Three months have passed and we are now about to receive the team assignments. As third year students, we would get to participate in B-class and A-class demon slaying missions without the accompaniment of a senior instructor.

The twins and I made our way to the training classroom to get our team assignments. All of the students took our seats and waited for the professor to make the announcement.

“And now for the next team. It will be lead by Mr. Johns. Mister Johns, your teammates are: The Davis twins, Rebecca Cornwallis, Shizumi Yumihiko, Hanneke Van Hoebeek, and Aaboli. Grab your gear and move into one of the university's penthouse apartments. I wish your team good hunting and Godspeed.”

The seven of us stand up and proceed out of the classroom. “Okay, team,” I announce, “Let's meet in the penthouse in thirty minutes. We're going to have our first team meeting and party.”

The seven of us assemble in the penthouse. All of the girls are sitting on couches and other living room chairs. I stand in the middle of them, take in a deep breath, and let out a sigh.

“First of all, I want to say that I'm excited to be leading this team. But, to be honest, I'm also very scared. As team leader, your lives are in my hands. Trust is a very valuable, yet fragile bond. It is a bond that I hope we can forge strongly together. As a team, we are family, and as a family, there will be no secrets. Secrets break the fragile bonds of trust and will tear this family apart. Therefore, your first order from me as team leader is for you to reveal your true powers, and I, in turn, will show you mine.”

Jeni and Jesi look at me with complete shock. I can sense the fear welling up inside them. I shoot them a look of reassurance, and they begin to calm down.

Hanneke stands up first. She summons her aura, which glows bright yellow. Her weapon, a viking battle-axe appears. I can sense her power flowing through her body as she stands confidently in front of me.

Aaboli is next. As she summons her aura, her body shines with a deep purple glow. Her weapon, a spear and shield appear.

Shizumi follows suit. Her body glows with a beautiful pink aura as she summons her naginata.

Rebecca stands with her usual regal confidence. Her scythe appears as she begins to glow white.

The twins stand at the same time. Jeni glows blue as she summons her bow. Jesi's aura shines green as she summons her staff.

As the girls stand before me, I marvel in the beauty of their auras and gaze in admiration upon their weapons.

“Now that I have seen your true powers, as promised, I will show you mine.” I declare. I summon my red aura, reveal my sword, and stand before the ladies.

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Shizumi is the first to notice the chain on my sword. “You are not at full strength.” she states.

“That's right,” I respond, “for you see, I am a vampire. And for the time being my powers must remain sealed. Only Jeni and Jesi can unseal my power. As I stated earlier, there will be no secrets between us. But, I must ask of you this. Do not reveal to anyone what you saw here today. I fear that if my true power is revealed to the world, they may be terrified of me.”

Hanneke lets out a boisterous laugh. “A vampire? How cliché. And I suppose we are to become your own private harem? Give us proof.”

“Very well,” I say confidently, “here is the proof you seek.” I call Jeni and Jesi to my side. They face me, and proceed to kiss me on the mouth. Our tongues collide and saliva mixes as power flows between the three of us. My fangs grow, and the chain unlocks on my sword. We finish the kiss and the twins step away from me. With blinding speed I move behind Hanneke and bite down on her soft, supple neck. I'm careful not to draw too much blood, but just enough to make my point.

My movements terrify Shizumi, Aaboli, and Hanneke. But somehow, Rebecca stands looking onward with a smile plastered on her face.

“I knew you were suppressing your power the day I dueled you.” Rebecca said coyishly.

I carefully lower Hanneke to the couch. I glare at the other girls authoritatively.

“Now do you believe? Now do you see why this must remain our secret?”

The girls nod their heads in agreement.

“Good.”

I lower my head and close my eyes. The chain on my sword locks and my aura fades away. I drop to my knees in exhaustion as Jeni and Jesi reach out to catch me. As they pull me to my feet, my eyes return to their original state of kindness. A smile broadens across my face.

“Relax, now, everyone. Refreshments are in the dining room. It's time for a party.”

We retreat to the dining room. A buffet of food is spread out across the table for all to enjoy.

“Will Hanneke be okay?” Aaboli asks me.

“She'll be asleep for a couple more minutes. I didn't take that much blood.” I assure her.

I grab a half of a sandwich off of the table. The girls stare at me in amazement.

“What? You've seen me eat food before. You think that just because I'm a vampire that food would make me sick?” I ask. “It just so happens I love food. Blood just gives me strength and heals my wounds.”

Shizumi looks at me timidly. “It's just that after seeing your true state, it's a little off-putting to see you eating food. It changes what we know about vampires.”

I look at all of the girls with deep compassion. “You have no need to fear me. I'm in complete control as long as the seal is in place. I can retain some control when the seal is removed, but I have to keep my blood-lust in check. That is where Jeni and Jesi come in. For it is only with their kiss that my true power awakens. It is their love for me that keeps me in check. One day, I'll learn to do it on my own. But until that day comes, they are my balance.”

Rebecca walks over to me and kisses my cheek, to the astonishment of the other girls. “Maybe one day I'll get to unseal you, love.”

I look deep into Rebecca's eyes. “Now is not the time. You might make the other girls jealous.” I point out.

“Exactly my intent.” She quips.

I look across the table at my team. “Finish your food and drinks. Then get some rest. Tomorrow, I plan on doing a trust building exercise with each of you.” I excuse myself from the table and retreat to my bedroom for the night to sleep off the fatigue and to prepare myself for the morning.