Chapter 7: That Fateful Encounter

The night could never be colder than this.

As the cool breeze of wind keeps howling around -- swaying the forest trees, tall and small; up to the grasses and bushes. Sending out the leaves and flower petals flying towards the midnight sky. One of these petals were taken and landed on the palm of this certain vampire wearing a black cloak with its golden linings.

"What a poor creature..." He mumbled, "You've been taken by the wind even if you put up a fight, yet it's futile. We're kinda the same... We've been taken in a place, we're not supposed to be..."

The small petal in his hand was completely blown by the gust of wind that flew out of his reach. And with that, the vampire heaved a sigh.

Just in time, he felt someone came and was standing behind him.

"What is it, Kagami?"

A woman, wearing the same cloak as him, came forward.

"Master Vulpine," she called, "Linnaeus is dead."

Upon hearing those words, a strong gust of wind came in between.

"I see..." The vampire called Vulpine scoffed, "Lemme guess, the Vampire King killed him, right?"

Kagami pursed her lips before she nodded, "I didn't see how exactly he has done it, I can't watch them up close or I'll get spotted. Forgive me, Master Vulpine." She bowed.

"Raise your head, my dear Kagami." Vulpine smiled, "There's nothing to worry about. Linnaeus isn't dead."

Kagami held her head up and gazed at him with a flustered expression.

"What do you mean? I saw him getting killed with my own eyes. He died!"

"You're not wrong about that, Kagami. Linnaeus INDEED died... Well, his fake body, at least." He shrugged.

"Fake body?" Kagami echoed.

Vulpine smirked, "Indeed. We all know he's one of the rare species of a parasite vampire. He's capable of having multiple bodies in different places. And as far as I can remember, the one we had with us was his last one. Now we just have to go and look for his original body." He explained and stood up, brushing the dust off his cloak.

"How are we going to find him, Master Vulpine?"

He smirked and glanced at her, "That won't be too hard. I know exactly where it lies." He grinned.

***

Going back to the city of secrets and mysteries, they were told of the Vampire King's habit of roaming around these tall buildings at night. And so he did.

Looking at the busy cars and vehicles downward, Isaac used his telescope to locate his target easily as he glanced at the beautiful city lights.

Well, he wasn't alone though. He was assigned to this new mission and knowing whom they'll be facing, he decided to contact the very first person who comes into his mind.

"I'm sorry, I'm late. Did you wait for long?"

Speaking of the devil, a man with black hair and a tall figure climbed up to reach the top of the building where he was waiting. He has this thick brows and fierce black eyes that never change since the day they've met. If he doesn't know him for 30 years, he might be still scared of his cold and grumpy look. Like how others do.

But he won't feel that way, not to this man who's wearing the same white robe as him.

"Nah I'm good, just chillin' out while waiting for you." Isaac replied.

"Did find him?" Gideon asked, took the telescope from him and used it.

"Uhh, not yet. I haven't."

"Then why do you have this in the first place? You're using this so intently as if you've already found the target." Gideon frowned.

Isaac pouted, "But it looks cool! I feel like a detective in a mystery show when I used it just now." He proudly said which made Gideon frowned even more.

"Don't look at me like that! It's your fault why I'm doing things not to get bored."

"And what does that mean?"

"Don't act like you don't know!" Isaac pointed an accusing finger, "I already know the fact why you're late! You had your fun dating with that girl!"

Gideon flushed when he heard about this, "What the-?! We're not dating, idiot!"

"You're lying! If you're not dating, why did you go up and meet her again?"

"T-that's... There's something.. --"

Isaac cut him off, "See? I knew it! You're planning on leaving me too right, Gideon?" He said with those teary eyes.

"What the heck are you spouting!?"

"I'm so jealous, y'know!" Isaac raised his fist, "You guys are having a love life now while I remain single! Do you know how frustrating is that!?"

Being annoyed with his behavior, Gideon suddenly broke the telescope in his hand.

"Why did you do that!? I bought that online and it's kinda expensive!" Isaac mourned for the broken pieces of his new toy on the ground.

"I don't care. It's your fault anyway. You should've not mentioned about that girl." Gideon crossed his arms to his chest.

"I'm sorry." Isaac mumbled, "I was just too happy that you finally have someone who'll make you happy." He smiled gently.

And Gideon felt the sincerity of his words.

Not until he said the next line.

"And here I thought someone has finally managed to look at your grumpy face." He grinned teasingly.

Gideon raised his fist, "Why you... Do you want to get hit?"

"Just kiddin', just kidding! But seriously though, why do you deny this girl?"

"Because we're not actually dating. I was just helping her earlier."

Isaac held his chin, "Hmm... But I heard she's cute. Aren't you going to pursue her?"

Gideon looked away, "No, not a chance."

Isaac blinked, "But why?"

Gideon's eyebrows furrowed as he flashed a troubled expression, "Enough. We came here to investigate the Vampire King. Let's change locations, we might spot him." He changed the subject and used the device given by the Ministry. This enables them to jump from one building to another without worrying about falling from tall heights.

As they transfer from one place to another, Gideon recalled their conversation in his head. He wasn't really planning on meeting up with that girl more than once. But the more he tried to avoid her, the more they encounter each other.

And with that, a memory flashed back on him which happened three months ago.

***

As instructed by the higher authority, under the name of a man called Gabriel Grosvenor, Gideon was assigned to guard a specific city for a while. They've received a report where there are few vampires lurking around the said place -- and his mission is to end them all.

Since the day he passed the most difficult exam for hunters, he received the badge which shows he's now an official member of the Ministry. And ever since then, he managed to have his own Holy weapon and some tools that would help him in capturing the monsters.

Speaking of these tools, one of them is a golden compass. This helps him in locating the presence of a monster in disguise. After all, humans like them have limitations. The compass has come in handy during his missions.

'The arrow isn't moving. Then I must change locations. The vampire isn't here.' Gideon thought as he was gazing at his compass.

He continued walking in a crowded place. Just then, among the crowd, he saw a lass walking in a hurry when she suddenly tripped. It was right at the moment when she passed through his left.

With his reflexes, he quickly grabbed the lass's arm and supported her before she ever falls on the ground. The lass blinked fast. She was expecting she would fall and get hurt but didn't feel any pain. Slowly, she tilted her head upwards and met the gaze of a tall man who just saved her.

Normally in fiction stories, the guy would usually ask if the girl was okay. But it seems like one shouldn't believe in those. This isn't what the lass has experienced.

"Be careful." That is what he said before he walked away just like that.

'I don't know if he's being nice or being rude.' She thought, 'Oh whatever! At least I'm safe.' She shrugged and started walking as well.

She held her head, 'Ugh! Now I'm getting dizzy. How long has it been since I had a proper meal and sleep?' She frowned and quickly left the crowded place.

When she reached the park, she went and sat on the bench to take a breather.

"Darn! I thought I'm going to faint there... I've been roaming around for weeks and I can't get any news." She mumbled and held her head up.

Staring at the lamp post, she added, "Should I just give up..?" But saying those words left a pang of pain in her heart. Her eyes became teary just by thinking about it.

"No... No, no, no... I shouldn't say that... I'm just tired, yeah... Maybe I should call this a day." She quickly wiped her tears away and took a deep breath.

Then, she stood up and was about to leave when she noticed a looming shadow standing before her. By the silhouette, she can tell it's a man.

What's strange, he's just standing there, doing nothing but to creep the hell out of her with his gazes.

"Uhm, may I help you?" She gathered the courage to ask. And while doing so, she slipped her hand inside her bag, grabbing her pepper spray.

She gulped when the man suddenly growled. It was like the sound of a growling beast. And just by hearing this, her knees won't stop shaking. Chills ran down her spine as her hands become sweaty.

Slowly, she took a few steps backward. But soon as she did, the man's eyes became bright red. And the next thing happened, the man became taller as his limbs became longer and darker. With his skin filled with black fur, his ears became pointed as his nails became longer and sharper. When it stepped forward, the face was no longer of a man but of a hideous monster bat.

As she was witnessing the transformation, a faint memory suddenly flashed inside her head. It was as if she has already encountered this horrifying scene before her. And as those traumatic memories came back forcefully, her body trembled that she can no longer stand. The lass's knees gave in as she held her head, groaning in pain.

When the monster jumped and was about to attack her, it suddenly sensed an upcoming attack and dodged the blade as fast as it can. But since it's hard to avoid in mid-air, the golden blade left a small wound on its chest. Smoke smoldered on its wound as the monster felt the stingy pain.

As for the golden blade, it was attached to a golden chain. And the chains came from someone standing behind the lass.

"One more move and your life will end." Gideon threatened with his cold fierce eyes.

He moved his index finger and the surujin* came back and vanished. On his right hand, golden rings with chains were wrapped around each finger. And they're all connected to the golden bracelet he was wearing on his wrist.

The pain from her head subsided when he came. It was as if he has some kind of magic that stopped the feeling of her head splitting in half.

When she slowly looked up, she noticed the white robe he's wearing. And the golden cross symbol on it.

The lass flinched when the monster bat suddenly screeched in rage.

Gideon scoffed, "Oh? Looks like you've finally made up your mind." He raised his right arm again with his thumb.

Before the monster could ever attack, a golden magic circle appeared below it and electrified the creature. In such pain, the monster bat screeched loudly that shattered the lamp posts in pieces.

As for Gideon, he has set a forcefield just in time, that's why they're unaffected by the attack. But when the lamp posts were broken, the lights were turned off and now darkness surrounds them.

Gideon can still spot the vampire because of its glowing red eyes. But instead of attacking, the monster decided to fly away and escape.

"Hey!" Gideon was about to chase it when suddenly, the lass grabbed his leg that made him fall as his face hit the ground.

"What the heck is your problem!" Gideon exclaimed, "If you didn't grab me, that monster wouldn't be able to escape!"

He was about to say more when he suddenly heard the lass sniffed.

"I'm sorry... But, I'm scared... I don't know what to do..."

Feeling guilty for what he just did, Gideon heaved a sigh and made a small light with the help of some magic. Then, he saw her crying face. How her body trembled, she must've been terrified of what she saw.

Who wouldn't have? They're monsters after all.

In times like this, how he wished he has the ability to erase memories like Stephen. In that way, poor humans like her wouldn't be able to suffer from such a traumatic experience.

And like his hand has a mind of its own, he placed it on her head and gently patted it.

"You're safe now." He said.

As for her, that voice sounds soothing and comforting. He didn't even tell her to stop crying. Maybe he realized how foolish and useless those words are. Rather, he told her how everything's alright now. And that was enough for her to feel at ease.

When he noticed she has finally calmed down, the man stood up and offered his left hand.

"Let's go. I'll take you home."

Even those black and fierce eyes came from a stranger, she didn't think twice and took his hand. But, she suddenly realized the pain in her legs.

"I-I can't move my legs... They still feel weak." She said.

Gideon sighed in frustration, "It can't be helped then..." He lowered his body and offered his back on her.

"Come, I'll carry you."

The lass blushed in embarrassment. But even she wanted to refuse, seems like she has no other option but to accept his kind offer. After all, she won't be able to walk home like this and he saved her life. It would be rude to decline.

Slowly, she placed her arms on his sturdy shoulders and leaned her body on his back. Gently, he held her legs as he slowly stood up. With her instructions, the man started walking on the streets.

"Uhm... Thank you very much." She bashfully said, "You saved me.. twice. I-I don't know how to repay you."

"Do me a favor. Don't hang around in places with no people during the night. And take care of yourself."

She blinked fast. Most people would take advantage of asking for favors from others. But this man, he's asking such simple things.

"It's pretty obvious how the circles under your eyes have become darker." He added, "And for girls around your age, you're quite thin and light. You should eat more, young lady."

The lass pouted, "Don't treat me like a young girl! I'm turning 23 this year. So I'm already an adult. Also, I have a name. And it's Ella."

"Well then, Miss Ella... You're going 23 and I'm turning 38. Which means I'm older than you. In my eyes, you're still a young girl."

'How rude!' Ella thought.

"Old man." She mumbled.

"I heard it. Do you want me to drop you?"

"Now you're being mean, Mister!"

"You started it! Whose fault do you think it is if someone wasn't being careful enough earlier?"

"I'm sorry, okay?!" Ella bursts to tears again, "I can't help it... I was just looking for my dad, he's been missing almost a year now..." She sniffed.

"He's an amazing policeman. He's been assigned to several missions including the mysterious killings happening in this place. But one day, he suddenly went missing."

Even he can't see her face, he can clearly tell how sad and frustrated she must have been.

"When mom and I asked for them in the station, they said his troupe hasn't come back since their last mission. And up until today, he hasn't been found. That creature..." She said referring to the monster bat earlier, "What was that? I-I feel like I've seen it before. And what if it has something to do with why I can't find my dad?"

Gideon heaved a sigh. Looks like it would be pointless to remain silent about this matter. After all, she has witnessed what happened, she has the right to know.

"What you saw, we call it vampires." He said.

"Vampires?" She echoed, "You mean the blood-sucking monsters?"

Gideon nodded, "But what you saw earlier is a Level-E, the weakest type of them all."

"Then... there's a lot stronger than that..." Ella became nervous, "But why does it attack me?"

"Do monsters need valid reasons to eat and kill?" Gideon asked, "That's why we're here. To exterminate them."

When he said those words, Ella felt something strange. For some unknown reason, she feels like she can trust and rely on this man. Sure, she knows nothing about him. That's why it's strange how she felt at ease with him just like this.

Soon, the man stopped in front of a house.

"Is this where you live?" He asked.

"Ah, yes! Thank you so much."

Gideon gently put her down and gazed at her.

"I know it's hard to forget what you saw tonight. But rest assured I'll find those vampires and kill them. As for you, be more careful and do what I said." He explained before he turned around.

But before he could leave, the lass grabbed the hem of his robe.

"Wait! I--"

Gideon glanced at her.

"I-I need your help! I know it's strange, but I have this feeling that those vampires are connected to my dad's case. Please, you're the only one I can rely on!" She gazed at him with those desperate eyes.

Gideon sighed and removed her hand in his robe, "I believe I've already made myself clear. You know pretty well how terrifying and dangerous it is facing those monsters. Have you lost your mind?" He frowned.

"I know that," Ella said, "But still... if it's for my family I'm willing to do everything... My mom and I... we missed him so much!" Her eyes became teary again.

Gideon looked away and cursed at the back of his mind. He can't simply just involve a normal human in his missions. Besides, there's no guarantee if the vampires indeed are the reason why her dad went missing. If it was, there's only one possibility. And this lass wouldn't be able to accept that if his guess was right.

'But...' He suddenly thought, 'There's also a possibility that her father's alive. Though it's not 100% sure, I cannot deny that it might be true.'

Once again, he glanced at the lass. Just looking at her reminded him of his pathetic self 30 years ago. He was still weak back then and couldn't even save a single member of his family from those vampires. And by recalling those painful memories, he clenched his fist and made up his mind.

"Fine, I'll help you. Under one condition..."

"What is it?"

"I'll help to look for your dad, that is, if we'll able to meet again."

Ella flustered, "W-what do you mean?"

"It's what I said. If you fail to find me, I won't help you." Gideon said before he jumped high and left.

***

Three days after that, Gideon became busy annihilating the monster vampires soon as he found them in some dark alleys, abandoned buildings, or even in the dark areas of the streets. But he never encountered 'that' vampire again.

'Is it just me or that monster is specifically targeting that girl?' He thought.

"Wait, what am I thinking about her? I should be glad I don't have to meet her. And I should do my best not to spot on her." He mumbled and took his compass.

The arrow is pointing to his right. With that, he started moving and jumped from one building to another. Until his compass brought him to some vampire monsters preparing to attack a poor human who's been standing in the alley.

Gideon quickly rushed towards them and used his surujin to take down one of these monster bats.

Everyone's gazes landed on him.

"Who wants to go next?" He smirked.

Three days ago, Ella has been stressing out since the day she met that mysterious man. She really needed his help knowing it would be dangerous to investigate alone at night.

'But, how am I going to meet him again? I don't know how to contact him, let alone his name.' She sighed, scanning some books she can find in the library about vampires.

"Though, he did say he's here to exterminate vampires. Does that mean he's a hunter?" She mumbled, "Then that means, he won't come out unless there are vampires around."

Just by saying the last line, an idea came to her like a lightning strike.

"That's right! If I can't just meet him normally, then I have to make him come out. And in order to do that..." She gulped, "I need to be a bait for those vampires..."

And with that, she quickly left and bought some pork meat and even asked the butcher for its blood. She did this for two days and has finally set the plan.

'I have no other option... I know he's the only one who can help me!' She thought and placed the small bag of blood inside her pocket. She wears her coat and roamed around the city carrying those blood bags.

She may be nervous, but she has to do this for her father. If anything fails, she also brought her gun in case that man won't appear.

And now, Ella is hanging around in dark alleys where she was told vampires usually appear.

'I've read vampires have a strong sense of smell. I bet they would be able to find out I'm carrying these fresh blood with me.' She thought.

As she waited, she suddenly heard a loud sound that came behind her. When she turned around, she saw that man in a white robe fighting against that giant vampire bat. Looks like the man is at a disadvantage situation as they're struggling.

'I have to help him!' Se thought and suddenly threw one bag of blood.

When blood splattered on its face, the monster gazed in Ella's direction and rushed towards her. Quickly, she grabbed her gun and aimed at the monster's head. Soon as she pulled the trigger, she perfectly hit the target's head.

"Bull's eye!" She exclaimed.

"Not so fast!" The man shouted when the monster suddenly attacked her.

Too late for her to run, Ella just closed her eyes. But, much to her surprise, she didn't feel any pain. And soon as she fluttered her eyes open, the vampire monster was now constrained in golden chains done by that man.

As for Gideon, he raised his pinky finger as fast as he can just to stop that vampire from harming the girl. Then, using his middle finger, he locked his target. Soon as he flicked his finger, the vampire's head suddenly exploded!

Quickly, Gideon rushed and stabbed the monster on its chest before it could ever regenerate.

The vampire screeched in pain before it turned to ashes.

Witnessing these things, Ella can't help but still tremble. But what's different, she doesn't feel much afraid anymore knowing that this man saved her again.

And Gideon, she glared at the lass and scolded, "What the heck were you thinking!? Do you want to die so bad?!"

"I-I'm sorryyy!" Ella raised her hands as if surrendering.

Gideon sighed in frustration as he stopped himself from scolding her some more.

Just then, he suddenly heard her giggled.

"Do you think this is funny?" He crossed his arms to his chest.

Ella shook her head, "Oh no-no! I don't mean it that way, it's just... Well, I found you, Mister!" She tilted her head to the side and grinned.

Even Gideon realized that she partly set things up, his anger suddenly subsided soon as he gazed at her charming proud smile. A strange and fuzzy feeling suddenly came into him. At that moment, he forgot he was angry earlier.

'I thought, when I made that condition, she would eventually give up. But seems like I underestimated her.' He thought.

Ella giggled, "A promise is a promise, Mister. You're going to help me find my dad." She smiled.

Gideon sighed in defeat, "Fine. But we should do it some other day. I'm tired." He said and was about to leave when the lass suddenly pulled the hem of his robe.

"Waaaait!"

"What?!"

"You haven't told me your name."

"Ha? Why should I?" Gideon raised an eyebrow.

"Because I gave you mine. Don't you think it's kinda unfair?"

Gideon flicked his tongue, "I didn't ask for it."

Ella pouted, "Still! We should act fair and square."

He sighed and rubbed his temple, "Fine, just call me Gideon."

"Gideon..." Ella mumbled as if memorizing it, "Well then, nice to meet you, Mr. Gideon!" She offered her hand.

He gazed at her hand first before he shook it. It was smooth and soft. Who would have thought this hand pulled the trigger of a gun earlier. She must've learned it from her father.

"Mr. Gideon," She called, "Can I have your number? Now that you're going to help me, I should at least know how to contact you."

"I don't have such things." Gideon replied.

Ella blinked fast, "Eh?! How can you contact your comrades? Don't tell me you guys still use walkie talkies?"

"Of course not. We have a special device to communicate with others." He said and removed one earpiece and showed it to her.

"Instead, we use this. I'm going to give this other piece to you in the meantime. Please be careful with it." He wiped it off before handing the device to the lass.

Ella nodded, "Don't worry, I'll make good use of this." She smiled.

But looks like giving her that communication device is one of the biggest mistakes he has done. Early in the morning, it would make a repeated beep sound. Only to find out she's the one calling him soon as he picks up.

If not a cheerful greeting, she would say some trivial things or even ask him not-so-important questions such as

"How are you?"

"The weather is nice today, don't you think?"

"What are the things you usually do?"

'This is driving me nuts!' Gideon thought, 'She would ask me those things every single day, it's stressing me out!'

And that's when he decided to give her the schedule of his days-off. In that way, she wouldn't be able to bother him early in the morning.

"And don't you dare use that device to ask me some trivial things again!" He scolded.

"I got it, I got it!" Ella rubbed the back of her head.

Today's the day of their first meet up to accomplish their mission. It was Saturday, a break from her school activities and his day-off.

'I have to find her father as soon as possible so that we won't meet ever again!' He grumbled.

He was standing near the bus stop and was earlier than their meet up time.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." She heard her voice.

When he turned around, Ella was smiling at him while wearing that peach Selena tie buttoned down dress.

"Let me remind you, we're going to investigate not to visit the amusement park. Got it?"

'Damn! Why does she look cute today?'

"I know that." Ella crossed her arms to her chest, "At least I am wearing this in disguise, unlike you, Mr. Gideon."

He raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong with my clothes? This is our uniform."

"That's the point. We won't be finding any vampires if you keep wearing that. You'll scare them out. Here, let's do something about that." She suddenly grabbed his hand and pulled him to the nearest boutique which sells cheap-priced clothing.

Soon, he came out wearing a blue checkered polo with black pants.

Ella smiled at him, "That's better!"

And after that, they began searching around, asking people for some clues about her dad. They went to different places if they ever catch a glimpse of clues from people they asked. The whole day went by, but they still found none.

"Ugh! My feet hurt!" Ella mumbled as she gently massages her ankles.

They are sitting on a bench to have a rest for a while.

"Let's call this a day. We can investigate again next time." Gideon said and stood up.

"You're right." Ella sighed and was about to follow him when she happened to glance at a certain tree.

On top of it, there's a brown hat stuck on its branches which looked familiar to her. Unconsciously, she walked towards the tree and tried to climb it.

"What are you doing?" Gideon asked.

"That hat," she pointed, "That's my dad's hat."

"Are you sure?"

Ella nodded, "Yes. He used to wear that when he went out to investigate."

Seeing her struggling to climb wearing that cute dress, Gideon heaved a sigh.

"Step aside, I'll go get it." He said and climbed the tree effortlessly. But when he was about to get the hat, a strong gust of wind suddenly came that it blew the hat away.

Ella quickly follows where the hat is heading. For her, she can't afford to lose that certain clue.

"Wait up!" Gideon shouted as he chased for her.

Ella ran and ran until the hat slowly landed on stairs made up of bricks. Gently, she took the old hat and brushed the dust off.

That's when she noticed how the sun just sets and it's now starting to get dark.

"Looks like I've run too far." She panted and was about to leave when suddenly, she saw the looming shadow from about a few stairs away from her.

If she's not mistaken, that silhouette is the same as that vampire who attacked her before.

She gulped, feeling that fear again. Who would've thought she would be able to encounter this monster so soon. Good thing she brought the gun with her. But knowing their strength, it would only buy her some time to escape. Such normal bullets wouldn't take effect on such creatures.

When the shadow's eyes glowed in red, Ella quickly took her gun and pointed it at the monster.

"Don't move, or I'll shoot!" She firmly said, even her knees are shaking.

When the lamp posts were automatically turned on, the lass saw the hideous face of the giant monster bat, looking at her. Slowly, it opened its jaw.

"Eeeeekkk..." It made such an eerie sound, "Eeeeee... Lllllll..."

It was as if it's trying to say something. But it's struggling to speak.

"What's up with this monster?" She mumbled.

"Eeeeeee..." The vampire tried again, "Eeeeee-llllll-aaaaaa...."

The lass frowned, 'Why does it sound like it's calling unto something?'

"E-e.. Eh-ll-ah... E-ll-a... Eh-llah..."

The lass froze soon as she heard those words.

'D-did it just... call my name?! B-but, how? How does it know me?!'

By having these thoughts, Ella didn't realize, the monster bat was already in front of her, ready to swing its huge claws at her. Just in time, Gideon came and took her away. He carried her in his arms as they escaped the attack.

"Idiot! What are you doing spacing out like that!?" He scolded.

Gently, he put her down and when Gideon turned around, the monster was nowhere to be found.

"Damn! It escaped again!" He said with gritted teeth.

"That vampire..." Ella mumbled, "It... called my name."

"What are you saying?"

"I definitely heard it. That monster just called my name!" Fear and confusion were written all over her face.

Noticing this, Gideon heaved a sigh and gently held her shoulders.

"Let's head back. I know you're tired." He said and carried her home.

When they arrived in front of her house, Ella paused before she could enter the gate.

"Listen, I don't know what exactly happened. But I'm going to continue investigating that monster. In the meantime, you should rest and stay home. You might be that vampire's target." Gideon explained.

The lass flashed a faint smile, "Thank you so much, Mr. Gideon. I feel more at ease having you around."

He looked away and cleared his throat, "W-well, I'm just keeping my pro--!"

He paused when the lass suddenly leaned forward, pulled his collar, and placed her soft lips on his cheek.

"See you around, Mr. Gideon!" She giggled and waved goodbye before going inside.

And as for him, he was still staring blankly out of nowhere. Sure, it was just a brief moment. But that 'moment' was enough to make him feel dumbfounded, stupefied, and frozen.

Just holding that spot on his cheek left bliss inside him, enough to make his heart beats fast. It took him hours just to realize it was definitely a kiss he just received.

'W-what the heck is wrong with her?! Why did she suddenly kiss me? Wh-what was that for? Why does my chest ache this much? Argh!'

Being flustered by such feelings, Gideon decided not to meet the lass for a while. It's his way of cooling his head as well as to calm his raging heartbeat.

But in doing so, he was continuing the investigation, looking for that monster bat. But no matter what he does, no matter where he goes; he can't find a single trace of that vampire ever again. He's been doing this for weeks but there's no progress at all.

'Is it gone for good? No, I can't be complacent.' He thought.

Just then, the beeping sound of his earpiece came. He pressed the button to answer the call.

'Gideoooon! It's me, Isaac, did you miss me?' A cheerful voice can be heard from the other line.

"I'm going to hang up--"

'Waaait! Don't be so cold on your brother!'

Gideon flicked his tongue, "If you're just going to waste my time, I'd better hung this up."

'Oh c'mon! It's not like I called for no reason.' Isaac chuckled.

'Well, I know someone who does that though...' Gideon thought.

"What do you want?"

'Relax, relax. I called to tell you, we've got a new mission to accomplish.' Isaac's voice became serious which means the matter is something important.

"I'm listening."

'It has been reported how the Young Mistress found some strange habits of the Vampire King.'

Gideon's eyes narrowed soon as he heard the name.

'Up until now, the Young Mistress is having such doubts to end the King's life.' Isaac added.

"What do you mean? We all know there's not a single vampire who has ever escaped when they encounter the Young Mistress." Gideon retorted.

'That's what we all think. That's why Master Grosvenor asked us to investigate him.'

"Got it." Gideon said before the call ended.

Then, he felt someone's presence behind him. Quickly, he grabbed that person's hand only to find out it was Ella who's standing behind him.

"You surprised me, Mr. Gideon!"

"Y-you! What are you doing here?" He flushed.

"I was just passing by the park when I saw you sitting on the bench. I thought of surprising you. But looks like the tables were turned." She laughed awkwardly.

Looking at her, she's wearing her school uniform. Probably her classes just ended and now she's heading towards home.

"Say, who were you talking to, earlier?" She tilted her head to the side and gazed at him with those innocent eyes.

"It was my subordinate." He looked away, "He said we have a new assignment. I'll be heading back to our headquarters soon."

"I see..." Her face became gloomy all of a sudden.

"Don't worry, I'll still keep my promise after that mission. For the meantime..." He glanced at her, "You study hard, okay?"

A smile was slowly drawn on his lips that made Ella's heart beat fast.

"I'll do my best!" She smiled and Gideon patted her head.

***

That was their last conversation before he left that city and came to the other. Everything happened so fast but the memories remain so clear to him. And of course, the rumors about him, hanging around with that lass spreads quickly like wildfire. But the truth is, they're not even dating at all.

'Yes, this is way better...' He thought, 'I shouldn't get too much attached to her, it would be dangerous. Besides, she's still young. She can find a lot of guys out there who's way younger and normal unlike me.'

'You never cease to impress me with your self-control.' A female voice suddenly spoke to him.

Gideon scoffed, "Isn't that the reason why I am the current owner of your Holy weapon, Sophrosyne*?"

The voice chuckled, 'You're right. After all, showing weakness can only lead to your doom.'

His thoughts were interrupted when Isaac spoke up.

"That's him." He pointed in a certain direction which is a bit far from them.

There's a man standing on one of the buildings with his black coat. But his long bloody red hair is the most obvious part and enough evidence for them to identify him.

"The Vampire King..." Gideon mumbled.

At last, they've found him! But it was just the beginning of the unknown. Are the rumors true about him being heartless were true? Is he that powerful that even their Young Mistress can't defeat him?

Whoever he is, it wouldn't take that long before these two men will find out the answers for themselves.

***

Author's Note:

*surujin - also called suruchin, is one of Okinawa's traditional weapons and is a two or three-meter long rope with a weight attached to each end. Originally, this weapon had stones attached to each end, but metal weights or metal points eventually replaced them.

*Sophrosyne - was the personified spirit (daimona) of moderation, self-control, temperance, restraint, and discretion. She was one of the good spirits to escape Pandora's box and abandoned mankind in her flight back to Olympos.