So that last chapter was a bit of a doozy...but I hope you all are ready for Chapter 29, because we're about to learn something rather interesting! What, you ask? Well, read and find out!

~Snowy


Chapter 29: The Tear's Truth

Use the Angel's Tear...

The voice echoed in Kira's ears, clearer than a crystal bell. Bewildered, Kira looked around for the source of the voice, but no one was in the room but herself and Kurama. Suddenly, she realized she was hearing the voice, not with her ears, but with her mind. A burning sensation on her chest made her look down at the Angel's Tear that was hidden beneath her shirt.

"But I don't know how," Kira whispered aloud, still looking a bit shocked.

Close your eyes. Focus on the amulet. Imagine that it is an extension of you; simply open your mind.

Skeptical, but out of options and rapidly running out of time, Kira did as she was told. She closed her eyes, imagining the amulet as an extension of her arm. Almost immediately, a surge of energy coursed through her very soul, and soft blue light enveloped her.

Now, tell it what to do."I want to heal him," Kira murmured softly, keeping her eyes closed as tears threatened to fall. "But I can't reach him."

Hold the vine. Use it as a bridge between you and him. Focus. Kira nodded, wrapping her slender fingers around the vine. She felt something click in her mind, and a rush of energy coursed from her hand through the vine to Kurama, the same light enveloping him. His breathing became more regular, and color began to creep back into his cheeks. Finally, the surge of energy began to subside, the blue light surrounding them vanishing.

"Kurama...?" Kira said tentatively, her body shaking as exhaustion set in. "Kurama, can you hear me?"

He is asleep. His life is out of danger. Kira sighed, moving to lean against the wall beside the bed. "Who are you?"

I am the Angel's Tear's voice.

"If you're its voice...why are you just now speaking to me?"

I have been trying to speak to you since I came into your possession, but something blocked me...until now.

"What stopped you?"

It is not for me to reveal such secrets.

Kira gave an irritated sigh, folding her arms in exasperation. "Fine. What can you tell me?"

What do you wish to know?

Kira paused at the simple question. What did she want to know? There was so much she didn't know, and a million questions raced through her mind. She thought for a few minutes, and finally a question stuck out to her.

"What is the Angel's Tear, exactly? And why does Yomi want it so bad?"

To know the Angel's Tear is to know the history of your kind. Close your eyes and I will show you.

Kira closed her eyes and felt a dizzying sensation as it felt like her consciousness was being pulled from her body. Suddenly, a great white expanse opened up before her eyes. Then, slowly, like the strokes of a paintbrush, a scene of two groups of creatures, one of a group of large birds with feathers the color of a blazing sunset and the other a group of large, serpentine lizards of varying dark colors with broad membranous wings and obsidian talons. Slowly, a third group appeared beneath them, which appeared to be no more than tall humans. As Kira looked at the scene, a bell-like voice rang out behind her, which she recognized as the Angel's Tear.

Since the dawn of Creation, there existed three prominent races: The Phoenixes, the Dragons, and the Gods. For a time, the three races lived in peace. But as eons passed, the Gods grew bored and created the world you now know; one of humans, animals, plants, demons, and spirits.

Suddenly, creatures of all shapes and sizes surrounded the Gods; some Kira recognized as common animals such as snakes and horses but others were unfamiliar. Kira guessed they must have been demons by their horns or grotesque shapes. Finally, humans were part of odd group surrounding the Gods.

Not long after the Gods created life as you know it, they realized they had made a grave error.

The once peaceful image changed into one of fear and chaos right before Kira's eyes. Humans appeared to be running from demons while they feasted upon those they killed.

The demons had taken a liking to human flesh and soon began hunting and devouring them. As a result, a long and bloody war broke out between the two races. Distraught, the Gods called upon the Phoenixes and the Dragons for help in stopping the war. It was agreed that the races should be separated on different planes of existence. And so the world became the three realms.

The image shifted once more, showing three overlapping spheres, each showing a different race. On the left were the humans and animals, and on the right were the demons. In the center sphere were the spirits.

Unable to watch over all three realms alone, the Gods once again sought help from the Phoenixes and Dragons. Because of their gentle nature and disposition toward life, The Phoenixes were tasked with watching over the Living Realm and to act as guides for the spirits of the dead to the Spirit World. The Dragons, with their sheer might and ferocity in battle, were chosen to act as the guards between borders of Living Realm and Demon Realm. The Gods then decided to reside over Spirit World, acting as the judges of the spirits of both demons and human on their way to the Afterlife.

"That makes sense," Kira said, gazing at the image before her. "But I don't understand what this has to with the Angel's Tear."

Patience. I'm getting there. For a time...there was peace. But it would not last. As time passed, the relationship between the Phoenixes and Dragons grew strained. The Phoenixes, beloved for their kindness and incredible healing abilities, had come to be adored by humankind. Dragons, on the other hand, were greatly feared for their destructive power and volatile temperment. Over time, the Dragons became jealous of the Phoenixes and the power they possessed. The tensions finally came to a head when the Lord of the Dragons ordered his people to attack a human village, knowing such an attack would enrage the Phoenixes as they valued life above all else. Thus, a long and bloody war broke out that would later become know as The War of Ashes. Seeing that the Phoenixes were impossible to kill through ordinary means, they devised a way that could kill them and leave them unable to complete the rebirth cycle. However, despite this development, both sides suffered heavy losses.

"How did the war end?" Kira asked as she gazed at the image of a fierce battle before her.

A young Phoenix was patrolling the forest not far from her home when she found a dragon who was gravely injured. She glided down and took on her humanoid form before landing some distance away from the dragon. He, too, was in human form with only his wings and horns showing. Seeing that he was unconscious, she took him to a nearby cave and began to nurse him back to health. In the beginning, the dragon distrusted her and often spoke harshly to her. But no matter what he said to her, she continued to care for him.

Gradually, they began to open up to each other, learning that, despite their differences, shared much in common. It wasn't long before they fell in love. But they knew they could never be together so long as the war raged on. And so they continued to meet in secret. That is until they were caught together by the Dragon's brother. They were brought before the Dragon Lord and the young Phoenix, who was revealed to be the daughter of the Phoenix King, was ordered to be executed.

By this time, word of the capture had reached the ears of her father, and an army was assembled to rescue her. They arrived at the Dragons' stronghold on the day the execution was to take place, but what they witnessed caught them off guard. The Dragon had gotten between the Princess and the executioner, much to his father's-the Dragon Lord- fury. But he was quickly stunned by the arrival the Phoenix army. Fighting nearly broke out, but the Prince stopped them with a sudden revelation. He declared that the Princess was the one he loved and that she was carrying his child.

Realizing what this child meant to both Kingdoms, a truce was called, and before long both Kingdoms welcomed the birth of a baby girl whose wings were as white as freshly fallen snow. On that day, knowing just how special their child was, both the Phoenix Princess and the Dragon Prince each shed a tear that crystalized upon hitting the ground. Thus two powerful stones were created: The Angel's Tear and the Obsianus.

"So that was how the Angel's Tear and the first White Phoenix came to be...but what is the Obsianus? And if the first white phoenix was half dragon...does that mean I'm half dragon?"

No. You are purely a Phoenix, but you are the reincarnation of the first White Phoenix. As for the Obsianus...you would have to ask a Dragon for the answer to that.

"I see," Kira said, her voice low. For a while, she was silent, pondering everything she had learned. But something was bothering her. If the Phoenix race lived among humans in the beginning, why were the ruins located in the Spirit Realm? So she posed the question to the Angel's Tear.

The voice sighed before speaking.

Humans are a fickle race, and some of their first leaders took to capturing your kind and forcing them to serve as personal healers and even warriors. And so, the Phoenixes went into hiding and took on a more supervisory role.

"But what of this...prophecy I keep hearing about?"

I'm afraid that question will have to be answered another time. You have company.

Both the images she'd seen and the Tear's voice faded away, and Kira came to her senses as soon as she heard the lock click on the cell door. Her body still felt heavy from exhaustion; she pulled the Angel's Tear off of her and stuffed it in a small crevice in the wall under her bed and just barely managing to turn her head toward the door as it swung open.

It was exactly who she expected to be visiting. Yomi stepped inside the cell flanked by two guards, stopping to take a look at Kurama. A faint frown formed on his face as he realized Kurama was sleeping soundly, any trace of pain gone. He noticed a vine extending from his hand toward Kira, who was gazing at Yomi with a tired but piercing look.

"You are a troublesome little princess," Yomi stated, barely hiding his frustration as he tore the vine from Kurama's wrist and destroyed it. "It seems I'm going to have to keep you in a more subdued state between experiments. But...I think I'll use a less..traditional method. Bring her."

Yomi motioned to the two guards, who then went over to Kira. She had no time to struggle. She felt a pinch in her thigh, and she was out cold.

When awoke next, she found her body bound to a cement pillar in a standing position, her weight supported by a small stone protrusion. But instead of being restrained my chains or leather straps, thick coils of razor sharp thorny vines wrapped around her arms and wrists and continued around her torso to her legs and ankles. The slightest movement would result in the thorns cutting her.

But there were worse things about to happen than the vines. The door to the lab opened and Yomi strode in with two tall, slim demons. Under normal circumstances, Kira might have considered them rather handsome with their elegant features; they both had hair so blond it was nearly white and skin that reminded her of pale blue porcelain. They were dressed in soldiers' uniforms, but with their handsome faces, they could have easily been mistaken for aristocrats. However, the sly smile on their thin lips and their crimson eyes sent a chill down Kira's spine.

"Ah, welcome back from dreamland," Yomi said, smiling cooly as he stood in front of her. "I'd like to introduce you to Tolais and Renais. They belong to a race of demon called the Shin'rou, and are, quite possibly, the closest thing to what humans call 'vampires'." He paused to look at Kira, noting that she was frozen with fear, before continuing. "However, unlike those fictional beasts, these demons are poisonous-though their venom affects every individual differently. They also delight in tormenting their victims before feeding."

"Yes," said Renais conversationally. "I remember one victim suffered hallucinations."

"Ah, yes, I remember that one!" Tolais replied, thoughtfully. "I had one find it pleasurable. I wonder what she'll experience..."

They turned their gaze toward Kira as their voices trailed off. Her heart started pounding as panic set in, her blood running cold. With a wave of his hand, Yomi gave them the signal to begin, and they stepped toward her. They began circling her, gazing at her with a critic's eye, taking mental notes of her appearance. They said nothing as they looked her over, something that scared Kira more than anything. Renais reached out and brushed aside a strand of hair out of Kira's face to get a better look, making her flinch.

Renais stepped back, letting out a low chuckle as she flinched. Tolais then stepped in closer, gazing at her with a hungry but cunning smile.

"You certainly are lovely," he mused, reaching out to examine her forearm, carefully flipping it over to look at the underside. "I can see why that fox demon is so smitten with you."

At that statement, Kira jerked her arm from his grip, an action she immediately regretted. The thorns cut into her skin, thin lines of blood running from the small wounds. Kira winced at the pain, but she was more concerned with what would happen now that her blood had been shed.

"Tut tut," Tolais sighed, pulling a cloth handkerchief from his suit pocket and gently wiping the blood away. "You really shouldn't move. You'll only hurt yourself more." Seeing the look of sheer panic still on her face, he flashed a knowing smile before continuing. "Did you think we'd pounce on you the moment you started bleeding? Come now...we're not barbarians. We only feast when we are ready."

But Kira could see the hungry look in his eyes as he released her arm. But she didn't have time to worry about that. She whipped her head around the other way as she felt Renais step up next to her, his face very close to hers.

"You smell so sweet..." he whispered in his silky voice. He pulled away with amused grin as Kira shuddered, pacing around her again as he continued talking. "You know, I once had the fortune of tasting Phoenix blood. She tasted like the freshest, sweetest strawberry imaginable. But you...you smell so much sweeter." He paused to take her chin and force her to look him in the eyes when she tried to turn away. "I never thought I'd have the chance to do so again. I am very much going to enjoy this."

Kira tried to jerk away, the thorns digging into her waist, but Renais gripped her arm firmly to stop her, holding it tight as he brought it up slowly. With a sadistic smile, he pressed his sharp thumbnail into her wrist. A small, almost inaudible squeak of pain escaped her as the sharp nail broke the skin, a the tiniest amount of blood pooled around it. Slowly, he brought her wrist toward his lips, his eyes growing bright with excitement. He held her arm firm as she tried to resist unsuccessfully, gently licking away the tiny amount of blood.

"You do indeed taste incredibly sweet. Never have I tasted blood so rich and decadent," he said with a longing smile. "Tolais, you simply must have a taste."

"P-please," Kira begged, her body and voice trembling with terror, "please, no..."

"Oh, I just love it when they beg," Tolais replied with a callous smile. "I suppose I'll go first, then."

He slowly drew his lips back, revealing a pair of long, razor sharp fangs as he brought her wrist to his face. But before he could bite, Kira began thrashing, no longer caring that the thorns were tearing into her skin.

"Please, stop!" Kira cried as her struggling continued, numerous blots of blood appeared on her white clothes.

"Hold her tight," Yomi instructed as he watched her struggle from a few yards away.

"i cannot stop, princess," Tolais said, tightening his grip on her arm as he brought it to his lips, "I am far too hungry..."

Kira thrashed harder, the blots of blood growing darker with each passing second. But suddenly, Renais grabbed her shoulders and ruthlessly pinned her against the pillar.

"There is no need to deny myself any longer," Renais murmured, baring his fangs. Kira tried to squirm out of his grasp, but he held her tighter. "This will be less painful for you if you hold still."

Without further ceremony, he brought his lip to Kira's neck. White hot pain shot through her as their fangs penetrated her neck and wrist. A ragged scream pierced the air as they sank their fangs in deeper as her blood surged through the wounds, the two demons drinking deeply. The more they drank her blood, the worse the pain grew. Soon, she began to feel dizzy, tears rolling down her cheeks as Tolais pulled away from her wrist only to bite down again in the crook of her arm. Renais did not move; he simply pulled back long enough to push Kira's shoulder back hard before biting down in the same location.

"N...no more..." Kira begged weakly, no longer able to put up even the most meager of fights. "It hurts..."

But her please went unheeded as they drank deeper, only pausing every so often to take a breath. The minutes seemed to drag on as they feasted on her blood. Her knees began to feel weak as more and more blood was taken from her, and her body trembled from the immense effort of just trying to stay upright. More agonizing minutes passed by, and the world was beginning to lurch and sway before her eyes before they finally let up.

Yet, the pain did not subside, instead growing worse as she slumped against the pillars. The thorny vines were removed from her, allowing her to fall forward to the floor. So much blood was taken she didn't even have the strength to move, yet enough was left so she would not lose consciousness. But she was so weak and exhausted, she didn't notice when the guards picked her up to move her back to her cell. She couldn't even hear what Yomi was saying to Renais and Tolais as the guards removed her from the lab and laid her on the bed in her cell.

By this point, Kurama was awake, looking anxious and worried. He quickly tried to get as close to the bed as he could. He too was talking, Kira could tell, but she could not understand him yet to sick to tell him so. The last thing she remembered was Kurama frightened and helpless expression as she finally slipped into darkness.


That's it for Chapter 29, and Chapter 30 is already underway. But before I go, I would like to apologize for adding a new chapter so late. Last fall was very hard on my family and I, so I put writing on the back burner for some time to cope with our loss. Nonetheless, I am eternally grateful to all my loyal readers, and I would like to thank The Happy Fox, Synbell and 2 for leaving such nice reviews and I would be thrilled to bits if you also left one! Thank you again for baring with me, and I promise Chapter 30 is on its way. After all...we're going to find out just how bad things are going to get for Kira. So stay tuned!