Sixth Bloodline [BxB]

CHAPTER 25: BLOOD CONTRACT [LET ME GET MY BOOK OF DEBTS...]

THE MORE Mikhael continued to bite Ethan out of frustration, the more the fun the later had. Although he did anger Mikhael on more than one occasions, Mikhael didn't really try to show his dissatisfaction and only sulked in a corner and threw Ethan some glares - perhaps it's because he unconsciously feared Ethan's retaliation after learning of his identity.

So although Ethan felt like he was close with Mikhael, he also understood that there was some kind of psychical barrier separating the two.

But now... Well, although Ethan got retaliation he wanted, rather than be edgy and intimidating, Mikhael seemed rather... Cute.

The more Ethan stared, the more he liked what he saw, so without hesitation, he got on top of Mikhael once again. Mikhael also didn't wear anything since he just left the bathroom before drawing those talismans. Ethan wasn't a Saint, how could he say "no" to such blunt invitation?

"You! We just did it!" Mikhael protested. What did he do now to provoke this fiend!?

"We did, but seeing you so energetic, I thought that we can go after another round," Ethan shamelessly replied. It's all Mikhael's fault for being cute.

"But we just showered!" Well, Mikhael took a bath, but still.

"We can always do it again, it's not like I'm so poor that I can't afford hot water."

"..."

That's not the point here!

"And look, aren't you also eager?" Mikhael followed Ethan's gaze down there.

Fuck! That's not Mikhael! It's all Ethan's fault!

Regarding this matter, it all began with Ethan and Mikhael drinking blood.

Although Blood Partners can be considered as a more serious relationship with vampires, it's not like it can't be broken or anything. Mikhael also had few Blood Partners in the past, and if he had to use human terms to explain that relationship... It's like dating. You only drink blood from a single person until you two chose to part ways — break up, or continue to live forever together.

So even though Mikhael knew that he and Ethan were Blood Partners, he didn't put much weight on it and still planned his escape.

So if there is something not-so serious like Blood Partnership, there must be something absolute similar to marriage, right?

But unlike humans, once vampires chose this step, there was no divorce in their world — only by death of other party could one be freed.

Blood Contract.

Two vampires who chose to live forever together — rarely did it involve humans, since their vampire partners would simply change them, because humans can't afford to take out their heart blood normally and survive — would take out their heart blood, mix it together and then share it like nuptial wine.

Of course, they can't just mix it together and be done, there's a special spell on the cup, usually made by a spell-caster or witch (it can also be purchased cheaply on the black market too) to make it effective, then speak of wows — which did not hold much of a meaning other than making the ceremony more romantic.

Then they'd just drink that blood and it's done. Of course, it required a special spell on the cup because of what Blood Contract actually entails. Unlike the books where there exist soul-mates who can hear the thoughts of each other, real world isn't as convenient.

But under the effect of Blood Contact, one could, more or less feel what other party is feeling at the moment. It would be like having two hearts, the second would ache if something bad happened to the other party, or they'd feel warm and light if the other party was sad and etc. Naturally, they'd feel pain like their own heart died if the other party was harmed, so it did have a magical effect on vampires.

To vampires who can't afford to be by their partner's side all the time, this was a perfect way to let them know other's state.

But it's not something vampires would do on a whim, ah!

Even Dominique courted Amelia for almost a century before choosing to settle down — Mikhael also encouraged him to do what he wants back then and not worry about complications or other people's opinion.

Mikhael just happened to pull out a random cup from his void when he saw Ethan's bloodied hand, not willing to let a single drop go to waste. But now that he looked at it better, wasn't that the same cup he used when forcing that stupid Pope to wed those two evildoers back then?

'f**k! I should've thrown that s**t out once I was done with the ceremony!'

And he should've told Ethan that it was his own blood, not that of some random half-blood, dammit!

Ethan also knew about the Blood Contract, of course — but he only saw this blood as something nutritional to Mikhael and a good snack, as long as the half-blood whose blood was taken didn't drink that blood too, everything would be fine. So Ethan went and made sure they dealt with the last drop, in case by some miracle that drop ended up with that half-blood.

Anything could happen, really.

But how could Ethan possibly know what this brat secretly thought and did?

As of that "eagerness" Ethan pointed to... It's naturally because Mikhael felt Ethan's lust almost like it's his own. It would take him some time to learn to differ between his and Ethan's feelings.

The only good thing is that due to Mikhael's current state, Ethan couldn't feel anything so he didn't suspect anything either.

And so Ethan kept Mikhael busy for a tad bit longer. The two black talismans that would be considered priceless to anyone else were thrown away at some random corner of the room to collect dust.

This time Mikhael learnt his lesson as he brought his clothes with him and left the bathroom fully dressed. Unfortunately, he still only had those black emo clothes to which Ethan only sighed before making a mental reminder to buy him new ones later.

"So, what should you do with those?" Ethan asked, holding those two talismans.

"For you," Mikhael threw back before he rummaged through dresser to find a hairdryer. He already knew this room like it was his own and wasn't shy to use it either. Since there was a plug in next to the bed, Mikhael just climbed on it before turning it on.

"Me?" Ethan raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure you want to give me something as valuable as those things?"

Mikhael rolled his eyes.

"I'd be troubled if you die, so keep them for your protection. If you use them moderately, they should be able to last you a millennium, at least."

Ethan stood up before coming next to Mikhael and taking the hairdryer from his hands. The two precious black talismans were left alone once again — what an irresponsible owner!

Mikhael didn't protest as Ethan began to gently dry his hair, and enjoyed this privilege only he had. Since Ethan bothered him all the time, Mikhael didn't have time to dye his hair so it was still silver as other vampires, but since Ethan found his hair — which was once cut by Cera using a kitchen knife — unbearable, he went ahead and trimmed it for another three inches.

It is was enough if Mikhael wanted to pull it into a little ponytail.

Going through the wet silver hair, Ethan carefully used his fingers to undo the little knots that could be found in Mikhael's hair, and by the time he was done with everything — the silver hair looked so soft and neat like he used a comb to deal with it.

One needs to know that Mikhael didn't comb it at all before coming to dry it off.

"There," Ethan let him off before proceeding to dry his own hair. Compared to Mikhael's, it was much neater and easier to dry despite being longer.

Mikhael only took that time to steal some of Ethan's socks because he had none. It doesn't matter if he lived for eight centuries, losing his socks was already a second nature to Mikhael.

"The two talismans can only be used by you," he began, he was so comfortable while Ethan dried his hair that he couldn't bother explaining then, "Just a simple "equip" or something should be enough to use them, since you do have some mana, you just need to pour it into talismans. It's the same feeling as when you're summoning your familiars, only you focus on the talismans rather than your blood."

Mikhael was sure that Ethan had few of his familiars being the Pureblood and all.

"Just that?" Ethan asked, though he wasn't really focused on it. He did believe that he could deal with his enemies with his own power, but he couldn't quite disregard former's concern.

"Yes. I estimate that its power should let you go at an speed that will allow you to cross the entire Eden within a single second. It would probably even send a mountain flying in the space if you kick it strong enough."

"..."

Alright, Ethan underestimated Mikhael's skill in making powerful stuff. Even though he doubted that he'll ever kick a mountain in the space and that the talisman has that much of a power, he still noted it down.

He probably won't even have to use those talismans, but he won't reject Mikhael's kindness.

"Then, thank you," Ethan said as he dried his hair. Turning the hairdryer off, he beckoned to Mikhael who walked next to him before tilting his head in confusion. Taking his hand which had the black tracker on, Ethan took a little key with rectangular top before inserting it into a thin line in the middle of the tracker. One second later, the tracker unclasped from Mikhael's wrist and fell on the ground.

"..."

'Just like that?'

"I trust you," was all Ethan said as he put those two talismans within his own void and heading towards the doors. Mikhael who was momentarily in a daze cleared his head immediately and followed behind. Since he had this connection with Ethan, he was sure that the later really meant every word he said.

'Damn you! How am I supposed to escape when you're so nice?'

What a jerk, he was certainly doing it on purpose.

What neither Mikhael nor Ethan expected was that, by the time the two came downstairs, the number of their guests only increased.

Amelia finally stopped trying to kill Dominique who in turn sat alone sulking — he and the half-blood under him were only partners in name. In fact, the later worked as his secretary and was also the man — which didn't really matter since it's Dominique we're talking about, so...

Anyway, in front of him stood a man harshly reprimanding him, yet Dominique didn't dare to say a single word in protest. Mikhael glanced at him curiously, the guy was your average build, wore average clothes and even had an average face. He was exactly the type of person you'd miss in a crowd — like an extra in the background only being there to fill in the numbers.

If not for him loudly berating Dominique, Mikhael would've failed to notice him too.

He assumed that this guy was the half-blood associated with Dominique. In fact, Dominique spoke the truth. The other guy really wasn't together with him and in fact — he worked like his secretary if nothing else. And if one had to say who was the scarier person in that relationship, then it's the other guy, not Dominique.

But then again, Dominique is the person who only knew to make trouble or sleep around, so unless the other party had the personality capable of subduing him, then he'd be like a potent danger no one could stop.

Like Amelia, Dominique's feelings for her were real, so despite being able to fight with her equally, he wouldn't dare else she avoided him for the rest of her life as revenge. And when he wanted to act willful and do something bad, she'd beat him up instead.

If she was softhearted, then who knows what would that calamity star do.

"Six years! For whole six f*****g years you did absolutely nothing!" Anyway, back to this half-blood yelling at him, "Not only did you NOT do your work, you even disappeared without a trace and didn't leave any instructions for me or others!"

"...Well, you see, I—"

"Don't well me, you bastard! Forget about being absolutely useless as always, but what is this I heard about your marriage! Why didn't you say anything?"

Dominique coughed, "It's fine, it's fine. It's already been ten years, so—"

"Ten f*****g years and you said absolutely nothing? There's a limit as to how irresponsible can you be! I quit this f*****g job!"

"..."

Well, if Mikhael had to take care of Dominique all this time, he would've quit on the first day, forget about now.

As if sensing Mikhael's contempt, Dominique turned his head his way before his eyes gleamed and lips curled into a merciless grin.

"Him! Yes, he's the one responsible for me skipping on my duties!"

"...?"

Mikhael sighed, since the other party wanted to bury their camaraderie so much, he'll help by adding him a shovel.

Following Dominique's finger, Diana and Jonathan both turned away from this drama and glanced at Mikhael, followed by two other pairs of eyes in the room. The guy only turned to Mikhael with dangerous glare before he noticed Ethan by his side and managed to stop what he's about to say.

Mikhael only raised his hands in defeat before defending himself.

"Don't look at me like that. You should know by now what kind of a person this guy really is and that he's using me right now just to get away from this mess."

"..."

True — the later thought, Dominique is really that kind of person.

"As if! Do you remember that one time in London when you helped me escape my bodyguards and then helped me hide for entire year?" His eyes said it all — try and escape from this if you can.

Mikhael couldn't understand, how come this i***t never learned his lesson?

The other guy naturally shifted his gaze at Mikhael once again wanting to hear the answer as well.

"Wait a moment," Mikhael rummaged through his void once again before pulling a thick book out of it. If it's something he needs, Mikhael won't have it, but he certainly won't lack this kind of unnecessary stuff.

Even Ethan curiously glanced at what's on the cover, but then his eye began to twitch uncomfortably.

"Record of Dominique's debts III: [May 2013 - April 2134]" — was boldly written on top of it. Seeing the two inches thick book, Ethan suddenly felt weird, especially when he realized that there's two more books like this.

"Let's see, London and an entire year later, should be around the end of the 21st century..." He seriously began to look through second half of the book while Ethan looked at his brother in bigger contempt the more he saw.

"Let's see, Paris, Milano, Tokyo, Seoul... London, here! August the 8th, he borrowed 2.000$ and never returned them to me. Next day, went to a hostel for a week straight, lost his wallet and Amelia's birthday gift because of some other women 9emphasis on womEn), made me help him find another — never said thanks... Not that, a bit later."

"..."

"A week later borrowed another 20.000$ from me to use in casino, lost everything then snapped AND destroyed the casino later. I paid another million to fix the damage, never got them back... Pissed off some conglomerate's son by flirting with his fiancée... Had to help him clear up the mess later... Became wanted by police, then some suspicious— here it is. Some suspicious group of vampires came along with few Nobles, Dominique said that it's because he was fighting with another Noble for territory, the later embezzled his everything and now wanted to silence him, so I helped him escape."

"That night in London?"

"...Why do you have that?" Mikhael chose to ignore him and continue reading.

"Since his life was in danger, he asked me to help him hide for a while. I let him live in my house on Madagascar (125 million net worth) which he later successfully burned down — reasons are still unknown. Borrowed him one of my credit cards for that year since his was frozen, completely emptied six hundred millions for in that time, still haven't returned them either."

The more others heard, the more they felt contempt for Dominique as well. Especially Amelia who took out her guns and put them on her lap once she heard that he lost her present because he went to a brothel.

"By the way, it's been around forty years since then, so you owe me around 24.6 billion dollars with interest, I'll delete those 6 since we're good friends, alright?"

"..."

"Ah, right I forgot. Friends wouldn't frame each other, so how about I finally calculate your debts from previous two centuries as well?"

"Mikhael, my dear good brother. I was wrong!"

"I loved that house, though. Do you know how much I had to pay bank because of that? And because you f*****g managed to burn over hundred acres of forest behind it?! I had to write countless letters and apologies, then give away my money, what a good brother you are!" Mikhael gnashed his teeth in anger.

He even turned the book around and showed countless receipts attached to the next page that made everyone's expression weird.

Ethan then turned to him surprised.

"You're actually rich?"

"... Can be said so," his net worth was in hundreds of billions — if one didn't include his valuable talismans and collections of unusual magical stuff. Don't underestimate eight centuries of hard work! One can't even begin to imagine the gold and historical pieces Mikhael collected as a pirate.

"And you ask me to buy you things?" Ethan even gave him his credit card, Mikhael used to buy food. Other than being able to pay with blood, money was the core of Eden too!

To that question, Mikhael threw him a look full of contempt — 'So what if I do, I always want more!'

Ethan chose to avoid this i***t — 'Whatever.'

He wasn't any poorer than Mikhael, and if giving him money will make him happy, then he'll gladly do it.

"Mi-Mikhael, don't be like this, it's not that bad and..."

"Excuse me! Not that bad???" Mikhael gnashed his teeth in anger once again.

"Well, I'll pay you back, so..."

"You motherfucker, you still owe me money from three centuries ago, when will you pay it back?"

Everyone's eyes went from one to another person.

"It's not that much money. I was better back then, right? I mean, I—"

"Do you remember who helped you pay for the damage when you destroyed Notre dame's left wing, you motherfucker! I was the one church chased because of you!"

"..."

So it was Dominique who did it. There was situation with Notredame being partially destroyed twice, and while people knew the first time included something with people fighting, the culprits were never found.

"Ah, you had your connections, so it was easy for you to solve it..."

'f**k!'

Mikhael couldn't hold back anymore as he came to him, grabbed his shirt and began to angrily shake him.

"You motherfucker! Connections, my ass! Because I had to use those connections to save your ass under MY name, I had to work my ass for fifteen years! Fifteen years with no pay, no leave at all, unable to refuse any mission that came my way! While you, a f*****g Pureblood didn't use your own connections to get out of that mass! Do you know where that old fart sent me for those fifteen years! Antarctica! I worked my ass off on Antarctica with only penguins and polar bears accompanying me to save your ass, and this is how you return your favors???"

"..."

There's something really weird with this information.

"Weren't you there just to excavate mammoth or something?"

"..."

There was something really wrong with that information too.

"It was just a side hobby, since I was poor and mammoth bones sold for good money," Mikhael was once a treasure hunter for life, ah.

"..."

This too.

"I did come to help you dig it out, though. I didn't get any money from that."

"..."

"Of course you didn't, because you only watched on side with penguins, you useless Casanova!"

The more they heard, the more they steered away from Dominique. Even that guy moved away when he realized that his problems with Dominique were just because he had to do his job instead. While Mikhael...

He moved and picked up the book from the ground and checked some things he randomly found, his eyes almost bulged out of their sockets.

"Mikhael, was it? May I borrow this book of yours for a while?" What a good weapon it is!

Mikhael turned to him with a frown.

"Who are you?"

He didn't know anything other than what he heard right now.

"Leonard Wilhelm," he presented himself, "You can consider me to be... Dominique's babysitter. I'm willing to offer any price for this book and naturally, I'll make sure he pays back all his debts." Mikhael did keep various CPU's inside as well.

"Price..." Mikhael frowned. There's nothing he really wanted right now, and if his guess was right, the only person with power to tell at this guy should either be a half-blood working with him or the First Pureblood. But this guy said he'll quit working for him, so he can't be the later.

The other also understood that Mikhael would realize his identity, but he still offered to do whatever other wanted nonetheless.

"Make him suffer. I'll add first two editions as bonus if you make that last for at least a century," he didn't hesitate to get two more equally thick books to that one and hand them over to this guy.

He then got closer to him before whispering in his ear.

"If he refuses to cooperate, then just threaten to say some of those things inside to his wife. Although this elegant woman sipping on coffee looks like an angel, she's usually swiping floor with Dominique in her free time."

"Mikhael, you traitor!'

Although Amelia couldn't hear his whispers, she was already reloading her guns because of what she previously heard. And others in this room naturally had superior hearing, so they caught everything despite Mikhael whispering.

Ethan immediately pulled him away from Leonard, not liking the closeness between Mikhael and other guy.

"Behave," he only warned as Mikhael rolled his eyes. He felt elated that he'll finally get his money back. As expected, letting loans accumulate with Dominique rather than ask for money at the beginning and make him stop rely on Mikhael was a good idea.

At that moment, they were interrupted by one of two newcomers on the side.

"So, now that we settled down business with second brother, I assume that you're our little sixth's Blood Partner?"

Mikhael turned to him but when he saw his face, he couldn't help but look at him weirdly.

Why isn't that the guy he and Dominique snuck out to spy on back then?

The Fourth Pureblood.