|

||

The world is a dark and cruel place.

In the light, shadows hid like hungry wolves waiting for prey, gnashing and grinding their stained teeth. These shadows salivated at the smallest whiff of life not their own. When skies are blue and bustling, they hide and wait—they wait for night to come. Silence masked their trails, thus no one could pinpoint their godforsaken haven. The humans could only wait if fate had chosen them an ugly death. These humans can't even pray for safety.

Claws scraped the pavements, digging into soft flesh while blood gushed down their long throats. Their esophagus ebbed like pumps as the red liquid would smear their ashen lips. Bones were used as toothpicks, tiny bits that were left of the most ignorant and unfortunate. The poor, poor souls! Losing their way into the night, only to never see the day again. The last thing they could remember would be the horrifying faces of these monsters.

Some were left in such ghastly, misshapen forms that police officers who found them couldn't help but feel pits form in their gut. Welching in disgust at the sight, Detective Izumi called in the officers who were at the scene before he was.

"Have you found anything yet?" He asked, trying to keep his vomit in.

"Time of death, 8:45 pm. Thanks to her ID in her bag, it showed us that she's an employee of a company not too far from here. They close the office at 8 pm. She didn't go for a train ride since the station is on the opposite direction of us, and her heels weren't scraped like she was dragged. She was walking through here. . her killer apparently pounced on her." It was a few hours into the night, and the moment the sun left the horizon, deaths like this appeared boldly in alleyways and quiet places. There were no witnesses, no evidence of the killer: only that they were psychotic maniacs who feasted on anyone.

Horrifying.

The corpse belonged to a woman in her thirties. She probably was on her way home from work, well, sadly she never got to reach her destination. A chunk of her neck was ripped out violently, teasing what was left of her spine. Her flesh was slashed to the bone, puncture marks all over her. The chest was torn apart like a Christmas present, the heart was gone, lungs violated, and intestines missing. The only good thing was that the body was kept pure with her lower underwear still in place. But again, no ounce of blood was left.

Whoever did this to her made sure she died a most excruciating death possible.

Or whatever did this.

"Isn't this the 21st century?" Detective Izumi muttered exasperated under his breath. His eyes shifted away from the corpse and walked over to another officer who was fighting so hard not to gag.

"Ah, evening detective. Sorry, I can't take scenes like this," the young man admitted and heaved for breath.

"I'll never get used to this either to be honest, Mori-san," Detective Izumi replied, rubbing his nape. "This is the third death this past week. It's been increasing."

"A serial killer?" Officer Mori asked.

The detective shrugged at this comment. He didn't want to believe that it was a human who did this. Who could pull out a chunk of someone's neck like that? From the looks of it, it appeared to have been chomped out. Was a human capable of that? Maybe it was a. . ?

Izumi cut himself off and shook his head at this thought. No, it couldn't be.

A crease formed on his forehead as he walked back towards the corpse. The forensics team has finally arrived and began their initial operation on the corpse. A black body bag was set in place, ready to take in the body. 

In the while, Izumi recalled a memory in his childhood that often haunted him in his dreams. Could the culprit be related to that horrible memory he had in his past? Once they bring the body to the lab for testing, maybe his suspicions will be proven or debunked. Either way, this was far from a normal death.

But somehow fate refused humans the opportunity to determine what lies in the shadows by extending their hands through those who carried their will.

Black sedans arrived in the scene as though they were yakuza bosses, and those who walked out wore raven ink still. A whole new atmosphere was created by these intruders, one of aristocratic and valiant nature. Protests began to arise, even Detective Izumi himself moved to stop whoever had the insolence of invading a crime scene.

"Oi! This is a crime scene handled by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police!" The man yelled angrily. "I need you to leave!" His eyes glared at the closest invader to him who only smirked at his face.

"I apologize to disappoint you once again, but we're handling this case now." The sound of this voice was nothing new to the man. Deep yet feminine, authoritative, and cocky—seductive even.

Now the owner was definitely not a Japanese. A chocolate complexion only turned darker with the blackness of her garments: slacks, overcoat, and boots. Only her shirt was different which was a contrast white. Her white locks tied into dreads with red ribbons intertwined into them. But for an officer of whatever organization she came from, gold jewelry hung in chains around her neck with a vial hanging. Hell, the woman flexed her fingers at him, showing off her decorated slender fingers.

"We meet again, detective," Quinn's suave voice cooed. Then it turned stern: "Once again, the ISCF will be taking this case from you. We have documents here if you want to plead your case, but as always you won't be getting that. So let's skip the formalities and let us take it from here."

"I don't get how the fuck you're taking this case! Or the past cases! None of the killings are stopping and hell, the numbers are increasing!" Izumi fumed as he stomped up to her.

People at the department knew that an angry Izumi would be no good. He may be brawny and tall, but his temper often did not level up to his size. The scars across his arms and skin tell a lot of tales and rumors of violence. His beard had begun to tease out of his wide jawline, with a nasty scar across it.

"We got here first! You can't take this from us!" His fingers itched to grab the woman by the collar, but Izumi knew better.

Quinn knew this and smiled victoriously.

"There's nothing you can do."

Her fingers snapped and her men began taking all evidence from the scene. The policemen were forced off the area swiftly and they strangely were assisted by the men and women in black. They were making sure the TMP didn't take any evidence whatsoever, Izumi took note of this. Some may be relieved to have this case taken off their hands, but those who wanted the truth seethed under their breath with hate and malice. But the world can only offer so much to those who reach out. Sometimes they reject and leave you to suffer in blissful ignorance.

Helplessly, the man could only watch the mysterious ISCF take away the corpse and everything related to the serial murder cases.

* * * * * * * *

Lightning cracked across the brazen dark skies. They only appeared in split-second flashes, contouring the gentle curves of the clouds. With it, thunder pounded in deafening rumbles as though there was a hungry beast looming in the heavens. It seemed almost threatening, befitting the gloomy atmosphere that seemed to have taken over the city.

Classes were finally over, much to the white-haired vampire's relief. Indeed the classes were excruciatingly boring and mundane. The only good thing Subaru could be thankful for is the fact that Akari took her studies seriously and laid no hand on him after their confrontation earlier into the night.

The belittling expression the girl bore for him was a slap on the face. A few months back and throughout his life, no one truly dared to treat him in this way. Thanks to the Sakamaki name, Subaru and his brothers lived the leisure of royals where no one was allowed to disrespect or challenge them (with the exceptions of those who chased after the girl they cared for). What was worse was that none of his brothers bothered to challenge this bitch.

He sighed.

It was 12 am now, Subaru had to leave for work. Work—a reminder that he was no longer the kind of kid basking in the afternoon sun with roses as his company. A reminder that he couldn't sleep just whenever he wanted to. Even during the day, he took on small jobs to survive in the human world. Whether he could be a store clerk or library assistant, Subaru learned to work even if it meant cutting off his own comfort.

He took his belongings as he got up, but felt an ounce of dread on catching Akari's attention. But the girl didn't show any interest in the boy. She herself stood up and left with her human slaves attending to her so willingly and obediently. It was disgusting to watch. But the boy knew it was not his business and fighting her will be useless. As Akari Sokoware had spat on his face: "you're weak without drinking blood."

"Tch."

After seeing Laito and Reiji, Subaru didn't encounter the rest of his halfbrothers. Kanato and Ayato were nowhere to be seen, though the arrogant redhead might have skipped school once again. Kanato. . probably lingering somewhere with his creepy teddy bear.

Fumbling through his pocket, Subaru glanced at the motorcycle key his older brother had given him. He frowned upon it, remembering his brother's awkward sense of concern. After the incident, Reiji seemed to have adopted a more cautious and paranoid perspective on things. It wasn't like him. But now wasn't a good time to worry about such intricacies. The bike was supposed to be at the back of the school, as Reiji had instructed him. So, instead of heading to the main entrance, the boy headed towards the other gate.

Students were still lingering around the hall, somehow deciding to chat with their friends despite the unholy hour. Laughing, smiling—an annoying sight to witness. Perhaps he was just bitter, only he knew. The walk to the back seemed long, and the whole while the boy ignored every single being in his path. He pretended they didn't exist and kept his hands into his pockets.

He was almost out when he caught a glimpse of a rare sight: Shin Tsukinami picking a fight with Akari.

Akari's slender wrists were caught in the bespectacled boy's claws, and the mochi-haired chick was fighting to pry herself off. Shin was one of the most annoying bastards Subaru had met. Their first meeting was a sour one, and the boy despised the memory of it. He could've left for work immediately, but the curiosity of seeing Akari kneeling for the forgiveness of a founder itched in his mind.

Perhaps now the bitch would be forced off of her high pedestal.

"I'm one of the first blood!" The bespectacled narcissist was spouting. "My brother may have let you do what you want, but too bad I'm not him!"

"You're embarrassing yourself, Shin Tsukinami," Akari snarled threateningly. "I don't have time for pathetic swine like you! Now unhand me!"

"Bitch, you humiliated us and for that, I'll teach you a lesson! I will have you bow to me; this is how things should be!" Shin cackled, snapping his fingers.

Mists of black and red formed by his sides. Slowly they took the appearance of wolves, their eyes glowed a menacing yellow. Consciousness came to them and allowed them to growl as though they were actual manifestations of the creatures. The expected reaction should be fear, but Akari didn't express such. Instead, she sighed exasperated and began to chastise the supposed founder as if he was a little boy:

"Are you going to have your dogs maul me, Tsukinami-kun? Here in school?" Akari scoffed. "It's amusing how impulsive you are for a 'founder' like that title even matters anymore."

"What did you just say?!" Shin grabbed Akari by her hair and pulled her face closer to his, seething and growling at the girl. She only glared back with no fear in her eyes, frustrating him immensely.

"It's the truth isn't it? Everyone knows that there are only two founders left and both males at that. Being here. . . confirmed it. If I were to guess. . that girl who died last year was supposed to be the mother of a new generation of founders, but unfortunately, she was murdered."

"You're making up shit!"

"Yui Komori." That name stiffened Shin, but Subaru who was listening found himself quivering in his place. Not even his own brothers would say her name. "Girl of unknown origin, yet three groups of vampires wanted her. Sadly, none of the humans I've controlled know why. But it'll be interesting if I found out, yes?"

Shin immediately shoved the girl away, anger boiling his blood. He wanted to scream, shout, cry—make this pain leave his broken heart. Run, leave! The boy thought, but he stood still. . trembling like a child in front of a monster.

"How disappointing." Akari tilted her head at him, flashing an amused grin. She began to circle around the boy, slithering her hand along his shoulders. "You don't have the levelheadedness or the sensibility your dearest *onii-chan. Nor do you have the power he does don't you? Perhaps though. . you might grow into a stronger vampire than he is. I could smell death emitting from him. The kind of smell I detect from a dying man."

Now her words struck a cord there. But the girl wasn't done. Her expression turned dark as her words continued to bombard Shin: "You lived in your brother's shadow, nothing surprising really. It is only natural that the weak stay under the wing of the strong like baby birds growing continuously under their mother's wing. Yet they don't leave the nest, continuously depending on their dearest mother. In your case. . your dearest brother."

"Tsk! You sound like you did your fucking research, bitch!"

"What if I did?" Akari smiled. "Well, I'm not here for any of you if that's what you're assuming right now. You boys are of no value to me. There's nothing to your name. Sakamaki or Tsukinami. But I'm sure none of the humans I'm controlling are disrespecting any of you in some way or another. Not to mention you're free to drink their blood. Is it possible you've become like Subaru Sakamaki? Detesting the thought of drinking blood—

"Pitiful." 

Her impudence was like wood to the fire burning inside Shin. The words that came out of her fleshy lush lips stabbed the boy in several places that he sunk to his knees and buried his face into her skirt. Akari didn't understand his predicament at all, but Shin couldn't find the words to describe it to her. The value of his own name was called to question and it stung. Why should he defend himself any more to her poisonous voice?

Akari slid her slender fingers into his pale candy-orange hair and stroked him as he buried his face into her thigh. She could feel his hands squeezing her legs, his nails digging into her skin. But she doesn't flinch; continuously stroking his mane as though she felt no pain. 

"I don't understand how important this human was to you. But a vampire shouldn't cry over a mortal. They're fragile like porcelain dolls whilst we live for an eternity. We live off of their blood, creating bonds with them is forbidden. You should go home, Tsukinami-kun. As I've told you before, I have somewhere I need to be. I don't know why you want to fight me, I'm not the boss around here. I'm simply. . doing what I want."

"Why are you here then?"

"I told you, I'm not here for you. None of you boys are worthy."

Subaru who has been listening to them this whole time couldn't take it any longer. He retched over Shin's frail spirit, allowing his hate for the bespectacled boy to grow. And for Akari Sokoware. . she was detestable. Some day, the white-haired boy swore, he will find a way to make her beg for her life.

He went on his own way, found the bike in the back as Reiji promised. The sight of it made Subaru's eyes widen.

It was a massive bike sleek in its design. Completely blue with the exception of a  few black parts. The fairing cowl was menacing and wide, and the seat in the back seat high. Subaru knew this was not his first bike, but he's broken all the rest. This was a new bike he recognized in the posters all over Tokyo, said something about being the latest item for any motorcyclist's wishlist. Anyone with an insane check that is. So, Subaru couldn't help but feel a little nervous riding this bike. What was Reiji thinking to buy him an expensive piece of junk like this? But he did feel a little grateful, with this Subaru would spend less time walking and get to places a lot faster. A helmet waited for him on the seat, which the boy took carefully. It was so new, the boy could see his own reflection on the visor.

He could only hope the bike would last with him.

Once the boy opened the gate, Subaru hopped on. He placed on his helmet then popped the key in which he turned on the ignition. Instantly the engine awoke under his command, and its lights turned on. Without turning off the breaks, Subaru leaned forward and revved his ride, and—and oh hoh! the rev made a beautiful sound. It had a mellifluous growl to it, deep and rumbling.

An excited grin curled on his lips over this gift. A little fire of a ride shouldn't hurt, he thought. Before Subaru knew it, he was careening down the streets from school. 

Lights blurred along his sides, they turned into streaks of color around him. Thanks to the ungodly hours, no other vehicle in the road blocked his way. The roads were his to conquer. But he wasn't the only one awake.

An eerie figure stood on the gargoyle waterspout of one of the city's skyscrapers, watching the city as though he was king of the world. He whiffed the air, breathing it in deeply before exhaling his glee. His overcoat swayed against the wind, flapping and waving. His appearance was ominous with the moon behind him, defining his silhouette against its light. As black as he may appear to be, his eyes glowed a bright red and they have fallen upon the boy, a victim of ignorance.

The man wasn't alone. 

Demons of the night accompanied him with their mouths salivating for blood. Their bangs bore ferociously, ready to pierce through any form of flesh. They had blood smears on their faces, proof of earlier violence. The night was far from over, and so were their deeds. And they were as ashen as before as their sole purpose is to merely wreak havoc and spread terror. This man—a conductor—was about to change Subaru's path forever.

"Now. . go hunt!"

What lies in the shadows are monsters—

Monsters people must not see.

~~~

Number of words: 3294

*onii-san (お兄さん): big brother (or a young gentleman), or onii-sama, or onii-chan. From ani (兄).

This chapter is dedicated to atinsw who's been with this book for a really long time, if not even during the first one! Yes, our old redheaded Akari is gone, but I'm glad you like this new one better!

Here is Kiss Shot, a character from a long-ass vampire series xD

What do you guys think? Sorry, there's barely any action here, but I did introduce Detective Izumi, Quinn, and Shin, and that man.

You'll be seeing more of Detective Izumi, because he'll be playing a vital role in the story. Quinn is actually Louise from the previous version! I decided to change her name because Quinn sounded cooler, plus she's got white hair instead. And Shin was a little weak here, but I promise he'll be more badass in the later chapters. 

Then the man. . . well, we'll def see more of him!

Please tell me what you guys think of this sort of filler chapter? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated <3

Ah, I'll briefly advertise my works in case you haven't checked them out! If you guys are into Haikyuu! I currently have two fanfics with my fave bois:

Here, Kuroo is in second year college!

Here, Tsukishima is a second year high schooler <3

If you want a mystery-psychological take on the Boku no Hero Academia universe, here's:

Then if you want a different take on the Naruto universe with a zombie apocalypse, here's:

I'm sorry I'm advertising my babies because they need more love :'> The number of parts isn't equal to the number of published parts btw! Those are mostly drafts :0

Anyways, love you all and thank you for the support you have given me. I just hope you guys enjoy reading what I write <3

- Rai