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In the Shadows of Elysion
El3v3n
Down the Rabbit Hole
All characters belong to their respective owners.
It isn't clear where the first kindred spirit originated. Some claim it all began with the torment of an abused girl, who prayed tearfully at the roots of a sacred tree for an eagle's wings so that she might fly away. Others tell the tale of a fox who desired to destroy his rivals with the aid of a human's spear, and how he cleverly tricked a forest nymph into telling him the secret behind becoming a man. But regardless of how it all began, there exists a secret race of beings that can take the form of either beast, man, or most often, a blend in between.
In the beginning, at least according to legend, the hybrids united heedless of the kind of animal spirit that ruled their heart. Only the most powerful of the beings were able to blend in with humans, and because of this they elected to live away from them. All because humans were notorious for fearing what they didn't understand.
The creatures, both ones traditional to the roles of predator and prey lived, protected and loved with one another. The unexplored areas of the forests, jungles, deserts and oceans became utopias to their peaceful race, until one day all of that changed.
Though the various stories gave varied reports, most agree that the serpent was to blame. Upon becoming furious with his rodent relative, he swallowed her whole and refused to spit her out until he was forced, and by then it was too late. Distrust and fighting broke out amongst the hybrids, and soon they had segregated themselves within their own kind. Before long the creatures had forgotten about their love for one another, and did not hesitate to kill or devour the weak if it was convenient.
The predators and the strongest half-bloods thrived in packs or alone. While those lower on the food chain were forced to be fast, strong, or cunning to survive. This resulted in many of the animal-human races to be wiped out from existence all because they were too slow or too peace-loving to fight back. Of those to become extinct was the halcyon rabbit, a race that was once robust and loved by all. They were slaughtered until there were no more, except for one very special and rare exception.
A girl with a rabbit soul had managed to survive the cruel world and escape those who wanted to hurt or eat her. She had no memory of her parents or the name that had been given to her, but she was rare among many of the other kindreds as she had the ability to wield and manipulate magic. As she grew up from a young girl into a beautiful and capable adult she came across other lost or abandoned hybrids. Because of this, she found herself in a rather unusual situation. Living within the vast and uncharted forests of Elysion with a bizarre group of comrades, her critics referred to her by a very mean-spirited name. They called her Usagi: Princess of the Misfits.
Usagi ground her teeth softly and buried her nose into the fabric of her feather pillow. Her long locks of purely platinum hair were sprawled out wildly around her – she had never been a peaceful sleeper. But this morning was absolutely blissful. For the first time in months, she had a full night's sleep. Finally having set up a proper rotation for others to be on duty in guarding their hidden village, Usagi was finally able to rest easy. And there was nothing better than feeling safe and warm under the covers in a rabbit's burrow.
Inhaling pleasantly, the white rabbit moved to stretch her limbs but found she couldn't move. When she began to wriggle, an unpleasant, constricting sensation overtook her form. Her blue eyes flew open wide, and when she craned her neck and adjusted to seeing the darkness she saw the horrific sight of her body wrapped tightly within several scaled coils.
"Makoto!" she shrieked as loud as her strangulated lungs allowed.
"Wha-huh?" the body of a busty woman with brown hair tied back into a pony tail popped up behind her. The snake-woman, whose top was covered only with a strip of fabric tied behind her back audibly gasped and quickly let loose of her grip around the petite woman.
"I'm so sorry, Usagi!" The girl blushed furiously when the other's furry, long ears plastered against her face. "It got really cold last night!"
Sometime later, Usagi took a sip from a warm cup of tea, one of the few dietary luxuries available. Seated at a wooden table beneath a canopy of leaves, she basked beneath the small flits of sunlight in the form that was natural to her. Usagi appeared like a lovely human girl with flawless pale skin and a few non-human notable exceptions. Springing from the top of her pigtailed locks were two furry ears of the same white hue of her hair. Peeking out of her clothing, a small tuft of soft fur formed a rounded tail at the small of her back and her slim, yet, muscled legs - that made jumping and running particularly easy, were hidden beneath long pants and boots.
"Hey, Usagi," a voice accompanied by a soft rattle grabbed the woman's attention. Looking up from her cup of tea she smiled at Makoto's approaching form. She wore a brown jacket over her torso, now that she was outdoors during the chilled fall's day. To Usagi's chagrin the nāga still appeared bashful about the morning's incident.
"Don't look so down, Makoto," Usagi smiled brightly when she slithered over and settled herself on the other side of the table's bench. "You just startled me - that's all. Why didn't you sleep in Mina's room like usual? We both know how she hates to sleep alone." The bunny laughed.
"I'm so sorry, Usagi!" Makoto reiterated, reaching into her jacket pocket and pulling out a small satchel. "I gathered you some berries this morning, I hope this makes up for it!" The brunette beamed.
"Berries!" Usagi responded excitedly, "at this time of the season?" She inquired before happily popping a few of the bright red fruits into her mouth.
"You might want to ration them, I didn't see very many," Makoto advised, "And as for Mina, according to Rei she went on a romantic adventure last night."
"What kind of guy did she find this time?" Usagi giggled teasingly.
"A very studly fox," another voice sensuously announced itself. Before the bunny-girl had time to react, she was laid out on the bench with a wild-looking blonde pinning her shoulders down. Mina grinned from ear to ear with her yellow, black spotted ears perked up happily and her similarly colored, furry tail swaying behind her.
"He said he never knew leopards were so feisty," the feline winked. With a forceful shake, the thick rattle of Makoto's tail bopped the attacker firmly on the crown of her head.
"Ow!"
"Minako!" Makoto hissed disapprovingly. "I know you're excited, but don't be so rough with her!"
"Relax," Minako, nicknamed Mina, grumbled as she let Usagi up and sat on the bench beside her. "She's not made of glass ya know, sheesh." Usagi sighed when the leopard-girl grabbed her wooden cup and took a few gulps.
"So I take it you had a fun evening?" She asked the blonde beside her with a raised brow.
"Oh, did I!" Mina answered excitedly. "I'd tell you all about it but it might violate your virgin ears." She showed her sharp fangs in a grin. Usagi's face quickly reddened.
"Oh, come on Mina," Makoto leaned forward with beaming, bright green eyes. "Tell us!"
"Well-" She began, but an approaching gust of wind briefly broke her attention.
"Save the pornographic stories for after I'm gone." A feminine voice chided. Looking toward the sound, Usagi spied Rei, a dark haired woman who appeared completely human other than a pair of large black feathered-wings and clawed, hawk-like feet.
"Don't sound so jealous, bird brain," Mina huffed, "You're so annoying sometimes, I could just eat you."
"Who's getting eaten?" Asked a shaky voice. All eyes fell upon one of the village residents, Gurio, a young man and mouse hybrid.
"No one, of course!" Usagi reassured with an honest smile.
"Oh, good!" Gurio's rounded ears perked up and he readjusted the glasses on his face. "Mina, I have some things I'd like you to get when you go into town today, if that's alright?" He handed her a short list with a few silvery coins.
"No problem!" Mina responded, accepting the items cordially. After Gurio shyly took his leave, Usagi looked to Mina skeptically.
"You're going into town today?" She inquired.
"Nope!" Mina responded and grinned mischievously. "We're going into town today."
"Mina…" Usagi protested when the vivacious blonde shuffled a few burlap bags into her arms. "We shouldn't be doing this, its poor planning! We need to scout out the town first, make sure it's safe and ensure everyone here will be well protected." Mina thrust her nose into the air as she tied a red bow into the back of her hair. The young leopardess looked convincingly normal in her fine clothes and completely human form.
"Over the years we've gone into town, have we ever seen anything suspicious?" She inquired of the bunny hotly.
"Well, no-"
"And Rei, Makoto, and Ami will be here to protect the village, so there's no need to be so worried!" Mina's blue eyes sparkled as she tied a fashionable scarf and let it hang loose around her neck. "Are you going to change or what?" She continued pointedly. With a sigh, Usagi willed forth her human form and readjusted her pigtails to sit in two round buns at the crown of her head so that her long streamers of hair wouldn't drag on the ground.
Pulling her worn and tear ridden jacket around herself, she followed Mina outside the enclosure and smiled upon seeing Ami and Makoto waiting. The blue-haired kitsune perked her ears upon the two blondes approach.
"I'm so happy the two of you are going into town, I've been meaning to get a new book," Ami placed a hard-backed book into Usagi's hands. "I wrote the title on a slip of parchment under the cover, you should be able to trade it for this but here's some silver for the other things I've asked for." The bluenette blushed as she handed the pigtailed girl a satchel filled with coins.
"Are you sure all you want is fabric? What are you making Ami?" Usagi asked hopefully. Every year, Ami made her a new blanket and pillow for the approaching winter, even though the fox-girl favored the cold winter temperature.
"Oh, just a few projects here and there," Ami smiled, "If you pick up a few extra fabric patches, I can repair the holes in your jacket."
"That would be gre-" Usagi began but was promptly interrupted.
"That won't me necessary, Ami!" Mina spoke loudly. "Because Usagi, and all of us will be getting fabulous and fashionable new clothes!"
"What's the point of that? We only go into town every few months …so who's going to see them?" Usagi wrinkled her nose.
"Well, I'm no psychic but I have a feeling soon, all of that is about to change!" The cat-girl announced enthusiastically and began walking in the direction toward the town.
"I better go," Usagi spoke toward the two, noticing the slight wistful look on Makoto's face. She and Mina were the only hybrids in their village who were able to achieve a complete human form by manipulating their magical abilities. While she wasn't sure how Ami or Rei felt about being unable to explore the human world without notice, she knew it bothered Makoto whose animal characteristics stuck out more than most.
"Have you been practicing, Makoto? Last time you showed me, your human form had really improved!" Usagi inquired hopefully.
"Well," Makoto answered bashfully, "I've improved a little!" Closing her eyes in concentration, the brunette began to change before her eyes. Both Usagi and Ami gaped when Makoto's human and very naked lower half became visible.
"I've got the leg part down," Makoto smiled as she studied her bifurcate limbs, but sighed as she stared at the scales that covered every inch of her skin all the way up to her face. "If only I can get these scales under control!"
"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it, Makoto!" Ami reassured, with Usagi nodding in agreement. Waving goodbye to the both of them, the white rabbit moved to catch up with Mina before being distracted by a rustle within branches of the trees overhead. Shifting her gaze upward she spied Rei perched with her arms folded across her chest. The harpy's sharp eyes were serious and with a gesture she nodded Usagi to come speak to her. Flexing the muscles in her legs she bounded upward and landed onto the limb with ease.
"Nice jump, dumpling head," Rei smirked toward her hairstyle. Usagi wrinkled her nose.
"Did you need us to get you anything from town?" She asked earning an annoyed ruffling of feathers from the other.
"Hardly," She responded haughtily, "I didn't want to upset the others…" she trailed causing Usagi's ears to perk to attention. "But last night on patrol I was approached by one of Endymion's wolves, and he gave me this." From inside her coat, she revealed a neatly folded deer hide, wrapped in twine with a note folded below the knot. Her face paled at the sight of the animal skin, but gingerly accepted it from the other. Unfolding the thick parchment, her blue eyes flicked across the calligraphy.
"During the first season's freeze last night, I could think of nothing else but you. Please keep this and use it to stay warm," Usagi read the words aloud. "Endymion." His name ghosted from her lips. Usagi's blue eyes widened as she looked imploringly toward her narrowed-eyed companion.
"It also had a red rose attached to it." Rei frowned. "But I threw that out."
"What does this mean?" Usagi muttered, choking back her disgust for the macabre gift in her hand. "I don't understand. We've kept up our end of the treaty! Why does he continue to bother me like this? What does he want?"
"I should think that would be obvious," Rei shook her head. "He's courting you the only way he knows how." Usagi gulped.
"B-but," she protested, feeling more panicked by the second. "That doesn't make any sense! He has a mate – who had a whole litter of pups this spring. And I'm not a wolf, I'm just a, a-"
"A very rare and magic wielding rabbit," Rei answered darkly, "And you're not thinking like an alpha. Beryl is merely just his head mate. All the other pups from the females in his pack are his. I suppose he might have let his most trusted father a few of the litters, but as a matter of keeping control, the majority of them are Endymion's. I'm not saying you did this on purpose," Rei sighed, "but somehow you charmed the pack leader's fancy."
"You have to be mistaken," Usagi shook her head, "Perhaps he's just being nice? We have, after all maintained a good working relationship for years now!"
"You're not listening to me Usagi!" Rei protested. "I was trying to spare you the gory details, but after I received this I spied on their pack last night. He went on and on to his four henchmen about how much he desired you-" Rei paused long enough for Usagi's imagination to fill in the rest. "He told them he would offer you top rank – he'd oust Beryl for you to be his head mate. This isn't a joke Usagi, he will proposition you by the next full moon, and alphas aren't used to being told no." The blue-eyed rabbit swallowed thickly, and a gust of chilled air blew through the trees.
"I don't want – to join his pack," Usagi spoke quietly. "What can I do? What would you do?" She asked, fear shining from her pleading irises.
"We leave." Rei answered simply. "Five years is far too long to stay in one place anyway. You, Makoto, Ami, Mina and I, we'll move on. We'll survive fine on our own, just like we did long before we came here."
"We can't do that!" Usagi protested, "Not when we've finally found a home. And what about the others? They'll be destroyed by Endymion's pack!"
"Why do you care so much about them?" Rei asked hatefully. "What have they done for you besides treat you badly and say awful things about you once you've left the room? They don't respect you, Usagi, why else would they call you such a name?" Usagi's ears fell to the sides of her face as her memory rolled back to some of those unpleasant encounters.
Usagi had an armful of fruit she collected as she strolled back to the beginnings of their modest fortress, an effort in which all of those within their newly united group pitched in to help build. All of the sudden, a larger creature went crashing into her causing her to lose the armful of food.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," the masculine voice spoke and held out his hand.
"That's alright!" Usagi beamed but fell forward when he quickly withdrew it and instead reached down to pick up a few of the better looking apples and stuff them into his pockets.
"Finders keepers," The raccoon boy Yuuji chuckled as he took a large bite from the fruit. "You're not going to sic one of your scary friends on me for stealing your food are you?" The man bated wickedly, brushing his striped tail across her face before walking away. "Princess of the misfits, what a joke!"
Opening her mouth to respond to the other's fiery question, she was interrupted by an annoyed voice on the ground.
"Hey!" Mina shouted, glaring toward the two standing in the tree tops. "Are we going to get this show on the road or what?"
"Why don't you come up here instead of shouting?" Rei grumbled as she plugged her ears. Mina huffed and flipped her long locks of blonde hair.
"And ruin my clean nails and nice clothes by climbing up there? Not a chance!" She yelled back. Turning her violet eyes on Usagi, Rei's lips downturned seriously.
"I'll get rid of this," the dark-haired woman spoke as she took the brown hide from her hands. "Think about what I said. I'll scout out the best areas to escape without them noticing." She added before extending her wings and taking to the air.
Anxious thoughts rolled around in Usagi's head as she made the trek to the town on the outskirts of the heavily wooded forest. Despite being misunderstood for keeping such predatory company as close friends, years ago, settling down in this beautiful forest had been her greatest achievement. Like the stories telling of peaceful living among the animal hybrids of the past, they had crafted a tiny piece of that history and cultivated an honest dream. Besides having a community of others to help each other, Usagi and her close friends didn't have to live on the run anymore. In the past they were constantly escaping getting attacked by humans or other predators, and here they had finally made a home.
It wasn't until Endymion's arrival a few years ago that all of that had been threatened. He was a powerful werewolf even back then – lean and strong he led a pack of ruthless wolf-hybrids and when he arrived in the vast Elysion forest he declared himself king. When he and his group had stalked upon their village, flush with prey, Usagi had impressed him by offering to heal one of his injured favorites with her abilities. After further discovering that she and Mina could achieve a full human form, he struck a deal with them.
If they provided them with human supplies they gathered while disguised every six months, he would offer them protection from other predators in the area. Protection was a rather loose term. Usagi figured that if she didn't pose so much use to him, she and all of those within their community would eventually end up as nothing more than a nightly meal for Endymion's wolves. Purchasing supplies for the wolf pack wasn't so terrible, though they unfortunately wanted only human weapons and alcohol. But this new development Rei had dropped on her was deeply unsettling.
For a long time Usagi had longed for a male companion, despite having such wonderful friends she was a hopeless romantic. The thought of becoming the lover of a cruel killer like Endymion however, made her insides churn.
"You know," Mina's voice interrupted the rabbit's concentration. "Rei can achieve a full human form now."
"Huh?" Usagi shook the lingering thoughts away. "Why do you say that? She would have offered to go with us if that was true."
"No she wouldn't," Mina argued. "Rei is far above human luxuries as you know. But I saw her near the river the other day studying her reflection without wings or claws." The blonde leopardess smirked smugly. "If you ask me she likes human stuff just as much as the rest of us! I'm going to buy her new clothes and force her to pay me back." She rubbed her hands together deviously. "And when she accepts she'll be going with us to get supplies next time!" Usagi almost laughed at Mina's plan but forced forward a stern expression.
"You shouldn't provoke her feelings, she's had a rougher time with humans than you and you two have a strained relationship as it is." She sighed.
"Feh." The blonde dismissed her concerns. "Oh, yes, we're here!"
After touring almost every shop in the small town, the two women's bags were heavy with goodies for themselves and the items requested by those within their small community. Usagi was utterly exhausted. Mina had made her try on so many clothes and trash the ones she had and wear the new. Though she protested this she had to admit…they were very nice.
Her slim slacks actually fit her snugly versus the old ratty ones she had to tighten against her waist with rope. Though impractical, her silk shirt felt wonderful against her skin and the thick coat she wore over it all was actually warm with no draft coming in through the holes. But regardless of how lovely her shiny boots and the new things were, they were horribly expensive and nearly cost all the silver she had planned to spend on treats for herself. By the time she had purchased the rest of the supplies she only had enough money for one, solitary piece of chocolate. She'd just have to save it for a rainy day.
"What'd ya get?" Mina peaked into her food bag curiously. "A dozen eggs? Really?" Mina asked in exasperation.
"They're for Makoto," Usagi glared. "She obviously wishes she could come with us. I got her these to cheer her up!" Mina shook her head.
"I thought you might pull something like this," she began and suddenly revealed an opened bag that was filled to the brim with fruit and sweet pastries. Usagi's brilliant blues became wet and starry.
"How did you afford to buy all these?" The rabbit girl asked, nearly salivating at the thought of devouring them all.
"Whoever said I bought them?" A spark glimmered in Mina's eyes as she smirked. Usagi covered her mouth.
"You mean you-"
"Hey!" A woman screamed, running out of the building they just exited. "Someone robbed me!" She yelled into the street earning the attention of several passing people.
"Whoops!" Mina laughed and quickly pulled Usagi away from the scene of the crime. Once the terrified bunny-girl's pounding heart had calmed, the two finally reached the edge of the town.
"We should go back, before you give me a heart attack." The skittish platinum haired-girl spoke exasperatedly. When she didn't respond, Usagi paused in her steps and observed Mina staring longingly toward a pub across the street.
"That's where humans go to socialize with others. They don't have to cook their own food or get their own drinks, it gets served to them. Can you believe that?" Mina queried in wonder.
"Yes, I know," Usagi began carefully, "But we should really be going, it'll be dark soon."
"I suppose you're right." Mina responded, and Usagi frowned upon spying her wistful expression.
Minako was different from her and the others, as unlike them she had spent some time living with humans. She had traveled the world and seen things Usagi could only dreamily imagine from the blonde's vivid tales. The leopardess had traveled across the ocean on boats, and ridden in carriages pulled by horses wearing a fancy dress all the while.
To an extent, all hybrids craved human objects and to participate in their fascinating lifestyle, but she had never met someone who wanted it more than Mina. Of all the different worlds and societies the lovely blonde had explored, she had eventually been outed for what she was in every one of them. And that was because wearing a human's skin in the proper clothing was nothing more than an illusion; a form that couldn't be kept up forever. After a few moments of Mina not budging from where she stood, Usagi sighed.
"I guess we could go inside to check it out," She spoke in a puff of air, Mina's eyes turned upon her wide and pleadingly. "Just for a few minutes." Nodding rapidly, the leopart-girl grasped onto Usagi's wrist and practically drug her through the front door.
Depositing their bags onto the floor beside them, the two women sat in tall chairs at the bar. Usagi's eyes flitted around the pub nervously, she lamented not having her normal ears that she could turn in all directions to hear every sound around her. But Mina seemed completely at ease, and smiled graciously when the bartender approached with a grin stretched across his features.
"Why haven't I seen you two lovely ladies around before?" He asked charmingly, beyond his otherwise homely features. Usagi's heart began to race, fearing that they had been found out.
"We're just passing through," Mina answered flawlessly.
"Can I get you two something to drink or eat?" Usagi's eyes lit up and opened her mouth to request something when the other's hand quickly covered her face.
"We'll take two mugs of your finest ale please!" Mina beamed.
"But I wanted milk," Usagi pouted.
"Too bad," Mina responded looking toward the mirror across from them in order to mess with her hair. "In pubs you drink ale or wine only." When the bartender returned with their drinks, Usagi immediately leaned forward and took a deep smell, followed by an unpleased scrunching of her nose.
"Enjoy…" the bartender gave Usagi a strange look before walking away. Turning the glass mug around so she could examine its contents, the rabbit-girl was unsure if she actually wanted to consume it. Preparing to dip her pinky in for a small taste when Mina grabbed her hand and gave her a scolding look.
"No," she whispered harshly. "Only drink from the cup."
"But I'm not sure if I like it." Usagi whined.
"You're not supposed to like it!" Mina continued. "You're just supposed to sip it and sit up straight."
"What's the point in that?"
"It makes you look cool!" Mina grumbled, demonstrating her point by sitting poised as she took a small drink. To her credit, she didn't even make a face after the strong liquid had passed her lips. Following suit, Usagi also lifted the mug to her mouth and took a tiny sip, managing to swallow without gagging. Just as she was contemplating why anyone would want to drink something so terrible, an internal alarm starting pounding at her senses.
Coming completely frozen in her seat, she ignored Mina's mindless chatter for the sound of footsteps and feminine laughter echoing through the building. After they passed behind her, she turned her head to watch them walk by, spying the forms of three men of varying height and size. Each had a scantily clad woman hanging off their arm. As they took their seats at a lounge area at the end of the bar, the tallest one with short, shaggy brown hair turned to look at her directly. Blue eyes met their match for a terrifying moment before Usagi shot her eyes back upon the fizzy amber liquid in her glass.
"Are you even listening to me?" Mina reached to tug on one of Usagi's pigtails.
"S-sorry," She answered, containing her yelp as she didn't want to bring any more attention to herself.
"As I was saying," Minako rolled her eyes. "I really think we need to start investing in sprucing the village up. Everyone should have their own rooms with doors that lock and also start sleeping in beds like the humans do."
"I like my nest and my burrow," Usagi commented absently, trying to focus on the strange feeling she was getting from the individuals at the other side of the pub without looking. "Besides, there's no point in doing all that if we're just going to leave anyway."
"What?" Mina demanded loudly. "Why would we leave? Are you drunk?" The leopard in disguise chuckled. Usagi's eyes widened, she had temporarily forgotten herself.
"How do you think Endymion is going to react to us going into town without bringing him back supplies," Usagi asked under her breath, earning the other blue-eyed girl's gaze. Mina frowned.
"He should have no reaction," she replied, "we agreed to six month deliveries and we already did that last month. Besides, who's going to tell him?" Nodding curtly, Usagi contained the urge to flee the building when that threatening feeling slammed into her yet again. As animals of prey, rabbits were hardwired to sense when a predator was near and those little bells were ringing loudly in her brain. She looked to study Mina - she wasn't getting the sense from her. She had known and been around the feline too long for that to be possible.
"Is something wrong?" Mina asked with an arched brow.
"Those people in the back of the pub," Usagi answered quietly, "I'm getting a really strange feeling from them but I can't quite tell what it is." Mina briefly shot her eyes toward the group before returning her attention to her mug.
"They're prostitutes," Mina answered under her breath, "Women who are paid to have sex with men. It wouldn't be such a bad gig if the guys were as attractive as those three over there, but I bet they have to sleep with ugly ones too."
"Not the women," Usagi corrected, gritting her teeth as she focused on the overwhelming sensation pelting her senses. "Those men, I think they're kindred." Mina was silent for several moments.
"They don't smell like anything I've ever encountered before." The leopard girl responded quietly. And she was right, out of all the dangerous predatory kindred they had come across in the past the sense she got from these three was nothing like it. But it truly didn't matter what they were, because if they were here parading as humans, it meant they were powerful and possibly very, very dangerous.
"Just play it cool Usagi," Mina told her, but in truth, even the always confident feline appeared bristled and on the edge of her seat. Unable to contain her fear and curiosity, the platinum-haired woman let her eyes drift back to the men without turning her head.
Her gaze filled with one in particular immediately. He sat leisurely within a plush chair, while the other two stood around him, entertaining their respective female companions. The third woman massaged the seated man's shoulders, a sensation he seemed bored by as he lounged within his seat, uncaring of any threat that may be poised to attack around him. His features were sharp and strong, his angled jaw set in a neutral expression as he stared ahead at nothing in particular. He wore dark and tailored clothing– all nicer than the ones they had seen in the shops in town.
Reaching to run a few fingers through his multi-colored spikes of hair, the handsome stranger's expression suddenly changed. A wicked grin fluttered across his lips when his brightly colored red eyes darted straight for the rabbit in disguise. Needle-like chills erupted across Usagi's skin when she caught the attention of his blood-red irises. The tiny hairs at the back of her neck stood up on end as his stare only intensified, tilting his head to one side while regarding her curiously.
The white rabbit's heart began to palpitate when the woman paused in her massage to whisper something at his ear, but not even that shook the man's resolve. His pointed stare remained frozen and unflinching as if she was a target directly within his aim. Suddenly his lips parted as if he was going to respond to her, but instead she watched him taste the air with a dart of his tongue. It was a red, quick appendage that had a very reptilian fork at the end. Usagi's heart froze, skipping many beats in a row when she felt a hand grasp onto her wrist. Mina's face was as white as ghost's. She hadn't been the only one who had caught that maneuver. Whether it was a warning or not, the message was clear. These men were powerful and carnivorous reptiles…and they knew the two women were not.
Trying to be subtle as they reached for their bags, the two women grabbed their parcels and walked as calmly as they could from the building. They pretended they didn't hear the bartender when he yelled back at them to pay their bill. Once Usagi felt the cold air hit her face, she ran into the night as fast as she could with Mina following suit at her side.
Having no response to the woman planting kisses on his neck, Seto shuffled his dark blue eyes to the seated man who grinned toward the empty doorway.
"One was undoubtedly feline, likely a formidable one" he spoke cryptically, "but the other I'm unsure of, she smelled somewhat familiar, almost nostalgic."
"Dibs," Bakura laughed as he wrapped his arms around the woman before him, showing his sharp canines wickedly as his crazed brown hues flicked toward the tall brunette.
"You have right to no such claim," Seto responded pointedly, "You would be lucky if an imposter like you was even spared scraps from the leftovers." He turned his emotionless eyes back upon the still grinning man who appeared to be lost in musings. "Any idea what she is, Yami?" Quickly licking his lips, the one called Yami stood and firmly grabbed the giggling woman's hand.
"There's only one way to find out," he uttered deeply, flicking his eyes upon Seto in sheer amusement. "Let's wrap this up, shall we?" Nodding, Seto led the way as he walked the woman at his arm toward the door with his companions strolling behind.
"You sure are handsome," the woman hanging onto Bakura's elbow laughed as she looked seductively into his grinning visage. "Is there anything special you wanted to do tonight?"
"Oh I don't know," Bakura responded holding back his laughter. "I was hoping I'd be able to eat you whole." He announced brazenly, a flash of madness flickering in his eyes. The woman put a hand over her mouth to stifle the giggles.
"Now that will cost you extra."
So I guess this is sort of my "Halloween Special" HAPPY HALLOWEEN! ^^
I got randomly inspired to write this, and once I got going it just kept flowing and I really like it though I feel it might not be everyone's cup a tea. This could just exist as a one-shot or if it at least gets 10 reviews, I'll continue it!
Please read and review if you liked it!
(Also, if you are following me for other stories I'm planning on going on an updating spree, especially focusing on My Place among the Gods and The Ostiary, which I'm owing you readers some big bang chapters, so watch out for those as well as updates to this and some of my other stories!)
~El3