In a world, much different from our own, there was four continents, named after the four major elements; water, fire, wind, and earth. Our story takes place in the largest country on the continent of water, the Zupria Empire. My mother and father were stuck in poverty, but despite that we were happy. My name is Hajime Kawasaki, and this is my story.
My mother, Rin Kawasaki, was such a lovely person. Her kind heart as she raised me fills me with joy to this day. My father, Shiroma Kawasaki, was rough with me, but he did it out of love. He was trying to prepare me for the real world.
My parents and I ran a small farm in Reah, a small town near the eastern border of the Zupria Empire. Every day was grueling work, but I enjoyed farming. I felt as if I could be happy forever! It all changed in an instant.
The year was 654 on the new continental calendar, the year of hell for me. I woke up, just as any other day, put on my rags, and slightly brushed my scruffy, black hair to the left. I ran down stairs, and ate a small piece of moldy bread for breakfast.
Rin: "Hajime, dear, remember you don't have to work on the farm today, because it's your father's birthday. We're going to celebrate!"
Hajime: "Kay!"
I ran out the door, and ran into town. It was September 15th, 654, also known as my father's 42nd birthday. Despite being poor, I was saving up to buy my dad a birthday gift. I wanted to show my appreciation for him. He did raise me for ten years, after all. I loved my parents with all my heart. I ran into my aunt's shop, and picked out a necklace, with a fake gemstone on the end, for him. I hugged my aunt and I must have lost track of time, because before I knew it, it was dark out.
Aunt: "You should get home, your parents will worry if you're late for dinner!"
I nodded, and ran on my way. As I approached my house, I noticed the door was open. I heard desperate yelling from the direction of the village, but I couldn't look back. I was worried about my parents. As I approached the door, I heard a vase shatter. I rushed in, only to be hit by the metallic scent of fresh blood. I will never forget that stench.
I approached the kitchen, and before I knew it, my foot was wet with blood. I look forward, and see my father is dead on the floor. He was stabbed... I saw a mysterious hooded man cornering my mom, as she noticed me.
Mom: "RUN HAJIME! GET OUT OF HERE!"
I had never heard my mom so desperate.
My mother said to me, coldly, "survive." as the man stabbed her with a knife. He turned to look at me, and that is when I saw it. His bright red eyes, his piercing fangs, and his white hair. It was a vampire.
??: "Well, well, well. You'll make a mighty fine blood bag."
He cackled, as he picked up the bodies of my dead parents, as well as me. I squirmed and squirmed. He yelled at me, telling me to stay still. I refused, so he hit me on the back of the neck, I muttered the word "mom..." as I blacked out.