me familia: hory shet mehns, na ji-gg ako sa comments nyo haha lul mamaya na kayo xD
heres a longer, more fun chapter for yall, sorry if the 10th bored you, *coughDierdreicough*
Disclaimer: Both mangas from whence these crossovers are based including the characters are owned by each of their respective owners, yah...
CH 11 P. DENSE FOG
A certain Uchiha practiced his speech in his mind for 2 hours. Well, not that long. Actually, he's been thinking about this ever since he learned who and what she is. And its just these last two hours that its been weighing heavy on his mind. And he hoped, after his proposition, that her answer will be yes. He know its not his place as a servant to be presumptuous. Even more so, to ask more of the generous master's compliance.
What would she think if he asked this?
More importantly, what would she feel? What would she say?
He hates to admit it, but its been weighing heavily on his emotions as well. And Uchihas are not known to chicken when it comes to matters of expressing what they think. More so of what they feel.
She might as well sooner know of his intentions.
And if she refused, well he believed in the saying, "there is a right time for everything".
And so, he tapped on his constantly present courage. He took the opportunity this afternoon, sensing the master is in a good mood. Even so, what hes about to say will determine the outcome of their fragile relationship.
He tread carefully.
"Hime-sama, may I ask you a question?''
"Youre already asking one, Itachi…" she replied playfully. Shes been anticipating this ever since he's accepted servitude. Either way, shes not sure if shes ready for this. What hes about to say will either fortify or break their delicate relationship.
"Ive been meaning to ask…'' She felt that the pace is going too fast.
"Took you too long…"
Itachi looked away. The movement causing to regulate blood circulation in his face, quickly dismissing the blood rushing to his cheeks. With his face sideways from her, he reminded her of the guy about to reveal his longing to the leading lady in those Korean romance-dramas that Sawawa likes so much…
"Youre not the type to cut-off someone in conversation, Hime-sama…"
This time its her turn to blush. But shes also not one to backdown from anything. "I get the feeling you're going to make this hard for me… So why shouldn't I for you~?" Her tone sickly-sweet.
Its always like this with her. Their every conversation a battle of just one primary goal in his mind, he decided to get on with it and push his luck.
He finally asked.
"Hime-sama… I want you to know… I…
No offense but your library is becoming inadequate for me.
And I know its not my place to ask but, I wish to go where you found me and investigate further. And I cannot go there without, your help…"
"…''
Lillianne does not know what to think.
Should she be relieved that its not 'that'. Though she admits that shes most curious about 'that' & to experience 'that' along with the joys of it as someone who isn't interested in being queen.
She has no idea why she feels a pang of disappointment, that she doesn't get to break away from the heroin's bitter fate & get to be free to join her man and the couple embrace, then they go on adventures and they get to live happily ever after with no burdens of being royalty whatsoever.
She snapped out of it.
Itachis waiting for her response. And she was staring at him as if his hair had tuned pink. That was according to him, when he tried to break the ice and she was still staring at him intently after more than a few seconds.
''fufu." Hime laughed at her own foolish thoughts. What a ridiculous thing to think of…
She made a mental note not to watch any more of those blasted soap-operas. And continue her reading of Shakespeare's Romeo&Juliet instead.
...
Tch… I cant believe I asked this too soon. Now she would figure out my true intentions. If im not mistaken, she probably suspects me already…
''fufun…" Hime finally went back to her casual face.
It cant be! Has she figured it out?
Ah well…. I always have my sharingan. Ill find my way back one way or another.
But what if her blood can prevent me from using Koto amatsukami on her? And she decides to punish me… damn….
And what if she lied about that 'one mind and soul'… what if she know whats in my mind already…
...
He recalled that one day he asked the princess about what Reiri told Hiro during the trial.
"If master and servant are one in mind and body, does that mean the master can control the servant and see whats in his mind?" She replied she doesn't know. Only the magicians and witches have that advanced kind of magic. And other particular species of monsters. As for the royal phoenixes, she wasn't sure. The only known mind powers existing in the royalties is just Telekinesis, which Emil has.
Though she didn't answer if she, herself, can see within her blood warrior's mind.
Clever.
After her duel, he made sure never to underestimate her, and everyday after that.
...
After going throughout this memory, he has calmed his inner turmoil. He is being uncharacteristic today. No matter… Nothings worth anything without taking great risks for it anyway, his father once said. And what his previous life taught him.
"hmm… and you wish for me to accompany you?"
"You don't have to trouble yourself, Hime-sama. Though I will need the help from Riza or Reiri. Only they know how to enter the monster realm."
Hime's eye twitched. Does he really not believe in my kindness? And how much does he really need to withhold things from me?
Again, Itachi waited for the princess' reply. Completely and albeit more dignified. She twirled her hair in her fingers. A habit of hers when shes alright or about to agree with something.
"Reiri's probably told you already, that that part of the temple disappeared… and what would you do with the knowledge im sure you'll be accumulating as soon as I agree to bring you to the kingdom? It cant be just for the sole purpose of protecting me, is it?
And certainly, not just for the sake of preserving yourself… id like to believe you're not that kind of man."
As expected of Hime-sama. Sharp observations befitting royalty. But assumes too early…
He put on his most good-naturedly face. He answered, "Knowledge is power."
"So its about power all along?"
"Yes. But-"
"You can make clones of yourself, you can walk on water, even on the walls and ceiling. For a human, you defy gravity. Your aim is impossibly perfect and you can also move in impossible speed. Ill be frank, youre the most dangerous person I know.
What more do you need power for?''
"… But not the kind that benefits only one person. The power I want, no, need, is the kind of power that protects." He looked at her straight in the eyes as he said those. But the princess knows hes seeing something, somewhere far beyond her. Already, he probably knows more about her kingdom than she does. She guarantees that he knows little about her, and that made her feel at ease.
But she knows less about him.
That's the true connection between them. Two fighters circling each other. Each calculating the other's moves. Each standing for their own interests.
Trust is next to non-existent to people with dangerous minds like them.
''Ill think about it. Expect it by tonight."
That was fast… He thanked her with full sincerity.
The heavy tension in the atmosphere disappeared as the princess and her servant proceeded to their original discussion. They spent the whole afternoon planning for improvements on the mansion and all other things concerning the house. The man about house security and the lady about house décor.
The two were so engaged in their exchange of ideas that it took a blackout to finally end their conversation.
As soon as Sawawa delivered the princess' dinner, he sent a shadow clone to scout the premises while the original went down the basement for Flandre, to check if she's sufficiently charged.
Upstairs, the princess ate her dinner without a worry.
"hehe~ this blackout makes me remember the night of a typhoon. Hiro was so scared he was crying~''
"… He's a coward now, are you saying he used to be worse?''
"Sometimes a blackout is nice, don't you think so ojou-sama~?'' replied Sawawa, being herself.
...
At the main door, Hiro let in the princess when he heard her irately knocking from the outside.
"What were you thinking? Locking your mistress outside?''
Hiro is confused. He thought she was dining upstairs. But since Itachi-san is beside her, he easily dismissed his bewilderment.
"Whats all the commotion?" His heart skipped a beat when he heard the princess voice from atop the stairs.
"e-eh….?"
"That's…me?" the princess from atop the stairs softly uttered.
"hmph. So that's it. Im not that surprised." The princess from below the stairs confidently stated.
"e-eh…? two Hime?"
"Itachi! Shes coming!" the princess below warned.
Just when Riza came crashing through the window, Itachi emerged from Hime's library door, the same level where Hime-on-top-of-the-stairs is standing, along with her trusty Flandre. "Hime-sama, my clone dematerialized. I think it was attacked but I didn't see the-"
His describing was cut-off when he looked at the direction shes looking. Strange… I don't remember making that clone. And, two princesses?
"eh? eh?! two Itachi-san?" Hiro cut the silence.
Then Riza was suddenly attacked by a familiar blur of black and forest green. The force of the kick sent her crashing into a wall.
"eh?! two Riza?!"
"Who the hell are you!? You impostor!" the attacker demanded. The attacked Riza said nothing and ran outside. She was about to follow it when Hime stopped her.
"Let her go, Riza. Its best not to go outside, that's what they want." Hime-below said.
"Eh? two Hime? whoa! two Itachi too?! oh wait, Itachi can do shadow clones… but the two Hime? the heck's going on?"
"fufu…you seem to know a lot about this. Theres a lot we should talk about…" said the Hime-atop-the-stairs.
"fufu… fine. Youre a little better than them." the Hime below agreed.
"The heck is happening?!" Riza exclaimed again.
Somehow, the confrontation is continued on the main dining room, with everyone present. Except for the maid who excused herself, claiming her head must be playing tricks on her if shes seeing two Itachi-san and two ojou-sama…
The two Hime and two Itachi at opposite sides of the table, assessing each other, Flandre in the middle. During the quiet, the Itachi on the right side adjusted his hair in a higher ponytail. The one on the left continued glaring.
He's now in a tricky situation again. He thought its futile to wish he's a sensor-type ninja or a Hyuuga with Byakugan born eyes instead. He'll have to fully rely on Hime and the team this time again. The feeling he hates most is being at a disadvantage, with no jutsu to solve the problem immediately. His mind assumed the worst, but his heart believes that even if this one was able to fully replicate his appearance, the mangekyo sharingan is exceptional.
The two Hime are now calmly discussing about the pod people. Creatures from another world who replicates people and replaces them. With a sting from them, they can copy one's DNA. They are intelligent, stealthy beings. They probably caused the fog today to be abnormally denser.
...
The two Itachi, have different things in mind. The Uchiha-glaring™ contest between them is so intense that both princesses agreed to let the men voice their thoughts. Both aware that speaking without permission is not the ninja's characteristic.
"Shouldn't we be discussing about who is the original?" the one on the left calmly said, all the while not backing down on the glaring contest.
"I think Flandre can do a scan. And whichever's blood works, is the only unquestionable solution. Besides, I myself, can prove that Im the original." The one with high ponytail said, equally stoic. Tch… does this mean ill have to show my sharingan? No, theres always another way. Hime's blood… But none of us are scheduled for today…
"Then its settled." Both princess said at the same time.
Settled? Fine. He'll beat the impostor with Amaterasu, and quickly deactivate it without anyone noticing the change of color in his eyes. Blood will flow, but that's only it.
But if the clone has copied the full-extents of his sharingan too… it wouldn't bode well for the house and its current occupants.
The princesses ordered the men settle it outside. Then Riza, Hiro, Reiri and Flandre defend the mansion and sent them out to deal with the incoming multiple clones the half-breed smelled. Leaving the two royalties to themselves.
It was the best choice, let the most powerful deal with the equally powerful. And the rest of the team deal with their respective doppelgangers.
"She's taking them down easily… Im not sure what to feel about that…'' admitted Riza. While they walk on the hallway, she watch how little Flandre crush and easily pound the half-breed's replicas with the robot's signature weapon.
Hiro, after 10 days with Itachi-san's training, has improved. Atleast hes holding the axe properly now, and hes light on his feet. Sadly, he decided to still be a standing meat-shield, and exclaimed that its difficult for him to decide who to attack, which is which, etc.
"Its easy for me~~~" sing-songed the pureblood. Giving a powerful kick to a Riza.
"uh… Reiri-san, that was the real one."
"Oh now you can tell!?" exclaimed the red-haired.
"…oh, what should I do? I cant tell which is the real bitch…"
"wench! You did that on purpose!"
"oh well~ it doesn't really matter anyway…. I mean shes just a bitch~" Taking joy from her rival's demise, the floating vampire was unable to evade a slithering plant from behind her.
"Ouch! What was that? A bug…?" She rubbed her bottom from where she was stung.
"gaah! Don't make things more complicated!"
A few minutes later, the group is now facing an increased horde. Duplicates of both the half-breed and the vampire.
Leafy vines and roots sprouted from the corpses in their wake, now morphing back into the pod-people's true form. The fighting went on for a while. Long enough for Hiro to pass out from the fatigue. Same with Flandre who stopped moving, having consumed the last of her battery's power. But the enemy's numbers kept increasing.
That was fast.
The clone was surprisingly immune to Tsukuyomi. It unnerved him, that he had to cast it on someone with his exact same features.
He remembered what the princess said, pod-people. It is true that a plant cannot feel pain. So he weaved the hand-signs for the famous Uchiha technique, after casting a genjutsu on it so it stays in place. The replica has remarkably copied the same speed, agility and perfect aim as his'. Fortunately, none of his optical powers and Kekkei genkai.
Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu!
And that was it. Not even a speck of ash is left. Looks like the great fireball did more damage than good, razing everything in its path. Though he did carefully aim the technique away from the direction of the house, a great area has caught fire and is now rapidly spreading.
Flandre will be cross with me. She just recently trimmed the backyard lawn… He noticed that the fire cleared the fog in the vicinity. He made his way back to the house to assist the group. Aware of the princess intently observing his whole fight from the second-floor balcony.
...
He found them at the deeper end of the estate, sceptical to see Hime with them, unsure whether shes the original or not. Shes carrying what appears to be one of the amazing technologies of this world. A flame-thrower. A proficient weapon, and very hazardous, especially to the carrier if not properly equipped. Whereas the princess is not. Shes still in her unchanging style of a sleeveless, gothic dress.
"Reiri, take Riza and return." She commanded.
Hn?
"wha! Wait a minute! Its impossible for anyone to do alone… youll be killed!'' answered Riza.
Exactly!
Reaching the heart of the enemy's claimed territory. An alien-like tree that wasn't there before has now consumed most of the land area. Elongated, life-sized pods are attached to it where the clones develop from. And multiple, specificly replicas arise from it by the minute.
Now theyre facing a double-digit numbers of a cloned resilient vampire, and a fierce and tough werewolf.
"That's an order. Understood?" Her serious tone implying she will not accept any more objections.
Reiri did, and complied, lifting the hesitant Riza and drifted away.
"As for you Itachi. It appears that I am the clone. Im not your princess to order you… so I simply ask of you, ensure that these organisms are completely eradicated.''
Without waiting for an answer, she charged on, flame-thrower blazing.
He watched her receding figure as she pushes forward, the fire brightening the night. He watched in deep thought and for a moment, he thought she looked very beautiful, with the flames illuminating her determined face.
Very well…
Amaterasu!
...
The next day is bright and clear.
The princess basked in the morning sun when Riza joined her.
"The blood you gave Hiro worked… so thankfully you're the real one."
Hime said nothing. She continued taking in the gentle breeze.
"She… your duplicate. She was just an impostor, but she was also undoubtedly you. Her spirit was also noble…" red tinting her cheeks. The half-breed isn't used to giving people praises.
The princess smiled back.
But it only lasted a second. Her slender brows furrowed at the wrecked backyard, then at the direction of the battle site. The area where the giant alien-tree once stood and its surrounding corrupted foliage now devastatingly scorched. As if a little meteor hit the area with its full impact.
"Still, I didn't know he has a power like that! First, you tell me he spits giant fireballs, and now black flames?! It even burned the soil itself! Just what the hell is he, Hime?"
Hime knew a bit of answer to that, but she's not really sure herself. If her speculation about him is right…
"hmm…"
"Those sure are some damn scary abilities… Im so glad he's on our side!"
Scary abilities indeed. The princess contemplated on her companion's statement.
Even without this ability of his, im sure he could effortlessly defeat onii-sama's telekinesis… But this. This power. He could easily turn the tide of the royal battle on a whim… if he so wished it…
That night…. He was barraged with questions. And there's no escaping it. Not from the clutches of an overly eager energetic red-haired, overly eager vampire and equally overwhelmed Hiro. The princess joined them herself in the kitchen table where they're having dinner.
Riza shouted her questions, only a few feet from his face.
Hiro's admiration topped the charts with his starry eyes. Excitedly 'demanding' him that he teach him the technique.
And Reiris floating near him as well, with an aura so dark & with a face that just says she's ready to suck every drop of his blood any moment now…
As for Hime, the princess' entrance silenced the kitchen room. She positioned herself on the opposite side of the table, directly facing Itachi. She crosses her arms and furrowed her brows. Waiting for his answers with the same amount of anticipation as them.
The shinobi took this chance to change the subject. "How gracious of you to join us for dinner, Hime-sama." Its usually Reiri who says these formalities but he needed to take it upon himself this time.
Her furrowed brows deepened.
"… by the way… Ive been meaning to ask. Why is there only one clone of me and of you, Hime-sama?"
''Yea! I was wondering about that too!" Riza unknowingly joined the new direction of topic he created.
Bless you, Riza…
"That's because their power is too great, or more likely, their blood unique that the alien-tree can only duplicate one of them~ Don't you think so, Hime-sama~?" the vampire answered. Dark rings appearing in her eyes whenever shes serious. With that she also abruptly ended the subject.
Hn… He cant exactly get mad at her… so he cursed the Uchiha and all those who share the clan's evil trait. Tch… oh well, persistence is also a virtue.
"Hiro, were you stung? We didn't see any clones of you either." He turned his attention to him to avoid Hime's piercing gaze. Said person is already tapping her fingers in the table.
"By instinct, pod-people choose to replicate those with higher genetical qualities than them. That's how they evolve." The princess answered the question herself, impatience dripping in her voice.
"That's right~ and I bet his replica cant duplicate Itachi-san's abilities… like those black flames perhaps? Ive never heard of a creature who can do all what you can…" Reiri licked her lips, recalling last night.
...
She dropped Riza on the ground. Complaining of the bitch's heavy weight. And she is quite tired too. Itachi called their attention, telling them to get farther away. Red, delicious, blood cascading down from his eye.
"Ill set this area aflame."
The black fire appeared wherever he looked.
She really should've taken her chance and cleaned his bloodied cheek for him. She would've dashed in a blink for it, if not for the black fire that terrified her so. Fearing for her life overpowered her lust for a taste of his blood, she drifted in the night sky away from the frightening flames. As far away as she can.
Speaking of blink, is it just me or his onyx eyes were different that night? Or maybe just the flames and his delightful blood reflecting…?
Ah well… what a waste…
...
"Your eye bled last night~ Did you not think of me when you wiped it away? You know it was a sweet treat for me~"
"ugh… lay off him wench…"
"Jealous, bitch~?
The princess cleared her throat. Signalling everyone to get back on the matter. And because she doesn't like the way she openly flirted in front of her. The way she cupped his chin. Not at all.
She was fine with the vampire's flirtatious behavior, just not now. Especially now.
After Riza swiped off Reiri's index finger from his chin, he inwardly sighed. Guess theres no escaping it.
"Its an ability natural to my clan. But not all are born with it, thus, no access to it." He vaguely stated.
They were all silent. All eyes were focused on him, urging him to go on. Except for Sawawa, whos busy cooking. Rizas interested so much she forgot her hunger.
"The fireball is, a traditional technique. But the black flames are very rare. Only a few in each generation of my clan has the ability to use it…"
"woow… but doesn't that, powerful flames have a downside? Like, are you immune to it? And can you produce the flames to infinity? Cuz that would be awesome!"
"It does have a disadvantage. Overusing it would drain my energy."
"oh~~~So one has to be physically conditioned to use it, hm~?
''Yes."
"Hm. Unlike the ordinary fire like the first one you produced, it spread anywhere. But the black ones, it stopped precisely at the area of the tree only. Does this mean you have full control of these flames?" this time, its Hime who asked.
He was about to answer, but he saw that Hiro was about to say something too. So he let the boy speak first with hopes that whatever he has to say will lead them away from this topic.
"Ah! That's because he has the mangekyo sharingan!" Hiro said. Happily contributing to their conversation.
Itachi dropped his spoon. He is completely taken by surprise.
How did he know this? No one from this world should know this! First the kid knew his full name, and now his ocular powers as well?
"Hiro, how did you know this?"
"e-eh? I-its true, I knew it! whaa~ so amazing!" he absentmindedly replied as he stared back at his sensei's eyes.
Bright red with rapid spinning tomoe. Sharingan blazing.
A/n: ooooooohhhh…..
Whats happenin? Y u know, Hiro?!
Anyway, Theres the ship you asked for!, Haha-ue-sama! hwahaha oompfh! a hint of himXLili and himXReiri if you squint, & himXRiza if your imagination is too wild...
thought he gonna reveal his feelings in the first part of this chapt., did ya~? well he aint. Hyakunen hayainn-da~~
hate me cuz you hate me, but i aint shipping him with nobody yet~
I always appreciate reviews~(which writer doesnt?)
Even the shitty ones because shit can always be turned into fertilizer :D
Kodoku-wo-shiranu Trickster out~