Vampire's Kiss

Okay, after long hiatus, I returned with new story. This time it's a story of one poor vampire named Kyo. So, what kind of adventure we're into this time? Let's see...

------------

(updated and revisited at 2024/11/21)

___________________

A long time ago, the human and demon worlds were completely separate. Neither humans nor demons knew about the existence of each other.

However, as time went on, one human accidentally discovered the portal. Even though this person was terrified, like they had never seen it before, their curiosity outweighed their fear.

And so, the poor young woman entered the mysterious portal. Now, she realized she was no longer in the human world - it was something incomprehensible to a mere human’s mind, something that made her freeze in terror and lose her gift of speech.

Was she dead? Was this a hell? Horned, winged, fanged, and with claws, armored creatures lived in this dark world. Regrettably, there was no way to return home to the human realm, as it seemed these mysterious portals led only one way.

However, it was only the beginning. Now, even some braver demons have tried their luck entering the human world. Unfortunately, those who have tried have never returned to their formal world. Either they were hunted and killed by these pathetic creatures who called themselves humans. Either they didn’t find a way back and were forced to stay in this unfamiliar, cold, and unforgiving world. Or so, according to one ancient legend, a Demon has entered the land of man.

Millenniums have passed, and the mysterious creatures of the night have adapted to living in this strange world. Even so, some are still hiding or isolating themselves from humankind, but more powerful and intelligent demons or other high-ranked monsters manage to disguise themselves as humans.

Unfortunately, the energy of this world is affecting higher-rank monsters by draining their life force. That’s why the human form serves as a protective shield and is beneficial for living in this society.

And thus, this is where the story of one arrogant and carefree vampire who has bad luck on his side begins.

It is a beautiful night, which might be just another nice evening accompanied by the light of the full moon, and for some, it is a perfect chance to hunt down.

So, who shall be his victim this time - an innocent, milky maiden? A lost wanderer? Or any human who is foolish enough to travel alone at a time like this? With these thoughts, a young brunette, who looks in his early twenties, delightfully licks his lips while wandering in the empty streets.

When he feels a pair of fangs touching his lower, that smile is wiped out from his face, and he murmurs. “…Not again. It’s getting worse than I thought. Damn, I need to get some food. Else who knows how this end?”

And with his hands in dark blue jeans pockets, the vampire keeps going. Even if it is a chill, it doesn’t make any difference for him, and he is alright with wearing a white t-shirt and black leather jacket.

Of course, he can pick the easiest way and catch another victim at the nightclub, if it isn’t for a couple of reasons. Firstly, even if you might get potential prey without putting in any effort, there is one problem - most of the time, the victim’s blood tastes awful and has no nutritious value.

Secondly, there was a recent incident involving one vampire getting caught acting suspiciously, and because of this, the vampire hunters more often check public places.

However, the vampire named Kyo wasn’t so interested in picking up his prey in such places. Besides, bodyguards won’t let him in, because he is just “another brat”. So, that’s already out of an option without a saying.

But for now, this brunette’s body aches from starvation. So, where to find a quick yet suitable food for this unfortunate creature? It won’t run into him and plead to be eaten. No one would be foolish enough for that.

Soon enough, Kyo senses someone near. There is no mistake, it can’t be just a mere hallucination caused by unbearable hunger. That scent is too strong, but it feels so good. It doesn’t matter who this person is. So, whoever it is, the vampire will have an unforgettable feast.

That’s too bad that humans have a limited amount of blood. Thus, with no second thought, Kyo relies on his primal instincts and follows the trace of a sweet, amaretto-like scent. Without realizing it, his eyes glow like bloody red gems.

After ten minutes of following, the young vampire finally stops near the abandoned chapel and notices the owner of that pleasant scent.

Fortunately, this foolish human does not have the slightest idea about his miserable fate. He also seems that this person is one of these wannabe flashy-looking vampire hunters. Surely, this is a perfect example of these show-offs, who only desire fame, fortune, and glory by using their appearance.

Usually, they are as dangerous as a child with a wooden stick. Basically, they make a dramatic scene and attract unwanted attention. Or so Kyo thinks of any vampire hunter because of his couple encounters with beginners in the past.

So why should this hunter be any different? It should be an easy catch, right? Right now, all he has to do is wait until this fool falls into the trap, and then it will be a perfect chance to act. For now, he continues patiently observing his prey.

Apparently, it is a redhead vampire hunter who wears a long dark red leather coat with a white crescent moon on the back, same color pants, and black biker gloves.

What a show-off. It also looks like this vampire hunter is so self-confident that doesn’t carry any weapon. Who does he think he is? In any case, that arrogant human needs to be punished for his carelessness. Or so Kyo thinks.

“You should be more aware of your surroundings, or else you might get hurt, human.” The vampire adds, whispering in a sweet yet menacing tone while observing how the redhead vampire hunter enters the chapel. Soon, he silently sneaks. Finally, it is the right moment to sink fangs into the redhead’s neck.

Now Kyo charges at the vampire hunter, who doesn’t even bother to turn around.

However, something is wrong. Instead of having this human under his control, the vampire is sent to the ground and shortly groans.

A second later, he feels how his entire body is wrapped around some leather rope that sends a burning pain through his body.

So, it happened. The worst thing he has feared - Finally, being caught by the merciless vampire hunter. Now, all he can do is to be at the redhead’s mercy.

While the poor and unfortunate creature hardly pants, he cannot keep his gaze away from the approaching vampire hunter.

With each step getting closer to his victim, the redhead vampire hunter addresses him in a cold and stoic voice. “You sure have a lot of guts to attack me, vampire. Do you think I haven’t noticed your poorly hidden presence? Just don’t make me laugh.”

For now, he remains silent for a minute and watches over this vampire’s suffering. That piercing and unforgiving gaze alone paralyzes the brunette’s body in fear entire body.

Thus, the vampire hunter asks in the same tone. “Your last words before I banish you back to the hell, vampire?”

However, Kyo directly stares into this redhead’s eyes like a wounded beast. Even if he is going to die, he will keep his pride and won’t allow this vampire hunter to be satisfied by his suffering.

Soon, the vampire is released from the whip’s grasp, but this temporary freedom doesn’t last long.

When the redhead takes the whip into his hand, he quickly strikes.

Once again, the vampire feels the burning pain despite it being a short, stinging one.

After the strike, the vampire hunter closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before releasing rapid multiple strikes with his trustworthy whip.

The whipping becomes so intense that the vampire’s body is even lifted and slightly bouncing from the ground. Kyo can swear that even through the cracking whip, he hears the redhead chanting separate words.

He understands some words like “cry” and “suffer”. On the other hand, at least focusing on these words distracts him from the sensation of being burned alive by each whip hit.

He can also hear the ripped or torn material. But does it matter anymore? Soon, it will be over, and he disappears with the false feeling of being devoured by flames. At least, he will die while having his senses on and not going berserk without knowing it.

Even the crimson, glowing eyes slowly dim and return to their former color. Lastly, the vampire rests his muscles and closes his eyes.

However, it stops, and Kyo hears the vampire hunter withdrawing his whip and rolling it into a spiral.

The redhead only closes his eyes and announces in an irritated tone. “Enough. It’s pointless.”

Finally, the vampire opens his eyes and stares at the redhead, who attaches the whip to his black leather belt’s right side.

It was a waste of his time and not worth it to stain his hands with a weak creature’s blood. And this brat has such a huge bounty on his head, like he is the highest-rank monster or demon? The idiots in the guild are generous to newbies, or they are out of their minds. Anyway, it is time to leave. The vampire hunter decides and turns around before planning his leave.

Meanwhile, the vampire doesn’t understand what happened and how he is still alive. Even if he is wounded and barely moves, he can’t let this bastard get away so easily. He will make sure that this redhead will pay for what he has done to him.

After the vampire hunter walks around him like he is a rotting corpse, it is time for Kyo’s final attack. When the vampire gathers his remaining strength, he shakily stands up and charges at full speed at him.

Just a second before the impact, the redhead widens his eyes and turns around. When he kicks into the poor creature’s stomach, he sends him flying.

As Kyo’s back crashes into a wooden altar, he gasps and coughs in blood. After his body slides down, he rests against the wall and covers his stomach with his palm.

‘What a persistent fool. Know your place, vampire.’ The redhead ponders as he approaches his target. When he is close enough, he just silently studies the brunette catching his breath yet looking at him like a wounded beast who refuses to give up.

That gaze… What’s wrong with this vampire? Despite being on the verge of his death, this vampire’s eyes are burning even with a brighter flame. No, it isn’t a vampire’s deadly crimson eyes. It is the gaze of a true fighter who will never back off from the fight. So, maybe this boy is more capable than being a blood-thirsty killer? Surely, if he was a human, may become a decent hunter, not the highest rank, but with the help of a training session, he can.

However, the redhead’s further thoughts are interrupted by the vampire speaking up with mixed anger and sadness in his voice. “You may have won this time, human. So, you should be thankful to your fateful star and that bastard demon who took all my powers away. Otherwise, I would already have finished your miserable life.”

That phrase piques the redhead’s curiosity, even if the vampire is lying or wants to sound dramatic. Either way, maybe it will be wiser to spare this vampire’s life for now to see how it will turn out. Besides, he can finish this brunette if he causes trouble.

However, Kyo interrupts his further thoughts. “Oi, you can do whatever you want with me, but just keep that thing away from me.”

At that moment, the vampire has fixed his eyes on the hunter’s right side, where the whip is hidden behind his coat.

More so, the redhead stares at him like he is about to eat him, and that menacing aura around him doesn’t help him either. That’s why he has to distract this vampire hunter’s attention.

Unfortunately for Kyo, the redhead gives him an intimidating look and pulls an oh-so-fearful whip. While pointing the whip at him, the vampire hunter orders. “Make sure that you will be in better shape when we meet again, and if you behave, you’ll be rewarded.”

The brunette cracks a smile and mockingly replies. “Eh~ What are you talking about? How will you ever know whenever I am good or not? Hmm, don’t tell me you’re going to put a tracker on me and check my every step? Tsk, don’t act so arrogant, human- URGH…”

Suddenly, his throat is roughly grabbed by the redhead, who kneels in front of him. Kyo feels his throat can be smashed at any second and notices how the vampire hunter is so close enough to him.

It seems the redhead is losing his patience and says in a stricter tone. “Do not push your luck. I will see any reports of your lowly life if you do even a single wrong step. So, you better listen or else you might be killed like a dog.”

After releasing the vampire’s neck and letting him catch his breath, the hunter gently places his hand on Kyo’s neck and adds in a serious tone, “Other vampire hunters may show up any time. So, I suggest you leave soon.”

In the end, before leaving, he looks at the vampire for the last time and bids farewell. “We will meet again on the next full moon at the same place. So, you better remember it.”

After the chapel doors shuts down, the vampire is left alone, surrounded by the moonlight. Now, the poor creature notices how his clothes are dyed with his blood. But for now, when he frowns and bites his lower lip, he punches the altar wall and growls like a sad animal. “... Damn.”

___________________

And this the end of 1st chapter. So, on next chapter, you'll see how this poor vampire lost his powers and who is responsible for it.