My Vampire

This is Japan, I left France to come here. There are so many people in Tokyo! But the smell of so many human beings makes me thirst for their blood.

Now, I can suppress this urge, but who was it? Who was the one who said that Japanese people won't make you thirst because they don't have body odor?

I relearned Japanese back in France.

The Japan I had known was from the period known as the Warring States. I arrived here then with a missionary. There were many samurai and they had Japanese swords at their side. I used to go hawking with Nobunaga Oda, the reigning warlord, but he left this world, his castle along with him.

Japan has changed so much since then. The language that the samurai spoke in those days is no longer used.

Japan is also popular in France. Many people want to travel here because of manga and anime. Well, I'm also one of them. I love Japanese manga and anime!

And I also want to see with my own eyes how Japan has changed since then. Its economic development has been remarkable since its defeat in World War II. Europe has changed a lot too. We used to eat our meals by hand, but now we eat with a fork and knife.

Who am I to know such things?

I am an immortal vampire. Yes, I am what is called a vampire.

Did they ever exist, you ask?

We do. I'm here.

First, I have to find a place to live. I'll be living in a hotel for a while... The apartment that my friend gave me to use was also his feeding ground, so I'm uncomfortable with it.

I guess people in this country don't care about appearances. Maybe it's a national trait.

Oh well.

I went to a hotel, Tokyo Station Hotels, which was recommended by my friend. I check in and drop off my luggage. Let's go!

To a place called Shibuya!

The cabs are so nice. I get out of one and walk. So this is the Shibuya Crossing! I often see this place in anime. I'm an otaku, after all!

I'm a little excited, but there are so many people...

Getting a little bit human-sick, I crouch down after crossing the intersection.

"Um, are you all right?"

It was a Japanese woman who approached me.

"You don't look so good. You're swaying. Did you get disoriented because of the crowd? There are a lot of people here. Would you like to go to a nearby café? Or would you like to come to my clinic nearby? I'm a practicing doctor."

Oh yeah, this smell is specific to a doctor.

"Well then, can you take me to your clinic?"

"Okay. I'll take you as a patient. Of course, you will be examined."

"Oh, okay. I'm having a hard time standing."

"Oh my! Well then, I'll call one of my nurses. It's close nearby."

She told me that and called someone on her phone. A nurse came and helped me to the clinic. I arrive at the clinic, leaning on her shoulder for support.

"Let's get you on a bed first."

I lie down on the clinic bed. The woman who said she was a doctor listened to my lungs and chest with a stethoscope.

She asked me, "Do you feel any nausea?　Are you feeling any pain?"

There were many questions. She took my blood, saying that a simple blood sample would tell us the result immediately.

The results came back.

"You seem to be mildly anemic, but this level should be fine."

Well, it has been 24 hours since my last drink. I'm going to need another one soon or I'll have an attack.

"You can rest a little longer," says the nurse who lent me her shoulder earlier.

"Actually, I'm starving," I reply.

I smile at her, and she giggles.

"There are hamburgers for sale nearby. I can get you one. Do you have anything you like? Right now they're offering a teriyaki burger set that comes with an apple pie!"

The female doctor and another nurse both heard that.

"I want one too, so go get me one," they both said.

"Then I'll have one with you all, please."

"Yes! Receptionist Riko, come with me! It's almost noon!"

"I'm off then, Doctor!"

I'm a vampire, but I also eat normal food. There is no such thing as a blood-only diet.

The girls came back and we ate hamburgers together.

"Come to think of it, Marcus-san, your Japanese is very good," observes the woman at the reception desk, who they called Riko.

"I've been to Japan before."

*It was the Warring States period, though. I had a sly smile on my face as I replied.*

Then suddenly:

"Hey! Is Dr. Kashiwaga here?" Asks a man's voice.

Riko, the receptionist, goes to answer.

"Oh, Inspector. Has something happened again?"

Inspector? Japanese police?

Why are the police here?

"An autopsy?"

With that said, the lady doctor takes a bite of her hamburger without pause.

"Well, something like that, but... I need you to come to the scene first. I'd like to hear your opinion."

The lady doctor finishes the burger she was eating.

"Mika-chan, let's go get ready," she tells the nurse at the clinic.

*Since I'm here...*

"Do you mind if I come with you?"

Everyone looks at me. Of course, I'm not acquainted with them.

"I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I'm also a licensed physician. Maybe I can be of some help."

The policeman looks troubled, but I look him in the eye and use my power.

The power of persuasion, of influencing the will of another party.

"I really shouldn't disclose this to civilians, but I think it's a good idea this time. I'd like to hear what the other doctor has to say about this."

My ability made it impossible for him to refuse. He allows me to accompany him and Dr. Kashiwagi."