As days slipped by, the chaos outside of the city continued, but the inside of the city was reigning supreme. It almost seemed like the people within regained their spirits from before, disregarding their new neighbours outside the city walls.
Of course, where there were people who adapted to their new lifestyle, there were those who didn't. These people mainly consisted of those who did not live in Cosmos City and were only here to visit or tour.
Though it was understandable that they were missing their loved ones, right now, even if one wanted to go out, they had to have enough strength and stamina to fend off the countless undead the moment dusk fell upon them.
As time passed, the people in Cosmos City thrived. Gone were the worries of protecting themselves. Instead, many strove to better their studies, practicing on the undead rather safely near the boundaries of Cosmos City. As their real-life experience increased, so did their battle proficiency.
Amongst them, the Undyings' potential exploded as they were forced into life-threatening situations. Unafraid of death, they charged in, tearing and ripping whatever being that came up to them apart. Gaining experience and knowledge, the Undyings climbed up step by step under the guidance of the people in Cosmos City.
Jasper, who had come here fighting all the way from Night Tide continent, inwardly marvelled at how the people of Cosmos City pulled together so quickly. Even back in the Night Tide continent, where Vampires were supposedly 'better' than humans, were running around like headless chickens, unlike the people here.
He wondered if it was because of how they lived, or if it was because of a certain someone. At this thought, his eyes cut to the valiant figure that was cutting a path through the battlefield. Only corpses were left in his wake.
Jasper couldn't help but admire the efficiency and power that exuded from Nine's every pore.
Almost as if he could sense Jasper's thoughts, Nocturne cut a look at him, causing Jasper to look away speechlessly. Really. Nine's husband was completely convinced that he had fallen in love with Nine. Seriously! It was just a certain side effect of the Charm that Nine had leaking out that day. It wasn't a confession of true love or anything.
Not to mention, the way Nine and Nocturne went around feeling all of the poor single dogs their dog food left and right, as if he would ever dare to try and cut in! It looked like Nocturne would never believe him for as long as he was single… but if it was so easy to find their fated half, he wouldn't have been single for so many years!
Coughing lightly, Jasper disregarded the suspicious wife and threw himself into battle, enjoying it immensely. Though he had fought his way here not too long ago and battled to his hearts content, a few days had already passed, and the itch in his bones was back again.
He almost hoped that the undead would stay permanently, but he knew that it would not be, not with Nine here. How many chances did he get to fight like this, like he was wading a one-man war? The answer was, none. Ever since he had become a Prince, he had never been able to satisfy his bloodlust.
Fighting like this, swinging his arms, lashing out with every available body part, made him feel like his blood was singing sweetly under the call of battle. Even when his arms grew tired, and his body felt heavy. When he felt drained because his magic was running empty, he wouldn't trade this for anything. He lived and breathed for the battlefield. Until now, Jasper had not realized how he was wasting away in that castle he called his home. He had been suppressing himself and holding down his desires for so long that he longer recognized himself when he looked in the mirror.
When he had 'stolen' that blasted woman Helena from his brother, he should have just dealt with her instead of keeping her around. Now that his head was finally clear, it was almost unconceivable that he had done such a thing. Keeping quiet about it from his brother, whom he loved dearly, even though he knew that it was hurting him? The him in the past would never have done that!
It was part of the reason why Jasper had come back to Cosmos City even though Night Tide continent needed him. The moment he threw himself into battle, it felt like something that had been restricting his movements had snapped for the first time.
His body felt like it was his again. Feeling this, his mind was clearer and brighter than it had been in a long time. When he looked back at his movements, it felt like he had been walking along a carefully laid down path for him.
Who was it?
Who had cursed him? Bound him? Restrained him? Was it the mastermind of this 'Darkness Uprising'? Or was it… one of the Vampire Royals?
Instantly, the rage had lashed out of him, familiar and unfamiliar all at once. That's right. He had always considered himself a straightforward person who wasn't afraid of any consequences, so he left for Cosmos City.
'The people needed him'? What a joke. The reasons that the Vampire King tried to use to tie him to the continent made him feel suspicious. Without a second thought, he quickly left, disregarding everyone else.
Nine, Seyton and the rest would be able to make something out of this, he was sure. He didn't know why he had this belief, but something told him that it would be alright if he just headed to Cosmos City. It was his gut speaking, that he had not heard for some time.
As the gore splattered over his face, his grin widened as he swung harder. The chains that were keeping him down were slowly being unleashed. He felt like a hungry tiger that had been let out because someone gave him free reign.
As he caught sight of Nine's dazzling figure in the distance, Jasper let out a hearty laugh, feeling the bubbling of exuberance seep into his skin. The hairs on his arm raised as he felt the familiar feeling of adrenaline that coursed through his veins.
He didn't know how long he swung, cut, bashed and killed before there was nothing left in sight. When he blinked, Jasper realized that dawn had come without him realizing it.
As the first rays of light spread across the blood-strewn land, Jasper saw as Nine looked into the sky. The soft rays of orange cast a glow over Nine's body. As Nine turned around, Jasper couldn't help but stare, caught in Nine's Charm again.
Dazed, he didn't notice what he was doing until Nocturne jabbed him harshly in the side.
Jasper let out a grunt, bending over, clutching his side. Alright. He knew what he did wrong. How dare he stare at the Crown Prince's dazzling figure when his wife was right by his side, right? The jealousy was really strong!
Literally, really strong!
Nocturne huffed, walking up to Nine.
Seyton, who had witnessed the scene happen, let out a snort, his polite mask nowhere in sight, causing Jasper to glare at his brother.
"You deserved it," Seyton said. "What were you thinking, staring at Master when the glorious sun first breaks and casts its glow over Master's skin? That's practically inviting death upon yourself. It's already hard enough to resist it normally, and you still want to add special effects?"
Jasper thought about it, realizing that Seyton was right. He had set himself up to lose without realizing it. In this area, Jasper gladly looked to his younger brother for advice. After all, he wasn't the one who stayed by Nine day after day.
"Fine, I concede. But have you ever won a staring contest with Nine? By that, I mean are you even able to look at Nine normally?"
Seyton froze for a split second but maintained his neutral look. "Of course I have."
Had Jasper not been a Vampire, he might have believed his brother, but he caught that slight pause, so there was no way he would! "Liar!"
Seyton and Jasper exchanged glares, starting to bicker.
Nine and Nocturne exchanged a glance as well.
"Really," Nine said. "If the two of them weren't related, I would have thought they were a married couple. No wonder Seyton's ex thought Jasper was in love with Seyton."
Nocturne nodded sagely.