Ariel gazed up at the green canopy of the woods, surrounded by long pine trees reaching up to kiss the boundless sky. Memories of his mother's words echoed in his mind, her gentle voice urging him to follow his destiny and trust that it would lead him to where he truly belonged. But now, as he lay on the grass, the weight of his existence bore heavily upon him, causing him to scoff at the notion of living as though he were dead.
For centuries, Ariel had wandered through life, his mother's words eternally haunting him. He barely remembered her face, but her guidance persisted. Yet, in the depths of his prolonged existence, he found himself yearning for solitude. Time seemed to slow, stretching out endlessly, and he began to question the purpose of destiny if everything ultimately returned to a state of aloneness.
Drowning in the depths of the ocean for so long, Ariel contemplated the idea that suffering in an endless loop of loneliness was, in fact, his destiny—an inevitable meeting his mother had foretold. He wondered if it was a miracle that he could finally walk on the surface, feeling the touch of sunlight that even though it didn't grant warmth. Each night's return brought with it a poignant reminder of the eternal solitude that seemed to follow him relentlessly.
As he traversed the passing years, Ariel pondered the true purpose behind his existence. Was he destined to endure this perpetual cycle of loneliness, forever yearning for a connection that remained out of reach? The weight of his ageless soul pressed upon him, making him question whether destiny had truly led him to this moment, or if he was merely adrift in an unending sea of isolation.
As Ariel pondered his purpose, he questioned whether he deserved kindness from anyone. After all, he had lived like a monstrous predator, drinking the blood of countless humans and ending lives under certain circumstances. Could he truly hope for pity or understanding from others? Had his destiny not been fulfilled?
Centuries ago, a stranger had saved him, placing him safely in a coffin. The memory still haunted him, leaving him perplexed about whether he should express gratitude for being spared from the eternal slumber of death or lament being denied the peace of the afterlife. The conflicting emotions gnawed at his soul, leaving him burdened with an unresolved debt to the one who had granted him a second chance.
Ariel couldn't fathom why someone would extend kindness without seeking something in return, unlike the royal families of the past who often sacrificed their children and wives for power and eternal youthfulness. The contrasting nature of humans left him in awe and bewilderment. To him, they were truly mysterious creatures, capable of surprising him at every turn.
The centuries of his existence had exposed him to countless acts of greed and manipulation, where individuals would barter anything, even their own flesh and blood, for personal gain. Yet, amid this darkness, he encountered the rare glimmer of selfless compassion, both in the stranger who saved him centuries ago and in the human who spared him upon awakening.
Ariel's life took a positive turn as he found solace and companionship in the form of the old man, Peter, whom he met in the woods. It was a welcome relief after enduring centuries of pain and agony in solitude. However, despite the newfound friendship, Ariel couldn't fully trust or confide in anyone. The weight of endless years had taught him that companionship was fleeting, and he was destined to be alone until the end of time. Emotions and desires, he realized, were his greatest adversaries, leading to further suffering after the brief respite of human connection.
As he continued to spend time with Peter, Ariel couldn't help but wonder how the old man would react if he knew the truth—that Ariel was a vampire who had lived for over a thousand years. The fear of rejection and isolation haunted him, holding him back from fully opening up to his newfound friend.
Yet, through his experiences with Peter, Ariel began to understand what it felt like to be mortal, something he had longed to experience since his childhood. Memories of his past life in the grand palace resurfaced—the loneliness and yearning for a normal childhood filled with laughter and play, a childhood he never had.
Determined to adapt to the human society of this new era, Ariel sought a way to integrate himself into the bustling city. It was a daunting challenge, considering his immortal nature and the secrecy he had to maintain, but he was resolved to embrace the unknown and forge a path amidst humanity.
The sun had descended again, painting the horizon with the afterglow of sunset. A cold wind rustled through the woods, creating a symphony of flapping leaves and ~chirp~chirp~ of birds. As the night settled in, they kindled a fire and sat together, seeking warmth and comfort in the chilly darkness.
Breaking the silence, Ariel spoke, " Mr. Peter... the days we spent together shall forever dwell within me, cherished and treasured."
"I know... thank you, young lad. Life awaits you with endless possibilities. Even though your memories seem lost, you will eventually find your family. And if you ever find yourself astray, head straight to the police station, do you understand?" ,Peter said with a touch of sadness in his expression.
Ariel smiled gently, acknowledging the humor in Peter's bittersweet jest, understanding what the concept of a police station meant to him. "I shall be departing tomorrow," he declared, retreating back into the comforting shelter of the house.
The path to the city of Whitedale was not foreign to Ariel. With Peter, he had often ventured to the town for groceries, gaining familiarity with the route to the main city and the means to board a train.
The next day he decided to travel through train, Ariel felt a sense of relief that his appearance as a Noble Blood would likely go unnoticed in this new place. With his long white hair and silver eyes, he knew he stood out, but he hoped to blend in among the humans with their diverse and unique hair color choices. However, he couldn't escape the pressure of the curious gazes directed towards him.
~murr-murr~
Whispers and murmurs filled the air as people discussed his appearance. Ariel could sense the scrutiny around him, as if he were an enigmatic figure drawing attention from every corner of the train.
"He looks like a celebrity. "
"Did he dye his hair white?"
"We should go talk to him."
"Take a picture slowly."
Amid the chatter, Ariel experienced a fleeting moment of feeling human, but he also realized that, in this new realm, he garnered a different kind of attention. Though he was an ancient being, his encounter with human society now presented him with the complexities of their perception and judgment.
As Ariel stepped off the train, he found himself in a whole new world, a realm that seemed like an upgraded version of the place near the Black Forest where Peter's home was nestled. The bustling city was alive with energy and movement, surrounded by towering skyscrapers that nearly touched the sky. In comparison, his once grand castles and mansions paled in comparison to these modern architectural marvels.
Everywhere he looked, there were circles of people going about their daily lives, their voices echoing like an orchestra of diverse colognes. The experience was both overwhelming and exhilarating, making him feel human for the first time in ages. Yet, with his unique appearance, he still garnered a quiet attention from those around him, who couldn't help but glance curiously at the enigmatic stranger in their midst.
The journey through the city was a stark contrast to the speed at which a vampire could traverse, and he marveled at the sights and sounds that enveloped him. It was a long ride, but Ariel was determined to immerse himself in this new world, embracing the challenges and wonders that lay ahead in this unfamiliar urban landscape.
Everything around him challenged his perceptions of human ingenuity. The towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and mesmerizing airplanes soaring even higher than birds showcased the potential of humanity. The sights left him in awe, acknowledging that humans were not as feeble as he once thought.
Yet, amidst the human achievement, he couldn't help but notice the loud and cacophonous noises that permeated the city. The constant honking of vehicles and clamor of everyday life were overwhelming to his sensitive vampire ears. While he admired the progress and creativity of humans, he also realized that with it came a world of noise and chaos that he was not accustomed to.
As he continued to navigate through the city, Ariel's experience was a mixture of fascination and discomfort. The human world was both intriguing and challenging, and he knew that adapting to this new era would require him to overcome various hurdles, not only in accepting their advancements but also in reconciling with the bustling and noisy atmosphere that surrounded him.
Amidst the flurry of activity in the bustling crowd, Ariel suddenly felt an intense familiar stare. People were engrossed in their phones, others skating by, and each going about their own ways, but he struggled to concentrate in such a lively environment.
~gaze~
The sensation persisted, and he could sense the weight of someone's scrutiny. Seeking a moment of solace, he closed his eyes and embraced the silence, trying to filter out the surrounding noise.
As he opened his eyes, Ariel's gaze met that of a young boy standing on the other side of the road, separated from him by the sea of people. The boy, with a yellow hoodie adorning his frame, seemed like a teenager. Those piercing red eyes locked with Ariel's for a brief moment before the boy turned away and disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind a lingering sense of intrigue and mystery.
Feeling an undeniable strangeness about the boy's presence, Ariel's curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to follow. He skillfully concealed his own scent, a technique only pureblood vampires like him possessed, making him virtually undetectable to others. As he trailed the mysterious boy through the bustling crowd, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was no ordinary encounter; there was something peculiar about the boy's aura that hinted at a different nature, something not quite human. Determined to uncover the truth, Ariel ventured deeper into the labyrinthine streets, where shadows and secrets intertwined.
Ariel's instincts heightened as he observed the boy scanning the huge crowd of humans. The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning—the boy was not merely an ordinary being, but a predator driven by insatiable hunger. His eyes were a terrifying sight, growling with a fiery red hue that engulfed his entire iris, while the white sclera and pupils seemed to merge into an eerie. The veins surrounding his eyes pulsated with the flow of his hot blood, resembling the twisted roots of a plant in disarray.
Lost in his uncontrollable rage and the desperate craving for sustenance, the boy marked his prey. He knew all too well the signs of a bloodthirsty predator, having lived as one for centuries himself. This boy was no ordinary being; he possessed an unsettling power that surpassed that of a mere mortal.
~Aaaahhh~
Ariel walked a couple of blocks, following the source of a sharp scream that echoed through the streets, imperceptible to normal human ears. He ventured through a creepy path, where not a single soul was present, deeper. There, he witnessed a chilling sight—the boy he had been following was crouched over a lifeless woman, her body drained of blood, and his face splattered with her crimson essence. The boy seemed to snap back to reality, his terror evident as he staggered to his feet and frantically scanned his surroundings. In a burst of vampire speed, he climbed a towering abandoned building, disappearing from sight in an instant.
~Swoshh~ In a blink of an eye, Ariel appeared right in front of the running boy, catching him by surprise. ~Grip~ He gently but firmly grasped the boy's neck, exerting just enough strength to subdue him, and swiftly brought him down to the ground. The boy's eyes widened with terror as he crumbled on the hard surface, crying and apologizing profusely. Overwhelmed by Ariel's mere presence, he felt a fear unlike anything he had ever experienced before—his entire life's fears combined, leaving his body trembling and his heart aching with dread.