The next few weeks were awkward. Setsuna wouldn't come near Konoka and whenever they were in the same room together she'd make an excuse to walk away. Konoka had taken up residence in one of the upstairs bed-rooms. Over the last few days Setsuna had started to sleep in the same room as well but never with her while Asuna had voluntarily offered to stay in the room opposite hers. She had a funny feeling that they wouldn't be returning to their normal lives any time soon. As for Setsuna she'd always ended up sleeping on the floor. Her sleeping hours however were in the morning not at night so Konoka was always asleep or semi-awake whenever Setsuna let herself in the room.
As Konoka threw the quilt covers over herself one night-at 12 she played with the fluff-ball underneath the covers absent-mindedly with her hands. She put it on the dressing table beside the bed. Setsuna was training with Evangeline as she did every day now for hours on end. Her appetite hadn't seemed to have changed…yet. It seemed she needed worm blood to survive now.
Konoka rolled over onto her side, facing the window and put the fluff-ball on the top of the dressing table, sighing. She'd had plenty of opportunities to run this week but…she hadn't.
Just then the door clicked open gently. Konoka sat up, feeling her heart beat fast and her insides getting all jittery as she saw Setsuna's figure.
"Hey Secchan, how did training go?" Konoka asked.
"Oh…uh great sorry Ojou-sama did I wake you?" Setsuna sounded guilty. She was standing at the doorway, rubbing the back of her head nervously.
She was always like that nowadays even when she wasn't training with Evangeline. On edge, as if something was going to attack her.
"No, I couldn't really sleep anyway," Konoka said dismissively.
"Oh…alright then," Setsuna said in relief. She began to walk over and in the dim light from outside Konoka saw her wince and roll her shoulder.
"What's wrong with your shoulder?"
"Nothing Eva just twisted it a little," Setsuna muttered. She went over to the wardrobe at the front of the room and pulled the doors open so that the right door hid her completely.
Konoka gathered the sheet up to her chest, suddenly feeling self-conscious. What was wrong with her? She'd never felt this way about anyone.
"Why don't you try and get some sleep now?" Setsuna asked.
Konoka glanced over at the door that Setsuna was behind, seeing her throw her clothes over the top of it so they were draped over it. That would mean she was stark naked. Konoka blushed slightly.
"Well I knew you'd come back in sooner I was just waiting for you," Konoka said.
Silence except for the rustling of Setsuna putting some clothes on. Then she shut the door, her hands on the knob her head angled. She had her eyes on the wood and she was dressed in a pair of boxers and a singlet. Konoka knew it was Evangeline's because she could see the word "Evangeline" was stitched into the side.
"You should go back home soon," Setsuna said, her voice soft.
Untying her hair where it fell in smooth waves down her neck she winced, reaching over her shoulder to massage the back directly where her wing sprouted.
"I…I don't want to not until I know you're going to be ok," Konoka said.
Something flickered in Setsuna's eyes. It was gratitude.
"Ne Secchan…why don't you sleep with me?" Konoka smiled at her, surprised to find that her heart did little skips whenever Setsuna looked at her.
She wasn't expecting Setsuna to comply but to her surprise she crossed over to the bed without a word, slipping into bed. She did stay near the edge though. Happy Konoka lay back down on her side-and found Setsuna facing her. She was watching her as if she was scared that Konoka was going to disappear at any moment. There was also something else in her expression, desire but also real fear but of her…? No herself. Konoka had those weird butterfly feelings again. Setsuna reached across the bed, grasping Konoka's hand tenderly. She began to stroke her thumb, gently. Tingles shot up Konoka's arm.
"O…Kono…Kono-chan," Setsuna whispered, her voice wavering. "I really like you."
Konoka moved closer, warmth spreading through her. She ran her hand through Setsuna's hair putting her forehead against Setsuna's, "I really like you too Secchan."
Setsuna wrapped her arm around Konoka's waist, pulling her closer. Their lips met and Konoka felt a bunch of crazy emotions explode just from that kiss. Excitement, a little bit of anxiousness, euphoria, deep pleasure…She could feel the outline of Setsuna's fangs but she was being so gentle, careful that they didn't hurt her. Setsuna kissed her harder when she felt Konoka grasp the back of her neck pulling her closer. Konoka wanted it. She wanted her. She felt Setsuna's hand roam up her stomach sending flickers of sparks jolting through her. There was a shredding sound and when Konoka opened her eyes she saw the remains of her shirt fluttering in pieces onto the bedspread.
Pulling back slightly with an embarrassed look on her face Setsuna shook the tatters of her singlet off from her sharpened fingernails, "Sorry."
It might have been nerves but Konoka just laughed. Setsuna began to grin and bent down to trail feather-light kisses along her collar-bone. Konoka shivered. Setsuna had one leg in between hers, riding up against her.
"Does that feel good Ojou-sama?" Setsuna whispered as she went further down her sternum.
"Y-Yes, keep on going…" Konoka gasped.
Then Setsuna suddenly stopped. Konoka felt the last trickles of pleasure fade away. Disappointed Konoka looked at her. Setsuna was on her knees, gazing at Konoka with lust. She was shaking slightly, hesitating. Konoka propped herself up on her elbows, long hair splaying down her shoulders.
Setsuna's eyes followed her, flicking over her form absorbing every line and curve.
"Would it be alright if I wasn't the only one without clothes on Secchan?" Konoka asked her in a shy voice, dropping her eyes from her for just a second.
When she'd gathered the courage to look up again Setsuna was taking her singlet off a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. She threw it on the floor, lowering herself down and started to kiss her again. Konoka felt her body, lean and slender, press against hers. She could feel her heart, beating in sync with Setsuna's. Konoka's hand moved down across her skin, sliding her boxers off and running down her thighs feeling well-defined muscles that were lean. Setsuna's wings suddenly sprung from the back of her shoulders, black feathers floating down onto the bedspread. Konoka's fingers danced over them and she rested her hand on the shoulder-joint, stroking the feathers slowly. Setsuna shuddered, letting out a little gasp, gripping Konoka tighter. That was when someone threw the door of the room open, the resounding crash of it smashing against the wall making Konoka shriek, jumping back and taking a handful of Setsuna's feathers with her. Crying out in pain Setsuna shot straight up, tumbling off the edge of the bed onto the carpet, the sheet going with her.
"Stop screwing around!" Evangeline barked from where she was standing in the doorway, dressed in a frilly night-gown with a ribbon at the collar.
Konoka grabbed the nearby pillow, covering as much of herself as she could, "E-Eva-chan what are you doing?"
Holding the door open before it slammed back into her from the sheer force, the pint-sized vampire grinned wolfishly at them, "I've got a little test for you two."
Setsuna stood up, using the sheet of the bed as a makeshift robe and stammered, "N-Now? We just had training."
"I know that what do you think I am stupid?" Evangeline snorted. A thoughtful look crossing her face she continued, "I mean…I thought after you left. What better way to test how strong you've become and the girl's barrier powers than pitting the two of you against each other?"
"What?" Setsuna yelped. "Are you crazy? She's not even an experienced mage. She's not strong enough to defend herself…I mean…" She faltered, noticing Konoka's hurt look. "She's not ready."
"Nonsense, if the time calls for it she'll be ready," Evangeline waved her hand. "Get dressed the both of you and meet me in my room. We'll use the scroll."
"Master please she should be sleep-!" Setsuna moved forwards.
"Funny that's not what you two intended on doing by the looks of things," Evangeline tilted her head, her grin widening.
If Setsuna's face was any redder she could've exploded. Hair trailing behind her Evangeline left the room, calling over her shoulder, "And Konoe, don't bring that silly staff. I want to see how well you'll do without it."
Setsuna couldn't help but wonder whether Evangeline had an ulterior motive to doing a training session in the dead of the night. She usually wasn't that generous and since she'd already been training Setsuna for the past three hours…so when she entered the beach through the one hour scroll that Evangeline had used with Konoka she was slightly on edge. That and she was irritated at being interrupted. Konoka had tasted so good and all she'd wanted was more.
"…Whoa this place is great," Konoka said, looking around.
It was like a beach from a picture. The sand was a golden yellow, the ocean waves rolling in glittering with sparkles from the sun.
"Yeah…great," Setsuna grumbled. Konoka didn't say anything and Setsuna winced internally. She was still annoyed at her for what she'd said just then.
Setsuna found she didn't pull away and a part of her was proud of that but another part, the rational part, was worried. She'd been so close to losing control back in the room when she saw Konoka's body, voluptuous, smooth with curves in all the right places, full round breasts… a full healthy figure. And her hair, her eyes…Setsuna remembered feeling drawn into them, hypnotized. They were so full of life and energy, big as if there as a whole world that she was hiding and just waiting to show.
Setsuna had seen her blood.
Squeezing her eyes shut Setsuna grimaced. She should've expected it. In her mind she'd seen Konoka's blood, pulsing through her veins begging to be ripped open and drank. There was one dangerous moment then that she'd wanted to use her newly formed fangs to pierce Konoka's skin, tear open her vein and suck out every last drop of blood in her body.
Evangeline crashed into her back from the portal that was still open behind them. Setsuna hit the sand hard. She twisted around, scowling at the now adult-sized vampire.
"You really shouldn't stand in front of the portal like that," Evangeline looked down at her nonchalantly, inspecting her manicured nails.
As Setsuna stood up, wiping sand off her ChaChamaru appeared after her staying in the air using the rockets installed in her back. The portal disappeared behind them.
"Alright, you stay where you are do not move under any circumstances understand?" Evangeline said directing her words to Konoka.
"Ok but why?" Konoka nodded.
"You'll see," Evangeline said. She created a sword out of ice, similar to Yuunagi and threw it at Setsuna, "Setsuna, fly back 100 metres away from Konoe. When she creates the barrier around herself and faces you, come at her with all your strength and try to break through the barrier."
Doing as directed Setsuna caught the sword by the hilt and with one downstroke of her wings, lifted off through the air away from them. Flaring to a stop above the water Setsuna turned around. She could see even better than usual.
"Weird…" Setsuna murmured.
She could see every strand in Konoka's long hair, even the individual grains of sand of the beach. She could hear her heart beat as if she was standing right in front of her. She liked it. Konoka's heart was always beating so fast. It was joyful, every beat resonating throughout her like a flame flickering to life. A shimmering light was appearing in front of Konoka. It soon expanded over her head, around her until it morphed into a transparent silver hollow sphere. Evangeline flew backwards staying in the air next to ChaChamaru, arms crossed and surveying Konoka with cool blue eyes. Setsuna steeled herself, pushing all thoughts out from her mind. Focus…don't think about
Konoka was facing her, a slightly apprehensive look on her face. The sword suddenly felt colder in her hands, heavier. Its tip gleamed underneath the sunlight. From here Setsuna could see Konoka give her a reassuring look, mouthing words she couldn't quite make out but she knew. Konoka trusted her. She trusted her. It made her feel a little better. Setsuna burst forwards, torpedoing through the air towards her. She had to time it just right. It wasn't until a few seconds later that she realized she was going faster than usual, way faster. So when she prepared to deliver the strike to the barrier she broke right through it and due to speed and momentum, almost chopped off Konoka's arm. Luckily the girl scrambled out of the way. Setsuna ended up crashing into her anyway sending them both tumbling into the water nearby.
Sitting up and spitting water out Setsuna asked Konoka who was doing the same thing, "Are you ok?"
"Yeah," Konoka sounded shaken. In a calmer voice she said, "You were going really fast."
Rubbing the back of her head sheepishly Setsuna said, "Didn't mean to."
"Again," Evangeline ordered.
Setsuna got to her feet, water splashing around her and took Konoka's hand, helping her up.
"My hero," Konoka teased, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Setsuna smiled at her, unable to stop herself.
"Oi lovebirds you're in the middle of a training session here! You can spend your time making goo-goo eyes at each other when you're finished!" Evangeline roared.
Konoka jumped about a foot in the air, squeaking in terror and quickly let go of Setsuna. Setsuna cringed at how loud Evangeline's voice was.
"Master, I recorded Setsuna-san's speed to be extremely fast, close to mach 4 or the speeds of a peregine falcon which can travel up to 86 miles per hour," ChaChamaru told her. "She was very close to reaching your level."
"I see…" Evangeline's eyes glittered. "Setsuna, again and this time, try not to mess it up. Konoe, make a stronger barrier."
With a lingering look at Konoka, Setsuna flew off to the same position waiting. She saw Konoka concentrating, the barrier coming to life. Setsuna cannoned towards her, sword raised. Fear ghosted across Konoka's face but soon it was replaced by sheer determination. Setsuna felt a little spark of pride.
That was her Konoka. Wait…when'd she become her Konoka? Before she could ponder the question something hit her in the small of her back. Plunging into the water was like hitting cement. Setsuna was ten feet under before she regained consciousness. Opening her eyes she saw missiles speeding towards her. Setsuna swung the ice sword in a full 180 degree arc utilizing all her ki and creating a massive tornado by separating the water around her that drew in all the missiles. They ripped apart as Setsuna shot out of the water back into the skies only to be met with a warhead. Setsuna spun around in a somer-sult, narrowly avoiding it. It plunged into the ocean, unleashing a gigantic wave that dwarfed Setsuna. Setsuna vaulted upwards. A lot more missiles were heading straight towards her courtesy of ChaChamaru who was wielding a missile launcher. Setsuna flew, weaving in and out of the missiles, making them crash into each other or diverted them. Bits of metal rained down around her, peppering the ocean. Finally she was left with five that were dead set on blowing her up. Setsuna banked a sharp right, veering going on pure instinct. Unfortunately instinct led her straight towards Konoka. Setsuna's eyes widened. She skidded to a halt on the sand, the muscles in her wings screaming and whirled around. The missiles were way too close to block. Setsuna extended her wings out in front of Konoka, face set.
The missiles were coming closer, five metres, three metres…Setsuna's eyes widened as Konoka suddenly hugged her from behind, encasing her in the barrier. The missiles exploded, jarring the barrier. Setsuna slowly turned to Konoka, staring at her. She looked even more stunned than Setsuna felt.
"Well done," Evangeline said, floating down in front of them. She grinned, "It looks like your speed's improved by miles though I wish you had your sword here we'd be able to fully test your strength that way as well. When is that ninja friend of yours going to come back?"
The next night lounging on her bed Evangeline downed the rest of the red wine and played with the stem of the glass between her middle and index fingers while she contemplated what to do with her next training session with her lovesick servant. Evangeline set the glass down, rolling over onto her side to look out the window. She'd lived two centuries and as one tended to do when one lived that long, she'd seen so many things. Love was one of them. She'd seen the romantic confessions, the dramatic displays of outpouring love between two people who would proclaim their love for one another swearing that they would never leave each other, that they'd give up the world and even more for one another…only to have it end in heart-break when one of them fell in so-called love with another person. Evangeline had never thought that Setsuna would do it but the way she acted around that Konoe girl was enough to drown the blonde in a sea of sappy emotions of the beginnings of a blossoming romance, one that was complicated by Setsuna's immortality and Konoe's non-immortality. And she still wasn't sure that Setsuna wouldn't end up trying to change the girl in the end anyway as a result of some hunger attack. Bah…Evangeline wasn't entirely heartless after all. Maybe she'd throw Setsuna a bone, make things easier for them.
Setsuna collapsed onto the bed on her side, wings splayed out across the mattress. She was out before she'd even hit the covers. Konoka, who had stayed up as usual these days waiting for Setsuna to finish her training sessions with Evangeline, placed the rest of the quilt over her affectionately until the top reached her neck. Due to her wings there was a bulge. Konoka lay back down, snuggling up to Setsuna. The right wing was draped over her and she could feel the feathers tickle her skin. It was like she had half a blanket over her. Setsuna made a little sigh of content as Konoka absent-mindedly began to stroke the black feathers within her reach. Her expression, which had been close to exhaustion, smoothed out.
"Having fun there princess?"
Konoka shot upright, startled. Evangeline was standing in the doorway, blood pouring down a wound from the top of her head into her left eye. She was watching them, amused. Relaxing Konoka glanced back down at Setsuna who had only shifted slightly.
"Does she really need all this training?" Konoka asked the pint-sized vampire.
"Very much," Evangeline said, leaning against the doorjamb. "It's a good opportunity for her to learn how to fight bare-handed. She's doing better than I expected but I'm assuming it's because of you."
Konoka blushed slightly. "W-What are you talking about?"
The corners of her lips twitching Evangeline mused, "I think I must be getting old. I still can't understand why Setsuna would put herself through this…and you. But I suppose that's love. Congratulations."
Avoiding the vampire's eyes as they flicked to her Konoka said, "I...I don't we're just friends that's all." In a quieter voice she added, "Besides it's not like anything can really happen."
"Girl," The sharp tone in Evangeline's voice made Konoka look up. She had a strange expression on her face, "Don't try to hide your feelings. If you do you'll regret it."
With that she pushed herself off the edge of the door and disappeared out into the hallway leaving the door open. Don't hide her feelings? It almost sounded as if Evangeline was giving Konoka her permission to start a relationship with Setsuna…and her blessing.
A.N: So...I'm sitting here wondering if my pacing's off and whether I should chose option A for my ending or option B. Both are vastly different but one of the options I feel is more true to overall tone of the story and theme itself. I guess I'll just see where it goes. So enjoy and my thanks to everyone who's read, taken the time to put in a review, favourited and deemed this story interesting enough to be put on alert. Cheers guys