Author's notes: Hello hello!!! Konnichiwa! *beams proudly* gosh, shocked you there, didn't I? MWAHAHAHAHAHA! *SD evil Tesuka- chan pops up* MWAHAHAHAHA!

Aherm. Well, anyway… don't worry guyz. This ain't over yet! Things will get better… OR IS IT? MWAHAHAHAHA!!! Okay, how evil of me. I really won't apologize because that's the way I planned it from the beginning. Okay… maybe in the middle of writing this. Well, it's just the way the story goes, right? And I don't do sad endings. *huff huff*

Anywayz, our junior's night is getting pretty close (that's the prom) and so I've got lots of things to do. Well, not too much that I couldn't write once in a while, ne? (gosh, am watching 'You're Under Arrest' and I'm absolutely drooling over Tokairin!!!)

….

(Oi! Stop drooling and write now!)

Errr.. yeah. *wipes drool off face* Ahehehe. Well, here is the next chapter! Oh, don't worry, I didn't forget about Megumi and Sano. Teeheehee… ^_^ Enjoy reading!

READ!!: Ahh… well, the scene here of Megumi and Sano is happening at the same time when Kaoru was carried away to the far end of the castle by Enishi. Then it quickly jumps to the post- battle scene. Gomen, I'm a weird writer. ^_^

Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue… no booboo's! *grins* (hey, it rhymes! I'm just amused :P)

The Vampire Aoshi

By Tesuka- chan

"ITEEEEEEE!!!"

"Hold still, you big oaf!" Megumi managed to blurt out, teeth clenched in annoyance and frustration. "You're a grown man and it's about time that you act like one!" With a last flick of her slender fingers, she tied the knot on the bandage. Tightly.

"OUCH! Megumi…" Sano whined, looking at the lady doctor with wide, chocolate eyes.

Megumi just rolled her eyes and raised her hands in exasperation. Men are SUCH babies! She started tidying up. "That won't work for me, Sanosuke Sagara! Besides, your wounds are not lethal… you're healing already! Except for that one small cut that wooden spike made."

"It's not just a small cut! It's from my shoulder to my elbow! And wood! One splinter in the right place could be lethal!"

"Well, you didn't die, so quit it."

"But it needs a kiss!"

Megumi swirled around at that, indignation written all over her face. She was seething inside, her face reddening in anger. Why that roosterhead! We're in the midst of all these trouble and he has the gall to fool around!

Mistaking the red flush on her cheeks as a blush, Sano 'miraculously' jumped up and sauntered over to the trembling doctor. "Now, a kiss wouldn't hurt, would it? Why don't you give me one right where it hurts?" He grinned.

The tall woman flashed a fake smile as Sano walked towards her. Oh, he's gonna get it alright. "Hmmm… come over here then." She leaned back to the table, a very seducing pose. She held up her arm towards him and wiggled her finger.

An ear-to-ear grin was plastered on Sano's face. He hurried towards her and reached for a kiss. Her arms were hung loosely around his neck, stroking his soft hair… then they slid down the sides of his neck, massaging his broad shoulders, and gripped his arms… hard. Just where his wound is.

"ITTEEEEE!!!!"

Jackpot. Megumi looked up at the bewildered vampire, an all-too-innocent look on her face. "Is it hurting, Sano? Want me to fix it up again?" Her hands started to move towards him.

Sano took a couple of steps back, wary of the sly woman in front of him. Sly as a fox. "No thanks. Though your hands are really great in healing, they're particularly… harsh in their caresses." He winced as he rubbed the sore spot in his arm. The third time I screamed today. And I hardly ever scream. He shook his head. What a damning woman…

"Well, that ought to teach you to be serious in dire situations! Kaoru is out there and she's in imminent danger! Even though Enishi was coming to her rescue, it just didn't felt quite right." She frowned, worried about one of her best friends. A shiver went through her skin, sending goosebumps all over. Oh, I hope she's all right.

Sano's chocolate eyes darkened. Enishi, eh? Well, I have to send Kenshin after her. I don't trust that guy. Not a bit. "Ano… I'll just go out." He started towards the door.

"And where do you think you're going?"

"To the little boy's room. Wanna come? I might not make it… my arm hurts too much."

He grinned.

Megumi blushed this time and turned around to finish fixing her tools. As she heard him walking away and out the door, she gave out a huge sigh that she didn't even know she was holding. What a peculiar rooster head! She smiled, in spite of herself. Stubborn man… but also sweet. I was so scared when he was struck in his arm… I honestly don't know what to do without him. Her cinnamon eyes warmed by that thought. I won't let him go, now that I've found him. She hummed as she wiped the black stone table, droplets of blood scattered over its surface.

[A choice must be made, one choice only]

Misao was staring at the ceiling, eyes swollen and red. She had cried the whole night… very unlike her. She didn't feel like her usual cheery self, she didn't feel optimistic, that everything will turn out just fine at the end. She had stop delusioning herself with false hopes, and had started to accept the truth.

The truth.

That she had loved him. That he was taken away from her. And that she couldn't do anything about it.

She turned around, her face smothered in the pillow, despair overcoming her. She wanted to cry… to cry until she's dead. He might as well be dead anyway, now that they've thrown him in the forbidden forest. But no tears came. She's all dried up, empty inside. Why couldn't I do anything? Why am I so weak? She stared at her palms. Why? She tightly closed her eyes and flung out her arms. Her hand struck something hard.

A clatter was heard, the sound of metal striking the stone floor.

Misao lifted her groggy head and crawled to the edge of her bed. She peeped over and saw something glitter in the dark. A knife. Her misty blue eyes widened in recognition. It was the knife that she was planning to use when everything had just overwhelmed her… when she thought that what was revealed to her, the feelings that were brought back, had been too much. But that was nothing compared to what she was feeling now. Now… turmoil was reigning inside her, hopelessness filling the very depths of her soul.

She reached out for the knife. She examined it, turning it around in the light. It was actually a beautiful piece of work. She had found it on the armor outside her room, the steel hands clutching it. It had looked out of place in that old ensemble, and she had wriggled it out and kept it. Just in case someone tried to harm her. Now, she held it in her petite hands… it was surprisingly warm. It was shiny, more silvery actually. The blade was sharp, the handle was delicately carved with roses and vines. But at the tip of the hilt, something twinkled in the light. Something yellow.

Curious, as she was sure she hasn't seen it before, she studied the jewel. It looked like it was Amber… Amber? But… She brushed of the lint and dust that had gathered. With the touch of her delicate fingers, the metal surrounding the jewel widened and released the stone. Surprised and intrigued, she picked up the shining object that landed on her bed. What is this? Why is this hidden in the hilt of the dagger? She turned it around her pale fingers. It IS Amber! Pretty neat… looks similar to mine… with the leaves and all. Cool!

She clutched her own jewel, hanging around her neck. Interesting… She took it off and compared it to the one she had just found. Exactly the same! She looked in awe as the two perfect half-moon amber stones shone in front of her. The same yellow- orange glint, the same structure of leaves. Amazing… I've never seen anything so much alike before! Something glinted at the corner of her eye.

It was the knife again. Hmmm… maybe there's still something in here. She brushed over the narrowed opening and it widened again, revealing a very delicate silver chain, twisted like a vine with matching thorns. The pendant was equally exquisite, a silver claw- like creation, with something intricate carved in it that Misao cannot really identify.

Excited and mystified, she had an idea. She clutched the two amber stones together, flat side to flat side, and popped it inside the claw. Not knowing if it was some trick of her over-active imagination or the light, the claw seemingly tightened and clutched the two stones perfectly together, making it look like one whole, rounded stone.

Wow. Now THIS is what you call special effects. She took the completed piece and gazed at it wonderingly. Beautiful… now the plant inside is whole again. Pleased at her discovery, she wore the necklace, clasping it in place. It wouldn't hurt. Jewelry such as this deserved to be worn… especially by me! She chuckled and stopped herself. She thought about what happened yesterday, all the pain and the anger. Now, her spark was back. Even though she wasn't able to do something yesterday, She is DEFINITELY going to have to do some careful planning and action this time around. She's not going to let that Fuuma-Shiro win… never.

Misao bounced out of bed, intending to take a bath. I'm getting stinkier every minute! Wash out the bad and let in the good… that's how it is! A clang was heard and she stooped to pick up the dagger again. Her blue eyes flickered for a moment, mirroring the fear and hurt that she felt… and it was gone. It was replaced with the glint of sheer determination and a strong will. Aoshi- sama prevented me from doing it… and I won't! Not 'till there's hope. He's still alive… I can feel it.

She looked out the window. Sky still glowing red. I've made a choice… wait for me… Aoshi- sama. I'm coming to get you.

Megumi's cinnamon eyes flung wide open.

She heard the screams, the shouts of terror and fear. Everything was in chaos… the nobles were fleeing, being chased by the power- hungry townspeople. The blood red sky mirrored the flood of blood that spilled in the castle grounds.

Megumi sat up, her heart tightening in fear. The first thought that came in her mind: Sano. She hurriedly dressed in her old clothes, the ones she wore when she first came here, in Nifleheim. She had to be comfortable… She's going to look for Sano. Her blue jeans fit comfortably and her asymmetrical top and black trench coat came next. She was ready for action. She hurriedly ran out, as inconspicuous as possible, hiding in the shadows and dark corners.

Damn it… I don't even know where to start looking! For all I know, he might be in the kitchen stuffing his face… oh, I forgot. He's a vampire. Scratch that… now if I were Sano, where would I be? She paused behind a huge column as some townspeople passed by holding stakes and wooden swords of some kind. A thought just came to her. Oh drat. I haven't even thought about Misao and Kaoru! I hope they're safe. Should I go look for them or Sano first? Darn it, I was never really good in making decisions…

A hand clamped her mouth.

SHIT! Eyes widened with surprise and apprehension, cinnamon turned into gold. Why you creep… I'll show you how we vampires fight! 'till death! She bit on the hand and elbowed the attacker's stomach with a low growl on her throat.

"OWWWWWW!!!!"

Hands up in defense, claws sharp and ready to bite into any skin or flesh that it comes contact into, Megumi raised her golden eyes to the attacker, ready to let the fury take over. "Try that again I'll tear you to pieces, you –"

She paused and blinked.

Why does that man who's doubled over in pain look similar somehow? She narrowed her eyes and adjusted them to the dimness of the hall. Hmmm… broad shoulders, cursing words, spiky hair… ah!

"Oh, Sano. It's you."

Sano was running out of expletives that he could shout behind clenched teeth. That was one helluva good defense and he felt sorry for the next person who'll attack this feisty woman… not to mention himself. Kuso… "Don't 'Oh Sano it's you' me! That hurts! And I haven't even recovered completely from that wound yet!!!"

Megumi sighed and walked towards him. "It's not that bad, don't be such a baby." She grabbed his bitten hand and examined it. "I didn't draw out blood. Besides, it's your fault in the first place."

"My fault? Oh, so now I'm the one who caused myself to double over in pain… why the hell would I deliberately hurt myself?!" Sano vented out, irked at the woman in front of him. What in the world did I see in this woman?

"WELL, rooster head, for one I was worried sick about you amidst all these chaos."

Oh.

"And another is… is that I was looking for you! If you leave me like that and stayed with me, I wouldn't have come out looking for you and hurt you accidentally!"

Well.

Megumi sniffed, but lifted her nose and chin anyway. If this man doesn't appreciate what I'm doing for him… humph! I was worried about him for goodness' sakes!

Sano grinned. I guess THAT'S what I see in her. He raised up his hands in defeat. "Maa maa… alright. It's my fault then. I left you when you needed me most." He moved towards her. "Now come on, we'll have to go. They're taking over the castle and we can't win against them." His eyes narrowed as footsteps were heard coming towards their way.

A light was seen flickering on the wall opposite them… just around the corner. I can't take any risks… Sano grabbed Megumi and flattened her on the wall, in the narrow space just behind the huge column. Before Megumi was about to protest about his rough- handling, he kissed her. Just to shut her wise- ass comments, he told himself.

Megumi was surprised, to say the least. Couldn't he at least control himself?! She squirmed under his heavy weight, trying to get free. Ooohhh… now this is really…!! His tongue slid against her bottom lip. Well…not bad, actually… She closed her eyes and opened her mouth under him.

Sano groaned. He couldn't take this without going further… just a bit more. He deepened the kiss. He angled his head, her full lips fitting nicely on his firm ones. He nipped on her lower lip, and felt her shiver and groan. She raised her palms to his chest, between their bodies. Just as the kiss was getting out of hand, a light flashed by.

The discombobulated pair jumped back, startled and feeling guilty, like a couple of high school students caught by a teacher. Sano shook his head, trying to chase away the haziness in his head. Well, that went well. He looked at the hall and saw the light moving away from them. All clear.

"I demand that you give me an explanation for that unnecessary action!"

"Don't start, Megumi. I had to do that or else you'd be shouting away because I shoved you. We can't have that… the enemies just passed by. Besides," He continued, the corner of his right eye twinkled as he flashed her a half- smile, "You enjoyed it."

Megumi reddened. She turned away, deciding not to speak for her own safety. Egotistical, pompous pig!

"Come on Megumi, we have to go to the old cemetery." Sano's voice was serious as he led her to the twists and turns of the castle halls, depending on his memory. I hope it's still there.

"B- but why the cemetery?" Megumi stammered as he pulled her forward, making her run faster.

"Since they closed the portal, that's the only way of escape out of Nifleheim. I had found it accidentally when I was a kid playing around there." Come on, we'll have to be fast. It's on the edge of the forbidden forest, so no one ever goes there."

Megumi gasped.

The forbidden forest?!

"The forbidden forest?!"

Misao nodded, determination written clearly on her face. She had just finished relaying her plans to Tae and Yahiko, hoping that they would help her.

"YOU'RE crazy, busu!"

"That's the only way I can go to him. He's our only hope… and he might be alive." Not to mention that I can't awaken my powers for some stupid reason.

"Demo, Misao- sama, no one survives there." Tae gently patted Misao's arm. "All those who are exiled were sent there, and no one ever comes back." She paused and pondered for a moment. "Well, there was actually one murderer, he ran out of the forest like mad, bumped into a tree and fainted. A few days later, he was found dead in his bed, a sword stuck in his chest. So I guess not EVERYBODY died in there." Tae gave her a shaky smile.

Misao rolled her eyes. "That's very reassuring." She tapped her fingernails on the table, trying to contain her impatience. "So? Will you help me?" She tried the puppy-dog-eyes look.

Tae laughed and waved her hand. "All right, all right. You don't have to pull that look on me. I'll do it." She turned a stern glare at Yahiko. "Well, you have to prepare yourself, of course."

"Me?" the surprised Yahiko exclaimed. "But I didn't agree on anything!!"

Tae pushed Yahiko out the food chamber. "Come on, no time to lose! Tonight is the night! We must prepare!" She pushed the flabbergasted teen out and shut the door, ignoring the pleading cries outside. "Right. Now, I must prepare the food for the ball tonight, Miss Misao. The new leader is very particular about his food choices. And you should prepare yourself now. Shoo! And let me work my magic in here." Her eyes twinkled.

"Thanks so much Tae!" Misao beamed happily at the woman. "I don't know what I'd do without you!" she bounded towards the door.

"Don't worry about it!" Tae waved, and faced her working table, full of vegetables to be chopped, meat to be cooked. She sighed. This is going to be a long day.

Misao's head popped up on the side of the doorframe. "Oh yeah, what ARE you going to do for distraction anyway?"

Tae's eyes twinkled yet again. "Oh, you'll see Miss Misao. You'll see."

Misao shrugged, and waved vigorously at Tae, planning and scheming in her head.

Kaoru.

Her beautiful smile, her laughter.

Kaoru.

He courage… for being with her friend. For not being afraid around vampires.

Kaoru.

Her blue eyes, the eyes that reflect the clear blue skies, full of sun and life… full of love.

Kaoru.

Kenshin staggered, his feet stumbling on the thick mud on the path. He was carrying Kaoru, his sweet Kaoru. She was so light… so young. Her beautiful oval face flawless, long lashes creating delicate shadows on her pale cheeks. Her lips were blood red, a heart- shaped creation. Long, lustrous black hair trailed over his arms, almost touching the ground. He stared at her, beautiful… and cold.

He trudged on. Never mind his wounds, never mind his aching body… he have to bring her to a decent resting-place. As a result of his earlier investigation, he had found out about the old cemetery at the edge of the forbidden forest. And that's where he's heading.

Finally, vague shadows were seen over the fine mist that covered the area. Headstones of different sizes and shapes protruding from the ground, wild vines twisting around them and filling their cracks. In the far east side was an old mausoleum, the old black stones crumbling in neglect.

He walked solemnly across the cemetery towards it, cradling the woman in his arms. He entered the dilapidated building, and upon seeing the black marble coffin, laid her body carefully on top of it. He lightly brushed the back of his trembling hand over her pale cheek and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He sighed and collapsed on the floor beside the coffin, staring into space.

She was too innocent, full of energy and life. How could anyone kill her? Destroy her? His amethyst eyes misted over, the surge of emotions welling up inside him. He didn't want to love anyone, knowing that love can turn into hate, and with that, destruction and violence. So he had committed himself into his job. Ever since he was a child, his parents treated him like a tool, something to be used, not loved. He was trained only by the very best… only for the very best. His father was the president of T.H.O.R.N.S., therefore having the great responsibility of creating peace and order, even if it costs his family, his only child. Discipline, control, and power – but never love.

Sure, he had his share of his women, but they were nothing, him only playing with them, with their feelings. He didn't care. He didn't know how to. He had lived like a robot… until Kaoru came to his life.

She was not really the type one would notice right away. She was quite shy at first, but in actuality, her features were contrast to that. She was lively, warm and loving… his complete opposite. Maybe that's why I was attracted to her right away. Maybe that's why I loved had fallen in love with her. Though she had flaws, she had her share of perfection too. For him, she was completely perfect.

Kenshin brought his knees up and shoved his hands over his head. His first love… too fresh, too recent. He knew that it was too good to be true. This was the consequence of his past. Now he felt what all his victim's loved ones felt… pain and utter despair. He brought his head down to his arms, closing his eyes.

A/n: darn… I had to cut it into two chapters. And I SO wanted to get to the… *secret* part. hehehe… Well. Too bad. *shrug*

Gomen ne… I sort of hurried this… I've really got a lot of things in my hands right now so it'll take a while. *sees potato bombs and tomato bazookas bombarding her* noooo!!!

Well! I'm REALLY REALLY glad of sooo many reviews! Actually, I WAS aiming for thoas kinds of reactions… and I love it! (see how weird she is?) *bonks decent tesuka- chan* Soooo…

I want to thank the following great reviewers!!!

Chibi-ken14- I'm VERY glad you liked that! I had to do that, it was important for the plot. ~_~ Still, I do hope you don't get TOO depressed… it isn't worth it, you know… hehehe. ^_^

ShadowKat- wow… new nom de plume eh? Nice… isn't that the girl from x-men evolution? Hehehe… oh well. Thanks! I am wicked in nature… bwahaha! Oh, hey, update already!! *pouts*

Argentum Draco: Hehehe… school's really taking much of my time… but I'm going to finish this… soon I hope. Don't worry!

Noa: Yep… too much angst. That's why a little humor wouldn't hurt, ne? Good thing I got Misao back to her old self… I don't like people wallowing, feeling pitiful and sorry for themselves. Bah. Haha.. at least you read Kaoru's part! ^_^

Me me and only me: glad you find it interesting! Thanks!

Chibicherry: Whoa! You seem happy enough… wow, you really get some good stuff eh? Hahaha! Good for you then! *grin grin*

JadOo: There will definitely be a comeback. DEFINITELY! *shakes fists in the air* yeah!!! :P

Soul: Errr… ummm… *ponders on question* well, it depends… teeheehee.If I'm evil enough to let Kenshin suffer or make him happy. *shrugs*

Nekonomiko: Misao will not be a damsel in distress any longer! She'll kick ass! Yeah!

Innocent dreamer: *sighs* I expected as much. Yes, I am evil… isn't it nice? Mwahahaha! I love it! *EVIL grin*

Sakura: Hey! Thanks… well, Aoshi… hmmm. I'll just have to say… just read 'till the end! I don't want to give anything away. Though, I won't have a sad ending. I hate sad endings. Why? 'coz they're SAD!

The *Spangled* Pandemonium: Hmm.. I tried to access chapter 18 when I read your review… I couldn't access it too! I re- uploaded it and thankfully, it returned. ^_^ sorry for that.

Oh… Thanks at the compliment! Though I do prefer writing humor… ^_^ well, I needed Kaoru dead. (boy, does that sound mean) so I killed her off. *sweatdrop* don't worry, all's well that end's well. (I'm not sure if what I typed was right). *shrug*

Cko- hello! Wow… You really read and review huh? Not that I'm complaining, I'm really glad you did. ^_^ Pinay? YEAH! Sorry for hanging it… it was too long already! Hehehe…

Selph: Gomen… it IS because of me! Yeah! Me! *points to self* And I'm really pround of it! *dances around like a lunatic* ß IS a lunatic.

Kmye- chan: Whoa! Cool… I'm really glad you 'clicked' on my story! ^_^ Yeah, I don't really like buffy much. I based this on my super uber duper favorite series, 'the Night World' by L.J. Smith. It's the best ever… ^_^ I love vampires. Hehehe.. and star wars!? Never thought of that… cool.

NatsuNoAme: Don't worry… you have the right to say those. *beams* I'm not offended… besides, I've got it all mapped out. They won't suffer. Well. They will. But not for long! I hope… errr. It depends on how twisted my mind is when I write a cretain chapter. ^_^

Shadow: let me guess… Boleng. *rolls eyes* I was sooooo annoyed when Rosa started laughing when I told her about the 'creepy-dude-who-reviewed-as-john-rzeznik' Gosh… I was really creeped out! And with the lyrics, no less. BWAHAHAHA! It was a good laugh though… at the end. Don't do that! Or I'll, I'll bonk you in the head! *started bonking boleng until she's unconscious* nyahahaha! That's what you get! Pffft!

Kats: hmmm… large heavy object? Ahhh… a huge yellow teddy bear? Kawaiii! Haha.. just kidding of course. I expected no less from you! Don't worry… It'll come out okay. Just not yet. ^_^

Crazy lassie from the hills: ah… *sweatdrop* something like that. Well, I will but… not yet! I'm in angsty mode…. *all geared up in black with cool shades from matrix* Oh yeah.

Isabella: hallo! Hey, I'm Pinay too!!! Astig ba? Hehehe… nakakatawa naman… thanks! ^_^

Misao Shinomori: Hmmm… I also love AXM! (obviously… I wrote a novel, for goodness' sakes!) Yeah… I also like the unexpected. So be ready for more! MWAHAHAHA! Oh, who's the author of those books? I'll check them out if I see them… thanks for reviewing!

Rosa: Haha! You noticed? Well, I sort of noticed it to but you know me… I love colors! Especially blue, green, and other fascinating eye colors. I'm obsessed!!! MWAHAHA!! You didn't read it? Oh well.. you missed on the drama. Your loss. *evil grin*

Oh gosh… fingers are red and hurting… these replies alone are two whole pages! *shakes head* but thanks! I'm really glad… it makes me want to cry! But I won't… coz I'm too tired. Wehehe… well, thanks a lot you guyz! Love ya'll! ^_^