Chapter 7: The kitsune and the highness

"Too chaotic. " The highness murmured. He snapped his fingers and all of the villagers stopped running around.They sat calmly that as if their consciousness was removed from them.

Azazel closed his fan and said, "See nothing happened. This peacock is surely lying!"

Before Azazel could finished his words, a beautiful tone flew calmly like a fiery moth passing by on a void and calm dark sea to the Highness' ears.

Hearing that tone, the Highness' chest ache.

Right after that, some of the villagers fell on the ground and bent over like a shrimp.

It was as if they were in a severe pain.

Azazel immediately ordered the other vampires to be more alert, when suddenly he noticed that the barrier set by their highness is fading.

The neck of the villagers who's curling on the ground glowed red. Azazel Noticed the illuminating spider Lily mark on each person.

"A spider Lily mark! Your Highness-" before Azazel could finished his words the highness interrupted it.

"Do you hear it?" Said the Highness as he maintains his calm composure.

"Hear what? " Azazel said confusedly as he slowly waved his fan.

He couldn't hear it? Thought the highness.

The note continue to play. as the note continue to fly all over his ears, the ache on his chest keep worsening. Every note is as if he was being hit by a hammer and anvil.

"The barrier your highness!" Said Azazel.

Before he could say the word 'barrier', the barrier collapsed completely before his eyes. Azazel immediately took a look to the Highness and saw him clenching on his chest .

The highness couldn't take the pain anymore that he gave up his Usual and calm composture. He fell from his knees. he was grabbing into his closest servant, Watari, who's just standing there like a pole and doesn't do anything.

The villagers who have spider Lily mark turned into like a cursed vampires. They grew fangs and the pupil of their eyes disappeared. The only thing can be seen through is the crimson blood like light. They were drooling like a dog and couldn't stand straight.

Seeing that, Azazel immediately yelled at Watari and said, "Watari help the Highness! Sector A close the door don't let any of them get away! Sector C go guard up 9 o'clock! Sector-"

Azazel couldn't finish his words. The other vampires also turned out to be cursed. Their neck also glowed red just like the villagers.

Too late to move. The villagers who turned into a cursed vampire got away and went straight to the mountain along with the other vampires.

The situation is kinda strange, because even though they are cursed vampires, they didn't go for the villagers to devour them. Instead, they went straight to the mountain.

When a vampire is cursed, it wouldn't be able to control its blood lust and will want to devour a human, but those vampires didn't do and what's more strange is every imperial vampire soldier took a cleansing ritual. Giving that situation, Azazel couldn't help but to be suspicious to the hybrid elf.

"Leon!" He yelled furiously.

The elf just looked at him with a smug face and said, "What? Young mistress are you having trouble?"

Azazel was about to speak when their highness interrupts his unspoken words.

" Azazel... Take care of them I'll go chase them. "

Hearing that, Azazel couldn't help but to follow the Highness' order. He couldn't disobey him after all.

Despite of his condition,the highness dashed swiftly but like an elegant feather falling from air. The sound of the amulet on his neck rang like a bell as it opens. He was so fast that the sound was left behind.

While running, he suddenly saw a faint and thin red thread. Seeing that, his chest ached even more. He stopped for a while. The villagers who turned into cursed vampires was already in front of him.

He went to hide on a tree to observe from afar. Suddenly, he noticed that the cursed vampires was just standing and doesn't do anything. The note still hasn't stopped. He stayed still for a while to observe more.

Suddenly, a cursed vampire stepped back and ran straight to get close to the melody, but he was just bumped into like a barrier and made him bounced.

The note has changed again. From joyful it became a sorrowful song. The Highness' chest ached even more! As if his heart was being squished. The red thread became more visible. It was as if it's inviting the highness to follow it.

Without thinking, the highness immediately dashed and followed the thread.

For a moment, when he was at the part where the cursed vampire was bumped, he hesitated and paused for a second. He thought that he might not pass through the barrier.

But for him, the red thread of fate showing in front him is more important. It could be the last time that it will show up. Without thinking further more, he immediately dashed forward as fast as flipping a page if a book.

He went through the barrier and followed the thread.

As he follows the thread, the melody is getting stronger. The stronger the melody, the more his chest aches. Despite of that, he still kept going.

Finally, he reached and found where the melody and thread is coming from. As soon as he saw it, the thread disappeared like an ash blown by a wind along with the amulet on his neck.

He immediately hid on a bush. From it, he saw a beautiful woman wearing a kitsune mask.The pale moon's light illuminates the the lady as she plays gracefully with the wooden thing that shapes kinda similar to biwa but played like a kokyu. She have a sword hanging on her slim waist . her hair is so dark like an ink. It was so beautiful and smooth. Her skin tone was snow as white. She was pretty tall but not tall as the highness.

"Kitsune... The hybrid elf isn't lying... Or no..." The highness murmured.

I don't think she's a goddess. I haven't heard of a deity looking like this. Thought the highness.

" 'goddess? ' Is this person even a woman. The clothes are for woman. Her physique is also feminine, but I'm not blind. I could tell the difference. She's a 'he' " the highness murmured.

Suddenly he accidentally stepped on a small branch out of nowhere.

Crap...

The melody changed and a strong wind strike right on the bush where he was hiding.

He has no choice but to evade it and come out.

Coming out from it, a violin bow was pointed right on his neck. A strong force of wind blew to him.

"Who are you?" Said the kitsune.

The ache on the chest of the highness disappeared. Seeing the person right before him, made his heart skip a beat. His ocean blue eyes illuminated amethyst.

The highness immediately fixed his mental state and thought of a plan.

This person is not a deity. Why is he playing such forbidden item? Who created that? Who taught him to play? He doesn't seem to know the whole capability of the violin. So far he know how to use some magic through it. Just like the wind cut earlier. That item is so forbidden. It could attract curse spirits and turn a person into a cursed vampire. And the worst is... Nevertheless... That clothes is originated from blood moon. Why of all person a blood moon people is playing this thing?! And why is he dressed up as a kitsune and not just that but also a girl.

Should I kill him? That way, the problem will end. But doing thing like that will drag the whole empire into controversy. Our image is bad already. I shouldn't do such a thing and... The red thread of fate... Sigh it must be messing with me.

"This place is dangerous. You should leave." Said the highness nonchalantly.

" Why should I leave? I came here first. I could handle myself! Mind your own business! thanks for your concern!" Said the kitsune.

Suddenly, the highness pinned him. Into the tree. It all happened in an instant that the kitsune didn't managed to react.

All the colors on the kitsune's face went drained. The violin dropped because of the grip.

Damnit! He's so fast! His grip is so tight! I can't reach my sword! At this rate I'm gonna get killed! The kitsune yelled on his thoughts.

The Highness reach his hand in the kitsune's face.

Ahh! I'm gonna die! He's gonna crush my head! The kitsune cried. He closed his eyes like he was accepting his fate of dying.

He was waiting for the smash, but nothing hit his face.

The highness lift his mask up halfway and covered his mouth.

"Shhh" said the highness.

A group of bandits was passing by.

Who are those person? Why is he hiding from them? Thought the kitsune

The kitsune then glanced at them and surprised from what he saw; 3 humans were tied up like an animal and they were on a cage.

The humans isn't acting like a human at all. They were drooling like a dog and seems that they have lost their sanity. Their neck was also glowing red and their eyes have no pupils.

Are those cursed vampires? are they selling it?! But why aren't we aware of this issue? Judging from this guy's actions he seems to know them.

The kitsune licks the highness' hand, but he just stayed still.

Seeing that, the kitsune's hair raised

What's with him!? I'm already licking him but still no response! He thought .

I want to get away from his grip,but this man seems to have no shame at all! I guess I have no choice but to make some noise.

"Mmph!"

"Who's there?!" The bandits were alert. They immediately attacked a fatal blow towards The kitsune and the highness leaving them no choice but to show themselves.

"Tch!"

Perfect! Now hand off from me!

Before the kitsune finished his unspoken words, the highness lift the kitsune to evade the attack.

The kitsune was dumbfounded again.

Are you kidding me?! He yelled on his thoughts.

He just lift me up so easily...

"Are you okay?" The highness asked.

Hearing that, the kitsune was dumbfounded again. Why on earth is this person would lift him up just to evade the attack, when he could just evade it himself and let the kitsune be hit by that attack. They are not friends . They are even more likely foes.

The kitsune didn't argue anymore and thought that this person is not really rude

"Yeah, I'm okay. Thank you"said the kitsune.

The kitsune was waiting for him to put down but the highness didn't move at all. He just stayed still and stares at the kitsune's eyes.

Why he isn't putting me down? Could this be that he have some loose screw?

The kitsune waited for a few seconds but the highness still won't put him down.

"um.. you can put me down." The kitsune said.

Hearing that, the highness seems to come back to his senses.

"Ah... Yes." He put the kitsune down and fixed his composure.

"Hah, look what we have here. A kitsune and-mmph?!" The bandit couldn't finish his words. He suddenly can't use his mouth to speak.

I can't talk! Wait this spell! is he...

The kitsune took her violin from the tree where It was dropped off and hang it on his back.

"Sigh my precious time is ruined." The kitsune said.

"Hey you! Kitsune!" The bandit1 said. The kitsune ignored him.

And said,"sigh I'm tired my night is ruined I gotta get home before mother punish me."

"Hey are you listening?! I'm talking to you!" The bandit1 said furiously.

"(This is bad we need to get out from here,but I can't say it!)" Said the leader of the bandit.

Judging from that guy on the right side's appearance, he might be the leader. Ah he sure is big. Why he doesn't talk? Anyway Don't wanna mess with them. This man here too what is his deal? Sigh I'm tired. I'll just report this to the highness and said they got away. I'll just put a spell so I can track them. Thought the kitsune.

"Ja ne, Handsome man. I still have to go because my mother will punish me. Take care of them will you?" The kitsune said as he tries to scape, but the highness grabs him on his hand.

"Brother if we tame her we sure will be powerful!" One of the bandit said.

"That's right!" The bandits mumble.

"Then what are you guys waiting for? Let's Kill her!" One of the bandits yell as he draws his sword.

"(No! we need to retreat!)" The leader of the bandit said but he was still under the highness' spell so all of his words are unspoken.

"Eh?! Wait... I think there's a misunderstanding."

Damnit as I thought wearing a kitsune mask is a bad thing! But, are they mad!? Can't they see I have no tail Nor fox ears! I'm totally a human! Eh... Wait did I just forget to remove my disguise? Thought the kitsune.

"Wait you guys are mistaking! I'm a human!" The kitsune said.

"I heard that many times, spirits like you pretending to be a human so we can't Hunt you guys down." One of the bandit replied.

"Eh, but I'm telling the-"

while talking, one of the bandits attack the kitsune. Luckily the kitsune managed to evade the sword slash.

"That's rude! Why'd attack in a middle of conversation!?" The kitsune yells.

"(I need to tell them to retreat, but I can't. His spell is too much to break ! If I tried to speak I might not be able to use my mouth anymore!)"

"I need to catch these bandits and bring the vampires back to empire." The highness murmured.

The highness attempt to hit him on neck so he'll loss consciousness,but the kitsune reflects faster than him.

"You're quite fast." The highness said.

"I'm starting to trust you,but I Didn't know that you'll hit me behind my back." The kitsune replied as he took his sword out and point it to the highness.

"Really? You're starting to trust me? Then why didn't you let your guard down?"

The highness said as he pull the kitsune's sword towards him.

"Are you crazy?!" The kitsune said. "Do you want to die!?"

"I don't mind dying from your hands." The highness replied.

He's serious! He must really have some loose screws!

"hey you're bleeding!" The kitsune said as he grip tightly from his sword.

"Attack them!" One of the bandit said.

"Unhand my sword!" The kitsune said.

The highness then did as the kitsune said. Blood drips from his hand.

"Damnit!" The kitsune cut a piece of his clothes then gave it to the highness.

"Here use this to cover your wound. Ahhh hold my violin for me."

The kitsune dash out and fight the bandits.

He swings his sword gracefully as if he's dancing with it. His crimson eyes were shining beautifully as the moon. you can clearly hear the soothing sound of his slashes and everytime he wields his sword you can smell the irresistible fragrant of the red spider Lily.

"Retreat! Get the cursed vampires and go back!" The leader of the bandit finally could spoke up.

"But brother how about the others?" One of the bandit asked.

"I'll take care of them! Leave now!"

"Brother behind you!" The young bandit pushed their leader and he got slashed by the kitsune.

"(Shun!)"

Luckily all this time, the kitsune's sword was sheathed.

"Ah it was sheathed." The leader of the bandit relieved.

this kitsune doesn't intend to kill us,but that guy...

"Ah crap the other one is getting away! I won't let you off!" The bandit was way too far away. The kitsune might not make it in time.

Seeing that, the highness immediately threw the violin to him.

" Kitsune-sama! "

" Thanks!" The kitsune played the violin and the bandit who ran off along with a cursed vampire eagerly come back to them.

"It worked!" The kitsune said.

All of the bandits were knocked down. The cursed vampires were also stayed tied up.

Finally the kitsune could reassured and enjoy his night.

Suddenly the kitsune hears a sound of a wolf

"Awoooo"

The kitsune is so strong for beating up those bandits, but when he heard that sound, He suddenly become a scared cat. The color of his face turned pale. His legs begun to shake. His eyes became watery.

A vivid memory flashed before his eyes. It was him being chased by a pack of spirit wolves.

The kitsune immediately climbs up on the highness' back. He was so scared that he couldn't care Whether the person he's clinging to is a friend or a foe.

The sound was getting close.

"Ah..." The kitsune was trembling so much his heart was beating so fast. He closed his eyes and Water fell from his cheeks.

"Don't be afraid I'm here." A cold yet soothing voice spoked up. Hearing that, the kitsune became calm a little bit.

"This time from now on,I'll protect you." The highness murmured.

Finally the wolf showed himself and it turns out to be a spirit wolf. The kitsune trembles more. Water didn't drip from his cheeks, instead it poured.

"Sh...shooo d.. don't come near me!" The kitsune said with a trembling voice. Out of fear the kitsune clenches her hand tightly that it begun to bled.

The wolf come even more closer.

"*Hic* help me somebody please."

The highness didn't say a single word. He just looked at the wolf fiercely. And it became so terrified that it whimpered and immediately backed off.

The highness then sits and coaxed the kitsune,

"It was already gone. kitsune-sama can go down."

"Ah... I'm sorry. Haha you must've think that I'm pathetic right?"the kitsune said.

"No," he replied

"Ah..."

The highness noticed that the kitsune's hand is bleeding. He immediately rip his clothes and took the kitsune's hand.

The kitsune was a bit startled from that.

"I'm gonna wrap it." the highness coaxed.

Hearing that, the kitsune became calm and let the highness wrap his wound.

"Does it hurt?" the highness asked.

"No, not really. I'm used to this." The kitsune replied with a cheerful tone.

" 'Used to this...' " the highness murmured.

"What about yours?"the kitsune asked.

"Mine?" the highness was confused.

"Didn't you got a wound earlier because you pulled my sword?" the kitsune said.

"Ah yes..."

I can't tell to him that it regenerated already...

"it's now alright thanks to you." the highness said.

his blood...

"Ah, but it's also thanks to me that you got the wound."the kitsune replied.

Because of the smell of blood, the cursed vampires started to berserk and one of them was unleashed from the rope. The cursed vampire tries to attack the kitsune. The kitsune responded quickly. He immediately casted a spell to stop the vampire. He then started to play his violin,then all of the cursed vampires went calm. The highness immediately leashed the cursed vampire using the rope.

"Sigh..." The kitsune said.

"Why don't you kill them?" The highness asked.

"Kill? Why? They also have life so I shouldn't kill them, 'we' shouldn't kill them." The kitsune replied.

"Strange, I thought exorcists should kill vampires. It's their job after all." The highness said.

"So you've found out that I'm a exorcist huh." The kitsune replied.

"Yes, it's obvious because of the kitsune-sama's sword and clothing."

"Oh..."

"Nevertheless if we don't kill them, they might kill other people too. " the highness said.

" Yes I know, so I'll restrain them instead. " The kitsune immediately replied.

" Restrain? Is there any point?" The highness asked.

" Of course there is! Can't you see the violin did work just now? That means there's still hope!"

" Hope?" The highness asked confusedly.

" Yeah! You might not believe me,but I think vampires aren't supposed to be like this. "

" What do you mean? " Said the highness.

"You see, with every vampires there's this weird energy coming from them. It's different from their natural demon blood. You know, their dark mana." Said the kitsune

"It feels like a resentment, but even worse!" He added.

"Curse." Said the highness.

"Yeah a curse, But this isn't a simple curse." He paused. " The resentment is so heavy... But I think I might know the reason but I'm still not sure..."

Or no... I think I could just not accept the truth if my hypothesis were really true.

"That's why we shouldn't kill them! There's still a chance! Even not a hundred , even if it's 0.1 percent, a chance is still a chance! It might be a shot in the dark, but I'll make sure to make it! I will lift their curse up! "

Hearing that, the eyes of highness shifted. He was astonished by the determination of the kitsune. He smiled and said,

"Fine, I'll be looking forward for it then."