The Case Study of Vanitas (ヴァニタスの手記)

"The Vampire of the Blue Moon."

There once was a vampire known as Vanitas,

who was deeply reviled by the others of his own kind.

While all other vampires were born on the night

of the crimson moon, he came into the world

under the blue moon's light.

Such a phenomenon was unheard of,

and therefore, was considered a sign of ill omen.

His brethren feared Vanitas and drove him from the village.

Wandering alone in the woods, he was forced

to brave the terrors of darkness

and the freezing clutches of snow.

And so, he made a solemn vow.

He would have his vengeance upon those vampires

born under the crimson moon.

You fools will rue the day you persecuted me!

Opening this grimoire will cause you to be stricken with a curse

more terrible than death!

His special creation was a sinister tome,

one that he had imbued with an unholy power:

to corrupt the true name of a vampire.

Those who take this book in hand shall find

their eyes shining with the same blue light as mine

and will become bringers of death upon all vampire kind.

Oh, look here! They say a vampire's appeared.

Really? How terrible!

But that can't possibly be!

I thought those abominations were wiped out centuries ago

during the war with humankind.

Does this mean that some of them survived?

Maybe they've come back to get their revenge on us!

Nonsense, vampires are only a folktale!

Perhaps not.

My great-grandfather swears to have seen one.

Please, it's nothing but a ghost story.

Not to worry.

The Church and its Chasseurs will deal with the monster.

I'm so cold.

Are you sure you're feeling all right now?

I'm happy to escort you to the infirmary.

I'm fine.

I just felt a little anemic for a moment, that's all.

Anemic? You do look awfully pale.

Oh, well.

After this, I swear I'll visit my doctor.

He's the only person I'll allow to examine me.

Still, though...

Thank you for the concern.

Stop it, Murr!

He's very warm!

Oh, and...

My name is Amelia, by the way.

Could I trouble you for an introduction, as well?

Sure!

This cranky little fellow's called Murr.

Careful, he's somewhat excitable.

Thanks, but I wasn't talking about him.

All passengers, your attention please.

La Baleine will be arriving in Paris momentarily.

Please enjoy the remainder

of your voyage through the sky.

Paris!

Where's Paris, Mademoiselle Amelia?

I can't see it anywhere!

I don't think we can make it out from here.

Aw! Oh, dear, I suppose not.

That's most unfortunate.

To think that something of such enormous weight

could be made to float through the air like this!

The power of astermite is truly awe-inspiring!

Can I assume that this is your first time

on an airship, sir?

Yes.

How lovely!

Do you plan to see the sights?

No, I've come to retrieve something.

May I ask what?

The Book of Vanitas .

You may have heard of it, actually.

It appears in a folktale called "The Vampire of the Blue Moon."

It's an accursed grimoire.

Seems I lost track of time.

It's been a nice chat, but we should probably

get ready to disembark.

So cold.

Hey, are you really going through with this?

Of course I am.

I happen to know without a doubt

that my target is inside this airship.

Attention, please.

The ship's passenger facilities are no longer available.

We respectfully request that any passengers who have not yet...

About what you said.

I don't mean any disrespect to you, monsieur,

but do you truly believe The Book of Vanitas is real?

I don't know.

But I did receive a letter stating that the book

had been sighted here.

So, I shall let that guide my way.

I believe what it says. It's from my former teacher.

Mon Chaton, my dearest kitten.

It is imperative that you locate The Book of Vanitas

and determine its authenticity.

I'm counting on you.

So, you see, this trip to Paris is more of a necessity.

Huh? Mademoiselle!

Are you all right?

Don't touch me!

Your eyes. They burn.

Like those of a vampire!

I've got you now!

Or at least, I thought I had you.

And who the devil are you?

I might ask you the same.

My business is with the lady.

Here's some friendly advice: get out of my way.

Now.

Or you're in for a world of pain.

That's not happening.

You move well, even while encumbered!

Oh, great. Here we go.

A wire?

Wha--?

Hey!

You still alive, you quack?

Stop calling me quack!

Uh--

It seems I took him too lightly. That crimson-eyed beast.

Apparently he is a vampire, as well!

Let's move.

I'm cold. Can't bear it.

So terribly cold!

I'm already out of time.

How lovely it is here.

I like it.

Will you surrender this place to me?

Let me have your true name.

Mademoiselle!

You, get her to the infirmary.

I'll apprehend those two.

Don't go!

What's the matter?

Made... moiselle.

No. My strength is draining away.

Stop. Let me go!

I'm not cold. Not any more.

I feel so warm inside! But it's not enough.

I want it all, every last drop you have to offer!

What the--?

Mademoiselle Amelia, please stop this!

Have you forgotten yourself?

We're forbidden to attack humans.

Surely you must know that!

I can barely move!

Is it... poison?

Well, I did warn you

that you were in for a world of pain.

Exactly as I anticipated, the malady makes itself known.

Chills that are unbearable.

Black tears welling forth from the eyes and chest.

Briars of shadow.