Chapter 3A: A Lover's Vow (Pearl)

Arikado, for the first time in his immortal life was worried as he stared at the flames in the fireplace in his study. He knew that Julius had something up his sleeve but had no idea on what it was. For the past week since Soma’s visions, he would just look at the others and grinning, saying he had to go. He turned to look at the young Spaniard and noticed that he was worried too. He knew that the lad was worried for a lot of things. Discovering that he was the rebirth of a really fearful being caused Soma to walk on eggshells and exercise extreme caution when it came to his powers. Arikado understood that the lad feared his powers and he had good reason to. Soma knew that his powers were of a dark nature and that if he didn’t control them then they could control him. Arikado felt that too when he was young in his own dark gifts but managed to control them and have his powers realize that he was the one they obeyed. He had his father to help him for a brief time but Soma had no one. He knew that he had to change that but whenever he came close to the young man, they would both blush and their hearts would race. True be told he could have Julius could train him but when it came to changing into a bat, mist or wolf, Julius could not help him. The finer lines so to speak and Julius was getting odd in years. He had no heir and this made Julius, as well as everyone else, treat the last of the Belmont line as he were made of glass. All but Soma, Arikado realized. It was Saturday eve and the sun was setting, causing him to become more alert and the dark hunger was gnawing at him. He was about to rise from his seat when Julius looked at him with another grin and took a seat that was next to his own. Arikado met his gaze and had to gulp. Something was up…

“Yes Julius,” He began calmly and carefully, “How can I help you?”

“Arikado, I have the perfect idea on how to grasp Soma’s attention and win his heart for all eternity.”

“Should I be afraid to ask?” The elder half breed questioned. Julius laughed but shook his head.

“Think on this, Soma is afraid of his power…”

“Within reason.” The half breed said with a nod while sitting back in his seat. “The Power of Dominance is not to be trifled with, nor be taken lightly.”

“Aye, but he’s afraid to use it, more so than ever. When in combat with me, he won’t use it.”

“This is strange.” Arikado said in concern. “Why won’t he?”

“Kept on saying that he didn’t want to be captured and turned.” Julius said. “Does that ring any bells?”

“The nightmare he had.” Arikado said. “That’s what was bothering him. He probably foresaw something.”

“So how do we help him?”

“That is the problem Julius. There is no ‘we’ there is only me.” He said as he looked at the Hunter. “Where is Soma now?”

“In his room I think.” Julius said. “Go talk to the lad. Who knows, maybe you two will have something in common.” Arikado nodded and made his way to Soma’s room and noticed that the door was ajar. He steeled himself, pushing his unbridled desires and hunger down, walking into the room. His face blanched at what he saw…

“SOMA!” He called as he pulled the teen away from the balcony and closing the doors with a thought. The boy was asleep but tears streamed down his cheeks. He was having a nightmare and he was sleep walking. Two dangerous combinations, The half breed thought as he helped the younger man into bed. Soma was still crying but was now thrashing about. Arikado held him down and straddled him, whispering calming words into his ear. Soma stopped struggling and looked up at the other half breed, his beautiful azure blue eyes welling with unshed tears and revealing pain and heartbreak.

“Adrian…” He whispered sadly. “Let… me…go.”

“No,” The older half breed whispered. “I can’t….I won’t….”

“I am a danger here and to all. These nightmares won’t leave me in peace.”

“I know that you will not succumb to his will.” Arikado whispered fondly as he stroked the boy’s hair and wiped his tears away with gentle fingers. “Time and time again you have defied him, and I am so proud of you. Look at what you have become…”

“A FREAK!” Soma sobbed. “I’m a freak! I will never be accepted. I will never be like others my age. I will remain unchanged while others age and die. I…want…to be loved… ” Arikado looked down at the ailing young man and had to hold back his own tears. Many times Arikado had thought the same as Soma. He felt that there was no one for him. No one who wanted him for he was as a person. Or so he thought. He had his mother, he had Sonya but there were long gone from the Earth. Soma was like him, immortal and would never die. He would never age…They had the same power, the same goals and desires. Only thing was that Soma was afraid that he would not be able to overcome his fear.

“Soma you are not a freak. You are a very kind, very loving person. You are also very strong willed. You do what you think is right. You don’t back down easily nor do you give up. You fight for those you care for…”

“Adrian, he called me. He told me to go to him.”

“No do not listen to him.” The half breed said as he eased his grip on Soma’s arms. “You can’t leave…”

“Why not?”

“Think of those whose hearts would be broken if you left.” Arikado said. “Mina’s, Yoko’s, Julius’, Hammer’s, mine….” His eyes widened at that and looked away. Soma ceased his struggling and looked at the older man. He couldn’t believe his ears.

“Adrian?”

“Soma..I…” He began but Soma placed a finger onto his lips to silence him. Arikado looked down at the silver haired beauty under him and blushed when Soma’s soft lips touched his. His heart felt that it would rip from his chest for it was going at an inhuman speed. He responded eagerly, deepening this kiss and allowed Soma to lay back and him on top, his own dark locks providing a curtain for them as they kissed again. He felt Soma’s hands run through his hair and down his back lovingly. Arikado broke their kiss and looked at the other man.

“Soma….”

“Adrian, stay with me tonight…please.” He pleaded. Arikado nodded and as he took Soma into his embrace, willed the lights to turn off and the door to lock. He didn’t want Soma disturbed and upset and he dared anyone challenge him. He looked down at the sleeping younger man and smiled.

Sleep my angel. I promise you peaceful sleep and no one will harm you, I swear it. With that he placed a gentle kiss onto Soma’s forehead and he too, joined him in sleep.