Chapter Text
Chapter 6: Approach
It took him 20 minutes to find his prey, it is gratifying to know that he will have a food source during his stay in this place.
Although it is a bit strange if you think about it deeply, he had estimated at least 1 hour to find his dinner tonight. And that is if he was lucky.
Surprisingly, fate showed a little mercy, putting a hare in his path.
Hiding in the mint bushes of the forest, I stalk the poor creature from the gloom, the only sign of its presence being its unmistakable crimson eyes. As his father taught him since he was a child, I wait for the right moment. The poor animal realized the presence of the immortal that lay hidden, making eye contact with the vampire caught the little creature in a trance from which he would never come out.
And without further ado Rudolph was able to eat that night.
Revitalized, the vampire flew over the huge candy trees, the pain of his burns fading as fast as it appeared although still on his pale skin were the small traces of what his burns were at least he no longer felt so weak and useless.
A beautiful starry night spread over him, giving him the encouragement that he had lost since he arrived at the town consumed by the flames of chaos, and gave a more mystical touch to that place. He stopped at the top of the tallest tree he could find, the barely perceptible icy air ruffling his unruly hair.
The delicate scent of sweets emerging from everywhere in the forest filled his nostrils, he admits that despite being cloying he was becoming addicted to the scent.
He closed his eyes enjoying the silence that surrounded him, he yearned for such a moment, although he had tried unsuccessfully to relax since he arrived. Now, he finally had a moment after such a chaotic start to his adventure.
He doesn't know why he sometimes has a habit of inhaling air and letting it out slowly as if he were really breathing, when he was in such a relaxed state it was common for him to do that. He just wanted it to last a little longer, just a little bit.
But in his mind he knew that he had to return to the base if it took his life any longer, his true identity would be in serious danger, a danger that would bring him fatal problems.
He opened his eyes again but this time he flew back, his cloak billowing behind him.
"8... 9... 10," the vampire whispered behind a couple of barrels he was hiding in, ducking occasionally when he saw a group of patrolling soldiers pass by.
He didn't have much to look forward to, but he was in a hurry to get to the tent where the nutcracker had left him. He would have a lot of explaining to do if Tony didn't find him there, and he wanted to save himself an excuse.
He hid again, but this time behind a wheelbarrow that was close to where he was. He managed to position himself in the back just in time, he was able to count at least 5 guards who stopped very close, he patiently waited for 10 seconds to pass for the next change. However, they did not move from their place.
Yuck! What was missing.
He gritted his teeth in anger, not so sure he had enough time to wait for them to leave. He was already crawling in the opposite direction of the guards when he stopped in his tracks.
"Why don't you want to follow my plan? Don't you see that the king's army is almost on top of us!
A thunderous voice came from inside the particularly large tent where he was just passing, he wanted to pass by that place but his curiosity prevented him from continuing on his way.
“But what if there is a way to end this in another way? What if the prophecy turns out to be true? - To Rudolph's surprise the second voice was nothing more and nothing less than that of the nutcracker himself.
At least now he knew he wasn't in trouble. So his desire to get there as quickly as possible vanished and he decided to stand behind the huge tent to stay and listen.
— Boy, putting your hope in a simple prophecy will not ensure victory for the people. — the second voice sounded tired. Possibly they were already arguing since he left.
"Believe me when I tell you this! He can save us, I'm sure of it. - The nutcracker sounded determined and sure, he would not be bowed down.
— He literally appeared out of nowhere! And coincidentally at such a crucial moment in this battle. What makes you think you can trust him? — Rudolph was confused, but at the same time interested to know who they were talking about.
Deep, deep inside him he already knew the answer, only he refused to accept it. There was a silence that seemed to last an eternity.
“I just… I do. I ended up in your world for a reason, for a reason I managed to wake up from that dream the king put me in, and there's a reason you're here. It's not just a coincidence, everything is connected. I don't know how it happened, but I'm sure I'll find out very soon, just give me your trust. said the nutcracker sounding sure of himself, and without a doubt they were talking about him. He fit the description perfectly.
— I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, but I'll warn you if it hinders us or endangers the entire operation. I'll personally take care of him. — He didn't know what he had done to displease the guy with whom the nutcracker was talking, he had to be careful being close to him.
Not wanting to hear any more, he cautiously walked away from that tent towards his own, with more questions than answers running through his thoughts.
Upon arrival, he took off the cape with which hours before he had covered him from the sun, leaving her on a chair. He didn't know what he had just heard but he decided that eventually the truth would come out, he just had to wait. Several minutes had to pass before a familiar voice was heard.
- Rudolf?
The rustle of fallen leaves on the grass alerted the vampire to their approach. Moments later the curtain of the tent would move to one side revealing the nutcracker a little exhausted.
- Good evening Tony. — Greeting the vampire, — Are you okay?
The vampire had in his hands an old worn book that he found inside the tent, because he was killing time. Nutcracker Min took another 30 minutes after eavesdropping on their conversation, he guessed they continued their discussion when he left.
- I'm fine, thanks for asking. - The nutcracker affirmed, although of course he knew that that was a lie, due to the tired face that the blonde wore.
— Was there a problem with the captain? You took a long time out there. He—he dared to ask.
He expected to sound casual, even uninterested in the matter, although he was dying of curiosity inside, he knew that if he asked directly he would look suspicious.
“Oh… about that… we just had a long talk. You know, I've been missing for over half a year, I had to bring him up to speed on the facts. — confirmed, Tony is a lousy liar.
He realized because of completely ignoring his gaze on him since he entered the tent. As another sign was that he took a while to answer his question and lastly, if it weren't for the fact that the nutcracker was made of wood I'd bet that if it were made of flesh and blood right now he would be sweating from nerves.
- Asking about me?
— Oh! Yes, yes, I asked about you, obviously I left out several details — great now he almost tripped over his own feet from how nervous he was when I asked, he found it funny actually, — and as I told you a while ago, several of the rumors about you have reached their ears. Of course he has preferred to pass them by, he wants to meet you in person before creating a bad image of you.
The subject sounded reasonable, he may have been carried away by the discussion he heard, however now he was having a different vision that changed what he should expect when he finally met him.
"I guess he'll want to see me tomorrow, right?" The vampire asked just to confirm.
- Indeed my friend. I'll take you with the dawn.
The nutcracker, who was now more relaxed, prepared to take off part of his armor, leaving his sword sheath lying next to the wooden table.
Rudolph didn't add anything else, just made a sound of affirmation, while his gaze was fixed on an unspecified point inside the tent.
The tension on the part of both was noticeable, both parties did not know how to start their talk again. If it wasn't for Tony who noticed a detail.
— For the sugar fairy… your burns! They have almost disappeared. - The nutcracker exclaimed looking from head to toe at his friend.
- Of course I'm cured! I told you I'd be fine as soon as night fell. - He stressed.
The wooden toy walked towards him breaking distance from him, and his blue eyes didn't leave his skin. Without any shame I take one of his hands, turning it trying to observe more clearly his already almost non-existent burns.
"I know that, but that doesn't explain how it happened so quickly." The blonde hinted, who was waiting for a response from him.
Luckily for the little vampire he already had a credible excuse, he hoped that with that he would manage to mislead the nutcracker from his miraculous recovery.
— Well, you'll see, Tony, the sun caused my burns, only the light of the moon would remedy the damage. It was only enough to expose myself to his rays so that my skin was new and with renewed energy. - The way I said it sounded so convincing that the nutcracker looked completely amazed.
“Is that why your clan only comes out at night? he asked, he sounded genuinely convinced by his words.
- Yes, exactly. We do not tolerate the sun as well as you do. The vampire admitted, although at least this last part wasn't entirely a lie.
The nutcracker hummed sympathetically, bringing his right hand to his chin, no doubt thinking about something. Not more than three seconds passed before he spoke again.
"Rudolph, I know we barely know each other but I've been wondering something ever since we met. - Tony's nervousness almost caused him to laugh but he didn't want to break the atmosphere so serious that he formed, forcing himself to suppress his laughter. — What are you exactly?
The question caught him off guard, he didn't know how to answer that. He was never good at trusting, or rather no vampire was good at trusting. And they can't blame them, they've been through horrible things in the past asking them to trust someone outside of his species was like asking the moon not to rise at night.
He widened his crimson eyes in shock, he hated having to remember his past and that question unfortunately made him remember. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside, he didn't want to look even more suspicious before the blonde's attentive gaze. Shit, he even looked genuinely interested and trustworthy.
That triggered another reaction. What if the nutcracker really could be trusted? As far as he remembers he has been quite attentive to him this day. He never insulted him, nor did he try to hurt him, <<not counting the time he thought he was going to attack him and pointed his sharp sword at him>> then he just got closer. He apologized for bringing him to this world, he told him what was happening without hesitation, even when the lightning affected him he didn't see him as someone weak, but as someone who needed help. And he, he held out his hand.
I take care of him from the sun's rays, I try to help him without asking for anything in return. If you go into depth about the events of the last day, I didn't push him to hear from him, instead he was supportive and I wait. He even lied just so he could protect him.
“My kind… we are called by various names, but we call ourselves… vampires. — There is no turning back, his ancestors would surely wallow in their own ashes for what he has just done.
He knows that he was never like the others, he was not afraid of anything, deep down he was extroverted, nobody ever knew that, because his audacity was overshadowed by the fear that his own father incited him. Killing the spirit of him.
Up to this point Rudolph kept his head down, not wanting to lift it. He was afraid of the nutcracker's expression, he didn't know for sure if vampires were well seen in that place.
- A vampire? What a curious name. - sounded intrigued - a vampire, but now I have more questions. I don't think you're ready to talk right now, though. And I get it, I don't want you to pressure yourself into telling me something you don't want to.
Why did he have to be so understanding with him? As far as he knew there were no vampires here.
He knew that he had every right not to want to talk, he did not open any problem or retaliation. And yet, he made a decision that would change everything.
— You can do them. — Those two simple words came out of his mouth so softly that he thought they didn't hear him.
- You're sure? asked the nutcracker doubtfully.
Being around these people and Tony himself softened him considerably. He didn't know why but being close to him made him feel safe and protected, he wanted to tell him everything for some strange reason. For the first time he didn't see the fear reflected in the eyes of the people he had encountered so far. No one would want to drive a stake through his chest.
He nodded his head frantically, as a smile appeared on his face.
- How is it that you can fly? was the first question they asked him.
He had to think about the answer, because no one ever asked him that. Flying was as common as walking, so it didn't seem surprising to him.
— I suppose it is because we are mythological creatures? — He wasn't so sure about that, but as far as he knows, it has always been, he consumed the blood of living beings and his powers were activated more effectively, among them the ability to fly — That's how it has been since the beginning, that is something so normal that I never stopped to think where that power comes from.
Rudolph unconsciously floated a bit, not being high enough for his head to brush against the fabric of the tent.
— And what does it feel like? asked the nutcracker looking at him from the ground.
— How do you feel? - repeated the black-haired man trying to put together a forceful response in his head, because it was so difficult to describe the essence that caused him to fly through the dark skies, even after so many years being that sensation that he experienced day by day - it is a mixture of so many emotions together, you can feel the icy wind hitting every part of your body. The one who ruffles your hair, you feel free and capable of achieving everything. You have that feeling of wanting to go anywhere you can imagine. It is the feeling of freedom in all its splendor.
Gazing at some inexact point in the tent he fondly remembered his first flight. He would not have been more than 50 years old, he was hardly a newborn, the memory of him was vague and blurred as a result of his long life, but what stands out the most is the fact that he has been with his parents and brother of the. His mother taking care of him fearing that he would fall from a very high height, his father showed him what to do and how to move. And his brother Gregory who despite his playful teasing encouraged him to try.
He inevitably fell face first on the floor, however it was a memory he treasured to this day.
- Rudolf? It seems that you have lost yourself for a moment. - The nutcracker assured him, surely he had asked him another question but being so immersed in him in his mind he did not realize that.
- Just thought. He assured trying to look disinterested.
The nutcracker didn't seem to believe him at all however he let it slide, proceeding with his next question.
"Are you dead or are you alive?" Because I have noticed that your skin is as pale as a dead man's, but you act and feel as if you are overflowing with life. - It seemed that they were not his hallucinations, the nutcracker was really watching him closely.
Rudolph lowered himself slowly until his feet touched the ground, he crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Tony.
— Neither of them. - He answered more somber than usual, because although for many being between life and death was something amazing, for vampires especially Rudolph it wasn't - we are right in the middle, it's not so nice. Trust me, it's torture.
Tony, who was listening attentively to the words, remained silent for a few seconds, perhaps he was thinking about the reason for his response.
— By the way I was curious, why do you dress like that? — He pointed to his wardrobe — it seems that you are going to a gala ball.
Rudolph looked at him without understanding, what was wrong?
He proudly wore his garments, though he admitted it was extravagant to wear. His black jacket edged with blue with light white ruffles on the edge of his sleeves clearly indicated that he came from a noble family. His pants although slightly damaged and ripped at the sides were still presentable. Just like her black ankle boots with metallic chains. He didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
- What are you talking about? I don't go to any dances, I can assure you that I hate these types of events. No grace or fun. - He answered while he remembered his not so favorite dances he attended - in any case it only shows the type of family I come from. The worthy clan of the Sackville-Bagg is one of the most influential in these times. It is an honor to bear the surname.
His air of magnificence grew as he remembered that his clan was one of the few survivors of the hunting seasons. Years of history followed him, without a doubt he was lucky to belong there.
“So, are you like a vampire prince? The Nutcracker reasoned.
He had never thought about that, his father literally never got to drag him with him every time he had to meet with other clans and even with the vampire court itself. Gregory had that position because he was the firstborn, even if he showed no interest in his law.
On the other hand, he was always educated to ensure the well-being of the clan, not in a political way or with the intention of leading, but rather as listening to his people. He often remembers having to check on others in case of a minor problem. For example, search for hunting territories, make sure that human blood was not tested by any of its members, keep the crypt in good condition and among other things. In a certain way if he had an important role.
— It could be said, although personally I don't consider myself as such. He shrugged not knowing what else to say since it was as simple as it sounded.
The Nutcracker raised an eyebrow in disbelief, he could swear that for a moment he saw empathy in his blue eyes. Maybe it was just a trick of his mind but he preferred to tell her about some things he did.
With Rudolph leaning on the old desk and Tony sitting on the edge of the bed they continued talking. Getting to know each other, especially Rudolph since the questions kept coming. And delighted to share part of his culture and his identity, he replied happily. It was the only time anyone outside his kind had shown a genuine interest in vampires.
Not for the purpose of harming them, rather to understand them better, especially Rudolph.
Minutes passed, hours of conversation that only stopped when his eyes began to give way from the exhaustion of that day. And without further ado, both young people gave up falling into the land of dreams.