here is the second chapter enjoyz people
oh, and i've 'talked' to some people who dont understand honorfics but still read fanfics so i'm gonna explain some of it quick (and feel free to correct me if i write anything wrong)... those who already know all this are free to keep reading
lets start:
-san - is a polite honorfic, you usually add it to a person's name when you want to be polite (though it doesnt mean much close relations)
- chan - is usually added to a girl's name; you are close to the said person, that you like them and find them cute
- kun - is usually added to a boy's name; same case as above
- sama - (sign of respect) you add it to the name of a person you deeply respect and that is 'above' you (like more powerful, smart, capable)
- okaa-sama - means 'mother'; its a respectful and polite title (there could also be okaa-san, okaa-chan, kaa-san, kaa-chan, kaa-sama... more leasurely that the previous one).. but not at all distant and cold as it may seem
- otou-sama - means 'father'; same case as above (could also be otou-san, otou-chan, tou-san, tou-chan, tou-sama - still the same case as above)
- onii-sama - means 'older brother'; same case as above (could also be onii-san, onii-chan, nii-sama, nii-chan, nii-san)
- onee-sama - means 'older sister'; same case as above (could also be onee-san, onee-chan, nee-san, nee-sama, nee-chan)
- ojii-san - not really sure about all the meanings of this one, i usually take it as uncle (sometimes grandpa) (i know what it means in my mind, just cant find the words to correctly express it)
- obaa-san - same case as above; i usually take it as aunty/aunt (sometimes grandma)
- NO HONORFIC - (this is also important) ... no hoorfic behimd someone's name means that you're intimate and very close to that person (otherwise if no honorfic i added that means that you're being rude to that person)
feel free to help me if i've written something wrong!
The lost Rose
Anxious footsteps resounded through the dark hall. Hurried and heavy, their fleeting thud entwined with clear and obvious worry.
A tall figure tore through each and every door and passageway on his path with the viciousness of someone with his life on the line. And he felt like his life was on the line; danger for anyone precious to him meant danger for himself too. That is the way he is. The lives of the ones dear to him are on the same level as his own life, maybe even higher. Right now, the ones that he loves might... might be... gone, their lives extinguished.
His pace picked up and he moved with more force. To have even the thought of them dead is unbearable, it feels like something is ripping him open from within.
The vampires that he passed looked at him like he'd lost his mind, some were even fearful about his haste. After all, he was not one of them, as was written by blood. They could feel the power he carries with himself, the danger it poses to them. That thing he carries around his waist radiates as much bloodlust and potential for mindless violence as he is lacking. It's almost the same as they, themselves.
His presence, and that of his kin, makes the fine hairs on the back of their heads stand on end. They are not supposed to exist.
Ironic, seeing that they are one of the most valuable... assets... that they have.
After the initial shock wore off they started muttering amongst themselves, discreetly looking at him. Some went even as far as to leave the room when he entered, not standing being in the same space as him. Most disregarded him after he'd passed them.
He ignored it all, not even noticing any of them, or their actions. There is only one destination in his mind right now, and his sole concern is how to get there.
He must hear it all.
That lovely little girl might... no, there is no room for thinking of that yet. The news could be proven wrong, just a hoax to scare most. There are idiots who like messing with the fears of others, and playing at the order of the world is not beneath them. The Kurosu bloodline is one of the most formidable forces of this world, something not to be messed with.
But then why would anyone go as far so to say that they're dead, no one dared to even implicate anything against the three God Houses. They must be under attack.
His footsteps falter and he stops in his tracks. That thought is frightening; its possibility for happening is very high. After all, the Shirabuki household is very power-hungry and ruthless, it was only a matter of time before they made their move.
He made himself walk again, focusing on his target.
His mind was still on the Lotus family though. Their intentions were quite clear, only a blind fool wouldn't have noticed it. The glitch was that they can't take on the Kurans. The Kuran family has too much power and too strong allies to risk crossing so soon and unprepared, the damage suffered would be too extensive. The reigning king and queen, he smirked to himself good-naturedly, well lord and lady are experienced and formidable. Maybe not on the same level as lord and lady Kurosu, but the vampire hunters that they have an alliance with more than make up for it.
And that would be something he knows only too well about. Only the Kuran bloodline has any influence over the Hunters. Their 'friendship' goes as far as the fact that most Hunters would listen to the orders of Juuri and Haruka Kuran, and fight with them without any doubts.
Though, they still think of vampires as beasts and are really sour in their presence, not to mention only go to the places where there are a lot of them only if they have to. The same could be said for the vampires. But, they tolerate each other and are, somewhat, not tense and too alert and hostile in the company of the other. There are always exceptions on both sides. So some are really accepting and others can't stand being in the same room as the other.
But, unlike them, the Kurosu family didn't have any strong connection with the hunters. They acknowledged and allowed them to hunt and do their jobs on their land, but not more than that. There weren't any kind of relations between the two sides, and no alliance between them has ever been made.
It was not like the Rose didn't approve of their existence, they were too kind and accepting to ever do that, it's just that neither felt a need to push the boundaries too far. And that head of the council of advisers didn't help the matter much.
It could be that the Kurusu's didn't want to impose on the Kurans connection with the Hunters, so they gave them the advantage of having anti-vampire weapons for protection and insurance. Although, both families were to gentle and tolerant to mind something like that.
That is what sealed their fate though. With no Hunters to call for aid, and most of the other pureblood families under them out of the territory, the Rose is the obvious target. And so, even thought the king and queen could quite possibly be the most powerful vampires who are still alive, their collective power is not as great as the Kuran's.
His thoughts immediately snapped back to the reason he is here as soon as he saw the doors to the study room. His feet sped up even more as his hands clenched into fists.
The doors to the study crashed open with immense force, the impact against the wall was ear-deafening. Some of the inhabitants currently in it flinched at the loud sound, two stayed perfectly still and unsurprised though. They had felt him coming a long time ago.
He went straight to them, ignoring almost everyone else in the room. Their matching dark wine coloured eyes turn to him, the light in them showing a sad, remorseful glow.
Both figures have a dignified, regal air around them. Their calm and gentle demeanour indicates how kind and loving they truly are. Although, now every part of them radiates grief and remorse, the truth that he wants to know is clearly written on their faces.
Even with one look he knew that what he heard was true, his heart felt the truth deep within, but he didn't want to believe it. He couldn't believe it, his mind wouldn't let him, not yet.
''Juuri-san, what happened?''
The female sighed, her gaze went from him to the wall and her shoulders slouched down a little. Her wild, curly dark-brown hair fell partly over her cheek, obscuring her eyes from view. Even like that she appeared perfectly majestic and lady-like, still as mysterious and unreachable as a goddess. No one except her husband could ever be her equal.
When she turned back to him her expression was one of genuine sadness. If she wasn't someone whom life had thought not to show emotions, she would be crying right now. As she spoke her voice was quiet and grave, telling the harsh, impossible truth.
''The Kurosu family was attacked. It appears that the Lotus attacked suddenly and quickly. They say that the House of the Rose fell in one night... just a few hours..'' she stopped, taking a deep breath so she could recompose herself and continue.
But he spoke before she could ''What do you mean? Are they alive? How could they fall so easily?'' he started pacing ''No, I don't believe you, I can't believe you. They wouldn't die, not like this... they are strong, impossible...''
''Kaien.'' She called, stilling him. If possible, her voice was even graver than before. ''The God House of the Rose has fallen.'' She almost choked on the words. Inaudibly she took a breath, unable to continue.
A short silence dropped over the room, heavy and grievous.
Seeing that his wife couldn't continue, the dark haired male continued for her ''We heard that the army they assembled was large, they greatly outnumbered everyone loyal to the Kurosu bloodline that was close enough to help. It could be that they didn't even get to help. From what was told to us everything was fast and sudden, they had very little time to react.'' He took a deep breath as his eyes briefly flickered to his wife and then back to Kaien again. ''And also, it seems that the Shirabuki clan had taken all the other purebloods that acknowledge them along.''
There were gasps heard from most of the other people in the room, and almost all pairs of eyes widened at this piece of information. Kaien slowly brought his hand to his mouth in shock and dread, the other one was steadying him against the armrest of the sofa. He felt all the blood leave his face and his limbs go numb and cold.
A noble vampire who was standing behind him reacted immediately and helped him sit down on the sofa, right next to Juuri. His gentle blue eyes seemed to question if he's alright. Obviously he wasn't. ''Thank you lord Aidou.''
The man nodded in acknowledgement and straightened back up.
''Could you please continue Haruka-san.'' He asked and looked up at the striking pureblood.
Haruka looked hesitant, his dark wine eyes riddled with concern. He was standing close to him, ready to help if needed. Eventually the tall man sat back down across from Kaien and Juuri. He ran his hand through his short dark brown hair and sighed. His saddened eyes looked right at Kaien, as if he wanted to say how sorry he is.
''All of them were there, and they destroyed everything. Only the mansion itself was left standing. The Kurosu king and queen were greatly outnumbered. Even as the most powerful of us all they didn't stand much chance.'' He paused, letting Kaien slowly take everything in. ''From what we heard they both died. Their blood and dust is carried in the wind.''
Kaien went completely still, he was beyond shock anymore. His precious people, ones of a very few individuals that he trusts wholeheartedly, are dead. They died and he didn't even get to say goodbye.
''Some of the people who came to us right away say that they felt a massive amount of raw power in the mansion. Undoubtedly it was all the purebloods releasing their auras and destroying everything.'' He inhaled deeply, his every movement sad. ''Nothing, no one, is left.'' Haruka swallowed. ''Everyone in that house was killed.''
His eyes unfocused. He will never get to see them again, never hear their voices, never get their warm hugs and smiles. Both the Kurosu and Kuran families are his family, his one and only true family. They accepted him completely, even though he wasn't their kin, or in any other way related to them. On the contrary, he was a danger to them, someone they shouldn't think twice about, someone they were supposed to distrust and shun. And yet they didn't, both couples let him in their lives almost instantly, with absolute trust and sincerity. They did more for him than his whole species ever did, and asked for nothing in return.
In return he tried to do the best that he could to protect them, always going in between the two families as a means of communication and friendship. But, that wasn't enough, he knew a long time before that he would never be able to pay back what they did for him. And now, of all times when he wasn't with one of them, they were attacked and killed. He didn't even get to fight with them, didn't get to help and support them.
And Yuuki, he didn't get to keep his promise to her, or her mother.
He inhaled sharply and looked at Haruka. ''What about their little girl? What about Yuuki, their daughter? Did she survive?'' he stopped for a second ''Did they kill her too?''
Beside him Juuri's breathing was rugged, it hitched a little. Haruka's jaw clenched and muscles tensed. He broke off eye contact as a vase on a table nearby exploded. He didn't know if it was because of Juuri or Haruka's temper, he wasn't in the right condition to find out either. What he did know, however, was that both of them will never stand for hurting an innocent, and a child no less. Whatever they did and try to do to make up for it in the future, the Shirabuki clan lost the trust of the House of the Orchid because of this.
Haruka's voice was sad and dark as he spoke. He had never heard so much quiet fury in it as he did now. ''No one was left.'' His fist clenched ''Not even a child.''
Kaien lost all colour he had in his face, his eyes closed with unbelievable sadness. It hit him like whiplash.
Haruka broke his gaze from him and directed it towards his wife. She was sitting rigid, a hand on her mouth and the nails of her other one digging into the seat of the sofa. Her eyes held undiluted rage and grief in them, they were glassy from tears that threatened to form. His jaw clenched again and eyes turned sympathetic. A silent agreement was made between the two of them, they will never forgive something like this.
He took a deep breath to tell the rest, his eyes didn't leave his wife's.
''There was crystal dust found in the foyer of the house, presumably from the king.'' He looked back at Kaien when he raised his head. ''And there was more dust in the back garden, most likely from the queen. It was quite a large amount so they suppose that she killed herself and her daughter.'' Kaien jerked like he'd been slapped, his fists clenched.
''She would never do something like that.''
Juuri put her hand on his shoulder to steady him. ''We know.''
Haruka continued ''They also say that a soldier had been passing through the back yard when it happened, he saw the queen holding a girl. And then a blinding light enveloped them both, in the next moment when it faded there were crystals scattering around and no one else was there. Both purebloods were gone, and there was no other aura to be felt.''
There was stillness in the room, no one dared to move. The shock and anger was visible on every face except the purebloods. Kaien's hand clenched into a fist and he brought it down on the table. It broke.
''There is no way either of them would have the heart to do that to their child, not to that sweet little girl..'' his voice trailed off. He put his head in his hands ''That's obviously just a cover so they don't have to say that they killed a helpless little child, so that they don't have to show the world just how monstrous they really are.''
His fingers dug into his scalp and pain overflowed his senses. He didn't care though, his mind was on Yuuki, cute little Yuuki. She is not here anymore. She is gone. There will be no smiles and hugs for him anymore, there will be no warmth and innocence in her presence. She will not play with him, she won't jump on him in greeting, they won't dance and have pure fun and happiness together. She is gone, she doesn't exist anymore.
''I'm useless.'' He uttered. He is useless. She had trusted him so fully and unconditionally, she believed in him with her whole heart. And he wasn't even able to save her, to help her. He didn't even keep his promise to her parents, or to her. He was her godfather, the one they gave the responsibility to take care of her, even if they weren't around anymore. And he wasn't there for them. He wasn't able to help them. Useless.
Haruka and Juuri knew otherwise, but refrained from talking. It was obvious that he wouldn't listen to them now, not so soon. He needed time to get to terms with what has happened. Though, it's impossible to accept this completely. They won't accept this just as much as he won't, but his wound is deeper than theirs. He lost a girl who was like a little sister to him, like a daughter. He would need a lot of time.
Their eyes met and both knew what to do from now on.
Juuri's brows furrowed a bit and she looked to the side. She sighed and gently called to the figure behind the curtains, smiling healfheartedly. ''Come out Kaname, we know you're there.''
A fourteen year old boy stepped out from the deep red curtains. His face was expressionless and he didn't look guilty for eavesdropping. The surprised vampires bowed deeply to the young heir and Kaien's head slowly lifted from his hands. The boy's eyes flicked momentarily to him, they were filled with sympathy and concern. Obviously he had heard most of the conversation, and as a pureblood he is more than capable of feeling the sadness filling the room. Kaien tried to smile in greeting at him. He inclined his head gently in acknowledgement at the broken man, then met his mother's eyes again.
Juuri's expression softened as she saw the exchange. Her hand lifted and she beaconed him closer. He obeyed and sat next to his mother. She put her hand on his shoulder ''Why were you listening in on our conversation?''
The boy looked faintly embarrassed and a pale blush crept up his cheeks, he looked off to the side. ''This room felt so sad and dark, different than most of the castle. Everything is in an uproar. I wanted to know what was happening.'' Then the embarrassment disappeared and his face was serious, he looked back at his parents. ''With everyone all scared and anxious it feels like the world is ending.''
Juuri pulled him into her embrace. ''Maybe it is.''
Everyone in the room, except the four figures sitting down, stirred at her comment. Some locked eyes with each other in apprehension.
''Yes.'' Kaien looked directly at the boy as he spoke softly. ''The world we know is ending.''
''Everything is changing.''
.................................
He sighed. Pulling the curtains aside he gracefully sat down on the window-sill and looked out at the moonlit land below. Sometimes he is grateful for having a cliff and valley on one side of the mansion. A great view like this one can really calm a person down. It is amazing how beautiful nature is, its power can even outweigh that of a pureblood. It's far more frightening in its intensity than anything else. And yet, everything nature touches is beautiful and serene. Like a rose.
A breeze blows by, playing with the curtains, gently lifting the ends of his dark brown hair. His eyes pass to the curtains for an instant and then back to the forest. In the moonlight their deep red colour has a purplish glow. Something stirrs far away.
He feels like he's yearning for something. His soul seems to be waiting for something, waiting patiently, calling out. And there is always a tug, a strange pull in his heart when he looks at the distance. Something is calling for him, pulling him towards it. He has no idea what it could be. Every time he goes somewhere it still pulls him. He has travelled most of the lands, has seen a lot. It's those travels that taught him the truth about the world. It's those journeys that helped to form who he is today. But he still yearns for something, something inevitable. With everyday that comes next the pull gets stronger, everyday something draws nearer.
He sighed again, running his hand through his hair. His strong and defined body is illuminated by the moon that gives him an unearthly visage. He is like a god, certainly they revere him like one. The top few buttons of his shirt are unbuttoned, the breeze is playing with them and tugging at them, shifting them to all sides. He doesn't seem to notice it.
His eyes, too, seem to shine in the pale light. Their rich dark wine colour almost sparkles in the night. Kind and gentle, they look on the world with knowledge and patience. And sadness. But, no matter how he may be at first glance, he knows how the world truly is, he knows the reality. It too affected him like everyone else. He is no longer the innocent and caring child he was before. Years in the vampire society and with bloodthirsty vultures have taught him that he is the most desirable prey. More so because of his title and blood.
They pretend to be his friends, pretend to be loyal, but are constantly looking for the best opportunity to strike. The world he lives in is cruel and hostile. It has always been that way. There are no people immune to it. No matter where and when he is alone, his power and title forever coveted by others. Only a select few have his trust, only they are truly loyal to him.
He may be kind, but he is also fierce and ruthless, taught to never show emotions to the world. No one knows the true him, no one except his parents. And even they can't see through his walls sometimes. There is no person, at least none he had ever met before, that could see through him. No one was able to touch his stone heart. There are some who stick around and are tenacious enough to earn some respect, so he allows them to get to know him a little. There are some with who he can relax, if only a little. Some he could call friends.
His eyes lift up to the moon, it forms a perfect crescent. Beautiful. Nature truly is beautiful. That is the only thing that can make up for the atrocities of this hateful world. The moon knows. It knows everything. It is the companion of all vampires. And under it is something his heart is calling to.
The sound of footsteps reached his ears. Calm and relaxed, just like the aura of the person.
''Kaname.''
He turned around. The pale blond head of his closest peer peeked into the room. His emerald green eyes seemed to laugh. He came into the room and gently closed the door behind him. Making very little noise as he walked to his side surely and leisurely, almost with a spring in his step. His happy go lucky attitude confused Kaname more often than not, he is more human than vampire. Most think of him as slow and stupid because of it. Though, he could change and get serious in an instant. When it's needed he can act appropriately, but that is quite rare. Still, everyone respects him, probably because of his grandfather.
''Ne, Kaname?'' he asked stepping by his side, there was a slow smile on his face.
Kaname turned back to the valley outside ''Yes Takuma.''
''Why have you cooped yourself up in this room?'' he demanded, demonstratively taking a look around the place. The room was full of things that were neatly stacked and placed everywhere. To him it looked like something that would be called 'a neat mess'. And Kaname hasn't left the room in, close to, four days. How does he do it, how can he stay in one place for this long? He, himself, would probably go mad. And the pureblood in front of him doesn't even bat an eyelash. Sure, he does seclude himself from time to time, well most of the time, but he didn't even see his parents for days. Really, sometimes his recluse attitude really gets on his nerves, even the king and queen are starting to get annoyed.
He walked back into the centre of the room and placed the papers he was holding on the table there. Leaning against it as he turned back to Kaname.
Kaname stayed silent and continued looking out the window, his expression didn't change. In fact, he didn't make any indication that he'd heard him. Takuma huffed through his nose and pouted. Crossing his arms he stared at Kaname and waited for his response.
He got nothing. Minutes passed and neither moved. He was looking at Kaname and Kaname was gazing out the window. Eventually he got bored and stomped back to his friend's side. Taking the book perched on his lap he read the title out loud.
''Fall of the Rose.''
Hn, so that's what he was cooping himself up for. He looked back up at the prince. The question is why? And also, what is so interesting out the window? He whipped his head to the outside and started searching the landscape. After a minute or two of finding absolutely nothing he turned his attention back to the striking pureblood, who was still looking out the window. For the love of himself Takuma couldn't figure out his quirks and thoughts, he swore sometimes Kaname was weirder than the rest of them put together. So, of course, he let it go.
''Kaname, the Rose fell almost seven years ago. That is not so long ago, you should remember everything about then without the help of the book, you know everything already. And it was not as long ago that you need to be obsessing about it this much. What is it about that event that you are so interested in?'' he asked.
This time Kaname did look at him.
''Yes, it was quite some time ago.'' He took the book back and looked at it. ''I want to know the truth, the full, undiluted truth. Somehow I always think that something is missing.''
''Nothing is ever correct, if that's what you're talking about. The only ones who know the full truth are the people who were there.'' He grimaced lightly. ''The Lotus said that the Rose issued a war declaration against them and that they had no choice but to react.'' His tone made it clear that he didn't believe it. ''I don't buy it either, but that's how it is. They killed all that stood against them and destroyed everything but the house. It stands now as some kind of perverted monument to their victory.'' He grimaced fully now.
Kaname was looking at him with a slightly raised eyebrow. He smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head ''I came from the Land of the Rose, you know that. It's just that I don't like it. I don't like what they've done to everything. There are no roses there anymore. It's not the same place I remember from my childhood. I liked the king and queen, they were always kind and gentle. They didn't deserve what happened to them. That's why I'm here instead of with my grandfather in the Land of the Lotus, kinda like a delegate, but he knows that I wouldn't return if he called me back.''
''Hn'' there was a faint smile on Kaname's lips as he turned to the window.
Takuma rolled his eyes, here he goes again with the window. ''Well, anyway, there is speculation that some noble families had turned against the Kurosu family and helped the Lotus in the ambush. Seeing that there were a few spared, and that some fled the land to the Lotus just before it all. Most of the others either didn't know what was happening or didn't react fast enough…'' he paused for a second '' The king was killed by Rido Kuran...'' Takuma faltered as Kaname's hands clenched into fists on the book ''It seems that he had help from Shirabuki Sara hime. And the queen committed suicide when she'd felt her husband die, also she took her daughter with her to their death… The Lotus took most of the land that belonged to the, now destroyed, House of Rose and accordingly banished hunters from it and forbade them from killing level E-s and others who broke the rules.''
''Most of the pureblood families under the Kurosu bloodline chose to come here, or they're now wondering the world. The same could be said for the noble families who were truly loyal to the Rose, though almost all of them are here. The rule of both families was similar so it was obvious who they'd turn to.''
''Hn.'' Kaname was engrossed in his thoughts, something seemed weighing on his mind. Finally he turned back to him ''But there is still something missing. Something is wrong.''
''Everything's wrong. Do you actually thing that they told the truth? Hardly. Though, there is nothing we can do about it now.'' Takuma said as he plopped himself in the nearest armchair. He sighed, talking about this is exhausting, not to mention sad. Some of the people he knew are no longer alive, it's hard for him to fathom such a thing. He can still sometimes hardly believe everything that's happened.
Silence reigned. Both vampires were in deep thought to notice much else. The world has changed, and yet it has not. The time when three families ruled seemed so far away, almost like it had not been. That is probably because the Kurosu bloodline has been wiped out. They are not there to defend themselves, so all kinds of crimes and evils had been attributed to their name. The Shirabuki family had pinned their bloodthirsty and greedy nature and motives to them, and thus gotten out as innocents. Instead of being shown as the monsters that they are, their preference among the vampire world has risen, grown almost out of proportions. Most of the vampires now accept their arrogant view on the world and support them. Only those under the Kuran clan, the House of the Orchid, are lenient and have a more tolerant and accepting view on the world. Accordingly, the humans under the House of the Lotus are suffering, while here they are coexisting with the vampires, even if some don't know they are here.
In order to snap himself out of the depressing turn his thoughts just took Takuma turned his attention back to Kaname. The prince is a very tall and well built man. Everything about him is elegant and dignified, just like with his parents. One look is all that takes to conclude that he is very capable and powerful, not to mention terrifying. Sometimes he gets the feeling that the world is resting on this man's broad shoulders. Certainly he is more than worthy of being the future king. Takuma doesn't know why, but he feels proud of his friend. The only thing left is to live up to his expectations and prove that he deserves his friendship and trust.
But, first thing's first. ''Why are you thinking about this now?''
Kaname blinked and looked back up at him, almost like he'd seen him for the first time. He tore his gaze away again and looked out the window once more. Takuma would have snapped had he not been born with a patient and relaxed personality. It helps that he knows Kaname so well too. But as minutes passed by he started to lose hope in getting an answer.
He was getting ready to get up and leave him to his thoughts when Kaname spoke ''When I was a child my father took me on a trip, we went to another House of God…''he sighed. ''I remember asking him the name of the flower that symbolises them, and he told me that I'll know without being told. He said that it was the most obvious thing in the world.'' He leaned back on the window, never once taking his eyes from the forest. ''They were close friends of my family. We travelled for a few days, visiting different towns and villages on the way. On the third night I looked out the window of the carriage in boredom, what I saw took my breath away.''
''We were going towards a beautiful, magnificent white mansion. It was huge, to this day I still consider it a castle. It shone in the moonlight, the white stone walls reflected all the light that fell on it. And around it, in the massive gardens, on the walls, were roses. As far as my eyes could see there were majestic different coloured roses.'' He paused for a second, but long enough for Takuma to remember that those very roses had gone up in flames, that those very walls are now vacant. ''I was astonished, speechless, father laughed when he saw my expression. He asked me if I knew the name of the flower now. The only thing I could say was 'Rose'. Father smiled and patted me on the head. He looked out the window with me, and I remember him saying 'it gets more and more beautiful each and every time I come'.''
''When we arrived father left me to play in the gardens while he went to meet with his old friends, he said that we wouldn't be staying long. I couldn't get over myself at how astonishing everything was, so I decided to walk around in the gardens and look at the flowers. It was amazing, every colour that existed I could find there, and even some that shouldn't. Red, yellow, white, pink, green, orange, purple, blue, black, everything was there. There were even some combinations of colours, white and black blossoms with red tips that made it seem like they were licked by fire.''
He turned around and walked up to the table. Placing his book there he stared off into space and continued ''I don't know how long I stayed there, but that was one of the most memorable events in my life. It certainly shapes the way I see the world now.'' His eyes focused again and he looked over at Takuma ''When I was passing by the back of the house I saw a girl, just a little younger than me, being escorted by a governess. When the woman spotted me she tried to hurry the girl along. I was young back then so I couldn't distinguish between purebloods and nobles by aura that good, only by scent, and I didn't exactly pay that much attention. But I was sure that the girl was someone powerful. They were almost by the house when she felt me and turned around.''
He removed his gaze from Takuma and started slowly for the door ''She ripped her hand from the governesses grip and ran towards me. I remember thinking that she was one of the most beautiful people I ever saw, just as beautiful as any rose. As she reached me she smiled and gave me a perfect deep blood red rose. i was stunned.'' he chuckled ''Maybe id don't remember it well, but I think she had very dark auburn hair and copper coloured eyes, her smile was certainly as bright as sunshine.''
He stopped right on the threshold and put his arm on the doorframe. Without looking back he told ''It was only later that I found out that that rose blooms only once every ten years.'' And then left.
As it happens it was a good thing that he didn't turn to look at Takuma. He would have found him shocked beyond belief and unable to move. He didn't even know if he was breathing. But he did know now that Kaname had at one point met Yuuki-sama. He had met her one of those very rare times that she could go outside, that in itself is as shocking as it comes.
His eyes darkened as grief flooded him. It's a good thing that you found someone worthwhile to remember, Kaname. He cupped his face with both hands. Too bad that Yuuki-sama is dead.
.................................
The doors to the inn opened and two vampires walked into the dim-lit place. It was well into the night, dawn will come in a couple of hours. The place was packed with vampires. Though, surprisingly, there were some humans in there too, most likely drunks avoiding going back home.
The inn was a sophisticated pigsty. Mud on the floor, along with some broken glasses from clumsy, drunken human fingers. Alcohol on the tables, making them sticky and gross. A lot of noise from momentarily drunk masses and stuffy, sweat filled, stagnant air that makes breathing a hard task. A glamorous place, if your life's dream is to forever plough a fertile field.
Not everyone in that place is drunk or drinking though. There are some who know better, or who consider themselves above drinking with lowlife. One such example is the blond, blue eyed noble vampire sitting at the bar. In front of him is a barely touched mug of beer that seems to turn to ice from time to time. He is currently waiting for his insufferable, sloth cousin to show up so that he could leave this dirty, awful place. Casting loathing glances all around the place he is trying to think of anyone with the brainpower above that of a chimpanzee that would willingly come to this place. He found no answer.
Quickly scanning the place for the umpteenth time in vain hope to spot his cousin, a dark clad figure catches his eye. The person underneath that hood is quite small, probably a woman. He could feel that she is a vampire, but is unable to work out her rank. Interest perked, he turns slightly towards her to have a better look.
She is very relaxed, sitting at the very edge of the stool with her legs crossed in front of her. She is leaning heavily on the backrest while an arm is dangling on the side, the other one is resting on the table. Her head is facing the misted window, probably looking outside. The skin of her hands is very pale and smooth.
Now, that looks like someone worthwhile. He smirks, maybe this place isn't such a huge debacle after all. He was just about to get up and go to her when a conversation stoped him in his tracks.
''Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha... I say that they got what they deserved.''
''Yea, I feel the same. They did call war..''
''But could that information be wrong, we don't know what happen...'', ''...Of course we know what happened. They got trashed. Ha, ha, ha, ha''
''But maybe they were framed and attacked.''
''They declared war and were defeated, simple as that.''
He turned his head and laid eyes on three normal, simple vampires by a table nearby. All three were rather ugly looking by vampire standards, and drunk. Obviously they were talking about the fall of the Rose seven years ago. His expression twisted in a mild sneer. How simpleminded can those fools be, there is no way that the Rose would have declared war or done any of those atrocities they pin on them. They should know better than that, it disgusts him how easily they are manipulated and turned against someone. At least one of them is trying to look at it from a different viewpoint. The true crime is that no one truly understands the situation and stands up for their pureblood lords, even if they are dead.
Fools. He turned back to the bartender and listened in on the conversation.
''They were idiots picking a fight they couldn't win.''
''Yea, and they even fell in one night.''
''I'm surprised that they were even a House of God, weaklings like those.''
''But...''
''Someone like them is better off dead, they shouldn't even have existe...'' ...CRASH...
The whole inn started breaking apart. Chairs and tables flew from their positions and splintered, the floor and walls cracked, bottles and glasses exploded and the windows shattered. The pressure in the place was immense, as was the anger behind it. The weakest ones there fell to their knees, it was getting harder to breathe for all.
Only a pureblood's fury is this destructive and intense, he was pretty sure that there was no pureblood here, he'd have felt him. And it's hard, very hard to pinpoint the source of this aura. Then, as he was getting close to roughly figuring out where the person is, just as suddenly as it started, everything stopped. The inn was once again normal and calm. Though the noise and bustle were gone, and everything was in ruins, destroyed. Not a soul spoke, no one even dared to move.
In his frantic search for the perpetrator he noticed that the hooded figure was gone.
''Hanabusa, what happened?''
chapter two is finished ^^
did ya like it ? ...
well, the relationship between the Kuran and Kurosu family was revealed, + their connection to Kaien... the timeline was fast-forwarded... and other things...
but, who do you think that was in the last scene *wink, wink, nudge, nudge* ?... hmmmm
oh, and since Yuuki came from a different family i tweaked her appearance just a little bit (so that they're no too simmilar)... here's some links for better help and understanding:
dark auburn hair colour - http:/ www. hairstylecity. com/ Images/ Products/ Large/ 33W. jpg (her hair only has this colour; it's still straight)
copper eyes - http:/ static. howstuffworks. com/ gif/ recycled- copper- crafts- 1. jpg (that eye colour)
~~~ the links are with no spaces in between ~~~
hope you enjoyed reading this, love ya'll ...XD... ~lily