The Curse

Chapter Eleven- Back to Our Tree

I walk to the blood stand to get breakfast. I barely got any sleep yesterday...I was up late hunting the HeadMaster's breakfast early so I could get it done. Basically, the blood stand is a lemonade-stand, except less bright and inviting. It has cabinets filled with blood jars.
"Here. That will be two Iris." The waiter says as he hands me a jar of blood. An Iris is a dirty old coin with symbols on it. I have earned 10 Iris this week from the HeadMaster. And from my new...job.
Yes, it's been almost 6 months since I've first killed for the HeadMaster. If the humans fight back, perhaps cut me with a knife, it stings but quickly heals. This is a skill I've trained myself to have more of. Although, vampires already heal very quickly. Especially compared to humans' healing. I've gotten used to the fact that my eyes are golden and my hair is white. Though I still despise the HeadMaster with all my being. Speak of the devil..."The HeadMaster requests you." one of his guards say behind me. I finish my blood and with no further question, run to his gates. When they let me in and I get past his long hallways to his large doors, I prepare myself to bow with respect. I push the doors open with all my might. I see him sitting in his throne, and I bow respectfully and say, "Yes, master." Yes. I know it sounds crazy. Because he's the last person I should be respectful towards. But that's what everyone does in front of him. And, if I don't want to get punished, I better do it...
"You know, Nobara...you have grown very...let's say...loyal. Yes. But you have also grown very...let's say...BORING." he says, chuckling. What does he expect me to do? Juggle human heads or something!? "...And?" I say, grumbling. "You used to be so feisty. It's almost like you've forgotten about what your mother told you." he says, looking at his nails and giggling. That little comment really ticked me off. How could he say that after I'd done so well being respectful and holding in all my rage? Especially since he's probably the one who killed her in the first place. I suddenly think of all the times I thought those bad thoughts about Mom when I should've been mad at myself. And I never said sorry... "Awe...is someone sad?" the HeadMaster says laughing. I notice a tear has trickled down my cheek. I quickly wipe my tear and stand up trying to seem strong. "...I'm fine... " I say, my voice cracking. "Mhm." he says, sarcastically. "...Do you want to know why I've brought you through so much pain?" he asks, very simply. I really, really do. "...Yes..." I mumble. "You...are a very powerful vampire." he says. ... "And...?" I say, confused and eager to hear what he is about to say. "You have had a very tough life and you weren't supposed to make it past your 14th birthday, because the impact is so strong for a normal human to be so suddenly turned...especially by the Curse. You should have probably died. But for some reason, you are still standing here today. That means you have an unknown strength inside you." he says. "...Like your mother did." I am completely caught off guard. That's why mom was protecting me like that. So that I wouldn't go insane and suffer. So...I'm lucky to be alive...? "Listen. Your mother was born and risen up as a full hunting vampire. But she had a curiosity for humans and didn't like killing them. You only go out of control and turn into a mindless monster your first few days after being turned. Your mother was born a vampire, so she didn't have to go out of control. But when she fell in love with a human, which she was not allowed to do, she was banished. But that's when you happened. She actually married him and got pregnant...with you. As punishment, I gave her The Curse. It's the worst punishment a vampire can receive. She begged for me to let you have a normal human life. So I said that you could have a normal human life until your 14th birthday. But in order for you to remain human that long, she had to feel the pain of being out of control every birthday you had. But when you survived...after your birthday...that's when I knew you were different. So I decided to have fun with you." he says grinning. "Besides, it's practically the same as annoying your mother, accept, nowadays she didn't care whether she died as long as you were safe." I stand there, saying nothing, astonished. "Seriously? That's why you hate me!? You did all this stuff to me just for fun!?" I say, my anger rising. I clench my fists to hold back my anger. I realize I'm being disrespectful and probably giving him the reaction he wants. I calm down and say "...Sorry..." "Awe, you were just getting fun! Don't you see why it's so much fun to make you mad?" the HeadMaster says, laughing. "So why did you call me here?" I say, changing the subject. "Hmm...ah, yes. My guards have recently checked in on Kuroji--" "I said to stay away from him!" I yell, rushing to only a few feet away from him. "Ah, ah, ah! We did. We just made sure...he was doing okay. We didn't even set foot into the orphanage." he says laughing. I take a deep breath. "How...how is he...?" I ask. "He's not there." "What!?" I say back, hyperventilating. "He must've escaped. Even I don't know where he is." he says chuckling. "I have t-to find him...!" I say, panicking. "He's probably trying to find me or something!" I dash off without excuse. I run through the never-ending forest towards the orphanage. I should be asleep; it's 9 in the morning. I know I look ridiculous. I have black tattered clothes, white and brown hair, fangs, golden eyes...but I knock on the door anyway. "Yes...?" a woman says, peering through the crack in the door. And when she spots me, she immediately looks shocked and confused. "Why are you dressed like a...vampire...!?" she asks. "Listen. There was a boy here named Kuroji. Where is he?" I say, cutting to the chase, and trying not to sound scared. "Um, I actually don't know, ma'am. He had horrible injuries and as soon as he was stitched up a bit, he kind of...left. The last thing he said to me, was I have to leave! I forgot my name this morning, or something...but...why do you ask? Do you know him?" Oh, no...I bet he left because he was starting to forget. I try to think of where he might be...maybe a place that would bring back memories...? Why didn't I think of this sooner? Our Tree. I run there as fast as I can and I find a crinkled note on one of the limbs.
"Wild Rose; if you get this, I want you to know that I have to remember you and I'll do whatever it takes to. I'm sorry.
-Kuroji"
What...? What does he mean, 'I'm sorry.' What is he going to do? I don't get all this...I just hope he's okay...
I would look for him more, but unfortunately, the HeadMaster is trying to communicate with me through my mind again. I didn't excuse you, in case you were wondering. he says to me. "I know you didn't excuse me. I didn't ask for your permission." I reply aloud. I am frustrated right now, and I don't have the patience to deal with him. Ah, feisty. he says, sarcastically. "Ha. Ha. Okay, what is it?" I say. It's time for my snack, Nobara. That's your cue.