Preview notes: Yes! I'm finally back on track with my fic. *waves merrily* Sorry people if I've been gone for so long. It's a really, really long story. I've had the most dreaded WB (writer's block) and then school came and there were so many requirements for me to finish. I just came from my exams and now that I'm free, I can get typing. ^-^;; This is going to be a lot of shifts from Tokiya's POV to Fuuko's. I've labeled them anyway so you would get lost.
I've also noticed a few vampire fics popping up. Just in case any of you might be thinking that I've copied ideas or whatsoever, please check the date when this fic was published.
Disclaimer: I don't own Flame of Recca or any of the characters. I'm merely using them for my own pleasure. Please don't sue me. Thanks.
Chapter 2: Confusion
(Fuuko's POV)
First thing that would actually register into my head would be a headache. Yes, nothing but a full blast of tingles and sharp aches from all over my temples. Although my back was rested on this really nice and soft pillow of sorts, it would not make up for the waves pushing through my brain. I groaned, unable to suppress myself and tried to bring my eyes into focus. What the hell happened to me? The last thing I knew was that...
Wait a minute, what was the last thing I did? Suddenly, I can't remember. I tried pushing through the corners of my head. I knew I did something, I just couldn't figure what. Another set of throbs attacked my head and I gave up, trying to recall whatever it was.
"Ugh," I mumbled, struggling to sit up. "Talk about hang-overs..."
"I suggest you lie back for a while, since you still look unstable." A voice cut through the room.
And I saw him. Silver locks on pale flesh. Ice blue eyes with a matching smile---no, smirk. Who is this man? I'm trying to rack my head here for information...but I don't seem to have any memories of this person standing in front of me.
That's strange, I said to myself. I've felt as if I've met this person, and that we've had something. But why is it that I can't remember? Either that or my mind's playing tricks on me again. Another fresh wave of pain struck me and I had to choice but to lean back on the headrest and close my eyes. I felt a smooth palm caress my cheeks slowly, his forehead creasing with concern. I couldn't react, nor say anything. God, he had something in him that held me.
He spoke after a few seconds. "It seems that you aren't well yet. Wait here Fuuko, and I'll be back with something." He told me, and left the room.
I swear to heaven that I've met that man before. Aaargh, what was I doing there, lying back and letting that stranger --- wait, guy touch my cheek? Then again, he didn't seem to mean any harm. I've heard a friend of Yanagi's talk about auras before. I'm not really sure if I have one, but that guy certainly had it. I mean, if it held me, the queen of bigmouths silent then that must have meant something.
What is going on here? Suddenly, I don't think I'm feeling that good at all.
(Tokiya's POV)
I smiled to myself. It looked like everything was working fine right now. I had the girl, who was completely clueless and still drugged, and soon I would have her grandmother's head hanging on my wall for display. She didn't seem to react at the sight of me. I don't think she even remembered what happened the previous night. It was a good thing I was still able to put that spell on her and get away from that party unnoticed. However, other thoughts bother me...
I would not be one to deny the fact that this young girl is pretty and attractive, yet while I spent my time looking for her last night, I saw a fresh face, which struck an uncanny resemblance to my sister. Long brown hair, soft brown eyes and that gentle smile tempted me to walk over and ask if she was really my neechan, whom I miss so much.
"Master..."
And once again, I thought to myself, this moron interrupts my silent brooding.
"What?" I snapped.
"I...I was just wondering if everything is alright...with the girl..."
The grim line formed into a smirk on my mouth as I mixed a small pack of tea into hot water. "It's going well, my slave. I'm impressed that you even manifest thoughts of concern about the Kirisawa girl."
"What did you do with her?"
I placed the steaming cup on a tray together with some biscuits. "I erased a few parts of her memory." I answered blankly, handing the tray over to him. "And that will be all for now. Give this and tell her that it will make her feel better. If she asks any questions, don't bother to answer. Are we clear on this?" I looked straight into his gray eyes.
"Yes, master."
"Good." I said, rising to go upstairs. "I shall be in the study if anything goes wrong."
I heard him take the tray when I remembered something.
"Oh, and Fujimaru?"
"Master?"
I faced him once more and made sure that my eyes bore into his. "Don't touch her or trouble her, do you hear? If I see anything silly going on, your mere existence on this ground will vanish but not before I torture you slowly. This is something I've waited for years and I don't want to see your hand on that girl. I have...other matters to finish."
"Y...yes master."
I gave him one last look and swept upstairs to my room. Honestly, I don't know what to do with that girl yet. It doesn't seem to be the best time to lure the slayer in here. I arrived at my personal quarters and settled into my chair. Maybe it would do well to the slayer to give her a few weeks of mourning for the lost of her precious gem. And while that's happening...
I shall get to know this doll sleeping in my sister's room.
(Fuuko's POV)
Here I am, thinking sullenly to myself when I hear the door open. This really ugly looking man (ironic since I had someone who looked like he came out from a painting a while ago) comes up to me and offers me a tray filled with stuff that actually looks like food. That's nice because it's what my stomach has been calling for since the time I woke up which was 15 minutes ago.
"And you are?" I asked.
He gave me this funny look and bowed. "This is food prepared by my master for you. Eat and it will make you feel better. If you shall be requiring anything, mistress Fuuko, all you have to do is call for me. I am Fujimaru, servant of this castle."
What? I'm in a castle?
"Hold on," I spoke up, making him stop in his tracks as he was about to get out of the room. "Where am I? Why is it that I can't remember anything? I want to know what happened to me. And who is that good-looking guy with the silver hair?" Suddenly, a flood of questions came up to my mouth and I shot them all at him. I still needed my answers.
"All that you asked shall remain unanswered for it is not in my place to reply with the keys. But I can give you this," he said, giving me this very weird look which was starting to creep me out. "The man with silver hair and pale blue eyes is my master. And he is no ordinary man." He finished, a smile tugging at the corners of his deformed mouth. "I shall be leaving now for he will talk to you later."
He left and after a few seconds, I was alone again.
"Damnit," I muttered, reaching over for the tray. "Everything's plain weird around here." I bit into the biscuits, and was surprised to find them quite tasty. People in the mansion never cook me things like this. All I get is those yucky salads, fancy fish with no substance and not a trace of meat around! Mother and Grandmother love that ridiculous diet that the old chef prepares for them. I usually have to sneak into the pantries to find something edible.
And speaking of Mother and Grandmother...I'm starting to miss them. Where are they and where am I? I can't make much of my surroundings right now since all I see is a really big and tall window overlooking a great garden. The room that I'm in is covered with silk and the bed I'm occupying has velvet cushions. Well, wherever I am, it must be a pretty rich place.
I'm really trying hard to remember, but I can't. There's like this block at the back of my head preventing me to reach out for that distant place. It's vague and all, but all I recall is me dancing with a very tall person. That's about it and this very, very faint memory of warm lips pressing against mine. Other than that, I can't figure out anymore.
I sighed, frustrated at myself. "Aaargh, and who is that silver haired guy?"
"I take it that you mean me." A voice cut in, startling me and nearly causing my body to leap off the bed. It was he, standing at the edge with what seemed like a smile of amusement painted all over his pale face. Blue eyes stared at me, searchingly and it made me tingle all over. I forced myself to relax and I began to settle back as the headache persisted. (How could I forget?)
"Yes, I mean you." I replied as calmly as possible.
"You can't try to hide the pain that goes through your head." He said quietly, voicing out my thoughts. "I thought I sent my servant to bring you the tea and food."
I ate the pastries but I didn't touch that glass filled with murky brown stuff.
His eyes left mine and flickered over to the substance I didn't want to take in. "That is good for you Fuuko. Drink it and your headache will disappear."
"How do you know my name?" I blurted out. "Where am I? What am I doing here? Where are my grandmother and my mom? Who are you and why am I in this place?"
He waved his hand at me and I stopped talking. Immediately.
"You're in a hurry." He stated, coolly. "Don't worry, all of your questions will be answered in due time. I'm asking you to be patient, Kirisawa-san."
Why was I suddenly compelled to answer yes?
"In the meantime," he continued, "it is an honor for me to have you as my guest in my home."
(Tokiya's POV)
She was starting to worry me. She had barely touched the food Fujimaru had set for her at noon and now she was playing with the salad in front of her. I leaned over and rested my chin over my fingers. My elbows remained at place on the surface as I continued to stare at her. Had humans evolved that fast? The last time I was alive, everyone still ate normally 3 times a day.
"You have not taken a mere spoonful of your meal, Fuuko-san. Is there something wrong?" I asked.
She shook her head. "No. I'm just not that hungry." She looked up at me and gave a half-smile.
"I refuse to believe that." I replied, leaning back and flexing my fingers.
"I also refuse to believe that I'm just sitting here, with a complete stranger who doesn't want to entertain my questions!" she exclaimed, setting down her fork. "Why won't you tell me what's happening? I want my grandmother and my mom to know where I am. For all you know, they might be worried sick about me and with a grandmother like that, she'll have those creepy soldiers searching for me everywhere."
I sent her another wave of amnesia and she fell quiet. Just as I suspected...she had the instincts of the slayer. I removed all present memories of her family and efficiently blocked all of the curiosity from prodding. It wouldn't do any good to erase just half. She wasn't as weak as I assumed.
Interesting.
"This tastes really good. Aren't you eating...mister?" she asked me.
Success. I got her to touch the food. "I'm so sorry. It's been awfully rude of me to not introduce myself. I'm Tokiya Mikagami. I've already taken my share, Fuuko-san. You don't have to worry about me."
Yes. My share of blood, that is. I don't normally drink from humans unless I have to. Neechan and I never wanted to live that kind of lifestyle. Instead, we relied on animal blood. It wasn't as bad as trying to steal a person and it tasted just the same. It also gave me enough strength. We decided never to inflict that kind of punishment on any innocent person anymore. It was hard enough that we were infected against our own will...and I made a pact never to damage anyone below 30.
There's always an exception of course. I'm going to bend that rule once I have that murderer in my grasp.
"I'm tired." Fuuko yawned, interrupting me and stood up. "Is it okay with you if I go to bed already?"
I stood up and gestured to the stairs leading to the chambers upstairs. "I'll take you to your room, then."
"Thank you." She smiled.
I wonder what it is I did to her but it seems too boring. I'd rather much prefer the curious and demanding person I had in front of me a few minutes ago. But it would be much too risky to have her with a complete set of memories. I suppose I have to put up with this one for the moment. We could start getting to know one another in the morning.
(Fuuko's POV)
Well, that was weird. Having dinner with Tokiya who was too indifferent for my place was kind of disturbing. The food was good, but everything else was scary. He was sitting so still and hardly a muscle twitched in him. And the way he stared at me made me so uncomfortable. I forced myself to eat fast. I was afraid that I would freeze under that gaze of his.
This place was interesting, though. As we were walking up the stairs, I saw a lot of rooms for me to peek through. I wonder if he'd let me wander around tomorrow morning?
I sighed, relaxing against the tub. My body had been screaming for a bath since this morning. Hot water was refreshing and it helped untangle the knots in my back, my shoulders. Maybe he was just tired or having a bad mood. I don't know much about it, but I'd like to get to know each other. He seems so lonely, sad and yet some kind of anger is hidden within that set of baby blues, waiting to be unleashed.
Enough silly thoughts, Fuuko. I stood up and got into the bathrobe, lying conveniently on the chair with a few towels. I stared into the mirror, while drying my hair. I fingered the purple locks quickly, shaking off the drops of water that were on them. Then again, maybe I could go up and talk to him? What if he's asleep? Do I wake him up or something? There I go one more time. He was probably resting by now.
I don't think I mentioned the part that he was absolutely stunning and drop dead gorgeous. I bet that if he smiled a little more instead of that passive look he usually has, then it would raise the rating to a perfect 10/10. I grinned lopsidedly and walked back to the bedroom.
I nearly jumped in surprise.
That guy, Fujimaru (was that his name?) was there, staring at me fixatedly. Beady black eyes were running up and down.
"Is there anything going on?" I asked.
He didn't reply, but continued looking at me like...
A hungry wolf.
I think this means trouble. "Fujimaru-san?" I asked again in my calmest voice. I remembered that I was still dripping wet, with only a bathrobe on, and this man here looked ready to devour me. The thought wasn't pleasant, but I was almost sure that his motives were so.
"It's been too long..." he whispered throatily and moved forward.
I stepped back. "So long since when?" I gulped nervously.
"So long since I had a woman in my arms..." and he lunged towards me, pushing my body against the floor. "That fool Mikagami told me not to touch you but I can't help it. He's being unfair, keeping you all to himself...all to himself. He promised to let me have you...and I want you now..."
"Get off me! Get your hands off me, you idiot!" I yelled, kicking him back.
He kept his mouth shut now but his eyes gleamed with malice and continued pinning me down. I'm in trouble. If I don't do something, I'll end up getting salvaged and probably killed. But could fighting do any use?! The more I struggle to kick or punch him, the more I expose my body to the perverted moron! But what the hell am I going to do now?
Now or never. I gave him my hardest punch.
He staggered backwards under the impact but surprisingly went forward and pinned me down, harder.
"That was nothing. The fun's just about to start..." he hissed.
Kami-sama, I thought frantically. Help me do something about this!
(Tokiya's POV)
"Neechan, what's happening?"
"Shh...stay still, Tokiya."
"Neechan, I'm scared. I'm really scared. It's too dark."
"No, Tokiya. You must be brave. Neechan will be here to save you."
"She's coming neechan!!!"
"Tokiya, watch out!"
"NEECHAN!!!"
My own source of light left me. Stabbed in the heart by that witch who stormed into our home. She had no business with us. We didn't do anything to her. She just came in and rushed to my sister. My sweet, innocent and caring sister. She took away the only comfort I had in this world.
"Tokiya?"
"Neechan! I'm here. I'm here. Oh no...you're bleeding!"
"That's okay, darling."
"Neechan..."
"Remember out pact Tokiya?"
"Y...yes."
"Do you promise not to break it?"
"Yes..."
"Tokiya, I'm so sorry that this had to happen. You didn't deserve this. You should be an ordinary teenager by now. You're young and you're stuck in this shell. It shouldn't be like this..."
"No, it's okay, neechan. As long as you are with me, I don't care! I'm fine with this, I'm okay. I don't mind since you're here to keep me company."
"But Tokiya, listen carefully. Neechan won't always be here to protect you."
"What do you mean?! We're immortal already. How can you die? How can you leave? These wound will heal after a few hours. We can regenerate, remember?!"
"Tokiya, listen to me..."
"No neechan, you're going to survive. We'll get through this!"
"Tokiya, listen!"
"..."
"What that woman did...she drove a stake through me. That wasn't just an ordinary stake. It was meant to kill us. Our kind. I can feel my blood shutting off already, Tokiya. I won't be here for long..."
"Stop talking like that."
"It's the truth. You can't run away from the truth."
"This is not real! You are going to get well and we will continue with our lives."
"No, Tokiya. It doesn't go that way."
"And why not?!"
"Because...because..."
"...neechan?"
"I'm sorry Tokiya. I'm sorry..."
"Neechan, stop talking, you'll lose energy!"
"...sorry that I couldn't protect you from the bite. You wouldn't be suffering..."
I can still remember that man. Hungry, literally bloodthirsty. Attacking my sister first and then me. He didn't drink long enough to kill us, but it did change everything in our body. We became vampires. Creatures of the night. The undead. It all started with him. We were stuck in our bodies then. I was 16 years old and Mifuyu was 23.
We weren't the only ones. There were a lot of us, I found out later. In Hokkaido, Tokyo...almost all over Japan, and I'm willing to bet, all over the world. However, only a few of us remained civil and kept our human ways. The rest were beastly. Seducing their victims, sleeping with them and that's when they sink their fangs into the victims necks, drawing out warm blood to satisfy their thirst. I watched from the darkness with my sister, horrified at what we had become.
But it was okay. Everything was fine. As long as I had her.
Until that fateful day when Akiko Kirisawa showed up at our door, and stabbed my sister who tried to shield me. I can't ever erase the nightmare from my mind. My beautiful sister, lying on her own pool of blood, my hand clutching hers tight. She wouldn't stop bleeding. I couldn't do anything.
It was horrible.
"...neechan."
"I love you."
"..."
"..."
"Neechan?"
"Neechan?!"
"NEECHAN!!!"
Every time I go into slumber, I have the same visions. Screams. Blood. Stakes.
I'm sorry neechan. I wasn't strong enough to protect you.
"Help! Anybody help!"
"Help us! My sister's dying!!"
"Anyone, please!!!"
"Don't die, neechan!"
"Someone, HELP!!!"
"SOMEONE HELP ME!!!" A shrill scream tore through my mind, loud enough to cut me from my thoughts. I stood up and turned around sharply. That last yell was not part of my meditation. Definitely not part of it. And if I'm not mistaken, it sounded a lot like Fuuko's.
"HELP ME!!!"
I heard cackles and an evil laugh. My eyes narrowed.
That bastard.
I got there as quick as I could and blasted the door open.
Fujimaru was on top of Fuuko, on the bed and was about to...
(Fuuko's POV)
My eyes shot wide open when I heard the door break into a thousand pieces. Fujimaru had turned to the doorway and we both saw Tokiya standing there, with his hand raised. I was even more scared now. His eyes were so cold but looked like they were on fire. Fujimaru jumped off me and stood cowering before his master. I crawled back into the shadows, pulling the robe tighter against me.
"M...m...master..."
"I don't tolerate such beastly behavior."
"But...but..."
"Hold your mouth." He said, slowly. Coldly.
And Fujimaru could do nothing but stare at him, palms clenched in fear and knees literally shaking.
"What did I say, Fujimaru? Did I not warn you of what's going to happen when you do something as stupid and as crazy as this?" Tokiya asked, stepping forward. "I thought we had it clear. You lay off her and you live. Now that it's broken..." his voice lowered into a slight growl as one pale hand wrapped itself around Fujimaru's cheek and tightened.
The poor guy struggled and choked, but I don't think Tokiya heard him plea throatily for his life.
"You die, Fujimaru."
"Wait!"
(Tokiya's POV)
"Wait!" Fuuko interrupted, walking towards me. "Don't harm him."
"Don't tell me what I should/should not do." I answered blankly, tightening my hold on the imbecile's neck. "I thought you asked for help. This is what you get." I returned.
She placed her hand on my arm. "No." she said, her dark blue eyes looking up at mine. "I'm okay. I'm not even scratched. I can't stand seeing people die." She explained, her head bowing. "Please don't kill him. Not here. Not in front of me."
I stared at her for a few seconds, not believing what she was saying. But since she looked so sad...
"Tokiya, promise me never ever to kill someone, even when you're dying of thirst...okay?"
"But neechan..."
"Please, don't make me sad. I don't like seeing people get killed."
"I...I won't neechan."
I let him drop to the floor.
"Oh...thank you master, thank you..."
"Shut up." I directed at him with a wave of my hand. "I don't have use for you anymore."
And just as I expected, he repeated. "You don't have use for me anymore."
"Right. Go away."
So he did as I told him. I watched him leave quietly. When I could not feel his presence anymore, I turned to Fuuko and scanned her body for bruises. I was glad there were none. It seemed that she was able to hold him off, but not for too long. He was still stronger than her, although this is the second time this Kirisawa managed to impress me. Not bad.
"What are you...?" she whispered.
I gave her one last look and turned my back on her. I don't think I'm supposed to answer that.
A/N: Oookay, that's one chapter down. I don't know how many more to go. To tell you guys the truth, I don't even know what I'm going to do for the next chapter. ^^;; But anyway, I hope this chapter is okay. I think I've lost more than half of my juices, thus hindering me from writing the fic that everyone's expecting. *sigh* But please, don't forget to review. Also, if you guys still have questions, don't hesitate to ask or email me at blackballoon@subdimension.com I'm not sure whether I should still make the two fall in love...heehee. Seems like a really tough task, eh. ^^ Tsaka medyo mahirap nga ang buhay ngayon... So please bear with me. I'm a suffering highschool student working under pressure.
Ja then! Til the next installment...