Chapter 1: Arrival Of The Vampire

Chapter 1: Arrival Of The Vampire

This is Japan, I left France to come here. There are so many people in Tokyo! But the smell of so many human beings makes me thirst for their blood.

Now, I can suppress this urge, but who was it? Who was the one who said that Japanese people won't make you thirst because they don't have body odor?

I relearned Japanese back in France.

The Japan I had known was from the period known as the Warring States. I arrived here then with a missionary. There were many samurai and they had Japanese swords at their side. I used to go hawking with Nobunaga Oda, the reigning warlord, but he left this world, his castle along with him.

Japan has changed so much since then. The language that the samurai spoke in those days is no longer used.

Japan is also popular in France. Many people want to travel here because of manga and anime. Well, I'm also one of them. I love Japanese manga and anime!

And I also want to see with my own eyes how Japan has changed since then. Its economic development has been remarkable since its defeat in World War II. Europe has changed a lot too. We used to eat our meals by hand, but now we eat with a fork and knife.

Who am I to know such things?

I am an immortal vampire. Yes, I am what is called a vampire.

Did they ever exist, you ask?

We do. I'm here.

First, I have to find a place to live. I'll be living in a hotel for a while... The apartment that my friend gave me to use was also his feeding ground, so I'm uncomfortable with it.

I guess people in this country don't care about appearances. Maybe it's a national trait.

Oh well.

I went to a hotel, Tokyo Station Hotels, which was recommended by my friend. I check in and drop off my luggage. Let's go!

To a place called Shibuya!

The cabs are so nice. I get out of one and walk. So this is the Shibuya Crossing! I often see this place in anime. I'm an otaku, after all!

I'm a little excited, but there are so many people...

Getting a little bit human-sick, I crouch down after crossing the intersection.

"Um, are you all right?"

It was a Japanese woman who approached me.

"You don't look so good. You're swaying. Did you get disoriented because of the crowd? There are a lot of people here. Would you like to go to a nearby caf? Or would you like to come to my clinic nearby? I'm a practicing doctor."

The girls came back and we ate hamburgers together.

"Come to think of it, Marcus-san, your Japanese is very good," observes the woman at the reception desk, who they called Riko.

"I've been to Japan before."

*It was the Warring States period, though. I had a sly smile on my face as I replied.*

Then suddenly:

"Hey! Is Dr. Kashiwaga here?" Asks a man's voice.

Riko, the receptionist, goes to answer.

"Oh, Inspector. Has something happened again?"

Inspector? Japanese police?

Why are the police here?

"An autopsy?"

With that said, the lady doctor takes a bite of her hamburger without pause.

"Well, something like that, but... I need you to come to the scene first. I'd like to hear your opinion."

The lady doctor finishes the burger she was eating.

"Mika-chan, let's go get ready," she tells the nurse at the clinic.

*Since I'm here...*

"Do you mind if I come with you?"

Everyone looks at me. Of course, I'm not acquainted with them.

"I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I'm also a licensed physician. Maybe I can be of some help."

The policeman looks troubled, but I look him in the eye and use my power.

The power of persuasion, of influencing the will of another party.

"I really shouldn't disclose this to civilians, but I think it's a good idea this time. I'd like to hear what the other doctor has to say about this."

My ability made it impossible for him to refuse. He allows me to accompany him and Dr. Kashiwagi."