~Chapter Forty-Eight: Heroes and Villains ~
Kairi's Point of View
"Milady, your teacher calls for you." I grunted a response before a gentle shaking tousled my sleep. I stretched and yawned as my toes slid out from under my thin blanket I'd been using since it had been getting warm.
When I opened my eyes, a sweet faced maiden stood above me in a maid outfit. "What?" I said a little disoriented.
"Sir Justuo wants you in the Training Grounds as soon as you can. He said that it's urgent," she said with a smile. I nodded groggily, and glanced out my window to see the dark morning sky. I sighed before standing sloppily. I stumbled to my wardrobe, and pulled out some training clothes. The maid girl left, and I dressed in slow motion.
I glanced at Lancer, who slept at the other edge of my bed. I grabbed a jacket before leaving the room and making my way to the castle grounds.
The chilly morning air caught my breath as I opened the door to the training grounds. The wind was blowing, and it made it seem colder than it really was. I wonder idly if the rest of Mpopyya had been summoned, too. I counted eight silhouettes in the middle of the training grounds; one too many for Avalanche.
As I grew closer, their faces were revealed. Kimi was among them. "You called?" I said through chattering teeth. "Should I start warm ups?"
"No, it's three in the morning, Kairi," Justuo said. "We came because we need you to take care of Kimi."
"What's wrong with her?" I asked, looking at her. She seemed okay, no wounds. "Is she hurt?"
"No. She's stuck as a Felion, even when she goes back to the Human World," Prompto replied.
"We can't let her parents find out, so we have to keep her away from them while also keeping her in touch with them," Serein explained.
"And Kiyo herself said that she could probably stay at the castle," Aki finished. I pursed my lips, and nodded.
"I can definitely ask. I'm sure someone's awake. I don't think Ashu-Niisama is, but I can talk to Rath or someone else like Fear," I yawned.
"Thanks, Kairi," Kimi said quietly. She seemed exhausted, too.
"I'd keep her in the Human World, but her mother and father are insisting her come home," Justuo said.
"I had to tell her I was staying at a friend's house and that I couldn't come home," Kimi added. "But they're persistent. It'd be easier if I stayed in another world."
"You're welcome to crash on my couch if you'd like," I said with a sleepy smile.
"Thanks, Kairi," she said with a small smile. It must've been hard for Kimi to lie to her parents. I didn't know if I could lie to my parents about coming home.
"Thank you, kohai," Justuo said.
"We'll be back tomorrow," Aki continued.
"We've got training to do!" Serein's bubbly voice finished.
I smiled at their connected thoughts and sentences and nodded. "Yea, I know," I replied. "Night."
"Good night, Devinia," Fayt said with a nod.
"Sleep well," Prompto said. Akira and Hana nodded as Kimi and I retreated back to the castle.
Justuo's Point of View
I felt myself slipping into the memory of the night that Kimi first went back to the Human World as we trudged our way to our apartments in Zephyr for the night; no point in staying in the Human World for a few hours and having to come back in the morning.
The still, non-magical air filled my lungs. Crickets chirped softly in the surrounding grass. All was silent with the exception of Kimi and Fayt's breathing. Kimi was behind me, Fayt in front. I was still letting the Ash and Kiyo moments replay in my head.
"The Seraph is gone," I said to Fayt.
"It could've stuck around. I wanted to make sure," Fayt said. "Brother, don't let your heart ache." Fayt put his hand on my shoulder firmly. I nodded, looking down for a moment before turning to take care of Kimi.
And cursed out loud when I saw her. Bright, reflective eyes stared back at me. Her ears fidgeted at the noises around her. Her tail twitched to and fro like an automatic, subconscious jitter. Her eyes drank in the darkened scenery that had once been impossible for her to see.
"Damn it," I muttered. "Fayt, we're going to need the rest of Avalanche.
"She didn't turn back," Fayt noted.
"Wait, why?" Kimi asked. She glanced down at herself. She was still wearing the clothes from the Paranormal World, and her hair was still black and multi-colored.
"My parents are going to kill me if I go home looking like this," Kimi said, pinching the bridge of her nose.
Half an hour later, Avalanche was staring at Kimi in curiosity. "Tobi never said she'd turn back," Serein commented.
I saw Aki and Prompto nudged each other before Aki said, "I don't know about you, but like the changes."
"I like the tail. I wonder if you'd meow when you got turned on," Prompto added. He grabbed Kimi's tail in the process. I laughed when Kimi turned to and slapped him in the face.
"This isn't the time for jokes, perverts," Hana said in a deadly voice. Aki and Prompto cowered at her death glare.
"She's so scary…," Aki whispered as he and Prompto shuffled away from Hana.
"She's just going to have to call her parents and make something up," Akira said after a moment.
"That seems like the only logical thing we can do," Serein said with a shrug. "We'll figure something out, Kimi."
"She can stay at my house for tonight. Give your parents a call," I said. "We'll meet up tomorrow and see what we can do."
"See you, brother," Aki said. He punched my arm in a playful sense. Fayt, Prompto, and Aki left towards the woods. Serein and Hana gave comforting words to Kimi, who was probably freaked out by everything that had happened today. I cursed myself for getting caught again.
"Hey, are you showering tonight, bro?" Aki asked bringing me out of the memory I had relived on our way to our apartment. I glanced at the living room that was littered with small pieces of napkin, plates of unfinished food (mostly vegetables and some white meats), and random trinkets.
"Nah, not tonight. I'm too tired, honestly," I said. A yawn caught in my throat as if to prove as evidence.
"Alright, guess I'll see you tomorrow," Aki said as he ascended the stairs. I walked into the kitchen of me, Aki, and Fayt's apartment; a joint one to Akira and Prompto's apartment. I stepped past Fayt, who was filling a glass with water using his magic.
"You mind getting me some?" I asked as I pulled a glass from the cabinets – which were getting bare. Someone would have to do the dishes soon.
"Of course, man," he said. He snapped, and water rose from the bottom of the cup, stopping an inch from the top. Nice and cold, too.
"Thanks," I said walking back through the doorway and into the small living room. "I guess I'm heading up," I whispered. Despite the distance from the living room to the kitchen, I knew he'd hear it.
"I'll see you in the morning, Justuo," Fayt replied quietly.
"I can hear you guys, come on." Aki's voice was muffled by the floor, but it was still pretty clear. "I'm trying to sleep," he complained.
"Yea, yea," I said as Fayt said, "Sorry." I ascended the steps quickly, ready to be in my bedroom to get some shut eye before dealing with tomorrow's problems involving Kimi and Mpopyya. My room was messy, cluttered, and homely. Posters of bands from the Human World hung on the walls and video game logos decorated the walls, as well. My television was connected my game system and several remotes and game disks and cases were scattered around on desks and shelves. An incense tray with grey ashes lay upon the side table beside my bed – a box spring and mattress on the floor without a bed frame. The covers were messy. My small book case was filled and several miscellaneous books on magic and species lay in no particular order on top and around it.
I plopped down on the bed, pulled another cone of incense out and lit it with my finger easily. Instantly, I smelled the familiar scent of home, or Feywood, rather, fill the room. I grabbed the picture beside the incense, smiling when I saw Kiyo's happy smile from the Human World. I sighed, letting those memories carry me down into a slumber of dreamless sleep.
Kiyo's Point of View
"Love, it's time to wake up," Ash's voice whispered. I smiled without opening my eyes. His arms wrapped around me, strong and warm under the soft sheets.
"Good morning," I said after a moment. I opened my eyes to find soft light spilling into the room from his balcony much like the moonlight had done the night before. It was the latest I'd slept in a week or two. It was nice, and I felt like I could take today's queenly tasks. It was Friday, and I knew that if I could get through today's training and duties, then I would be able to take the whole weekend off.
The day started off with breakfast next to Ash at the head of the dining hall. His inner circle members, including Raj, who was given disdainful glares from Avalanche and Mpopyya members that passed by and sat at their tables, sat with us as we spoke of royal and political affairs. Mpopyya and Avalanche sat at two tables, right next to each other. There were so many people in each of our groups that they couldn't fit at one of the smaller tables. Avalanche had gotten here earlier than usual, probably ready to actually teach us something today considering we didn't get anything done yesterday.
Breakfast went by, and I met up with Kairi and the others to get dressed. Training for half the day really wore me down. I learned more control with fire, which was mentally exhausting, but I held firm, promising everybody that I was fine. Truthfully, the day before yesterday was a physical, a mental, and even an emotional drain. Sparring with Justuo had been bitter sweet. It was nice to hear his old flirting ways, but terrible at the same time. I wouldn't be with Justuo again, not in this life. My decision was final.
We also did more hand-to-hand combat. Nice and slow hand-to-hand combat. So it was strangely almost a repeat of the day before yesterday in the sense of Justuo and me. Lunch time came, and as I walked to my room before heading to the shower in Ash's room, I thought of Haiiroyasha, my poor spirit weapon that never got any use.
Some master I am, I thought to myself. It wasn't long after that she replied.
You are a wonderful young master with a lot of burden to bear. If there is anything that I can do for you, then I will gladly carry it out, even if I am not used to the utmost of my abilities. I came to you in your time of need, to protect your friends from one another and to protect my siblings from clashing. You are a Phoenix, Lady Kiyo, and a very important one at that. Until I feel comfortable leaving you, I will not bow to the demands of society. Unless, that is, you wish to release your mastery of me. All is up to you. Haiiroyasha, wise as ever, finished her speech with a mental bow in lioness form. It gave me a warm feel of comfort.
"Thanks," I whispered aloud. A warm surge of encouragement gave me her 'you're welcome.' I said a hello to Axel and Archer upon entering my room. Lancer wasn't there, and I wondered why the three weren't together, like always.
Showered, dressed, and primped, I met with Ash in the throne room where he and Rath spoke quietly. Upon my arrival, their talking ceased, and they greeted me. I was a bit suspicious as to what they were talking about, but thought nothing of it as Ash looked me over.
"What is it?" I asked, looking down. "Am I not wearing something that fits the occasion?" I had been working on speaking more formally to fit the image of queen, too.
"Love-," he began, but the sound of the side door I'd just entered through opening cut his thought off. His eyes fell on whoever had come through the door. I turned to see, as well. Justuo was walking across the room towards us.
"Hey Kiyo," Justuo greeted me. "Hello, Rath and Ash." He nodded to each of them, almost as if out of respect. I didn't believe that for a second.
"Hi," I said with a smile. "What brings you here? Shouldn't you be training?"
"That's what I was coming to ask about," he said almost matter-of-factly. "Will you be joining us later today?" He was being overly formal, knowing I'd catch it as the joke that it was.
"No, I'll be-," I began, but Ash spoke quickly.
"Actually, Kiyo, I was going to give you the day off. I was about to comment on the dark rings under your eyes," Ash said softly, though I knew he didn't like the idea of me and Justuo spending the whole day together.
"Really?" I said, touching below my eyes. I cursed under my breath for forgetting to put on some foundation to cover the bags.
"Yes, of course," Ash said. "Don't over exert yourself, Kiyo."
"I know," I said with a smile. "I won't."
"So you are with us today?" Justuo asked.
I paused, unsure if I really wanted to train anymore today. I was tired, exhausted. Today was one of the days that I could feel my Transformation acting up. I didn't want to take any chances of true over exertion.
But I did want to see Justuo, Kairi, and the rest of Mpopyya. I sighed, and said, "Can I get some fresh air first?"
"Of course," Justuo and Ash said in unison. They glanced at each other for a second, and I couldn't help but smile. I pretended the smile was in gratitude instead of humor at their irony.
"Thanks," I said before walking towards the larger door that led to the hall that let out into the Garden Courtyard.
"Don't go too far, okay?" Justuo called after me.
"Not past Zephyr, Love," Ash added.
"Don't you think that's a little far?" Justuo asked him. I smiled as Ash and Justuo broke into a miniature argument.
"No, I could feel someone dangerous enough to be a threat to her within Zephyr," Ash replied.
"But a well trained assassin could come from Elliot's side," Justuo pointed out.
"Ah, but I have inner circle members stationed in East and West Zephyr," Ash countered.
I didn't hear the rest. I giggled to myself after I'd left the room. They couldn't agree on anything. Besides, hadn't Justuo learned the day before yesterday that I was pretty well protected, especially when it came to magic and some physical fighters?
Warm sun met me when I opened the doors at the end of the hall. I nodded to the guards in front of the throne room doors and then, to the ones outside the castle in the Garden Courtyard. It was nice for the breath of fresh air, but it still didn't smell of freedom. I wanted out of the walls, and quickly.
I started forward, passing the Fountain of Dreams and the Oasis Fountain (my personal favorite). I came to the guard post next to the draw bridge, and watched as the bridge lowered onto the flat cobblestone street that led into Zephyr.
I was free, then. I was enthusiastic to get into those crowds of people that called me queen. It was the first time I had gone to Zephyr alone. People smiled and nodded in my direction; some stopped and even bowed. I wasn't pleased with the idea of them bowing to me, but I couldn't tell them not to do something that had been drilled into their heads for so long.
I loved Zephyr so much. The town itself was beautiful with the cobblestone road, and the Tudor houses and buildings. It was spring and beautiful flowers bloomed from the new baby grass while small leaves began to make their homes on bare tree branches. Spring had always been one of my favorite seasons for many reasons, but mostly because I think nature is rejuvenating itself, and the life outside is waking from slumber.
I pulled my maroon sweater tighter around me as a chilly wind that held winter's remains swept through the air, rustling my natural wavy hair. I had put on a nice knee-length, semi-casual dress that was a rusty orange color with my favorite wool sweater that zipped up in the front. I wasn't wearing my crown because I didn't know I would be leaving the castle, but I didn't think anybody really noticed.
I went in my favorite bookstore in Zephyr, "The Leather Backs." All their book covers were made of leather and their collection was full of books found in random places or that belonged to others before. Sometimes I would come across a journal or two. Those were my favorite to read because I felt like the person wrote that journal for someone to find it and read it. I felt like I was cherishing their life in a way. Mr. Beetle smiled at me as I entered the store. He owned the store, and he had come to know me very well since I came by as much as I could.
"Your majesty," he said, bowing slightly. He was on old Human man who had stark white hair that couldn't quite seem to stay in one place. He had a crinkly smile and so many wrinkles he sometimes resembled a bull dog. Mr. Beetle knew everything there was to know about the Paranormal World. He was even alive when Ash's parents were still in power. Of course he was still quite young then. I walked over to the counter and slid onto the stool he had sitting to the side of it.
"How are you, Mr. Beetle?" I asked, while scanning his face to see if he actually was doing well.
"I'm still alive and happy if that's what you mean," he laughed. I smiled.
"I'm glad to hear it," I said sincerely. He reached underneath the counter, and handed me a book. It had a dark brown leather cover with a bow and arrow carved on the front. I took the book and looked it over. It seemed to be really old.
"I thought you might find that interesting. It's a journal from quite a while ago," Mr. Beetle said with a knowing smile. I turned it over in my hands, amazed that it had survived this long in such good condition.
"Thank you so much!" I said as I rose off the stool. I handed Mr. Beetle a few gold coins, which he kindly accepted, because he knew if he didn't take them, I would make a fuss. "It's been so great seeing you, but I should probably be heading back to the castle." I turned to go, but Mr. Beetle's next words made me turn back.
"Hurry back to the castle, your majesty, and be on your guard. I feel something in the air. There is evil presence in Zephyr today. I was just about to lock up before you came by," he said as he walked to the window on the other side of the counter. "There's something dark out there, and it's not leaving until it gets what it came for."
A shiver slid down my back, and I felt someone's eyes boring into my back. I looked over my shoulder and scanned the bookstore, but saw nothing. I was really regretting coming out here by myself. Just leave and head back to the castle as fast you can. You're not that far from the gate. Just keep calm, I thought to myself.
"Thanks for the warning, Mr. Beetle. I'll head back right now," I said, opening the door. He nodded at me with a glaze in his eyes. I shut the door and took a deep breath as I stepped outside.
I glanced around me nervously. Mr. Beetle had really gotten to me with what he said, but I knew I couldn't act like anything was wrong. I melted back into the thinning crowd of people in Zephyr. Everyone seemed to sense something was up because there were less people out in the streets than usual. Even the sky hard darkened a little with gloomy, foreboding clouds blotting out the sun. I looked for some guards or somebody from the castle, but none were around. That was odd because usually guards were roaming the streets and Ash's inner circle was keeping a look out for enemies.
I started walking faster and noticed I was a lot farther from the castle than I originally thought. Suddenly, I reached the outskirts of town where the grassy fields and forests met the cobblestone streets. I must have taken a wrong turn because I was so deep in thought. There was no one around, and the sun was starting to go down. How long have I been out here? I thought to myself. Surely, Ash, Justuo, or Kairi would notice I've been gone for a while and they would start looking for me.
A cool breeze whistled through the air, chilling my bones. Somehow I had ended up at the west edge of town next to the dark, thick forest. I had only been in the forest once, and that was with Ash when we were traveling the Paranormal World. He had wanted to show a secret way to enter the town from the castle. There was some magical enchantment you had to utter to see the path though, and I couldn't remember it!
"Ravaga Firus," I whispered to the forest. Nothing happened. Well, that wasn't it. Suddenly, I heard a rustling coming from the woods. I took a step back, refusing to taking my eyes off the spot I had heard the noise. My stomach dropped, and my gut screamed at me to run, so I knew whatever was coming wasn't good. I tried to summon some magic, but because I was exhausted and overworked, it was really hard. I got dizzy just trying to make a force field.
I heard a low growl, and I felt Darkness swarming into the air. It was suffocating. It almost brought me to my knees, but then the power of it relaxed some. It was still there, causing me pain, but I actually had a chance of running now. I took another step back, but I ran into something that felt like a person. I shrieked and turned around only to come face to face with Raven, the most powerful Dark Phoenix, who wanted nothing more than my death in the most painful and torturous way.
I was stunned to speechlessness. His wicked smile widened as Darkness started to fill the air again. I took off running in into the dark, dense forest. It was a stupid move, but it was my instinct to get as far as I possibly could from him. Branches scratched my face and legs. The Darkness was getting to me. My head was pounding and my whole body screamed in pain. I felt as though everything important to me, everything I loved was being sucked from my body.
"Oh my dear, dear, Kiyo," Raven called to me in his sinister voice. I kept running. I couldn't look back. It was almost pitch black due to the sun having set, and I couldn't see anything. Suddenly, I saw blood red eyes glowing within a foot of where I was running to. I stopped, and Raven materialized in front of me. I swallowed the scream that tried to escape from my throat.
"My dear Kiyo, haven't you learned running doesn't help you?" Raven asked, shaking his head at me. He stepped closer to me, but I held my ground. His Darkness was terrible. I honestly don't know what kept me from getting sick and my legs giving out on me. I could practically see the Darkness slithering in the air around him. I needed to come up with a plan, so I could get away. Raven came forward and caressed my face with his hand. I wanted to slap it away, but I knew that wouldn't help anything.
"You seem so tired and weak, my dear. The dark bags under your eyes prove this. Your transformation is acting up isn't it?" Raven sneered, as he pushed my hair behind my ear. I wanted to be sick. The Darkness was blurring my vision, and I was holding back whimpers of agony.
"That Darkness must hurt. It must feel as if all the happiness of your life is being sucked away from you and all that is left is your pathetic weakness. Not to mention how physically painful it is. I believe you once described it as having yourself lit on fire from the inside out? Such a pity for a beautiful and powerful Phoenix as you to suffer," he whispered into my ear.
I was shaking out of fear and anger. That was it. I'd had enough. I summoned Haiiroyasha. I sliced at Raven with as much force as I could. He hissed, clutching his arm. I took off running. Haiiroyasha took on lion form, and I quickly hopped on her back. I collapsed against her. I was so weak from the Darkness, and had I used all my power to summon her.
We didn't get far, before she began to slow. Master, I'm slipping. You need more power. Haiiroyasha said. Seconds later, she spoke in an agonized tone. I'm so sorry, Master. Then, she disappeared, and I hit the ground hard. I cried out in pain because I landed on a root of a tree. There would be bruises there by the morning. I tried to push myself up, but I couldn't. Darkness flushed through the area, thicker than before. I cried out, wishing it would stop.
You're going to die. No one's here to save you now, your majesty. How pathetic. I'm going to get you. Raven's unwanted thoughts slid into my head. He was in my head! I tried to shove him out, but I just couldn't. I knew I had to get away from him. I found some strength, probably borrowed from Kiyo, Ash, or even Yomi, and pushed my body up from the ground. I yelped when a lightning-like pain shot through my torso as I started to run, and grabbed my ribs. I thought one of them was broken.
As I ran through the forest, clumsily tripping over roots and running into branches, I saw something move in the corner of my eye. A black shadow crossed in front of me, and I heard the ominous moaning that signaled what it was. The Dead Phoenixes were surrounding me.
And then, the Darkness reached the highest point it had all night, and I found myself on the ground. Shrieks and sobs bubbled from my throat. "Make it stop! Make it stop! Someone help me! Help me!" I cried out. Tendrils of Darkness that I could practically feel graze my skin pressed closer to me. I tried to crawl away, but I saw the end of Raven's black cloak in front of me. I looked up to meet his dark red eyes. He knocked me onto my back with ease, and something sharp cut into me. I tried to enter Kairi's mind, but I didn't have enough power to break down her mental block.
I writhed in agony as the Darkness, if it was even possible at this point, got worse. Horrible, sickening sounds ripped out of me in a never ending pattern. Raven laughed hysterically, almost like a mad man does when he gets his next kill. He kicked me in the side, and I heard something crack. I howled in pain along with the whimpers, screams, and sobs. I was past tears.
"Hmm…you're not in enough pain yet for my taste. I want you begging for death. I want you to be in so much pain you can't bear to breathe," Raven hissed as the Darkness increased dramatically. He started planting awful images in my mind. The first to come was of Kairi, Ash, Justuo, and all my dear friends being tortured and dying. The next was my family. Then, he started to torture me with all the bad memories of my life. Being molested, my mom going to the hospital, Connor's suicide, and all the times Justuo hurt me. Human World memories I tried my damnedest to forget.
"Stop!" I pleaded. "Please stop!" I begged. I couldn't take it, this torture, if you could even call it torture. It was hell. If there ever was a hell, this had to be it.
Raven leaned down close to my face and whispered, "But my dear, you haven't suffered enough yet," then he kicked me in the face. I felt my nose break and blood started gush all over me.
"What did I ever do to you!?" I shouted hoarsely as the blood soaked my favorite sweatshirt and my rusty orange dress.
He kicked me in the side again, hard enough to send me flying backwards through the dirt. My head hit the ground hard. "You were reborn into this life, child." Raven's words were cryptic, and I couldn't make sense of them even if I tried.
The Darkness became so unbearable I couldn't speak. A mix of sobs and screams of tortuous agony were tearing out of my throat. Raven walked towards me with a sadistic smirk planted on his face. I knew I was dying. The Darkness was destroying my body. I was going to die in agony. Alone.
"So, where's your great Guardian? Where is your king? Where is MPOPYYA? Where's your almighty dark angel, Justuo? There's no one here to save you now, and you cannot save yourself. You know why they're not here, my sweet? They're not here because they don't love you. They don't need you. They don't want you. You are nothing. You mean nothing, and you're going to die," Raven laughed menacingly. It was a low, throaty laugh. He wiped a tear from my cheek.
"Don't cry, my love. It's going to be so great without you." Raven smirked, and stood up. Just when I felt myself start slipping some, I heard someone running through the woods, and then my eyes slipped closed. My mind became an empty void of decay.
Trace's Point of View
"Hello, Master," I said as I passed Elliot in the hallway on my way to my room. He nodded to me, but said nothing. This indicated he was in deep thought, and I knew better than to bother him today. I was just off of Guard duty, and it felt nice to be free. I was tired after the long, uneventful night. I was running on three hours of rest for the past two days, which, honestly, wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't so hungry. I'd see if anyone was willing to donate tonight; fresh blood was always the best.
Upon arriving in my room, I found I was beaten to the punch. A donor girl with blond hair sat on my bed with her legs crossed. She smelled of fresh trees and nature, but there was no mistaking this girl for something she was not. She was a Sanctian, probably fresh to the castle, and new to the royal donor life.
I didn't offer a sneer of dominance like I did to most of the people I fed from. I was too exhausted for games. She spoke in a voice that told me she was not on the "Virgin Bucket-List," and I was probably her first feeder. I gave an exasperated sigh as she spoke.
"Hello, Mr. Cutie," she began, and I felt my stomach lurch at her unattractive, high-pitch tone. Where had she come from? She seemed to hold herself like she was better than the normal donors. I'd have to stamp her confidence out. "My names Ar-," she began, but I quickly cut her off.
"I could give two shits about your name, and even less about what you think of me. You're a feeder. I eat you. You leave. There doesn't need to be useless association."
"Oh…," she said, seemingly taken aback by my cool tone and irritated vibe. "Alright then." I didn't take my time getting to my bed, pushing her back onto it, and cutting into her neck tissue with my fangs.
She sighed softly as I felt that oozing, wonderful burst of warmth that filled my mouth and throat. It held power and I took it relentlessly. When her heart began to slow, I pulled away, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.
The donor girl sat there, dazed for several seconds before I pulled her up by the wrist, and led her to the door. "Eat sugar, healthy, etcetera, etcetera. You know the drift." I opened the door, and gave her a little shove out. She stumbled and I closed the door before I had to deal with her any longer.
With a rejuvenated system and an alert mind, I searched for Midnight. She was in the grounds with Lightning. That was an irritation that I didn't admit to myself. With a sudden intensity that surprised even me, I felt a jarring probe in my mind from Kairi's mind connection.
I reclined on my bed before checking in with her. She was distraught.
"How long ago did she leave?!" Kairi demanded of Ash.
"It has been too long, and that's all that matters. Fetch Night Rider, Rath, and Edge, Jack," Ash barked to a servant boy.
"I'm going with you," Kairi said with conviction. "And you can't stop me, Ash, not this time."
"Kairi, take a deep breath, and gather yourself. Don't let hysteria control you," Ash said to her comfortingly.
Can I ask what the hell is going on? I thought to Kairi. She didn't think back a reply at first.
Kiyo left the castle hours ago. Trace, please, go look for her. I could see her face in my mind's eye; she was quivering with anxiety and rage.
I was already crossing the room before her image could fade. I'm on the way. Any leads?
No…but who would go after Kiyo? Kairi implied just enough information to give me a good idea of what to expect and where to look.
I blocked her out, then, already halfway to the grounds. No one stopped me, and I thanked the Fates they didn't. Kiyo was in danger, and my sixth sense confirmed it. It didn't take long for me to get out of the castle ground limits and out of the town limits. I created a portal to the Paranormal World, as close to Zephyr as I could get it without being detected by Ash and his circle of rejects.
I stepped through the rift in reality, and felt myself falling.
A disruption pulsed through the area; Darkness was pooling around me. I could feel the magical resonance belonged to Raven, meaning he was still attacking Kiyo. I had sensed her before, wandering around the outskirts of Zephyr and got curious as to why. I took off running in the direction of the strong Darkness, allowing my own to stir to the surface and fill my strength and speed.
The trees around me blurred with speed, and I could sense that I was close to Ash's castle. A strong, powerful presence was felt within a few miles of the great fortress he harbored. As I continued to allow the Darkness within myself to rise, I felt my being change. My thinking changed, and I slowly felt myself slip into a high-chuckling state.
I wouldn't enter Black Angel. It wasn't controllable just yet, and too dangerous to do when I was around my precious Kiyo. She was too weak against Darkness, precisely why Raven was using it against her.
And that was unacceptable.
I broke free of the trees, and saw them. Kiyo was on the ground, weakly writhing near where Raven was looming over her. I raced forward, unsheathing my Beautiful Disaster. At the sound of my fast approach, Raven turned. He let a sneer form on his lips. When I stopped, I pointed my sword at the Dark Phoenix.
"Trace," Raven said, nodding.
"Let me have Kiyo," I snapped, automatically. I wasn't playing his dark little games. Old memories of times we used to train together played in my mind's eye. He had left after Razor's death.
"But watching her writhe is so much fun," Raven mused turning his head back to Kiyo's writhing and crying figure. A sick laugh ripped through my throat without permission.
"Oh, is that so?" I snickered. "Do you want to be the one writhing, Raven? 'Cause I can make you writhe. I promise you that."
"Why start a fight? Why not make an exchange?" Raven asked, amused by my threats. My sadistic smile darkened as my fangs slid out, and the Darkness poured into me, hitting the one hundred and thirty percent mark.
"Yea, how about you give me Kiyo, and I'll let you live?" I offered before another laughed slipped through my clenched teeth.
"Or maybe your blood for her's?" Raven said, raising an eyebrow. His offer had me howling with laughter before I could answer.
"My blood is the price?" I asked after finally sobering up a little. Raven nodded once, before Kiyo began writhing worse than before. Without another word, I placed my left hand on Beautiful Disaster's blade, and sliced quickly.
"Do what you want," I spat as I offered it to him. Giving someone my blood was a sacrifice of pride and dignity. But my precious Kiyo was worthy of such sacrifice. Raven smirked before grabbing my wrist and licking the thin line that was now crying scarlet beads.
After two licks, I jerked my hand from him, licked it myself to close the wound, and went to Kiyo's side. Raven stepped back towards the shadows of the surrounding woods. "Ah, the taste of immortal blood; how sweet a taste," he mused before blending and fading into the shadowed forest.
Kiyo had gone still except for her fast, shallow pants. My Darkness was already fading away, leaving only Kiyo's pureness. Kiyo's eyes were squeezed shut in pain. I lifted her quickly, and pressed her to me, willing my soul to absorb any Darkness Raven had left behind.
After feeling the eternal wound the Darkness left on my soul, I gently shook Kiyo. She whimpered quietly. I wished I could soothe her further, and make her feel more comfortable. After a few moments of silent shaking, Kiyo's eyes opened slowly.
Her eyes widened when she saw I was the one holding her. A gave her a cocky grin that hopefully came across as a teasing one. "Trace?" she asked, dumfounded.
"Hey, little girl," I said, gently shifting her weight in my arms.
"What…? Where's Raven? Why are you here? Where's Ash?" Kiyo asked, looking around as if she were a lost child looking for her daddy.
"Is that how you usually wake up in the mornings?" I asked, jokingly. I found it really easy to allow myself to feel, and to allow myself to love every second of her soft skin against my arms.
"No…?" Kiyo asked, confused. "Who saved me? Where's Kairi?"
I chuckled easily, a real chuckle of amusement instead of my normal sarcastic shit. "I saved you, silly."
Kiyo stared at me for a little while before she relaxed in my arms. "Why?" She looked down then, and I guessed she was remembering what I had told her when I had spoken to her through Kairi.
The question threw me off, though, and I found myself answering before I could even comprehend her words, much less mine. "Because life without you sucks."
Her cheeks went slightly pink, and I found myself feeling a bit embarrassed at saying such a thing so openly to anyone, even her. "Oh…"
"I'll take you home now," I said roughly. I could feel a strong draw towards her, and all I wanted to do was kiss her soft lips, just once, and allow myself to be lost in the bliss of love again. But I couldn't bring myself to do that. Not now. She wasn't ready for me, nor would she ever be in this life.
As I stood with her still in my arms, she asked, "Were we really together in other lives?"
"Yes; a lot of them. We used to be in love," I said, trying to sound indifferent. Her grip on the front of my shirt tightened as we began to walk. I shifted her weight in my arms, but she squirmed a bit. "What is it?" I asked.
"Set me down. I think I can walk," Kiyo said. I sat her down reluctantly, and helped her stand straight. Kiyo winced in pain, and almost fell but I caught her by the waist, and steadied her. She looked up at me, a twinkle of her past lives flashed in her eyes, and that's all I could take.
My lips met hers, and I automatically pulled her closer. She moved her lips in sync with mine, and I found us stumbling back a bit. My tongue brushed against her lips as I pushed her against a nearby tree. Hungry for more of her, I bit her bottom lip gently. She opened her mouth and allowed my tongue access to explore her mouth.
And as I tasted her tongue, I felt so much more. I felt an essence of her soul. She was confused, scared, lustful, and happy; so many feelings, almost like I was slipping into her being. Breathless, I broke the kiss, too soon for either of us. We both panted heavily and leaned on the tree I had pushed Kiyo against.
"Oh my God…" she breathed. Understanding appeared in her eyes. "I…I used to love you! And we used to be inseparable."
My heart wrenched. "Yes…we were," I agreed. She put her hand to her head, and shook it as if to clear her mind. I hesitantly touched her cheek, and she met my eyes with flushed cheeks.
"I should go home," she murmured. Her words made me want to cry out in frustration. Why must she leave? Couldn't she stay with me?
The thoughts were futile. I knew she had to. She would be ruffled enough by Raven's Darkness, and knowing about our past. I nodded numbly before saying, "Come here, boku no Kiyo."
As she walked towards me, she gave me a confused look. "What does that mean?"
"My Kiyo," I said, as I picked her up and cradled her in my arms like I had many years ago when she was young.
"I like that," she said after a long silence. I smiled slightly and continued walking towards the castle's direction. As I did, I noticed her eyes drooping. She was tired and weak from what Raven had done to defile her body.
I put a rhythm to my step that would hopefully lull her to sleep. She snuggled closer to my chest, gripping my tight black T-shirt. I felt warmth tickle my heart for the first time in what felt like centuries.
"Sleep in heavenly peace, boku no Kiyo," I breathed. I began to sing, then, a song that was rather new to the worlds, and one that had originated in the Human World; Hero, by Enrique Iglesias. With a small, gentle sigh, Kiyo was asleep. Her body relaxed, and I slowed my pace down. I didn't want to wake her, but most of all, I didn't want this moment to end. Memories flooded my mind, and I found that I couldn't help but watch them play through my mind's eye as I continued to sing softly.
Dancing around never-ending circles; Kiyo's breath is gentle and in sync with mine. As we dance, her eyes slip close in bliss. I soon find I am supporting her weight. She whispers for me to carry her, and hold her forever until time itself ends.
So I listen to her wishes. I lift her up, and cradle her gently. Her long dress brushes the ground as I continue to dance with her in my arms. And as dawn approaches, many heart beats later, I find myself still dancing with my beautiful Kiyo.
But I am weary and tired, and can barely hold my love's weight. I lie down with her still enclosed on my arms. She pulls closer in her sleep as if she is automatically attracted to me. My eyes fall and consume both of us in the comforting darkness of sleep.
In that moment, we were one.
I blinked as the castle wall grew bigger with each step. We were close. And Kiyo was still asleep. I pulled the hood to my cloak up to hide my identity as I entered the streets of the town that surround the massive castle ahead.
The time it took for me to reach the gates was faster than I wanted it to be, but it didn't matter. The gates opened to reveal Ash and several others of his inner circle waiting, as if they had already been informed. Kairi was also standing by his side.
Ash wasn't surprised to see me, and, to my surprise, walked forward alone. Kairi seemed to follow at first, but Ash ushered her back to the others. Reluctantly, she did what she was told. Ash approached me quickly, holding his arms out for Kiyo. At first, I was very reluctant to give her to him. A flicker of impatience crossed his features, and I knew I had to give her up.
Gently extending Kiyo, I watched Ash take her just as gently as I had given her. "What happened to her?" he asked. He didn't sound angry or upset, but more relieved and worried. Was he tricking me?
"Raven had her. He was torturing her with that wretched Darkness he controls," I answered. Ash nodded to me.
"I know you love her, and I'm glad you found her," Ash finally said before stepping backwards. "But try to contain your lust." His teeth were clenched.
"I will always want what's best for her," I said, automatically. I ignored his last comment.
Ash's stare was hard as he said his next words. "Then you should really reconsider sides."
My teeth clenched as his had, and I found myself having to look away from him to keep control of my anger. "I already know that," I spat quietly. Silence followed my statement, and I glanced back to Kiyo one last time before turning.
"You want what is best for her? Then lie down, and allow me to slay you! You wretched filth! You fucking bloodsucking, festering piece of trash!" I turned rapidly to see who had spouted the insults. The voice was familiar. Justuo was walking towards me in haste with a dangerous look in his eyes.
I remember that look. The look that slayed many men. The rage that slayed Razor. I was instantly pummeled in the mind, while simultaneously feeling an assault on my body from his Darkness. Mine flared up in response. He had gotten stronger since last we met; I had never felt a Darkness such as his besides my own. His had a certain spice to it; maybe it was the Feavii.
"You want to relive the past Kohai, then so be it!" I shouted at him in anger that he would ruin this time with my Kiyo.
"I will ruin every hour of your waking existence, you leech!" he shouted as though he had read my mind. Ash had handed Kiyo off to Kairi by now and was physically holding him back despite the level of Darkness.
"Justuo you need to take control of yourself," Ash said. By this point, Justuo's Dogs, Avalanche, stormed out the door of the castle. Ash turned, "Do not make me call the circle, Justuo! If you need help, then let your friends or me, but stop this nonsense now!"
"Let him go, Ash. He won't do anything. It's just like always; all talk and no bite." I showed my fangs at this last remark as I heard the Darkness talking.
"WHY YOU BLOODSU-!" that's as much as Justuo got out before a noise that sounded like a jet bursting into flames rushed past my head singeing my hair. His friend Akihiko stopped the detonation before it hit something breakable.
"Stop it now, Justuo. Before the Angel comes out and the whole castle regrets tonight!" Akihiko shouted at him. There was a long pause.
"Only for Kiyo, but mark my words, Filth! I will have my day with you." Justuo hung his head, as if he was ashamed of his forgetfulness to the safety of Kiyo. He and Ash walked away. Ash gave me a glance over the shoulder. "Avalanche, please escort our 'visitor' out," he stated rather blandly.
"Sure thing," said the Blue haired one.
"Fayt and I have got this," stated Akihiko.
"The two of us have got this, guys. We will meet up with you in just a bit," the one that was Fayt said to the others. This Fayt was a Feavii as well. I did not trust two Feavii to lead me threw the labyrinth of buildings and cobblestone road. If the both of them attacked, I would have a fight on my hands.
"You are sure?" said an Elf who I didn't recognize.
"Yes," said Akihiko with a grimace contorting his features. They walked me farther away from the castle and away from the entrance. No words were spoken, but I could feel the hate through Justuo's friends. They obviously knew of his real past with me. We approached the gate, and as I walked out, Akihiko stopped and turned. As I walked past, a whisper only a Feavii and Vampire could wield and heed entered my ears.
"Taste her again, leech, and he isn't the only Feavii you will learn to hold as a danger." Akihiko's words were as cold as his magic.
"I have been looking forward to the competition, Fairy, see you next time," I replied in a hushed whisper as I started the walk home. Elliot would be furious when he learned of my encounters and adventures today.
