Our Story
Chapter 5

Hamuko

I don't know why. But I screamed. I screamed with all my might. Why would I do that? These are my people. My family.

So why did it scare me so much that they were coming to the lower world?

A thick hand grabs my shoulder and I look up to see Shinji staring at me. He has a serious look in his eye as he twists to turn me back to the ivy curtain. "Go hide. You're the one they're looking for. We'll make sure they don't find you."

"No!" I stamp my foot. "No, Shinji! I'm staying!"

He sighs, glancing up at the elevator to see how much time we have before rubbing his hand in my hair. "Idiot. Vampires and angels can't sense each other. We won't fight. Just pretend to be humans. They're looking for you, though. If they see you, they'll know. So you have to hide."

I look down to avoid his eyes and he calls out, "Koro! Can you take her to the trees and make sure she stays hidden?"

He barks a sound of acknowledgement and runs over, circling my ankles. I bend down and nod slightly for Shinji's sake. "Okay. I'll hide, but if you get into battle, I'm coming out."

He smirks as he walks over towards Akihiko and Mitsuru. "No way in hell. Koro, make she stays hidden, okay? No matter what."

I step back towards the curtain, glancing up to see the elevator dangerously close to the planet. I turn and break into a run, dashing into the brush to find a place to hide where I can still watch. There! That's the perfect spot. I sit down on my legs and lean against a tree, shifting to stay hidden behind the branches. Koro-chan comes after me and slowly crawls up on my lap. I guess that's his way of making sure I stay put.

He settles in and looks up to watch. I can't see the elevator from here, but I have a clear view of Shinji and the others. He's lying on his back, his hands behind his head and his eyes closed as if taking a nap. Mitsuru is sitting in the shade of a tree with a book and Akihiko's disappeared to hide behind the ivy. Element of surprise, I guess.

And then motion catches my attention. I turn to see a small squad of angels flying towards us. I don't know if they've seen my friends yet, but they're headed in this direction.

Wait… In the front… Minato-kun! He came… Well, maybe he'll believe me about this world and the vampires now.

Uh-oh… I think they've seen Shinji and Mitsuru now. They're on a deadpan course towards them! Omigod, omigod, omigod… I just hope Shinji can keep his cool.

"Hey."

I look up to see Minato flying right above Shinji, his hands in his pockets like usual. Shinji cracks an eye open and sits up. I can hear his smirk as he says, "Hey, Minato. Been a long time, eh?"

Wait… They know each other? That's not possible! Minato's only a few years older than-

"Only about six centuries. I didn't know you were still around."

What?

"Heh. Thought I died with my kin, eh? Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I'm still kickin'."

I… I… Minato-kun…?

He shakes his head. "It doesn't really matter now. I'm just here looking for my sister. Pray tell, have you seen her?"

His shoulders stiffen slightly. "That'd depend. What's she look like?"

"Brown hair, tiny figure, crimson eyes. You can't miss her."

"Hm." He seems as though he's thinking about it. "I can't say I've seen her, but I do remember tasting her."

I freeze. Does he know I'm right here?

Anger seems to flash on Minato-kun's face for a brief second before he's back to his lazy appearance. "Is that so? Tell me, did you drink all of her, or just a taste?"

"Unfortunately, I barely got a taste before she ran for it. Can't say I know where she is now."

"Well, unfortunately for you, I can't forgive you for taking her blood, Shinjiro Aragaki."

It only takes a moment for Minato to strike, but I know him. I know the signs. I jump up from my hiding place and run out, leaping to tackle my brother to the ground. "Wait!"

He turns in surprise to see me and Shinji mutters, "Fuck."

"H-Hammie-chan…? What are you…?"

We hit the ground and I squeeze my arms around his waist. "Minato-kun! Don't!"

He sits up, flapping his wings once to get afloat and worming his way out of my hold. "Hammie-chan, you don't know what these people are."

I cross my arms and narrow my eyes at him. "Still with the little kid treatment, huh? And by that, did you mean vampires?"

His eyes seem to widen slightly. "If you know, why are you still here?"

"Because they're not bad people! They've treated me well these past few months."

"Don't make me laugh, Hamuko-chan! You don't know this-" he looks at Shinji in disgust before spitting, "-thing like I do."

I give my head a shake. "No, I don't. I know him better than that."

He sighs. "I knew it was a mistake to even let you hear of vampires."

"Wait." I take a slow step closer to him. "You… You've been hiding history from me?"

Shinji sighs behind me and swings him arm down heavily, making a heavy axe almost as tall as me appear. "So, we gonna do this or what?"

I turn, grabbing the handle of his weapon and shove down. "No! Stop it! You two are such muscleheads!"

He reaches his free hand out and touches my shoulder, brushing me aside. "Sorry, Hamuko, but this goes back much farther than you know."

Minato-kun's expression doesn't change as he slowly brings his right hand from his pocket and draws his broadsword from nothing. Mitsuru slowly rises to her feet and pulls her saber from nothing and falling into a ready stance. The angels behind my brother follow suit and I know Akihiko has his cestus blades out and waiting for a chance to strike.

What the hell? Don't these morons ever get a clue that talking can work? I mean, really. Come on… They're seriously going to fight… I take in a deep breath and, with all my might, scream, "I SAID STOP!"

Both sides freeze where they are. I can't take this. I just can't take this. My knees give out and I fall to the ground, clutching my sides. Then, Shinji speaks, saying the first tender thing since Minato-kun showed up, "I'm sorry, Hamuko, but I can't. Your 'big brother' and me have a score to settle."

The tears run down my cheek and I sniff to try to keep them back. "But… But why…?"

He raises his axe, dropping it on his shoulder, and says without falter, "Because he's the son-of-a-bitch who killed two of my brothers, their wives, and my nephew."

"But… But…"

He walks past me and looks up at Minato-kun. "Sorry, Hamuko."

Minato-kun almost looks as though he's about ready to attack, but then he pauses. He flies back, away from Shinji before addressing me. "You… You're more than friends with this filth, aren't you?"

Look up at him, tears in my eyes, and nod. "I love him."

Shinji freezes and I reach up to wipe my nose. He turns to glance briefly at me and groans. "Dammit…"

Minato-kun's voice speaks next, "I'll give you a week to say your farewells. I'll come back then to take you home."

I turn to glare up at him. "I'm not a child! I can choose where I want to live my life!"

"I'll be back in a week. In the meantime, my soldiers will not harm you. Goodbye."

And with that, my big brother was gone.

Shinjiro

I lie in my bed, six days since that ass had the nerve to come down here. Damn motherfucker… I should've known Hamuko's presence down here would bring more angels, but, somehow, I forgot. It must've taken them awhile to get their act together. Angels don't usually take four months to get going.

"Shinji?"

I look down at Hamuko curled into my side, looking up at me expectantly. I sigh and drop back into the pillow, shifting a little to hold her naked body closer to mine. "You should go back."

She jumps to an upright position, screaming, "Wh-what?"

I close my eyes. Damn… "You belong up there."

Her voice starts to crack as she mumbles, "I belong with you."

I know I can't make her understand. Yeah, I love her, but… "I've been through enough heartbreak that it won't matter."

She sits up straight and turns t face away from me. "But what about me? I haven't experienced anything like this…"

Shit. I don't want her to have to, either, but… "You're a kid. You'll bounce back quick."

What the hell made me say that?

"I… Shinji…"

Dammit… I sit up and reach out to pull her to me, but pause. This is how it should be, right? I have to let her go. Might as well break her heart and keep her from trying to come back, you know? So, instead, I turn and roll over to face the wall, clenching my teeth to avoid cussing out loud at myself.

Hamuko

Shinji looks like he fell back to sleep, so I slip out of bed and hurry to dress in the silver clothes I wore down here. If that's the way he wants it, then that's how he'll get it. I won't stay here and subject myself to this abuse! I'm better than that! I… I won't stay here… if he doesn't… want me to…

No time for tears! I have to go before the others wake up. My wing is still broken and I don't have their speed, so it'll take me longer. I hope I can remember the way to that valley. That's where Minato-kun said to meet.

This is what you want, Shinji? Fine. I don't need you, either.

This path looks familiar. I think it was down here. Hm… Maybe… I don't know! God! I think I'm lost! Damn it!

…I think Shinji's rubbing off on me.

"Hammie-chan?"

I turn to look up to find Minato-kun sitting up in a tree lazily, his eye that isn't covered by hair open wide in surprise. "I wasn't expecting you for another few hours."

I shrug. "I didn't want to waste any time, just counting the minutes."

He gives a short nod and jumps—more like falls—out of the tree, landing on his feet. He reaches out, pulling me into a hug. "I'm glad to see you're okay, Hammie-chan."

I wrap my arms around his waist, determined not to lose it. "I missed you, too, Minato-kun."

He looks up, almost as if he just realized and asks, "Where are the vampires?"

I frown. "Why? You want to kill Shinji that badly?"

He sighs and shakes his head. "No. If he's that important to you, then…"

I nod. "Thanks."

"Anything for my little sister."

"Isn't it about time you told her the truth?"

I turn sharply, easily making out the three figures in the pale light of sunrise. "Shinji!"

He sighs, his axe in his hand. "For god's sake, Hamuko. You didn't think I was fucking serious, did you?"

I look away. I don't need this right now. "Goodbye, Shinji."

He nods once. "Fine. If that's how it is, then I have no reason not to kill this sick bastard with you."

Minato-kun slowly lets me go and moves up, coming down right between me and Shinji. "Let's begin, then."

Mitsuru and Akihiko wordlessly draw their weapons, stoic expressions on their faces. Minato-kun makes a low, bird-like sound. That's… That's the call for back-up! No! Minato draws his sword and swoops towards Shinji and a loud clang echoes in the forest. More angels come flying in from every direction and leap towards Akihiko and Mitsuru.

I can't take my eyes off of Shinji and Minato-kun, though.

The man I love and my big brother.

Why do they have to hate each other so much?

But then I see it. The slight flick of my brother's wrist that means he's casting a spell. A spell in particular. Minato-kun! Stop that! Shinji… Shinji won't survive that attack at this close!

I can't think. I can't see past the tears. All I know is that I must save Shinji. My feet carry me forward and I wind up between them just in time. The Megidolaon spell hits me instead.

"Hamuko!"

"Hammie-chan!"

I stumble back a few steps before someone catches me. I look up to see grey eyes looking back with nothing short of terror. I manage a smile and reach to try to put pressure on the pain. All my hand meets with is blood. I… I guess that hurt a lot more than I thought it would…

"Shinji…"

And then everything turned black.

Shinjiro

H-Ham…uko… No…

She falls back into my arms and then gives me a smile, as if saying everything's gonna be fine. Her eyes flutter shut, but I have enough sense to pick her up and leap back, letting Aki and Mitsuru take the fray.

This… This isn't happening! Dammit! This can't be happening! "Hamuko! Hamuko, stay with me!"

Slowly, her eyes open and she smiles. "Shinji. You remember me?"

I'm at a loss for words. "Of course, you idiot! What the hell're you thinking?"

"Not Hamuko, stupid. Me, Miki."

I blink. Wh…what…?

"You always did look stupid when you were surprised. Y'know what Hammie said about me being sealed in her? Well, it's true. Obviously."

What the hell is going on right now?

"You always were pretty easy to read, too. At least for me and Aki. Can you do something for me?"

My brain is pretty much dead right now. Without my permission, my mouth asks, "What?"

"Can you forgive me? I wanted to come back to hang out with you and Aki and the others, but I have to go now. I know how important Hammie is to you. I won't be selfish and take her from you." Hamuko's face curls into a brighter smile. "I can save her, but I'll have to go away. Forever. I'll see you on the other side, okay, big brother?"

All I can do is manage a nod.

"Can you tell Aki I'm sorry?"

Another nod.

"Oh… One more thing. As much as I love you guys, I need you to send us back with the gods. They have the power to heal what I can't. If you want Hammie to live, you have to let her go, okay? I can only do so much from in here."

"Wh-what…? You want me to let you—both of you—go? I mean, you're the only little sister I have!"

She gives a small laugh. "Love you, too, Shinji. Bye, big brother." Her eyes crinkle into laughter as she adds, "That must be kind of weird to hear from a girl you've had sex with, huh?"

Uh…

"Sorry. Well, I gotta go. Do my thing, you know? Keep your girlfriend alive and all."

But…

"I'll see you in a few millennia! Oh, and I'll do what I can to get Hammie to come back to you, okay?"

All I can do is nod.

"Bye, Shinji. Thanks for being my brother."

"Uh… Bye." I pause before adding, "Miki."

She smiles again and then her eyes close, Hamuko's body falling unconscious again. She said the angels could heal her, so I'll let them. Fuck. I stand up, still holding Hamuko's body, and clear my throat. Aki and Mitsuru hear my signal and leap back out of the fray, falling to the defensive. I slowly walk over to Minato and hold Hamuko out towards him. "If she dies, I'll see to it that your world reaches Ragnarok."

He nods slowly, sheathing his sword, and slowly reaches out to take her from me. "I wouldn't let my own blood die. I'll see to it that she's healed."

With that, the angels fly away with the only girl I've ever loved.

Shit.

…

"What the hell was that, Shinji?"

I sigh. "Look, this… It's out of our hands. We have to follow her instructions."

Aki blinks. "'Her'? Who?"

I drop down onto the couch of our home and look at the wall before replying. "Miki's."

He freezes where he stands and Mitsuru even pauses. She never knew Miki, but she knows full well who she is. "Sh-Shinji… What?" Aki manages. He looks like a blubbering fool, but I can only imagine I look worse.

"Turns out, what Hamuko told us about Miki being inside of her was true. She wanted me to tell you she was sorry. She also said to hit that." I nod my head towards Mitsuru for emphasis. No matter how many times I tell them to hook up, they never do.

Mitsy glares and Aki drops to a chair, holding his head. "I-I can't even… Miki's alive?"

I nod, but then shake my head. "Was."

He looks up at me for a second. "Was?"

I don't even know what the hell happened, so it's gonna be hell to explain it. A promise is a promise, though, and I promised Miki I'd explain to Aki. "I don't even get it, but when Hamuko took that hit, somehow Miki emerged and talked to me through Hamuko. She said she didn't want to be selfish and keep Hamuko from me, so she was going to give herself to save her. But she said her power wasn't enough and that those motherfucking angels would be able to help."

"I… I don't even…"

"She… She wanted you to know she was sorry."

He drops his head to his hands and his shoulders start shaking. Now, I ain't the most emotional guy, but I'll admit I shed my share of tears when I found out about my family's deaths. Miki was our last string of hope. She was my little sister as much as Aki's my brother, but I can't help but worry more about Hamuko.

I glance over to see Mitsuru seat herself neatly on the arm of Aki's chair and set her hands on his shoulders. "Akihiko…"

This… This is a time for mourning. We haven't had one in centuries, but somehow, I can't bring myself to be sad over Miki. I mean, the little squirrel lived inside of others this whole time. What a crafty little thing.

But… What about Hamuko? Her wounds… The blood… It was everywhere. I… I don't know how she could have lived…

Without really meaning to, I stand up and walk towards my room, pausing just long enough to grip Aki's shoulder and say, "I'm sorry. We'll celebrate her life when you're ready." He manages a nod and I continue to my room and close the door.

The same place I would stay for the next three weeks.

Hamuko

Mm… It's so bright… And warm… "Shinji… Did you turn on the light for once?"

A low chuckle sounds above me and my eyes snap open. This isn't Shinji's room. I'm… I'm in the upper world. When-?

Minato-kun leans into my sight with a small smile. "So, you were sharing a bed with him, eh, sister?"

I blink. Um… Wait… I reach down by instinct and touch my side. The blood… What…? "Big brother? What happened?"

He sighs and his smile fades. "You took my Megidolaon. I don't know what was going through your little cherub head, but you jumped in the way. I thought… I thought I'd lost you."

I turn away and mumble, "I couldn't let you kill Shinji."

His hand moves over mine and squeezes it. "What matters is you're alive and you're home."

Before I can stop myself, I say, "This isn't my home. I belong with him."

He stays silent for a moment before standing. "I'll let you get some rest. You've been through a lot."

Once he leaves, I sit up and look around. I'm in my room, back in Itooshi Mazeawasu. I wonder if they fixed my wings, too. I guess it's time to find out. There's someone I need to see. I squeeze my eyes shut and let them come out. Huh. That didn't hurt at all. They must have fixed them. Now, to get to Seiya without being seen… What's the best route? I haven't flown in months, so I should avoid long distances. I know! I'll pass through Kawagiri! That'll get me there without a lot of flying.

I climb out of bed without any pain, surprisingly. Then I run. I run before Minato-kun can catch me and before anyone else might realize I'm gone. As quickly as I can, I run to Seiya, flying a short distance when necessary. I really need to talk to Master. He's the closest I've had to a father. Soon enough, I'm there. I run forward, calling out, "Master! Master, are you here?"

It takes a short moment, but then his assistant, Theodore, walks out with the medallion on his neck. I run over and throw my arms around his waist, my tears spilling already. "Master! I-I missed you!"

His hands settle on my back and rub soothing circles. I can only imagine how many cherubs he's had to deal with. "I know, Hamuko-chan. I can feel your pain. You fight with a heartbreak you have never known."

I nod against Theodore's blue jacket before dropping to my knees in front of him. He lowers himself to sit and I lean forward again, bawling on his jacket some more. "I miss Shinji! I love him so much-!"

"Tell me, cherub, what would you do to keep him in your life, knowing full well he is a vampire?"

I freeze. That's one reason I both love and hate my master. He gets straight to the point. Makes you think. "I… I…"

"If you need to think on it, by all means."

"I would become a vampire, if I could."

He nods slowly. "I see. Tell me, are you aware of the vampire sleeping within you?"

H-huh…? "N-no…"

"Hamuko! There you are!" I glance over to see Minato-kun flying over, looking a mix of angry and concerned. "What were you thinking, running off like that?"

Master runs his fingers through my hair and gives big brother a deadpan look. "Minato. I believe Hamuko-chan has the right to know everything. She has become much more involved than we ever imagined."

I look up at him, then at Minato-kun. They were hiding things from me? But… If Minato-kun did know Shinji during the war, then maybe that's what this is about…

My brother nods once and sits down, reaching out to hold my hand. "Hammie-chan. There is a lot for you to know."

I nod slowly. "I'm… I'm listening."

"First, I… I'm not your brother."

I roll my eyes. I kind of figured that by the time it registered that he knew Shinji. "Then who are you?"

"My name is Minato Arisato, but you know of the things I've done by an ophan named Yuji Matsumoto. I've lived a long time and fought during the Thousand-Year War. You know this, though, because of Shinjiro Aragaki."

Wait. "Yuji Matsumoto? The younger brother of Hajime Matsumoto? The one who sealed Miki?"

He nods slowly. "I helped my older brother, Akinari, seal the vampire princess. It was a difficult task. I sealed the princess in a child and then took her to be safe. I raised her as best I could, though I was always her friend, never a father nor brother to her. When she was older, an adult by human standards, she confessed her love for me."

I blink. This wasn't in Master's stories.

"We married and, one day, she told me she was with child. I was ecstatic. But when the time came for her to give birth, she began to hemorrhage. She died, but only after bringing our angel daughter into life. I raised that girl as the father I was and discovered only after returning to the upper world with her that the vampire princess had transferred to her."

Okay. Really. As fascinating as this is, do I need your family history?

"Centuries later, she, too, got pregnant after marrying. Her husband had his duties to tend to and couldn't be there when she gave birth. But, as her mother before her, she died in childbirth. Her daughter was you."

I blink. Okay. That's why he wanted me to have his family history. Wait. So… "That makes you my… What?"

"I am your grandfather. I am your mother's father. And, like your mother and grandmother before you, you housed the Princess Mikiko."

"You mean… I really did? I mean, I am her vessel?"

He nods. "You suspected as much?"

I shake my head. "No, but I told Shinji that I was when we first met so he wouldn't hurt me. That was how we came to get to know each other."

"I see."

"I have a question."

"Hm?"

"Did you really kill Shinji's family?"

He shakes his head. "No. I didn't kill one vampire during the war. He was witness to the submission of the royal family, however. Perhaps that is what he refers to."

I blink. "You mean you didn't know?"

He sits with a stunned and confused look for a moment before asking, "Know what, Hammie-chan?"

"Shinji is a prince. The royal family is his family. He's the second of four brothers."

"He was to marry his sister, then?"

"Miki was his foster sister. She and her brother were adopted by the royal family."

"That's nonsense. Mikiko is the crown princess. Our scouts confirmed as much."

I shake my head. "What that is is bullshit. Miki was taken in by the royal family and raised as Shinji's sister. A marriage was set up between the two, but neither one really wanted it."

"Regardless, his revenge is pointless."

I jump to my feet and stare at him. "What? You mean that if your family was killed in front of you, you wouldn't care and you'd just go about all la-de-da and forget all about it?"

"Hammie-chan, calm down. Let me explain."

I sit back down in a huff, my arms crossed. "Fine. Try to justify your genocide."

"Geno- What? You mean the vampires think we killed that many?"

Wait, what? "You mean you didn't?"

He shakes his head. "No! We sealed them. They're as alive as Mikiko. You don't think humans existed before the war, did you? We sealed the vampires inside themselves until their world could be reborn. Without realizing it, their king and queen had initiated Ragnarok, a feat only the royal lineage can perform. We wanted to save the vampires. We sealed them inside themselves and moved them up here until Ragnarok had passed. Their world was demolished, but still habitable. We put the human shells back to the planet to rebuild. They'd emerge when the world was mature enough."

I drop to the cloud, beating my head against it repeatedly. "Then why the hell did all this shit happen?"

"I… It was all a massive misunderstanding. We weren't aware there were any who had slipped past the sealing spell."

I jump to my feet and reach out, grabbing the front of Minato-kun's hair and yanking as hard as I can. "And why the hell did you try to kill Shinji? Why?"

"Oww! Hammie-chan! L-let go! I'll explain if you let go!"

I tug once more and then drop back to my seat, glaring. "Explain. Now."

He rubs his head and lifts the blue strands that I'd ripped out from his lap. "There is still a rivalry between vampires and angles. And, unfortunately, the royal vampire family and the Arisato family never got along. He saw me seal the king and queen and several others of the family and, apparently, he assumed I killed them. That must have fueled his rage further. Let me guess; you never told him your last name, did you?"

I shake my head. "He didn't tell me his, either."

He nods. "I see. I hope, someday, you can forgive me for all of this."

"We'll see."

He gives me a weak smile and a solemn dip of his chin before turning. "I'll give you some time to think this over. I hope to see you again later."

"Okay, big bro- Grandfather." That felt weird.

He shoots a genuine smile at me and then turns, taking off for the skies.

Well.

That explains his high attack power. He's old.

I turn back to my master, who sits there with a quiet smile. "Does this help to ease some of your troubles?"

I blink. "I have no idea."

"It is a lot of information. Minato was against my telling you of the vampire stories. He was afraid it would bring the vampire within you to the surface. That is why he so often discouraged it and urged you to believe it was false."

"I… I see…"

"Tell me. Would you still descend back to the planet to return to Shinjiro?"

I nod without thinking. "Yes."

"Good. If you'd had any doubt, I would have wondered how you were going to handle the youth within you."

I freeze. "The who in the what where?"

"You are not aware, then? I would've thought Minato would've informed you upon your awakening."

"Well, I, kind of… ran out…"

"I see."

"But what are you saying?"

"You really do not know, then?"

I shake my head furiously.

He raises a mug of tea to his lips, mumbling softy around it, "You are bearing the child of the vampire prince."

What.

I swear to god, if I'd been drinking something, I'd have spit it out.

Seriously?

"I-I'm… I'm pregnant? With Shinji's baby?"

Master Igor nods in Theodore's body. "Very much so. I think you'll be relieved to know that the child is a vampire."

I… I think I'm going to pass out.

Please review!

-Valk