Summery:

When Yomi disapproves of his son's friendship with Rinku, he tries to make Shura grow up faster, but something goes wrong. Now a deranged Shura is on the rampage and Rinku just might be the only one to stop him.

A/N: terminology is located at end of chapter; please note that this takes place about 5 years after the first Makai Tournament.

Disclaimer: I own nothing say for the pathetic time and lack of sleep put into this… and the sadistic mind of putting the following characters through all this [hee-hee-hee!]

Warnings:language, mental insanity, disturbing news and human consumption

"Noo..!" Rinku awoke with a start. A cold sweat had plastered itself against his heated skin and his eyes were wide with fright as he clutched at the fabric of his shirt in an attempt to calm his palpitating heart. Blinking around at his surroundings, he found himself perched upon the the window cot wearing nothing but his orange tee and light blue boxers, safe and sound in his room. Gradually his heart began to slow down as he recalled heading up to his room, the disassembled yo-yos that littered his bed and work table serving as a reminder that he had planned on cleaning the components of their monthly grime and ware that had built up.

Must have dozed off again, he sighed in relief. Judging by the throw blanket that had been placed over him, one of his housemates must have come up to check on him and decided to leave him be for the time being. Not that he blamed them. He knew that it was near impossible to get him to bed, even with a bedtime at ten-thirty, and according to the glowing numbers on the wall it was just a little past ten.

Rubbing a hand against his face, he leaned back against the wall as he pulled the yellow blanket up to his neck. A sense of mild peace washed over him as he relished in the rays that shone through the window from the full moon above. Resting his forehead against the window glass, he tried to let its chilled surface and the soothing rays distract him from the abnormal autumn heat that filled the attic room.

Try as he might, though, an uneasiness nagged at him like a mosquito. Rinku knew it was his dream, but the very idea of analyzing it made him queasy. At least, the latter half of the dream made him queasy. He had seen many horrifying things in his two hundred plus years of life, but never and he felt such fear. He thanked his stars that it was just a dream and not a memory like the first half.

Holding his hand out, he gazed in bewitchment at the scar that ran along his calloused palm. The silver moonlight seemed to make it shimmer in the darkness and he could not help but run a finger against it.

"Shura..."

Looking back with closed eyes, he realized that he remembered that day just as clear as if it were yesterday, and not a whole year. He remembered how the two of them had spent the morning training in the Dark Forest while Kurama visited with Master Genkai for a spell. They had gotten so sweaty and the day was so nice that they spent the rest of the afternoon playing in the river. Rinku remembered how they flopped to the grassy riverbank in exhaustion, allowing the sun's warmth to dry their skin. He remembered the sweet aroma of the Gyoda Hasu that grew along the bank, and the buzz of the fuzzy bees as they gathered pollen. He remembered the gentle breeze that brushed his brown locks against his face, causing strands of overgrown hair to tickle at his nose.

He also remembered the fear and uncertainty in Shura's voice, something that he never imagined witnessing from his best friend. It was in that single moment that the Gandara heir bared his soul to him. A pang of sorrow had gown through him and Rinku remembered wanting nothing more then to make sure that their friendship would never end.

That was why he had suggested that they become brothers. He had performed the basic ceremony and neither of them had told a soul of the transaction. It was their little secret, something that they could call their own, and no matter what might come their way, their bond would remain interwoven for all times.

Now, however, Rinku had a feeling that their bond was about to be put to the test for some reason. It was silly, he knew, to be so disturbed over a simple bad dream, but this was somehow different. Perhaps it was because of their bond. He recalled his mother saying that the bond would be stronger then that of actual brothers. That the bonded would become closer then any could fathom. He was beginning to wonder if this is what she meant.

Rinku was jarred from his thoughts as a familiar demonic aura made itself known. Craning his neck a little, he could just make out a figure with long, blood red hair stepping up to the front engawa.

Kurama? Confusion and worry bubbled up in him as he listened to the fox's footsteps echo along the walkway. Noiselessly, he slid off the window seat and over to the trapdoor that led to the folding attic ladder that Suzuka had bolted to the ground. Fortunately, whichever one of his housemates that came up to check on him had left the trapdoor open. Carefully, he crab crawled down the steps to the second level, where he crept along to the interior balcony. Kurama never visits unless he has news... and at this hour? Somethings up.

Glancing through the balcony railing, the child made sure to keep his aura low enough to fool the others into thinking he was still asleep while he watched as Touya went to open the door.

"Kurama," the ice master spoke mild surprise as he invited the fox in. "To what do we owe this unexpected honor?"

"I'm sorry to bother you so late-"

"Ain't nothin' ta be worryin' about," Jin spoke up from the kitchen in the next room. "Tis pretty early for the likes of us."

"Indeed," Touya confirmed. "We're usually up for about another hour or so-"

"So why don'tcha come on in and join us fer a drink or two?" Chuu's boisterous voice echoed from the kitchen and Rinku had to cover his mouth in hopes to stifle his giggles.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't- "

"Yes, do come in and have a drink," Shishi spoke up. "You don't have to worry about the drunk lummox here. Suzuka is in the kitchen making his famous Gorgon Margaritas, so it's perfectly safe."

"Aye, that he is! All of us are goin' be havin' a pint more or less. Even Touya!"

"Everyone except for Rinku, you mean." The brunette flinched when Kurama spoke his name with amusement and strained to hear more. "I saw him asleep in the attic window."

"Aye, the nipper fled to 'is room a good few hours ago. Said he was plannin' to work on some of those there gizmos of 'is." They're skill toys, you drunkard! Rinku fumed at hearing his guardian call his beloved weapons gizmos. "I'm a bit worried that Blondie here's rubbin' off on 'im."

"And just how is that a bad thing? I would think that you would be pleased! After all, better he become a man of intellect and beauty like me then a repulsive drunkard like you!"

"Anyways," Touya cut in before a fight could ensue. "Rinku was already asleep when I went to get him for supper. He had been feeling a little worn out with the school year starting back up again, so we decided to just let him be... but I have a feeling that you aren't here for his sleeping habits or a drink."

"No, I'm afraid not," Kurama confirmed, a sudden seriousness in this voice. "I'm sorry to say that we have a very serious situation on our hands."

"Should I be wakin' the laddie?"

"Actually, I believe that it would be best if Rinku were to be left out of this. At least for the time being." Kurama sounded wary at the mention of the child. Rinku could barely hear him as he mumbled to himself. "He's too involved as it is. I'm not sure how he'll handle the situation."

"What are you on about," Chuu demanded. The parental instincts to protect his ward had kicked in and had started to sober him up. "What do you mean Rinku's involved? What the bloody 'ell is goin' on?"

"It's Shura."

Kurama's voice was harsh as he spoke the young goat's name, and Rinku felt his heart stop as everything went cold. The other's seemed to understand a bit more on Rinku's involvement. It was no secret that the two adolescents were the best of friends, and both could get extremely unreasonable when it came to their friendship. In Rinku's eyes, Shura could do no wrong that was not excusable. Chuu, who was completely sober by this point, was the first to break the stunned silence that had descended upon the house.

"Huh? What about the runt?"

"Apparently Shura has been... acting out." Kurama explained slowly, considering his words carefully. He knew that he was treading in the proverbial dragon's den by bringing up the youngest of their unorthodox family. "Although he has always been a bit unruly, he's actions of late have proved to be quite disconcerting for Yomi. For the past year, Shura's has been questioning Yomi at any given oppertunity, blatantly whines when he doesn't get his way and at times will simply go against his father's wishes. Frankly, he's -"

"Being childish?" Suzuka asked. "Kurama, I realize that being stuck in that revolting human form may have addled your thinking, but isn't Shura just that? A child?"

"As much as I hate to admit it, Suzuka is correct," Touya added. "Despite having his father's genes, Shura is still a child. It's only natural for him to be rebellious and curious at times."

"Didn't Yomi ever act like a brat in his youth? Even once?"

"That's just the thing," Kurama growled and Rinku felt the hairs on his neck stand on end. "In his youth, Yomi was an obstinate, ungrateful hellion that wouldn't admit he was wrong if his actions left him half-dead. It wasn't until he got older that he became somewhat more level-headed... Which is why he felt the need to accelerate Shura's cloning progression."

"What do you mean he 'accelerate Shura's cloning progression'?" one of the housemates asked, but Rinku was too focused on Kurama to catch who it was.

"Yomi felt that Shura would be easier to handle if he were to mature past the adolescent phase... so he had his scientists work on a formula that would speed up his aging." Kurama must have been having trouble seeing straight, because Rinku heard a chair scrape against the floor. "It took them a good while to make, but they eventually did it. About five hours ago, Yomi injected Shura with the serum."

"Jus' like that?" Jin sounded torn between horrifyied awe and doubt. "The laddie didn' put up a struggle or nottin'?"

"Oh, he put up a fight, alright," Kurama chuckled grimly. "It almost took all that Yomi had just to get him into the incubation chamber, but even then he fought. It wasn't until Yomi threatened to kill Rinku that Shura somewhat gave in."

"He what?" The sound of glasses breaking and chairs toppling filled the house as Chuu yelled in pure rage. The others tried to shush him, but it was obvious that they agreed with him wholeheartedly on the situation. "Why that no-good, rottin' - I'll kill 'im! I'll rip 'is spine out 'fore I let 'im anywhere near my boy!"

"I agree with you wholeheartedly," Kurama attempted to sooth the usually drunk beast. "Yomi was out of line when he threatened Rinku, and it was a mistake on his part for more then one reason."

"What do you mean?"

"By threatening the one friend that Shura had, Yomi immediately severed any and all respect Shura had towards him. Should Shura ever be cured, he will no doubt resent his father for many years to come."

"Wha' ya be meanin' by 'cured'? You mean that the formula worked?"

"Not... exactly. That's were we have a situation. About half-way through the procedure, Shura had a reaction to the serum. He went berserk and broke free from the incubation chamber. They tried tracking him throughout the city, but it only resulted in Yomi's guards turning up dead."

"The runt killed them?" Chuu sounded shocked.

"According to the scientists, Shura's DNA was suppose to remain just inconstant enough so that they could make any needed alterations, but apparently his body must have fully stabilized without them realizing it. They formed the formula around the concept of unstable DNA structure, so Shura's body rejected it... At least it tried.

It seems the serum had an unique reverse effect. Instead of aging Shura's body and maturity, it regressed him back to the basic animalistic mentality that makes up a demon's instinct."

"You don't mean..."

"I'm afraid so. In an attempt to mold Shura into the perfect heir, Yomi has inadvertently turned his own son into a blood-thirsty monster."

"So I take it that Shura managed to make it past Gandara's borders?" Touya asked after a moment. His voice was no longer that of an apparition, but that of a shinobi. "That's why came here, am I correct? To help track him down before he does anymore damage?"

"I'm afraid that the damage is already done."

"Whadda mean?"

"Shura has already taken thirteen lives. Four of the five scientists that were still in the lab when he broke out and seven of the palace guards during his escape out of the city."

"What of the last two?"

Kurama was quiet, as though musing over how to answer the question.

"Under normal circumstances, the Spirit Defense Force would be called in and sent to apprehend him. However, Lord Enki and Koenma had convinced King Enma to allow them territorial jurisdiction, since all the offenses had occurred in the Makai. But as of an hour ago, it has just officially become a Reikai case. The last two victims... were human; a mother and her five year old son. He devoured them."

Rinku felt as though a sword had been shoved through his heart. He could not think, he could not move or speak, he could barely even breathe. All he could do was slouch back against the wall in shock as terror and sadness overwhelmed him. Before Lord Enkai had taken control over the Makai, the punishment for an apparition to take a human life was simply imprisonment. Now, however, it was a violation of the Border Treaty and as such was punishable by death.

"Chyort voz'mi!" Touya cussed as the others tried to fully process the situation that had presented itself. "You were right, Kurama. Rinku should not become involved until this is sorted out. This will devastate him."

"Agreed, but keeping it from him may be harder then you think," Kurama informed them. "The humans were killed only a little over an hour's run from here."

"Sweet mother of Enma..."

Rinku's mind was immediately drawn back into his dream and he felt himself gag as it became clear. He knew he had seen that woman and child before, but it was not until then that he remembered where. She the Kakigori Lady that he had seen in a neighboring village a little over a hundred miles from their home. She was an ichiko, a human fortune teller, that would sell herbs, vegetables and kakigori at the local market during the warm months and read people's fortunes. She was a kind woman and a loving single mother that was always willing to help others, whether human or demon. She was always kind to Rinku, and would give him an extra shot of flavoring, free-of-charge.

Her son was a bright little human boy that was always around. It was as if his only joy was seeing his mother smile, and would do all he could to help her. He was smarter then the other children, and it was obvious that he would grow up to be the most promising student in his school. At least, until tonight.

Sensing the urge to weep like the child he was, he immediately bit his lip as he placed a hand over his mouth to prevent the others from hearing his choked sobs. Never before had he felt like such a helpless child. He wanted to help Shura, but he did not know what to do. Kurama's voice broke through his thoughts.

"According to my informants, the humans were slain about an hour ago, but judging by the remains, Shura took his time in eating them. The mother was killed first and eaten, probably while protecting her son, who fled to the house. There are signs of what looks like a struggle, but it was more then likely a frenzied attempt to find the boy. His corpse was found partially devoured in the storage loft. He had left them probably only a good hour ago, about ten minutes before our forces arrived.

That's why I'm here. Despite all that Shura's done, Lord Enki still believes that he's not at fault. He believes that Shura is just a child that was coerced by forces outside his control, and has a team of the Makai's most talented scientists working on an antidote that could nullify the effects, using what was savaged from Yomi's lab.

But none of this will even matter if the Spirit Defense Force finds him before we do. King Enma has made him a top priority, and they have been given orders to kill if deemed nessicary. Needless to say, they're more of a 'kill first, ask questions later' bunch.

The plan is simple. Find Shura first, and get him to Raizen's Territory where he will be granted sanctuary. Once there, the Reikai will have no choice but to leave him be for the time being. They won't risk an attack on the Demon King's own palace. Not with an army of A+ class demons and several S-class demons protecting the walls."

"It sounds like a good plan," Touya reasoned. "But getting him there won't be an easy task. How do you propose we get him there? Do you even know where he is?"

"Lord Enki has granted permission to incapacitate Shura, so long as there's no permanent damage." Rinku could hear the rustle of paper and guessed that Kurama had brought a map or something. "As for his whereabouts, Shura should be in the Dark Forest by now. We've narrowed his precise location to be in the eastern section right here. If that's true, and it most likely is, then he's most likely only a good twenty minutes from here."

"Do ye think he coul' be aheadin' ta the house?" Jin asked.

"No. Judging by his current pattern, he's going to avoid civilization for a while. He only attacked the humans because he was hungry, so he'll probably head deep into the forest to avoid a confrontation -"

Rinku did not bother to hear what more Kurama had to say. He did not need to.

Figli di Puttana! I'm 'too involved'? Minchiata!, he seethed, determination filling his very being. With the stealth of a shinobi, the child made his way back up the stairs and into the solace of his room. There's no way in all three worlds I'm gonna just sit back while Shura's life is at stake! No way am I gonna let some self-righteous, good-for-nothin' Reikai lapdogs put him done like a rabid animal! I'll help him even if it kills me! I have to! I have to do something!

The brunette began to search for his shoes and jeans when he felt a familiar aura making it's way toward his room. Without a second thought, he leaped back to his bed at the window and pulled the blanket back up. Closing his eyes, he rested his head against the window glass as he was before. Remembering what Roto had taught him in the art of deception, he took a deep breath of air and slowly exhaled, slowing his breathing pace to that of one who is asleep.

A Zingaro never lets his guard down, Rinku mentally chanted, his family's mantra ringing clear. A Zingaro is never truly blind. A Zingaro is always seeing. A Zingaro is always seeing... always seeing...

A familiar drowsiness began to slowly overwhelm him as he felt his senses clearing up.

His nostrils were assaulted with odors that were otherwise ignored. The musty stench of unwashed laundry that was piled up in the far corner of his bathroom and the earthy scent of wood shavings from the unfinished projects that littered his work shelf. The chemical fumes from various paint canisters, tins and tubes filled with wax and lubricants, and the varnish that had yet to dry. Despite these putrid smells, he could still make out the sweet fragrance of the flowers and herbs that Miss Maya had helped him plant in the window garden next to his bed, in hopes to soothe his adolescent, hormonal soul. The strong, pleasant scent of the bluebells to help with his nightmares. The bitterness of the foxgloves and heather, both planted to keep evil at bay. And of course, the pansies to help him with his love problems. Tilting his head a mere fraction, he could faintly make out the ivy that climbed along the side of the house, intertwined with fuchsia.

Every little sound was amplified tenfold, from the glass candle holders swaying against the interior air currents on pewter chains to the soft rising of the blanket against his chest. He could hear the katydids and crickets chirping as they crawled through the the garden, their melodies forming an orchestra in the night as they melded with the gentle breeze. Downstairs, he could make out the sound of tinkling glasses and wooden chairs being dragged across the floor. The rough sounds added a percussion to the ensemble, and Rinku smiled at the composition.

The music was interrupted, however, as the wooden steps groaned out from strain as the weighted footsteps treaded on up. Remembering the task at hand, he continued focus.

The noise became louder as they reached the room and made their way towards his position. In the autumn heat, Rinku could feel a cool silhouette cloaking him as the visitor stood above him. The all too familiar scent of alcohol and cheap aftershave bombarded his senses and the brunette could not help but squirm in discomfort. An extremely large, calloused hand rested atop of his head for a brief moment before lifting him up and placing him horizontally on the bed mattress. He felt his head rest against the large palm before being slowly eased onto his soft pillow, followed the mattress dipping under the behemoth's weight.

"Hey, now," Chuu's usually boisterously rough voice whispered calmly. Combing his thick fingers in the chocolate locks of hair, he stroked the child's head in an attempt to ease him back into a deep sleep. "Just head on back to dreamland and get some shut eye. Some of us are gonna head out fer a bit, but Blondie'll be downstairs if ya be needin' anything, alright? I need you to stay here at the house for me, 'kay? Just stay in the sack, and everything'll be apples."

Rinku felt guilt gnawing at the pit of his stomach as he felt his giant guardian brush the hair out of his face. The purple haired demon leaned down and planted a loving kiss on his small forehead, the coarse whiskers grazing his skin in a ticklish manner.

"Love ya, mate."

"Mmm..." Rinku feigned a sleep-induced mumble. "Luh-uhve yah... mmm... too-who..."

"That's my nipper," Chuu beamed as he adjusted the blanket to shield the youth from the potential chill of the night. Rinku could feel the giant's gaze upon him as the two sat in a moment of silence before feeling the mattress let up. The sound of dragon hide boots reverberated throughout the room like a drum before coming to a stop. The strike of a match and the tinkle of glass was heard as the brunette was soon able to make out a small light through his eyelids. Upon smelling the lavender and sandlewood scented fumes, he realized that his guardian had taken the liberty to light his hanging candles. With a voice even gentler then before, Chuu began to recite an all too familiar prayer for every candle lit. "Dear night-lights, protect my sleeping babe. Burn clear and steadfast tonight. Guard him from forces that mean him harm, and keep his dreams free from suffering... Dear night-lights, protect my sleeping babe. Burn clear and steadfast tonight. Guard him from forces that mean him harm, and keep his dreams free from suffering... Dear night-lights, protect my sleeping babe..."

Once the candles were all lit and the prayers all said, Chuu's withdrawing footsteps could be heard decending down the steps. Rinku's ears twitched in anticipation as he waited for the snap of the shoji door and the sound of footsteps on the engawa before letting out a sigh of relief.

"Sorry Chuu," he apologized to thin air as he flung the blanket off of him and onto the ground before leaping off of the mattress. He grabbed his jeans from the floor at the side of the bed and began to hop as he attempted to put them on while heading over to fetch his white sneakers from their hiding place under the work table. "I know you mean well, but right now Shura's the one that needs protection, not me."

After tying his laces, Rinku stood up and glanced at the contents that littered his desk's surface.

Aw, man, he groaned. Of all the nights Yomi could've made Shura go psycho, he just had to pick the one when all my yo-yo's are stripped down. Oh well, no use wasting time bitching about it.

Crouching down to open the bottom drawer, he pulled out a rectangular jewelry box. Made of rosewood, the arabesque style box was accented with a Cimaruta Pentagram interwoven in the center. Previously belonging to his mother, the original key had been lost ages ago during one of the Ningenkai's meaningless wars, but Rinku was able to able to open the golden lock with a spar piece of aura-filled yo-yo string until Zeru forged a new one out of a spare fork in their hotel room during the Dark Tournament. Upon opening the lid, he sorted through the small treasures he had collected over the past century and hidden in the box's large, black velvet clad interior. His mother's golden heart locket with the diamond chip that stored a picture of the two of them, a small lock of his Nonna's silver hair tied with pink ribbon and wrapped in a lace handkerchief, some high-class glass shooter marbles he had hustled from some snobbish human boys during the mid-19th century, some lira coins and a sapphire ring he pilfered right off a noblewoman's hand during a performance at the turn of the century. There was a silver corno amulet strung along a leather cord and the Cimaruta that he use to wear as an infant. He shifted through some bronze bells, a pewter thimble, random clay beads and even some corks and bottlecaps from Chuu's bottles.

Finding the knife Chuu had given him for his birthday, Rinku grabbed it only to discover an old photograph resting underneath. Despite the sepia tones, the colors were still fresh in his mind's eye.

Taken in front of a caravan wagon, the sepia image showed a small family gathered together in a welcoming huddle. An elderly man with a head of short, spiky white hair that stuck out from underneath a brown flat cap was seated atop of a large leather traveling trunk. A wide grin of pearly teeth could be seen from behind a bushy mustache and goatee while even bushier eyebrows just barely concealed his jade eyes that glinted with mischievousness behind gold-rimmed spectacles. He was dressed in light brown slacks and suspenders, with an off-white peasant shirt underneath a forest green vest. He wore plain leather shoes with black cord laces on his feet. Even underneath all of the bushy white head, facial and ear hair, a pair of pointed ears could be seen sticking out.

Across from him, in a rickety old rocking chair on his left, was an elderly human female. Her face, like the man's, was filled with wrinkles that did not match with the large, child-like smile and sapphire eyes. Silver hair was pulled back into a traditional bun and held in place with a red head scarf. She wore an off-white peasant blouse under a red gown, navy blue ribbons tying the puffed sleeves to her arms. A celadon and goldenrod striped apron was tied around her waist and leather slip ons donned her feet. Layers of silver and golden ropes strung with glass and clay beads adorned her neck while bangles dangled from her ankles and wrists. Golden hoops pierced her ears.

Stationed upon her lap was a young babe that could pass as a two year old by human standards. His brown hair was wild and untamed as he smiled at the camera, his arms too short in the handed down, mauve colored shirt and a pair of worn, brown slacks were hemmed just right so that he might one day grow into the large pants. Leather cords were tied against his wrists and waist to keep the garments from falling off of his small frame.

Behind the two of them was a young woman that looked to be around seventeen years of age who had rested a petite hand against her elder's shoulder while the other held onto the babe's small hand. Her curly brown hair went down to her waist and was pulled partially back with a crown braid that reached her mid-back, and was interwoven with various pastel ribbons. Her white peasant blouse was tied with pink cords that created a puff effect in the sleeves and a purple bodice for the bosom. A goldenrod shawl was tied around her waist, and stood out against the rose pink skirt. Her feet were bare, say for the silver bangles on her left ankle. Like the elder woman, she wore golden hoops in her ears and a several strings of beaded necklaces, although not as many. A heart shaped locket was also seen resting against her bosom. Like the child and the elder man, her eyes were a vibrant shade of jade.

Next to the young woman, a young man with spiky blonde hair and piercing cobalt eyes was also standing proud. He was a about the same age as the young woman, and, like his significant elder, wore brown slacks with suspenders over a peasant shirt. A navy blue vest was buttoned up with bronze buttons and a pair of dark brown boots with the slacks tucked in adorned his feet. A thick, golden hoop was pierced into his left earlobe, which, like his elder, was pointed.

Kneeling on one knee in between the two elders was another young man. Appearing to be no older then thirteen or fourteen, he was the most unhuman of the group. Aside from possessing the family ears, his skin was a healthy shade of wisteria and his spiky hair was a vibrant sheen of midnight blue. His deep cobalt pupils were surrounded by yellow optics, which gave him a slight sickly appearance. He grinned widely at the camera, showing off his pearly fangs but without a single trace of malice one would often associate with such sharp canines. Instead, he seemed to be possibly be the most childish of the bunch, next to the babe that was waving its small hand at the camera. Like the other men, he wore a pair of dark grey slacks tucked into a pair of black cossack boots while a dark teal green vest with bronze buttons was placed over his white shirt.

"Nonno... Nonna... Mamma... Uncle Zeru... Cousin Roto..." A tear splattered onto the photo as the child ran a finger over the once happy faces of his family; his blood kin. "I miss you all so much!"

He recalled how they use to be so happy, back before the wars and pestilence of the Ningenkai plagued them. Back before the persecution had begun, back when they were simply a family of traveling carnies, wandering wherever the fates might take them. They would spend so much time laughing and making the most of life. Entertaining the humans in exchange for a fee, and aiding them with the use of Makai methods. They were Zingari; the Fattucchieri! Gypsies; enchanters of the ancient arts!

His family was held in high regards at one point in time, but all of that came to an end as one by one they were taken by death. First his mother was taken from them by an envious human witch's wrath, soon followed by his Grandfather being burned alive by an angry village who tried. His Grandmother, a human-demon hybrid, was fortunate enough to pass on painlessly in her sleep, all due to a natural old age of six hundred and thirty-four. That left him with only his mother's brother, Zeru, and his grandfather's nephew, Roto. Eventually, even they had been violently been taken away from him. Killed for the entertainment of others by two of the very beings that Rinku had come to befriend and trust. He still felt guilty at times after spending time with Kurama. He wondered how Zeru and Roto would respond to him socializing with their killers.

Even so, he was the last of the Zingaro family line. He never knew his father, and he doubt the man was still alive, which meant that he had no blood kin left. Chuu was only his godfather, and although Rinku loved him like an actual father, it just was not the same. They had no blood relations of any kind. Not even shared blood through a transplant.

"I'm sorry that I failed you. I should have done something... anything! Instead I just sat back like a weakling while you where taken from me one by one. I'm so sorry," the child whispered to the photo as he gave it a quick kiss before placing it back into the jewelry box. Closing the lid, he tightened his grip on the knife stood as he braced himself for the mission ahead of his. "I already lost you all, but I swear upon your souls that I will not fail Shura. I will not allow fate to claim any of my family again... I will not lose my brother."

A/N: To better help you understand the relations in this story, Chuu is Rinku's godfather and a close friend of Zeru and Roto. Roto is Rinku's first cousin once removed (Zeru's first cousin/Rinku's grandfather's nephew.) Zeru is Rinku's uncle and Rinku's mother's twin brother (twins seem to be common among demons; i.e. Hiei & Yukina/Natsume & Kujo/etc.)

Terms:

--- window bed - a bed built into the window seat (Rinku likes to stargaze and would fall asleep on the engawa or the roof alot, so Suzuka made the window seat in Rinku's room into a window bed.)

--- lapis lazuli - a bright blue metamorphic rock consisting largely of lazurite, used for decoration and in jewelry; considered the original ultramarine

Japanese:

--- Gyoda Hasu - Japanese lotus

--- ichiko - Japanese female fortuneteller/sorcoress/medium

Australian (Chuu):

--- nipper - Australian slang for young child(little brother or little sister)

--- ripper - Australian slang for something excellent

Russian (Touya):

--- Chyort voz'mi! - Russian for "Damn it!/Oh shit!" (I see Touya as being from Russia, since Jin is from Ireland and Chuu is from Australia)

Italian (Rinku):

--- Cimaruta - an ancient Italian charm that infants wore to protect them from the evil eye; also used by witches as a sign of membership

--- Fattucchieri - Italian for "hag/witch/wizard" (plural)

--- Figli di Puttana! -Italian for "sons of a bitch/whore"

--- Minchiata! - Italian for "Bullshit/Nonesense"

--- Nonna - Italian for "Grandmother"

--- Nonno - Italian for "Grandfather"

--- Zingaro/Zingari - Italian for gypsy(male form)/Italian for gypsy(plural)