Disclaimer: I do NOT own Anything sadly.

Chapter Thirty-Three: The Witch's Beast

Part 1:

Mai POV

Beauty isn't everything in this world, only what is inside, that's what counts the most. Right? Then why many only judge what on the outside, then the inside?

His piercing icy blue eyes locks eyes with mine as every nerve in my body jumped, I felt frozen, but not scared, no I didn't felt scared, only shocked because I could never be scared of him.

He is my savior that saved me and the only man that ever accepted me for whom I am.

"Why?" I simply asked him. A mischievous smirk comes to play as he takes a step forward.

"Because I can't resist temptation."

O.o

Dream:

All I can see is a pool of blood in circles around me. The fire consumes the village, my heart hammering from fear itself. I couldn't do anything. I watch in horror as everyone I know and love becomes a victim of Alack and Isac.

"Alice." I heard in a deep distance causing me to groan.

"No, please, stop it," I begged, watching in horror as my body felt frozen, not even a muscle I could move.

...

...

"Alice, wake up." I heard at a distance feeling something cold and wet pass my face. I bolted up from my dream, heaving hard.

Wiping my face, I turned to meet up with Kyoko.

"Kyoko-chan, " I complained feeling my heart still racing from the dreaded dream.

"Don't complain, it's your turn to wash the clothes and farm." She orders while turning around heading for the door.

I stare straight at the dull brown wall in front of me, trying to regain my breath.

Right, is my turn.

While I stood up a great pain shot through my legs, back, and face.

So I stretch, ignoring it since I have gotten used to it by now.

It never goes away, after the incident.

Turning, I headed to the corner of my shed to find my fresh old clothing, a simple dull-out brown dress which was passed down to me by my sister Kyoko.

After getting dressed, I smooth out the wrinkles with my hands and headed out. Only to cover my eyes, due to the strong sun rays. (It's very hot today.)

I turned towards my left and took hold of my old wagon, (Which lay next to my hut) that I always use.

"I'll gather something to eat first, before starting to work," I whispered to myself turning only to stop because Kyoko stood my way with cross arms, looking straight at my eyes. I felt my heart jump painfully.

"Yes, dear sister?" I asked, not wanting to hear this.

Kyoko went around the wagon, and took a hold of my arm forcefully, causing me to wince in pain.

"I need you to cover for me. I need to go and see."

"Isac, I know. You always go and see him. Don't you think Alack will get a little suspicious? After all, he's..."

"Don't dare say it, just, cover for me, or not I will tell everyone what you are, little witch." She hissed at me. I gulped, nodding rapidly.

"I'm not a witch Kyoko. You know that. I just get visions," I paused, feeling tears prickle on the cover of my eyes. Kyoko hissed at me.

"You're a monster, Alice. No one should be seeing that, what you told me is not possible. Have you looked at yourself lately? Since that dreadful fire, you have never been the same. No man wants you as a wife. Unlike me." She sneers at me, I frowned, noticing how cold her eyes are.

"You use to be so nice Kyoko, not even caring how I look. What happened? Since you came back from the other village down the north, you change so much. Alack knows about this?" I question, feeling a deep pain in my heart.

She suddenly takes a hold of my hair and pulls it hard.

"Stop mentioning him, Chief wants the chores done before sundown. The feast is in a week's worth. Now. Go and do my chores, witch." She sneers with such hatred roughly pushing me away from her causing me to feel hurt.

Turning around, I wiped my eyes, trying to not let the tears leak down.

"You don't have to be so mean," I mumbled, heading for the pathway that leads towards the stream.

After a few hours later, I scrub the last attire. I felt sweat running down my cheeks and forehead. Wiping it with my forearm, I glance down at the water, seeing my reflection.

"Darn, why does Kyoko have so many dresses? I only have two pairs of dresses." I grumbled, feeling unfair every time.

I place my hand on the cool water, tracing my features.

I have very light tan skin, brownish eyes, just like Kyoko. As well, long dark brown hair and thin lips, and a narrow nose. Nothing like Kyoko, she will always be my Younger beautiful Sister, which I love. The only down part is that horrible ugly big burnt scar that runs down from my cheek down to my collar bone.

It's deformed, bumpy, and ugly. I had it since I was very young. I can't even remember what happened to me. Father tells me, I got it from an accident that happened to cause my mother's death.

"I wonder what happened to Kyoko? She changed so much after a few months of going towards the north. She never treated me like this. She was the only one that treated me like a human." I questioned. Running my hand through the water, a sudden eerie feeling ran down my spine.

Standing up, a loud growl is heard behind me. So I turned around to stare at the trees and the shadows, but nothing else.

"Please, God, don't let it be a wolf." I prayed, knowing very well that wolves prey on the island. Legend has it, that a beast is living among the wolves, and it finds a host every hundred years to harvest their soul. Well, that's what our village heard over the centuries. Not sure if it's true though.

I'm shivering, but on doing so a rustling is heard on my right. I jump in fright, to see someone coming out of the shadows.

"Alice, there you are." I heard a deep male voice. I lifted my gaze grasping my chest.

"Papa, you scared me." Huffing out my father gave a deep loud chuckle, causing my heart to feel at ease.

"Sorry about that. Have you seen Kyoko? Today I have an announcement to make to the village." He explains. I bit my lower lip, feeling my heart race.

Cover, how? This girl gets me in trouble all the time.

"She went down to the mountains, not sure exactly for what, but she'll be here soon." I lie completely since I had no idea where she is at right now, but if Isac is there, there she is. My father's dark brown eyes search mine causing me to feel unease so I shuffle my leg to distract myself.

"Is that so, very well then, just hurry with the chores. I am sure you won't want to be absent." And with that he turns around heading towards the trees, blending in with the shadows themselves. Frowning at that, I turned towards the water, to glance down at it.

Papa always preferred Kyoko instead of being equals which hurts me deeply. Papa is a good man and I love him, but he treats me coldly as well, but what father would want a girl like myself? A monster.

Shaking my head, I wondered what is the announcement?

I went back to my laundry and rose one of Kyoko's dresses trying to rinse it out, but on doing so, an eerie chilling ran down my spine.

Turning around once again staring at the trees, I couldn't see anyone, but I felt like someone is spying on me. An uncomfortable chill ran down my spine making me shiver. I went back to work and told myself.

"Just hurry up, and don't think about it."

...

...

Upon reaching my village, I place my wagon down, where the wet clothes lay. Stretching my aching back, I took a few minutes of rest by sitting on a log, an uneasy feeling started to run down my spine once again.

"Hey, Alice the Witch." I heard behind me. I froze at the voice, slowly turning, I see Isac staring at me, with a cocky smile.

"What do you want Isac?" I snarl at him. He walks up to me eyeing my wagon, then down at me. Then he takes a hold of my chin.

"Your father has an announcement. Have you heard about it?" I stare at the man in front of me.

"He just told me, and no, I have no idea what is about," I added the last part, pulling my chin out of his hold. He sneers at me, turning to stare at some village girls that walked down, as they had baskets on top of their head filled with vegetables. They all blush when they saw Isac.

I have to admit, Isac is a very good-looking young lad.

I rolled my eyes at them, as I stood up and walked around him to get my wagon once again. Reaching it, I felt Isac take a hold of my arm causing me to wince once again.

"Look, witch, I need your help. I know about your powers, Kyoko told me about them. If you don't want me to spill the beans and make the village to see you more than a freak you are you'll help me." I glance up at him, giving him one of my coldest stares I could muster up.

"I don't care if you tell them, they already shun me, because of my looks. I'm a monster in their eyes." I coldly told him, turning around, pushing the wagon.

"I found a way out of the island. Alack doesn't want to hear it, but you're the only one that can help me. At night, you do hear the wolf right?" I stopped at his words, looking straight ahead.

"I hear him. He calls out for his mate. What about it?"

"Long ago, on this island, there were two tribes, the Wolf and the Horses. Both…" I shook my head turning to look at him.

"I know the story Isac. Both were in unity until the wolf decided to break the deal, he sold his soul to the devil." I shivered from that which is so unholy to do.

"There's more to that. You know the wolf isn't just a wolf, but a human. He wanted out of this hell bend island."

"I know that, it's not a myth, but the truth. This island is Devil Island, and we are the unlucky ones to inhabit. So for God's sake, please don't do anything stupid and just live a good happy life with your wife." I pleaded with the man. He looks annoyed by my words.

"I know you're still looking for your soulmate." He began causing my heart to stop at the mention.

I don't believe in love let alone a soulmate, no one wants me.

"Is that so? If you haven't noticed, I'm in no condition to marry off since as you can see, I'm the prettiest woman on the island, so please, spare me the lecture." I rolled my eyes at him through my sarcasm. Isac moves closer to me not commenting on my sarcasm since he already knows me.

"You'll die soon, before you turn thirty, you need your soul-mate. Since he's not on this island, I bet you he's in the open world."

"Did Kyoko gave you that false news?" I lied. He stares at me with a deep annoyed look, then he shrugs his shoulders.

"It's up to you. Want to die without a mate, fine. I'm just here to place an offer, to set you free. I want to take my girl as well."

"Just leave me, alone boy. I'm not peeved about whatever idea you cooked up." And with that, I left him alone, but I couldn't help to feel his eyes boring at my back.

Turning around he was still staring at me, with a smudge smile on his lips. I shook my head in disappointment.

I hope, it doesn't lead to my nightmares.

I prayed, turning towards my right, heading for the ropes to hang dry the clothes.

...

...

That night, the moon braze over the island, while everyone in my village gathers in around the fire, drinking and having fun, celebrating tonight's announcement, that my father will announce.

I sat on the sideline near the trees just watching everyone, while I took a sip of my water, feeling the night air brush against my hot skin, but I couldn't shake off Isac's words.

Soulmate? I don't have one.

I felt depressed at the thought as I move down my hand after I took a sip.

He didn't have to remind me at all.

I watch my father appear, holding Kyoko by her hand as she wears a beautiful emerald dress that makes her shine like the stars, her hair waved out flowing out.

Her eyes landed on me, but for a brief second then smiles at our father, when he pats her back very kindly.

"Now, what exciting announcement you have for us? Is it about your monster girl? Is she finally leaving?" I watch one of the male villagers speak, making everyone laugh. I nervously rubbed the cup together.

Of course, you want me out, I wish I could just leave as well and live by myself, I'm useless to everyone.

My father chuckles with them.

"No, I can't just desert her since she's my daughter, but I came to announce that my younger beautiful daughter, Kyoko will get married to Alack a day after tomorrow," there was a silence, the thickness in the air can be sensed, while I watch Kyoko turn rigid.

Well, at least he cares that much, but married? Oh no, Kyoko won't like that.

"Is that so?" Kyoko asks, looking up at father. He nods, turning towards the village.

"Well?" He rose his thick brow up, as the village looks upon each other then a burst of laughter passes their mouth.

"Here, here, cheers to Kyoko!" they saluted cheering upon each other, while I stare at the ground.

This isn't good, she hates him, why did my father push this? I know he's her fiance, but still. I'm not going to hear the end of this.

I felt a rock hit my side of my head, causing me to hiss in pain as I turned to see a group of kids mocking me.

"Ha, Monster will always be alone!" One of the children spat at me, mocking me. I frowned, looking at my water, ignoring my pain, since I'm so used to it and if I do anything the village will go after me like last time.

While everyone had a good time, then from the corner of my eyes, I watch the elders taking out their drums and began to play. They settle near the fire and now the night is filled with our music, as everyone starts dancing around having a good old time.

"Are you sure you don't want to help me?" I heard behind me. I turned around to see Isac looking down at me. Yet I felt strange as I stood up, something felt off which I couldn't name, but a warm feeling filled my inner being.

I felt soft lips on my lips, as though someone kissed.

Okay, either I'm desperate or did someone kissed me. I touch my lips feeling my heart race and my stomach flutter. I licked my lips and shivering slightly.

It feels sweet and warm.

"No, leave me be." I spat at him returning to my senses, ignoring the weird sensation, then turned to leave but he takes a hold of my arm painfully and made me stay put.

"I heard rumors, witch." He began while walking around the log to sit down, spreading his legs apart, and intertwine his fingers together.

"Rumors?" I asked grabbing my attention.

"Yes, a village down south has been attacked, by the Devil's Dog. Only killed about four people." He explains looking up at me.

"Not my concern," I calmly told him, even though in my heart jump in pity.

May God have mercy on their souls.

I grasp my dress, I turned to head towards my hut, only to have Isac clear his throat making me stop in my tracks.

"There's a mirror. I need you to get it for me." I paused, turning to face him.

"No. I won't help you at all, you know my take with you two. Even my sister is forced to marry your twin." I gasped out, only to feel a hand on my shoulder. I turned, to see my father give me a stern look.

"Isac, why in the world are you talking to her?" he simply asks. Isac stood and bows gently.

"My Chief Hiroshi," My father acknowledges him if it wasn't for Isac's green wedding ring.

"Come and join the party, do tell, where's your brother?" he asks him. Isac smirks at him.

"Thank you for the invite, but he's busy at the moment, sorry he couldn't come, but congratulations, we're about to be family," Isac said in a plain tone.

"Yes, we will be soon, too bad your brother isn't here, alright then, I just hope he won't be busy on his wedding day," My father chuckles, as Isac hypocrite self laugh as well.

"Funny Chief," Isac said dryly and with that, the two males left, with no regard for me.

Staring at the dancing villagers wishing I can join.

I felt something run down my spine, as I heard a twig snap behind me. Turning around, I saw nothing but darkness between the trees. Rubbing my bare arms, I turned only to jump fright, to see Kyoko eyeing me.

"Are you a ghost? What in the world?" I rubbed my chest as she just ignores my complaints.

"What did Isac wanted? Why was he even talking to you?" she seems a little surprised and annoyed at the same time. I blinked blankly at her.

"Why, are you worried he was flirting with me,?" I teased causing her to laugh a bit.

"Funny, now tell me what he wanted with the likes of you." I rolled my eyes at her.

"He was telling me about the death at the other villages, that's all," I have told the truth. She grasps my arm causing me to wince since she knew I hurt she pressed pressured.

What with the arm grabbing?

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am, what else would he be talking to me?" I assure her as she lets go of me. Rubbing my now aching arm, she turns towards the villagers, as her eyes scan to look for Isac.

"What in the world do you see in that man?" I asked not understanding this at all. Kyoko turns back at me.

"Nothing that concerns you witch just keep an eye out for any girls that talk to him."

"Oi, he has a wife did you forget? He loves her and he's loyal, and it's not my business what he does or whom he flirts with, he's a grown man to draw a line." I spat at her. My sister turns and once again grabs my hair and gets very close to me with anger.

"Just keep an eye do I make myself clear?" she hissed through her teeth. I nodded feeling tears prickle my eyes and with that, she returns towards the gathering and goes straight towards Isac and our father, as they talk near the fire.

Shaking my head, then as I was about to step forward, I took notice that my father turns his gaze at me, something in his eyes, caused me to stop in my tracks since it gave me chills.

"What's wrong now?" I mumbled to myself, and a sudden fear washes over me. Isac turns to face me, as Kyoko did the same.

"Stop the music," I heard my father scream, in command, they did and everyone in the village's laughter and playfulness stops as well.

"Are you sure?" he asks Isac. Isac nods his head, giving a terrified look as Kyoko nods in agreement.

"I saw it myself. That is why I was missing earlier, Father. I needed proof, look." She moves her hand down to her lower dress, and undue something, and lifts her hand. My father glances down at her hands and picked up the item.

What are they planning? This isn't good.

"It belongs to Alice." She whispers as they move closer to me. For a reason, I couldn't move at all, something was not right.

"What… What's going on?" My voice cracked, for a brief second I saw Isac smirk at me, a devilish smirk, as to say, (I got you now,) My father turns his face towards me.

"You know what's going on, why do you ask?" he dryly asks, while the villagers surround us to see what's going on. I blinked, while Kyoko's eyes seem off.

"Yes, what happened?" I asked not understanding anything. My father brought his hand up and showed the item in his hand. A torn, bloody cloth, that seems to come out of a dress.

"Is this part of your dress?" he asks. I blinked.

"It could belong to anyone Father."

"Then show me your dresses!" he demands of me. I nodded, not understanding anything. So I walked towards my hut, on my right side. Upon entering, I gather my dresses, at least both of them and walked out, and showed him. He took them out of my grasp very harshly. He went through them very rapidly matching it with my dress, then he stops when he went towards my second dress and match the cloth at the half ripped one which fit perfectly causing fear to shoot up.

What? How? Did Kyoko do this?

"Papa, I don't even know how.." I closed my mouth when he threw the dresses on the ground in anger.

"So it's true. You are the one that has been bringing the Dog Devil to our island. You are a witch." He accuses, his words seem like an ice bucket of water, poured down at me.

"Please explain, I'm so lost, how can you accuse of such a thing?" I begged him to move back, my father stares at me with hurt, disbelieve and the worse, disappointment as Isac took a step forward.

"Simple, Kyoko told me that you have dreams and those dreams come true. She even explains to me about the Devil Dog. That you saw it, so in conclusion you have summoned it, and there's proof." Isac explains, grabbing the cloth and came to my face showing me the blasted thing.

"I promise, I have nothing to do with it, I don't even know where that came from. How it got there. Papa, don't you trust me?" I begged to turn to face him. His eyes are colder than anything, as Kyoko fake a cry.

"I didn't want it to be true, but my eldest sister is a murderer." She gasped out a cry while wiping her eyes with a hankey that Isac gave her.

"What do we do with her?" One of the villagers asks. My father fists his hands so tightly, that I can see how white they became.

"We have no other choice, kill her." His words seem to go very slow for me to progress. My heart stops as my world started to crash down.

"No, Father, please, I am not the cause of the deaths, I'm no witch."

"GET HER NOW, BEFORE SHE SUMMONS IT AGAIN! IT'S AGAINST GOD WILL, TO HAVE AN UNHOLY CHILD!" my father orders in a stern firm voice, so I turned and began to run towards the forest.

"We mustn't let her get away." Someone in the background screamed. So I ran, picking up my bottom dress, so I won't trip.

"Why? Why is everything always against me? But what hurt the most," I felt tears running down my cheeks, as I entered the dark forest hearing my people right behind me.

"My sister betrayed me."

Naru POV

I feel it beneath my skin every inch of me no escape, no way out, it's my destiny. Wanting a new host, a new body ready to grab whoever wants it first, even though I already have a candidate for that.

I watch on the sideline, watching her wash clothes near the stream, near my home that particular day.

"Ten decades of waiting," I growled watching her stop lifting her gaze and turns to look my way, but I hid and move my hands using my nails to scrap the tree trunk, trying to control my darker side of me.

She's the one, no doubt on that.

I can see a terrible burn on her face, but the brightest brownish eyes I have ever seen and dark long hair, a petite woman she is.

She's deformed, interesting.

Her small body trembles and I could hear her voice.

"Please, God, don't let it be a wolf." she prays, but her voice sounds sweet, almost like honey. I smirked, lowering my head as my bangs cover my eyes.

"Well, I ain't prince charming aren't I?" I mocked turning to look at her, but my eyes narrator to see a chubby older human man appear next to her and I didn't like him, he gave me bad attentions making me growl.

Why is he near her?

As they talk, I can smell a sadness radiate from her causing me to feel more irritated than normal.

Fisting my hands the male left, as she turns back towards the stream.

So I turned back, cracking my knuckles.

"So her name is Alice... Alice," I tasted the name on my lips, and a deep dark desire stir in my soul itself.

"Then Alice... Let see, why my beast has chosen you." I kept staring at her watching her turn around, and her brown eyes connect with mine and my heart leaps strangely.

Mate! My inner beast told me once again causing me to shake my head.

"After all these years of waiting, you want her? What does she have that makes her different from the others besides her burnt scar?" I question it, as I rub my chest trying to control my heart.

With that I began to sprint out, heading for her village.

...

...

I kept an eye on Alice all afternoon till the night, just studying her, she's quite an interesting character, clumsy and shy and I can tell she's warmhearted as she helped some of the village people even though they didn't say thank you or just shrugged her off. She didn't complain once but smile at them and went her way. I watch as everyone in the village has a good time while she sat apart just watching them.

Alice reeked of sadness causing me to wrinkle my nose. After the announcement of her sister's engagement, with one of the twins, which is Alack the horseman.

"Humans are such emotional bastards." I thought out loud when I saw the village kids throwing a rock at Alice calling her a witch, she just patiently lowers her head and doesn't say a word, but I can smell her sadness causing my heart to pain.

I fist my hand trying to control myself so I won't kill those little bastards. She just takes it, how can't no one see how sweet this woman is? I'm the real beast, not her.

Then a male appears next to her and it was that bastard once again that spoke to her earlier near her home, what was his name she mentioned? Isac or something like that.

Can't he just leave her alone? This man already has a mate, he reeks of her. Unlike Alice, she hasn't been claimed, she smells sweet, like the mellow flowers back home.

"This can work out!" I smirked devilishly as they spoke. I move closer, being careful to not be caught, I wave my hand, and froze all the humans on the spot including Alice and that bastard.

Took me years to learn that little trick.

I walked in front of Alice and the male. My eyes search his face as I place my hand on his shoulder.

"Such a bastard you are, but tell her about the death of the village, the Demon Dog that killed four people, and pin the blame on her to her father when you have time to speak to him. " I ordered him.

I turned to face the girl. I trace her burn marks with my eyes, I lay my human hand on her cheek.

"I'll save you, my witch," I whispered moving closer and sniff her out, letting her aroma fill my senses, almost making me feel high. I move to look at her and study her personal and, to be honest, she's a very beautiful looking woman.

"I don't get why you get shun? You're not that bad looking and a good woman." I frowned as my heart began to beat wildly just for her and my inner beast stir in me and I couldn't resist as my eyes lands on her lips.

I slowly bend down as my eyes half-closed as though I'm being called towards them, I leaned down and press my lips on hers, kissing her gently.

I snap my eyes open at the impact, causing my every sense to awake in such a way I never felt before making my inner beast and my human growl in passion and my eyes glow that I had to separate away from her breathing hard shocked at how much the kiss affected me.

Is a kiss suppose to feel that way? It just awoke in me something I never felt before.

I licked my lips, feeling her soft warm lips tingling on my lips.

Why in the world? Even my human side is stirred up. Clearing my head and pushing back my desire to claim her and cleared my throat.

"Alice, you will run towards the forest and hide and don't be afraid, I'll save you.." I smirked gently brushing her hair, then I turned towards the bastard.

"You are willing to sell your soul, just like your brother, I have been observing you for a very long time. You're lucky I just remembered your name due to Alice if not I wouldn't even bother. Fine. You'll be the next host. Just give me your soul and you'll get what you want." I told him. I turned towards Alice and gave her a grim look.

"Then I need her to seal something for me. My witch." I kiss her cheek, not resisting, and move away from her and went my hiding place, and wave my hand, to unfreeze everyone.

I watch as Alice touched her lips and I blinked a bit surprised she did that as I took notice her cheeks turns to a lovely red.

Did she felt it? Impossible no one can take notice when I freeze them. Shaking my head I watch as my plan works into play.

Isac sits down on the log and started to talk to her about the village attack.

I can smell pettiness and sadness from hearing this information and that made me feel strange. Yet, what pissed me off was the fact that woman, Kyoko pulled Alice's hair after she was teasing her and being honest.

Let go before I chop your arm off. I growled while I watch her threaten her then she lets go and goes back to her father.

Alice rubs her hair looking at her sister with sadness making me feel sad for her.

No one treats her nicely, why?

After a few minutes, my plan worked wonders minus, the woman Kyoko, with evidence.

"Well, that wasn't part of the plan, but hey it worked out, why does she hate her? I can smell it a mile away." I thought out loud, freezing them again as soon they headed for Alice's hut. I walk up towards the big man and glance down at his hand. I sniff the cloth.

"So it does belong to Alice, but the blood isn't hers, but.." I glance at Kyoko, watching her beauty beaming out of her, unlike her sister, which was stiff and ugly.

"Now, this is very interesting, framing your sister using your blood. The question is why, so interesting, as well you reek of Alack. I wonder." I smirked, turning towards Alice.

"My little Alice, you better run fast, I have plans for you to get us out of here. Before I jump into a new host." I smiled, not sure why I felt this way around her, but this is fun, the best fun I had in centuries.

"I'll see you later." And with that, I jumped on top of the roof and wave my hand again to unfreeze them.

I heard the father call her a witch after he found evidence. Then after he announced to kill her, I watch her zoom towards the forest.

Well isn't that a bit overkill?

I jumped from rooftop to rooftop, heading in her direction. All I knew, that my plan worked perfectly and now, the real fun begins.

"Alice, my Alice, come and tame me." And with that said all I can do is go after my prey.

Okay so Alice is Mai

And the Beast is Naru….

Thanks for the reviews.