Vampire's Kiss

Okay, aaand I'm back with a new chapter. So, maybe it's not the project, which people want to see (yup, for some reason, I've noticed that people are sticking to Fading Blossom in the Sand, like insects to the honey (Why???? How come a dark science fantasy is more attractive? I don't get it, I simply don't.)
Anyway, this chapter is more or less like a warm-up before the big boss fight. That's right, the next chapter would be the conclusion of current arc ( * ́꒳`*)੭
Yup, after that I wanna work on incubus Orochi backstory arc, which is set before he meets Shingo. It can't be helped that I fell for them. So, I blame that one rp, which from crack-fic become into a thing and leaded to write unpublished first fanfic ever (Orochi-sama is simply the beauty, the grace, the... perfection ♡〜ლ(๑癶ᴗ癶๑)ლ〜♡ )
Anyway,
As always, enjoy!~
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Update: revisited and updated at 2026/01/08

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It’s already a late afternoon of a new day. Nevertheless, thanks to the blackout blinders, it’s hard to tell what time of the day it is.

Finally, one certain vampire hunter starts waking up.

Unfortunately, when the redhead opens his eyes and sits up, the sharp pain spreads across his chest, making him instantly grasp around the wounded area and briefly groan.

While Iori deeply breathes, he remembers what happened the previous night.

Even when he was fighting the most ferocious and high-ranking monsters, Iori was never that close to being on the verge of death like he was when he triggered Kyo’s worst memories.

More so, if he was in the middle of the battle, at least he could take down any beast who dared to attack him, but now… Perhaps it was just this brunette’s self-defense reflex.

However, he cannot shake off from his mind seeing the vampire’s glowing crimson eyes with a pure desire to kill and devour his prey for a few seconds.

Surely, even someone like Iori feared that his life would be taken away by the nocturnal creature, who, in the end, would lose to his primal instincts.

Although, to the hunter’s surprise, Kyo was fighting against his nature and wanting to desperately save Iori.

Why?…

Instead of that, Kyo could satisfy his hunger and get all the needed life force to have his revenge against whatever demon took his powers, but he didn’t.

Hell, the brunette has even shown his most vulnerable and sensitive side to Iori.

“That stupid vampire. Why can’t he stop being such a troublemaker?” The redhead hunter murmurs.

Speaking of which, Iori wonders where his vampire is.

Once he leans towards the night table and turns on the light, the room brightens in warm tones of orange light.

Unfortunately, there is no sign of the brunette.

Perhaps he is hanging out in the inn again. The redhead hunter assumes.

Either way, it’s time for Iori to find this little troublemaker. But first, he needs to get up and change his clothes. And thus, a good half hour passes by.

After leaving the bathroom, Iori notices one certain brunette placing a few rolls of medical bandage and an antiseptic spray bottle on the table.

The opening door makes Kyo turn his head, and he gently greets his partner. “Oh, so you are awake?”

When he sees the medical bandage wrapped around Iori’s chest, mildly stained, the vampire narrows his gaze and sighs. “Good thing I took these with me. So, sit down, and let’s change this old bandage.”

However, Iori objects in a chill tone. “There is no need. It’s just a small scratch.”

Such a reply doesn’t satisfy the brunette, who takes one roll in his hand and walks closer to his partner.

As Kyo gently points at Iori’s chest, he gives a sour look and starts lecturing him. “Small, he says… It doesn’t matter what size it is, because if I can smell your blood scent, then other monsters can too. Think – what are we gonna do if you attract a lot of unwanted attention on our way? You’ll just hurt yourself. So, the sooner your wounds heal, the better.”

After placing his other hand on the hunter’s lower back, the brunette closes his eyes and pushes him to the bedside. “Hurry up and sit down, you big idiot.”

Surely, the redhead wants to tease this vampire who tries to look serious, but Iori decides that it can wait for another time. So, for now, he allows the nocturnal creature to take care of him.

Several minutes pass by. Surprisingly, it seems the vampire does a decent job.

Perhaps, while Iori was still asleep, Kyo was learning how to treat wounds. Who knows?

However, all this time the brunette is pretty calm until he notices the scar on the hunter’s chest.

The nocturnal creature avoids looking at it and quickly covers it with a white medical bandage.

When Kyo finishes tying the knot on the bandage, he says. “There. That should do for now… I think.”

After the brunette stands up and leaves the bed, he tidies up the dirty bandage while Iori starts to look for his black vest.

When the redhead buttons his vest, he slightly lifts the blinder and checks if the sun is hidden behind the horizon.

Finally, it’s time for these two to leave.

After picking up his long red coat from the closet and putting it on, Iori hears the vampire’s slightly concerned voice. “Are you sure you won’t catch a cold just by wearing that? Should we check the nearest shop and get something warmer for you?”

When Iori turns to face Kyo, he gives him an irritated look. “We already wasted more time here than we should have. Who knows if something else happened to you after that light entered you? So, put on your jacket and let’s leave this place.”

Of course, the brunette wants to object, but he knows it’s pointless to argue with this stubborn idiot. That’s why, after rolling his eyes, Kyo picks up his jacket and puts it on.

As soon as they leave the inn, they straightforwardly head to pay a visit to Chizuru.

It’s a calm night, and the crescent moon with stars is ruling the sky. It seems only a light breeze that rustles tree leaves disturbs the nocturnal silence.

Fortunately, on this couple’s way, they had no encounters with any monsters or suspicious types.

So, after reaching the witch’s shop, Iori knocks on the door. “Open the door, Kagura! There is something I need to show you.”

There is no answer, but the redhead hunter refuses to give up and now adds in a serious tone. “There might be something wrong with Kyo. So, show up before I’ll—”

“Before you’re going to do what, Yagami? You don’t have to be so loud.” A calm and polite voice behind the door interrupts him. It is followed by the ebony-haired woman opening the door and greeting two familiar faces. “What exactly happened to you? Anyway, come in.”

When they enter the shop, Iori walks to the counter while looking for something in one of his coat's inner pockets.

After he takes out the pile of alchemy texts, he hands them to Chizuru.

As the dark-haired witch flips through the pages, she gives a questioning look to the hunter and asks in a stricter tone. “Where did you get these? Did you know that these texts contain taboo topics and forbidden rituals? You should get rid of them as soon as possible. Who knows what may happen if it fell into nefarious hands?”

However, the vampire interfaces while making a demanding look. “And this is why Yagami wanted to give them to you after we found them in the necromancers’ cave. He told me that you should know what to do with them.”

No matter how hard Iori tries to keep a straight face, a sensible concern in his voice says otherwise. “Anyway, you can do whatever you want with these texts, but, first, you should check Kyo and fix him. There is something wrong with him.”

Surely, hearing these words, the brunette makes a surprised and indignant look on his face.

However, just as the nocturnal creature opens his mouth to say something, the hunter stretches his arm and covers the vampire’s mouth, silencing him with a strict look. “Shush. I need to know something.”

Soon enough, these two start making a scene and argue.

Meanwhile, Chizuru just silently observes them and waits for these two grown-up children to sort it out between themselves.

But it seems it may take a whole night, if not longer, for that. That’s why she has to step in and calm them down.

When the ebony-haired woman rests the texts on the counter, she interrupts their fight. “Enough! If you come here just to fight, you can leave before I turn you two into hairy toads.”

Surely, it gets their attention, and now the vampire makes big, innocent eyes and defends himself. “It’s not my fault that Yagami makes a big deal out of nothing! All I did was just cut that giant bat in half, and then some blue orb entered me. But I swear that even after we left that cave, I was okay!”

The vampire’s confession piques the witch’s curiosity, and she asks Kyo. “Did anything like this happen to you in the past?”

The brunette honestly replies while rubbing the back of his neck. “As far as I remember, nope. This is the first time.”

After clenching his hands into fists, Iori impatiently asks. “Is it anything serious or not?”

Now, Chizuru takes a deep breath and replies while resting her chin on her knuckles. “It sounds like he may awaken one of the rarest abilities, which only the highest-rank vampires or demons can possess. However, a very few of them can fully use it. When a demon or a monster kills their target, there is a very low chance that they might absorb the enemy’s soul and use their abilities for a brief time period. You hunters are familiar with the term "power of dominance," aren’t you? That’s why I want to see for myself if it is a case.”

When she turns her head to the brunette’s side, she addresses him. “Kusanagi, I need you to cooperate with me. There is one thing that I need to confirm. But first, Yagami should stay outside until I’m done.”

Suddenly, the redhead hunter slams his hands on the counter and indignantly asks. “What the hell do you mean by that!? Why can’t I stay?”

The witch calmly explains. “It’s a magical ritual, which requires a lot of precision and accuracy. One tiny wrong step and you’ll damage Kusanagi beyond any repair and destroy his mind. So, I don’t want you to disturb me.”

It might be pointless to argue with this woman. So, Iori shakes his head and turns away.

Before taking his leave, the redhead hunter fires back. “Do as you want. But you won’t get rid of me so easily.”

Perhaps Yagami is that desperate to know what is happening to Kusanagi that he leaves the rest to her. Or so the witch assumes.

Either way, Chizuru makes a relieved look. “Thank you.”

And with that, Iori closes the door while mumbling something under his nose.

When they are left alone, the brunette doubtfully stares at Chizuru, but she reassures him. “You have no reason to be afraid, Kusanagi. First, I’ll put you to sleep. So, close your eyes and relax. Once you’re awake, it will be over.”

Of course, Kyo is uncertain how this will end, but he decides to have faith in this woman.

After closing his eyes and exhaling, the nocturnal creature impatiently awaits whatever Chizuru has planned.

Now, the witch is silently casting a spell, and a tiny glowing orb appears on her index finger.

When she pushes the platinum-colored orb inside Kyo’s head, he instantly drops down like a rag doll on the ground and sinks into deep slumber.

Meanwhile, the redhead hunter is leaning against the wall close to the door, but the sudden noise from the inside makes him lift his head.

Of course, he wants to check if anything happened to Kyo. However, he changes his mind, mostly because he fears what curse that witch can put on him.

So, that one time being electrocuted by the barrier was enough to realize that it is better not to get on the bad side of Chizuru. That’s why, for now, Iori decides to wait as long as he needs to.

Now, when the ebony-haired woman sits on her knees and places her hand above Kyo’s chest, she starts casting another spell.

A moment later, a silver-colored magical circle appears under her hand, and soon, the nocturnal creature’s body begins floating in the air.

However, sensing an enormous amount of dark energy surrounding Kyo, she becomes alerted.

Suddenly, the brunette opens his eyes, which are now glowing in cold crimson red.

After taking a better look at the vampire, Chizuru notices that his skin is darker and his hair is pitch-black now. Moreover, his sharp fangs and nails appear.

She feels like an entirely different creature is in front of her.

After Kusanagi breaks the magical circle and manages to stand up, he delightfully stares at his new prey. “Hello~”

Surely, the nocturnal creature’s vicious presence makes Chizuru widen her eyes and crawl backwards as far as she can from the vampire, who approaches her.

After reaching the counter, this woman looks nothing more than defenseless to Kusanagi, despite her directly staring at the tanned brunette without showing any signs of fear.

Surely, the witch’s reaction entertains Kusanagi, and he chuckles. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you the one who wakes me up?”

Now, he mockingly comments. “You’re barely even worth becoming my food. But I guess that you’ll do for now, even if you are a worthless half-breed, woman.”

However, Chizuru doesn’t give in to the nocturnal creature’s provocation and stretches her hand towards the vampire.

Just when Kusanagi is about to bend down, he widens his eyes.

Suddenly, the blinding shock wave is sent his way.

Unfortunately for the tanned brunette, he is too slow to avoid the impact.

However, his defense reflexes are fast enough, and the menacing creature shields himself with his arms.

Even so, his face is twisting in pain while he can barely stand.

Thus, in a matter of seconds, his knees finally give up on him.

While the tanned brunette is roughly panting, he growls at Chizuru. “Damn. You shouldn’t have done that! I would have finished you quickly, but now… You’ll fucking pay for this!”

Meanwhile, Chizuru keeps a serious look and warns him. “It was just a warning. Give up and leave Kusanagi’s body before you get hurt. I won’t hesitate to use the full force of nature against you.”

However, just as the vampire bares his fangs, the sound of a door slamming behind him and the angry voice of the hunter get his attention. “What the hell is going on, Kagura!? Where the hell is that demonic energy coming from?!”

Surely, seeing his vampire turning into this twisted creature shocks Iori, but it shifts to the furious gaze, and the hunter takes the whip into his left hand.

Meanwhile, Kusanagi greets the redhead in a nearly singing voice. “Oh, look, who decided to show up?~ How about we play together before I feast on you, human?”

Now, the vampire charges at him with a sharp nail slash attack.

However, it seems the ferocious creature misses his target and nearly loses his balance.

Despite that, Iori shows no mercy to Kusanagi and punches him in the guts.

While the dark brunette is groaning in pain, the hunter unleashes the Vampire Killer.

Thus, the nocturnal creature is wrapped around Iori’s whip.

However, the more Kusanagi struggles, the more deeply the burning pain spreads in his body.

Meanwhile, the redhead pulls his whip tighter and observes this resisting and shrieking creature.

However, Chizuru’s sudden voice makes him alert. “Yagami, catch this!”

Fortunately, his reaction is quick, and he catches something tiny thrown at him.

After opening his palm, the redhead notices a small silver cross.

Now, the ebony-haired woman instructs him. “Hurry up! Press it against Kusanagi’s head.”

Of course, he doubts this idea, but if that will help Kyo to return back to normal, he has no choice but to listen to her.

After kneeling, the hunter presses a silver cross against the brunette’s forehead.

Lastly, the nocturnal creature lets out the last groan before he stops struggling and loses his consciousness.

For now, Iori unwraps his trustworthy weapon from Kyo’s body and notices how the brunette is the same trouble-making vampire whom he knows.

Meanwhile, when Chizuru gets closer to them, she briefly asks Iori. “Help me to carry him to the hut.”

Just as the hunter throws the vampire over his one shoulder, he gives her a serious look. “You better have a good explanation for this.”

Unfortunately, of all possible times, Iori gasps at the sharp pain across his chest.

Surely, it concerns Chizuru.

However, when she stretches her arm toward the hunter, he declines her help. “No. I’ll manage on my own. So, stay away.”

After shakily standing up, Iori starts carrying the vampire, and all of them head to the hut.

Meanwhile, Chizuru wonders what happened between these two when they were gone.

*sigh* and for now, I feel like I'm into the mood to write a very self-indulgent one-shot before September 30th. Yet, still struggling between picking the OTP wholesome content (incubus Orochi and priest Shingo fic), or ''what if...'' type fic (Yup, how would hunter Iori's first encounter vs vampire Kyo would end up, if this vampire would still have his hypnotizing voice).
Both ideas are fun to write, but which to pick first?
''That's a good question, Megaman.'' - Doctor Light, Megaman 8 english dub.
So, let me know what is closer to your heart.
And in meantime-
As always - see you next time!~