The Report
And
The Search
By Fallon
Kyoto, Japan- Lord Yoshitomo's Palace -
Three Days Later…Yukinari's right eye began to sting again for the umpteenth time as the wound was slowly trying to close. General Hanako had damaged half of Yukinari's sight, cutting her blade through his right eye, given as a warning. He had gotten stitches for the large wound, and a bandage was wrapped around his head and over his eye. The pain wasn't as excruciating now that it had eased up over the past three days.
He stood in the garden which was once beautiful in his memory, but was now overtaken by the hideous color of dry dead grass: everything had withered and died. Yukinari began to remember the time when his first wife would sit in the garden with his daughter, reading a book to her underneath the cherry-blossom tree. He remembered that warm smile she gave him as she paused and gazed in his direction, while Suzumi squeaked at her mother to continue with the story. Those memories still remained fresh in his mind, even after a few long centuries.
The Vampire Lord was slowly aging with the common grey hairs and wrinkled skin. None of the well-known diseases that attack the elderly ever affected him. Only battle scars remained. For as old as I am, I should have Alzheimer's disease, Yukinari chuckled. yet I am better off resting peacefully in my grave.
Yukinari smiled, thinking how happy he was being home again. it had brought back memories of his childhood all the way up to his adulthood until the time he had to abandon his father's palace after the disappearance of his daughter, Suzumi. Yukinari had not given up hope in searching for her, for he knew that she would rise again as a reincarnation that might be difficult to find. He knew she was somewhere in Japan.
Looking towards the hazy morning sky, the sun was rising over the horizon. The palace wasn't too far from the city of Kyoto. Since the palace was believed to be the grounds of evil spirits, it wasn't much of a surprise to the Vampire Lord that the humans continued to stay off their property. There was no sign of vandalism or any other damage, although there were remnants of past rituals scattered about. It seemed Shinto priests were brave enough to walk on the sacred grounds, although they were probably scared half to death while they were ridding the land of the so-called "evil spirits." Yukinari thought their prayers weren't enough to rid of their presence here.
"My Lord." Shurii spoke quietly among the morning frost air, and then stood up straight as he gave his friend a small but warm smile.
Yukinari bowed in return, then rose. "It is good to be back in Kyoto, wouldn't you agree?" he asked.
Shurii took a few steps and stood next to Yukinari, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword, "Hai, Yukinari-sama, it is good be home," he replied, "I was beginning to miss this place—the quiet atmosphere renders the calm in my soul. Tokyo had gotten my spirit trapped in its spiral of diversity. Being here at the Palace again, where we are isolated and peaceful... it takes the fear away from my spirit."
Yukinari couldn't agree more. Things in Tokyo were getting bad: the Japanese Police were investigating the Tokyo Tower after the huge commotion the Angels and Vampires had caused. If the Vampires were found, they would surely be arrested and taken somewhere to be examined by scientists or some other sort of organization.
"I agree with you, Shurii," Yukinari replied. "My father chose a good place for the palace to be isolated from the humans. Luckily they haven't bothered anything at all."
Shurii nodded. "Since they believe these grounds are filled with evil spirits…they know they cannot disturb us."
Yukinari smiled.
"How is your eye feeling, sir?"
Yukinari tapped his finger at his right eye. "Better, I suppose," he said with a sigh. "Hanako sure did me a good one, eh, Shurii?"
"I was glad it was not the death of you, my Lord. Better keep your senses before she thrusts her sword straight into your heart," Shurii said, turning to him.
"I am not too concerned with Hanako right now, Shurii. My main concern is looking for Suzumi," Yukinari said. "My hope in finding her hasn't run dry."
Shurii nodded. "I assure you we will find her, sir."
Yukinari smiled, placing his hand on his companion's other shoulder. "Yes. Thank you, Shurii."
Hanako stepped outside, inhaling the clean fresh air of the morning dew, gazing at the azure-blue sky combined with the colors of the abyss-colored universe. Gaia was close to her sister planet, Terra—or Earth, as others called it. Her brown eyes gazed up at it with a mixture of longing and hatred. Hanako's archenemy still lived and breathed on that planet.
Yukinari. His name echoed in her mind. Those ruby-red eyes… the wicked smile, the way he spoke such words to her and what he wished to do with her that would only occurred in her worst nightmares.
Her eyes narrowed, and her fists clenched. How could she just stand there and not know what the Vampire Lord was doing? Plotting a plan to kill her and her people? Still searching for his daughter Suzumi? Hanako had no clue what he was planning, but she felt the urge to return to Earth to wipe him and his race out once and for all.
After she had returned from her mission, she had failed miserably by letting Yukinari live…all because of one person begging her and Leiko to spare his life.
Hanako spared him but swore that she would return…and that would be very soon.
Mayura had spoken with Hanako shortly after her return.
Hanako had feared the worst, since she had spared the Vampire Lord's life. She had knelt on one knee before the fiery-haired woman, head bowed.
"Though you failed to kill him, Hanako," Mayura said, "as I told you before, we cannot kill them all at once. Though they are doing everything they can to repopulate, and with haste. They are looking for Yukinari's daughter Suzumi."
Hanako looked up, nodding, feeling a little relieved. She rose to her feet then she bowed slightly at the woman. "Forgive me, my lady, I will not fail you again."
Mayura waved her hand and placed the other on Hanako's shoulder. "Apologizes are not needed, General." She gazed into the younger Angel's eyes. "There is little time for that. We must do what must be done. You know your mission: to kill the Vampires."
"Yes." Hanako nodded.
"Are you ready to give your first report on the Vampires to the Council, General?" Mayura asked.
Hanako wanted to decline because she didn't want to face them and tell them that she had failed. However, she knew she couldn't. "I am afraid the five other members may be disappointed, my lady, but I will go and give the report," Hanako replied apprehensively.
Mayura nodded, smiling. "They will understand, General."
"What do you mean you hesitated in killing him, General?" one of the Councilmen yelled, slamming his fist down on the table.
Hanako stood still on the marbled floor, looking straight ahead, not making any eye-contact with council members. I knew they were going to be upset, she thought. I knew I shouldn't have hesitated! I should've gone against that Vampire's plea and killed him! She thought back to the moment to the man in the samurai armor, standing in front of the creature that she hated the most…
"Councilman Odin, please!" Mayura shouted, rising from her seat quickly. "Sit down!" she commanded.
The man named Odin gave a low growl, sitting back down in his seat. "That bastard does not deserve to breathe air into his lungs! He should be slaughtered in the most horrible way! This is not what the Council wants to hear General! You should've—"
"Councilman Odin! That is enough!" Mayura's voice boomed; her head shot in his direction. Odin followed Mayura's command, sitting back down.
Sitting next to Odin was a man with dark-brown skin, emerald-green eyes, and jet-black hair. He gazed down at Hanako. "General, will you state the reason you hesitated to kill Lord Yukinari?" he asked.
Hanako inhaled slightly, trying to find the right explanation for her failure. "Yes," she replied. "You see, when had thrown down Lord Yukinari, I was going to strike him with my sword until one of his hunters had approached me, begging me to spare his life."
The council went quiet, exchanging questioning looks with one another. "And you simply let him go, General?" Azar said, giving her a look of awe.
Hanako swallowed. "Yes, sir," she replied.
"General Ria didn't disappoint us like this, ever," Odin spat, sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed. Mayura shot him a death glare; he simply avoided it and kept quiet.
A man with medium-length blue hair cleared his throat. "Well, General, I am not disappointed in your report as it is your first mission," he said, pushing his spectacles up with his index finger. "We have taken a long time to prepare your army for this battle. I had predicted that this wasn't going to be so easy, since Lord Yukinari is doing everything he can to search for his daughter."
Hanako nodded, she thought it would be better to not speak at all for the moment as it seemed that the council was somewhat disappointed in her.
"General Hanako." Mayura looked down on her. "Do you have anything else to say to the Council before we dismiss you?"
Hanako bowed. "Yes, my lady. I deeply apologize for my actions, and I assure you, on the next mission I will not fail you."
Mayura nodded. "Thank you, General. You are dismissed."
Hanako bowed again, turning on her heel to leave the Conference chambers.
Mayura let out a deep sigh. A woman with long purple hair turned towards her, "Mayura, was this a wise decision to appoint Hanako as General?" she asked. "I am a bit concerned about the decision she had made by letting the Vampire Lord go."
"I know, Raziya, but we have to keep our faith in her in order for her to succeed." Mayura replied.
Odin scoffed. "I had a feeling that Hanako wasn't the best choice for her position as General."
"Now let's not get all worked up about Hanako. She is trying her best, and we should at least give her some support!" one woman said, sitting next to the man with blue hair and glasses.
"Xavira is right," Mayura stood up, "We cannot have our doubts about Hanako, if we can all agree to show her the proper support then she will be able to finish Yukinari off."
"Yes but General Hanako must do something quick before he finds his daughter, Lady Mayura," Azar responded. "Once he finds his daughter it might be too late for us…he and his daughter will probably be too powerful for the General and her army."
Mayura shook her head. "No, I know it won't be too late, even if he finds his daughter. I know General Hanako and the others will be able to overthrow them."
Hanako walked along the marbled path towards the water fountain. Sighing to herself, she thought that she was one big failure after her first mission.
I can't believe I was stupid enough to actually let that demon live…
She sat down beside the water fountain. The water fountain was made out of white marble. The statue in the middle was of the goddess from Greek mythology, Aphrodite. The Goddess was accompanied by two doves, one in her hand and the other on her shoulder.
The sun's rays shone down on Hanako as her wings unfolded from her back. Resting one hand on her chin, she sighed again.
She heard footsteps approaching until she looked up. In the distance she saw a man with green hair approaching her. Her eyes squinted to get a better vision of the stranger approaching her. Then she smiled. "Tsukasa!" she yelled, jumping up and waving her hand in the air.
Tsukasa had long green hair and deep blue eyes. He was strong and had strong facial
features. He wore a blue-violet colored cape over his black and blue armor. He had arm
guards and black gloves bearing the symbol of wings.
Tsukasa chuckled, moving closer towards Hanako. "It's good to see you again, Hanako! Or shall call you General Hanako?"
"Ah, don't be so formal, Tsukasa." Hanako swatted her hand at him. "Just because I'm in a higher position doesn't mean you have to address me like that now."
"Well, you're of higher rank now, so I should be polite to you! Since I'm just in one of the top ranks of the army, I feel I should address you that way."
Hanako smiled. "All right. If you feel you need to, my dear friend. When did you get back?"
Tsukasa had been out on a mission with the all-male military, trying to restore order in the West with the Western Vampires.
"Yes, I had just gotten back not too long ago and I wanted to come see you, ask you how your first mission went."
Hanako shook her head, "Not as I had hoped it would be, Tsukasa."
"Why? What happened?"
Hanako explained to Tsukasa what had happened: interrupting the Gathering and fighting Yukinari; Yukinari kissing her; and how the report to the Council had gone.
"That monster kissed you?" Tsukasa was shocked.
Hanako nodded. "Yes, I was quite surprised. I am still upset over him doing that to me…that damn creature!" she hissed.
"And you let him live by listening to that karyuudo?"
"It was foolish of me to let him live. Now he's continuing his search for his daughter, but at least I damaged his eyesight. I cut his right eye, giving him a long thick cut."
Tsukasa nodded. "He may be in pain, and the wound is going to slow him down a bit."
"It is just enough for us to do another attack on him and stop him from reaching his daughter," Hanako replied. "Even though it might be impossible for him to locate her…if he thinks she's still in Japan."
"Eastern Vampires are very different from Western Vampires, so it is a possibly that he could pick up her presence right away."
"Yes, he probably has ties with Western Vampires to see if she might be over there,"
"I don't think he does, Hanako. The East and West do not get along very well," Tsukasa said. "Hmm, here I thought they would be taking it that they are different in many ways I see now that they wouldn't get along."
Tsukasa nodded. "Yes, because you have to remember that they all have different characteristics."
Hanako looked at Tsukasa. "Shall we go to my place to visit more in private?"
"Sure, I could use a drink of your tea right about now, Hanako. This mission has worn me out after being gone for so long."
Hanako and Tsukasa returned to Hanako's chambers in the palace, where she brewed some herbal tea for the both of them. She poured two cups, grabbing both in each hand and blowing slightly on them. She smiled, walking towards the table and sat across from Tsukasa. "Here you go," she said, passing his cup, "Be careful, it's still a little hot."
"Thank you, General." He grinned at her.
He blew on his tea slightly and began to take sips of the tea. He looked up. "You always find the best tea, Hanako. Where do you get them?"
"Oh, I usually get them on Earth or buy them here," Hanako replied. "It's nothing too special."
Tsukasa smiled. "Ah, but it is the best I've ever tasted. It helps that I like having any kind of tea with you, Hanako…and I also like just being in your presence."
Hanako blushed, "Thank you, Tsukasa, you're…too kind."
"So, besides the missions and the Council hounding you for giving a bad report on your first mission, how do you feel about all this, Hanako?" Tsukasa asked, taking another sip of his tea.
"My feelings about all this are kind of mixed, I suppose you could say," Hanako replied, taking a sip of her tea too. "I don't know why I get the feeling that I might not be doing a very good job here. Maybe I'm just afraid of putting my army in danger."
Tsukasa put his cup down. "Don't worry about how well you're doing, Hanako. You need to look at the positive things of your position. You are the successor of General Ria and you shouldn't be worrying about what everyone else thinks." He picked up his cup and took the last sip. "The only thing you should worry about is wiping out Yukinari and his hell spawn."
He grabbed her hand. Hanako froze, as he continued.
"I know you will succeed in defeating them and you will have great favor of the Council, Hanako, Lady Mayura has great faith in you."
Hanako smiled. "You're right, Tsukasa. Maybe I'm just discouraging myself after I gave my report today. Councilman Odin wasn't too happy with it"
"Councilman Odin is so uptight. You know that. Just ignore him."
Hanako nodded. Looking down, she saw that Tsukasa still held her hand. Tsukasa quickly pulled away, clearing his throat. "Well, um, I think I should be going now Hanako," he blushed, rising from his seat. "I have to meet up with Councilman Azar and General Vladimir." He walked towards the door. Hanako followed him.
"Thank you for the tea, Hanako, I will have to stop by again tonight." He smiled, standing outside her door.
Hanako leaned on her doorway, "Yes, you should stop by again if you have time," she said, smiling, "Thank you for visiting with me. I appreciate it."
"No problem, General. I will see you later tonight." Tsukasa turned to leave, waving his hand. "Farewell for now."
"See you later."
Yukinari sighed as he sat patiently on the floor as a young woman unwrap his bandages, checking his wound. When it was finally unraveled, she rubbed her index finger on his scar with medicine. Yukinari flinched as she pressed her finger on his right eye, "It's still pretty painful, so be careful." He demanded.
"Gomen nasai Yukinari-sama. (I'm sorry, Lord Yukinari)" She replied, trying to be gentler with him.
Yukinari responded only with a grunt.
The door slid open as Shurii made his entrance, getting down his knees he bowed, then rose up to a sitting position. "Sir, we have searched the city for Suzumi," he said. "Any luck?" Yukinari asked as the young woman wrapped bandages around his head.
"No sir, the others haven't felt her presence." Shurii replied.
Yukinari sighed, "If we cannot find her here in Kyoto, then she must be else where," the woman backed away from Yukinari and left the room. "Move the search to Tokyo, make sure the karyuudo disguise themselves and not to seem too suspicious, understood?"
Shurii bowed, "Yes, sir." Rising from his spot he left the room, leaving Yukinari to think quietly to himself. Why can't we find you, Suzumi?
A girl with long red hair stood waiting at the crowded substation; she adjusted her sunglasses and turned the volume up on her mp3 player. The man standing next to her looked at her, supposedly because her music was too loud. She paid no attention to the man next to her nor the people around her as the song played.
Kimi no sono jiyuu ga mabushi sugiru
To yuu shoujo ni
Sonzai suru imi sura mitsuke rare naku temo
To kotaeta
She hummed to the lyrics as the subway approached. As it came to a screeching halt, her phone rang; she pulled the earphones from her ears and quickly scrambled in her purse to find it. "Moishi-moishi?" she said, stepping into the sub car.
"Hey Kasu-chan!" A male's voice rang out, screaming in her ear.
She pulled the phone away from her ear, sweat dropping. "Satoshi, what's up?"
"Where you at? Are you coming to my place or what?"
"Yeah, I'm getting on the subway right now and making my way back. Why?"
"'Cause I have something for you, plus some of my friends are coming over tonight," he replied.
The redhead smiled. "Oh, really? Well, all right, but I have to stop by my apartment first to drop my stuff off."
"All right. Mind if I meet you over there?"
"Sure, why not?"
"Okay! See you there! Ja!"
She hung up and made her way through the crowd to grab an empty seat next to the window. She felt a sharp pain in her head. "Ow!" she said quietly, pressing her fingers down on her head. The redhead had begun having pains in her head last week. Satoshi had suggested that she go see a doctor, but she refused. "It's probably just stress," she told him. She was too stubborn to go to one anyway.
Kasumi…
A voice whispered, the girl jumped, looking through the crowd. Everyone was too busy either reading through a newspaper or looking out the window. Kasumi! The voice spoke louder. "What?" she said out loud, a few people stared at her then looked away.
Don't let them find you, Kasumi.
Kasumi looked around again, searching through the crowd. Don't let who find me?
These men will be searching for you, Kasumi. They will be dressed in black. Whatever you do, don't let them take you!
Why?
Because they'll bring me back and want to use me for restoring order to my people.
Kasumi reached for her cell phone, trying to make it look like she was talking. "Your people? Who are you?" she whispered.
I am the daughter of a Vampire ruler, and you're my reincarnation.
"What?"
I know this sounds crazy, but you have to understand that if they find you, they'll awaken my soul and force me to become the Nigousan.
"Nigousan?"
A position that is handed down through the female generations of my family. They have to have royal blood in order to become the Nigousan. Their purpose is to restore order and possibly repopulate the race.
Kasumi couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had another soul living in her body? How could that be? Was that why she was having those sharp pains in her head? Was the girl trying to get her attention?
"Who are you?"
I am you, and you're me. You and I share the same body, although the part of my spirit that resides within you will awaken soon. I have telepathy and telekinesis powers. I will use these powers if they find us.
"Yes, but…what is your name?"
My name is Suzumi.
A/N: I know it has almost been two years since I wrote the last chapter. XD I finally have the first chapter finished! GO ME! Anyway, feedback is much appreciated and sorry if I went too quickly on this. :/