Pokémon: Vampire Princess*

Chapter 7: Shift*

I didn't feel right sleeping in this house. I hardly knew the people here, and I feel like a burden for taking someone else's food without a fee of being here when they're taking care of me. I can live without the food for now until I find a way to leave with Xavier's permission. I know it might sound a bit silly to wait for someone to come home when I can just leave, but I'm not going to just ditch someone after they took care of me for so long.

I can't say the same for Layla. Even if she was in charge of bringing me food since I won't take the other maids' blood, she still took care of me in her own ways. She cleaned my room and gave me my food without bothering to talk to me like the others tried too. Of course, I noticed her from day one when she served me and last when I found her when I came back to my room, and even if I hated that I had to leave her, I don't think she would have wanted me to cry over her like I've been doing for the longest.

I decided just to stay awake the entire time until Xavier comes home so that way I can give him his bed, and I can sleep on the floor, or just tell him I'll be on my way. He'll probably search for me if I left, but it's not like I'm brave enough to take on the world without having someone standing in front of me.

I have no idea where I'm going with this... Deep in my heart, I long to have a friend who would protect me and never judge me. Xavier may be that friend I desire... but I'm getting way in too over my head. The most I can give him is my knowledge and gratitude. He wouldn't want some disgrace of a half-breed dragging him down...

As the night went by, I sat on the floor with the window curtains open to let in the moonlight while I sat in front of a large body mirror leaning against the wall, staring at my reflection. Not only was this good for me to see behind my back so I can hide when Xavier's mom comes in, but it gave me the chance to show me what I look like finally... and may I just say... It's pretty gross.

My hair color looked odd with my skin tone. I was nearly as pale as a piece of paper, and the caramel color of my hair made me look like I was covered in dirt. My lips had an odd dark color to them, my teeth were yellow and small with tiny fangs a young vampire would bear, and my eyes looked back at me like I was a freak... Nothing about my body matched with anything. I hated looking at myself, but I couldn't help but admire how much love mom had to not have me killed and gift me a friendship I've wanted for so long, but Dedenne died before I had the chance to tell him that having him by my side was the most soothing feeling I've ever had since living in that castle...

I looked up at the moon in the sky, looking down at me with its bright light. It was so beautiful to look at in person... I finally got to see the outside world, and it's so beautiful. I can't even believe that it holds such conflict and wars...

It's the sad reality... and if I'm not careful, I can get caught up in it. The last thing I need is to go into another hell hole. Right now, I'm between my worse nightmare and my dreams... for now, I'm just safe in this home with two humans who are vampire hunters. Yeah... that sounds safe.

The two people who opened their homes to me are very kind. I'm very grateful that I get to stay here until I can get back on my feet, but I'm not sure if I even know how to start walking into a new life.

Someone came up the stairs while I was staring at the moon. I knew it wasn't Xavier, due to working a night shift. I knew it was his mom walking up with something warm and sweet.

"I'd figured you'd still be awake" I looked back at my reflection, not all that concerned if she sees the color of my eyes since the room was dark, but I kept my hair in my face so I'd feel more comfortable about being looked at.

"I couldn't sleep..." I said.

"With all that sleep you had before, I don't blame you for not being tired" she placed a cup of something softly steaming beside me before sitting on the bed to look at the moon. I picked up the cup to smell and found it quite pleasant.