Author's notes: Ahhh!!! *Grins like an idiot* I love the feeling of freedom: NO MORE BRACES!!! Gomen, I just had to share that. *keeps grinning like an idiot* Still, I have to wear those damned retainers. Now I can't pronounce the letter s. Can't even pronounce my name! It comes out Te-tchu-ka. Bah.
Anyway, just want to say… Gomen nasai minna-san!!! ~_~ I haven't updated lately because of cramming my projects. Oh, and our finals are next week. What a very nice Christmas gift from the school. *grumbles* Well, Before I study and burst my brains, I shall write the next chapter. Hope you enjoy it! ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin. But I have a plan that will make sure I will own it some day. *bwahahaha!!* (hah. You wish) Shut up! *bonks conscience*
The Vampire Aoshi
By Tesuka- chan
*grumble, churn, grumble*
Kaoru looks cautiously around, making sure that no one was there to hear her stomach complaining on the lack of food. She rounded the next corner, expecting to see a sign that says: 'HUMAN FOOD THIS WAY', but to no avail. Drat it, I haven't eaten since the ball last night when they only served appetizers, more for the flavor than for the sustenance. She pondered on while walking hesitantly here and there, not stopping at the insistence of her stomach. Still, if there's food like that here, there must be a kitchen in this cold castle somewhere. Besides, the slaves are human. They must eat something to be kept alive. Then a horrible thought entered her brain. Not unless… they're here to die because the vampires suck their blood! She shuddered, banishing those kinds of thoughts from her mind.
Suddenly, a most enticing aroma surrounded Kaoru, filling her senses, giving her empty stomach a taste of what's to be eaten. Leaving little droplets of drool trailing behind her, she followed that sweet scent to its origin. She came upon a small black door by the narrow staircase on the tower. The smells seem to be coming from just inside that door! She eagerly pushed it open and almost fainted at what she saw.
Heaps of food were on a huge, stone table, though not arranged artfully, it certainly is enticing. Right in the middle there were spiced chicken on a huge platter, soft, steaming rolls on a basket, and some sweet pastry arranged on a small plate. On the other side, sashimi, sushi and sukiyaki ruled that corner. With it were thick white noodles and the fluffiest tempura that she ever saw. On the left end were steaming pastas with different kinds of sauces on small bowls, chilled wine, and different kinds of meats and cheeses. Kaoru stood stunned, goggling over the array of tempting yet suspicious feast.
The hell with suspicion! I'm hungry! ITADAKIMASU!!!!! She started gobbling up every food that her hands grabbed on, stuffing her face with the best food she'd ever tasted in her whole life. She didn't care or even thought about feeling guilty on what she was doing, only a fleeting thought and it was gone with the food that vanished on her mouth. After a while, she laid on the stone bench by the side, mouth still chewing, but a happy stomach quietly processing the eaten food. Huh, must be a world record. She sighed in contentment. I'll close my eyes for a while. All that eating made me so tired… I won't sleep… it's just for… a… while. *snore*
"HEY!! Where's my food??!!!" A bratty voice shouted by the entrance of the chamber, clearly irritated and distressed at the sight of the missing food.
Kaoru groggily sat up and pointed daggers at the source of the voice. "Hey, do ya mind? I'm resting here!"
"Why, you busu! You ate all my food!"
"I did not!" Kaoru vehemently denied, at the same time brushing off the crumbs from her mouth.
"Yes you did! There's guilt written all over your face! And the evidence is clearly seen!"
"What evidence?"
"The empty plates, the trail of food going to the bench your sitting on, and not to mention that bloated belly of yours and the crumbs surrounding you!" The boy pointed out all the obvious reasons, feeling all-high-and-mighty.
Kaoru looked at the table, devoid of any food, the plates piled up on one side, threatening to fall. Shock crept up her face. I ate all that?! She looked at her belly, slightly protruding from her purple gown. No! I'm getting fat! She started exercising vigorously, doing sit-ups and jumping jacks in front of the bemused kid, arms and legs not seen at the speed of her movements.
"What is happening here? Oro?" A certain redhead with purple eyes came in the food chamber, holding a tub full of soapy water and yet-to-be-washed laundry.
Kaoru stopped, sweating profusely, her clothes sticking to her body. Her deep blue eyes widened at the sight of the man in front of her. She pointed shakily at him and said quite loudly, "KENSHIN! What are you doing here?"
"Oro?"
"Hey Kenshin," the annoying boy called out, approaching the confused man. "Do you know this busu? Is she a new slave? Let's report her to the Head Butler! She ate all my food!" He ended with a whine.
"Well… I… I… was hungry and… I couldn't find anything to eat… please don't tell anyone, Kenshin!"
"Oro?"
"Now what's all this racket?" a clearly irritated woman came in, hands on her hips. She surveyed the room and understood the situation. "Yahiko, please close the door immediately. We don't want anyone else to see this now, would we?"
"But… but… Tae! She ate all my food!" A stern stare made him move towards the door and close it silently.
"Now, let's settle this. Kenshin, you can make more of those kinds of food now, can't you? The Head Butler would need to taste your food before you are completely accepted here as a cook and washer. He can wait a few hours. Now Yahiko," She turned slightly at the pouting boy. "You shut your mouth about this or you'll find yourself doing your and Tsubame's chores for a whole month!"
"All right… what's with all the hush anyway?"
"I'll explain later. Now go along now while I talk to this poor girl. You too Kenshin."
Yahiko trudged begrudgingly out the door, mumbling about crazy people eating his food. Kenshin gave a mysterious look at Kaoru, his eyes temporarily glinted yellow, then gave her a smile and walked outside, closing the door behind him. Kaoru wondered at the hidden meaning of the look, and at the same time, warm tingles went down her spine. Then she realized that someone was talking to her. "Wha- what?"
"I said, I know about you. Master Aoshi trusted me enough to tell me that you three are all humans, and I was assigned to take care of you." The kind woman smiled gently at Kaoru. "I was about to bring you the food to your chamber in a laundry basket and you came and saved me all the trouble."
"But I thought the food was for the Head Butler?"
"Yeah, well, that's something that I made up as an excuse for Kenshin to be cooking all that food." Tae tapped her chin lightly, thinking. "Though I'm afraid he overdid himself." She sighed and continued. "I must let Yahiko and Kenshin in the secret though. They'll be curious about you. Oh don't worry about them… they'll keep it, stubborn that boy is. And Kenshin's naturally good so he'll be okay."
Kaoru barely contained her smirk, but was able to control her expression. Naturally good? I don't think so. "I'm really sorry about eating all of it. I'm afraid nothing's left for Misao and Fuuma." She twiddled her thumbs, feeling guilty about not thinking of her friends and leaving something for them to eat.
"Don't worry about that!" Tae smiled warmly at her, eyes not seen at the crinkled up face, "Kenshin's taking care of that, remember?" She then slightly pushed the fretting girl out the food chamber. "Now go and get some rest. I believe that eating that much and exercising vigorously afterwards is not very good for one's help. Let me take care of this mess." She shooed her away, her hands waving.
"Thank you so much." Kaoru bowed gratefully and started back to her room. Humans here are so nice even though they're slaves. Maybe they're given privileges. She shrugged and thought of Kenshin and his mysterious appearance at the castle. That's strange though. Why is he here? She kept thinking of various possibilities as she walked on the cold hallway.
Mmmmm…. That was a nice sleep. Misao languorously stretched, her eyes fluttering open at the sunlight coming through the slitted windows. She hopped off the soft bed and did some stretches. She put on a simple khaki tunic over a white underskirt and braided her long hair. She fingered the amber pendant that was with her ever since she could remember. She hummed cheerily, thinking of the night she had the day before, the incident with the king completely forgotten. Aoshi had asked for the last dance and she had agreed. They danced and danced, like there was no tomorrow.
She sighed and looked at the mirror, her cheeks having a light blush. Then he escorted me to my room and that's the end of it. She frowned at how suddenly cold and formal he seemed. I thought he was enjoying it. I did. She brushed her thoughts away, walking towards the door adjoining hers and Fuuma's room, thinking of checking up on him. Well, what do I care anyway? If he's indifferent, I can be too. She opened the door slightly, glimpsing at the curled up figure in the bed. Her eyes softened and she tiptoed towards it, tucking in the sheet tightly around him, and kissed his head. What a brave little boy. She went out, silently closing the door behind her.
He was falling for her, there's no denying it. Evil silver emerald green eyes narrowed. She was perfect. The obsession grew more inside him and he let it engulf him and his entire being. I'm going to have her. She's going to be mine. Soon. An evil smile replaced the scowl on Shiro's face as he thought of the plan that he thought up last night, polishing it, perfecting it.
Later that night, Misao was strolling beside Soujiro in the rose garden that she saw yesterday. She sighed as her eyes feasted on the most beautiful roses she had ever seen. Soujiro was a fine person to be with, always smiling, polite and even funny at some point. She was looking earlier for Aoshi, for some odd unknown reason she had wanted to see him, and Soujiro came along. He had asked if she wanted to tour the black castle, and she readily agreed. He had been courteous and fun to be with. Still, he was a bit boring and eerie, especially when she caught him staring at her, with some strange expression on his face. I want someone who's exciting and mysterious. She caught herself comparing the two men, Aoshi and Soujiro. She paled. Stop it Misao. He might read your thoughts. She had already practiced shielding it from other people last night. She shrugged, and stared at the roses again.
"Misao, would you wait for me for just a second? I'll just get something." Soujiro was gone from her sight in a blink. He came back again, just as fast, holding something in his hands. It was red and furry. Awww… how sweet. He brought me a cute red stuffed toy. She smiled at him and asked, "What is it?"
He blushed and sheepishly handed the thing to her. "Here, I want you to have this."
She cringed inwardly at she stared wide-eyed at the dead furry rabbit, neck twisted in an impossible position, blood seeping at its fur. EEEEEPPP!! Poor rabbit!! How could he do this? She stepped backwards from Soujiro, looking at him like he was some demented serial killer. He is a demented serial killer! Of poor, unsuspecting rabbits! What did they ever do to him???
"What's wrong?" He asked worriedly, noting the stance she had, her hands in a defensive position, blues eyes with a hint of green in them, glaring at him in anger. "You were a bit quiet and your complexion paled. I thought you were hungry. I didn't see you hunt last night, that's why I brought this to you." He sadly lowered his eyes and put the poor rabbit down, blood and all, to the ground.
Misao gulped. She remembered that she was supposed to be a vampire. What am I supposed to do? I'm so stupid. Argh… how did I get into this mess? She gulped again, now staring at the twisted body of the rabbit. She must do the inevitable. "Oh… well… how thoughtful of you." She managed to speak. Soujiro's eyes lit up. "I was so tired last night I went straight to bed. Thank you for the offer."
She hesitantly reached to the furry thing and picked it up. She shivered as she felt the still-warm body and saw the blood, the sticky substance that she was so afraid of. She gulped again, her throat constricting, making her unable to breathe. I'm going to faint… no I can't! I have to do this to show him… She brought it up to her lips, eyes shut tightly. Oh please, let this not be as horrible as it looks like.
"Oh there you are. I've been looking all over for you two." Aoshi suddenly emerged from the bushes, walking in his slow, determined way. He directed his cold gaze at Soujiro. "The king is looking for you. He wants to talk to you about your land."
Soujiro apologetically glanced at Misao and bowed. "I'll be but a moment."
"Oh take your time… please." Misao's voice quivered as she put the poor dead animal behind her and dropped it in the bushes. "Take all the time you need." She smiled, hoping that he won't see the falseness in it. Go away, go away…
"Thank you, Misao. You are very kind." He turned swiftly and walked towards the exit of the garden. She released the breath she was unconsciously holding. She sat at a nearby bench, avoiding to look at her bloodied hands and the cadaver on the grass. She smiled gratefully at Aoshi. "Thank you so much. If you hadn't come here at the right time –"
"What were you doing with him?"
She recoiled, surprised at the harsh tone he was using and the anger she saw in his silvery green eyes. Why is he like this? "What do you mean? He just invited me to tour the castle grounds. He didn't do any harm."
"Harm?" He smirked, "Being with him is already harmful in itself. You are supposed to be a vampire. If I hadn't come along, you would've been in big trouble." He spat out, clearly disgusted. "I was surprised you didn't puke all over him."
Angry and hurt, she stood up, blue eyes flashing at silver green. "Well he was very courteous and kind… not like someone I know!" She exclaimed, her small frame trembling and her face reddening at the anger she felt towards this man in front of her. How dare he! He doesn't have the right to judge me!
"He's dangerous, Misao. Behind that mask of fake innocence and kindness, that man has killed hundreds. Do you like danger, Misao?" He stepped towards her. She stepped back. "I can be dangerous. More dangerous than he is." His eyes flashed, completely silver.
Totally afraid now, she backed up some more and the small of her back met the stone wall of the garden. Her necklace came undone as it caught on a thorn in a rosebush. What is he doing?! "Stop it!" She said at he came even closer, merely inches away. "Stop! Or… or… I'll scream!"
He laughed, a cold sound ringing in her ears. "And who would help you? No one. We're in the garden and no on can hear you. Besides, they'll find out about you being a human. You'll be in a worse situation. I'll be kind, like your dear Soujiro, and kill you instantly."
He crept closer, his fangs growing longer and more delicate. No hint of green can be seen in his eyes, no hint of pity, of any emotion except that confusing rage that gave off dangerous sparks. She couldn't move. His hard gaze keeping her immobile. She had never felt this degree of terror before. Now she couldn't do anything about it.
His hand roughly pulled her against his hard body, snaking around her tiny waist. His other hand went up around her head, on the back of her throat. He pulled her head to the side, showing the creamy white skin on her neck. He leaned towards, anger and something else filling his entire being.
Misao closed her eyes in defeat. This is it. Goodbye world. Goodbye everyone. Goodbye Aoshi…
And she felt the warmest sensation on her skin. She slightly opened her eyes, misty blue astonished and amazed. It doesn't hurt. Wait… he was kissing her. His mouth was doing wonders on her skin, raining kisses on her neck, going up to her jaw. His tongue flicked at the curve of her jaw and she sighed in pleasure, her hands coming up this back, kneading the supple muscle there and went up the neck and played with his hair. She pulled him closer as desire overcame her fear.
Aoshi shuddered, his eyes closed, his mouth continuing to rain kisses on her face. He can't… This wasn't supposed to happen. He groaned as she played with his hair at the nape of his neck, her light fingers giving him a sweet sensation tingling down his spine. He can't… he wouldn't… and he kissed her full in the lips.
Misao sighed as he finally kissed her there, completely at his mercy. He was hesitant at first, but when she opened her mouth under him, he ravaged her, deepening the kiss, thirsty for more. She moaned as he continued, slipping his tongue inside her mouth.
He couldn't stop. His senses are drunk from her, her smell, her taste, her feel. He's couldn't get enough of her. And he's thirsty for more. For her blood. For her to be with him entirely, intimately, body and blood. He kissed his way back down to her throat… and bit.
Blinding pain shot through her system, jolting her out of the haziness that covered her before. What the hell is he doing? "No… stop! Please…" She kicked and punched, but he didn't budge.
He was determined to get what he wanted. He wouldn't stop now. Then, a bright white light flashed in his brain, pain jolting all over his body. What the – He suddenly released her, stepping away, his hands on his head. Blow after blow of blinding light attacked him. When it was finally through, he was down on his knees, eyes wild with pain. "What did you do to me?"
Astonished and petrified, she stood there, looking down at him. "I… I didn't do anything!" Then she felt something in her hand. She looked at her fist, and opened it, her amber pendant gleamed in the moonlight. In some inexplicable way, she had somehow gotten hold of it. She stared, blue eyes wide, body trembling.
His chest heaving, he stood up, eyes cold once again. "Don't play with me… you did something, and I intend to find out."
Indignant at his statement, she spat out, "You're the one who bit me, mister!"
"You urged me on."
"You started the kiss!"
"You flirted with Soujiro!"
Understanding dawned on her. "You were jealous, weren't you?"
He stayed silent. After a while, he walked away and tossed a few words back to her. "There's something you're hiding. And I intend to find out." He vanished in the night.
She slumped down to the bench, stunned and cold. I don't even know myself. She looked at her hands, caked with dried blood. She turned away and puked at the bushes, the still, night air adding to her melancholy, the moon shining on the substance in the bushes, looking very much like blood.
A/n: Waaahhh!!! Sao how do you like it?? *sniff sniff* Not bad… not bad at all! *grin!* I think I work better when I'm sick without braces. *sneezes*
Oh well, just wanted to remind you all that Shiro is not exactly Shirojo. I don't even remember the guy. *shrugs* Oh well, towel… *hahaha!*
Oh, just want to thank the super great readers!
Soul: Don't worry! They'll appear more in this story! ^_^
Diablo: Yep… Aren't I the evil one. *laughs evilly* I love jealousy! (hey that rhymes!)
Noa: Yay! I'm so happy you reviewed! *grins like an idiot* Yup. You are so right about having to place Kenshin in ficcies… Originally, I didn't plan on putting him. But, well. Demands are high. Tsk tsk… Well, Aoshi couldn't dig deep into her thoughts anymore because she's learning to shield them. And I was supposed to put Hiko as the king but… *shrug* I changed my mind. Well, I might take you up on the "cameo" thing… that's a good suggestion! Thanks for reviewing! :P
ZenryokuZ: Yeah, isn't jealousy real fun? Nyahahaha!
DarkFairy: I'm afraid Misao's purpose will be reveal much later… don't worry! You can guess… haha!
Zackire: Gomen Gomen! I was sick and lots of stuff to do… well, hope you liked the chapter! It is longer, anyway. Longer than the others I've done. ^_^
Phoe2k: Hay Marianne! Thanks ha… no, we're not rivals. She only has what, 9 chappies and she already has 200 or something reviews? And I can never compete with her great artistic writing! *goes on knees and praises Camry*
Selph: Ahehehe… I'm still trying to figure out where I'd put them. They might be just minor characters.. like some other nobles and stuff.
The *Spangled* Pandemonium: Nyahahaha! Glad you liked it! *grin* Game k n b themes song? Bwahahahaha!! Lol…
A. Pikachu: Yeah… I have lots of classmates too who have accounts here. *glares daggers at some specific people who might just be reading this* ^_^ Well, I guess we do have a Soujiro/Aoshi/Misao love triangle. Sort of. Ehehehe. :P
Nekonomiko: hahaha! Don't burn the cape! It's cool.. hahaha!!! ^_^
Tigerlily: Thanks so much for reading this! Glad you liked it. Well, Misao's secret is yet to come out. So I'm really sorry if you have to be a bit more patient. *grin*
Kats: Ahhh… errr… I might put something like that. Ehehehe… don't worry, I'm not leaving them out. ^_^
Crystal Arie: Damn. You shouldn't have read this!! *Bonks Camry in the head* Don't read it again!!! *huff huff* Oh well.. Exams. I'm so going to die. *x marks on eyes* Hey! Continue with bmg! Or else!!! *bring out a compass and starts chasing camry around with it*
Oh well, thanks so much!! I'm really happy on how this is coming out. ^_^ Oh well, gtg. Have to sleep. Ja! ^_^
Oh yeah… READ AND REVIEW PLEASE! *grin grin*