Sorry for the long update. I've been plagued with the unmatched fear of writers everywhere: writer's block. I just couldn't continue that cliffhanger for some reason, so I switched back to Tea/Yami until I can. Yes, I left you hanging off a cliff until at least next chapter. And yes, I'm aware I'll probably get flamed for it. But I could care less. I'm tired, I've been deprived of any and all caffeine for the past three months, and for some strange reason I can't get to sleep. Not a good combination.
ÔYes, so don't mind her if she's a bit cranky.
"A bit?!...Well, nevermind. Anyway, DragonQueen16doesnotownthecharactersofYu-gi-ohoranypartofitforthatmatter. Shedoesownthisfanfiction'splotbutthatisbesidethepoint. Noprofitismadefromthisfanfictionitissimplyfortheauthor'sjoyofwritingthatshepostsit.
ÔYou know, you should go into the commercial business.
"What?
ÔWell, you know, those people who say all the nasty side effects and such for a product reallyreallyfastsoyoucan'ttellwhattheheckthey'resaying.
"Ah. Good idea!
'But first, let's get to those reviewers, shall we?'
-Cheetah Goddess--Sorry, I forgot your sworn enemy was cliffies...Or did I? BWAHAHA!
-Serpent's-Embrace--Hmm, you're right, I do always end them with names. I'll have to try to not do that in the other chapters. : ) You'll be happy, this chapter has Tea/Yami in it! Oh, and I still haven't read Lirael, the library doesn't have it and I'm too broke to buy it! : ( I went to that site you suggested; they had some pretty neat stuff! -sighs dramatically- If only I had the money...
-roses-in-bloom-- -looks back to previous chapter- Wow, there were a lot of characters. I hadn't realised I'd done that...
-norestar-angel--Thanks! : )
-Sylvia Viridian--Yeah, you'll find Tenebrae in chapter nine, I believe. He's one of the Thirteen. I do that a lot, putting discreet clues in earlier chapters. Sometimes it takes a while to find them, though, so if you ever have questions, feel free to ask! : )
-Fushicho Hime--Yes, though most of the time when I write cliffies, it's because I can't think of anything to write. You saw how long this chapter took, and it wasn't even connected to the cliffie! I hate writer's block! Grr...Well, thanks for the review! : )
Thanks again to all who reviewed, I really appreciate it! Now here's chapter 11 (took me long enough, didn't it?)
.....
Tea tried desperately to focus on her book, ÔAn Explanation of Demons', but was failing miserably. She had started reading it so she could know more about what she was up against, as well as who she was living with, and so far she'd read quite a bit. But not today. She was just too distracted to concentrate.
It had been seven days since Seto, Serenity, Narquin, and Rerana had left, and still no word. Tea didn't know why she was so anxious for them to return, or, as cruel as it sounded, why she cared so much. She barely knew them, after all. It must be angel instincts, she thought, to care for everyone. She sighed and returned to her book. She skipped over a few chapters, bored, and stopped at a chapter entitled ÔDemon-Turned Mortals'. Intrigued, she read on.
ÔWhy turn mortals into demons?
Not all demons who are in existence have always been that way. Some demons have been mortals, or even angels, before. In fact, demon-turned mortals usually become some of the most powerful demons. There is a logical explanation for this. Normal demons have but one purpose: destroy. Whether it be lives, towns, or anything for that matter, demons were born and bred to destroy. They have no sense of morality, strategy, or cautiousness, to name but a few important qualities they lack. So they simply rush into battle, without any planning or strategy at all. But demon-turned mortals, no matter how trained and beaten, cannot forget their human blood. Even after being turned, they still have a slight sense of morality, strategy, cautiousness, etc. Demon-turned mortals tend to be more intelligent and more successful.
How does a mortal become a demon?
Usually the only demons that create other demons from mortals are higher level and more skilled. For example, the only demon recorded of doing this in the past century is Kealgoi, a very powerful demon indeed.
To bind a mortal with demon powers when they are unwilling is, to the gods' eyes, a very inhumane thing to do. Xenoroc, however, insisted it be allowed since mortals became angels all the time. So, to compromise, every demon-turned mortal has to be allowed a way out. After the initiation rite is complete and the mortal has been given demonic powers, the demon who gave the mortal demonic power in the first place has to provide them with a way to turn mortal again. The more common ways are:
1. Infusing cryptic dreams into the demon-turned mortal's mind that if they figure out the meaning, they become mortal.
2. Setting a series of extremely vile tasks before the demon-turned mortal that if they complete, they turn mortal.
3. Engraving a riddle on the demon-turned mortal's body that if they solve and complete, they turn mortal.
Tea stopped reading at number three. That sounds a lot like what happened to Yami, she thought. So, there's hope that he can escape being a demon. Maybe if..
"Tea! Where are you?
"Up here, Yami, in the library!" Tea yelled toward the general direction of the voice. It was very hard to find someone in this house without resorting to yelling.
A breathless Yami entered the room seconds later, "..There..you are...just couldn't..find you..."
"Oh, you shouldn't be, considering that's the third time you've done that today." She grinned at him, raising an eyebrow questioningly.
He grinned sheepishly back, inwardly thinking, ÔAck! She's right! Stop it! No, Yami, bad! Stop that! You are not getting overprotective! No! Back away! Now! "Just making sure you're okay!" And with that, he nodded his head and stepped out of the room.
"Yami, wait.
Yami stopped and turned around. "Yes?
"Umm...this might sound strange, but...Thanks, Yami. For caring.
Yami smiled warmly at her, "You're welcome, Tea." He then chose to exit the room
Tea smiled and returned to her book.
.....
Three figures stood in the shadows outside an old, beaten up house.
"Are you sure thisss isss the place?" One of them whispered, its voice sounding more like a hiss than normal because of it.
"Of course I am!" Another one snapped, "Warnnin has never been wrong before.
"He wasss wrong in essstimating jussst how powerful that mage wasss, now wasssn't he?" The first one whispered dryly.
"How could he have known that Kaiba was Dragonblood? Hell, even Kaiba's little mortal wench didn't know he was," the third one said.
"But now we do, courtesssy of Tenebrae, so let'sss put that problem asside for the moment and deal with thisss one," the one who had first spoken hissed.
"Derrdra's right, Uverdon, so let's get on with this.
"I still don't believe that one as great as the Crimson Darkness would live in this pile of rubble," the one identified as Uverdon mumbled.
"That's because it's a Vampirian house, you idiot!"
"Oh. But then, how do we get inside, Zernogh?
"We find the ssecret passsage. Every Vampirian housse hasss one.
"But that will take forever! Why don't we just break through the walls?" Uverdon whined.
"First," Zernogh began, "Vampirian houses are highly magical. There are likely charms to prevent that kind of entrance. Second, this mission requires stealth. S-T-E-A-L-T-H, as in not making much noise at all. I know that's not your style, Uverdon, and I don't blame you, but that's what this assignment calls for. So, Uverdon, will you be joining us?
"Of course I am," Uverdon said indignantly, "I just don't like sneaking around. Like you said, it's not my style.
"Well get usssed to it, you great lumbering oaf," Derrdra hissed.
"Shut up, you stupid lizard-freak," Uverdon countered.
"Take a look at your own reflection before you call me a freak, minotaur," Derrdra retorted.
Uverdon glared and said nothing. Then he started walking towards the house, calling over his shoulder as he went, "Come on, we haven't all night, you know.
.....
Tea was reading when she heard a piteous whine. Startled, she looked around, only to lock gazes with a black puppy with soft brown eyes. The poor thing was limping. Tea got down on it's level and began to look at the injured paw when a thought made her freeze in suspicion. Wait, this is a Vampirian house. There's no way a puppy could wander in! She leaped back, only to be met with a scaly, clawed hand wrapped around her mouth. In front of her, that sweet, innocent puppy transformed into a man with short blonde hair and cold red eyes. He was wearing a gray cloak made out of....scales?
Zernogh smirked and spoke, "Shapeshifting's a marvelous thing, you know. Almost as exhilarating as being a member of the Thirteen.
Tea glared at him and tried to fight away from whatever was holding her. It was too strong, however, and became annoyed by her struggles. It tightened its grip painfully, drawing a little bit of blood, and hissed menacingly, "Ssstop your ssquirming, you ssstupid wench!
Zernogh chuckled, "Now, now, Derrdra. We don't want her spoiled.
Derrdra hissed in what Tea supposed was laughter. Then a deep, rumbling voice called from across the room, "What's so funny, Derrdra? Did you look in a mirror again?
"Ssspeaking from perssonal experience, I ssupposse?" Derrdra replied with a smirk.
Zernogh intervened with obvious authority, "Derrdra, Uverdon, stop this mindless quarreling. We still have things to do. Derrdra, bring the girl here.
Derrdra obliged, glaring darkly at Uverdon as he went. Upon reaching Zernogh, he began binding her feet and hands together cruelly. Tea fought to hold back tears as the thick cords were tied painfully tight. Derrdra relinquished his hold on her, throwing her at Zernogh's feet.Then she gazed in terror as Zernogh drew a sharp, double-edged sword from under the cloak. He laughed at her response, "Relax, girlie. If we wanted to kill you, we would've done so by now. All we need is a few drops of your blood to motivate the Crimson Darkness into action." Zernogh held the blade, undecided as to where to make the cut.
Derrdra, exasperated, said, "Jusst cut the ssstupid wench'ss hand off! It's not like she needss it!
Zernogh replied thoughtfully, "You're right, Derrdra. Good idea." He held the blade above her hand, ready to cut down. Tea, knowing that he really was serious about cutting off her hand, quickly searched her mind for a way to escape. She vaguely remembered a spell and desperately tried to remember it. Finally, after a few precious seconds of hesitation, she recalled the spell. She murmured the words under her breath, causing all three to be thrown back violently. Hastily, she hopped over to the doors, yelling at the top of her lungs for Yami as she did so.
Uverdon recovered quickly and charged after her. He caught up with her and grabbed her, squeezing her so angrily that she began to see stars. "Shut up, you stupid wench!
Zernogh got up, wiping blood from his mouth, and paled as he heard thumping up the stairs. He turned to Uverdon. "Quick! Lay the note down and let's get out of here!
Uverdon nodded and reached into his gray cloak. He slammed the sheet of parchment down on the table, grabbing Derrdra by the neck as he went. Zernogh ran over to the other three quickly and put his hand on Derrdra's shoulder. Then all four disappeared in a burst of red-orange flame.
Yami tore into the library, his eyes filled with a dangerous mix of fear and anger, only to be met with emptiness and silence. His eyes scanned the room, desperately seeking a trace of Tea. But none was found. Instead, he found a hastily scrawled note on the table. Dreading what said note might portray, Yami picked it up and read its contents.
'Crimson Darkness, if you are reading this, then we have succeeded in our task. By we, I mean Zernogh, Derrdra, and Uverdon of the Thirteen. And by task, I mean capturing your little angel wench. We haven't killed her, yet, but we will if you don't meet our requests by midnight. First off, you must agree to surrender your powers to us. We have three athames, so don't worry about that. Second, you must agree to declare your life forfeit to us as soon as you get your little wench to a safe place, as you will no doubt want to do. You will come to the meeting place, Pegasus's old fortress, and you will come alone and unarmed. Oh, and don't try to weasel your way out of this one. A blood oath will be taken, so if you don't do as we ask, you'll die anyway. Clock's ticking, Crimson Darkness.'
Yami clenched the note in his hand angrily, his eyes turning darker than normal. He seemed to take little notice that the note clenched so fiercely in his hand was reduced to ashes. Nor did he seem to notice his skin darkening to a reddish hue. He marched imperiously out of the library, grinning maliciously at the plan whirling inside his head.
.....
I'm going to end it there cause I can't think of anymore to write. So I hope you all aren't TOO mad at me. I'll try to update faster, I really will. That's it, I guess. R&R!
ÔYes, so don't mind her if she's a bit cranky.
"A bit?!...Well, nevermind. Anyway, DragonQueen16doesnotownthecharactersofYu-gi-ohoranypartofitforthatmatter. Shedoesownthisfanfiction'splotbutthatisbesidethepoint. Noprofitismadefromthisfanfictionitissimplyfortheauthor'sjoyofwritingthatshepostsit.
ÔYou know, you should go into the commercial business.
"What?
ÔWell, you know, those people who say all the nasty side effects and such for a product reallyreallyfastsoyoucan'ttellwhattheheckthey'resaying.
"Ah. Good idea!
'But first, let's get to those reviewers, shall we?'
-Cheetah Goddess--Sorry, I forgot your sworn enemy was cliffies...Or did I? BWAHAHA!
-Serpent's-Embrace--Hmm, you're right, I do always end them with names. I'll have to try to not do that in the other chapters. : ) You'll be happy, this chapter has Tea/Yami in it! Oh, and I still haven't read Lirael, the library doesn't have it and I'm too broke to buy it! : ( I went to that site you suggested; they had some pretty neat stuff! -sighs dramatically- If only I had the money...
-roses-in-bloom-- -looks back to previous chapter- Wow, there were a lot of characters. I hadn't realised I'd done that...
-norestar-angel--Thanks! : )
-Sylvia Viridian--Yeah, you'll find Tenebrae in chapter nine, I believe. He's one of the Thirteen. I do that a lot, putting discreet clues in earlier chapters. Sometimes it takes a while to find them, though, so if you ever have questions, feel free to ask! : )
-Fushicho Hime--Yes, though most of the time when I write cliffies, it's because I can't think of anything to write. You saw how long this chapter took, and it wasn't even connected to the cliffie! I hate writer's block! Grr...Well, thanks for the review! : )
Thanks again to all who reviewed, I really appreciate it! Now here's chapter 11 (took me long enough, didn't it?)
.....
Tea tried desperately to focus on her book, ÔAn Explanation of Demons', but was failing miserably. She had started reading it so she could know more about what she was up against, as well as who she was living with, and so far she'd read quite a bit. But not today. She was just too distracted to concentrate.
It had been seven days since Seto, Serenity, Narquin, and Rerana had left, and still no word. Tea didn't know why she was so anxious for them to return, or, as cruel as it sounded, why she cared so much. She barely knew them, after all. It must be angel instincts, she thought, to care for everyone. She sighed and returned to her book. She skipped over a few chapters, bored, and stopped at a chapter entitled ÔDemon-Turned Mortals'. Intrigued, she read on.
ÔWhy turn mortals into demons?
Not all demons who are in existence have always been that way. Some demons have been mortals, or even angels, before. In fact, demon-turned mortals usually become some of the most powerful demons. There is a logical explanation for this. Normal demons have but one purpose: destroy. Whether it be lives, towns, or anything for that matter, demons were born and bred to destroy. They have no sense of morality, strategy, or cautiousness, to name but a few important qualities they lack. So they simply rush into battle, without any planning or strategy at all. But demon-turned mortals, no matter how trained and beaten, cannot forget their human blood. Even after being turned, they still have a slight sense of morality, strategy, cautiousness, etc. Demon-turned mortals tend to be more intelligent and more successful.
How does a mortal become a demon?
Usually the only demons that create other demons from mortals are higher level and more skilled. For example, the only demon recorded of doing this in the past century is Kealgoi, a very powerful demon indeed.
To bind a mortal with demon powers when they are unwilling is, to the gods' eyes, a very inhumane thing to do. Xenoroc, however, insisted it be allowed since mortals became angels all the time. So, to compromise, every demon-turned mortal has to be allowed a way out. After the initiation rite is complete and the mortal has been given demonic powers, the demon who gave the mortal demonic power in the first place has to provide them with a way to turn mortal again. The more common ways are:
1. Infusing cryptic dreams into the demon-turned mortal's mind that if they figure out the meaning, they become mortal.
2. Setting a series of extremely vile tasks before the demon-turned mortal that if they complete, they turn mortal.
3. Engraving a riddle on the demon-turned mortal's body that if they solve and complete, they turn mortal.
Tea stopped reading at number three. That sounds a lot like what happened to Yami, she thought. So, there's hope that he can escape being a demon. Maybe if..
"Tea! Where are you?
"Up here, Yami, in the library!" Tea yelled toward the general direction of the voice. It was very hard to find someone in this house without resorting to yelling.
A breathless Yami entered the room seconds later, "..There..you are...just couldn't..find you..."
"Oh, you shouldn't be, considering that's the third time you've done that today." She grinned at him, raising an eyebrow questioningly.
He grinned sheepishly back, inwardly thinking, ÔAck! She's right! Stop it! No, Yami, bad! Stop that! You are not getting overprotective! No! Back away! Now! "Just making sure you're okay!" And with that, he nodded his head and stepped out of the room.
"Yami, wait.
Yami stopped and turned around. "Yes?
"Umm...this might sound strange, but...Thanks, Yami. For caring.
Yami smiled warmly at her, "You're welcome, Tea." He then chose to exit the room
Tea smiled and returned to her book.
.....
Three figures stood in the shadows outside an old, beaten up house.
"Are you sure thisss isss the place?" One of them whispered, its voice sounding more like a hiss than normal because of it.
"Of course I am!" Another one snapped, "Warnnin has never been wrong before.
"He wasss wrong in essstimating jussst how powerful that mage wasss, now wasssn't he?" The first one whispered dryly.
"How could he have known that Kaiba was Dragonblood? Hell, even Kaiba's little mortal wench didn't know he was," the third one said.
"But now we do, courtesssy of Tenebrae, so let'sss put that problem asside for the moment and deal with thisss one," the one who had first spoken hissed.
"Derrdra's right, Uverdon, so let's get on with this.
"I still don't believe that one as great as the Crimson Darkness would live in this pile of rubble," the one identified as Uverdon mumbled.
"That's because it's a Vampirian house, you idiot!"
"Oh. But then, how do we get inside, Zernogh?
"We find the ssecret passsage. Every Vampirian housse hasss one.
"But that will take forever! Why don't we just break through the walls?" Uverdon whined.
"First," Zernogh began, "Vampirian houses are highly magical. There are likely charms to prevent that kind of entrance. Second, this mission requires stealth. S-T-E-A-L-T-H, as in not making much noise at all. I know that's not your style, Uverdon, and I don't blame you, but that's what this assignment calls for. So, Uverdon, will you be joining us?
"Of course I am," Uverdon said indignantly, "I just don't like sneaking around. Like you said, it's not my style.
"Well get usssed to it, you great lumbering oaf," Derrdra hissed.
"Shut up, you stupid lizard-freak," Uverdon countered.
"Take a look at your own reflection before you call me a freak, minotaur," Derrdra retorted.
Uverdon glared and said nothing. Then he started walking towards the house, calling over his shoulder as he went, "Come on, we haven't all night, you know.
.....
Tea was reading when she heard a piteous whine. Startled, she looked around, only to lock gazes with a black puppy with soft brown eyes. The poor thing was limping. Tea got down on it's level and began to look at the injured paw when a thought made her freeze in suspicion. Wait, this is a Vampirian house. There's no way a puppy could wander in! She leaped back, only to be met with a scaly, clawed hand wrapped around her mouth. In front of her, that sweet, innocent puppy transformed into a man with short blonde hair and cold red eyes. He was wearing a gray cloak made out of....scales?
Zernogh smirked and spoke, "Shapeshifting's a marvelous thing, you know. Almost as exhilarating as being a member of the Thirteen.
Tea glared at him and tried to fight away from whatever was holding her. It was too strong, however, and became annoyed by her struggles. It tightened its grip painfully, drawing a little bit of blood, and hissed menacingly, "Ssstop your ssquirming, you ssstupid wench!
Zernogh chuckled, "Now, now, Derrdra. We don't want her spoiled.
Derrdra hissed in what Tea supposed was laughter. Then a deep, rumbling voice called from across the room, "What's so funny, Derrdra? Did you look in a mirror again?
"Ssspeaking from perssonal experience, I ssupposse?" Derrdra replied with a smirk.
Zernogh intervened with obvious authority, "Derrdra, Uverdon, stop this mindless quarreling. We still have things to do. Derrdra, bring the girl here.
Derrdra obliged, glaring darkly at Uverdon as he went. Upon reaching Zernogh, he began binding her feet and hands together cruelly. Tea fought to hold back tears as the thick cords were tied painfully tight. Derrdra relinquished his hold on her, throwing her at Zernogh's feet.Then she gazed in terror as Zernogh drew a sharp, double-edged sword from under the cloak. He laughed at her response, "Relax, girlie. If we wanted to kill you, we would've done so by now. All we need is a few drops of your blood to motivate the Crimson Darkness into action." Zernogh held the blade, undecided as to where to make the cut.
Derrdra, exasperated, said, "Jusst cut the ssstupid wench'ss hand off! It's not like she needss it!
Zernogh replied thoughtfully, "You're right, Derrdra. Good idea." He held the blade above her hand, ready to cut down. Tea, knowing that he really was serious about cutting off her hand, quickly searched her mind for a way to escape. She vaguely remembered a spell and desperately tried to remember it. Finally, after a few precious seconds of hesitation, she recalled the spell. She murmured the words under her breath, causing all three to be thrown back violently. Hastily, she hopped over to the doors, yelling at the top of her lungs for Yami as she did so.
Uverdon recovered quickly and charged after her. He caught up with her and grabbed her, squeezing her so angrily that she began to see stars. "Shut up, you stupid wench!
Zernogh got up, wiping blood from his mouth, and paled as he heard thumping up the stairs. He turned to Uverdon. "Quick! Lay the note down and let's get out of here!
Uverdon nodded and reached into his gray cloak. He slammed the sheet of parchment down on the table, grabbing Derrdra by the neck as he went. Zernogh ran over to the other three quickly and put his hand on Derrdra's shoulder. Then all four disappeared in a burst of red-orange flame.
Yami tore into the library, his eyes filled with a dangerous mix of fear and anger, only to be met with emptiness and silence. His eyes scanned the room, desperately seeking a trace of Tea. But none was found. Instead, he found a hastily scrawled note on the table. Dreading what said note might portray, Yami picked it up and read its contents.
'Crimson Darkness, if you are reading this, then we have succeeded in our task. By we, I mean Zernogh, Derrdra, and Uverdon of the Thirteen. And by task, I mean capturing your little angel wench. We haven't killed her, yet, but we will if you don't meet our requests by midnight. First off, you must agree to surrender your powers to us. We have three athames, so don't worry about that. Second, you must agree to declare your life forfeit to us as soon as you get your little wench to a safe place, as you will no doubt want to do. You will come to the meeting place, Pegasus's old fortress, and you will come alone and unarmed. Oh, and don't try to weasel your way out of this one. A blood oath will be taken, so if you don't do as we ask, you'll die anyway. Clock's ticking, Crimson Darkness.'
Yami clenched the note in his hand angrily, his eyes turning darker than normal. He seemed to take little notice that the note clenched so fiercely in his hand was reduced to ashes. Nor did he seem to notice his skin darkening to a reddish hue. He marched imperiously out of the library, grinning maliciously at the plan whirling inside his head.
.....
I'm going to end it there cause I can't think of anymore to write. So I hope you all aren't TOO mad at me. I'll try to update faster, I really will. That's it, I guess. R&R!