The Light of my Life

Of the three sisters, Silvia was the oldest among them. Mina and Mika were born of Sahar's second wife and Illyana was born to his third wife, Lilitu. Silvia was born from the relationship he cherished with his first wife. There are none who know her name, nor her identity. All Sahar would ever admit to was her species. As a Demon, Sahar's first wife was known as a Fuzanglong, a legendary dragon from China. These ancient beings were never seen aboveground among or near human settlements. They lived far from all others, hoarding their treasures and keeping secret their knowledge. Rumor often painted Sahar as an adventurer, a man with exotic tastes. Perhaps it was part of his personality, but the tales were also likely a result of his nature as a Vampir. In old Europe, there were stories of Vampir traveling about, causing mischief or creating unnatural states of hedonistic stupors among men and women alike.

Though their faces aren't wont to show an array of expressions, leaving them victims to accusations of being cold or hateful, it made it difficult for many to understand that Vampir could love as deeply, if not more, then humans. But in that same vein Vampir were envious, jealous creatures who could not stand to see the ones they loved, or felt they owned, in the company of another. Many believe Sahar had come to court the secrets Silvia's mother shared with him or came to covet her treasures. Whatever it was that bound him to the unknown woman, Silvia was a result of their union.

And now Silvia sat among them, seeking to keep Tamotsu at her beck and call.

Conversation had returned to normal. Illyana's outburst was pushed to the back of everyone's minds. They weren't sure, but Lilitu must have been acting too pushy. The woman had a way of worming her way onto your bad side, at least among her family. Outsiders didn't seem to notice her darker nature or that obnoxious personality she appeared to harbour. As of late though, her influence over Illyana was waning as the young woman became more independent with each passing day.

"I didn't know you didn't drink Tamotsu~." Silvia was the first to brave the waters once everything had calmed.

Tamotsu was in the middle of raising his cup to his lips. He couldn't help but feel a lingering tingle on the skin, even as it touched the water. For a moment he pondered if he had been served sparkling water, but brushed the thoughts aside. His rust colored eyes drifted towards Silvia's direction. He had some choice words, but his current company limited his verbal onslaught. When he set his cup down, he would smile.

"I didn't realize it was a secret." He mused. "I always make smoothies for Illyana and myself. Much healthier." He resisted the urge to punch low. 

Silvia was hoping the man would cut loose. Show the others what he was really like. She couldn't say she knew the man well, but she at least knew he wouldn't do anything to trouble her cute, little sister. Beneath the table the silver-haired demon held lightly to Tamotsu's hand which was resting on his knee. Silvia, with her obsidian colored hair, sat beside Cora who was hopeful to learn more about this curious couple. She had known the four sisters for quite some time and would have never thought they would show any interest in having a partner.

"I think it's fine." Cora giggled. "You don't need to drink to have a good time." 

"That isn't the point." She had been silent since their arrival, but Mina finally spoke up. "The problem is Illyana is speaking for him. Is she his manager?"

Illyana glared daggers into the oldest, but no matter how clingy Silvia was, she couldn't compare to anxiety the youngest twisted in her. Mina was a direct person and dangerously forward. As an idol she was used to living a catered life where her managers did what she wanted, when she wanted, and how she wished it. So the idea Illyana was doing anything for Tamotsu was absurd. 

Sahar coughed softly, pulling his hand up to his lips. Slowly turning his gaze to his wife he was able to catch the ghost of a smirk on her features. It seemed she was forming the girls against one another, particularly Mina. Being the youngest, Mina suffered a great deal of pressure to measure up to her older sisters. Mina wasn't blessed with a model's figure. Even at eighteen she had a small body and seemingly underdeveloped figure perfect to play a super young looking songstress. She had the same red eyes her siblings did, but what stood out most on her person was her bright, red hair.

"Mina..." Illyana called softly, not wanting things to become complicated, "It's fine. Momo was just being polite..."

"Polite?" She scoffed. "Polite would have been him taking the drink. And why doesn't he answer?" She'd question. "What are you, his wife? Stop talking for a grown man! And what grown man is called Momo by their boss!?"

Tamotsu turned his head, holding back a cough. Cora and Silvia went wide-eyed. Lilitu looked to her daughter, a smug grin on her face, knowing the girl had nothing to defend herself with. Tamotsu quickly raised his hand.

"It's alright--" He tried to step in, not wanting Illyana's mood to sour.

But she'd not give her manager the chance.

"Because unlike you I can support someone other than myself." The clap back was sharp, it was quick, but overall it hit Mina where it hurt.

Mina was indeed eighteen. And unIike her sisters she went to a mixed school. It was much easier to find such schools in the East where Vampir were allowed to enroll. Mina was pretty normal when she was young. She liked cute things and fashion, but as she grew up her oddly foreign features were often the center of people's attention. It took a while to convince her teachers it was natural, but regardless of that her peers found it highly unusual. She stood out and became the target of bullying. Eventually the young Vampir fought back. Her natural super strength gave her a sense of superiority over others that only served to further drive a wedge between those who were more accepting of her wild hair. Her wild personality was too much for anyone. In time those she had called friends cut ties with her.

A selfishness seeded itself in her heart. That seed slowly strangled her heart and turned it cold. 

Even with her four older sisters she seemed unable to soothe her loneliness. They were all living their own lives and never had time to spend going to the movies or heading to the mall to shop. For a while they lived together and this had brought some peace to her life, but it didn't last. Because of Illyana's irresponsibility their time together was cut short. It disrupted the older girls and completely embarrassed Mina who had looked up to her.

To Mina, Illyana was the world. She was pretty, kind, and always willing to try and give her the time of day, even if she didn't have it. But Mina felt betrayed by Illyana who only ever seemed to act like a child.

Mina stood from her seat, the chair squeaking as the feet of the legs dragged along the stony ground. Laying her hands on the table she glared at Illyana.

"Say that again." Mina dared her older sister.

Illyana wouldn't back down though. She had already lost so much playing to the tuna of her mother's flute. She knew that woman was probably feeding Mina lies, but for her sister to believe them so easily...

Illyana nodded, keeping in her seat. She made sure to speak loud and proudly. "I don't need to hide behind others in order to get what I need." Illyana began. "I also support others even if it's a bit difficult." She wouldn't let Mina turn this upside down. She would have a lovely night with Tamotsu and put everyone else in their place until they understood he belonged to her. "Why are you convinced that I can't just help Momo out of the goodness of my heart?" She looked to Tamotsu, who was starting to feel under pressure. "Besides, after four years, I think I've earned the right to call him by a nickname. Right, Momo?"

Tamotsu wasn't sure what just happened, but he would admit she did earn, if not take, that right. He nodded in agreement, as he wasn't sure his voice would cooperate. Was Lily trying to give him a heart attack?? Though he did take dark pleasure in the annoyed look Lilitu displayed as Illyana a stood up to such adversity. She was seemingly unstoppable tonight, not that Tamotsu wanted to see her stop. She was glowing too bright. His adorable little star...

But soon all of it would have to take a back seat. The food was finally coming out...