Tsukiko in Wonderland! (Valizh/Tsukiko -- during Winter Break)

[Valizh Rosenkreutz]

It had been several months now. The memories of that night were fresh like the dew reminds those who see it of last night's storm. He still remembered Tsukiko's sorrowful voice. She repeated herself over and over, asking why Valizh wanted to kill her. Valizh closed his eyes tightly, as in pain because of the memory. "If you want my life, then come and take it. I won't resist you. If it's my blood you want.... it's yours. I just wish.... I jut wish you had asked for it. I... would have given it to you gladly." Her voice echoing inside his mind. Tsukiko had been convinced probably by Seiryu that what Valizh wanted was Tsukiko dead.

In that moment Valizh opened his eyes again. His eyes, the color of blood, were full of hate and anger. A thunderbolt hit a nearby tree in that moment. The thunderbolt starting a fire that before long consumed the tree entirely. Each leaf, each flower... even the grass at the feet of the tree turned into ashes in a matter of seconds. Valizh palced his cold palm on his forehead trying to calm himself down. As much as he wanted to kill Seiryu for what he had told to Tsukiko, that was not going to solve things between her and himself. He remembered that night very well... the night in which he confessed what he needed to say since they last saw each other 7 years ago. He grinned as he remembered those happy and innocent times in the gardens of the Rose Mansion. The garden was always green and full of roses which Kiko-chan loved. They were always together; laughing, playing... always. He wasn't going to let Seiryu or anyone stand between him and Tsukiko, no one. Now was not the time to blame anyone. This was the time to apologize and to show Tsukiko how much he really cared for her. He had confessed his feelings for her once and he would do so again. He would remember her that he loved her. He wanted an opportunity, just an opportunity to prove all those things wrong.

Valizh grinned as he looked up to the pent-house. It was the first time he would be there, but as always he knew that was the right place. It was the place where "his" Tsukiko lived. Valizh entered the building and took the elevator, pressing the button that would lead to the door of her apartment. He had planned everything for the winter vacations that were coming. He had took care of every little detail; all the arrangements had been made. He knocked on the wooden door and the prince waited for someone to answer the door. Soon, the talking seized and he could hear as a woman headed to open the door. The woman who opened the door was no other than Tsukiko's mother. Even after seven years Valizh was able to recognize her straight away... and it would seem that the woman had recognized him as well. "Lizz-chan!" She exclaimed excitedly before giving a hug to the vampire that looked like a young man of 18. "Look how much you've grown!" Commented Tsukiko's mother as her eyes went up and down the body of the vampire.

Her father, a famous neurosurgeon was also there. The man after hearing the noise being made by his wife had come to see what caused the commotion. Valizh bowed his head slightly at the sight of the father, how corresponded the greeting. Valizh was invited in and the three sat in the living room inside the condo. Tsukiko's mother, gentle as always, ran to prepare the tea; meanwhile the two men were left to talk. The conversation went smooth and sweet. Tsukiko's parents hadn't seen the small pale-haired boy since many years now. The parents were surprised when they heard that Valizh and Tsukiko attended the same school. The hours flew by quickly between the laughs and smiles. After finding the right moment, which proved easy enough, Valizh asked the question he had gone there to ask. "I was wondering if you would let me take your daughter on vacation for the winter holidays." asked Valizh with a charming smile, just before taking the last sip from his cup of tea. It was not going to be difficult to convinced them. Not only did they loved and trust the young man which they first meet as a boy, but Valizh was also a master in the art of politics, diplomacy... and manipulation.

[Yagyu Tsukiko]

Winter holidays had started but a day ago, and Tsukiko was half torn between joy at having no classes and being away from the Academy. It was as if a totally different world opened to her and she both feared and loved it. But maybe this was what she needed. Normalcy for a while. She had no doubt that Seiryu would find his way back into her life during the holidays, but for a couple of days at least she was free.

Coming to the base of the stairwell, she began to jog upstairs towards her parents' appartment, taking the opportunity to stretch her legs. Her mother would be horrified if she saw her running like that as if she was some lunatic -- so very unladylike. So, it was with a certain measure of perverse pleasure that she ran all the way upstairs, measuring carefully her breath so she didn't make it completely bushed. She wiped her forehead and took a large swig of water, before putting key to lock.

"Mum! Dad! I'm home" she slipped off the heavy winter jacket, and pulled off her socks, grabbing her slippers on the way to the living room. Surprised that they hadn't answered, she heard the voices from the living room. Were they having visits? Pushing the door open she entered, curious as to who their visitor was. "Mum- I'...." her eyes widened, her lips parting with shock.

No, it couldn't be.

She expected anyone, maybe Sei, but not him. Not Valizh. Were her parents in danger? But... they looked so happy. And ... he had swore he'd never be able to hurt her. Why was she so suspicious of him? Hadn't she told him that if he wanted her life all he had to do was ask for it? Why was she so worried about him? In three strides, the crossed the room, throwing her arms around his neck. She hadn't seen him in the school, since the incident of the dojo. She had feared he was avoiding her. But now, here he was.

"Lizz-kun!" she murmured against his chest.

[Valizh Rosenkreutz]

Just after he had finished making his request Valizh turned his head to face the door of the apartment. Not only was it obvious that someone was climbing the stairs but he also knew who the person was. Tsukiko. The corner of his lips curled to form a smile. it had been so long and now he would get the chance to see her again. The door opened and the scent he had smelled from the stairs became strronger. He loved her scent, a scent which was sweeter than the smell of roses. She entered the apartment and without paying much attention to her surrounding she started taking her winter clothes off. From where Valizh was sitting he observed her with a smile on her lips. She was always so carefree, so relaxed, so beautiful... just like a bird.

Before long the girl entered the room and was shocked when she realized that the visitor at home was none other than himself. Valizh eyes encountered hers, his eyes expressed nothing but how much he loved her. He would never want to make her feel threaten like that night. He hated Seiryu for making them fight on that ocassion. He would correct things now, he would regain her trust, he would gain her love again. What was only a moment felt like an eternity; waiting to see her reaction to his visit. Would it please her, would it mean nothing to her, would he scare her, or... would she...

Before he could finish of all the ways in which she could react, she had thrown his arms around him. Murming the affectionate "Lizz-kun" he hadn`t heard in a long time. He closed his eyes at the relief, opening them right away to look directly to her beautiful eyes. "Hello there" He said with a warm smile. "How are you, my beautiful Kiko-chan?" He said as he caressed her hair with his hand. "Surprise." He said smiling.