Retaw- *rubs hands together evilly* Oh I'm going to have soooo much fun
with this chapter. }:)
All: *cringe*
Retaw- Actually, I wrote this chapy around four or five months ago. Yes, that was before I even started this story. It was something I saw in my dreams, and I thought it was just too cool to leave only in my thoughts. ^- ^ Hope you enjoy it, cause Ryou, Yugi, Caitlin, Bryac, Yoko, and Thina won't!
All Listed- -__-;;
*@*@*@*
"Master Yukio."
The leader turned from his absentminded staring to glare at the shaking soul behind him. He scoffed when he recognized the speaker as his closest and strongest warrior, the one with the weakest mind and willpower. The only man that Yukio could trust to carry out his orders without thinking. His old 'friend', Hugo.
"What is it, Hugo?" He grumbled, turning back around after finding it unnecessary to even look at the man.
Hugo's hands were shaking as he kept gesturing to the door in desperate attempts to get his point across, "There is--you have--"
"Ah, I see the fire demon has arrived." He replied, still not looking up, "Let him in."
"B-But how did you-""
"He informed me of his coming mentally, around an hour ago in fact. He wants to discuss our joining forces."
"Our...joining forces, sir?"
"That is correct, Hugo, and I, in fact, find it a waste of time to fully explain the reasoning behind my judgement. Just let him in and be at peace."
Hugo gulped before nodding. It was always best to keep the discussions with his master quick and hopefully, painless. Though he was reluctant, Hugo opened the door and immediately, a gust of hot air blew into the room. Papers and random items flew everywhere, but Yukio remained unfazed and calmly awaited the entrance of his guest. A deep laugh caused Hugo to panic, feeling threatened by still not being able to see the demon with his eyes and only hear him, but when he attempted to run Yukio shot him a look.
"Do not move, Hugo." He commanded, "I don't want to risk you insulting our guest."
Hugo stood obediently and deathly still, his instincts still telling him to run. But he listened to his master, as he always would. A blinding flash lit the darkened room, and Yukio smiled as an amazing blast of fire appeared in front of him slowly shaping into a human-like flame.
"Good to see you again, Demon of the Flame." Yukio sneered, "Finally free of the second rate tavern I see."
"I wish not to be reminded of that prison, Yukio." The demon replied gruffly, "I am still met with the humiliation of being set free by one of the Destined Three."
Yukio cocked an eyebrow, "Is that so?"
"It is." The demon answered, "But that is not of importance. My buisness with you will be brief, Yukio. After hearing about your immense gain in power I found in it my best interest to join while I can. I wish to gain the respect and power I lost in the last millennia."
"That, I can help you with." The master said with a smile, "You will not be disappointed, I assure you."
"However," The fire glowed more brightly still, "I will be of no aid in my current form. I cannot hold a sword or touch a human if I do not have bones and skin. I will need a sacrifice of pure human soul to be of any service."
The fiery head turned in the direction of Hugo as he finished, and even Yukio himself seemed ready for what might happen. Hugo flinched as he looked around quickly to find another soul to take, his mind quickly finding that his master may not be as loyal as he himself was. Yukio snickered at Hugo's attempts to save himself, and approached him slowly.
"M-master!" Hugo stuttered, backing away, "Y-You cannot be serious! Would you sacrifice me like this, after all I have done for you?"
"You have done much, Hugo. But I am done with you now." Yukio said icily, "You are no use to me, but I'm sure you will be of use to our friend here."
In an instant, the moment was over. Hugo had no time to react as the flame demon struck out from his casual stance and began to devour the wailing man. Yukio watched from the sidelines, an amused smirk curling upon his white lips. It was all a game of chess to him. He had to sacrifice some for stronger alliances, and he had no problem doing it. Hugo's cries of agony meant nothing to him, and within a few short moments, the warrior was dead, and in his place, stood a new human soul. A stronger soul.
A new 'friend'.
~** CAITLIN **~
It's one of those moments when you wake up expecting to find yourself in one place, and find yourself in quite another. I hadn't even realized I fell asleep before I was waking up again on somebody's back. I almost panicked when I couldn't feel my warm sheets and soft bed below me, and see instead...white. I was about to scream, afraid I had gone blind, when I realized I just had my face in Ryou's hair.
[A/N: Any Ryou fangirl wishing they were in that position right now? Come on, I know you are. ^_~]
"So, you finally decided to wake up."
I blinked a few times and turned to the speaker, who was Bryac walking right next to us with that same blank expression on his face.
Ugh. How I hoped I'd wake up to find he was just a bad dream.
Ryou looked up at me and smiled, and I suddenly felt guilty for making him...my horse or something. So I took it upon myself to get down, and hissed a little when I found out my feet had fallen asleep during the journey.
"How long have I been sleeping?" I asked, stretching my arms a little, "I don't even remember falling asleep."
Bryac snorted, "You didn't."
"You collapsed from lack of energy about an hour ago." Yoko explained, "It makes sense, really, you haven't' had anything to eat since we got here."
I cocked my head to the side, "You mean even you dead people have to eat too?"
Yoko nodded, "For energy purposes only. The food we eat gets turned completely into energy, so we don't have to eat as much or sleep as much. Or go to the bathroom if you haven't noticed."
...Yeah, I did notice that. But I was trying to ignore it.
"Why haven't Yugi and Ryou collapsed then?" I asked.
"Because you're a weakling." Bryac muttered.
"No, that's not it." Yoko quickly said, obviously noticing the look on my face, "I know that Ryou is bonding with the power in his dagger, so that might be giving him his energy. And Yugi has gone to the Shadow Realm many times before, and is slightly used to the energy affects even though he doesn't realize it."
"Bryac," Thina said softly, "We will have to find a food source for those three soon, or they might not be able to go on."
Bryac shook his head, "They'll just have to tough it out. The only place to get food around here is the 'Drop of Star', and I don't feel like taking that sort of a risk."
"But Bryac, I think you're being a little unreasonable." Yoko pressed on, "We all need food and water, why can't we just stop for a little while? I'm sure it couldn't hurt."
"No." Bryac answered firmly, "Yukio's men are probably swarming around there, and I'm still not positive who he has been about to wrangle over to his side yet. Anyone could be an enemy."
"But isn't there someone at that place that spy's on Yukio for us?" said Yoko, "Notis or something?"
Bryac thought about this for a moment, then he let out a long exasperated sigh, "Fine. We can go there for a short stop. I think it's a terrible idea, but at least we can get some information out of this trip."
Yoko giggled, "Thank you, Bryac."
He shook his head, as if scolding himself for being such a 'nice guy', "Now listen closely. I don't want any of you to talk to anyone there. Keep your Destiny Items close and well hidden, because the slight glimmer of gold could be our downfall. Be careful about everything and do not draw attention to yourself. Got it?"
"Yes, Bryac." We all chorused.
"Then follow me, it's about a ten minute walk from here." He ordered, "Don't fall behind."
I smiled at Yoko as a thank-you for convincing Bryac to let us get food. She gave me a thumbs up in return, and we started to jog after Bryac through the dark woods. At almost exactly ten minutes, I saw a bright light ahead through the thick trees, and faintly heard the soft sound of music playing in the wind.
*** RYOU ***
"We're here." Bryac whispered to us, "Now act normal, and remember what we talked about earlier. And stay close, in case we have to leave quickly and quietly."
We all nodded, then pushed our way through the trees and bushes to a brightly-lit hut. I blinked a few times, making sure I was seeing what was real. Frankly, I wasn't expecting something tiny like that when Bryac and Yoko talked about the 'Drop of Star'. Yugi and I exchanged looks, but Bryac seemed completely fine with the whole thing. They both walked up casually to the entrance of the hut, and a mousy looking guy looked them over a little bit before letting them inside. Thina gave us a little push, and Yugi was first to go in after them.
He walked slowly and took numerous hesitant glances at the man standing there. I couldn't blame him, really, noticing the way the little man was watching Yugi. His light yellow eyes captured his every move, and he seemed very suspicious of Yugi. Finally, he was inside, and it was Caitlin's turn. She was quite the opposite of Ryou, going in quickly and not making eye contact with the man.
And then, it was my turn. I couldn't decide which way was better, Yugi's or Caitlin's, so I just went in as normally as I possibly could. My heart beat unusually faster when I started to pass the guy, and just when I thought I was fine I felt his cold hand grab me by the neck.
"Hold it." He growled, a voice much lower then what I expected from someone his size, "You're not from here are you...?"
I mentally whimpered as the man gruffly yanked me down to his eye level, and looked me over closely. Then his hand touched something on my chest that made him stop. Something hidden safely under my shirt. My Millenium Ring. Panicking, I pulled myself away from the man.
It was a mistake.
I heard a deafening shriek and watched in disbelief as the small man's face transformed into the face of a hideous monster. It's skin was clear enough to see every single vein and bone in his body, and he resembled something like a praying mantis and a snake. I backed away from the angry beast, and being frozen in fear, watched wide-eyed as it readied itself to attack. I was sure I was going to be dinner any second.
But thankfully, out of nowhere, a sword swooshed out and pointed dangerously at the creature, right between the eyes. The monster growled angrily as it's line of vision shifted to stare at the attacker. And there stood Bryac, holding his golden sword in front of the beast, as if wordlessly threatening it to move at all.
"I thought I told you to lay low." He muttered to me.
"Do not test me, Soh Bryac." The monster said, voice harsh and deeper then before, "He is not one of us."
"He is my guest." Bryac told him, "Lay a hand on him again, and you'll leave me no other choice but to kill you."
Another angry growl from the monster was the response, but the man did turn back into his past form and allowed me in. Bryac was satisfied by this, and slid his sword back into it's sheath. He jerked his head a little in the opposite direction and I followed after him, immensely relieved that I was still alive.
"You know, you could have killed him." Bryac said, "You know how to use the dagger properly now."
"I guess so..." I answered, "But I still don't feel comfortable killing people."
"Ryou, I might not be there when you get in trouble like that again. He would have killed you, you know, and I think it's time you learned that life is more important then guilt. Besides, he wasn't human when you saw him."
"Speaking of that," I said, "Why does it seem everyone I meet doesn't like staying the same form for more then a few minutes."
Bryac laughed dryly, "They get bored I suppose. Eternity is an awful long time to spend as the same thing."
"Oh."
Suddenly, I froze. I was expecting the hut to be as small as it looked from the outside, but...the inside was breathtaking! Tractor sized chandeliers hung from the ceiling, dripping in diamonds and sparkling gently when hit by the warm light. It was as long as a football field, and filled with ladies and gentlemen dressed in only the most formal attire. There was a string quartet playing, a long silver table covered in delicious looking food, and as I looked down the marble staircase I only just realized I was on, I could see a number of people waltzing to the music below us.
Everything was perfect.
Bryac smirked, "You look surprised."
"Well, when you mentioned a night club I was expecting...anything but this."
"The definition of night club here is quite different then yours. If it opens at night, and has music, then it's a night club."
I laughed meekly, completely stunned by my surroundings. That's when my eye caught the other small group standing on the stairs. Caitlin, Yugi, Thina, and Yoko were waving us over to them, and everyone stood in complete silence for a while.
Caitlin was first to speak, almost to the point of hyper-ventilating while she said, "Wait a second...this...this isn't what I was wearing!"
That's when I noticed something I had not seen before. Everyone had...changed.
Caitlin's hair was up in a very complicated looking style, and she wore a long, powder blue dress that poofed out and much resembled what Cinderella would have worn to the ball. Yoko was wearing a similar gown, but it was light pink and didn't have the white gloves. Thina wore a simple white dress. And even though there was nothing special about it, she seemed to fit in it more then in a poofy dress.
Yugi looked amusingly out of place in his formal suite. His hair went completely against the colors and the style, and even the hat he wore wouldn't hide it. Bryac fit much better in his dark, navy blue apparel, but he instantly discarded his hat. I almost fainted when I saw how stupid I looked.
[A/N: I don't know how to describe his outfit, just think 'William Turner' from 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.]
"Aw!" Yoko exclaimed, clapping her hands and grinning, "Look how cute you all are!"
I felt myself blush at her comment, already pretty humiliated.
"What is this place?" Yugi asked.
"The Drop of Star." Bryac said, as if it was an obvious answer, "Every type of music you could dream of, and it's always changing. It never looks the same."
"It's kind of creepy." Yugi commented, "I don't like being changed around like that..."
"Well you'd better get used to it." said Bryac, "Things are always changing around here."
"Well, I'm going to get something to eat." Yoko announced with a little wave, "I'll be back later!"
Bryac nodded, and then his eyes grazed the room, "I'm going to go find Notis. Try not to do anything stupid."
I assumed he was talking to Yugi, Caitlin and me, even though he didn't look our way. He then left, without so much as a 'bye' or an 'I'll find you in ten minutes'. I was starting to feel overwhelmed again, and very out of place.
"So what do we do now?" I asked them.
No answer. They only looked around, obviously feeling the same I did. Finding I wouldn't get an answer, I sighed and walked down to the long buffet table. I felt a little bad for leaving them there, but I was getting really hungry.
I walked nervously up to the buffet table and started to wonder, 'Do I have to pay or something?' Feeling very uneasy, I looked around for Yoko who was supposed to have been getting food as well, but she wasn't there. I looked around the room, but I couldn't find her anywhere.
Where was she?
*** CAITLIN AGAIN ***
Ok...so Ryou's gone now too. Dang it! I could have followed him if he didn't look exactly like every other guy in this room. I turned to Yugi, and he just shrugged. I let out a long, exasperated sigh.
This was not my day.
Oh, and you know what happened next? Yugi was taken captive! By a random girl! Ok, maybe not captive like the way you see it, but she just came right up, grabbed his hand, told him he was cute, and asked for a dance.
Just close your eyes and try and picture Yugi at that moment. By how much you should know about him, he doesn't get asked to dance a lot by a girl two and a half feet taller then he was.
So assumedly, Yugi only grinned at me and then left me there like the others.
...Does he even know how to waltz?
Probably not, I would stay and watch but I'm feeling a little left out at the moment. And where did Thina go? I swear I saw her a second ago and then 'Pop' she was gone! Oh yes, I'm getting very agitated right now. I'm going to get some punch. And--oh wait...
...blast...Yugi does know how to waltz. Figures.
"So are you going to just stand there the entire evening?"
I spun around quickly to be staring at Yoko. How come everyone is so good at popping up at random moments here? I scowl at her for scaring me like that, but cross my arms and reply, "If I feel like it."
"Well, you might as well go do something before we have to leave. You won't be coming back, after-all."
I half nodded, but then I remembered something strange; "Weren't you getting something to eat or something?"
I hesitated at first, which confused me, but then smiled and said, "They don't have anything over there that I like. And I'm not that hungry after all. So why don't you get out there and dance?"
I could tell she was changing the subject, but I decided to let her slide on that one. I guess it's her own business what she was doing over there. Watching wistfully from the staircase wasn't very fun, I have to admit, but I didn't have anyone to dance with anyway.
"You should just get out and try it." Yoko chimed, "Carpe diem! Yugi's enjoying himself."
Suddenly, the song ended, and the entire room started to change. The room went from a spotless white to a deep green with pale yellow trim. The lights changed from formal to almost Caribbean looking, and even the instruments the musicians were playing changed to match the new Reggae style. Even everyone's outfit in the room changed, and I felt like I was in a completely different place. Yoko only laughed at me.
"Calm down, it's not that spooky." She said, "On the bright side, are you able to dance to this style of music instead?"
I narrowed my eyes at her, fighting back the urge to ask why she wanted me to dance so much. "Why don't you dance instead. I'd rather not make a fool of myself thank you."
She tugged on my arm like a child would, "Oh come on! It'll be fun!"
And just like that, she shoved me out onto the dance floor and made me tumble into the group of perfectly timed dancers. I started to panic as everyone but me kept dancing, and panicked even more when I saw there were no open partners to dance with in the group.
What was I supposed to do, dance with myself!?
So, naturally, I ran as fast as I could to the safety of the punch bowl. I was the only one there, thankfully, so I didn't need to explain my sudden mad dash to refuge. Taking a deep breath, I calmed down enough to something to drink and curse Yoko with her eternal perkiness. I would glare at her, but guess what? She wasn't where I saw her last!
...Yeah, big surprise, right?
I rolled my eyes at myself for being ignorant enough to loose her again, but grabbed a tough bread to gnaw on that calmed my nerves a bit. I was starting to not like this place. Well, at least I wasn't bored. The room changed around four more times while I was standing there watching. I think it had changed from Reggae to Jazz to The 70s to Salsa (which it was now.)
I hate to say Bryac and Yoko were right, but...Bryac and Yoko were right. I had grown accustomed to the changes in scenery, and even grown to find it amusing over time. But I couldn't help wondering where everyone else was. They all seemed to have disappeared in the last few minutes, and it made me feel uneasy. Where could they be? Did they leave without me or something?
"Excuse me, Miss, but what are you playing with?"
I jumped at hearing the voice behind me, jumped again when I realized that I had been absentmindedly fidgeting with my amulet under my shirt, and then jumped a third time when I saw the guy who had spoken to me. He had dark, long brown hair that fell in his face just enough to give him an excuse to shake it out of his eyes every once in a while. He had a perfect muscular body, and even this award winning smile that he was giving me right now.
I've never felt like I could melt at the sight of a guy before, but he was an exception.
I mean, he was like, godly hot! Not 'drool over' hot, or 'Oozing out of every pore' hot, 'GODLY' hot. The real package. And he called me miss! I feel special.
"I've never seen something like that before. May I ask where you got it?" He inquired, "But I don't mean to be nosy or anything..."
Crackers. Caught in a pickle. Start friendly conversation with godly hot dude? Or listen to Bryac, who had been getting on my nerves lately, and doesn't understand the appreciation of cute guys .
...Oh wait, that gave me a bad mental image, I'm going to change that. Bryac SHOULD NOT understand the appreciation of cute guys.
The stranger just looked at me warmly as I stood there, desperately trying to come up with what to say. I couldn't decide at first, and opened my mouth only praying that something would come out automatically. Nothing came, so I ended up looking really stupid.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want." He told me, voice smooth and calm, "I was just asking."
"A-Alright." I said, feeling a huge wave of relief come over me. "It's not that I wouldn't like to tell you, it's just, complicated."
I tucked the amulet away, and he looked somewhat disappointed.
"Oh," He said, "Ok then. Well, I guess I'll just have to see you some other time then?"
WHAT!? NOOOOHOHO! He started to walk away, suddenly not interested at all in what I had to say. I didn't want to be alone again, so I walked after him and grabbed his shoulder to keep him back. Him leaving had surprised me, but what he did after I grabbed him surprised me even more.
He turned and stared straight at me, his gentle smile replaced with a threatening smirk. It was the first time I noticed his blood red eyes, and slight fang tooth in his grin. He didn't look innocent anymore, or like a nice guy to meet. He looked, almost evil. Something was going on that I didn't like.
"Look here," He ordered, suddenly pulling out a long scarf from almost nowhere and twirling it around with his finger, "I want you to watch this. It's a scarf from the Nightmare Realm. I'm sure you know about that place by now, do you not?"
I didn't want to look at it, but something about it drew me in. The scarf flowed so gracefully, and was filled with breathtaking colors, most of which I didn't know existed. I squinted closely at the object, not able to look up from its constant twirling. Twirling...twirling...
The scarf started to move faster and faster, and almost made me forget where I was. It was so inviting, that I couldn't help reach out to touch the scarf. I was about to get closer when the graceful movements of the fabric froze completely. It erupted into flames and the sound of screams snapped me back to reality.
At least two hundred men charged through the entrance, all armed with maces or long swords and dressed in thick armor that covered every part of them but their eyes. Stunned, I watched as they began to kill off anyone in their way and knock over tables. It became obvious what they were doing. They had to be looking for something.
Looking for us.
"I have to get out of here." I murmured.
I took a step forward and hot hands grabbed me from behind, holding tight over my mouth and arms. I tried to scream, but all that came out was muffled. My heart lurched as I heard the voice of the dark haired boy whispering in my ear. "Oh no no no, young one. You're going to do no such thing. Twice I've fooled you into taking my bait, Destined one, and this time, I'm not letting you get away that easily." He sneered, "You're coming with me."
His grip tightened and I started to struggle, knowing that my life depended on it. But nothing did any good, he was just too strong. Suddenly, through all the chaos that was going on in front of me, I briefly caught sight of someone that could help me.
It was Yugi.
He started back at me for a moment, unsure of what was going on, but when the guy started to drag me away he finally got the hint that I was in trouble. I kicked and wriggled and did everything I thought possible to stall the guy into dragging me away, but it still wasn't working. I saw Yugi doing his best to push through the crowd after me to help, but he wasn't fast enough and most people almost trampled him in their hysteria. Before I knew it Yugi had disappeared completely, and I was being dragged outside away from where the men were attacking.
Could it have been a distraction?
"Calm down, you." Said the gruff voice of one whom I formally thought was hot, "Hold still while I--"
He never finished his sentence, and I only saw the night sky above me for a brief moment before he had covered my eyes with one of his long scarves. I was itchy and clung to my nose when I tried to take a breath, which made breathing very difficult. I felt my hands and arms being tied next, secretly wondering where he got all of the scarves to do that, and how they were strong enough to act like rope.
"LET ME GO YOU BAKA!" I shouted. "YOU ARE *SO* GOING TO PAY FOR THIS WHEN I GET FREE! YOU AHOU!"
He didn't answer me, or take any head to my warnings. I just heard him chuckle at my screaming, and then felt myself being picked up and carried somewhere. I didn't know if I felt comfortable being carried by an evil dude when I couldn't see. And it was at least an hour of just cussing the living daylights out of the guy before I was dropped onto the hard ground. He just dropped me on my butt like I was an inanimate object or something!
What, was he going to leave me?
He wouldn't dare...
"Stay put."
Ok, so he's still there. Wait a minute, stay put? That makes top ten in the 'most idiotic things said by people who tried to kill me' list. Does he expect me to wriggle away like an inch worm? Oh yeah, that'll get me real far, considering I can't SEE! I wanted to yell at him again, but he had already run off somewhere and I couldn't' hear his footsteps anymore.
Great, now I'm alone.
"Well well well, we have picked up a little package along the way." A new voice laughed.
Great, now I'm not alone.
"Who are you?!" I barked at the person, trying to act brave but starting to freak out.
There was a moment of silence, and then I heard the new person mutter something under his breath. Did I say something wrong?
"What? A female?"
I couldn't help it, I just had to say it, "Chyah."
The new person took a deep breath and pulled the scarf out of my face. I looked helplessly up at him, and his skin began to go beet red. His eyes widened, and he turned swiftly around to glare at the person behind him, who was the guy formally known as 'godly hot'.
"Demon, you didn't tell me it was a girl!" He hissed.
The Demon took a step back, obviously getting nervous but keeping it inside, "I did not think it mattered."
"Of course it matters! A Joshikousei[1] cannot do us any good in battle!"
I found that very offensive, "Hey! I--"
"Shizuka ni shire, shoujo[2]!" He shouted at me, face getting redder as he yelled.
Apparently, I had screwed up his plans. And also apparently, he spoke Japanese. I spit on the ground to get out some of my growing anger, but gathered up enough defiant confidence to ask, "Who are you?"
The man stopped, and turned slowly to stare at me. "You do not know who you are speaking to?"
I found it queer that he acted like I should know him by now. I looked over him again, trying to see if he was anything that would be worth remembering. He had dark hair that looked similar to the demon, and flashing green eyes with even a touch of yellow in them. He was taller then I was, but shorter then a normal guy his age would be. He saw I didn't know him, and nodded.
"Naruhodo. Watashi wa Yukio-sama.[3]"
I blinked a few times in disbelief, then more anger poured in, "Omae![4] YOU are Yukio!?"
He smiled with false pleasure that I knew who he was, "I am, meiwaku otome. And I do think you have something that rightly belongs to me."
"And what would that be?"
He grinned wider still, and gestured for his demon friend to come closer, "Oh, many things. You have the information I need on your companions, your friend has a dagger that belongs to me, and you have an item that belongs to me hanging around your neck."
"Then why don't you take it?" I growled.
Yukio looked surprised at first, but then he cocked an eyebrow my way and said, "No. That would be far to easy. First, I need the information on the location of your friends. Where are they hiding, tenshi?"
I held strong and only glared at them, refusing to answer. Yukio twirled his hand around in air nonchalantly.
"Fine then, have it your way." He said, nodding to the Demon next to him.
The demon grinned sadistically, and approached me drawing out a sword. He circled me a few times, but stopped when he was right behind me. I took a quick breath of air as I felt the icy cold steal of his sword skim the back of my neck. He chuckled darkly as half my hair fell to the ground, and the shallow cut across the back of my neck began to bleed. I felt his finger run across the cut, and the demon walked back into view so he could show me the horrific sight of my own blood on his finger clearly. I cringed as he slowly licked his finger clean, and then shed a demonic smile my way.
'They are only trying to freak me out.' I assured myself, 'I can't let them get to me. I couldn't let them win. I had to stand strong.'
"Are you ready to talk?" Yukio asked me, prodding my back with his boot.
I shut my eyes and shook my head, 'No.' Yukio didn't sound happy with my answer, and hit me again, this time harder.
"Talk, girl, or will I have to rip the answers out of you!?" He shouted.
I didn't move, half afraid he was going to hurt me and half afraid I could injure my neck more by trying to move it. Finally, Yukio let me have it.
"Lock her in the carriage. Give her no food or water until she talks." He snapped to the demon."
"Wait, Yukio." The demon said, "Do not be rash. You need all three of the Destined for the ceremony to work, yes?"
I opened my eyes to see the reaction, and Yukio didn't seem to know where this was going. He nodded uncertainly, his eyes narrowed out of habit.
"That is true."
"But you choose to lock her up? What does that solve?"
Again, Yukio was clueless with the direction, "It teaches her not to talk back to her superiors, not to defy me, and not to be stubborn. And it gets us the answer we will be needing to get the remaining two."
"True, that would do some good to our mission. We could do that..." The demon said quietly, "Or we could put even better use to this girl here."
I pulled my head away as the demon touched my cheek, but Yukio smiled at the display and leaned in closer.
"What did you have in mind?"
*-*-*-*-*
Retaw- ^^; A little late on the chapter update, but, you know how these things go. I re-read my story the other day and I realized how much of a role I've given to Caitlin. It might be a little too much, so this time around I'm giving Yugi and Ryou more of a part and making Caitlin a damsel in distress.
Retaw- *glance* It took a lot of persuasion, and a LOT of candy for her to agree to that.
Caitlin- ^-^ *munching on candy*
Retaw- Hopefully, there is going to be more Yugi and Ryou, ok?
-&-&-&-&-&-
[1] Joshikousei- Female Highschool student
[2] Shizuka ni shire, shoujo!- Shut up girl!
[3] Naruhodo. Watashi wa, Yukio-sama.- I see. My name is Yukio.
[4] Omae- You
[5] Meiwaku Omae- Pesky maiden.
SUNC!!
All: *cringe*
Retaw- Actually, I wrote this chapy around four or five months ago. Yes, that was before I even started this story. It was something I saw in my dreams, and I thought it was just too cool to leave only in my thoughts. ^- ^ Hope you enjoy it, cause Ryou, Yugi, Caitlin, Bryac, Yoko, and Thina won't!
All Listed- -__-;;
*@*@*@*
"Master Yukio."
The leader turned from his absentminded staring to glare at the shaking soul behind him. He scoffed when he recognized the speaker as his closest and strongest warrior, the one with the weakest mind and willpower. The only man that Yukio could trust to carry out his orders without thinking. His old 'friend', Hugo.
"What is it, Hugo?" He grumbled, turning back around after finding it unnecessary to even look at the man.
Hugo's hands were shaking as he kept gesturing to the door in desperate attempts to get his point across, "There is--you have--"
"Ah, I see the fire demon has arrived." He replied, still not looking up, "Let him in."
"B-But how did you-""
"He informed me of his coming mentally, around an hour ago in fact. He wants to discuss our joining forces."
"Our...joining forces, sir?"
"That is correct, Hugo, and I, in fact, find it a waste of time to fully explain the reasoning behind my judgement. Just let him in and be at peace."
Hugo gulped before nodding. It was always best to keep the discussions with his master quick and hopefully, painless. Though he was reluctant, Hugo opened the door and immediately, a gust of hot air blew into the room. Papers and random items flew everywhere, but Yukio remained unfazed and calmly awaited the entrance of his guest. A deep laugh caused Hugo to panic, feeling threatened by still not being able to see the demon with his eyes and only hear him, but when he attempted to run Yukio shot him a look.
"Do not move, Hugo." He commanded, "I don't want to risk you insulting our guest."
Hugo stood obediently and deathly still, his instincts still telling him to run. But he listened to his master, as he always would. A blinding flash lit the darkened room, and Yukio smiled as an amazing blast of fire appeared in front of him slowly shaping into a human-like flame.
"Good to see you again, Demon of the Flame." Yukio sneered, "Finally free of the second rate tavern I see."
"I wish not to be reminded of that prison, Yukio." The demon replied gruffly, "I am still met with the humiliation of being set free by one of the Destined Three."
Yukio cocked an eyebrow, "Is that so?"
"It is." The demon answered, "But that is not of importance. My buisness with you will be brief, Yukio. After hearing about your immense gain in power I found in it my best interest to join while I can. I wish to gain the respect and power I lost in the last millennia."
"That, I can help you with." The master said with a smile, "You will not be disappointed, I assure you."
"However," The fire glowed more brightly still, "I will be of no aid in my current form. I cannot hold a sword or touch a human if I do not have bones and skin. I will need a sacrifice of pure human soul to be of any service."
The fiery head turned in the direction of Hugo as he finished, and even Yukio himself seemed ready for what might happen. Hugo flinched as he looked around quickly to find another soul to take, his mind quickly finding that his master may not be as loyal as he himself was. Yukio snickered at Hugo's attempts to save himself, and approached him slowly.
"M-master!" Hugo stuttered, backing away, "Y-You cannot be serious! Would you sacrifice me like this, after all I have done for you?"
"You have done much, Hugo. But I am done with you now." Yukio said icily, "You are no use to me, but I'm sure you will be of use to our friend here."
In an instant, the moment was over. Hugo had no time to react as the flame demon struck out from his casual stance and began to devour the wailing man. Yukio watched from the sidelines, an amused smirk curling upon his white lips. It was all a game of chess to him. He had to sacrifice some for stronger alliances, and he had no problem doing it. Hugo's cries of agony meant nothing to him, and within a few short moments, the warrior was dead, and in his place, stood a new human soul. A stronger soul.
A new 'friend'.
~** CAITLIN **~
It's one of those moments when you wake up expecting to find yourself in one place, and find yourself in quite another. I hadn't even realized I fell asleep before I was waking up again on somebody's back. I almost panicked when I couldn't feel my warm sheets and soft bed below me, and see instead...white. I was about to scream, afraid I had gone blind, when I realized I just had my face in Ryou's hair.
[A/N: Any Ryou fangirl wishing they were in that position right now? Come on, I know you are. ^_~]
"So, you finally decided to wake up."
I blinked a few times and turned to the speaker, who was Bryac walking right next to us with that same blank expression on his face.
Ugh. How I hoped I'd wake up to find he was just a bad dream.
Ryou looked up at me and smiled, and I suddenly felt guilty for making him...my horse or something. So I took it upon myself to get down, and hissed a little when I found out my feet had fallen asleep during the journey.
"How long have I been sleeping?" I asked, stretching my arms a little, "I don't even remember falling asleep."
Bryac snorted, "You didn't."
"You collapsed from lack of energy about an hour ago." Yoko explained, "It makes sense, really, you haven't' had anything to eat since we got here."
I cocked my head to the side, "You mean even you dead people have to eat too?"
Yoko nodded, "For energy purposes only. The food we eat gets turned completely into energy, so we don't have to eat as much or sleep as much. Or go to the bathroom if you haven't noticed."
...Yeah, I did notice that. But I was trying to ignore it.
"Why haven't Yugi and Ryou collapsed then?" I asked.
"Because you're a weakling." Bryac muttered.
"No, that's not it." Yoko quickly said, obviously noticing the look on my face, "I know that Ryou is bonding with the power in his dagger, so that might be giving him his energy. And Yugi has gone to the Shadow Realm many times before, and is slightly used to the energy affects even though he doesn't realize it."
"Bryac," Thina said softly, "We will have to find a food source for those three soon, or they might not be able to go on."
Bryac shook his head, "They'll just have to tough it out. The only place to get food around here is the 'Drop of Star', and I don't feel like taking that sort of a risk."
"But Bryac, I think you're being a little unreasonable." Yoko pressed on, "We all need food and water, why can't we just stop for a little while? I'm sure it couldn't hurt."
"No." Bryac answered firmly, "Yukio's men are probably swarming around there, and I'm still not positive who he has been about to wrangle over to his side yet. Anyone could be an enemy."
"But isn't there someone at that place that spy's on Yukio for us?" said Yoko, "Notis or something?"
Bryac thought about this for a moment, then he let out a long exasperated sigh, "Fine. We can go there for a short stop. I think it's a terrible idea, but at least we can get some information out of this trip."
Yoko giggled, "Thank you, Bryac."
He shook his head, as if scolding himself for being such a 'nice guy', "Now listen closely. I don't want any of you to talk to anyone there. Keep your Destiny Items close and well hidden, because the slight glimmer of gold could be our downfall. Be careful about everything and do not draw attention to yourself. Got it?"
"Yes, Bryac." We all chorused.
"Then follow me, it's about a ten minute walk from here." He ordered, "Don't fall behind."
I smiled at Yoko as a thank-you for convincing Bryac to let us get food. She gave me a thumbs up in return, and we started to jog after Bryac through the dark woods. At almost exactly ten minutes, I saw a bright light ahead through the thick trees, and faintly heard the soft sound of music playing in the wind.
*** RYOU ***
"We're here." Bryac whispered to us, "Now act normal, and remember what we talked about earlier. And stay close, in case we have to leave quickly and quietly."
We all nodded, then pushed our way through the trees and bushes to a brightly-lit hut. I blinked a few times, making sure I was seeing what was real. Frankly, I wasn't expecting something tiny like that when Bryac and Yoko talked about the 'Drop of Star'. Yugi and I exchanged looks, but Bryac seemed completely fine with the whole thing. They both walked up casually to the entrance of the hut, and a mousy looking guy looked them over a little bit before letting them inside. Thina gave us a little push, and Yugi was first to go in after them.
He walked slowly and took numerous hesitant glances at the man standing there. I couldn't blame him, really, noticing the way the little man was watching Yugi. His light yellow eyes captured his every move, and he seemed very suspicious of Yugi. Finally, he was inside, and it was Caitlin's turn. She was quite the opposite of Ryou, going in quickly and not making eye contact with the man.
And then, it was my turn. I couldn't decide which way was better, Yugi's or Caitlin's, so I just went in as normally as I possibly could. My heart beat unusually faster when I started to pass the guy, and just when I thought I was fine I felt his cold hand grab me by the neck.
"Hold it." He growled, a voice much lower then what I expected from someone his size, "You're not from here are you...?"
I mentally whimpered as the man gruffly yanked me down to his eye level, and looked me over closely. Then his hand touched something on my chest that made him stop. Something hidden safely under my shirt. My Millenium Ring. Panicking, I pulled myself away from the man.
It was a mistake.
I heard a deafening shriek and watched in disbelief as the small man's face transformed into the face of a hideous monster. It's skin was clear enough to see every single vein and bone in his body, and he resembled something like a praying mantis and a snake. I backed away from the angry beast, and being frozen in fear, watched wide-eyed as it readied itself to attack. I was sure I was going to be dinner any second.
But thankfully, out of nowhere, a sword swooshed out and pointed dangerously at the creature, right between the eyes. The monster growled angrily as it's line of vision shifted to stare at the attacker. And there stood Bryac, holding his golden sword in front of the beast, as if wordlessly threatening it to move at all.
"I thought I told you to lay low." He muttered to me.
"Do not test me, Soh Bryac." The monster said, voice harsh and deeper then before, "He is not one of us."
"He is my guest." Bryac told him, "Lay a hand on him again, and you'll leave me no other choice but to kill you."
Another angry growl from the monster was the response, but the man did turn back into his past form and allowed me in. Bryac was satisfied by this, and slid his sword back into it's sheath. He jerked his head a little in the opposite direction and I followed after him, immensely relieved that I was still alive.
"You know, you could have killed him." Bryac said, "You know how to use the dagger properly now."
"I guess so..." I answered, "But I still don't feel comfortable killing people."
"Ryou, I might not be there when you get in trouble like that again. He would have killed you, you know, and I think it's time you learned that life is more important then guilt. Besides, he wasn't human when you saw him."
"Speaking of that," I said, "Why does it seem everyone I meet doesn't like staying the same form for more then a few minutes."
Bryac laughed dryly, "They get bored I suppose. Eternity is an awful long time to spend as the same thing."
"Oh."
Suddenly, I froze. I was expecting the hut to be as small as it looked from the outside, but...the inside was breathtaking! Tractor sized chandeliers hung from the ceiling, dripping in diamonds and sparkling gently when hit by the warm light. It was as long as a football field, and filled with ladies and gentlemen dressed in only the most formal attire. There was a string quartet playing, a long silver table covered in delicious looking food, and as I looked down the marble staircase I only just realized I was on, I could see a number of people waltzing to the music below us.
Everything was perfect.
Bryac smirked, "You look surprised."
"Well, when you mentioned a night club I was expecting...anything but this."
"The definition of night club here is quite different then yours. If it opens at night, and has music, then it's a night club."
I laughed meekly, completely stunned by my surroundings. That's when my eye caught the other small group standing on the stairs. Caitlin, Yugi, Thina, and Yoko were waving us over to them, and everyone stood in complete silence for a while.
Caitlin was first to speak, almost to the point of hyper-ventilating while she said, "Wait a second...this...this isn't what I was wearing!"
That's when I noticed something I had not seen before. Everyone had...changed.
Caitlin's hair was up in a very complicated looking style, and she wore a long, powder blue dress that poofed out and much resembled what Cinderella would have worn to the ball. Yoko was wearing a similar gown, but it was light pink and didn't have the white gloves. Thina wore a simple white dress. And even though there was nothing special about it, she seemed to fit in it more then in a poofy dress.
Yugi looked amusingly out of place in his formal suite. His hair went completely against the colors and the style, and even the hat he wore wouldn't hide it. Bryac fit much better in his dark, navy blue apparel, but he instantly discarded his hat. I almost fainted when I saw how stupid I looked.
[A/N: I don't know how to describe his outfit, just think 'William Turner' from 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.]
"Aw!" Yoko exclaimed, clapping her hands and grinning, "Look how cute you all are!"
I felt myself blush at her comment, already pretty humiliated.
"What is this place?" Yugi asked.
"The Drop of Star." Bryac said, as if it was an obvious answer, "Every type of music you could dream of, and it's always changing. It never looks the same."
"It's kind of creepy." Yugi commented, "I don't like being changed around like that..."
"Well you'd better get used to it." said Bryac, "Things are always changing around here."
"Well, I'm going to get something to eat." Yoko announced with a little wave, "I'll be back later!"
Bryac nodded, and then his eyes grazed the room, "I'm going to go find Notis. Try not to do anything stupid."
I assumed he was talking to Yugi, Caitlin and me, even though he didn't look our way. He then left, without so much as a 'bye' or an 'I'll find you in ten minutes'. I was starting to feel overwhelmed again, and very out of place.
"So what do we do now?" I asked them.
No answer. They only looked around, obviously feeling the same I did. Finding I wouldn't get an answer, I sighed and walked down to the long buffet table. I felt a little bad for leaving them there, but I was getting really hungry.
I walked nervously up to the buffet table and started to wonder, 'Do I have to pay or something?' Feeling very uneasy, I looked around for Yoko who was supposed to have been getting food as well, but she wasn't there. I looked around the room, but I couldn't find her anywhere.
Where was she?
*** CAITLIN AGAIN ***
Ok...so Ryou's gone now too. Dang it! I could have followed him if he didn't look exactly like every other guy in this room. I turned to Yugi, and he just shrugged. I let out a long, exasperated sigh.
This was not my day.
Oh, and you know what happened next? Yugi was taken captive! By a random girl! Ok, maybe not captive like the way you see it, but she just came right up, grabbed his hand, told him he was cute, and asked for a dance.
Just close your eyes and try and picture Yugi at that moment. By how much you should know about him, he doesn't get asked to dance a lot by a girl two and a half feet taller then he was.
So assumedly, Yugi only grinned at me and then left me there like the others.
...Does he even know how to waltz?
Probably not, I would stay and watch but I'm feeling a little left out at the moment. And where did Thina go? I swear I saw her a second ago and then 'Pop' she was gone! Oh yes, I'm getting very agitated right now. I'm going to get some punch. And--oh wait...
...blast...Yugi does know how to waltz. Figures.
"So are you going to just stand there the entire evening?"
I spun around quickly to be staring at Yoko. How come everyone is so good at popping up at random moments here? I scowl at her for scaring me like that, but cross my arms and reply, "If I feel like it."
"Well, you might as well go do something before we have to leave. You won't be coming back, after-all."
I half nodded, but then I remembered something strange; "Weren't you getting something to eat or something?"
I hesitated at first, which confused me, but then smiled and said, "They don't have anything over there that I like. And I'm not that hungry after all. So why don't you get out there and dance?"
I could tell she was changing the subject, but I decided to let her slide on that one. I guess it's her own business what she was doing over there. Watching wistfully from the staircase wasn't very fun, I have to admit, but I didn't have anyone to dance with anyway.
"You should just get out and try it." Yoko chimed, "Carpe diem! Yugi's enjoying himself."
Suddenly, the song ended, and the entire room started to change. The room went from a spotless white to a deep green with pale yellow trim. The lights changed from formal to almost Caribbean looking, and even the instruments the musicians were playing changed to match the new Reggae style. Even everyone's outfit in the room changed, and I felt like I was in a completely different place. Yoko only laughed at me.
"Calm down, it's not that spooky." She said, "On the bright side, are you able to dance to this style of music instead?"
I narrowed my eyes at her, fighting back the urge to ask why she wanted me to dance so much. "Why don't you dance instead. I'd rather not make a fool of myself thank you."
She tugged on my arm like a child would, "Oh come on! It'll be fun!"
And just like that, she shoved me out onto the dance floor and made me tumble into the group of perfectly timed dancers. I started to panic as everyone but me kept dancing, and panicked even more when I saw there were no open partners to dance with in the group.
What was I supposed to do, dance with myself!?
So, naturally, I ran as fast as I could to the safety of the punch bowl. I was the only one there, thankfully, so I didn't need to explain my sudden mad dash to refuge. Taking a deep breath, I calmed down enough to something to drink and curse Yoko with her eternal perkiness. I would glare at her, but guess what? She wasn't where I saw her last!
...Yeah, big surprise, right?
I rolled my eyes at myself for being ignorant enough to loose her again, but grabbed a tough bread to gnaw on that calmed my nerves a bit. I was starting to not like this place. Well, at least I wasn't bored. The room changed around four more times while I was standing there watching. I think it had changed from Reggae to Jazz to The 70s to Salsa (which it was now.)
I hate to say Bryac and Yoko were right, but...Bryac and Yoko were right. I had grown accustomed to the changes in scenery, and even grown to find it amusing over time. But I couldn't help wondering where everyone else was. They all seemed to have disappeared in the last few minutes, and it made me feel uneasy. Where could they be? Did they leave without me or something?
"Excuse me, Miss, but what are you playing with?"
I jumped at hearing the voice behind me, jumped again when I realized that I had been absentmindedly fidgeting with my amulet under my shirt, and then jumped a third time when I saw the guy who had spoken to me. He had dark, long brown hair that fell in his face just enough to give him an excuse to shake it out of his eyes every once in a while. He had a perfect muscular body, and even this award winning smile that he was giving me right now.
I've never felt like I could melt at the sight of a guy before, but he was an exception.
I mean, he was like, godly hot! Not 'drool over' hot, or 'Oozing out of every pore' hot, 'GODLY' hot. The real package. And he called me miss! I feel special.
"I've never seen something like that before. May I ask where you got it?" He inquired, "But I don't mean to be nosy or anything..."
Crackers. Caught in a pickle. Start friendly conversation with godly hot dude? Or listen to Bryac, who had been getting on my nerves lately, and doesn't understand the appreciation of cute guys .
...Oh wait, that gave me a bad mental image, I'm going to change that. Bryac SHOULD NOT understand the appreciation of cute guys.
The stranger just looked at me warmly as I stood there, desperately trying to come up with what to say. I couldn't decide at first, and opened my mouth only praying that something would come out automatically. Nothing came, so I ended up looking really stupid.
"You don't have to answer if you don't want." He told me, voice smooth and calm, "I was just asking."
"A-Alright." I said, feeling a huge wave of relief come over me. "It's not that I wouldn't like to tell you, it's just, complicated."
I tucked the amulet away, and he looked somewhat disappointed.
"Oh," He said, "Ok then. Well, I guess I'll just have to see you some other time then?"
WHAT!? NOOOOHOHO! He started to walk away, suddenly not interested at all in what I had to say. I didn't want to be alone again, so I walked after him and grabbed his shoulder to keep him back. Him leaving had surprised me, but what he did after I grabbed him surprised me even more.
He turned and stared straight at me, his gentle smile replaced with a threatening smirk. It was the first time I noticed his blood red eyes, and slight fang tooth in his grin. He didn't look innocent anymore, or like a nice guy to meet. He looked, almost evil. Something was going on that I didn't like.
"Look here," He ordered, suddenly pulling out a long scarf from almost nowhere and twirling it around with his finger, "I want you to watch this. It's a scarf from the Nightmare Realm. I'm sure you know about that place by now, do you not?"
I didn't want to look at it, but something about it drew me in. The scarf flowed so gracefully, and was filled with breathtaking colors, most of which I didn't know existed. I squinted closely at the object, not able to look up from its constant twirling. Twirling...twirling...
The scarf started to move faster and faster, and almost made me forget where I was. It was so inviting, that I couldn't help reach out to touch the scarf. I was about to get closer when the graceful movements of the fabric froze completely. It erupted into flames and the sound of screams snapped me back to reality.
At least two hundred men charged through the entrance, all armed with maces or long swords and dressed in thick armor that covered every part of them but their eyes. Stunned, I watched as they began to kill off anyone in their way and knock over tables. It became obvious what they were doing. They had to be looking for something.
Looking for us.
"I have to get out of here." I murmured.
I took a step forward and hot hands grabbed me from behind, holding tight over my mouth and arms. I tried to scream, but all that came out was muffled. My heart lurched as I heard the voice of the dark haired boy whispering in my ear. "Oh no no no, young one. You're going to do no such thing. Twice I've fooled you into taking my bait, Destined one, and this time, I'm not letting you get away that easily." He sneered, "You're coming with me."
His grip tightened and I started to struggle, knowing that my life depended on it. But nothing did any good, he was just too strong. Suddenly, through all the chaos that was going on in front of me, I briefly caught sight of someone that could help me.
It was Yugi.
He started back at me for a moment, unsure of what was going on, but when the guy started to drag me away he finally got the hint that I was in trouble. I kicked and wriggled and did everything I thought possible to stall the guy into dragging me away, but it still wasn't working. I saw Yugi doing his best to push through the crowd after me to help, but he wasn't fast enough and most people almost trampled him in their hysteria. Before I knew it Yugi had disappeared completely, and I was being dragged outside away from where the men were attacking.
Could it have been a distraction?
"Calm down, you." Said the gruff voice of one whom I formally thought was hot, "Hold still while I--"
He never finished his sentence, and I only saw the night sky above me for a brief moment before he had covered my eyes with one of his long scarves. I was itchy and clung to my nose when I tried to take a breath, which made breathing very difficult. I felt my hands and arms being tied next, secretly wondering where he got all of the scarves to do that, and how they were strong enough to act like rope.
"LET ME GO YOU BAKA!" I shouted. "YOU ARE *SO* GOING TO PAY FOR THIS WHEN I GET FREE! YOU AHOU!"
He didn't answer me, or take any head to my warnings. I just heard him chuckle at my screaming, and then felt myself being picked up and carried somewhere. I didn't know if I felt comfortable being carried by an evil dude when I couldn't see. And it was at least an hour of just cussing the living daylights out of the guy before I was dropped onto the hard ground. He just dropped me on my butt like I was an inanimate object or something!
What, was he going to leave me?
He wouldn't dare...
"Stay put."
Ok, so he's still there. Wait a minute, stay put? That makes top ten in the 'most idiotic things said by people who tried to kill me' list. Does he expect me to wriggle away like an inch worm? Oh yeah, that'll get me real far, considering I can't SEE! I wanted to yell at him again, but he had already run off somewhere and I couldn't' hear his footsteps anymore.
Great, now I'm alone.
"Well well well, we have picked up a little package along the way." A new voice laughed.
Great, now I'm not alone.
"Who are you?!" I barked at the person, trying to act brave but starting to freak out.
There was a moment of silence, and then I heard the new person mutter something under his breath. Did I say something wrong?
"What? A female?"
I couldn't help it, I just had to say it, "Chyah."
The new person took a deep breath and pulled the scarf out of my face. I looked helplessly up at him, and his skin began to go beet red. His eyes widened, and he turned swiftly around to glare at the person behind him, who was the guy formally known as 'godly hot'.
"Demon, you didn't tell me it was a girl!" He hissed.
The Demon took a step back, obviously getting nervous but keeping it inside, "I did not think it mattered."
"Of course it matters! A Joshikousei[1] cannot do us any good in battle!"
I found that very offensive, "Hey! I--"
"Shizuka ni shire, shoujo[2]!" He shouted at me, face getting redder as he yelled.
Apparently, I had screwed up his plans. And also apparently, he spoke Japanese. I spit on the ground to get out some of my growing anger, but gathered up enough defiant confidence to ask, "Who are you?"
The man stopped, and turned slowly to stare at me. "You do not know who you are speaking to?"
I found it queer that he acted like I should know him by now. I looked over him again, trying to see if he was anything that would be worth remembering. He had dark hair that looked similar to the demon, and flashing green eyes with even a touch of yellow in them. He was taller then I was, but shorter then a normal guy his age would be. He saw I didn't know him, and nodded.
"Naruhodo. Watashi wa Yukio-sama.[3]"
I blinked a few times in disbelief, then more anger poured in, "Omae![4] YOU are Yukio!?"
He smiled with false pleasure that I knew who he was, "I am, meiwaku otome. And I do think you have something that rightly belongs to me."
"And what would that be?"
He grinned wider still, and gestured for his demon friend to come closer, "Oh, many things. You have the information I need on your companions, your friend has a dagger that belongs to me, and you have an item that belongs to me hanging around your neck."
"Then why don't you take it?" I growled.
Yukio looked surprised at first, but then he cocked an eyebrow my way and said, "No. That would be far to easy. First, I need the information on the location of your friends. Where are they hiding, tenshi?"
I held strong and only glared at them, refusing to answer. Yukio twirled his hand around in air nonchalantly.
"Fine then, have it your way." He said, nodding to the Demon next to him.
The demon grinned sadistically, and approached me drawing out a sword. He circled me a few times, but stopped when he was right behind me. I took a quick breath of air as I felt the icy cold steal of his sword skim the back of my neck. He chuckled darkly as half my hair fell to the ground, and the shallow cut across the back of my neck began to bleed. I felt his finger run across the cut, and the demon walked back into view so he could show me the horrific sight of my own blood on his finger clearly. I cringed as he slowly licked his finger clean, and then shed a demonic smile my way.
'They are only trying to freak me out.' I assured myself, 'I can't let them get to me. I couldn't let them win. I had to stand strong.'
"Are you ready to talk?" Yukio asked me, prodding my back with his boot.
I shut my eyes and shook my head, 'No.' Yukio didn't sound happy with my answer, and hit me again, this time harder.
"Talk, girl, or will I have to rip the answers out of you!?" He shouted.
I didn't move, half afraid he was going to hurt me and half afraid I could injure my neck more by trying to move it. Finally, Yukio let me have it.
"Lock her in the carriage. Give her no food or water until she talks." He snapped to the demon."
"Wait, Yukio." The demon said, "Do not be rash. You need all three of the Destined for the ceremony to work, yes?"
I opened my eyes to see the reaction, and Yukio didn't seem to know where this was going. He nodded uncertainly, his eyes narrowed out of habit.
"That is true."
"But you choose to lock her up? What does that solve?"
Again, Yukio was clueless with the direction, "It teaches her not to talk back to her superiors, not to defy me, and not to be stubborn. And it gets us the answer we will be needing to get the remaining two."
"True, that would do some good to our mission. We could do that..." The demon said quietly, "Or we could put even better use to this girl here."
I pulled my head away as the demon touched my cheek, but Yukio smiled at the display and leaned in closer.
"What did you have in mind?"
*-*-*-*-*
Retaw- ^^; A little late on the chapter update, but, you know how these things go. I re-read my story the other day and I realized how much of a role I've given to Caitlin. It might be a little too much, so this time around I'm giving Yugi and Ryou more of a part and making Caitlin a damsel in distress.
Retaw- *glance* It took a lot of persuasion, and a LOT of candy for her to agree to that.
Caitlin- ^-^ *munching on candy*
Retaw- Hopefully, there is going to be more Yugi and Ryou, ok?
-&-&-&-&-&-
[1] Joshikousei- Female Highschool student
[2] Shizuka ni shire, shoujo!- Shut up girl!
[3] Naruhodo. Watashi wa, Yukio-sama.- I see. My name is Yukio.
[4] Omae- You
[5] Meiwaku Omae- Pesky maiden.
SUNC!!