A GIFT, AND A CURSE
Love Hina is the property of Ken Akamatsu, all other characters belong to me.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hello agin, and thanks for the reviews. I got some pretty good questions and suggestions, so why don't I start answering them.
shinji the good sharer I can see your reason for thinking Motoko won't keep her word to Lucian because he is a vampire, but remember Motoko follows the code of Bushido and honesty is held in great respect amongst it's followers. Remember how pissed of Tsuruko was when she found out Motoko lied to her about being engaged to Keitaro. I do think she would be torn between her duty to her school to fight monsters and keeping her word, which I will use in the story.
Ksim3000 Yet again I must stress that my story dose not take place in the World Of Darkness. I also would like to state that I am very familiar with Vampire the Masquerade and its offshot game Kindred of the East which entails the Kuei-jin, never much cared for the Kuei-jin myself. Now I appreciate all off the things you are suggesting especially the stuff about Motoko, I have already planned some history between her family and Lucian. Also it seems most of your knowledge of Vampire the Masquerade is pulled from the Bloodlines game. If I'm incorrect on that please let me know. If you've never played the actual Vampire the Masquerade RPG, you should, assuming you can find some place that still carries it seeing as it along with the rest of White Wolf's old World Of Darkness lines ended about a year ago. If you do get to play it, believe me Kuei-jin are powerful but so are the Kindred. My first vampire character who was a member of clan Brujah, by the time the world ended he could kick the crap out of your average Kuei-jin and probably some of their elders too, and he had gotten something better than their martial arts. Through pure luck he picked up the Akashic Brotherhood's martial arts Do', which is the basis for all other martial arts, at least according to them.
Michael Mack Love that Book of Nod quote.
Demon Eyes Laharal I love the Darkstalkers series got'em all and the anime and comics, well slowly getting the comics. If there was an anime or game that this would crossover into it would be Darkstalkers, alas it won't, but I probably will bring in familiar creatures from the series. Though if I bring in to much too quick it could turn into an all monster battle royal or something, not that there's anything wrong with that. Though I do swear on one thing though to all of you. Their will be no psycho Red Ridding Hood look alikes, that I can promise.
CHAPTER FIVE: NATURE OF THE BEAST
It has been a week since Keitaro has become a vampire. His nights are spent much the way his days were spent studying and doing chores. Now though they also include learning the dark arts from Lucian who pushes Keitaro very hard, but the results are turning out to be quite fruitful. Keitaro has practically mastered growing claws and has learned to meld with the earth itself. He has also started to learn how to turn into a wolf but whenever he turns back to his human form he always has the ears and tail of a wolf for a little while after. Of course Keitaro isn't the only one learning a few things as Motoko has been going to the library and reading any book she can get her hands on about the subject of vampires. Alas most books tell her the same things, vampires are burned by the sun, they can't cross runing water, are repulsed by garlic, and can be killed by a stake through the heart. Motoko dosen't even know which legends to believe since she has seen that some of these things are untrue.
Now though it is afternoon and we see Motoko walking back to the Hinata with a dipressed look on her face. She decides to stop at Haruka's tea house for some tea. She enters and is greeted by Haruka.
"Hello Motoko. Is something the matter, you look down." says Haruka. as Motoko places her nag on the floor and takes a seat.
"Could I have some tea please before I say anything." says Motoko.
"Sure just wait here." says Haruka as she goes to fetch some tea.
"I just don't know what I should do. Everything I've read about vampires depicts them as souless monsters without a shred of concience, but Urashima doesn't appear to be any different than he was before, save his new found backbone and his having commited no known perverted acts this past week. Even the one who turned Urashima has shown himself to be polite and even kind. Should I believe what legends tell me or what I see with my own eyes?" thinks Motoko as Haruka returns with the tea and sets a cup down in front of Motoko.
"So. Want to tell me what's wrong?" says Haruka.
"I want to but I can't." says Motoko.
"Oh, and why not?" asks Haruka as she takes a drag from her ever present cigarette.
"Well I promised I wouldn't tell anyone." says Motoko.
"I see, that is a problem. Well if you can't tell anyone than I don't know how I can help." says Haruka.
"Well then let me ask you a question Haruka? Let's just say that you found out a terrible secret about someone and you looked for information on this secret but what you found out is competley different from what you have seen with your own eyes. What would you do?" says Motoko. Haruka thinks on the question for a few moments before she answers.
"Well if I were you I would say, follow your heart. It won't lead you wrong. You should do what you think is best and still be able to keep your promise." says Haruka.
"Thak you Haruka I appreciate your advice." says Motoko as she bows to Haruka before she leaves.
"This must have something to do with that man who came to the apartments with Keitaro a few nights ago." thinks Haruka.
"Haruka is right I should follow my heart on this. As long as Urashima and Lucian do not harm anyone then I shouldn't have to worry so much. What Lucian said about Urashima may be true after all. He may not be human anymore but that dosen't make him evil. Funny I was always taught that creatures like them were pure evil. Perhaps it's time to rethink some of the things I was taught. Well then Urashima let's hope you prove all those legends wrong." thinks Motoko as she makes her war up the stairs.
At the same time Naru and Kitsune are in Naru's room talking.
"You know things have really canged since Keitaro started taking night classes hasn't it. I mean it's alot quieter in this place during the day, and when he is awake he seems to focus on his studies more than he used to. Plus he has an air of confidence about him, I like it." says Kitsune with one of her foxy smiles before she takes a drink from her sake.
"Well I'm actually glad he isn't awake during the day to bother us or commit any of his perverted acts. I also wonder how long his relative Lucian is going to be staying? I mean he's been here a week and he is almost never seen save at dinner. It's just plain weird." says Naru.
"Well I have seen him about a few times when you guys are at school. Actualy he sat around and waited for Su and Shinobu to come home one day and had an afternoon snack prepared for them, and spent some time palying with Su and even helped Shinobu with her homework. The whole time he was with them he just looked content with himself as if he were the happiest man alive. But you know he looked really handsome too. I'll bet he would make a good father. Almost makes me want to have a kid." says Kitsune as she just stares of into space.
"Hello earth to Kitsune. Come in Kitsune." says Naru as she wave her ahnd in front of Kitsune's face.
"You don't need to do that Naru. I'm not out of it yet." says Kitsune.
"Sorry, but with what you just said maybe he's some kind of pedophile with all the attention you say he gave to Su and Shinobu." says Naru.
"Or he's just a really nice guy. You really shouldn't just think the worst about people right of the bat. Remember it was just like that with Keitaro when he first came here. You thought he was a peeping Tom, and we both know what happened after that don't we?" says Kitsune.
"Hmph! Well excuse me for looking out for others welfare. What will you do if he's some kind of perverted sex fiend?" says Naru.
"If he is, which I relly doubt. You and Motoko can take care of him, ok. Well listen I'm going to go back to my room now so don't dwell on a bunch of bad thoughts ok. It's not good for you." says Kitsune as she gets up to leave.
"Ok, ok. I'm going to study for a bit so I'll see you at dinner." says Naru as Kitsune closes the door.
"That Naru. The real reason she's actting like this is because she misses seeing Keitaro all day long. She's just blaming Lucian because it's easy for her to do so. Oh well when her mind is set on something it's hard to make her change it. I just hope Lucian dosen't do anything to make her mad at him. It'd be a shame to see such a gorgeous guy like him get beat up because of Naru's bad temper. Then again he can probably handle himself quite well." thinks Kitsune.
Meanwhile Shinobu is in her room trying to do her homework. This proves rather difficult seeing as Su is bothering her in typical Su fashion.
"Come on Shinobu you can do your homework later let's play." says Su as she tuggs on Shinobu's arm.
"Please Su, I don't have time to play right now. I need to get this done so I can start on dinner." says Shinobu.
"But there's no one to play with. Motoko's not home yet, Naru is studying, Kitsune is probably in her room drinking, and Keitaro and Lucian are asleep." says Su.
"I know Su everyone's busy right now. I wish sempai or Lucian were awake I'm sure one of them would play with you or help me with my homework. You know Su it was really nice the other day when Lucian spent time with each of us. He really knows alot about history, when he talked about something he spoke as if he had actually been there. He reminds me of my dad in some ways. I wonder if he has any kids?" says Shinobu.
"Yeah, he's pretty fun to play with and he's tough just like Keitaro, I like him. He reminds me of my dad to. Hey Shinobu why don't you ask him at dinner if he has any kids since you want to know. Plus you could make some extra spicy curry for dinner as well." says Su.
"I can't just ask him that it would be rude. Though I really do want know more about him. He's so nice just like sempai." says Shinobu.
"Oh, Shinobu has a crush on Lucian." says Su.
"No I don't Su. I just think he's really nice." says Shinobu as she blushes.
"It was only a joke Shinobu. No need to get all upset about it." say Su.
"Listen Su if you promise not to bother me and let me do my homework I'll make you plenty of spicy curry, ok." says Shinobu.
"Plenty of spicy curry? Ok you got yourself a deal. I'm gone. See you at dinner Shinobu." says Su as she bolts out of Shinobu's room off to who knows where.
"Finally I can work in peace. That Su I can't believe she would suggest that I have a crush on Lucian. Sempai's the only man for me." thinks Shinobu as she returns to her homework.
Later that evening during dinner while everyone eats or has idal chat with someone at the table, Su actually stops eating for a moment to speak.
"Hey Lucian can I ask you a question?" says Su.
"Of course you may, go ahead." says Lucian.
"Well I was wondering do you have any kids? I was just curious." asks Su.
"Well now I wasn't expecting a question like that but I will answer it. No I do not have any children, not anymore at least." says Lucian.
"Really what happened?" asks Su.
"Su you shouldn't ask him that it's not polite." says Shinobu.
"It's quite alright Shinobu I don't mind. Well several years ago my wife and daughter became very ill and died Su." says Lucian as he closes his eyes and lowers his head.
"I'm so sorry Lucian we had no idea." says Shinobu.
"Your apologies are not needed Shinobu. It's not your fault, it is simply life. Everybody dies eventually it is inevitable. It's true that I miss them greatly but I know that they are in a better place, far from pain and sorrow. Though to be honest when I met you and Su I saw my own daughter in you two." says Lucian.
"Really, Su and I remind you of your daughter." says Shinobu.
"Yes. You Shinobu have the same kindness and love for others that she had. While Su, you have her boundless energy and free spirit." says Lucian with a warm smile.
"If you want I'll call you dad if you want Lucian, but you gotta promise to play with me during the day while you're here." says Su as she gives Lucian a big hug.
"That's quite kind of you Su, but you don't need to call me dad. I'll play with you whenever I can. How does that sound?" says Lucian.
"Okies, I'll hold you to that promise." says Su as she huggs Lucian again before returning to her seat.
"I'll also help you with your homework whenever you want, ok Shinobu." says Lucian.
"Thank you very much Lucian, you're to kind." says Shinobu.
"There is no need to thank me. It's the least I can do while I stay here." says Lucian.
"Maybe Kitsune was right and I was just assuming the worst. I have to stop that it's a really bad habit." thinks Naru.
"Lucian's words seem true, but are they? Only time will tell." thinks Motoko.
Several hours after dinner has passed Keitaro and Lucian are in Keitaro's room.
"So, what will I be learning tonight lucian?" asks Keitaro.
"I would say practice on your wolf transformation seeing as it needs work. However that shall wait for another night. Tonight I will teach you something new." says Lucian.
"Oh, and what would that be?" asks Keitaro.
"Your going to learn how to hunt." says Lucian.
"Oh, okay I'm going to learn to hunt. Wait, I'm going to learn to hunt?" says a shocked Keitaro.
"That's right. You're going to learn how to hunt." says Lucian.
"I don't know. I don't want to kill someone." says Keitaro.
"I never said someome was going to die. You must learn to hunt Keitaro. If you don't you will starve. If you starve you may just lose control and feed from one of the people around you, and they most likely won't survive. You don't want to hurt any of the girls do you?" says Lucian.
"No I don't, but the idea of feeding on someone just feels wrong to me." says Keitaro.
"I understand. It is like that for many of us at first., but you will become accustomed to it in time believe me. Remember a beast I am, lest a beast I become." says Lucian.
"What does that mean?" asks Keitaro.
"Simple you can either feed regularly as you should, or you can starve yourself and become a true beast and harm or kill those you care for. Now let's go alright." says Lucian.
"Yes sir." says Keitaro as he follows lucian out of his roomn and down stairs.
As the two vampires walk through the streets of Hinata, Keitaro once again can smell the blood of those who pass by, and it makes him hungry. However he is able to resist his desire to feed for now. Before to long Keitaro and Lucian come to a bar and enter. The bar is rather dark as most bars like this are, but this dosen't bither Keitaro or Lucian who can see just fine thanks to their superior vision. The smell of cigarette smoke hangs in the air and some Blues can be heard in the background adding to the atmosphere.
"Why did we come here Lucian?" asks Keitaro.
"Simple Keitaro this is the perfect place for us to begin the lesson. People who frequently gather at bars like this are the easiest vessles to come by. Most are hear to get drunk anyway so if you feed from them they are the least likely to notice. Of course that dosen't mean you should'nt be careful. Now before we begin I'm going to teach you one of the more mental oriented of the dark arts, how to read auras." says Lucian.
"Read auras?" says Keitaro not understanding.
"Yes all beings are surrounded by an aura that can't normally be seen. Those who can see auras can learn a number of things about someone. You could learn how powerful another is this way, if they are human or not, and their current emotional state. Now simply concentrate a bit then look at one of the people in the bar, alright." says Lucian.
"Alright I'll try." says Keitaro as he concentrates and looks at the nearest person. A man who is speaking with a woman.
"Well do you see anything?" asks Lucian.
"Yes I do." says Keitaro.
"Well done. What do you see Keitaro?" asks Lucian
"I see deep red there's something else. I see a pair of wings on his back." says Keitaro.
"Wings on his back. Are you sure?" says Lucian.
"Yes I'm quite sure." replies Keitaro as Lucian glares at the man Keitaro is talking about.
"Well what do you know. It would appear that we aren't the only creatures of the night in this little town." says Lucian.
"What do you mean?" asks Keitaro.
"Well that man over there is an incubus." says Lucian.
"What is an incubus?" asks Keitaro.
"An incubus is a type of demon. To be more acurate they are demons of lust, that was what the deep red in his aura represents, his lust. They feed on the life force of humans as we feed on blood, and it would also appear that his victim for this evening is someone we both know." says Lucian as Keitaro now gets a look at who the incubus is with.
"That's Kitsune. We can't let him hurt her." says Keitaro as he starts to get out of his seat, but as he does Lucian grabs his arm.
"Were do you think you're going Keitaro? Going to confront him in front of all these humans, hmm." says Lucian.
"But Lucian..." says Keitaro.
"Don't worry the incubus won't try anything with all these humans around. When they leave we will follow them and get Kitsune away from him I promise. Besides I detest those of the infernal like him. We shall show him that his kind should stay were they belong, in hell." says Lucian the last part sounding like he was looking forward to the confontation.
After probably fifteen minutes or so the incubus leads a very drunk Kitsune out of the bar. With Keitaro and Lucian following after. The two vampires see the incubus lead Kitsune down an alley. When Keitaro and Lucian look down the alley the see the incubus kissing and groping Kitsune.
"Now do we step in Lucian?" asks Keitaro.
"Yes now we step in. Just don't do anything until I tell you alright Keitaro. You may be stronger than a human but do not underestiamte a demon he is probably stronger than you are." says Lucian.
"I understand Lucian. Let's do it." says Keitaro as the two walk down the alley towrads the incubus and Kitsune. As they approach the incubus turns to look at them. He gives them a very angry look.
"What do you want leeches? This woman is mine go find your meal elsewere." says the incubus with a hiss.
"I'm afraid we can't do that. You see this woman is a friend of ours. So we just can't let you drain her life away now can we." says Lucian.
"Let her go demon, or so help me!" says Keitaro in anger.
"Or you'll do what vampire? You'll kill me I suppose. Go ahead and try if you want but it'll be your funeral." says the incubus as he drops Kitsune and she slides down the alley wall, but as he does Keitaro runs at the incubus his claws already out and he slashes at him and manages to land a hit that sends the incubus back about five feet, but the incubus dosen't lose his balance.
"Why you little bastard. I'm going to kill you for that. No one wounds me and gets away with it. Least of all some pathetic bloodsucker." says the incubus as he holds his side were Keitaro wounded him blood dripping to the ground for but a moment before the demons wound begins to heal.
"I'm afraid you won't be laying a hand on him demon. You will have to get through me first if you want him or the woman." says Lucian as he steps between the incubus and Keitaro.
"Fine by me vampire. I'll kill you then your friend and then I'll take that woman for my own pleasures." says the incubus as large bat wings sprout from his back and a pair of horns from his head.
"I see you wish to go all out. Very well but not here, ther are to many humans about. I know the perfect place though." says Lucian as they dissappear and reappear in the same place where Lucian had been trainnig Keitaro in the dark arts.
"There, much better now no one will disturb us. So let us begin demon. We shall see if you are a worthy opponent for me." says Lucian as the clothes he normally wears dissappear and are replaced with leather pants and boots, as well as wrist guards. He wears no shirt and Keitaro notices his body. Lucian is very muscular and his chest and back have multiple scars on them. Lucian's hands sprout claws and his eyes burn red and he takes a battle stance.
"Let's see what you got vampire." says the incubus as he dashes forward and kicks at Lucian who blocks the kick with ease.
"You must do better than that to beat me little demon." says Lucian with a smirk showing his fangs.
"Insolent vampire! Take this, Hell Slash!" yells the incubus as his wings turn into a pair of blades and swipe at Lucian, but as they do his body becomes mist and he goes through the blades right behind the incubus.
"You can't hurt mist you know. Abyssal Flare!" yells Lucian as he throws a ball of black flame right into the back of the incubus ingulfing him in black fire.
"Ahhhh! Damn you vampire, you'll pay for that. Infernal Flash!" yells the Incubus as he fires a bolt of energy at Lucian who simply blocks it.
As the two continue to fight Keitaro can only watch in both awe and fear while he holds Kitsune. However his instincts begin to take over as he looks at Kitsune's unconcious form. He pulls her close to him and takes in the scent of her blood. He wants it and he wants it bad. He then begins to lick her along the throat which stirs her slightly but not much.
"Keitaro, is that you." she says but she gets no response save the sensation of a tounge on her neck which feels good. She moans a bit which only makes Keitaro more excited, and before he knows it he sinks his fangs into her neck and begins to drink.
As Keitaro begins to feed the incubus is knocked to the ground by Lucian, and barely gets to his feet as Lucian stands before him.
"It has been fun but now I think it is time to end this game, don't you? Behold the fires of the Abyss!" Lucian yells as he transforms into a mixture of man and bat and unleashes a multitude of bolts of black fire that strike the incubus who is to weak to defend himself. The incubus is knocked completley on his back and dose not get up. As Lucian returns to human form the body of the incubus can be seen dissolving, perhaps returning the demon to hell.
"Now that that's settled Keitaro I think we should...Keitaro stop at once!" Lucian says with a comanding voice when he sees Keitaro feeding on Kitsune. When Keitaro hears Lucian's voice he comes to his senses and realises what he has done.
"Oh no Kitsune! What have I done?" Keitaro says as Lucian comes to their side and puts his ear near Kitsunes heart.
"Good she has not lost that much blood. Quickly Keitaro lick the bite mark on her neck." says Lucian.
"I don't understand.What good will that do?" asks Keitaro.
"Do not question me now just do as I say!" says Lucian in an angered tone. Keitaro does as he is told and licks the bite mark. Which miraculousley closes the wound.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to I just couldn't help myself, I was so hungry." says a now sobbing Keitaro.
"It's alright she'll be fine you managed to drink quite slowly from her so she didn't lose much blood. Though I would imagine her hangover tomorrow will be quite bad. Hopefully the combination of alchohal and the incubi's power will make her think most of tonight was a dream. Now you know what I meant by the quote a beast I am, lest a beast I become." says Lucian as he places a hand on Keitaro's shoulder.
"Yes, I understand." says Keitaro.
"Well let's get her back to her room, ok." says Lucian as Keitaro stands up holding Kitsune in his arms, and the two vampires walk back to the Hinata.
"I am so sorry Kitsune. Please forgive me." Keitaro whispers as he kisses Kitsune on the forehead. As they walk a blood red tear falls down Keitaro's cheek.
END CHAPTER 5
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Well that was my longest chapter so far and I did this while sick to, not bad huh. So what will happen next only way to find out is to read the next chapter. So until then, read and review.
"You struggle to resist this nature of our, but it can't last forever D. The urge for their blood is stronger." Meier Link, Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust