Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Sheep Amongst the Wolves ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

Title: Sheep Amongst the Wolves

Part 2

 

Author: Chaosdreamer

 

Archive: SAISA, Mediaminer, Adultfanfiction.

 

Disclaimer: Nobuhiro Watsuki owns the rights of Rurouni Kenshin. I'm just using the boys for entertainment. ^__^

 

 

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"Saaaannnnnoooo!!!! Sano, Sano, Sano, Sano, Sano!!!!" Yahiko repeated the sleeping brunette's name over and over, hoping to get a response from the fighter dozing against the wood pillar of the Kamiya dojo. He nearly hopped around the still figure resting underneath the protection of the dojo's porch, the sun's rays splitting across the brunette's spiked hair, highlights the variety of dark tones in the man's surprisingly soft hair.

 

The roosterhead merely grunted in annoyance, turning his head away from the annoying buzzing from the young teen, his deep breathing remaining steadily even, eyelids still shut over his eyes.

 

Yahiko, growing annoyed at being ignored, did what he did best.

 

"Wake up, roosterhead!!"

 

*Whack!!*

 

"Oow!! What the hell-" Sano cursed, shooting to his feet, shoulders tight and hair almost fluffed up even higher in his rage and surprise. He nearly snarled at his attacker, ready to whap the boy over the head for waking him up in such a manner.

 

"Sanosuke! I've been calling you for the last five minutes, you moron!" Yahiko said unapprovingly, waving his bokken around in a threatening manner, the tip of his bokken barely missing smacking across Sanosuke's nose.

 

"You didn't have to hit me over the head, you monkey." Sanosuke mumbled, rubbing at the patch of red skin on his forehead. He barely avoided another wild swing from the now furious swordsman-in-training, using the wood pillar as a barrier between him and the smaller teen.

 

"What...is…wrong…with…you…Sano?!" Yahiko separated each word with a furious slash of his bokken at the rooster's head, each time missing his dodging opponent. "You sleep more than usual, even the few times you finally decide to come over here! Even Megumi is becoming worried, you moron!"

 

"Alright, alright." Sanosuke muttered in defeat, waving his hand in Yahiko's vague direction, daring to turn his back to the young man, tilting his head left and right to try to ease the crick out of his neck. "I can't help it any. I haven't gotten any sleep in days."

 

A muffled choke from the young man's direction made Sanosuke glare, "Get your thoughts out of the gutter, you monkey. I didn't mean it like that."

 

"Don't call me a monkey!!"

 

Several hours later after having successfully managing to escape from the irate boy Sanosuke finally ventured back to his shack, nodding in greeting to the familiar faces of people who lived in the same Row. When he closed the sliding door to his shack he nearly collapsed onto the futon, curling limply onto his side, head resting on the battered pillow and legs tangling themselves among his sheets.

 

'How long has it been since I've had a good night's sleep?' He thought idly.

 

In truth, it wasn't as if he hadn't been getting any sleep. In reality, he would get at least eight hours of solid sleep at night. The only problem was the types of dreams he had.

 

In the beginning he hadn't been too shocked by the dreams. At first they had started out as, really, repeats of what had happened between him and Hiko. Every sense that took place in his dreams had been just as potent as the first time, usually making the brunette wake up in a sweat and reaching a shaky hand to his neck to make sure that there was tenderness to the skin.

 

But slowly the dreams began to escalate into something further.

 

Once in a while in Sanosuke's dreams he couldn't tell where he was, but all that he did know was that there were trees and the smell of freshly turned soil. The sky held no moon, shielded away by the thick clouds above. In the dreams, the deep primal need for him to run, run as fast and as hard as he possibly could.

 

But it didn't really matter how fast or how hard he ran. In one dream or another he'd either find himself collapsing from exhaustion, losing his balance over a limb that appeared seemingly out of nowhere, or some other occurrence that would leave him panting and weak, unable to move any further.

 

Most of the time it was because whatever it was that was hunting the former kenkaya, caught him.

 

Sanosuke could easily remember the panic that would fill him when he would crash hard into the ground, wrapped tight by strong arms that refused to release him no matter how hard he struggled. Soon he'd find himself flipped over onto his back, helpless as large hands bent his head backwards to bare his neck, long nails tickling along the edge of his scalp.

 

What horrified and yet intrigued him was the sense of lethargy and, strangely, eagerness, that filled him to the core as the vague figure bent over him, the cold brush of fangs bringing shivers as they brushed along his neck, a sharp burning sensation erupting near his jugular as his neck was pierced. The feeling of helplessness gave way to a strange euphoria of sensation that made him tremble and writhe furiously against the presence against him.

 

But the thing that made him wake up trying to choke back a scream was when the presence would pull back, reaching to its own neck and dragging a long nail along the skin, blood shining with fierce crimson intensity in the darkness, the presence crouching over him once again the press the brunette's mouth over the open cut, allowing the blood to burn like fire down his mouth and throat.

 

Sanosuke would be the first to admit that he was no genius, but he didn't need to be one to be reasonably sure that the presence in his dreams was none other than Hiko. The idea of him dreaming about other men didn't horrify Sanosuke in the slightest. Hell, he'd be one of the first people to admit that Hiko was certainly a very attractive man, certainly as attractive as most of his other male acquaintances like Kenshin, Aoshi, and yes, even that cricket-face Saitou.

 

The significance of the dreams was what scared him. He wasn't too sure what Hiko's blood had done to him, but Sanosuke was slightly worried, wondering if it gave Hiko some sort of control or knowledge of where or what Sanosuke was doing, or if it possibly affected his body and senses.

 

Sanosuke soon noticed that after that night where Hiko shared a little of his blood, the fighter's senses had risen to all new levels. His eyesight was beyond what it had been, his hearing and sense of smell almost unbearable, especially when dealing with a couple's baby's wailing from all the way down the Row, the sound shrieking along his senses. Now the scent of sake nearly made him drunk even before he took a taste, causing the young fighter to spurn alcohol as if it were opium.

 

And the pain in his right hand: Gone. As if it had never existed, his hand feeling as strong as it had before Shishio had made himself known. It didn't hurt anymore to use his hand in either menial tasks or whenever he was forced to use the Futai no Kuwami (1).

 

A strange longing had filled him as well, sometimes driving him into a near fever, his very flesh seeming to scream in frustration at the lack of…something…usually thrusting him out of sleep, skin damp with sweat and eyes wide in panic as he tried to locate what he was he so craved.

 

"Damn it, Hiko, what the hell did you do to me?" Sanosuke demanded softly, even when he knew that the individual was no where around to hear his request.

 

 

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In Kyoto, things were without meaning to him. Lacking its usual luster and thrill, the hunt for blood was now just a meaningless task, as if one was going about doing menial chores around the house. The streets had no purpose other than for him to hide his victims away from sight, even when it was at the latest hour of the night. He used to be able to spend hours just wandering down the long stretches of roads and alleyways, listening and tasting all the pleasurable senses that floated around him.

 

Hiko became to realize that due to his internal frustrations he had to restrain himself on many occasions from taking too much from his victims, having already taken too much from two previous humans to where all that was left were empty eyes and limp bodies. The thought of his carelessness made the vampire snarl in frustration, teeth glistening crimson as he finally jerked himself away from the young woman, almost forgetting to catch her as she collapsed limp in his arms, eyes having already fallen shut from the shock and pleasure of his bite.

 

The taste of her blood was almost as bitter as salt, and Hiko had to force himself to stomach it, losing pleasure in the taste of the crimson fluid. With a disdainfully wipe of the back of his hand he cleared off of the harsh slash of red across his lips, gold eyes shining feverishly bright within the darkness.

 

'It's lost its taste. The hunt, the blood, all of it. It's like nothing can compare to that man's taste.'

 

Just the memory of the man beneath him, the feel of his teeth sinking deep, the body quivering as he thrust against him, nearly made Hiko's head swim from the heavy heat that flooded inside of him. He couldn't help but chuckle dryly in amusement, 'You're becoming obsessed, you old fool.'

 

His humor did little to quench the beast inside of him, the primal and more natural part of his being circling and snarling in lack of fulfillment, the thought of the young fighter nearly driving it into a frenzy. He could almost hear its whispered words, a mixture of a command and a plea.

 

'We want him, we need him, we must have him.'

 

'Interesting idea,' Hiko thought privately, stepping away from the unconscious woman after making sure she was still alive, 'Taking on a companion, a mate, a brother. I have been alone too long. Entertainment and fulfillment has been absent for too long.'

 

'He'll be a handful, though. Between teaching him how to use the abilities of what he will eventually become, but first teaching him to accept it, will also require time and a lot of patience.'

 

'But the benefits greatly outweigh the challenges.'

 

Hiko suddenly stilled his contemplation when he caught the sharp bitter scent of cigarette smoke and the biting smell of metal, gold eyes flickering to gaze over to his left as he finally sensed the presence of a human, mentally cursing his carelessness.

 

"Attacking a woman, no matter if she is a very expensive prostitute, is considering a crime." The police officer commented coldly, left hand resting on the sword strapped to his waist.

 

Hiko smothered the grin that threatened to rise, recognizing the tall figure, though not quite as tall as himself, and the gold eyes that rivaled his own. "And what makes you think I attacked someone, hmm?" He asked just as coolly.

 

Saitou Hajime's smile was as humorous as a wolf staking out its kill. "Where else would the blood from your hand and front have come from?"

 

Ah yes, he had forgotten that little bit of evidence.

 

Hiko turned his head, allowing the Mibu no Ookami to catch sight of his own fierce gold gaze, "Clever wolf."

 

To a bit of his surprise Saitou was the first to attack, his sword sliding free of its sheath with the speed that would stun any human swordsman, launching into the zero-stance Gatotsu.

 

Amused but not eager to have his flesh or clothes damaged Hiko immediately moved out of the way, the human's movements almost unbearably slow to him. With a almost casual slash of his bare hand Hiko snapped the blade of the sword clean off from the hilt, catching the broken weapon in midair and making sure to throw it well outside of the officer's reach.

 

"That was anti-climatic." Hiko noted.

 

The vampire brought his arms up to shield his vitals as both Saitou's fist and leg connected, the swordsman surprising him once again with the hand-to-hand combat moves, the roundhouse kick enough to send the vampire back a step.

 

'He is amusing.'

 

'But also irritating.'

 

"I don't wish to have to deal with you." Hiko growled in annoyance, bringing the back of his hand along the side of the officer's head, sending the man crashing hard onto the dirt road.

 

The officer was obviously stunned by the strength behind that casual blow, spitting out the blood that had gathered in his mouth, forcing away the small amount of pain and dizziness spinning around inside his skull.

 

The sight and smell of the blood made something inside of Hiko thrum into life, the first time since he had taken Sanosuke's blood.

 

Saitou rose to his feet, noticeably unsteady, but he attacked with a blur of speed, his attacks actually making the vampire hesitate and flinch back, especially when the swordsman's hand came too close in a strike meant to shatter his nose.

 

The freely dripping blood was becoming too much to resist, his inner beast rising to scent in interest, intrigued at what could possibly rival the presence of the young man from such a short time ago.

 

'But they are also both so different. When faced with the sight of Sanosuke's blood it is similar to the breathtaking intensity of a storm. Saitou's blood is similar to a raging inferno.'

 

With another negligent smack Hiko sent the man crashing back to the ground, silently impressed with the man's fortitude as he struggled to rise again, even though the numerous blows he had received had most likely given him a significant concussion. 'As a human is an opponent to be respected and watchful of. As a vampire he would be an indescribable force to be reckoned with.'

 

'…That is an intriguing thought. There are too few of my kind left, and most humans would be mere insects compared to such a fine specimen of a possible creature of the dark.'

 

"Well, you certainly make things very complicated. Yet you also are very entertaining." Hiko said in amusement. 'I must be out of my mind if I plan to do what I am thinking of.'

 

Saitou didn't back away or show any visible fear as Hiko came closer, the swordsman obviously able to witness the lengthening of Hiko's eyeteeth and the raised shine to his gold eyes, "You're not human." The Wolf spoke as calmly as if he were discussing the weather, even with his golden gaze noticeably glazed over from the pounding pain that beat inside his skull.

 

"Correct. And soon," Hiko caught the officer in a grip that ensured that he could not escape or retaliate in any painful manner, "You will be the same as me."

 

"What does this accomplish?" Saitou hissed, strangely calm even when dangling at least a solid inch above the ground, body refusing to function as he wished, his nerves seeming to pound in symphony to the pain inside his skull.

 

"I have grown bored of being one of the few ones remaining in all of Japan. With your personality and history, I believe you will be a very suitable mode of entertainment, and a very respectable creature of the dark."

 

"So glad I amuse you." Saitou said sarcastically.

 

"You'll need that attitude when this is all over." Hiko warned.

 

Knowing that he needed to act quickly Hiko darted forward like a striking snake, sinking his fangs deep. Having already fed the vampire wasted more than he drank, but the end result was all the same. Saitou's heart began to tremble and slow down, his flesh growing steadily colder.

 

Risking a chance Hiko brought his wrist up, biting deep into flesh, blood welling up in his mouth. He grinned down at the hooded yet furious golden eyes, "I would offer the blood through a kiss or let you take it from my throat, but I don't trust you not to rip my throat out with your teeth or try to bite off my tongue."

 

Saitou responded with a low snarl that would have frightened a natural wolf, snapping his teeth when Hiko's hand passed too close.

 

"I can see you're going to be a handful." Hiko said in resignation, pressing his steadily bleeding wrist to the man's throat. At first the officer didn't take the blood, allowing it to spill out from between grimacing lips. However, he seemed to sense that his demise was close at hand if he didn't take the gift offered, so with a heavy look of frustration and an angry glare Saitou swallowed deep, tasting the heavy stream of blood as it spilled in heated waves down his throat.

 

Soon Hiko had to pull his wrist away since the flesh had healed over, blood crusting along healed flesh. The blood along Saitou's lips was still damp, the man fallen limp, yet his closed eyes flickered and shifted erratically, skinning burning hot beneath Hiko's hands.

 

Hiko sighed. "Well, now I've certainly am going to have a lot of entertainment."

 

 

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The area outside of Hiko's shack was amazing, the sun having settled behind the sloping hills, the pregnant moon slowly makings its way over the cloudless sky. The shadows snaked and wove between the branches and leaves, small animals carefully venturing through the darkness, the occasional brave bird twittering and chirping softly.

 

The sharp sound of flesh against flesh broke the wondrous peace, the birds instantly quieting and the animals freezing in place.

 

Hiko flew back to land hard on his back, the blow to his face stunning him well enough. He shook the dizziness away, carefully rising to his feet. "I know I deserved that, but do remember that it has been almost three days since I turned you."

 

Saitou merely shook feeling back into his hand, the price for striking against the firmer flesh of a much older vampire. His gold eyes were feverishly bright, mouth open in a silent snarl, the skin along his face tight to reveal the sharp lines of his cheekbones, skin deathly white, especially when he was still dressed in his police uniform.

 

"I don't really see what the problem is." Hiko lectured, calmly rising to his feet, no mark or bruise forming where the Wolf had struck him, "You don't really suffer from any of this. True you must occasionally consume blood, but given your heightened abilities, both physically and mentally, you shouldn't have a problem." Hiko began to pace back and forth, aware of the golden eyes that followed him, "and you won't have a problem hunting your meals, only having to remember not to kill them. Too many deaths in one area will attract attention from the humans. Besides, your mental awareness is so much greater than it was that you could make the humans you feed from forget that they were even your meal in the first place." Hiko stopped in the middle of his rant, tilting his head to grin slightly at the wary Wolf, "You will be able to carry out your acclaimed 'Aku, Soku, Zan' with no worse difficulty. You'll just have to remember that since you will never age that you'll have to 'disappear' for a while from places and people that would recognize your face."

 

Saitou grunted, apparently not impressed, "You speak as if you've done this plenty of times."

 

Hiko's grin melted into a confident smirk, the man preening by stroking a hair through his hand with a dramatic flare, "I had already advanced to hunting and feeding at the time your ancestors were scratching at the ground of where your family would live and prosper."

 

"If you are so confident, then why this," Saitou waved his hand through the air to indicate the area around them, "why me?"

 

Hiko's face melted into a blank mask, eyes flat and expressionless, "One becomes more aware of the coldness of solitude when he has walked alone for so long. It can be a very painful existence."

 

Saitou, if ever faintly, shifted forward when he noted his Maker's desolate tone.

 

Hiko let go of a sigh, shaking his shoulders like a dog ridding itself of some minor annoyance, "Enough of this melancholy. Come, I have grown bored of Kyoto." Hiko began to move towards his shack, considering what items he thought were of enough value to carry with him, "Tokyo sounds nice for this time of year."

 

"What interest do you have in Tokyo?" Saitou asked, not joining the taller man until he had nearly reached the door to his shack.

 

Hiko grinned easily, black gaze flashing gold, a predator smiling to another predator, "Why, to go and gather the final member of our pack, of course."

 

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Author's Note: (1) I couldn't find the proper spelling for this, so please be merciful if it is

incorrect.

*Waiii!!* Goldfish-sama, I love you!!! You are so cool! Your continuation of the 'Rogue of Tokyo' is so awesome! I wanted to respond to the e-mail you sent, but it got sent back to me with a message of 'Failed to Deliver'.