Vampire's Kiss

First of all, thank you so much for 400 hits! ❤❤❤
So, surely, more than glad for seeing such a support ^^.
Dear, as for this chapter, this time I tried to edit it with a newly found addon(Hopefully, it didn't cause more trouble than use). More so, I tried to emulate the personal experience against the current mini-boss. In Castlevania series Giant Bat was pretty much in every game, however, it never failed to impress(either in Dawn of Sorrow as a swarm of the bats, either as fearful as in Symphony of the Night or Rondo of Blood, hell even in Harmony of Dissonance) So, I tried to mix up this monster's abilities from mentioned games and hopefully, the fighting scene will be pretty decent.
As always,
Enjoy!

P.S. can you spot a Fullmetal Alchemist reference in this chapter? The answer will be at the end of the chapter.
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Update: revisited and updated at 2025/08/29

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As soon as the sun was hidden behind the forest, two travelers set out on a new journey.

The cloudless night is still young and accompanied by the platinum moonlight and stars. One may say it’s a perfect night for the new hunt, but one vampire doesn’t show as much excitement or enthusiasm as the fearless hunter.

When they reach the middle of the forest, the nocturnal creature asks him. “And what kind of monster exactly are we looking for?”

Without looking back, Iori replies. “To the very first one we’ll encounter.”

While continuing to keep his hands in his jeans pockets and following the redhead, Kyo only cracks a smile and asks him in a playful tone. “Are you sure about that? What if we encounter a low-rank monster like a zombie or skeleton? Are you going to praise me as much as if I had slain some arch-demon?”

Finally, the vampire hunter turns his head and patiently replies. “First, make sure you defeated someone and then you can boast about it. If you may start whining and struggling, I’ll interface and kill it for you. However, you’ll get no reward, and I’ll put you through more intense training.”

After the brunette gets closer to Iori, he starts teasing him. “It seems someone really cannot get enough of me~ You know, a session or two and you’ll be under my foot. I already memorized what you can.”

When Kyo is in front of the hunter, he thrusts his chest, and a little flame sparks in his eyes. “Just wait and watch how I gonna masterly defeat anyone who stands in my way!”

But now, he raises his eyebrow. “But what did you prepare this time? Anyway, I hope that you’ve been taking care of yourself properly because it’s been a while since you let me suck your blood.”

After closing his eyes and sighing, Iori opens his eyes and makes an unusual smug look.

Surely, it makes the vampire widen his eyes and swallow saliva.

As Kyo steps back, he asks the hunter in a slightly shaky voice. “What is it with you? Is there anything wrong?”

However, the redhead only stares at him, and after a pause, he comments. “You keep asking for my blood most of the time. Is it that good?~”

It seems the nocturnal creature is surprised by such a question, and he is not sure whether the hunter is teasing him or not.

After Kyo briefly lowers his gaze, he makes a shyer look and explains, while his cheeks turn a reddish color. “It cannot be helped if you seem to have a nearly perfect balance of minerals and nutrients. Therefore, it just tastes so good. Plus, it has a pleasant scent… Maybe too good for you to have.”

Now, he declares while keeping a serious look. “So, you better take care of yourself! Because when I’m having your blood, I can perfectly sense if you’re sleeping or eating enough.”

When the brunette steps forward, he places his hand on the hunter’s neck and softens his gaze. “Try relaxing a bit more. It’s better to drink from you when you are not that stiff. Besides, it’s gonna be much easier not only for you but for me as well.”

When the nocturnal creature’s eyes glow crimson, Iori feels his heart may jump from his chest.

Hell, he can even swear that Kyo’s gaze makes him unable to move, as if he is under his spell.

Is the vampire realizing what he is doing to him or not?

Nevertheless, Iori immediately turns his head away and removes the brunette’s hand from his neck.

However, Kyo gives a questioning look and asks. “What is it with you again? Is there anything wrong? If no, release my hand because you gonna crush it.”

When Iori turns his head, he notices that he still holds the brunette’s hand.

After he releases it, he tries to pretend that nothing has happened.

Despite his stoic exterior, Iori’s voice betrays him. “Anyway, we need to go because who knows what you can do next, you stupid vampire.”

No matter how Kyo wants to tease the hunter, he does his best to hold back from it and smiles. “Sure thing.”

In the end, he carelessly follows Iori.

Half an hour has passed in wandering in the forest, but this couple hasn’t encountered anyone.

This place is too quiet, aside from the rustling tree leaves and occasionally running small animals.

Even the vampire stops caring about his surroundings because he knows Iori will warn him if anything happens.

So, relying on this human for a while instead of using his head sounds better. Or so the brunette thinks until he bumps into Iori’s back.

Surely, it makes Kyo frown, and he asks. “Why did you stop? Are we here yet?”

When he takes a step back, he notices that the redhead hunter seems to fixate his gaze on something and looks excited about it.

One thing is for sure: Kyo knows it won’t end well.

After looking in the same direction, the brunette notices on the left side a cave surrounded by the trees.

Now, Kyo sighs and objects to the hunter. “No. Do not think about going into that thing. What if it’s a den of crackheads? So, I’m not in the mood to deal with these freaks.”

However, Iori rushes his step toward the spotted cave and makes the vampire facepalm.

It cannot be helped that Kyo has to ensure his partner’s excitement doesn’t lead to trouble.

After they reach the entrance, which actually looks bigger than expected, Kyo tries to stop the hunter hunter without hiding his concern. “Are you really sure about it? I’ll be fine, but what about you? Because who knows what happens if you get over-stressed again?”

However, Iori replies without looking back. “You should worry about yourself, first. Let’s go already.”

Lastly, as a chill midnight wind rustles the hemline of the redhead hunter’s coat, the moonlight gives the final blessings to this couple entering the cave.

In the beginning, while it is still bright enough to see, there are visible traces of mold all over the walls and dust.

However, the deeper this couple goes, the darker this place becomes; even the air is colder and humid.

While keeping his hands in his jeans pockets, Kyo takes out his hand and snaps his fingers.

As an orange flame dances on his palm, it vanishes the surrounding darkness, revealing the never-ending ancient runes and signs in dark purple on the walls.

After walking for ten minutes, the couple arrive at the end of the mysterious cave, greeted by a gray marble arc with a closed wooden door behind it.

More so, there are a couple of torches ignited by the purple flame on the sides near the stone arc.

On both the left and right sides of this arc, there are dark gray columns. At the top, a large bat with spread wings appears poised to capture its prey, surrounded by intricate yet symmetrical Gothic-style patterns.

Behind the arc, there’s a sturdy gate made from fine oak with a couple of icons of wild beasts that resemble bat faces that bite into round rings big enough to be handles.

As Iori studies the stone arc and the door, he deeply exhales and fixes his hair.

After placing his palms on the gate, he pushes it. However, even if it’s not an easy task, he refuses Kyo’s help and eventually handles this task.

Thus, with the harshly squeaking wooden gate opened, the redhead straightens his back and turns toward the vampire. “Are you going to stand there all night or are you going in? So, after you, vampire.”

Surely, Kyo doesn’t like how the hunter orders him around, but he walks into the dark room with not a satisfied look on his face.

When they both enter inside, one by one, candles hung on the walls are lit up by the dark purple flame in an enormous, pale space, filled with ominous atmosphere and coldness.

It feels like this place was once used by occultists who performed forbidden rituals with the help of the dark forces.

A couple of steps further from where this couple stands, there’s a sill leading to the stony staircase, which is wide enough for three or more people and goes at least a few meters down. Even the ceiling in this place is high.

In the center of the field, there is a large and intricate transmutation circle with a hexagram, in which the center features a silhouette of a bat with its wings spread.

At the end of this area, behind the altar, a tall platform appears, with a couple of meters in height, with a wide golden cup standing on it.

Even on the sides of the altar are placed meter-high silver cups in which a purple flame dances.

Suddenly, the closing gate alerts these two, and the brunette gets into a defensive position. “What the hell?!”

As the door shut completely, an emblem of a white skull wearing a crown and surrounded by feathery wings appeared on it. A moment later, five little flames surround the skull.

Despite that, the vampire does his best by trying to open the door and scolds the hunter. “The hell are you staring at? Don’t just stand there and help me!”

Unfortunately, his hard struggle is vain, but he refuses to give up.

Meanwhile, Iori remains chill and walks down the staircase, expecting Kyo to follow him.

Now, the brunette steps back and slams the gate with his body. Unfortunately for him, it leads to the same result, and the door remains shut.

Then, he raises his hand and snaps his fingers. As the wave of the orange flame hits the door, it ascends into the air and leaves the gate untouched.

When the vampire falls on his knees, he punches the ground and curses. Lowering his head, he whines and wonders whether they are stuck here forever.

However, Iori’s voice makes him lift his head. “Save your breath. Can’t you see that the gate is sealed? We are stuck here until the seal is broken.”

Of course, the redhead’s indifference infuriates Kyo, and he nervously yells at him. “How can you stay so calm knowing this?! What if we’re stuck here until the fresh air runs out, and then you kick the bucket? Like hell I wanna see you slowly and painfully dying on me! Shit…”

The vampire pitifully lowers his head and bites his lower lip.

Nevertheless, the redhead hunter asks him while keeping his poker face. “Are you giving up so easily? Whine when we’ll escape this place. So, climb down and help me to look for any clue how to get out of here, you stupid vampire.”

After these words, the brunette slowly stands up and notices Iori looking for something at the altar.

However, he widens his eyes at seeing how the swarm of vampire bats that hang on the ceiling open their glowing eyes and are ready to attack.

Now, one bat charges at the hunter, but his reaction is faster, and he launches a knife at it.

As the winged creature agonizingly squeaks, it crashes onto the ground and becomes crimson dust. One thing is for sure: it’s not an ordinary bat species.

Unfortunately, there’s no time to wonder.

Now, the entire swarm of bats flaps its wings while observing this foolish human.

When Iori takes the battle stance, he picks his trustworthy weapon – Vampire Killer.

Meanwhile, these rabid creatures fly close to each other and form a black flying mass.

After it spreads its wings, the new creature emerges, which is an enormous bat.

Even if this nocturnal creature screeches at the hunter, Iori shows no sign of fear and grips his whip.

Just when the giant bat is about to aim at the vampire hunter, a loud explosion occurs, making it let out a painful scream.

Apparently, while the brunette stands on the stone staircase, he still keeps his raised hand and is ready to snap his fingers again.

Now, he frowns and addresses the giant bat. “Hey you, back off! I’m over there. So, pay attention to me!”

After the gigantic beast turns to Kyo, it spits a fireball at him.

However, the vampire gracefully dodges it and jumps off the stairs to the right side.

Unfortunately, the fireball follows its target.

Even so, Kyo slashes it with his spread palm.

As the sparkles of the orange flame reflect in the brunette’s eyes, he doesn’t remove his eyes from the ferocious monster.

Now, a bat furiously flaps its wings and wraps its body in them.

Thus, the deadly creature is rapidly spinning like a drill and diagonally dashes at the vampire.

The brunette widens his eyes and rolls to the other side, making the enormous beast crash and drill the ground.

Without wasting time, Kyo moves to the center of this place and observes it standing up on its fours and indignantly squeaks at him.

Thus, the bat jumps high into the air, spreads its wings, and starts flapping them.

At that moment, Kyo is certain that the monster will aim at him, but it collides with the hunter.

Kyo only grinds his teeth and silently growls. As if he let anyone harm this human…

Now, he jumps into the air and sends an ignited punch at it.

Unfortunately, just before the impact, the giant bat turns into a swarm of tiny bats and spreads across the ceiling.

At that moment, the vampire can swear that time has stopped, but he manages to flip in the air and land on his feet.

Meanwhile, Iori holds several knives in his hand and throws them at the dozen bats.

Yet these tiny creatures are quicker than the blade and move aside.

Once again, the swarm of these bloodsuckers gathers and forms a single giant bat.

Now, the deadly creature is aggressively flapping its wings and creates a powerful wind that blows everything from the altar and Iori away, even several of the candles were dimmed instantly.

After the hunter’s back harshly hits the wall, he painfully grunts and falls on his knees and stomach. Even his whip falls from his hand.

Surely, it alerts Kyo and, without hiding his concern, calls Iori’s name. “Yagami!”

Meanwhile, Iori slightly lifts his head and tries to grasp the Vampire Killer.

Despite the quiet dimness in this place, the remaining purple flame is still keeping this place lit enough and reflecting on the vampire’s shining crimson eyes.

That gaze alone warns that this terrific monster is doomed and won’t be forgiven for what it has done.

In the meantime, the giant bat turns to Kyo’s side while staying in the air.

Now, the brunette tosses one of his gloves away and distracts the bat.

Meanwhile, Iori manages to get up, but when he is about to lift his whip, his partner warns him in an unusually chilling and deeper voice. “Stay away! I don’t want you to get more harmed.”

Surely, whenever it’s the acoustics of this place or the vampire’s voice being strong enough to reach every single cell of Iori’s body, but the redhead cannot disobey, and he remains still.

Now, the giant bat opens its mouth and reveals sharp fangs before its body glows in blue.

A couple of moments later, the monster launches itself at Kyo at such high speed.

Nevertheless, the brunette refuses to move aside, and both collide…

The giant creature makes an agonizing screech as its left wing is torn apart by the slashing strike, marking its entire body with the claw strike.

Finally, the blood splashes like a fountain and stains Kyo’s white coat, his face, and hair.

After the bat falls on its stomach, it continues making pitiful and painfully screeching and attempting to get up on its spare wing.

Meanwhile, Iori can swear that he has never seen this vampire with such a cold and merciless gaze observing his target, even his eyes glow red, and his aura is too intimidating and dark.

Hell, if he didn’t know this nocturnal creature, he might tell that it is completely a different entity standing in front of him, but in Kyo’s body.

The vampire may kill anyone who stands in his way without a second thought.

Despite that, the hunter slowly approaches Kyo while gripping his whip. In the end, he wants to know if it is an illusion or if it’s the vampire’s true face.

Even a shaky whisper escapes his lips. “… Kyo.”

However, as soon as the dark energy appeared around the brunette, it instantly vanished, making the hunter quickly blink and shake his head.

Even when the vampire has returned to his senses, this moment is disturbed by the bat’s last screech, and its body is now surrounded by the blue light.

Now, the blue orb leaves the dead creature’s body, and the locked gate is unlocked.

Surely, that’s enough for the hunter to lower his whip.

Meanwhile, the blue orb floats in the air, rhythmically pulsating.

When it shines brightly, it becomes quiet, making the vampire reach out for it.

However, this floating object instantly charges at Kyo and flies around him in all directions.

After it stops moving around the same height as the brunette’s chest, the blue orb violently enters Kyo.

As the vampire groans, he grasps his chest; even his knees are about to give up, but he manages to stand.

Now, as Kyo’s hair is ruffled, he deeply pants and croaks until his sharp fangs appear.

But his empty and aching gaze stares into nothing.

Suddenly, in the middle of his chest, the platinum light in the same shape as his sun-shaped scar breaks through his t-shirt.

A moment later, he collapses on his knees and hangs his head.

At that moment, Kyo can sense how something inside him pulsates and is trying to break free. Hell, each part of him is aching while his vision dyes red and pulsates.

Is he going to suffer again until he passes out? Just what the hell is going on?

Meanwhile, the redhead can hardly watch him calmly. Thus, without a second thought, he rushes at the vampire.

After getting on his knees, he rests his hands on Kyo’s upper arms.

However, the brunette desperately tries to push him away and nervously warns him. “G-get away from me! What if I go berserk? Just finish me while I’m still sane!”

Iori doesn’t say a word and silently objects by placing his hand behind Kyo’s scalp and the other hand behind his back.

When he presses the vampire’s head against his chest and brings him close to him, Iori feels how Kyo trembles like a leaf. Although he hopes it works.

The brunette continues resisting, but he slowly becomes too weak for that. Not because he is exhausted, but because Iori’s breathing and heartbeat alone calm him down.

More importantly, being wrapped in such warmth is so reassuring that it eventually calms the inner pain, and his vision and eye color come back to normal.

Even the vampire’s eyelids are becoming heavier, and he doesn’t mind falling asleep like that.

Finally, the platinum lights dim, and instead of shaking, Kyo starts making quiet purring-like noises.

At the moment, he can swear the hunter’s hand rubs his lower back. However, Kyo decides to let this go through his fingers and stay like this for a while.

After a while, Iori is carefully looking around the altar. After checking the drawers below the altar, he finds a couple of scrolls and old, worn-out textbooks.

Now, as he scans through the pages and the scrolls, he notices that these are written in complicated symbols that were mainly used in astrology, along with illustrations of various transmutation circles, herbs, and other ingredients.

Meanwhile, these texts don’t interest this nocturnal creature, who is next to him. But he is more focused on Iori’s in-depth look at his face.

When the redhead stops flipping the pages, he genially asks Kyo. “What is it with you? Is there anything wrong?”

After receiving no answer from the vampire, Iori exhales and turns his head toward the nocturnal creature.

Now, he calmly explains to Kyo. “Do you know what this is all about? These are alchemy textbooks. But it’s been a while since I have seen them, and, specifically, about this forbidden topic.”

After exhaling, Iori seemingly becomes nostalgic, and he slowly gazes into the distance. “The last time I saw these was around twenty years ago in the study room where my father spent most of his time. As a kid, I didn’t get what it was about, but some of the sinister-looking illustrations let me know that it was something that I shouldn’t know. A week has passed since then, and my mother has died from the years of emotional and physical exhaustion. Then, father got into a deep depression and one day, when I was minding my own business, I saw the study room door open...”

When the redhead closes his eyes and sighs, he slowly opens them and continues his story. “I noticed that inside that room there was a huge mess and all the books and scripts were scattered around. However, in the middle of the room, there was a big transmutation circle and next to it, m father kneeling and placing someone wrapped in a white robe along with several cups filled with different metals and minerals. Just when a corner of that robe slipped, I was shocked that this person looked exactly like my mother. At that moment, I was wondering why my father has dug her grave and took her out.”

Iori only shakes his head and forces himself to continue while trying to remain calm. “After he took a knife and cut his palm, he poured his blood on the corpse, a bit into each cup and on certain spots of the transmutation circle. When he placed his hands on the circle, it began to glow with a golden light. I swear… I have never seen him so excited. However, a moment later, that circle was glowing in a purple color, and my father was terrified. Once the circle stopped glowing, I could clearly see that this thing wasn’t my mother.”

Now, the hunter widens his eyes in terror and covers his mouth with his palm.

However, even when Kyo softens his gaze and is about to comfort him, Iori only nervously shakes his head. “No…”

After shutting his eyes, Iori shakily breathes and tightens his lips. “That creature has burnt to ashes, wrinkled skin and was choking. All I could understand through these pathetic gasps were words like this abomination begging like ‘kill me’, ‘it hurts’, ‘let me die’, and so on. Father was paralyzed in fear when this thing started to scream in agony… And after it started to crawl on its back… It started to tear his flesh… I don’t remember what happened next after I shut my eyes and screamed. All I know is that after I opened my eyes, that fool Yashiro was standing there and shielding me. It was also the first time I met that idiot, who didn’t even change a bit or age a single day since that incident… So, now, I hadn’t expected to see these textbooks again about this taboo topic in alchemy.”

Even after listening to such a story, Kyo softens his gaze at seeing a fearsome hunter like Iori so stiff and clenching his shaking fists.

Now, the vampire closes his eyes and softly smiles at him.

After placing his hand on the hunter’s shoulder, he gently speaks to him. “I see…”

When he rubs Iori’s shoulder, he continues comforting his partner. “Then why don’t we destroy these texts and prevent anyone from trying this ritual? So, pass me these, and let my flame to take care of the rest.”

As the redhead turns to the vampire’s side, he calmly objects. “Has no one taught you that you can’t disrespect the written word, you stupid vampire? We can’t destroy it, even if it’s about the forbidden arts. So, it’s better to hand these to Kagura and let her keep them safely. At least she should know better why these texts need to be hidden from anyone to use them for nefarious purposes. More importantly, we need to know what is happening to your body and why you absorbed that light. So, I don’t want you to die or be killed before you satisfy me in a real fight. That’s why you need to stay alive no matter what. Grab these texts and let’s get out of here. Or do you prefer waiting for whenever to be locked again?”

Surely, the brunette wants to show how his middle finger is aching to be raised and ignited by the small orange flame.

However, in return, the hunter will probably show his whip and bring it close to the vampire’s face.

So, Kyo grabs these scrolls and textbooks and quickens his step.

When he climbs the stairs, he announces in a playful tone. “Wow, you sure are looking forward to me to kick your ass and show your place~ Don’t worry, I won’t go easy on you, but later on, I may be gentle if you beg me.”

Lastly, he impatiently waits for Iori to follow him.

Meanwhile, as the redhead is getting closer to Kyo, he thinks. One thing is for sure, this vampire is too lively and cheerful. Maybe too much.

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Soo, for anyone who noticed the not so well hidden reference to Fullmetal Alchemist, congrats! ^^ And if you didn't quiet get it, I can say, Fullmetal Alchemist was one of most fav animes, plus it made such a huge impact on me when I first saw it nearly 10 years ago(well, I started with 2003 anime adaption and later on watched the Conqueror of Shambala and then :Brotherhood and read the manga). So, I added at least that part what happens when you break the taboo - reviving the death, and, of course, the underestimating the main rule of alchemy - the equivalent exchange. Plus, if we're talking about the resurrecting the dead, then after years ago reading S.King's ''Pet Sematary'', I pretty much saw what could lead the main protagonist's selfish wish to revive his dead cat and later on his dead child. Surely, poor Churchil(sorry, but I only know how this cat's name was spelled in Lithuanian language) the cat, cos this was the only character I felt bad for T^T So, even if the resurrection was ''successful'', but it wasn't the same cat as it was or would be any close to that...Anyway, in this case, it seems that Yagami's father was too desperate and broke the taboo. Later on, even paying a high price...

For now, that would be all. So, as usual - See you next time!~