A nerve wracking sound filled the open air as some people broke in. Darwin crumpled on his knees ok the floor as the bullet dug deep into his skin. He looked up to see a few people breaking through his door and wondered how did they manage to locate him that instant. He pulled himself up and ejected the bullet out his body. His eyes turned crimson as anger rushed through his nerves. The thought of fighting that thing out and just running away given his current position is clashing like colors of blue and red in his mind.
He looked behind him and saw Ae sitting with his legs crossed and munching some peanut chips.
"How long have you been here?", Darwin asked.
"You are full of questions. I got rid of the first wave of zombies. It's like playing plants vs the undead", Ae offered some chips.
"Do you think this is some sort of a joke, huh?", Darwin snapped at him with a deadly look.
"Oooh boy, easy there. You are afraid of humans now?", Ae gave him a snort before pulling himself up.
"Everyone's coming after me. Everything", Darwin looked back to the outside bracing himself for another wave of bullets aiming straight to him.
"Of course. That would be a great show to watch", Ae put his face right next to Darwin's left ear so he can hear him munching the chips.
Darwin closed his eyes in absolute anger and annoyance. In his mind, if only he can snap the guy next to him like a twig he would probably good as dead but he just can't because he's more than just a demon outside.
"Here goes another one", Ae let out a snicker as threw himself to the couch.
In a split second, a bullet broke off piercing Darwin's arm. Another shots fired and it hit the tv screen Ae was watching too and kitchen door. Ae closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. He slowly put the bag of chips down the table and dusted his hands.
"Darwin...please admit defeat and...", Ae whispered but then cut if off.
"I uh...", Darwin's eyes widened at the surge of an overwhelming power that sent shiver to his spine.
"You do not disturb my holiday humans", Time suddenly froze at the end of Ae's words. He pulled himself up and faced the window. Bullets stopped midair, floating like raindrops falling sideways. Some of it just a few centimeters and inches away from him and Darwin. He rolled his eyes and let out an unimpressed pout before walking around the room and flipping the bullets backwards facing the people who shot it outside. In a snap, time streamed back to normal and the bullets fired back decapitating some people outside the house. There were almost five of them.
Ae threw himself back to the couch again and let out a deep grunt as he saw the tv screen flickering on and off.
"I am much worried about this thing than you, honestly. What a poor thing", He went on to check the thing by knocking and smacking it on the back.
"What did you do?", Darwin asked again.
"Another ignorant question again. Of course I get rid of them because you can't. At least for now", Ae answered without looking at him.
"Imma baby sit a weak vampire for some time", He whispered as he pulled the wires behind and then plugged it again.
"Thank you. I appreciate that", Darwin pulled himself up and threw himself on the couch across Ae. He let out a deep sigh as he waited for his wounds to heal.
Ae gave up on the television unit and just let it go. He playfully fanned himself as he sit on the floor with his legs spread like scissors. He looked at Darwin and gave him a disappointed look.
"We need to run away", Ae proposed biting his fingernails and giving Darwin a concerned look.
"That's not me", Darwin replied with a fake smile.
"You are almost as powerless as a lamb. You have no support. You are breaking down inside. What exactly can you do?", Ae rolled his eyes at him. For a moment, another shots fired from the outside and it broke the window next to him.
Darwin didn't say a word. He just looked away drowned deep in his thoughts.
He'd lost a lot in the past few weeks. His vampiric core, his ability to do things beyond anyone's expectations, his bestfriend for ages, his blood brother and that someone he couldn't figure out if he hates or just wanted to protect.
Sure thing came very unexpected and out of plans. Everything was actually beyond his grip, as it seems to him.
"Ok I'm done. You coming with me or not I'm gonna spit open the ground and have my merry way out of this cracky old house", Ae dusted himself off as he pulled himself up and threw his left arms sideward. His eyes turned pitch black as the ground started shaking.
Darwin held on to something as he looked down to his feet. The ground whirled like a whirlpool engulfing everything at the surface. His eyes went wide as a giant door appeared before them. Fiery vine like creatures started twirling around it.
"Ok don't make me do this", Ae grunted as he grabbed Darwin like a child and dragged him down along with him. They passed through the door and into a staircase going in spirals.
They walked down into what seemed like an abyss danced with red lighting and fire splinters.
"Creepy as hell", Darwin whispered.
"Taken. As a compliment", Ae snorted beside him.
A beaming red light engulfed them as they walked in. Darwin pulled back a little trying to shield his face but a force pulled him forward.
"Suit yourself. Until we find what we seek, you'll be residing here. Moonray Mansion", Ae gestured his hands as if he's welcoming a very honorable guest.
Darwin's jaw dropped, almost hitting the floor as he looked up to see the most magnificent form of architecture he's ever seen in decades. A eclipsed moon marvelled with gold and platinum structure held hanging like a manmade galaxy above the mirror-like floor. Almost as if the calm waters of the lake reflecting the eye of the universe.
He looked around the lobby and saw some statues of what looked like warriors of the ancient Golden Dawn Realm. But what captured his attention was a family portrait hanged around the right side the hall. They seemed to be a happy and complete family.
"Is that you?", Darwin let out a smile as he pointed at the child in the picture.
Ae didn't answer. He just have him a warm smile before tapping his back.
"Come let me show you to your room, Senior Frost", Ae walked behind him and into the giant staircase.
"So you lived in a place like this?" ,Darwin couldn't stop looking around.
"What do you mean like this?", Ae replied.
"Like this, you know. Rich and luxurious", Darwin walked behind him.
"There's a long history behind all of these. One day, I'll tell you. I really I can tell you or even that day comes. Until then, let's dress you up a little just into something more acceptable and above anything else, shall we?", Ae turned around and gave him a pitiful smile.
Darwin couldn't help but look at his self. He pulled his arm and placed his nose above his underarm to check his own scent. By the looks of his face, he wasn't impressed of what he has become.
"Josy", Ae snapped his fingers twice and a middle aged woman approached him with her hands clutched together in her chest. She bowed and looked straight into him.
"How you doin'?", Ae asked her. Darwin was surprised by how he treat people in his own house.
"I'm fine my lord, thank you for asking", Josy gave him as warm smile.
"Josy, I'd like you to meet Darwin. Darwin Frost. I assumed you've already heard of him of your history class", Ae introduced.
Josy's eyes met Darwin. Her expression uprose from being surprised to being horrified and then happy.
"Darwin Frost. I'd never though in my life that I will see you in person. All the legends are true", Josy kneeled and bowed in front of him.
"Oh no, trust me I wasn't the same thing you've learned about me. At least not anymore", Darwin let out a smile as he scratched his temples in dismay.
" You should be afraid Josy", Ae teased making Josy pop her eyes wide open.
"What? No!", Darwin defended.
"Just kidding", Ae tapped her back and gave her a reassuring smile.
"My lord, what can I do?", Josy asked.
"Give this guy a clothe befitting of an apex predator title. Make him look dangerous but don't stain his beauty for we are going to use that in the future", Ae threw his hand as he turn his back at them leaving only Josy and Darwin behind. He waved at them before disappearing in the hall.
Silence crept between Josy and Darwin as they both looked at each other.
"Like seriously. I am no threat", Darwin smiled at him.
Josy didn't smile back. She just looked down and gestured him to come along with her.
They walked down along of what seemed like labyrinths of hallways for a few minutes until bumped into a dome. There found a colossal storage of clothes, armours, costumes, weapons and accessories almost everything you can name of, ranging from designs, sizes, age, origins and colors. Darwin looked around like a stray child walking in a big city for the first time.
"Is this all for Ae?", Darwin couldn't help but ask.
"Lord Aurelious has a long family history. All of these were a part of it. Some if it worn and some weren't", Josy replied.
"Can you tell me something about him?", Darwin requested as he ran his hands on the line of clothes standing beside him.
"My apologies, sir Darwin but I cannot do such thing. I'm in no position to say anything about Lord Au", Josy bowed his head as he declined his request.
"Oh no please. Let's drop the formalities. I'm no royal guest I'm merely just a runaway vampire lamb hitching for some shelter around", Darwin joked with a warm smile at her.
As they finished the conversation, Josy gestured him to walk with her towards a giant glass cabinet which encases a special item. A full set of outfit.
"He said something befitting for a predator", Josy whispered.
She opened the key hub and pressed the buttons for a pattern only she knew about.
The glass opened and the smell of finery tickled Darwin's nose. His amusement jumped as soft lights popped behind the set illuminating its details and drawing its silhouette.
"This things is a wonder of life", Darwin whispered in awe.
"The same thing that launched hundreds of calamity", Josy replied with her brows raised.
"Why? What's the history behind this magnificent work of art?" ,Darwin looked at her and then back to the thing in front of him.
She ran her fingertips on the beautifully made finery in front of them. Mixed emotions brewed in her eyes as she trailed off her eyes up and down.
"Think of it as your past life. A fragment of what's inside you", Josy looked down and to him.
"I don't quite get it. But it has something to do with what I was", Darwin added.
"The Crimson Calamity. This is the last thing he wore before he lost the battle with the Azure Serpent. As the legend says", Josy revealed drawing marks on Darwin's face. Both curious and amused.
"So that makes sense. That's why I feel so drawn into it the moment I saw it", Darwin looked up at the finery again and a strong spark flickered inside him. As if a connected had been established.
"Anyways, Lord Aurelious requested for your company in his private chamber after you settle up", Josy gestured him to come with her.
They walked down the hallway again and into a room. This time it was special room with minimal designs, a dressing room. Josy introduced him the matter and showed him the way to the bath garden so he can take a bath on the pearl spring.
The wind blew softly as they entered a whole new dimension. Darwin couldn't help but feel amazed by the enchanting view before his eyes. A spring on a cliff, above the sea of clouds rushing silently among the tress below them. The moon so close and big as if it was made only just for someone who dips in this breathtaking world.
Josy took an exit and and left Darwin alone.
He took small steps checking the surrounding. He'd never seen such beauty in his entire life. Or had he but just didn't realize how it was.
He took off his clothes. His naked body beaming like diamonds in the touch of moonlight brushing his pale skin. His eyes beamed gray as he looked up and let out a sigh of relief. He ran his hands on his chest and down before slowly taking a dip into the cold, fresh, heavenly pearl water in front of him.
As he went on to dip himself in the bath, he leaned on his head on a rock behind him looking at the moonlight. A strong kick of hunger for blood hit him as he closed his eyes.
"Beautiful, isn't it?", A voice broke his peace.
"Fuck. What the...?", To Darwin's surprise, Ae stood across the pool with his perfectly carved naked body illuminated by the moonlight. His hair flowing softly like strings of flame. He's looking up to the sky with a hint of smile in his face.
"I was hoping you'd appreciate the moment", Ae calmly said with a warm smile. He looked straight into his eyes. A warm flame forming in his gaze, so evident that even only with the light of the moon Darwin could tell he's looking deep into him.
Darwin stopped fighting his urge to strangle him and just gave up. The moment was just too wonderful to mess it up.
"Yuh. I guess so. This is just so beautiful", Darwin managed to say. He returned the same warm smile to him as a sign of gratitude.
"I can tell all the way from here that you are getting messed up. When was the last time you drink blood?", Ae took a dip across him. Their toes touching each other as he ran his hands through his hair looking straight to him.
"I'm hungry. I gotta admit", Darwin just let out a small laugh. His smile so beautiful that it somehow lit up the dimmed world around them.
Ae closed his eyes and smiled. He bit his lip and slowly made his way beside him. He leaned his head on the rock next to him and they both looked at the sky.
"It must be really exhausting to be you", Ae said so low that it almost sounded like a whisper.
"I didn't choose this life. This life chose me", Darwin replied softly with his arms crossed in his chest.
Ae didn't say anything. He just closed his eyes and spread his arms crossing Darwin's shoulder.
"I know you might not like it. But, you can take some of my blood", He played some of Darwin's hair with his fingertips.
"Thank you but I don't do demon blood", Darwin joked looking at him and splashing some water in his face.
Ae just laughed at him and their eyes meet.
"Like really, I can recover", Ae looked straight to him.
Darwin melted on his gaze and nodded. He then asked Ae to get out of the water and into the rose bed next to the pool. Ae crossed his around Darwin's shoulder as they walked towards the bed.
"I don't usually do this but...", Darwin grabbed Ae's hands around him and pushed him hard down the soft mattress. He lay there with his arms stretched.
Darwin crawled towards him with a very lustful and dangerous expression. His hungry eyes beaming crimson in the shadow of the moon as Ae closed his eyes trying to fight the tension in between his hips.
"Drain the life out of me, angel", Ae whispered with his eyes closed.
Darwin trailed his tongue down Ae's abs and up his chest. Ae let out soft moans in pleasure as Darwin's soft wet tongue touched his skin. He grabbed Darwin's face to look at him and run his finger through his lips.
"You are nature's greatest insecurity", Ae commended as he arched his body to feel Darwin on top of him.
Darwin grabbed Ae's hand and trailed it down his his body. He licked Ae's neck and then up to his ears. In a second a s strong urge for blood kicked him.
"I'm just so hungry", Darwin whispered as he looked up and open his mouth. His fangs showed up and his eyes turned crimson as he dug a hole in Ae's neck and sucked his blood.
Ae grabbed and scratched Darwin's back in both pain and pleasure. He let out a strong gut moan as Darwin's fangs dug deep into his skin and to his nerves. He can feel his skin tightening and his eyes drying as Darwin go on with his meal.
A few moments passed and Darwin pulled back. His beautiful face light up like the night sky on top of Ae. His strength came back and his skin started glowing once again.
He rested his forehead next to Ae and closed his eyes.
"Thank you", He whispered. To his surprise Ae flipped him and pinned him down. His strong mascular body on top of him.
Ae's eyes were filled with passion and emotion. A strong wave of warmth ran their bodies as they looked at each other.
"Would you hate me?", Ae asked.
"Right at this moment I don't kn...", Darwin was cut off when Ae locked his lip with him. He ran his hands through this his hair as they exchanged heavy breaths and deep moans.
Ae pulled off a bit and looked at him. Darwin gazed back with melting eyes as he ran his hands through his face.
"Did you let me kiss you because you remind of someone you love?", Ae asked hoping for an honest answer.
"I don't wanna be honest. I'm living the moment", Darwin let out a deep sigh.
Ae was about to kiss him again when lighting bolt blasted between their bodies. He was thrown away across him. His skin burned down to the flesh. He hissed at the pain and looked back at the unconscious Darwin.
Blue and white light surrounded Darwin's body. At first glance it looks like strings of light running under skin but as Ae looked closer he then realized that it was snakes, crawling all over his body and lighting up like rivers of light, bioluminescent.
"I forgot, someone owned you", Ae sadly whispered and sat next to him. He looked at the sky and close his eyes. He grabbed Darwin's hand and looked at his palm, the mark of the devil was eaten by the snakes.