Tokyo Babylon Fan Fiction / X/1999 Fan Fiction ❯ Even in Death ❯ Chapter 1 ( Chapter 1 )

It isn't often that the tables are turned on the hunter.

Sumeragi Subaru relished the moment for a split second before returning his attention to the matter at hand. The hunter he was after was the most dangerous he'd ever been after and making him prey meant walking a dangerous fine line. If he slipped, the hunt would be over-for him. This prey had teeth and would not hesitate to bite, but Subaru fully expected to be the one doing all the biting.

Unbending from his crouch, he casually took a step forward, right off the corner of the building that he'd been perching on and plummeted straight down. However, there was no rude smash on the concrete below moments later. No, despite all appearances, Subaru wasn't suicidal, especially not when he was this close to attain his goal.

Instead, the young man landed lightly on the pavement with barely a hair out of place. The night was moonless and the street corner where he landed was dark. He was confident that he was unobserved, not that he worried about onlookers. Humans were easy to convince into forgetting the unexplainable.

Subaru hastened forward, his steps stealthy. There was no need to keep his target in sight, since the one he followed was a dark presence on the surface of his mind, but he was not taking the chance to lose this prey, not after all this time searching for him.

The location was a seedy bar in a rather questionable part of town. A streetlight flickered a short distance away, casting just enough illumination on the street to see by. Sakurazuka Seishirou stood on this corner, intently watching, knowing that his prey would be making an appearance quite soon. He was completely unaware that he'd acquired a stalker just behind, observing his every move.

After a good fifteen minutes of waiting, a dark suited man stumbled out of the bar, apparently having drunk too much to walk straight or to remember the way home. He didn't seem to hear the subtle footsteps heading towards him.

"Got a light?" Seishirou's deep baritone sounded suddenly through the night air.

The businessman started and blinked at the slim cigarette Seishirou held out in his gloved fingers. "I think so…" the drunken businessman muttered, fumbling through his pockets. It was during that pause that Seishirou grasped the man by the neck and brought his protective barrier of magic to shield them from view.

"That's all right, I think I found my own light," he said smirking and before the other could react, he'd used his other hand to punch a hole through the man's chest. Blood spurted messily from the gap. The man's broken body fell from the killer's grasp with a dull thud, and a swarm of Sakura petals began devouring the flesh until the slightest trace was gone. Once that was done, Seishirou calmly returned to the task of relighting his cigarette.

The young man silently observed the kill from his concealed position. Not many years ago, he'd have gasped and been aghast at the sight of the blood and the sheer horror of the death. Now, he barely blinked to watch a person die.

The dim light that reflected the green gleam of Subaru's eyes, focused so intently on his mark, was the only sign Subaru was there. His target had hardly changed, even after all this time. He idly noted the other's slightly longer hair and thought Seishirou needed a hair cut, allowed his eyes to linger over the strong lines of his cheek before moving down to stare at the splash of blood on Seishirou's coat. Nostrils flared at the scent of the blood, so rich and salty, filling his senses, even though he was a good distance away. Subaru was hard pressed not to lurch forward to accost Seishirou immediately. But no, he would wait.

After the adrenaline rush from the kill had died down, Seishirou sensed a presence tugging at the edge of his senses. It felt very familiar, but darker and much more dangerous than what his memory served. Intrigued, the assassin leaned against the side of the building and inhaled deeply on his cigarette, before blowing out a thick trail of smoke.

After taking a few puffs, Seishirou flicked away the last glowing ash and dropped the butt in a nearby puddle. He was faced with what to do next. Of course he couldn't go home, not when he was being tailed. Taking a turn away from the dimly lit streets, he headed into a dark underpass and waited.

Subaru's eyes narrowed as he watched Seishirou's movements. The other man sauntered almost cockily into the darkness of the tunnel and stopped. Dim though the space was, Subaru could see him waiting there clearly. The Sumeragi paused for a moment and considered his options. Then he shrugged and followed with measured steps into the passageway. So he'd been discovered. It didn't matter. Stalking a prey who was aware of your presence only made things more fun.

Still, he had a point to prove to Seishirou. This game they were playing would be played on his terms.

With just the faintest flex of his power, he dissolved. Moments later, he reappeared right before Seishirou. Subaru almost laughed at the look on the Sakurazukamori's face. It was something to file away in his memory. But there was no time for anything else but action. His hands closed in a bruising grip about Seishirou's arm and flung him violently against the wall, scattering concrete shards and dust into the air.

Closing the distance in the blink of an eye, Subaru was in position, pressed up against the other man's stunned body.

He bit.

The pain of two sharpened fangs sinking into his neck was nothing compared to the overwhelming sensation of pleasure that flooded his awareness. Seishirou felt as if his mind was underwater, hardly able to make his body obey the command to struggle and fight back.

But soon that too was drowned. He went very still as his body slumped forward, completely limp and unmoving. For the moment, he was lost to the exquisite pleasure that came from a vampire's bite.

Equally immersed in the pleasure, Subaru fought to keep the wild hunger under control. Seishirou's blood was intoxicating. The rush of the red liquid filled his mouth and he drank, as a man made thirsty from too many years deprived of nourishment. His instinct called for him to drain Seishirou to the fullest, to end this, but his mind and heart rebelled.

Eventually, mind and heart prevailed. Once last lick, almost kittenish in manner, and Subaru pulled away, his fangs withdrawing neatly as he did so.

He stood watching the other's chest heave from fright as he processed what was happening to him. The emotions were so utterly heady that Subaru felt drunk.

"Tasty," he murmured, licking the last traces of blood from his lips. His smile was feral and triumphant. It was Seishirou's turn to understand what it meant to be hunted. Subaru was betting that he didn't like it one bit.

Seishirou gathered enough strength to lift his head and look at young man that so successfully got the better of him. A slight smile formed across his face.

"When did this happen, Subaru-kun?" he asked, training his voice not to sound as weak as his body felt. He was surprised or perhaps even shocked that his prey had managed to become a hunter himself. The irony would have amused him if circumstances were different. "You were a normal human when I last saw you."

"It's been many years since you last saw me. I've changed, Seishirou-san," he replied simply. The understatement amused him and his lips pulled in a caricature of a smile. Being one up on Seishirou was proving to be a lot more entertaining than he dared to dream.

"Isn't this change for the better, Seishirou-san? I find I rather like it."

Confidence exuded from the young man. He stepped away and Seishirou slumped like a discarded ragdoll to the ground. There was no way the Sakurazukamori would recover anytime soon. It was more than just blood loss. The mind control of a vampire overrode all survival instincts. It also rendered the prey temporarily paralyzed, if that was what the hunter wished.

The Sakurazukamori winced as he hit the ground. He desperately struggled to regain control of himself, his survival instinct telling him that to move was imperative. His limbs twitched with the effort, until he managed to roll onto his side, looking up at his attacker.

"Yes," Seishirou said with a measure of false calm while trying to ignore the fact that he was twitching about gracelessly on the cold concrete. "You've gotten powerful enough to surprise me. I commend you on a job well done." The assassin hoped that he could keep Subaru talking while he attempted to draw on the Tree's resources to speed his recovery.

Watching Seishirou struggle like a helpless butterfly was exhilarating. Subaru could understand how someone could be carried away while on a hunt. He yearned to bite once more, down into that throbbing pulse that was trip hammering through Seishirou's breast, and feel the spurt of blood once again on his tongue. The temptation overwhelmed him and he found himself bending down.

No! Subaru forcibly pulled himself back. It was not the time to go any further.

"How does it feel to be on the receiving side of the hunt, Seishirou-san? I know you're scared. I can smell your fear. Have you ever smelled fear from your prey? Isn't it the most delicious scent ever?" he purred.

"Indeed you've come a long way," Seishirou admitted, keeping his body as still as he could, despite the spasms running through him as his power combated the effects of the bite. "Are you going to take your revenge on me then? For killing your sister?" He watched the Sumeragi carefully, expecting this to be a sensitive topic for the young man.

If Seishirou thought he'd scored, he was wrong. The Sumeragi barely twitched. His half-lidded eyes merely flickered in the dim light. If Seishirou wasn't paying attention, he would have missed the reaction.

Subaru shook his head. "Revenge isn't quite on my mind," he replied.

He paused to let the other digest his words. "Shall I leave you to guess? Or not? Would it be too complicated for someone emotionless like you to grasp? But…" Subaru's grin spread rictus-like across his face, even if the sorrow was obvious in his eyes.

"But you're not emotionless at all, are you? I never knew before. Now I do. But it's too late." He waited for the impact of his words to fall upon the other man.

Seishirou didn't show his state of distress, but continued to watch Subaru with interest. "If you don't mean to kill me and take your revenge, then what?" he asked, hiding his relief that the feeling in his limbs beginning to return. He just needed a little bit more time until he'd be able to make his escape. "Am I to be a meal for you?"

Once more, that faint headshake of negation. "Would it be so bad to say that I wanted to play with you once more? I have so few amusements these days," he said with mocking irony.

"It sounds interesting, Subaru-kun," the other replied with a wry grin. "It would certainly be a delight to play with you once more for old time's sake."

Then, in one quick motion, Seishirou scrambled to his feet, having finally recovered enough energy to move around effectively. "But I'm afraid you'll have to catch me again if that is what you wish. I won't be so easy to surprise this time." At that, he threw his illusion into his place, his body seeming to dissolve into thousands of petals.

And then he ran.

Subaru spared a moment to reflect on how true the old adage of never running from the hunter was. He laughed out loud, the sound ringing through the deadness of the evening air, before he sprung into action. Swift as the zephyr he flew, winging his way after Seishirou with preternatural speed. His vampire senses combined with his inherent gifts as the most powerful onmyouji in Japan stood him in good stead. The distinct scent of Seishirou's blood marked the way. Once tasted, it was unlikely for Subaru to lose track of Seishirou. They were bound, in more ways than one.

After a while, Subaru allowed Seishirou to pull away from him. His adrenaline surged in anticipation of ending the hunt. Yet, some perverse quality made him hold back. He wished to play, like a cat on the trail of a mouse. Besides, the one who taught him the ways had told him that it was always a good idea to let the prey think they were safe before pouncing.

You'll never be able to disappear from me again, Seishirou-san.

Seishirou was not without his own gifts and was able to present a reasonable challenge to the hunter. He found it funny that even though his magic made him invisible to computers and heat sensors, it was useless against the nose of a vampire. He tore through the deserted streets, pausing only long enough to look around him. There was a small city park to his right and he headed that way.

Since when did he get to be that powerful? He called out, resorting to questioning the Sakura. He was too far away from his home and the protective kekkai around it.

He's not going to kill you, and at this rate, he's not far behind you, it replied sensibly. I never expected you to run from him of all people.

Half-grumbling to himself, Seishirou scanned the area. His ears picked up the sound of trickling water. Beyond a clump of hedges was a shallow stream winding gently through the park. Seishirou vaguely remembered something about vampires not being able to cross running water. He shrugged, thinking that it was that or nothing at this point. The assassin jumped easily over the stream and continued his flight.

Subaru barely spared a glance at the stream before crossing over. As if a pitiful trickle like this would hinder him. Only one thing could stop him and that was sunlight, but dawn was hours away so there would be no reprieve for his prey. Seishirou would have done better to learn about the other hunters in his world, vampires included, but the Sakurazukamori had been so secure in his own little fortress of confidence, at the top of the food chain. And he had, to all intents and purposes, been king of the jungle, for no other hunter had cared to cross paths with him.

Until now.

Nothing was going to stop Subaru.

Still a hunt without an end was no hunt and Subaru knew he had to draw it to a close. He watched carefully, following at a comfortable distance, waiting for the moment his prey would stumble, when he would strike.

The chase continued past the park and back out to the urban jungle. This area was more illuminated, but no less deserted. Not very many people in their right minds would be out in this part of town at this late hour.

Seishirou made a sharp turn into an alley, breezing past a couple of rundown apartment buildings. He would have made it out the other side had it not been for a car backing out of its parking space and nearly hitting him in the process. He stumbled out of the way just as the car sped off into the darkness.

There, that was the stumble he was waiting for. Lightning quick, Subaru struck. One moment he was a couple of hundred feet away and the next, he was once again right beside Seishirou.

The warmth of the other man's body spread against his cool skin as he grabbed him and pushed him hard against the side of the alley. Not even breathing hard, Subaru bent and bit Seishirou once more. This time though, he took care not to drink too much. Just a sip.

Once more, the assassin felt his body go limp. He was exhausted from the chase and had little energy left in his reserves. It was hard for him to admit defeat, especially to the one he had left so many years ago.

"Are you going to kill me Subaru-kun?" Seishirou asked, adjusting his voice to hide his weakened state. His sides ached furiously, but he stubbornly refused to show it. "You would gain my position and my power from it."

Seishirou had no fear of death. Besides, he was certain than the Sumeragi didn't have the guts to end his life, no matter how he provoked and antagonized him.

The Sumeragi ignored him. He wasn't going to kill Seishirou and the man was an idiot to even think it. But then, Seishirou had never understood him or his wants.

Leisurely, Subaru ran his tongue up Seishirou's neck, tasting the residual blood and sweat collected on the skin. It made him acutely aware that he wanted to do this all the time with Seishirou. But it wasn't possible… or was it?

"Why would I want to be even more powerful?" Subaru asked, laughter in his voice. "Even you are no match for me. But Seishirou-san, do you want to die that much? Don't you want to live at all?" The irony twisted like hot lava through Subaru's heart. He, who once wished to die, must live forever. He wondered if it was punishment for some sin that he didn't know about.

"I honestly don't mind if I die," he answered openly. "I live because I have a duty to fulfill, all else is meaningless." His heart beat just a little faster at the prospect of dying at Subaru's hand. It was a wish he held close to his heart-- that one day he'd be able to pass on his power to the one he marked many years ago.

But he would not die today. Subaru hadn't changed so much that he would kill a man in cold blood, even his sister's murderer.

That answer once again brought amused laughter spilling from Subaru's lips. "Beware what you wish for, Seishirou-san… you might get the very opposite. If I kill you, you'll end up living forever," he said, and laughed like a man possessed from the irony of the situation.

Seishirou's breath caught when the memories of what he'd been taught as a child came flooding back to him. He had studied vampires and other magical beings under the tutelage of his mother, but he never considered them to be of any importance. How terribly wrong he had been. He lowered his eyes, thinking that the damage had already been done.

"Then do it. I won't run away," he challenged calmly, if a bit unnerved by Subaru's laughter. He was banking a lot on his knowledge of the young man from his youth, but Seishirou was reckless enough to bet on it. The thrill of facing down someone capable of destroying him amused him immensely. It had been years since he'd been so entertained.

That only made Subaru launch into another peal of bitter laughter. "You couldn't even if you wanted to, Seishirou-san," he replied when he regained some of his composure. "Haven't I just proven that to you?" It was important for Seishirou to know how hopeless it was. There was no escaping him now. Subaru had spent too many years searching and paid the ultimate price for this. He wasn't going to let Seishirou from his grip so easily.

"I understand that," Seishirou said, beginning to grow bored with their little game. "Shall I scream for you?" he asked, his tone a bit mocking. Even though he was essentially paralyzed and technically at the other's mercy, he knew he had nothing to fear. Subaru was still a gentle soul, no matter what life had thrown at him.

"Would you do that if I asked it of you?" Subaru asked dryly. His expression showed mild interest as he idly stroked Seishirou's cheek. The pulse of the blood just beneath that smooth skin captivated Subaru, and he gazed at it, as hungrily as a cat eyeing an unsuspecting bird.

"I'm sure you would make it worth my while," the other replied, upon taking a deep breath. Despite being ignorant otherwise in regards to vampires, he did know that they were quite capable of driving their victims to near madness with pleasure. Seishirou already knew this from being bitten twice. Even so, it wasn't enough. He found himself hungering for more of that twisted pleasure.

Subaru leaned back and studied Seishirou to see if he was serious, doing his best to ignore the sound of the rich blood surging through his veins. He didn't think the other would capitulate so easily. No, the Sakurazukamori was merely telling him things he thought Subaru wanted to hear. He'd learnt, yes he did. Seishirou was not to be trusted. At least, not until Subaru was more sure.

"There is no escape from me, Seishirou-san," he said firmly. "I will let you go tonight to think on it. Also… think of what I really want. I think you know the answer. I'll see you again."

With that, the young vampire stepped away, once again allowing Seishirou's unsupported body to slide down to a heap on the floor. Then proving he could make an exit as dramatic as the Sakurazukamori, he dissolved into a mist and blew away.

Seishirou meanwhile, laid there and watched until he gained the energy to pull himself home.