Crossover between RK & Highlander

8th chapter

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There was the day: the sixth of November. After all the years as spy and jobs of the sorts, Aoshi still felt that nervousness before action, as if he were merely a school boy. He had spent his day running over some papers his team had gathered for him and getting ready for the big event, until someone rang the door bell. Shirai, as expected, quickly went to open it and after a while Aoshi heard the door close and the butler crossing the hall.

"Who was that, Shirai?" Asked Aoshi, when the old man entered the living room where he was now reading.

"A young man, sir, dropping a packet from Armando-san. Where would I put it, sir?" He asked with his dignified look. Aoshi managed to control his raging curiosity and didn't peek inside the lilac box.

"Give it to Misao. It's for her." He answered and continued reading.

"Hai, sir." Shirai moved to step out of the room, but Aoshi's voice soon stopped him.

"Wait, Shirai, first follow me into my workroom. I have something I wish you to give her too." Said Aoshi, rising from his chair and crossing the living room and the hall, into his office. Shirai followed close behind, but when Aoshi moved to open his combination safe he moved a little far away and dropped his eyes on the window, respecting Aoshi's privacy. Out of that safe came a big jewel box of blue velvet that Aoshi opened. Inside laid a necklace that his father had offered his mother, upon the day of their betrothal, made of diamonds and sapphires. Apparently, while on a trip to Europe, Aoshi's father had remembered his mother's eyes while looking at that necklace. It was one of the last remains Aoshi had of his parents and he was more than honored to share it with Misao. He then proceeded taking another two boxes like the first one. Aoshi had long ago ordered a job based on the necklace, to get a pair of earrings and a bracelet to go along with it.

Combining those jewels with Misao's eyes would be absolutely explosive! Everyone in the room would stop and stare at that beauty. Aoshi grabbed the three boxes, placed them on top of Armando's box and Shirai was gone soon after.

It was five o'clock in the afternoon, they had to be there by eight and so Misao had, more or less, two hours to get ready. On the other hand, Aoshi got ready very quickly. He had himself a shower, dressed his tuxedo, and managed not to ruin the bow and, after only forty-five minutes, he was the eligible bachelor that the girls couldn't help but fuss over.

At first he had been astonished that, inside the Immortals group, there were still the high and low class and that women still spent their entire eternity trying to catch a rich man to support them and their shopping habits. Aoshi didn't go to many of those parties, considering very few knew what he was, but had already had a meeting or two with some of those women. So no wonder Aoshi felt like a crumb thrown at a group of hungry birds every time he was invited to one of those parties. But he trusted that with Misao everything would be different! She would get the picture clear to them: he WASN'T a free man.

After having thought that Aoshi froze. Was he declaring himself taken? Had her charms already taken him? He had to admit he had already been a goner when they had meet again. After one spent years pursuing someone like Misao, it was hard not to fall in love with her, and if one knew her personally… Yes, he was NOT a free man, anymore. Now it was up to him to drive that point clear to her.

After he was finished he walked out of his room and decided to wait for her down stairs, in the living room. That way she would surely make an impression once she descended those stairs. He sat in a chair, drinking a glass of wine, when the phone rang.

"Yes?"

"Boss, it's Monty here. Hope you and your lady friend aren't planning on taking long. I'm here next to where you're going to crash and the guests are getting here as we speak. I've already talked to Sarah and they are getting there, with the limousine, in about five minutes." A powerful voice said. Monty was an old Immortal that worked with Aoshi for a long time. He was a great sword fighter, not as good as Aoshi, but pretty damn near.

"Very well, Monty. She isn't ready yet, but I trust she'll make her appearance very soon."

"Good luck, Boss."

Just as Aoshi hung up, he heard steps on the top floor. He walked to the end of the stairs and waited for her. And even if he had had to wait hours, it would have been worth it. Misao finally appeared dressed in a black gown. The right shoulder was left uncovered, while the left one was completely covered with the same black velvet that fell down her entire body, that hugged her legs so well. Part of the dress's back came to rest on her left arm and she had a huge slit near her right leg. Her hair was in a tight, large bun on her nape, with two locks of black, shiny hair framing her beautiful face. She wore only a little of dark-blue eye-shadow and a very light chocolate lipstick (it's a great color! It goes well with my skin color, but Misao has very white skin, ne? Well, you suggest something.). And she had placed the necklace! Aoshi had never had the chance to see his mother wearing it, but he was certain she had never looked as breathtaking as Misao looked now. It covered her entire neck with shining blue and white; just perfect for her! The earrings were also in place, as well as the bracelet, that rested on the upper right arm.

When she reached his side, she smiled at him and twirled just for him. The dress what completely backless! And it all rested so well over the small of her back! Once she saw the look on his face, Misao couldn't help but laugh.

"You really outdid yourself, Aoshi. This is one beautiful dress, ne?" She asked him.

"Hai… beautiful." Answered Aoshi, looking her over. She presented him her gloved hands, with a long sword in them. "Wha…?"

"Where do you propose I put this, Aoshi?" She asked. It was clear to him now that that was her sword. Actually, it was a very nice katana, with a very big hilt where lay a large sapphire. Aoshi knew that it had been a present from Adrien, her mentor.

"I'm taking my black trench coat, I'll carry it alongside mine."

Shirai crossed the hall and informed them that the limousine was already waiting for them outside. They put on their coats and walked outside. Aoshi didn't know very well what to expect, when his team meet Misao. Outside the limo, in a very nice looking tux, holding the door open for them, stood Antonio, an Italian who generally worked undercover, considering he made very good use of his good looks and easy going personality. Aoshi helped Misao inside the car, but didn't miss the approving looks she was receiving from Antonio.

"Don't even think about it, Antonio." Aoshi warned, with a smirk that Antonio understood clearly.

"I wouldn't dream of it, Boss." He replied, closing the door. Inside the limo were two people: Sarah and Kayton. Sarah was a tall, blond woman from Dublin… well, 18th century Dublin. Kayton was a Jamaican, with long dreadlocks and a nose ring. Both of them looked at Misao with interest, waiting for an introduction.

"Well, minna, this is Misao. Misao, this is Sarah and Kayton." Misao smiled at them, and the both of them started getting them a couple of earplugs. The trip there wasn't that much long, so they got there in twenty minutes.

The party was being held in a huge mansion, inside a state. The road there was all illuminated, once inside the state, with paper lamps of various colors. Big yellow lights illuminated the mansion itself and they could see cars and guest arriving before them. Aoshi felt Misao's hands grasp his and, when he looked at her, she smiled nervously at him. No one would have pegged her for a court lady. He realized he absolutely loved the little girl attitude inside her. It made her so dear to him!

When the car stopped in front of the main door, Antonio stepped out of the car and opened them the door. When Aoshi got out he looked around himself, while offering his arm to Misao.

"I swear, they could've placed a little nicer floor." A woman whined about the gravel path to the house. "With high hells is absolutely awful to walk."

Aoshi looked at Misao's feet. Well, she must've been uncomfortable too; she was wearing very high hells, more or less 7 inches high. But she pulled him a bit to get inside and he followed her. At the entrance hall, two manservants took their coats and showed them to the main room. The room was richly decorated, with national themes and the lighting was artistically done by torches and everything had an air of medieval to it. At the entrance stood a man and a woman greeting the guest. It was actually quite a stupid show, since most of the guests were complete strangers to the hosts. The lady was wearing a complicated kimono and even had her face painted in the traditional way, while her husband used a man's kimono with dark colors. Aoshi didn't know if he had chose well his attire. Was this a mask party?

"Are you sure we're not the only ones to dress like this, Aoshi?" Asked Misao, speaking out his thoughts. When their time came for the greetings, Aoshi bowed and introduced himself and Misao.

"Oh, welcome Shinomori-san. When me and my husband decided to do this party to celebrate our comeback, we were told not to leave you out." Said Heiji, while smiling and looking at him up and down. On the other hand, Kurisumi, her husband, wouldn't take his eyes off of Misao, who was beginning to squirm under such scrutiny.

"I see you've got yourself a little lady friend, Shinomori. Don't believe I've ever heard your name before, Makimachi-dono." Said Kurisumi, smiling at the both of them as if implying that they had just made something naughty in the car before going to the party. It was a 'You must fuck her brainless, man' look, that Aoshi didn't think Misao would appreciate. [A.N: You know the look I mean, don't you? The 'nice peace of ass, mate' look. Argh…]

"I've just return to Japan, much like yourselves. I've been in Europe most of the time." Answered Misao, with a forced smile. They bowed again to their hosts and made their way to the room. "I could feel my arm rising to hit him. Pervert."

"Well, he was rude, but he…"

"He what?" Asked Misao, thinking he was going to defend their host.

"He does have good taste." Aoshi said, smiling at her. But Misao didn't catch the meaning of the complement or decided not to.

"You mean, you find Heiji attractive?" She asked, while taking a flute of champagne.

"Err… no, not quite." Answered Aoshi, looking at their hostess. She had cold black eyes and a smile that spoke contempt in volumes. NO, she was definitely not attractive.

"Well, whatever." She finished their conversation. "So, now we look for those guys you found of interest and see what happens, ne?" Aoshi nodded and they walked a little to the center of the room. A huge band was playing and a guy in a tux with white jacket was singing a Paul Simon's song. Some people were dancing, but most of them were talking with each other. Actually hadn't the room been that big, everybody would have asphyxiated, considering the room was completely packed! And in the middle of all that, stood a glorious Misao, sipping her champagne and looking around. As if she had felt his eyes on her, hers turned to him and looked him up and down.

"You look really nice tonight, Aoshi. If I didn't know you better, I would think you were trying to catch a woman tonight." Just after the words had left her mouth, Misao already regretted them. Why did she have to go and step on the flesh wound? What did she want? Him sticking another refusal in her face? Get over it, Misao!, she told herself. Aoshi looked at her, then looked at the room around him.

"The only one worth being caught is with me already, so I won't bother." Misao wished she were a poet then, for she really wanted to grant him an answer worth his complement. But she only managed to look at him and utter a lame "Arigatou".

"But I can still ask her for a dance, can't I?" Aoshi asked, with a small, but sweet smile that made her grin like a maniac.

"Do you know something, Aoshi?" She told him, while he led her to the dance floor. "I really wished you had shown me that smile before. It' really something worth seeing." Just after she looked at his face did she understand that she had left him like Aoshi had left her some moment ago: ecstatic, yet voiceless. She could swear she saw a small blush rise to his cheeks, but he bowed his head and she couldn't see his face very well.

"Maybe I have more reasons to smile now, then I had then."

They were dancing, but Misao's heart wasn't in it. She was trying to figure out what he had meant by that. Was he happier now that she wasn't hanging on him and that he had eternity to live away from her? A wave of rage came to her.

"I don't know, Aoshi, but your life then didn't strike me as hard and bad. Technically you didn't do a thing then, besides meditation." She didn't know if she had angered him or not, because he had laid his head on top of hers and the only reaction she got was an arm's tightening. That hadn't been very nice, she concluded too late. "I'm sorry, Aoshi. That was thoughtless."

"No, Misao, you're quite right. After their deaths I managed to kill my life outside myself. But I want you to know that meditation did help me and sometimes I still resort to it, but only in extreme cases. But I forgot about other things that would've probably help as well or better even… And for that, I'm regretful." Misao felt his right hand caress her naked back and she couldn't help the goose bumps all over her skin. She could feel his hard skin, from working with the kodachi. The room that minutes ago seemed so packed, felt empty right then. They were the only ones there, enjoying the music and each other's company. Misao placed her head under his chin, against his chest and she could clearly hear him purring. She knew she was suppose to watch carefully the entire room, but she couldn't but get lost in all the ambience, with the soft music, the light velvet against her body and Aoshi's body against her, with his hand caressing her naked skin.

Well, she couldn't help but get lost in it, until a strong body was pushed against her and a strong smell of cologne filled her senses. The body quickly excused himself and moved behind Aoshi, to talk to someone he knew. That small encounter had ruined everything. All those people around her came rushing inside her head and the music didn't sound as soft as before. Then, in the middle of all that, Misao heard a laugh. Not a common laugh, but one that plagued her since she had become an Immortal. It was a dry, but hot laugh, that ended shortly after it began, demonstrating the lack of humor in it. Misao's head raised off of Aoshi's chest and she looked in the sound's direction.

The owner of such forced laugh was a tall man, with black and curly hair, that was dressed in a formal tux and held a glass of champagne in his left hand. His right hand was placed around woman's waist. Misao's mind forced her not to overreact, so she waited until the man's face came to an angle that made it clear to Misao. After a while she could see that in front of her, laughing his head of with a tall and beautiful woman at his side, was Timon, the bloody bastard that had killed her. Trying to link his presence there with the killings, Misao looked at the woman and at the group he was with. The woman was extremely tall, with long blond hair, but she wasn't particularly pretty – actually she had a body of an overgrown boy and the face of a bull. When she talked, Misao was able to catch an accent in her voice. The group consisted of more two men, one a large and tall mulatto, with tons of gel on his hair, and the other was a small Japanese man, that looked like he had had too much to drink. Misao easily caught part of their conversation, as they were half a meter away.

"I swear… I hope one day a woman kicks him in the balls." The mulatto said, laughing.

"He has been farther away from that, Kanou. The other day he tried to it on a woman, who nearly killed him." The woman said. After some thought Misao could clearly make out the French accent in the voice. Everything was matching with their information. Misao looked up, at Aoshi's face, and found him looking at her, telling her he had already understood everything. Misao felt his other hand join the first over her back and his head dive to her neck, as if he were going to kiss it.

"This is too simple. Has to be a trap." He whispered.

"But we've found them!" Misao whispered back.

"Hai. Now we have to wait and see what they do. It seems one of their group is missing." Misao could feel his hand touching the small of her back and the other one her nape.

"One of them was the one who killed me." Misao said.

"Which one?" Aoshi asked, after raising his head and looking seriously at her.

Outside the large mansion a black van stood. Inside were two people: a man and a woman.

"How much time have we got to stay here?" The man asked.

"Look, last time I had to wait, with Violet, for three hours and it was a small gathering. So, now it's a large party, with millions of Immortals there and two of them are on to us. So, I gather, it will take some time. So, chill out, okay?" The man merely grunted and looked in front.

"I hope no one suspects my involvement in this or my cover will be blown." The man said after a while. "I would really love to kill him."

"Who?"

"The Shinomori guy." He answered, with a twisted smile. "With Misao watching."

"I don't know what that girl did to you, but she has found a great enemy in you… Nicolai." The woman said, looking directly at the Czech.

"You don't know the half of it." He answered.

Inside the party, Misao and Aoshi had walked away from the dance floor and watched the suspected group closely. Timon was dancing with the French woman and the rest were talking to different people. To say the truth Aoshi and Misao looked a lot more suspicious then them. Then out of the crowd a tall, blonde guy appeared.

"That's Diego." Misao told Aoshi. "Figures he had to be here. It looks to me like the guy spends his eternity smelling Tiomon's ass."

"It looks like he was the one missing. So now we know where the whole group is."

"Now what?" Misao asked, while looking over her dress to see if it had any wrinkles.

"Watch their next move."

They didn't have to wait long, because after the dance ended and Timon came back and joined the group, with Theodora, the French woman, they started to move closer to a door. Discreetly the couple followed them and watched them walk outside and walk in the direction of a near by forest. The yard was also packed with people, so the moving group didn't call any attention. But soon all of them were walking to a deserted area that was already out of the hosts' property.

"I know we're walking into a trap, but can we do anything else?" Misao asked, while she gracefully walked besides Aoshi.

"No. This is the only thing we have right now and if we have to follow them and end up in their lap, even better. I could use some exercise." Aoshi answered her, giving her katana.

"Easy for you to say, you're not wearing seven inches high sandals."