For rahat for now

Part O

Class ended a few minutes ago and like all the time I went outside last.
No reason really I just don't like the crowd. Why would I trudge through all the people when I can just not do that?

As I was slowly walking through the corridor I could sense a bad enigma coming towards me.
“Why do why I feel like you just bad-mouthed me,” The enigma said.
“You're just imagining things” I replied with a straight face.
The enigma was Kaede satonaka. One of my closest friend.
“Well, my instincts have been on point lately I know that cause I scored some serious MONEYYYY the other day”
“For the love of god please tell me you didn't scam someone again”
“ I have never scammed in my life. It's all good business and you know it”
“Good business my ass. You tried to sell cheap crap for triple the money. How the hell do you even defend that”
“I have a very flexible moral compass”
“More like a nonexistent one”
“As long as it makes good money my friend”

My friend here is very infatuated with money. It's not that she's greedy or in very need of money. She just has this affection towards the idea of getting money and more money and more money and yes more money. So infatuated in fact its the only thing she cares about, and frankly, everything else is the second concern. Maybe this is why our relationship didn't last.

Yes I dated her in our second year of high school. We knew each other from like middle school so I always wondered why it didn't happen any sooner. Whatever the case it didn't work out , nothing major happened really it's just both us realized that we liked each other more as friends. Despite her few(many) flaws, she's actually a good girl. She looks really good too. Long beautiful hair which she takes good care of, a round brown face that ends with a pointy end, a moderate amount of chest that's I'm sure has more room for growth and a great ass. Like a really good ass. I mean I'm not an ass guy but wholly shit why I didn't I go to bed with her before breaking up.

“What are you thinking about so much there bud,” she said regarding my long silence.
“Realizing how good your butt is”
“heh thanks”
YOU SEE. YOU SEE. There wasn't a single bit of sarcasm in her remarks she was genuinely happy about me praising her butt. Not an ounce of awkwardness was felt. Jesus how much in this friendzone am I.

While climbing down the stairs as she was explaining her next big scheme we met Uri.

“Ah Senpai, Good afternoon,” Uri said looking at me.
“Ah hello, why does it feel like that greeting was just for him?” Kaeda said menacingly.
“Because it was,” Uri said with the best poker face I've seen.
I let out a slight laugh but quickly got jabbed by kaeda.
“Why are you walking with such garbage of a person as her Senpai,” Uri said again with a straight face.
Damn Uri got no chill today.
“Hey now that's just too rude, Why aren't you saying anything Ell? Your precious kouhai is being a meanie”
“Well you must have done something to make her this mad,” I said taking Uris side.
“Ah well about that….” Kaeda said flustered.
“Your friend here scammed me senpai, and she refuses to ask for forgiveness,” Uri complained to me.
“Well, it's your fault not examining the goods before buying them” Kaeda refutes. “ But oh well if it's sorry you want to hear I am terribly sorry. An unsatisfied customer is only bad for business after all.”
“Well I DON” T forgive you and I've made sure no one in 2nd year buys your stuff again”
“Why you little!” Kaeda was actually really furious. She took me a couple of steps back and whispered to me. “Ell this is really bad, I can't lose such a big market. Second-year turned out to be my biggest moneymaker last time. You gotta make her understand”
“Hey, this is your fault for being a bad businessman!”
“It's your kouhais fault for being such a bitch about it! Look you got the hots for her right? I know alright so just talk her out of it somehow I don't know-how. Il leave you two today, how about that ?”
“Ah sure sure” I really wasn't gonna talk about it but as long as she leaves I don't mind.
Saying that kaeda walks away without saying a word. Damn she still going to play it as if she's being wronged here.
“I can't believe you still hang out with her you know?” Uri said to me with a disappointed face.
“Shes actually really nice if you get to know her, promise.”
“I seriously doubt that.”

That being said Uri and I started to climb down the stairs towards the gates.

I really like Uri, Her voice is so sweet its as if you could eat it up. She has a small frame not something you would notice right away but after some time you can see how small she is contrasting her age. Her arms are really slender that compliments her small frame really well. She looks really fragile, even someone weak like me could probably pick her up and throw her like a stick. Her hair is this weak blonde color and it's long but she always french brades them.
She always wears glasses too but I still don't know if its a fashion choice or she actually needs them. She looks really cute with it though.
Maybe because of her rather weak physical appearance her personality is her strongest defensive mechanism. She can hurt with words real bad and usually has this weird mental barrier up so it's hard to get close to her. But if you manage that you get a really cute girl with the sweetest smile.

“Senpai have you heard there is a juice bar opening today in unicorn street”
“Ah no I haven't”
“I heard its quite good”
“That's good to know”
“They say their mix fruit is really something”
“Oh is that so”
Uri pulled the back my shirt and gave a pout.
“Yah ok ok let's go”
“Yeeeee” A weird giggle came out of her as she took my arm and intertwined her both hands in it as if we were a couple.
We might as well be at this point. She definitely knows I'm into her and she probably likes me too. But none of us seems to confess. Maybe she is just waiting for me to do it but I'm just too anxious to do it.I don't know what it is exactly. Maybe this more than friends less than lover relationship we have now is something I like.
She, however, is using this to her advantage at all times. Seriously am I just gonna be abused by everyone for their own gains all the time ?

Part 0

When I woke up I found a very unfamiliar ceiling. It was rough. old and seem to be crumbling. I looked around the room I was in, it was in the same shape as the ceiling. I felt something pinching me and saw a blood bag giving me blood.
“I'm in a hospital?”
I tried to remember how I ended up here but my head . neck and back hurt really bad.

“Like all my problems I will solve this by taking a nap,” said I, as I laid again, but suddenly a man came into the room with a bit sign of release in his face.

“Finally woke up. I know you got many questions and I'm here to answer them.”
“…………..”

“…………….”

“………..”

“Well then get up”
Wait isn't your line supposed to be rest for now as I tell you what happened? Or so I thought.
My mind still wasn't really ‘getting out of bed ready’ but the man didn't feel like putting up with that. He came straight to me, grab my hand and flung me up from the bed as I barely manage to land on my two feet.
“What the he — ”
“Let's go to the roof I don't like it here”
I was still unable to properly comment and work my body. But disregarding that. I was dragged by the man to the fire escape. I was mentally preparing for climbing the stairs but since this man didn't work by the rules he held my hands and jumped. He jumped so hard as if he flew and with him I. Both us made it to the roof in mere seconds while he in his feet I on my butt.
I screamed an agonizing scream as my hand felt it was about to be ripped off.
The shock suddenly made my brain quite aware and I soon manage to grasp the situation.
“Ah..ehh..umm..ah.”
My brain desperately tried to comment on the situation but that didn't work out well.
“Calm down take a deep breath.” He said trying to calm me down. “You poor unlucky bastard,” he said under his breath that I barely managed to hear.

After a few moments, I finally calmed down. I looked around trying to grasp the situation. It was all alright until this man just jumped three floors but ok I guess, I thought.

“Looks like you seemed to calm down. Tell me what do you remember”
“I uh…. Who are you?”
“I will be getting to that.”
“I uh.. was coming back from school.. I uh went to this juice bar and uh…” Suddenly I felt a chill down my spine. Uri was with me. We were going home together. If I'm here injured. Then —
The man looked at my expression and guessed what I was thinking about.
“If your worried about your friend she's alright. She's the reason your breathing. She didn't get any injuries.”
“What…What are you talking about… I was uh coming back from the juice bar and I uh..”
“Do you believe in ghosts?”
“What?”
“You saw me jump three floors as if it was child play. I'm assuming its the first time you saw such a thing.”
“Ah yes.. yes yes.”
The man bought that fact up himself so I was quite relieved.
“Well accept such things as is. Cause this will be your life from now on.”
“I don't understand” I realized this was my first correct sentence I made the whole night.

“I will explain the whole predicament from start to finish so listen well.
I was chasing a fiend since the afternoon. I started chasing him from 32th avenue. It isn't allowed to do so in such broad daylight but I could not let him get away for personal reasons. But he got the better of me in our cat and mouse chase until the evening where I was able to wound him severely. He ran in his weakened state and got into the alleyway you and your friend were. Desperately needing strength the fiend jumped on you and tried to suck your blood but your friend scared of what was happening shoved him hard. At that time I manage to apprehend him. Even though it was only for a few moments he was able to bite your neck but due to his desperation, he manages to suck quite a lot. if it weren't for your friend you wouldn't have lived. I carried you to this establishment to heal you. I sent your friend back home. Don't worry she isn't in any danger. But the same could not be said for you boy.”

I listened to the man as carefully as I could. I thought I should take his words as an elaborate joke or some bullshit he is saying to cover-up.
But I knew. He wasn't lying. I remember it all really well. It was just so fantastical and so disconnected with everything I had experienced in life thus far that I shook it off. I didn't want to accept it as the truth. But it was. Seeing this man jump three floors only cleared the doubt away.

“I see you're quite accepting of everything. I thought it would be much more trouble then this honestly”

It WAS hard to accept. But I was also having a hard time accepting this mans getup. He wore black pants with black clothing which I don't know name of. It was a trench coat like clothing with the front area being closed with gold-colored buttons. My problem was that he also wore a fur coat over that. It is really not that cold I'm surprised he wasn't sweating. He was also carrying a long Katana looking weapon but I feel like I should pry about it. He had blond hair that gelled back while still being pointy. He didn't look too old. Rather he only looked a couple of years older than me. Which doesn't go with the way he talks at all. I feel like he was trying his best to maintain this persona.

“You seem quiet. Nothing to say?”
“Can I go home now? I won't ever look back on this day”
This is the best thing I could muster with my courage. But I knew something was off. That for some reason I would be shut down.

“You feel it don't you. You know you are not normal anymore. I'm sorry but you won't ever be able to go back.” he said with a calm voice.

I felt like I was about to cry. I felt wrong from the beginning but I kept telling my self otherwise. The tears were about to rush in but at that moment I heard something.

I flash of wind that suddenly turned into footsteps. A man in formal attire seemingly came out of nowhere. A simple grin in his face that didn't really state his intentions.

“You got to him before me huh. Well, I'm not particularly mad. Its actually less work for me so thanks for that my good man.” All this, the man directed to the man before me.

“It seems fate decided something different for you young man. Something different from the masses. Something special. It may seem hopeless and dark but you still have choice in this, always remember that.” All this was directed at me.

“You filled him in, haven't you? I trust you wouldn't force your path on him or let him not choose at all. There is a principle in everything hunter.”
Looking at my confused face it seems the man understood that I was still not up to date.
“Hmm seems like you have not finished explaining. Anyway, I believe you will do so carefully. so I shall just do my work and leave you to it.”
The man pulled out something from his pocket and then threw it at me. It was a card. A strange-looking one at that.

“If you choose to join us then bring that card to the Eclips bar at the ranking street, remember this invitation lasts for two days. You should be given time to choose after all.”

The man then begged pardon and left the rooftop as mysteriously as he came in. The man before me had a face of disgust in his face. But he calmed down soon.

“Listen, boy, you have a choice to make. You can join up with me. It was my fault the feind got to you. It was my mistake for not following protocol. If I hadn't chased him at that time maybe you wouldn't be in this mess
I want to atone for that. Join me and hunt monsters like him so it doesn't happen to anyone else. You still have your humanity left. The monster couldn't eat it all away. You could use it as your strength.”

A slight pause.

“Or join the monsters and their world. Indulge in the demon that you have become and leave what scrape of humanity you have left. I can't stop you.”

I was dumbfounded. This isn't something I can say now. I needed to think it through. I needed time

“Of course take your time thinking it through. You could stay here until then.”
The man started to walk towards the edge of the roof.
“But remember you only have these two choices. There is no middle ground. You cannot have the life you had until now. It is something of the past.No reason to look back. If you're even thinking about something like that then stop.”
With an expressionless face, he looked back and continued.
“It would be better if you contemplated jumping from here then tried going back”

As he said that he jumped down. Vanishing from my view.

My head felt heavy. I needed to think about this carefully. I couldn't stop thinking about everything all at the same time and it kept falling apart.
I need to get down from here first. I walked to the door that was in the middle of the roof.
It's locked.
The fire escape is broken.

I'm stuck here.

(The man realized it and came back for me 30 mins later and apologized)

Part 0.5

I decided to stay the night in that crumbling building. I already contacted my mother saying I was staying in a friends house. It's not the first time I've pulled this so it should be fine.

So many things happened in so little time I'm surprised my self how calm I am or maybe this is normal. The fact that I had not so much input in it does hurt a bit though.

I found the room I was previously in, opening the door I found a woman standing near a table, tinkering with something. Hearing me from the door she stopped and looked back.

“Well hello there.ahhh…”
“Ellson” I replied.
“That's a nice name. Call me Ema”
“Nice to meet you Ema” a tad bit formal for me I would say.

Ema looked someone straight out of a science fiction novel. She was wearing a long lab coat with tight pants. She had a long ponytail but there was still hair clinging to both side of her face. That's a lot of hair to deal with I thought. She had a nice pair of round glasses to boot.

“ Want some coffee?”
I was a little off guard since it was 2 am but I didn't feel like asking questions this niche when I had much larger things bugging me.
“Yah sure”
She made coffee real quick while I was checking out the things she was tinkering with. Bunch of science-ish things you see. The materials, however, are something I've never seen and would've gone better if I had not seen it.

“Sorry about what happened to you” taking a sip she tries to start up a conversation.
“Ah no its no one's fault” as if
“I guess that's Murphy's law for you” I'm pretty sure it's not like that though.
“You are.. human right?”
“Yep down to the core”
“Than what is ‘he’?”
“James? He's human too. You cant hate apparitions like he does and be one too”
“ Bullshit. He jumped three floors straight with me in his arms as I was a stick!”
“He is a strong one I guess,” she says casually taking another sip.
I look at her disappointingly. That answer isn't gonna cut it. With a sigh, she continues.
“Let's just say he did some weird drug once. I am a scientist you know an Apothecary too”
“So what like Captain America?”
“I've heard that name before but I don't know the story, sorry”
I gave out a slight sigh. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.
“Hey Ema, if your human how did you get dragged in this?”
“I guess I was born into this. This world is my ‘normal’.A society where humans and the fantastical co-exist. Well to me it isn't really that fantastic in the first place.”
“How just how? How come all these exist and I just now notice. How does everyone not notice in the first place?”
“I guess you just didn't open your eyes to it,” Ema said with imitating goggles with her hands and putting them near her eyes.
Maybe it was just how gloomy everything up until now was that I found that very funny. We both share a carefree laugh.
“I guess it should be really surprising for you. It wasn't always like this you know? Or at least that's what I believe. Apparitions were always here. It isn't like they always lived like this.”
“What happened?”
“Well many things. I guess the main problem was when people started to treat Apparitions as ‘heretics’. This created a divide between us and anything that wasn't considered humans. People in power started to hide this ‘side’ of the world. I would say the knock on the coffin was the witch trials. The ‘other side’ started fearing humans already to the point they started hiding among us. But a modern organized war started after Dracula tried to take over England. The whole thing was mucked as stokers book, and real details are lost but he got too powerful for a Vampyre . Queen Victoria in her last days wasn't going to have any of that. She created secret government organizations to “purge” all these otherworldly beings. These organizations still linger in some shape or form to this day. Others also popped up all over the world. Where do you think all your tax money goes to ?”

“Then shouldn't they be done for at this point?”
“It isn't that easy.It’s a whole different world of things. It isn't like we would be able to purge all of it anyway. But the fact that so many apparitions still live with us in a society organized is all cause of the east and some countries in the west as well. But mainly the east. Eastern people never thought of Apparitions as ‘other wordly’. Eastern people of power thought of them as a part of our world so they heavily condemned the wests action towards them. As you can guess people having different opinions on them clashed hard. The other world themselves were part of all this. They had their internal conflict as well. So even though the power of the British empire was able to nullify apparitions to a great degree, it wasn't able to destroy them. They still have to live a life of secrecy though”

“But how could they keep it a secret for so long? I mean it just doesn't seem possible”

“ A complete censorship does sound impossible, yes but isn't like you'd believe even if you see it. Your taught to look at these things as fiction from the start. Even if you see it you decide not to notice it. Like I said you didn't open your eyes to it. If you're not looking for it you won't see it as they say”

“I guess you do hear rumors, conspiracy theories and the like. But refuse to believe them”

“I wouldn't blame you for doing so. Don't feel so down about it.”

“Then what does James do? He’s part of one of these secret organizations?”

“ Nope, he's independent. Most organizations of today don't hunt down apparitions, they work on concealing them. They are diplomats between us and apparitions than anything else. Though there are exceptions”

“Why does he hunts them down anyway?”

“Don't know. ‘Personal’ reasons he says. I don't pry”

“Ah well. You work for him ?”

“Work ‘with’ him. I make things he wants, he lets me test my stuff on him”

“What stuff?”

“Maybe after you decide what you want to do. James told me about your situation. I won't force you on anything, but James has enough enemies. I shouldn't tell you about our little club until you decide to join.”

“……Ema, what do you think I should do?” I knew whatever she would say wouldn't really help but I couldn't help it.

“I would love to say to join us, James would probably like to have a sidekick of sorts heh. But that wouldn't be fair to you, would it? Take your time. I personally don't know much about their society. They ARE different. They look like us sure but they are one step ahead in the food chain that's no lie. And it doesn't matter what anyone believes, you are one of them now. I promise I will try my best for you if you decide to join us, but that's it, no other promises.”

“That would be plenty thanks”

“You're a nice boy. I'm sure whatever you will do will be for the best” she says with a smile.
The smiles are forced maybe but they are made with good intent.

“I think will sleep now. Head feels heavy.”

“That'd be best”

I put the mug down which was still full of coffee and head to the room. When reached the door I looked back at Ema. She already started to tinker with the things on the table.

“Arent you gonna sleep?” I asked.

I heard a faint laugh. I didn't catch its meaning though.

“My sleep was stolen from me long ago” she replied in a cool voice.

I didn't know how to respond to that.

Morning

When I got up I felt no different. I didn't feel any different than yesterday. Fuck was did I just dream all that? Sadly I didn't as I wasn't in my room and was in this abandoned building where I slept yesterday.

I got from the bed. Stretched and something suddenly hit me. Wait is the sunlight suppose to burn me? I should test it before I go out. I tried teaching my arm out of the window, but what if I instantly burn and die? This is too risky. I got out of the room first thinking Ema or James would be there but nope empty.

I will have to figure this out on my own. Well, fortune favors the brave as they say. I wrapped my whole body with the blanket with the exception of my arm. And then I stretched out my pinky outside the window. Just a bit. Just a whiff of it should do. When I felt the sunray I didn't feel any different. I slowly stretched my whole arm.

“AND HES SAFE,” I said to my self.

First things first I should go home. After that, I need to check on Uri. I had to thank her for my life and all. This is way more planning than I ever did in life ever honestly.

When I got home I still didn't feel any different. Maybe I didn't actually turn?
I didn't spend much time there. Told mum a made up story. She didn't mind nor she noticed anything. I don't get it. If they don't notice. Why shouldn't I just live my life as normal as before? I wasn't feeling any thirst for blood either.

Next, I want to go to Uris house. It was very far from my house. Since today's a holiday she should be home. I decided to call her before heading out just in case.

“Hello! Senpai!” She sounds genuinely concerned I'm so happy （ｉДｉ）
“I called so many times but you didn't answer”
“Yeah sorry about that. I was very troubled at that time. Hey, your home right? I wanna come and meet you.”
“They let you out of the hospital already? Shouldn't I come to visit?”
“No no don't worry. I'm coming”
“Ah okay then. Bring me some chocolate ok?”
“Yep I will”
I cut the phone. Hm I thought she would start asking all about the attack and stuff but I guess James managed all that. Now that I think about he didn't even wait for me to wake up. Rude.

I started for the metro from here. It wasn't far so I reached there in a couple of minutes or so.
I couldn't help but feel I was followed. I think it was just me being scared but I can't shake the feeling. And then I saw a man waving at me with a smile.

It was the man who gave me the card the other day. The man came straight up to. He also held the hand of a small girl. His daughter maybe?

“Well hello there. It seems we meet again. Might I take a few minutes?”
This guy was following me no doubt. The fact that I couldn't see him even after being on my guard the whole time scared me.

“Ah yes of course. I'm Ellson” I gave up my name right away. I didn't want this conversation to last long.
The man sat right next to me and the girl right next to him. “Well Ellson, have you decided yet?” he said with such a calm voice but it feels so intimidating.
“N-No nothing yet sir” I CALLED HIM SIR. I NEED TO CALM DOWN.
The man laughs as if I made the most amusing joke and seeing him his daughter started laughing too.
“Oh please please not need for such formalities. Am I being intimidating? Oh my fault entirely, I didn't even share my name. My name is Hugh Vindit. The pleasure is mine”
I can sense the falsehood of his happy expression. He wants to be done with me as I with him. I should be a little more composed from here on out.
“Mr.Hugh, you gave me a card last night. What it's for exactly?
“Oh, the hunter didn't bother to explain. Well, what do I expect from such a brute anyway? The card is an invitation to our society. Be it man, vampire, monster. If you have been invited, you are on us. It's hard to get something like that, make sure to be grateful for it.”
“But why? Why should I join?”
“Well, son because you have to. We can't have a vampire running around the street like an uneducated brute who knows nothing of oneself.”
“What does that mean?”
“You are a kindred of ours now. Looking after our own is a principle. Its law that governs us. It's for your own good. Do you know anything about your self? What shall you do when the blood lust comes in? When the demons inside you try to break out? Do you have any idea what you're into now boy?”
The man's voice is more aggressive now. He wants to make his point through. I hear the train coming but I don't think I will be taking this one.
“You weren't born into us. Rather your like an outsider adopted into a family. So you should know the rules and regulations of the family you're adopted into right? This is much the same”
I kept silent thinking of what to say. What did I want to say anyway?
“To be completely honest. As much we are insisting. You are nothing but an inconvenience. All the half breeds are. The more the reason you should be guided by us. You are the very example of it. If your sire was a part of us then maybe we wouldn't have this conversation”
“What do you mean?”
“Your sire was a traitor. He rejected our society and he cut all ties with us. He went out of control and the hunter put him down before we could get to him. But not before he turned you.” After a slight pause, he continued “Do you understand now? It's because we don't want more headaches like you.”
Well if you put it like that it sounds kinda rude you know.
“But one can't force such things. It's still up to you. Besides even if you go with the hunter, he will keep you in check. But hell, if we count his track records he might just end up killing you anyway”
I see a smile on his face. As if my death amused him a little.
“But still you are a kindred soul. It would be a shame of you do not realize yourself. ‘What shall you give the world?’ as the saying goes.”
I still had many questions but I was still too intimidated to ask.
“I shall take my leave then. A word of advice though I would assume you know of it already but make sure only you know your gift. No other soul must be wary of it”
saying it the man leaves with the hand of her child in hand.

I need to wait till the next train. Dammit, I will be running late.

x…………………………………x

Inevitably I was late, so late that she called me to check if I was still coming. That’s sad. I didn't want that. Even for a moment, she might have felt sad thinking I won't come (i hope so) and that I did not want to happen.

When I reached her house I called her again. She hung up and the door opened.

“Your way too late Senpai”

Uri was in her pajamas,hair down but still had her glasses on. So it wasn't about fashion huh. But I'm more dumbstruck how cute Uri in pajamas is. Like I didn't even think about this. Some credits must go the pink-colored pajama with doodles. But most of this beauty that I'm seeing before my eyes, is because of Uris petite body. Maybe this is my reward for going through all of that yesterday?
If it is, I must say, I have seen enough and I'm satisfied. More than satisfied, should I even see this? One man shouldn't be so lucky, should he? I'm losing my grip on reality. I fall on my knees unable to bear to what is before me.

“Ah senpai? What happened?!”

“Nothing my legs are just tired. Heres the chocolate. I bought your fav”
“Yeep. Alright come on in”

Walking through the door you will enter the living room first. The room was big with a sofa just in middle facing a tv. And right in the opposite direction a big sliding door that leads to the lawn. Sunlight comes through it easily it seems. Or what left of it since its the end of dawn almost.

“Ah nobodies home?”
“I told you my parents were out didn't I?”
Wait did she? Wait no. The bigger problem is. I shouldn't be here then. There is no time for this to turn into an awkward porn tape. I should just be done with the reason I'm here for and leave.
“It's late already I should leave Uri”
“Wait what? You just got here”
“My bad luck sadly. But anyway I just.. wanted to thank you. You save my life you know”
Uri a little startled a little flustered. Oh my god, I could watch this all day.
“Ah well, I got scared. The man was really scary you know. It was as if he was going to bite your neck off”
“He would've done it if it weren't for you.”
She isn't saying anything. Damn it say something its getting awkward.
“I mean its kinda weird you know. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Having my life be in debt to someone. It's kinda weird, I don't really mind since its you”
“Oh don't be like that…. anyone would've done the same.”
“Doesn't change the fact that you were the one there and you're the one who acted. Though next time lets ignore shady alleyways”
“Yah,” she says with a genuine smile on her face.

Thats it way too cute. I need to hug her now. Its not even up to debate at this point. Without saying anything really I got ahold of her and squeezed her tight. There wasn't any objection really. It wouldn't even matter if she had though. Her frame is just so small and weak. Even my at best, moderate body compared to hers seemed strong. She also decided to wrap her hand around my back. Hey, at least the feelings mutual here. God damn her hair smells nice. It's so fluffy. I wanna touch her hair but I felt that would've gone a bit too far. I don't know how long I was there but suddenly as if in fright I quickly let go of my grip of her and almost pushed her away.

Both of us a little flustered.

“I would've liked to be like that for a few more minutes you know” Uri complained. The feeling was quite mutual but I needed to leave for now.

“Maybe next time. I wouldn't want to get carried away” I started heading for the door. Uri must have been ready to say something, something to tease me. But seeing how I almost ran towards the door she just decided to simply not to.
“Its dark so stay safe out there,” Uri said while waving me goodbye.
I also waved and with quick steps I'm out of sight. I could feel the sweat on my body out of fear.
“Huh weird, I thought it was cold tonight”

x…………………………………..x

I tried ignoring the thought really hard from my mind. But I couldn't ignore it longer. It's like a scent you don't like you try hard not to smell it but it somehow goes through your nostrils anyway.

Smell that's exactly what's bothering me. While holding Uri tight in my arms. while smelling her sweet-smelling hair, a disgusting smell went through my nose.

A smell of blood. Blood, however, wasn't there. She wasn't bleeding anywhere nor there was blood in the room. Then I shouldn't be able to smell blood right? Since it's not there?

Well here is the punch line. Actually there is blood. Her whole body is filled with blood. Funny right? I thought too. But I never could smell the blood inside of the human body before. So I guess this is my first change Ias a vampire. What was this? Enhanced smell? Well, whatever it is. It wouldn't have been bothered me that much. Not even close to the trouble I'm feeling right now.

The thing is rather than hating the smell. I liked it. I wanted to get closer to it. I wanted to feel it. It almost felt like my life depended on it. It felt like a necessity that one would enjoy. For a moment maybe a split second I wanted to rip her skin and wanted the blood to be free. For the blood to come to me.

It was a feeling I can't even describe right now. And I don't want to I refuse to.
I need to sleep maybe waking up the next day this all will feel like a dream. But it seems someone else wants a bit of my time.

I see her. She isn't trying to hide now. When I felt someone was following me,it wasn't Hugh. It was this woman. She's on the train looking straight at me and I at her. She was wearing red vest-like clothes with a black pair of pants. She had scars all over her body. A bit on her face, on her right hand. Marks like that you don't see often. Clearly she was hurt really bad once. I wonder how though.

When I got out she followed me again for a bit until she finally called me out. Not sure exactly what she said but now I'm with her near this area with lots of compartments. I was sitting on a staircase that had exactly four stairs. She was leaning on a railing looking at something.

“The names Viki. It's nice to meet you”
“You were following me the whole day, why?” I was done with this. I heard so many names within these two days I doubt I will remember all of em.
“Just making sure you were the right guy. Beside you looked like you had something to do all-day. I couldn't impose on that”
“Arent you kind,” I said looking at her. Maybe its the air here that cleared my mind. Cause I finally saw her face without any sort of anger or resentment. She was troubled. A slight sadness in her face. Almost like she's hiding something painful. If nothing else she must be strong.
“Right guy, what do you mean?” I asked her
“I was looking for the guy Luis turned”
“Luis?”
“….. they didn't even tell you his name….” she looked as if she was going to break down. But I was so lost I didn't know what to say here.”
“Luis…is your sire. He was the one who turned you.” her voice was shaking just a little bit. “I am uh a close friend of his” that explains the sorrow in her voice. She is holding out as best she could.

“Oh..uh… I didn't know that” Oh yah genius as if she couldn't tell.
“Yes uh of course. I had a favor to ask you uhhh.”
“Ellson. Rick Ellson”
“Yes, Ellson. You can ask anything of me but I really need you to do this for me”
“What do I have to do?”
“I need to you drink a bit of your blood” a slight pause before she said it. Its nothing I ever thought Id be asked of. Hell, I never donated blood before either.
I took my time but I finally managed to say something.
“Please. Viki, I don't want to be turned anymore than I already am.” I didn't know if it really worked like that, but I simply did not want to get bitten again.
Viki looked a bit perplexed. Then she said, “You don't know-how turning one work do you?” I, who.is now also a bit startled told her no. I assumed just biting me should do the trick.
“Only sucking the blood out would only kill the victim. One needs to give their own vampire blood to the victim. Mixing of the vampire blood is what turns people.”
“Wait why would he do that? That makes no sense?!”
“He must have done it in order to save you”
“Save me?! From wha-”
“From what I heard he was on the run and sucked much of your blood to regen himself. You would've died, so he probably mixed in his own blood so you could live”
I was taken aback. This made no sense. But James didn't mention this.DIdn’t he know this? He must've known. Why wouldn't he mention this? Bit of thinking I think I understand why. It isn't that he didn't know. It isn't that he forgot to mention. He simply did not believe it was the case. He looks at aberrations as nothing but monsters. He couldn't believe one vampire would bother to save one human. The thought never even pass him. James simply thought it was out of his uncomposed state he made a mistake. Or he did to make a thrail out me.
Whatever the case was it didn't seem this woman was lying. She might just break out of tears if something just out of place happens and she loses her composer. Or maybe it's just me?

“Ah so he did it out of sympathy of his own victim”
“I will not try to justify his actions. He was practically juggling a bomb for a long time. He had it coming… if only there were another way.” shes trailing off again.
“Why..do you want my blood anyway?”
She looked at me. and then suddenly caught both of my shoulders with her arms.
“Please,” she said with a begging voice.
I nod my head. Not totally out of sympathy from her begging, but more from fear cause her hand felt like it could snap my head anytime
Without hesitation, she bits my neck. The excruciating pains come back. Unable to bear for more than a moment I push her away as hard as possible.
I did manage to release myself. It seems in danger strength you never thought you had comes rushing through.
The blood was still in her mouth as if she's enjoying the taste slowly. Her hands on her lips. Her face full of delight, she waited for this. I was still cringing in pain.

“Thank you,” she said. Its maybe now that I notice it but she has a sweet voice. When you look at her you'd think she would have a hard-boiled voice or something. And she actually tries to make it so. But right now it was very meek.

“I have to ask.. why?” She blushed a little. Clearly hesitant, she fixes her hair a bit.
“I simply wanted to know whats the last thing he tasted.”
I for the umpteenth time in the last two days was completely baffled. Unable to understand anything. Seriously why I am I so dumb?

“He was a picky eater you know. I just wanted to know if he died with a certain pleasure I guess… I don't know” What is this? Some kind of vampire coping mechanism? Some kind of ritual? Maybe she is just the sentimental type.
I wanted to ask if I was tasty enough but honestly, I would rather not know.

Trying to change the topic she asked “Do you want anything from me? I would like to help any way I can”
“Nah not really I’m good” Saying that I lay on the concrete floor. I didn't have much strength in my body left. I'd rather just sleep here if I could.

“Seems like you had a tough day” saying that Viki also casually lied down. She seems like the street type anyway.

Seemingly the atmosphere is much more gentle.No confusion or fear from just a minute ago. One thing did bug me though. One scary thing.

“I feel like I am slowly turning Viki. Until afternoon I still felt human. But just after that, a certain blood thrust rushed to me. And I… Just don't want to…”
“Sure no problem just get yourself unturned”
I jumped out from my position right then and there, seriously woman why didn't I meet you earlier.
“WHAT? HOW?!”
“Sorry. That was a cruel joke”
Son of a…. everything nice I thought about her? Out. Vampires are cruel creatures.
“Seems like I can't help you with that. But I’m surprised didn't the masquerade contacted you already?”
“I got nothing to say to you” me trying to hold a grudge.
“pfftt haha,arent you cute.” She seemed to thought she could finally laugh at the joke she pulled a second ago.
“They did, didn't they? It would be best to join them for now. If you go around without knowing your place, things will not turn nice for you.”
“Arent you part of them?”
“No,I was deprived”
“Seems like there's a story there”
“If we meet again in a night like this, maybe il share it”

Il thinks about everything tomorrow. This sudden peace shouldn't be ruined by petty thoughts. Whatever happens, will happen for the good right? That's what they say. I mean no one really knows if they would've been better off with something else. Maybe that's why we say that in the first place.