As always, VF belongs to Yamane-sensei. Hey, peeps. I wanted to get another chapter since winter break ends tomorrow *sob* And it irks me to not be able to update every day. I wish I could do this for a living and earn big bucks. *sigh* My mind works faster than my fingers. When the writing trip start, I'm behind the wheel, but as it progreses, I find myself strappedto the back seat, hanging on for dear life as the characters take over.
Sorry for any mistakes, and thanks for the support3 Happy Reading!
BTW, North area=Mikhail's domain, East=Fei's, South=Asami's, Central=neutral, and West=Unchartered.
There are the humans, mutated animals and plants, and there are beings called Avrili (Avrilix for singular). Avrili = think supernatural monsters like vampires, werewolves, and faeries.
~ASABA~
"Suoh, we're making a stop at Miss Blu Veracruz's estate near the border."
"Yes, sir."
According to her profile, the girl was known for her extravagant parties, but does not usually show up at them. None of the aristocrats really knew her. All they say Asami could already find out from her profile. No real friends; perhaps only Takaba?
He signs the last of the papers and finishes looking over the reports. Well, that finished all his work until the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow was his day off, which really is not a day off but a meeting with Karr. He rubbed his head; he could already feel his headache building up. He needs more time to himself. He chuckled at that. What is he thinking? Karr's upcoming meeting was getting to him.
The limo pulls up to a large black gate, said gate opening before he could ring the comm. He raises his eyebrow. So, he is expected.
As the car stops by a large fountain in the courtyard, he steps out, noticing the beautiful garden surrounding the estate. Like any other estate, it is rich and very advanced. The strange thing is, the garden is not synthetic, but very real. All kinds of flowers are growing together, some aren't even supposed to be in the same climate, yet all are flourishing. It reminded him of that Garden, long ago. How he loves gardens, but at the same time, how he hates them with a deep passion.
He and two of his bodyguards, Kirishima and Faust, are led into a small living room. There are no seats, just a bunch of cushions and pillows. The room has a big view of the gardens outside. Atop a pile of cushions was the little miss. Truth be told, Asami is slightly surprised by her appearance. She seemed like a snobbish adolescent in her profile, but in reality, she is more childlike and mature at the same time.
She looked about twenty-one but childlike, contrary to the sixteen year-old girl in the report. She wears a white sundress. She is strong, looking from her lean body, but seems fragile. Her aquiline face carries a small nose, small, pouty lips, and large violet eyes. Her body is framed by spiky, blue hair. Unnaturally, the hair color looks quite natural. He thinks she's fuckable, but it unnerved him how childlike she is.
Blu Veracruz stands up and gives a small curtsy. "Pleasure to meet you Asami Ryuichi. The famed bachelor has paid me a visit. I'm honored." Her voice is surprisingly mature and rich; it is slightly musical and quiet but very clear.
Asami gives his trademark smirk, "The honor is mine Lady Veracruz. I did not know I was expected. I have heard many things about you. You throw extravagant parties, an orphaned heiress who doesn't seem to mourn the loss of her parents."
Veracruz snorts. "It was their own fault for their death. Besides, they weren't very good parents. I would prefer Blu, or V. so, Asami Ryuichi, you seem to know about me, but who are you?"
"I'm sure you can look me up in the Database. Do you not like your full last name, shortening it to V?"
Veracruz grins. "I can look in the Database all I want and not know who you really are. And no, V stands for something else; I liken it to stand for Vengeance, but my parents were not insane enough to name me that."
Asami narrows his eyes at her. Everyone suspects that he deals in the Underworld, but this V (he liked it better than Blu, considering her take on the name) seems to know more than she let on. "You have another name?"
"The Veracruz's adopted me. Well, since I know I'm not going to get anything personal out of you, let's cut to the chase. Asami, and I do hope we become good friends; you are a very busy man, so I'm guessing this visit isn't just for pleasantries. Why are you here?"
He likes that, she gets straight to the point. "I've met your photographer and I'm interested to cut a deal with you for him."
V narrows her eyes. Takaba really did get himself into some deep shit if this man of all people is interested in him. "I'm sorry, but Takaba is not for sale."
Her voice brooks no argument, but he is not about to give up that easily. "I am sure that there must be something you want…"
"There's nothing, that I know of—" something in her voice here tells him she knows more about him then she let on, "—that you have Asami. I apologize for any inconvenience Takaba may have caused you. The boy is very special to me; I am not selling him like some cheap whore." Her voice drops several degrees.
Asami's eyes glint. Defiance shone in her eyes, and something else, something deadly. He is sure this girl knew how to fight. She is stubborn and resilient, a good trait for business, if she stops being a spoiled airhead. He is pretty sure this whole heiress tirade is a cover up, but for what? A dangerous edge takes his voice as he says, "Are you sure?"
She narrows her eyes at him. She isn't about to give Aki up, but knowing him, he'd probably get himself in deeper, so she might as well ensure his safety, to a degree. "You have his camera; this one in particular is very special to him. I have no doubt that he'll come after it, even to Tokyo, and not even I could stop him."
"And what do you suggest?" So his suspicions are true.
"I want to ensure his life. I want you to bring him back in one piece, if not totally whole."
He raises his eyebrow at that. "You are okay with damaged goods?"
She growls, almost animalistic. "He is NOT an object. I know your kind Asami. You break people, and I don't want that to happen to Takaba, but fate has its own mind, so you two will surely meet again. I just want to make sure he is at least alive and well, if not totally in tip-top shape. As long as he's alive, he can get well again. But once you're dead, there is nothing anyone can do." Her aura suddenly changes. It was just like Karr's when he is in his presence. Interesting. She looks quite dangerous and feral at the moment.
Asami feels a tiny bit threatened. He brings his fist around it and squashes the offending feeling, like he did any other annoying hindrances. V's whole assemble would have been more menacing if it were not for the tears staring to well up in her eyes. He is suddenly reminded of Fei Long, but before he could reminisce too long, the girl seems to take control of herself.
"Asami, I sincerely hope we can become friends; I do not want to get into a war with you. I won't make you promise anything; I refuse to bargain Aki, but please think about it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go. If you need anything, such as refreshments, feel free to ask one of the automatons." V abruptly turns away and disappears through the door.
~ASABA~
Asami,
Meet at the Garden a week from now. I already sent to other two. I have taken the liberty of clearing your schedule for you for the rest of the week until we meet. Try to relax. And make sure you feed before you come here. I do not want you being all grouchy, at least more so than you always are.
Karr
Asami lights the small piece of paper and watches it burn, making sure nothing was left. The real Garden was destroyed in that incident a century ago. He knows the old man knew about his hatred for that place. He grimaces and brushes the memory away before it could fully form. He thought the meeting would be over in a day. A week wasted! He knows from past experience that trying to work would be futile. The Karr is many things if not thorough.
He listens to make sure no one is in his penthouse. He owns the whole building, and usually it is noisy, at least for his hearing ability, but today he gave every single employee the week off. Bodyguards are not allowed to come, only lovers. Even Suoh and Kirishima, his most trusted and who know mostly everything, are not allowed, unless he tells Karr that he was fucking them. But then he would have to prove it. Only Lovers…
Asami's eyes glaze over as a memory takes over.
"Miki! Come catch me!" The girl screams as Mikhail lifts her up and spins her around. She was very slight, with pale-blonde hair, even lighter than Mikhail's. Her large blue eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Ryu! Fei! Hurry up! Hey, put me down Miki!" he gently sets her down as Asami and Fei Long walks up to the two of them.
She spins around in the meadow, giggling. She picks up a wild flower, putting it in Fei's hair. "I wish I was as pretty as you Fei."
Fei Long laughs. "You're plenty beautiful already Anyastishka! At least you're a girl and can have babies…." he turns longingly to Asami. Asami stares intensely back.
"Jeez! You guys! Get a room!" she says as she stares between the two of them.
"But we weren't even doing anything!" Fei Long protests as he flushes a deep pink.
Asami's cheeks are tinged slightly. He looks away, trying to cover his small blush.
"Okay you guys, first one to the river gets to be master for the day and the other three have to play servant!" she shouts as she darts away.
The guys groan as they begin to sprint after her. Mikhail shouts after her, "But you always win!"
"And you like that don't you, Miki?" she shouts behind her. It was Mikhail's turn to flush.
Asami smiles as he keeps pace with Fei Long.
A small thud interrupts his thoughts as Takaba's camera tumbles to the carpet. He must have been playing with it…
He stoops and picks it up. A flash of pain and sadness flits through his eyes at the memory. He looks at the camera, suddenly smirking as he remembers that his little fox was on its way. It is no time to reminisce about the past. He puts the camera down and heads to the bathroom.
~ASABA~
"I can't believe you didn't warn him away!"
"I did, Aki, but he was stubborn. Just be careful, okay? Are you sure you HAVE to get the camera back?" V asks worriedly.
"Anya gave it to me," he says stubbornly. "Besides, I already hacked through your mainframe to get the information on him,"
"I knew I shouldn't have told you about it! And here I was, hoping it would warn you away; how stupid of me."
"Whatever, V. Make sure you tell Annie it's another job okay?"
"I don't like lying to her, but okay. Are you absolutely sure you're going? He's in that city, Tokyo."
Akihito shudders. "I know, I know. I'll be fine. Don't worry; you'll get wrinkles!"
She huffs indignantly, "I've lived for over many millennia, and haven't once gotten a wrinkle. But I really can't believe you're finally going back after nine hundred years. Even your parents' and grandparents' graves couldn't bring you back, but a mere camera has you rushing on the first plane to South area!"
Takaba stares at her a moment, then says, "Like I said, the camera was from Anya."
V throws up her hands in defeat and exasperation. Suddenly she lunges at him with a needle. He blocks her, grabbing her wrist. "The hell? Where did that come from—" he says as he evades her kicks, "—what is that?"
She manages to flip him over and plunge it into his ass cheek. He yelps. "Ow! what the fuck, V! What the hell is that?"
She rolls back up and dusts herself off. "Don't worry; it won't knock you out or anything. And it isn't a tracker. I know that will just delay the inevitable. Actually, it will tell me whether you've become a cold corpse or not. It will only tell me your location when you're dead."
Takaba shudders at the memory and rubs his butt a little. He couldn't believe that she didn't ask him first. He squirms around a little bit to get comfortable. It was a long flight from Central area to Tokyo. He puts his headphones on and quickly falls asleep.
~ASABA~
Asami flips through the pictures in the camera, his hair wet from his recent shower. The boy has a good eye. The pictures were caught at an angle that makes them seem alive, just like Anyastishka's paintings…
He shakes his head to clear the memory and sighs. Then, he hears a sudden noise from downstairs. It is almost imperceptible, which is astonishing, especially with his practiced hearing. He has a feeling it is Takaba. Looks like the little burglar is good. Everything else in the building is turned off. He stands up and shuts off the remaining light in his room. Now, to wait for his prey to come to him.
~ASABA~
Takaba slips silently through the hallways, quickly spraying black paint over the cameras in his path. It was easy to get in. He just had to pick one of the windows until it slid open. At first he tried the back door, but it was locked tight, and he didn't bring much with him. He wanted to stay light.
He's taking the stairs, knowing the elevators will alert whoever is inside the building with him. It seemed empty at first, but when he got in, he felt another's presence, almost inhuman.
He reaches the top floor and pictures the blueprints in his mind. The bastard's bedroom should be…that one! He just hopes that the camera is in there, like his gut is telling him. He didn't want to search the whole building.
As he touches the doorknob, he feels a shiver. He has always had that sixth sense for danger, and he usually trusted it. But right now, he had to get his camera back.
He opens the door slowly and peeks inside. It is dark inside as well. No one seemed to be inside. He takes a careful step inside and pain explodes through his head. He sees stars and hears a sinister chuckle before he blacks out. He should have been more careful. At least V will find his body…
~ASABA~
Asami smirks as he stares at Takaba's creamy skin and beautiful cock. It was a pretty color of pink. He couldn't wait to eat the boy up.
Takaba stirs, wondering what to cook for breakfast today. He stiffens, finding himself in an awkward position. His lower legs are strapped to his thighs, connecting to leather restraining his hands above his head. He is on a plush bed covered in white satin. He shudders as the air-conditioned air graces his exposed flesh.
He looks around the room and spots the golden eyed man—Asami—smirking at him from a plush armchair in front of the bed, in full view of his penis.
He flushes red. "What the hell, bastard! Let me go!"
"I don't think so Takaba. You broke in and dirtied all my cameras. Some punishment is in order."
"I'm not some pet, you asshole. And you're the one who stole my camera!"
"Didn't you ever think of asking for it?"
"I— you would have said no!"
"How are you so sure?"
Takaba grits his teeth. Suddenly Asami gets up and stalks toward him, like a cat of prey ready to pounce. "S-stay away!" Takaba shouts as he tries to squirm away.
The bed creaks as Asami comes on and looms over Takaba. He shrinks into the bed. Asami runs a hand over his skin, tracing from his lips, circling his nipple, skimming over the length of his penis and resting at his hole.
Takaba shudders and blushes, stuttering for him to stop. Asami moves his face closer to Takaba's and licks his lips. "Have you ever had it here?" he whispers against his ear as he plunges one finger into his hole. Takaba yelps.
"Ow! Get it out, damn it! What are you doing? I'm not a fucking girl. Stop it! It's too small!" he shouts as Asami adds another finger.
"Stop it you—" Takaba's protests are swallowed by Asami as his lips descend on Aki's. He takes the opportunity to slip his tongue between Takaba's teeth at his surprised grunt. A fight ensues as their tongues battle for dominance with Takaba quickly losing. Takaba's body heats up as the kiss continues. When Asami breaks off, he is gasping for air. "You still aren't hard."
He reaches over into the drawer by the bed and takes out a tube of lubricant. He squeezes a generous amount onto his fingers. It was a special kind of lube; it turned one's body extra sensitive. "You will remember my body tonight Takaba. Next time, we won't need external help." He smirks down at the boy gasping beneath him.
His glare is interrupted by the fingers slipping back into his ass, this time cold. Soon a third finger joins the two. Takaba begins to feel hotter and good. Asami sucks on a nipple, nibbling at it and pinching the other one. At the same time, he scissors his fingers in Takaba.
Suddenly, Takaba moans in pleasure. Asami smirks, finding that special spot. He makes sure to hit it again and again. He takes his hand from the nipple he is playing with and starts pumping the neglected cock on Takaba. Takaba is writhing beneath him and then everything goes white as he cums.
"Well, well Takaba, are you a virgin? Your cum is really thick. And look. Your cock is still hard."
He glares at him. "I'm not a virgin! And it's like that because you used some kind of drug on me—"
He screams as Asami thrusts all the way into him. He takes it out and slams back in, accompanied by another scream. Asami roughly ravishes Takaba's mouth, muffling his screams. He pumps his cock in time with his unrelenting thrusts, making sure to hit that spot.
"Ng! Ah! A-Asami! N-no! Stop! Aah!" Tears stream down his face as he tries to keep up with his hammering heart.
Asami smirks down at Takaba. His teary eyes with a fire simmering in them and moist, pursing lips are driving him crazy. He leans down and licks his neck, feeling the pulsing vein there. He bites down, tasting the sweet blood flowing into his mouth.
An intense, sharp pain shoots through him as Asami bites him. Did he draw blood? That bastard… coherent thoughts are lost as the mix of pleasure and pain brings Takaba to his climax. As the muscles around his cock tighten, Asami thrusts a few more times, spilling into Takaba.
He pulls out and looks down at Takaba. "Mine" he whispers as Takaba's dazed eyes close and he falls asleep, exhausted. He wants more of that sweet blood, yet he feels strangely satiated. That never happened before. He usually needs at least six bodies to fill him. He cleans Takaba up and replaces the bed sheets. He takes a shower and puts on a suit. He places a note beside Takaba's camera on the nightstand and kisses his forehead gently.
Asami blinks. Strange, he has never done that before. He shakes his head and heads out, the limo already writing for him. "You know where to drop me off."
Suoh glances at his boss in the rearview mirror. The boss seems strangely happier. He shakes his head, knowing he must be imagining things.
~ASABA~
Takaba wakes up, and tries to stand but pain shoots up his spine and he falls back onto the bed. He looks around and spots his camera and a note. He quickly grabs his camera, ignoring the sharp pain, and makes sure it's undamaged. He takes he note next and reads it.
I enjoyed you quite a lot Takaba. I can't wait for our next meeting.
That bastard! He could picture his smirking face as he wrote that note.
V! Can you hear me? He groans in frustration when no answer came. One of the few useful abilities and he didn't have it.
Aki? Are you alive? Well, of course you are, otherwise I would know where you are. Well, actually I know where you are now. And no, I didn't track you, I had you followed. I'll send Porto to get you.
Wait! But it is too late (not that it would have made a difference since he doesn't have telepathy) and he could feel that uncomfortable feeling of being sucked away.
~ASABA~
Asami takes the portal, dismissing Suoh and Kirishima, knowing how unpredictable the old man is. This meeting could take a few minutes, or whole weeks.
He comes out onto a grassy field the meadow with ruins splayed all over it. He walks to a deteriorating wall and places his hand on it. It glows briefly and he is whisked into the lab. The whole facility used to be above ground, but ever since that incident, Karr took to hiding underground.
He walks into the Karr's office and sits down on one of the leather couches. The others haven't arrived yet. A few minutes later, Fei Long and Mikhail arrive, a few seconds apart. Fei looks as beautiful as always. This time though, he does not feel the yearning throb in his heart that he usually feels when he sees Fei Long. Strange. He tries to catch his eye but Fei pointedly ignores him. Really, this silent battle between them is getting tiresome. Sure he broke his heart, but that was over a century ago. Fei could learn a thing or two from him. Feelings are unneeded in their world.
Mikhail is paler and with a crazed look in his eyes. Asami would need to get rid of him soon, without Karr knowing. He isn't the favorite, but he is still special to the old man.
Suddenly Karr's voice rings out as he steps out from a wall, as always, in red and not a day older than Asami remembered him. "My beautiful boys! Long time no see! As much as I'd like to start with pleasantries, we are going straight to business today."
Asami sits up. Strange, the old man was known for putting things that are related to business and seriousness off.
"As you know, a hundred years ago, the company fell, and all you boys were in disarray. Not to mention dear Anya disappeared. Only Asami was in his right mind to whip things back into order, so I was favoring him as my successor."
Asami narrows his eyes Was?
"But an incident has turned everything upside down." Karr pulls up a holographic image of the Shadower. It was something like Karr, another being. It was its blood that Karr used to turn the boys into what they were now: artificial Avrili, monsters. The Shadower was supposed to be one of the most powerful Avrili. It could control the shadows, as well as ice and who knows what else. Karr found its tomb five hundred years ago. He keeps it weak, but strong enough to produce blood. He has been experimenting, trying to recreate immortality, but Asami, Fei, and Mikhail are the only successes. They are not allowed to go anywhere near the tomb. The one time they did, they got so spooked that they couldn't sleep apart from each other (this was in their childhood. I laugh at the thought of the three of them huddling scared together as they are now) for months.
The Shadower had bluish-pale skin and dark, blood red hair. Its eyes were cruel and cold, with ice-blue irises and red pupils. It was very beautiful, but just as eerie.
"I am getting weary, my dear boys. I need to go into the Sleep soon, and I need someone to watch over things. It was supposed to be Asami, but I thought I would give you two another chance."
All their eyes widen slightly.
"I do not know how, but the Shadower managed to escape. When I came to check on it a week ago, I found all of my researchers as dry husks. Only Chia managed to survive, and she's in a catatonic state. None of the video feeds are working except for screaming. All I know is that he's escaped and he isn't here anymore. I need you to get it back—"
"Why did you wait to tell us? That thing is on the rampage and—"
"Fei Long! Stop it. Who cares about a few lives?"
"Like you cared about Anya's death?" Mikhail snarls.
"Oh, shut up, that was over a hundred years ago. Get over it already!"
"Karr, how will we find it if it can so easily blend into the shadows?" Asami asks, to stop the arguments from escalating into a fight.
"Ah, Asami, the only clear mind out of you three, apparently. Good question. Well, I think it may want something. There's one thing that I heard it say above all the screaming from the videos. It might be after that. It kept saying a letter…'V'."
Asami's eyes widen slightly. Could it be…?
"Anyways, whoever finds it first becomes my successor. I might even share the secrets of immortality I've found in its blood…"
Mikhail stands up. "You found it?"
Karr laughs gleefully. "Not only that, but I've found something else that is interesting…it seems the Shadower had a partner, one who could raise the dead…the Necromancer…"
Mikhail's eyes widen, thinking of Anya. Fei Long narrows his eyes worriedly, hoping Tao is safe. Asami smirks, knowing he has a lead.
Okay, my sweets, that's all for now. See you next week! :D I apologize if the smut wasn't enough. I'm not used to writing sex scenes. Any pointer?
