Off-Label Sharingan Emotional Smut

The duality of hellhound

OG idea by @elk-hound

A Night for Hunting Ch. 13 -Stargazers in Romania

T/W: Alucard (Ultimate) x F!Reader, sexual harassment, romance, some angst and then fluff, courtship, the 'great outdoors' @alastorhazbin On AO3 Words: 4231

Thank you for your patience while my husband and I went for our LONG-awaited honeymoon! It was everything we needed and more! EXHAUSTED from it and the catching up with life once we got home. Excited to write another ‘dating’ chapter for our favourite comfort vampire! Even he deserves some happiness. Forgive any formatting errors and typos. This chapter was half-written on my phone during our flights and train rides. Partially inspired by the glorious mountain landscapes during hikes on my own honeymoon.

You took your hand from the glass and turned from the pitch black nothingness outside towards your company.

”Did you know, when I said I’d like to see your old homeland one day, I wasn’t asking to be packed onto a plane in the middle of the night again for a vacation to Romania?”

Alucard sat across from you with his legs crossed bearing a face-splitting grin, twirling a glass of wine. You rode together in a luxury SUV, with wide plush seats and a privacy screen separating you from the driver.

Glittering feline eyes roamed your exposed legs and shoulders with an appreciative glint. "Your night clothes suit you well. How would you like to move in with me and be my home chef and meal partner?" The grin got too wide for his face.

You choked on spit with a sputter that sent you into a hacking fit. Bristling with indignity at the chauvinistic comment, you retorted after regaining your wits, "And what kind of 'stay-at-home chef' would I be?" You crossed your arms high over your chest to provide coverage that the lacy nightgown didn't to shield yourself from King 'Leer.' The shameless brute licked his lips as he stared pointedly at your core, hidden behind your crossed legs.

Swine!

He sipped the burgundy drink.

Riling you up was ever the game for the royal arse… although… perhaps you did purchase these clothes hoping to wear them for the vampire one night. Oops...secret's out. You glanced up in horror.

Alucard's eyes were nearly slits with the self-congratulatory smirk as he maintained the lecherous leer.

ARGH! HE REALLY WAS READING YOUR MIND! Why did he have no concept of privacy?! Get out!

He chortled merrily at your plight.

The dog insisted on landing at Bucharest Airport before departing by car to wherever the destination was, but if you had to guess, it’d be somewhere of great sentimental value to him. Why didn’t he simply make some jet pilot take you there directly? Inconveniencing others was well within his usual mode of operation.

You sulked. Would you ever bring this arrogant, irreverent man to heel?

"You would prefer I cradle you while I bring us to our destination at speed instead?” He asked smugly, forcing you to remember the last time he stole you away for a 'date,' and you grit your teeth.

He continued speaking. "This is not a Catholic land, so there was no issue with Integra granting transportation assistance." The legs of the wine trailed sluggishly down the sides of the glass after he took another sip.

What do the Catholics have to do with anything? Denmark was not heavily into Catholicism either, but it wasn't like Alucard's words always needed to make sense. He spoke in riddles, but was correct in assuming you’d rather sit comfortably while you were chauffeured instead of getting tossed around mid-air.

"And you also didn't have to scare my friend off again like that to get me on the plane earlier," you complained, referring to the neighbour who had a crush on you. Alucard was with you in shadow when he appeared and invited you over for a movie. The vampire silently turned to murky sludge and hovered behind you to stare the mortal down from his solidified spectral-state, which you only realized after the man ran away screaming.

"Insolent boy. Your brave young suitor had already forgotten so quickly and required a reminder." His voice was butter, but 'brave' sounded more like he was referring to the guy’s stupid audacity when Alucard spat out the word. “He was fortunate I did not end him.”

You huffed at the needless territorial display as if Alucard was a beast in rut. At least the ‘insolent boy’ was human, and any human relationship would make more sense than what you and the vampire have. Being with Alucard will not be easy. You were stuck on how to present your relationship to the world. Alucard did not expect you to cut your ties to the human world to be with him, so you kept up with visiting with family. He was not someone you should introduce to them (neither had he pushed for this), even if they kept pestering you about who's making you smile. You were different species and thoughts about the future were fraught with obstacles.

The heat in his gaze was different from earlier. The vampire stared unblinkingly, still as a statue. He was far too bold to only steal glances in your direction and it was at times difficult to keep looking at him. That otherworldly gaze was too knowing, his unnatural beauty so striking. You observed the perfect facial symmetry, the angular cut of his jaw and the unblemished skin that was smoother than white marble and just as cold.

Gulping, you looked away first, as always. He was equally stunning in his other forms. You never managed to figure out what Alucard said to you back then. Romanian was such a foreign tongue and the phrases he uttered were so short, they were over before you knew it. You didn't even have the first idea of what words to put through a translator.

He had been silent for the last while, gazing out the window with a wistful expression. You turned your attention to the darkness outside and wondered what he saw. Only the occasional flash of light from buildings raced by to illuminate the scenery, which was also punctuated by periodic street lights. You flipped your gaze back at the soft, forlorn look on his face and frowned.

Then you were passing through a sparsely populated city. Barely even a town by your standards. From time to time, antique structures came into view that were prettily lit, but they were mostly spaced out by homes, open roads, and what you assumed to be countryside. Quaint. You could feel the passage of time as you drove by. 

You took the opportunity to scrutinize Alucard further while he wasn't paying attention. His face was propped up on a fist, dimpling his cheek around the lip like it would with humans. Despite the luminescent crimson eyes and the hint of fangs behind his lips, the resemblance was startling. At first glance, the vampire's appearance really was breathtaking. It was almost enough to make you believe in Lucifer, the most beautiful fallen angel. When coupled with his unsettling demeanour and haunting aura, everything about him was just wrong and it set you off.

You were entering the city proper now, into a residential area littered with small street shops. Bright red roofs adorned pale buildings. The additional light allowed you to see him better.

The longer you spent with him, the more apparent it became that the vampire wasn't wholly terrifying. Neither was he an empty beauty without substance. Time and again, he proved his merits –he was well-read and open to delving into the more modern series that you enjoyed, then held engaging conversations regarding those works. He was interested in your opinions about happenings around the world, whether those were political or not, and partial to discussion, frequently providing well-rounded and thoughtful old man insight.

His charisma was such that you were unable to remain angry with him despite his frequent indecorous words and outrageous actions. Nope, you weren't only interested in Alucard for his good looks, you told yourself.

"Studying me?" His eyes curled with levity as his gaze found yours again. "I was human."

"I know that," you muttered. "You're just… unlike anyone I'd ever imagined myself involved with."

"Hn. There is no one else quite like myself." He returned to his surveillance of his former home.

Again with the ego.

The vehicle made a slight right turn to leave the boulevard behind and a sea of lights flooded your vision. You whirled to see what the source was. History was before you. A series of partially crumbled stone walls lined the path, culminating in a massive tower sitting atop a squat, square base.

“What are those buildings?” You asked with excitement as you twisted in the seat to see the vampire smiling lightly at you.

“You are looking at the old Royal Court and Turnul Chindiei (Sunset Tower),” he stopped, lost in thought.

He lifted a lock of your hair and let his fingers run down its length before he finally kept speaking. You weren’t ready. 

"I was in Somerset recently on an assignment. Little one, I created a new fledgling... a police girl." Vermilion pinned you intently, making you squirm, but nothing hit harder than the shock as the meaning of his words settled in. You gasped.

The mood shifted abruptly.

There was another woman, a virgin whom he drank from. You sat silently with disbelief, at a loss for words, but should you have felt that way? Who did you think you were? As if you were the only one he'd ever have? Or even special? The jealousy that spilled into your mind and tainted your thoughts was instinctive and uncontrollable. Rage at his betrayal battled with unspeakable hurt. Why were you surprised at this confession when your partner was basically a Demon God, who could have anyone he wanted for himself? Tears came to your eyes. It was only mere months ago that he offered you a place by his side, and now he gave it so easily to another?!

"Little human, nothing has changed between us."

LIES. You couldn't even speak as your mind spiralled somewhere darker with your pain. Every cheater made excuses. How could he do this? Why was he telling you this now as he took you somewhere out of the country, where you'd be reliant on him? That was the intent.

Your companion was quiet with the guilt of his admission. No...you brushed away the stray tears that fell with the back of your hand and looked again. He was wearing the face he made whenever he was being affectionate with you. It was so tender.

You didn’t want to look at him anymore.

The tension was thick as the vehicle continued towards your destination without you replying to his previous words. You sobbed and scrubbed away more liquid salt. He gave you space. You let him into your home and fed him! You looked forward to his visits even without him doing those things to you because you enjoyed his company! You hiccuped while thinking back to all that transpired between you.

You were a grown woman and not some freshly pubescent teen. 

Neither did you fall into romantic relationships easily. Despite his many shortcomings, you chose your vampire for a reason and Alucard had not yet given you one to regret your decision. You two were stronger than this.

Why...? You nearly asked him. But as you recalled his behaviour earlier, the answer was right in front of you. You’ve known for a very long time. You thought back to his longing expression as he stared out at the Romanian countryside and how he lost his human life an eternity ago. Alucard was immortal and you did not agree to stay by his side forever. This time it was your turn to see through him. Your ancient vampire was lonely beyond words.

Your chest ached as you snivelled.

"Even now, you weep for me?" He whispered, pulling you into his lap to hold. How was it possible for the pure-hearted like yourself to exist in this disgusting world? To remain untainted despite everything, including being with him.

“What does this mean for us?”

“I have a duty to my fledgling until she matures into a full vampire, but I will continue to visit albeit with less frequency. You are my darling little one and nothing will ever change that, no matter what the future may bring.”

It was impossible to shake the feeling of uncertainty about yourself, but you were the one Alucard came back to for years. You pressed a soft kiss to cool lips and relaxed into your lover's embrace before twining your arms around his torso. Again you accepted him as he was. Vampire and human sat quietly together, providing tranquil comfort to each other in their mutual pain.

“Unless you want to come with me.”

You glanced up through wet eyes at the sudden comment with a confused look.

“Sweet, I meant it, come live with me at Hellsing.”

--------------------

Centuries had passed and though his city had modernized, the land itself was unchanged. Those were the same peaks and cliffs, the same game trails and twists in the river. The landmarks he used in his last life to mark the way remained as they were.

His human was wondering where the two of you were headed as you stumbled after him before bouncing off his back when he came to a stop. He steadied you with a gloved hand. “We will camp here. I will bring you sustenance and you will rest the night.”

“We are only going to be eating and sleeping tonight?” 

“Is there more you would prefer?” The teasing was obvious in his tone.

Extracurricular activities were not what you were insinuating. Of course a vampire would take any opening to veer the conversation towards sex. Seduction was in his nature and this vampire would gladly accept any opportunity to lay between your legs.

As with the first time he abducted you for an overseas date, Alucard had provided clothes appropriate for the autumn weather. You were too glad to cover yourself from his lustful gaze.

“Tomorrow we will make for Poenari. It will not be an easy walk for you.”

You perked up at last and fixed a saucy Cheshire grin his way. “Oh? You’re bringing me to your old castle for a date and you’re letting me hike during the day? You’re almost being romantic and sweet.” 

The vampire was flippant. "Your feeble human eyes cannot see any of the land's splendor in the night." 

Your smirk turned sour. "Gee thanks." 

--------------------

Something was approaching, dragging across the ground with a steady, rhythmic murmur that made the foliage rustle. It sounded similar to… your heart stopped. Could it be a ghoul?! 

You rushed to your feet and tottered backwards as you seeked your vampire’s presence for protection immediately. No twin scarlets were to be seen. You were alone in the middle of nowhere in Romania with barely any moonlight. Nothing except blackness and the symphony of nature after dark for company. 

Alucard?! 

A million thoughts raced through your mind. This mountainous place was inhospitable to a city dweller such as yourself. It was frigid at night. The insects surviving in this weather wanted to gorge themselves on you along with other predators that were certainly present in land this wild. The surroundings were teeming with cliffs and a single misstep could lead to your demise, though there was water all the way down there. If you somehow made it through the night, the sun would likely scorch you too. Hell, even with GPS, you could still find yourself lost at times in London.

But nevermind any of that right now! What if a ghoul was stalking you?! There was no way you’d survive by yourself. 

Alucard?! You threw the thought out there again in panic with a head full of doom. Where was he? You trusted the vampire enough to accompany him to his homeland. How could he abandon you in the woods like this, even if his absence was probably intended to be brief?

“I recall you enjoy venison.” The Shadow King cleared the vegetation hauling a dead deer by a leg. Glowing orbs watched the tension dissipate from your posture. You let out a sigh of relief at the sight of your scary vampire.

When did he leave to hunt a deer? Mere seconds had passed. How quickly could he kill something…

“Did you truly believe I would leave you to be devoured by lesser predators? You are mine.” 

Your lips flapped.

He took a seat and began to butcher the animal, staring into your eyes as he skinned it. Blood pooled under the vampire. You cringed as he flayed it open, then expertly cleaved and dismantled the body into neat quarters –legs and ribs. He let the innards drop from the body cavity into their own pile. A campfire assembled itself. The knife passed through the carcass with practiced hands repeatedly, turning it into proper cuts which he cooked over fire before offering you the best strips. 

You accepted his offerings with thanks, but stayed hyper-aware of the surroundings. You believed yourself unafraid of the dark, but outdoors, everything set you off –the sounds of nature abounded with rustling branches, even the howling wind was more sinister. Your eyes darted around and you peeked behind with worry as he continued grilling your meal. 

Scuttering closer to the vampire, you whispered, "What was that? Did you hear that?" 

"Only animals humping in the undergrowth." His expression was full of amusement as his hands stopped for a moment. "Night is my domain. I will provide for you, little one, so that you may relax and enjoy yourself. I told you before that you are safe when you walk the night with me." 

Licking your lips, you looked at Alucard with wide, worried eyes, even when you knew it to be true. So you stayed in close proximity to your protector. Strange. Normally, you were a feast for nasty critters and mosquitoes once the sun set. Up against him like this, there was nothing. It seemed even the most insignificant lifeforms knew to steer clear of this creature, even more so than with the fire. 

It crackled and dancing shadows flickered through the clearing, the resulting light throwing those regal features into sharp contrast. Fragrant aromas of meat cooking mingled with the sounds of snapping and sizzling. You watched one another eat. The inky pool –blood from the deer– was trailing towards Alucard and disappeared into him. Somehow it was natural to you, even mesmerizingly intimate to watch him drink.

Crack!

You launched into his arms with a terrified squeak as he once again laughed at your jumpiness. You scrambled to sit upright against him, not leaving his side only because you didn’t feel like feeding biting insects anymore. It wasn’t because you needed his proximity in this frightening gloomy forest.

Alucard was warm. He felt most alive when he was with you, almost like a normal person. He tilted your chin and leaned in. “You scaredy cat. I suppose you will have to follow me into the dark,” he noted with a faint grin.

“For this trip only!” you quipped. Picking up a piece of cooked venison, you shoved it between his lips. “Now shush.” Then you settled in on your side next to Alucard with your head on his thigh.

The melody of rushing water far below soothed away your fears and the clarity of the night sky allowed the stars to peer through. A billion pinpricks of light witnessed a pair of Stargazers alone in the world, one red and one white. 

You sighed with contentment as your eyelids grew heavy. Drooping, you caught yourself and tried to ward off the sleep. 

“I am watching. Sleep.” The rumbling baritone left you in a daze.

“But what about you? I’ll be okay…” your head lolled the other way.

Cool fingers took your chin. "I do not require sleep. Much less would I do so at night. Prideful little human, rest." 

The flames licked at the chill air. Warmth and security suffused you as you drifted unconscious on a belly filled with the food your lover prepared, your head cradled by his lap. Your vampire remained by your side the entire night to watch over you.

--------------------

You woke to soft petting massaging your scalp and weaving through your locks.  Lifting your head from its comfortable pillow, bleary eyes found the first signs of dawn on the horizon and you were grateful for some visibility at last. The twinkling stars faded into hiding for the day once again.

After washing up with the water Alucard brought, his palm landed once more on the crown of your head. 

"My little human,” he crooned. 

You looked away shyly and smiled to yourself at his sweet nickname of habit for you, making quick work of tying the scarf around your neck. 

“Come.” He led you uphill through the dark until the row of giant conifers broke apart.

The scent of fresh pine filled your nose and you gasped as the subtle rays of sun revealed the misty splendor below. You two were perched by the edge of a cliff that plunged to unseen depths. Fortunately the heights and narrow ledge did not cower you –there was no way Alucard brought you all the way here only to let you tumble to your death. What took your breath away was the formidable castle ruins below nestled in a blanket of rolling peaks and valleys that were fed by a winding river. Wisps of mist floated by, shrouding tracts of the dramatic slopes in mystery, a living painting of epic proportions. 

Wow. 

“Your country is beautiful, Alucard. It's so magical I almost don't want to hike down and lose this view.”

“Isn't it splendid?” He grinned. Was that pride in his face? He stood there glowing in the ambient light like a seraph, quietly staring out at the ravine before he turned to you with a gleam behind orange lenses. “I suppose daybreak too possesses its own charms much like twilight,” he added. 

You smiled fondly at his words, mentally somersaulting with happiness from this concession, before turning your attention to this banquet for the senses that demanded to be committed to memory.

As the sun climbed the horizon, the veil of mist gradually receded and the shadows were beaten back, casting the land in dreamy golds and pastel beauty. Boundless nature surrounded you from each direction, backlit by pink and orange skies. 

The heavens slowly brightened and the fiery mirage of the spectacular autumn foliage came into sharp focus. A pair of falcons soared the rosy sea above and screamed their shrill cries to each other. You pondered the hike through such extravagance, immediately deciding it would be worth the brutal terrain.

You got as close to the ledge as you dared, as if being mere inches closer would help with absorbing the experience better. Yet how often did a mere mortal get to be this close to divinity? Your eyes sparkled with glee as you unknowingly clutched his sleeve with one hand while you edged over. Alucard sensed your awe as you took in the grandeur of heaven and earth –your parted lips and wide eyes were a testament to your wonder. His gaze skimmed your delicate features, pausing to narrow his eyes as they focused upon your lips, so soft and luscious they begged his attention.

He was aware you were self-conscious when with him in public. Thus you enjoyed his company most when you were alone out in nature together, far from civilization with no one else present to stare at you as a couple. No prying eyes or uninvited whispers. Such trivial matters, but the King preferred for you to savour your time with him, as he with you, without your unwarranted concerns detracting.

You caught him staring. The brazen vampire did not pretend to be doing anything but. He was taken by your curious, trusting expression, your foot right at the rim of the cliff with no more room for folly. Another step and you would fall to your proverbial death. But you came here with Alucard. He was your safety net. You leaned into him and met his lips gently. Cupping his face with both hands, your thumb trailed down that nose which always pokes your cheek as you kiss. He nuzzled you with it and exhaled with a faint rumble. If anyone told you a few years ago that you’d be watching the sunrise at Dracula’s castle with the accursed demon himself, you’d have laughed in their faces.

The remnants of the fabled castle loomed over a narrow ravine, imposing and severe. You studied the buses rolling in from a much higher vantage point. There were many more people than you expected milling about. Probably tourists. They were tiny and distant enough to resemble ants. So distant, they might as well not exist. 

You smiled and curled into a king's embrace with a million subjects at your feet, composed of ancient evergreens and the flaming kaleidoscope of deciduous reds, oranges, and yellows. The breeze rustled the royal mantle that was his duster and it swayed gently. His tresses framed his features with silk as the light of day hit his eyes. 

Everything was perfect whenever this vampire swept you away. Alucard had a way of making it seem as though you were the only ones in the world and it belonged solely to you and him. Your problems were just as far away and non-existent as the people below.

The warmth of the blazing palette inspired a giddy optimism and it blossomed in your gut. What would the future with Alucard bring? You weren't sure either, but you knew as long as you were together, it felt as though nothing could come between you.

~To Be Continued~

Next Chapter: Interlude II

Notes: Yes, Alucard takes her down there and they hike to the castle together with a magnificent autumn backdrop. He shows her around the ruins of his castle and lets drop a few memorable snippets of his old life. The parts of the trip through the past (passing through Targoviste and the castle) are partially for himself and not her. A reminder to himself of how he failed (his perspective) his people. But I didn’t feel up to (or want to) getting into all that and felt this was a good place to end the chapter.

The chapter is my little attempt at symbolism. Alucard is revisiting his old life's transgressions and failures and putting them aside to watch the sunrise with his Reader. He is a creature of the night, but even if he detests the sun and believes himself beyond redemption, the light he found in her was beautiful and he has hope for a new beginning with her as they grow ever closer. And in floral language, red is for romance and white is for innocence. You may cringe now.

Alucard is lonely AF in his immortality and Seras was a spur of the moment turn for him when the opportunity arose during an assignment. He didn’t expect her to refuse his blood to become free of servitude. Reader however, is the one who he truly wants at his side, even if it isn't for eternity. He wants her to come to the decision to turn willingly.

Ahem, what the vampire king finds romantic can be different from a ‘normal’ person, but he wanted to take care of her. That was what I was trying to get across. Yup he sliced and diced a dead animal into pieces while looking into her eyes, telling her she’s his, getting massively bled on, and then slurped up the blood that was soaked into the earth. #LetHimCook (not dropping Sukuna references here, nope!)

Rio

Madara vs Kunoichi/Medics

Did Alive!Madara take it easy when fighting kunoichi and medics back in the day?

I think he would have, even if I'm sure it can be assumed he has killed some of both groups before, when all everyone did during the Warring States Era was fight day in and day out. It was a much more cut throat period and surely more underhanded (strategic) tactics such as going after medics would have been employed.

Edo Madara derisively asked Ohnoki what adult would "go all out against mere children." Granted the Kage group he fought included 2 female "children" who he also beat the crap out of, but those two were different from the average kunoichi. One was Senju Tsunade, who was a Senju and a medic AND a Kage. But it was for her offense of being a Senju directly related to Hashirama that made Madara specifically say he'd kill her first. It had nothing to do with her status as a medic or a woman. In fact, Madara went so far as to say her healing capabilities were negligible against him.

That went for all other medics in the Shinobi Alliance too. They were so insignificant they were not even worth going after, at least until he decided to perform large AOE jutsus and squash everyone. But at that point, it wasn't like he was going after medics OR women in particular. Madara tended to just deal with whoever showed up against him. So if a kunoichi or medic attacked him, then he'd fight back.

The other notable kunoichi we saw him fighting in that battle was Mei, who was of course still a Kage. Besides Tsunade, I don't think he specifically had it out for any of them, even Ohnoki. Edo Madara had a point to make while he was spanking the Kage, to test the abilities of the current generation of Kage, then to show them know how far they were beneath him when he had seen enough. He didn't even bother killing them off definitively.

Madara doesn't enjoy beating up those weaker than him. During the 4th Ninja War, from his introduction fighting the Shinobi Alliance to his fight against the 5 Kage, even when he was going against the world with Obito and the Juubi...he just looked bored and/or disdainful. It wasn't until Hashirama's appearance that he showed true excitement. He never targeted any women (except Tsunade and Mei, for reasons as discussed) in his fights unless it was a large area attack meant to end everyone. He didn't target any nameless medics either despite acknowledging medics normally get taken out first. I vaguely recall him not even bothering with Sakura as well until he needed his Rinnegan back and she attacked him while being a 'diversion.'

As we see from the dynamics between 3-person squads in Konoha, women are often heavily protected in Naruto. Uchiha women were definitely also protected since they married within their clan and there were only so many Uchiha women to ensure the continuity of the bloodline. I like to believe the kinder part of Alive!Madara (which we know exists) extended this sentiment of cherishing women to those outside of his clan as well, which might have included mercy in battle.

What do you think?

This is GOLD!!!!

This is me.

feeling normal about that old man

a bit late

EVERYBODY SHUT UP AND LEAVE WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING IT'S MADARA'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

🥳🥳🥳🥳🥰💕🎂🍰😫

A Night for Hunting Ch. 24- Gossamer Dreams

Alucard (Ultimate) x F!Reader, Millennium, hostage, canon-typical violence, medical trauma, unethical experimentation, implied torture, angst, pining, soul bond, OVA 4 WC: 5208

Happy New Year! Thank you for your patience and everyone's kind words. The lack of time and motivation and a plethora of distractions during a busy December caused the writing delay. On another note, I know people say not to write for stats, but we hit a new milestone! This story which was originally a 1.8k oneshot is now 100k words. The show of support has been incredible. I never thought I would make it here!

An excerpt under the cut

The sensation of being cradled steadied you. From the ether, an unexplained feeling of hope suffused your being, the feathery softness a tangible thing to get lost in. Within the haze of sleep, you reached through the bond to try touching it, but though you willed your arm to stretch out, you stayed frozen. Neither could you call out to that presence.

MOVE! You commanded your limbs to obey. Even your fingertips were immobile. You couldn’t flip around or wiggle your toes either. Unable to overcome the paralysis or bestir yourself into wakefulness, you could only spasm.

All that was left was to breathe and experience whatever this was. You found yourself eager to explore this phenomenon. Fear had no place here, so you relinquished reason and plunged headfirst into darkness. The space constricted around you in the abyss, swaddled by phantom arms that you somehow knew. 

Purring. A vibrating cage surrounded you. Despite the claustrophobic state, the tension of days past ebbed and finally you could relax in the solid embrace, like being wrapped in a weighted blanket inside the cramped nest of a coffin after a trying night. Claws ghosted over the nodules on your spine as words like smoke whispered into your soul. 

The velvet wings of a bat sheltered you. A bat? A dragon? You must be losing your mind, but as long as your dragon kept you safe under his wings, you would gladly stay there forever.

The creature drowned you in a sea of purrs. Fuzzy and delirious, you twitched and keened and basked in his glory, assured you were cherished and missed.

Everything was going to be okay. You knew this as though it was gospel. 

Time was strange, but under the trance of the rolling purrs and the promises for tomorrow that thawed the frightful iciness from inside out, you found peace, already fully surrendered to the world of dream and fantasy. 

He turned away. The dragon's mirage was starting to fade to translucency, slipping away with the likeness of water through stone. You scrambled after his silhouette which was growing less and less substantial by the moment. You would give anything to have another minute, another fraction of a second with him.

“Don't go! Alucard, please!” You chased the vampire to the edge of the plane before passing through him. 

He looked back at you. Warm burning cinders scorched your soul.

Wait for me, my little human. His buttery voice echoed.

“Don’t go!” Screeching desperately into the void, you begged him to stay as you clung to the lingering tendrils of dream. But trying to keep him there was a futile exercise, like attempting to catch mist that was passing through the threads of gossamer webs.

Your curdled screams were fruitless. Your brows knit together in a frown as you tried to sink deeper into unconsciousness to stay with him. You wanted to sleep forever. Because you knew instinctively that to sleep was to see your love’s face and waking would be to lose him again.

~To be Continued~

Ch.25 – Hope on a String