Pulling back the the sheet of metal, you grimace lightly as the pests scattered from over the piece of clothing.

"This... Is... Bad area..." The mumble makes you look back as your friend shuffles over. He was looking about uneasily with cloudy silver eyes.

"It's new so I thought we'd have better luck here." You sigh straightening up and letting the piece of metal fall back into place. Your friend jumps slightly from the loud echo that it makes. He turns to you annoyed.

"Shhhh!" He scolds.

"Relax Law, it's dawn now." You assure, gesturing to the sky as it begins to lighten up. He shifts still frowning as he tugs on his coat.

"Lets.. Leave now... ___." He insists. You turn to him, giving a nod in response but as you turn to go and you stop. "... Shit..." He sighs, frowning at the group that blocked your way. From their black hoodies and baseball caps, You guessed who they were.

"You lowlifes lost?" Says the guy you presumed to be the leader since he wore a different colored hat from the rest.

"Look Law, it's the edgy-wannabe-thug ghouls." You hum. Law cringes, biting his lip as he glances at you.

"Heh, that's quite an attitude, unfortunately for you, we're hungry enough for fresh flesh." The leader growls, lip curling into a forced smile. You shift at that, gaze gliding over the group.

"Well, that was already on your mind when you came across us, wasn't it?" You point out. "Why else stop us?" You meet the dimly glowing red gaze of the leader.

"Sharp human." His forced smile relaxes into a smirk. "So don't bother running."

"Run Law." You prompt your companion and he swiftly shuffles away.

"I said don't bother!" The leader growls and one of his followers moves after Law. You side step close to the pursuer's path, slashing out with your arm. A gash appears on his neck, smoke rising from it as it sizzles. He howls in pain, leaping away.

"What- How did-" The other ghouls stiffen as you turn the silver dagger in your hand.

"Did you really think I'd stay in the city without protection from you bastards?" you offer a glare as the injured ghoul curls up shaking as he holds his neck. The leader's gaze shifts to him briefly.

"Alright, let's take a step back, let us save him and we'll leave you alone." He tries to bargain.

"I went for that before, and I was hunted afterwards, why should I trust you not to do the same?" You question.

"Fair enough... But ghouls are terrible trackers, and you're not bleeding to leave a trail." He points out. You hum, shifting your gaze to the injured ghoul before suddenly turning and running away.

'Should've killed them...' You scold yourself as you run away. She decide to take the long way home as you round the buildings.

Ten years ago, a Necromancer took over a human country, had his followers poison the water sources then resurrected the dead citizens. With his undead army, he declared war on the humans. The vampires, werewolves, and many other supernatural creatures joined the Necromancer's cause. Humans were driven out of society, eventually forming tribes and small villages.

You had been orphaned when werewolves overtook your tribe. And although you weren't particularly fond of the other creatures, you found yourself attracted to the cities that they lived in. That's how you ended up here, sharing a place with an undead soldier.

You soon find the old hotel building, sliding into the basement before sealing up the window. You let out a sigh, relaxing but stiffening when you hear a low breathy growl behind you. Carefully turning around to see Law with his arms folded, clouded eyes glaring at you with annoyance.

"I didn't do it Law." You assure, trying to offer a smile. He sighs and looks away.

"You're... Trouble..." He grumbles before going to take a seat on the couch. You take off your backpack, going to the table and dumping out the contents before going through the salvage.

"Yeah... But hey.... We made rent." You hum, moving some crystals away from the pile. "Hopefully Robin will be pleased." You mutter.

"She's... Never pleased..." He responds. You smile with a slight chuckle, taking out an odd scarf from the pile.

"This is kinda nice, just needs cleaned and patched up.." You murmur thoughtfully, getting up.

"Weird taste..." He breathes. You tosses him a brief pout before going to the laundry room, starting to clean the scarf and dirty clothes. After hanging up the clothes you retire to your room and quickly fall asleep for the day.

"___-ya... Robin's here..." Law's voice wakes you up and your eyes ease open as you sit up.

"Coming..." You yawn, getting out of bed. You shuffle out to were the witch waited, sitting at the dining table, crystals swirling over her hand.

"You did good, human." Robin murmurs in boredom. Her lavender eyes slide to you. She stands, leather jacket shifting as she transfers the crystals to her pocket.

"So what brings you here?" You inquire. "You don't normally come to collect."

Robin nods with a hum, "Indeed, I have a request for you, if you accomplish this task you won't have to pay rent next month." You straighten, folding your arms.

"Oh, nice, one less thing to worry about." You hums.

"Consequences..." Law speaks up. You glance at him and nod.

"Alright, what's the catch.?" You look back to the black haired witch. Robin tosses Law a slightly annoyed glance before she looks back to you.

"I need you to retrieve my old dagger from this address, you'll know when you see it." She informs, handing you a piece of paper.

"A magic dagger? Why would you need one?" You raise an eyebrow. Robin gives you a hard look in response. "Okay... I'll retrieve it for you." You add uneasily.

"Good girl." Robin breathes before turning and walking out. Law peers at the paper and lightly smacks your shoulder before pointing at the paper.

"Vamp... Central." He murmurs. You blink and look down at it.

"Ah dammit..." You sigh. "I'm going to die for a month of no rent." You grumble.

"Lose scent..." He tugs your shirt softly.

"Right, I should leave soon so I can reach the place before the sun sets." You decides, heading to the bathroom.

After a shower and masking your scent in one of the special perfumes that Robin had made you, you get dressed and head to grab your bag.

"Hopefully I'll be back soon." You tell Law as you adjust your backpack.

"Luck." He offers a thumbs up.

"Thanks." You toss a smile before heading out. You look at the address and sigh quietly. Vampires were not your favorite; arrogant, pompous, selfish creatures with their noses in the sky. They weren't as dangerous as most creatures, but still faster and stronger than humans.

You quicken your pace after glancing at the sun's position. The district known as Vamp Central was seemingly empty as you hurry down the streets, but you knew that soon it would be bustling, and leaving before dawn would be dicey if Robin's special perfume wore off. You check the addresses quickly, frowning more as you find yourself in the center of the district. Then the numbers you had been searching for reveal themselves to you.

Stopping in front of the modern yet edgy looking home, you let out a breath, looking over the spikes that ran up the houses frames. You move behind the building, searching for a way in, settling on a small bathroom window. Using your dagger, you wedge it open before silently opening it more before sliding in. You straighten, looking around the clean bathroom. 'Okay... I guess I'll hang out in here until the vampires leave for the night...' You decide, gazing at the door with a frown. Behind you, the sun sinks out of sight, nearly making the bathroom go pitch black.

After a brief silence, movement sounds throughout the house. You could hear at least three within the house. One pair of footsteps- and also the heaviest were making their way toward the bathroom. The blood leaves your face as it grows closer. Then a lighter pair of footsteps hurry toward the larger one.

"Brother Katakuri! Are you taking a shower before we leave?" A chipper voice inquires. You swallow, carefully opening the cabinet under the sink and maneuvering inside.

"Yes. And for the last time, I'm not your brother." A rumbling voice responds.

'Sounds like one big vamp....' You bite your lip as you close the cabinet silently. The footsteps soon enter the bathroom, pausing briefly before the door locks.

"Why is this open..." The mutter sounds and you silently curl up more under the sink. The window slides shut and the shower is turned on. You press your lips together, listening to clothes drop to the floor.

'I really hope I don't have to face this guy later...' You close your eyes, waiting patiently.

A short time later, the shower cuts off, making you open an eye and peer at the cabinet door. There's slight shuffling before there's another pause, followed by a low hum before the cabinet door eases open slightly before shutting again. Your eyes grow wide as your heartbeat picks up slightly, and you grip your dagger hilt. Then the footsteps leave the bathroom.

You relax, head resting back against the wall. 'Oh thank god...' Your eyes shut and you calmly wait for a while longer before easing out of your hiding place. Inching for the door, you strain your ears to pick up the slightest sound. Silence. You wait for a few minutes before crawling out into the hallway.

After making sure it was clear, you pull out a small pen with a built in light. Using the dim glow to maneuver down the hall silently. You check in the rooms for Rayne's dagger.

"Little lamb~ Little lamb~ Don't fear the wolves~" A soft voice singing makes you stop in your tracks and turn off the light. A woman's voice? Swallowing, your curiosity makes you inch toward the voice. "They may snarl and snap~ But don't be afraid~ I'll keep you safe." The voice became clear as you peeked around the corner to find a hall, dimly-lit from the light of a room that the voice drifted from. The voice suddenly stops.

"Hello?" The voice inquires, making you freeze, blood leaving your face. "Don't be scared..." You blink at the slight plea. Then there's a soft cough that convinces you- against your better judgement to move closer. Peering into the room, you find a vampire looking back at you. The vampire didn't appear threatening, she sent in a big plush bed surrounded by stuffed animals. Her light brown hair was kept up in curly pigtails. Soft brown eyes stared back at you curiously with a hint of joy in them.

'Beautiful.' was what you thought of her though you couldn't see the vampire's mouth which was hidden by a flowery mask.

"What are you? Your heartbeat is different from the ghouls." She comments.

"I um... I'm human." you respond to lately, staying in place.

"A human? Here?! But it's so dangerous!" She squeaks out in alarm, eyes widening in worry.

"Yeah it really is..." You agree shifting.

"Do you live near the city?" She tilts her head, "Aren't you scared the monsters will find you?" The questions were curious and sincere, you find yourself relaxing and easing into the room.

"Actually, I live in the city, and some are not so bad... Why are you in bed? I didn't know vampires needed rest." You murmur.

"Oh..." She shifts slightly. "I'm not very healthy, blood rejects me sometimes. So I can't go out with the others." The vampire looks down seeming sad, you tilt your head but decided not to press.

"What's your name?" Your question leaves your lips before you think.

"I'm Pudding," the vampire's cheeks lift slightly and you knew that under those fake flowers was a big smile.

"That's a pretty unique name... I'm ___." You smile thoughtfully. "Do you have a hobby? Must get boring being home alone..." Her head tilts slightly.

"It is... But sometimes brother Katakuri brings me books to read..." She straightens, looking at you in confusion. "I can't believe he didn't sense you..."

"Maybe he was distracted?" You say, trying to imagine the vampire named Katakuri.

"Or maybe he let you enter." Pudding's words make a chill go down your spine.

"Then I should hurry out of here." You murmur uneasily.

"Wait why are you here?" Pudding reaches for you carefully.

"A magic dagger so I don't have to worry about rent for a month." You fold your arms.

"Rent...?" Pudding seems surprised by your reason, before turning away and digging through a jewelry box next to her bed. "Brother Katakuri is the one that collects such things, here, I can help you find it using this." The vampire holds up a crystal orb to you.

"Wouldn't that get you in trouble with your brother?" You ask carefully as you take the orb and look it over. It was a cloud white and the size of a golf ball. "What is this anyway?"

"They're blood orbs... They'll allow us to communicate no matter the distance. We just need to exchange blood on them at the same time." Pudding explains. You meet her gaze, suddenly feeling uneasy. "I promise this isn't a trap." She adds softly.

"...Alright..." You unsheath your dagger, cutting your index fingertip open. Pudding watches the blade curiously.

"Silver? I thought they all got locked up." She murmurs.

"Silver used to be everywhere, and it still is, though rare." You say lightly, offering the blade tip to the vampire after wiping it off. Pudding timidly touches it pressing her finger on the blade until the dark scarlet beads up around it.

"Now we both touch the orbs, so only if we can use them." Pudding says as you both touch the orbs at the same time. "Here, this is for you," She offers you one. "His room is at the end of the hall, and like him, it sits alone." You raise an eyebrow before taking the orb. Just what did she mean when she said it like that?

"Kay, sounds easy enough." You nod before heading out and down the hall. You find the door, sitting alone at the end of the hall. For some reason you hesitate, this felt like something that would come back and bite you on the ass later. Oh well.

Pressing past the door, you are greeted by a traditional Japanese room, decorated with old weapons on the walls. "Wow..." You murmur fully entering the room to admire the weapons, most of which you had never seen before.

"What is it?" Pudding's voice makes you jump and look at the orb which reflected the vampire's face instead of your own.

"I heard we used to have all kinds of weapons before they were destroyed, but to find so many in one place..." You trail off in fascination

"Brother Katakuri favors power, but he really likes those that are powerful on their own... So I don't think he likes humans..." Pudding trails off, pressing her lips together and looking at you. You don't weren't phased though, humming in thought.

"What else is new?... So where is this dagger? Any idea?" You hold up the orb to the room.

"Hmm... Oh, that doesn't look you in made - over there on the dresser." Pudding says. You look toward the dresser, just now noticing the jeweled dagger on a small stand, it was dangerous looking despite its beauty.

"Yep, that has Robin written all over it." You mutter approaching it. You hesitate to touch it, carefully wrapping it up instead and putting it in your backpack. "Alright, I got it..." You murmur.

"You should go now, the night is going by fast." Pudding breathes

"Really? Thanks." You hum.

"I hope we can talk again soon." The vampire's cheeks raise again in another happy smile.

"We will, once I reach home." You assure. Pudding's eyes widen briefly, sparkling with delight.

"Be safe!" She calls from down the hall.

"I'll try!" You chime. You go back to the bathroom, going out the window and closing it. Peering at the sky, you frown, "Still hours before it dawn..." You mutter starting cautiously back. It was quiet in the area you were in, the city was clearly bustling though music and laughter sounding in the distance.

'Too quiet here... I feel eyes...' You thought to yourself you grants at the shadows and easily. 'Paranoia?' You wonder before you stop in the middle of crossing the street.

"Mmm, what a nice smelling human." A voice comes from an alley.

"There it is..." You sigh lightly, touching your dagger as the vampires sink into view, smirking.

"You lost human?" The same vampire asks.

You were about to respond, but a pause in the group makes you look behind you, eyes trailing up one of the buildings to a large silhouette on the roof. Magenta eyes stare down at the forming group in silent disdain.

"Even a pure-blood came to see the foolish human." another remarks as the shape sits down. You look back to the other vampires, the pureblood didn't even seem to care, so your opponents were the ones on the ground.

"Let's entertain how 'm, how about you start running little bunny?" Another snares.

"No." You look at them as if they had asked a stupid question. The vampires pause in surprise. "It'll be like trying to outrun a pack of wolves in a field. So I'll just take my chances here. A fighting chance is better than no chance." You hum.

"Tch... h e h... HahahaHAHAHA!" The vampires start to laugh together, except for the pure blood at your back.

"You think you stand a chance against us!?" One howls.

"You're funeral!" Another barks, leaping at you. So predictable. You sidestep the vampire, dagger glinting out and slashing through his neck. He staggers, the dark blood pooling out, his face was one of complete dumbfounded shock.

"Looks like yours actually," You breathe as the other start to move. You were used to group attacks by now. So many things wishing for your death for your ancestors selfish ways. Growing up in constant danger. As a kid, you constantly wondered why, but now you no longer cared why. This was how things were, you just had to adapt and survive.

Three more down in an instant, the vampires seemed to jump into your blade. They back off now, three left. You were increasingly aware of the stinging gaze of the pure blood at your back, was he going to join if you took down the other three? Hell you never even met a pure blood- that was until now.

You glance back at the shape- a stupid move on your part. Something slams into your stomach, stealing your breath and nearly sending you flying back, if not for you lodging your dagger into the vampire's arm. You toss a glare at the vampire, swinging up your leg and hitting him in the stomach.

"You bitch!" He grunts, staggering back and holding his arm. Wait. Where were the other two? You crouch suddenly, rolling out of the way as one leaps at your back. You swing your arm up, dagger lodging into his chest. He gargles up blood and you rip the blade from his chest and pushing him to the side. The wounded vampire backs up more, but then you feel a sharp pain in your side, you glance down at the butterfly knife just before the vampire rips it out. Your eyes widen in surprise as blood pours out of the wound.

"That'll slow you down-" Something large and heavy lands on the speaking vampire and you cringe at the sound of crunching bones. You look down at the vampire as a boot comes over his head.

"I've seen enough," The deep, throaty voice of the pure blood sounds, making you flinch as the vampire's head beneath his boot is crushed like a grape.

"W-what are you doing?!" The wounded vampire demands of the pure blood.

"Getting rid of the weak." The pureblood answers simply, stepping toward him.

"N-no! Please! What about the human!? She's weak!" The vampire pleads.

"Yet she stands in the middle of your dead allies." The pureblood takes another step, making the vampire sink to his knees from his presence.

"P-please-" He couldn't finish as his head is kicked off from his shoulders.

"Pitiful display." The pureblood mutters before turning to you. You feel the blood leave your face as you meet his magenta gaze. His mouth was hidden by a medical mask, but you could tell his face held a little emotion, his short magenta hair was a bit wild. Your knees to buckle as he approaches. You could feel yourself growing weak from the blood loss, yet you could not look away from this large vampire.

"There's no fear in your eyes, even as you lose so much blood..." He kneels down, the leather vest that he is wearing, shifts over his defined muscles. He leans forward just enough to look at you closely. "It's against the code to show you kindness, let alone help you... But I'm curious to see what else you'll fight." He tilts his head, watching you relax slightly. "So you may close your eyes and pass out without fear." His words were not trusted, but somehow you let them lull you into unconsciousness.

When you came to, the sky was a baby blue and the sun was just begining to peak over the buildings. You sit up in the street, blinking in a daze, amazed that you were still alive. You sigh quietly running a hand through your dusty hair as you peer around at the ash that covered the street around you.

"That's a lot of vampire ash..." A voice makes you blink back, and look over your shoulder at the demon as he peers around curiously, then his fiery eyes fall on you. "Been a while ___, you look like you got eaten by an ash monster." He teases lightly, coming over and crouching beside you.

"Do such things exist? Sounds scary," You hum, lifting your shirt to check your wound to find it expertly bandaged.

"No I don't think so... Who bandaged you up? This part of the Town hates you right?" He tilts his head, fiery eyes amused.

"Guess not, or I had the god of luck on my side last night. Why are you here Ace?" You look at the demon again. He was an odd creature, more mischievous and friendly than anything else.

"Oh, there's something I need to take care of." He responds, pupils slitting as his eyes become unfocused. You feel a chill run down your spine.

"Uh... Ace?" You say carefully. He blinks back and shakes his head before focusing on you again and smiling.

"Hey! When did you get here?" He chimes.

"... I should head home." You breathe uneasily, standing up. He has to be the scariest creature you have encountered. Images of the pure blood to come back to your mind then. They were on the same level as far as you were concerned.

"Okay!" He stands as well. "See you later, maybe next time we meet we can get something to eat." He smiles.

"Sounds like fun. See you."

You reach the home you shared with Law and release another sigh. You get inside, being immediately greeted by your roommate.

"Hurt...?" Law inquires.

"No, well... Yeah." You admit, "But someone treated me, so I'm fine now." You add quickly.

"Good." He sighs relaxing. "Dagger?"

"Got it." You smile, holding it up. He smiles, moving to the side so you can go to your room.

"Ash..." He comments attempting to dust you off as you pass.

"Yeah... I hate vampires... But the purebloods see more likeable than most." You tilt your head. "Have you ever met one?"

Law pauses before shaking his head. "Did not... Know existed." He admits.

"Me neither..." You grab some clothes from your room before heading to the bathroom to take a shower. You felt drained, and dazed over last night, so many questions in your head.

When you get out and dressed, you pause hearing voices in the living room. You head out and peer around carefully until you are met by Robin.

"Well done, and I hear you've encountered a pureblood." She tilts her head curiously, "However did you survive?"

"No idea." You respond, "In fact I passed out before him and still woke up bandaged." You point out an amazement. "Normally had I been alone - I'd be dead..."

"Strange indeed, but it worked out in the end." She shrugs. Stop by if you need medicine for your wound." Robin asds as she turns and heads out.

Law comes over to you as as you touch your side. "Alright?" He asks you.

"Yeah, I just really need a nap..." You sigh, heading to your room. You pause as you spot your backpack, picking it up and rummaging through it until you pull out the blood orb. "Pudding?"

"I thought you forgot!" She gasps appearing in the reflection.

"No, I just got home actually." You admit. Pudding tilts her head seeming confused.

"Did you get lost?" She inquires.

'Best not to worry her,' You think quietly before smiling. "Yes I did, and I'm in need of a nap so I'll see you later."

"Okay I look forward to it!"