Review Comments:
I got these after I had finished chapter 25, so they're here ^_^
Fire Kitsune Goddess: They're upset because Megahna hates Keitaro..well everyone it seems, but especially those who are associated with the disgraceful human half, and Kaemon is upset because he wants Francesca.
Stephy() :Yay, another fellow slav- I mean college student ^_^ I'm writing as fast as inspiration hits me, and as often as I have time between school and sleep!!
Kehkeh131: Thank you ^_^
Chapter 26
I carefully slid the door open to the room, careful not to wake Maeko, but as I tiptoed past her, I saw the flickering of light in her open eyes.
"There you are," she whispered and I nodded. She smiled, I could feel the kindness through the dark, "If you're here for your belongings, they aren't here anymore. It seems the servants were eavesdropping and took the liberty of moving your things to Kei's room."
I blushed, "Oh," I whispered and I heard her laugh softly, "Well, what are you going to do now? You did put yourself in this position, though I think I understand why."
I shook my head, "No, I didn't- I mean it was partially because of that, but I do truly love your brother!"
She sat up, "Francesca-chan, you don't have to explain yourself to me, I know. I have seen the way you and my brother are around each other, and I am happy for you! You are a good woman, someone my brother needs beside him, especially now."
I smiled, "Thank you Maeko-sama," I said, bowing my head, "It means a great deal to hear you say that." She smiled and motioned to the door, "Go ahead now, we have an early start tomorrow so you should try and get some rest." I laughed, and stood, "You're right." With all the excitement going on, I had completely forgot that we were leaving in the morning to continue on our quest. I whispered my good nights to her and after closing the door, walked down the corridor. I wasn't quite sure where his room was now, so I attempted a light scan, trying to politely ignore the others as I looked for him.
My concentration was broken by a tap on my shoulder, and I spun around to find Kaemon standing there, smiling.
"Looking for Keitaro?" he asked politely and I nodded, "I know they moved him into his own room, and it seems they have moved my belongings there as well."
His eyes narrowed just a little, before taking on a calm, kind look, "Hai, I saw them come get his belongings earlier today, I can take you to his new quarters."
I followed just a step behind him, a little confused, because I really couldn't read his emotions, at least not the ones on the surface. It took a strong mind to block me out but I wasn't so rude as to force my way in, so I walked in silence. After a moment, he stopped and took a deep breath.
"Why him?"
I stared at the back of his head, a little surprised, but given his behaviors the past few days, I shouldn't have been. He turned around, and his eyes were no longer neutral, but truly pained. I took a step back, now truly surprised, and he leapt at me, grabbing my arms in his hands and pinning me back against the wall, his face only inches from mine.
"Why him! Why not me?! I was going to ask you, I could make you happier, make your life easier! Do you know what hell you're putting yourself through, putting him through? It's going to be hard enough to hold his position as half a youkai, but to take a human mate, you're practically begging for trouble to hunt you both down."
I stared at him, feeling a tear run down my cheek. I hadn't thought of it, I hadn't realized that Keitaro was going to put himself through so much, just to be with me. Then he said something that made my blood run cold and hot at the same time.
"Why would you want him? I'm a man, a real human man, he's just some half- breed mutt! Why does he deserve you? What has he ever done to deserve you!"
I froze, and felt every muscle in my body tense up. The sadness and worry that first pierced my heart became something more volatile, and it lashed out. I pulled free from his grasp, and did something I never expected, I growled. Kaemon blinked in surprise and stepped back, and I balled my hands into fists, my shoulders hunching up as I lifted my head to stare him in the eyes, my own tightly narrow.
"Get. Out. Of. My. Sight."
I could feel hate and anger well up within me, and everything inside me just wanted to beat him into a pulp. Never had I felt such a feeling of protectiveness run through me, for Keitaro, for all that I felt for him, and all that he had freed me from. And now this creature had the nerve to try and take it from me, for all his own selfish desires. "Why!"
I couldn't believe that he didn't get the clear message to get away from me, so I figured I had to drill it into him. My voice was icy cold, and I didn't even recognize myself.
"I love him, with every ounce of my being. We don't deserve each other, we are and always have been for each other. Understand that now Kaemon, I am not a battle to be won, or a prize to be fought over. I have made my choice, and for the sake of the little friendship I try to hold onto now, get far away from me, and never speak of this ever again!"
I swept past him quickly, before he could do anything stupid, like grab me. I didn't think I could stand being around him a minute longer, everything inside me was on fire. I walked as fast as I could down the corridor, my mind seeking out the comforting feeling of Kei's mind as I walked. Most of the castle was asleep, I could tell by the soft lull of feeling that reflected off of them. This was good, the less people saw me, the easier this would be. My heart began racing again, not from anger, but instead another emotion replaced it. Nervousness. I knew what might happen, if I walked into that room, and it was a nervous excitement that made my stomach flutter.
I found Keitaro, and judging by the feelings he was emitting, he was exactly as excited and nervous as I was, maybe even more. I blushed and sped up my walk, and paused just outside his door
~~*~~ (Keitaro)
I opened the door of my new room, smelling the clean linens and fresh futons instantly, and Francesca. I saw a shape in the shadows, and recognized her backpack. It seemed the servants were taking this with complete seriousness. I smiled softly, and slipped out of my formal robes and into the comfortable softness of my yukata. And then I waited.
Everything inside me felt on fire, she was coming here, tonight and we were going to be alone, all alone. A strange tight feeling spread through my body and I shook my head. No, I promised myself I would behave, I wouldn't think like that, or act like that, unless she-
I felt a sly smile cross my lips, would she? I hoped she would, my will power would be stretched to its limits, especially with her dance still fresh in my mind. Never in my life had I seen such beauty, such power in a simple act. It completely surprised me, I hadn't even expected an answer from her, not this quickly. Her hair curling along her face, the curve of her- Bad Keitaro! I mentally berated myself, and began pacing nervously. No, I didn't want to look like I was this nervous, maybe if I just went to sleep, or at least looked like I was asleep, then it wouldn't be so awkward. I sat down on my futon and laid back, staring up in the darkness at the ceiling. No, this wasn't helping at all. Laying in bed, only reminded me that she was going to be sleeping here, next to me, oh no.
I sat up quickly, as I heard slow footsteps approaching my door and pausing just before it. I quickly laid back, feeling my heart speed up in my chest and waited. Very slowly the door opened and closed, and very light footsteps approached. It was her, I could smell her, that vibrant rich scent that drove my blood aflame, but I wasn't going to think about that now. I closed my eyes, trying to pretend that I was asleep, and heard the footsteps stop right beside me. I heard nothing, but the slow beating of her heart before she moved, and I felt her weight settle over my hips. I gasped and opened my eyes, looking up into her eyes. Her face was shadowed by her hair, but my nose couldn't fail me. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine and unwilling a groan escaped my lips.
"Rose," I managed to gasp, "Are you sure?"
She nodded, and leaned forward again, and I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her down. She was so warm in my arms, warm and fragrant, and I silently thanked every deity that could listen for this moment. Her hips shifted ever so slightly and my world blurred, as amazement filled my mind. This really was happening, was going to happen. I nuzzled the side of her neck, breathing in deeply, ready to immerse myself in that wonderful smell of her, when something caught my attention. I froze, and stared at her neck, my hand gently running along the smooth perfect skin, where there should have been some sign of my affectionate marks from earlier.
I pulled back, pushing her up, "You're not Francesca!" I growled as the door of the room flew open.
~~*~~ (Francesca)
I took a deep breath, and stepped forward, grabbing a hold of the door and opened it, perhaps a little stronger than I intended, and it flew open with a thud. It took my eyes a moment to adjust and the sight before me cooled any of the heat in my blood. Keitaro was laying on his futon, I could see it was him by the shimmer of silver in the pool of black, and sitting above him, his hands on her shoulders, was a woman with long auburn hair, my hair. I blinked for a second, and she had changed, with short black cropped hair, and a lean face. My heart fell to my stomach as I saw Keitaro staring at me, the pure horror very evidently reflecting in my face, because he had the same look.
Different flashes appeared in my eyes, flashes of someone else, of another time, another betrayal. I stepped forward into the room, feeling rather in a daze. The woman had risen to her feet, and Keitaro was walking towards me, the pleading look on his face. I stared at him, as the slow familiar wail began to sound inside, and my eyes turned to the woman. Wait a moment, she was wearing my clothes, my clothes from the future!
"Rose, I can-" Keitaro whispered and I realized he was at my side. I turned my eyes to his, and he fell silent. Something in my gaze turned him sheet white. I looked back to the woman and walked over towards her. She placed her hands on her hips, a smug confident look on her face, and with all my rage and force, I reached up and slapped her as hard as I could. Her face blurred a moment, a double image of that woman from long ago, before I returned to this time.
The shock was very evident, she truly didn't expect me to hit her, and I felt that familiar icy feeling come over me, "Who sent you?!"
She started, and took a step back, but didn't answer, she just kept staring at me. I stepped closer and hissed beneath my breath, " I know you didn't do this on your own, I can feel the failure radiating through your mind. Someone told you to do this, didn't they?!" My voice was now echoing through the room, probably loud enough to be heard throughout the grounds. Sure enough, I heard the pounding of feet on wood in our direction.
The first person to arrive was Kaemon, which didn't surprise me, since he was the last person I saw. He took one look at the three of us, and ran at Keitaro with his hands raised.
"You bastard!" he yelled as he tried to strike Kei, who proved too quick for him. I ran to Kei's side, and used the force of my body to push Kaemon off balance.
"Don't you touch him," I hissed, and I felt the surprise come from a previously silent Keitaro. He was acting like he was afraid to breath, thinking even that would set me off. I was just as surprised as he was, that I wasn't angry with him, but I couldn't be. Nothing in my mind told me that he had committed the same treason to my heart, and I knew what I saw. This creature had stolen my clothes, and pretended to be me, how could I be angry at him?
"Look what he did?!" Kaemon yelled back angrily from the ground, and I ignored the now gathering crowd at the door as I kicked at him, held back at the last second by Keitaro's quick thinking.
"He did nothing, but fall victim to someone's cruel idea," I looked up and saw Megahna standing there, a blank look in her eyes, but I wasn't fooled. There was only one person who had the means and the reason to try and destroy us. I turned back to the strange woman, "Take off my clothes, and get out of my sight," I hissed. She stared at me, and then trying to act like my anger didn't effect her, she stripped out of my clothes, leaving them in a pile and walked towards the door.
Kaemon had crawled out of harm's way from me, and stood, "You're just going to let her go?"
I turned my gaze back to Megahna, and narrowed my eyes, "She has far worse things to fear now, I don't think the woman who hired her will let her live much longer," I said, my eyes never leaving their target. Kagome followed my gaze with her eyes, and even she knew what I said was true, but the fact I had so blatantly stated my suspicions impressed even her.
"Go away Kaemon," I whispered as the adrenaline of the night's adventures began to wear away, throwing me into the arms of exhaustion and sleep. He gave Keitaro an angry look, and walked out, through the crowd still at my door.
Keitaro spoke, I'm not sure what he said and the sea of curious minds and fearful thoughts faded away. Kei carefully helped me over to the futon and helped me get settled, then curled up, facing me. I opened my eyes and saw his face there, watching me.
"How did you know?" he asked me softly, and I could still see some of his old fear appear in his eyes.
"Because, it's you. Because I know inside, that you couldn't betray me, not like him," I whispered, as my eyes grew heavier. He smiled and moved closer, till there was very little space between us. He wrapped his hand around my waist, and placed a soft kiss on my lips, "Thank you for trusting me," he whispered as I drifted off.
I got these after I had finished chapter 25, so they're here ^_^
Fire Kitsune Goddess: They're upset because Megahna hates Keitaro..well everyone it seems, but especially those who are associated with the disgraceful human half, and Kaemon is upset because he wants Francesca.
Stephy() :Yay, another fellow slav- I mean college student ^_^ I'm writing as fast as inspiration hits me, and as often as I have time between school and sleep!!
Kehkeh131: Thank you ^_^
Chapter 26
I carefully slid the door open to the room, careful not to wake Maeko, but as I tiptoed past her, I saw the flickering of light in her open eyes.
"There you are," she whispered and I nodded. She smiled, I could feel the kindness through the dark, "If you're here for your belongings, they aren't here anymore. It seems the servants were eavesdropping and took the liberty of moving your things to Kei's room."
I blushed, "Oh," I whispered and I heard her laugh softly, "Well, what are you going to do now? You did put yourself in this position, though I think I understand why."
I shook my head, "No, I didn't- I mean it was partially because of that, but I do truly love your brother!"
She sat up, "Francesca-chan, you don't have to explain yourself to me, I know. I have seen the way you and my brother are around each other, and I am happy for you! You are a good woman, someone my brother needs beside him, especially now."
I smiled, "Thank you Maeko-sama," I said, bowing my head, "It means a great deal to hear you say that." She smiled and motioned to the door, "Go ahead now, we have an early start tomorrow so you should try and get some rest." I laughed, and stood, "You're right." With all the excitement going on, I had completely forgot that we were leaving in the morning to continue on our quest. I whispered my good nights to her and after closing the door, walked down the corridor. I wasn't quite sure where his room was now, so I attempted a light scan, trying to politely ignore the others as I looked for him.
My concentration was broken by a tap on my shoulder, and I spun around to find Kaemon standing there, smiling.
"Looking for Keitaro?" he asked politely and I nodded, "I know they moved him into his own room, and it seems they have moved my belongings there as well."
His eyes narrowed just a little, before taking on a calm, kind look, "Hai, I saw them come get his belongings earlier today, I can take you to his new quarters."
I followed just a step behind him, a little confused, because I really couldn't read his emotions, at least not the ones on the surface. It took a strong mind to block me out but I wasn't so rude as to force my way in, so I walked in silence. After a moment, he stopped and took a deep breath.
"Why him?"
I stared at the back of his head, a little surprised, but given his behaviors the past few days, I shouldn't have been. He turned around, and his eyes were no longer neutral, but truly pained. I took a step back, now truly surprised, and he leapt at me, grabbing my arms in his hands and pinning me back against the wall, his face only inches from mine.
"Why him! Why not me?! I was going to ask you, I could make you happier, make your life easier! Do you know what hell you're putting yourself through, putting him through? It's going to be hard enough to hold his position as half a youkai, but to take a human mate, you're practically begging for trouble to hunt you both down."
I stared at him, feeling a tear run down my cheek. I hadn't thought of it, I hadn't realized that Keitaro was going to put himself through so much, just to be with me. Then he said something that made my blood run cold and hot at the same time.
"Why would you want him? I'm a man, a real human man, he's just some half- breed mutt! Why does he deserve you? What has he ever done to deserve you!"
I froze, and felt every muscle in my body tense up. The sadness and worry that first pierced my heart became something more volatile, and it lashed out. I pulled free from his grasp, and did something I never expected, I growled. Kaemon blinked in surprise and stepped back, and I balled my hands into fists, my shoulders hunching up as I lifted my head to stare him in the eyes, my own tightly narrow.
"Get. Out. Of. My. Sight."
I could feel hate and anger well up within me, and everything inside me just wanted to beat him into a pulp. Never had I felt such a feeling of protectiveness run through me, for Keitaro, for all that I felt for him, and all that he had freed me from. And now this creature had the nerve to try and take it from me, for all his own selfish desires. "Why!"
I couldn't believe that he didn't get the clear message to get away from me, so I figured I had to drill it into him. My voice was icy cold, and I didn't even recognize myself.
"I love him, with every ounce of my being. We don't deserve each other, we are and always have been for each other. Understand that now Kaemon, I am not a battle to be won, or a prize to be fought over. I have made my choice, and for the sake of the little friendship I try to hold onto now, get far away from me, and never speak of this ever again!"
I swept past him quickly, before he could do anything stupid, like grab me. I didn't think I could stand being around him a minute longer, everything inside me was on fire. I walked as fast as I could down the corridor, my mind seeking out the comforting feeling of Kei's mind as I walked. Most of the castle was asleep, I could tell by the soft lull of feeling that reflected off of them. This was good, the less people saw me, the easier this would be. My heart began racing again, not from anger, but instead another emotion replaced it. Nervousness. I knew what might happen, if I walked into that room, and it was a nervous excitement that made my stomach flutter.
I found Keitaro, and judging by the feelings he was emitting, he was exactly as excited and nervous as I was, maybe even more. I blushed and sped up my walk, and paused just outside his door
~~*~~ (Keitaro)
I opened the door of my new room, smelling the clean linens and fresh futons instantly, and Francesca. I saw a shape in the shadows, and recognized her backpack. It seemed the servants were taking this with complete seriousness. I smiled softly, and slipped out of my formal robes and into the comfortable softness of my yukata. And then I waited.
Everything inside me felt on fire, she was coming here, tonight and we were going to be alone, all alone. A strange tight feeling spread through my body and I shook my head. No, I promised myself I would behave, I wouldn't think like that, or act like that, unless she-
I felt a sly smile cross my lips, would she? I hoped she would, my will power would be stretched to its limits, especially with her dance still fresh in my mind. Never in my life had I seen such beauty, such power in a simple act. It completely surprised me, I hadn't even expected an answer from her, not this quickly. Her hair curling along her face, the curve of her- Bad Keitaro! I mentally berated myself, and began pacing nervously. No, I didn't want to look like I was this nervous, maybe if I just went to sleep, or at least looked like I was asleep, then it wouldn't be so awkward. I sat down on my futon and laid back, staring up in the darkness at the ceiling. No, this wasn't helping at all. Laying in bed, only reminded me that she was going to be sleeping here, next to me, oh no.
I sat up quickly, as I heard slow footsteps approaching my door and pausing just before it. I quickly laid back, feeling my heart speed up in my chest and waited. Very slowly the door opened and closed, and very light footsteps approached. It was her, I could smell her, that vibrant rich scent that drove my blood aflame, but I wasn't going to think about that now. I closed my eyes, trying to pretend that I was asleep, and heard the footsteps stop right beside me. I heard nothing, but the slow beating of her heart before she moved, and I felt her weight settle over my hips. I gasped and opened my eyes, looking up into her eyes. Her face was shadowed by her hair, but my nose couldn't fail me. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine and unwilling a groan escaped my lips.
"Rose," I managed to gasp, "Are you sure?"
She nodded, and leaned forward again, and I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her down. She was so warm in my arms, warm and fragrant, and I silently thanked every deity that could listen for this moment. Her hips shifted ever so slightly and my world blurred, as amazement filled my mind. This really was happening, was going to happen. I nuzzled the side of her neck, breathing in deeply, ready to immerse myself in that wonderful smell of her, when something caught my attention. I froze, and stared at her neck, my hand gently running along the smooth perfect skin, where there should have been some sign of my affectionate marks from earlier.
I pulled back, pushing her up, "You're not Francesca!" I growled as the door of the room flew open.
~~*~~ (Francesca)
I took a deep breath, and stepped forward, grabbing a hold of the door and opened it, perhaps a little stronger than I intended, and it flew open with a thud. It took my eyes a moment to adjust and the sight before me cooled any of the heat in my blood. Keitaro was laying on his futon, I could see it was him by the shimmer of silver in the pool of black, and sitting above him, his hands on her shoulders, was a woman with long auburn hair, my hair. I blinked for a second, and she had changed, with short black cropped hair, and a lean face. My heart fell to my stomach as I saw Keitaro staring at me, the pure horror very evidently reflecting in my face, because he had the same look.
Different flashes appeared in my eyes, flashes of someone else, of another time, another betrayal. I stepped forward into the room, feeling rather in a daze. The woman had risen to her feet, and Keitaro was walking towards me, the pleading look on his face. I stared at him, as the slow familiar wail began to sound inside, and my eyes turned to the woman. Wait a moment, she was wearing my clothes, my clothes from the future!
"Rose, I can-" Keitaro whispered and I realized he was at my side. I turned my eyes to his, and he fell silent. Something in my gaze turned him sheet white. I looked back to the woman and walked over towards her. She placed her hands on her hips, a smug confident look on her face, and with all my rage and force, I reached up and slapped her as hard as I could. Her face blurred a moment, a double image of that woman from long ago, before I returned to this time.
The shock was very evident, she truly didn't expect me to hit her, and I felt that familiar icy feeling come over me, "Who sent you?!"
She started, and took a step back, but didn't answer, she just kept staring at me. I stepped closer and hissed beneath my breath, " I know you didn't do this on your own, I can feel the failure radiating through your mind. Someone told you to do this, didn't they?!" My voice was now echoing through the room, probably loud enough to be heard throughout the grounds. Sure enough, I heard the pounding of feet on wood in our direction.
The first person to arrive was Kaemon, which didn't surprise me, since he was the last person I saw. He took one look at the three of us, and ran at Keitaro with his hands raised.
"You bastard!" he yelled as he tried to strike Kei, who proved too quick for him. I ran to Kei's side, and used the force of my body to push Kaemon off balance.
"Don't you touch him," I hissed, and I felt the surprise come from a previously silent Keitaro. He was acting like he was afraid to breath, thinking even that would set me off. I was just as surprised as he was, that I wasn't angry with him, but I couldn't be. Nothing in my mind told me that he had committed the same treason to my heart, and I knew what I saw. This creature had stolen my clothes, and pretended to be me, how could I be angry at him?
"Look what he did?!" Kaemon yelled back angrily from the ground, and I ignored the now gathering crowd at the door as I kicked at him, held back at the last second by Keitaro's quick thinking.
"He did nothing, but fall victim to someone's cruel idea," I looked up and saw Megahna standing there, a blank look in her eyes, but I wasn't fooled. There was only one person who had the means and the reason to try and destroy us. I turned back to the strange woman, "Take off my clothes, and get out of my sight," I hissed. She stared at me, and then trying to act like my anger didn't effect her, she stripped out of my clothes, leaving them in a pile and walked towards the door.
Kaemon had crawled out of harm's way from me, and stood, "You're just going to let her go?"
I turned my gaze back to Megahna, and narrowed my eyes, "She has far worse things to fear now, I don't think the woman who hired her will let her live much longer," I said, my eyes never leaving their target. Kagome followed my gaze with her eyes, and even she knew what I said was true, but the fact I had so blatantly stated my suspicions impressed even her.
"Go away Kaemon," I whispered as the adrenaline of the night's adventures began to wear away, throwing me into the arms of exhaustion and sleep. He gave Keitaro an angry look, and walked out, through the crowd still at my door.
Keitaro spoke, I'm not sure what he said and the sea of curious minds and fearful thoughts faded away. Kei carefully helped me over to the futon and helped me get settled, then curled up, facing me. I opened my eyes and saw his face there, watching me.
"How did you know?" he asked me softly, and I could still see some of his old fear appear in his eyes.
"Because, it's you. Because I know inside, that you couldn't betray me, not like him," I whispered, as my eyes grew heavier. He smiled and moved closer, till there was very little space between us. He wrapped his hand around my waist, and placed a soft kiss on my lips, "Thank you for trusting me," he whispered as I drifted off.
