Chapter Two
"He was watching you again."
The older, lean wolf remarked. His coal black coat shone dully as the two enjoyed the weak sunlight that filtered though the thick foliage. His golden eyes regarded the other with uncanny concentration. He was rangy for a wolf with long legs and there was an aura around him that screamed coiled danger. He was the alpha of his pack and it reflected in his attitude.
The younger wolf sighed heavily and lowered his head. His shaggy, chocolate brown coat was dusty from his earlier roll. Thinking how to answer, he licked a foreleg with his flexible pink tongue. "I know."
"You should stop now." The alpha advised harshly. He rose to his feet and stared down challengingly. The younger averted his gaze. Although he was by far the better fighter despite being so young, the older was his alpha, one whom he respected and cared for. He mutely accepted the advice with his ears flattened and his tail tucked. "You will be caught and punished."
"I've... I've tried."
"Trying is not enough Okita." The younger wolf's head jerked up as if he had been stung. The black leader never used his name, preferring to call him a moron most times. To do so he must really be worried and angry. Well, he should be. What Okita was doing endangered him and the pack, but just thinking about ending it tore at his heart. For once he wished his strong loyalty wasn't such. If he could just walk away... But he couldn't, wouldn't.
"But Saitoh," He groveled earning a cold growl. He bowed his head in response and whispered, "I understand. I will do it this evening before my courage deserts me."
A tense silence stretched between them and Okita got up and paced slowly. They were waiting for the rest of the pack to return from patrol. The young wolf knew why Saitoh had asked him to remain behind and he stayed with a sinking heart. Now that things had been stated he knew he couldnít back out. For the safety of his pack, for the safety of his lover, he would have to end this. It didn't make it any easier or sooth his ache.
He was suddenly angry at the world. At Saitoh for saying such things even though he knew how much it would hurt. The alpha was like a father to the younger and at the moment he resented his interference. But then, he had interfered as alpha, for the good of his pack, not as a father. Mad at the vampires for ruling their lives so callously and restricting their freedom so harshly. Also at Shishio for having hold over him, his pack, and his lover. The vampire leader would take sadistic pleasure if he ever found out. The vampire had a will of iron and a heart of cold steel. Okita knew first hand how cruel and sardonic he could be when the mood took him. He had served as a personal slave for most of his young life and such sickening displays hardly affected him anymore. Most of all he was furious at his traitorous heart for choosing such a forbidden love. If it had simply picked on of his own status he could go about his affairs unworried, not hounded and fearful of being caught.
He was by nature a very happy, light-hearted wolf and this strain was tearing him apart slowly. He didn't know how to deal with such a stressful situation. Before he had always risen to the challenge, obtained what was demanded. He was perfect in the eyes of many, and hated for that. Only Saitoh and his mate Tokio knew him well enough to see the flaws he hid from public viewing. Only they knew about his liaison.
Suddenly he couldn't take it. He looked to his alpha and the black wolf stared back with silent permission in his golden eyes. He wasn't the most compassionate wolf, however, he understood things were what they were. He didn't try to change others to suit his needs, he simply warned them. He was a practical, pragmatic, and logical wolf touched with a cold cynicism and sadistic humor.
Bunching his shoulder and haunch muscles the young wolf tore off through the forest. His legs blurred as he heedlessly tore through brush and easily cleared fallen debris. Brambles and brush tore at him, reaching for his eyes, but he merely slammed through it with uncaring fury. Sharp toenails dug into the hard ground for purchase and his rough pads sent dead, crackling leaves flying in his wake. Thoughts pounded through his head keeping pace with his legs pounding the earth. Smells filtered through his nose, normally those would tempt him, he would enjoy them, but at the moment he was so deep in his bitter misery nothing mattered.
He reached the edge of a cliff and skidded to a halt, his instincts taking over, ensuring self-preservation. He didn't want to die. There was no reason to die like that. Suicide was for cowards he was a wolf warrior. Such a disgrace was far below him. He would survive this, it would hurt, but pain merely made on stronger.
Raising his tail and head he peered down the endless abyss with his body heaving as it recovered from his tearing running. His breath came out in puffs and his blood pounded in his ears.
His sharp ears detected someone approaching him. So strung up he didnít pause to find out if it was friend or foe. Instead he whirled with incredible speed and hurtled towards the sneak. There was a yelp as he hit solid flesh attacking with snarls and teeth. The other wolf, for he realized as soon as the yelp rippled through the air that he had attacked one, writhed and squirmed, not fighting back. With a great effort it tore away and a familiar voice rang out accusing.
"What'd you do that for? Have you totally lost it."
The lighter brown wolf glared with chocolate brown eyes and affronted dignity. Tuffs of fur littered the rocks beneath them and his coat was now in a state of disrepair. He growled and stood there breathing heavily.
"Sorry." Okita said, regaining his composure and beating back his senseless fury. He studied the larger, heavier wolf before spitting out the mouthful of fur still clutched between his front teeth. It floated down and the chocolate brown eyes followed it mournfully before it kissed the ground. "You startled me."
"Sure I did. Why does that sound so much like a flat out lie?" The larger one grinned, his good humor restored, and Okita was already forgiven.
Okita smirked back. Sanosuke was one of the few wolves that actually accepted him for who he was. It didnít discourage the wolf from trying to engage Okita in fights all the time however. He was good-natured and hot tempered, with an easy-going attitude and low standards. They were about the same age, and had hit it off fairly well since Sano first joined the pack. They spent a lot of time together for the reason that Sano's mistress was Yumi. Saitoh was hard on the younger wolf, but Okita knew that Sano could take it and that it wasn't completely biased dislike. More like Saitoh found Sanosuke a waste of good talent due to some stupid asinine behavior.
"So what do you want Sano."
"I just couldn't stand to see you in such pitiful misery. I don't know what's bothering you, but you've been so down lately. I just wanted to be a good friend and cheer you up." Sano grinned.
"You wanted to cheer me up by sneaking up on me while I was standing at the edge of a bottomless pit?" Okita clarified and Sano blinked. He laughed, "That would have fix your misery right up!"
"What did you really want?"
The larger, bulkier wolf shifted around looking a bit sheepish making Okita wonder what he had been up to. Sano had a nose for trouble and he employed it frequently. Also, he had no qualms about dragging his many friends into messes they would have originally stayed clear of.
He shifted his paw making a doodle in the dirt and half flattened his heavy, triangular ears. "You see it's like this. I was doing my patrol yesterday, like Saitoh ordered, and I got a bit curious because I could smell human blood. So I followed the scent and came on a human female. She was washing herself off in a stream. Of course, I terrified the poor lady, after all I am such a fine specimen of a wolf."
"So?" Okita wished he'd get to the point. If there was one. "Surely you took out her throat." Sano remained silent and Okita groaned, "Please tell me you killed her. Please, please, tell me you killed her."
Sano sat down with a hangdog expression.
"You didn't kill her, did you?" Okita said rolling his dark eyes in disbelief. "Why not? You know the rules. No mortal may see us and live."
Sano's expression clouded with thought and he replied, "But she wasn't mortal... At least not fully and completely. I couldn't pinpoint it, but something in her heritage screamed danger."
Okita snorted as the two turned and trotted side by side in an easy, familiar rhythm. Sano always brought things out in people, and today he was thankful to be yanked out of his black mood. Getting in trouble with the young werewolf usually wasn't high on his list of priorities, but anything to keep him from thinking about what he had to do that evening was welcomed with open arms.
"So she's a halfling. Part of her is still mortal, so she still falls under the rule." Okita shrugged, not understanding what his friend was trying to say.
"I think she was part kitsune."
That stopped Okita dead in his tracks and he stared with wide-eyed astonishment. He turned his head sharply and nipped at Sano's shoulder reproachfully with narrowed eyes.
"You shouldn't kid like that!"
Sano put on a serious face, his long muzzle set and his chocolate eyes no longer danced with mischief. He turned and towered over the small wolf. He clicked his jaws together a few times, thinking. Although the young wolf usual course of action was attack now and ask later, he wasn't, like many perceived him to be, a total dunce. When he thought that meant he had far more on his mind that his next meal or fun.
His tongue ran along the edges of his chops and his brow furrowed before he spoke earnestly. "If you don't believe me then I can show you."
Before Okita could reply the larger wolf was loping off towards the east. Okita wasnít sure he wanted to know why exactly Sanosuke knew where this woman was. He was sure after being scared to death she wouldn't linger around her home. Humans weren't that stupid, were they? He didnít know, not having too much contact with any but the food slaves. They weren't normal, not after living in the catacomb and being fed upon. Several were actually insane now that he thought about it. With a shrug of indifference, they were only weak humans after all, he ran to catch up with his trouble finding friend.
"What will Saitoh say?" Okita asked and smiled at the typical snort that issued from his friend. Sano gave a dismissive shake of his head, "Who cares? He's our leader, not our wet nurse. I didn't hear any orders against patrolling and scouting, did you?"
The two traveled in concentrated silence enjoying the crisp air and weak sunshine. Okita's mind wandered. He would hate to be a vampire for all their superior attributes. Sleeping the day away in a cold, dark crypt never seeing the light of day or the wonderful things that happened there in. It seemed like only half an existence to him. Then their bodies; never holding any heat, even from the blood they fed off to sustain themselves, feeling air pump in and out of their lungs. Well, they were undead after all. Immortals. Living forever unless someone killed them or they took their own life. He wondered if they did that. It seemed staying around for so long would be tiresome. Especially with such limiting restrictions. He would rather be a wolf with the freedom to roam the woods in a sleek, predatorís body. He didnít mind being human, except that it meant he was expected to serve his master. Then he was the slave. Bound and helpless by the invisible collar that held him faithfully.
He shook his coat, no longer able to feel it brush against his skin. He was a mere puppy when it was first placed on. Back then he thought it a great honor to be chosen to serve the head vampire. How childish and naive. Well, experience came with living and living took time. He still had a full life ahead of him.
"Aren't kitsunes human legends?" He asked suddenly breaking the companionable silence between them. He honestly didn't recall much about the fox deities. They have never interested him.
"I don't know much."
Okita growled in annoyance, "Well, what do you know?" He didn't like running into things blind. What if this woman used foxfire against them? The wolf body was agile and hardy, but being fired by supernatural fire didn't sound attractive.
"She doesn't know she's one. Otherwise she would have slammed me the first time she saw me." His tongue lolled and he crinkled his muzzle. Okita didn't find it funny at all. Sometimes his friend was far too reckless. "I saw a temple once. It was a shrine that the humans had built to the fox god Inari. It had two white fox statues guarding the gate. Of course, I didn't enter it though you know how humans are so protective. I don't know why I remembered that just now. Hehe, I've wandered so much it's hard to keep stuff straight, you know?
"How do you know that she's half kitsune?" Okita accused, as the thought that he was being strung along in good fun crossed his mind. They were definitely outside of their normal territory and he was curious just what Sanosuke had been doing so far out in the first place. They were treading on the edge of another pack's territory and it made him edgy. The other pack might not take so kindly to their trespass. Then again, if they remained in the neutral no-wolf's land, then they should be fine. A fight didn't seem as appealing as it had earlier when he was standing beside the chasm.
"I don't. That's why I need you. To make sure I'm right." Sano replied easily, flashing a wolfish grin and showing his canines. "So what do you know about them?"
"Only that they live for about nine hundred years before their mortal bodies give out. They can feed on their base element or human's yang. They're tricksters, but loyal to their families like wolves. They have awful tempers when roused and hold grudges before extracting revenge. They enjoy their freedom, like us. I don't know much." Okita recited. His nose twitched. He absorbed and retained information so easily. If only drudging it up from the depths of his mind was so lucrative. Something tickled at the back of his mind, but he couldnít pinpoint it.
"Shoot, that's a whole lot more than me. I knew you'd be useful. Now, shh, we're coming up on their camp."
"Their?" Okita's eyes harden with suspicion. Sano hadn't mentioned there were others in her company, although it made sense. Humans were incredibly social creatures. Few preferred their solitude.
If a wolf's mouth and throat could manage a whistle, Sanosuke would be tooting away like mad. Instead he made a half-whine pleading forgiveness.
"Just some humans. And these are full humans. But I don't know," He shrugged with his whole body, "The two men seem to be all business. I figure they're fighters of some kind. Carrying around swords and all. It doesn't matter, they've never sensed me."
Okita's suspicions solidified. Just how often had Sano visited this little party of humans? More to the point, why? What was so interesting that he had his koi-memory friend hooked? Sano wasn't known for his patience or persistence.
They crept up on their bellies in the soft forest loam. The smell of fire and cooking food assaulted their nostrils and Okita belatedly realized he hadn't eaten in the last twelve hours. It wasn't life threatening, and his wolf body was well equip to handle a bit of hunger, but when the sun set in the evening his human body would protest bitterly. He resolved to eat as soon as he returned to the pack. Otherwise he would be stuck eating human slave slop. Red, bloody meat was far more appealing. A bit of saliva dribbled down his chin. Normally Sano would have jumped on that, but his chocolate eyes were fixed on the woman below.
Okita's eyes barely lingered on her. His sharp nose was gathering information on the other members seated around the blazing fire. The boy was leaning against a thick log whittling and chatting animatedly to his companions. He'd pause every so often to appraise his work, which looked like a whittled stick. Okita wondered if that was intentional, or if he was actually hoping to transform the wood into something else. His silent companion appeared to be dozing with yellow lens perched on the bridge of his nose. His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his katana and he didn't seem quite relaxed. Sano was dead on, these weren't normal humans, and they were hunters. He wanted to back out now before they did something regretful.
"I thought you said there were two men. Surely you didn't count that pup as one?" Okita hissed lowly.
"No way. There was another guy. Huge. But I don't see him... uh oh."
Uh oh was right.
Okita snarled roughly and shoved the other wolf to the side as a steel blade whistled past them. He leapt to his feet with his hackles raised and his lips pulled back in a deadly snarl. The man before him was large by human standards. His black hair hung down and his hard face was set in the intent to cleave the two spying wolves in half.
"What do you want." He said in a calm, reasonable voice. Was there a trace of smugness under there? Perhaps he was congratulating himself for sneaking up on them and catching them off guard. He would have never stood a chance if it were Saitoh spying instead of two young, inexperienced wolves. Okita acknowledged he had been foolish to focus his senses down. It stood to reason that they would set a guard on their camp. What worried the dark brown wolf now was that this guard seemed fully capable of relieving them of their heads with a few graceful sweeps of his glittering steel.
Sano, already prepared for battle, was snarling and growling low in this throat. If he had fists they would be clenched in blood lust. Okita realized he would have to take over and see if he couldn't avoid bloodshed. He shouldered the larger wolf hard knocking Sano out of his rage-induced trance. The tan wolf snapped at him, but held his temper in check as if realizing they might not make it out of this mess alive.
Of course, the human couldn't understand wolf speech, and they wouldn't speak human until they transformed.
"Okay you two," Okita noticed that the silver hair man had slid up to flank them and that the woman and boy were looking on silently, "I want some answers. And if we have to hold you until nightfall so be it. I trust you will see that I can kill you if you make so much as one wrong move. I assure you, my fellow hunter is just as proficient."
Okita did the only thing his logical wolf mind could think of to show his obedience: rolled over on his back bearing his throat and belly in submission. Sano stared at him like he was utterly crazy and when the man moved forward snarled deep in warning. The man paid little heed. His booted feet stopped and he grunted in satisfaction, "At least one of you has a brain. Since I don't want to look at you more than I absolutely have to we will play question and answer. Shake your head if itís yes or no. If you are uncertain or need me to clarify paw the ground. Simple."
Okita rolled over and rose to a crouch. Dirt and leaves littered his coat, but he nodded slightly.
"You were spying on us."
Nod.
"Who? Myself?"
Shake of head.
The man pointed to his partner. Another repeated, negative shake of his head. The boy, no, shake. When he pointed to the woman a nod.
"Why me?" She asked. Her gaze was mostly focused on Sanosuke. Understanding kindled in her eyes, "You're that wolf I saw the other day! Why didn't you kill me, but then killed my patient!"
Sano jerked his head back, startled, and Okita yipped in surprise. They hadn't killed any mortals recently. It wasn't something that pleased them and Saitoh kept a tight reign on his pack.
"I don't think they did it." The boy observed, holding his wooden sword. Okita eyed it knowing he could snap the thick, sturdy sword with one powerful crunch of his jaws. He nodded in response to the boy's comment doing his best to look harmless. How he wished he could speak in words! Body language was part of wolf society, but humans were so inept at reading it. He would have to make it incredibly obvious for them to even pick up on what he was trying to convey.
How could he explain, with gestures, that they had nothing to do with it. It was a rival pack. He didn't want to be pinned to a crime they didnít have anything to do with. Curse Sanosuke and his wandering, adventurous spirit!
"Are there just two of you?" The large man continued as if that little side conversation had never happened. He paid no attention to the furious woman or the boy.
Up close Okita could smell them much better and he had to agree with Sanosuke, she was definitely half kitsune. He could smell the musky fox essence and he would bet her element was water. The sharp, bitter smell of herbs clung to her, as well as old, sick blood. Her features had a definite angled tint to them. He didn't see any tails or ears, for all appearances she seemed completely human. There was no way any of the four could actually know what she was. Well, he wasn't planning to enlighten them either.
There was a full-throated howl from the other direction startling not only the humans, but the two wolves as well. Okita's eyes cut across to Sano praying that it wasn't the rival pack. They could quite possibly be torn to shreds for being so foolish as to be captured by a group of humans. Or the other pack could take offence if they were hunting these humans. Their vampire masters held no sway during the day. If they were killed it was simply too bad.
Sano replied in his deep bass voice, putting the humans even more on edge. The woman had hidden herself and the boy had backed up nervously. The two men were on their toes, probably expecting an ambush.
A blue-black wolf came hurtling out of the bushes. The creature's lithe form slammed into the silver hair man and he stumbled back a step. The wolf was a whirlwind of energy and fury tearing and haring him. White teeth raked bare skin and blunt claws dug into muscles. Although the wolf weighed less than the human it bravely continued itís assault.
Meanwhile, Sanosuke gave a bellow and charged the larger man. Okita joined him in the well-practiced dance of the hunt. The two weaved in and out, sometimes daring a nip at clothing. When the sword swung at Sano's heavier, less agile form he snarled in pain and crimson slashed the air. His shoulder was cut to the bone. In fact, Okita could see it peering out from severed muscle and flesh. The scent of coppery blood filled the air and he realized they needed to get out of there while they could. These humans were over-matching them.
With a mustered snarl he shoved Sano's uninjured shoulder, urging the limping wolf to retreat. The blue-black female gave one last snap before darting after them. The three melted into the undergrowth leaving four very vex, confused humans.
As they ran Sano fell further behind. The female stared back agitated with glowing green eyes and she bounded up head, leading the way. The reached a secluded grove that ringed a small pool. Sano made a grimace of pain and flopped down trying to clean the injury with his tongue. He was doing a poor job and the female continued to glare. Eventually he ended up wading in the pool. The water turned faintly pink as it lapped his wound clean. She waited until he staggered out dripping and miserable.
"What were you doing! You have interrupted a very important mission bestowed on my Lord Aoshi. Besides, this isn't our territory you were trespassing! I want a good explanation, and I want it now." The last word was uttered in a deathly cold voice and Sano cringed as Okita looked to him to explain.
"Eh, you see it was like this Misao..."
Misao glared at him and he shut his mouth with an audible click. Whimpering partly in pain and partly in embarrassment he tried to lick his wound again.
"I want you to explain Okita, not that idiot. I know he put you up to it!" She wailed with unchecked fury and the dark brown wolf flinched away. The wraith of an irate, affronted Misao was a terrifying sight. Although she was smaller than both of them, her anger lent her strength and speed, which she didn't hesitate to use to punish.
"The woman is a kitsune half ling." That seemed the safest way to answer. Maybe, if he were extremely lucky it would distract her from beating them within an inch of their lives.
"That's your reasoning?" She growled in exasperation and padded over to Sano running her tongue across his wound. He flinched, but she lay down next to him and continued methodically. "Was it worth this?"
Sano laid his head down on his paws and sighed allowing her to work. Okita hovered uncertainly, wondering if he should inform Shishio of their findings. The vampire always wanted to keep tabs on half-breeds of any sort, especially those of spirits. A fox-spirit was supposedly nothing but a fairy tale. He would be keenly interested in one actually existing. He decided he would submit it to Saitoh. He was glad to leave hard decisions to his pack leader and foster father. He fully expected the taste they had received from Misao was merely that. Saitoh would be far less forgiving on the errant pair. He shook his head trying to see the logic in ever going with Sano on this foolhardy task in the first place. That just led him back to thoughts he wished to avoid. His whipped mood reverted suddenly to darkness.
Misao noticed this and was immediately repentant, "I'm sorry, was I too mean? I didn't mean to be, but you boys are really going to get it from Saitoh when you get back. Doing something so stupid. No wonder he calls you morons."
"Better a moron than a weasel, eh Okita?" Sano jested and she nipped his injured shoulder in warning. He winced and licked her muzzle.
"We should go back." Okita said shortly looking though the pair's flirting actions. He was thinking of his own lover and the betrayal that he would have to do. Sano rose, and limped forward. Okita gave a slight bow of his head to Misao, "Thank you for your help, it was invaluable. I hope your master's hunt is successful. Warn him that they are skilled and not to kill the woman."
"Of course they are skilled. That's why Lord Aoshi was sent. He's the best. He'll kill the two men, and probably the boy too. I'll tell him about the woman. No need to rile the fox-spirits by killing one of their offspring. Honestly, you think they would train their kits better. She didn't do anything but hide the whole time."
"She doesn't know." Sano admonished with a pained grunt, "Don't tell her either. It will just stir up more trouble."
Misao laughed in disbelief, "The great Sanosuke worried about causing a little trouble? Boy, you were born to trouble." Okita had to agree.
The three said their good byes, but Okita's heart wasn't in it.
As the entered their pack boundaries again his heart seemed to sink ever further down into its dark nest of misery and anguish. Each step, each second brought him closer to what heíd have to do, and he dreaded it. Dreaded and hated it with a burning passion, one that his wolf-mind didnít fully comprehend. To it there was loyalty, but there was also survival and pragmatism that came of being a wild creature. Kill to eat, fight to live. There were no complications of deep love. There was the love of the pack, the love of freedom, even the love of a mate, but none were even remotely similar.
As they drew closer a dark shape materialized out of the shadows created by the setting sun. The female wolf was charcoal colored with pale streaks of gray shot through her shaggy coat. Black coated her slender muzzle, legs, and chest. Her flat blue-gray eyes were trained on the two as the halted. She eyed Sano's shoulder with blatant disapproval.
"Saitoh is very unhappy." She remarked in a low, deep voice. She cocked an eyebrow and a slight, dry, humorless smile crossed her muzzle, "Ready to meet your doom? Just do it quick because the sun won't wait. You don't want to face him in human form. Otherwise you will be black and blue all over, and your masters will wonder."
Sano snorted, "Yumi doesn't notice much. You know she just uses me as a plaything. It doesn't matter what condition I'm in."
"Thank you Kikisha, we will hurry." Okita said with a polite nod of his head. The she-wolf wasn't that much older than either of them, but there was something unnerving about her. She was always so silent, and when she chose to speak one wished she hadn't. Perhaps it was due to her mistress' outspoken nature.
They walked in. Saitoh and his mate Tokio were seated side by side. They made an interesting picture. He was pitch black while she was so light a gray she almost seemed snow white. Her gentle storm gray eyes made a sharp contrast to Saitoh's sharp golden ones. Today she wore a disapproving frown. As the alpha female she had just as much power as Saitoh. The two were partners, equal partners, in everything.
"Where have you been?" There was lethal conviction in that frigid voice and Saitoh stalked forward with deadly grace. His nose wrinkled when he caught the sharp scent of Sano's blood and a snarl crossed his thin lips.
"Patrolling." Sano replied flippantly. Before the last syllable even passed his lips he was slammed roughly into the ground with hurricane force. The black ball of coiled muscle and sharp fangs had the younger wolf pinned. His pearly white canine teeth hovered a mere inch over the other's throat and fury danced in his normally cool, cynical eyes. Okita shivered glad it wasn't him.
"Saitoh." Tokio said walking forward and touching his shoulder with her nose. Reluctantly the alpha backed off, but the ridge of fur on his shoulders and back remained stiff with agitation. Sano, shaking with fear, cringed paying proper respect to his leader. Neither of the two younger wolves had ever seen him so worked up. They were beginning to get a good idea why he was leader of their pack. Tokio eyed them darkly and advised in a serene voice, "They are safe, and for the most part uninjured. At least hear their side of the story before punishing them."
Okita looked to Sano. He was staring at Saitoh as if he had never seen the wolf before. There was a new respect in his chocolate eyes and Okita figured that just might be the last flippant remark the young wolf ever uttered to his leader. But he was no help now. Too stunned and shocked, even if he could speak properly, he would blotch the explanation, and as things were going they would need a really good one.
"Saitoh, we did not mean..." Mean to what? Get in trouble. Both of them had gone willingly into trouble, for different reasons. Make them worry? Assuming they had, and Okita thought they did. Tarnish the pack reputation? Get injured? Let humans see and better them? The list went on and on. He finished lamely, "For it to turn out the way it did."
"Few rarely do." Tokio nodded sagely, waiting patiently for him to collect his thoughts. Saitoh's gaze was hooded and calculating, but he didn't interrupt. A bad sign.
Okita wondered how to begin without condemning his friend outright. His dark gaze flickered over the other three and he exhaled loudly. There was no avoiding it; he would simply have to be brutally honest.
"Sano told me he found a half-kitsune woman. I didn't believe him so he felt the need to show me. We found her all right, and she is half-kitsune too, but she was in the company of two vampire hunters and a boy. One of the men snuck up behind us and outmatched us easily. His partner helped ring us in. We were trapped until Misao instigated a melee allowing us to escape."
There. It was told fairly short and to the point. There were numerous things the older wolf could cut them down on and rightfully punish them for. Instead an impenetrable silence stretched out and he dared to look up, wondering what was taking so long. Saitoh was usually quick to hand out punishment to those he deemed deserving. The black wolf was standing rigidly staring at the pair with a judicious look. Abruptly he shook himself and snapped in a tone harsher than winter on a mountain peak, "Okita, you do what you have to tonight. We will talk later and decide your fate. Sanosuke, you come with me."
The tan wolf followed casting a pleading look over at Tokio. She stared at him sternly and he trailed after the black wolf. Okita flattened his ears and tucked his tail. He had avoided his fate thus far, but he wasn't foolish enough to think it would escape it.
He turned his gaze towards the last bloody rays of the sun and watched the fire orb melt behind the thick, dark forest. He felt his fur receding and his back elongating. His muzzle shrunk back into a flat, furless face with a blunt nose, fleshy tips, and the eyes of a human. As always, it took a moment to adjust to all the bright colors and the new perception. His paws split and shifted into dexterous fingers, one thing he loved about being human, having fingers. His shoulder blades rotated so they were adjacent instead of directly parallel and his pelvic bone broadened to support his upper half's weight. His plumy tail shriveled and shrunk into him and his fangs receded into mere nubs. He ran his sensitive tongue across them and straightened up.
Tokio tossed him a bundle of clothing. She always slipped between forms with enviable ease and had already donned hers. She sat on a stone and watched him dress with worried eyes. While Saitoh played a father figure, Tokio filled in the role of mother. She treated everyone under her with the same motherly affection, but was especially protective of Misao, Okita, and Sano.
"You have to do this." Tokio reminded him once he was fully dressed. It hurt and he chose to ignore her and turn his head away. Cool, gentle fingers grabbed his chin and brought him around to face her. Her gray eyes bore into his mercilessly and he held her stare. Abruptly she let his head go, but he remained looking back at her. A sad, bitter smile crossed her face, "You do seem to love the man. I know the heart can lead you to faulty footing and get you into more trouble than you'd like, but don't give up on it after this. Please? I know it's hard to imagine finding another to fill that void, but you will. Or you might not. At least give it a try. Promise me you won't hold this to your chest forever. Things change. Besides, he's only human. He would grow old and die right before your eyes. Nothing is more painful than watching the ones you love fade away and you can't do a thing to stop it."
"I..."
"Promise me."
"I promise." He said with all the sincerity he could muster. His mind informed him that she had seen much of the world, and probably knew what she was talking about, but she could have her mate. They could be together. A twinge of jealousy shot through him and he bowed his head. Shuffling his feet he walked towards the entrance. Towards another night of servitude, jesting with his pack, and betraying his lover.
Sano and Saitoh didn't show up for dinner. Okita recalled that he had wanted to eat some meat before shifting. Well, he couldn't bolt raw flesh now that he was human. He didn't seem to have much of an appetite anyway at the moment. His limbs were heavy with dread and he was nervous. Without either Misao or Sano there it seemed rather quiet. The two usually got into a fight in which several other older members would gladly join in, taking sides. It was all in good fun of course. Most of the time. If it got out of hand Tokio would usually put an end to it. Tonight was sober, and not just for Okita. The whole pack seemed in a black mood.
Kikisha slid up next to Okita. Her face was delicate as a human and her overly large eyes glided over him before she spoke, "I know your friends are not here, and that you probably would not wish for their help. However, if you feel you require support after, do not hesitate to ask me. We are pack and we stand beside each other. If we did not we would be no different than those vampires. Self serving and petty." Having said her piece she disappeared to submit herself for duty to her mistress.
Shishio would not require him until later in the evening so he loitered around the place, pacing. Glancing around he noticed that same young vampire watching him. He didn't know Soujirou well. The boy vampire seemed worse than the others with that perpetual smile stretched across his face, like he couldn't remember any other expression. Or that if he moved his lips his face would shatter under the unexpected movement. Of course, the two had dealings, how could they not, both serving under Shishio so closely? He knew that Soujirou had declined a werewolf and wondered why. It was considered bad form not to have a slave to order around. The other vampires found it demeaning and wasteful.
He was also aware that the boy was having relations with Misao's master Aoshi. A shiver went through him. Aoshi. He couldn't see how Misao could idolize the vampire so much. He seemed so cold and emotionless. At least Shishio had emotions and showed them openly. Perhaps Soujirou and Aoshi did make a good pair come to think of it. Their relationship wouldn't require much effort. Give, take.
When everyone else headed off for their duties, some of the wolves with sad, supportive glances his direction, he risked a quick glance around. Soujirou was still sitting with his back propped up against a corner. His lids were half closed and his arms were crossed over his raised knees. Okita realized he was probably not going to leave and he had seen them before never having done anything about it. He would just have to chance it. After all, Soujirou could wait him out. If he didn't do this tonight he would have to wait. Not only would the wait eat at him from the inside out, but also he would steadily lose his loosely gathered courage. This would have to be quick and clean. He hoped.
Silently, he crept into the shadowed hall that led back to the food slaves' quarters. Usually after being fed upon, depending how deeply, they would retire and sleep. If it was only a light feeding, or if they weren't chosen for duty that night, they would attend domestic chores or gather socially. Their gregarious natures were what endeared them to him far more than the vampire's cold, lone ones would. They liked being together, around one another, like a pack.
A hand shot out of a niche and caught his arm. Okita jumped and a low chuckle answered. He stared with heart hammering and eyes wide at his lover. The man was taller than him by quite a few inches. His smooth, jet- black hair fell gracefully down to his shoulder and a teal headband held it off his forehand. His forest green eyes were set at a graceful tilt and his face was fair. His long, artistic fingers curled around Okita's upper arm lightly.
"You scared me!" Okita accused, allowing himself to be dragged in with the man. Suddenly he couldn't...couldn't do it. He didn't have the resolve! He thought of his pack's disappointment, assuming they would shun and make an outcast of him. Would that be worth it? To be run out of his pack. Then he remembered the old female Kikisha's words and realized they were counting on him to do the right thing. He couldn't turn his back on them. He owed them. He owed his pack and he owed his lover safety.
"I missed you." The man admitted drawing the wolf in for a feathery kiss. His lips teased and brushed against Okita's before dragging into a much deeper one. They broke apart, panting slightly and Okita felt his face flush lightly.
He gave the man a serious look and drew back. His body suddenly craved the heat that roiled off the man, how it pressed against him making him feel loved and secure. When the man stepped forward to close the gap he placed the flat of his palm on the other's firm chest. His lover stopped, puzzlement lurking in his green eyes.
Okita felt a prickling sensation behind his eyes. It took him a moment to realize that it was a warning to the onset of hot, salty tears that ran tracks down his cheeks.
"What's wrong Okita?" Smooth, careful fingers brushed his face, but the man made no move to close the gap. Concern was etched into his fine features and his sharp eyes were locked on the wolf's face.
Okita grasped the hand in his own before returning it to his owner. Originally he was planning to just drive Katsu away with hurtful words, claiming that his interest had waned and the human was nothing to him. Now he realized that was impossible. He was too weak. He couldn't be strong enough to do such a cruel thing. It would render his heart shattered. The shards would have razor edges and would be coated with self-loathing. He couldn't live with that poisoning his system, he didn't think.
"We..." He choked as his throat felt thick and heavy, "We have to stop this. Stop seeing each other." There was confusion on Katsu's face and his black brows crinkled inwards, but Okita now had his foot in the door. He needed to go on in a rush before he was too overcome to continue. He had until then to make his point clear, "My pack, they know. Well, not all of them. At first I thought it was only Saitoh, but then it was Tokio. Today I found out another female named Kikisha even knew. It makes me wonder how many others. They... they've been kind, but pressuring. They want what's best and I see their point. If we're caught..."
"I will be killed." Katsu remarked deadpan. Okita looked up and saw that his features had darkened. It haunted him too then. It should. "But I knew that from the beginning. What is life if you don't live it?"
"I couldn't stand to see you be killed... and it would be in front of me... and you know Shishio. He will make it painful and torturous for both of us. I couldn't watch that." By then he had gotten a hold of his tears. Crying was something he hadn't done in years. He wondered if he was making up for it now. "And there is this vampire, Soujirou, he's been watching us. I'm sure he knows. It's only a matter of time before someone else notices, even if he's not inclined to tattle. We can't keep this a secret!" The last sentence came out in a furious snarl that was grossly mutated by his human throat. It was supposed to be a wolf's noise.
Katsu held his ground calmly looking the sobbing young wolf over with a slightly pained expression. He reached forward slightly before allowing his slender hands to fall back without reaching their goal. He took a shallow, shaky breath, but his voice came out strong and smooth as usual.
"I can understand how you are feeling, perhaps it is for the best then?"
Okita nodded dumbly, expecting... well, more. He felt cheated somehow. Here he was going through killer pain and agony hoping against hope that he could be strong yet wishing that Katsu would say the magic words to convince him to remain. Instead the man agrees with what he doesn't want to say or be true.
Suddenly he was wrapped up in a slender pair of arms and the man's face was buried in his hair. He clutched the cloth blindly, not wanting to let go.
"Shh, you will be alright." Katsu murmured comfortingly, with only a slight catch in his voice. He petted the wolf's head with long, even strokes and rubbed the young man's back with his other free hand. "I am so sorry. I should not have allowed this to progress so far..."
"Don't." Okita snapped sharply, suddenly angered that Katsu would ever take the blame so needlessly. As he had said, they both knew in the beginning what the rules were. Because they had chosen to disobey them, but that didn't condemn them.
"I should go then." Katsu said, disengaging his limbs from around Okita's slender body. He gave a wistful smile, "I would say we could be friends, however, in light of our situation I believe it would be best if you forgot about me best you can. Life goes on after all. A time for meetings, partings, and reunions."
With that he stole out down the hall leaving nothing behind for Okita, but memories.
A/N: Hopefully this comes out okay. If there are any funny symbols I'm terribly sorry. My mac laptop doesn't get along very well with my Grandmother's PC. I know Okita's OOC, but he's having a crisis here. I've never realized how fun Trust/Betrayal can be when watching with my siblings. My brother couldn't remember Tomoe's name, he dubbed her Missus Plum, so he kept saying she murdered Kenshin in the shack with the dagger (Clue).
kamorgana: Glad to have you. Thank you so much for the praise. My style is still growing and expanding, but I put a lot of effort into focusing it for this fic. Hiko is always cast as the overbearing Master, purely for comic relief. I guess I'm deriving more from the OAVs.
Mary-Ann: Why thank you. I honestly didn't realize exactly how many other vampire stories there are out there until I cruised the R section of FF. I read a few and they seemed to be centered on B/K (-.- I fail to see the "B". Kenshin is Kenshin. The battousai isn't an alter ego) and they were very similar. I hope to keep this original and captivating. Hehe, there's two sides to every story. Well, I added a third.
MissBehavin: Yes, unfortunately. The poor boy has made a powerful enemy, ne?
Fyyrrose: You're big mouth failed to keep up. I, once again, have to update this without your skilled eye looking it over. Road Rash is fun, games are fun. I should stop playing them and write some more. I bribed my brother to play Cheat for me. You need to get your act together on LIOAP. J no baka! Um, too tired to fight. Rob and I have been at it again. No N is bringing me back! Cremation. I hate poking. I should grab your fingers and snap them ^__________^
Wistful-Eyes: Glad I conquered those skeptical thoughts! I suppose I'm so off the wall in my brain. Yes, I do like running my AUs as parallel as is festive. Misao just kind of fell into place when I was figuring roles, and I'm happy with her now. Hehe, I tend to mix and match pairings. Actually, if Sissy was a mosquito he'd have to be female because those are the blood suckers. *pictures Sissy as female* O__O;; Bleach? Anyone have some mental bleach?
Firuze Khanume: Thank you. It will hopefully stay so well balanced. I'm slightly stuck now, but it will be a fight scene, so that just means lots of concentration and studying the two combatant's moves. I started Children of the Revolution, but I keep getting sidetracked. I also started Maigo- chan's translations.The holidays are killing me. Thank you so much for the recommendations.
"He was watching you again."
The older, lean wolf remarked. His coal black coat shone dully as the two enjoyed the weak sunlight that filtered though the thick foliage. His golden eyes regarded the other with uncanny concentration. He was rangy for a wolf with long legs and there was an aura around him that screamed coiled danger. He was the alpha of his pack and it reflected in his attitude.
The younger wolf sighed heavily and lowered his head. His shaggy, chocolate brown coat was dusty from his earlier roll. Thinking how to answer, he licked a foreleg with his flexible pink tongue. "I know."
"You should stop now." The alpha advised harshly. He rose to his feet and stared down challengingly. The younger averted his gaze. Although he was by far the better fighter despite being so young, the older was his alpha, one whom he respected and cared for. He mutely accepted the advice with his ears flattened and his tail tucked. "You will be caught and punished."
"I've... I've tried."
"Trying is not enough Okita." The younger wolf's head jerked up as if he had been stung. The black leader never used his name, preferring to call him a moron most times. To do so he must really be worried and angry. Well, he should be. What Okita was doing endangered him and the pack, but just thinking about ending it tore at his heart. For once he wished his strong loyalty wasn't such. If he could just walk away... But he couldn't, wouldn't.
"But Saitoh," He groveled earning a cold growl. He bowed his head in response and whispered, "I understand. I will do it this evening before my courage deserts me."
A tense silence stretched between them and Okita got up and paced slowly. They were waiting for the rest of the pack to return from patrol. The young wolf knew why Saitoh had asked him to remain behind and he stayed with a sinking heart. Now that things had been stated he knew he couldnít back out. For the safety of his pack, for the safety of his lover, he would have to end this. It didn't make it any easier or sooth his ache.
He was suddenly angry at the world. At Saitoh for saying such things even though he knew how much it would hurt. The alpha was like a father to the younger and at the moment he resented his interference. But then, he had interfered as alpha, for the good of his pack, not as a father. Mad at the vampires for ruling their lives so callously and restricting their freedom so harshly. Also at Shishio for having hold over him, his pack, and his lover. The vampire leader would take sadistic pleasure if he ever found out. The vampire had a will of iron and a heart of cold steel. Okita knew first hand how cruel and sardonic he could be when the mood took him. He had served as a personal slave for most of his young life and such sickening displays hardly affected him anymore. Most of all he was furious at his traitorous heart for choosing such a forbidden love. If it had simply picked on of his own status he could go about his affairs unworried, not hounded and fearful of being caught.
He was by nature a very happy, light-hearted wolf and this strain was tearing him apart slowly. He didn't know how to deal with such a stressful situation. Before he had always risen to the challenge, obtained what was demanded. He was perfect in the eyes of many, and hated for that. Only Saitoh and his mate Tokio knew him well enough to see the flaws he hid from public viewing. Only they knew about his liaison.
Suddenly he couldn't take it. He looked to his alpha and the black wolf stared back with silent permission in his golden eyes. He wasn't the most compassionate wolf, however, he understood things were what they were. He didn't try to change others to suit his needs, he simply warned them. He was a practical, pragmatic, and logical wolf touched with a cold cynicism and sadistic humor.
Bunching his shoulder and haunch muscles the young wolf tore off through the forest. His legs blurred as he heedlessly tore through brush and easily cleared fallen debris. Brambles and brush tore at him, reaching for his eyes, but he merely slammed through it with uncaring fury. Sharp toenails dug into the hard ground for purchase and his rough pads sent dead, crackling leaves flying in his wake. Thoughts pounded through his head keeping pace with his legs pounding the earth. Smells filtered through his nose, normally those would tempt him, he would enjoy them, but at the moment he was so deep in his bitter misery nothing mattered.
He reached the edge of a cliff and skidded to a halt, his instincts taking over, ensuring self-preservation. He didn't want to die. There was no reason to die like that. Suicide was for cowards he was a wolf warrior. Such a disgrace was far below him. He would survive this, it would hurt, but pain merely made on stronger.
Raising his tail and head he peered down the endless abyss with his body heaving as it recovered from his tearing running. His breath came out in puffs and his blood pounded in his ears.
His sharp ears detected someone approaching him. So strung up he didnít pause to find out if it was friend or foe. Instead he whirled with incredible speed and hurtled towards the sneak. There was a yelp as he hit solid flesh attacking with snarls and teeth. The other wolf, for he realized as soon as the yelp rippled through the air that he had attacked one, writhed and squirmed, not fighting back. With a great effort it tore away and a familiar voice rang out accusing.
"What'd you do that for? Have you totally lost it."
The lighter brown wolf glared with chocolate brown eyes and affronted dignity. Tuffs of fur littered the rocks beneath them and his coat was now in a state of disrepair. He growled and stood there breathing heavily.
"Sorry." Okita said, regaining his composure and beating back his senseless fury. He studied the larger, heavier wolf before spitting out the mouthful of fur still clutched between his front teeth. It floated down and the chocolate brown eyes followed it mournfully before it kissed the ground. "You startled me."
"Sure I did. Why does that sound so much like a flat out lie?" The larger one grinned, his good humor restored, and Okita was already forgiven.
Okita smirked back. Sanosuke was one of the few wolves that actually accepted him for who he was. It didnít discourage the wolf from trying to engage Okita in fights all the time however. He was good-natured and hot tempered, with an easy-going attitude and low standards. They were about the same age, and had hit it off fairly well since Sano first joined the pack. They spent a lot of time together for the reason that Sano's mistress was Yumi. Saitoh was hard on the younger wolf, but Okita knew that Sano could take it and that it wasn't completely biased dislike. More like Saitoh found Sanosuke a waste of good talent due to some stupid asinine behavior.
"So what do you want Sano."
"I just couldn't stand to see you in such pitiful misery. I don't know what's bothering you, but you've been so down lately. I just wanted to be a good friend and cheer you up." Sano grinned.
"You wanted to cheer me up by sneaking up on me while I was standing at the edge of a bottomless pit?" Okita clarified and Sano blinked. He laughed, "That would have fix your misery right up!"
"What did you really want?"
The larger, bulkier wolf shifted around looking a bit sheepish making Okita wonder what he had been up to. Sano had a nose for trouble and he employed it frequently. Also, he had no qualms about dragging his many friends into messes they would have originally stayed clear of.
He shifted his paw making a doodle in the dirt and half flattened his heavy, triangular ears. "You see it's like this. I was doing my patrol yesterday, like Saitoh ordered, and I got a bit curious because I could smell human blood. So I followed the scent and came on a human female. She was washing herself off in a stream. Of course, I terrified the poor lady, after all I am such a fine specimen of a wolf."
"So?" Okita wished he'd get to the point. If there was one. "Surely you took out her throat." Sano remained silent and Okita groaned, "Please tell me you killed her. Please, please, tell me you killed her."
Sano sat down with a hangdog expression.
"You didn't kill her, did you?" Okita said rolling his dark eyes in disbelief. "Why not? You know the rules. No mortal may see us and live."
Sano's expression clouded with thought and he replied, "But she wasn't mortal... At least not fully and completely. I couldn't pinpoint it, but something in her heritage screamed danger."
Okita snorted as the two turned and trotted side by side in an easy, familiar rhythm. Sano always brought things out in people, and today he was thankful to be yanked out of his black mood. Getting in trouble with the young werewolf usually wasn't high on his list of priorities, but anything to keep him from thinking about what he had to do that evening was welcomed with open arms.
"So she's a halfling. Part of her is still mortal, so she still falls under the rule." Okita shrugged, not understanding what his friend was trying to say.
"I think she was part kitsune."
That stopped Okita dead in his tracks and he stared with wide-eyed astonishment. He turned his head sharply and nipped at Sano's shoulder reproachfully with narrowed eyes.
"You shouldn't kid like that!"
Sano put on a serious face, his long muzzle set and his chocolate eyes no longer danced with mischief. He turned and towered over the small wolf. He clicked his jaws together a few times, thinking. Although the young wolf usual course of action was attack now and ask later, he wasn't, like many perceived him to be, a total dunce. When he thought that meant he had far more on his mind that his next meal or fun.
His tongue ran along the edges of his chops and his brow furrowed before he spoke earnestly. "If you don't believe me then I can show you."
Before Okita could reply the larger wolf was loping off towards the east. Okita wasnít sure he wanted to know why exactly Sanosuke knew where this woman was. He was sure after being scared to death she wouldn't linger around her home. Humans weren't that stupid, were they? He didnít know, not having too much contact with any but the food slaves. They weren't normal, not after living in the catacomb and being fed upon. Several were actually insane now that he thought about it. With a shrug of indifference, they were only weak humans after all, he ran to catch up with his trouble finding friend.
"What will Saitoh say?" Okita asked and smiled at the typical snort that issued from his friend. Sano gave a dismissive shake of his head, "Who cares? He's our leader, not our wet nurse. I didn't hear any orders against patrolling and scouting, did you?"
The two traveled in concentrated silence enjoying the crisp air and weak sunshine. Okita's mind wandered. He would hate to be a vampire for all their superior attributes. Sleeping the day away in a cold, dark crypt never seeing the light of day or the wonderful things that happened there in. It seemed like only half an existence to him. Then their bodies; never holding any heat, even from the blood they fed off to sustain themselves, feeling air pump in and out of their lungs. Well, they were undead after all. Immortals. Living forever unless someone killed them or they took their own life. He wondered if they did that. It seemed staying around for so long would be tiresome. Especially with such limiting restrictions. He would rather be a wolf with the freedom to roam the woods in a sleek, predatorís body. He didnít mind being human, except that it meant he was expected to serve his master. Then he was the slave. Bound and helpless by the invisible collar that held him faithfully.
He shook his coat, no longer able to feel it brush against his skin. He was a mere puppy when it was first placed on. Back then he thought it a great honor to be chosen to serve the head vampire. How childish and naive. Well, experience came with living and living took time. He still had a full life ahead of him.
"Aren't kitsunes human legends?" He asked suddenly breaking the companionable silence between them. He honestly didn't recall much about the fox deities. They have never interested him.
"I don't know much."
Okita growled in annoyance, "Well, what do you know?" He didn't like running into things blind. What if this woman used foxfire against them? The wolf body was agile and hardy, but being fired by supernatural fire didn't sound attractive.
"She doesn't know she's one. Otherwise she would have slammed me the first time she saw me." His tongue lolled and he crinkled his muzzle. Okita didn't find it funny at all. Sometimes his friend was far too reckless. "I saw a temple once. It was a shrine that the humans had built to the fox god Inari. It had two white fox statues guarding the gate. Of course, I didn't enter it though you know how humans are so protective. I don't know why I remembered that just now. Hehe, I've wandered so much it's hard to keep stuff straight, you know?
"How do you know that she's half kitsune?" Okita accused, as the thought that he was being strung along in good fun crossed his mind. They were definitely outside of their normal territory and he was curious just what Sanosuke had been doing so far out in the first place. They were treading on the edge of another pack's territory and it made him edgy. The other pack might not take so kindly to their trespass. Then again, if they remained in the neutral no-wolf's land, then they should be fine. A fight didn't seem as appealing as it had earlier when he was standing beside the chasm.
"I don't. That's why I need you. To make sure I'm right." Sano replied easily, flashing a wolfish grin and showing his canines. "So what do you know about them?"
"Only that they live for about nine hundred years before their mortal bodies give out. They can feed on their base element or human's yang. They're tricksters, but loyal to their families like wolves. They have awful tempers when roused and hold grudges before extracting revenge. They enjoy their freedom, like us. I don't know much." Okita recited. His nose twitched. He absorbed and retained information so easily. If only drudging it up from the depths of his mind was so lucrative. Something tickled at the back of his mind, but he couldnít pinpoint it.
"Shoot, that's a whole lot more than me. I knew you'd be useful. Now, shh, we're coming up on their camp."
"Their?" Okita's eyes harden with suspicion. Sano hadn't mentioned there were others in her company, although it made sense. Humans were incredibly social creatures. Few preferred their solitude.
If a wolf's mouth and throat could manage a whistle, Sanosuke would be tooting away like mad. Instead he made a half-whine pleading forgiveness.
"Just some humans. And these are full humans. But I don't know," He shrugged with his whole body, "The two men seem to be all business. I figure they're fighters of some kind. Carrying around swords and all. It doesn't matter, they've never sensed me."
Okita's suspicions solidified. Just how often had Sano visited this little party of humans? More to the point, why? What was so interesting that he had his koi-memory friend hooked? Sano wasn't known for his patience or persistence.
They crept up on their bellies in the soft forest loam. The smell of fire and cooking food assaulted their nostrils and Okita belatedly realized he hadn't eaten in the last twelve hours. It wasn't life threatening, and his wolf body was well equip to handle a bit of hunger, but when the sun set in the evening his human body would protest bitterly. He resolved to eat as soon as he returned to the pack. Otherwise he would be stuck eating human slave slop. Red, bloody meat was far more appealing. A bit of saliva dribbled down his chin. Normally Sano would have jumped on that, but his chocolate eyes were fixed on the woman below.
Okita's eyes barely lingered on her. His sharp nose was gathering information on the other members seated around the blazing fire. The boy was leaning against a thick log whittling and chatting animatedly to his companions. He'd pause every so often to appraise his work, which looked like a whittled stick. Okita wondered if that was intentional, or if he was actually hoping to transform the wood into something else. His silent companion appeared to be dozing with yellow lens perched on the bridge of his nose. His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his katana and he didn't seem quite relaxed. Sano was dead on, these weren't normal humans, and they were hunters. He wanted to back out now before they did something regretful.
"I thought you said there were two men. Surely you didn't count that pup as one?" Okita hissed lowly.
"No way. There was another guy. Huge. But I don't see him... uh oh."
Uh oh was right.
Okita snarled roughly and shoved the other wolf to the side as a steel blade whistled past them. He leapt to his feet with his hackles raised and his lips pulled back in a deadly snarl. The man before him was large by human standards. His black hair hung down and his hard face was set in the intent to cleave the two spying wolves in half.
"What do you want." He said in a calm, reasonable voice. Was there a trace of smugness under there? Perhaps he was congratulating himself for sneaking up on them and catching them off guard. He would have never stood a chance if it were Saitoh spying instead of two young, inexperienced wolves. Okita acknowledged he had been foolish to focus his senses down. It stood to reason that they would set a guard on their camp. What worried the dark brown wolf now was that this guard seemed fully capable of relieving them of their heads with a few graceful sweeps of his glittering steel.
Sano, already prepared for battle, was snarling and growling low in this throat. If he had fists they would be clenched in blood lust. Okita realized he would have to take over and see if he couldn't avoid bloodshed. He shouldered the larger wolf hard knocking Sano out of his rage-induced trance. The tan wolf snapped at him, but held his temper in check as if realizing they might not make it out of this mess alive.
Of course, the human couldn't understand wolf speech, and they wouldn't speak human until they transformed.
"Okay you two," Okita noticed that the silver hair man had slid up to flank them and that the woman and boy were looking on silently, "I want some answers. And if we have to hold you until nightfall so be it. I trust you will see that I can kill you if you make so much as one wrong move. I assure you, my fellow hunter is just as proficient."
Okita did the only thing his logical wolf mind could think of to show his obedience: rolled over on his back bearing his throat and belly in submission. Sano stared at him like he was utterly crazy and when the man moved forward snarled deep in warning. The man paid little heed. His booted feet stopped and he grunted in satisfaction, "At least one of you has a brain. Since I don't want to look at you more than I absolutely have to we will play question and answer. Shake your head if itís yes or no. If you are uncertain or need me to clarify paw the ground. Simple."
Okita rolled over and rose to a crouch. Dirt and leaves littered his coat, but he nodded slightly.
"You were spying on us."
Nod.
"Who? Myself?"
Shake of head.
The man pointed to his partner. Another repeated, negative shake of his head. The boy, no, shake. When he pointed to the woman a nod.
"Why me?" She asked. Her gaze was mostly focused on Sanosuke. Understanding kindled in her eyes, "You're that wolf I saw the other day! Why didn't you kill me, but then killed my patient!"
Sano jerked his head back, startled, and Okita yipped in surprise. They hadn't killed any mortals recently. It wasn't something that pleased them and Saitoh kept a tight reign on his pack.
"I don't think they did it." The boy observed, holding his wooden sword. Okita eyed it knowing he could snap the thick, sturdy sword with one powerful crunch of his jaws. He nodded in response to the boy's comment doing his best to look harmless. How he wished he could speak in words! Body language was part of wolf society, but humans were so inept at reading it. He would have to make it incredibly obvious for them to even pick up on what he was trying to convey.
How could he explain, with gestures, that they had nothing to do with it. It was a rival pack. He didn't want to be pinned to a crime they didnít have anything to do with. Curse Sanosuke and his wandering, adventurous spirit!
"Are there just two of you?" The large man continued as if that little side conversation had never happened. He paid no attention to the furious woman or the boy.
Up close Okita could smell them much better and he had to agree with Sanosuke, she was definitely half kitsune. He could smell the musky fox essence and he would bet her element was water. The sharp, bitter smell of herbs clung to her, as well as old, sick blood. Her features had a definite angled tint to them. He didn't see any tails or ears, for all appearances she seemed completely human. There was no way any of the four could actually know what she was. Well, he wasn't planning to enlighten them either.
There was a full-throated howl from the other direction startling not only the humans, but the two wolves as well. Okita's eyes cut across to Sano praying that it wasn't the rival pack. They could quite possibly be torn to shreds for being so foolish as to be captured by a group of humans. Or the other pack could take offence if they were hunting these humans. Their vampire masters held no sway during the day. If they were killed it was simply too bad.
Sano replied in his deep bass voice, putting the humans even more on edge. The woman had hidden herself and the boy had backed up nervously. The two men were on their toes, probably expecting an ambush.
A blue-black wolf came hurtling out of the bushes. The creature's lithe form slammed into the silver hair man and he stumbled back a step. The wolf was a whirlwind of energy and fury tearing and haring him. White teeth raked bare skin and blunt claws dug into muscles. Although the wolf weighed less than the human it bravely continued itís assault.
Meanwhile, Sanosuke gave a bellow and charged the larger man. Okita joined him in the well-practiced dance of the hunt. The two weaved in and out, sometimes daring a nip at clothing. When the sword swung at Sano's heavier, less agile form he snarled in pain and crimson slashed the air. His shoulder was cut to the bone. In fact, Okita could see it peering out from severed muscle and flesh. The scent of coppery blood filled the air and he realized they needed to get out of there while they could. These humans were over-matching them.
With a mustered snarl he shoved Sano's uninjured shoulder, urging the limping wolf to retreat. The blue-black female gave one last snap before darting after them. The three melted into the undergrowth leaving four very vex, confused humans.
As they ran Sano fell further behind. The female stared back agitated with glowing green eyes and she bounded up head, leading the way. The reached a secluded grove that ringed a small pool. Sano made a grimace of pain and flopped down trying to clean the injury with his tongue. He was doing a poor job and the female continued to glare. Eventually he ended up wading in the pool. The water turned faintly pink as it lapped his wound clean. She waited until he staggered out dripping and miserable.
"What were you doing! You have interrupted a very important mission bestowed on my Lord Aoshi. Besides, this isn't our territory you were trespassing! I want a good explanation, and I want it now." The last word was uttered in a deathly cold voice and Sano cringed as Okita looked to him to explain.
"Eh, you see it was like this Misao..."
Misao glared at him and he shut his mouth with an audible click. Whimpering partly in pain and partly in embarrassment he tried to lick his wound again.
"I want you to explain Okita, not that idiot. I know he put you up to it!" She wailed with unchecked fury and the dark brown wolf flinched away. The wraith of an irate, affronted Misao was a terrifying sight. Although she was smaller than both of them, her anger lent her strength and speed, which she didn't hesitate to use to punish.
"The woman is a kitsune half ling." That seemed the safest way to answer. Maybe, if he were extremely lucky it would distract her from beating them within an inch of their lives.
"That's your reasoning?" She growled in exasperation and padded over to Sano running her tongue across his wound. He flinched, but she lay down next to him and continued methodically. "Was it worth this?"
Sano laid his head down on his paws and sighed allowing her to work. Okita hovered uncertainly, wondering if he should inform Shishio of their findings. The vampire always wanted to keep tabs on half-breeds of any sort, especially those of spirits. A fox-spirit was supposedly nothing but a fairy tale. He would be keenly interested in one actually existing. He decided he would submit it to Saitoh. He was glad to leave hard decisions to his pack leader and foster father. He fully expected the taste they had received from Misao was merely that. Saitoh would be far less forgiving on the errant pair. He shook his head trying to see the logic in ever going with Sano on this foolhardy task in the first place. That just led him back to thoughts he wished to avoid. His whipped mood reverted suddenly to darkness.
Misao noticed this and was immediately repentant, "I'm sorry, was I too mean? I didn't mean to be, but you boys are really going to get it from Saitoh when you get back. Doing something so stupid. No wonder he calls you morons."
"Better a moron than a weasel, eh Okita?" Sano jested and she nipped his injured shoulder in warning. He winced and licked her muzzle.
"We should go back." Okita said shortly looking though the pair's flirting actions. He was thinking of his own lover and the betrayal that he would have to do. Sano rose, and limped forward. Okita gave a slight bow of his head to Misao, "Thank you for your help, it was invaluable. I hope your master's hunt is successful. Warn him that they are skilled and not to kill the woman."
"Of course they are skilled. That's why Lord Aoshi was sent. He's the best. He'll kill the two men, and probably the boy too. I'll tell him about the woman. No need to rile the fox-spirits by killing one of their offspring. Honestly, you think they would train their kits better. She didn't do anything but hide the whole time."
"She doesn't know." Sano admonished with a pained grunt, "Don't tell her either. It will just stir up more trouble."
Misao laughed in disbelief, "The great Sanosuke worried about causing a little trouble? Boy, you were born to trouble." Okita had to agree.
The three said their good byes, but Okita's heart wasn't in it.
As the entered their pack boundaries again his heart seemed to sink ever further down into its dark nest of misery and anguish. Each step, each second brought him closer to what heíd have to do, and he dreaded it. Dreaded and hated it with a burning passion, one that his wolf-mind didnít fully comprehend. To it there was loyalty, but there was also survival and pragmatism that came of being a wild creature. Kill to eat, fight to live. There were no complications of deep love. There was the love of the pack, the love of freedom, even the love of a mate, but none were even remotely similar.
As they drew closer a dark shape materialized out of the shadows created by the setting sun. The female wolf was charcoal colored with pale streaks of gray shot through her shaggy coat. Black coated her slender muzzle, legs, and chest. Her flat blue-gray eyes were trained on the two as the halted. She eyed Sano's shoulder with blatant disapproval.
"Saitoh is very unhappy." She remarked in a low, deep voice. She cocked an eyebrow and a slight, dry, humorless smile crossed her muzzle, "Ready to meet your doom? Just do it quick because the sun won't wait. You don't want to face him in human form. Otherwise you will be black and blue all over, and your masters will wonder."
Sano snorted, "Yumi doesn't notice much. You know she just uses me as a plaything. It doesn't matter what condition I'm in."
"Thank you Kikisha, we will hurry." Okita said with a polite nod of his head. The she-wolf wasn't that much older than either of them, but there was something unnerving about her. She was always so silent, and when she chose to speak one wished she hadn't. Perhaps it was due to her mistress' outspoken nature.
They walked in. Saitoh and his mate Tokio were seated side by side. They made an interesting picture. He was pitch black while she was so light a gray she almost seemed snow white. Her gentle storm gray eyes made a sharp contrast to Saitoh's sharp golden ones. Today she wore a disapproving frown. As the alpha female she had just as much power as Saitoh. The two were partners, equal partners, in everything.
"Where have you been?" There was lethal conviction in that frigid voice and Saitoh stalked forward with deadly grace. His nose wrinkled when he caught the sharp scent of Sano's blood and a snarl crossed his thin lips.
"Patrolling." Sano replied flippantly. Before the last syllable even passed his lips he was slammed roughly into the ground with hurricane force. The black ball of coiled muscle and sharp fangs had the younger wolf pinned. His pearly white canine teeth hovered a mere inch over the other's throat and fury danced in his normally cool, cynical eyes. Okita shivered glad it wasn't him.
"Saitoh." Tokio said walking forward and touching his shoulder with her nose. Reluctantly the alpha backed off, but the ridge of fur on his shoulders and back remained stiff with agitation. Sano, shaking with fear, cringed paying proper respect to his leader. Neither of the two younger wolves had ever seen him so worked up. They were beginning to get a good idea why he was leader of their pack. Tokio eyed them darkly and advised in a serene voice, "They are safe, and for the most part uninjured. At least hear their side of the story before punishing them."
Okita looked to Sano. He was staring at Saitoh as if he had never seen the wolf before. There was a new respect in his chocolate eyes and Okita figured that just might be the last flippant remark the young wolf ever uttered to his leader. But he was no help now. Too stunned and shocked, even if he could speak properly, he would blotch the explanation, and as things were going they would need a really good one.
"Saitoh, we did not mean..." Mean to what? Get in trouble. Both of them had gone willingly into trouble, for different reasons. Make them worry? Assuming they had, and Okita thought they did. Tarnish the pack reputation? Get injured? Let humans see and better them? The list went on and on. He finished lamely, "For it to turn out the way it did."
"Few rarely do." Tokio nodded sagely, waiting patiently for him to collect his thoughts. Saitoh's gaze was hooded and calculating, but he didn't interrupt. A bad sign.
Okita wondered how to begin without condemning his friend outright. His dark gaze flickered over the other three and he exhaled loudly. There was no avoiding it; he would simply have to be brutally honest.
"Sano told me he found a half-kitsune woman. I didn't believe him so he felt the need to show me. We found her all right, and she is half-kitsune too, but she was in the company of two vampire hunters and a boy. One of the men snuck up behind us and outmatched us easily. His partner helped ring us in. We were trapped until Misao instigated a melee allowing us to escape."
There. It was told fairly short and to the point. There were numerous things the older wolf could cut them down on and rightfully punish them for. Instead an impenetrable silence stretched out and he dared to look up, wondering what was taking so long. Saitoh was usually quick to hand out punishment to those he deemed deserving. The black wolf was standing rigidly staring at the pair with a judicious look. Abruptly he shook himself and snapped in a tone harsher than winter on a mountain peak, "Okita, you do what you have to tonight. We will talk later and decide your fate. Sanosuke, you come with me."
The tan wolf followed casting a pleading look over at Tokio. She stared at him sternly and he trailed after the black wolf. Okita flattened his ears and tucked his tail. He had avoided his fate thus far, but he wasn't foolish enough to think it would escape it.
He turned his gaze towards the last bloody rays of the sun and watched the fire orb melt behind the thick, dark forest. He felt his fur receding and his back elongating. His muzzle shrunk back into a flat, furless face with a blunt nose, fleshy tips, and the eyes of a human. As always, it took a moment to adjust to all the bright colors and the new perception. His paws split and shifted into dexterous fingers, one thing he loved about being human, having fingers. His shoulder blades rotated so they were adjacent instead of directly parallel and his pelvic bone broadened to support his upper half's weight. His plumy tail shriveled and shrunk into him and his fangs receded into mere nubs. He ran his sensitive tongue across them and straightened up.
Tokio tossed him a bundle of clothing. She always slipped between forms with enviable ease and had already donned hers. She sat on a stone and watched him dress with worried eyes. While Saitoh played a father figure, Tokio filled in the role of mother. She treated everyone under her with the same motherly affection, but was especially protective of Misao, Okita, and Sano.
"You have to do this." Tokio reminded him once he was fully dressed. It hurt and he chose to ignore her and turn his head away. Cool, gentle fingers grabbed his chin and brought him around to face her. Her gray eyes bore into his mercilessly and he held her stare. Abruptly she let his head go, but he remained looking back at her. A sad, bitter smile crossed her face, "You do seem to love the man. I know the heart can lead you to faulty footing and get you into more trouble than you'd like, but don't give up on it after this. Please? I know it's hard to imagine finding another to fill that void, but you will. Or you might not. At least give it a try. Promise me you won't hold this to your chest forever. Things change. Besides, he's only human. He would grow old and die right before your eyes. Nothing is more painful than watching the ones you love fade away and you can't do a thing to stop it."
"I..."
"Promise me."
"I promise." He said with all the sincerity he could muster. His mind informed him that she had seen much of the world, and probably knew what she was talking about, but she could have her mate. They could be together. A twinge of jealousy shot through him and he bowed his head. Shuffling his feet he walked towards the entrance. Towards another night of servitude, jesting with his pack, and betraying his lover.
Sano and Saitoh didn't show up for dinner. Okita recalled that he had wanted to eat some meat before shifting. Well, he couldn't bolt raw flesh now that he was human. He didn't seem to have much of an appetite anyway at the moment. His limbs were heavy with dread and he was nervous. Without either Misao or Sano there it seemed rather quiet. The two usually got into a fight in which several other older members would gladly join in, taking sides. It was all in good fun of course. Most of the time. If it got out of hand Tokio would usually put an end to it. Tonight was sober, and not just for Okita. The whole pack seemed in a black mood.
Kikisha slid up next to Okita. Her face was delicate as a human and her overly large eyes glided over him before she spoke, "I know your friends are not here, and that you probably would not wish for their help. However, if you feel you require support after, do not hesitate to ask me. We are pack and we stand beside each other. If we did not we would be no different than those vampires. Self serving and petty." Having said her piece she disappeared to submit herself for duty to her mistress.
Shishio would not require him until later in the evening so he loitered around the place, pacing. Glancing around he noticed that same young vampire watching him. He didn't know Soujirou well. The boy vampire seemed worse than the others with that perpetual smile stretched across his face, like he couldn't remember any other expression. Or that if he moved his lips his face would shatter under the unexpected movement. Of course, the two had dealings, how could they not, both serving under Shishio so closely? He knew that Soujirou had declined a werewolf and wondered why. It was considered bad form not to have a slave to order around. The other vampires found it demeaning and wasteful.
He was also aware that the boy was having relations with Misao's master Aoshi. A shiver went through him. Aoshi. He couldn't see how Misao could idolize the vampire so much. He seemed so cold and emotionless. At least Shishio had emotions and showed them openly. Perhaps Soujirou and Aoshi did make a good pair come to think of it. Their relationship wouldn't require much effort. Give, take.
When everyone else headed off for their duties, some of the wolves with sad, supportive glances his direction, he risked a quick glance around. Soujirou was still sitting with his back propped up against a corner. His lids were half closed and his arms were crossed over his raised knees. Okita realized he was probably not going to leave and he had seen them before never having done anything about it. He would just have to chance it. After all, Soujirou could wait him out. If he didn't do this tonight he would have to wait. Not only would the wait eat at him from the inside out, but also he would steadily lose his loosely gathered courage. This would have to be quick and clean. He hoped.
Silently, he crept into the shadowed hall that led back to the food slaves' quarters. Usually after being fed upon, depending how deeply, they would retire and sleep. If it was only a light feeding, or if they weren't chosen for duty that night, they would attend domestic chores or gather socially. Their gregarious natures were what endeared them to him far more than the vampire's cold, lone ones would. They liked being together, around one another, like a pack.
A hand shot out of a niche and caught his arm. Okita jumped and a low chuckle answered. He stared with heart hammering and eyes wide at his lover. The man was taller than him by quite a few inches. His smooth, jet- black hair fell gracefully down to his shoulder and a teal headband held it off his forehand. His forest green eyes were set at a graceful tilt and his face was fair. His long, artistic fingers curled around Okita's upper arm lightly.
"You scared me!" Okita accused, allowing himself to be dragged in with the man. Suddenly he couldn't...couldn't do it. He didn't have the resolve! He thought of his pack's disappointment, assuming they would shun and make an outcast of him. Would that be worth it? To be run out of his pack. Then he remembered the old female Kikisha's words and realized they were counting on him to do the right thing. He couldn't turn his back on them. He owed them. He owed his pack and he owed his lover safety.
"I missed you." The man admitted drawing the wolf in for a feathery kiss. His lips teased and brushed against Okita's before dragging into a much deeper one. They broke apart, panting slightly and Okita felt his face flush lightly.
He gave the man a serious look and drew back. His body suddenly craved the heat that roiled off the man, how it pressed against him making him feel loved and secure. When the man stepped forward to close the gap he placed the flat of his palm on the other's firm chest. His lover stopped, puzzlement lurking in his green eyes.
Okita felt a prickling sensation behind his eyes. It took him a moment to realize that it was a warning to the onset of hot, salty tears that ran tracks down his cheeks.
"What's wrong Okita?" Smooth, careful fingers brushed his face, but the man made no move to close the gap. Concern was etched into his fine features and his sharp eyes were locked on the wolf's face.
Okita grasped the hand in his own before returning it to his owner. Originally he was planning to just drive Katsu away with hurtful words, claiming that his interest had waned and the human was nothing to him. Now he realized that was impossible. He was too weak. He couldn't be strong enough to do such a cruel thing. It would render his heart shattered. The shards would have razor edges and would be coated with self-loathing. He couldn't live with that poisoning his system, he didn't think.
"We..." He choked as his throat felt thick and heavy, "We have to stop this. Stop seeing each other." There was confusion on Katsu's face and his black brows crinkled inwards, but Okita now had his foot in the door. He needed to go on in a rush before he was too overcome to continue. He had until then to make his point clear, "My pack, they know. Well, not all of them. At first I thought it was only Saitoh, but then it was Tokio. Today I found out another female named Kikisha even knew. It makes me wonder how many others. They... they've been kind, but pressuring. They want what's best and I see their point. If we're caught..."
"I will be killed." Katsu remarked deadpan. Okita looked up and saw that his features had darkened. It haunted him too then. It should. "But I knew that from the beginning. What is life if you don't live it?"
"I couldn't stand to see you be killed... and it would be in front of me... and you know Shishio. He will make it painful and torturous for both of us. I couldn't watch that." By then he had gotten a hold of his tears. Crying was something he hadn't done in years. He wondered if he was making up for it now. "And there is this vampire, Soujirou, he's been watching us. I'm sure he knows. It's only a matter of time before someone else notices, even if he's not inclined to tattle. We can't keep this a secret!" The last sentence came out in a furious snarl that was grossly mutated by his human throat. It was supposed to be a wolf's noise.
Katsu held his ground calmly looking the sobbing young wolf over with a slightly pained expression. He reached forward slightly before allowing his slender hands to fall back without reaching their goal. He took a shallow, shaky breath, but his voice came out strong and smooth as usual.
"I can understand how you are feeling, perhaps it is for the best then?"
Okita nodded dumbly, expecting... well, more. He felt cheated somehow. Here he was going through killer pain and agony hoping against hope that he could be strong yet wishing that Katsu would say the magic words to convince him to remain. Instead the man agrees with what he doesn't want to say or be true.
Suddenly he was wrapped up in a slender pair of arms and the man's face was buried in his hair. He clutched the cloth blindly, not wanting to let go.
"Shh, you will be alright." Katsu murmured comfortingly, with only a slight catch in his voice. He petted the wolf's head with long, even strokes and rubbed the young man's back with his other free hand. "I am so sorry. I should not have allowed this to progress so far..."
"Don't." Okita snapped sharply, suddenly angered that Katsu would ever take the blame so needlessly. As he had said, they both knew in the beginning what the rules were. Because they had chosen to disobey them, but that didn't condemn them.
"I should go then." Katsu said, disengaging his limbs from around Okita's slender body. He gave a wistful smile, "I would say we could be friends, however, in light of our situation I believe it would be best if you forgot about me best you can. Life goes on after all. A time for meetings, partings, and reunions."
With that he stole out down the hall leaving nothing behind for Okita, but memories.
A/N: Hopefully this comes out okay. If there are any funny symbols I'm terribly sorry. My mac laptop doesn't get along very well with my Grandmother's PC. I know Okita's OOC, but he's having a crisis here. I've never realized how fun Trust/Betrayal can be when watching with my siblings. My brother couldn't remember Tomoe's name, he dubbed her Missus Plum, so he kept saying she murdered Kenshin in the shack with the dagger (Clue).
kamorgana: Glad to have you. Thank you so much for the praise. My style is still growing and expanding, but I put a lot of effort into focusing it for this fic. Hiko is always cast as the overbearing Master, purely for comic relief. I guess I'm deriving more from the OAVs.
Mary-Ann: Why thank you. I honestly didn't realize exactly how many other vampire stories there are out there until I cruised the R section of FF. I read a few and they seemed to be centered on B/K (-.- I fail to see the "B". Kenshin is Kenshin. The battousai isn't an alter ego) and they were very similar. I hope to keep this original and captivating. Hehe, there's two sides to every story. Well, I added a third.
MissBehavin: Yes, unfortunately. The poor boy has made a powerful enemy, ne?
Fyyrrose: You're big mouth failed to keep up. I, once again, have to update this without your skilled eye looking it over. Road Rash is fun, games are fun. I should stop playing them and write some more. I bribed my brother to play Cheat for me. You need to get your act together on LIOAP. J no baka! Um, too tired to fight. Rob and I have been at it again. No N is bringing me back! Cremation. I hate poking. I should grab your fingers and snap them ^__________^
Wistful-Eyes: Glad I conquered those skeptical thoughts! I suppose I'm so off the wall in my brain. Yes, I do like running my AUs as parallel as is festive. Misao just kind of fell into place when I was figuring roles, and I'm happy with her now. Hehe, I tend to mix and match pairings. Actually, if Sissy was a mosquito he'd have to be female because those are the blood suckers. *pictures Sissy as female* O__O;; Bleach? Anyone have some mental bleach?
Firuze Khanume: Thank you. It will hopefully stay so well balanced. I'm slightly stuck now, but it will be a fight scene, so that just means lots of concentration and studying the two combatant's moves. I started Children of the Revolution, but I keep getting sidetracked. I also started Maigo- chan's translations.The holidays are killing me. Thank you so much for the recommendations.