The vampire's body crumples to the ground with a sickening thud, lifeless, a pool of dark blood quickly staining the earth beneath him. My heart hammers in my chest as I slowly lower my stance, the wooden training sword trembling in my grip. The metallic scent of blood hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the sharp, earthy aroma of the forest around us.
Even though I'd become desensitized to the smell of blood in my past life—so much so that it had once been an almost constant presence on the battlefield—this time, it strikes differently. It's an unnatural, jarring combination, and the knot of unease in my gut makes my stomach churn despite my hardened experiences.
Yuna stands behind me, wide-eyed and shaken. She witnessed the entire confrontation, her body stiff with fear. I can feel the weight of her gaze, the trembling in the air between us. I acted quickly, but something about this encounter still feels wrong.
The vampire was no ordinary creature. There was a cold, unsettling aura about him. My eyes shift back to the lifeless body sprawled on the ground. The blood is spreading quickly, soaking into the dirt and painting the forest floor in a dark, ominous stain. But my unease only deepens as I take a step closer, my instincts screaming that something is off.
And then, just as my foot brushes the edge of the bloodstain, my breath catches. The vampire's body dissolves before my eyes, its form flickering and distorting as though it had never truly been there. Within moments, it vanishes completely, leaving behind only the dark ichor staining the ground.
I froze, my grip tightening on the wooden sword as a chill ran down my spine. My mind races, piecing together the oddity of what I just witnessed.
This isn't right… I thought.
My stomach twists. In my past life, I'd slain countless vampires—low-ranked fodder to the most fearsome of the Vampire Elders—and none of them had ever vanished like this.
Except the last Elder. When he'd overexerted the last of his life essence, his body had similarly disintegrated. Outside of that, their bodies had always remained tangible and lifeless, leaving behind nothing but carnage and the stench of death.
But this… this was different. This creature dissolved like a shadow retreating from the light, as if it hadn't fully belonged to the physical world. The implications gnaw at me, unease blooming in my chest.
What kind of vampire was this?
From the darkness of the trees, a faint sound reaches my ears: a rustling, the crack of leaves underfoot. My shoulders tense, and I instinctively raise my sword again, positioning myself between Yuna and the source of the noise.
Then, the figure emerges—a silhouette in the forest, the silhouette of a man. He walks with a quiet confidence, his gait fluid and graceful. There's something about him that seems too composed for someone who had just dispatched a powerful vampire.
As he stepped into a patch of filtered sunlight, details of his appearance became clear. He was clad in gleaming armor, not the dull steel of a common soldier, but something far more ornate. The breastplate was etched with intricate designs, swirling patterns that seemed to shift and shimmer in the dappled light, perhaps depicting scenes of heroic battles or ancient lineage. The vambraces and greaves were similarly adorned, and the craftsmanship was exquisite.
A helmet, its faceplate shaped like a stylized lion's head, concealed his features, though the sunlight glinted off its polished surface. In his hand, he held a longsword, its blade a silvery white, almost glowing. Clinging to the blade, glistening in the light, was a thick, viscous ichor, the unmistakable residue of vampire blood. It dripped slowly, leaving a faint, shimmering trail on the forest floor.
He moved with an easy grace, his armor not hindering him in the slightest, suggesting a warrior of exceptional skill and experience. There was something about him that seemed too composed for someone who had just dispatched a powerful vampire, an air of regal authority that spoke of more than just martial prowess.
The stranger bowed to them, a smooth, almost practiced gesture, as though it were second nature to him. His face remained hidden by the shadows, only the sharp glint of his eyes visible.
"I do apologize for the disturbance," he said with an eerie politeness, his voice smooth and resonant.
"But I believe your presence was... more than enough to handle this situation. A pleasure, truly."
My grip tightened around the wooden sword, my muscles tensing instinctively, but the stranger raised a hand, as though to show there was no need for further defense.
"I'll take my leave now," he said, his tone almost mockingly soft.
"After all, such children shouldn't be burdened with such... unsavory business."
He bowed once more, before turning on his heel and walking back toward the forest, retreating into the shadows of the forest as though he were a mere wisp of smoke.
Yuna stood frozen beside me, her eyes darting between me and the mysterious figure. I remained on guard, my gaze locked on the spot where he had disappeared. My heart thudded in my chest, the tension refusing to fade.
"What... who was that?" Yuna finally whispered, her voice tinged with both awe and fear.
I hesitated, my mind racing as I processed the encounter. He had saved us—yes. But something about his presence lingered uneasily in the air. It wasn't just the vampire's aura that had unsettled me. There was something far more sinister about the stranger, a tension that pressed against my chest.
"I don't know," I muttered, lowering the sword.
"But I don't trust him."
Yuna's expression shifted into one of concern, but before she could say more, I turned away and knelt next to the spot where the vampire had fallen. My hands moved quickly, inspecting the ground. The body was gone, just as before, leaving behind only the dark stain of blood. My unease deepened.
"We need to get out of here," I said, my voice firm. "Now."
Yuna nodded, but her eyes lingered on the spot where the figure had disappeared into the forest. I could see the fear etched on her face. I couldn't blame her. I felt it too. We weren't safe—either from the vampire or from the mysterious person who had saved us.
I stood and offered her a hand, my face stern.
"Let's go."
My grip on Yuna's hand tightened as I pulled her gently but firmly away from the clearing. My mind raced, every step feeling like it could be the last before an attack. I could feel the tension in the air—the stillness before a storm. The distant sound of leaves rustling in the wind made my senses flare. My instincts screamed at me, louder than ever.
Something was wrong.
****
I glanced up at Tatsuo, still startled by the encounter. My face flushed lightly as I realized he was holding my hand. I couldn't remember the last time they'd shared such a simple gesture of closeness, and the warmth of his hand in mine sent a flurry of emotions rushing through me.
I... I didn't expect this, I thought, my heart pounding. I blinked, unsure whether to comment or say anything at all.
"Tatsuo…" I began, my voice soft, almost hesitant.
He didn't respond immediately. His eyes were fixed on the forest around them, his gaze sharp and unwavering. I could see his focus, the way his body tensed at every creak of a branch and flutter of wings. It was like he was expecting an attack at any moment. I gripped his hand a little tighter, seeking reassurance, but I wasn't sure if he even noticed.
"Stay close to me," he muttered, his voice low and urgent.
"We're not out of danger yet."
I nodded, my heart racing. Despite the fear coiling in my chest, there was a sense of comfort in his protective presence. Even though everything around us felt uncertain and terrifying, Tatsuo made me feel safe. I followed his lead as we continued through the woods, the silence between us heavy, our footsteps echoing in the quiet.
My mind wouldn't stop replaying the fight. The vampire's eyes, burning with malice, its twisted form lunging at me. I shuddered, my stomach churning as I remembered its claws swiping toward me.
If Tatsuo hadn't been there... I shook my head, forcing the thought away.
Don't think like that. You're safe now.
But safety felt like an illusion. I looked at Tatsuo, his shoulders rigid, his head turning slightly as he scanned the trees.
How can he be so calm? I wondered.
How can he look so... ready? Like he's done this before.
His grip on my hand loosened slightly as we reached the edge of the forest, but he didn't let go. I tried to steady my breathing, to stop my fingers from trembling. I couldn't let him see how scared I was. Not after he'd fought so hard to protect me.
"Do you think he'll come after us again?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The thought made my chest tighten, fear bubbling up once more.
Tatsuo glanced over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the shadows.
"I don't know. But we need to be prepared. Your safety is my priority, Yuna. We can't afford any risks."
His words weighed heavily on me. Protect me... I hated how vulnerable I felt. How weak. I looked down at my hands, clenching them into fists.
Why am I always the one who needs protecting?
I tried to keep my breathing steady as we walked, but my heart wouldn't stop racing. Every sound—the rustle of leaves, the snap of a twig—sent chills down my spine. I could still see the vampire's eyes in my mind, the way it had focused on me like I was nothing more than prey. I hugged myself, pretending it was because of the cold, but the truth was, I felt exposed. Helpless.
I had heard stories of vampires before—tales whispered by older kids at the orphanage to scare one another. But to see one in person, to watch as its malevolent eyes locked on her before it was struck down in a brutal, effortless display of power... it was more than I had ever imagined.
I clenched my jaw, trying to suppress the lingering fear.
I can't let Tatsuo see me like this, I thought as I stole a glance at Tatsuo, his face hard with focus, his posture confident. It was like he wasn't afraid of anything. I wish I could be like that. Strong. Brave. I wish I didn't feel so... useless.
It wasn't just the vampire that scared me. It was the stranger who saved us. The way he moved, so graceful, so powerful. The way his blade cut through the vampire without hesitation. I shivered, the image replaying in my mind. The sound of flesh tearing, the vampire's lifeless body hitting the ground... and that cold, emotionless voice.
I hugged myself tighter, my fingers digging into my arms. I didn't want to feel like this. I didn't want to be a burden. I didn't want Tatsuo to always have to worry about me. I looked at him again, the way he moved so confidently, so sure of himself.
I need to get stronger, the thought echoed in my mind, fierce and unyielding. I can't keep depending on him. I can't be the reason he's constantly looking over his shoulder. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. I have to change.
My voice was steady when I finally spoke, surprising even myself.
"Do you think there will be more of them?"
Tatsuo glanced at me, his expression softening just a little, but his tone stayed serious.
"There's always a chance. Vampires don't usually act alone. But don't worry—I won't let anything happen to you."
His words were meant to reassure me, but they only made my chest tighten. I hated this feeling—the feeling of being weak, of needing protection. I didn't want to be a burden. I didn't want Tatsuo to always have to protect me. Straightening my back, I forced a small smile, even though it felt heavy on my face.
"I'm not worried," I lied, keeping my voice steady, even though it was quieter than I intended.
"As long as we stay together, we'll be fine."
I wasn't sure if Tatsuo believed me. He just nodded and turned his attention back to the forest, his eyes scanning the trees with that same focused intensity. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, feeling the weight in my chest settle. The fear was still there, lurking beneath the surface, but I refused to let it control me. If I wanted to stand beside Tatsuo, not behind him, I would have to find my own strength, no matter what it took.
My steps faltered for a brief moment, my mind still trapped in the nightmare of what we'd just faced. I couldn't shake the image of the vampire's lifeless body, the way it crumpled to the ground, its hollow eyes fixed on me. No matter how hard I tried to push the memory away, it clawed its way back, gripping me with icy fingers.
I clenched my fists tightly, my nails digging into my palms.
Stop it, Yuna. Don't fall apart now. Tatsuo is counting on you to be strong.
I forced myself to look at his back, his figure steady and unwavering as he moved through the forest.
If he can stay composed, so can I.
Even though my heart wouldn't stop pounding, I kept my feet moving, matching his pace.
As we moved closer to the village, I glanced at Tatsuo again, his shoulders rigid, his posture alert. There was something different about him, something I couldn't quite understand. He wasn't the same boy I remembered from the village. The way he moved, the way he spoke—it was too mature, too serious for someone his age. It was like he was carrying a burden no one else could see. But as much as I wanted to ask him about it, to demand an explanation, I knew better than to push him right now.
The silhouette of the village appeared on the horizon, and relief flooded through me. We were almost safe.
Just a little further…
Tatsuo's shoulders relaxed just a little, his grip on his weapon loosening, but his eyes kept darting around, scanning every shadow. I could feel his tension, his unease, even though he was trying to hide it. It made my heart ache. I wanted to comfort him, to tell him that he wasn't alone, but I didn't know how.
****
"Tatsuo..." Her voice was quiet but firm, pulling me from my thoughts.
"I don't know everything you're dealing with, but I'm not going anywhere. Whatever happens, we'll face it together. You don't have to carry this alone."
Her words hung in the air, lingering longer than I expected. I wasn't sure how to respond. I wasn't used to this—having someone willing to share the burden. Not after everything I'd been through. But looking at her, standing there with that determined look in her eyes, I felt a warmth I hadn't realized I needed.
I turned to her, forcing a small smile. I tried to make it look genuine, but I knew it didn't quite reach my eyes.
"I know," I whispered.
We walked the rest of the way in silence, our steps falling in sync as we made our way back to the village. I could feel Yuna's presence beside me—steady, unwavering. It was comforting, but at the same time, it made me feel even more responsible. I couldn't let anything happen to her. Not again. Not this time.
As the village gates came into view, the familiar sight of the stone walls and simple cottages brought me a small sense of relief. My muscles, tense from the uncertainty of the forest, finally began to relax. The sharpness in my gaze softened, and I could feel the tension in my shoulders ease just a little. The village was safe. For now.
But I couldn't let my guard down completely. I knew this was only the beginning. A far darker threat loomed ahead, and it was only a matter of time before it found us. The vampire's words echoed in my mind, taunting me with the promise of more danger to come.
Yuna, too, seemed to exhale as the gates creaked open, revealing the village's calm and familiar surroundings. The bustling market was still alive with activity, the villagers going about their daily routines. The air, though heavy from the events earlier, felt lighter here. I envied them—their ignorance, their simplicity. They didn't have to carry this weight. They didn't have to remember. I felt Yuna's eyes on me, her gaze curious and concerned. I didn't look at her. I couldn't. I didn't want her to see the worry that I couldn't hide. Not yet.
"Tatsuo..." Her voice broke through the silence, hesitant but firm.
"What happened back there? Why were you acting so... different? And who was that man?"
I took a deep breath, my fingers subconsciously tightening around the hilt of the wooden sword still in my grasp. I glanced at Yuna, my mind still racing. What could I tell her? How can I tell her without her being involved? I didn't want to lie to her, but I couldn't tell her the truth either. Not until I was sure. Not until I understood what we were dealing with.
"I don't know who he was," I said, keeping my voice calm even though my heart was still pounding.
"But he wasn't a normal person. His presence... it felt off. Dangerous. Like he was something more than just a man."
Yuna's brow furrowed as she glanced over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the shadows as if expecting him to appear. I couldn't blame her. His presence had been suffocating, overwhelming. Even now, I could feel the echo of his aura, lingering like a cold whisper.
"But he didn't hurt us... He just... left. Why?"
Her question gnawed at me. I'd been asking myself the same thing since the moment he disappeared.
Why hadn't he attacked? Why did he just stand there, watching us?
I looked ahead, my eyes fixed on the distant mountains.
"I don't know," I admitted, my voice quieter.
"But it's like he was trying to measure something. Maybe not a fight, but... to test me, somehow."
The more I thought about it, the more unsettling it became. He'd spoken with a confidence that shook me. Like he knew something I didn't. Like he was playing a game I didn't understand. I hated it. I hated not knowing.
"I don't know what he was after," I said, my voice lowering as the weight of my thoughts pressed down on me.
"But I don't think that'll be the last time we will see him."
Yuna stepped closer, her eyes filled with worry. I could see the questions swirling in her mind, the fear she was trying to hide behind her determined gaze.
"So, do you think there are more like them? More vampires?"
I met her eyes and gave a slow nod.
"Maybe. But it's not just vampires I'm worried about. There are things in this world, things we don't fully understand, that want power. I don't know why they are here, but they'll come for us."
I looked away, my eyes fixed on the path ahead. My thoughts were spiraling, piecing together fragments of the past and present, searching for answers that didn't exist.
Could it be? Have the vampires somehow retained their memories of the previous timeline?
The thought sent a chill through me, my chest tightening with unease. It didn't make sense—why would they remember when no one else did? And yet, the way that vampire spoke, the way his eyes seemed to pierce through me like he knew... It was too deliberate to ignore.
My fingers tightened around the sword in his hand, my knuckles turning white. If the vampires truly remembered, then my second chance was already compromised. Every decision I made, every step forward—they could be waiting for me, one step ahead.
No.
I gritted my teeth, shaking my head to dispel the creeping doubt. I couldn't let myself fall into that mindset. I couldn't afford to hesitate. But even as I tried to convince myself, the unease lingered, a shadow at the edge of my mind.
What if this fight was going to be even harder than the last?
Yuna's voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present.
"I'm not afraid of them, Tatsuo," she said, her tone unwavering. Her eyes held a fierce determination that both inspired and terrified me.
"I'll be by your side, no matter what. We'll face whatever comes, together."
I looked at her, my chest tightening. Her words were a promise, a vow filled with so much trust and loyalty. It was comforting, but it also hurt. She had no idea what was coming, what I'd already faced. I'd failed to protect her once, in another life. I couldn't let that happen again. I wouldn't let history repeat itself.
"Yuna…" I hesitated; the words caught in my throat. I wanted to tell her to stay away, to keep her safe by pushing her out of this nightmare. But I knew she wouldn't listen. She was stubborn, just like I remembered. Just like before. I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked away.
"I need to train. I need to get stronger. If I'm going to protect you and the orphanage, I need to be ready for whatever comes next."
Yuna's expression softened, her gaze never leaving me.
"You don't have to carry it all by yourself, Tatsuo. We're a team. Remember? I've always been here for you. Always."
Her words hit me harder than I expected. I looked at her, meeting her gaze for a moment. There was so much warmth in her eyes, so much sincerity. It reminded me of why I was fighting so hard. It reminded me of what I was protecting.
I didn't want to drag her into this world of shadows and blood. I didn't want her to see the horrors I'd witnessed, to carry the same burdens I held. But at the same time, I needed her here. Her presence was the only thing keeping me grounded, the only light in this dark world.
I forced a small smile, letting out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"Thanks, Yuna," I whispered, my voice almost breaking.
"I won't forget that."
We stood there for a moment, surrounded by the familiar noise of the village. People moved around us, unaware of the weight hanging between us, the quiet battle I was fighting in my mind. The world seemed peaceful, but I knew better. I knew that peace was fragile, that darkness was waiting just beyond the horizon.
But for now, Yuna was safe. For now, she was here beside me, and that was enough.
I wouldn't let anything take that away. Not again.
Whatever lay ahead, whatever darkness was waiting, I would face it head-on. Even if the fight was harder than before. Even if the enemy was one step ahead.
This time, I wouldn't lose. I wouldn't let history repeat itself.
The silence between us lingered for a moment before Yuna, always quick to change the mood, spoke up again.
"So, Tatsuo," she began, her voice playful, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"When did you start training by yourself? And how did you find that place out there in the forest? It's... kind of far from the village, isn't it?"
Her question caught me off guard, pulling me out of my thoughts. I stood there for a moment, unsure of how to respond. My mind was still weighed down by the memory of the mysterious man in the forest, but her question was innocent enough. I realized she was trying to lighten the mood, and I appreciated her effort more than I could say.
I scratched the back of my head, feeling a little embarrassed as I tried to find the right words. A sheepish grin crept onto my face.
"Uh, well... I've always kind of... liked being alone, I guess. The forest, it's just... quiet. Peaceful. I found that old spot by accident when I was younger. Didn't really expect it to become my training ground or anything, but I kind of grew into it."
Yuna tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"So, you've been training there by yourself all this time?"
I nodded.
"Yeah, well... sort of. I've always had to be strong. But lately, it's been more about—"
I cut myself off, realizing I was about to say too much. How could I possibly explain that my training wasn't just about getting stronger, but about survival? About protecting her and everyone else?
Before I could stumble over my words, Yuna's soft laugh broke the tension. I looked up, confused, only to find her smiling at me, her eyes dancing with amusement.
"That's so like you," she giggled, her voice light and warm.
I blinked, feeling my face heat up.
"Huh? What's like me?"
Her smile widened.
"You, trying to act all serious and grown-up, but then getting all... embarrassed when someone asks about you."
She giggled again, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
I rubbed the back of my neck, my embarrassment only growing.
"I just... uh, wasn't expecting you to ask that."
Her laughter softened, her eyes still warm as she looked at me.
"You know, Tatsuo, I think I like it more when you're like this. You don't always have to act so serious. You're still just a kid, you know."
Her words hit me hard, catching me off guard. A lump formed in my throat, and I looked away, my chest tightening. She was right. I was just a kid. But the memories of my past life, the things I had seen, and the people I had lost—they weighed on me so heavily that sometimes I forgot how to just... be a kid.
I had to be strong. I had to protect her, to protect everyone. But standing here, listening to her laugh, seeing her smile... it almost made me feel like I could let go, just for a little while.
I felt my face redden even more, and I tried to play it off, avoiding her gaze.
"I'm not acting serious... I just... I don't know. It's just how I am, I guess."
Yuna must have sensed my discomfort because she didn't push any further. Instead, she leaned in closer and nudged me playfully with her shoulder.
"It's okay, Tatsuo. I think it's kind of cute when you act all flustered."
My heart skipped a beat, and I froze. "C-Cute?" I repeated, my voice cracking slightly. I stared at her, my mind blank. Cute? She thought I was cute? I didn't know how to respond to that. But seeing her smile, her warmth, and lightheartedness, it made me feel... lighter, like I wasn't carrying the weight of two lifetimes on my shoulders.
"Yeah," Yuna said, her voice softening.
"You're definitely more like yourself when you're just... you."
Her words sank in, and I felt a strange warmth spread through my chest. It was an unfamiliar feeling, one I hadn't experienced in so long. I'd been so focused on getting stronger, on protecting everyone, that I'd forgotten what it was like to just... be myself.
Before I could stop it, a small, genuine smile crossed my lips. It felt foreign, almost strange, but it was real.
"Thanks, Yuna," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I... I think I needed to hear that."
She gave me a teasing smile, her eyes never leaving mine.
"Anytime, Tatsuo."
We continued walking through the village, side by side, the familiar noise of the bustling streets surrounding us. For a moment, it felt like everything was normal, like I was just a boy walking home with his childhood friend. The weight I'd been carrying felt a little lighter, just for a moment.
But I knew this peace wouldn't last. The danger outside the village walls was still there, lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike. I'd have to be ready. I'd have to be strong enough to protect her, no matter what.
But for now, just for this moment, I allowed myself to enjoy her presence. To let her laughter and warmth fill the emptiness inside me.
For now, I could be Tatsuo—the boy who walked home with Yuna, who laughed and smiled like any other kid.
Even if it was just for a little while longer.