Chapter 8 Dmitri's Questionnaire

Alright, I have Theodore under my control and he has no choice but to answer to my every whim, which are my questions that I have in store for him.

We're at the tower, socializing and hanging about, he was panic-stricken by the drink that I specifically asked to be made by our head steward, who recommended that I serve him. Humans are individually peculiar in their own specific way. Theodore here is always in my observation 'afraid' of every little thing, even the drink that has color on it, very idiosyncratic of him.

Care to say, I don't blame him though, for I am the youngest of the Constantine siblings and did my toll of pronouncing my despise towards him and his entire kind as a whole. But even so, I do have some slight yet subtle change of opinion towards him YET my unknown sentiment overall about him doesn't alter, not even a sliver.

Partaking in such activities like enjoying the afternoon with someone is a common human thing, preferably getting information for future references might come useful and Theodore is no exception of extracting insights about him and his kind. I'm quite curious myself of how humans as a kind operate, manage or even socialize so this is a stepping curve for me to know more.

I look at him, he's quite out of himself, I can feel his aura, he might've experienced some kind of human shift on his emotion, for instance being nervous or cautious. Either way, not wasting any further, I asked;

"How does it feel to be human?" I said.

Theodore ponders in thought of my question for a moment by humming shortly, he's somewhat confused to it and even bewildered by it then he answered;

"Well, there's a lot to uncover from your question alone, so in a more general term to follow, there are more ways a human could and can feel about oneself. Humans in general are unique in their own individual ways and to feel how humane we are, there are for my understanding have ways of doing so, like for example it can be physical, or emotional, it could opt for a mental one and or spiritual even internal to some and so on. It depends on who you ask, like myself, I know I'm human because I could breathe air and have human parents" He explained.

That was considerably a well thought answer, it is almost very similar to Vampirs only not too in same similarity. Thus, I nod at his answer, quite best explained as I do say so myself. I even thought of it myself that Eleanore's speaking in front of me due to the fact that Theodore's way of explaining facts is like how she speaks, somewhat boring and lackluster sounding. Hence why I never listen to her lessons, this human explains it much better than she does.

Onto my next question, I ask him;

"Is it true that humans are meat-eaters like us and I also want to clarify if my information is correct that humans also eat their own kind, is that also true?" I said.

The way Theodore was taken aback by my question speaks volumes, he was very uncomfortable, expression otherwise by it and then clears his throat, answering;

"Alright, generally speaking, humans do like to consume meat, specifically domesticated animals and or exotic ones to some, I'll get to the other part in a bit. Humans who ingest meat are in the category called 'carnivores' or in today's term are called 'meat lovers' and also there are humans who consume plant material called 'herbivores' or in today's term are called 'vegans' ... Yet, in the most general way I can put it, humans are profound to be 'omnivores', one who can digest both meat and plant material as one's diet ..."

"And to clarify that last bit of your question, Yes, in some parts of human history there are a few people who did in fact have eaten humans at some point in time, mostly at around the past eras long forgotten and in today's age, it is considered illegal and will result in criminal punishment if committedly proven so ... Yeah, we don't eat our own kind, Dmitri" He said.

Interesting, I nod to him, I never expect this new found information to be worth knowing. I have to admit, I'm learning more about humans than Eleanore with her dready lessons.

I poured myself another glass of red lemonade and said, "Theodore, I must say, your way of answering my questions is admirable, even I have to admit, my older sister can't even capture my interest in learning her bore lessons" I said to him.

Theodore expresses joy, rather smiling at himself. He replied, "Thanks for the appreciation or compliment ... either way goes fine by me" He expressed.

"Don't misinterpret, I didn't express any 'appreciation' or 'compliment' towards you, I was just telling my thoughts exactly, nothing more ... silly Theodore" I interjected.

He goes a long okay like he's hinting skeptics to what I said, I clear my throat and spoke my next question, asking him;

"What does this emotion called when an old human female who's shouting to a younger human male then hits him with a bag, followed by a series of swearing and a very violent-looking expression?" I said.

"A very specific scenario, based on the given example, its a form of expression called 'anger' but I figure you know that by now hence it's deemed your aesthetic, I think you're looking for the similar type of emotion based on anger and I feel as though it's 'rage' that your wanting to hear ... If it is then it's just the same as anger but more aggressive and straightforward, for example, Elealore showed her rage earlier at the gardens" Theodore said.

His observation is true about Eleanore and I feel as though he nailed that question right. Theodore advises me if I have more questionnaires up my sleeve and I recall to have more. Theodore grabs the glass pitcher to pour himself some lemonade as I ready myself for my next question which is quite long. I asked him;

"I recall you mentioning the word 'wheeler truck' in your testimony last time, which of course saved me from that tragic incident and prevented me from getting wasted, so the point of the matter is what is that contraption called? And while at it, I saw another piece of contraption but this time, it's flying to the air and I for sure it's large in scale, what's that called? Lastly, one time saw a wooden-like contraption in the other lake like it was floating on top of the water with humans slinging lines to the water, what's that called too?" I said.

He took a sip of his lemonade and said;

"Okay! Long question ... Alright, first the 'wheeler truck' contraption is called a 'vehicle' and a 'motor vehicle' type, it's used by humans to transport large items or in any case the one that almost run you over is a cargo truck, a medium sized vehicle that carries perishable foods to retail outlets, large factories and so on, the other one in the flying in the sky is called an 'airplane' and specifically a type of 'aircraft', the one you saw carries humans from point to point travel, one I used to travel to Romania and lastly that contraption on water is called a 'marine type vehicle' or a fishing vessel for short, for one humans used it to travel on water and the one you saw can be used to catch fish, that's not all there are more types of it like a 'yacht' a more fancier and luxurious version, only the people with money can afford" He said, catching his breath.

Wow, what a marvel it is, I haven't seen one of those yachts and it's already piqued my interest to partake on one. Theodore is giving me so much information and he hasn't refused any one of it. I might consider forcibly asking this last one and he's obliged to answer it. I finish up my lemonade and put the glass down, One last question, I must know so I asked;

"Do you have a significant other and if so, what's that like for humans?" I asked.

Theodore was caught off guard and stared at me shocked, saying, "Woah ... Nope, I will not answer that question, it goes against the rules you put up to which that question is personal so I refuse to answer that, Dmitri" He said.

"A reasonable response but I don't acknowledge it, I believe your saying is that you're just a coward for not telling me, it frightens you to answer that question of mine! Now I found out you're a wimpy dastard" I said, teasing him.

Theodore crossed his arms and rolled his eyes at me, by the looks of it he's very offended by my teasing. He then moves closer, his gaze determined and said;

"Okay if this is how it is then, I will place my own rules down which is if you want to know my answer to your question, you have to abide by answering my set of 5 questions, if you comply and answer it fairly and truthfully then I'll give your answer afterwards, like you said this is our way of establishing trust so let's have at it" He demanded.

I stood on my seat and pointed at him threateningly and responded, "How dare you demand your place on me, I deny this request to happen and I find my case valid without further judgement ... So I'll not abide by your request" I said.

Theodore smiles at me, as though he's mischievously clever and replied, "Then I refuse to answer your question, I did answer the others as fairly based on your rules and never falter to follow your guidelines so it's only fair to keep my own until you Dmitri came to terms with mine, unless your such a bigger chicken than I am!" He said.

WHAT! Did he just call me a big chicken? How dare he! A human calling me a chicken. I square him off, a sharp glare staring right through him. He's not even trembling, I tap his shoulder with a bit of force and said;

"A chicken you say? Well, I will prove you wrong Theodore, I'll show you I'm not a bigger chicken than you by abiding by your request and answering your 5 questions without hesitation nor otherwise ... You'll regret who you try to be best with!" I said and sat down, preparing myself for his question.

Theodore somehow chuckled and finished his lemonade with one gulp. I'll show him that I'm not to be bested with, for I am a Constantine. I'm not scared, Vampirs are and solely until the end of time the superior race. He goes off by asking;

"Okay, first off, why did you freeze on the road when you were chasing me, explain why it happened?" Theodore asked.

I scoffed at him, longingly sighing and running a hand down my face, why does it have to be that question. I protested about what he asked but he pointed out the reason for our agreement. I try to get my emotions in check then face him my answer, saying;

"If you must know, the reason why I was unable to move whilst on the road is because of the sun ... To give you a quick summary, us Vampirs can traverse outside the inhabited world without fearing of dying from the rays of the sun, unlike you humans falsely sharing misinformation about our passive ability, yet there's a condition to it ... Instead of perishing from the heat of the sun, we Vampirs get paralyzed upon contact of sun rays when exposed ..."

"To fully explain to you how that natural mechanism words, I'm afraid I can't since Eleanore had that lesson from before and I bested not to listen to all of the details yet I know how to overcome the paralyzation, we have this natural resistance towards the sunlight and to harness that ability, one has to be taught to activate it and train which I must confess I haven't fully master it, hence why I 'froze' on the middle of the road while chasing you down, all because of my laziness and Eleanore's boring sessions" I explained.

Theodore surely is satisfied by his answer, I can tell by the radiating aura around him and of course his smile. He then goes on quickly asking another question, which is ...

"Where do Vampirs start in the evolution cycle, is it from before 'Sahelanthropus Tchadensis' or after 'Homo Sapiens' nor along with the dinosaurs that somehow your early ancestors miraculously survived the meteor's impact?" He asked.

I'm somehow irked by his question yet then again I laughed nonchalantly, rather in a mocking tone of sorts. Displeased, I continue on by answering;

"To get the humor out of the way, first we Vampirs didn't and wasn't related to any beastly and humongous creatures of old, those life forms are and never our ancestry and second, I don't know the full specifics of it all, best again to ask Eleanore about this particulars more clearly since she at the time gave me a hard time for not learning the lessons properly but I know it has something to do with the first Vampir ..."

"Vladimir Vladamirosavich, our eldest and oldest Vampir who ever lived, the one who walk amongst the earth as Eleanore puts it, I don't recall his aforementioned age but he knows all the deep Vampir history and folklore more than any of us, even my very knowledgeable sibling has less than that old bastard ... And furthermore, I should stop myself of speaking about 'Vladimir' since Eleanore forbids us from sharing information like this one, so better not ask or even speak about 'Vlad' to her, alright Theodore?" I said.

Well, he already asked me 2 out of 3 but I'm somehow not supposed to be answering. Sighing, I gesture for him to tell his question, which he asked;

"Is there a real reason why Vampirs don't eat other than human carcasses? Eleanore was completely crossed with it when I offer you my extra muffins and I had to know if there's really a jurisdiction about it or is she just paranoid and ego-stricken?" He said.

I nod at his response and said, "I for one I have a reason why we Vampirs don't eat human food and Eleanore, even if she acts insane on her own about this predicament but as the master of the house, we have to oblige or else face irreversible consequences ... You see, our leader, a Vampir that governs all Vampirs, who will remain anonymous, have decreed on prohibiting the consumption of all human related consumables and dietary nutrition but the ban proposed wasn't given any specifics why it was mandated ..."

"But Eleanore did mention that it has something to do with his hatred amongst humans and to abide by our natural order, to seperate us from the influence of a somehow growing populace of humans, that's a debate my sibling can coarse with. We call our leader, our Liege some address him as the High Caliph yet let's stick to the first one ... The mandate is put into order and immediately, Vampirs with possession of such food are put into dire punishment, for instance as Sebastian have told me this tale ..."

"A tale of a great house, pristine and influential that is best to not be named, was accused of in personal possession of human related foods and commodities, this house and all of its members are sentenced for punishment, one that Sebastian heard is to 'exterminate the plague in order to protect the high natural order' which by then you know what happened next ... The food item in question of them being accused of having is called 'Spam' which I don't know what that is ..."

"Another tale is that, a high ranking Vampir was found in consumption of a liquid beverage called 'Cola Soda', that member was penalized to certain death and surely enough their house came along with the wrath of the rule in place. That such item I found here also, long ago when I was inspecting Sebastian's belongings ... Being the deviant I am I took it and did a tasting myself and it changed me so in conclusion, in my opinion, we Vampirs are alright to consuming such delicacies but the rule prohibits us because of our Liege's hatred towards humans lives on, I could use some cola soda and that spam any day, one thing Sebastian is good at is to spoil my vices which is eating and drinking such banquets" I explained.

Theodore ponders my answer and seeing he understands, he goes on without hesitation to ask another question. Surely humans have their limits but in the case of this human with me right now, hasn't calmed down with the question asking. He then goes on and asked;

"Any chance you met an actual human before that you didn't plan to eat or kill to be eaten, like having a conversation or just hanging out like what we're doing?" He said.

I ponder for a moment, thinking if I had such a scenario at play before, I feeling came over me and I have, long ago. I take a deep breath and said;

"To tell you without any kind of lightheartedness, I did once have a human companion before that I didn't cast death to, it was an individual I met long ago, back when I was young and free spirited ... I was somehow curious myself with humans the first I saw one, a lad about my age and it was a time where lands being fought in cavalry, the notion of royalty are present and functional in establishing the nations around Europe and right as well the Mongols fled and a human named Michael rose to found the nation of Romania and was called 'Brave' even though he's not yet he's clever no doubt ..."

"I met the lad near the now modern settlement of Sighisoara, by the woods and he's exploring the forest on his own. He's wearing a regale garb which indicates he's part of the status of royalty, making myself even more curious to follow him ... I was attempting to interact with him but I hesitated, shy even at the time and so I just went on following secretly at the top of the trees, observing him from afar as he explored deeper into the woods. He was playing by himself, creating noise his way when he somehow stumbled upon a bear, getting its attention and aggressively chasing the lad ..."

"I followed and saw the lad already cornered to a nearby large tree, as the bear slowly approaches him. The bear growled and scare the soul right out the lad, I was very vexed if I should reveal myself to help or let an innocent human be killed by a bear upfront ... at the time, Vampirs aren't allowed to show presence to humans, hence why I'm conflicted. In the end, I broke the rule and helped out by throwing a rock whilst showing myself to attract the bear's attention and it worked, the bear chased me and let the lad sneak off to safety. I lost the bear's attention to myself and head out to find the human, which is by the other side of a stream ... The lad saw me and thank me but I was unsure to interact but it already came to be ..."

"I approach the lad and extend a hand to shake but I was caught off guard to be given a hug instead, he was thanking me in Romanian, rescuing and saving him from eradication from the bear, he eve insist I should meet his kith and kin to be showered with prestige and honor for what I did to him ... I was very cautious of not being seen by other humans, it was a dangerous time to be unveiled as Vampirs but as I was about to refuse, the lad held my hand as we ran out of the forest, my first physical interaction with a human ... was strange in a good way then we reached the outskirts of the forest and headed towards their estate. The lad was addressing me about his parents as swarms of guards patrol their estate. He let me stay at the courtyard while he called his parents personally. As soon as he's inside I leave to conceal my identity, afraid to be revealed ... It was about to rain, I retreated to the forest and overlooked him by the branch as he came out but I wasn't there, making his parents laugh and deemed as I was imaginary which is prefer ... Then on, we never see each other, hence not knowing his name ..." I said, ending my tale.

Satisfied, he only has one last question to ask and by judging the look on his smug face, it made me wary as he didn't let hesitation do his bidding and right away, Theodore asking;

"Have you ever had a significant other before and if so, how does Vampirs handle romance?" He said.

I sigh disappointedly as Theo kept looking at me with those smug expressions of his, as if this is a bad question enough, it also violates our agreement, in case for my sake it does. I argued with Theodore about his questioning but he gave reason about my own and I couldn't get past those judgement of myself. I somehow didn't elaborate my rules properly and it became a burden for me. I have to answer this human's dull-witted question. As I was about to answer, Theodore recalled if I'm uncomfortable answering, I have the freedom to not do so. not forcing me to confess if it's too personal to handle, but I disregard his assumptions. I can face this head on as I am a Vampir of the great house, so I'll gladly answer, saying;

"In my own interpretation, I did have, once and it all happened when at the time the world is at utter chaos, a war was erupting every nation, one in particular is Romania part of it and we as Vampirs have to prepare for anything in possibility, including an attempt capture or invasion of our lands and the manor if mostly, but that didn't come to that ... It all started when I was on patrol, traversing over the trees when I saw this woman, fleeing for her life, wounded to her side. I followed her and she gave rest to tend her wounds at a nearby tree, she somehow struggle on her own with no proper medicine ,,, Then I remember previously, I scouted a German camp just a few out and I couldn't somewhat bear to see her state, I risk to going over to the human camp and raid their supplies ..."

"From there, above the trees, the German soldiers are just having their time in the woods and I somehow need a distraction to get the savage for supplies, if you remember one of my hexes then I cast one of them like I did to you but this time it's much deadlier if prolonged enough and it did happen, the victimized soldier went insane, flailing his rifle around the camp and accidentally shooting his comrades without conscience, even self control. I took that sliver of time and found what I needed ... By the time I left, the camp was deserted with wounded or dead soldiers in its wake along with the one I hexed with ..."

"As I came back, the woman was afraid of my presence, but I convinced her otherwise to cooperate and she did. I tended her wounds and helped her get to safety. She didn't specify her name for privacy and protection and she speaks Hebrew which I'm not that fluent at the time ... I eventually found her a place, a dilapidated cabin nearby the stream. For days I accompanied her and helped her out, gaining her trust when one day, as I disobeyed Eleanore of scouting myself, I heard a cry from the woods and I followed the sound ... There, she lies captive by the German soldiers with one holding a gun and pointing at her head ... I couldn't let it happen and I revealed myself, confronting them and ultimately killing them all, gunshot blasts and the woman escaped while I faced the soldiers ... But the soldier with a rank got a hold of me by gun point and threaten to shoot ..."

"Then, it shocked me when the woman lunged towards me, taking the bullet. I eventually kill the soldier by my ability but somehow let the human I confess to have feelings for, even if it's one-sided ​... She was smiling and thanked me for all the kindness I'd done and asked what I am. I revealed to her that I was a Vampir and she knew somehow I'm preternatural, before she passed the woman revealed her name ... it's Alessia" I said, finishing my story.

As I finished, I felt and saw Theodore not impressed, more like not believing my tale, saying, "I love the story but from the way I met you, it doesn't seem to be, for me to be real that it happened" He said.

I stand on my seat and approach the opening of the tower, looking outside then extend a hand to Theodore, urging him to come over. "If you don't believe me, then let me show you something, Theodore" I said.

Theodore is somewhat hesitant but curious himself, he grabbed on to me, wrapping his arms around my chest and shoulder and we're off, traversing to the roof and coursing towards the woods above the trees. Branch after branch, we reach the clearing, a rock formation is placed on the ground with a wooden plank named 'Alessia' etched to it.

I crouched down to see her grave, the place where I buried her near the tree I first saw her. Theodore follows and apologizes for his doubt but I somehow let it be and assure him to not worry. He even talked to Alessia's grave which I find weird myself. I'm kind of glad Theodore came to see this, he somehow resembles the deed Alessia did to me, I still feel the bullet mark on me.

Afterwards, I remind Theodore that I deliver my end of the bargain and he agrees to and will gladly finally answer my question, while we walk the woods heading back, he answers;

"Unlike your epic tale of heroic war ventures, mine is mostly all modern drama of romance, hoping it doesn't bore you so to answer your question, yes I did have a significant other before but it didn't last long, his name is Dale, Dale Bradley Richardson, a block neighbor and a close friend. We go to the same school and always hang out, eventually I found out he has feelings for me and at the same time, I had too, so we started dating and eventually became a couple ..."

“We were outright intact but the days of graduation came and we split, his reason being he's going to a far place and long-distance is never going to work and not want either of us to doubt and think negatively since we're far away and that's pretty much it ..." He said.

I have to profess that human relationships are complicated and weird, in my opinion. I patted him awkwardly on the back and said, "That's alright, I have to say, human relationships are complicated" I said.

He nodded, chuckling as I patted him and replied, "I know, an ironic comment for someone with an experience of loving one-sidedly" Theodore commented.

I scoff at him as he chuckles at my disgruntled demeanor. As the sun set, we eventually came back to the tower, with Theodore holding me tight as I leapt towards the opening of the wall and to both our surprise, Sebastian was there waiting for us. I was about to give reason but Theodore came to my aid and made an excuse for us which Sebastian acknowledged his plea.

Sebastian was here to recall us for dinner time, with Eleanore waiting for us at the dining hall. It was an eventful afternoon I might say and Theodore somehow enjoyed himself around my company and so my confessions.

He's good on my part for now at least, I don't always agree with myself on what my sentiment is towards someone.

But even so, this one I can abide by but for now, I have to hark back on hating him ...

Which I remember will be an eventful coming weeks for us to come.