Blood Moon Rising
IX
And they say, that a hero could save us-
He gently lowered her limp body to the dirty ground. She was unconscious as he struggled with the removal of the shackles. Bringing out a pointed dagger, he began jostling it into the catch. After an agitated minute, a 'click' resonated and the locks gave way. He mentally thanked his lucky stars that he came upon the dagger, without it, he wondered if he would have been able to remove the chains as easily as he had with the knife. Finding the dagger was rather fortunate, not so fortunate for the man standing guard. The poor watcher did not even know what hit him until a fist came flying out of nowhere, punching him out cold.
Carefully, the man holding the still body grasped her shoulders and shook her. "Naste…" he whispered and shook her again. "Wake up. I am here, please, open your eyes." He gave one more shook and after receiving no answer, he started to become 'very' annoyed. It was not going to be an easy task carrying her body around the tunnel and stay watchful at he same time. Not that she was heavy, well; she was not exactly what he would call petite either. The girl had some thick bones. "Naste, there is no need to play the dead possum. I know for a fact it will take bricks to knock you out."
She cursed the voice, it obviously was not pleased that she was pretending to be unconscious. She thought she had it down pretty good; in truth, she was not far away from being cataleptic. Hesitantly she opened one hazy eye, then the other, blinking repeatedly so that she could focus on the entity that called her. She pinched her lips together fearing the creature that kneeled over her.
She was about to give the monster an ear full but instead of screaming she smiled. "What took you so long, Master Date?" She attempted to pout but her features were so sickly pale and haggard that the sulking went unseen.
"I'm sincerely sorry," he said quietly, dragging her forward he cradled her in his arms. Before he could ask of her condition, she wrapped her arms around his neck and quickly buried her face against him.
"I thought for sure I was going to be someone's snack! Gods, if you asked me what I thought about vampire legends a year ago, I would have laughed in your face. I can't believe this; all these years," she pulled away; smiling at Seiji's stunned expression. He was rather easy to embarrass, all you had to do was hug him and he would blush every red that existed in the color chart. "And I never bothered to carry garlic spray." She teased.
The blush drained from his face. "That isn't funny…" She shrugged, and grimaced from the movement. Seeing the pain etch across her face, he swiftly inspected her body for any serious injuries. He frowned as he bared in mind the contusions that covered Nasuti's shoulders and arms. He reached out a hand and traced an invisible line across the claw marks on her neck. He stopped as he came to another wound; this one unlike the bruises was a deep slash. The blood was dried now but could easily bleed again. Gods, he could smell the blood, it was driving him insane. When Shu, Shin and he approached the tunnel that was the first thing he sensed; fresh blood. It was enticing, just a small taste wouldn't hurt…he paused, horrified to where he was leading his thoughts. They made him want to shred his stomach apart. One quick bite wouldn't be enough, it never was. It sickened him how natural feeding came to him; it was as if he was possessed. He closed his eyes, denying that he was hearing her heartbeat or feeling the blood rush through her veins. This beast wasn't him, why won't it leave!
He looked at the scratches again, controlling his hunger and breathed in deeply. He smiled relieved; the beast did kneel to his command, just took more concentration then he usually applied. It would be harder as the hours go by, he barely ever fed, and he could feel it weakening him. He tightened his hold on her as he glanced back to the scratches. Those were unnecessary. He expected to see bruises, not claw marks. He assumed Nasuti had said something she was not suppose to and was punished. His hand dropped to his side. He was relieved that nothing was serious, but who said nothing didn't hurt.
Nasuti shoved his shoulders, gaining his attention. "Can you stand?" he responded. Nasuti nodded "of course" and smiled as she raised her frail hand and formed an okay sign with her fingers.
Seiji's mouth slanted wryly, "Nasuti, if I was in your condition I wouldn't be so enthusiastic-" he stopped in the middle of his sentence. Snapping his head to the right he picked up footsteps. Noises that would have normally gone unnoticed by any other being but his keen ears become aware of the sound quite easily. Korin was rather attentive when it came to listening and carrying the DNA of an immortal only strengthened his aptitude.
His eyes were focused away from her when he spoke. "We have to depart right away." He turned back to her, "I do not know how long Shu and Shin can hold out without alerting the others of our escape." His head lowered slightly, "I expect Jacqueline knows I'm here, she most likely planned on my arrival."
With his assistance, Nasuti gradually stood on her unsteady legs. She felt like a seaman on dry land. She looked up again and found Seiji's head bowed. She quickly ducked under his chin, peering under his tresses that obscured his face and asked, "What are Shu and Shin doing by the way?"
______
"Remind me to by no means, ever agree with any of Seiji's arrangements in the future!" barked Shu, who was charging downhill with a group of about three intimidating looking men on his tail.
"I'm still trying to figure out why I agreed myself Shu. But, it does seem as though the vampires are buying our act," responded Shin, who unexpectedly leaped over a vampire-goon and twisted sharply to turn down another burrow. "Of course, that's if you think having a bunch of hungry menacing looking demons chasing you is a good idea."
"We're running like a couple of terrified school girls! Why can't we just hammer the crap out of them?"
"We want to lead the vampires into an area where we have the upper hand. We attack now, without any strategy or knowing what turfs we're working with, I guarantee you they will have an advantage over us."
"Shin, we have no 'well thought out' plan." He retorted angrily, "I say we pound the shit out of them!"
Soot and loam flew from their armored feet as they came to a dead-end.
Shin scowled at the wall in forethought, "This is incredibly irksome."
"No shit!"
"Stop using profanities! Kami, please tell me you have an additional terminology?"
"Uh-Fuck," cried out Shu.
"Shu, I mean it! End it!"
"No, Shin… I actually mean fuck!" Shu wheezed and pointed to the incoming mob.
Shin turned in the direction Shu was pointing and practically groaned aloud in frustration. The vampires had grown in statistics, instead of three men there were six and a couple of monstrous creatures that resembled a canine-bat and a man thrown together into a blender. It was not a very pleasing specimen to look at. The slobber, which was foaming from their mouth only made them less attractive; it that was possible.
"Wonder if these guys ever saw the American series; Buffy the Vampire Slayer?" Shu said off-hand.
Shin elevated his eyebrows and slapped his forehead with his armored hand. Shu, what is it with you and offbeat comments?
Shu continued with his unusual observation, "I remember this episode that resembled this scene; cave, Buffy and crew trapped alongside a wall. Buffy nearly killed, barley has any strength left and a friend of hers dies when she turns her back for a split-second. And-eh…" Looking at their company's snarl and Shin's glower, he decided that it was not important to finish the story. "Not like it matters or anything."
"Dis time, ye two die…slowly!" roared a deep Scottish voice, the man steeped forward from the darken shadows. He was tall and hefty with long wavy scarlet hair; while his tresses were attractive, the man was far from handsome. The enormous scar that ran from his left eye to his neck added fury to his treacherous character. "Christ, ye dumb as a couple of auld besoms in a bothy. Ye fools had us men running after you, and now ye crowed ye`selves against a daud end. Ye havan a shance to get out!"
"Dublin is the other way Leprechaun!"
"I'm Scottish you arse!"
"Oh-sorry," Shu grinned from ear to ear as he noticed the plaid kilt that identified the man being of Scottish heritage. "I didn't see the skirt sweet-heart." He indicated to the Scot's legs with his armored hand. "You should really shave those babies if you want to pull off the 'drag' fetish properly."
"Shu, I don't think pissing him off is such a great idea," cautioned Shin, who was more concerned with the two distorted creatures then the vampires. The fact that the monsters were salivating foam, or at least he thought it was foam from their mouths and looking hungrily at him made him incredibly uncomfortable.
He turned his head faintly so he could whisper into Shu's ear and not alert the others. "Don't forget the plan Shu-wait…" he frantically looked about the area. "Is this even the right tunnel?"
"Man, they all look the same to me! Anyway, I thought you were the one who was navigating?"
Shin glared daggers at Shu. "If we die, I hope they get you first!"
Shu flashed Shin his white teeth, "Awwwww-fishy, I was only joking! Although, if it makes you feel any better I marked the spots Seiji told us to use." Shu pointed to a torn pasty fabric that lay in the corner of the blind burrow. "Aren't I smart?"
"I don't think you want me answering that Shu at this moment. Right now, I rate you up with cow-dun. Would you please take this seriously…please!! This isn't a time to be teasing!"
"If I was ye young lads I would watch out for tat hole next to yur left," the Scott glanced to the right, referring to the huge opening in the earth. "Tis tunnel has many of toe's pits, a few a'ven contain beast, much like the two blokes next to me." He darted his clear blue eyes to the two deformed monsters, the same ones that had Shin worried. "Like me said, I wanna slaughter ye personally ye armored freaks!"
Shu jumped back from the thundering voice. "Watch out for Fido and Spot Shin, I think they like you." He warned as he prepared himself to attack. All he had to do was destroy these vampires, close off certain exits and create one gigantic explosion in a matter of minutes… Sure and Rome was built in five days... He hoped that if all goes to plan, the explosion would make a loud commotion and confuse the houseguest, allowing Seiji and Nasuti to run down the tunnels without detection.
"Thank you for the accurate observation Shu," Shin responded, "and if I were you I would watch out for, eh-Braveheart…he appears to be taken by your graciousness."
______
The fighting began.
The men came screaming over to Shu and Shin; it was so quick that either man had time to bat an eyelid. The beasts' shrieking was horrifying. They squealed not in eagerness but as warriors before a blood-spattering battle. A couple of men and two disfigured animals swarmed Shin and the other four engaged Shu.
Shu made an airborne leap over the men and thrust a bone shattering kick into one. The force knocked the vampire down, where he was holding his stomach and gasping for air.
The fighting was so confusing at first that Shu had no idea who he was striking. He just kept kicking and throwing punches, one right after another. The vampires were unbelievably swift. The small area quickly overflowed with yelling bodies, heaving to and fro, rolling on the ground, and kicking back and forth. Shu managed to clutch a single man by a limb and threw him into another that was directly behind him. Both vampires fell into the hole, screaming as the beast that lived underneath attacked them. Shu could hear them being torn into pieces. It was disgusting. Apparently, the monsters the Scott informed him about could care less who you threw to them; as long it was alive, it was food.
Shu was startled when the Scott caught him by his waist. The Scott had grabbed him with such force that Shu yelped with pain as he was slammed against a dark wall. The Scott then aimed his fist at Shu. Fortunately, Shu ducked just in time and instead of creating a gap in his face, the Scott crashed his fist into the wall. That obviously hurt the Scott's hand.
"Way to go Braveheart! A little rusty are we. What's the matter, too much man power for ya?"
"Take a good look, ladie-buck, for me be the last face ye will ever see!" roared the Scott as he attempted to clout Shu in the face again. Shu managed to seize his hand, smiling goofily at the man.
"Man that is one sad thought. I mean such a revolting face," Shu clicked his tongue alongside his teeth, "Please; you'll give me nightmares…Skirt boy"
"I'll 'ave ye moaning in pain for that!" And the Scott did. With ease, the Scott loosened from Shu's clasp, surprising the young man as he vanished from sight. No human being could have moved that fast, it was impossible! Then, quickly as he departed, he repapered, thrusting a blow into Shu's stomach with his tree-like legs. Shu crashed against the ground with a loud thud. The wind literally been knocked out of him. Wheezing from lack of breath Shu instinctively went to grab his naginata from behind his back; however, he found that they were not there. He quickly looked up to find the Scott chucking his weapon in his hands. He smirked malevolency and tossed the weapon aside.
The Scott brought out a dirk from the belt of his kilt so with such speed that Shu did not notice the other man's action nor saw that the he aimed to throw the knife directly at his forehead.
"Dis is how you slaughter a- Ummmmmmmphhhhhhh…." A creature thrown into the Scott prevents him from finishing the threat. He squirmed on the ground trying to shove the beast off him but it was no avail. The monster had to be at least twice his weight and it was obviously down for the count.
Shin stood beside Shu as he looked at his handiwork, rubbing the back of his armored hand across his mouth he held out the other.
Shu too his hand with a genuine smile, "Man, I did not expect them to be so rough!" he gasped as he steadied himself and walked forward to pick up his weapon, securely placing it behind his back. "How you do?" he asked Shin.
Shin averted his gaze, looking desolately as though he actually felt sorry for the swine's. "Tossed one vampire into the pit and the other vampire, well, I had no choice but to drive my wooden ended spear into his heart. A rather unexpected ending, I assure you." he paused to take a breath, "One of the monsters ran away and the additional monster, eh-" he gazed back to the Scott who finally managed to wrestle the beast off him. "It is pretty apparent what I did to that creature."
"Ye blokes hurt Lassie!" he growled referring to the beast.
Shin and Shu both looked speechless, "You've got to be kidding!" they said mutually.
"You named your dog -eh-man er-bat? Shit; whatever the hell those things are-" Shu pointed to the monster in question, "Lassie?" he looked at the Scott with confusion. "What the hell kinds of pot were you smoking when you decided to name your pet!? Man, that's cruelty to animals!"
"That buck isna a pet. He is a man. And yes, as a matter a fact, his name is Lassie, short for Lassion ye dulf! Granted, the buck isna normal, he t'was tainted and turned into a Leoch. Idiot! Ye rush into my homeland and know notin of me kind…are you asking for a death wish son? Ye two are either incredibly smart or incredibly stupid…"
Both the warriors paled. They looked blank, amazed, and extremely shaken. Tainted ? What in God's name, did he mean? Shu thought, Wait…Seiji said Raphael was tainted; Nasuti could have been tainted too. Does that mean that... Shu seethed with mounting rage as he hurried to the Scott's side, pinning him against the wall painfully, "Is that what happens when you are tainted?! You become a monster?! Tell me you shit or I'll cut off your head now and here!"
The Scott laughed, amused with the young man's reaction. When he spoke his voice was cold and exact, "Tat is what happens when ye are tainted then turned into a Vampire. They're called Leoch. A tainted being is drained of their blood until they are near death. Then their master who preformed the act controls them. That-" he took a fleeting look to the unconscious monster, "is a lad who t'was tainted and turned into a full blooded vampire. A Leoch like me say." He smiled proudly, "Tainted lad's canna 'ave proper transformation for their DNA has been screwed up. The lad wasn't given anytime to heal from the previous bite. So, they become monstrous. Wit no thought of right nor wrong. In some cases tainted lads donna become Leoches, but as an alternative develop into strong vampires. We have vampires who actually envy those blokes… what took us years to learn these people can learn in weeks. If the Lord blesses them and they 'ave got luck tat is. Nevertheless, toe's who are lucky enough not to be distorted still crave an enormous amount of blood. Tat is the downfall."
Shu backed away from the grinning Scott, shaking his head in revulsion. "You're sick!"
"Aye laddie, some say it is sick, not every vampire agrees wit' us; Ancient Nation of Vampires for one. Those blokes rather we stay away from the humans and never let them know of our existence and only kill when need be, always making sure our prey is the lowest of scum." He spat aloud, "mmphm … That is their way, not mine!"
Shin and Shu glanced once more at the Scott before turning their backs and walking away silently. The Scott was not worth their time. The man was fanatical; he didn't even have respect for his own kind.
"Where are ye lads going…haven even had me fun yet?" The Scott grunted, planting his feet on the earth. He kicked at the dirt as though he was a raging bull ready to charge.
Together the tow men spun around and stiffened at the Scott's challenge.
"Buddy, if I was you, I would get the hell out of here. This whole tunnel is going to be blocked and flooded with water any minute. My friend and I are going to see if drowned rats can swim, you want to be our first volunteer?" Shu stood wordlessly and watched, waiting to see what the Scott's reaction would be. After a long troubled minute, the Scott made his decision.
He sprung on the warriors.
Fool… Shin moved to the side, twisting his body so he could strike the bigger man in the shoulder. The Scott staggered backwards until he hit the wall, leaving an impression. Satisfied Shin jumped away and waited for the next move. Within moments, Shin sidestepped, avoiding the Scott's fists as he tried to drive them into his stomach.
Suddenly Shu shouted something to him. Shin tore his eyes from his opponent's face for a split second to Shu. He turned to the Scott, glaring at his hand. He had pulled out a sword. Shin ducked right in time to avoid being skewered by the blade. Dropping to the ground, Shin rolled to his left and threw his spear.
The opponent gazed in considerable surprise at the spear sticking in his leg. He touched the blade in some bemusement, then grasped it and pulled. He threw the weapon to the ground and laughed. He attempted to attack again. However, Shu had raised his voice to an octave, as though he was chanting a magic spell and the ground shook. Shu's body burned with the brilliant light of the sun causing the Scott to cringe from the glow. Then the ceiling began to quiver, the ground flung loam and dust in the air.
The boy in blue armor grabbed his spear and the other warrior by the arm, twirled around and vanished from view. The Scott intended to go after them when unexpectedly rock and dirt fell on top of him, concealing him in rebel.
______
"Shit and double shit," Shu gritted his teeth, "What do we do now?"
"Find the other tunnels Seiji told us to. You block all exits and then I flood them," he said firmly.
Shu nodded. "Yeah, you know, this is going to take forever."
Shin hid his smile, "Hai, and I know that you will never let Seiji forget it either. First, let us create that explosion. It's about time that Seiji will need a mighty big diversion."
"Great, now we need more scum-buckets on our back," Shu grumbled and slapped Shin on the back as he passed him, "Let us get to it; Fishy."
"Call me that one more time, and you'll be the fish in the water! How many times do I need to tell you; I HATE THAT NICK-NAME!"
Shu resounded by laughing hysterically.
_____
"Seiji…" Nasuti spoke in a broken murmur, "Do you even know where we're going?" she looked at a huge torch burning on the wall. She realized all the tunnels looked the same; all the walls looked the same and the torches looked the same. They could be walking in circles and never know it because everything looks the same!
Seiji's arctic eyes became flat and as unreadable as stone when he finally looked at her. She figured he must have heard something. That would be the only reason for his eyes to harden so quickly. Her heat thumped at the thought of something following them. Without saying a word, he reached out and yanked her forward. He motioned her to be silent by bringing his index finger to his lips. Nasuti bit her top lip and inclined her head in compliance. They sidled along the tunnel's walls, stopping short of a corner.
Seiji squatted down and peaked over the angle, paying attention to the surroundings and checking for any mysterious figures that were hiding in the shadows. Nasuti was not paying heed to Seiji's surveying and so she took a step forward when without warning he grasped her by the waist and tugged her behind him. He then turned his back away, whipping around to her again to jerk her up against him, and pressed her aligned with the wall. He covered her mouth with his hands. She could have sworn her heart jumped out of her chest when he grabbed her in blind heat. She was not sure if he realized that being stuck underground, with dead bodies, hungry vampires, trying to escape and then having someone grab her arm without making a sound, scared the HELL out of her!
Men were running pass the corner, whirling to another channel; eight came to view, but did not look in their direction.
He rolled his sleeve back and glanced at his watch. "Shin and Shu will produce a thunderous explosion in a few seconds." He whispered. "Diversions that will, with any luck, send more men toward them and away from us. When you hear the sound, run like hell to that other channel." He released her and pointed a few feet away from them to a dark passage, "I'll be behind you."
Nasuti nodded uncomplaining. Her heart was going like a trip-hammer; glimpsing down she took a measured breath, ready for the run.
She barely had time to let go of her breath when she heard the cue.
______
It was an almighty roar from somewhere within the tunnel, like a detonation of dynamites. Seiji gave her a shove and she was off running as fast as her sore body could go. When she made it across to the passage Seiji appeared beside her and grabbed her hand, pulling her down another tunnel.
Nasuti glanced behind her. Her mind was wondering how Raphael was fairing. He was going to be in worse condition once she found him! She could not believe he would behave so, so, so, she could not think of a word to describe his actions. Well, if she actually thought about it that was the first time someone put the moves on her while the enemy was holding her captive. Why am I actually thinking I should be flattered?! It was wrong! WRONG…WRONG and WRONG! Raphael did not know what he was doing, she realized. She should be more worried about his safety then what he did to her. "Seiji, what about Raphael?" she suddenly asked.
Seiji avoided her eyes, "Don't think about him, I'll get him later. My concern is getting you out first. He might be more; difficult to persuade." He chewed on his lower lip, "I do not think he likes me a great deal and I definitely know he will not want to leave. He practically is being controlled by Jacqueline and her alone." Nasuti tensed inwardly when she heard Seiji's response for it was without inflection. This bothered her. Raphael is stronger then that Seiji, You don't know him; he'll over come it. He will…I know he will.
Again, Nasuti spoke, her voice was a weak and tremulous whisper, "Seiji, I can help. Raphael will not harm me; he'll listen to me." Trust me; from what he did a few hours ago, I think harming me is the last thing he has on his mind, she thought dryly. "Please, let me lend a hand."
"No."
"But-"
"I said no."
She glared at his back, and when he did not say anything further, she marched beside him, "Why not?"
"Because it is dangerous, that's why not."
"You're doing it."
"I'm a man, not to mention a warrior." he glanced at her, "You're neither."
"Oh!" she exclaimed, fisting her hands at her side. "You are such a hypocrite!" Seiji's face faltered; apparently, he didn't expect her retort. "Everything you ever said about females being intelligent and respecting them, that they were capable of completing things just as good as a man could-are…are just heaps of nonsense!"
"Respect and ability has nothing to do with this Yaguy-san." He stopped abruptly and stared angrily at her, planting his hands on his hips, and she actually took a step back at the strange expression in his eyes. It was almost as if he'd become a different man right there in the space of five seconds—not the courteous, quiet, well-mannered and charming boy as he normally was but a cold callous man.
She swallowed feeling guilty that she had insulted him. He was only trying to protect her, even if protecting meant to him; keeping her as far as possible from getting in his way. "Look, just tell me how to get out and I'll find it. You go help Shin and Shu. I doubt anyone would be interested in me anyway, you are obviously the reason everything has occurred." She said, feeling as if her composure was under attack. "Do not worry…I-I… feel okay. The bruises look worse then what they are."
His eyes traveled over Nasuti, exploring as she put it; 'Okay condition'. He grunted mockingly. With that reaction, Nasuti considered it would be wise if she ignored him. When Seiji was silent, it meant he was ready to argue any of her excuses as soon as she opened her mouth. She will just have to do what she did so many times before; go alone. She stepped forward, avoiding his heated stare but was caught her by the fabric of her outfit before she could pass him.
"I don't think we have an understanding agreement and-" he held up his free hand to ward off any arguments, "if you think I so carelessly am going to leave you all by yourself then you must have some serious concussion."
"Seiji, I honestly will be okay." Muttering she added dryly, "Would hate if I should be a distraction."
He let out a long, frustrated breath. "Respect doesn't mean that I am willing to put you in danger, no matter how helpful you could be." He spoke again, and this time his voice was friendlier, "Ryo would have said the same thing."
"Well, you're not Ryo; are you? I have also been through many treacherous measures. Moreover, I am willing to risk that threat if it means I can help Raphael. I care for him Seiji. Please," she stepped closer to him, "Jacqueline could care less about me. It is you who is in danger, not me."
"How can you be so sure of that?"
Nasuti gaped at him, not knowing what else to say. His response was too fast for her to come up with a justification.
"Of course you don't know." He snapped.
"Seiji, you're being unfair! I'm an adult, not a child who needs protecting from her 'brave' warriors." His eyes narrowed at her response. "Okay, maybe a little protecting." She added.
He stared at her, his clear eyes brooking no argument. "You're not helping, understand. I am getting you out of here; comprehend. And that's finale; realize that."
She crossed her arms and said nothing.
"Nasuti?" Any other time she would have heeled to the hard warning in his voice, she had many times before with Ryo, but Nasuti wasn't feeling terribly prudent at that moment.
"You cannot stop me from trying to help Raphael. He is very dear to me and I care about him … a lot an-" she choked on her words as he backed her up against the wall, his hands closing around her upper arms with excruciating strength.
"I will gag you, I will blind you. I will surrender you unconscious. I'll tie you to a damn rock if that is what it takes to keep your meddlesome nose where it belongs." Naste, why do you insist on doing this to me? You are too stubborn. It's irritating!! Just do as I say, for once in your life...do as I wish. There is something about Raphael I'm not sure if I should tell you or if you have figured it out on your own, but he's not the same. Why can't you understand that!?
Nasuti gulped. She only had seen Seiji this infuriated once and it was for similar reasons too. His eyes were flashing, his hands were shaking, and his face was so red with fury that she did not argue the fact that he would gag her. She believed him.
"Well now," she piped, trying to pry his fingers loose. He did not appear to have the concept of how firmly he was holding her—or even that he was holding her at all. "I didn't say I would meddle precisely, just assist you in certain, perfectly safe procedures and-"
"Swear to me that you will do as I say, Naste."
"Seiji, I'll-ah-"
"Promise me. I don't want you near him." He repeated.
His hands constricted harder around her arms, along with that, combined with some serious force, she wrenched her eyes from his hands to meet his. "I won't do anything without consulting you first," she said softly.
"That's not sufficient." He replied, squeezing harder.
"I'm sorry. It is going to have to be. I won't leave him," She grimaced. "Seiji, you're hurting me. Your hands are too tight. My right arm cannot take it. You will make my wound bleed again."
Seiji stared at her for a long minute before sighing under his breath and letting go. "I'm sorry," he said vaguely. "I didn't realize."
"It's alright," she gently placed a hand on his shoulder, reassuring him she was okay, "and I probably overreacted." She hesitated, "Seiji is there something you aren't telling me about Raphael?" she paused again, "Is that why you refuse for me to help him?"
Slowly his gaze came to rest on her questioning eyes. He knew he was not easy to read but Nasuti had that woman instinct. You just had to keep silent and she would guess what is bothering you.
"Seiji, you have to tell me. If there is something to tell; I need to know." She pleaded, feeling her stomach churn.
Exactly how much does he mean to you?
His silence bothered Nasuti deeply. "Mater Date, tell me!" She rarely used 'Master Date; when she addressed him, being heir to his family's dojo it was his title and the only time she used it was when she was teasing or became very serious with him.
He bowed his head, Nasuti, I'm not about to tell you something that could hurt you.
She closed her eyes and hunched her head, sagging in hopelessness. Seiji looked up when he felt her shudder. In one forward motion, he reached out his hand, fingering a warm tear that unhurriedly made its way along her pale cheek.
Staring at the tear closely, he answered the question that was plaguing him, "You care for him a great deal, don't you?"
She flushed crimson as she nodded, uncomfortable to be admitting to Seiji of all people. "I didn't know for a long time, but…yes…I do care for him. But that's not important." She glanced around, not trusting herself to look at him directly. She was recalling the events that lead her to Raphael. It was so hard after grandpapa died. It was hell! But after a few years I somehow managed to crawl out. I even met someone. Adam.
She smiled sadly at the memory, I had loved him, but in the end, I was hurt. I couldn't find any steady relationship after that; took me awhile to make that commitment again. The same old romantic routine; get dumped stay dumped then stay dumped even longer while you eat pints of depression ice cream. Then I met Raphael. He came into my office, (just landing from the Narita airport) demanding to see the head professor. Instead, he got me. He told me his family was lending some precious artifacts to my University and how he was informed moments ago that they never arrived. To say he was mad was an understatement. I thought for sure he was going to eat me alive. I found my superior, who was in charge in the matter and he quickly said it was my duty to make sure the "objet d'art" was in secure hands. That was the first I heard of it. However, Ralph did not blame me, instead he called my superior a barbarian and an idiot if he actually thought he could so easily place the matter on my shoulders when I obviously had no clue what was going on. The problem was soon solved. Then after a few months, I found myself mysteriously promoted. I found out it was from Raphael's influence. I was angry at first but he assured me he needed a partner, since he was staying in Japan for a while and he was pleased with my credentials. That and I was the only person who spoke fluent French. He impressed me with his knowledge and eagerness to open his own import-export business along Japan's coastline. Most interesting and probably the main reason we bounded quickly was that he knew of my mother. Apparently, her family donated a lot of money to his when they were in need of loans (to help enlarge the museum). He was pleasant, charming, and witty.
She grabbed Seiji's shoulders and pleaded, "Please, tell me what you're afraid to say. I need to know."
"How can you expect me to say anything that could hurt you?"
She stood back, "He…he's…my god Seiji, you make it sound like he's …"she gasped, "Seiji, is he...he..."
God I hate myself! But she needs to know. I will only be hurting her more if I do not tell her. His voice broke, "A lost cause." After a moment of silence he added, "I don't think there is anything I can do for him."
Seiji was surprised by her reaction as she flung her hands to his chest and drummed them against his upper body in denial. She began to sob and strike harder. "You promised me. You even told me that when a man is tainted he-you lied!"
Grabbing her wrist, he replied achingly, "Naste, I told you the truth. But Raphael was not only tainted, something else was done to him."
Nasuit's face blanched a deathly white.
"The puncture wounds on his neck should have been purple, not yellow. He might be stable now; but soon and I mean very soon; he will be different. I do not exactly think he will be a vampire, something worse. I sensed it, I felt it." Seiji closed his eyes, "Jacque has fed from him more so then she should have. She gave him no time to recuperate from the first bite. A man cannot function like that. Being tainted and then fed upon more without a proper transfusion, it-it is just not possible. Don't ask me how I know this; but I just don't see it happening without grave consequences."
He caught her around the waist as he felt her knees give out and allowed her to rest her head on his chest. Hearing her retching sobs, he squeezed her affectionately. "I will do everything I can in my power to help him. I just want you to…look Naste, I need you to be strong, please, no matter what happens…be strong."
"You don't know," She said softly as she tore herself away from his embrace and backed up against the wall. "How it is to loose something dearly, again, and again. Not being able to do anything except sulk. Do you even know how hard it is to be optimistic, to hide from others, not wanting your friends to know how deep your sorrow is? I cannot lose him! I can't go through that again!" She looked up with teary eyes, "Don't you see Seiji? He is weak just like grandfather was because I was not there to help. If I don't help, he'll die!"
He blinked several times, "Naste, that's not true and you know it."
"No Seiji, you don't know." She loosely, "How could you, I am Ms. Confident, Ms. Controlled, loving sister to all, I am without worries. But you're wrong-"
"Shhhhhhh…don't do this to yourself," He attempted to place a comforting hand on her arm as he would with his one of sisters when they were frightened. She refused by smacking it away.
"I'm so weak…so pathetic, so-" She snapped at Seiji when he shook his head. "Yes I am! Why do you think I always try to help others, I want to feel needed? Seiji, of all people I thought you would know! I need that reassurance that I am physically powerful, that I am in control. I need that mask. Otherwise, I would lose it. My own parents buy the act. There is no way I could tell mama or papa, papa barley made it out of grandpa's funeral. And he's the strong one!"
"Nasuti, you're beating yourself up for things you have no control over."
"Que vous allez vous faire fiche! Va te faire voir! Ouais, GOD-DAMNIT I am! Zut! Zut de zut de zut! I have every damn reason to! How am I supposed to survive with so many losses? Oh I know; no biggie. Just shrug a shoulder, flip my hair and wink a smile. "
"Stop this!" He roared and gathered her securely in his arms once more. He gently rocked her back and forth. "Nasuti don't believe this. It's not you."
"You don't know me." She whispered.
"Yes I do." She made a noise that sounded close to a desperate laugh. "Gods Naste, listen… Do you remember what you did for us during the Arago wars? Even after your oji-san died? You kept strong. That's not weak Yaguy-san, that's courage."
Then you never looked on me when I slept. I was crying rivers.
"You helped me find Rei Faun-sama. Treated us as your family when we were only strangers-"
What else was I suppose to do! Hi, thanks for saving my life countless of times, hope you find what you are looking for. Sayonara! And then turn my back on you?
"You helped the guys when I was kidnapped and brought to New York." His left hand lifted from her waist to the back of her head. His cool fingers began to massage gently in a circular motion. He hoped it would calm her down. It was no avail.
She rolled her eyes, Yeah sure, as if I was just going to leave at a crucial moment,
"Do I have to recall everything you ever did for us?" he sighed, "Remember when Shin was a mess, you reassured him. You played to Jun's needs. You stood up on your own many-"
She glared at him, angry at his words. "I'm a good actress!"
Seiji stood back. What is wrong with her? Why is she doing this? He was forced to do the only thing that would work when a woman was in hysterics. It went against his beliefs and nature but he had no choice.
Nasuti's breath caught in her lungs. She backed away from him and rubbed her bruised cheek. She could not believe it! All she could manage to do was stare at him with teary eyes. Seiji…he slapped me…
He had broken through her fragile control, he did not know how but he did. "I'm sorry Yaguy-san, but you gave me no choice." He glared at her, "And I won't stand here and let you scare the wits out of me! Stop it…please!" His face paled when she did not respond. She stood still in a daze. In one quick motion, he encircled her once again, burying his face against her tousled hair.
"Don't do this to me. Do not do this to yourself. You do not deserve it. You're making it worse when that's the last thing you should do." He whispered.
As though his words released her, she flung hands around his chest, wrapping him tightly and sobbing uncontrollably. Her muscles tensed under the tingling caress of his hand that traced the line of her cheekbone and jaw.
"You don't deserve it…" he mumbled once more and lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. "You're so much stronger then this. You may not believe it and I'm at fault for not telling you more often." His eyes suddenly started to change an abnormal color; they were morphing into a dark gold tint with specks of black glittered across. Nasuti would have questioned it if she were not paying more attention to his words then his eyes. "But you are strong Nasuti; in your own special way. Strength is not always physical, sometimes it helping others and giving them courage by not turning your face away. You do this. You encourage us, even me…"
Nasuti was beyond words. I speechless? That's the first. She thought for someone who tended to act so cold and remote, Seiji emitted such affection. It was so odd. The feeling made her heart race, made her knees shake and she knew if Seiji were not holding her with his arm she would have fallen to the ground as though she were a puddle of mud.
He must have said something else, but she could not hear for all she could do was watch his lips form the words.
"Naste," he rasped, leaning into her. Her breath stopped when she became aware that their faces were touching. She could almost sense his lips brushing against hers; all he had to do was move them.
"Tell me you want this. Tell me…please…"he brushed the words across her lips.
What was Seiji doing and what was she supposed to do? Play dumb? I can do that...eck, no I can't! Some dim part of her conscious knew that if she said the words, there could be no turning back. What words? She was frustrated with her confusion. Why is he doing this me? To ridicule me? No, Seiji wouldn't know the concept of ridicule. It was not his way. Her hands fisted in his shirt as she contemplated.
It was not right to play on his sorrow and take advantage. Or was he taking advantage of her? It was not as if she was not attracted to him. There is no denying it! Who wouldn't I be attracted, some time ago, she lived with five liberated bachelors. She smiled, Correction, five gorgeous men. Younger men. If she really thought about it, she probably had a child's crush on all of them at one time or another.
Wasn't there a name for that? Having feelings for your captor or rescuer? Yes, that's what it was….WAIT! Then why in the hell would he want to kiss me! I did not abduct him or saved him. Nasuti mentally repeated her grandfather's favorite phrase; Something is rotten in Denmark and it ain't the food! She sighed, I am thinking too much for one thing. On the other hand, he could be light headed … maybe the vampire virus made him have two split personalities? I mean, his eyes are not even the same color. Jekyll and Hyde!! Oh my god … I've lost it!!!
She closed her eyes against the conflict only to squeak aloud. His mouth moved to the line of her jaw, then teased her ear, then moved to the tender skin of her neck (which was not scratch), and-
Eck…okay-okay; I made up my mind!
So she was taking the coward's way out, she knew. But she needed it and he must have known it for what other reason would he tempt her? She arched her neck for the kiss, silently inviting him to carry on his sensual exploration. I'm the biggest idiot in the world! Here we are, trying to escape with our lives, while I also worry about dear Ralph, scared out of my wits and what the hell do I do? I practically ask to be taken right here in public! Gods, I'm stupid!!
Nasuti had time to catch one short breath before his arms closed more firmly around her and brought her closer so their hips touched. His kiss was combined with a stunning mixture of power and tenderness. His passions made her fail to remember her worries and despair of the moment. And she hated that!
Mon Dieu, she did not think it would be so sweet. Tears unwillingly came streaming down her cheeks. I am so pathetic… She detested herself for the 'unwanted' attraction - but oh, how she melted—positively melted—into his embrace.
In fact, her last rational thought was that the word "melted" seemed to be pooping up in her mind with increasing regularity. Something about this younger man did that to her. One of those heavy-lidded stares—the kind that hinted of dark things; things she only read in romance novels and knew nothing about—and she was lost.
He tore his lips away from her and graced the hollow of her throat with a delicate nip. Rising he noticed her stained face. He smiled lightly as he wiped the tears away with the sleeve of his shirt. When he finished he gently caressed her cheek. She did not turn away from his gaze but she did turn twelve shades of cherry-red.
Wanting to get away from his deep gaze she instinctively went to brush away his golden locks. She needed a distraction to keep her mind from going into overdrive, that and it was the only thing, that was in reach. He really does have the most fascinating eyes I have ever seen! Why does he cover them up? His hair looks better off to the sides then in front. She continued with her motherly ministrations.
Nasuti had this awful habit to straighten things out when she felt uneasy. By brushing his tresses aside, it somehow calmed her enough to look back at him. Back to his extraordinary, compelling— seductive—blazing—clear —gold-eyes…DAMN IT!
Back to playing with his hair, she went. She acted as though it was the most remarkable thing to do. She admitted it; it was a BAD nervous habit. She recalled once when she was panicky about failing an exam in collage, she reorganized everything in her attic, and then alphabetized all her CD's and stereo records and her family recipes.
Smirking, he asked hoarsely, "Am I doing something that makes you nervous?" He found her whole facade amusing.
She froze and gawked at him in stunned embarrassment, and then said with a lame attempt at severity, "You've been doing things that make me extremely nervous!"
An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. In truth, the silence was uncomfortable for Nasuti, so she went back to straightening out his hair. Her action added to Seiji's annoyance.
When he broke the awkward silence, his voice was low and purposefully seductive, "Do you want me to continue?"
Nasuti disengaged her hands from playing with his glossy hair and gaped at him. He moved her closer against the wall, sprawling his left arm over her head and the other around her midriff. He soothingly began rubbing her lower back with his thumb. He winged one golden eyebrow for an answer. Gulping timidly, she shook her head, realizing that she said no, not want she intended to do; she quickly changed her response and nodded roughly. He winged his eyebrow again not sure, if she knew what she meant. She stunned him again as she answered by stretching forward and brushing his lips with her own.
She heard him moaned something—it sounded like her name—and it was more of a plea than anything else was. Then again, maybe that was her moaning his name. Whoever it was, she could care less.
He crushed her to him. He moved his mouth over hers, devouring its softness. Bringing her hands back to his lush mane, she laced her fingers within. This time not because she was nervous. Simply excited.
She felt his body shiver; she could sense that he wanted to deepen the kiss. He demanded a response by nipping her mouth with his teeth and pulling on her bottom lip. She yelped. Though she would hate to admit it, it was a seductive tease, but no one had ever done that to her so it took her by certain surprise. A delightful surprise!
And here I thought Adam was a great kisser. My ex needs some lessons.
A charge went through her body as Seiji apologetically traced her fullness of her lips with his tongue. That definitely sent lightning-bolts to the pit of her stomach! She opened her mouth willingly; wanting him to intensify the kiss and-
Seiji froze.
She opened her eyes to question him and that is when she saw his face had darkened, wearing an indescribable expression. Then he groaned aloud, in pain and crumbled to her feet.
"Seiji!"
The last thing he heard was Nasuti's voice calling to him and …. His sister? NO!
Satsuki was standing right in front of Nasuti with a dagger in her hand. He took a blurry look at Nasuti again; she had blood all over her hands. Gods NO! It can't be! He looked again to Satsuki. Her purple eyes were glazed over, they were unsympathetic. Seiji thought that he heard a laugh…Jacqueline's crackle.
Reaching out his hand, he breathed out his last word. "Imoto…"
_____
"I think that was the last tunnel."
"Hai," said Shin from his crouched position. He was breathing heavily from exertion. "All the exits are blocked and flooded, leaving only one way out."
"The way out that only Seiji and we know about that isn't blocked or flooded." Shu acknowledged.
"Hai, would hate to be the person who accidentally tries to leave through the wrong way."
Shu burst out laughing, "Actually, I want to stay and watch that."
Shin stared at him and rolled his eyes. "Figures," he muttered.
Shu walked forward and extended his hand to Shin. "Hey, don't mock me; I'm the way I am. Question is can you live with it?"
Pushing himself to a standing position with Shu's help he gave a small smile, "Shu, hate to break it to you but news has it no one can live with you."
Unlike Shin's smile, Shu's grin was without humor.
"Why is it that you always take things seriously whenever someone tires to shine the spotlight on you for once?"
Shu snorted, "Enough with the sarcastic jokes Shin. I get the point. I said I was sorry for calling you Fishy." He said as he followed Shin.
"I wasn't joking."
"All you have been doing since we've been blowing the place apart was picking on me. So I called you Fishy more than ten times. Damn, it's just a nick name."
"Ever occurred to you I never liked that nick name?"
"Yeah, that is pretty much the reason for calling you it."
Shin smothered a groan. "Have it your way… piggy."
"What did you call me?"
"Nothing,"
Shu eyed Shin suspiciously. He could have sworn Shin called him "piggy".
______
When Shu finally spoke, he seemed pensive, "I hope Seiji is okay. I have weird feelings that-" he turned his head to look behind him. Shin drew his brows together waiting for Shu to finish his statement. Shu averted his attention back to the path and shrugged. Shu was never one to have second thoughts and he was not going to start having them now. "-never mind."
Shin stopped dead in his tracks and paled. He noticed something very peculiar. How the heck could I miss that?!
Shu hesitated when he did not hear any footsteps behind him. He turned in a complete circle and glared at his companion. "Now what?!" he demanded, "We're on a time-slot bud. Time is ticking!"
Shin fixed his eyes on the ground and allowed them to travel to Shu's feet.
Shu raised his ashy eyebrows in confusion. "What are you looking at? Is there something interesting about my feet? He-he, is my armor unpolished or something Fishy?"
"You're tracking fresh blood."
"Eck!" Shu jumped back to see a puddle of thick red fluid beneath his feet. He also saw more then one footprint in the blood. "Aw man, there goes my lunch-er-snack-eh dinner. Hell, there goes everything I had today!"
Shin stood silent for a moment before he responded, "Follow me;" he managed and motioned Shu to tag along with the wave of his hand, "I want to know where you picked the blood up. Can't be far, your feet are oozing with it."
"Shin, I don't think we need to look at blood!! There is nothing fascinating about blood. It's just, it's-eh …. revolting!"
Shin looked at him strangely, "Shu, Seiji had to take this passage to get Naste out of here." He said in a matter-of-fact, "I find it peculiar that there would be fresh blood around here, especially since Seiji went this way. And were not about to tell me you felt something bizarre? Maybe something happened to them, if so, we have to find out." Shin turned around, heading in the opposite direction. "Come on!"
"Man, if I wasn't spooked earlier, I sure am now." Shu shook both of his feet before he chased after his partner.
"Kuso!" Shu yelped as he immediately slammed into Shin's back without warning. "Shin, warn me when you're going to take a quick stop. I barely just rounded the corner and then you pull a damn stunt like that! My face feels like it was smashed." He emphasized his meaning by pulling on his nose. Shin blindly reached behind and jerked at Shu's hand.
"Hey! What was that for – er … Hi!" Shu waved awkwardly to the two men who stood in front of them. Shin on the other hand was preparing to a counter attack. He grabbed his spear from his back and planted his feet solidly in the ground. He was waiting for a sign from the two warriors, which would hint any uneasiness.
"So what brings you to this part of town?" Shu blurted humorously. He shrugged in defense when Shin shot him an annoyed glance. "What else am I suppose to say?" he snapped in a hush voice.
The two men looked at each other then back to the other men. Both men were tall and fair in skin texture. One of the men had hair that was almost white and his eyes were a hard glossy blue. His features were so saintly that you could have said he was a fallen angel of Michel's disciples. He wore a bright-red cloak with a hood, thrown back from his head, and his hair was delicately combed and long. The other man had long thick red-hair that was drawn back at the base of his neck in a braid.
He pulled away his fur-lined coat and placed one-gloved hand on his hip, revealing a wavy pearl blouse with long sleeves that dangled from the cuffs and brown leather pants. He purposely made this stance so he could expose his Saber, which hung from his right hip. Two daggers he carried in the pockets of his knee-high riding boots were reveled as well. His body was sculpted of a Viking warrior whereas the other rather looked like a beatific creature out of the books than a man of the sword.
"They look more powerful then the others wouldn't you say Shin? Manly because they look excessively normal to be vampires and we know for a fact they're blood-drinkers. Always the normal ones that turns out violent." Shu declared firmly.
Shin groaned inwardly; why did Shu have to say that? Does the man enjoy scaring the wits out of me?
The man in the fur coat spoke to the two warriors in a rich accent. However, Shin and Shu could not understand him because his tongue spoke a different language, one they never heard of.
"I say, you friends of the fair one?"
"Fair one?" repeated Shu.
"I think he means Seiji." Shin answered cautiously.
"Wait!" Shin shouted as Shu ran forward in blind heat to hit the taller man straight on. When he leaped to tackle the man, he landed on solid ground instead. The man in the fur coat gazed down at Shu, shaking his head disapprovingly.
"Calm yourself young one. Marius…" he called out to his companion and indicted with a toss of his head to watch for the other warrior.
"My name is Thornevald and I promise on my god, Thor, I brought no physical harm to the fair one. I simply inquired if you were his friend." He crouched down beside Shu who was visibly bewildered by the impact from hitting the ground. "If you run in blind then expect to run into nothing." He pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve and handed it to the boy. "You're bleeding from the lip."
Shu jumped to his feet and snarled at the man from a safe distance. "You freak! Where are they?"
"They boy doesn't listen well Thorne. He's too quick in the head and excessively nippy with his mouth." Amused the man identified as Marius.
Shin looked at the man in the red cloak and squinted. A gold flash penetrated his pale eyes. Shin realized it was the man's ring. Looking closer he became quite interested in the bullion band. He was especially interested in symbol, which was inscribed upon it. He could have sworn Touma had shown him a picture with a similar pictogram. A side profile of a woman with curly hair and a round gemstone in her hair and a carving of planet behind the woman. If he remembered correctly, it was a picture of a God from the Rome era. Senators' in Imperial Rome had often carried symbols of Greek gods on their jewelry. The woman had to be Hestia (Vesta) for she was the only sister of the Roman gods. (Zeus "Jupiter", Hades "Pluto" and Poseidon "Neptune"). The man standing in front of Shin could be a Minoan, possibly from the 300 to 1450 B.C era. Thornevald also declared his god was Thor. This meant he was a descendent of the Vikings. The men in front of Shin were around 400 years old. My god, what, how have they survived for so long… In Shin's opinion, the older they were the more physically and mentally powerful they could be. Shin hoped Shu realized that they had better take it slow with these men; if they rushed, it could be the end.
Thornevald rose effortlessly from his feet and peered exasperatingly at the young man. "You are making this unnecessary nevertheless-"
"Shu watch out!" Shin warned in a breathless gasp. He attempted to pass Marius when suddenly Thornvald winched a dagger from one of his riding boots and threw his weapon at Shu.
~*~*~
Translation for French words: (Brought to you by Max because I know NOTA about French.)
Que vous allez vous faire fiche!- Damn you to hell!
Va te faire voir!- Go to hell!
Ouais- yeah
Zut!- dang.
Zut de zut de zut!- Damn!
Mon Dieu.- My God!
A/N: I will be ranking the censors for each chapter from this point. It seemed unnecessary to up grade my rating in my later chapters when most of my chapters are PG13 *shrugs* therefore I decided I would rate each chapter. My last chapter will be NC17.
"Whuhahahaahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha…"
My other main reason was that my sister in misdeeds Max informed me that search page has been updated to include focused search within specific categories. Which is to make sure users don't accidentally read higher rated stories
"Yeah right! Like I accidentally read lemons!" *rolls eyes* The default page shows entries that are G to PG-13. Readers now can optionally select to view broader range at their preference. I thought they would still post your new fictions on the primary page; it is ridiculous to go over to the R section to see the new stories. (Manly because most people don't look for those pages, just the opening page for Ronin Warriors. Which means…LESS REVIEWS! *cries*) =P "I think it bloody sucks!"
Max: Loves & hugs to my buddy reader!!!!!!!! The flamer was an ass and I flamed his/her ass to the grill. *Brings out Emeril*
BAM!…Evenly grilled on each side and boda-BOOM dipped lightly into 3 tbsp. Japanese soy sauce, 2 tbsp. mirin (sweet rice wine), 2 tbsp. sake & 1 tbsp. of sugar, no, load that dish with sugar…BADABOOM! Drown that baby!
Preparation time: 30 min
800cal. per serving. (It is highly unhealthy for the flame dish is highly innutritious)
Dish is called Baka Mushidori no yagarashi sosu kake (Idiot Chicken with soy sauce)
Ray Mars: Thinking is never good; I describe more caffeine for you dear. This will prevent any rational thoughts. Described to you by Doctor Mom—eh— I mean Fox.
Nagia: You have been drinking Dr. Pepper again have you not? "Tis..tis" How many times do I have to tell you: Don't drink without ME!!!!!!!
Steelsoul: Irvine is cute to bout.
Tasuki's Fire Girlie: Welcome for the treat, thanks for driving me to the destination. (Here I am 17 & still I have not had driver's ed. Man that is just pathetic!)
Sarah no mikko: Ja Priestess, exactly what were you taking when you wrote that whole-long-lengthy reply? Cuz, I can really use it! I've been lazy as heck these past few days. Mucho gracious for the complement, just the kind of people I like to keep in my closet when I have those off days. =)
Angel (whose name is too long for me to write): Oh, damn you made my day, *sniff* you know how to complement me. *hugs* Love old history!!! You know, I am more of a 1500's gal myself and happen to think if it was possible I would love to live through that era. Then again, knowing me, I would catch a bug and die by the time I am 14 or be married to an ugly poor farmer or age like speedy Gonzales. Considering those reasons I say maybe not…but what the hell! If I get to meet a sexy lord, honey, send me away!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chu-chu!"
Wildfire's Flame: *glares back* Wow! This is fun, com'on every one, it is the glaring contest! Whew-hoooooooooooo!!! Ja, I too am interested in what Seiji's idea is…*nervous laugh* whoops-a-daisy, did I just say that out loud. *Fox rolls eyes while she whistles innocently.* da-da-da-da…
Lady Dragon Heart: Man, sorry about that toga thing. You see, the Trooper boys threw this party (Shin Shu & Seiji) and it was this cheep toga party. Naste was so wasted that she accidentally tore her own sheets and made a toga for herself. Subsequently, when she was kidnap by the EVIL!! yet SEXY!! tainted freaks, well, she forgot about the whole fiasco the other night and well, immediately assumed it was the EVIL!! yet SEXY!! tainted freaks doing. Sorry, I probably should have mentioned that in the story.
(You do know I was kidding…right.)
Oh, and don't worry. If you have read this chapter, you have found out that Seiji saved Naste. *audience cheers* Truth is, the guys were so freakin lost and pissed off that Shin finally decided to go out on his own and ask directions. *hearts in eyes* How many guys would actually have the courage to do that…*huffs* not many…Seiji & Shu thought he was nuts.
And ladies, Mori Shin is a single man! You heard me, a free man! Tune in next time to the Bachelor when 20 women fight over one man
Y.F. Fox channel, Tuesday nights at 8 - 7centural.
(This is another joke, you know that…right.)
Disclaimer: © 2002Youkai Fire Fox Inc. Sunrise Animations, along with Nagoya TV, Sony Music Entertainment, and CBS, owns the © to YST/ RW. Ann Rice owns the © to characters from the Vampire Chronicles.
Translation: The companies/author might own the show, but I TORTURE the characters!
PG13-adult language, violence
*Dedicated to Nagia. The Pepper happy author who likes to requests that everyone become a Dr. Pepper too!*
Oh, and my grammar sucks!