Author's notes: Nyahaha! Merry Christmas everyone! (though mine was quite boring, hope yours were better ^_^) Anyway… I think I've got some explaining to do. *sweatdrop* errrr… I wonder where I start…
Well, I think I made a mistake. I didn't realize that I made them cousins. *uh oh* How stupid, ne? nevertheless, I have an idea. I think I'll just have to do a bit of twisting. Ehehe. *evil grin* Well, just read on. ^_^
Anyway… uhhh… KxK up next! *yay!* (gomen, noa! The demand is high! *sigh*) Hope you enjoy! ^_^
Disclaimer: *on her knees and praying* Please Santa! Just this once, I want to own Rurouni Kenshin! *a voice from somewhere suddenly yells* "No!" *Tesuka- chan whimpers in a corner* Life is not fair. I still don't own it. And… some of L.J. Smith's ideas. Ehehehe… ^_^
The Vampire Aoshi
By Tesuka- chan
Kaoru was bored witless.
She doesn't have anything to do in this old, boring castle. In a matter of minutes, her hands will inch up her hair and will start wrenching viciously in frustration. Kaoru sighed as she walked around her bedroom for the umpteenth time. What to do, what to do? I can't mingle with the other vampires, I can't ride a horse, and I certainly can't sit in one corner, twiddling my thumbs. She looked down at the stone floor and saw a worn, pale trail going back and forth from the door to the bed. I must do something! Then her face lit up as an idea came to her. The kitchen! She lifted her skirts and walked hurriedly towards the other end of the castle.
Hmm… maybe I'll help out in the cooking. I'm not too bad… I pride myself in making green tea and… ummm…green tea! Have I thought of that already? She shrugged and her thoughts shifted to a certain red haired man, working as a laundry boy. Kenshin is really weird. Why would he work as a laundry boy? Though he doesn't really look tired after a hard day's work. He looks pretty cute, actually. She blushed as she remembered the time that she spied on him, his sleeves shoved up his arms, his muscles rippled in the sunlight as he scrubbed those dirty clothes in the soapy water. His hair, falling now and then on his face, was shoved away a couple of times. She remembered wishing she was the dirty laundry.
Snap out of it! He's a demented, psycho slasher guy, out to kill the evil vampires roaming all over the earth! There's no way I could like him… even though his violet eyes twinkle in pleasure every time I see him, or his smile makes my insides melt… but that's not the point! He's a walking killing machine! She shook her head and walked on, angry with herself for thinking of such things. At last, she reached the kitchen.
"Tae! Can I help out around here?"
Tae's spine became rigid as the girl entered the food chamber. She remembered the cooking disasters that happened earlier this week. The burnt bread, the bitter pastries… she didn't even know that water burns until Kaoru walked into her kitchen life. "A- ano, Kaoru- san… I'm already done with everything." A little white lie wouldn't hurt especially if the fate of the whole castle depends upon it. "Why don't you just make some… err… green tea and bring it to Kenshin? I'm sure he'll love it. He's been working all morning without a break." She held her breath praying with all her might. Oh please… PLEASE let her go…
"All right!" Kaoru cheerily exclaimed as she began preparing the tea. Loud clanking noises were heard as she looked for the pot.
Tae let out a sigh of relief as went back to chopping the potatoes. My kitchen and I are saved for today! She whistled as a very smug and contented feeling washed over her.
"Hey busu! Why are you here? Don't tell me you're helping out make burnt bread again!" A loud voice yelled as Yahiko came in with a broom in hand. "Everything will choke to death with the smoke you'll create! And the bread?! Phew… the first person who bites will have a taste of hell!" He began to make choking sounds and slid down the floor, eyes rolling, hands on his throat. With a last feigned breath, he dropped melodramatically on the floor, head lolled on one side.
"I truly hope that's real, Yahiko, or I'll MAKE it real!" Kaoru yelled as she kicked the 'body' on the floor and strolled out the back door.
It was one of those days when the sun is shining, and the birds are singing. Too bad Yahiko ruined it for me. Kaoru grumbled. Nevertheless, at least I'll be able to see Kenshin! She walked, almost skipped, happily towards the laundry shed. "Kenshin! I'm here with tea!"
Kenshin smiled as he saw Kaoru glance around and, upon finally seeing him, walk towards him with a beautiful smile on her face. Be careful Himura, you're here on assignment and nothing should go wrong. Besides, she's too good for you. "Hello, Kaoru- dono. Why, thank you very much for the tea." He stood up and wiped his soapy, glistening skin with a clean cloth. Too bad he didn't see Kaoru ogling him.
Before Kenshin turns around, Kaoru composed herself and put down the tray. Gosh… is it hot in here or what? She blushed as she stared at Kenshin's back, the cloth stretching on his broad shoulders. She gulped and had to look away. "Tae said you've been working hard all day. Why don't you take a break?"
"Sure. Kaoru- dono, are you okay? You're all red."
"It's just a bit warm in here, that's all."
"Let's go outside, shall we?"
He's so kind and polite! She gushed. He's so different from the man I met the first time. "Sure."
The two walked out the shed and sat on a bench situated outside within the shade. Kenshin poured the tea and then both sat for a while, enjoying the silence. It was peaceful, the breeze gently blowing over them, the grass and the leaves swaying with it. Kaoru inhaled and closed her eyes. Nothing is more perfect than sitting here with the man you lo- like. Yeah, that's right. With the man one likes. She opened her sky- blue eyes and looked at Kenshin… and caught him staring at her. She blushed yet again. She looked away and decided to ask him the question that's been bugging her for the previous weeks.
"Kenshin, can I ask you a question?"
"Aa. Sure Kaoru- dono"
"Ano… I'm just wondering… what are you doing here? Why are you here, doing laundry, while there are lots of evil vampires out there roaming the earth? I mean, it's your job, isn't it?"
Kenshin wrinkled his brows thoughtfully as he remembered the time when he volunteered to go to Nifleheim to watch out for Kaoru and the others. I was compelled to protect her… and the others of course. This was a very unusual agreement and it was also very delicate. Besides, I don't mind taking a break from the action once in a while. "Well, Kaoru- dono, It was my mission to go here and watch out for all of you. It is very dangerous, living here among the vampires and one small mistake might mean war between the two races."
Kaoru's spirits dropped. What, you were expecting another answer? "How about the other case you're working on? The vagabond guy?"
The red- haired man paused. Might as well let her know just in case there'd be any complications. "Actually, we heard news that he's here. That's another part of my mission. To look for him and if we're lucky, to catch him and bring him to the T.H.O.R.N. authorities."
"He's here?"
"Yes. So I advice you to be very careful, Kaoru- dono. Your life may be at stake. There are many who will miss you when you're gone."
Including you? Kaoru shook her head at the sappy thought. Why would he miss me? We haven't known each other for a long time. "Well… not that much. My parents died when I was young and I lived with my only aunt for some time. She too died when I was seventeen and I had to work hard to keep an apartment and to have food on my table." Her eyes glazed as she remembered the things she'd been through, but she never gave up. "I was comfortable in my life, having Misao and Megumi… until I got stuck here in this curious situation." Her eyes twinkled as she continued. "But it's not so bad. I got to figure out many mysterious things about the world and I met many nice people." Like you.
Violet eyes warmed over as he sympathized with the girl sitting beside him. She's gone through many things already. She deserves to have a good life. "Well, hard work and determination pays off. And there are other mysteries in the world that hasn't been solved yet. Someday, man will figure things out… and maybe he'll understand the world better and not create wars or cause deaths any longer."
Silence ensued, each thinking of thoughts that run deep into their minds and hearts. By this time, the tea's all gone and the atmosphere's getting a bit cooler.
The raven- haired girl nervously played with her fingers, thinking if she should tell him what she realized just now. It was kind of silly, but sincere all the same. I should tell him. I WILL tell him. She cleared her throat, for it had suddenly dried up for some inexplicable reason, and built up the courage. All right! I'm ready! "Kenshin…"
"Hai, Kaoru- dono?"
"Kenshin, I –I think I – "
"There you are, my dear! I've been looking all over for you! Good thing the servant in the kitchen told me you're out here. Would you like to go riding to town with me?" Turquoise eyes showed no emotion as the tall man ran his long fingers to his white hair.
A bit ruffled, Kaoru replied, "Well, I really can't ride a horse." It came out a bit sharp, but she didn't care. She was about to say something important and here comes mister ho-I'm-a-handsome-vampire-and-I-can-interfere-if-I-want-to to ruin things. Argh.
"That's too bad… but there's always the coach." He smiled, the corner of his lips jerked up and revealed a gorgeous half- smile. "Please? There's much to see in town and it's an opportunity one can't miss." Something flickered in his turquoise eyes, which was quickly gone. Kenshin noticed it though, and narrowed his eyes.
"Well… If you put it that way…" Kaoru had been dying to see the town but she didn't know how to get there. Besides, the moment with Kenshin was already ruined and she can tell him another time. "Oh, okay. I'll go." Kaoru smiled her usual cheery smile. She stood up, and faced Kenshin. "Thank you for a really nice time. Maybe I'll come back and visit tomorrow."
Though Kenshin was deeply troubled and suspicious of Enishi, he couldn't do anything about it. "Thank you for the tea, Kaoru- dono. I also enjoyed our talk. Please," He stared straight at her dark blue eyes, "be careful."
Kaoru felt a tingle down her spine. He was worried about her, even though it's just an afternoon out to town. It's so sweet of him. "Don't worry, I believe I'll be safe." She looked at Enishi and smiled politely. "I'll be down in a few minutes."
"Take your time, please."
Kaoru walked away from the shed, thinking about the things she might see and the wonderful afternoon ahead. She hummed a lively tune as she entered the castle.
Cold, almost transparent eyes turned towards the man sitting on the bench. "You do not stand a chance. You're just a servant and she is too good for you." A crazed look came over his face. "She's mine. No one will take her from me."
Kenshin's eyes narrowed, and a hint of yellow flashed in his purple eyes. "Do not worry, your grace," He stood up and bowed, "I am just a lowly laundry boy after all."
"Good. You know your place in this world. You may go back to your work." The tall man strode away, taking long, deliberate steps towards the barn.
For a moment there, Purple became completely yellow. No one owns Kaoru. Except the one who wins her heart. Except me. Dark yellow returned to a light shade of violet.
Misao sighed as she moped around her room for the umpteenth time. I still can't believe it. This is really… weird. What the hell is a Ch'nage, anyway? The changed ones.. bah! More like the weird ones. She flopped on the bed, facing the ceiling. Somehow, I can't take it all in. I just can't. She shuddered as a thought came to her. If I'm the king's niece, and Aoshi's the King's son, that would make us cousins! NOOOO!!! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING TO ME!!!!
This time, the overwhelming situation finally seeping into her being and her body reacted violently. Good thing there was a garbage can waiting on the side of the bed. She heaved up everything she just ate earlier, her face having a green sheen, her blue eyes wide and watery. No no no! I can't do this… this is really too much. Her eyes suddenly felt heavy and her body was exhausted. I'm too tired.. I'll just sleep it off. And maybe… She clutched something in her hand. Maybe… Her eyes flickered closed and she was fast asleep.
***
Wide blue eyes search frantically for a small hole, a cave… any place to hide the small bundle in her arms. Her feet stumbled, but she only sprang up again, not giving up. They're coming. Oh Kami- sama… please save this baby. Finally, she reached a low wall and she climbed over it, her beautiful face showing relief and a hint of hope. A well-kept garden was there, it looked peaceful and serene- the complete opposite of the raging mob on the other side of the wall.
"Hey, where's that freak?"
"I think she went that way!"
"Come on! No decent person would think twice about killing her… after giving birth to that ominous baby. Let's go! She might bring harm to our village!"
Shouts of affirmation were heard and the mob passed by the garden. The willowy woman curled up, cuddling the bundle in her arms, the beautiful baby smiling at her, not knowing a thing about the things happening around her. I'm sorry, my baby. Maybe sometime, we'll meet again. She kissed her tenderly and left her on a little hole under a bush. Her hands went over the baby, tiny glittering amber sparks flowing out of her fingers, to the baby's small frame, an amber pendant on a gold chain forming around her delicate neck. That should keep your powers… until you truly need it. Tears fell down the perfect oval shaped face of the mother, as she touched her daughter's face gently with one finger. I will never forget you. I love you always, my daughter… just as I have loved your father. One last, tender kiss, and she was gone.
Minutes later, a queen, splendid yet sorrowful, came out to the garden. I have lost her. Our baby girl… oh why does this have to happen to me? Crystal tears flowed down her face as she remembered her miscarriage. We were so happy… so happy. Now, I am worthless. I can never have another baby. She wept, her whole body trembling, mourning for the lost child.
A small cry, hungry, and melancholy. The queen looked up, and after a little searching, saw the child under the bush. Oh, she is so beautiful. We have the same eyes… and the king's jet- black hair. She is perfect! She cooed the baby until she fell asleep on her arms. I shall adopt her… from now on, she is my daughter. From now on, she is the princess… Misao.
***
"No! Please… He will get angry! My husband will seek revenge if you do this… he will destroy the kingdom!"
"Who believes you, freak?" an angry voice spat out.
"Yeah! You're not one of us! You gave birth to that child… where is it? Tell us and we'll spare you!" Another yelled.
"No… I will never tell you!"
"Then you will burn to death!"
Angry cries were heard as their craving for bloodshed and punishment is satiated. She is too weak, too weak from the spell she had cast and they had caught her and bound her to a stake. The flames licked on her flesh, but she did not feel anything. Her mind is numb, as well as her body. I love you, my daughter and husband. I love you. She dies.
Screams of approval and victory. Dancing and laughing. "The freak is dead!" Shouted one. "We are safe!" Shouted another. They have yet to know the cost of their prejudice.
And all hell broke loose.
***
Blood, suffering, heat. Some unknown force had hit Nifleheim, a force that will never be felt again for many years to come. The queen and the king had fled, but it had affected them. The carriage was broken into splinters, carcasses and body parts scattered all over the country road. Blood had flooded the fields, and grains were contaminated through this. Everyone's either dead or sick. It seems that no one will come out alive.
A lone rider had ridden to survey the extent of the disaster. His face full of sorrow, his red eyes full of anger and barely controlled hatred as he jumped down his horse and saw the dead bodies of his beloved sister and brother-in-law. He wept… the first time in his entire life. He wept for his family, his kingdom, his people.
Suddenly, a tiny voice cried out from under the rubble. He furiously dug and found out that miraculously, a baby survived… a blue- eyed, black- haired baby girl. He had known that his sister was having a baby, but he was gone a long time attending some business on the far end of Nifleheim. Now, the only one left is this baby and he swore to protect it, no matter what. Even if it means sending her to earth.
He reached to the baby's mind, prodding, searching. He was suddenly flung back to his own, her mind rejecting him. Startled, he looked at the baby's eyes… and he was lost in it… the dark blue depths, the power it held. It was suddenly hidden and gone. He shook his head. "It can't be… the prophecies, the legends… a Ch'nage."
The moon was red, as well as the sky- reflecting the blood that flooded the land. The rider silently traveled. He has a long way to go.
***
A scream.
Misao woke up, sweating and pulse rate running fast. She had heard the scream, anguished and lost. Then she realized that it was her own. She had scream… because of her dream? Was it only a dream? What am I? Who am I? She folded her knees and put her arms around it, her head coming down to rest on her arms. She wept. She had felt the loss, the pain, and the suffering. Now she knows the truth. And the truth hurts. It hurts so…
Her door suddenly banged open, and Aoshi silently stood at the doorway with his usual stoic face. Underneath, however, he was truly worried. He had heard the scream and thoughts of every kind were running through his head. Despite his promise, he couldn't help but want to protect Misao. He walked cautiously towards her.
"I don't know anything anymore. I don't know what's the truth." Misao said, her voice giving away no emotion, for once. Her sobs had stopped and her mind a blank crevice. She felt cold all over, no warmth can penetrate through her. "I wonder if I can go through life… with this." She looked up at him.
Aoshi breathed in sharply. He was lost… lost in that deep blue… and he could see… power. Power and… a deep sorrow. He longed to comfort her to protect her… but the kingdom comes first. Above all. And so, he stared back with his own green eyes, cold and unfeeling.
"You can go through with this. You're a strong woman." He sat down at the edge of the bed, facing the door.
"Yes. Everybody says that." Misao mused, her voice whispery and faint. "But I do wonder if I am really what they say. I wonder if I have the courage to… the courage to face my past. I don't believe I could." She said in a monotonous tone.
Angry with her for being like this, he stood up and faced her, sitting on the bed, staring blankly at the wall. He approached her hopeless form. "Now where is the Misao I know? Where is that spirit, that optimistic view of life?"
"She's dead. Along with the lies that she is all this time. What you see is the real me. Deal with it."
He cupped her chin and forced her to look at him. "No. Snap out of it. Misao is the girl that she is. She is not a lie… she is the girl who had made something of herself, the girl who had not given up. And she will not give up." He moved towards her. "She is still there. I can see it." He leaned forward and kissed her.
He couldn't help it. She looked so hopeless, so down. And she had looked so beautiful. The hell with everything else… He kissed her more – and felt a slap on his cheek.
Blue eyes blazed and an angry spark was on her eyes. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" She looked flushed and really livid. How dare he? I was having problems, for crying out loud! And he made a pass at me? Men are such idiots!
A ghost of a smile was on Aoshi's lips. He felt his jaw if it wasn't dislocated. "Well, I guess it worked."
"What?"
"You're at least back to normal."
He received an angry glare. "What do you mean? I was normal… well, sort of. I guess I'm not normal anymore, now I know I'm some weird creature or whatever."
Aoshi shook his head and his eyes twinkled. "You'll be able to cope." He walked towards the door.
Misao was at fed up of it all. "AOSHI SHINOMORI! Explain yourself!!!!" All she got was a thud from the closing of the door.
Still steaming, she went to the bathroom to take a bath. Damn him… he's so vague! I don't get him AT ALL! She then remembered what she was contemplating on doing. She looked at a small knife, hidden on the pocket of her clothes. It glinted malevolently in the candlelight. No. I'll cope with this. She put down the knife. Then it suddenly struck her. Aoshi kissed me to make me realize that what I'm about to do is not worth it. I've got so much to live for… Ch'nage or not. She smiled tenderly. Thank you, Aoshi.
Flashes of silver slashed from one side to another. Terrified eyes. Mouths opened, ready to scream, but it was too late. Crazed emerald green eyes glinted; he laughed and reveled in the power he had in him. Yes, you weaklings. Die. Die and fulfill my purpose. He crouched, hand poised on his side to his sword. Everything is still in the night air. A gentle breeze whipped around him.
He stood up, his beautiful sculpted face, so much like a Roman god, showing no emotions… except the mirth and pleasure that is seen in his eyes. His dark hair covered them, and the stranger walked away from the alley, leaving a road full of carcasses and dead bodies of the creatures of Nifleheim behind him.
This should start it. This will make them realize I'm here… powerful and cannot be beaten. It has begun.
All hell will break loose.
A/n: Yay! Another chapter done! Nyehehe… I hope this explained a lot of things. It's either that or I've just confused you more! *sweatdrop* Ahehehe… I really can't help it. ^_^
I think the next chapter will be action- packed and so there will be fewer humors. It'll get more angsty. Drat. Don't worry, I'll add a bit of surprises now and then. ^_^
I REALLY really want to thank all the reviewers! I'm sooo happy!! This is such a nice Christmas present! Wahahaha!!! *runs around with glee* So.. to the following reviewers:
DarkFairy: Well, here it is! Ehehe… the next chapter will be… better. Hopefully. :P
Chibi-ken14: Ehehe… they're both in denial. *nyahaha!!!* Well… but they couldn't help themselves, can't they? *grin grin*
Tanuki: whoa! I can't believe that you'd go to the library just to read and review! *sobs pathetically* I'm so touched! ^_^
Kats: *sigh* I can't seem to satisfy your demands… so sorry. I guess it just goes the way it goes! Gomen!
Noa: Well, I thought about your suggestion before… and I think that it suits fine! Hehe… Thanks so much! You've been a big help! :P
A. Pikachu: Well, I made Ch'nage up. (ain't it cool? Haha!) I sort of mixed up the letters to suit my interests. ^_^
Rouge: Wehehe… glad you liked chapter 14! I was really inspired at that time. Hehe.
ZenryokuZ: Hehehe.. we all hate him for doing that, ne? It's just the type of thing that he'll do.. ruin things. bah.
Innocent dreamer: Here's Kenshin at last! Although… well.. I'll let you judge it! ^_^
Nashime- chan: I'm really glad you liked it! I love the couple too… they're really cute together… complete opposites! Ahahaha!!! And don't worry, I'll finish this! I'm more than halfway done! *hooray!*
Zackire: Sorry… I can't help being mean! *bawls guiltily* We're all mean… but I'm glad you liked it! Thanks! ^_^
The *Spangled* Pandemonium: It's long? It's long!? You FOUND it long?! ALRIGHT!!! *runs around the room like a lunatic* that's a first! Everyone kept saying it was short… yay! I've been trying my best! :P
Luli451: Urmm.. I'm still juggling all three stories… glad you liked it though! Ja! :P
Soul: Well… let's just say she's… observant and… well… perceives well? Haha! That's the way I think sometimes (weird huh?) so I guess I incorporated it here! Don't worry, I think it suits her fine! ^_^
Selph: Heh… thanks for pointing that out. I just write… and don't really realize what I'm writing. At least I sort of straightened it out right away. Hehe.
Lil_witch: Ahhh.. hope it was clearer this time! ^_^
Mayuka625: thanks! Read and review more soon! (too!)
Shadow: I know you! Boleng! DON'T READ THIS!!! Bah.. everyone's reading it… *sob sob* Well, I'm weird. I don't want my friends to read this 'coz I'm insecure. Ha. right. Thanks all the sam! :P
Crazy lassie from the hills: whoa! L.J. Smith fan! ALL RIGHT!! *shakes hand* Well, I read almost all of it except book 10… couldn't find a copy. Darn. And I don't really realize that I connect it to her books except when I review it again and see the connections. I'm weird. Oh. Flo sure stinks. I bet she'll waste her part of the money for drinking and get publicity and stuff. *smirk*
Hitokiri Chibi Chan: Glad you found it interesting and funny! Just the words I'm looking for… hehe… thanks!
Kate: Ahhhh! My fic's nothing compared to yours! *goes down on knees and bows to almighty kate* Let me read 'em!! Hehehe… LOTR was great! I was feeling all smug, knowing that I'm the only one who watched it in my family. Hahaha! It was fun! Thanks for going too! ^_^ Well, Happy new year too! ^_^
Nekonomiko: Sorry, not much romance. (no the way you think) ahaha! I'll try… I have a super great idea for the chapter after next. It will be like the climax! And major romace stuff! Wahaha! ^_^
*phew* I'm tired… gosh… I'm really happy! There's so much of you! *goes teary eyed* waaahh!! I love you guyz!
Well, hope you read and review! Ja! ^_^