Hero Stories: Hatred Blooms Red

Under the blood-red moon, you whispered gentle seduction to me through the window pane.

Whispers of the eternity we would spend together.

I was bewitched. I wanted to be like you, I wanted to stay by your side forever.

I was willing to give you my everything.

I never imagined the tragedy that was awaiting me...

That with your betrayal, our eternity would be shattered...

You took everything from me, and then you cast me aside as I slept. Did you think you could continue to live happily after that?

And then you died, leaving behind one last tiny sliver of hope. Even death was too good for you.

And so I will destroy that final hope of yours. I will tear apart everything you left behind and take back what I'm owed.

This is how I repay you for that cheap love you once gave me.

After awakening from my long slumber, I wandered from place to place gathering information. And I finally managed to track him down...

I didn't think he'd be sent so far away. It took forever to get here.

But what is this place? There's no sign of anyone living here at all, just meadows. Where is the village?

Though I guess I should be thankful there are no Humans around. My emergency supplies are running low.

Shall I get started on a little hunting, then?

Urgh! What are those ugly things!? I feel disgusting just looking at them! They must taste awful!

Don't they have any real game around here?

Hmph, I was once a noble lady, how did I end up roaming around in the mud struggling to find something to eat?

I never imagined I'd fall so far.

...nothing here...

Don't think...right place...

...! Voices!

Humans! Men!

This is my chance! I should get a closer look at them before charging in, just in case.

I definitely heard a voice somewhere over here.

We've searched all over, twice. Nothing. It's been a long time since anyone ever set foot here.

I don't think it's them. Probably just some animal. Or you were imagining it all to begin with.

I swear, I heard it. With my own two ears.

Let's just go back. There's no sign of any tracks at all, let alone some kind of hideout.

*sighing* Where could they be? I guess if anyone would be good at hiding, it would be assassins.

Armor? They must be soldiers. They seem to know the area well.

Fantastic. I'll have to tweak my plan a little.

H-Help me!

Whoa! You hear that!?

Look, over there! A girl!

What are you doing here? Are you hurt?

Please help me. I got lost, and all these scary monsters...

I haven't even been able to find anything to eat... I feel...dizzy...

Look how pale she is, I really think she might collapse.

We should take her back to the village. Don't worry, we'll help you.

Thank you so much. You're lifesavers.

Are you feeling better?

I am. Thanks to you, I don't feel so hungry anymore.

A single piece of bread!? You may as well have given me nothing at all!

But what were you doing out there? Not many people come here because of all the monsters.

Oh... Well, actually I'm not from here, so I don't know much about this area.

You're not from Taranor? Then where?

Erasia.

Erasia? Isn't that really far from Ritania? It's true that Taranor is getting a lot more visitors lately...

But you're the first I've seen to come from so far away. What brings you here?

There's someone I'm trying to find.

Oh?

Over a decade ago, my entire family was chased from our homes and murdered. During that time, a newborn baby was sent out to sea in an attempt to save it.

I was the only one who managed to survive, and after a while I heard about a boy far away who sounded a lot like that baby.

I thought it could be the same person, so I got on a boat and came all the way here...

That's so sad. But if they were still a baby back then, it will be hard to recognize them now.

We'd love to help you. But thanks to the war, there's no shortage of orphans running around...

I know... I was stupid to think I could find him...

But now that I think about it, there is that one kid. Nobody knows his name or where he's from.

Really?

Remember? The rumor about the bloodstained boy in the woods.

That's right!

Bloodstained?

Could you tell me more?

There have always been plenty of rumors about those woods since they're so secluded and dangerous. Recently, people started talking about a young boy who can be seen wandering around them.

Some of the crazier rumors say he even hunts and eats Humans.

The army looked all over trying to find him but had no luck. Since then, the rumors started dying down.

Nobody knows what happened to the boy after that.

I see...

Hunting and eating Humans? It must be him.

Would you mind taking me to the woods he was seen in?

If you want... But do you really intend to try looking for him?

Even without the rumors, the path is hard to walk and could be very dangerous.

But he's just a boy. Maybe the rumors are wrong. Like you said, nobody knows anything about him...

Please?

Fine, we'll show you.

This is the only path from here on. If you keep following it straight, you'll reach the woods.

Thank you so much for all your help. If it wasn't for you, I would have starved to death all alone.

It was nothing. I hope you find the boy you're looking for soon.

We still have some scouting left to do, so we can only take you this far.

But...would you mind if I asked one last favor?

Just name it.

I was starving for so long, I'm not sure if I'll even have the strength to get back to the village.

So...would you mind giving me a little more food?

No problem.

It can't be easy for you to find food in such an unfamiliar place. I'll give you the rest of our leftovers.

Really?

Of course, we'll have no trouble finding some more for ourselves later.

Now, where did I put that last piece of bread...?

I don't know how to thank you for all the help you've given me. Thanks to you I'll be able to eat well today.

But...to tell you the truth, I don't really like bread all that much.

Oh, but bread's all we have...

That's not true. You have something even more delicious.

Huh?

It's a shame you have to die here, but I'll never forget your kindness.

I'll pay you back by making sure I don't waste a drop!

What are you tal, arghhh!

H-Hey! What do you think you're...!

I've definitely had better, but I've tasted a lot worse, too. That was lucky, I was so sure I was going to starve to death out here.

I was even able to restock my emergency supply. It would have been nice to have a little more, but it's better than nothing.

So...a mysterious bloodstained boy who hunts living things...

Humans' rumors are always being stretched and twisted, but it's worth looking into.

It certainly does sound like him.

Are these the woods they were talking about? Is he even still here?

I hope he's the boy I'm looking for.

Ah! Ouch!

Oh no! My legs! My beautiful, beautiful legs! They're cut!

Urgh, what did I trip on? Dammit!

Huh... That's...

Oh, phew, it's only a dead body. It's all wrinkled up and ugly looking...

Wait a second, this scent...!

Ha, I knew it. There are bite marks here. And by the looks of it, they're not long dead.

That scent, too. I know a Vampire when I smell one.

But what are these tiny wounds? They look like they came from a knife. And only on the vital points.

Let's just go back. There's no sign of any tracks at all, let alone some kind of hideout.

*sighing* Where could they be? I guess if anyone would be good at hiding, it would be assassins.

Right, those soldiers were talking about assassins. These wounds would make sense if they were the work of a skilled assassin.

The marks of a Vampire and assassins both found on the same body...

What a strange coincidence... *giggling*

I couldn't find any tracks around the area near the body.

The only clues I have are the scents they left behind. Fortunately, I have my Vampire sense of smell to rely on.

It's taken me this far, but...

Is that house what I'm looking for? It's...gloomy.

Just walking straight in there will only antagonize them. I should wait out here until I have a better grasp of the situation.

The boy must be here, right?

...

It's so quiet. Is it because they're assassins? Is there really anyone inside...?

Kyaa! Where did you come from!?

Are you an intruder?

E-Excuse me!? I'm just...

I don't need your excuses. I don't care who you are, either. All intruders are punished appropriately.

At least hear me out first!

How can someone so small possess so much strength?

I swear I've felt this kind of power before...

Who are you?

Oh, so now she wants to hear what I have to say?

Please calm down and listen to me. I don't want to fight.

I'm not an intruder, I'm just...looking for a boy.

A boy?

A terrible thing happened, and he was sent away without even a name.

Almost his entire family died. He was sent across the ocean in the hopes that he alone may survive.

But I was able to survive as well, the only one. And I've been searching for him ever since.

I'm not sure if he's here either, but I heard some news that makes me believe he might be. He won't recognize me, though, he was only a newborn when we were separated.

...How do I know you're telling the truth?

I swear. I've lost everything, I have no proof. Please...just believe me.

What if I told you that boy has...a thirst for blood?

...!

No name... A thirst for blood... There's no doubt she's talking about Haste.

Is she...?

What is all the noise about? Is there an intruder?

Haste...

...!

He looks just like him! That must be the boy!

This is him! The boy I've been looking for! It's clear just from seeing his face!

...Me?

You won't have any idea who I am, but I've spent years looking for you.

I've waited so long for this day.

Why?

Pyllis, do you know this woman?

I think she might be your...family.

Don't be absurd. I have no family.

Of course you have a family, how else were you born? Even if they did nothing but send you away...

They call you Haste? What a wonderful name. I'm so glad you grew up well.

I have no idea who you are. Please leave.

Don't be like that, Haste. She's been trying so hard to find you.

It's okay, I expected something like this. This must be a big shock, it's only natural that he might resist.

I can wait a little longer until you've been able to process it. I won't lose you again this time.

I'll always be by your side.

...Strange woman...

Well, that certainly is a dramatic story. To think you came from so far away.

So she really is Haste's family? And the only one left?

So what? I told you, I have no family.

You've said yourself you have no clear memories. You don't know whether it's true or not either.

Hmph, whatever. Why should I care? I'm going.

Going where?

Work.

Good evening, Haste.

...

Where are you rushing off to? Let's go together.

*sighing* Why do you keep following me around? It's been several days already.

Yes, and I've still barely been able to see your face. Why do you disappear every time I try to talk to you?

I told you, I don't care who you say you are.

But I care very much who you are.

Ugh...

Do you have work to do today, as well? Can I join you?

I want to know how you live.

You're still going to come even if I tell you not to. Just don't get in my way.

*giggling* I won't.

Urgh. Wherever we go, there are monsters.

It's a little scary.

...

But you're a really good fighter. Have you been training here this whole time?

It's not like I was doing all the work. You fought a little as well.

Of course! I can't just stand by without helping.

I'm not used to fighting so roughly, though, so I really was a little scared. But you, you're amazing.

...

Oh, do you get embarrassed when people compliment you? I really mean it, though.

Listen here, old lady...

...

Who does this little brat think he's talking to?

Ha...haha... Old lady? I've never heard that one before. How can you call somebody with a body and face like this old?

It's not how you look, just...a feeling you give off.

Oh, you mean my aura of refined maturity? In that case, wouldn't it be more fitting to just drop the "old" and call me "lady?"

So how much longer are you going to keep following me for, old lady?

...

If you don't know how to fight properly then go back. It'll be inconvenient for me if you get hurt.

Hmm...

He really has an attitude. How immature, trying to act so cool. It's clear he hasn't spent much time around other people, I can see right through him.

Stop being so cold and let me go with you. I told you I'm scared!

Wow, you're incredible! You take them all out so neatly!

...

She's very calm for someone who says she's scared of fighting. She must be doing something to make this easier...

Are you sure you're not good at fighting? You don't look scared.

Why would I be scared when I have you here to protect me?

I'm not protecting you.

If you say so. I'll just keep hiding behind you.

Hmph.

So...why are you working as an assassin?

It's my job.

You know that's not what I meant. Why did you choose to become one?

I'm no good at doing anything else.

Is that all?

Yeah.

Hmm, I have a sneaking suspicion there might be more to it.

Like?

It couldn't have anything to do with your cravings for blood, for example?

...!

I was able to find you because of the traces you left behind on your hunt for blood.

Us Vampires cannot live without it, it's a craving we'll carry with us our entire lives.

You're a Vampire too?

You really had absolutely no interest in me, did you? Your friend seems to have worked it out days ago.

I'm a Vampire, just like you. We're practically family.

Although the only thing that connects us is that horrible man.

"Practically" family...?

I came from Erasia, and so did you. Your father and I shared...special feelings.

I had a father?

Of course, how else could you have been born? I know it's hard to believe since I look so young, but Vampires don't age, so...

...

Why are you staring at me like that?

That must be why you gave off the feeling of an old lady.

Ugh, just put up with it. Now isn't the time...yet. This rude little brat's days are numbered, anyway.

As I'm sure you know, Humans despise Vampires, so we always had to be on the run.

Your father and I were separated after we were suddenly ambushed one day.

And while we were apart, he had you...

Sounds complicated.

And yet he had no choice but to part with you as soon as you were born, for your own sake.

After sending you across the ocean, the Humans found him and his new family, and...I think you can work out the rest.

...

After hearing the news of what happened to him, I was too overcome with grief to do anything.

But after hearing he had a son that he had sent far away, I knew what I had to do. And now here I am, finally.

Since we've both lost the same person, I thought we might be able to share our pain.

I...

Haste, we're all we have left.

I want to be the family you never had.

Family...

Doesn't that mean you need me...and I need you?

That's right.

I see.

I knew you'd understand me, Haste.

Just as gullible as I expected.

Emotional appeals always work on children who grew up without being loved.

You weren't in your room yesterday. Were you with that Melissa woman?

Why? Is that not allowed?

I didn't mean it like that. You're just spending a lot of time together lately.

She tells me lots of things. Things about where I was born, and what happened there...

Thanks to her, I learned I was born to a noble family in Erasia.

And...it seems like she was very close with my father.

Oh...?

Either way, I finally have a chance to find out who I really am.

I know, but still, you should be a little more careful.

Why...?

If she's a Vampire just like you, her power is nothing to be ignored. You don't know what she could be thinking. You barely even know who she really is...

She's strong, but she's a coward. Fighting scares her.

...

Haste, are you in there?

Melissa...

I guess she's come to tell me more things.

It's late, it's dangerous to go outside.

Don't worry about me, I can deal with any monsters easily.

I didn't have any requests today, so I've been bored all day anyway. I'll see you later.

...

What did you do today?

Rest.

You must have been so bored. The weather's nice this evening, shall we go for a walk?

I always love going for walks at night, but I don't know this area very well, so it's a little scary to go alone.

...You're always scared. Where should we go?

I found somewhere really nice during the day. Follow me.

So dark... I don't think I've ever seen this place before.

Why do you think I was so scared to come alone?

If it scares you that much, then just don't come at all.

But then I would be missing out on quiet nighttime walks in the forest.

The deeper and darker it is, the better it is for carrying out the plan.

Such a pain...

Oh, by the way, have you ever heard about something called a "Vampire Lord?"

Of course not, how would I?

Fair point. It's just, it has something to do with our family.

Tell me more...

Us Vampires are born with much greater strength than Humans.

And that's why they're so scared of us. I'm sure you've noticed as much yourself.

But there is one Vampire more powerful than all the rest. The Vampire Lord.

More powerful than all the rest...?

The Vampire Lord is capable of turning Humans into new Vampires, and gifting them with new power and near immortality.

And those powers are largely passed onto those who share his blood.

Did he come here with you as well?

I'm afraid not. Have I caught your attention now?

Of course. You said he's the most powerful Vampire alive.

As expected, you wish to become stronger as well. I suppose that is the nature of Vampires everywhere.

So is he back in Erasia then?

No, not anymore. He died long ago.

Died!? How?

Do you remember what I told you before, about the ambush?

Someone so strong was killed by mere Humans?

When faced with so many enemies, if you have something precious you wish to protect, it inevitably puts you at a disadvantage. No matter how strong you are.

He died all for some kind of trivial sentimentality?

I suppose emotions can be seen as trivial...

But isn't it fascinating how something so trivial can drive someone to throw away everything they ever had?

...?

The Vampire Lord may have died, but he had a child. I've been trying to find that child ever since.

If you ever do, tell me. I'd be interested in meeting them.

*chuckling* Of course. I'll find them very soon, I'm sure.

How much farther are we going to go? I can barely see my own feet in this dark.

Almost there!

I'm never going on a walk with you again.

Don't worry, you won't have to.

Okay, we've arrived.

...There's nothing here?

That's right. Which is exactly why I brought you.

Huh?

Remember the story I told you on the way here? About the Vampire Lord.

Well, he had a lover, until they were separated in an unfortunate incident.

Why are you going on about this again?

As they were separated, they promised they would be reunited some day. But he betrayed his lover and had a child with a new woman.

Soon after, he sent that child out to sea to save it before dying himself.

What...?

Ignorant of the circumstances of his birth, that poor child lived a lonely life of wandering.

It must have been so hard to hide the intense thirst for blood, or the incredible strength unfitting of his size.

Of course, these things are only to be expected from a son of the Vampire Lord.

...

Think, Haste. Doesn't it remind you of someone?

Well, sure. But isn't it inevitable they'd have some similar experiences to me in a situation like that?

*giggling* Are you really so naive? Or maybe just stupid? What did I tell you I've been looking for this entire time?

Me. And the child of the Vampire Lo...

...What is it you want to tell me?

Because of his betrayal, I lost my family. I lost the love I cherished so much. I lost everything I had.

He may be dead already, but that will not stop me getting my revenge. I will take away everything he sacrificed himself for.

And that's why I need you. Or rather the power of the Vampire Lord within you.

Why...?

Haste, you poor little thing... Blame it on that cursed blood that runs through your veins.

Don't be afraid, just think of what few pleasant memories you have. I'll try to make sure it's a painless death.

W-What are you doing!? Get off of me!

Now, be a good little boy, and give me the power without a fight.

Urk...

This is harder than I expected. I suppose you are the son of the Vampire Lord, after all.

Still, I've waited over a decade for this day to come.

Even the moon is bleeding red. What better backdrop for the realization of my long-cherished desire.

Conwell, revenge is finally mine! Make sure your eyes drink in every last moment...

As I drain every last drop of your power from your son and send him on his way to meet you! Hahahahahahaha!

Mother, Father... My family...

Wait just a little longer. I will become the new Vampire Lord and save you from your torment.

I will give you eternal life, and together we will revive our fallen name and live even more glamorously than before!

Now, the first bite always tastes the sweetest...

Kyaa!

This weapon...!

I knew it was a good idea to follow you. Let go of Haste right now.

Impressive, I never even noticed you.

But you can't have imagined you'd stand any chance in defeating me. Have you come to join your friend in death?

No. I will defeat you, and I will take Haste back with me.

Don't make me laugh. You struck me as smarter than this little boy, you must be aware you have no hope of defeating me alone.

That's why I brought backup.

What?

Oh, is the fight about to start? Phew, I was worried we'd be too late.

When I heard you were his family, I thought you might finally take the little brat off our hands. What a shame you just ended up being a greedy psycho.

W-When did you all...?

Swifty here might still be inexperienced, but I can navigate the terrain around here with my eyes closed.

When I saw you coming this way all by yourself during the day I thought perhaps you'd found a new trail. So naturally, I followed you.

Ha! As if Humans are any match for a Vampire!

...Except, this Vampire is weak from days of starvation. And if the brat wakes up...

Nng...

...!

Already!? Urgh, could he really have picked worse timing!?

...Hmph, fine!

Oh! She's running away...

Don't just stand and stare! Run after her!

Haste, wake up! Haste!

...Pyllis?

That's right, it's me, Pyllis. I'm so glad we weren't too late...

Ha, we lost her...

What are you laughing about? It's your fault we were so late! Although, I don't know what I expect from someone with the brain of a puppy...

Do you always need to be so irritating?

Forget about it. She's a Vampire, it wouldn't have been easy even if we did catch her.

And that power earlier... Even Haste isn't that strong.

Still, we should keep an eye out. Who knows when she might turn up again.

That's right, so make sure you don't go off playing with any more strangers, okay, kiddo?

...

Hey, where do you think you're going!? Haste!

...I literally just warned him about doing that.

That night, when the crimson moon disappeared behind the clouds, you spoke to me.

You promised if I slept quietly in that place you prepared specially for me, that you would come straight back and awaken me.

You said we would go far, far away, farther even than here, and live happily ever after.

I was a fool to believe in such a wild fairy tale. Those sweet lies left me with nothing but bitter anguish.

You may already be gone from this world, but my revenge begins here. Even in death, I will make you suffer.

No matter how long it takes, you will pay for what you did to me. I promise you that.