'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.