Nightwalker Fan Fiction ❯ Arms of drakness ❯ Thoughts of Freedom ( Chapter 1 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Haruka-chan 
Anime/Manga: Nightwalker Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Occult / Horror / Fantasy / Hentai / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.07.2003 | Pages: 1 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 902 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Nightwalker Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Occult / Horror / Fantasy / Hentai / Drama | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.07.2003 | Pages: 1 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 902 | Status: Work In Progress
The Red Rose of Italy
By: Haruka-chan
An: My second Nightwalker fic. This fic is going to be different from the last one; this one is going to be in between 1300-1600s the times will be mixed. This was about the time Shido was probably made in to a vampire. I read Shido/Cain but for some reason I can't seem to enjoy them much considering that Shido hates this man, but I guess with hate comes some sort of love. Anyway this is going to be another Shido/Riho fic, I know a lot of people find Riho annoying, so do I sometimes but she's all right. In this fic Riho is to be marry to Count Cain and she doesn't want to marry just any man, she wants to marry a man she loves. She wants freedom from it all so she runs away, only to be found by another Lord. She stays at his palace for a while getting to know him and his way of life. Just when things were getting good for Riho, Cain comes and takes her back to the world she ran away from. Sorry it has to be this way but my word doc doesn't support special lettering and formatting so please cope with me. *Note that the time, costume and furniture are going to match.*
*....*- Means that it's character thoughts.
*~....~*- Character is thinking about what someone said in the past.
"...."- Means characters are talking.
****.....****- Means dreams of the character.
~~~***...***~~~- Means letters and notes from characters
Thoughts of Freedom...Chapter 1
I have always wandered what made people get butterflies. What made them more then just another man or woman? What people saw in love...and why it was always paired with hate, just in happiness you have sadness and pain. These things puzzled me, why would one want to bring upon themself the pain of loving? So many confusing thoughts and feelings!...but it was that night...that stormy night that I truly found out all the answer to my questions. I found love...
It was the year 1405, the years of the richest. When the painters were inspired to paint the golden age of art, brilliant minds revolutionized, where great architecture rose. Where great writing was written. Where Humanism flourished. It was the time of the Renaissance the age of art and science the rebirth of life. [AN: I know that it started in the 1300s but it falls in my time interval and also this is going to be in Italy and not in Japan. ok ^_^] It is in Italy, the trade central, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city of Rome is where our story starts. One of the city of wealth and brilliance. Home to artist, scholars and Nobles. The most known lord of the time was a foreigner a Japanese, he was Lord Takagi [AN: I know that's not Riho's fathers last name but ^_^] who was a once a famous explorer, now among the richest with two of the most beautiful woman as his wife and daughter. He is seen as one of the most Handsome men in Italy not to mention his wife Lady Cathleen is an Italian and among the beauties that grace the land of Rome. His daughter was the real beauty, born with both beauty and brains. It's said that his daughter was like a goddess sent by the gods themselves. If God was smiling down at anyone it had to be him.
"Mother why do I have to go to this ball?" Asked a young woman of 17. She had long auburn hair and big blue eyes. "Because my darling you are at an age where you should be married and have a family of your own. Tonight at Lord Ellis' ball, you will meet possible suitors." Said a woman in her mid 30's with blond hair tied in to an elegant bun fit for her stature. She had bright green eyes that held much wisdom and intellects. "Mother, I told you I do not wish to marry without love." Said the young woman. "Riho dear, you will come to love the man that you marry" Said her mother. "But mother I want what you and father have. I want to know the man I marry" said Riho. Her mother smiled and sat next to her daughter. "Darling I know what you want, but that is not possible. I was lucky to have known your father and actually loving him and I wish you could have the same, but your father grows impatient." She said gently. "Does father not want me to be happy?" She asked. "Of course he wants you to be happy, that is why he feels you marrying is good for you." Said her mother. "Mother..." She whispered. "Come on dear get dressed the carriage will come for us soon" said her mother. Riho sighed as her mother left her to dress. Riho walked out in to the balcony over looking the sea, she sighed "I do not wish to marry a man who will see me as a prize for my beauty and father's money...I want love. Funny how I want love yet I do not know what it is" Riho said. "Lady Riho, I am here to help you" Said one of the maids. "Yes, I might as well get this over with" she said under her breath and walked inside. "Lady Riho are you excited about the ball tonight, I hear that a lot of handsome lords and princes are all attending." Said the maid. "I suppose so." Riho said as the maid tied her hair. "Come you must be ready." Said the maid. Riho stared at the mirror. *Yes, all they see is a piece of gem, and the riches that come with it* Riho thought.
A couple hours later Riho found herself dressed in gown of blush satin strapless sheath, which had a crepe bodice with empire belt and a drop waist with a full (fluffy) skirt. On her neck was a clear crystal bib necklace and on her ears were matching chanderlier crystl earings. On her gloved hands a small simple crystal beaded bracelet, her hair was done up with twist in the front of her head with the rest of it pulled back in to a high pony tail of curls. She was heading towards one of the noble's home where the ball was to take place. Riho sighed once again as her mother and father chatted about possible suitors that will attend the ball. "Riho, what do you think about Lord Victor?" Her father asked. "Father I do not even know how the man looks" Said Riho. "Oh you will meet him tonight, he told me he will be there if you are there" Said Lord Takagi . "Yes, father I look forward to meeting Lord Victor and every other suitor" Riho said trying to make herself sound happy. *How do all of these men know me? Yet I know nothing of them* Riho thought. The carriage came to a halt and the door opened for them. "Oh I have to compliment Lord Ellis on his new home." Said Lady Cathleen. "Come along dear." She then said to her daughter. "Yes mother." Riho said and followed like a puppy. Inside they were greeted by the beauty of an Italian palace, soft music, couples dancing and laughter of the false world they created for themselves. Riho lingered at the door. Was this the life she wanted? No, it couldn't be, she wanted a life without walls and people. She wanted to see what life held for her, without any barriers, she wanted freedom from it all.
"Oh Lord Takagi, Lady Cathleen and Riho!" Said an all to familiar woman coming towards them. "Lady Ana, it's so pleasant to see you again and you look wonderful!" Riho's mother said. Lady Ana blushed and nodded. "Yes, so do you. And look how beautiful Riho is, as always" Said Lady Ana. Riho smiled and bowed. "Oh! I wish she was my own!" Said Lady Ana. "Come you have to meet Lord Victor, he has been very impatient about your arrival, not to mention every other Lord." Lady Ana said as she lead Riho by the arm. Riho smiled one of her fake smiles. They approached a tall man he had dark brown hair and deep brown eyes, he was quite handsome, but slim. "Lady Riho what a pleasure to see you once again." He said with smile taking Riho's hand and bringing to his lips. "Yes, It's a pleasure Lord Victor." She said. Riho was letting him kiss her gloved hand just like so many had done before. "Come Lady Riho, honor me with a dance." Said Lord Victor. "I...umm...I would love to" She said in defeat. "Lord Victor do not take all of her for yourself, let us other have a divine taste" Said a deep smooth voice with an accent. Lord Victor turned to see who it was, Riho herself was just as curious about who had spoken. "Count Cain of Transylvania" Said Lord Victor. [An: I'm don't know if that's how you spell Transylvania. Sorry if not right.] The tall man was pale he had long wavey blonde hair lose and his eyes were a beautiful deep gold color. He was dressed just like very other noble and lord in the room, yet something about him was different. [AN: When I say this I don't mean the stocking, balloon shirt and pants, because that's the kind of clothing the Italians wore at that time, but the kind of clothing Shido and Cain wears in the show only fancier is the kind of clothing the men wore] "Count Cain, it's a pleasure to meet you." Riho found herself saying. Cain smiled and took her hand. "And the same for you Lady Riho." He said. Riho smiled. "Count Cain we did not expect you back so soon." Said Lord Victor. "Yes, I did not either, but how can I miss a chance to see the beautiful Lady Riho." Said Cain looking down at the blushing Riho. "I am not all that you say?" She whispered.
"Lord Victor you would not mind if I take this dance with Lady Riho would you?" Cain asked. "Oh no certainly not." He said. "Shall we?" Cain asked as he held his hand out to Riho. Riho smiled and nodded. Cain slowly lead her in to the center of the ballroom, placed his fisted hand behind his back and another to hold her hand. One of Riho's hand went to join Cain's while another rested on his shoulder. Cain led them slowly, the music stirring softly in to them. "So Lady Riho have you met anyone that could possibly be your suitor?" Cain asked. "No Count Cain I have not, to be honest with you; I do not think I am ready to marry yet. What about you?" She said. "I see, I feel that same way, but it is always time that drives people make such long decisions." He said. Riho looked up at him and said "I suppose your right, at times I wish I could have forever to decide certain things." Cain smiled at her and replied "Time seems nonexistent to me." Riho laughed. "How I envy you Count Cain." She said. "Do I detect a hint of sadness?" Cain asked. "I suppose. Tell me Count Cain have you ever in your life felt you needed to be free from something?" She asked. "I think I have. I was about your age when I did not want to be the son of a lord. I did not want all the responsibility, so I ran. I ran away and explored what I wanted." He told her . Riho's eyes sparkled. "It must have felt wonderful." She said. "Yes, it did but it did get quite lonely after a while. I longed for something more, someone to be at my side. So I returned and took on as Count." He said.
"Do you like being a Count?" She asked. "It has its good and its bad points."He said. "I wish I were as lucky as you." She said. Cain laughed and said "Lady Riho I think every maiden wished they look half as beautiful as you and you say that you are not lucky?" "But is that all I am?" Riho asked. "I see your mind is growing wings. I do not believe your husband will like that." He said. "What about you? Do you feel offended by my thinking as well?" Riho asked bravely. "No, I do not. I wished more maidens were like you." He said. Riho found herself blushing once more. Lady Cathleen watched as her daughter and the count conversed. "The count is charming is he not?" Lady Ana asked. "Yes, he is and Riho seem to be enjoying herself." Lady Cathleen said. "I think he is perfect for her." Lady Ana said. "Yes, so do I." Whispered Lady Cathleen. The music slowed for couples. "I suppose we stop here." Riho said. "I would like to continue if you wish." He said. Riho would rather dance with him, then any other man at the moment. "I would love to." She said to him. Cain smiled and put his hand on her waist bringing her closer, Riho laced her hands around his neck. She pondered on the smiles he gave her, they held something mysterious in them. They danced with the music without a word, Riho found herself, slip from this world to another fantasy where she saw herself free, but as all things it came to an end. The music stopped as the host Lord Ellis decided to toast Count Cain and her father for what reason she was unknown of.
The ride back home was quite with her father and mother chatting about something or the other, but something about what she discussed with Count Cain made her think about if she was truly happy. Riho let out a small chuckle. Happy? Why would she even consider asking herself that? Of course just as Count Cain had said many maiden would kill to be at her place, yet she was questioning herself about her happiness? How ironic is that? The way he spoke of time and freedom, she wanted to experience those things. She wanted to rush in to some things while she waited for other, she didn't want to have a time for everything. Riho's head clouded over with so many thoughts that she didn't even notice they were home already. "Riho darling were here already." Her mother called. "Yes, Mother." She said as she stepped of the carriage and walked towards the door to the palace. The mere walk to her room seemed longer then her life. Riho walked towards her bed and sat down, her mother came in a short while later to help her with her dress, not that she ever needed such help. "Dear tell me what you thought of Lord Victor?" Her mother asked. Riho just nodded and replied "He was charming." "I am sure he was. Now tell me what you thought of Count Cain?" She asked . "Count Cain..." Riho said. Lady Cathleen giggled and asked "I knew it you like him do you not?" Riho felt as if she was in some kind of a daze, she couldn't hear a thing that her mother was saying or maybe she didn't want to.
"Mother I am quite tired." She said. "Yes, I will see you in the morning." Her mother replied. She then gave her a small kiss on her head and walked out. Riho walked to the balcony. The lands around her seem to call out to her. The wind seem to whisper her name...Riho...Riho. "I want to be free." She whispered as tears trailed down her face and then all was black. Riho woke to find it was already morning and she was in her bed. "How did I get here? I don't remember anything..." She whispered as she sat up. A knock came at the door. "Come in." She said. "Lady Riho, you're up. The Lord and Lady wishes to see you." The maid said bringing in her breakfast. Riho nodded as she placed the food on the table and went to her closet to pull out a dress for her to wear. "Did you enjoy yourself at the ball my Lady?" The maid asked. "Yes, it was pleasant." She said sipping her tea. "But barely." She whispered. "Lady?" The maid asked. "I'm done." She said grabbing her dress and throwing it on. Riho brushed her hair up in to a bun and walked towards the meeting room. Riho walked in to see her mother and father sitting laughing about something. "Mother, Father you wish to see me?" Riho asked. "Ahh yes come in." Lord Takagi said.
Riho walked slowly towards the chair and sat down across from her mother and father. "Darling your father and I have talked and haved decided on your husband." Her mother said. "A husband?" She asked as if she was a child and didn't know what the term meant. "Yes, Count Cain of Transylvania." She said. *Count Cain?!?* Riho thought. "The Count?" She asked. "Yes, he was quite charmed by you last night, he wishes to court you for some time, before you are married."Her mother said. Riho looked down at her hand. *So this is it, the man I thought was on my side has turned against me.* She thought. "Do you not wish to marry him?" Her father asked. "I do not wish to marry anybody."She said to him. "Riho you are at an age where you must become a wife, build a family of your own. Your mother and I grow old, we do wish to see our grand children." Her father said with a soft smile. "Why can I not wait? Why are you trying to send me away?" She asked in a whisper once more. "Darling we are not trying to send you away, we are trying to do the best we can for you." Her mother said. "I do not want to marry mother." Riho answered. Shelooked up at her mother with tears. Her father stood and walked towards the huge bay windows. "Riho, the Count is a good man and he will take care of you. I do not wish to force you in to marrying him, but I will have to." Lord Takagi said. "You are forcing me to marrying him." Riho said. "Riho darling he is a charming man, he will serve as a good husband" Lady Cathleen said. Riho stood and exclaimed "I do not care if he is charming mother! I do not wish to marry!" Riho cried before she fled towards her room. "I am worried for her dear, she is not herself lately." Lady Cathleen said as she looked towards the open door of the meeting room. "She will marry Count Cain." Lord Takagi said. Lady Cathleen sighed and said "Yes, she will have to."
Riho ran in to her room and stood against the door as hot liquid came down her face. "Why? How could he?" She asked as she slipped to her knees and held herself as more tears came. "I don't want to be trapped forever." She whispered. "I don't want to marry." She said. ~*So I ran. I ran and saw everything I wanted to see.*~ Cain's words drifted in her head. Yes, it was decided she would flee. She would run away from it all. Wealth,power and time away from all of it. She will go some where people didn't know her. Where they won't treat her like a lord's daughter. Where time has no meaning. Riho decided she was going to pretend everything was fine and that night she will flee. She will find love if not that then at least she will have a taste of freedom and real happiness and after all that is all she desired...was it not?
The rest of the day went as usual, it was finally time for dinner. Riho decided to join her parents only so she could see their face once more. She walked in to the dinning hall and saw her mother and father already seated at the table waiting for her. Riho took her seat on her fathers left side while her mother occupied the right. "Father, Mother I would like to apologize for my behavior this morning."She said quietly. "We understand that you are scared, but this is something you must do. Apologize accepted." Her mother said. Lord Takagi looked at his daughter and said "You still seem to me as that beautiful girl I knew. I wish the best for you." It was his way of apologizing. Riho looked up and smiled at her parents. "Thank you, and I love you both very much." She said. "We love you too darling." Lady Cathleen said. Lord Takagi smiled and squeezed her hand. The dinner was quite and same, with a usual 'yes' and nods from Riho. She sat at her vanity table and looked down at the paper and ink she had gotten so she could write a letter. Riho found herself crying for the fact she was going to leave the two people she cared for more then anything. "It must be done."She whispered and picked up the quill and started to write. An hour later she was at the front gate of the palace. It seemed the guards were taking a little 'nap' all to her convenience. She ran to the stables and brought out a horse and headed out the gate.
Riho looked back once more at the home she known for the past 17 years. "I can't turn back now, I want to be free. I don't care any more." She whispered as she pulled her cloak closer. She yanked tight the strap of her saddle and flung herself on to the horse. Once more she looked back before she rode of. No one saw her, no one stopped her. Riho rode as fast as she could, away from the home she knew and fast so nothing can stop her. But the heavens above her didn't agree with her, it opened up it's eyesand let the tears fall, along with thunders of anger and lighting of sadness. Riho tried to hold on to the strap tighter to prevent herself from falling of, but it was all up to the horse now to get her to a safe place, the rain was beyond her human sense to control. "Come on don't let me down now." she whispered to the horse. Riho gasped as another thunder broke. *Why tonight of all night?!? Why did it have to rain this way when she was so close to her freedom* She thought. "I won't give up." She said to try to encourage herself. Another lightening flashed through the sky. Riho cursed her luck once more, there wasn't a shelter that she can take now and she was to far from the city, considering her family palace was at the out skirt of the city near the woods and forest. "Come on, I know your not afraid of this storm."She said once more encouraging the horse to not leave her.
"Maybe this is the gods way of telling me that I should have been more selfless, and stayed home." She said. "Oh what I wouldn't give to be dry and under the warm silk sheets." she said to herself. *No! I won't give up, I will make it. I have to* She thought. At that moment the heaven gave a thunderous roar making the horse lose it nerves and dropping Riho off, and running. Riho stared up at the sky and tears formed at the corner of her eyes. "So this is how it will end?"She asked before she saw nothing but black. A carriage was heading in the road where Riho lied unconscious. "My Lord there is a maiden lying on the ground." Said the woman inside the carriage. "Stop the carriage."He said. "Yes, my Lord."Said the coachman. The Lord stepped out and walked towards the body. Riho's hair covered her face and she lied on her stomach. "Is she all right?"Asked the woman stepping out also. The Lord moved her to her back and moved some of the hair out of her face. A small gasped escaped the Lord, but it was covered by the loud gasp that came from the woman. "Oh God she is beautiful, like a fallen angel" She said bringing her hands to her lips. "She is still alive, we shall have to bring her back to the palace, we cannot make it back to the Vatican City in this hell of a storm."Said the Lord. "I agree" Said the woman. The Lord picked Riho up and brought her in to the carriage. "My Lord you are all wet." Said the woman giggling. The Lord laughed "So I am, but it is worth saving a life." He said staring down at the dirt fill face of Riho. *Such a beautiful face even with the dirt gracing her face. I wonder what she will look after she is cleaned.* He thought.
TBC
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AN: I finished chapter 1! I have been thinking of writing this for a week and it was driving me crazy so I finally got it over with! Anyways I will have chapter 2 up and soon, but you have to tell me what you think. Sorry about grammar, spelling. Please REVIEW!!! Thanks! ^_~
By: Haruka-chan
An: My second Nightwalker fic. This fic is going to be different from the last one; this one is going to be in between 1300-1600s the times will be mixed. This was about the time Shido was probably made in to a vampire. I read Shido/Cain but for some reason I can't seem to enjoy them much considering that Shido hates this man, but I guess with hate comes some sort of love. Anyway this is going to be another Shido/Riho fic, I know a lot of people find Riho annoying, so do I sometimes but she's all right. In this fic Riho is to be marry to Count Cain and she doesn't want to marry just any man, she wants to marry a man she loves. She wants freedom from it all so she runs away, only to be found by another Lord. She stays at his palace for a while getting to know him and his way of life. Just when things were getting good for Riho, Cain comes and takes her back to the world she ran away from. Sorry it has to be this way but my word doc doesn't support special lettering and formatting so please cope with me. *Note that the time, costume and furniture are going to match.*
*....*- Means that it's character thoughts.
*~....~*- Character is thinking about what someone said in the past.
"...."- Means characters are talking.
****.....****- Means dreams of the character.
~~~***...***~~~- Means letters and notes from characters
Thoughts of Freedom...Chapter 1
I have always wandered what made people get butterflies. What made them more then just another man or woman? What people saw in love...and why it was always paired with hate, just in happiness you have sadness and pain. These things puzzled me, why would one want to bring upon themself the pain of loving? So many confusing thoughts and feelings!...but it was that night...that stormy night that I truly found out all the answer to my questions. I found love...
It was the year 1405, the years of the richest. When the painters were inspired to paint the golden age of art, brilliant minds revolutionized, where great architecture rose. Where great writing was written. Where Humanism flourished. It was the time of the Renaissance the age of art and science the rebirth of life. [AN: I know that it started in the 1300s but it falls in my time interval and also this is going to be in Italy and not in Japan. ok ^_^] It is in Italy, the trade central, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city of Rome is where our story starts. One of the city of wealth and brilliance. Home to artist, scholars and Nobles. The most known lord of the time was a foreigner a Japanese, he was Lord Takagi [AN: I know that's not Riho's fathers last name but ^_^] who was a once a famous explorer, now among the richest with two of the most beautiful woman as his wife and daughter. He is seen as one of the most Handsome men in Italy not to mention his wife Lady Cathleen is an Italian and among the beauties that grace the land of Rome. His daughter was the real beauty, born with both beauty and brains. It's said that his daughter was like a goddess sent by the gods themselves. If God was smiling down at anyone it had to be him.
"Mother why do I have to go to this ball?" Asked a young woman of 17. She had long auburn hair and big blue eyes. "Because my darling you are at an age where you should be married and have a family of your own. Tonight at Lord Ellis' ball, you will meet possible suitors." Said a woman in her mid 30's with blond hair tied in to an elegant bun fit for her stature. She had bright green eyes that held much wisdom and intellects. "Mother, I told you I do not wish to marry without love." Said the young woman. "Riho dear, you will come to love the man that you marry" Said her mother. "But mother I want what you and father have. I want to know the man I marry" said Riho. Her mother smiled and sat next to her daughter. "Darling I know what you want, but that is not possible. I was lucky to have known your father and actually loving him and I wish you could have the same, but your father grows impatient." She said gently. "Does father not want me to be happy?" She asked. "Of course he wants you to be happy, that is why he feels you marrying is good for you." Said her mother. "Mother..." She whispered. "Come on dear get dressed the carriage will come for us soon" said her mother. Riho sighed as her mother left her to dress. Riho walked out in to the balcony over looking the sea, she sighed "I do not wish to marry a man who will see me as a prize for my beauty and father's money...I want love. Funny how I want love yet I do not know what it is" Riho said. "Lady Riho, I am here to help you" Said one of the maids. "Yes, I might as well get this over with" she said under her breath and walked inside. "Lady Riho are you excited about the ball tonight, I hear that a lot of handsome lords and princes are all attending." Said the maid. "I suppose so." Riho said as the maid tied her hair. "Come you must be ready." Said the maid. Riho stared at the mirror. *Yes, all they see is a piece of gem, and the riches that come with it* Riho thought.
A couple hours later Riho found herself dressed in gown of blush satin strapless sheath, which had a crepe bodice with empire belt and a drop waist with a full (fluffy) skirt. On her neck was a clear crystal bib necklace and on her ears were matching chanderlier crystl earings. On her gloved hands a small simple crystal beaded bracelet, her hair was done up with twist in the front of her head with the rest of it pulled back in to a high pony tail of curls. She was heading towards one of the noble's home where the ball was to take place. Riho sighed once again as her mother and father chatted about possible suitors that will attend the ball. "Riho, what do you think about Lord Victor?" Her father asked. "Father I do not even know how the man looks" Said Riho. "Oh you will meet him tonight, he told me he will be there if you are there" Said Lord Takagi . "Yes, father I look forward to meeting Lord Victor and every other suitor" Riho said trying to make herself sound happy. *How do all of these men know me? Yet I know nothing of them* Riho thought. The carriage came to a halt and the door opened for them. "Oh I have to compliment Lord Ellis on his new home." Said Lady Cathleen. "Come along dear." She then said to her daughter. "Yes mother." Riho said and followed like a puppy. Inside they were greeted by the beauty of an Italian palace, soft music, couples dancing and laughter of the false world they created for themselves. Riho lingered at the door. Was this the life she wanted? No, it couldn't be, she wanted a life without walls and people. She wanted to see what life held for her, without any barriers, she wanted freedom from it all.
"Oh Lord Takagi, Lady Cathleen and Riho!" Said an all to familiar woman coming towards them. "Lady Ana, it's so pleasant to see you again and you look wonderful!" Riho's mother said. Lady Ana blushed and nodded. "Yes, so do you. And look how beautiful Riho is, as always" Said Lady Ana. Riho smiled and bowed. "Oh! I wish she was my own!" Said Lady Ana. "Come you have to meet Lord Victor, he has been very impatient about your arrival, not to mention every other Lord." Lady Ana said as she lead Riho by the arm. Riho smiled one of her fake smiles. They approached a tall man he had dark brown hair and deep brown eyes, he was quite handsome, but slim. "Lady Riho what a pleasure to see you once again." He said with smile taking Riho's hand and bringing to his lips. "Yes, It's a pleasure Lord Victor." She said. Riho was letting him kiss her gloved hand just like so many had done before. "Come Lady Riho, honor me with a dance." Said Lord Victor. "I...umm...I would love to" She said in defeat. "Lord Victor do not take all of her for yourself, let us other have a divine taste" Said a deep smooth voice with an accent. Lord Victor turned to see who it was, Riho herself was just as curious about who had spoken. "Count Cain of Transylvania" Said Lord Victor. [An: I'm don't know if that's how you spell Transylvania. Sorry if not right.] The tall man was pale he had long wavey blonde hair lose and his eyes were a beautiful deep gold color. He was dressed just like very other noble and lord in the room, yet something about him was different. [AN: When I say this I don't mean the stocking, balloon shirt and pants, because that's the kind of clothing the Italians wore at that time, but the kind of clothing Shido and Cain wears in the show only fancier is the kind of clothing the men wore] "Count Cain, it's a pleasure to meet you." Riho found herself saying. Cain smiled and took her hand. "And the same for you Lady Riho." He said. Riho smiled. "Count Cain we did not expect you back so soon." Said Lord Victor. "Yes, I did not either, but how can I miss a chance to see the beautiful Lady Riho." Said Cain looking down at the blushing Riho. "I am not all that you say?" She whispered.
"Lord Victor you would not mind if I take this dance with Lady Riho would you?" Cain asked. "Oh no certainly not." He said. "Shall we?" Cain asked as he held his hand out to Riho. Riho smiled and nodded. Cain slowly lead her in to the center of the ballroom, placed his fisted hand behind his back and another to hold her hand. One of Riho's hand went to join Cain's while another rested on his shoulder. Cain led them slowly, the music stirring softly in to them. "So Lady Riho have you met anyone that could possibly be your suitor?" Cain asked. "No Count Cain I have not, to be honest with you; I do not think I am ready to marry yet. What about you?" She said. "I see, I feel that same way, but it is always time that drives people make such long decisions." He said. Riho looked up at him and said "I suppose your right, at times I wish I could have forever to decide certain things." Cain smiled at her and replied "Time seems nonexistent to me." Riho laughed. "How I envy you Count Cain." She said. "Do I detect a hint of sadness?" Cain asked. "I suppose. Tell me Count Cain have you ever in your life felt you needed to be free from something?" She asked. "I think I have. I was about your age when I did not want to be the son of a lord. I did not want all the responsibility, so I ran. I ran away and explored what I wanted." He told her . Riho's eyes sparkled. "It must have felt wonderful." She said. "Yes, it did but it did get quite lonely after a while. I longed for something more, someone to be at my side. So I returned and took on as Count." He said.
"Do you like being a Count?" She asked. "It has its good and its bad points."He said. "I wish I were as lucky as you." She said. Cain laughed and said "Lady Riho I think every maiden wished they look half as beautiful as you and you say that you are not lucky?" "But is that all I am?" Riho asked. "I see your mind is growing wings. I do not believe your husband will like that." He said. "What about you? Do you feel offended by my thinking as well?" Riho asked bravely. "No, I do not. I wished more maidens were like you." He said. Riho found herself blushing once more. Lady Cathleen watched as her daughter and the count conversed. "The count is charming is he not?" Lady Ana asked. "Yes, he is and Riho seem to be enjoying herself." Lady Cathleen said. "I think he is perfect for her." Lady Ana said. "Yes, so do I." Whispered Lady Cathleen. The music slowed for couples. "I suppose we stop here." Riho said. "I would like to continue if you wish." He said. Riho would rather dance with him, then any other man at the moment. "I would love to." She said to him. Cain smiled and put his hand on her waist bringing her closer, Riho laced her hands around his neck. She pondered on the smiles he gave her, they held something mysterious in them. They danced with the music without a word, Riho found herself, slip from this world to another fantasy where she saw herself free, but as all things it came to an end. The music stopped as the host Lord Ellis decided to toast Count Cain and her father for what reason she was unknown of.
The ride back home was quite with her father and mother chatting about something or the other, but something about what she discussed with Count Cain made her think about if she was truly happy. Riho let out a small chuckle. Happy? Why would she even consider asking herself that? Of course just as Count Cain had said many maiden would kill to be at her place, yet she was questioning herself about her happiness? How ironic is that? The way he spoke of time and freedom, she wanted to experience those things. She wanted to rush in to some things while she waited for other, she didn't want to have a time for everything. Riho's head clouded over with so many thoughts that she didn't even notice they were home already. "Riho darling were here already." Her mother called. "Yes, Mother." She said as she stepped of the carriage and walked towards the door to the palace. The mere walk to her room seemed longer then her life. Riho walked towards her bed and sat down, her mother came in a short while later to help her with her dress, not that she ever needed such help. "Dear tell me what you thought of Lord Victor?" Her mother asked. Riho just nodded and replied "He was charming." "I am sure he was. Now tell me what you thought of Count Cain?" She asked . "Count Cain..." Riho said. Lady Cathleen giggled and asked "I knew it you like him do you not?" Riho felt as if she was in some kind of a daze, she couldn't hear a thing that her mother was saying or maybe she didn't want to.
"Mother I am quite tired." She said. "Yes, I will see you in the morning." Her mother replied. She then gave her a small kiss on her head and walked out. Riho walked to the balcony. The lands around her seem to call out to her. The wind seem to whisper her name...Riho...Riho. "I want to be free." She whispered as tears trailed down her face and then all was black. Riho woke to find it was already morning and she was in her bed. "How did I get here? I don't remember anything..." She whispered as she sat up. A knock came at the door. "Come in." She said. "Lady Riho, you're up. The Lord and Lady wishes to see you." The maid said bringing in her breakfast. Riho nodded as she placed the food on the table and went to her closet to pull out a dress for her to wear. "Did you enjoy yourself at the ball my Lady?" The maid asked. "Yes, it was pleasant." She said sipping her tea. "But barely." She whispered. "Lady?" The maid asked. "I'm done." She said grabbing her dress and throwing it on. Riho brushed her hair up in to a bun and walked towards the meeting room. Riho walked in to see her mother and father sitting laughing about something. "Mother, Father you wish to see me?" Riho asked. "Ahh yes come in." Lord Takagi said.
Riho walked slowly towards the chair and sat down across from her mother and father. "Darling your father and I have talked and haved decided on your husband." Her mother said. "A husband?" She asked as if she was a child and didn't know what the term meant. "Yes, Count Cain of Transylvania." She said. *Count Cain?!?* Riho thought. "The Count?" She asked. "Yes, he was quite charmed by you last night, he wishes to court you for some time, before you are married."Her mother said. Riho looked down at her hand. *So this is it, the man I thought was on my side has turned against me.* She thought. "Do you not wish to marry him?" Her father asked. "I do not wish to marry anybody."She said to him. "Riho you are at an age where you must become a wife, build a family of your own. Your mother and I grow old, we do wish to see our grand children." Her father said with a soft smile. "Why can I not wait? Why are you trying to send me away?" She asked in a whisper once more. "Darling we are not trying to send you away, we are trying to do the best we can for you." Her mother said. "I do not want to marry mother." Riho answered. Shelooked up at her mother with tears. Her father stood and walked towards the huge bay windows. "Riho, the Count is a good man and he will take care of you. I do not wish to force you in to marrying him, but I will have to." Lord Takagi said. "You are forcing me to marrying him." Riho said. "Riho darling he is a charming man, he will serve as a good husband" Lady Cathleen said. Riho stood and exclaimed "I do not care if he is charming mother! I do not wish to marry!" Riho cried before she fled towards her room. "I am worried for her dear, she is not herself lately." Lady Cathleen said as she looked towards the open door of the meeting room. "She will marry Count Cain." Lord Takagi said. Lady Cathleen sighed and said "Yes, she will have to."
Riho ran in to her room and stood against the door as hot liquid came down her face. "Why? How could he?" She asked as she slipped to her knees and held herself as more tears came. "I don't want to be trapped forever." She whispered. "I don't want to marry." She said. ~*So I ran. I ran and saw everything I wanted to see.*~ Cain's words drifted in her head. Yes, it was decided she would flee. She would run away from it all. Wealth,power and time away from all of it. She will go some where people didn't know her. Where they won't treat her like a lord's daughter. Where time has no meaning. Riho decided she was going to pretend everything was fine and that night she will flee. She will find love if not that then at least she will have a taste of freedom and real happiness and after all that is all she desired...was it not?
The rest of the day went as usual, it was finally time for dinner. Riho decided to join her parents only so she could see their face once more. She walked in to the dinning hall and saw her mother and father already seated at the table waiting for her. Riho took her seat on her fathers left side while her mother occupied the right. "Father, Mother I would like to apologize for my behavior this morning."She said quietly. "We understand that you are scared, but this is something you must do. Apologize accepted." Her mother said. Lord Takagi looked at his daughter and said "You still seem to me as that beautiful girl I knew. I wish the best for you." It was his way of apologizing. Riho looked up and smiled at her parents. "Thank you, and I love you both very much." She said. "We love you too darling." Lady Cathleen said. Lord Takagi smiled and squeezed her hand. The dinner was quite and same, with a usual 'yes' and nods from Riho. She sat at her vanity table and looked down at the paper and ink she had gotten so she could write a letter. Riho found herself crying for the fact she was going to leave the two people she cared for more then anything. "It must be done."She whispered and picked up the quill and started to write. An hour later she was at the front gate of the palace. It seemed the guards were taking a little 'nap' all to her convenience. She ran to the stables and brought out a horse and headed out the gate.
Riho looked back once more at the home she known for the past 17 years. "I can't turn back now, I want to be free. I don't care any more." She whispered as she pulled her cloak closer. She yanked tight the strap of her saddle and flung herself on to the horse. Once more she looked back before she rode of. No one saw her, no one stopped her. Riho rode as fast as she could, away from the home she knew and fast so nothing can stop her. But the heavens above her didn't agree with her, it opened up it's eyesand let the tears fall, along with thunders of anger and lighting of sadness. Riho tried to hold on to the strap tighter to prevent herself from falling of, but it was all up to the horse now to get her to a safe place, the rain was beyond her human sense to control. "Come on don't let me down now." she whispered to the horse. Riho gasped as another thunder broke. *Why tonight of all night?!? Why did it have to rain this way when she was so close to her freedom* She thought. "I won't give up." She said to try to encourage herself. Another lightening flashed through the sky. Riho cursed her luck once more, there wasn't a shelter that she can take now and she was to far from the city, considering her family palace was at the out skirt of the city near the woods and forest. "Come on, I know your not afraid of this storm."She said once more encouraging the horse to not leave her.
"Maybe this is the gods way of telling me that I should have been more selfless, and stayed home." She said. "Oh what I wouldn't give to be dry and under the warm silk sheets." she said to herself. *No! I won't give up, I will make it. I have to* She thought. At that moment the heaven gave a thunderous roar making the horse lose it nerves and dropping Riho off, and running. Riho stared up at the sky and tears formed at the corner of her eyes. "So this is how it will end?"She asked before she saw nothing but black. A carriage was heading in the road where Riho lied unconscious. "My Lord there is a maiden lying on the ground." Said the woman inside the carriage. "Stop the carriage."He said. "Yes, my Lord."Said the coachman. The Lord stepped out and walked towards the body. Riho's hair covered her face and she lied on her stomach. "Is she all right?"Asked the woman stepping out also. The Lord moved her to her back and moved some of the hair out of her face. A small gasped escaped the Lord, but it was covered by the loud gasp that came from the woman. "Oh God she is beautiful, like a fallen angel" She said bringing her hands to her lips. "She is still alive, we shall have to bring her back to the palace, we cannot make it back to the Vatican City in this hell of a storm."Said the Lord. "I agree" Said the woman. The Lord picked Riho up and brought her in to the carriage. "My Lord you are all wet." Said the woman giggling. The Lord laughed "So I am, but it is worth saving a life." He said staring down at the dirt fill face of Riho. *Such a beautiful face even with the dirt gracing her face. I wonder what she will look after she is cleaned.* He thought.
TBC
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AN: I finished chapter 1! I have been thinking of writing this for a week and it was driving me crazy so I finally got it over with! Anyways I will have chapter 2 up and soon, but you have to tell me what you think. Sorry about grammar, spelling. Please REVIEW!!! Thanks! ^_~