A GIFT, AND A CURSE
Love Hina is the property of Ken Akamatsu, all other characters belong to me.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: What's up everyone I'm back again to bring you another chapter of A Gift, and a Curse. I've ahd several people ask me if I'll bring in Tsuruko into the story. To answer this I say, yes but she won't be appearing right away though, but I'll bring her in. As for Mutsumi and Kanako appearing, most definately. I'm just not sure when. Anyway I'll let you people read the story.
CHAPTER TEN: TRAINING OF A DIFFERENT SORT
It has been only a few weeks since Keitaro revealed his vampiric nature to the residents of the Hinata and things have returned to a semblance of normalcy. Everyone seems to take the fact that both Keitaro and Lucien are vampires rather well. Shinobu treats the two resident vampires no differently than she ever did. Su is much the same, with the exception that she keeps trying to take samples of Keitaro's blood and skin to try and explain his vampirism from a scientific viewpoint. Of course Lucien stops her every time telling her that she can't explain vampirism with science. Kitsune is, well Kitsune, she acts just like she did before. Though now she dosen't try and trick Keitaro out of his money. Haruka remains her usual stoic self. Out of everyone Naru has taken this the worst, becoming cold and distant from Keitaro. When he enters a room she leaves and she almost refuses to talk with him. However she has come to utterly despise Lucien, going out of her way to be rude to him and on one ocassion while no one was around she even gave him one of her Naru Punches. Though to her surprise it didn't even cause him to budge nor did it seem to hurt him. The elder vampire simply smirked and laughed at her attempt to hurt him.
Then there is Motoko. The resident swordswoman has actually changed the most, though few could tell this. While she does keep an eye out for Keitaro just incase he losses himself, he appears to be quite in control of himself. At the same time she has been getting training from Lucien and she has to admit it makes her family's training of hell look like a walk through the park, but she has been able to see some minor results so far. However she has begun seeing Keitaro in a new light as well when he wakes he completes his chores in record time thanks in part to his greater speed. He also seems more focused as well, he hasn't had one of his accidents in quite some time and his grades are steadily improving as well. She has also taken to sneaking out and watching Lucien training Keitaro not only in the use of his vampiric powers but in a form of martial arts that Lucien refered to as Crimson Talon Style. These things have caused her to develope feelings for Keitaro. He is proving to be the exact oppostie of what she has believed men to be for so long.
On this night however Motoko approaches Lucien and Keitaro, as they are making their way out to their training grounds. The two vampires hearing her approach stop and turn to meet her.
"Oh, goood evening Motoko is there something you need?" asks Keitaro.
"Yes, actually. I was wondering if I might watch you two train for a while? I have been curious as to what Keitaro has beem learning from you Lucien." says Motoko.
"I don't see why not. What do you say Keitaro?" says Lucien.
"Sure. If that's what you want Motoko, it dosen't bother me. Come on let's go." says Keitaro as he and Lucien turn and continue on their way with Motoko folowing close behind with a smile on her face. Once the three arive at their destination Lucien turns to Keitaro and Motoko and speaks.
"Seeing as how we have Motoko with us tonight we'll be doing things differently. You won't be practicing with your vampiric powers since I think Motoko would find watching that a tad on the dull side. Instead you will train exclusively in combat tonight. However your training partner for the first part of the evening will not be me, but Motoko." says Lucien. Both Keitaro and Motoko are rather surprised by this and not quite sure what to think.
"Lucien are you sure about this? I mean Motoko is way better than me." says Keitaro.
"Urashima is right, besides you've been teaching him unarmed combat not swordsmanship." says Motoko.
"You both make good points but you will spar with each other. If either of you are worried about harming each other I can easily fix any worries you may have. Motoko will of course be using a boken in place of her actual sword so there is little chance of any real harm to you Keitaro. As for you my son you will simply use what I have taught you so far, with one differance. Instead of slashing or stabing with your claws, just make your hands into a fist and punch instead, think of it as a less lethal form of the Crimson Talon Style. One more thing I want physical combat only so no ki techniques Motoko. And Keitaro the Skin of Adamantine Dark Art will not be allowed for this otherwise you'll leave Motoko without a weapon and I won't be able to see how you two are progressing. Though you may augment your physical abilities with ki if you wish." says Lucien.
"Very well I will fight Urashima, but I don't have a boken with me. I'll have to go back to the apartments to get one." says Motoko.
"Don't worry Motoko I will rectify that little problem. Here is your boken." says Lucien as out of nowhere a boken forms in his hand, which he gives to Motoko.
"Thank you Lucien. Be ready Urashima. Now please show me what you have learned?" says Motoko as she bows to the elder vampire before she turns and takes a battle stance.
"Alright Motoko, I'll do my best." replies Keitaro as he faces Motoko and takes a stance of his own. Lucien takes a few steps back before he signals for the two to begin their match.
"Alright you two remember what I told you. Now begin!" says Lucien as Motoko and Keitaro rush towards each other.
Motoko is the first to attack with a slash across Keitaro's chest, however much to her surprise he blocks at the last moment. Normaly this would make Motoko quite angry but instead she is excited. Her momentary lapse however allows Keitaro to give her another surprise as his fist comes straight towards her head, but she dodges it, but just barely and she could have sworn she felt heat eminating from his fist.
"Was that from pure speed or ki?" thinks Motoko as she dodges a kick aimed for her stomach. She retaliates with a series of quick slashes of her boken which Keitaro blocks however this has also pushed him back a few feet so he is no longer within striking distance.
"Man this is a lot different from facing Lucien, that boken gives her a good couple feet of reach, but I'm not beat yet. I'll just use my speed to get past her attacks and land a punch or two on her and this should be over." thinks Keitaro as he dodges a second set of strikes from Motoko's boken and this time manages to connect with a punch which sends Motoko reeling, though only for a moment as she comes at Keitaro with a great burst of speed catching him completely off gaurd and landing several strikes from her boken knocking him to the ground. Before Keitaro can get to his feet her boken is at his neck.
"Very good Urashima but I think I have one." says Motoko as the two the sounds of clapping.
"Excellent. You two did very good. I can see the training I've been giving you both is paying off." says Lucien as walks towards the two and helps Keitaro to his feet.
"I knew I was going to lose the whole time. There's now way I could beat Motoko." says Keitaro as he dusts himself off.
"Don't be so hard on yourself my son. Remember you've only been learning to fight for few weeks. She's spent most of her life learning to fight, don't expect to win just like that. Besides with time you will get better, and I'm sure you'll be able to get the better of her before to long." says Lucien as he puts his hand on Keitaro's shoulder.
"Lucien is right I was actually surprised at how good you have become in such a short time. You must really have a talent for the martial arts. To be honest this was quite fun. I hope we can do it again some time." says Motoko as she tries to keep from blushing.
"Well since you enjoyed sparing with Keitaro so much Motoko why don't the two of you train together on the weekends it may be beneficial for the both off you." says Lucien with a knowing smile.
"If that is your wish then I will do so, sensei." says Motoko, Keitaro dosen't speak but nods in agreement with Motoko.
"Good. Now begin again you two." says Lucien.
"Yes sir!" yell Motoko and Keitaro in unison as the begin their second match. The two spar for more than an hour before they stop.
"That's enough for now you two. It's getting late. You should go back inside Motoko and get cleaned up then get some rest alright." says Lucien.
"Yes Lucien. Thank you for letting me spar with you Keitaro. I will see you tomorrow." says Motoko as she turns to leave.
"Keitaro, why don't you walk Motoko back to the apartments. It is ungentlemanly not to escort a young lady to her home at this time of night."says Lucien.
"Sure Lucien, that's not a problem." says Keitaro.
"It's quite alright Lucien, I'll be fine." says Motoko as she tries to hide the blush forming on her face.
"Oh, but I insist. You never know what might be out there in the dark. Keitaro make sure you return quickly when you're done, your night has only just begone." says Lucien with a smile.
"Very well then! Come on Urahshima!" says Motoko as she walks away with Keitaro following behind her. When they are about half way back to the apartments Keitaro walks up next to Motoko.
"Say Motoko, can I ask you a question?" says Keitaro.
"Yes Urashima what is it?" says Motoko.
"Well I've been thinking. Why is it when you found out that I was a vampire you didn't try to kill me? I mean your family hunts creatures like me right?" asks Keitaro. This causes Motoko to stop walking as she tries to think how to answer Keitaro's question.
"This is true, but I don't think that you pose a threat to anyone. At least not from what I have seen. To be honest you're the opposite of how most sources depict vampires. You're not some cruel bloodthirsty monster that wants to take the lives of innocents." says Motoko.
"I wish I was like you describe, but it's realy very hard. When ever I see or smell blood, all I want to do is feed. You have no idea what it's like to have somenthing in you that only wants to indulge it's hunger. All I can do though is resist as long as I can and hope that I don't become some ravenous predator." says Keitaro as he closes his eyes for a moment.
"You must suffer greatly from these feelings you have." says Motoko.
"Yeah. Lucien called vampirism a curse and I've begun to learn why he called it that. I may be stronger, faster and tougher than any human being, and I might have fantastic supernatural powers, but it only serves to remind me that I'm not like them anymore. I'll never be like them again and it hurts to know that. But I don't regret my choice, because this way I'll be able to be there for all of you, no matter what." says Keitaro as he opens his eyes and looks towards Motoko.
"He has given up his own mortality just so that he could be able to take care of us. How many people would be willing to do something like that? If he would do that for all of us, then I will be there for him." thinks Motoko.
"Urashima! I want you to know that I will help you in any way that I can as you go through all this. It is the least I can do for how I have treated you in the past." says Motoko.
"Thank you Motoko I don't know what to say, but that means a lot to me really." says Keitaro as he blushes.
"You don't need to thank me Urashima. Like I said it's the least I can do. Now let's hurry on back to the Hinata alright." says Motoko as she hides her blush from him.
"Sure." says Keitaro with a smile as the two finsh making there way back to the apartments. When they reach the Hinata they say good night to each other, and then Keitaro makes haste back to Lucien to resume his training for the night. However during the course of their training Lucien for a moment swears he could feel the presence of another vampire somewhere but ignores it for the time being.
The next day however people in the quiet town of Hinata Hot Springs are shaken up as a group of five people were found just outside of town killed in a brutal fashion. The police warn people to be on the look out for anything strange and to be very carefull, especially at night. When Lucien awakens he finds Kitsune looking quite distraught.
"What's the matter Kitsune? You look like you've seen a ghost." says Lucien.
"Well it's just that there were some people killed last night, and the way they were killed has just got me spooked that's all." says Kitsune as she takes a sip of her sake.
"How were these people killed Kitsune?" asks Lucien.
"Well acording to the news they were torn up as if by a wild animal but that there was no blood in or around the bodies. You don't think there is another vampire in town besides you and Keitaro do you?" says Kitsune as Lucien pauses for a moment to take in what he has just heard.
"So I really did feel another vampire in the town. I thought it was just my imagination. Well if that is the case then I will just have to deal with it. I'll take Keitaro and Motoko with me when I go tonight. That way we can end this as quickly as possible. Until then it would be best not to worry anyone about this." thinks Lucien.
"I wouldn't worry to much Kitsune. I'm sure everything will be taken care of soon. Trust me." says Lucien.
"Well if you say so." says Kitsune. A short time later when Motoko returns home Lucien informs her that there will be no training today as he has something important to discuss with both her and Keitaro once he wakes up. A few hours later when Keitaro awkens he asks for Motoko to come to Keitaro's room.
"What is it you wanted to talk about Lucien? You seemed quite serious earlier." says Motoko.
"Motoko's right. What's the matter?" asks Keitaro.
"Motoko I'm sure you heard the news today am I right?" says Lucien.
"Yes about the group of people that were murdered." says Motoko.
"There were murders! I can't believe it. Do they Know who did it?" asks Keitaro in shock.
"No they don't Keitaro. You see the people who were killed were found drained of their blood. So I believe there is a vampire in town, and they seem to have little regard for keeping there presence a secret. Last night I thought I felt another vampire but I disregarded it. I wish I hadn't." says Lucien.
"So what do we do?" asks Keitaro.
"Simple. We find this vampire and stop him. The three of us should be able to deal with this quickly enough so hopefully there won't be anymore needless deaths." says Lucien.
"When do we begin?" asks Motoko.
"Right away if the ywo of you want." says Lucien
"I'm ready the sooner we get going the sooner this will be over with." says Keitaro.
"Good then let us get started." says Lucien as the three rise and prepare for ther search. As the head towards the door the others can't help but ask where the trio are headed.
"Sempai. Where are you, Motoko, and Lucien going you'll miss dinner." asks Shinobu with a look of worry on her face.
"Don't worry my child we should not be gone for long just save us some of your delicious meal for later if you would. Also I would like for you all to stay in the apartments tonight if you would." says Lucien as he reffles Shinobu's hair a bit before he leaves.
"Ok, I will." says Shinobu.
"Good girl." says Lucien.
"Where do you think there going?" asks Su.
"Who cares!" says Naru as she heads into the kitchen.
"I bet this is what Lucien meant when he said it would be taken care of soon." thinks Kitsune.
As the three attempt to find the vampire a full moon shines down upon them adding a sense of anxiety to the surrounding area. Before long Lucien pinpoints were the vampire should be. Though he finds something odd about the presence he felt. It feels very strange and eratic, so he tells Keitaro and Motoko to keep their guard up.
They soon arrive to a small hill surrounded by a grove of trees. In the side of the hill they can just make out a small cave. As they watch the see a silhouette walk towards the cave entrance. It turns and notices them and drops something that was in it's hands and begins to move towards them. When it comes closer they can see that it wears tattered rags for clothes. It has a derranged and monstrous appearance, but is obviously a vampire.
"I smell vampire blood. I smell strong blood, yes it will strengthen me against them. It will free me from their torture." says the vampire as it looks at Keitaro and Lucien. The vampire then seems to cut it's palms. As the blood drips from his hands it becomes a pack of at least twenty crimson wolves. Each one poised to strike at a moments notice.
"Get ready you two." says Lucien. Keitaro simply nod as they prepare for a fight.
"Go my pets attack the fledgling and the human!" yells the vampire as he rushes towards Lucien with tremendous speed. Lucien blocks the attack but can feel great strength behind it. This vampire is obviously quite powerful. At the same time Keitaro and Motoko busy themselves with defending themselves from the wolves summoned to attack them. Which is easier said than done as the wolves appear to be quite resistant to damage.
Keitaro and Motoko manage to take out about half the summoned wolves before Motoko is knocked prone by one of the wolves that lept at her. She was able to knock it away from at the last moment. However she now finds herself surrounded by five of the ten remaining wolves. Keitaro notices this as he sees one of the wolve leap towards her with the intent to kill.
"No! Motoko!" yells Keitaro as he runs past the wolves that had surrounded him at inhuman speed. As the wolf leaps towards Motoko she is frozen with fear as she realises she may die this night. But just as the wolf is about to reach her it is knocked away by a fist surrounded in crimson energy and is destroyed instantly. The fist belongs to Keitaro.
"I won't let you hurt Motok!" Do you hear me!" yells Keitaro as the wolves turn their attention towards him since he is now the more obvious threat. Keitaro moves away from Motoko letting the wolves follow him. They soon attack tearing into him, but Keitaro pays no attention to the wounds but begins to desimate the wolve one by one until all are gone. He then walks over to Motoko to check on her who is still in shock over what just happened.
"Are you alright Motoko?" asks Keitaro.
"Yes. Thanks to you Urashima. What about you though you're wounded?" says Motoko.
"Don't worry I'll be fine see. Just like in the movies we vampires heal pretty fast." says Keitaro with his trademark smile as his wounds begin to close up.
At the same time Lucien and the mystery vampire are engaging in combat. If one were to try and describe what this battle between to powerful vampires looked like one could compare it to a fight between a pair of comic book superbeings. As the two knock each other about the area with superhuman strength only to get back up and go at each other for more. The two vampires even match mystic might as well as physical, as Lucien unleashes bolts of Abyssal flame on his opponent who retaliates with blasts of concussive force. However in the end Lucien uses one final attack to defeat his adversary.
"This ends now you derranged vampire! Behold the fires of the Abyss!" yells Lucien as he transforms into his hybrid form and unleashes a volley of Abyssal fire upon the insane vampire. However the insane vampire manages to block most of the attack but is knoked to the ground and lies motionless. Lucien returns to his human form and motions for Keitaro and Motoko to come closer as they walk towards the other vampire. When they come close the vampire begins to stir and it speaks.
"Thank you for returning me to my senses but I'm afarid it won't last long. I do not wish to go on in this derranged state. Please kill me and end my pain." says the vampire.
"Is that truely your wish?" asks Lucien.
"Yes. I wish to appologize though, for my actions they were unworthy of a true vampire. I saw the fledglings brave actions to save the woman from my servants. That bravery is admirable and I wish to reward that. I wish to bestow one of my Dark Arts upon you. Drink of my blood and you will gain Sanguine Conjuration, the ability to create servitor beasts with your blood as I did." says the vampire as he holds his wrist out to Keitaro. Keitaro looks to Lucien who only nods as if to tell him that refusing would be an insult. Keitaro takes the vampires wrist and bites into it and drinks as he feels power course throughout his body.
"Now please end it." beggs the vampire as he closes his eyes and awaits his end.
"You have suffered long enough. It is with pride that I grant you your death." says Lucien as he causes the vampires body to become engulfed in dark fire.
"My thanks..." says the vamipre with his last breath as he is totally consumed by the flame.
"Go, my friend. Be free. As the rest of us, living or dead, can never be..." says Lucien as he lowers his head.
"What do you suppose drove him mad?" asks Keitaro.
"I don't know perhaps that cave has the answers. It may have been his haven." says Lucien as he walks towards the cave and enters followed by Motoko and Keitaro. A little ways towards the back of the cave they find a steel door lying on the ground. They pass through the door and enter a room filled with prayer scripts and a number of religious symbols. Both Lucien and Keitaro seem physically uneasy in the room.
"He must have been imprisoned her for a very long time. At least a century by the look of it. The bound him hear and consecrated the room and placed up a number of blessed items. Imprisoning any vampire in a place like this would deffinately drive them insane." says Lucien.
"Then how did he get out?" asks Motoko.
"Proabably those peolpe he killed unleashed him by mistake. Come let us leave this place. I'd rather not linger hear much longer and I'm sure Keitaro feels the same." says Lucien as the three leave. However Lucien notices one of the many blessed items in the room and picks it up he stares at it intently as it sear his flesh. He quickly crushes it in his hand with a look of disgust on his face before leaving.
As the three return to the Hinata a strange figure hides in the shadows watching them the only discernable feature is what appears to be a crucifix that catches some of the moon light. The figure then pulls out a cell phone and speaks.
"The sealed creature has been taken care of sir. However there appears to be two more creatures hear, one of them is only a fledgling. The other is him sir, the Black Dragon. Yes sir I will await further orders. God be with you sir." says the figure as he puts away his cell phone and smirks before leaving the area.
END CHAPTER 10
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Well there you go chapter ten. This was a rather long one wasn't it? Hopefully you enjoyed it. Looks like we have a mysterious foe keeping their eyes on Keitaro and Lucien now. See what happens next time and remember read and review.