On one fateful day, all 666 pages of this cursed book disappeared. Sei, the heiress to the Shonagon Estate, must find the pages to restore her family’s pride and honor. But can she do it alone?

The Devil’s Order

Chapter Five

A loud rumble came from my stomach and I bashfully remarked, “Wow, a snack sounds awfully good right now!”

Rikyu agreed with me and he led all three of us to the Royal Hashiyumi Kitchen!

As we left the eerie dungeons, I asked, “Do your chefs know how to make cheesecake?”

“Today is gonna be a long day.” Akito grumbled.

I say this now and again: Cheesecake is the eternal language of love.

Why do you ask?

Akito looked fazed after he took a small bite out of plain cheesecake. He soon consumed the entire cheesecake when our backs were turned.

“Aw…cheesecake.” I whimpered, pointing at Akito, who was trying his best to lick the excess cream off his nose with his tongue. He was failing miserably.

My Prince Charming smiled and offered his almost untouched cheesecake slice to me. “You can have my piece, Sei.”

I, the bright one, hadn’t noticed our (meaning Rikyu and myself) close proximity since I was overly enjoying my creamy piece of heaven. I had sat myself furthest away from the others, but now Rikyu’s chair was closely placed next to mine, and our legs were rubbing, or should I say, he was rubbing his leg against mine.

“Erm…” I gawked at how his eyes seductively narrowed and his lips spelled out each word slowly. I felt my cheeks flushing madly, and I was sure I was going to explode like a firework. I’ve only seen fireworks once on my trip to China, but they sure light up the sky with starry bursts. I like how the sparks fly around the explosion, making dangerous patterns in the darkened sky…

Ahem, excuse me, my mind can be so random….

Okuni had presently stopped her fork mid-way, watching us with round eyes. Oh, how we must look appropriate to her young eyes.

She hurriedly snaked her small hand to Akito’s tunic and motioned him to lower his head. He acquiesced to her silent request with an elegant eyebrow lifted.

She whispered something in his ear, and my gut told me the obvious. She was asking Akito what in Sam’s hill we were doing. He turned his lifted-eyebrow face to us and for some reason, my mind was screaming, “NO! It’s not what you think! I am so not his girl! Please don’t accuse me of—“

“You two should get a room.” He said lightly, sarcasm dripping from every word.

I hope my face doesn’t show how disappointed I am. I’m seriously going to gouge that vampire’s eyes out and do my favorite teasing trick. Point and laugh. He obviously can’t read minds…. Not that it bothers me in the least. Bastard.

Okuni whispered, “What does getting a room mean, Akito?”

Akito lazily slid his red eyes to gaze at her innocent face. He dryly cleared his throat and said, “How about another story, Okuni? This subject is getting far too boring for my exquisite tastes. Ne?”

The adorable girl simply nodded, her blonde bangs framing her heart-shape face perfectly. I wonder if she practices in the mirror…she’s good.

Prince Charming also cleared his throat, and sat up a little straighter, giving me some much needed breathing space. Slowly, my hot cheeks seemed to cool down, as Akito perched himself expertly on the chandelier, looking down at us like a hunting owl.

Rikyu reprimanded softly, “Akito, why don’t you tell your story at eye-level. You look….sinister up there.”

“Exactly, pretty boy. Being bad is like breathing air to me, and next time, don’t you dare question my actions. It may cause you your skinny neck!” he cracked his knuckles at the same moment, enforcing his statement.

Unfortunately for him, a loud crash from outside adverted our attention from his, uh, scary warning.

Great…what could possibly go wrong now?

Okuni seemed to stiffen at the sound, and then slowly, a bright smile crossed her features. Funny thing is, I was the one that saw her cheerful reaction. The other guys were alert, barely breathing, and suspiciously gazing outside the window.

Is it just me, or did I miss an important detail?

Just me?

Shut up.

“Um…what’s going on?” I ask Prince Charming at normal voice level, tugging at his kimono sleeve.

…I really think he should get a smaller kimono. The stupid sleeve slipped down his lean shoulder. Again.

Eep. Virgin eyes, virgin eyes, virgin eyes! Note to oneself: Don’t gape at guys’ bare chests. It makes them horny.

Rikyu smiled seductively and whispered, “We shall continue this in my room tonight. We’re just looking for intruders in my garden. You see, there’s over 200 guards and 34 watchdogs outside and our exterior wall is at least 40 feet high; and it seems odd that there’d be a stranger in broad daylight.”

Oh. That would make….sense.

Okuni giggled behind us, looking like she was going to burst from holding a big secret.

I. don’t. like. secrets. Bad memories in school….girls spreading secrets about a certain girl (yours truly)  liking a certain boy (super ugly). Totally untrue, of course. Evil lurks behind cheerful smiles that hold secrets.

But as I gaze at Okuni and her little button nose and mouth covered in cream, I have to wonder: she can’t be hiding an evil secret, right?

Wrong.

She said as clearly as a bell, “Why don’t we greet the stranger in the garden?”

*Memory Flashback*

“Why didn’t you kill him?” I asked quizzically.

          “He has your book.” was the answer.

          “Great, now what do I do?” I thought.

          It was as though he read my mind, because he said with another one of his stunning smiles, “Why don’t we greet him?”

          I stared at him and asked, “Are you sure that’s a good idea? What if he tries to do something bad?”

          “Oh, he won’t.”

*the End*

Oh yeah, he didn’t do anything bad. (insert sarcastic laugh) Feh, she’s just as bad as Rikyu at predicting danger! Can she not see that a stranger that miraculously dodged 200 guards and 30-some dogs and can climb 40 ft. walls is not a normal person? For that matter, someone you greet?

Didn’t anyone teach them not to talk to strangers?

Rikyu added, “I agree, let us greet the guest! C’mon Okuni!”

“Yay! Let’s greet the guest!”

…Obviously not.

Akito growled, “Hold on a dang second! This guy might dangerous!”

I nodded in agreement. But the way he said it sounded wrong.

Very wrong, indeed.

I huff indignantly, “HEY! It could be a GIRL!”

Akito continues, “We should at least take a sword with us. Just in case this guy tries to steal the book—“

Me says (louder) “Akito, deaf one, it could be a G-I-R-L! It’s grammatically better to say he or she may try to steal the book.”

Akito glared at me and suddenly leapt into the air, landing a foot away me. He leaned in so close, our noses pressed together, and folks, I definitely felt my breathing space being invaded.

I could feel his hot breath on my face and neck as he said through gritted teeth, “Say that again in my face, girl.”

“Sei.”

“What?!”

“My name is Sei, not girl.” Must I remind him every time?

His left eye twitched in annoyance as he licked his lips and tried again, “Sei~”

“Yes, Mr. Vampire?”

“Akito.”

“Huh?”

“I call myself Akito, crystal?”

“Ok.”

“Alright, Sei, you’re saying that the intruder might be a girl?”

“Yes. It’s not fair to think that a woman can’t—“

“Fly over 40 ft. walls and eat human flesh for lunch?”

“What? I’m just saying that it’s not fair that you’re stereotyping the stranger—“

“A possibly psycho, monstrous stranger---Yes, continue.”

“—to be a man, just because the circumstances are…..”

“Hazardous, dangerous, treacherous, risky, dodgy, uncertain, perilous. Take your pick. I’ve had my share of grammar lessons, Miss Sei.”

“I swear, can you say anything to me without belittling me so? Without smirking like an evil troll that eats Billy goats for a snack? Is it too hard to ask, Mr. Akito?” I felt my cheeks flushing again at my own words.

I bit my lip, daring him to bare his pointy fangs.

Akito continued gazing at me with his ruby orbs, which had taken a glazed effect, until a sudden change occurred. His shoulders became relaxed and his burning, seething red eyes simmered down to an unusual coolness.

He pursed his lips, in a rather childish manner, making him sexier (Gah, he’s taking over my mind) as he replied, “Sei, do you find me attractive?”

His voice wasn’t hard and feral, but light and smooth, like water flowing peacefully in a lake. Oh, he was so tempting!

“N-no.”

“You’re a bad liar. I think you do.” He began to wrap his arms around me, rubbing my back tenderly, loosening my tight muscles.

“That feels good….” I sighed, arcing my back to his touch.

He pulled me in closer as he placed little dog kisses on my cheek and jaw. My breath was getting ragged, and my body felt like it was on icy fire.

Akito seemed to get more confident, for he reached under my light blue tunic and began rubbing my stomach in adept, slow circles.

He murmured something incoherent as he lowered his head and planted a firm kiss on my lips, demanding entrance with his persistent tongue. I froze and my feet seemed to be firmly planted to the ground.

OMG. OMG. Those were the only words formed in my blank mind. Well, my conscious seemed to have different opinions, though.

“SEI~ THIS IS THE VAMPIRE THAT HUMILIATED YOU! SNAP OUT OF YOUR SICK FANTASIES! GET OUT OF THERE!”

“ENJOY IT! AKITO IS FINALLY MAKING A MOVE ON YOU!”

“HE’S A PLAYBOY AND A VAMPIRE! RUN FOR RIKYU!”

“DON’T LISTEN TO HER, RIKYU IS A GIRLY WHELP COMPARED TO AKITO!”

“HE IS NOT! HE’S A GENTLEMAN WITH GOOD MANNERS AND RESPECTS YOU, UNLIKE A CERTAIN SOMEONE SUCKING YOUR LIPS!”

“SHUT UP! AKITO IS WAY MORE MANLY THAN RIKYU WILL EVER BE!”

“YOU’VE OBVIOUSLY HAVEN’T HAD ENOUGH BLOOD—YOU’RE SOUDNING DELIRIOUS!”

“CAN IT!”

“YOU!”

“YOU!”

“I’M TELLING FATHER BRAIN!”

“GO AHEAD, MOTHER HEART WILL SUPPORT ME!”

“STOP! STOP! STOP IT!” I screamed, abruptly breaking the kiss. Geez, my own conscious was fighting a battle.

Akito seemed more surprised than I was, as he convulsed while his eyes cleared from the earlier glaze. He shook his head and began beating his head with his fists. Brutally.

Serves him right.

…..Ok, he’s still hitting himself….

…I’ll stop him.

When I feel like it. ^_____^ (insert evil cackle) 

….why the hell is he still hitting himself?

….what is he---OMG!

“AKITO!” I hurled myself at him, since he had pulled out a dagger and was about ready to stab himself.

I struggled to free the dagger from his hands, but let me remind you, he’s a vampire, and I am Sei, your average girl. But Akito seemed to be ecstatic, snarling fiercely, “Lemme go, stinking wench! You took advantage of me! You tried to kiss me!”

Whoa, did I just hear that right? Who was trying to take advantage of who?

Idiot. Moron. Dimwit. Dolt. Bastard. Jerk. Hentai. Meanie. Asshole. All these words coursed through my blood as I wrenched the dagger from his hands, grabbed his collar, and brought his sweating face close to mine.

I hiss, “Look, Akito. Something happened to you and YOU tried to make a move on me? Okay? Not the other way around! You seemed to be….possessed. Then, you started beating yourself. So don’t go around committing suicide and blaming it on me!”

I huffed and pushed him away. I needed Rikyu. Now. New tears were gushing forward, and I had no willpower left to fight them. I wiped my tears away with my hand, only to have new tears sailing down my cheeks, leaving salty trails.

My long, raven black hair wasn’t helping bunches either. It kept cascading over my eyes, tickling my eyes—coaxing more tears to come.

Akito gulped nervously, him lying on the ground on his back, with only his elbows to support him halfway up.

He murmured, “Now, now, Sei. Do-don’t cry. I’m….I’m…..I am……really……truly……I’m…….sor—“

“Sei, darling, why are you crying!”

I looked up to see Rikyu and Okuni watching me with worried expressions, clearly they had missed the entire dramatic episode. Thank god.

I rushed into Rikyu’s arms, who held me firmly. He spoke with practiced ease, “Sh~ Love, did Akito make you cry?”

Somehow, I didn’t want this episode to end in a “happily ever after” I wanted Akito to apologize to me. Inwardly, I smiled like a Cheshire cat, as I said with a sniff, “Oh, dear, I was so scared that you were gone! And Akito was the only one here, and he’s….scary looking! So, I cried while Akito was trying to console me.”

“That has got to be the most pathetic lie I have ever heard. And you, Akito, you sneaky bastard, trying to seduce a mere girl!” a voice I had never heard boldly stated.

My eyes widened to the size of round China at the sight of the “new guest.”

Rikyu weakly smiled and said, “Ah, Sei, this is another person that shall help us find your book. Young Okuni’s master, Captain Hideyoshi Boots, the greatest naval expert of the seven seas!”

Hm, note to oneself. Never, never, never ask what could possibly go wrong. It always gets worse, no matter what.  

AN: Finally! Another chapter, and just in time for the holidays! I hope I didn’t confuse you guys when I wrote that conversation between her heart and her mind.

And Captain Yoshi is the last major character!

Yay, now the real fun starts! Oh, and naval expert, is a polite term for “pirate.” Do you think I should write character profiles? Age: ? Height: ? Hair color: ? I’ve seen some authors do that, and it seemed like an ok idea to me.

Tell me what you think! Reviews, questions, and ideas are greatly appreciated!