This is Monster, Part D. Be sure to read A, B & C first, neh?

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No... Come on, please keep storming, Yuki thought with a nervous expression flickering through his grey eyes, feeling the waning energies of the storm slowly pulling away, fading... No... I don’t have enough energy on my own, I need the storm’s energy!

The small framed man let out a sigh, his grip on Kopaka’s shoulder slightly tightening, a fresh wave of anxiety rushing upon him. How long had he been standing near the wind sprite, trying his best to give Kopaka the energy to keep Druuvbin breathing, to keep his weak heart beating? This... It’s too long... Druu’s getting worse... Yuki could feel the blue haired water elemental’s energy fading, growing so very weak.

Kouji-chan was right. We are losing Druu-chan and um, the storm is pulling away. I’m trying to keep it here, but... his thoughts trailed off and he bit his lip, his gaze moving to the dark window. It’s moving on...

The rain was dying down, the wind... The thunder now growing weaker and weaker as the tempest moved on, further and further away...

Kopaka-san... I know this must be hurting you, Yuki thought, his gaze now focusing on the grey haired sprite, taking in that tense, weary face. It hurts an elemental to give too much energy. More so than demons... “Um, Kopaka-san, are you okay?” he questioned softly, noting the man’s slightly shaking shoulders, the tired look on his boyish face.

“I’m fine, Yuki-dude,” the wind/ice elemental responded, opening his eyes to meet the silver haired man’s gaze. Yuki noted the blue and greys, snow and wind gusting through those tired eyes... “Liar,” he whispered softly, giving the sprite a small smile.

--Heh. Dude, that’s not nice.--

Yuki’s smile increased a little at Kopaka’s telepathic response, shaking his head a little. Kopaka-san, how much longer do you think you can do this? he questioned silently, not pulling his gaze away from those vibrant blue eyes. With his hand on the man’s shoulder, Yuki could see the color of his eyes so very clearly. Bright blues and greys, even a hint of green. Ice and wind...

--Uh... Well, as long as I have to. I’m not going to stop. I can manage,-- the sprite responded, a weary yet so very determined tone in that telepathic ‘voice’.

You’re going to make yourself sick, he stated through the link Kopaka had created between their minds, a frown on his white lips.

--I know. I’ll live. Druu won’t if we stop.--

Yuki nodded with a small shaky sigh, his eyes growing watery. He knew he was being weepy and weak but, he really couldn’t help it... The situation was so very bleak and... He couldn’t even keep from crying over stupid novels, let alone something this serious.

--It’ll be okay, Yuki,-- Kopaka commented softly through the mind link, giving the man a small smile. With that said the link was broken and the sprite closed his eyes, once again focusing on the psychic in his arms. I hope so, Kopaka-san.

Yuki moved his gaze away from the wind elemental, his eyes focusing on Kouji and Jiro sitting near the unconscious blue haired elemental, both boys looking so weary and worried. Especially Kouji... Poor Kouji-chan. He has powers, yet he can’t control them very well. He sees things, but then can’t figure out what he sees, or he forgets. It must be so hard on him... No matter how old his body is, he’s still just a boy. That’s an awful burden for a child to hold...

“Vetein sa...” Druuvbin muttered quietly and Yuki turned his gaze to the man, his watery eyes focusing on that pale face. ‘Vetein sa.’ I wonder what that means? He’s said it a few times now. I wish I knew what language that is... Poor Druu-chan... The guilt of not saying a word while knowing the psychic had been on the verge of having an attack.... It really was affecting Yuki. Watching the man suffer, the gasping uneven breaths, that deathly pale face...

He looked away, not wanting to see the elemental’s suffering expression, the pain and.... I’m so sorry. Yuki pushed the thought away, instead focusing on the waning storm, drawing down energy, more energy... Please, please, I need this energy. He was slowly losing grip of the tempest, feeling it pull farther and farther away...

“Gian sa, anet... Vetein sa,” the psychic whispered slowly, his voice so far away, his breath short and uneven. “Seniot... Na atefe.”

“I wonder what the heck he’s saying now,” Jiro inquired softly, watching the man with his steel-blue eyes full of sadness and anxiety. “He sounds really... I don’t know...”

“Druu is lost in those voices,” Kouji replied quietly, his light voice almost emotionless, his eyes blank. Yuki focused his gaze on the boy, noting the tears slipping from those blank ice-blue eyes. Voices?

“What do you mean?” the shaggy haired teen questioned, turning his eyes to the boy, a frown on his lips. “Voices?”

“Yeah. Too many...”

Druuvbin’s body shook as another sudden harsh cough wracked his body, a small moan and a gasp for air. Yuki felt a few tears slip from his own eyes, yet he fought back the urge to sob, instead closing his eyes once more. Don’t die, Druu-chan.

“It’s okay, Druu. You’re going to be okay. Just keep breathing for me,” Kopaka soothingly stated, gently running a hand over the man’s forehead, brushing a few strands of dark-blue hair away from the psychic’s pale face. “It’s okay, Druu.”

“Na atefe, teine sa,” Druu mumbled softly through another cough, his breath ragged and uneven. “Na...”

“Er, yeah, whatever dude. It’s okay.”

Yuki’s grip on Kopaka’s shoulder tightened more so as he struggled to maintain the energy flow, forcing the fading power of the storm into the wind sprite’s weary body. Kopaka says he’s not a good healer, but he’s wrong. I can give him the energy, but there’s no way I’d be able to keep Druu alive the way he is. Kopaka-san is a lot stronger than what he gives himself credit for. I just hope he can keep this up... The silver haired man knew that the wind sprite had to be growing so very weak, giving so much energy...

Someone, please hurry up and get here... Kitsune-san, Malba-san... Please... he silently begged, a few tears slipping from his closed eyes. Yuki took a deep breath, forcing his overwhelming emotions away, forcing himself to remain calm. I have to keep calm, I have to concentrate. Druu’s life depends on this energy. I have to keep hold...

It was growing harder. The strain of keeping that tempest, keeping that energy flow stable... Just a little longer....

“How long has it been since Rae and Sano left?” Jiro suddenly questioned, his voice nervous, edgy. “Shouldn’t they be back by now? What’s taking so long?” he went on to say, his voice uneven.

“It hasn’t been that long, Jiro. It just feels like it. Don’t worry, it’s going to be okay, man,” Kopaka replied, obviously trying to keep the teen calm.

“But...”

“It’s okay, dude.”

Not really... It’s not okay at all... Yuki bit his lower lip, finding it increasingly harder and harder to keep hold of the overpowering emotions flooding his thoughts. Kopaka-san, Yuki telepathically stated, linking to the wind elemental’s mind. Kopaka-san?

--Whoa. You can telepath?-- the sprite replied, surprise in his tone. --You can link up and everything? Who knew.--

Uh, it’s a ghost thing?

--Heh... A ghost thing. Ghosts are pretty cool, huh?--

Yuki felt a small bitter smile play on his lips, realizing how incredibly lame that had sounded. A ‘ghost’ thing. Right. Kopaka-san... I’m... I um, what if I can’t do this much longer? I can’t let Druu-chan die! But, um... Kopaka-san, I’m... Yuki trailed off, tears slipping from his closed eyes, trailing down his pale cheeks. He knew he was losing the energy. He... He could feel his emotions surging and he fought to keep calm as tears continued to streak down his face.

--Calm down, Yuki. Don’t cry. If I have to I’ll just... Uh, I’ll do something, okay? Just don’t freak out, man. I kinda need ya right now, okay? Heh,-- the sprite responded, a soothing tone in his mental voice.

Okay... Kopaka-san, he replied slowly, fighting to regain control of his emotions, taking a deep breath. I’m... I’m sorry I’m such a wimp... Yuki went on to say, taking another shuddering unneeded breath as he attempted to fight off the wave of tears flooding his eyes. I’m childish and useless... I’m sorry...

--Heh. Yuki, you are so not. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re just...Uh...--

Incredibly immature?

--Nah. You’re just sensitive. Besides, I like that about ya.--

You do?

--Yup.--

Yuki smiled a bit through his tears, moving a hand to rub at his watery closed eyes. Thanks, Kopaka-san...

--No problem, man. Just you know, try to stay calm. It’s going to be fine.--

....Yeah...

With that Yuki closed the link, allowing the wind sprite to fully concentrate once again on the energy and on that deathly ill psychic in his arms. Kopaka-san... The silver haired man didn’t really get how the sprite could like his weak teary disposition, but the words had meant a lot to him. I just... I hope I can keep this up. And I don’t care if I fade. I know it’s going to happen soon anyway. But I want to keep Druu-chan alive... I don’t want him to die...

That grey wave... So far, I don’t really feel any difference. Maybe it doesn’t matter if I use energy. This might not be making me fade any faster anyway. But even if it is... It doesn’t matter.

“Druu’s nose is starting to bleed pretty bad again,” Jiro stated softly, his voice shaky, cutting into Yuki’s thoughts. He opened his eyes, focusing on the psychic’s face, noting the fresh flow of blood dripping from both nostrils. “Um... Jiro-chan, why don’t you, um go get a washcloth, okay?” Yuki requested softly, repositioning himself a bit so he could sit on the bed next to Kopaka, his hand still resting firmly on the wind sprite’s shoulder. Yuki crossed his legs Native American style, moving his free hand to rest on Druuvbin’s forehead. He’s so cold. Even I can feel how cold he is... And I can’t feel much at all anymore, so... Druu-chan...

“Okay... I’ll be back in a sec,” the brunette nodded, shakily standing from the large bed, exiting the room with a small sigh.

“Druu... I’m sorry,” Kouji whispered softly, his voice hollow, his icy eyes blank. Yuki moved his gaze to focus on the boy, concern in his grey eyes. Kouji-chan isn’t handling this well at all. Not that I have that much room to talk I suppose, but... He seems so...

“Don’t cry, Kouji-chan,” Yuki whispered softly, moving his gaze back to the unconscious water elemental lying limply on the bed, supported by the grey haired sprite’s lean arms. “It’s not your fault.”

“Kouji, he’s right. It’s not your fault,” Kopaka stated firmly, giving the boy a reassuring look. “Druu has been sick for a long time now. It’s not like you could have done anything, even if you had remembered. It still would have happened. You need to just try to keep calm,” he went on to say, his voice wavering as he winced, briefly closing his blue eyes.

“Kopaka-san?” Yuki questioned apprehensively, taking in the sprite’s weary face.

“I’m fine,” he responded, shaking his head, taking a deep breath.

No, you aren’t. “Kopaka-san...”

I have to give him more energy. The silver haired man bit his lip, attempting to get a better hold on the remaining tempestuous power in the air, yet... It’s getting too far away... I wish I was stronger, I wish I could be useful and... Yuki let out a shuddering breath, the energy steadily slipping away... Kopaka, I-I’m losing my hold.

--It’s... It’s okay, Yuki. You can stop. I can still do the energy thing some more, no big deal, man,-- Kopaka’s voice sounded in his head and Yuki frowned. No. You don’t have any energy left, Kopaka-san. I can’t stop.

--Heh... See Yuki, you’re not a wimp. Told you.--

I... Yes I am, Kopaka-san. More than what you even realize, Yuki softly replied through the mind-link, fighting back the memories suddenly flooding his mind. He really didn’t need to be thinking about that again. Not now...

--Nah. I think you’re stronger than what you realize, Yuki-dude.--

Stop being nice to me, Kopaka. I don’t deserve it, he couldn’t help but say, closing his eyes, trying so very hard to push the memories away, the...

--Er... Okay. That’s a weird thing to say. What are you talking about? Why shouldn’t I be nice to you? Why don’t you deserve it?-- Kopaka questioned, confusion entering his weary mental tone.

I... Yuki trailed off, biting his lip. Never mind... What could he say? He couldn’t tell him... Couldn’t...

Kopaka frowned, a perplexed expression flittering through his blue eyes. --You... You’re a weird little guy, Yuki.--

Yeah... I know...

The two’s mental conversation was cut off as a massive charge suddenly filled the air, a buzzing cool energy filing the room. Thank God... Yuki thought with a small sigh of relief. He recognized that energy. Someone’s jumping.

“It’s Kitsi,” Kouji whispered, a small tremble in his light voice.

Not more then a second after the boy’s soft statement, Kitsune appeared in the bedroom doorway, a frown on her lips. “Malba called me... I got here as soon as I could,” the woman stated flatly, her ice eyes locking on the unconscious psychic.

“Kits. About time,” Kopaka replied, his weary voice holding a teasing tone. “Glad to see you.”

“Give him to me,” the woman stated, her cold voice holding no real emotion, yet as Yuki took in the woman, he noticed her tightly clenched fists. The ice-fox hybrid demon stepped forward, unclenching her hands, briefly wiping her palms on her black jeans. That’s blood, Yuki thought as he noted the woman’s palms. Angry red gashes, obviously self inflicted. Kitsune-san... Luckily the wounds didn’t appear serious, only oozing a bit of blood, but still... You shouldn’t do that to yourself, Kitsune-san.

“Kitsi... I couldn’t remember. I’m so sorry,” Kouji whispered softly, not looking at his sister, instead focusing on Druuvbin, his voice flat, empty. “I’m sorry.”

Kitsune frowned, moving to sit on the large bed next to her brother. She carefully took Druu from Kopaka, gently placing the man’s head in her lap. “You have nothing to apologize for, Kouji,” she commented quietly, rubbing her palm against her dark jeans once more, wiping away the remaining blood on her hand. Afterwards she placed her hand on the unconscious psychic’s forehead, her frown deepening. “Druuvbin... You fool.”

Kouji moved to lean his head on his sister’s shoulder, closing his eyes. “Love you, Kitsi...” he mumbled softly, hugging onto his sister’s arm like a lost child. He is a lost child... I feel so sorry for him... Yuki thought sadly, watching the boy's blank face.

“I... I love you too, Kouji,” the ice demon responded quietly, her voice losing that cold edge. “It isn’t your fault. I promise.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

A small smile formed on Yuki’s lips at the siblings’ exchange. Kitsune-san, you really aren’t the ‘blood-fox’ anymore. Not at all...

“Here’s a washcloth—Oh, Kitsune,” Jiro blinked as he walked through the doorway, a damp white washcloth clutched in his lean hand. “Good. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Give it to me,” the woman stated flatly, not looking away from the sprite resting in her lap. The ice demon moved to pull the black comforter around the unconscious psychic better, a deep frown on her lips.

Yuki watched as Kitsune focused on Druu, feeling the massive surge of energy rising in the air, coming from the ice demon’s body. Wow... That is a lot of energy. It’s amazing how strong she is. That... That should be enough energy to keep Druu-chan alive for now, he thought, noting that the man’s breathing was starting to slightly even out, though the bleeding had not slowed. He’s still dying.. But... I’m glad Kitsune is here... If anyone can keep him alive, it’s her.

Jiro moved to stand next to the bed, handing the ice demon the damp rag, his steel-blue eyes focused on the gravely ill sprite. “You can help him, right?”

“I’m not going to let him die,” she responded flatly, taking the cloth from the teen. Kitsune gently used the white washcloth to sop up the blood running from Druuvbin’s nose, the rag quickly turning dark red.

“Ugh, Not cool,” Kopaka muttered softly, raising a hand to rub his eyes, a small sigh escaping his lips. “So not cool,” he mumbled, lowering his head, closing his tired blue eyes. Yuki moved his gaze to the wind sprite, concern on his face. “Kopaka-san?”

“You used too much energy,” Kitsune commented frankly, her ice colored eyes focusing on the grey haired sprite.

“Didn’t have much of a choice, Kits,” the elemental responded with a small smirk, taking another deep breath. “Ugh. Really so not cool,” he mumbled, lowering his head into his hands.

I knew that you were using too much of your energy, Yuki thought nervously, watery eyes focused on the wind elemental. He used way too much. It’s bad for an elemental to use so much energy like that... I... I don’t have enough power to help Druu, but I might be able to help you, Kopaka...

“Uh, are you okay?” Jiro questioned, crossing his arms nervously as he stood near the bed, watching Kopaka. “You look kind of...”

“Um, Jiro-chan. Could you please get Kopaka-san some water?” Yuki requested softly, moving to place a hand on the wind sprite’s back. I don’t have that much energy, but... I can at least give you a little...

“Yeah, okay,” the teen replied, moving to exit the room after giving Kopaka a worried glance. “Back in a sec.”

“Kopaka-san, just rest for now,” Yuki stated quietly, running his hand soothingly along the man’s back, allowing his own personal energy to flow into the elemental’s spent body. My energy isn’t that strong, nothing like a storm’s power of course, but this should at least help a little.

“It’s no big deal... I’ll be okay in a minute,” Kopaka responded softly, not looking up. Instead he sat cross legged with his head bent down, resting in his hands, his elbows propped on his knees. The grey haired sprite took a deep breath, shuddering a little.

Yuki continued to run a hand over the sprite’s back, allowing his energy to slowly flow through the elemental. He didn’t want to give too much energy too fast, as that could possibly make the sprite feel even worse. His body has already handled so much energy transference, I don’t want to push too much more on him right now. It would be best to slowly restore the energy, rather than force too much too fast... Plus my energy isn’t wind or ice energy, so it’s not going to be as good as his own power, but... It’ll have to help a little. I know it’s not life threatening or anything, but I still don’t want you to have to feel so bad, Kopaka-san...

“Here,” Jiro’s voice broke into the silver haired man’s thoughts and he looked up, giving the teen a thankful smile. “Thank you,” he responded softly, taking the water bottle from the brunette’s outstretched hand. “Kopaka-san, try to drink a little, okay?” he then stated gently, breaking the seal on the cap, removing the lid. “Here.”

“Thanks,” the sprite responded weakly, raising his head, taking the bottle from Yuki. After taking a few sips he gave the bottle back to the smaller man, once again resting his head in his hands. Yuki replaced the lid on the bottle, moving to set the container on the hardwood floor, next to the bed. “Let me know if you want more,” he stated softly, once again placing his hand on Kopaka’s back, slowly streaming energy into the drained sprite. Just rest, Kopaka-san.

Yuki took a deep, essentially unneeded breath, drawing up enough energy to stream into the sprite. He glanced about the quiet room, (save for the rasping breaths of the ill psychic,) his eyes again growing teary. This is all so awful... If only I could have said something earlier... If I had said something, then...

“Vetein sa... Sana—nai sa...” Druuvbin muttered softly, a small ragged cough shaking his lean body. “Vetein sa...”

Yuki turned his attention to the man, again pondering the meaning of those words. Vetein sa... What does that mean?

Kitsune’s frown increased at the psychic’s mumbled words. The ice demon carefully wiped away a small trail of blood dripping from the sprite’s lips, her ice eyes troubled. Do you know what he said, Kitsune-san? Yuki wondered, noting the expression flickering through the demon’s eyes.

“He’s said that several times... Do you know what language that is, Kits?” Kopaka questioned, his voice weak. “Do you know what he’s saying?”

“...I know,” she responded flatly, her eyes focused on the psychic’s deathly pale face. She moved the bloodstained cloth back to Druu’s nose, as a fresh stream of blood had once again began to drip from both nostrils.

“Well. What is he saying?” Jiro prodded, now sitting on the nearby couch, his nervous eyes moving to focus on the ice demon.

“...It’s not your concern,” was the woman’s only response.

“What? Why?” the teen inquired irritably, raising an eyebrow.

“I said it’s not your concern,” she repeated frigidly, her voice sharp as she flashed the teen a dark look. “What part of that did you not understand?” Kitsune went on to say, her voice ice-cold.

“Bite my head off why don’t you?” Jiro replied, shooting the woman a nervous yet thoroughly irritated glare. “I was just curious.”

“Well get uncurious,” she stated flatly, turning her attention back to the unconscious elemental.

...What was that about? What could Druu-chan be saying that would have Kitsune-san so... Yuki frowned, his gaze moving to Kitsune, watching the woman’s ice eyes. Though her face was quite expressionless, her eyes held a troubled, perhaps regretful look? What did you say, Druu-chan?

“Whoa Kits, don’t get mad at the kid. I’m the one who asked to start with,” Kopaka stated, his voice muffled, as his hands were covering the majority of his face.

Kitsune did not reply, only rolled her eyes in response, a frown once again forming on her icy lips. The ice demon continued to hold the red-stained rag to Druuvbin’s nose, attempting to staunch the blood flow.

Something is bothering Kitsune-san, Yuki thought as he continued to watch the woman, noting the ice demon’s troubled eyes, the frown on her pale lips... As he kept his grey gaze focused to the woman he noticed a further increase of energy flow, feeling the massive amount of power Kitsune was generating. Wait, is she using fire magick? Why fire? the silver haired man pondered, noting the fiery energies emanating around her body.

Oh, I see. Kitsune-san... Yuki thought as he realized why the demon was summoning forth the power of fire. She’s warming her body up with fire energy, to keep Druu-chan from growing any colder.... She’s using the fire to try to warm him... A soft small smile briefly appeared on his lips as he felt that thick fire energy encircling the woman. She really cares about you, Druu-chan. It would have to be so very uncomfortable for the ice demon, to warm her cold body, generating fire magick within. An ice demon who has mastered fire... That’s really amazing.

Yuki kept silent as he continued to watch the ice demon generate massive amounts of energy, finding it somehow ironic. Ironic that... Why is it that it takes so much more energy to sustain life than it does to destroy it? It’s so very easy to take life away, but to heal, to keep a weak, fragile heart beating... It just... his thoughts trailed off as another wave of bittersweet memories threatened to overwhelm him. He shoved the images away, instead focusing on streaming a soft wave of energy into Kopaka, gently rubbing the man’s back in a soothing manner. I’ve never been very good at healing... I can destroy though, can’t I?

“Vetein sa, sana nai...” again the psychic whispered and Yuki bit his lip, noting the faraway, lost sound in the man’s soft voice. Druu-chan...

Kitsune closed her eyes for a moment, her jaw clenching, a brief flash of guilt appearing on that pale face. What is it, Kitsune-san? What is he saying? the silver haired man thought with a frown, his eyes focusing on the woman, on her set jaw, the dark emotion flashing in her ice eyes as she turned her gaze down to the psychic.

“That, that isn’t true, you fool,” she snapped, her usual icy tone wavering, losing a bit of that cold edge as she continued to focus her gaze on the water elemental. “Listen to me, Druuvbin. Wake up, I need to talk to you.”

What isn’t true? Yuki could tell the woman was growing rather upset by Druu’s words. Knowing Druuvbin, it... Was actually a little hard to tell what the man had said, really. Poor Druu-chan... He...

“V-Vetein sa, sana nai sa, matan- kel ne...” was Druuvbin’s only response, obviously still lost in his unconsciousness, lost in whatever lurked within his mind... Yuki didn’t want to really think about it actually. Druu-chan...

“What isn’t true?” Jiro inquired exasperatedly, nervously focusing on Kitsune. It was apparent that the boy was apprehensive to question the ice demon, yet his curiosity and worry had driven him to ask regardless.

Kitsune completely ignored the teen, her troubled ice eyes locked on the pale elemental, his pained, deathly white face. With a small sigh the woman lowered her head, pulling closer to the psychic. “Na tana vetein, Druuvbin. Lenat ee dana metae sa. Metae sa. Na tana vetein, undet sa,” she whispered, an apologetic tone replacing her usual emotionless cold demeanor. “Na tana vetein.”

Druuvbin’s only response to the ice demon’s words was a small moan, followed by a rasping harsh cough. Kitsune frowned, running her free hand over the man’s cheek, her pale face troubled. “Na tana vetein. Undet sa,” she repeated softly, her ice eyes focused on the bloody rag held against his nose. “Undet sa.”

Kitsune-san is really upset... It was unusual to see the woman show any emotion, to see the cold mask start to slip... Yuki felt a pang in his heart at the guilty look appearing on the demon’s face. I wish I could understand... I just really don’t know what language that is. It’s old, but other than that... I just... I really don’t know.

“Man, I’d love to know what the hell he’s saying,” Jiro muttered, crossing his arms with a sigh. “I know, it’s ‘not my concern’,” he went on to say derisively, a frown on his lips.

“Sana nai sa. Jinae lena sa. J-Jinae—Jinae lena sa... Tefen sa,” the psychic suddenly whispered, his body twitching, his breath short and wheezing. “Sana nai sa...”

“Druuvbin, listen to me. Wake up. I need to talk to you. I need... I didn’t mean what I said, Druuvbin. I promise I didn’t. Do you understand? Na tana vetein, na tana tefen. Lenat ee metae sa. Sana nai sa,” Kitsune responded, her tone urgent, obviously attempting to reach the man. Her eyes upset, her blue-white lips set in a deep frown, she again ran a hand over the man’s cheek. “Wake up, Druuvbin.”

...What? Oh... Wait... Yuki’s thoughts trailed off as he recalled earlier, before this horrible mess had started... When Kitsune had brought Kouji... Kitsune and Druuvbin had telepathically conversed, right? Could that be what was bothering the woman? What... What did you say, Kitsune-san?

The man did not wake up of course, nor did he respond, only let out another small cough, a fresh flow of blood slowly leaking from his lips. The ice demon closed her eyes, her jaw clenched, taking in a deep shaky breath. “I didn’t mean it, Druuvbin... I swear I didn’t mean it.”

“Kits?” Kopaka questioned, raising his head to look at the woman, a concerned look in his tired eyes. “Didn’t mean what?” he inquired softly, his voice weak.

The icy haired woman did not respond, only let out another sigh. She then opened her eyes, her gaze again locked on the psychic. Kopaka frowned but said nothing, lowering his head back into his hands. The room fell into silence, only broken by the uneven short breaths of Druuvbin and the soft sound of distant thunder and slowing rain. The storm waning, moving on...

Yuki lowered his gaze, not wanting to see the troubled dark expression in Kitsune’s eyes, not wanting to see the pained, pallid face of the suffering psychic. His eyes were once again growing teary and the silver haired man was having trouble concentrating on giving Kopaka energy. I just need to keep calm and concentrate.

Seeing Kitsune, the usually calm and collected picture of in control strength... Seeing the woman’s eyes so... Even Kitsune-san is losing her cool... Her mask is slipping...

And Kouji... He turned his grey eyes to the boy clinging to his sister, noting that Kouji had not moved his head away from the woman’s shoulder, not moved at all. His eyes closed, tears streaking down his icy-pale cheeks. Kouji-chan... The boy looked utterly lost.

Well... With the storm passing... That at least means Renee-san should be able to make the drive now. There’s not anything she can really do for Druu-chan right now, but maybe she can help with Kouji-chan, Yuki thought, thinking of Rae’s warm-hearted mother. The boy looked as if he needed to be mothered. Perhaps Renee could get Kouji to at least calm down a little, ease that blank look out of the half human's tear filled eyes... She’s good at things like that...

The silver haired man moved a hand up to rub at his watery eyes, again fighting the urge to completely break down into tears. He instead shoved the feelings away, concentrating his thoughts on generating enough energy to somewhat replenish the drained wind sprite.

Kopaka’s body had not completely stopped trembling, obviously still weak and ill from the tremendous amount of energy lost. Kopaka-san... He knew that it was extremely painful for an elemental to use up all of their strength, and... He closed his eyes, concentrating on summoning forth energy. Despite that grey wave threatening him, he pulled forth more power, allowing it to slowly enter the body of the wind elemental.

I just... I wonder if I will fade faster, now that I’m using so much energy... I may not be able to keep hold if I use too much, but... I still don’t really feel any difference. Maybe it doesn’t matter. Not knowing was the worst thing about it. When? When would he fade, when would he disappear, leaving everything and everyone behind? I know I deserve it, but... I don’t want to...

The slender small framed man shoved the thought away, opening his grey eyes to focus on Kopaka, attempting to take in the weary sprite’s face. He couldn’t make out much however, as the man still had his face in his hands, his shaggy grey hair hiding his features. Kopaka-san? he questioned softly, linking to the man’s mind once again.

--Hm?-- the elemental responded, his mental tone fatigued, weak. --You okay?--

Yuki felt a small smile briefly play on his lips at the sprite’s question. Here Kopaka was so weak, yet the elemental was asking if he was okay? I’m... I just wanted to um... Why had he decided to bother the sprite? Shouldn’t he just let Kopaka rest instead of pestering the man with telepathy? Yet... I just um, are you doing okay, Kopaka-san?

--Er... Well, I’ve felt better, but I’ve felt worse too. Heh. It’s no big deal, Yuki. Don’t worry about it,-- Kopaka stated, a hint of amusement in his tone.

I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help more, Yuki suddenly commented, lowering his gaze, focusing on his blue jeans, still damp from earlier that evening, as he had sat in the rain... Not that he could really feel the dampness, so it didn’t matter he supposed. A few bloodstains were also now present on his jeans, as well as on his mint colored shirt. Druuvbin had bled so very much, yet still hadn’t stopped... I’m sorry Kopaka... If I were stronger, maybe I could have helped more, but...

--You did help. Like a lot. I wasn’t going to admit it, but... I was pretty much wasted. You were right, I didn’t have any energy left. If it weren’t for you, Druu would most likely be dead by now,-- the wind/ice elemental responded, raising his head to meet Yuki’s grey eyes, giving the man a weak grin. Kopaka’s smile quickly faded however as he winced, closing his eyes.

Kopaka? Yuki questioned softly, biting his lip nervously.

--Ugh. Man,-- the sprite responded mentally, lowering his head back into his hands. --Even all the drugs and stuff usually don’t mess me up this bad... Heh,-- Kopaka joked with a small shudder.

Yuki frowned, concern in his grey eyes. I know it’s not much but, I’m giving you some of my energy, Kopaka-san. I... he trailed off, continuing to gently rub the sprite’s back, sending much needed energy into his shaking, weary body. If only the storm hadn’t passed, he could give the wind elemental power from that, but...

--Yeah, thanks. It’s definitely helping some. Heh, without you and your weird 'ghost' power, I’d probably be passed out in a corner,-- Kopaka commented lightly, his tone teasing yet grateful.

I’m glad I can help a little at least, the silver hair man replied with a small sigh, rubbing at his blurry teary eyes with his free hand.

--Hey... Yuki?--

Hm?

--Can I ask you something?--

Yuki raised an eyebrow, a little unnerved. Ask something? About what exactly? Yeah, what is it, Kopaka-san?

--Not that I don’t appreciate it and all, because I seriously do, but... How the hell are you doing this?-- Kopaka questioned, his mental voice taking a serious tint.

Doing what? the smaller man replied uneasily, dodging the question, lowering his gaze to the bed, the black sheets, the bloodstains...

--The energy. Helping with Druu, and now this, giving me energy. How are you doing that? And... What was that energy you used on Druu?-- he inquired curiously.

...I... I used the power from the storm... But when it started to move on, it was harder to use and... I was so afraid I was going to lose hold of the energy, that I was going to let Druu-chan die, Yuki admitted softly, again rubbing at his watery grey eyes. The storm is too far away for me to use now, so I can only give you my energy... I wish I were stronger, but this is the best I can do.

--You were able to use that much power from a storm? Whoa. That’s pretty cool, Yuki. But uh, you didn’t answer my question. How did you do it?--

Um... It’s a ghost thing? Yuki replied, using the very same excuse he had used earlier. It sounded just as lame now as it did then.

--Yeah... Heh... Well. Whatever. All I know is that you totally helped me out,-- the sprite responded, obviously not buying the ‘ghost’ thing, yet he dropped it, not pressing Yuki on it any further. The silver haired man was grateful for that. As... He knew Kopaka must be suspicious, had to know that he wasn’t what he claimed to be, but... He couldn’t tell him. Couldn’t tell the sprite the truth. He... Yuki didn’t want him to know the truth.

The two fell into silence and Yuki turned his attention back to Kitsune, noting the woman’s guilt filled ice eyes, the frown on her lips. She had of course not moved, still sat with Druuvbin lying prone on the bed, his head and shoulders resting in her lap. She still held that blood-stained rag against the psychic’s nose, attempting to staunch the blood flow. He looks so bad, and he’s bleeding so much... Kitsune-san is trying so hard to keep him stable, but...It’s... Yuki’s thoughts trailed off as a small shiver ran through his numb body, taking in the blood and... Druu-chan...

Kouji still clung to his sister’s arm, his head resting against her shoulder, that same blank look in his teary eyes... He hated the look on the boy’s face. He looks so dejected and...

Yuki then turned his attention to Jiro, watching the boy’s nervous expression and worried eyes. The shaggy haired teen was back to biting what was left of his nails, his leg jittering anxiously, tapping his foot nervously on the wood floor.

Yuki pulled his gaze away, focusing on his damp, bloodstained jeans instead. He couldn’t take the concerned anxious looks, the despondent boy clinging to his sister, couldn’t take the guilt in Kitsune's eyes, couldn’t take the agonized blood covered psychic, couldn’t take the guilt of knowing... Knowing... Yuki closed his eyes, drawing a breath of air into his numb lungs. After so many years of not needing to breathe... He had yet to completely break the habit. A few tears ran down his face and he took another deep breath, focusing on Kopaka instead. Giving the man energy, distracting himself from the memories and the guilt and...

--I wonder what Kitsune said to Druu?-- Kopaka suddenly questioned telepathically, interrupting Yuki’s thoughts, concern in his tone.

I... I don’t know, but she’s obviously upset about it, he responded, his grey eyes focusing on the woman once more. Yes, it was rather obvious. The look on her face, the tone in her voice when she had spoken that odd, old language... She seems really... Really upset...

--Yeah. I know... It’s hard to tell what she said, knowing Kits. She can get uh, pretty mad at Druu. It... I wish she would stop giving the guy such a hard time. I know she does it because she worries and freaks out and all, but still. Yelling at him isn’t going to help anything. He doesn’t deserve it...-- Kopaka trailed off with a sigh, muffled by his hands. --I... I just hope he doesn’t die before she gets a chance to talk to him. She’s got enough issues as it is without adding that to the list,-- he went on to say, his mental tone soft, troubled.

Don’t say that, Kopaka-san. You make it sound like he’s going to die for sure. You don’t know that. If Malba-san brings the medicines back, he... And Kitsune-san won’t let him die, she’s strong, and, and... Yuki trailed off, his tone wavering, a few tears slipping from his eyes. He didn’t want Druu to die... Didn’t... Didn’t want to think about...

--He... He is going to die, Yuki. I hope not this time... Hopefully... Hopefully not this time, but... If I can’t figure out some way to stop it... It’s getting worse and...The meds aren’t working as well as what they used to. I don’t know what the hell to do. I... It’s been so damn long but I can’t figure it out. I don’t understand it and... I just want to help him, but... It’s like I can never seem to help the ones I care about,-- Kopaka stated, his mental tone growing a bit uneven as he trailed off, taking a deep, shaky breath. --...Sorry about that, didn’t mean to go all rant-mode on ya, heh...-- he then went on to say, his tone tired and somewhat frustrated.

Yuki closed his eyes, fighting off another wave of tears at those unsteady words. Kopaka... He knew the man cared so, so very much for his friends, and... Watching helpless, unable to find a cure, to never... It weighed heavy on him, Yuki knew. If anyone can find a way to help Druu-chan... It’s you, he commented softly, still running a hand along the sprite’s back, doing his best to keep a steady flow of energy streaming slowly into the elemental. You can do it. You’ll find a way.

--Heh... Well. I don’t know. I’m really starting to doubt my abilities, heh. I kind of suck.--

No you don’t. That isn’t true at all.

--Thanks, Yuki... I just hope... I hope your right...-- he stated softly, a sad tone flittering through his mental voice.

The silver haired man kept his eyes closed, attempting to fight away the flood of emotions that had been threatening to overwhelm him since this whole incident had begun. A wave of sadness and guilt and... And... He didn’t want to think about the memories, the past, the pain in Druu’s eyes before he collapsed, the blood, the inconsolable half human clinging to his sister, the guilt in the ice demon’s eyes... The...

The...

The distrust in Sanosuke, Rae and Jiro's eyes... They know I'm not what I claim to be... They know I... I'm a lie... He.. He didn't want to think about Kopaka’s weak voice filled with worry and... And... Knowing that Malba was risking his life in that damn Tevrra base and... And... The fact that Druuvbin was lost in a dark world of his memories and pain, suffering and... And that grey inescapable void, the grey wave that would eventually take him away...

--Yuki?-- Kopaka cut into his thoughts, a concerned tone in his mental voice. --You okay?--

I... I... he trailed off, fighting back a sob, shutting his eyes tighter, images and memories floating through his mind. Images and a sad, haunting song from the past. With tears slipping down his cheeks he rubbed at his closed eyes, biting the inside of his numb lip. He was far too old to be crying like an immature child, yet... Yet... No... I’m not okay...

--Yeah, I’m kind of getting that,-- Kopaka responded softly. --I’m sorry if I freaked you out with what I said a minute ago. Druu... He’ll be okay,-- the sprite stated, his tone soothing.

No, it’s not that... It’s not your fault, Kopaka-san. It’s just... I... What could he say? He couldn’t tell him... Couldn’t tell him that... That he was nothing but an utter lie, a liar... A soft sob escaped him and he lowered his head, closing his eyes tighter. I’m never going to grow up, am I? I...I’m a crybaby... I’m sorry... Here he was, crying again... I’m sorry.

--Growing up is over-rated. Don’t be sorry,-- the wind sprite stated softly, his tone gentle, comforting.

Yuki knew he didn’t deserve those kind words, didn’t deserve...

--It’s okay, Yuki. You can cry if you want to.--

I... his thoughts trailed off and he did just that. He cried, allowing the tears to run freely, the guilt and the memories consuming him, the pain from the past...

Kopaka-san... Yuki moved to lean his head on the sprite’s shoulder, tears flowing and his heart aching. He knew it was ridiculous, knew he should show more restraint, but... He was so tired of pretending, so tired of lying, so very tired of.... I’m so sorry... He wasn’t just apologizing for the tears. He... So many memories and that song, that damn song. Flooding his thoughts... It was too much.

--Uh, whoa. Hey, Yuki. Yuki? Listen, Yuki. It’s okay, man. Really.--

No, it really isn’t... Lies and memories and pain and suffering and sad eyes and guilt and...

I’m so sorry...

So he cried, his face pressed against Kopaka’s lean, toned shoulder, tears leaking from his eyes, the man’s small frame shaking from the force of his sobs.

I’m so sorry...

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

In the active Tevrra Operations and Development Center, (ODC; D1;) located in the heart of the capital city of Atrum-Terra, a woman sat behind a large metal desk, her painted black lips forming a frown. She tapped her nails against the table’s hard surface, irritation on her youthful, attractive face. How very boring.

The demon let out a sigh, turning to glance at the metallic walls surrounding her, the many scientists and lab techs bustling about, like worker ants, pitiful and so very boring.

She cast her silver-white eyes to the nearest wall, taking in her appearance on the highly reflective surface. A wasted day of makeup. Really, if only these simple fools get to see my beauty, it’s rather useless. Meaningless insects.

The woman was rather fond of her reflection. She was proud of her light skin and attractive, sleek face. Her long light lavender hair, styled in three unusual ponytails on the top of her head. And of course her uniform. The official Atrum-Terra uniforms were so very boring... She couldn’t accept the rigid, concealing clothing. So instead she had made her own modifications.

Scantily clad, her skin tight leather shirt of black and gold barely covered her breasts. Her shapely legs wrapped tightly in black leather, with revealing slits running up each side of the tight black pants. She wore long black gloves, and her left hand glove revealed pale skin as she had removed the leather around her fingers. Which she thought was a pretty cool touch. To top her look off she wore a stylish gold belt with a long intricately designed black cloth attached to the front, loosely falling upon her legs in a skirt like manner. The cloth almost reaching her high heeled black boots; sexy and elegant. I look damn good. Too bad there's only pitiful insects buzzing about. No one of any real importance. A shame. What a waste...

Again the woman let out a sigh, turning her gaze back to the lab, to the white coated simpering scientists working efficiently, typing away at computers, working at advanced machinery. Her boring, dull subordinates. As of yet, the day had proved rather tedious, and she was growing restless. Honestly? She’d much rather be killing something. Not that she didn’t thoroughly enjoy science and research, but she really just wasn’t in a scientific mood at the moment. Sometimes a girl really needs to feel that pleasurable sensual sensation of blood on her hands. She looked down at her slender gloved hands, imagining warm red liquid, sticky and intoxicating... Yes, she was quite bored indeed.

“Darcy, ma’am?” a voice cut into the woman’s thoughts and she turned her attention to the owner of the voice who had dared interrupt her contemplation. “What?” she snapped, raising a perfectly shaped eyebrow at the tall lab tech standing before her desk. This better be important.

“Um... Sorry, ma’am, but... There’s something I thought... Um, you might be interested in. I just received a report from Teaja, and um...” the man trailed off nervously, toying with his glasses. He cleared his throat, pushing a lock of scraggly brown hair away from his face in an anxious manner. “Um...”

“Get on with it, idiot!” Darcy snapped impatiently, a frown on her black lips.

“Ah. There are some rather, interesting reports coming from Teaja... Maybe... Um you should just see for yourself,” he stuttered, fidgeting apprehensively.

Hm? Well. Anything was better than sitting around doing nothing. “Well. What kind of reports?” she questioned, curiosity entering her voice.

“Um, check out the Teaja One news. It’s on now,” the lab tech responded, a small nervous smile on his lips.

“Ah. Okay, but this better be interesting. Or you know, I’ll kill you,” she stated frankly, smiling darkly at the man.

“Eh? Uh... Um, yes, ma’am,” he squeaked, his blue eyes widening.

She smirked at the fear in the man’s eyes, noting the tremor that ran through the fool’s body. She then rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “Teaja One, you say?”

“Um, yes...”

The woman turned her attention to the computer input device attached to her left eye (VAILS), inputting the code to access the Teajan satellite systems. It was a handy little device, really. Only elite Atrum-Terra officials received the honor of having the implant, and even though it was irremovable, she was quite happy to have it. The device looked rather like a black rimmed monocle attached to her left eye, the lens translucent-red. With the device linked to her mind, she was able to scan the world’s CPUs and satellite systems, communicate with anyone in possession of a computer, phone or similar device. Plus... She could watch TV. Which was pretty cool.

Darcy hacked into the Teajan mainframe satellite system with ease, accessing the local Teajan One station with a small grin on her black lips. Too easy. Green coding flashed across the inside lens-screen of the red device, sending information readouts, visual and audio information streaming directly into her mind.

--Yes, again our top news story of the hour is the sudden blast of unknown energy experienced in the Main Teaja District. No official comment has been issued by any government agency as of yet, and the country is collectively left mystified by this rather unsettling event. Demons and elementals all around the country have reported sensing that cold wave of unidentifiable energy, a highly peculiar sensation, ominous and puzzling.

It’s reported that the majority of human Teajan citizens were unable to feel this surge of power. It’s not known why, though some have speculated that it is due to the lack of magickal properties and powers contained within the human body. The blast was felt through all seven districts, though it was sensed most severely in the Main Teaja District. More on this startling story after this short commerci—

The lavender haired demon’s smirk widened as she turned the station off, the green coding fading from the lens. She turned her gaze to the man still standing nervously by her desk, her eyes sparkling. “You’re right. This is interesting. You get to live, isn’t that nice?”

“Ah. Uh, yes. Yes, ma’am,” he replied shakily, a small sigh of relief escaping his lips.

Finally, her day was starting to look up. A cold wave, huh? Hmm... How very interesting...

“I believe I need to place a call to Gahlrey,” she commented with a dark laugh, her eyes gleaming. “Yes. This is most interesting, indeed.”

She quickly input an order to link into the Tevrran base located in the primitive, pathetic country of Gahlrey, waiting impatiently for someone to pick up her call.

Tevvra 25-47A, Venator, a voice echoed in her mind, linked in through the VAILS device attached to her left eye.

--This is Cairra Darcy. Get me Kaine. I need to speak with him,--she stated firmly, grin still present on her black lips.

He is unavailable at the moment...

--That’s fine. I’ll wait. Put me on hold,-- she responded, rolling her silver-white eyes. She really didn’t like waiting, but in this case... She’d make an exception.

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

Rae: My author notes are so long, I'm gonna make it a seperate page. So yeah. ---> Go read t3h notes. XD