Caged Freedom~Part 1

[Rina Ukario]

Hey, ya'll! Well this is my epic fanfiction that I shall post here.

Chapter One: The Mission

There is a fine line between myth and reality. Some say that this line should never be crossed...that mixing mythical creatures with humans would only end in chaos. In a way, this is true. But there are already so many creatures out there that are hybrids or mixes, that it doesn't really matter anymore.

There is no war with them. People are just afraid because they don't understand.

I myself am a hybrid. A Hanyou; a mix between a human and a wolf demon. I act as a bridge between worlds, since it is easy to hide my animal features and look completly human. The things I do I would not ever say that I am proud of, but there are some things that I am very glad to have done.

One of the mythical beings that not many people know of would be Vampires. In storybooks, they are evil and twisted. They take human life just because they can. Well, I'll tell you that those storys are not true at all.

Not for the ones that want peace.

There are some Vampires that are like that, but not a lot. I work with Vampires often, and happen to be friends with a high-ranking Vamp who is called Kain.

He is over 1000 years old-I myself am only about 700-and acts so childish it makes me insane. But...he's a good guy and really wants to help, and I thank him for that. He is the one who gives out missions and finds a lot of the information we need to compramise with the humans.

I was called in one night for a mission that would forever change me. A Vampire that was apart of some gang that killed humans for fun had been captured. Kain told me that he knew this Vampire had no part of the killing. He was scout, and only because he had no choice. But he was so closed-up that he wouldn't talk at all and this worried Kain. The authorites of our world were having trouble questioning him.

My mission was to get him to talk so they could let him go. He didn't deserve to be locked away like that. Kain also warned me that this Vampire was a little uncontrollable at times. He wasn't very good at controlling himself when it came to the blood of humans...or half-humans for that matter.

He told me to be careful. I agreed and took the mission. I had six months to complet it.

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[Nix]

Very nice, I'll post some of my own bits of writing later today when I'm on the computer

[Rina Ukario]

Chapter 2: The Quiet

Night fell and a full moon rose into the dark sky. I felt my energy levels rise and my senses become even more sharp and clear than ever. This is what a full moon did to me. Stepping to my front door, I pulled on a warm, long-sleeved black shirt over my red tank top and went out, locking the door behind me.

My breath fogged up in front of me as I walked, indicating the chilly season of upcoming winter. Bats chirped above me as they soared by, their beady red eyes gazing down, but not seeing much or not at all.

It took ten minuites to reach the building full of holding cells. I had never been here before, and the stone walls that loomed overhead made me shiver. "Halt, state your buisness." a guard said as I approached. I held up my mission scroll and he looked it oveer, nodding in approval afterwards and stepping aside.

The huge, metal doors groaned as they were pulled open and I flattened my wolf ears against my skull to muffle the sound. Uttering a quiet thank you to the guard, I stepped inside and the doors slammed shut behind me. Another guard directed me down the hall and to the room where ther Vampire was being kept for questioning. I sighed softly. This was not going to be easy at all. The smaller, but just as heavy metal door swung open and I went inside, quietly dimissing the guard who had let me in. He nodded once and left.

I looked across the room at the Vampire who was against the cold stone wall, chains-the only thing that could hold a Vampire-on his arms and legs. He looked up as I came near, clearly puzzled by my wolf ears and tail. Had he never seen a Hanyou before? Taking a seat by the cold wall and on the floor, I asked the first question that came to my mind.

"Why live a life like this? There's more than being caged." My voice seemed loud to me and echoed in the silent room.

The Vampire looked away stubbornly and I sighed again. Yep, not gonna be easy one little bit. I decided to just sit there silently. Maybe he would get curious and I could ask him the question again. He did become a little curious...enough to lift his head and look at me, that same puzzled expression in his crimson eyes. My own golden orbs gazed back at him, asking if he was ready to talk. With a frown, he looked away once more.

Another hour of sitting quietly and I was told it was almost dawn and that I should leave. I sighed and stood up as the door opened for me to exit. I hesitated, and this apparently caught the Vampire's attention, for he looked at me curiously.

With one more sigh, I stepped outside the door and went down the hall, hearing the depressing slam of the door as it closed, cutting the Vampire off from the rest of the world.

[Rina Ukario]

Chapter 3: The Listening

Dawn came and went, followed by the blistering hot day and the sweltering evening. Dusk settled, and I got ready to leave once more. It was once again time to pay a little visit to that Vampire Kain had assigned for my mission. I sighed as I pulled on my boots. This wasn't going very well...then again, it was only the second night. I wasn't used to cases like this, but I wouldn't quit. No, I would never quit!

There came a knock at my door. I grumbled, wondering who would disturb me at this hour. "Oh, Kain!" I said, surprised, as I swung open the door. He gave a half-smirk, red eyes twinkling.

"I heard that grumbling of yours." he stated. I frowned and flattened my ears, baring my fangs in mock anger.

He chuckled and I smiled brightly. "So," I said, letting him step inside and out of the chilly night wind. "What's up? Is there any specific reason you've appeared at my door?"

"Yes, actually." he replied, rummaging around in his pockets. "I've brought something that just might help you out." he muttered as he searched, brow furrowing. "Ah! Here it is." he grinned, holding out a small, white box that resembled a pill container.

I paused, staring at the box in his hand. "Are those...?"

His eyes met mine and he spoke. "Blood tablets. You remember what I told you about them, right?"

I nodded silently and took the container from him, turning it over in my clawed hand. Blood tablets...created by an unknown Vampire, these pills could sustain a Vampire for at least a week when drunk.

Not many Vampires knew of it, though.

"I suppose showing these to that Vampire might help you out to an extent." Kain said quietly, eyes watching me. "Mentioning the Vampire's who you have befriended might also get things going."

At that, he turned to the door. I looked up, clenching the tablets in my hand. "Kain?" I asked. he stopped and looked over his shoulder, brow raised as if waiting expectantly. I gave him a warm smile. "Thanks." I said. He smiled back and went out.

Pocketing the pill box, I myself went out and into the cold night air, headed back to the building full of holding cells and darkness.

--

As before, the Vampire was slumped against the cold wall as I walked in. He looked up, like the last time, but swiftly looked back down. I sighed as I sat nearby, wondering what to do to break the ice. I suddenly realized that I did not even know this Vampire's name.

So I asked, "What is your name?"

He looked up, seemingly surprised that I would ask such a question. It was probably not very common for prisoners to be asked of their names, and I doubted anyone else had tried to get to know him. I was determined to be the first.

"Lucifer." he answered in a low, gravely voice. His crimson eyes remained on me, almost curious.

"My name is Rin." I replied, outwardly calm as my golden gaze locked onto his. He frowned and looked away stubbornly again. Well, at least I had finally gotten his attention. I inwardly smirked at this.

Fifteen minuets passed while I pondered the next question I would ask him. I finally decided. "Are you a pure blood?" I questioned softly. Again, he was shocked, but replied all the same.

He shook his head as he spoke, "No, I am not." and gazed at me. I was not expecting for him to now ask me a question.

"What are you...exactly?" he was perplexed, I could tell.

I leaned back some, placing a claw to my chin in thought. How to explain this...? "I am what Humans refer to as a half-breed; half human, half demon...im my case a wolf demon. Though the real term for my kind Hanyou." I explained.

He seemed to contemplate this for a moment, then nodded in understanding. His red eyes seemed to say 'your turn', so I asked the sat back to think about the next question.

[Nix]

Brilliant work Rina!

[moonlit]

Nix stop spamming the thread. Compliment her over pm like me. ^^

[Rina Ukario]

Chapter 4: The Unspoken Game

What to ask next...? I tapped my chin in thought and finally decided on one. "What abilities do you have?" I looked over at him as I said this. He smirked, apparently amused that I'd asked such a question. "I control fire and have the ability to read minds, though that has been sealed away. I can be very persuasive." I snorted. "Aren't ALL Vampires?" I muttered, flicking my tail as I settled back to think again of another question.

It was clear that this was becoming a sort of game. Like the game 20 questions that humans play when they get bored. But we weren't bored, so I wondered about why I had thought of that. Lucifer seemed even more amused by my responses, maybe even intrigued. There was, perhaps, a chance to save him after all. Before I could say anything more, a bang sounded on the door. "Time to go." I mumbled softly as I stood.

Without a word, I stepped towards the door as it opened. The guard nodded at me as I slipped by. I glanced back once, just out of curiosity, and Lucifer's red eyes were watching me.

--

"This is Rune and he will assist you with this mission." Kain told me, gesturing to the young Vampire beside him. Rune grinned. "Nice to finally meet you." he said. He was taller than Kain, and had silver hair and wine- red eyes with blue ringed around them.

Interesting.

Kain shut the door behind him as I ushered the two in. "I suppose all is well with the mission, Rin?" he asked.

I looked up. "Oh, yes. It's going quite well, actually. He's talking, but not in the way you'd probably expect." I gave a lopsided grin. "We're kind of playing 20 questions. It started when I asked what his name was."

"And what is his name?"

"Lucifer."

Kain looked thoughtful for a moment while Rune scrunched his nose up and frowned. "A befitting name for a Vampire, no doubt." the raven-haired Vamp muttered.

"It means he's evil." Rune spoke up. I scowled momentarily, irritated. Then, I remembered that Rune didn't know as much about life as Kain or I did. "It doesn't necessarily mean that." I finally said. Rune blinked. "Really?"

"Really." I nodded. "It's just a name, after all."

Kain chuckled. "Yes, yes quite true. I agree completly. Oh, and Rin?"

I glanced at him warily. "What do you want now, Kain...?" I demanded, knowing that the sly Vamp had something up his sleeve. He smirked in amusement and narrowed my eyes. Yep. He was definetly planning something. "Well," he began. "Rune needs a place to stay...." My eyes widened. "No." I stated. "No, absolutely NOT. If you want to take him in, put him up at your house." I turned to head for the kitchen. Why that little--

"I'll pay you double." I stopped. Double? Was that jerk trying to bribe me? Was he serious? "Kain, make it triple." I shot back. I heard him gulp and I smirked. Bingo. He sighed in defeat and I grinned. "Sweet." I thought. "Alright then. Triple." he sounded tired and at the same time, about to laugh. "I can never say 'no' to you, Rin." he chuckled.

"Oh really? Then will you pay for dinner tonight?"

Rune snickered and I gave Kain an innocent smile. He paled as much as a Vampire can and sighed again. "Fine..."

And then Rune busrt out laughing.

[Nix]

It keeps getting better and better!

[Rina Ukario]

Chapter 5: The Thoughtfulness

"Thanks for the dinner, Kain!" I waved from my front door as the now-grumpy Vampire headed off. I giggled. "He'll be fine tomorrow night."

Rune snickered lowly. "You sure have him wrapped around your finger." he told me. I gave him a wry smirk and shut the door, heading into the kitchen and then down the hall, flicking lights off as I went. "Time to sleep." I stated.

Rune blinked and then glanced at the clock. It was nearly 5 am. "Oh, right." he muttered, following me down the hall. "You sleep during the daytime, too?" he asked. "Yeah." I replied.

"Why so?"

I shrugged and stopped at the guest room. "It's easier to go about my work and I just like to." I replied. "Ah." he smiled slightly. I gestured to the room as I opened the door. "This is going to be your room, alright? Mine is right here." I went and stood at the door across and slightly down the hall from his. He nodded. "Night then." he said. I smiled and went into my room with a quiet 'good night' and shut the door behind me.

--

The day came and went and when I got up and headed for the kitchen, I found that Rune was already up and making coffee. "This is a surprise." I yawned and plopped into a chair. He chuckled. "Really?"

"Really."

"Oh, that hurts." he said jokingly. "She doesn't expect much from me." he shook his head in mock sadness and gave a dramatic sigh. I rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

With a grin, he set a cup of coffee on the table for me. I eyed it, pretending to be wary. "It's not poisoned is it?" I questioned.
"Heaven's no!" he laughed. "You're not allowed to use the word heaven." I shot back, grinning as I took a sip of the coffee. It was actually really good. "Who says?" he demanded with a challenging quirk of his brow.

"I do."

He laughed lightly again and then shook his head. "You're something else, you know that?" he asked. "I could say the same for you." We left that night laughing and joking as we walked down the street, heading for the giant stone building that held Lucifer hostage. "We're here." I said quietly, showing my mission scroll as usual.

Rune had grown silent, and as we entered the holding cell, he hung back, content to just watch. I sat down in my normal spot and could tell that Lucifer was wondering why another Vampire was with me. "He's assigned as my partner." I explained softly. He said nothing, but looked at me silently for a short moment. "There was something I wanted to show you." I finally broke the silence as I pulled out the little, white box containing the blood tablets. "These were created by a Vampire a long time ago. If you're let out of here, these will help."

I explained what they were and how they were used. Lucifer kept his eyes on the stone floor. "I'll...think about it." he muttered. At that, he glanced up. I nodded, my expression serious. "I hope you choose correctly." I told him, letting my professional mask slip. Oops.

A loud bang alerted me that the night was ending. I stood up, pocketing the tablets. "See you." I spoke softly. This was the first time I'd ever uttered a goodbye, and Lucifer looked up at this, crimson gaze piercing. I looked over at Rune and we headed for the door together. Like the last time, I glanced back as I slipped out the door and Lucifer's gaze was on me. "Think he'll talk?" Rune asked softly as we headed back.

I shrugged and didn't say anything. He gave me a curious look, but I ignored it. "Let's get home." I mumbled. And we walked into the night.

[Rina Ukario]

Chapter 6: The Tension

Kain paid a visit that night, but I was in no mood to chat with him. I briefed him on what had happened while we were there, but I didn't say much else. I was deep in thought and soon, he realized this and backed off. "Have a good night." Rune said politely as Kain headed out the door. "Yeah." I nodded, still mulling over my thoughts.

Kain tilted his head and smiled. "Alright. See ya'll later." he told us and then shut the door behind him.

--

Another day passed and once again, it was time to get up and get to work. "Hey, Rin?" Rune's voice came from his room. "Yes?" I called from the kitchen. I heard his door open as he came out, buckling his belt around his waist as he walked into the hallway. "Can you go alone tonight? I was called in for some paperwork." he looked a bit sheepish. "Don't tell me you forgot to finish." I stated flatly. A nervous chuckle made me click my tongue and shake my head. "Idiot." I muttered. "Sure, sure." he rolled his eyes and grabbed his coat. "Sorry bout this. I'll be back as soon as I can, okay?"

I waved a dismissive hand. "Yeah, okay. Sure." I replied without really thinking about it. He went out the door. With a sigh, I finished eating and then went out myself. This time, I would be alone, but I didn't mind. I was used to it. As I neared the building like every other night, I saw someone being led out.

It was Lucifer.

It appeared my persuasion had worked. I grinned and picked up my pace just a little. He spotted me and met me halfway up the walk. "Well, I'm glad you took my advice." I said as he held out his hand for the blood tablets. I gave them to him and he pocketed them, keeping his red eyes on me. "So what are you going to do with your new found freedom?" I inquired with a half-smirk. He didn't reply at first, and I wondered what he was thinking as he gazed at me.

Slowly, he took his hands out of his pockets, a sly smirk appearing on his face. "This." he said in answer to my question and, placing his hands against my face, he kissed me. I gasped, shocked. This wasn't something I had been expecting at all, but for reasons unknown to me, I liked it.

--

The tension in the air was so thick, you'd need a knife to cut through it. "Why does he have to stay here?" Rune growled. "Because I said so." Kain sighed, putting a hand to his forehead. Lucifer looked at Rune and smirked. The younger Vampire snarled and lunged his way. "Rune!" I exclaimed. He stopped and just glared at Lucifer. I sighed. "This is a lot more trouble than it's worth."

"Do you really believe that?" Lucifer asked with a wry grin. I gave an annoyed huff and frowned, but this only made his grin wider. "Do I have to separate you two like the 4 year olds you're acting like?" I raised a brow and looked between them. Rune scowled. "I don't like the way he looks at you, Rin." he grumbled. "So?" Lucifer shot back. "No way...are you jealous?" I asked Rune, skeptical.

"No!" His answer was too quick. Yep, he was jealous.

[Nix]

Your so awesome rina, you know that right

[Rina Ukario]

Chapter 7: The Assignment

He was infuriating. Utterly and completely maddening when it came to getting what he wanted, and I was powerless when he gave me that sly smile that made my skin tingle.

What the hell was I thinking?

Apparently, I wasn't thinking. And that was possibly worse. Whenever Lucifer came near, all thought went out the window. It was frustrating. What's more, Rune seemed on edge even when the older Vampire looked in my general direction. I sighed for the tenth time that morning as the three of us sat at the table with Kain for a debriefing about an upcoming mission that all of us were going to have to work together on to accomplish.

Good luck with that.

The air was tense. Really tense. I could just picture blue lightning crackling over my head as Rune and Lucifer stared - erm, glared - at each other from over my head. Rune sat to my right and Lucifer to my left. Kain, as usual, was perched on a bar stool somewhat a ways away and in front of us. He noticed the crackling energy between the two youth Vamps, but didn't say anything.

He'd learned not to from the last time.

"I don't see how this guy will help us at all," Rune griped, jerking his thumb in Lucifer's direction. "After all, he's had no training or anything."

Kain sighed, just as I had. "It doesn't matter. He's useful."

"I'd prefer you not speak of me as if I am not here." the said Vampire muttered lowly, knowing better than to outright oppose Kain, who was head of his Facility. "Terribly sorry." Kain replied swiftly, papers rustling as he shifted in his seat. A sound between an annoyed groan and a sigh escaped me. "Can you two quit having a testosterone match in my kitchen?"

That seemed to amuse Kain, and his lips quirked up slightly when I glanced at him with a frown. "What?" he asked with a smile.

"It's all your fault." I accused with a pout like a child. He shrugged. "Can't be helped." he chuckled, and I bared my fangs at him as I scowled. A heartbeat later and Rune was glaring at Lucifer again. I sighed once more. Things were so not going my way.

--

It was hard to sit still among the more refined Vampires of the Mission Unit when I was one of the rare Hanyous in the area. Both Lucifer and Rune stuck close to me, their possessiveness of my quite obvious. Their body language stated clearly to keep away. Before, when I came here alone of with Kain, many of the Vampires had outright stared at me.

I knew why.

Hanyous where rare, and not only did they love our blood - but they'd never kill us, they would keep us just for the reason of our blood -

But they also just liked the fact that all Hanyous were female. Most Vampires where male anyway. It was rare to find a female Vamp. Even more rare to find a female half-vampire. So they were treasured when they did occur.

"They're staring." Rune growled darkly, shooting glares at the Vampires that were brave enough to look openly at me. I rolled my eyes.

"They always do. Get used to it."

He snorted, and I took that as a sign that he was disagreeing. Lucifer was oddly silent. Well, he was always really quiet, but this time, he barely even breathed.

"Any enemies in here?" I questioned softly, not looking up at him. He shook his head. "No," he muttered, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "But I don't like official places like this." I chuckled lightly. "I understand that feeling." I replied. He gave an odd smile and I let my golden gaze meet his for only a moment.

Then, Kain exited the room we were waiting for him to come out of and joined us standing in the hall. "All set." he told us with a wry grin. A sort of waver passed over us.

It was time to begin our mission.

[Rina Ukario]

Chapter 8: The Beast Within

"Are you sure he's right? I mean, what if what he smelled is not what he thinks it is?" Rune said lowly as he, Lucifer and myself slipped like shadows through the alleyways of the concrete jungle. It was night, and the moon was a quarter full.

"Hush." I whispered, sparing Rune a glance. Lucifer rumbled lowly with an irritated snarl, but said nothing. "Seriously, he might be wrong, Rin." Rune continued, and I had to strain my ears to listen to our surroundings.

Something wasn't right.

"How do we know if--" I cut him off. "Shut up." I snarled lowly, lashing my tail and pinning my wolf ears back as I glanced at him, then paused to listen again. Both him and Lucifer froze. "What is it?" Rune asked.

"Shhh!" I gave him a small glare. It took me a few moments to figure out what was wrong...what was making me wonder if I was missing something. "It's quiet," I murmured. Lucifer caught on. "Too quiet." he said, realization in his tone. For once, Rune didn't say anything and only tilted his head in thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. All at once, the three of us understood. "He's here." Rune whispered

I nodded once, and Lucifer swung his way up onto the rooftops with ease, using the fire ladders along the stone walls of the buildings. Rune and I split in two different directions. I slipped around a corner, ears swiveling atop my dark head. The smell of copper and something rotting filled my nose. Before I could comprehend that the smell was strong and close, too close, he was upon me.

"Rune!" I yelled, dragging my Katana from it's sheath and bringing it up just in time to block the wild Vampire's access to my throat. In a flash, both Vamp boys were beside me.

Rune shot forward, circling around behind the Vampire that had fallen so far he couldn't be saved. "Holy sh*t!!" Rune cursed and I looked up to see why. "Uhm, Lucifer?" I began. He kept his eyes on the Vampire before him and asked, "What?"

"I think our little Vampy friend here brought his buddies to the party." I gulped. This time, he cursed, and his eyes flickered to look back at me.

Big mistake.

The lunatic Vamp screeched and lunged at him. With a snarl, Lucifer whirled, his sword glinting as he struck out. "This isn't good!" Rune called as he dodged the sharp claws of another Vampire. "If we'd known there'd be so many, Rin wouldn't have been assigned to come!!"

He was right. The smell of my blood running through my veins; especially the human blood, would drive almost all of these Vamps crazy and they'd be drawn directly to me.

Oh hell.

This was a very, very bad time to end up getting cut by a coil of razor-wire laying on the ground. "Rin, get out of here!!" Lucifer shouted. What? "No, I'm not leaving you guys!" I yelled back. Never would I leave them. Not willingly. The Vampires that had joined the first one we'd encountered were scattered around me, and now they were heading for me as blood ran down from the cut on my leg.

The first one, I caught in the heart with my blade as he leaped. Dark blood, almost black, hissed as it sprayed the ground. Some hit my coat and steamed as the acidic blood ate at the fabric. I jumped up, twisting my sword to pull it out of his chest and planting my foot on his back as he tumbled to the ground. Steaming blood pooled under him.

Launching myself off of him, I snap-kicked a second Vamp and the thirds neck met my Katana full on. I got a fourth the same way, and the second Vamp that I'd kicked got up in a flash and raced for me.

I cut him down.

The blood of these Vamps-gone-crazy was almost toxic. It would be to humans...Two Vampires lay in wait in the shadows...later on, I'd be cursing myself for not noticing. As soon as I was distracted with another two that had attacked me, they moved in.

"Rin!!!" Rune's warning was too late as he finished off the Vamps near him and shot forward, as if to put himself between me and something else. I turned, only to have my blade knocked out of my grasp. It clattered to the sidewalk as the Vampires razor-sharp claws sank into my shoulders. He was inches away from sinking his fangs into my neck when Lucifer appeared out of nowhere and ripped him away.

The claws had done enough damage.

Blood poured from the gashes on my shoulders and upper arms. I was losing it fast, and dizziness set in. "Rin, stand up! C'mon Rin, don't pass out on us!" Rune cried as he clamped an iron grip on my wrist, pulling me behind him.

Where was Lucifer?

Oh, great time to think about him when I was about to faint from blood loss. "No, you take her." I heard his voice, low and gravelly. It trembled and I soon understood why he was keeping his distance.

His red eyes burned with the blood-hunger.

[Nix]

Looking all the better, you should get a teacher or someone to grade this all