Julius Alfric Claridge's Story

Benjamin kept a close eye on Roderick as he entered the room. He didn't know the vampire personally, but he had heard stories about the man. Despite her bleeding, Benjamin took a step closer to Hikari, making it quite clear to the new vampire that Hikari was going exactly nowhere with him. It wasn't like Benjamin to get territorial, but there was something about Roderick that seemed a little off. He cast a cursory glance over the last vampire to enter the room. He'd never seen her before, never heard of anything of anyone who looked like her. That was an achievement to be congratulated for given the extent of Benjamin's travels.

Julius began to speak and Benjamin felt relieved. He had never been too fond of Julius's possessiveness but it meant that finally this meeting was going somewhere. Benjamin looked at Melita. What a timid little thing she was. And stuck with Julius too, he smiled to himself. Benajmin placed a hand on Hikari's shoulder. It was times like this he wished for Tacitus's powers so he could send Hikari a message. He still wasn't quite sure of her reaction to contact. It was meant to be comforting but whether Hikari took it like that was another matter entirely. "This is Hikari," the formality of the situation was making Benjamin uncomfortable. Seriousness was not his comfort zone, "and I, I am Benjamin and apparently also the owner of this little klutz if we all adopt Julius's way of thinking about this," there was a hint of a smile in his voice, "Despite her propensity for bleeding around a group of vampires, if I find any of you have harmed her in anyway, you can be sure you will be spending an awful lot of time in my workshop. So please, ladies, gentleman, do your best to control yourselves." He looked particularly to Roderick who, besides Ben, seemed to be the most in need of blood. He would have to find it elsewhere for he would not be getting a single drop of Hikari's blood no matter how desperate he was.

Gathering? It seemed as if everything was getting more confusing as the seconds passed by. After all, he was in a house full with vampires and he didn't like that, it worried him and scared him but he remained calm from the outside. David followed towards the hall where others were already. Both vampires and humans. Were they all servants, and if so he wondered why. He didn't think he'd done anything wrong and he really felt confused about it. A vampire joined through the doors, a woman with red hair. She looked kind of creepy and he noticed she looked at him. He looked away, trying not to catch her attention. He didn't really know he belonged to her though.

'So some of you with a longer lifespan already know why you are here but for the benefit of the humans lets explain. Earlier today we received a letter making each of you our own personal servant.... This is because somewhere in your small lives you committed a crime against the Vampire Community.' The older Vampire stopped and took from his pocket the original letter, handing it to the two new Vampires to read and find their designated human. He then stood next to Melita, prompting everyone else to stand next to their new partner.

David looked around to find the red-haired vampire, the knew one alone. He hesitatingly made his way towards her to stop beside her. He looked down at the ground, feeling rather nervous. Though he was curious to get to know her and stuff, he still didn't like the idea of being a servant. He didn't mind entertaining people, but he simply didn't think he was a servant, anyone's servant. He thought he was free, but now that completely changed. He slowly looked up at the woman, wondering what she was thinking.

Roderick, once he'd composed himself, brushed an idle hand through his hair and sat up, peering through the letter Julius handed him, "Azalea..?" He raised an eyebrow, though he shrugged it off, hopping to his feet and waving to the like-haired female Vampire that eyed him, giving her a toothy grin. She held herself well. He liked her already. He handed her the letter, "Here, it'll help you figure out which of this lot is your pet." He handed her the letter before, blinking as the older vampire stood next to his human whose name was apparently, Melita. As he was advised to stand next to his pet, Roderick gave a frown before walking over to Azalea.

He eyed her for a minute before leaning in and whispering in a challenging tone, "Look. Let's make this easy. I feed very little at a time. I promise to be a gentleman and not put you in a lot of pain if you comply with me.." He cooed into her ear, but his voice contained a bit of malice as he continued, "Defy me, even once... and I'll make sure my bite feels like liquid fire underneath your skin.." He licked his lips at the thought, but he refrained from indulging in his threat, "So... don't try anything stupid, okay Lea?" he quirked an eyebrow, deciding to nickname her the last three letters of her first name.

Roderick stood properly once he'd instilled his motives to Azalea, waiting for a reaction really. He wasn't exactly sure why she was different, but for some reason she had a fire that the other girls lacked. He liked it. Letting his mind get to the matter of hand, Roderick smiled sweetly and proceeded in tilting his head innocently at Julius, "Of course. As long as it's kept likewise.." He sent his sharp retort as he watched Julius eye Azalea.

He knew both of the other male vampires seemed to be weary, eyeing Benjamin and Julius before sighing and messing up his already unkempt hair, "Look. If you stay away from mine.. I'll stay away from yours. Quit eyeballin` me like we've got some sort of rivalry going on.. we don't." He rolled his eyes, "I don't care. I wouldn't even be here if any of us had the option to say no." He was referring to the Vampire laws, "Lets get over it and try to have some nice, civil fun, yes?" He gave Benjamin a small smirk, "Klutzes aren't my flavor anyway.."

Hikari Akane

Hikari blinked as a girl approached her ushering for her to sit down, Hikari bit her bottom lip before laughing nervously, "I don't think we've got the luxury to do as we please, even if it is something we need." She replied back, giving her a happy, genuine smile, "Thank you for your concern..?" She hadn't quite caught Melita's name yet, so she was at a loss of words, "N-no.." Hikari rubbed the back of her neck, "I-It happened so fast.. Tacitus just helped me wrap it up to contain the smell somewhat.. I think..?" She was new to all of this vampire stuff, so all of her conclusions were merely theories.

She grew quiet however under Julius's presence. Something about him sent an instant chill down her spine. She listened to him talk, realizing that this in fact was happening.. though she kind of realized that when she got the stake to the head. Dreams didn't allow pain after all. Not really. As he drew closer, she just drew quieter.

"B-but sir....I haven't done anything! I only recently saw one of your kind for the first time." - Melita

The words made Hikari's eyes widened, grabbing Melita's hand since she was still close enough. She shook her head in warning, begging her to choose her words wisely. Something about the air Julius gave off gave her reason to believe Melita wouldn't be as lucky as she had been with Benjamin. She gave her a reassuring smile before letting go. She didn't want to get in trouble either..

Hikari blinked at Ben's closeness, glancing a bit away from him. It made her quite nervous actually, so she leaned in, but only for a moment, "Who is he..?" she asked, referring to Roderick, "Why is everyone so antsy about him..?" Though it felt like she'd taken a bite of a bad lemon when she felt Benjamin's hand rest upon her shoulder, a shiver of disgust and fear running up her spine. She didn't pull away however. She feared Julius and Roderick far more than she feared Ben.. She just took a calming breath, reminding herself to think of her father's words, 'Look for the silver lining. It's always there, even if you can't quite see it..' She repeated the mantra, over, and over until she felt her heartbeat steady itself.

"This is Hikari, and I, I am Benjamin and apparently also the owner of this little klutz if we all adopt Julius's way of thinking about this." - Ben

Hikari's eyes were wide as dinner plates, disbelieving as well. Everyone in the room was claiming them like puppies that were left in a box on the side of the street. Hikari closed her eyes, trying to hide her annoyance. I will find a way to be happy..even if I'm stuck here for the rest of my life.. It is still MINE.. She swore to herself in her head, None of these vampires are going to interrupt my happiness..

Hikari opened her mouth in protest, glaring up at Ben, this time her being the one childish. The pout on her face was very uncharacteristic for the serious girl. I didn't just hurt myself! I had a stake threw at me! She was nice and tried to help, but it doesn't change the fact that I was an innocent victim who was ASSAULTED by a VAMPIRE. Not a klutz!!!! She screamed in her head, subconsciously crossing her arms in front of everyone without realizing it.

Not his flavor? She rolled her eyes at Roderick's announcement, Is that supposed to insult me? I take it as a compliment.

David shuffled closer towards Caitriona once Julius had indicated people should pair off. She gave him a weak smile, she was still rather tired from the journey and would most likely need to feed from him.
She wondered how much fight, if any he would put up against her.

' The name is Caitriona, pleased to meet ya lad.' She whispered to him.

Though the introductions were short lived when the male vampires began claiming their humans as prizes.
' Now Gentlemen, we all love a good show of male Bravado but can ye be taking it somewhere else. Your scaring the poor girls half to death. Plus your kind of getting on me nerves'.



Julius' eyes stuck firmly to Rodericks. He just did not like him. Deciding to ignore Melita's comment about not seeing a vampire till only recently, Julius pushed on.
' So we all agree to keep our hands to ourselves and don't worry Miss.... Sorry I didn't catch your name.... I promise to keep it to a minimum if it bothers you so much. Now, I am rather hungry so I suggest we all separate. Newcomers, your rooms are situated is the west wing right next door to each other'

Julius turned towards the door, beckoning Melita to follow. It was about time the humans became accustomed to their new home and all it's perks. The pair walked back to Julius quarters. However, this time he led them into his room.



He sat on the edge of the bed
' It will be time for me to feed soon. If you would like to discuss it, now is the time'.
The old vampire bend down and pulled an old wooden box from under his bed, he opened it to reveal alcohol and a first aid kit. Of course the alcohol was to sterilize the wound.
' If you feel the need to drink on the first time then I will allow it. Unless you want to be brave?!' He smiled at her then began unpacking the bandaged from within the box. It had been a while since he had fed directly from his room so the box was full of things to help out in an emergency



As Julius left, Cait began to chuckle.
'Well he is a breath of spring air!'

SHe then focused back on David.
' Shall we head up? I am sure you will have a few questions for me?'
In all honestly Cait had no idea where to go, her sense of direction had always been terrible, hence why she was late.
Turning to Roderick the other newcomer she smiled.
Hopefully she could just follow him.

Melita smiled warmly at Hikari. She felt happy, albeit confused as to the what she took to be a comforting gesture by the other female. Waving goodbye to the two girls she'd met, she looked almost wistfully at the red-haired woman, her scolding of her fellow vampires reassuring to her. Melita was reluctant to leave the other humans and the new female vampire, but she supposed she had no choice in the matter. Not wanting to anger the one she was assigned to, she followed him quietly, looking around anxiously.

Upon entering the room, Melita's eyes went wide, admiring the warm decor. It was a rather nice room if she were to be honest, and she had to admit, Julius seemed to have nice taste. Sadly, her thoughts of the room and how to organize it's contents even better were creully interrupted by reality.

The human's face went a bit pale as he mentioned feeding, and her eyes watched him nervously. So far he was being nothing but polite to her, but she didn't want to be his dinner. Seeing his box and it's contents, she 'eep'-ed softly. He may have been prepared and even sanitary, but the fact still remained he intended on biting her.

"I...Is there no other way to give blood to you? Is it going to hurt much? Will haing a drink first make it better? If so, I'll have a drink. Where are you going to bite me? I..I was telling the truth back there! I..I only just saw a vampire less than a day ago..I think it was a day..." Melita spouted out, looking a bit confused at the memory. What had happened? How long had she passed out? And what happened between now and then?

"I only knew it was a vampire because I noticed them biting someone in an alleyway..and..there was so much blood..." Melita shuddered at the memory, looking shaken and sad. She took a deep breath, trying to remember, and looking dismayed that she couldn't.

"I-I don't even remember anything after it turned to look at me....I remember blackness...nothing more...I dunno if I fainted or was knocked out. I just remember those eyes..and the blood, blood al on the ground, I could smell it, and I knew that person wasn't alive anymore..." Melita felt her voice grow softer. She was scared. She wasn't ready to die. How much would he take? She dared to glance up at Julius.

Melita's eyes never left Julius' face, a mix of worry, surprise, and puzzlement in her features. As the vampire patted the bed, she timidly sat beside him, keeping a modest five inches of personal space between them. Heart drumming in her chest, Melita was surprised at how...nice the intimidating vampire was being. Was it a trick? Or was he just not too bad of a person, er, vampire?

"W-wrist please." she decided, holding out her right wrist, alchohol in her left hand.
She wasn't looking forward to the pain, especially if it was going to be at all like a poke from an errant sewing needle or a slip of a kitchen knife. She was well aware she was a weakling, a scaredy cat to boot.

Melita bit her lower lip, trying to be brave. He hadn't hurt her yet, he was being honest and polite. Nothing in his demeanor suggested he was intending on hurting her. He couldn't help it if he needed to eat..well, drink. Didn't make it any less nerve-wracking. Her trembling was gone however, only her nerves high and her heart hammering.


"Um...I'm ready." Melita nodded, wrist offered as she looked from her lap to the vampire once more.

Tentatively, Melita did as instructed, allowing her eyes to fall shut She nevertheless let out a squeek and a slight whimper at the initial bite, nearly jerking away, but somehow managing not to. Despite her misgivings, Julius had been correct when he said it would eventually stop hurting.

Feeling him push her down onto the soft mattress beneath her, Melita's eyes flew open, a jolt of adrenaline surging through her as panic reared it's ugly head. It was only then that she tried to squirm, but he was much too strong.

As soon as he released her, Melita started to clean her wrist, blood draining from her face and then shooting back up, rendering her cheeks a bright pink. She was sure he could hear her heart racing. She felt a tad dizzy and disoriented, but she was glad he was done. And why had he held her down on the bed, despite it being in a non aggressive manner?

"T-thank you.." the young woman murmured, handing him back the towel and antiseptic once she finished. Glancing up at the vampire, she noticed a drop of blood still on his chin. Taking the towel, she automatically cleaned it, dabbing gently until she realized what she was doing. She 'eep'-ed and pulled away, wondering if he'd get mad.

Melita nodded, taking out the gauze and bandage material from the kit. At least the vampire in charge of her was well prepared and polite. Even so, it was hard to be at ease around him so readily.

The young woman glanced up at him, biting her lip before letting out what was on her mind.

"Yes...but even if I hadn't, what choice did I have? You said yourself you would drink from me regardless of if I was willing or not." she murmured, eyes looking back down at her wrist.

Immediately, Melita realized she hadn't thought about the consequences of speaking up to a vampire. Maybe he'd not care, but what if he grew angry? She swallowed hard, clasping her untouched hand over her mouth to prevent any further remarks.