Under the night sky, with the almost full moon casting a gentle glow into the room,
Grey and Kuroka lay together in bed, a sense of contentment and happiness enveloping them. Kuroka was dressed in her nightgown, a symbol of the intimacy and closeness they now shared as a married couple.
As they lay side by side, their fingers intertwined, Grey couldn't help but smile as he looked at the woman he now called his wife. Her presence brought him a profound sense of peace and completeness, a feeling that had only grown stronger since their heartfelt confession of love and commitment earlier that evening.
Kuroka turned to him, her golden eyes reflecting the moonlight, and she leaned in to plant a soft, affectionate kiss on his lips.
"Good night, Darling" Kuroka whispered as they broke the kiss, her voice filled with warmth. Before I could respond, she drifted into sleep. Probably exhausted from the Long day we had. With Soft sounds of her breathing, filled the room.
I gently brushed a strand of her raven-black hair away from her face, my fingers radiating gentleness and affection. "Sweet dreams, my love. From this moment on, I shall shoulder all your burdens and shield you from any harm. All I ask is for your safety and happiness," I whispered softly as my lips pressed against her forehead.
With that tender moment, I carefully tucked her into bed, ensuring she was comfortable. Then, I rose and made my way to the courtyard, where the moonlight bathed everything in its silvery glow. Under the celestial radiance, I inquired of the shadows that danced in the shimmering light, "Is it done?"
From the shadows emerged a relatively large, bat-like creature, the leader of the Bat Khan. It spoke in a demonic voice, "Master, your instincts were correct. The concealed spirits that trailed you and Mistress during the day were indeed youkai." It continued, "After observing the Mistress, they returned, presumably to report to their master."
"Oh, and who might that be?" I asked though I had a vague notion. "We tracked some of them back to Kyoto and others to the Kanto region, my Lord," it replied.
'Kyoto, as I expected. But even in Kanto? That's surprising. Given Kuroka's mother was acquainted with that troublesome Jiji of the East faction, it shouldn't come as a shock.'
I signaled for it to proceed after pondering for a moment. "My Lord, we have successfully infiltrated their far outer circle bases and will commence gathering information. It won't be long before you receive live updates on their outer defenses," it reported.
"Good work, Night-wing. But remember, when you enter the outer or inner circle, there are powerful beings that can perceive you as youkai. They don't cast shadows for you to hide in, unlike the living," I cautioned.
I retrieved a small, unimposing ball of weak-looking purple flame from my palm, presenting it to him. Upon gazing at it, Night-wing flinched. To him, it was a cursed, sinister flame forged from the torment and agony of the living, offering the highest form of nourishment to beings that fed on the living—especially youkai. However, such a flame held no appeal for beings like Night-wing and Shadowkhan, who subsisted on souls.
I clarified, "Night-wing, what you hold is known as Will-O'-Wisp in its true power—a cursed flame born from the suffering of the living. Deliver this to Arya and instruct him to craft a container, elegant and befitting a royal queen. Also, take this." I produced a bright white stone bearing a fire mark at its center.
This stone possessed a bizarre nature, as it was cold to the touch yet emitted a burning sensation. "This is something I fashioned from one of the heavenly flames, the Bone Chilling Flame. Don't concern yourself with its nature for now; you'll learn more later. While it may not contain its full power, it's potent enough. Ask Arya to craft a suitable box for it as well, one befitting a princess.
Tell him I expect both by dawn as he would still be awake now," I commanded.
Night-wing bowed respectfully and departed to fulfill his tasks. Turning to Zemo, my stalwart sumo-khan bodyguard, who stood as the mightiest among them, I issued my next order. "Zemo, inform Akira that he is summoned for tomorrow. His mission has concluded, and I wish to meet the new candidate he deems perfect," I stated.
"Yes, Master," Zemo responded in his deep, resonant voice.
With those matters settled, I returned to our chambers, where my wife lay in peaceful slumber. Holding her close, I mused, 'Tomorrow promises to be intriguing,' before surrendering to the embrace of sleep.
The first rays of dawn crept through the curtains, gently illuminating the room.
I woke up with a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. As I carefully stood up from Kuroka's embrace, she stirred but didn't wake up. I planted a soft kiss on her forehead before quietly slipping out of the room.
My steps led me to Arya's residence, where I knocked on the door. After a brief moment, he opened it, his eyes widened with respect. "My Lord, you have arrived. Please, come inside," he welcomed.
"Is it done, Arya?" I inquired eagerly. "Yes, My Lord," he replied, presenting me with two mysterious boxes wrapped in the traditional Japanese style.
"They look splendid, but may I see the boxes themselves?" I asked as the contents remained concealed. Arya deftly uncovered them, revealing the intricate designs. "Well done, Arya. I never knew you had such creativity in you," I praised him, considering his profession as a mage rather than a craftsman.
"Thank you, My Lord. Thank you," he beamed with gratitude, evidently pleased by the appreciation.
With both gifts carefully packed and the haiku I had composed earlier, I rewrapped them and took them to Sifu.
As I entered Sifu's quarters, he raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "You're here rather early, my disciple. What brings you at this hour?"
I couldn't hide my enthusiasm as I replied, "Sifu, I have something important to discuss and an errand to run. I wish to extend my congratulations to Lady Yasaka and Kunou in Kyoto. It's a matter of courtesy and respect."
Sifu's eyes sparkled, He seemed momentarily surprised and poised to ask something but refrained "Ah, I see. A noble gesture indeed, But why this urgency?"
I explained, "Sifu, I realized that I hadn't properly congratulated Lady Yasaka on the birth of her daughter, Kunou. It's been on my mind, and I wanted to rectify it as soon as possible."
Sifu nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. Go on."
With a sense of purpose, I continued, "I have prepared gifts, and I want to send them today as a token of my respect and an apology for the delay."
Sifu's lips curled into a wise smile. "A thoughtful gesture, my disciple. It reflects well on your character."
I bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Sifu. I would appreciate your help in this matter."
Sifu leaned forward, his eyes showing a hint of intrigue. "What kind of gifts have you prepared?"
I revealed, "Two gifts, Sifu. One is a unique flame known as the Will-O'-Wisp. The other is a peculiar stone I created myself. I've requested Arya to create a suitable box, one elegant and befitting a royal queen and the other worthy of a princess."
Sifu appeared impressed. "Your choice of gifts is interesting, to say the least. I believe Lady Yasaka and Kunou will appreciate them."
With a heartfelt expression, I added, "Thank you for your understanding and assistance, Sifu."
Sifu gave a warm smile. "Of course, my disciple. It's nothing but a small matter"
After thanking Sifu for his guidance, I left to meet Akira, who was due to arrive shortly.
Somewhere in Europe,
In the moonlit halls of a European mansion, a masquerade party was in full swing.
While it might have appeared as an ordinary affair, it was, in fact, far from it. It held a dark secret—it was an assembly of high-class vampire nobles, indulging in drinks that were none other than the blood of humans.
Among them, Lord Cecilion, dressed in resplendent crimson, escorted his elegant wife Luciana. Their presence drew the attention of an arrogant vampire noble, who couldn't resist a jab. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Lord Cecilion and his pet of a companion Luciana. Taking her out for a stroll, are we?" The biting remark elicited laughter from the surrounding nobles.
Cecilion, incensed by the comment on his wife, was about to retort when Luciana gently grasped his hand, urging restraint. "Husband, let's not engage with these narrow-minded individuals. To them, humans are mere sustenance, and Dhampirs like me are deemed low-borne," she murmured, her tone soothing.
"But they—" he began, only to be interrupted by Luciana's firm resolve. "Their opinions hold no weight. What matters is that you love me for who I am, and that's more than enough," she assured him.
"Besides, it wouldn't be wise to instigate conflict on Marius' 18th birthday. Today, the king will grant a wish to his family. He may not hold you in high regard, but he cannot dismiss the royal Tepes blood that courses through your veins. This tradition has endured for generations, and this time, he will not deny your request," she declared, her expression resolute.
"You're right. I shouldn't allow my temper to get the better of me, especially now. We've waited for this moment for far too long. This time, I—no, we will gain custody of my niece Valerie and Gasper. He can't turn a blind eye any longer. Those poor children have suffered enough in that household. Being a dhampir should never be considered a crime," he affirmed, seizing the moment.
"Don't fret, my dear husband. I believe someday, someone will recognize our worth, our family's worth," Luciana offered, her voice laced with hope.
"Lord, Lady, might you care for a drink?" A waiter, bearing a tray of beverages, interjected, diverting their attention.
"Oh, no thank you. My husband and I are... on a dietary regimen," Luciana replied, a sly smile dancing on her lips. Meanwhile, Cecilion winced, recalling his offhand remark about embarking on a diet for an entire month. He had made the statement in a moment of bravado, hoping to impress Luciana's friends.
"Understood, my Lady," the waiter acknowledged before discreetly retreating. Luciana shot her husband an innocent smile, who, at that moment, pondered his life choices of trying to impress her friends in the first place.
*ting* *ting* *ting*
"Ladies and gentlemen, I trust you are all reveling in the splendor of this evening. On this auspicious occasion, I wish to share a few words about my son," announced the current King Tepes, capturing the undivided attention of the party's attendees.
Meanwhile, on the second floor, within a relatively secure chamber, a vampire lord diligently rehearsed his speech for the impending event. Just as he was engrossed in his practice, a gentle knock echoed through the room.
"Enter," he responded, and the door swung open to reveal a wine butler, wheeling in a trolley laden with an array of fine wines.
"May I inquire, my lord, what you would prefer to drink tonight?" the butler asked with a respectful bow. "And if I may offer a suggestion, perhaps a specific wine to boost your confidence during the upcoming speech?"
The vampire lord considered for a moment before nodding. "Very well, butler, your expertise has served me faithfully in the past. Surprise me with your recommendation."
With a skillful hand, the butler selected a bottle, poured a glass, and presented it to his master. The vampire lord took a sip and was immediately struck by the wine's exquisite taste. It was as if a symphony of flavors danced upon his palate.
As he savored the wine, a strange sensation washed over him. His limbs grew heavy, and a numbness spread throughout his body. Panic welled up within him as he tried to move, but he found himself unable to do so. He attempted to cry out, but only faint squeals escaped his paralyzed lips.
The wine butler watched impassively as the vampire lord's eyes widened in horror, his body rendered motionless by the insidious concoction. It was clear that this had been a meticulously planned and executed
As the vampire lord's body succumbed to paralysis, a malevolent smile twisted the butler's lips. The vampire lord could do nothing but emit feeble squeals as he sank into helplessness.
The butler's voice dripped with mockery as he remarked, "It seems you've taken quite a liking to tonight's vintage, my lord. So much so that you've chosen to remain seated."
A sinister smile curved the butler's lips as he produced a white, unassuming rope. Swiftly and expertly, he wound it around the vampire lord's neck and mouth. In a tone laced with sadistic glee, he issued his ominous warning.
"You see, my lord," the butler hissed, "this rope may appear ordinary, but it's made of silver. A vampire's bane, as you well know. Yet, what truly sets it apart is what lies within."
The vampire lord's eyes widened with fear and curiosity, but he was unable to voice his questions.
The butler leaned in closer, his voice dripping with malice. "Hidden within this seemingly mundane cord are sun shards—fragments of your ultimate demise. Should you attempt to defy it, to strain against it, these sun shards will pierce your flesh, entering your very being. The result? A slow, agonizing incineration from the inside out."
As the realization of his predicament sank in, the vampire lord's eyes flickered with terror, a silent scream of despair echoing in his gaze. The butler's malevolent smile only deepened, relishing the growing dread in his victim.
"Relax," he taunted, knowing full well that relaxation was impossible in this nightmarish scenario.
With a cold, methodical demeanor, the butler retrieved a sealed box adorned with a delicate rose design from the inner pocket of the vampire lord's jacket. In his other hand, he brandished a wicked-looking knife,
"Intriguing, isn't it?" the butler mused, his voice carrying the weight of sadistic amusement. "This box holds secrets beyond your imagination. However, it demands a rather peculiar key—a precise quantity of true blood."
The vampire lord's eyes widened further, his dread deepening as the implications of the butler's words settled in.
The butler continued, his tone dripping with sinister satisfaction. "Ah, but here's the catch, my dear lord. True blood—the life essence that exists only within the heart of a vampire—is the only thing that can open this mysterious box"
He allowed a pause, savoring the rising panic in the vampire lord's eyes. "And you, my lord, will provide that key, I will drain out the blood from your heart, again and again, until we discover the correct amount. We have the entire night for this delicate experiment."
As a shiver of terror coursed through the vampire lord, he realized the horrifying fate that awaited him on this night. The butler's grin grew even more malevolent as he declared, "Let us begin, shall we?" The room filled with the sounds of splattering blood and muffled, futile screams as the night descended into a sadistic ritual of torment and suffering.
In a dimly lit, locked room, nestled in a far corner, a young girl, around 13 years old, gazing out of a window with an air of melancholy. She appeared lonely and visibly waited for someone. As if in response to her anticipation, rustling sounds emanated from the nearby garden bushes. A small bat struggled to fly through the window into her room, transforming mid-flight into a fair young boy, approximately 7 years old.
"Gasper!" she exclaimed joyfully upon his arrival, quickly enveloping him in a tight embrace. Gasping for breath under her enthusiastic hug, the boy finally managed to wheeze, "Big sis Valerie, I can't breathe." In response, she playfully stuck her tongue out and released him, evoking a smile.
With swift determination, she proceeded to dress him in a girl's dress, ignoring his protests. "You look adorable, Gasper!" Valerie exclaimed."Big sis, I don't like being dressed like this~" Gasper replied with a pout.
Valerie skillfully manipulated the lock from outside using her own blood, a skill she had acquired from her uncle. "Stay quiet and follow my lead. We're going to have some fun, okay?" Valerie instructed Gasper. Hand in hand, they silently unlocked the door, making their way into the bustling party. "Remember, we have to be discreet. Act like you belong here," Valerie whispered to Gasper.
As they discreetly partook in the food and drinks, Valerie seized the opportunity to lecture Gasper on the ways of being a vampire. "Listen, Gasper, being a vampire is about more than just drinking blood. It's about embracing who you are," Valerie explained in a hushed tone. Although she herself was not a pure-blood vampire, she had gleaned knowledge from her uncle's extensive collection of books.
"But what if they find out?" Gasper asked hesitantly. "Don't worry, no can recognize you," Valerie reassured him.
At first, Gasper felt a bit uneasy with the unfamiliar cuisine and blood, but he quickly adapted to the experience. "This... this isn't so bad," Gasper admitted.
"See? I told you," Valerie said with a grin.
As they reveled in the festivities, they found themselves strolling on the second floor. Just then, a piercing scream echoed from a nearby room, abruptly disrupting the revelry.
"Stay close, Gasper," Valerie urged, concerned.
Amidst the chaotic crowd, both Marius and King Tepes entered the room, with Cecilion and his wife, Luciana, following closely.
"Come here quickly," Luciana signaled discreetly as she caught sight of Valerie and Gasper. Without hesitation, they scurried over, taking shelter behind Luciana.
What lay before them was a nightmarish view—a room drenched in fresh blood, its walls adorned with gruesome patterns, and pools of crimson slowly creeping across the floor.
"What's happening, Aunt Luciana?" Valerie gasped. "I'm scared, big sis," Gasper admitted, trembling.
"Don't worry, you're safe with us," Luciana reassured them both.
Amidst the chaos, King Tepes made a swift advance toward the ashen remnants of the vampire noble, his intentions clear. The gathered nobles were quick to weave a tapestry of gossip and suspicion, painting the picture of an assassin who had audaciously infiltrated the House of Tepes and dispatched a high-ranking noble before vanishing into the night. They whispered doubts about the king's competence and questioned the strength of his rule.
As the accusations and insults grew in intensity, King Tepes, infuriated and determined, issued commands to his guards, urging them to apprehend the assassin while the blood remained fresh, indicating that the intruder might not have strayed far. However, the clamor of conversation was momentarily stifled when a perceptive noble in the crowd identified Gasper.
Eyes widened with recognition and disdain as this noble exposed Gasper's presence, labeling him the "misfortune bringer", the half-breed responsible for his own mother's death. Gasper's appearance as a girl in their midst only fueled the nobles' contempt, and they directed their ire at King Tepes, casting aspersions on his judgment.
In the midst of this turmoil, Gasper and Valerie found themselves at the center of the storm, their young hearts heavy with trepidation.
Valerie, emboldened by her fierce sibling bond, could not stand idly by as the nobles berated her brother. She stepped forward to defend him, her voice trembling but resolute, "Stop! He's not what you think. Gasper is my brother, and he's here with me. We're family."
However, her intervention did not quell the rising tide of disdain; it only intensified the scrutiny on her. Murmurs spread like wildfire, questioning her abilities and the very nature of her existence as a dhampir.
In a moment of sheer rage and humiliation, King Tepes turned his wrath upon Valerie. His voice thundered with condemnation,
"VALERIE!! YOU PIECE OF TRASH. HOW DARE YOU BRING THAT LITTLE SHIT TO MY SON'S PARTY. TODAY I WILL TEACH YOU A GOOD LEASON, SO YOU WONT DARE TO COME OUT OF YOUR ROOM!"
His anger manifested as a deadly weapon—a spiked whip forged from blood. With a swift and vengeful strike, he aimed to chastise Valerie for her perceived transgressions. In that terrifying instant, Luciana, acted instinctively. She shielded both Valerie and Gasper, her arms outstretched to protect them from the impending blow.
But the outcome was not as expected. The whip, mere inches from its target, halted abruptly in mid-air. Cecilion, Luciana's husband, stood resolute before them all. His hands gripped the whip's length firmly, his gaze unyielding, and his presence imposing.
The king, taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, wanted to retort but was silenced when he met Cecilion's cold and unwavering gaze. Cecilion's stern expression and the powerful grip on the whip sent shivers down the king's undead spine.
"Brother, STOP," Cecilion's voice cut through the tension, icy and commanding.
The king, his face etched with resolve, turned his attention to Cecilion. His words dripped with bitterness, "Very well, then. Since you and your family have shown your stance, I shall do what I should have done long ago."
A hushed silence fell over the room as the king's proclamation hung in the air. "You always wished to adopt these... trash, correct?" he sneered, his gaze never leaving Cecilion. "Well, now I shall fulfill your wish. This girl is no longer my daughter, and, as king, I hereby banish Gasper Vladi."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, the shock of the announcement palpable.
"But," the king continued, his voice carrying a weighty tone, "as for you, if you wish to adopt them, you must relinquish your right to the family name 'Tepes.'"
The words struck like lightning, leaving the assembly in stunned silence. Cecilion's response, however, was unwavering. "I ACCEPT THE TERMS, KING TEPES," he declared firmly, confirming his willingness to give up his royal lineage. Gasper's banishment meant they were on their own, without any support from the royal family.
Before the king could react, Cecilion acted decisively. "I shall take my leave then," he announced. With a fluid motion of his hands, blood beneath their feet shifted, forming intricate and arcane patterns. In a blaze of bright crimson light, Cecilion and his family disappeared, leaving behind an astonished and speechless audience.
Gasps of disbelief filled the room. "Is... Is that... BLOOD MAGIC?" someone uttered, their voice quivering with awe and disbelief.
Blood Magic, one of the ancient and most revered forms of magic used by vampires, had been displayed before their eyes. It was said to have been first created by the legendary Vampire King Vlad Dracula Tepes himself. Few in history had witnessed its practice, let alone its use.
It required a level of mastery known as Absolute Blood Control, far superior to the more common Blood Manipulation practiced by this generation of vampires.
"YOU BASTARD!!" King Tepes bellowed, his rage reverberating throughout the mansion.
Somewhere deep within the shadowy alleys of a quiet city,
a lone figure moved through the darkness. Illuminated by the soft caress of moonlight, the figure was none other than the butler responsible for the earlier incident. He walked a short distance before cautiously surveying his surroundings, eventually slipping into the concealing embrace of the shadows.
Inside the shadowy refuge, he was warmly greeted by a young girl dressed in a gothic priestess's attire. "Welcome home, brother!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him in an affectionate hug.
Another figure, cloaked in ninja attire, emerged from the shadows. "Well done, Max," the shadowy figure acknowledged.
Max replied with a polite nod and a hint of satisfaction, "Thank you, master."
As he entered the shadowy sanctuary, Max removed the face mask he had been wearing and undid his disguise, returning to his original self.
"Good," the master continued, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Now, take some rest. It's time to meet our Lord tomorrow. We shall depart as soon as the summon arrives."
"Yes, master," Max and the young girl replied in unison, their excitement palpable at the prospect of finally meeting their savior and Lord who had watched over them.