#warmth and coziness and beauty in the form of a human | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

scribble-dribble-writes · 1 year

Text

Loveless - (40)

<<<Prev Next>>>

---

Pairing: Namora x Ross

Word count: 3300 (as unhinged I am, this is for all Romora stans 💖)

Warnings: none

---

Chapter 40

Namora knew of his daily schedule, that now she hid in an anclove waiting for him to be dispersed from the meeting he was in currently. The doors slowly creaked open and from within it people from the two courts emerged. Her eyes didn’t have to strain too hard because the moment she saw his moonlight hair, she felt the smile expand on her face. He would have to pass by her if he was to take a turn towards leaving the tower. So as she tracked him, she waited, with every step he took, he got closer to her. He had his nose buried within his folder, going over scripts and documents that he held in his hand, only making what she was about to do so much more easier.

She timed it right, in one quick motion she got a hold on his shirt and pulled him into the shadows like he was an oblivious fisherman now toppled out from his boat and entangled in her arms. She clasped her hands over his eyes to prevent him from seeing her.

“Tell me you missed me.”, she whispered, her translator changing it’s modulation based on her volume. He stopped squirming and stilled under her hold, his fingers hovering over hers as he chuckled.

“I missed you so much I was counting the seconds in that meeting.”, he peeled her hands away from his eyes to kiss her palm. But as he was about to drop her hand, he stopped to hold it in the light. His thumb caressing her wrist as he whispered her name in surprise. He brought her to the front so she couldn’t hide behind him, his eyes taking her in from her exposed calves, midriff, shoulders and finally catching her gaze.

He noticed the upgrade to her mask, that was now wrapped around her neck over her gills. Mesmerized, he sunk deeper into the anclove his hand looping around her waist as he pulled her in with him. The world seemed quiet as he took in her beauty without any hindrances. Registering her big eyes, the rise of her cheeks and her sharp cupid’s bow, from which the arrows that were to be unleashed would surely make him fall in love with her all over again.

“What?”, she looked away, her cheeks growing flush with colour as she hid her face in her hands.

His gaze looked lethal, her kind of danger. His ocean eyes boring into her features as he admired her true form. That in this second, neither the sea nor history could point out their differences, she felt human. So she hid behind her hands, another second longer and her instincts would pounce out, making her want to devour his lips, the only thought that had been running in her mind from the moment she put away her old mask.

“Shhh. Let me look at you.”, he pulled away her fingers as they both giggled like school kids hiding behind trees to escape from going to their classes. His voice like water ripples getting her to do his bidding as she let her hands fall away to his touch.

“You’re beautiful. Have I told you that?”, he asked sweetly and her insatiable appetite for his kindness and attention grew.

“Many times.”, she leaned into him, his body an indentation in which her’s fit perfectly. He hummed, his tone turning into a rough grumble as though he wasn’t happy with himself.

“And somehow that isn’t enough.”, her insecurities vanished, she fell into his embrace wholeheartedly that from having been to always stay rooted in her self worth to now having him admire her, it was intoxicating. That for all the years of her life, she was convinced she was too hard to love and yet here he was, making it all feel achievable and meant to be.

“Shut up and kiss me”, she leaned in and he did the rest.

All the passion like the night of the festival, was there, making the fireworks go off in the back of her head but now there was that cozy warmth, like he was her favourite place to be in. He held her as though she was this priceless element he had spent years trying to dig out, as though he was a lonely sailor obsessed with finding the treasure his heart alone believed existed out there. Or maybe it was a simpler reason, that he too knew of his worth and was searching for someone to value it. So she did.

“Have I told you, how special you are?”, she asked and he stopped to see her, his eyes softening as they caught their breaths.

“You don’t have to say it. The way you treat me tells me everything I need to know.”, he sighed and she could see through the wounds in his heart, his kindness had been exploited before just like how her strength was. So this trade was for the best, because it led both of them to heal. She will hold him up and he will kiss her to sleep. That all his pain and her vengeance had somehow combined together to become their safe haven, where she only wanted to fight to protect the ones she loved and he stayed put because now he didn’t have a reason to run away.

“Do you want to come home with me?”, he asked her, his eyes darting away in uncertainty. No one else had given her a choice, no one ever asked what she wanted. So she gazed up at him to try to find the stars in his eyes like that night and in the faint light, she still caught their hidden shimmer. She could make a choice because he was giving her one. To stay hidden in the alcoves, to live with stolen moments or to walk home with him. Him, the one everyone wanted but whose eyes seemed to only find her.

The time for her brother to leave was coming soon and the nervousness within her system only began to peak with every thought, that she could not accompany him and the princess. That she could not protect them any longer and can only sit down to wait. His steady hand around her waist and his pleasant smile made him the only person that she wanted to wait this out with, because to all her storms he answered it with little bottles of peace.

She nodded in response to his question and the edges of his eyes crinkled as his smile reached its maximum width.

He couldn’t go back alone, he had never asked for anything before. But ever since he caught a glimpse of Val showing up where she wasn’t needed, to come back and haunt his life. Being alone only meant he paced the room with paranoia, in the fear that if he walked to his kitchen, she would be there making herself a salad to ruin his life again. And the life he had made for himself here, he didn’t want to lose it. But when he saw her nod her head to his request that was disguised as a question, it kicked his heart out to the sea like a boat to bask in the golden sunset. He wrapped his fingers around her hand and led her out.

She couldn’t focus on the murmurs that swirled around them because she could only listen to the sound of her heart in her throat, thumping loudly as she followed him. The world and the people she knew were on the brink of a collapse, the veil was going to be pulled from over them. But even in that shift, he led her on like the northern lights she watched diligently every night when the ocean was her only home. The blues and the greens dancing softly in the sky above telling her that even though she be ancient, she can still move forward.

They passed through the village and the thoughts in her head reminded her that this was the first time she was about to enter a man’s house. Having heard the rumours about it, she had worked through an aesthetic in which he might have been living in so far. All the advisors from the Wakandan and Talokan court had similar residences, all in sleek modern towers closer to the throne. But with the path that he was taking, his place seemed further away from all that.

The sparring pits were full of the warriors taking turns to practice their skill when, by the fences, she noticed a familiar figure who was busy with instructing a young Talokan’s stance.

“Oi, Attuma.”, she called out from where she stood and it caught her brother’s attention.

“What do you think about the new look?”, she asked as realization dawned on his face, he moved away from the kid he was tutoring with only one goal.

“Don’t be selfish and tell me where you got it.”, he demanded. She smirked.

“Not until you return the dolphin you stole from me.”, she raised her brows.

“I found it first!”, he held on to the wooden fence.

“Then I can’t tell you.”, she shrugged her shoulders.

“I feel sorry for you, Attuma. Atleast I get to greet my boyfriend like this.”, she turned to Ross and kissed his cheek, his hand tightening around her's as he chuckled.

“First of all, Ew. But second – she didn’t let him finish as she took of running with Ross in tow.

“Ey, stop!”, he yelled.

“Ask the princess, whale head.”, she shouted over her shoulder as they disappeared by the bend in the road.

“Shuri’s going to have a lot of demand for that new mask.”, Ross added as they slowed down, he walked into a lesser known path that led them towards the river. When she caught his gaze, he wiggled his eyebrows.

“So…boyfriend huh?”, he was trying to contain his smile but the butterflies in her chest reemerged.

“Where is that house of yours?”, she felt her cheeks grow warm as she changed the topic.

He chuckled as they emerged out to a clearing, the sun beginning to set over the mountains on the other side. “There it is.”, he said and it was unlike anything she had imagined.

It was built on top on a raised platform, the façade looking quite similar to the houses that were near the market. A small stairway led them up to a deck that looked out to frame the view of the river and through the entrance, the atmosphere within was homely. Compact and decorated quite differently with only commodities that were needed. It was a contrast to what she was always used to, the places she had been in were decked up with wall paintings and artefacts. His place was warm with wooden furnishings and soft carpets.

The golden sunlight bled through the windows making the dust float around look like glitter. No wonder the people loved him and wanted him to represent them in political issues. There was no unnecessary fuss with him, he didn’t parade around on a high horse. It was refreshing to be in a place that was minimal and yet displayed his soft personality. There was a big rectangular screen in the middle wall and a plush seating in front of it. The walls were decorated with a couple pieces of art work and pictures of men in a uniform kicking a ball. It reminded her of her favourite game as a kid, the one she used to play with the others near her childhood home.

“Make yourself comfortable. I need to get out of this.”, he huffed as he unbuttoned the top of his shirt after he put away the documents onto his desk. There were only two other rooms with the kitchen adjacent to the central space she stood in. So she wandered about taking in the lack of pictures that belonged to him. There were no personal artefacts on display or anything about his life. But as she got closer to the mantle beneath the rectangular device, there was a frame with a badge in it.

It had his name on it and the agency he had worked with before. But apart from that, nothing. As she put back the frame, she realised that his bedroom door was slightly ajar. But through the crack, she saw him move around. She had to move away, instead she froze and continued to stay in front of the hearth. Her eyes back on the object in front of her. She too was a only a mortal being with weaknesses, her focus slipped back in between the crack to find his back facing her.

In a fluid motion he pulled away his shirt exposing his skin and well built body, taking her back to the night that she reminded herself of often. The golden light skimming down his back making her heart beat faster. Her throat ran dry as he fiddled with his belt buckle, this won’t do, she glanced away. But the click of metal brought her attention back to him, as he pulled away the object around his waist, his pants sinking lower to expose his waist. His fingers worked with the pant button as he leaned to pick something up and she forcefully dropped to the ground, because some part of her wanted to walk in and peel the layers away. She clasped her mouth as she sat on the carpet. Maybe coming here was a bad idea.

His feet padded across to her and only then did she look up at him. “I wasn’t doing anything. I saw nothing.”, she raised her hand and he noticed the flush in her cheeks. So instead he chose to join her to sit down on the carpet next to her.

Who gave him the right? To look so divine. The fabric of his shirt contouring his body perfectly that she wanted to glide her palm over his chest. His hair wasn’t combed back and his waves were let loose. His eyes tracing her every move. He was dangerous, he was her only weakness, she bit down on her bottom lip and veered her head to look away.

“So what do you want to do?”, he asked, the space around them so quiet she was scared he could hear her thoughts, because if he did, he would know she wanted to do many things.

Change the topic, don’t look at him, move away.

Instructions her mind was telling her to follow.

“You have nothing about yourself on display.”, she commented.

“We decorate our homes with paintings of our family stories. I don’t see any stories here.”, she found his gaze, already breaking her second rule.

“My stories aren’t great enough to be displayed.”, he said quietly.

“Ok, why is that there?”, she pointed to the players.

“Oh, they are my favorite team.”, he told and she got excited.

“See. What else do you like from your past?”, she asked him and he reclined his head in thought. She was trying to know more about him. And suddenly all her questions and curiosity became admirable, that she wanted to invest time in trying to understand him.

So he got up and led her to the couch, once she was comfortable he pulled out his phone. He didn’t use it anymore but all his pictures were stored in it. As he scrolled through his camera roll to find the right pictures, he felt her lean over his shoulder, her hands wrapping around his arm and he forgot what he was searching for.

She broke her third rule. She couldn’t move away. All these pictures on his device he moved through, she wanted to see all of them. He stopped on one, him and his kids holding sparklers.

“That was the year before I moved away. They live with their mother now and visit me when they can.”, he put the device in her hand and all she could focus on was the smile on his children’s faces. They looked a lot more like him, or maybe they had just inherited his way going smile.

“They like you.”, she told him and he huffed.

“I like to think that. But I’m sure with how I disappeared on them, they are so much more likely to just hate me.”, she caught a glimpse of the sadness in his voice and probably that’s why he kept all these stored away. These stories only caused him pain rather than stir his joy.

She scrolled to the next one and this one was him with a four legged animal, it’s coat furry and golden. “That was my dog. He passed a while ago.”, the animal was on top of him as they laid sprawled out on the grass, in it’s mouth a ball that it held out to him.

She flicked through his phone and somehow with every picture she saw, she grew sad too. All things he loved were lost now.

“Sorry.”, she gave him back his device. “It was rude of me to ask about your stories. I didn’t want to make you feel sad.”, she pulled away. A new thought plagued her, she didn't have any form of artefacts or paintings that she could share with him, to tell him of her past.

“No one’s even painted me into their stories before.”, she sunk back into the sofa.

“Only my brother. But apart from him, no one else.”, she spoke her thoughts, that her existence had not been given the privilege to be remembered.

“So I guess we’re even.”, she pulled her feet up with a small smile.

He had managed to ruin the lightness with which they had first arrived and it caused him to be annoyed with himself. So he got up with the aim to make this evening enjoyable, “Your people sell corn often in the market place. Ones you’ve grown underwater.”, he ruffled about in his kitchen and she grew curious as to what he was doing.

“Yes, it constitutes a huge part of our diet.”, she watched him pick up a packet.

“Then you’ll love this.”, he told her as he hurried around the counter.

A few seconds passed when she heard popping and then the air smelled heavenly with an aroma that was new. He opened the device he used to heat the bag to quickly retrieve it and dump it’s contents inside a bowl. Tiny little spheres that looked golden toppled in. She had never seen anything like this before.

He brought it to her, and placed the warmed ceramic bowl within her hands. “I present to you”, he paused as he took his seat, “Popcorn.”, he smiled and she inspected it first.

He took a tiny remote and press a button, the action awoke the black screen, bringing it to life with larger pictures. She looked at it, not really sure what it’s purpose was. But he turned to her, waiting for her to try the treat he had made, so she picked up one golden piece of popped corn and put it in her mouth. The rough texture softening the moment it touched her tongue, it’s flavour a mix of sweet and sour. Her eyes widened but when she looked at him, he held his little device towards her and then she heard a soft click. She froze as he turned it for her to see.

“Now you have a picture of yourself. In my story.”, he smiled but she blinked away the tears that wet her eyes.

“I want one with you.”, she said quietly and his smile faltered, his gaze turning affectionate. “Sure.”, he took the device, she got closer to him to hug him from the back. He clicked the button and there it was, their first picture together to have for all of eternity.

“Can I ask you why you chose to live here?”, she sat back to enjoy this new form of corn, he looked away towards the river.

“Who wouldn’t want to?”, he shrugged his shoulders.

“Tell me the truth.”, she pursued her lips and urged him. He sighed.

“Fine.”, he admitted his defeat as he rested his head on his hand, his gaze focused on her making his cheeks turn pink.

“I would from time to time see you by the river and I..I don’t know.”, he mumbled the last bit as though he had his reasons and that they were valid enough to choose to live here. But it only proved to her that he had been only thinking of her ever since their first meeting and if only she had turned to gaze up from the river, she might have seen him sooner.

She put away the bowl on her lap and moved closer to him, “I’m most certain.”, she whispered as though she had come across a dilemma.

“that I’m falling in love with you.”, she said slowly. His eyes widened.

"Oh.", He held his hands together, suddenly turning nervous that she thought she had said something wrong.

"I've been in love with you from the moment I first saw you.", his cheeks were red, so was the tip of his nose and ears but it was the way he said it. Like he didn't want to demand her love but was willing to give his freely, without any strings attached. That he would be willing to be around her and torture himself with his feelings than have her be his by force. She pushed away the hair on his forehead as he leaned into her touch. He was the one for her. She kissed his cheek and everything in the world was right.

He put on his comfort movie and they watched it together. The popcorn bowl was empty and she laid on his chest. His paranoia vanished, that even if Val showed up in his kitchen this instant. He will show her the door and get to the woman who was seated on the couch. That all his biggest fears and failures seemed small and insignificant compared to this moment. His fingers played with the ends of her hair as they watched Baron Von Trapp find Maria in the garden.

She inhaled the scent of his t-shirt and wrapped her arm around his torso. Her eyes focused on the moving pictures on the screen, watching this story of these two people in the mountains. She wanted to go there, if ever she could. To the place where the hills were alive. The lady began to sing a new song now,

"Perhaps I had a wicked childhood, perhaps I had a miserable youth.", the words translated and it struck her right down to her bone as she remembered her past.

"But somewhere in my wicked, miserable past, there must have been a moment of truth.", the scenes on her coming to Wakanda, the day she saw him.

"For here you are, standing there, loving me. Whether or not you should.", Something within her shifted, all the ache set free to run through her veins, because he was here, loving her, even when her whole life she had only dreamed of destruction and chaos.

"So somewhere in my youth or childhood,I must have done something good.", But to think she had done something right, the tears ebbed on their own, soaking his t-shirt. He whispered her name and she couldn't hold back.

"Nothing comes from nothing, nothing ever could. So somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good.", She sat up and he followed, with concern in his eyes.

Something good.

Her life here was just that. The anxiety that she kept within herself broke free. She didn't want to leave. She didn't want to move around or be signed up for another war. She didn't want to have to worry about things beyond her control.

"I don't want to leave, Ross.", she sobbed and her held her in his arms, as though he could take all her weight that rested on her shoulders.

"I don't want this to end.", she wiped her tears as he kissed her forehead.

"It's going to be fine.", He pulled her in, holding onto he tighter.

"You're not getting rid of me that easily.", he laughed softly and so did she as she buried her face in his chest.

And maybe that's where the stayed or that time seemed to run past them, because somewhere in the middle of the night she woke up to see him fast asleep, his arms still wrapped around her. She settled next to him, his chest rising and falling slowly. If she had never done anything right before and still wound up here, next to him. What did she have to worry about? She closed her eyes, the smell of his cologne and his warmth encompassed her.

She had nothing to worry about.

Namor and Shuri were about to leave the lab, to get dressed before they had to leave. But the princess turned to him when a large figure emerged through the door, his chest heaving, his eyes in search of something.

"Where is it, brother? Where is that new mask?", Griot translated as he held onto the door frame.

Shuri snickered and Namor rolled his eyes.

"Don't be dramatic, the princess has made one for you too.", Namor told him and Attuma marched towards Shuri.

"Thank you, princess. You are so much more cooler than him.", He shook her arm energetically. Namor stood there, his flabbergasted expression causing her to laugh.

Attuma took his new mask and began to rush out the door before he stopped.

"Oh I forgot you were leaving today.", he walked towards him to embrace him.

"Listen to what she says. Don't make a fool of yourself and please come back in one piece.", Attuma instructed him to which Namor patted his back reassuring him that he will.

"Now I've got the biggest prank planned. Okoye will not see this coming.", He flashed his canine teeth in a wide smile as he hurried out the lab.

Namor folded his arms. "This is why I never leave those two alone and take them everywhere I go. I take my eyes off them for a second and it's chaos."

Shuri led him out her lab as she urged him it was going to be alright. But just for precaution and for her peace of mind, she locked the doors to her lab.

----

Ross loves quality time and a movie night hehe

Also Attuma needs a babysitter because he is a problem child, chaos follows him 🤣

Tags:

@mazune @lilsadb-itch @hypernhappy @elmush @paperback-writer0807 @sirenbeloved @aslutforscarletwitch99 @gotship123456 @girlymusiclover09 @hoeforsuk @plutosundercoverking @championofthegalaxy @theheartofgrey @wonderkimi-chat @theamericanjewitch @amillylove20 @goldshawty1001 @lvnamiller @euphoricjupiter @queenoffantasyland @terrab3 @dumbbcam @1000heartbeats @agirlwithwinter @fartdart25 @wxnderstruck @sheisbrunetteworld @ijustwanttopasstime @namurii @presidentlokiluvrsblog @itgetzweird08 @littlepadika-main @did-i-ask-no @sorandomfangirl @babybubastis @denise-huxxtable @mhj-url @yippeeki-yah @darlingdandridge @gervi86 @geeyooo @therealoutereffect @notredamneit @Ilevame-a-la-lunaa @queen-of-knowhere @deluluzone @sheontcare @jupiter9545 @fandomsleaveuemotionallyscarred @too-many-atoms @lavenderhazel95 @33shadowhunters @enmuswife3 @serpensastrum @c0vidtest @luthientinu @urlocallsimp @jaytheunique @dillie60

#shuri x namor #tenoch huerta namor #namor #mcu namor #namor x shuri #prince namor #shuri black panther #queen shuri #shuri #mcu namora #ross x namora #namora #everett ross #romora #okoye x attuma #attuma

52 notes · View notes

alcamcat · 1 year

Note

Can you please write a story about how james would react to a depressed lover please

Hey, I wrote a little scenario that takes place after the games. Please keep in mind that I have very few points of reference on the subject of depression and therefore am not sure how best to respond to those affected to help them. Take care of yourselves.

Warning: tw - depression

-I don't own the game or the characters-

One last signature. James leaned back in his chair and surveyed the view from his office. He had accomplished everything he had planned for today, but all day his thoughts had been on his partner who was waiting for him at home. Something was wrong.

For several weeks he had noticed the change in their behavior. His partner was more tired than usual, lethargic and they seemed to suffer from self-doubt. At first James thought they was just a little stressed, but as the days went by it became clear that it wasn't just listlessness. Of course, James had started researching. He had read many articles on the subject. Non-fiction books written by doctors, reports from those affected. And even if, thanks to his ability, he had quickly found out what was going on, it was now all the more difficult for him to use his knowledge in the right way.

Because there was no secret recipe for people who suffer from depression. No formula that fits every human being and rules that could be strictly followed to help them. It was as individual as each person. And although James knew his partner very well, as he himself believed, after all he wanted to spend the rest of his life with them, he struggled with how best to help.

But he wouldn't give up, they mean too much to him to let them down. He would always stand behind them and help them where and how he could. They weren't alone and he would do anything in his power to prove it to them.

When he let the door close behind him at home, he immediately went in search of them. "Love? Are you there?" It wasn't long before he heard bare feet tapping on the floor, approaching him from the direction of the bedroom. Just a moment later they turned around the corner. They were wearing sweatpants and a shirt that he knew he'd placed neatly on the dresser by his side of the bed just last night. Their hair was tousled and it seemed like they had just woken up.

His heart jumped a little at the sight of them. No matter how often he saw them, no matter what they wore and how their outward appearance affected others, since he had met them years ago they had always been the most beautiful person he had ever seen.

With a quick step he stepped in front of them and wordlessly took them in his arms, their greeting muffled. Their stature seemed small and fragile in his arms, even though he was not in demon form, and he knew he would traverse this world and any other if they ended up waiting for him. After a brief moment of silence, just enjoying his love's snuggling up against him, he lifted his head to kiss them on the forehead. A ritual he did every day when he got home from work and every time a pleasant warmth spread through him. "I hope you had a nice day?"

An hour later they were sitting on the sofa, he had exchanged his jacket and shirt for a sweater, they had snuggled up to his arm while they waited for the meal they had ordered from their favorite Italian place. There was a TV show playing in the background that James knew they liked to watch.

There was a cozy atmosphere until a soft whisper came from their side. "I'm sorry." The words were barely more than a breath, but they still sounded like a drumbeat to James. His grip on them tightened. "Sorry about what, love?" They had averted their eyes when he glanced sideways at them. After another minute of silence, they finally said, "That I couldn't bring myself to go out to dinner with you. I know how important today's deal was to you. That you were looking forward to celebrating it with me tonight..."

The sadness in their voice made him swallow. "My love, that's not..." "I saw the reservation.", they interrupted him and turned to him in his arm. "I know how much you like to eat there" internally he could have hit himself because he shouldn't have left the reservation lying around. Tears welled up in their eyes "It's just... I... I just can't. I just can't bring myself to go there with you. You deserve so much more than someone like me who can't even bring themselves to be really happy for you. Someone who can get their own life on track and have your back the same way you have my back. You are amazing and I'm just..."

"Stop!" he had to cut them off, unable to listen to them belittling themselves any longer. He wiped away a tear on their cheek before gently lifting their head under the chin so he could look into their eyes. "Please, my love, stop talking about yourself like that! You are wonderful! Yes, it's true, I made a reservation for us there, but I don't care. I care about you. And if you don't feel like it it's totally fine. I don't need a restaurant or someone in fancy clothes to feel good. Here, with you in my arms, I'm the happiest I can be. You're my partner, my heart and I just need you."

With every word he spoke more tears ran down their cheeks. James took them in his arms again and hugged them. He could feel them trembling against his chest as if they were cold. "I'm just so broken. I don't know what to do..." they sobbed softly and James closed his eyes. It was almost unbearable for him to see them so sad. They talked for a while, while he continued to hold them in his arms. Soft words were exchanged and James did his best to allay their self-doubt and remorse. Of course, he also offered them help, but he left the decision up to them. The food that was delivered to them had already gone cold when they fell asleep in his arms.

He carried their sleeping from into the bedroom and put them softly on the bed. After changing, he laid down next to them, pulled the covers over them both and snuggled up to them. He kissed the crown of their hair and whispered, "I love you! And I'll be by your side every step of the way!"

#seduce me the otome #seduce me scenarios #seduce me james #james anderson #just thinking #seduce me ask #tw: depression

28 notes · View notes

lilyanderson-374 · 9 days

Text

Once upon a time, in a cozy town embraced by rolling hills and whispering trees, little Lily's life unfolded. Born with a brain disorder that tangled her words like a knotted string, she navigated each day with silent struggles. Her parents, Mark and Emily, watched with heavy hearts as their daughter grappled with the invisible barriers that separated her from the world.

But hope flickered into their lives one day in the form of a gentle therapist named Dr. Sarah. With a comforting smile and understanding eyes, Dr. Sarah joined Lily's journey, guiding her through the labyrinth of her mind. Mark and Emily felt a surge of relief as they witnessed the connection blossoming between their daughter and the compassionate therapist.

In their cozy sessions, Dr. Sarah introduced Lily to various forms of expression – from painting to playing melodies on the piano. Lily's parents marveled as their daughter's eyes sparkled with newfound understanding, and her hesitant words began to flow more freely.

As weeks turned into months, Lily's transformation became evident not only to her parents but to those around her. In the therapy room, Lily's laughter bubbled like a brook, filling the space with warmth and joy. Mark and Emily exchanged tearful glances, grateful for the miracle unfolding before their eyes.

Outside the therapy room, Lily's interactions with others took on new dimensions. At the local park, she reached out to children her age, her once hesitant gestures now filled with confidence and curiosity. Her parents watched with pride as Lily formed friendships, her laughter blending harmoniously with the laughter of her newfound companions.

One sunny afternoon, Dr. Sarah shared a heartwarming moment with Lily's parents, Mark and Emily. Over cups of steaming tea, they reflected on Lily's journey – the challenges they had faced together and the victories they had celebrated. Dr. Sarah's words of encouragement echoed in their hearts, reinforcing their belief in Lily's limitless potential.

And so, in the tapestry of Lily's life, woven with threads of love, compassion, and resilience, her story continues to unfold. With each passing day, she embraces new adventures, guided by the unwavering support of her devoted parents and the gentle guidance of her beloved therapist. And in the embrace of her community, she discovers the true meaning of acceptance, belonging, and the beauty of human connection.

#story #writing #writers on tumblr #freestyle writing

3 notes · View notes

zapreportsblog · 10 months

Text

Hydra Prized Creation

➥ summary: Hydra created a mastermind unlike none other with intellects only the greatest individuals could possess they combined that with their new advanced version of the super solider serum, and thus a ghost was born.

➥ chapter 7: A New Path Unveiled

After carefully weighing the risks and considering her priorities, (Y/N) decided to take a different approach to her new life in New York City. Rather than seeking the thrills and dangers associated with the heroes who protected the city, she chose a more grounded path—an opportunity for stability and growth. With a determined spirit, (Y/N) set her sights on securing a job at a small restaurant nearby her home.

Before embarking on her new endeavor, (Y/N) visited a local library, eager to arm herself with knowledge about the art of waitressing and providing excellent customer service. She delved into books that offered insights into the intricacies of the service industry, studying the etiquette, communication skills, and techniques that would help her excel in her new role. The library became her sanctuary once again, a place where she could gather information and empower herself for the journey ahead.

Armed with newfound knowledge, (Y/N) approached the restaurant with confidence. Its quaint exterior and cozy atmosphere beckoned to her, offering a sense of belonging that she had longed for. She applied for a position as a waitress, her eagerness and determination shining through her carefully crafted cover story. The manager, impressed by her passion and willingness to learn, offered her the job on the spot.

The first day at work filled (Y/N) with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sounds of clinking cutlery surrounded her as she donned her uniform and stepped onto the bustling floor. The restaurant, a hub of activity, introduced her to a diverse array of customers, each with their own unique stories and needs.

Drawing upon her diligent research, (Y/N) embraced her role as a waitress with grace and professionalism. She learned to navigate the fast-paced environment, ensuring that orders were taken accurately and delivered promptly. Her attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile endeared her to both her colleagues and the customers she served.

In her spare moments, (Y/N) would discreetly observe her coworkers, learning from their expertise and adapting their tried-and-true techniques. She observed how they balanced efficiency with warmth, how they anticipated the needs of their customers, and how they handled challenging situations with poise. Their camaraderie and shared purpose created a sense of belonging—a feeling that (Y/N) had longed for since her escape from HYDRA.

As days turned into weeks, (Y/N) developed meaningful relationships with her coworkers. The small restaurant became her second family, a place where she felt supported and valued. Through their stories and experiences, she learned about the beauty of human connection, the power of shared laughter, and the strength found in community.

While (Y/N) found solace in her work and the bonds she formed, she remained ever vigilant. She understood that danger could lurk in unexpected places, and her past could still catch up with her. HYDRA's watchful eye could penetrate even the most seemingly benign environments, and she had to remain vigilant, ready to defend herself and protect those around her.

As time passed, (Y/N) continued her pursuit of justice outside of her role as a waitress. She discreetly sought out information, networked with like-minded individuals, and channeled her experiences into a greater purpose. Her work at the restaurant provided stability and a means of sustenance, but her mission to expose HYDRA's operations remained at the forefront of her mind.

Her dedication to her job did not go unnoticed. (Y/N)'s exemplary service and commitment to customer satisfaction led to promotions and increased responsibilities within the restaurant. Her coworkers and superiors praised her work ethic and innate ability to make customers feel welcome. It was a testament to her determination to excel and her unwavering dedication to any task she undertook.

As (Y/N) reflected on her journey from a victim of HYDRA's experiments to a valued member of the small restaurant's team, she realized that her path had taken an unexpected turn. The restaurant had become a haven, not only providing her with stability but also igniting a spark of purpose and self-discovery. Her experiences as a waitress had taught her resilience, adaptability, and the power of human connection.

While the heroes of New York City continued to fight their battles against evil, (Y/N) had found her own battlefield—the realm of everyday life, where acts of kindness, dedication, and empathy could make a difference. In her role as a waitress, she touched the lives of strangers, spreading warmth and creating moments of joy amidst the chaos of the city.

With each passing day, (Y/N) embraced her role with renewed vigor, knowing that she was making a positive impact, one table at a time. She understood that true heroism wasn't always about superhuman abilities or grand battles; it could be found in the simplest acts of kindness and the commitment to serving others.

#Hydra Prized Creation series #Hydra Prized Creation #the avengers x reader #avengers imagine #avengers x reader #the avengers #the avengers x hydra reader #avengers imagines #x reader #x reader series #Hydra Prized Creation masterlist

12 notes · View notes

youngbounty · 11 months

Text

How to Vampire

I know it’s a bit late, but I was at camp and didn’t have time to finish this before the date. I hope you enjoy this regardless. Vampire AU. Enjoy! @asobaroweek

The agony was unbearable. He writhed in agony, unable to pinpoint the source of the searing pain, and utterly clueless as to how it had come about. All he longed for was a respite, a chance to escape the all-encompassing torment. The anguish was unrelenting – throbbing in his limbs, throbbing in his skull, throbbing in his chest. It even seemed to inhabit his very being. Each breath was a struggle, his mouth and throat dry and on fire. He could not find release, and even the faintest attempt to scream was met with futility. Paralyzed and helpless, he was a prisoner in his own body.

His body was engulfed in flames of pain, leaving him questioning if anyone could aid him. With his eyes firmly shut, he remained oblivious to the world around him. The searing sensation ravaged his body, intensifying with each passing moment. His heart struggled to pump life into his fragile frame in the unsettling silence. However, this hope was short-lived, as the acidic torment threatened his existence. Despite his heart's desperate attempts to survive, it was unable to overcome the destructive force plaguing his body. The final beats echoed in his ears before succumbing to a deafening silence.

'Am I dead?'

Inhale. Exhale.

'I seem to be breathing, so at least I'm alive.'

Movement. The hand moved towards the chest, with fingers wiggling before finally clutching onto the soft cotton fabric.

'Blanket. I must be in bed.'

With a gentle hand, the blanket was moved aside to reveal the bare chest, devoid of any warmth or signs of life. Continuing upwards, the hand reached the neck to check for a pulse, but it was absent. However, a moment of silence was interrupted by...

'What's this? This mark. Did someone bite me!?'

As his eyes opened, he became aware of his surroundings. He lay on a plush bed, adorned with two large, pristine white pillows and a velvet blanket, embroidered with black thread that formed an intricate, sprawling tree with roots stretching towards the bottom. The room had a dim, cozy atmosphere with warm hues, exemplified by the light red curtains that adorned the windows. Despite the lack of light, he could still distinguish each object in the room, including the Mahogany dresser, mirror frame, bedside tables, bed frame and wardrobe, all radiating a sense of elegance. The carpet, a warm shade of orange-red, welcomed his feet with every step. The walls were decorated with floral wallpaper - a sophisticated blend of black and red hues over a soft white undercoat, adding to the room's luxurious charm.

As he stepped onto the velvety carpet, he made his way toward the window, curiously peeking out. The inky darkness enveloped the outdoors, save for the radiant moon, beaming down upon him with a serene smile. The picturesque garden lay before him, illuminated by a soft, pale light that accentuated its undulating flowers, verdant foliage, and towering trees. It was a sight of sublime beauty that left him spellbound.

'I must be inside the guest room of a very wealthy person,' he thought to himself.

Struggling to articulate, he rasped, "Did he-" before breaking into a fit of coughs. Clasping a hand over his mouth, he suddenly felt an unnerving sensation. Brushing his index finger over his teeth, he discovered two pointed canines that surpassed human sharpness. Panic etched across his face as he hesitantly murmured, "Am I-"

With a click, the door slowly opened and the young man swiveled around, alert and watchful. The soft gas lights illuminated the room in a blazing glow. Suddenly, the air crackled with an overarching aura of intimidation as a towering, older gentleman entered, exuding an air of authority. His eyes were a mesmerizing shade of icy blue and his swaying locks boasted a lustrous lavender hue. Dressed in a white button-up shirt tucked beneath a dazzling gold-trimmed blue waistcoat, he wore a striking ascot beneath his chin. Meanwhile, his off-white slacks flared out to his sizable boots, matching the indigo hue of his vest. Glistening at his hip, a sword glinted menacingly. The young man instinctively froze, his mind racing with a thousand unanswered questions. Was this the man responsible for bringing him here? And most pressing of all, did he...?

The man spoke in a reassuring tone, "There's no need to fear. How are you feeling?"

The young man struggled to ask who the man was but was overcome by a coughing fit, feeling strange and unable to speak.

“Forgive my discourtesy of not offering you a drink before speaking,” The man apologized and poured him a goblet filled with red wine-like liquid that had a unique fragrance. Without hesitation, the young man drank it all, thirstily.

“Who are you? Who am I? What am I?”

"My name is Barok van Zieks. You are now a vampire, transformed last night, and cannot remember anything before that," the man explained calmly.

Kazuma couldn't believe what he was hearing and looked in the mirror to find that his dark black hair had a choppy appearance, his dark brown eyes seemed lifeless, and his lips dripped red with the fluid the man just gave him.

"Is that blood?" Kazuma asked, wiping his tongue across his lips.

"Yes, human blood is essential to our survival. As you've just experienced, you can't survive or speak without it," Barok answered.

Kazuma met his gaze in the mirror as he processed this life-changing news. Despite not remembering anything from his human life, being a vampire didn't seem as terrifying. He asked, “Who made me like this?”

Barok replied, "It was me. You were on the brink of death, and I had to use my venom to save you."

Kazuma felt the bite mark where he had been bitten by Barok. He questioned, “why did you save me?”

Barok closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts, and replied, "I couldn't let you die. If I did, I would never forgive myself." Kazuma noticed a badge resembling a cross on Barok's chest.

In gratitude, Kazuma bowed to Barok and offered, “Then, I thank you for saving my life. If there is anything I can do to serve you...”

“I only ask you allow me to teach you about being a vampire. I expect your memories to eventually return in about a year. In the meantime, I intend on ensuring you know everything there is to know about being a vampire, hunting for food, surviving in the night and how to defend yourself from hunters.”

“Hunters?”

"Trained humans hunt and kill vampires, and I once faced one sent to kill me. There will likely be more to come."

“This Hunter, was he the reason I almost died that day?”

With a pained expression, Barok responded in a defeated tone, "You could say that." He turned his face away, unable to meet Kazuma's gaze. "Your friend was there too, desperately trying to save you from the fatal fall. Despite his valiant efforts, it was simply too late. No doubt, he's in the throes of unimaginable grief. It was he who implored me to save you... I would even say he begged."

“My friend?”

"Ryunosuke Naruhodo is not only your partner, but a dear friend. As a Vampire Hunter, he only targets those who pose a threat to humankind. Despite his efforts to prevent the Hunter from attacking me, the man's arrogance got the best of him and things escalated quickly."

“I see. He sounds like a very good friend. Where is he now?”

“Likely preparing for bed. It is past Midnight. Humans are not Nocturnal like us. He will be sleeping very soon.”

Kazuma's yearning to see his dear friend and partner grew stronger as he asked, "Can I see him please?"

“Of course,” Barok nodded. Kazuma hastily searched through the closet and found a Yukata to wear, wanting to dress more appropriately since he only had a pair of pants and no shirt. “Follow me.”

Kazuma trailed behind Barok as they made their way down the hallway, his eyes transfixed on the countless portraits adorning the walls. Vivid depictions of the tranquil beach, lush park and magnificent mansion caught his eye, but it was the portrait of Barok's parents that particularly piqued his interest. Despite his intrigue, Kazuma remained focused on following the older vampire, his footsteps echoing through the luxurious cavernous foyer. As he took in the exquisite decor, he couldn't help but wonder at the sheer magnitude of the estate. Had he ever seen anything quite so opulent before?

As they ascended the grand staircase to the first floor, Barok pointed out the location of the living room to Kazuma, directing his gaze to a sizable sofa where a young man was engrossed in a book while clad in a Yakuta. The moment he caught sight of the newcomer, the young man leaped to his feet and laid aside his book, hurrying over to greet Kazuma.

“You're awake! I feared you'd never open your eyes again?” The young man cried, filled with elation and tears welled up in his eyes.

“A-Are you... Ryunosuke?” Kazuma asked.

“Y-Yes,” Ryunosuke replied, brushing off the tears. “Lord van Zieks said you'd likely not remember me after the transformation. How do you feel?”

“... I don't know. Happy that I'm not dead, but mostly confused,” Kazuma replied, feeling misplaced. His hand reached to his throat. “My throat also feels scratchy.”

“Most likely from thirst. That bottle I gave you isn't going to be enough to fill you. You need blood, live human blood.”

“I-I see... where do I find one?”

“Erm....” Ryunosuke responded, his hand unconsciously rubbing the nape of his neck.

“You are looking at him right here,” Barok said, glancing at Ryunosuke.

“Him!? Ryunosuke!? You want me to drink HIS blood?” Kazuma asked, eyes dilating.

“It's alright. I told Lord van Zieks I'd be willing to let you feed from me when you first wake up,” Ryunosuke replied.

“O-Oh,” Kazuma said. Uncertain of his emotions, he pondered whether it was ethical to feed from his closest companion. Would he have consented to this arrangement in human form?

“Before understanding the art of hunting, it is essential to learn to feed. As vampires, human blood is our only means of sustenance and therefore, we must treat it with reverence. Feeding from a human without their explicit consent is strictly forbidden. Similarly, humans respect their food when they grow, hunt, or rear it in their farms. As a sign of respect, we never consume humans entirely and refrain from exhibiting gluttony. Instead, it is vital to nurture and care for our source of food. Ryunosuke serves as an excellent first source to learn this practice. If you can regard your prey with the same affection as your closest confidant, I trust that you shall always honor and cherish our source of nourishment.”

With a nod, Kazuma realized the truth in those words. Though he hadn't previously considered it, humans raise and care for livestock, such as chickens, goats and cattle, before consuming them. If humans could display such care and affection towards their food, why should vampires not hold themselves to the same standard when consuming humans? Kazuma now saw the value in choosing his partner and best friend as his first source of nourishment.

"How exactly do I feed?" Kazuma queried.

"First, ensure that your prey is relaxed and comfortably fed. You can discern this by checking the shape of their body. As an example, Mr. Naruhodo consumed a satisfying dinner a mere few hours ago," Barok advised.

"I must say, it was quite delicious. Thank you," Ryunosuke chimed in, grinning. Kazuma could sense the aroma of his friend's recent meal.

"You had beef, mashed potatoes, beans and broccoli," Kazuma said.

“You can sense what I've been eating?” Ryunosuke asked.

"Remember, our sense of smell is far more advanced than that of humans," Barok interjected.

"I see," Ryunosuke acknowledged.

"Kazuma, to locate your bite, rely on your sense of smell. It is essential to choose a spot at the back or side of the neck and refrain from biting near the front where the jugular can be found. Such a bite could damage the voice box, esophagus, and windpipe-- critical structures necessary for respiration and nourishment. It's crucial to remember that humans require breathing and sustenance to survive. Biting the carotid artery could prove fatal, resulting in the wastage of a valuable food source. Only consider biting that area when transforming a human into a vampire."

“Wait, you mean there's a particular way you bite when you feed?” Ryunosuke asked, his eyes broadening.

"Precisely. Drinking blood requires precision. Biting the artery is not recommended as it can become dangerous for both parties. Therefore, we aim for the Jugular Vein. It's crucial to make a small nick which will instantly allow blood to flow like a fountain into our mouths. Once sated, we use our tongue to seal the wound with saliva and stop the flow of blood."

“Alright, a small pierce of the vein located on the side or back of the neck, then close the holes with a swipe of my tongue,” Kazuma said with intent in his countenance. He faced Ryunosuke. “Are you ready?”

“Ready as I ever could be,” Ryunosuke reassured Kazuma, who inhaled deeply, honing his sense of smell to locate a stronger and richer flow of blood.

One thing Kazuma came to learn was that he couldn't just smell through his nose, he could feel blood flow through his teeth. There were two types of blood flowing from Ryunosuke's side of the neck. One felt stronger and richer, while the other one felt slow and poor. He bit the flow of blood that was stronger and richer, trying to be careful to not bite too hard.

Ryunosuke winced in agony, his grip tightening on Kazuma's arms as warmth flooded Kazuma's mouth in a delicious rush. The flavor was unparalleled, surpassing even the red liquid Barok had given him when he first awakened. As the liquid flowed down his throat, it soothed the scratchiness and calmed him, the sensation reminiscent of a baby nursing at its mother's breast. Kazuma felt the pulse from Ryunosuke's neck and the steady beat of his heart, both sensations oddly familiar to him. Perhaps it was a remnant of the agony he experienced during his transformation or the nearly deadly fall that nearly killed him as a human.

Kazuma's stomach eventually filled as he attempted to remove his mouth from Ryunosuke's neck, only to remember the holes still pouring blood into his mouth. He hastily licked the wounds before they sealed immediately, allowing him to safely remove his mouth and wipe the excess blood away.

“It seems you forgot to cover the holes before pulling out your canines," Barok observed.

“My apologies. I had forgotten for a moment,” Kazuma replied.

"Make sure to cover the holes next time. This is your first feeding after all."

Ryunosuke stretched his arms and let out a loud yawn. "Surprisingly, it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would," he said. "It's unlike any other attack I've ever experienced."

"Perhaps the difference in experience was because those vampires had malicious intentions to attack and kill you, rather than simply feed from you," Barok explained.

“O-Oh... I suppose that's true, huh?” Ryunosuke's lips curved into a grin as he rubbed the back of his head.

Kazuma's inquisitive tone filled the silence as he asked, "So... you're a vampire hunter. Was I...?"

"As I recall, our paths intertwined at Yumei University and then you encouraged me to join you in vampire hunting. It's a legacy that runs deep in your family, Kazuma. You were one of the most accomplished and formidable vampire hunters in the land," Ryunosuke stated with a gleam in his eyes. Moving towards the sofa, he picked up a bow and quiver with silver arrowheads and continued, "I supported you as your partner and archer. I would attack from afar, while you wielded the Karuma, your cherished family sword, with fearless abandon."

"Karuma?" Kazuma inquired with a hint of recognition. Ryunosuke affirmed the name with a nod and reached for a sheathed sword that was cleverly concealed from Kazuma's sightline. As he handed the weapon to his companion, Kazuma took it gingerly, examining it with caution.

"Be careful with that. Remember, you're a vampire now, so the silver will hurt more than it used to," warned Barok.

Knowing Ryunosuke recently lost blood from Kazuma's feeding, Barok suggested, "You should eat before going to bed, to replenish your energy."

"I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the tip," Ryunosuke acknowledged with a grin, before turning to Kazuma and giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Good to have you back, partner."

With his fingers wrapped around the hilt of Karuma, Kazuma was awash with a warm and buoyant sensation. The sword felt like an extension of his very being, a tool to aid his transformation from seasoned vampire hunter to newly-made vampire. Kazuma knew that if he was to have any chance of survival in this strange new world, he would need to learn how to be a vampire. The very notion of it filled him with a curious mix of apprehension and excitement. As he weighed the possibilities of ever returning to his old life as a Vampire Hunter, Kazuma realized he needed to master the art of being a vampire first, assuming he even could.

Over the next few weeks, Kazuma devoted himself entirely to training under the tutelage of Barok to improve his vampire abilities. He quickly learned that sustaining oneself on human blood alone was necessary for survival, but certainly not the only solution. He understood that like any other living being, vampires needed a diverse set of nutrients in their diet to remain healthy and energized. Similar to how varied food options are critical for animal survival, this concept applied to vampires too. While human blood was incredibly rich in essential nutrients such as iron, Vitamins A, E, B, folic acid, and carotene, animal blood was equally valuable for its distinct vitamin content, such as the inclusion of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, sodium, potassium, and cholesterol. Kazuma learned how certain human lifestyles contributed to the quality and composition of their blood, and thus, how some human donors could offer more of certain types of nutrients than others. For instance, individuals who remained indoors and didn't exercise regularly would not possess as much cholesterol as the blood of creatures such as owls or fish. Kazuma was also aware of the adverse effects of consuming blood from addicts, specifically nicotine-contaminated blood from smokers. The addiction from human smokers could easily transfer to a vampire if they drank their blood. This was the same case with individuals who drank excessively; if a vampire drank blood from a drunkard, they would experience the effects of intoxication too. The danger of getting addicted to human blood was one of the reasons why many considered vampires to be monstrous creatures. Tragically, Dracula, a historical vampire, had not been aware of the risks when he consumed the blood of Englishmen who smoked pipes. “What about garlic? Crosses?” Kazuma asked. "Raw garlic and many fruits and vegetables are acidic, which can be harmful to us as silver is. Therefore, caution must be exercised. Although silver is commonly found in crosses, our kind can handle crosses made of different materials such as wood, gold, and even rock. Interestingly, many vampires are Christian, debunking the myth that vampires are inherently evil and spawned from the devil. In reality, vampires have coexisted with all forms of life since time immemorial," Barok replied, while he and Kazuma were collecting mushrooms for Ryunosuke in the woods. Kazuma inquired, keen to learn more about their unique weaknesses, "What makes silver and certain acids in fruits and vegetables harmful to us?" "Pure silver can be harmful to our bodies as we are more sensitive to silver nitrate contained within it. When used on living skin, it exhibits healing properties, but on dead skin, it can be fatal." “Is it the same with acidic juices?” “Yes.” Kazuma's eyes traced the constellations above and he couldn't help but marvel at the ethereal beauty of the stars and crescent moon. Bathing in the celestial glow, he was struck by how the moonlight reflected off his vampiric skin, illuminating it with a silver sheen. Overwhelmed by the moment, he gathered his courage and posed the burning question. "Is it impossible for us to survive in sunlight?" "Not impossible, but we burn much quicker than humans do. This is why we are accustomed to being active at night. Our bodies simply cannot handle prolonged exposure to daylight." Barok explained, meeting Kazuma's inquisitive stare. "But if we aren't any different from humans, then why do they persist in hunting our kind?" After plucking some mushrooms, Barok took a momentary pause, looking up at the tree. Then he answered, "Humans fear what they cannot comprehend, and since we feed on them, this fear is natural. It is no different from other creatures in this world. How many animals attack humans out of fear of being attacked themselves? It is instinctive, just like wolves hunt in packs for food and to defend themselves." "Animals are not capable of speaking our language and similarly, we do not understand theirs. Fear is natural, but as humans, we speak the same language. So, hasn't our kind tried to communicate with them?" “.... we have. My brother paid the price for it as did your fa-” Kazuma came to a halt and turned around to see Barok, who had his face covered. Upon closer inspection, Kazuma noticed that Barok's facial expression bore signs of deep misery and melancholy. He approached his master and tenderly placed his hand on Barok's, which was visibly shaking. As Barok gazed at the intertwined hands, he saw the pain in Kazuma's eyes too. Kazuma's voice broke as he spoke softly, "I beg for your forgiveness. It was never my intention to bring back these distressing memories." Barok shook his head, responding with resolute compassion, "Please don't blame yourself. You're yet to retrieve your lost memories and it may take another year." Kazuma observed the fragile hand of Barok held in his own with a deep sense of sadness. He closed his eyes and attempted to remember something, anything from his past. But all was in vain. However, one thing he was certain of was that Barok was about to reveal something important. Kazuma was aware that he belonged to a vampire hunting family and his father was one of the finest vampire hunters. Sadly, his father's attempt to reconcile with the vampire community had tragic consequences, and Kazuma could feel the agony of his father's loss. Barok spoke in a low voice, "I shouldn't have said anything." Kazuma opened his eyes with teardrops streaming down his face. He asked in a trembling voice, "You were going to mention my father, right?" Overwhelmed with emotion, Kazuma broke down, "I've no memory of him, yet the thought of him being lost hurts me." Barok held Kazuma with both his hands affectionately and said, "I understand your pain." He continued, "I feel responsible for not protecting you from this distress." "But, I owe you my life." With a sudden change in tone, Barok exploded, "At what cost!?" Quickly, he composed himself and added apologetically, "Forgive me." Kazuma clung to Barok and asked, "Do you regret saving my life?" Barok vehemently denied, "Never. I only wish I could have done more to spare you this misfortune." He paused and added with hope, "Perhaps, everything will make sense when you regain your memories." Kazuma's heart swelled with warmth as he gazed at the stars and the moon. He felt a strong connection to Barok and never wanted to leave his side. Kazuma longed to uncover the secrets of his life, including the identity of his father and Barok's role in his past. Although he had never felt anything for Barok before, he now felt a strange, comforting warmth. Kazuma imagined being held tenderly, with their lips meeting in a gentle kiss, but he didn't want to risk spoiling the moment. Upon returning to the manor, Kazuma retrieved a bottle of blood that Barok had stored in a wine bottle. Although drinking blood from the bottle didn't satiate his hunger in the same way as consuming it from live creatures or Ryunosuke did, it was a satisfying snack for him. As Ryunosuke yawned, Kazuma noticed that the sky was turning lighter, indicating that sunrise was approaching and it was time for him to sleep. Barok was already in bed, sound asleep. Ryunosuke rubbed his groggy eyes and greeted Kazuma. "Good morning, Kazuma." Kazuma replied, "Morning," taking another sip of the blood. "What did you and Lord van Zieks do last night?" Ryunosuke inquired. "We picked mushrooms and he taught me about how silver, certain fruits, and sunlight affect us," Kazuma answered. Ryunosuke acknowledged it with a soft smile, "That's good." After a moment's pause, Kazuma hesitantly confessed, "I think I may have developed feelings for Lord van Zieks." Curious, Ryunosuke asked, "Oh?" Kazuma was surprised by Ryunosuke's response, "Is... that strange?" Ryunosuke explained, "Not really. You've had feelings for him when you were human as well." Kazuma was bewildered by the revelation, "I... did?" He wondered about his relationship with Barok. "How long have I known Lord van Zieks before becoming a vampire?" Ryunosuke replied, "It's hard to say. Technically, it was only a few months to a year, but you have known about him much longer. Your father and his brother were very close." Kazuma pondered, "So, I developed feelings for him in the few months to a year I've known him." Ryunosuke clarified, "It's more of an attraction than anything. You never called it love." Kazuma probed further, "What did I call it?" Ryunosuke replied hesitantly, "A uh... attraction." Kazuma sensed that Ryunosuke was hiding something, and there was more to his answer than he let on. Kazuma was hesitant, "Should I tell him?" Ryunosuke replied, rubbing the back of his neck, "Ah um... I suppose it wouldn't hurt?" Kazuma's voice trembled slightly, "Would he reject me?" Ryunosuke responded, "Not... really. Lord van Zieks admires you very greatly. However, you... haven't recovered your memories so..." Kazuma interrupted, "So...?" Ryunosuke explained, "He might be under the impression that your feelings for him will vanish the moment your memories recover." Kazuma was confused, "But, you said that I had feelings for him before?" Ryunosuke admitted, "He doesn't know that and... many complicated things happened during the few months to a year we knew each other." Kazuma was curious, "What do you mean?" Ryunosuke fell silent, and a pained expression crossed his face, giving Kazuma the impression that something had happened between him and Barok prior to his transformation. It was as if there was an unspoken pain that hung heavy in the air. "Did... I hurt Lord van Zieks?" Kazuma asked, his voice trembling with fear.

"No, no, don't worry about that," Ryunosuke replied soothingly, trying to calm Kazuma down. "There were a lot of complicated factors involved in trying to solve your father's murder. You should try to get some rest now."

"I feel like you're avoiding the question," Kazuma said, his tone slightly accusatory.

"I'm not trying to avoid it, I just think that once your memories come back, everything will become clear," Ryunosuke said, trying to reassure Kazuma. However, Kazuma could sense some hesitation in Ryunosuke's tone, making him doubt his friend's words. With a sigh of fatigue, he trudged wearily towards his bed, suppressing a shudder at the thought of resting in a coffin, as some myths would suggest. The reality was somewhat more mundane - Kazuma's bedroom was located in the windowless basement of the manor, not a coffin in sight. He slipped beneath the sheets, his eyes growing heavy as he struggled to find sleep. Yet, despite his exhaustion, his mind was far from quiet; it wandered restlessly, plagued by the memories of a life before his transformation into a vampire. Moreover, Ryunosuke's claims about Kazuma's supposed attraction to Lord van Zieks only added to the confusion, leaving him bewildered and unable to make sense of his own emotions.

"Kazuma, are you okay?" Barok's voice jolted Kazuma out of his daze, and he found himself staring up at a worried Barok as he loomed over him, blocking out the sky.

Despite Kazuma's best efforts, he was unable to utter a sound. The agony was simply too great for him to bear. Gasping for air, he forced himself to take shallow breaths, while his heart beat erratically in his chest. Finally, overcome by the pain, he shut his eyes and prayed that he would survive.

Barok gripped Kazuma's limp form tightly, tears streaming down his face. “Don't you dare leave me, Kazuma! Please!” he begged, his voice choked with emotion.

The pain was excruciating - Kazuma tried to speak, but only succeeded in coughing up blood. He tried again, forcing the word past his lips. "B...," he gasped, before collapsing back into Barok's arms.

Kazuma gasped, coughing up blood, and then he felt a pair of cold lips pressed against his own. He couldn't believe what was happening - was Barok actually kissing him? The kiss was so intense that Kazuma felt his breath catch in his throat, his eyes closing involuntarily as his mind was consumed by the sensation of Barok's lips on his own. The kiss was so powerful that Kazuma felt himself slipping into unconsciousness, lost in the sweet oblivion of Barok's embrace.

“Forgive me... and my selfishness.”

Kazuma groaned as he opened his eyes, wincing at the slivers of light peeking through the boarded-up window. It was still daytime, but he was too tired to stay awake for long. As he drifted back to sleep, his mind was consumed by the dream he had just had. Were those memories from his human life, before Barok turned him? And if so, had that kiss actually happened? It had felt so vivid and lifelike...

As Kazuma woke up that night, he noticed Ryunosuke savoring his tea and pudding. Barok had already gotten up much earlier. Kazuma could see that it was dark outside, indicating it was close to Ryunosuke's bedtime. As he looked out the window, he pondered about his past life as a human and what his relationship with Barok might have been like.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Barok asked.

Kazuma looked toward Barok and inquired, "What was my human life like? And how did I factor into your life?"

Barok closed his eyes, being deep in thought. Kazuma felt anxious just seeing that, wondering why Barok would have to think about it before speaking. However, he did eventually speak.

"I suppose that question was going to come sooner or later. We've known each other for quite some time – perhaps some months to a year."

Kazuma revealed that Ryunosuke had relayed the same information to him earlier. When Barok turned to Ryunosuke, he explained,"I only told him that you both knew each other for a while and that you admire him greatly," which Barok acknowledged with a nod.

"How did we come to meet each other, and what led to us developing a close relationship?" Kazuma inquired, as he looked at Barok with interest.

Barok revealed his mixed feelings towards Kazuma's question and showed signs of sorrow. "Rather, I looked up to you, although I understood your hesitation towards forming a close relationship with me. Our paths crossed when you were on the hunt for me, bearing the belief that I was responsible for your father's death at the time. As a vampire hunter, I knew your kind would be suspicious of me, but it was further complicated by my own loss - I believed your father slew my brother."

"If I understand this correctly, you believed my father killed your brother, and I believed you killed my father?"

Barok's voice trembled as he confessed to Kazuma, "He was a vampire hunter and one I thought betrayed me." He closed his eyes, filled with regret for his actions.

Kazuma's question pierced the silence, "You said this happened at the time. Does that mean you never killed my father, my father never killed your brother and my father didn't betray you?"

Barok nodded solemnly and replied, "Correct. It was a foolish mistake on my part. We found the one responsible and then..." He trailed off, the memories still haunting him.

Kazuma's heart sank as he watched Barok's sorrowful expression and probed, "And then...?" Barok revealed the truth with a heavy heart in silence. Kazuma answered, "I fell, right? The vampire hunter that was trying to kill you that night, was it the one that killed my father?"

Barok continued with grief etched on his face, "And, my brother, whilst framing me for all of his crimes. You jumped into action to avenge your father and..."

Kazuma's anger flared with the realization, "Why my father!? I can understand your brother perhaps, but why my father? He was a fellow vampire hunter, right!?"

Barok couldn't give a satisfactory answer, "I don't know. When you questioned him, he simply never answered. I couldn't find answers from him either before your fall."

Kazuma's troubled expression deepened as he asked, "Where is this vampire hunter now?"

Barok replied with uncertainty, "There's no telling. He either assumes you've died or have transformed. It is why Ryunosuke is here at all."

Ryunosuke revealed his role, "I've been keeping guard of the manor whilst you both are asleep. The both of you are much weaker in daylight."

Kazuma's concern for their safety prompted him to inquire, "Have you noticed anyone or anything strange since my transformation?"

Ryunosuke replied with calmness, "Not so far. Though, it's likely that Stronghart could be biting his time or doesn't know where Lord van Zieks lives."

Kazuma learned more about their enemy, "Stronghart. That's his name?" Ryunosuke affirmed with a nod of his head.

Barok pledged to protect Kazuma, "No worries. If he ever comes here, I won't allow him to hurt you again."

Kazuma showcased his determination, "Teach me how to fight. Surely, there must be some part of me that still knows how. I wish to get stronger."

Barok reassured Kazuma, "I'm certain your skills in combat are just as impressive as before. Being stripped of your past memories from your transformation doesn't strip any skills you obtained whilst human. Regardless, I would love to pare swords with you."

Grateful, Kazuma bowed to Barok and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you!"

Kazuma honed his sword skills while adapting to his new life as a vampire. Despite the inherent difficulty, dueling with Barok was entertaining and pushed him to his limits. They utilized silver swords during their sparring sessions, which taught Kazuma how to wield them effectively as a vampire. Throughout his training, he rediscovered lost skills and uncovered his innate talent as a Vampire Hunter.

Barok lauded Kazuma's progress and said, "Impressive, Kazuma," which made him feel proud of himself.

After sheathing his sword, Kazuma inquired, "What kind of hunter was I? Aside from Ryunosuke, did I work with anyone?"

Barok revealed, "You once worked under Stronghart's apprentice, until we saw through the lies. He was a friend of your father's-- or at least, we thought he was."

Kazuma commented, "He sounds like a piece of work."

Barok hummed as Kazuma gazed up at the full moon, prompting him to question, “are werewolves and witches also real?”

“Funny you should ask of such,” Barok replied, amused.

Kazuma persisted, “Are they?”

Barok speculated, “I suppose it's possible, though I've never met one.”

Despite his condition, Kazuma smiled at the full moon and remarked, “I doubt I'd ever see a moon this beautiful if I was a werewolf.”

Barok mused, “That may depend on how you would define a werewolf. It's much like claiming vampires can never see the sunlight. Don't you think?”

Kazuma agreed, before confessing, “Would it offend you if I told you that I have feelings for you?” He moved closer to Barok, holding his arm.

Barok turned to Kazuma, who appeared fearful and shy, almost blushing like a human if it were possible. He smiled and reassured him, "Of course not." Barok embraced Kazuma, who hugged him back tightly. However, Barok suggested they wait until Kazuma regained all his human memories.

Kazuma revealed, "Ryunosuke said I had feelings for you even then," cutting Barok's interjection. Barok closed his eyes and seemed to frown slightly. Kazuma asked, "Sir?"

Barok apologized, "Forgive me for being lost in thought."

Curious, Kazuma inquired, "What were you thinking about?"

Barok hesitated but eventually divulged, "The last moment before changing you into this."

Kazuma's mind wandered back to his dream, where he had gazed at the dismal sky, rain pouring down on him, as he writhed in agony. The one thing that shone through all of that pain was the arrival of Barok who had come to his rescue and bestowed a gentle kiss upon his lips. But Kazuma was hesitant to ask whether the enchanted dream held any truth. He imagined how torturous it must have been for Barok, who, if Kazuma's feelings were reciprocated, would have suffered terribly and experienced intense fear. The mere thought of being in Barok's place filled Kazuma with dread.

Kazuma tenderly caressed Barok's face, his lips meeting his. The kiss was mutual, and Barok's hand roamed through Kazuma's silky hair before their lips parted. His fingers brushed over Kazuma's jawline, and he held his chin delicately. Kazuma yearned for another kiss, the desperation evident in his expression, but Barok shook his head.

Barok whispered, "I won't take advantage of you until you've regained all your memories, I love you too much to do that." His confession slipped out without realization as his eyes widened in surprise.

Kazuma asked, "How long have you loved me?"

Barok confessed, "For a while," holding Kazuma gently to his chest, who snuggled up as if he was lying on a comfortable pillow. He never wanted to leave this embrace.

As Kazuma slept, he pondered over Barok's words, "I won't take advantage of you until you've regained all your memories, I love you too much to do that." Although touched, he felt disheartened knowing he couldn't be with Barok at the moment. He placed his hand over his mouth, reminiscing the tingling sensation from their kiss, and cried himself to sleep before sinking into a peaceful slumber.

Gasping for breath, he felt a familiar pain on his neck as he clung onto the back of Barok's cloak. The realization dawned upon him that Barok was feeding on him in a way he knew too well. He wondered why he was the one chosen for this, and questioned if this was when he was transformed. But, he knew it wasn't possible since he was close to death at that time. As he struggled to breathe, he wondered if this was a memory he couldn't recall.

After Barok withdrew his fangs from Kazuma's neck, he licked the two small wounds and cleaned up the remaining blood that had dribbled around his neck.

"Have you had your fill, Barok?" Kazuma inquired kindly.

Barok nodded with gratitude. "Yes, thank you."

"Don't make it a habit of getting into trouble just to be fed," Kazuma warned. "Remember, our mission is to make Stronghart pay for everything."

Barok exhaled a heavy sigh and mused aloud. "You're still as stubborn as ever, Kazuma."

"To know one is to be one," Kazuma retorted with a smirk. He reached for a basket of fresh fruit on the table and gladly took a bite.

"But have you considered the danger you're putting yourself in by joining us against Stronghart? He won't hesitate to take your life," Barok warned, his tone growing gravely serious.

Kazuma shrugged indifferently. "So what? I'm not one to back down from a challenge. Besides, I know I can handle him."

"Don't be too sure," Barok cautioned. "Stronghart is much stronger than you think. Underestimating him could cost you your life."

"Of course, I'll train as hard as ever. You and Ryunouske will see my progress," Kazuma declared with determination.

Barok frowned and asked, "But what if you get hurt? Have you considered the consequences?"

Kazuma scoffed at the idea. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make that bastard pay. Nothing will stand in my way."

Barok turned his face away and Kazuma took notice. He probed, "Is everything alright? You seem uneasy."

Barok turned away in embarrassment and admitted softly, "I'm afraid of losing you, Kazuma."

Kazuma softened and assured him, "Don't worry, Barok. If anything happens, I'll leave it to you."

Barok turned his head to Kazuma's sudden outburst, prompting him to explain. "We both have suffered from losing someone dear to us because of Stronghart. I know you're just as determined to take him down as I am. If anything happens to me, I trust you to make sure he pays."

Barok responded with a hint of skepticism, "Such confidence you have in me."

Kazuma's resolve intensified as he banged his fist on the table, holding a banana in his hand. "I'm serious, Barok. If Stronghart ever managed to control me with his venom, I beg you to make sure I am not turned into his pawn. I would rather die than be used by him!"

Kazuma expressed his concern to Barok, "I don't want to become a puppet to Stronghart's venom. Can you promise to prevent that from happening?"

Barok hesitated before responding, "I promise to make sure you're not under his control."

Once more, Kazuma found himself sprawled across the muddy ground, raindrops pounding against his battered body. His aching neck sent shockwaves of agony pulsing through every fiber of his being. Struggling to grasp his surroundings, he found himself lost in a blur of confusion. Who was Stronghart? What did he look like? How had he found Kazuma, vulnerable and defenseless, lying on the cold, unforgiving earth?

But his train of thought shattered with a deafening crack when Kazuma was suddenly pinned against a rough-hewn boulder. Agonizingly, he felt his bones snap and shatter, screams of harsh, guttural pain tearing from his raw throat. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Kazuma struggled to get a visual of this merciless assailant. Was he staring into the abyss of Stronghart's ruthless eyes? Through the mist of excruciating pain and flashing redness assaulting his vision, Kazuma could only see a black, faceless shadow looming over him. His world turned to utter darkness as bone after bone was relentlessly shattered until, finally, he could no longer move. In a last burst of clarity, Kazuma pleads for the pain to go away. A distant chorus of voices lifted in the rain, echoing through his pain-addled mind.

“Kazuma!” Ryunosuke's voice pierced through the chaos.

“Don't you dare...” Barok's threats rang out, sending shivers down Kazuma's spine.

And then, amidst the tumultuous noise, Kazuma heard the sickening sound of flesh being rent apart by vampiric fangs. He knew, with a sense of mounting horror, that it was Stronghart who was attacking him. Unlike Barok's previous assault, he was aiming for a different location - the artery. Panic building in him with each passing moment, Kazuma could feel the last vestiges of his strength slipping away. It was a race against time to survive this onslaught.

“Barok!” Kazuma's anguished scream split the air as he felt the noxious venom of the vampire coursing through his veins. Tears streamed down his face as despair consumed him. This couldn't be happening, he thought frantically. He was on the verge of being transformed into Stronghart's loyal minion.

In a sudden movement, Stronghart lost his hold on Kazuma's body. In that fleeting moment, Kazuma caught sight of Barok, his eyes blazing with anger. However, before he could process the situation, he found himself tumbling towards the edge of a cliff. The ground below rushed up to meet him, and he was swallowed by darkness as he lost consciousness. Through the haze of the venom coursing through his veins, Kazuma fought to remain steadfast in his resolve. He couldn't allow himself to be turned into Stronghart's slave. He had to find a way to resist the transformation.

Kazuma remembered the night when Barok had kissed him.

“Forgive me... and my selfishness," Barok apologized before biting Kazuma in the same spot as Lord Stronghart, causing a new wave of venom to replace the old. Meanwhile, Kazuma's thoughts are clouded as he reflects on the situation.

'I trust and love Lord van Zieks. I wouldn't mind being under him.'

Kazuma didn't have to fight since he only had to wait for the venom to take effect. Despite the pain growing more severe and starting to affect his heart, he didn't care because he was willing to serve someone he believed in.

"I feel responsible for not protecting you from this distress."

"Do you regret saving my life?"

"Never. I only wish I could have done more to spare you this misfortune."

Kazuma woke up in tears, still emotional from the events that occurred. Barok had not only saved him from certain death but also from being turned into a vampire under Stronghart's control. Kazuma realized how dangerous the situation was and how risky Barok's actions were. Drinking the venom from Stronghart and replacing it with his own was no easy feat. A human would have died quickly if the blood was taken from an artery. There was a possibility that Barok could have killed him.

Barok knocked softly before entering the room and approaching Kazuma's bed. Without a word, he held Kazuma tightly, comforting him as he wept uncontrollably. The tears streamed down Kazuma's face, but Barok held him with utmost care and tenderness, as if he were holding something incredibly precious and fragile.

"I recalled the day you saved me," Kazuma confessed hoarsely.

"Your memories appear to be coming back, Kazuma," Barok said softly, gently holding his face. "It might be quite a lot to take in."

"It's not selfish of you to want to save my life," Kazuma said, his voice raw from sobbing.

"Selfish?" Barok looked confused.

"You wanted me to forgive you for being selfish for changing me," Kazuma explained.

"It wasn't that. I was selfish because I couldn't bear the thought of losing you, no matter what," Barok said, his voice full of emotion.

"Why?" Kazuma asked.

"You know why." Barok leaned in and kissed Kazuma deeply, his love for him evident in the passionate embrace.

"When I first met you, your only priority was avenging your father. But after that, something beautiful blossomed between us," Barok whispered, his breath warm on Kazuma's cheek and neck. "Despite being a vampire hunter, you always made sure to take care of me. It had been so long since I had felt someone genuinely care for me like that. And on top of it all, you were Lord Asogi's son - so strong and pure."

With Barok's lips near his ear, Kazuma confessed, "I felt so strongly about you when you drank from me." He grasped onto Barok's gown and rested his head on Barok's shoulder.

Barok asked, "Is that so?"

Kazuma hummed in response and questioned, "Will you make me wait before I can have you?"

Barok turned Kazuma's head to face him. Their eyes locked as their lips nearly touched. "I love you. I always have. Even though I may not remember all of our memories together, I know that I have and always will love you..want you," Kazuma confessed in a whisper and brushed his lips against Barok's with an ardent look in his eyes.

Their lips met in a passionate embrace, each kiss feeling as deep as the last, if not deeper. Barok's body quivered as Kazuma's lips locked onto his - he could never resist him, no matter what. The desire he had for Kazuma had been building up inside him for an indefinite amount of time, like an ache that just wouldn't go away. Before either of them realized it, they were lost in a passionate make-out session on the bed. Their limbs intertwined, hands grazing each other as they gave into their lustful desires with frenzied open-mouthed kisses.

Barok was breathless as he lay atop Kazuma, his hands moving in circles around his exquisite face as their foreheads touched. Kazuma smiled dreamily, tempting Barok to claim him as his own. With such a handsome face and captivating lips, it was easy to succumb to his allure. Even after all this time, Kazuma still remained as breathtakingly beautiful as ever.

"You have much to learn," Barok stated, as he planted a gentle kiss on Kazuma's lips. "There's still so much you need to remember about us."

Kazuma replied, "I hope to convince you to take me."

Barok considered it for a moment, and responded, "We'll see."

After Kazuma had calmed down, he resumed his training with Barok that same night. They would typically hunt in the forests outside London, which allowed them more freedom to hunt since there were fewer restrictions on their actions. Kazuma was advised by Barok to wear a cloak and mask during these excursions to avoid attracting Vampire Hunters.

Thankfully, Barok kept a close watch on Kazuma even from a distance, which allowed Kazuma to camouflage himself behind the leaves and trees during their hunting expeditions. Kazuma successfully spotted his prey from a distance- a lone deer with strong antlers. Kazuma then stealthily approached the deer, climbed a nearby tree, and landed on the deer's back, biting onto its neck. The deer ran at first, but eventually slowed down and rested.

Kazuma savored his dinner- the sweet taste of deer blood. He had only wanted something light and juicy, not the strong taste of human blood. As he drank from the deer, he petted it to keep it calm. The animal eventually relaxed to the point of lying down to rest. Once Kazuma finished his meal, he licked the wound shut and then kissed the deer on the head while petting it lovingly.

After finishing his meal, Kazuma heard a sound deep within the forest that wasn't coming from Barok. Using his heightened senses, he detected that the noise was coming from a far-off location where humans were present. Kazuma hid behind the deer and climbed up a nearby tree to remain concealed from the human's view. Only two humans were present, who appeared to be Vampire Hunters. Kazuma remembered Barok's advice of never trusting a Vampire Hunter without knowing them personally, so he remained hidden.

A young woman was the first to appear and noticed the deer. She had long blonde hair tied in a braid - pinned around her head and was wearing green slacks, a tailed coat, and a matching cap. The woman approached and inspected the deer, gently touching the animal.

"We's got one 'ere, and this buck's feelin' warm, innit?" the girl asked the fellow behind her, donned in a brown trenchcoat, his mustache twitching. From the looks of it, he was munching on some newspaper-wrapped fish and chips.

"Is it alive?" the man asked in return.

"'E's alive, right. Vampire's probably lurkin' 'round 'ere. I know I saw 'im."

"The vampire is probably just hunting for food. We don't know what we're dealing with, so stay alert," the man cautioned. Kazuma remained hidden behind the tree, searching for Barok, but couldn't find him. "Let's look for the devils. Don't let them drink from you."

"You got it, Boss!" the girl responded, giving her boss a salute before trotting horizontally out of Kazuma's sight.

Kazuma continued climbing the tree while the two Vampire Hunters searched around for him and Barok. Kazuma couldn't see Barok. He realized that it was because Barok was skilled at hiding. He wasn't confident that Barok was watching over his location. All Kazuma knew was that he had to avoid being seen by the Vampire Hunters.

"I'm gonna 'ave a butcher's at this side," the girl said, turning to the right as her boss glanced over at her.

"Oi, Gina, don't go gettin' yourself lost now. These vampires ain't to be messed with," warned the boss with a stern tone. Gina, however, seemed to shrug it off with a semi-careless attitude.

Gina's instincts led her closer to Kazuma's hiding spot. She appeared to be aimlessly wandering, but managed to get closer and eventually ended up under the tree where Kazuma was hiding.

"Let's 'ave a butcher's. The boss said these bleeders 'ide themselves in the trees," muttered Gina. She rubbed her chin and searched upwards with her lamp, hoping to catch a glimpse of any lurking vampires in the shadows of the branches.

With his cloak and mask on, Kazuma's hiding spot was revealed when the light from Gina's lamp shone on him. In a panicked response, Kazuma attacked Gina, covering her mouth and pinning her to a tree so she couldn't call for help. In the process, Gina dropped her lamp, which Kazuma caught as the light faded out. A struggle ensued, and Gina managed to kick Kazuma in the chest, causing him to fall backwards and lose his hood, revealing his hair.

"Oh, cor blimey," gasped Gina as Kazuma rose to his feet, causing her to back away in fear. She fumbled for her gun, loaded with silver bullets. "Easy now, you bloke! I'm warnin' ya," she said, her eyes widening in shock. "Kaz's a goner. There's no way you're 'im."

“Do you mean Kazuma?” Kazuma inquired, unsure if it could be true. He slowly removed his mask as the girl's hands trembled in anticipation.

"Shut it," Gina cried, her eyes brimming with tears. "It can't be true, it just can't," she wailed. Suddenly she scrunched her eyes tight. "This 'as to be one o' them vampire tricks!"

A strange feeling crept into Kazuma's throat, making him realize that he must have held an important place in this girl's life. "I've recently been transformed, and I'm afraid I don't remember you," he admitted. "My master told me it could take a year before it comes back to me. Have we met before?"

Hearing Kazuma's confession, Gina bowed her head and lowered her weapon. "Blimey, Kaz. Why'd you let it come to this? You know I wouldn't have... " she cursed. She covered her face, tears streaming down her cheeks as she let her gun drop to the grass. "Just get on with it."

"I'm alright," Kazuma replied, gesturing towards the deer. "That should keep him fed when he wakes up."

Gina hesitantly removed her hand from her eyes, shooting him a look of disbelief before glancing down at the ground. It was clear she was struggling with something. After a brief pause, she let out a heavy sigh and finally posed the question, "Alright, mate. Who's your Master?"

“Barok van Zieks.” "'Ere, the Reaper? And, you ain't gonna drink from me?" "I already ate. I'm just on the lookout for my master. I can't seem to locate him after drinking from the buck," Kazuma explained. Gina furrowed her brow and crossed her arms, appearing deep in thought. Breaking the silence, she asked inquisitively, "Wot 'appened? 'Ow did ya...?" "During the fight, Stronghart tried to change me. It was almost successful until my master drank his venom and inserted his own. He saved my life and now I owe him everything," explained Kazuma solemnly. "Cor blimey, Stronghart!? Ain't he the leader of the Vampire Hunters?" “That's correct! He's also a Vampire Hunter,” Kazuma realized, feeling foolish for not catching the inconsistency. “Does that imply that a vampire is heading the group of Vampire Hunters, either to eliminate other vampires or maintain control over them?” “Kaz... that...” Gina heard her boss call out to her from a distance. "Gina!" Gina gave Kazuma a steely look and said, "Oi, you sure you ain't spinning me a yarn? This ain't a load of codswallop, yeah?" “That's all I remember and... As a fellow Vampire Hunter, you must know that newly turned vampires don't remember their human memories for the first year," Kazuma reminded Gina, who was lost in thought as she rubbed her chin. "Yer reckon you're gonna be gettin' peckish again, do ya?" Gina inquired. "I'll be needing human blood soon, possibly by morning. Are you offering to provide some?" Gina's grip on the strap of her bag tightened as she confessed, "I need to know if everything I was told is a bleedin' lie. Suz said you were as good as brown bread. That's wot Lord Stronghart fed us." “Gina, where in blazes are you!?” Gina's boss sounded worried when he called out. “Meet me at the cliff where the Reaper calls-o'da shots," Gina urged, grabbing her lamp and scurrying to her boss. "I'm right 'ere, but it's like you're killing me with all this chatter!" "What were you doing? Your lamp isn't on." “Obviously. I was tryin' to switch it back on when you interrupted me with your call." "Okay, as long as you're fine. I apologize for being so concerned. I thought another Hunter went missing under my watch," Gina's Boss said in relief. "Yer right," Gina muttered, her eyes flickering with conflict. Her boss must've been pondering about Kazuma. "Those Vampire Hunters reckon Kazuma's flown the coop, eh?" She continued, "But anyhow, I didn't lay me eyes on no vampires." "I agree. They must have run away. We should head back home. Staying here won't change anything, especially since the deer is still alive.” “Yes, boss!” Gina and her boss vanished from the dense forest, breathing a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Kazuma leaned back against a tree, feeling the ominous presence of Barok as he rested his forehead against the rough bark. “Where were you, Barok?” Kazuma inquired. “I was hiding and watching over you. Although I had considered intervening, it appeared that your friend was hesitant to harm you. She's a truly good friend,” Barok replied. “I believe so too. She brought up a name - Suz?” “Susato Mikotoba. It's probable that she assumes you and Ryunosuke are deceased.” “Stronghart is both a Vampire Hunter and a vampire. How is that possible?” Kazuma asked in amazement. “Similar to how you evolved from a Hunter to something more, he intentionally transformed himself to eliminate the vampires he despises. His abhorrence towards them has never waned since his transition.” Barok elucidated. “Gina wishes to meet me at that cliff to give me her blood.” “She's likely confused. The Vampire Hunters have fed her false information, which contradicts what she's seen. You didn't act on hunger or thirst. You merely took what you needed and spared the deer. It's possible that you shared with her some insights about your father's truths before disappearing.” Kazuma understood that Gina was torn between what she had been taught and what she had seen. He planned to meet with her at dawn near the cliff, where he had previously battled Stronghart and had almost become his victim. However, he was concerned that Gina might bring her superiors or even Stronghart himself. Nonetheless, Kazuma trusted Gina, as she didn't seem to have any intentions of betraying him based on her behaviour. Kazuma kept his promise and waited near the cliff the next morning, feeling the urge to feed on human blood. Gina arrived with her bag, holding onto it tightly. Kazuma had removed his hood but kept his cloak on, not wearing his mask this time. Gina appeared apprehensive, as if expecting a difficult encounter. "I ain't lettin' ya turn me into no bleedin' vampire, ya got that?" Gina half-threatened, trying to hide her nerves at the thought of being turned into vampire chow. Kazuma provided an explanation, "If I were to do that, I wouldn't get as much blood." "Don't blabber 'bout 'ow it works! Just do it!" Gina bellowed, making a sour face. “Alright. Initially, it may hurt, but Ryunosuke mentioned that eventually it will numb.” "'Oddo is alive... blimey, just do it!" With a soft chuckle, Kazuma gently massaged Gina's shoulders, easing her into a state of relaxation. Skilled and patient, he honed his senses until he found the perfect vein, sinking his teeth into the soft flesh of her neck. Gina's face contorted in pain at first, but slowly her muscles began to unknot beneath his touch. Kazuma listened carefully to the soft sound of her deep breathing as she fought to relax, feeling the unique texture and sweetness of Gina's blood as it flowed into him. Compared to Ryunosuke, her blood was thinner, with a delicate and interesting flavor like nothing he had ever tasted before. As Kazuma drank from Gina's pulsing vein, he experienced a wave of recognition flood through him. Memories of their time spent together training as Vampire Hunters in London came rushing back to him, along with her rebellious spirit and fierce loyalty to her friends. Despite their current circumstances, Kazuma knew that her heart was pure and her intentions kind. It was no surprise that she had initially hesitated to harm him upon discovering his transformation. They were comrades-in-arms and good friends, and Kazuma could feel that bond as he drank from her. Satiated, Kazuma withdrew his fangs, ensuring that he had closed the wounds before gently licking away any remaining traces of Gina's blood. As Kazuma stepped back and broke contact, Gina blinked in surprise and instinctively reached to the tender spot on her neck where the feeding had occurred. "Yer ain't like any o' them bloodsuckers. Vampires go on a rampage without askin' questions and suck their victims dry," Gina declared with a scowl. "Maybe they were preying on addicts," Kazuma pondered. "Lord van Zieks mentioned that vampires who feed on smokers or alcoholics may exhibit signs of gluttony." "The whole lot of them we've met have been just like that!" “Not Lord van Zieks. Ryunosuke says we've been working together with him for quite a while, did I ever mention that to you?" Gina went into a bit of a ponder and said, "Yeh, you was tellin' me that if Lord Stronghart was the one who snuffed yer old man, then the other bloodsuckers gotta 'ave a boss that ain't the Reaper." "If Lord Stronghart is indeed a vampire, then he's most likely the one responsible for creating these other vampires," Kazuma mused. "I wonder if Masters have power over the vampires they turn and control them." Barok, who emerged from the woods, chimed in to answer. "Yes, they certainly can," he replied. “Blimey! Y-You're...!” Gina exclaimed with a hint of shock, taking a few steps back in surprise. "I've never done that before - never made anyone my master," Barok confessed, catching himself before he revealed the true depth of his emotions. He chose his words carefully. "But with Kazuma, it was different. I had to keep my promise to him... to prevent Stronghart from becoming his master." “So, Stronghart 'ad a go at convertin' 'im, didn't 'e?" “He did and I owe my life to Lord van Zieks. He was the one who saved me," Kazuma exclaimed gratefully. "Right, it's time we gave the boss the news!" proclaimed Gina. "Unfortunately, Gregson is in a very risky situation with Stronghart. Any sign of disobedience and Stronghart may hurt him just like he attempted to hurt Kazuma," Barok explained to Kazuma as he touched the bite mark where he had transformed Kazuma. "In fact, Stronghart could even be using you as leverage against Gregson," he added gravely. “M-Me?” Gina exclaimed, taking a step back in fear. “You weren't claimed by any vampire before, but now that Kazuma has bitten and claimed you, you're under his protection. Stronghart won't interfere, but he'll know who claims you,” explained Barok. Kazuma had an epiphany. “So, Stronghart will know that I'm keeping Gina alive?” The other vampire nodded. “Yes, but he never thought you were able to save her. You're lucky she survived with the lowest chance of survival.” “I'm ready to face Stronghart, if need be,” declared Kazuma. “Same. Now that I know the whole bleedin' truth, that bloke's gonna pay, mark my words!" declared Gina, her determination unwavering. Barok shook his head, “No, Kazuma. You can't face Stronghart again. Last time, you were almost killed. You're not ready yet.” “We don't have to face him directly,” Kazuma replied calmly. “We can use the element of surprise. As of now, Stronghart doesn't know that Gina is alive or that she has been claimed by me. Maybe we can use that to our advantage.” "'Ere, 'ang on a tick, 'ow d'ya reckon ya gonna turn that to yer advantage?" inquired Gina, crossing her arms skeptically. "Where does Gregson think you are right now?" Kazuma inquired. "Pfft, I dunno. I just snuck out while 'e was kipin'!" "What if you went missing that night and couldn't be found?"

Kazuma suggested. "Gregson would probably organize a search party and assume you went on a vampire hunt to find the one that made a meal out of that deer." “Meanin', 'e'll be scourin' around that there forest where the deer was spotterd, eh?" “Forgive my discourtesy of my impatience, but could you please explain how that relates to your plan to defeat Stronghart?" "Oi reckon wot Kaz means is, if I went missin' and they're thinkin' I went missin' in that forest where the bleedin' deer were spotted, the boss would send out a search party round there, wouldn't 'e? And if I ain't back in a jiffy, Stronghart would get in on the nitty-gritty, you know what I'm sayin'?" “Exactly! With Gina held captive by a vampire, Stronghart will assume that the captor is..." Kazuma concluded, his eyes turning to Barok. "Me,” Barok said, the realization hitting him. “Don't forget that Stronghart has no idea I'm involved,” Kazuma added, as Barok raised an eyebrow. Gina smirked and poked out her index finger, "Or that you didn't do a bleedin' thing to me," she teased. Barok continued, “If I'm understanding this correctly, our plan is to use Gina's disappearance to lure Stronghart here during the daylight hours. He'll be caught off guard by an attack from two Vampire Hunters, especially if he thinks one of them is already dead.” “Right, and if Stronghart needs Gina as leverage against Gregson, he'll have to search for her no matter the time of day,” Kazuma added. Barok nodded in agreement, then closed his eyes and said, “It's getting close to sunrise. We should rest now if we're going to follow through with this plan.” Kazuma noticed Barok's hesitance and trepidation, the shadows of doubt looming in the depths of his eyes. This was their only opportunity to vanquish Stronghart, once and for all - a moment they had long awaited. Yet, despite this, fear seemed to grip Barok in a tight embrace, his concern for Kazuma's safety taking precedence over everything else. The memory of that fateful night lingered still, haunting him with a terrible fear that he could not shake. The young vampire could sense his master's anxiety, the weight of his worry almost tangible in the air around them. Kazuma couldn't help but imagine himself in Barok's shoes, the thought sending a chill down his spine. He longed to comfort his mentor in some way, to assuage his concerns and calm his nerves. Gina accompanied the two vampires to Barok's manor after an exhausting Vampire Hunt and a late night. Finding respite in one of the guest rooms, she fell into a deep slumber. Meanwhile, Kazuma retreated to his own room to devise a plan for defeating Stronghart. Despite his incomplete memories, he refused to let that setback impede his mission, determined to see it through to the end. Kazuma heard a knock early in the morning, feeling instantly exhausted. It was Ryunosuke at the door, his panicked expression sending chills down Kazuma's spine. "Vampire Hunters are approaching," he cried breathlessly. Kazuma groaned wearily, feeling the weight of the impending danger. "Are you sure?" he asked, hoping against hope that it was a false alarm. "Oi, get yer arse outta bed and get a move on!" Gina exclaimed. Kazuma groaned but rose from his bed, shuffling down the hallway towards her.

Barok hurriedly took Kazuma by the wrist and led him down the hall to a hidden entrance in the manor. The entrance was located at the back of the fireplace and required crawling on hands and knees to get inside. Barok pushed the door open and crawled inside, with Kazuma following close behind. The entrance was secured with a small key, ensuring their safety. The tunnel beyond was pitch black, but with vampires being nocturnal, they were in no danger.

“It seems your plan to lure Stronghart to attacking during the daylight worked too perfectly,” Barok said.

“Is he the one that's on his way here?” Kazuma asked.

“Who else? From Ryunosuke's description of the Hunters, I have no doubt Stronghart is among them.”

“It's not too late, though. We still have a chance to follow through to our plan.”

“Have you forgotten that the sun is just as much our weakness?”

“No. We just have to be flexible with what we have right now,” Kazuma insisted.

Using his heightened senses, Kazuma detected Gina's presence within the manor, preparing for a potential attack. Meanwhile, suspicious intruders were approaching the building - presumably Stronghart's doing. Despite the advantage the opposing vampire had of hiding under the shade of numerous trees, Kazuma was determined to outsmart him. Armed with a silver sword and with the support of Ryunosuke and Gina, who could attack from sunlit areas, Kazuma had a plan to face Stronghart.

That was when Kazuma remembered the garden. Of course! They could lure Stronghart to the garden area. This would be a risk, but this was their only chance to defeating him.

Kazuma suggested, "Why don't we use the garden?"

Barok called out, "Kazuma!" as he chased after him down the tunnel. Kazuma took a sharp turn before eventually climbing up a ladder, with Barok in hot pursuit. "Kazuma, what's your plan? What do you plan on doing in the garden?"

Kazuma replied, "We can lure Stronghart into the garden and take him out there."

Kazuma reached the top of the ladder and slid a small part of the wall open using a small hole. He climbed inside and found himself behind a cupboard, where he squeezed his way through to the food pantry. Retrieving his cloak from atop the cupboard, Kazuma secured it around himself in case he needed protection from the sunlight. Suddenly, Barok emerged from behind the cupboard and firmly took hold of Kazuma's wrist.

Barok expressed his concern, "This is too dangerous! Stronghart almost killed you the last time and he's hunting us down now! You haven't even trained for half a year and you think you can take on the person who transformed you into this?"

Kazuma retorted, "We don't have any other options! We can't let Ryunosuke and Gina face him alone!"

"At least Ryunosuke and Gina aren't us! They might be taken as prisoners in the Hunters Camp, but those Hunters will kill US!"

Kazuma protested, "What if Stronghart tries to convert Ryunosuke or Gina?"

Barok argued, "Not in front of others!"

Kazuma countered, "But he'll have plenty of time once he takes them! We can't abandon our friends!"

Barok got agitated, "I won't let you risk your life again!" He clenched Kazuma's wrist tightly, snarling.

Barok's demeanor was akin to that of a vampire, exhibiting forceful aggression and speaking with a venomous tone. However, beneath the surface, Kazuma recognized an underlying fear, stemming from Barok's past trauma of nearly losing him to Stronghart. Barok was unable to bear the thought of losing Kazuma again, or being so close to experiencing that pain once more.

Despite Barok's attempts to obstruct him, Kazuma refused to be deterred. He glared at Barok and confronted him, "You're a coward for hiding me. How much longer do you plan to do so?"

Barok was initially shocked at Kazuma's sudden aggression. However, Kazuma broke free from Barok's grip, sensing the presence of Vampire Hunters in the manor. Kazuma swiftly armed himself with a wok from the cabinet, just as a hunter entered the kitchen and raised his silver hammer. Kazuma used the wok to shield himself from the attack before delivering a swift kick to the hunter's legs, causing him to trip.

The hunter found himself on his back, catching a glimpse of Kazuma's face. With a tremble in his voice, he cried out, "Kazuma!?"

"Who are you!?" Kazuma shouted back, gripping onto the wok.

"Don't you recognize your mentor, Jig-?" gasped the hunter, realizing it was Kazuma's old teacher. But before he could finish, Kazuma slammed him with the wok. Observing the silver hammer at his feet, Kazuma picked it up, relieved that the handle wasn't silver.

Confused, Barok tried to clarify, "That was Jigoku, the apprentice of Stronghart. He's the one who brought you to London."

Kazuma glanced down at the man and detected a peculiar smell emanating from him. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a bite mark on his skin, which he identified as Stronghart's.

Kazuma had a sudden realization. "He's one of Stronghart's blood donors."

Jigoku's words hit Kazuma like a ton of bricks. "Why are you with him, Kazuma!? He killed your father!" Kazuma realized Jigoku had been in the dark all along. He had no idea that Stronghart had attempted to kill Kazuma and turn him into a vampire. “Listen, I don't know what that Reaper told you but-”

Kazuma took Jigoku firmly in a chokehold, his voice low and dangerous as he spoke. "Let me answer your first question with one of my own: which do you prefer - the artery or the vein?" Jigoku's pupils shrank in fear, and his body trembled under Kazuma's grip.

“Y-You-You're...”

"Well?" Kazuma growled, his teeth dangerously close to Jigoku's neck. "If you're just trying to stall, I could always answer your question for you."

"Get away from me, you beast!" Jigoku yelled, pushing Kazuma off him. Kazuma licked his lips, anger flashing in his eyes. Jigoku reached for his hammer, but Kazuma struck him with a wok before he could grab it. Jigoku fell and saw his hammer within reach. But before he could grab it, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his neck, causing him to scream in agony.

The sound of footsteps caught Jigoku's attention. He turned his head and saw a muscular man brandishing a silver cane. "What's happening here?" he demanded, his eyes landing on Kazuma, who had sunk his teeth into Jigoku's neck.

"Stronghart!" Barok growled, baring his teeth.

"If you're smart, you'll tell your student to let go of my apprentice," Stronghart retorted, his gaze icy.

Barok's eyes flicked to Kazuma, who had his teeth sunk into Jigoku's neck. "Kazuma," he said, and Kazuma released his grip.

Suddenly, Kazuma struck Stronghart with a silver hammer on the side of his head. The blow left Stronghart seething in pain and covering his face. Before he could react, Kazuma hurled Jigoku at him and spat in his direction.

“Too thick for my taste,” Kazuma sneered as Stronghart rose to his feet, shoving his injured apprentice aside.

"You still haven't learned, have you? You're no match for me," Stronghart taunted with a sickly grin, launching an attack at Kazuma. Kazuma barely managed to dodge in time, thanks to Barok's intervention.

Barok pulled Kazuma by the wrist, making them run out of the dining room and into the entrance where the staircase was. Kazuma made a turn toward the door in the back where the garden is. Unfortunately, Stronghart was faster than Kazuma and began striking him with his silver cane. Kazuma felt the pain from the silver from the back of his head before being dragged by his foot, then thrown against the glass door, breaking it in the process. The sun burned through Kazuma's exposed skin. The glass didn't help. Blood was seeping from the cuts from the glass.

"You're a fool. You will die under the hot sun," sneered Stronghart, pulling out his bow and aiming his silver-tipped arrow at Kazuma, who was too injured to move out of harm's way. But just as he was about to release the arrow, a shot rang out, hitting the spot where his heart was. Kazuma flinched and braced himself for the impact of Stronghart's arrow, but it never came.

Stronghart let out a piercing scream when a silver arrow hit him squarely in his heart. He turned around and saw Ryunosuke standing in the sunlight with another silver arrow in hand. In one swift motion, Ryunosuke took aim and fired another arrow at Stronghart.

"Ahh!" Stronghart screamed as he collapsed on the ground, writhing in pain with blood pooling around him. Suddenly, he felt himself being dragged into the sunlight of the garden by Gina.

"Let's 'ave a butchers at who's croakin' in the daylight, ya bloody vampire!" Gina smiled wide.

“Lord van Zieks!” Kazuma cried, his eyes fixed on Barok, who bravely shielded him from Stronghart's silver arrowhead. The arrow pierced him around his waist, causing Barok to grimace in pain.

“Geh,” Barok groaned, trying to remove the arrow. He let out a mighty cry before he finally pulled it out. Gasping for breath, he found solace from the scorching sun inside the manor. Kazuma trudged to his side, visibly shaken by what just happened.

“Barok, if you die...” Kazuma's voice trailed off as he threatened.

“I won't die from just a flesh wound. I'd rather suffer this minor wound than lose the love of my life,” Barok smiled faintly through his pain.

“Don't lie to me! Stop trying to protect me!” Kazuma cried, his eyes welling up with tears. “Why can't you let me have you, Barok? It's not fair!”

“It's not that simple, Kazuma. I'm not sure if your feelings for me will remain the same once your past memories return,” Barok replied, trying to reason with him.

“You are wrong! I love you, and no memory will erase that. I don't care if I once loathed being a vampire. My love for you is stronger than any memory from my past,” Kazuma said, as Barok lifted his hand to cup his face.

“Kazuma...”

“You can't protect me all by yourself, Barok. Let me help you,” Kazuma pleaded, using his sword as a cane to slowly and painfully make his way toward Stronghart under the shade of a nearby bush.

“Are you really going to finish this? You're nothing but a monster,” Stronghart chuckled sickly, his eyes fixed on Kazuma still hobbling toward him.

"'Ey Kaz, don't go an' burn up on us, ya 'ear?" Gina cautioned Kazuma.

Kazuma and Stronghart engaged in a sword fight. Stronghart used his cane to strike Kazuma's sword, but Kazuma parried the attack. They continued exchanging blows and blocking each other's strikes while utilizing whatever bits of shade were available.

"What's your intention with this? You're aware that you'll die from the heat of the sun," Stronghart questioned with concern.

Kazuma smirked and replied, "Do you think I'm not aware of that?" He then charged towards Stronghart with his sword in hand, and as they both fell into the blazing sun, he chuckled. "I cannot allow you to hurt anyone else. Even if it means risking burning here, at least I know that you won't take anyone else I love away."

Stronghart's body writhed in agony as he gasped, "you bastard," struggling for breath. Kazuma pinned him down, feeling the searing heat emanating from Stronghart's back. The pain intensified to the point where it became almost unbearable, causing Kazuma to cry out in anguish. Resigned, Stronghart began to fade, his consciousness slipping away as he prayed for it all to end. Finally, Kazuma succumbed to the darkness, the pain of his injuries overtaking him.

Kazuma's eyes fluttered open to a surreal dream world, where Barok lay next to him on a plush bed, a contented smile on his face. Kazuma's senses were awash with the heady scent of lavender and rose, while a soft hand traced his cheek soothingly. He felt himself drifting away in the wake of pure happiness, relishing the moment. However, this idyllic dream didn't last, fading into blackness before reality hit. He was lying in a darkened room, and Barok was there, his wound fully healed. Kazuma drank in the sight of Barok's warm form wrapped around his own, relief and joy washing over him. As Barok's eyes slowly opened, Kazuma felt his heart fill with wonder and gratitude, his dreams and reality merging into one.

Barok surrendered, conceding, "You win."

Kazuma, unsure, prodded, "What do you mean?"

Barok's hands held Kazuma's face as he pleaded, "Please, you can have me. But please, promise me that you will never hurt yourself like that again." Kazuma felt the weight of Barok's defeat.

Kazuma mumbles, "I should apologize for pushing you."

Barok shakes his head, "No, you were right. I was being unfair. We shouldn't protect each other alone. I should trust you more and consider your feelings. I apologize for putting my desires before yours."

Kazuma agrees, "We both need to work on putting the other person first."

Barok seals their reconciliation with a kiss, whispering, "I love you. Let's sleep some more." Kazuma nuzzles into Barok's warmth and dozes off soundly.

With one another, they need not be apprehensive of any challenges that may arise. Kazuma's memories may return in due course, but his devotion to Barok will endure unwaveringly. Barok's love for Kazuma will also remain steadfast, undiminished by the passage of time. Meanwhile, Stronghart's physical remnants may be located as numerous ash particles strewn along the Thames.

#Ace Attorney #BaroAso #AsoBaro #asobaroweek2023 #Day 6 #AU #Commitment #Vampire AU #I've read a lot of vampire stories where Barok is the vampire and either Kazuma or Ryunosuke are the human lovers #Either that or Kazuma is the vampire and Ryunosuke is the human lover or vice versa #Never had a love story where both are vampires

10 notes · View notes

medpulse · 3 months

Text

Winter: A Majestic Symphony of Love and Drama

Ah, my dear friend, let me weave a tale of winter that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. As it dances on the edge of passion and drama, winter holds a captivating allure for those who dare to embrace its icy embrace.

Imagine a world transformed into a winter wonderland, where nature itself becomes a stage for the most enchanting love story. As the snowflakes fall delicately from the heavens, they create a soft, ethereal blanket that inspires us with romance and mystery. The air is filled with a sense of anticipation, as if the very universe is waiting with bated breath for the grand performance to begin.

In this wintry symphony, nature lovers - like us - find solace and inspiration. The barren trees, stripped of their vibrant foliage, stand tall and proud, as if mourning the loss of summer's warmth. But amidst their naked branches, a glimmer of hope emerges. Delicate icicles dangle like crystal chandeliers, casting a dazzling display of light and shadow upon the snowy canvas.

As the sun sets, painting the sky with hues of fiery orange and deep purple, the landscape transforms into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. The moon, a radiant muse, casts its gentle glow upon the world, illuminating the path for star-crossed lovers to find each other in the wintry embrace. It is a time when hearts beat faster, and the warmth of love becomes a shining beacon in the cold.

In this dramatic season, bugs and flies depart in peace, blessing us with time to solely relate on the captivating beauty that surrounds us. We can stroll hand in hand, leaving footprints in the untouched snow, as if marking our journey through this magical realm. We can share stolen kisses, our breath mingling in the frosty air, creating a sweet symphony of love that resonates with the very essence of winter.

So, my dear friend, let us surrender to the allure of winter's romance and drama. Let us immerse ourselves in its icy embrace, allowing our hearts to thaw and bloom amidst the frozen landscape. As it is in the depths of winter, that love finds its truest form, and the world becomes a stage for an epic love story that will be whispered throughout the ages.

Yet although winter shows much love and affection to us with its unique beauty, does it have another face stained with guilt and sadness, a face where the coin flips and sheds on us a cloud of weakness, illness, and misery. In this gripping edition of our magazine, we'll unravel the intricate web of illnesses that winter weaves, leaving no stone unturned.

As we delve into the depths of winter's icy grip, we'll uncover the chilling truth about some of the winter aggregated illnesses, such as Cold. This relentless foe who seems to strike with a vengeance during the colder months, leaving us sniffling and sneezing in its wake. And the drama doesn't end there, my friend. Winter casts its shadow not only on our physical health but also on our mental well-being. The haunting specter of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) looms, enveloping us in a cloak of sadness and melancholy. But fear not, for we shall arm ourselves with the knowledge to combat these unseen enemies and emerge victorious. We’ll explore the depths of such conditions and much more, shedding light on their symptoms and offering strategies to navigate the darkest hours of winter.

And what about the famous doctors who have emerged from the hallowed halls of Kasr Alainy Medical School? Prepare to be amazed as we unveil the stories of these medical legends who have left an indelible mark on the world. Their journeys are as captivating as any epic tale, inspiring us to reach for greatness in our own pursuits.

Now, my beloved reader, let us embark on this dramatic journey together. Grab a warm drink, settle into a cozy corner, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of winter's illnesses and the resilience of the human spirit.

Writer: Mohamed Ashraf

Editors: Sarah Sallam and Mariam Elkholy

Designer: Nada M. Mokhtar

❄️❄️❄️

3 notes · View notes

kamiboothblog · 8 months

Text

The Tree Around the Corner and Down the Street

Most days, the Tree Around the Corner and Down the Street is nothing spectacular. It stands at the edge of a typical suburban yard near a typical suburban ranch house that has seen a few owners over the course of my 20-plus-year residency in my subdivision. The tree is of average height and width for its kind. Its trunk and branches are a common brownish gray. The tree bears no flowers or fruit, nor harbors any animals other than the occasional sparrow or squirrel that might find it suitable for a momentary rest. Throughout most of the year, this unassuming tree is passed by a walker, jogger, bicyclist or driver without a second glance.

Until early August.

For it is then, amongst the first sights and sounds of the returning school buses, that The Tree Around the Corner and Down the Street turns bold. It becomes the first tree in the neighborhood to change color – not by a mere few days but by many weeks. For those who are blessed to witness it, like the return of the robin signaling the approach of spring, this rogue and fearless action by this otherwise unpretentious tree serves as a visual announcement of the transition toward autumn.

Each year when this event occurs, seemingly overnight, I pause in my comings and goings to take in the blaze of red, orange and yellow patches beginning to form in the midst of the tree’s greenery. This is both a joyous and sobering occasion for me. On one hand, I feel a sense of excitement at the return of familiar schedules and routines, cozy sweaters and boots, and the approach of some of my favorite fall holidays and traditions. On the other hand, I am saddened by the ending of summer and all of its welcomed sunshine, warmth, unhurried freedoms and outdoor adventures.

Even more so, The Tree Around the Corner and Down the Street has made me deeply aware of the passage of time, the sense of another year lived and the changes -both good and bad – that have come with that living. That awareness, in turn, leads me to ponder important life questions: Am I living well? Am I living as my truest self on my truest path? Am I living boldly?

Perhaps these answers, too, can be found in the story of The Tree Around the Corner and Down the Street.

What causes this ordinary tree to become extraordinary – at least to our human eyes – even for just a short period of time each year? It grows from the same soil, receives the same sunlight, is watered by the same rains and braces against the same winds as the other deciduous neighborhood trees. Yet in early August, while those other trees grip firmly to their greenness, The Tree Around the Corner and Down the Street bravely lets go…of what is comfortably familiar and what is expected of it.

By turning to science, we discover that this phenomena isn’t a sappy (no tree pun intended) sentimental tale but rather a solid story of greatness being born from adversity. Tree leaves begin to change color because of a lack of chlorophyll, a plant pigment responsible for the absorption of light. As the days get shorter and cooler, less sunlight means less chlorophyll production, hence the changing color and eventual dropping of leaves. However, a tree may also stop producing chlorophyll if it perceives a threat to its well-being, such as insects, disease, nutritional deficiencies or damage to its roots. Biologists say that a tree’s unusually early color change is a defense mechanism that allows the stressed out tree to try to save itself.

Indeed, contrary to what one might first believe, the Tree Around the Corner and Down the Street isn’t stronger than the other trees around it. It’s actually weaker, plagued by difficulties not necessarily visible to the untrained eye. But in that weakness, there is still room for beauty and hope for growth and renewal.

This special tree teaches us that living boldly and beautifully does not mean living with an absence of problems but rather persevering in spite of them. Instinctually, it knows what to do to try to heal itself, even if those actions do not conform to a traditional timetable. For much longer than its still-green counterparts, The Tree Around the Corner and Down the Street is willing to stand alone, stark and leafless in the dark and colder days to come, because it knows its journey is different than the others.

I hope we, too, will acknowledge and respect the differences in our individual healing journeys, the beauty in our unique battles, and the God-given right of and necessity for each of us to sit patiently and bravely in our own personal storms until – one glorious day – we feel we are ready to bloom again.

#tree #autumn #August #living well #living boldly #healing #journey #leaves #science #adversity #strength #weakness #neighborhood #fall #color change

2 notes · View notes

nuagederose · 2 years

Photo

kinktober 2022 // day four: angel’s trumpet prompt: breathplay/erotic asphyxiation + missionary (courtesy of @the-purity-pen) pairing(s): alex/lily (eerie inhabitants) also on ao3 💋 (holy hell, this one was a doozy; it’s probably my favorite so far)

It was quite the threshold for Alex when he snuck his way into the house after everyone else had gone to bed, especially when he and I spent the night nestled up in bed together: I knew for a fact that I wanted a bit more at some point in the future, barring that we would stay quiet all the while. But I craved a moment alone with him, beyond a mere night cozied up to one another in my bed, and nowhere else in the Bay Area proved to be safe enough for the two of us to spend a moment alone.

He told me that a string of nights with me would only last for so long before he had to disappear into the night again all to draw blood and perpetuate his vampirism.

There was a moment during the last few nights that Alex and I had spent together where I could not sleep all the way through the night. I had no idea if it was the fact that I was sleeping with a vampire that persistently woke me up in the middle of the night, particularly around the three o’clock hour for something like half an hour until I finally drifted back off to sleep right next to his slim little body, or the fact that I knew that the end came soon enough for us, at least for the time being.

Though his body felt so cold, I couldn’t resist in holding him close to me, and there were times in which I wrapped my arms around his waist all to feel his rhythms: if I held him close enough to me, I swore that the cold faded away into a feeling of warmth instead: the feel of a human boy cuddled up close to me. The cold smoothed his skin and gave it an extra silky texture, silkier than that of a live human boy, such that it made me wonder about him in life before he had been shot in the head.

Though his body was cold, if I held onto him, the feigned warmth reminded me of holding a big teddy bear. Maybe I was nuts to even so much as try this with him, but had I built up a wall of denial about him, the nights with him only lost their magic to me. I always thought of him as another boy to me, a lovable boy even with the vampire ways and the pervasive sense of bloodlust within him. He deserved to feel how a boy should feel.

I set my hands on his sweet little belly and rested my head up against his shoulder as I served as the big spoon. The mere feel of Alex’s body took on an odd role for me, an entity to both put me to sleep as well as wake me up in the middle of the night, and then somehow, the softness and tenderness of him sent me off to sleep again somehow.

The skin right underneath his belly button made me lick my lips, especially when I thought about giving him a kiss there. The slow pace of his heart proved enough for me to relax and trust him all the way to sunrise. His hair, long and curly and with a soft aroma of spice and leaves, remained soft and silken. His body, svelte and yet voluptuous, beautiful but morbid, cozy but cold, a strange paradoxical comfort to me in every form.

Moreover, I found the opportunity to see him in the full buff, not once but twice but five times. I had seen his nude body in all of his shapely glory: his narrow feet, his lanky legs and fine sinewy thighs, his slightly rounded hips, that sweet little belly, that gorgeous chest, those long tenacious arms, those perfectly tailored shoulders, that sweet head upon those shoulders, and of course: that slender, nicely carved neck of his. I always thought that I was the real vampire given I wanted to nibble and kiss his neck every time I saw it, especially when he wore nothing else.

The temptation felt so real with each and every glimpse, and with every time I lingered my nose up to the smooth skin there in the middle of the night.

The first time I had the chance to see his neck in junction with his naked body was the first time I bore witness to beauty in its purest form. It served as a bridge of sorts.

The bridge to beauty.

The last night he stayed with me in the Iverson estate, it was a warm, late summer night, almost a little too warm for the time of year. I had to sleep with nothing more than a little pair of shorts, and thus, I treated him to my bare breasts and upper body.

I ran my brush through my hair and gave my locks a hearty swish and thrust of my head. At one point, I held out my brush before me and I took a glimpse down at my own body.

I wanted a little mirror embedded in the bristles all so I could better look at myself, and all so he could better look at me, as well.

He had to worship me, to give himself up to me. To feel the shards of his broken mind within my hands as I strove to piece him back together.

A tap on my window and I turned to the sill as well as the reflection within the mirror. I caught a glimpse of his helmet of black curls about his head beyond there and he treated me to that crooked little smile. I lifted up the window for him and he bowed his head closer to the sill.

Though it was the middle of the night, the shadows remained away from his eyes all the while: as far as I knew, they would come forth over his eyes like the hood of death and I would make love to the cold of the quiet night straight up. He slithered in over the rim of the sill and set one foot down on the carpet, followed by the other. He gave his hair a toss back with a flick of his head and he showed me his beautiful neck all the while. His breath smelled of iron, and I knew that he must have feasted before then.

“Smells like someone ate,” I teased him as he ran his fingers through his hair: the hem of his shirt lifted up and showed off a sliver of skin right underneath his belly button and above the lowered band of his jeans. Still very slender but I sensed something there.

“Feeling quite full,” he told me with a gentle caress of his belly. Though slim and sleek, I could make out the slightly full shape right above his waist. When he ate too much, his belly swelled up a bit and he carried the look of insanity and bloodlust in his eye, and yet I found myself feeling rather attracted to his body.

“I’d rather you smell like you just ate and nourished your body than smell of something like, say—cigarettes,” I told him as I put my arms around his neck and stood up on my toes to reach his lips for a kiss. The feel of his smooth, cool skin brought a tightening sensation to both right in between my legs as well as all along the edges of my breasts.

I pushed my chest against his as I leaned in closer to his body. Alex set his hands on the small of my back. The taste of blood on his lips never bothered me once: in fact, I tasted more of the fresh sugar that he had helped himself to before then more than I tasted blood. Sweet like sugar cane, smooth like cherries, and somewhere in there was the blood and the flesh of a fresh victim all for him: I expected his body to feel warm, especially with my chest pressed up against him but it never did in fact feel the least bit warm to me.

“Ooh, getting an early start tonight,” he noted in a low, husky voice.

“I want you,” I whispered right into his mouth. “I want you so much. I don’t know when I'll see you again.”

He held back and peered right into my eyes once the words escaped my lips.

“We will see each other and have more moments alone,” he vowed to me. “We, without question, without a shadow of a doubt in my mind, will in fact share more moments with each other. But—let's enjoy this here, though.”

His fingers slithered up my bare skin, all the way up my spine towards my shoulder blades. It felt like a series of small serpents crawling up my back, such that I could feel my nipples hardening even more.

Alex tugged me down to the floor with him. He tilted his head back and parted those lips for me: his jet-black hair spread out from underneath his head like the spilled ink from a bottle. He ran his hands down the front of his chest down to his hipbones. As cold as the coldest winter to ever infect any place in Northern California, and yet he welcomed me home.

I unfastened his jeans for him and I could see him there, already fully erect and ready for me. I lay down over his body on my hands and knees so my taut nipples could hang down over him. He flashed me another crooked smile as he ran his fingers over my breasts: so cold and yet with each caress, I could feel myself tightening up even more and more. He brought his hand up to my neck and I raised my head all so he could have a better feel of my own skin.

Across my throat, towards the jugulars and all around the back. He then pressed his hands on my back, and I took my seat.

But then I froze right over his hips, right before I took my seat there on the tip.

“What’s the matter?” he asked me, concerned.

“You know what? I’m not feeling being on top right now.” He gaped at me.

“Really?”

I climbed off of him and I lay down on the floor, flat on my back. I opened my legs wide for him and he lingered over my body with his eyes wide and his mouth agape at the sight before him.

“Lily, I—I never expected you to go this way.”

“Be a good boy and get on top,” I commanded him. He showed me his tongue again as he brought himself to my legs for a series of kisses, all the way up inside from my ankles to my knees, and then from my knees down towards my crotch. Those smooth lips sent shivers up my legs to the base of my spine. That was when he adjusted himself and let my legs lay down on either side of him. I was wide open. He straddled my hips.

I closed my eyes for a moment. I tried not to shriek out and wake up Abby or anyone else in the house from the sharp pierce of frigid cold between my legs.

So cold and yet it brought me the strangest euphoria, something that I had never experienced before. Never in my wildest dreams did I think cold could be so sexy, but his ocean blue eyes swept over me and his tendrils of jet-black hair held onto me as he brought me closer and closer into his shadow realm, as cold as I had ever felt. I let my mouth drop open as I tried to catch my breath. The cold, the quick pulse within me, the quickening pulse within him, and I knew that I was both drowning as well as climbing the tallest mountain around.

He was pulling me higher. I let him dominate me even though I was the one in control.

He gripped onto my knees so as to steady himself. I locked eyes with him for a few seconds before I brought my gaze down to his neck, that beautiful sleek neck of his, in all of its milky glory.

The pierce of cold on my lips, and it somehow looped around to sheer warmth with each and every impact that he made.

So cold that he gave me warmth. The warmth that brought me higher. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back as he came himself, and yet I felt nothing but everything. I was completely numb there but I felt as though he and I had run up the side of a glacier together. I breathed hard from the sensation, but since I was numb, I had no idea if I came for him.

Breathing heavy, Alex peered down to between my legs and he raised his eyebrows.

“Am I coming?” I asked him.

“I did,” he said. “I missed you, too—if I get any of my venom inside of you, I accidentally turn you into a vampire. It doesn’t look like you did, though. You are red as the freshest orchid, however.”

I closed my eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. Completely disappointed in myself that I was unable to release for him.

“Hang on,” he told him right then, and I opened my eyes and raised my head up for a better look at him. He peeled off his shirt so he was completely naked right before me: tendrils of his black hair tousled over his shoulders and down onto his chest.

“I got a little idea to spice things up,” he suggested, and he flashed me his long lanky fingers: for a moment, I swore that the claws had emerged from their hiding place inside of his fingertips.

“Well, if you’re going to do it, then I want to try it out, too,” I told him.

“You just want me to come twice,” he teased me.

“I do!” I insisted as I hoisted up onto my elbows and my breasts relaxed over my chest. “I’m not afraid to admit this, either.”

He raised an eyebrow at me all while he flashed me a playful little smirk. I ran my tongue over the top row of teeth, and I tossed my hair back with the flick of my head, all so he could see my neck and my shoulders as well as my breasts in action for a momentary glimpse. He loomed closer to me, to my neck. He closed his eyes as he brought the full tip of his nose up to the side of my neck.

For a second, I thought that he was smelling me as if he was about to bite me and drain me of my blood. But instead, he opened those deep eyes and he gazed right into mine for a moment, right before he dropped his attention down to my breasts, followed by my collar bones and then my neck again.

“Choke me,” he whispered to me in the huskiest, silkiest voice I had ever heard before.

“Choke you?” I echoed him. “I thought your lungs were kaput, though.”

“Just choke me,” he whispered again. He leaned back so I could reach for his neck with both hands. His neck was so smooth, such that I almost didn’t want to do it. But if it would make him come again, then I was willing. After all, I called the shots down there on the floor. I gave myself to him as he did with me.

I pressed the pads of my thumbs onto his throat, right underneath his Adam’s apple. As if I was about to squeeze a thick stove pipe.

“Harder,” he begged me. “Harder, harder. Please. Don't stop until I am as blue as poison itself.”

I pressed harder with my thumbs and he closed his eyes. I tightened my grip on his neck altogether and he knitted those eyebrows together. I choked him right then and there, and he parted his lips at the feeling. The cherry red color escaped the skin and, in its place, came a pale white followed by murky blue.

That was when I let go of him.

Alex gasped and coughed, and then he let out a low, pleasured moan. I glanced down in time to see him coming a second time, right next to my hip. It was as if he wanted to go to great pains to missing me. He wanted me to stay human. He bowed his head over me so my hair spread over my right breast, which in turn tickled me a great deal.

He then lifted his head for a look into my face. The soft blush color was already returning to his little lips, and he showed me a little smile once again.

“Was it good?” I asked him in a soft voice.

“That was everything,” he whispered to me, and he brought his face closer to mine as if he was about to kiss me. But he never did. “Shall I do you, now?”

“Please,” I insisted, and I gave my hair another toss back with the flick of my head. He showed me his tongue once more and he ran his fingertips along the sides of my neck at first.

He then did the same thing as me with his thumbs right upon the center of my throat. It was one thing with him because his lungs barely worked. But with me, I swore that I was going to drown in his ocean, in his ice, in his shadows as cold as night.

I held my breath as the feelings swirled inside of me once again. The fact that I wasn’t breathing only made me rise higher and higher, and all too quickly. I thought I was drowning as I closed my eyes for him. Though he refused to turn me into a vampire, perhaps this would be the way to go here. Moreover, he was the last thing I would ever see.

I could feel my lungs stopping. I swore that my chest would explode when he finally let go of me.

Though his fingers felt like icicles against my own skin, I could feel it down between my legs for him. I came for him, as if I had reached the mountain top on the back of a glacier.

I fell back onto the floor with my arms spread out from my body. I fell back with such haste that he gasped. Cold as ice and yet he had lit a fire inside of me. Cold as death and yet he brought me to life with his venom.

“Lilian?” he whispered to me as I gasped for air. It felt as though I had been holding my breath underwater for several days. My chest heaved from the feeling, from his fingers across my neck, from his dick down in between my lips, from everything. The meeting of cold and heat, of breathing and suffocation, it left my whole entire body feeling ravaged, but fully alive. All of my meetings with death, with Alex and the rest of the vampires, with all of their dangerous encounters, they all wound up leaving me far more alive than ever before.

“Good boy—” I whispered out to him. “Good, good—boy—”

I opened my eyes and I was face to face with him, with those shadows over his deep blue eyes, with that full tip of his nose, with those soft cherry lips. Still soft after all of that.

“Good boy—even in death,” I further whispered into his lips.

“You mean ‘undeath’,” he corrected me with another kiss on the lips: the caress of that cherry skin paired with a little piece of blood from his throat, and I could feel it all the way down to my toes.

#kinktober 2022 #kinktober #kink tumblr #kink tag #eerie inhabitants #eerie inhabitants fanfic #fanfic art #fic with art #alex skolnick #oc tag #testament #testament band #sketchbook #sketches #sketchbook drawing #vampires #artists on tumblr #badgalnirvhannahart

5 notes · View notes