The Case Study of Vanitas (ヴァニタスの手記)

Hello.

What's your name?

I'm Mikhail, but you can call me Misha!

Your name isn't Mikhail anymore.

It's Number 71!

We're nothing more than Moreau's guinea pigs!

Ow!

"Don't get complacent"

Or maybe, "don't fall apart"

This world's future is torn toward conflict

Amidst a headwind it'll all come to a bloom

The eyes, the voice, they're quivering

What is right?

The days scream out in a blur

Even still, my accumulating feelings come to mind

I'll listen close for signs of hope

It must be more than desire

It must be more than a vow

I wonder what it truly means to love and be in love

I'm sure if I could just manage to put it into words even once

That might just be that and it'd all work out

My story

The Case Study of Vanitas

The Case Study of Vanitas

No!

Doctor, the test subject is too young!

He won't survive much more!

Well, we can bring in the next child in that case.

I'm so close to creating what I want.

Humans that can serve as a link!

Help me, Big Brother!

Help!

Big Brother!

Doctor!

I will do it.

Use me instead of that little brat!

Doctor, let me help you achieve your noble purpose!

How marvelous!

Has there ever been a single child like you who's willingly cooperated in my experiments?!

No, there hasn't!

But of course, Number 69! What a marvelous idea!

Together we shall draw one step closer to the great wisdom of the vampires and the world!

Thank you, Big Brother.

I was wondering if I could sleep with you tonight.

You're so warm.

Ta-da!

My experiment has entered its final phase!

I'll use this to link you two to The Books of Vanitas.

The Books of Vanitas?

Yes, that's an excellent question, Number 69!

These books were created by the Vampire of the Blue Moon!

But they're even more legendary than that legendary vampire!

They're powered by a special form of astermite.

They pack sorcery, alchemy, and many other technologies into miniature machines.

They're analytical engines in book form!

Supposedly, one can use these books to easily alter the World Formula!

Supposedly?

That's right! They won't open, no matter how I try!

From what I've heard, only members of the Blue Moon Clan can do that!

Isn't that awful?!

Isn't it so unfair?!

And so...

I decided to transform you two into quasi members of the Blue Moon Clan!

What?

I wish to make human switches, their only purpose being to open the books!

You know that blue fluid I often inject you with?

Do you know what it is?

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Sorry, time's up! You lose!

Prepare to be amazed!

It's none other than...

the Vampire of the Blue Moon's blood!

Oh dear! What's wrong?

You're so startled that you've been rendered speechless?!

I know how you feel!

Big Brother?

To prevent a fatal rejection response,

I injected you ever so gradually with the vampire's blood along with special medicine.

Big Brother!

Didn't you notice your wounds have been healing faster than before?

You've been elevated one step beyond human bounds!

You are now a very special kind of being!

I am going to kill you.

I have the two Books of Vanitas and the two of you!

Perfect, don't you think?

No!

That hurts!

Stop it!

I'm going to kill you!

I swear I'll murder every last one of you!

How dare you do this to me?!

Oh, right, I forgot to mention one thing.

Once I activate this machine, the shock of linking to the books may turn you both into vegetables.

So let me express my gratitude while I can.

Thank you, Numbers 69 and 71.

I will never forget you!

What's happening?!

What the blazes?!

Big Brother!

Dear me.

Some humans come up with the most ludicrous ideas.

Now then, I think I've done quite enough damage.

I must go before the chasseurs arrive.

No, don't go!

Take us with you!

Take us too.

Oh my.

Well, this wouldn't have happened if not for me.

How could he be so cruel?

They are but children.

Mikhail.

Well, what will you do?

Will you, too,

come with me?

Big Brother.

We've gone far enough. We should be safe for now.

We're still not that far from town.

The chasseurs will be here before you—

No, they won't.

That researcher... Moreau, was it?

He was engaged in acts banned by church teachings.

When the chasseurs come running and find what he's done,

they will scramble to control the damage rather than pursue us.

And most of the researchers that were there have likely been slain.

Now that we're safe and sound, I'd like for us to introduce ourselves.

My name is Mikhail! But you can call me Misha!

Wait, Mikhail!

Misha?

Yes?!

I regret to say I have no name with which to introduce myself.

Or perhaps it would be best to say I have yet no name with which I'm satisfied.

I am the Vampire of the Blue Moon.

There are some who call me Vanitas.

You're beautiful.

The Vampire... of the Blue Moon?

Big Brother?!

You went straight for my eyes.

I take it you were among the children the chasseurs were training.

Have you taken us away to devour us?!

Blue blood?

You're mistaken.

Then what?!

Have you come to reclaim your blood that they injected into us?

I took you...

because you asked for my help.

N-No.

I never...

asked...

Big Brother!

Dear me.

My big brother's awake!