Author's notes: WAH! I'm really sorry for the late update! I just got a dose of Writer's Block back there, and I really didn't want to write without much inspiration so… *smiles apologetically* Thank you minna-san for being patient! :D
Oh, I also wanted to apologize about the previous chapter. I wasn't really up to it so the humor's kinda lost there. I'm beginning to think that this is getting too serious. *sigh* Well, too late for changes now… I'm on the second to the last episode! Yay! ^_^ Well, just be ready for misplaced hilarity in this chapter. *grins*
Anyway… Ah! Next chapter! Next chapter! Weeeheee!!! *runs around the room with arms outstretched, trying to look like an airplane* Yeah! Oh, ummm, I think most of you know the movie "Harry Potter", right?
Disclaimer: Gawd. I'm in no mood for disclaimer dramas. Still… *bonks disclaimer boy in the head* There, that ought to stop him from pestering me for a while. *DB menacingly overshadows tesuka- chan* GULP. Gotta run! Don't own even my underwear! *whoosh!*
The Vampire Aoshi
By Tesuka- chan
The two stared at the huge marble doors blankly.
*tap tap*
*sigh*
"Hey Sano, be a dear and try it again."
"What? I've tried pushing that thing for one hundred times! I'm not superman!"
"Really?" *pout* "But I thought you are… I mean, you are THE superman in the bedroom…"
Silence.
"YOSH! I'll do it again!"
Push! *grunt grunt* Heave! *pant pant* Shove!
"AHHHH!!!"
*blagh!*
Kenshin sighed in exasperation. These two had been at it for about an hour now, and still the huge doors won't budge. He had tried his strongest attack, but the marble stones were just too thick, and with the look and feel of it, a spell was cast here, sealing the portal. He hadn't tried summoning up his supposedly 'powers,' and he didn't really want to. The first and last time he used it was when he killed Enishi… to save Kaoru. His heart momentarily constricted at the painful memory, but he shoved it away quickly. He has to concentrate. He looked at his watch. 12:00 midnight. Saitou will arrive just about now.
"How many idiots does it take to open a portal?"
Megumi whirled around, cinnamon eyes flashing. "We've been trying for a very long time! This is impossible… I'm not exactly Harry Potter here!"
Sano was bent over, his face perspiring. He waved his hand towards the inspector. "Yeah… whatever she said…" *pant pant*
The Mibu Wolf raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" His beady eyes settled on Kenshin, who was looking everywhere but at him. "Why don't you ask Battousai there?"
"Even Kenshin can't open that damned door!"
"Not unless…" Megumi started, turning partially towards the redhead. Well, he's got the red hair, small stature… her eyes widened with a sudden realization. Her hand fluttered to her red lips as she exclaimed, "You're a Weasley!"
Silence ensued.
"Ano… Megumi- san, I think you've watched too many movies."
"Heh, tell me about it. We've watched that damned Harry Potter movie five times yesterday."
"Ahhh… that explains it."
"Cut the crap. Kenshin, do it." Saitou commanded rather irritatingly. These morons are giving him a headache.
"Demo, I can't. I really don't know how to use – "
"Hey, it's our only chance… Shiro most probably hired witches to seal this thing. Do you want to save lives or not?" His temples were starting to throb erratically. At this rate, I'll have a heart attack before I even enter Nifleheim!
Kenshin's head was bent, his long bangs shielding his eyes and anything that might give away whatever he's thinking. Finally, he lifted his head, amber eyes flashing in determination, his whole body emitting a purple aura. Alright. I have no choice. He slowly approached the marble doors, and held out a hand, his right index finger barely touching the smooth surface. Release.
His amethyst aura clashed with red.
Megumi flung back, not being able to take the intense heat coming from the scene unfolding in front of her. The clashing of power created a blinding white light and scorching flames. The figure in the middle of it all was holding on, his hair like flames themselves, flowing around him, his eyes afire. For a moment, it seems like the red flames were engulfing Kenshin, the power proving too much to handle… but he prevailed. A last burst of power, and the red aura shattered.
The male witch staggered back, the pressure taking a toll on him. He slowly raised his purple eyes. It's open.
After a few seconds of awed silence, Saitou approached the smoldering slabs of marble. Everyone held his/ her breath as the wolf pushed the surface with the tip of his sword's sheath… it didn't budge. Frowning, he stepped back and tried to analyze what went wrong.
*Tap tap* I thought Kenshin's powers would be enough for it to be opened…
*sigh* He did told me about him killing Enishi with one small blow…
*cough* What the hell went wrong now?!
"AHERM!!!" Megumi 'coughed' out.
Saitou spared her a glance – more like a glare – and saw her pointedly looking at something in the middle of the door. He glanced at it, irked at what unimportant details the fox is pointing now when he's in the middle of thinking…
Oh, look. A handle.
He promptly reached for it and turned. The doors easily swung open, revealing a mirror-like portal with silvery images whirling around inside. It was truly open at last.
"So, tell me again, how many idiots does it take for a door handle to be turned?" Megumi spat out haughtily, her gaze laughing and smug. The inspector's eyes narrowed into slits. Give her a little more time and she'll be laughing like a female Santa Clause.
"OHOHOHOHO!!!"
What did I just say? He sighed and turned back, signaling to his men just a few meters behind them.
Sano completely missed the exchange, worrying as it is about Kenshin. "Hey man, you okay?"
"Yeah… I'm rejuvenating. Thanks, Sano." He stood up, albeit shakily.
"I never knew you were a witch. That was some power."
"I never knew too, before a certain incident." His face was stoic as he walked steadily towards the opening of the portal, while men were filing inside with different high- tech weapons and equipment, along with old- fashioned yet effective swords.
I'm back… Nifleheim.
Get up.
Aoshi's eyes fluttered open. That voice… He groggily stood up, his muscles aching, a couple of ribs shattered. He winced at the pain. Good thing his immune system is working up. He shook his head. What happened? He raised his eyes, green orbs resting on the spiral ceiling. I'm in the throne room. What am I doing here? He scanned the room, hazy eyes managing to see the little details around him. Then his eyes widened as it all came rushing back to him.
Misao is alive.
And Shiro has her on the palm of his hands.
His hands unconsciously formed into fists, and his teeth clenched tightly. His whole body was slightly trembling, not with fear, but with fierce hate and that feeling of betrayal. He looked around, finally seeing a couple in the side, the woman proud and spirited, beautiful in every sense. The man handsome, yet corrupted, the evil inside him making his soul rot. Aoshi felt a familiar pang flashed briefly inside him. Then it was gone, and his face was neutral… a mask, welcome in this game of deception.
Now, it's your turn Aoshi. You will die by my hands!
Misao spoke to him in her mind, her unexplained hate and terrible power reverberating inside her. She really didn't know where it was coming from… all she knows is that she hated HIM. She hated him with a passion, her whole body was brimming with it. She narrowed her eyes as she silently walked across the room towards HIM. A few meters away from the slumped figure, she stopped.
Her hand came up to her throat, fingers closing around a sphere, and tugged it harshly, breaking the delicate chain. She opened her palm, the tiny pendant floating and glinting. Her arms lifted, following the rising jewel… and called upon her power.
Thin wisps of shimmering amber encircled around the sun-like gem, working its power into it, shifting, dancing. And right before everyone who witnessed, gold light expanded. The stone had morphed into a sword.
Misao grasped the marble- like handle. She ran her delicate fingers over the amber blade, smooth, sharp, and deadly. She raised her sapphire eyes to Aoshi and smiled. No words were needed to express her fatal intention.
The tall man stood up proudly, a firm decision in his mind. "I will not fight you."
"You have no choice." The sword sang as she swung it towards him, aiming for his throat.
The vampire barely got away from the unexpected attack, partly because he was surprised and partly because a little fraction of his brain couldn't accept what he's seeing in front of him. He flung back, suddenly finding his kodachis in his hands. Damned my self-defense mechanism... his eyes narrowed. Whatever happens, I won't fight back. He held them hesitantly in front of him, in a defensive position.
Misao was stunned. The moment she stroke and almost beheaded the man, she had felt adrenaline run through her veins at the thought of him dying, but oddly, she had also felt a constricting pain shooting inside her. Wha- what is this? Her sword dangling on her left hand, She held her right hand towards her chest, trying to calm down the beating of her heart. Is it him? How can he hurt me without doing anything? I am a goddess… no one can hurt me that easily! Her eyes were wide with shock and pain.
Observing the Ch'nage in front of him, he had tried to think of ways of stopping this, without the both of them having to sacrifice themselves. Suddenly, he saw her falter, her eyes wide and panicked. Truly worried, he lowered his arms and started to approach her. "Misao! Are you okay?" He reached out, meaning to touch her, to comfort her.
She suddenly stepped back and swung the sword in front of him, halting his approach. "Don't touch me!" She spat out, still confused about what this man made her feel. "Don't ever touch me! I hate you!"
For a moment, intense grief flashed in those murky green orbs. Then it was gone. "We don't have to fight. I'll stay away… for the safety of both of us." He stated stiffly.
"That won't be enough. Fight me." Misao was panting, sweating. Stop it! I can't take anymore of this pain! Make it stop! Closing her eyes, she screamed a battle cry and attacked, thinking that if she killed him, the pain will go. She hit at him aggressively, blow after blow, which Aoshi silently blocked every time.
I can't keep this up any longer… her power's making her stronger, her blows quicker and deadly. He jumped back, just as she did. She was panting heavily now, her eyes crazed and pained. What did Shiro do to you? He quickly glanced at the side, seeing Shiro watching silently, sitting on the throne. His emerald eyes were narrowed, concentrated. The corner of his lips jerked up in a smirk. The bastard.
It was getting worse. She was sweating profusely, her whole body aching now. I can't hold this anymore… the pain… it's too much. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to calm down.
In order for the pain to go away, you must kill him.
Yes. He's the cause of all this.
He did this to you… now he must pay.
Cerulean eyes opened wide, an endless blue. Even her pupils were blue… a blue so deep that one can drown in it, and in its power. She was lost… she was completely at his mercy.
Blue- black hair flew around her head, an unknown wind blowing it away from her pale face. She slowly floated upwards, her aura dancing around her petite frame, until she hung suspended in mid-air. Her hands clasped the sword in a deadly grip. The voice that spoke was not hers – rather, it was a mixture of voices, both male and female, but all have one thing in common: it commands.
"YOU will die now, Aoshi Shinomori."
She lunged.
MISAO!! Aoshi wanted to scream, but he didn't. He knew at last… one look at Shiro's evil face told him everything. He had reversed Misao's love for him into hate… for there is only a thin line between love and hate after all. He braced himself for the blow. He's not going to back up now… now that he knows. He has to get to the real Misao somehow. I'm not about to give up now! He raised his kodachis in an X shaped defense, to block Misao's sword.
Misao swung hard over her head, disturbing the air around her, creating a whirlwind. A few feet before impact, she quickly moved the sword forward, grinding against Aoshi's defense, the small air vacuum that was created giving more impact and sending Aoshi sliding across the marble floors. The collision between the two was so strong, Aoshi felt that the kodachis might break. He twisted the silver twin swords, but to no avail –
The ice shattered in a million pieces under the force of the amber sword.
The vampire was once again flung across the room, slamming against the thick, black walls. A small trickle of blood ran down his cheeks, splashing silently to the floor.
Shiro smiled cynically and stood up.
The goddess hung momentarily on mid-air, the twinkling shards of the silver sword falling all around her like rain. Her feet softly touched the ground, and she started moving towards the unmoving figure. Suddenly, something wet touched her hand… she looked down, and stared at the drop of water. She raised her right hand to her cheek, and wiped a lone tear away. Why am I crying? I hate him, don't I? I should be happy… I should rejoice… but I'm not… why?
Finish him now, before he destroys us all.
Why?
"Mo- mochi balls…"
Misao's head snapped up, the hoarse voice catching her attention. But it's not the voice that rankled her being… it's the unusual words. "What?"
"Mochi balls." Aoshi opened his hazy silver- green eyes and looked at the beautiful woman in front of him. I may never see her again… the least I can do is to make her remember who she really is. "Those were your fa- favorite dessert." He hissed in pain at the effort. "You loved them above all, especially g- green tea."
The endless sapphire eyes flickered, a memory flashing in front of the confused woman.
Why those good-for-nothing assholes! Misao had fumed, I waited the whole night for them to open so I could buy my favorite Mochi balls, then they have the nerve to say it's out of stock!
She shook her head, suppressing the familiar craving and the rising doubt. "I don't know what you're talking about." Mochi balls… sweets… like ice cream…
What are you doing? Don't listen to him!
Sensing her hesitation, he continued, "And you're afraid of cockroaches. Remember the bathroom scene?" He coughed, covering his mouth with his fist. He looked down at his hand and saw blood. Heh, I guess I am dying after all… I'm too battered up, even my immune system's not working anymore. He leaned back, trying to control himself. He must make her remember.
Cockroaches? Are those… Misao's brows drew together in worry and disgust. Those little vermin that crawl on the floor, leaving germs and diseases… those icky stuff that flies around the room, pestering and just looks downright scary?!!! THOSE INSECTOIDS THAT MIGHT TAKE OVER THE WORLD!? Blue eyes widened at the flashbacks and memories, the moments where she attacked an insignificant small insect that was crawling near her food… and the bathroom scenario.
Misao ducked, narrowly avoiding the flying cockroach and faced the enemy. She narrowed her eyes with determination and faced the disgusting thing, which landed just by the opening of the bathroom door. She held the mop in front of her. One, two, three! She swung… just when the door opened and revealed a very concerned vampire… and hit Aoshi smack in the middle. She put too much force on the blow, toppled forward – forgetting all about the shower curtain wrapped about her small frame – and landed on the crumpled form on the tiled bathroom floor. The creature from the land of the sewers harmlessly flew out the door.
There's no time for reminiscing! KILL HIM NOW!
But it was too late. The woman's eyes widened as the memories came rushing back to her… her arrival in Nifleheim, the king- sama, the incident in the rose garden, the uprising, the forbidden forest, the declaration of love… Aoshi. She suddenly snapped out of her reverie and grasped that realization. I loved… Aoshi.
The pain inside ebbed away.
She stared in wonder at the man in front of her. The man who was called Aoshi. The man she loved… and still loves.
"A- aoshi?" Her voice sounded shocked, confused.
The vampire tried to smile, but winced at the effort. "Misao… welcome back." He quietly said to her. Then everything was hazy… the pictures blurred, the pain was too much. He slowly closed his eyes. I want to rest now…
Misao let the tears fall, falling down on her knees beside him, the sound of the clanking of her sword not heard. She gently held his head, trying to wipe away the blood. He was so pale… "Aoshi… n-no! This can't be happening now… not now…" She sobbed. "I'm such an ass! I'm so sorry… AOSHI!"
He looked up at her, one last look.
This time, the blue drowned into silver green, the both of them falling… falling in love again.
She leaned closer, cupping his face into her trembling hands. "I love you so much, Aoshi…" Tears made her vision blurry. "Don't leave me, please…"
"I love you too Misao, with all my heart." He leaned forward, sealing her sweet lips with his.
The woman shuddered as she closed her big blue eyes and gave into the sensation. Her hands came up to his neck, playing with the long strand of his hair. She willingly opened her mouth under him, making the kiss deeper. He groaned at her response and held her closer, their bodies molding together perfectly. Their love for each was inflamed, so intense, so beautiful… that the whole world exploded.
Unbeknownst to them, Shiro had stalked towards them, shaking in rage. After all his planning… after all that he has done… that son of a bitch ruined it all! He held out his hand, a ball of power growing in his hand, all his anger and hate placed on it. They cannot play with me like this. It is time that I put matters in my own hands. He raised his hand, drawing back his arm, the ball of fire menacing and deadly…
And felt a pain so intense that he staggered backwards, and fell on his back. What the hell happened?! He looked up… and saw amber eyes laced with amethyst staring right back at him. Cold. Unfeeling. His hand holding a sharp wooden sword, ready to thrust it in Shiro's heart. "Die."
Shiro laughed harshly. "Too late." And he released the fire ball.
Kenshin drew back, surprised and alarmed.
No… Misao and Aoshi… it's heading right towards them!
A/n: MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I am evil indeed. Maybe I should change my name to mistress Devil! MWAHAHAHA! ^_^
Okay, here's the deal. I was wasn't really planning on cutting it there… but I can't help it. Wehehehe. And I figured, Hey, if I didn't cut it here, then all the action will be over, and then what's left with the last chapter? It would be too short! I mean, if it turns out longer than I expected, well, I can always add another chapter, right? RIGHT? ^-^ *cackles evilly*
Thanks everyone for your undying support! ^_^
Neko: Yeah, I visited your fiction. Not bad… Though that site sort of conduses me. *scratches head* Well, thanks for reviewing!
Kitiara: Me? Mistress? Awww, shuiks, you're too kind. *grins* Actually, I have read Anne Rice but only some of her books. I stareted to read Cry to Heaven but… ahhh… it became too much for me. ~_~' But yeah, Louis is okay. ;P
Argentum Draco: Sorry for the late update! We have Shakespeare festival and I sort of got busy… grrr. And I lost inspiration in the middle of it soo… gomen! Thanks for reviewing!
Cko: *sweatdrop* I hope the house you thrashed wasn't mine. *looks around* it's thrashed enough already! Wehehehe… well, I hope you feel better after this chapter! Or not. (Oh yeah, I can't believe you read it again!!! O.o)
Noa: Don't worry! If you noticed, I sort of put more humor in this thing. The angst became to heavy for me too handle! *ech* Well… I loved your other fic! Hope you keep writing too! ^_^
Luli451: Well, thanks! I really am flattered! *fluttered to the ground* (okay, that was corny, and you probably didn't get it anyway ;P) hope you keep reading! And yeah, more humor is good!
The *Spangled* Pandemonium: Wow. You actually think that chapter was good? I thought it sucked! (I have low self- esteem *smirk*) Really, I wasn't in the mood much when I wrote it. Thanks! So glad you liked it! ^_^
Innocent Dreamer: Ahhh… Kenshin really didn't fit in there. Hehehe. You wanted me to insert him in and say 'oro' in the middle of the fight? *tries to imagine it but dies laughing* That'll be too weird. Hehehe.
Kmye- chan: Thanks so much! My ideas just sort of go *whoosh* in my head. My weirdness is the fuel of it all! *mwahahaha!*
Yuki: Ahh… hope this chapter answered your questions! Hehehe… but I do believe I have one last surprise on the next chapter. *laughs evilly*
Selph: Thanks for reading! Glad you liked the plot… I am kind of twisted.
Nekonomiko: Don't worry about Misao… she'll be the usual genki we all love! Wahehehe! Oh, can I ask you one thing? What's the literal, specific meaning of genki? I just sort of had an idea that it means optimistic, happy, blah blah… but I'm not quite sure.
Nee: well, glad you loved it! I love it too! *hugs fic until it choked* Maa maa…
A. Pikachu: Ahhhh. Shiro does that because he's evil (like me), wants power (like me), and he's deprived of love (like me)! Oh look. We have lots of similar traits! *grins like a fool*
Chibi Angel: It's not yet the end! Obviously. I don't like mean endings, so don't worry about it. ^_^ Thanks for reading!
Makimachi Misao (FDSS): Hallo! Glad you still continue supporting my fic! *waii!* Anyway, I'm really sorry if I don't get to reply your e-mails… I really couldn't understand them. *facefault* Gomen! But thanks all the same! *grins*
JadOo: Wehehehe… you're such a meanie towards Kaoru. ;P Anyway, well, Misao's acting weird (I know, I know, she wouldn't really say 'my love' but I can't think of anything else! I was brainwashed too!) because she was brainwashed by Shiro. Evil Evil.
NatsuNoAme: Well… I'm not sure about that grand finale thing. I might put something… well… distinctly ME. If you look back at my other chappies, I'm mean. Sure, I'll put a nice ending where people are happy but… not all. ^_^
Raven Pendent: Wow, I never realized that people would still be starting to read this fic even if it already has 24 chaps! Thanks so much! ^_^ Hope you keep reading!
Prudence- chan: Hehehe… I hope this chapter satisfied you bloodlust. *rubs hands together* It's kind of a weird chap, but hey, you're the modernist! And I'm the symbolic eccentric author. *grins*
Phew! Well, that was long! Thanks minna-san so much for your support! Oh, by the way, do you want the next chapter to be a songfic? I wanted to put "I'm Still Here" by Googoo dolls. (of course!) Which is actually from the movie 'Treasure planet'. I fell in love with it the moment I first heard it! Wahahaha! Still, I'm having this internal debate if I'm going to put it or not. So I'm open to any ideas!
Well, please read and review! Ja! ^_^