Disclaimer I don't own vampire knight or beauty and the beast
~Chapter 2~
As was becoming somewhat customary, evening found Yuki and Kaname seated near the hearth as the elder read aloud. This habit had begun almost a year ago, when one night, Yuki found herself unable to sleep and so had stayed up beside her brother. Having, driven by boredom, taken a rare interest in what Kaname happened to be reading, tentatively asked him to read a chapter to her. And he had. Surprising both of them, they had found it relaxing and enjoyable, and so had continued the comfortable practice every now and then when the mood struck.
Admittedly, Yuki wasn't always particularly enthusiastic about everything Kaname chose to read with her, as his tastes were far different, and yet unfortunately for her preferences, he was the sole one of the two in possession of a large number of books and so it was his collection they had to choose from. But then, she also claimed that listening to Kaname read was half of the fun anyway and so she was fine and never dissatisfied.
But this night was different for both, instead Kaname had presented the fairytale received from Takuma and in the face of Yuki's curiosity and delight, Kaname reluctantly agreed to give it a chance. He had mixed feelings while reading it but he withheld his opinion until the current chapter they were on was finished and Yuki expressed her thoughts on it.
And when finally reaching that point, with no surprise he found that, naturally, she had been enthralled from the very beginning. As was usually the case when it came to fantasy stories she read, though Kaname couldn't help but tease her for it. "I am glad that you have enjoyed it so far, Yuki. Though oddly, I notice you linger over the supernatural aspects most." He commented knowingly.
The tone of his voice made her wary and almost defensive but she replied, "I like it all of course! Its just that I, like anyone else, will always like and appreciate the magic of dragons and princesses that's all." She gave him quick assessing once over, as if hoping to discreetly see what he was getting at. But all that shown on the other's face was an unassuming smile that put her further on edge.
"Ah I see, so as long as it at least has a princess or dragon you're entertained?" Kaname asked innocently, Yuki flushed but defended herself "I don't just like it because it's a fairytale! I-I was also enthralled by the main character's kindness and forgivingness." Kaname's eyebrows raised and with some offense Yuki continued "She always sees the good in people and in the face of anything she can forgive. Aren't those admirable qualities?"
Kaname's expression of polite disbelief in her excuse didn't completely fade, but he quietly considered her question for a moment. Finally he said, "Yes, I suppose they are." Then looking a little more pensive and perhaps like he hadn't even meant to say it aloud, distractedly added, "Although, I would say, that even as it is considered kind, doesn't her forgiveness perhaps reach those who more often than not, don't deserve it?" Yuki seemed surprised at his reply and before she could stop herself, blurted "What do you mean?"
Carefully contemplating his answer, while mentally berating himself for saying it in the first place, Kaname prepared to say it in way as to not influence her own thoughts yet explain to her what he meant. "I recall, one of those she forgave committed terrible crimes, did horrible things, and yet without anything but his remorse she forgave them." Here he leaned forward as if particularly focused on the last part of his sentence, "Is she blinded by love and kindness or regardless, is remorse a worthy enough reason for redemption?" His tone was genuine, and curious about her answer, yet at the sudden change of atmosphere, for a moment Yuki was at a loss for what to say.
But after a long silent minute she carefully, hesitantly began "But if remorse isn't enough… is there anything else that ever will be?" At her words, Kaname looked truly taken aback and seeing he wasn't about to answer, Yuki went on "No matter what one does they can't change what's already happened, or take back what they've done, but then, they do those things because they're sorry."
She glanced at him in an attempt to gauge his reaction but the elder Kuran had regained his composure and his face has already reverted to its normal impassive state. "So…so I'm not certain, but I believe that maybe it's their remorse that's most important." She concluded. It would have been unnerving to not know his initial reaction had Yuki not been used to it, but it being as it was, she waited patiently.
Studying her carefully, Kaname became thoughtful and with slowly growing smile, said softly "I had never considered it from that point of view before. It's a rather mature way to see something, Yuki." Yuki flushed at the praise but smiled, then shifting to snuggle deeper into the sofa, asked "Well? What do you like most about it so far?"
Truthfully? Kaname found himself skeptical of the romance blooming between heroine and villain. The protagonist's warmth was supposedly slowly melting the hard heart of the antagonist to reveal something quite tender, and in turn the other's stubbornness and unshakable mentality gave him the persistence to worm his way into her heart. But was that really little more than whimsical and romantic thinking?
Was it not foolish to expect a heart of gold beneath any dark surface? Surely it was not wise to expose oneself so vulnerably to danger of deceit or evil beyond the point of saving. Unfortunately, Kaname felt the heroine was too trusting and naïve, but this time, instead of telling Yuki these things, he simply said, "I appreciate the writing of the Villain. He is displayed in a believable yet intriguing light, and I think it takes deep insight to write a good antagonist."
Yuki sighed and almost shook her head, it was what she had expected but she had hoped for a more plot focused answer. "Yes, but were there any moments you particularly enjoyed?" She pleadingly tried again, Kaname quirked an eyebrow but leafed through the book only to finally say "The father's speech about love and hate was rather impressive. It certainly sets a higher standard for other fairytales." Yuki groaned but reluctantly decided pursuing the subject was a pointless endeavor.
Catching her aggravated expression, Kaname chuckled and softly said "Don't let my teasing vex you, Yuki. And don't worry, I am enjoying the book and many of its moments immensely, or else I would not have continued it with you." Truthfully he would have kept reading either way as long as Yuki found amusement in it, but still, he didn't hate the book at all and really that was the only point he was trying to make.
"Now," Kaname said, pulling himself to his feet, "I see it has gotten later than I realized. You really ought to be in bed before too long." He placed the story neatly among the other books he kept on a little shelf in the room, then turned to observe Yuki hesitatingly rising from the sofa as well. She opened her mouth as though there were something she'd like to say but then changing her mind, closed it. She gave him a pleasant smile instead and moved to give him a quick hug and goodnight.
And Kaname thought about letting her do just that. Yuki clearly has something on her mind but if she wasn't ready to talk naturally he should wait, but the frustration and disappointment that shown through her eyes as she turned away, made him think better of his resolve. In a heartbeat he had lightly gripped her shoulder and gently, he asked "Yuki, is something the matter?" Startled from her thoughts, she looked back with wide eyes and stuttered "W-what?"
"What did you wish to tell me?" Said Kaname, and though hearing clearly this time, Yuki didn't react any better. She swallowed and her gaze darted away to fall upon everything and anything in the room that wasn't him. "It's fine! I'm feeling a little sleepy and you likely have things to do now. But I can talk to you tomorrow." She said evasively, but Kaname was not and would not be dissuaded.
"Yuki, please tell me." The words were soft and beseeching, pulling Yuki to finally look at him. Her brother's eyes were so pleading, and she was unable to stop herself from completely spewing the bottled up sentences. "Earlier today, as well as helping me at the market, Ruka, and in turn her cousins, told me about their great aunt! She said that her aunt liked to travel a lot but this time she was only visiting the city." With a sinking feeling, Kaname could tell exactly what Yuki was about to say next.
"Well apparently she told her aunt about you and I, and um- Ruka invited us if we're interested." She finished in one rushed breath. Kaname heaved a deep sigh and began to speak, only to be swiftly cut off by his sister as she said "I know! I know! But you don't have to go! I can go for both of us." Her tone was so hopeful and yet her face scared of what might be his reply, that Kaname just gazed tiredly at her a moment before asking with unnameable underlying emotion, "Do you want to visit the city?"
Yuki caught the real, intended question beneath, 'do you miss the city?'. She met his gaze with just as much intensity as he, and said without hesitation "Yes, I would like to visit it." 'But I couldn't imagine living anywhere else but here, with you.' her lips curled into such a sweet smile that it reassured Kaname as much as her words. Resignedly he removed his hand and asked "When do you have to leave then?"
A delighted squeal flew from Yuki and she grasped his shirt to lean up and kiss his cheek without a seconds thought. And helpless to stop the small smile that graced his face, it made Kaname think, that perhaps… just perhaps her joy made up for the undoubtedly depressing time that would be spent alone while she was gone.
The couple weeks afterward, were busily spent preparing for Yuki's journey and taking short trips into town for anything she might need or packing the things she would want to take with her. For Kaname, it was both good and bad that this time flew by, the former being because he was kept busy and unable to agonize over Yuki leaving, but then on the other hand, the hours he normally spent with Yuki were significantly cut in half. Or almost cut out all together, as it felt to him.
It came to a point were Yuki was calling Kaname, the notoriously cool and collected, Kaname, a mother hen. And he had almost became one, he hovered over Yuki frequently, had several times asked her if perhaps she had thought about reconsidering the whole thing, and practically forced her to promise to not leave her companions's sides. It had driven Yuki to thinking that perhaps this trip was an even better thing for him than for her.
But soon the day of Yuki's departure had inevitably fallen upon them. Kaname had accepted her hug, kissed her goodbye and helped her on the horse he had recently acquired for her (specifically with her trip in mind), all the while, subtly threatening the small group of cousins she was traveling with, with what would happen should she not return safe and sound with them. But finally the luggage was loading into the lone carriage of the group (that both the aged aunt and the baggage shared), and they were on their way, waves and farewells still being shouted back.
Kaname stayed firmly in place until the small band of travelers had faded from view. Then, releasing a breath more tired than it sounded, he slowly made his way back to the little house. The home had never been anything but bright and warm to Kaname while he shared it with his young sister, yet as he stepped in, the house seemed far smaller than it ever had in five years.
Closing the door behind him, for the first time that day Kaname let his façade of false indifference crumble. Here alone in the dark, in a pathetic enough place, he could admit the house already felt unbearably cold and lonely. Very… very lonely.
Far, far away, within a dark looming castle, through passages, rooms and halls, to a deep chamber shut away decades upon decades before, there in the center of the room, lay a rose. Left for what could have been eons or years, given the layer of dust and ruin that covered every surface in the room but it. The many years already passed should have left the rose dead long ago, yet it appeared as full of blooming life as the day it was brought to the large castle.
Though darkly shadowed and shut away in the secluded chamber, no blackness could swallow up the pure white rose, and it almost seemed to emit a soft glow. Upon a glance, the rose was nothing significant. However, the longer one looked and studied it, the more eerie, the more ageless it became. It was spellbinding and had an ancient air to it. As it should have, as every year it aged further beyond a human's expected lifespan.
Year after year it lay in total darkness and solitude. That is, with the exception of one night at the beginning of each new start of the seasons. Those nights, creeping in, a figure, a prince, that could barely be seen in the dimness would examine the rose for any sign of change. And there was change. Every single year, a petal fell. There was a seemingly endless supply of these petals and it hardly affected the beauty of the flower, but that was not what tormented this prince.
The creeping terror lay with the many fallen petals scattered around it. It was ironic how beautiful they were when they represented the steady approach of something so horrible and bone chilling. But what was odd, was the strange way they turned to pearly glass the moment they were no longer a part of the main flower. It was an enchanted rose so reason and reality couldn't be expected to apply but still, the metaphor that seemed to lay behind the glass was foreboding.
With footfalls that grew heavier each time he left, the prince would leave and shut the room away once more. Gaining no satisfaction, but grim confirmation of what he already knew. Hope was a feeling long forgotten, so there was none to be dashed. He had resigned himself to the inevitable fate long ago, abandoning the bitter disappointment and grief he had originally felt, and in its place took cold empty apathy.
Because who, and how could anyone worth loving, ever come to care for a monster? Every year the rose prophesied his near doom and the little time he had was dwindling. Nothing short of crying to the heavens for mercy or miracle could be done. And that was something he refused to do when he knew there would be no answer.
The castle would crumble, the servants would perish and their prince would fall to madness as a mindless, despicable beast. The once strong, beautiful kingdom would finally and completely fall and fade away from history. No myth or legend would even remain in it's memory
Over the first half, their journey had started and remained a smooth affair. The road had been clear and bright, the cousins had bickered and joked, and throughout this early ride, cheery chatter rang happily out, casting a warm, positive glow and mood over the whole group. Yuki enjoyed the happy atmosphere to such a great extent, at a point she almost felt guilty.
She didn't want to appear as though she didn't love her life at the little house she shared with Kaname, because of course, she did. But it was so different, and unable to help it, Yuki enjoyed the light and carefreeness of these moments. They were something that in Kaname's company, was rarely offered.
With wholehearted truthfulness, Yuki was sure this trip was something she had needed for a long time. So settling her uncertain guilt, she determinedly forced herself to stop doubting the decision she made and set her heart on just enjoying the vacation while it lasted. The happy aura around the group (that steadily and strongly grew on Yuki) pleasantly and brightly continued on like this for a while longer.
As morning became noon and the hours steadily passed, the air became chillier and their way less visible. None the less they trudged on, soon entering a forest that the road led them through. But with the trees came a mist, and the mist steadily turned to thick fog. Promoting everyone to pull on their cloaks.
Kain called out to warn the rest to stay close that they might not lose one another, a possibility he said was quite likely and dangerous in an unfamiliar wood. Unsurprisingly, the happy feelings of that morning were lost, the gloomy situation draining them out of the group far faster than they had come. It put an edge of unease in Yuki and she quietly urged her horse on, desperate to keep up with the others.
It was inevitable that at some point through the ride, unluckily Yuki found herself at the back of group. She was the least experienced and by far with her passiveness, the easiest to be pushed back there. Though it was almost impossible to tell where anyone was through the fog. She also had a slight issue keeping complete control over the horse she had only recently been acquainted with. And her unease and lack of assertiveness in the situation, were by no means having a positive affect on the problem and horse below her.
The trees that had once been clearly visible were now replaced by a wall of white. And the swiftness is this transition almost scared Yuki, even her companions were becoming a little fuzzy in her field of vision and they were only feet ahead of her! Was this normal? She had never seen such fog before and now with a looming fear, she almost wished it was a sight she had continued to be spared.
To everyone's dread, night had to fall eventually and visibility went almost totally with it. Yuki listened to the instructions shouted out but could almost swear they were less loud than they had previously been. Not that she could tell they actually were and so just assumed her mind was playing tricks on her in her agitated state. And agitated she was. The young girl couldn't see her own hand in front of her face much less her fellow travelers. Only now she was yearning to have Kaname's familiar, comforting presence at her side, to tell her it was all alright and ease the anxiety she felt.
But he was not there and embarrassed by her own childish fear, Yuki grit her teeth, shoving down the tight tense feeling in her chest. If she ever wanted to stop being dependent on her brother, she had to stop thinking like that. Yuki tried to direct her attention to things other than terror of the black wilderness around her. For example, towards things like anger at her mare, as it stubbornly refused to heed her orders and pick up its pace. As well as things like forced fantasies and thoughts of how wonderful the city would feel after this night, how good rest would be and how tired she already was.
Past at least an hour, when Yuki ran out of distractions to busy her mind with, she was struck with a sudden chill shooting down her back. There was dead silence save for the sounds of her own horse's hooves hitting the ground, and she paled at the sudden realization. Through it all she had forgotten to listen for the clip clops and sound of the other riders and carriage. Fear seized her, tightening its grip in her throat and chest, making her breathing quicken and her heart beat savagely against her rib cage.
Alarm filling her senses, with swift motions Yuki gave her horse several sharp kicks, and after a short start on surprise the mare burst into a hard run. The brunette clung to reins and cried out, partly in surprise and partly because she had been beginning to prepare to call out for anyone. Anyone that could answer.
Too dark and foggy to know where to direct her horse, it wasn't long before they were charging into, then through the trees. Branches from either side slapped against Yuki's face and blindly she tried to swat them away, while still holding on to her horse for life. Scratches and cuts began to show up scattered across her arms and just about anywhere else in reach of tree branches and brush. Before long her cloak and once clean and lovely dress were torn beyond hope of decent repair.
Yuki's fear didn't die but she got ahold of her panic and after coming her senses, she began struggling to stop her horse or at least get her to slow down. It was no easy task and Yuki was a petite young girl who hadn't the strength that most country woman gained from working, but after careening through more trees they finally burst into a more open area midst the woods.
There the horse slowed down and came to a gentle trot. Soon her poor rider had her walking again. But Yuki's momentary relief was shattered by the realization that she didn't have the slightest clue where she was or how to get back to the road. Her gaze darted around as she tensed up again. Should she attempt to retrace her steps? Or would just heading in that general direction be enough?
Never before had Yuki been utterly alone and unsure what to do. Only the dark and eerie sounds of the forest surrounded her and the horse. Turning and twisting in the saddle she considered her options, and the final conclusion she drew wasn't quite comforting though decisive. With a slight jab of the heels (no where near the strength of the kicks she gave earlier) and tug of the reigns, she turned and urged her stubborn ride towards the direction she assumed she must have came.
The woods wasted no time proving to Yuki it would be harder to leave than it had been to enter. Yuki came upon many places of brush she knew they had no hope of crossing alone, so with nothing better to try, she attempted to forge paths around the obstacles. At first there was no sign of her making a wrong turn or a misjudgment anywhere, but as time dragged on, in the back of her mind Yuki came to be able to silently admit; she truly were on the right path, she would have been back by now.
Seemingly endlessly she searched and rode on, her initial terror faded, as she was too tired to even try and keep it alive. And in its place took exhaustion and obsession with nothing but the thought of rest. Yuki's eyes fell into a sneaky pattern of trying to slid shut whenever she forgot to fight hard to keep them wide and open. Though her shivering did help keep her tense and unable to relax enough sleep. It was almost unnaturally cold, especially for that time of year. The little wind there was seemed to blow the chill through her, straight into her core. And paired with the fact her clothes were torn and let in the icy-cold with open arms, she was sure it wouldn't be long before she simply died of hypothermia.
But she kept going, she knew she had to. Yuki forced herself to think of Kaname and how he would be completely alone without her, and Aido and the others would surely be worried sick over where she might have gone, not to mention Kaname had subtly threatened to dismantle them if she didn't come back. At this Yuki was able to make herself crack a small smile, her brother was over protective but now the concern and affection she was sure he must be feeling for her gave her an even greater desire to continue searching no matter how fruitlessly, for the road.
There was no way for her to tell what hour it was but after a time the trees began to thin, and a cleared path emerged among them. It was not the road she had lost earlier and it was significantly smaller, but still she rejoiced when she found it. It had to lead somewhere and most likely somewhere with people who could help, so with that in mind she eagerly made her horse follow it.
Faster than she had dared to hope, it had indeed led somewhere. But as large gates took vague shape in the darkness, Yuki felt the familiar tingles of fear. This hadn't been the town or perhaps simple house she had expected, but there was no where else to go and her horse was almost spent as was she. So slowly and tentatively she approached the gates, sliding off her horse to lead it behind her, Yuki outstretched her arm and gave the heavy mental gates a hesitant knock.
The volume of the knock was obnoxiously loud in the still night air, and it made her wince. But there was no reply or sign that it had been heard, and after the long pause that followed Yuki was getting ready to knock again, when suddenly one of the gate doors swung open, making her jump back in surprise. Her heartbeat became rapid at the shock and she could feel it pounding in her ears, but before she could change her mind she forced herself to walk quickly through the gate, and her horse plodded in behind.
It was still hard to see despite there being much less fog here, but Yuki could tell that the structure looming ahead of her was enormous. Almost a castle if she didn't know any better. Conveniently, she was able to find a stable nearby and hastily she deposited her horse in it, removing the saddle and taking care of what needs the horse had that she could.
But doing these things as fast as she could, as she was ready and desperate to finally be in a warm building. When she sure the mare was comfortable, she pulled herself up the front stairs of the stony castle and in her tired state they felt like miles, but at last she reached the large doors and knocked as she had at the gates.
Like the gates these doors also opened, seemingly on there own, and if Yuki hadn't been so exhausted she might have found it more scary and as unnatural as it was. But she only stepped into the large hall that the doors opened to, and called "Hello?" There was no answer. "Please, I don't mean to intrude but I'm lost and have no where to stay."
The doors shut loudly behind her and she jumped and spun around with a yelp. No one was there. The brunette had the sudden desire to rush out, to try and sleep in the stables beside the horse she had come with. But swallowing hard, she mustered the courage to stay where she was. There had been no answer to her calls and Yuki could not recall seeing any other animals in the stable besides her horse, perhaps if she was fortunate, whoever lived here was traveling.
With no other choice, Yuki peeked cautiously into the nearby rooms but focused on making her way up the large staircase to second floor, where to her quiet delight she almost immediately found an empty bedroom. Her first instinct was to throw herself onto the large bed in the middle of the room, but Yuki managed to stop and remind herself that she had to keep looking for the owner of the large home. It wouldn't be polite nor safe to sleep in stranger's house without permission. Yet the big bed in the middle of the room still looked so soft, and she was suddenly reminded of how exhausted she currently was.
The young Kuran felt as though she could barely stay standing. Unable to resist the sweet promising calls of the fluffy bed, she told herself she would merely rest her eyes upon it for a few blissful minutes before she continued looking for signs of another person in the castle. Contrary to her resolution, Yuki was asleep the moment her stressed, overexerted head hit the pillow.
The first half is a hot mess. I sincerely apologize for that. The rest fortunately doesn't make me want to tear my eyes out, I can only hope you feel the same lol. Thank you so much to everyone who reviews favorites or follows (especially those who review) it is all appreciated. The characters are meant to be a little different but hopefully they aren't unrecognizable, please tell me if that's the case. Thanks for reading and please tell me your thoughts!