Three days passed. Three days since the encounter with the strange man and his left hand, Eiko. A young woman with wavy raven black hair locks bouncing with every step she takes. The darkness of strands seemed richer in contrast to a white stainless silk shirt tucked in black pants. The only other color besides black and white was on her lips. This brown nude lipstick was one of her favorite. Nothing too extravagant. More of a classy look. Even that guy behind the lock and steel bars of his prison threw her a compliment about her lips looking "supa dupa tempting". His laughter ended quickly when the tray with his mare food was thrown to his face, leaving Eiko with a big grin on her face. But unfortunately for her, that did not stop Rin from continuing his childish play. So things didn't exactly start on a good foot.

She had to bring him food three times per day. It was not on her free will to do that. It was a command. To which she just hissed but still carried on her duties. The temptation to put poison in his food or just "accidentally" forget to bring his food kept getting stronger and stronger.

Her steps stopped in front of the cell where she found the prisoner laying on his back on the floor. His hands behind his head, eyes closed, mouth slightly parted. His chest slowly moved as the boy inhaled and exhaled.

"Prick" Eiko hissed under her breath.

Eiko was around 150 years old by now. Never in her immortal life, meeting all kinds of people over centuries, never had she encountered such a person who managed to piss her off in the first 5 minutes of the meeting. And yet...this man ...Eiko shook her head. Her fingers tightened around the tray which she was carrying. She became curious about something that she couldn't put her finger on. Her body moved, using a small amount of vampire magic. With a blink of an eye, she appeared on the other side of the bars.

No smirking, no jokes, no sarcasm or sassiness coming from Rin. This is the first time seeing him calm. As for a male human, he was handsome, but then he opens his mouth. All this endless teasing. And from where?

Eiko squatted down, placing the tray next to her but at the same time keeping her gaze on the boy's face. But then her eyes caught two silver tags resting on his chest. Her fingers carefully reached for one of them.

"Yagami Rin...blood group A positive...no preference" she whispered the words on the tag. Her thumb brushing every word as it was read.

"You know in the fairy tales, a kiss usually wakes someone up."

The girl got a little startled, taking her hand away from the tag as it burned her. Their eyes met, hers being like blades and his filled with cockiness. Wicked would also suit the description. And just like that, the whole illusions of peace had disappeared with Rin's grin. But Eiko pulled herself together fast, putting that emotionless, rock-hard face on her.

"The last time when I checked, a good slap across one' face is efficient way as well"

"You and violence just can't keep apart, right?" Rin sat up on the floor and leaned his back against the wall.

"From what I have seen, you and idiocy do the same?"

"If you believe in that, it means I'm a great actor" Rin ran his finger through his hair.

"Anyone can waste their breath with empty words while actions show the opposite"

"Well then, this emptiness in my mouth must be filled" Rin rubbed his palms together, ready to consume whatever food this time he gets.

"You...I'm not occupying your mouth" she almost sounded panicked. The sudden rush of blood to Eiko's cheeks painted them smooth red. As if that flow broke her stone face letting out deep emotions to show up such as embarrassment. The boy tightly pressed his lips in an effort not to smile despite the huge urge to do so.

"Don't you dare throw one of those remarks of yours" she hissed at him like Rin was a child being scolded by a kindergarten teacher.

"Yes, gate master"

"Are you mocking me?" her voice got a pitch higher. Rin shifted a little bit closer to Eiko, making her cross her arms.

"Hey, the only person who should be offended here is me. First of all, I've been kidnapped with a high chance of all this fiasco turn out to be a TV show. Second, even if this is real, I'm the one being mocked because I'm not a bloodsucking vampire. But then again, I'm being mocked for the possibility of turning into one. Now, this? This is insolence" he leaned forward to reach a cup with water which was on a tray next to Eikos' legs.

The vampires' mouth was slightly open as she watched the prisoner take a big gulp of water. This was unbelievable and outrageous. How this man could let himself say such things. No matter how many times he was told that he's in no place to be a commentator. How is he still able to babble?

"I can't tell whether your serious or not?" she hissed through her teeth.

"Oh, having a hard time reading people?" Rin raised his eyebrow in fake concern.

"No, I just failed to explain that your whining is below average intellectual matters"

But this only made Rin grin. This time Eiko couldn't help herself but smile back. Finally, a slight tingle in her eyes. Like a spark showing that even though her heart does not beat but surely her soul is alive.

"Is this the most of sincerity you can bring?" Rin has not broken eye contact.

"Shou-"

"I will take it." Rin interrupted her before she could finish.

"Just eat your food" Eiko hissed through her teeth and got on her feet. Rin raised his hands in defeat and reach for not-so-great-looking bread. But the meal is a meal and to keep his strength, he needs all the energy he can get. Eiko took two steps before stopping in place and shooting Rin a glare.

" For your information, I do not have difficulties reading humans"

Rin stopped in the midway of taking a bite and looked up at the young woman. He smiled in surprise. As in a victory of something that he couldn't completely understand. Or maybe it's amusing because he was able to get under her skin...at least a little bit. She was saddened. Madden by something he told at one point. Rin decided to take this entertainment just like food, it might be not the best, but good enough.

"It's nice of you for clearing this out because I started doubting your skills" he placed the slice of bread back on a plate and with a huff stood up, now facing a slightly shorter girl "Well then, astonish me with your deduction skills"

"As if there's a lot to read" Eiko mumbled under her breath. She folded her arms and with a bored expression looked at Rin. She kept silent as if she was challenging him into a staring contest.

" Well?" Rin asked. But the only response he got from Eiko was a head tilt and rose of eyebrows indicating the question 'what?'. Does she know that two can play this game? Rin gave her half of a smile and mirrored her body langue.

"Prick" she hissed.

"Debatable"

"A man-child"

"But lovable"

"Skull full of idiotic ideas and overdose of self-esteem"

"Wow, Eiko, we do have something in common" Rin said with a slight bitterness in his voice.

"Did I touch a nerve?" a victorious smile appeared across her face.

"I will let you have this one. But not golden-star-worthy"

"I'm not looking for your approval, nor do I care what your opinion is. I'm here to do my job and keeping you a company is not involved" with a blink of an eye Eiko transported herself to the other side of the bars.

"And does your job involve getting beaten the shit out of you by your boss?" Rin lazily turned his head towards her. It was the look on his face that made the girl freeze on the spot for the first time. Eiko's eyes got slightly bigger in surprise, but no matter the attempt to hide the questioning gaze, Rin was able to see through her walls. He had seen her barely visible limping, with make-up-covered bruises, a painful expression when she made a faster turn or movement with her arm. But her wounds heal fast. He knew that. In the morning she had some dry blood and a hint of a scar near the forehead but at lunchtime, it looked like the scar never was there.

"Your imagination has no limits" Eiko snorted.

"It's the only type of freedom that I have left in this place" he sat down in front of his dinner

"Does that supposed to make me feel pity for you" Eiko could hear the shiver in her voice?

"I wouldn't mind it" the boy brought back his devilish smile.

"Imbecile"

"You're just saying that because you are angry with me and not because it's firmly based fact"

"Well, of course, I'm angry!" she yelled.

She was furious. For many years held cry of frustration was climbing up her throat looking for the escape, her body looking for a way to relieve the pain. A shiver ran down her spine. One after another. It wasn't anger but a cry for help that her body tried to call for. Rin's eyes never left hers. His muscles tensed up, prepared to jump. A response to something in the air. Eiko took a deep breath in and woke up from the trans-like state. Confused, she looked back at the boy who seemed to have questions.

"I should go" a whisper escaped from her lips.

During my stay at the hospital, I found that chess play is now more like a therapy rather than a game. And it is a way better activity than just hanging around in the ward or just laying on the bed looking at the ceiling, thinking how's this situation is a result of my life's choices.

With all this alone time, I can't help but overthink the situation I'm in. The hospital, my mental health, my family, Ayato. Not to mention a new member of all this chaos in my head. Regular nightmares, that's sure a nice touch.

"Yagami?"

What scares me the most, that those visions feel...real as if those dark, long nails, coming out of the mist and smokes scratches my skin so deep that when I wake up, my hand reaches for those places where burning wounds should be and at that moment all I can think of 'Am I okay?'.

"Kaya?"

I lifted my eyes just to meet the doctor's slightly concerned look fixed on me. I blinked a couple of times feeling the burn in my own eyes which is probably from the lack of sleep.

"Yes?... I'm sorry" a sigh escaped my mouth "The last night's sleep was terrible and they don't give me enough coffee for fixing this"

"They don't give it to you for a reason" there was a hint of anger in the doctor's voice.

"One does not simply work without coffee," I said hoping he would get Lord of the Rings reference.

He lowered his eyes to the chess figures and made a move and with that, he completely ruined my so planned strategy of victory. As it almost reflected how he was capable to see me through and know that my health is not getting better.

But I am drinking powders made by Reiji. I know that boy is clever as hell. If he can create a drug that makes me think that I'm a cat then there will be no trouble for him to fix my stomach. Easy the breezy the seventh grade. Sure, I lost a couple of pounds, and I have to drink all those nutrition drinks and stuff...but people go through way worse things. My body might be exhausted but I still have a strong mind. Well...

"You're quieter than usual" the doctor pointed out.

"Really? I feel the same"

"Interesting"

"Well I don't like to brag but thanks...wait, what is that supposed to mean?"

"That it's your turn" he leaned back in a chair.

I tried to focus on my five left pieces on a chessboard and visualize every move which he can do. But a headache made it difficult for me to focus on a game. Like a whisper trying to beat its way through a wall.

A cold sweat spread through my body. My throat got dry, not even my saliva helped to relieve this sour taste in my mouth.

"Maybe we should end for today?" The doctor said.

"What?"

He gave me a faint smile as he started to pick up pieces and put them in a blue velvet bag.

"You need to rest, Yagami? Your mind might say one thing but your body calls for a break"

"But-" I was about to start a protest even tho his arguments would beat me.

"It's okay to take a break," he said in a soft, comforting voice.

I pressed my lips into a thin line. It's hard to admit to myself but I do need to stop pushing my body to its limits. I do try to get out of the hospital as much as possible, just for a walk in the yard. And when I'm not allowed to go outside, I try to exercise in my ward or just spend my time somewhere else. But for how long I'll keep doing this? I can't sleep, I can't eat.

After that night when Ayato left, I started to feel like not myself. Every smell and sound, even the smallest one, started to irritate me. At night I usually wake at least four times because of the nightmares. Nevertheless, my stomach pains increased to the point that Reiji had to switch pounders formula. To my luck, the new ones that I get are more efficient than the previous ones. At least one good thing.

But I think my problems are becoming more mental than physical. And I'm not sure if I'm going mad?

The doctor locked the chessboard and pushed it to the side but still stayed in his seat in front of me.

"Are you sure there is nothing you want to tell me?"

For a moment I hesitated if I should let the cat out of the bag. And anyway, what I would tell him, that something is wrong but I'm not certain what's the problem, so try to figure it out from this abstract context?

"The medical name for a butt crack is intergluteal clef"

The doctor blinked confused.

"I just learned that yesterday" I added

"Sphenopalatine ganglion neuralgia"

"What does it mean?"

"Ice cream headache in Latin"

This cracked me up. I couldn't help myself but smile and laugh at this no matter how stupid it seemed. Not to mention, it's been a while since I ...laughed.

"I will have that in my mind" I gave a small but genual smile to the doctor.

"As long as you still have an interest in something" he grabbed the white coat and stood up. "Then I guess we're done for now. I wish you a good day" he did a small head bow as he said goodbye.

"Thanks, you as well" I waved.

For a few moments, I was just sitting at the table staring blankly at the chessboard, before I finally cleaned it up and headed back to my ward.

I gave a small wave to a nurse as I passed by a reception table.

"How are you feeling this evening?" the nurse asked me.

She was the same nurse who entered my ward the moment I woke up at the hospital. Since then, she was the one who came to take blood examples, give me my medication, and stuff like that.

I stopped in my track and smiled at her.

"Truthfully, it's not that bad. Probably the lack of sleep is the main problem but apart from that, I'm okay" I hugged myself feeling a little chill going down my body.

"Well, I'm glad to hear you're feeling alright. Just please watch yourself and don't overdo it"

"Can't promise but I shall try"

The nurse giggled and went back to her paperwork. And I could not wait to lay in my bed with a thought that maybe this night I will fall into a deep slumber from the exhaustion of not getting rest for over five days.

As soon as I turned around, an unclear mumble came from behind. At first, I thought that was a nurse trying to tell me something but as I turned around she was still looking down at her desk.

"Did you say something?"

She looked up confused at me.

"No"

"Oh, sorry, I need to get some sleep" I laughed nervously.

It's just my mind playing tricks on me as always.

The sound of crushing dry leaves under my bare feet broke this dead silence with every step I take. I don't know this place, this rare forest. Barefoot I walked through this place, looking up into the night sky. I gasped when my eyes saw a magnificent construction of stars. Unnatural would suit to describe. The stars drew a path in the sky. A beautiful scar across the face of the darkness. It ended on the horizon looking like a smoke of stardust rising up and up.

I could feel a pull towards that direction and without a second thought, my body moved. So ancient as forgotten stories.

Not even going further into the forest didn't help me to recognize my surroundings. I have never seen mountains in the far distance, nevertheless this "Milkyway" across the night sky. I was hoping that somewhere deep in subconsciousness I would remember. But I couldn't even tho...it felt... like home. A place where I can truly breathe.

And then I heard it. A high-pitched whistling, echoing through the sky. Above the trees, black shadowy wings flew along the track of stars.

It was an eagle.

He made a few circles before landing on one of the branches, not so far away from me. His bright purple eyes daggered me from above. I should be scared I said to myself at the same time noticing unusually huge claws which could smash that brach in no second.

But the aura was different. Welcoming.

The same moment I took a step towards him, his massive wings flapped and shoot himself in the air, making leaves below him scatter in all the direction.

My gaze never left the eagle's body all his way along the path of stars. I was hypnotized by his presents, by the way, those purple eyes welcomed me to this place.

Was it a call for me?

...to come back?

The dream drifted away and brought me back to reality. Strangely it would become a faint memory but it was still clear as day when I woke up.

Back to reality, back to this hospital bed. At least for a moment, I could feel some sort of freedom. The more days I pass here, the more it feels like I'm a lab-rabbit. Daily medical tests and no results would lead to the way of finding out what could have caused me that incident back at the mansion. I admit, at first, I was terrified, concerned, left in the dark with my condition. But something inside me kept whispering that this can be controlled. There is a way, but it's not in this place. But sometimes my mind would be occupied with more recent events. The majority of the time I would be thinking about Ayato and what happened between us.

We never actually talked about us. Nor he wouldn't bother himself with such a topic. But I still wonder, did it mean something for him...and me? Was it just two souls looking for the closeness and a touch of flesh, rush of adrenalin, something that would make them feel more alive.

I thought that when I will admit my feeling to Ayato, the weight will be lifted off my shoulders. But I was wrong. So wrong. It's just got heavier. I wish I could talk to him. I wish he would say what he thinks of this. Because I'm afraid that this was not sincere. And for that, I hate this al situation more and more.

We both opened a new chapter in our books. He is leaving who knows where and I'm locked in a white box.

"Hmm" I pause my thoughts.

'You wanna me to say it?'

'Say what?'

'Three words. One-night stand...or does it count as two?'

"What" I jumped out of my bed "No it wasn't. I didn't do this just for sex because I never had any. And I sure felt something for him. I even went to tell Reiji I was going insane."

'Feelings shmeelings'

'Yes. Feeling. How else would you explain'

'Hormones'

"Oh suck it"

Talking to myself never really helped. Come to think of I might know who could help me. The doctor. Even tho he's a vampire, he has a gift to find the right words for any occasion.

The next day, I was sitting in the same spot where the doctor played chess for a bit. And as expected I met him coming to work that day.

"Yagami, good day" he gave me a slight head bow.

Clumsily I stood up from my seat. My hands were a bit shaking. I felt nervous seeking his help. Isn't it funny? The first time when I met I was certain he was about to open up my skull right there, in the middle of the ballroom. He was the nightmare in my dreams. The skillful and bright professor whose passion has no limitation and is ready to take his experiment up to the next level.

But after talking to him more, it just made me realize he's one of his kind on who I could probably rely on in the future. Even the fact that he's a real demon, doesn't change the peaceful vibe that he gives out.

"Good morning. Sooooo... I was wondering" I scratched the back of my head. "is it possible to extend the number of those specialized therapy sessions..?"

"I'm amazed" the doctor smiled "Finally admitting to one problem"

"I wish I could be as excited as you about my problems" I sighed.

And he showed me to his office.

The doctor's office was small but looking convenient. The white wall gave a more spacious feeling. In front of his desk were placed two cushioned chairs. In one of which I got myself comfortable. He placed his suitcase next to the desk and sat down as well. What caught my eye was how neat is his desk. Every pencil, book, paper sheet, a pin had its place. I can't describe it any other way but that is some Pinterest shit on fire.

"As per usual, we are going to start by you telling me what seems to be a problem" he opened a binder with a blank page on which it seemed he wrote down today's date.

"Well, how to start this?"

"Tell me what are you feeling right now"

"...sadness" I looked down.

"What do you think makes you sad?" he leaned back in his chair.

"Probably too many things added up. I feel weak...yeah..., I feel weak. Ummm. I feel that I'm not controlling my life anymore, or just less, I guess." I started picking my nails.

I thought of Ayato. That he might be the right person, but at the wrong time. Just the thought made my heartache.

And I hate this. I hate that all these feelings overlap with each other. Making it more difficult to sort them out and approach each problem one by one.

"I hate my feelings overlap. I can't have a break from my emotions."

"Can you give me an example?" he said calmly.

"I guess that when I think that I got hold of one emotion, the other overtakes. Like sometimes I feel there's something dark inside of me. And I start feeling anxious whether it will be controlled or it will destroy me. But when I'm not thinking of it. I start thinking about how I might have lost a chance... with...someone" I fell silent.

The doctor kept quiet as well, giving me time to sort out what I want to say next. I started to think that this is what I need. I need someone to listen to me. To make me feel like I can break out of some sort of isolation...

"And I don't understand what is happening. Afraid of the unknown. Afraid of losing..." I took my time to find the right word. "...freedom"

The doctor did not say or write anything down. He straightened his back and leaned on his elbows a little forward me.

"Out of all vocabulary, I wouldn't think that you using the word "afraid" is a correct choice" He smiled.

I was a bit shocked how he just went straightforward without any intro. I was expecting some sort of intro. Like a comforting word or letting me dip my feet one by one in the lake of therapy. The man just went for it and I'm not hating it.

"I know that we haven't got a chance to dig deeper finding the roots of your unusual behavior which was my first interest. But taking you, as a whole, in the context of named problems which can be recognized as depression, anxiety, and stress. I do strongly believe that you battle, instead of being afraid of suffering."

'Well goddamn'

I was left in a slight shock. This sounded encouraging but at the same time, a bit dissing...? Although he did speak the language that I understand. I was getting the point.

"Damn doc, you just throw in the lake of therapy"

"If this was a too inappropriate approach we can change the model of-"

"Oh don't worry, I can swim" I waved my hand.

It's peculiar how a few words could make my day. But I did understand what the doctor was trying to say. It's as worse as much I would let myself be beaten by these emotions. I try to avoid and ignore it, I lost the sense of battle. I guess this is a good start. I could tell from his eyes that he knew what I was thinking.

I gave a faint smile to the doctor. And I could see a little pride in his eyes. And he should be proud of himself. Three sentences and I feel better. God, prise this man's supernatural talents. But there was still something on my mind considering Ayato's situation...

"While we're on the 'unknown' topic...Iiiiii need a bit of relationship advice" I bit my lip bit from embarrassment.

"I do believe that we talked about this...Rudolf person situation. And if you can recall I do not specialize in this area" the doctor rubbed his temple which reminded me of a certain vampire back in the mansion.

"Yes I do remember that but you see...Rudolf is a vampire...Ayato his name" his name escape as a whisper from my lips "and he's vampire, you're a vampire" my hand moved with every word "so what is up with relationship maintaining in your world" I clapped my hands.

So I explained to the doctor the situation. I told him about the conversation between Ayato and me, a bit of backstory, and just an idea of the events on the day before Ayato had to leave.

"To summarize, I'm not sure if there was a clear closure about our relationship"

The doctor was leaning back in his chair with not that enthusiastic facial expression. He sighed.

"You can let go of these relationship questions?"

"Nope" I shook my head.

"Very well. My answer is: vampires don't do closure. It's either A or B" the doctor interlocked his fingers.

Now I was totally lost. What is A and what is B?

"Okayy...I don't get it" I shrugged my shoulders.

"And I did not get a degree in relationship psychology"

'Ha, good one'

"Sigh, vampires" I exhaled "Can't live with them, can't live without them" I filled my arms.

"Whether Ayato would be a vampire, Vibora, Wolf or Adler, all demons have the similar morals and ethics understanding which includes a relationship with a partner unwrapping."

"Vibora what?" I tilted my head.

"Vibora" the doctor repeated himself "The snake clan" he added trying to clear it out.

"Sorry still have no clue"

"This might be because the vampire race took the majority of the lands in the demon world and has a bigger influence compared to other races. Vibora or Snake clan in the past officially was vampire clan allies. At this time no one can say how much of alliance is left there. Although you never know with Karl Heinz he can make a big influence. And also that Viboras territories are quite close to vampires. "

"How about the other two Wolfs and Adler?" I asked.

"They did not develop as well as vampire or snake clans. But as much as I know Wolf clan still possesses the forest territories. And Adler is also known as eagles. Their clan roams in the mountains located north in the demon world"

"I did not know that. That there is more than one demon race"

"A long time ago it was one demon race which was broke into more branches based on abilities and developed characteristics"

"I see"

The doctor stood up from his chair and walked to the door.

"As much as I am pleased to proceed with a therapy session with you, but I have other duties to attend," he said while opening the door.

"Of course, I understand" I rose from my seat and walked toward the open door "Thank you again for your help"

"I do understand that the result is not in 100 satisfying but small steps toward the aim" he gave a small smile.

"Yes, small steps" I smiled back and took my leave.