Kitabı oku: «A Light In The Heart Of Darkness», sayfa 4

Kyou clenched his fist so tight he could feel drops of blood forming where his sharp fingernails had punctured his flesh. Why was such innocence here, in a place like this? It should not be allowed. He felt a growl start deep within his chest and tried to suppress it.

If his hunch was correct and Hyakuhei made an appearance, then things could get very dangerous, very fast. Was she the one who held the Guardian Heart Crystal within her? His brother’s words came back to haunt him a second time.

“…brother, if we find it then we can be free of him…”

Blocking out the other sounds within the nightclub, Kyou directed all his senses to her so he could learn more and prepare himself. His haunted golden eyes nearly glowed as he dipped into the thoughts of the group sitting at her table. Listening to the thought of mortals was a vise he hadn’t used in a long time.

Tasuki offered to go get the first round of drinks since the bartender was his cousin. He wasn’t going to waste his one chance to impress Kyoko. He knew she thought of him as a friend but he wanted to be so much more, if only she would open her eyes and see the devotion he offered her. There would never be a man that could love her more than him. It just wasn’t possible.

Suki smiled at hearing he knew the bartender and asked Tasuki to get them all a Long Island iced tea. Tasuki gave a blushing wink to Kyoko, nodding and telling them he would be right back. He took off to retrieve the girls’ drinks as quickly as possible.

Kyoko’s eyes rounded as she stared at Suki. “Long Island iced tea? But we are...” Suki waved a dismissive hand to shush her.

“Come on Kyoko. Live a little! Finals are over and besides… we’ve drank before,” Suki tried to lighten Kyoko up by grinning and rolling her eyes. Hoping to change the subject she added, “I have to admit Kyoko that in that outfit and your curves… you do not look underage.” She laughed out loud at the startled look on Kyoko’s face.

Kyoko looked at Suki skeptically. “Twice, Suki. I have drunk twice, and I barely remember either time… and I don’t need to dress like this to prove I am of age.” Kyoko blushed at what she could remember from the last time her birthday had rolled around. Because of Suki, she didn’t remember much about her own birthday party.

She remembered the giant bowl of fruit Suki had handed her with such an innocent smile. She had known Kyoko’s weakness for fruit and played on it. Kyoko had eaten almost the whole bowl not even realizing it had been soaked in alcohol.

‘She’s going to get me in trouble again… I just know it!’ Kyoko silently whined to herself and mentally slumped in defeat. The others had only joked about that night, something about Kyoko forgetting how to walk… or talk!

Suki smirked, shrugging her shoulders, “So this makes the third time.” She smiled happily at Tasuki as he brought the drinks back, eagerly grabbing one for herself.

Kyoko bit her lips then mumbled something about ‘three strikes and you are out’ but turned and smiled at Tasuki anyway. There was such a thing as peer pressure after all and being the sucker that she was, she gave in.

“Three Long Island iced teas as requested.” Tasuki sat down between the girls and took a sip of his drink. He felt the heat suddenly rise within the room because the drink was so strong. Glancing past Kyoko he looked at his cousin behind the bar. The mischievous grin on his cousin’s face let him know the drinks were stronger than normal.

Tasuki shook his head and looked back at the girls. “To finals, may we pass them all with flying colors,” he offered as a toast. Then looking into Kyoko’s eyes added, “And may we never lose touch with one another, no matter what.”

Kyoko blushed and smiled shyly as she took her drink from his outstretched hand. Hastily taking a sip, her eyes widened when she decided she actually liked the flavor. “If you can’t beat them, might as well join them,” she winked at Suki good-naturedly.

She plunked a straw into the drink and within the next ten minutes of laughing and cutting up, the Long Island iced tea disappeared. Color bloomed in Kyoko’s cheeks as the effects of the alcohol slowly began to flow through her body.

Tasuki, having drunk his just as fast as Kyoko, now felt more at ease and a little bolder as he asked the girls if they wanted to dance. His eyes darkened attractively as he took Kyoko’s hand and led her onto the dance floor with Suki holding Kyoko’s other hand.

He just knew this night was going to be the best night of his college days and he would never forget a single moment of it.

Not but a few feet away, Kyou watched the young man named Tasuki reach out and take the green-eyed girl’s hand and felt the need to rip the offending fingers from the young man daring to touch her. The man’s innocent feelings for the girl could be read clearly in his eyes and thoughts, but he still did not trust him.

Kyou had seen it play out many times watching the nightlife. A young man giving the girl drinks and then taking advantage of her naivety. His eyes tinted crimson as he watched the boy lead the girls onto the dance floor. Kyou felt the need to take the auburn haired girl and hide her from any who would harm her or want to possess her.

He wondered off handedly at his own possessiveness toward the girl. If she was the one who held the Guardian Heart Crystal, then what should he do? One thing Kyou knew for sure… before he would let Hyakuhei have her, he would first kill her with his own bare hands.

If the legend was true and Hyakuhei got his hands on the power of the Guardian Heart Crystal, there would be no stopping him.

*****

Kamui sat invisible, on top of one of the huge speakers in front of the DJ as he watched the dance floor where Kyoko and Suki were dancing with a young man. He cocked an eyebrow when he noticed just who this guy was. A very secret smile tilted his lips seeing the amethyst hue that clung to the boy.

His attention reverted back to the other man that was stalking the priestess. He had already tried to stop the attraction once when Kyoko was still in line but the oldest guardian was just as stubborn as always. The vibes Kyou was giving off were heavy and slightly tainted.

“Kyou, what are you thinking?” Kamui wondered aloud knowing he couldn’t be heard or seen. Watching Kyou watch Kyoko he recognized fate when he saw it. Fate had always drawn the guardians toward their priestess… no matter what world or lifetime.

He secretly wished he could arrange it to where Toya and Kyou would see each other but he knew better than to try and use any of his powers on Kyou. He felt the cold chills run up his arm at the thought of pissing the dangerous golden guardian off.

His gaze scanned the crowd again knowing Kyou wasn’t the one he should be worried about. There were others within the club who were not human, but he could feel the true darkness getting closer by the moment. He wondered if Kyou could feel it too.

Kamui nodded to himself. The best thing he could do for now was help hide Kyoko’s powers from prying eyes. With that thought he jumped from the speakers but his feet never hit the floor of the dance club.

Chapter 4

As the trio entered the crowded dance floor, Suki and Kyoko immediately started moving their bodies to the rhythm of the music leaving Tasuki to watch in fascination. The heated bodies all around them made their skin flush as the alcohol flowed through their veins.

Suki’s body moved closer to Kyoko’s as they wrapped their arms around each other’s necks and started to grind. Laughing at each other’s antics, they danced like lovers losing themselves to the beat of the music. They had taught each other to dance like this in grade school long ago.

Caught up in the moment of just pure unadulterated fun, the girls had momentarily forgotten about their third companion.

Tasuki gazed at the two friends dancing passionately together and felt heat warm his cheeks. ‘Wow!’ His body was reacting to the scene being played out before him. It felt as if the breath had been knocked from his lungs. Watching Kyoko’s body rub against Suki’s as their hands wandered across each other’s bodies was almost more than he could bear.

Deciding that he wanted in on the fun, Tasuki forced his feet to move before he lost his nerve.

Stopping right in front of Kyoko, he could see her eyes were closed as she moved against Suki. His gaze locked with Suki’s as she smirked and dipped behind Kyoko, slowly making her way back up, caressing her friend’s thighs. She hoped Tasuki would get up enough nerve to dance with Kyoko like this.

“Why don’t you join us? This is way too much fun!” She laughed as she grabbed Tasuki by the belt loop, yanking him flush against Kyoko.

Kyoko’s eyes widened in shock as she felt a hard, definitely male body slam against her in a very intimate manner. A blush burned her cheeks when she realized Tasuki was holding her closely. “Heh,” she smiled shyly, deciding that she liked the way his body felt against hers. She knew that she could trust him not to over step his bounds. He was always the gentleman.

Feeling a bit daring, Kyoko continued to dance with Suki moving behind her as she put one hand on Tasuki’s shoulder… silently encouraging him.

Tasuki didn’t need any more than that one motion as he gripped Kyoko’s hips and began to move with her body. He felt like he was in heaven having the girl of his dreams dance seductively against him. Feeling every curve of her body rub against him was a sweet torture that he had never experienced.

His brown eyes softened seductively as his entire body felt like it was on fire and he wanted to feel as much of her as he could. Pressing closer against Kyoko, he started to grind against her, moving his heated body with hers like a long lost lover.

Kyoko looked up into Tasuki’s eyes and noticed for the first time there were lovely flakes of amethyst sprinkled in his chocolate orbs. ‘Beautiful…’ was the only word that came to mind. The deeper she looked… the more he reminded her of Shinbe.

*****

Toya’s mood had not gotten any better since going to the college dojo hoping to work off some steam. He had decided he had better leave quickly when he had busted the five hundred dollar punching bag. It’s not his fault he had been picturing Kotaro’s face when he hit it.

“Stupid girl!” he growled. ‘Why did she always have to be so hard to handle?’ He glared at nothing in particular as he thought about the annoying security guard that Kyoko had gone out with.

He still felt livid from when he had heard Kotaro’s voice in Kyoko’s apartment earlier. He would have liked nothing better than to rip the man’s head off and shove it where the sun would never reach it. Toya had always had a sixth sense about things, and his senses were telling him that Kotaro was not what he appeared to be.

“A wolf in sheep’s clothing is more like it.” He smirked, then instantly felt a little guilty himself because he also hid things from Kyoko. Things even he couldn’t explain.

He had learned as a small child to hide his unusual abilities from others, abilities such as his inhuman strength and speed, as well as his heightened senses of smell and sight. The only problem was they came and went whenever they wanted. He couldn’t call on them at a moment's notice and maybe that was a good thing.

Lost in thought, Toya’s skin tingled as he spotted the guard leaning against the door of the security building. ‘Speak of the devil and he appears.’ Toya glared at Kotaro, almost walking past him, and then stopped in his tracks. “What the hell are you doing here?” he growled.

Kotaro leisurely stood to his full height and walked to where Kyoko’s supposed date stood growling at him. Looking around and not seeing her anywhere, his relaxed demeanor became tense and Kotaro pierced Toya with an angry glare. “Where is Kyoko? I thought she was with you tonight.”

If there was one thing Toya hated, it was being confused and right now he wasn’t in the mood for it. “You stupid prick… I thought she had a date with you,” he snapped without thinking.

Kotaro’s cage was now seriously rattled. Kyoko had told him she was going out with Toya and it had been a lie. “Damn!”

Without giving Toya a second glance, he took off in the direction Kyoko lived, straining against the need to use his unnatural speed. Why had she lied to him? If he had known she wasn’t with dickhead, he would have followed her.

Toya felt a moment of panic when he saw the worry seep into his rival’s eyes and the way he took off at breakneck speed didn’t make him feel any better. Something within him trusted Kotaro completely but he would never tell him that.

Without even thinking about what he was doing, he took off after Kotaro to see where he was going. Easily keeping up with him but noticing the speed they were both using, some of Toya’s suspicions were confirmed. Kotaro was more than he seemed… did they have the same DNA or something? He gritted his teeth not liking that thought.

Within a minute, Kotaro was banging on Kyoko’s apartment door hoping against hope that she was actually there. Slamming both palms against the innocent door he yelled. “Damn it, Kyoko! Where are you?” Dread and worry seeped into every pore of his being. “This is not good,” he growled.

“What’s not good?” Toya demanded stepping up behind Kotaro.

The vibes Kotaro was giving off were making Toya’s chest hurt with their intensity. If he had known Kyoko wasn’t with Kotaro, he would have come over just to be near her. He should have just followed his instincts and came over anyway. He would have to put a damn leash on that girl sooner or later.

Kotaro swung around having forgotten about Toya altogether in his rush to get to Kyoko. Now having someone to vent his anger on, he lashed out, “I thought she was with you!” Kotaro clenched his fist and drew his rage back within himself before he went too far. “And how the hell were you able to keep up? Never mind, don’t answer that.”

Toya stared at him, surprised the security guard even noticed but shrugged it off. “I’m just that fast dickhead.”

Calming his dominant half, Kotaro opened his piercing ice blue eyes, locking them with the person who was going to help him find ‘his Kyoko’. It was bad enough Toya hadn’t been reborn a vampire so they could just duke it out, but now Toya was regaining his abilities from the past and didn’t have a clue why. To top it all off Toya’s best friend was Shinbe and Shinbe didn’t have a clue to his past either.

Kotaro smashed the palm of his hand against his temple wondering why on earth he would trust Toya to look after her… for a second time, when he had failed the first. The fact that Toya remembered nothing made it impossible for Kotaro to rant out loud. He inhaled deeply at the truth… they both had failed her. His lips thinned as he silently glared.

Toya gave a halfhearted smirk. “So, she lied to you and ditched you saying she was going out with ME. Ha!” Even though he knew she had pretty much done the same to him, he wouldn’t let Kotaro know that.

Kotaro took another deep breath trying to keep his temper in check. It was like talking to a damn child. “This isn’t a freaking game, punk. Girls have been turning up missing right and left from campus and from the city for over a month. Now, neither one of us knows where Kyoko is.” Kotaro could hear the panic in his own voice but ignored it. “Do you have any idea where she could have snuck off to?”

Toya could feel his chest crushing with worry thinking about Kyoko being in danger. “Damn it!” He turned to Suki’s door and started pounding until he heard the door give a slight cracking sound making him lighten up on the beating. No answer.

“Fuck!” Nearing a panicked state, Toya fumbled for his cell phone hoping Shinbe knew where the girls were. “Pick up, letch!” he yelled into the still ringing phone. After the forth ring Shinbe finally answered.

“Shinbe! Do you know where Suki and Kyoko are?” He gave Kotaro a glance when he stepped closer as if he was waiting to hear the answer.

On the other end of the phone, Shinbe smiled an enlightening smile, “Maybe…”

*****

Kyou stayed hidden within the darkness as he watched the girl with her friends. He had learned that her name was Kyoko from listening to their conversation. So far the boy named Tasuki had kept his hands to himself which was a good thing considering Kyou had decided to let him live as long as he did not get too close to her. He seemed harmless enough… if not just a little too infatuated with her.

They had made their way to the dance floor and the girl and her female friend had started to dance together. The way they were dancing was indecent. ‘It must be the alcohol she consumed so quickly,’ he had a hard time believing otherwise.

A low growl vibrated in his chest as his view was obstructed by a group of human punks. Hearing his warning and then seeing the chilling golden glare he sent their way, they quickly retreated to the other side of the club. The corners of Kyou’s lips hinted at an amused smile over the way they had instantly scattered.

He returned his attention to the dance floor focusing on the young girl who perplexed him. The sight that greeted him made his blood boil with rage. A vicious snarl came from somewhere unknown as angry gold eyes flashed red with blood.

The harmless boy Tasuki was dancing with Kyoko as if he were seducing her.

*****

Kyoko was lost to the sensations of Tasuki’s hands on her hips, caressing the bare skin at her waist as he took control of their dance. He actually looked sexy with his hair mussed up and dirty dancing with her. A giggle escaped her lips at the turn of her thoughts.

As she felt him caress the exposed skin at the small of her back she noticed his eyes turned almost pure amethyst.

Suki, deciding that she could use something cold and wet, smacked Kyoko on the butt. “C’mon you two! I require sustenance!” She laughed at her silly phrase as she dragged the couple back to the table they had occupied earlier in hopes of another drink.

*****

Kyou stood trying desperately to calm his raging blood. His usual iron clad control and cold demeanor had vanished completely upon witnessing the boy Tasuki dancing with Kyoko like he was her lover.

In the recesses of his mind, he knew he needed to calm himself quickly, otherwise Hyakuhei would sense his presence if he hadn’t already. Taking a deep steadying breath, he mentally berated himself for his foolishness.

For centuries he had been a cold, emotionless demon of the night. His resolve was like a mountain that never swayed and could not be forced into submission. His emotions were well kept within his cold, unbreakable exterior for a reason… so he could hide his aura from the true enemy.

In one night, the presence of one young girl, beyond innocent and pure, had caused him to falter for the first time in his undead life.

Oblivious to the enraged silver haired vampire, the trio made their way back to their previous seats. Kyoko’s innocent laughter floated to him, barely calming his rage. His tension eased some and he questioned why he had reacted so possessively to the young girl.

His gaze narrowed, shooting daggers at the boy with her, promising a slow agonizing death if he so much as tiptoed out of line once more. She needed a guardian.

Kyou couldn’t understand the immense hold she had over him but watching her had become addictive. Her beauty and innocence mesmerized him and he began to wonder if her skin was as soft as it appeared. Seeing another glass of the tainted liquid slide in front of her angered him.

With every sip she took, the blaze of pure light that surrounded her seemed to waver and weaken. It was already a lot harder to detect. If she kept drinking the devil’s water that was placed before her, she would soon fall into the darkness.

As if defying him, he watched as the girl took her straw out of the cup and pressed the cup to her lips, draining the last of the polluted liquid.

Kyou did something he hadn’t done in centuries… he smiled, knowing now her secret would be safe from the evil that had just entered the nightclub. Maybe hiding the pure aura of such an unimaginably innocent, beautiful girl wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

Kyou backed into the darkness just as his enemy stepped from it.

*****

Hyakuhei walked through the door giving no notice to the minions that followed in his shadow. They could seek out their own entertainment for the night. They would only hinder his plans for the evening should he allow them to join him. His crimson eyes scanned the display of heated flesh before him with interest.

He had felt life here, hidden somewhere amongst the humans. It had beckoned to him as a lover would hunger for his touch, but now the caressing feeling had almost vanished, as if snuffed out.

He had fed well the night before and did not feel the need to feed again so soon. No… tonight he had something else in mind.

This city held the power of the legendary Guardian Heart Crystal, he was sure of it. All roads he had taken, seeking the hidden light, had led him here. Even now, he could feel the elusive light hidden under darkness as he leaned against the wall, watching the humans.

Several of the unsuspecting mortals had already noticed him and he knew they would come to him, offering their souls mistakenly.

The simple attraction of tall, dark and handsome had always made it easy for him to capture his prey. His long, dark hair flowed around him in waves as a backdrop for his unrivaled good looks. He could feel the lust emanating from the humans but tonight he paid it no attention.

Tonight, he would seek out one that he could put under his control. Sometimes he would turn an unsuspecting soul merely to kill them the following night. He only granted the gift of eternal life when it suited him and that was less than once every century. But tonight, he would seek out someone who would assist in his quest to determine the one who held the Guardian Heart Crystal.

Hyakuhei's eyes darkened with his thoughts. The last time he had come so close to the mysterious crystal of legend, the girl carrying the powerful crystal had detected his intent. Before he could stop her, she had killed herself… taking the crystal with her and beyond his reach once more.

His mind drifted back with longing. It had been such a waste... for the young girl had been incomparable in beauty and untainted purity. His lean body held no movement as he leisurely searched the crowd with eyes of midnight.

The crystal only resurfaced every one thousand years according to the ancient scrolls he had taken from the wizard Shinbe before taking his life. His lips hinted in a cruel smile as he remembered that particular kill… very delicious indeed.

Counting the years from that time, the chosen maiden that now held the crystal close to her heart would be twenty one years old, possibly a bit younger. Hyakuhei had sensed it within the vicinity of the university and now here among the throng of college students at the nightclub.

The fact that this city was built on the same ground where the crystal had vanished only verified that it would be the same place for its rebirth.

If he could not find the one who held the Guardian Heart Crystal, then he would recruit one who was accepted among them and could aid in his search. A non-human, a creature of the night, above all, could detect the power he wanted and desired for himself.

A malicious smile graced his perfect lips in anticipation of the thrill of the hunt. Having called to his most favored children to join him, this time he would have what he desired. He had been in the darkness for far too long and even the most pleasing things had begun to bore him.

Hyakuhei wanted something new and a challenge was just the thing to wake him from his lifetime of sleep. He could vaguely feel a disturbance in the air and smiled knowingly. There would be no rush… for what was time… to a vampire.

*****

Tasuki watched in amazement as Kyoko downed the last of her Long Island iced tea. His now soft brown eyes glanced back to his own drink that was still full, a concerned look on his face. “Ah, Kyoko, if you are thirsty I could get some real tea from the bar, if you would like?” He grinned as he watched Kyoko blush when she realized what she had done.

Suki cocked an eyebrow as she noted Kyoko’s empty glass and inwardly flinched knowing Kyoko was going to happily kill her tomorrow for the hangover. She gave a mental shrug convincing herself that tonight they were celebrating and Kyoko would forgive her… eventually.

Looking at Tasuki with her best, “Please help me I’m in trouble” expression, Suki agreed. “I think that might be a good idea.” She winked at him with encouragement and underlying mischief.

She had always liked Tasuki and often wished Kyoko would date him more often, instead of Toya, whom she liked, but he didn’t always treat Kyoko as nicely as he should. She was glad Kyoko could give as well as she got and didn’t let Toya step all over her.

Then there was Kotaro, who would take Kyoko away and marry her if given the chance. He was nice and treated her like a goddess, but Suki wasn’t comfortable with the idea of losing her best friend either.

Suki’s eyes lit up at the thought of pushing Tasuki and Kyoko together, especially after the way they had danced together just now. She knew better than to get caught at it though, because Kyoko could be very frightening when mad as hell. A girl would have to have spunk to date the two hot heads she was dating. Suki’s smile softened as she thought of her own boyfriend, though she would never admit to such a title.

Shinbe was just as crazy as either of the two Kyoko dated, if not more so.

Returning her thoughts to the present, Suki stood up with a sly grin. “I’m going to talk the D.J. into playing my favorite song, be right back!” With that, she left the two alone to their own devices. Secretly, she hoped the time alone together would start a small flame burning between the two.

Kyoko looked back at Tasuki feeling light headed and smiled guiltily. “I would love some tea… or maybe coffee would be even better. Though sometimes the caffeine buzz is almost as bad.” She smirked at her own joke, “If you don’t mind getting it while I go to the lady’s room.” She took Tasuki's out stretched hand and let him help her up.

Kyoko blinked rapidly as things started to look a little fuzzy, and then giggled. “I’ll be right back!” She scanned the walls looking for the direction of the ladies room. Seeing it closer to the front door, she took off, hoping she didn’t look as wobbly as she felt. Maybe if she splashed some cold water on her face and didn’t drink any more alcohol tonight then she would be ok.

Kyou’s body tensed as he watched the girl head straight toward the last place he wanted her to go, the entrance… and the enemy. His haunted golden eyes tinted pink and with an aggravated growl, his form vanished as if he had never been there.

Kyoko’s haze-filled mind wondered why they had put the bathrooms all the way in the front near the door as she watched a hoard of people still coming into the nightclub. Some of the newcomers seemed to already be well into the partying stages, and the noise within the dance hall amplified.

Yohji, one of the guys from campus, came stumbling in, not watching where he was going. His brother had already talked him into going to a couple of bars down the road earlier and they had just left the last one to try this one out. As he turned to call to his younger brother, Hitomi, he bumped into a soft, warm body.

Hearing a feminine cry, Yohji instantly reached out and caught her with both arms. As his eyes lit on the face of the one he held, a feral grin spread across his lips. “Kyoko?”

Once the room decided to stop spinning and was righted again, Kyoko looked up at the guy who had mowed her over, then played the hero all in one foul swoop. “Yohji… Hi…” Kyoko blushed when he held her closer to him and instantly tried to start wiggling her way free.

‘Not good! Not good’ she chanted somewhere inside her head… she could hear the warning loud and clear.

She had run into Yohji many times at school, and although he was a major player with the girls, being extremely good looking, and one of the popular jock types, she had always tried to avoid him. He was way too aggressive for her taste and she chose the stay clear of him and the group he hung with.

“I’m alright now Yohji, so you can let me go,” she smiled, hiding her anxiety, trying to keep her cool and not start a scene.

Yohji didn’t loosen his hold on her and gave a tainted smile at her unease. “Why would I let you go now that I finally have you in my arms, Kyoko?”

His eyes were already full of lust as his face took on the look of a predator. He had been after her for a long time and she never would give him the time of day. Well now that her two bodyguards weren’t around to stop him, she wasn’t going to get away that easily.

Hyakuhei viewed the scene happening mere feet from him with interest. He could see the guy perfectly but was only privy to the back of the female. ‘That girl…’ His eyes took on an eerie glow as he watched her. He could smell her nervousness and purity so much that it was overpowering to his senses.