CHAPTER 02: BEAUTIFUL RED

- {CHAPTER 02: BEAUTIFUL RED} -
"Behind every beautiful and graceful facade, lies a monster."

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Miaka nervously peeked through the wooden door, she was nervous. Very nervous in fact, it was her first day in school and she was about to enter her first classrooms and meet her first classmates. In fact the word ‘first’ was so promptly used in her dictionary today that she began to wonder just how much of the world had she missed out. She could feel sweat building up on her hands when she meekly peeked into her assigned classroom. The classroom was small, the people in front of her stopped to hang their coats on a long row of hooks " she copied them taking of her black jacket and hanging it on one of the available hooks. She felt like a child trapped in a teenager body, following other’s actions. The books on her grasp furrowed from a rigid nervous clutch when she took one final breath before walking into the classroom.

 

The whole class fell silent as they laid their eyes and observed the new comer. It was already closing in to mid-term and it was rare that Shizuka even had transfer students. Her curly scarlet hair flowed behind her down to her waist, she had two thin braids on both side of her head tied up with blue ribbons. She had several straight spiky strands covering her forehead, framing her face and two sizable prominent stands reaching pass her neck. She headed towards the teachers desk and passed the slip up to teacher.

 

The teacher was a tall, tanned skinned woman who had a nameplate on her desk identifying her as Miss Li. She took the paper hurriedly wanting to begin with class as soon as possible. She gawked at Miaka when she saw her last name, fixing her glasses, reading the contents of the letter. She turned to the class glaring at the students from her authoritative throne and banged her large wooden ruler on her table, calling for her students to return to their seats at once. Once the class was settled she cleared her throat and in a loud booming voice announced. “Class, you have a new classmate! Introduce yourself.” She directed those last words at Miaka.

 

Miaka smiled faintly and bowed to the class politely. C’mon don’t screw this up Miaka, make a good impression! She encouraged herself mentally.

 

“Hello, my name is Hisoka Miaka.” Her smile grew wider when she realized she had managed not to stutter. Despite her seemly calm exterior, she was in a nervous wreck inside.

 

The class remained silent for a moment as the students observed the new student. She was around six feet and four inches tall, her waist length bright scarlet hair complimented her ‘doll-like’ features, and her thick full lashes framed her big emerald eyes. Her porcelain skin was smooth and flawless and she had a rather slender figure along with a generously endowed chest. Her lips were in a shade of cherry red, as if it has been bitten on the whole day.

 

“She looks like a doll! She’s adorable!”

 

“What unique looking green eyes!”

 

“Hisoka? As in Hisoka one of the most richest families in the Japan?”

 

The class murmured among themselves, clearly unaware that their chatters could clearly been heard by the transfer student. Miaka blushed at the attention she was receiving, and opted to look down on the floor instead. The teacher cleared her throat, signaling the students to welcome the new student.

 

“Welcome Hisoka Miaka.” The class roared in unison.

 

Miss Li smiled in approval. She turned back to the redhead and pointed towards an empty side at the back of the classroom. “Please take your seat, class will begin soon.”

 

Miaka nodded, subconsciously biting her lips. She could feel trailing eyes on her as she walked down the alley of neatly arranged tables. She plopped down her seat and began unbuckling her bag for her pencil case.

 

“Ohayou, Mi-chan!” Miaka stopped temporarily to wonder. Not many people would address her in such a casual manner, well apart for Chiyo of course. She immediately assumed that the voice belonged to her best friend, but what strike her was that the voice belonged to a… MALE?!

 

Miaka turned sharply and her eyes made a beeline to the owner of the voice before exclaiming in delight. “Rei-kun!” Miaka couldn’t believe her eyes, there stood her one and only childhood friend, Sasaki Rei. She blinked a few times to confirm that she wasn’t imagining things.

 

“HISOKA!” Miss Li screamed, holding a piece of chalk in her hand. She observed the pair, darting razor glances at their direction. Miss Li, an old woman was known throughout the academy on her strict protocols in teaching and she rarely tolerated any ‘nonsense’. “I would appreciate that you could keep your volume down, I am trying to teach here.” Her brows furrowed disapprovingly.

 

Rei childishly giggled beside her while the redhead furiously apologized for the disturbance. A flustered Miaka hissed softly towards her only male friend. “BAKA! Why are you here?”

 

“Miss me don’t you!” Rei whispered back, avoiding the question and sending Miaka a flirtatious wink. He chuckled, before scooting closer to her. “I study here dummy.” He raised his brow, as if Miaka was asking a rather obvious question.

 

Miaka rolled her eyes at the stupidity of his answer. “I know that Mr. Obvious, are you stupid or something? I guess through the years you haven’t got any smarter. I mean since when were you enrolled in Shizuka Academy! I thought you hated studying.”

 

“Correction. I hate studying, I was forced here.” Rei corrected firmly, lying back in his chair. A pen was intertwined between his fingers and he starting spinning it casually. He still adorned the cheeky grin that she was so fond of, she smiled when memories of them playing together as children came rushing back to her mind. As much as she wanted to pay attention to what was happening on the board, she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. He had grown even more handsome than the last time she had seen him - five years ago. Rei definitely got taller; his features were sharper and masculine. Miaka couldn’t believe that he looked more unbelievable than she had last seen him. Time really did grant him with impeccable looks. His jet-black hair was pushed back in style. His hazel eyes lazily stared at the board where Miss Li was explaining about the carbon atoms, his eyes were indicative of the fact that he was clearly not interested and would rather be somewhere else.

 

“I can’t believe we are in the same class. I fell into the pits of despair when I discovered that Chiyo wasn’t going to be in the same class as me. But everything fine since you’re here.” Miaka whispered to Rei trying to make conversation with him while copying notes from the board into her hello kitty notebook.

 

Rei burst into fits of laughter upon hearing Miaka’s choice of words. “HAHAH, WHAT A WAY TO DESCRIBE IT! PITS OF DESPAIR!? HAH-“ He clutched onto the side of his stomach and his eyes were welling up in tears of laughter.

 

Rei words were interrupted as a piece of chalk directly hit his forehead. “SASAKI, HISOKA! I will send you both to the pits of despair, Principal office now!” Miss Li screamed, stomping her foot, her left hand pointing towards the door.

 

“You idiot! I didn’t even get to experience my first lesson before I get kicked out because of your idiocy. Now, we are both going to the Principal office!” Miaka whined in annoyance, when they both exited the classroom. Miaka was frantic; she didn’t know how to explain to her father that she got into trouble on her very first day. She mentally cursed herself, thinking about what he would say. After so many years of convincing him to allow her to attend a public school, she could imagine what the worst possible thing he would say to her -‘Miaka, you have shown me the amount of your maturity. You are coming back home!’ Her face grew a tad paler at the thought of her father sending her back to home school.

 

Miaka shivered at that thought. Rei in the other hand seem to be in a whole different world from Miaka, he was cooled and relaxed. He was biting a pen in his mouth, his school bag coolly draped over one side of his broad muscular shoulders.

 

He turned to his panicking friend and said in a rather low and relaxed voice that showed no signs of worry. “Relax, we are not even going to the Principal office.”

 

She glanced her at Rei with a confused expression. It has been years since they last met, the last time when Rei came over to her house bursting out in tears exclaiming that he was moving to America. He’s just a ridiculous as last time. Miaka thought wryly to herself, trying to restrain her itching fingers from whacking his head.

 

Sensing her confusion, he turned his head towards her. “Yah, you met the Principal yet? He’s my uncle and he knows your father. We aren’t going to get expelled. In fact he is the main reason why I am still stick in this god damn forsaken school when I could actually be at home playing video games.” He scoffed, exaggerating the part where he could be in the company of his games.

 

Miaka’s lips fell into an oval shape, digesting the information just given to her. She couldn’t help feel bad that taking advantage of the Principal’s hospitality. “Well, what do we do now?” She questioned, her mind full of thoughts. She couldn’t possibly go back to class now. Miss Li would go on rampage and probably kicked her out again.

 

Rei paused for a moment, deep in thought. “I am going back to my dorm, I need to catch up on my sleep.” Now that he had mentioned it, he did look particularly tired that day. His eyes were more heavyset than usual and beneath them lay purplish eye bags.

 

“Clocked in some extra hours at work yesterday, now I am beat! Shall we meet for dinner, it’s been a long time since we last catch up! There’s a great sushi bar, in the small town just fifteen minutes away from here. Shouldn’t be hard to catch a taxi.” He ruffled Miaka’s hair affectionally, making the silk strands stick out in all directions.

 

“Eh? There’s a town here?” All along she had thought that the mountain was isolated. “Yeah sure, see you there!” Miaka smiled genuinely, waving at Rei. He couldn’t help but smile to himself as he watched Miaka parading down the other end of the hallway, her luscious red hair waved in motion to her steps as if they were dancing. He let out a small chuckle under his breath.

 

“She really does suit her name, doesn’t she? Miaka, you really are the beautiful red.”

 

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Her eyes frantically scrolled mindlessly along the small village of Echigo, watching people happily stroll down enjoying the fresh crisp night summer air. Beads of sweat rolled down her temples, using her arm to wipe off the sweat. It was one of those times where she felt hopelessly hopeless.

 

She panted, as she rested herself against a lamppost. “Damn that Rei, this village is huge! There are tons of sushi bar here.” She cursed under her heavy breathing, she placed her hand on her chest feeling it rise and fall. Miaka had been running around the entire village trying to find him, she was now an hour late and lost. Sweat matted her hair against her face, blowing strands into her eyes. She pushed her red strands away from her face, taking a seat down a village bench, observing her surroundings. It was a rather old village many of the houses here were in beautiful traditional Japanese style designs. There were many shops, sake breweries, and temples some of which have been in business for centuries.

Many hot springs facilities operated in this city along with traditional Japanese inns.

 

A gush of wind roared as dark clouds danced into the sky. Apart from an old lady throwing out the trash, the village path was scheduled. The tall houses looked strange and silent, as if they might be empty inside, like the houses on an abandoned movie set. That’s strange, just a moment ago it was buzzing with people. The cold air stung her bare skin as a fearless storm roared with vengeance warning of an impending storm. Miaka clutched onto her only form of protection from the unforgiving cold, a tight tank top and a denim skirt.

 

The air was stifling, and Miaka felt sure that they were eyes on her. She caught sight of something dark on the bench she was sitting on. It was a black cat with gleaming sapphire eyes. She sighed and tried to tell herself it was ridiculous, but somehow she knew " it was watching her.

 

‘Help me!’

 

‘Please, help me!’

Miaka froze in her seat, whipping her head to the direction the voice came from.

 

‘Please, please’

 

                 ‘Somebody, anybody help!’

 

Miaka took another moment hesitating before running towards the direction of the voice. The voice sounded desperate, as if it was in excruciating pain. Reaching her destination, she arrived at the edge of the forest several minutes away from the village. She dug her hands in her dress pockets; it was surpisingly cold that night, even thought it was the around the end of summer. She pushed through the fearsome wind, goose bumps forming on her arms and legs. She warmed herself up by rubbing her frozen arms, searching of any signs of a person in distress.

 

“Hello? Anyone here?” She called out into the wilderness, she paused for a moment awaiting a response. Moments passed, she exhaled softly realizing that she won’t be getting a response and perhaps it was just her imagination playing tricks on her. She turned around and headed back towards the village to continue her search for her childhood friend.

 

Streaks of lighting reflected in her eyes when she caught sight of a body sprawled on the ground, it was a man " his shirt was torn apart, his hands and face dirtied with soil, and blood painted his body. His neck and hand flesh were ripped apart as blood continued to ooze out of the deep wounds. It was a devastating crime scene, the only thing peculiar was that young woman stood next to the lifeless body, she stood still and silent - her white dress displaying speckles of blood. Her black wavy hair swayed along with the unforgiving wind, she stood frozen in the cold with tears pouring out of her solemn eyes.

 

“A monster… I am a monster, a… heartless monster…” The young lady voiced cracked. She could barely choke the last few words out. She shut her eyes tightly clutching onto her stomach, feeling the pit of her stomach drop to the bottom of the earth. How did she end up in this state?

 

Miaka gasped, as a throbbing migraine ensued and her vision worsened. She couldn’t break her gaze from the tragic scene. She covered her mouth with her shaking hands, witnessing the gruesome spectacle in front of her. Quivering, Miaka voice croaked as she called out to the young lady. “M-M-Miss…? W-wh-what… hap-pend…?”

 

A loud crack was heard when the woman whipped her head around, her eyes were gleaming bright red and her mouth was smeared with blood. Her long black hair was tangled as it messily strewn across her face. Miaka felt her knees shake in horror as the she glared at her. She looked almost demonic. There was something sinister in the way she looked at her, something sinister and triumphant. Miaka throat tighten, feeling a lump in her throat.

 

“Get away from me! I DID THIS, IT WAS ME!” She screamed in anguish. She shook vigorously in her position, clutching her neck with her bloodied hands. She turned to Miaka once more, unable to withstand her burning desire. Her eyes shone like red rubies. They were glowing bright with hunger. “R-run….”

 

Miaka eyes widen at her words. She didn’t have time to react before the she sprinted towards her and knocked her over to the ground. She was fast, inhumanely fast that Miaka didn’t even see her figure until she knocked her down. Screams pierced the midnight air as she landed with a loud thud on her back. Miaka eyes darted around for help, fear prominent in them. The young lady laughed wickedly, watching Miaka helplessly struggled like a weak prey beneath her. She pinned both her hands down as she marveled at the feast she caught.

 

She gave a lick to her lips before violently plunging her fangs into Miaka neck, the sharp fangs pierced through the thin skin easily. She sucked harder on the newly developed wound on Miaka’s neck, savoring the warm liquid as it flowed into her mouth. Miaka winched in pain, begging for her to stop and release her. She was at her mercy, and there was nothing she can do. She felt her vision blur, tears clouding her emerald eyes. She felt as if her life force has been sucked out of her when the stranger drank her blood hungrily, darkness blemished her eyesight as she started to feel unconscious.

 

Suddenly a strong gush of wind knocked the young vampire out of her feasting position, she snarled at the unwelcome visitor.

 

“Baring your fangs at me?” His voice was strong and domineering, hard and cold. He was dressed in a casual dark denim jeans and black t-shirt. The man’s eyes gleamed blood red, it stood out like a sore thumb against his ghastly white face. The first droplets of rain hit the ground, the winds roaring enthusiastically. He stood tall front of her frail body, shadowing her. She licked her gums and lips, looking for any signs of remaining blood. The intense thirst was overpowering her; it clouded her sanity to a point that she didn’t notice the powerful presence emitting from the man in front of her. The male lifted her head forcefully, his ruby eyes was deadlocked into hers.

 

“Have your impeccable thirst, numb your senses? Or are you so foolish to challenge me.” He spat harshly and with tremendous strength lifted her by her neck and threw her across the field where she landed with a deafening boom on a large stone boulder. Her head landed with a shattering crunch. Less than a second passed before he appeared in front her, he was so incredibly fast that a normal human eye could not even detect him.

 

A dark cloud descended over his face. His eyes haunted the ruthless woman, “Your presence disgust me, do your race a favor and eliminate yourself.” The woman screamed, realizing her senses were completely put to sleep " she no longer had control over them. She could only helplessly watch as her own tainted hands pierced her chest to retrieve her blacken heart. Screaming in panic, it wasn’t long before her lifeless body fell to the ground, withering into ashes.

 

The stranger made his way back to the unconscious Miaka, his eyes travelled across her body searching of any signs of wounds. His eyes blacken as he watched blood trickled out of her neck, dribbling down to form a pool of blood beneath her. He grunted, taking a huge breath to stabilize himself. Even for a vampire like him, it was hard to resist the smell of blood " what made it worst is that blood this sweet was spilled.

Miaka’s head hung to the side; she remained completely lifeless. He checked to make sure she was still breathing. Slowly, he swept her off her feet. She was so incredibly immobile that one might mistaken her for death person if it wasn’t for her faint pulse. He placed her into his arms, the smell of blood was so immensely potent that he held his breath, breathing in and out in strategic patterns. He was breathing hard when he ran across the field carrying Miaka in safety in her arms. By now the pain in his throat had numbed and he was learning to get used to it.

 

He arrived at his destination shortly later, he couldn’t take his eyes off Miaka’s face.

 

It was the first time that he was seeing her face this close.

It was even more flawless than he had expected.

Without thinking, he reached out and touched a strand of hair that had fallen over her eyes. He swept it back, clearing her face. His fingers trailed from that strand of hair to the rest of her silk hair. He took back his hands as his eyes trailed to Miaka’s lips.

He sighed, pushing the grand doors open. He better get her treated fast.

 

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It was a snowy day and swaying on the balls of her feet; she let out an irritated sign. It was Christmas morning and it was snowing beautifully outside. Children were out enjoying the snow " making ice angels, snow mans and throwing snowballs at each other. She hated Christmas, simply because she never get to head outside. In fact it was no different from a normal average day " she was never ever allowed to leave the estate without permission. Even though it was a popular holiday that children adore and love because they were able to spent the day with their families, play around the snow and receive gifts. Miaka, on the other hand, spent most of her Christmas moping at home watching the snowflakes sways in the wind by the window. There were no hot chocolates, no Christmas gathering and no family Christmas dinner. Father was always busy this time of the year with business, so Miaka spent most of her Christmas with Chan-sensei.

 

She rested her chin on the edge of the window. “Chan-sensei, why can’t I go out to the nearby park?” She inquired dully, her gaze never turning away from the snowy window. “I want to see the beautiful snow and play with the other kids.” She hated it, why couldn’t she be like normal kids and head out? She was already 11 years old, she was sure she could handle herself. She didn’t know why her father had to be so over protective of her.

 

Chan-sensei was seated in her rocking chair at the edge of the room reading a book. She licked her thumb and flicked the page of the book. “Patience Miaka-chan, I am sure one day when you’re older, a prince charming would appear and bring you around to see the world.” She said sagely at her student.

 

Miaka pouted glumly, she wasn’t a child anymore and trick like that won’t work on her. “I am not a child anymore!” She snapped, whizzing around to face her teacher. “I don’t need some prince charming to escort me around, I am perfectly fine myself!”

 

Sprinting across the room and into the hallway, Miaka rushed to main door. She didn’t care anymore; there was no way she was going to spent Christmas locked up in the estate again. Twisting the door nob fiercely in anger, while Chan-sensei was closing up behind her. She slammed her small fist onto the nob, trying to break it open. Her futile attempt to escape backfired when she felt arms grab her hand and pull her back into the study.

 

“Let me go! Let me go!” Miaka screamed, struggling to get out of Chan-sensei grasp.

 

Chan-sensei said nothing and allowed the angry child to struggle and scream until she was tired out. She finally managed to restrain the struggling child and reduce her tantrums a few minutes later.

 

 “I… want… to… go out....” Miaka demanded between heavy breaths, her cheeks slightly reddened.

 

Chan-sensei offered a gentle reassuring smile, tucking a strand of red hair behind Miaka ear. “One day you would most probably understand, but for now you must listen to your father’s orders… The world out there… It’s filled with monsters…”

 

“…Monsters…?”

 

Vampires.

 

Miaka eyes instantly open with a snap. She blinked furiously, taking her a moment to recollect her memory. Paralyzed in the darkness, Miaka stared up at the ceiling. She could hear her heart pounding all over her sweat covered body. She swallowed her dry throat, paralyzed with a sense of nostalgia and dread. Pushing herself up with her two elbows, the blanket fell off her chest and on top of her lap.

 

A sore pain rocketed through her neck and she flinched. “What?” She mumbled, her hands reaching out to touch the sore in her neck, a thick layer of bandage covered her neck. It was strange, mysteriously strange. Miaka did not have any memory of her bandaging up her wound. In fact, she couldn’t even remember that she sustained any injury there.

In the darkness of the light, the only source of light was from the pale moonlight that was shining through the window. A shadow shifted in the darkness, before it appeared in front of Miaka. “You are awake, how do you feel?” A smooth gentle voice inquired with concern.

 

Miaka shifted eyes to the stranger, her eyes widen when realized the stranger’s identity. “Yasha-san!” She cried out, even though she couldn’t see him clearly through the darkness " she was sure it was him, his beautiful sapphire eyes were a give away. “W-what happened?!” Pulling up the sheets to her chest, her eyes widen in disbelief in the tall figure that stood in front of her.

 

Yasha Kurai smiled, taking a sit on the bed she was sleeping on. He cupped his one hand on Miaka cheek, “How are you feeling?” She stared at his lips as it moved along with his words.

 

“I… am fine…” Miaka mumbled. His hands were cold along her blushing hot cheek, but there were soft and assuring.

 

There was a silence that followed in the darkness. Thousands of questions invaded her mind, and constantly tortured her over and over again. She mentally debated with herself arguing that she didn’t have the answers. Why is he here? What happened? Where is she? What happened to the young lady? She gasped as memories came knocking back into her, what exactly happened to that woman, how she had achieved this wound on her neck. Her behavior… it was almost animal like. Miaka was being hunted, being preyed on and even being feasted on. Her right hand automatically synchronize with her thoughts, moving up to her bandage neck where the woman bit her.

 

“W-where am I…” She began, nearly ripping the mattress as she dug her nails into it.

 

Kurai eyes flickered to her trembling hands; he reached out and pulled her into his chest. She felt her breathing gradually creeping to hyperventilation. Trying to soothe her, he hugged her tighter feeling the warm body heat against his hard chest. “Everything is alright…” he said in a quiet, soothing voice.

 

She lied still in his arms, breathing in short breaths and the tears dominated her eyes " making her eyelashes stick to her eyelids indefinitely. She pushed Kurai away from her, and studied his face apprehensively. His hair was disheveled messily " but even so he looked like he had just finishing shooting a commercial for hair wax. He was so devastatingly, inhumanly beautiful. He looked exactly like he was painted by perhaps Raphael who was famous for his angel paintings. He’s dazzling face was friendly; his flawless lips were opened with a slight reassuring smile.

 
Miaka moved on the bed, breathing hot air as the tears continued to flow. She continued, “…where am I…”

 

“You’re in my room. I brought you here.” He muttered, deciding there was no way he could dodge her questions anymore.

 

Tension filled the air. Miaka mind was spinning in confusion. “That woman...”

 

Kurai paused and bit the inside of his lower lip, she felt him stiffen. He stared into space with piercing hate-filled eyes. Then looked at her, with an inexplicable look of frustration. He opened his mouth but quickly shut it, hesitating to tell the truth to her. Moments of silent in the darkness passed, without each of them saying a word. Paranoia swept her over and over again. Miaka growing tired and impatient to get an explanation decided that he didn’t have the answer and most probably found her in the woods " half dead. She pushed him gently and turned away, moving towards the edge of the bed.

 

Kurai held his silence for as long as he could. But she realized it was futile to lie to her, she had experienced too much.

 

“A vampire.” He said hastily in a voice like velvet. Miaka breathed, her eyes wide. She turned her gazed back to him, loss for words. Some analytical part of her mind warned her that she was dangerously close to snapping from the stress. Kurai smiled reassuringly, his white teeth shining in the moonlight. It was then did Miaka notice the two sharp fangs on his upper row, then bitter memories flashed through her mind - they were exactly like the ones the woman had. Kurai noticed her fearful expression and followed her gaze.

 

He laughed dryly as if trying to ease the tension. He looked down at his hands, as if he rather much not carry on with the subject with her. “I guess you can tell… I am a vampire as well.” He whispered the added information " might as well carry the truth to the finish line. She remain silent in the darkness, the evening air blew through the window taking bits of her hair along with it. Kurai boldly reached out for Miaka and took her back into the comforts of his strong arms. She curled up snugly in his arms feeling a sense of protection.

 

No. Instantly the memory ravaged her mind. He is exactly like the woman, the woman who hunted and almost devoured her. Miaka recoiled from it, violently maneuvered away from his grip as tears ravaged her eyes. Fear slipped into her gradually. Deep inside, she knew that he was dangerous " she could be killed, eaten, murdered. Kurai hastily took his hands back; a flash of hurt ran across his face.

 

“I won’t hurt you Miaka, I told you that from the start didn’t I?” Kurai said softly, a hint of guilt and hurt in his voice. He never meant to scare her, it was the last thing he wanted to do.

“C’mon I won’t hurt you, I am not that intimdating!”

 

Remembering his words at their first encounter, Miaka breathing slowly began to stable. She leaned in, observing his face. His bright blue eyes gleamed, showing a display of concern and hurt in them. It was much different from the lady she encountered last night " briefly recalling how her crimson eyes twinkled in hunger and lust for blood. It was the eyes of a predator, a hunter. But Kurai eyes were different, very much different. They say that the eyes were the windows to the soul, well if that’s the case, Miaka was sure that Kurai had pure intentions; he had no intention to hurt her.

 

“Vampires? They exist?” Miaka asked, her heart racing underneath the effects of the astonishing news. Kurai nodded, and it only confirmed her fears. She froze, her eyes widening. “B - but I have been bitten... Do - does that mean -“

 

Her stuttering was cut off by Kurai sharp interjection. “No. Even though you’re bitten that does not mean that you would transformation to a vampire. What you have read about Vampires in novels, books " were myths.” He said in a clear gentle voice quickly. “So don’t worry Hisoka-san. Your wounds have been treated, you should focus more on regaining your health.” He added, smiling kindly and grasping tightly on her soft hands.

 

Miaka pondered at his explanation, “Well then how did you become one? Did something happen to you?” She knew her questions were rude but she couldn’t stop them from tumbling out of her mouth.

 

Kurai stared at his feet in silence, his eyebrows forming into a frown. “I am sorry, I was just curious. It very rude of me to ask such personal questions.” Miaka quickly apologized, sensing his uncomfortable posture.

 

“It alright, well. I was born a vampire.” Kurai began slowly; he wasn’t sure where this conversation was going. “Well you should get some rest.” He quickly replied before she could ask any more questions, getting up to his feet.

 

Kurai was about to head for the exit when he felt a slight tug on his shirt. His eyes darted back to Miaka. “Thank you, for everything.” She smiled. Kurai nodded softly, understanding her. He closed the door to room, smiling inside. He was glad, that at least she wasn’t afraid of him.

 

He walked along the hallway silently, deep in thought. He stopped in his tracks, noticing a small figure in the shadows.

 

“Master.” The voice began, her hand on her chest and bowing. With her head held low, she approached her master. Kurai gave a small nod to his devoted servant, acknowledging her presence. Through his messy long brown hair, his eyes stared intently at her.

 

“Iris, see to it that you attend to all her needs.” He commanded smoothly, his tone of voice now different from the gentle voice he used to communicate with Miaka. Ikeda Iris laughed silently to her self, was this really the same man who had spoken gentle words to the human just moments ago? “Have they questioned?”

 

Iris nodded hesitantly. “Yes, I had to restrain a few of them from attacking your guest - the smell of blood was very strong. They are wondering why have you brought her here.” She replied.

 

“No one is to harm her.” Kurai firmly said, issuing out the order. His sharp determined gaze firmly fixed on a glass vase at the end of the hallway. A loud crash echoed in the hallway, as the vase shattered into a million pieces. He used his tongue to twirl on his sharp fangs as he studied the broken vase with equal vehemence. His eyes darted from the broken glass pieces to the seemingly calm woman. “Make sure that everyone is clear of that order.”

 

Iris bowed once more, showing she knowledge his clear order and the consequences that would befall on those that dare go against it. “Yes, Master. I will see to the arrangements.”

 

Kurai nod once, continuing to make his way towards the study room where he would spend the night.

 

“Master, if I may add.” Iris abruptly added, stopping him in his tracks once more. Her voice was serious, but reverence could still be detected in her tone. “I must add that I did foresee something, when I glanced upon the child’s face.”

 

Kurai clenched his jaw, his fist tightening up into balls, his fearsome eyes blood red. There was a loud rattling somewhere in the room, then the deafening blast of breaking glass echoed throughout the narrow hallway. The window shattered, pieces of glass landing nosily on the ground. Howling wind gushed into the narrow hallway, blowing Kurai messy brown hair from his face. “What did you see?” He inquired, his voice in a guttural hiss as his temper flared.

 

“Darkness will always prevail.” Came Iris’s dark monotonous voice.

authors note: Miaka name in English directly translates to beautiful red.