DISCLAIMER: I do not own Vampire Knight
hello again. I'm surprised i've had a lot of views on this story. Oh well, aparently people like these kind of stories...aside from that, this is a sad chapter. You may notice later on though that the chapters after this one will contain the content of what Akemi and Shizumi do on they're travels...so, they're filler chapters.
I'm also trying to go slow, because the manga has yet to finish and uncompleted stories make MY stories confusing. Oh well, people will look at the publication date and understand...hopefully...
One with the sad chapter...you might need a tissue...
CHAPTER 4: Blissfully Cold Dreams
I had expected it. I knew it was going to happen, but did nothing. I was too wrapped up in my fairy tale to realize what was right around the corner. And now, it's too late. Now, I can do nothing to stop the events that take place. And to make it even worse…
It hurts.
He died, though it wasn't said. He's gone, but it wasn't heard. He's not coming back, and that's that. However, even when I said these words, I could do nothing…but cry. These past seven years made me realize how attached I'd become to my father, how his scowls became something so amusing and comical, especially when he grumbled about stuff he didn't like. It was fun to have him talk to me when I trained; it was fun to watch him cook breakfast or dinner for us. I was happy when he'd sing my songs, unknowing of my watchful eyes. It was great that he would sometimes watch me dance.
I loved him.
But he's gone. Not coming back. Not even a goodbye or a farewell kiss…and gone. I've had to restrain not only myself, but Akemi as well from going out and tracking down the people that did this…but the worst part is I knew. I knew who did it, and that only made me even more frustrated. Because they were parents as well. Do I have the right to do what they did to me and Akemi to Zero and Ichiru? No…
Mother has yet to leave her room, which worries me. It's been a week now, and nothing. No noise, no sobs, just nothing. I've been tempted to enter her room, but I knew as much as Akemi that she needed space. What was going on in her head right now? Was she mad at herself? Upset with the world? Plotting revenge? The latter made me cringe.
The anime had said Shizuka had become enraged by father's death, and blindly went out to kill the Kiryu's. Perhaps I could change her mind…? When that thought entered my head, I cringed again. I'm defending the people that murdered my father…why am I so intent on saving them? Shouldn't I be trying to get revenge too? No…it's because I know the real culprit…
Rido Kuran.
Just his name made my blood boil with rage. He was the malicious monster that did this. It was because that he was evil that I was truly ticked off. The Kiryu parents weren't wicked at all, in fact the opposite. They were caring, loving parents that had a job to take out a local level E. A level E that they thought threatened society, someone who would kill anyone. So they killed father, but not for a simple job. They did it to defend people, to protect them.
They did it for Zero and Ichiru.
How could I get vengeance on people like that? How can I even think about that? Why…? Because they're human. Something I once was. So I should know more than anyone else how it feels to be one. And above all else, I should be the one to stop them from dying.
Because they don't deserve it.
I remember earlier proclaiming that Zero needed to go to Cross Academy to keep Yuki safe, but now that I think about it, the whole night class was made to keep her safe. Kaname was there to keep her safe; she has Kaien, Sayori, and Artemis. She doesn't need Zero. Kaname did. Kaname uses Zero to get his ultimate goal-
Rido.
I'm really starting to loath the Kuran's, all they've done is get other people into trouble. Poor Yuki probably had some dream when she grew up- it could range from being a dancer, to singing, to running the school, or to being with Kaname- and that was taken away. Last one was because Kaname's crazy streak.
That I know I can't prevent, unless I magically kill Sara beforehand and save a lot of lives…again. Look at me, seven years old and once again talking about murdering someone. How strange. This is also why I hated this anime…bunch of demented children running around.
"Mother…" I lightly tapped on the bedroom door, waiting for a answer. When I received none, I opened a bit, then a little more. There she was, sitting on the king size bed, her eyes gazing out the window into the snowing night. They looked so…sad. But at the same time, pained. She didn't glance at me when I entered, stopped just a few feet away from the bed.
"…it was hunters…wasn't it…?" I knew I could just come out and ask 'when are you leaving?' but that would be suspicious. Even pureblood children aren't that smart…aside from Kaname. She blinked, very slowly, but didn't turn to me. The silence was enough of an answer as it is, as my eyes went downcast.
"…how did his name get on the list?" It was true that I had asked questions about vampire hunters, pretending to think they hunted us because we were evil, when really they just hunted the insane ones of the bunch. Father answered idly, not really paying attention to the fact that I made sure they knew that I knew about the association.
For a moment, I swore I saw mothers eyes widen. Just a bit, enough to actually break her mask for a moment of pure dumbfound-meant. I was probably equally shocked at the fack that I had actually surprised her. But as quick as it came, it was gone to the infamous blank look. But something else had replaced that sorrow…hate? Vengeance?
"Mother?" I was worried, what could be going through her head now that she knew who really did it. Will she spare the Kiryu's? Will she go after Rido? Silence followed until she stood, startling me. Her pale kimono shifted as she walked over to me, kneeling down for me to get a full look at her.
Red eyes…eyes slightly dry from wiping tears and…pain… "I must seem pitiful to you…locking myself in my room like a child…" Now tears were building up for me, which felt like a completely worthless time to cry, especially in front of mother. "I cried too…for him…" I muttered, looking down.
There was silence as she put her hands on my shoulders, making me look forward at her…she was smiling her signature smile, the gentle smile that showed amusement or genially happy. "You're so much different from everyone else, aren't you?" what does she mean? How am I…different?
"You are so much smarter…so much more caring…you show more emotion and even hold back tears to worry for me…" Her smile got a bit bigger, almost like she was…proud? "You're special in more ways than one…" You have no idea…
Finally, a tear escaped my eyes and I quickly wiped it away, "Mom…are you going to leave…too…?" in truth, I was begging her to stay. Stay forever, live and don't die. Don't kill and maybe we can survive this ordeal. But it wasn't my decision, she had a choice to stay, or leave. Leave and kill the Kiryu's…leave and kill Rido…or stay…
"I'm not the only one…" Her smile went away, her eyes becoming sad as she gazed at me, "Shizumi…you can't stay…" …what? I'm…leaving? "Just what…exactly are you planning?" I wanted to know, by gods I wanted to know. It would make me worry so much less, I would breath so much easier. But that look in her eyes said everything, she knows she will die. She just doesn't want me to go too.
"The answer will come…in time…" I choked on a sob and wrapped my arms around her. I was afraid if I let go she'd disappear, and I'd be alone against a world of godly vampires who wouldn't hesitate in demolishing me. A hand stroked my hair followed by an amused chuckle, "Oh Shizumi…what am I going to do with you?"
"Stay…don't die…" I sniffled. Its bad enough I lost one…I don't want to lose the other. She pulled out of the hug, that amused smile still on her face but…maybe a bit more childish? "You don't think your mother stands a chance in the outside world?" She pouted a little, a small giggle coming from me as she did.
"Just…promise me…I'll see you again…" I spoke calmly, trying to rest my edgy nerves and stuttering. She chuckled and patted my head, "It's a promise." Maybe it was because it was from an adult figure, maybe it was because she was my mom, but I suddenly I had my worries put to rest. A breath of relief accidently escaped me, making my mother chuckle again. I couldn't help but smile.
Maybe things will change in the future now that she knows…? Perhaps I just saved my only parent…perhaps I just saved the Kiryu's…perhaps I saved myself?
Whatever her decision is, I can't stay around to watch it unfold. I had to leave, which meant she wasn't staying. But that just means I can leave a bit more easily knowing someday I'd see her again. Someday…
…and hopefully that isn't the day she dies.
"Where are we going to go?" Akemi asked from her place by the fireplace. We were sitting in the living room, two backpacks lying nearby with all our belongings. Akemi had Oblivion strapped to her back, like always. We were in our fluffy snow garb, ready to head out…we were just waiting to bid goodbye to mother.
"Away from here." I answered simply from my spot on the couch. I had packed a few packets of blood tablets, some water bottles, granola bars, and some candy. I had buried up a few seeds in the woods, hoping to use them for training. The food will only last a while, until then we will just have to live off the land. Akemi had some sleeping bags, blankets, a tent, and simply tools stuffed into her bag. She looked like she was having fun building stuff recently, which unfortunately includes fires.
My gaze traveled downwards to the fan in my hand, the one I used when dancing. It was the fan mother had danced with when she first taught me so long ago…I had grown attached to it, and she eventually gave it too me. It was pale white, decorated with pink sakura blossoms dancing in the wind.
A memento of home.
"I'm going to miss this place…" Akemi pouted, idly poking the fire with the poker, "All the fun times we had…especially when we pranked your dad that one day, we put spicy jalapeno's instead of blood tablets in his drink and he threw up! Man that was gold!" I chuckled as she flailed her arms around, but the thought of father…made my heart hurt. There was a hole there, a hole that won't be repaired. It's gone, because he's gone.
"Ne…Shi-hime…" I cringed at the honorific. She still hasn't dropped it… "When we're…out-and-about…could we…possibly…I mean, if you're not up to it then…but could we…um…just for a moment…see…how things are at home?" I blinked at her flustered face, she almost looked disappointed in herself. So…she still misses home. After all these years…she must have loved them dearly even if she hated her grandfather...especially Takuma.
"I don't see why not…" When I spoke, she looked both happy and a bit afraid. I would be too, running away and suddenly reappearing just to 'visit' doesn't sound very good once said. But, who said we had to get caught? Just a simple look should satisfy her…it isn't her fault she's curious, much less worried…
I blinked and zeroed in on her face, one of fright but…anxious. She had been worrying about her family over the years. Even if she continuously called them idiots and dogs, she always looked like she was trying to convince herself as well.
I was about to speak up again when the sound of footsteps made us freeze. We both turned to the stairs; mother was walking down them in her casual pace. I felt relieved when I noticed she wasn't crying anymore. However, if possible, her blank face seemed even more…stony. As if only sadness and hate lied behind it.
"Outside, girls…" At least she still sounded normal. Akemi seemed to notice as well and relaxed a little. I had told her (in short) of what happened earlier, but left out key facts (Rido). Thankfully, she dropped it at that.
When were all standing outside, me and Akemi side-by-side facing Shizuka in front of the mansion. It looked so gloomy from outside, even with the snow falling peacefully around it. Mother's face softened as she look to her right, not even five yards away was the miniature tree I had worked on. "You progressed far…both of you…"
Akemi practically glowed at the complement, while a small smile fit me. I held up my fan and she chuckled, "Yes…a memento of home…and a memento of you…" her eyes gazed back to the mini sakura tree. It was beautiful in its own way, only four feet off the ground but not a single green bud. It was all pink and white blossoms.
"Mother…" Her eyes snapped back up to me, "…keep your promise, please…" She smiled and patted my head, "Of course…sooner than you think…" I gave her an uncharacteristic grin before turning away with Akemi and beginning to walk towards the woods. Just at the tree line, I looked back to see her staring at the tree sadly. Still grinning weirdly, I cupped my hands over my mouth.
"Mom!" Her head snapped up in mild surprise before laughing while I waved wildly at her, "See you soon!" Akemi mirrored me, only a lot more hyper, "YEAH! When we come back, we're having a PARTY!" After laughing at that statement, we turned our backs on our old home and began our journey into the woods.
I sent one quiet glance back at Shizuka, but strangely found nothing there…only the tiny tree, swaying in the breeze. It had felt odd leaving the mansion and actually venturing off the grounds for the first time in my life. Akemi led the way though, map in hand as she marched while humming a random tune. No…not random…
I joined in her humming, marching alongside her. It was the song father sung, especially while making us food. I gripped my fan tightly as we marched, lightly giggling at our goofiness…Fathers song, and mothers fan.
Even though they aren't here physically, they will still be by my side. "Ne…how long do you think we'll be out here? A month?" I couldn't help but giggle at Akemi's confused face, "What? What's so funny?" I just sighed and shrugged her off, continuing to walk.
"SHI-HIIIIIIME~…"
"Please don't call me that…"
"Then tell me why you were laughing! It was an honest question!"
"Oh, trust me Akemi…we'll be out here for quite a while." Eight years to be exact…but I won't tell her that. Akemi has been one to be impatient…plus she'll probably be freaked out that I know the exact time.
"Oh C'MON!" Akemi cried, gripping her hair and falling to her knees. I chuckled, knowing she probably figured it out.
And now the long wait begins…and hopefully we won't have any confrontations in between…and also…I hope the decision you made was a good one…mother…
It's a bit short for my liking, but i had to make it. It isn't worth vomiting over, so i'm satisfied with that. Like i said before, the next chapters will go more into the relationship between Shizumi and Akemi, and of course the visit to the Ichijo household later on. You might be thinking 'oh great...fillers...this'll be boring'. Fine, you can think that...but i can assure you craziness and insanity awaits.
And it all starts with 'hey look, a wolf!' XD
reviews will get the girls bug repelent...I hate mosquitos XP
