Chapter 2

The jewel meets the king

The silence was heavy when I asked the question. So heavy that you could hear a knife slice through the air. She didn't look at me, this girl. A part of me doubted she would answer the question at all.

Most suicidal people don't actually share why they are suicidal.

She wasn't going to last long. I could see it in her eyes. The mixed emotions, the pain. The complete and utter despair and emptiness I myself would see in the mirror from time to time.

Tears started streaming from the corners of her eyes. "How did you know?"

"You have been taking Alprazolam." I stated. "Also known as Xanax. A benzodiazepine prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It depresses your central nervous system which has a calming is commonly misused for its fast-acting sedating effects. Your mother mentioned you fainted thismorning. You most likely overdosed or were close to it. Had you stopped taking it you would have hada seizure instead."

She was shaking now, her eyes squeezed shut and biting her tongue.

I couldn't fathom why I wanted to know her reasoning for pulling a stunt like this. It wasn't any of my damn business anyway. Maybe it was just a whim of mine, maybe it was because I had nothing better to do.

Her sorrow could be tasted in the air. How long has it gone on? This battle inside of her. This darkness that veiled her. I didn't dwell in her mind longer than necessary but from what I saw, this girl had light in her that became dimmed. Slowly and steadily the sadness grew, until the pillars holding it crumbled.

We all had ways of dealing with pain, she got tired of dealing with it and wanted the coward's way out.

I couldn't blame her, most powerless humans were like that. Such weakness would make me fuckingsneer in disgust if she had any potential for power. From what I was feeling she had none, just another hopeless pawn in life's games.

I had no pity for her though. It takes more than a suicidal person to move me, to move this cold heart of mine. I just understood her in a way, never mind my initial opinion. That emptiness and the feeling of not having a way out. That is where our similarities ended, I was too damn stubborn to take my own life.

"You wanted it to stop." A sob filled the air. "You thought you would achieve peace but trust me, it's not the way. All you will feel is loneliness in the end. And the ones left behind will try to pick up the pieces that will never make a whole picture again."

"Shut up!" She finally screamed, or at least tried with her soar throat. "You don't know anything just shut the hell up!"

I did not take her as someone who cursed. "I know more than you think little girl." I stated in an icy tone, all sympathy gone. She is most likely my age, maybe a bit older, I don't give a shit right now.

"It suffocates you, makes you feel trapped, makes you feel like no one understands. You weep, you scream, you stare at the wall with no will to do anything, not even get out of bed to piss. You think death will give you the escape you long for? It won't." I don't know why the fuck I was telling her any of this, seems to me like I was talking to a brick.

But now she was looking at me, eyes red and just so sad.

"...You've been there haven't you...? That...that dark place... You wanted to die too?"

"I nearly prayed for it." I said. "However I have never prayed before, so I wasn't about to start then."

She went quiet, not knowing what to say.

"The bad days outdo the good ones most of the time, however it's all about attitude. While life is cruel and painful it also has beautiful moments. YOLO dude."

A small laugh came out of her mouth, even with the fresh tears soaking her pillow.

"H-How did you figure it out? I thought for sure..."

"That the demonic plant you took would cover it up?" Her eyes widened and I smiled a small, humorless smile.

"Devil's cover is a special plant that grows in the Makai. I'm not surprised it's here, probably sold to people like you. I've heard that low level demons try to make some money here by doing that. I didn't think that good girls like you could even get your hands on it. Just shows nothing is as it seems."

A spark of anger appeared in her eyes, still she kept quiet. Probably shocked I figured it out.

"You thought it would make it easier for them?"

"...Yes... I-I thought that it would have been less painful for them if they didn't know."

"So it didn't cross your mind, that them not knowing what caused their only child to have a cardiac arrest would haunt them for the rest of their lives?"

"Less than the fact I made an attempt on it with my own hand." She hissed at me.

Fair point. I had to admit, she was clever in her own way. Devil's cover didn't have much effect when consumed. It was usually turned into salve that made scarred skin seem like that of a newborn. No matter how many scars the person had or how severe. Takes a while to prepare it properly, you really gotta know how to do that since that shit is hard to find most of the time. It was worth it, the results are flawless in giving the illusion that the skin was never scarred in the first place.

And it gave the illusion of a clean tox screen. A blessing for drug addicts.

This was one of the down sides of race mixing. We helped each other in our own destruction.

Fuck if there wasn't enough of that already.

"How did you get your hands on Xanax? You can't get it without a prescription."

She turned her head away, obviously unwilling to share more than she already has. I suppose it didn't matter, she could do whatever the fuck she wanted with her life.

"Where is she?!"

"Please sir calm down."

"Unless you wanna be swallowin' your own teeth in the next five seconds you will take me to her now!"

That voice. From the way Keiko stiffened on the bed I could tell she recognized it too. Well well, surprises were around every corner.

I glanced at him with little interest when he all but crashed into the room, the white door nearly flew off the hinges. Slicked back hair, in a leather jacket and jeans. The King looked like a typical punk. Oh how I knew better. There was a reason why he was King, never mind the way the finals ended.

Most wouldn't take Yusuke Urameshi for a King. His eyes told a different story. The eyes of a young man that has seen too much in such a short life. The aura he tried to keep suppressed was leaking out. He was emotionally distraught.

I had to admit he was hot. I wouldn't mind wrapping my legs around such a fine piece of ass.

Those eyes snapped to mine. I swear I saw blue and red swim in them for a second.

It gave me pleasant chills.

"What happened to her?"

"Go away Yusuke."

"Did someone do this to her?"

"I said leave!" She screamed desperately.

This was getting intense. I found situations like these amusing, however I wanna go home tonight without the Deen up my ass. It would not be in the way I found pleasant.

So for once I will follow the protocol.

"Are you family?"

"No he's not, tell him to leave."

"The fuck Keiko?" He swore. Yusuke looked conflicted as he looked between us.

"Tell me what happened."

The poor sap that tried to stop him peaked inside the room. With one look I sent him away, this wasn't something for sissies to handle.

"If you aren't family I am under no obligation to tell you anything, doctor/patient confidentiality." He didn't have to know my true position here.

"Bullshit." He sneered at me, I saw his fangs.

"Leave before I throw you out, King or not."

He looked surprised for a second. Perhaps he didn't think someone who knew his status and reputation would talk to him like that. I didn't care. If he is going to make problems, it will be him swallowing teeth.

Not that I was underestimating him, I never do that. The first step towards defeat is looking down on your opponent. I wasn't afraid either way. Fucker didn't know who stood before him. My reputation said it all. The one called Sapphire, a nickname whispered with fear and dread.

Alexis Cifer, the blood-soaked jewel.

"Listen bitch. I've known her since we were barely shitting out of our diapers, so don't you be tellin' me what to do when it comes to her!" He was losing it now, not before she lost it however.

"It was you who put me here! You and your carelessness! You brought me to this state! It's all your fault! I hate you!"

From his expression, I could tell it would have been less painful if someone had ripped his arm off. He took a step back, hurt swimming in those chocolate eyes.

I didn't want to resort to violence. I took this job to get away from it, at least for some time. I don't think I will have a choice if he doesn't listen to my warning.

I didn't have to, he exited the room at break neck speed and I could hear shouts from the hallway. Suddenly a crack echoed and I could tell someone ended up with at least a broken nose.

Dr moron came into the room seconds later, sweat shinning on his bald head.

"What is happening here?! Did I just see Lord Urameshi in the hallway?"

"Yes actually." I said, bored with everything now. "I told him to get lost."

His eyes widened and he sputtered. "Are you insane?! Do you want him to kill us all?!"

"Oh don't get your skinny ass worked up, I wouldn't let that happen." To be completely honest I wasn't

so sure I could stop him. He was legendary and I haven't heard of anyone that fought him escape

without having their face rearranged first. He may have lost to Yomi a couple of years ago but something tells me that if they fought now, a completely different tune would be sung. If we fought I think it would end in a draw or me losing. If I went all out maybe I could beat him... I wasn't sure I wanted that. My powers were devastating when I let myself loose from my leash. More than once had people taken the full burnt of my wrath and it wasn't a pretty sight.

Alexis the blue demon... a name well deserved.

Her parents got in the room. "He didn't have another patient, why did you lie to us?"

"Don't you think you should focus on your daughter? She's having a breakdown." I smoothly changed the subject.

And so they looked over to Keiko, who has been sobbing uncontrollably with her arm over her eyes since Yusuke left. They ran to her side asking questions and full of worry. "Dr Nao may I speak with you outside?" He looked suspicious but came along with me anyway.

After we stepped out I turned to him and spoke in a hushed voice. "She was on Xanax, nearly overdosed. She took a demonic plant called Devil's cover as well. It gives the illusion of a clean tox screen. I talked to her, she admitted it and her parents don't have a clue."

"H-how did you-"

"It's called talking to the patient. Which wouldn't have happened if I hadn't woken her up. Next time you have a case where you can't determine a diagnosis, fucking call me over."

"I beg your pardon Alexis! You have no right to talk to me like that and not all of us spent time with demons to know their usage of medicine! And someone like you shouldn't get involved with patients! Know your place!"

Oh he really shouldn't have said that. The fear on his face when he realized the mistake he made got me to smile. That chilled him to the bone, I could tell.

"Repeat what you just said."

He started shaking. "N-no I'm... I'm sorry, I didn't mean it."

"No." I said in a tone so cold and vicious that it would make a hardened soldier take a step back. My rage could be unquenching but it was when I was calm that I was extremely dangerous.

I took a step forward, he took a step back. "You think I give a damn about your diploma? About your station above me? If it wasn't for me you would have never found out what really happened to her. You were ignorant to the real world up until a year ago. You know nothing of the world I have lived in my entire life. It's precisely why I should get involved in cases like this. Someone like me helped solve something you couldn't, you arrogant, prideful bastard. Not just you, all of you ordinary humans are nothing more than a bunch of weaklings that have no true power and you refuse to learn from your mistakes, at least I try not to repeat mine. I don't know how you still have this job after what happened. Yet here you are, daring to be cheeky with me. I could end your life with a glance if I wanted to. So don't you ever, ever say that to me again. This is your one and only warning." If we weren't here I think I would have actually killed him, or at least broken his legs. No matter me trying to be better, I don't take this shit from anyone. Least of all people like this worm before me.

Promise me you will be alright

Her voice echoed in my head. Damn it... I keep forgetting my decision. It wasn't because of her or the others. They had nothing to do with this. I wanted to get away from bloodshed because I was tired of it. Even though I craved violence, after what happened I just wanted a fucking break.

Not gonna last if I let my blood lust control me.

In one swift step I was before him, straightening his red tie. He stiffened, covered in sweat now. "Now now Lewis." I said in a mockingly soft tone. "Don't look so frightened, just think before you speak next time. I always give a chance for someone to redeem themselves... making the same mistake twice may result in your actual death though. So be fucking careful." I gave a non too gentle slap to his cheek and he flinched, more than close to pissing his trousers. I glanced at my wrist watch. "Well would you look at that, I'm off the clock now, see you tomorrow. If I don't forget which shift I work." I waved as I left. Ice cream, I think I want some ice cream. And a Baileys. Those two together tasted amazing.

After I finished changing I stepped out, an unlit cigarette between my lips. God I can't wait to get out of these jeans. I glanced down at myself, noticing I wore light clothes for a change. A light purple button up with light jeans. Light brown short boots with a matching belt and coat. A chuckled escaped my mouth. I looked hot as always.

"Can I have a light?"

My head snapped in his direction. I felt him out here but I didn't think he would talk to me. Not after that dramatic exit.

"Sure." I walked over to him after I fished out my lighter. The street lights illuminated his face. The lines on it making him seem older than he actually was. His eyes deep and brooding. A shade or two lighter than mine. My hair was lighter though, with black strands blending in. I liked dying it that way, a habit from years ago. It was just short now. A bob cut that was shorter in the back and longer in the front. Beneath my ears to my chin.

"I didn't think a bunch of high class assholes let bitches with tattoos work here."

The Roman numbers on my right collarbone peaked. It was one of my many tattoos. That reminds me, I have to go finish the one on my hip.

"And I didn't think the King was moronic enough to punch someone in a hospital, I guess we were both wrong."

He flinched at that. "Don't remind me." He groaned and took a huge inhale of his cigarette.

I did the same with mine before I asked. "Don't you have better things to do than worry for a suicidal girl?"

He was in my face in less than a second, an inch away from my nose. "What the hell did you just say?"

I took another puff of my cancer stick, not looking away, I exhaled in his face. "You seem like you're about to cry, so I will tell you. She nearly overdosed on a drug known as Alaprazolam."

"Ala...huh?"

"It's used for treating panic disorders. Drug addicts love this shit, it calms the nerves quickly."

He tossed his cigarette aside and grabbed my shirt. "She does not do that crap, what the fuck are you talking about?!"

I grabbed my own with my index and thumb fingers, dropped it on the ground and stepped on it. Not once taking my eyes off of him.

"Unless you want to end up in an even worse state than the one Yomi left you in, I suggest you get your claws of me, you will ruin my shirt."

He smiled at me then, there was joy in his eyes, a twisted kind of joy. "Oh? So you wanna try me don't cha?"

He let go of my shirt and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "As much as I want to make you eat your words, I don't exactly wanna deal with scared fuckers here, care to take it somewhere else?"

"Wherever the fuck you want." Something else popped into my mind when I said that. Just as I was about to make suggestions, a dark, brooding aura got closer. This youki, it felt unusual, different than Yusuke's but just as strong.

"Detective."

I felt pleasant chills again. This voice, it was thick, deep and cold. It's been a while since a man gave me chills, now it happened with not one but two today. He looked at the source and I followed his gaze, turning my head to the left.

The sight before me was indeed panty-drenching.

He stood half in the light of the street light, half in the shadows. First thing I noticed were his eyes, they were a glowing red. The color of freshly spilled blood. He was short but strongly built. With broad shoulders and a muscular chest from what I could tell. He was dressed in black, excluding the v-neck shirt that was burgundy colored. His opened cloak made me want to laugh, it seemed too much for his size but somehow... it suited him.

"Hiei, always on time to ruin my fun."

Those glowing eyes narrowed. "There is no time for you to be spending fooling around with a human."

For a second I thought he was talking about me. " Fuck off, you have no idea what I'm going through right now."

"Weep on your own time." Hiei hissed and I felt something stir inside of me a bit. I wonder how good he is with that mouth...

"Keiko is in the hospital because of me. Because I didn't notice anything. Because I didn't have the fucking time to notice anything. She was right, I am never there when she needs me most."

"You couldn't have known what was going on, not with a plant like Demon's cover." I explained.

That got Hiei's attention. He was looking at me now, a lesser person would have withered under that gaze.

"It's a plant from the Makai, it helps junkies keep their secrets."

A sword that was hidden in the cloak was at my throat now. I could feel the tip digging in and the warm drop of blood that slid down.

"Who are you and how does human scum like you know about that?" His tone spoke of future pain if he didn't like my answer.

I laughed out loud. As if he could threaten me with physical pain. He was searching me mentally too. There was a strange glow under the white cloth on his forehead.

I grabbed the blade with my entire hand, it was double edged and it sliced my skin open on contact. With little effort I moved it away from me and his eyes widened.

"I don't think I have to explain myself to the other half of the shitty finals."

The look in his eyes was like acid. It could melt flesh and bone. I know I've hit a nerve. After Enki's head was found the demon world went in an uproar. His body was still missing from what I knew. The demonic scientists did confirm it was indeed the head of the previous king. His wife lost it and began slaughtering everyone and was thus imprisoned. It called for an emergency tournament, so that rebellious scum could be quieted down as soon as possible.

It was the bloodiest tournament so far. All bets were off and the worst trash took the chance. They were crushed but the consequences were unspeakable. A war nearly broke out.

One of the main reasons was because it ended in a draw, the final battle. It nearly destroyed an entire region. The power of hell fire and the Mazoku combined seemed apocalyptic.

"What's wrong?" I asked mockingly. "Were you too proud to let a half-baked draw determine whether you got the crown or not so you walked away?"

The punch in the stomach surprised me. Shit, I can't remember the last time I couldn't predict someone's moves. I heard Yusuke yell out, I didn't care.

I let go of the sword and focused on enhancing my speed. Ignoring the annoying throb in my sliced palm, I summoned the blue smoke like substance that resided beneath my skin, it spread out at him fast.

He disappeared and reappeared behind me in the air, sword ready to slice my head off. I was prepared, a long sword appeared in my right hand, the smokey substance dancing along it. One would think, if touched, their hand would go through air, wrong. It's as solid as a mountain and as sharp as my smartass mouth.

Before we could continue, a blue light passed between us. I think it was the spirit gun Yusuke was known for but it wasn't huge. He was on one knee on the ground, finger pointed upward so it would be shot in the sky. People were around us, scared and fascinated at the same time. Even the doctors from the hospital stepped out. Among them was the blond bitch.

"Alexis what the hell is going on?!"

"Stay out of this." I replied coldly. " This is not something you should get involved in."

"I am going to get involved if you are fighting in front of the hospital!"

I almost forgot. She did have a point, this shouldn't have happened here. But short, dark and angry swung first.

I dissolved my sword as Yusuke yelled out. "What the fuck were you thinking?! You know you can't go killing humans!

"Don't be a fool detective, she is obviously an enemy! I cannot read her mind!"

That made Yusuke do a one over. "W-what?"

Hiei looked stubbornly to the side, clearly not pleased with having to say that out loud. He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye.

"Her mind is silent and guarded by that blue energy. It wasn't reiki however."

"What?" Yusuke looked over to me and I almost groaned. I didn't need them prying into me.

"Don't get so worked up, If I wanted to kill him I would have done so." Yusuke snorted out something that sounded like he wanted to see me try.

"Oh?" The short fuck now turned fully to me, I wasn't one to talk but I felt a certain satisfaction in being a bit taller, even if it was by an inch or two.

"So an S class abnormal that has knowledge of the Makai and was about to fight the Lord of demon world is no one suspicious."

Should have known he knew what I was.

We were rare. Humans born with the mutant gene. Special abilities bestowed on us the day we were born, even if some of us discovered them much later in life than others. We did not rely on reiki to use our powers because we didn't have it. They were gifts, that couldn't be changed. They grew strong if we trained them. Some abnormals were born with more than one gift that most of the time was in tune with all the others one possessed. With training, the gift could grow so strong that those of my kind reach even A class level.

And then there's me.

An S class.

My power was of a rare type. It could be bent and twisted. The biology of it changed and formed the way I desired. There were limitations but it still gave me the advantage.

And it made me suffer all my life.

Shorty here was looking at me with pure dislike. Before I mentioned the Makai plant he didn't even acknowledge my presence. Taking me for an insect not even worthy to be crushed beneath his boot. I got that from the cold expression he had. He was someone that did not think highly of humans, I could just tell.

I turned away from the both of them. They could go screw themselves or each other. I wasn't about to fight here at the hospital, and the menace there ruined my mood for ice cream. Something I will make him pay for another time, now, I just wanted to go the fuck home.

"Where are you going?" Yusuke asked confused.

"None of your business your majesty."

Before I disappeared in a cloud of dark blue smoke I saw brilliant red orbs before me, half a moment too late before my teleportation. Still, the claws I felt slice my cheek before I was away from them felt all too real. I touched the thin cuts on my face and looked at my fingers.

It's been a while since someone was actually strong enough to draw my blood. I won't give him too much credit, it was a fluke in my mind. The cuts on my hand and throat were already gone.

While I was annoyed... on a level I felt fascinated as I rubbed the crimson between my fingers. I sucked the blood off and wondered if those two were gonna leave what happened tonight at that and not bother me again.

My instincts told me they wouldn't.

Aaaaand there it is. Chapter two. It was longer than I intended it to be XD but it felt like the flow was just right. Thank you backoff22 for your nice review ^^ I am glad you liked it. I will write and post as often as I can. Twice a month, perhaps more if I have the time. Please tell me what you guys think! Till next time~