More Than Meets The Eye

Ketti: Gasp! Two updates! And one for an actual story. The world must be ending, haha.
But no, I looked at my PMs for once and saw someone ask about this story, and I forgot this one was called this - since my word doc was called something else. So I checked, and I had half a chapter done. So I wrote a bit more for it. It might not be the exact same feel as everything else, but it has been... a long time. I know what I want to have happen, but no promises when the next update will be.
In case Jubalii or I forgot to ever mention it - Katya and Issak are her OCs, and you all know by now that Nekette is mine.

4: Distorted Images

"You seem to enjoy using me as your pillow, Little Chick," her Master's voice rumbled pleasantly as she woke drowsily, "perhaps it is my fault?" He mused, absently petting her before pushing her off onto the seat proper, "I have rather encouraged it to get the tongues wagging in the throne room." Gracing her with a toothy smirk, he tweaked a strand of hair next to her ear, "Nevertheless, we are here. We shall be visiting an ally of mine, and from there we shall subvert a ship to our purposes to reach our next destination."

Seras grinned at him, excited, and scrambled to straighten out her skirts as the carriage slowed. He gave her an indulgent look before shaking his head and opening the door to exit himself before reaching back and yanking her down unceremoniously. She almost stumbled, but braced herself and quickly took her proper place at his back as her wide eyes took in the sight of the sprawling courtyard they found themselves in. White marble glowing red in the light of the dying sun, gold accents on the windows and doors, and lovely dome shaped roofs. This place was so pretty! Tucking her hands behind her back so as not to clap them like a child, the eager faced and silent blonde craned her neck to look at everything at once.

A rustling of cloth caught her sharp ears and she turned to watch in admiration the tall brunette Lady in her crimson and blue brocade dress practically float up the walk to greet them, a matching gold edged fan clutched in her hand and fluttering demurely over the lower half of her face; her eyes were a rich crimson, accentuated by the smoky haze of color on her lids, and Seras knew without needing to be told that this Lady was a vampire. "My Lord," she purred, tones rich and seductive, "it's an honor to see you again this century. Please," she gestured with her fan in a half curtsey, motioning he should precede them to the palace, "Issak is waiting in the hall, I'm afraid news of your arrival spread quickly, and there is quite the gathering of our residents and visitors." The Lady did not sound sorry in the least to Seras, but the blonde was not entitled to an opinion, so she kept her face blank and shielded her thoughts tightly.

"Katya," her Master sighed, and Seras flicked her gaze to him in a sidelong glance, curious, "I thought we agreed on a small Family gathering?"

Lady Katya bowed her head in contrition, and fluttered her fan more anxiously, eyes downcast, "I apologise."

The No Life King grunted and lead the way up the grandiose walk to the open double doors, and Seras waited politely for the Lady to walk ahead of her, strictly avoiding that garnet gaze. There was an awkward silence for a moment as Lady Katya's skirts stayed in front of Seras before they swished, twirling in an about face to follow after the Lord gracefully. Seras almost sighed in relief!

As the women followed Lord Draculae, Kristoff clucked his tongue and led the horses off to the stable, grateful for the chance of shelter for the faithful beasts, and to perhaps see one of his distant cousins in the barns.

Seras was quite charmed to find that Lord Issak and Lady Katya were twins – it wasn't hard to tell when the pair was side by side, and with her ingrained sixth sense, she could practically taste the family relation between them, the way their psychic frequencies registered was also a dead give away; they were nearly identical. Of course the little servant did not presume to broadcast such thoughts or emotions, keeping herself quietly entertained by playing a game of 'Whose Bloodline?' by observing mannerisms, eye colors, and accents. Seras' innocent eyes returned often to the twins, fascinated at their similarities. Lord Mire and Lady Mira were twins as well, and regulars of the Castle, but they looked as different as night and day compared to Lord Issak and Lady Katya.

Her legs were beginning to go numb, so she shifted her weight to settle back on her heels more, wishing she had her usual plethora of pillows at the foot of her Master's throne. The stone floor was cold, and she was hungry.

'Master?' She whispered tentatively, the mental equivalent of tugging at his sleeve gently. He ignored her and she sighed internally, lowering her gaze to stare at her skirts.

"Your little human is quite lovely, Lord Draculae, and so quiet! You must have quite the trainer." A male voice purred from her right, and she froze up, not daring to look at the speaker. Her Master hummed thoughtfully and placed a possessive hand atop her blonde head, "You believe so?" He humored the man, and Seras could only assume it was another Lord.

"She must taste delicious," the words – practically moaned in her ear! - sent a shiver of disgust down the newly turned teen's spine, but she kept a tight reign on her thoughts, not allowing the feeling to broadcast itself beyond the confines of her own mind. She didn't like him.

Cold breath touched her cheek and she fought to stay still, knowing her Master would not share such a thing with another. Oh, sure, he didn't exactly mind her getting a beating, even if it was for some nonexistent slight, but he drew the line at letting another's fangs mark her, for which she was grateful. Well, that and he always saved her before anything could turn fatal. He wasn't about to let seven years of patience be for nothing!

'I can taste your apprehension, Little Chick,' her Master cooed, 'it's delicious.'

Well, she was glad someone was happy with this situation, she grumbled cynically to herself, only to gasp in shock as she was jerked forward by what felt like ropes attached to her arms and legs. "Such a pretty little puppet!" A feminine voice cried in glee, "Did you bring her just for me to play with?"

Seras found herself being danced around, arms sticking out at awkward angles, legs moving jerkily, though the tips of her toes barely brushed the marble floor as she pirouetted. There was a murmur of voices around her and she could hear an angry snarl from the Lord who had been molesting her, but her Master just lounged in his chair, an amused smirk curling his lips.

"She's so tiny!" The voice came again from her back and Seras caught a glimpse of silver as she spun faster, hooks digging into the corners of her mouth to force her to smile. Pale hands glided up her sides and cupped her budding breasts, Seras' cheeks flaming in embarrassment as her jerking limbs came to an abrupt halt and she found herself being pressed into a squishy shape that she highly suspected to be a more developed set of 'chest pillows' as it were. Throaty laughter purred in her ear as cool skin tickled her cheek, "There's room for improvement though, don't you think?"

Seras' face pinched as she realized she was being insulted and her breath hissed through her teeth as she fought to keep a calm exterior, a neutral smile gracing her lips a moment later. 'I'm sorry, m'lady, for not meeting your standards.' She cooed in a syrupy mental tone.

The vampiress who had controlled her like a marionette laughed once more and turned the girl in her arms so that Seras could see her face, blue eyes meeting mismatched red-and-blue as the pair of them swung in a circle and the Midian danced them in a pseudo-waltz. "She's feisty! I like her, if you don't keep her, can I have her when you're done?"

More muttering grumbled through the hall at this query and Seras saw the discontent on their audience's faces. Lady Katya broke from the ranks to approach in a bustle of graceful skirts, though she seemed to glide rather than walk as she caught the silver vampiress by the shoulder, halting them both. "That's enough, Nekette." Katya scolded, "You know the King doesn't like to share. Now stop your fooling and act your age for once." There was a motherly sort of exasperation in the brunette's voice that reminded Seras of Lady Aria.

Her captor – Nekette? – sighed in a put upon manner as she caressed Seras' hair before releasing her hold on the teen, who, to her credit only took a single step back from the pair of nobles, unwilling to appear afraid by retreating too hastily.

Nekette - dressed rather scandalously in what looked like a man's shirt that fell to her knees – gave Lady Katya a frustrated look and shake of the head. "You want me to act like an old maid? How boring. You represent us well enough, don't you think?" Without waiting for another word, Nekette grabbed Seras' hand and marched her through the hall, calling over her shoulder impishly; "someone needs to feed the dear thing so she fills out."

Seras nibbled quite happily on a large drumstick of some bird she did not quite recognize by taste. Nekette sat across from her in one of the prettiest sitting rooms the teen had ever seen, watching raptly. "I remember enjoying fish. Do you like fish?"

'Oh, yes! Cook makes a lovely trout tart.' Seras replied without pausing in her feast. One advantage of being mute, she supposed, as she diligently worked the delicious skin off the leg of seasoned meat.

"Here," Nekette proffered a goblet full of dark red juice, "pomegranate is one of my favorites."

Seras obediently set the half eaten leg down on the plate with the remains of her salad, wiping her fingers delicately on the napkin in her lap before accepting the tart drink gratefully. The silver haired creature appeared to be fascinated with feeding her, something to which Seras had no objections whatsoever. She loved trying new food, and took every opportunity presented to her. After all, when one knew their lifespan was limited, one tended to take advantage of such situations. A thought drifted through her mind that perhaps she'd miss these foods more fiercely when the inevitable occurred, but Lady Aria had encouraged her, so that she would not regret having missed out on them later.

"So…" Nekette drawled, dangling the pale blue silk ribbon that had covered Seras' neck in front of the blonde's face, "not just a pretty face?" Cool fingers traced the fang marks, and Seras shivered in response. 'May I have it back please?' Seras queried, holding out her hand palm up as she set the goblet down on the table next to her plate.

"Oh, but it's such a shame to hide your pretty neck," Nekette cooed, unrepentant. After a moment, the girl got to her feet to slide the ribbon through Seras' hair, pulling more of it away from her thoat. "There! That's better."

"Nekette!" Lady Katya snapped from the doorway, "Can you not at least pretend to remember the ettiquete lessons I've beat into your thick skull? Honestly! One would think you newly fledged, not nearly a century my senior."

Seras hid her smile behind her hand, only mildly surprised that the argent creature was not in fact Lady Katya's childe. Observing them more carefully, her brow crinkled, recognition sparking along her tingling nerves. How had she not realized sooner? These were her Master's childe! She had heard hearsay about them, but very little was openly discussed about the King's progeny.

"Oh please," Nekette scoffed, "calling myself a Lady? Boring! Kitty, you and Izzy like the politics, I can't stand them. Besides…" Nekette turned to hug Seras, resting her chin on the surprised blonde's head, "one of us should show her the fun side of what's to come, don't you agree?"

A familiar chuckle rumbled through the small space as her Master closed the door with a thud, Lord Issak at his side. "No one could ever accuse you of not having fun, Nekette. Katya, let it be, she knows how to act when the need arises, that is all I ask."

Clearly, he had heard far too many complaints about the perhaps slightly insane being holding Seras, and didn't wish to mediate further arguments.

"Yes m'lord." Lady Katya sighed, casting her gaze down demurely as she moved to the far side of the table to stand by her seat, next to her brother, where a third chair waited empty.

"Let go," it was a mix between a command and a suggestion, an amused curl to his lips, but Kette rather hastily released the King's blood bond to join her siblings in the last chair.

Alucard dragged Seras into his lap as he reclaimed her seat, right hand trailing up from her hip to finger the exposed marks on her flesh before resuming its possessive claim on her waist.

"There, isn't this nice? Some Family time." Lord Draculae's words rumbled along her spine as Seras reached for her goblet of juice. He sounded quite content, she noted with a pleased smile, licking her lips free of the dark red residue.

"Now that we have a moment to ourselves, tell me, what has occurred since my last visit?"

"Well!" Nekette piped up, mischief lighting her eyes, "I did…"

-linebreak-linebreak-

Seras smothered a yawn as she walked with her Master down towards the beach, after much wheedling and cajoling, she had convinced him to take her to the water's edge before she retired for the morning. Her formal dress was traded for her comfortable sleeping shift, which reached to just above her knees. A truly scandalous thing to be seen out in public wearing, but this was a section of the beach just beyond the palace and Seas could care less what strangers thought about her having fun.

'Have you ever seen a mermaid?' Seras chirped with a bounce in her step, enjoying the cool salty breeze rolling up the sand with the waves. She loved reading sea faring stories! 'Or fought with pirates? Is it true they use parrots? Do they all have peg legs and eye patches? That sounds uncomfortable!'

"You remind me of Nekette with your chatter," he chortled, ruffling her hair. "In order; yes, yes, no, and no. Though missing hands and feet are not uncommon in a crew of pirates." There was a vicious twist to his lips, that suggested he had torn his share of limbs off in such confrontations.

Seras squeaked in surprise when a piece of kelp wrapped around her ankle in the abrupt crash of a small wave, the chill surprising her as much as the uncomfortable feeling of the strand looping around her skin. Kicking it free, she froze when she heard the spray of water hit fabric. Peeking over her shoulder, she bit her lip to hide her mirth as she observed the damp spot on her Master's shirt. 'Oops.'

Taking a step back further into the embrace of the chilly water, she turned to face him with wide eyes, an innocent expression on her face as she waited.

"Don't even think about it," he warned, eyes narrowing as he observed her toes digging into the wet sand for better purchase.

'What?' Seras tilted her head, eyes widening even further as her knees loosened, bending the slightest bit. 'I'm just enjoying the water, Master.'

He opened his mouth to reprimand her just as a wave swept up against her calves, and without giving herself time to second guess her impish decision, Seras bent and flung an armful of spray up at the vampire, mental laughter peeling like a bell as he flicked his wrist as the droplets parted on either side. 'Got you!'

Lip curling, he took a menacing step forward, the foamy water retreating in a choppy circle around his booted feet. "Seras…"

Choosing to ignore his warning, she spun with her foot out to send up some spray and leapt noisily into the next wave, arms flailing to make a nuisance of herself, laughing and sputtering as the salty brine trickled into her mouth. She was completely soaked to the bone, a bit of sea grass dangling from her hair as she jumped with the second wave, only to find her feet no longer touched the sand.

Floundering, the third wave crashed like a fist into her head, sending her spinning backwards, face first into the grit. The sand didn't feel quiote so soft when it was rubbing against her face and getting into her mouth as she fought to get her hands and feet in the right position to push back up to the surface.

A familiar hand scruffed her sodden collar, hauling her up above the thin layer of water to cough and spit.

"This seems familiar," he sneered, "I'm half surprised you weren't bitten or poisoned just to inconvenience me."

Snorting salt water from her nostrils, Seras danged like a half drowned puppy at his side as he turned and trudged up the beach. Meekly, she pushed the hair from her face, grimacing at the rasp of it on her sore was a truly vile thing when wet, she discovered as it clung and chafed at her skin.

"I should leave you like this," Alucard growled, clearly not amused, "but you reek. Take a bath, Little Chick, we leave at sunset."

Thoroughly chastised, Seras fled to the relative safety of the servants' bath. It had been fun while it lasted.