The lost Rose
She was exasperated, truly annoyed. Her husband sat somewhere on her side on the antique sofa, calmly sipping his tea. How can he be so relaxed and, and okay with it? She fumed. In her annoyance she started pacing the room, again. Her stomped footsteps could be heard beyond the room, and no one dared to enter it while she was like this. All the better for her, she could vent everything off of herself freely. The only problem is that poor Haruka turned out to be her victim, though he doesn't seem to mind it that much. Gods knew how the Kuran mind worked, because, surely, no one else has ever figured out that puzzle. But, the people were happy as long as their lady's frustration wasn't taken out on them, Haruka was happy to take anything from his dear wife, and his dear wife was more than happy to vent it all out on him. So everyone was happy, except a very miffed Juuri.
And the cause of a, unusually, annoyed Juuri has just left the room he had refused to vacate the last few days. But Juuri didn't know that, so she went on with her tirade.
''How can he be like that?'' she fumed, passing by Haruka. Her feet were stomping hard on the poor floor.
Her dear husband said nothing and calmly delighted in the aroma of his tea.
''I mean, did we raise him to be like that, did we lock him up from the outside world with no contact to anyone whatsoever? Did we not encourage him to make friends, to travel the world, to live out his long life and have fun? Didn't we say that he is free to look for anyone his heart desires, to happily do whatever he wants?'' she raved ''And what does he do? He goes and locks himself up in a room, refusing to come out for days. He doesn't even come to see his lovely parents, not even to tell them hi, that he is alright or to spend some time with them.''
She took in a long breath, the previous one being all gone now. Haruka was still revelling in the tea as she passed him by, again.
''He secludes himself in that blasted study of his and is in mulling over who-knows-what all the while. What did we do for him to be like that? Did we make some sort of mistake while raising him?'' she snatched a red rose from a nearby vase to use as her threatening stick, turning on her heel to head for the opposite side of the room.
''He doesn't have any interest in anything his peers do. He doesn't ride that much, doesn't use a sword, doesn't mingle with living beings like we are. He isn't interested in other people, god forbid even the sight of a girl. Seriously, how can a boy his age not have ANY interest in girls.''
She passed her husband again, this time glancing at him from the corner of her eye. He was sipping his tea now, eyes closed, enjoying every drop down his throat. Was he even listening to her?
''All he sees and likes are books, books, BOOKS. How can a sane being stand to read so many books, my head is just spinning from the thought. He's become a recluse, locking himself up somewhere and reading. He should find himself a girl, or another pastime at least.'' She whirled around again and faced her husband.
Haruka was looking at her with a fond smile, she could feel a vein start ticking at the back of her head. ''Say something, you.'' She pointed threateningly at him with her rose. ''This is your son I'm talking about too. How can you just stand there and smile while he's turning into a ghost.''
He chuckled at his wife. She's simply too cute when angry, he can't possibly resist looking at her and admiring her.
''I don't know dear, but you shouldn't worry so much about it. He seems content enough as he is, if he doesn't like something, he'll change it himself. And, as for the girls,'' he chuckled ''maybe he hasn't found the one he wants yet. We can't simply go and push him, I thought you didn't want that, to take away his choice.''
''Of course I don't'' she swung the rose expressively at him ''I would never do that. But maybe he needs a little encouragement, you know he'll never get interested in another living being on his own, he always needed a little push in those things.''
Juuri threw her hands in the air and started pacing again ''Where does he get that from, neither you nor me are like that. I was always curious and adventurous in my youth, never satisfied with anything, always wanting more, always off somewhere.'' She exclaimed, passing by him ''You know I'm straight-forward and speak my mind, some even call me blunt. And it's not like I fell in love all the time, but I certainly noticed the male species.'' Haruka twitched a bit around his tea cup. ''Unlike our darling son, he seems to think that he's alone in the world. Even you were different than that. You loved one girl for as long as I know you, and that's a long time. I tell you, you seemed like the worst oniisama for a long time, always following me around, always giving me some sort of proof of your love. You were kind to everyone and never secluded yourself, and the only time you touched books is when you read to me. But we can't even separate him from a book.''
She stared down at him as she stopped by the armrest of the sofa. He was all smiles again, enjoying the smell of that tea in front of his face. His kind eyes were closed in delight and a small enchanting smile played at his lips. Truth be told, Juuri had to fight not to swoon, though the annoyance of not being listened to quickly broke through her moment of weakness.
''What are you smiling about when I'm talking here?'' she inquired dangerously ''Is a simple cup of liquid more important than me, why are you so enamoured with it?'' she crossed her arms on her chest.
Haruka's smile had yet to fade. He slowly drank the tea up till the last drop and then turned to his miffed wife. She was practically shaking now.
He chuckled amusedly at her and took her arm, tugging her until she stood in front of him. ''How could I not like that cup of tea, it was divine. All the more since it was brewed especially by you. You know I could never turn down anything you give me.'' His arms wound around her waist as he gazed up at her, his eyes spellbound.
Every thought in her mind just went out the proverbial window, the rose dropped to the sofa cushion. ''Haruka.'' She sat down on his lap and wound her own arms around his neck.
''Juuri.'' He uttered, nuzzling her cheek.
''Mmm, I never knew anything I made could make you that happy. So happy in fact, that you forgot that I, myself, was in the same room.'' She closed her eyes.
His head lifted so he could look into her beautiful face. ''Never.''
''Haruka'' Her arms tightened, gently pulling him towards her. ''Juuri'' he brushed their foreheads together.
Creak... the door slowly opened behind them and a distinct presence entered the room. They stopped what they were doing and looked at their son. Kaname had a detached expression on, probably annoyed at having to leave his precious books, even a little smugness could be detected- by those who knew him, of course- at having interrupted his parents' moment. Most likely his idea of revenge.
He stopped when he fully realized their current situation and inwardly debated on whether to leave or not. Deciding on the former, he turned around to walk away. Their bright and happy aura annoyed him more often than not. Though, before he even made the first step, an almost seething voice stopped him.
''And where do you think you're going?'' Juuri asked quietly, her soft-spoken tone carrying the promise of danger.
He turned around and looked at them with a deadpan expression.
Haruka and their moment forgotten, Juuri picked up her rose/weapon and pointed it accusingly at her son. ''It's nice to see that you ARE physically capable of leaving that room. Tell me, did the thought of visiting your poor lonely parents even cross your mind?''
He never missed a beat.
Juuri was in full out rant mode again, there will be no getting away from her any time soon. ''Why do you seclude yourself? It's not healthy, not to mention that no one really sees you. How do you expect them to trust you as their future lord and leader if they don't know you and rarely see you, you don't even make any effort to get closer to them.''
She pointed at the sofa opposite her and her husband, he silently obeyed. Seating himself and crossing his legs, he awaited the continuation of the speech. Sure enough, he wasn't disappointed.
''You don't even have ANY interest in girls. Why? How? What did we do wrong? There is no self-respecting boy, be it human or vampire or whatnot, your age that does not notice, or have any interest whatsoever in girls. You don't even want company, another living being with you. How did you become like this? Not even that disgusting monster of a man was anything close to you. You shy away from any form of contact, only making one if necessary. Frankly, I'm impressed you even have friends, and that they're this loyal to you. You are even remote with us, you parents, the people you can tell anything. Why?''
He stayed silent, thinking over what his mother said. She could have a point, although this is him they're talking about and they did give him the benefit of choice. Being like he is is who he is, that's his personality and nothing can change it.
Getting tired of her son's silence Juuri snapped ''Kaname. Talk, answer at least something.''
Sighing, he explained. ''That is just the way I am, I mean no harm by it. This world has double-faced standards and I'm tired of them, so there is no better choice than to get away from everything. I don't mind being alone. As for girls, there are none that have caught my attention and interest.''
Juuri blinked and processed the information. Glancing to her side she saw a small, knowing smile play at Haruka's lips. Hmm, yes, Haruka said the same thing.
''How do you expect a girl to catch your attention if you're always locked up somewhere, not bothering to meet anyone.'' She exclaimed.
''Calm down, Juuri.'' Haruka placed his hand on her arm soothingly. ''You know that it would take a very special girl to gather our son's interest and undivided attention. The right one just hasn't come around. And the one that does ensnare his heart is bound to be extraordinary, unprecedented even.''
''Yes, I know that. But why isn't he looking for her?'' She turned to her son. ''What are you looking for, anyway?''
He thought about it for a minute. He didn't know exactly what, himself. But one thing is certain, he turned his head and gazed at the vase with roses. ''She has to be different.'' Was his answer.
This time both Juuri and Haruka blinked. Eventually warm, knowing smiles bloomed on their faces. They knew the line of thought he followed, it wasn't so very different from their own. But it looked like he subconsciously knew exactly what, or who.
Juuri couldn't take it, she melted. Jumping over to her son she smothered him in a hug. ''Aww, so you did give it some thought. So cute.'' she squealed, Haruka smiled in sympathy at his son. ''Different than what? A vampire? The girls at court? A noble? A pureblood? Different than me? Or all the other girls who exist?'' she teased him. He was just soo cute, though no one but his parents (and Takuma ) thought of him like that.
His answer was somewhat expected. ''Different than this world.''
Juuri hugged him closer. ''Hn. If such a girl exists.'' Then she was back at her husband's side, his hand came up and squeezed her arm lightly. ''I have no doubt you'll be able to find her.'' He put in.
He looked back at his parents and was ready to say something when the door slammed open.
''KANAME-SAMA.''
Three pairs of eyes flew to the intruder. They saw a wavy blonde head slouched over, holding his abdomen with one hand while the other supported him on his knee, and panting heavily. Behind him a tall man, almost a full head taller than his companion, was striding towards them. He was a little out of breath from trying to catch up to his cousin.
After a few seconds of huffing and puffing, the blond vampire straightened himself. Just like any high class vampire, he was tall and lean, his frame well built and complexion pale. His bright turquoise eyes reflected the scarce light magnificently, and themselves shone with a light of fierce devotion. His gaze zeroed in on Kaname excitedly, but also with a lot of worry.
''Kaname-sama.'' He addressed, this time in normal volume. He spotted the two figures sitting opposite of the prince just when he was about to continue.
Blushing embarrassedly at his lack of respect, he bowed deeply to the king and queen. ''Haruka-sama, Juuri-sama, my apologies for barging in so rudely. Am I interrupting something?'' he swallowed mutely.
Juuri smiled gently at him. ''Don't beat yourself up for it. What you need is obviously important, otherwise you wouldn't be in such a haste.'' She quickly glanced at Kaname and continued ''I suppose we were done with our conversation. For now.'' She stared pointedly at her son, Haruka chuckled. ''Would you mind if we were here while you spoke to Kaname.''
He blinked a few times and hastily answered. ''No. Not at all Juuri-sama. You should probably hear this too.''
That caught the attention of all the purebloods in the room, Kaname especially. What could be so important that even the Kuran Heika's should hear about it. By the way he looked, Hanabusa had clearly hurried to tell Kaname what he found.
''What is it Aidou?'' Kaname inquired.
''Hai, Kaname-sama. We were just finished doing the errand that you gave us, and were on our way back. Akatsuki still had something to do in an nearby town close to here, so he decided to leave me waiting for him in a pub. And it was the most god-awful place I've ever been to.'' He sneered and visibly shuddered. ''Everything was sticky and gross, who knows which substances cluttered the tables and chairs, the floor was muddy and it squished beneath your shoes, the air stuffy and reeking with sweat. It was noisy, so loud, slurred words were all I could hear, my eyes stung, I thought my nose would fall off. I tell you, never again-''
''Aidou, focus.'' Kaname interrupted him.
He laughed awkwardly and sheepishly scratched the back of his neck. ''Well, anyway. I noticed a hooded figure sitting somewhere by the side. No matter the clothing, I knew that she didn't belong there. The person wasn't big, but slender and delicate looking under the cloak, so I thought it was a girl. She was the only one alone in the pub, besides me, and also didn't touch the drink in front of her. I didn't see her face, but her hand was pale and smooth, too pale to be human and too smooth to belong with that kind of crowd.''
He took a deep breath to continue, then a knock was heard behind them. Both he and his cousin turned to the open door behind them. Takuma was standing in the doorway with a big smile pasted on his face.
''Hello Aidou. Hello Cain.'' He cheered and turned towards the seated purebloods.
Aidou looked a bit miffed but still bowed his head a bit and greeted him. Cain dipped his head in acknowledgement.
''Now, did I get him out of that room or what?'' he beamed at the king and queen.
Juuri chuckled and Haruka bobbed his head in thanks. ''Yes. I have no idea how you managed that.'' he intoned, gently smiling at his son. ''But there must be a miracle maker somewhere under that goofiness of yours.''
Takuma blushed faintly and scratched his temple. ''Thank you for the compliment... I think.''
This time Haruka joined his chuckling wife.
Noticing Aidou's annoyed expression for the first time, he asked worriedly. ''Did I interrupt something important?''
''Yes.'' Grated Aidou between his teeth.
''Hn, Aidou was just telling us about a wonderful girl he'd met in a pub.'' Kaname drawled lazily.
Takuma perked up. ''Really?''
''No!'' he squawked indignantly, Cain chuckled somewhere behind him. Sending a quick glare to his cousin, he elaborated ''I didn't get to finish what I was saying.'' He stared pointedly at Takuma, who started to look sheepish.
''Really? I think it would be best if the rest was left unsaid.'' Juuri put in.
''Juuri-sama!'' Aidou felt mortified.
''Sorry. I was just kidding.'' She chuckled. ''You little boys are fun to tease, and Kaname is getting immune.''
Aidou fanned himself while Kaname was beginning to look bored, and starting to seriously think about going back to his room.
''I should continue now.'' He recomposed himself. ''One of the weirdest things about her was that I couldn't properly sense her rank. I knew that she was a vampire, but I couldn't figure out anything else about her. It was like something was interfering with my senses, an accurate comparison would be like mist shrouding an object from sight. You still know it's there, can see the outline, but everything else is obscured.''
''Hmm, sound interesting'' Juuri said. ''But what has that have to do with us. What is so important with it?''
''Yes, the level of power and knowledge needed to do something like that is immense, but why is that so important?'' Takuma added.
''That is not all.'' Aidou went on. ''Just as I was about to go to her,'' He heard a snort behind him. ''I heard a group of vampires talking.'' He threw a glare at his cousin, again. ''They were talking about the fall of the Rose and were using derisive arguments originated from the Shirabuki family and their loyal supporters.'' He saw both the king and queen stiffen, as well as Takuma.
''Well, they were getting quite harsh and vicious, and highly disrespectful.'' He sneered. ''At some point one started to say that they shouldn't even have lived.'' He took in a breath. ''I don't know what exactly happened after that, but it would be best described as the wrath of god. Or a Pureblood.''
''Everything was being ripped apart, things flew from their places, people were literally being pushed to their knees. I have rarely felt an aura so strong, so furious, only a pureblood vampire could be that powerful. And the weirdest thing is that there was no pureblood anywhere in the vicinity, I hadn't felt one, Akatsuki says that he hadn't either. I couldn't even pinpoint the source of the aura. Like I said before, as if mist clouded my senses, the aura was everywhere.''
''And it was powerful.'' Cain quipped ''I felt is clearly from the other side of town. As well as the rage behind it.''
''Then it disappeared, just as suddenly as it came. There was nothing of it left, no aura, no one even remotely strong enough to create that much raw power.'' Aidou continued. ''The only thing that was different in that picture was that the figure was missing, gone.''
The rest of the vampires in the room soaked the information up. This was something unusual, and highly serious. Someone like that could be a potential danger. But what caught their attention the most was the fact that a pureblood could hide himself in plain sight, without being seen or felt. The risk someone like that posed is too great to ignore.
''Hmm, what should we do?'' Takuma was the first to speak.
''We must find out who that hooded figure was?'' Aidou suggested.
''Why?'' asked Takuma.
''Because, from what Hanabusa said, the figure was obviously the one behind everything.'' Cain answered for his cousin. ''Plus, we both checked everyone else present at the time and not one of them could have done that, the hooded vampire is the only one missing.''
''I agree that the matter is worrisome, but why are you so insistent that the hooded person poses danger?'' Haruka inquired.
''You haven't felt the pure, undiluted energy that was there, Haruka-sama.'' Aidou said. ''That person could be on par with you or Juuri-sama.''
''That doesn't mean that they are a danger.'' Juuri countered.
''I suppose not.'' he sighed. ''But I still say we should find that person and bring her here. Just to be sure and to ask some questions. The tension is rising'' he glanced out the window. ''and I think no one of possible danger should be left unchecked.''
''Hanabusa.'' A voice called from the hall behind him. ''It's not your place to tell out king and queen, nor Kaname-sama, what to do.''
They turned to see the newcomer. She was a beautiful young woman. Her pale brown (or blanched almond) coloured hair fell down in waves past shoulders to her hips. Her slim and elegant figure was just curvy enough to pass as near perfection. Eyes, that were only a shade or two darker than her locks, glared straight at her cousin.
Snapping out of it momentarily, she bowed to the royal family and greeted them. ''Sorry to be interrupting you, Juuri-sama, Haruka-sama, Kaname-sama.''
Her eyes lingered on Kaname with obvious fondness and adoration.
''I was merely making a suggestion, Luca.'' Aidou retorted irately.
''That doesn't matter.'' She shot back at him.
Cain sighed. They're at it every time. Exasperatedly running his hand through his short wavy hair, his eyes travel to Kaname. The prince was sitting with his detached, almost bored, expression and is staring off into space. Hmm, this has caught his interest. A rarity indeed. His amber eyes gleam in expectance. Things could get interesting from now on. Removing his hand from his light orange strands, he let it fall on Hanabusa's shoulder.
''I think that's enough bickering.''
Luca glared at him in irritation while Aidou was about to retort.
''Cain is right.'' Drawled Kaname smoothly.
All eyes turned to him. He looked contemplative, almost lost in thought. Haruka and Juuri knew immediately that this stirred his interest. Stealing a glance between each other, they made a silent agreement. It would be better to let Kaname handle this, it might keep him out of his self-imposed isolation for an amount of time. And besides, they haven't seen him so interested in quite s while.
''What should we do then?'' Juuri let out.
''We could probably check it out, see what happened.'' Haruka answered.
''Would you do that Kaname?'' Juuri asked ''You'll be able to handle it on your own.''
His eyes filtered to them. He knew what they were doing. But he couldn't decline, this was interesting. The only one who could do something similar to that, was the first king of the Rose. And now, the Kurosu bloodline is extinct, no one but them had that ability. Unless, someone deciphered the ancient records in the Kurosu library. If that's the case, then this person is certainly worth meeting.
''Yes. It would be no problem for me.''
His parents showed slight surprise, they didn't think he'll cave this easily. This really must be something amazingly interesting. Aidou looked absolutely smug and excited, pleased, this must be bugging him too. Luca was just looking at him, while Cain appeared resigned.
This could be quite an interesting turn of events.
''Aidou, would you mind going back to investigate.''
''No, not at all.'' He perked up. He loved mysteries.
''If you find something out, report it to me as soon as you can. And if you get a trail, follow it.'' He paused for a second. ''Take someone with you.''
Aidou blinked a couple of times. ''How about Akatsuki.''
''Yes. Go as soon as you can.''
''We're on it.'' He almost saluted. Both of them left the room immediately.
''I would have loved to go.'' Sighed Takuma. ''But if I did, there would be no one here to look after you.'' He turned to Kaname, who didn't reply.
''You dove into this with unusual gusto.'' Juuri pondered. ''What gives?''
''Hn.'' Was his reply. He turned to look out the window on the side, catching sight of the vase with roses on the way. He stared at them for a second, remembering the unique red one he received as a present all those years ago.
His gaze returned to the outside, and the bright moon. ''This could get entertaining.''
Here~~~~~
hope you liked it. (drop me a review if you have any questions)... as you can see, Kaname's a bit of a recluse, Juuri and Haruka are the same (at least I hope), Yuuki is strong, i kept Juuri and Haruka as brother and sister (consequently, Yuuki's parents are also brother and sister)... bla bla bla ...
oh, i kept the names as LUCA and CAIN because that's how it's translated and in the fanbook, sooo...
love ya'll... ~lily