Author's notes: ALL RIGHT! First time in my years that the school gave only one measly homework!! NYAHAHAHA!!!
*stares agog at reviews* WHOA! Fast! I just posted it that night and the next day… I couldn't believe it!!! Gosh! YOU GUYS ARE THE BESTEST!!! (eerrr… tesuka- chan, there's no such word…) shuddap! *bonks dictionary conscience* Well, it's not that I wait for lots of reviews before I write… it's just that I need time to organize my thoughts. Thanks guys… you're the best! ^_^
Oh yeah… gomen for the really bad mistakes I made last chappie… I didn't get to proof- read it. ~_~ And being my usual lazy self, I don't really want to re-upload it again.
Well, anyway… I do hope this chapter will be able to explain a lot. Or whatever. (cut the crap, tesuka- chan!) ~_~ All right, all right! Sheesh, makes you think if consciences are any good at all. Well, enjoy! ^_^
Disclaimer: I'm on a roll here, so don't bother me disclaimer boy! (disclaimer boy pokes on tesuka) d'arvit!!! *sigh* I. Do. Not. Own. Rurouni. Kenshin. Period.
Oh yeah… and "Name" by Googoo dolls. *faints with hearts on eyes*
The Vampire Aoshi
By Tesuka- chan
"Hey! Stop dragging! Where are we going anyway?"
Megumi paused, hands on knees, her hair damp because of the fog around them. She took a long, steadying breath and straightened up. I haven't eaten in ages! Ooohh, when I get my hands on him I'll…
"Come on, inside here…" Sano entered the small building, stomping and shivering. Boy, these fogs are too cold for my taste. "Well? Aren't you coming in?"
"This is very unsanitary Sano. You'll never know what kinds of different bacteria are cultivated here! Among the dead, the dirt and the – " Megumi gasped as she caught sight of the figure on top of the coffin. Oh no… what or who is that? Is she dead?
"And even though the moment passed me by
I still can't turn away
I saw the dreams you never thought you'd lose
Tossed along the way
Letters that you never meant to send
Are lost and blown away"
"What is it? What's wrong?" Sano stopped blowing on his hands and followed Megumi's gaze. His eyes narrowed and his body tensed. "I've never seen that before." He carefully took a step towards it. Suddenly, he saw a movement beside the coffin, a huddled form swathed in black clothes and… blood?
He called out tentatively, ready for any surprises. "Who's there?"
The questionable form moved and lifted his head. Purple eyes.
"Kenshin?" Sano asked incredulously. He looked so pathetic, like the saddest man on earth. Heart- broken.
"And now we've grown up orphans I never knew their names
We don't belong to no one, that's a shame
You could hide beside me, maybe for awhile
And I won't tell no one your name
I won't tell your name"
"Hey, man! What are you doing here? What happened to you?" Sano approached him and kneeled in front of the spaced out man. "Hey…" He put a hand on his shoulder.
The vampire heard a gasp behind him. He turned around, seeing Megumi sobbing over the figure on the marble.
Megumi couldn't, wouldn't accept it. This can't be happening… it's not real! Her hand shook as she reached out to touch the long cold fingers of the woman. No… She studied the face, that face which had formed into many different silly expressions and those eyes, which lightened up every time they were together. She clasped both hands as her brain finally accepted it. "KAORU!" Her knees gave way and she kneeled on its side, weeping for her friend.
Sano's eyes widened. No way. He hastily stood up and observed the figure lying on the cover of the coffin. Jou- chan. It can't be. It just can't be! His eyes full of hurt and anger, he went to Kenshin and started to shake him. "What the hell happened?" He shook the smaller man even more, not being able to hide his frustration. This is it… this takes the cake away. Whoever did this is going to pay, big time. "Why is Kaoru lying there.. is- is she dead?!"
"The scar's a souvenir she'd never lose
The past is never far
And did you lose yourself somewhere out there
Did you get to be a star
Don't it make you sad to know that life
Is more than who we are"
Kenshin didn't answer, his eyes glassy. He didn't feel Sano shaking him, didn't see Megumi's tears over her dead friend. Yes, she's dead. I should've saved her… but I'm too late. It's all my fault. He continued staring into nothingness.
Sano slumped down to the floor, shoulders shaking. Kami- sama… how he hates it when things like these happens. He shoved his hand in his hair, trying to grasp his self- control, or what was left of it.
Megumi dried her tears, finally accepting her friend's death. "Rest in peace, Kamiya Kaoru. You lived a great life." I'll be strong for you, Kaoru. You wouldn't want us to be like this… I'll be strong. She stood up, a bit shaky, but managed to reach Kenshin. "Let me see your wounds."
He didn't move.
"Come on, they're bleeding. They should be tended." The lady doctor took his arm, but it slumped back down. "You have to cooperate with me here… you're still alive and you have to keep living."
"I'd rather be dead."
"You grew up way too fast
Now there's nothing to believe
The reruns all become my history"
Annoyed and angry at him for giving up so easily, she slapped him.
Kenshin's head was flung to his side, a red mark forming at the side of his cheek.
"See here Kenshin, or whatever your name is, you're not the only one who loved Kaoru. She was one of my best friends, for goodness' sakes, and I'm also sad at our loss. But I think that she wouldn't want us to mope around here, feeling sorry for ourselves. We should be strong, just like her. So snap out of it and let me see your wounds." Megumi almost shouted every word, she was THAT angry.
"Megitsune's right." Sano pitched in after her little 'pep talk'. "We shouldn't feel sorry of ourselves." He stood up and started tapping the walls. "I'm going to look for that portal. At least I'd be doing something."
Kenshin let Megumi's words penetrate his mind as the doctor fixed up his nearly- fatal wounds. 'We should be strong, just like her'. Those words echoed in his mind. 'she wouldn't want us to mope around here, feeling sorry for ourselves.' They swirled around and around his head, making him choose, making him realize. His eyes cleared as he made a decision.
"A tired song keeps playing on a tired radio
And I won't tell no one your name
And I won't tell your name"
As Megumi finished bandaging him, Kenshin stood and walked towards the crypt. He once again touched her face, caressing the cold, tender skin. I vow to you… I'll never kill again. He cupped her chin, and closed his eyes. Never.
"I won't tell your name…"
A soft breeze seeped in the cracks of the mausoleum. It moved silently around the room, swirling around the floor, making the dust rise up and surround the marble crypt and the red-haired man. Amber orbs flashed… and the wind made a final swirl and flew up and out. Megumi and Sano were silent, watching the display in front of them, witnesses to the promise. Witnesses to a love that will last. Even through death.
"I think about you all the time
But I don't need to think
If it's lonely where you are, come back down
And I won't tell your name."
~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
He slid his hand out and turned to Sano, rather solemnly. "So what's your plan now? The castle is under siege and they've closed the portal."
Sano smirked. Well now, look who's risen up from the dead. "Heh… I'm looking for something… it must be here somewhere… aha! Now I remember!" He pushed an inconspicuous panel somewhere in the side o f the wall. I remember accidentally leaning here then the wall opens…
The wall on the left side of the coffin slid open, loose stones falling on the floor, dust and grime flying everywhere.
Sano gloated. Hahaha! I'm so good. He grinned, rather pleased with himself.
Megumi sputtered and coughed. "This had better be good." She mumbled, and upon clearing the air in front of her, she stared, curiosity and a feeling of strangeness overcoming her. What… a mirror? "We came all this way for a mirror?! A MIRROR?" Megumi bonked Sano on the head.
"Watch it, kitsune!" The tall vampire rubbed his head and sighed, knowing that he'll never win over her. "THAT's the portal."
The lady doctor narrowed her eyes, head cocked on one side, hands on her hips. Her dainty toes were tapping on the marble floor. "Oh REALLY?"
"Yes, really." Sano grinned slyly. Suddenly, he heard a vague sound of hooves pounding in the distance. Shit… they're looking for us already. He glanced over to Kenshin… he heard it too. Megumi wasn't able to sense it because of her annoyance over Sano. Then he had an idea.
"Don't believe me?" in a flash, he moved in front of the girl and held her tiny waist in his huge hands. "After you!" He flung her towards the huge mirror.
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!! SANOWHENIGETMYHANDSONYOU,YOU'DBETTERBEDEAD! AAAAHHHHHH!!!! Megumi fell in an endless void, reflections all around her. She shut her eyes tight, clinging to nothing.
Okay… this is the part when I yawn. Misao yawned, rather unashamedly. Hmmm… I wonder when Tae is going to execute her plan… She thought of different ways how Tae could distract Shiro and everyone else in the room. Poison, maybe? Nah… too suspicious. How about setting the kitchen on fire? I don't think she'll sacrifice her dear kitchen. I know! She'll probably make all of them drunk! Yeah… Misao nodded, satisfied with the conclusion she was able to come up. That's the most likely thing she'll do.
Misao was sitting on the main table, beside Shiro. He had wanted her near him so that he'll be able to watch her all the time. The woman shuddered in disgust. Peh! Total creep. She straightened her dark green silk dress, simply adorned with white pearls at the neck. The long sleeves were flared at her wrists, but tied tightly at the elbow with a thin ribbon. The beautiful gown showed her curves, hugging her tiny waist and then flowing freely down to her ankles. Darn it… I don't know how I'm going to run in this get up but I have too. Good thing there's no high heels here. She shifted uncomfortably as a particularly obese man waddled over to her. Ewww… they're worse than cocroaches! Slimier, browner, and… much more gross! Just as she was about to make a lame excuse, the lights faded and only the chandelier by the left wall was lighted. Hmmm… this is interesting. I wonder…
Suddenly, the curtains opened and a girl in a beautiful red kimono stepped out, fan covering her face. She bowed daintily forward as the audience clapped. Two figures were vaguely seen weaving in and out of the tables, pouring sake on the people's cups.
Misao sat back, amused. Entertainment at last! I never knew they were planning this. She clapped along with the others, waiting for the show to start. Then, a figure brushed past her, whispering a message. "Go now. We'll take care of this."
The girl's eyes widened. So this is the distraction? Too bad I'll miss it… looks like Tsubame's going to perform well. Though, she looks a bit too stiff for me. She shrugged. Nerves, I guess. She prepared herself, waited until Shiro drank from his cup.
"Ano, Shiro, I must go to the ladies room. Will you excuse me?" Shiro just laughed, along with the others on the table, and waved her away. Misao smiled. Whatever Tae put in that wine, it worked really good.
She hurriedly stood up and walked swiftly to the side of the hall. I've got to hurry! Aoshi might be in danger… Thinking these thoughts, she never saw the small figure speeding towards her.
Impact. *BUMP!*
OOOOOWWWWWW!!!! Misao reeled back, more from the shock than from anything else. She bit her lip, trying not to shout out. Shoot! Please… don't let it be one of those damned soldiers…
"Misao-san! Are you okay?" A girl's voice whispered on her ear. "I'm really sorry… I needed to get more formu – I mean, sake from the kitchen. I didn't hurt you, did I?"
A bit ruffled, Misao replied, "N-no… I'm okay." She remembered that voice. "Tsubame? Is that you?"
The girl's head nodded. "Are you sure you're okay, Misao- san? I can get ice for you."
"No thanks… I have to go." Misao stood up, her legs wobbly. Then a realization came to her. "Hey, if you're Tsubame, then who's performing there?"
Tsubame stifled a giggle. "It's Yahiko. I had to bully, bribe, threaten and trick him just to make him do it. He doesn't know how to hold tables… he might spill all of the sake anyway because of his clumsiness. So Tae-san and I taught him a bit of simple dances."
YAHIKO? DANCING?! IN A GIRL'S KIMONO?!! Misao's face turned red, and she had to clamp her hand on her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Oh geesh… if I live through this, I'm never going to stop teasing him. Hahaha!!!
Tsubame began to worry. Misao-san's face was reddening and her hand's over her mouth. Is she suffocating? Oh no! Her hands flew to her face in dismay. "Misao- san! Misao- san! Are you all right?" she whispered fervently.
The woman let out a few coughs, calming herself. Oh kami- sama, thank you for friends like these. "Yeah, I'm okay." It came out hoarse so she cleared her throat. "I really have to go. I've got to find him… I've got to find Aoshi."
Tsubame sighed. She's safe after all. "Go now then, Misao- san. I still have to make everyone drink the sake so they won't realize you've gone after a long time. Good luck."
She turned away, but a hand squeezed her shoulder.
"Take care, all of you." Misao whispered. Tsubame nodded. The two parted their separate ways.
Yahiko covered a sneeze as he turned to the music once more. I am definitely allergic to these damned make-up! This is the most humiliating thing I've ever done in my whole, short life. That weasel girl should appreciate what I'm doing for her! He winced as a couple of rough boys began leering at him, shouting and clapping. Damn. Screw it… I'm gonna get her for this when she comes back. He made a twirl, then bowed.
He almost toppled over.
Misao ran through the dark passages, her mind memorizing the instructions that Tae gave her. Turn left at the stairway, straight… and right by the garden door. She pushed the heavy iron door and rushed outside. She looked up and saw the stars glittering in the sky, not a cloud to be seen. How beautiful. Her blue- green gaze lingered there, but eventually swept across the field in front of her and stopped on the thin line of trees just beyond the field. She narrowed her eyes, hiked up her skirts, and ran towards it. I'm coming, Aoshi- sama. Wait for me…
The Forbidden Forest.
A/n: I know, I know… this is shorter than the previous chapters… but hey! This was supposed to be part of the last chapter. I just had to cut it or else it might reach up to 30 pages! Now we don't want that… ^_^
Hahaha… shock for Yahiko? Well… I'm a meanie, as I've always said. Let's just call that.. comic relief. ^_^ *evil grin*
Oh yeah… totally love the Googoo dolls!! Hope most of you knew the song! Even if you didn't, the lyrics fit in that particular scene really well… real angsty. MWAHAHA!!
So, as I've said before, you guys are really great!!! ^_^ So I just want to say thanks for the following reviewers: *grins from ear to ear*
Laie Himura de Fanel: cool name! Ahhh.. well, it's too late to undo what's been done…. but don't worry! Something's gonna happen that you have to watch out for. *evil grin*
Selph: Ahhh… just read on. ^_^ thanks for reading and supporting!
Nekonomiko: Yeah, well, it's misao's time!!! NYAHAHA! And yes, I'm planning to write another fic., after this of course. It'll branch out from this one. ^_^ Well, I'll see if WILL be able to write it. Hehehe.
Darkfairy: Oh, so that's why! Cool! ^_^ Go pinoy! Yeah! Hehehe… I've got the Pinoy spirit. *puts on shades* oh yeah. Well, more angst to come!!! ^_^
Prudence- chan: whoa! Well… I'm really flattered! Thanks so much! I can't believe you read it all! ^_^ I really think my story doesn't deserve that… hahaha! ^_^
Makimachi Misao: well, yeah. Of course you'll catch him! Hahaha! Not after some very good angst… hehehe… thanks for supporting!
Chibi-ken14- well, I like putting a bit of humor in my fic! It lightens the plot. Nyeheheh. I hope this made you laugh! Oh, I'm not gonna give spoilers about Kaoru. If there are. Haha! *evil*
Sakura: thanks a lot! ^_^ well, I updated faster this time, this is quite a short chapter, but the next will be my masterpeice! MWAHAHAHA! Watch out for that!
Argentum Draco: Oh God. I was laughing my head off about that old and dead bit. HAHAHA! Don't worry… it's here! Hoped you like it! ^_^
Diablo: thanks for reading all the same! :P
Rosa: Yey! Luv ya for supporting me… but, well, it is just for fun. And guess what… Camry's considering me a riival. *gah* whatever… hahaha! Like I can compete against her! Haha!
Fey2Kim: hehehe… about the mood thing, is that good or bad? *whimpers* hehehe… thanks! Oh, kenshin's not a vamp… hehehe. ^_^
Neko-chan: Oh so YOU'RE the stalker across the street… hahaha! Jke! ^_^ thanks a lot for reading!
The *Spangled* Pandemonium: Well, just wait and see… MWAHAHAHA!
JadOo: No… he's not. well. So there! Hehe… thanks!
Chibicherry: ooohhh. So you're kind of depressed? I'm really sorry for adding to that… hope this'll make you happier! Haha! ^_^
Innocent Dreamer: Ahhhh… *secret*
Phoe2k: wellll.. yeah, it WAS camry. Hehehe. Well, I like your story, really funny. Hahaha! Thanks for reviewing! Though it might suck a bit. Hahaha! (pa- humble effect daw).
Misao Silent-mode – I'm really glad you liked my story! ^_^ Well, I totally love vampires and rurouni kenshin… heehee… so it's not bad to combine them, eh? Hahaha!
NatsuNoAme: Well, they escaped! So that's good, right? Hehehe.. well, thanks for reading! ^_^
Megamunch16: yep! I'll finish this for sure… thanks for reading! ^_^
AAAHHHHH!!! I'm really rushing this… sorry!! Well, gonna watch "Smallville" (clark's hot!!!) so I gotta go! Watch out for the next chapter! Gonna be the best, I assure you… mwahahaha!!! ^_^ Ja! Please read and review! ^_^
P.S. Oh… if you really want to enjoy the next chapter fully… well, listen to "The Scientist" By Coldplay. *grins*