Right, so we get to meet Tyki's family for the first time, although I'm pretty sure everyone knows who they are by now.
Warning, this chapter starts to get into the rating M plot, and if I feel that it's going too far, I'm going to censor the juicy details. Or not.
Disclaimer: I do not own DGM, and if I did, it'd be a yaoi manga already. With lots of TyKan.
Chapter 4 – Evening's Fragrance, Night's Poison
A jaunty, melodic waltz tune was being played out, amidst all the chatter and excitement of the ball. Richly dressed women adorned with expensive jewellery giggled and chattered away with each other while young ladies batted their eyelashes and earned adoring gazes from the young men. The large ballroom was brightly lit with a dazzling chandelier as the centrepiece. Beautiful paintings depicting noblemen aligned the walls, and the air of elegance lingered in the atmosphere as couples waltzed on the dance floor.
Kanda was taken aback by the entire place. He had never been to a gathering this large before, let alone a gathering full of the rich. Somehow, he felt awfully out of place. Reluctantly, he stuck to Tyki, who was just about the only person he knew here.
Tyki noted the younger man's discomfort and amazement, smiling to himself as he pointedly ignored it. Being the gentleman he was, Tyki nodded and smiled to the ladies that were throwing looks of adoration to not only him, but the one following behind as well. Kanda didn't seem to notice the attention he was getting though.
"Tyki! You're here!" A young girl in a lovely dress ran over and pounced on him, clinging to his waist tightly. Tyki chuckled.
"Road, nice to see you. Is the Earl still mad at me?"
Road pouted a little. "We all weren't pleased when you couldn't make it for dinner the other day. But I think you're forgiven seeing as you've come for this ball. Go and ask him yourself later."
Noticing the quiet, frowning man behind Tyki, she whispered to him. "Who's the hot guy?"
"My new assistant. You like him?"
"He's hot, but I'd like him better if he's smiling. Do you?" Road asked cheekily.
Tyki nearly stumbled over his feet as Road swung around. "Road, it'll be easier for the both of us if you'd stop hugging me."
Road made a face and let go. "Always changing the subject. Father wants to see your new assistant too, and I bet Devit and Jasdero would have some "welcoming" party for him too."
At that, Kanda raised an eyebrow. He didn't like that sound of the welcoming party. In fact, he didn't like parties. He was already having enough trouble trying to stay calm in this ball. Kanda never had a thing for large gatherings.
Suddenly, a pair of arms grabbed him from each side, holding him like a hostage. Kanda twisted around angrily to find a pair of identical, mischievous grins leering at him.
"So, this is your newest plaything, eh, Tyki-pet?"
"Tyki-pet, Tyki-pet! Tyki-pet's got a new plaything! Hee~"
Tyki strolled casually over and prised the twins' hands off Kanda's arms. "For the last time, don't ever call me by that horrible pet name. It's quite disturbing. And he's not my plaything." He added after hesitation.
Devit rolled his eyes and Jasdero followed suit. "Whatever. You're missing out on a lot of dinner parties so we expected you to toying around with something... Or someone..."
Road snapped. "Tyki should go and see the Earl now, or he'll be in big trouble, so back off, you two! Play with the new guy if you want."
Kanda was weirdly embarrassed by the entire drama. He thought the magician was twisted. Now seeing the people he mixed with, he told himself that it was true that birds of a feather would flock together. Rather disturbing to meet so many lunatics though.
He didn't have much time to brood about it. Devit and Jasdero spun him around and marched him all the way across the dance floor, ignoring his protests and blatant curses.
He hated it. He hated everything about that place. All those smiling faces, all those richly adorned ladies winking and giggling as they passed him, he had absolutely no clue as to why they'd be acting that way. He didn't want to attract any attention. It made him slightly anxious, as well as a tad bit uncomfortable as he tried to find somewhere to get a breather. And get away from the twins as well.
"You're a cold blanket, you know? Have some fun! Why would that idiot Tyki keep you anyway?" Devit grumbled as Kanda coldly ignored another request to dance.
"Che. I'm not his pet. And I don't dance." He replied acidly.
"He can't dance! He can't dance! Hee~" Jasdero repeated happily.
"Shut the fuck up."
"Oh, you're a rude one. Who in the fucking hell taught you your manners?"
"You're no better."
Devit narrowed his eyes and lock stares with Kanda. "You, should learn your place, boy. We're not treating you as part of our family. You're just another unfortunate soul that has the privilege to become our new toy."
Kanda stood his ground and did not look away. "Funny hearing you call me boy, seeing as you're obviously much more childish, not only in appearance."
"Why you insolent..."
A small tinkle of breaking glass interrupted Devit's retort. They looked over to the direction of the sound. A young boy with shocking white hair was apologising profusely to a man with flowing red locks and a woman clinging to his arm. The remains of a champagne flute lay at their feet.
"Idiot apprentice! You're no good for anything. Oh, and you're paying for that broken glass."
The boy squealed. "But... But... Master! Please, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to break the... Wait, Master!" He called after the man's retreating back.
The twins sniggered and sauntered over to him. "Now what has little apprentice gotten himself into?" Devit taunted.
The kid gasped and wheeled around. "Sir... I mean, Lord Devit... I mean..."
"Useless as usual, I see. No time to play today?"
"I... I have to be cleaning this mess up..."
"Another day then. Oh, and Allen..." Devit smirked. "Your master still owes us a thousand gold coins."
He laughed and walked away to find someone else to torment, Jasdero following and cackling as well. They seemed to have enjoyed teasing the boy until they forgot the stoic Japanese.
Allen sighed and picked the glass shards up. Glancing around, making sure no one noticed, Kanda bent down and helped him. The boy gave another squeal and thanked him repeatedly. A vein on Kanda's forehead throbbed. This guy was a little too nice for his taste.
"The name's Allen, Allen Walker, but you can just call me Allen if you want! What's your name?"
"... Kanda." Kanda really didn't want to hang around this kid but Allen seemed not to notice. He was looking for somewhere to dispose of the shards and ended up leading Kanda out of the ballroom.
"Kanda? Oh, so you're not from around here? Where're you from?"
"Che. None of your business, moyashi..."
Allen looked perplexed at the word. "Erm, what's a... Moyashi?"
"Bean sprout."
"You're not very friendly, are you, Kanda? Hmm, I wonder where the bathroom is..."
When he didn't answer, Allen just continued to walk along the corridor, humming a tune as he went. Kanda wondered he was even accompanying this guy. But at least he was out of the damn hall filled with those rich people. And if Tyki asked he could simply say that he was helping this idiot out.
"Oi, sprout. Who was that man you were apologising to?"
Allen started at the mention of his master. "Him? Erm... He's... He's my master."
Kanda was taken aback. Was this boy a slave as well? But he didn't look too badly treated... And besides, slaves weren't brought to evening balls as personal servants.
"Master?" He repeated. Allen nodded.
"I'm his apprentice. But he's a real demon, that man." He shuddered at the thought. "By the way, Kanda, are you working for Lord Devit and Jasdero?"
"I wouldn't be caught dead serving them." After a short pause, Kanda decided to ask Allen something.
"Oi, are those two related to Tyki Mikk?"
Allen started. "Tyki Mikk? That... That magician? Well, yeah. They're from the same family, the Noah clan. That's what my master says anyway. But I heard he's been having a minor conflict of interest with the rest of them. Apparently his career choice doesn't go well with them. Wait... You're not working for the guy, are you?"
Kanda scowled, and then gave a curt nod. Allen let out a gasp before he could stop himself, then immediately apologised, much to Kanda's annoyance. This kid was getting on his nerves. He only spared him a minute because somehow, Kanda felt that he and Allen were in the same boat. Both were from the lower class, both felt out of place in this society, both felt lonely.
"Hey, Kanda? I should tell you this, in case... Well... Thing is... You have to watch out. I've heard that Tyki Mikk can be rather... Dangerous..."
"I know. I can't say I like the bastard much."
"Is he mean to you? Does he give you hell?"
Kanda paused before answering. Come to think of it, Tyki has never mistreated him till now, but he just harboured cold hatred towards him. "No... I guess he doesn't. But I still don't like him."
"Say, Kanda, have you ever thought of running away?"
"Welcome back, Tyki." The beautifully dressed young woman nodded towards Tyki as he sat down a little way from her.
"It's been a while, Lulubell. I see you haven't changed much. Skin, good to see you happy as always."
The big man sitting at the back gave a sort of grunt and nodded. Lulubell shifted slightly in her seat before answering.
"Neither have you. The Earl isn't very pleased with you though."
"He never was. Besides, where is he tonight? I haven't seen him yet."
Road leaned on Tyki's chair. "The Earl had some last minute business to attend to, so he couldn't come. But we need to tell you something, Tyki. It's about..."
"Your career." Lulubell finished simply. Tyki rolled his eyes and propped himself up on one arm, leaning against the arm rest. He had received this lecture for more times than he could count.
"He doesn't like me pulling rabbits out of my hat? I thought we've been through this already? I'm an adult, for heaven's sake. I can choose whatever I..."
"We don't like it, Tyki. The Earl has been quite gracious with you, but we know he doesn't like the idea of someone with noble blood such as yourself running around performing tricks."
Tyki leaned forward. "My career choice doesn't seem to have affected our family, has it? I still turn up for family gatherings, dinners, and I have not caused any scandal that would be a threat to our name. So what if I enjoy attention. I gain pleasure from doing what I do, so if the Earl doesn't stop me outright, I don't see why I should quit."
"You did miss one of our little gatherings the other day." Lulubell pointed out.
"His assistant ran away, Lulu. He had to iron things out, didn't you, Tyki?" Road teased.
"See, people out there are just bitches like that. With our status, and our inherited powers, we are special, Tyki. There's no need for us to be caught up in worldly affairs."
"Why can't Tyki have his fun?" Road questioned as she clung to Tyki's arm.
"Yeah, why can't I have my fun? Besides, runaway assistants aren't a problem to me." He smiled at the thought.
"That's what you say. But Tyki, what if this one betrays you again?"
The atmosphere seemed to fall silent, deadly silent. The smile on Tyki's face faltered, and when he spoke again, there was a steely tone to his voice.
"He will not. I know he will not. Besides, I don't believe he can. Although, I do wonder why you're being so offensive tonight."
"We were hoping that after that girl ran away, you would see sense in our words and just quit that stage act altogether. But no, you had to go and find yourself a new servant, and a man at that too! Tell me, who uses a guy for a magician's assistant?"
"So you were just hoping I'd give up like that? That's considerate of you, Lulu..."
"I wasn't the only one. I'm pretty sure that the Earl and the others thought so too. Sherril longs for you to just settle down and get married."
Tyki stood up, pushing his chair back. He gently replaced his tall hat and made to leave. "Please try not to interfere with my life. It's really none of your business as to what I do. Good evening, I bid. Our little chat was rather... Enjoyable."
Lulubell said nothing as he left, but Road got up and followed him, giving her an irritated glance. They could hear her asking him for candy out of his hat. Skin made no sign that he had heard what they were talking about. But Lulubell watched Tyki disappear in the midst of women.
"I wonder, what you'd do... If your newest assistant got himself caught up in something rather... Nasty... Tyki..." She muttered softly to herself.
"Kanda, have you ever thought of running away?"
The question sounded like a trap to him, but it also brought up many questions in his mind. Did he want to run away? At first thought, and ever since he had been stripped of his freedom, his natural instinct had been to fight back, to regain his freedom.
He had entertained the thought of running away, no, not just entertained; he wanted to run away, to escape from this place, to return to his homeland. Why did it feel so wrong to run away now?
Seeing as Kanda was lost in his own thoughts, Allen continued, dropping his voice to almost a whisper. "See, Kanda, I'm thinking of running away. I can't stand my master anymore. Then a friend of mine sent me a letter, saying that he would be in town soon, and asked me if I would like to leave and get a new job with him. So I thought that... I'd take the chance..."
He suddenly gasped, as if realising what he had just said. "I'm sorry! I was just... I mean... Please don't tell anyone. I'd be dead if Cross ever found out."
"I won't" Kanda said flatly. Allen looked rather relieved as he sighed. "Thanks, Kanda. It's nice to meet someone that I could finally talk to."
The boy fell silent, and then made as if to leave. "I think I'd better be going. My master would think that something was up if I disappeared for too long. See you, Kanda!"
Kanda remained as he was, leaning against the corridor walls as Allen left. Running away... Sure, he had many reasons for leaving, but the more time he spent, the more reasons not to leave materialised.
Shrugging his thoughts away, Kanda pushed himself off the wall and made to enter the hall. He would deal with this later, right now, he just had to think of a good reason to give Tyki for disappearing like this.
A few steps down the corridor and he stopped. He realised that he hadn't a clue as to where he was. Kanda cursed. He had no idea how to get back to the ballroom, and there were so many fucking doors leading out of here. Guess he would have to find his own way then.
Faint music could be heard, and Kanda headed towards the direction. 'Damn, this corridor's long...'
He reached a door at the end of the corridor. Hoping fervently that this would be the back door to the ballroom, Kanda placed his hand on the knob and pushed the door open.
The room he entered was dark, but rather large. Obviously it was no ballroom, but Kanda could've sworn he had heard music coming from this room. He could see the faint shape of an elegant four-poster bed, furnished with bedside tables and drawers, with a strong, sweet smell lingering in the air.
Kanda knew he shouldn't stay too long, but he couldn't help it. There was something wrong with this room, and that sweet smell seemed to be getting into his head.
The door was closed suddenly behind him. Kanda would've jumped but he just stood there, breathing slowly. Someone else was in the room with him.
For another moment, there was nothing but silence. His breathing came in deep waves, as he tried to calm himself down, unsure whether to turn and face whoever it was or whatever it was. But somehow he couldn't think properly. He was feeling rather nauseous for some reason. And it was too hot in here for his liking.
"My, my, you are a sexy one, aren't you?" A lustful voice whispered from behind him.
Someone moved near the door and Kanda wheeled around to face the person. As his eyes got used to the darkness, he noticed a woman leaning against the bed post, her body curved sensually and eyes locked on Kanda. She slowly took a few steps towards him.
He had no idea how to react. His senses seemed to be fogging up, his mind unable to send any coherent thoughts to his self-conscious, his body unable to move the way he wanted it to. He just stood there as she approached him and placed her fingers gently on his chest.
At the touch, Kanda jerked backwards, a hand automatically moving to cover the mark hiding beneath his shirt. "Who are you? What do you want?" He asked fiercely yet uncertainly.
The woman moved closer to him. Kanda found himself backing up against the bed posts of the four-poster. His breath caught in his throat, but he managed to retain some of his cold demeanour.
"Have you ever been with a woman?" She whispered into his ear. Kanda took a steady breath.
"No. Look, lady, I may apologise for stumbling into your room, but I will get into serious trouble if I do anything to you, so... Let... Let me out." His last words were slightly slurred. He blinked a few times to try and focus, but there was something wrong. And that sweet smell was getting a little too much for him.
He felt her lips brushing the shell of his ear, her hands moving to his collar. Immediately he tried to push her away. He stumbled away, focusing his blurred thoughts on only one thing: Getting out of here. But a slight tug from her caused him to lose his balance and fall on the bed instead.
"Fuck... Get off..." He cursed as he felt her body pressed against his. He was pretty sure by now that he had been drugged or something, but when it happened he had no idea.
"Don't be such a spoilsport... You know you want this badly too... Don't you?" She leaned closer to him.
Kanda breathed harshly as he uttered every word. "If... Anything... Happens... I'll be... In serious... Shit..."
She laughed softly. He could smell her perfume, it was as intoxicating as the sweet aroma in the room. His vision was getting blurred, and he could barely hear her speaking now.
'No... No way this is happening... Why can't I fight back?'
"What would Tyki say if his lovely assistant was caught up in an affair on his first night out? Hmm?" She twirled a strand of his hair with her finger.
"Affair? Che... You drugged me... I... I don't know how but... I will not... Do anything..." He groaned as he felt a headache coming.
"Do you think the police will believe you, dear? A high-class lady such as myself, and a slave like you?"
'Shit...' thought Kanda. 'This is a trap... Fuck this woman... Why does she want to trap me? It's useless... I have nothing to lose... Tyki will be the one who...'
Damn. Tyki. Kanda seemed to remember him. He hit her hand away, which was slowly removing the top buttons of his shirt.
"You want to use me... To trap Tyki... Don't you? I'm... I'm not a tool... You bitch..."
"Too late for anything now, hmm? You're not capable of fighting back..."
Kanda closed his eyes tightly. 'No... Tyki, I didn't mean... I'm sorry...' In his heart, he was scared. He was trapped, and even if Tyki tried to stand up for him, he knew that he was at the disadvantage. A slave with a record of a bad attitude caught in bed with a high-class lady. In any case it would look like he was the criminal. Who'd ever believe that this lady was the seductive pervert?
Her hands wandered lower. Kanda growled defensively as they got too low. He tried pushing her off but found himself being pinned down instead.
He felt himself slipping into unconsciousness. He fervently hoped that this was just a nightmare, and he would wake up to a new day and another magic show to prepare for.
After a couple of minutes, Kanda thought that he had already fallen unconscious, because nothing seemed to be happening. Then only he realised that someone else was in the room, dragging the woman off him.
"Get yourself off my assistant, please..."
He recognised that voice. Immediately he wanted to call out or sit up but his body was still not listening to him. All he could do was roll over a little and groan.
"Oh, but sir, he was the one who tried to..."
"Lulubell, do you think that I've not known you long enough to know that this is you? I never knew you took a liking to my assistant but please, he's still young. Spare him from your seduction."
Kanda cracked opened one eye to see a familiar man holding the woman by her wrists. To his surprise, she seemed to change form into another woman, with long hair tied in a ponytail behind her. As the man let go of her wrists, she crossed her arms and looked away angrily.
The man crossed over to the bed and hoisted Kanda up, letting him lean on his shoulder. Under normal circumstances, Kanda would've insisted on walking on his own but in this case, he could hardly move, let alone walk, so he complied.
They left the room slowly, Kanda trying to walk with the man supporting him. Before leaving, he turned around.
"Oh, and I'd thank you, not to mess with him anymore. Kanda's mine, so please refrain from touching him. I'm warning you, try anything funny again, and I may lose my temper."
Kanda heard the door close, and felt himself being led towards another door. Mustering whatever strength he had left, he muttered.
"I don't belong to anyone... Bastard..."
The man chuckled. "Tsk, tsk, Kanda. Getting yourself drugged so badly and still having enough feistiness in you to spit back at me. Just the way I like you."
Kanda groaned. His head was spinning so badly. If Tyki ever tried bringing him to anymore parties, he'd decline the offer. He never liked large gatherings anyway. This was all that stupid magician's fault...
So I finished a chapter, and it's really long since I'm liable to go on a hiatus after this, I thought I'd give you all more to read about. And I hope you all can forgive me if this chapter wasn't the smut you expected. I planned on introducing the Noah family first, and the conflict Tyki is having with them.
I may post my story on Livejournal. Not that anyone visits, just for my own sake.
And personally, felt like this chapter was crap.