Chapter 12: The Present and the Past

"Ugh..."

I finally reunited with Yumizuka last night, and together with Arcueid, we formed an alliance to cooperate against the vampire causing trouble in Misaki Town. After that, we searched for a while before parting ways locally, and Yumizuka ended up staying at Arcueid's house. Arcueid was incredibly curious about Yumizuka, who has known me since middle school; I just hope she doesn't find out anything embarrassing about me...

However, the bigger problem is how to deal with the master of this mansion who is currently sitting in the living room.

"Oh, good morning, Nii-san."

In the living room was my sister, Akiha. Standing there with a cup of tea, she looked like the epitome of an ideal young lady. Any unaware man who saw her would likely fall for her at first sight. She gave a morning greeting with a truly refreshing smile, but her eyes weren't smiling at all. Her mouth had an elegant smile, but there was something vaguely aggressive about it that sent a chill down my spine.

............How am I going to explain Arcueid's visit yesterday?

C-crap, what should I do!? What should I tell Akiha about Arcueid, considering she's already strict about things like the five o'clock curfew?!

Lover... No, that's not our relationship, so that's out.

Friend... There aren't any blonde girls at school, so that part will definitely get challenged!

Se... Am I an idiot? What am I even thinking, this isn't Tokie-san!

"...Nii-san?"

This is bad, Akiha is getting suspicious.

More than suspicious, she's getting irritated, judging by the twitching at her temples and mouth.

Kuh, is this the end of the line?

...No, think, Shiki Tohno.

Maybe Akiha's irritation isn't about Arcueid, but simply because her morning greeting wasn't immediately returned.

Yes, that must be it, definitely! I just need to exchange a normal morning greeting, like always. But since my response was late today, I'll greet her with more affection and friendliness than usual!

"H-hi. Akiha-tan, morning!"

...Click.

Later, Kohaku would testify:

“Oh my, Akiha-sama’s expression back then was a sight to behold. I’ve never seen anger and shock blend together like that. Even though I enjoy watching Shiki-san panic after making the wrong choice, the atmosphere in that room was so awful that my stomach hurt. Ah, but of course, being a professional, I didn’t show any of that—heehee.”

And the attendant joyfully concluded, saying, “Unlike me, Shiki-san just isn’t very good at handling Akiha-sama.”

"............Kohaku. This cup has a crack in it."

"Oh my, how unfortunate. Shall we purchase a new one soon?"

No, that's wrong, Kohaku-san.

Akiha clearly just broke it herself right now.

"............"

I immediately wanted to bolt, but the invisible laser beam of murder emanating from Akiha's eyes stopped me.

My stomach hurts. I mean, I had forgotten. I had forgotten that Akiha has a personality that doesn't appreciate jokes like that. And Akiha's anger was so intense that the background around her seemed to shimmer like a mirage.

"Well, then. I guess I'll just—"

"Don't even think about running away, Nii-san."

"...Yes."

I tried to smooth things over, but the demonic sister in front of me had no intention of letting me escape.

"Nii-san, I will thoroughly—yes, thoroughly question you later about the person from yesterday, but does the name 'Satsuki Yumizuka' sound familiar to you?"

"Huh? Akiha... why do you know Yumizuka?"

I was honestly surprised that the name of an unexpected person suddenly came up instead of Arcueid. Did Akiha and Yumizuka have some connection I didn't know about? But Yumizuka goes to a completely different school, so what's going on?

"Well, yeah, she's been a friend since middle school, so of course, I know her, but what's with the sudden interest, Akiha?"

"...No, I just wanted to confirm, as I heard someone from your school was among those recently reported missing."

Akiha looked down and replied sadly.

Now that I think about it, there were appeals for eyewitness information not only at school but also in the news and on street posters. Did Akiha take an interest because the missing student was from the same school as me?

"By the way, Nii-san, do you believe in the existence of vampires?"

"Huh, vampires? ...Ah, a vampire, you say. I think it wouldn't be surprising if they did exist, but why do you ask?"

"Please listen to this as a mere fantasy. What if, just hypothetically, that friend of yours became a vampire or a monster? What would you do, Nii-san?"

I was momentarily startled by the very specific example. More than that, it was the exact problem I was currently facing.

But I have no hesitation. I've already decided to help Yumizuka and Arcueid.

"I'd help her. No, I definitely want to be there for her."

"............Even if she were a vampire?"

"Yes."

Upon hearing my unwavering answer, Akiha showed a face mixed with feelings of resignation, astonishment, and anger. Although Akiha said it was a hypothetical question, her hands were trembling and clutching her skirt tightly. For a moment, I suspected that Akiha, like Ciel-senpai, might know something about this and considered pressing her for answers.

More importantly, however, I felt I should address Akiha's sad expression first. Just like I often did for her when she was little and looked like this, I stroked her head.

“H-hey!!? Nii-san, what are you—!? I’m not a child any—”

“Akiha’s no exception, you know.”

“Eh…?”

Akiha, who is usually an impeccable young lady, was stunned.

“Akiha, you’re precious family. Of course I’d care.”

Suddenly, Akiha's face flushed red, and she opened and closed her mouth, unsure of what to say. This might be the first time I've seen Akiha's unreserved expression since I returned to this mansion.

“—!!”

When I continued to vigorously stroke her head, Akiha hunched over and squirmed, perhaps out of embarrassment or ticklishness.

But doing this really brings back memories. Unlike the flawless young lady she is now, she used to be quite the crybaby. I'd stroke her head like this when she was about to cry, and since I didn't get to spend much time with Akiha, we three played together a lot.

Wait, did I just feel a sense of incongruity?

"Ah, while I appreciate the warmth, are you two forgetting about me?"

Just as I felt a discrepancy in my memories of the past, Kohaku-san muttered from the side with a hint of exasperation.

"Eh, ah... Kya!?"

"Gah!"

Hearing Kohaku's voice, Akiha suddenly remembered her surroundings and shot up, but since she was directly in front of me, she ended up delivering a massive headbutt, leaving me writhing in agony.

"Tch—!!—!?"

"...S-Sorry!! B-Brother, Brother, are you alright!"

Akiha rushed to my side in a panic, but since the blow directly hit my chest wound, it was honestly quite painful, and my consciousness began to fade. I figured I'd be late for school today, and with my thoughts on Yumizuka and Arcueid, my consciousness slipped away.

That day, after Arcueid-san and I formed an alliance with Shiki, I was allowed to stay at Arcueid-san's house.

She seemed extremely curious about Shiki’s past, and that night we talked about all sorts of things about him. Every time I recounted an amusing story, she showed rich expressions—surprise, laughter, and exasperation.

Talking with her, I came to the firm realization that a smile truly suited her. In the [Original Story], Roa dismissed her as a corrupted being, but that was just him seeing only one facet of her. Honestly, it sounds exactly like something a stalker or a fanatic would think... though it's frustrating that it's not entirely wrong given Roa's motive for becoming a vampire.

Anyway, after that, I was supposed to meet up with Shiki and Arcueid the following evening. To weaken the power of the original vampire, we went out into the night city to hunt the Dead, which brings us to the present.

"There aren't many Dead, are there?"

"Yes, it might be because Sacchin took care of them beforehand."

The park after 1 a.m. is unusually quiet tonight. Even the people who usually hang out in the park at this hour are gone, due to the news reports of the mass murders happening in this town, leaving just the three of us here.

"You look grumpy, Arcueid."

"Of course! Shiki and Sacchin are helping, after all."

Arcueid-san bit her lip in displeasure in response to Shiki's question, but her cheeks were slightly relaxed, indicating she seemed to be enjoying the situation of the three of us being together. Well, I agree, as I myself had been enjoying it a little since we started walking around the city.

“Then we can go check one more ti—”

“No.” “No.”

“—Why not?”

I appreciate Shiki's offer, but Arcueid and I inadvertently spoke in unison. Since becoming a vampire, I've come to understand that Shiki's [Mystic Eyes of Death Perception] is far more dangerous than I had initially thought.

Earlier, when Shiki used his Mystic Eyes against one of the Dead, I was captivated by his clear, azure eyes, but at the same time, my instincts felt fear, giving me goosebumps.

That power is truly the embodiment of 'Death', the worst natural enemy for the immortal. I understand why he was referred to as a "Shinigami" (God of Death) by a vampire in a short story that seems to depict events after the [Original Work].

But I couldn't take my eyes off Shiki. The way he hunted the Dead using the Nanaya techniques gave me a huge sense of conflict, and yet, I found his presence beautiful. And realizing his strength—that even with such a power, Shiki Tohno remains Shiki Tohno...

...No, wait, wait.

Why am I having thoughts like a girl in love again?

“Listen, Shiki. Your eyes force you to see things you shouldn’t normally be able to.
If you overuse them, your brain won’t be able to process it and you’ll end up a vegetable.
So that’s enough for tonight.”

While I was wrestling with my thoughts, Arcueid, acting as the explainer, succinctly detailed the danger of his eyes to Shiki. Shiki seemed to turn pale... hmm?

"Wh-what's wrong—?"

Before Arcueid could finish her explanation, Shiki suddenly clutched his chest and put his hand inside his clothes. Is this... is the wound inflicted by [Tohno SHIKI] opening up again? If so, does that mean Roa is nearby?!

"Huh? Sacchin, what's wrong? You and Shiki both look strange."

Arcueid-san asked with a puzzled look, but I ignored her and scanned the area. The top of the utility pole, inside the park's grove, the roof of the building—I couldn't see a single person anywhere. And then, when I turned back to Shiki,

I smelled blood.

"Shiki, is that—"

"Yeah... That's weird. It doesn't hurt, and the wound isn't open, but blood is seeping from my chest."

My throat was itching, terribly dry and painful. Seeing his face and the blood directly, I suddenly felt an overwhelming thirst for blood.

My canine teeth extended, and my breathing grew ragged. I want it. I desperately, overwhelmingly want Shiki Tohno's blood.

"Arcueid, Yumizuka—?"

Shiki seemed to notice our strange behavior. Our strange behavior? Ah, when I shifted my gaze sideways, Arcueid-san was glaring at Shiki with eyes that contained outright hostility.

"............"

"............"

"............"

The silence was heavy. The distance to Shiki Tohno was within arm's reach. The blood I would drink by sinking my teeth into his throat right now must surely be delicious.

There is no one to interfere. Arcueid-san would probably even cooperate with me. Because she, too, desperately craves Shiki Tohno. And I was getting tired of blood packs.

Where should I drink from? Should I go for the throat, the classic spot? No, it wouldn't be bad to slice his neck horizontally and savor the gushing blood.

Or maybe kill him lovingly—NO!

"N-No—"

The exact opposite of my internal thoughts came out of my mouth. Yet, my body was itching to leap at him, defying my reason.

Stop, stop, stop, stop.

"Hey, Yumizuka, Arcueid. Get a grip!"

He spoke out of concern for me, who was suffering from labored breathing and an unnatural, wandering gaze, a very Shiki-like thing to do in a moment of mortal danger—but please, don't touch me.

Touching Shiki will only make my craving for blood worse. If Shiki gets any closer, I’d kill him.

So, please stop—

"I—I'm not thinking about that."

With Arcueid-san's single sentence, the dark, animalistic instinct vanished.

"—!! ...Haah, haah, haah!!"

That's right, I'm not thinking about that. The place I'm aiming for is a convenient happy ending, and if I do something like that, everything will be ruined.

That was close; I was moments away from losing my mind. My breathing was labored as if I had just run a long-distance marathon.

"...What's wrong? You two are acting weird. Are you both not fully recovered?"

Arcueid-san and I both averted our gazes from him uncomfortably. We have managed to suppress the vampiric impulse for now, but we can't stay here any longer.

“Shiki… let’s call it a night.”

“Same here. I pushed myself too hard. I’m heading home.”

We both replied without looking at his face. It was clear that looking at him would make us lose control again.

"—I see."

Shiki replied with a voice that sounded somewhat unconvinced.

"...Bye, Shiki. See you tomorrow."

I said goodbye and immediately left the park without looking at his face. Arcueid-san, perhaps having her own thoughts, also left, seemingly fleeing from Shiki in a different direction than me.

"Haah, haah, haah haah haah."

“Hah… hah… hahhh…”

I didn’t know how far I’d run.

But instead of panting like a human, my heart felt like it would burst from the craving for blood.

“Bloodlust originating from affection, huh.”

Shion Eltnam Atlasia, who had come to Misaki Town chasing the TATARI, once said that bloodlust is born from affection.

“…Affection, huh.”

But I couldn’t really understand that feeling.

Only confusion lingered.

I reached the slope near the perimeter of my house. It's around 2 a.m., and I'm getting quite sleepy.

"Will those two be alright after that?"

But I'm worried about the way those two were acting earlier. The way they seemed to be resisting a desire or a craving, rather than enduring pain, left a strange impression on me. I tried to ask what was wrong, but they both quickly ran off as if they were escaping.

It might be a problem related to the vampires. I'll ask them what happened tomorrow night.

"Huh?"

Clatter, clatter, clatter.

Just as I thought that, a metallic object rolled down the slope, making a dry sound.

“…A can of coffee?”

It landed at my feet, and when I picked it up, it was a can of coffee. It was full, so I figured someone must have dropped it near the top of the slope and...

Thump ...

My heart beating sounded an alarm. Cold sweat broke out, and I felt a strong, bad premonition. I could sense someone in my line of sight, but I couldn't see their figure well as they were positioned outside the light of the street lamps.

"YOU... killed... me."

A voice filled with resentment, as if rising from the bottom of hell, was audible. The moment a chill ran down my spine, there was a continuous, light shattering sound as all the surrounding streetlights burst.

"Wh—!! Damn!?"

—Clang.

And simultaneously, the presence of a blade being swung. I instinctively retaliated, and sparks flew in the pitch-black darkness where the moon was hidden behind clouds. My glasses were knocked off, but I was surprised that I was able to react at all.

"You..."

Who are you?

Before I could ask, the moon emerged from a gap in the clouds and illuminated the assailant.

A man with red eyes and white hair, dressed in a ragged kimono. He looked incredibly skinny from what I could see at his chest, suggesting he hadn't been eating much. However, his eyes, the same color as a rabbit's, were blazing with hostility, making him look like a ghostly apparition from a horror story.

A normal person wouldn't know someone like this, yet, even though I've never met him, I felt a sense of deja vu, as if I had.

"Ugh...!!"

My head, my head, my head hurts. My brain screamed with a pain so intense it felt as though my eyeballs were about to pop out and my brain matter was escaping my skull. But, of course, the opponent didn't wait; in fact, he gleefully lunged at me.

Clang,

But faster than I could think, I parried and blocked the knife. The moon disappeared behind the clouds again, and darkness dominated the surroundings, but the [Lines] that my eyes showed me told me the enemy's location.

Clang, clang, clang.

The knives clashed and sparked two, three times. I don't know who this guy is or where he's from, but I'm not going to lose a knife fight.

He seems to be aiming for the [Lines], but unfortunately for him, I'm the veteran here—...

............Aiming for the [Lines]?

"No way, can he see them... too?"

At my words, the man grinned, as if to say, "You caught on pretty fast."

We were facing each other in the middle of the pitch-black road, locked in a complete standoff.

I can't move. Because if he can also see the [Lines], he could take me out in a single strike if he wanted to.

I was shaken that someone else possessed this unique ability, and at the same time, my body felt fear, causing the hand holding the knife to tremble—it was the moment the initiative shifted entirely to him.

Kuh.

The man smiled and leaned his body forward, about to charge, when something strange happened.

"GAAAAAARRRGHH—!?"

A scream echoed through the night city. The assailant was suddenly enveloped in steam, writhing like a struggling beast.

I was stunned, unable to figure out what was happening, but the smell of scorched flesh and evaporating moisture stimulated my nose, making me feel sick.

"Ah... Hah... YOU... TOO... getting In The way..."

I think he said someone's name, but I couldn't hear clearly.

"GYAAAAAAARRRGGHHH!!"

Perhaps that triggered it, as the heat intensified, and the assailant writhed in agony. His steps were unsteady, perhaps because his eyes were damaged and he couldn't see. He leaned against the guardrail of the slope, but a combination of exhaustion from the whole ordeal and his blindness caused him to lose his balance.

"AAARRRGGGHH!!"

With a final scream, the man fell over the guardrail, tumbling down the slope.

—The moon came out.

The scene was quiet, as if the fight just now had been a lie. But I could faintly see someone standing at the top of the slope, in the direction of my house.

The slender silhouette, typical of a woman, was barely visible, but the long, red hair that reached her waist strongly stood out. Furthermore, the ankle-length long skirt, which is unusual these days, made her look exactly like one of my family members. This is just like...

"Aki... ha?"

The name of an unbelievable person popped into my mind.

"————"

Contrary to my confusion, the person observed me for a while, then suddenly vanished.