Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Anatomy of Melancholy ❯ Metanoia ( Chapter 1 )

I am going to go out on a limb here. I am not a fan fiction writer, per say, but a friend of mine started a piece some time ago and did not finish it. I adored her idea to pieces and so I thought I could try my hand at breathing a little life into it. I am not going to finish the original. I am starting fresh and she is going to be my co-partner and muse (and let me use her account bless her heart). I hope I do her idea some justice.

Some of you might remember the piece. It featured Higashi no Kaioshin and an arrogant vampiress named Sin Nomine and her Elder demon comrades Varish and Nosferatu. In the original, Sin and Co. popped onto the scene right about the time the Saiyans and Kaioshin first located Babadi. In this rendition Sin and Co. are guests residing on Kaioshin-Kai because of their natural capabilities to gather, feed and disperse negative energies (like in cases of Buu), something that it seems plausible the Kaioshin's could not do because of their pure nature (excluding Rou Kaioshin, but that is a horse of another colour). It is the hope of Higashi no Kaioshin that perhaps he can learn to do this with a little help and guidance.

I am not a fan of Kaiobit (I like him, but I like the original Kaioshin and Kibito team better) and thus I am not going to include him here. To put it in simple terms, this takes place after the Buu ordeal and Kaioshin and Kibito `unfused.' I am not sure how that could be done. Use your imagination. I am stretching mine to the hilt as it is. Oh, and one more thing. I am putting a lot of focus on humour and fluff. I am not designing this around the Dragon Ball series (and I am using some Vampire: The Masquerade information - it does not belong to me). So, should you notice anything that seems to not fit right or something that is not totally accurate, it probably is not meant to be (or it is because I have not seen an episode in almost three years). It should make for fun.

Primer for chapter one: Our blue humored and truculent demon Kindred are banished from their homeland and assigned to Higashi. In light of the tragic ordeal involving Babadi and Buu, it was concluded that something more dramatic had to be done to curb possible threats to exterminate the universe. It came to the attention of Higashi no Kaioshin (he does a lot of reading and ruminating - it could happen) that vampires had the natural ability to feed and drain energies. In a desperate, if long shot, attempt, it is decided after tedious discussion that, fiends or not, it was worth the discomfort of tolerating them if it could, perhaps, ensure a more stable existence. Chapter one is Kindred flavoured and might not be too exciting, but I had to start somewhere.

I admit it is a bit of a ridiculous plot line. But, the point is to laugh, and this one should do the trick (caution: insane cursing and cheesy innuendoes straight ahead). I am almost certain you are going to fall in love with these characters. So, please, do read. I can not say I am going to be one hundred percent accurate on all things. Neither of us have seen the program in a long time and so we might be off kilter in places. It should be close, though. Some of the characters might be out of character but I think you will enjoy them all the same. If you are a canon junkie you probably won't like this. That's okay, just please do not get on my case because I write someone out of character or describe things different from the series.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball Z or any of the featured characters. I do not own the original characters, either: those belong to my best friend. So, anyone interested in using them must ask permission, please. I do not own Vampire: The Masquerade. Former lyrics courtesy of Android Lust, In The Arms Of The Heretic although, I apologize - neither of us could quite figure them out, but we did our best. Latter lyrics courtesy of Switchblade Symphony, My Butterfly.

Chapter One: Metanoia

“I told you that big mouth of yours was going to get you in hot water one of these days. Of course, managing to rope me into this bullshit is pure genius. You are so goddamn incorrigible. I ought to trot us both back there and demand a proper retrospect inspection.”

Sin glanced at her male companion. She had been close friends with the mischief prone Caitiff outcast for as long as she could remember. In his trademark Cossack and debonair smile he seemed rather harmless. Of course, underneath the unimposing clerical collar and casual exterior he was an antagonistic egomaniac. In violent contrast, Sin Nomine was subtle and serious, if a bit sardonic and objectionable at times. It was the most improbable of alliances.

“I plead contemporary insanity.” Varish said sniggering and lighting up a cigarette.

Sin cast a glance out the corner of her eye at her snickering friend, noting the dark, maniacal sheen in his spirited cerulean orbs and the dangerous smile painting his lips. She could feel her stomach do a nauseous flip flop.

“I do not understand you. You find amusement in the most macabre things. You got us stripped of our moxie, and as dangerous a consequence as that could be should we come up against something looking to pick a fight, you stand there and poke fun at it. You are so demented.” Sin said, flipping her long dark espresso locks in undisguised rage, stealing one of his cigarettes and lighting up one for herself.

“It isn't that bad. You make it sound as if I got us banished. It isn't my fault those kids happened to see me. It isn't as though anyone is going to listen to them, besides.” Varish retorted, sighing in malcontent. He loathed her being cross at him, for the most because she had good reason. He had a troublesome reputation, and although he didn't mind the rough treatment and retribution, it pained him that Sin, being his steadfast sidekick, ended up in just as much of a pickle.

“You are more than accustomed to the rules. It is forbidden that our kind frequent locations and situations that might expose us to human beings. No one is supposed to find out about us. You might be right - no one is going to listen to those kids. It does not matter. In going to the third dimension it is understood that each of us is responsible for our conduct. One slip and it could knock everything out of proportion.” Sin ranted, not so much mad at him as she was fearful and concerned. Sometimes, he just didn't seem to get the bigger picture.

“Sin, pumpkin,” he said, sliding his hand into hers and easing her to the side. “I did not mean to drag you into this. I ... pardon me, but may I help you?” Varish said, noticing the elder gentleman approaching and extinguishing his cigarette under one leather boot. Out of habit, he pulled Sin behind him, stepping in front to protect her.

“The Council requests to speak to you.” The old man said.

Sin felt her stomach tie into knots, her cigarette falling out of her hand and onto the cold stone floor. Beside her, the colour began to drain out of her cherished companion. The Council did not call a meeting often, and the times they did, it meant either banishment or death for the guest of honour. She knitted her hands into the snug fabric of her friend's robe, resting her forehead against his shoulder as she tried to keep herself from shaking. It couldn't be ... it just couldn't be.

“In regards to ...” Varish inquired, the dread clear in his voice.

“I am a simple messenger. I am not entrusted to such information. I suggest not eluding them long. It seems the matter is of significant importance.” He finished, pausing a moment before nodding a somber departure.

“No. No ... no.” Sin murmured, her long sable nails digging into his flesh through the black material.

“Sin,” Varish said, turning to embrace her. “Sin, no, Sin ... doll, look at me. Look at me - there we go, that's better.” He said, smoothing a comforting hand through her hair to try to settle her as best he could, her small hands clutching in desperation at his larger ones. He felt his heart drop as he glimpsed the sheen of fearful despondence shrouding her typically poised doe eyes. “Listen to me. Don't get so upset right yet. I am not going to let anyone hurt you. I mean it.”

“I ... but ... I ... you're all I've got. If they ..” she sputtered, tearing up despite attempts to stop from doing so. It was true. He was the only one she had. If she lost him, she could not fathom going on. Sin felt her mind spinning out of control at the thought. She collapsed against him in a pathetic heap, sobbing her heart out and clinging to him like a sheet of cellophane.

Varish felt his throat tighten, his hands massaging gentle circles across her trembling back. Sin had a bent for being emotional, unheard of among seasoned Kindred, but losing her composure at the drop of a hat was far out of character. It happened when she could not cope, and that had only happened, to his recollection, once before. The Council had murdered her Sire because of a nonsensical infraction. In time she had mended together, but he doubted her empathetic nature could stand up to another emotional catastrophe.

“Sin, stop it.” He reprimanded in a hiss. He had no choice. He had to be stern to get her into a more stable frame of mind. So be it if she became irate. It was better than letting her go off the deep end. He couldn't stand seeing her so broken.

“I beg your pardon?” She whispered. “Stop it ... stop it.” She repeated, a light, ominous laugh escaping her pale lips. “You bastard ... stop it - stop it!” Sin raged, violently extricating herself from the intimate embrace and exhibiting her more notorious tinderbox tendencies. “I hurt like it's going out of style, I am about to lose the only bit of preciousness this rotten existence of mine has appreciated me, and you dare to admonish me ... you son of a bitch!” Sin screamed, stomping the floor and clutching her head in despair.

“I said stop it!” Varish shouted, grabbing her one arm and pinning her to him. “Sin, stop it - relax, just relax a minute.” He soothed, bringing his hands up to cup her face as soon as she stopped struggling. “Listen to me and listen to me good.” He said, caressing her soft skin. “I am not letting anyone take me away from you. I am not going to let that happen.”

“Varish, goddamn it, don't you go to making me a promise you can not possibly keep.” Sin cried, tears streaming down her cheeks as she lost herself in his beautiful, bottomless blue eyes.

“I'm not. You know I'm not like that, don't insult my integrity. I always keep my word to you. I always have and I am not about to stop now.” He said, resting his forehead against hers. “I need you to calm down. It's going to be okay. It's probably worse than it sounds. It is foolish of us to get ahead of things and predict what The Council might have in mind. It's important we keep our heads about us. I promise, everything is going to be okay.” He finished, pulling her into another tender hug.

Sin pushed out of his arms, glaring daggers at him. In times of turmoil, Sin, like most Kindred, tended to shelter herself in the grim threads of anger and a dangerous apathetic countenance.

“Enough. It is our curse to suffer - that curse is mine.” Sin said, wiping furiously at her tear stained eyes and sniffling. “I just want to get it over with.” She ground out. She then turned her back to him, and once properly composed, set off in the direction of The Council chambers. Her long, black fluid trench fluttering elegantly behind her ... her black heeled boots echoing eerily in the quiet ambience.

Varish looked on in a combination of anguish and admiration as she confidently strutted past the scattered Kindred lining the hall in route to classes and lectures. It took a lot of courage to face your impending death head on. He had taught her a lot, but sometimes, he had to admit, Sin put him to shame. Composing himself as she had only moments before, he adopted the same abrupt stride and hoped the promise he had made her held.

In The Council Chambers:

“You may enter.” Sounded the rough command.

Sin pushed the lank wooden door open, closing it softly behind she and her comrade. She took a deep breath, resting her forehead against the foreboding cold of the antique to better steel herself for the punishment she knew was to come. Despite that, though, she was determined to not let them see her sweat. She might not be able to persuade them to spare their lives, but she refused to render them the satisfaction of seeing her tremble in fear. Sin Nomine did not beg.

The bloodoath ... is uniting us.
The bloodoath ... is uniting us.
The bloodoath ... is uniting us.
The bloodoath ... is uniting us.
Fornicator.

Beside her, Varish felt his stomach turn. He berated himself for making her that promise. If the outcome to this was as bleak as it appeared, he at least hoped he had the time and opportunity to apologize for lying to her and betraying her trust before he met his end.

The ominous room was lit in a soft, almost comforting candlelight. Black walls were decorated in ancient Kindred symbols that complimented the luminous crimson marble floor and ornate period ceiling. The Council Court sat on high pedestals behind their polished benches, an almost Stonehenge sort circle surrounding the floor of judgment, separating the accused from curious spectators had there been any present. Sin gulped as a pair of menacing guards strode to their side, escorting them to the spacious opening and the looming figures that sat in patient silence.

Sin and Varish stood in deafening, intimidated silence, heads bowed in respect and arms straight to their sides, as The Council studied the troublesome pair.

“I am almost certain that neither of you harbour any idea our reasons for asking you here.” The Elder Methuselah began. “But ... before I begin, I could use a little light entertainment - so humour me, please. I am curious to your speculations and suspicions.” He finished, a sickening cacophony of poisonous laughter echoing throughout the room.

Fornicator, fornicator.
Sacrilegious bitch.
Fornicator, fornicator.
Sacrilegious bitch.

Sin and Varish glanced out the corner of their eyes at one another. It seemed so cruel. It was standard practice for The Council, though. Punishment was not just about a means to an end. It was about humiliation, torture and ruthless mortification.

“You, Childe of Tzimisce ... Sin Nomine, the appellation you adopted upon your Sire's demise.” the Elder elaborated, sending a torrent of anger and pain through the young demoness as she listened to the gruesome laughter once more rise and recede. “You are a sage and proficient protagonist - I shall let you do the honours.”

The bloodoath... is uniting us.
The bloodoath ... is uniting us.

Sin sighed, licking her too dry lips and clearing her throat. She stepped forward, but she did not make eye contact. It was forbidden to establish any form of contact with a Council Elder without proper and express permission.

“Council Elders, it is the humble opinion of I, Sin Nomine, that you requisitioned this intimate inquest regarding myself and the Tremere Caitiff Varish because of recent misconduct. To elucidate, inappropriate conduct of Childe of Tzimisce Sin Nomine and Tremere Caitiff Varish on the third dimension. I assure you that a punishment has indeed been rendered, and ...” Sin tried to complete but was stopped short.

Fornicator, fornicator.
You filthy whore.

“Silence.” The Elder reprimanded. “I care not to hear you beg. It amuses me, but alas, although that is in part the reason you are here, The Tribunal shall not be punishing you this day.” He spit out, the disappointment in his tone crisp and clear..

Sin blinked, her feline-esque features contorting as she tried to make sense of the situation. So, The Council had not called them in to punish or murder them. Sin felt faint, both from relief and confusion.

The bloodoath... is uniting us.
The bloodoath... is uniting us.
The bloodoath... is uniting us.
The bloodoath... is uniting us.
The bloodoath... is uniting us.
The bloodoath... is uniting us.

“Childe of Tzimisce Sin Nomine and Tremere Caitiff Varish, I ask that you please recognize The Council as I read your sentence.”

Varish stepped up beside Sin, and both shared a confounded glance before focusing on the black robed Kindred Judge.

The bloodoath... is uniting us.
The bloodoath... is uniting us.
The bloodoath... is uniting us.

“You are a fortunate pair. It seems that one of the Gods, God of Gods to be more blunt, Higashi no Kaioshin, is interested in the assistance of the Kindred to aid in defending against certain threats. I am assigning you pair of pathetic creatures to him. It is not because the Kaioshin impressed upon me an agreement of sorts.” The Council Elder paused for effect, his sharp features darkening considerably. “It is because you nettlesome infidels are being too much of a burden. I demand you out by twilight, forbidden to return, or I am putting out a contract on the both of you. Foul heathens ... Be gone!” The Council Elder yelled, banging his gavel violently and panting to catch his breath.

Both vampires almost jumped out of their skins at the loud noise before scampering clumsily out of The Council chambers.

The bloodoath... is uniting us.

Outside The Council Chambers:

“Hallelujah!” Varish celebrated, grabbing a passing Kindred brother and dancing him around in maniacal circles before hugging the stuffing out of him. The man snarled and struggled out of the surprise embrace, slapping the sprightly Caitiff up the side of the head with the thick book he carried before muttering a string of blue curses and cutting out.

The off-kilter demon stumbled into the wall laughing as if he had good sense, massaging it and whispering sweet nothings, before collapsing on the floor and lavishing it with the same romantic attention.

In contrast, Sin had not said a word. She had not moved an inch. Rolling onto his back, rubbing and purring like a contented cat, Varish looked up at her. He blinked a number of times before rising to his feet and curiously meandering up to her.

“Sin?” He called, snapping his fingers in front of her face. “Sin ... Sin, you in there?” He queried, still not getting a response. He sighed, nibbling his bottom lip in thought. Then, it hit him. “Sin ... you're going to hate me for this, but you're not giving me any other option, here, Dollface.” He said, a sly grin on his face as he slithered up behind her ... and promptly pinched her on the bottom as hard as he could.

“Ouch! You perverted son of a bitch!” Sin screeched, slapping him out of reflex.

“Of course.” Varish smiled, rubbing his sore cheek.

“Oh, God - Varish, I am so sorry. I ... let me see it.” Sin fidgeted, rubbing his sore cheek and cringing as he winced. “I'm sorry,” she soothed, “but if you ever come near my behind again I'll have your fucking guts for garters!” She screamed, pinching his ear.

“Sin, ouch! I get it ... I get it. I had no choice, honest!” Varish whined and giggled, massaging his sore ear. “Sin, come on ... let's kick this popsicle stand and go celebrate in style. Ooh, I got it - let's go get Abbadon and stage an ambush on Ertosi and the Powers. Sammael is bound to pitch in - I think he likes you.” Varish said winking and sniggering.

“First of all,” Sin began, “I am not one to inflict malice absent of justification. To add to that, you heard The Council. Our sentence is to help one of the Gods, and I doubt their interpretation of help is to go right out and indulge in a bloody battle against the very element we are bound to aid in protecting. It's not that simple. Our banishment does not entitle us independence or freedom. The Council banished us on their orders - to help this Higashi no Kaioshin. Do the math. If either of us should mess this up, The Council is going to be on us like flies on shit.” Sin concluded, seeing that she had at least gotten through to him as she started off on the long trek back to their quarters. “Oh,” Sin added as an afterthought, “and don't forget you managed to get our powers stripped, and go up against Ertosi in that condition, and he is going to hand you your ass on a platter.”

“Oh, shit - that's right.” Varish cursed, slapping his forehead and sullenly falling into step with his younger apprentice. “So, then how does The Council figure us of any use to this ... oh, love a duck ... how are we to protect dinglefuzzie and the universe without the abilities to do so?”

“You know, for some strange reason, I doubt this Higashi character is going to take to you calling him dinglefuzzie.” Sin said, cringing. “I digress. I have absolutely no idea. I say let him flesh it out. He's the one that petitioned for us.” Sin shrugged. “It's not important right now. I just want to get a hot bath, something to eat, and then to get packed and out of here.” Sin wrapped her arms about herself tighter at the thought.

“Yeah, I hear you.” Varish murmured as both demons picked up the pace.

Sin's Room:

Sin glanced around at the room she had known since childhood. Shades of rich blue and purple dominated the colour scheme. Plush velvets and luxurious silks adorned the furniture and exotic round bed. In one corner stood an antique armoire. It had belonged to her human mother. Her Sire had brought it to her the morning after her mother died. It was all she had left of either one of them ... and she was being forced to abandon it.

She is flying, soaring through the air up there.
My butterfly.
In the sky she loves to spy she's way up high.
My butterfly.

She brushed a trembling finger over the picture she held, smiling through bitter tears, at the couple staring back at her. It had been because of his human mate that her Sire had been assassinated. The Council had demanded him end the relationship, but her Sire had proudly declined. Vampires, in contrast to humans, mated for life. The Council had the scapegoat they needed. It was, of course, common for Vampires to mate with other races and peoples, something all Kindred knew. But, no one dared defy The Council.

Floating in the sky.
In her state of mind.

Sighing deeply, Sin gathered up her belongings, slipping a small, obscure jar of dirt into her pocket.

Her state of mind.
Her state of mind.
Her state of mind.
Her state of mind.

It hurt. She had been born and bred here. It was the last part of her she had left. She bit her lip, tasting blood, but not caring. She made a promise to herself in that moment to one day return and rightly avenge her parents ... and find her mother.

She is flying, soaring through the air up there.
My butterfly.

Last Goodbyes:

Sin struggled to get the last of her bags out of her room, and once finished, closed her door for the last time. She felt a familiar arm drape itself across her shoulder and sighed, leaning her head into the crook of his neck. She had him. She had lost a lot, but she had not lost it all just yet and for that she was thankful.

“You going to be all right?” Varish asked, pulling her in close and breathing in her comforting scent.

“Of course. It hurts, but time heals all wounds ... and time is something our kind has in abundance.” Sin said, smiling, but not bothering to disguise her sadness. She snuggled closer to him if possible, feeling the gentle beating of his heart through his skin. She had enough.

“I suppose this is it.” Varish said as they reached the end of the line, squeezing her shoulder, as much to comfort her as himself.

Sin nodded, but remained silent. She didn't much trust herself to say anything.

The pair stood at the barrier separating their territory from the outer realms. It looked so lonely and isolated out there. It had never looked that way before. Then again, before they had a home to come back to. The silence lasted only moments, but it felt like centuries. The demons cast one last whimsical glance around and then bid a final adieu to their homeland.

End of Chapter One.

One last note: Yes, this is going to be a romance. But ... I am not planning it to end on a high note. I suppose it depends. If I get enough comments asking for a head on romance I might consider it. I am not promising anything, though. So, review if you like. It is appreciated. Constructive criticism if you must, but please no flames. On updates, it depends on time. Once again, I am not promising anything though both of us will try our best.