a sprinkle of rainbow • Completed

let out the beast (2/7)

According to stories, finding the Vampire's Academy is as hard as looking for a needle in the hay. Their school is protected by magic that only lets their kind find the place. Even Wad whose sexual partners are almost always vampires still hasn't seen the place. 

From what Kongpob heard, no one outside their kind has seen it. The only reason every creature knows they have a castle as their school is from the vampires' stories. As expected from the most egoistic creatures. Of course, something as magnificent and expensive-looking as their school won't be left whenever they tell their favorite story: Why are vampires the best, and why are you all just trash beside us?

Kongpob knows some of those stories about them are fake. They were created to fear them and for other creatures to worship them. Werewolves know better than to make those sociopaths their gods. That's why, vampires consider them rival creatures. Their school probably looks an alley or worse, but they're so embarrassed, and their inflated ego can't accept the fact, so they had to create an imaginary castle. 

Whatever it looks like, Kongpob will find out. Now. 

They say the only way to find their school is when a vampire invites one. Vampires have never done that, too protective of their properties. Back then, Kongpob was confused with the kind of invitation needed, but now, as he holds the fabric Arthit gave him, he realizes Arthit has invited him. 

When he walks at the skirt of the forest, a path magically opens up for him, something he's only seen today even though he's always been at this forest since he was young. Kongpob follows the dirt pathway leading him to a grandiose castle.

"It's real," Kongpob mutters to himself.

The castle looks like it was enchanted straight from Kongpob's picture book, perfected by high towers, arch windows, and impenetrable stones. The castle's design looks quaint, but it doesn't diminish its appeal; if anything, that feature makes the castle looks more magical. It's surrounded by water with the bridge connecting the spot where Kongpob's currently stood, enthralled, to the castle's garden. 

Kongpob's sure the inside of their school looks better. Unlike other creatures' schools (since they're already modernized and influenced by humans), vampires' can retain theirs. 

For a moment, Kongpob remembers his friends' conversation and sided with Wad. It seems cool to be a vampire. With this castle alone, maybe vampires are superior. 

Kongpob shakes his head at that thought, betrayed by his brain. He continues his walk, careful with each step unless the castle isn't keen to have intruders, and this might be a trap. Arthit might have invited him to lure him and kill him after that. 

Fortunately for Kongpob, he didn't plunge on the water to his death. 

He sees Arthit in the garden by the entrance. He's on the stone bench, reading a book with his retro tinted shades. He's wearing all-black clothes tightly fitted to his body. 

Before Kongpob could open his lips for a greeting, Arthit was already looking at him. "Took you so long." 

Arthit walks up to him and snatches the fabric from Kongpob's hand. 

"You're not floating?"

The corner of Arthit's lip lifts. He's entertained. Either he's delighted at Kongpob's innocence or his stupidity, he's not sure as well. "It's a sacrifice we have to make not to be seen by other creatures. No one can use our powers here unless we're in the special rooms practicing our skills. I thought you'd know that."

So it's stupidity. 

"We are not taught things about you. The world doesn't revolve around you."