Chapter 14: The Hall of Illusions

The sun has begun to set.

Students have now gone from school and heading towards home or wherever they may be. Some adults have just finished their work and now heading towards the crowded station. And some are spending their hours working late as they were asked for some extra pay. This is how humans may have spent their nights, one way or the other, they have something in common with the creatures of the dark. Let's take this one vampire for example.

After working hard for the hunting, Bel rushed towards one building, by jumping high and climbing the walls. He arrived on a high floor and entered the only unit where the windows are open. Silently walking inside, he noticed some clothes, papers, and posters scattered on the floor. Bel sighed and immediately cleaned up the mess. After that, he went straight to the kitchen while still carrying the bag in his hand. He opened the empty fridge and placed the bags of blood inside. And then, he heard a clicking sound from the door. His senses tell him that she has finally arrived.

"Welcome back, Ciella." He smiled.

"Bel! You came to visit!" The girl hugged him for a brief moment. Then, she sniffed her nose as if smelling something good.

"You've refilled my fridge! Thanks Bel!" Ciella giggled and took one bag of blood. She happily marched towards the sofa and drank the blood while humming a happy melody.

"You seem to be in a good mood. Did something happen today?" Bel asked and sat beside her.

The lass giggled, "Oh my! I'm that obvious?"

He chuckled, "It's written all over your face."

"Hmm... Let's just say... I met the Vampire King again earlier."

"What!? He's alive!?" Bel's eyes widened and made a grave expression.

"Calm down, Bel. He didn't attack me or came for revenge. It's really surprising how he managed to survive my strong poison. But that's not what makes me feel good today."

And Ciella told this vampire the interesting things that happened to her at the school festival and the conversation she shared with the Vampire King.

"How suspicious... He's asking for help all of a sudden? Ciella, this is obviously a trap. You shouldn't agree with him." Bel said.

"That's what I thought too. But he bowed down before me as I asked him to."

"He did what!?" Bel retorted.

"Yes... he bowed down before me. It was something unexpected that gave chills to my body. Men are filled with pride and yet he threw it all away for the sake of those pathetic humans. How interesting, isn't it?" Ciella's eyes turned red as she braced herself, "Ahh... I can still recall how he kneeled face down before me. I should've made him kiss my foot. That would be wonderful!" She stood up as her candy pink hair turned black.

"Oh Bel, it makes me so excited just by thinking of it. I want to see him bow down again! I can't wait to make him my slave!" She laughed devilishly.

"Are you sure... he won't find out your wish?" Bel asked.

"Wish?" She scoffed, "What would someone like me, who already has the beauty, fame, and wealth, want anything more? Right from the start, he already lost. Yet he accepted my deal. Surely, he will be my slave soon!" Ciella laughed once again.

It may be thrilling for her but not for Bel who was gritting his teeth while clenching his fist, 'How can that vampire brat be possibly alive!? No one has ever survived my sister's deadly poison. And not only that, he's starting to get my sister's interest in a short span of time. He must be really something at playing tricks! But I won't allow that. I will never let him do as he pleases to my sister.'

Unconsciously, Bel smirked, 'This time, I'll make sure he won't be able to open his eyes.'

***

Rae blinked several times as he was staring at these two people in front of him. When did the atmosphere become awkward with just the three of them? If he had known this would happen, he should've resolved the matter way earlier.

"So you're a hunter, eh? I know there's something shady about you right from the start." Gray narrowed his eyes while glaring at the lass.

"You never asked in the first place. I have no plan of hiding it anyway." Ms. Grosvenor replied with a poker face.

"Cut that crap! I know you came here to wipe us all out by getting close to Rae and me!"

"Why would I do such a petty trick? I could always blow up your heads if I want to." The lass fixed the folders on her table and placed them inside a box.

"Oh really? Why don't you try then? I'm challenging you right now!" Gray's gazes were set ablaze as he pointed a finger at her.

A glint of light came from her golden pupils, "Bring it on."

Before things could get any worse, Rae immediately stood from his seat and rushed in between them.

"C-calm down, you two... There's no reason for us to resolve in violence." He glanced at the lad, "Gray, I promised Ms. Grosvenor that I'll show her we're not like any other vampires. That we're on the good side."

Then, he glanced at the lass, "Ms. Grosvenor, Gray is my friend and companion in guarding the city. Please don't hurt him."

"Tch! As if I'll let her do that." Gray mumbled.

"I won't as long as he wouldn't hurt innocent humans. A deal is a deal."

"You're right. Thank you." Rae smiled.

Her heart made a loud thump soon as she saw that smile. It was as if her heart was being squeezed tightly. And while it was happening, she can feel the heat rushing on her cheeks. Before they could notice it, she quickly turned her back at them.

'W-what is... this feeling? As far as I can remember, I don't have any disease or illness. Am I having a fever? But I don't feel dizzy like before. What's... happening to me?' She pursed her lips and quickly left the SSG office while carrying the box.

"Tch! I don't trust that girl, just so you know." Gray crossed his arms to his chest.

"I know. But she's someone who'll keep her promise and ideals no matter what. She won't hurt any of us as long as we keep the promise." Rae said as he stared at the window.

Ms. Grosvenor heaved a sigh soon as she left the office. It was the first time she has felt her heart beats faster like that. She's not even running nor doing her morning exercise. There's no reason for her to feel that way and yet it came.

'Is it because of him?' She thought, 'That's ridiculous... I shouldn't pay much attention to things like this or it'll hinder my way.' She took a deep breath and started walking in the hallway.

But along the way, she noticed how the surrounding has become empty and in lull silence.

"There should be more students by this time. Why is it awfully quiet all of a sudden?"

Then suddenly, the atmosphere has become cold that chills started to crawl her spine. Her surrounding has become foggy as well when the pinkish mist started to appear all around.

'Aria, I have a bad feeling about this.' Said Artemis.

"You're not the only one." The lass turned the left ring into a golden gun while carrying the box on her other hand.

Carefully and stealthily, she walked on the foggy hallway towards the unknown. It was awfully quiet not until she heard a faint cry echoing around.

'Is this some sort of horror film scene?' Apollo scoffed, 'I'm not buying it!'

"We'll get nowhere if we didn't advance. Besides, there's nothing to fear." Ms. Grosvenor said and moved forward.

Then, she saw a shadow of a young girl before her. The cries came from her, which she just confirmed.

"Why is there a child on this place?"

Artemis scoffed, 'Obviously, it's a trap. Don't let your guard down.'

"I know."

The lass pointed her gun at the crying girl, "Who are you? Show yourself."

Hearing the cold voice commanding her, the crying girl slowly turned around. And it was the moment where Aria felt the thrills as her whole body trembled.

"N-no... it... can't be..."

***

When they heard the bell rings, they left the office and locked the door.

"We'd better get going or we'll be late for classes." Rae said as they walked the hallway.

"You already know this, but you should be more careful with that girl."

"I don't trust her." Gray said referring to the huntress.

"Look, I know how you feel and I'll bear in mind the things you told me. But please don't harm her or any of them. We don't want to make things worse."

He raised an eyebrow, "How can you be so sure that she'll fulfill her promise? Humans are... lying creatures too."

Rae paused when he suddenly felt the cold atmosphere and the silence all around.

"Gray..." he called.

"Yeah, I notice it too." The tall lad nodded, "Looks like someone is brave enough to attack us in broad daylight." He snickered.

Rae glanced at the window, the clouds are thick and gray where the sun's rays couldn't get through. Then, the pinkish mist started to appear and surround them.

"Gray, we should stay close together. We don't know what's this mist for." Rae suggested. But when he didn't hear the lad's response, he turned around. Only to find out there's not a single soul behind him.

"Gray? Gray, where are you?" He called.

The mist has become thicker and stronger that it's hard for him to see what's up ahead.

'I have a bad feeling about this.' He was about to go back when he suddenly heard a loud gunshot. If he wasn't mistaken, it came from a distance in front of him. And from that gunshot, there's only one person who came to mind.

'Miss Grosvenor!' Suddenly, he ran into the hallway as he kept hearing those gunshots.

Suddenly, from a thick smoke, a golden bullet came rushing towards him. Fortunately, his vampiric senses saved him that he managed to dodge the attack.

"Miss Grosvenor!" He shouted, 'Why is she firing? Are there enemies around?'

With that, the lad knelt on one knee and placed his hand on the floor. He closed his eyes and focused on his other senses except for sight.

He can hear one furious heartbeat not far away from where he is. And he can also feel the blood circulation of this very same person standing around that corner. Other than that, he cannot feel nor hear any other heartbeats and blood flow.

'That means she's alone. But why is she firing aimlessly? What's going on?'

Before he could open his eyes, he felt someone's hands covering his eyes. He didn't even feel its presence and just suddenly appeared right behind him.

"Guess who?" A familiar voice whispered to him.

A voice that he hadn't heard for so long but gave chills to his whole system. A voice he missed so much and long for. The voice of someone he'll never forget.

"Y-Yana..?" He held those hands and slowly removed them from his face. He turned around to face her.

"Bingo!" The lass grinned brightly just as how he remembered it. Her short brown hair, hazel brown eyes -- all of them, the little things he can never forget about her.

"How have you been, Rae? I missed you!" She said and hugged him.

It wasn't a dream. It felt too real. He can feel her soft body pressing to his. As well as her scent which was the same as before.

It was nostalgic, he can't help but smile.

"I missed you too." He said and held her shoulders, "But you are not her." Gently, he pushed her body away as the smile on his face slowly fades

"Rae? What are you saying? It's me, your friend. Yana."

"You do look exactly like her, just as I remember it. But you're not her." He shook his head, "I haven't seen Yana for four years, it's impossible that you still look the same and as young as the one in my memory. Clearly, you're the manifestation of what's in my mind. You're nothing but an illusion."

The moment he said those words, the Yana before him slowly faded and turned into a mist.

"Now, it's time to bring them back to reality." Rae mumbled and quickly turned around. Soon as he did, he rushed towards Ms. Grosvenor's side. Much to his surprise, she was trembling while pointing her gun into nowhere.

When the lass felt his presence, she quickly swung her arm around to hit him. But Rae swiftly grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"Easy! It's me."

Soon as she saw his face, she felt relieved for some unknown reason. She might not feel totally calm, but seeing his face helped a lot to make her get back on her feet.

'Aria...' The horrific voice called, 'Why did you abandon me...'

Seeing the frown on her face and how much she is struggling made his body moved on its own. He suddenly cupped her cheeks and make her look his way.

"Ms. Grosvenor, look at me!" He called, "Look at me!"

It was then she realized, she was now looking at his eyes. Those beautiful blue eyes which she can compare to the ocean, deep and mysterious. And just like the waters, she can clearly see her reflection on those pair of blue eyes. This made her come back to her senses.

"Ms. Grosvenor, what's wrong? What do you see?"

She gulped and pursed her lips, "N-natalie..."

From that single word, he knew, what she's been seeing is something that keeps haunting her from the past.

'Aria... Why? Why did you kill me...' A girl with bloody clothes and grayish skin slowly walking towards them. It was the same camper uniform they had when she died. And now it's soaked in blood. Her tears have turned to blood, her jaw is wide open as she vomits blood every time she speaks. Her image is much closer to a zombie.

'Why... did you leave me... You should've died with us... A-RI-AAAAA...'

Just then, the lass suddenly felt something warm on her ears. Then she noticed, Rae was covering them with his big hands. Slowly, the lad moved closer and leaned his forehead to hers.

"You know better than anyone that you didn't kill her because you want to. It's because you have to. Be it with survival or anything else, you ended her suffering and saved lives she might take in the future." He softly whispered enough for her to hear.

"I've been meaning to tell you, Ms. Grosvenor..." He slowly moved away and looked into her eyes with a genuine smile, "It's not your fault. It never was."

Her heart squeezed the moment she heard those words. It was as if she's just waiting for someone to tell her that, so she could convince and stop blaming herself anymore. For a moment, she forgot what's been happening. She almost forgot the fact that Natalie's ghost has been chasing her. She almost forgot how she lost herself from fear and guilt. And she almost forgot that the man who helped her back to her toes is no other than the Vampire King.

Now that her heart is calm, she took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Knowing she has finally returned, Rae slowly removed his hands from her ears. Then, she turned around and face the ghost of Natalie.

'Aria... You left me... You're not my true friend! You killed me!'

"It's true. You died in my hands. For years I've been tormenting myself about that, and I don't even know if I am worthy to be called as your friend." She furrowed her eyebrows, "But you're not her. As much as I wanted to apologize a hundred times, it wouldn't worth much. Because you're not her. No matter what I say, you won't accept it. You are the living vengeance of her soul the way I imagined it. That's why I know for sure, you're not her. This is all inside my head."

When she said those words, the ghost of Natalie slowly disappeared as the mist slowly dispersed. Now they're back in the empty hallway.

When the mist disappeared, Rae finally felt someone's presence watching over them. That creature might be the one who caused all those illusions.

"The game of tag is over. I finally found the culprit!" He smirked.

"Lead the way." Ms. Grosvenor said.

"This way." Rae grabbed her hand as they started running the hallway. They went upstairs until they reached the rooftop.

Upon opening the door, they saw someone standing with that gaudy fuchsia hair.

"A-mazing... The rumors about you being strong were proven to be true after all." He clapped his hands and turned around to face them.

"But I wonder how long and strong will that mind of yours last? I can't wait to see you broken." The moment he smirked, they saw his fangs which they knew for sure, he's a vampire.

"Who are you?" Rae narrowed his eyes at the vampire before them.

He scoffed, "My apologies. How rude of me for not properly introducing myself." A smirked escape from his lips as those familiar golden amber eyes gazed at him.

"Call me Bel Alucard, Vampire King. No, that name doesn't suit you well."

"So you came to kill me? For your father?"

Bel chuckled, "You sure do know your stuff."

"It's useless. King Alucard is just using you. You should stop thi--!"

Suddenly, Rae and Aria felt something's coming. In a blink of an eye, Bel appeared before them and delivered a punch. Quickly, they dodged him and moved away. When his fist landed on the ground, it left a huge crack.

"Blah blah blah. You talk way too much." Bel said, "Don't you think I didn't know about that? The old man doesn't care about us, so what? I have another reason why I wanted to tear you to pieces!" He was about to attack Rae when Ms. Grosvenor shoots her gun.

Fortunately, he noticed it and dodged the attack. But soon as he got distracted, Rae appeared before him and swung his arm to punch him. But his fist didn't touch his face as he suddenly turned into pinkish smoke.

Then, he appeared standing on the aluminum mesh screen.

"Tch! How troublesome!" Bel stretched his arms and thick mist started to appear once again.

"Let's see if you'll be able to find me before I could kill you both!"

The smoke has become thicker that it became impossible for them to see each other.

"Ms. Grosvenor!" Rae called as he looked around.

"I'm okay." The lass responds, she was also looking for him but failed to do so.

"Stay there, I'll come at you." Rae said and uses his instincts to locate her again. But this time, he felt another blood flow and heart its heartbeat getting closer and closer to his direction. When he turned around, he was surprised at what he saw.

There was a huge beast standing before him. Furry skin, pointed ears, big jaws with long and sharp fangs, huge limbs with its long claws that could cut him in pieces if he wasn't careful enough. Those red eyes glaring at him as if he was its next prey. He can clearly tell its body build is close to a...

'Werewolf?' Rae thought as he gulped, 'Why would there be a werewolf in this place? Is this also part of the illusion?'

Just then, the beast swung its huge arm and used its claws to hurt him. His reflexes saved him as he quickly dodged the attack. But suddenly, he felt pain as a huge cut appeared on his chest.

Rae groaned as blood came out, 'H-how can this be? I am certain I dodged his attack!'

But seems like the beast didn't give him time to think when it suddenly attacked once more. Whenever he dodges those sharp claws, Rae ended up getting wounded.

'Seems like avoiding its attacks wouldn't be the best option. Then, there's only one way to resolve this...' The lad gathered all the blood he spilled on the ground, forming something as he raised his hand.

"Don't ever beg me for this, you started the fire." Rae said as his face became serious.