Chapter 2: The Neighbor

The city lights twinkled more beautifully this night. Anyone who'll come in high places would be able to stop and stare at this breathtaking view.

Except for one.

This lad cannot seem to appreciate the beauty of city lights due to the situation he's in today.

"Wait!" He exclaimed as he jumped from building to building, chasing after a level-D vampire.

'Stop... following... me...' The monster said and spread its wings even more to increase the speed of its flight.

"Oh no, you don't!" The lad jumped higher and landed at the vampire's back.

It fell out of balance and landed on one of the building's roof.

"I'm not here to hurt you, I'm here to help you!" He said and used the monster's fangs to wound his finger.

With that, his blood drips on its mouth and drank it. Soon, the vampire transformed back to his human form.

"I... I'm back..?" He gasped and gazed at his hands and entire body.

"Yes, you can now control your hunger towards human blood." The lad said as he took out a blanket from his belt. It was one of Damien's new invention: a belt which can keep big and many items. Very handy if you ask him.

He gave the blanket to the man and wrapped it around his waist since he has no clothes when he transformed as a monster earlier.

Just then, they suddenly felt someone's presence as two men in white robes landed their feet on the building as well.

"We've finally found you, Vampire King!" They said.

Seeing the golden cross symbol on their robes, Rae knew right away that they didn't come in peace.

"Mister, use that exit over there and save yourself!" He said to the man.

"B-but how about you?"

Rae smirked, "I'll be fine. I'll handle them."

The man nodded and ran towards the exit door that leads the way downstairs.

"Not so fast!" One of them turned his rosary into a golden whip and was about to lash the man when in a blink of an eye, Rae appeared in front of him.

"W-what!?" He was caught off-guard that Rae kicked his arm and the whip slipped into his hands.

"Oops! My bad!" He chuckled.

"You dare!" Another one attacked and lashed his whip at him when Rae jumped away just in time.

He landed at the edge of the building, having that proud yet attractive smirk, showing off his fangs. The moonlight illuminates his long bloody red hair as his eyes glowed in bright red.

"You're not getting away!" Both of them lashed their golden whips at his direction.

With a calm heart, Rae leaned his back as he fell on the building.

The two men were surprised, vampires can't fly--or so they thought.

Suddenly, Rae appeared in mid air, having those dark bat wings flapping in the night sky.

"Holy mother of--"

"Have a good evening, gentlemen! I shall go home now." Rae waved goodbye as he started to fly away.

The hunters tried to chase him with their golden whips but he was already high enough that it didn't reach him.

It has always been like this. He greeted his nights with the scenes of chasing vampires and being chased by hunters.

Yes, those men in white are called hunters, monster hunters to be precise. The golden cross symbol on their robes proves that they belong to the Holy Ministry, an organization for hunters like them. Ever since he made a declaration that he will be the next vampire king, these hunters started to appear and hunt him down one after the other.

He doesn't hate them though. They're just doing their job as he does his. He tried talking to them once that he's not against them, but they just won't listen. Looks like talking won't be enough to convince them.

So Rae decided to show his sincerity through actions by not killing any of them. In that way, they'll be able to see that he's on the good side. Hopefully, that is. But as of the moment, his hard work hasn't been paid off.

As he flapped his wings, he slowly landed in front of his house after he has confirmed that no one has followed him. Slowly, his wings came back inside his body before he went inside his house. The lights were off and everything seems quiet and in lull silence.

"Oh right... Today's Rin and Damien's day-off..." He yawned as he went straight to his room. He slumped himself on bed and quickly doze off to sleep.

He was awakened by the sound of the vehicle's engine nearby. Rae got up and glanced at his window. There's a truck in front of the apartment near his house, some men were carrying boxes inside. It was the Valdez family's apartment before. But it looks like it's time for him to have a new neighbor now. And that thought alone left a stinging pain in his heart.

"Oh right, I'm going to be late for school!" He mumbled and quickly move to fix himself.

After that, he closed the door and hopped on his bike as he started riding it. Too bad he wouldn't be able to greet his new neighbor, he has to be early for school today now there's a bigger responsibility he's carrying on his shoulders.

It didn't take him long enough to reach the campus. Since it's still early, few cars passed by on the road which made it easier for him to travel fast and safe.

"Good morning, Mr. Ramos!" He greeted the security guard with a bright smile.

"As early as always, Mr. Celis!" The guard smiled back.

"I have a scheduled meeting with the Dean, I can't be late, am I?"

"You're right. Have a nice day then, Mr. Celis."

"You too, Mr. Ramos!" The lad said before he went inside the grounds and parked his bicycle properly.

Five years ago, after his declaration as the candidate for the position of the vampire king, Rae knows he can no longer use his last name publicly like he used to. It would most likely draw him closer to the hunters and other vampires and might cause harm to innocent people. And he doesn't want that.

That's why, his father suggested to change his last name to Celis, the one he's using during his hunter days. This last name came from the man who treated his father like his own son, who stood as his father's foster parent. You could say he's his foster grandfather. Too bad he wasn't able to meet him in person. He would be very grateful if he would be given the chance to meet the man who became the way why he was able to meet his father once again.

That's why he doesn't oppose to the idea of using the name Celis as his temporary surname. It feels like he's wearing the badge of honor behind that name. And he's proud of it.

Going to the main building and walking on the hallway, Rae went straight to the Dean's office. After he knocked and got the Dean's permission, he opened the door and came in.

"Ah, Mr. Celis! Good morning!"

"Good morning, Mr. Luna." Rae greeted with a smile.

"Have a seat."

And the lad did so.

"I am pleased that you have accepted our invitation and accepted the responsibilities as the university's Supreme Student Government President."

"The pleasure and honor is mine, Mr. Luna."

The Dean laughed, "And you deserve such feat. After all, you're this university's top student. You deserve such authority to guide and lead our students in the light."

"I will do my best." He smiled.

"And with that being said, I would like you to meet this person who will help you carry out those responsibilities."

Just then, they heard a knock from the door.

"Oh, speaking of the devil. That must be her." The Dean said, "Come in."

The door opened and from it, a girl with a short lavender hair stepped forward. Her hair's short but there are lower braids on both sides. She also has fair white skin and slim body figure. She walked straight and stood dignified in front of the Dean's desk.

"Good morning, Mr. Luna."

"Good morning, Ms. Grosvenor."

Then, the Dean glanced at him, "Mr. Celis, this is Ms. Aria Grosvenor, the chosen Vice President of our university and who will assist you in your responsibilities as the SSG's new President."

Rae stood and reached his hand, "Nice to meet you, Ms. Grosvenor." He smiled warmly.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Celis." She shook his hand while having that stoic expression.

Her hand is soft but firm. And she has this particular fragrance. Sweet and calming, just like the lavender flowers.

"Uhm..." She said, "You can let go now."

That's when he noticed, he was still holding and shaking her hand. With that, he immediately withdrew his hand and flushed in embarrassment.

"M-my bad!"

"It's fine." She briefly said and gazed at the Dean.

"Looks like you'll get along too well. With that, your first assignment is to find the other members of the SSG. I've prepared the list of students who ranked highly in their subjects. I'll be giving you the freedom to choose who will be suitable to help you in carrying peace and order in our campus." He explained.

"Can I count on both of you?"

They both nodded, "Yes sir."

Mr. Luna smiled, "That's good. You will be able to find the information you need on the library. I've already told the librarian to give you access."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Luna." Rae bowed politely.

"Oh, before I forgot, you don't need to find anyone in the position of Treasurer. My niece will be the one supporting you in financial matters."

"Your niece?" Rae blinked.

"Yes! Her name's Ciella and she's the famous star idol in the whole world!" Mr. Luna excitedly said as he showed them some posters of a cute girl with long candy pink hair.

"Isn't she adorable?"

"Err... Y-you're right, Mr. Luna." Rae smiled awkwardly, he wasn't expecting the Dean to be a fan boy.

And with that, they both left the Dean's office.

"I never expect to see that side of Mr. Luna." He chuckled.

"Mmhh." Ms. Grosvenor nodded.

"I guess that's just show how supportive he is as a loving uncle." He added.

"Mmhh." She nodded once again.

Rae felt the awkward silence.

'Not much of a talker, I see...' He thought.

"How have you been, Ms. Grosvenor?"

"Good." She briefly replied.

"Err... Where do you live?"

"Nearby."

"Are you new here?"

"Yes."

"How did you find the city? Is it good?"

"Yes."

"How about the university?"

"Good."

"May I ask why did you study here?"

"Grandfather says so."

'Ugh! I'm already out of questions! She'll be my companion for the rest of school year so I have to set a good communication with her. But how am I going to do that if she speaks less?'

"We're here." She mumbled.

Rae didn't realize they're already in front of the library. He was busy with his thoughts and how to communicate with Ms. Grosvenor properly.

Soon as they enter, they asked the librarian about the files that they needed.

"Oh my, Mr. Celis! Just as I thought, you'll be the next SSG president!" Says the librarian.

"Looks like your predictions are right, Mrs. Cruz."

"Such a sweet boy, make sure to do your best, okay?" Then, Mrs. Cruz glanced at the girl beside him, "Oh my, is she the lucky girl?" The librarian smiled meaningfully.

But looks like Rae took it the other way around, "Yes, she's the Vice president of the SSG, Ms. Grosvenor."

Ms. Grosvenor bowed her head politely.

"Is that so?" The librarian laughed awkwardly.

'Here I thought this sweet boy could finally have his special someone... How frustrating!'

"We'll be off now, Mrs. Cruz. Thank you so much!" Rae smiled while they carry the boxes of files.

They placed those boxes in a specific table in the library.

Rae glances at his watch, "We still have more time before class begins, shall we start looking?"

Ms. Grosvenor nodded in response as they both sat in chair and start opening the files. Minutes have passed and nothing could be heard but the sound of flipping pages as they read each information thoroughly.

"Did you find anyone?" He asked.

She shook her head. Since she's not saying anything much, Rae decided to read her mind.

'I know I already stopped myself from doing so, but I have to know at least what she's thinking. I'm sorry, Ms. Grosvenor!' He said to himself and started reading the lass's mind.

'These students...' She said while flipping through the pages, 'Their grades aren't bad but... they still lack skills in leadership. If not for club activities, they have part-time jobs. Choosing them won't be a wise decision for us.'

"Same." He suddenly blurted out at which she gazed at him.

"I-I mean, I-I am seeing same problem with our top students, don't you think?" He laughed awkwardly.

"What do you mean?"

"Uhm, I mean, if we ever choose one of these students, they won't be able to commit their full time and devotion in working at the SSG given the fact that they either have club activities or part-time jobs. It's such a pity, right?" He explained, hoping she won't suspect him for reading her mind.

"I see. You're right about that, Mr. Celis."

Rae sighed in relief when she said those words.

'I won't really read minds ever again! That was dangerous!' He reminded himself.

Just then, he noticed the last folder left inside the box. When he took it, he flipped through the pages and read the information in a fast phase. What's written made his heart leapt in excitement.

"Ms. Grosvenor..." He called, "Looks like we've found who we're looking for!" He smirked and showed her the file.

After a quick scan, she blinked, "Are you sure about this, Mr. Celis?"

Knowing what she's talking about, Rae just smiled and nodded, "Yep, I'm 100% sure!"

She stared at him for a moment, her golden amber eyes gazing at him. And then, she blinked.

"Alright. I will trust your judgement."

Rae grinned, "Thank you! Now, shall we go and find him?" He stood and offered his hand to her.

But instead of taking it, Ms. Grosvenor stood by herself.

Noticing his gesture, she tilted her head to the side, "What are you doing, Mr. Celis?"

Immediately, he withdrew his hand, "I-it's nothing!"

He sighed and started walking out of the library.

'Guess it'll take me a long time before I can establish a good communication with her.'

"Good morning, Mr. President!" One student greeted him as they are walking in the hallway.

"Good morning." Rae greeted back.

"Good morning, Mr. Rae!" Some girls greeted.

He waved his hand and smiled, "Good morning to all of you!"

The girls flushed and squealed for joy when he smiled at them.

Then, a group of boys from the soccer team came and greeted him.

"Rae! How have you been!" They all gathered around him and gave him a bro fist. Some even messed up his hair as they placed their arm on his shoulder.

"You guys! It's been a while!"

"Mr. Rae, will you come to watch our training later? We really missed how you guide us back then." Asked one of the juniors.

"He's right. We missed you so much. Now that you quit in the soccer team, we just lost another handsome face!"

Rae laughed, "You know I can't, now that I'm the SSG president. I have to focus on this. But I'll try to watch your training later, okay?"

Suddenly, in the midst of their conversation, they heard someone cleared her throat. It was Ms. Grosvenor, who's still waiting for him.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that. Guys, this is Ms. Grosvenor, the SSG vice president."

"Nice to meet you all." She bowed politely as the boys blushed at her beauty.

Then, they suddenly grabbed Rae, "Hey hey! You didn't even tell us you have a girlfriend now, Rae!"

"Where did you meet a beauty like that!?"

"W-what are you saying, guys? She's not my girlfriend. We're working as officers of the SSG."

"Mr. Celis, shall we go now?" Ms. Grosvenor called.

"Oh right. I really have to go, guys. It's nice talking to all of you." He waved goodbye as they left.

"I still can't believe Mr. Rae has no girlfriend. I mean, with that look, charisma, brains and all, I don't think no girl inside this campus would be able to refuse him." Said one of the juniors.

"You're right. Even we've been teammates for three years, he didn't even talk about his love life, not even once." Said the team captain, "But I guess it's just a matter of time for him to find the right one."

"Sorry about that. I never thought to see them on the way." Rae apologetically said.

"It's fine. It's my duty to wait."

"Ms. Grosvenor," He suddenly grabbed her hand, "Please tell me next time if I ever offend you or there's something you dislike about me, okay?"

"Mr. Celis..." She called.

'A-already? Is she going to tell me how I've offended her?!' He gulped.

"Behind you." She pointed.

When Rae turned around, he saw a familiar face walking towards the next building. A tall lad with an ash gray hair, the same one they saw on that file.

"That's definitely him. Good job, Ms. Grosvenor!" Rae chuckled and to his excitement, he suddenly pulled the lass as they ran towards that lad.

The tall lad was walking as he was about to go to his morning class when suddenly, one girl bumped into him accidentally.

"Oh, I'm so--"

The girl froze soon as he gazed at her. She trembled and became pale white as if she saw a ghost.

"I-I'm so sorry! It won't happen again!" Together with her friend, they quickly ran away.

The tall lad sighed. This always happens. What's new about it?

Whenever he gazes at people around him, there are two possible ways to happen:

(1) they'll tremble, turn pale white and run away or,

(2) they'll tremble, turn pale white and will faint.

Is it his fault? Is it a crime? Should he not look at people and just ignore them?

'Well, it's better this way than get too attach to them...' He said to himself.

But then, something unexpected happened to him today.

"Mr. Grayson Salem..."

Soon as he heard his name, he turned around and saw a lad with a white silver hair.

Is he a foreigner? But he seems to be fluent with their language. More over, he looked like someone with the same age as him.

"That's you, right?" He smiled as his ocean blue eyes gazed at him.

"What do you want?" He asked. Even it is unintentional, in Rae and Ms. Grosvenor's point of view, he was glaring at them. Like someone who's making a death glare.

'He kinda reminds me of Cal...' Rae thought.

"I am Rain Anderson Elliot Celis, but you can call me Rae. And this is Ms. Aria Grosvenor, and we are the SSG officers. With that being said, we would like to invite you to be part of the SSG as well."

The tall lad stared at them from head to toe as if examining them.

"Why me? Have you lost your minds?" He scoffed, "Have you heard the rumors about me?"

"So what?" Rae smiled, "Those are just baseless rumors. I don't care if they say you're terrible and delinquent. I'll judge you based on what I'll see with my own eyes. And I won't change my mind that I want you to be part of the SSG. You've got what it takes, Mr. Salem."

The tall lad blinked and frowned. It's the first time he encountered someone who didn't run nor faint from his gaze. And more importantly, he has been invited to be part of the group with high authority inside the whole campus. It's so sudden that he suddenly turned his back.

"I'm not interested." He mumbled and walked away.

"Ah wait!" Rae was about to stop him but he walked faster than he thought.

"He rejected us. What are we going to do now, Mr. Celis?" Ms. Grosvenor asked.

"Don't worry," he said, "He'll join us, for sure!" He smiled with eyes full of determination which made the lass surprised and wondered.

After their morning classes, Rae quickly finished his tasks at school and went home afterwards. After all, he has another task to do at night.

With that, he changed his clothes to black and went out soon as the sun begins to set. His hair became longer as it turned bloody red. His blue eyes shifted to red that glows brightly in the dark.

Jumping from building to building and running from roof to roof, Rae landed in front of a specific bar in the dark alleys of the city.

'I know it's too soon for me to go inside this place but... this is my job for tonight.' He shrugged and pushed the door as he stepped inside. All eyes were drawn to him as he walked straight to the bar tender.

"Good evening, may I speak to the owner of this bar?" He smiled.

The bar tender raised his eye brow, "And you are?"

"Tell him... the next Vampire King came to visit."

After he said those words, everyone around him paused all of a sudden and all gazes fell on his direction.

The bar tender laughed, "You like to crack a joke, sir. That's hilarious!"

Rae laughed with him, "Oh, and kindly tell him as well..." His smile suddenly turned to smirk, "That I came to stop his schemes of illegal kidnapping and murdering human lives."

With that, everyone around him -- be it man or woman, gathered while wearing that malicious glare. There's no doubt about it, everyone inside this bar were vampires.

"Accusing with no proof is such a huge crime, don't you think, sir?" The bar tender smiled devilishly.

"Oh, but I do have proof..."

When one of them was about to punch him, Rae quickly grabbed his arm and threw him at the bar tender. But he quickly ducked that the vampire hit the cabinet of alcohol. In such strong impact, the cabinet broke together with the wall behind it. What lies inside was a room with several hospital beds where there are humans lying while their blood is being sucked out, gathering it on a plastic bag.

"There, isn't that proof enough?" Rae said with a daring look on his face.

"Get him!" The bar tender exclaimed.

Then, all the vampires attacked him at once. Rae dodged all of them and fought them in combat. One by one, they flew out of the building from his punches. While this is happening, the bar tender pressed a button under his table.

'This will notify the other vampires...' He thought and quickly ran away out of the bar using the other exit.

Noticing this, Rae has no other option but to end the fight as soon as possible. He can't let the culprit get away with his crimes. With that, he stretched his arms on both sides that made the vampires froze in their place. Moving his fingers, the blood inside their bodies slowly turned to crystal.

"I'm sorry, but this is for the lives you mercilessly took." He mumbled and as he closed his fist, the crystals cracked and shattered to pieces so are their bodies.

After that, Rae quickly went inside the secret room and removed the needle that sucks their blood to save their lives. And then, he took his phone and made a call.

"Hello? Trevor? Yeah, I badly need a help here... 23rd Camelia Street in the dark alley, the Eclipse bar. Yeah, thanks a bunch!" He said before he hung up.

"Now, time for a chase." He mumbled as he spread his wings and fly as fast as he could.

The bar tender ran faster and faster since no one is around on that alley, he transformed into a monster bat and flew in the night sky. In the air, he was being chased by Rae as they kept roaming around the city, unnoticed by the citizens.

'This is getting out of nowhere! I have to stop him before he could hurt anyone else!'

With that, Rae bit his thumb and turned his blood into a whip and lashed it on its foot, wrapping it around his ankle. Then, he pulled the monster as hard as he could. He was about to land his face on Rae's fist when all of a sudden, a loud bang came and the vampire's head suddenly exploded. After that, its body slowly turned to ashes. Rae was indeed shocked, everything happened so fast. But he got no time to process every single thing when he felt another attack coming on his way.

He changed the angle of his flight and managed to dodge the next bullet. And like in slow motion, he was able to see the golden bullet that killed the bar tender earlier. And with that, he sharpened his senses and was able to locate where the attacks came from.

'A sniper?' He vanished and appeared right behind the one who's shooting the golden bullets.

But suddenly, his attacker quickly turned around and kicked his face. It was stronger than he expected that almost dislocated his jaw.

"Nice to meet you, Vampire King."

He heard a female's voice. When he held his head up, he saw a woman wearing a black hoodie with black tube, pants, and boots. Her face was covered with a black face mask that he can only see her golden eyes.

What's more, there's a golden cross symbol on both sides of her shoulders which indicates where she's working from.

'Did they change their uniform or something? The Holy Ministry hunters usually wear in white robes.' He thought.

But it's not what bothers him the most. It's the scent that he can smell from this woman. It seems familiar.

'Where have I smelled it before?' He solemnly thought.

He was disturbed when the woman started attacking again. From a sniper riffle, her golden weapon turned to a handgun as she started firing at him. Quickly, Rae dodged her bullets when the hunters from before suddenly came from behind and attacked him with their golden whips.

Fortunately, he was able to dodge those. But soon as he landed, a golden magic circle suddenly appeared below him. It came from the bullets he dodged earlier. Seems like this huntress didn't actually mind whether he'll get hit or not. She's been planning this all along.

When he was caught off-guard, Rae was electrified by that magic circle and was unable to move for a moment. Smoke smoldered out of his body as he felt the stingy feeling. He hasn't felt that for so long. He thought it would be his Dad who'll be the first and the last to use that on him.

The huntress came and pointed her gun at him, "Checkmate, Vampire King." She said with those cold eyes gazing at him.

Rae slowly looked up as he groaned, "I don't think so..." He smirked and snapped his fingers.

All of a sudden, the blood stains he left earlier when he got kicked, exploded right behind the hunters. And Rae used this opportunity to spread his wings and escaped.

"Young mistress!" The hunters coughed from the smoke, "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine." The huntress replied.

"Should we go after him?"

"No," she shook her head, "There's still a lot of chances. As cunning as him, I know we'll see each other again." She said and left the rooftop.

***

"That was close!" Rae sighed in relief as he landed on the spot where no one could see him. His wings came back inside his body as his hair turned back to silver white. His red eyes became blue as he transformed back to his human form. And with that, he also changed his clothes to his uniform before he went out of the narrowed alley and walked straight to the gate of his house.

Then suddenly, the familiar scent that he smelled from the huntress appeared once again that made him nervous and panicked.

'She's here! Did I make a mistake and was followed!?' When he turned around, he saw a familiar face.

"Mr. Celis, what are you doing in the middle of the night?" Asked Ms. Grosvenor.

At that moment, he was certain, he can't be mistaken. The familiar scent he smelled earlier was the sweet and calming scent of the lavender flowers and it came from the lass in front of him.

It was Ms. Aria Grosvenor.

"Mr. Celis?" She called again and tilted her head to the side.

"Uh-err... I was... the soccer! I watched the soccer training earlier because I wanted to grant my junior's request... They just finished earlier, way too late, huh?" He said nervously, "How about you, Ms. Grosvenor, what are you doing here in the middle of the night?"

"Ah, I live here. I just settled in this apartment." She pointed the house in front of his, the one which previously lived by the Valdez family.

"Could it be, you're my neighbor?" She asked with a stoic expression.

Still in shock, Rae just nodded as a response.

'This can't be real! Am I dreaming? The huntress who almost killed me is Ms. Grosvenor who turned out to be my new neighbor?!' He panicked deep inside.

And inside his head, this is the only phrase he's been shouting:

'NO WAAAAAAAAY!!!'