*~Coleraine~*

Walking through the all too familiar streets of her long-forgotten hometown, Eveline couldn’t help but sneer beneath her overly large sun hat. The little Vampire was dressed heavily from head to toe as she made sure no sun would even remotely touch her skin. She hated going out in the daytime. But, it would be less suspicious this way… especially with her, right beside her…

Holding the younger girls hand reluctantly as she clenched it tightly so she couldn’t keep pulling it away, Najia forced a smile as they walked down the foreign city together, her blue eyes ever watchful as she took in the sights. This town was by far one of the largest she had ever set foot in. But, it was a good thing she brought along a guide… albeit, a reluctant one at that.

“What are we even looking for? Can’t you just do what you normally do… you know, on your own…” Eveline spat as she moved her gloved hand up to the brim of her hat to pull it down a bit further.

Squeezing the Hominal's hand as she felt Eveline try to wrench her arm away again, Najia grit her teeth through her happy features as she tugged the grumbling girl along with her. “I’ve already told you kit, time a factor with this one. The auction is supposed to be tomorrow. We don’t know a time or a place. We need to learn as much as we can and we don’t have very long to do it.”

Sneering angrily, Eveline finally pulled her hand away as they both turned a corner together. “You mean you don’t have long! I could care less… Take your pet with you next time, not me!” Glaring down at her younger charge, Najia was about to have a few coarse words with her, before stiffening as she saw a small group of armed guards walking past them.

“Remember Eveline, you are my daughter, and we’re foreigners from another country who just came here. Don’t make a scene!” She whispered harshly. The last thing either of them needed was to be discovered. Least their search comes to an end… and the life of the poor Mermaid they were looking for was forfeit.

Scoffing, Eveline paced in front of the Kitsune but said nothing else. Looking across at her younger ward, Najia frowned. She had been a lot more hostile since they entered the town. It seemed her past tragedies were still haunting her. This saddened her greatly. But, she still needed Eveline’s help.

“Kit… I don’t know where to look. I’m completely at a loss. You might be the only thing that gives us a fighting chance of helping this poor girl. Please, just behave while we’re here, for me?” Glancing over her shoulder, Eveline brooded silently but moved her hand back out none the less.

Cupping the Vampires hand gently, Najia smiled down at her little kit before they began walking at their accustomed pace once more. This reminded her of old times; back when they used to blend in together when they moved from town to town. She missed those days.

Letting Eveline pull her along gently as they walked, both Hominal soon came to a large marketplace before Eve nudged her chin upwards as she hinted to certain stands that rested before them. “This is Coleraine’s largest trade and import market. I used to come here with my… I used to come here when I was younger. You’ll most likely find the information you’re looking for here.” Eveline whispered, her hat hiding the pain in her eyes as she remembered the painful memories of her past.

Her parents used to take her here with several maids ever few weeks. Just thinking about it made her heart hurt. Funny, that useless organ still made her feel things she hadn't felt since she was alive. Smiling warmly, Najia nodded before both girls headed inward. They had a lot of ground to cover… and time was very much a factor.

If they didn’t find the information they needed here… then the Mermaid’s fate was sealed…

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Going from stand to stand, both Eveline and Najia played their roles as foreigners who had just come to a new land. With the right questions asked, and in the right order, they were soon able to make some ground as more leads began to surface the more they talked.

Word of mouth was strong in big cities like this. Eveline was right to bring them here. Stepping up to a small stand next to a dock, Najia smiled warmly towards an older gentleman as he wrapped up a large fish for a couple in front of him.

“I think we’re close kit. This might be promising.” Closing her eyes as she hid her scarlet irises from sight, the Vampire watched the world around her through the black and white haze that was her senses. Each step was like an echo to her giving her the image her vision could not. But, that didn’t really matter with Najia pulling her along.

“Excuse me, s-sir? I-I’m sorry but I’m a little lost, do you know where the… umm… Oh, the broken barrel is? I was told that my daughter and I could get rest there. Is it an inn?” Looking up slowly, the older man frowned as he saw the blonde woman and child in front of him. What a strange sight. Usually, the folks here were red or raven-haired.

“You’re not from here are ya?” Shaking her head sadly, Najia pouted before looking away timidly. “I-Is it that obvious? S-Sorry, am… am I not welcomed here either? I… I tried to ask the same thing from the other stand over there… but, the man said he didn’t want to help any of my kind…” She whimpered, a small stream trailing down her cheeks as she tried to stifle her tears.

Stiffening up immediately, the fishmonger looked over at where the woman had pointed before grinding his teeth. It was one of the other rival stands that shared the same district “Damn that racist bastard… Figures he would treat a lady like yerself this way. Well, all are welcomed here!” He smiled politely before nodding to the sobbing woman.

Covering her mouth as she cupped it, Najia sniffled before bowing her head respectfully. “O-Oh, t-thank you so much! That makes me feel much better. I, I came here hoping to find a better future for my daughter, but… a lot of people seem to not care for us. I got so worried this would be the way everyone was… I guess, that makes me racist to them… Doesn't it?” She whispered.

Quickly shaking his head, the man raised his hands calmly as he tried to relieve the troubled foreigner. “N-No, not at all. We get lotsa different folk here. Got people from other countries coming here all the time actually. No need to worry miss, I’m sure there’s a place for you and yer lass here in Coleraine.”

Smirking from behind her sleeved hand, Najia put on a charming smile as her eyes glowed a faint pink. “Y-You’re too kind to us. Thank you so much! I’m sorry for the troubling questions, but, do you know the place I asked is? My daughter and I are so tired… it’s been almost a full day since we’ve arrived.” The Kitsune sighed, her hand moving down as she gently patted the younger girls head.

Glaring beneath her hat, Eveline leaned into Najia before snuggling closer to her as she rested against her. ‘Idiot…’ This was a stupid act. No one should be as gullible as this. But, they always were. Najia always got her way. Always…

Watching the blonde as she leaned down over his stand, the older man soon stiffened as Najia’s beautiful eyes locked onto his own. “Do you? Do you know?” Shivering, the man soon nodded before pointing north of where they were.

“A-Ay, it’ll be just a few streets upper here. If ya stick to the main road you’ll hit it in a quarter hour.” Smiling warmly, Najia’s hand moved up to her partially exposed chest as she gently brushed her skin. “Really! Thank you so much, sir! You wouldn’t believe how exhausted we are. I had to carry my little one during our trip she got so worn out. I’ve been tired ever since. I haven’t even had a chance to bathe… I must look, disgusting.” Lacing her words slowly as her eyes continued to glow faintly, Najia grinned as she saw the man now in her trance.

Shuddering as he openly ogled the blonde before him, the fishmonger gulped before shaking his head. “N-Never!” Chuckling, the Hominal trailed her finger over her breasts slowly before pulling her index finger off her skin and gently touching the trembling man’s lower jaw as she closed it for him.

“Thank you so much~. But, while I’m asking, I have one other question for you. Do you think you could answer it, for me? Please, ~?” Sinking into her gentle touch, the entranced man nodded as he listened intently to what the foreign woman wanted. He’d tell her anything she wanted to know!

Pulling away from Najia now that the Kitsune had what she wanted, Eveline snarled quietly as she tried not to gag. How could she always deface herself like this! It would be beneath her to ever do such a thing to a human… let alone to any other creature. It was pathetic… for the both of them.

Opening her eyes back up, the younger girl ignored the flirtatious laughter above her as she began looking around. She had seen this enough today as is. As the Vampiress shifted her gaze around indifferently, a flash of blonde soon caught the younger girl’s attention.

Blinking slowly, Eveline squinted her eyes as she saw a strange sight. She could see a woman dressed in white with long strawberry blonde hair carrying something in her arms as she gingerly walked around the many stalls. She almost never saw others with hair like that. It was just like her… her hair…

Watching the woman closely, Eveline’s eyes slowly began to widen before she took an involuntary step backward. ‘N-No, no way…’ What were the chances…? Gawking as she continued to watch the woman walk, she soon saw her stop as she stood next to a raven haired man.

Their faces… she didn’t recognize them immediately, how sad was that? She should never have forgotten the faces… of the ones who betrayed her the most. Clenching her fists, the little Vampire’s eyes began to glow as a not so subtle growl escaped her lips. It was them… It was really them.

Glaring at the peer as her eyes took their visages in, Eveline could only see red, as she stared at the happy faces… of her own parents. Digging her nails into the fabric of her gloves, the younger girl panted in rage as she saw them laughing carelessly. They looked, so, happy…

And it was ticking her off… However, all blood soon drained from the Vampires face, as she saw the woman turn towards her, and fully reveal to her what she had been carrying. Growing cold as her breath ceased, Eveline choked quietly as her eyes fell on the small bundle in her mom’s arms.

It was a baby. She was carrying, a baby. What was going on! Trembling where she stood, Eveline snarled as she watched the two beginning to walk off. Where were they going! Stepping towards them, a hand was soon placed on the Vampires shoulder as she was stopped in her tracks.

“Aww, my little ones so hungry! Your little tummy was growling so loud!” Najia whined before kneeling down in front of Eveline. Moving her face beneath the Vampires large hat, the Kitsune glared back at her as she saw her kit’s eyes glowing red. She was openly growling like some kind of animal!

What part of blending in didn’t she understand? Opening her mouth as she whispered in a tone no one else but Eveline could possibly hear, Najia gave her silent warning. “Be silent, he’s coming too. Breathe…” Feeling her nails shredding her own gloves apart, Eveline soon shut her eyes before taking deep breaths to calm down.

She was exposing herself… she had to calm down. Looking down at the two girls, the fishmonger gently shook his head as he began coming back to the present. What just happened? He felt, really tired all of a sudden.

“Thank you for telling us where the inn is sir. Please, take this as a thank you.” Setting a couple pieces of silver down on the man’s stand, Najia turned swiftly before picking up Eveline in her arms. Watching as the two women began to leave, the older man shook his head gently as he tried to figure out what had just happened.

Looking down at the silver slowly, the man soon frowned before looking back to the foreigner. “H-Hey miss, wait, ya don’t need to pay me to…” Growing silent as he stared at the faceless crowd in front of him, the fishmonger scowled now. She was gone…

She was just, gone…

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“Have you lost your mind kit?! You let your soul show for everyone to see! What if there were hunters nearby! They’re trained to spot our kind! What could possibly make you act in such a way?!” Najia screamed as both she and her younger charge rested in an inn a few blocks past the one they had been asking about from the earlier day.

It didn’t help to cover their tracks with false information. Glaring at the wall silently, Eveline sat motionless with her arms crossed as she concentrated on breathing in, and out. If she stopped for even a second… her eyes would change back.

She was pissed. And she wanted answers. Feeling Najia sit down on the bed with her, the Kitsune's tails soon unfurrowed from beneath her small dress as she pulled the younger girl into her, concern evident in her eyes.

“Eveline, please… talk to me. What made you act the way you did? What was it you saw, that made you so angry?” Watching the younger girl as she bit her tongue silently, the Hominal continued to gaze at her crestfallen.

Hugging the younger girl into her, the blonde said nothing as she gently cradled her little kit. “Please, don’t worry me like that again…” Feeling her hair being brushed gently, Eveline soon closed her eyes but made no attempt to move away from the Hominal this time. As much as she hated her, her arms warmth was calming her down.

It was helping her think… helping her plan. Cradling the younger girl gently, Najia’s eyes fluttered closed as she simply sat with her kit. Whatever was going on, they needed to work it out now. She had learned what she needed.

The auction was tomorrow and the Mermaid was the center of attention all across town. One way or another, they would save her. But, she didn’t need her little one to do something as revealing as she had today.

Sitting in silence for awhile, Eveline’s mind never paused as her mind went over many different scenarios, and eventually, she figured out what she’d do with what she had discovered today. She even had the perfect opportunity to do it too.

Betrayal… being stabbed in the back… soon, they would know what it felt like too. Soon, they would know pain. She wanted revenge…

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~ 3 days later ~

Standing over the bed beside her, Najia’s eyes loomed over Eveline as the little Vampire slept soundly. Today was the day. The auction had gone off without a hitch, regretfully. As much as she wanted to save the poor Mermaid then, she just couldn’t. The auction had been well hidden, and just as equally well guarded. She would have either revealed herself to the entirety of the town… or leveled half the city if she tried anything there.

No, she had to be patient. She just hoped the poor child was alright. She looked so, scared. Cupping her chest gently as she recalled the navy haired toddler, Najia clenched her eyes tightly. She’d save her. Especially now after finding out who had bought her.

An Apothecary had been the winning bidder. From what rumors had said… he planned on keeping the child for testing… and eventually harvesting. It made her sick to her stomach. Looking out the window as the sun fully began to set, the Kitsune nodded before moving towards the sleeping Vampire.

Staring down at the snoring girl, Najia was silent before turning her back to her. Perhaps it was best she went alone. She trusted her kit not to get hurt, she had trained her better than that but… she had been acting, different the past few days.

Ever since their initial arrival in this town, or more specifically the port they had been pressing for information… the younger girl seemed, distant… emotionless… dark. It made the hair on the back of her neck rise. Something was wrong, but, no matter how many times she pressured to tell her what was wrong, she was always met with a stony silence.

Opening the window as the dusk finally arrived, Najia’s azure eyes scanned the streets below as she saw fewer and fewer people moving about. Tonight was the night the couriers transported the Mermaid to her new owner.

This would be the only chance she could recover her safely and with the least amount of casualties as she could manage. She hated taking lives… it was too much for her to burden anymore. And with her camp not far from the town, she could plan their course easy enough back. Giving Eveline one last look as she pondered whether to bring her with her or not, the Kitsune soon decided against it.

It was best that she slept for now. Once this was all over, they could depart, and hopefully, Eveline would return to her former self, her real self. Smiling sadly at the thought, Najia sighed before moving her foot to the windowsill.

Scanning the streets for a final time, the Hominal nodded before vanishing into the air, as she took off into the night.

…

…

…

Opening her scarlet eyes once she was alone, Eveline rolled out of bed before changing out of her bed gown and into her normal clothes. Najia had made this even easier for her. Shaking her head in amusement, the blonde adjusted her ruffles before moving over towards the windowsill as well.

She too had a goal tonight… and the less Najia knew the better. Tonight, her parents would pay…

Tonight, she would go in for the kill…

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Appearing atop a large ancestral rooftop, Eveline’s eyes glowed red as she stared at her home. No, it was never her home. This was always just another place. A Place she grew up in… a place she rested at… the place she was betrayed… There was never love.

Narrowing her eyes, the blonde peered through all the windows with sight even hawks would envy. She could see it all. The candles and lamps were blown out for the night, and the night staff was sound asleep. Pitiful… they would soon learn the error of their ways come morning, once they discovered their new heiress… dead.

Smiling darkly at the thought, Eveline took a step forward, but only a step… before feeling a hand placed on her shoulder. Vanishing in an instant, the Vampire backed up considerably as her eyes shot open. Someone had approached her?! Why didn’t she sense it!

However, it soon dawned on her why. Paling as her body grew numb, Eveline could only stare in disbelief, as Najia stood before her, an emotionless look present over the older woman’s features. She was supposed to be out of the city by now!

“What are you doing here… I thought you had a new pet to acquire…” Glaring down at her little kit, Najia’s tails were fully exposed as her ears unfolded from her hair. “I was… but one of my lambs strayed from the herd. I know why you’re here Eveline. Do not, do this…”

Clenching her fists in anger, the Vampire’s eyes glowed a bloody red as she glared hatefully back at her jailor. Funny, she hadn’t thought about her that way for so long… but, nothing had changed. It never really had.

“You swore to me that you’d never look inside my head... I guess all Monsters are liars after all…” Eveline spat as she bore her fangs towards the older woman. Feeling her lips twitch upward, if only a centimeter, Najia shook her head, before closing her eyes.

“I’ve never needed my kit. I could always tell what you were thinking. It’s in my nature. And this became very easy to see when I meditated on it. I’m guessing the couple you saw back in the port, were your parents? Even after all this time… you still hate them?”

Snarling at the Kitsune for putting it together so quickly, Eveline turned her back on the Hominal. She knew nothing! “Leave me alone… this has nothing to do with you. I’ll meet you outside the city once I’m done.”

“No Eveline… you won’t.”

Narrowing her eyes, the younger girl craned her neck as she saw Najia’s back turned towards her. “What did you say?” Trembling silently, the Kitsune clenched her teeth before shaking her head. “I said, you won’t. If you do this Eveline… try to seek out vengeance… then you no longer have a place beside me.”

Staring at Najia with widened eyes, Eveline was speechless. “What…?” Moving her hand over her chest as she grew dewy-eyed, Najia couldn’t stop herself as she continued to shake her head. “You’ve always called me Monster. Called our kind, Monsters. It’s a habit I’ve never been able to break you of… even though you’re now one of us. But know this kit… Those who travel down the path of revenge… the ones who seek blood… Those are the true monsters.”

Watching as Najia turned back to her now, the Vampire was utterly speechless. Was she, crying?  Staring at the tears that gently trickled down the Kitsune’s face, the younger girl couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Never in their time together had she seen her cry… not once. And now…

Lowering her eyes as she saw her kit simply standing there, motionlessly… she couldn’t take it. “Eveline… for over a decade, I’ve raised you. I’ve seen you grow into the woman you are today. You’ve always been stubborn… and a handful at times… But, you’ve never been malicious. Even with your demons inside you, I know a part of you doesn’t want to do this. So please, if you have even a shred of doubt in your mind, that this won't give you peace, then listen to it. Because once you go through with this… once you leave… I won’t be here when you get back. I have enough blood on my hands alone for all my lifetimes. I won’t carry yours too…” She whispered, her tone almost pleading as she tried desperately to dissuade the younger girl.

She was confused… but she wasn’t a lost cause. She was her kit for a reason. Staring Najia down as the nightly wind blew over them both, no noise was made as an eerie silence, one that had not been present before took hold of them.

As the minutes ticked by, however, Eveline’s eyes soon left Najia’s… as she turned her back to her. “So… you won’t be here when I get back? You won’t keep me bound at the hip or on your leash like the dog you’ve always seen me as any longer? Thank you… You’ve just made this choice easier for me. I don’t need you anymore…”

Stepping forward and onto the edge of the roof, Eveline peered over her shoulder expecting to see… something, but… Najia was gone. She was simply, gone. And that was fine by her. It was as she said… she wasn’t a kid anymore who needed protection.

Najia had nothing left to give her… but this did…

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Silence, pure, and utter, tranquility, this was the state the Ventris household was on a night such as this. No stormy weather. No loud commotions or fights in the city. It was simply peaceful, and quiet. A perfect setting, for her revenge…

Landing without so much as a patter as she dropped from the open window above the study chambers her father had often used, Eveline’s eyes shined brightly as she scanned the brightly lit room. To anyone else, it would be a pitch black nightmare to navigate… Few were the pleasures of being undead, but, when it came down to it… she knew that she liked her newly acquired powers. They made her feel… invincible. They made her feel… alive.

Glancing towards the sleeping maid that rested by the front door, the blonde couldn’t help but smile. In the past, the night staff tended to stay up for her in case she needed something. Oh, how her parents had made the mistake of hiring such worthless help.

Strutting right past the exhausted girl, the Vampiress continued to eye the ground just in case. She had tested it a few days ago… and surprisingly, she was still able to enter. It seemed the rules of her vampirism didn’t apply if she had once lived there. That was helpful to know. She could probably come back someday in the future if she wanted to. The look on her parent’s faces would be worth it…

Seeing them crying… seeing them distraught with anger and anguish. It excited her! Pausing steadily as she walked up the staircases that lead towards her old quarters, Eveline frowned as she felt her heart beat loudly.

Touching her chest, the blonde scowled before shaking her head. That was weird. Her heart hadn’t beaten in ages. It was worthless to her though. Who needed a heart, when you didn’t care to feel anything?

Ignoring the slight pain that had followed, the Hominal adjusted herself once she reached the top of the stairs before her eyes widened. Turning a corner slowly as she yawned sleepily, a woman in a small black nightgown trekked down the long corridor, lit candle in hand as she made her way towards another room of the elegant manor… unaware of the creature currently hanging above her.

Digging her claws into the wooden ceiling, Eveline glared at the woman as she walked by her before she moved out of sight. She was headed towards the powder room. Figures she’d run into someone eventually. Thankfully, she didn’t look like she was in any state to notice her.

Landing in absolute silence once again, Eveline smiled before fleeting down the hallway. If anyone was watching, it would simply look like a trick of the eye, as something flashed through their eyes. Maybe wind, perhaps the light reflecting off the walls?

It didn’t matter though. She was here. Standing in front of her old door, Eveline was mute as she trailed her fingers over the wooden frame. It had been repaired. Scrapping her nails into the wood, the Vampire’s expression turned from nostalgia to anger slowly as she dug her claws inward.

‘Knock it off!’ Hitting her chest as her heart beat once more, Eveline growled under her breath before moving her hand to the door. She needed to get this over with. The less she reminisced, the easier it would be… and the more satisfying.

Swinging her door open, the hinges as silent as if they were freshly oiled, Eveline soon saw her room for what it was now. Scanning the room slowly, the Vampire hissed before cupping her chest. Her heart… Damn it, what was going on!

Feeling it beat steadily, the blonde held her breath for a couple minutes in silence before the organ died off, and ceased its incessant pattering. She didn’t want it to interfere! Glaring hatefully back at her old chambers, the Hominal grit her teeth as she saw all the changes that had occurred.

The walls had been painted over, the broken wall had been fixed with a new bay window… all of her old toys and clothes were gone to… nothing remained… nothing, but a brand new crib. Smiling darkly as her eyes glowed brighter, Eveline stood up straight before strutting into the room, her eagerness showing as she took pleasure in her each and every footfall.

She was going to enjoy this. And enjoy what was going to come the following morning after. Standing over the crib, Eveline peered downward before her breath hitched. Sleeping soundly, almost as if it didn’t need to breathe either… was a little, baby girl.

The infant didn’t look more than a year old if even that. She was precious. Grinning savagely, Eveline flexed her claws before reaching down past the wooden cribs walls. She was beautiful. And now, she was going to be the instrument for her vengeance!

Moving her finger down to the toddler’s neck, the Vampires nail trailed over the itty bitty veins she could see glowing beneath her skin. She was so weak… so fragile… so… vulnerable. And to think, she had once been as weak as this too. It sickened her!

She was better now though. Stronger… she would never allow herself to be this weak again. ‘Strength is pointless. Power is meaningless. Talent is wasted… None of these things matter, unless you have something to use them on. Someone to use them for. Someone to protect them with.’ Blinking quietly as her finger rested on the infant's neck, Eveline quietly began to growl as she heard Najia’s words echo in her mind.

They often did… in the strangest of times. Even now, she was plagued by her old Mentor. Why? Shaking her head slowly to rid her of the thoughts, the Vampire smiled once again as she remembered why she was here… before all blood drained from her face, as she saw the baby’s eyes opening up and staring back at her.

‘Damn it!’ She was going to start crying and wake someone up! She needed to do this now before… before… b-before… Feeling her lower jaw tremble, Eveline shivered slowly as she watched the baby wiggling slowly in her crib, her bright blue eyes staring up at her fearlessly… a smile, spread wide across her lips as she cooed up at her quietly.

‘W-What…?’ Giggling happily, the little girl watched the strange person above her as her petite hands clenched onto the soft finger that was outstretched towards her face. Feeling her hand being played with as the baby started to suck on her finger, Eveline continued to watch as she tried to comprehend it.

“W-Why… why aren’t you crying? I’m a Monster…” Eveline whispered. She was towering over this infant, claws bared, and her eyes a bloody red… and it didn’t look like she even cared. In fact, she looked, excited really.

Laughing loudly as she continued to cling to the hand in front of her, the little girl wrapped her lips around the larger girls finger again as she gently teethed against her skin. Yanking her hand away in disgust, Eveline hissed angrily before her eyes shot open.

Whimpering in her crib, the child soon began to whine before crying loudly. Gritting her teeth, the Vampires hand soon moved back down… before the crying ceased. Laughing happily as she got her way, the baby continued where she left off as she sucked on the blonde's fingertips.

Watching her silently, Eveline frowned as she tried to comprehend it. “You’re an idiot… a waste of a life. Look at you… Lying there helplessly as a Monster like me holds your life on the ends of her very fingertips… T-The very fingertips you seem to be worshiping right now! Is that it? Are you groveling! Begging for me to spare your pathetic life!” Eveline hissed. But, she was only met with inaudible gibberish from the infant.

Sighing as she shook her head, the Vampire massaged her brow as she tried to figure out why she was humoring this child… and an infant that couldn’t possibly answer nor understand her no less. She had come here for a reason after all. Snapping her eyes open, Eveline soon stared the baby down as her bloody irises bore into the younger girl.

“Be silent, and make no noise. Obey me an- H-H-Hey?!” Yanking her hand away angrily as she was bit harder, the baby soon began to cry again much to Eveline’s chagrin before she picked the infant up in anger. “I SAID BE SILENT!”

Turning her head to her, the little girl soon started to giggle once more as she was picked up. Why… why was she like this? Why did she keep reacting like this to her anger! She didn’t understand! “Why do you keep laughing at me?! Are you making fun of me! Is that it! Is this all a joke to you?!”

Panting as her heart began to beat once again, Eveline grit her teeth as she huff in anger. What was this? Some kind of a farce?! She was here to kill her not humor her! Letting the infant dangle as she held her by the onesie nightgown she wore, Eveline outstretched her claws before raising them up.

“Just die…” Snarling loudly at the baby, Eveline tried to provoke her… tried to make her cry… but, she still didn’t. Bring her nails down in an instant, the Vampire tried to end it… but… her fingers froze right before reaching the child’s neck.

Twitching her digits, Eveline bared her fangs at the baby wiggling in her hand… as she continued to watch her… her bright blue eyes… full, of something. It wasn’t fear. It was something else. “Why do you not fear me… I want to k-kill you… so, why…”

Cupping the child slowly, Eveline’s arms soon retracted as she pulled the infant into her. Cradling the baby in silence, the blonde looked her over as she saw her eyes slowly falling closed. As she watched her, the Vampiress had to pause as she suddenly realized what she had been doing. She was rocking her to sleep!

Gritting her teeth again, the older girl closed her eyes before breathing deeply. She needed to stop this. It was time she ended it. Ended it all. Ended… ended her life. Taking deep breathes as she tried to find resolve to do the deed she had set out here to do, Eveline’s eyes soon opened back up, as they glowed brighter.

“I’m Eveline Elise Ventris… deceased heir to the Ventris household. Betrayed by our father… and left for dead… I’m a Monster… I’m not of this world. I’m just a filthy… vile… creature. And this is what we do. Goodbye…” Pausing as she tried to talk herself into it, Eveline looked down at the baby in confusion.

It just dawned on her… she didn’t even know her name. Looking over the crib as she tried to spot a plak, the Vampire growled as she finally found it. She had one just like it once in her own crib. Why did she remember that?

Scoffing, the blonde looked over the etched nameplate… before stiffening in disbelief. ‘D-D-Damn you… Damn you… you bastard…’ Clenching her eyes shut, Eveline panted through her teeth before raising her claws over the child’s neck once more.

“G-G-Goodbye… Evelyn… I guess, you really are, my sister…” They named her after her… Screw them! She was just a replacement! She wasn’t even worth renaming! Trembling in anger, Eveline’s jaw shook as she tried to remain composed… but her useless heart wouldn’t stop!

Pounding into her chest, the veiny organ beat loudly as it pulsated more than it ever had. It hurt. Why did it hurt so much? It just… hurt. Opening her eyes back up, Eveline stared down at her sister… as tears trailed down her cheeks. She couldn’t stop…

She couldn’t stop crying. Oh god, it hurt! Staring back up at her with her big blue eyes, the infant cooed quietly as droplets of water splashed down on her. Looking up at the older girl as she cried over her, the younger infant reached her petite hands upwards towards the girl… almost as if to comfort her.

Sniffling, Eveline sputtered as she shook her head. She couldn’t do it. Oh god… what was she doing? What was she about to do to her! Cupping the infant into her chest as she sobbed, Eveline wept in pain as her heart beat faster and faster.

Why… why was she feeling things? She hadn’t felt anything… but, anger… in so, so… long. So, why now? Why now of all times. And why did it feel like a stake being driven through her heart! She wanted it to stop!

*Crash!*

Stiffening, Eveline’s eyes widened as she heard a loud clatter behind her. Leaning up slowly, the Vampire soon turned, before all color drained from her face. Standing in the doorway to the room… was a woman, a tray of broken porcelain under her as she cupped her mouth in shock.

Looking directly at the woman in just as much disbelief, Eveline’s eyes slowly widened. Her black dress and white apron… her flawless features, if only a little aged… her bright auburn red hair. “E-E-Eveline…”

‘Caitriona’…

Staring across at her old pseudo-mother, Eveline was left utterly wordless. It was really her. Twelve years… and she still looked just as beautiful and memorable as she remembered her. It was really her.

Cupping her mouth as her mind tried to relay what she was seeing to her brain, that what she was seeing… was really real, the redheaded woman gazed down at Eveline… as she saw the child she had once nurtured and looked after… now holding the newly born Heiress of the Ventris family.

Was this truly real? Was this really… really her? “E-E-Eveline…” As she watched the child, however, the blonde’s eyes suddenly glowed red before she vanished in an instant. Blinking slowly, Caitriona gasped before rushing over to the crib.

Looking down in the wooden bed, her eyes softened momentarily as she saw the young Heiress she was charged with watching over lying awake in her cot, her hands outstretched as a sad look overtook her face, tears soon leaving her eyes as she wailed loudly. The person who had been cradling her… was gone.

Picking up Evelyn, the older woman pulled the infant into her as she held her tightly before staring at the open window before her. It was real… she knew it was.

Eveline… was still alive…

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~ Outskirts of Coleraine ~

Falling to the ground from out of thin air, Eveline landed on her knee’s as she panted loudly. Slumping forward as her hands fell into the dirt beneath her, the blonde continued to breathe ruggedly before screaming.

Wailing in a beastial manner, Eveline’s eyes glowed a bloody red before she began clawing at the ground angrily. Panting as she snarled, the little Vampire raked the dirt away as she felt the onslaught of emotions all assaulting her at once.

Shaking her head furiously, she soon had to stop as she felt fatigue setting in. She had run straight out of the city… to here. Falling on her stomach in complete and utter defeat, the blonde sobbed loudly as she felt it all.

Pain, regret, anger, sadness, pity… defeat. She had never been so wrong in her life. Clawing at the ground once more, her nails dug in deep as she whimpered softly. She missed her. She missed it all. She… she missed her life…

“So… was it everything you’d thought it would be?”

Feeling a presence standing over her, Eveline’s face soon rose from the dirt as she felt something nudging her chin upwards. Looking up weakly, the little Vampire sniffled as her scarlet eyes met with Najia’s blue ones. Why… why was she here?

Moving the crying girls face back and forth as she observed her, the blonde sighed softly as she continued to kneel over the trounced girl. “Was your revenge all it was cracked up to be? Did it make you feel better? Did it fill that hole that lies in your heart?” Shivering from the cold tone she heard, the younger girl bit her lip before tugging her head away.

“I… I d-didn’t… I couldn’t… I’m, I-I’m…”

“Human?”

Growling from the condescending tone she heard, Eveline stared back up at Najia, but, she saw nothing but sadness in the older woman’s face now. Sitting down gently, the Hominal didn’t move to touch Eveline again as her eyes instead focused back on the city in front of her.

“No… you’re not human. You’re a Monster, a Monster that feels nothing, a monster that wants nothing more than to forget her past and bury it. Is that close to it?” Clenching her eyes as she was forced to listen to the Kitsune’s words, Eveline buried her face in the dirt dejectedly. She couldn’t say anything… She didn’t have anything she could say… Not after all of this. It wasn’t supposed to be like this…

Looking down at her kit as she sobbed on the ground, Najia moved her hand up to her chest before a small smile crossed her lips. “Monsters are evil. They don’t feel things. You’re supposed to be one, right? So tell me… why couldn’t you go through with it? Didn’t you want to hurt your parents? To make them feel pain… like the pain, you’ve been suffering for all these years? Pain that I couldn’t heal… and that you couldn’t forgive?”

Clenching her teeth, Eveline’s voice soon returned, as she tried to end this. “Y-You shouldn’t be here… You said you’d leave me… if I tried to… to…” Snarling as she felt her stomaching churning when she tried to say it, a hand soon fell on the back of her head, as she felt her hair being gently pet in return.

“I did indeed. But, I knew you wouldn’t go through with it. After all, you’re not a Monster. You’re my kit.” Raising the blondes face out of the dirt, Najia felt her heart ache as she saw the younger girl, cheeks puffy and red, with tears streaming down her face. She couldn’t stop crying…

Sniffling as she sputtered softly, Eveline shivered as her body was slowly being drawn forward into Najia’s lap, a pair of tails resting on her to comfort her in her pain. Trembling painfully from the stabbing in her chest, the younger girl Bit her knuckled as she tried to make it stop.

“I… It hurts… why does it h-hurt so much… why…?” Stroking the sniveling girl’s cheek, Najia was mute as she wiped the dirt that had been smeared over her face away. “Because you still feel Eveline. You’re still here, here with me now. Here in this world. Here, and relevant. You’re not forgotten… and no matter what you say, you’re, still, you. Not a Monster… but a person. A Person that feels… that loves. You’re simply you, Eveline. And no matter what you think… you always will be.”

Choking on the response she received, Eveline shook her head slowly as she continued to cry. “E-E-Eveline’s dead! I-I’m n-no one! Even… even my very name was stripped and taken away…” She whimpered. No one cared for her… she had simply been, replaced.

“Well… If Eveline is dead, then there’s nothing you can do about it? Is there, Eve?” Stiffening, the blonde slowly turned her head before looking into the Kitsune’s smiling face. “W-What…?” Chuckling at the response she had hoped to hear, Najia’s fingers moved under the younger woman’s chin before she leaned her face down towards hers.

“If Eveline is dead… then who am I talking to now? If you no longer wish to be my kit, then you’ll simply be my Eve. I’ve been traveling with a person for all these years… not a ghost or a figment of my imagination. You’re still here. And you’ll never be forgotten by me, even if others choose to do just that.” She whispered before pressing her forehead into the Vampires.

Shuddering as she looked into Najia’s face, Eveline soon began to cry once more before her arms began to rise on their own. “N-Najia…” Opening her eyes back up, the Hominal smiled as she felt the blonde’s hands wrapping around her back.

“P-PLEASE… PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME!”

Clutching Eveline into her as she wailed louder, the Kitsune shook her head as she sat up slowly, her arms and tails pulling the smaller girl into her as she comforted her close. “I’ll always be with you kit. I’ll always be beside you, my Eve.”

Breaking down completely as she felt her pain being stripped away, the Vampire held onto Najia for dear life as she hugged her. Why… why did she do this to her? She didn’t deserve it.

She didn’t deserve her.

“I-I’m sorry… I-I-I’m s-so… s-sorry… I-I’m sorry… I-I-I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”

Sitting together as she let her kit get it all out, Najia smiled as she watched the sun slowly starting to rise. The night was over… and with it, a new day was coming. A day she had long awaited…

A day, when she could finally help her kit, let go of her past… so she could move on with her future.

She was now, free.

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~ Hours later ~

Hearing a loud cry of pain to both her left and right, Eveline glanced back and forth at the large group of armored men all rendered unconscious by her and Najia’s hand. Looking at the road as she let the Kitsune do her thing, the Vampire’s eyes were ever watchful from beneath the tree she rested against.

They had finally tracked her down again. After the events that night back in Coleraine, it had become even clearer to her now just how much the Hominal cared for her. She had chosen her over the auctioned Mermaid that night, a fact that eased her heart greatly. But, that did mean they had to track her back down again the following morning. Thankfully, it didn’t take more than half a day.

Watching as the blonde pried open the glass container to release the other Hominal, Eveline simply closed her eyes and waited. If these men had taken a hidden route and not traveled by road, then they may have never located them again. She had almost screwed up the very reason they had been back in her hometown to begin with… all for her selfish retribution.

Slumping into the tree behind her, Eveline sighed as she rested in peace. For once in her life, she actually felt it. Peace. Pressing against her chest right above her heart, the Vampiress smiled quietly as the throbbing pain she had been experiencing all night subsided. It was now a gentle patter. It sounded, human.

‘Even if I’m not one…’ Frowning from her darkening thoughts rising back up, the Hominal cast them aside as she opened her eyes once more, her vision soon shifting over to the Mermaid she saw for the very first time.

She was young, younger than her visage even. She couldn’t be more than four or five years old. Giving the crying girl a saddened look as she watched Najia speaking to her, Eveline's mind wandered freely. It was hard to believe, that she thought so little of Najia, up until now. She was a saint…

Cupping her chest as her heart beat spiked a bit, Eveline breathed deeply to slow it back down. It would take some time to get used to it again. Take time, to learn how to feel more than anger, or resentment. She had to relearn it all. “Kit, a word?” Blinking as Najia came towards her, the Vampire moved to the treeline but paused right before she came out into the open.

Looking up at the older woman as she smiled down at her warmly, Najia soon kneeled down before glancing over her shoulder. “This is Brook. She’ll be joining us for a little while I find a way to get her back home. I know you’re not one to take to others very easily… but, she looks like she could use a friend. And, you look like you could use one too, Eve.”

Blushing from the newly acquired nickname, Eveline nodded silently before looking back over to crying Hominal wadding in the small pool she was trapped in. Stepping forward much to Najia’s surprise, Eveline winced as the sun beat down on her, but, she ignored it.

Coming to the edge of the cart, the Vampire’s crimson eyes met with the Mermaids green ones. She could hear her whimpering as she grew closer… she was scared of her. Wiping the scowl off her face, the Vampiress forced a smile to surface as she extended her hand forward.

“Don’t worry, everything will be alright. We’re here to help you.” Sniffling in her tank, the little Mermaid looked up at the older girl before reaching her hand forward. Watching the interaction slowly, Eveline smiled quietly before doing the same and eventually cupping the toddlers in her own.

“You’re safe now, I promise.” Seeing as a small smile made its way to the Mermaid’s face, Eveline’s lips curled upwards as well. Perhaps, Najia was right again. Perhaps… it was time, that she tried making some friends. No, it was time... for her to start living.

“My names Eveline… but, if you want to… call me, Eve.”

To be continued.