"Yami! The prin...cess, the Princess, has been kidnapped!" Lucy urgently hollered, snapping me out of my daze.
Startled, I realized that Lily had been taken. Panic surged through me as I processed the news. "What? How? When? Where was she when they last saw her?" I asked, my voice filled with frantic worry.
Damn it, not again. Is Lily going to get hurt once more? Their body is still weak and fragile. I know she can't die, but it will take time for her body to heal naturally. Instead of getting lost in my thoughts, I should have stayed by Lily's side, talked to her, and prevented this from happening. I can't blame myself later. Right now, I need to find the Princess.
"The Princess has been kidnapped, and a human male managed to infiltrate the castle. The incident occurred fifteen minutes ago, and the scouts following them have located them at a nearby lake," Lucy explained urgently.
"Okay, Lucy, come with me. I know you've been training for the past six months, so I might need your help. Let's hurry!" I declared, determination fueling my words.
Without wasting a moment, Lucy and I ran tirelessly, pushing ourselves to reach Lily as swiftly as possible. Finally, we arrived at the location where Lily was reported to be. I hoped she hadn't sustained severe injuries. Prayers echoed silently in my mind as I approached the scene.
"You little bitch! Do as I say and get out of my way!" the kidnapper shouted, his anger reverberating through the air.
"No, I won't allow you to harm these girls!" another voice retorted, filled with determination.
"I wonder if you'll maintain that bravery when I scar your face, Miss Princess," the kidnapper threatened, his malicious intent palpable.
As I caught sight of the unfolding events, I could see Lily standing courageously between the other girls, who were about my age, and the kidnapper. My heart pounded in my chest as I observed the silver knife gripped tightly in the kidnapper's hand.
"Get the hell away from her!" I yelled, my voice ringing out as I sprinted towards them.
Once again, my body moved on instinct, propelling me forward. I had left Lucy behind in my rush to protect Lily. I positioned myself between the kidnapper and Lily just as he swung down his silver knife with deadly intent.
"Gahh, it burns!" I grunted, feeling the searing pain course through my body.
"Yami! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I'm so pathetic; I always put the people I love in danger because of my weakness," Lily cried, her voice laced with guilt and anguish.
"Hehehe, it's ironic, Lily, but hearing you say you love me too made me happy. Goddess, it's ironic, isn't it? After all these years, I finally get to hear the words I've always longed for," I managed to say through gritted teeth, trying to fight through the pain.
As I spoke, I noticed Lily seeming to engage in a silent conversation within herself. Suddenly, she turned to Lucy and addressed her, her voice filled with determination.
"Lucy, I'm sorry, but I want to save Yami. They have been my childhood friend and have always been by my side. Would you be okay with me taking another wife and blood servant? I believe it was fate that brought you to me first, Lucy, because now I can make Yami, a vampire, my blood servant too, something that would normally be impossible," Lily explained.
"Of course, Princess. I believe it is fate as well," Lucy responded, her unwavering loyalty shining through her words.
"Huh, what's happening, Lily? Are you going to do something like what happened with Lucy that day? If there is a way to save me and for us to always be together forever, I will be happy. I would never regret being by your side, alongside Lucy," I said, my confusion evident.
"Okay, this might sting for a minute, Yami, but you will feel much better soon," Lily replied as she prepared to bite my neck.
I felt a momentary stinging sensation followed by warmth coursing through my body. My wounds were already starting to heal. I wanted to ask Lily what was happening, but as I gazed at her, I saw her undergo a transformation. She grew slightly taller, her chest more pronounced, and her eyes turned a crimson red, shining like rubies. No longer exuding the aura of a fluffy, cute princess, she now possessed the presence of a Vampire Empress.
"Hmm, I've awakened sooner than I expected, but it may be for the best. My other self managed to gain another wife and blood servant, which will aid in strengthening her body," spoke the Vampire Empress Lily, her voice carrying an air of authority.
Confusion swirled within me. Did this mean that if Lily continued to acquire more wives and blood servants, she could regain her health?
"Who are you, bitch? Where is that little Princess?" the kidnapper sneered.
"Who are you calling a bitch, you disgusting piece of garbage? How dare you try to harm my other self and her loved ones. You're about to experience excruciating pain," Vampire Empress Lily declared, her voice dripping with anger.
After her retort, Vampire Empress Lily turned her attention to me, Lucy, and the other girls who had been kidnapped. "I'm going to ask you girls to close your eyes for a few minutes, alright?" she requested.
A dark, black haze began to envelop their surroundings, and thousands of crimson red eyes emerged within the smoky darkness, shining ominously.
As the girls shut their eyes, I could hear the Vampire Empress say, "Now that these girls cannot witness what is about to happen to you, scum, it's time for your punishment. Let my pets tear your fingers, toes, limbs, and flesh to pieces."
"No... nooooo... have mercy pleaassse... it hurts... aaaaggghhhh!" the kidnapper's agonized screams filled the air.
After what seemed like an eternity, the kidnapper's cries subsided. When I finally dared to open my eyes, I saw the Vampire Empress embracing me, her voice filled with urgency.
"Yami, listen to me. I don't have much time before I pass out and return to my other self. I have sealed the memory of the punishment I inflicted upon that kidnapper deep within my other self's consciousness. However, it may resurface as nightmares, particularly during the next few days when she experiences a fever from awakening me once again. She will need your help, along with Lucy's, to recover, as you are both her wife and blood servant. One more thing, can you reaffirm your promise to protect my other self's smile forever?" the Vampire Empress explained, her words rushing out.
"Yes, I promise to protect her smile for all eternity, no matter the circumstances. Seeing her happy and smiling is what I cherish most," I responded, my voice filled with unwavering determination.
"Good, it's time for me to depart. I'm sure our paths will cross again. Goodnight, Yami. Lucy will guide you on what to do next," the Vampire Empress Lily whispered, her voice growing faint.
With a gentle hug, the Vampire Empress settled into my lap, shrinking back into the fluffy, cute Princess Lily, once again adorned with a smile upon her face.
I lifted Lily in a princess carry and began walking back towards the castle, with Lucy by my side.
Lily mumbled softly in her sweet, angelic voice, "Thank you for always protecting me. I love you, Yami."
"Forever and always, I love you too, my Princess," I replied, my voice filled with affection.
Returning to the Present
Lily and I are now playing in the water, enjoying the moment. As we pause and our eyes meet, I embrace her tightly, my voice filled with conviction. "Lily, I want to reaffirm my promise once again," I say earnestly.
Lily looks back at me, her eyes shining with love and trust. "Okay," she replies, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Lily, I promise to protect your smile for all eternity, no matter what challenges we face. Your happiness means the world to me," I declare, gazing into her eyes.
"And I want you to keep smiling too, Yami. I love you so much," Lily responds, her grip tightening as she embraces me.
As we pull away, she looks up at me with a radiant smile and says, "Now, it's your turn to kiss me, Yami."
I return her smile and say, "Of course, My Princess," before leaning in to give her a tender and passionate kiss.