Chapter two, finally. This took me a while to write, no idea why, because it's not very long. This has nothing to do with the previous chapter though, 'cause like I said, this has no real timeline. I hope you enjoy anyway, and please tell me what you think.

Red Sunsets

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A group of high school girls relaxed on a Saturday night; curled up in pajamas and glued to the television screen, they watched a love story, a chick flick, called 'When You're Gone'. Tragic instrumental music floated through the speakers, mixing with the sound of crackling popcorn. Entrance exams had just ended the week before, and the Daiichi students could finally be at peace knowing the pressure was over.

Only one seemed less than content as she sat farther away from the rest. Her face held a blue expression, lips drawn downward in a firm line.

Yukimura Keiko peered at the TV absently; she was interested in it, sure, it was a good movie -- but her mind would not cease it's troubled wandering. Something was bothering her, like a heavy weight on her chest, and she could not shake it off.

The leading female kissed her love interest passionately, winding delicate hands around his neck for an embrace -- setting off a string of 'awws' and girlish squeals from the viewers. The story was at it's climax, the couple forced to part ways, maybe for good, due to war.

"You know it has to be this way."

"Does it really? Can't we change it? We could run away together, or-"

Keiko refused to let any moisture run down her cheeks, despite the threat of a rising sob in her throat. She would not cry.She had her will of iron. Her friends were gushing over the scene like it was the most touching thing ever; but it only made Keiko feel hollow and empty. Her heart throbbed with a dull ache that had nothing to do with the movie. The TV continued it's merciless flashing in the dark room.

On screen, the actress weeped with anguish as the navy ship floated from the docks, her loved one drifting away, leaving her alone under the red sunset. "Don't go.." She whispered to no one.

"It's soo sad! Somebody pass me a tissue."

The interruption snapped the girls from their thoughts. They began chatting idly; talking about what they think the woman should do, what will happen,(will her lover die?), and whether the movie is corny or not.

Keiko remained silent the entire time, propped up on her own corner of the couch. She wished they'd picked something different to watch; even that gorefest horror flick they spotted on a shelf in the video store would've been better than this. It was a shame, she used to love romance films, especially foreign ones. Now she wouldn't dare give them even a glance.

Smiling politely, she tapped the girl holding the Kleenex box. "Can I have one please?" She wasn't crying yet, but she wanted to be prepared just in case. So much for my determination.

"Of course!" Her friend said, and Keiko took the tissue gratefully, dabbing it on her wet lashes. They were so nice, she felt guilty wallowing in her mass of angst. But like a bad regret, that ache just wouldn't go away.

"What's wrong Keiko-san?" The youngest of the group asked curiously. "The movie getting to you too?"

They all turned to look at her, concern in their eyes. She was somewhat of a mystery; most people in school admired her for her pretty figure and near perfect grades...yet she seemed quiet sometimes. Those who really knew her said she'd changed since Junior High.

Keiko blinked, caught off guard. Did everyone have to stare? "Yeah, it's only the film. I think it's very moving." She brought a fake smile to her lips, which strained her cheeks and face. Anxiety swelled in her belly, worried that they could see through her facade.

But they didn't. Her answer satisfied them enough, and the girls turned around. "It is isn't it!" They glued themselves back to the TV, and the wailing music continued.

"Please come back to me."

xxxxxxx

"What's your problem?"

The boy's moodiness was starting to get on his nerves. The bad attitude and smart mouth, well, he was used to that by now; but all this moping was irritating. He'd been doing it for days. He didn't have time for sorrows, or whatever the hell his issue was.

Raizen cracked his knuckles impatiently. The bastard wasn't paying him any attention -- standing there with his head upturned towards the crimson Makai skyline. Bruises lined his skin, marks as dark as the hair that hung in his face; the result of training, fighting. An annoyance, maybe, but not painful. He was of Mazoku bloodline.

But he was ignoring him, that distant look flashing in his eyes. Dammit, they didn't have time for this. The war demon's temper began to flare up, but he held back; he needed to conserve his strength.

"I'm talking to you!" He growled, warning tone under his rough voice.

Yusuke was jarred from whatever reverie he'd been in; as if he really hadn't heard Raizen speaking a moment ago. He'd spaced on accident, didn't even realize he was doing it. Finally, he rolled his gaze to his ancestor (slowly, he didn't take orders from anyone), those sharp eyes narrowing into a glare -- his own warning. "What?" He snapped.

Raizen sneered. "Stop daydreaming and pay attention. What are you thinking so hard about anyway?"

Yusuke's face darkened, shoulders rising -- defensive body language. Humans were so easy to read. "None of your business" was his muffled reply.

"Fine. Come on then." Raizen stood up, using more effort then he meant to, and then hovered over the teen in an instant, faster than a single blink. He was losing strength from starving to death, but he was not weak. Not yet.

He reared back and slammed a fist to Yusuke's jaw. He'd tear that look off his face -- for his own good, Makai was not a forgiving world; one didn't have room for softness. Not here.

The impact sent Yusuke flying backwards, kicking up a cloud of dust in the process. He caught himself before he hit the ground, swinging back a leg to steady himself. He staggered, then was still, straighting up and standing tall.

A hateful grin spread across his face as he wiped the blood from his lip. Fine by him, a brawl with a demon was what he needed to vent his frustrations.

He rushed towards Raizen, the Mazoku blood pumping in his veins.

They fought, fist to flesh, sweating under the beating sun. Yusuke let out his anger and guilt in an explosion -- the morbid red sky reminding him of the sunset by the river, the abusing hand of his opponent so different than the gentle touch of..her.

He'd been through a hell here, his homesickness and dreams of her driving him mad.

She haunted his thoughts lately -- wondering what she was doing, where she was, whether or not she'd found someone else. He wouldn't blame her if she did. He held all his comrades in high esteem, but she was different. There was something extra he felt for her, and he was feeling it now. Truth was, he missed her, more than anyone.

Someday Keiko..

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