Book 2: Seven Demon's Hearts

Episode 45: Time And Space

Episode 45: T i m e  A n d  S p a c e

"Albinism." Jin sat down on the couch while the two kids took their seats in front of him. Aiko's head snapped up with shock.

"They're physically characterized and recognizable by their white hair and white skin. Their eyes may vary in color, but we know that the strongest possesses red eyes. He's the leader of their family." Pride continued, leaning against the pillar nearby.

"If you're into human mythology, then they're better known as Vampires."

"I knew I didn't just hate that girl because of the way she looked." Sera tightened her fist and looked up at Aiko. "See. Your so-called friend was one of those bastards the whole time!"

After what happened earlier, Aiko was at an all-time low with his mood. Moreover, his only friend turned out to be someone he didn't expect her to be. At this point, he didn't even want to look Sera in the face out of shame. However, the boy still had to voice his opinion.

"But she's not mean. Natella is nice."

"Natella, you say..." Jin narrowed his eyes in familiarity. "Jungkook and I don't know much about the Red Fang Assassins like V and Jimin did. After all, they were the ones that caused the whole mess with their clans to break out."

"Solmi..." Sera started, catching Jungkook's attention. "She used to tell me about an enemy that was targeting them. I don't...I don't like thinking back to my past and I can't even recall what happened to me during that time, but I remember they--" she shut her eyes tightly and took a deep breath, "they said that they wanted to kill us all. Every last one of the demon slayers. And that they were working under a demon's request. But I don't know who. My memory is blank after that."

"Thanks for sharing Sera." Jin showed his appreciation and she replied back with a small smile. Ever since she came, after the incident happened, Solmi left her in their care. In her note, she explained how Sera would sometimes have seizures and to make sure she wasn't exposed to the triggers listed. Even so, Jin had never once pressured her to explain why, and she appreciated that the most.

"That's why you asked?" Sera looked at Pride who didn't look to be in the best of moods. "You were asking if we met someone who looked strange. You were talking about Natella and her cousin, Damien?"

"Aiko, when you visited their house, how was it?" Jin suddenly brought it up, showing him the handkerchief.

"Oh, that's...Natella's." He took it, looking back at the red twin triangles.

"I'm surprised they didn't sense anything too different from you, or maybe they have." Jin shrugged. "Either way, since they've approached you two I'm sure that when I came to pick you up they've definitely sensed my presence as a demon. That could have been when their suspicions arose."

"So...I'm at fault?" Aiko looked up with his clear eyes. "I'm at fault for putting Sera in danger?"

"No one's blaming you, Aiko." Jin sighed and shook his head. "You didn't know about Natella's real identity."

"But, Uncle Jin, she was very nice to me. I didn't sense anything bad from her. And she helped me understand so many things. I can't believe she--"

"Believe it." Sera harshly interrupted him. "She's not as nice as you thought she was. From what I heard, the Red Fang Assassins are known to live out double identities due to their immortality. She's probably been a high school student for centuries now. I just can't believe I didn't sense anything from her. It's terrifying how good she is at stealth. Even at the movies, my senses didn't pick her up until she appeared in front of us."