Elfin Lied: Promised

by dyingsoul 36

Promises are important and keeping them can show the character of a man. For one boy a promise he made as a child he fights to keep even as he grows into a man. He promised to find her, he promised to save her. He promised to love her and he never lied.

3. Vector 1: Part 2

First things first i'm terribly sorry for the long wait for this latest chapter. I've tried to get it as top notch as I can but I think my main problem is I don't when to stop! This submission is 51 pages long and I was supposed to stop at 40 at least!

God I rample on too much.

Anyway i'm gonna try to focus for the next chapter and try and get it out sooner then six months but don't quote me :)

Plus I wanna say thanks to all the people who sent positive reviews. The sheer amounts of awesomes I got (warpwraith) always gives me fuzzys. You guys did say I still need to work on punctation and such so hopefully i've done better this time but any slip ups don't be afraid to say so, I don't mind constructive critisium.

But hopefully i'll just get more awesomes!

Ok now warnings: This chapter is when the shit really hits the fan. In classic E.L style theirs blood, death, gore, nudity, and 'very' ill-treatment. The good times are gone for Kohta and Lucy now its all downhill so be warned anyone who is nervous of violent writings be careful as you read.

Disclaimer: I don't own Elfin Lied and all rights belong to... er... whatever genius had a nightmare and decided to write it down. Love you man!

Anyway now the fic, enjoy!

Elfine Lied: Vector One/ Part Two.

Betrayel and remorse

'I remember a time when I had so much trust. When the people I called friends were as family to me. I have many scars but nothing scared deeper then the wounds of betrayal... and nothing can be forgotton like a friendship destroyed.

"Do you understand now?"

"..."

"Kohta?"

The boy took a breath, his brown eyes closing for a moment in contemplation. "Yes I do" he answered sombrely.

The matron nodded and looked down at the phone sitting atop her desk. "Thank you for the update detective"

"No thanks necessary I should have contacted you earlier about this" Mr Takashii's voice said regretfully from the speaker phone. Kohta barely acknowledged his words.

"Kohta?"

With reluctance he answered the detective, "Yes?"

"I know you're going through a hard time but you gotta hang in there son. We're close now and pretty soon I'll be calling you up to testify and that scum will be going away for the rest of his evil life. I just need you to be strong and most importantly, stay where you are! This is all a mess and it doesn't need to be complicated by you running off"

Mr Takashii's chastisement, while making sense, still stung Kohta and he glared for a moment at the inanimate phone before muttering an agreement.

"Stay at the school, the detective continued, and stay out of trouble. Just another week or two Kohta that's all. Just hang in there"

"Ok"

"And also we may be making some headway regarding your aunt and cousin Yuka" Mr Takashii said cheerfully.

Kohta looked up with interest, "Really?"

"We found some addresses that made sense and a few old neighbours and friends who knew about them. Its still early days, your aunty seems to move about every couple of months, but I promise you when the trial is over your family will be waiting for you outside the courtroom"

Kohta felt a measure of warmth at this. Though he couldn't remember much of his only remaining relatives the thought of not being alone any more was like a ray of light in a darkened room.

The rest of the conversation was a muddled blur to Kohta. He mumbled some yes's and no's to Mr Takashii's questions. Mainly about how he was doing, was he eating right etc, and pretty soon the line was disconnected and he was left alone with the matron.

Staring at him.

Kohta fidgeted a little, "What?" he demanded.

"Are you satisfied now Kohta? Is your damnable curiosity quelled at last?"

A mixture of emotions warred for dominance in Kohta but he settled with a stiff, "They are"

"Good. The matron began to sort some papers on her desk. I will excuse the classes you missed today due to this meeting but I expect you to be on time for this afternoons lecture. Understood?"

Kohta nodded. "Then get going then. I have a lot of paperwork to attend to" the matron said, making a light shooing motion and looking back to her notes.

With a tired sigh the boy rose from his seat and slunk out the office. The matron didn't say anything further as Kohta quietly shut her door, he was grateful as his mind was heavy with thoughts.

Kohtas feet walked on auto pilot as he headed towards his dorm to collect his things. Students parted way from him whispering amongst themselves as he hung his head and stared at the ground. A part of Kohta wanted to snarl at them but he was too depressed to enjoy himself.

'It was all a hoax... a lie... my father and sisters murderer isn't here'

Kohta tightened his hands into fists, 'he was NEVER here'

Mr Takashii had apologised for the mistake. It seemed the informant who had notified the police that their suspect was in Kamakura was wrong. His information was based on rumours and some hearsay and, after some investigation, had proved to be false.

He supposed he should be kinda happy, Kohta mused, the killer wasn't here so he wasn't in danger (though he was never scared of that) Mr Takashii had assured him that soon they would have him and the news about Yuka and his aunty was something to welcome. Right?

Kohta looked up from his thoughts and froze as a red haired girl walked past him. He stared for a moment as the girl turned towards him. His heart raced. 'Oh god I'm so sorry...'

But the girl didn't have beautiful blood tinted eyes, but boring blue ones. And though her hair was short and messy no graceful horns rose above her skull.

The girl noticed his staring and a she gave a disgusted 'tch' and walked away. Kohta watched her leave thinking of a mocking sneer on pale lips, a sneer that had laughing eyes above it that grinned only for him.

Kohta felt his eyes grow moist, he glared at the children around him, dozens moving around the hall, many watching him curiously. He couldn't show weakness before them!

With a whirl and a race of legs he darted down the corridor and straight into the first toilet he found. He paused for a second eyes racing. The room was empty and the sterile white room echoed with his heavy breathing.

With shaking steps the boy stepped into a cubicle, locked the door behind him and sank heavily onto the toilet seat. He listened again for any sound of motion then satisfied everything was safe he held his hands over his eyes and let the tears flow.

"Oh Lucy..."

His shoulders shook with his heavy sobs.'What have I done!' he thought in anguish.

His bestest friend. The girl who brought him back from the abyss. His saviour. His one true light in this world and he had hurt her.

He let out a howl as the sight of his hand slapping her flashed across his mind. He could remember with perfect clarity the feel of his fingers aching afterwards, the flecks of blood on them and the shocked and dazed look on Lucy. He looked down through his memories at the girl crumbled on the ground at his feet and he felt such sickness at the sight.

"I'm so sorry Lucy! Pleasepleaseplease forgive me. I didn't-I wasn't... I didn't mean to hurt you! I was just so angry I was stupid I was-I was..."

The boy wailed again and smashed a fist against the door. She had only been trying to protect him! She had known exactly what he was going to do and had only been worried for him. She was right, it was crazy for him to try and hunt the man down. He'd be killed in an instant!

Lucy had seen that and tried to warn him... and for her concern how did he repay her?

With hate... and pain...

Her tears would be acid on his skin right now. In his rage he hadn't cared but now he recalled her eyes, streaming with tears for him. For him! He hiccuped with despair. How could he hurt her so much? How could he even 'think', 'consider' looking at her with such hate. She had received nothing but that all her life and now he had looked at her as if she was scum too.

He felt sick. He felt like scum. He felt like the most evil, wretched, bastard in the world!

He felt sick.

He felt-

Kohta stomach lurched and his eyes widened in surprise, he gagged and threw himself up and round to claw at the toilet seat.

He made it just in time. What little he had eaten today was ejected into the toilet bowl. Kohta heaved and wretched for ten agonizing seconds.

Once he had finished the boy spat and weakly tore some toilet roll away to wipe at his mouth. His depression now felt even worse. 'Never been so sad I threw up before' he thought wryly.

His chuckle was forced and he hissed as his stomach lurched again. He flinched as he heard voices enter the room.

Someone banged on the door. "Taken!" Kohta said hoarsely and heard laughter on the over side.

"Having a little one man session in their kid?" someone, an older boy by the sound of it, said.

Kohta was too tired to even try and understand what they were saying, "Fuck. Off." he hissed, feeling this situation was worth swearing for.

Some more thumps on the door then the voices receded, Kohta heard them leave and thanked his stars.

Still feeling weak Kohta knelt beside the toilet hugging the cold porcelain and resting his sweating head against the rim. He closed his eyes and tried to control his breathing as Lucy's hurt eyes stared at him in accusation.

"I'm so sorry"

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"Miss Lucy would you care to make a guess?"

Lucy snapped back to reality and met Mr Kimuchii's questioning gaze with confusion. "Sorry what?"

The teacher sighed, "If you had been paying attention to what I had been saying you'd be trying to make a guess to the answer to this equation. Would you care to try now I have your attention at last?"

Her teachers sour tone made Lucy bristle and she glared at the question on the whiteboard. It was a simple multiplication sum no big deal... lets see seven times six was forty two then plus the above sum of thirty three... that's seventy five... then divide-

"I'm curious, Mr Kimuchii added watching Lucy work out the maths, what were you daydreaming about that made you forget about my lessons again? A boy perhaps?"

Lucy froze. Her eyes immediately misted and she ducked her head to hide the shameful sight as the class snickered around her.

"A boy liking her? Yeah right"

"Its just eww that's all"

Lucy curled her hands into fists and bit back a whimper. She had been thinking of a boy. A particularly vile one who had all but torn her heart out and being reminded of that wasn't helping any.

'Damn you Kohta. Why did you have to do that to me? I was only trying to help!'

Stupid ungrateful brat!

"Lucy? An answer?"

The horned girl looked at him coldly, "The answers thirty two rounded off" she hissed.

Mr Kimuchii smiled at her, "Close enough. Now class lets try this one next"

He went back to the whiteboard and Lucy slouched back in her seat. Her lips were set into a firm line as she held her emotions in check.

'He had no right to do this to us'

The girl closed her eyes. Why did he do it? Didn't he care about her, trust her at all?

'Getting close to someone just makes us vulnerable. You should be aware of this'

Maybe she should have stayed away? Granted she'd still be in that lonely life, just her and Caneene, but at least she wouldst know what betrayal felt like.

God it hurt so much...

'Then don't do it. Distance yourself from others. We don't need them'

Would it better to go back to that way of life? You can't feel pain and loneliness if your hearts frozen in ice.

Lucy flinched as something soft bounced off her shirt. She glanced down at the rolled up piece of paper on her desk and then around the classroom accusingly.

She saw Miko watching her. The girl made an opening gesture with her hands. Her eyes looked concerned.

'She could hurt you too. Leave her. Now'

Lucy shook her head. She was getting tired of this constant headache. First the flu and now pressure in her skull. What next?

She frowned and guiltily opened the paper ball. For an instance she had considered dumping Miko before the girl hurt her too. But Miko hadn't done anything to her and it would be a cruel way to repay her kindness.

'Are you ok? You look sad?' the message in the ball read. Lucy smiled thankfully and wrote a quick response, 'I'm fine. Just got a headache' she tossed the ball back to Miko.

A couple of kids watched the message pass quizzically but shrugged and went back to their writing. Mr Kimuchii still had his back to them writing down sums on the wall and talking aloud as he did.

A moment later Miko wrote a reply and passed the note back. Lucy caught the ball and eagerly read the message.

'Wanna meet up at lunch and go see Caneene? I had bakery this morning and Miss Yeung let us keep some cookies that we made. Maybe he'd like some?'

Lucy's face fell. Lunch was a time she usually met Kohta. The last time she had gone off without seeing him he'd been upset.

The memory of his disgusted gaze looking down at her flashed past her eyes, she gritted her teeth, he'd just have to deal. Scratch that. He'd just have to do nothing. She wasn't seeing him ever again. Never! Not after what he did!

'Nobody' hit her. Nobody.

Quelling her anger with a slow breathe she scribbled a response, 'Sure! I bet he'd like that. Meet at our table again?'

She threw the ball back and quickly posed an attentive look on her face as Mr Kimuchii looked round and addressed the class.

'Our table... used to be someone else's too...' Lucy thought sadly.

As soon as Mr Kimuchii looked away Lucy whipped out her hand and caught the ball of paper. She grinned at Miko's pout, 'too slow' she mouthed at her friend.

She opened the note, 'Actually I have to make a few errands before we meet. Sorry but I've been behind on some homework recently and I gotta make nice with some teachers. Can we meet at class A-2 in the art department? Just that my last stops near there and I don't wanna waste more time by rushing halfway across the school to get to the lunch hall. That ok Lucy?'

Hmm. A little confusing but Lucy didn't mind. She smiled across at Miko and nodded her horned head before writing a 'yeah sure! See you at lunch then' and throwing it back.

The two girls spent the rest of the class talking through their notes. 'Mr Kimuchii has a really droning voice. I'm falling asleep here. Think his wife always does too?' Miko had said and Lucy snorted as she held in her laughter.

By the end of the class Lucy was in much better spirits. She said goodbye to Miko as they separated and promised to see her later.

'At least I haven't been completely betrayed by my friends' Lucy thought with some hope as she made her way to her history class.

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"Ok I've got it all sorted. She thinks she's meeting me to go see Caneene. I chose a quiet place but you might still be overheard."

"Let me deal with that."

"I do this and that's it? No more? You'll help me like you promised?"

"Of course. I always keep my word. I've been in and out of the matrons office for years. How else did I find out about Kohtas family? I promise once this is over me and the guys will mess about with the papers and get you at the top of the list"

"But... but how? She'll know if you fake it. If the matron finds out!"

"Shush. She won't find out. I'll just steal all the files and leave only yours. When the inspection happens next week all those family's looking for a lovely new daughter will only have you to pick. And I bet they'll fight over a pretty little thing like you"

"... and... and Caneene? You won't hurt him will you?"

"Getting cold feet? Surely not now. Not when your in this... deep."

"NO! No... I just... I don't see the need to-"

"Look I just wanna scare her. I've seen 'Caneene' and he's pretty cute. I'm not gonna hurt that puppy, just use him to make Lucy beg a little. Nothing more"

"...ok"

"Ok... now run along. Me and the fellas have to get ready"

"You won't hurt Lucy though? Just scare her? That's all... right?"

"Of course. That's all. Just scare her... that's all"

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Kohta shrugged off his bag and sat down heavily in his seat. God he felt wretched. Just an hour ago he had spilled his guts in the toilets, got some hassle from a kid who came in just as he stumbled out the cubicle, and now he was in stupid P.E again.

He hated this class.

"What the hells wrong with you. You look terrible"

Kohta looked across at the boy changing opposite him. The guy was watching Kohta closely while struggling into a rugby shirt. "Bad cafe food" Kohta answered.

The boy nodded. That made perfect sense. "Hurry up. Teacher will be mad if you're late again creepy" the boy said matter-of-factly as he hurried out the changing room.

'Creepy... didn't even care enough to make it sound insulting'

With a weary sigh Kohta picked up his bag again. No way was he going into class now. Bad enough being forced to 'team-up' with the scum of this school but being ill didn't help.

A few minutes later Kohta was prowling the halls wondering what to do now. A few kids moving between classes, (or maybe skiving like him) eyed him curiously but for the most part he was ignored. He spotted the matron once and ducked into a toilet until he was sure she was gone but he reached the outside without incident.

'It will be lunch in a half an hour or so... should I go to the lunch hall?'

Kohta felt his stomach clench painfully. Heh. Just thinking about anything to do with Lucy was making the guilt hurt.

But... he had to make amends. He had to at least 'try',

"Just being apart this long is killing me. I don't know if she'll forgive me... but I have to give it a shot" Kohta whispered to himself.

The survival part of him was concerned that Lucy may hurt him. Perhaps seriously. He didn't know what had happened earlier but the way Lucy had looked at him after he had slapped her... the feeling of cold and dread that had engulfed him in that instant...

'I was sure she was going to kill me. I don't know how but she was about to I'm sure of it'

The boy, barely into his teens, considered this for a moment then shrugged his shoulders. He had nothing to live for anyway. If it made her feel better to tear his head then so be it.

The survivalist part of him argued the point but Kohta silenced it with little effort. Death would just send him to his family so he had no worries.

But how to find her?

'She'd probably scope out the lunch hall before going in. If she spotted me she'd just walk away without me knowing. Where can I be sure to catch her alone?'

Kohta pondered this for a moment then grinned and snapped his fingers. Caneene! Of course, she'd come and feed him sometime at lunch and he can just meet her there!

And while he was there he could play with the cute puppy too. He hadn't seen Caneene for awhile and he did miss the pup a little.

He headed off to the main gate humming his Lilium song as he walked. Without much concern he remembered he had promised Mr Takashii that he'd stay out of trouble. That included staying inside and not straying off. But still...

"Meh. That bastard killer ain't here so what's the harm. Besides, Kohta added with a grim look, I could do with some trouble to unwind myself"

He reached the main gate and stepped out onto the main road. The few people walking the streets paid him no attention and the one or two cars just drove by without a glance.

It felt good to be unnoticed.

"Hey its the freaks friend!"

'Speak of the devil' Kohta turned to regard Tomoo and his cronies with barely concealed glee.

"Hello Tomoo. Out for a stroll?" he asked cheerfully while feeling the heavy weight of the knife in his pocket.

Tomoo halted a few paces from Kohta and smiled back. Behind him his two thugs watched Kohta with suspicion and, strangely enough, a little nervousness. Why was that?

"Just enjoying some fresh air, hanging out with my buds, you-know. Doing things friends do!"

Tomoos eyes twinkled, "How is Lucy by the way?"

Kohtas eyes narrowed. He knows. Somehow he knows what happened. "Last time I checked she was fine. I'll tell her you asked about her though, I'm sure she'll be pleased"

Tomoo scratched his chin, a puzzled look on his face, "She's fine. Really? Well that's good to hear. I mean after all the way you slapped her its gonna leave mar-"

Kohtas hand moved without warning. He lashed out with a sweeping fist and Tomoo had to scramble back to dodge it.

"Hah! Did I touch a sore spot Kohta? Actually maybe I should talk to freak about that?" the boy crowed. Kohta growled and in an instant the knife was in his hand and he was advancing on Tomoo.

He didn't care any more about the consequences. Kohta had suffered that creeps insults one too many times and now he was gonna shut. Him. Up!

But Tomoo smiled and motioned around him, "Careful Kohta. This isn't the place to knife me. Not with so many watching"

Tomoo frowned when he realised Kohta was still moving. He glanced around at the people walking about and the traffic. No one had noticed yet.

"If you attack, and fail to kill me, you'll be locked away in a nut house... and who will protect Lucy then?" Tomoo whispered silkily.

That stopped Kohta. Or at least made him hesitate.

"Back off. Neither of us want a fight out here. Too many witnesses"

"You started this Tomoo" Kohta spat through gritted teeth.

"Tomoo"

Kohta and Tomoo looked back at the one who spoke. It was the coloured boy who made up one pair of Tomoos gang. He was holding a large box and clutched it fearfully as he stared silently at Tomoo. His gaze was pleading.

Tomoo sighed and looked back at Kohta. His eyes were thoughtful and Kohta could see he was warring with the urge to continue this torture of his foe.

'What is in the box?' Kohta wondered. He asked the same of Tomoo.

"None of your business!" Tomoo said harshly. This just made Kohta more curious.

"Must be something important. Did you steal something from town?"

Kohta made a move towards the box and instantly Tomoo and the other boy blocked the way.

"This isn't to do with you. Now back off. Or else"

"Or else what?"

Tomoo grinned, "Or else we fight now. Not enough to hurt but to get the attention of people here. And when the matron finds out we'll say we were just trying to stop you and you went for us. She'll believe us and have you strapped down and watched without rest at night"

"Fun huh?" Tomoo smiled.

Kohta glared at him. Oh how he wanted to wipe that smile of his face.

"But, Tomoo said quickly, as if sensing Kohtas fury, if you let us past we won't say nothing about this and we can both get on with what we were doing"

Kohta thought this over. Tomoo, damn him, was right about what would happen. If he started a fight he'd definitely come off worse and the matron 'would' make his life hell.

However the lunch bell going off in the home behind was what settled it. Kohta had just a few moments to get to the forest and Caneene before Lucy got there.

He didn't have time for this.

"Fine. A truce for now" he said reluctantly. He stepped aside and Tomoo smiled at him and strutted past, his two cronies eyeing Kohta warily as they pasted him.

"See you later Kohta. Say hi to Lucy for me if you ever talk to her again" Tomoo said over his shoulder as he walked off. Kohta bunched his hands into fists but forced down his rage. He'd get even later but right now Lucy was more important.

Brushing a hand through his hair and taking a deep breath the boy made his way down the pavement on his way towards the forest.

As people passed him and cars honked Kohta keep his eyes on the cracked pavement and keep wondering the same thing over and over in his head.

'Will she forgive me?'

"What the hell?"

Kohta stared in puzzlement at the little hideout that housed Lucy's puppy. Everything was there, the blanket, the little shelter, the piles of empty food wrappers.

But no Caneene.

Kohta began to nose about. Maybe he was out exploring somewhere?

"Caneene. Caneene!" Kohta shouted.

He scratched his head in confusion. Maybe he should just wait here until Caneene or Lucy showed up. For all he knew Lucy had arrived early and she was out walking with him?

With a sigh Kohta sat down and made himself comfortable against a handy tree. Hugging his knees close to his chest the dark haired bot stared out into space his mind a whirl.

Would she forgive him? What if she took one look at him and told him to get lost? Would she try and hurt him again. And if she did should he just take it?

Kohta gnawed his lip in fear and hugged himself tighter. He didn't know what he'd do if Lucy rejected him. Without her he'd... he'd...

'I'd have nothing. Nothing at all'

The boy sniffed and wiped at his nose, he glared at the muddy ground cursing for how wretched and chaotic his life had become.

Kohta noticed tracks and scuffed marks around the hollow and smiled slightly. Caneene must be getting better to have thrashed about so much.

But his smile faded as he realised that the earth was messed up like their had been a 'lot' of thrashing. Clumps of mud ripped up and scratches in the ground.

'Oh god' For a moment Kohta feared some animal had attacked Caneene. He bent over the ground on hands and knees examining the clearing for blood.

He found something even more chilling. The prints of trainers.

Kohta compared his own to the marks, they definitely werent his, and Lucy wore shoes. Someone other then him had been here.

The boy gasped in a sudden flash of insight. The box! That box Tomoos friend had!

He recalled the nervousness of that boy. He was afraid of being discovered, and Tomoo had reacted the instant Kohta started to ask about what was in there.

"They've stolen Caneene!" Kohta whispered. His mind raced. Why would they do it? What purpose did they have?

Actually when he considered it it was obvious what they were gonna do. Tomoo was just crazy enough to commit murder. The killing of a dog would be no problem for him.

Blue eyes bright with terror Kohta sprang to his feet and raced back towards the home. Even as he willed his muscles to sprint like never before he already suspected he was too late.

Dodging trees and ripping through bushes his thoughts drifted towards Lucy. Whatever Tomoo had planned he knew it would involve her.

"Please Lucy. Please be safe!'

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Lucy sat with her chin resting in her hands as she waited for Miko to arrive. The girl huffed and swung her feet under the table, she wondered how long her friend was gonna be, she had already been waiting five minutes.

"Ugh. Come 'on' Miko. I don't want Caneene to wait too long for me" Lucy smiled at her thoughts. Her little puppy seemed to have a good sense of time, he'd always be waiting, tail wagging, whenever she showed up for lunch or supper.

Lucy giggled. He was just so cute...

Her face perked up as she heard approaching foosteps. At last Miko was here!

She smiled widely, and strangely without having to do any forcing, as the footsteps got closer. "Hey I was starting to get worried you wouldn't show" Lucy said cheerfully as the class door opened.

But when the person stepped in her smile froze. Her eyes widened in shock and all she could do was give a sickly grimace towards the boy staring at her excitedly.

"Hey freak" Tomoo whispered, his eyes alight with evil intent. Immediately Lucy's face settled into its defensive mask and she glared hot daggers at the boy.

"What do you want Tomoo" She hissed, her eyes darting around the room warily. Dammit she was trapped!

"Just to introduce you to someone" Tomoo said pleasently. His pleasant tone made Lucy more suspicious but her eyes radiated shock when the bully's cronies stepped into the room.

One of them was holding something. Something small and furry that whined fearfully in the boys painful grip.

Liquid brown eyes caught Lucy and her friend barked a greeting.

Lucy screamed and sprang out her chair, her arms outstretched towards her dear puppy.

Tomoo's smile was like a sharks, as his friends lunged for Lucy.

"CANEENE!"

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Kohtas chest burned as he forced his tired lungs to breathe. His feet pounded against the dirt and he knew his feet must be bleeding from all the small stones that had gotten inside and been ignored.

His muscles were drugged by their own toxins and though ever fibre of his flesh begged to stop and rest Kohta pushed himself on. He couldn't stop. He mustn't stop.

Lucy needed him.

With white spots almost blinding his eyes Kohta saw the looming orphanage and heard the distant traffic. He was almost there!

'Hold on Lucy I'm coming!'

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"Let him go!"

Tomoo just sniggered and tightened his hold on Caneene. Her dear friend yelped in pain as the boys cruel fingers dug into his flesh, and Lucy struggled all the harder.

"You ain't going nowhere freak!" the lackey who held her laughed. The taller boy had her arms locked back behind her, holding them high above her and as she struggled his dirty grip just grew tighter and tighter.

Lucy tried to stamp on her captors feet but the boy dodged and shook her roughly. "Watch it" he snarled in her ear.

"That's right Lucy. Be careful what you do. After all, he held up Caneene and shook the puppy until it yipped, you wouldn't want your friend to get hurt"

Lucy sobbed. Twin trails of tears ran down her cheeks and her ruby eyes were bright with fear. She didn't care how terrible she looked, or that she was giving Tomoo exactly what he wanted. Perverse delight at seeing her iron control collapse and her fear exposed.

"Please"

Tomoo's expression perked up and his smile widened. Lucy didst care that she was begging she just wanted her friend safe.

"Please let him go Tomoo. If you want to hurt me, hurt me. But please let him go"

Tomoo handed Caneene over to the other thug and stepped close to Lucy. His eyes were slitted with delight as he watched her cry and beseech him with her fearful eyes to stop this.

"That's it. Cry and beg"

He grinned and tilted his head closer to Lucy, "If you don't I'll make the puppy cry instead!"

His stinking breathe and threat was the final straw. Eyes sharp with malice Lucy yelled and lashed out with her foot. She aimed for the weak spot between her foes legs but Tomoo darted back and instead took a shoe to the gut.

The boy hissed with anger and pain. He glared at the struggling Lucy as she fought against her captor, "That was dumb!" he spat.

He glanced at the whining puppy, "Kick the dog"

Lucy's face was a rictus of horror, "NO DON'T!"

Tomoos friend didn't hesitate. With a wide grin he swung Caneene into the air and let go. The little puppy's barking was loud and panicked as he somersaulted in the air. Lucy's ruby eyes followed her friend in what seemed to be slow motion. The way he gently spun, his legs kicking the air trying to find purchase, his jaws open wide with frenzied barking, the way his little eyes bulged with fear.

Then reality returned in full fast forward as the thugs foot arched through the air and caught Caneene a powerful blow.

Lucy didn't know when she started screaming, or how long she had been going for now. But she made a soul wrenching background to the drama as her dear friend smashed into a wall and his terrified barking was horribly cut off.

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Kohta slammed shoulder first through the school gates. The sharp pain as it burst open and he stumbled through was just another tally to his other hurts. He ignored it and kept running with borrowed air.

The grounds were full of kids and dozens of eyes tracked Kohta. "What's he doing? Whys he out of breathe? Hey watch it!"

Kohta pushed past the crowds paying no heed to the angry shouts. Where was Lucy!

"Watch it freak!"

Kohta cried out as a thick-set boy he barged past responded with a hefty shove. Kohtas body flared with agony as he smashed to the ground and all around him the students mutterings grew louder.

"Young man what the hell are you doing?"

Kohta looked up through squinting eyes at a teacher standing over him. The man looked down at him with a confused expression and a little annoyance.

"Listen you know kids aren't allowed to leave the grounds without permission. I saw you come in through the gate so you and me are going to have a chat in my office"

The teacher reached down to pick Kohta up but the boys eyes slitted with fury and he surged to his feet pushing the outstretched hand away and knocking the teacher down at the same time.

"I don't have time for this!" Kohta yelled hoarsely and took off at high speed.

Racing deeper into the complex, hugging the outside walls and getting out of sight Kohatskidded to a halt looking around desperately at the classrooms and wards.

'Where the hell do I go! Dammit Lucy where are you!' Kohta thought with rising panic.

He gnawed his lip and spun in a circle looking for something, anything, any clue as to where to go.

He couldn't explain it... but he had this horrible feeling something terrible would happen if he didn't find her soon.

Kohta glanced up from his thoughts and caught his first break. His eyes tracked a running figure and slowly a grim expression took hold on his face.

"Miko..." he hissed softly. His hard blue eyes watched the girl run towards the Art block. Coincidently the ward at the very edge of the home grounds.

'You better pray that when I catch up with you Miko you can tell me where Lucy is... cause if you can't... then I might do something I may later regret'

Kohtas hand strayed into his pocket and gripped the cool handle of his knife. With a determined light in his eye he hurried after the girl keeping low and watching out for any teachers as he did.

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"Hold the dog down"

"STOP! PLEASE STOP JUST STOPPIT,STOPPITSTOPPLEASE!"

Tomoos didn't even give Lucy a stray glance. His eyes were bright and pupils dilated as he stared down at the squirming dog held down before him. He had always enjoyed inflicting pain on others, whether verbal or physical, but now, as he saw the little animal held down completely at his mercy... he felt...

Pleasure.

The boy shivered, a delicious tingle down the length of his spine and with dazed slowness hefted the heavy metal vase he had picked up.

Lucy's screaming was like music to him, his eyes half closed as he looked at the weapon he held. In its reflection he could just make out his serene expression and for just a few moments his pain filled life meant nothing to him.

Growing up here... the cold neglect and lack of caring from the teachers and his fellow orphans... Tomoo had learned to become tough and vicious to survive. He had also learned that hurting others soothed the pain in his own heart.

It was like a fix, a drug, and he was always looking for the next best thing that would give him a rush and wipe away the fear inside him.

And as his hollow eyes looked down at the barking dog, realising he 'truly' had power here, the power over life or death... god he had never felt so good.

As he raised the vase and prepared to smash the puppy brains out, Lucy's screaming reaching a higher decibel, he knew he had found his new vice.

Killing.

"Stop it Tomoo!"

The boy paused and a frown crossed his face as he was drawn out of his bliss. He glanced across the room and tutted as he saw Miko standing in the class doorway. The girls horrified expression made him smile... oh the possibilities here.

The look of relief on Lucy's face made Tomoo want to laugh, "Please help us Miko" the freak pleaded.

Mikos guilty look wasn't lost on Tomoo, "Wh-what are you doing Tomoo! Let Caneene go!" she demanded.

Tomoo stood up and gave her a puzzled look for Lucy's benefit, "But you told us where to find the dog" he said with just the right amount of confusion.

Miko froze. Everyone's gaze was now fixed on her and the girl trembled as Tomoo and his friends smiled and Lucy stared in disbelief.

"That... that isn't true... is it Miko?"

Miko gulped and turned to look at Lucy. Her expression was one of anguish and guilt as she reluctantly met the horned girls gaze.

"I'm so sorry Lucy"

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Kohta hung outside the classroom with his back against the wall listening closely to the conversation. He had to clamp a hand over his mouth to keep the sound of his panting deadened. It had been tiring chasing after Miko as the girl had ran like she was possessed and only sheer determination had kept him from losing her.

Now he was hiding, waiting for the right moment to storm the room and leap into action. But with Caneene held down, facing death, and Lucy held captor he wasn't certain how to proceed.

'Patience. I'll figure something out soon. Hang on Lucy... I'm here'

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Lucy couldn't believe it. Her friend, her trusted friend, the girl who had never given her 'any' reason to suspect her had betrayed her.

'Why?' that word reverberated through Lucy's skull. Why had Miko done this to her and Caneene. What had she done to deserve such a horrible fate?

'First Kohta... and now Miko... is there no one in this world I can trust?'

The ruby eyed girl wanted to go limp. To just slide to the floor, captor be damned, and curl up and cry. Just shut away the world and go to sleep forever.

She couldn't handle this. It was too much. Was everything good in her life going to be taken away? Would she always be left with nothing to cling too?

'No friends... I have no friends at all...'

'You have Caneene. He is yours. You shouldn't let these stinking apes take him from you'

Lucy's eyes fell on her captive friend. Caneene had stopped crying and was now just huddled up shivering, his little body quiet and frozen with terror as heavy hands held him down.

He was hers. He still needed her. Somehow she was going to save him.

Her demon eyes were slits of blooded hate as she glared at Miko. Somehow she would make them ALL pay.

"Tomoo promised he'd help me get out of here. He'd doctor the inspection and parent reviews of the home... he... he'd make it so I'd be at the top of the list and have the best chance of finding a new family"

The girl cringed with fear as Lucy continued to stare at her, "I don't wanna be here Lucy! I hate it! I want a home of my own, I'm tired of the grief and loneliness here. I-I thought I had a way out an I took it"

The brown haired girl sniffed and rubbed her eyes, "I know that makes me a bad person and... I'm sorry Lucy. I just wanted to get out of here" she said wretchedly.

"And the price of your freedom was Caneenes life. Is that the deal Tomoo made?" Lucy hissed. Her body so full of anger it was like she was spitting out the words.

"This wasn't supposed to happen! Miko wailed, Tomoo was supposed to just scare you!"

"Well, he succeeded" Lucy whispered bitterly.

Miko turned her distraught eyes on Tomoo, "You said Caneene wouldn't be hurt. You lied to me!"

Tomoo just smiled at her, "That wasn't the only time I lied to you" he said with glee.

Mikos look of confusion quickly become horror, "Oh no" she gasped.

"Yep. You guessed it" Tomoo crowed.

"He was playing you all along... that's what he does Miko" Lucy added numbly from her hanging position in the bullies arms.

"He's good at that" the boy agreed and sniggered as Lucy glared up at him.

"You bastard! You mean all this was a sham! You were never gonna help me!"

Tomoo laughed in the face of Miko's outrage, "Girl. You were just as fun to fuck up as the freak here. I was hoping to tell you later once the dog was dead and I had told Lucy it was all your fault... but this is just as good"

His mocking laughter rang in the room and Lucy saw Miko snap. Despite her rage she still yelled "No don't!" as the brunette girl lunged for Tomoo.

The taller and stronger boy sprang back from her grasping hands, a sneer on his face as his wiry body slithered around her attack, before back handing her furiously. Miko screamed as she was thrown back to the ground, blood streaming from her nose and eyes moist with tears.

The girls fury denied by the pain Miko curled up and cradled her bubbling nose, "My nouse. You bruk my nouse" she slurred, laying in a heap at Tomoos feet as the boy smiled down at her.

"Stay there and I won't break anything else" Tomoo ordered and Miko squeaked in fear. He grinned wider and hefted the vase he still held. "Now then where was I?"

His eyes fell on Caneene who lay still and terrified, "Oh yes..."

"Tomoo stop! I'll kill you if you hurt him I swear I will!"

Lucy's threat had zero effect, "That would be interesting to see but I doubt you could freak" Tomoo answered as he stalked over to the frozen puppy.

"Maybe she couldn't but I can Tomoo"

Tomoo, Miko and the thug all switched their attention to the whispered threat. Lucy heard something step behind her and and the boy holding her let out a grunt of surprise.

"Let her go. Right now"

'Kohta!' Lucy's expression lit up with hope and as the grip on her arms slackened she wrenched herself free and spun to face that wonderful voice.

Bright blue eyes looked down at her with such a tender expression that Lucy felt her chest constrict with emotion. His wonderfully pale, and slight lips smiled nervously and the boy gave her an embarrassed shrug.

"Sorry I'm late"

Lucy felt strange. She was frozen with shock, but also shaking with relief and excitement. With a forced swallow she found her voice, "That's ok"

Kohta smiled at her wavering words and the bully he held squirmed. "Careful now" Blue eyes flashed as Kohta pressed his knife a little firmer against the boys neck, "Wouldn't want an accident"

All attention was on Kohta and his new found hostage, Tomoos eyes especially were calculating slits as he watched his enemy.

"Didn't expect you here so soon Kohta" the mad youth hissed.

Kohta raised an eyebrow, "I try not to be late for parties" he answered smoothly.

"And now we have a good old stand off! What now hero?"

Kohta pointed at Caneene with a nod of his steely eyes, "Let Lucy's friend go"

"Why?" Tomoo asked with a grin. His free hand stroked the puppy roughly making him whine and Lucy could barely hold herself back from rushing to his aid. Only the warning look from Kohta kept her in check.

"Because he's a living creature and hurting him and holding him down is wrong" Kohta responded, still with the iron hard eyes and cold voice.

"Oh Kohta, Tomoo sighed and looked down at the puppy with hooded eyes, But it feels so nice to do this" he whispered as his fingers tightened into a clawed grip and Caneene yelped in pain.

"STOP IT!" Lucy screamed.

"Let him go Tomoo. I won't ask again" Kohta shouted, his anger now apparent.

"Or what?" Tomoo asked childishly. Beside him his companion continued to watch his friend with the knife against his throat, the boys nervousness making him shake.

Kohta gave Tomoo his own sickly smile, "Or I open up your friend here" he tap-tapped his knife against the boys bobbing throat. Lucy looked at Kohta with frank surprise as she heard his threat, Miko and the remaining bully were equally shocked.

Tomoo stared for a moment before throwing his head back and laughed to split the heavens. His wild howling lasted for a good minute as he slapped his thigh and tears of mirth ran down his cheeks.

"You will kill him! Hah! Please Kohta don't make me laugh like that again I almost split a rib. We both know you don't have the nerve to commit murder"

Tomoo smiled silkily, "Your not like me Kohta. You still 'care' about people"

Kohta remained silent for a few moments and everyone held their breath as he seemed to consider what to do. "You're right Tomoo. I do still care about people" the blue eyed boy said in a whisper.

He held himself up to his full height and the bully he held winced as Kohta began to press his knife harder against his throat.

"I care about 'her', Kohta hissed with a nod towards Lucy, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her"

"Tomoo" the thug whimpered as a trickle of blood began to flow down his throbbing neck. Kohta reversed the knife ready to rip out the boys throat.

"So let Caneene go, or I 'will' kill your friend here"

Tomoo didn't answer. His mad eyes boring into Kohtas steely blue ones as he explored Kohtas resolve.

"Your bluffing"

Lucy detected a hint of uncertainty in her enemies words. She looked at Kohta as he shook his head and dug a little deeper into moist flesh.

"Ah! Please stop! Tomoo make him stop" the lackey begged as the flow of blood steadily increased. His eyes shut tight in agony, being slowly cut open but too afraid to move and maybe speed up the process. Beside him Kohta didn't even bother to look at him as he continued to stare at Tomoo.

By now Kohta had crossed half the boys throat, a bright red line marking his path. The blood was running out in rivets and staining the victims clothes but so far it was yet to be life threatening.

Yet.

"Tomoo!"

"Tomoo let the dog go or Mikes dead!"

The ringleader winced at his 'friends' shouts. Beside him the boy holding down Caneene was shaking with fear his eyes beseeching Tomoo to listen.

Tomoo glanced around the room, his eyes meeting Lucy's and hardening, meeting Mikos and laughing, and lastly meeting Kohtas and scowling.

"Fine" he said through gritted teeth, "Take your damn fleabag"

With a hard shove Tomoo pushed Caneene away from him. In an instant the puppy raced away from him, barking wildly as Lucy held out her arms to him. The girl let out a cry of relief as his warm body sprang against her breast and she held him tight, tears coursing down her cheeks as she closed her eyes and kissed and soothed him.

"Oh Caneene, my Caneene... it's ok now... I've got you. Oh god I'll never let you go again" the horned girl said hoarsely as her little friend huddled against her.

Kohta smiled as he watched Lucy cuddle her puppy. His heart warming at the sight... maybe that would go some way towards earning her forgiveness.

"Ok you bastard now what?"

"Yeah we let the dog go so let Mike go now!"

Kohta nodded, "Lucy. Get out of here. Take Caneene somewhere safe"

"Miko" his sapphire eyes glared for a moment at the whimpering girl, "Get out of here and don't come near me or Lucy again"

Still holding her bleeding nose the girl sniffled and gave him a weak nod. She shakily got to her feet and sprang for the door.

Before she left she stopped and hesitantly turned, searching for Lucy's eyes.

"I... I'm so sorry Lucy... I didn't mean for this to happen"

"Get. Out" Lucy spat back. Miko flinched at the venom of her words then with a last glance at Kohta and the drama she sprinted out into the corridor.

"Lucy your turn"

The blood eyed girl shook her head, her stance resolute, I'm staying"

"Lucy you are leaving. Right now!"

"I'm not leaving you!"

Kohta sighed as he saw Tomoo and his lackey growing more agitated, he knew that at any moment they'd rush him and he didn't want Lucy caught in the middle of it.

"Lucy. You need to take Caneene somewhere safe. He's scared enough and if you get caught up in a fight he could get hurt"

His words took on a worried undertone, "You could get hurt..."

"I'm gonna be sick" Tomoo said with a roll of his eyes.

Lucy shot him a glare before looking at Kohta with fearful eyes, "I... I don't wanna abandon you... if you get hurt-"

"I'll be fine, Kohta cut her off sharply, just go"

Lucy hesitated.

"Go now Lucy!"

The girl flinched, her eyes screwing up tight with indecision. At last she nodded her horned head, whispered, "Please be careful Kohta" and ran for the exit as fast as she could.

As she ran for those few seconds she kept her head low, shielding her eyes from Kohta with her bangs of red hair. So he wouldn't see her tears.

'I don't wanna lose you too. Dear Kohta... please come back to me' she thought.

Once she had gone and Kohta heard the distant slam of the wards main doors slam shut he lowered his knife and threw his captive away from him. The boy was quickly caught by the other two and pushed behind them as Tomoo and his partner squared up to Kohta. Behind them 'Mike' held a hand to his bleeding neck, his eyes hungry for revenge.

Kohta took a step back to brace himself as Tomoo slapped the heavy vase he still held against his hand and the other boy smacked his fists together.

"You spoiled our fun Kohta. Now I'm gonna spoil your face"

And with that threat Tomoo roared and lunged forward, his two cronies yelling their own warcrys as the followed their leader.

Kohta felt the muscles in his legs bunch tight and with his own hateful snarl met them head on.

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Lucy sat up in her bed, her knees against her chest and arms tight around them as she stared silently at her closed door. Her breathing was slow and steady and the skin around her eyes as red as the orbs between them. Her tears had long dried and now just a hot sadness was left in her chest as she slowly rocked in her bed.

'Kohta...'

After she had ran from the room she had made straight for the forest. It had taken some effort as she had to avoid being seen. If another kid, or worse a teacher, saw her with Caneene then she'd definitely be in trouble.

Fortunately she'd got to the outside without incident and hurried to Caneenes little hovel. Gathering up her things she had headed off deeper into the forest, searching for somewhere safe for her dear puppy.

A smile spread across the adolescents lips. Once back amongst the trees Caneene had quickly lost his fear and had jumped from her arms to play and skip around her. Though she was practically hyperventilating with worry and fear the puppy just ran about barking and yipping joyfully, begging for her to play with him.

Against her inner demons she had found the time to. Once she had him settled in a new hiding place she stayed until the sun began to set, just playing with him and revelling in the joy of having her furry friend safe and sound.

Eventually she had left him to go back to the home, over the day heavy clouds had started to gather overhead and the fist tell-tale signs of heavy rain had begun to drip down the leaves. Making sure Caneene was secure and dry in his new home she had hurried back to the home, flinching as a crack of thunder boomed overhead.

Once back at the orphanage she had slipped past the gates, (She had sneaked in and out of the home so many times that it was second nature to her now) and immediately gone into the boys dorms looking for Kohtas room. She had only been there once or twice and never for long, (usually just to wake Kohta up for lessons) but she did find his room after some searching in the dark.

But once she knocked on the door and it gently swung open at her touch she knew something was wrong. Creeping inside she was deeply unnerved to find the room silent and empty with no sign of Kohta having been there for awhile.

With mounting desperation she had scoured the halls searching for her friend. Her heart hammering in her chest and her skin clammy with cold sweat as she searched and searched but to no avail. Outside the rain was now in full swing and Lucy's terrified features were being thrown into stark relief with every lightning flash.

Finally at gone midnight, after a good two hours hunting she had returned to her room and climbed into bed, resolved to search again first thing tomorrow and demand the matrons help if she couldn't find him. Her clothes were soaked and plastered to skin as she had tried to find him out on the grounds too. But in the darkness and sweeping rain it had been impossible to see further then a few yards let alone hear anything.

Now she sat in bed her body exhausted but too wound up with worry to sleep. Her clothes and a wet towel were slung in her hamper and she had her bed covers wrapped around her for warmth.

She closed her eyes and sniffed miserably, "Oh Kohta..." she murmured.

The small girl huddled herself tighter. Her misery almost palatal. Why did this have to happen? Why did she seem to have to trade one friend for another? Why couldn't the world just leave her alone?

'Miko'

The girls lips grimaced in anger and betrayal. She trusted her. Had revealed secrets to her. Had counted her as a friend!

'Was it all just a trick right from the beginning? Was that... that bitch! Planning her betrayal straight from the start?'

Lucy thought of Mikos slurred apology. Her pleading eyes and sorrow filled words meant nothing to the horned girl. Her body shook with anger and her sleepiness faded for an instance as she soared on the fires of her anger. God she wanted to hurt that girl so much!

'Then hurt her. Make her suffer. Make her 'bleed' for doing this to you. It's only fair. The human needs to be taught its place'

Lucy grinned ferally as she thought of things she could do to that girl. She'd make her pay the next time they met. Because of her she had almost lost Caneene and now couldn't find Kohta. It would only be fair to hurt her for that.

So caught up in her musings that Lucy dismissed the first knock against her window as the wind. But the second made her look with confusion, and she climbed out of her bed, her form like a great marshmallow with her covers trailing behind her.

She peered out the window and gasped with surprise. Outside in the wet Kohta gave her a little wave, his arms pressed tight to his body as he shook in the force of the wind.

"Kohta!" Lucy threw herself at the latch and with a savage pull wrenched her window open. She winced as the howl of the wind and a spray of rain assaulted her but she ignored it as she reached out for her friend.

Kohta practically fell into the room. Lucy pulled him in then bent the window back against the gale. She huddled tighter against her wrappings once it was shut and turned to face Kohta.

The boy was collapsed on the floor, legs tucked under him and shaking uncontrollably. He looked up at her, his messy hair hanging in wet strands across his white skin and he gave her a shaky smile.

"H-h-h-ey-hey L-L-uc-cy"

Lucy just stared gob smacked. Her ruby eyes horrified at the state her friend was in. Looking down at his weak eyes she saw the bruising around his face and the scabbed cut on his lower lip. Besides the complete soaking it looked to her as if he had been beaten near senseless.

"You idiot. You absolute idiot! Why didn't you run with me? Tomoo could have done worse! I'm amazed you were even able to get away with your skin still attached!"

Kohta looked down at the floor. His body continued to shake and he held himself tighter as he said in a small voice, "H-had t-to pr-protect y-you"

Lucy's anger evaporated and her gaze softened as she took in Kohtas pathetic state, she sighed and shook her head, "Oh Kohta. Why do you have to be so damn foolish"

The young teen didn't look up and Lucy heard a sniffle. "S-sorry" he stuttered.

The horned girl finally let her eyes tear up at Kohta's wretchedness and she kneeled down beside him. Reaching out she gently lifted his chin and searched for his eyes.

Kohtas eyes refused to meet hers, "Kohta look at me" she whispered. He shuddered, then fearfully met her gaze. Lucy bit back a sob at how sad and tired his beautiful blue gaze was. She stroked his cheek tenderly and smiled at him for reassurance.

He opened his mouth to speak but couldn't seem to find the words. He seemed uncomfortable locked with Lucy's stare. The girl gave him a confused look as he stared at the floor again.

"S-sorry"

He swallowed hard and forced himself to speak again, "I'm s-so... sorry... for w-hat I di-did to y-you be-f-fore Lucy"

Kohta closed his eyes tight. His spoken words haven terrified him. He had finally given his apology and as he lay there, bruised and bone-weary, he dreaded what Lucy might do.

'If she rejects me I completely deserve it...but... Lucy please accept my apology' he thought frantically.

His body was so tight with tension, thought still shaking with cold, that he let out a mighty spasm and a high-pitched squeak when Lucy suddenly threw her arms around him and held him tight against her warm flesh.

It took a second for him to register, he could barely feel his own skin, but he soon realised that it was bare flesh he was pressed against. He could hear Lucy's heartbeat as she held him against her naked chest and he finally felt warmth as his face blushed hotly.

"L-Lucy?"

"Thank you Kohta" Her voice was choked with emotion, "Thank you for saving Caneene"

Kohta rejoiced at those words but had to fight his distraction as Lucy crushed him against her. Her legs were wrapped round his hips, her head on top of his, her arms pulling him tight against her. Oh god all he could feel was soft skin and body heat. Was Lucy even wearing 'anything' but her bed covers?

As he screwed his eyes tight shut and shivered like mad he couldn't help but wonder if silk was as soft as his friends flesh.

He moved. Gently untangling his arms from their huddled position, ('To hug her back that's all!") and his cold hands gently brushed across his friends bare body.

Lucy gasped, Kohta shivered in a strangely different way when he heard that sound, and she squirmed slightly. He felt her pull back and grinned as he realised she must have finally understood that they were in a strange position.

"'cough' um Kohta. You're soaking. We need to get you dry or you're gonna get ill"

"K-kay"

She stood up and in the dark he caught a glimpse of white panties. He'd never seen girls underwear before... it made him tingle in a not-so-bad way.

'At this rate I'll warm up by blushing alone' he thought wryly.

He heard Lucy rummaging around her room and sneezed. God he felt so tired.

"Here!" Kohtas ears pricked and he turned just as a towel hit him in the face. "W-where'd th-the go?" he stammered as he clawed it from his face.

Lucy giggled and gave him a broad smile. "You look so ridiculous Kohta. With your hair all spiky like that"

The boy pulled a sour face and patted his head with the towel. "Oh mock t-the drowned b-boy" he muttered.

Lucy wagged a finger at him. "Making fun of you will take your mind of the cold... stupid head"

Kohta grinned at her mischievously, "Well at least my hair doesn't look s-someone dropped a pot of pink p-p-paint over my head when I-I was born"

The horned girl glared at him, "Well at least I don't look like the brother of a twig"

"I was born a boy and so look like o-one. What's your excuse?"

"Ugly"

"Cootie ridden boy-girl"

"Crazed albino male!"

Kohta paused in mid-rant. "Albino male?"

Lucy looked away haughty, "Well you do look like you've lived in a cave for about ten years"

Kohta paused for thought then he smiled, "You were right. I do feel better now"

A ruby eye cracked open and Lucy grinned back. "Course. I'm a girl. We're always right when it comes to boys"

"ACHOO!"

Lucy hurried over and kneeled beside Kohta with worry as he sneezed then hacked a cough for effect. The boy huddled against himself tighter and looked up at Lucy through reddened eyes. "Feel terrible"

Lucy shifted in her bed covers and scooted closer, "Its your clothes. You're soaked through so it will be impossible to get warm quickly. You'll probably have a cold tomorrow" she said sympathetically.

Kohta wiped his nose noisily, "Can't get new clothes. Tomoo be waiting for me to go to my room"

Lucy chewed her lip as she fought back the urge to question Kohta. Answers could wait. For now she had to help her friend.

She got back to her feet and went back to her draws, "I think I have some stuff that can fit you. While I look strip out of your clothes and hang them on my radiator"

So engrossed with sorting through her underwear she failed to see Kohtas head snap up with a look of shock and terror at her orders. He continued to stare at her, mouth agape, as he ran her words over in his head.

"Do you need help getting changed?" Lucy asked innocently, her smirk unseen by Kohta. The boy flinched and shook his head, "I-I'm fine... Lucy..."

With a deep gulp the boy began to peel off his sodden uniform. He keep glancing at Lucy, a unusual shyness overtaking him as he forced his weary limbs to move. His blush intensified with every removed piece of clothing and he was berry red by the time he removed his shirt.

As soon as his wet shirt hit the floor and his pale chest was bared he glanced nervously at Lucy. She was still picking out clothes so judging it safe he hesitantly began to tug off his trousers.

"How's it going over there?" the horned girl asked, and grinned when Kohta squeaked in surprise. "F-fine! Everything's fine Lucy!" he stammered back and the girl couldn't swallow her grin as she held up a pair of panties.

'Hmm a cute little panda... my favourite pair. Bet he'll look funny in these'

Lucy giggled at the thought of what she was about to do. Dressing up Kohta in girls clothes will definitely be a memory to treasure.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing!" Lucy giggled again and placed the panties to one side as she picked out tops. Behind her Kohta was crouched with one leg free of his trousers and eyeing her suspiciously.

He shook of the last piece of clothing and quickly scooped up the wet bundle of clothes. He padded over to Lucy's radiator and started to hang them over it, pausing from time to time to hold his hands against the warm metal. Hmmm... toasty.

"You done yet?" Lucy asked and Kohtas gaze was drawn to his black pants. The wet material was plastered to his body and the boy gulped as his hands edged closer to it.

"You're not looking are you?" he asked with a quaver.

"No I'm not. Kohta hurry up"

"K-kay" he took a deep breath and pulled down his pants. He stepped out of the cold material and placed it on the radiator then hugged his chest self-consciously.

Lucy was ramrod straight as she stared fixedly at the top of the draws and tried not to think of what was behind her. The thought that Kohta, her dear Kohta, her... friend... was naked in her room just made her want to spin on the spot and see him bared and vulnerable before her eyes.

She knew Kohta presented a tough front to the world but he couldn't hide his fears from her and she knew he would be rooted to the spot and unable to do anything but obey whatever she said... he'd do... whatever she wanted.

Ever since she had first had those sex Ed lessons she had been curious what a naked human boy looked like. Yet the boys in school disgusted her. But Kohta... that was a different story.

She swallowed hard "Ok you undressed now?"

"Y-yeah I am. But what should we do now?"

Kohtas honest question just made Lucy shiver again. God what was wrong with her!

Taking a deep breath the girl closed her eyes tight and turned around. Kohta immediately let out a gasp of horror and Lucy grinned as she heard him scramble to cover himself.

"Lucy what are you doing!?"

"I have my eyes closed stupid. Now take these and get changed into them. Once you've dried yourself first though"

Lucy tilted her head as she heard Kohta furiously towel himself then step closer. Her body shivered nervously at the unnerving feeling of having another person so close but purposely not looking at them. She felt Kohta carefully take the clothes from her hands and stepped back and looked away, opening her eyes once Kohta was behind her again.

There was a moment that Kohta took to examine the clothes, "Lucy"

She smiled secretly, "Yes?"

"These are girls clothes"

She snorted, "This is a girls bedroom Kohta what else did you expect?" she asked sardonically.

"I can't wear these!" Kohta said in outrage. Male pride ringing in his voice.

"You don't have a choice Kohta"

"B-but... I can't... dammit Lucy!"

The girl laughed as Kohta continued to mutter rebelliously yet she could hear him putting the clothes on. She shifted in her wrappings and stifled a yawn. It was fun to torment Kohta but it was really late.

"Ok I'm dressed. You can turn and laugh now"

Lucy didn't need more urging. She eyed Kohta in his new get-up and fought to keep a straight face. She meet his eyes and the boys petulant pout was the final lever to tip her in a fit of laughter.

"Oh you look so cute!" Lucy laughed aloud, tears in the corners of her eyes as Kohta crossed his arms and looked away. A faint blush tinged his cheeks as he glared into space, "I'm not cute"

The red head smiled and stepped closer to him prodding him in the chest with a finger, "My room my rules. What I says goes and I say you are cute"

Kohta crossed his arms moodily. "Don't you even have any shorts to wear?" he asked tetchily.

Lucy did in fact have some bottoms and skirts that could fit him but a teasing little part of her made her shake her head in denial. She grinned as Kohtas pale legs shivered showing his nervousness and almost burst out laughing as a little panda face smiled at her from the pants Kohta wore.

The boy was also wearing a pair of Lucy's yellow socks, (Lucy fought back her giggles) and a shirt that was far too small for her friend. A delicious slice of his smooth stomach was revealed to Lucy's eager gaze and she drunk in the sight.

"You're enjoying this aren't you" Kohta guessed as he watched her fidget. Lucy didn't even bother to pretend and nodded her head. "Sorry but this is just too funny"

The boy yawned, "Glad someone's having fun" he said as he rubbed his eyes. He hissed and pulled back from his tender right eye. Lucy stepped closer and Kohta froze as she looked closely at it.

"That's gonna swell tomorrow" she said softly. She could already see the tell-tale signs of a black eye in the morning.

Kohta swallowed as Lucy gently ran her hands over the pained flesh. The touch sending pleasant tingles down his spine. "Y-you should see the other guy" he said lamely.

Twin ruby eyes met his and Lucy's shaky smile was a balm to his pain. "I'm so sorry this happened Kohta. I wish they would just leave us all alone"

The pain in her voice made Kohta nod in sympathy. With some bravery he reached out and stroked a finger down her cheek just as she had earlier.

"I can take the pain. As long as I have you as my friend I can take whatever the world throws at me"

Lucy closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. Her lips parted in a soft sigh and Kohta ached to close the distance with his lips.

'Surely it couldn't hurt to try. I... I know there's more to us then just friendship... maybe I should try it?'

But on second thoughts Kohta decided against it. Lucy trusted him, and he valued their friendship above everything else. The risk of breaking that on something as small as a kiss was too great.

"So you got a spare quilt for the floor as we should probably be getting some sleep soon. After all we have lessons in like 'ten' minutes or something" Kohta said, hurrying to move past the heated moment.

Lucy coughed nervously. "Actually I don't have a spare cover or pillows Kohta"

Kohta looked around and rubbed the back of his head, "Well I could just curl up on the floor then. I've slept out in the forest once so this shouldn't be so bad"

"Your not sleeping on the floor Kohta" Lucy snapped.

Kohta gave her a puzzled look, "Well what then? Do... do you want me to leave?" he asked nervously.

"No! No Kohta I don't want you gone"

Lucy played with her hands and took a deep breath, "Youcansharemybedtonightifyouwant" she said in a mad rush.

It took Kohta a few moments to translate but once he sussed it he blushed beet red and immediately examined his yellow socks.

"You... you sure Lucy? I mean you don't have to just to make me comfortable I can-"

"You're in no state to sleep on a floor Kohta. You'll just be feverish by morning if you did that" Lucy said.

"I'm tougher then that" Kohta scoffed.

His next action was to sneeze and he muttered to himself as Lucy gave him a 'yeah right' look. "Ok. Look away so I can get in my pyjamas" she ordered.

Kohta nodded and peeked out the window as he heard Lucy tidy her bed and russel through through some clothes. The girl muttering to herself as she picked through clothes and Kohta smiled as he heard her fussing over whether to wear yellow or blue.

A flash of lightning illuminated the grounds for a split second and Kohta saw trees almost bent back by wind, bushes and and grass flattened by rain, and never ending sheets of water pouring from the heavens.

He looked up, squinting into the dark and flashes of light. The night sky was just a black void and he remembered how chilling it was running in the dark and rain, with no stars or moon to light his path.

Kohta felt the throb of his eye and now that he had a quiet moment he indulged his memories. After Lucy had left Tomoo and his gang hadn't hesitated to go for him. The fight had been quick but brutal. Kohta was glad Tomoo and his dogs only had their fists and that damn vase. He left with bruises and a black eye but he could have been cut badly in that bout.

A feral grin grew across his face as he remembered what he did to Tomoo. Maybe that will teach him to be more wary of picking fights with him or Lucy in the future.

Still... in the end he had had to bug out of there and he made a break for the outside.

Though the rain had almost drowned him in the chaos of the storm he had managed to lose them in the forest. Then it had been a simple case of doubling back and heading to Lucy's room. He knew going back to his own would be a very stupid thing to do.

'With any luck they're still lost in the woods' Kohta thought hopefully.

"Ok Kohta I'm dressed"

The boy turned and let out a sigh of relief when he saw Lucy fully clothed. The pale blue pyjamas were basic and hid all of the girls skin. He was thankful for that at least.

He smirked as he saw the long cap that his friend also wore, "Nice" he said appreciatively.

Lucy glowered at him, "its my favourite" she said warningly.

"Like I said its nice"

Lucy wrung her hands and glanced at the bed and back at Kohta. The nervousness on her face wasn't helping Kohta's own nerves much.

"We can have breakfast tomorrow and talk about what happened. For now... lets get some sleep" the horned girl said.

Kohta nodded and stepped closer. With a weak smile he motioned her first and with a lingering look Lucy climbed under the covers and Kohta hesitantly followed.

The young boy and girl snuggled into their warm surroundings as they lay facing each other. Their flushed faces were barely a foot apart and for the first few moments all they did was stare silently at each other, both quietly appraising the other. Until finally Kohta cleared his throat and made the first move.

"You have a mole"

Lucy blinked. "What?"

Kohta yawned and his eyes glanced at her ear, "Under your ear. You've got a little mole"

Lucy frowned at him, "Thanks for that. That's what every girl likes to hear from boys who happen to be in the same bed as them" she said sarcastically.

Kohta shrugged, hard to do when on your side, "It isn't bad. Just that was the first thing that popped into my head"

He yawned again then winced as his eye throbbed, Lucy watched him tenderly as he sighed wearily, "Pain sucks" he murmured.

"Go to sleep. It will be better tomorrow" Lucy whispered.

Kohta nodded and tried to relax. The warmth and softness of Lucy's bed was throwing off the last of his bone-cold from being outside so long. Plus the pleasant presence of Lucy, her steady breathing and calming scent, was helping to ease his pain.

"You smell nice" he said sleepily. Lucy stared for a moment before whispering a thank you.

The boy shifted and immediately hissed as his sore body rebelled against the movement, he screwed his eyes tighter trying to will aside the pain and embrace the dark. He was physically exhausted, he knew it, but the stabs of pain were like splashes of water shocking him awake.

'Why can't I ever get a break' he thought with frustration.

Then something unexpected happened. He heard Lucy move and then jumped in surprise as she wrapped her arms around him and pressed him against her in a warm hug. The boy blinked dumbly as his face was pressed to Lucy's chest and he heard her heartbeat, the sound strangely hypnotic.

Too tired to be shy he wrapped his own arms around her small hips and nuzzled into her soft body. His friend let out a little gasp but didn't pull away, instead tightening her hold and resting her chin on the top of his head.

'So soft... so warm... and sweet to smell...' Kohta was in bliss as his aches faded in the numbing drug that was Lucy's embrace. He felt her lips press against his brow and his heart swelled with emotion as she kissed him and whispered a goodnight to him.

Her heart gently drummed in his ears and Kohta slipped into a peaceful slumber. For the first time he didn't see haunting images of his dead family nor their dying screams as he drifted into unconsciousness and he had his beloved friend to thank for that.

As he fell into slumber his last coherent thought was, 'I love you Lucy...'

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Outside in the pouring rain a van pulled up outside the gates of the orphanage and the driver peered out through the gale at the looming building. His eyes were cold and though coloured brown the pupil was so dilated it appeared to be black. When he saw the address matched what he was searching for he grinned widely, a single gold tooth flashing in his toothy maw.

"This is it" he whispered to himself. Dark eyes alight with cruel intent.

In the back of the van a figure moved and came to his side. Weary eyes examined the home and then gazed at his leader dubiously, "You sure boss? This is like the hundredth one we've checked"

"Maybe now we'll get lucky" a gruff voice muttered from the back of the van.

The leader turned to look at his partner and the man licked his lips nervously as those dark eyes stared at his.

"You saying you doubt me Mark?"

Mark flinched, "N-no boss! I'm just saying we're running out of time. We need to find that kid and we can't afford any more dead ends"

The dark eyes never wavered, "And you think I've led you to another dead end?"

Mark floundered for an answer. "If you wrong have to leave the kids alone again. Hate doing that. I was having fun till we had to start hurrying up" the gruff voice said with disdain, filling the silence between Mark and the boss.

The boss laughed and a spark of good humour returned to his black eyes, "Sorry I haven't given you much sport lately Griff. I promise you this time there'll be some fun"

Silence from the back and then Griff said in a wistful growl, "Like when they scream. Like music to my ears"

Mark shuddered and glared into the back. "Did we have to bring him boss?"

The gold tooth glinted again. "Yes Mark 'we' did. I'm gonna do something that would stain the soul of anyone so I want someone whose soul is already drenched in shit. Some one who won't hesitate to do what I want"

'Wonder why I'm here then' Mark thought not for the first time.

The boss seemed to guess what Mark was thinking. His dark eyes smiled as he said, "Your here Mark cause I need someone who can think straight and not get... caught up in the moment... like me or Griff here"

Mark gave the boss a doubting look, "Sir. You didn't need me to tell you that that kid didn't know anything about the boy. We had to leg it sharpish from that last town"

The boss smiled and patted Marks shoulder, the man shuddered, "Yes Mark but thanks to your quick thinking we got out of there safely and that kid you were so worried about only got a broken arm"

"And leg" Griff added from the back.

"And leg" the boss smiled.

"And I got to hit him a bit"

"Yes Griff you got to hit him"

"But damn Mark wouldn't let me tou-"

"Yes. Yes Griff. Mark spoils our fun all the time" the boss cut the man's droning words off.

The boss settled back in his seat and linked his arms above his head. "Don't worry Mark, he said soothingly, this is it. This is the place we need to be"

"We need to get this done quick boss. I got everything ready to get you cleared but that's only if the boy is silenced" Mark sighed and ran a hand through slick hair, "Without the kids testimony the case against you will fall apart"

"Remind me to give you a raise Mark"

Mark paused and gave a uncomfortable cough, busying himself by lighting a fag. The dark eyes of his employer watched him carefully and inside his laughter echoed in his skull.

'I know why I can trust Griff to do what he's told. The sick fuck would follow me to hell and back as long as I feed his addiction for hurting people... especially kids heh. But you Mark... you're motivated by something just as loathsome'

"Greed"

Mark looked up with confusion. "You say something boss?"

"Nothing Mark. Now get some rest. We have to move early tomorrow"

The man nodded and settled into the passenger seat. He gazed out at the downpour, eyes closed and rested but still taking drags from his cigarette.

"Joseph"

The boss paused then turned in his seat to look at Riff. In the passenger seat Mark opened his eyes and listened intently.

Griff only said the bosses name when he wanted something... special.

"Yes Griff?" Joseph asked.

There was silence from the back as Griff collected his thoughts then when he spoke it was with a nervous tremor. Like a child afraid to ask for something for fear of being slapped for being foolish.

"If you gotta kill the boy... can I play with him before you do?"

Mark pulled a face and took a deep pull on his fag, "fucks sake man" he hissed.

Joseph remained silent, his features impassive and mildly considering, finally he nodded and said, "If its safe to do so and we have time then yes you can"

Mark continued to look like he'd swallowed something unpleasant but in the back Griff breathed heavily and said a hoarse "Thank you" already imagining the future pleasures.

The boss watched him for a moment longer then settled back in his seat and gazed out at the orphanage. What a delightfully simple brute Griff was. For heavies of his strength other gangs would have to pay hundreds.

He just had to give him little dolls that could scream and bleed when their arms get pulled off.

Looking up at the tall and dark building, with only the odd spot of light showing hall monitors walking the grounds, Joseph smiled his golden grin and remembered a terrified and blood splattered little boy standing over the bodies of his dead family.

'Kohta... I'm gonna find you and when I deal with you I can finally get back to my own business and be rid of all the shit you've put me through. After all you know what they say. The sins of the father shall be passed on to their sons'

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The knocking on the door was the irritant needed to wake Lucy up. "Wake up child it's time for breakfast" a voice called from behind the door. Lucy's demon eyes slide open and she wearily threw back the covers and got out of bed.

Except she couldn't. Something was holding her down. Lucy felt a thrill of panic as she heard deep breathing and something cuddled up against her.

But when she glanced down and saw spiky black hair and that the person was wearing one of her old shirts she realised who it was.

"Oh Kohta... you scared me you idiot" she whispered with a small smile. Her hand came down on the boys head and gently played through his hair. Lucy's fingers running over his scalp soothingly and the boy sleepily moaned.

The horned girl giggled at the sound. Kohta was just 'so' cute right now. Lucy wished she could take a picture but as that option was out she settled for cuddling him back and nuzzling his hair.

'I could get used to waking up with him beside me' Lucy thought. Sleeping in another's arms was a strangely pleasant experience and the red head felt she could easily get addicted to it.

The boy shifted and Lucy knew he was starting to wake. She watched as his eyes slowly slipped open and he yawned widely. Instinctively he squeezed his warm cushion and Lucy hugged him back.

The return motion woke him fully and the boys eyes snapped open and he craned his neck up to stare at Lucy.

"L-Lucy?"

"Good morning Kohta" Lucy's smile was as bright as sunlight, "Did you sleep well?"

The dark haired boy blushed and Lucy drank in the sight. God she loved it. Kohta ducked his head and mumbled a yes hiding his crimson face.

Unfortunately for Kohta the only place to hide was to bury his face against his friends chest and that just made him worse. Kohta was frozen rigid uncertain what to do now he was awake, rested, and in a beautiful girls arms and in her bed.

'Lets not forget you have your face pressed against her chest, your arms wrapped round her hips, and is that your thigh that's between her legs?' a teasing part of Kohta sniggered at him.

'Shut up brain!'

The boy cleared his throat and quickly thought of something to say, "Um... (he glanced out towards the window) looks like the rain has stopped. Even some sun for a change"

Lucy didn't even look, "Its nice" she whispered, her gaze still on Kohta.

Kohta gulped, "Is-is there something on my face?"

Lucy smirked, showing a single sharp canine, "Lots of red blood rushed skin. You nervous Kohta?"

The boy ducked his head again in embarrassment, quickly raised it again with a squeak and glared to the right tetchily, "Just a little"

Lucy giggled and cuddled him, he was just so cute! "So do you feel better in the morning?" she asked.

Kohta frowned and did a quick check. His bruises had mainly faded now, the soreness was just a dull throb now. But his eye on the other hand...

He looked back up at Lucy, "My bruises feel better but my eye's still smarting. How's it look?"

The horned girls look became sombre as she considered her friends eye. Now she looked closer it did look much worse.

"Its all swollen up Kohta, she gnawed on her lip, can you even see through it?"

"Yeah I can still see. Just every time I blink it hurts" Kohta winced suddenly, "Now I'm waking up the pains getting worse"

Lucy reached out to touch it, the urge to sooth him too strong to ignore, yet the instant her fingers made the lightest contact Kohta cried out and flinched away.

"Sorry!"

"No prob just... tender" Kohta said with a grimace. Now sitting up and gingerly poking his sore flesh.

Lucy sat up too and grabbed Kohtas hand, "If it hurts don't touch it silly!"

"You touched it"

"I was trying to help!"

"By doing the same thing I'm doing"

"What's your point?"

Kohta grinned, "No point. I just like picking fights"

Lucy glared at him before grinning ferally, "if its a fight you want..."

Her fingers twitched and Kohta yelped as she lunged for him and started tickling him. "Stop haha! Stop please hehe!" Kohta squealed as Lucy pinned him down.

"You surrender?" Lucy asked halting for a moment.

"... no?"

Lucy's madly seeking fingers continued their torture, "YES YES I DO! I SURRENDER!"

"So you better" Lucy smiled down at Kohta as the boy sucked in deep breaths. Straddling his hips the red head gulped as her friend looked up at her with his deep blue eyes.

Their gazes locked and Lucy felt herself start to inch closer to him. Kohtas expression was unreadable but his hands tightened on the sheets as Lucy's face drew closer.

Her bangs covered them in a curtain of red she was so close now. Her lips... warm breath and sweet scent... Kohtas' brain wasn't thinking straight but the small part of him still coherent was thinking 'please'.

Then their was a harsh knocking on Lucy's front door, "Hey are you waking up or not! Kid you can't stay in bed all day!"

Still watching Kohta Lucy took a moment to lick her dry lips, "Be right out" she shakily called out.

There was a grunt from the adult outside then receding footsteps. Kohtas eyes glanced towards the door then back at Lucy, "We should probably make a move" he whispered.

"I guess" Lucy replied in a husky voice.

Kohta took a deep gulp and fought back against his squirming insides, "You think my clothes are dry yet?"

The question snapped Lucy out of her daze and the girl sat up and brushed her hair out of her eyes, "Probably" she answered and climbed out of bed.

The instant her warm weight left him Kohta let out a quiet groan of disappointment. With shaky limbs he shuffled out of bed glancing around distractedly as Lucy started to sort out her clothes.

"Here you go!"

"Huh?" Kohta turned just as his shirt hit in the face. The boy yanked it off and caught the rest of his clothes as Lucy threw them at him. The girl smiled and motioned for him to turn around, "Lets get changed and don't you dare watch me Kohta"

The raven haired youth snorted, "Same to you Lucy" he said with a smirk as he turned his back on her and started to get changed.

'Hmm toasty. Thank god for over priced radiators'

The two didn't speak for a few minutes as they got changed. However the silence couldn't last and it was Lucy who broke it first.

"So... can you tell me now what happened after we got separated yesterday Kohta?"

The boy hiked up his pants and considered it. He took a breath, "If you really wanna know..."

"I do"

"Well... this is how it happened"

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"You're dead Kohta!"

Tomoo let out a roar of pure rage as he swung the vase at Kohtas head. Such was his speed that Kohta couldn't duck fast enough and took the strike around the back of his head. Immediately his vision swam and he stumbled back in a daze, fighting back nausea as one of the lackeys rushed him.

A hand reached for him and Kohta swung wildly rewarded by a yelp as his knife cut something. Still retreating Kohta caught a glimpse of his attacker falling back with a bleeding hand, he shook his head and focused on the glowering boy and Tomoo.

'wait a second. Weren't their three?'

An arm went round his throat and a hand grabbed his knife hand. "Got him guys!" the third bully shouted as Kohta struggled against him.

Tomoo reacted instantly and Kohta felt his heart race with terror as the boy lunged for him, aiming for his head again with that heavy vase. The blue eyed boy knowing he wouldn't escape another hit.

His fear driven adrenaline gave him a wild idea. Linking his legs round the boy holding him he went limp and pushed down to the ground with all his force. Surprised by the change of action the boy holding Kohta went down in a heap with him, Tomoos weapon swinging overhead and missing both.

Scrambling free, (kicking the boy on the floor for good measure as he did) Kohta continued to back away. He risked a sideways glance and saw he was within sprinting distance of the exit. By now Lucy must have escaped a far distance.

"Stop dodging away you bastard!" Tomoo roared and went for him again. Too fast to think a plan Kohtas body reacted before his brain and raised an arm to block the strike. The blow smashed into his arm, tearing flesh and shaking bone and forcing a scream of pain from Kohta.

Kohta quickly swiped out with his knife but its range was small and Tomoo easily ducked back before lunging forward and swinging low with the vase. Kohta danced to the right and took a glancing slap to his rips that still hurt like hell, forcing him back even further.

His back bumbed up against a desk behind him, 'I'm gonna be killed if I don't get out of here soon!' Kohta thought in desperation.

Another boy rushed past Tomoo and punched Kohta in the face. Reeling from the blow Kohta fell across the desk and Tomoo took the chance. Raising his weapon high and bringing it down hard towards Kohtas exposed skull.

The boy half turned his head and watched the vase descend towards him. Time seemed to slow as the buckled metal object slowly arched towards him and Kohta wondered for a moment if this was the end. Was this the time for him to finally die.

'Not by my own hand but like this. Killed in a three on one match with the towns psychos'

But even as this stung him he wondered again if this was such a bad thing. The vase was closer now and Kohta was actually getting a little impatient now. If it hit and really killed him would it be so terrible? He'd finally be free of all the sorrow and pain of this world.

He'd... he'd finally be able to see his family again.

Dad. Kanae. They'd be waiting with open arms for him... he'd be able to hold them again, smell them, feel their love for him.

For a moment Kohta thought over this and wondered if he should bother to stop this fiend from taking his life.

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Lucy's stare was stark shock and dismay. "You actually thought about letting him kill you!?" she said, her tone shrill with disbelief.

Kohta nodded his head and stared at the floor frowning. "I... I miss them so much Lucy... I just... for a second I saw it as a way out. A way to be with them again" he said softly.

Sitting in front of him Lucy leaned forward and laid a hand on his knee, "You miss them. And... I know you want them back so badly. But killing yourself isn't the answer. Your dad would probably give you a spanking when you met him in heaven"

"Maybe. Maybe not. I'll never know as they ain't here no more" Kohta said with a scowl.

"But you are, Lucy said softly, and they'd want you to live on. It's what I would want if I had a family"

Kohta noticed the slight quaver in her voice when she mentioned her own family. He looked up and saw the sadness in her ruby eyes. "I'm sorry. I... I didn't mean to upset you with talk of family"

Lucy snorted and patted his knee, "Idiot my situation is nothing compared to yours. You don't have to apologise to me"

Kohta smiled wetly. Lucy grinned then crawled to his side and sat next to him, both hugging their knees as he stared at the floor and she watched him intently.

"I guess if I was in your shoes I'd consider it too. Your family sound wonderful... I'd miss people like that just as much I think" Lucy said gently.

"Yeah. They were the best" Kohta whispered.

His friend leaned against him and nudged him, "So why didn't you let him kill you then?"

Kohta was silent for a while and hid his eyes behind his hair but Lucy waited patiently. Finally he took a breath and whispered something that Lucy didn't catch.

"Kohta?" she quietly asked.

The boy looked up and their were tears in his sapphire eyes, he smiled gingerly.

"You... you were the reason"

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Kohta watched the vase descend and just as he was about to close his eyes and let death take him a memory flitted through his mind. A snatch of words he himself had said once.

'I'm so sorry Lucy'

In an instance his eyes snapped alert and strength returned to his body. Tomoo was too close to avoid so Kohta didn't even bother to try. Rushing up to meet the blow Kohta let out a grunt of pain as the vase thudded into his chest instead of his head.

Tomoos eyes were wide with shock as Kohta glared up at him. The boy had barely felt the pain and while his enemy was frozen with confusion Kohtas arm flashed round and buried his knife in Tomoos arm.

Tomoo screamed as the knife dug deep into the meat of his arm. A spurt of blood splattered over him and Kohta and Tomoo tried to yank his arm back.

But Kohta wouldn't move. Still glaring darkly Kohta pulled back on the knife and forced Tomoo closer, the knife haven caught on something tough inside Tomoo, maybe a bone, and preventing the knife coming free.

Face to face Kohta snarled at Tomoos frightened face, "You're not killing me today" he hissed.

Swinging his head back he cannoned forward and smashed his brow right into Tomoos nose. The force of impact finally freed Tomoo and the boy fell back in a spray of blood to land in a heap on the floor.

Covered in blood Kohta stared down contemptuously at Tomoo, "She needs me. I'm her only friend" Kohta said, more to himself then his adversary.

Bleeding heavily from his arm and with a very broken nose Tomoo weakly raised a hand to point at Kohta, "K-kill hi-im!" he slurred towards his lackeys.

Kohta watched them coldly as they hesitated. He grinned, looking like some demon with all the blood dripping from his face, and stepped away from the desk.

"I'll make the choice easy for you" he said boldly. Then turned tail and legged it for the door.

Rushing for the exit to the ward Kohta heard the two give chase behind him and wondered how he could lose them. His aches and pains were slowly returning now the adrenaline had faded and his face and chest were 'really' starting to hurt now.

But despite the pain, and despite the fact he was being chased Kohta couldn't help but laugh aloud with delight.

He wasn't going to die. He was never going to die. He had a reason to live after all.

He had her. He had Lucy.

And he would never abandon her again.

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"If I died... then Tomoo would for sure come for you and Caneene. You'd be alone without anyone to protect you... I couldn't let that happen"

Despite the heartfelt words Lucy bristled at the protecting part, "I don't need protection Kohta I can take care of myself" she said sternly.

Kohta winced, "I didn't mean it like that... I just... I meant I couldn't be so selfish and leave you on your own cause that would be very uncool"

Lucy's gaze softened as Kohta sniffled, dammit he was baring his soul here and she was letting herself get touchy. With a sigh she pulled him into a hug and nuzzled his cheek.

"I know. I'm sorry for snapping Kohta... I guess I would have really missed you"

The girl felt her own eyes mist up as she thought of what it would be like if Kohta was taken from her. He was a part of her now... the thought of living without him and going back to that terrible life before he arrived was like a nightmare.

"I already lost you once. I don't think I could take losing you again"

"I'm sorry for that too. I was a jerk yesterday."

"Yeah you were. But it's cool. Saving Caneene made up for it"

"I suppose the bruises I've got is enough for karma to be satisfied" Kohta said with a smirk.

Lucy giggled and pulled back to examine his face. The swelling had almost closed Kohtas eye but Lucy still found Kohtas beauty apparent. Just now he looked like some kind of broken hero.

'You look very heroic" she said with a smile. Kohta raised an eyebrow and shook his head bemusedly.

"We should probably get going. I would like to stay with you in bed all day but we do have classes to go to I guess"

Lucy blushed red and Kohta frowned as he reviewed his words then cringed, "That sounded better in my head"

"I bet"

Kohta smiled and stood up helping Lucy to her feet too, "I meant I'd love to just rest and hang out with you all day but we have to keep looking like things are normal. I'm gonna have to make up some excuses for my bruises anyway so that's gonna be fun"

"Say you walked into a door" Lucy said with a grin.

Kohta snorted, "What three or four times?"

"You couldn't work the doorknob"

"So I'm stupid too?"

"It's believable" Lucy said with a cheery nod. Kohta glowered at her for a moment before he gave in and chuckled, "So we getting some food or not?" he asked as he walked over to the door and opened it.

Then took a step back in surprise.

Outside a young teacher stood with his hand raised to rap on the door. His annoyance apparent and it was clear he was the same man who had knocked before. He blinked and his eyes squinted at Kohta as he worked out what had just happened.

Then they suddenly widened as he saw the dishevelled state they were both in, the hastily thrown on clothes and the messy bed, including that this was the girls dorms and and it looked like a boy had stayed in one of their rooms overnight.

Kohta watched the man plus two and two and come up with five and muttered under his breath, "Crap" as the adult started to rant at them.

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Lucy accepted her bowl of gruel, (well not as such but it still tasted terrible) from the lunch lady with a weary sigh. The pug-faced woman noticed and gave the horned girl a beady look, "If you don't want it there's plenty more who will eat it" she said snidely.

"What the rats?" Lucy replied sarcastically.

The woman glared at the girl who matched her easily, "Beat it brat or next time you'll get something worse then that" she hissed.

Lucy rolled her eyes and spun away, but couldn't resist a parting shot, "I'll probably be killed by this slime before tomorrows breakfast anyway"

With a smirk she pushed into the lunch hall ignoring the daggers the lunch lady threw at her.

Away from the queue the young girl paused in the centre of the hall looking for a place to sit. Outwardly neutral she was nervous inside as now she had to sit alone for the first time in ages.

Her searching eyes fell on Miko sitting with a group of girls and immediately her grip tightened on her bowl. The rage at what the girl had done not yet faded.

Despite her swollen and bruised nose the pigtailed girl was happily chatting and laughing in her circle of friends. Did she have no decency? Already having moved on and forgotten the murder she almost helped happen?

As if sensing her anger the girl looked up right into Lucy's eyes and her words died on her lips. Lucas eyes were red slits of hate as she felt her body burn with the urge to cause pain to another and Miko was obviously sensing this as she was wide eyed with fear.

'Walk right over there and tear her head off. You can do it. It's almost within your grasp. Just the right moment and your power can awaken'

Lucy wanted so badly to hurt that girl. Despite the fact that Mikos friends had noticed her unease and were glaring at Lucy the girl felt no fear. She could take them all. Kill. Them all...

Her fingers slackened on the bowl and in slow motion it started to fall. Lucy felt a wind caress her yet touch no one else as her pupils dilated and her heart raced.

The bowl reached her stomach and Lucy's hands bunched into fists as something tightened inside her. This was it. She was gonna teach that girl a lesson she would never forget!

'Do it! Wash away your pain in the blood of these animals! Give in to your hatred!'

The bowl fell to her knees and Lucy waited for the smash. The pistol shot of noise that would start the games.

"Whoa!"

Kohta dived out of nowhere and caught the bowl, sliding a little on his knees. The boy let out a breath of relief and stood up beside the panting girl. He patted her shoulder, "It's nasty to eat but you can't throw it away Lucy" he said with a smile.

Lucy blinked and the red mist had gone. Shaking her head clear of the cobwebs she looked at Kohtas beaming face and shakily took back her bowl.

"Thank you" she whispered.

Kohta frowned and his other hand took her remaining shoulder, "You alright?"

She nodded not trusting herself to speak. She lowered her head hiding her eyes behind her bangs so Kohta wouldn't see her unease. What had just happened then? That's the second time she'd had one of those strange blackouts.

Yet... she still remembered a feeling. An emotion of anger and hate so powerful it scared her. Where had that come from?

"Lucy?"

"I'm just tired Kohta" Lucy said blankly and pushed past him spying an empty table. Kohta watched her in confusion before he noticed what Lucy had been staring at before she dropped her bowl.

Miko was still shaking and her friends were around her asking what was wrong. Kohta felt no such sympathy and though he had none of Lucy's anger he still gave her his own disgusted, and deeply suspicious glare. Was it her that made Lucy so wound up?

Deciding to let it go for now he followed after his friend and sat beside her dumbing his school bag on the table. The horned girl was already poking at her porridge with a dismal look and Kohta couldn't help but smile. "You gonna eat that? Cause I will if you don't want it?" Kohta said with his chin in his hands.

Red eyes flicked over to him, "Are you a rat in human disguise?"

Kohta gave her a bemused look, "Um, no? Why?"

Lucy smirked, "No reason" she said and took a spoonful of her food. She grimaced but continued to eat and Kohta was content to just watch her.

"So how did it go with the Nazis?" Lucy asked without looking at him.

Kohta giggled, "Well I got asked some pretty weird questions and got a stern telling off" the boy looked away with a smile, "If I get caught in your room again then I'll be in trouble for sure"

Lucy smiled too as she thought back to this morning. That teacher had totally lost the plot seeing Kohta in her room. Making wild accusations and all sorts of questioning. It had been kinda funny actually.

She remembered how Kohta had blushed when that man had asked him what kind of 'sordid things' he was trying to do. She had laughed but then the man had dragged Kohta off to his office for a talk, heedless of Lucy's words and explanations, and she had been left alone with Kohtas promise to see her at breakfast. God she had felt so wretched then.

'Man but the adults here are so crazy' she thought. But... that Kohta had been let off with just a talking to was great news though. He was here now and that's the important thing.

"What you thinking Lucy?"

"Huh?" Lucy snapped out her thoughts as Kohta gazed at her happily. Even with the bruised eye his loving expression was still powerful. She blushed and spooned another mouthful of food, "I was thinking that... it's been awhile since we've hanged out just by ourselves hasn't it?"

Kohta closed his eyes as he thought this over, "Actually its been just one day I think" he said after counting off with his fingers.

"Still a long time" Lucy said with a huff.

"Heh. I guess so. So what do you wanna do?"

Lucy sucked on her spoon while she mulled it over, "Maybe we can do what I should have done straight from the beginning. I need to see Caneene tonight to feed him and... I want someone to come with me"

She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes and Kohta gulped as she whispered, "Someone I trust should come with me"

"I'm sure I can lose the matron and her flying monkeys" Kohta said with a small smile.

Lucy giggled and Kohta beamed at the sound, "But first! We need to eat" she said and scooped up a dole of porridge.

She stared at the spoon for a moment then smiled at Kohta, "Say ahhh" she said in a sing-song voice as she held the spoon under his nose.

Kohta blushed and opened his mouth, Lucy continued to smile at him before whipping the spoon back and taking a bite, "Just kidding!"

Kohta face faulted, "Good joke" he said dryly.

Suddenly the spoon was back, "Now I'm serious" the red head said huskily as she gazed into his eyes. Kohta licked his dry lips and hesitantly opened his mouth.

"Oh my god I think I'm gonna be sick"

The hoarse and insulting words made Lucy and Kohta look up in surprise to see a very familiar enemy standing over their table sneering down at them.

"Oh god not you. Don't you have better things to do then be a total twerp Tomoo? Maybe pull some legs of a spider or roast some ants you creep?" Lucy said with disgust.

"Shut up bitch I'm not here to talk to you" Tomoo spat. Lucy snarled back and Kohtas hands curled into fists.

"What do you want?" Kohta asked coldly, his eyes blue ice with anger.

Tomoo stood ramrod straight before them and he pointed at himself with a shaking hand. "Take a good look you fucks. Look what you did to me"

Tomoo was indeed a terrible sight. His clothes were scrubbed raw were he had tried to clean blood out of them but they still had red marks throughout them. His right arm was in a sling and his whole body was shaking like a leaf, whether from pain, painkilling drugs, or a combination of both. His face was a ruined mess, both eyes bruised and bloody with his nose swathed in bandages and almost completely flat. His throat was bruised too and he obviously was having trouble speaking and breathing.

"You look a mess. Should we care?" Kohta asked without a trace of pity. Beside him Lucy was appraising Tomoo with dark delight at his wounds.

Tomoo flinched at Kohtas words but not from fear but from resisting the impulse to rush him. "I had to lie, say I was lost in the woods and got attacked by someone, that I barely escaped. You two made me look a fool" he said, his voice a shrill hiss of hate.

"You already are a fool Tomoo" Lucy sneered.

"You brought this on yourself" Kohta added.

Tomoo smirked back at them, a glint of evil mischief in his eyes, "I've checked and you've moved Caneene, smart move but I'll find him eventually. No for today you're ok I'm just here to give you a message"

"And what's that?" Lucy said feigning boredom.

Tomoo leaned forward across the table, his eyes burning with the light of madness, "You're dead" he whispered.

Lucy glared back at him but Kohtas expression was neutral, "You've said that before Tomoo, we're still here so I have trouble believing you" he said calmly.

But Tomoo just continued to smile, no anger at Kohtas retort just that fixed smile, "Its ok. I'd have trouble believing it too. But 'believe' this time. Its true"

He leaned closer his mad eyes delighted as Kohta and Lucy got edgy, "Some how, some day, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not even next week, next month even. But somehow... I'm going to kill you. Kill you both"

"And I'll be sure to make you both watch the other die too" he added as he stepped back.

Lucy and Kohta just watched him closely. The bully gave them a bright smile and a little wave, "Start watching your backs as of tomorrow. Laters freaks" he said then walked off into the hall chuckling to himself. The friendly humour twisted by his earlier threat.

Lucy pushed away her bowl, her appetite gone. "Well that was a great start to the day"

Kohta didn't reply, his eyes fixed on Tomoo. The boy was sitting with his two cronies, they in much better shape then their leader, and were talking in a tight huddle.

"Kohta? You ok?"

"He's really angry" Kohta whispered to himself.

Lucy frowned at him, her ruby eyes confused by her friends words, "So? That guys always angry at something. This is nothing special"

Kohta turned to look at her, "No. This is different Lucy" he said deadly serious.

"I hurt him badly, for the first time we caused him to come off worse in one of his little games. He's not gonna let that go"

"Like I'm scared" Lucy said with a shrug.

Kohta shook his head, "After what he tried with Caneene it was obvious to me what kind of person he is. Now there's no turning back for him"

His icy eyes fell on Tomoo again and the bully noticed. The two silently stared at each other and Kohta felt a shiver of unease as he saw the madness in his foes eyes had taken on a new focused purpose.

"He got a taste for violence and death when he was about to kill Caneene. He loved that feeling. He can't get it out of his head and he won't be able to live without exploring that feeling"

Lucy's expression hardened at the reminder of her furry friends near death and she curled her hand into a fist, "Let him try, she hissed, I'll kill him first"

Kohta glanced at her, his expression unreadable as he considered her. He swallowed and parted his lips to say something.

"Lucy what happened-" he began.

But his words were cut off as the bell sounded for first period. Lucy scrambled to her feet, kicking over her chair in her haste.

"I forgot my bag! I left it in my room and its got all my books in. Mr Kimuchii's gonna go all sarcastic with me if I don't have it" she said in a panic.

Kohta bit back his earlier sentence and gave his friend a shrewd look, "Since when did you care what that old man says?"

Lucy glared at him hotly, "Since he threatened to put me in detention for a month if I forgot my bag again"

"I think I can get away with being late, he never said nothing about that". The horned girl hurried off into the crowd yelling to Kohta, "I'll see you at Lunch Kohta!" before vanishing into the crowd.

"See you later" Kohta said after her but his words were too soft to hear. He watched her dash off, savouring a last glimpse of her crimson hair, her slender figure and waving skirt before she vanished into the crowd. God she was so cute.

And yet... the dark haired boy felt his unease rise again as he recalled Lucy's earlier promises of murder. So much had happened that he had barely had time to stop and think but after seeing the state Lucy was in just earlier he was getting worried for his friend.

Just what was the deal with his friends strange... trances? Daydreaming? Fits? He wasn't sure what to call them but every time he looked at his friend sometimes he mind flashed back to that time he hit her, (Immediately making his gut squirm with loathing) and that strange episode where Lucy went so blank eyed and cold. That weird moment when her eyes had become devoid of all emotion but what seemed to be a killing desire.

Kohta didn't scare easy, and though his logical mind told him Lucy was a tiny young girl that posed little threat to him, (he had already beaten her once in tug of war) he had been more terrified then ever before when she had been facing him down with those void eyes.

That aura of fear around her... he'd never felt anything like it.

And just for a second when he had been on his knees catching her bowl he had felt it again with the stiffening of the hairs on his neck. It wasn't pleasant.

Picking up his book bag Kohta sighed and headed off to his classes.

'Whatever is going on I'll stand by her side, Kohta thought loyally, I won't ever leave her alone again.'

AUTHORS NOTE: HAD TO CUT IT IN HALF AGAIN AS TOO LONG. STUPID CAN'T HANDLE 50 PLUS PAGES.