Shadows within darkness

Thank you

IntHellsing (Haha, you are absolutely right (again), Sephiroth certainly isn´t the best influence for young, easily impressable Yazoo... You´ll see what he´s up to in that chapter, I hope you like it^^)

Lamica (Yay for the cheshire cat XD I sooo love Sephiroth too, and frankly, Sephiroth/Yazoo will probably stay my OTP for the next 20 years *cough* Though I ship Vincent/Yazoo too, of course! It´s just that Vincent isn´t really evil, and Seph is^^ *has the hots for the bad guys* Since Sephiroth is the main antagonist we will see a lot of him, especially since he has that difficult past with Vincent!)

Ainaloth (Chrchr, yesh, the Evilness in person! Oh, and thank you for the great review on 'Allure', I´ll answer it here since I am rather sure that there will be no sequel to it... I can´t get enough of the pairing either, but sadly there are not many stories about them :( But I hope to write some more, and you should too! I haven´t been able to read your fics, but I saw that they are Günter centric, and I absolutely adore him, so I will certainly read them soon! And Kazuki as well *still giggles because of your LJ icon*)

Rina76 (Oh, oh... Well... Now I am in a dilemma... Okay, let´s put it this way: At least Vincent said they were dead. If you believe him or not is up to you ;) And the great thing about being a vampire is the whole blood play without actually suffering from any injuries... You bet they get their pleasures from it! Rufus because there is this 'calming' mechanism that will let the victim experience orgasmic pleasure so it won´t struggle and Yazoo does enjoy himself while drinking Rufus´ blood XD Hahaha, maybe if you hide under the bed the bad man will go away? But knowing Sephiroth he probably won´t... Vincent confessing made me all excited while writing and I needed a long cig afterwards. I am just glad it didn´t come out over dramatic, but given the circumstances I thought it could fit...

Regarding 'Allure': I believe this is what Yazoo might be like, utterly and thoroughly IC (minus the sex of course). I take liberties when I pair him up, because I can hardly see him engage in love based relationships when he is like this, I suppose he simply doesn´t care about such things. I wanna write a Yaz/Kadaj fic too, somehow they just seem a bit hostile towards each other in my fics *sigh* That´s probably another reason why I enjoy your fics so greatly, their relationship seems so natural! (Oh, and btw: I sent you an email, but my provider is stupid again. He said he´d sent it, but still I got a failure notice -_- I hope you got it.))

for reviewing and to Golden Kitsune for the awesome betaing!

And before I forget it: you surely know that Advent Children Complete (with 20 extra minutes) came out this month. Whoever wants the link for downloading it (I just found a torrent so far, for the japanese and the english dub) just leave me a message/review with your email adress and I´ll send it to you!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

33

"Vincent!"

The lid flew through the little tomb, banging from the wall and clattering to the ground.Bolting upright into a sitting position, Yazoo frantically searched the room, but his vision was still blurry. Where was Vincent, he usually waited for him right beside his coffin…

"My my, aren´t you a feisty one…"

The silver head abruptly jerked into the direction where the unfamiliar voice was coming from.

"I see you still have quite some problems adjusting to the awakening," the voice pondered idly. "I assume you are not one of us for very long, are you? How long has it been? Five years? Six? It surely cannot have been more than ten..."

Yazoo shook his head to clear it. He was missing something here, something important… "Where is Vincent?"

"Vincent?" the voice feigned surprise. "Well, your maker is quite a little busy, I am afraid he cannot join our conversation."

The younger vampire´s eyes narrowed dangerously at this, but the voice just chuckled, assuring "Do not worry, he is fine. Here, let me help you."Two cloved hands were grabbing his face, not ungently, and stroked some hair out of the teen´s eyesight."Beautiful. Just trust our Vincent to always find himself the pretty ones…"

Finally Yazoo´s senses recovered and he found himself confronted with the gorgeous face of Vincent´s special guest from the other night, that seized him up with a scrutinizing look.And then the memories crumbled down on him too.

Vincent had said to leave as soon as possible and not talk to the dangerous vampire! Why was he here anyways?!But that didn´t matter right now, he had to get out and find Vincent first, he probably was in danger and…The man had settled down against the wall casually, Yazoo observed.

From out of the corner of his eye he estimated how far it was to the exit. Four, five meters; he could make that. He´d become a lot faster recently. Vincent had said it was due to his aging that his abilities would increase. He had no idea how old the other vampire was, but it was worth a try…

As fast as lightening he was out of the coffin and almost through the door, when a body solidified out of thin air, and a hand grabbed his arm firmly.

"Now now, did your master not teach you that it is rather impolite to leave an unfinished conversation?" the man reprimanded friendly, but his eyes left no doubt that next time Yazoo tried something, he wouldn´t be as lenient.Coldly the younger vampire mustered the hand on his arm, that withdrew slowly.

"Why do you not have a seat? It is much more comfortable to have our little chat in a sitting position, I believe."

Yazoo looked at the offered coffin that was his, then back at the long haired man and eventually he went to his burial case to lean against it, since the lid was unavailable to sit on.Pleased, the other vampire sat down on the stone stairs, effectively blocking the only entrance and exit in the process.

"Before we start, how about we introduce ourselves? I am certain Vincent did not speak very much about me, he has that ridiculous predjudice that my only enjoyment is making his life a living hell…" Sephiroth smiled politely to no one in particular and continued. "Well then, my name is Sephiroth and I have been dead for 446 years. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance."

Yazoo´s eyes widened a fraction in disbelieve. 446 years! He didn´t look older than Vincent in natural years. If strength increased proportionally with age… This man had to be a damn force of nature! And assuming from his pulsing, red aura he had to be pumped full of blood from at least three humans. No way he could win a fight…

"Although I have to admit that I was really surprised to meet you yesterday. You see, your master once told me that he would rather let me pull out his guts than create a blood-drinker from his own body… So, naturally I am rather curious as to what kind of person you are, to have changed his determind views." Sephiroth smiled at him in an asking manner, but Yazoo only remained leaning against his coffin and eyed the other vampire icily. Vincent had said to not speak to him.

The other didn´t seem to be fazed by his silence however, only sighing as if he hadn´t expected anything else anyway

"Well, it is not crucial for you to take an active part in this ‘conversation’. It'll suffice if you listen." Upon not getting an answer, the older vampire only rose an eyebrow ever so slighty and continued in a smooth tone "I reckon that Vincent has not told you much about the nature of our kind, has he?"

The suddenly curious flicker in the boy´s eyes told Sephiroth everything he needed to know, and he continued, inwardly smirking "And am I also right in assuming that he still clings to his one-victim-per-night-policy?"

Seeing Yazoo´s dour expression and even receiving a short nod this time, the other bloodsucker nodded to himself. "Hm, I thought so." The man looked thoughtful for a moment. "Actually it does not concern me, and I mean absolutely no offense to your Master at all, but I believe that this is rather irresponsible. I do understand that he is still grieving over that woman, but he does not have to burden you with it, has he?"

Yazoo´s eyes had narrowed suspiciously at the mentioning of ‘that woman´. He did not know about any woman Vincent would be grieving about and Aeris surely couldn´t be meant, for Sephiroth couldn´t know about her.

"Ah, I see he left you quite in the dark…" the older vampire frowned, shaking his head a little. "Really, it is sometimes hard for me to comprehend his intension.The first thing I do with new apprentices is informing them about the nature of our kind and what they need to do to become more powerful."

"Hn. He did tell me anything I need to know." Despite Vincents order to keep his mouth shut, Yazoo felt that he had to make a point here. If there was something he did not like at all it was badmouthing his master.

"Oh really…" Sephiroth smiled still friendly at him. "Then did he tell you that your power increases with the amount of blood you take?"

Upon Yazoo´s disbelieved inclining of his pretty head, the other said "See, that is why I said his actions are irresponsible. His policy keeps you weak and vulnerable. And obviously he is not able to stay by your side every time to keep harm away from you."

Sephiroth made a short gesture with his hand through the room, emphasizing the fact that Vincent was nowhere to be found right now."But I assume Vincent still thinks he can save his soul and gain his gods favor again if he flagellates himself enough." Sighing, the older observed the teen opposite him with sharp eyes. "Did you transform already?"

Yazoo looked back at him as if he was somewhat stupid and demonstratively let his canines slid over his bottom lip.

Sephiroth lifted an eyebrow. "I see you do not even know what I am talking about…"

The boy became more and more confused with every passing minute. Why had Vincent not told him about these things? And even more so as they seemed essential and important for his survival!He hadn´t even told him that there were others like them… Suddenly very unnerving and distressing doubts began to form in his head, making him feel quite uneasy. Yazoo had always just unconditionally trusted his master, but if he thought about it, really thought about it, he knew next to nothing about the man´s past or his ambitions.

"Well, you will find out sooner or later what I meant. After all, I do not want to spoil Vincent´s educational methods, even though I find them rather questionable. I insist on one thing, however." With that he rose from the cold stonefloor and in a sophisticated manner gestured towards the entrance to motion for Yazoo to get out.

The youth eyed him blankly, then slowly pushed himself away from his coffin, following the ‘invitation’. He had no idea what Sephiroth was scheming, but what he surely knew was that trying to escape was futile. Not only because the other was far beyond his own powers, but also because he had access to a knowledge Yazoo could only dream of. And the transformation thing kind of worried him…

They stepped outside the tomb into the moonless night, Sephiroth not walking far behind him. He stopped at the entrance, making Yazoo lift an eyebrow.

"So, where are we going?" he demanded to know in a languid fashion, though inwardly he had to admit that he was slightly curious.The older send him a derisive little smile "My dear child, we are not going any where. Come here." He held his coat open and his cold eyes forced the teen to reluctantly come nearer, until a long arm firmly gripped his waist, and the air around them swirled as if they were moving in a circle at high speed, everything blurring before his vision.

It did not take long for the movement to stop, and as Yazoo finally had his vision back under control his eyes widened a fraction.Because as the surroundings became clear again, they were not standing at the dark graveyard but in the dimly lit garden, he recogniced to be those of Denzel´s parents house.

Baffled, he looked back at Sephiroth, who only graced him with a cryptical smile and let go of his waist. From the windows of the salon they could hear laughter and talking. Obviously there was a party going on, as the faint music also indicated.

"I assumed that you must be quite hungry now, and we should have a meal first, before we continue our discussion."

Sephiroth glanced at the closed doors towards the house longingly and was almost by the door when he looked over his shoulder, only to see Yazoo still occupying the spot where he had left him. Furrowing his brows, the vampire asked in a distanced manner "You do not have any moral reservations, have you?" Wouldn´t have actually surprised him that much, the poor boy had to live with Vincent Valentine after all.

"No," Yazoo lifted an eyebrow at the absolute ridiculousness of such assumption. "I have not."

"I see." Sephiroth smiled his mysterious smile again and then added in a sweet voice. "You can tell your master that I forced you to do it by threatening your life. I don´t care, he hates me anyway."

Still a little unsure, Yazoo finally came towards the door, following the inviting hand of the other outstretched towards him.

"Now, taste the delicious blood of the innocent and drink as much as you desire. There are no restrictions with me." With that, Sephiroth let a servant, that had hurried towards them, invite them in and lead them to the salon. He pushed open the wooden door and the light and the music and the laughter and the overwhelming scent of warm, pulsing blood engulfed them.

Several heads turned towards their direction as they slowly stepped in, Yazoo looking somewhat mesmerized and lost as he smelled the full air with half lidded eyes and a faint smile.

"Yazoo, what are you doing here, I thought you and your master were already gone!" The surprised landlord stood from his seat, but did look rather pleased to see the youth in his house.

"Well,there had been some alterations in their plans," Sephiroth offered friendly, his hand on the youth´s back as he lead him into the room.

"Oh, I´m really glad to hear that! Here, why don´t you have a seat?" He eagerly gestured towards two chairs that had been brought instantly, but Sephiroth just shook his head, scanning the curious crowd. Mostly elderly people, but it would do. He noticed the lack of cruxifixes and other charms, but he could not know that the custom the two vampires had established for their own parties had become quite common amongst the aristocrats own proms too. Well, it didn´t matter to him anyway. Whatever the reason, he certainly wouldn´t complain.

The pairs that had been dancing in the wide, rich hall stopped, and suddenly a gasp was heared, as an older woman with a white, elaborate wig pressed her hand against her mouth, pointing at them.

"L-look, Master Yazoo has no reflection!"

Disinterested, the young man in question followed her finger, just to notice that he was standing right beside a gold framed mirror.The guests started to murmur and whisper to each other, but the landlord held up his hands to calm them down and then turned towards the newly arrived guests, frowning.

"Master Yazoo, what does this mean? Is this some magical trick of yours, maybe?"

The two vampires exchanged a short look and Sephiroth nodded.Yazoo, feeling the thirst raging in his veins, had enough of the small talk and smirked at the man. "Yes, a trick. And let me show you another one, too."

With that he grabbed for the astonished man´s neck and burried his fangs deep inside his throat, eyes rolling back in his head as the sweet taste of hot blood filled his mouth. The crowd looked at them rather interested, impressed by Yazoo´s ‘trick’, and eager to know what he would do now.

Their curiosity quickly changed into shock though, as a few minutes later the landlord slipped from the youth´s grip and landed on the floor. Dead and with glassy eyes the landlord stared at the crowd, while the young vampire licked over his bloody lips and elongated canines in delight and absolute bliss.

A panic broke out.

The women were screaming in horror, while the men tried to get their hands on the impertinent child. It was in vain however, as the two vampires in pure bloodlust started to attack and within mere minutes the ground was littered with corpses.

Sephiroth eventually had enough, since he already had had a meal this evening and threw the corpse of an older man aside carelessly. With a satisfied smile he took a seat in one of the now empty, golden chairs, pushing aside another body with his foot. With interest he followed the other vampire with his eyes as he repeatedly sunk his teeth into soft flesh, sucking and drinking.

He had looked so very starved, it was no wonder he drank like a maniac. In his rush, he sometimes ripped a throat apart and, growling, drank from the fountain that came out of the stertorous humans. It would have been a rather ugly and pathetic sight, if Yazoo hadn´t killed with that, albeit feral, natural grace of his, sensually creeping towards his screaming victims and licking over his pouty lips with hazy, greedy eyes.

Eventually there was no one left and even so, Yazoo wouldn´t have been able to consume one more single drop. He hadn´t known. He hadn´t know that it would make such a huge difference. Compared to the orgasmic sensation that was shaking his entire being now, his former meals had been but a drop in the ocean, not even stirring the surface of what was lying underneath!

"Do you feel it?" The voice of the other purred next to his ear as Sephiroth had come to crouch down next to the kneeling teen. "The power? The satisfaction?"

A tongue slipped out, lazily licking over the young man´s parted lips and the blood on them, before sliding into the moist cavern of his mouth entirely, tasting the sweet, metallic liquid that was staining his tongue.

A sound from the entrance hall made Sephiroth withdrew from the bloody kiss however, as Denzel and his wife arrived to join their parents´ party. Displeased, the vampire threw his black coat around his enemies´s pupil, but couldn´t deny himself to see the two young humans shocked faces as they stepped into the bloody, corpse crowded dance hall and seeing the two silver haired men with their long fangs disappearing into thin air.

TBC

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Teaser for next chapter:

"I will teach you everything I know, everything you need to become powerful and be able to defend yourself on your own. I will give you power, blood and neverending pleasure. Beside me you will rule over the wretched race that are mortals."

Yazoo´s hazy eyes shifted towards the other´s face, that had come close to his own now and graced him with an inviting smile.

"What do you say?"

Review please?