Rain Code Vampire Hunters AU — PROLOGUE
where Yuma meets the other vampire hunters
Previous chapter is here
After a while, Yuma and Yakou reach a village that’s located near the forest. Previously surrounded by tall and massive trees, they’re now in the middle of tiny wooden houses that stand close together in rows. Yakou tells Yuma they would split up, because he needs to buy some supplies before returning home. The village is small and it would be difficult to get lost in it. The man with blue hair also adds that most likely the rest of the hunters can be found in the hotel, on the ground floor of which there is a bar.
On the way to the hotel, Yuma notices several things. The village is really small and one could easily walk around it without spending even half a day. Also, as Yakou explained, it’s always cloudy in this forest and village, and the sun never comes out from the clouds.
But there is one frightening oddity – there is not a single soul around. All the doors and windows are closed. If it weren't for the cars parked next to the houses and the well-kept gardens, you could easily think the village was abandoned.
The hotel was easy to find – it’s the highest building in the village, and also the only one with uncovered windows and a lit sign on the front. Entering, Yuma meets three people sitting at the bar and a barman, who polishes a glass until it shines. Some of the bar patrons are surprised to see Yuma, but it’s obvious that they’re the ones Yuma is looking for.
–
Yuma: I… I'm looking for hunters. I was told I can find them in that bar.
Halara: Correct. They're right in front of you. It's a bit foolish for a vampire hunter not to recognize others like them.
Yuma: You know who…
Halara: Your clothes. Also, the vampire hunter badge, which can be seen on your vest. And based on that, I’m sure you are one of the vampire hunters that are supposed to arrive here with the others.
Yuma: Yes... you're right. Wow…It's amazing you were able to understand everything with just one look.
Halara: With my logic, everything is possible.
Desuhiko: Yeah... Halara really does have an eagle eye. Although I also noticed the hunter's badge right away, I just didn't have time to say it.
Fubuki: Eagle eye? But Halara is a human... not a bird. They don’t have feathers….
Desuhiko: - Aah... no, princess. It's just a phrase.
*Halara explains the meaning of the phrase to Fubuki*
Shinigami: Ah, Master, they're all weirdos! Honestly, I expect them to be eaten soon, like those previous companions of yours.
Yuma: Don't say that! I don't want to remember or think about it again now!
*Yuma gets lost in his memories. Concern began to appear on his face*
Fubuki: Sorry, but are you okay? Your face looks like someone was killed.
*Yuma sighs anxiously, trying to calm down* Yeah... I need to tell you all about what happened…
*Yuma sits down at the bar table and tells his story briefly, of course, without details about Shinigami. Also, they quickly all introduce themselves to each other*
Desuhiko: So, you're the only survivor, and with amnesia. Brutal!
Halara: It's even surprising that you managed to survive.
Desuhiko: And you're lucky that Yakou found you and brought you here.
Halara: I wouldn't be so happy about it.
Desuhiko: Oh, come on! This man has been by our side and helped us many times, and you're still wary of him?
Halara: You can't trust anyone. Especially in our job. Yuma’s case is a great example of that.
Yuma: …
Fubuki: But Yakou really helped us a lot, and he's very kind...
Desuhiko: Besides, he doesn't look like a vampire spying on us. He doesn't show any signs of being a vampire. And if he were, he would have definitely revealed himself much earlier and used the moment to attack us. So, I think you're imagining things.
Halara: Hmph... *Halara folded their arms in displeasure*
Yuma: Anyway... as I see, the only you three and I sur…
Halara: Four.
Yuma: Huh? Then where is...?
Desuhiko: Ah, he's under the piano. *Desuhiko points his thumb back at the piano*. This guy is like a ghost, so it's no wonder you didn't notice him. Hey, Vivia! At least say hello to the newbie!
*Yuma notice a skinny man, lying under the piano and reading a book*
Vivia: Ah... hello. *continues reading the book*
*Desuhiko sighs in displeasure*
Yuma: So... the five of us are the only ones who survived. But since we're all at the designated location, what should we do now?
Halara: We need to report to the top brass that the last hunter has arrived. After that, we'll receive further instructions.
*Halara gets up from their chair and heads to one of the old phones located near the bar. “World Vampire Hunter Agency" is written on it*
Yuma: Is this some kind of special phone?
Desuhiko: Yeah, it has an encrypted line to contact the agency. There are several such phones in the cities, but in this village, it’s the only one. I'm surprised it even exists, considering how weird and sheltered the locals are.
Fubuki: They constantly avoid us and hide in their houses whenever we go outside. One day I wanted to talk to them, but they all ignored me and left.
Desuhiko: They clearly don't like outsiders here. ... Hey, I heard that there is some kind of vampire worship cult in this village.
Shinigami: Vampire worship cult? Are they so brainwashed that they want to be eaten?
Desuhiko: Frankly speaking, I even investigated the village a little to confirm this rumor, but... so far, it hasn't yielded any results.
*Halara returns to the others*
Halara: Enough chatting. Unfortunately, more than what we already know was not conveyed, but the command to "move on" has been given.
Desuhiko: Argh...great. At least we still have a map.
Vivia: At the most interesting part... *Vivia slowly crawls out from under the piano, pulls himself up until his back cracks, and then takes a slouched pose*
Fubuki: Come on, Vivia! A big and exciting adventure is waiting for us!
Vivia: Once again, a little peace and quiet has eluded me... *Vivia looks back at the piano, then lowers his head* Ah... I wanna die someday...
Shinigami: Kyahahaha! Master, this is going to be a really fun adventure!
Yuma: ...
–
After leaving the bar and taking their bags, the hunters head towards the exit from the village. On the way, they meet Yakou, who had just finished his purchases (which consisted of cigarettes). Yakou said that he’s going to walk with them for a while and then return home. He also reminds everyone that he would always be open to them staying the night at his place.
Yuma can’t say exactly what will happen next. Hell, the last few hours of his life were so insane that he’s not sure of anything right now. But for some reason, he feels calmer around his new colleagues. Yeah, they’re all … quite strange. But in his soul, he feels that everything will be fine with them, and they’ll all achieve their goal together.
—
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you all enjoy it!
And special thanks to @draconicsparkle for beta reading!
