Are you hurt?

No answer.

The sound of Eris' even patterned breath reached Youko's ears. The wind had picked up again, and little round hailstones were currently pelting her body through the broken window, but she was in a dead sleep.

Pushing himself off the wall, he meandered his way to stand over her place on the floor. Kneeling down, quickly checking her over, he found no signs of injury. Picking her up bridal style, Eris' grey eyes slid to half-mast.

Go back to sleep, little one. He said in a commanding whisper.

Eris' brows knitted together slightly. I'm not She said in a tired, pouty voice.

Setting her lightly onto the couch, Youko lifted the blue and white quilt from above her head and set it over her. Yes, you are. You are a little ningen girl who needs sleep.

Grumbling incoherently, she rolled over and slid her eyes shut. A few seconds later and she was dead to the world. Youko let a little smile pass over. Moving to pull the sleeve of her robe back over her shoulder, something caught the youkai's notice.

There was a scar on the border of her shoulder blade. It was starburst in shape and the skin around it was rather thin and pulled on the scar tissue, telling that it was old. Careful not to wake her again, he turned her onto her back to examine the other side. Sure enough, there was a smaller version close to the armpit.

This did not sit well. For some reason, he felt protective of this strange human. And with that in mind-

Now it's time to play the executioner

Quickly reverting to his true demon form, that of a white fox, Youko fled up the stairs and bounded out the window into the cold, wet night; the scent of Clem's blood filling his sensitive nose.

*****************

Something shoved her shoulder. Eris, wake up!

Blinking sleep out of her eyes, Eris yawned and sat up. Kurama was sitting next to her with a concerned look.

What? What's wrong? she rubbed her eyes and looked at her watch. It's six in the morning, Kurama! I don't know how early you get up for school, but here we sleep until the last possible moment.

You were having a nightmare and nearly took my head off.

Did I? she yawned again. I don't remember having a nightmare

You were moaning and thrashing like you were fighting something. That's some dream not to remember.

She thought for a minute, and then shook her head. Nope, sorry. I got nothin'. Except a really bad crick in the neck! Ahhhow!!! Eris massaged her neck and caught Kurama still giving her worried glances.



He looked away and stood up.

It was now that she noticed his clothes and hair were dripping wet again. Why are you all wet?

This poked some nervousness out of him. Fixing the window. Brain power rocks.

Memories of the night before went through her mind. Shaking them out, she stood up and stretched. Might as well start the day. I don't think I'll be getting back to sleep anytime soon. Come on, let's get changed.

Looking out for glass, Eris noticed there was none and looked to the broken window. Gasping a little, she smiled and moved towards it.

Where jagged clear teeth should have been, there were beautiful green vines and the reddest roses Eris had ever seen. The rising morning sun filtered through the little leaves, casting playful patches of light on her face.

I didn't know how else to cover it up, so I improvised. Kurama said, coming up behind her.

Eris fingered the silky petals of a rose and smiled. I love it! Will it last long? I know my mother would love to say she has a rose garden in her own kitchen.

If you want them to, then yes. He materialized a separate rose and placed it behind her ear.

Feeling her cheeks tint, she shyly looked back at the rose window. Thank you. Especially for last night. Can you thank him for me?

He knows. I'm sorry I couldn't control him

Don't be sorry. I had to meet him sometime, right?

I suppose so, but I more than wish the circumstances had been di-mph. Eris put her hand over his mouth.





Shut up.

He laughed, making little vibrations on her palm. She took it away and rubbed it. Ah! That tickles!

Laughing herself, Eris padded into the living room and then into her own room, taking note that she could still feel his lips on her palm. Turning on her radio, she opened a drawer and began looking for school clothes.

-bodies found in a back alley near the Wind Waker Mall, where earlier this week a rogue shopper set off a pack of dangerous stink bombs on innocent bystanders-

Eris snorted. Innocent my ass. And it was only one harmless little stink bomb. Damn media

Selecting a pair of light colored jeans and a hooded, dark red sweatshirt, Eris changed quickly and threw her hair into a high ponytail complete with a ribbon to match her sweatshirt.

It's only Monday. She talked to herself, humming along with Beethoven's Ave Maria, and putting in some little hoop earings. Having an extra hole in her right ear, she picked out a stud and stuck it in.

Happy with her makeup less face, she adjusted the rose behind her ear and migrated into the bathroom to brush her teeth. Coming out two minutes later to the smell of something good, Eris peeked her head into the kitchen and found Kurama cooking breakfast.

Mmm, whatcha cookin' good lookin'? Smells great! Grinning at the color in his cheeks, she tried looking around his shoulder.

He blocked her view and pointed at the table.

She saluted him, Yes sir! and took a seat closest to the rose window, looking over her shoulder to admire it once more. The chink of a plate on wood brought her attention back to the table.

French toast! Kurama smiled and handed her a fork. It was the only thing I could find.

Eyes lighting up, the fork suddenly disappeared from Kurama's fingers and there was a piece missing from the food on her plate as she extracted the utensil from her mouth and licked the syrup from her lips.

Mmm! My favorite! I love French toast! This is great; I never have time for breakfast.

Never eat breakfast? he frowned. That's not healthy, you know.

I know Mom, but I might just be able to drag myself out of bed for this every morning. Oh, hang on a minute; forgot the most important ingredient-

Scooting out of her chair, she went to a cupboard and withdrew a bag of something very fine and white.

Kurama was surprised.

-powdered sugar!! You have not lived until you have found the wonders of powdered sugar.

Eris sprinkled a load onto her breakfast and tore off a piece with the fork. Here, try some of this.

He looked at the proffered food with skepticism.

Eris rolled her eyes. It's not going to kill you to try it. Maybe give you one hell of a sugar rush if you eat enough, but that's about it.

Keeping his eyes on Eris, Kurama took the French toast with its new additive and surprisingly found it very good.

Eris beamed. See? You should learn to trust people more.

He stole her fork and took another bite. I do trust people. Just not very many.

Stealing it back, she grabbed the plate and moved to sit on the counter. True. Am I one of them? She ate another piece and tried hiding the plate as Kurama got up.

He grabbed for it and missed. Eris snickered and scooted down the counter, trying to get away, but he had her trapped. She shoveled more of the gooey mess into her mouth, grinning while making an attempt to keep him away.

Am I? Come on, tell me! And you're not going to get it, so give it up. He grabbed for it again, but she moved at the last second, holding it above his head.

He sighed inwardly, a little annoyed. I've never given up on anything, I won't start now. And- he seized her other arm, the one with the fork, and pulled her forward so that she was less than an inch away.

Her vision was filled with green and she seemed to have forgotten how to breathe.

-I think the real question is The left over space between appeared to be quickly disappearing. His eyes quickly glanced to her lips then back to her eyes. That tickly tight feeling in her stomach came back.

do you trust me? She only just feel his lips on hers when he talked.

Staring like a deer caught in headlights, she almost missed the feeling of something brushing against the hand holding the plate.

Heeeeey, wait a minute!

Not unless you keep your paws off my breakfast you conniving fox. She whispered, kissed the tip of his nose and laughed, quickly slipping off the counter and through his legs, accidentally spilling some syrup here and there.

He grabbed her ankle just as she was about to reach the back door and dragged her on her stomach a few feet back backwards.

Oh come on, man!! It's almost gone, see? she showed it to him then stuck a big chunk into her mouth, making yummy sounds and over exaggerating her facial expressions. MMMM! Gooooood! Too bad no one else wants some! Guess I'll just have to eat the rest by my lonesome self!

In a last desperate attempt, Kurama looked around and spotted the nearly full bag of powdered sugar on the table still. Dragging her closer to the table, Hey! What are you doing?? he picked it up and dangled it above her, opening it with one hand and a mischievous look.

Eris paled. You wouldn't.

Try me.

Debating with herself, Eris shifted her eyes in a sneaky way then smiled. Ok, you win.

As soon as he let go, she crammed the last bites into her mouth. Just kidding! Hahaha!

Kurama sighed. I wish you hadn't done that. Now I'll have to ruin your clothes and make you change.

A millisecond before even a pinch of the sugar was spilt, the phone rang.

*

Eris laughed. Haha! You lose! Saved by the ring! Hopping up to her feet, she crossed the kitchen to the phone. Hello? OH hiya Mom Eris bit her lip and donned an I'm screwed! look.

She put a finger to her lips, a signal to Kurama to not talk. Leaning her shoulder against a cupboard door, she half listened to her mother.

Nice up there, huh? Yes, I'm actually awake at this hour. Let's just say there was a bad storm last night and I had an issue with a window. No, it's fixed, I think you'll like it. She shot a smile at Kurama, who smiled back in return and took a seat.

So, how's Jack doing? Is he a total flunkie like in high school? she smirked, then scowled. 4.0? Please tell me you're kiddingugh, the Dean's List too? Huh? I am not being cynical!

Rolling her eyes, she blew a strand of hair out of her face. Can we change the subject please? Yes, it's tomorrow nightyou hate singing and wouldn't have come anywayyes ma'am. No ma'am, I'll clean it later.

She mouthed Yeah right!, making Kurama laugh.

Uh, what? I didn't hear anythingmust be those raccoons You know, I'm almost done with my paint-oh. Eris' eyes darkened to a stormy grey. Ok. Tell dad and Jacky I say hi. Love you

Sighing, she hung up and started picking moodily at her fingernails. Well, that was exciting

Kurama stood up and leaned next to her. Why didn't you tell your mother about me?

Eris snorted. Yeah right. She'd blow a gasket. You don't know her like I do; she has to know each and every little detail about my friends, most of whom she doesn't approve of. Your story wouldn't fool her for a minute.

It sounds like you and your mother disagree on a lot of things.

She shrugged a shoulder. It's not that, it's justshe gets so overprotective sometimes I feel like I'm just another thing to worry about, and when she knows I'm alrightI'm pushed out of the mind frame

Eris, that's not true.

Yes it is. Biting off a hangnail, Eris went to go clean up their mess, picking the dish off the floor and grabbing a rag to wipe away the syrup.

Brooding, Kurama realized he wouldn't get anywhere with this stubborn girl and changed the subject. You said something about a painting. May I see it?

Eris rubbed her neck and raised a self-conscious brow. Are you sure you want to? I mean it's not really done yetit still needs a lot of work

She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see him standing there behind her, giving her a piercing look. Just show it to me, I'm capable of making my own opinions.

Glowering in defeat, Eris led the way out of the kitchen and opened a door that led to a staircase. Flipping a light switch, she waited for it to blink on before climbing the stairs.

Standing at the top of the landing, Kurama was amazed to only see dusty cardboard boxes with scribbled labels on the sides. A few were toppled over with old toys and frilly baby clothes spewing over the congested floor. There was the expected slightly moldy smell and a minor slant to the ceiling. All in all, the typical setting of an attic.

Eris surprised him further by shoving two high columns of boxes away to reveal a rather spacey area. A breeze was blowing in from a far window, trimmed in faded yellow curtains with moth eaten lace. The back of an easel was silently waiting for its master to finish the masterpiece it held. Paint tubes and jugs littered a nearby table; along with glass jam jars, an array of brushes set inside, and a small CD player plugged into the only outlet, making the whole setup of the room revolve around that one important feature.

The early morning sun played shadow tag on the dusty floorboards at their feet. Yellow lace danced on the wind via the dirty window. Birdcalls and car motors were muffled here; a peaceful, exclusive silence clung to the walls. It was almost like another world up here.

It's great isn't it? Eris smiled, arms crossed and rocking on the backs of her heels, proudly looking around. I feel as if nothing can touch me here; I can be whatever I want to be, think whatever I want to think, create whatever I want to create.

Kurama mused, a pleased smile on his lips and a soft, satisfied look in his eyes. Everything is different, and yet the same. Come, I want to see this painting of yours.

With an insistent hand on the small of her back, Eris reluctantly stepped forward to display her artwork. What Kurama saw was unlike anything he had ever beheld before.

A darkened, androgynous black and white angel. Only one wing was present; splotched bandages covered the creature's eyes. Sitting on a park bench the colors of a blue midnight, legs drawn up, it lay a contented head atop its knees, a serene look upon its face. Long, snow-white hair floated on an invisible zephyr, creating a soft façade of gentleness about the being.

The backdrop was just as breath taking. A pair of hands as wispy, dark storm clouds let flow a waterfall of tiny glimmering stars into the midnight sky over the night-lights of a city.

Eris laughed softly behind him. Close your mouth, you look like a fish.

He let out a short laugh, totally shocked speechless. beautiful to say the least. I don't know what to say

Eris smiled and sat on the table among her brushes, paints, and jars, looking as if she really belonged there. But have you really seen it yet?

It? Is there something more that I should be seeing?

Turning back to the painting, again he was struck senseless by the beauty of the creature and its starry city.

Waitthe beauty is too much

Trying to block out the effects, he examined it piece by piece. What was it that he was supposed to see? And then there it was like a dawning morning.

It's a trick. The exquisiteness of the angel and the stars over the city are just distractions. While the angel is normally a symbol of good, and the storm clouds suggest turmoil, the roles are switched. The clouds are placing the stars in the sky with care, despite their violent appearance, to be guardians over the innocents of the city.

Eris nodded, impressed. And the angel?

He thought for a moment, finger curled under his chin. It's fallen. The one wing shows that. The absence of the eyes symbolizes ignorance, or blindness to the real matter. But this-

He pointed to one of the angel's delicate hands. Encased in its loose grip was a knife.

-is the big clue to the underlying message. It's so subtly cloaked by the effects of everything else it can easily go unnoticed. The innocence is corrupt, but the fear of the storm blinds you from it.

What you see isn't always what you get, Eris clapped, beaming and hopped to her feet. Very nice! I applaud you Kurama-san!

Kurama shook his head, still in wonderment of it all. This is pure genius; I've stolen paintings far less superior to this. How did this come to you?

Sighing, she stretched, a grin on her face. The concept of the stars I borrowed from Van Gough's Starry Starry Night. The knife was inspired by Da Vinci's Last Supper. The rest justappeared. I am only a humble servant of the brush, it uses me I guess you could say.

Truly delighted, Kurama almost burst out laughing. I can't believe you painted this! What's it called, does it have a name yet?

She bit her lip and checked her watch. We should leave soon, I want to show up early and freak out my homeroom teacher. But I have been toying with a name, yes.

He urged her on.

With a wry smile, she turned her back and began walking towards the stairs.

The Things They Don't See.

***********************

*-Uso=Expression for You're kidding me!

AN- If only I could have fit my painting class into my schedual I'd paint that in a heartbeat. ::bangs fist on table:: DAMN SCHOOL COUNSELOR! Messed everything up...::grumbles:: But if any of my fellow art buffs wanna take a crack at it, feel free!! Just give me credit for the idea and I'll be happy. ^_^ I'd love to see some fan art for this!
Oh, and sorry it's a rather short one, I just wanted to get another one out for ya'll. Aren't I generous? Hee.

Wizardess Gal- Yeah i do that a lot. Comic relief is fun. ^_^

Reo*nari- Yeah that damn mud. rahr. Youko is incredibly difficult to write. He has to come off as nonchalant, intense, calm, and kinda scary all at the same time. And its hard to think of what he'd do in certain situations because it's near impossible to get in that head of his!!!

Koroga- I guess they need somewhere to run, don't they? Way to crack down too. ^_^ You tell em who's boss! of course threatening any man with an visit from Ducky may be a little harsh.
OH and i thank you greatly for the letter! Brightened my day right up! If he passes through again, tell Gren I thank him for the lovely words of admiration and hope he'll continue to enjoy my humble story.
As for Hiei, he'll have to keep his pants on. And that's all I'm saying considering that. ::covers mouth to stifle urge to talk::
Youko- My apologies, I should have put you in sooner since everyone seems to be delighted with your appearance. ^_^ I'm glad you approve of my rendition of you. I had to keep leaving and coming back on that chapter because your mindset and demeanor are very difficult to imitate.
Hiei- As for you, I'd appreciate it if you'd stop calling me a little ningen'. I'm only a half ningen. ::sniffs:: Not to mention I'm the authoress, which gives me added power, and I could kill you if I so wished. :p Hehehehe neener neener neener!!

ReiRei-chan- ::waves banner with a rock on it:: I'm updating!! I still think yours is better. :p and I DO SO CARE!! ::squee:: he's such a sweety in that chapter! What was he whispering in her ear, huh huh huh??