Blood Lust

Chapter 21

"The hunters just think we are returning to grab essential items," Tobirama explained as they all headed up the mountain. "They can't know we are going back to find information about my birth."

"They don't seem that bothered over Hashirama being a vampire," Madara remarked. "Why would they care if you were half of one?"

Tobirama grimaced, "Our family is a long line of notable vampire hunters. If they discovered that my mother bore a vampire child, who knows what they'd do or think. I don't even know if our father realized it. Hashirama's scandal has already done enough damage, so I'd surely be the straw that broke the camel's back."

Hashirama flashed a glare towards his brother, but couldn't say anything because he knew he was right. Their family had a well-known reputation. Their father slayed many gruesome vampires before his demise. He was one of the best hunters and trained Hashirama and his siblings fiercely. Even their mother was a strong huntress. Very few women held the bloodline and participated in the profession, but she was one that rivaled many of the men. It seemed unlikely that she would mingle with a vampire, given her status. Hashirama even had the horrendous thought that she may have been forced against her will.

However, Hashirama recalled a story that his mother had told him once when he was a teenager. She explained that one of her closest comrades---a man---had been transformed and went on vicious killing-spree in a village. Hashirama remembered that she said she watched him transform and it was his father that had slayed him because she was too in shock. There was no specific time-line that she gave, but Hashirama wondered if they had been more than just comrades after discovering Tobirama's truth.

"We should just focus on getting to the castle safely," Hashirama muttered. "Izuna is probably waiting for a chance like this."

Madara leaned close to Tobirama's ear, keeping his voice low from Hashirama's earshot.

"I'm not usually one to whore out a family member, but maybe you should try appeasing my brother," Madara chuckled. "He'd likely forget all about us."

Tobirama's cheeks turned bright red at the insinuation.

"I'm not going to sleep with a vampire," Tobirama muttered, cheeks still flushed.

"Don't forget that you are one," Madara laughed.

Hashirama snapped his head around. "What are you two whispering about?"

Madara rushed to his side and gently caressed his chin with a cheeky smile. "Oh, nothing, my darling Hashirama."

Tobirama let out an audible gag at their affection. He still struggled to get used to that part of their relationship.

After a long while of trudging up the mountain, they barely made it inside the castle before daylight. The state of the castle left them all speechless. Furniture was destroyed and turned over. Books were strewn about. Rooms were left disheveled and ruined. It was a horrifying mess.

"My castle!" Madara screeched, nearly in tears. "What happened to my castle!"

"We can just clean it up after we rest!" Hashirama tried to assured him.

"It'll take weeks!" Madara groaned.

Tobirama kept to himself, quietly sifting through the mess of books. He was focused on figuring out his own problems rather than the mess. An oddly placed book struck his attention amongst the chaos and he delicately picked it up. It appeared old and worn with a title that read "Immortal Creatures of the Night." He opened the book to start reading and a piece of paper slid out of it.

He unfolded it and held his breath as he read it.

You won't find what you're looking for in these books. Head east into the forest and you'll find me in the last house. I'll enlighten you on everything you want to know. Come alone.