Vampire's Kiss

Okay, bois and gals. After a while Mina is back!
This time with a chapter, which concludes the current arc.
So, what kind of adventure we're into this time?
We'll see...
However, this time I had to do another research. Yup, this time about the basics of sword fighting and learning about the steampunk style.
So, I had fun while doing this research. And of course, I'll add the used material, just in case anyone is curious ( ‾ ʖ̫ ‾)
Used material:
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJR9jpRv0fA - ''Sword's Path | The Basics - The High Guards''
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq4VM1Vx_sI - ''Sword's Path | Fight like a Witcher - Eskel's/Ciri's Training''
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Laafd9oKOA0 - ''Japanese Sword Experts RECREATE moves from The Witcher | Experts Try''
4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TfBYeTcw0I - ''Sword's Path | The Basics - The Low Guards''
5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYi3xYoT8rs - ''Sword's Path | Fight like a Witcher - Witcher techniques vs HEMA''
6) https://www.historicalemporium.com/how-to-dress-steampunk-men.php - ''How to Dress as a Steampunk Gentlemen''

Anyway,
As always,
Enjoy!~
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Update: revisited and updated at 2026/02/02

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An hour passes, and one vampire starts waking up.

However, as he regains his consciousness, unbearable pain spreads across his entire body.

It feels like an invisible force is crushing and squeezing him without letting him move a single muscle.

Hell, it’s impossible to breathe due to something choking him.

Soon enough, the pain fades away, but the sensation of the flame serpent wrapping around his body remains.

While the brunette silently whines and groans, his face is twisting in pain.

Just what happened when I was put under sleep? The vampire worries while unable to move.

When Kyo opens his eyes, he notices he is inside the familiar hut.

Moreover, when the brunette turns his head, he can see restless Chizuru, and next to her, Iori staring at him with such a serious look on his face.

Now, the ebony-haired witch asks. “You’re finally awake. Is it you, Kusanagi?”

After the vampire leans on his elbows and sits up, he addresses her in an unsure tone. “Oi, Kagura, I hope you found what you needed, ‘cos I feel like someone beat me up and burned my body. Just what kind of spells did you use on me? And why are you staring at me like that?”

However, Chizuru keeps her serious face and closes her eyes.

After opening her eyes, she comments. “It looks like you were asleep all this time while the dark creature was using your body.”

Meanwhile, Iori crosses his arms and listens to Chizuru explaining to Kyo. “I’ve asked Yagami what happened when you two were off. He told me about your behavior in the abandoned necromancers’ cave and when you two stayed in the inn. From what I heard, I can guess that another entity has lived inside you since you were born, Kusanagi. Perhaps you are the incarnation of the evil spirit, who cannot find peace after their death. And, for some reason, they decided to use you to achieve what they want. It’s also safe to assume that they are becoming active and taking over your body when you are in danger. For example, this dark creature has mistaken me for the threat when you were unconscious or when you were facing a giant bat. They also can take over your body when your instincts are strong. However, I cannot fully confirm this yet.”

Now, the redhead steps in and speaks up in a serious tone. “What are you suggesting to do? Is there a way to kill that creature? Because there is no way that I would let that thing have Kyo even after I defeat him!”

The ebony-haired woman calmly replies. “If it possesses Kusanagi, you’ll kill them both. On the other hand, there is a way to suppress this entity. However, it comes with a big price. This is why I cannot do that without Kusanagi’s consent.”

Of course, these words do not sound promising to the brunette, and all he can do is widen his eyes and swallow the saliva.

Now, Kyo asks in a slightly nervous tone. “What do you mean?”

“If we successfully seal that dark entity, you won’t be able to use your awakened form and powers.” Chizuru briefly answers.

However, the vampire smiles and fires back. “How can I lose something that was already stolen from me? So, it’s been a while since I was getting my food without using my hypnotizing voice. Hell, I don’t even need to use my awakened form to defend myself. That’s why I have nothing to lose.”

Now, his smug smile is wiped out by Iori’s sharp remark. “And you still ended up under my foot. You have become an easy target for the other hunters and nearly got poisoned to death, you stupid vampire…”

Despite his fists itching to kiss the hunter’s face and remind him about the local fauna of the spider forest in detail, Kyo tries to remain chill.

If it weren’t for the place where we are and with whom, I would put you into your place, Yagami. Or so the brunette thinks.

Now, he replies in a slightly irritated voice. “Unless you count some hunter backstabbing me, then, yeah. Otherwise, I can defeat anyone without a sweat! So, only the weak and cowards use such dirty and unfair play.”

Lastly, the nocturnal creature addresses Chizuru. “Anyway, what do I need to do this time?”

After taking a deep breath, the ebony-haired witch starts explaining. “First of all, I need you to get me one of the rarest materials, which you can obtain in this world – the Crimson Stone. Perhaps, it is just a legend. However, for centuries, many alchemists have devoted their lives to creating this tiny stone, which holds great power and grants any wish, even immortality. Many have failed and lost their lives in the process. However, there were just a few who succeeded in creating Crimson Stone. These people are still wandering in this world to this very day. There were also people who rejected their humanity and entered into the demon realm.”

After she finishes her speech, the hunter raises his eyebrow while resting his head on his chin. “And that’s it?”

When Chizuru exhales, she addresses Iori. “Yagami, if you two manage to obtain this stone, I will need your help to restrain Kusanagi. While you hold him, I’ll put him under the sleep. Then after that evil spirit appears, I’ll seal it inside the Crimson Stone.”

“What if that creature won’t show up this time?” The redhead argues.

However, she states. “Then, I may have no choice but to stress Kusanagi as much as it takes to summon the dark entity.”

The more Kyo listens to their discussion, the more he feels uncomfortable.

After shaking his head, the brunette instantly stands up and makes his way to the door.

Before taking his leave, the nocturnal creature indignantly announces at the top of his lungs. “I AM NOT GONNA BE PART OF YOUR TWISTED TESTS! YOU WON’T MAKE ME GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN! So, good luck with that!”

As he deeply breathes through his nose, Kyo adds. “And you know what, Yagami? I thought that you were a decent human being, but you’re NOT! You’re as bad as that bastard hunter! You know nothing about me! So, fuck you!”

And with these words, he slams the door as hard as he can and leaves the hut.

It is followed by the redhead hunter facepalming and murmuring. “That fool…”

Chizuru sighs and says. “Are you going to let him leave like that? Should we start searching for him?”

Without looking back, Iori fires back with frustration in his voice. “Leave him like that. That stupid fool will return as soon as he calms down, and he WILL apologize. Besides, he won’t run away that far.”

After the hunter fixes his long coat, he walks towards the door.

However, he is stopped by Chizuru’s voice. “Wait! Where are you going?”

When the redhead turns to face Kagura, she notices his concerned look.

Now, Iori defends himself. “I just remembered that I have some unfinished business in the guild. Thanks to that stupid vampire, I have nearly no savings left.”

The ebony-haired woman doesn’t question him any further, because, in the end, the vampire hunter cared about his partner.

That’s why she feels relieved and bids him a farewell. “Be careful on your way.”

Lastly, without saying a word, Iori leaves the hut.

Some time has passed. After aimless wandering around the forest, which is near to the witch’s shop, Kyo leans against one of the trees surrounding the plain alley.

However, he is still upset about how the redhead agrees to awaken a natural killing machine as Kusanagi.

While the nocturnal creature is observing the sky, he hopes a serene moonlight and the graceful dance of stars may calm him.

When he slides down and hugs his knees, the brunette hangs his head down.

Of course, it hurts him how Iori is reckless and not considering that next time the dark entity might drain the hunter until there is nothing but bones and skin left of him. Neither is the brunette, who may be fully aware of what Kusanagi will do after possessing him.

Even a mental image of Iori’s final moments alone makes Kyo tighten his grasp around his knees and pitifully sigh.

He doesn’t understand why, but it feels like the unbearable suffering of losing the redhead and staining his hands with Iori’s blood.

The nocturnal creature is more anxious than ever before in his life-span by having these mixed feelings.

Yes, he is still mad at Iori and wants him to think more carefully about why the brunette has left in the first place.

At the same time, Kyo wishes the redhead hunter to find him and call him a stupid vampire as he usually does... Of course, if the vampire hunter will forgive him.

Kyo is starting to realize that when he was mad, he said what he didn’t mean to and was unable to stop himself.

In the end, he is trying to find peace of mind by listening to the rustling leaves by the night breeze.

However, as he starts enjoying the silence of the night, he gets alerted by the sound of rustling grass under someone’s foot.

When the vampire slowly lifts his head, he says in a half-sleepy tone. “Yagami? When did you—?”

After noticing a man in front of him, Kyo immediately widens his eyes in terror.

The cold moonlight illuminates long locks of golden hair, which are rustled by the wind.

Now, the blonde hunter’s bloody-red eyes send a piercing gaze to this target.

When he delightfully smiles, he points the sharp tip of the broadsword at the vampire and addresses him in a calm, yet mocking tone. “It’s been a while, little murderer.”

At that moment, the reflected platinum light on the long blond hair and his long white coat and pants makes him look like an archangel sent by the Lord.

However, Kyo knows one thing – behind that divine appearance, Kain is more twisted than any devil.

Now, all the brunette can do is stare at the blade so close to touching his throat and listen to the blonde commenting in a proud tone. “How many times do I have to kill you until you perish, vampire?”

Even the noble creature of the night like Kyo is paralyzed in fear by the hunter’s presence alone.

After closing his red eyes and chuckling, Kain continues. “It doesn’t matter now. I should have done this from the beginning before you became a pest.”

The vampire hunter moves his broadsword away. One strike should be enough to end this pathetic creature’s life. Besides, there is no need to see how another disgusting head falls by his blade. Kain decides, and his broadsword swings towards Kyo’s neck.

It is followed by a heavy sound of the sword sinking into the wood and countless birds flying away.

When Kain opens his eyes, he notices that his broadsword is stuck in the tree.

More so, his target has disappeared into thin air.

Suddenly, the blonde hunter is alerted by the unexpectedly launched fireball at him.

However, the vampire hunter counterattacks by gracefully sending the blue flame at his opponent.

When the orange and blue flames clash together, an explosion bangs through the forest.

While the smoke submerges into the air, Kain stays in the defensive position.

As soon as the gray smoke disappears, seeing Kyo wearing white gloves and ready to snap his fingers, the blonde hunter smirks. “Here you are. However, these toys won’t help you, vampire.”

Kyo only silently growls at his opponent while he tightens his glove.

When sharp nails sprout through the thin clothing, he warns Kain in a slightly shaky voice. “I won’t let you get away so easily! Not after what you made me go through. Prepare yourself!”

Finally, as his eyes glow red, the brunette dashes at his enemy.

However, the hunter jumps backward and dodges the attack.

Now, he sends the blue pillar of the flame at the vampire.

That should be enough to perish this creature into hell. Or so Kain thinks.

Fortunately, the brunette’s sharp nails slash through the fire.

After landing on his feet and one hand, the nocturnal creature ferociously stares at Kain, who looks down on him.

Without any second thought, Kyo ignites his palm and uses an upwards spin-slash.

As the warm light reflects on the hunter’s face, Kain blocks the strike with his sword.

While Kyo is still in the whirl of flame, he prepares for the finishing move.

In the end, he dives at his opponent with the slashing strike. After the flame submerges into the air, the brunette lands on his feet.

However, something was off. There is no sign of Kain.

The brunette becomes immediately alerted hearing his enemy’s calm yet menacing whisper behind his back. “You’re too slow.”

When and how did he—? Kyo wonders.

However, the broadsword penetrates his back and sprouts through his chest.

As the brunette makes an agonizing scream and chokes on the gushing blood through his mouth, the broadsword is pulled out from Kyo’s chest.

It is followed by the crimson liquid splashing from the vampire’s back and chest.

Suddenly, Kyo drops on the ground like a rag doll.

However, the brunette shakily stretches his arm forwards.

Right now, he is desperate to survive at any cost.

While Kyo’s face is twisting in pain, he closes his eyes and crawls as far as his strength allows.

When the dark crimson liquid is dripping from the hunter’s blade, Kain looks down on his target, who leaves bloody traces on the grass.

Even the nocturnal creature’s struggle to survive amuses the blonde, and he comments. “Why are you running? It’s useless.”

When Kain drops his blade, it disappears into the thin air.

Now, he walks to the brunette lying on his stomach.

When Kain takes out the small bottle from his inner coat pocket, he states. “I’ll end your misery by pouring some of this on your wound.”

After opening the bottle, he is about to pour the holy water and finish his prey.

However, the thrown knife pierces his wrist, and he drops the bottle.

“Who the hell has allowed you to act as you want, you bastard?!” The familiar hunter’s growling voice makes the blonde turn back.

Meanwhile, the nocturnal creature instantly recognizes the owner of this voice and widens his eyes.

When Kyo turns his head, he manages to spit out the pitiful words. “Ya… Yagami.”

Now, Kain gives a smug look to Iori and pulls out a knife from his wrist as if it’s no big deal. “My, what people do we have here? What brings you here, you pesky brat?”

Step by step, the redhead hunter is approaching the blonde while threatening him. “You went too far, and now no god or devil will save you now!”

In the meantime, the vampire gathers his strength to shakily push himself up and sit on his knees.

Unfortunately, Kyo ends up leaning on one arm while the other one covers his slowly healing wound.

While he is deeply breathing, he hangs his head down.

The nocturnal creature understands he can only wait before Iori and then he will fall under their executioner’s blade.

Despite knowing about their tragic fate, Kyo silently prays to any divine entity to grant them mercy, and even bloody tears start running down his cheeks while doing so.

While Kain is walking into the center of the plain alley, he remarks. “The louder the dog barks, the less it bites. I’ll teach you how to behave.”

Now, Iori starts following the blonde, but he is stopped by the brunette’s weak, pleading voice. “Yagami… Please, don’t do it! Run… You’ll—”

Suddenly, his warning is cut by Kain’s cold glare at the vampire.

When he stretches his arm towards the vampire, a golden transmutation circle appears below Kyo.

Lastly, the hunter strictly warns him. “Silence, you low-life creature! Wait patiently before I finish you.”

With these words, a protective barrier appears, which traps Kyo inside of it and can only be destroyed by its summoner.

After Kain looks back at the redhead, he explains. “Now, no one should interfere, foolish child.”

When Iori picks up his trustworthy whip, he quickly stretches it out in front of his opponent before unleashing a heavy low whip slash.

Such a gesture amuses the blonde hunter. Now, he stretches his palm and materializes a long sword in his hand. “I see that you are prepared.”

Lastly, Kain takes the sword into both hands and stands in the defense position.

When the impatience sparks in his crimson eyes, he points the tip of the blade at his opponent. “Do not disappoint me!”

It seems the red-haired hunter is the first one to attack by rapidly cracking the whip multiple times.

Downwards, upwards, in the circle movement – each strike is blocked by the sharp blade.

However, soon enough, the avalanche of whip striking ceases.

Now, the redhead lowers his left arm, which feels like it is full of lead.

When Iori lowers his whip for a second, Kain uses his chance.

After the blonde swordsman lowers his blade, he sprints at the redhead and swings the sword diagonally.

Fortunately, Iori’s reflexes are faster, and he rolls to the side.

After quickly picking up a few knives into his right hand while crouching, he launches them at Kain.

However, the blonde hunter’s spinning sword reflects the knives.

As Iori stands up, Kain lowers his blade and stretches his other hand at the redhead.

Now, the blonde hunter releases the wave of the blue flame at his opponent.

Suddenly, Iori unleashes the heavy whip strike, and the fire instantly fades away.

A moment later, he gets alerted by the unexpected blonde’s attack.

Although he jumps high and backflips at the right time to dodge the thrusting strike.

While Iori is still in the air, he cracks his whip and grasps the hunter’s sword.

When the blade sinks into the ground, Iori loosens the whip’s grasp and observes how Kain carelessly faces his opponent.

In the meantime, the redhead wraps his trustworthy weapon into a spiral and points it at the swordsman.

As Iori points his trustworthy weapon at Kain, who gives a mocking look, he declares. “It’s over. Give up now and you’ll get a quick and painless death, Kain!”

However, his foe chuckles and shrugs his shoulders.

It is followed by the redhead grinding his teeth and furiously asking. “What the hell is so funny? Are you that eager to die!?”

After Kain swooshes his long locks, he replies in a nearly singing tone. “Did no one teach you not to play with the fire? You’ll get burned~”

Although he receives no reply from the other hunter and breaks a deadly silence between them, “Very well. If this is what you want. I’ll show you my power!”

Now, Kain places his hand on his chest and begins unbuttoning his coat.

After he picks up a golden necklace with a round bloody gem on it, he yells at the top of his lungs. “CRIMSON STONE, GRANT ME MORE POWER!”

Suddenly, the red stone starts floating in the air and brightly glows, covering the entire battlefield in the blinding crimson light.

However, as soon as it appeared, the light quickly disappeared.

Now, Kain is levitating in the air while the blue flame dances on his palms.

While the blonde observes the vampire hunter from above, the countless swords are spinning in the circle behind his back.

Thus, Kain taunts him. “How is it? But do not be afraid. You won’t feel how you get crushed!”

Now he points his palm at the redhead and sends a swarm of blades at Iori.

There is no way his whip may counter-attack such an amount of swords! That’s why Iori rolls on the side and dodges the attack.

A moment later, another wave is sent at him.

The redhead rolls to the other side.

Unfortunately for him, a couple of the swords manage to scratch his right arm and leg.

However, the hunter is too stubborn to give up, even if he roughly breathes and barely stands on his feet.

Surely, the fearsome vampire hunter’s struggle entertains Kain, who delightfully observes him.

Finally, one strike and it will kill this pathetic human.

After the blonde closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, he stretches his left palm towards the hunter, and a heavy broadsword appears in his hand.

When he opens his crimson eyes, Kain grips the handle in both hands and aims at Iori. Lastly, he diagonally dives at full force at the redhead.

However, at the last moment, Iori ignores the pain and now pushes himself to the side.

Unfortunately, the blonde hunter’s blade cuts the left side of Iori’s torso.

As the redhead falls on his knees, he loudly groans and covers the wound with his palm.

In the end, Kain lands next to Iori and walks to pick up his broadsword, which is stuck in the ground.

After picking up his blade, the blonde approaches the fallen hunter and looks at Iori, showing no mercy for him.

When Kain points his sword at Iori, he notices a gaze filled with a burning rage and hatred for him.

Despite the threatening Iori’s gaze, the blonde hunter cracks a sadistic smile. “What a waste of my time. And all that big talk was for nothing. Oh well, at least you lasted longer than any of my targets. So, I’ll congratulate you on that. But I’ll make an exception for you. So, do you have a last wish, worm?”

However, the redhead spits out the threatening words between his pathetic groaning. “Damn you… We are not done yet.”

Now, Kain fires back. “This is where you’re wrong. Die!”

Just as the blond hunter is about to execute the wounded hunter…

Now, the man’s deep and cheerful voice objects. “I don’t think so, pal~”

Suddenly, Kain drops the broadsword at such unexpected backstabbing.

While the blonde is silently groaning, he checks on his chest and notices the sprouting tip of a massive sword popping out.

A moment later, that sword is pulled out from him, and Kain falls on his knees.

When dark liquid is dyeing his snow-white clothes, that same voice continues in a serious tone. “I don’t care what you were doing after leaving the guild. However, I won’t forgive you or anyone else who dares to harm one of the hunter guild members.”

Meanwhile, the redhead stares in disbelief at the familiar person. “Yashiro… What… what are you doing here?”

That’s right; it’s a man with short silver hair, who wears an open black leather jacket, a white t-shirt, and jet-black pants. Yashiro also has a black leather collar with a small silver heart on it.

When he bends and stretches his hands towards Iori, he answers with a smile on his face. “We were minding our business until we heard a loud bang, and I knew that we had to check it. What if Yagami-chan is causing any problems or got into the fight against stronger types? That’s what I thought, and we canceled our hunt.”

Now, they get interrupted by another voice. It seems this innocent and excited voice belongs to a young teenage boy. “Hey, Yashiro! Check this out! Hehe, someone got stuck inside the barrier like an idiot. And he just stares at me… Oh, never mind. The barrier is gone.”

Meanwhile, the demon hunter puts his big sword back into the sheath behind his back and asks that boy. “What did you find there, Chris?”

Now, Yashiro grabs the blonde hunter by the collar of his coat and strikes Kain in the guts.

As Kain groans in pain, the silver-haired hunter throws him over his shoulder and warns in a deep and strict tone. “I know that a scratch like that won’t kill you, and that is very unfortunate for you. So, I’ll let the guild master decide your fate.”

After Yashiro stands up, he looks in the direction of one certain person.

It’s a teenage boy with big dark-colored eyes and short fluffy cinnamon-colored hair with a fringe. The brunette wears a white shirt along with a brown and navy striped vest and matching pattern shorts. Lastly, he wears a gray-colored tailcoat and has black Swiss gunnery goggles resting on his head. Of course, because of his doll-like face and slender figure, he can be mistaken for a pretty girl. However, behind that innocent smile, he is a merciless hunter with high agility and deadly accuracy. More so, Chris has already surpassed most of the demon hunters despite his young age.

But for now, the young hunter is squatting close to the kneeling vampire and turns his head towards Yashiro. “Nothing much. Just some big bro spacing out here. Perhaps he was drugged; I don’t know. You can see it by yourself.”

After returning his attention to the vampire, Chris starts poking the nocturnal creature with his finger and addressing him in a playful tone. “Hey, mister. Are you okay? Hey… Can you hear me? Hurry up and get uuupp~”

However, the older brunette keeps his head down without answering.

After Kyo roughly shakes the younger brunette’s hand, he sprints towards Iori’s side.

Meanwhile, the younger hunter warns the silver-haired male. “Hey! Watch out, Yashiro! That crazy dude is coming at you!”

Surely, it gets the other hunter’s attention.

Instead of dodging, Yashiro stands in front of the rushing nocturnal creature.

At that moment, he is prepared to use the unconscious Kain’s body as a weapon.

However, Kyo ignores him and instantly passes him by.

After the demon hunter looks behind his back, he notices how the older brunette is crouching and protecting the injured Iori while he is covered in blood from head to toe.

While his furious eyes glow red, his sharp fangs show up, and the vampire growls like a beast at another threat to the redhead’s life. “Get away from him! I warn you. One more step and I’ll finish you. Back off, you shitty demon!”

It is followed by him stretching out his razor-sharp nails while holding Iori closely to him.

Yashiro only cracks a smile and snorts.

The silver-haired hunter murmurs. “So, you can sense who I am… That’s not bad for a low-rank vampire,” and adds in a chill tone. “Calm down, little guy. Or you’ll hurt yourself. What’s your relationship with him?”

However, Kyo continues ferociously staring at his opponent.

Just as Yashiro opens his mouth, he can hear Chris near him. “Are you okay? Why don’t you kill him? He’ll eat that guy!”

Now, the silver-haired male points by his chin at the vampire and comments. “Look more closely. If this creature had lost his sanity, he would have tried to kill us first. But now, for some reason, this weird vampire is overprotective of my disciple. Chris, take Yagami-chan away from this creature before it’s too late for him.”

The younger brunette gives a questioning gaze to his friend before trying to forcibly remove Kyo from Iori.

While Chris is struggling with the current task, he whines. “Yashiro, I cannot do this. That idiot’s grasp is way too strong! Can I cut his arms off?”

However, the other demon hunter addresses Kyo in a deep, yet calm voice. “Stop doing this. It’s useless, you know. However, what are you gonna do to him? Heal him by some miracle? Don’t make me laugh, vampire. Your vampire side is showing up, and it won’t fade away any time soon. So, before you reach the city, you two will be killed by people. That’s why you should hand him over to us, and the guild will take care of him. Besides, the sun will rise in a couple of hours. So, I suggest you retreat peacefully and not come any closer to the hunter guild. Else you may meet a very nasty end if I catch you on sight. Don’t get me wrong, I do not forbid you from seeing that reckless fool once his wounds are healed.”

Surely, Kyo has to admit that there is a part of truth in the hunter’s words; even his heart is tearing in pain and guilt, and he lowers his arms.

More importantly, he doesn’t want Iori to die on his watch.

After Chris throws the redhead’s arm over his shoulder, the young hunter stands up and starts catching up with his companion’s step.

When both leave without bidding a farewell, Kyo is left alone surrounded by the silence of the night. Like never before in his life span, he feels so defeated.

He is still wondering why Iori didn’t fight back and remained silent all this time. Was the redhead wounded that badly? Or was it because of the taste of an utter defeat and hurting his pride? Right now, the vampire has many unanswered questions about the hunter.

After the brunette stands up, he covers his eyes and starts slowly walking towards Chizuru’s shop. Even through the gaps of his palms, the tears start to flow, while his lips are trembling.

The nocturnal creature wishes to sleep for an eternity and in this way not to harm anyone who is precious to him.

After a while, Kyo reaches the door of the witch’s hut, and after silently knocking on the door, he waits with his head hung.

It doesn’t take long for the ebony-haired woman to open the door.

When she notices the brunette covered in dried blood and his ruined clothes, she widens her eyes and asks in a concerned voice. “Kusanagi, you’re back? What happened to you? Come in. Any explanation can wait for the later.”

Now, Chizuru takes the vampire’s arm and drags him inside while he doesn’t resist.

When they are inside, the ebony-haired woman helps Kyo to sit down on the bed and asks him. “Did you got into a serious fight with Yagami? Don’t tell me… Did you two fight to the death? Is this why he is not here?”

However, the words are stuck inside the nocturnal creature’s throat, and he shakes his head.

Chizuru only softens her gaze. “Then, what happened?”

In the end, Kyo is unable to say even a single word.

After an intense silence, which seems to be lasting like an eternity, the brunette confesses in an upset tone. “He… He was… taken… by other hunters…”

Of course, Chizuru lets Kyo take as much time as he needs to tell what exactly happened.

After the brunette bites hard on his lower lip, he adds. “I and Yagami… were nearly killed… by that hunter. But then, two hunters showed up and… and defeated that man. Then… then, they took Yagami. They said that they’ll take him to their guild and treat him until he gets better…”

The witch closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.

After opening her eyes, Chizuru starts lecturing him. “Why are you upset if someone is helping him? Do you think Yagami is that weak and won’t survive? Kusanagi, how can you heal anyone when you are injured and your spirit is broken? For now, you need to recover and have more faith in him. Even I can tell that he doesn’t want to see your broken spirit. Besides, if you’re going to stay here for a while, then get a hold of yourself. First, wash yourself and eat something. I’m sure there are still a lot of blood bags, which Yagami has left for you. That’s why you can rest until tomorrow evening and guard my shop during the night. So, don’t think that I’m letting you stay because I pity you. I need you to work hard and prevent you from sinking into the dark thoughts.”

With these words, the witch goes to the study room and the vampire sinks into the bed and curls into the ball.

Meanwhile, two hunters are on their way to the hunter guild, and Yashiro is studying the pendant, which he took away from Kain.

Surely, it piques the brunette’s curiosity, and he asks in an innocent tone. “What is it with you? If you’re gonna stare at it, you’ll bump into something.”

However, Yashiro puts the golden necklace with the bloody gem into Kain’s coat pocket and replies. “Nothing really. That little stone looked like the Crimson Stone, but it’s just an incomplete version of it.”

“Incomplete? What do you mean by that?” Chris tilts his head.

While step by step getting closer to the guild, Yashiro explains. “From what I can tell, Kain wanted to create the Crimson Stone. However, you cannot make it even with alchemy. It’ll be a mere copy, which is nowhere close to the original. Some humans are even ready to massacre countless people or devote themselves to creating a fake stone, which only grants a grain of Crimson Stone’s true power. So, is it worth it to sin against the so-called god and dedicate your life to something that you may never achieve? You may overcome death, but you will also lose the privilege to die. Humans are such stupid creatures, who will never fail to amaze, right, Chris?”

However, the brunette only cracks a smile and teases him. “That’s such a deep thought coming from someone like you. Did you practice this speech in front of the mirror? You know, that won’t even impress Shermie.”

The silver-haired man fires back in a playful tone. “What’s that supposed to mean? Does little Chris wanna have his tiny nose get pinched until he becomes red and starts crying?~”

Now, he adds in a calm tone. “When you live long enough like me, then you’ll understand how this world works, and you’ll still be amazed by humans’ shenanigans. Anyway, how is Yagami-chan doing? He seems to be quiet all this time.”

Chris glances at his carried redhead and replies. “He looks fine to me. Perhaps, he is just exhausted. I can feel that he won’t only survive until he reaches the infirmary but also will cause a lot of problems for the medics.”

In the end, Yashiro laughs. “That’s what you can expect from my disciple.”

With those words, two hunters finally reach the entrance door of the hunter guild.

xD You know that I had to do it to 'em... and use them for the better development~

Anyway,

Thanks to Helsic for another lovely commission!

My, since the current arc is concluded, it's time to plan what gonna wait in the next one. But for now, I'm not sure whenever to work on incubus Orochi backstory (yup, before being rescued by ye boi Shingo) or continue the In the Shadows of the Altar series...

Yup, once either of these is done, I'm planning to work further on Vampire's Kiss and Cursed Memories, 'cos that is my kind of genre, which I love~

Anyway, as always - See you next time!~