FALLEN
CHAPTER 7 MY IMMORTAL
Anime the Fallen Angel
Omi panted, getting his breath back. He had ran all the way back from the club, the triumph of what he done burning in his chest. Now, kneeling over outside the Koneko, breathing hard, he ran over the encounter in his mind. A little bitty here and there, and mostly Omi venting his fury, but it was successful in one part of his attempt; he was over Aya. Smiling, Omi straightened up and went around the back to get into the apartment. Tonight was going to be the first night he could sleep unplagued by images of the vampire Aya...
"Another drink, mister?
Amethyst eyes slid up, looking at the barman. The twenty-something barman smiled a little, a glass and towel in hand. The eyes went back down to looking at the empty brandy glass. Shaking his head, Aya went to his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Slapping some money on the counter, he quickly exited the adult bar. The night air when he left the club hit him, cooling his face. Not that it needed much cooling in recent years. Slowly, he walked a direction familiar to his feet. He stared coldly at some people, and scared the crap out of some others, uninterested in feeding tonight.
Now, in his own underground apartment, he stared at a picture next to him. A rather old one. Taken a few years back, when he was a normal human teenager. He cast his mind back. A young Aya, smiling and having fun at the fair. Laughing happily, waving a water balloon around...
"Onii-chan! Onii-chan!!
The voice sounded really close every time he closed his eyes. So happy, so carefree... The dark haired Aya laughed, tugging at her big brother's arm. "Onii-chan. C'mon! We have to see this stall! Please, Ran?
The red haired boy laughed and nodded, always agreeing with his little sister's plea. "Hai, Hai. But last one, okay? We have to go home. Mama and Papa will be worrying about us soon.
Not that it mattered... When they arrived at their house, Aya and Ran could see something was wrong. All the lights were switched off, the front porch was trashed and the door was broken down. "Mama!? Papa!?
Aya ran into the house, leaving her brother Ran standing and staring in disbelief at the wreckage. Something was definitely off. Something... like a dark cloud, was hanging over the house... A shrill scream cutting through the air caught Ran's attention. "AYA!
Running into the house, Ran stopped short, gasping suddenly for air. The whole house was smeared with blood inside; the lifeless, wounded bodies of his parents the source. Gasping with sudden nausea, Ran forced himself to look further into the house. A tall man had Aya in a death-grip, causing her to wince and choke with the pressure. "Onii...chan..." Aya gasped, pleadingly.
"Aya!" Ran shouted, running in to help his sister with no thought of his own safety.
-So you're the brother... You're cuter in real life than your sister made you out to be.-
Ran didn't register the voice was in his head. He only knew his little sister was in trouble and it was up to him to help her. He didn't manage to do much, though. He wasn't fast enough... With a malicious grin, the man lowered his head down, looking as though he was going to kiss Aya's neck. Lips latched onto the soft neck. Aya gasped in pain before going very limp, very quickly. Ran couldn't remember whether he yelled or not. All he knew was that the whole world became a lot slower. He saw his sister fall, blood trickling down her neck, near enough lifeless...
"NNNNOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Ran's own voice was cut short in his despair. One thought registered as he bent down to hold his dying sister. My family's dead. All my family's dead...- A dangerous aura hung above his head. Looking up, Ran wasn't permitted to show any emotion. He was ordered not to move, to make a sound or to struggle with what was going to happen next.
Not that he could.
He was still confused as to why the voice was in his head...
Aya came out of his memory, realising the picture frame in his hand had snapped right across, the glass cutting his palm. Licking his palm clean and using a nearby tissue to clean the glass, Aya stared down at the picture. A young Ran and a young Aya, at the fair...
------------------------------------------------
I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all of my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
Because your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
------------------------------------------------
Aya leant back in his chair, staring at the ceiling unemotionally. He calculated it must be around mid-morning by now; the sun out and shining brightly. He recalled his sister always loving the sunlight, playing outdoors at every opportunity. Her laughter, her joy at just being so carefree. Her youth was a gift to others in itself. Aya shut his eyes, trying to imagine himself out in that sun with his sister. They were so happy when they were younger. He saw Aya-chan running and spinning around, taking in the sunlight smiling and laughing, trying to get her brother Ran to join in her joy. He kept looking on. Aya-chan and the park's image blurred in his mind, contorting to something else. The sunlight was gone, replaced with a dark dance floor and flashing bright lights. The bird-song and laughter was replaced by base-filled music and singing. Aya-chan was no longer skipping and hopping. In fact, she wasn't there. Desperately, Ran looked around for his sister. His vision focused on one person. Tight clothes that flowed with their every dance move. They were smooth, happy, enjoying themselves, bright...
Ran shuddered slightly, realising who he was looking at. Omi moved with every beat of the music, not getting close to anyone, dancing by himself and enjoying himself. Ran recalled this was when he first saw Omi. Before Tanaka. Before Omi's sorrow. Before Ran became so entangled and engulfed in Omi's light. On closer inspection, Ran saw Aya-chan besides Omi, neither noticing each other nor caring. Both were smiling, both were dancing, both were happy. Omi and Aya-chan were so alike in joy...
Aya's eyes snapped open and stared at the boring old ceiling. Omi and Aya-chan. Both people he cared for deeply. One he lost in life, one he lost in afterlife.
God, why did caring have to hurt so much?
--------------------------------------------------
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
--------------------------------------------------
Aya looked back at the framed photo with the smashed glass. Aya-chan will always smile in his heart, but she'll still suffer like she did that night in his mind...
------------------------------------------------------
There's just too much that time cannot erase------------------------------------------------------
"Aya-chan..." Aya whispered slowly. "Gomen-ne... for failing to protect you...
Aya-chan died, and he could do nothing about it. As for Omi... even though the boy didn't want anything to do with him anymore, Aya vowed to watch over him. It was the least he could do to try and repent and to quench his heart.
"Are you sure you're alright now?
"Hai, hai, Ken-kun. You've asked me that loads of times already. How's your vacation going?
"To be honest..." Ken was cut off by Yohji's booming laugh accompanied by a couple of lady-like giggles. "I can't wait to get out of here! Yohji is trying to hook me up with some girl. I just want to go on the beach and play soccer.
Omi laughed on Ken's behalf. "Poor Ken-kun" Omi teased. "Well, better not leave you too long then. Give you some time to sneak out and get your soccer ball out.
Ken chuckled. "Domo, Omi. And it's great that you can laugh again. Yohji and I were worried about you, you know.
"I know. Enjoy your vacation, Ken-kun. Ja.
"Domo. Ja, Omi.
The honey-haired boy placed the phone back into its cradle and smiled. He was happy too, now that his head was clearer than it has ever been. No Tanaka, no Aya and no desperation. Life felt good. Turning, Omi grabbed his apron. He felt like a little work today, even though he was told to rest.
The rest of Omi's day was taken up helping the old woman. It was like a bulletin went out to all the teenaged girls in Tokyo that Omi at the very least had returned to work in the florist. Coping with the girls was fine with Omi. He found himself able to laugh with some, smile at others and generally felt a whole lot better. By closing time, Omi felt like he had run a marathon but was proud and satisfied nonetheless.
"Good work, Tsukiyono-kun..." the old woman said, closing up. "Glad to see you're better now.
Omi smiled as he swept plant debris off the floor. "Arigatou. I didn't expect it to get so busy. Good thing I came down to help.
"It was because you came to help it became so busy. You're such a nice boy, no wonder girls come to see you when you work.
Omi smiled and tinged a little at the cheeks. The old woman chuckled and finally locked the gate down. "Well, be a good boy now and help this old woman out the back...
Once old Granny was out and on her way home, Omi finished cleaning the flower shop, now on his own. Omi smiled proudly to himself at a job well done. Guess I'm free for tonight... again. What should I do?
"What else would I do?" Omi answered out loud.
An hour later and Omi was happier than he ever felt in ages, dancing to the beat and moving to the rhythm of the heavy music. In his simple black silk shirt, black slacks and spiked collar and wristband on his unbandaged wrist, he caught the eye of one or two onlookers, he knew. And best of all, he didn't feel the intense stare at all. So he twisted his body with his renewed confidence, not giving Aya another thought.
"Omi!
"Manx?
The red head squeezed through the crowd and smiled down at Omi, who smiled back. "What are you doing here?
"Dancing. I haven't been properly for a while, so I thought I should come down.
Manx nodded approvingly. "Me too. You're good by the way.
"Thanks. Wanna join in?
"Iie, but thanks. I just thought I'd come over and say hi.
"Okay. See you later?
"Hai. Enjoy yourself Omi.
Manx turned and walked away, Omi watching her. He was reminded of what she lost, wondering if Daisuke ever danced too. Shrugging, Omi cheered with the rest of the crowd when the DJ started a new song, losing himself in the beat once more.
Aya stood outside of the dance club, debating whether or not to go in. After all, he could already tell Omi was inside. The teen's scent lingered faintly outside, buried under all the other smells. He stepped aside, letting more young people through the threshold. Leaning against the wall, Aya thought (with a bit of sore pride) of when the boy faced him, arguing at challenging him. And when Omi severed his feelings for him and Aya himself revealed his own. Life can be so screwed up... One thing stood out in Aya's head about that night. The boy didn't cry, or fear. Somehow, that made him feel worse, because he wasn't allowed another chance to make him feel better.
----------------------------------------------------------------
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
----------------------------------------------------------------
Because he didn't allow himself the chance or the heart to make anyone feel better...
"Well well well... Look who we have here...
Aya turned sharply, looking this way and that. Not you... Aya mentally growled.
Lurking out of the shadows, a slightly taller figure in green emerged. The pale skinned redhead leered at Aya. "Now now..." the redhead said with a heavily accented voice. "That's no way to speak to your Sire now, is it, Rannie-kun...
"The name's Aya now. And I'll speak to you however I want to, Erick.
The sound of palm connecting with cheek echoed down the alley. Aya didn't flinch at the sharp contact, merely glowering. His Sire smiled mock-serenely down on Aya. "Don't ever call me that, Aya. You know I don't like it.
"My apologies, Sire" Aya said with venom. "What brings you here anyway, Schuldich?
The red-head shrugged. "Can't a vampire visit his favourite little fledgling? Besides, I thought we'd play another game.
Aya narrowed his eyes, wishing he could just stab this guy through the heart. However, he was still bound to Schuldich and can't do so freely. Not without potentially getting himself harmed in someway, at least...
"Tsk tsk tsk... such bad thoughts you have running around in there, Rannie. I should be careful; not let you try and taste my blood like last time. You were bed-ridden for days after I punished you! Now, what should we do for fun?
Aya turned his face away, cursing his lowered guard and instantly put his mind block up. He was aware what kind of games Schuldich liked to play. It was why there was blood on his hands and Manx was after him. "No. No games. There's no one.
"Really? No one at all?" Schuldich asked teasingly, flicking Aya's collar before smoothing it out boredly. "There must be someone... After all, this city has plenty. Why, only a few days ago, I tasted the blood of a rather enchanting young lady... Pity she struggled and got away; you could have had a fellow fledgling...
Aya frowned. He remembered Omi saying something about a friend of his being killed... "So it was you.
"Hmm? Oh, you mean you found her?
"I heard about her. I was even accused of killing her.
Schuldich seemed to take pride in the news. "Aw... I suppose that's as close as I'll get to hearing that my Rannie had mutilated someone. Schuldich looked up at the sound of girls laughing, a group of them with their boyfriends leaving the club. The club door slammed shut, the group leaving away from the building. "Well, I suppose I could sate my boredom with a little socialising in a local club. Maybe find a teenager or two to mess around with...
"Don't." Aya growled.
"What?" Schuldich asked innocently. "It'll just be a drink, a little chat. I've already fed enough to last me the week. Can't have people suspecting me now, could I? How else would I be able to take of you, my dependant little Rannie?
---------------------------------------------------------------
And I've held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
---------------------------------------------------------------
With a nonchalant wave, Schuldich disappeared into the club. Aya frowned. This was not good. Then again, since Schuldich killed his family and made him into a vampire, situations involving the red-head have never been good.
It was a while, but Aya finally let himself walk into the club. True, he wanted to avoid Omi. True, he wanted to be nowhere near Schuldich, too. But it was true that he didn't want Schuldich in the same building as Omi. Quickly, Aya found a seat in the darkest corner of the room. Tapping into his vampiric powers effortlessly, Aya's eyes scanned the crowds. He wasn't looking for Omi this time. It was Schuldich he was after. He needed to keep an eye on his Sire...
Over here, Rannie...
Aya locked in on his Sire, who sat by himself at the opposite side of the room. The red-head smiled cordially at Aya, raising a glass of Scotch up to Aya in a mock toast. Aya narrowed his eyes, settling down to a more comfortable stance. This could be a very long night...
The stare swept by him momentarily, for a split second. If he didn't recognise the feeling, he would have just ignored it. But he recognised the feeling and couldn't ignore it. Omi paused dancing and looked around for the source of the sweeping glare. Squinting in the half light, Omi found him. Aya sat by himself. Omi's brain and eyes instantly forced him to take in the sight. Red velvet shirt, black leather jacket with a jacket to match. Darker than usual, if that was possible, face contorted in a determined scowl. Omi shook his head, willing himself not to get absorbed. He's a vampire; he's a vampire; he can manipulate you to love him... It's what he does... Instantly, Omi's mind got the picture and stopped its one tracked journey. Satisfied, Omi proudly held his chin up and stared directly at the unaware Aya, proud he could look at the man without the feelings he thought he'd had before.
-------------------------------
You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
-------------------------------
The teen knew that Aya registered he was there; he felt the very brief but very intense look Aya has the ability of commanding, but it lasted only briefly. Omi frowned and started searching for Manx. He caught a glimpse of the woman standing at the edge of the dance floor, glaring daggers exactly where Aya was. Decidedly, Omi thought it best to leave the club now. It could get a little ugly with Manx's vendetta surfacing in her...
There he is... How dare he, how dare he how dare he!?
Manx seethed quietly amongst the dancing teenagers. She had spotted him, quite by accident, scooping out the club. Maybe looking for another life to destroy... I'll get you back, Aya. You'll regret ruining my life. You'll regret ever knowing me...
---------------------------------------------------------
But now I'm bound by the life you left behind
---------------------------------------------------------
You'll regret giving me the life I now lead...
He knew he was being watched. By more than two people, too. He allowed himself a glance. One of the staring people was Omi. Looking proud and free. Just like he was when he first saw him, so long ago. Quickly, Aya looked away from Omi, knowing the boy probably knew how to recognise his glance. He couldn't allow himself a longer linger. Schuldich must be kept under as much control as possible... But still, Omi lingered in his mind...
--------------------------------------------------------
Your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away all the sanity in me
--------------------------------------------------------
The second stare was from a red-headed woman, dressed confidently and suggestively. Manx...
He recognised the woman. How could he not. She was an ex of his, now turned vampire hunter because of him. Because of Schuldich and one of his Ôgames'. Part of him wanted to let Manx shove a stake through his heart for his crimes, no matter how innocent he was, but his sensible part said that cannot be allowed until Schuldich was long dusted himself. He recalled the times he had with Manx. Nothing serious, but fun nonetheless. It had hurt when he had to leave her after he found out Schuldich had helped himself to Daisuke, Manx's brother.
-------------------------------------------------------
These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
-------------------------------------------------------
He had kept an eye on her from afar after that night, knowing she was out for blood. His blood. She always thought he was responsible for her family's death. In a way, he was. He was sorry for Manx. Sorry he couldn't wipe her tears away this time; sorry he couldn't hold her and comfort her. Sorry he couldn't be more help. But that can't be helped now. He'd just have to do what he can. And maybe... Even get her to take care of Omi for him...
----------------------------------------------------------------
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I've held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
----------------------------------------------------------------
Aya sighed. Shutting his eyes for a split second to collect himself together, Aya settled back to looking after Schuldich. He hated this; the fact his head had gotten so screwed up since meeting Omi. Maybe this was how Omi felt... It's heartbreaking...
-----------------------------------------------------------
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Aya!
Aya barely had time to move. Luckily, his vampire reflexes allowed him to leap clear of the sharp glass. People nearby screamed and ran away, quickly clearing an arena for the vampire and his hunter to do battle. Manx's eyes burned, boring into Aya.
"I have you now, vampire." she spat disgustedly.
"Manx. Don't do this.
Manx didn't listen. She lunged forward, brandishing the shattered bottle end as her weapon. Instantly, Aya stepped to one side, whilst Manx corrected her footing. Aya grabbed the bottle and twisted to one side, pinning both himself and Manx somehow into the wall.
The sound of screams and a scuffle caught Omi's ears as he stepped out of the club. Turning back to stare at the closed door, Omi wondered whether he should go back to help Manx. No way would she be able to take Aya on her own.
"Well well well... he was lying after all...
Spinning around, Omi looked up and down the alley confused. No one was in the alley as far as he could see. Behind him, the door burst open. The teen managed to jump out of the way in time as hoards of teenagers and twenty-somethings flooded out of the club, most talking animatedly about the fight. They are fighting... Manx!
Omi was about to fight his way through the club when the mysterious voice caught him again. "Leave them. They have wanted to do this for a while now...
"Who's there!?
Omi looked around again, desperate to look who was speaking. Looking further down the opposite side of the alley, a figure seemed to look straight at him in the dark. They held their gaze for a few seconds before he (for Omi deduced that the figure was male) turned and went further down the alley.
His mind doing its usual trick of going AWOL, Omi ran through the stream of people to the other side, following the man.
|
||||||