part c. Read a and b first. duh. (Again, sorry it cut off on part b. T.T)
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Crash and Burn part c
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Kopaka-san? How... How is he? Yuki’s voice echoed in his mind and he turned his gaze to the small framed man, meeting his grey eyes. --...Not good, Yuki. Not good at all. He... I don’t know how much longer he can last,-- he admitted unevenly. Maybe he shouldn’t be so frank, but... --He’s bleeding too much, way too much. If I don’t get the meds... If I just had them, I could hopefully get the bleeding to slow down and give his heart and lungs a boost... But... Yuki, I’m not.... I’m not even sure the meds will work now... He’s... I... I don’t know...-- At this point... His head was swimming, fear coursing through him and, and... --I...I don’t want him to die...--

I know you don’t want him to die, the ‘spirit’ gently replied, concern in his voice. Kopaka-san, you have to stay calm.

--I...I know, but... I...-- he trailed off, briefly closing his eyes, fighting the wave of nausea and dizziness, the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm him and... --I... I can’t help him. He... It’s... So god damn frustrating...It....--

You can’t fall apart. Leave that to me. I’m the baby around here, remember? Yuki responded softly, giving the wind sprite a small reassuring smile.

Kopaka returned the man’s smile, taking a deep shuddering breath. --Yeah... Heh... I, uh, it wouldn’t be a good idea for me to freak out and go OD on the first drug I can find, right?-- he joked weakly, running a hand wearily over his blurred eyes. --Man. I’m so wasted...-- His vision fuzzy and his body aching...

Overdosing is probably not such a good idea, no, Yuki replied, shaking his head a little. I...Do you want me to try to give you some more energy? he then asked, concern in his grey eyes.
--Nah, I’ll live, don’t worry about it. Thanks for the offer though,-- Kopaka stated with a small smile. --Just try to keep Kouji calm, okay? The kid’s about ready to completely lose it or something,-- he then said, his blue eyes focusing on the icy teen hugging Yuki, his eyes closed, his head resting on the small framed man’s shoulder. --Jiro’s not looking so great either,-- the wind sprite added, noticing the stressed look on the shaggy haired teen’s face.

I think everyone is kind of ready to ‘lose it’, Kopaka-san, Yuki commented with a small sigh, running his hand along the sobbing half human’s back, his grey eyes troubled and watering.

--Yeah... You’re kind of right. Man, even Kits is acting weird. Heh. I’m not used to her being all emotive. It’s bizarre, and kind of scary actually,-- Kopaka admitted, a slightly teasing tone in his mental voice.

Yeah...I know, the ‘ghost’ responded, giving Kopaka another small smile before pulling his grey gaze away, once again focusing his attention on Kouji.

Kopaka took another deep breath, turning his gaze back to Druuvbin. Stay alive, Druu...

“I...Kopaka...It...” the water elemental suddenly whispered, his eyes opening, white and unfocused. “I..I—It hurts...” Druu trailed off, his breath catching, his grip on Kopaka’s hand tightening. The wind sprite frowned, a fresh wave of anxiety washing over him. “What is it, Druu? What’s hurting?” he questioned gently, sharing a concerned glance with Kitsune. Not good...

The blue haired elemental let out a soft moan, his eyes rolling back as a shuddering spasm wracked his frame. “Druu? Druu? Hey, Druu. Say something!” Kopaka nervously exclaimed, his voice uneven. “Druu?” he tried again after receiving no response, his alarm swiftly rising.

“Druuvbin? You said you’d stay awake, Druuvbin,” Kitsune pointed out firmly, apprehensively taking in the water elemental’s deathly pale face. “Druuvbin?”

“...Trying to...Kitsune...” Druu murmured softly, his body twitching, his eyes remaining closed.

“Try harder,” she ordered, her ice eyes flashing with unease.

“I...I...” the blue haired sprite started but trailed off, his breath shortening, a harsh cough shaking him. The cough did not die down and the elemental shuddered, a choking noise escaping his lips. A surge of fresh blood freely leaked from his nostrils, his body trembling.

Kopaka’s eyes widened, his heart dropping, “Let’s sit him up, Kits,” he stated softly, moving to help the woman prop Druuvbin up a bit, resting the psychic’s head and upper torso against Kitsune’s chest.

The water elemental gagged, choking as blood leaked from his lips, as blood flowed from his nose. Kopaka rubbed the man’s shoulder as the psychic made another gagged noise, nearly retching on the stream of blood. So much blood... A flow of dark blood freely running, too much... From his lips, from his nose... Too much. Druu... I’m... I’m so sorry, Druu, I...

“Kopaka, he... That’s too much blood,” Kitsune stated unevenly, supporting the water sprite’s shaking body, her arms wrapped lightly around the psychic in a comforting embrace. “That’s too much. He’ll... It...”

“I know,” he responded shakily. “Damn it... Druu? Druu... Just stay with me, okay? Druu? Stay with us,” he softly stated, again taking the psychic’s cold unmoving hand.

The only response the blue haired elemental gave was a small whimper, followed by another choked cough as yet more blood dripped from his mouth. Red blood dripping down to collect on the comforter, on Kitsune’s bandaged arms... Kopaka glanced down at his own clothes, noting Druu’s blood covering his white shirt and dusty-rose colored jeans, dark, red blood... Far too much blood...

“Druu? Oh God...” Kouji moaned, managing to pull away from Yuki, standing. “He... His color...” a sob escaped him and Yuki gently took hold of the boy, once again embracing the distraught half-human.

“That... That’s bad...” Jiro commented softly, his steel-blue eyes in turmoil as he sat, his hands clenching into tight fists.

“Druuvbin? Druuvbin, can you hear me?” Kitsune questioned, her voice tense. “Hold on. Just... For a little longer, Druuvbin.”

“I’m...Sorry...” Druu whispered between ragged breaths, his eyes not opening, his voice so very weak, so far-off and distant. “I’m...Trying... But I... It... I’m sorry...”

“Don’t be sorry, Druu. Just stay awake. Come on, Druu. You have to hold on just a little longer. Mals will be back with the meds and you’re... You’re going to be fine,” Kopaka replied, his voice breaking. Druu... He...

The water sprite made no response, only gagged on more blood.

Druu...

“He’s going to die now, isn’t he?” Jiro inquired with a shaking voice, his eyes fixed on the blood running freely from the sprite’s mouth and nose.

“I’m going to slow the bleeding,” Kitsune commented flatly, closing her ice colored eyes. “I’m not letting him die.”

“What? How--” Kopaka started but stopped short as an immense charge of energy swept out of the ice demon, the room darkening, growing cooler as the woman called forth energy. He’d never...He’d never felt her use so much power, it was... The lights flickered, a cold wind sweeping through the room, ruffling the curtains. How... How the hell is she doing that? Even for a powerful demon like Kitsune, that... That’s too much. That’s way too much, she’ll kill herself... It...

“What the fuck?” Jiro glanced about the darkened room with wide eyes, nervously eyeing the flickering lights. “What is that?”

“Me,” Kitsune stated impatiently, her closed eyes twitching, her voice holding a strained tone as she summoned forth more power, more energy.

“Kitsune... That’s, that’s too much. You’ll--” Kopaka started uneasily but was cut off as the woman let out an irritated growl. “Shut up,” she snapped, biting down on her lower lip. “I’m not--letting him die,” she went on to say, her voice tense, tight.

The wind elemental frowned, uneasily taking in the immense charge of energy erupting from the demon’s body, entirely too much energy. --Kitsune, you do that for very long and you’ll die. You dying isn’t going to help anything,-- he stated telepathically, swallowing hard against another wave of queasiness.

--I can handle it,-- the woman responded, her mental tone somewhat faded, distant. --He’s going to die if I don’t do something. He doesn’t... Kopaka, he... Druuvbin doesn’t have the strength to ‘hold on’. He’s going to die here and now if I can’t somehow slow the bleeding.--

--But Kitsune...--

--I said I can handle it!-- she snapped irritably, her tone angry. --...It’s my fault anyway, isn’t it?-- Kitsune then questioned, her strained ‘voice’ tinted with guilt.

--No, Kitsune. It isn’t your fault. He knew you didn’t mean it, Kits. It wasn’t your fault. It just happened. It’s not anyone’s fault,-- the grey haired elemental responded reassuringly, a soft sigh escaping his lips. --You can’t blame yourself for this.--

--But I... I... What if what I said... If...--

--Kitsune. It’s not your fault.--

The ice demon did not respond, only frowned, her closed eyelids twitching. Kopaka watched the woman nervously, feeling the powerful force of energy pouring from her strained body...Too much...

He then turned his attention to Druuvbin, noting that the blood flowing from his lips and nose was slowing just a bit, however... Even that energy isn’t going to help much. At this point, I’m... I’m really not even sure the drugs will work now. I’m going to have to give him one hell of a massive dose... Damn it... The wind sprite raised a hand to rub at his blurred eyes, fighting the urge to just completely freak out. It’s one thing when I can do something, when I know what to do to help. I can stay calm and in control when I know what the hell to do... But this... Not knowing, this... I hate this so much. Now Kits is draining herself and...

--Hey, Yuki?-- he stated telepathically, connecting to the silver haired man’s mind. He wasn’t entirely sure why he was even bothering the guy but...

Kopaka-san? Yuki responded gently, moving his grey gaze to meet the wind sprite’s blue eyes.

--Know how you said I can’t lose it?--

Yeah?

--That’s... Getting kind of hard, Yuki-dude,-- the grey haired elemental admitted weakly, his grip on Druuvbin’s limp hand tightening.

Yuki gave the wind elemental an empathetic shaky smile, his grey eyes teary. I know, Kopaka-san. You can do it though. Just keep it together. I’m sure Malba-san will be back soon. Don’t give up.

What if Malba wasn’t coming? What if Kaine... What if... --Druu is... He’s not going to be able to take much more. He’s bleeding too much and... Malba... I, when Kouji said he was going somewhere he shouldn’t.... I think I know where that is. If he gets caught... If... What if Mals isn’t coming, Yuki? What if he and Rae are dead? Or worse?-- Kopaka questioned unevenly, his blue eyes growing a little watery. --Plus now Kits is completely draining herself. If she does that for too long, it’ll kill her. This... Heh. I feel completely useless,-- the wind sprite added, moving his free hand to wearily rub at his eyes.

Yuki remained silent for a few moments, his grey eyes focused on the wind elemental, a frown on his pale-white lips. Kopaka-san... We just have to believe that Malba-san can handle it. Malba-san might be reckless, but he isn’t stupid. He’s strong and I’m sure he can handle wherever it is he’s going. He’ll take care of Rae-chan and he will get those medicines. So you just have to stay calm. Okay, Kopaka-san? the spirit commented firmly, giving the wind elemental a small strained smile, his tone reassuring. And Kitsune-san is strong. She can handle this amount of energy for a little while. I know she can. Don’t underestimate her.

--I hope you're right, it’s just...I don’t know. I can’t do a damn thing. Druu is seriously getting ready to die, Kits is draining herself, Mals and Rae are in a completely not good place and.... Well. Sano isn’t really in any danger, except for maybe getting molested by Hanneke. But yeah. I really am useless, you know?-- he suddenly commented, gently squeezing Druuvbin’s cold lifeless hand, taking in the man’s rapid shallow breaths, the blood dripping from his lips, the blood pouring from his nostrils. --I’m totally useless.--

Kopaka-san. That isn’t true, Yuki frowned, concern in his grey eyes. You aren’t useless at all.

--You sure about that? If I had just made some more medicine to start with, maybe none of this would be happening. I had a bad feeling and I made some before we went to Tokyo, but... It obviously wasn’t nearly enough. If I had just...-- the grey haired elemental trailed off, a deep sigh escaping him. He was tired, frustrated, dizzy and... Scared. Really scared. --I didn’t think it was this bad yet... When I made the drugs earlier, I just wanted a small dose in case he had a flare up, but... I didn’t know he was going to have a full attack... I... I should have made more. I... Sorry. I guess I’m whining or something now, right? Heh and whining really isn’t my style. Sorry about that,-- he then muttered weakly, his mental tone strained.

You’re not whining. You’re just worried and you feel bad. You know, Kopaka-san... You don’t have to act happy all the time. It’s okay to be afraid, it’s okay to be sad. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, Kopaka-san... the ‘ghost’ stated softly, his grey eyes focused on the wind sprite, a small frown still present on his white lips.

Kopaka blinked, raising his eyes to meet Yuki’s gaze, a sudden wave of deja vu flooding his senses. He... --Have... I swear, I guess I really am wasted. I... I totally feel like I’ve heard you say that before...Heh...-- he commented, his mental tone uncertain. Maybe I really am losing it, he thought, again rubbing at his blurred eyes with his free hand. --Yeah... Definitely wasted... I guess I really am crazy.--

Oh? Uh... Well... You’re just tired, Kopaka-san. Don’t worry about it. Yuki replied, his voice unsure. It’s okay, Kopaka-san. You aren’t crazy, I promise. And you couldn’t have known that Druu-chan was going to have an attack... Druu-chan wouldn’t want you to blame yourself for not having enough medicine. So don’t think like that, Kopaka-san.

Funny, a little while ago, Kopaka had been comforting Yuki, yet now it seemed their roles had been completely reversed. This time it was Kopaka ready to totally lose it, while Yuki... --Hey Yuki?--

Hm?

--Thanks.--

For what? Yuki questioned, his eyes holding a confused expression.

--Letting me rant and ramble? I dunno. Just... For listening to me,-- the wind sprite shrugged, giving the small framed man a shaky smile.

It’s no problem, Kopaka-san. Feel free to ‘rant and ramble’ anytime. I’ll listen. I’m not really good for anything else, but I can definitely do that, Yuki responded softly, returning the elemental’s smile.

Kopaka blinked again, another sensation of.... What? What was it? --You’ll listen even if I’m stoned and rambling about bunnies?-- he joked weakly, a small smile on his lips.

Yeah. Even if it’s about pink bunnies.

--Heh. Cool.--

With that said he closed the mind-link, taking a deep breath, refocusing his attention on Druuvbin and Kitsune. The ice demon’s eyes were closed, her eyelids twitching as she continued to summon forth immense amounts of energy. It was worrisome... So much energy... Yet even still, Druuvbin’s lips and nose continued to leak blood, his body shivering, cold. Kitsune still had the man cradled against her in a slightly inclined position, her arms wrapped gently around him. The woman let out a shuddering sigh, the frown on her lips deepening. “He’s... He’s so cold...”

“I know...” Kopaka frowned, letting go of the psychic’s hand long enough to pull the black comforter around the water sprite a little better, tucking it around his trembling body. The grey haired elemental let out a shaky sigh, retaking hold of the psychic’s lifeless hand. “Hey, Druu? Can you hear me?” he questioned softly, taking in the water sprite's pale face, the crimson-stains and fresh blood... “Druu?”

He received no response from the psychic; Druuvbin’s eyes remained closed, showing no sign of consciousness. The wind elemental let out another small sigh, swallowing hard against the nausea engulfing him. This... This all just really sucks...

When this is all over, I’m so... So shooting up ten vials of Diao-K. Nah. Make that twenty vials... He slowly pulled his gaze away from Druuvbin, taking in the dark, cool room. Kitsune’s energy was definitely interfering with the electricity, the lights flickering, a cold gust of wind engulfing the quiet room. (Quiet save for the sounds of Kouji's sobs and Druu’s rasping uneven breaths...)

Kouji was still clinging to Yuki, his tears running freely, weeping into the small framed man’s shoulder. Yuki glanced down at the boy, concern in his grey eyes. He said nothing however, only continued to gently hold the boy, running a pale hand over the icy teen’s back.

Jiro sat beside the boy, his hand on the half-demon’s shoulder, his steel-blue eyes focused on Druuvbin and Kitsune. The older teen was fidgeting restlessly, obviously finding it increasingly hard to stay calm. Kopaka couldn’t blame the kid. Having trouble keeping calm myself...

How much longer? How much longer could Druu manage to hold on? Would this finally be the time that... That... Please don’t die. I... I get so damn sick of people dying. It really, really sucks.

“Is... Is he going to die, Kopaka?” Jiro suddenly questioned softly, his steel colored eyes moving to focus on the wind sprite. “Is he?”

“I... I don’t know.” What else could he say? He... He wanted to say no, wanted to say that the psychic would be fine, but... I’m not going to lie to him anymore. I really... I really don’t know. The attack was progressing so fast, Druuvbin’s health degrading so quickly... Even with that amazingly strong force Kitsune was somehow managing to summon forth...

This one is bad. Really bad. His attacks are getting worse every time he has one... Damn it... Yeah. He could totally use some Diao-K right about now. Totally.

“Damn it...” the shaggy haired teen muttered, running a hand over his eyes, a sigh escaping his lips. “I don’t even understand why it’s happening to him... It doesn’t make sense... There has to be a reason,” Jiro went on to say quietly, shaking his head.

“Yeah... I know...” He didn’t get it either. After so many years... He still completely, utterly did NOT get it. I don’t know what the hell to do...

There... There was nothing he could do. Nothing but wait, hope that Malba could safely get the medicines, safely get away from that base... Until then... He just had to wait. There’s nothing else I can do, except hold his hand and... Just... Hold on Druu...

Kopaka’s troubled thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the apartment’s rear door closing and he moved his gaze away from the dying elemental, focusing on the closed bedroom door.

“Hey, where is everyone?” a voice could be heard calling out, moments later followed by the bedroom door opening, revealing a tall attractive woman with medium length brown hair and chocolate brown eyes. The tall woman was dressed casually in blue jeans and a long sleeved black shirt with a picture of Gackt on the front, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. “Oh... Oh my God...” the woman blinked, her brown eyes focused on the unconscious bleeding psychic resting against Kitsune.

“Uh... Hey, Renny. I’d say this isn’t as bad as it looks, but uh... That’d be a lie,” Kopaka greeted the woman, giving Renee a weak smile.

“What... W-what’s going on?”

Well... Here we go again...

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“So uh... No offense, but you know, everyone’s been looking for you. Where, uh, where have you been, if you don’t mind me asking?” Rae questioned curiously as she continued to quickly walk next to the spiky haired man beside her. “It’s good to finally meet you, by the way.”

The tall lean man briefly smiled, shaking his head a little. “Long story. Let’s just say I’ve been detained,” Ryuuji stated vaguely, the smile fading from his light purple lips. “I think we’re in far enough. Kaine probably won’t be able to sense us,” he commented, his red eye glancing about the dark forest.

Rae also moved her gaze over the rain-sodden forest, taking in the thick forestry, the dim, fading light seeping in through the mass of drooping tree branches. They had been walking for at least ten minutes now, abandoning the dirt trail to traverse the muddy, fern and moss covered earth. She actually... Well she had no idea where they were.

I just hope Kaine won’t be able to find us in here... she thought uneasily, clutching the wet black medicine case firmly in her rain drenched hands. We can’t let him find us....

Ryuuji let out a small sigh, slowing his quick pace. “I want to see if I can get Mals to wake up,” he stated quietly, his red eye glancing uneasily about. His focus finally set on a large tree, the ground underneath somewhat drier than the rest of the surrounding earth. The pale demon moved to gently set the unconscious darkness elemental down, leaning him against the large tree.

Rae moved to crouch beside the darkness sprite, her already mud caked jeans sopping up damp grimy water from the moist earth. “He... He really looks bad...” she commented softly, taking hold of the sprite’s uninjured hand. “I mean it was bad enough he got shot, but now he’s got freaking second and third degree burns and... He just... Damn it... Third degree burns won’t heal... And... He’s....”

This just... Is too much. First Druu, now Malba... And... Damn it... Not to mention Sanosuke.... For all I know Veenom killed him.... To say the least, the girl was growing rather disheartened.

“Don’t worry. Malba is tough. For a human this would be a lot worse, but he’s a hy--...an elemental. It’s a lot harder to kill an elemental than it is a human,” the purple haired demon stated reassuringly, his red eye focused on the sprite’s injured stomach. “That’s definitely a really serious injury, but he’ll live. Once he restores some energy, he’ll heal pretty fast. Don’t worry. He’s going to be okay. In a lot of pain, but he should be okay.”

I hope he’s right... I... Wait. Uh... What the... Rae raised an eyebrow at the man’s words, wondering what he had started to call the darkness sprite. He started to call Malba something else... What the fuck? Malba is an elemental, right? I mean, why would he lie about that? Okay... This day just keeps getting more and more confusing... And I thought yesterday was bad. Tokyo was nothing compared to all of this... The girl frowned, her eyes focused on Malba’s pale, make-up smudged face, his bleeding sliced lip...

Kaine did say something about telling me what Mals ‘really is’.... What... What was that supposed to mean? And the whole blood thing... Man. Malba, what are you hiding? Of course she also couldn’t quite decide what to make of the whole ‘Jinya’ thing... Jinya had been a human? Malba really killed him? So, if that was the case... If he killed him... He seemed upset by it. When Kaine mentioned it, for a sec... Malba looked...

“Hey. Mals? Mals? Wake up. Naptime’s over,” Ryuuji stated firmly, gently patting Malba’s cheek, a frown on his split light purple colored lips.

Rae lightly squeezed the darkness sprite’s hand as he let out a small moan. He did not rouse however and Ryuuji’s frown deepened. “Come on, Malba. I need you to wake up. Xzai said Druu’s sick, right? We really don’t have time for this.”

“He’s in my world,” Rae commented softly, her gaze turning to the purple haired man, her tone uneasy. “I... He was in bad shape. We need to get these meds to him. Fast,” she went on to say, her focus moving back to Malba. “I just hope Druu is still alive.”

“I was gone for too long... I hated not knowing if they were okay, not able to speak to any of them, not...” Ryuuji trailed off, shaking his head. “Mals. Come on, get up,” he then said firmly.

Malba let out another moan, his eyes fluttering, his hand twitching in Rae’s. “Malba?” she questioned softly, again squeezing his hand.

“Ugh... I fucking hate that bastard...” Malba muttered softly, his eyelids blinking, slowly opening to reveal his dark-blue gaze.

“I don’t blame you for hating him. He’s a real dick,” Rae responded gently, relieved that the man had opened his eyes and was speaking. Please be okay... Please...

“Guess it’s a good thing I showed up and saved you. Again,” Ryuuji stated with a smirk, a teasing tone in his smooth voice.

“R...Ryuuji?” Malba questioned, his eyes widening, his focus moving to the man crouched beside him. “Ryuuji?!”

“Uh, yeah. That’d be me,” the spiky haired demon stated, raising a purple eyebrow. “Long time no see, huh?”

Malba blinked, surprise clearly evident in his dark-blue eyes. The darkness elemental pulled his hand out of Rae’s, his eyes narrowing. “Hey, Ryuuji?”

“Yeah? Wh--” the demon started but was cut off as Malba raised his fist, punching the pale man in the mouth, busting his already split lower lip. The demon fell back a bit, holding a gloved hand to his now bleeding lip.

“Malba!” Rae squeaked, eyes widening. What the hell?

“Where the holy FUCK have you been, you stupid asshole?!” Malba snapped irately, his dark eyes locked on the demon, anger in his weak voice. “Do you have ANY idea how worried Druu was about you? He has enough to deal with without having to worry about you! Fucking idiot! We looked fucking everywhere for you!” he went on to shout weakly, his voice incensed, his dark eyes holding an infuriated expression.

“...You have a funny way of thanking someone for saving your ass, you know?” Ryuuji commented lightly, licking the blood away from his purple lips. “And it wasn’t exactly my choice, Malba. I would have contacted you if I could. As soon as I was able, I came here. I had heard from one of my contacts you were in Laineka, looking for me” he added calmly. “Good thing I showed up, too.”

“Fucking moron! You--...Uh. When did you decide to become a pirate?” Malba questioned, the anger fading a little from his voice as he took in the pale demon’s right eye, covered by a black patch. “What... What the hell happened to you?” he went on to inquire, a slight hint of concern entering his edgy voice as he glanced over the demon, taking in his various wounds.

“It’s a long story,” Ryuuji responded nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders. “We have more important things to worry about right now.”

Rae glanced over the spiky haired demon, noting the various bruises and cuts marring his pale skin, taking in the black eye-patch and... Some of those places on his arms look like burns... Where had this mysterious Ryuuji been, and why? Druu said he’s a ‘spy’ or ‘shadow’, whatever that means... Maybe he got caught or something?

“Ow... God damn it,” Malba muttered, slowly pulling himself a little more upright, moving a hand to gingerly touch the burned bullet injury on the left side of his stomach. “Shit... So... how the hell did you get rid of Kaine?” he questioned, closing his eyes, biting his lip. “Fuck,” he then grumbled, wincing.

“Shot him. Repeatedly,” the demon responded calmly, a small smirk forming on his lips. “Not that it did much good I’m sure, but it bought me enough time to get you the hell out of there.”

“Kaine let you shoot him?” Malba inquired, opening his eyes, raising a black eyebrow. “How did you manage that?”

Good question actually... I mean Ryuuji was wicked cool, filling the guy with bullets and all but... If Kaine is so uber... Why didn’t he notice Ryuuji, or why didn’t he put up a barrier and block the bullets with that weird energy of his? Rae was a little confused, actually. Well okay, so a lot confused. Not the point. Well... Whatever. I’m just glad we got away.

“Luck I guess? All I know is the bastard went down. So... Xzai said Druu’s sick... Is it... How bad?” the purple haired demon questioned, his smooth voice lowering, a frown on his lips.

“What do you think?” Malba responded darkly, irritation in his eyes. “You think I risked going into the Tevrran base for the hell of it? Idiot.”

The demon let out a small sigh, the frown on his lips deepening at the dark haired elemental’s words. “I figured that, it’s just...” the man trailed off, his red eye focusing down to the wet earth.

“We need to...Get the meds back to her world,” Malba stated edgily, motioning his uninjured hand at Rae on mention of ‘her world’. “I just hope Kopaka has had enough energy to keep Druu alive. There’s no way Kits could have gotten there yet. She was in Teaja... So...” he trailed off, running his wet hand over his face. With another wince he tried to stand, not very successful in his endeavor. The elemental instead slumped back, his head resting against the large tree, his eyes closing tightly. “Ugh...”

“Malba?” Rae questioned nervously, touching the man’s shoulder. He looks like hell. Poor guy. He’s been through a freaking lot today...And... He was... Man. I should have fucking realized that ‘Aevik’ was from that base. I... I thought the uniforms looked familiar, but then I got distracted when I found out Malba was shot and... Meh. I’m such an idiot. “Are you okay?” she asked, her eyes focusing on his injury.

“I just got shot, tortured and burned. What do you think?” Malba questioned flatly, letting out another wince. “Stupid human.”

Rae smiled at the bitchy tone in Malba’s flat voice, patting his shoulder. “Poor Mals. Don’t forget. Kaine totally messed up your hair and make-up too,” she added lightly, a teasing tone to her voice.

“Fucking idiot,” the sprite muttered in response, opening his dark blue eyes to glare at the girl.

“Don’t get mad, Mals. I’m just kidding. Well, I mean your hair and makeup is messed up, but... Um... Anyway. So... We need to find Sano and get the hell out of here, right?” Rae questioned, her voice taking a serious tint, a frown appearing on her lips. Druu... We need to get these meds to Kopaka... Her aqua blue eyes focused on the case in her right hand, a wave of fresh apprehension washing upon her. Druu-chan...

“Sano? Who? Oh, is that the human kid you were telling me about a while back?” Ryuuji inquired, his gaze pulling away from the earth, back to the darkness sprite. “The one Druu said is pretty strong for a human?”

“Yeah, that’s him. And I know where he is. He’s fine. Hanneke has him,” Malba commented with a shrug, wincing as he gingerly pressed his injured hand against his wound. “Ngh--The old bitch just telepathed me. Now... Now all she’ll do is ramble about lions and a storm? I can’t really get her to make any fucking sense.... She’s such an annoying bitch,” he muttered, rolling his eyes.

Rae let out a sigh of relief, closing her eyes for a moment. Sano.... I’m so glad you’re okay. She cared about the guy a lot, and she had been so very worried about the teen. He had practically become like a brother to the girl and... Sanosuke. I’m... I’m really glad you’re okay.

“Kicked the shit out of Veenom, by the way. Told you he could handle it,” Malba added with a small smirk, taking a deep breath. He then cocked his head, obviously listening to Hanneke converse in his mind. “Hanneke says she’ll keep the rooster with her for now. She said... We need to get those meds back to Druu... Now,” he added softly, his dark eyes flashing with apprehension.

Sano beat Veenom? Oh Sano, you so rock, the girl thought, feeling a surge of pride for the human teen. Though her feelings were short lived as she took in Malba’s next statement, her heart dropping. Hanneke said... Damn, that means Druu must be...He must be getting ready to die or something... she thought, her blue-green eyes widening.

“But he’s still alive, right?” Ryuuji inquired quietly.

“Not for long, according to Hanneke. He’s... We need to get back there. Now,” the sprite responded, taking another deep breath. He then slowly stood, supporting his weight on the large tree. “God... D-damn it,” the dark haired elemental winced, stumbling.

Ryuuji quickly stood, catching the sprite before he could fall. “Careful.”

Rae stood as well, her eyes focused on Malba and the flash of pain in his dark eyes. He has got to be in so much pain right now. Stupid fucking Kaine. And Sefth.

“Get off,” Malba muttered, pushing the tall demon away, annoyance on his pale face. He crossed his arms, glancing down at his mud covered jeans and coat with a disdainful look. “Ugh. That’s going to take forever to get out,” he muttered, rolling his eyes. “Well. I’ll jump us,” he then went on to say, closing his midnight-blue eyes.

“No. You won’t. You don’t have enough energy to,” Ryuuji commented evenly, crossing his lean arms, raising an eyebrow at the elemental.

Malba’s eyes opened and he cast a death glare at the demon, a frown on his lips. “Fuck you. I can manage,” he snapped, irritation in his edgy voice.

“Mals, he’s right, um... You really--” Rae started but was cut off as the sprite let out an irritated growl, anger flashing in his eyes. “Ryuuji’s never been to your place so he can’t jump us. You can’t, you said you can’t use the damn thing. So what other choice is there?” Malba bit out, turning to give the girl an aggravated glare.

Well. He has a point, but...

“...You gave her the last Jump?” Ryuuji suddenly questioned, surprise in his voice as he cast his red gaze to the human girl. “A human?”

“Don’t blame me. Wasn’t my idea,” Malba shrugged, rolling his eyes.

“Well I’m so sorry I’m a lame human,” Rae responded, rolling her eyes as well. “I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it... I just... Well. I had never used it before,” she added defensively, a frown on her lips. Man. I don’t know how the hell Yuki did it, but I’m glad he got it to work. If it wasn’t for Yuki...

“Whatever! I’m jumping us, so shut the hell up,” Malba responded irritably, pressing his hand lightly against his wound. “Ugh, fuck,” he mumbled, closing his eyes, lowering his head.

“Malba? Are you okay?” Rae inquired uneasily, stepping closer to the sopping wet elemental, gently placing a hand on the man’s arm.

“Besides the whole gut wrenching pain thing? Just fine,” the sprite responded flatly. “God damn. I thought third degree burns aren’t supposed to hurt? Hurts now a lot worse than it did before...”

The girl bit her lip, giving the elemental a sympathetic look. “Yeah, but I think some of that is second degree, which hurts like hell,” she replied softly, gently patting the sprite’s arm. “Malba, Ryuuji’s right. You don’t have enough energy to work the Jump. You’re pretty fucked up,” she commented, glancing at the sprite’s left side, the charred bullet wound, the angry red skin, inflamed, blistered. Poor guy... Damn it.

“Look, I’ll run enough energy through the human’s body to activate her Jump. She can direct it. That’ll work, right?” the spiky haired demon questioned, his red gaze focused on the girl.

“The ‘human’ has a name,” Rae remarked, narrowing her eyes.

“Hm? Oh. Yeah, Rae,” the demon responded with a shrug, a small smirk on his lips. “Sorry.”

“You nonhumans and your superiority complexes,” the girl stated with a sigh, shaking her head. Not that she was particularly offended. She had gotten used to being referred to as ‘human’ a long time ago. Demons and elementals. Totally stuck up. Heh...

“Running enough energy through Rae to activate her Jump would hurt her,” Malba stated flatly, his dark eyes focusing on the girl.

“Nah, not that bad if it’s like what Yuki did,” Rae responded, giving the elemental a small smirk. “And that was lightning so, yeah. Don’t worry about it,” she added, still patting Malba’s arm in a comforting manner. “It’s better than you killing yourself trying to use too much energy, neh?”

“Lightning? Yuki activated it with lightning? How the hell did he do it?” the dark haired sprite questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“Hell if I know,” she replied, a frown appearing on her lips. Yuki obviously... Has more going on then what he wants people to think... But... What?

“I still say I can do it. I’m not in that bad of shape,” Malba then muttered, his eyes flashing with irritation. “It’s just one bullet hole... And some burns. I can still do the jump.”

“Malba?” Ryuuji questioned calmly, drawing his gun from its holster, aiming it directly at the elemental sprite’s head. “Shut up. You are not using the Jump. So stop bitching like an immature child,” he ordered smoothly, a small smirk on his light purple lips.

“Uh...” Rae raised an eyebrow at the demon’s actions, unsure whether to be annoyed or somewhat amused. After a moment of contemplation, she decided to go with being annoyed. Hey... Don’t point a gun at Malba... Geez... Even if he is being a little, uh, difficult. He’s hurt, he has an excuse. He can be bitchy if he wants to, dammit. “Don’t you think Mals has had enough guns pointed at him today without you adding to the list?” she questioned, a frown on her lips.

“Fuck you, Ryuuji. Too bad you are alive. I was hoping I’d finally gotten rid of you,” Malba snapped, aggravation in his edgy voice.

“I missed you too, Mals,” the tall man replied with a smirk, holstering his pistol, completely ignoring the girl’s words. “Now that that’s settled. Human--Uh, Rae, you’re jumping us. I’ll give you enough energy to activate it.”

“Uh, yeah. Right,” the girl responded with a blink, glancing first at Malba, then Ryuuji. Geez. They get along well... Heh... And again with the ‘human’... Meh. “So. You sure it’s okay to leave Sano with Hanneke?” she inquired curiously, thinking of the odd demon and her.... Eccentric ways.

“Yeah, he’ll be all right. He might get raped, but other than that, he’ll be fine,” Malba replied with a dark smile, amusement briefly flashing in his eyes. “We’ll come back for him in a few hours.”

“He’s going to be so pissed at us for leaving him with Hanneke... Anyway, okay, let’s get these meds to Kopaka,” she nodded, turning her gaze to her hand, the black mark... “Let’s go.” Please be okay, Druu-chan... Please... She was afraid. Afraid that... When they arrived... What if it’s too late? What if he... What if... Her thoughts flashed over the blood trickling from those pale lips, the pallid skin and white eyes... The...

Ryuuji nodded, stepping next to the girl, placing a hand on her shoulder. “This will hurt, but just focus on activating the Jump,” he stated, closing his eye. Rae nodded, closing her eyes as well, preparing to focus...

The rain falling against her skin, the wind brushing against her, she pushed the sensations away, readying herself to use the borrowed energy to activate the device implanted in her hand.

--Are you sure it won’t be too much for you? I... I could have the dick run energy through me to activate my Jump...-- Malba’s voice suddenly echoed in her head and Rae smiled. No, Mals. You’re hurt, the last thing you need is a bunch of energy blasting through you. It’d drain you to try to use your Jump, and you are already drained anyway, so yeah. You jumping? Badness. I can handle it. Hey. Since when do you care about a stupid human like me, anyway? she questioned teasingly, biting her lower lip as Ryuuji began to pour energy over her, into her body.

--I don’t care about you. I was just, you know. Wondering,-- the sprite replied defensively. Ah, okay. Just... Ch-checking, she replied lightheartedly, biting her lip harder, focusing on the powerful dark energy flowing into her body.

Unlike the lightning Yuki had called forth, Ryuuji’s energy felt... Dark. Not really evil, just... Dark, cool. Like... Like a shadow. Er, and kinda hurt, actually. Itai. Ow. Ow. Ow.... She shoved the thought away, instead focusing on her apartment a world away, focusing on activating the device, focusing on the dying psychic...

--...You okay?--

Yeah. Just kinda hurts a little. No big deal.

--Not that I care or anything.--

Of course.

--Heh.--

Another small smile graced her lips at the short exchange. Malba... Was actually a pretty nice guy. Regardless of what that freak Kaine had said... She knew that the sprite was a good person. She didn’t know what the cause of those red eyes was, didn’t know what to think of ‘Jinya’ and Kaine, or of what Ryuuji had started to call him, but... She trusted Malba, regardless.

With that thought she felt the buzzing cold energy of the jump encircling her, the symbol on her hand tingling as the device activated.

We’re coming Druu. Just hold on for a little longer... Please Druu...

The three disappeared, leaving the empty quietness of the eerie rain-sodden Kainitif forest behind.

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

Cairra Darcy let out an irate growl, slamming a gloved hand down on her desk. “God damn it! How long does it take to find one stupid person? Where the hell could Kaine be? Moron!” she snapped impatiently, her silver-white eyes flashing angrily.

The woman had been on hold for over twenty minutes, yet still no word. It was ridiculous, not to mention terribly boring. The one thing Cairra Darcy hated most in life? Boredom.

How dare he make me wait? How inconsiderate. He’ll pay for it. Most assuredly. Yes, she was beyond annoyed.

With an irritated sigh the lavender haired woman refocused on her VAILS implant, directing the computer device back into the Teajan satellite systems. She proceeded to scan the numerous channels for any new bit of information on the massive surge of energy felt a short while before.

It was interesting. Possibly even fascinating. She wasn’t entirely sure if it quite fell under the ‘fascinating’ category yet, but it definitely had potential. Definitely.

All the reports coming in... Were certainly sparking her interest. Besides, today’s been so slow. I could really use something to entertain me. A good mystery? Yes, a good mystery is almost as enjoyable as killing. Almost. The woman’s black lips curved into a grin as she stopped on a Teajan news program, taking in a sniveling low class demon ranting about the ‘mysterious wave’ that engulfed the main district. What a fool, she thought with amusement, watching the female demon’s fear filled eyes.

So very entertaining.

Now, if only she could get that pathetic wretch Aevik Kaine to answer his god damn phone. Why must I have such incompetent fools working for me? Hm? What did I do to deserve such inept underlings? Darcy let out a small sigh, rolling her silver-white eyes. She shoved her chair back, moving to prop her booted feet on her metallic desk, a frown forming on her painted black lips.

She moved her gaze across the large laboratory facility, taking in her said ‘inept underlings.’ Useless insects, every last one of them. Perhaps she should entertain herself by torturing a few? That could be amusing... Maybe she could hold a contest. Yes. Which one of you can go the longest without screaming in agony?

The woman’s thoughts were interrupted as a breaking news piece flashed through her mind via VAILS linkup, a look of interest sparking in her eyes.

--It’s just been confirmed that Official Gera Neesen has been found dead in his office in the Main Teajan District. Our information is very limited at the moment, but from what our sources say, it appears Official Neesen’s death will be ruled a homicide. It’s not confirmed at the moment, but it’s believed the cause of death is a result of a vicious stabbing. Possibly by a small dagger or knife. More information will be reported as soon as we get it... Though some are already speculating that with the current political troubles plaguing our nation, it would not be surprising if this were a professional assassination... Again, Official Gera Neesen of the Teajan Military Police, three hundred and forty three years old, has been found dead. He is survived by his wife Quae...--

Darcy cocked her head in thought, a small frown forming on her lips. Interesting. What’s going on in Teaja? An assassination and a wave of unknown energy, all in the same hour? Hm...

--Darcy, Ma’am?-- a voice cut into her contemplation and she blinked, focusing on the VAILS satellite phone input device. --Who am I speaking with and have you found me Kaine?-- she snapped irritably, crossing her arms impatiently.

--Ah, it’s Captain Starne and no, Ma’am. Is seems he hasn’t returned from Laineka. We’ve also been quite tied up here, so I’m afraid things are a bit hectic at the moment, Ma’am. My apologies,-- the man stated, his tone somewhat frazzled, distracted. Darcy narrowed her eyes, curiosity sparking at the man’s words. --Oh? Hectic? How so?--

--Ah, well... We’ve had a security breach. Three of our men were killed, another injured. It’s... Well. A rather unexpected breach, actually,-- Starne responded hesitantly, his tone growing nervous.

Darcy’s frown deepened, her interest peaking. --What do you mean?--

--Perhaps it would be best for Kaine to fill you in...-- the man responded apprehensively.

Darcy let out an impatient sigh, leaning her head back to look at the white tiled ceiling. --Or you could tell me. Before I have an order sent in to you know, have you executed,-- she responded pleasantly, her tone deceptively sweet.

--Ah-uh, yes Ma’am... Um... It seems, well. Malba Nuiwa um... Broke into the medical floor... Um...--

“WHAT?” Darcy screeched aloud, sitting up in her seat, inadvertently sending papers flying from her desk with the heels of her long black boots. --What do you mean? Nuiwa? Malba Nuiwa? HE was there? Please tell me you apprehended him,-- she responded, her mental tone excited, her eyes gleaming with interest.

--Ah... Well, Ma’am... You see... About that... He, um...--

--You... You incompetent fools let him escape? How DARE you let such an opportunity slip through your fingers? IDIOTS!-- the demon snapped irately, her silver-white eyes flashing wrathfully. --Fools.-- Idiots, all of them. How could they let Malba Nuiwa escape? Nuiwa. They... Oh, she was quite angry now. Yes. Very angry.

--Um...Ma’am... I’m sorry, it seems there’s more... Eh. Virade Sefth violated the order... Um... We believe Nuiwa may have been injured...-- Starne then stated nervously, his voice unsure and wavering. Fearful.

...He did not just say that. No. Darcy closed her eyes, counting to ten in an attempt to remain calm, clenching her gloved hands. --You. Fucking. FOOLS! Do you have any idea what will happen if he dies? Are you insane? Do you want the wrath of Ikenna placed on you? Huh? Because if he dies, you, the whole base, Kaine, and I are all DEAD! IDIOT! Grah!-- the woman practically screeched, moving a hand to massage her temple.

--I know, Ma’am... I was unaware of... Sefth did not report that it was Nuiwa. He... He violated the order and... He will be punished, I’m sure. We, well it was unexpected. Who would think that Malba Nuiwa of all people would break into this facility? We, just, um...--

--Stop making excuses!! You were unprepared! Impudent fools! And this Virade Sefth? I want him dead, you understand me? Make him suffer! No. Keep him alive. I want to make him suffer personally. That could be entertaining. Ugh. This is a mess. A terrible mess. Have you sent in a report to Ikenna?-- she questioned with an agitated sigh, feeling a tension headache swiftly developing.

--Not... Not as of yet, Ma’am...--

--Good. Hold off on the report... I... I will discuss this with Ikenna later. Just... You better hope pretty boy isn’t seriously injured. For your sake as well as mine,-- the woman snapped heatedly, another sigh escaping her black lips. --Now the question remains. Why did he break into the facility? The medical floor you say?-- Darcy then questioned, her brow furrowing in thought.

--Well... It’s possible that... Ah... Judging by the medicines he stole... Eh...-- Starne trailed off, clearing his throat anxiously.

--I see. Druuvbin. Yes, that would make sense,-- the lavender haired demon commented thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing. --This is just quite a can of worms, now isn’t it?--

--It would appear so, Ma’am.--

--I’m bored with this discussion. The second you gain contact with that fool Kaine, you get him on the line. I will continue to hold,-- the woman snapped irritably, closing her silver-white eyes, a deep frown on her lips. –-Yes, Ma’am,-- came the man’s response, followed by silence as she was once again placed on hold.

“This is just fucking wonderful!” Darcy shouted aloud, kicking a stack of papers off of her desk, an angry growl escaping her black lips. A few laboratory techs cast nervous glances to the demon; however none dared to say a word. “Just peachy, really! Damn it!”

And I thought I was going to have a nice interesting day investigating unknown spikes of energy, not dealing with fucking Ikenna Nuiwa.... Grah! If Malba dies, I am in such trouble... Darcy... Was rather agitated. This new development was quite troublesome. Yes, if that little pretty boy Malba dies, I’m in deep shit. This is just wonderful. Perfect even! Ugh...

The lavender haired woman once again ran a gloved hand against her temple, frowning at the tension headache developing. Not to mention if Druuvbin was ill, if he died... More trouble for me. What did I do to deserve this?! Darcy sat up in her seat, removing her boots from the metallic desk before her. She instead banged a hand down on the table’s surface, anger sparking in her silver-white eyes.

Well... There’s nothing to be done until I can speak with Kaine... I suppose I will just have to wait and see how this plays out, she thought with a frown, rolling her eyes. She HATED waiting. So very boring. And in this case? Nerve-wracking. I’m far too beautiful to be tortured and killed by Ikenna Nuiwa...

With another agitated sigh Darcy refocused on her VAILS implant, turning the Teajan new station back on in hope of distracting her thoughts from the situation in Gahlrey...

No new reports seemed to have developed on the assassination or energy surge much to the woman’s irritation, instead a dimwitted blonde female reporter seemed to be conducting some sort of interview with an old wrinkled human man. How exciting, the demon thought with a roll of her eyes, focusing on the report.

--It was awful! I... I knew the woman seemed upset about something, yet... Well I just never imagined she would... Do such a thing,-- the elderly man stated shakily, his voice breaking a little.

Darcy frowned, taking in the elderly human, his dark uniform and teary brown eyes. What the hell is this about?

--So you say she was acting upset? Anything that would have led you to believe the woman was about to commit suicide?-- the blonde reporter questioned, a falsely sympathetic tone in her annoyingly shrill, high-pitched voice. A suicide? Darcy thought, eyebrow raising. That could be amusing. Nothing better than death and destruction to ease her worries.

--She... Well she was abrupt, and she, well... I just... I didn’t think! If only I, maybe I should have said something to the woman? Why would she do such a thing?-- the elderly man questioned unevenly, shaking his head.

--So to recap this breaking news, a suicide has taken place on the elevated train system in the Main Teajan District. It is reported that an unidentified female demon forced open a train car door high over the city, jumping to her death. Her body has not yet been recovered...--

Darcy let a small smile play on her lips, shaking her head. What a mess. I’m sure she splattered quite nicely. It’s a shame her body didn’t fall on someone. That would have been so amusing, the demon thought, a dark look flashing through her silver-white eyes. Though why the hell haven’t they fond the fool’s body yet? You’d think someone would notice... I still think it would have been amusing if she’d landed on someone... Oh, or a car or something. That would have been so great.

--She was such a pretty woman too. I’d guess she was an ice demon. Pale skin and pretty ice blue eyes. Unusual hair too. It really sticks out in my mind... Blue hair with white and black... I’ve never... I’ve never seen someone die before. It was terrible,-- the shaken train employee stated, his brown eyes teary. --She said... Her last words were something about... Going to see a friend... So terrible...--

Darcy cocked her head, finding the man’s description... Wait a minute... An ice demon... Blue, white and black hair... Some guy assassinated... No. No way. The woman’s eyes widened as an odd thought crossed her mind. Yet it didn’t make sense. Surely it...

--Then to top it all off, that blast of energy that all the demons and elementals have been talking about happened right after... The passengers were in a total panic. Seeing the woman jump from the car, then feeling that energy... It was hard keeping them calm, that’s for sure...--

“Oh? Could...” Darcy’s eyes narrowed, a small smirk forming on her lips. What if it hadn’t been a suicide at all? What if... That description... It was a quick conclusion to make, yet... An assassination, followed by a mysterious woman jumping from a train, with no body discovered... Then the blast of energy... An assassination, an ice demon... “The blood fox?” Was it possible? It didn’t make much sense, yet... Hm...

Now... Now Darcy really wanted to talk to Kaine. This day was just revealing several odd little mysteries.

But until she could speak with the foolish demon... “Will one of you idiots get me some GOD DAMN coffee?!” she shouted irately, her silver white eyes glaring daggers at the meaningless insects buzzing about the active laboratory.

“Y-yes Ma’am...”

Darcy let out a sigh, shoving the rest of the stacks of papers off of her desk, sending them scattering to the tiled floor. I hate waiting... “Hurry up with that damn coffee!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*
end part c
~*~*~*~*~*~*

---->
(not done. Go to d. XD)