AN: Sorry for the late update guys! I was supposed to update this on August as a full chapter but a virus got into my floppy and so I was forced to rewrite the whole thing! (swears in various languages that would make a sailor blush) Even more unfortunately, I couldn't remember everything from the chapter so yes…this will not be the last chapter as I had hoped. Sighs.

I truly am sorry guys. I would have waited until the ending comes back to me but then; you'll all probably kill me for taking so long…Sigh.

On more positive matters; I would like to thank the people who reviewed the last chapter: You guys rock my soul!

Kaori-Angel; half-breed-demon-fox; Angel of lonelyness; Brittanie Love; ariel; An LOTR Freak; Bradybunch4529; Jisusaken; kittycat; Kat; erica6060; Broken Lavender; kewl cat; Sagitarious Devil; Anonymus T; kitsune; Kano; Demonwolf98; Kaoru Gal; valaroma; Jing-Jing; Annabella5; Female Hitokiri Battousai; kik-ting; SakK; Lathayan; FF chick; PEACH ; blooded wings; tootifruity; EmoDCgirl36; reader713

Warning: Chapter contains crude language and some adult situations.

x-o-X-o-x

The Demon Child

Chapter Ten: Transfiguration; Final Battle

x-o-X-o-x

It laid still. It's breathing slow and relaxed.

Then the creaking of wood was heard. The muscles of its ears twitched in attention as it knows that the sound came from the door leading to the room where it lays dormant.

Fresh, new scents of those who had entered swarmed up its nose and, as realization struck, the creature bared its fangs.

Deadly claws sprouted from their hiding places as the pounding of a heart grew with such intensity that almost hurt. A mix of emotions boiled up inside it and threatened to reach the surface.

Wild. Untamed. Merciless. Cold.

The traits it knows that it possesses.

Anger. Hatred. Hunger. Desperation. Hopelessness.

Emotions it hides beneath its' covers.

Blood. Torture. Death. Suffering.

Experienced by all who – and will – fall under its' clutches. Deserving or not.

It does not care. It does not even know how to. Such feelings are felt by the weak.

And it is not weak. Oh no. It is far from it, au contraire.

It knows it is powerful as by the forbidden blood that coursed through its' veins. Yet it remained trapped in deep isolation within its own body, never to be unleashed for years to come.

Until now.

Raw beast-like emotions spread in it like the flickering of untamed flames and towering over them all is the deep, wretched sense of ache.

It aches to kill, to destroy, and to conquer as it is in its nature. It is a wild beast, unbeaten to submission unlike its domestic counterparts.

Joy. Laughter. Jealousy. Envy. Cheers. Sorrow. Forgiveness. Hope. Love...

Such feelings are foreign to it. It does not know how to express such emotions. Yet a small part of it yearns to feel, to experience them.

Perhaps once long ago, it is capable of such emotions but that part of it is now pushed away; caged in the same bind that, ironically, had controlled the creature before.

Besides, what is the use of such expressive thoughts and actions for no good will come of them except as a source of distraction during battles.

It strives in the shadows, taking refuge in the darkness. It basks in death and sin, never wavering and never wandering far from both. It bathes in a river of blood that will continue to run for as long as it exists. It finds satisfaction in hearing the cries of it's' victims as they die from its claws.

It is neither evil nor good. Despite its capacity of performing such atrocities, it is never near being sadistic so as it is far from optimist. It is who it is. All of its actions are a part, if not the main component, of it's essence of nature.

Friend or foe, it will always seek to end another's existence in the physical world. It will never stop unless its own life aura is diminished, destroyed.

Death is never a problem to it; whether it is the bringer or, perhaps in the bleak future, the receiver of such a faith. It does not fear death, even it's own.

Maybe a certain part of it even welcomes the Dark Messenger of Doom; if only as to put an end to its endless cycles of suffering and bloodlust that it can never call as 'life'.

It is its curse, a harsh payment for the grave sins committed by those that are responsible for its birth.

It may seem unfair, blaming the young for the older generations' crimes. But then again, when has it ever been fair?

Clink. Clank.

The familiar sound of hard leather roughing against contact was heard, disrupting the beast from its thoughts.

Its eyes remained closed yet it knows that someone is approaching. And that 'someone' is responsible for it's resurrection from its cocoon of lies and false hopes.

It had shut its jaws after the last emits of its growls faded. Yet the tips of fangs peeking from beneath the folds of its mouth proved that it remained cautious.

He shall be the first one to taste its wrath out of them all.

Once it grants his 'request' of course. After all, it is the least it can do for his help in reclaiming its freedom.

Whatever that is.

x-o-X-o-x

"Momma, why must I contain my emotions?"

A sad smile. "Because of what you are born with, Musume."

"What do you mean Momma?"

A soft sigh. "You wouldn't understand Musume."

"That's the point Momma! How could I understand if you won't tell me?"

x-o-X-o-x

Footsteps echoed throughout the large basement, vibrating against the stone walls. Originally, the area was a cellar where they'd kept their wine and, yes, even their 'food' obtained from hunts.

The place laid witness to the slaughtering of dead humans…and sometimes even live ones. Forever like a mute, never speaking of the ordeals it had seen and heard. The cries of suffering humans as their flesh were peeled off their persons, blood pouring out of their scarred bodies like a river flow, dirtying the hard, cold grayish-ash stone floor to a vibrant red-black.

Several long, metal hooks hung from above where chopped human meat are placed and left to let the rest of the blood drip freely. Human bones and skulls scattered at random corners of the room, the blood sucked dry from their marrow.

But that was in the past. Just recently had the 'food' been relocated to a storage room somewhere in the main building, thus making space for machines, each with its own particular use. The torture devices, however, remained though the more… complex ones were re-evacuated into the dungeons.

The fading light of the lone bulb hanged in the ceiling failed to shy away the darkness of the dreary basement. However, the small windows built high on the walls made up for it by offering better illumination. The silver rays of the moon peeked between the window planes, its soft light slithering like a snake and refracting across random areas of the basement.

Yumi pulled her scarf closer to her sensitive nose in an attempt to muffle the disgusting smell. The place had been cleaned profusely so that no visible traces of dried blood were left. However the stench continued to remain nevertheless but perhaps it was because just not too long ago had the fresh vibrant red liquid been shed once again, not enough to spill the ground but sufficient for the scent to linger like a strong 'perfume'.

Beside her stood Shishio, looking as if he was immune to the smell and he is really, thanks to years of training. His sharp, red-eyes surveyed the half-dimmed room, never taking longer than a glance. They stopped, however, as they spied a large silhouette lying against its cage, trapped within the iron bars. Only the slow rhythmic motion of the prisoner's body going up and down as it breathed life proved that it is indeed still alive.

Boot heels clunked against the floor as Shishio made his way to the shadowy figure, which seemed to grow larger as he got closer, resting in the cage. Once he was near enough, he reached out a gloved hand as if to touch the iron bars that hold it in when suddenly the figure stilled and a pair of stilted eyes opened, capturing the attention of others inside the room. Yumi involuntarily shuddered in fear under the glare of those eyes for they seem to have neither irises nor pupils. All they could see was silver, as pure as the metal the color is named after, with pitch-black edgings at their corners like tiny branches of veins.

A low, menacing growl emitted from what could only be described of as a monster, a demon from another world. Shishio pulled his arm away and just in the nick of time. Hadn't he done so; the creature's jaws, lined with rows of piercingly sharp teeth that are all fangs and nothing else, would've caught and decapitate his body appendage off with a snap of its mouth.

Slowly, Shishio backed away to stand before Yumi, who hadn't strayed from her spot since the creature had opened its eyes.

Steam flared out of the creature's snout and it gave off a series of vicious barks as the loose skin (or fur) that hang around its mouth curled upwards, exposing the gums as well.

Acting on instinct, the creature pounced to attack. Only to hit against the bars of the cage with such display of force that it toppled down with a loud 'clank', bringing the creature down with it.

Now more agitated than ever, the creature again pushed itself against the iron bars of its prison but it was futile as the cage remained intact, though the bars are bent at irregularly odd angles.

Clearly, the beast wasn't too happy finding out that it was trapped.

"Are you sure that 'thing' is controllable?" asked Houji who stood not far from Shishio and Yumi.

"Why? Do you doubt Shishio-sama?" countered Usui who had seemed to materialize beside the Head Adviser. If anyone had noticed the sarcasm in his voice as he addressed Shishio's name, no one made a move to point it out.

All but Shishio and the creature shifted their attention to the two, wanting to hear Houji's reply.

Houji swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. Sweat began to vaporize in his face, trickling down from the sides. His voice stammered as he replied in a rather loud tone.

"No, of course not! I have faith in Shishio-sama!"

The blind werewolf scoffed as if he didn't believe him. "Is that so?"

His unseeing gaze turned to Houji, sensing the other's ki as a compass. "Just remember your place. You are nothing but a pathetic weak human so don't think so highly of yourself. If I wanted to, I could twist your skinny neck and kill you in a second." He continued.

Usui smirked darkly. "But I won't kill you, not while you're still an asset to Shishio's plans."

He caressed the hilt of his katana in an almost lovingly manner. "Yet, when your life is no longer required, you will feel the steel of my blade as I cut off your head and…"

"That's quite enough Usui." It was Shishio who interrupted; though his gaze never faltered from looking at the caged-creature before them.

Glancing at the corner of his eyes at a trembling Houji, Shishio continued.

"Do not worry my loyal adviser." He assured. "Everything is going according to plan.

His red eyes gleamed darker in wicked anticipation. "It won't be long now before we'll finally rid ourselves of those pesky vampires and the Reign of the Wolf shall begin."

Shishio's gaze flickered as he glanced at the entrapped creature, now silent. "And with our friend's help, that may be sooner than we will exact.

x-o-X-o-x

Ah. So that's what he wants eh?

Then, so shall it be.

Silver orbs masquerading as eyes gleamed darkly.

It could already see the flesh of its new prey being ripped apart by its claws and taste their alluring blood, warm in its mouth.

x-o-X-o-x

"But how can we be sure that 'it' won't attack us as well?" Kamatari, a male werewolf with a habit of wearing female kimonos, asked.

"Who says that I won't?"

Everyone stood still as tensed silence hovered in the air, the throaty voice that droned inside their heads the reason for their temporary speech dysfunction.

"You can speak then." It was Anji who spoke, him being one of the first to overcome their initial shock.

The lips of the creature's mouth thinned as it made a twitching motion, as if making an attempt to smile.

"Not verbally, as long as I am in this form." It replied.

"Why is it that you chose to speak now?" Yumi managed to ask. Fear pushed aside by her unquenched curiosity.

The creature turned its head in her direction and the female werewolf stepped back as those intimidating eyes locked with hers.

"How else could I communicate with you then? Surely you didn't expect me to act as a dumb animal, did you?" The sarcasm embed in the words didn't went unnoticed to Shishio who had been silent during the exchange.

Shishio scowled. He had not expected this sort of complication to happen. But of course, even he had not expected that the cursed half-ling would be borne stable and with intellect.

Although the War had previously prevented any intimate relationships amongst inter-species, such a binding is considered impossible.

The blood of a werewolf and a vampire simply cannot be fused together. The genetic codes of both species are too much incompatible as both blood types tend to over power the other. Since the DNA structure of a human's is adaptable and less constricted, it is more prone to mix with that of either one of the two.

However, this didn't prevent a few from trying. In the Forgotten Era (the time when werewolves, vampires and humans supposedly lived together in harmony), there have been inter-marriages between werewolves and vampires. Unfortunately, not even one female had successfully given birth to a living infant. It would be that either the female would have a miscarriage and lost the babe or she would become barren. In rare cases, a cub would be born but he or she is usually unstable, forcing the parents to kill the child as it would only grow up to be a menace.

Nevertheless, the Ancients (those said to have lived before the War began) had hypothesized that someday a cub could carry in its veins all three blood types and still retain its sanity and logic. Thus, becoming the seal that would bind the three clans together.

But such a perspective has only been a legend.

Until now.

"I have no name but you may call me Kage if you wished." The same throaty voice that spoke inside their heads now seemed to have adapted a feminine tone.

The creature – Kage as it called itself – shifted its eyes as it surveyed them.

No one noticed the brightening of silver with black as Kage's gaze settled on Shishio.

x-o-X-o-x

Hmm…Interesting

Not matter how much Kage concentrated; she could not probe through the mind of the red-eyed werewolf. The barriers barricading his mind strong and durable. It had only been luck that she even managed to wire a telepathic link to him.

With a silent snort, Kage relented from trying to read his thoughts and instead content herself to watch the wolf warily with her silver-black eyes.

Obviously the leader of his pack, she mused.

She would just have to keep an eye on him until then.

Kage fought the urge to smirk. She always loved a challenge, even when she was Kaoru.

Oh yes, Kage knew the existence of her 'good side' as Kaoru knew of her. However, Kage could not remember anything much about the life her other-half lived. A few flashes of memory would turn up in her mind for a moment before it would vanish completely, leaving Kage frustrated and, on rare occasions, angry.

And unlike Kaoru who always took great heeds to control her bloodlust, Kage was more than eager to let a few (well, maybe not a few) heads roll lifelessly and instill fear in the hearts of every living being.

x-o-X-o-x

A creaking sound was heard as the cellar's door opened.

Kage flicker her gaze to the newcomer and suddenly gave off a harsh snarl.

Mentally, Shishio cursed.

Damn vampire. No sense of timing at all.

x-o-X-o-x

Kage opened her snout to bare her fangs and her body tensed with the intention to attack.

The night-colored vine-like edgings in her metallic eyes seemed to pulse with life, as Kage's completely silver pupils glared into a pair of jade-colored eyes.

Kage couldn't fathom who the newcomer was but the look he cast at her meant that he was no stranger to her other-half, Kaoru.

A scent filtered to her sense of smell, it was different from the others but not so foreign to her.

Long brown hair…A triumphant smirk baring vampiric fangs…Pale, calloused hands forcibly shoving her inside when she refused to comply…And those same jade green eyes looking at her. Mocking her.

Kage's irises diluted to translucent silver and her snarl deepened into a growl.

"You!" The telepathic voice was smothered in accusation and loathe. Both which are directed at the vampire before her.

Right before their eyes; Kage started, for lack of better terms, to evaporate. The minerals and colors that made up her body lightened and seemed to dissolve away until what remained of her was a swirling cloud of black mist that passed through the bars of the cage easily.

In the blink of an eye, a hand materialized and entwined around Shogo's throat, nearly cutting off the flow of his circulation as the fingers tightened. Blood dripped as elongated, sharp nails dug into skin, leaving small trails of the red liquid down the vampire's collarbone and the upper part of his chest left exposed by the low neckline of his shirt.

As if the sight wasn't shocking enough, Kage had yet again morphed into another form.

Milky white skin, devoid of fur or any body hair, glowed in the radiance of the Silver Moon. Unblemished and free of the scars and bruises marred from the infliction of the needles and the straps that held her down. The shadows of the cellar provided privacy for Kage's more intimate areas, protecting her chastity. Hair as dark as the starless midnight sky cascade down the crown of her head and flared at her waist, gleaming the hue of the darkest red wine at a certain angle.

Unnerved of the gazes cast upon her fully naked human form, Kage locked her eyes, the only thing that remained unchanged, with Shogo's. Luscious pink lips twitched into a smug smirk as she noticed the fear blanketed beneath the false bravado the vampire had put up.

Shogo moved his lips as if to speak, but no sound uttered from his vocals. The ability of speech was temporarily robbed from him due to the shock that currently plagued his system. Or perhaps it was because of Kage's serpent-like grip on his throat.

Kage narrowed her eyes and gave him a scrutinizing look, like he was a puzzle she wanted to put together.

"You. I feel as if I know you from somewhere. Why do I have this deep sense of hate and betrayal towards you?"

Her feminine voice took on a much richer tone as she continued to talk. The evident weight of the words growing more emphasized.

"I could easily kill you right now." She threatened, clutching her unyielding hold on the vampire's neck tighter to prove her point.

Shogo would've fainted from lack of air had Kage continued her action. Fortunately for him, she miraculously let him go. Leaving the long-haired vampire to crumple unceremoniously to the ground.

Shogo panted heavily, his mouth taking in large gulps of oxygen. He grasped a hand to touch his bleeding neck and his fingers came in contact with something wet and slippery. Shogo didn't have to smell or see to know that the liquefied substance was his own blood.

Kage drew back her elongated nails and brought the bloodied hand she used to hold up Shogo to her face. Slowly, almost sensuously, she opened her mouth and began to lick every drop of the vampire's blood clean off her fingers.

Once she swallowed the last bit of blood, Kage drew out her tongue and flicker it across her lips, licking out any drop of the red substance she might've missed.

"Ah…the sweet taste of vampire blood. It's been a long time since I had a drink of it."

Kage glanced at Shogo who had gotten up to his feet, her lips curving up maliciously. The sharp tips of her fangs flashed white brilliance in the dark.

She had just taken a step towards him when Shishio's voice resonated in the air.

"You are tired, as the rest of us are. The stars are long gone and it is only a matter of time before dawn sets upon the sky."

Kage haltered to a stop and looked back at Shishio. She made a snarling sound as if angry at him for voicing such weak opinions of her.

Shogo, relieved that he was no longer the center of Kage's attention, managed to get up on his feet with help from Anji. His hand was still pressed against his throat, protecting the gaping wound that already started to heal.

Shishio stood firm, his stubborn pride not eager to back down. Body language showed that he was tensed, ready to retaliate if Kage did anything. His red eyes glared deeply into Kage's emotionless ones, brimming with a challenge that didn't fail to go unnoticed by the demoness.

Kage raised her hands, the nails thickening as it grew in length and curved at it's free edges like talons. Her lips twitched in a sneer, exposing a pair of long fangs in the process.

"Now is not the time…Kage." Shishio added her name almost hesitantly, hand reaching for the hilt of his katana.

If it was possible, the look that crossed Kage's lovely face turned even deadlier. Her metallic eyes gleamed darker as she raised one arm in an arched manner, ready to do battle. A small sobbing, raspy sound, however, was heard before either Shishio or Kage had the chance to attack.

Both glanced at the side to see a visibly shaking Yumi trying to control herself by clasping her mouth with her hand. The female werewolf's eyes were full of concern for her lover and something akin to fear and shame, the last only Kage was able to decipher.

Kage locked eyes with Yumi and, for a period of time, stayed that way. One would almost think that the two were engaging in a private conversation somehow. Unexpectedly, Kage was the first to move. The dark-haired demon lowered her arm, stifling a sigh when she broke eye contact with the other female.

She turned her neck to look directly at Shishio. After a while; she lowered her eyes, a sign of submissiveness, and stepped back.

"As you wish." She said. Her eyes were still trained on the floor, missing the smug smirk and triumphant look that etched in Shishio's face at the demon's gestures.

"Alright then." Shishio released his grip on his katana, letting his arm fall limp at the side. "Kamatari will lead you to your new quarters since this place is no longer of use."

"I'll send some of the maids to your room with clothes." Yumi, who had regained some of her confidence, suggested. Then she laughed softly.

"Goodness! We don't want you to go around naked now, do we?" She murmured, mostly to herself.

Eyebrow raised, Kage remained silent.

Feeling chivalrous though still a bit wary, Shogo unclipped his long cloak and stepped closer to Kage.

Kage gave him a sharp look but didn't comment or stop the vampire when he wrapped the material across her pale shoulders and clipped it in place, successfully shielding her nude body.

Shogo quickly backed away, smiling faintly when Kage's glare remained unwavered.

"Don't get too comfortable." Kage's voice had a steel tone in it. Harsh and cold. "I suggest you watch your back because I still have my suspicions of you."

With that said Kage turned her back on him and walked away.

Shogo's smile dropped.

x-o-X-o-x

"So, are you saying that there are two beings inside me, Momma?"

"In a way, yes Musume."

"And if ever I get out of control, the other me will destroy you?"

"That is a possibility."

"How horrible!" Little four-year old Kaoru paused for a while. Then she spoke.

"Then I will learn so that it won't ever come out! I promise Momma! I won't ever do that to either you and Daddy and anyone else!"

"Musume…perhaps it is time to tell you the whole truth." The older feminine voice seemed full of sorrow.

Kaoru wide sapphire eyes were innocent with youth as she looked up at her dark-haired mother.

"What do you mean, Momma?" She asked.

The woman let out a sigh, the worried wrinkles in her face giving her a much older and worn-out look.

"Musume…Kaoru, my darling…I am not your real mother."

x-o-X-o-x

"This will be your room as of now." Kamatari said as he opened the door and side-stepped to let Kage in.

Blank silver-black eyes surveyed the room for a moment. Once done, Kage shifted her gaze to the werewolf.

"This will do." She said.

The werewolf and the demon locked eyes and let tensed silence hang over the air. Finally, emerald eyes were the first to turn away.

Kamatari coughed. "Well…" He was clearly uncomfortable. He did not trust this 'human-like Kage' anymore than he'd trust the 'animal-form Kage'.

"My room is down the hallway so if you need anything just knock on my door." He suggested.

He held out his hand to Kage. "By the way, my name is Kamatari."

Kage stared at the out-reached hand with a blank look. Mentally though, she was thinking whether to take the offer of friendship or not.

Stifling a sigh; Kage held out her own hand, claws already retracted, and shook the offered hand.

Might as well try to act civilized, she reasoned to herself.

"Yes, though I'm sure that I won't need anyone's help." She commented.

Suddenly, Kage felt a small rumble in her stomach like someone was twisting it a bit.

The black in her eyes lessened to a dull grey, nearly undetectable with the silver.

"On second thought, I'm quite famished. Do you suppose it's not too late to hunt tonight?" She asked, the twin fangs of her upper teeth gleaming in the room's fluorescent light.

x-o-X-o-x

"Years ago, your birth mother and father left you here in our care. You were just a wee baby then, just mere days outside your mother's womb."

"Why would they do that? Don't they want me?" The child-like voice was shaky, the questions stammering out of her quivering mouth.

"Oh no Kaoru, they love you very much. That is why they decided to leave you here because they had no other choice. It was either that you come along with them and die or that you stayed with us and lived."

"Why?" You would expect such a simple question to have a difficult answer.

"Is it because of what I am? The two sides of me?" The child continued. Tears threatening to stream down the corners of her gem eyes.

At once, the owner of the other voice; a woman with black hair and eyes the same glittering shade as the girl; sprang up.

"Control, Kaoru! Do not forget you must have complete control over your emotions!" She scolded the girl.

The girl looked like she wanted to cry but didn't let the tears flow. Instead she wiped them away with the sleeve of her kimono. Regardless that they are not her real parents, she refused to disappoint them.

"Yes, I know. I'm sorry." She bowed her head in shame, her eyes glued to the floor.

The older woman's lips turned down into a sad frown. Reaching out a hand, she gently placed it over the young girl's own.

"No Musume, I should be the one to apologize." She murmured softly.

x-o-X-o-x

Breakfast was a quiet one. No one spoke and not a sound was heard except for the occasional pang of forks against plates as they ate. The occupants of the room all wore masks of grim expressions on their faces, even the youngest but what made her different was that she had an almost thoughtful look in her wide, brown eyes.

Last night's events continued to flash into their minds like re-runs of a bad movie, despite their attempts to push them aside. For some, more then memories had plagued their minds the night before, yet both decided to keep silent about the whole matter.

They all felt the same, yet none as bad as Battousai himself.

It was practically eating him alive. The guilt that he didn't protected her as he had promised; the shame he felt when he merely watched as Kaoru let herself be taken away; the wretched pain tearing him apart inside as his soul cried out for it's half. Everything.

A part of the vampire within in, the one in control of his deepest yearnings, blamed and accused him of his lack of actions and Battousai couldn't agree more.

His hands clenched tightly, easily bending the fork and knife he had held. He bowed his head, blood red bangs covering his eyes.

But it was too late for they had already seen them, his eyes. They were a bloodshot red, all traces of amber gone.

Misao coughed to cover the shiver that run down her spine when she saw the red-haired hitokiri's eyes.

"Umm, did you guys heard anything unusual last night?" she asked.

"Like Kaoru agreeing to go with that rat?" suggested Yahiko.

"Ouch! What did you do that for!" He yelled when Sano whacked him in the head.

"Shut up Yahiko." Sano muttered.

"Why should I!" Yahiko yelled, his pride getting in the way of his logic.

"What good will it do if we just sit around and pretend that nothing had happened if we don't talk about it?" He continued.

Yahiko turned his gaze to Misao. "Yes, weasel, I heard it last night and I'm sure the others had also."

He shifted his gaze to everyone else in the room. "And that is why we should be making up a plan on how to get Kaoru back instead of whining and thinking up our 'what-ifs and 'should-haves'."

Misao wasn't mad, oh no. She was furious.

Her chair nearly toppled down the floor at her haste to get up. Glaring dagger-looks at Yahiko, she growled through gritted teeth.

"Listen here, you Brat! You have no right to say such things when you weren't even there!"

Yahiko had stood up abruptly from his chair as well, returning Misao's glare with his own. "First thing, don't call me Brat! I'm a whole lot older than you and second…"

"Enough." Hiko's voice boomed throughout the room as the Vampire Lord entered.

All vampires present made a move to stand when Hiko waved a hand of his own to stop them. Making his way towards his end of the table, Hiko pulled the chair and sat down.

Clearing his throat, Hiko said. "I assumed that you all had a good night's rest?"

A thick eyebrow hunched up his forehead when incoherent mumbles replied to his question. Obviously, even Aoshi, who is the most emotionless of them all, couldn't sleep.

Nevertheless, Hiko said. "Good. Because we have a long day of planning and sharpening up before sun sets. Tonight is a new moon…"

"Perfect time to strike." A deadly voice finished the sentence.

All turned to face Battousai, who had lifted his head to reveal eyes the color of undiluted blood, calling out for murder and bloodlust.

His thin lips widened to a wicked smile, showing the ends of his fangs.

"A wise remainder. Both Shishio and Shogo are to die at my hands. They will pay for taking what is mine."

x-o-X-o-x

"Are we clear on the agreement?" Shishio's voice was almost mocking. Kage gritted her teeth at the disrespect but held her cool.

Later. The she-demon promised to herself as her arms twitched, eager to reach for her swords and rid the world of one more arrogant werewolf.

Now is not the right time.

Kage felt a small smile lifting her lips. She didn't need to glance into a mirror to know that her smile was of pure maliciousness.

Yes. She thought to herself. There would be plenty of time to exact revenge. But first, there is the matter of her repayment Shishio for his help in her 'awakening'. Even beasts have their own code of honor.

An eye for an eye and etcetera etcetera…

Until then, she would just have to redirect satisfying her bloodlust on someone else. And it seems that Shishio's enemies are the top of her list. Which means more vampire flesh to feast on.

Yummy.

"Yes." Kage agreed.

"And I trust you won't do anything…rash?" Shishio continued.

Kage turned so that her back faced him. She crossed her arms and closed her eyes, seemingly pondering on her decision.

Inwardly, she smirked. Kage knew what Shishio was hinting. It was obvious.

The thought would've made her laugh, if she knew how to. A werewolf lord protecting a rogue vampire; the idea was absolutely ironic.

Nevertheless, it is unlikely that Kage would even have a moment's chance with Shogo alone as everyone else seemed to make it their mission to keep the two apart.

Kage had slept all-throughout the morning and Shishio had pulled her aside for a private meeting right after lunch. She had wanted to speak with Shogo and interrogate him but it seemed as if the vampire had vanished. For Kage had not seen him loitering around the hallways nor at the eating table.

But perhaps it was a wise thing to do in his case. Kage wasn't sure if she would be contended to just talk with Shogo and not inflict serious bodily harm.

"I won't." She finally replied.

Kage turned her heel so that she is facing Shishio again. Lifting her eyes, she stared into Shishio's blood red eyes.

"You have my word on it." She added, intentionally speaking the words slowly.

x-o-X-o-x

"Aoshi?"

Said-vampire opened his eyes and looked to the right where the door to his room stood. He knew that voice anywhere.

"Come inside, Misao." He replied.

As he got up from his Lotus position, the door creaked open to let the emerald-eyed female enter.

Misao noticed the stacks of incense lying on the floor. A blush came to her cheeks as Misao glanced at Aoshi for the first time.

Aoshi raised an eyebrow when he saw Misao's face turn a reddish hue. Following her gaze, he looked down. Understanding and, Aoshi refused to admit it, embarrassment struck him.

He was wearing his yukata. Meditation required one to be relaxed and Aoshi felt comfortable in his sleeping garments, though sleep was the farthest thing from his mind at the moment.

(AN: Just to clear things up, I do know that yukatas are not only used for bed-wear.)

Aoshi was disrupted from his thoughts when Misao finally spoke.

"Aoshi, I am so sorry! I didn't know that you're busy. I thought that you're…"

Misao knew that she was babbling nonsense. But rationality seemed to fly out of her head and, truth be told, she didn't care one damn bit.

Aoshi is hot!

Misao mentally wiped the drool foaming at her mouth, her eyes greedily taking in the sight of Aoshi's finely-muscled chest peeking out from the folds of his yukata. The scars that marred his exposed body only added to the manly and dashing aura that he portrayed.

A hand clasped Misao's mouth, cutting off her subconscious ramble.

Aoshi stifled a sigh of relief when Misao fell silent. It wasn't that he didn't like the female. She just talks too much sometimes.

"Misao." Aoshi started, drawing the emerald-eyed woman's attention to his face. "You want to ask me something?"

Misao seemed to pull out from her thoughts for she suddenly turned serious.

"I was wondering if you could train me." She asked.

Aoshi lift an eyebrow. "I don't think you need more training from me. You are already sufficient in ninjutsu and the kunais." He answered.

"But…Do you think that I am a formidable foe?" Misao asked.

Aoshi paused, recalling the few sessions they had. "Yes." He answered.

"Enough to stand up to a group of highly-skilled warriors?" Misao persisted.

Aoshi narrowed his blue-green eyes as understanding dawned to him.

"If you're thinking of coming with us…" Aoshi was interrupted from continuing as Misao then spoke.

"No! I will not stay here, twiddling my thumbs, and wait as you and the others take on Shishio and his wolves! Damn it! Kaoru needs me! And I'll die first before I let her down!"

Most people who knew Misao are familiar with her high-strung and stubborn attitude but only a rare few knew of the existence of another side of the young woman. Aoshi is one of the few.

Aoshi is a man unaccustomed to feelings of sympathy and pity but even he, the infamous Ice King, couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy when he saw the pain and guilt embedded in Misao's emerald-eyes, hidden underneath the flame of determination that clouded them.

"I was going to say that you should get some rest until then." Aoshi said, ignoring the obvious look of surprise in Misao's face. "No doubt tonight would be an exhaustion one for us all."

Both of Aoshi's eyebrows shot up and he stiffened when Misao hugged him out of the blue.

"Thank you Aoshi! Thank you! Thank you!" Misao gushed, her voice muffled by the fabric of his clothes.

Not knowing what else to do, Aoshi awkwardly wrap his arms around Misao's waist. The young woman sighed as he did so and nestled her face closer to his chest.

Normally, Aoshi would've pulled away at such contact. So he was confused as to way he didn't want to let go.

A smile touched his lips as he glanced down at the young human female nestled in his embrace. It was just a mere twitch of the lips but it was enough.

Misao smiled as she felt Aoshi tighten his hold on her, as if he was afraid that she would disappear anytime now.

Perhaps she could be selfish and pretend that there is no war, no bloodshed; that Kaoru was safe and that Shishio and his men do not exist. Surely the Fates would allow her of such an illusion? If only for a moment.

Misao suppressed a yawn as her eyelids started to droop.

Yes. Only for a moment.

Misao smiled as she allowed her tired eyes to close and drift into slumber.

Feeling a small movement from the woman in his arms, Aoshi looked down and saw that Misao had fallen asleep.

x-o-X-o-x

It was already late in the afternoon. The sun was already starting to set down as nature prepares itself for the coming of the night. Sleep, hunger and exhaustion were pushed aside as Kage continued her kata.

Her kodachis, shorter than the average katana, flashed in the remaining brilliance of the sun rays. Fluid and graceful, each deadly swipe was quick and precise with the intention to kill. Somewhere along the way, a sort of alliance had begun to form among her swords. One blade would slash at one side and the second at the other, forming a rhythm, with the occasional flare of sparks as the steel of the two kodachis strike against each other.

Following the motion of her swords, Kage's feet and legs moved to keep up the momentum. To any observer, Kage would've looked like she was dancing. Each step she took, she would strike at an invisible foe. Each block she did with her swords, she would perform a kick or a swipe.

Sweat trickled down the sides of her face, the wet bangs of her night-colored hair loosen from their tie and plastered to her forehead, cheeks and neck. Her porcelain skin seemed to glow, giving an aura of purity Kage knew she did not have. Aside from the occasional pants and grunts, Kage remained silent; preoccupied in her kata.

After a series of dodges, blocks and blows; Kage criss-crossed her swords so that it formed an 'X' in her chest as she stood upright with her feet apart. In one fluid motion, she re-sheathed her kodachis back to their holsters strapped to her back. Taking a moment to enjoy the soft wind that blew in the open field, Kage closed her eyes.

Her sharp human-like ears picked up the sound of clapping and Kage snapped her eyes opened. Cranking her neck to the side, Kage's bottomless silver eyes gazed into the blue depths of one of Shishio's elite wolves.

"What?" Kage's voice was husky from the training and Cho felt his lips twitch at the annoyance her voice pitch failed to hide.

"Shishio requests our presence in the front hall." Cho explained.

Kage snorted. "Since when does Shishio ever request for anything?"

Cho smirked at the obvious sarcasm in the she-demon's voice.

"Take a bath and get dressed. Yumi has already left your uniform on your bed."

Kage cocked an eyebrow. "Uniform?"

Cho's smirk grew wider. "Didn't you know? We have our own conduct of clothing."

Even Kage's glare failed to stop Cho's chuckles.

x-o-X-o-x

The new moon glowed softly in the night sky. Dark clouds had gathered, covering the light of the stars. Without the assistance of the stars, the new moon's rays were weak and barely managed to shine the world with its beauty.

"It's time."

x-o-X-o-x

Kage stifle a growl as she looked down at her uniform with distaste. The kimono was just like Kamatari's, only it was pure black with red edgings at the obi. Also, the slits were much higher, fully exposing her thighs. Thankfully, Kage wore a pair of black fitting shorts underneath her kimono so her chastity is protected. Her sandals were that of a ninja's, with the straps reaching up to her knees for extra measures to prevent her from stumbling.

A knock came from the door and Hoji opened it, letting in a lone werewolf in black ninja attire with wild, shockingly white hair. One of Shishio's messengers.

The ninja approached the red-eyed wolf and whispered into his ears. Kage strained to hear them, but in her current human-like form, her sense of hearing isn't as sensitive.

Shishio nodded his head and, as the ninja pulled away, got up from his seat.

The wolf leader's words were short and curt. Yet, it was enough to capture all of their attention.

"To your positions."

x-o-X-o-x

Battousai looked up at the tall gates that led to Shishio's estate and growled deeply in his throat.

Kaoru…my life-mate. Wait for me. I will save you.

x-o-X-o-x

"You know what Momma?"

"What Musume?"

"I'm giving a new name to my other side."

"Is that so?"

"Why not Momma, don't you like my idea?"

"…..What do you want to call 'her' Musume?"

"I know the perfect name Momma!"

"What is it Musume?"

"Kage."

x-o-X-o-x

to be continued

Sapphire: So? Anybody confused yet? Anyways, for those who didn't understand the format of this chapter; the italicized conversations were either the character's thoughts or flashbacks…well they're not really flashbacks, memories to be precise.

Plus, some A/M yumminess for all you hardcore fans out there. I'm usually an A/K and can't stand A/M but for you readers, I'll do anything!...well almost anything. Hohoho! (smiles)

Comments? Suggestions? Flames? Review then if you want.

Daemon: Sapphire is too tired right now to be her usual hyperactive self. School has been tough for her and she has just finished her midterm exams and is already bombarded with projects and topics for the finals, not counting the pressures of her nurse capping this coming November. So please be a bit gentle on your reviews.

Sapphire: Zzzz…

Daemon: (sweatdrops) Until next time, Kudos!