Arms of
Darkness
By:
Haruka-chan
AN: My
second Nightwalker fiction. This fiction 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 fics 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 fiction,
I know a lot of people find Riho annoying, so do I sometimes but she's all
right. Sorry about the spelling and grammar, please forgive my poor soul!
Enjoy!
NOTE:
That the time, costume and furniture are NOT going to match. Also
I don’t have a beta, so all mistakes are mine and hope I can be forgiven for
them. J
Summary: Lady
Riho of Rome is to be married to Count Cain but her need to find love not just
marry the highest bidder for her companionship drives her to run from the only
home she has known all her life, wanting nothing more then freedom to discover
herself, she discovers the Lord Shido of Florence. Learning about his way of
life, and his passion for beauty and loveliness she slowly falls in love with
him, only to have herself thrown back to her duties as a daughter, and soon
that off a bride, and wife, but in her down fall she drags her beloved Lord
Shido who soon becomes the target of the sadistic Count Cain of Transylvania.
What will happen to the man she loves, what will happen to her and will the
love she feel for him save them both in time, or will time save their love
encasing nothing but sweet memories in a canvas of passion?
Chapter 1:
Thoughts of Freedom
I have
always wandered what made people mother butterflies in the center of their
being? What made their breaths run wild as if they were running miles to reach
someone who sat but inches from their own body, yet so far from their soul?
What made hearts fall and race to great lengths to warm another’s being? 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 sadness and pain are its
sisters laced in inseparably. These things puzzled me, why would one want to
bring upon themselves the pain of loving? So many confusing thoughts and
feelings! Why let those feeling that you did not understand consume the mind?
...but
it was that night...that stormy night that I truly find out all the answer to
my questions, the reason for my confusion and answers to my questions answered
finally. What I found that stormy night on the path to liberating myself was
what I wanted greatly and feared all at once…I found love...
II
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 as some would put it, or as others would see it was the time when finally
love was seen as something acceptable, rather then hiding it behind oak trees
and secret meeting places. Where great literature and philosophy was written.
Where Humanism flourished. It was the time of the Renaissance the age of art
and science the rebirth of life.
The most
known lord of the time was a foreigner a Japanese, he was Lord Takagi 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
II
"Mother
why do I have to go to this ball?" She asked her auburn tresses help up
with white stain ribbon, and her almost innocent yet annoyed blue eyes looked
towards the woman she knew to be her mother.
"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." Her
mother a woman in her mid thirties with blond hair tied in to an elegant bun
with ribbons and pearls of the finest quality, fit for her stature. Her green
eyes which held years of gained intellect and wisdom softening as she looked at
her daughter who rapidly became a lady, in need of a husband. Closing her green
orbs she smiled thinking of a way to make the appearance of the choosing a
husband you did not know more appealing to the young girl who wanted to feel
the warmth of having a chance at love, unknown to her the consequences it
brought to one’s soul.
"Mother,
I told you I do not wish to marry without love. I want to know how it feels to
be in the arms of the man you love, the warmth that everyone speaks of.” She
reasoned for the hundredth time, who could honestly tell their mother what they
wanted without sounding profoundly selfish? Taking a seat on the large silk
covered bed, she played with her hands, anything to make her understand her
sentiment.
"Riho
dear, you will come to love the man that you marry, it’s quite very natural.
Once you spend time with him it will become easier and you will understand that
this love is just as great as finding love for yourself." Stated her
mother, of course she herself had to admit to her own contradictions remembering
her own thoughts and feelings at the age of her daughter.
"But
mother I want what you and father have. I want to know the man I marry, not
some stranger who I have to give not only my body, and mind to but my heart as
well," Riho was her name, Riho Takagi the daughter of the great explorer,
and aristocrat; the man god has blessed with wealthy, respect, a beautiful
wife, and a daughter.
Her mother
smiled and sat next to her daughter on the bed, maybe she could ease her mind,
give her hope that will work to both their favor. "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 wanted to be gentle, it was true that her own marriage
could have been labeled a ‘love marriage’ but even then she was lucky to have
at least spent time with the man who she has loved for the past 18 years.
"Does
father not want me to be happy?" She asked. She had to know even if the question
itself sounded selfish, admitting there was no way around it, and she bit her
lip anticipating her mother’s reaction to her self-interested question.
Knowing
that the question was soon to be asked, she knew that this wasn’t the time to
be upset with her for asking such things, again being reminded of the times she
wanted to yell at her mother and father for trying to choose a husband for her.
"Of course he wants you to be happy, that is why he feels you marrying is
good for you."
"Mother..."
She whispered her eyes a bit excited then returning to their lazy gaze of
self-pity, of course leave it to her mother to make her feel as if she asked a
question completely out of self gain, yet answer it as if it was natural for
her to wonder.
"Come
on dear get dressed the carriage will come for us soon" She stood walking
gracefully to the large elegantly painted doors, and smiling at her daughter,
“Darling I hardly think you will find love just sitting in your quarter
sulking.”
Riho
sighed as her mother left her to dress. walking out in to the balcony over
looking the sea, she was quite fortunate living in a castle that her father
bought sometime before marrying her mother, of course it had it’s grandness
being near a private lake. At least the peacefulness of her surrounding let her
think of all that a young woman would think of and more. "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 you are absolutely
hopeless."
"Lady
Riho, I am here to help you" The maid was already here to help her dress,
how convenient for her.
"Yes,
I might as well get this over with" she said under her breath and walked
inside, it was the truth how could she possibly want to find a husband among
men who were widowers, those who looked to nothing but ravishing her or were
after her father’s wealth.
"Lady
Riho are you excited about the ball tonight, I hear that a lot of handsome
lords and princes are all attending." Her name was Annabelle, as always
chatted as she tied her hair.
The maid
chattered, the girl should have been the daughter, at least then she could see
that being in a place where she was the daughter of a local Lord was both a
blessing and a curse, more of the latter then anything to her mind. "I
suppose so."
"Come
you must be ready, smile and be glad that you are this fortunate."
Annabelle often got annoyed with her, as she spoke to her about her worries
which seemed like leisure thinking for her who had to feed her family by
working.
Riho
stared at the mirror. ‘Yes, all they see is a piece of gem, and the riches
that come with It, of course more gain for them rather for me, I wonder if when
they are young, they are pulled aside to have a lesson on how to lie of love to
gain wealth.’ Her thoughts were so strange sometimes, even she had to
question her sanity, what was she doing thinking about such things? If only she
had the answers.
II
A couple
hours later Riho found herself dressed in gown of blush satin strapless sheath,
which had a crepe bodice with empire a belt and a drop waist with a full skirt.
On her neck was a clear crystal bib necklace and on her ears were matching
chandelier crystal earrings. 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 which were decorated
with ribbons and pearls. Leave it to her father to dress her like a turkey
ready to be feasted on. She was heading towards one of the noble's home where
the ball was to take place. Sighing once again as her mother and father chatted
about possible suitors that will attend the ball. Yes what a grand life she
led.
"Riho,
what do you think about Lord Victor?" Her father asked finally, she
wondered if he was waiting to ask her this.
"Father
I do not know how the man looks, I have never spoken to him," Riho
explained, hell she would have been lucky to have gotten a letter where at
least she could test the man’s intellect.
"Oh
you will meet him tonight; he told me he will be there if you are there."
Lord Takagi laughed whole heartedly.
She was
glad her father found her situation to be so humorous. "Yes, father I look
forward to meeting Lord Victor and every other suitor" Riho answered her
father with a smile on her lips, did she ever disobey him? No she didn’t have
the courage to do such a thing. ‘How do all of these men know me? Yet I know
nothing of them.’ The carriage came to a halt and the door opened for them,
with that she halted her thoughts as well, she will have to use all her
concentration on pleasing the two being in front of her.
"Oh I
have to compliment Lord Ellis on his new home." Lady Cathleen started;
leave it to these women to have nothing but domestic thoughts run wild in their
minds. Taking Riho’s hand and pulling her towards the steps leading inside she
said, "Come along dear."
"Yes
mother." Riho followed like a puppy would follow its mother.
Inside the
beauty of an Italian palace, soft music, greeted them. 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. She wanted to run wild and free like
a wild Arabian horse on the fields of
"Oh
Lord Takagi, Lady Cathleen and Riho!" An all to familiar woman coming
towards them, her gown showing her own standing in the social ladder they have
created. The scarlet red silk hugged her breast as the deep rooted gold prints
brought out her beauty; the woman knew how to grace herself at the very least,
with large ruby earrings and necklace around her pudgy neck.
"Lady
Ana, it's so pleasant to see you again and you look wonderful!" Lady
Cathleen complimented taking the woman’s hand into her own and kissing her
cheek.
Lady Ana blushed,
shaking her head lightly "You are still so very young my darling, I grow
old with each year that passes. You look ravishing Cathleen. And look how
beautiful Riho is, as she always has been."
Riho
smiled and bowed, “You are far to kind to me, Lady Anna.”
"Oh!
I wish she was my own!" Said Lady Ana cupping Riho’s face in her hands.
"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 led Riho
by the arm.
Riho
smiled but truth be told she wanted to roll her eyes at the woman and just
break free from her confines, the woman was suffocating her with her strong
perfumed oil, but once again she rehearsed that to rebel now would be to
disrespect and hurt her beloved mother and father, that was the last thing she
truly wanted to do. Smiling her brightest smiles, she watched the dancing
couples, and the glares of young women who detested her. They approached a tall
and slim man he had dark brown hair and deep brown eyes, he was quite handsome,
but she could tell by the looks of him that he knew nothing of Sir Plato’s
work, nor would he know philosophy apart from literature, they both would be
quite confusing to him she assumed.
"Lady
Riho what a pleasure to see you once again." He said with smile taking
Riho's hand and bringing to his lips.
So they
have met before? What a shame for him that she did not recall the event at all.
"Yes, It's a pleasure Lord Victor." letting him kiss her gloved hand
just like so many had done before, and will probably again for the reminder of
the night, he was to be no special form any other man who would approach her.
He smiled
at her, perhaps he was trying to make her fall in love with the pearly whites
of his teeth, and possibly that was his special charm. "Come Lady Riho,
honor me with a dance."
"I...umm...I
would love to" She said in defeat, she couldn’t run from him nor could she
refuse, since sooner or later she will have to dance with someone.
"Lord
Victor does not take all of her for yourself, let us other have a divine
taste," A deep smooth voice with a rich accent spoke, the sound was like
the oldest wine.
Lord
Victor turned to see who it was; Riho herself was just as curious about who had
spoken. "Count Cain of
The tall
man was pale, his long wavy blonde hair tied back with a scarlet satin ribbon.
His eyes were an unusual deep gold color, beautiful yet unusual. He was dressed
just like very other noble and lord in the room, yet something about him was
different.
"Count
Cain, it's a pleasure to meet you." Riho found herself saying even before
it registered in her head.
His lips
twisted into a smile almost leisurely "And the same for you Lady
Riho."
"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 led 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 hands
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.
II
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 have 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
‘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.'
"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. She looked 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!" 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."
II
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."
“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 only form of affection he had showed
her since the whole ‘you must pick a husband soon.’ 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.
II
"It
must be done." She whispered and picked up the quill. 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. Yanking tight the strap of her saddle
and flung herself on to the horse. Once more she looked back, as if doubted
exploited her mind, but in the end the desire to do as she pleased won her
over. No one saw her, no one stopped her, and it was quite depressing really
how easy it was for her to escape her invisible cage. 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 its eyes and let the
tears fall, along with thunders of anger and lighting of sadness, how poetic
she was slowly becoming. 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 beast. 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 too 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 fail her.
"Maybe
this is the god’s way of telling me that I should have been more selfless, and
stayed home." She said pushing the hair that was in her eyes. "Oh
what I wouldn't give to be dry and under the warm silk sheets." she said
to herself, why was it like her to be such a coward? Shaking her head and
pushing the tears back she rode on. ‘No! I won't give up, I will make it. I
have to.’
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.
II
A carriage
was heading in the road where Riho lied unconscious, almost as if it was fated
for it to happen, to them to meet on a night where storms of will clashed. Yes
this was fated for the two to finally meet.
"My
Lord there is a maiden lying on the ground." The young woman inside the
carriage said.
"Stop
the carriage." He said.
"Yes,
my Lord." The coachman stopping.
The Lord
stepped out and walked towards the body. Riho's hair covered her face and she
lied on her stomach, her face hidden from the world.
"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 louder 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, and we cannot
make it back to the
"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." Staring down at the
dirt fill face of Riho. ‘Such a beautiful face even with the dirt gracing
it. I wonder what she will look after she is cleaned, quite like an angel.’