Dawn of Terror
Chapter 11: Shot in the Dark
~*~*~*~*
Golden eyes fluttered open. Rei blinked groggily, trying to sit up. Something forced him back down. "Lie down, Rei-chan."
Mariah came into focus, her eyes glittering with tears. Rei rubbed his eyes. "I'm alive?"
His voice was soft, still clouded with sleep. Mariah pressed a hand to her lips and smiled, tears starting to dribbled down her cheeks. She nodded. "You're alive, Rei-chan. Thank God, you're alive."
~*
Kai raised an eyebrow as Tyson walked by, flashing him a cheesy grin and the v-sign. The boy was giving the newest servant the house tour. The new servant was a boy. His eyes were ice blue and his hair was an unnatural shade of red. Kai eyed him warily. Tyson paused. "Hiwatari-sama, this is Tala. He's going to be working for you."
Tala bowed low, and Kai frowned. There was something he didn't like about this boy ....
~*
"And that's the parlour-"
Tala wasn't really paying attention as the boy, Tyson went on yammering. He glanced about the room, looking at the riches contained inside. A beautiful tapestry on the wall, several gold dishes in the china cabinet....
Tyson turned and he followed quickly and they continued on their tour of the house. Every room they stopped in, Tala made note of the valuables. His mental list of prizes to be taken was quickly becoming quite long. The Hiwataris' were certainly very rich! He imagined the money he could make selling the prizes he collected here. Why, he'd be living like a king! A devious smirk crossed his features. The best part was that the Hiwataris would never know what hit them...
~*
Tyson led Tala back towards the kitchen, down a windowless hallway. As they passed each door, Tala remembered which room it was and what was stored inside. /Parlour, office, spare bedroom, sitting room, library-/ He paused, coming across a door he didn't recognize. He turned to his guide. "Tyson-san-"
The boy jumped and blushed. "Just Tyson, Tala."
He wasn't used to being called "Tyson-san."
Tala nodded. "Tyson, what's this room? I believe you missed it."
Tyson waved his hand. "Oh, that. It's just another spare bedroom. Nothing important."
He sidled up to Tala, whispering to him. "Don't tell anybody, but we're not supposed to go in there. Rumour has it that Hiwatari-sama has some of his most valuable prizes in there."
Tala blinked in surprise. There were goods more valuable than those he'd already witnessed? Surely, this couldn't be. Hiwatari had more fine (and expensive) works of art than any one person should own. He had cabinets full of porcelain and fine china; gold and silver. Everything in the house was expensive, from the furniture to the bed sheets on the bedsteads in the spare rooms. What could be more valuable than these things?
Tala glanced back at the door and frowned in thought. Perhaps it was a pile of gold coins. Or maybe some of the finest cut jewels. Whatever Hiwatari was keeping in that room, he was bound, bent and determined to find out what it was.
~*
Night had fallen and the house was silent. Cautiously, Tala crept out of the servants' quarters. The entire household was asleep. Now was his chance. He crept out of the kitchen and down the third hall to his left. He winced every time a floorboard creaked. One would think Hiwatari could afford to replace squeaky floorboards.
He treaded by the stairwell. At its foot sat a large German Shepard, gold-brown eyes boring into him, as if the dog could read his mind, knew what he was doing and that he shouldn't be here. Tala ignored the massive canine.
/Office, office, sitting room, spare bedroom...Ah!/
He stopped, eyeing the door that would lead him to the ultimate prize. His stomach tied itself into a knot with excitement. What awaited him behind this door? His mind conjured up the image of endless piles of wealth. His mouth went dry and his palms became sweaty. He placed his hand on the bronze doorknob, then glanced around him. Nobody was in sight. Good. He turned the knob and to his surprise, the door swung open easily. He smirked. Hiwatari should have really guarded his treasures better.
In the hall, he heard the German Shepard snort, then turn and walk up the uncarpeted stairs. Tala turned back to the room. It was dark. The blinds were drawn. There was nothing in here. Tala frowned. There was a bed, a chair, some old clothes, a couple sputtered out candles on the dresser. There was all. Tala stepped into the room and peered about. Maybe Hiwatari had a safe hidden somewhere in here...
The rustling of sheets caught his attention. He turned violently to the bed. A large lump proclaimed there was someone sleeping there. /Hiwatari...?/
Tala blinked. No, it wasn't. He wandered nearer. He leant down over the bed, studying this creature. Ebony locks tumbled across a gaunt, tanned face. Twin fangs poked out from beneath supple lips. Despite having cuts and bruises all over their face, this person was the most beautiful creature Tala had ever seen. Tenderly, he brushed a stray lock off the person's fore head. It was impossible to tell if they were male or female.
The person stirred. Gold eyes fluttered open, their cat-like appearance shocking Tala. He noticed then the elegant, furry ear peaking out from the sea of black. /A neko-jin!/
"Mmm...Kai?"
The neko-jin looked up at him sleepily. He obviously wasn't fully awake. The neko-jin blinked, then looked at him in startled horror. "You're not Kai!"
A wicked grin crossed Tala's features. "You're right. I'm not."
The neko-jin's voice was distinctly male and as smooth as honey. It settled what Tala's course of action was going to be. The neko-jin stared up at him in fear. "W-what are you going to do?"
Tala tucked a lock of hair behind th neko-jin's ear. "Oh, you'll see."
The neko-jin shook with fright. Tala chuckled. It was easy to see why Hiwatari wanted to keep this one locked away. He was sweet and naive....Tala cupped the boy's chin and leaned in....
~*
Tyson woke groggily, rubbing sleep out of his eyes. It was three a.m. in the morning. Who could be up at this hour? Mariah was the correct answer. The pink-haired neko-jin was shaking him roughly. "Tyson, wake up!"
The blue-haired boy yawned and stretched. "Where's the fire, 'riah?"
"There won't be a fire for breakfast if you don't get up, you lazy child."
Tyson hopped out of bed in a hurry. Mariah just shook her head in dismay. "I had to mention breakfast."
Tyson grinned cheerily. "I'm always happy to help if it involves food!"
Mariah walked back out of the room. "Whatever, Tyson. Just go out and get the wood. Oh, and take that Tala with you. Show him the ropes."
She winked, then walked around the corner. Tyson grinned stupidly. "Will do, 'riah!"
He got dressed, then walked down the hall and knocked on Tala's door. No answer. "Hello?" Tyson called.
Still no answer. He pushed on the door and it swung open. Tyson blinked. The room stood empty. The bed didn't look like it had been slept in. Tyson frowned, then walked into the kitchen.
Mariah was pouring last night's scraps into a dish, probably for the dogs. She looked up at Tyson. "What's wrong?" she asked, seeing the frown on the normally cheery boy's face.
"Tala wasn't in his room."
Mariah frowned. "No? Well, we'll go look for him. I've got to check on Rei anyways."
Tyson nodded. Mariah turned back to him. "You did tell Tala where the washroom is, didn't you?"
Tyson nodded vigorously. "Oh yeah, that was the first thing I showed him! Ya gotta know where to do your business!"
Mariah just shook her head and hobbled out of the kitchen, followed by Tyson. "We'll go check on Rei first. Then we'll look for Tala, okay?"
Tyson nodded. "He can't have gone too far, can he?"
Mariah shrugged. They walked on in silence. At last, they came to Rei's door. Mariah blinked when she found it slightly ajar. "That's odd. Rei knows he's not to leave the room..."
She pushed the door all the way open....And screamed.
~*
Kai had been lying awake. Insomnia had struck him that night and now, it was three a.m. in the morning. He rolled over and was just about to try to go back to sleep when a scream rent the air. He sat up. "What the-"
He paused. "Rei," he muttered, climbing out of bed.
He suspected Junsui had discovered the neko-jin. This wasn't going to be pretty. He opened the door to his room. Phoenix, his German Shepard was standing in the hall. He barked at his master, as if commanding him to follow. The dog scampered back downstairs. Kai threw on his housecoat and followed.
~*
Tala sat up and glared at the woman standing in the doorframe. Mariah covered her hand in disgust. Rei lay on the bed, looking at her, terrified. He was half undressed, his bare chest heaving in his panic. Tala (who, thankfully for himself, was still fully dressed) grabbed a knife out of his pocket and pressed it against the neko-jin's throat. "Nobody move," he growled.
Rei whimpered. Tala shook him. "Not a word!"
He nicked the flesh of Rei's throat. A small trickle of blood coursed its way down Rei's neck. Tyson wedged himself in the doorframe. "Mariah, what's wro-"
He stopped and stared at the scene laid before him. He gritted his teeth and glared at Tala. "You son of a bitch!"
He launched himself forward, but stopped as Rei howled in pain. Tala shook the neko-jin again. "Shut up!"
Blood coursed down Rei's neck like a small stream and Tyson realized that he was powerless to stop Tala. The red-head laughed a bit. "Oh, what are you going to tell Hiwatari?"
He got up, hauling Rei with him. The neko-jin dangled limply in his grasp. He started for the door. He walked right by Tyson, past Mariah, into the hall. He kept his eyes on them all the while. He started to back away, mapping out his route mentally. "Hiwatari will be upset to loose such a valuable prize, won't he?"
He grinned sadistically. He looked at Rei. "He must be worth at least three thousand. I'll bet I can get more for him. Such a pretty thing."
He licked Rei's ear and the neko-jin whimpered. Tala turned back to Mariah and Tyson, who's faces were mask of contempt, horror and disgust. Tala laughed and continued slowly backing his way down the hall. This was it, he'd get away with this....
"Drop the knife."
Tala froze. A strong arm was wrapped about his neck. "Let go of me," he choked.
"Drop it," the voice commanded. Tala dropped the weapon. "Now, let go of Rei."
Tala did as he was told, letting go of the neko-jin. Rei dropped to his knees, coughing and holding a hand to his throat. Kai released his grip on Tala, kneeling beside Rei.
"Rei-chan, are you okay?"
Tala watched the display of concern with disgust. And as he stood there, his eyes flickered to the hall table. There, conveniently enough, lay a loaded pistol. Quick as lightening, he grabbed it and shot. Kai tumbled backwards, grabbing at his shoulder. Mariah shrieked. Kai gritted his teeth. "You son of-"
Tala fired again. Kai hit the wall. Tala grabbed Rei's wrist and dragged him up. He started to run. Rei stumbled along behind him, dumbfounded. Tala rounded the corner, Rei still in tow. Kai glared at Tyson. "Kinomoyo, you baka! Get after him!"
Tyson blinked out of his stupor. "Huh, oh! Right!"
The boy dashed off down the hall. Mariah crouched down, trying to get a look at her master's wounds. Kai threw her off. "Get away from me."
Mariah sat back on her haunches, startled. Kai got up. He glared down the hall. At long last, he said, "Wait here. I'll be back."
Mariah blinked. "What? Kai! Kai, you can't go after him! You're hurt-"
Kai gave her a half-hearted smile. "It's not so bad."
With that, he turned and strode off down the hall. Mariah stared after him stupidly. "Kai..."
Chapter 11: Shot in the Dark
~*~*~*~*
Golden eyes fluttered open. Rei blinked groggily, trying to sit up. Something forced him back down. "Lie down, Rei-chan."
Mariah came into focus, her eyes glittering with tears. Rei rubbed his eyes. "I'm alive?"
His voice was soft, still clouded with sleep. Mariah pressed a hand to her lips and smiled, tears starting to dribbled down her cheeks. She nodded. "You're alive, Rei-chan. Thank God, you're alive."
~*
Kai raised an eyebrow as Tyson walked by, flashing him a cheesy grin and the v-sign. The boy was giving the newest servant the house tour. The new servant was a boy. His eyes were ice blue and his hair was an unnatural shade of red. Kai eyed him warily. Tyson paused. "Hiwatari-sama, this is Tala. He's going to be working for you."
Tala bowed low, and Kai frowned. There was something he didn't like about this boy ....
~*
"And that's the parlour-"
Tala wasn't really paying attention as the boy, Tyson went on yammering. He glanced about the room, looking at the riches contained inside. A beautiful tapestry on the wall, several gold dishes in the china cabinet....
Tyson turned and he followed quickly and they continued on their tour of the house. Every room they stopped in, Tala made note of the valuables. His mental list of prizes to be taken was quickly becoming quite long. The Hiwataris' were certainly very rich! He imagined the money he could make selling the prizes he collected here. Why, he'd be living like a king! A devious smirk crossed his features. The best part was that the Hiwataris would never know what hit them...
~*
Tyson led Tala back towards the kitchen, down a windowless hallway. As they passed each door, Tala remembered which room it was and what was stored inside. /Parlour, office, spare bedroom, sitting room, library-/ He paused, coming across a door he didn't recognize. He turned to his guide. "Tyson-san-"
The boy jumped and blushed. "Just Tyson, Tala."
He wasn't used to being called "Tyson-san."
Tala nodded. "Tyson, what's this room? I believe you missed it."
Tyson waved his hand. "Oh, that. It's just another spare bedroom. Nothing important."
He sidled up to Tala, whispering to him. "Don't tell anybody, but we're not supposed to go in there. Rumour has it that Hiwatari-sama has some of his most valuable prizes in there."
Tala blinked in surprise. There were goods more valuable than those he'd already witnessed? Surely, this couldn't be. Hiwatari had more fine (and expensive) works of art than any one person should own. He had cabinets full of porcelain and fine china; gold and silver. Everything in the house was expensive, from the furniture to the bed sheets on the bedsteads in the spare rooms. What could be more valuable than these things?
Tala glanced back at the door and frowned in thought. Perhaps it was a pile of gold coins. Or maybe some of the finest cut jewels. Whatever Hiwatari was keeping in that room, he was bound, bent and determined to find out what it was.
~*
Night had fallen and the house was silent. Cautiously, Tala crept out of the servants' quarters. The entire household was asleep. Now was his chance. He crept out of the kitchen and down the third hall to his left. He winced every time a floorboard creaked. One would think Hiwatari could afford to replace squeaky floorboards.
He treaded by the stairwell. At its foot sat a large German Shepard, gold-brown eyes boring into him, as if the dog could read his mind, knew what he was doing and that he shouldn't be here. Tala ignored the massive canine.
/Office, office, sitting room, spare bedroom...Ah!/
He stopped, eyeing the door that would lead him to the ultimate prize. His stomach tied itself into a knot with excitement. What awaited him behind this door? His mind conjured up the image of endless piles of wealth. His mouth went dry and his palms became sweaty. He placed his hand on the bronze doorknob, then glanced around him. Nobody was in sight. Good. He turned the knob and to his surprise, the door swung open easily. He smirked. Hiwatari should have really guarded his treasures better.
In the hall, he heard the German Shepard snort, then turn and walk up the uncarpeted stairs. Tala turned back to the room. It was dark. The blinds were drawn. There was nothing in here. Tala frowned. There was a bed, a chair, some old clothes, a couple sputtered out candles on the dresser. There was all. Tala stepped into the room and peered about. Maybe Hiwatari had a safe hidden somewhere in here...
The rustling of sheets caught his attention. He turned violently to the bed. A large lump proclaimed there was someone sleeping there. /Hiwatari...?/
Tala blinked. No, it wasn't. He wandered nearer. He leant down over the bed, studying this creature. Ebony locks tumbled across a gaunt, tanned face. Twin fangs poked out from beneath supple lips. Despite having cuts and bruises all over their face, this person was the most beautiful creature Tala had ever seen. Tenderly, he brushed a stray lock off the person's fore head. It was impossible to tell if they were male or female.
The person stirred. Gold eyes fluttered open, their cat-like appearance shocking Tala. He noticed then the elegant, furry ear peaking out from the sea of black. /A neko-jin!/
"Mmm...Kai?"
The neko-jin looked up at him sleepily. He obviously wasn't fully awake. The neko-jin blinked, then looked at him in startled horror. "You're not Kai!"
A wicked grin crossed Tala's features. "You're right. I'm not."
The neko-jin's voice was distinctly male and as smooth as honey. It settled what Tala's course of action was going to be. The neko-jin stared up at him in fear. "W-what are you going to do?"
Tala tucked a lock of hair behind th neko-jin's ear. "Oh, you'll see."
The neko-jin shook with fright. Tala chuckled. It was easy to see why Hiwatari wanted to keep this one locked away. He was sweet and naive....Tala cupped the boy's chin and leaned in....
~*
Tyson woke groggily, rubbing sleep out of his eyes. It was three a.m. in the morning. Who could be up at this hour? Mariah was the correct answer. The pink-haired neko-jin was shaking him roughly. "Tyson, wake up!"
The blue-haired boy yawned and stretched. "Where's the fire, 'riah?"
"There won't be a fire for breakfast if you don't get up, you lazy child."
Tyson hopped out of bed in a hurry. Mariah just shook her head in dismay. "I had to mention breakfast."
Tyson grinned cheerily. "I'm always happy to help if it involves food!"
Mariah walked back out of the room. "Whatever, Tyson. Just go out and get the wood. Oh, and take that Tala with you. Show him the ropes."
She winked, then walked around the corner. Tyson grinned stupidly. "Will do, 'riah!"
He got dressed, then walked down the hall and knocked on Tala's door. No answer. "Hello?" Tyson called.
Still no answer. He pushed on the door and it swung open. Tyson blinked. The room stood empty. The bed didn't look like it had been slept in. Tyson frowned, then walked into the kitchen.
Mariah was pouring last night's scraps into a dish, probably for the dogs. She looked up at Tyson. "What's wrong?" she asked, seeing the frown on the normally cheery boy's face.
"Tala wasn't in his room."
Mariah frowned. "No? Well, we'll go look for him. I've got to check on Rei anyways."
Tyson nodded. Mariah turned back to him. "You did tell Tala where the washroom is, didn't you?"
Tyson nodded vigorously. "Oh yeah, that was the first thing I showed him! Ya gotta know where to do your business!"
Mariah just shook her head and hobbled out of the kitchen, followed by Tyson. "We'll go check on Rei first. Then we'll look for Tala, okay?"
Tyson nodded. "He can't have gone too far, can he?"
Mariah shrugged. They walked on in silence. At last, they came to Rei's door. Mariah blinked when she found it slightly ajar. "That's odd. Rei knows he's not to leave the room..."
She pushed the door all the way open....And screamed.
~*
Kai had been lying awake. Insomnia had struck him that night and now, it was three a.m. in the morning. He rolled over and was just about to try to go back to sleep when a scream rent the air. He sat up. "What the-"
He paused. "Rei," he muttered, climbing out of bed.
He suspected Junsui had discovered the neko-jin. This wasn't going to be pretty. He opened the door to his room. Phoenix, his German Shepard was standing in the hall. He barked at his master, as if commanding him to follow. The dog scampered back downstairs. Kai threw on his housecoat and followed.
~*
Tala sat up and glared at the woman standing in the doorframe. Mariah covered her hand in disgust. Rei lay on the bed, looking at her, terrified. He was half undressed, his bare chest heaving in his panic. Tala (who, thankfully for himself, was still fully dressed) grabbed a knife out of his pocket and pressed it against the neko-jin's throat. "Nobody move," he growled.
Rei whimpered. Tala shook him. "Not a word!"
He nicked the flesh of Rei's throat. A small trickle of blood coursed its way down Rei's neck. Tyson wedged himself in the doorframe. "Mariah, what's wro-"
He stopped and stared at the scene laid before him. He gritted his teeth and glared at Tala. "You son of a bitch!"
He launched himself forward, but stopped as Rei howled in pain. Tala shook the neko-jin again. "Shut up!"
Blood coursed down Rei's neck like a small stream and Tyson realized that he was powerless to stop Tala. The red-head laughed a bit. "Oh, what are you going to tell Hiwatari?"
He got up, hauling Rei with him. The neko-jin dangled limply in his grasp. He started for the door. He walked right by Tyson, past Mariah, into the hall. He kept his eyes on them all the while. He started to back away, mapping out his route mentally. "Hiwatari will be upset to loose such a valuable prize, won't he?"
He grinned sadistically. He looked at Rei. "He must be worth at least three thousand. I'll bet I can get more for him. Such a pretty thing."
He licked Rei's ear and the neko-jin whimpered. Tala turned back to Mariah and Tyson, who's faces were mask of contempt, horror and disgust. Tala laughed and continued slowly backing his way down the hall. This was it, he'd get away with this....
"Drop the knife."
Tala froze. A strong arm was wrapped about his neck. "Let go of me," he choked.
"Drop it," the voice commanded. Tala dropped the weapon. "Now, let go of Rei."
Tala did as he was told, letting go of the neko-jin. Rei dropped to his knees, coughing and holding a hand to his throat. Kai released his grip on Tala, kneeling beside Rei.
"Rei-chan, are you okay?"
Tala watched the display of concern with disgust. And as he stood there, his eyes flickered to the hall table. There, conveniently enough, lay a loaded pistol. Quick as lightening, he grabbed it and shot. Kai tumbled backwards, grabbing at his shoulder. Mariah shrieked. Kai gritted his teeth. "You son of-"
Tala fired again. Kai hit the wall. Tala grabbed Rei's wrist and dragged him up. He started to run. Rei stumbled along behind him, dumbfounded. Tala rounded the corner, Rei still in tow. Kai glared at Tyson. "Kinomoyo, you baka! Get after him!"
Tyson blinked out of his stupor. "Huh, oh! Right!"
The boy dashed off down the hall. Mariah crouched down, trying to get a look at her master's wounds. Kai threw her off. "Get away from me."
Mariah sat back on her haunches, startled. Kai got up. He glared down the hall. At long last, he said, "Wait here. I'll be back."
Mariah blinked. "What? Kai! Kai, you can't go after him! You're hurt-"
Kai gave her a half-hearted smile. "It's not so bad."
With that, he turned and strode off down the hall. Mariah stared after him stupidly. "Kai..."