Promise You

A/N: Just a bit of comfort for myself. Since he's left... again. This time for good. I don't know, but I just need to comfort myself, and the strangest thing happened today. You guessed it, I was depressed, and I turned to manga as usual to placate myself. The manga I happened to be reading (and finishing) was Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro, right after the part where Genuine suicided by blowing herself up, and she asked Yako a question right before that. "You risk losing everything you hold dear. Knowing that, will you still press on?" And then in a chapter or two, Sasazuka was killed by XI and Sicks, and Honjou revealed that he had been the mole and killed himself in front of Yako.

I really felt Yako then, losing the people close to her. You know, that heavy weight that presses down on you? That feeling of depression, like everything's come crumbling down and you want to run away from it all, you can't move on? Yeah, I was feeling all that. And then.. the funniest thing happened. It was like a slap on the face. I know it was just a manga, but the words really got through to me. Neuro, looking all angry and disappointed, looked over his shoulder and said, "You're a coward." And after that was a chapter where Aya Asia came to offer Yako advise, and yet again, it made me realize something.

So yeah, sorry for the long Authoress's Note, but that's my reason for writing this for a bit of comfort. No copyright infringement intended, MTNN doesn't belong to me.
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Promise You
MazdaKitsune

"How long do you plan on staying like this? Slave, look at me when I'm talking to you."

The deep voice rang out across the room, sounding pretty much displeased. Emerald turned to meet emerald, except that the second pair of eyes were staring down at the girl lying on her bed from the shadows of her ceiling. Jade blinked, then cast her teary gaze aside, feeling worn out. "Go away, Neuro. I'm just not in the mood today."

A scowl adorned the face of the man on the ceiling, and with a casual flip, landed neatly on the floor of her bedroom, not a lapel of his navy blue suit out of place. He was tall, lean and had just the right amount of muscles to send any normal schoolgirl drooling, and his dual colored hair of blond with black bangs made him stand out in any crowd. But Nougami Neuro was far from being a normal human. He was one of the strongest demons around, coming to the human world in search of food; intriguing mysteries. He ran a detective agency with his pawn, Katsuragi Yako, and Jade Cross had met them (and had very unfortunately gotten involved) during a case where she, a huntress, had been mistakenly tagged as a murderer. Jade was somewhat like Godai, fiery and resilient, but Neuro had taken an interest in her.

Because there was always a scent of mystery that hung around her, and he didn't mean the strawberry scent that always got the louse's mind longing for Strawberry Fondue, etc.

The young girl of 20 was an intriguing mix of emotions, and Neuro treated her no differently than how he'd treat Godai and Yako, but Jade always endured his torture with a grin and some sassy words that made him want to rip her tongue out with one of his Demonic Tools to tame her. But where was the fun in that? Break her down too fast and he'd lose a source of entertainment. It was always refreshing to have at least one of his slaves stand up against him. Besides, everyone evolved differently. Whether it be by heaping more and more hardships on someone to build up courage and resilience, or giving someone responsibility.

But first, he needed to get past the maze of emotions and get to the core of her soul if he wanted to give her a faster boost of evolution. He tapped his chin thoughtfully as he glared at the girl in bed, running a list of what he could make of her. Childish and annoying stood out. Yet there were times she showed a bit of maturity, and she was a very good pawn on his chessboard. An open letter lay on her table, and he picked it up to read. That was it, then. The source behind her absence to the office and the reason behind the mystery of her tears.

"So he's not coming back, huh?" Neuro tossed the letter aside. "That's the reason why you're lying in a dark room without eating or sleeping? Humans... I'll never understand them."

"I don't expect you to," Jade mumbled, eyes staring listlessly at the ceiling. "You won't understand the pain of losing someone close to you. When you care so much about them, and you have to let them go one day. They know and you know it, that you've been let down, and as much as you try to smile and say "I'm fine", you'll never be fine inside." Her chin trembled as her eyes filled with tears. "If only we hadn't met! If only he had just said he was leaving and left it as that! If only he didn't say goodbye with all those sweet words directed at me! It hurts, it really does. It feels as if heavy weights have been piled up on my chest and I can't go on. I can't..."

"And you think it would have been much easier if he had just said goodbye without an explanation?" Before she knew it, Neuro was on top of her, gripping her wrists tightly as he pinned her down on the bed, all humor gone from his expression. Deep emerald glowed in the dimness, boring intensely into her. He was so close, she could see the glint of every sharp teeth, feel his breath on her cheek. And frightened, she tried to twist out of his grasp. "You think you would feel better if he simply said, "I'm leaving and I probably won't come back? You're nothing but a child."

"....." In open shock, Jade gazed up at him, ceasing her struggles. ".... what?"

"To wish you hadn't met him. To not appreciate the words he said, his explanation. To forget all the memories together. To cry and feel sorry for yourself, and throw a silent tantrum to show he was wrong. You are nothing but a child. A spoiled brat," Neuro growled, narrowing his eyes. "I never thought you would be such a coward."

Her fear of him was tempting. He could see it now, the helpless look on her face now that he had stripped away her many facades to the very bone, letting his words hit home. It was like a slap to her face, he knew. But he also knew that he couldn't treat her the same as he treated the louse. If he told her to leave, she would, and never look back. She needed a good whipping, to be steered in the correct direction and given a good dose of reality to grow up.

"I am not a child," Jade whispered, then glared at him fiercely. "I'm not a spoiled brat. I'm a grown woman."

"Then show me, without the tears. I forbid you to cry." Neuro gave her a little shake before he leaned down and captured her gasp and her lips.
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Pleasure so painful it made her scream. Pain so much like pleasure it made her want more. The wonders of what a simple kiss from a demon could do. But in the end, Jade lay trying to catch her breath beneath him, a heavy weight on her body, eyes swimming with tears. Neuro made no move to roll off her, but simply closed his eyes and spoke, "Cry. I give you the right to cry and weep for as long as you want to. Just this once, but no more."

"Neuro...." Jade's voice came out choked before a torrent of tears burst forth and she raised her voice in a keening wail as her body rocked and contorted against him with every sob. For once, she clung to the demon, hiding her face in his shoulder as she cried, pouring out everything. And he let her, simply looking off to the side with a disinterested look as he let the girl cling to him, crying until she ran out of tears. No, he would never understand her grief. The closest he could ever come to understanding it would probably the sense of loss when one of his powerful pawns. "Are you done?" he finally asked after her sobs had receded.

She nodded and Neuro gazed thoughtfully down at her. "Answer me one thing, slave. Did he leave you a fond memory in that letter?"

"Aa... he said I was like a ray of sunlight to him..."

"Then you're not reading between the lines, you worm. He knows he's let you down, he's worried you might do something, but at the same time he knows that it's alright if it's you. If it's you, there's no problem. No matter what trial there is, you'll surely climb over it, is what he knows." A rare smile graced the demon's face as he placed a finger right between her breasts. "There will always be a heavy weight here, but be glad you are still alive and able to do what you want to do. Believe that he will return, hold on to that belief, and one day he will. And during this span of time, while you wait, become a shining light that will guide him back to yourself. He left you with sweet words and memories, and he has apologized while indirectly thanking you. Cherish those, and use it to support yourself. Evolve, worm. And become a glowing butterfly that will tell him where to find you next time."

Jade gazed in wonder up at him as he lifted himself off her and stood, straightening his clothes. "Neuro...." she asked, pushing herself up to look at him. "Why are you saying this to me? Why even try to cheer me up?"

Glancing over his shoulder, Neuro simply answered. "Because humans are my food source. And your race has the ability to evolve magnificently and produce even more succulent mysteries that appeal to my appetite. Evolve, Jade Cross. And let me see what you'll become."

As he left through the window, Jade sighed to herself, holding up one hand to her chest. Like Neuro said, there was a heavy weight there, one that she'd have to get used to. It wasn't easy losing someone close. And it wasn't easy to follow his instructions either. But then again, if the butterfly didn't have a hard time squeezing out of it's cocoon, then it wouldn't have the strength to spread it's wings, wouldn't it? She needed the strength. Neuro's words had given her a newfound confidence, and she promised herself... she would become a shining light, a beacon so that wherever she may be, the man she care for would be able to find her. It was a promise.

Complicated

A/N: Another AU fic. Yes, people. I'm sure you have to be sick of it by now. Buuut.... well, unfortunately I need to get my head out of this.

Especially since I managed to get my hand on a Devil May Cry 4 Artbook... which btw, contains more DMC3 than 4, urrgh. Now, I don't really know if I should feature Nero in this, since he's a good few years younger than Dante, and I'm using the DMC3 ver. of Dante in this AU. (University life, ppl! I wanna throw myself off a roof! XD)

Life is only bearable when you either smash up some innocent, unsuspecting stuff, or you have good ole Dante around to put the fun and sex in your life. XD

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Complicated

Imagine school life, work and a shit-load of assignments out to get you. Combine that with love and some demons, and what do you get? A very complicated life indeed. AU DanteXOC

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Complicated

MazdaKitsune

Chapter 1- Encounter

"It's a super hot day today....."

The girl with the red dress-shirt and jeans complained to herself as she slung her dark blue bag over her shoulder, on which the Netherlands flag was displayed on one side. A red file rested in her arm as she made her way to the food-mall in front of the University, emerald eyes squinting in the bright sunlight. A small frown rested on her lips as she laboriously walked out into the sun to avoid the throng of students crowding the corridor, flipping out a pink cell-phone and speed dialling a number. Yes, it was a very hot day, and Jade wasn't feeling so happy as she trudged to the mall with the only intention of getting herself a bottle of chilled water.

"Hello?" A female voice answered after the third ring.

"Hey, Aylen? It's Jade. I feel really stupid for asking this, but... where's our class supposed to be again?"

"Tutorial Room 12."

"That... would be at Block B, wouldn't it?"

"Did the holidays mess with your sense of direction again?" Aylen asked mildly, but there was a hint of teasing in her voice. "Yes, it's in Block B."

"Right, I'll see you in a few. Thanks." Jade sighed and stowed her phone away in her jeans pocket before letting out a soft cough. That's it, no more walking around in the sun for me.... Just the day before, she had been helping out a friend deliver brochures advertising some new product (with a special discount and mystery gift, if you're one of the lucky 50 that call this number now! And insert cheesy voice and smile here) under the scorching hot sun for two whole hours just to cover their territory. The pay wasn't much, but it had been her friend, and she felt obliged to help him.

Besides, she needed the exercise anyway. She was getting a bit fat around the edges.......

She coughed again as she made it into the cool confines of the mall and headed straight for the convenience store to grab a chilled bottle of water the fridge. The mall wasn't a large shopping mall with posh shoe stores, and chic boutiques. It was a mini food mall, with lots of cafes on the ground floor, catering to the students and lecturers of the University plus the workers from nearby offices. Whoever decided to build that food-mall was a definite genius, and was probably going to be a millionaire in a few years time; the food was really quite pricey. It did have a cellphone shop, a computer store, a cyber cafe and a hair saloon on the ground floor as well, the first and second floors were reserved for the University's Hospitality and Tourism Faculty.

"That'll be one dollar, please." The girl at the counter said with a cheery smile on her face.

Shit. This wasn't good. Jade only had a fifty dollar note in her purse. "Um... hold on for a sec..." Hurriedly unzipping her bag, she felt around for her coin pouch and began fumbling around inside it for some coins. A tickle had started in her throat, and she was desperate to just open the bottle and take a gulp of water.

"Don't bother, I have an extra dollar to spare."

An arm reached out over her and she looked up at the male who had just spoken.... and paid for her water. Cerulean eyes looked down at her, and she vaguely recognized the silver hair was just as attention catching as the male's roguishly handsome looks. A smile broke out on his face and he handed her the cold bottle, winking slightly. "It's a hot day out there. You'd better start drinking the cold water before it turns warm."

"Thanks," Jade said slowly, placing the coin pouch back into her bag and zipping it up before taking the bottle from him. "I'll pay you back once I break down this fifty dollar note."

"Nah, it's fine." The male followed her out of the shop and leaned against the glass, shoving a hand in his pocket. He wore a red tank top and black khaki pants, colours that were as eye catching as the red dress-shirt she wore. "You're Jade, right? I remember you from the orientation week. You're the only girl that wasn't afraid to jump right in and have fun with the seniors. But you had straight hair back then."

He reached out, grasped a lock of her ebony hair, and she flushed slightly red, lowering the bottle that she was drinking from. "Yeah, I got into the Korean hairstyles after watching a few dramas... You're Dante, aren't you? You and your twin brought your dad to argue out the fact that your natural hair colour is white."

"Hey, hey. It's silver, babe. Not white. There's a difference there." Dante grinned from his 6' height, something that Jade lamented as she looked up at him, only being 5'3''. God, he was so much taller than her..... "That hairstyle looks good on you. Gives off a whole innocence vibe."

"I'm far from innocent." Jade snorted, but she couldn't help grinning back at him. "I suppose I should be getting to class. God knows how much time I've already wasted out here."

"Could I get your number before you go?" Dante joked, and was given a shove on his shoulder that nearly made him lose his balance.

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The class seemed almost empty when Jade entered, her eyes settling on the golden-haired sitting at the table with a laptop open in front of her. "Hey, Aylen."

"Hey, Jade." Aylen replied, almond-shaped hazel eyes looking up and resting calmly on the shorter girl. "Class got cancelled. Come on, don't give me that shocked face," she protested when she received a shocked look and a dropped jaw. "I've already had five to ten people give me the exact same expression when they walked in. There's a list back there, go write down your name so our lecturer knows you at least turned up for class."

"It's not like I skip class all the time," Jade whined as she dropped down in a chair beside Aylen. "Why did I even wake up for today? English was cancelled in the morning, but at least the lecturer emailed us. Now I come all the way here just to find out that Business Comm. is off to? I should have just stayed in bed."

"Jaaaddiiieee!" Hands landed on her sides and she gave a squeal before shooting up and turning round to glare at the mischievous blond that had given her a tickle shock.

"Sorina!"

"Hey you!" Sorina giggled and hugged her before promptly taking the chair that her friend had shot out of. "I missed you, you know that? Holidays just wasn't the same without you!"

"I know, sorry. I was busy working and all." Jade reached over and plucked a blue pen from behind Sorina's ear and wandered over to the table right behind them to write down her name and matrix card number on the list. A slightly plump boy sighed in patient exasperation, his table having become something akin to an autograph booth, and she gave him an apologetic look. "Sorry, Ed. Anyway, Aylen.... that assignment you were talking about? I have my part in my file. I don't really know how to elaborate much on it, but I did my best."

"Don't worry about it. You did your part, I'll take care of the rest." Aylen reached out for the file, but Sorina was faster. The blonde flipped through the printed out notes, her eyelined eyes widening slightly. "Whoa, girl. That's much more than me. You sure you did this yourself?"

"What do you think? Three pages, that's all I could deliver. Take it or leave it." Jade scooped up her bag with a sigh, holding out her hand to receive her file. "There's nothing for me to do here, I'm going to the cyber cafe. What about you?"

"Can't. Gotta wait for my brother," Sorina placed the file in Jade's hand with a sigh, making a face. "It's crazy trying to live with my older brother sometimes. He thinks his my bodyguard or something."

"At least it's better than a brother who constantly tries to pretend you don't exist." Aylen closed her laptop with a 'click', an air of finality about her. "I'm just waiting for the day where he chases me out of the house." Picking up her sling bag and putting the laptop away, she walked off, giving a wave without looking back. "I'm heading home."

"And I'm out of here. The cyber world awaits." Jade grinned and sidestepped a lunge from Sorina, hurrying out of there before she could be persuaded to keep the girl company. Unfortunately for her, she didn't see where she was going and ran smack into someone, dropping the file she was carrying.

"Be careful." A familiar voice rumbled and she looked up into a familiar visage of cerulean eyes and silver hair. But the easy-going warmth and mischief was missing, leaving only a cool, calculative look. That and the clothes had changed to black slacks and a neatly tucked-in blue shirt. The top two buttons were open, giving her a glimpse of a chain and rather large ruby pendant, something she remembered Dante wearing as well.

"Dante...?"

"No." He sighed irritably and ran a hand through his hair to slick it back. "I am not to be confused with the fool of my brother, though it can't be helped since he used up my bottle of gel yesterday. My name is Vergil."

"Oh, um... sorry." Jade dipped her head slightly in sheepish apology and brushed by him to get to the lifts, but Vergil stopped her again.

"Hold on. Is this yours?" He had gone down on his knees to pick up her forgotten file. His cool eyes swept over the colourful notes in her neat handwriting, then stopped and lingered over a drawing of a young angel she had placed in front of everything. "You're an artist?"

"No, it's just a hobby." Jade hurried back and took her file from him, haphazardly pushing everything back inside while murmuring a "thanks". Damn, she'd have to rearrange everything again when she got back home. "I don't draw much, really don't have the talent to. But sometimes inspiration just hits me and I can't help but pick up the pencil."

"Nevertheless, it's a good drawing. Tell me, this is the Business Communication class, isn't it?" Vergil stood, regarding the female that stood before him. Slightly short for her age, lean body suggested she ran often and had poor eating habits, not at all that pretty, but easy on the eyes. Her gaze suggested intelligence and a good memory, but her posture hinted a bit of laziness. A very interesting girl.

"Yeah, but the lecturer cancelled, and no one knew." Jade shrugged. "Anyway, there's a list for the attending students to write their names down on so they knows who came today and who didn't."

"Thank you." And without a another word, Vergil entered the classroom, leaving her alone. Blinking at his back, the girl shrugged before leaving to head to the mall. Ten minutes later and she plonked her bag down on the comfy seat at the back of the Cyber Cafe, listening briefly to the shouts of Counter Strike and Dota players before opening her own online game.

Her Perfect World awaited, and her Were Fox smiled at her.

The Reality

A/N: Snow shipping. This is NOT a SnowXOC fic. I understand full well that Snow is in love with Serah and will ALWAYS be in love with her. But we all know his hero-complex, don't we? :3 He's everyone's hero, always will be.

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The Reality

He didn't love her, and she accepted that. But Jade could not ignore her reality, not when it was staring her in her face.

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The Reality

MazdaKitsune

"The reality of it all is," Jade Cross puffed as she crossed a stack of crystals and wobbled precariously on the edge of a small chasm before Snow Villers held out his hand to help her jump over. "That I love you and I can't do anything about it. Oops!"

She stumbled, and Snow chuckled as he caught her around her small waist and easily lifted the lighter girl over the small hole that her foot had gotten caught in and swung her onto his back, continuing on as if she weighed nothing.

"The reality of it all it," Jade continued complaining in a matter-of-fact tone while linking her arms around his neck so she wouldn't fall off. "That I know you'll never be able to return those feelings to me because you love Serah, and she's all you've ever been mentioning since the start of our mission."

Snow simply smiled, but kept his silence as he pushed on forwards to cross the Lake of Crystals. It was cruel and cold of him not to respond to her words, but what she said was true, and he was used to her constant chatter. She had a fun, easy-going personality just like Vanille, but she was a frank person, the type to speak her mind regardless of person or place. To answer her was to invoke an argument; the best was to just keep quiet and let her prattle on till she ran out of steam.

"The reality of it all is that whatever I do, I'll never be able to escape the fate of being an I'Cie, and that I'm either going to end up as a Cie Corpse, or face the same fate as Serah; becoming immortalized in crystal."

Lightning sent her a little disapproving frown from the front where she was leading, the name and fate of her sister catching her attention. Vanille gave a nervous little titter, Hope's gaze darting back and forth between Lightning and Jade. Everyone knew of their inescapable fate; death. Death in the form of turning into a monster, or turning into a crystal. Serah Farron, the sister of Lightning Farron, had managed to complete her Focus, her mission, and had subsequently turned into a statue of crystal, beautiful and immortalized in every shard. Snow's eyes were downcast, filled with frustration and sadness. "Jade," he began, but she cut him off, having finally garnered an answer.

"The reality of it all is," she closed her eyes. "That I don't know what my Focus is, not even now, and I'm scared because I don't want to. I don't want to die."

Neither of them wanted to. "Jade-"

"The reality of it all is that more arrows are appearing on my Mark, and I'm running out of time."

"Jade." Snow stopped walking, his voice firm so she wouldn't be able to interrupt him again. "We'll pull through this. I promise you that. I won't let anything happen to you, I'll protect you."

Jade blinked at him, then chuckled softly. "You have a hero complex, you know that?" Always rushing into danger first to draw it to yourself so we others have a chance to escape. But Snow... you can't protect everyone. Sometimes death is a necessary, a sacrifice."

"I'll avoid that if I have to," Snow answered vehemently. "I won't let anyone die, not even you. Besides... you're always not far behind when I go rushing into danger like you said."

"That's because I'm a Song Sorceress," she sniffed. "My powers specialize in supporting, healing and buffing. If it wasn't for me and my shielding, you would be a goner by now."

Snow laughed and began walking again, hoisting her higher on his back. "You forgot, I'm a hero. Hero's don't die, no matter the situation. I'll always turn up to save the day in the end."

Jade giggled at that, hugging him a bit more tighter. "The reality of it all is, that's the reason why I fell in love with you in the first place," she whispered.

Snow smiled, looking on ahead. "I'll always protect you, Jade."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

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"The reality of it all is," Jade whispered as she began to crystallize, eyes swimming with tears, but shinning with contentment and life. Her hand was still stretched out, clasped in the disbelieving Snow's, but even then, the power of the Fal' Cie's "reward" began pulling it back towards himself to form the pose of a noble statue. "That I lied. I knew what my Focus was from the start. It was to protect you, Snow Villers... until the time comes when you need me no longer."

"Jade..." All Snow could do was hold her hand until it was dragged away from him, sorrow in his eyes. Behind him, Vanille let out a little sob, Hope reaching up to put a hand on her shoulder. The two women had been particularly close with their cheerfulness and optimism, the sunshine of the group, and Vanille was sad to see her end her mission now, right before the final stage.

"Thank you for everything, Snow..." Jade smiled at him, though the blue glow was already creeping up her neck, turning her face eerily transparent. "The reality of it all is, I'm not scared, not any more. Thank you for being with me till the end..."

Her voice trailed off into a melodious tinkle, and her body arched as she raised her face to the sun. For a while, she could still feel the warmth of the sunlight on her face, and she smiled, letting her tears flow. She was content that she was able to protect the most important person to her until the end. All that mattered was that Snow was safe, and it was up to him now to fulfil the rest of his mission and get back to Serah safely. They would all be without her protection, but she trusted them enough to not get themselves killed before their Focus was over.

There was a strange feeling of floating, peculiar tranquillity that stole over her, and suddenly, Jade realized it wasn't scary at all. It was just like falling asleep, but for how long, she didn't know. Her skin hardened, and in a blue flash of light, it was all over. And she was yet another beautiful statue carved intricately out of crystal itself, a monument of a heroine or a Goddess long forgotten by men.

Yet another victim of the Fal' Cie.

Lightning turned away and began pushing on again, but under her impassive face was a heavy heart of frustration, rage and sorrow. "Come on. There's nothing we can do for Jade now. Her Focus is complete."

One by one, they turned and followed, but Snow lingered behind, gazing up at Jade's softly glowing crystal. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I'm sorry I can't return your love, but I'll keep my promise. I'll find that Fal' Cie and destroy it so you and Serah can be freed and safe. Just wait and see, Jade."

And with that, the self-proclaimed hero turned and strode away briskly to catch up with the rest of the group, leaving the crystal statue behind.

The Truth Beneath The Rose

A/N: Vampire Knight. Yes. I know. The title is from Within Temptation's album: 'The Heart Of Everything'. I won't make this long, I'm tired and I have college to go to tomorrow, but the idea played around in my head after an RP with Kaien, and one of my resolutions for 2010 was to make sure this blog didn't die. XD Seriously, my postings got lesser and lesser as the years went by. Let's try to change that this year.
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The Truth Beneath The Rose
For the life of her, Ruka couldn't figure out why Kaname had allowed a huntress-turned-vampire to enroll in the Night Class, and she intended to get her answers, once and for all. Slight ZeroxOC if you squint.
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The Truth Beneath The Rose
MazdaKitsune

She was down there. Without even looking, Souen Ruka knew that their recent addition to the Night Class was lounging on the sofa in the common room, drinking a cup of tea. Her nose wrinkled delicately with dislike as she elegantly swept down the stairs, sweeping her long and wavy blond hair over her shoulder. Her roommate, Toya Rima was on the second couch, eating Pocky, but Ruka knew that Rima could care less for the other girl silently keeping her company.

"Souen-san." The shorter black haired girl with emerald eyes greeted politely, going as far as to stand and offer Ruka her seat, but the taller vampire declined with a wave of her hand.

"Don't bother yourself, Kamaitachi. I can sit with Rima." Ruka said, almost coldly as she joined Rima, the younger and decidedly even more blond girl saying nothing but rolling her blue eyes in their direction. Few things ever caught Rima's attention, unless it was Kaname-sama's orders, modeling, or suspected boyfriend Shiki Senri. She and him were so much alike; they were models and one of the youngest students for the Night Class, seemed to lack interest in things around them, had and spoke in a deadpan expression, and sometimes even seemed to read each others' minds, speaking together in a coordinated fashion.

Kamaitachi Ryorin nodded and sat down again, resuming the sipping of her tea quietly. She stared at nothing in particular, emerald eyes gazing at the closed double doors as though trying to memorize their shape and pattern, and Ruka wrinkled her nose further before turning away. For the life of her.... she would NEVER understand WHY Kaname-sama had allowed her into their class. Ryorin was no noble, and she certainly wasn't a vampire to begin with either. No, Ryorin was like that damned Kiryuu Zero, a Level D that would gradually fall to a Level E.

Kamaitachi Ryorin had been a young huntress from a different school, sent to work at the Hunter's Association as an intern. It was there that she had met Cross Kaien, and after accidentally stumbling on a secret meeting meant to assassinate him, was bitten by a Pureblood Vampire. She didn't remember much about the incident, her memory hazy and distant after she had come to, weak and cold from loss of blood, but Kaien had saved her and brought her back to Cross Academy. Ryorin knew that she wasn't human anymore, and battling the rising vampire instincts inside her, agreed to enroll as a student in the Academy's Night Class, under the watchful eye of Kuran Kaname, the most powerful Pureblood. So to say Ruka was NOT happy when Kaname gave Ryorin his pure and precious blood to stave off insanity would be misleading; she was furious. She was certain things would end up like Zero, who had totally no respect for Kaname whatsoever. She didn't see the point in helping a turned human, especially when eventually the bloodlust would drive them insane.

Perhaps she was just hoping that when the time came, she would be able to kill Ryorin off herself.

But the girl in particular was sitting so comfortably on the sofa, drinking tea as if she belonged and was one of them, so utterly relaxed and unaware that Ruka felt like throttling her. But a noble wouldn't do such an unsightly thing as that, so instead, she sniffed with disdain and leaned back against the sofa, crossing her arms and legs.

"Why are you here?"

"Hmm?" Ryorin turned round to face her, then shrugged after contemplating the question. "Because I enrolled here, I guess."

"No, I mean... why are you, a human turned vampire, even sitting and sleeping among us nobles?" Ruka's brown eyes settled on her unblinkingly. "You are an outcast from your people, and the rest of the vampires look down on you. Do you even understand the criticisms you get? The situation you're in?"

Ryorin's face was a careful blank mask like Rima's as she finished off her tea slowly. "Yes... I understand. I know that one day I'll loose my mind to madness and be killed either by the Association, or by you. I also know that the rest of the Night Class are rather wary and hostile of me because I don't belong, but right now, I don't belong to the human race either. Chairman Cross was kind enough to let me in, and Kaname-sama gave me his blood to help slow the process of deteriorating down. But I guess that if I let these facts bog me down, I wouldn't be sitting here and drinking tea as if nothing had happened. To me, life is what I make it, and though I'm no longer human, I'll still try to make the best out of it so it won't pull me down."

"Kiryuu-kun should take a leaf out of her book...." Rima muttered in her deadpan voice as she chomped on her Pocky. "At least Ryorin isn't suicidal or depressed."

"Kaname-sama gave you his blood." Ruka stated, and anger flashed through her eyes. "Just like he gave Kiryuu Zero. But he only did that to ensure protection for Cross Yuuki, making him a pawn. But there's no guarantee that you won't turn around and betray Kaname-sama."

"Kaname-sama saved my life." Ryorin said quietly. "I'm already resigned to the fate of being a vampire, and no matter what others may think, I won't bite the hand that feeds me..... no pun intended there. Perhaps I'm just a piece on his chess board as Zero-kun is, or perhaps he did it only out of a favor of Chairman Cross, but his blood runs in me, and I myself will forever be indebted and loyal to Kaname-sama." She pressed a hand to her heart. "I know you're extremely close and loyal to him, Souen-san... and I'm sorry if my taking of his blood has offended you in any way. I don't expect you to understand, nor do I expect the Night Class to stop criticizing me, but I live my life the way I want it to be." Standing as she heard the chatter of the male vampires coming down the stairs, she straightened the red ribbon she had used to tie the upper layer of her hair together. "And the way I want my life to be now is to be as normal as it can, albeit with some slight changes. I do not wish to be close to Kaname-sama, nor to even try, but I will offer him my undying loyalty and faithfulness. And he will be the one to end me when I wilt away."

A fast and painless death that only Kaname could offer with his powers. Ruka realized her intentions now; Ryorin was once human, and when she fell to the status of a Level E, she didn't want to hurt anyone, and being in a place where nobles and a Pureblood lived together.... she would have a fast death before she even placed a foot outside the Moon Dorm. Perhaps she should have just killed herself, but despair wasn't a part of her, and Ruka could understand that. No one wanted to die, even a suicidal person would wish for life at the very last minute. Ryorin had decided to live as a vampire, and Kaname's kindness was to allow her to continue having a normal life by giving her his blood, and being Death when the time came. She was brave, braver than Ruka could ever be, and the noble found newfound respect for that.

Ruka sighed and got up from the sofa as Aidou Hanabusa's voice filled the room with merry chatter. "Ryorin." She called, and threw a book at the girl with blurring speed. "You forgot your textbook."

Ryorin turned around and easily caught the book in her hand without any problem. "Thank you... Ruka." A cheerful smile curved her lips.

The Moon Dorm's doors opened for the vampires to walk out into the sunset, and a minute later, so did the gates. Walking past the screaming fangirls (plus one fanboy) and a flustered Prefect Yuuki, emerald eyes met empty lavender.

Zero turned from the girl who had suffered the same fate as he, calling her a 'betrayer' in his mind. He had decided to remain human as long as he could, but she had defected so easily to Kuran's side. Still, he couldn't deny that she too had chosen life over death, although in a way very opposite to his. Just like he and Yuuki, they were different, night and day. Yet, he had no desire to hate her, not when he understood what she had to go through.

Ryorin walked on beside Ruka, inclining her head when Kaname turned once, murmuring a respectful, "Kaname-sama" under her breath. He was her king now, offering both life and death, and she was his pawn.

Yet another pawn in a chess game, just like her. Ruka let out a breath, surprised that the feeling of hostility was gone. Now, Ryorin was just another vampire, with feelings to consider and a life to lead. Perhaps... a possible ally and friend. She knew the truth now, and had made her peace. Life must go on.

Amnesia

A/N: Ar Tonelico. Probably my fault, I got sidetracked with the manga when I was supposed to be doing something else. >.<>____<;;;;; Nooo!! I'm not gonna copy that, but omg.. the idea is SO appealing! >A< *sighs and hangs her head* In my head, it's Aylen that's supposed to be singing, but I somehow see my main character singing, and I really need to apologize.... T____T'''''

Honestly, I can't make up my mind, so I'm just wasting time rambling here. >.>



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Amnesia
MazdaKitsune

Perhaps... not knowing her past was far less painful than knowing it at all.
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It was raining. And below her, she saw it, saw them, the sounds of a fight that echoed in the empty streets, the wet streets with splashing puddles and rain that fell like needles. Yet her expression didn't change, and neither did she move, the rain totally soaking her clothes so that it clung to her body like a second skin, but she didn't even feel the cold, what more shiver. The water that ran down her face looked like tears, maybe they were tears and she was crying, but who could tell in the rain?

It always seemed to rain now......

Jade Castero... no, Jade Cross stared out at almost nothing as she cried silently to herself, emerald eyes hidden by her bangs. Was it even possible to have her heart broken twice? Because it almost seemed that way. Today was the day she lived again, and the second time that her heart broke, but for totally different reasons this time. Today was the day she had regained her memories, and it had been absolutely painful. Even more painful than being dismembered, or torn apart by demons. Even the pain of death couldn't compare to this. A small bitter smile curled her lips. Curiosity killed the cat, they said. And it had definitely killed her now. She had been too curious for her own good. Someone had once said that nothing good would ever come out of it, and it had finally came true.

The past can destroy the present, and possibly the future. Just yesterday, she had been so happy, and she had told herself she was going to start a new life with someone she loved. Just now, old scars had been reopened, old loves had been rekindled. Because how was she going to move on, when the man she had once loved and died for was standing right in front of her?

To learn that she had been in love up to the point of being almost engaged to a different man that still loved her was a shocker, and had tore her heart in two. If he loved her that much and brought her back to life because of their love, why didn't he come to find her, rekindle that old flame long ago? Why did he give her the illusion of being someone else, to live in ignorance and happiness, even letting her fall in love with another man only to return her past to her? Oh yes, she forgot. She herself had asked for it. Oh, the irony of it all.... if only she could laugh, she would. After that, she couldn't even face Falcon, not after what they had done, what she had told him, and what happened back at Devil May Cry. So she ran. Regardless of the rain outside, of Buddy shouting at her to wait, she ran at full speed for a block or two, only to trip and fall to her knees in a puddle.

Buddy had caught up with her, but she refused to return to dryness and warmth with him, already sobbing too hard to even form a coherent sentence. Other times, she would have been embarrassed about wailing like a little child, but she didn't care at that instant. All she did was give him a little tag with Falcon's initial on it, much like the one she had bought when they were at the bazaar together, and told Buddy to pass it on to him and tell him she was sorry. Sorry for inflicting pain on him, sorry for having to learn that she was in love with Dante, sorry for running away like that, and sorry that she wasn't coming home tonight, wherever home was.

And so here Jade was, somewhere up above on a building's roof, watching as the three men fought off a bunch of demons that had appeared. Devil City didn't get it's name for nothing. It was one of the most famous spots for demons to pop up since it was on some kind of weak link of Hell, or something. They had still gone out to search for her in this weather, knowing that she hated thunder, but even her ears were deaf to thunder now. While trying to process her lost memories, she was oblivious to anything around her, not even realizing how she got up there in the first place. There was no way to describe the raging emotions in her; she didn't know how to vent it out, she was already crying, she couldn't scream, couldn't do anything.... except that a melody was bubbling in her heart, a song forming in her mind.

She knew, it was strange, but whenever she got particularly stressed, or sad, or anything at all, she either slept it off, or usually... she sang. Any type of song; slow and sad, loud and angry, sometimes even bitter, some where she screamed the lyrics to rid herself of the emotions she was feeling... this was one of them. Around her neck hung not only the ruby that Falcon had given her, but Aylen's keepsake, a beautifully engraved ancient ring on a chain, something like a channeling object the half-Asian girl used to focus on when she was harnessing the Phoenix's power. Before they left, Aylen had given it to her, lent it really, saying that it might come in handy, and she was right. Part of her wondered if Aylen knew something she didn't, and gave it to her in light of what was to come, but she didn't want to think about it now.

Her hand reached up, grasped the ring tightly within her fingers. She had seen Aylen's power before. With her.... would it work, even if she wasn't a vessel, but merely borrowing a tiny bit of the Phoenix's power? For the ring came from the Phoenix when it harmonized with Aylen, and the object, small as it was, carried within it's power, granting it to the person that wielded the ring. Jade took a deep breath, opened her mouth and began to sing.

"Over my tender shoulder
A forest sunk in thick mist
The concealed truth
Quietly, it echoes

Burnt on my eyelids
A monochrome world
Full of black shadows entangling

In the soaring rain of light
I want everything to melt into forgiveness
My frozen sin
Resounds painfully, like a lullaby"

As she sang, her voice echoing like the sad song of a dove through the rain, two rotating circles of power appeared around her feet, just like it had happened to Aylen, but instead of a glowing gold, hers was green. As a result of borrowing the ring, the Song Spell wasn't as strong or concentrated as Aylen's, but effective. She sang her heart out, eyes closed yet the tears still fell, spilled down on her cheeks to mix with the rain... that was slowing to a steady shower. Below her, her voice reached the fight below and Dante was the first to look up as any injury the men had sustained healed. Eyes the color of the sky was impressed by her display of power, no matter now temporary it was, and with her song creating a shield for them, the rest of the demons were dispatched easily.

"Gently touching my memories
A tender song shakes me awake
The warm vestiges
Rustling inside my heart

In this world mingled with noise
In this dazzling vertigo
Red flower petals are falling

All those scattered hollow dreams
I want to embrace and love them all
The innocent pain left behind
Wonders till far away, like a lullaby"

Her song brought about a sense of peace, although it held a great ton of anguish and sadness, it made the rain stop, and a ray of sunlight broke through the rain clouds. What Jade was singing would probably not be remembered later, since the song came from deep within her heart, speaking of her lost memories and how she felt at the instant. She was bewildered, a lost little child not knowing how to make a decision, but perhaps... there was hope for the future yet. And so she sang, healing not only the injuries of her friends, but the past injuries in her heart.

Then maybe she could just move on.

"The blurry sky of twilight
The hazy trembling moonlight
Reflected on my wet eyes

All those broken fragments of light
I want to gather them and erase the night away
Embracing my wish, until the day I am awaken
I will continue to softly whisper, a lullaby"

Everyone was looking at her as she finished singing, the circles of her aura disappearing as she opened her eyes. She had long understood... a Song Spell works only when someone is singing with her heart. When she wanted to express her feelings to someone. Aylen needed to be taught that, but not her. Still... a small smile curved her lips as she let her gaze linger over the boys before turning and walking away, leaving before they could catch her there. Jade didn't need the Phoenix to invoke a song spell. No.. miracles were already created everyday when she sang, whether it be happy, or sad. The song was a melody from her heart, a message she wanted to tell them, although she couldn't find the words to say it nicely. All she needed was some time.

There were still some old ghosts to confront, old demons to face, old memories to forget, and old tears to cry.

Only then, she would be able to take Falcon's hand and let him lead her home.

Amnesia. It was a song from her heart, and a melody from her soul.

Seize The Day

OOC: I had written this last year randomly due to insomnia again, and yeah. ^^ Thought I'd post it up here for everyone to see. Seize The Day by Avenged Sevenfold, but I loved this version of the piano solo by someone, so I used the piano instead lol. Anyway... the original song is at the bottom of the fic.
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Seize The Day
MazdaKitsune

The large office of Devil May Cry was silent, the light of the sun coming in and casting golden beams on the floor. The jukebox stood silent in the corner, the overhead fan turning gently to create a slight breeze that barely ruffled the silver hair of the man sitting at the counter of a mini bar. His azure eyes were downcast, staring at nothing as he tried getting his thoughts in order. Just ten minutes ago, Dante had bade his brother Vergil goodbye after his twin had dropped by to keep him company. They both knew... and could feel it... Dante's wife's time was up.

Jade was dying, and he couldn't do anything about it.

Finally moving, Dante made his way up the stairs to their room, pushing open the door quietly in case Jade was asleep. "Jade?"

An old woman lay in the bed, wrinkled face turned towards the window. Wispy white hair lay combed and neatly placed on her shoulders, but as 87 year old Jade Castero Sparda turned, her faded emerald eyes still held a sparkle of life, a spark of vivacity of the young girl he had first met in a bar. "Dante..." God, even her strong voice had faded, becoming the raspy whisper of one who was close to death.

She reminded him of an old worn-out record, and though it broke his heart to see her so, Dante put on a cheery smile and a brave face as he approached her, crawling into bed so he could gently cradle her. "Hey, babe. How are you feeling?"

"Never been better," Jade teased as she reached out with a trembling hand to run it through the ivory tresses that she loved so much, and he closed his eyes in pain. Her lean and slender body had withered down to mere skin and bones, and though she had aged greatly, he didn't look a day over 35. "Are you worried, Dante?" she asked gently, locking gazes with him. "Don't be. I'm not afraid of Death as long as you're by my side."

Dante's chest tightened painfully and his eyes began to sting, yet his demonic side didn't allow him to cry. "I'm not worried about you facing Death. I'm just... I don't want to see you die," he admitted.

Jade shifted closer to him. "Do you remember, a long time ago, I asked you a question while we were still engaged? I asked you, 'What would you do when I'm gone?'"

"And I said..." Dante's voice cracked. "And I said that I'd look after our children, and our children's children... oh, God.... Jade." He hugged her tightly, though not too tightly so he wouldn't crush her. "I'm so selfish. I should have let you fall in love with a human, not a half-devil like me."

"You big idiot!" Jade exclaimed, then laughed and coughed. When her coughing fit was over, she continued, "I wouldn't have let you, you know. I would have just kept coming on after you until you caved in. Because I loved you from the start, Dante. I fell in love with you and married you, knowing the consequences of having a shorter life-span as a human."

"You're an angel, you know that?" Dante said, fighting against the terrible pressure on his chest as he stroked her hair, breathing her scent in deeply. "When you arrive at whatever place spirits go to, you tell the boss you're to become the most beautiful angel anyone has ever laid eyes on. I want to see my strawberry blossom fly with beautiful wings and wearing an elegant gown, okay? You make sure that happens... or when I come there, there'll be Hell to pay."

Jade chuckled and closed her eyes. "You can't tell God or the Gods what to do, Dante. You're not all-powerful like they are."

Dante smiled. "Yeah, I'm not. But it's just a thought."

There was another chuckle, then all was silent, save the sound of their breathing. After a while, Jade whispered, "I'm so cold. So cold and so tired."

Dante's arms tightened around her, nestling her into his shoulder as he scanned the area, reaching out to Vergil at the same time. Apart from coming to comfort him, Vergil had also been there to act as a lookout for Death so he could alert Dante. Both twins had met Death on various occasions; their mother's death, the demons they killed, human casualties killed by demons, sometimes even bumping into him while in Hell. Death usually took on the most comforting form for a dying person, sometimes bringing in a helper to do the comforting, whether it be the dying person, or the people that were in extreme grief. But Dante was determined to fight Death again, as he had done many times. And this time, it was for his dying wife.

"I have not felt Death's presence yet, but he is on his way."

Vergil's reply only brought temporary reassurance as Dante attempted to soothe himself and Jade. "Still cold, baby? Just close your eyes and get some sleep, okay? I'll be here, waiting for you to wake up. I promise. You'll need your energy, so rest."

There was a muffled agreement from Jade, and she relaxed against him. "Sing me a song please, Dante."

A song... Dante had never been much of a singer, but sometimes he and Jade would duet or wing with a makeshift band made out of her, him, Vergil, Nero and Lady. He wasn't in a singing mood, but how could be ignore Jade's plea? So, he searched his mind for a song.

"Seize the day, or die regretting the time you lost... It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over..."

Seize The Day, by Avenged Sevenfold. It was hardly a lullaby, but Dante felt that it fit the situation beautifully, pouring out his feelings at the same time.

"I found you here, so please just stay for a while, I can move on with you around... I hand you my mortal life but will it be forever...?"

It's true that Dante loved his wife with all his heart. Even after she had been bedridden, he fed her, clothed her and held her close each day, not once leaving her side. He took care of her in every way that he could, Vergil taking over the run of the business and the training of his twin son and daughter.

He wasn't really ready to lose Jade yet.

"I'll do anything for a smile, holding you till our time is done... We both know the day will come, but I don't wanna lose you..."

Not just yet.
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Dante's eyes snapped open. He had fallen asleep without realizing it, and looking down, he was relieved to find Jade still breathing, her heart beating slowly against his chest. She looked so beautiful just lying there next to him, even in her old age with her wrinkled face and all... But he'd always see her for the beautiful woman she had been. To him, her body was old, but her spirit would always remain young.

The door to their room opened quietly and Dante looked up, his face turning pale. "Oh God.. please, no... not now..."

"I'm sorry, " was all Vergil said as he stepped aside to reveal a hooded figure shrouded in black and a young girl around 15 or 16. Her large dove-like eyes rested sympathetically on the couple before she said softly, "It's time. Please let us take Miss Castero."

"Like Hell you will," Dante growled as he disentangled himself from Jade and walked out of the room to face them. "You're not touching my Jade, no matter what. You hear me? You'll have to get through me first."

"Son of Sparda, I know the many losses you've been through, but please let us carry out or job." The girl said quietly. "It's our duty to collect her soul. Jade Castero's time has come. To allow her to live any longer is to make her suffer."

"Then take my human life instead," Dante pleaded. "Use my human side to prolong her years. Please.... I don't want her to leave me right now. I'd do anything for her."

Vergil could only watch in amazement. His younger brother was willing to sacrifice his own human side just to keep the person he loved alive? Love could really change a person. It was just so... strange to him, yet he couldn't help but wonder at the faint twisting of his heart that caused a strange ache in his chest and a burning in his eyes. He wanted to say something, anything to chide or comfort his brother, but stayed silent. Even if he wanted to speak, he felt that nothing could get through the lump that had suddenly grown in his throat.

But Vergil didn't have to say anything because the girl did it for him. "And then what, Dante Sparda?" she asked. "What then? Become a full demon when you give up your humanity and let your wife live on in pain, grieving that her husband has become one of those nightmares she used to kill for a living? What of your children, having their mother sick and aged, having to live with their realization that they might have to kill their demonic father one day? I ask you to consider, Mr Sparda. For your sake and Jade's."

"My father-" Dante began, but his protest was cut off.

"The Legendary Dark Knight Sparda did become a savior to humanity, though he was a devil. But it was centuries before a spark of conscience grew in him. Tell me, Dante... Would you even survive that long? And if you do, can you live with the realization of killing the very humans you fought so hard to protect before?"

Dante shook his head, his eyes stinging with tears yet again. "No.... Jade wouldn't want that..."

"Damn right I wouldn't, Dante..." came the old raspy voice from inside the room. Tired emerald eyes surveyed them all. "What were you thinking? Giving up your human side like that... I'd have Vergil do a Judgement Cut on me before you could do it."

Vergil forced a smirk as Dante hurried to her side. "Jade... Babe... Forgive me, I..."

"It's okay, Dante," Jade said gently. "But you should let Death do his job. let me have the rest I've always longed for after years and years or working so hard for it. Isn't that right, Cerridwen?"

The question was directed at the young girl standing next to Dante. She looked taken aback for a while, then a smile appeared on her lips. "I'm surprised you know me, Jade Castero. Yes, I've been called that before, among other names. I've been known as Persephone, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Nephtys... "

"Because I did my research, many years before, when I was still young and well." Jade chuckled. "So you're here to comfort me?"

"I'm here to comfort, but not you." Cerri nodded at Dante. "I'm here to comfort him. Death knows you've accepted him, but Dante won't let you go without a fight. I'm here mainly to persuade and comfort him so he can let go."

Dante's grip on her hand tightened and Jade turned to look at him. "Let me go, Dante... Please. don't let me suffer in this body anymore."

"I can't, Jade.. I can't." Dante admitted helplessly. "I'm not ready to lose you yet."

"Dante Sparda, you've given me all the happiness a woman could ask for in her life," Jade said softly. "You've loved me, cherished me, and gave to me all the wonderful things life had to offer. You made a promise that you would stand by my side until the day comes, and look after the rest of our descendants after that. I.. I hope you'll keep your promise... and now I beg of you... let me sleep. This is my last request."

Tears gathered in Dante's eyes, blurring his vision as he began to tremble. "Are you really that tired, baby?"

Jade smiled that special smile that she reserved only for him. "Yes, cowboy. Very."

"Then... Then go to sleep. I'll be right here as always, beside you... Waiting for you to wake up..." Dante's voice trailed off as a sob worked it's way from his throat.

"Thank you.." Jade lifted a hand to stroke his cheek before running it through his hair again, this time for the last time. Death made his way to the bed, ready to claim her soul. "Good night, Dante..."

Something wet hit his face, and Vergil touched his cheek, surprised to find tears running down his face in hot rivers. So this is what sadness is like... he mused quietly. It's a really painful feeling... Yet relieving in the strangest way.

Cerri touched his arm gently. "Devils never cry, Vergil. Tears are a gift only humans have."

Vergil let his gaze linger over her before looking over at his brother. Odd how her small touch could bring him so much comfort. "But even out there..." He nodded at Dante. "Even a devil may cry."

Dante leaned down and kissed Jade tenderly before he stroked her hair. "Good night, sweet blossom..." he said softly. "Sweet dreams..." Death curled his fingers around hers as she gave Dante her last, faint smile. Slowly, her emerald eyes closed forever, never once leaving the ice-blue that she loved, and she let out her last breath as a soft sigh, her body going limp.

It was over. Just like that it was over. "Good night, my dear Jade.. Have a good rest... alright?" Dante kissed her again and curled up over Jade's body, clutching her close to him. "Wake up soon, babe... and then... and then you can tell me about the dream you had... hopefully it'll be one of those ridiculous dreams you sometimes have... and we'll have a good laugh about it later..."

His voice broke, and finally... finally... the tears fell.
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The funeral in the old graveyard was a small and solemn one. Jade looked to be at peace, and it brought Dante some comfort as he dropped one last tender kiss onto her forehead and stepped back as her coffin was closed. He had buried Ebony with her, alongside her beloved Umbra and Levis, because she had loved using that particular gun before. Hizoku, she had left in Vergil's care, and her whip Sentis had been taken by their daughter a long time ago.

Dante was strangely detached throughout her burial, watching calmly as the earth covered his wife's coffin. He barely registered Trish coming over to hug him, Nero following slightly after to offer his condolences. He just stood there in a daze, letting Vergil handle everything.

"Dad?"

The soft female voice brought him out of his thoughts and Dante turned, staring into the face of a woman that was remarkably similar to Jade. God, it was as if Jade has just stepped out of her grave and was facing him. the way her long hair framed her face, the slightly tanned skin, the familiar curve of her lips. All that was missing was the emerald green eyes that he loved gazing into. Instead, he found himself gazing longingly into the ice-blue eyes identical to his.

Dante sttempted a smile and reached out, tucking a stray strand of black hair behind the woman's ear. "Hey, Danielle. How's my baby girl doing?"

His daughter smiled as her twin brother came up with Vergil, both wearing suits. She herself wore a black dress as a sign of mourning. Only Dante defiantly wore his red coat, but everyone knew that it was a last sign of his love for Jade, so they let him be. "Not so much of a baby now, dad."

Dante nodded and turned to his son. "Jaden?"

Jaden gave a fidgety shrug, sweeping his silver hair back in an imitation of his idolized uncle, but half of his bangs flopped back into his yes. His emerald green eyes, Dante thought with a pang. His son, named after Jade, had inherited her eyes, while his daughter that had been named after him had gotten her eyes. "I'm alright, I guess. I mean... I can't believe mom's gone.. But I'll live with it."

Dante chuckled, tears appearing in his eyes. "Yeah, your mother was a great woman, you know? A great woman..."

"Oh, daddy..." Danielle flung her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "You still have us, you know.. You still have us."

"Yeah, dad." Jaden put his hand on his father's shoulder. "We're still family, and we have each other, along with Uncle Vergil."

Dante lifted his arms and hugged his children close. "Yeah. I still have all of you..." He felt Vergil's touch on his back, lifted his head and met his twin's gaze, and for the first time in years, turned and wept in his brother's arms.
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Jade lowered her face. "It's just that... You're going to live much, much longer than me... And you're not going to get old... Not like me, I'm going to be an old woman in the years to come... I'm just worried about you, I guess. What are you going to do after I'm gone?"

Dante frowned, then smiled, lifting her head up so their eyes would meet. "I will stand by you until that day, and then after that I will watch over our children and our children's children..."

Odori

A/N: Ahaha.... BON ODORI was AWESOME! =D I enjoyed myself so much, I even had a new haircut to match Kasuga Tamaki from Hiiro no Kakera. Unfortunately, now I think it looks a bit more like Isayama Yomi from Ga-Rei Zero. ^^; In any case, this fic has been playing about in my head for a bit, ever since I played the Matsuri route in Hiiro no Kakera: Ano Sora no Shita de. Hehe.. and as you all know, you can change the player's name in the game, and I changed Tamaki's name to Kairi Hisui for the fun of it, so...... here! Some random, crazed fic based on Hiiro no Kakera and Bon Odori! XDDDD
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Odori
MazdaKitsune

She was feeling jittery, somehow. So jittery that she was practically bouncing on her legs as she knelt in seiza position in front of her dresser while deft, but gentle hands caressed the strands of her hair, doing them up into a bun. 'Kanzashi', Japanese hair ornaments, where laid out on the dresser neatly, and the young black-haired girl darted a glance at her reflection in the mirror again, a flash of white seen as her teeth worried her lower lip for a bit. Seeing that, the hands stopped, and the short-haired brunette that had been working on her hair leaned down so that her calm expression was reflected in the mirror as well, her chin almost leaning on the other female's shoulder. The brunette was Kotokura Mitsuru, housekeeper of the Kasuga household, also protector of the building and the compound they were in. She always referred to herself as a servant, and waited on the girl hand and foot if the need arose. "Masaka.... Hisui-sama, are you having the jitters?"

"A-Ah, iie!" Kasuga Hisui hurriedly protested, her face turning slightly red as she dipped her head to hide her expression from Mitsuru. "I-I'm not! It's just that.... well...." her eyes darted to the clock on the corner of her dresser and the brunette chuckled knowingly.

"Ahh... I get it. Hisui-sama is so excited that she's becoming nervous."

"N-No! It isn't like that, Mitsuru-chan! I.. uh.... well.... yes." Hisui finally admitted as she slumped slightly, Mitsuru's hands going back to work, dragging a fragile bamboo comb to gather her thick black hair into a ponytail before she could twist it into a bun. "Worry not, I'm sure you'll look lovely tonight," Mitsuru replied, reassuring her. "Just close your eyes and relax, Hisui-sama. And I'll be done in no time." Hisui gave a sigh, then stared at herself in the mirror, emerald eyes blinking at herself before she closed them and lost herself to her thoughts. Sometimes she felt that her life was going too fast for her, because.... she used to be someone else before, and she was someone else now.

Not too long ago, she had been called Jade Castero.

Not too long ago, she had broken up with her fiance and gone through hell with depression.

Not too long ago, a certain cold man had shoved her into this village and told her to find her past as well as gave her an education.

Not too long ago, she had met six young men that claimed to be her Guardians, gone to school, met her grandmother and gone through a whirlwind of events that changed her life forever.

And not too long ago, she had become the 'Tamayorihime', a princess not of royal nature, but of one with the need and cause to protect.

Yes, the moment this fiery orphan girl set foot into this village to find out about her past, Jade Castero had ceased to exist, and Kasuga Hisui was born. The huntress had laid down her weapons when her heart was shattered, and became a normal student going to a school, meeting boys, making friends and doing homework. Her fiery temper cooled, her rough ways softened, and the Huntress was transformed into a sweet little thing, with a warm, cheerful smile and open arms to accept anyone that came into her life. Her hair, cropped short before, grew long to just barely touch her waist, and her mannerisms changed into that of a lady.

Still, she had a reckless and stubborn streak in her, if not a tad mischievous. That was a trait that still remained inside of her, personality-wise. Looks could change, but a glimmer of that old personality still remained within. Yes, Hisui was simply your ordinary schoolgirl that got into trouble with her Guardians sometimes, while carrying an unimaginable amount of power in her blood; power not meant to destroy, but meant to protect. For generations, her ancestors had been the Protector of this village and Shrine, the Guardian of Five seals that kept an object of immense power hidden from the world, lest it be destroyed; a sword called the Onikirimaru.

That sword alone had the power to destroy both the heavens and the earth, and it was Hisui's duty to protect it with her blood, a duty she had accepted without protesting when she finally understood and came to terms with her past.

She was the Tamayorihime now at the tender age of 18, although her mother had ran from her duty and died after Hisui was born, but she was ready to take this heavy responsibility.

"It's done, Hisui-sama." Mitsuru's voice roused her out of her thoughts, and Hisui opened her eyes, her lips slightly parting to see her hair twisted into a bun and decorated with ornaments. "It's beautiful... Arigatou, Mitsuru-chan."

"Doidashimashite." Mitsuru smiled cheerfully at the thanks given. She had hated her life before because of Hisui's grandmother's cruel ways, abhorred the Tamayorhime even, but Hisui had changed her view of life, and she now served her loyally and willingly, not out of bitterness and fear. "Saa, Hisui-sama... it's time to wear the yukata."

Pulling on the black-haired girl's hand gently, she led her mistress to where she had prepared the body powder to smooth and perfume the skin, a bowl of water to freshen her face, other girl stuff and of course, the traditional clothing. Hisui sighed and waited patiently before her eyes darted to the clock again. Sunset was fast approaching....
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The village streets were filled with lanterns and lined with stalls, hundreds of people already crowding the whole area. The sky was turning a navy blue by then, but the lanterns lit up the area with a cheerful golden glow. The field had the 'yagura', a platform where the taiko drums would be placed and played, set up and as far as Hisui could see...... the place was swarming with people, the villagers, those that had come from the city to enjoy the festival, and of course, foreign tourists. "Waah!! Sugoi!!" Hisui stood there with her mouth open and eyes wide, although excitement rather than surprise was displayed on her face. "There's so many people around!! I don't think I'll be able to move.."

"Shinpai suru na, Hisui-sama," Mitsuru, clad in a miko priestess uniform of red and white, reassured her. "It may be crowded, but you'll be able to move just fine in the crowd, and your Guardians are scattered in there to take care of you. Ja, Hisui-sama, enjoy yourself. Hitsureshimasu." She bowed to her mistress and disappeared to the Shrine to handle the amount of people coming to pay their respects to the deites.

Hisui turned back to the crowd, heart pounding slightly, and turned her head to look down at her shadow. "Ne, it'll be alright, won't it, O-chan? Though I don't do good in crowds..."

"Nii~!" A bluish-white fox cub poked it's tiny head out of her shadow to give her the fox equivalent of a grin. O-chan was an Osaki Kitsune she had received when she first came to this village, staying in her shadow as a pet/companion and to sheild her from the random dangers to buy time for her Guardians to save her. He could shape shift into a seven-year old boy with two tails and ears if he wanted even, and he normally did that to play with Hisui sometimes.

"Saa... let's go, then!" Nodding, Hisui squared her shoulders, slid the little bag she was carrying over her waist, and forged her way into the street. Like Mitsuru said, the crowd made way respectfully for her the moment she set foot into the street, so she didn't have to squeeze her way through. Her excitement came back full blast as she looked around, both amazed and interested in the sights and sounds and things that were being sold. The girl was clearly enjoying herself already, and it didn't take long for her to pick out two distinct voices from the crowd.

"Dame da yo, dame!" A rather shrill male voice was screeching out. "Dakara, Takuma-kun, it's easier to go that way so we can get close to the Yagura to see all those beautiful ladies dancing!"

"Whatever you say, Mahiro-senpai." Another voice replied, a bit deeper than the first. "Have you forgotten that we have to be close anyway?"

"I wouldn't mind being up there to dance with her though..."

"Mahiro-senpai! Takuma-kun!" Hisui called out as she pushed her way towards them, her eyes shining with happiness and excitement, trying to run as fast as the yukata allowed her to. "Konbanwa!"

"Ohh??! It's Hisui-chan! Yosh, evening!" Atori Mahiro said in pleased surprise with his hands on his waist, his own emerald eyes shining at her, messy black locks teased about by an unseen wind that always seemed to be following him around. Some said he was a smaller, male version of Hisui since she and him were alike in cheerfulness and mischief, and the two constantly like playing pranks on each other. "Kirei da na yo, omae!"

"Aa, you look beautiful in that yukata today." Takuma gave her one of his usual slight smiles, amethyst eyes taking in her dark red yukata with the purple obi, arms folded. Both boys themselves wore yukatas as well for the occasion, Mahiro in a light brown sleeveless one, Takuma in a black one with a purple scarf thrown loosely around his neck.

"Mm, arigatou!" Hisui beamed at them, then looked around. "Ano ne, where are the others?"

"I'm not too sure." Mahiro shrugged carelessly. "They're all somewhere around, I guess. Hai, there's still some time before the dances start, so-"

"Let's go play together!" Takuma said just as he did, and Hisui sweatdropped when they both shot annoyed glances at each other.

"A-Ano... I think I'll just wander around for a bit to find the others, and then I'll meet you both at the yagura, ne?" She held up her hands before escaping back into the crowd, giggling when she heard Mahiro's outraged shout and Takuma's sigh. "Really, those two can make such a good pair sometimes...."

"Who can make such a good pair?" A quiet voice asked, and two hands landed gently on her shoulders before a flower was placed into her hair. Komura Youichi smiled down at her, his yellow eyes softening to a honey-gold, silver hair looking a very light purple in the darkness, a bit of the golden glow from the lanterns tinting it, wearing a pale blue yukata. "You look pretty tonight, Hisui-chan."

"Youichi-senpai." Hisui blushed lightly as he adjusted his little gift to her in her hair, then touched the white flower lightly with her fingers. "Arigatou. Uun, I was just talking about Mahiro-senpai and Takuma-kun. They just asked me out to play, but I thought I'd wander around alone for a bit to find the rest of you."

"Sou ka?" Youichi placed his hand on her head in a brotherly manner, carefully carressing her hair so he wouldn't mess up Mitsuru's hard work. "Well, you can't blame them for wanting to spend time with you. This is the only day we can get to see you all dressed up like a true princess. You should at least give us that."

"Mm, I get it," Hisui said sheepishly. "But we're all going to the Shrine after the Obon for Sukiyaki, aren't we? Mitsuru-chan said so. Then we can all take pictures together for memories."

"That's true. Still, it's better to enjoy this festival together, right?" Youichi smiled, then lifted his hand off her head, wandering off as a 15 year old boy with brown hair and large brown eyes that almost engulfed his face came up, wearing a brown yukata and holding a stick of cotton candy.

"Hisui-senpai, konbanwa! Wahhh.... you looks so nice today!" Inukai Shinji said breathlessly, his face slightly red, shyness in his innocent brown eyes.

"Arigatou, Shinji-kun!" Hisui replied happily, wondering just how many times she had to say thank you today. Every Guardian she met complimented her, she felt quite embarrassed now. Still, it made her feel happy and gave her that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, because the people she cared the most for were giving her their attention in a different way this time. "Is that cotton candy?"

"Ah.. hai, I got this from that stall over there." Shinji pointed at a stall. "They're selling all kinds of sweets, including ice-cream."

"Sugoi... can I have a taste?" Hisui teased, and Shinji looked taken aback, a blush making his face hot.

"E-Eh??!"

"Onegai?"

"A-Ah.... if senpai asks then....." Shinji surrended and held out his cotton candy, Hisui giggling and giving him a beaming smile before reaching over to take a large bite.

"Mm, it's sweet! Thanks, Shinji-kun! I'll buy you Takoyaki and a drink for that!"

"A-Ah, matte senpai! Y-You don't have to....." Shinji tried to stop her, but it was too late; the girl had already ran off.

At the food stall she was headed to, a teen with untamed brown hair in a dark red yukata stood, finishing off a stick of Takoyaki. Russet-red eyes glanced off to the side to watch the approaching girl, and a wolfish smirk grew on his lips. "Well, well.... look at who has arrived. Someone delicious and wrapped up in a yukata, all waiting for me to devour."

"Stop that, Ryou-kun." Hisui rolled her eyes at Kutani Ryou, who grinned and slid closer to her to loop his arm around her waist. "I didn't mean to run into you, I just wanted to get Shinji-kun some food."

"I'm hungry too," Ryou pretended to pout, dropping his voice into a whine as she ordered the food from the man manning the stall. "Why can't my Tamayorihime feed this poor wolf too, hmm?"

"Because I only promised Shinji-kun, and besides, you've already finished off a stick of Takoyaki," Hisui declared, receiving a drink and a plate of two Taiyaki before she paid for them. "And you're right, you're a wolf." She started walking away.

"So mean, my Hi-chan. I'm really hungry." Ryou followed her.

"Fine, fine... you want some?" Hisui finally sighed in irritation and offered him the plate.

Ryou's pout vanished and turned into a leering smirk. "Oh yes, I definitely want 'some'." Instead of taking the Takoyaki, he pulled lightly on the collar of her yukata, the other gently pushing her head back before he ran his tongue along the column of her neck, a look of want in his eyes.

Hisui gave a squeal of indignation and embarassment, balancing the plate on her palm before she dropped it. "You wolf!" She squawked, breaking free of him, whirling around to face him with a red face. "Stop doing that!"

Ryou simply chuckled with a 'couldn't-care-less' look on his face and shrugged. "Well, I was 'hungry'. Thanks, anyway." And before she could do anything, he and taken the Takoyaki and drink out of her hands, sauntering away with a pleased and satisfied look on his face.

"MATTE!" Hisui yelled after him. "That's for Shinji-kun!"

"Hai, hai. I'll pass it to him." Ryou simply said as he disappeared.

"Matte, Ryou-kun!" Hisui tried to go after him, but someone stepped on the wooden slipper she was wearing, and it slipped off her foot, causing her to turn in panic. My geta..... oh no.... "Ah... please wait..." she tried to get pass a rather large group of people, but couldn't, her eyes frantically sweeping the ground for her geta. Oh, great! What was she going to do now?? Hopping around on one foot.....

"Did you lose a slipper, Cinderella?"

The gentle voice made Hisui turn, and to her relief, she saw a smiling Oomi Tsuguru holding up her lost geta. "Tsuguru-san!! You saved me!!" she wailed in thanks, hopping towards him. The gentle, long-haired man of 25 chuckled softly before catching and steadying her, not caring if her grip on his arms crumpled the sleeves of his dark green yukata slightly. Honey-colored eyes looked at her in amusement before he knelt, taking her foot and letting her step on his thigh so she wouldn't lose her balance.

"You should be a bit more careful, O-Hime-sama," he chided as he slid the geta onto her foot and stood, smoothing down his clothes. That smile was still on his face as he patted her head lightly. "Are you enjoying yourself tonight? The dances are going to start soon, so you better hurry since you're leading the dancing on the Yagura, alright?" He looked her over to make sure she was all neat as well as warm, protected from the cold. When he was satisfied that she was, he stepped back. "You look beautiful tonight, Hisui-san."

"Mmm..... arigatou...." Hisui looked down, averting her eyes shyly, a blush on her face. "Well, then... I better get going before the drummers start looking for me."

"Take care, Hisui-san." Tsuguru smiled, hiding his hands in the folds of his yukata. "And ganbatte. We'll be watching."

"Hai!" Hisui beamed and waved before leaving, hurrying through the crowd towards the field, but the sound of splashing caught her attention. "Ehhh! Goldfish catching!" she stopped, totally distracted as she watched, then decided to have a go. Armed with a bowl of water and two thin paper nets, she bent to try her luck at catching the goldfish, but in her hurry, the first 'net' tore after two dips. "Ah..."

"You're doing it wrong," a deep voice said. "Are you Mahiro-senpai or what?" Takuma came up behind her, taking the bowl in one hand and guiding her wrist with his other. He didn't look at her, but his eyes were watching the fish. "You have to be careful and patient if you want to catch one.... there, see that? Slide the net into the water without making her water splash..."

"Ano, Takuma-kun...." Hisui bit her lip as she tried it, his hand still guiding her wrist. "The net will tear."

"Not if you're careful," Takuma replied. "There, now! Lift it up while the goldfish is still on top of it!"

"Now?!" Hisui was startled, fumbling with the net, and the paper tore, letting the fish escape. Takuma sighed in exasperation, setting the bowl back on the stall. "You're a bit hopeless, aren't you? Try again next year, or the next festival, then."

"Hehe...." Hisui looked sheepish, then her eyes widened. "Ah!! I got to get to the Yagura!"

"Oi, Hisui! Matte!" Takuma shouted after her as she ran off, then gave a frustrated sigh. "Such a reckless girl......"

"Hisui!! Oi! Come here a sec!" Mahiro called out from the shooting stall where he was shooting cans when she ran past. "Shoot this last can for me, will you? Complete my luck with a shot!"

"Demo, senpai! I have to-"

"Daijoubu! It'll only take a minute!" He grabbed her hand and hauled her over, pushing the gun into her hands. "Just aim and fire on my word, okay?"

"A-Aa..." Hisui bent with a doubtful look on her face, closing on eye so she could aim better. Mahiro bent as well to mutter directions in her ear, one hand on her back to steady her. "Careful, don't shoot if your hands are shaking or if you're unsure. Once you're relaxed enough, pull the trigger. Got me?"
"Right...." She did as she was told, then when the both of them were certain that she was relaxed enough, he gave her a small nudge to pull the trigger. A lound clang rang out as the pellet hit the can, knocking it to the ground, and Mahiro crowed. "Sugoi na, Hisui-chan! And my yearly record remains unbroken!!" From far away, a drum boomed out, signalling the crowd to gather in the field to dance around the Yagura, and she gasped. "I'M LATE!!! SENPAI!!"

Grabbing Mahiro's hand, she hauled the screeching and protesting boy to the field, running all the way.

She never noticed the icy blue eyes that had been watching her every move with a cold gaze since the moment she set foot into the street where the Matsuri was being held.
____________________________________________________________________

The crowd was astounding. Climbing her way onto the platform where the taiko drums were, leading the other dancers, Hisui began to feel nervous, and wondered if she had been right to let Mitsuru volunteer her to lead as the heiress of the Village's Shrine in the first place. Then again... this was all part of her job now as Tamayorihime. Tonight was going to be her first night taking part in public events like this, so she needed to make a good job of it. An uncomfortable look on her face at the amount of people staring at her, she swallowed, hands balling into fists by her side.

"Ano... senpai doesn't look too good, does she?" Shinji commented worriedly from right below where they were watching. "I think she's scared."

"It is her first time, after all..." Tsuguru said from behind him, his concerned gaze on her. "Perhaps it was too much of a pressure since there's more than a hundred people filling the place."

"It can't be helped then," Mahiro muttered before waving and calling out to catch Hisui's attention. "Oiiiiiii!!!!!!! Kasuga Hisui!!!! Do your best, we'll be right here watching you!!!"

Hisui gave a start, her emerald eyes glancing down to see her entire group of Guardians watching her and giving her silent support. "Ganbatte, ne?" Youichi smiled with folded arms. "You can do it." Meeting his eyes, then the rest of her Guardians, she felt the fluttering in her stomach calm and she breathed easier, returning a smile to them as well. A clearing of a throat behind her indicated that the drummers were ready, and she took a deep breath before lifting a hand to get the other dancers into a clockwise position around the drums, bowed to the cheering crowd, then turned. There would be four dances, each repeated twice, and four rounds, a few minutes break between each for the drum performances. The drummers began to beat the drums, the loud booms vibrating through the platform, and she lifted her arms to the ancient traditional moves, and began to dance.
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The Bon Odori was a festival in which they people dance to honor the spirits of their dead ancestors, the dances traditional and varying with each region. Even though Hisui was having the time of her life, she kept a slightly somber attitude, knowing that the reason why she was dancing was to pay homage and respect for the dead, and she danced in honor of the first Tamayorihime, the woman from whom she had descended, the one responsible for her powers. Every step was careful, every wave of her arms, every turn of her body was graceful. She closed her eyes in a small smile. Breathless, tired, and hot, she still managed to feel the power running in her blood, feel the Tamayorihime's gentle smile on her. For the Tamayorihime, her endless memories, and the duty on my shoulders. I dance for you...

She opened her eyes when the last song ended and let out a breath as the crowd stopped dancing and clapped, having thoroughly enjoyed themselved. A wide smile broke out on her face and she bowed to the crowd, before her eyes caught something just on the edge of the forest.

A flash of silver hair, and a glimpse of someone very, very familiar.

Vergil.

Her mouth opened to call out to him, but it was time for her to leave the platform with the other dances, and she had to turn away even as he slipped off into the crowd.
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She was doing well, and it made him satisfied. Vergil had watched her advance through the evening, watched as she interacted with those six males, then finally watched as she danced gracefully on the Yagura to the beat of the drums and the singing of the traditional songs. Jade was well and happy, and it relieved him to say the least. He couldn't care less about her being a huntress, but it bothered him to see her wasting away in his house when she asked if she could stay with him after that incident with the piano in the library. Her depression made the air thick, and it completely distracted him with his work, so to put a total end to it, he had coldly told her that if she didn't do something, he was going to kick her out.

Needless to say, the next morning, she went out for a haircut and announced that she was going to try to lead a normal life and lay her weapons down to rest. Vergil didn't care about that, but somehow, something nagged at the back of his mind and still took his mind off research and hunts, so he made another trip to the library and spent a week there.

What he uncovered surprised him for once, and the moment he got back, he made Hisui pack and brought them both to Japan. Her guns he sent to Dante, her sword, which was meant to belong to his twin anyway was kept because it had been passed to her instead, through her foster mother. Why?

He had found her past.

And after leaving her for a year in Riifu Village for a test run.... his suspicions were now confirmed. This girl was a powerful being granted with power meant to protect something of greater power, and he had never known. He could care less about that, but power.. that meant something else to him. A temptation that he had to supress. Turning, he was about to disappear into the forest to follow that trail of her power that would lead him to the five seals. Once broken, it would lead him to the Onikirimaru.

"Vergil!"

Her voice, Jade's voice, made him stop, and he sighed in irritation before turning to face her, deciding to at least give her one minute to say what she wanted before he left. He didn't face her, but simply let her talk to his back, seeming as if he wasn't listening.

Hisui was gasping for breath, having fought her way through the crowd to reach his side, hands on her knees, but she hurried to speak now. "I wasn't expecting to see you now, Vergil. Why did you come here? Is there something you're looking for or researching?"

"Your point?" Vergil asked cooly, turning round to face her at last.

Hisui straightened, her expression a determined look, that familiar fire starting to burn in her eyes again. "I thank you for searching for my past and researching into my bloodline, then giving me a shot at education for my future, but... whatever you're searching for here, you're not going to get. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"What makes you think I'm here to find something?" Vergil asked flatly, though he grudgingly had to compliment the way she thought and the way she read him.

"Because it's about power." Hisui stood her ground, though her stance seemed relaxed. A good sign; her enemy couldn't read her that way. "I won't allow you to have what you want, and if you intend to fight me for it, believe me, I won't hesitate to kill you. I will fight you to the death."

And one by one, they appeared, first as six pairs of glowing golden eyes in the darkness, rimmed with red, then they moved out of the shadows, the gold fading respectively into amethyst, emerald, glaring-yellow, russet-red, brown and honey-gold. Her Guardians appeared around her, all wearing neutral expressions on their faces, except for Tsuguru, who had a polite smile on his face. Each of their gazes promised death if Vergil dared lay a hand on her. "Hisui-san? You have the ceremony to go through at the Shrine. If you don't go now, Mitsuru-chan will be getting concerned."

"Wakatta. Gomen." And then they disappeared, one by one again, all except the red-headed boy, Takuma, who had her wrist in his grip, and he was the last to leave, pulling her away. Vergil simply stood where he was, watching them with a cold look, not even giving her a reaction when she looked over her shoulder at him even as she was dragged off. Once they were gone, he turned too, heading into the forest. He had watched her all evening, a part more wouldn't hurt. No, he wasn't around to steal the Onikirimaru, he just wanted to see if she had moved on with life.

Apparently, she had.
____________________________________________________________________

Hisui had changed out of her yukata and was now wearing the priestess uniform, a semi-transparent haori over the red and white fabric, tiara over her forehead, a fan in her left hand, and a short bell staff in her right. Her long hair was tied where it fell to the small of her back, but it still followed her movements, a the sight of a true priestess fulfilling her duty. She sang as she danced gracefully, her voice filling the air, her steps an ancient ritual meant to strengthen the seals that kept the Onikirimaru hidden as well as call a blessing onto the place. She was the Tamayorihime, and this... was her duty, her obligation, her life.

None of the Guardians moved from their protective spots meant to represent the five seals, but Takuma's eyes were on her and her only, following her movements. The song she sang spoke about love, but in a very vauge manner, a liliting tune that seemed to drag anyone who heard it into it's melody. It was a yearning song..... filled with the feelings of the first Tamayorihime calling out to her love which had killed her and which she was forced to seal into the sword. Takuma shifted his position. He was that descendant of the Oni.. and she the descendant of the Tamayorihime. It was plain to see what that song meant to him... and to her.

Her eyes met his, and she smiled.



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From the forest, Vergil watched, and once he felt the safeguards and barriers of the Shrine being strengthened to it's highest level, he melted back into the shadows, and left. He did not love her, and never would, but he was satisfied that she had moved on.

It had almost rained again, like that day, but no.

The night was peaceful.

~Owari~