章 19: Count to Five
A figure stood still against the silent, night sky, completely unperturbed by the violence and destruction that was going on just beneath his feet. Suddenly, a cloaked figure scaled the walls of the castle and landed beside him. He took a knee before his leader, placing a hand over his heart in a show of loyalty and dedication.
"My Lordship, if you don't mind me saying, I think we should leave now. The human king is with Jasper Stone and they've called for reinforcements. They will be here within the hour."
A hand was held up, silencing the messenger, who bowed his head more deeply in reverence. Little did the underling know that his commander was watching Alabaster race off with Simon held fast in his arms. It was only when a whole troop of vampires started shouting and following them most clumsily, did the servant finally rise to take stock of the bigger picture with a shake of his head.
"My Heavens. They would chase anything that moves. Do you want me to round up your men, my Lord?"
"No," the shadowed figure uttered, as he stared after the two escapees, a deadly smile twisted its way onto his face, "I have a better idea."
"Simon, I-"
But, the tailor was having none of it. He yanked away from the other man's touch, looking at him with nothing, but distrust and contempt. The vampire rolled his eyes, not caring how childish it looked.
"I thought we were passed this."
"No, we're not! You don't get to act like my lifelong friend! Not when you've only just NOW started sharing what you know! Sharing what I NEEDED to know!"
"If I didn't tell you the fine details, can't you trust that there's a reason for it?"
"So, what am I expected to do? Nod and be understanding? We haven't known each other for long, vampire. But, do you really believe that's how things in this world work?!"
'Not in yours, apparently,' he thought with a sigh.
Alabaster Stone was a very patient man. But, he dare say that he was over the limit of what he could take. Did the tailor's trifling never stop? Did it really have no limit? No end?!
"I was sworn to secrecy," he divulged at last, choosing the high road, "No one in human society was supposed to ever know that my father, my brother and myself were this powerful. The Emperor worried that it would frighten your King into not meeting with us."
"Oh. So, this is all about the King, then. Of course. What was I thinking?"
The Crystal Vampire felt something in him crack. Why did Simon's put out demeanor remind him of a scolded pup? Finally, Alabaster came to sit on a barrel, staring at the dusty street, resigned; his mind was made up.
"You hate when I keep things from you. That's understandable. So what if I told you a secret that no one else knows?"
It was a gamble; a bid for the other's trust. He had saved him from violation, bankruptcy and a whole horde of vampires, but none of those things seemed to hold much weight to the stone-faced man that he was hopelessly enamored with. So, if honesty didn't win the tailor over, the vampire noble was at a loss.
Simon stared at him with hardened eyes, before sighing and taking a seat on the barrel opposite of his. He couldn't help, but to taste the bitter irony in him sacrificing his pride for something that had been kept in the dark; it seemed that Vilo wasn't the only one who was a sucker for secrets. Alabaster waited until the human gave his answer. It came in the form of a solemn nod; the tailor was ready for anything.
"What if I told you that I knew what happened to you that night? I know what event you lived through, all of those years ago, without you even having to say anything."
Ready for anything, but THAT. Simon's jaw dropped, before his teeth clenched in anger.
"I told you to stay out of my damn head!"
"I didn't get that information from your mind, Simon. I know what happened that night, because I-"
"Well, well, well. What do we have here? A lover's spat?"
The two men whipped around just in time to see a group of cloaked silhouettes stepping out of the shadows. Their leader slowly lowered his cowl, letting his long, blueish-black hair cascade down in ripples. Teal eyes full of cruelty smiled at them with an evil mirth as his victims realized the truth. This was the worst possible place they could have stopped for a chat; they were well and truly cornered.
Simon sprang up from his makeshift chair, not knowing what to do, while Alabaster simply rose from the barrel with a sigh.
"Bartholomew."
The figure's smile deepened, as he gave a mock bow.
"In the flesh."
"Let me guess. You're the head of this snake. The leader of these rogues."
"Of course. Humans aren't equal to vampires. They should have realized their place under us as blood dolls and lackeys. I am simply the tool by which everything is made right. That being said, your father, your brother and yourself are here to interfere with that mission. We know it would be a fool's errand to try to take you all on together. So, instead, we'll pick you off one by one."
With that, the cur signaled to his henchmen who took a few steps forward, never taking their eyes off the prey.
"No hard feelings, I hope?"
Alabaster stared for a moment longer, before a smile of his own blossomed onto his face; one that was so easy and carefree that it made the group hesitate.
"No, none at all."
In a flash of blinding light, the Crystal Vampire had all, but disappeared, driving the group a few steps back, as they tried to make sense of what they were seeing; or rather, the lack thereof.
"Where the Hell did that bastard run off to?!" Bartholomew shouted, all but losing his confident demeanor, "Well, don't just stare at me! Go find him! Find him or else!"
Simon opened his eyes in shock to see that he was off in another alleyway, behind a pile of crates. He glanced up to see the vampire noble, who was gazing off in the direction they had come.
"Alabaster?"
"Sh. They're coming."
Sure enough, the sound of thundering footsteps could be heard and the muffled voices of those who were trying to sniff them out.
"What do we do?" the tailor whispered.
"WE aren't doing anything. I need YOU to hide."
"But, that's-!"
"Simon, it's the only way I'll be able to save us. Knowing that you're safe will allow me to do what needs to be done. Will you do that for me?"
The human weighed the two sides of the scale, only to realize that the magnitude of what he was trying to size up was beyond his capacity to measure. This wasn't a human fight. This was a battle between two supernatural forces; a group of elite vampires, faster and stronger than any mortal could ever hope to be and the one who claimed that he had powers beyond imagination. That being said, did he even have any right to interfere?
"Very well," the tailor uttered resigned, "I will stay here. But, Alabaster?"
"Hm?"
"If you don't come back alive.. I'll kill you."
At that somewhat serious statement, the noble smiled and shook his head, before standing up straight.
"If I don't come back alive, then you have my permission to do just that."
In the blink of an eye, the Crystal Vampire flashed out of existence. The tailor couldn't help, but to crawl toward the edge of the boxes, peeking out just as the pale figure reappeared, glowing with energy. The other vampires readied whatever weapons they had on hand, whether that be swords, daggers or claws.
"I see that you've finally decided to stop running, Mr. Stone," the leader said, regaining his cold composure, "Any last words?"
"Yes. Humans have the right to decide their own fates. Just as you have the right to decide yours. So, I'm giving you one final chance. If you flee now, I won't kill you. But, if you remain, I will be forced to handle you in my own way."
The vampires glanced at each other, uncertain. They must have expected another response, entirely. Maybe that this man would bow down, pleading with his attackers for his life? To the noble, it was of no consequence.
"I will count to five. Whoever remains will have no excuses for the reaper," he said softly, before turning his back to them, "One."
"Don't let him bluff you!"
"Two."
"He's lying!"
"Three."
"How could one vampire possibly take on all of us?!"
"Four."
"Enough games! Get him!"
Just as the group had been persuaded to charge, the Crystal Vampire turned around with eyes glowing as vibrantly as stars in the night.
"Five."
クリエイターの想い 
YUKANO
YUKANO Hello there, dear readers! (^^) Thank you so much for checking out this fic! If you enjoyed Crystal Stitches, please tell friends, comment, add to your collections and vote for it to help this story reach new heights! Thank you for your support! See you later and have a great day! =D
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