Arya held Tomoya's hand as they walked through the park, "It's so nice out."
"Yeah. But the nicest part is you."
She blushed slightly. "I love you."
"Love you more." He stopped and kissed her.
She smiled widely after they pulled apart. "So, where do you want to do lunch?"
"Surprise me." He reached for her hand, then froze as a music box melody floated through the air.
"You okay?" She looked at him worriedly.
He stared at the ground, his eyes wide as the music came closer. One trembling hand rose to his head.
"So she was telling the truth." A sharp dressed vampire smiled triumphantly. "Play this and the big bad Tomoya Tomita falls apart."
Arya growled, "Leave him alone."
"Why? He's caused my employers a lot of problems over the years." His smile widened as he removed a small audio recorder. "I think this is too soft for such a wide area, don't you?" He upped the volume, causing Tomoya to shriek and fall to his knees.
Arya stared at the man for a moment before a rush of wind started toward him. She held her hand out, preparing to attack him.
"Do it and I blast it on a loop."
She growled again before glancing down at Tomoya.
He knelt, his body trembling. His eyes were locked on the ground, his breath racing.
Arya decided to attack the man anyway, a bolt of lightning shooting from her hand.
"Wow, I thought you loved him." The vampire dodged the bolt, his hand rapidly touching the recorder.
The melody suddenly became ear splittingly loud, repeating over and over again.
Tomoya began to shriek Okaa-san repeatedly, covering his ears as he fell onto his side.
"What do you want?" Arya finally asked the man.
"You."
She prepared to attack again, this time focusing on the ground and making vines grow and slither toward him.
He looked annoyed, touching the recorder again.
The sound of slavering rabid wolves joined the melody.
Arya decided to try to pick up Tomoya, running as fast as she could with him.
Several more vampires encircled them, each with a recorder playing the horrific noise.
Tomoya stiffened, his eyes going completely blank.
Arya gently laid him down before preparing to attack the vampires.
There was the sound of a rifle firing, then the sting of something burying itself in her shoulder.
"You had to make it difficult." The suited vampire shrugged. "Your loss." He bent and tucked his recorder in Tomoya's limp hand, then raised it to the hunter's ear.
The arm stayed in place, Tomoya reflexively closing his hand around the recorder.
Arya growled, reaching down to grab the recorder but arms soon grabbed onto her instead. She struggled against them, kicking and fighting. She soon felt herself growing weak, realizing she was drugged.
"Take her." The suited vampire walked away.
Arya glanced at Tomoya one last time before she went limp in their arms.
When she woke, she found herself chained up to a wall. She struggled against the chains, trying to get free.
"You're awake. Good." The vampire from the park gave her a bright smile.
She continued to struggle, staring at him defiantly.
He kept the smile. "I certainly hope you keep that spark. I'll enjoy beating it out of you."
She frowned, keeping her eyes on the man and wondered what he had planned.
"You like using electricity, don't you. Bet you don't like it used on you." He pulled a defibrillator onto a table. "I've heard this hurts horribly. Let's test that, shall we?" He flipped it on and smiled wider.
She tried to back up but had no place to go.
"Clear." He lifted the paddles to her chest and pushed the buttons.
She screamed as pain ripped through her. She then struggled to breathe.
He released the buttons, slowly backing away. "So? Is it true?"
She couldn't breathe enough to actually answer him.
"I'll let you catch your breath." He upped the voltage idly, then looked apologetic. "I forgot the cream.. I'm so sorry. Good thing I remembered." He put the paddles down, then smeared a clear cream on both. "There we go. Now take a deep breath!"
He touched her chest and pressed the buttons.
She let out a weak noise, her breathing rapid when he released her. She struggled to focus her eyes on him.
"I think that's a good start." He flipped the machine off and tossed the paddles on the table. He headed for the room's door, then paused. "By the way, just in case you're hoping for rescue. Your hunter buddies? They're all dead. Aside from the basket case. And we have your other friends next door. Wonder how that blond sounds when he screams? Think I'll go find out. Bye." He opened the door, then closed it behind him.
She hung limply by the chains, losing track of the time. She slightly struggled against the chains, but didn't try for long. She had no idea if he was telling the truth or not, but she prayed everyone was alright.
The door opened and she heard screaming outside before the vampire entered and shut it securely. "Feeling better?"
She growled at him, not actually answering his question.
"I want to tell you a story. About a big black wolf and how he died. You see, he was strong and fought well, but he just couldn't withstand my silver knife piercing his heart. Have you ever felt it? The splash of warm blood on the hand, the desperate attempt to keep beating? The pop it makes and the light dying in the eyes.."
He looked at her, one hand reaching in his suit pocket. "What was his name?" He pulled a set of dog tags out and squinted at them. "That's right. Kaien Yuki Tomita." He tossed the tags at her feet. "There were more, but there wasn't enough left after the bomb to take as souvenirs."
She let out a sob, staring down at the dog tags numbly.
He let out a laugh as he watched. "Don't tell me you cared about that dog?"
Tears streaked her cheeks but she stayed silent.
"Imagine a Fae caring..aren't shifters Ota allies and your enemies? You are intriguing." He finally revealed his other hand, a whip coiled in his fist. "Will you still care after? Let's see.."
"They aren't all enemies," she answered quietly, trying not to show the hurt in her voice.
He raised an eyebrow, then swung the whip.
She let out a cry as it made contact.
After an hour, the vampire lowered his arm and approached. He smirked at her, running a finger through the red-gold blood. He licked it clean, his eyes flashing. Then he bit her neck.
She was too exhausted to respond, all she could do was wonder if this was going to be her death.
He took a deep drink, then retreated. "Have fun. Maybe I'll see you later. Then again I might get involved in hearing your brother scream." He disappeared from her sight.
Soon, she started feeling strange. She began to struggle to breathe while feeling like she was filled with fire. She only stayed conscious a few more minutes before passing out.
When she woke, her eyes were unfocused and she shivered. Breathing was still difficult, and she focused on trying to take deep breaths.
There was an explosion outside the door, then it was thrown open.
Nori and Shouma appeared in front of her, her brother's eyes filling with tears as he saw her.
Nori ripped the chains from her hands and checked her eyes. "She's been bit."
Shouma hissed, then his wrist was at her mouth. "Drink, Arya. Hurry."
She struggled to do as he instructed, her body beginning to convulse.
"Hold her still!" Shouma forced her mouth open, pouring the blood in. "Swallow."
She finally did, her body slowing its movements.
"Get her home. I'm going to help the others." Shouma disappeared as Nori held her close and unfurled his wings.
The vampire burst through the roof, arms wrapped around her as his wings beat the air and headed for the house.
She was unconscious by the time they got there.
Nori hurried to the medical room, injecting her with a blue liquid before sitting beside her bed and waiting.
She slowly blinked her eyes open a while later, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"Arya?" Nori's voice was hesitant, worry coloring her name.
She didn't respond, just continued to stare.
Nori blocked the ceiling as he stood over her, his dark eyes terrified. "Arya, please say something. Even if it's a rebuke."
"She will not respond. She has retreated to her own mind as she did the first time." Ichigo entered, moving to her side and running a hand through her hair sadly. "We must wait to see if she returns to us."
Nori slumped into his seat, his tears finally falling. After a few minutes, he got up and left.
Ichigo claimed his seat, clasping one of Arya's hands as he kept brushing his other through her hair.
Arya continued to stare forward for a while, until her eyes slipped closed again.
There were soft voices near her.
"It's been four days."
"Take it easy, Shouma. According to Ichigo, it was two months before. We just have to wait."
Unfamiliar cursing, then the door opened and closed.
"Come on, Arya. You're stronger than this. Shouma needs you right now. You're not going to leave him too, are you?" The voice sighed despairingly.
Her eyes fluttered open.
"Hey there." Hitoshi's face came into view. "Are you with me?"
Her eyes met his, but she stayed silent.
"I guess this is a good start." He gave her a fleeting smile as he rubbed her hand. "Don't force it."
Her eyes scanned the room quietly.
Aside from the two of them, it was empty.
Hitoshi sat down quietly, blinking his eyes sleepily. He had dark circles under his eyes, and one hand was rubbing a bandage on his temple idly.
She held a hand out, pink light pouring into him.
He gave her a more believable smile, then shook his head. "You should save your strength. But thanks."
She continued until he was healed, then let her hand drop.
The door opened, Ichigo entering. His eyes brightened as they met hers. "Ary."
She gave him a slight smile in response.
He moved to the bed, his hand brushing her cheek as his eyes glittered with tears. "You don't know how happy I am to see those brown eyes."
Her head leaned into the touch before she held her arms out for a hug.
He bent, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her forehead. "I'm sorry this happened again. I should have protected you better."
She shook her head and whispered, "Not fault."
He chuckled tearily. "That's what you said the first time."
She hugged him tightly for another minute before letting go.
He kissed her again, then stepped back.
"What's... going on?" she got out quietly.
"Recovery. Strengthening security." Hitoshi answered just as quietly. "Making arrangements."
"Who all died?" she whispered.
"Don't ask that. Just..concentrate on recovering." Hitoshi stood and left, his head hanging.
She sent a pleading look to her brother.
"If I tell you, what will you do?"
She shrugged slightly.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Finally he spoke. "Ryusei and Kaien are being taken to the Fae court for burial. We are making arrangements for Kimito and Nori. Hitoshi is trying to decide what he wants to do for Daigo."
"Can.. see them?"
He hesitated, regarding her for a moment. "Let me put the transfer on hold." He left quickly, returning several minutes later. "Are you sure?"
She nodded.
He helped her stand, then led her to the large drawing room. Five coffins lay together, the lids closed. One was decorated with an elaborate seal in sea green.
Arya slowly opened them one by one. She glanced at them numbly. She stood by Ryusei and stared at him for a minute before her eyes began to glow pink. Pink light shot out from her and covered the entire room for a few moments before the five men began glowing. She stood there silently, her eyes starting to go unfocused as the light continued.
Ichigo gasped as the five inhaled sharply, then settled into unconsciousness. He grabbed her as she swayed.
The pink light disappeared and she fell into her brother's arms.
"You need to rest. That's an order." He told her sternly.
She nodded and struggled to stand upright.
He lifted her into his arms and carried her back to the medical room, laying her back on the bed. "Stay put. I have business with the Otas, but I shall return."
"Love you," she said softly.
"I love you too, Ary. Sleep now." He gently kissed her forehead, then strode out of the room.
She was soon fast asleep.
After a few hours, nightmares plagued her mind. Visions of her first torture with the Otas as well as those of her parents dying filled her mind. Tears ran down her face as she cried in her sleep.
A warm light enveloped her.
"No more of that." Ryusei's soft voice spoke in her ear. "Rest means rest."
She soon settled into a deep sleep, her nightmares forgotten.
When she woke, her eyes opened slowly. They were unfocused for a few minutes before she looked around the room.
Ryusei sat asleep by her bed, his head on his chest. Nori lay restrained on one of the beds. The rest of the room was empty.
She glanced over to see if Nori was awake.
His eyes were squeezed shut, tears streaking his cheeks. He was trembling, but trying to remain silent.
She got up and went to him, gently taking his hand, "Nori?"
"I failed you again. Why did you bring me back?"
"Family," she answered quietly.
"Because of me, Tomoya is lost. You should cut ties and retire me. I have brought too much pain."
"No. Not fault."
"I was supposed to be protecting you at the park. I failed and you were both taken. How are you not angry?" He opened his eyes, his gaze lost and desolate.
"Not. Your. Fault." She emphasized.
"You were almost killed, idiot. You weren't slacking off, you did your job as well as expected under the circumstances." Ryusei raised his head and glared at Nori. "The only reason she should kick your ass is for what you pulled afterwards."
She nodded but stayed quiet.
"I humbly apologize." Nori answered quietly.
Arya hugged him quietly for a minute before pulling away.
"How do you feel?" Ryusei rose and touched her arm.
"Physically, okay." She replied.
He nodded, then said softly "You really love us, don't you? Not out of the fact we are blood, but for ourselves."
She nodded in response.
"If you had been raised at Court, you would not have done this. You would have presided over a hero's funeral and that would have been the end." He turned slightly, and she heard muffled crying.
She hugged him tightly.
"Forgive me. I am overly emotional at the moment."
"It's okay." She was quiet for a few minutes as she held him. Finally she asked, "So.. what happened to Toya?"
"He was gone when we managed to get to the park. He was not at the place you were though. Ichigo has asked for a meeting with the Otas to see if they hold him."
She nodded slowly.
The door opened behind them.
She turned to look at who entered.
Ichigo walked slowly in, his eyes on the floor. His posture was one of defeat.
"Aniki?"
He raised his head slowly. "Ary. You look much better."
"Where is Toya?"
"With Daigo in the magic building."
She started toward the door.
"Ary, I'm sorry. Do not get your hopes up."
She nodded and left the room before running toward the magic building. She entered slowly, looking around quietly.
Daigo sat hunched at a table. He didn't seem to realize she was there.
She went to his side and gently put a hand on his arm.
"For the first time, I have no tricks." His voice was laced with grief.
"Where is he?" She glanced around.
"The room next door." The wizard answered softly.
She went and entered, looking around until she spotted him.
He sat rocking against the wall, his eyes staring into the distance.
She moved closer slowly, sitting beside him and gently wrapping her arms around him. She stayed quiet the whole time, just holding him close.
He gave no reaction, not pausing his movement. A humming noise came softly from his mouth, and she recognized the melody as the one from the park.
She rocked with him as she continued to hold him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I love you, Toya."
"Okaa-san..you came back." He smiled brightly.
She sighed but answered, "Of course."
"I'm glad. The monsters scared me..and you didn't answer." His rocking slowed, then ceased.
"I know the monsters scared you. And I'm sorry I didn't answer. But I won't be with you forever, you have to learn to fight the monsters yourself." Arya answered quietly.
"I will. I swear I'll make you and Otasan proud. I'll protect everyone."
"I know you will. You have to go back to them now. Go back to your brothers and Arya."
"Arya…" Her name was hushed, his eyes flickering.
"She misses you."
"Where is she?" He turned to look at her before grabbing his head. "She's crying..scared..someone threatening her..I have to save her!"
"She's safe now, you just have to focus on getting back to her."
"I..don't know how." He looked lost, his eyes searching.
"She's right beside you, you just have to focus enough to see her."
He blinked, his eyes struggling to focus, then stilled.
He reached a shaky hand to her cheek. "Prin..cess.."
She smiled softly, "Hi, Toya."
"Where?" He grimaced at the pounding in his head. "What happened?"
"We're in the magic building. The Ota attacked us."
He nodded slowly, resting his head on her shoulder. "Tired."
"Just rest. Do you want to rest here or go to a bed?"
"Don't care, as long as you're there."
Arya stood slowly then gently lifted him. "Just relax, I'll take you back to our room." She began carrying him out, passing Daigo.
He gazed at her in amazement.
She gave him a small smile before leaving. She carried Tomoya into the house and laid him in their bed before climbing in beside him. "Just rest, love."
He gave her a smile, one hand clasping hers as his eyes closed.