Ichigo was sleeping so soundly it was almost as if she were dead. It worried him how tired she was. A few hours ago he had sneaked down, careful to be sure they did not hear, and made her some tea. Every noise the house made startled him as he was boiling the water, but his determination held him in place. Tea was supposed to be good for illness. While he was down there for the tea he looked for the first aid. After a bit of searching in the bathroom, he found the things he needed to tend to her injuries. He did not know a great deal about human health but he knew enough. Once he brought her the tea he had to hold her head up in order to get her to drink it. It seemed to take a great deal of effort for her to drink the tea. Even when he cleaned her wounds she barely reacted. Expert on human health or not, even he knew this was a bad sign.
Two of the bites had gone quite deep so he was sure she lost a decent amount of blood. It took some time to clean away the blood. He bandaged the wounds but he just hoped he had done everything right. From what he knew infections could be serious. Her clothing had suffered irreparable damage though. Her parents could never see these. The mere thought of her father's reaction to something like that sent a tingle up his spine.
With everything finally finished, Kisshu nuzzled in next to her. Gently, he placed a hand on her face. Her skin was a little warm to the touch and her breathing was a bit abnormal; that worried him but he did not know what to do about it. He had a cool cloth on her forehead but he did not know if it was doing any good. With a sigh he rested his head on the pillow. It would be nice if he knew a bit more about these things.
A yawn tugged his mouth open wide. After all the things that happened today he was tired as well. His eyes stung with the desire for sleep. It was past midnight by some time. The day began wildly and ended wildly. Worry did a lot to tire him tonight, that and hours of searching endlessly with his stress progressively getting higher through the night. What began as a beautiful, fun day for them to spend together had ended in a far less pleasant light. This had better be the end of days like these. He wanted to stay awake to be sure nothing else happened but now that his head was resting on the pillow he could not even manage to keep his eyes open more than a little. A few more blinks and his eyes stayed closed. His mind worked to convince his body to open his eyes but his body refused. It only took a few more second before he fell into the pit of sleep.
Blue eyes flashed in the moon as he moved to the bedside. There was nothing to be done, he would have to give her a respite for the moment. It would not be entertaining to allow his doll to die so soon. Her body was very weak now considering the fact that her body had been weaken over time because of her grief. With the multiple attacks he had orchestrated, the recent lack of sleep, and her near encounter with drowning, she was simply in no condition to toy with. He had not put her life in a great deal of danger yesterday though.
Even though they were Blue sharks, three of them, they were very young, so they could not kill her. His two Mako sharks were nearly full adults though. They all had aggressive natures, which is why he kept them. Not all of them really bothered her other than to hit her. The only ones that bothered her were his two favorites of the baby blue sharks and one of the mako. It was all in play though considering he fed them well an hour before he put her in. None of them were hungry, they were only toying with her.
Most people could not accomplish the mixture of those breeds, but he made it possible by keeping different part of the tank different levels, among other things. A whole room was dedicated to that tank so they had ample space. Once the blue sharks grew too large he replaced them with a new set. Releasing the adults onto the beaches gave him a great deal of satisfaction considering all the trouble it could cause if one or two of them chose to linger at the shore for any length of time. Thanks to his efforts, there had been a spike in shark attacks. He was actually an expert on sharks. They fascinated him and they were helpful to keep around. Sharks held a great deal of intimidation over humans. Each shark he possessed had the potential to be dangerous. The mere sight of a shark was enough to strike terror into the hearts of people. Sharks were almost more effective than even a lion because sharks lived in the water. They were more threatening because they had two advantages over a human in the water; they were faster and they could breathe when a human could not. Water itself was a source of fear to humans, but adding a shark made it all the more fun.
His eyes fell on the girl again. It was likely the drowning part that weakened her the most. Things like that tended to take a real toll on the body, especially a body that was already weak. He had taken her before she had time to eat and replenish her strength so she had no energy to draw from. In hindsight, waiting would have been more prudent. He would be limited to toying with her mind for a short while. It mattered little though; he would simply switch his games to a different target until she was strong enough to play with again. For now, he would start out slowly, setting out more strings before he went for the kill.
Kisshu squirmed. Something felt strange and his chest felt tight. When he tried to open his eyes it did not work, it still was dark. His eyes adjusted to darkness quite well, eyes similar to a cat's, but he still saw nothing. It felt like there was something strange around him – It was a slimy sensation. Just what was this? His entire system reeled in shock as a horrendously bright light blared directly into his eyes. He grunted and squinted at the figure behind the light. He flinched – Could that be Ichigo's father? Did that guy come home to find a strange boy in his daughter's bed?
"Hey, what is this?" Kisshu scowled.
No answer.
"Hello!" He leaned forward. "Who are you? What's going on?"
The figure shifted but did not speak.
Kisshu looked down and frowned – Something black was covering his body. He tried to move again but the shadowy substance held him in place. His heart tightened as the substance began to move and wriggle around him as though it were living. Its hold constricted around him squeezing tightly before relaxing. It reminded him a bit of the germ Chimera Anima he sent after Aoyama once. He balked when two eyes blinked at him; it blinked again and then slid off him slowly. He pulled his legs up onto the chair and stared at it. The form gradually shifted into something resembling a human in nature of shape. It blinked at him again and flashed a toothy smile, teeth sharp like a shark. The shadowy creature joined the man, eyes still fixed on Kisshu.
"What the hell is that thing?"
No answer.
Kisshu shot up into the air to see the man but the light shifted again, nearly blinding him. He reeled back an covered his face with one arm.
"That is me, my. . . shall we say. . . my spirit. That is a slight demonstration of my power and what I will do in the future." His baritone voice accosted Kisshu's ears like loud waves.
"What do you mean? What you will do in the future?" Kisshu shot him an incredulous look, "You intend to turn into a slimy, creepy looking monster in the future? I've heard of odd ambitions, but that is really off the wall!"
That elicited a chuckle from the man, "No, that's not quite what I meant. I have yet to show you the future I speak of."
"Is that right? Well, I'm not really into fortune telling, so you can go pick on someone else!"
"Even if I am going to show you how someone you love will die? Even if I was going to show you her fate? You have not been doing very well at protecting her yourself!" He shifted behind the light again, "Perhaps I was going to tell you how to save her, but I don't think I will now. I will just show you how she will suffer."
"What are you talking – " The man vanished, "Hey, what's going on? Explain yourself!" Kisshu glided to where he had been.
The light dimmed and was gone, leaving him in the darkness again. Even if he had been able to see he would not have known where the man had gone. What sort of man was that? Was he possibly an alien as well? Was the creature he had a Chimera Anima? He growled at the air. It did not matter, he was leaving. His heart stopped as he tried to open a door, the same as he always did, but nothing appeared. He tried again, suddenly desperate, but nothing came in response. He could not use his powers in here? How could that be? Where was this place?
A light appeared a short distance ahead. A man dressed in black, face covered by a mask, stood next to the creature from before. The light started out dim but slowly began to brighten and illuminate more of the room. The shadow moved into the darkness as the man began to walk. A long, dark ponytail swayed down the center of his back as he walked in the light. The shadow creature came into view again and it was holding something. There were four other shadow creatures now so he could not see what the first one had until they all shifted.
"Ichigo!" Kisshu flew forward but was brought to a painful halt. Something like Plexiglas barred his way and he crashed right into it with his full body. He pressed his palms to the cool glass, pushing against it hard. "Ichigo!"
What was this place? Why did he have her here? His heart twisted as he watched a set of the creature's teeth sink into her shoulder. Ichigo screamed and squirmed as a second bit into her side. The look of terror in her eyes and the tear that slipped from her eye shattered him. How did any of this happen? Why? Why? This did not make any sense at all! How did he get them here? In another second all five had their teeth carved into her, holding fast. She screamed and whimpered but could no longer move. They were wrapped around her body, teeth holding her to ensure she was in place. As it was, she could never transform. The sight turned his stomach; his heart screamed. The largest one bit down harder, hard enough that he heard her collarbone snap. Her face contorted in pain and she shrieked, little tremors wracking her body. Blood was running down her arms and legs, pooling on the floor around her. With the rate she was already loosing blood he knew she would be in trouble soon.
"Ichigo!" Kisshu screamed, a fist crashing against the glass.
A cruel smile sleeked across the man's face as he withdrew a sword from his coat. Kisshu's body froze as he watched him moving closer to her. All he could think of was that this could not be happening. His fists pounded wildly against the glass and he slammed against it with his body. The glass was too strong, it did not even give a little.
Hot tears spilled from his eyes, "Stop, please!"
He howled in desperate protest as the sword's point dug into her thigh. Ichigo shrieked as it sunk deep. The blade withdrew and slid down her arm leaving a bloody trail, the point leaving a jagged cut the length of her arm. Kisshu tried again to open a port, desperation driving him wild, but nothing came, not even a slight disturbance in the air. He slammed into the glass, primal growls seeping from him as he saw the blade strike her again. Ignoring the pain in his shoulder and side he crashed against the glass again and again.
"Shall I kill her, alien boy?" His voice was cold as he held the sword to her throat.
"Leave her alone!" Kisshu bellowed, "Let her go! If you want to fight someone, just come in here!"
"This is her fate, the fate you will bring to her by your own actions or lack of actions. The life or death of this girl is in your hands, remember that."
"You're right, her fate will change once I rip you into pieces!"
"My coming in there will not change her fate. You cannot defeat me, I am far above your simple skills. Nothing you can do will keep her safe."
"You talk a lot, bastard, but you should prove it to me! Stop attacking her and come get me! Coward! I can protect her from the likes of you! We will see how simple my skill is when you get in here!"
The sword rested against her throat.
Ichigo screamed, fresh tears streaking down her face, "Kisshu, help me!"
Kisshu slammed the glass as he watched in horror as the blade was drawn across her throat. Blood quickly streaked from her neck and the lights instantly began to dim as her body collapsed. The air in his lungs was gone, his throat constricted. His heart pulsed with pain like the stab of a knife. His knees began to tremble as the light faded to nothing and she vanished from sight. Her screams of pain echoed in his mind and the sight of her blood burned into his eyes. His head began to spin as shock crept over him. No! That could not be. There was no way that happened.
"No, no, no, no, no!" Kisshu shrieked, "This is not possible!"
"I hope you can begin to understand your inability. You are not strong enough to so much as touch me, let alone save the girl you love." The voice echoed around him. "You could not save her last night even though you were so near. You will never be strong enough to help her."
This was not real, it could not be real, could it? He took in a shaky breath to clear his hazed thoughts. Ichigo was fine! They were both at her home, safe. Nothing he had just seen was real. It did not make any sense. There had to be something at work in this place! Something was off about this, he just knew it. Ichigo could not be dead, it just could not be. Things were to strange in here to be real!
"This can't be real!" He screamed, voice quaking as a tear slipped from his eye. "It's not real, I know it!"
His ear tingled as the man suddenly spoke in his ear, "You think so?" Somehow he was by his side now, "It is good to see that your mind is strong and you can see through simple illusions. You're right, this is only a dream, but dreams have the power to allow you to see things you would not be able to in your waking hours. Some dreams can even show you the future if given to you by the right means."
The shadow wrapped around his body again, immobilizing him before he could strike at his enemy. Something sharp pricked his side and then sunk deep. He winced as tentacles of pain ran up and down his body. A bit of light trickled into the room. His eyes fell to his side and the glint of reflection he saw – That was one of his own swords in the man's hand. With a twist of the sword in his flesh came an irresistible cry of pain from his lips. A terrible burning sensation wrapped around his side and spread. The sword slowly slid from his side only to pierce into his back. The throbbing, pulsing, hot ache spread through him like unstoppable waves. He felt one of his lungs giving way as the tip of the sword pierced it.
"This pain is nothing compared to what I will give you later." He thrust the sword in again. "I will show you true anguish later. Physical pain is terrible, but the anguish of watching her die a terrible death will be much worse for you."
The cold metal of the blade sent a chill through him as it touched his neck. The pain from the stab wounds was intense and consuming. He drew the sword across Kisshu's throat, the blade sinking deep into the tender flesh. The pain was only outweighed by the sudden feeling of breathlessness as his own blood oozed in his throat. Slowly, his lungs were filling with blood from the puncture and now from his throat being slit. He could no longer breathe or even cry. His head was pounding with the bombarding sensations of the pain his body was sending.
"Until next time, my little puppet." The distant voice cooed in his ear as he slipped beneath the waves of darkness.
Kisshu bolted upright in bed gasping for breath and clutching his throat. His eyes swept the room wildly, heart pounding against his ribs. This was Ichigo's room. The pain was gone now, as if it never existed. It was strange, he felt pain in the dream so vividly just as if it had been real. His heart jolted. Ichigo! He grabbed her hand, fingers quick to find her pulse. His hand cupped her head and titled it up so he could see her better.
She stirred, eyes blinking open and lazily drifting to greet his face. Nothing could have thrilled his heart more than to see her. She was fine, totally unharmed. . . other than the injuries he already knew about. She was alive! There were no new marks on her body, no cut on her throat, nothing. Tears threatened his eyes again as he looked at her. She was alright! Kisshu hugged her to him and showered her with kisses of elation. A half smile was his reward before her eyes drifted closed again. It was all just a dream and everything was fine.
"Oh, Ichigo, I'm so glad! I love you so much!" His lips pressed against her cheek, "I swear I'll protect you no matter what I have to do, so don't ever leave!"
He noticed as his fingers racked through her hair that his hands were trembling. Even though he knew it was not real he was still shaken. He shut his eyes as images threatened to return. A thankful smile spread over his lips. Thank goodness it was nothing more than a dream. His fears and self doubt simply manifested into a dream. It was just a dream brought about by his own fear and insecurity about her. He was terrified that he could not protect her. She was so fragile now that it frightened him to the core. In this state, she needed him so much, but he feared he could not protect her the way he needed to. He had already failed her.
His lips caressed her as he nuzzled against her. The thoughts of losing her or being unable to protect her were his greatest fears. But she was safe, right her in his arms. There was no way he would let go of her again for any reason. His arms slipped around her and held her close as he kissed her. He loved her so much! All he wanted after that nightmare was to hold her and kiss her. The sweet taste of her lips comforted him. He just wanted to feel her and know she was there. He wanted to feel her heart beat against him and her breath against his skin to remind him that she was safe.
The rooms curtains were drawn, only one lamp on the nightstand provide light. The air was cool and damp in the room. The sword clattered against the wooden table as he set it down. He slipped the mask from his face with a satisfied sigh. That encounter had been very productive indeed. Now introductions were over. All the information he wanted he now had on the alien. That boy really was a splendid creature, as good as he hoped for. Aliens were quiet wonderful beings. Those two were both exactly what he hoped they would be. From now on he would not go easy on them because he had everything in place now and he could hardly contain himself anymore. Excitement was building the more he disclosed about them. Still, it would almost be a shame when they did break because the game would be coming to an end. Even so, that would not stop him. A game was played so that there could be an ending winner. He might try to slow down to make the game last longer, but maybe not. They were amusing puppets.
"So, you had fun with that guy, right?" Blond hair sparkled as the youth moved into the light.
He reached over and tussled the boy's hair, "Yes, I found it quite amusing as well as informative. They will be fun to toy with and breaking them will be even more fun!"
The boy shrugged, voice even and bored, "I don't really get it, what you are planning, but at least you are having fun."
He shook his long dark hair free from the band, "Don't worry, I have everything under control. I know you are worried." He chuckled, "You smile, but I can see through you, you know."
"Yeah, I know. I'm not trying to fool you. You always know what everyone is thinking anyway. You know everyone's weak points."
"Of course, that is why I will not have any problems with those two. No matter how strong they are, I always win."
A devilish laugh echoed through the room. Nothing could ever stop him – Nothing had ever stopped him, not with all his skills. What he wanted he always got. No one could win against him. Those who resisted his wishes suffered until they complied. He did not allow anything to stand in his way, not ever. Every human had a breaking point and he always found it. Humans had so many weaknesses so it was never hard – That is why he was hunting for game which would give him a challenge, for a change. They were both strong, wonderfully so. Yes, they needed to suffer a great deal more in order for it to be truly sporting! He would not stop until they both crumbled in his hand. He made that girl beg, but that was only the first step of many he would take. He would make them scream and plead for his mercy, and only then would he even begin to consider showing them any at all. Enjoyment would not even begin to describe the pleasure he would get from their suffering. It would be a splendid game indeed. They were strong dolls and it would take much pressure to crack them. They were perfect dolls for him. Soon they would belong to him forever!