The Lost Rose
A puff of smoke rose up at his every step and he wrinkled his nose at the putrid stench. How on earth does he manage to always get himself in such disgusting places? Everything around him was finned with filth, garbage and some hideous substance that was once mud.
His enamels ground together hard from sheer irritation and annoyance. If it was not for Kaname-sama I would not even think of coming to such a horrific place.
Something squished under his boot and he felt his insides twist together, he was almost ready to retch. I don't even want to think about knowing what that was.
A dusty breeze picked up and brought more of the nauseous odour to him. He didn't know whether to stop to recuperate or to keep going so he could leave this wretched place as soon as possible.
How can anyone stand to be in such disgusting conditions for any damn period of time, and voluntarily? The mere thought sent bile up his throat. God, I hope I find this fool soon, I won't be able to stand this for much longer.
His entire foot sunk down into something particularly vomit-inducing as he stepped on it. Green? Oh, that did it, he was just about ready to kill himself now. Yanking his boot-clad foot out of whatever-it-is and mentally vowing to cut his whole leg of had any of the vile thing slipped past the leather of his footwear. He turned around to make a b-line straight out of this hellhole when a slumped figure caught his eye.
Finally!
He veered off his preferred course and flew towards the unaware... thing like a moth to a flame. The man seemed rather out of it. No wonder, it's still rather early in the night, just passed sundown, bright as hell too. What I wouldn't give to be in my soft, comfortable bed right about now. But, alas, his bed was as far from him as a bath was from the man in front of him, and that put him in a shitty mood. Would it seriously kill him to keep just a little clean?
He stepped as close to the man as he could stand and kicked him in the side, thus pushing him on his back.
''Wake up filth, I have some questions for you.''
The man groaned and sat up, barely managing to open his eyes to look at him. Muddy brown peered up at him from the tattered edges of the cheep brown hood. The unassuming colour was for a split second lost to a flash of red.
Level E. His lip lifted in a mild sneer as he recognised the creature sitting below him.
''What do ya want?'' he croaked out in a coarse voice.
Well, at least he retained some of his sanity, for now that is. Still, he can't be too bright, seeing as his question was answered before he even asked it.
''Are you perhaps deaf, or did you forget to clean your ears sometime in the past eternity, and that's the reason you didn't hear me?'' his fangs clicked together at the end of the sentence, irritation rising by the second.
''Bite me dirtbag.'' The level e hissed as he rose to his feet.
Face contorting in disgust he had to fight his instincts not to rip the man to shreds. ''I am physically incapable of putting any part of me, much less my mouth, near something so horrendous and vile, not to mention so passed disgusting that there is no word for it, as you... and it is not I that is the dirtbag.''
The man growled, a barely suppressed tremor running through his body. The baser violent instincts of his turned blood singing for bloodshed. He had managed to reign them in, but for how long? It is their control over their blood, as well as the amount of power, that defines the difference between vampire ranks. Not to mention blood itself. This man's sanity won't be available to him for much longer.
''Prissy, upper level, royal lapdog.'' He barred his fangs.
Teal eyes flashed as they narrowly eyed the foolish vampire, his anger surged up within him. Body rigid and singing with tenseness, his control snapped and he was in front of him in a heartbeat, his speed by far greater than that of a mere turned human. He raised his leg swiftly and kicked him sideways in the ribs, the move too fast for the Level E to react. A few snaps were heard as the bone broke and the man flew sideways, violently colliding with the wall, adding a few new cracks to it and deepening the old ones.
The man slumped to the ground, wincing as his feet touched it, but ready to bolt immediately. He was on him in an instant, his hand clamped around his neck and pinning him to the wall. The vampire gripped his wrist in vain hope of lessening his iron hold. He calmly lifted his upper lip at the struggling idiot, revealing the sharp tips of his two fangs, a clear threat.
''I did not come here to argue with you, fool! I will ask questions and you will answer them, truthfully. Do you understand?''
The man remained silent, panting for air, his eyes flickering to red and back again. His stare read pure defiance.
His jaw clenched and he tightened his grip, nearly cutting off the former human's air supply completely. The Level E gasped for air, his hands sporadically clenching on his wrist, and managed to choke out a whispered 'yes'.
''Good.'' He smirked, loosening his hold a fraction, and watched as the man took air in greedily. ''Now, I was informed that you have met and interacted with a particular figure.''
He was still panting, but able to talk. The man opened his mouth to respond, but had to cough and clear his throat for his voice to sound anything more than an unintelligible croak. ''I know everyone who's anyone on tha streets and roads in tha entire province, ya might wanna be a little specific as ta who this 'particular figure' ought ta be.'' His voice came out faintly mocking, barely any fear in it.
Life out here must have hardened him. Or his mind is half gone already. He snorted as his eyes narrowed on the vampire. ''Pure black cloak, rather short and slender, lithe. Most likely female, has an unreadable but potentially powerful aura and is dangerous. Ring any bells?''
The former human blinked and understanding lit his eyes. ''Yea, I know 'er. Dangerous? Hah,'' he snorted ''no shit. Bein' 'round 'er is like feelin' like a mouse in a lion's den. No matter how calm and relaxed she is there's always this feelin of danger 'round 'er, makes one 'ncomfortable and edgy. ''
He peered at him curiously then. '' 'Ave some bone ta pick with 'er? Mm? I'd advise ya ta turn tail and go tha other way. One really good look at 'er and ya just know she's not someone to be messed with. Though,'' The light in his eyes became sadistic. ''if she's got some beef with ya, ya'r in some tough shit doggie.'' He cackled, but stopped when fingers flexed warningly around his windpipe.
''Ya know, I heard some shit happened in a popular rundown bar a town or two away from 'ere. The place got totally trashed by somethin' powerful. People say it was a freak occurrence, somethin' with tha weather and that kind a shit. But I know different, there ain't nothin' in nature or with tha weather that can come and go that suddenly, there's always somethin' in advance that acts like a warnin' or tha thing just builds up slower. Naw, this ain't nature on its own, there was somethin' else behind it, a catalyst, power source, whatever ya wanna call it that did this. '' His eyes glinted. ''There are quite a few people capable of doin' somethin' like this, though none of them would be caught dead in a place like that. And that's sayin' somethin', '' he chuckled. ''since they can't exactly die. None that is, but one.'' He looked at him piercingly then. ''The very person ya'r chasin' and lookin' for. I dont't 'ave any evidence ta support it, nor 'ave I felt it from 'er tha few times we met, but I know she's capable of doin' somethin' like that. It's a gut feelin' and I've learned to trust my gut. I'm sure she was tha one behind that shit-fest.'' He snorted. ''Why do ya wanna know?''
He revealed all that without me even having to put one word in, good thing there are none like him in the higher positions in the monarchy, that kind of a loose tongue is a spy's best friend. Though, it's not like I didn't know about that pigsty, after all, there's nothing like feeling it own your own to make you a believer.
''That's not your business beyond the fact that I'm looking for her.'' He let out, releasing the man and taking two steps back from him. He stunk just as bad as everything around them, if not worse, his eyes were starting to sting. ''Now, do you know where I could find her?''
The other vampire was rubbing his sore throat and looking at him weighingly , debating whether to remain or to turn tail and run. Morbid curiosity won out in the end. ''Dunno. She's a traveller, comes and goes like tha wind, or a ghost.'' He smirked mysteriously. ''She's never seen twice in one place without at least a year's interval between visits... or people just don't see 'er, everithin' is possible with 'er.''
Teal eyes narrowed and regarded the man suspiciously. After a minute he spoke. ''There is something you're not telling me.''
The vampire pursed his lips uneasily. ''Well, I heard from someone that they'd seen a a hooded dude goin' tha way ta Illama a couple a days ago. Said tha dude was real short too. It could be 'er.''
His eyebrows arched. At least I have a destination now, that's more than an hour before. A faulty. Probably fake one, but a lead at least. Though, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to this.
He was just beginning to turn around, ready to leave the hellhole, when a thought occurred to him. He brought his full attention back on the man. ''What's her name?''
A shiver of unease ran down the vampire's spine and he swallowed thickly. ''Why do ya think I know 'er name?''
His whole body tensed, he's hiding something. The man had gone from relaxed to rigid and ready to bolt in less than a second. Something was very wrong here, and it just piqued his curiosity even more, he had to know now. ''Because you said you know anyone who is anyone on the streets, and that usually meant their name too.'' He turned and once again fully faced the filthy man. ''And your reaction gave you away.''
The former human was starting to breathe hard, his fingers were twitching slightly and his muscles flexed and inflexed beneath the baggy rags he wore. The blond aristocrat was starting to wake his violent tendencies, ones that he acquired only after that pureblood bit him. His blood was singing to slaughter, kill and taste the blood of another, it urged him to eliminate the threat. But he knew, that would be a fight he could not win should he lose control now. Though, his control over it was already shaky in the beginning, and worse now.
''Speak.''
His hands clenched into fists, hard, claws biting into skin and drawing blood. And with a subtle flaring of nostrils, the new scent wasn't something the noble missed.
''I can't.''
The blonde's eyes narrowed and he ventured a single step closer, the movement tripping all the level E's aggressive instincts. ''Why not?''
A visible tremor ran up the lover vampire's body, an obvious fight with himself, and he took a step back from the aristocrat. ''I- I... he...''
He?
''I can't.''
''You will.'' He took another step forward.
The man's eyes flashed red and he barely bit back a snarl. ''I can't!'' he shouted. ''I... I barely managed...he'll kill me!''
The noble's fingers flexed by his side, he knew where this agitation would lead, and he had no wish to be caught unprepared, nor to be the one to suffer damage. ''He?''
''Yes, he.''
''Not the female.''
''No! He!'
''Who?''
''The brown haired one.''
''Brown haired... ?''
''Yes. He's powerful. Noble, like you.''
That was something new to ponder on, she didn't have anyone with her in the bar. But an aristocrat? It was quite clear that she was at least on that level, but, since then he'd mostly attributed it to her power. No noble would be found in such horrid conditions, at least, none that he knew. And he knew a lot. But, another noble with her, and powerful. God, how could he have overlooked something like this! He'd not thought that she had companions at all, nor that they could be on such a high level. It complicates things, adding to the danger, they should really be careful from this point on.
He had the urge to growl. Typical, the first real useful thing he'd found and it lead to more questions than answers. Not to mention that it raises the stakes a bit, but way was he the only one to realise how high they were to begin with.
''You know who he is?''
The man was panting now, trying to keep control. He was scared, but of what?
''No. I know none of 'em. They never use names, only codenames, and rarely even that.''
He got an inkling. ''But you know her name.''
''Accidentally! I was passin' by when I heard him quietly talkin' to 'er, I heard him call 'er. 'Er name, no code, 'er real name.''
''Tell me.''
''No? I can't. No.'' He gripped his head with his hands, eyes a glaring red, his whole body shaking. ''He realised. Half a hour later I was walkin' through and alley and he appeared before me. I realised I smelled blood, the next thing I know I was bound, I couldn't move. His other hand was on my head and I heard him mutter somethin' 'can't', he looked at me with gray eyes and said I was dead should I ever repeat what I just heard. He wasn't lyin', I know it in my bones, he wasn't.''
A blond brow arched. He couldn't put a spell to make him forget? Though, why such a fuss over a name? Unless, the name was important... and he heard something more. ''Tell me everything you heard.''
The levee hissed and crouched down in an attack position, though leaning slightly away from him. ''Can't'' his voice came out turbulent, distorted.
The air temperature suddenly dropped a few degrees. ''Tell. Me.'' His tone could rival a graveyard in calmness.
The vampire snarled and attacked, eyes completely red and wild. He flew through the air at inhumane speeds, elongated claws outstretched and fangs bared. The first swipe was dodged easily, as was the second, but the third had to be blocked. The level E suddenly found his entire hand and half an arm encased in ice.
''Attacking someone who is more powerful than yourself is not a good idea.''
The rabid vampire snarled again and broke the ice with some difficulty. His stance remained crouched and aggressive, ready to attack and focused solely on the noble in front to him.
He brought up and arm and flexed his fingers, frost starting to appear and chip away from them. ''A reaction like that for a name, something big is going on. You will tell me everything you know and heard. Even if it's the last thing you do.''
Instead of snarling, of growling, or even attacking, the vampire laughed. An utterly mad, delirious laugh, but there was something foreboding about it. Though, he didn't know yet whether that was a good or a bad thing.
''I won't tell ya. But ya'll know soon enough, if ya keep goin' like this.'' His voice was deep, guttural, animalistic. He was lost. He attacked, and found himself suddenly impaled on an ice spear protruding through the ground, only a short distance away from his target. His eyes widening from the pain he looked at the blond noble.
''This isn't enough to kill you, but-'' He was stopped as the level E ripped himself from the ice, a huge hole running through his side, and came at him again. This lunge was made in the delirium of a dying mind, running on pure adrenalin, thus being faster and harder to evade from the previous ones. He would suffer some damage if he didn't react fast enough, so he did the first thing that came to mind. He froze him solid. A second of staring and he fully realised what he'd done, his eyes widened in shock and disbelief.
''Dammit!''
Something big? A great source of information, I had it. I had it! And I let it just slip through my fingers, I practically made it slip. I'm so stupid. How? Why? Ungh-... I was so close, so close. Damn it!
''Hanabusa.''
He turned around and saw Cain walking towards him. Aidou narrowed his eyes at his cousin as a pang of jealousy hit him. Why can he remain clean going through this dump and I can't? There wasn't even a speck of dirt on him, even his boots were clean. Teal eyes travelled back to his own legs and one grime coated, filth caked foot. A shiver of disgust ran down his spine, time to get out of here.
Cain eyed him appraisingly when he stopped by his side. ''Find out anything?''
He turned his eyes back to the frozen vampire and sighed. ''Yes. I almost found out a hell of a lot more than anything too, but lost it in my stupidity.''
Cain's eyes narrowed slightly on his cousin. ''It's not every day you admit to having anything less than a genius intellect. It must have been good.''
Aidou's head snapped back to look at Cain with a speed and abruptness that would have killed a lesser creature. ''That's because I am a genius. The whole situation was just stupid... and it was good.'' He turned suddenly and started walking off, the ice cracked and shattered, and the prisoner within it turned to ash.
''I'll tell you after I clean myself up with boiling water.'' That grime had better not gotten passed my boot, or there will be hell to pay.
.................................
''I'm bored.''
Behind brown bangs, blue tinted gray eyes swung her way.
''When aren't you bored?'' he asked disinterestedly.
''The same time you aren't.''
He hummed noncommittally. ''I don't think such a time existed since I was born.''
She laughed at him and pat his shoulder. ''There, there. You too, will find something that will interest you one day.''
He grunted. ''Doubt it.''
She laughed harder and leaned back in her chair. He watched her for a while then swing his gaze back to the bar. She calmed down and in silence they observed the people mull around them. The hoods of their black cloaks were drawn over their heads, partially obscuring their faces from view.
After some time the man spoke again. ''The princess is planning something. I think she'll make her move soon.''
''I know.''
He glanced at her. ''What will you do?''
''I don't know. But I will do anything to stop her, and the right opportunity will reveal itself soon enough. She will fall, if not by my hand, then because of me.''
''Will you reveal yourself soon?''
''I don't plan to.''
''Why?''
''It's a lot easier to move around and plan like this than as a princess.''
''But your right-''
''Will be there whenever I wish to take it back. It's only a matter of time, sooner or later, when I decide. I'm leaning on the later more.''
''... Yuuki-sama.''
''That's my plan for now, though I think this one will not go as I planned, not that I'm all that good at planning.''
He shot her a look that she wasn't sure agreed with or denied her claim.
''I have a feeling that something is coming my way and I feel like I've been waiting for it for a long time.''
He sighed. ''You are the princess of the Rose. My father would have called someone like you a tiebreaker. And I think you've been hiding for long enough.''
''One step at a time. There is no need to make unnecessary mistakes.''
''...Hm.''
She smiled and they settled back into silence.
A shadow barely cast over theirs as someone walked by. He remained on his course and walked out the door. A bluish gray eye narrowed on the exit as a man's silhouette faded from it.
.................................
''So we are going to Illama.''
''Yes.''
''Now?''
''Yes.''
''Why?''
''Because that's where that girl is.''
''Why now?''
''Why are you choosing to be difficult now, Akatsuki? You usually take everything in stride. We are going now because we told Kaname-sama we'd find out who she is and take her back as soon as possible.''
''The sun is going to come up in a few hours, you are worse with sunlight than I am.''
He sighed and tied the laces of his new boots, some tension leaving his body with the air. ''I know, but I still want to finish this as soon as possible. Besides, it got a bit more interesting now, there is something about that girl.'' Something big.
Cain sighed and resigned himself. ''Whatever you want Hanabusa. But I'm not carrying you.''
He rolled his eyes. ''Yes, yes.'' Standing up he cast a contemptuous glance at the door hiding his former clothes. A shiver of disgust ran down his spine, good riddance. He turned to walk away when something was thrust in his face. Taking a step back from the offensive thing, he looked at the worn brown cloak dangling from Cain's hand and then up at his cousin. ''What?''
''Take the cloak and put it on, it's much easier to move around in one. We're attracting too much attention on the streets as it is, our clothes only add to it.''
He frowned but acquiesced. ''Fine... is it at least clean?''
Cain felt like rolling his eyes, he shot him a look instead. ''Yes.''
The night was colder than usual and halfway through their journey Aidou was suddenly glad his cousin forced the cloak on him. The rather thick fabric was a great shield against the cold wind and the people on the streets didn't gawk when they passed by. Not that there were people around them now, since they were on a path in the middle of a forest.
At least there's some moonlight, not that we need it, but still. Comfort?
He sighed. ''Aren't you at least a little curious about this person.''
Cain glanced back at his cousin. ''Not much.''
''Why?''
He shrugged and returned his eyes to the path ahead.
''Well I am.'' Aidou piped up and strode back to his side. If I'm right... ''Extremely.''
Cain glanced at his brooding cousin again and raised a brow. ''Hm.''
Teal eyes lifted to amber ones. ''Oh, don't give me that look, this is as fascinating as thing come. That much power, and from nowhere.''
Both eyebrows almost hit his hairline at that. Hanabusa rarely finds things interesting enough to investigate on his own... unless it pertains to Kaname-sama. And though we are doing this for the prince... this is all him. There was a light in his bright blue eyes that usually only the pureblood brought. Now it was aimed at someone else as well.
Cain was suddenly hit with a foreboding feeling. Or, he thought, one of expectance. Something big was going was going to happen soon, maybe even life changing. Amber eyes strayed to his side again, maybe Hanabusa has something after all.
''There is something about that person, about that girl. An unnatural allure, and yet, it feels so right. I was intrigued from the moment my eyes landed on her, maybe even captivated. But, everyone else seemed to be ignoring her. Why is that?''
His gaze turned speculative as he went through all the possibilities in his head. Moving ahead was automatic, and he barely noticed things around him beyond Akatsuki and their direction. For the first time in a long while he immersed himself completely in thought, and loved every second of it.
''Power.''
Aidou snapped out of his daze and looked inquisitively up at his cousin.
''Power,'' Cain sighed ''Is the most alluring thing to creatures like us, the thing that lures us in most of all.''
Aidou tilted his head to the side and hummed in agreement. ''Yes. Power calls us in and other things keep us trapped there. That's probably the reason purebloods are loved and hated at the same time.'' He sighed. ''But that doesn't explain why people didn't register her at all, she had more than enough power, thou it was hidden. On the contrary, they shoud have been all over her the second they saw her. This doesn't make sense.''
A crease formed between his brows as he grew frustrated. It's true that he loved puzzles, but he loved solving them more. Leaving one unfinished just grated on him the wrong way. And this puzzle was one of the few he acknowledged were worth his intellect. It just had to be solved.
''Maybe she acted inconspicuous, didn't attract any attention to herself and stayed mostly in the periphery. People just didn't notice her.''
Aidou thought it over and shook his head. ''True that people usually don't notice a lone figure, but, the second your eyes land on her there's this feeling, deep in your gut, you don't even realise it's there... you've noticed her, even if you don't know it. I think a person's eyes would stray back to her.'' Like they would to a pureblood.
Cain let his cousin take the lead and fell in step behind him. Unlike Hanabusa, he hadn't actually gotten the chance to see this person, not that he cared, at least not until now. His cousin's fascination was sudden, unexpected and utterly contagious. He'd known his immunity to all things his cousin does, and to said cousin himself, would run out one day. Still, he hadn't thought it'll be this soon. He sighed and eyed his cousin's back. Though, he's a bit more responsible these days.
A bat flew over a tree nearby and drew his gaze. He'd felt that power clearly from the other side of town, and he'd noticed quite a few others turn their heads in the direction of that pub, though they'd disregarded what they sensed almost immediately after, not knowing what it meant. He'd known better and rushed straight there, thinking was in danger. In his experience a release of power like that meant danger, serious danger. His first thought had been that it was a pureblood, Hanabusa shot it down soon afterward. Now, he found himself curious as well, at least things won't be boring from now on.
''Hn, if a vampire doesn't want to be seen, you'll have a hard time seeing him.''
Aidou let out a frustrated sigh and whirled around to face his cousin. ''I told you Akatsuki, it's not about stealth-'' he broke of as his eyes went round and a victorious smile split his face a second later. ''That's it! You're a genius, cousin.''
Cain's brows climbed high on his forehead at that statement.
''A spell. She cast a spell that would make people ignore and overlook her. Well, maybe not something as strong as a spell, a charm perhaps. Something that would help people see exactly what they expect, nothing out of the ordinary or suspicious.''
Cain had to agree with his cousin on this one, it sounded plausible enough. ''Why though?''
''Because she wants to remain undetected and plain.''
Cain grunted. ''I can't think of anyone who'd want that.''
Aidou agreed with him on that one. ''Yes, but think about it Akatsuki. A person would want to appear ordinary, plain and uninteresting only if they are not those things.'' He glanced at his cousin meaningfully. ''And they have something to hide.''
Cain nodded. ''And it's quite clear by the way she acts that she has plenty to hide. Though, I think there is one specific reason for it that would explain all. But what is it?''
Aidou was still looking at his cousin askance. ''I have a suspicion.'' He returned his gaze to the path just as Cain swung slightly narrowed eyes his way. ''It's pretty farfetched though.''
He didn't say anything after that.
There's something that's been bugging me for some time now, something that I read a long time ago as merely a child. It's been in the back of my mind for years now, I just had to realise what exactly it is. I only managed to kind of figure it out recently, though that Level E and the way he acted... it's still just a strong suspicion, for now.
There were some records of the Kurosu family and their inherit abilities. The death of the whole family had been bugging him since the moment he'd heard of it, he'd never been able to figure out exactly why though. Not until a strange feeling hit him and a power revealed itself. It was then that he started putting the pieces together, and figured out what they showed. Now, something clicked, that family would never let their most precious treasure be destroyed, no, they'd hide it and give it everything necessary to resurrect itself.
It had been nothing short of incredible when he finally understood, the shock still hadn't left him. If it's right... if I'm right, this world is in for a surprise. Maybe... I can only hope... and hope he will, because if he turns out to be right, then this world and their future no longer exist in shades of black, white and gray. If I'm right, we must find her soon, the one whose power and blood would tip the already precarious balance to our favour.
He narrowed his brilliant blue eyes on the distance, we will find her, the princess,...
Cain watched his cousin through narrowed eyes. He knows something. There was an air about him, but Aidou remained silent. He usually enjoys telling people what he found, his silence is unusual, rather unnerving and serious.
He sighed and had one last evaluating glance before looking up ahead. I suppose I will find out soon enough. Just before his eyes fully left his cousin, he saw him narrow his own. He'd never wanted to know his thoughts as badly as he did now.
... the lost Rose.
.................................
He sighed as he was hit with a strange feeling of nostalgia. Childhood memories of beautiful flowers, gentle hands and radiant smiled danced before his eyes. He took in a deep breath as a pang of longing for those days made itself known. It was clear and calm nights like these that made him miss the life he'd had before the most.
I miss her. She was my best friend, the one I could tell anything to. She was the only one who never judged. He'd needed that, just as she'd needed someone other than her parents to feel close to.
If only she was here still, he was sure the world would have been a much brighter place. She'd have been a shield, after all, to protect others was in her nature. He'd have liked to have her here, her sheer presence had always made him feel safe and protected. And I wanted to protect her in turn. He sighed again, the world just wasn't fair.
''Ichijou.''
He looked up from the book in his lap. Kaname's profile was illuminated by the modest fire burning in the fireplace. Well, he thought, for all I've lost, I gained some as well.
''All that sighing of yours is poisoning the air.''
What a way to ask what's wrong, he thought wryly. Kaname was as Kaname-ish as always, no one can accuse him of discriminating. At least he cares, in his own roundabout way of course. He gave him a small half-smile. ''I was just thinking.''
A wine eye looked at him askance. ''Then stop if it makes you morose.''
A corner of his mouth twitched upwards, waging a war against his depressing thoughts in hope of making his smile real. It was succeeding so far. ''Your wish is my command, oh-great-lord.''
Kaname glanced at him again, a ghost of irritation in his gaze. Ichijou's smile was real this time. Do I sense a 'me and my big mouth' swirling in your head Kaname. Yes he'd gained some as well.
Kaname was his friend now, even if the man had no idea what the word 'friend' meant exactly. Well, besides the definition in his glossary. He mentally rolled his eyes, seriously, if there is a book on something, trust Kaname to find it. He should realise that there is more to life than just books... and experiments.
There'd been a time when they'd hoped someone with the ability to wean the pureblood off his books would come. No such luck yet, and it's looking bleak. Not a single living soul had interested him more than half an hour at the most. Living being the key word. From what he'd told me, only Yuuki-sama managed that momentous feat. And in that, yet another reason why life wasn't fair.
From the looks of things, it appears that such a person would not be appearing a second time.
He will spend countless millennia with his nose stuck in books and experiments. ''How dull.''
Kaname glanced from his book up at him again. ''What is?''
He levelled a gimlet stare straight at the pureblood. ''You are.''
''Takuma-sama!'' a voice gasped sharply from the side. Both wine and pale emerald eyes slanted in the direction of the divan. ''You shouldn't speak to Kaname-sama in such a way.'' He is our pureblood lord and the heir to the kingdom.''
Luca Souen was sitting straight and proud, her elegant body assuming a ladylike position. Hand folded over her lap, legs bent gracefully and crossed at the ankles, head held high and chin up. Her light almond eyes were narrowed on Ichijou with a particular fierceness.
''I only said the truth Luca.'' He defended himself. It paid to have his guard up when she gets like this, that girl was as possessive and protective of Kaname as a devoted wife was of her husband.Come to think of it, she and Aidou both are. The sad thing is that Kaname barely noticed her, he knew of her affection most certainly, but did not acknowledge it.
''He has no intent for anything besides books, other than locking himself up in the basement and experimenting, and frankly, it's getting annoying.'' His eyes swung back at Kaname. ''I'm not telling him what to or not to do, but as a friend I advise him'' his gaze sharpened ''Do not let life pass you by, no matter how infinite it is.''
Kaname blinked languidly at him, though he was sure some of those words did get through his thick skull.
He heard Luca take in a breath to berate him, at times like these she seriously reminded him of his old strict tutor, he'd practically pounded knowledge into his head when he was a kid. ''Still, being a friend does not excuse you to talk to a pureblood prince in such a manner.''
He sighed. ''It does, Luca. And this is what he needs to hear.'' Especially since I'm probably his only friend and have the guts to tell him.
She opened her mouth to counter him again when Kaname raised his hand. ''It's alright, Luca. I can take care of myself.'' She fell silent.
''What's wrong, Ichijou.'' He turned to the pale blond vampire after marking the page he was on and closing his book. ''One minute you are melancholy and sad and the next you are frustrated and angry. What happened to your normal cheery attitude?''
Ichijou stared at him, hard. Kaname held his eyes evenly, even raising a brow when the silence grew. ''Everything happened, Kaname. Do you know what's going on? Do you even care? That aloofness of yours was endearing at one point, it still would be if matters weren't so serious. But, you need to get involved, if not for yourself and your own benefit, then for the sake of all those that depend on your future choices to survive.''
''Your concern is justified, but misplaced. I am not the king and as such it is not my decisions that are that important, but my father's and mother's too. And you can't say that you have complaints over how they rule.'' His gaze turned inquisitive and Ichijou ran a hand through his hair in mild frustration. ''While my authority is second only to theirs, it doesn't mean that I have to utilize it.''
''But Kaname, you are the future king. You have to start interesting yourself in things that are happening right now and how they will affect everything.''
Kaname closed his eyes and turned to the window just as a breeze fluttered the curtains and blew into the room. ''I am not king yet, and mother and father have a long ways to go still. Do you forget Takuma that I have barely passed my second decade? Even had I wanted to, it is still too early for me to take the throne, especially in times so filled with tension like they are now. It takes strength and experience to guide a country in peril, qualities that my parents have in abundance.''
He sighed and eyed the pureblood exasperatedly. ''But it won't hurt you to know. Most of the vampire world support the Shirabuki clan. While we have some powerful families on our side, they have more, only the presence of the Hunters is keeping things on an even playing field. But this stalemate will not last for long. Your involvement is crucial because you yourself are powerful and valuable.''
''Valuable? I am thought of as an asset?'' his eyebrows rose slightly at that.
Ichijou lost the fight to roll his eyes this time. ''You are a pureblood, Kaname, purebloods think of everything as assets. Though the king and queen don't think of you as such, to most you are. Shirabuki Sara is certainly one of those.''
''I've noticed that as well, Takuma-sama.'' Luca put in from the side, appearing thoughtful. ''Sara-hime has had her eye on Kaname-sama for some time now, it's plainly obvious, and I think she wants it that way. But why want to enemy?''
''I haven't been in the Lotus for too long before grandfather sent me here, but from what I've seen, one thing is doubtless. Sara wants to be queen, the only queen, and she is ready to do just about anything to fulfil that goal. By having Kaname as her husband that would be true.''
''But Kaname-sama would never want one such as her, especially with the way she wants the world to be.''
''I don't know if she realises that, but frankly, I don't think she cares either. If he likes her or not is for Kaname to decide. But I don't think he knows even how to do that.''
''I am still in the room, Ichijou.'' He narrowed his eyes at the blond.
''You are? I didn't think you'd still be here, it was my assumption that you would go into that book the second we took our focus off you.''
''Takuma-sama!''
He shot him a look. ''Very funny. Was that sarcasm though? I didn't know you've learned it.'' He drawled lazily.
Ichijou beamed at him. ''I did, and from the best teacher out there. I've got to say, you've outdone yourself sensei.''
He fought back the urge to sigh. For all the lightness Ichijou brought, sometimes, he could really be irritating.
He had the urge to chuckle at the miniscule sign of irritation on Kaname's face. Really, no one but the ones who knew him best would even know it was there. He savoured his little victory and continued. ''But there is another reason she would 'allow' people to know of her interest. You see, she thinks that you would take the chance to prevent war and have peace. And this is seemingly that chance.''
''There is no way the Kuran family would fall for something like that. I know our king and queen easily see through that, Kaname-sama as well. Not to mention that they have refused to sell their child like that before, they would not do so now.''
''Aaah, but you see, therein lies the problem.'' He waved his forefinger in the air with an air of sombreness and Luca frowned delicately. ''To outright decline the princess might as well start a war. A refusal would be thought of as an insult and it would be the perfect reason to declare the war that is hanging over our heads. And I know they would most surely do it.''
Luca looked horrified. ''So you are saying that Kaname-sama has no other choice than to accept and marry Sara-hime.''
''That's how it look like.''
''Isn't there any other choice.''
''Well, if there is a girl who has claim on him.''
She looked confused now and a little crease formed between her brows. ''What do you mean?''
''We have luck that she hasn't formally announced her intentions, without that it's all considered speculation, no matter how true it is. Without a formal announcement she has no valid claim on him, and as such Kaname-sama is can have someone he is interested in before and deny her intentions because of love.'' But we all know there is no one like that.
''So he can have someone else before she acts and that way outmanoeuvre her.''
''Yes. But I think it's a bit late for that now. It's widely known that he is not interested in anyone and that there is no one who has interested him before. So him having a lover all of a sudden would be suspicious. It could go either way, but there is more of a chance than outright refusal. Not to mention that she'd be able to 'get rid' of 'unworthy' competition.''
''So, it's between bad and worse. And there are no other options.''
''None, not anymore.'' He added. He could see the questions it stirred in her, but he kept silent. There was no point in reopening old wounds, especially since there is no hope. She would claim that only a true princess is worthy of the prince, and the only one who could have contested her would have been Yuuki-sama.
That turn of thoughts brought back his wistful and sombre mood. He stood up and sighed. ''I'm going to the garden, I need to clear my head.'' And he left without another word.
Both of the remaining occupants of the room stared at the door in various degrees of surprise. Kaname turned away first, his eyes landed on the narrow crystal vase and the single red rose in it. Luca turned her eyes not long after and looked straight at him. He could feel that she wanted him to say something and that she wanted to say something herself. He stayed silent though and opened his book to keep reading. If she deemed it important, she'll say something soon enough.
They were quiet for some time before Luca finally gathered the courage to speak. She cleared her throat and spoke when Kaname's eyes were on her. ''What are you going to do about this, Kaname-sama?''
His gaze turned inward for a split second before he smirked humourlessly. ''There is nothing to do about this.''
''But, there could be war, or you could be forced to take that selfish woman as your wife.''
He felt like shrugging. ''What will happen will happen, but I am not going to take a wife, not now.''
She stood up gracefully. ''Then take a lover, ouji-sama. It may be a solution that way.''
He stayed silent and she approached him, stopping just in front of the armchair he was seated in. Her hand found perch on the backrest, just a little ways behind Kaname's head and she leaned over him. ''Take me as your lover, Kaname-sama, even if it's a farce to keep you out of the hands of that woman. My blood is yours for the taking.''
He looked at her and sighed softly. ''No, Luca, I won't. You don't deserve that.''
She winced as if slapped and retreated immediately. Her hand folded on her lap once again as she spoke. ''I- I see... I'm sorry for bothering you like that. I'll leave now.'' She said as she turned around and headed out of the room, her voice had trembled a bit as she spoke. Kaname's soft spoken words stopped her before she walked through the door.
''You know I did not mean it like that, Luca.''
Her back was still to him, obscuring the slowly forming tears in her eyes. Yes, you are too kind to mean it any other way. But, a rejection is still a rejection. ''I understand.'' and the next second she was out of eyeshot.
Kaname ran a hand through his hair and leaned heavily back. The world was too much of a complicated place, much more complicated than it should be. He didn't ask for this burden, all his heart craves is a safe haven. And he couldn't help but wonder if he would find his.
.................................
Aidou was sorely tempted to growl from the overwhelming annoyance as he stomped through the forest. His footsteps were made even louder by the fact that they were walking through dry, dead leaves, which crunched horribly under foot. He decided to take the most dignified route and huffed his irritation out, still stomping behind his cousin. Said cousin was rolling his eyes at his childish behaviour.
He couldn't blame him though. He may not have been as annoyed as he was when they found it out, but he'd clearly seen some exasperation in his cousin's gaze.
Which brings him back to the point of his inner tantrum, the, now irritatingly, elusive girl. It turns out that they've missed her and some others with her by mere hours when they arrived in Illama. It was a pity that the sun had climbed pretty high in the air by then, making it mid morning and exceedingly uncomfortable for them to continue right after her. They'd lost valuable hours then.
Not only that, but the source of most of their information just happened to be Seiren. Imagine their surprise when they were accosted in the pub by the last person they expected to see there. Hadn't Seiren been on an errand when they were at the Kuran residence? She'd scared the shit right out of him appearing that suddenly by his side, seriously, how does she do that?
Then she'd proceeded to tell them that Kaname-sama requested she help them with tracking that person, and that she found out that they left the town just before midnight. That's right, they. It seems our mysterious girl has four other people following her around. And people are not certain that all of them are vampires. Meaning there could be humans in that ragtag group as well.
Now, that necessarily doesn't mean anything, beside some serious tolerance on the side of both species. Unless, of course, the humans are just there for the sake of a meal, he doubted that though. But, it meant something to him, because the mystery around the mysterious puzzle just got deeper, and things a hell of a lot more complicated. All the brooding is giving even him a headache, and that's saying something. The sides and views are numerous, the facts contradictory and the solution out of reach.
Needles to say, such a combination is a perfect recipe for a grumpy and grouchy Aidou. One that is muttering everything in existence to hell and back.
But, on the, probably only, light side, the information strengthened his suspicion. Now, if only it were true.
He sighed and glared at the distance. All this tracking and expectance is hell on my sanity. I'm never hunting anyone again.... ok now, even he knew that was a lie. But still, ...comfort?
He certainly hoped for some, and soon. They had spent and uncomfortable day sleeping on straw beds, barely even able to fall asleep from the excitement, at least in his case, and waking up far too early than any vampire should. He was not a happy camper.
But, at least some of his unhappiness is being tampered by being close on her tail. If she has one, I won't put anything by her now.
He had to hand it to Seiren though, that woman could track down anything. They'd been looking for any information on her for days and he'd just barely managed to get some directions, she was on it for mere hours and they're close on her. It probably helped that they stayed a few days in that town. From what he'd been told, by Seiren of course, she and those around her are a pretty nomadic group, coming and going swiftly and quickly. Not many knew about them, but, surprisingly, she was noticed as much as not. it seems she had pretty memorable features.
Also, Seiren said that there were two females with her as well, and two males. A probably brown haired girl with hazel eye, a blue eyed girl, the brown haired man with gray eyes, and most confusingly the silver haired male with lavender eyes. And they are not even sure about those descriptions. Not to mention that there is barely ay information on the actual person we're tracking, at least in Illama. All we managed to get is that she has brownish eyes.
And, apparently, they are masters at disappearing.
He sighed and quickened his pace, coming right up to his cousin.
''Finally finished stomping, did you?''
He shot an irate glance at the tall man. ''Lay off.''
''All right, someone is in a bad mood.''
He grumbled something but didn't answer and Cain was sorely tempted to chuckle at him. Seiren is somewhere out there, scouring the forest in front of them for their target. They are following her at normal speed.
Aidou fantasized about his lovely bed and a good foot massage as they moved along, wishing desperately that they would have this done quickly, but knowing that it won't be that easy. But, anything is better than this, the waiting is killing him. His cousin's voice broke through his little reverie.
''Do you feel that?''
He frowned, maybe time was better spent taking everything in instead of fantasizing. He shrugged and concentrated on his senses, expanding his field of awareness. He felt something and realized what it is with a jolt.
''A vampire?''
''Yes.'' Cain nodded. ''But not Seiren, I've never been able to feel her in all the years I've known her.'' he glanced at him. ''This is someone else.''
A smile grew on his lips. ''You've got to hand it to her, she knows her stuff.'' His gate quickened. ''Let's go there.''
They sprang from their positions, going at speeds the eye could barely see, watching their steps in order to not alert their quarry too quickly. Their shadows passed through the visible spots of moonlight like ghosts until they landed on a tree branch, Seiren a ways in front of them. She moved and they followed her, barely keeping up. Zigzagging through the trees, they ran for a long time, tiring out and starting to lose hope when they saw Seiren stop just inside the border of a clearing. She was panting, but her eyes were focused further out the in meadow.
Both amber and teal followed her gaze and landed on a figure in a billowing black cloak. Her back was to them and her head tilted slightly back in their direction, they couldn't see her face though. Both of them were too winded to make much of a reaction besides widening their eyes, and perhaps a slightly deeper breath than the others.
''You are quite persistent.''
Both of them started when they heard her speak, Seiren merely narrowed her eyes. Her voice was clearly melodic and captivating, like the chiming of the clearest chimes, obviously inhuman. And more than merely vampire as well. Aidou thought.
''Do you want something from me?''
He was trying to compose himself again, she's not even breathing hard! It took him a few breaths, but he managed. ''Who are you?''
''That is for me to know and for you to find out... if you can.'' There was a smile in her tone, and his heart quickened.
''I was there, in that pub.''
''Oh?''
''I felt it, whatever you did. You are not normal.''
She laughed, the sound more captivating and alluring than anything he'd heard before.
''I'll take that as a compliment.'' Her head tilted more towards them and they could see a bit of her shadowed features, but nothing significant.
''Who are you?''
She chuckled dryly. ''I believe I answered that.''
Oh, he could already see that she is one who would be classified as 'headache'. But, his hopes are at an all time high now.
''Please, come with us to the palace of the Orchid, the Kuran's would like to meet you.''
She raised a brow they couldn't see. ''They heard about that already? That was quick.'' She eyed him. ''I don't suppose you have something to do with that, since you were there.''
He blinked and shook his head minutely. ''Will you come?''
She tilted her head to the side ''I'll think about it.'', and started walking away.
Seiren and Cain tensed, he took a few hurried steps into the clearing. ''Please.''
She was on the other side of the meadow already. ''I said I'll think about it.'' Then she turned towards them full and he was stunned. ''You'll just have to have faith and wait.'' And the next instant she was gone before they could even blink.
Aidou only kept staring at empty space in wide eyed wonder. He saw it, it was for only a few seconds but he saw it. The strands of burnt auburn curling around her face and the luminous brownish-red, copper, eyes. He was almost certain now, she is one of the Kurosu bloodline.
His eyes widened even more, till they showed white all around, as he inhaled sharply. The Rose princess.
.................................
There, my dears. How late am I? 5, maybe 6 months? I won't make excuses, I was either too lazy to write or I had no inspiration, all my own fault. *sigh* Sorry about that. I made it up though with a long chapter (extremely long considering the length I usualy write), hope it met with your expectations :D.
I checked and double-checked it, but some errors still escape me, feel free to point them out if they're too erroneous.
Drop me a review if you'd like, I really appreciate them.
Oh, and I'm sorry if I didn't reply to your previous reviews (there are quite a few of those), I will do my best to give at least a thank you from now on (If I can, of course. Those without a fanfiction account, know that you have my gratitude;D)
I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and see you in the next one (there will be one, it's only a matter of time ;p)
Love
~lily