Author's notes: BWAHAHAHA! I'm so sorry to keep you hanging like that. *wipes tears from eyes* heehee… I'm so evil. But hey, at least I'm updated fast, ne? Or did I… *scratch head* I lose count of the days. But what the heck.
OHMIGOSH! Last chapter! Whoohoo!! I can't believe it… this is the evil end! I'm so happy, I'm going to complete my first fanfiction ever! Hahahaha!!! *grins widely*
Well, anyway, just wanted to thank you guys, as early as now, for your support! Without your touching, and often threatening, reviews, I wouldn't have finished this. I'm so touched! *bawls like a person receiving an Oscar and waves* Geesh. I'm getting overly- dramatic here. ~_~' Right.
*sigh* Well, onwards to the last, but not the least (oh no, DEFINITELY not the least) chapter… here it is! *drum roll and spotlight please*
Disclaimer: *hugglez disclaimer boy* I'm going to miss you… NOT! Hahahaha! I'm going to get rid of you forever! Well, until I write another Fanfiction, that is.
Okay. Fine fine. I don't own "I'm Still Here" By John Rzeznik (Googoo dolls) from the soundtrack of Treasure Planet. (haven't seen it yet *sob*) *glares at DB*
The Vampire Aoshi
Bye Tesuka- chan
Shiro laughed harshly. "Too late." And he released the fireball.
Kenshin drew back, surprised and alarmed.
No… Misao and Aoshi… it's heading right towards them!
"AOSHI! MISAO!" Kenshin cried out, but it was too late. The ball of power swiftly flew across the room towards them.
Misao vaguely heard a voice in her head, warning of impending danger, but she quickly brushed it away. I don't care. At least Aoshi's with me now…
Saitou, Megumi and Sano suddenly barged through the doors and stopped. Their eyes widened and gasps were heard as they grasped the situation.
The red ball crackled with power, coming closer to the couple.
Aoshi held his dear Misao close to him. Even if I die now, I'll die happy.
~~~
I am a question to the world
Not an answer to be heard
Or a moment that's held in your arms
~~~
The blast emitted a blood red splendor.
Kenshin and the others ducked, avoiding the flying debris falling all around, but they couldn't take their eyes off the horrific sight in front of them. Red light exploded all around the room, making the sturdy walls vibrate and the massive, solid columns shake. The beautiful Morano glass windows shattered, and the spirals on the ceiling cracked and fell upon them like deadly rain. The marble floors shook and cracked. Screams and pained cries could be heard… and evil laughter. Everything was in chaos.
Then it stopped.
Kenshin coughed, covered in gray dust. He quickly shook his head, dusting off the dirt. He stood up carefully, and realized that he didn't even have a scratch. He looked down at his hands, and barely saw the throbbing purple aura surrounding him before it vanished. My powers protected me… Then his head snapped up, remembering the others. "Sano! Megumi! Are you all right?"
*ACHOO!*
"Yeah," Sano rubbed his itchy nose, "I'm okay. I'm here with Jo-chan. I think she fainted." He peeped out of the table. "Good thing this table was here…" he mumbled. He looked around and saw the Mibu wolf standing in the open, apparently not hurt. How the hell did he evade that?
Saitou's eyes gleamed as if saying, 'I've got my secrets.' Then he suddenly spoke out, "Hey Kenshin?"
Kenshin was already on his way to the other end of the hall.
"Hehehe…" a hoarse voice laughed maniacally. "They're dead! It hit them smack in the middle! No one can survive that! Haha!"
Sano scowled, "Shut up, you bastard!" He pinned the crazed Shiro to the floor, anger filling his whole being. "That's my cousin you're talking about! And if they really are dead, YOU won't die so easily. I'll torture you until you scream like a sissy!"
Shiro just stared blankly at him, laughing like a crazed maniac. Sano punched him out cold.
Kenshin was digging under the rubble, where Misao and Aoshi stood just a few moments ago. His fingers scraped and tugged at the rocks and boulders. Damn it… I won't let anyone die anymore! Misao! Aoshi! Be safe!
~~~
And what do you think you'd ever say
I won't listen anyway
You don't know me
And I'll never be what you want
Me to be
~~~
Misao opened her eyes.
She was lying on a white floor, which was surprisingly warm. She sat up. Wh- where am I?
'Heaven.'
What?
Her eyes surveyed the pale surroundings, looking for the source of the voice. What do you mean 'heaven'? Who are you?
Two people emerged on her right, a woman and a man. Misao noticed that the man had a peculiar contraption around his head, like a thin silver circlet. His dark blue hair was long, and it complemented his deep blue eyes. He had an air of authority and power around him, as if he was used to holding so much power. Misao's blue- green gaze rested on the woman… and gasped. She looks like me!
The woman's hair was long, reaching down to her mid- thigh. Her lovely face was full of life and love, and the same blue- green eyes glinted back at the girl sprawled on the floor. She was a lively woman, her aura clear and pure.
Mother?
The woman nodded reverently. 'Misao- chan. I've been waiting for you for a long time.' When her head came up again, a smile brightly lit her beautiful face. 'I am Meia. And this big slab of ice beside me…' she playfully looked at her husband, 'Is your father… Damon.'
Damon smiled back down at his wife lovingly and shook his head. The he started towards Misao. 'You have come a long way, my child. Come and rest.'
Misao tried to stand up, excitement and love filling her. Here at last were her parents! Her real parents! Then she collapsed back down, a hole inside of her suddenly aching, horribly painful. She clutched her chest, the pain coming to her in waves. I must… I must find…
'Are you all right, Misao- chan?'
Her pained blue eyes looked up to her parents. They seemed so far away… so hazy. I'm sorry… I can't… I must find him. It hurts so…
The couple looked at each other for a moment, communicating silently. Then Meia closed her eyes tightly, as if agreeing to something that she did not want to happen. Damon held her hands, giving comfort. Then both of them turned towards her.
'You still have a long time ahead of you. Use it well.'
'Remember that we love you Misao. Though it hurts us to let you go once again, we want you to be happy.'
I love you too… mom and dad.
Misao's eyes started to close as she cuddled back down, suddenly feeling asleep. I'll find him. Don't worry about me. She gave one last sigh and succumbed to a dreamless sleep.~~~
And what
Do you think you'd understand
I'm boy, no, I'm a man
You can't take me
And throw me away
~~~
Aoshi opened his eyes.
His surroundings were strange, hazy. A fine white mist covered the air around him, making it impossible to see more than a few meters before him. He blindly walked forward, his arms in front of him… Where is…?
He was searching for something. He had to find it, whatever it was. He knew that it was the only thing that could heal the pain inside. Where is it?
His heart began to beat erratically, his breath coming out in gasps. His vision began to blur… Where is… she?
She.
Misao.
His hand trembled as push them through his hair. He thought of the last time he was with her. They were together, and he though it would be forever then… but now…
I lost her again… maybe for good.
A lone tear made its way down his cheeks, his face stoic but his emotions whirling around inside of him. It might be for the best anyway. I don't deserve her. I never deserved her.Never.
He collapsed to the ground and gave in to the sweet oblivion of the dark.
~~~
And how
Can you learn what's never shown
Yeah, you stand here on your own
They don't know me
'Cause I'm not here
~~~
She was walking, walking endlessly into the field of flowers. She was looking for something earlier, but the flowers were so distractingly beautiful that she couldn't resist picking some of them. She hummed a tune, happily arranging the bouquet of wild flowers in her arms. She walked on, feeling contented.
She was happy…
… she really was…
… but she felt horribly alone.
She stopped under the shade of an oak tree, resting her head against the trunk. She sighed, drinking in the fresh air. She began making a crown out of the flowers she collected. 'they'd be a crown fit for royalty!' She smiled to herself… and heard a soft sigh coming from her right.
Curious, she looked around the tree, and saw a tall, mysterious man. The man was sleeping peacefully his face turned towards her. She unconsciously held her breath as she stared at the beauty of his face, angular and perfect. Her blue- green eyes widened when his own fluttered open, revealing an endless pool of blue.
"H- hello." She hesitantly called out. She was awed by him. He was no one she'd ever seen in her whole life.
The man smiled. "Hello."
"I'm Misao. What's your name?"
"Aoshi."
Aoshi… somehow it suits him.
She scooted over to him, smiling her big genki smile. Then something fell on the ground. She looked down and noticed the finished crown. She had an idea."Here… take it."
She shyly held out her hand, the crown of flowers resting on her petite hands. He looked at it curiously, his eyes puzzled. Misao lithely jumped up and bent down close to him, placing the crown on top of his head. She grinned at him and said, "There, now you look like the perfect prince."
Aoshi didn't what happened to him, but he suddenly had the strong urge to close the few inches gap between them and kiss this woman softly in the lips, even though she's a complete stranger. And so he did.
Misao was surprised but she didn't complain. It feels… so right. She closed her eyes and leaned towards him, and they ended up hugging each other, her hands dangling lightly at his neck, his arms supporting her back, laying her against his chest. The kiss was sweet… and it connected something between them.
At last, they both pulled away and opened their eyes, one mirroring the other… both full of wonder and discovery. Their hearts beat the same beat, souls tremble the same tremor, minds think the same single thought…
I found you.
~~~
And I want a moment to be real
Want to touch things I don't feel
Want to hold on and feel I belong
~~~
They embraced each other, not wanting to let go, not wanting this to end.
They embraced each other in the fields of their minds, wanting to touch, wanting to feel.
They embraced each other… mind, body, and soul.
~~~
And how can the world want me to change
They're the ones that stay the same
They don't know me
'Cause I'm not here
~~~
Amber light burst through the rubble, bits of dust, rocks, and stones flying everywhere.
Kenshin flung back, astonished at the sight in front of him.
A globe of semi- transparent, amber light rested in the place where Aoshi and Misao had once been… and now are. Inside, both were embracing each other, the air around them shimmering in the darkness. Their clothes changed, both robed in white. But besides that, there was something different about them… something complete and full. Kenshin smiled, the realization dawning upon him. They are in love… now and forever.
"What the fu – "
"Shut the hell up, rooster head!" Megumi said tonelessly, watching the scene in front of her. They're beautiful, perfect for each other. She sighed dreamily, catching the attention of Sano.
Sano wrapped his arms around Megumi, for once keeping quiet, watching.
Saitou turned his head away, mumbling something about one's privacy.
~~~
And you see the things they never see
All you wanted - I could be
Now you know me
And I'm not afraid
~~~
Misao opened her eyes, a light blue- green, happy beyond anything. "Thank you."
Aoshi butted his nose against hers, and whispered, "Your not welcome."
Her eyes clouded at those words. What? What does he mean? I thought –
"Not unless you agree to be my queen." The corner of his lips quirked up. "I know it's a step lower than being a goddess… but I really can't live without you."
Misao smiled, tears of joy streaming down her face. "Nor I, you…" She hugged him tightly, loving the feel of him. "Yes, of course! I agree!" She laughed as he whirled her around, both ecstatic and filled with love.
The amber globe vanished, and all that's left is a thin shimmery mist that covered the dilapidated hall.
~~~
And I want to tell you who I am
Can you help me be a man
They can't break me
As long as I know who I am
~~~
Shiro lay on the floor, his face contorted, his soul black. This cannot be! I have lost everything! My powers, my revenge… even my pride! "NOOO!!!!" he screeched. He frantically stood up, looking for an escape. He ran.
Shit.
Saitou swiftly followed after him, trying to catch up. He's fast. Shiro disappeared behind a fallen column, and Saitou, finally catching up, realized that's there was no way out from that corner. I got you now…He turned and saw nothing. Only rocks and broken pieces of marble scattered around. He smashed his hand against the column, creating a huge crack. Damn it! How could he have vanished into thin air? His eyes surveyed the little space before him again, looking at the corners, at the stones. Nothing. Shit. Then suddenly, a small brown insect peeped out from a tiny hole, its antennae feeling the air. It quickly took flight and flew up, getting farther away from the inspector. Saitou watched all this, something forming in his brain. Shiro must've had some power left. To escape, no one should notice him, no one should realize that…
Then Misao gave out a bloodcurdling scream.
Damn it! What the hell's wrong now?
Across the room, Misao shivered, not in fear, but in anger. Gosh, you'd think that after all that happened, things like THIS wouldn't pop out of nowhere, scaring the hell out of me, ruining the moment. She simply bristled in anger, her ayes staring daggers. Why I oughtta…
Aoshi straightened his face before Misao could see his mirth. "Calm down Misao. It nothing but a – "
Misao turned her glare at him.
He shut up, twiddling his thumbs.
She went back to the task at hand, concentrating on her powers. You're gonna die, COCKROACH! Then it flew past her. She blasted… and missed. She kept on blasting and kept on missing, until she felt like she drained all of her power, trying to kill one stupid insect. Damn… stupid insect… I swear I'm gonna… Annoyed, she sat down on a fallen slab of marble, and heard a distinctive CRUNCH.
"Whoops."
She hastily stood up, worrying if she was that heavy, being able to smash a hard marble. She looked down… and saw the cockroach, pretty badly smashed, but still moving its spiny legs. Misao smiled evilly. You die now.
*BLAST!*
All was left was a gaping hole on the floor, a meter deep. She smiled smugly and blew on her finger, her imaginary blasting machine. "And that's how you take care of annoying cockroaches!"
Aoshi couldn't help it. And at the astonishment of the people present, he laughed. He laughed so hard, his stomach hurt. He couldn't remember feeling this happy and free in… what, centuries? He finally toned down, feeling the stunned glare of his fiancée beside him. He hugged her tightly against him, love overflowing inside him. "You're the only one that can make me laugh like that, koishii." He smiled and gently kissed her.
Misao's irritation faded away. She grinned at him after he pulled away. "Well, be ready for a few blasts time and time again." Still grinning, she pulled his head down towards her for a kiss.
From across the room, Saitou lit a victory cigar, inhaling deeply. That was the easiest job ever. And I didn't even have to lift a finger. He smiled cynically, remembering the roach that he had glimpsed on, moments after Shiro vanished. You're damned unlucky, Shiro. He inhaled that sweet, narcotic smell.
~~~
And I want a moment to be real
Want to touch things I don't feel
Want to hold on and feel I belong
And how can the world want me to change
They're the ones that stay the same
They don't know me
'Cause I'm not here
~~~
Kenshin stared out at the starry night. The sky was clear, revealing the fullness of the white moon, and the endless number of stars dotting the dark blue blanket. He leaned against the balcony and thought of the things that happened for the past week.
Misao was now Queen of Nifleheim, and the royal couple are currently 'fixing' things up. Yes, it would take a couple of months, years even, to eliminate all the evil and establish this place back its former glory. But at least the next generation would have a safe home, and there would be peace at last between humans and vampires.
Everyone had wondered about what happened to Shiro. Saitou only smiled mysteriously and headed back to his 'kill evil instantly' routine, saying that he already took care of it and that "the bastard's" not going to bother anyone anymore. Ever. They all took his word, for he was always telling the truth, even from the start.
Megumi and Sano, on the other hand, were touring in the Bahamas, or somewhere there in the pacific. Those two are very much in love. Kenshin smiled at that though, feeling only happiness for them both.
A small funeral was held for Kaoru, when Misao heard about what happened. She had been devastated at the news, but being her own optimistic self, she stayed firm and said that Kaoru wouldn't want them to mourn for her. She would want them to rejoice her life, not mourn her death. So, with this in mind, Misao ordered a simple, white marble mausoleum built for her, and her body was place on top of a white marble slab and a thin white cloth was placed over her peaceful body. It was an age- old burial ritual for the nobility, which was rarely practiced now. Truly, Kaoru must be in heaven now.
Kenshin was trying to cope but he simply couldn't suppress the pain and the guilt. He couldn't stop thinking of the "what if's" and the "why's". It would be a hard healing process indeed, if he would ever heal.
He sighed and looked blankly at the magnificent sky, seeing nothing. It seems like I'm the only one. He smiled half- heartedly. "Don't worry Kaoru, I won't kill. I promised you that and I never break my promise. Just wait for me. I'm still here."
He took a last breath of the clean, fresh air, and went inside the dark room.
~~~
And how can the world want me to change
They're the ones that stay the same
They can't see me
But I'm still here
~~~
Author's last notes:
Ahh welll… *looks critically at own work* Not bad, eh? I hope. ^_^ *sigh* That was some story. Though if you want a peep on what I might write next, just scroll down past the thanks you's and what nots… there's a little excerpt there that might interest you. And it finishes the song! Heehee… I swear, the evil-ness in me is permanent. ;P
ARIGATO for my avid supporters! ^_^ (gosh, I'm gonna miss writing this *sob*)
Kmye- chan: hullo! Wow, you must have a pretty neat friend! People here in my country have dull, black hair, and if ever you see red, it's fake. ;P I guess that's also why I loved peculiar colored eyes… especially green! (you noticed? Haha! *grin*) Thanks for your never-ending reviews! Love them! ^_^
Kitiara: Well, they're not dead. Obviously. I'm a nice writer. Honest. (hides horns and tail) hehehe… Thanks so much for your support!
Cko: Glad you liked the mochi balls! Hmmm… I guess your room must be pretty thrashed by now, eh? Everytime you review, you thrash your house! Geesh… I pity the one who cleans it up. hehehe… joke! Anyway, thank you very much for reviewing and supporting my fic! *yay!*
Chibi-ken14: Ah well… I didn't actually state that Aoshi died. He was just about to die. Hehehe. But that was mean of me, wasn't it? Gah. Next time I write, I'm going to be an angel. 0 :0) Wehehe… thanks for your support! Now, killing is baaaddd… you hear!?
CardMistress Sakura: Gomen! I was getting tired of writing and I thought I'd stop there. Besides, it's exciting! Hahaha! Well, thanks so much for reading! ^_^
Noa: Heh. I just though it would be kinda weird and funny for the Harry Potter fans. ;P Well, I'm sure you'll get your 'groove' back. (yuck. I sound like a pathetic wannabe) Well, I get so flattered whenever you review! I read your fics even before I wrote… especially 'car trouble' *cough cough* Well, thanks so much and hope you keep writing! ^_^
Prudence- chan: Wow, I'm glad you're so enthusiastic about my story! Thanks for the undying support! I'm really happy about your reviews! ^_^
Innocent Dreamer: *sweatdrop* the "oro" would be uncalled for. Teehee… but, well, there's always a next time! Thanks for reviewing almost every time! Am truly flattered, even though you demand for Kenshin almost all the time. Hehehe.
DarkFairy: YOU I have lots to thanks for! Ummm… Well… to start of… GAH! Well, I just want to thank you for supporting my fic from the start! It's really nice that people would come back for my fic over and over. *sob sob* Really is touching! ^_^ THANK YOU!! And you haven't continued your fic! *pout* I'm going to watch out for that!
Selph: I didn't kill them off!! *huff huff* Well, I did but I brought them back to life, didn't I? Teeheehee… I love those stuff. Thanks so much for your reviews!
The *Spangled* Pandemonium: Oh YOU! *bawls* I want to really thank you for being there from the start! You're a great reviewer and supporter! I love your reviews!! *grins* They really light up my day! heehee… well, I hope this is not the end! If I write more, will you read them? *puppy-dog eyes*
Dragowolf: eh? You're really gonna burn me? I want medium rare please! *grins* haha… well, thanks for the short reviews! They really are cool! I'll try my best to come up with the next story… I think I already have something in mind. But it might be original. *smile* Well, thanks!
Tanuki (jo-chan): Wow! Your effort is really appreciated! Totally love it… thanks so much for your support! The important thing is I get to share my unbelievable ideas, reviews aren't much important. (minnie me: *smirk* yeah right.) *glares at minnie me* shut up! *bonks!* Well, thanks!
Luli451: Sorry. I couldn't resist putting the cliffhanger! It pulls… me… to… it! GAH! Hehe. Well, thanks so much for your reviews! And you're the only one who told me to go for the songfic. :P figures that not much people read my a/n eh? Haha… well, Thanks for everything! ^_^
Sweet_lemon: Hmmm… a hentai at heart, eh? Hahaha! I'm just kidding. Well, they 'are' since they're together. I really didn't go to the details of their relationship. Well, thanks for reading! Totally happy! ^_^ ladeedaaa!!
Zackire: Yep. It's the thrill, the suspense, the death threats! I just love death threats, don't you? Okay. I am officially crazy. ;P Well, thanks for your undying support! I've seen your reviews a couple of times and I'm really glad you keep returning to my fiction! It really means a lot! Thanks!
JadOo: Hehehe… satistifed your bloodlust? Teeheehee… and what a nice ending too! I'm weird. BWAHAHAHA! Well, thank you so much for your support! Your reviews rock! Haha! ^_^
Kate: KATE!!!! Ano ba! Gah… I'm so going to look for your name in fp.net! harumph! ~_~ Well, subject-verb agreement ain't my strongest points. But I try! ^_^ thanks so much for enduring this… even though it crap compared to your wonderfully wonderful stories! Hahaha! I'll go hunting later! Hmph…
Argentum Draco: hallo! Well, thanks for your reviews! I'm just wondering, do you like HP? With the Draco and all… (malfoy) haha. Well, thanks so much!
Raven Pendent: Wah! Thanks for reading! I'm super glad you read my fic even though it's on its way to the end. Heehee.. thanks! ^_^
Nee: Wow, thanks so much for the flattering comment! I do hope this chapter was fantastic… though I'm not sure. I really can't criticize my own. *did a double-take* did you say ME/US?! There's more of your reading this??? WAIII!! I'm so happy!! ^_^ Thanks so much for reviewing! ^_^
Nekonomiko: Arigatoo gozaimasu! You're really very helpful! I've been wondering about that… and now I know, it really makes sense! (minnie me: uhoh… you shouldn't have told her that. *hears 'genki' chants in the background* She's not gonna stop now! Waaahhh!!) NYAAHAHAHA!! *EVIL EVIL GRIN* thanks so much for you unwavering support! ^_^
Oh geesh… *sobs* I'm gonna miss ya'll! Well, until I write my next story, but that might be 3 weeks from now! (tests, projects, and more tests!!! We've got finals then it's summer! HAHAHAHA!!!) ß that's what I like about tropical countries, earlier summers! Hehe.
Well, once again, thanks for all the support, minna- san! I LOVE YOU ALL!! Sayonara! ^_^
Tesuka- chan!!! ^_^
~~~
They can't tell me who to be
'Cause I'm not what they see
Yeah, the world is still sleepin' while I keep on dreaming for me
And their words are just whispers and lies that I'll never believe
~~~
The soft breeze lifts up the frail leaf, swirling it around and around, travelling from the castle garden towards the small hill that can be seen from the farthest tower on the castle. It slowly falls, swaying, on the first step of marble. On that hill, a marvelous piece of art and architecture was put up beside a great Sakura tree.
The White Mausoleum.
The entrance was magnificent. The four columns, two columns on each side, framed the huge doors, almost indistinguishable except for the very fine lines where the marble was cut through. Upon entering, one would come across a small, charming garden, the roof open in the middle. In the center of the garden was a pond, and on it, steps leading to a white island in the midst of it. And on that island, is a tomb.
On top of that tomb lies a pale beauty, of marble- like complexion, flawless and pale. Her long ebony hair, as dark as night, is spread on her right side, gleaming and shining under the pale moonlight. A very fine piece of see- through cloth covers her body, from her toes to the top of her head.
"Here she lies until the end of time…
~~~
And how can you say I'll never change
They're the ones that stay the same
I'm the one now
'Cause I'm still here
~~~
Long, dark lashes flutters open, revealing two deep pools of endless silver blue.
The first breath.
The first movement.
She blinks and sits up carefully, feeling weak for lack of nourishment. She could smell everything, see anything… even the movement of the black butterfly yonder flower.
And she's hungry… so hungry.
Long pointed fangs grow as she smells fresh blood.
… or will she?"
~~~
I'm the one
'Cause I'm still here
… I'm still here
~~~
---OWARI---
---THE EVIL END---