나는 이 마스크 착용 ("This mask I wear") : An Asian Vampire Tale

나는 이 마스크 착용 ("This mask I wear") : An Asian Vampire Tale

Interested in playing a minor character? Please PM me.**MUST BE AN EXPERIENCED WRITER!**

Chapter One: There is no place for us; so far away. But it's closer than it was yesterday...........
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an awful eerie tune. She noticed him singing. Hitting the notes at perfect pitch, sitting up to play his form of air-guitar and drums. It was cute, a rare treat. Hell, everything about this day was a treat. She was beside the most handsome man in the entire world, Ryuki Oda! And here he was, naked in her bed, singing "The Funeral" without a care in the world. She loved how his hair looked at that moment. Long, in his eyes and shaggy. It just added to his slim-but-built physique. His red contacts seemed to glow brighter with each passing hour. She had to admit; the whole idea of him pretending to be a vampire turned her on like nobody's business.

"C'mere stud.." The girl whispered, her voice a husky southern drawl. Her memory was still fuzzy. She remembered the concert, the party.. but how did she end up in bed with this sexy flesh of existence? Did it matter? She just had sex with Ryuki fucking Oda! She giggled, her manicured nail scratching lightly against his pale, cold skin. The song ended, his smiling face dropping to a serious note. "F-B♭-F-B♭..Vibrato and perhaps a Col legno.. no..Martelé?" He whispered to himself, reaching underneath the girl's bed to grab a small, vinyl coffin case. Within a single word muttered, he opened the clasps, her pulled out his life, the only thing he lived for; plucking the strings to ensure it's sound.

" This.. is Lailia". He whispered quietly, his eyes burning intensely into the young girl's grey orbs. The cotton sheet bunched around his lower half, showing off his upper body, the muscles moving lazily as he took pose of a intellectual scholar. " When I bed an AB+, I like to thank her in a song of her choosing. Since you are of AB+ blood, your rarity in blood-type is suitable to be matched in a rare cover of your favorite song. It shall be a song that will stay with you, always; a gift for you, fair maiden..." Ryuki forced a smile, as warm as he could. He heard the groaning of his love. She hated this build-up. She was hungry. She wanted to be fed.

"Oh! Can you play "Stellar?" The girl asked, her eyes gleamed, smiling big. Little did she find it odd that he knew what blood type she was. With a nod, Ryuki picked up the bow, resting his beloved against his cheek. With a silent countdown, her began to play for the girl, her body swaying to the sweet melody that emerged from the petite instrument.

"Behave.." he whispered to Lailia, watching his prize hum silently, picking up the pace as if imitating one, two.. no. Four violins at once. Yet, the girl did not notice. A side affect to listening to such clean, crisp music. His darkened eyes watched her. His smile growing wider. Lailia whined through the bow, her patience running out. " Just a little more.." he murmured, his eyes never leaving the woman. " Mmm.." The girl moaned, closing her eyes to the rhythm of the tune. The song was at a close, his arm stretching out to the world. Finally she was free again!

Well, it's about time! The pink-haired demon yawned, her eyes looking over to the frightened girl. "She..Who..She--" "Just came out of the violin. I know.. cool isn't it?" Lailia chucked, walking slowly over to the stereo. " Ryuki, dear. You know I hate this melodramatic crap. Let's put something more feisty on. Don't you agree?" She purred, cranking the stereo dial over to the originally set station. Cracking a smile, the demonic woman's heels clicked on the hard wood floor loudly, finally silencing. She was behind the girl, her hands around her neck.

"I have less than a minute before I turn back, Ryuki. Kill the bitch now before you have to go to your little frat party. Hurry. My strength is leaving me." Lailia barked, watching the nude man walk over slowly to the crying girl. "Please..don't...kill..me!" The girl cried out, feeling the cold hands tighten around her fragile neck. Sighing softly, Ryuki bent down, looking into the poor girl's frightened eyes. "I was really hoping you would say something less generic. Shame that you picked those as your last words." He shook his head, his arm reaching out to touch her cheek. " Ryuki.. it's okay! I won't tell anybody what you are! We can run away! You don't have to listen to this girl! Just please... help me! Help-- CRACK!"

" My.. she just didn't know when to shut up!" Lailia yawned, her hands moving up to brush a strand of hair from her flawless face. She watched her partner cradle the lifeless girl in his arms, studying her limp body. Humans were really such fragile creatures. It had been so long since he truly appreciated the human sexual scent of pheromones and sweat. To appreciate their warmth, the glitter in their eyes, the frazzle of their unique steps.. but the taste of such rare blood? There was nothing like it! He watched Lailia's beautiful face twist into such a horror. How could beautiful creatures such as the vampire also look so horrifying? Lailia looked the same, her face perfect, soft..her glow still present, but the fangs were hard to ignore. The hiss coming from her throat was as chilling as the Autumn night's air.

Ryuki gulped, holding back anymore thoughts. The scent was intoxicating. He felt the change, the hair on the back of his neck rising up. His mouth salivating. Ryuki lowered his head, nuzzling up against her neck. "Still warm."He thought to himself, clutching the body closer to him. His tongue felt his canines. Sharp. He was ready. " Hurry up!" Lailia growled, tapping her foot impatiently, her body starting to show the change of her curse. He didn't care. This was a special moment. One only to be shared between himself and this once care-free creature. Blocking his former wife's bitching. His fangs scraped against the thin skin of her neck, his own throaty growl growing more evident. He couldn't take this cruel torture to himself anymore. He had to have her!

Licking once the tender flesh, her felt his fangs envelope around the cooling flesh. His mouth being filled with the warm liquid. Lailia's words were a distant memory. Only thoughts of the girl's future dreams invaded his mind. Her name was Stacey Bateman. A freshman and a long time fan of Mask. The rest was irrelevant. The girl wanted to be a cop. How ironic. The Last bit was enough for his love, his mouth filling up with just enough fluid before he detached himself from the cold, lifeless body. He heard the loud "thump" as she collapsed on the floor, her once grey eyes rolled up to the back of her skull, her mouth opened, probably to expel her last breath. The nude man stood up, wiping his mouth before bending over to pick up his faded red violin. Letting the warm, crimson fluid flow over the wooden body, he watched the liquid disappear, bringing it down towards the body. Using his sharpened index fingernail, he quickly swiped the young girl's majority artery, watching the remaining blood pool around the instrument, only to see it be absorbed by such a vile creature.

As Lailia drank, he began to change his look, playing up his hair. Staring at the small room, he scanned it over; making sure nothing could trace back to him. Ryuki walked over to the body, picking up Lailia, giving her the once over before returning her to her case. His index finger went over the puncture wounds, slicing it cleanly over- just in case. That's all he needed, was inexperienced vampire hunters trying to track him down. He chuckled lightly, grabbing the case before walking out of the door and down the hall.

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10:40pm

The music at the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity was pumping loudly, irritating the ears of the young President. His hair was in his eyes again, brushing it away before entering the house, his violin case in tow. Instantly, a girl approached the rock star, her face uncomfortably close to his own. " You are twenty minutes late!!" The girl grumbled, letting the toxic fumes of her cigarette inhale into his lungs. Ryuki grunted, pushing the girl away. " Not right now, Nora." he grumbled, noticing Neirah and Li already up on the stage, unpacking the gear. He noticed the two microphones. The crowd was expecting Lailia to play. Growling slightly, her shot a dirty glare at Nora, watching her cower slightly. That's all he needed. Lailia to suddenly show up, play a few songs and then disappear, leaving him to make up an excuse to her university fans.

He hated being in a frat and even more so, hated being the president. He understood why he got the position, hell; even getting in. A famous rock star would boost activity and pledges in the already filthy-rich fraternity, it would get the chicks, sponsors and most importantly- fame. Because of who he was, why wouldn't it be a good idea to make him president, leaving the poor human VP stuck with everything, as the president got to travel the world, enticing women and most likely bedding them all. Wasn't that why UCLA was the third most popular school to attend to? To see the members of Mask being normal, university students? He hated to be reminded of that. He felt his blood boil.

"Ten minutes before we play. Might as well mingle and get a drink." Nora gleamed, her annoying smile. Sighing slightly, Ryuki took her advise, walking over to the kitchen to steal someone's bottle of booze. " Let's see.. Bacardi..no..Smirnoff..too weak..ah..really? Absinthe? Why not?" Ryuki chuckled, taking the heavy bottle into his slender hand. It had been a while since he drank the licorice-tasting supposed hallucinogen. He didn't bother pouring a glass. The alcohol didn't affect him. Taking a swig, he stared at the crowd, smiling at his fellow frat "brothers" trying desperate attempts to bed drunken girls. He noticed Nora giggling as a tall, foot-ball looking jock attempted to pick up his genderless sibling. It made him chuckle.

"Well, I guess you get to show off and steal my show tonight, Lailia." Ryuki told himself, walking towards the stair case to hide the violin in a vacant bedroom. The girl sure did like to startle crowds with fancy entrances. As he made his way, pushing drunken girls out of his way; he unlocked the presidential bedroom, tossing the violin case onto the freshly-made bed. " Great. Someone slept on my bed. Fucking perfect." He mumbled angrily, flipping open the case. " You got a minute before you're on. Don't leave me hanging." Ryuki grumbled before running down the stairs and onto the stage. "Is she ready?" Nora asked, adjusting her bass-guitar combo instrument's strap. Li quietly nodded to the two, signaling that he was ready. Motioning for the lights to go down a bit, Ryuki walked up towards the front of the small stage in the middle of the living room, hearing the claps of his fellow students growing louder.

"Um.. Thanks everyone for coming out tonight" He smiled, forcing himself to act normal- happy. "I can't tell you how much I am thrilled to be with all of you, in this frat, getting high as fuck and drunk as piss! As you know, this is my last year here at UCLA. When I was a freshman, I was brand new to America. All I knew were my siblings and my long time friend, Lailia Park who, may I add is going to be preforming tonight a few songs before she gets shipped out to Tokyo to work on her solo project! So without further ado, this is Mask, playing for UCLA!!!!! Ryuki watched the crowd cheer loudly, walking back towards the band before turning around. That's when he saw her. The expressionless girl up at the front. Turning on his charm, he flashed her a grin, throwing his hand up in the hair to start the cue.

Nora strummed the instrument with such ease, starting the song with a slight, eerie feel. The pulse of Li's drums started his singing, his red eyes staring directly into the girl at the front, quickly tearing away as he heard the voice of Lailia trickle down the stair case. All heads turned to her, as the pink-haired beauty made way down the stairs, towards her forever lover. Her voice still sent chills down his spine. She had this ability to sing so softly, yet at times; change her voice for every song. This one made her seem so innocent, so beautiful. Helping her up the elevated stage, the two began their acting stance. Eyes locked, closeness checked, love present. Yet why did his eyes keep wandering to the girl in the crowd?

As the night continued on, Ryuki watched as Lailia left, taking a 5 minute "band break" to grab her in her alternate form, grab a drink and search for the girl from earlier, but she wasn't anywhere to be seen. Would she come back for the second set? Who was she? And why did his dead heart flutter with infatuation by the near sight of her, a human? " Ryuki we're on!" He heard Li yell out, his feet jogging over to the stage again. It was there that he saw her, again- at the front. He could of swore she had left while everyone was on break. It didn't matter. He decided that the last song would be for her. The band did a few more favorites, like " Inspiration, Rose and Illia", finally bringing them to their closing song.

" This is the last song of the evening. If I could so kindly ask my brother, Neirah to come up to the front, that would be great. This song is dedicated to the woman who captured my heart. Smiling legitimately towards the unknown girl, he heard Neirah turn on his laptop and mixers. Neirah's sullen voice spoke into the mic behind Ryuki, speaking only one word. "Metric". Ryuki's red violin came to life, following the beats of Neirah's mixers and Li's drum beats. Lailia's wooden form seemed to illuminate under the dimmed lighting, like a swirling, fiery spell. Ryuki watched the crowd, dazzled by his demonic moves, watching carefully at the girl in the front. She was smiling! He decided to do something he rarely ever did- jump offstage.

Ryuki walked towards the girl, continuing to play the devilish instrument. He made Lailia sound dirty, raunchy as his eyes locked with hers once again. There was no way Lailia could ruin this moment between these two beautiful creatures. The music was sensual, inviting. He knew whatever it was he and his brother were creating in song, he had to have this creature in bed, tear her clothes off and ravage every inch of her warm, perspiring body. "Calm down, Ryuki." He told himself, turning his back away from the girl, climbing back on stage. She was an incurable fever. He couldn't allow himself to get close like that to her again.

The song ended, trying ignoring the cries and pleas of an everlasting encore. He just wanted the night to end. But a small part of him wanted to know more of her. She was like any potent blood he had even drunken, but more like an opiate. He simply had to know this girl.. but how? The crowd demanded more, making his headache grow bigger. " Oh alright. One more song. Nora, Li.. you guys sing." He asked politely, giving up his spot to make room for the two. " This is a little treat for you guys for being such an amazing audience.", Ryuki lied, bringing Lailia up towards his chin once last time. Nora had a wonderful, folky voice; but nothing compared to Lailia's obvious talent. As the song ended, the band bowed politely before branching off in different directions. He had to find her, but where to look?

The girl was gone from the crowd mid-way through Nora's singing. Ryuki scanned the house quickly before making way outside. She was gone, no where to be seen. " Oh well." he mumbled silently, taking out a smoke before resting on the porch steps. Placing Lailia between his legs, he lit his cancer stick, inhaling deep before exhaling, making smoky circles into the wind. The last circle caught his eye. There she was. The girl from the crowd.

" Heh. So you did stick around." He spoke out huskily, his eyes locking again once more that night.

Earlier that day

Stephanie chewed on her pencil as she tried to focus on her music studies homework. It was alot more complex than the ones at SDSU. It also didn't help that many of the students at the school were snobby and wanted nothing to do with her because she was new. She had made one new friend though, Nora Oda. In fact, she was kind of excited because that night she'd been invited to a party. Nora said a band that she was in would be playing.

'You should come, especially since your major is music. It's way better than that american pop and no, I'm not being biased. Besides, the lead singer is really good. He has a lot of stage presence.' Nora had told her. It was also a chance for Stephanie to get out and meet some new people. Stephanie had transferred from SDSU because she just didn't feel like that was the right school for her. Yes, it had a music department and yes that was her major but the music department was sorely lacking in quality especially in vocal performance. It was about 9:45 pm when Stephanie got ready for the party wearing a black and red chic slashed red and black dress.


That night, Stephane walked into the frat house. She looked around warily as Eminem and Rihanna boomed from the stereo. Some of the members of the band were setting up. She looked around for Nora but couldn't find her. Sighing, she stayed near the back until the band started. That was when she saw him. She couldn't say it was love at first sight or anything silly like that. No, Stephanie didn't believe in silly shit like that. Instant attraction though? A definite yes. At least, it was instant attraction for Stephanie. It was clear that he had a girlfriend already.

The girl with the pink hair who stood on stage. The way they looked at each other just screamed lovers. It was just her luck, wasn't it? He was probably the sexiest guy at this party and he was taken. She focused her eyes back to the other band members, smiling at Nora. Her eyes kept wandering to the man with the dark black hair and red eyes though and for a brief moment their eyes met, before she looked away.

God, she didn't want to seem like one of the lovestruck fans that were standing by the stage squealing. Shaking her head she walked away. Stephanie grabbed a bottle of water and popped it open before standing outside to get a fresh breath of air. What was wrong with her? This was supposed to be a learning experience. She wasn't sure what it was but there was something about him. Maybe it was just the fact that he was hot? She wasn't sure.

Taking another deep breath, Stephanie stepped back inside scooting her way up to the front just as the band got back on stage and the lead singer introduced the next song. Stephanie smiled, he was sweet too; dedicating a song to his girlfriend. Their eyes met again and her heart pounded like a beating drum. It was pretty cool how his violin lit up like that too. Stephanie was impressed. He jumped off the stage and Stephanie couldn't seem to take her eyes off his. Her dark brown eyes followed his every movement as he moved closer to her. The violin seemed to have that unspoken invitation, no seduction. It was like the violin itself whispered the words real quickly 'tell me who you are'

She swallowed hard, it was almost like he was trying to seduce her because near the end it seemed like music screamed 'come back to my room' over and over. For a moment, Stephanie felt like she couldn't breathe. In fact, for a moment she had to remind her lungs to work. She let out one long exhale when he returned to the stage and finished. After that episode, the crowd was pleading for an encore. She was going crazy. She had to have been going crazy. It was just a song, that was all! She shuddered though as chills ran down her spine.

The lead singer relented and started playing his violin again. This time Nora and another band member by the name of Li started singing. Nora's voice was different, sort of folk-like. It was very interesting to listen to. About midway through the song, Stephanie stepped outside for air. Her head was still reeling from the display of the last song. It had been a very educational trip. She had learned alot by the lead singer. She'd learned not to just sing to the audience, be involved with them as well. Caught up her own thoughts, she hadn't heard someone join her outside.

" Heh. So you did stick around."

Stephanie jumped at the sound of the husky male voice behind her and whirled around. "Oh um.." she blushed lightly, "yeah." She waved the smoke that moved towards her away, and stepped to the side to avoid the smoke coming her way. "I wasn't aware anyone was looking for me, though."

Stephanie was silent for a moment then decided that perhaps she should at least tell him that she enjoyed the show. However, she didn't want to sound like a teeny bopper or something. "Okay, I may be risking sounding like some crazed nut ball or a fan girl...I assure you, I'm not but I enjoyed the show. It's way different than anything I'm used to listening to."

Stephanie jumped at the sound of the husky male voice behind her and whirled around. "Oh um.." she blushed lightly, "yeah." She waved the smoke that moved towards her away, and stepped to the side to avoid the smoke coming her way. "I wasn't aware anyone was looking for me, though."

Stephanie was silent for a moment then decided that perhaps she should at least tell him that she enjoyed the show. However, she didn't want to sound like a teeny bopper or something. "Okay, I may be risking sounding like some crazed nut ball or a fan girl...I assure you, I'm not but I enjoyed the show. It's way different than anything I'm used to listening to."

Ryuki smirked at the timid girl's response, dabbing the half-gone cigarette against the wooden stair case. His red eyes staring into her doe-brown eyes with such curiosity. "I glad you enjoyed the show. Sorry if I startled you during "Metic." I tend to get a bit too involved when I play her.." He whispered huskily, pulling Lailia up to his lap. "However; your comment of liking my family's music makes me quite happy. Would you mind if I played you a tune inside as a gratitude of thanks?" Ryuki whispered, reaching out to extend a long, slender limb. He felt her touch. Warm. Soft. He felt her infatuation. It was tender. Sweet. He smiled, strengthening his grip before swiftly getting up from the snowy step. " There's a keyboard in the garage.. we can just hang out for a while and improve on your musical studies.." He mentioned callously, his eyes never leaving hers; especially when they grew wide in confusion.

" Relax. You have class in my wing. I have seen you play the piano and sing in passing. You aren't bad..but not up to UCLA standards. Consider this a free lesson on what is in store for you here on campus. " Picking the lock with ease, the two hurried inside the cozy shack, turning on the lamp before cranking up the heater. " There's booze and bottled water in the fridge, along with some snack foods. Help yourself to anything. I'm going to go through and find a challenging song for you." Ryuki mused, grabbing a dusty, old book from the weathered bookshelf, flipping through quickly to find a song he wanted to hear for a long time. A song that he and Lailia used to play back in happier days. Stopping at the all time classic, Ji Pyeong Keyon's fairy tail of a song. He felt his eyes moisten with blood tears, quickly drying them away, his back turned towards the human. " I wonder if she has the potential.." Ryuki thought, turning around to see the girl run her hands over the beautiful ebony and ivory keys.

" You can take it home if you want. It used to belong to my ex girlfriend.. I have no use for it anymore. But before you consider taking it, please.. if you could..sit down, and play this, I feel that you might be able to get a feel of what UCLA has to offer.." He handed her the fraying copy, watching her look over the notes with a sudden uncertainty. Perhaps she did not know the song? Was it too difficult? Watching closely as the girl placed her fingers, he closed his eyes as she began the first gentle stroke of the key.

"Do you remember this, Lailia?" He whispered quietly to the instrument nuzzled against his neck, closing his eyes to picture the pink-haired beauty playing the violin in a virginal white gown. He watched her hair flow around as the sad melody enveloped him as he continued to play, imagining the days they used to have, happily in bliss; together in forever solitude. But something in his inner dream seemed different. The girl was no longer his wife, his love. This girl was different. Dark hair. Dark eyes. She looked almost like..

Her.

Ryuki opened his eyes, his mouth slightly opened. The girl continued to play, a little too well than he originally anticipated. She was amazing! She was...

His human love from many years ago.


How did he forget how happy she made him. How she smelled like the finest cinnamon, her face flushed whenever they sat under the old cherry tree, looking up at the moonlit sky. Oh the days she would pray to Princess Kaguya, wishing that their innocent love would always last... oh did he miss those days. But she couldn't be her.. his forever love was dead. Wasn't she?

"My apologies miss...er...?" He asked, his eyes expressing an sincere look. One that was truthful for the first time in over three-thousand years.

He would have to hide this from Takumi and Neirah. They could not know that she had returned....

Their beautiful Katsomora doll....

Lillian.

"Something challenging huh? You don't even know what level of a pianist I am. I could be a beginner. You can't throw something like Mozart at a beginner." She wasn't a beginner though, she had been playing piano since the age of six. Her parents who were musicians themselves prided themselves on being very strict with her musical abilities.

Stephanie drifted towards the piano and took a seat, running her hands over the piano keys. God, she loved the piano. She could remember a time when she detested the thing when she was younger but now she wasn't sure she could live without playing it at least once a day.

" You can take it home if you want. It used to belong to my ex girlfriend.. I have no use for it anymore. But before you consider taking it, please.. if you could..sit down, and play this, I feel that you might be able to get a feel of what UCLA has to offer.."

Stephanie nodded silently and looked through the book, flipping through the pages. Some of this stuff was hard, like super duper hard! She even had a look of wariness about her but quickly took a deep breath and nodded, "Thank you. That's very kind of you." That girl with the pink hair, had that been his ex girlfriend? she wondered. Ugh, why did it matter. It didn't matter!

Taking another deep breath, she began to play the notes. It came a lot easier than she thought it would when she first looked over the notes. She had become so involved in the music that she hadn't even realized the frat guy had stopped. Slowly, her hands stilled on the ivory keys as she looked up at him. He seemed to be just staring at her in shock.

"D-did I do something wrong? Hit a wrong note?" Stephanie asked, "You look a bit pale."

"My apologies miss...er...?"

"Oh, sorry um Stephanie..Stephanie Katsomora. And you are?" She said, looking up at him expectantly. He introduced himself and she smiled, "It's nice to meet you." She was silent for a moment, her hands still gliding over the keys of the piano, gently pressing down on them every now and again.

"Another silly request on my part, but I have a song I wrote when I started college a year ago. Its this song that keeps coming back to me in a dream. Anyways, I think it needs a little bit of fine tuning though, would you mind listening? If you don't have time, I completely understand. Or even just some advice would be fine."

When he agreed to listen, somewhat reluctantly. Stephanie almost hesitated but then cleared her throat and began to slowly play the song which she called Memory it replayed through her mind from the moment she turned eighteen. Thats what it felt like, a long forgotten memory that she couldn't seem to pull forward from the recesses of her mind.

It aggravated Stephanie to no end! The music was soft and gentle, almost melancholy. Through the notes, the song almost spoke of a memory that was hidden somewhere deep. Stephanie seemed to be in a daze for that brief moment. She could see herself (or whom she assumed was herself) with a man, one whom looked just like Ryuki sitting under a cherry tree. Slowly she was brought back to the frat garage, her eyes still slightly glazed over with the memory.

It was an odd memory indeed, perhaps a fantasy of some sort? She wasn't sure. Stephanie cleared her throat, then looked down "So any advice?"

"Oh, sorry um Stephanie..Stephanie Katsomora. And you are?"

He was right. She was a Katsomora..probably a descendant of Lillian. He smiled, reaching out for her slender hand, kissing it gently with icy lips. "Ryuki Oda." He spoke quietly, watching her eyes widen a bit. " To answer your curiosity; yes. I am the singer in Mask. I come to this University when we aren't playing a tour." Watching her lips close slightly, processing the new found information, he clapped softly, his red eyes narrowing as her hand slipped from his own, reaching into her small clip-purse to pull out a crumbled piece of sheet music. "Another silly request on my part" She began, her voice quivering at her boldness." But I have a song I wrote when I started college a year ago. It's this song that keeps coming back to me in a dream. Anyways, I think it needs a little bit of fine tuning though, would you mind listening? If you don't have time, I completely understand. Or even just some advice would be fine--" He cut her off, his hand swaying towards her to start.

As soon as the first keystroke began, he knew the song instantly. It was Lillian's song without a doubt. Oh how it was so long ago when they played together, remembering preforming it for guests. Picking up Lailia, he began to play alongside her, his eyes closing to savor the memories that flowed once again. How could he bury his emotions towards such a beautiful woman as Lillian. She was perfect, unique and funny combined into one. Not to mention a fantastic musical partner and singer. He stopped, letting her finish off the sweet, flowery ending. How did it never occur to him that "Memory" was so sad..too sad.

"Lily" He whispered, his eyes suddenly solemn with regret. He never really loved Lailia, she only served as a replacement for his loneliness, and now a forever burden. Sure, she was an amazing singer; but she lacked the warmth Lillian gave. Not just to him, but to all the Oda siblings. Including Nora too.

"So any advice?" Stephanie asked, her eyes quizzed, looking at him as if she would a professor. " Oh.. yeah. Posture. You slouch. Straighten up and beam confidence. Without confidence, you aren't showing your audience how you are feeling. Lacking emotion when you play is just as bad as being unprepared for a test. And never pick a song that someone can easily play along. Your pieces should only highlight your ability, not the other player." Ryuki's voice was cold. Stern. He couldn't let her know that her piece was perfect. A wonderful rendition to her ancestors. He thought for a moment. The girl was clearly still young. Perhaps Lillian did bear a child, who in which gave life to Stephanie. Maybe Stephanie's grandmother was the woman he fell in love with so long ago.

"Move aside, and I will show you what I mean." He grumbled slightly; placing Lailia down on the floor beside him. He knew the next song he would play would answer his question of Stephanie was Lillian's granddaughter. He remembered her playing it constantly when they were together, pushing out the old grand piano out under the old cherry blossom tree. He remembered her trying hard to put lyrics to the song. He smiled. He knew what he had to do.

He ignored her blushing as he brought his hands to the keys. It had been a while since he played the piano. " Pay close attention to my posture and what I'm about to do." He barked, watching her suddenly snap up from her slouch. " You always want to lure your audience in, make them feel what you are feeling. Create music that will inspire, leave them wanting more." Noticing her nod, he began to play his true love's song. "You see? Emotion." He spoke softly, stopping himself to run over to the guitar, picking it up.

"An old music teacher used to play this all the time while she taught me how to play the piano. The only problem she had with the song I was just playing was that it lacked that emotional lure. It needed lyrics." Strumming the beginning of the song on the acoustic once again, he asked her. " I assume you know Japanese, yes?"
He didn't wait for a response as he began the serenade, tossing her the piano sheet with the English lyrics, just in case:


The song ended, with him coughing. Damn, did he need a smoke more than ever. "Excuse me." He bowed, walking over to Lailia, placing a ticket to Mask's unplugged event. " Enjoy the party." He whispered silently, walking out to embrace the chilly autumn air.

"What just happened?" He asked himself, turning once to face the dimly-lit garage, turning his heel to walk back inside the frat party mansion. He couldn't see her anymore. It was too dangerous. But he did know something now:

She wasn't a slayer. Yet.

As Stephanie played the song, she heard Ryuki join in with his violin. It sounded right, just perfect. She closed her eyes and put in as much emotion as she could into the song, though she was relaxed and not sitting up right. It wasn't because she lacked confidence, it was because she played much better when slouched. When she played standing tall, it reminded her of her father who was always so strict when it came to anything musical and it always made Stephanie rebel and play in the slouched position when he wasn’t watching. Slowly, Stephanie ended the song alone and looked up at Ryuki when he whispered the name Lily.

Lily? Why was he calling her deceased grandmothers name? No, it was probably his ex-girlfriend or something.

She waited quietly for his advice after a bit of prompting, staring up at him as if he were instructor instead of a student like herself.
Suddenly, Ryuki’s manner changed from a slightly gentle tone to snappy and god, it reminded her of her father.

" Oh.. yeah. Posture. You slouch. Straighten up and beam confidence. Without confidence, you aren't showing your audience how you are feeling. Lacking emotion when you play is just as bad as being unprepared for a test."

Her back quickly straightened at the sound of his hard tone. However, her eyes narrowed when he said she lacked feeling.

“I was NOT lacking feeling.” Stephanie growled at Ryuki. Her brown eyes blazed with anger.

“And never pick a song that someone can easily play along. Your pieces should only highlight your ability, not the other player."

Stephanie opened her mouth, then instantly closed. Then Stephanie smirked her lips parted again, but this time with a snappy remark. “Ah, so when you play in a band, the band members are also supposed to highlight you but should NOT know what you are playing? Because that is not what I saw."

Oh Stephanie was fuming by now. Obviously, she struck a chord because his next words came out more of a grumble then an order.

"Move aside, and I will show you what I mean."

Stephanie scooted over to make room for Ryuki, feeling highly proud of herself for speaking up. When his body was close to hers, she felt a faint blush appear on her cheeks. She relaxed herself, taking calm deep breaths but not realizing her slouch had returned. However, his voice hadn’t softened. If anything it had turned even snappier.


" Pay close attention to my posture and what I'm about to do."

Stephanie straightened her own posture and watched Ryuki closely and nodded in response to his to his words. He began to play the piano and she closed her eyes and she could feel the emotion not only emitting from the instrument but from Ryuki as well.

"You see? Emotion." Came Ryuki’s soft voice.

Her eyes fluttered open and she nodded as he got off the piano bench and grabbed the guitar.

"An old music teacher used to play this all the time while she taught me how to play the piano. The only problem she had with the song I was just playing was that it lacked that emotional lure. It needed lyrics." Strumming the beginning of the song on the acoustic once again, he asked her. " I assume you know Japanese, yes?"

“Well, actually…” she stammered, her father had always tried to teach her Japanese, hoping she’d become a famous Japanese classical artist. However, she’d made sure not to learn it. For some reason, she had kind of wished she had. Ryuki hadn’t waited for her to complete her response and threw the music sheet at her. It landed on the piano bench.

She picked it up, set it on the music stand and slowly began to join in with Ryuki. Since he’d asked her if she knew Japanese, she assumed he wanted her to sing along. Slowly her lips parted as she started to sing. Her voice was a soprano but she hadn’t sang too high because it would sound off tune. When the song ended, he was coughing nervously and Stephanie looked up at Ryuki curiously. He was acting really weird. Were all famous people this weird?

“Ryuki, are you okay?” She asked but he quickly excused himself and rushed off, but only after leaving a ticket to an unplugged event for Mask. Her eyebrow furrowed for a moment, before attempting to ask Ryuki more questions but he’d already left.

“What the hell just happened?” She asked herself as she slowly stood up.
Despite his cold response which came from most Asian men, it was something about not wanting to show weakness or some shit like that; he was pretty cool. No, she wasn’t turning into a fan girl or anything but in the 30 minutes of being around him, Stephanie was already beginning to feel respect for the man.

Stephanie slowly made her way back towards the frat party, though she wasn’t quite sure why.

His eyes tried to focus on a distraction- anything to take his mind off the girl. He couldn't allow himself to get close like that again. " I am a monster.." He told himself calmly, looking over to Neirah, before looking over at a few drunken girls. " If anyone comes looking for me, tell them I have retired for the evening." He stared at his brother before walking over to the two trashy girls giggling nervously, the one girl twirling a strand furiously, while the other gave that famous "come hither" look. Wrapping an arm around each girl, he led the way towards the Alumni room, plopping down on the throne-like chair as the two girls squealed frantically.

" We..are..like...such big fans of Mask!" The dumb blonde spoke, her voice quivering with excitement. He wanted to rip them apart and feed on their hearts. They were nothing more than empty vessels, something to fuck and toss aside. He was pretty sure, Lailia would scrunch up her nose, followed by uttering random words in frustration. Clearly these two "tramps" were not fit to even be considered dinner. A pity.
" Ryuki..do...you...um..want us to play with you?" The fiery red-head asked, her eyes slightly drooping from the mass alcohol consumption. Ugh! Did they ever stink! "Filthy humans..." He thought, his arms outstretching towards the scantily-clad femme fatales. Within mere seconds, the two women were on the singer, kissing his face and neck with reckless abandon.

" You need to tell the others". Nora spoke from within the shadows, her feminine form gliding skillfully towards the long-haired rockstar. "Do you think distracting yourself with a couple of women is going to make that girl you were talking to outside suddenly be disgusted by you? She knows you're a rock star, Ryuki. It's expected of you to never be tied down. Also, you have to tell Neirah at some point..Takumi.. too.." She stopped, feeling the cold eyes stare straight into her own, his lip quivering in anger. She continued. " I have no problem with telling Takumi.. but.. Neirah...you owe it to him. Remember that. Afterall; she was his first.." Nora spat, before turning her heel out towards the party. He sighed, pushing the girls off of him.

Neirah.

So faithful and naive. Shaking his head, Ryuki walked towards the window, looking out at the sky.

Snow. Nora's power.

Placing his forehead against the large windowpane, he watched the snowflakes cluster lightly on the ground. " Why did you come back?" He growled angrily, his cold, pale hand clutching like a fist. Raising it quickly, he felt the velocity reach his peak, only stopping mere seconds before making a shattering effect.


Alica Morrison is dead! A girl yelled from the living room. His hand resting between his eyes. "Not now.." Ryuki groaned, slowly making his way back out towards the party. The girl was in tears, clutching her phone between her arms. He stared at the girl, lying on the floor as she mumbled on about how he friend didn't deserve this fate. He rolled his eyes. She had a purpose...she was a sacrifice, an honor given from the blood god himself! Sighing softly, he turned away, about to approach upstairs until he heard a loud scream.

" You fucking killed her!" The distraught girl screamed, pointing at the creeping vamp. " You fucked her and then dumped her body in a dumpster! Did you think that because you are a famous rockstar, you wouldn't get caught? You were the last person to see her alive! You fucking freak!"
The girl was heaving loudly, fumbling with her pockets. He looked for Neirah, his eyes pleading for a diversion, anything. The girl lunged at him, her hands holding a kitchen knife. "Die you fucker!" The girl screamed before being tackled down.

"Settle down." A calm voice whispered, holding the girl down, his hold knocking the weapon down on the floor. Neirah nodded once before picking the girl up and over his shoulder, walking out of the house silently, ignoring the screams and cries of the woman. Immediately the soft murmurs began.

" Everyone please..I apologize for that outburst." Ryuki spoke calmly, brushing a few strands of hair from his eyes. " As unfortunate and sad to learn that such a beautiful girl such as Alica is no longer among us, I assure you all, I am not a killer." He paused, staring straight at Nora, seeing the pained expression on her face. He continued. "Yes.. I admit..that last night, I may have been the last person to interact with Alice, but I assure you; when she left, she was happy and in full health. But I am not going to rest until I personally find the asshole that killed such a bright and happy girl! Tomorrow is Mask's unplugged session at the Teahouse off University Highway. All proceeds will be going to Alicia's parents, and she will receive the proper burial she deserves." He watched as everybody clapped. He hated using his mind control, but they couldn't know his secret, their secret.

" Don't forget.. Teahouse at 8:30pm tomorrow night! Bring a friend! Now get out of my house!" He laughed, high-fiving his fellow frat brothers, before walking past Nora and Stephanie. Leaning over, he whispered in her ear:

" I hope to see you there..." He smiled, winking quickly before heading upstairs towards his bed.

He'd have to apologize to Nora tomorrow...at the girl's dorm.

Stephanie wasn’t sure what she was still doing at the party. She wasn’t even sure why it sort of hurt to see Ryuki walk off with two whores that had drunk themselves into a stupor. She was way better than those whores ever would be! And this weird jealousy thing that was going on with her was totally outrageous. She growled more so to herself than at what Ryuki was doing. Of course he had the right to go off with the fan girl sluts. He was a rockstar, it was no big deal and though that instant feeling of jealousy at his acceptance of their brazen advances had emerged while dismissing her without a thought or a feeling, this is what rockstars did. They weren’t bound to anyone and she kept reminding herself that she’d only met Ryuki about a half an hour ago. That didn’t make him automatically belong to her.

She was ready to leave when the two girls the blonde and red head moved walked back to the party looking rather pissed off and for some odd, crazy and not to mention insane reason Stephanie couldn’t help but feel slightly pleased; almost happy that the girls had returned so quickly. God, when had she become so possessive? They only played music together and it was hardly anything worth gushing over. Most of the time he’d been moody and he’d ridiculed her song. He said it was too easy to follow along to.
Just that thought alone made Stephanie clench her fists in anger. She clutched her purse tightly and nearly walked out of the party when suddenly a girl pushed past her screaming in an angry rage of the murder of Alicia. She hadn’t known the girl at all; she was pretty certain she was a sorority sister but wasn’t too sure. As Ryuki walked back towards the living room, the girl began accusing Ryuki of killing her friend.

Stephanie really should have left at this point but found it hard to move. Her eyes stayed glued on the scene as one of the band members calmed the woman down or…at least tried to before carrying her out of the frat house.

" Everyone please..I apologize for that outburst." Ryuki spoke calmly, brushing a few strands of hair from his eyes. " As unfortunate and sad to learn that such a beautiful girl such as Alica is no longer among us, I assure you all, I am not a killer." He paused, staring straight at Nora, seeing the pained expression on her face. He continued. "Yes.. I admit..that last night, I may have been the last person to interact with Alice, but I assure you; when she left, she was happy and in full health. But I am not going to rest until I personally find the asshole that killed such a bright and happy girl! Tomorrow is Mask's unplugged session at the Teahouse off University Highway. All proceeds will be going to Alicia's parents, and she will receive the proper burial she deserves."


Stephanie looked at the ticket in her hand and bit her lip trying to decide if she actually wanted to go. If she went it would not be because of Ryuki. It would only be a charity act though, even then she knew she was lying to herself because what would her going do to help get money for Alicia’s parents. She hadn’t fully decided on whether she was going or not until he passed by her and Nora who was standing right next to her. An involuntary shiver ran down her spine at his whispered invitational words. Her heart pounded quickly and she averted her eyes, hoping not show any sort of interest. “If I’m not busy.” she said nonchalantly in response before rushing out of the frat house.

At that moment her cellphone rang as she sat in her car. She pulled it out of her purse and looked at the number. It was …her grandmother. She hadn’t talked to her grandmother since she was 13 because her grandmother insisted that she was too americanized to be part of her family but only after blaming her mother for that problem. “Hello?”

“You still refuse to learn Japanese, hm?” her grandmother asked with disdain in her voice. Stephanie who was never the demure sort of girl growled, “I know a little Japanese! Besides, it isn’t as if anyone in California speaks it fluently.” she said, though her mind instantly went back to the moment she and Ryuki were in the garage and he’d asked her if she knew Japanese.
Her grandmother harumphed and continued as if Stephanie hadn’t said anything, “Lucky for you, that is not the reason I called you. It is time my child that you take your responsibilities as a Katsomora.”

“What?” Stephanie asked, confused at her grandmothers words. Her grandmother heaved an exasperated sigh.

“I have told you of your great great grandmother, Lillian have I not?”

“Not everything, no. You said she had been a priestess at one time but didn’t go into much detail.”

“Ah, very good. Well as I have told you; your great grandmother was a priestess before she died. It is now your time to take her place.”

“I’m sorry grandmother, but I cannot come to Japan. I do not speak Japanese. It won’t work.”

“No, no you do not understand. A priestess in the America’s is like a demon slayer…”

“A demon slayer? “

Oh god, no no no! She didn’t want this fate. She could hardly stand scary movies. She did not want to be a demon slayer, damn it! She wanted to enjoy her college life. “I’m sorry grandmother I can’t accept this duty. Maybe you can ask my cousin.”

“No, it is you. You are next in line. You were born before Kilani, therefore it is you who becomes the demon slayer. Now, I want you to find Dianna Slater. Her mother recently passed away and…” Everything seemed to go into a huge blur for Stephanie at that point. She was starting to look forward to being in college, to enjoying her life free from rules. Now it appeared that life was over now.

Note to readers: I realize that some of you may not realize what the hell is going on between Stephanie and Ryuki so for more info please start here in this thread made by the lovely, Princess herself!

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The next day.....

" Why is it always so damn sunny?" Ryuki gloomed, his eyes squinting at the bright, cloudless sky. It was ridiculous! Last night it was snowing, today..like summer. " Fucking Nora.." He grumbled louder, ignoring the whispers of the general education students as he walked by. Well he did stand out, wearing the University's "private academy" uniform. Guessing from all the gawking going on, not many of "his kind" came walking about so carefree through the school's yards.

" Isn't that the lead singer of Mask?" A girl said fairly loudly, aggravating the young man. "Why couldn't Nora just sign up to be in the same academy as me?" He thought angrily, completely ignoring the desperate cries for "one little autograph". He decided that maybe a shortcut through the administrative offices would help.

Walking slowly, he admired the etiquette design, his feet making a quiet tap with each, careful step. The quietness was refreshing a bit. Usually everyone was practicing for whatever group they were in. Not like this place.. everyone was so...carefree.

Just like Nora.

"Grr.. stupid child. Why do I have to apologize because she got all emotional last night?" He thought again, pushing the outside door slightly. There it was! The girl's dorm ! And not a girl in sight! Creeping slowly down the steps he noticed her. Stephanie! " Stay calm. Be cool. Remember..you're a rockstar." He reassured himself, walking slowly towards her. He noticed her face..was she crying..?

" Um.. hey." He muttered quietly, running his long hand through his thick mane nervously. " Are you alright..?" He asked, tilting his head in slight curiosity.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just..uh, my mentor she refuses to mentor me." It was sort of the truth. "It's no big deal, I have a way with people. My dad says I'm very charismatic so..she'll see things my way eventually." God, that almost sounded evil.

Stephanie glanced around the dormitory hallways and then frowned, "You do realize you are in the girls dormitory right?"


He nodded once, understanding her frustration. Her mentor? Did she mean...no..she was totally inexperienced. She probably wasn't ready...yet.
He decided to ignore her comment on her charisma. He didn't really care. Though, her question on why he was in the girl's dormitory brought him back to the "real" world.
"I'm here to see Nora about the show tonight." He answered half-heartily, his shiny, black dress shoe gliding over a broken, auburn leaf littering the decorative sidewalk. "Oh yeah." He paused, his slender hand reaching into his jacket pocket. "Speaking of mentors, this is for you". He mentioned casually, his fingers holding a cream-coloured envelope, letting it flutter into her jean-covered lap. His eyes burned intensely as she read the contents:



Ryuki smirked at her response, quickly adding in a sentence of his own. " Nora and Neirah will be attending the class as well. " His voice mused, his smirk now a smile. " Oh.. and I brought you a small present. Please excuse my poor manners during our time together last. I hope that you like it." He placed the small bag in her lap, watching her for a brief second as she hesitatingly opened the pretty parcel. As she examined the dress, he quickly fled; losing sight of her.

He felt bad, he really did. But the unplugged session was in less than 2 hours, and he had to convince Nora or Takumi to show. "Let's see... 2B...2B...ah! Here we go!" He growled, picking the lock into his sister's room. It reeked of Coco Chanel and the faintest hint of blood. It recently fed. That's good, considering the circumstance.
"You shouldn't barge into my room. Asshole." A male voice echoed through the bathroom door. Takumi. "Well if you weren't such a fickle being, then I wouldn't have to try and convince you that you know how I am. Come on Takumi. You know that I had no intention of..."" Of what? Keeping the girl to yourself? You ALWAYS get to call the shots, Ryuki. What are we? Your slaves? Your puppets? I know you have no intention of giving the girl to Neirah!" The bathroom door slammed open, revealing the skinny boy. " You're not going as my brother I see..." Ryuki replied sourly, disliking the fact that Takumi was dressed like a American.

"At least keep your blindness present." Ryuki grumbled, noting the bright blue eyes Takumi possessed. Yet, the young vampire said nothing in return. " Whatever you do, Takumi... I'll tell Neirah when I'm ready." He whispered, walking to the the disorganized closet full of clothes. "Can I borrow an outfit?"


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Teahouse 8:25pm


The small crowd cheered from the cozy little teahouse, Making the band jittery with excitement. The cold eyes of Takumi never left the back of Ryuki. Causing Neirah to look with concern. Ryuki watched Li texting quickly, ignoring his surroundings as usual. " Remember.. this is for that Alica girl, so we got to look solemn. Got it?" The devil chuckled, stroking Lailia. " I promise. After this, I'll feed you. Maybe some premature slayer blood?" He whispered, feeling the cold daggers once again on his back. Takumi was pissed.

" And so, gracing us with a live, unplugged version of their 15th and newest album, Metal Boogie.. Here's MASK!" The young hostess yelled, igniting the loud roar of cheers and hoots echoing around the door where the band stood around. The band walked up towards the tiny spotlighted stage, bowing once to their cheering audience, their classic "smile" shining on each of their faces, quickly dropping as Ryuki grasped the microphone.


" Thank-you for all coming out tonight. We appreciate your support and the generous donations towards Alicia Morrison's rightful funeral. We, the members of Mask would like to dedicate our unplugged session to this wonderful girl who barely had a chance to experience what life had to offer. Alicia.. this is for you!"
Bringing Lailia to the floor immediately, he heard a few murmurs from the crowd.

" Ryuki always plays his violin..."

"Take notice... Just Neirah and Ryuki are playing guitar.. there's extra mic's where the white-haired guy and Li are. I wonder where the normal white-haired asian guy, or the girl is..."

" Who cares! It's MASK!!"

Tuning out the rest of the comments, Ryuki pressed his soft lips towards the microphone, his tone suddenly getting serious. He watched the crowd for Stephanie. He hoped by the next set she'll show up. His eyes darted towards the parents of Alicia. "Such pathetic souls." He heard Lailia say from between his feet. He ignored her whines, taking his glance back towards the crowd. He noticed a few lighters going up, even a banner with "We Miss you Alicia!" scrawled across the front.

His hair fell over his right eye, blocking his view of the door. He noted the chime. Was it her...? He felt his soul-less heart fake a slight "jump" of hope. Grasping the guitar neck a little tighter, he closed his eyes for a moment, wishing she would show.

His beautiful, Katsomora doll.

His....

Stephanie pursed her lips as she waited for a response from Ryuki. She hadn't even stood up yet, still sitting and leaning against the door of her mentor's dorm room. She'd been planning to wait for Dianna to come out. After all, her music class wasn't until later that afternoon.

"I'm here to see Nora about the show tonight."

"Oh.." A feeling of disappointment over came her but she quickly pushed it away. He probably didn't even think of her in that way. To him, she was probably a mere sophmore, no one important or worth pursuing. It was silent for a moment as Stephanie tried to search her mind for something, anything to say to him. Nothing of interest came though.

"Oh yeah." He paused, his slender hand reaching into his jacket pocket. "Speaking of mentors, this is for you".


She took the cream colored envelope and began reading. Her eyes showing a mix of emotions, confusion, curiousity, excitement, and shock. Her head jerked up to look him in the eye. "R-really?" she stammered. "I-I mean I couldn't allow you to pay for my tuition." Her parents hated, no loathed hand outs. Besides, from what she understood last night, her talent was hardly enough to pass UCLA standards.

This was something she hadn't expected and it made up for being rejected by Dianna. Then he stated that Neirah and Nora would be attending as well. Well, that explained it...sort of. She squealed excitedly not even noticing the smirk on his face. She knew her parents would be proud and would definitely be bragging about her talent now.

" Oh.. and I brought you a small present. Please excuse my poor manners during our time together last. I hope that you like it." She looked at the bag he'd tossed her lap. Slowly, almost hesitantly she opened it. It was a beautiful black and white checked dress. "Thank--" She stopped short when she looked up and saw that he'd already left. What was she supposed to do with this outfit? Was it a uniform or just a gift? Technically, he hadn't said it was a uniform and he didn't seem like the kind of man that would leave that sort of detail out.

The Tea house 6:40 pm

Stephanie stepped into the teahouse at exactly 6:40. She could hear him singing. Stephanie had wore the dress he'd given her earlier that day. It seemed to suit this occasion. She wasn't exactly sure because she wasn't accustomed to going to tea houses. Starbucks, yeah but that didn't count as a tea house.

She saw the parents of Alicia Morrison tearful eyed and heart broken. Sighing, she couldn't understand why she was here. She didn't even know the sorority sister. She didn't even like sororities to begin with. She supposed it was because she wanted to get out of the dorm and think about something other than what had happened to her in the last 17 and a half hours . Finding out you were a slayer or the equivalent of one and then being rejected by the only one who could teach you was pretty fucked up stuff.

Stephanie flicked her gaze over to the jars of tea to the right side and then the pastries on the left. She wasn't much for pastries because well she wanted to keep her figure, however these weren't the typical American type of pastries like doughnuts and danishes. They were Japanese. Something caught her eye that her grandmother frequently sent the family for Christmas. Green tea Chocolate balls. It was filled with white chocolate so she wouldn't have to worry about chocolate getting stuck on her teeth.

Yum! Perhaps, she could splurge a little. She quickly ordered the chocolate balls and a cup of tea, then stood near the middle of the crowd to enjoy the music.

Long lashes draped over his eyes as he belt the last of his tune. Clearing his voice, his spoke "Thank-you", before opening up his ocean-blue, contact-eyes. He saw her. The angel of his recent dreams. He flashed her his signature grin, his hair once again falling over his eye. He coughed once, as he stood, walking over to the keyboard. He mouth the word "passion" at her, before sitting down, adjusting his shirt for a moment.

He looked at his brothers for a moment as he began the next tune, seeing Neirah's face light up with confusion. He saw her too. " At least Takumi looks more at ease..." He thought, his eyes darting back towards Stephanie, never letting his gaze on her go. Yet, there was this cold stare, from behind Stephanie. One most cruel. It was the girl from the party. Must of been Alicia's fellow sorority sister. He heard her scoff at the song. True; the lyrics were a bit ironic. But really. Did anyone listen to the lyrics during a memorial? The soft piano and guitar sweeps you off your feet, along with the right voice.

Lailia seemed to taunt him once again. She knew the song was about Alicia. How he fucked her, drained her and dumped her. He wanted a smoke. Something to take his mind off this whole ordeal. His eyes looked once again directly into Stephanie's. Did she understand the lyrics too? Did she question of him now? "No matter." He thought, hearing Neirah and Takumi's guitars kicking in. The song was close to over. Oh how a sweet, sweet cigarette could change someone's feelings. He smiled- a genuine one this time at Stephanie, seeing the girl flush. Oh how he was going to have fun messing with her as teacher and student. Neirah and Takumi would just have to put up with it. Ha!

"Alright, and the last song before our next set is a special song. I dedicate this to everyone who is.." Ryuki chuckled, flashing just a hint of fangs? He let his guard now, quickly realizing his mistake. He grinned, letting his teeth go back into regular form. He was sure people would think it was a light trick. He cleared his throat once more. He needed to drink. Soon. "We dedicate this to everyone who is tired of waiting for that special person. His mind went completely into the song, counting down the 4 minutes and 24 seconds towards his next smoke break. He saw Stephanie go back to the counter. Perhaps for another tea? Shooting the cashier that "put -it-on-my-tab" look, her continued the countdown in his head. Perhaps he could sneak in more than just a smoke....


He grinned at that thought.

The first thing Ryuki mouthed to her the moment he saw her was passion. For a moment, she was slightly confused by what he meant by...passion. Her eyebrow furrowed in confusion, then recalled their lesson the night before about having emotion in your voice. Basically, selling the song. That notion still infuriated her however, because she had put plenty emotion in her song.

As soon as the next song began though, her thoughts came back to the present as Ryuki began to play the keyboard instead of the guitar this time. As she listened to the lyrics, she heard a scoff behind her.

"What a hypocrite. He was the last one seen with Alicia. He probably killed her." Said the blonde beach bimbo. Normally, Stephanie was the sort of girl who tried to stay out of ordeals like this, however Ryuki didn't seem like the kind of guy who'd risk his reputation. Call her naive but he didn't. She suddenly had this over protective feeling come over her.

Whirling around, she turned to the girl narrowing her eyes, "It is rude to talk about someone who put such precious time into organizing this function." she was trying to be respectful while still proving her point.

The blonde girl scoffed once more, "Right, let me guess are you his next victi--I mean, girlfriend." Her friends giggled behind her and Stephanie rolled her eyes. Wow was that the best she could come up with. Trying to decipher the words of the song was hard. It was like there was a hidden meaning behind them.

Nobody said it was easy,
It's such a shame for us to part.
Nobody said it was easy,
No one ever said it would be this hard.
Oh, take me back to the start.

Ohhhhh,
ahhhhh

She could've sworn he was almost admitting to being a....her thoughts trailed off and she shook her head. No, no that was impossible. Wasn't it? She'd never seen a vampire before. Did they have a certain look? Did they look like those scary guys on Buffy the Vampire show or sexy like the guys on Vampire Diaries.

When she turned back around, Ryuki's eyes found hers and grinned at her. It almost seemed like a real smile which caused her to flush and look away for a second.

"Alright, and the last song before our next set is a special song. I dedicate this to everyone who is.."

She glanced up in time enough to almost see a fang. Were those...real? No, no they were probably fake. God, ever since that phone call from her grandmother, it was hard to think straight and she'd come here to not think about it.

"We dedicate this to everyone who is tired of waiting for that special person"

As the next song began to play, she realized she'd finished her tea. For some reason she was feeling very parched this evening. Walking back up to the counter, she ordered another green tea. Stephanie pulled out her wallet to pay and realized she as a couple of bucks short.

"Shit, nevermind. I don't have enough--"

"It's okay, maam. Mr. Oda said to put it on his tab." He said, nodding towards the rock singer. She glanced over at Ryuki a small smile crossing her lips before accepting the tea. Needing to get away from the crowd and the crying sorority sisters along with the sobbing parents of Alicia. Just as the song was ending, Stephanie made her way outside for a moment of fresh air.

Negative thoughts still plagued her mind. Had he really killed that girl? She didn't see how that was possible though because hadn't he been with her when they'd found the dead body. She definitely didn't want to get involved with a killer but there was no proof that he'd actually done anything[/I; just the word of a few angry sorority sisters....

He noticed her walk outside during the band's break, his eyes concentrating on the many conversations swirling around him. "Nice set!" claimed a fan, a few more "scoffs" from the Sorority clique, before finally someone gasped out a name he took a moment to register.

SHAUN WINCOTT IS GOING ON STAGE!!!!! Turning his heel, Ryuki looked upon the stage in shock and horror. It was him. The man who took everything away. A low growl came from the pit of his belly as he stared on. "What is this fool doing?" he wondered, shocked at the bold move the long-haired, pretty boy did. He was sitting on his piano chair. HIS! His face sunk lower as he heard the cheers of the sorority girls, and the cries of his fans. "He's just a model..." he grouched. But he knew that Shaun was an expert with the piano, just like he; with Lailia.. He gulp as he saw him wave.

Fuck.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The crowd cheered as Shaun walked on the stage, his dazzling smile melting the hearts of his fans. True, this was a rare occurrence. Model's weren't the type to walk on a stage and dedicate a song to a fallen, innocent victim. He knew Alicia quite well, and knew how much she loved "Mask." His smile was liberated. He felt the glare of his enemy, how it scorched him to know that there wasn't anything he could do at that moment. What would Katsomora say if she knew what he really was? He chuckled at that thought, sitting down on the freezing-cold bench. "Ooo..it's been a while since my bottom's been frostbitten.." He remarked, clearing his throat. " Hello there!" Shaun laughed happily, waving once again at his coffee shop fans. From the corner of his eye, he saw Ryuki exit the shop. A pity, just as he was going to dedicate his song to him!

"My name is Shaun Wincott. Some of you may know me as "Mr. Calvin Klein". He laughed, hearing the shrilling screams of sorority fan girls. He smiled once again, letting his long, graceful hand graze through his thick, brown locks. Indeed, he rivaled Ryuki in looks, but he knew...American women everywhere fantasied about him. It wasn't unusual for women to throw themselves at him. Too bad, he was only faithful to one kind of girl...

He continued.

" Today marks a very sad day for us UCLA students.. One of our own was taken at such a young age. My condolences go out to the family and to the friends of my dear friend, Alicia. I also want to thank Mask for coming out tonight and doing this acoustic set to help raise funds for Alicia's funeral. Now, I'm no Ryuki.. so I'd like to play a song to express my gratitude towards such a remarkable rock star. Please don't laugh so hard at me, as I am not that good with playing piano..." His warm smile squinted his eyes in embarrassment as he heard soft laughter from his fans. True; he was no Ryuki Oda, but in truth, he wasn't playing for anyone but her.

His hands position themselves lightly over the ivory keys as he started to play. Shaun's song quickly filled the air, trickling outside; trying to lure in the beautiful girl from the outside, in.

ஜღ·٠•☻●·٠•●ღஜ

Slipping outside, he pulled out his smoke, bringing it up to his cold, smooth lips, lighting the tip with a sterling silver, cross bone lighter. He watched the smoke escape his lips, disappearing into the dark blue sky. He noticed Stephanie beside him, her eyes glancing back into the teahouse. He began to belt out a few lyrics:


He chuckled at himself, inhaling another breath of chemicals. " You see what I mean? By passion? That kid on my piano bench is letting me play along too easily.." He stopped, narrowing his eyes. "Shit!" That was Shaun's plan all along! He held back another growl, mustering up a smile towards Stephanie. He coughed once, straightening up his outfit. He sprayed on a few squirts of his trademark cologne, hints of cinnamon and caramel filled the musky, night air. " Shall we go in?" He hinted towards the beautiful girl, his hand grazing lightly across her lower back. He watched as Stephanie was mesmerized by Wincott's piano playing, so much that she was fighting forward towards the front of the crowd! he watched from the back, his back against the dark red wall.

" Seems like someone's showing you up..." Neirah whispered in his brother's ear, his blue eye, red eye glaring up at the beautiful creature in the spotlight. The brothers watched as all eyes dawned upon the piano player, many gasps emerging from within the tiny establishment.
"Do you think he'll make her a slayer, Neirah? What then? Will you still try to pursue her?" Ryuki crossed his arms, his face burying into his scarf. He bit his lip as the song ended, clutching Lailia tightly in his hand.

"Shaun Wincott needs to go."

As the cheering faded, Shaun looked onward, seeing the bitter-looking vampire and his "companion" talking near the exit. He smiled warmly, reaching for the mic. Clearing his throat, he tapped twice for everyone's attention. " Thank-you everyone!" He exclaimed, getting a few more "woops" and "cheers" headed his way. His dazzling smile was shot in the direction of Stephanie, his dark brown eyes burning into hers. As he was about to jump off the stage, towards his mistress, he heard someone scream from afar:


" SHAUN AND RYUKI HAVE TO DO A SONG TOGETHER!"

The two, gulping loudly, stared at each other. "Seriously?" Ryuki scoffed, as he felt Neirah's hands push him forth. It had been too long since the two of them had preformed together...

" IT SHOULD BE A DUEL!" Another fan boasted, as Ryuki finally gathered up the strength to face his opponent. Making way towards the stage, he smile faintly at the fair-skinned boy. " Way to show up at such a crucial time, lapdog.." Ryuki mused, holding Lailia up to his chin. " I will bury you in this duel, like always...." Shaun chuckled, cracking his knuckles lazily. " I've had almost 70 years to practice on my own, Ryuki. Don't be so sure you can beat me...afterall; I am your devilish opponent here.." Shaun's smile was small, frail. But didn't stop him from speaking into the mic once more.

" Ladies and Gents...Ryuki and Myself have decided this is a duel. Whoever wins shall donate $2,000,000 to Alicia's parents. The loser..." He grinned once again, pointing to Ryuki "The loser gets to show himself in the next Calvin Klein underwear ad, which will be posted on billboards everywhere!" Ryuki glared angrily, as Shaun began to boast some more, shaking the hands of fans nearby the stage, he watched as he grab hold of Stephanie's whispering something in her ear.

" Please have faith in me, Mistress Stephanie..." He heard him say, prompting Ryuki to have a say. Pointing to Stephanie, his voice huskily spoke, his red eyes twinkling like giant rubies under the dim light. " This girl shall be the judge." He smirked judgmentally. He had this in the bag. Bringing Lailia up to his chin once more, glancing over towards Shaun positioning himself comfortably towards the Piano, the two of them played. From the corner of his deep-red eyes, Ryuki noticed Nora and Neirah serving as backup piano and violin. He smiled triumphantly. No way was he going to lose to such a pathetic lapdog!

" Have faith in me too, Katsomora doll.." He told her from within his mind, as he jumped off the stage, swirling Lailia around within the crowd. Ah! yes! This was truly joyous! Such two, perfect demons dueling it out! Only devils knew truly how this feeling was. Nothing could compare to it. It was like a deep sanctification, deep within one's loins. He felt his hunger rise. He wanted to rip the hearts out of everyone near, drink their filthy blood and bath in the warmth. His body shuddered in excitement, his eyes falling back towards the demon on the ivory box. Surely he felt the same...

•´¸. •´¨) ¸. •*¨) (¸.•´ (¸. •´ •. ´¸¸. •¨¯`•. ♥

Shaun's throat ached something fierce. After so many years, the old fart, Ryuki was still a formidable opponent! He felt sweat on his brow, as he concentrated. His fingers ached in such pleasureful way, his breath a frantic pant. He too, was enveloped in such a heated duel. His loins boiled in such a sexual lust. A rare occurrence for his type. His mind fluttered with the thoughts of ravishing his young mistress, ripping out her beating heart before taking the final blow. No! What was he thinking? He was no longer on the same tier as that...that... beast below him! Ryuki had no feeling towards human life. If it were up to him..and that bitch, Lailia; those two would destroy the world and bathe the oceans in a crimson red! Oh! How Stephanie did not know how dangerous Ryuki Oda was! "Tomorrow, I'll join his "special class...for her sake". He told himself, as the song ended; hearing the loud cheers and uproar from the fans.

He noticed the nervousness of his new mistress as Ryuki helped her up on the stage. She was trembling! Immediately standing up, Shaun rushed to her side, his arm wrapping around her thin, fragile waist. " It's alright Milady. If you don't feel like telling anyone your decision...you don't have to..." Ryuki glared at the hand around Katsomora's waist, feeling his fangs descend down. "Not now, Ryuki..." he heard his brother say, his hands clenching Lailia violently.

All they could do...is wait.

Shaun Wincott: A short story.

I have never liked humans. I know. That sounds surprising doesn't it? They are so weak...so frail... and they never last long... Such pathetic creatures...Those humans..





My name these days is "Shaun Wincott". I'm a 23-year old piano major at the UCLA private academy. I have shoulder-length brown hair, brown eyes; Caucasian. I'm 6'1 and have an athletic body. I get along with mostly everyone...except few "outcasts". I'm currently between mistresses--I mean, uh..."girlfriends" at the moment. I am also a rising model for some of the world's most recognizable brands. On my downtime, I act as a bodyguard for an elderly woman by the name of Lillian Katsomora...well, I did until about a week ago.


"M..my name is Alica.. Alica Morrison.." said the young girl trapped in the hospital, her voice wheezed as she looked upon the smiling, man. He hated this... the "assignments". Lillian requested one more "deed" before passing down the "new mark". He growled quietly at the burning on his back. The "Katsomora brand". The girl coughed, her eyes flickering slowly. " Why are you lying to me, Mr. Wincott...? Why the disguise?" The girl asked quietly, her weak hand covering her mouth. He watched as the red liquid dripped down from the crease between her middle and ring finger. Red. Such a important colour for his kind.


"So you're at that point, huh?" he chuckled softly, his voice changing deeper than usual. He let his guise fall, revealing a totally different entity. " I suppose you want to know the "true me", don't you, Miss. Morrison?" he quizzed the girl, slowly floating towards her face, wiping the crimson tears from her chapped lips.

"My demon name is " Shin Gen Soh". He paused, the purplish-blue bands hiding his vibrant blue eyes. " I guess you can call me a "Jack-of-all-trades.." He laughed loudly, his long sleeves pushing his elongated hair from his face. His smile dropped softly.

"I am half-Incubus, half-Reaper." Shaun's voice mumbled quietly, his pale-blue eyes showing a hint of sadness. He saw the girl's eyes widen with fear. "I'm here to end your suffering.. but in exchange for your soul... I provide you with any dream you desire..."
He spoke softly, arching his back. Alica gasped as she saw his kimono rip from the back, revealing a death scythe. She tried to scream, but no words came as she watched the beautiful creature grab the weapon, stroking it carefully. " No need to fear her.." Shaun smiled warmly, bringing the blade close to the frighten girl's face. " You are nothing but a vessel now...a harbinger of death.."


"What do you...mean...?" The girl asked, her blanket hiding her face carefully, as she watched those soul-less eyes look back at her. She was feeling weaker. A trick done by the demon himself? "You were bitten by a rather nasty vampire... One who is quite famous in fact, and a real pain in my back." He nodded, continuing. "Remember when I introduced myself as Shaun? How I said I get along with mostly everyone except the "outcasts?" Well... those "outcasts" are that band you were so into."

" Ryuki? No..no..That was a nightmare...a dream...we were on E..and...and...I was trippin'----" Shaun pressed his cool fingers to her lips, his face closer than before as he hovered over her bed. " Ryuki and Lailia Oda ripped your neck apart and left you for dead. Then Neirah and Nora Oda drank from your wrists before leaving you to die. I brought you here, under my alias, and have been here; just waiting for you to either turn or just die...Seems like you preferred immortality.." His smile grew wider as he saw her blood-stained tongue dance along her freshy-discovered canines. Then he heard the whimper.


They always whimpered.


" No...No...this is a dream!" He heard her say, her face frantic. He sat upright, looking down at her. "Is that what you want? For it to be a dream?" He answered slyly, his oriental eyes grinning much like a Maneki Neko. He watched her nod, as he brought his weapon to the ground.

He chanted:


힘에서 죽은 내 영혼,
제발 선적 이 사람들은
슬픔이 있었던 것입니다.


Clapping once, he brought the blade to her face, seeing her vampiric soul rise. Opening his mouth, he inhaled her essence, hearing the lifeless, elongated "beep" from the machine. He floated down, his bare feet touching the cool, marble floor.

" May you finally rest in peace, Alica Morrison." He whispered slowly, turning himself back into his human guise. Grabbing his phone, he dialed.


" Mistress... I have eliminated the task."

" And Shion...?" The frail voice asked on the other end.

" I'm afraid, he's attending UCLA...just as we have suspected." Shaun whispered, keeping an eye out for the nurses.


" Very well. Keep an eye on my grand-daughter. She has not yet received her training...and you know as well as I do, what Shion is capable of...especially under the control of Lailia..."

He confirmed, feeling the weapon return to his mark. He winced, humming a "nod" in response.

"What if she refuses my services...?" Shaun asked lightly, patting his jacket down, looking for his smokes. It was times like these, he wished the old hag would just tell him this was all over. How embarrassing..

"If she refuses, then you protect from afar. That is the price of our agreement, Gen. My time is towards an end. You get what you want... Me. But in turn; you serve Stephanie. It's your own foolish fault that you fell in love with my great grandmother...Such a foolish demon you are... but loyal...I will give you that." The little voice chuckled, her breath growing louder over the receiver.

" Hey, Lillian?" Shaun whispered silently, his senses picking up the clicking of a nearby nurses heels...

" Yes?"

" When I claim your soul.. can you leave me out some of your strawberry scones?I want to taste them one more time before you go.." He smiled, closing his eyes.

" I love you too...Gen. Be safe."

*click*

Staring at the small, black cell; he sighed, looking over at the girl's lifeless body. " Since when has Ryuki been known to be so careless and leave evidence behind..?" He pondered, walking towards the open window.

" Guess I'll ask him, when I see him.." He chuckled, jumping out the tenth story, his hands brushing against the tips of the tall grass. He adjusted his jacket and tie, pulling out his pack of smokes and a pamphlet.


" Welcome to the UCLA Private Music Academy! We hope our program will be fun for you, and educational too!

" Oh it will!" Shaun mused to himself, lighting the cig, before inhaling the smoky fumes, exhaling small, O-rings, watching them widen before disappearing into the clear, blue sky. He whistled, throwing the pamphlet away.


" Stephanie Katsomora... who will you choose?" He smiled, adding a kick to his step.

The decision

Ryuki smirked as he watched Stephanie pat Shaun's shoulder, seeing the look of utter defeat displayed over his enemy's handsome face. He couldn't help it. Knowing that such a "demon" was crippled over his own self-image was somewhat satisfying for the devilish prince, making his smile grow bigger. He felt his pant pocket buzz as he went back outside for another smoke. Looking once over at Stephanie; taking the last few sips of her tea. She was fine. The three were there to protect her. He knew she was in good hands.

Checking his cell, he read the message, groaning lightly:

The horribly, written text exclaimed, making him scoff. Normally he would go and sample the delights of every woman in that club, sitting in the far corner; feeling the beats of club music fill his mind as he would consume every drug known to man; faking it's effects for the hell of it. But something else came up. Something more important. Taking another drag, he typed vigorously, his fingers moving in lightening speed. He ignored the background noise as he looked to the sky, putting the phone back into his dress pant pocket. Finishing the last of his smoke, he flicked the butt towards the ground; turning his heel to walk away from the tea house, his shoes clicking loudly into the night.


Shaun sighed lightly, walking over towards the cashier's counter, smiling lightly at the pat received from Miss. Katsomora. " I guess I should stick to modeling, huh?" He grinned lightly, taking a small brush out of his back pocket, pushing back his silky, smooth, chocolate-brown hair. His dark brown eyes burned deep within hers, as his crooked smile grew wider. He watched as she grew confused as to where Ryuki went. Taking out his Blackberry he typed a simple message to the rogue, lone wolf; forcing his fingers to type only at an "above average" speed:

" Back off. The old hag is mine." Shaun coughed, walking towards the pretty girl, picking up a small, pink bag. " Oh.. erm.. Ryuki told me to bring you this..." He lied, giving her the small parcel. " It's nothing really, just your uniform. So you're going to be a Elite eh?" He asked, as she pulled out her elite uniform. He coughed lightly, handing her a small, Day planner. "Oda likes when everyone is prepared. So be sure to use it." Shaun whispered, taking her hand. " I also need to talk to you... about your grandmother."

Tokyo, Japan

The shrine whispered the quiet stream of trickling waters, the wind chimes blowing gently, picking up the night's calm breeze. Lillian Katsomora II stared into the darkened waters, a chill running up her spine. It had suddenly grew colder. A unusual cold.

" Ryuki! Ryuki!" the girl chanted, looking around the cherry blossom pathway, looking for the tall, dark man that was beside her just a second ago. Her pretty features dropped in sadness. Did he leave her..? Did she upset him? Anger him? " Ryuki...you know I can't... I..I...have the stay here and protect the shrine..." She felt so bad. He had asked her to come to Korea..something she would of said yes to. She loved him. Yet; she was told to kill him. " Get rid of that demon!" Her mother yelled at her. She sighed her priestess attire collecting petals as she walked over the red-painted bridge. There he stood, just staring into the stream. Was he really that interested in the Koi?

"Are...Are..you mad at me?" The girl asked, standing beside the brooding man. Her eyes looked down at the Koi, noticing one, lily-white with an eye missing. Odd. She never seen that one before...

"I'm not mad, Lily. Just..disappointed. Why should your heritage keep you from doing what you want to do?" He asked; his red eyes burning deeply into her own light brown. She looked just like her mother did. He smiled at that thought. "Besides... you are with child... Do you really think that anyone else will want to wed you once they hear that their "princess" was tarnished by a raping guard?" His words were cruel, cutting deep into her ivory flesh. She understood his point. He was the devil after all; a bringer of death. The first Shinigami ever created.

And she loved him.

" Can't you ever be compassionate?" Lillian's voice quivered, her eyes welling up with tears. She knew he spoke the truth. She was carrying a child she did not want, and Ryuki was the only one that did not see her as a common whore. He was giving her a way out... a blank slate. Yet; she had already accepted her duty. She was a slayer. A powerful one. Her target stood right beside her. " Take out Ryuki and they all go away. No more darkness, and peace for future generations. " Her mother told her. She was the next heir to the Katsomora legacy. " The blood-stained dove" Her mother called her. " You need to leave me, Ryuki.."
Lillian whispered, her face streaked with tears. He kissed her cheeks softly, licking once at her salty skin. " Kill me instead." Ryuki whispered, taking her fragile hand into his. He smiled big, pointing towards the ghostly koi next to a vibrant orange and white one. " That's us. If fellow Koi can allow such a hideous creature to swim in the same waters, why cannot human-kind?" He asked, suddenly wrapping his arms around the delicate beauty. " I can tone down my beastly display. Only ravish you when no one's looking..." He laughed; so carefree. Lillian smiled lightly, pushing him away.

"You are my enemy..and a devil like you will never stop killing."

Lillian rested a weary hand against her brow. Why was this memory coming back? " Ryuki..." The old woman whispered, shuffling back inside the temple. Steadying herself with her cane, she slid the door, noticing that all lights were out. " I was pretty sure I left some candles lit..." She told herself, trying to navigate in the dark. She heard a sound. Was it her mind playing tricks once again? She made her way across the Calligraphy room, making way towards the kitchen. A good cup of tea would warm herself up before bed. She smiled at the memory that played in her mind, her face dropping slowly at the memory of meeting the new devil in her life:

Shaun.

" So you don't love him? I'm actually surprised." A velvety voice echoed in the pitch-black room, startling the old woman. " W..Who's there?" Lillian asked, her voice hoarse, frail. She heard the mysterious man chuckle; pin-pointing his location. Yes! He was in the far corner. By the chair. Yet, that voice...she heard it before...
Lillian's eyes grew wide in horror as she heard a snap of one's fingers, highlighting the features of her past:

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/348/9/c/9cc69204eec93e3a1864fede47b16ade-d2bukz4.jpg


"Missed me?" Ryuki grinned, playing lazily with the embers inside the enclosed fire. He studied the old hag's face, watching; as she studied his. " You still look exactly like you did..and not an age older.." Lillian croaked, gripping her cane tightly. Why was he here? Didn't she tell him to flee? To run away? " Please tell me that--"
" That your precious little granddaughter is safe? Don't worry.. I'm not like that plague-of-a-demon you sent out to destroy me. Which, I might add... still sucks at playing piano." Ryuki's eyes burned with anger, the embers absorbing into his irises as he watched the old woman tremble in fear.


Shaun stared into the girl's eyes, trying to get some sort of response out of her. Shaun stopped, his gentle smile growing enthusiastically as he picked up the small parcel she dropped at the initial shock he gave her. " She asked me to keep an eye on you while I attend your school starting tomorrow." He quirped, placing the bag back into her hands. He watched as her face grew a crimson red. Was she angry? sad? It didn't matter, he didn't really care. Piping up once again, he explained that before becoming a model, her took care of her grandmother; made a vow to always protect the Katsomora lineage.

" So that's the deal. You call me anytime, 24/7 for anything. If anyone breaks your heart, picks a fight on you, or if you're strapped for cash; I'll be there for you. All I ask for in return is your complete trust in me. So what do you say, Madam?" Shaun brimmed, his smile glimmering under the dimming lights.

"Accept you stupid human..." He thought to himself, extending his hand.

Stephanie glanced around for Ryuki despite the weird feelings she had around him all of a sudden. She'd wanted to talk to him though, ask him if there was any sort of attire she should wear, seeing as he would be her new professor. However, he'd gone outside to smoke and she really didn't feel like being surrounded by smoke.


" I guess I should stick to modeling, huh?"

She laughed lightly, "I wouldn't say that. I mean, you aren't...bad." She looked down, "Not that I'm one to talk. According to Ryuki, even my own written songs are too easy to follow."

She wasn't even certain why she cared what he thought. She'd only known him for about 2 days, that was hardly enough time to actually care about his opinion of her.

" Oh.. erm.. Ryuki told me to bring you this..." He lied, giving her the small parcel. " It's nothing really, just your uniform. So you're going to be a Elite eh?"

"Hm, oh yeah? I am." She looked at the bag curiously, tilting her head. Why hadn't he given it to her himself. She slowly pulled the bag open. It was a uniform, just as he'd said. However, she still wondered why Ryuki wouldn't bring it to her himself. He didn't appear to be the shy type of guy. Then he handed her a small day planner. "Ah, argatio." She said, trying to use the words she'd been practicing from her Japanese for Dummies book.

"I ...don't think I said that right. Jeez, my grandmother would probably keel over from my use of bad Japanese." She joked. "Anyways, yes..yes I am. Believe me, I was surprised myself but I'm sorta excited."

She glanced outside to see if Ryuki was still there. He wasn't and for some odd reason, despite the lack of knowledge she had about him. Stephanie felt heartbroken...no, sad. She couldn't be heartbroken over a man she didn't know that well.

"My..grandmother?" She said, curiously as Shaun went into how he knew her grandmother then scoffed at the protection agreement. "Jeez, does she really think I'm that incapable. It makes sense though...why you'd call me mistress Stephanie instead of just..Stephanie. You don't have to do that, call me mistress. This isn't ancient Japan...or Japan. I'm so happy you're going to join me at the Elite school!" She smiled brightly at him. "It'd be nice to be around another pianist who isn't so...." she held back the full of himself comment.

It wasn't right to speak of others when they weren't around. She could practically hear those words from her grandmother. She told her that all the time. "I don't know about protecting me but...if you want to hang out. That'd be cool. Like I said, this isn't ancient Japan. I don't think I need an escort or chaperone. This is 2011. "

~~~

Name: Dianna Slater
Age: 19
http://www3.images.coolspotters.com/photos/35462/tia-mowry-profile.jpg
Appearance: Naturally, Kelly has black hair but dyed it to an goldish color, slim, 5'5, weighs 130 lbs, tight toned legs, tanned with 34 c cleavage

Bio: Dianna has never really been close to her parents, her mother and father divorced when she was young, and her mom always seemed to stay out late, though she never really knew why. When she got older Kelly assumed that her mom had a secret lover, that is until her 18th birthday when she learns that along with starting her first year of college she also must protect the world from creatures of the night. Distressed by this news, Kelly had to get away from everything.

She hadn't realized that on her 18th birthday, she was supposed to 'patrol' the area. Had she gone through with her duties, her mother would still be alive. Alas, she did not and instead rebelled trying to run away from. When she found her mother at the crime scene she saw the claw marks on her shoulder.

Any human would assume her mother was attacked by a wolf, but this was something else, something mystical; a werewolf. One year later, bent on finding her mother's killer, she starts to take responsibility for her role as a slayer. What she didn't know was that her mother had been killed by a vampire by the name of Raphael who had been madly in love with her. She is half slayer and half vampire.​

Dianna was still upset with the fact that her best friend and confidant had left her. Tori had not only been a best friend but had helped her on many missions when it came to killing vampires. She was the only one who'd been able to calm her when she was on the verge of letting her inner vampire break free.

Di thought about the Asian girl who had been sitting for her, waiting for her to come back to her dorm. The girl was supposedly a slayer, though not a very good one and needed training. Just great. That wasn't what she needed.

However, she knew that when she had first learned she was a slayer, it was tough. Extremely tough. God, sometimes she hated having a conscience. As if fate meant for them to meet up, Di had walked into a teahouse, eager to get away from clubs and radical partiers. She needed the calm essence surrounding her. As she walked towards the cashier, she spotted the Asian girl with some guy who looked sort of…

Oh…MY…GOD!!!!!!!

It was Shaun Wincott. THE Shaun Wincott.

Her legs trembled as she stepped over to them. She suddenly found a reason to actually want to help this girl.

And it rhymed with Pawn It at shops.

“Epiphany, there you are! I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I thought it over and I’d love to help you out with that…thing.” She flashed a brilliant smile. “Oh hello there. I’m Dianna, Dianna Slater. You’re… Shaun Wilcott, right?” She said, purposefully not using his right name on purpose.

Celebrities hated it when people knew who they were right off.

The Asian girl raised her eyebrow, "It's actually....Stephanie." She mumbled, "Uh, Shaun this is Dianna Slater. She is my...." Stephanie seemed to hesitate so naturally, Dianna stepped in.

"Her mentor. Ya know, helping her out with college...all that jazz." Clearly, Di would have to explain to Stephanie that telling others her little secret was a big no-no. Besides, she got weird feelings around this guy. It was like a mixture of good and evil all in one.

Shaun brought a slender finger to the girl's lips, letting lit linger as his beautiful face drew closer. "Ryuki cuts everybody down. Don't take it personally. He only wants you to become stronger". He smiled, his perfectly aligned teeth glimmering slightly. Stephanie said her thanks it Japanese, making his smile grow wider. " Ah! Your grandmother didn't tell me that you spoke Japanese!" Shaun boasted, finally stepping back to give the poor girl some room. True; that she chopped the language to pieces, but it didn't matter. It wasn't like he was from Japan anyway!

She mentioned that she was excited for the elite schooling. Without a doubt; there was a reason why Ryuki picked her. Did that asshole-of-a-vamp know about his "mysterious fifth student". Smiling once again; he paid attention to Stephanie as she continued answering his endless questions, noticing that she was looking for Ryuki. Was she in love with him? "Oh for fuck's sake!" he told himself, scoffing quietly. His face perked up as she mentioned a rather humorously.

"Jeez, does she really think I'm that incapable. It makes sense though...why you'd call me mistress Stephanie instead of just..Stephanie. You don't have to do that, call me mistress. This isn't ancient Japan...or Japan. I'm so happy you're going to join me at the Elite school!" She smiled brightly at him. "It'd be nice to be around another pianist who isn't so...." she held back the full of himself comment.

Nodding once in agreement, he took her hand in his, shaking it sternly. " Alright. Stephanie it is." He added a little bow- something her grandmother made him do often. " You don't have to hold back your comment. Ryuki's an hard-ass. Always has been." He mused, not giving her any indication as to how he knew Ryuki so well. He assumed that she would just chalk it up to "well they're both famous..must of met here and there". He adjusted his shirt; noting how incredibly air-headed this girl was.

As he was about to ask her more about herself, he heard the voice of another girl. different, stronger vibe approached his back; quickly turning his heel to face a rather stary-eyed fan. “Epiphany, there you are! I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I thought it over and I’d love to help you out with that…thing.” She flashed a brilliant smile. “Oh hello there. I’m Dianna, Dianna Slater. You’re… Shaun Wilcott, right?” She said, purposefully not using his right name on purpose.

His eyes narrowed, taken aback at how..how rude this girl was! Didn't she know any manners? Flashing his signature smile, Shaun nodded at the recognizable proof of his name. Taking the girl's hand in his, he kissed it gently; his lips hinting a rather warm shock that coursed through her body. He smiled once again. " My.. My.. Dianna... what a pretty name you have!" His voice was smooth, velvety like a Lindor. His dark-brown eyes pierced into hers as he noticed her grow weaker by each passing second. Breaking contact; he walked over to Stephanie's side, waiting to see what adventures unfold. He knew the girl's secret. She was a slayer. An enemy to his kind.

" No matter.. she's a weakling." He told himself, careful not to throw down any scent for her to catch. He watched as Stephanie introduced the slayer-chick as her "mentor". It was obvious. The way Stephanie tensed as Dianna came by was enough to catch drift that these two were forced to hunt down his kind. It was kind of comical. If only they were strong enough to detect his dark aura!
" What would you two say to grabbing some Viarri's? I have my car... my treat of course!" Shaun smiled, taking out the car keys from his pocket. As he was about to put on his coat; A strong hand held him back.

Neirah.




Lillian sighed lightly, taking the chair in front of Ryuki's. She watched as he snapped his pale fingers, lighting up the room filled with candles. Indeed; he was still beautiful after so many years. Even with a scowl; it was hard not to fall in love with such a demon. He played with his hair, twisting it ever so carefully between his long; nimble fingers. His eyes glared angrily at hers, waiting for her response.

" I'm sorry Ryuki.. but your reign of terror has to come to a stop. You are not only a threat to my family; but to your own subordinates. As long as you wield the Masamune of Chagong, you'll forever be drunk on her power.. A growl emanated from his soft, subtle, lips; stretching outwards to make a sneer at the old lady. He reached over to the side of the chair, pulling Lailia up onto his lap; a tender stroke of his fingertips brushing against the leather exterior. " So you're saying I'm a threat to the Gamons?" He chuckled, his eyes burning intensely. " This more or less, seems like you want the Masamune for yourself. You know as much as I, Lailia will do whatever it takes for you to never have this in the Katsomora possession. Even if that means employing my flesh and blood against me. " Ryuki stood up, walking towards the old lady, his steps; slow, dragging.


Lillian shook as the demon grew closer, her lip trembling as her eyes grew wide. She watched as large, black feathers grew out the back of the handsome devil; filling up the tiny room and surrounding her. She whispered a name..a suitable name..


" Lucifer."

"Ryuki cuts everybody down. Don't take it personally. He only wants you to become stronger"

"Right, so in order to make me stronger, he cuts me down? I don't do well with reverse psychology. " Stephanie said with a pout. That made no sense whatsoever to Stephanie. Was she supposed to prove him wrong then? What was the point if he'd never become satisfied with what she did? It was pointless!!

" Ah! Your grandmother didn't tell me that you spoke Japanese!"

Stephanie raised her eyebrow at Shaun. He wasn't serious? Was he? "I don't. I'm learning though." She smiled widely at him, her eyes bright with happiness. "Did I say the word correctly though?"

" You don't have to hold back your comment. Ryuki's an hard-ass. Always has been."

"Alright." She did glance around her to make sure Ryuki was nowhere in sight. " Its nice not to have someone in the class who isn't an asshole, most of the time. " He was a cute ass though...and had a cute... She shook those thoughts from her mind. Stupid Stephanie. Now, Ryuki was her professor which meant no teacher/student relations allowed.

To her surprise out of nowhere popped Dianna Slater. The girl she'd been chasing down half the night and had been refused. Dianna was the daughter of a very well known slayer, who apparently had killed tons of vampires and werewolves. Her grandmother had told her that she would be the one to help Stephanie.

However, when she'd appeared at the door of her dorm room she was rejected. Dianna didn't have time to help her out. At least, thats the way she'd made it seem. Now, all of a sudden she wanted to help. Not to mention, it was pretty obvious that the girl was drooling over Shaun. Frankly, she didn't see what was so hot about him. Not to sound racist or anything, but he was just some stupid white boy who was on the covers of magazines. Big deal? When someone came to her with pure and unadulterated talent other than showing off their ass in nothing but tighty whities; then she'd be impressed.

" My.. My.. Dianna... what a pretty name you have!"

Dianna giggled like a 15 year old highschooler. Stephanie rolled her eyes. It was odd because she didn't seem like the type to...giggle. "Well, thank you Shaun." Dianna said with another dazzling smile. Her bronze skin glowed in the low lights.

Neirah's hand approached the young man's shoulder, digging his slender fingers into the hollowed flesh. For a normal human being; that would normally issue out a wince of pain, even a mellow "yowl". Yet; Shaun's brown eyes reflected an annoyance, followed by a small chuckle as the pretty man brushed the cold hand away. " Ah.. Neirah. Long time, no talk!" Shaun peeped, putting his hand back in his pocket.

" Cut the crap, Shaun." Neirah bellowed; his usually quiet demeanor contrasted greatly with the deep voice coming from the pale man's voice. Like Ryuki; Neirah wasn't shafted in the looks department. However; his eyes each had a story to tell. Clearly, for an asian man, red or blue eyes were a good indication that neither were real. Especially the red. Yet; somehow, they both had expression. The red; quite similar to Ryuki's, but the blue? The blue matched too much to the brown expression deep within Stephanie's soul. He blinked, staring at the two girls.

" Class starts at 8am tomorrow. Shouldn't you two be heading on home?" he voice was cold. Straight-to-the-point. It had been his duty to protect the Katsomora girl and to prevent meeting the people destined to create her into his enemy. His eyes both displayed the look of pain. He wanted to tell her, protect her always..But he knew the risk. She could never know, and he wasn't going to give Wincott the chance.


Black feathers rained down, trickling gently downward before quietly resting against the wooden floor. His face in contrast with everything dark. " Lucifer's kind of harsh... isn't it..?", picking up the Masamune, His feet gliding swiftly over towards the old lady. Unsheathing the sword as quickly as a flash of light; Ryuki held it towards her neck. His cold; red, eyes no longer blinking.

" Give me one good reason why I should wait for Wincott to claim your soul." he asked; watching as the sword glimmered. Longing for a taste of such powerful blood. Yet; the old woman remained quiet, closing her eyes as if waiting for her punishment to be handed out. He let go. His hand dropping next to his silky robes. His beautiful wings flapped slightly, raining down a sleet of fluffy feathers.
" Don't interfere with my plans anymore.." He whispered, threatening. His eyes glowing slightly more.

" You've grown soft, demon." Lillian croaked, chuckling slightly. " The demon I once knew would of killed me the first chance he got. " His face grew into a small sneer, throwing the long blade into the groove of her shoulder. Loud screams filled the tranquillized sky. He scoffed; walking back to retrieve his precious piece. Bringing the blade to his lips; he licked the blood, watching as the old woman held her shoulder.

" Perhaps I have grown a bit soft. Consider this a warning, Katsomora." Ryuki whispered, opening the front door slowly. " If you didn't go down the path you did... we could of gotten married. I did love you, Lillian..I really did."

" I loved you too.. Shion."

Neirah frowned as the dark-skinned girl mouthed back to him. Shrugging lightly; he replied; his voice as cool as ever. " I wasn't talking to you. Miss. Katsomora is a friend of the band, and I only wish to talk to people who have the decency to speak in a calm, soft manner. Women should not be so...barbaric." He noticed Shaun's mouth drop at the comment, quickly adjusting to the harshness coming from the normally level-headed, reserved fellow.

Neirah watched as Stephanie defended his actions, mentioning that he was a part of Mask. He smiled a little, quickly erasing it as she struggled with the title of her new academy. "The UCLA Private Academy for the Elite". He whispered softly, his odd-coloured eyes staring into her own. In a way, they seemed to smile. A slight warmth twinged.
The awful-smelling human scoffed at the title, making a rather rude comment about the girl having to go to bed early. Rolling his eyes; he ushered Stephanie towards the door, nodding once to the remaining band.

" I'll drive you home. No girl should be walking alone at this hour." Taking his jacket like a true gentleman, Neirah placed it loosely over her small shoulders, gesturing towards the rather nice car. Pointing once, the car beeped; revving it's engine. " Hop in." He mouthed quietly, his face showing signs of actual warmth. He opened the door, handing her uniform bag before shutting the door.
Once inside; he turned on the radio, letting the key slide gracefully into the hole, as the turned the ignition. The lyrics taunted the two, making his squirm internally. " Um..going to change the station"He mumbled, turning off the radio, only to flick on the tiny television screen in front of Stephanie.

Bad mistake.

The video caught the attention of Neirah, making him swallow hard. Damn that Lailia! He watched from the corner of his eye, Stephanie watching the video as he drove. What was Lailia thinking? Was that how she felt inside the violin? Was that her world? His face fell as the lyrics haunting him. He couldn't help it.. he wanted to save her..

No. Lailia is a killer. It's all a ruse. A way to get her way.

He noticed the dorms just a ways away. He coughed slightly, trying to steer the pretty girl from analogizing the video. " Lailia likes to capture emotion through songs. It's why she's so popular..and important to Ryuki." He suddenly said, closing his eyes for a moment. Why did he say that? Idiot! Calming himself, he continued.

" Ryuki's a tough nut to crack. If you want to make him yours, you have to prove to him that you are a rare gem. It's just how he is. Girl's fall to his feet. He is a Rock God, and he knows it. The way to a Rock God's heart is through music. I think he decided to pick you because he secretly wants to know you better..musically." Neirah smiled. A genuine one. He wanted to hold her in his arms, pet her hair and console her. He sighed. His eyes looking forward towards the road.

" Whatever you do.. Don't get close too Shaun or that Dianna girl..only grief will come your way." He whispered, stopping the car. "Bring some lunch money to school tomorrow. I think I overheard Ryuki saying he was going to take us for some Korean BBQ. Oh.. and here.. to go with your uniform.. All elite students must wear it to signify which elite class they are in". He handed her a small pin, reaching over to unlock the door. " See you at 8am." He spoke quietly, watching her close the door and enter the large building.

" Sleep well... my daughter."


Shaun blinked at the sudden quip-pet between the new girl, Dianna and the prudish Neirah. He smiled, whipping out his phone to ignore the two. The room suddenly fell quiet, as he glanced up to see the dutiful prince usher the fragile princess away.

So nauseating.

Shaun grinned, slapping shut the mobile device. "I'm a friend of that girl's grandmother. If.. you were wondering why I'm here.."
He chirped, outstretching his hand. "I must say... for you to stand up to Neirah Oda.. is...well.. astounding! You do realize that he's the band's "security measure.." Trailing off, he pocketed his phone, putting it back into it's protective sheath. " Well...Miss. Nine-AM.. I guess I'll be a gentleman and drive you home too. Besides..I need to talk to you about something important."

Shaun was never known to be as gentlemen-like as the other man, but at least he opened the car door for her.
He noticed her eyes glimmer at the sight of the car, a rather awe look shimmering across her face, letting her caramel skin glow.

She was utterly gorgeous. Better than the Japanese girl. " Oh! I got a present for you too, Miss. Slater." His smile grew wider, as he plopped a rather big Vera Wang box
onto her lap. Shaun revved the engine, speeding off from the tea house.

" I know what you are, and I am here to help you get rid of some rather nasty vamps hiding out at the school." His normal, simple smile grew nonchalant as he pointed towards the box. "If you haven't figured it out, I am Lillian Katsomora - your hired bosses personal demon. And we are going to a ball held by a rather famous Hollywood actor because I'm obligated to go, and it'll give us a chance to "talk" about how many vamps you have to kill and how to bring Lillian's reluctant granddaughter to our side." Shaun swerved in and out of the busy lanes with ease, glancing once at Dianna's confused and angry face.

Was she upset that her most favorite model was a vampire? Or was it that there was a potential ally taken away BY A VAMPIRE?

He noticed she was about to speak, bringing a finger to her ruby-red lips. " I'm not a vampire.. not entirely. I'm more of a reaper. " He brought his finger down, concentrating on the road. "I'm helping you because Lillian is my contractor. Her soul when she dies for my help. For the cost of one's soul, you have not only a protector.. but a lover, friend, whatever you want that reaper to be. As you can probably tell; Lillian has a secret "admiration" for men that look the way I do right now."

Shaun turned into a rather large parking lot, turning off the car. He hopped out, walking towards the slightly, creepy mansion. " This is my house. Hurry and change." He smiled widely, walking up the marbled staircase.

"If you haven't noticed.. you won't be going to school tomorrow."

Stephanie slid into the car as Neirah came to the other side and got in. Folding her hands in her lap, she looked down at her hands in her lap as Fort Minort blasted through the speakers. She finally looked up as Neirah made a comment on changing the station.

"Um..that's fine." Stephanie said, glancing out of the window one last time catching a glance of the dumbfounded look on Dianna's face. When he turned on the tv screen a video came on with Laila in it.

The only thing she could think was, 'wow she's so beautiful.' It was almost entrancing to look at her. She probably would've been able to understand the song better, if she knew japanese. However, she didn't. Looking at Laila though, she seemed almost in...

" Lailia likes to capture emotion through songs. It's why she's so popular..and important to Ryuki."

Stephanies attention broke away from the video as she looked at Neirah and visibly paled, swallowing hard. So...he was taken. It made perfect sense now that he was so distant. He may not be dating her, but...apparently, his heart belonged to her.

"Oh." She whispered, looking back down to her lap where her hands stayed folded neatly there.

" Ryuki's a tough nut to crack. If you want to make him yours, you have to prove to him that you are a rare gem. It's just how he is. Girl's fall to his feet. He is a Rock God, and he knows it. The way to a Rock God's heart is through music. I think he decided to pick you because he secretly wants to know you better..musically."

As the song came to an end, Stephanie fought back a smile but couldn't do so sufficiently. She didn't say anything in response though.

" Whatever you do.. Don't get close too Shaun or that Dianna girl..only grief will come your way." He whispered, stopping the car. "Bring some lunch money to school tomorrow. I think I overheard Ryuki saying he was going to take us for some Korean BBQ. Oh.. and here.. to go with your uniform.. All elite students must wear it to signify which elite class they are in". He handed her a small pin, reaching over to unlock the door. " See you at 8am." He spoke quietly, watching her close the door and enter the large building.

She wasn't sure what he meant but nodded as she went inside. Heading to her dorm, she sighed heavily, got undressed, slipped into her night gown and drifted to sleep.

~~~~


"I'm a friend of that girl's grandmother. If.. you were wondering why I'm here.."

Dianna looked away from the car slightly confused on what had just happened and turned her attention on the sexy model. "Okay, I didn't really ask...but thanks for telling me?" She said. It wasn't like she actually cared about Stephanie's family. She had her own agenda when it came to killing vampires, whatever Stephanie's agenda was, it didn't concern her.

"I must say... for you to stand up to Neirah Oda.. is...well.. astounding! You do realize that he's the band's "security measure.."

"Nope, I didn't realize that at all. I could've taken him on though." Dianna was also not the type of girl to play the damsel in distress. Girls like that made her sick.

" Well...Miss. Nine-AM.. I guess I'll be a gentleman and drive you home too. Besides..I need to talk to you about something important."

She smiled, a ride from a hot, sexy model. Dianna had no problems with that. Finally, for once she could have a normal life, it seemed. No werewolves or vampires had shown up, which was good. They'd finally learned their place and realized LA was not the place to be.

"Why, thank you." She said as she slid into the super nice car. This was so cool. Oh god, she couldn't wait to tell Tori about her night with...oh wait, Tori had decided to ditch her. Sighing softly to herself she had to chastise herself mentally, because she knew Tori wouldn't have left if it wasn't important.


" Oh! I got a present for you too, Miss. Slater."


She slowly opened it up, somewhat...weirded out because how could he have a present for her when he didn't know her? Dianna opened up the box and gasped. "Um, I can't..what I mean to say is...look, I just met you so I think a dress is a tad bit too personal to buy a girl whom you haven't even been on a first date with, yet."

God, she hoped there would be a first date.

Her back stiffened as he spoke though and she swallowed hard. Was he a vampire?

" I know what you are, and I am here to help you get rid of some rather nasty vamps hiding out at the school." His normal, simple smile grew nonchalant as he pointed towards the box. "If you haven't figured it out, I am Lillian Katsomora - your hired bosses personal demon. And we are going to a ball held by a rather famous Hollywood actor because I'm obligated to go, and it'll give us a chance to "talk" about how many vamps you have to kill and how to bring Lillian's reluctant granddaughter to our side."

"I...I don't know what you're talking about." She stammered. She was silently trying to hold back her anger. Great, just great. Just when she thought she was going to have a normal relationship with a normal guy. Then again, what normal guy would actually want to date a slayer? "Fine, you got me. What's this all about? What do you mean bring Stephanie to our side? Isn't she? And are you a vampire? I don't like working with vampires....and I especially hate working with werewolves."

Despite her attempts not to shiver with pleasure at the feel of his finger against her lips, she did and swallowed hard.

" I'm not a vampire.. not entirely. I'm more of a reaper. " He brought his finger down, concentrating on the road. "I'm helping you because Lillian is my contractor. Her soul when she dies for my help. For the cost of one's soul, you have not only a protector.. but a lover, friend, whatever you want that reaper to be. As you can probably tell; Lillian has a secret "admiration" for men that look the way I do right now."

"I see..."

So she had an admiration for....models? Why not date Brad Pitt? And what the hell had Di gotten herself into now? Slowly, her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the house. It looked like..a haunted mansion.

Dianna followed Shaun without argue because well, he was her ride home...when she did get back on campus...eventually. "Where exactly do I change?"

Happy Birthday Sexxum! Enjoy The Long Post!!!

Ryuki's footsteps echoed down the long, dark walkway towards the girl's dormitory. He had forgotten to give Stephanie her elite pin. Tossing it up in the air, he clutched the violin case in the other, catching the golden charm before tossing it back into his shirt pocket. He noticed the black Mustang parked just out front.

Neirah.

Smirking just a little, he walked up to the car, tapping lightly once towards the tinted window. He watched as the window rolled down, his eyes matching Neirah's.
" Taking a break?" The handsome devil smiled, handing a pack of Lucky Strikes. " Have you seen Lailia's video?" Neirah asked, casually bringing the cancer stick to his cold, pale lips. Shaking his head once, he kicked open the violin case, letting the beautiful instrument fall to the pavement. Kneeling down, he brought a freshly lit cigarette to his mouth, his deep-red eyes looking down.

" Do you actually think someone is going to save you?" He asked the violin, chuckling slightly. Pulling out the small music note pin, Ryuki slashed his ivory wrist, squeezing briskly at the fresh wound. Drops of blood splattered across the mahogany wood, absorbing the salty liquid within it's pores. The instrument grew a vibrant red, before flashing a blinding light. There stood a beautiful temptress under the pale moonlight. She opened her eyes, yawning slightly.

" Ryuki!♥" Lailia purred, throwing her arms over the emotionless hunk. He pushed her away, his eyes cold. Serious. " What is it that you want? You can't go around parading your situation around to the public! He grabbed her throat, his eyes burning into hers. "Consider this a warning, Lailia." Ryuki growled, tossing her to the ground. The pretty girl looked up, hurt as she gathered herself gracefully, her eyes reverting over to Neirah. " And I suppose you had a hand at letting Ryuki know about my alterations for the video? You really are his little lapdog, aren't you?" Lailia sneered, her face dropping a moment.

That scent.

" Is that Katsomora bitch in there?" Lailia growled, her mouth salivating at the sweet aroma. "SLAP" came the hand across the girl's lily-white skin. " She's mine and mine alone. You best learn your place, Lailia." Ryuki mumbled, tossing the butt on the ground, his heel digging into the ground before kicking Lailia in the stomach. He chuckled, turning over to Neirah. " Make sure she feeds with you. I have some business to attend to before retiring for the evening." He spoke softly, walking towards the girl's building.

" If it's the pin.. I already gave it to her." Neirah said softly, pulling out a comb. Watching as Ryuki waved, the Blue-haired man quietly opened the car door, picking up the violin first before retrieving the crying princess. "Are you alright?" Neirah asked softly, brushing the dirt off the pretty girl. Red-streaked tears stained her face. " Ryuki..still loves me, right?" She asked, burying herself in the bodyguards arms.

" He did marry me after all.."


"Where exactly do I change?" Dianna asked, her face scrunched up to display her dissatisfaction. He chuckled lightly at the action, pointing up the stairs once inside. " First door to your right." He smiled, walking up the stairs behind her. Normally he would of already had a girl to tag along, but in all honestly; he had forgotten. Too many things on his mind he supposed. He heard her complain. It was typical for her kind. Slayers were nothing more than elite pain-in-the-butts, but; she was nobody special. Just a pet to his mistress, and she didn't even know it!

"How ironic!" Shaun mumbled to himself, walking into the room at the very end to change. There was no reason to, but it seemed to be a very "human" thing to do. Sighing softly, he stared into the mirror, looking at the hollow shell that stared back. "The British look so..so..ugly." he scoffed, admiring himself in the mirror. He saw her stare behind him, her reflection casting a beautiful aura around her. "Y..You look absolutely stunning.." His voice quivered. The dress was obviously made to tailor the Katsomora princess, but to think that it could be warned by another..He looked away, adjusting his tie.

" This is a high-class event. Many Hollywood celebrities will be there; with the possibility of my brother.." He stopped; back-tracing his comment. "Please behave as if you are a royal. You are my date and many will consider you to be from an extremely rich upbringing." Tossing her two boxes, he motioned for her to open them. The necklace is Lailia's..please be careful.. He motioned once again, pointing to the second box. "The ring is actually a Katsomora heirloom. It dates back to the Edo period." He voice was dim, serious. He wanted her to understand the seriousness of this party.


It was a party fit for an ex-royal. One known as the legendary Duchess of York.


It was towards the end of the party when the two showed up, igniting a fury of shocks and gasps from fellow "Shaun-admirers". True; the girl next to him was not exactly someone he would "go for", but it wasn't like she wasn't a total knock-out! He whispered in her ear. "I have been asked previously to play for the Duchess since today is her birthday.. Stay in front of the crowd and I will join you after my piece." He kissed her cheek, just a peck; to raise more gawking. He smiled, disappearing under the burgundy drapes.

Cold stares emerged from the young crowd. It had seemed that the dear Mr. Wincott was a little too famous amongst his fans. Almost instantly, the crowd of girls pushed forward as Shaun took to the stage, positioning himself towards the beautiful, grand piano. "I wonder what sound he's going to play!" whispered a rather chubby girl behind Dianna, whereas; girls surrounding the beautiful slayer commented on the model's impossibly good looks. Even one fan commented on his "size" down there.

" Good evening!" Shaun answered into the small microphone; his voice as silky as melted chocolate. "Thank-you for celebrating our dear Duchess's 52nd birthday! As a little gesture, I'd like to dedicate a song that made me think of the beautiful birthday woman on my way here!" His handsome face broke into a smile, as his eyes found Dianna's, twinkling under the dimly-lit chandelier.

Shaun brought his hands to the ivory keys and immediately began to play. His gentle eyes closed as he thought of her.. The Katsomora princess. He smiled. Would she be in awe if she heard him play? Did she even know who Chopin was? He smiled at that fact, opening up his eyes to see the reaction on Dianna's glowing face.

"Isn't that Fantaisie-Impromptu in C Sharp Minor?" asked the chubby girl behind Dianna, her jaw dropping at the handsome prince playing such a difficult piece. "Yeah..Op 66..I personally think he should of played my favorite; Nocturne No.3 in B Major.." Answered the girl beside her. As quickly as the song began, it ended; erupting a seizure of applause as Shaun got up to kiss the Duchess on the cheek before exiting the stage to gather Dianna. He swatted the irritating swarm of girls away.

"I'm all yours for this evening. Come; let us talk on the balcony." He gestured a smile, his hand touching the small of her back lightly.

The starry sky painted a romantic gesture for the two, making the young man smile. He sighed, looking up at the stars.

"Our story begins with a Prince, a Princess and a secondary Prince. The story is also set in Japan and Korea - my "birthplace". He smirked at that remark, continuing:

"First, let me educate you on Korean Royal terms. "Napchae is when the Crown Prince informs his future in-laws that he has chosen their daughter to be his bride. The King (or in this story, the same Prince) sends a Napjing - presents and a letter of welcome to the new princess. Next comes the Goki ceremony. The Goki alerts their ancestors of the coming royal wedding. Chackbin is the official appointment of the new bride of her royal status.

But what if the first Princess was Japanese?" Shaun mused, his smile growing wider. He noticed the boredom in Dianna's eyes, he continued:

" In simplest terms.. you know who Ryuki Oda and Lailia Park are, right?" Shaun asked, not really waiting for a reply. He tapped a few commands bringing up a Wikipedia listing showing the late Kings and Queens of the Goong Palace during Korea's Three Kingdom era. "What if one of the kings could live forever?" he asked bluntly, placing the phone back into his pocket.

"Ryuki and Lailia did just that. Ryuki's gone under many names. Perhaps King Gwanggaeto the Great? Or King Taejonh-Muyeol? Or maybe King Mun-Mu? The bastard even pretended to be a few sons - just to cover any suspicion! Ryuki's not only a vampire..he's a shape-shifter and the ruler of the underworld. He's what your world calls "Satan". Shaun's eyes grew leery, as he watched Dianna absorb the information. In truth; it was a lot to take in. Her greatest foe is the strongest demon alive!

"You probably won't remember this, but.. The Katsomora's are the only ones able to weaken Ryuki's ruling. Stephanie's grandmother..the one who blessed you with the gift of demon slaying when you were born is the one who successfully weakened Ryuki. Mistress Lillian fought Lailia with a relic she swallowed. This relic...poisons only those related to the crowned King. Including me..." He paused, clearing his voice.

" I'm the blood-brother of Ryuki Oda, Shin Gen Soh. I am the Demon God of Lust. I control all demons under that jurisdiction. I am also a high-ranking Reaper, the 2nd in command next to the Demon King. The relic that I have describe disables any powers of that demon when he is around the welder. It also has the ability to command a demon to do your bidding. Lillian summoned me when she was fighting Lailia and Ryuki. Since she had the relic, she commanded Ryuki to kill her and their first born child. Ryuki killed his son, and absorbed Lailia's "soul", making him untouchable. After he broke through Lillian's spell, he was about to kill Lillian, but in our world as Reapers, it's against Ryuki's own written rule to kill a human who's time is not up or has the blood sufficient enough to nourish our bodies. Keeping that in mind, I corrupted Ryuki's mind temporarily to fall in love with the Slayer.

At the time, I loved my brother very much and I went out of my way to preserve Lailia's body, even though she was dangerous. Lailia had absolutely no respect for human kind even when she was a human. Yes; Lailia was once known as Lady Gameunjang, the eldest daughter of a King in the Goryeo kingdom. She had fallen in love with Ryuki in the year 1392, the year the Joseon dynasty took over. The two married as he did with many past Queens but was truly in love with Lailia and told her his secret. In fear of losing her to old age, he turned her into a vicious vampire and gave her half of his already tremendous power. Drunken by it, Lailia turned into a monster, killing everything without a second thought. Because she was his "true wife", Ryuki left her to do whatever she pleased, but he had fallen out of love with her, but could not kill her, not even when he was being controlled by Lillian. He simply absorbed his power back, making Lillian believe that Lailia's fainting resulted in death. Knowing that, I kept Lailia's body and begged Ryuki to weaken her more.

As luck would have it, Ryuki grew to officially love the Katsomora slayer, and agreed to transfer Lailia's essence into the first object he saw - a violin. So now, Lailia can only come out once a day for a half-hour and only if Ryuki feeds her the same blood - type AB blood. Ryuki eventually broke it off with Lillian, knowing that their love could never be. And since; he has been living amongst humans. As for Lillian Katsomora? She lives, but the relic has been able to keep her alive through the relic. She grows up and dies like a human, but is reborn into another..or so, until Ryuki disrupted the flow.

Stephanie's mother was the next "Lillian" from all those years ago, however; Stephanie's real father - Neirah, was poisoned and was about to die. Ryuki noticed that the man was a AB blood type. Neirah told Ryuki that he was not ready to die and wanted to see his daughter be born before he passed away. Breaking a forbidden rule of his again, he offered immortality to Neirah in exchange for his blood. Because of this simple offering, Stephanie's human soul was changed and has rejected the relic. So, when Stephanie's "grandmother" and birth mother die, so does the relic...and my allegiance to the Katsomora's.

Ryuki writes rules for us demons, but breaks them without a second thought. This angers me because in my belief, he is an unstable and unfit King. I feel that he is going to merge the two worlds together and perhaps cause chaos. When my hold is broken, I am going to battle my brother for the crown and bring both the human world and demon worlds back in separate harmony. Lillian knows of this and has entrusted me with the duty of training you and Stephanie to help battle Ryuki and his blood-children. He claims them to be his real siblings, when really; they are nothing more than immortal puppets who do his bidding. His interest in Stephanie is that he wants a new Queen. One who is stronger than Lailia and is willing to put an end to all slayers. If he succeeds; you will die, Dianna.

Is that something you really want?"


" We that are true lovers run into strange capers" - Shakespeare

It was that day at the beginning of the new school year..It was a chilly day in September, the day he entered my heart. The perfect sculpted man before me sat on a park bench, drinking a cup of Starbuck's Caramel latte. From that single day, my eyes searched for him as if he were born for the fountain of youth. I worshiped this man like no other. I was helplessly drawn many times into confessing my love to him, but...


I found out he was the world's most sought-after bachelor.

Ryuki Oda - The powerhouse of MASK.

My name is Candice Todd and I have a thing for bad boys. In my eyes, Ryuki is the ultimate bad-boy, and I know everything about him! I know that the reason why Maleki broke up for a while was because he set a stage he preformed on, on fire - just because! I know that he's the bad-ass bad boy of L.A's Korean mafia. Oh..and did I mention he's from North Korea? Rumor has it that he escaped from there using nothing but a samurai katana! He injured as many as 300 soldiers who tried to capture him! Of course he refuses to tell anyone if that story is true or not ~♥

He always gives everyone he meets such a cold, dark stare. One that pierces your soul. He barely talks to anyone, and when he does; his words are like a poisonous sting! And when he wants it, he takes any girl who desires him and gives them a night to remember. A few of UCLA's fortunate sluts have commented that he has a desirable package too! *blush blush!* Oh so right..why am I talking? Well.. you see...


Ryuki's standing. In front of me. Right now. Like, he's in the girl's dorm!!! I'm the only girl out in the hallway right now..so this is my chance to ask him out! Wish me luck!!!!


Ryuki stared at the girl with the glasses, his face a solid stare. " Excuse me.." He asked politely, clutching the pin in his hand. His gaze burned into the girl's eyes, her mouth quivering with excitement.

Great. Another fan-girl.

" Oh...my...god...it's....you....I..ah..." He watched as she fainted, leaving nothing more than a softened "thud" between his arms. he caught her, lifting her over his shoulder. "I can't fucking believe this.." He grumbled, bringing the girl back into the room with the only door open. He closed it lightly, not to awaken anyone else. It seemed the girl resided alone, her
room, a sickening colour, but at least; tidy. Placing her gently on the bed, he immediately got up to leave, only to have a hand quickly tug his arm.

" Please.. don't leave."

The mysterious girl had awakened, making him hide a huge sigh that wanted to come out. Sitting down at the edge of the bed, he asked for Stephanie's dorm room number. " And what will you give me in return of that information?" Candice asked, her eyes batting flirtatiously. "What a crafty girl you are..." Ryuki replied, leaning forward, bringing his face dangerously close to hers. He knew it was enough...most fan-girls dreamed of just having him talk to them. This was just over-kill, insurance of a easy escape.

He watched her cheeks flush a delicious red, her cherry, lip-glossed lips whispered a word almost impossible to hear.

" You."

It was took late to back down. Her scent was already in the air. She was a eligible food source. The poor girl...if she only knew. There was no use hiding the monster within now! A swirl of colours and weight pressed on top of the unsuspecting girl, her eyes growing wide at the speed in which the rockstar possessed. Candice noticed her pajamas on the ground, covering her bare breasts.

" How did you...? When did you...?" Her mind drew a blank as his ice-cold lips met hers. She shivered. He was cold all over, even with clothes on. " Ryuki...you're freezing..." she chattered, watching as his skill fingers traced up her arm slowly, to her neck; letting them linger just below her carotid artery. He sighed.

" You really are such a beauty.." Ryuki whispered, leaving cold kisses down to where his fingers lay. He noticed her jerk at each kiss, heat rising from between her legs. Smirking lightly, he continued, bringing his free hand up to meet the other. "It's a shame that I already have my eye on another. One who truly is my soul mate.." Ryuki's hands pushed down on the frality of the girl's neck, hearing the sickening crunch of her thyroid cartilage. He watched as she gurgled loudly, hearing her heart pound furiously as she choked; unable to breathe. He got up slowly, walking towards her study desk.



" So..Candace...Todd." Ryuki read off a piece of mailing lying on top of her study books. " You have about 15 seconds to tell me.. What room is Miss. Stephanie Katsomora in..? I highly suggest you tell me before I dine on that delicious blood of yours..."
Waiting for a response, Ryuki's face grew blank, picking up the letter opener slowly. The girl gurgled her reply, eyes growing large before her body drooped lifelessly on the bed. He smiled.

"I guess I should of mentioned my mind-reading capabilities..oh well.." He grinned, slicing her arm. " At least I can drink without you rambling on and annoying me. I'm sure you were a nice girl, but; my interests reside in only asian girls. You didn't have a chance, bitch." He whispered, his fangs piercing through the cooling flesh.


"Most delicious, indeed."

After the mere minutes of drinking, the handsome demon stood up, licking the last Rembrandt's of the poor girl's fluids. She was sub-par, but enough to quench his fatigue. With the snap of his fingers, the wounds were gone; making it seem as if she had died peacefully in her sleep. He noticed the bouquet of roses and stargazers on her kitchen table, quickly swiping them; tucking away the little card addressed to the girl in his back pocket . Checking once more; Ryuki scanned the room; making sure not to leave any evidence behind, closing the door on the scene of a crime.

Humming a simple tune, he continued to walk down the long hallway, eventually stopping at the room of Stephanie Katsomora. Placing the stolen flowers in front of the door, Ryuki pierced a leaf with the pin, followed by a new uniform set for her first day. " See you in class, Miss. Katsomora.." he whispered quietly, disappearing quickly into the shadows.