Reborn as Vampire of the Blue Moon [OC x Vanitas]

13. Chloé d'Apchier

~Narrator POV~

The group was still walking through the snowy forest towards the castle. There was a tense atmosphere between them. Athanasia kept glancing at Jeanne, who seemed nervous. She herself was also nervous, as Noé was still missing. And Vanitas... he was rushing the group to no end. 

,,How much do you know about the House d'Apchier?'' asked Dante Vanitas. ,,Only what was in the dossier you gave me. Their family line died out in the aftermath of the Beast's rampage.'' ,,Yeah, but there's more. The d'Apchiers were conducting research on the World Formula, even though the Church forbade it. Their work producted the Alteration Engine, a device for altering the World Formula. That's is what gave ride to the Beast if Gévaudan.'' ,,So the question is what should or can be done? Is that why both vampires and humans are so interested in this?'' Vanitas asked. ,,Most likely.'' ,,So, where did you hear all this? Whose orders are you acting under?'' Dante sighed and looked ahead. ,,Sir Francis Varney, aka the Clockwork Fiend Marquis Machina.'' 

,,I see.'' ,,Marquis Machina tasked me with getting you two involved in this, no doubt because you are members of the Blue Moon Clan.'' Dante explained. Athanasia flinched when she was mentioned. How did this marquis know about her? Vanitas also seemed surprised that she was mentioned. ,,He also wants to know whether the Alteration Engine really exists. And if possible, I'm to find it and bring it to him.'' Vanitas' gaze seemed to become more serious. The blue haired witch started to get nervous. Had she been too conspicuous in some way? Or had Dominique and Luca given something away? Suddenly, a ray of light rose up in the distance. ,,What the hell's that light?!'' Dante gasped. 

,,A trespasser? Forget about trespassers. Find the Beast now!''

What was going on now? Not far from the group were the soldiers from yesterday who had actually been killed by the beast. ,,What the devil's this? We saw the Beast slaughter them yesterday! What the hell's happening?!'' ,,I think I understand. It's a time loop. And I know the malnomen. This is a closed world created by a curse-bearer.'' Vanitas said. ,,Chloé...'' Jeanne mumbled next to Athanasia. Suddenly Jeanne launched herself with her gauntlet and catapulted into the air towards the castle. ,,Jeanne!" shouted Athanasia. She quickly grabbed Vanitas and did the same as Jeanne, only she used a crystal Rose to shoot them both up. ,,Wow! Your Roses are really useful.'' Vanitas remarked smiling. ,,Shut up! I'm trying to make a safe landing.'' Unfortunately, they didn't land where Jeanne was, but at least they were at the castle.

,,Now then, where could that fool be?'' Vanitas pondered. ,,Do you think Noé is all right?" asked Athanasia. ,,The idiot has probably gotten himself into trouble again or doesn't realize his situation,'' Vanitas said gruffly. ,,So he's in danger?!'' she said worried, pacing back and forth. ,,This is my fault, I should have gone looking for him after I brought you to that lodge...'' she muttered guilty. Vanitas, realizing where her thoughts were drifting, stopped her by putting his hands on her shoulders. ,,Calm down, nothing will have happened to him. His sturdy body has always saved him so far.'' ,,You think so?" she asked with hope. Vanitas nodded and patted her head.