Stirring up the Exorcists (4)

Chapter 17: Stirring up the Exorcists (4)

Carl looked down at his hand where the blood parasite had once resided just moments ago. He flexed his fingers, feeling the remnants of its presence lingering within him and in an instant the wound on his finger closed in a monstrous manner. 

Deep down he was beyond satisfied with the progress of the events, he couldn't help but get excited about the Blood Parasite and his future harvest. On the surface, he sighed deeply, turning to look at Jeanne giving her the impression that his past action was a 'last resort'.

Her eyes were wide with disbelief, her lips quivering as she tried to process everything that had happened. 

"I-I can't believe..." she stammered, her voice trailing off.

"You must be terrified," Carl replied softly, his voice filled with empathy. "But I promise you, Jeanne, you're safe with me."

Jeanne nodded numbly, her eyes darting nervously around the room. "Can we just sit down... somewhere?" she mumbled faintly.

Carl helped Jeanne settle down on the couch, sitting beside her.

His hand gently brushed her shoulder, sending waves of comfort throughout her body. "Hey, it's going to be okay," he murmured, his voice soothing. "I'm here for you."

Jeanne exhaled heavily, her eyes scanning the dimly lit living room. The tension in the air seemed palpable, thick and heavy, weighing down on her shoulders. "What was that thing that came out of your hand?" she asked quietly, her voice barely audible.

She stared at his hand, her mind racing with questions.

Carl expected that she would front him such a question, but he remained silent for a while, his gaze following her expression as if gauging her mental state. Was she ready to learn about his Blood Magic? 

He ran his hand through his onyx hair, taking a deep breath, and decided to break the ice by sharing small bits of the truth. "One of my Blood Creations was meant to keep track of that asshole. Mhmm, think of it like a tagging given to offenders."

"What about this small one?" asked Jeanne while taking the small blood spider from around her neck, as if it nestled around there.

Carl's eyes followed Jeanne's as she reached for the small blood spider nestled around her neck, his expression softening with a hint of surprise. He watched as she delicately plucked it from its perch, her fingers trembling slightly as she examined it.

"That one is a bit different," Carl explained gently, his voice calm. "It's a sort of... protector, you could say. A Creature born from my Blood Magic. I placed it on you just in case something like the incident with that piece of shit wouldn't happen."

Touching the blood spider with her index finger, watching it curiously with a fond expression, Jeanne got curious about Carl's Vampiric Abilities and in general about Vampires as real beings not just fictional characters. She continued to ask him energetically, trying to fact check what was fictional and real.

To Carl, it felt like a curious, cute little girl throwing questions left and right to a Teacher, and he only revealed as much as he wanted.

In such a manner, he spends the remainder of the day with Jeanne, talking, relaxing, and comforting her. He abstains himself from having sex with her, afterall, he wasn't a monkey in heat 24/7 and could respect certain boundaries. 

Changing the subject from the ones related to Blood Magic and the supernatural, even if Jeanne was a bit reluctant to stop just there, he asked her about how she met trash like Richard in an attempt to lighten the mood changing the subject.

"How did you meet that piece of shit Richard?" Carl suggested, trying to lighten the mood, while also reaching out to touch her knee and giving her comfort.

"Oh, that?" Jeanne chuckled bitterly, shaking her head. "We met at a charity event," she recounted, her voice trailing off. "He invited me to dinner, and somehow, my blind eyes got fooled by his fake charm. At first, he seemed sweet and charming, but little did I know that he was just manipulating me."

Jeanne sighed deeply, her face twisting into a grimace.

Carl listened intently, his gaze never wavering from Jeanne's face. He knew all too well the heartache caused by betrayal in his first life, and he empathized with her pain. "Well, I guess now you know better," he said softly, offering her a reassuring smile.

"You deserve better than that scumbag. And hey, I'm glad you actually called me."

Jeanne nodded, feeling grateful for Carl's presence. His comforting words were like a warm blanket wrapping around her wounded soul. "Thanks, Carl," she whispered, her voice quivering. "For everything."

Carl reached over and took her hand, lacing their fingers together. "Anytime, Jeanne," he replied, squeezing her hand gently.

"So how about we do something to take our minds off that jerk? What do you want to do? We could watch a movie or maybe play some videogames. Or if you prefer, we could order pizza and eat in bed."

Jeanne laughed softly, feeling relief wash over her. "Oh my, to think a Vampire would actually know what a videogame is. Aren't you quite old?"

"Old? Oh no, my dear, I think we're about the same age? But, I'll keep that part as my secret. What do you say? Want to relieve your stress by beating this Immortal Vampire at your game of choice?"

"Hehh, really now? Aren't you afraid of losing?"

"I don't know. Maybe. Just a little bit. Still, I would rather watch a Movie."

"Mhm, I'd love to watch a movie with you."

Carl grinned wickedly, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Great! Let's see if we can find a good horror flick. Nothing too scary, though. I've seen enough blood today. Maybe we will go for something with Exorcists?"

"Why Exorcists? Are you by chance afraid of them?"

Carl chuckled at Jeanne's attempt at probing him, and he doubled down on her own fear of "horror" by proposing, crossing his fingers. "If you aren't frightened by religious figures and demonic entities."

"Oh, that sounds fun!" Jeanne responded pouting a little since he kind of avoided her teasing remark. "I haven't watched anything like that in ages. Do you think we can find anything online?"

Carl took the tv remote and began looking into her Smart TV settings, noticing she had 'Netflix' on it. Going on the lists of available movies, he was shocked to see some movies that would be released later down the timeline of movies. Yet, he kept this surprise for himself as he entered the list of Horror Movies.

'Some I know about, other's not much… Ohh, this one sounds similar to 'Nun'. Hey Mister, do you want to see your motherland on that TV screen?'

[You mean what exactly? I don't know what this 'movie' you two kids were talking about.]

'...How to give you an analogy that someone like you would understand. Right, Shakespeare. Mister, do you know what a Play is? Like when two or multiple people recite a story or poem?'

[Sure. It was one of the entertainment of the Nobles.]

'Well, rejoice. We'll be entertained, but in its modern form.'

"Crucifixion?" his eyes gleaming with interest as he continued to add. "The reviews are okay, the movie is supposed to be so-so. Supposed to be terrifying."

"Can you handle it, missy?"

"That sounds perfect!" Jeanne exclaimed, clapping her hands excitedly.

Before proceeding, Carl used his Blood Magic to take some bags of popcorn and throw them into the microwave, while also checking her fridge to see cans of beer.

She saw the stream of crimson mana protruding out from his body and traveling to the kitchen, and instead of acting scared she began viewing it natural, afterall, she was with a Vampire.

"I'll excuse myself with some Beer. The popcorn is also ready. Let's get started, then!"

With a wave of his hand, Carl magically turned off the lights, leaving only the faint glow of the television screen illuminating the room. The two of them snuggled up on the sofa, huddled close together under a cozy blanket.

"Do you want popcorn?" Carl offered, raising an eyebrow suggestively. "Or we could try Netflix and chill?"

Jeanne's eyes widened, before flashing an embarrassed look. "Netflix and chill? Are you looking for something risqué?"

Carl chuckled, his laughter echoing through the quiet room. "If you're interested in the risqué version, I'm always game," he winked.

Jeanne blushed, her cheeks turning a vibrant shade of pink. "Um, I guess I'd prefer the popcorn," she stammered, her voice betraying her nervousness. 

"Just... just kidding! Of course, let's watch the movie." Carl laughed heartily, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Alright, fine! Popcorn it is." He raised his hand, and within moments, a bowl overflowing with freshly popped kernels appeared in mid-air. 

He expertly maneuvered it onto the coffee table, ensuring it landed without spilling, as he did the same for the can of bear that appeared in his left hand. "Well, what do you think?" he teased, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

Jeanne eyed the bowl warily, unsure whether to accept his offer. "It looks delicious," she finally conceded, her voice softening. "Thanks."

He chuckled, his laughter filling the room with warmth. "No problem, babe." Carl lifted the remote control from the coffee table, clicking it to begin the Movie.

And so the movie began. The Crucifixion. An unsettling tale of possession, exorcism, and the struggle between good and evil. Along the entirety of the movie, Carl began questioning if this 'Possession' was even worthed from the perspective of the Devils as he knew it in Highschool DxD verse. 

The High-Class Devils could walk undisturbed in the Human World, then came the issue of the Stray Devils. Maybe those were the cause of the possessions in the Human World, or of Evil Spirits that tried to reclaim corporeal form.

Was the Agares House in Hell stood so low to possess a Romanian Nun? Unlikely. At least in such a reality where all sorts of supernatural beings existed based in all Mythologies and Legends of the World.

'The jumpscare scenes weren't even that scary. What the heck were those reviewers smoking by giving this movie a good review? Anyway, what do you think, old man? Seeing your homeland on the screen?'

[Nostalgic. Even the Strigoi Festival brings back memories. I killed too many Demons and Devils in that period the Festival would take place.]

'... And you call me a maniac?'

While Carl and Nosferatu had their discussion over the movie, with the former acting like a prick over the movie for not being as good as the others told, it didn't mean the movie didn't have its intended purpose.

Whenever a jumpscare scene would happen, Jeanne would act like a scared little girl. Carl couldn't help but chuckle at Jeanne's reactions, finding her adorable as she got scared by something that didn't even manage to make his heartbeat increase. 

He could sense Jeanne's apprehension, her heart racing in her chest as she clutched onto his arm for comfort, then later with the climax of the movie where the exorcism of the female protagonist was on, she leaned into him, seeking solace in his embrace as she watched the horrors unfold on the screen. 

As the credits rolled, Carl and Jeanne nestled deeper into the cushions, their bodies still buzzing with adrenaline.

"Wow, that was a bit scary," Jeanne murmured, her voice shaking slightly, causing Carl to chuckle lightly, as he held her hand, "I must admit, I didn't expect you to squeeze my hand so tightly," he teased, his voice thick with amusement.

Jeanne cast him a sideways glance, her eyes shimmering with amusement. "Well, I thought I needed to hold on to something to prevent myself from leaping into your arms." 

Carl grinned broadly, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Ah, come on, don't tell me you're already falling for me. It's only been a few hours!"

Jeanne's cheeks flushed, her embarrassment apparent. "You're the one who suddenly confessed to me that you're a Vampire. That alone made me jump on my seat," Jeanne retorted, her voice quivering slightly. "You can't blame me for getting a bit scared."

Carl shrugged casually, his eyes glinting with mirth. "Fair point, fair point. Besides, I'm enjoying the intimacy."

Jeanne studied Carl's face, his features illuminated by the soft glow of the television.

Her gaze wandered over his angular jawline, high cheekbones, and expressive eyes. There was something ethereal about him, a blend of danger and mystery. She couldn't help but wonder about his past, what experiences had shaped him into the man he was today.

"I'm sorry if I freaked you out earlier with that piece of shit. I'm usually not that hot-blooded, but he was begging for it." Carl said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Jeanne shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of his apology bearing down on her. "No, it's fine," she assured him, her voice strained. "I'd probably be a complete wreck right now if I hadn't spent some time with you."

Carl glanced at her, but didn't say anything, instead kept a slight grin on his handsome face. The memory of their earlier confrontation reminded him to check on the progress of the Blood Parasite, and he could sense that Richard was already suffering from pain.

Holding back his expression from turning malicious as he enjoyed seeing his suffering, it was the blonde beauty by his side that brought him back on the 'Set' with an interesting question, nonetheless.

"You know, I've always wondered how Vampires manage to live amongst humans," Jeanne mused. "It's not easy, hiding your true nature. Don't you ever get tired of pretending?"

Looking back into Krassius' memories, and contemplating it with the information he had from Highschool DxD regarding Vampires. It was a tricky one to say the least.

Carl glanced at her, his gaze thoughtful, as he admitted. "We remain in the shadows, letting the humans forget about our existence. We're the predator species to the humans who are akin to cattle from the perspective of Vampires."

Jeanne's brow furrowed in thought as she processed his words, her eyes searching his face for understanding. "Am I that in your eyes?" she asked softly, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Carl's expression softened, his gaze gentle as he reached out to gently brush her cheek. "No, I enjoy your company. If I was like the other conservative Vampires, I would have sucked you dry and moved on from target to target. However, looking for another point, I suppose it's a necessary evil by keeping the human population in control?"

"Yet we're outnumbered by a lot, so this is why most Vampires tend to restrict their contact with Humans, since they tend to fear things they don't understand. If they knew about us in a Mainstream idea, they might rise up in rebellion."

As they sat together, lost in their own thoughts, Jeanne couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps the vampires were the victims of today's society, forced to hide in the shadows and travel in a world that feared and misunderstood them. And in Carl, she had found a glimpse of humanity amidst the darkness, a reminder that not all vampires were monsters as they were portrayed in the media.