order to achieve it we would need to get the blessings of the dark lords."

She gave a slight nod of understanding, "Ah, and getting such a thing would be difficult," she admitted as they stepped into the small shop, "Even if two of the dark lords were in favor it would just take one either abstaining or refusing to cancel the attempt. And even if their consent was given by all three it would need only one to rethink their position and pull their consent."

"Exactly he said as they moved toward the counter that was awaiting them," and so it is something that must be done carefully and slowly. We cannot attempt to rush it."

"Welcome to Yao's Ramen," an older man said from behind the counter, "We have various dishes available, but tell me, what is your desire?"

She gave a demure smile at the phrasing, "I was told of a boar's blood noodle dish," she said as she studied him, "Is such a thing available?"

The older man gave a nod, and she could see that his thinning hair had bits of gray in it. He looked to be a native to Thailand, but his voice didn't carry the harsh accent to it. That told her that he had traveled quite a bit. The fact that he seemed to choose his words well, that he treated them with respect, and that he wasn't ogling her the moment they walked in also spoke of his character.

"Ah, yes we serve it, and it is a very popular dish, would you enjoy having it prepared for you this evening?"

She gave a nod, "Yes, please," she said as he gave a nod, "Please and thank you."

He smiled, seemed to write something down in a small slip before he looked at Fang Fang, "So, would you like the usual?"

Fang Fang nodded, "Yes, I would, and of course I would like to place an order for my associates as well. You will still have it delivered, correct?"

Cassandra watched as the older man nodded, "Of course," he replied as he made a short list of what she assumed were the normal orders, "And of course my employees will be shown the same hospitality as last time?"

She saw Fang Fang nod, "I would not be ordering in person if it were different," he said before he looked at the older man, "We are both men of honor, and neither of us would sully our honor."

The older man gave a smile, "Good, thank you," he said before he took the list and began to walk to the back, "Please, find a seat that you are both comfortable with, and I will bring your dishes to you shortly. I'll also send out Lin to take your order for drinks."

She followed him toward a booth that was out of the direct view of the front of the shop. It was placed in such a way that all areas around either of them could be watched by the other. It was a place that would be chosen by someone that lived knowing that there were other predators surrounding them. She found his actions very fetching, and part of her wondered if he would be interested. Her own place was to eventually attempt to attract and bring Tsukune into their family, but she was finding Fang Fang to be someone that she felt some attraction to.

She watched as he seemed to study the room surrounding them, and she returned the favor by watching the areas that he could not visibly see, "So, what are your plans for when you've finished teaching Roxanne and Rock about their abilities?"

She shrugged, "I am to return to Castle Dimitrescu," she said, her voice almost wistful, "My assignment given by my mother was to teach my niece, my brother, and then return."

He nodded, "I understand," he replied as he seemed to study her, "I would never ask that you disobey the words of those that sent you; however, I would ask if that is what you want to do."

She breathed out for a moment, and she considered his question, "Had you asked me before coming here I would have said yes without question," she replied as she studied him, "I would have happily returned to my ancestral home, and I would have enjoyed the presence of my sisters and mother," she said, her voice seemed to have a sense of sadness upon it, "but now, I fear that I have seen much that has tantalized my senses. This city is a seductive monster."

She laughed slightly, "I'd almost say that it is either a succubus or incubus depending on the one that enters it. It seems to offer the very things that they value most, and it does so gladly. I've never seen a place where I am able to feel so free. I understand the rules here, and I appreciate them."

He nodded, "Perhaps," he said with a slight smile, "And I only make the suggestion as one that is outside looking in, but perhaps it might be an idea to contact your mother and see if she would like to obtain a secondary residence inside of the city."

She considered his words, "Having an extra home would be beneficial, but it would also mean that a constant presence would need to be there," she said, her voice sounding wistful again, "That would be something that I believe my mother would insist upon."

He gave a nod, "And naturally the ones that maintained that presence would be connected to one of the organizations that help maintain the order in the city. While it wouldn't give them a complete run of the city itself I would dare say that it would certainly give them breathing room. More than enough to enjoy the city for what it is."

She smiled, the smile was not that of a predator, but rather of a young woman that was intrigued by an offer, "Yes, it would be a very welcomed change."

She felt the presence of something and looked to see a young woman that looked to be of Japanese origins. She gave them a slight nod, "Mr. Yao has asked that I take your drink orders," she said as she stood there, and Cassandra could see just how tall the woman really was. She was easily as tall as her mother, and just as well proportioned as her as well, "May I suggest the tea?"

She smiled at her and smelled it on her. She was a Yoki like them, and yet she was here in this shop. The woman seemed to be pleasant enough, but she understood that there was a good chance that she was dangerous as well.

"Which kind of tea do you have?" Cassandra asked, "I would be interested, but I would like to hear of the options."

The unusually tall woman smiled, "We have a tea that is blood red, tastes of delight and sweetness, with just a hint of saltiness to it."

Cassandra smiled at her, "Such a tea would be appreciated, I would like to try it."

She watched as the woman looked at Fang Fang, and she seemed to stand straighter, "Would master Huang like the usual?"

He nodded, "He would, and tell me Hachi, have you done anything that would make us rethink your presence within this city?"

She shook her head, "No, I promise," she said, her voice soft and demure, "I have only preyed on those that deserve it, and only on the ones that would not be missed. I have no wish to return."

He nodded, "Very well, then please bring us our tea, and thank you for your service."

She nodded, and Cassandra watched her, "So, another Yoki?"

He nodded, "The hachishakusama, an ancient being that selected disobedient children and led them away from their families. She would then slay them and claim their souls as her own child. She came to us asking to come here. She unfortunately chose poorly the last time she selected a child."

Cassandra looked at the tall woman as she left. If she choose poorly then it was likely she chose the child of a yoki. And likely she chose one that came from a powerful family, or was powerful themselves. If she was here then she was under the protection of the city. She felt no pity for her, but rather she understood her position. She was in a place where she had little choice of what she was going to do.

It also spoke of the authority and power that Fang Fang had, and she looked at him again. He was attractive, and more so she felt that he could be suitable. Perhaps it would mean the possibility of gifting him her blood, but doing so could potentially make him like herself. She would need time to be certain, but time was something she had plenty of.