And here's chapter four. I hope this will make up for the vagueness in the previous chapter. I'm sorry if it seems a bit rushed. I just wanted to get it over with.
Disclaimer: Mai HiME belongs to Sunrise Inc.
Chapter Four
Kuga certainly didn't take my announcement so well. I don't blame her. Surely, anyone would be shocked, or even insulted to hear an announcement about their arranged marriage right out of the blue. My family was one of the traditional Japanese families, so it was a different story for me.
What surprised me, though, was that Kuga's a female. I was supposed to be expecting a gentleman of the Kuga family to ask for my hand in marriage. I remembered clearly, it was my father who had made a promise with her mother for me to marry her son.
I had a difficult time convincing Kuga that I wasn't lying. She was determined to exterminate every single one of my kind. Poor girl probably has been hearing lies her whole life.
--
"Quit bullshitting with me! Your victims might've been fools, but I'm not one of them. I refuse to allow your kind to infest our country!" the young huntress snapped at me as she rose to her feet.
I didn't even need to brace myself for her attacks. I knew what her next move was going to be. It was great, it made me feel godly. But right now, it felt like a curse. I didn't want to harm Kuga. However, if it meant getting her to listen to me… I didn't really have any other options left.
She proceeded to charge at me as predicated, my muscles worked quickly in synch with my instincts as I grabbed her wrist and turned so I could twist her arm behind her. I could tell she knew I was going to do that when she avoided the twist and crouched down. I quickly realized her intentions and stepped down on her leg, pinning it to the floor to stop the kick. She managed to support herself up with her free arm and other knee.
I couldn't help but smirk and chuckle when she cursed loudly and glared back at me over her shoulder.
"I'll only let you go if you'll listen to what I have to say."
As expected, the girl refused to listen and struggled to get up. Surprisingly, she somehow unleashed her true strength without realizing it and freed herself from my grip. Her attacks came so quickly that I managed to dodge most but suffered few hits to my abdomen and jaw.
After a while, I grew impatient with the girl's stubbornness and hit her with one swift hit below her cerebellum, effectively knocking her out.
--
It wasn't long before she started to come around to. I couldn't help myself but stare into her mesmerizing hues when they were revealed. A smirk was concealed when she glared at me threateningly.
Before the girl could make a remark, I interrupted her in an apologetic tone, "Now, now… take it easy. I'm sorry I didn't take it easy on you, but you wouldn't listen." With that, I sighed softly.
"And why the hell should I listen to YOU!? You murdered them all… and my mother!" A imaginary dagger struck my heart at that comment. It pained me to even think of Saeko getting murdered. It seems to me that this girl doesn't have one single clue or a memory about her bloodline. It confused me. Why would Saeko not tell her about it? Her next remark pulled me out of my thoughts, causing me to frown slightly.
"Ara, I will admit, I have killed my share of pitiful mortals… but I'm afraid you have the wrong person. You don't know me at all, Kuga. If you really have common sense, you'd know not to jump to conclusions," I stared right into her eyes with a piercing gaze, letting her know I was serious.
"Tell me, what exactly are you?"
I smirked, expecting this kind of question. I was tempted to explain but I had to clear things up first. I tried to explain my fate, but one of her team mates interrupted. It saddened me to see such a young girl bearing the burden of a hunter. She couldn't be any older than thirteen. A katana was held firmly in her hand and my guts told me that she wasn't an amateur at all. It made me wonder how many vampires she had to kill to taint her hands.
I couldn't even muster up the guts to fight a young girl so all I could do was dodge. It was somewhat tough, this girl was just as fast as Kuga.
"Mikoto! Stop! She won't hurt us. She doesn't want to fight," I felt my heart skip a beat, absorbing the shock that had been delivered from the huntress' comment. She trusted me? The answer was given when I looked into her eyes. She wanted to know the truth.
Just then, I could hear a groan coming distinctly from the direction of the fiery haired huntress before a familiar shouting emerged from the hallway.
"Your friend will be fine," I nodded towards Mai, as I remembered Kuga calling her that earlier, "I apologize for Haruka-san's brutal behavior towards her. She is quite protective of Yukino."
"Fujino!" I watched as Haruka stormed into the room. My stomach churned at the sight of concern in her eyes. I had never seen a such thing in her eyes before, so I knew it couldn't be good.
"I can sense him nearby!"
Suddenly, my blood ran so cold that it could turn anyone who touches me into ice. Out of all the times, HE had to find us. Then it hit me. What if he was working with Kuga? Whatever trust I had gained into the young huntresses was lost. Turning my attention back to the girl, I ordered Haruka to escort her and her friends to one of the guest rooms. I couldn't let them leave without finding out why they were here in the first place.
"I'm afraid I cannot let you leave…yet," I spoke solemnly as I stared back at Kuga, showing nothing in my eyes.
Wordlessly, I helped Haruka escort the hunters to a guest room just down the hall from my bedroom.
"Please wait here. I will return shortly," Before I could leave the room, I was stopped by Kuga's husky voice.
"Alright… but I expect an explanation about what the hell is going on around here or I'm outta here. I will not hesitate to fight my way out."
I smirked lightly at the threat. Of course, this was expected from the girl.
'Ara, she's just as stubborn as Nao-chan…'
"Yes, but you'll have to be patient. In the meanwhile, make yourself comfortable," without giving Kuga a chance to reply, I headed out the door.
"Shizuru-sama, it was him…"
Stopping dead in my tracks, I let out a strained sigh. This was what I had feared… that man finding us again and this time, he probably will have his own army.
"Is he still here?"
"No… he left in the helicopter. It doesn't make sense though… if the hunters were with him, why would he leave them behind? Unless they were used."
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I considered it. Although, it gave me a new hope now that I know Kuga couldn't have been working for him. She was nothing but a puppet of his. I let out another sigh, more sharper this time and clenched my hand into a fist. It angered me how that disgusting man had an ability to manipulate people.
"Ookini, Midori-san… please go and tell Haruka to assemble our men for defense, in case."
"Of course… we can never be too safe," the woman grinned at the Countess and wandered off.
After I silently watched Midori disappear off down the hall, I headed back in the room. I heard a gasp of surprise from Mai, who had finally woken up and I smiled slightly, "Please do not be afraid, Mai-san… I will not harm you."
As I looked over at Kuga, I felt like my breath had been taken away from me. The girl had taken off her mask and I couldn't get over the fact of how gorgeous she looked. She looked just like Saeko, but much younger. Long and silky blue trends framed her porcelain face perfectly. Her eyes held the same fierce spark as Saeko's did.
The redhead glanced over to Kuga with a nervous yet puzzling look, probably wondering how I had knew her name and the huntress just chuckled, "Long story… anyway… are you going to tell me?" The girl's viridian eyes peered back at me with seriousness.
"Mm… I'd get comfortable if I were you. This'll take a while…" I leaned back against the door and crossed my arms across my chest, "First of all, I am a vampire… probably not the type you've encountered yet… up till earlier, of course. Secondly, I have no intentions of taking over the world… I desire to protect it, as it is my duty to."
"Huh… now that's something new… how did you know my mother anyway?"
I sighed softly as I looked out the window, "Your mother… was a friend of my father's." And my first crush.
I started to lose attention on everything around me, my mind was drifting off to memory lane and I felt my lips twitch into a small smile as I remembered the dark haired heiress.
--
Ten years ago…
"Shizuru-sama, your father wishes to speak with you," the family's butler approached me in the den. It wasn't hard for him to figure out where I was in this huge manor. The den had always been my favorite place to spend time in. The sole reason for that was the piano.
"Please inform father that I will see him in ten minutes. I wish to finish my lesson first."
"Hai, Shizuru-sama."
I watched briefly as the butler left before turning my attention back to the instrument in front of me. My fingers begun their slow dance across the ivories, the sweet sounds slowly pulling me into my own world.
The piano was my only escape. I love my family… but my views on the traditions were different. I believed that it wasn't fair. We should be allowed to choose to marry who we want. The thought of marrying a complete stranger made me shiver in disgust. It was not a good way to build your faith in other people. However, I had no choice.
When my fingers play their memorized role upon the keys and when the tranquilizing music fazes me, I simply feel free. Because I could play whatever I wanted. Because it was a talent that I earned on my own by learning from someone.
"It still amazes me how fast you've learned to play," a low and husky voice spoke up behind me.
A smile graced my lips, "Ookini, Lady Kuga, but really, if it wasn't for you teaching me… I wouldn't be able to play at all."
"Shizuru, what's with the formalities? Please call me Saeko. You're my best friend's daughter!" a tall woman with porcelain skin, deep blue hair and dazzling viridian eyes came in view as she sat down next to me. A grin was seen on her face, flashing her perfect white teeth. She was one of the most beautiful women ever, besides my mother. I saw her as a best friend of mine, just like she is with my parents. It was somewhat odd… a ten years old having an adult as a best friend. Although, Saeko said that I didn't even act like a ten years old.
I chuckled softly, realizing what I just said, "Ara, forgive me. I guess old habits do die hard. Would you like to play a song with me?"
"I'd love to, but I have to talk with your father about something. Perhaps some other time," she laughed softly as I pouted, "I promise, Shizu-chan."
"Saeko! It's good to see you here," I smiled as I recognized the voice. It was my father. I could tell he was in a pleasant mood. He greeted Saeko with a hug and ruffled my hair lightly, "What brings you here all the way from London?"
"I spoke with him. He has agreed to go through with it. Does she know?"
"Ah not yet, I've been meaning to speak with her about it but she insisted on finishing her lesson first," he smiled warmly at me. I figured that it was probably about the traditional marriage thing. The thought of marrying Saeko's son in the future isn't so bad but I still wasn't sure.
--
"Even though I didn't agree with the whole idea of arranged marriage, I knew I had no choice. After all, I am a Fujino. We hold the blood of a superior race. The Fujinos are the chosen ones to protect the world. Which is why we had to follow the tradition," I smiled wryly as the flashback faded away. "Bear with me, Kuga… I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's the truth," With a weary sigh, I sat down in a chair across from the couch the others were seated on.
"The Fujino Manor is a cover. Underneath the manor, lies the gateway to a place that could end the world and create a new one. However, the only person who can achieve that is if he or she is bitten by another superior race to create a race that is terribly powerful and dangerous. It is a power to be feared greatly, especially if it fell into the wrong hands."
"But… there's so many vampires out there!" the huntress cried out incredulously.
"Ara, it's not that simple as you think it is, Kuga. Some say it's nothing but a ridiculous rumor, or as some would like to call it, a Myth. The blending of both breeds into one is beyond impossible to achieve. Many have tried only to end up in failure. It is said that the vampire must have the blood of the Dracula generation… which is rare. My father and I are the last purebloods. The other vampires are what we call 'halfbreeds'. Humans bitten by vampires, but is not turned into a pureblood. Purebloods are born directly from the Dracula generation. It's the same with the Lycans. From what we know, there is only one pureblood Lycan that exists out there and he is a monster. He yearns for the power that hides underneath this Manor and the blood that flows in my veins. There had been some encounters with halfbreed lycans. It's the only sign that the pureblood is out there, somewhere."
"I see… that doesn't explain one thing… what do I have to do with this? I'm not of either race."
"No, you aren't… but she and her son were."
I could've sworn I felt a slight pang of pain in my heart when I saw the searing rage in her eyes when she realized who I was talking about. Her voice almost came out as a hiss as she snapped angrily, "That's not true!"
"She never told you, I see…"
"Tell me what?! She…she couldn't have been a vampire! Not him either…"
"Her mother was a human and her father was a pureblood. The dominant genes had been passed on to her from her father, thus, making her a pureblood as well. I think perhaps you were too young to understand what your mother was."
Kuga let out a growl but didn't say a word as she glared at me. I knew that she knew it was true.
"Your father must've been a human… because you clearly aren't a pureblood nor a half-breed. Your brother, however, had received your mother's dominant genes. I was supposed to marry him and bear a child with him… to carry on the tradition."
The huntress looked away, clearly angry and disgusted.
"I am sorry to be the one telling you this, Kuga… but you need to know."
"Yeah, well… whatever. I… I just don't care anymore… they're gone."
I watched silently as she stood up from the couch.
"Don't think I believe you about all this stuff you just told me, because I truly don't. I was sent here on a mission and I am going to finish it."
"Mm, I see. That's alright. Try to eliminate me all you want, Kuga… I can only assure that you will fail. So, If I were you, I'd surrender and join us."
"Over my dead body."
"You have no way of getting back home, by the way. Your escort left."
"What?!" I managed to hold back an amused smirk as I watched the girl storm over to the window and look out.
"What the hell!? Where the fuck is he!? Grr… don't tell me he sold us out…" The girl's eyes darkened and her fists clenched.
"What?! Kanazaki just left us here?!" Mai cried out incredulously and looked at me with fear.
"So, you three were working for him…" I let out a soft chuckle, "I see that he hasn't changed at all. Still manipulating young girls… how sad. At least he hasn't infected you."
"Infected…? A-are you telling me he's the Lycan pureblood?!"
"Ara, I take it you're the rational one of the team." I smiled at the redhead.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!?" Kuga growled at me and I giggled in amusement.
"Now, now… let's not get aggressive. I think you three need some rest. You certainly do look like it anyways. Dinner should be ready soon… don't worry, there's actual food here for you three." I stood up from the chair, "I will have someone to bring you three a fresh set of clothes to change into."
"The hell we're staying here! Come on, Mai. We're leaving."
"…I think we should stay, Natsuki. I mean, Kanazaki just left us here! Surely, you don't expect us to go back there and face that traitor? He could have us killed for all we know! I… I might not know this woman, but I think we should give her a chance."
"Thank you… for trusting me, Mai-san. I assure you that you will be safe with us," I smiled genuinely at the girl and glanced at Natsuki.
'So, that's her name… Na-tsu-ki. What a perfect name for a beautiful girl.'
"Mai! Have you lost your mind?? She's a vampire! We were sent here to kill her!"
"If she wanted us dead, she would've done that long time ago!"
"…" A scoff was given as Natsuki glared out the window, "…I see your point." She then sighed softly and looked back at me, "Fine. We'll stay… but if you try to do anything… I swear I'll--"
"Ara, you don't need to fret. I have no intentions in harming any of you, I will come and get you when dinner has been prepared. Please make yourselves comfortable."
"Just don't get too comfortable," A voice sneered out of no where behind me and I smiled lightly.
"Be nice to our guests, Nao-chan."
"Hmph, as if they need my generosity! I'm sure you've already given her plenty of that," the redheaded vampire spat out all while glaring at Natsuki. This had amused me to no end… my Nao-chan was jealous!
"Oi, the hell's your problem?" Natsuki glared back at the other girl.
"Ara, why don't we settle this in a mud pit somewhere?" I smirked as Natsuki choked and glared at me with a reddening face.
'Kyaaa so cute!!'
Nao rolled her eyes at me and huffed, "Hah… you'd like that, wouldn't you Shizuru-hentai? Tch, whatever. I'm outta here… I can't stand to be in the same room with that mutt. You coming?"
Nao looked at me with pleading eyes. I knew she wanted me away from Natsuki. I merely smiled at the girl and nodded, "Go on. I will be right there shortly." After Nao left the room grumbling profanities under her breath, I let out a weary sigh and looked at Natsuki, "I will see you three shortly. Feel free to make yourselves at home." With that, I opened the door and started to walk out. Then I remembered something and stopped, "Oh by the way, whatever you do, please do not go in the basement. It is very important that you avoid it at all costs." I muttered softly yet seriously and left the room, shutting the door behind me.
--
I felt better once I had requested that one of my maids to bring Natsuki and her friends a fresh set of clothes and for dinner to be prepared, I headed back to my bedroom.
No longer than a minute later after I entered my room, I found myself pinned against the wall and bright green eyes glaring at me.
"You sure were taking your sweet time with her…"
"Ara, ara… is Nao jealous?" I smirked as she growled at me.
"Shut it, Fujino…" Just when I was about to make another remark, a pair of soft lips roughly silenced me and I shivered when I felt slender hands burning their touch into my skin up my shirt.
Vaguely, in the back of my head, all I saw was images of a certain blue haired wolf and her hands doing the same things to me.
TBC.
Author's Notes: Yes, yes I know… that sucked. But hey! At least it's over with. :D
Next chapter: Natsuki's curiosity implores her to venture into dangerous territories.
