A GIFT, AND A CURSE
Love Hina is the property of Ken Akamatsu, all other characters belong to me.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hey how's it going everybody. I'm back with another chapter. You know I really can hardly believe that this story is being recieved so well. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Anyway I don't have much to say other than thanks for the reviews. Oh also remember that your best friend is a plushie Cthulhu, cause even the Great Old Ones want you to smile. Now on with the story.
CHAPTER FOUR: THE DARK ARTS
The next evening Keitaro awakens and looks about his room before stretching and getting out of his futon, his room looks the same but different. He walks over to his window and opens it and looks out on the night sky with his new eyes. The scenery held a beauty he had never noticed before. Keitaro stood there completley still admiring the view. He didn't even notice the sound of someone approaching him from behind, until a hand was placed on his shoulder startling him.
"Ahhh! Oh Lucian it's only you, don't scare me like that." says Keitaro as he places a hand over his heart.
"Sorry, I couldn't resist." says Lucian with a laugh.
"Hey you weren't here when I woke. Where were you?" asks Keitaro.
"I was awake most of the day taking care of a few things. I also asked your tenants not to bother you. Saying that you stayed up quite late and needed the extra sleep." says Lucian.
"Oh, hey wait a minute. How were you able to stay awake for most of the day? I thought you said vampires were lethargic during the day?" says Keitaro.
"We are but as we grow older we can resist the lethargy brought upon by the sun and thus move around in the day. Though that dosen't mean we enjoy doing it." says Lucian as he lets out a big yawn.
"So what exactley were you doing all day then?" asks Keitaro.
"Oh just getting a few of my things. I also set you up for night classes at your prep school, after all you won't be going their in the day." says Lucian.
"I guess you have a point. What should I tell the girls when they star to wonder about my sleeping all day and staying up all night?" asks Keitaro.
"Just tell them you've decided to take night classes, that's true enough. Now though before we do anything else for this evening I will teach you a trick that will help you in controling your beast." says Lucian.
"What kind of trick?" asks Keitaro.
"Meditation." says Lucian.
"Meditation. Is that your trick? I don't see how that will help?" says Keitaro in a slightly annoyed manner.
"Sometimes I do wonder about the people today. Even you should understand why meditation would be useful in controling your beast." says Lucian.
"No I don't understand." says Keitaro.
"Humans have used meditation for centuries as a way to calm themselves and clear their minds. So if you do this you will be in a more calm state of mind and controlling your beast will be easier. I've been doing this for a long time and it has helped me greatly." says Lucian.
"Well I guess if you think it will help I'll give it a try." say Keitaro.
"Good now let's begin. First lets move your futon out of the way so we can sit down." says Lucian as Keitaro puts his futon up when he turns around Lucian has placed incense in the middle of the room and is lighting it and lets the smell fill the room. Lucian sits and then motions for Keitaro to do the same.
"So now what?" asks Keitaro.
"Now empty your mind and think of peaceful thoughts." says Lucian. Keitaro does as he is told and closes his eyes, emptying his mind and thinks. The two remain like this for about an hour before there is a knock at Keitaro's door.
"Who is it?" asks Keitaro.
"It's me sempai. Are you awake?" says Shinobu.
"Yeah I'm awake, come on in." says Keitaro as the door opens and Shinobu enters and see Keitaro and Lucian sitting on the floor with the incense still burning.
"I'm not disturbing you am I sempai?" ask Shinobu.
"No, not at all. So, what do you need?" says Keitaro.
"Well dinner will be ready soon so I thought you and Lucian might be hugry." says Shinobu. Keitaro looks to Lucian as if asking if they should.
"It's alright Keitaro we can go down stairs and join them for dinner if you want." says Lucian in Keitaro's mind.
"Yes Shinobu we'll be down in a bit ok." says Keitaro with a smile.
"Ok sempai." says Shinobu as she turns to leave. When she leaves Keitaro turns to Lucian and stares at him.
"What?" says Lucian.
"Two questions I have to ask you. First, how does Shinobu know your name? Second why didn't you tell vampire's could eat normal food?" asks Keitaro.
"Well to answer the first question. While I was awke I introduced myself to the tenants here. To answer the second question. You never asked if we could." says Lucian.
"Good point. So do we get anything out of eating normal food?" says Keitaro.
"No, we gain no sustenance from mortal food. But eating it from time to time alows us to blend in with humans better, and sometimes we just want to because the food might taste good." says Lucian.
"Well let me get dressed and wash my face and we'lll go join them." says Keitaro.
"Well hurry up. If there is one thing I have learned it is to never keep women waiting." says Lucian as he stands up.
Once Keitaro is ready the two vampires head downstairs to the dinning room to join the girls for dinner. On the way though Lucian tells Keitaro he should inform them of his new school arrangements. Keitaro agrees and decides to tell them after dinner is over. Once everyone takes their seats dinner begins. Throughout the meal Motoko never takes her eyes of Keitaro or Lucian for more than a few moments.
"The Aoyama's stares are begining to get on my nerves. It seems she is trying to read our ki though. How predictable, she must think Keitaro and I are hiding something from her and the others. Clever girl, perhaps I judged her to hastily the other day." thinks Lucian.
"So Kietaro I hope you got plenty of rest today since you missed class at prep school." says Naru in a rather upset tone.
"Actually I wanted to talk to all of you about that. I meant to wait till the end of the meal but I guess I'll tell you all now." says Keitaro.
"What did you want to tell us sempai?" asks Shinobu.
"Well you see I'm going to go to prep school at night, so I'll be sleeping during the day." says Keitaro.
"Why do you want to go to school at night Keitaro." asks Kitsune.
"Yeah why would you do something stupid like that." says Naru.
"Well I just felt like a change that's all." says Keitaro.
"What of your duties Urashima when will you take care of them? asks Motoko in a stern voice.
"I'll take care of that during the evening. So you have nothing to worry about." says Keitaro.
"Keitaro if your asleep all day who will I test my inventions on?" says Su with a frown on her face.
"You'll just have to find another way of testing them Su, I'm sorry. Just make sure you don't blow up the apartments." says Keitaro.
"Ok." replies Su.
"Keitaro you just can't do this out of the blue. Who will help you study if you go to school at night and I go in the day? You now how thickheaded you are." says Naru.
"Well Naru I don't remember needing your permisson. It's my choice and I'll just have to deal with any problems from it. I'm not a little kid and your not my mother. So don't worry about it alright." says Keitaro.
"Fine then do what you want!" says Naru as Keitaro gets up to leave.
"Well thak you for another wonderful meal Shinobu, but I have some things I need to do." says Keitaro.
"I too must go. I would like to say Shinobu that your meal was one of the best I have ever had. Your culinary skills are exceptional for someone of your age. You'll make some man very lucky one day." says Lucian before he leaves.
"I'll make some man very lucky one day. Auuu! I hope it's sempai." thinks Shinobu as she blushes a deep red from Lucian's words.
"Well looks like things will be changing a little around hear." says Kitsune.
"Yes it would appear that way, and I don't think it is for the better." thinks Motoko before she excuses herself from the table.
As Keitaro and Lucian walk to Keitaro's room Lucian stops keitaro.
"What?" asks Keitaro.
"I just wanted to tell you that once the others have gone to sleep I will begin your training. Until then why don't you study or take care of some of your managerial duties. I'll come get you when it's time." says Lucian.
"Where will you be till then?" asks Keitaro.
"I'm going to take a walk. I could use a little fresh air." says Lucian with a smile before he walks off. While they speak Motoko listens to every word with great intrest.
"Training? Is that why this man is here, to train Keitaro? That would explain his exceptional fighting skills. It also explains how he knows my style. He may have some history with my school. Does he mean to train Keitaro to defeat me? Well whatever the reason I'm going to follow him and learn more about him." thinks Motoko.
Lucian leaves the apartments and begins walking towards the woods, with Motoko following close behind. Lucian walks for until he comes to a large clearing. He stretches out his arms and energy begins to surround him and then disperse throughout the clearing. As Motoko watches her eyes widen in disbelief at what she sees.
"I can't believe it how can he have such strong ki. Even my sister's doesn't feel this strong, and his ki feels so different than from earlier. It feels like it isn't human." thinks Motoko.
"You can come out from your hiding place Motoko I know your there." says Lucian.
"How does he know where I am? He never seemed to notice me before? Was he leading me out here?" thinks Motoko as she walks out into the clearing.
"Now, what can be your reason for following me out here like this?" says Lucian.
"I want to know what you and Keitaro are hiding from us? I overheard you talking with Urashima about training. What kind of training?" ask Motoko in a demanding tone.
"I know you were listening to us. I suggest though that you mind your own business." says Lucian in a cold tone.
"How dare you! You and Urashima are keeping secrets from us and I won't allow it! We have a right to know!" says Motoko.
"So you want to know. Very well I shall tell you, but only under certain conditions." says Lucian.
"What kind of conditions?" asks Motoko.
"First you must have a little match with me and you must impress me. I know you want to fight me anyway after yesterday. Second if you impress me and I tell you, you must swear on your family name that what I tell you is never spoken to another living soul." says Lucian.
"Very well I accept. I will defeat you for humiliating me." says Motoko.
"Spoken like a true Aoyama. Now would you prefer I fight with or without a sword?" asks Lucian.
"Do as you like. It won't help you one bit." says Motoko in a mocking tone.
"Very well I will use my natural weapons then. I promise not to hurt you to bad little one." says Lucian as he crosses his arms, as a set of vicious claws extend from his fingers and his eyes glow an unearthly red.
"Well I don't know what style you use but it is certainly unique." says Motoko.
"No you wouldn't. Now though let us begin." says Lucian as he lunges at Motokoat great speed and slashes at her stomach. She is barely able to block the attack, but manages to she is shocked at the stength behind it and makes her own attack which Lucian parries with his claw. This shocks Motoko but she doesn't stop.
"He parried a sword with his bare hand. He is unbelievable but I won't lose." thinks Motoko as she dodges another of Lucians attacks.
"Not bad, your fighting with a clearer head this time. Let's see if you can handle this. Crimson Typhoon!" Lucian yells as he spins around with his claws outstretched and surrounded in red energy sending a whirlwind of energy upwards that sends Motoko flying back. Lucian walks toward her but Motoko manages to get up and unleash one of her own attacks.
"Air Spliting Sword!" yells Motoko as a wave of ki speeds towards Lucian, but at the last moment he simply knocks the attack away.
"Now that's more like it. That is what I expect from your family. However that won't even scratch me. Now let me show you what a real attack should be like. Abyssal Flare!" Lucian yells as he brings his hands together and throws a ball of black flame at Motoko who only barley dodges it, but part of the fireball caught the leg of her hakama and she hurries to put out the flame and she notices that it is not hot but ice cold.
"Stop the match please. You are to strong for me. I don't stand a chance." pleads Motoko.
"Very well child. It was starting to get interesting to. Well you did as well as one would expect. So I suppose I should keep my end of the deal and tell you what you want to know. The secret is this the otherday Keitaro was mugged and shot. He was going to die but I saved him by turning him into a vampire." says Lucian.
"You turned him into a vampire? Then that would mean your one to. No this can't be true Urashima may be a perverted male but he is not some monster that takes life." says Motoko.
"Believe what you want, but he is a vampire. Now you have learned what you wanted. I expect you to keep your end of the deal and not tell anyone. I also don't want you trying to kill Keitaro or myself. He may not be human anymore but that dosen't make him evil." says Lucian
"Very well I will keep my word. I won't tell anyone, nor will I attack you or Urashima, unless one of you does something to the others." says Motoko.
"Fair enough. Though you have my word that none of them will come to harm. Why don't you go back inside and get cleaned up, and take care of that burn on your leg." say Lucian.
Motoko turns and leaves heading back to the Hinata, not once looking back at Lucian who simply looks up at the moon as his claws retract and his eyes return to their normal color.
"Yuriko your decendents continue to impress me. They are so like you full of life and endless potential." says Lucian to himself as he smiles.
"So Urashima is a vampire that explains the murderous intent I felt from him as well as his new found courage. What I don't understand though is why he would want to become a vampire? Also why would Lucian want to turn Urashima? Also seeing as they are vampires as a member of the Shinmeiryu it is my duty to rid the world of such creatures, but I also promised that I wouldn't attack them. I must meditate on all of this. Perhaps then it will all make more sense." thinks Motoko.
A few hours after everyone has gone to sleep Keitaro has just finished his chores Lucian comes to take him out to train. The two head out into the woods to the same clearing where Motoko and Lucian had fought earlier, of which Lucian says nothing.
"Now Keitaro we will begin your training in the dark arts." says Lucian
"What are the dark arts?" asks Keitaro.
"The dark arts are what we vampires call are many different powers." says Lucian.
"Oh, ok I get it." says Keitaro.
"Good, now Keitaro I'm sure that you know what ki is having lived with the Aoyama. All things generate ki. The plants, humans, even vampires although ours is dark ki. Now most humans never learn to harness and use their ki, and those that do take years to learn how to. Now supernatural beings like us are able to learn how to use ki much easier. We also have a greater amount than most humans because of what we are and it will only grow with time, as will your ability to control it. You following all this Keitaro?" says Lucian.
"Yes Lucian. So what will I learn first?" asks Keitaro.
"I will teach you the most basic of the dark arts, the art of shapechanging. You will learn to grow claws, meld with the earth and other substances, take the form of a bat and a wolf as well as other animals, and even become as mist. First you will begin with growing claws. Now all you need do is think of a pair of claws coming forth from your fingers and will it so. Watch me and you should get the general idea." says Lucian as claws grow from his fingers.
"Wow that was incredible. Ok now I'll try." says Keitaro as he concentrates and waits but nothing happens, A look of dissapointment can be seen on his face.
"Don't get discouraged. Even I didn't get it right the first time. We have plenty of time so just keep trying alright. You'll get the hang of it." says Lucian.
"Alright I won't give up!" says Keitaro as he trys to grow claws again. After about ten more tries he finnaly gets it.
"Very good. Now that you can grow claws, you must work at being able to grow them at a moments notice. This is essential to the martial arts I will teach you." says Lucian.
"You never said I would be learning martial arts as well." says Keitaro.
"Now that you're a vampire you will have to know how to fight, should you ever find yourself in danger. Besides learning a martial arts style as well as the dark arts will be good at teaching you focus. So get back to work." says Lucian.
"Yes sir!" says Keitaro. The rest of the ight is spent learning to grow his claws until he can do it on reflex. Several hours before dawn the two vampires return to the Hinata to get cleaned up and then rest for the day.
END CHAPTER 4
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Well that's another chapter out of the way, feels good to. I'd feel better if my copy of Werewolf: The Forsaken would arive but oh well. Anyway I was thinking of having Keitaro actutually have encounters with some other supernatural creatures. If you have any suggestions on what you might like to see let me know. Later people and remember read and review.
"For the blood is the life, and he who partakes of it, though doubly damned, shall be made strong." Caine, The Erciyes Fragments.