Mother loves thee

Haru was in deep concentration as she cut Vladimir's hair short. Once done, she gently combed it to make sure it would not cover his face again. Fortunately, she was used to bringing children's clothes whenever she visited the orphanage in her previous life, hence, she also brought a simple shirt and shorts for the kid. It was a bit loose for his size, but it would do for now.

She turned him around and was satisfied with her masterpiece. "You are really outstanding, just like your mother," she nonchalantly praised both of them which made the child giggled warmly.

She brushed the tip of his nose with hers. "Vlad, from now on, I don't want you to eat rats and anything dirty. Your mother is not rich, but I will work so I can buy you food and clothes. Do you have anything that you wish to eat?"

"Vladimir has only eaten raw flesh of animals and drank blood. I heard from the scary men that my kind is called vampire and I must only consume blood." The child naively explained.

"Oh, so I was right that you are a demon instead of a creature in Atlantis. I heard from Adis that vampires in this world are like endangered species and normally dwell in Umbra. But why are you here?" Haru mumbled while pondering. "Anyway, mother has brought food as well. Let's try if you will have an appetite for it. I will ask my boyfriend for more information on how to take care of someone like you." She added as she prepared the food on the table.

Vladimir blinked then tilted his head in curiosity. "Mother, what is the meaning of boyfriend? Is it a legendary creature or a pet?"

Haru giggled at his cute question. "No, Vlad, boyfriend means a lover or a beloved." She tried to explain in simple words but she realized that it's too early for him to know such a thing. "A-anyhow, you will learn more about it as you grow up. Here, have a taste of this omelet."

Vlad eagerly sat on her lap as she fed him. As soon as the omelet touched his tongue, his eyes sparkled in happiness as the different flavors he didn't know how to describe spread inside his mouth. He carefully chewed the food before swallowing it. The sides of his eyes stung and a bit wet. "Mother, this is my first time tasting something like this, but it makes me happy while it's inside my mouth. C-can I have more, please?"

She was relieved to know that he could eat normal food as it would be easier for her to nourish his body faster. "You can eat as much as you want. It's all yours. Tomorrow, I will bring you more."

Vladimir ate the food with his hands, ignoring the utensils at the side. She sighed inwardly as she made a mental note to teach the boy how to use a spoon and a fork some other time, as well as how to read and write. He seemed to be a smart child and she wouldn't want for his talent to just go to waste.

After their meal, Haru decided to sit in front of the shabby fireplace to get to know more of the child as she waited for Adis to pick her up. She would introduce Vladimir to Adis and suggest to bring him with them for a while until the Demon King could find the child's new home.

However, before they could even sit on the cold floor, a loud commotion outside caught her attention. "Are your ghost friends having some fanfare outside?" She asked as she creased her elegant eyebrows.

Vladimir shook his head gently. "No, mother, my ghost friends are all gathered around us. They are excited to listen to your story."

She laughed awkwardly as she rubbed her arms to calm her nerves, totally glad that she couldn't see the creepy scene he was describing.

The noise outside became louder and closer. Then, both mother and child got startled when someone was suddenly banging at the door. Vladimir instantly hid behind her while his small body was trembling in fear.

Haru narrowed her eyes as she yelled out. "Who's there? What do you want?"

A deep and guttural voice answered from the other side of the door. "Are you the monster dwelling in this place? You must have eaten the creature who came to take the mission, huh? Come out here, you evil spawn!"

The scowl on her face deepened as she shielded Vladimir with her own body. "There is no monster here. It's just a poor mother and a child, so leave at once!"

The commotion suddenly died down and Haru heaved a loud sigh in relief. However, before she could finally relax, the door was blown to smithereens and almost threw them off balance by the strong gust of wind.

"Aahh! What the hell?!" Haru screamed as she hugged Vladimir's body while bending down on the ground.

At the door, two centaurs used their mighty hooves to kick the wooden door, causing an explosion from the unrestrained force. Behind them were several mercenaries, including Pier, that braved the mountain foothill, hoping to put an end to the powerful monster with their combined forces.

"Eh? I never thought that the monster was a frail-looking woman," Krabez exclaimed in surprise while looking down at the two bundles on the floor.

The other centaur slapped the back of Krabez's head as he grumpily rebuked. "Dumbass, the monster is the child while the maiden must be the babysitter you stupidly sent to this dangerous mission. I didn't expect that a lady would willingly accept this kind of quest. Good thing we came on time before the monster even sink its teeth to its victim."

Vladimir's eyes gradually changed color when he heard the hurtful remark. "You're wrong! I will never hurt my mother! Please take your words back. I don't want to be left alone again!" He loudly cried out in fear that Haru might believe them and leave him.

Veins of various colors were simultaneously showing on his skin and his tiny fangs were slowly protruding from his lips, unknowingly snarling at the intruders. His body was being enveloped by dark and murderous aura. Before he could stop it, his malevolent force was already out of control.

The two centaurs trembled and instantly backed off from the suffocating energy being emitted by the boy.

Someone from the crowd shriek in terror. "Ahhh! The demon is going on a rampage again! Everyone ruuuunnn!"

Almost all the mercenaries ran away for their lives except for the two centaurs and few veteran warriors from the guild, including Pier.

Pier's eyes bulged out as he stood at the door in dazed. "Haru? Why are you here? Did I not tell you to stay away from dangerous demons?" When he recovered from his shock, he charged forward to get her out of the house, but he was instantly blown away by the dark energy. "Haru, run away, now!"

Haru's face instantly flushed and felt nauseous from being closely exposed to malicious aura. Her skin was burning as though it would melt from her bones. She wheezed at the sudden lack of oxygen while blood started to trickle from her ears and mouth.

'Ah, so this is how it's like if Adis will not restrain his energy around me,' she thought while her consciousness was gradually fading.

Despite her struggle to stay awake, she still crawled towards the crying little boy. She could see her skin crackle and burn as she reached for Vladimir's face and softly stroke it. With great difficulty, she whispered a song to pacify his unstable emotion.

'Hush now, my child

I will rock you to sleep.

Fear not, my darling

I will be right here.'

The crowd was utterly stunned when the vicious energy was steadily decreasing. Haru enveloped Vladimir's body with her trembling arms as she continued to lull him.

'I will chase you nightmares

So you can be free.

Please be happy

Cause mother loves thee.'

The place fell in dead silence as the demon child finally calmed down. Muffled sob of the boy echoed throughout the house, poking the fierce warriors' hearts.

"I'm sorry, mother, Vladimir didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry... I'm sorry. Please punish Vladimir for being bad." The boy sobbed hysterically while his face was buried in Haru's bosom.

Haru's body was now full of severe burns and cuts but she still refused to let go of the child. She was afraid that if she let him go, the intruders would take him and she won't see him again. In her mind, she was calling out Adis' name for help.

While her whole body was shaking in pain and her mind was in haze, she heard faint noises from behind as someone from the outside shouted in panic. "Quickly make way, the three great Kings have arrived."