Kalebeko and Princess Celestia

In Honor of my favorite character’s birthday, which is today, June 9th, here is a glimpse of what Kalebeko Mortakeo was like before he became the infamous King of the Vamney in Nyonia.

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It’s been a year since Kalebeko’s illness had disappeared after draining the blood of a Vamney. Now he was so strong that he had become the new leader of the DRA, or the Durank Resistance Allies. The monthly attacks did not go away after the incident. In fact, they came in droves almost on a weekly basis. Did the knights who ensure no one goes in or out of the Durank care? No. None of them did. Was there some kind of agreement that Kaleb and the others did not know about?

The boy still took part in the small joy that the people of the Durank had; theatre. When he was younger and weak, he had minor roles but always stole the show. Now that he was older, and strong, he could be the star of each performance. Even though he loved the attention and notoriety, he still took the time each night to walk the rounds with the rest of the DRA in case they attacked.

After the last audience member went home, Kaleb immediately let down his easy going manner, and grabbed the sword that he inherited from his old friend. The lead actor was about to close the stage when he heard something. He had sharp reflexes as a side effect of the Vamney blood, so he could notice things more when he was alone.

‘Who’s there?’ he asked firmly. There was still daylight, but he had heard powerful Vamney could prowl in the sun, so he kept up his guard.

‘I am sorry,’ a beautiful girl came from behind the bush. She seemed to be the same age as he was and was wearing a gown that looked royal. What stood out the most was her green eyes that slowly changed to a golden tint.. ‘I wanted to see for myself what this place was like. I snuck by the guards because I want to help.’

‘Help?’ Kaleb asked, putting the sword away. He blushed at how beautiful he thought she was. ‘Who are you?’

‘I am,’ she hesitated, worried. ‘Princess Celestia. My father is the King, but I have heard that he expresses frustration with the treatment of the people here. I found this venue and wanted to watch the performance. You are an amazing actor, what is your name?’

‘Oh, me? My name is Kalebeko Mortakeo. I live with my twin brother and I run the protection society.’

‘Protection? From what?’ the princess asked, concerned.

‘You do not know? Vamney attack us for their blood supply. Since no one has come to help us and none of us are allowed to leave, we train to protect ourselves and others. You should get home, your highness. We don’t know when they will attack.’

Celestia frowned. ‘I do not think Father knows about this. I must tell him immediately! Though, I seem to have gotten lost. Can you help me find my way out?’

Kalebeko flushed. ‘Yes, I can do that.’

He held out his hand to help her from behind the bushes and began walking through the slums. She looked so innocent and cheerful. Kaleb knew the moment he met her that he wanted to find a way to marry her. One day, he will be living out in the city and become a knight, sworn to protect her. As they walked in silence Kaleb froze as he saw the signal fire on one of the rooftops.

‘Damn,’ Kaleb hissed. He pulled her down an alley quietly.

‘What? What is wrong?’ she asked, alarmed.

‘Vamney, that is the signal for an attack. I need to get you out of here quickly,’ he said urgently. ‘Come on,’ he grabbed her hand and ran down the alley as fast as he could without hurting her. He tried his best to stay hidden but the vamney blood in his veins, so he was a moving target. As they got closer to the least guarded area of the durank, a creature came out of nowhere and grabbed the princess. She screamed, but then elbowed the guy and took out a small dagger to stab his eye. Kaleb stood there looking stunned as the Princess took his hand and ran. That was the moment he knew he had to marry this girl. They ran into a few more, dodging their attacks.

‘I came through this tunnel!’ Celestia exclaimed. ‘Come on!’ Without thinking of the consequences of getting caught escaping, Kaleb followed the princess.