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

15. Saving Gévaudan

~Narrator POV~

After Athanasia had made her promise to Jeanne, the young witch made her way to Vanitas and Noé, who were back. Noé knelt in front of the unconscious Jean-Jacques and tried to wake him up. They had not noticed her, which she used to at least hit Vanitas on the head from behind. ,,Ow! What was that for?" he grumbled. Athanasia crossed her arms and literally pierced him with her gaze. ,,While you were away, I took care of Jeanne. The whole thing with the vampire queen really took its toll on her. So let's put an end to all this crap now!" she said in the most serious way Vanitas and Noé had ever seen the blue-haired girl. ,,Why do you care so much about how Jeanne is doing?" Vanitas asked, not understanding. ,,For personal reasons, okay? If you don't want to do anything, then give me your damn book and I'll do it myself!''

Noé looked uncertainly back and forth between the two, while Vanitas looked at Athanasia speechless. ,,What, you really think it didn't occur to me that I could use the book too?" Athanasia asked. ,,No... But you have no idea how it works! '' ,,Then explain it to me.'' ,,No.'' ,,Why not?!'' ,,Because it's too dangerous for you. One mistake and something could happen to Chloé.'' Frustrated, Athanasia stopped arguing. Vanitas put his hand on her head again and gave her a small smile. ,,Don't worry, we'll save her.'' ,,Got it...'' she mumbled and looked to the side, blushing.

Vanitas himself also seemed to blush, as he had carelessly made a promise. After all, he had promised to fulfill Athanasia's wishes back then. What she and Noé hadn't expected, however, was that Vanitas took the unconscious Jean-Jacques by the collar and gave him a few slaps. ,,Open your eyes, or whatever your name is!'' ,,Please, Vanitas, he's been injured.'' Noé said. Jean-Jacques finally seemed to regain consciousness. ,,Finally awake? There's no time, so I'll only say this once. Chloé s'Apchier's vengeance failed. I need The Book of Vanitas if you want to save her! Tell me where it is!'' Vanitas said. 

Suddenly Athanasia flinched as she felt an immense bloodlust. ,,Uhm... Guys...'' she began as she saw Astolfo align himself. That was really bad now. Johann and Dante also arrived in the great hall. ,,Dante!" shouted Vanitas. ,,Quack! You mind explaining what the hell--'' ,,Help me find my book!'' ,,Huh?!'' ,,Behind you! Second floor, sixth shelf! The Book of Vanitas is there! Find it, quick! Otherwise, we'll all be trapped forever in the closed world that Chloé d'Apchier created!'' ,,Very well! We'll help you for now!'' Johann nodded.  

,,Vanitas? What ware you looking for?'' asked Noé, who was supporting Jean-Jacques, while the small group stood in front of the machine. ,,Got it! Hey, can you get this thing working?'' ,,What?'' ,,If you know how, do it now!'' ,,A-All right.'' replied Jean-Jacques. ,,What are you up to?'' asked Athanasia. ,,I will do exactly what Chloé d'Apchier did. She is starting to merge with the closed world she created. If we don't act quickly, there will be no target for a reverse operation. I must stabilize her existence.'' Vanitas explained. Jean-Jacques pulled the lever on the machine but nothing happened. ,,That's strange. This should activate it. Could it be broken?'' ,,Is the engine's core made of astermite?!'' ,,It is, but... I believe it's a special kind. Chloé called it divine tearstone.''