Blood & Roses

Author's Note – Okay so thanks to my reviewers!! This story is divided into two parts and there is an introduction to a new character, and some more in the next part…. But don't worry, they're extremely minor characters (for now… I haven't fully decided yet) and that's it.

Oh, and I just wanted to mention that I'm working with the American version of Yu-Gi-Oh, and not the Japanese mainly because I've never watched the JPN version… -sad sigh- and on with the story!!

(sorry for interrupting again – can anyone care to explain to me why the hell Kaiba has green hair in the first season of the JPN version of YGO? And how that green hair somehow morphed into brown… this is the question which has plagued me for years…. Message me if you can explain it to me…. Thanks!)

Disclaimer- I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh and I fully support exclamation abuse in completely unrelated situations!!

Chapter 10

The Others Part 1

Kaiba faltered briefly as he felt Kisara stiffen beneath him; she then growled in annoyance and appeared beside him in a flash of movement.

What the hell could he want here… after all this time? Kisara contemplated as she allowed her vampiric senses to roam.

"Kisara?" Kaiba asked hesitantly, noticing a red demonic glint in Kisara's eyes. With her body erect and absolutely still, Kaiba instinctively knew she was in predator mode – but what was the threat?

Kisara hissed in annoyance, her eyes softening momentarily as she focused on Kaiba.

"Come." She commanded softly, averting her gaze to something in the distance as Kaiba rose to his feet, gazing suspiciously at her – however, gradually that suspicion dissipated into concern as he climbed inside his car.

When Kisara made no move to join him, Kaiba lowered the car window and called out, "Aren't you coming?"

"Drive onwards," Kisara replied sharply as Kaiba protested, "But-"

"Go!"

Kaiba frowned irritably at being interrupted so callously, "Fine. A goodnight kiss at least, Kisara!" he insisted with a flirtatious look; instantly Kisara's controlled, tense expression shattered as she broke into a warm grin, leaning casually against the car door.

"You know I'm way too old for you, right?"

Kaiba smirked, "You can snatch my cradle any day," and tilted his chin upwards to claim Kisara's lips.

Gradually Kisara pulled away, "Go," she breathed and burst into enchanting laughter as Kaiba drove off… crashing into a trash can as he recovered from the overwhelming kiss.

Sensing movement behind her, Kisara inwardly sighed with relief – Clearly he has no intent to pursue Seto at this moment… right now it is me he wants…

But was it who she thought it was? It was such a long time since this scent was familiar to her…

"You." Kisara growled as she spun on her heel to face the figure who had been watching her; his hands were clasped behind his back coolly… so calm, so casual.

"Is that how you greet old friends?" That familiar mocking voice chided, turning to face her with an amused expression – his dark brown hair swaying gently in the breeze.

As they stood face-to-face, Kisara knew there was no mistake.

This was Malachi. Her Maker.

The vampire who bestowed the curse upon her, just to abandon her.

"You are as strong as I anticipated," Malachi stated conversationally, taking short deliberate steps as he drew nearer to Kisara, who bit down a disrespectful reply. It took every ounce of her self-control not to attack her Maker fangs-first – his mere presence as her vampire father made her blood boil.

"Shame on you," Malachi continued, "For keeping such a find to yourself… Seto Kaiba is quite allured by you."

Kisara clenched her teeth.

What is Malachi doing here? Is he accompanied by The Others? I cannot allow them near Seto! Kisara thought fiercely as Malachi's deep crimson eyes surveyed her carefully while grinning knowingly.

"Protect him by all means, Kisara, but I assure you – you cannot keep him a secret forever," Malachi continued menacingly, "It will not be long until The Others come searching for the Holy Grail of our existence."

Unconsciously, Kisara reacted possessively with a strong intent to attack Malachi; however he had immediately detected the murderous vibes emanating from her, and had pinned her by the neck against a tree – his nails digging crudely into Kisara's flesh.

"Careful, my dear. You're not the strongest creature out there…" Kisara's mouth twisted into a grimace as she struggled to fight Malachi off her.

"You always were the romantic."

And with these last words breathed intimately, Malachi disappeared.

What was that about?

Kaiba continued to contemplate Kisara's sudden change in temperament as he sniffed an abandoned glass which contained a dark substance… blood.

This was the first time Kaiba had ever been within Kisara's Manor; it had been a last minute decision to head here but he decided not to dwell too much on the fact that he was trespassing… techniquely.

Kaiba suppressed a shudder as he recalled the bloodlust which had radiated from Kisara. It wasn't directed at me, that I am certain, Kaiba assured himself as he gulped down a cup of coffee before stretching out on Kisara's couch. He heard a silky voice urging him to sleep and he obeyed…

"Seto, wake-up!"

"What?" Kaiba slurred, bolting upright on the couch; he noticed it was 9 o'clock which was impossible since he never slept until midnight…

"Who was here?" Kisara demanded, gripping Kaiba's shoulders gently, watching as his eyes focused.

"No one," Kaiba insisted, and asked, "Why?"

"A vampire was here."

Kaiba's eyes widened in surprise, "You don't have any demonic family members who have also taken to stalking me, have you?"

Kisara chuckled, "Blunt as ever, Seto – just out of curiosity, what are you doing inside my house?"

Kaiba shrugged, "I felt like it. You have a problem with that?"

Kisara's good-humor vanished, "Be careful…" she implored, sharpening Kaiba's interest immediately.

"Of what exactly?" Kaiba's ice cold eyes narrowed, penetrating Kisara's gaze.

"Let's just say," Kisara hesitated, "I'm not the only thing out there who is intrigued by you… I'm just concerned since you are going to Japan for a business trip soon, and I won't be able to keep an eye on you."

Kaiba considered this as he rose to feet and sauntered to the balcony; Kisara had wrapped her arms around Kaiba's waist, resting her head lightly against the middle of his back… that was as high as her height enabled her to go.

Kaiba sighed contentedly as he eyes flickered when he noticed a spot in the distant sky – whatever the hell that was, he didn't trust it.

However, before he could mention the suspicious object in the sky, Kisara seemed to already detect its scent.

"Down!" she hissed, shoving Kaiba to the floor as the suspicious object swooped down on them through the open doorway.

It was a bat.

Kaiba groaned, noticing a dull pain along the side of his head which struck the floor harshly; his breathing snagged in his throat when he realized the intimate position Kisara and himself were locked in.

Kisara's body was suspended inches from his own; her one hand was on the floor beside Kaiba's head supporting her entire weight, while her other hand was resting against his chest. Kaiba's own hands were curved around the nape of her neck, and his legs were hooked behind hers – she was between his legs quite literally. Particularly, a certain area of his body was more than aware of the sensuality the collision of their bodies was creating.

Kaiba hoped Kisara wasn't aware of this – evidently she was as she rose a few inches, releasing his legs.

Before Kaiba could comment any further, Kisara's head slanted to the side as she bared her fangs aggressively at something which had taken form in the corner of the room.

When the shadowy figure drew nearer, Kaiba's eyes flicked with interest as he corrected himself mentally – it wasn't a bat which had gone rogue and decided to swoop down on him, oooooh no – it was a hugeass bat.

… and the bat continued to expand, the animal-like features giving way to a human form.

Kaiba was rendered speechless.

What could he say?

…I should have known this was coming…