The Case Study of Vanitas (ヴァニタスの手記)

"The Vampire of the Blue Moon."

There was once a vampire known as Vanitas, who was despised by his own kind.

Others of his kind were born on the night of the crimson moon,

but he alone was born under the blue moon, a sign of ill omen.

The other vampires feared Vanitas and drove him from the village.

Wandering alone in the woods, he faced the terrors of darkness and the cold clutches of snow.

So it was that he made a vow.

He would take vengeance upon vampires born under the crimson moon.

O foolish vampires who have persecuted me!

Opening this grimoire shall visit upon you a curse worse than death!

Vanitas's special creation was a book that he imbued with the power to corrupt a vampire's true name.

Those who take my grimoire in hand shall, like me, have the blue light instilled in their eyes,

and before long, become a bringer of death upon all vampire kind.

The Case Study of Vanitas

The Case Study of Vanitas

You always ponder the simple stuff like emotions and love

I hope one day you'll come to understand them

Torn apart and patched back together so many times leaves you a miserable sight

You don't even know what it means to be alive

You needn't put into words that you want us alone together

I have a feeling we can accept one another, and that's fine for now

I love this world, and I love the light that only you can bring me

Even with my fractured eyes it makes this world

Appear ever so radiant

There's nothing certain in life

But I'm sure you can see me

When the sky and void meet, turn back from dreams of the future

Apparently a vampire has turned up.

Truly? How dreadful.

Vampires were destroyed ages ago in a battle with humankind, were they not?

Does that mean some survived?

Have they risen once again to visit vengeance upon us?

Vampires are but a fable.

My great-grandfather claims to have seen one.

That's just another ghost story.

No need to worry. The church's chasseurs have sprung into action.

I'm so cold.

Are you sure you're well?

Shall I take you to the infirmary?

No, I was simply feeling anemic. There is no cause for concern.

But you look quite pale.

I'm going to see a doctor after this.

That is the only one I will allow to examine me.

But thank you for your concern.

Bad Murr!

He's so warm.

Um, my name is Amelia.

Might I have an introduction?

Sure!

He is Murr.

Please call him by that name.

No, not his name...

Attention all passengers.

La Baleine will be arriving in Paris shortly.

Please enjoy the rest of your voyage through the sky.

Paris!

Where's Paris, Mademoiselle Amelia?

I don't think we can see it yet.

Oh, I see.

How unfortunate.

Still, it's hard to believe such a massive weight could be made to fly.

The power of astermite is truly awe-inspiring.

Is this your first time on an airship?

Yes.

Will you see the sights of Paris?

No, there is something I seek.

You seek something?

The Book of Vanitas.

It's the name of the accursed grimoire from the folktale "The Vampire of the Blue Moon."

You've not heard of it?

I lost track of time.

We must prepare to disembark.

I'm so very cold.

You're really going through with this?

Naturally.

For I know my target is within this very airship.

The ship's passenger facilities are no longer available.

Passengers who have not yet prepared to disembark...

About what you said...

Do you truly believe that something like the The Book of Vanitas exists?

I don't know.

But I did receive a letter stating that the book had been sighted in Paris.

It was from my former mentor.

Mon Chaton—my dearest kitten—

I wish for you to find The Book of Vanitas and determine its authenticity.

That is why I'm going to Paris.

Mademoiselle! Are you not well?!

Do not touch me!

Mademoiselle Amelia, your eyes are...

You're a vampire.

Now I have you!

Well, I thought I had you.

Who the devil are you?!

I could ask you the same.

My business is with her alone.

Here's some friendly advice. Leave her and go.

If you don't...

you're in for a world of pain.

I cannot do that.

You move well despite the woman in your arms!

Damn it. What's he doing now?

A wire?

Hey!

Still alive, you quack?

I'm not a quack!

I underestimated that crimson-eyed guy.

So he, too, is a vampire?

Let's move.

So cold, so cold...

It's already too late.

What a fine place. I like it.

Will you give this place—your true name—to me?

Mademoiselle Amelia!

Get her to the infirmary.

I'll apprehend them.

No!

Mademoiselle?

Mademoiselle...

No...

My strength... is draining away...

Let go... of me!

I no longer feel cold?

I feel so warm.

Blood! Give me more blood!

What's happening?!

Stop this!

Mademoiselle!

You must know, don't you?

We are forbidden from attacking humans.

I can barely move.

Don't tell me...

A poison?

Goodness.

I did warn you that you were in for a world of pain.

The malady manifested as expected.

Chills that are unbearable.

Black tears that well forth from the eyes and chest.

And shadow briars.

Your malnomen is Eglantine, "the prison of briars."

Malnomen?

That is what we call the ruined remains of a true name corrupted by the maladies.

A vampire's true name is akin to life itself, and hers was corrupted.

As such, the urge to drink blood, which is normally easy to suppress, is now an irresistible force.

Come on, you quack!