Crimson Creations- Chapter 16

    Hearing Vendetta's voice, Toshiro stopped in his tracks. It was immediately obvious that she wasn't speaking to him... but about him. And the moment. As he listened to her from afar, yet getting closer, the voice in the back of his head began to speak up once again. You hear that? She would've rather given into his desires, so that piece of garbage could have lived. She values the life of a scumbag higher than your commitment to her. How can you believe her, when she tells you she loves you?.. It's all a complete farce, just to stay on your good side. After all, she's seen first-hand that your skills as a swordsman haven't waned...

    Toshiro dropped to his knees, clutching his head tightly- the voice's malice echoed throughout his mind. Gritting his teeth, he shook his head violently. "Shut up shut up shut up! I won't listen to your lies!"

    Vendetta's attention was sharply diverted, Toshiro's agonized voice cutting through the night. Originating from the darkness just beyond her solace- how had he gotten so close? Looking over, she saw him on his knees, saying something about lies...? Vendetta wanted to tear into his mind- but she had too much love and respect [and some fear] for him. Besides, his aura gave him away- she could tell he was fighting a voice within himself... 

    Her own inner voice spoke up, whispering in the darkness. Look what you've done... That anger, that agony? Remember it. Now make it right.

    Straining to get back to his feet, he took in a deep breath. "Damn it... it'll just cling to any little thing that might prove its point... It's going to drive me insane..."

    As Toshiro began to rise, something unexpected happened. A soft pair of hands grabbed his, pulling him. Vendetta stood before him- at once perplexed, yet understanding. At some point she'd removed her mask, emotional state clear to see- laid vulnerable before him. Somehow, the pair ended up in the heart of her solace. Being brought to the fountain in what felt like a single moment, the voice began to make its presence known once again.

    Before he could process anything that was happening, Vendetta pulled Toshiro into her arms, and kissed him. Intense, passionate, trying to convey many emotions... The kiss quickly silenced the voice, Toshiro kissing her back as his arms wrapped around her. When Vendetta pulled away, sanguine tears were sliding down her face. Seeing the tears as the kiss broke nearly broke him.

    "...Toshiro, I'm sorry, I... That's twice you've been hurt because of me. And this time, because of someone who I had not known would- I swear, I wasn't trying to be unfaithful... You have no idea my gratitude, that you stepped in before something more happened..."

    "I'm fine, the wounds weren't that bad. Besides, it's not as though I'm a stranger to being wounded. I suffered a countless number of wounds during my time in Japan. Wounds heal and are forgotten, you don't have to worry yourself about them. There's no way that I could ever forgive myself, if I had failed to stop that bastard before things progressed any further."

    Wounds heal, and are forgotten. Only some of them are; others... you never forget. Vendetta felt fresh tears slide down her face. She knew this would not be forgotten. And there was only one thing she could offer, in that regard...

    Vendetta bit her lip, then knelt down at his feet-his hand in both of hers as she looked up at him. The sight before him was... heart-breaking, discordant- not the Vendetta he knew.

    "...This is all my fault... I can't imagine how furious you are with me, being in Theodore's arms like that. Having to witness all these marks... When my love is for you, and you alone; just- I implore you..." Her last words were a whisper on the wind. "forgive me for what I've done."

    Though it appeared that way, this was no facade. She blamed herself for Theodore's actions- believing herself a shameless seductress, twisting and breaking hearts... When all she'd done was invite a patron of her art, someone she trusted, to share a moment that meant a lot to her. The side of Vendetta cultivated from cruelty, malice and suffering revealed itself. Images flickered in Toshiro's mind- moments of tortures endured; violent beatings, exposure to harsh elements- especially sunlight, purposely experimented on, being given to all manner of people to be violated in intimate and horrifying ways... So much more, near unbearable for its intensity...

    Vendetta's heart of darkness came to the surface- buried within, something more potent. Vendetta feared Toshiro would decide he could not love her, because of everything. That he would cast her away, or finish what he once began. As silence descended, Toshiro could only feel one thing as strong as this fear- her love for him. Strong, pure, near infinite- yet misguided, by twisted ideas that love meant complete surrender of body, mind and soul- to be used, abused and shattered he saw fit. There were two sides to her- two worlds warring in her mind. Both demanded him to help, tip the scales once and for all. The intensity drew them both... Vendetta's hands were trembling- not from cold, but emotion. An answer was needed.

    Shaking his head as everything washed over him, his gaze dropped down to meet hers. Emerald met silver- he looking down at her with a strange, almost painful feeling. She was confused by the pain in his eyes. Did his wounds cause him more harm than he thought? Vendetta bit her lip, but refused to break the gaze.

    "...Despite what the voice in my head was trying to say... The rage I felt, upon seeing the two of you was directed to Theodore- and Theodore alone. You don't have to earn my forgiveness... there is nothing to forgive in the first place."

    Drawing Vendetta to her feet, he pulled her into a passionate kiss and emotionally warm embrace. Then he looked at her, a gentle smile on his face. "How about we get out of the cold, and try putting this terrible night behind us?"

    Vendetta listened to Toshiro speak, through the filter of emotional haze. She went to speak- but found herself silenced, the interval voice having gone quiet at his most important words. Through everything, Toshiro didn't even hesitate- he loved her, she loved him, and nothing- not even their own inner voices- could break that love. Eternities melted into their embrace, as did insecurity for a spell. Eventually the moment was broken, he suggesting retreating indoors, putting this terrible night behind them.

    "That sounds... delightful." Hand in hand, the pair made their way through the night and back inside- the chaos of Yule a world and a lifetime away.

~

    Vendetta spent the rest of the winter- and part of spring- in artistic solitude. All invites were declined, citing need for recovery. As predicted, rumours went wild for months- but the truth eventually came out, people looking kindly upon the pair for it. Dark darlings of the Vampyre Courts and art world alike, Vendetta and Toshiro would find- whenever they chose to return- much benevolence for them, and swift justice against the clan Theodore was part of. At any rate, she spent much time with Toshiro- careful not to neglect him like she had in autumn. He now held an open invite to Iceflame Manor- the only one out there- and she would visit his apartment at least weekly. From time to time, she even spent nights at Crimson Creations- so Toshiro could meet important clients. It always surprised and delighted his customers, and Vendetta was more than happy to help.

    The events of her garden were never spoken about, but they didn't need to be. Vampyric Intuition shared what words simply could not convey. Though it was never spoken aloud, Vendetta knew Toshiro carried the weight of guilt and shame, for his involvement... And a resounding desire to protect her, not to let such horrors occur again- at least, not while he was in a position to prevent it. 

~

   Before either of them knew it, the earliest sakura blossoms of late March sprang to life once more. Vendetta and Toshiro were on the balcony of her bedroom one clear night, just setting up a midnight tea ceremony. And then, her phone rang. Vendetta knew it well- she hurried inside to answer it. Strange, she drew the curtain closed and shut the door- but it swung open, a little ajar... Immediately Toshiro recognized her soft-spoken tone, the archaic Kyoto dialect... He knew that voice. The voice of the Gothic Geisha, Japan's Dark Jewel.

    "Good Evening, Ms Sugiura... No, it is only midnight here; thank you for your consideration... A request? If I can be of any assistance, I would be honoured to do so... I understand- the blossom of darkness is an enigma, even in the twilight world. Many would seek an audience... Yes, I do believe it is time to return for a visit. With the sakura, shall come the shadows..."

    A bit of soft laughter, then she spoke on. "It is little trouble- I shall make the proper arrangements at once.... Fascinating, two worlds are becoming one... Yes, the Yule Masquerade was a tragedy, I had not expected such brutality. Fortunately, I have a guardian and angel of darkness by my side... I- you would like to meet him?" Shocked silence, then she spoke again.

    "Forgive me, it was rude to interrupt... I... That is quite the request, indeed. Whether or not he will accompany me, I- what? An invitation? If I may dare say, Ms Sugiura, that is quite the offer... You honour us, with your generosity... Very well. I shall ask. May I contact you tomorrow night with a reply?.. Thank you, your kindness is most generous. May the night bring much success to you, and I shall contact you at this time tomorrow evening."

    Inside the now-silent room, Vendetta took a moment to compose herself- a hand over her painted mouth. The mistress of the Ichiriki wanted to meet Toshiro. The angel of darkness who saved Vendetta that fateful winter's night... Plus she had requests for months, April-September. Possibly October. Requests of this magnitude, not to speak of the bluntness, were extremely rare- Vendetta simply could not refuse. Toshiro, however... that was another matter.

    Once more the curtains were opened, she stepping back into the night. Bowing deeply, traces of her geisha mindset remained- the aesthetic certainly helped. "Forgive me for stepping away so rudely, I had a rather important call to take." Instinctive, her body held some of the fluid, feminine motions of her geisha alter-ego, as she poured the tea. And for one moment, she almost knelt at his feet- before catching herself, sitting delicate in the chair opposing him. Taking her tea in hand, she waited for him to sip his before sipping her own, mind racing with everything that transpired in the last few minutes- and how best to explain.

    If Toshiro had any doubts before, her mannerisms cleared them up. Vendetta was the Gothic Geisha.

Crimson Creations- Chapter 15

    'Unless you want that head of yours removed from your shoulders, I suggest you let her go. It's plain as night that she wants no part in this- and I have no qualms at all with disposing of those who would force themselves upon another.'

    Theodore went from confusion, to shock, to cold rage. How dare anyone interfere in his intimate  moment with his icy beloved? Either this individual was insane, foolish, had a death wish... or all three. Still, with a blade well-placed at his throat like this- he knew whoever this upstart was, could hold his own easily. But the arrogance he was known for returned quickly. Facing Toshiro, a depraved grin crossed his twisted face- and Theodore casually gripped the blade, rivulets of blood staining the snow.

    "You've got nerve... I'll give you that. But you dared encroach on my intimate moment, with my beloved? And challenge me? I'll certainly enjoy tearing you to pieces." Toshiro's blade was wrenched away from Theodore's throat- more blood spilling from his hand. 

   "'Your beloved?' I could feel the fear emanating from her out on the dance floor." Noticing no reaction from Theodore as the blade was wrenched form his throat, blood soaking the snow at their feet, it gave pause. Drawing his sword back, Toshiro flicked the blood from the blade- gaze not daring to leave Theodore. Even though the man was unarmed and up against someone who had taken him by surprise with ease, he was still confident in his ability to take the swordsman down. There were far too many unknown factors for Toshiro to take this man lightly.

    Taking a few steps back, Toshiro's gaze narrowed onto the man before him- reaffirming his grip on his katana. Seconds later, Theodore came barrelling at him- Toshiro barely managing to dodge a pair of vicious swipes, sidestepping them. A grin crossed the swordsman's face.

     "You know, I didn't expect a 'gentleman' like yourself to fight like a beast." Taking the opportunity to press the advantage, a well-placed cut aimed for Theodore's leg. Eyes widened a little in surprise as Theodore made no attempt to dodge the attack- not even flinching as the blade sliced through his flesh. Before Toshiro could make it past him, Theodore reached out- grabbing Toshiro's long hair, flinging the swordsman to the ground- quickly jumping on top. Disarmed from the fall, Toshiro yelled in pain as Theodore sank his claws into his shoulders- just missing his throat.

    In the moment while the gentlemen were engaged, Vendetta stepped back into the darkness. She was grateful Toshiro led Theodore away, took the focus off of her. Twisting this way and that, Vendetta eventually managed to release her wrists, undoing the bondage she had been placed in. Reaching behind her, she pulled a hidden blade forth-sliding it from its sheath, it was only then could she witness what was happening. If Theodore hurt Toshiro in any way... Vendetta turned, stepping back into the light- and froze for a second at the sight before her. Theodore on top of her beloved, going for the kill. Blood spilling into the snow...

    "Any last words, before I rip out your throat?" Theodore's wicked grin returned, he poised to strike.

    "I hope you have fun in Hell."

    Letting out an anger-filled growl, Theodore went in for the final blow- suddenly stopping a mere inch short. A second later, his head rolled off into the snow, Toshiro with a tanto in hand. Pulling Theodore's claws from his shoulders, he pushed the body off and climbed back to his feet, covered in blood. A wave of the hand, the weapons disappeared. Taking in a deep breath he looked over at Vendetta, still seeming shaken by this whole situation.

    "Not exactly how I hoped us seeing each other after this long would go..."

    Instinctive, Vendetta slid the blade away and stepped close, reaching out to his wounds- but stopped herself. Last time she did that, he tried to take off her head. Their eyes met, as she drew her hand back. Words eluded her.  The sight of tears in her eyes, afraid to touch him... It was heartbreaking.

    Vendetta could hear... something in his voice. Venom? Steel? Malice? Hatred? She couldn't tell. But she was convinced, it was for her. I should have been more careful... Maybe if I had been more attentive, or chosen my words more carefully, none of this would have happened...

    Vendetta realized she still hadn't replied. "I- I cannot say... this is how- how I wanted things to be, either..." Another pause of silence, snow whipping around them, before her glance broke away- looking to Theodore. "I knew he was... he liked me, but I never expected... Had things played out differently, you wouldn't be suffering... because of me."

    Memories flooded her mind, haunting her- distracting her as she moved past Toshiro, to the body of Theodore. Dropping to her knees in the snow, Vendetta pulled a crystal pendant from Theodore's body. Guilt laced in with her fear now, as the pendant was held in her hand. Shattered. Preventing his return- the secret of his bloodline. "I- I'll take care of things here. If- If you head inside, you can... get the blood off, take care of the wounds."

    Once again, that fear emanated from Vendetta, despite everything seemingly being fine now. The man that tried to force himself on her was disposed of- and besides a few claw wounds and some marks he managed to leave on her, neither of them were worse for wear. Thinking on it a bit, that left the only source to be Toshiro himself. Before he could formulate a question, she suggested he get cleaned up and wounds treated. Nodding, he decided it would be best to ask when he wasn't covered in blood. Intuition told him he didn't want to be here for this next part.

    Skirting the party-goers, Toshiro made his way inside- remembering the tour she gave him, finding his way to a bathroom on the main floor. Removing his jacket and shirt, he found some bandages- and wrapped the claw wounds on his shoulder, which were much deeper than anticipated. Turning his attention to his clothes, he grabbed a washcloth, getting it wet then cleaned off the blood. Conjuring a needle and thread, he quickly patched the shirt and jacket before splashing some water into his face. Still in a daze from the night's dramatic events... Catching a glimpse in the mirror- however that was possible- his eyes returned to emerald.

    Dressing once more, a voice in the back of his head began to speak. What if the fear you felt before was the fear you you catching the two of them?.. After all, it has been quite awhile since you two last saw each other. Surely she doesn't truly wish to be with a washed-up artist like yourself. Besides, the history you share is quite bloody. Maybe she just accepted your pledge, fearing you would finish what you began if she declined. Just keeping the dog on a leash, as not to be bit.

    Clenching his fists, Toshiro shook his head. "Shut up! I know she has feelings for me." Even as Toshiro returned outside, the voice didn't relent- saying whatever it could to sow doubt. Seeing refreshments, and lost in the crowds leaving, he downed a few glasses of champagne- hoping to silence the voice, if even for a few moments. All he needed was to think straight. Taking in a deep breath, weaving through the crowds, Toshiro made his way back to the garden- hoping to meet up with Vendetta once again. And maybe get some answers.

~

    Soon as Toshiro left, Vendetta was thrown into chaos. By now, people noticed the commotion- and immediately she was swarmed, questions and statements coming at her from all sides. Everyone had the same thought- What happened? Vendetta told the truth, mostly- that Theodore pulled her away, tried to force himself on her, and was dealt with by someone who witnessed the situation. She had the marks to prove it.

    Immediately the party was broken up, guests escorted out and things broken down. Certainly these last few months had been dramatic for the Immortal Artist; This would keep the art world aflutter for weeks to come. Theodore's clan would face scrutiny, Vendetta would be looked upon even more kindly- and people would form opinions over who stepped in. Left to face those from Theodore's clan who also attended, they promised to take care of the Council- once they discerned she was honest with them. Once permitted a chance to be alone, Vendetta disappeared deeper into the garden. There was a solace, a secret within a secret. In a small hidden spot, a clearing held a black marble fountain in the centre, surrounded by black roses.

    As Toshiro explored the garden, the snow revealed her trail- leading him right to her. Her voice drifted to him, carried on the winter winds. Speaking to herself it seemed, trying to process everything. As he rounded a bend, Vendetta and her solace came into view- blood cascading over the tiers of a black marble fountain, snow swirling in the winds. Black roses swaying on the breeze, glittering crystals from her elaborate guise- all beneath a silent, silvery moon.

    "I should have kept Theodore away, been more aware. Or let him take what he wanted, even if I didn't... How did I not realize- It doesn't matter anymore." Idly she crossed to her flowers, a hand brushing over them as she crouched down. "I can't even imagine how furious and hurt Toshiro is... I have to make things right, no matter what." She bit her glossy lip, shivering a little- tears rendering her eyes crystalline. For a moment, the broken side of her soul manifested itself- the side destroyed by centuries of cruelty and suffering...

    Plucking a rose, she stood upright once more- then crossed back. Sitting upon the marble, Vendetta's hand held the stem tight, staring intently into its dark petals. "I froze... I never freeze... Maybe fear is closer to the surface than I believed... Maybe I can't overcome all those memories... I don't know... But I have to face him." With that, Vendetta's gaze lifted, to the manor in the distance- steeling herself to face what would come.

Chapter 16