A/N: Wow… I knew that I wasn't going to update for a while, but I think it's be a little TOO long. I'm sure you would all agree… Anyway, I've suddenly got the passion for writing at this moment, so before I lose that spark I think I'll get started. So here's chapter 14 (I remind you in case you forgot because I haven't updated in so long that there's cobwebs on this story --) of Salvation in the Darkness. Enjoy!
The steps spiralled downward into a twisting black darkness, the grey dust making it hazy for Shuichi's eyes. For a moment he almost tipped forward from being so dizzy, but regained his balance and took a step out of the wooden door frame. It took the boy quite a while to stand up on his own, but managed soon enough.
As Shuichi sank lower into the shadowy corridor, his gut wrenched and became hot. A bad feeling welled up all the way to his throat and face, making it hard for him to control his breathing. For some reason, Shuichi felt an ominous energy that he didn't particularly like, so he tried his best to keep his breathing and tip toeing to a minimum level. It was like when you heard something in your house but you don't know where it came from, and then you almost KNOW that someone's there. But in the end, it was just the shifting of furniture from staying in one place for so long that the gravity had altered it under the rotation of the earth. It was all very difficult to explain, let alone understand, but this wasn't the first time he had felt this. But… since when did he even remember feeling like this? What had happened here? And why was he here? His mind was too dim of memory to recall the recent events… they were recent, right? Great… another question to add. How LONG had he been here? Maybe, once he reached the exit, some answers would be found.
Shuichi finally found the door way out… the hard way. His head ran straight into it, leaving a slight bruise unnoticed in the darkness of the staircase. After swiping away the bothersome multicoloured asterisk-looking things in front of his face, the pink-haired teen sceptically took hold of the rusty, brass doorknob and creaked the door open…
He gasped.
Everything… was in ruins. Not like the upstairs room he came from, that place was only dusty. This area was totally destroyed.
"It seems like it would have been such a pretty place too. I wonder what happened?" Shuichi drew deeper into the abandoned sanctuary and glanced around at the old broken stained-glass windows mounted ethereally at the right and left walls, almost touching the ceiling. The stone walls were grey and musty with years of age, and the floor was almost white with dust. Through the scarce light trickling from the broken windows he could see the slowly floating dirty particles, like a school of fish in a murky pond. The place seemed so tranquil that the threatening aura had disappeared long ago, and was replaced with a friendly nostalgic feeling, bringing Shuichi back into the dreaming state he was in while inside the capsule.
"Huh?" Then he realized… he WAS in that thing, wasn't he? It was coming back, but none too quickly. Somehow he had gotten into that crystal chamber, but wasn't sure how exactly. Maybe he was sleep walking…?
CRASH
BAM
Shuichi jumped and almost let out a scream at the interruption of sounds coming from outside the building.
"Wha… what was that?" He said quietly to himself and hesitantly crept over toward the large double doors of the entrance (or exit, in his case). The young boy attempted to open the doors, but to no avail. They wouldn't even budge an inch. Something must have been blocking it. Probably some rubble since this place seemed to have been through something rough anyway. So instead, Shuichi stood and listened to the ruckus coming from the other side.
"Maybe I'll yell for help and they'll hear me and save me." But before he did that, the boy had to be sure that it was a GOOD person. It would not go too well if he found that the people who were supposed to save him were the ones who caused all this mess! So he lay in wait, praying that he'd get out of this and find out what was going on.
………………………………...
"P-please, don't hurt me!" A grungy-looking man cowered in fear at the shadowy beasts before him. Three black-cloaked figures loomed dangerously over him, their forms blowing softly in the wind. The tallest of the demonic beings stood in the middle, his gloved hand reaching out steadily for the victim's throat and grabbing it sharply. As he raised the man into the air without effort, the person on the other end of his arm squirmed about uncomfortably and squeaked through breaths…
"Please… I… nrgh… didn't do… a-anything!"
"Vermin like you simply living is enough of a crime to me. Now answer our questions and we'll let you off soundly." His gruff voice sent a shiver down the man's spine that for a good while he couldn't even gather up the courage to speak.
Unfortunately, that good while was a little too long for the taller demon, so he decided to throw the trembling puppet-like being into some wooden crates near the side of the road.
CRASH
The man could hardly stand up after that action and almost fell on top of the demon figure once he casually walked over toward him. The shadowy form didn't even show mercy to him by giving him support to stand and just whacked the side of the man's head, causing him to fly harshly into the pavement.
BAM
As he stalked over to his victim a third time, one of the other demons figures moved his head to look over at the old church, glaring curiously at the rubble as if he heard something.
"Now… will you answer us? Or will I have to rip out your vocal chord and get a reply from them?" He said carelessly with his long fingers poised delicately over the injured man's neck, ready to fulfil his threat at any moment.
"O… okay… ask m-me an…anything…" He managed to crack out.
"Good. Now listen carefully, because I'm only asking this once." He leaned down close to the man's ear, and whispered in an evil-seduced voice. "Where did that aura come from?"
"….Wha-what?"
"You're not human, so you must have felt something with your filthy animal instincts. And since you were near here you must have noticed… that powerful surge of energy emitting from around this area. Where did you sense it exactly?" He made his question more clear.
"An… an energy? I don't know- hugh!" The demon had tightened his vice grip on the man's throat.
"Don't make me use the heavy artillery." He smirked and showed the man something under his cloak (AN: not what you think it is… -.-;)
Suddenly, the victim's breathing changed rapidly into one of not just fear, but horror. He now had a pretty good idea of who this monstrous being was judging by what he just showed him. Panicked, he blurted out…
"Yes! I did feel an energy! That's why I came here because I wanted to see what it was."
"Ahh. That's what I thought." He chuckled. "So, where did it come from?"
While this whole mess was going on, one of the other cloaked men made his way over to the pile of rocks and debris at the entrance to the church, and stared at it. Something wasn't right over here… there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind saying that there was a presence here. But where? Inside? How could anyone (besides their own kind) get inside there? And the presence didn't seem like one of their owns. It was more… small, and scared, and innocent. It may have been another weakling like the one his comrade was dealing with. But, the aura that lightly came from behind the wreckage… it didn't feel like the one of a coward like that man. It had another layer of energy coming from it that was pure, yet… powerful. It almost frightened the demon of how mysterious this chi was. Maybe the energy was from a magic induced artifact, or an old spell cast on the place long ago. Whatever it was, it had actually caught the demon's interest for once.
"Well? Answer me, vermin." The shadowy figure still grasping onto the helpless pedestrian's neck was becoming impatient.
"I… I… I don't know! All I know is that it is in this area!" He was shaking terribly by now.
"Ugh! You're no help! Such useless things your kind is." The demon raised his fist and was about to smack the man with it and then kill him, but was stopped in his tracks by a sudden energy force that had attacked his senses. Letting the man go, he leaped back to where his comrades were and landed smoothly, looking up to see who the intruder was.
"Hm. I should have known. Only you could emit so much energy in one blast… Sakuma-san." He smirked out of spite.
The brunette smirked out of triumph. "I see you haven't ceased in your bullying of the townspeople here. I thought I told you not to do that anymore. Man, do you ever need a mother… or a babysitter…"
"Enough. What business do you have with us? We are only collecting information." He asked seriously. Seeing as how the tone changed in the demon's voice, it concludes that Sakuma Ryuichi was one to be taken seriously. And indeed, he was respected throughout the community (or what was left of it), including some of the high ranking demons. But not respected enough to treat him in a way that showed any signs of hospitality or welcome. They respected him… not liked him.
"I simply ask that you leave that poor man alone and go about your business accordingly. Without disturbing the people in this city." His eyes narrowed considerably.
"Oh, but how can I do that when there's answers to be sought out? And I know that at least one of these weaklings have the solution to my problem." He gestured toward the pathetic ball of shaking flesh on the ground.
"Well, if you need to know anything, ask me. Don't torture him. But it depends on the question whether I'll answer or not."
Long ago, about a century to be exact, Ryuichi had been transformed into a great and powerful winged being from the surge of strange magic that swept throughout the city. When the demon lord came into power, he messed with Sakuma once and never dealt with him again. Their powers were equally matched, and therefore it would have been a circle of endless, pointless battles. So nether associated with each other, neither fought with each other, and neither crossed each other's paths. As long as their "territory" wasn't toyed with by the other, then everything would be fine. But now that the king sent his lackeys out to cause some chaos for the innocent people in this city of ruins, Ryuichi had gotten pretty pissed with the whole thing. So, he intervened like he said he would if anything like this occurred.
"Ah. Very well then. I will ask you." The cloaked figure closed his eyes and nodded his head once in acknowledgment. "Where did that aura, that I'm sure you sensed not to long ago, come from just now? It would be helpful if you knew the exact place because we're kind of in a hurry. Highnesses orders." He stated blankly.
Ryuichi fell silent. He stared at the taller being with disinterest in his eyes, but was actually deep in thought.
"Sorry. Can't give that information to you." He apologized curtly.
"And why not? I thought you said you could answer my question."
"I said I would answer you question depending on what it was about?"
"Oh? Then this little bit of information must be very vital to you, huh?"
"……"
"You know what that wave of energy was, don't you." He asked all-knowingly.
"…… And if I did? What would you do about it?"
The demon figure smirked from under his draping hood and whipped out something large and silver.
Ryuichi's eye flinched.
The trembling man on the ground gasped in fright.
………………………………...
Shuichi listened… ever so carefully… what happened to all the muffled voices? Where was the suspense he had felt earlier? Not that it completely left him though.
'It's all quiet again. What's going on out there?' He thought to himself. Pressing his ear up against the door, he waited to see if anyone was still there. Judging by the sound of their voices earlier, they weren't on good terms with each other. Maybe they were enemies, or bitter rivals. He wouldn't know until he got out of here… but because of what was going on outside, he wasn't sure if he wanted to leave from the safety of the sanctuary yet…
While he listened for the next possible sound to irrupt, Shuichi felt a vibe shake throughout his body. It was telling him something… something important. But what? He tried to get a decent view of outside through the cracks and crevices in the rubble, but it wasn't enough. When he pressed his small hand up against the door, a familiar energy quaked his senses, and caused the boy to shiver in anticipation. What the heck was on the other side of this blockade that made him so… anxious?
And then…
BOOM
………………………………...
The second tallest of the cloaked figures was still trying to comprehend the strong chi that was fluttering out of the old building; like a butterfly through a storm. It seemed to break through all the rocks and boulders in its way and wrap around the demon with curiosity, as if it was getting to know him. He touched one of the jutting pieces of gravel gently and experienced a feeling he'd never felt before since 100 years ago… youth. Though he was granted eternal youth from the explosion of energy that one fateful day, it still felt as if he were old on the inside. But, for some reason, this church was bringing back some old, buried memories that he didn't even knew he had. Man… it really had been a long time since the demon lord took over…
BOOM
The demon jumped away quicker than the blink of an eye, as was all demon's talent: speed. He then glanced over at the maniacally laughing comrade of his and sighed hopelessly. He had pulled out a rocket launcher. He would never change in his love for weapons, that was for sure. And how bothersome, it was countered by Ryuichi's deflecting field and bounced back into the rubble pile that was blocking the sanctuary entrance. (It was meant to be pointed at the weak man as a threat to Ryuichi).
"Great job, Sherlock. You've just accomplished making this city even MORE rundown." He stated sarcastically and rolled his eyes as he picked himself up to brush off the dirt.
"Damn it! His force field is stronger than I thought. I would have rid myself of that pathetic creature if it weren't for-"
Everyone stopped in their gaudy rambling when they heard a cough echoing from the wreckage of the church's entrance.
"Ugh! Too much- hack- smoke! How the hell… cough… did that happen!" Shuichi stepped out into the half-lidded light blinked numerous times to get the ache out of his eyes. "Well, at least I finally got out of that place… huh?" The pink-haired foreigner looked up and caught eyes with the rest of the people standing there, gawking at him silently.
"Ummm…" He began, smiling sheepishly and rubbing the back of his head. "Is this a bad time?"
A/N: Woo hoo! I finally finished another chapter! See? I told ya I wouldn't give up on this story! After all, it is my first fan fic on computer. All the others are on paper. I should type them on here just for fun, ne? I could write some drabbles or one-shots I guess. I'm not too fond of them, but I'll try anything once! Anyway, I'll add on a chapter to my Halloween story and "Looks Can Kill" fic soon. And THEN I'll put up another chapter of this one, kay? I alternate between stories. But since these chapters are longer than my other story's chapters, I did this one first because I knew that if I didn't soon I wouldn't want to later on. So it's a good thing my inspiration came along when it did. And part of the credit goes to AP English III because it's such a wonderful class and my teacher is awesome! She's one of the coolest teachers I've ever had. And what we've been reading in there has inspired me to write more! Aren't yall happy? You better be!
Anyway, I'll see yall in the next chapter, kay? Chou for now!
DEAR REVIEWERS
Aacire- Hope I answered your questions in this chapter! There are many dark-hooded men… but which one is Yuki! And is he even one of those guys! GASP! You'll have to read to find out. Then everything will make perfect sense!
rebelyell59- That's what I do too! I read all the stuff and then review. Course, that's only if the whole story is done. But if a fic isn't finished and I wanna read more of it, then I review, then add it to my story alert list! I love that convenience about l Tohma 911l- Dude, I think it's official. You REALLY need to look on the positive side of fan fictions. I've seen plenty of your reviews on other stories, and most of them were really negative. At first you review in a way that it sounds harmless and reassuring, then you all of a sudden put in words like "this is bs" or "I really don't like this", when in the beginning you're all like, "this is actually a pretty good story" and stuff. And then in the end you totally blow off my story like all the stuff you said earlier didn't even matter. You need to get your priorities straight when writing a review. I think your kinda indecisive on what to say, which really gets people confused, ya know? Oh, and fan fictions are supposed to have plot twists and character twists. If we all followed the same personalities of each character from the manga ALL THE TIME, then that would be boring. Have you read the headline at the top left corner of "Unleash your imagination and free your soul". You're not exactly giving people any room to do that on here. They put different genres on here like angst and AU for a reason, ya know? And what's the point of your negative reviews if all I'm gonna do is keep writing the way I was in the first place? Anyway, just thought I'd let you know some of that stuff. Please, by all means, keep reading. And I don't mean that sarcastically. Don't take any of this too offensively or anything. I'm actually starting to enjoy arguing back with your reviews. It gets me a little hyped up at the end of writing a long chapter. Don't ask me why. Maybe I'm a masochist… kinda creepy sounding… (twitches)… JK.
Bloody Dead Rose- I hope I answered more of your questions. And don't worry! They'll all be answered in good time, I promise! Just not so early on in the story.
Rebelyell59- Awww, thank you! I have DEFINETLY gotten over my cold by now (since I haven't updated in forever), so thanks for your concern! You are very sweet. (hugs)
Xunxin Kohaku- There's more Shuichi for ya! I'm afraid you'll just have to wait on Yuki though. He won't show up until later chapters! But please keep reading!
Mitsubishie Eclipse R. S. i'm getting pissed at you- Oooo… very original pen name. Me likey! It's funny too. I'll update soon (hopefully)
Yuri Yuki- Um, "Yuri" as in "lesbian"?…… at least that's one term for what it means, right? Ha ha… that's funny. Yuki… a lesbian. Total gay gender mix up! Anyway, sorry. That was just me and my crazy self. I have written more for you! And look forward to MUCH more!
DatenshiBlue39- HARRY POTTER THE MOVIE 4 IS COMING OUT SOON! Ain't you excited? Me too! It looks like it has a lot more action in it. And I like that!