The Portal: Life with the Vampire and Werewolf Queens
Chapter 4: A New Beginning and the Hero's Guidance
In a strange place bathed in radiant light and cool breezes, Jiro awoke to find himself face-to-face with a hero—a figure cloaked in a white mantle that seemed woven from clouds, wielding a sword that glimmered faintly like stars in the night. The hero's face was filled with compassion as they gazed at Jiro, their eyes seemingly searching to gauge the young man's state after the tragedy of the fire. "Are you alright, Jiro?" the hero asked, their voice a gentle melody that soothed his heart, as if tenderly mending the wounds left by fear and confusion.
Jiro quickly voiced his concerns about Vespera and Lyra's powers. "They can't control their anger, and because of that, they destroyed my house! I'm terrified it might happen again!" he said, his voice trembling with worry as he recalled the moments when flames devoured his home, smoke filled the air, and cherished possessions vanished from his life. The hero nodded in acknowledgment, their expression hinting at a trace of regret over their previous efforts. "You're right. Their power surpasses what we anticipated. That's why I've attempted to modify the spell to allow them to control it," the hero explained, their gaze drifting into the distance as if recalling the ritual's details, their hand moving slightly as if tracing the magic they had cast.
According to the hero, the new spell would enable the two to return to their human forms if they chose and freely revert to their vampire and werewolf states. "But they must learn to control it. Otherwise, their power will become a danger not only to themselves but to everyone—especially in this world, which is unprepared for their kind," the hero added, turning to Jiro with a serious expression, their voice carrying the weight of a stern warning. "You must do everything in your power to convince them to be disciplined and cautious with their abilities. This is your duty as their guardian, and though it won't be easy, it's necessary."
Jiro grew anxious about the fire and the revelation of Vespera and Lyra's true natures to the public. "What about my house? I have nowhere to live now! And the people who saw them? They might be in danger—or I might be too!" he exclaimed, his hands trembling as he fought back tears, his mind flooded with images of police and scientists potentially pursuing them. Yet the hero quickly calmed him, placing a reassuring hand on Jiro's shoulder like a guiding beacon of hope. "Don't worry. I've resolved the issue. I've erased the memories of the people, along with any photos or videos they took, using magic. But I cannot restore your house—it was utterly destroyed, and there's no way to reclaim the memories tied to it," the hero replied, their voice laced with regret yet tinged with hope, offering the promise of a fresh start.
The hero requested a few days to arrange documents for Lyra and Vespera on Earth, ensuring they could live freely alongside Jiro. "Within a few days, I'll ensure they're accepted as normal humans here—new identities, papers proving they belong to this world. For now, you must relocate to a new home I've purchased for you," the hero said, presenting an ancient key from their pocket, its metal glinting like a symbol of renewed hope. "You'll reside there while the two learn to live a normal life among humans. I'll also provide you with work to teach them discipline and responsibility."
The hero also shed light on Lyra and Vespera's past. "They were raised with the belief that they are superior beings, served and revered in their world. Their arrogance and lack of discipline stem from their past as queens. That's why I ask you, Jiro, to be patient and guide them toward proper behavior. Your role is not just as a guardian but as a catalyst for their transformation," the hero said, their tone brimming with optimism, their hand raised slightly as if inspiring Jiro with newfound purpose.
Hours later, Jiro, Vespera, and Lyra were escorted to their new home. The grand house featured a sprawling yard, its lush green grass resembling a sea of vegetation, trees adorned with blooming flowers that perfumed the air, and its presence felt like a fresh beginning awaiting their embrace. They were greeted by Miya, an elf of the same age as Lyra and Vespera, the hero's child. Her long golden hair shimmered, and her eyes sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. Miya introduced herself as the homeowner who welcomed them, though only Jiro knew she was sent as his partner—a mediator and messenger for the hero, a secret he had to keep from the others.
Jiro reminded the two that the household items weren't theirs. "These belongings aren't yours. If you break anything, the police will lock you up, and I won't be able to help," he warned, his voice stern as he observed their reactions, his eyes watchful of their every move. Each was given their own room—featuring a soft bed with colorful blankets, a wardrobe filled with new clothes, and a small table with a lamp glowing like a starlit night—which they appreciated. Miya prepared a meal, and since they were in human form, they enjoyed the cooked dishes: adobo with a broth like ambrosia, warm rice, and fresh vegetables served like nature's offering.
While at home, Jiro avoided speaking to them despite their attempts to get his attention by calling his name or asking about things. The two noticed his lingering anger over the destruction of his house, the fire that erased his memories, and the tragedy born from their discord. Unable to bear his silence, they approached and grasped Jiro's arm. "Why won't you notice me? I've been talking to you for a while!" Vespera demanded. "You destroyed my house with your fighting—do you expect me to be happy with you?" Jiro retorted sharply.
"I'm sorry for what happened, but it's your fault too because you left us! You should have been there to stop us!" Vespera said, her voice dripping with defiance as she apologized yet still blamed Jiro, her eyes gleaming with frustration. "Yes, you shouldn't have left us! You know we don't get along," Lyra added, crossing her arms and glaring at Jiro with irritation, her fists slightly clenched as if ready to argue. "So it's my fault now? Why can't you accept that your stubbornness is the root of our problems?" Jiro countered, his voice rising with exasperation.
This provoked Jiro's anger, leading him to issue a threat. "Until you promise not to cause trouble again, I won't speak to you! My house is gone because of you, and I can't accept that easily!" he declared, his face serious as he stepped away, his footsteps heavy with the burden of his emotions. Hours passed with Jiro ignoring them—whether they sought help turning on the bathroom light, hanging curtains in their rooms, or asking about appliances like the fridge or oven, they received no response. The silence stood like a wall between them, and even while watching TV, their questions about new shows like soap operas or anime went unanswered, widening the gap.
After some time, Jiro took it upon himself to prepare food for them. He served them cake with colorful icing like a rainbow and soda with bubbles like a tiny celebration, which they eagerly enjoyed, their eyes lighting up with delight, their smiles reminiscent of children thrilled by a gift. Noticing icing on Lyra's lips, Jiro gently wiped it away with his finger—a small, caring gesture like a mother tending to her child. The two felt his tenderness, and a pang of guilt stirred within them. Though it wasn't in their nature as queens, they felt compelled to apologize and promised not to use their powers to fight, a shift they hadn't expected from themselves.
"I'm sorry, Jiro. I didn't mean to destroy your house, but we won't do it again, I promise," Lyra said softly, her voice filled with remorse, her eyes cast downward in shame. "Yes, we promise to stay calm and won't fight with our powers anymore," Vespera added, bowing her head as she sought forgiveness, her hands slightly clenched with resolve. Jiro expressed his gratitude, saying, "I didn't mean to be strict to make things hard for you, but for our safety—yours, mine, and the people here." Realizing their mistake—the fire, the lost house, the fear in their eyes—they apologized again, vowing to make amends however they could.
Miya interjected, her voice like a gentle breeze bringing peace. "To make up for it, you'll join Jiro in work—both at home and outside. He needs to pay rent, buy food, and sustain your life, so it's natural for you to contribute to this new chapter," she said, her smile full of support, her hands raised slightly as if offering assistance. The next day, they were tasked with tending to the yard animals—bathing pigs, feeding chickens, and collecting eggs—as their first step toward new responsibilities.
Detailed Scene of Working in the Yard
On their first workday, Miya led them to a vast yard that felt like a miniature paradise of nature, the sun shining fiercely like molten gold, and the scent of earth, leaves, and animals wafting through the air like the fragrance of life. "Let's start with bathing the pigs," Miya instructed, handing them buckets of cold well water, floral-scented soap, and worn brooms that seemed like relics of old. Lyra eagerly approached a small, mud-covered pig but didn't know how to handle it without fear. "What's this smelly thing? Why do I have to touch it? This isn't fit for me!" she complained, placing her hand on the pig's back, only for it to bolt away, igniting her frustration. "Stop, you filthy animal! You're a pig—don't run from me!" she shouted, chasing it across the yard, the water from her bucket splashing onto her clothes and face, amusing Jiro from a distance.
Meanwhile, Vespera approached with more caution but lacked experience. She placed the soap on another pig's back like a princess offering a gift, but as she began scrubbing, the pig spun around, splattering her with mud from head to toe. "Argh! This is disgusting! I can't do this, Jiro! Isn't there someone else to do this for me?" she cried, her face twisted in dismay as she wiped the mud from her clothes with her hands. "You need to learn. Stop complaining, Vespera—do it properly, or we won't eat well today!" Jiro ordered, standing aside and watching, his voice firm like a teacher imparting a lesson.
After the pigs, they were tasked with feeding the chickens. Miya provided bags of feed like treasures of the yard, but Lyra didn't know how to pour it without wasting any. "How do I do this? It's so hard and heavy!" she said, ripping the bag open with excessive force, spilling feed onto the ground and startling the chickens, whose wings flapped like clouds scattering in the sky. "Hey, don't waste the food—it's expensive!" Jiro shouted, though he chuckled at their antics, his eyes twinkling with mild amusement. Vespera, more careful, tried tossing feed to the chickens, but she accidentally hit one on the head, provoking the others to peck at her feet and hands. "Ouch! That hurts! Why are they attacking me? These disrespectful creatures!" she complained, hopping around to evade the chickens, her movements resembling a frantic dance.
The toughest part was collecting the eggs. Miya guided them to the chicken coop, where eggs lay scattered like pearls on the ground, the hens perched in their nests like vigilant guards. "You must pick them up gently to avoid breaking them, and don't disturb the brooding hens," Miya advised, her voice a fountain of wisdom. Lyra immediately grabbed an egg, but her uncontrolled strength crushed it, the yolk spilling onto her hand and clothes. "This is filthy! Why do I have to do this? I hate it!" she yelled, wiping her hand on her clothes, her face etched with disgust. Vespera, more cautious, reached for an egg, only for a brooding hen to emerge and peck her hand, leaving her skin red and sore. "Agh! I can't take this! It hurts, and these chickens are unbearable—I'd hurt them if I could!" she exclaimed, though Jiro insisted they finish. "You need to learn patience and skill. Don't give up—I'll help you!" he said, assisting with the egg collection, his hands swift yet careful, his eyes filled with hope that they would improve.
Detailed Scene of Selling at the Market
In the afternoon, Jiro took them to the market to sell eggs and vegetables, a vibrant place brimming with life and color. The market was an orchestra of noise—the shouts of vendors hawking fish, meat, and fruit, the rumble of passing vehicles, and the aroma of fresh produce like tomatoes, onions, and lemongrass blending into a fragrant symphony of commerce. They arranged the eggs and vegetables on a sturdy yet weathered wooden table prepared by Miya, but the two were clueless about where to begin. "What are we supposed to do here? There are so many people, and it's so noisy!" Lyra said, gazing around at the bustling crowd, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of fear.
"Offer the goods for sale. Say, 'Please buy some eggs and vegetables, they're fresh!' and smile to attract customers," Jiro instructed, demonstrating with a grin and a welcoming gesture. Lyra tried, but her voice boomed loudly, startling those nearby as if a storm had rolled in. "Please buy some eggs and vegetables, they're fresh!" she bellowed, her voice like thunder crashing into the ears of customers, amusing some and embarrassing Jiro. "Don't shout, Lyra! Keep your voice soft and be polite—try again," Jiro said, chuckling slightly, his lips curving as he adjusted the table.
Vespera, more reserved, attempted to offer goods but struggled to engage customers without sounding commanding. "Take some eggs… if you want, and don't complain, you're lucky to get them from me," she said, her tone regal yet off-putting, startling an elderly customer with a basket. "So arrogant! I won't buy from you—you're too haughty!" the elder snapped, storming off with an angry stride. "What's this, Jiro? Why are they mad at me? I was just being honest," Vespera asked, looking to Jiro with confusion, her hands raised as if seeking an answer.
As time passed, they began to adapt to their new role. Lyra learned to speak more softly, though her stubborn streak still amused customers, like when she called out, "Hey, handsome, buy some!" to an old man who bought five eggs with a laugh. "Come on, please buy! They're delicious and fresh!" she said with a smile, delighting the customer as she quickly took their money. Vespera grew politer, though Jiro occasionally scolded her for underpricing. "Vespera, don't sell everything so cheap! We need profit, or we won't eat later!" he said, assisting a customer who bought three vegetables, his eyes hopeful that they'd learn.
Jiro wondered where the abundance of eggs and vegetables came from, as it seemed impossible to gather so much from the yard in one day. Miya explained, "We prepared everything for Lyra and Vespera to help them learn to live as normal humans and shed their sense of superiority. Our goal is to integrate them into this world, encouraging humility over pride," she said with a smile, her hands resting on the table as if offering support.
Jiro observed their efforts—the sweat on Lyra's forehead, Vespera adjusting her hair while selling—and gradually, his heart lightened. The plan was working to some extent, and he found joy in the small changes in their behavior, a glimmer of dawn in their new life.
Evening
That night, Lyra and Vespera were utterly exhausted, their bodies feeling like heavy stones, and they continued to complain about the work. "My body aches! I can't recall if we ever did this before, but it feels beneath someone like me," Lyra grumbled, collapsing onto the sofa as if drained of energy, her hands resting on her back. "Yes, I'd rather give orders than work! My hands feel unfit for this!" Vespera added, slumping into a chair, her face clouded with dismay.
Jiro stopped them from complaining. "You need to earn money—you'll benefit from it for food and rent. No more grumbling; we need this!" he said, his voice firm with determination, his eyes gleaming with discipline. The two pleaded for massages to ease their pain. "Jiro, massage my back—it hurts so much!" Lyra begged, acting cute, her hands lightly touching Jiro's shoulder. Jiro promptly massaged Lyra, his hands swift yet gentle, and she sighed in relief, "Yes, right there, press harder on the right side."
But Vespera's jealousy flared instantly. "Why her first? I should go first! You always favor Lyra—it's unfair!" she protested, standing and demanding Jiro's attention, her eyes burning with envy. The two argued again, unable to agree even on small matters. "I should go first because I'm more beautiful than her!" Vespera claimed, crossing her arms. "That's not true—who told you that?" Lyra retorted, standing and facing Vespera defiantly.
Despite this, Jiro felt a sense of happiness seeing a change in Lyra and Vespera's attitudes that day—a small step toward their new life, a hope like a flower slowly blooming amid their former darkness. "Enough of that—whether one goes first doesn't matter. It's enough that I'm helping and favoring you both equally," Jiro said firmly.
"That matters a lot!" both shouted in unison. To avoid further conflict, Jiro decided to settle it with a coin toss. "Let's resolve this with a coin toss instead," he suggested.