diclaimer: I don't own PoT, and I don't own "Tanz der Vampire"...Yupyup, that's it.
AN: Okay, here's the second to last chapter... It ends a bit aprubtly, but I'll see that I update as soon as possible X3
Nigellashade: Thanks again! I was really happy to read your review; it so much more fun to work with complex characters, I don't like stereotypical characterizations at all (what doesn't mean that I'm good at writing complex characters though -coughs-). I'm glad you like the way I potrayed the charas in here; I had to change some things from the original plot cause I didn't want to have them too ooc... But vampires ae love, I have to agree!
chapter nine
Eiji became more and more nervous. Inui had worked out a plan which should guarantee them that they would be able to rescue Syuusuke and to get away from the castle without any problems. And now he was standing there, dressed like one of them and –what was even worse- just in middle of a huge group of vampires, who seemed to look forward to.. He didn't even want to think of it. Inui himself had chosen the disguise of a knight's armor. At least that one was providing more protection than his own white, pompous chemise, Eiji thought bitterly, before his attention was caught by a sudden change of atmosphere. He was staring at the other guests as their expression changed from impatience to a satisfied one. He could spot Mizuki standing just a few inches away from him and Eiji turned around quickly; he could afford to let himself be seen by that young vampire. Not after the things which took place earlier. But the young vampire didn't seem to see him. He was toying with a strand of his hair- just as usual- but his eyes were focused on the spiral staircase. The redhead tried to figure out what the vampire were staring at, when he saw Atobe. The Count knew how to create a capturing appearance, really. He was dressed even more stunning then before, if that was possible, his movement lithe and full of pride as he was stepping down the stairs. A murmur went through the assemblage; obviously the vampires were amazed as well by their lord.
"I welcome you in my halls, brothers and sisters. The last time we met the only meal we've had hadn't been substantial at all, it had been a farmer broken-down and pale. You all have been grieved, but let me tell you: If one year is meager, the next one will be….prosperous!" Atobe strong and endearing voice held dominance, resounding through the entire room as the guests had inhaled, but not exhaled yet.
Finally, the host had reached end of the stairs and was joining the crowd, before raising his voice again. "All of us, who have a life of eternity, we re haunted by the thirst for fresh blood.
Do we ever have enough of it?" Eiji had though that this had been a rhetorical question, but instead the other vampires answered to Atobe's words. "We never have enough of it!," they shouted in unison. "Every man that is slaughtered down to give us his blood also heightens our brood. Do we ever have enough of it?" "We never ever have enough of it!" The crowd became more and more excited and Eiji was shivering with fear, unable to suppress that feeling any longer. He wanted to go away, but he couldn't without Syuusuke. He glanced at Inui, who scolded him with his eyes for being too obvious. Helplessly, Eiji forced his eyes to focus back on Atobe. The next words the Count uttered should make startle, the things which should take place his heartbeat stop for a few seconds.
"But trust me, I shall give you what you are missing. A beauty with eyes like the sky, an execrated child of stars, soft like the wind, has come to hand, appareled and ready to devote himself to darkness. But…he only belongs to me," Atobe stated ," Don't worry, I also thought of you all. Because since yesterday evening two mortal, who are intended for you, are caught in my labyrinth." Eiji inhaled sharply and took a step back. The Count was talking of Syuusuke and of… Inui and him! All three of them should be killed today, during that ball! They had to do something! But before the redhead you panic anymore his attention was once more drawn back to the stairs as the person he had been looking for the whole time appeared at the upper end, slowly walking down and following the path Atobe had taken earlier.
"No," Eiji whispered, before his own hand stopped him from talking any further. If they'd recognize him now, there wouldn't be any hope left. He watched when Atobe flashed at wicked smile at the brunette, grabbing the dazed looking boy by his wrist and pulling him into a firm embrace. Eiji could see the the surprise flashing through Syuusuke's eyes as Atobe was leaning closer to him, the Count's long, slender fingers softly ghosting over the smooth skin of the brunette's neck. He also could spot the growing fear, with mixed with the previous surprise, when Syuusuke tried to push himself away from Atobe. But before the smaller man could even try, the Count had bared his teeth, digging them deep into the flesh of his neck.
The assistant's eyes widened and he thought that he could feel hot tears gather in their corners, but after some seconds Atobe drew away, laughter sounding from his blood-stained lips, before he gestured the crowd to take the opportunity and start the dancing. Music filled the hall and Eiji was doing his best to dance into Inui's direction, who did that same.
"It seems that he's still living, Eiji," the black-haired one tried to reassure him, "I've been close enough to witness that he's still breathing." Hearing this redhead felt the sudden urge to hug his professor, but sense told him something different. His heart filled with determination he was making his way to Syuusuke's body, who was lying down nearby. "Syuusuke..," he started to whisper softly, but also with urgency "It's me, Eiji. I'll save you, don't worry." Eiji didn't even know if the other was hearing him, but it was worth a try. He took the others arm and wrapped it around his own shoulders to drag him with him, when…