The Tragic Swordmaiden
"Detoxification of the curse is complete. Please step out of the detoxification chamber."
Mikaela Hyakuya slowly opened her eyes as the computerized voice finally stirred her from her slumber. She ran a hand up her chest between her breasts and was relieved to discover that the wound Yuichiro had inflicted was gone, and it was safe to assume the gash in her back had vanished as well. As the doors to the detoxification chamber slid open, Mika sat up, completely nude, her eyes misty with unexpected tears.
How strange, she thought, I haven't cried since becoming a vampire…
She lingered on that thought for a moment, then quickly wiped her eyes. Reaching back, she pulled her long blonde hair—clinging to her back as she slept—over her shoulder before climbing out of the small glass chamber where she had spent the last few hours, ever since Ferid brought her back to Sanguinem following the battle of Shinjuku. The fiery mane that her former patron so admired had become a source of irritation ever since she began her training as a soldier of the vampire army.
In her childhood, Mika's hair cascaded down to her waist, and she wore it with pride. But as she delved into combat training, her long hair transformed into a hindrance, even a potential safety hazard if not secured tightly in a bun with a dozen pins every morning.
If she could, Mika would have cut her hair into a stylish bob like Chess Belle. To her dismay, she quickly learned that upon becoming a vampire, her hair would stubbornly resist any desire for a shorter style. When Mika inquired about it with Queen Krul, her dame explained that a vampire's hair remains at the same length as when they were turned, never growing longer or, if cut, always returning to its original length within minutes, making it impossible for long-haired vampires to maintain a shorter cut.
Had Mikaela Hyakuya foreseen her transformation into a vampire, she would have taken the initiative to chop off her locks. But deep down, she knew that was mere wishful thinking—she would have to embrace her three feet of heavy, thick hair for the entirety of her vampire existence.
As she climbed out of the chamber, Mika looked around to find herself alone. The other female vampires who had returned with her after the battle had completed their dressing and departed, leaving her in solitude within the dressing room. She wasn't surprised; her injuries had been more severe than theirs, necessitating more time to recuperate.
She knew that Lacus and René, the two vampire guards assigned to her by Queen Krul, must have finished dressing long ago and were likely waiting for her outside the women's dressing room. It would be impolite to keep them waiting any longer.
With that in mind, Mika hurriedly donned the new female vampire guard uniform, along with a fresh pair of boots laid out by the maintenance staff, and quickly brushed her hair before stepping into the hallway. There, she found Lacus waiting for her alone. By the looks of it, she had taken longer than anticipated, prompting the purple-haired vampire to tell René to go on ahead.
Upon seeing the blonde fully dressed and healed, Lacus smiled warmly. "It's nice to see you've finally come to. How're you feeling, Mika?"
"I'm fine, thank you," she replied politely. "I'm sorry I took so long; were you waiting here for me the whole time?"
"About an hour or so. René had some matters to attend to, so I told him to go on ahead while I waited for you."
Mika frowned. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to trouble you."
Lacus shook his head. "No, it's alright. You seemed to be the one most seriously injured during the battle, so it's understandable you needed more time in the detox chamber. Queen Krul instructed me to ensure you were completely rested and ready before escorting you to the royal audience hall; she has some questions for you."
"Questions?"
"About that… creature we encountered in Shinjuku. But come, we can discuss it on the way."
As he spoke, Lacus offered his arm in a gentlemanly manner, which she accepted after a moment's hesitation. Their relationship had always been professional, yet Mika couldn't ignore that Lacus had shown her a more personal interest than René, who tended to remain distant despite his own loyal protection. She had pretended not to notice Lacus's growing fondness for her, but she was beginning to feel it was a truth she could no longer ignore.
As they made their way toward the royal audience hall where Queen Krul awaited them, Lacus broke the lingering silence between them.
"So, Mika… what do you think that creature was?" he asked, curiosity glimmering in his eyes.
Startled, Mikaela hesitated, searching for the right words.
"I… I don't know…"
Lacus paused, causing Mika to stop and look into his eyes.
"Are you sure, Mika? Because it seemed to me that he knows you."
Mika looked away, squeezing her eyes shut to avoid her bodyguard's probing gaze.
"Please, Lacus, I don't want to talk about it."
"I'm sorry, Mikaela, but you have no choice. You may refuse to answer me, but you cannot refuse the queen, and you know that. Why do you think she summoned you to the royal chamber and ordered me to ensure you arrive without fail?"
"I know… and I will not refuse whatever she asks of me, but I honestly don't know what the creature we saw in Shinjuku was, and I can't tell either of you what I don't know."
"But you know who he was, don't you? He was an acquaintance, wasn't he? Whatever he is, he has the entire vampire army buzzing about him, not to mention the progenitors as well."
"I…"
Before Mika could respond, a voice echoed through the hall over the intercom, interrupting their conversation.
"Mikaela Hyakuya, the Third Progenitor, Krul Tepes, has summoned you. Please report to the royal audience hall immediately."
Upon hearing those words, Mika felt an overwhelming urge to release a sigh of relief. She was acutely aware that Krul despised delays, but this time, she found herself grateful for her dame's impatience—an unintentional escape from the uncomfortable conversation with her purple-haired bodyguard.
Attempting to shift the mood, Mika resumed walking, prompting Lacus to fall in step beside her.
"We must hurry," she urged. "It would be discourteous to keep Her Majesty waiting."
With a resigned sigh, Lacus finally acknowledged his temporary defeat.
When they reached the grand doors leading to the royal chamber, where the queen awaited, Mika gently nudged Lacus to free her arm before speaking.
"Queen Krul wishes to speak with me alone. Please don't remain here on my account; I've already kept you waiting long enough outside the women's dressing room."
Before her guard could muster a response, Mika swiftly pushed open the door to Krul's chambers and slipped inside, letting the heavy doors close behind her. Lacus understood that the blonde hadn't meant to be rude; she was simply attempting to evade his pressing questions. As Mikaela disappeared beyond the threshold, Lacus paused outside for a moment, lost in thought, until a familiar voice broke through the silence.
"So, how did it go?"
Turning around, Lacus spotted René Simm approaching from the opposite end of the hall. So absorbed was he in his thoughts that he hadn't even noticed the raven-haired vampire's approach.
"René? What are you doing here?"
"Just checking in on you two. Is Mika all right?"
"She's fine. It just took her a bit longer to recover than the other ladies because of the severity of her injuries."
"I'm relieved to hear that. Well, since Mika is with the queen now, you should return to guard duty with me; we still have several hours before our shift ends. Whatever you need to discuss with her can wait."
Lacus frowned, disappointment washing over him, but he knew René was right. Contrary to his assumptions, the elder vampire—both his cousin and closest companion—was acutely aware of Lacus' seemingly unreciprocated feelings for their princess.
Though Mikaela herself would never welcome such a title.
As he followed René out of the palace and back into the bustling city, Lacus suddenly inquired, "What do you think that creature was, René?"
The elder vampire paused for a moment before responding, contemplating his words carefully.
"I'm not certain; I've only heard whispers. But there are murmurs circulating through Sanguinem and the rest of the vampire army that humans have been dabbling in a forbidden enchantment, one that has the potential to wreak havoc on our world—something far worse than the apocalypse that nearly obliterated humanity eight years ago."
"You mean the Seraph of the End?"
"Yes."
"But I thought that was merely a legend."
"I once thought so too. However, I now understand there must be some truth to it, as the matter has been brought up at the Progenitor Council."
"Do you think it was Lord Ferid's intent for us to retrieve that creature in Shinjuku?"
"Quite possibly. Yet, the mission was a failure."
Lacus scoffed. "I can never decipher what's going on in that bastard's head. Sometimes he seems almost pleased when we fail."
René chuckled softly at Lacus' remark, a rare occurrence, given his usual stoicism.
"Perhaps. But Lord Ferid isn't the crux of your thoughts, is he?"
Lacus scowled, recognizing that his cousin knew him too well. He was right; the silver-haired noble didn't occupy his mind. It was a certain blonde princess who held his heart.
"Hey, René?" he began, hesitating for a moment to gather his thoughts.
"Yes, Lacus?"
"Who is Mikaela Hyakuya, really?"
The sudden question caused René to halt in his tracks, surprise flitting across his features.
"You've been her bodyguard for nearly five years, and you're just now asking that?" he replied incredulously.
"I had always considered her merely a livestock child that Queen Krul had assigned us to protect as her pet."
"And now?"
Lacus fell silent, grappling with how to articulate his evolving feelings. What he had said was true; he had initially viewed Mika as nothing more than a troublesome child, displeased when Krul had entrusted the reckless twelve-year-old to his and René's care yet obeyed because they both knew it would be unwise to refuse. But as the years passed, and he witnessed her transformation from a child into a striking young woman, his perspective shifted. Now, Lacus was resolute in his willingness to do anything to ensure Mikaela's safety and happiness.
"I believe Mika is… something extraordinary. She must be if Queen Krul has commanded us to protect her with our lives."
René nodded thoughtfully. "You may be onto something. However, I must confess that I cannot offer you any further insights about Mikaela Hyakuya than what you already know—she is the adopted daughter and favored swordmaiden of Queen Krul Tepes, a title she has rightfully earned through her martial prowess."
"Is that really all she is? Where did the queen find her?"
"I have no idea. But…"
"But what?"
"I'm not privy to all the details, but I've heard whispers that Mikaela was once a favored concubine of Lord Ferid Bathory during her human years, and that piqued Queen Krul's interest, leading her to adopt Mika. Why? That remains a mystery."
Lacus scrunched his face in disgust at the implication; Mika had been a child when she was turned. Yet, René's words made sense, as Ferid had always ensured the young blonde remained within his reach. It was entirely plausible that Mikaela had been the seventh progenitor's concubine in her human life and perhaps still was as a vampire. Yet, Lacus understood that this revelation likely wasn't the sole reason Mika maintained her emotional distance from him.
"I see…"
Sensing his cousin's growing disappointment, René placed a comforting hand on Lacus's shoulder.
"Lacus, I understand you view Mikaela as more than just a charge you've been assigned to protect, and I can't fault you for that; she is captivating, intelligent, relentless, and fearless. But you don't truly know her—where she's come from, or if she even shares your feelings."
"I know…"
"I simply don't want to see you get hurt. After all, you're the only family I have left."
To this, Lacus let out a wry laugh. "Well, I appreciate your concern, cousin, but you need not fret over my emotions; I'm capable of handling myself."
René managed a faint smile as he withdrew his hand.
"I'm glad you understand. Now, let's be on our way; I'd rather not have to face Lord Ferid and explain our tardiness."
"Of course.
SSSSSS
Mikaela Hyakuya stood in the docking area for the vampire planes in Sanguinem, her gaze fixed on the sky above, a rare smile gracing her lips. The full moon bathed everything in a silvery glow, and countless stars twinkled in the midnight expanse, evoking memories of endless nights spent stargazing with Yuichiro during their childhood before they were torn from the surface world.
Amidst the chaos of the day's events, a warm comfort enveloped her at the thought that the one member of her family she cherished most was still alive. Yuichiro had transformed into a young man, tall and striking, far exceeding the vivid imagery she had conjured in her mind during their four years apart at the gates of Sanguinem.
Just you wait, Yuu-chan. I don't know how, but I promise I'll save you! The young swordmaiden vowed internally, her thoughts interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Mika?"
Startled, she turned to find Lacus standing behind her, his expression serious.
"Yes, Lacus?" she replied, trying to mask her apprehension.
"Your guard duty ended five minutes ago; there's no reason for you to linger here. Shall I escort you back to your room?"
Mika averted her gaze, acutely aware that Lacus had not forgotten their earlier conversation and was resolutely determined to obtain the answers he sought. In this respect, he shared her stubborn nature. Desperate to evade his probing, she searched for an excuse to send him away.
"You needn't trouble yourself, Lacus. I can manage the return on my own."
"I must insist, princess. The queen has been very clear that she wants me to ensure you return safely to your quarters. To be frank, I don't want to be held responsible if anything were to happen, so I hope you understand. Besides, I've been escorting you home for almost five years; you've never objected before. Why now?"
Mika flinched at the formality in Lacus' tone. He knew she detested being called 'princess' and reserved that title for moments of gravity when he and René wanted her to grasp the seriousness of a situation.
Realizing Lacus wouldn't relent this time, she finally sighed in concession.
"Very well, let us go."
As he had done countless times before, Lacus offered her his arm, which she took with a sense of reluctant familiarity. Since being placed under his and René's protection, it had become routine for Lacus to escort her home after her schooling, combat training, and guard duties. René stepped in only when Lacus was on missions, easily sharing the responsibility, yet Lacus insisted on accompanying her himself whenever possible.
Normally, she welcomed their conversations and relished the easy banter that made the walks home enjoyable. However, after the harrowing events of the day, a weighty silence hung between them for the entire twenty-minute trek back to her room. When they finally arrived, she slipped her arm from his, avoiding his gaze as she retrieved her key from her pocket. Wishing to show gratitude despite her lingering unease, she mustered a polite expression.
"I appreciate everything you and René have done for me these past four years. I know you could be doing other things after your shifts rather than escorting me home nightly."
"It's no trouble," Lacus replied gently. "Yes, the queen has ordered it, but I also want to do this… for you, Mikaela."
Keeping her eyes on the door, she unlocked it and stepped inside.
"Thank you, Lacus. Have a good night."
Just as she was about to close the door, her bodyguard surprised her by stepping inside before locking the door behind them.
"Lacus? Was there something else?" she inquired, taken aback by his sudden intrusion.
"There are a few things I need to discuss, and I know you've been avoiding me all day…"
"Please, Lacus, I told you I don't want to talk about it…"
"I'm sorry, Mikaela, but I must know. What or who was that creature we faced in Shinjuku today? The one who nearly decimated Lord Crowley Eusford? You know him, don't you?"
Recognizing that Lacus would not leave without an answer, Mika reluctantly nodded.
"I do…"
"Who is he?"
"His name is Yuichiro Hyakuya… my brother."
Lacus blinked in disbelief. "Brother? How is that possible? You two look nothing alike!"
Mika shook her head. "No, we aren't blood-related. We grew up together at the Hyakuya Orphanage until the vampires took us to Sanguinem as livestock. Just before my transformation, we tried to escape together with the other orphans, but only Yuu-chan made it out; Ferid killed the rest…"
"And that's when Krul saved and turned you? Are the rumors true? That you were Bathory's favored concubine?"
"Yes, that's true."
"But why?"
"I did it for my orphanage brothers and sisters. Without Lord Ferid's protection, our survival would have been difficult, especially for Yuu-chan, who often fell ill for refusing the nutrient-replenishing drinks after his blood was drawn."
Lacus struggled to digest the revelation. The seemingly innocent blonde before him had prostituted herself to a vampire lord as a child, not for her own sake but for her family. This included the boy who had attacked her upon their reunion after four long years.
He couldn't ignore the way Mikaela had looked at Yuichiro during that chaotic moment when Ferid had forcibly taken her from the battlefield; it was not the gaze of a sister.
Mikaela gasped as Lacus abruptly seized her by the arms, his grip fierce as he bore into her with a venomous glare.
"So that's it!" he hissed, his voice thick with jealousy. "You push me away, ignore my every smile, refuse my touch—for a human!"
She winced as he spat the word 'human' like it was poison. If not for Yuu-chan, she might have shared his disdain. Unlike so many other vampires, Mikaela had not forgotten her humanity.
"I'm sorry, Lacus, but you're mistaken!"
"Am I?"
"Yuichiro is innocent; he's not to blame for what happened in Shinjuku! He was being used! Regardless of everything, he's still my brother, and I love him!"
"Brother? You mean the monster who stabbed you in the chest and back!?" Lacus shouted, incredulous.
"He wasn't himself!"
"He would have killed you had Lord Ferid not intervened!"
Mika fell silent as those words washed over her like a cold wave. Deep down, she recognized Lacus was right. He had been there, had witnessed everything unfold. Despite Lacus's seething contempt for Ferid Bathory, he had to concede that Mika was alive today because of the silver-haired vampire lord who had rescued her, even when he and René couldn't reach her in time, occupied as they were with fending off relentless human soldiers.
Not knowing how to respond, Mika let her gaze drop to the floor.
"I'm sorry, Lacus," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her bodyguard's tension eased as he gently released her from his hold.
"No, it's I who must apologize. I had no right to touch you and completely overstepped my boundaries. I will accept whatever punishment you and Queen Krul deem appropriate."
Mika shook her head resolutely. "It's okay, I'm not angry, and I promise I won't breathe a word to Queen Krul. I just didn't want you to find out this way. But Yuu-chan is the only family I have left, and I must save him!"
"Are you certain, Princess? Don't you consider me family as well? I, who have protected you with my life since your childhood? I love you, Mika, and my feelings have remained unchanged despite your confession!"
"I…" For the first time in her life, Mikaela Hyakuya found herself utterly speechless. No one had ever professed their love to her in such a manner—not even Yuichiro, whom she believed saw her merely as a sister, oblivious to her deeper feelings.
Turning away from Lacus, Mika removed her belt, the sheathed sword clinking softly as she cast it aside to the corner of her room. She settled onto her bed, hands resting nervously in her lap. Words danced on the tip of her tongue, but none seemed adequate to express her turmoil to Lacus after his heartfelt admission. While she had long sensed Lacus's emotions transcended his role as her protector, the thought of sending him away felt unbearable.
Lacus remained still for a moment, observing Mikaela, before sliding onto the bed beside her. After a brief hush, he gently cupped her chin, lifting her face so their eyes met—his ruby-red gaze mirroring the color her own eyes would possess if she had not resolutely refused the allure of human blood and thus stunted her transformation.
"Look at me…" he began, sadness lacing his voice. "Is your beloved Yuu-chan truly so much more handsome than I?"
Mika inhaled sharply at his question, caught off guard. How could he even ask such a thing? They both knew Lacus was striking; even many of the human women in Sanguinem openly admired his good looks.
Seeing her hesitation, Lacus pressed on. "Yuichiro may be handsome now, but what about in another forty, fifty years? Will you find happiness watching him age while you remain eternally youthful? And what if he doesn't love you the same way you love him? What then?"
Mikaela yearned to counter his points, yet she knew, deep down, Lacus was right. Yuichiro was human, and she was a vampire. Though they appeared the same age now, it wouldn't be long before he was old enough to be her father—and eventually, her grandfather.
The inevitable truth hung heavy in the air: she would outlive him. While Yuichiro would mature into an elderly man, Lacus would remain forever young and handsome. At ninety-five, Lacus Welt was merely a youth among vampires, despite being old enough to be her great-grandfather. If he had remained human, he would have appeared decrepit long ago. But turned at the age of twenty-three, Lacus would always bear that youthful visage for as long as he lived.
"No human man could ever compare to you, Lacus Welt. But I've already given my heart to another. Please forgive me…"
At her words, Lacus felt the weight of defeat. If he truly loved Mikaela, he would allow her the freedom to pursue whomever made her happy, even if it led to heartbreak. If this was the path she needed to take to learn, then so be it.
"I understand… If that is what you truly desire, I won't stand in your way. But please, grant me just one night in your arms, even if you do not love me…"
Mikaela's heart swelled with pity for the man who had risked his life to protect her over these past four years, driven by more than duty—by love. She never intended to hurt him, and if she couldn't offer her heart, she would give him her body, if only for a single night.
Had Mika still been a virgin, she would have firmly declined, wishing for her first experience to be with Yuichiro. But no longer pure, she believed it wouldn't matter if one more man, who wasn't the boy she truly loved, had her. Still, she swore to herself that Lacus would be the last.
Thus, she allowed Lacus to undress her and lead her to bed, indulging his desires as much as he wished. She didn't fight him, nor did she resist his kisses or caresses. Yet, her heart would reserve such gestures solely for Yuichiro Hyakuya, the one she loved fiercely and for whom she would dare risk everything.
In that moment, Mikaela Hyakuya stood as a tragic swordmaiden, caught between two worlds, her heart torn in ways she could scarcely comprehend.