Here, we go into more of Kiku's outdoor life. Her job, her friends, her taste in music... Yeah. Lots of crap this chapter.
Oh, and my portrayal of LA should be pretty accurate.
Warnings: Language, fail!Japanese and German, unnecessary genderbending
Discaimer: /does not own "Violet Hill" by Coldplay, "Bad Romance" by Lady GaGa, or Hetalia Axis Powers.
Chapter 3- English Rose
That night, Kiku barely had any sleep. It was two A.M. When Alfred left so suddenly, and she paced around for two more hours, pondering Alfred's words. She couldn't believe a vampire was in love with her. She couldn't even find it romantic, because he was going to kill her human body in two days and he'd been stalking her for two years. She should have reported it, if she had half a brain. She had to love him-truly, deeply love him- in two days if she wanted to live. She had to bond with him, had to make the sacred vow and devote herself to him for eternity.
She fell asleep for around an hour, then woke again when she remembered Alfred's words. "You have two more sunrises."
Kiku shot up, and ran to her drawn window, panicking. She pulled back the curtains and noticed it was still dark out, but close to sunrise.
She sighed. This sucked. She was tired, but she couldn't look away from the emerging star. Kiku decided to make some coffee, knowing she wouldn't be sleeping until later tonight, after Alfred left.
As the bright, beautiful ball of light rose, Kiku curled in a chair, facing it, never looking away. She thought about everything that had changed in the course of one night and how her life would never be the same. She could be a vampire, or she could die.
Most giddy girls would choose eternal life. But Kiku was not nocturnal. She didn't want to kill to live, and she never dreamed of getting married. She didn't want to live off of dying creatures, and the mere thought of blood made her dizzy.
But she didn't want to die, either. She was too young to end her life. And it wasn't very romantic that the man who loved her was going to kill her. Hell, he hadn't even touched her yet!
But if she lived... she wouldn't get to see Yanmei or her parents again. Kiku loved her family, and she wouldn't give that up. But if she died, they'd find out. They'd be grieving for a very long time. At least if she lived she could briefly explain her situation.
Kiku sipped her coffee, mentally making a list of the pros and cons. So far, vampirism was barely winning.
But she wasn't in love with Alfred. She just knew he was beautiful, even though in truth, she would love to have a handsome man in her life. She wanted the bond to be out of love, not just devotion, but she'd never been in love like that before, and she wasn't sure how long it would truly take.
Sighing, Kiku spotted her iPod on the floor, which must have fallen out of her purse last night. She picked it up; in need of something soothing that would clear her thoughts.
"Violet Hill" by Coldplay. Great. Now that she thought about it, she'd almost quoted it last night, because it was the last song she listened to before she called Yanmei.
"If you love me, won't you let me know?
"If you love me, won't you let me know..."
"Rah-rah-ra-ah-ah! Ro-mah-ro-mah-mah!"
"GaGa-ooh-la-la! Want your bad romance..."
Kiku shot up, startled. Had she fallen asleep? And if so, for how long? She scrambled around to find the time.
"Aiyaa!" She shrieked loudly as she saw her coffee maker blink 1:03 P.M. She was late! She had to be t work by three to set up for the dinner shift!
Kiku scrambled out of the door, still wearing yesterday's clothes.
"Hey Kiku", Meg, Kiku's co-worker, beckoned her over. Kiku, arms full of trays, loyally went over to where Meg stood.
"Hai?"
"Think you could cover table eight?" Meg asked timidly. "I'm already dealing with some asshole who keeps sending his food back."
Kiku rolled her eyes. Things like this happened on a daily occurrence, especially to Meg, who was shy. "Hai," she answered. "I'm on it."
"You're a lifesaver!" Meg called as Kiku delivered food to her assigned tables.
Kiku walked briskly to table eight, a small table occupied by a man hidden behind his menu.
"Welcome, sir!" Kiku tried to act as cheerful as possible. "My name is Kiku and I'll be your server tonight. May I interest you in a drink?"
Kiku paled as the man placed his menu down. What the hell was he doing here?
"Well, darling, isn't this a surprise?" Alfred smiled crookedly. "How about a Bloody Mary? And please, don't hesitate on the bloody part."
Kiku sneered. "You're not old enough to drink. You told me you were only nineteen," she quipped.
Alfred handed Kiku his California I.D., stating that he was born on July 4, 1989. "It's legit, my dear," he explained. "Physically, I may only be nineteen, but it's not like I've never had a drink before."
Pursing her lips, Kiku tentatively hesitated before scribbling "Bloody Mary" on her notepad. "What are you doing here?" she demanded while writing.
"What? I can't see you at work?"
"You're distracting me."
"I'm a customer," Alfred retorted. "Keep in mind I can always report you and get you fired. Actually, that's not a bad idea, since I'm going to kill you tomorrow... Doing anything for your birthday, darling?"
"Just taking the day off," Kiku answered. "I'll try to relax, but you've made that impossible."
"Well, that's a shame." Ugh, Kiku wanted to wipe the smirk off his face. "I should get you a cake."
"Look, I have tables to wait. Or are you ready to order? If you're going to, anyway."
"I'll have the hamburger, extra rare," Alfred said. "I mean it- I want it dripping with blood."
Kiku raised an eyebrow, but wrote the order. "I thought you said-"
"I said food wasn't satisfying. I didn't say I couldn't eat it," Alfred explained.
"Are you always this sassy in public? What happened to the man who was so convinced I was his bondmate?"
"He's still here, Kiku. I play the annoying jerk in public because it's fun. Like your friend Meg?" His eyes pointed to Meg, who spat in a tray before serving it. Kiku could only guess it was going to be the asshole she was waiting on. "I've flirted with her a few times, nothing serious."
Kiku tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "What time do you want me off?"
"Leave at ten."
"But the last bus is at nine-thirty, and the train station is over a mile away. Are you trying to torture me?"
Alfred leaned on his elbows. "I have something cool to show you. Now get me that Bloody Mary before I get impatient, darling. You do want a good tip, don't you?"
Much to Kiku's surprise, Alfred consumed his entire hamburger and Bloody Mary as if he were a normal human. He didn't however, stay at the restaurant until ten; he was out of his booth at nine, the check perched at the end of the table teasingly, calling Kiku to it. His meal wasn't much, so she didn't expect much of a tip, if she even got one.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Kiku snatched the check from the table and quickly walked into the staff lounge, where Meg was taking a break, no doubt from her earlier bad luck with a customer.
"Tired?" Kiku asked sympathetically. She hated customers like the one Meg had encountered. He deserved having his food spat on.
"Exhausted." Meg collapsed in an armchair and threw her head back dramatically, her blonde bob flopping. "You got a cigarette, Kiki?"
"I'm afraid not." Kiku shook her head.
"So..." Meg lifted her head and adjusted her glasses. "That's the stray check?"
Kiku sighed. "I knew the guy at table eight."
Meg waggled her eyebrows. "You were talking to him for a long time. Is he your boyfriend? Because he is hot."
"Iie," Kiku denied, rolling her eyes. But what was Alfred to her? The man desperately in love with her? Alfred?
"He's an acquaintance," she decided at last. "I'm looking over the tip, but..."
"Lemme guess, you're afraid he didn't tip you enough?"
"Iie, it's not that, it's just...I don't know." If she weren't afraid, wouldn't she have seen it by now?
"Yoink." Meg snatched the check from Kiku's hand. "You're taking too long. There's nothing to be- HOLY SHIT."
"Nani?" Kiku cried, her eyebrows creasing worriedly. "Is it bad?"
Meg scoffed, her violet eyes wide. "Yeah, if you worked at, say, the Queen's Palace."
"Let me see!" Kiku grabbed the check from Meg's hands and stared at it.
And stared.
And stared.
Iie, it wasn't possible. No one tipped that much for a hamburger and a Bloody Mary. Kiku kept staring at the check, looking for a mistake.
"I-ile," she stuttered. "T-there has to be something wrong." She paled, her hands shaking as she stared at the numbers in utter disbelief.
"My eyes do not deceive," said Meg sternly. "Your acquaintance just tipped you two hundred dollars for a Bloody Mary and a hamburger. Damn Kiku, you must be one hell of a waitress."
"I-I don't feel so good..." The room began to sway back and forth. "I'm getting that feeling from last night..."
Two hundred dollars. Alfred. Vampire. Death.
Kiku was beginning to really lose it.
"Uh...shit, we gotta get you out of here, Kiku, you don't look so good. I'll tell the boss to give you the rest of the night off, 'kay? Just remember, you had a good night."
Kiku nodded dumbly in reply.
"I said ten."
Kiku snapped her head around, her short black hair whipping at her face. "Who the hell tips a waitress two hundred dollars for a Bloody Mary and a hamburger?" she demanded. "Is that your idea of messing with me?"
Alfred emerged from the shadows of the restaurant's alleyway, his hands in his pockets. "I would never do such a thing," he said firmly. "I gave you what you deserved—a good tip after dealing with a string of customers with dicks for brains."
Kiku fought the urge to laugh. "Yeah, well, here I am. What did you want to show me?"
"I don't even get a thank you?"
"Fine. Arigatou," she snapped.
"I'll take it this time." Alfred offered her his hand. "Now come here."
Kiku hesitated. She'd never touched him before, and now she wasn't sure what would happen if he did. Would she fall under his spell? Note react at all? Would it affect her decision tomorrow?
Take a chance, a voice told her, and she could tell it wasn't Alfred's. Kiku closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She didn't trust Alfred yet, but something told her taking his hand would be okay.
"I don't bite," Alfred added. "Well... most of the time."
For the first time that day, Kiku smiled genuinely. Trusting her instincts, she placed her hand in Alfred's.
A warm, subtle spark filled her body. He breath hitched; she couldn't believe one touch could do so much. Her hand fit perfectly into Alfred's smooth, warm, palm, and she felt... protected. Safe.
"Well," Alfred stated, "I didn't bite you after we made physical contact. I call this progress." He gently pulled Kiku towards him. "Put your arms around my neck," he instructed, "and hold on."
Kiku met Alfred's eyes and did as she was told, gently wrapping her arms around his pale, sturdy neck. Was he lying about consuming her tomorrow? Did he want to do it now?
Instead of biting her, Alfred effortlessly lifted Kiku, bridal style. "Don't be afraid," he whispered.
And they were off.
Kiku shrieked; she'd forgotten Alfred could fly. She buried her head against his neck, fearing he'd drop her. Heights weren't exactly her favorite.
Higher and higher they climbed, and all the while, Kiku held herself closer to Alfred, scared. She whimpered, her lip quivering. Don't let go, she willed. Please...
Alfred chuckled. "There's nothing to be afraid of, my love," he reassured. "Open your eyes."
Kiku whimpered again, but did so. All around them, Los Angeles shone like twinkling stars in the sky. She spotted the spotlights of the Staples Center, the translucent glow of the Ritz-Carlton, and the bright lights illuminating the Hollywood sign. It was so beautiful, almost as much as Alfred.
Crap, she could feel herself falling for him already.
"Oh my gosh," she whispered, her breath hot on Alfred's neck. "It's so... amazing."
"Yes you are," he whispered back, his eyes only watching Kiku.
Kiku looked back up at Alfred. Their eyes met, and she could feel herself diving into those beautiful pools. It was a Perfect Kiss Moment.
A kiss would be pushing her luck. She was convinced she still wasn't in love; there wasn't enough history between them to feel that way.
Alfred flew to Kiku's apartment building, landing in the alleyway. Even as he set her down, he wouldn't let go of her hand, keeping it intertwined in his.
They remained holding hands until Kiku fumbled for her keys again in front of her door. Even when the contact ceased, Kiku still felt that warm sensation tingling down her spine. She wanted more, but she knew that wasn't love, it was lust.
She opened the door, and they both resumed their earlier positions from the night before: Kiku on the futon, and Alfred standing.
"So..." Kiku started, "How many clans are there?"
Alfred sighed. " It's hard to explain," he said. "Do you mind if I draw a diagram?"
Kiku shrugged. "By all means."
In mere minutes, Alfred created a chart of the five vampyric clans- the Mediterranean clan, the Soviet clan, the New World clan, the Germanic clan, and the Nordic clan. All first generation vampires- Ivan, Yao, Elizaveta, and the man from Denmark ("His name and whereabouts are unknown," Alfred had explained) connected to Dracula, the first known vampire.
"So the clans are divided by region?" Kiku guessed.
"Exactly." He pointed to one lineage. "This is the Mediterranean clan. After Yao and Ivan were bonded, they traveled to Anatolia, modern Turkey. In the eleventh century, with Yao's permission, Ivan turned Sadiq Adonan, starting a whole new clan. Remember that he also turned his sister Katyusha not three hundred years before.
"Sadiq was a mysterious man, Every time I saw him, his face was always hidden behind a mask, but I'm not sure why. Maybe his newfound beauty intimidated him.
"One thing I did notice, however, was that Sadiq was a secret romantic. Ivan and Yao shared their knowledge of the bond with the other vampyres, and many newly turned ones searched for that perfect soul mate. For centuries they'd search. And that was Sadiq's true goal during the course of his eternal life.
"In 1453, he found Heracles Karpusi in Athens, Greece. The two were total opposites—everyone is still surprised that they were bonded in the first place. Their relationship started with bitter hate when Sadiq turned Heracles, but slowly began to build by how much time they spent together." Alfred paused. "I'm sorry... I'm not entirely sure with history before my generation."
"Iie, continue," Kiku gently pressed. "This is all so fascinating."
Alfred sighed. "Long story short, they bonded in 1483, thirty years after Heracles was turned. It was four years after Sadiq and Heracles returned to Spain, where Heracles turned Antonio Fernandez Carriedo in 1479.
"I believe Antonio was turned in the first place simply because he was born beautiful. When the vampyres learned of his creation, there was a sigh of total approval; Antonio was ruthless, sexy, and incredibly crafty, characteristics that made the perfect vampyre. Everyone was in love with him, even the vampyres that were bonded. They wanted to be his, to look into his emerald eyes and see themselves reflected.
"What about you?" asked Kiku. "Did you meet him before the bonded himself to..." she referred back to the chart. "Chiara? That's what you have indicated, the he was bonded to Chiara Vargas in June of 1861."
"I met him once before he was bonded," Alfred explained. "It was the late 1700s, at the end of the American Revolution. And to answer you question, Kiku, no, I didn't fall in love with him. I fell in lust with him. I physically wanted him as mine, not emotionally. It takes both to be bonded, and Antonio knew that. He was the one who broke the difference between love and lust to me gently."
"So nothing happened between you two?"
"Not exactly," said Alfred. "I'll admit I did kiss him. But that was all. He knew what he wanted out of a bond mate, and I did not meet his requirements. He taught me to face rejection.
"The next clan," Alfred pointed to Katyusha Braginski's name, changing the subject. "The Soviet clan. After Ivan—"
"Wait," Kiku interrupted. "What about Chiara?"
"Her story is intertwined with the Germanic clan," Alfred explained. "Her brother was turned on the same day by Monika Beilschmidt. Monika and Antonio were very much in love with the Vargas siblings, and were both in Italy at that time.
"Back to the Soviet clan. Katyusha was heartbroken when Ivan vanished from her life after promising to rule the new vampyres." She traveled around what is not the Soviet Union for centuries, thinking that she had done something wrong. She stayed relatively in the Baltic States, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and western Russia in an endless cycle, not caring, not dying.
"However, Katyusha had a kind heart and an excellent motherly instinct. In the 14th century, a young girl named Natalia Arlovskaya lost her parents to the Black Death. She was afraid, she didn't want to die. She found Katyusha, knew she was something more because of her eternal beauty. Natalia, an already beautiful girl, wanted that. Katyusha couldn't possibly say no to an orphan, so she turned Natalia as a good favor.
"Natalia and Katyusha traveled into eastern Europe, looking for prey. Natalia, Katyusha soon realized, was probably the most devious vampyre ever created. She drew unlucky men to their deaths with her beauty—her navy eyes and long, fair hair were reason enough to follow her anywhere.
"Only once did Natalia have pity on a man. Poor Toris Laurinaitis, a shy Lithuanian, fell into Natalia's grasp. His innocent blue eyes and soft hair gave Natalia a moment of weakness. She couldn't kill him. He was so helpless, so timid and weak. But she'd already taken some of his blood.
"'I will give you a choice,' she said, her lips stained with his blood, a crimson hue perfectly worn like lipstick. 'I can give you eternal life, or you will die.'
"'Please,' Toris begged. 'I'm too young to die...'
"So Natalia let him live, she felt bad afterward, couldn't deal with the guilt. So she let him go and left. She would not see him again for five hundred years almost three hundred years after he was bonded to Feliks Lukasiewicz, a Polish man who was turned on July 1, 1569."
Kiku sat, wide-eyed as she studied the flow chart. She noticed under Alfred's name in the New World Clan was no one. If Alfred turned her, she'd be the final fifth generation vampire. Then she noticed the Nordic clan was missing names for the first, second, and third generations. "How do you know Bianca was a fourth generation vampire?" she asked.
"Because Bianca Oxenstierna could not remember the vampyre who turned her; the only thing she knew was that he was from Iceland, explaining that it was dark when she was turned.
"Other than Dracula and Yao, the man from Denmark never associated with any vampyre. Rumor has it that he changed a man in Norway, but that has neither been confirmed nor denied. The reason why I know Bianca is a fourth generation vampyre is because she and I shared the same abilities and weaknesses. Each generation of the vampyre loses or gains a different ability from the generation before. For example, Yao cannot go anywhere near garlic, and neither can Françoise. Arthur, my creator, and I can, however.
"The vampyres were unsure if Bianca was a fourth or third generation vampire until she met her bondmate, Tino. Tino was hesitant to love Bianca at first. She was tall, beautiful, and intimidating, from her long, platinum hair that curled around her waist to her pointed leather boots. Tino had never met anyone like her, and no woman like Bianca had ever associated with Tino.
"Bianca was not even a century eternal when she met Tino. Most vampires don't find their bondmate until around three hundred years after they are turned. But Bianca was sharp, and had a good eye, and that was not just because of her super sight and glasses. She knew Tino was her bondmate for the moment she set eyes on him. She drowned in his warm, brown eyes and kind smile, and was touched by how he offered her his coat during the blistering Finnish winter. Her cold demeanor was the total opposite of her warm heart, and she never had any friends, even as a human.
"I met Bianca the year she met Tino, the beginning of 1809. Arthur, Françoise, and I traveled to Finland, searching for the other vampyres. Scandinavia was as good a place to start as any, especially since the winter nights were long.
"I liked her. She was reserved and silent, and when she did talk, it was awkward and funny. She deserved a bondmate that would love her for her flaws and could stand her intimidating silence and beauty. When she pointed Tino out to us, we knew: he would love Bianca. He'd protect her and devote himself to her despite their differences.
"In March of 1809, Bianca wold Tino about our kind. He took it surprisingly well, never fainting or running like we expected them to. He had his suspicions for a while, of course, since Bianca only saw him at night and her senses were greatly enhanced since her transformation. Her speed was regal beauty were definitely not human. So in a way, he already knew before she bared her fangs.
"So you do have fangs!" Kiku exclaimed, excited. "Are they retractable?"
Alfred smiled, and Kiku noticed his canine teeth were growing before her eyes into sharp points. "Very much so," he answered. "They can be controlled when we're full, but will unconsciously appear when we're hungry."
"So, can you only feed on humans to stay full?"
"We don't have to," Alfred explained. "Humans are the most delicious, though. And we can consume only one and be done for the night. But in the early days, when we traveled for months overseas, we learned to consume humans sparingly, living solely on the disgusting blood of rats. It is not a satisfying way to live, my dear. If you were to become a vampyre, you must know that humans are what we need to survive. And we need to consume them fully, or they will wake a starved vampyre."
Kiku paled. If she were one of them, killing would be her new pastime. Could she handle that?
"P-please," She pressed. "Continue with Bianca and Tino's story."
"In March of 1809, Tino surprised us all by proposing to Bianca," he continued. "It was what he wanted, since he knew he would not live if he did not become one of us. She loved him, of course, so she agreed.
"On March 29, 1809, Bianca Oxenstierna married Tino Väinämöinen under the eyes of God. It was a simple, white wedding, one was more than happy to witness. Every vampyre attended, except for he first three generations of the Nordic clan. The priest had no idea he had just wed a vampyre and a human.
"That night, Bianca turned Tino and they performed the bonding. The next night, for all we knew, he was a fifth generation vampyre."
"What makes a fifth generation vampire different from the others? Asked Kiku.
"They can't fly like we can," Alfred explained. "They can hover around forty feet off the ground, but they cannot go any higher. A new thing—they can be in natural light when they're full. It's revolutionary. But, the sun is an energy drainer like no other. A vampyre from the fifth generation must consume twice as much afterward, so being in broad daylight is not recommended."
The sun! She wouldn't have to give it up after all! Kiku brightened, her brown eyes twinkling. "So the fifth generation vampires—Tino and Feliks and Chiara and Feliciano—they're not conspicuous in the sun?"
"We don't sparkle like those damn Twilight vampires, if that's what you're implying," Alfred snapped.
"Ahem. Gomen. Must be a sore subject to talk about. Myths and fictions and all." Kiku's eyes traveled back to the diagram. "And what of the Germanic clan? They seem like they have an interesting story."
"Very much so," said Alfred. "Their clan begins with Elizaveta Héderváry, a Hungarian woman Dracula turned in 895. She was a tomboy, and a hypnotic minx as well. Her devious green eyes and playful attitude made her popular with the men. But Elizaveta wanted a bondmate, not a one-night stand.
"She wanted Roderich Edelstein, who'd never shown interest toward her until he'd truly fallen under her spell. She thought he was beautiful—his chestnut hair glowed violet in the candlelight, and his violet eyes sparkled when he talked.
"He was a true aristocrat, from his cravats and breeches to the beauty mark at the corner of his mouth and the glasses that gave him a sophisticated air. Elizaveta wouldn't rest until Roderich was her bondmate.
"She wasted no time in turning him—she wanted him young and eternal, and she wanted him so lonely that he had no choice but to devote himself to her. There were only eleven vampyres in existence at the time, and they spread all over Europe. As a new vampyre, Roderich needed guidance, which only Elizaveta could provide.
"Loneliness consumed Roderich; he couldn't live like some damned spirit wandering the earth for eternity. He wanted happiness. And glancing at the way Elizaveta's long, brown hair curled at her waist and the way beautiful imperfection danced in her emerald eyes, he knew she'd provide just that. So he proposed.
"The marriage of Elizaveta Héderváry and Roderich Edelstein was traditional, like Bianca and Tino's, but it was between two vampyres—which again, the priest was unaware. It was June 8, 996, and eight of the eleven vampyres witnessed the marriage.
"They were happy. For three hundred years they traveled the eastern hemisphere, from Britain to Japan, from Finland and Russia to India. They posed as a traveling band of husband and wife—Roderich played various European instruments while Elizaveta sang. They entertained and killed, and no one suspected them of anything. They'd kill off entire families and raid their safes—they made millions, and they lived like high nobility wherever they went.
"Everything changed in the 14th century. After a long trip in Russia, Roderich and Elizaveta journeyed to Germany. The Black Death was killing millions, and Elizaveta took full advantage of the dying souls. Roderich, however, was distracted.
"He'd encountered the Beilschmidt siblings, Gilbert and Monika. Gilbert, the elder, was a young man who had intimidating crimson eyes and the whiter side of platinum hair."
"An albino?" Kiku raised an eyebrow. Was this the one he left Elizaveta for?
"No one is sure," Alfred said. "His hair and eyes are too dark for an albino. He was already handsome, though later he was known for his music, the idiot."
"Music?" Kiku fought the urge to laugh. Vampire bands, she thought. This I have to see.
Alfred sighed. "He started a hard rock band in Germany. Naturally, he was the lead man.
"But that's a different story. Back to the Plague. Poor Monika was on the verge of death, and Gilbert was desperate. He loved his sister; she was a pretty teenager with fair hair and piercing blue eyes.
Luckily, Roderich spotted Gilbert, who was praying for a miracle, a cure, out in a grimy alleyway. He spilled tears of sorrow, holding Monika's head on his lap. Early signs of the Plague began to affect him as well, but he didn't care.
"In the blink of an eye, Roderich approached Gilbert.
"'How did you—' he asked in German.
"'What's wrong, mein liebling?' Roderich, a native Austrian, said instead.
"'Meine Schwester,' Gilbert sobbed. 'Bitte, sir... help her.'
"Roderich noticed the Plague on Gilbert's hands. 'I'll allow you to help her if I can help you,' he proposed. 'You're sick.' He bared his fangs; Gilbert's blood smelled so delicious.
"Gilbert didn't scream, like Roderich expected. Instead, he kept repeating, 'Mein Gott... mein Gott... Danke. Danke. Danke.' Gilbert saw this as an opportunity to help Monika, and he selflessly offered his neck to Roderich.
"'Take me,' he said, 'So I can help her.'
"Immediately, Roderich's fangs sank into Gilbert's pale neck, trying not to succumb to the sweet, metallic taste of Gilbert's delicious blood. He had to save him. Because when he was the devotion on Gilbert's face, Roderich fell in love. Who was Elizaveta? There was only Gilbert. And, as he took Gilbert's life and replaced it with a new one, Roderich knew: this was true happiness. Not pillaging and killing with Elizaveta.
"Monika let out a shrill shriek as she saw her brother die before her eyes. She was unaware of the situation; she thought the mysterious aristocrat was nothing but a murderer.
"Then, a miracle. Gilbert felt strength like never before. He could save Monika. He could live forever.
"'Who do I have to thank?' he asked, glancing at Roderich with his new vampire eyes.
"'Roderich Edelstein,' Roderich answered.
"'Danke schoën, Roderich. I am eternally grateful.' Gilbert turned to his dying sister. 'Monika... hold on' was all he said before he pierced Monika's neck, the same way Roderich penetrated his.
"Monika kept Gilbert's words in her head as she witnessed death. He was the only thing that kept her clinging to life, that kept her from giving in to the pain. She fought, knowing she'd rather be with her brother than die horribly, knowing something was trying to keep her alive.
"Suddenly, the pain ceased. Her sickness was cured, and she felt renovated. No longer as she grimy and dying- she and Gilbert were beautiful and alive.
"Monika threw her arms around Gilbert and Roderich, ecstatic to still be alive. 'Brüder,' she cried, happy tears streaming down her face. 'Roderich... danke schoën.'
"When she pulled away from the hug, her stomach rumbled with a hunger she'd never felt before. It was as if she'd never eaten. She glanced around, wondering where the delicious smell was coming from. When she turned back, Roderich had attached Gilbert with his lips."
Kiku couldn't help but giggle. So serious... and now...
Alfred raised an eyebrow, not amused. "Something funny, my darling?" he quipped.
"Gomen, gomen," Kiku apologized, calming down. "That's just so... adorable. You're pretty accurate to say that your kind falls in love quickly."
"Trust me, I know," said Alfred. "It happened to me, remember?"
Kiku blushed.
"Monika was shocked to see her brother with another man," Alfred continued. "But when Gilbert responded enthusiastically to the kiss, Monika knew she would have to accept it. What she didn't know was that Roderich was bonded... to a woman.
"After a feast of Plague victims, Roderich took Gilbert and Monika to his and Elizaveta's new manor. Elizaveta took a liking to Monika, but sneered at Gilbert because she knew- she could see in in the way Roderich stared at him. She was filled with jealousy.
"In a few months, Elizaveta was sure the two were conducting some sort of affair. She pretended not to notice, but the silent glances Roderich and Gilbert shared were obvious enough.
"One night, she confronted Roderich about Gilbert. Roderich denied nothing. He loved Gilbert, and not even his bond to Elizaveta could stop him from loving another.
"Outraged, she yanked her wedding ring off her finger and screamed, 'I break this bond to Roderich Edelstein! May he rot in Hell for eternity with his equally damned lover!' And with that, she slammed the ring onto the floor, and it immediately burst into flames.
"'It is done,' Elizaveta said, not quite sure what had just happened. But she did know one thing: the bond was definitely broken.
"'Do the same,' she demanded. 'Then you can sleep with your new whore.'
"Sighing, Roderich slipped his wedding ring off and recited with a heavy heart, 'I break this bond to Elizaveta Héderváry. May she continue to live a happy, eternal life.' He dropped the ring next to Elizaveta's, which also began to burn. The fire did not consume all in its path, it simply destroyed the rings—thereby relinquishing the bond between Elizaveta and Roderich.
"Before Elizaveta could make her merry way, Roderich pulled her into a parting kiss, tender and sweet.
"'Ich liebe dich,' he whispered against her lips. 'I will always love you.'
"Elizaveta blushed and pushed him away, lifting herself off the floor. 'Rot in der Hölle, du bastard,' she cursed in flawless German, flying away.
"Roderich meant what he said. But Elizaveta didn't. She was just mad because the man she loved was in love with another man. It was as if their centuries together meant nothing.
"Gilbert then confronted Roderich about the dramatic scene, just seconds after Elizaveta left. 'Scheisse,' he said, noticing the burning rings. 'What happened?'
"Instead of answering, Roderich kissed Gilbert deeply. 'Forge a new bond with me, mein liebling,' he urged. He needed something that would dull the pain of Elizaveta's cruel, cruel words.
"With Elizaveta gone and Eoderich and Gilbert bonded, Monika felt alone. Gilbert and his new bondmate were quite accommodating toward her, but with Gilbert busy with pleasing Roderich, she knew she didn't belong. She asked to leave; she wanted to find another fourth generation vampyre. Gilbert complied, wanting the best for his sister.
"Luckily, Monika did not have to search long. After crossing the Alps, Switzerland, and France, Monika was in Barcelona in the 15th century.
"Antonio, who was having the time of his eternal life, knew Monika was a vampyre the moment he set eyes on her, like she him. It wasn't a gaze of love, mind you—it was a gaze of understanding, of friendship.
"It turned out they both wanted bondmates. Bored, they tried to hook up, but Monika was unsatisfied with Antonio's sloppy kisses, and Antonio didn't like Monika's dominating behavior in the bedroom.
"Still, they remained friends, traveling Europe together, looking for the perfect bondmates for each other.
"Italy, 1860. By this time, Elizaveta had cooled off and settled her differences with Roderich and Gilbert and I was traveling Europe with Arthur and Françoise. Monika and Antonio were out at a restaurant in Florence when they spotted the auburn-haired, adorable Vargas siblings. Chiara, the oldest, had long, flowing hail with a slight curl, and a permanent scowl on her face. Feliciano, the younger, always wore a smile and was so laid back he ignored his sister's complaints about... everything.
"They say opposites attract. The same could not be truer for Monika, Antonio, and the Vargas siblings. Feliciano showed Monika the true joys of life, and Antonio taught Chiara how to have a more laid-back attitude. It was love, it was bliss, it was Italy.
"On March 17, 1861, Antonio and Monika turned the Vargas siblings, who were more than willing to comply. Antonio and Chiara bonded, then Monika and Feliciano. Since then, they've been happy. Antonio and Chiara bicker at times, but every time I see them, I know- I want to have a bondmate just like that. I guess I'm just a sappy romantic at heart."
Kiku stood, taking Alfred's hand in hers. He'd told her so many stories... and yet she still knew little about him. His story was the one she was the most curious about. The fact that he trusted her enough to tell her all this touched her deeply... but without knowing who he truly was, she could not find herself to love him.
"Kiku..." Alfred's hand brushed her cheek. "It's midnight."
"Tawagoto," Kiku cursed, blushing. "I'm so old..."
"Kiku..." Alfred stated in a firm tone. "Shut up."
And then he kissed her.
Kiku nestled into his touch, pressing her lips softly against his. That warm feeling from when they held hands was much stronger now, trailing down her spine. It was unlike any kiss she'd ever had—this topped them all. She pressed herself to Alfred like two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly together, and that's when she knew—truly knew– they were meant to be together.
The cosmos were telling her Alfred was her soul mate, but Kiku still felt that nagging doubt in her mind. She still couldn't find passion within the kiss. It was as if he were holding back. And maybe she was too, because she was too proud and scared to give into him.
Alfred pulled away gently, kissing Kiku's forehead. "I love you," he whispered, hugging her close. "I love you, I love you." He gazed directly into her eyes.
"You must be hungry," she said. "You should feed before the sun rises- and I still have a day to choose my fate."
Alfred kept his composure, but his eyes told a different story- he was crushed. "I see," he said simply. "Then I should go." He abruptly pulled himself away from Kiku.
"Alfred..." she started, but he was already gone.
Ugh! Could she do anything right?
"Shit!" she cried, angry with herself for hurting Alfred like that. She collapsed on her futon and buried her face in her hands. "Baka, baka, baka, baka, baka, baka, baka..." she groaned over and over, cursing her horrible people skills.
"You're not an idiot," Alfred whispered into her ear. "You're smart. And you still have my story before you choose. Happy birthday, my love…."
Japanere Translations (tell me if I'm wrong):
Nani—what
Tawagoto —shit
Baka—idiot
German Translations (tell me if I'm wrong):
Mein libeling—my darling
Meine Schwester—my sister
Bitte—please
Mein Gott—my God
Danke schoën—thank you
Brüder—brother
Ich liebe dich—I love you
Rot in der Hölle, du bastard—Rot in Hell, you bastard
Scheisse—shit
Reviews for Maggie? Oh, and I guess the genderbending WAS necessary... it WAS for English after all... couldn't have all that yaoi now, could we?
