Blood Lust

by Lady Sakura

***

[Toshiya; an elegant and beautiful man. His face alone held the beauty that made most men drool and all women despise. His eyes were the color of the deepest ocean blue. They always sparkled with life, and a little mischief as well. But this time there was nothing but terror in those eyes. Toshiya was frightened.What the hell could bring such a look to that beautiful face?  What ever it was it had to be pretty bad........and for the Master to summon all of them meant it was serious.

"Shinya, I have to go."

"Wait! What's wrong? Will I see you again?"

Kyo looked into Shinya's eyes and gave a smile. "You will see me again......I promise." Kyo then gave Shinya a quick peck on the cheek and left with Toshiya in hand at a quick run. The large wooden door slamming shut with a loud click of metal.......locked...... as it had always been for the six years of Shinya's life.]

~end Part 2

***

The Master's study had a simple but elegant flair to it. The colors were muted in warm earth tones such as burgundy, deep browns, blacks and touches of white throughout. Beautiful wall tapestries, velvet curtains, a persian rug, throw pillows and silver and iron candle sticks made a nice touch, as well as the many various knick knacks of iron and wood.

The Head of Deity Manor sat calmly behind his walnut desk; his fingers tapping a nervous medley atop the shiny surface. Among the few scattered papers and a small stack of leather bounded books, sat a small antique brass picture frame that was so contentedly being stared at by the violet haired man who sat composed in the comforts of his chair.

The young man in the photo was that of the fair beauty that he had fallen in love with just six years ago.

Shinya.

Whose beauty was like a delicate rose; so soft and fragile, fragrant and beautiful.

A face that could always bring a smile to the vampire's lips, even at the most desperate of times such as this.

Kaoru smiled as he continued to look upon the beautiful boy in the photograph. The one that was destined to be his life mate, partner, friend, and lover.

No one would have thought that such a boy, especially one so young, pure, and innocent, could put Kaoru in such rapture, but this fair beauty did, and Kaoru was indeed bound by his heart to have this boy; to make him his in body, spirit and everlasting soul.

In three nights time, on the eve of Shinya's 24th birthday; their consummation will take place and Kaoru will than take his beloved over into a new world. One that will be filled with dark mysteries and sensuous desires. On this eve; his beautiful Shinya will experience such erotic pleasures that will shake him to the very core of his being and his cries will fill their room in a tempo of sexual and erotic ecstasy.

It was definitely a night that the violet haired vampire was very much looking forward to.

He felt excited and aroused just at the mere thought of it......

.......but, much to his dismay....there was an under current of mixed emotions that began to stir deep inside his gut.

The crisis that had come about with the return of his most hated nemesis has brought forth a dark, black and perverse cloud that seemed to over-shadow Kaoru's own heart with fear, anger, and hatred.

Anger......

for this man that dared to come back into his life after 500 years.

Hatred.....

for what this man had become; an outcast from his own kind. One that held nothing but blackness and evil in his heart. A creature that was ugly, detestful and repulsive in nature alone; for this lone vampire had no compassion what-so-ever for anyone or anything.

And lastly.....

Fear......

a fear of loss......

Not only for the members of his 'family' and his Maker, which Kaoru so dearly loved, but also for the young beauty known as Shinya. Kaoru loved that boy with every ounce of breath that he took within his body. Just at the mere thought of loosing his beloved was one that he could not bare and his life would be *nothing* if he could not share his immortal existence with the one person that he loved and cherished the most.

"DAMN! Why did this have to happen now!" Kaoru growled through his teeth as his fist slammed down onto the desk with anger causing the other Deity family members to flinch at the vampire's sudden outburst.

Kaoru continued to stare at the precious photo as questions began to surface in his mind.

//Why? Why have *you* returned?//

Kaoru brought his hands up to massage his temples.

//After 500 years, is your heart still filled with such anger that you've come back to seek your vengeance upon me? Is that it?...........IS THAT IT?!//

Kaoru breathed out a heavy sigh as frustration began to set in. So many questions swirled around in his mind, but for the answers to be provided, Kaoru knew damned well that they can only be given by that insidious bastard of a brother, which was a meeting that he was NOT looking forward to.

It was indeed an unpleasant situation between himself and his estranged brother. Kaoru never thought that he could hold so much hatred for one person, especially when it came to his own flesh and blood.

***

Kaoru's past........

What should have been a life filled with children's laughter, endless games, happiness, and love....Kaoru's childhood world was filled with nothing more than misery, jealousies, and hatred. His entire childhood life was lived in turmoil, a life filled with emotional pain and suffering, all lashed out at the hands of his older brother. And as Kaoru got older, their confrontations only seemed to have gotten much worse, becoming more physical and more violent as time went on.Yoshiki, was hell-bent and determined to make Kaoru's life a living hell and cause as much misery as possible.

Kaoru was the youngest of the two siblings and tended to be the most well mannered and the most lovable child that would make any parent proud to have as a son, but when it came to Yoshiki, he was so completely opposite....he was a young boy that was insolent, crude, obnoxious, violent and one who possessed a heart that was filled with so much hatred.

Of course, this caused great heart-ache for the Niikura family for they couldn't understand why their two sons were so completely different. They had tried desperately to tell their oldest son that their love for the both of them was equal and without reservation, but for Yoshiki, this wasn't good enough. Kaoru was still part of his family and as long as he was there, Yoshiki would have no part of it, and this only seemed to drive a wedge between himself and his parents, for all Yoshiki did was push his parents away as if they didn't matter and giving him greater determination to make his brother pay for even being brought upon this world.

***

The brother's constant battles did nothing more then escalate to not only verbal attacks, but physical ones as well.

Kaoru would often wonder how the hell he had ever survived them, as violent as their fights had become. He had tried so hard, but being the youngest and quite obviously the smallest, Kaoru would usually end up with the worse of beatings.

As the years went by, their brotherly relations did all but sever and became nonexistent. They shared nothing as far as two sibling brothers should, with the only exception of the simple bloodline that flowed through their veins.

On one cold, snowy Winter day, tragedy struck down Kaoru hard. His parents had met with a mysterious and unfortuanant accident with their riding carriage and that left Kaoru to wonder if indeed it *was* a true accident. Strong suspicions grew in Kaoru's mind that his brother had been involved in their untimely demise simply to get his retched hands on their father's estate. But since there was no sure proof of his brother's guilt, Kaoru could only accept his parents death with great pain and sorrow, rather than with revenge and swift justice.

***

As the seasons had come and gone, it was on one particular Autumn evening when a perfectly well mannered socialite had unexpectedly entered Kaoru's life.

Kaoru and Yoshiki had been invited to a formal soirée, a yearly event that was often given by one of the most prestigious of Nobles known throughout the French Quarter. In attendance were some of the most richest and notable guests to be had, all flaunting their richly charms and high society and snobbish ways.

Kaoru and Yoshiki mingled among the high society crowd, doing everything possible to avoid one another.

The elegant and richly dressed man in attendance took an immediate liking to the violet haired beauty and this made Kaoru feel a bit shy and flustered with excitement by the attention that he was receiving throughout the evenings course by this beautiful gentleman.

Naturally, this full, undivided attention being thrown upon his brother was one that did not set too well with Yoshiki. As much as he tried to woo the other man on several occassions, he was merely shunned in return and that made Yoshiki even more angry and jealous.

"I'll make you pay for this, my... Dear. Sweet. Brother." Yoshiki swore out his revenge through gritted teeth as he watched on with malice at the couple from across the crowded room.

***

As time went on, Kaoru's gentleman companion came calling on a daily basis. Every night for the past year, the elegant Lord would arrive at the Deity Manor at precisely the time that dusk would fall, and both he and Kaoru would spend the entire evening in each others company until the early signs of dawn came into view by which the elegant gentleman, with much regret, would always make his departure from Kaoru's side, promising only to return once again the following night.

Their company together was enjoyed by the many simple pleasures that life had to offer. A quiet evening spent whilst reciting poetry to one another from one of the many collections that came from Kaoru's own library, was always quite soothing. Or perhaps they would stroll through the elaborate estate gardens with the glow of the full moon as their only source of light while their soft laughter filled the night air. There were other times that Kaoru would find himself in the company of his Lord, enjoying some tragic love story being played out on a stage before him as they sat quietly, watching the actors act out their roles with heart wrenching emotion from whatever opera that happened to be showing at that time of year.

Whatever evening event that they chose to occupy their time, regardless, it almost always ended with Kaoru and his companion secluding themselves away in the Music Room; one slender figure lounging on one of the many red velvet settees while the other tapped out some beautiful, haunting melody across the ivory and black keys from the black lacquered piano.

***

Another year had passed and Kaoru's relationship with his Lord, did nothing more but grow stronger and closer. They were inseparable and this only seemed to make the roaring fumes of anger to grow more intense insideYoshiki. He couldn't help but seethe with insurmountable hatred every time he saw them together.

On one particular summer afternoon, a messenger came calling with a letter informing both Kaoru and Yoshiki that their father's will had finally settled. It had taken almost two and a half years for all of the fine details and legalities to finally clear and the fate of Deity Manor as well as the family assets were to be decided.

"I'LL SEE YOU BURN IN HELL BEFORE I LET YOU TAKE CONTROL OF FATHER'S ESTATE! It should have been MINE! I'm the eldest therefore the entire estate, money, EVERYTHING should have been MINE, dammit!" Yoshiki fumed with rage as his screams echoed in the streets of the Garden District.

"Yoshiki.....," Kaoru said calmly and matter of fact, ".........I would die before I see your filthy hands wallowing in father's money. The decision has been made, Deity Manor belongs to me, as decreed by father's will." Unable to hold back his patience and calmness any longer, Kaoru voiced out further with anger, "I want you packed and out of MY home before the week is over, is that understood?!" Kaoru entered his carriage and closed the door. He adverted his eyes toward the man that stood ram rod straight on the busy streets. "......And, Yoshiki.....," his brother stared on at Kaoru with burning, narrowed eyes. "..... I don't ever want to set eyes on you for the remainder of this lifetime." and with this, Kaoru gave out his order to the driver to take him back to the estate.

It had taken exactly 2 days for Yoshiki to pack his personal belongings and with his departure, he swore a silent vow that he would return. Deity Manor was HIS, dammit! And he would take it back *and* any other priceless possession that his dear young brother should happen to acquire until their next meeting..........and that meant that he would take everything, at ANY cost!

***

Present.....

That was the last that Kaoru had ever seen or heard of his brother. In the course of 500 years, news had briefly traveled among the vampire clans that one of their own had met their demise at the hands of one of his own fledglings. An act that was looked down upon with great retribution and certainly one that would most certainly result in the destruction of his own immortal existence if captured. Kaoru knew that this could only be his brother.

Even in death and living his immortal life as a vampire; Karou found that he was still plagued by his brother's wrath.

Kaoru let out another sigh as he slowly swept his delicate hands up and back through his long violet hair before bringing them forward to rest on the walnut desk and he hung his head downward while his brain wracked with worry.

***

The morning events that was shared with his newly found friend was an experience that effected the auburn haired boy deeply.

A day that started out as wonderful and beautiful as Shinya could ever have hoped for, ended with a discontented feeling. Something was amiss and it disturbed the boy greatly.

Laying atop his bed while his hand stroked with gentle fingers across his satin comforter, Shinya began to ponder.

"Hmmm.....Kyo said, 'Welcome to the family'."

Shinya paused in his thought for a moment as he cuddled up closer with his comforter.

"What did Kyo mean by that, I wonder?"

The young man's thoughts took him back to a particular event that took place between him and his newly found friend..........

[Kyo gave the beautiful boy a smile and then brought his hand up to Shinya's tender cheek and caressed it, his fingers gently dancing across the flesh and around Shinya's ear. He then fingered a portion of Shinya's hair and twined it around his index finger while his crimson lips moved in closer. Shinya held his breath........waiting...........feeling unsure of what Kyo's intentions actually were.

Kyo's mouth stopped just a hairs breath away from Shinya's own, both sets of eyes as deep as mahogany brown stared at one another and Kyo softly whispered, "I'm saying this a bit prematurely, and I don't give a fuck what Kaoru will do to me later but, welcome to the family." and his lips moved over to the side and Kyo applied a soft loving kiss to Shinya's right cheek.]

Shinya laid quietly as he reflected on that particular scene over and over in his mind. He was hoping that he could bring some sort of rational sense in what the blond man was trying to say.

[I don't give a fuck what Kaoru will do to me.......]

[Welcome to the family]

[I heard you say a name this morning....... I believe it was K--Kaoru?]

[It was nothing Shinya..... It's just a name]

[Kaoru.........]

[Welcome to the family............ FAMILY............]

Shinya suddenly gasped and his eyes grew wide as an odd feeling came over him. A sudden rush of coldness swept through his thin body, causing his thoughts to completely vanish and the flesh of his skin to feel ice cold. Shinya's lips became dry and his heart slammed against his chest wall in such a fierce state that Shinya could've sworn that it was going to tear right through his flesh.

Shinya swept his tongue across his lips in a desperate motion to bring back some of the moisture to the overly dry skin. His cheeks became flushed and his thin body began to shake with unexplainable fright as he brought his eyes up and focused his vision in the direction of the french doors that led out onto his balcony.

For reasons unknown to the auburn haired man, Shinya suddenly found himself walking over to the doors, almost as if an unknown power was drawing him there. Stopping just inches away, Shinya leaned over slightly and slowly brushed aside a portion of the finely laced curtain and peered out onto the balcony.

Nothing. There was nothing there.

Was it just all part of his imagination? he wondered. As much as he had hoped that he was just imagining the erie feeling that gripped him like solid vice, he couldn't shake it off. There was something in the air that made him feel uncomfortable and uneasy.

He took a moment to study every area of the balcony that his eyes could meet before reaching over to unlock the bolt and giving a slight turn of the brass handles. The doors swung open and a rush of cool air swept in, carrying a few errant strands of Shinya's long hair and causing it to momentarily fly in the air.

He slowly walked out onto the balcony, his eyes scanning for anything unusual. Nothing. He walked over to the railing and glanced out over the horizon. //Not much longer before sunset.....// was the fleeting thought that came to Shinya's mind as he stared out to the sky and to his dismay, he found this to be frightening. He couldn't understand why he felt this way.

As Shinya studied the outside world, an odd sensation hit him which made him gasp once again and take in a sudden breath. His eyes began to sting with tears and his heart rate quickened. He grasped hold of himself in a tight embrace as he stared out over the vast horizon. The cool breeze was whipping past him, bringing the hairs at the back of his neck to stand on end, goose bumps to his flesh and chills to his body.

Not able to explain it, Shinya felt that there was an unknown presence nearby. This presence felt dark, cold, and somehow...........evil. Shinya's eyes rapidly scanned the openness of the mansion grounds but still, there was nothing or no one there. He breathed out a hesitant breath and wondered why he couldn't shake this feeling. As he continued to look over the railing, the feeling became stronger. There was someone out there. He felt it. He knew it.

Somewhere out in the open world, there was someone who was............

.......stalking,

.......watching,

..............and waiting.

"Oh my god." the young man whispered under his breath as his body began to shake uncontrollably and tears began to spill down his cheeks. There was a sense of great danger in the air and Shinya knew that when dusk fell, it would be no different.

"Oh god, Kyo......." Shinya began to sob when the realization hit him that his friend Kyo had taken off with that other young man, Toshiya, because there was some sort of urgent trouble. Shinya remembered the terrifying look that was present in that man's eyes. "Oh gods, please Kyo, be safe." Shinya cried out. He never felt so alone or more frightened, until now. "......Kaoru......," he found himself whispering. ".......be careful, please......." Shinya said as he slumped down onto the balcony floor, bringing his hands up to cover his face and he began to cry.

***

The others stood by with an uneasy stance to their postures, as they awaited for the arrival of Toshiya and Kyo. The Deity family members took notice of Kaoru's frustrations and confusion which seemed to bring more tension upon the drastic situation at hand.

Upon their arrival in the Master's study, Kyo and Toshiya came to an abrupt halt with a heavy breath.

"What the fuck is going on?" Kyo asked as he panted for air.

Before Kyo could get an answer, a gloved hand from across the room came up in a motion for silence.

This didn't suit the blond vampire one bit. He wanted to know what the fuck was the urgency! Before he could voice out his irritation, another figure appeared behind Kyo, putting his hands on the smaller man's shoulders, strongly urging for his fledgling to keep quiet.

"Die, what's going on?" Kyo whispered.

"Shhhh....just keep silent, my beloved."

Kyo's brows furrowed with confusion and his lips had drawn into a thin line as he kept himself quiet, staring in the direction of the man that sat behind the desk.

Toshiya slowly made his way across the room and silently pressed himself against his 'brother', 'mate', and 'lover', as he too, watched on quietly. "I'm scared, Yu~ki." The blue haired vampire whispered into the other's chest. "It's okay, lovely one. We're all here to protect each other." the other vampire said in return as he rubbed Toshiya's back with comforting strokes.

Toshiya and Yu~ki's Sire stood off to the side. He was a tall, slender and an attractive young man with kohl black hair that fell down to his shoulders. His slender frame was elegantly and stylishly dressed in a double breasted black velvet waist coat with black satin collar and lapels. Beneath was a a classic style long sleeve white silk shirt with draping flounces that cascaded down the center with gathered lace at the cuffs. His black velvet breeches were tucked into knee high laced up boots.

His skin had the appearance of the finest of porcelain china; exquisitely beautiful, soft and smooth....not a flaw to be seen. His features were so distinct with the sharpest of details...from his finely arched brows to his beautifully defined lips. His eyes were a deep dark obsidian blue with long wispy lashes and a fine outline of charcoal black liner accentuated the beautiful almond shape even more.

His name was Masaki Klaha, the elegant Lord of Tuilleries de La Bastille in Paris. The very one who courted and then finally turned his beautiful Kaoru, and the one who now has two other fledglings, Yu~ki and Toshiya.

***

Klaha's composure was that of patience and calmness, but yet there was a hint of uncertainty present in the beautiful man's demeanor. He cast his gaze down upon the violet haired man that sat just a few feet away. His dark blue eyes studied the beautifully featured face and traveled down to see Kaoru's fingers urgently tapping to a silent melody which immediately brought a smirk to the man's lips.

//aahhhh......it never fails does it my fledgling. Why am I not surprised.//

Klaha was amused.

The elegant vampire brought his arms up and crossed them over his chest as he brought his gaze up to Kaoru's face once more, watching with great concentration.

//....for centuries you have tapped those nervous little fingers of yours, haven't you?//

The man couldn't help but let out his own private little snicker. He thought back to the times of being together with Kaoru... his darling beauty always and forever tapped those little fingers of his whenever he felt agitated, worried, or angered. It was certainly a habit that he had to live with for centuries and often times, sharp words were exchanged between the two about that particular annoying little habit. But, he lived with it. After all, it was part of Kaoru's personality.

//And to think that I once tried to break you of that annoying 'human' trait.//

The elegant man openly smiled.

He than focused his vision with greater intensity. His vampire eyes seeing whirling vibrant colors and shapes that went far beyond what a mere mortal could see or even so much as comprehend.

The abilities of a vampire were extraordinary. Something so simple as eyesight for a mortal man was nothing more than to provide sight; at which often at times these weak humans took for granted. But for a vampire; the extraordinary ability of sight was prevalent among their own kind and one that they relied upon greatly for survival. Their vision, so sharp and so keen that something so simple as a tiny swamp insect could be seen from miles away.

A centuries old legend known through out the regions of the Mississippi River and one that was much believed by the towns elders was that a vampire had the ability of seeing right through to a human's soul. Certainly a legend that was often at times pushed aside by some as a myth but one that was strongly believed by most.

// Silly humans.// The beautiful man smirked. // Such a strange breed, they are now.//

Idle thoughts ceased for a brief instant as the beautiful vampire picked up a sensory of a rapid heartbeat coming from his violet haired fledgling. The man knitted his fine brows together and pursed his lips as he watched on with concern.

//He feels frightened........ for the young one.//

Walking the short distance between him and the other man, Klaha came to a stop. Using the Mind Gift, he sent a mental thought out to Kaoru.

::You are frightened, cheri::

::You just couldn't resist, could you?::

As the soft reply reached the deepest recess of Klaha's mind, the elegant vampire continued to look on, taking notice of the other vampire's brown eyes shifting for the briefest of moments as Kaoru glanced in his direction before bringing his gaze back down to the antique brass picture frame that sat atop his desk.

::I think you would have learned by now that I cannot resist anything. Especially when it comes to you, my dear Kaoru::

::hahaha....you are so right. You are such a weak bastard, aren't you?:: the violet haired vampire smirked at his reply.

Klaha arched one fine brow.

::Watch your tongue, mon cheri. That is not the proper way to speak to the one who made you, now is it?:: Klaha gave a sly smile.

::Oh, forgive me, Lord and Master:: Kaoru retorted sarcastically, a wicked smirk gracing his fine lips.

::You are such a smart ass, Kaoru:: Klaha sent his thoughts back with a frown.

::hahaha....forgive my rude behavior, my Sire, but I'm a little on edge at the moment::

::Of course, that is understandable. Listen to me love, rest assured that that lovely and elegant beauty of yours will not be harmed. You know as well as I that Shinya is well guarded with us here.::

::I know that. But it still frightens me and angers me to know that Yo--......::

::Kaoru!:: the sudden mental outburst came as Klaha broke Kaoru's thoughts. ::Yoshiki will NOT win this battle! Whatever his reasons are for coming back into our lives, he will not win!::

Giving out a sigh, ::I only hope you're right. But it still worries me. I think I would feel better if perhaps someone stayed with Shinya until this situation is resolved.::

::Yes, of course:: Klaha walked over to the entrance and called out for one of the servants.

A few moments later, a slender figure with ebony black hair that hung down in perfect spiral curls, appeared quietly. A vampire himself, made by the late, great Sugizo, the eldest of the blood drinkers. "You summoned, Sir?"

"Yes, Mana. The family is faced with a crisis that will require our full attention to the matter at hand, and Kaoru would like for you to stay with Shinya until the situation has been resolved.
Be a dear would you and keep the boy company?"

"Of course, Sir." Mana said with a slight nod.

"And Mana......," a deep voice traveled from across the room. "....I don't have to tell you that your loyalty has been highly spoken of. You have been a trusted and loyal servant to this 'family' for years and I trust you with this......please, keep Shinya safe from harm." the violet haired vampire said with a bit of authority to his tone.

Mana showed an innocent smile before bowing down with gracious ease. "Yes, Sir." he said and with that, Mana shuffled off, making his way across the large entry room. Upon reaching the massive and decorative staircase, Mana's crystal blue eyes caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure that stood silently in the shadows....Közi, the butler, stepped into view and their eyes met with a silent agreement. As Mana ascended the staircase, a wicked smirk played upon his full painted lips as he began to make his way up to the fourth floor, where Shinya's room resided.

TBC
 

Authors Notes: Hmm...took me forever to write this blasted chapter and I'm still not sure about it. Ano...gomen to Yoshiki fans ne. I didn't want to make him out as the evil bastard that he appears to be in this story but hell, I needed a villain for the plot and he makes a damned good one, ne? There's one thing that puzzles me though....
what the fuck is up with Mana and Kozi, huh??? MWAHAHAHAHAHA

~Lady Sakura

TBC

~Lady Sakura

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