Chapter Text
The room was dark, the night was high, the moon was shining through the window to illuminate the darkness.
Two people were kissing. Sloppy. Passionate. Couldn't keep it quiet.
Around them, was a bunch of bodies, all bloodied and mangled, holes in their bodies. The bodies of a family of peasants, all dead — murdered, by the crazed couple that was now exchanging, not-just-spit, but also blood. Their blood-stained lips pressed against each other.
"I love you Edward...!"
"As do I, Bella..."
They proclaimed their love for one another. They moved on for another kiss, panting heavily as they tried to get frisky.
But—
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Someone was knocking at their door.
The couple was annoyed, so Edward begrudgingly stepped out and walked towards the door while Bella scowled, unhappy that their "alone time" was interrupted.
Edward's eyes glowed red.
"Who is it?!" He growled at the door, irritated by the timing.
How dare they interrupt him and his lover?! And right after they had their shared meal too!
"Oh, you know..." A voice spoke from the other side.
BANG!
A loud sound rang out, a hole blasted through the wooden door, and then, through the vampire. Edward spat out blood, but the "bangs" didn't stop.
A weapon unknown to him, a contraption to advanced to be scene in the fantasy world.
Multiple gunshots rang out, bulleted made not of metal, but of solid blood, blew holes in the bodies of the male wannabe-vampire, who screams in pain before dying in a bloody mess.
The one responsible holstered his pistol and turned around, sporting a shit-eating grin. The male was pale, dressed in black with a full-sleeved red coat, with gloves hands, sporting sunglasses and a red hat.
"A real fucking vampire!" He announced.
Vampires.
Blood Fiends.
Parasites.
Bloodsucker.
Leech.
Scab Licker.
Nightcrawler.
Demons.
Monsters.
Freaks of nature.
Creatures of the Night.
Whatever fits your fancy; they are all a bunch of names used to describe vampires in the modern world, both ordinary and derogatory.
Almost everyone knows what a vampire is.
Whether it's because they've read books, or seen movies and shows, or played games... Or they're among the rare group of individuals that have the misfortune of being involved with the supernatural and unfortunately, learning the truth about vampires.
Because vampires are a very real phenomenon.
Nobody knows where vampires came from. Nobody knows how old the race of nocturnal bloodsuckers. Some suggest they came from Dracula, if he exists. Some suggest that they've been around longer than Dracula.
Was Dracula himself real ? Nobody knows. Was the story of Dracula a true story, or a fairy tale ? Nobody knows.
And what of Elizabeth Báthory ? Was she also a vampire ? Was her story a true story, or was that also false tales spread by her peers?
What's true and what's not ?
Either way, vampires spread like wildfire and even came to the far east. As the world advanced, vampires became more human-like, they started to hide and try to blend into human society, as fellow humans. No longer, they went on hunts and purges, they now seduced and lured their victims.
But what exactly is a vampire?
Vampires are a nocturnal race of human-like individuals, the only distinguishable non-human trait being their ears, which are slightly pointed.
Everyone knows the specific.
They have unnatural pale complexion.
They have unnaturally shaped ears, slightly pointed. As a counter to this, vampires have evolved to grow their hair longer.
They have sharp and long canine teeth, acting as fangs to pierce skin and suckle on blood.
They have no pulse.
They cannot see their own reflection on mirrors, but they can be captured on photograph.
Piercing eyes — They needn't be red. Not normally, at least. But they do turn red when they are in "the zone".
Unless you're a "true vampire", then your eyes are red. True vampires were born with natural coloured eyes, which turned bright red after they tasted blood for the first time.
Vampires want to blend in with humans, so their eyes aren't that unnatural. But they have a piercing glint to it; their eyes are reflective, like those seen in cats and nocturnal animals.
Reflective eyes that glow in the dark, creepy and unsettling. Reflective eyes that make way for unsettling photographs.
They have superhuman bodies, with enhanced strength, speed and durability. They have nigh-endless vitality and insane regeneration, capable of regrowing even their limbs.
Their senses are massively superior to human one's, capable os smelling and hearing things no human can, capable of seeing in pitch black darkness and extreme long range sight.
They can all fly, not with wings or anything.
They can phase through objects as if they're not a living, physical being.
They can put people to sleep and even put them under hypnosis.
They can eat human food, but it has no nutritious value. They need to drink warm, sweet blood for sustenance — specifically human blood, because animal blood supposedly tastes like shit.
They can drain their victims dry and raise them as ghouls — undead corpses that are totally mindless and obey their killer and master.
They can obtain the memories of their victims and read minds of humans by drinking their blood.
Vampires gain power from drinking blood. The power of a vampires regeneration and their raw power is parallel to their number of victims.
Also...
Many superstitions about vampires are actually untrue.
They can cross water.
They are not affected by the smell of garlic.
They don't feel repelled by crosses.
Vampires cannot walk in sunlight. That part about is true. They are purely nocturnal.
But not all vampires are former humans that were turned.
Vampires can either be naturally born — born from two vampiric parents, or be humans that were turned.
Natural-born vampires are considered "True Vampires" and are in every way, vastly superior to other vampires.
And then... There are the mongrels.
Half-breeds.
Known as Dhampirs.
They are a rare mutation of the vampire strain, all of them are naturally born.
They are naturally born vampires born from the union of a vampire parent and human parent; a freak of nature born from a biological union that should not be done. A union between a predator and their prey.
It's a rare phenomena that usually happens because the vampire that attempted to seduce a human victim, ended up "liking their human" too much and chose to instead live with them. A vampire that fell in love with a human. A vampire that had a child with a human.
As a True Vampire, Dhampirs are naturally strong and vastly superior to all non-natural vampires. Unchallenged and powerful.
Additionally, what really sets Dhampirs apart from ordinary vampires, is their immunity to all natural vampire weaknesses.
This means... Dhampirs can walk in sunlight and can see their own reflection. Their skin isn't as pale as pure vampires. Their ears are completely human-like, completely blending in with the crowd, no visible supernatural features outside of their sharp canines and reflective eyes.
And their urge for blood isn't as high. They do still need to feed and they do possess a madness within them, a dark calling that urges them to feed. But it is much lighter than it is for a full vampire. They don't need to drink as much blood as normal vampires and can go for longer time periods without blood. They can also obtain energy from meat and meat-based human products, but it is not as nutritious as human blood cannot be used as a long-term food source.
Ultimately, they still need to drink blood.
A Dhampir, is in every conceivable way, superior to a vampire.
In every way...
"Mom... I'll be leaving now~"
A young voice informed, talking to the one known as "mom".
It was a small conversation taking place in the confines of a regular-looking home, one that houses an average and totally not dangerous family.
Naoko Natsuki.
A kind, brown haired human woman with piercing eyes that can only be described as "scary", specifically when she glares at someone.
But Naoko is a kind woman.
A woman so kind that she made even a vampire fall for her.
Her husband, a joyous man named Kenichi, was a vampire, truly and surely. Pure blooded, naturally born from two vampire parents — a strong vampire, he was.
An amazing person, he is.
"Take care, alright ?" She told him to be careful, before adding, "If a vampire tries picking a fight with you, don't get carried away."
"Don't worry, mom. I'll be fine." The boy smirked confidently, pushing the sunglasses up to cover his eyes.
Subaru Natsuki, their Dhampir son, was dressed in black and red. His clothes were completely casual, topped with a full-sleeved red trench coat. Atop his head, he placed a red hat that would normally be used to block the falling light of the sun.
"I'm just going out for a walk, that's all~" He reasoned with his mother, though his actions conveyed the opposite since he was clearly putting his favourite guns in his coat, making Naoko cock and eyebrows playfully.
"Don't do anything son. I don't want to get any calls from people about you."
Subaru raised his hands in surrender and smiled, flashing his sharp fangs at his mother.
"I won't! I promise, I won't cause trouble."
He then started stepping towards the door, his mom smiling while staring at the retreating figure.
"Stay safe. Come back soon."
Subaru didn't respond. He simply nodded his head and moved out of the house, shutting the door behind him and making a short but enthusiastic walk to the grocery store nearby. One that he always goes to.
...
He flips a page of a manga and puts in back into place, looking outside the store. He contemplates a young couple outside, before moving on to the rest of his shopping.
"Nah, not natto."
Subaru inside decided to grab some chips. He took his purchases to the counter, where an all-too-familiar woman was acting as the store clerk.
"What happened to the new guy ?" Subaru questioned.
"Clocked out." She responded. "I sent him home early."
"Oh, really now ?"
"Why ? Peeked your interest, Mr. Vampire Hunter ?" She smirked at him, making chuckle and shake his head.
"Nah." He denied.
"That’ll be 363 yen." She smiled and put his stuff in a plastic bag.
"Hm ? What's wrong ?" She looked up at him and sees that his smile, that charming and equally annoying smile she's used to seeing, is gone.
He was staring outside the store, at the front door.
"Vampire. With a bunch of rotting corpses too." He cooed, making the clerk narrow her eyes.
The door was opened and in walked a pale middle aged Japanese man, a sharp grin on his face as he looked around the area. There was nobody heard besides Subaru and the store clerk.
"What's this ? A little boy and a babe ? Don't mind if I do~" He licked his lips, excited to taste their blood.
The woman glared at him, her arm slipping under the counter to grip onto the gun underneath.
Due to the presence of vampires, gun laws are not as strict and it is legal for certain people and establishment owners to own firearms. Especially receptionists and clerks.
"Don't bother. I'll handle this one. Even if you kill this one, you can't face the others outside." Subaru told her, making her look at him, before slowly loosening her grip on the gun.
"If you kill them, the next time you show up, everything is on the house. How's that ?" She offered, making him grin.
"Sounds like a plan." He responded.
"Oh ? And what's a little brat like you gonna do to a seasoned vampire like me ?" He taunted, before staring at the woman.
"Everyone in the area is dead, except for the two of you. But trust me, I still plan on killing you, girl~ But first... I'm going to rape her! How's about that ?"
Subaru's smiled dropped a little, but he didn't really react much.
The woman on the other hand, felt disgusted and also angry. 'I'd sooner shoot myself in the head with this gun than let that happen...!'
"Tell you what, Subaru. If you kill him, everything's free for you here for the rest of your days." She offered an endless free subscription, making a smile claim his face.
"Oh, now that's tempting~ You heard the lady." Subaru looked at the vampire, who laughed as he clearly didn't take Subaru seriously.
"You really think you can do anything to me, brat ? Fine then. Before I do anything to her, I'm going to kill you! But not before I make you beg for mercy." He flashed his blood-stained teeth, a clear indication of a very recent meal. His red eyes reflected the light shines on it.
"Oh ? Well you see, that would be intimidating if you were... Wel, intimidating." He mockingly said, making the vampire growl.
"Grr...! Are you mocking me?!" He indignantly questioned.
"Oh no! No, no, no, no no no... Pftt, yeah!"
BANG!
Before he could react, a gunshot rang out a whole was formed where his heart was, making him spit blood.
Another shot rang, blasting his brain open.
Then another.
And another.
And another.
Until that vampire was completely gone.
The woman clapped her hands. "Great job, Nosferatu-san~! Everything's free for you now, so be sure to visit again, 'kay?"
"Oh, I will." Subaru responds, before walking up to the vampiric corpse and grabbing it by the shoulder.
His mouth opens up and he bites into the dead man's neck, blood seeping out and Subaru starts drinking his meal for the night.
"Ooh~ Cannibalism~" The clerk teased, before turning around and ignoring whatever the hell Subaru was doing.
Another meal.
Another power up.
"Oh boy... You really were human scum, weren't you ?" Subaru glared at the corpse he held, his eyes glinting with righteous hate as the memories of this monster flooded his brain.
"What a worthless existence. Even you blood tastes bad." Subaru complained, before letting go and walking out the store.
He waved goodbye to the store clerk.
...
There were others outside. They were waiting for him.
Subaru strolled out, humming up a tune as he walked across the street, guns in both hands. He was ready to hunt and murder.
"Hey guys, how's your health plan ?" He asked as he passed a group.
The group in question immediately started blasting, attacking him with sharpened claws snd trying to rip him to shreds.
Did Subaru Natsuki feel threatened? Heavens no!
What he felt, was excitement and joy. Because they gave him the excuse he needed, to slaughter them without the slightest remorse.
"APPARANTLY IT'S GREAT!!!"
He turned around and shot at them numerous times, killing them all off one after the other.
"I won't be feeding for a while after this~" He says and quickly gets to feeding himself.
A satisfying dinner and an even more enthusiastic walk.
Just what he wanted...
"Welp...!" All the blood on his clothes vanished, like it was never there.
"Time to go home!" He walked across the streets casually, arms in his pocket.
But just as he crossed the streets, he stopped, his smile fell. The air got denser. The atmosphere felt heavier. Subaru felt something dark approaching, a dark presence engulfing him briefly.
Light fills his eyes.
Darkness leaves him, giving way to light.
Moonlight gives way for the sun to rise.
"Oh ? What's this ?" He curiously questioned to no one in particular.
Subaru looked around him, his incredible vision taking in the scenery.
He was no longer in the same street that he was just in. He was now, in the middle of a bustling market. The buildings around him were smaller, older-looking. Not old as in, old. But old, as in, from an older time period.
Around him, people were walking around. They were bizarre to look at. Weird hair colours — green, blue, red, purple, white, yellow, gold, etc. Some looked like humanoid animals. Some looked like humans with animal features.
What a weird place...
Subaru's first ral reaction... Was to the sun that was shining on top of him.
"You know... If I weren't a Dhampir, I'd be in a world of pain right now." He commented to himself, realising that his human half is what's saving him from being toasted by the sun.
What kind of summoning was this ? If he were a regular vampire, he would be burning up right now! Sure, his coat covers most of his body and he's wearing gloves too. He has glasses on, and a high collar. But his hat isn't big enough to cover the exposed parts of his body from the sun — which is a very small part of his body, but he'd still rather not go through the experience.
Even if it didn't harm him, feeling the pain would still be irritating, right?
"Well... There's no denying this now..." Subaru murmered.
"It's an absurd situation, but considering my life, it's not too absurd — it's not totally unbelievable."
Subaru looked up, at the cloudy sky and the shining sun, before his lips perked up at the sides a little.
"Looks like my walk has gotten even more enthusiastic than I could've ever anticipated~"
A predatory glint appeared in his blood red eyes. A glint that promised an exciting time of adventure and an enthusiastic hunt.