Disclaimer: I don't own Hiei. I'm just borrowing him, for about, oh I don't
know, twenty thousand years or so. (Sadly, that was only a joke)
Notes are at the end of the chapter.
SECRETS IN MY BLOOD, CHAPTER 13
A single pallid shaft of light slipped through the blockade of nebulous grey clouds and washed over the roof top. All except two places on the roof were illuminated. In these places, shadows pooled and became more potent in their inky blackness. These shadows surrounded the two apparitions as they rose from their darkness and clung to them.
It was not much longer until the demons had emerged completely from the dark shadows. They floated, like specters above the dark pool that grew and bubbled beneath them. Both then turned their heads to the left and then turned to the right, slowly examining the tranquil human setting that was so different from the dismal place they hailed from.
The two demons were mirror images of each other. Their entire bodies were covered by a black material that had been ripped into large patches and sown together with black dyed leather. Only one part of their bodies were visible, the eyes. They were a dull, grey color with no pupil, no cornea, just a lifeless, soulless, grey.
Both of them then bent down and touched the dark pool under them with their hidden hands. It was eerie, how they were so perfectly synchronized with each other. It was also strange that once their hands touched the liquid shadows, the size of the pool seemed to decrease. And as the darkness disappeared, the eyes of the demons became black as well.
Nothing separated them from the night sky except their near invisible silhouettes on the roof. But that changed when the grey clouds once again eclipsed the moon and it's potentially life saving light. Yes, the simple illumination was perhaps the only thing that could save someone this night, because these demons had a purpose for being here. They had a master who had given them this purpose and orders to follow. Orders to kill.
Now invisible to even the keenest eye, the two demons leapt off their perch and levitated next to the window of a teenage girl. She was asleep, barely. Something troubled her, causing the girl to toss and turn. She turned toward them. Still asleep, of course, but it did give the two assassins a chance to study their target.
She was young. Raven black hair that turned purple in the blue light of her human mechanism that displayed numbers. Small fangs poked out of her mouth, which was set in a frown. Her hand was soft on the back side, but the palms were calloused. She had muscles, but they weren't bulky. However, stature was never a good indicator of demon strength. This girl was also pretty, any demon would have to admit that, but these assassins were different from other demons. They only appreciated the beauty of blood.
The apparitions did not ponder the reason why this demon would subject herself to the constraining life of a human; they instead lifted their hands and went through the glass of the window. Not only would this allow them to enter the room without opening the window, it would also block out all sounds and light that might be made during the fight, if there was one. By doing this, no one from the outside would be able to interfere. Now inside the girl's room, the synchronism of the two demons stopped, although the fluid way they moved still continued. One of the apparitions hovered above the target and prepared to suffocate. The other gently lifted the silky black hair away from her neck, revealing the chain of which the gem their employer had spoke of. With no hesitation, the demon meant to take the necklace grabbed the chain and the other demon lowered his now shapeless hands to the girl's face.
Burning, green, fiery death flooded in his arm, hallowing it out. The demon that had tried to take the necklace now saw a cobra demon hissing at him.
The demon looked down at his maimed arm as he pulled away. It was glowing acid green under the black fabric; that was why she could see him. Glancing up, the poisoned demon saw that his accomplice had been knocked into another room, without damaging the wall, of course. Also, he noticed that the target looked substantially different when she was awake.
Her eyes were blazing neon green and her hair was longer now. Spiritual energy crackled around her. The arm she had slashed him with was now a dark purple up to the elbow. Claw like nails dripped with a toxic emerald venom, as did her fangs, which showed clearly through her open mouth.
"What are you doing here?" Whispered the furious cobra demon.
The intruder demon pulled at his poisoned arm and prepared to form himself a new one and discard the dying flesh. He did not bother to answer the girl's question or wonder at the oddity of it. You see, the first question many victims asked was 'Who are you?' or, for those who were more knowledgeable of the supernatural, 'What are you?' She, however, was more collected then any of his other victims. She had asked a question that mattered the most first. That was a mark of a great warrior.
Unfortunately for the girl, a mark was only a mark. It did not mean she was a warrior of any merit. What it meant, was that she simply had the potential to be one. At that moment, the second shadow demon shot back into the room and grabbed the girl. His hands shifted to fit her nose and mouth. He was smothering her.
The cobra demon froze for a second, but only for one second. She sunk her teeth into the soft shadow flesh, forcing her captor to free her. The greenish-black shadow disappeared through the walls again. The girl then turned to the first shadow demon she had poisoned.
She could not see him. He was once again invisible in the pitch blackness of the room. The demoness seemed to realize this. She fumbled with something on the wall next to a small table.
A small 'click' sound was followed instantly by the little of a miniature sun located on the ceiling of the girl's lair. The demon was exposed and now forced to confront his 'victim' on her terms.
Hand-to-hand combat ensued. They were both almost equally matched in speed, agility, evasion, and strength. Or so it would seem. In reality, the shadow demon was only stalling. He was waiting for his partner to grab the necklace.
The cobra demon felt two cold hands grip the lead grey chain of her necklace. She tried to turn around and dislodge those hands, but the shadow demon in front of her kept her from doing anything of the sort. His grip on her arms and legs was much like having one's hands trapped in dry cement. And this time, they keep made sure she couldn't poison them.
"Let go!" She said, her voice slightly raised.
The gem was almost over her head.
"I. Said. Let. GO!"
Shadow fragments flew everywhere. The girl was now in her demonic form completely. Her eyes glowed entirely green and her skin was entirely purple. The gem was now a blinding bright purple and its chain was brilliant, pure silver. Years of grim and dust had evaporated off as bright green flames licked the edges of the necklace. Flames? This girl was not a wielder of fire, but flames of emerald green still encircled the necklace.
"Do not touch me." Said the girl.
Her voice sounded oddly disconnected from her own body. It sounded as though the gem was speaking for her, controlling her. It was similar to communicating with a possessed person. And the possessed were always very dangerous.
The demon, who had been trying to take the necklace, only a moment ago, grabbed it once more. The demoness calmly grabbed the wrists of both his hands. The fire leapt from the necklace, to her arms, and finally into the body of the foolish shadow demon.
He screamed. A most unearthly sound that would have broken all the glass in the room had the flames not been as deadly as the girl's liquid poison and silenced the shadow demon, once and for all.
A peculiar thing happened at that moment. The flames, having been cut off from their meal prematurely, made their way back to the necklace. They burned the girl's skin, but she did not seem to notice. The fire became so intense that it also melted the metal of the necklace.
And then it stopped.
Both the girl, who seemed to have awoken from her trance, and the demon, looked at the necklace. The chain itself was completely gone. All that was left of the gem was a scar in the shape of the chain, the gem itself, and six pure silver spikes. Both the spikes and the gem were connected to the girl's skin, in the exact same place they had been when the gem had been a necklace. Just below where her neck ended and the rest of her body began.
"Wha-what?" Whispered the girl. "What happened?"
"I am nothing." The girl spoke, answering her own question, but it was obviously the gem that controlled her again. "I am human jewelry. I am only that and nothing more too all who seek me."
The girl then recovered. She seemed to believe what the gem had told her, because she no longer seemed panicked. The shadow demon wasn't panicked either. Both of them stood up and prepared to face off again.
But that never happened.
Red eyes glared at him. Fire not unlike the flames of hell raged in their depths. A sword was embedded hilt deep into the shadow demon's heart, his only solid organ. The kanata was sharply yanked out and the shadow body fell to the ground. As he fell, the demon realized that blood was not as pretty, when it was his own.
"Hiei?" Asked Keiko.
The fire demon looked away from the bodies of the shadow demons. His gaze fell on Keiko. She was in her demon form, her hair was disheveled, and her eyes were wide with shock. The young demon was wearing skimpy, black shorts, a revealing black tank top, and some sort of jewelry with silver spikes that was stuck to her skin. In a demon's state of mind, this was all very appealing.
But that gem bothered him for some reason . . .
"What are you doing here?" Exclaimed Keiko.
The fire demon shifted his gaze to the two demon corpses again. The one that wasn't charred was bleeding profusely, thus making the white wood floors look as though they had been covered with a thick, vile smelling, blackish-red lacquer. And how had that one demon become charred, anyway . . .
"That can't be the only reason." Declared Keiko. "I could have handled them. We both know that."
Hiei's face was grim as he positioned himself on the windowsill. From out of his cape, he pulled out two clear crystals with his left had, which was bandaged.
"What are those?" Asked Keiko, wondering how they explained Hiei's sudden arrival and also what had happened to his hand.
"Eternal death ice. Crystals with souls trapped inside them. The crystal, soul, and then shadows, or some other element of the dead are combined, this turns the crystal black. After being combined, the crystal leaks out 'animated shadows'. These shadows then encase the heart of the demon whose soul was used, forming a body. The result is a demon minion who will do whatever it's told and requires nothing, but more shadows to feast on. These are the two crystals of the two shadow demons we just killed."
"Souls?! How could someone do that?" Asked Keiko. "And why would they be sending demons after me?"
"For the same reason it happens to everyone else in your situation. You have something they want." Answered Hiei.
"Shouldn't we tell someone that there is a demon out there stealing souls?" Inquired Keiko.
"Not unless you feel comfortable with telling everyone that you're a demon."
"No! They can't know. It would kill them. It would destroy everything." Explained Keiko, now also sitting on the windowsill. "I-They . . . It's like when Yusuke became a detective and didn't tell me. He knew I wouldn't understand. He knew that it could have potentially ruined our . . . friendship. And you know what? It almost did. I was so worried for him, and worried about being left alone if he died, angry at him for not considering me, and angry at him for never telling me anything, leaving me for so long . . .
"There were some nights when I wished that I didn't even know him. Yusuke's heart is always in the right place, but sometimes I honestly think he's more trouble then he's worth. Heh, you probably wouldn't think that about me though, if you had heard the way I constantly spoke of him, but there were times I knew I was just putting up a front, waiting for it to all smooth out. It still hasn't, you know. I could deal with him being a punk, not wanting to attend school, even messing with my head occasionally, but hunting demons? It was just too much. He depends on me to ground him, and I don't know if I could do that for him if I wasn't human. And even if I wasn't a demon, I don't think I could keep it up. I'm his escape from the nightmares he lives through. If he knew I was a demon, he no longer has anyplace to run to . . .
"And now I don't want to be his escape, or anyone else's! Almost everyone I know has come to me for what they seem to think is my never ending supply of support and 'I'll-be-there-for-you' speeches! I never have liked people constantly depending on me to be optimistic, helpful, kind, and their solid rock of security. I used to be that kind of person because that was my nature, but everyone soon took advantage of that. I guess I still am like that, somewhere inside of me, but it can't continue. I have my own problems, my own *life*. I don't want to be burdened with every single stupid ordeal of everyone else's' lives! After a while, it wears you down. Piece by piece you start to fall apart . . . the metal pressure can be intense when no one seems to be willing to share your burden, but are more than happy to share theirs. Why does everyone think I exist only for them? Why do people treat me as if I'm some sort of-of saint or supportive character in a television show whose only purpose is to make all the main character's lives easier? I'm only human, demon; I mean. I think that's why I enjoy your company, Hiei. You never expect anything of that nature from me. You understand me. You *listen* to me."
She leaned her head up against his shoulder. Keiko known this for a long time, before she even became a demon that this was how she felt, but her subconscious had never allowed these thoughts to surface. Only by saying then aloud did she realize that all these years, she had *always* planned her life around the lives of others. And she still was. Looking around her room, Keiko saw the bodies of the shadow demon once again. She would have to dispose of those at some point, preferably before her parents woke up.
"I've changed a lot." She said. "But, I don't know what I've changed into. A few months ago, I knew where I was going in life. I knew that I was going to go to school, make good grades, and then get married. Those were my goals. Now I want to be something else. I don't know what, but I have an idea where I might find it . . ."
"Where?"
Hiei's eyes looked into hers. He seemed genuinely interested in what her answer would be. Although, his tone suggested he probably knew what she was going to say. Either way, Keiko was about to answer.
"The past."
Heritage. Ancestors. Knowing where you came from. All of this played a large part in what made a person. Traditions, customs, and rituals all came from your family. However, if you have no family, or one that is not actually your own, a compulsive desire to find where you came from fills you.
It was a feeling that Hiei knew all too well.
Why did anyone care about where they came from? The past had nothing to offer, but memories that should have stayed forgotten, wounds on the spirit that reopen, tombstones that should be left to crumble, and spirits never meant to be reawakened. The past had nothing to offer. Still, everyone can't help but be obsessed with the past. Many even live in it, despite the fact they belong in the present. In turn, they also become a part of the past. And a part of the ground.
The cobra demon, both seeking and needing comfort, she wrapped both her arms around his waist, which also happened to trap Hiei's arm. In order not to compromise their contentment, the fire demon lifted his arm up and carefully placed it on Keiko's shoulder. Keiko looked at him. Hiei briefly wondered if the demoness realized that she was halfway between her humanoid form and demon form. Her skin was tinted purple, instead of pink, eyes supernaturally bright, and hair that was longer then it should be. But, as it has already been mentioned, the thought was only dwelled on briefly.
And why would he only dwell on this briefly? Well, it could, possibly have something to do with Keiko's lips up against his.
This was impulsive, irrational, and possibly dangerous! Keiko's brain screamed when some misplaced limb hit the light switch as they fell onto the cobra demon's bed. It might indeed be dangerous, but it just felt too good to stop.
And not only in a physical way.
It wasn't exactly like her dreams though. First off, Hiei seemed less likely to rip off her shirt then simply kiss her, as he was doing now. After what seemed to be a very short time to them, they resurfaced for air.
"Why are we doing this?" Panted Keiko from under Hiei.
"I don't know." Whispered the fire demon softly as he descended on his completely willing prey.
The closeness of her and her warmth spread into his bones. This feeling, it was almost . . . heavenly. She was so wonderful to hold. Her mouth against his felt good, and tasted delicious. But this did not go beyond physical enjoyment . . .
Did it?
But then, something else preoccupied him. Something was draining him of his energy. Something very close. Something that was most likely the gem he was warned about. But, Keiko wasn't wearing anything that could be the gem except . . . that piece of human jewelry. Before he could do or say anything, a voice spoke to him and time seemed to freeze in place.
"I'll kill her if you try to remove me, or tell anyone about me." Crackled a deep, female voice.
"You're the gem." Stated Hiei.
"Very good. Now, you don't seem to like my instructions. You better follow them, or do you wish for her to die?"
"I wish you would die." Growled the fire demon.
"Too bad that won't happen. I'm too powerful for that."
"Then come out of the jewel."
"In all due time, I will." Laughed the gem, before her presence in Hiei's mind had faded completely.
Time resumed, but before Keiko had a chance to even say anything, Hiei used his jagan on her. It was better this way, to make her think this had all been a dream. And it would be better, if this never happened again.
The fire demon picked Keiko up and tucked her back into her bed. He was tempted to kiss her one last time, but he didn't. Hiei turned to the open window, the sun was starting to rise.
And then there was nothing, but the ruffling of the curtains in the wind to show that he had been there.
***A NOTE TO EVERYONE***
I'm sorry this chapter took forever to post! My family was moving and before I could finish this chapter, my dad disconnected the computer. By the time I was told, we were unable to use the computer. It wasn't his fault though, it was our landlord's. Anyway, I hope that this chapter was worth the wait.
Also, there will be no responses in this chapter, because my mail box is stuffed and I didn't want to make you wait any longer.
One last thing, if you're going to threaten to kill me for having trouble with this chapter (which was caused by writer's block, school work, moving to a new house and the computer being cut off), here are some pointers on how to do it correctly:
1. Make sure you spell everything right. It's insulting when my executioner can't even spell 'or else' properly not to mention their own name.
2. Try coming up with an inventive way for me to die. The old stabbing me in the back while I sleep routine has been over used, don't you think? I suggest death by exhaustion caused from a wild night with a certain fire demon.
3. Think of something witty to say that might actually make me think you have the brain cells to pull off killing me.
4. Also, did you ever stop to think that if you kill me, that I can't write the story anymore? Helloooo! If I'm dead, you aren't getting anything!
Oh, and incase you didn't notice, this last part about the death threats is dedicated to 'youkaibicth' (that isn't how you spell it dear) and 'bleeding wings'.
I'll tell you both something right now. I don't care if your patience is running thin. I don't care if you can't give me some slack about having a rather rough time with this chapter. What I do care about is that you took the death threat joke a little too far and made me feel not only insulted, but threaten too.
Please learn to be a bit more tolerant of fellow human beings, because if you can't, I really don't want either of you to review this story anymore.
As for the rest of you!
THANK YOU so much for standing by me and being outstandingly supportive!
(And no, this is not the last chapter; I'll tell you when it is)
Demons 'n Lemons! Lady BlackDragonFire v ^_~ v
Notes are at the end of the chapter.
SECRETS IN MY BLOOD, CHAPTER 13
A single pallid shaft of light slipped through the blockade of nebulous grey clouds and washed over the roof top. All except two places on the roof were illuminated. In these places, shadows pooled and became more potent in their inky blackness. These shadows surrounded the two apparitions as they rose from their darkness and clung to them.
It was not much longer until the demons had emerged completely from the dark shadows. They floated, like specters above the dark pool that grew and bubbled beneath them. Both then turned their heads to the left and then turned to the right, slowly examining the tranquil human setting that was so different from the dismal place they hailed from.
The two demons were mirror images of each other. Their entire bodies were covered by a black material that had been ripped into large patches and sown together with black dyed leather. Only one part of their bodies were visible, the eyes. They were a dull, grey color with no pupil, no cornea, just a lifeless, soulless, grey.
Both of them then bent down and touched the dark pool under them with their hidden hands. It was eerie, how they were so perfectly synchronized with each other. It was also strange that once their hands touched the liquid shadows, the size of the pool seemed to decrease. And as the darkness disappeared, the eyes of the demons became black as well.
Nothing separated them from the night sky except their near invisible silhouettes on the roof. But that changed when the grey clouds once again eclipsed the moon and it's potentially life saving light. Yes, the simple illumination was perhaps the only thing that could save someone this night, because these demons had a purpose for being here. They had a master who had given them this purpose and orders to follow. Orders to kill.
Now invisible to even the keenest eye, the two demons leapt off their perch and levitated next to the window of a teenage girl. She was asleep, barely. Something troubled her, causing the girl to toss and turn. She turned toward them. Still asleep, of course, but it did give the two assassins a chance to study their target.
She was young. Raven black hair that turned purple in the blue light of her human mechanism that displayed numbers. Small fangs poked out of her mouth, which was set in a frown. Her hand was soft on the back side, but the palms were calloused. She had muscles, but they weren't bulky. However, stature was never a good indicator of demon strength. This girl was also pretty, any demon would have to admit that, but these assassins were different from other demons. They only appreciated the beauty of blood.
The apparitions did not ponder the reason why this demon would subject herself to the constraining life of a human; they instead lifted their hands and went through the glass of the window. Not only would this allow them to enter the room without opening the window, it would also block out all sounds and light that might be made during the fight, if there was one. By doing this, no one from the outside would be able to interfere. Now inside the girl's room, the synchronism of the two demons stopped, although the fluid way they moved still continued. One of the apparitions hovered above the target and prepared to suffocate. The other gently lifted the silky black hair away from her neck, revealing the chain of which the gem their employer had spoke of. With no hesitation, the demon meant to take the necklace grabbed the chain and the other demon lowered his now shapeless hands to the girl's face.
Burning, green, fiery death flooded in his arm, hallowing it out. The demon that had tried to take the necklace now saw a cobra demon hissing at him.
The demon looked down at his maimed arm as he pulled away. It was glowing acid green under the black fabric; that was why she could see him. Glancing up, the poisoned demon saw that his accomplice had been knocked into another room, without damaging the wall, of course. Also, he noticed that the target looked substantially different when she was awake.
Her eyes were blazing neon green and her hair was longer now. Spiritual energy crackled around her. The arm she had slashed him with was now a dark purple up to the elbow. Claw like nails dripped with a toxic emerald venom, as did her fangs, which showed clearly through her open mouth.
"What are you doing here?" Whispered the furious cobra demon.
The intruder demon pulled at his poisoned arm and prepared to form himself a new one and discard the dying flesh. He did not bother to answer the girl's question or wonder at the oddity of it. You see, the first question many victims asked was 'Who are you?' or, for those who were more knowledgeable of the supernatural, 'What are you?' She, however, was more collected then any of his other victims. She had asked a question that mattered the most first. That was a mark of a great warrior.
Unfortunately for the girl, a mark was only a mark. It did not mean she was a warrior of any merit. What it meant, was that she simply had the potential to be one. At that moment, the second shadow demon shot back into the room and grabbed the girl. His hands shifted to fit her nose and mouth. He was smothering her.
The cobra demon froze for a second, but only for one second. She sunk her teeth into the soft shadow flesh, forcing her captor to free her. The greenish-black shadow disappeared through the walls again. The girl then turned to the first shadow demon she had poisoned.
She could not see him. He was once again invisible in the pitch blackness of the room. The demoness seemed to realize this. She fumbled with something on the wall next to a small table.
A small 'click' sound was followed instantly by the little of a miniature sun located on the ceiling of the girl's lair. The demon was exposed and now forced to confront his 'victim' on her terms.
Hand-to-hand combat ensued. They were both almost equally matched in speed, agility, evasion, and strength. Or so it would seem. In reality, the shadow demon was only stalling. He was waiting for his partner to grab the necklace.
The cobra demon felt two cold hands grip the lead grey chain of her necklace. She tried to turn around and dislodge those hands, but the shadow demon in front of her kept her from doing anything of the sort. His grip on her arms and legs was much like having one's hands trapped in dry cement. And this time, they keep made sure she couldn't poison them.
"Let go!" She said, her voice slightly raised.
The gem was almost over her head.
"I. Said. Let. GO!"
Shadow fragments flew everywhere. The girl was now in her demonic form completely. Her eyes glowed entirely green and her skin was entirely purple. The gem was now a blinding bright purple and its chain was brilliant, pure silver. Years of grim and dust had evaporated off as bright green flames licked the edges of the necklace. Flames? This girl was not a wielder of fire, but flames of emerald green still encircled the necklace.
"Do not touch me." Said the girl.
Her voice sounded oddly disconnected from her own body. It sounded as though the gem was speaking for her, controlling her. It was similar to communicating with a possessed person. And the possessed were always very dangerous.
The demon, who had been trying to take the necklace, only a moment ago, grabbed it once more. The demoness calmly grabbed the wrists of both his hands. The fire leapt from the necklace, to her arms, and finally into the body of the foolish shadow demon.
He screamed. A most unearthly sound that would have broken all the glass in the room had the flames not been as deadly as the girl's liquid poison and silenced the shadow demon, once and for all.
A peculiar thing happened at that moment. The flames, having been cut off from their meal prematurely, made their way back to the necklace. They burned the girl's skin, but she did not seem to notice. The fire became so intense that it also melted the metal of the necklace.
And then it stopped.
Both the girl, who seemed to have awoken from her trance, and the demon, looked at the necklace. The chain itself was completely gone. All that was left of the gem was a scar in the shape of the chain, the gem itself, and six pure silver spikes. Both the spikes and the gem were connected to the girl's skin, in the exact same place they had been when the gem had been a necklace. Just below where her neck ended and the rest of her body began.
"Wha-what?" Whispered the girl. "What happened?"
"I am nothing." The girl spoke, answering her own question, but it was obviously the gem that controlled her again. "I am human jewelry. I am only that and nothing more too all who seek me."
The girl then recovered. She seemed to believe what the gem had told her, because she no longer seemed panicked. The shadow demon wasn't panicked either. Both of them stood up and prepared to face off again.
But that never happened.
Red eyes glared at him. Fire not unlike the flames of hell raged in their depths. A sword was embedded hilt deep into the shadow demon's heart, his only solid organ. The kanata was sharply yanked out and the shadow body fell to the ground. As he fell, the demon realized that blood was not as pretty, when it was his own.
"Hiei?" Asked Keiko.
The fire demon looked away from the bodies of the shadow demons. His gaze fell on Keiko. She was in her demon form, her hair was disheveled, and her eyes were wide with shock. The young demon was wearing skimpy, black shorts, a revealing black tank top, and some sort of jewelry with silver spikes that was stuck to her skin. In a demon's state of mind, this was all very appealing.
But that gem bothered him for some reason . . .
"What are you doing here?" Exclaimed Keiko.
The fire demon shifted his gaze to the two demon corpses again. The one that wasn't charred was bleeding profusely, thus making the white wood floors look as though they had been covered with a thick, vile smelling, blackish-red lacquer. And how had that one demon become charred, anyway . . .
"That can't be the only reason." Declared Keiko. "I could have handled them. We both know that."
Hiei's face was grim as he positioned himself on the windowsill. From out of his cape, he pulled out two clear crystals with his left had, which was bandaged.
"What are those?" Asked Keiko, wondering how they explained Hiei's sudden arrival and also what had happened to his hand.
"Eternal death ice. Crystals with souls trapped inside them. The crystal, soul, and then shadows, or some other element of the dead are combined, this turns the crystal black. After being combined, the crystal leaks out 'animated shadows'. These shadows then encase the heart of the demon whose soul was used, forming a body. The result is a demon minion who will do whatever it's told and requires nothing, but more shadows to feast on. These are the two crystals of the two shadow demons we just killed."
"Souls?! How could someone do that?" Asked Keiko. "And why would they be sending demons after me?"
"For the same reason it happens to everyone else in your situation. You have something they want." Answered Hiei.
"Shouldn't we tell someone that there is a demon out there stealing souls?" Inquired Keiko.
"Not unless you feel comfortable with telling everyone that you're a demon."
"No! They can't know. It would kill them. It would destroy everything." Explained Keiko, now also sitting on the windowsill. "I-They . . . It's like when Yusuke became a detective and didn't tell me. He knew I wouldn't understand. He knew that it could have potentially ruined our . . . friendship. And you know what? It almost did. I was so worried for him, and worried about being left alone if he died, angry at him for not considering me, and angry at him for never telling me anything, leaving me for so long . . .
"There were some nights when I wished that I didn't even know him. Yusuke's heart is always in the right place, but sometimes I honestly think he's more trouble then he's worth. Heh, you probably wouldn't think that about me though, if you had heard the way I constantly spoke of him, but there were times I knew I was just putting up a front, waiting for it to all smooth out. It still hasn't, you know. I could deal with him being a punk, not wanting to attend school, even messing with my head occasionally, but hunting demons? It was just too much. He depends on me to ground him, and I don't know if I could do that for him if I wasn't human. And even if I wasn't a demon, I don't think I could keep it up. I'm his escape from the nightmares he lives through. If he knew I was a demon, he no longer has anyplace to run to . . .
"And now I don't want to be his escape, or anyone else's! Almost everyone I know has come to me for what they seem to think is my never ending supply of support and 'I'll-be-there-for-you' speeches! I never have liked people constantly depending on me to be optimistic, helpful, kind, and their solid rock of security. I used to be that kind of person because that was my nature, but everyone soon took advantage of that. I guess I still am like that, somewhere inside of me, but it can't continue. I have my own problems, my own *life*. I don't want to be burdened with every single stupid ordeal of everyone else's' lives! After a while, it wears you down. Piece by piece you start to fall apart . . . the metal pressure can be intense when no one seems to be willing to share your burden, but are more than happy to share theirs. Why does everyone think I exist only for them? Why do people treat me as if I'm some sort of-of saint or supportive character in a television show whose only purpose is to make all the main character's lives easier? I'm only human, demon; I mean. I think that's why I enjoy your company, Hiei. You never expect anything of that nature from me. You understand me. You *listen* to me."
She leaned her head up against his shoulder. Keiko known this for a long time, before she even became a demon that this was how she felt, but her subconscious had never allowed these thoughts to surface. Only by saying then aloud did she realize that all these years, she had *always* planned her life around the lives of others. And she still was. Looking around her room, Keiko saw the bodies of the shadow demon once again. She would have to dispose of those at some point, preferably before her parents woke up.
"I've changed a lot." She said. "But, I don't know what I've changed into. A few months ago, I knew where I was going in life. I knew that I was going to go to school, make good grades, and then get married. Those were my goals. Now I want to be something else. I don't know what, but I have an idea where I might find it . . ."
"Where?"
Hiei's eyes looked into hers. He seemed genuinely interested in what her answer would be. Although, his tone suggested he probably knew what she was going to say. Either way, Keiko was about to answer.
"The past."
Heritage. Ancestors. Knowing where you came from. All of this played a large part in what made a person. Traditions, customs, and rituals all came from your family. However, if you have no family, or one that is not actually your own, a compulsive desire to find where you came from fills you.
It was a feeling that Hiei knew all too well.
Why did anyone care about where they came from? The past had nothing to offer, but memories that should have stayed forgotten, wounds on the spirit that reopen, tombstones that should be left to crumble, and spirits never meant to be reawakened. The past had nothing to offer. Still, everyone can't help but be obsessed with the past. Many even live in it, despite the fact they belong in the present. In turn, they also become a part of the past. And a part of the ground.
The cobra demon, both seeking and needing comfort, she wrapped both her arms around his waist, which also happened to trap Hiei's arm. In order not to compromise their contentment, the fire demon lifted his arm up and carefully placed it on Keiko's shoulder. Keiko looked at him. Hiei briefly wondered if the demoness realized that she was halfway between her humanoid form and demon form. Her skin was tinted purple, instead of pink, eyes supernaturally bright, and hair that was longer then it should be. But, as it has already been mentioned, the thought was only dwelled on briefly.
And why would he only dwell on this briefly? Well, it could, possibly have something to do with Keiko's lips up against his.
This was impulsive, irrational, and possibly dangerous! Keiko's brain screamed when some misplaced limb hit the light switch as they fell onto the cobra demon's bed. It might indeed be dangerous, but it just felt too good to stop.
And not only in a physical way.
It wasn't exactly like her dreams though. First off, Hiei seemed less likely to rip off her shirt then simply kiss her, as he was doing now. After what seemed to be a very short time to them, they resurfaced for air.
"Why are we doing this?" Panted Keiko from under Hiei.
"I don't know." Whispered the fire demon softly as he descended on his completely willing prey.
The closeness of her and her warmth spread into his bones. This feeling, it was almost . . . heavenly. She was so wonderful to hold. Her mouth against his felt good, and tasted delicious. But this did not go beyond physical enjoyment . . .
Did it?
But then, something else preoccupied him. Something was draining him of his energy. Something very close. Something that was most likely the gem he was warned about. But, Keiko wasn't wearing anything that could be the gem except . . . that piece of human jewelry. Before he could do or say anything, a voice spoke to him and time seemed to freeze in place.
"I'll kill her if you try to remove me, or tell anyone about me." Crackled a deep, female voice.
"You're the gem." Stated Hiei.
"Very good. Now, you don't seem to like my instructions. You better follow them, or do you wish for her to die?"
"I wish you would die." Growled the fire demon.
"Too bad that won't happen. I'm too powerful for that."
"Then come out of the jewel."
"In all due time, I will." Laughed the gem, before her presence in Hiei's mind had faded completely.
Time resumed, but before Keiko had a chance to even say anything, Hiei used his jagan on her. It was better this way, to make her think this had all been a dream. And it would be better, if this never happened again.
The fire demon picked Keiko up and tucked her back into her bed. He was tempted to kiss her one last time, but he didn't. Hiei turned to the open window, the sun was starting to rise.
And then there was nothing, but the ruffling of the curtains in the wind to show that he had been there.
***A NOTE TO EVERYONE***
I'm sorry this chapter took forever to post! My family was moving and before I could finish this chapter, my dad disconnected the computer. By the time I was told, we were unable to use the computer. It wasn't his fault though, it was our landlord's. Anyway, I hope that this chapter was worth the wait.
Also, there will be no responses in this chapter, because my mail box is stuffed and I didn't want to make you wait any longer.
One last thing, if you're going to threaten to kill me for having trouble with this chapter (which was caused by writer's block, school work, moving to a new house and the computer being cut off), here are some pointers on how to do it correctly:
1. Make sure you spell everything right. It's insulting when my executioner can't even spell 'or else' properly not to mention their own name.
2. Try coming up with an inventive way for me to die. The old stabbing me in the back while I sleep routine has been over used, don't you think? I suggest death by exhaustion caused from a wild night with a certain fire demon.
3. Think of something witty to say that might actually make me think you have the brain cells to pull off killing me.
4. Also, did you ever stop to think that if you kill me, that I can't write the story anymore? Helloooo! If I'm dead, you aren't getting anything!
Oh, and incase you didn't notice, this last part about the death threats is dedicated to 'youkaibicth' (that isn't how you spell it dear) and 'bleeding wings'.
I'll tell you both something right now. I don't care if your patience is running thin. I don't care if you can't give me some slack about having a rather rough time with this chapter. What I do care about is that you took the death threat joke a little too far and made me feel not only insulted, but threaten too.
Please learn to be a bit more tolerant of fellow human beings, because if you can't, I really don't want either of you to review this story anymore.
As for the rest of you!
THANK YOU so much for standing by me and being outstandingly supportive!
(And no, this is not the last chapter; I'll tell you when it is)
Demons 'n Lemons! Lady BlackDragonFire v ^_~ v