I will tell you how I came to be,

I will tell you how they killed me

 

Between Heaven and Hell

I was torn between them well

 

My people born banished from the sun

They ruled day and night, but now they run

 

I swore alliance to the one I hate

But I was tricked and now it's too late

 

I became friends with my enemy

And they became a friend of me

 

I left my people behind

But only for a temporary time

 

I'll tell you who killed me

I'll tell you how I came to be

 

 

Chapter 1: The Moon Descends

 

 

 

          Artemis, goddess of the moon had lived in the heavens almost all her life. Born a goddess her fate decided part way she lived an interesting life, but apparently it was not interesting enough for her. Like many of the other female goddesses, she wanted a child. But children could not be born in the heavens and goddesses could not leave their sanctuaries whenever they felt. And those who lived in realms they had rules just as well. But Artemis had been wanting for a very long time; each goddess had their turn at freedom every millennium. This year the moon and stars had been fighting on who got to go this time.

 

          These two powers currently challenged the other gods and goddesses for the right to go. To decide who would go if any would go at all the counsel was called in. Everyone was not acquired to attend but attendance was usually almost always 100 percent. As Artemis and Varda, the star goddess approached the head counsel members. Among them were Jidai, god of time, Someisa, goddess of wisdom, Seibutsu, goddess of life, and Kenryoku, god of power. Seibutsu lead the counsel, she had been around the longest and actually had created some of the current gods or goddesses. Most didn't disagree with or challenge her accept the death god but he was currently managing hell and the demon realm.

         

          As counsel came to order Seibutsu stood to look down at Artemis and Varda. For a few moments she smiled at each of them, already she had decided. While she exchanged words with the other members; Artemis and Varda exchanged happy looks at one another. When Seibutsu had finished they all stood and spoke in unison. "The counsel has decided that both the star and moon goddesses will depart for the realm world, but they both will be going to the same realm. The decision of the realm will be our choice." As the other three voices faded Seibutsu spoke alone. "This is the current situation. Currently the demon realm has grown too big and has no godly figure to govern them. You Artemis..." She said looking at Artemis, “Your child will be the spawn of a new race; they will be born a demon of course but will become new in their generation to come. This same child will be a new god or goddess, I'm entrusting you will this power to make your child a godly figure when the time is right. You have 15 years to do this; extra time will have to be made up as my sprite. You are dismissed." With that Artemis was teleported to the demon realm. Varda's child was to be the first demon goddess and the new ruler of the demon realm. She was also teleported to the demon realm. Taking the appearance of two types of demons they set out to find love, do what expected of them, and hopefully bring that love back to the heavens with them.

 

 

Chapter 2: Into the Hellish Region

Artemis meets Arashi

 

         

          Alone now Artemis was in the middle of Hell, the actual hell where the death god himself lived. She wasn't worried about him though. As she looked at her current form, she noticed nothing too different. Except that her skin was darker than its usual bleached color and that she had a hell demon's tail. Gulping she looked around and everywhere she turned there were hell demons. Males, females, and children of all sizes. After coming to her senses again, she tried to take in a few things. As she watched them, she seemed to notice that all the males were big and buffed, including teenaged males. The females were normal looking so it seemed until she really looked and saw that all of them, teenaged to elderly were very well curved. 'None are straight up and down,' Artemis thought as visions of human girls appeared in her mind.

 

          As she thought about it more she started to walk and explore the place. While walking she noticed plenty of males but none that interested her. So instead of trying to work herself she took in the features of the region. The first thing she noticed was that there was no sun. 'Apollo would hate it here,' she thought while giggling to herself. Continuing on she didn't notice that a particular hell demon had started following her. It wasn't until a running woman knocked her to her feet.  On the ground now, Artemis swore quietly. When she had let off enough steam she looked around to see if anyone had cared if she fell. While she was looking she noticed a large black tail swishing beside her. At first she looked to her left and saw nothing, then her right, then finally up. Surely enough standing over her was a male hell demon.

 

          When she stared into his silver eyes through her golden ones, she thought of what to do next. But before she could she felt herself being lifted to her feet. "Are you okay?" said a rich deep voice behind her. When she didn't answer he came to face her and asked again, "Well are you okay?"  Afraid now Artemis still didn't answer, she only looked into his eyes frozen in his slightly annoyed glare. Sighing he didn't ask again. "You must not be from around here," he said as he noticed the crescent moon on Artemis's forehead, "I can't figure out who you are but I will. You're not going to speak to me are you?" Still Artemis said nothing but she did however move back. In doing so the demon moved forward. "You can't run," he said smirking, "No female runs from Arashi."  "Arashi?” Artemis said quietly as she thought about it. "You are Arashi? The storm god?"  Still smiling Arashi nodded, "Is that a problem Artemis?" "But how?" Artemis said puzzled. "How did you figure out who I am?" "The marking on your forehead gave you away," He replied. "Oh okay...well I got to uh go somewhere" Artemis said trying to get by him, but before she could he took her into his arms. "I told you... No female runs from me," Arashi said barring his fangs.

          She thought to scream but the scream never came. Only the pain of Arashi's fangs sinking into her neck. Only the sound of his laughter as she hit the ground. And only the last thing she saw, the glowing of his silver eyes.

 

 

 

Chapter 3 : The House of Arashi

 

 

 

         
          Many hours had pasted since Artemis had lost consciousness. When she woke she found herself in a bed inside someone's home; she had figured out who but wondered why. As Artemis sat up in the bed she felt her neck for the place she had been bitten and to her surprise there was nothing; not a bruise, not a wound, not even a bandage. Puzzled she turned to the edge of the bed to think.

 

          While pushing back the deep blue hair that hung over her face, she sighed silently as Arashi entered the room. Refusing to be afraid she let her golden eyes meet his, but all he did was smile at her and hold out his hand. Reluctantly she took it and was pulled gently to her feet. "What do you want with me?" Artemis said quietly as she let her eyes wonder elsewhere. By then the smile had vanished and the once cruel look in Arashi eyes had too faded. "I don't want anything with you." He said as he tilted her chin so that she was looking at him again. "I want you." With that he kissed her before she had time to react and Artemis not wanting to go through the pain she had before, stood there and took it. To her own surprise she kissed back, she'd never been kissed before. So this time was her first and she was enjoying it.

          As the kiss deepened she felt drawn in and drew herself in. Wrapping her arms around his neck she didn't think as he pulled her closer so that their bodies leaned against one another. Normally she would've been afraid of such advances, after watching what happened to the human women time and time again, but she couldn't help but want for this feeling. She couldn't help it if she liked the way she felt in Arashi's arms and for a while all they did was hold each other and kissed.

          The fire between them was raging as they began to explore one another. When the kiss broke Artemis was leaning on Arashi for support, figuring this Arashi lifted her and put her in the bed beside them. No longer thinking, she let him crawl in beside her. Pulling each other close they began the kiss again. They weren't in a hurry they took their time. As they did away with their clothes, the sky darkened outside. Into the night they stayed in that bed, doing what lovers do. No interruptions, no disturbances at all, only sounds of pleasure could be heard until moon fall.

 

          The very next day, Artemis woke first, with the cover of only a sheet she left the room to seek what she always does when she wakes and that was food. As she entered the next room, she found herself at a staircase. Stopping at the edge she thought to herself, ‘I’m going to fall, I can just feel it.’ Remembering how Apollo would always push her when she was near stairs she took a second to look behind her before making her way down the steps. At the middle now her thought became reality when she stepped on part of the dragging sheet and starting falling forward. Artemis could’ve teleported to the bottom, too in shock as she was flying head first to the floor that didn’t come to mind. Just before she hit the floor she covered her eyes as if to hide from it, but surprisingly the floor and her face never met.

 

          When she didn’t hit the ground she opened her eyes and looked around, then at the arm that was holding her. It was Arashi’s. “So,” he said while putting her on her feet, “were you planning to break your neck or did you forget how to fly?” Embarrassed now Artemis didn’t answer, only continued her search for food. “Hey where do you think you’re going?” Arashi said appearing in front of her. “Um, to eat?” She said as she stepped aside to get by.  “No you’re not,” he said pinning her to the wall. “But I’m hungry,” Artemis said holding her stomach. ”Give me my morning kiss and I’ll make you something.” Said Arashi grinning. “I don’t wanna kiss you,” she said turning the other cheek, “you probably didn’t even brush your teeth.” But he kissed her anyway and led her to kitchen.

          “So you gonna eat naked too?” he said laughing as he took something out and started making it. ”Nope,” she said as she snapped her fingers and made herself fully dressed. “Aw, I wanted you to stay naked,” Arashi said while pouting, “so when you wasted something on yourself, I could lick it off.” Crossing her arms she didn’t care, “you’re lucky I’m hungry.”  “Uh huh,” he said laughing as he brought two plates to the table Artemis was sitting at and sat one down in front of her.  Arashi started eating immediately while Artemis stared at the food. At first she was wondering if she was hungry enough to eat was what in front of her, then while watching Arashi eat she figured if he was eating it she could too. So she picked up a fork and lifted some food off the plate, sniffed it and then tasted it. After careful consideration she finished the whole plate in under a minute. Arashi who was watching all of this had stopped his fork halfway and stared, when Artemis noticed this she gave him a puzzled look and asked him what was wrong. Shaking off what he'd seen he continued eating and shook his hand at her. 'He wasn't kidding when he said she could eat,' Arashi thought while glancing at the empty plate across for him. Sighing silently he finished eating and thought of how he'd ever get enough for her alone to eat.

 

          While looking at his own empty plate he didn't see Artemis get up and when he noticed her missing he got up too. "Artemis?" Arashi said wondering if she had run away. Worried that he'd lose the woman he loved before he could even tell her. Arashi left the kitchen and headed into his living room. But just as he reached the front door Artemis came out of nowhere and leaped on to his back. Arashi, not having been ready for the surprise attack lost his balance and fell on his face. "Uh oh," Artemis said as she rolled on his back and sat beside him, "I'm sorry. Are you okay?" A few seconds later she heard some grunts and watched as Arashi rolled over on his back.

 

          At first he wanted to swear at her for knocking him down in first place, but the worried look in her eyes quickly changed his mind. Instead he sat up and nodded when she asked again. There was a little distance between them now; Artemis sat quietly staring at the floor not knowing what to say. "Come here," Arashi said motioning her to him and to his surprise she crawled over to him. Not having anything else to say he took her into his arms and just held her. In his mind he thought of all the conversations he had with her brother Apollo and all the those times he had wanted to approach Artemis but was never allowed, he also thought of the marriage of his sister Ikazumi and Apollo. He remembered how envious he had been of her and how he held deep regret afterward. But of all his thoughts Artemis was the most important. Artemis was the one he wanted and Artemis was the one he had love for, the only one. Just her no one else. And it would be his goal to tell her, even if she didn't like it, even if she didn't love him back, and even if it left him with a broken heart. As he continued deep into his thoughts, Arashi didn't notice Artemis was holding on to him as well. When he did notice, he saw that she had dozed off in his arms. As he watched her sleep, he admired her beauty the way only a lover could. Smiling he pushed the stray hairs away from her face and kissed her forehead. When she did not move he figured she hadn't slept much last night, so as careful as he could he lifted her and carried her back to the room where they had slept the night before. After laying her in the bed, he pulled up a chair, sat beside the bed, and starting reading a book. And every now and then he'd look at her while she was still sleeping and he'd think about the way he felt...and hope she'd feel the same way too.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4 : Time together

 

 

 

          As noon approached, Artemis rolled over in the bed she found herself in her first night here. Sitting up now she looked to the corner of the room where she found Arashi sleeping with a book in his lap. As she wondered to herself she slid from the bed and out of the room. She knew she shouldn't leave so unexpectedly but she was brought here against her will and what did he care anyway. Maybe all he wanted to do was sleep with her. Although despite that something compelled her not to go. At his front door now she stood there just staring at it.

 

          Meanwhile back in the room Arashi had woken and realized that she wasn't there. Swearing silently he went to go downstairs but before he took any steps downward, he saw her standing at the front door. 'Damn,' he thought, 'she's gonna run' Thinking ahead he spell locked the door. "Artemis, wait," He said practically running down the stairs. Artemis now startled immediately tried to open the door and after seeing that she couldn't she ran for the kitchen. But before she could get halfway there Arashi caught her by the arm. "Wait a minute," Arashi said. Struggling now Artemis tried to pull away "Let me go!" she cried. Pulling her closer now Arashi didn't think about what would happen next but Artemis did and before he could dodge it Artemis slapped him.

 

          He would've let go like she wanted him to but his feelings were too strong. He knew in his heart that if he had let go he would have lost her, maybe even forever. And so before she could slap him again Arashi pulled her close to him and held her with almost enough force to hurt her. In tears now Artemis just stood and cried. Cried because there was nothing she could do with him overpowering her. "Artemis listen," he said while trying to calm himself down rather than her, "I didn't bring you here to hurt you and I didn't want to leave before I..." "Before you what?" she yelled. By then he felt his own face become wet and the words wouldn't come. "Before I told you..." he said hesitating, "that I loved you." With that he lessened his grip and backed away. "I'm sorry," Arashi said turning away from her as to not let her see him cry.

 

          In shock Artemis just stood there, now she was at a loss for words and even though she still wanted to leave that feeling that compelled her to stay was still there. So carefully she approached him and saw his tears. She didn't want him to feel hurt so she decided she'd give him his chance. Though he tried to turn away again she didn't let him instead Artemis took him to her arms and because he wanted this so bad he didn't resist. And as he looked down at her she wiped his tears away smiled and fainted.

 

          When she awoke she expected to be back in that same bed but instead she was somewhere totally different. Quickly she sat up, her clothes were different and the room fiercely colder. "You're awake" Arashi said taking her hand. His voice was so filled with worry that she figured that she had to be in a clinic. As a door opened what looked to be an elderly female hell demon walked in. "Is she ok?"  Arashi asked immediately. "Relax, we wouldn't want it to rain in here," she said chuckling. "You're not funny Saia,” Arashi said now irritated.  Saia now a little more serious look at Artemis. "No worries, she's just tired you must have kept her up last night." She said smiling.  "Knock it off so we can go."  Arashi growled. "Alright, alright," Saia said giggling, "you're free to go." With that she snapped her fingers and Artemis was back in her right clothing and still with her hand in his Arashi teleported them back to his house.

 

          Back in his house now they both stood once again, "I'm so glad you're okay" Arashi said holding her once again, "I'm so glad. I don't know what I would do if anything..." "Oh, stop worrying about me," Artemis said while giving him a playful squeeze, "I've just never stayed up all night before." 'Or heard anyone tell me they loved me either,' she said thinking to herself. Puzzled just a little Arashi almost thought to question the new found trust she had found in him, but as Saia had told him earlier as she gave him some of her usual weird advice, not to question everything.

 

          'Oh Saia,' Arashi thought, 'you've always been there for me and strange as you are I'll always love you...Mother.' "Say who is Saia," Artemis said as she broke Arashi from his thoughts, "her name it sounds so familiar." "She's the faerie goddess," Arashi said as he took his arms from around Artemis, "And my mother." "You're mother," said the surprised Artemis, "but what is she doing here in Hell?" "Hm, well you see all the faeries are currently living here," Arashi explained, "They used to live in harmony with the humans and their god and goddess. Until a war started because the beliefs of humans changed. They no longer believed in my mother's people or my mother. The human god and goddess didn't want to deal with the war so they chased my mother and her people away. With no place to go Saia pleaded with Seibutsu to help them. Seibutsu agreed to build them their own world and let them say in Hell until it was done." "We're you born then? And does that make you a faerie?" Artemis questioned. "I was around after they made it here but that doesn’t make me a faerie. With gods and goddesses race of the child is determined by the father and mine was a hell demon. My sister however was and still is a faerie." "Well okay but what about the humans? Did they not get punished?" Artemis asked. "Seibutsu told my mother that their punishment would come when another race spawned from their own." "Oh okay," she said sounding clueless and having totally forgot about what Seibutsu had told her.

 

          "Anyway," he said sighing, "it'll be night time soon and you haven't seen much of Hell since well...Um yeah you haven't seen much so I'm going to show you." So smiling he took her hand and led her outside. Since yesterday she hadn't been outside and with the everlasting twilight she was willing to take in as much as she could. As they strolled outside Arashi's yard they joined the other hell demons who continued on their way. "So where are we going anyhow?" Artemis said as she took hold of his arm instead of his hand. "Well downtown where we first met," Arashi replied while smirking. "Oh there," Artemis said suddenly remembering the pain.  "You don't want to go?" he questioned as the smirk faded. Sighing she shook her head, "no it's fine." "Good," Arashi said excited now, "I have so many places I want to show you!" So without further delay Arashi picked up his pace and practically dragged Artemis around town.

 

 

 

Chapter 5 : Life within the Storm

 

 

 

          It had been a few years since Artemis arrived in Hell and since then she had lived with Arashi as well as grown to love him. Though she hadn't thought about it there were only seven years left and she hadn't done what she had to yet. But ever since the marriage of Arashi and Artemis they had hoped for just what Artemis had came for; a child. But it always seems they tried at all the wrong times. Still they had seven more years to keep trying. Despite their not so good luck they pressed on and made the most of each day with each other. They had no choice because Artemis still had to return to the heavens and her future child nor her husband would return with her at least not right away.

 

 

          A night like most other nights in Hell had come to pass. Artemis was settled in a chair at Arashi's back door. As she glazed in the twilight sky her eyes came to rest on the ever silver glow of the moon and even though she liked Hell just fine; Artemis also liked her home on the moon and to her surprise she missed her twin brother Apollo. Sighing sadly she let her thoughts drift elsewhere when Arashi stepped outside.

 

          Though he had heard the sigh he ignored it and took a seat beside her. He could figure out what was wrong but Arashi knew what good it would do to discuss it. So for the moment they just enjoyed the silence. It wasn't until Artemis stood to go inside; that she felt a sickening feeling come over her. Dizzy now Artemis now had Arashi's attention, "Artemis you alright?" he asked as stood and helped her. "No," Artemis answered while now holding her stomach. "In that case let's go see Saia," Arashi said with worry. "Okay," she replied weakly. With that he teleported them there just as he had done the last few times this had happened.

 

          After pacing the waiting room for an hour Saia finally motioned him in. With a smile on her face she told the couple the good news. Artemis was finally pregnant. Excited and overjoyed Arashi took Artemis into his arms and practically danced around the room. "Okay, okay, enough," Saia motioned they to calm down, "I want you to come see me every first of the month for a checkup. You clear on that?" After putting Artemis on her own two feet Arashi nodded. "Alright, you two be careful," Saia said as she hugged Artemis then Arashi, “I do want grandchildren you know." "Yeah, yeah okay." Arashi said before they departed, "We will."

 

          So for the many months after that they were careful, so careful that every time Artemis felt sick or even hiccupped, she ended up right back at Saia's clinic. Among other things Artemis seemed to need a lot of help doing everything. Going up and down stairs, sitting down, standing up, and even dressing herself as well and keeping her temper. She wasn't used to the strain on her back and often cried a lot about it. But though through all of this Arashi didn't care. He didn't mind at all which is more than any other husband could feel. He was that in love with her and their soon to be bundle of joy.

 

          Life within the storm born into Hell inside the home of Arashi since he himself had a nervous break down when Artemis's water broke. Saia managed to make to them in time. And born into this world was a said to be a vicious baby girl since she did come out fighting instead of crying. Artemis exhausted was put to bed after holding her child. Saia and Arashi however sat downstairs with the newborn. Only after being lectured for seemed to be hours on end did Saia leave and wish them well. 

 

          Now alone with baby Arashi just held her while she slept. After studying what was rightful his he came to noticed a few interesting things. She had no tail which puzzled him. Other things like her blue eyes and night black hair also made him think but he didn't think about it too long. He was just happy, just happy that she had finally made it. "Mine, you're all mine," He said to himself smugly, "Tsukimono, my little possession." As he looked at her a moment longer he noticed a marking on her forehead, a black cross and for a moment her eyes opened and glowed red. Gulping he decided not to questioned it or mention it to her mother.

 

          Over the next few days Arashi knew it'd be just be him and the baby who he named Tsukimono, but Artemis had added onto it making it Tsukimono Morina Tsuki. Although she didn't like the name Tsukimono, which meant devil possession but Artemis couldn't persuade Arashi so she let it go.  And so since Artemis had no strength to move she stayed in bed while Arashi took care of everything. With the door closed Artemis heard nothing but outside there was chaos. The baby did nothing but scream, not cry, scream. When she wasn't eating she was screaming, when she wasn't sleeping she was screaming. As for Arashi he didn't know what to do, he'd tried everything. He'd read to her, bought things for her to play with, and even tried to give her money. By the end of the day he was exhausted and then and only then would she sleep.

 

          Midnight now and Tsukimono was screaming again but this time around Arashi was too far gone in sleep to hear her. Luckily Artemis had regained all her strength and slipped from the bed to check on her screaming infant. She hadn't seen her since the day she was born and felt the need to get to her quickly. When Artemis neared the crib the screaming subsided. For a few moments she and the infant exchanged gazes before Artemis reached in and took the baby into her arms. To Artemis it felt all to right, she was heaven and even better the infant took a liking to her as well. "You're father might have named you Tsukimono but I'm going to call you Morina," Artemis said as she scrolled out of the room and downstairs. On her way to the kitchen the baby had become irritated. "Must be hungry," she said to herself, "You and me both."  After both having been well fed Artemis gathered a few things Arashi had bought, put Morina in a stroller and left.

 

          The daytime hours were always twilight the nights was normal. It was dark outside but the glow of a full moon provided enough light even though Artemis could see even the darkest of darks. They didn't walk far because the moon would go down soon. That and Artemis didn't want Arashi to worry. Though on their way back in the house they met a worried Arashi anyway along with a million questions. In the end all he got was a kiss and 'I'm fine'. Among the many things she didn't tell him was that she'd saw her child's true form just as he had and finally remembered what was to come in the future.

 

 

 

Chapter 6 : The Calling

 

 

 

          Three years had pasted which meant Artemis had only two years left to spend with her child and husband. Artemis made it her business to tell Arashi back when she first got pregnant to tell him what was going to happen although she failed to mention the race thing until after Morina had grown fangs and used them on him, he still took it well even after the swearing. She didn't want to leave them but she would have to and she knew it'd hurt Morina the most.

 

          Putting her thoughts aside she turned attention to the three year old at her feet. "Mommy!" Morina screamed, "mommy, mommy, mommy!" "Okay," Artemis finally answered, "I hear you." As she bent over to pick Morina up she noticed two little black feathery things on her back. Holding her with one arm, she examined them. "My, oh my," Artemis said smiling, "Wings." 'Just like me,' She thought, 'but you're not ready to be just like me.'  Using a special spell Artemis made the wings vanish along with most of the power that came with them. With that she put a shirt on her and they both went downstairs but instead of Arashi she met Apollo.

 

          "Artemis..." Apollo said extending his arm, "It's time." For moment Artemis didn't answer instead she looked to left and saw Arashi staring sadly at her. Snapping back to reality Artemis stepped back upstairs. She refused to go, not now she still had time here. She wasn't ready to go. "Artemis," Apollo said again, "Don't make this harder than it should be."  With her arms wrapped tightly around Morina and in tears she backed up more. She'd run if she had too. "It's not my time," She yelled, "It's not my time!" Apollo sighed and came up after her and so like she'd plan she ran but Artemis didn't make it far. "Mommy," Morina said, "Where are you going?" "Nowhere if I can help it." Artemis said as she called her sword. "It's not my time damnit." Artemis said and pointed at her brother’s throat. She wasn't thinking anymore she was going to hurt Apollo just to be with her child. Before she could Arashi stopped her just by squeezing a certain place on her wrist. "What are you doing?!" She asked as Arashi struggled with her to take Morina. Neither of them would let go of each other. "Forgive me." Arashi said as he finally pulled Morina away.

 

          Apollo pulled Artemis the other direction and all Arashi could do was watch as his daughter screamed for her mother and as her mother did the same. Apollo eventually pulled his sister outside where his sprites helped him put her to sleep. But before they left Arashi kissed her forehead one last time. He knew he'd see her again but not for years to come. By then it was too much for even him to bear and so he didn't see her off. He just went back to the crying three year old and cried with her.

 

          That night wasn't better Arashi was already having a hard time with Morina. He couldn't get her eat, he had a hard time bathing her, and he felt like she hated him. Although Apollo had explained very well that Seibutsu needed Artemis and Varda, the other goddess who was in Hell back now, he still felt terrible. 'What person lets someone take your mother away,' Arashi thought and for a while he could nothing for Morina, but Saia could. Saia ended up doing everything, everything including helping her son with his own depression.

          In time Arashi eventually let his emotional wounds heal and Morina came to except him as well. She wouldn't let anyone near her except him and Saia. Even if he had to discipline her she still came running back to him. He was all she had left and she was all he had too. And though he now knew her calling would come too, Arashi would raise and keep her safe until then. One thing he didn't know was that when that day came he'd return to the side of Artemis.

 

 

 

Chapter 7 : The Lone Rose

 

 

 

          In the past eleven years Morina grown from a vicious toddler into a vicious adolescent and like mother she had become just as beautiful. Fourteen, now she had been an outcast in school and was beginning to change. Maturity had slapped her when she turned ten and now those fangs she started with had grown much longer. Even worse she had used them on another demon and killed them. No one found out but Arashi knew it was time for her to leave this realm before someone did.

 

          His daughter's lust for blood was punishable in the demon realm as well as Hell. That he had heard about the war god's daughter who had become heir to demon realm and that she and Morina were enemies. Arashi had to get Morina out of this place quickly. So he packed her up and arranged for her to live in the human realm for a while. Little did he know this was her calling and he'd forgotten what Artemis told him long ago. Arashi was more worried for his only child's safety than anything else and so he made haste in getting her out of here.

 

          When he finally had all the preparations done, he saw her off at Hell's only train station to Earth, the human realm. A few tears, hugs, and she was off. From the train Morina waved goodbye, "Bye daddy!" She said as pulled herself back inside the window. As train took off at top speed Arashi turned to leave and as he did ran right into another person, his sister Ikazumi. "What are you doing here?" Arashi said regaining his balance. "I've come to take you to Artemis of course." Sighing she shrugged, "no one ever fills you in all the way do they?" "Apparently not." Arashi said also sighing. "Well come let's go Artemis isn't a very patient girl." Ikazumi said leading him out of the station. "Well come on," She said while spreading her faerie wings, "Did you forget you had wings?" "Oh sorry," Arashi said as he unwrapped his wings. It had but forever since he'd used them but once they both took off he found that they were still decent wings.

 

          Meanwhile on the train, Morina stared endlessly outside at the surroundings. She knew why she was leaving. Her father could fool her. So she killed someone, so what. As she blew a piece of hair out of her face she thought of the princess, the new demon princess. Everyone knew her; she was the death god’s pride a joy or so it seemed. Oh well what did she care anyway, as long as she could get away from home.

 

          Leaning back in her seat, she felt herself begin to change just as she had done as an infant. Only this time she didn't turn back; it was permanent now. To add to that the already frightened demon beside her had slid to the edge of the seat after watching her transform. Slowly edging towards the door the demon female crept but soon as her hand touched the door knob; she found herself staring into the unblinking red eyes of Morina. "Where do you think you're going?" Morina said smiling as well as showing her abnormal fangs. The demon never answered only thought to scream, though before she could Morina had her by the throat, choking her.

 

          Morina's intention wasn't to kill her, at least not yet. So after lessening her grip, she spell locked the door and watched the girl crawl into a corner; there is where she stayed until nightfall. By midnight the train had crossed into the human realm and would be stopping within the next hour. At that point the frightened girl had watched Morina fall asleep and tried to make her escape once more. As she stood she found out how asleep Morina wasn't. Pressed against wall she was, with Morina pressed against her.

 

          "You didn't think you could leave did you?" Morina said smiling, "You're all mine." Slowly she began to stroke the girl's face, then her hair down to her neck. By then the demon girl was in tears but remained silent as she watched her captor's fingernails become claws and those claws, Morina's claws, gently stroked her elsewhere; almost as if she were interested in the demon girl sexually.  Morina had however been just teasing her, delaying the inevitable. "Well sweetie, I'm afraid I'm little bored now," Morina said now practically in the girl's face, "Time to say goodbye." By surprise the demon girl found herself locked in a very convincing kiss, so convincing that when Morina let up she was out of breath. Unable to think the girl let her body sag against the wall. Morina pressed off of her and had begun to lick her neck, then sucked on it, and finally bit into it.

 

          Ready to fight now the girl tried to push Morina away but with her transformation she had acquired more strength than the usual demon had. Her efforts were useless and slowly her life force was being drained. Her arms fell at her side limp, her legs shaking as they felt the weight of her dying body, and finally her last breath as her eyes, still open became motionless. When Morina let up the girl fell to the floor immediately. Satisfied Morina cleaned herself up and as the train began to slow down Morina kneeled beside the dead girl. Placing a hand on her forehead, Morina then drained the raw power out of her and made it her own. When she finished the train had come to a complete stop and the girl had become a piled of bones and skin. Morina got up and made her way with her things of the train. Once off the train, the train itself took off. She then took a deep breathe and said, "Bye bye Hell and hello Earth."

 

 

Chapter 8 : Mysterious... Forest of Silence

 

 

          Upon arriving, other than the harsh brightness, Morina felt overwhelmed by the stink that filled the air. "Humans, oh my god they stink." Morina said as she pinched her nose. At the moment no people were around but even still the stink was still there, so after vanishing her things she pulled out a fan and an umbrella. The umbrella was to shield her from the sun; the fan to help her breathe. It wasn't easy for any demon to live more or less visit Earth because they'd never had to deal with a sun. Morina especially felt her own skin burning since she was a demon after all.

 

          Continuing on her way she came across a sign. The train had put her off in the middle of a forest just like she expected but this sign meant there were people nearby. The sign read, ‘Welcome to Wallachia, the second largest town of Romania.' "Romania?" Morina said puzzled, but a sudden crash nearby turned her attention elsewhere. Scrolling carelessly over, she came across to be some dead animal. No longer interested, Morina continued into the town.

 

          Aside from her bleached skin and red eyes she fit in well with the humans as long as she kept her mouth closed. That and most of them cared more about the amount of skin she was showing rather than the color of it. Morina didn’t care though, she never cared for much besides the ones she loved. Continuing on her way she decided she'd pass through this town, being that it was the second largest made her want to find the largest. To Morina people smelt horrible but their blood, just the thought made her senses tingle. "The bigger the town the better," she whispered to herself.

 

          It didn't take her long to clear the town of Wallachia and be back in a forest. "Lots of trees," Morina said looking ahead, "but there's still a path for me to follow." As she walked on she could hear nothing but the wind and the sound of her feet walking on the ground. "Damn this place is awfully dead." Morina said as she kicked a pebble. That and it seemed to get more silent as she went deeper. “A forest of silence,” she said aloud. Tilting the umbrella upward she noticed the sun was gone. Putting the umbrella away now she took a deep breathe and exhaled. The smell was gone and she could breathe normal again. Relieved, she decided she’d welcome nature from now on.

 

          When the trees finally broke away, a clearing was where Morina now stood. At the edge of a cliff, she peered down below. Down at the bottom was a river as well as no way down. Figuring she had to jump it, Morina vanished the fan she had still been holding. She could have of flown but something told her not too. So with relative ease she stood on one leg, then pushed forward and glided swiftly across gently landing again on one leg.

 

          The forest path seemed endless so Morina decided she'd use her demon speed. Stopping to look around, she made sure she was alone before taking off at top speed. As she raced upon her way she jump many more ledges, even some where bridges once were. By then, she figured no one had left the town behind her in a long time. Finally slowing by to a walking pace she found herself at a wall. Now Morina knew she could've of did one of two things, jump it or destroy it. Since she didn't feel like jumping upward and having someone see everything under her clothing; she just blew a hole big enough for her to walk through. Though after she walked through it the wall crumbled anyway. Shrugging she kept on going until she reached a drawbridge.

          Looking up at the top she saw some men scurry left and right as if they'd never seen a girl before. At the time Morina was fourteen but she looked about twenty. After pondering a minute or two she watched the drawbridge go down allowing her to now cross.  Unsure, she crossed it anyway and was greeted by several men, several smiling men. She knew why they were smiling; she'd seen the same stupid smile on the face of her so-called boyfriend.

 

          Back then she had a little more heart for men. Back then her heart was still welcoming invulnerability and back then is where it stayed. She wouldn't get hurt again because she showed that pathetic excuse for a boyfriend she had that there was a price for perversion. He paid with his life. So she turned her nose up at all of them without a second thought as she continued forward. Of course none of them bothered her except for one.

 

          A very rather bulky man stood at the exit of what looked to be a castle gate. "Where you going missy?" He said smiling as he looked her over. 'That smile...' Morina thought as realization came into play, 'that fucking smile.' Suddenly the rage built up inside of her as the memory once more replayed before her eyes. She remembered how the date had gone so well and how he took her to a secluded area. Even said he had something to tell her. How foolishly in love she had been, how the simple kiss toppled out of control, how she fought off the lecherous male that she called lover, and how quickly she pumped his life force out of him then left him for dead.

 

          Arashi never questioned what happened when she came walking in late that night, he only took her into his arms where she cried for hours. He knew without ever asking and he knew she'd never be normal again. He was right she was never normal again after that night and she'd never cry over that fool again.

 

          Looking up she kept her rage in check just because she didn't feel the need to have to kill everyone over one jerk. She still had some heart left. "Where I want." Morina politely answered as she took careful detail not to show her fangs. "Well honey," said the bulky man, "To cross through these walls you have to pay. I'm Saithe by the way." Letting the rage fade somewhat she figured he was just flirting and wanted some money, "How much?" Morina asked pulling out a small change purse. "This way miss," Saithe said letting his smile become friendlier. Reluctantly Morina followed him into one of the two towers. 

         

          Inside where stairs spiraling upward and down; they took the one heading downward. Down, down they went not far before Saithe opened a door on the side of them and motioned Morina to go in first; in which she did. After walking to the middle of the room, she stopped to look around. Puzzled she saw a nice sized bed, a few tables, some chairs, and what her heart desired most, food. "Oh my god," Morina said whirling around, "You're going to feed me?!" Now at times like this it would be good to tell someone like her no, but he didn't. So forgetting the smile she had met earlier she jumped up and down, clapping her hands happily. As she did Saithe watched her with anticipation, particularly he was watching her chest and legs rather than her.

 

          Saithe, himself didn't bother to touch the food he said no thanks and tossed her a false kind smile to reassure her. When she finished there was nothing left, not even a crumb. Very happy she turned to Saithe and having given him some trust she asked for something to drink. A drink, he gave her a drink, a whole bottle of wine. Now at the time wine hadn't passed into the region of Hell where she'd lived so this was a first. Gladly taking the bottle, Morina popped the top and poured into a glass nearby. Out came a red liquid almost as red as blood and excited just by the color she swallowed all of what was in the glass then the bottle. 'Wow what a drinker!' Saithe thought, but Morina wasn't a drinker she was just plain careless.

 

          The world felt like it was spinning as Morina stood with her change purse in hand again. "Okay...hic," Morina said wobbling over closer to Saithe, "how much do I owe you?" Saithe looked at her and noticed how drunk she was and sighed, "ten pieces." She then managed to get that much out, give it to him and vanish the purse, but after that balance started to fail her as she grabbed aimlessly for something to support her. Luckily Saithe stood, took both her hands and lead her to the table. He sat down first and let her wobble in front of him as well as hold on for support and by then her good senses were gone as well. "Are you okay sweetie?" Saithe asked intentionally. "Okay...hic," Morina said giggling, "better than ever." Nodding Saithe let her go knowing she was going to fall, but he'd planned for it. When she did he pulled her slightly his way and on his lap is where Morina wound up at. "Hey guy," Morina said having totally forgotten everything, "Who be you?" Playing along Saithe wrapped his arms around Morina's waist and pulled her closer so that she leaned on him slightly, "I'm Saithe," he said trying to sound nice as he lied to her, "I invited you here for dinner and I'm giving you a free place to stay just because you're the first visitor we've had in a long time." "Wow," she said really believing him as well as being that drunk, "This place is great!"

 

          Leaning in herself, Morina let her head rest on Saithe's shoulder. Figuring he had complete control now he took one arm from around Morina and waved his hand in front of her face. When she didn't do anything but giggle he let it rest on her face. Gently he caressed it; to him her skin felt as smooth and soft as silk. In his own perverted mind he wanted to know if she felt like this all over. With that he stroked her neck continuing downward to the low cut dress she wore; letting his grubby hands pass over her breasts causing her to moan. A convincing moan, so much that he got excited. He could wait no longer and took Morina to the bed. By then Morina's stamina had absorbed enough of the alcohol to realize where she was, but before that she remembered nothing...fortunately.

          On the bed now, she wondered what to do next. Not! She knew what to do, she called her father's sword, Chimamire no Gokan Suru, (Bloody Ravisher, is my definition -Arashi was just nasty back then heh ^^;) and pointed it at the throat of Saithe. "Tell me...Saithe," she said having remembered the name, "What were you planning to do after you put me in this bed? Did you think you'd have your way with me?"  Gulping Saithe froze up and didn't answer, but answer would've helped him live longer at least a few seconds. Morina wasn't patient and had absolutely no tolerance for being taking advantage of. So she just rammed the sword straight threw his neck and then all the way down. "Human trash," Morina said spitting on his dead body as she cleaned the blood off the sword, "Your blood isn't worth me drinking! Why you dirty old stupid...I hate men like you!!"  For a while all she did was shout insults at the dead carcass; when she was done she took her money back and left. The guards gave her no trouble, since most of them were already afraid of her; her red eyes meant she wasn't human to them. It just meant more than enough demons had passed through for people to have to know they exist.

 

 

          It was still night out when Morina stormed the place; ahead of her was a smaller gate and bushes lots, of them. No one was at the gate so she just went on past hit. The bushes lead her straight and the curved out around what appeared to be a villa. In the middle of it was a nice sized fountain that was still operating. Stopping at the fountain she looked in at the water, in it she saw the moon. The moon she was always fantasized by it. It was the only thing she had to remember her mother by since Morina had only been three when she was taken. Morina never asked why or what she was taking for, only why she and Arashi couldn't go with her. She was only told that her name was Artemis and that she was a beautiful goddess, the goddess of the moon. Still many nights were spent in tears but never spent alone. Arashi was always there, always. Sniffling now, she wished she hadn't killed that boy now. Morina wanted to go back but had no way back, at least no easy way. About now she hated her life. Her mother taken, her father forced to send her away just to keep her safe, and her now alone in the human realm.

 

          Sighing she continued on towards the villa. Morina knew people were nearby, she could smell them. She wanted to kill them; she wanted to kill them all. They were probably the reason she was stuck here anyway, but it was late and getting later so she decided to pass through undetected. Silently Morina made her way through the villa. On her way through she saw many pictures, went up a flight of stairs that had an enormous chandelier over it, passed through a white rose garden where she stole some roses, and finally down another flight of stairs where she found her out. Out, yes but out where? Out into a maze garden. "Oh screw this," Morina said jumping up onto of the bush nearby. Being that it was strong to hold her weight so she went on top of it.

 

          Though she still got lost; she now stood over a small clearing where she could see a door and some more stairs that led downward. "Ah yes," she closing her eyes more stairs. Before she went down she looked at the sky again, the sun would be up soon. There was something different about this place, in the forest she couldn't see the sun or its light only the mist that rose from the forest. But here, here she could see the sky again. Puzzled she thought no more about and continued on her way.

 

 

 

Chapter 9 : The Way to the Castle

 

 

           The bottom of the staircase is where Morina now stood. As she stared ahead she saw mist. It wasn’t thick; in fact it was almost invisible. Taking a few steps inward Morina noticed to her left that there were several gates on either side of her. Curious she wandered over to one of them. Peering in, she saw nothing but darkness. ‘How boring,’ she thought. Then listening Morina heard the drip drop of water. “Ah,” Morina exclaimed, “an underground waterway.” Continuing on her way she came to stop at a rather mysterious looking hole. She debated on rather she should go in or not. She never got the chance.

 

          She had been standing on the edge and without realizing it leaned back causing her to slip into the hole. Falling she started screaming at the top of her lungs. Like her mother before her, she could’ve teleported, but when in shock it seems neither of them could think of that. Still falling she called out in vain, “Help me…,” she whispered first then shouted, “Help me!”

 

          In an instant there was a bright light by then Morina had closed her eyes. “I will protect you…” said the wise feminine voice. As Morina opened her eyes she saw what she thought to be an angel. “Am I…” she choked, “Am I dead?” “No,” said the figure, “You cannot die until you’ve fulfilled your destiny.” And in another burst of light the figure was gone.

 

          The fall would’ve killed her that is what she now knew. Thankful to the figure for her life she allowed herself float to the ground. Drained of her wits by the fall she called a bag from which she had vanished and pulled from it a container full of dark red liquid. Closing the bag Morina put it on her back and took a sip of what was in the container.

 

          Continuing on her way down the narrow path the mist from before filled the air; only thicker, much thicker. Wheezing she felt as if she were breathing water instead of air. Putting the container aside she fell to her knees coughing now. Once again the black cross appeared on her forehead. This time it did not vanish but to her surprise she was able to breathe.

 

          Amazed by this newfound ability, she continued on her way until she came to stop at the end of the path. Now in open area there were several other paths following the walls. Filling the space in the middle was water. Most likely from the river she saw earlier. Looking down to see her reflection she marveled at it for a few moments.

 

          Leaving the water’s edge she decided fly through and find her way instead getting lost walking the paths. Finding her way to a sun marked door she stood and stared at it for a moment. It had no knobs or handles, so she figured she’d either destroy it or try pushing it open.

 

          Though she wanted to destroy it anyway, it was decided against. Pushing upward the door gave way, ahead was a opening above. Morina had been underground so long that she’d forgotten it wasn’t night time anymore.

 

          In the center of the rather small room was light. Light coming from what Morina thought was the surface. Deciding that she was more curious about what was ahead she took a few steps forward. Stopping before the light she’d noticed two pentagrams engraved on either side of the light.

 

          She’d learned what they were and what they meant, also that even though they originated inside the demon realm. The past conflicts with the demon kingdom caused major problems.

 

          In her history lesson she learned that all other races originated inside the demon realm, making the life goddess and death god demons. After the life and death god separated many of the groups begin to break away. The first being those obsessed with magic, the sorcerers. And from them came the wiccan, those who were more obsessed with ritualistic magic. And so on until the lowest form of demon came along, the humans. 

         

          Magic less, clawless, and utterly defenseless creatures these humans, thought of as meat to demons for centuries. Until those with little magic ability took a stand. With their stand they were granted godly position by the life goddess Seibutsu. With this the Wiccan were jealous and demanded the same.

 

          When refused by their god, who was the death god at the moment. They put a curse on all demons casting them all into darkness using their own sign. In doing this they too cursed themselves. In the end many sought godly leadership and most were granted by Seibutsu. Except a few a select few who swore alliance to the death god. Not including heavenly bodies like the sun, moon and cosmos (stars, storms, war, + planets). They chose to keep their noses out of it. Those who were loyal were Calania (mother of Katlina) or the sorcerers, the elves, the faeries, and various others. The Wicca kingdom pleaded elsewhere but was denied by Seibutsu too because she herself was demon and affected as well.

 

          Disgraced they devoted their focus elsewhere. Into darker magic, they used their own curse to steal power by those affected. In doing this they gained their divine power and godly leader as well as lifting the curse from themselves. With no place to go the curse was directed at the human god and goddess. Just because of that the godly human pair did what they did to an innocent goddess’s newborn child…

 

          Having stepped on the wiccan star Morina stood unaffected. The black cross on her head surging with power protected her from the curse. She was after all still part demon even though it was apparent that she was changing. Stepping off the star she noticed a golden cross much like hers. It was the human sigh. Only the god and goddess bared it and its presence cursed their people.

 

          As she touched the cross as she did so she was burnt by it. Pulling away instantly Morina held her other hand just above the cross then destroyed it. “Take that bastards,” she said aloud feeling proud of her accomplishment as she continued towards the open gate on the other side of the room.

 

          Little did she know the breaking of that cross released the humans from the curse but the breaking of the cross was a test of the female human goddess’s ego. Though she did not know about it yet she would find out and when she did…

 

          Standing before her were several guards. “Halt!” said one of them looking to be the leader, “What is your business here?” Shrugging Morina honestly didn’t know why she was at their castle. Insulted by her response the guard grabbed her by the arm and dragged her elsewhere. “Since you have no answer…” the guard said, “The Prince will decide your punishment for this unexpected intrusion…”

 

Chapter 10: Prince Vladimor

 

 

          Sighing Morina didn’t struggle as the master dragged her elsewhere. When she hadn’t answered earlier this so-called guard master pulled her through the crowd of the guards and did so harshly. Although he’d been smiling the entire time he was still handling her roughly.

 

          ‘Stupid prick,’ she thought as her surroundings had become richer as she was forced upward. Not caring enough to take in anything Morina didn’t notice where she was or who she was before until two large stone doors were before her. “You,” the guard said releasing her arm, “wait here.”  Happy that her arm was free she stood obedient as the guard entered through one of the doors.

 

          Once inside, he kneeled giving whomever commanded respect. “Prince,” he said quietly, “as you’ve asked I’ve brought you the intruder.”  Far ahead of him a deep lingering voice spoke. “Bring her to me.” Lingering it was almost depressing and annoying. Hearing it, that voice the guard thought this. He hated hearing it but there was nothing he could do about it. ‘If I could bring her back…’ His thoughts fading as he rose and turned to open the doors.

 

          Grabbing the waist of the unsuspecting Morina he hauled her through the doors causing her to make a crash landing with the floor. Snarling she stood and turned to face the guard who in turn just smiled and waved innocently.

 

          As an annoyed sigh came from the other side of the room Morina turned to face it, though when she turned the owner of the sigh had made their way to stand just a few inches away from her. Instantly fear flashed in Morina’s eyes and her heart began to race. And in these few moments of fear she managed to make her way back on to the floor trying to back away.

 

          Without realizing it her eyes had welled up. This time she’d actually hurt herself. Kneeling to help her, this mysterious male took her hand and gently pulled her to her feet. Wiping the stray tear that had escaped Morina looked upon this strange man once more.

 

          Holding her hand still was a much taller male. Looking to be twenty five stared down at her with clear water blue eyes that held a distant and saddened look to them. Long black hair hung at the sides of his face. His face to her, it looked special. It was different from any other male’s face she’d ever looked upon. She admired it. Among the other things Morina noticed was his clothing. It looked to be very fine tailored, rich and colored delicately. Clothing of royalty. Realizing this she pulled her hand from his. She never liked royalty…

 

          “Forgive me,” he said letting the sorrow escape his deep voice, “I am Prince Tepes Vladimor.”  Hearing the sorrow in his voice made Morina immediately take her thought back. Looking down at the floor she felt bad and angry with herself. Had she really forgotten what Arashi had told her time and time again…

 

          ‘All royalty isn’t bad Tsukimono and all royalty don’t necessarily like being what they are. Some are born into sorrow and die just the same.’ Morina thought as she remembered what he’d said every time she complained about the princess.

 

          In her own world Morina hadn’t heard anything the voice ahead of her had said. Taking her hand again Prince Vladimor asked his question again. “If I may…” he said with her attention, “ask your name?” Blinking Morina blushed momentarily, “Um. . .” she mumbled having forgotten her own name, “It’s um…Morina. Tsukimono Morina Tsuki.”

 

          In those few moments there seemed to be a faint connection between them as they stared into one another’s eyes. Lifting his hand to Morina’s face Prince Vladimor felt as if he’d known her his entire life. Instantly forgetting his sorrow for the one he’d lost he continued to absorb her being. Raising her own hand to touch the one holding her face she let herself slide back into that dream world again.

 

Closing her eyes she dreamt a dream. And in that dreamt she saw the future. The future of someone of mystery and yet the future of someone she knew all too well.

 

In that dream she saw their death…

 

 

 ~ Chapter 11 Opening ~

 

 

          Sinking into those thoughts, Morina became less aware of the person in front of her.

 

“Please,” one word awaking her back into the partial reality that was her mind. “Please,” once again urging for acknowledgement. “Please,” once more he said now holding her in his arms.

 

          Moments later her fluttered open aware that she was imaging what she’d heard. They were alone now. “Please,” Prince Vladimor said a fourth time pleading. Acknowledging that she’s heard him, Morina tried to push away.

 

          Perhaps the connection was still there for him but had fled Morina from the moment her thoughts were broken. Making a coughing noise she pushed again. Recognizing the second push he released her much to his displeasure.

 

“Sorry,” he managed to mumble while finding somewhere else to rest his eyes. Somehow he couldn’t look her in the face. Not even back when he’d first met his late fiancée, had he ever felt this way. She was a stranger, an intruder…A demon! And yet against his better judgment he chose to have her stay as a guest.

 

          Sighing his eyes rose to look at her. Unexpectedly she’d done the same. Instantly he was hurt by the uneasiness flowing out from underneath the cold mask that covered her face, he dared not take his eyes off her.

 

          Seconds pasted, all they could seem to do is stare at each other, neither one daring to speak. Finally holding out his hand Prince Vladimor chose his words carefully in inviting her to the activities he’d planned earlier without realizing.

 

          Staring at the hand extended to her, Morina’s eyes flared with anger. “May I ask what I’ve done wrong. . .” he said searching for the right name to use while at the same time frustrated by his desire to please her. “Morina,” she answered the question, the anger having become uneasiness once more. “Why are you inviting me in?” she asked slightly curious for the answer. “I don’t know,” he answered feeling his own uneasiness. “I accept,” the vampire answered.

 

          In saying this Prince Vladimor extended his hand once more. Once her hand was buried within his he led her away. The game had begun.