Rae: And finally, this is Part C of The Tempest. XD
Be sure to read parts A & B first, neh? You know the drill. Click archives and um..yeah... You get the point.

Okay.

On to part C.

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The Tempest; part c
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I can’t believe I just fucking left him! What the hell was I thinking?! Rae thought to herself angrily, biting her lip as she ran along the dirt path. Sano, please be careful. I... Dammit to hell! I shouldn’t have left...

She was really trying not to lose it, but at this point it was getting rather difficult for the girl. Not only was Druu dying or hell, possibly dead by now, but now Sano could be getting killed as well. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

She continued to run down the path, her breath heavy and her legs aching. I really need to get in better shape... She didn’t slow however, only quickened her pace, focusing on the dark path.

Where the fuck is that sign? If I can just find the sign...

“There! Finally!” she exclaimed aloud, her gaze set on the faded wood sign attached to a large tree in the distance. “About fucking time,” she gasped, short of breath. Now the gate should only be a few moments away...

I’ve gotta find Malba. Fast. If I don’t... What if he’s not here? the girl bit her lip, her heart racing, adrenalin flooding her veins.

What the hell would she do if she couldn’t find Malba? Or for that matter, what if she couldn’t get into Laineka? She had no ID, obviously.

This is so bad...

Panic was really starting to set in but she shoved it away, taking a shuddering breath. Alright Rae. Calm down. If... If I can’t get in or I can’t find Malba... I... Wait. Hanneke! I can try to find Hanneke. She hangs around in the Kainitif forest... She’s insane... But she still might be able to help me find Malba...

Relying on Hanneke wasn’t exactly something she was really eager to do, but... Well. She seemed nice, er... Kind of. In an insane pervy way... Of course there’s no guarantee that she won’t just decide to molest me instead...

The girl shook her head, clearing her thoughts. First I just need to try to get into Laineka. If I can’t... Then I can try the Hanneke plan... I guess... Assuming I can even find her...

With a shuddering sigh Rae slowed her run, coming to a clearing, the edge of the Kainitif Forest... The gate of Laineka now within sight. Well. Now it’s time to see if I can get in...

She looked down at herself, taking in her appearance. Damp clothes, wet hair, blood covered... Yeah... I look great, not suspicious at all...

Taking a few deep breaths, she mentally counted to ten, calming herself. I have to be calm if I wanna con my way in... I can’t go up to the gate raving like a lunatic...

With one last deep sigh the girl shakily approached the large wooden gate, taking in the impressive stone walls surrounding the city. High, solid walls... Here goes nothing...

She walked up to the gate, knocking on the small closed gate-keep window, her knuckles wrapping sharply at the wood. A moment later the panel opened and an older man glanced over the girl, raising an eyebrow.

Hey! I recognize him! He’s the same gate-keeper dude that let Druu, Yuki and me in last time! This might be a good thing...

“Yeah? What is it?” the older heavyset man stated with a bored tone, running a hand over his mostly bald head.

“Um, yes. Sir, please, please. I need in. Um, do you remember me? I know I look really scary right now, but um--” the girl started, however was cut off as the man cleared his throat, a frown on his lips.

“You look a lil’ familiar, but, what’s yer business here?” he questioned, his dark brown eyes focusing on the girl’s bloodstained shirt.

“I um. Okay, do you remember? A while back, um my uh-master came here to do some shopping? For a human? Well my master has fallen dreadfully ill and I need in to um, get some supplies and to find her a doctor,” Rae adlibbed, lowering her tone to sound humble and servant-like.

“Yer master?”

“Yeah, um remember? Lady- um...” she trailed off, trying to keep her thoughts in order. What the fuck name did Druu use... Um...Oh. Duh. “Lady Faye, my master.” How could she forget? They had told the man her cat’s name...

“Ah, I think I remember ya. But what’s that got ta’ do with me?” he questioned, once again eyeing the girl suspiciously.

“Sir, I don’t technically have any ID, okay? I’m just a lowly servant girl and... Um, I promise I won’t cause any trouble. I just need in for a few minutes, please?” she practically begged, giving the man a pleading look. Come on you ugly freak, let me in!

The man leaned his arm on the gatekeep-window, letting out an irritated sigh. “Yeah, well. Last time? I got in trouble fer letting in an unauthorized guest if ya get what I’m sayin’. So no ID, no entrance, ya got it?” he stated, giving the girl a dirty look.

Fuck.

“But, sir, please! It’s an emergency! Lady Faye is gravely ill. If I don’t fetch her medicine... She’ll die. Sir, please I beg you. Let me in. I won’t cause any trouble, I promise,” the girl tried again, fighting the urge to grab the man’s fat neck and strangle him until his beady eyes popped out of his ugly round face.

“And I said no entrance. I don’t care! She’s a cute one alright, but I’m not riskin’ my job fer her again. Besides. She nevr’ even as much as had a drink with me. So again I say. No ID, no entrance,” he bit out, giving the girl a stern gaze. “Now either show ID or clear out.”

Rae let out a shaky sigh, clutching her hands at her sides. Stupid...Stupid fucker... Anger was quickly flooding through her, and she bit her lip, trying her best to remain calm.

“Sir...This blood on me is my Master’s. I care about her very much. I would hope you could find it in your heart to please let me in for just a few minutes,” she stated shakily, trying her best to hide her growing anger, trying to keep her voice meek. “Sir, please? Please?”

“How many times I have to say NO? I’m not lettin’ some worthless lil’ servant girl in with no ID, blood covered and wet. You’ll scare the high class folk, get it?” he snapped, glaring angrily at the girl, his round face flushing red with irritation. “Now. Leave.”

...God....Damn...It.....

“LOOK YOU FUCKING BASTARD! I need in their NOW. Yeah I’m blood covered! Because one of my best friends in the whole world is lying half dead with blood coming out of his mouth and nose and and and he’s dying and you’re a stupid fat ugly bastard!! I’m not HERE to cause any trouble! I just need to find a friend in here who knows how to help! So just let me the fuck in before I hurt you!” Rae screamed angrily, her fists clenching as she moved closer to the man in the window, her blue-green eyes flashing with rage.

Stupid arrogant fuck!!

“Wha? You’re ramblin’ now. And I thought ya said it was Lady Faye who was sick, yet ya just said he. You’re obviously lyin’. And my appearance has nothing to do with nothing. And exactly how ya plannin’ on hurtin’ me, hm? Gonna break through this gate with that big mouth of yers?” he retorted heatedly, his thick eyebrow twitching as he glared at the pink haired girl.

“...Lady Faye isn’t a lady, alright? He’s just an extremely pretty man, get it?! And I’m not LYING!! I swear I’m not lying! PLEASE let me in, please?!” Okay, she was officially losing it. It was all too much. Her voice was cracking and her eyes growing watery and... Druu and Sano are gonna die and...Oh man.... “Sir please?!”

The man let out an angry growl, his face an angry red as his brown eyes locked on the girl. “A man? There’s no way she was a man. So I don’t know what yer’ ramblin’ about but if you don’t back away from the gate and leave, I’ll have the guards come out there and shoot you on sight! Ya understand, you low class servant?” he snapped, pointing a stubby finger at Rae.

“Now is that any way to treat a poor girl in need of assistance?” a calm voice questioned and Rae turned in surprise, finding a man standing directly behind her. Where the hell did he come from?!

The tall toned man stepped forward, running a hand through his medium length light-blonde hair. “Really, your rudeness is highly offensive,” the man stated coolly, his bright yellow eyes focused on the fat gatekeeper.

“Ah-Ah-Sir!! I-Uh-I wasn’t aware you were visitin’ lil’ old Laineka today, sir! Um, What a pleasant surprise!” the gatekeeper practically squeaked, his eyes growing wide, his voice suddenly shaking with fear.

...What the hell? Rae thought with a raised eyebrow, watching the heavyset man’s nervous reaction to the tall blonde. She looked over the fair-haired man, taking in his appearance. Tall and toned, a bit of a tan, bright yellow eyes and oval wire frame glasses. His clothing was rather interesting as well... Dark shades of brown. Brown pants, brown shirt, brown gloves and a long brown coat... The outfit almost had a military air... To top it all off he had some sort of brown shoulder armor on to finish off the look. Er... Well. He’s cute, whoever he is...

“Save your false pleasantries for someone who cares, Grefferd. You will let this girl in immediately. And if I ever hear you speak to anyone in such a rude manner again, you will pay. Dearly. Is that understood, Grefferd?” the blonde stated coolly, his voice commanding and deep.

“Yes-yes sir!” the man squeaked, his face suddenly growing quite pale.

Rae raised her eyebrow even further, a bit shocked by the blonde’s unexpected appearance and well... His helpfulness. Wow... That was lucky...Since when am I lucky?

“Thank-Thank you sir,” she then stated gratefully, casting a thankful shaky smile to the man. “Thank you so much.”

“It’s no problem Miss, hm, what’s your name?” he replied, his deep voice friendly and polite, a pleasant smile forming on his lips.

“Uh... Rae,” she answered hesitantly, unsure if she should give the man her real name. However... Really, what difference would it make? Plus, she simply wasn’t thinking clearly enough at this point to even begin to contemplate a fake name.

“Ah, Miss Rae. Please accept my apologies for the rudeness this man showed you. I’m afraid Laineka is quite the uncivilized place,” he stated, shaking his head a bit. “It’s not a very hospitable town.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed. But um, yeah. Thanks so much,” she replied, a sigh escaping her lips. She bit her lip a bit, looking the man over once again. That’s definitely some kind of uniform... So... Who is he and whose government is he with? Can I trust him or not? Just because he’s being nice now doesn’t mean he’s not going to kill me in like two seconds or something...

Her thoughts were interrupted as the large wooden gate swung inward with a loud creaking sound. The heavyset man—Grefferd according to the blonde—let out a nervous laugh, an apologetic smile forced on his large lips. “The gate is open, ya can enter. Again, my apologies, sir.”

The blonde rolled his yellow eyes a bit, adjusting his glasses. “Did I say you could speak, Grefferd?”

“No sir!”

“Then be quiet.”

With that said the tall blonde walked through the open gate, turning to motion for the pink haired girl to follow. “Come in, Miss Rae.”

“Uh, yeah. Okay,” she stated hesitantly, stepping through the large entrance to the city. Once inside she cast her gaze about, taking in the bustling city as the gate closed behind her.

Large elegantly crafted stone buildings, beautiful white stone... A busy main square... It almost felt as if she had stepped into ancient times... Yet this was definitely not ancient times, or her world at all for that matter. Now... Where the hell are you Malba? He said something about meeting a contact, right?

“So dear, is there anything I can do for you? You said your master has taken ill, right? Would you like me to direct you to the best doctor in town? He usually doesn’t make eh, housecalls so to speak but... Well. I’m sure I can convince him to help you,” the tall blonde questioned, interrupting her thoughts.

“I um, no thanks sir. I just need to find a friend who um, has the right medicine for my master,” she replied uneasily, afraid to say too much to this strange brown clothed man.

“Ah, well then, if you’re sure you have everything under control, I suppose I’ll let you get on your way and find this friend. I suppose I should be heading to the Main Laineka Council Building anyway,” the man stated with a sigh, running a gloved hand through his light hair. “I really dread such boring meetings with the Council. They’re so... Pigheaded and rigid, you know?” he went on to say, giving the girl a small smile.

Heh, he doesn’t seem to like Laineka too much, whoever he is... “Ah, that does sound not so fun. Uh, hopefully your meeting won’t last too long, neh?” she questioned, giving the man a small, sympathetic smile.

“Knowing the Council? I’ll be there for the rest of the day I’m sure,” he replied ruefully, a wry grin forming on his lips. “But, I’m afraid it is all a part of the job.”

Yeah... Whatever the hell your job is...

“Well, um, thanks again for getting me in, sir,” Rae again stated, her gaze pulling away to once again glance about the crowded, bustling main square... How am I going to find Malba...Man...

“Miss Rae, you may be a servant, but you really needn’t call me sir. Aevik is fine,” the blonde stated, shaking his head a bit.

“Um Aevik? That’s a nice name... I better be going now, Aevik. Really I know I keep saying it, but seriously, you have no idea how grateful I am that you got me in here. I was about to lose it,” Rae stated with a small smile, running a hand through her wet pink hair.
Aevik huh? Interesting name...

“Yes, I could tell...” Aevik stated with a small smirk.

“Heh...”

“Oh... That’s an unusual tattoo,” the blonde suddenly stated, his yellow eyes focusing on Rae’s left hand, a spark of interest in his voice.

Oh...Fuck...I forgot! The jump tattoo! the girl thought fearfully, her heartbeat quickening. “Oh, um yes, it is isn’t it? I’m not sure what it is, but the man said it would bring good luck,” Rae quickly stated, feigning innocence as her eyes locked on the mark.

“Hm? A man you say?”

“Uh... Yes. When I was younger... In my village there was this old man who was quite skilled with tattoos and art in general really. He said he wanted to give me a present, and... This is what he gave me,” she impulsively stated, unable to think of any other story to give the man. Oh sure, that wasn’t lame as hell... Like he’s going to buy that...

“This man? What is his name, hm? I believe I might recognize that art style. I wonder if it’s the same man?” Aevik questioned lightly, his yellow eyes locked on the black mark.

His name? Oh shit... Uh...

“Shishio Makoto,” the girl stated, pulling the first name she could think of from her head. Hah, sorry Shishio...

“Oh? Hm, well maybe I’m mistaken. Where does this man live?”

“Uh... Well, my village was destroyed sir.. And.. He’s dead now. He died quite some time ago I’m afraid. Along with most of my village.”
Yeah, dead for quite some time alright...Heh... Please don’t ask any more questions... I’m so digging a hole here... Crap...

“Ah, that’s quite terrible. I’m sorry. So much devastation in this area... Well then I’m definitely mistaken, hm? Oh and I’m taking up your time. I’m sorry, really. Please go find your friend. And I hope your master’s health returns, yes?” the light-blonde stated with an apologetic smile, pulling his gaze away from the mark, meeting the girl’s blue-green eyes.

“Oh um it’s okay. Really,” she replied, a small sigh escaping her lips. He really bought that? Well, maybe not, but at least he’s not questioning me more on it...

“Well, farewell then, hm? Though the circumstances are unfortunate, I must admit it was nice to meet you, Miss Rae,” the blonde stated, bowing his head a bit. He then turned, casting his gaze to the busy streets of Laineka. “Well. I suppose I must go face the dullness of the Council...”

“Yeah,” Rae nodded, watching as the tall man slowly walked away, stepping into the lively crowd of the main square. With a shaky sigh she ran a hand over her eyes, trying to think. Come on Rae. Where would Malba be? ...How the hell am I supposed to know?! It’s not like I spent a whole lot of time here... Fuck...

With another sigh she stepped away from the closed gate, pushing her way into the main square, filled with vendors’ stands and people. Humans and demons both it seemed, judging by the varying differences in the active crowd. I guess Aevik is a demon judging by the yellow eyes... Or maybe an elemental? I bet a demon though...

“Oi lady, want to buy a rare Trosse Period necklace? It’s one of a kind!”

“Fresh fruit for sale, fresh rare fruits!”

“Jyall stones anyone?”

Rae ignored the annoying calls of the assorted vendors, shoving her way through the large crowd. Okay, I’m thinking if Malba’s here, he’s not going to be standing in a big crowd. If he’s meeting someone.... Maybe someplace more secluded? She really didn’t have much to go on... And I doubt he’d be hanging out by the Imperial Market aka freakish slave shop...

The girl walked further into the crowd, looking over the large square. Okay, there’s four different ways to go, she thought, noting the different wide stone paths leading away from the main square. Which one?

“This is ridiculous...” she muttered aloud, pushing a tall blue haired woman out of her way as she walked through the busy square.

“Hey! Watch it human!”

“Sorry...” she mumbled distractedly, trying to decide which way to go.

Okay if I remember right, the southern part of Laineka is mostly shops and then leads of to the big Imperial Market square place or whatever. So... God damn it...

With a sigh she finally chose the northern path on a whim, not sure where the hell it would lead. But anything had to be better than just standing around in the square all day, right?

Druu and Sano are... Oh man, I’ve so got to find Malba...

She quickly walked to the northern streetway leading away from the crowded square, her shoes clacking against the stone path. The girl quickened her pace, trying her best not to all out run. She was already getting odd glances as it was... The last thing she needed now was more trouble...Which sadly... Looked to be coming her way.

A tall muscular red-haired man was heading straight for her, an irritated expression on his pale face. Oh, great.

“You? What are you doing in this section, woman? You’re not a noble,” the muscular man stated firmly, crossing his arms angrily as he approached the girl.

Noble? What the hell? What, am I in Tethe’alla or something?! she thought with exasperation, briefly thinking of the world of Tales of Symphonia. “Uh, sir, I’m sorry. I seem to be lost. Could you tell me where this leads?”

“This leads to where you don’t belong, that’s where it leads! This is the residential distract for our fine citizens, which you are obviously not. Leave!” he shouted, giving the girl an angry glare with his piercing dark black eyes.

Gee. Everyone is so fucking friendly here...But... I doubt Malba would be in a fancy residential district anyway...

“Fine sir. Sorry,” she bit out, clenching her fists. “My mistake.”

“Stupid,” the man replied, rolling his eyes.

Before the man could cause her anymore grief, she turned and walked quickly away, back towards the main square. Great. Just fucking great. While I’m wandering around aimlessly, Druu is dying and Sano is getting killed. Yep, this is great. I’m doing just FUCKING great.

A shuddering sigh escaped her lips and a shiver crawled up her spine, however she shoved the bad premonitions away, refusing to think of the dark possibility that...

They’re going to be fine. Both of them. They have to be...

Now which way? The girl paused, closing her eyes for a moment. Okay, not south or north... How about... With an agitated groan and a shrug of her shoulders she hurriedly walked through the crowd, toward the western path. Why not? Let’s see if I can get harassed here too... she thought sarcastically.

She wandered further into the west side of the city, glancing uneasily about. The further away from the square she got... The more the girl felt that maybe it hadn’t been such a great choice...

Rae looked uneasily about the area, taking in the slummish qualities of the dingy section.... Here the buildings weren’t so white and pretty... Nor were there many people walking about. The few people lingering around seemed... Okay, um they look kinda freaky... So... I guess this must be the bad side of town or something... Great, now I can get mugged for REAL this time...

Should I ask around? Maybe some of these lowlifes would know Mals? I mean Malba is pretty shady after all... Then again what if Malba is wanted in this town too and I get him caught or something? GAH....

She swallowed nervously, glancing at a large man standing near a dilapidated building. His large arms, his wild white hair and that smirk... Stop looking at me like that, freak... she thought with a small shudder.

The girl walked on, not quite sure where the hell she was going but, still. If Malba was meeting with some contact, maybe this was exactly the right place to be... A decrepit crappy section of town...

“Hey lil human, wanna play with me for awhile?” the white haired man called out, winking at the girl.

Rae ignored the man, her heart rate increasing even more so. Which was a bad thing. As really, her heart had already been beating pretty damn fast to start with... I’m gonna have a nervous breakdown before I find Malba...

“Hey! Don’t ignore me! Come back here and play!”

FUCK. Will you freaky people just leave me ALONE?!

She glanced back, noting with dread that the white haired man was moving away from the building, coming closer, a sneer on his lips...

GAH...Rae bit her lip, walking on, quickening her pace more so.

“Aww, don’t run!”

Running might be a great idea actually...

She hurriedly walked down the empty street, eyes searching for a quick escape. Sure a couple of dark alleyways leading to who knows where and...

Her thoughts of escape were interrupted as a black-clad arm shot out from one of the said nearby alleyways, grabbing a hold of her arm.

“HEY! LET GO!” she shrieked, eyes widening. What the FUCK?!

It was no use however as the girl was quickly jerked into the dark alley by her unknown assailant, a hand firmly placed over her mouth, effectively cutting off her screams.

I’m so dead...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“So human? You ready to die?”

“Let’s see which one of us dies, hag.”

Sanosuke really didn’t like her. Not one bit. That cold smirk, that... Weird green hair. Yeah, she was a cold, nasty hag. Definitely.

Just our luck to run into Veenom... But that’s alright. I can take her this time...

It had been obvious to the tall teen that the woman was not going to leave them alone. The demon had been enjoying her little game of taunt the humans way too much for that...

He wasn’t entirely comfortable with letting Rae head on to Laineka alone, but what other choice did he have? We’ve already wasted too much time... And Druu doesn’t have time... The spiky haired brunette frowned, locking eyes with the green eyed demon standing before him.

No, he definitely didn’t have any other choice. I just hope Rae can find a way into Laineka without getting herself killed...

“Well, you ready to fight, huh human?” Veenom questioned, breaking into Sano’s thoughts. “Because I’m so going to enjoy this.”

Sanosuke frowned, his brown eyes filling with irritation. Yeah, Veenom really pissed him off. Definitely. Showing up and saying such... Ridiculous, stupid things... It had really ticked him off. The way she had sauntered up, calling Druu a monster and...

“Yeah, I’m going to enjoy this too,” he replied, crossing his arms.

“Good, but I have to warn you. It’s going to be quick. And uh, you’re so gonna die,” she commented, cold smile still on her purple lips.

“I don’t think so. But how about you play fair this time huh?”

“What do you mean?”

“No blowing sleeping powder in my face. Fight me for real, not with cheap tricks,” he replied, a challenging tone in his voice.

“If that’s the way you want it. No poison huh? That’s fine. I can still kill you,” she replied, taking the challenge. The tall green haired woman reached to her belt, pulling off a black pouch that had been attached to the strap. She threw the pouch, the bag flying off into the thick forest. “There. No poison.”

Sano nodded, watching the demon carefully. Now...

He couldn’t lose this fight.

Too much was at stake. He couldn’t leave Rae alone in Laineka, couldn’t let himself get killed by some stupid demon in a weird world and he couldn’t let Druu die. There was no way he could afford to lose.

I’m not going to lose.

Besides, he was going to enjoy this. Because really, what better way to handle his stress? Beat an annoying demon up, work out some tension, a good plan, right?

But... How will she fight... he thought, looking over the thin woman, trying to read her a bit. It’s hard to tell really. She doesn’t look like she’d be that strong, but probably fast. But then again she’s a demon, so... Just because the woman had a lean frame was no reason to underestimate her. She is a demon after all...

He frowned, a sigh escaping his lips. “Well. Let’s go.” Sanosuke wasn’t sure what to expect from the woman, but he was ready. I have to win.

“You sure you don’t want to run now why you still have the chance?” she taunted, placing a hand on her lean hip. “Not that I’d let you run, but ya know. You can try.”

The teen rolled his eyes, eyebrow twitching a bit at the woman’s haughtiness. “Are you stalling? Come on Veenom. Show me what you can do, if you’re so strong.”

The woman smiled, her green eyes holding a look of cold amusement. “Well. If you insist,” she stated, slowly reaching a hand to her wrist, removing a small bangle bracelet. “Here’s my weapon. You ready?”

Sano looked at the metal bracelet, eyebrow rising. A...Bracelet? Is she serious? “What, you’re going to fight me with a little bracelet? Are you crazy?” he questioned, a smirk forming on his lips.

“Hah, now wait just a second. Who said it’s little?” Veenom responded with a growing sneer on her purple lips, her green eyes focusing on the bangle in her right hand. “Watch and learn, rooster.”

Sanosuke’s eyes widened as the demon raised the bracelet up, flicking her wrist, the small bangle suddenly transforming, growing... What? What the hell kind of weapon is that? he thought, eyeing the now large round blade held in her hand. A large circular hoop, almost as tall as the woman. No longer a bangle, but a sharp, wicked blade-hoop with no beginning or end...

Okay, that thing... Looks pretty dangerous. If she can swing it around fast enough.... It’ll be pretty hard to block...Plus it’ll be fast, and if I get sliced... Well, lucky for me, defense isn’t my strategy anyway. Offense is what I do best. And in this case, that’s a good thing... the brunette concentrated on that deadly circular blade, trying to decide the best way around it.

She may be strong, but even demons have to be able to at least get knocked out if they’re hit hard enough, he thought, clenching his fists a bit. I have to get a good hit in... Enough to knock her out...

Sanosuke looked briefly down at his hands, a small thoughtful frown appearing on his lips. Now... Let’s just hope... My hands can take it... It would have to be a hard hit, harder than any... Any he had ever thrown before... However....

He cleared his thoughts, taking in a deep breath. I can do it.

“Well. You wanna see how it works, huh?” Veenom questioned, now holding the large hoop-blade in both of her hands, holding the inside dull edges...

She has to be careful with that herself, otherwise she’ll slice her own hands...

“I’m ready.”

“Good.”

With that said the woman launched forward, her speed surprising the teen. She quickly swung the large blade, twirling it to the side, ready to side slice the brunette.

He quickly moved aside, barely dodging the large blade. As she turned, he swiftly moved forward, aiming a fist towards the demon.
Veenom hastily blocked the attack with her blade, swinging it back to catch the punch instead.

Ow, damn. That hurt, he thought as his knuckles slammed into the hard metal, one knuckle accidentally catching the sharp edge of the blade. Sanosuke pulled back, briefly looking down to see the large gash, but quickly refocused his attention to the demon. It’s not too bad, didn’t cut too deep.

Before he had a chance to react the woman sprung forward, swinging the dangerous hoop directly toward his head. He turned to dodge, however caught the victorious grin that flashed on the demon’s face. Shit. That was a trick. Instead of trying to hit him with the blade she instead swung around, smashing him in the legs with a roundhouse kick, knocking the teen over.

Sano hit the dirt face up, his eyes never leaving the demon. Her smile widened as she did a sudden spin, flipping the blade, and... Shit! She’s going to cut my head off!

Sanosuke quickly rolled to the side, barely dodging the hoop as Veenom slammed it into the ground, right where his head had been only seconds before. “Nice try!” he stated, taking advantage of the demon’s unguarded face. He leapt up, his fist connecting directly with the woman’s eye, knocking her back, her head jerking to the side.

Direct hit!

“You’re so gonna have to do better than that,” Veenom snapped, doing a backwards cartwheel, flipping away from the teen. Damn, she’s fast, and can move... She’s flexible...

She briefly rubbed at her eye, blinking rapidly. The demon shook her head, as if clearing her vision. Veenom then once again leapt forward, swinging the blade under her own legs, jumping through the hoop and bringing it swiftly up, right towards Sano’s chin.

Damn it! Sano fell back, though not before being nicked on the edge of his chin by the sharp blade. That was too close...

“You’re not going to win this, human! I’m stronger, I’m faster and I’m so prettier!” she shouted, a confident grin on her purple lips.

“...What does being pretty have to do with fighting?” he questioned incredulously, raising an eyebrow at the demon.

“Eh, well. Nothing really. But, um. Oh shut up!” she snapped in response, spinning the blade over her head for a moment, then bringing it down to rush straight at the teen’s legs.

Damn it! he thought with wide eyes, jumping just in time to clear the blade aimed at his lower legs. The woman spun around, and Sano rushed forward, another punch aimed directly for the demon. His fist connected with the back of Veenom’s head, knocking her forward.

The green haired woman flipped, moving away from the spiky haired teen. “Owww! Dammit! That really hurt, you bastard!” she shouted, rubbing at her head.

“It was supposed to!” he replied, eyeing the woman with an eyebrow raised. “We’re fighting, remember?”

Stupid demon, Sano thought, shaking his head a bit. “Or what, did you not expect a lowly human to hit that hard?”

“Shut up!” she bit out, shaking her head a bit. “You’ll pay for that, you stupid little pet!”

“I’m not a pet!”

“Yeah whatever. Monster Druuvbin’s little human pet.”

“Stop calling him a monster!” Sanosuke shouted angrily, launching forward, aiming another punch at the woman.

“No way! He IS a monster! He should just hurry up and DIE!” she snapped in response, blocking the hit with her blade, knocking him back. “Druuvbin is a heartless monster. Trust me.”

Heartless?! Really, Sano had to agree with what Rae had said earlier. Even if the psychic had done something to piss Veenom off... At this point, he really didn’t care. “Why is he heartless?! What the hell are you talking about?! He’s a hellava lot nicer than you!”

Veenom growled in response, aiming another kick at the teen. “I don’t feel the need to explain myself to you, lowly human!”

The teen dodged the kick, swinging another punch at the woman. However she spun back, once again blocking the hit with the flat side of her hoop-blade.

“In other words, you’re just a hag with no good reason to hate him!” he snapped, dodging another swing of her blade. He called himself a monster... Before he passed out. He sounded so... This bitch doesn’t know what she’s talking about. He’s no monster. I’ve met monsters before, and he’s definitely not one of ‘em... the teen thought, anger sparking in his eyes. She’s wrong. And it pisses me off that Druu would call himself a monster. It really pisses me off!

“I hate him because he’s a bastard! A stupid old bastard who should just hurry up and die! He should’ve already been dead ya know! But the monster just keeps living. It’s disgusting,” Veenom screamed angrily, slashing at Sanosuke, catching him in the arm.

“Gah,” he shouted as pain shot up his arm, a slice slashed into his upper arm. “Nice shot, but not good enough!” he exclaimed through gritted teeth, taking a hold of the blade and shoving it back, knocking the demon in the forehead with the flat side of the blade.

“Owww! Will you stop hitting me in the head?! What the hell is your problem?!” Veenom growled, raising a hand to her bleeding forehead.

“Shut up!” Sano snapped, aiming another punch at the green haired woman. The demon swung her blade around, effectively blocking the punch once again.

Damn it! I can’t get a good hit through with that stupid hoop! Every time I try to hit, she swings that damn thing around! It’s too big... Sano frowned, glancing down at his bleeding arm. Luckily it wasn’t too deep, but still... it hurt. Stupid hag.

“Will you just hurry up and die?” Veenom snapped, twirling the blade sideways, slamming the flat edge into Sanosuke’s chest, knocking him off his feet.

Good thing that was a side hit and not the blade... he thought, taking in a gasp of air. He then quickly rolled, dodging the blade yet again. I have to get rid of that damn thing... If I can just get rid of it...

Sano jumped up, dodging another swing, jumping aside as the demon twirled around with the large hoop.

If...If I... his thoughts trailed off as a plan formed in his mind, a sudden spark of realization... That could work! If my hands are strong enough... Too many Futai no Kiwami’s had left his hand in pretty bad shape... His new variation was strong but... Would it be enough?

“I’m getting tired of this!” Veenom snapped, running forward. Sano moved to dodge the blade yet was thrown off guard as the demon instead reached a hand through her hoop, latching onto the teen’s bloody arm.

“Owwww! Damn it! What the hell are you doing?!” he shouted as the woman dug her finger into the teen’s wound, a cold smirk on her lips.

“You know that cut you put on my forehead? Yeah well, you shouldn’t have done that. Know why? Because I took some of my blood from that and just mixed it with yours!” she grinned victoriously, shoving the brunette away.

“What?” he stated, his eyes flashing with confusion as he clutched his aching arm. “What are you talking about?”

What the hell? Why is she smiling like that? he had a bad feeling that he might not like the answer....

“Stupid human. I’m a POISON demon. You know, poison? I just killed you. I’m poisonous you idiot! You lose!” she stated happily, a wide grin on her purple lips.

“What?!” Sano shouted, his eyes widening. “You said you weren’t going to use poison, you bitch!”

“I lied, stupid. You’ll be dead in about oh I don’t know? Five minutes or so? Hah, I so win! You deserved it. Jerk.”

This isn’t good... This is not good at all... Sanosuke bit his lip, looking down at his arm. I’m... I’m going to die?

“Well. I guess I’ll have to take you with me then,” he stated, clutching his fists, glaring at the woman. Lying, cheating...Hag...

“Yeah, like you can.”

Now or never... I guess I’m a dead man anyway... With that thought Sanosuke jumped forward, aiming both of his fists carefully, tensing his muscles, biting his lip in concentration. I have to make this work!

Veenom rolled her eyes and pulled her blade up to block the hit. “You can’t hit me.”

“I’m not aiming for you!” he shouted, a grin forming on his lips.

“Wha--” Veenom yelped, trailing off as Sano’s fists slammed directly into her blade, slamming through the metal, sending pieces of the blade and his fists both crashing directly into her surprised face.

“...How... How... The hell did you break that? My blade was made from Iotiel ore... How can a human... Be that strong?” Veenom questioned, her eyes wide, glancing down at the shattered remains of her weapon. She then slowly raised a hand to her face, feeling the large gash on her forehead, and another on her cheek. “Jerk...” she muttered as her eyes rolled back. She then fell forward, landing on the forest earth.

Sano stood over the unconscious demon, watching her for a moment. Did...I really do it? A surge of pride flooded him at the realization that he, Sagara Sanosuke, had taken down a demon all on his own... She wasn’t dead, merely knocked out, but still...

“I told you...I’d win,” he muttered, glancing down at his bloodied, broken hands. “I guess us humans aren’t so weak after all, huh?”
The teen then turned away, blinking his eyes rapidly. My eyes... His vision was starting to swim... The world blurring, moving...

“I guess she wasn’t lying about the poison...” he mumbled aloud, a strange dizzying sensation suddenly overwhelming him.

“Damn,” he stated flatly, shaking his head again, fighting the unsteady sensation. But... I have to get to Laineka...Rae’s alone and... Druu is sick... I can’t...Die here...

The teen fell to the earth, his legs suddenly losing all feeling. “Damn it.”

I guess... I guess I’m not meeting you in Laineka after all... At least I beat Veenom though... he thought foggily, turning over on his back to face the sky. Dark clouds and drooping trees...

I always figured I’d... Die fighting but... Somehow I never imagined it would be in some strange world...Facing off against a demon... Kinda thought maybe it would be...Fighting alongside Kenshin but... I guess not. I wonder if he’d be proud...

His vision was now fading, blurring, his body growing numb. Damn... He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He didn’t want to die. Now he’d never know... Know if Rae ever made it to Laineka and found Malba. Know if they got the medicine back to Druu in time... He’d never get to see Kenshin and the others again...Never...

“Hah. This really sucks,” he commented with a bitter, regretful laugh.

The teen felt a wet drop of cool water fall on his face and he frowned, opening his eyes. Another drop, followed by another. Rain slowly began to fall from that dark cloudy sky, cool water splashing his face.

“Hah... It figures...” he laughed weakly as the rain continued to fall, quickly growing in force. Soon the teen was once again rain drenched, the skies pouring down cool drops...

A crappy ending to a crappy day... he thought, closing his eyes once again. He slowly drifted, feeling his consciousness slowly slipping away. Damn...

As he almost faded into that darkness a sound stirred him and he focused, listening to the noise of approaching footsteps. Damn... Don’t tell me Veenom is already awake...

Sano slowly forced his eyes open, attempting to focus.

“You... You are not from this world,” a soft voice whispered and Sano frowned, trying to make out the owner of the voice. He strained his eyes, trying to focus...Not from this world...How do you know... he thought foggily, his head swimming.

“Because, I see through the tempest,” the voice replied, as if responding to his thoughts.

Huh?

As the rain continued to pour down he forced his eyes to remain open, straining to see the person standing over him. “Who... Are you?”

“I am Tsepmet.”

“...That’s a weird name...”

“Sagara Sanosuke... Sleep. I will take you somewhere safe. A storm swiftly approaches.”

“What?”

How...do you know my name?

As his vision faded he barely made out the face of a beautiful young woman with black hair and dark smooth skin... “Don’t fear the storm.”

What the hell?

She leaned over the teen, a small smile on her lips. Her dark eyes focused on the brunette, a hand brushing his forehead. “Sleep.”

Though Sanosuke tried to open his mouth to question the strange woman, he found his eyes growing heavy, his thoughts slowly drifting away....

He slipped into the world of dreams, his eyes closing, the world fading away with the rain....

“Sleep for now, Sagara Sanosuke. You’ve done well.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
to be continued....
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Rae: DUN DUN DUN. DOOOOOOOM. XD *runs around pretending to be Hanneke* DOOM.

*cough*

Ahem.

Well, this just keeps getting worse and worse, huh?

Druu’s getting ready to kick it, Sano’s poisoned and I’m getting murdered in an alley. Whoa. Plus Yuki weirdness and poor little Kouji. He has some problems, neh? *hugs Kouji*

And we still don't even know what's wrong with poor Druu. Oh dear...

Whoa, and who knew Kopaka’s like, a doctor? Heh. Was that unexpected? Oh come on. We all knew he had to have more brains then what he acts like he has because... Yeah. He acts like he has NO brains and that’s kind of impossible. ^.~

Ah, so Veenom makes her grand return. What did ya think? XD I have her made in Soul Calibur 3 as well by the way. As well as the mysterious Tsepmet woman. And some other people you don’t know yet. XD

I so haven’t made Grefferd though. XD

Ahem.

Oh about the magick thing I said. Yes it's true, I have indeed had nosebleeds and headaches after working with a lot of energy. It's true, I'm not being dramatic. I don't know if it's normal or not, but it happens to me. XD It's no big deal though. ^^

Hey, Sanosuke rules doesn’t he? He kicked Veenom’s ass. Hah. He showed her, neh? ^^

If you couldn’t tell, I ripped Tira from SC3’s fighting style off for Veenom. Well. I love that hoop blade thing. It’s so cool. ^^;; But uh, the bracelet part was original! *cough* Yeah...

So what’s gonna happen next? Is Druu going to kick it? Is Sano going to be drug off and molested by this weird Tsepmet? Will I be mugged and killed, only this time for real? Is Yuki going to turn grey and explode? Find out next time! XD

(Oh no, I’m not in a weird as hell mood... ^^)

Well. You know I could ramble more about other assorted things but... I should probably just shut up now, neh? So, I’ll try to get the next part written as soon as possible, and try to get the pictures posted as well. So till then my non-existent readers, laters. XD

~Rae