Animus
Chapter Three
-Escape-
James ran through the darkened town, trying to stay quiet, though he was breathing harshly. There were three large gashes on his side, visible through the tears in his shirt. He dove into an alleyway, pressing against the wall and closing his mouth so he wasn't such an obvious sound in the silent night. His hand moved to his side to hold the wound, though it made him wince. He couldn't even believe he'd escaped with his life.
As he and Taizen had been traveling, James had started to think about his freedom, since it had been too long since he'd been outside the witches' city walls. So, while they were resting for the night, James had gotten up and saw his chance and attacked his 'better'. Taizen had been in his human form, and he'd changed into his wolf form to get the better of him, but of course the blue haired man had recovered quicker than he would have hoped.
Thus, he'd gotten attacked. But somehow he had managed to get away and hidden in this small town. Just when he was about to try and head out again, he heard something from behind him. He whirled around, his eyes wide and somewhat dilated, though he jumped back when he was met with the face of a young woman instead of a ferocious beast.
She had long, straight brown hair, a few streaks of auburn shining in the moonlight. It fell just below her shoulders, her bangs brushed off to the right and held back with a decorated clip, the same one on the left side of her head. She was dressed in a manner that meant wealth, the crimson satin of her dress making her seem almost otherworldly. Bright teal eyes took in his appearance with curiosity, and thinly veiled concern. "Are you alright?" she asked, taking a step towards him, leaning forward and reaching for his wounded side, the action making her dress lower a bit in the front and reveal a hint of cleavage, though her chest was not very large.
James jerked back, adding more pressure to his wound. "Yes." He whispered, looking around in alarm. "I am fine." He said, pushing past her and going deeper into the alley. But instead of leaving him alone, she grabbed his arm before he was out of reach, her hold on him strong for a woman of her size.
"You're bleeding." She stated. "I can smell it…let me have a look."
"No!" he barked back at her, jerking from her once more. "I have to go."
Her gaze narrowed. "Go where? Your wound needs to be looked at before you fall unconscious from the blood loss. Just let me help you."
"I don't need help from someone like you." He seethed, his eyes turning more animal like for a split second.
"What is that supposed to mean?" she gaped, clearly offended.
"I can smell death on you." James snapped. "It's obvious what you are."
"Oh really. Then what are you." The woman glared, next to him in an instant. She quickly moved his hand out of the way and pressed hers against his side, dodging the swing of his other arm and reappearing a few feet away from him. She raised her blood-covered hand to her face and inhaled, licking some of it before her gaze shot to him and she bristled. "Werewolf." She hissed. "Where are the others? I doubt you're here on your own."
"I am on my own." He defended. He stopped, sniffing the air before he slammed her against the wall with his hand over her mouth, both of them hiding in the shadows as a loud howl echoed through the town. It wasn't much longer that they heard sniffing and a massive wolf paused in the alley mouth. The two remained still and absolutely silent until the wolf continued on.
James didn't move until he could no longer smell Taizen anymore, though he wondered how the elder werewolf hadn't smelled him. The vampiress reached up and ripped his hand away. "If you're not on your own…who was that?" she asked softly, though accusingly.
"The asshole who bit me." James growled lowly, grabbing her by the arm and heading deeper into the alley.
"Now hold on." The brunette said, tugging against his grip, though admittedly he was stronger than her. "You can't just drag me into your problem simply because I cover up your odor. You had your chance at my assistance and you rudely declined, so release me so that I can return to my home."
"Look, you were right. I need a place to stay while I heal and I can't get rest away from you." He explained, though he didn't force her. "I would appreciate it if you covered up my scent for a bit."
She gave him a considering look. "And you swear you don't mean me and my family any harm? We may be vampires, but we're not bad ones."
"I don't want to hurt anyone." He clarified for her. "I just want to be free."
He saw the surprise flash through her teal eyes, before she nodded. "Alright, I will help you, if freedom from your witch…well, the one who controls you, is what you want." she told him. "My name is Emiko, by the way."
"James." he nodded. "We should get out of here."
"Right." she agreed, lifting her skirts slightly. "Follow me as closely as you can. With you bleeding you'll be easier to smell." She told him, before turning the way she had come and walking towards the end of the alley.
James was close behind her, making sure he didn't run over her. "Thank you…" he whispered. "For helping…I didn't know vampires were actually…considerate."
Emiko glanced back at him, a smirk on her face. "I didn't know werewolves were more than mindless dogs. So we're even." She said, taking his hand and pulling him along as they quickly made their way to the edge of the town.
Once they reached it James could see a large house in the distance, sitting atop a hill. Somehow he knew that to be their destination, and as Emiko led him along, he took in the scenery while also keeping an eye out for Taizen. The house was a nice looking manor, very traditional in every aspect, including the large wired fence that went around the property to keep out trespassers. When they reached the gate it opened automatically, startling the werewolf. "My father had a witch cast a spell on it." she said. "It opens for anyone from his or my mother's lines, so the other wolf won't be able to come inside." She explained, releasing his hand as they walked up the path to the front door.
"How did he get a witch to do that?" he asked, still glancing back as if to make sure they weren't being followed.
"He promised her some of his venom." She replied. "But once she cast the spell my mother killed her. She'd discovered one of her henchmen trying to kidnap my brother and I, probably for a sacrifice or for our fangs, once they had matured." She told him. "That's why we are of the mind that witches are not to be trusted no matter what they say. They think their talent for magic gives them the right to do as they please no matter what the consequence to others."
He nodded. "They do…I hate them. But my Mistress…she's just…I can't disobey a direct order from her, and her sister scares the living daylight out of me."
She stopped at the front door and looked at him. "If you cannot disobey an order, then how is it you were able to run away?" she wondered.
"No." James spoke, shaking his head. "You misunderstand. A direct order. She is not with me now and so her influence is not upon me. If I were in her presence, I could not fight against her in attempts to kill her. Make sense?"
"Yes, that makes sense." She nodded, opening the front door and peering inside her home. "We should be able to make it upstairs without being stopped, but if we are let me do the talking." She said, letting him inside before taking his hand once more and leading him up the large staircase off to the left of the entrance.
The redhead followed her, placing his hand to his side as it began to sting from being untreated. He looked around the beautiful house and marveled slightly at the beauty it held. He knew vampires were classy, but being in one's house made him feel like a mouse caught in a maze, running around as hungry and amused eyes watched him squirm.
Eventually they came upon a large oak door. Emiko opened it, pulling him inside before shutting it and putting the lock on. "You will have to stay in my room so that you're not discovered." She said, walking over to the bedside table and picking up a pitcher and pouring some water into a bowl. She glanced at him. "Take off your shirt so that I can see your wound. And be careful not to get blood on the carpet."
"You're not going to get in trouble…are you? You're doing me a great kindness. I would hate it if you were punished because of me and my selfishness." He swallowed, carefully pulling off his shirt and wrapping it in a way to where the blood was on the inside of the bundle. He set it aside and stood before her, the glory of his well-defined muscles marred by three large claw marks across his side, along with mostly dried blood.
"If someone discovers you I'll be in a lot of trouble." Emiko replied, walking into the adjoining bathroom and reemerging with a towel. "But I won't be severely punished. My father loves me too dearly to do anything drastic." She set the towel on the bed before looking up at him, her eyes visibly widening. Slowly she walked over to him, her gaze riveted on his chest, though James couldn't tell if she was looking at the wound or the muscle. "How long does it take you to heal?" she asked, leaning down and getting a closer look as she reached out and lightly touched the wounds to test the quality of the blood.
He winced slightly, but remained still. "Not too long…I haven't eaten in a long time…so it's taking longer."
"Go and stand by the bed." she said, moving out of his way and following him over there. "What do werewolves eat?" she asked, picking up the towel and dipping the tip of it in the bowl of water. Then she sat on the edge of the bed and had him lift his arm, before lightly pressing the cloth to his side, slowly working to clean up the gashes.
"Meat."
"Any meat or do you hunt?" the brunette wondered, rinsing the cloth and continuing to wipe away the blood.
James shrugged, wincing once more. "I prefer to eat as I did when I was human…but the need sometimes outweighs the mind."
She smirked. "That it does." She agreed. When she had his side completely cleaned she looked up at him. "Okay…don't be alarmed, but I need to bite you." she said. "Using the venom I have that numbs, it will take away the pain from your wound. Nothing else should happen…and if you don't want me to I won't. We can just get some salve and put a bandage on it."
"I would prefer you not." He sighed. "Nothing against you, because you're very pretty, I just don't want a vampire biting me. If you would just patch me up and maybe get me some raw steak…I could be on my way in a few hours."
"Very well." Emiko nodded, rising from her spot on the bed. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere." She said, quickly leaving the room.
James watched the door for a bit before he looked around the room, taking in all the things she had displayed. By the looks of it, she was young in her age, for a vampire at least. There were paintings and books all around the room, though in a neat and clean way. He circled the room, looking over the pictures and seeing Emiko as a small girl, along with a few other very attractive dark haired girls, though his eyes always went back to the peppy looking auburn haired girl.
He looked back when the door opened and he saw her come back in, carrying some bandages and a jar of what he assumed was salve. "From what I've seen this stuff works pretty well." She said, walking up to him. "We keep it for our human servants, in case they get hurt."
"You have human servants?" James blinked.
"Well someone has to look over the house during the day when we're asleep." Emiko smiled. "Besides, they're a very loyal bunch, and we treat them well. They have their own wing of the house, they get a nice salary for their work and their silence, and we never mistreat or bite them." she explained, opening the jar. Her nose wrinkled. "This smells questionable."
He watched her, a small smirk coming to his features. "You just want an excuse to bite me." He chuckled, the sound actually surprising him, since he hadn't laughed in a long time.
She looked sheepish at that comment. "Well it would be preferable…despite being a werewolf you smell and taste good…and you just look good enough to eat." she blushed and shook her head. "But that's beside the point. Here," she dipped three of her fingers in the salve and began to coat the gashes, wanting to move past her admission.
"Creatures of habit." He mused. "You still can't bite me though. That definitely takes some courting."
"Courting?!" Emiko instantly stood straight, her eyes wide as a dark blush became visible on her pale façade. "Are you out of your mind?! I can't court you, I'm a lady. I get courted."
James smiled. "Well if you want it so bad, you're going to have to go the extra mile."
She huffed, sticking her lower lip out in a pout as her brow drew together. "You're teasing me."
"Only slightly." He grinned. "But it's been a long time since I have enjoyed a conversation with someone."
She blinked. "How long?" she wondered.
"Um…" he tried to think. "Three decades…I believe…"
"I'm sorry." She said, looking sincerely sad for him. She returned her attention to his wound and finished covering it with the balm. "I can't even imagine that…though I have heard that when vampires reach a certain age they tire of constant conversation and prefer to be alone. At least that's how it is with my great-grandfather. He's eight hundred."
"Wow." James seemed in slight awe. "That's…old."
"I don't know if it's true or not…my family is full of people that hate interacting with others, and only tolerate when we're all together." She smiled slightly. "But I love them. I couldn't imagine ever shutting myself off from the world, or my family. It's always changing. So you never miss out on the opportunity to learn new things." She pulled away and wiped off the salve on her fingers, before picking up the bandages and beginning to roll them around his torso to cover the cuts.
The redhead stared forward as she finished up with his bandages. "Must be nice to be able to have your family forever."
"It is." She nodded. "I don't know how made vampires survive. I think I would-" she looked up and noticed his expression. "Oh…I'm sorry, I shouldn't be carrying on like this about my family. Let's talk about something else. Like where you're from. I noticed you have an odd accent."
"England." He said. "Been awhile since I've been there. Witches tend to avoid that area."
She smiled, tying off his wrappings. "But now that you're free you can go back. You could do anything you want."
"So long as they never find me or someone kills the witch who has control over me." He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Well thanks for the bandages. I should probably get out of your house now."
"But I haven't fed you yet." Emiko said, placing her hand on his arm to keep him from leaving. "You're too weak right now to be travelling the countryside, especially with that other wolf out there. Wait until tomorrow night to leave, when it's safer. You can stay here during the day. I'll give you some of my brother's clothes to wear, so that when you leave you'll still smell like us for a while." She reasoned.
He looked down at her, slightly surprised. "Where would I sleep?" he wondered, looking around the room and seeing the only bed.
She blinked, her teal gaze landing on her bed. "Oh…I suppose I didn't think about that. You would have to stay in here so that you weren't discovered…but it would be suspicious if I slept in another room." She sighed, a bit deflated. "If you insist on leaving tonight, at least let me get you some clothes to change into and something to eat."
"I'll stay until sunrise. That way I won't have to worry if your family finds me." He suggested, hating the defeated look on her face.
A small smile came to her face. "Alright. Let me go and get you the things you'll need. I'll be right back." She said, picking up the jar of salve and the extra bandages, before leaving the room once more.
She came back shortly, carrying a tray with a plate of raw steaks and a glass of water, some clothes tucked beneath her arm. "Tadaaki's shirt might be a bit loose on you." she warned, setting the tray on the bed before showing him the clothes. "His shoulders are broader. But they should do."
"That's okay. I greatly appreciate all you've done for me." He said, sitting down on the floor before she passed him the tray. He took a piece of meat and began to rip it apart with his now sharp teeth. He ate the rest of the meat in a similar fashion, though he still kept it dignified, downing the water when he was finished.
Emiko watched the entire thing in fascination, since she had never seen a werewolf eat before. "I wonder if you hunt similar to the way I do." She said when he was done.
He shook his head. "It's much less decorous. Pretty much like a rabid animal ripping apart its meal."
"That's a good way to put it, I suppose." She sighed, picking up the tray and rising. "I will take care of this while you change. Dawn is fast approaching, so I will need to go to sleep before the sun rises." She said, going over to the door.
"Alright." He rose and began to take off his pants, showing the incline to his manhood, as he wasn't wearing any underwear.
Emiko's eyes widened and she gasped, nearly dropping the tray if it weren't for her fast reflexes. When James looked up at her curiously, she became a dark red before turning and practically running out of her bedroom.
He blinked, confused with her actions, before he continued to undress and change into the clothes she'd brought him. She was right about the shirt being a bit loose, but the pants were a perfect fit, and that was all he really cared about. When she came back into the room it was with hesitation, though the second she saw he was fully clothed she entered. "They fit better than I thought they would." She said, taking in his form, a bit of color still to her cheeks. "Um, I must ready for the day, so if you would just preoccupy yourself." She waved to the rest of her room, before turning and going into her bathroom.
She reemerged nearly seconds later, her hair down completely and better framing her face. She was wearing the standard nightdress for women of wealth, though it was covered by her long crimson silk robe. "When you leave, make sure none of the servants see or hear you." she yawned, walking over to her bed and untying the heavy velvet drapes, letting them fall in order to conceal the mattress. "And don't worry about the gate. It opens automatically for anyone leaving the property."
"Thank you." He said softly. "For your help."
Emiko smiled up at him. "You're welcome. If you ever need help in the future James, come and find me. I promise to do whatever I can."
He nodded. "Stay away from the witches." He warned, turning serious. "You're not a pureblood, are you?"
Her expression instantly became guarded and hesitant. "…why?"
"Because-" something stabbed through him and his hand automatically went to his throbbing heart. He grimaced, feeling the power of his mistress closing down on him if he dared to speak anymore. "Just be careful." He got out through clenched teeth.
She frowned. "James, are you alright?" she asked, reaching up and placing a hand to his forehead. "Do you need to lie down?"
He shook his head and backed away from her. "Just stay away from the witches." He said once more, before running over to her window and opening it. He looked around before he dropped down and landed gracefully on the ground, taking off towards the gate and disappearing into the dissipating night.
Emiko rushed over to her window to look after him, hissing at the uncomfortable sensation of faint sunlight on her skin. She closed her window and drew the curtains over it, before making her way to her bed and climbing in, where she would be safe from the sun's rays. As she lay down to sleep, she couldn't help but think of James, and what he had said. If the witches were up to something, she had a feeling her Uchiha cousins already caught wind of it. But just in case, she would write her uncle Akito and tell him the news. Because if it had something to do with purebloods, then her cousins could be in danger.