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

[princesssexci]

Dianna looked in the direction that Shaun pointed and nodded. She could hear his footsteps behind her but pretended not to pay any attention to them. She was still slightly stunned that she was actually in Shaun Wincotts hou--no mansion. This was no house, this was a fucking mansion! Granted, it was kind of clear that he wasn't an ...ordinary human, probably some kind of demon with some hidden plan but still, never the less he was Shaun Wincott, demon, vampire or whatever he was. "I don't need to be followed, I know where the next door to the right is...or at least what direction..." she managed to mumble under her breath.

To say Di was slightly starstruck was a huuuuuuge understatement. Finally, she stepped inside the bathroom and got changed into the overly fluffy (or at least overly fluffy in her opinion) white dress. It clung to her body, showing off all the right curves. It hugged her tightly, apparently it wasn't meant for her to wear but she did it justice. At least, she thought she did it justice.

She pulled her hair up in a fancy bun and smiled to herself. She was actually going to some fancy shindig with... SHAUN WINCOTT! He was probably the sexiest thing since... well, he was just plain sexy.

"Y..You look absolutely stunning.."

The quiver in his voice made her smile, "Really, it feels a tad bit tight but..." her voice trailed off. It was funny because Di had always wanted that one day when she felt like Cinderella and it wasn't like she was ugly or anything.

Shauns voice brought Di back to reality.

" 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."

Shaun tossed her two boxes one with a gorgeous necklace and another with an equally gorgeous diamond ring. She wasn't quite certain who Laila was though, wait...wasn't there some chick named Laila in that masquerade band...or whatever it was called?

Why would he have --- nevermind, she didn't want to know. It was none of her business!

She put them on when she realized that he wouldn't do so for her. How romantic... she thought, then reminded herself quickly that she was nothing more than a tool for ...whatever the fuck he was planning that evening.

Once they arrived to the party, he excused himself to go play the piano and really, Dianna should have known that some of his fans would be there despite what sort of party it was.

Finally, he was finished with the song and joined her once more. After going into the history of Ryuki, the chick named Laila, and apparently Stephanie's grandmother. He told her the consequences of what would happen if Ryuki won.

"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?"

"I..." Dianna hesitated. She didn't want to die. She'd spent most of her adulthood avoiding death, mainly the type of death that her mother had gone through with those damnable werewolves but still...she didn't want to die. That wasn't in her plans. "No, of course not!" She insisted. Taking a deep breath, she asked "What do you need me to do?"

~~~~

"OH MY GOD, CANDACE IS DEAD! SOMEBODY HELP!!!" Came a female scream.

This is what roused Stephanie and led her to open the door. This was what led her to see the flowers that Ryuki had left. Had she not noticed the flowers in front of her door with a pin attached to it, she might've paid more attention to the horrified screams.

Then again, she was just a vampire slayer, it wasn't like she was the police.

The pin attached to the leaves were a clear indication that it was from Ryuki. It wasn't like Shaun had much interest in the violin. It also came with a new uniform. Odd, hadn't Shaun given her a uniform to...whatever. She supposed that Ryuki would know what was best to wear.

It wasn't like Shaun was the professor and besides, they didn't even seem to like each other. While the girls screamed and cried over Candace's body, Stephanie wandered to the bulletin board and caught sight of a poster. There was a competition next Saturday. Musical, of course.

She so had to enter that!

Whispers down the hall about how cold hearted Stephanie was being to the dead body could be heard. Steph didn't care though because, it wasn't like she actually knew that Candace person.

 

[Lady Reiha]

Shaun's face drew close as he whispered his reply to the pretty slayer. " I want you to destroy Ryuki and his clan and bring over Stephanie." His dark eyes flashed a sudden discolour, almost a reddish hue. He was thirsty. "Shit." Shaun cursed, covering his mouth. He glanced up at Dianna, his eyes full of pain.
" I..need...energy..." He whispered before fainting to the ground.

He opened his eyes, scanning the surroundings. The room was dark, the only illumination was the dress Dianna wore. Wait.

Was this...?

He noticed the girl's eyes suddenly on alert, as the sounds began to raise. They were in the 5th layer of hell.. Shaun's realm. Noticing the tiny demons forcing his lips to drink a rather foul-tasting elixir, Shaun coughed, sitting upwards. It was then he realized; his "human" form was no more. Shaun looked up at Dianna's confused face, his own smile fading.

" Prince Shin Gen Soh" The demons bowed, backing away considerably to let their ruler stand up. Shaun's beautiful, icy-blue wings extended from his back, flapping once to illuminate the whole room. " This is the 5th realm... the realm of Ice." His new, cold-blue eyes stared down at the slayer. "Do not be afraid... I will not harm you." Picking up his long, blue hair, along with his draping garments from the ground; Shaun walked towards a Silver-looking mirror Waving over the surface, a woman appeared; staring back.

Lillian Katsomora.

Suddenly it had become perfectly clear. Heavy chains appeared around Shaun's wings, weighing them down. He was trapped, only allowed to do her bidding. Bringing his large hand to the mirror, he whispered to the cold-looking elder. " I...need...your energy to return to you." Grabbing Dianna's hand gently, he pulled her close to his chest; his breathing heavy, yet soft. " Don't let go." He whispered in her ear, the icy world growing dark once again.

Shaun's eyes opened once again, staring down at the sleeping slayer underneath his arms. Was she...drooling? Chuckling slightly, he placed her down against the hard wood flooring, slowly getting up to walk towards the elder. He noticed that his appearance was back to the British model, his master enjoyed, a burst of energy surged through his veins. " I am grateful for your life energy.." Shaun whispered softly in the old woman's ear, taking out the hair pin from her silvery hair.

" And just what do you think your going to do with that pin, Ice Demon?" Lillian croaked, turning her body to face the pretty man. Lillian's smile sneered, pointing to Dianna. " If you kill me, I'll just transfer myself to her. You cannot escape me. You are bound to me, and only me. Until I die by another hand, you can never be free."

Shaun's eyes rested on Dianna, slowly waking up. Tossing the pin her way, he shouted " Please set me free, Dianna... if you do; I promise to serve you without a soul-link.. I promise to never ask for your life energy. Just please...release me..." His eyes pleaded.

" Dianna, dear.. do you wish to defy your Slayer ancestry?"

*° º✿​

Ryuki watched from afar at the turmoil going on in the girl's dorm. Wiping his face once again, her turned to walk away; bumping into Takumi. " What is it?" His smile faded, feeling the sharp pain of a slap against his flawless cheek. " We are not here to pick up after you." The petite, white-haired boy spoke, his voice identical to Nora's. " Stop acting like a misbehaved child. You are our king! Please act as such." Ryuki raised his hand, silencing the young boy, his eyes darkening at the reminder. True; if he kept leaving bodies behind, surely it would bring about some shady people...including slayers.

"I need Lailia away from me for a while, Takumi. Can you conceal her someplace safe?"

" Of course, your highness.." Takumi piped up, walking away slowly towards the woods. " I guess tomorrow's a big day.." He mumbled, following suit.

¸¸.•´¯`​

UCLA Assembly: 9:45am

Crowds of students entered the large gym, talking loudly enough that every word penetrated each vampire's mind, their eyes expressing great pain at such noises. Wearing a rather large pair of sunglasses, Ryuki stared up at the crowd of students, his eyes scanning to find Stephanie. His mouth curled upwards as he found her, next to Nora.

" Settle down, Settle down.." A booming voice appeared over the speakers, motioning everyone to stop talking. Mr. Clarke, the principal coughed once, before adjusting his tie. " I'm sure you know why we are gathered for this assembly this morning. For those of you who do not know.. we have a crisis on our hands. Early this morning, one of our fellow students, Candace Todd, passed away in her sleep. This is the second death at UCLA in the past two weeks. The LA police department has now declared that all students remain in their dorms after 7pm." The crowd of students cried in uproar at the mention, a few shouted profanities at the lovable principal.

" It will only be for a few days, just.. until the Police can rule out any foul play." Ryuki listened intently at Mr. Clarke's words, his eyes narrowing in on the plump man. " I wonder if he'd taste delicious..nah.. too many calories." The vampire chuckled, correcting himself immediately. "Also, I'd like to make an announcement. We have a new teacher in the elite campus. For those in that program, please give a warm welcome to our newest addition; Mr. Oda!"

A crowd of students began to whistle at the mere mention of his name, prompting him to stand up, bowing slightly. " How embarrassing.." Ryuki sighed, looking over his shades at Stephanie. His wicked heart skipped a beat.

" Now, now.. Because of the unfortunate events, all classes are on hiatus until tomorrow. Please take today to reflect on your fellow students. That is all." The chubby man huffed, watching the wave of students rush towards the exits. Ryuki stood up, bowing once more at the Principal, walking towards the classroom.

Finally, some peace and quiet to practice on some music.

Ryuki entered the small room, walking over towards the piano, his fingers lightly dancing over the keys. Soon; she would be playing from this, filling the air with such sweet notes of innocence. He sat on the bench, and began to play. His face was absorbed into the music. He knew he could never be as amazing as Shaun, or as talented as Stephanie truly was. he reflected on his life in general; thinking about the times with Lillian.


Sweet Lillian.


He didn't notice Stephanie peeking in from the door. His mind much too wrapped up on what he was going to do with Lailia. He was falling for Stephanie more and more each day. Yet; he could not just destroy Lailia. She meant too much. Sighing softly, he stopped playing; his face streaked with blood-red tears. " Why am I so cursed...?" He whispered softly, noticing a reflection in the piano's ebony shine. Quickly turning around, his eyes met Stephanie's, seeing them grow wide in horror. That's right! His tears!
Quickly wiping them off his sleeve, trying hard to remove the streaks across his porcelain skin.

" Shouldn't you be enjoying your one-day of freedom?" He mumbled rather bitterly at the poor girl, embarrassed at his crying notion, much less than the questions she'd soon bombard onto him. Before could listen to Stephanie's questions, his head shot up in angst. Lillian.


" Somebody's about to kill your grandmother..." Ryuki shot back, grabbing Stephanie's arm within a flash. "I cannot save her without you binding yourself to me. My protection for your soul. Will you do it...?" He asked, his red eyes burning into hers. " The choice is yours."

 

[princesssexci]

Di wasn't sure what was going on, one minute Shaun was telling her to basically kill Ryuki and his ...clan while bringing Stephanie over to their side. Which for some weird reason, she'd already thought Steph was on their side. That was why Steph wanted her to learn the tricks and trades of slaying..right? And then, suddenly...everything went black and well obviously the only thing that was gave light was her bright dress.

Dianna whipped her head around at the sound of voices and then back towards Shaun. Where the fuck were they? She blinked a few times as she stared at what used to be Shaun. Now he had lavender hair and did not look like he was white but...asian. Not that there was anything wrong with that. No, he was...absolutely beautiful.

" Prince Shin Gen Soh" Said the ghoulish looking demons. Dianna whipped her head back around at the demons. Oh god, what had she gotten into? Slowly, she backed away from them all. She wasn't so much afraid of Shaun because..he had blue wings. What sort of demon had blue wings and hair.

It was the other demons that scared the shit out of her.

" This is the 5th realm... the realm of Ice." His new, cold-blue eyes stared down at the slayer. "Do not be afraid... I will not harm you."

"I-I'm not..." she squeaked.

Yeah, she sounded real brave right now. She watched as he stepped towards a silver jeweled mirror telling it, that he needed energy. Then, suddenly everything went black again. Damn it!

When she awoke it was to the sound of Shaun yelling at her.

" Please set me free, Dianna... if you do; I promise to serve you without a soul-link.. I promise to never ask for your life energy. Just please...release me..." His eyes pleaded.

"I..." Dianna stammered and then looked towards the asian woman who seemed to exude authority in her prescence.

" Dianna, dear.. do you wish to defy your Slayer ancestry?"

"I.." she stammered again. Sexy guy asking for her help and old woman asking if she wanted to defy her slayer ancestry. Trick question, right? She never wanted to be a slayer to begin with. She probably would never find her mothers killer so what was the point.

Plus, Shaun was dreamy.

"How do I..." her voice trailed off as she picked up the red pin.

~~~~~

Stephanie sighed during the assembly. She felt like she was back in highschool, except there wasn't that many deaths in highschool. Steph blew a strand of dark hair out of her eyes. Slowly she lifted her dark brown orbs to meet Ryuki's. Her face tinted a slight blush. He was wearing shades today. It was odd, in the little time she knew him she already felt those invisible strings trying to pull her towards him.

After learning there would be no classes, she watched as Ryuki exited the room and quietly followed him. She glanced behind her because she'd heard this silly rumour the night before when she'd gotten home that Ryuki was married to that Lailia girl.

She supposed she was following him to see if he'd meet up with her. Why it mattered, she didn't know. She found Ryuki in one of the music rooms playing piano. He hadn't noticed her so, she just listened. He played so beautifully and she could practically feel the emotion running through the ivory piano keys.

Suddenly, Ryuki stopped. Stephanie could've sworn his tears were red when he looked at her. Tingles ran down her legs and spine along with chills. Every fiber of her being said he was a vampire but...no, not the famous Ryuki Oda.

" Shouldn't you be enjoying your one-day of freedom?"

His words were harsh and she bit her lip, "Yes, but I ..I heard music from outside and wanted to ..." she clutched her music book close to her and looked down. Just as she was preparing to leave, he quickly grabbed her by the arm claiming that her grandmother would die. '

"What are you talking about, Ryuki? Are you psychic now?" She said, rolling her eyes.

"I cannot save her without you binding yourself to me. My protection for your soul. Will you do it...?"

She would've called him crazy but his brown eyes suddenly turned red causing Stephanie to shrink back.

VAMPIRE!!! came her inner slayer.

But as she looked into his eyes, for some crazy non sensical reason, she felt like she could trust him. It was probably the biggest mistake in her whole entire life but....

"Yes.." she whispered.

 

[Lady Reiha]

Ryuki grabbed the girl gently, bringing his cool lips to her neck. Slowly and ever-so-carefully, he bit into her flesh; tasting her powerful essence. Quickly; his mind became intoxicated by her taste, ignoring her painful cry. Growling lightly, he let go; his eyes glowing a bright hue. He felt his body transform. Beautiful, ivory wings shot from his back, slowly fading into a dark ebony. His clothes growing into a fashionable attire. His long, flowing hair swept the ground like long; imperialism robes, worn by oriental emperors in the old days. Yet; his face remained the same.

Pulling a sword from his waist charm-belt, he slit his ivory wrist; bringing it forth to Stephanie's mouth. "My blood is the purest form of demonic blood. My will commands it to either take a life, create one or create a forever bond to a human. It can also heal and reverse the effects of thirst to a half-breed or full breed vampire." His voice was soft, pure. Not a hint of typical sarcasm was hidden in it.

He sounded completely different... like a Royal.

Ryuki watched her drink from his wrist, slowly bringing it away from her ruby-stained lips. Mumbling a spell, her felt the floor collapse beneath them. " Hold on tight." He whispered, sweeping the young woman off her feet. His wings extended as he flew into the pits of Hell, ignoring the frantic cries of demons surrounding them.

" King Shion-Joon-Park has returned! Alert every demon!" The demons chanted, bowing respectively before their King. Ryuki ignored them, looking down at Stephanie's frantic expressions. " Do not worry... these demons will not dare to approach you without my consent. You are safe". he whispered calmly, kissing her forehead. He noticed the tunnel up ahead, making way for a gentle landing.

He noticed Shaun beside Lillian, along with that pesky slayer-girl. Dropping Stephanie off alongside Lillian; Ryuki growled at Shaun. " On your knees, lowly demon. Bow before your king." He heard Shaun chuckle, refusing the request.

"I am under a contract with Lillian Katsomora...brother." The brown-haired demon mused, pointing towards Stephanie. " I also have the protection of the soon-to-be, strongest slayer alive! Once Lillian is no more, we can create a world where vampires and slayers can co-exist! If this happens; I will fight you for the throne!"


"SILENCE! YOU PATHETIC DEMON!" Ryuki's voiced boomed, his long; flowing locks waving wildly around him. His eyes narrowed at the sight of the hairpin. It was poisoned-tipped. "Dianna..What Shaun says is true.. do you really wish to become the next sought-after slayer? You will not gain the Katsomora household.."


It was all too quiet.
Something was wrong.

He noticed as Dianna began to walk, picking up the jeweled hairpin. Her face contorted to a sinister grin. Shaun had possessed her! How? To be so easily tricked by a demon? "The fool!" Ryuki yelled, running over to protect Lillian and Stephanie. He noticed Stephanie's back, protecting her grandmother, as the possessed slayer lunged, her arm extended.

" LOOK OUT!"

Pushing the girl out of the way, he heard the sickening scream of the elder. It was too late. The damage was done. Ryuki refused to get off the wide-eyed girl, watching with his own eyes at the situation. Lillian began to choke at the pin pierced cleanly through her neck, the poison already taking effect. Shaun released himself from the dark-skinned slayer, tossing her exhausted body on the floor. He chuckled, floating away slowly.

He let go, racing over to be by the old woman's side.


"I'm here, Lillian... you'll be okay... I'll give you some of my blood.."

"Don't... Shion... you...can't..."

" I'm the King! I can save you... let me Lillian...please...for the sake of your granddaughter..."

"The poison will kill you too... you cannot.."

" Don't leave me here!"

" I..will..always love you....Shion".

" Don't die!"

"Lillian?"

"Lillian!!!"

Ryuki's eyes filled with blood-red tears once again, making the king howl in such a sorrowful way. His first true love.. his Lillian...was gone. For once in his long, painful, life.. he experienced an emotion he thought was truly dead.

The emotion of true love.

 

[princesssexci]

Stephanie shook with fear as Ryuki bit her neck, his sharp fangs piercing her tender flesh. She squealed and tried pushing him away, but he was much too strong. Not only that, he pulled away and seemed to..change, even more so than the whole red eye thing. What had she gotten herself into? She was just supposed to be ...a slayer, right?

She watched with horror as he slit his wrists and told her to drink. Stephanie hesitated for a second, wondering if this was what she would really do. Biting her lip, she bent her head down to his wrist and gently licked the blood. It tasted disgusting. How could vampires live off this sorta thing?!

Another surprise, the floor falling and demons shrieking their praises to Ryuki. She squealed and backed away. True, Stephanie wasn't exactly acting very slayer worthy, but it was a tad too late to care about that.

" Do not worry... these demons will not dare to approach you without my consent. You are safe".

Stephanie slowly nodded and then she saw Dianna but Dianna looked like she was in a trance of some sort.

"DIANNE!" She screamed and then noticed the sinister smile on Shauns face, his dark chuckle. Every bone in her body told her this was danger, that something bad was going to happen. This was the moment her grandmother had been telling her about, the moment when she would take Lillian Katsomora's place as a slayer.

"Leave her, she is a traitor to her own heritage, Stephanie." her mother said. She sounded so weak and ....so weak!

"Grandmother, are you alright? Where are we? What's going on?" Stephanie said, rambling her questions.

"Listen and you shall find out."

Stephanie turned her attention to Shaun and Ryuki who were now confronting one another. When she'd first met Shaun, she wondered why the two harbored such hatred against one another. It was clear now.

They were brothers..

Even though Shaun didn't look in any shape or form related to Ryuki, it was like Stephanie could see through him, could see the real him. He had blue hair as long as Ryuki's with icy blue wings.

" On your knees, lowly demon. Bow before your king." He heard Shaun chuckle, refusing the request.

"I am under a contract with Lillian Katsomora...brother." The brown-haired demon mused, pointing towards Stephanie. " I also have the protection of the soon-to-be, strongest slayer alive! Once Lillian is no more, we can create a world where vampires and slayers can co-exist! If this happens; I will fight you for the throne!"

"NO, LEAVE HER BE!!!!" Stephanie screamed, though it was clear that her screams of protest would mean nothing at this point.

Stephanie felt so helpless and..she hated being helpless! What was the point of being a slayer if you couldn't do anything to save your loved ones.

"SILENCE! YOU PATHETIC DEMON!"

The sound of Ryuki's booming voice made her jump back. Her grandmother consoled her telling her that he wouldn't harm her.

"Dianna..What Shaun says is true.. do you really wish to become the next sought-after slayer? You will not gain the Katsomora household.."

Dianna was silent though. That wasn't like Dianna at all. Dianna normally had something witty to say or...something. Stephanie may not have known her long, but she knew that Di was a talker.

"Something's wrong.." She whispered, standing in front of her grandmother. She would kick Dianna's ass, if she hurt her family. Famous slayer family or not!

Everything happened in seconds or at least, it felt like it! She was knocked out of the way of Dianna's arm moving to pin her grandmother with the needle. Of course, it would've been her if she hadn't of been pushed.

"NO! Grandmother!!!" She screamed, rushing to her side, next to Ryuki.

"Becareful...whom..you...tr-tr--..."

"NO!!!!" Stephanie screamed, tears pouring down her cheeks and falling onto her grandmothers soft porcelain skin.

At that moment, Dianna snapped out of her daze to see Stephanie glaring hatefully at Shaun, Ryuki crying over the old womans body and she...she held a poison tipped hair pin. She remembered it all. She was there when it happened but it was like...an out of body experience. It was some real creepy shit.

"Stephanie, I'm so sorry. I--I didn't know what I was doing, I swear!" She said, "I mean, all i remember was Shaun asking for help to set him free. I didn't know I'd be killing..."

Stephanie slowly stood up, passing Dianna and glaring at Shaun as she stepped toward him. "You will pay for this and if you ever come near any of my friends, I will hunt you down...and kill you.." Her voice was stony cold. It was as though she'd become a totally different person. Turning away, she walked back towards Dianna, she grabbed her hand and moved towards Ryuki.

"We want to go home, now."

 

[Lady Reiha]

Bringing Stephanie close to his chest, Ryuki's strong, let; nimble arms wrapped around her like a sheet of crystallized ice. His face, streaked with red, glared at the two with such hatred and disgust as his white-to-black wings outstretched, filling the small room as he felt Stephanie cling onto him a little tighter. Such sorrow this day brought. He couldn't find the words to console the beautiful girl. He was bad at this. His face became gentle, letting her look at the beautiful landscape underneath them. He was taking them somewhere far, away from the sadness and pain. He lifted her tear soaked face ever-so-lightly, letting his nose brush against hers before giving her the softest of kisses. One to remember and one to forget. It was all he could do until he reached the place he was sure was going to make her forget her sadness, even if only for a short time.

"Close your eyes." Ryuki whispered softly, letting the ground silence his landing. A beautiful voice echoed through the trees of a beautiful, land that laid before them. "You can open them now." Ryuki spoke, letting the girl stand on her own to feet. He listened at the song, smiling softly as he took her hand. " I'd like for you to meet someone of quite importance."

The two walked gracefully over the lush scenery, cushioning their walk. Faint music continued to play with such a peaceful voice echoing through the forest walkway. He knew she was curious. Where was the sound coming from? From whom? An enemy? A friend? The voice became more clear as the scenery changed from an even green to a rose-based colour. There sat a beautiful, pale-haired woman, singing her lovely tune. " That is Hinoto. The Countess-Hakushaku of the Vampires. She is...my daughter who I freed from Monarchy due to her blindness. She is also the oracle of my world and yours."

He noticed the young girl laying in the leaves surrounding the Countess Her body very still, as if she had been drained of blood. It was strange; considering that Hinoto despised messes. " Have you grown lazy, daughter?" Ryuki asked, shielding himself towards the body for Stephanie's sake. "That is Princess Otome of the land next to my own. She is..how do you say? Lazy. Yes. Wake up, you have guests." The soft-spoken woman urged, her golden claw poking the lifeless body. A sudden wind gushed towards the group as the lifeless girl got up, her body suddenly changing into a beautiful elf.

" I am Princess Otome." The elf mused, her golden eyes falling on the shaking girl next to Ryuki. " You must be the Katsomora doll. It's a pleasure to have you join us." Otome looked at Ryuki, her fingers beckoning him forth. He followed laying beside his daughter. There was still one more missing. The clouds greyed as an ignominious creature walked forward, eyes the blackest black, her robes dragging against the carpeted ground. The woman dressed in black appeared swiftly next to Stephanie, her eyes peering into hers. "Such misery." The woman sneered, looking towards the others. " That's Winter. She is the main guard of the worlds that separate our world from the human world. In retrospect, we are the three high elders of Ryuki's kingdom. The past, present and future. This forest... is Ryuki's sanctuary, and now; yours. " Hinoto hushed, the markings on her forehead glowing, her closed eyes moving rapidly. "It's time for you, Miss. Katsomora to inherit the powerful spirit of this world."

 

[princesssexci]

Everything that passed still seemed to go into slow motion for Stephanie. She was hurt that her newfound friend had betrayed her for Shaun. Even Stephanie didn't trust Shaun that much. He just really creeped her out from the get go. She was pulled close to Ryuki's chest. His body was cold but at the moment, she needed that cold feeling to numb her inner pain.

The wings which had appeared on his back earlier seem to cascade and take them to different place. She wanted to go home, she didn't want to meet anyone at the moment. That was the furthest thing from her mind. She wanted to mourn and cry, maybe indulge in a half pint of green tea ice cream. Oh! She could even--

Her thoughts were cut short at the sound of a beautiful voice singing somewhere in the midst. Her eyes fluttered open after being directed to do so by Ryuki. She blinked a few times in confusion. Had he just said his .....daughter? It figured that he had children; which meant if he wasn't married then he had a baby's mama...well, obviously he had a babys mama. How else could he have kids if--

"It's time for you, Miss. Katsomora to inherit the powerful spirit of this world."

"Wait--w-what are you talking about?" She swallowed hard, knowing that it was time she take off where her grandmother had left off. She didn't want to though. That meant she'd be a vampire slayer and what would happen to her and Ryuki. Not that it mattered. He'd made it painfully clear that he wanted nothing more than a teacher/student relationship with her.

Was this what destiny had in store for her? She wasn't sure that she liked it very much. She wanted a normal life with a normal husband. If she had to follow her destiny, that meant she might have to give up--

She didn't let her worries carry her too far. "What must I do?"

 

[Lady Reiha]

Hinoto brushed a strand of hair from Stephanie's eyes, her face getting incredibly close. Her breath smelled of raspberries and vanilla. " Look into my eyes, dear. Let all emotion drop like water off your skin. Let your surroundings absorb your soul. Submit only to the raw instincts..and very importantly... breathe." Otome was next to hook hands with the priestess, followed by Winter. Ryuki quietly observed, watching the circle created by the three glow softly.

" PAST."
"PRESENT."
''FUTURE".


"Unite us three, under the protection of the Brilliant Aoshi. May we protect the future queen on her ventures, may she protect the king, our master. May she inherit the strength to continue and never disobey her master. In doing so; our glorious master will grant us eternal peace and happiness. If the queen fails, we shall eat her flesh and drink from her sweetest life source." The three opened their eyes, peering deep into Stephanie's soul. Their bodies began to swirl around her, gradually growing smaller. A small moan escaped the lips of Otome before a giant flash blinded the slightly frightened slayer. There stood before her A beautiful wolf, it's ears aback, nudging her hand.

" They have accepted you as their master. If I cannot be there to protect you, the elders will.. they are at your very will and yours to command. You should name her.." Ryuki mumbled, staring at her intently.

 

[princesssexci]

The sound of nature filled Stephanies ears as she listened to thee girls soft voice.Making a note to herself to breathe as she stood still. Emotions rolled off of her like water droplets. First, there was laughter, then tears, anger, then hate and a feeling of...betrayal, more sobbing but from thoughts of the peeople she loved..and could love or even wanted to love but knew the future would probably never allow it.

PAST

"Daddy, when I grow up I wish to be a musician...like you!"

"Than you shall my little koala."

PRESENT

Scenes of her grandmothers death replayed like an old vhs film.

FUTURE

Nothing but a blank page.

Fluttering her eyes open she glanced at thee bowing figures then at the wolf and lastly, Ryuki. Her eyes moved back towards the wolf." I wih to name her...Lily...in honor of my grandmother." Stephanie bent down and pet the wolf who inturn licked her cheek causing Steph to giggle.