Stars

.........

Nnh... Where... Huh? What was I...

You have slept in quite a bit.

Ah, Iphi! That's right, there was that little girl who was really a monster... And then, Macramé... ......Macramé?

When did I learn his name? Did you tell me, Iphi?

......

I cannot recall. I have more important things to do with my time.

......!! W-what the...

What is it?

It's nothing, just that my heart just skipped a beat.

I never asked before, Iphi... What's in that coffin?

...... Where is this coming from? Does a whelp have the right to nose around in my belongings?

I know, I just felt like I've seen that coffin before. Or, not just that, even...

It was a dream.

Honestly, you are such a troublesome whelp, you are! Exasperating to no end. Do not confuse dreams with reality. I have no interest in the contents of your daydreams.

Hey, Iphi!

I have told you not to call my name so freely!

...I am somewhat tired. Leave me be for a time. I cannot rest my mind with your endless yapping in my ears.

I wonder what happened. She seemed so energetic before. And...what's this weird feeling in my chest? I feel like I'm forgetting something important.

Macramé? Aren't you going with Iphi?

You want me to follow you?

Okay. Where are we going?

...... Why? Why did I...

Hm?

Macramé?! Where have you gone?! Do not tell me...?!

His presence is...

What is the meaning of this?

Didn't we just go over this? You interfere too much!

May I remind you who suggested I get free reign over the timing of our agreement in the first place?

It was you, "your Majesty."

Hah.

Now, now, Iphigenia. Why do you look so tense? Are you truly so concerned for the wellbeing of this man? If so, be at ease. He is only sleeping.

Yes, only sleeping, for now. But you intend to change that.

I tire of your petty pranks. Return him to me, now.

Return him?

Haha, what a strange thing to say. Do you truly wish for him back?

And what will you do if I return him? Will you make proper use of him?

I am only amusing myself because you are dawdling, refusing to do what you ought to do.

.........

You always make the most charming sour expression when you know someone's seen through you, Iphigenia. You have ever since the beginning... When it was only you and me.

...Silence, fool. I do not care to remember.

Then have you also forgotten the vow we swore to each other?

In exchange for the life you bear, you gave up one of your wings, and swore to become my pawn. You sacrificed your freedom, and now travel, collecting the life force of monsters for me... All to force me to witness the undignified end you chose all those long years ago. And so? Have you decided? Which future will you show me?

Which of these men will you offer up to me?

.........

I...

.........

I want the corpse within the coffin. As I have said to you many times.

I have long since tired of hearing it.

We are hunters, creatures of darkness. Superior to all others in creation. But to reach the heavens themselves, I require a tool. A vessel to contain my immense darkness and majesty. Your beloved corpse puppet is a fine vessel for the purpose. You had such eyes for him before his death, but I had my doubts... But as it turns out, he truly is a rare treasure indeed. Now that he has died, that is.

Silence! How dare you... You speak as though he simply died of his own free will. When it was you yourself who...!

Haha. Do you have the right to bark at me thus, Iphigenia? Have you made your peace, then? You are being given one of two choices here. Do not forget: You and I are not equals.

Tch...

...I know that. This is simply not what we agreed upon.

You will have the body in the coffin! But not immediately! You said before that you would give me a period of grace. That was our agreement! I gave you one of my wings as collateral, and even allowed you to observe me as Macramé! I have not reneged, so why...

I gave you a grace period, yes. That period has now ended. Any further waiting would be pointless.

Pointless?

Now that you've found him, the one who will serve as the replacement for your servant in the coffin. If you can transfer the remainder of the corpse's soul into this man... Your darling subordinate will be reborn within his living body. Then, you can give the emptied vessel over to me with no hesitation. Do I have it right?

...Yes. So, give me back Aldo.

I believe I asked you... What will you do, if I return him? Will you make proper use of him?

.........

Are you aware, yourself, of why you have made this choice? You have used your power... The ability to witness the future of those whose blood you consume.

The soul transfer is a success. Your servant's soul enters this body, and slowly eats away at it. In time, the host's soul dies... And the body belongs, at last, to your revived servant. If you could guarantee that future, I would grant your request, gladly.

But you hesitated. You fled from the future and returned to the world of the present.

I did not hesitate! And I did not flee...

I stopped using my power because you would not stop interfering!

Haha! Enough of this foolishness. Even a bat can see right through your transparent deception. Do you want to hear it directly from my mouth, then?

This man, who you have used, betrayed, and now seek to kill... You fear losing him, as well. How inconstant the heart is!

That is...not...

This is truly pathetic. Mere days have passed since your encounter... And yet you cannot bring yourself to make a single choice, and cut him loose to grant your desire. You are a pale shade of your former glory, Iphigenia. This hurts to watch.

You...!

...What should I do, then? What do you wish of me?

It is quite simple.

Choose this man, or your servant. And hand the corpse of the one you do not choose over to me.

......!

This man, Aldo, would also prove a more than suitable vessel. His weapon is fascinating, as well. He feels a touch too divine for my tastes, I suppose... But some time in the Darkrealm will clean that stench off of him.

.........

...Your grace...please. I need...a little more time. Only a little, I swear.

.........

Aah... If you insist.

Nngh?!

You...sucked my blood? Wait, !

Ah, Iphigenia. Your expressions of dismay and despair have always been so very charming, as well.

The ability to steal the powers of those whose blood you drink. A greedy ability, well-suited to you.

Greed and ambition are the divine rights of those who would hold themselves above all. Once, you viewed this truth with joy and delight. But this shabby ruin is unbecoming of one who would be king.

Silence! Release me and Aldo immediately!

If you wish to leave, you need only to make your choice. Choose your future, and you will have it.

...And if I seek to leave via the door?

Then I will kill you. And the man, as well.

Would you truly? What of your precious vessel?

Haha, that would hardly be enough to trouble me. I would regret its loss, yes, but it is hardly unique. I will find another. What I truly seek is not something with a fixed form, after all. In any case...

Aldo?!

You of all people should know that it is impossible to leave this room.

Aah...it is such a relief to have a proper form again. The form of a bat is so terribly limiting.

Now, Iphigenia. I will carry this man for you. Do make the rest of this little farce entertaining. I sincerely hope you make the proper decision...

And I will be watching with great interest.

.........

(Stars that have yet to come. A night that has yet to come. This sky is...empty. Meaningless.) (And yet, I was happy. Happy to see him once more, to gaze up into the night sky with him.) Aah, truly... "Inconstant", indeed...

(This may only be an illusion, but it has been such a long time since I have partaken of anything.) (I hardly even feel the hunger now. What use is eating when everything tastes of sand and dust?) (...He was happy. Happy to taste a flavor he remembered, made by my hand.) (Even though, to me, it tasted of nothing...) (Nothing but dust and the salt of long-dried tears, ever since the day I lost you.)

(The door will not open.) (Shall I make no choice, then? Let me stay here, forever, with no future ahead of me.) (I am so tired of worrying. I am tired of thinking. I have no energy left to decide.) (Could I end it? Here and now? Could my agony be ended today... All of it, just like this?) (What is it... What is it that I truly want?)

(I dislike the taste of blood. When alone, I much prefer my more refined libations.) (When I was partnered with him, when he was old enough, we partook almost every night.) (...How strange it is.) (A man childish enough to dislike warm milk...I would not have expected to find him similar, yet...) ......

And yet... He has the same foolish smile. He is equally as carefree, as infuriatingly bright...

Even without your shadow over him, he is simply...simply precious.

Aah, I must decide. I must make a decision...

.........

...... ......

If I must choose one... Then I have made my decision. I made my decision long ago.

...... You are watching, are you not?

You are a twisted one.

Behold, then.

...... ...... No.

.........

......Whelp.

.........

We knew each other for only a very short time. Yet it was a pleasant time all the same. I will offer your body to the King of Vampires. But he delights in twisted propriety, and so...

...I must slay you myself. With my own hands, for his amusement.

I will not ask your forgiveness. I will not ask you not to hate me. If you wish to curse me, curse me. This is the result of my own lack of resolve...and my own selfishness. The least I can do... The most I can do, is to make it painless for you.

.........

Hahaha... Aah, Iphigenia! How long has it been since the night has witnessed your beautiful cruelty? This end is suitably amusing, and I am pleased to see you still have some measure of your old pride. You have shown me you are still worthy of standing beside me. I accept the vessel owed to me. The coffin corpse is yours, to do with as you please.

May I take those words as truth, your Majesty?

In that case, King...

It is time we rewrote the contract. Or perhaps, rewrote the future.

...?! Those eyes... Iphigenia! Could it be? The blood from the gunshot wound?!

Haha! So you do see it! I am a vampire, after all. Human blood is my favorite drink! What a pity for you, your Majesty!

I had to wait for you to return to the form of Macramé. There was no way I would fool Aldo's eyes, but those of a bat?

Now, listen and listen well! This is the choice I have made. I will slay Aldo, and you will take control of his body. And then...

I will deny that future.

...You activated your power within the false future, and overwrote the entire space. Do you think you have cut me out with this, Iphigenia?

"I accept the vessel owed to me. The coffin corpse is yours, to do with as you please." These are your own words, o' King of Vampires. With those words, the contract between us is fulfilled. How wonderful that both of us have received what we desired. Ah, though...

It seems your vessel has vanished somewhere into the mists of spacetime. How unfortunate.

...It pains me to see one of our noble breed fallen to tricks and desperate, childish sophistry. Not only are you unable to choose, you cannot even accept your failure with dignity.

Haha. It seems as though I have well and truly offended you.

You understand that much, at least. For the crime of sullying the pride and dignity of our kind, I hereby cast you out from my sight. Fall to ash, together with that ridiculous coffin of yours!

Wha... Aldo?!

I had another dream. I don't remember the details... But at the very end, you shot me.

I...

But as you aimed, you looked so sad...just as sad as you look now. Is this guy your enemy?

......!

To so easily shrug off my strike... You hardly seem like an ordinary, weak human. It is vexing, but only proves your worth as my future vessel. I shall devour you, soul and all.

...! Get back, whelp! That is the king of my people... He is too powerful for you!

I don't care. If he's your enemy, he's my enemy. I'll fight alongside you... Because we're in this together!

......!

Wait, Aldo! You mustn't!

Iphi!

Let's go!

Tch!

I will offer you...

A magic barrier?! I can't scratch him!

Haha, but you are. Enough to itch my scales, at least. Your movements are far too easy to read, human child. Your energy is bright enough that I could not lose track of you with my eyes closed, I fear.

Damn!

Bah! Then I will break down that barrier, no matter how many shots it takes!

Sigh... You continue to disappoint me. It seems this lower life form has poisoned your mind as well as your heart.

Ghh!

Iphi!

What...Aldo?!

Iphi, are you okay...?

You...you fool! Why?! Why are you humans always...!

Well, well, well... Such a familiar sight. How tragic, Iphigenia. How many humans must you beguile into sacrificing themselves for you? I will put an end to this before you shame yourself any further. At least you will be together.

Run, Iphi!

...... Fool.

What manner of dog owner abandons their hound at the first sign of trouble, hm?

...You fool. I did not expect to use this on you, of all possibilities. But in a way, perhaps it is fate. The debt is squared, at last.

Iphi! What are you doing?!

Iphi...!

...Aldo. Live on, Aldo.

Mm...

Where...where am I? I was sucked into that coffin...

All my injuries are healed. They were pretty serious... Did Iphi throw me in here to save my life?

...I need to hurry and find a way out.

...Hello sir.

You!

I would say nice to meet you, but this isn't our first meeting, huh?

I guess that's not a very funny joke, is it.

I'm sorry for what happened. What I did. Using your body as though it was my own...

I had forgotten. I forgot that I was already dead. I thought...it was just another day. Another day of traveling, just me, her, and Macramé.

.........

Won't you tell me? Where are we? Who are you?

I would love to, but there's no time. If we don't get out immediately, both you and she will...

...That's right! Iphi threw me into the coffin!

Lady Iphi... She tried to save you, using my body.

Huh?!

She...what?

But she's always been so careful with that coffin...with you!

I know that. I... I felt it too. For so long, in that room...

...... You know... Even if you hadn't been in peril, she would have done this. Someday.

If it meant saving someone else, she'd thank me for all I've done, and apologize she couldn't do more. That's just the kind of person she is.

No matter how precious the days we spent together were to her... She would never have gone so far as to sacrifice another to raise the dead. I know that.

......

In any case...

The dead can't come back. No matter how hard you try. The dead should be mourned, and sent to their eternal rest... That's all.

Mourned and sent to rest...

That goes for her, and also for you.

I hate to say it, but there isn't much I can do to help you.

Rather, I have a favor to ask. Would you be willing to hear it? I realize how selfish it is to ask more of you, now that we've gotten you tangled up in our mess...

Iphi is my companion. That's all I need to know. Well, that, and...

I know how important you are to Iphi. So of course I'm willing to do everything I can.

Aldo...

Thank you. I'm glad that she found you.

There's a vow I want to fulfill. A vow I couldn't in life...

What is it, Iphigenia? Are you done already?

...Iphigenia.

Ewig! Open your eyes, please...! Why? Why does the touch of my blood upon your lips not awaken you? You are nothing more than a dog to me! A thrall should be no different! Those lower than me, the lesser, are for me to use as I please... So I was told! So I have always thought! So why?! Why will you not obey my command...?! Please...Ewig... Without you, I... For what purpose do I...

...... Are you crying?

.........

...I do not understand you. We have lived for eons together, but you have become a stranger. I cannot fathom what has made you change in this way, made you someone I do not recognize. Once, we delighted in life's pleasures, scorning the heavens and the darkrealm. We saw the lesser not as individuals, but as feed for our glorious, eternal kind. We were proud, fierce, strong, and we never showed weakness to anyone, eternal or mortal. Yet...

Now you crawl upon the earth like a beast or a worm, unable to stand, weeping like a child. Does the mud that stains your face shame you? Does it sting what remains of your once-fierce pride? Do you not think to strike at me one last time, to die with your fangs buried in my flesh?

.........

...I do not understand. To accept this wretched lot, to not rage with every breath, even your last. I do not know you anymore.

...Haha...

I truly am wretched. Truly, more than anyone... But...

What has been lost, what has fled, what I happened upon beyond... What will never return. In the face of all these things, I find that... Pride, rage, that which is greater or lesser... None of it matters now. Not to me. Not anymore...

...... I see. Then, Iphigenia.

In memory of all that you were... I commit that which you have become to your final rest.

...What?!

You...!

Nh...

......Ewig...?

Not exactly...

It's me, Aldo. When Ewig heard the King say he could see my body because of the light it gives off, he came up with a plan. I'd mask myself using his body and attack when he wasn't paying attention.

My body is special, it seems. I can swallow up any and all kinds of energy, I'm told. So, let's use that. We'll have you...

Use me as a vessel.

You...borrowed his body? He...suggested it?

...More importantly! Why are you back here, fool?! Why do you think I sent you into the coffin to begin with?!

I just couldn't do it, Iphi.

Seeing the state you're in... Neither I nor Ewig could bear to just leave you like this.

We made a promise. That we'd help you. Together.

That we'd both take your hand.

What...

Haha, look at that. The two of them have put their little heads together and made a plan! To think they were able to injure me, even if only by the power of surprise. Well, they have more backbone than you do at the moment, Iphigenia. But such a scratch will...

...And?

Ewig told me everything. Your blood is still considered part of your body, isn't it? Which means...

We can use it to channel the power of the Light right into you!

Gah?!

He changed back to Macramé!

Nngh, you blasted...! Cursed blood of the mother goddess! My chest burns!!

No matter how much you insult me, when you're Macramé-shaped, it's just cute more than anything.

Iphi, are you okay?

Y-yes, but...

That's good, then.

King...

.........

...Enough. Do not speak.

Huh?

I feel sick... From the bottom of my heart, I do not understand you, human. You, and that vessel... You have the same gaze. The same damnable light.

Are you truly so different from us? How do you hold such confidence, when you are mere feed?

I don't really get any of that.

All I can say is, you don't need pride or glory or anything to protect the ones you love. You just do anything you can. That's all.

Ah...

...Damned blood of the mother goddess. You lot are ever the same, eternally vexing, confounding... You nauseate me to my core, and I will never understand you.

So...is the King gone? I see Macramé is back to his usual cute self...

...Yes. I suppose so. ......

How...are you feeling?

Amazing! My wounds were so deep, but it's like they never happened.

The coffin has a restorative magic placed upon it. Still, you would do well not to push yourself for a time.

Yeah. Thanks, Iphi.

...Do not thank me.

Huh? Is something wrong? Usually you'd tell me not to bark and jump all over you or something like that.

Ugh, you are trying me...

Though, I suppose... That is one of the things that makes you so similar.

...Aldo.

Hm?

No...

Let us go someplace else. Will you come with me?

Of course. But where?

There is a plateau near here. A high place...where one can easily see the stars in the wide night sky.

This light...

Whoa!

......

......

Begone, I said! Shoo!

Do not follow me, whelp! Do not think you are owed my company simply because I assisted you! Begone! Go home!

I'm not going anywhere! I want to come with you! I want to be strong like you!

And... I don't have a home anymore, anyway!

So you have said, endlessly, these past days!

...Hah!

...?

Honestly... How vexing.

I care not for your life story. But... A gun can be fired even by the scrawniest of whimpering whelps. Take this with you, and perhaps you will not die immediately.

Consider this my favor to you. It should make even a weakling like you strong.

So, you will stop following me?

...... Thank you! I'll cherish it. And I'll practice daily!

Was that...a memory? Iphi's memory? Or maybe it was...

Lady Iphi! Lady Iphi!

What! Stop your howling. And do not call me Iphi! My name is...

Here, a present for you!

A ribbon...? Did you make this?

Yes! I really think it'll suit you.

Hmph. You are diligent, for a stray whelp. Hm? Is this...embroidery?

Hehe. I embroidered your name onto it.

I told you! My name is not Iphi! My name is Iphigenia!

Iphid... Iphig...

......

...Lady Iphi!

You cannot be serious.

Siiigh... I grow tired of this. Hurry and tie it upon me. Such that it will not fall off. Yes, there, on my arm.

Okay!

So that ribbon was a present...

There. It's all done, Lady Iphi.

...Mm.

The embroidery had begun to fray, so I took the liberty of repairing it.

Hah... You have become quite the seamster.

I would hardly be worthy to stand here if I couldn't perform such simple tasks.

That is true, but I do not entirely like this sense that I have forced you into it.

I'm used to it. You always force me into everything, after all.

What?!

I'm sorry, I'm only joking. Please don't be mad.

If either of us is forcing the other, it's me. Ever since that day, when I refused to leave you alone.

That is different, fool.

It was my choice to pick you up. I offered you my hand because I saw potential within you. So, I will not tolerate this moping and self-deprecation from you.

Haha. Alright, then. In that case, I owe you some thanks, I think. I'll bring you your usual peach tart and refreshments, shall I?

Hmph! So impertinent. To think you were but a snot-nosed brat only years ago!

Haha. Well... Compared to you, Lady Iphi, we humans live much shorter lives than you do.

.........

...Lady Iphi, if I...

If you say another word, I will tear out your tongue.

I will not make you my thrall. I have said so many times. You will live, and die, with the body your were born with.

I have decided, and upon my pride, I will not waver in my decision.

.........

That is a shame. ...Your tart and drink, my lady.

...Oh.

What are you doing? Sit, and hurry it up. And you are once again too formal. I dislike it.

Yes, yes...

Look, Lady Iphi. Aren't they beautiful?

...About my promise. I was speaking in earnest.

...Speak however you like.

A peach tart... That sounds familiar...

You disappoint me, Iphigenia. You have always been eccentric, but to bond such with a lesser being? This is your final warning. You will offer the creature to me. I had thought it was nothing more than a beast to be pitied... But it could serve well as a vessel. I care not for the contents, only the shell. Bring it to me. Do that, and all will be forgiven.

.........

...Hah! Rather than give him to you...

I would rather drain his blood dry and crack the marrow from his bones.

So you insist on this defiance. Then you will be punished.

Lady Iphi! Get behind...

Lady... Iphi...?

...Oho. How wretched of you, Iphigenia. Do you think that, by killing it with your own hands, you may revive it and call all matters settled?

......Please. Please...let him be. He is... He is only a child. Only a vexing, overly friendly fool of a human child. It was my whim to pick him up, only a whim and nothing more.

And so, please... Spare him your wrath. Even if I must offer my own life in exchange for your mercy...

Do you consider yourself in a position to make offers to me, Iphigenia? You are the only one who does not see. That is not "only" a child. It is an adult human male. Whatever your fixation upon it, it will serve as my vessel...

Then...!

A grace period. Please. Before I present his body to you.

Even now, you bargain... So be it. As collateral, I will have one of the wings from your back. Enjoy the time you have left, Iphigenia. Until the day comes when you open your eyes to your own foolishness.

So that's what happened...

.........

Iphi? What's wrong? You've been so quiet.

...Forgive me.

I had...intended to use you as a sacrificial lamb. It is all I have been able to think about, since we encountered one another in that ritual space. When we spoke, as we traveled, I weighed your life against his... And in the end, I decided...

It's okay.

...It's okay, Iphi.

......

Ahh, truly... When you look at me, with those eyes, I...

I saw a light.

A light?

Inside the coffin. Deep in the darkness... From above Ewig's head, this beautiful blue light suddenly shone down on us. It was like it was showing us the right way, like a star in the night.

That was enough. That was enough for both of us.

A star...

There's a vow I want to fulfill. A vow I couldn't in life...

A vow? You mean...

A vow I made on Spica. ...A child's promise, really.

......

There's something I want to tell you, Iphi. Is that okay?

I was dreaming the whole time. After I died...the whole time you were traveling alone. I'm sorry I couldn't help you. I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough.

Lady Iphi...

Look up at the sky. See Spica shining there? As long as it's in the sky... I'll never break this promise. So never forget it, okay?

I was always with you. The whole time, I was watching.

You...and that beautiful blue light. I could see it, even from where I was.

......!

Honestly, he... ...The whole time I traveled, with Ewig's body in the coffin slung upon my back, I thought... I believed he must surely hate me. That I would not release him, that I had long stopped trying.

But, he...

He'd been watching over you the whole time, Iphi. That beautiful blue light... That was you, the whole time.

Hah... You whelp. Saying such ridiculous things, with such light in your eyes...

Can I ask something?

What happened to Ewig? After I borrowed his body.

...Is he still there?

......Yes.

Could he still be... I mean, is there a way to...

.........

Aldo.

I wish to go see that star. Will you accompany me?

The star? But...

...Sure. If that's what you want.

Thank you. And do stay close. Close enough our hands may touch. As closer and closer we go...

I'll protect you, Lady Iphi!

Ha...haha! What nonsense are you barking now, whelp? When I must always protect you from the smallest of things!

Aww, Lady Iphi! Okay, you just watch! I'll be stronger than you someday!

Will you now? Stronger than me, a vampire?

Yeah! Um... I'll promise! I'll swear it!

Ah, I know!

Look there, Lady Iphi! See that star up there?

Hm? A star? What, that bluish one? What of it?

That star's called, uh, Spica! Isn't it just like you?

Spica...? And just what do you mean, just like me? Is that how you see me, whelp?

Yeah, it looks just like you! So you just watch me, Lady Iphi! I'll get strong, and one day, I'll be able to grab that star! And not just that. I'll give it to you! You'll look so pretty wearing it!

...Pfft! Haha!

D-don't laugh... I really mean it!

Yes, yes, my apologies. Aah, how amusing.

Nng...

Fine, then, child.

Huh?

I will certainly outlive you. So, I will watch over you to see if you can manage to do it before the end of your life.

......!

Yeah! It's a promise!

Yes, a promise indeed. For as long as I care to remember.

(How long ago it feels. Ten years are no more than the twinkle of a star to me, yet...) (How many times have I gazed up upon that brilliant sky since that day?) You said once that it resembled me. You never did realize, Ewig... The one that star truly resembles is...