This is B, make sure to read A first. Duh. XD

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crash and burn b
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Kopaka let out a small sigh, fighting away the overwhelming urge to simply crawl into a corner and die. The elemental knew he needed to force his thoughts away from the aching, dizzying sensations wracking his body. He needed to sit up and stop being a baby, as he really didn’t have time for this... Ugh. Easier said than done. Man...

The grey haired sprite kept his head lowered in his hands, a small shudder coursing through his tired, throbbing body. Man... That really hurts... If it weren’t for the steady flow of energy streaming into him from Yuki, he probably really would have passed out by now... Which wouldn’t have been cool. He needed to be awake, ready to help Kitsune with Druu if need be, not crashed out...

--Hey Yuki? Yuki?-- the grey haired sprite tried to telepathically link with the man, yet he received no response. He only continued to cry, his head resting on Kopaka’s shoulder. The sprite frowned, concerned. --Yuki? Hey. Listen, it’s okay. Yuki? Come on, talk to me. Yuki?-- Still no response.

He was actually worried about him. For awhile there the guy had seemed to be handling things fairly well, considering. The small, silver haired man had given so much energy, been so very helpful. Without that energy of Yuki’s... Druu wouldn’t have made it this long. There’s no way I could have kept him alive by myself. He was grateful. Extremely grateful and, well... Kind of proud of the little guy. The 'spirit' had been holding together fairly well, until... A few minutes earlier Yuki had completely fallen apart, tears streaming down his pale face, utterly despondent. The ‘ghost’ was now leaning his head on Kopaka’s shoulder, silent sobs shaking him, his eyes tightly closed as tears streaked down his pale cheeks. --Yuki?--

Yet despite Yuki’s breakdown, the energy flow had not diminished, even through his tears he continued to send a steady stream of energy into the wind sprite’s drained body. Is it my fault? I shouldn’t have said that Druu’s going to die... I guess I freaked him out... But... Actually, the elemental had a feeling it went beyond that, that what he had said wasn’t the entire reason for those tears. It’s more than that...

Yuki had apologized repeatedly before falling silent, and his mental tone... It actually worried Kopaka. He sounded... Off.

--Yuki?-- he tried again, a gentle tone in his mental voice. The silver haired man did not answer and Kopaka let out a small sigh, a frown on his lips. He’s losing it...

Another shudder coursed through his body and he fought down a groan, the world spinning so fast, his body throbbing painfully. Enough of this. He slowly raised his head, opening his blurred eyes, taking a deep breath. A fresh wave of dizziness overtook him and his vision swam, yet he did not lower his head. I can pass out later. Right now I have more important things to worry about.

He cast his gaze to Kitsune, taking in the troubled expression on her face, the guilt in her ice eyes. Man, Kits... What did you say this time? He loved her, he really did, she was a good person and one of his best friends, but.. Sometimes the woman could really irritate him. I know it’s not her fault, she’s kind of messed up and all but... The last thing Druu needs is for her to constantly yell at him. He’s screwed up enough as it is, the sprite thought, a small frown on his lips. His irritation somewhat faded however as he continued to gaze at those ancient, weary eyes. Kits... Whatever you said, Druu probably knew you didn’t mean it...Hopefully. I hope he knew...

He moved his gaze to the young icy-blue haired teen clinging to the demon, noting Kouji’s blank expression, his closed eyes. His head resting on Kitsune’s shoulder, actually somewhat similar to the way Yuki was on his own shoulder... The kid looked positively crushed, broken. It was worrisome, that blank icy face... Come on Kouji, kid it isn’t your fault. The boy had completely slipped into one of his black, dark moods, inconsolable and lost. It wasn’t the first time he had seen the boy in such a state, yet that didn’t reduce the worry it caused. Every time the icy half human plunged into those depressive bleak moods, it... I hate to see him like that.

It could be so hard to pull Kouji from his desolate moods, and generally, the one who seemed best at helping the boy escape the darkness of his mind... Was Druuvbin. Which makes it even worse, because obviously Druu’s not going to be able to help. The psychic had that gentle nature about him, able to help the boy with his powers and emotions... He was good with Kouji. After all, Druu knows first hand how it feels to be different, to see things and...

The wind sprite turned his gaze away from Kouji, focusing on the unconscious water elemental. Yeah, you know how it feels to be different, don’t you, Druu? he couldn’t help but think bitterly, taking in the man’s pale face. I want to help you, man. I want to be able to fix you, to make all of this stop... I... I wish I could do something, Druu. I... It was so very frustrating. After so many years... You’d think I’d find something. Anything.

Instead the illness was progressively growing worse, especially within the last ten years or so. An alarming increase in the attacks, and even when the man wasn’t having an actual attack, he still... He spent a great deal of the time sick. It’s been too many years. I think it’s finally wearing him down... I don’t have much time left to figure it out. If I can’t do something soon... Assuming he even makes it through this attack, that is. Kopaka’s frown increased and he shoved the thought away, realizing there was simply no point in dwelling on it at the moment. Worrying wasn’t going to solve anything.

He fought down another wave of dizzying sensations, turning his focus to the shaggy haired teen sitting quietly on the black couch. Really, Jiro seemed to be handling it fairly well, considering. Well. At least he’s not comatose like Kouji... Though the brunette was biting his already gnawed nails, fidgeting nervously. He’s going to tear his nails completely off if he isn’t careful... It was obvious the teen was extremely upset, yet was managing to hold himself together. For the moment anyway.

Now... As for Yuki... his thoughts trailed off as he repositioned himself so he could pull Yuki back, trying to meet the man’s eyes. Yuki kept his eyes closed however, tears streaking down his face as he lowered his head. “Yuki?” Kopaka questioned aloud, trying to get through to the small framed man. --You can stop giving me energy now, I’m okay. Yuki, come on man, talk to me.-- he added silently, a gentle, reassuring tone in his mental voice.

I’m... I’m sorry... Yuki finally replied through the mind link, his mental tone defeated and dejected. I’m sorry...

Why does he keep apologizing? the sprite thought with a frown, watching the tears flow from his closed eyes with growing concern. --Yuki, why are you sorry?-- Kopaka gently prodded, trying to figure out what had caused the man’s sudden breakdown.

Yuki did not reply however and the wind sprite’s brow furrowed, an uneasy feeling washing over him. Sure he’d seen the guy cry and all countless times before, but... This feels different.

--Yuki?-- he tried yet again but after receiving no answer he let out a small sigh. What the hell is wrong with him? He couldn’t really think of anything better to do, so he pulled Yuki into a hug, patting his back soothingly. He noted the man’s damp clothes and wet hair, his cold skin. When Yuki took off earlier, he must have went out into the storm... I wonder where he went, and... Why? “Yuki? Hey. Yuki?”

As he held the small rain soaked ‘ghost’, he wondered if Yuki could feel how cold and damp he was. Can he feel things? He says it hurts when I pull his hair and stuff but... Does it? And... “Come on, Yuki, calm down and tell me what’s going on, okay?” the sprite stated gently, ignoring the dizzy lightheaded sensation encompassing him and his blurred, swimming vision. “Yuki?”

Again he received no response; the only action the silver haired man took was to wrap his arms around the elemental’s neck, pressing his face against Kopaka’s lean shoulder. “Yuki?”

--What the hell is wrong with him?-- Kitsune suddenly questioned mentally and the elemental looked up, meeting the ice demon’s inquiring gaze. --I don’t know. He’s losing it,-- Kopaka responded mentally, a frown on his lips as he continued to pat Yuki on the back in a soothing manner. Come on, Yuki, what’s going on?

--Has he said anything?-- Kitsune inquired flatly, her icy gaze moving back down to the unconscious psychic resting in her lap.

--Not really. He’s just... I don’t know. He did say he was sorry a couple of times, but that’s all I can get him to say,-- the wind elemental commented, uncertainty in his tone. He honestly wasn’t entirely sure what to make of the sensitive man’s current state.

--...Hn...-- Kitsune responded distractedly, her ice eyes locked on Druuvbin’s pale face, on the rag she held to the man’s bleeding nose. It was apparent the woman’s worries were simply too focused on the dying elemental to think of much else, her eyes regretful.

Kopaka let out another small sigh, running his hand along Yuki’s back, tightening his embrace. “Yuki?” he questioned softly, his blue eyes worried. “Yuki?”

“What’s wrong with him?” Jiro inquired uneasily, gnawing his right index fingernail, his leg jittering, his foot tapping the floor.

“I don’t know. He’s...” the sprite trailed off, not really sure what to say. He continued to run a hand along Yuki’s back, taking in the small framed man’s shuddering shoulders. “Come on, Yuki. You’re going to make yourself sick if you don’t calm down a little. Yuki?” Or... Could the guy even get sick? Well... I know he doesn’t have a pulse, and I’ve seen him not breathe, but... He cries and faints and I’ve seen him eat a little too... Yuki was quite mystifying to Kopaka. Totally obvious he’s not a ‘ghost’. He’s too solid, he has a physical body. But... He doesn’t really seem alive, either... What are you, Yuki?

“I-m...I-I’m sorry. I just... Um...” Yuki finally whispered aloud, his words muffled by Kopaka’s shoulder. “I...”

“It’s okay Yuki, just calm down. It’s fine. I was just ya know, kinda worried there,” the wind elemental responded lightly, keeping his tone reassuring. He was just glad the ‘ghost’ had finally said something. He’s... A weird little guy... I still don’t understand what he even is... I mean he can pretend to be a ghost if he wants, it’s cool, but still. What... What is he?

“I’m sorry,” the silver haired man repeated, his voice a little steadier this time. With a deep shuddering sigh he slowly pulled away, rubbing at his closed eyes. “I just... Um... You know, got scared I guess,” he shrugged, his voice flat, holding little emotion. Kopaka raised an eyebrow, not liking that hollow tone. Scared? I don’t think so... That wasn’t...

“So... Uh, you okay?” the grey haired sprite questioned, his blue eyes locked on Yuki’s pale teary face. The ‘ghost’ opened his eyes, meeting Kopaka’s gaze. “I’m fine,” he stated, his grey eyes empty, obviously anything but ‘fine’. The wind elemental’s frown increased at the sight of those hollow grey eyes.

He’s lying. Kopaka opened his mouth to question him further yet was startled as his already blurred vision swam even more so, losing all sense of color. Everything turning shades of grey, blurred and spinning... Grey mist encircling him and...

~--...You don’t remember me,
But I...
I remember you...
And I’ll never forget your eyes
I’ll never forget your eyes...—~

~“No...You lied to me. Stop! Please?”~

~“Don’t do it, damn it!”~

~“Why?”~

Grey... Too much grey, dizzying...

~“No!!”~

~“I’m... I’m s-so...S-sorry...Kopaka...”~

~“No!~

It... Was all so very grey... Too much...

~“....No...”~

....

“Kopaka-san? Kopaka-san? Kopaka-san!”

“Kopaka? Hey, wake up! Kopaka?”

“...Kopaka?”

Kopaka blinked, shaking his head, taking a deep breath. What the hell was that? His vision slowly regained color, clearing as the odd sensation that had suddenly engulfed him faded. What was that? What... A weird grey... Dude. Maybe I really have been doing too many drugs... Damn. That was weird. He blinked again, realizing that Yuki, Kitsune and Jiro were all staring at him with concerned expressions on their faces. Uh...Hm. “Uh... I guess I spaced out there for a sec, huh?” he laughed weakly, running a hand over his eyes. What was that?

“Er, yeah. You could say that,” Jiro responded uneasily, his steel-blue eyes focused on the wind sprite, a frown on his lips. “You were just... Uh, you looked like a zombie or something. Or catatonic... Uh, yeah...” he trailed off unsurely, anxiously twirling a lock of brown hair around his finger.

“Are you... Um, Kopaka-san, are you okay?” Yuki questioned apprehensively, his watery grey eyes concerned, fearful. Kopaka took in the man’s eyes, noting with some relief that his tears had slowed. Though he still looks... The sprite wasn’t sure, yet... Something was definitely off.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Heh,” he responded lightly, forcing a smirk onto his lips. Actually he wasn’t sure that he was fine. In fact, at this point he was kind of questioning his sanity. Or lack thereof... Well I mean I know I’m crazy but... Heh...

--What happened?-- Kitsune questioned telepathically, her tone flat, her eyebrow raised.

--Uh... Too many drugs?-- he responded jokingly, giving the woman a weak grin. --Way too many drugs.--

--Idiot,-- the demon responded irritably, a frown on her blue-white lips. --That wasn’t because of any drug. Did you use that much energy? I knew you were weak, but...--

--Uh... Well. I used a lot, but... I don’t know, Kits. I’ll be okay, don’t worry about it,-- he replied with a small shrug. He honestly wasn’t sure what had happened, and he supposed it was possible that his energy loss had been the cause, yet... That... Felt weird. Plus... That song... Why had he heard the song? The song that Yuki... It... Kopaka frowned, pushing the thought away. He had more important things to be focusing on right now. He’d contemplate his weird space-out later. --I’m fine, Kits.—

The ice-fox demon’s frown deepened but she remained silent, her eyes again focusing on Druuvbin. Kopaka ran a hand over his eyes once more, trying to refocus his thoughts, to push the lightheaded aching sensations away. He then focused his gaze on Yuki, taking in the silver haired man’s troubled grey eyes. What happened with him? That... He seemed better, more in control, but his eyes...

“So... How long was I spaced out for?” Kopaka questioned lightly, closely watching the smaller man and his troubled grey eyes.

“Two or three minutes maybe? I um... I tried to get you to wake up, but... You were... Are you sure you’re okay?” Yuki responded softly, his eyes lowering, not meeting the wind sprite’s gaze.

“Three minutes? Really? Whoa.” It had only felt like a couple of seconds... Okay, really weird....

Do you want me to try to give you some more energy, Kopaka-san? I don’t really have that much left, but... I might be able to give you a little more, Yuki’s voice sounded in his head and a small smile appeared on the sprite’s lips at the offer. --Nah. I’m fine. You’ve already given too much. You must be wiped out by now,-- Kopaka replied, reaching over to briefly touch the man’s cool hand. --Look... I know you’re upset about something and I know you’re not going to tell me what it is, but... If ya ever want to, you know, tell me. You can.-- He didn’t really get the guy, didn’t understand why Yuki was so secretive, but... Even still. I like him. Even if he does like to pretend to be a ghost. Heh.

Kopaka-san... I... I... Um, I think I’m going to go see if I can get Kouji-chan to talk or calm down or um... Something. He looks awful, Yuki stated, faltering, not meeting Kopaka’s gaze. The wind sprite was pretty sure the man had started to say something else, yet changed his mind at the last minute. What had he wanted to say?

--Yeah. That’s a good idea. The kid’s pretty messed up.-- Kopaka let it go, turning his gaze away from Yuki, instead focusing on the deathly ill psychic. --I need to... See if there’s anything I can do... See if I can... I don’t know. Do something. Not that there’s much I can do right now.--

Yeah. Um, okay, Kopaka-san, the small framed man responded softly, standing, his grey eyes focusing on the icy teen clinging to Kitsune. ...Kopaka-san?

--Yeah? What is it, Yuki-dude?--

...Nothing. Never mind, Yuki responded softly, his mental tone flat, somehow hollow. Kopaka frowned but said nothing. The elemental knew it would be pointless to question him further.

Another shudder ran through Kopaka’s aching body and he took a deep breath, his vision blurring. Well. At least it’s not grey, he thought wryly, ignoring the pain as he repositioned himself closer to Kitsune and Druuvbin. “Hey, Druu. How you doing? Uh, sorry, stupid question, right?” he stated softly, a gentle teasing tone in his voice. I know he probably can’t hear me, but...

The sprite moved to feel the man’s pulse, a frown on his lips as he took in that rapid weak heart-rate. Getting worse... “Hey Druu. Can you hear me? Just hang on, okay?” He really didn’t know what else to say. It was such a frustrating feeling, watching, unable to do anything... Until Malba brought the meds... Malba...

“He’s so cold that even I can feel it,” Kitsune suddenly stated softly, running a hand over the psychic’s pale cheek. “Druuvbin... Sana nai sa...” she then mumbled quietly, a deep frown on her blue-white lips.

“Yeah. I know. But you’re keeping him a little warmer, with the fire and all,” Kopaka commented, giving the woman a small smile. He could clearly sense the fiery energies the demon was generating, and... Whoa. She’s kind of not quite as icy looking right now. Kitsune was warming her own body, as well as Druu’s... That’s gotta feel weird... For an ice demon, that would be pretty draining...

“It’s not enough,” she stated flatly, her voice emotionless, her eyes troubled. “I can’t... I’m having trouble keeping him warm, even with the fire, it... It isn’t enough,” Kitsune went on to say, slowly pulling the cloth she held to his nose back, seeing that the blood-flow had finally slowed. She moved the rag to gently wipe away a bit of the dried blood staining the corners of his lips, then pulled her hand back, setting the rag beside her. “Sana nai sa,” she again stated softly, running her hand over the psychic’s forehead.

Sana nai sa... Wonder what that means... He’d ask her, but... After her reaction to Jiro’s questions earlier, he wasn’t so sure he wanted to risk it...

“Kouji-chan, um... How are you doing, Kouji-chan? Can I do anything for you?” Yuki gently questioned the icy half human and Kopaka glanced at the boy, noting his blank face. Come on Kouji... It’s not your fault... Kouji did not reply to Yuki’s question, only continued to rest his head on Kitsune’s shoulder, tears slipping from his closed eyes.

“Kouji-chan?” Yuki tried again, moving to sit next to the boy, gently putting a hand on his shoulder. “Kouji-chan, it isn’t your fault. Kitsune-san has said it, I’ve said it, Kopaka-san and Jiro-chan have said it. We all know it’s not your fault. Druu-chan wouldn’t want you to be upset like this. So don’t feel guilty, it isn’t your fault,” he stated softly, patting the boy gently on the shoulder in a comforting manner.

“Yeah, that’s right, Kouji. Druu even said it wasn’t your fault, remember? You need to stop blaming yourself,” Jiro added, giving the boy a sympathetic, concerned look. “We all know it isn’t your fault.”

“Kouji. Don’t cry,” Kitsune commented softly, turning to focus on her brother, her voice gentle and, well... Pretty un-Kitsune like, actually.

“But...I... I heard him, Kitsi... There were so many voices and... I couldn’t... There was blood and he... Why did... It was too many and I can’t hear him anymore,” Kouji suddenly replied, his voice halting and shaky. “Why do they call him a monster?”

Man... Druu... Kopaka closed his eyes for a moment, a small sigh escaping him. Voices and blood and monsters... The thought of the psychic being stuck in his own memories and... The sprite opened his eyes, his blue gaze set on the dying water elemental. I hate not being able to do anything.

“Those... Those ‘voices’ you speak of... They are wrong. All of them. Foolish people who haven’t a clue, who want to blame Druuvbin for things that aren’t his fault,” Kitsune responded quietly, her icy eyes flashing with anger. “He isn’t a monster.”

“Who the hell would think Druu is a monster?” Jiro questioned with an eyebrow raised, a frown on his lips. “Druu a monster? That’s crazy. Who would be stupid enough to believe that?”

“You’d be surprised,” Kopaka commented flatly, his blue eyes lowering to focus on the water sprite’s pale face. He was vaguely disturbed to note that at the moment... Druuvbin was far paler than Kitsune. He put a hand on the man’s shoulder, a frown on his lips. “But we know you’re not a monster, Druu,” he stated, hoping the psychic could somehow hear his words. Just keep breathing, Druu.

“He... He’s... People are wrong. I can see his colors and... Those aren’t bad colors. His colors are fading all away, but I can still... I know he isn’t bad,” Kouji remarked, his voice trembling and even a little angry. “He isn’t a monster.”

“No. He isn’t,” Yuki agreed softly, patting the boy comfortingly on the shoulder. “He isn’t.”

“He isn’t a burden either,” the icy boy stated softly, tears slipping from his closed eyes. “He’s not a burden...”

Kitsune blinked, a startled look flashing through her eyes. The look quickly faded, yet her frown deepened. “...Kouji. A burden? Did you hear... Did Druuvbin...” the woman trailed off, her ice eyes fixed on the psychic.

Kopaka’s eyes narrowed, catching the look that had flickered across the ice demon’s face. A burden? Did... You didn’t... Surely she wouldn’t have...

“He... Um, I heard... He thought it would be better if he let his colors fade away... Because, he said, um... I heard him think: ‘In the end I’m a burden’ or something like that... Why would he think that?” the icy teen questioned, his voice shaking, upset. “That isn’t true.”

Kitsune closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. “Damn it. Druuvbin...”

“Kitsi?” Kouji questioned unsurely, hugging onto his sister’s arm, his head still resting on the woman’s shoulder. “What is it, Kitsi?”

“...I...” the ice demon’s jaw clenched, her eyes remaining closed.

She did, Kopaka thought flatly, taking in Kitsune’s face. He felt an abrupt surge of irritation at this realization. That... --What the hell did you say to him, Kitsune?-- the wind sprite sharply inquired, his mental tone strained. --In the kitchen, earlier. Was it then? What did you say?-- he went on to question, trying to keep his mental tone level.

--...I... It’s not your concern,-- the demon responded, her tone emotionless, blank.

--I don’t know Kitsune, I think maybe it is,-- he snapped, his mental voice impatient, frustrated.

--...I told him that it would be better if he were gone. That he is a burden,-- she responded coolly, her tone flat, hollow.

Damn it, Kitsune... Kopaka took in a deep breath, biting the inside of his lip as anger quickly flooded his tired, aching body. --Why... Why the hell would you say something like that?-- the wind/ice sprite questioned heatedly, his blue eyes focusing on the woman. She levelly met his gaze, her eyes cold.

--Because I’m a heartless bitch? That’s my best guess,-- the demon responded, her mental tone expressionless, ice cold.

Kopaka looked away, instead focusing his gaze on the water elemental, taking in his shallow breaths, his agonized, pallid face. He was angry. Angry that she would say something so callous. Sometimes he really didn’t get her. I know she cares about him, but...
--You’re too hard on him. Yelling at him, saying stupid things like that... Do you honestly think that’s going to help anything? I’m a freaking burnt out idiot, and even I know better than that!-- he snapped bitterly, not moving his gaze away from the psychic.

I could really use a cigarette about now... Or you know. Ten vials of Diao-K...Or at this point, any drug would do. Even human drugs from this world. Anything, he thought halfheartedly. He was tired, stressed, worried, in pain, and... Angry. It wasn’t often that the wind sprite felt anger. He was more of the laid back ‘pink-bunnies’ type of guy, but... Right now, he was definitely kind of pissed.

--Don’t lecture me, Kopaka,-- Kitsune bit back, her voice sharp, cold and edgy.

--Why not? You lecture Druu every two seconds, so maybe it’s time you get one, huh?-- he replied irritably, letting out a small frustrated sigh. --Of course I’m not sure that telling someone they’re a ‘burden’ and should die really counts as a lecture,-- he added angrily, moving a hand to once again take Druuvbin’s pulse. Druu... You’re not a burden, I promise.

--Kopaka. I’m really not in the mood to argue with you. Do not start with me, understand?-- the woman replied coldly, her mental voice dripping ice, her eyes flashing angrily.

--Not in the mood? Oh, well I’m so sorry, Kits. But guess what? I really don’t give a damn. I knew you must have said something pretty bad, but that? That’s low, even for you,-- he retorted sharply, irritation flickering in his blue eyes. --Don’t you think the guy has enough problems as it is without you telling him he should die? Huh? What, do you really want him dead or something? Is that it?-- Kopaka knew he was being a jerk, but... At the moment, he really just didn’t care. He... He was mad. Really mad. --How could you say something like that? You know how Druu is, and... He already thinks of himself as a ‘monster’, and for you to tell him...-- he trailed off, his jaw clenching. Yeah. He was definitely ticked.

--Do... Do you honestly think I don’t know I fucked up? Hm? You think I’m that FUCKING stupid? Sit there and yell at me, I don’t care. You couldn’t possibly say ANYTHING I haven’t already thought myself!-- Kitsune remarked heatedly, her mental tone rising, growing uneven. --I know I’m a fucking idiot, and I know that I apparently have no heart. I’m a cold ruthless bitch, I always have been, and I suppose I always will be. I don’t know why the hell I said it, Kopaka. I don’t know why I yell at him and I don’t know why I do the things I do. So yes, I fucked up. This surprises you? Haven’t you learned by now that I... That I...-- the woman trailed off, her mental voice faltering, shaking.

Kopaka closed his eyes, his anger dissipating as he took in her words. She’s freaking out... He opened his eyes, focusing on the demon. Her ice eyes held a blank, weary expression. It... Now I’m doing the same thing... Yelling at her when... He let out another sigh, rubbing at his blurred eyes. Damn it.

--No, Kitsune. You’re not an idiot and you’re not a ‘cold ruthless bitch’. I’m sorry. I didn’t... I just... I feel like hell and I’m stressed and I took it out on you. I’m sorry, really. I know you didn’t mean what you said. You are too hard on him, I’m not going to take that back. You shouldn’t have said that. That was totally uncalled for and I think you should lay off of him, but... You need to lay off yourself too. You’re a good person, Kits. Just kinda screwed up. But hey, we all are. Heh,-- the wind sprite stated, his mental tone softening. He cast a small reassuring smile to the woman, taking in those weary ice eyes.

--...I’m not a good person,-- Kitsune stated hollowly, her gaze dropping, focusing on Druuvbin. --Far from it.--

--Nah, you’re a good person. You just don’t think you are. I’m the wise bunny-man Kopaka. I say you are so that means you are. Because I know everything,-- he replied lightly, a teasing, joking tone entering his mental voice. Man, Kits... Don’t you lose it too... That’d just be scary...

--...You’re so fucking weird,-- she commented flatly, a hint of a smile briefly forming on her lips.

--Yep,-- he agreed, winking a blue eye at the demon.

Kitsune rolled her eyes, turning her gaze away, back to the psychic resting in her lap. She ran a hand over his forehead, a frown on her lips. --I swear... I swear I didn’t mean it, Kopaka...-- she stated softly, her voice so very weary and...

--Kitsune. I know you didn’t,-- Kopaka responded gently. He felt a wave of sympathy for the woman, noting the weariness and guilt, and... If Druuvbin did indeed die, without her having the chance to speak with him... That... That would completely mess her up. Completely...

--Yes... But did Druuvbin know? Did... she trailed off, closing her ice eyes. --Did he know?--

Kopaka wasn’t sure how to respond. He let out a small sigh, glancing about the room. Yuki and Jiro both were focusing on the wind sprite and ice demon, obviously noticing the tension that had taken place moments before. Though the two had conversed telepathically, their body language had been fairly obvious... Kouji on the other hand had his eyes closed, still latched onto his sister’s arm, seemingly oblivious to the two’s exchange. Did Druu know? Honestly? ...I hope so, but as messed up as he is? Maybe not... Not that he was going to tell Kitsune that.

His thoughts were interrupted as the psychic let out a small moan, a cough escaping his blood-stained lips. Kopaka focused his gaze to the water sprite, placing his hand on the man’s shoulder. Even with so much energy given to him by Kitsune... He’s getting worse...

“...K-Kitsune?” Druuvbin slowly mumbled, startling the ice demon and wind elemental both. Kitsune ran a hand over the psychic’s cheek, her eyes troubled. “It’s me, Druuvbin. Can you hear me?” she questioned softly, guilt again flashing in those ice eyes.

Kopaka felt the man’s pulse once more, nervously feeling that rapid, so very weak heartbeat... Damn it.

“I... I suppose, you are...Probably rather angry...With me, hm?” the water elemental questioned haltingly, a small smile forming on his blood-stained lips. His eyes fluttered a bit, yet remained closed.

Kopaka blinked, quite surprised that the man was seemingly regaining consciousness. As weak as he is now... It’s amazing he’s even still breathing. How the hell is he awake?

“Am I angry? Fool,” the ice demon replied, her cool voice uneven.

“I’ll...Take that—as a y-yes,” Druuvbin remarked wryly, a cough shaking his lean body.

“No, Druuvbin. I’m... I’m not angry. I’m not angry with you,” Kitsune stated firmly, running a hand over the psychic’s forehead in a comforting manner. “Druuvbin, I...” she trailed off, a frown on her lips.

Kouji raised his head, his watery ice eyes focused on the water elemental. “Druu? Druu are you awake?” he questioned shakily.

“Am I? Ah... I suppose...I am...” Druu responded lightly, wincing, taking a jagged breath. “I...Can’t quite seem to...Open my eyes, however...” he stated lightly as yet another harsh cough wracked his pale, cool body. “Not that it really... Matters... I... Don’t think I can see...Anyway...”

Jiro stood, quickly moving over to stand near the bed, his steel-blue eyes focused on the water sprite. “Druu... Kopaka, is he, if he’s awake, does that mean he’s getting any better?” the teen questioned hopefully, anxiety in his eyes.

Not really... the wind sprite thought nervously, noting the short breaths and... If anything he’s getting worse. I’m really... I’m really surprised he’s awake. How are you awake, Druu? Even though he’s conscious... It... Yeah. It definitely looks like he’s getting worse. Fast... “Hey Druu, take a few deep breaths for me, okay?” he stated gently, lightly rubbing the man’s shoulder in a consoling gesture.

“..Ah... But i-it hurts to--breath, Kopaka,” the water elemental responded lightly, a teasing tone in his weak, soft voice.

“Yeah well, do it anyway,” Kopaka replied with a small smile, forcing his voice to be calm and light. However... His anxiety was progressively growing. “Slow deep breaths, okay?”

“Druu. I couldn’t hear you. I, I tried to keep hold but, you slipped away. I’m sorry,” Kouji suddenly commented softly, teary eyes sorrowful and guilt filled.

“Ngh—Kouji...Was that real? I...Wasn’t...Sure. There was...There’s so much... I...As I said-before, you have... Nothing to apologize for...” the water elemental haltingly whispered, his breath short, voice weak.

“Deep breaths, remember?” Kopaka instructed, uneasily noting the psychic’s increasingly ragged, uneven breathing. Malba... You better get those medicines fast or... Kopaka frowned, nervously thinking of the darkness elemental. He had been trying not to think about it, but... If what Kouji said is true... Malba was getting the medicines from the Tevrra base outside of Laineka. Which... Malba... Be careful...Please be careful. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand why Malba had opted to go there, after all... Asikea... Asikea is so far away from Laineka, but... I just... Be careful, Mals.

He was worried about him. Kopaka had tried his best not to think about it but... As time stretched on, waiting for Malba to return with Rae and Sano, with the medicines... Malba, you better be careful and you better hurry up... Don’t get yourself killed. Or worse...

“Druuvbin... About... About what I said...” Kitsune commented quietly, hesitantly, her eyes troubled. “I... I didn’t mean what I said, Druuvbin, I swear to you I didn’t mean that, I--”

“Kitsune...Please...Tell me you weren’t... Honestly worried about... That. I... I knew you didn’t,” Druuvbin interjected softly, his eyes briefly opening, revealing his white unfocused gaze. He weakly raised his hand to touch Kitsune’s, a small smile on his lips. “I...Am psychic, remember? Though... I’m apparently slipping. I was sure I... Had this under better control...I was quite obviously...w-wrong,” he then commented wryly, his eyelids drooping, closing.

Good... I’m glad Kits got to hear that... And I’m glad he knew she didn’t mean it. Now just... Just stay alive, Druu...

Kitsune’s expression remained troubled however, a deep sigh escaping her. “I’m... I’m sorry, Druuvbin,” she mumbled, her lips set in a frown.

“Don’t be. I wouldn’t have blamed you...If you had meant it,” the water sprite replied softly, a small shudder rocking his cool body. “After all, there—is... Some truth...To what you said,” Druu whispered, his hand dropping back down, away from Kitsune’s to rest on the comforter.

“No. There isn’t,” Kitsune replied forcefully, her ice eyes flashing angrily. “There isn’t any truth to what I said, whatsoever.”

“She’s right, Druu. You know how Kits is, she’s just, uh, yeah. You’re not a burden, so don’t even think about that, okay? Just try to keep awake,” Kopaka added soothingly, his hand still resting on the psychic’s thin shoulder. Druu... Just keep breathing... The blue haired elemental’s breathing was too shallow, too fast, rapidly growing worse... It’s getting worse...This... Despite the massive amounts of energy pouring into the psychic, Kitsune’s powerful energy... Damn it...

So... That’s what Kitsune-san said? She told him he’s a burden? Yuki’s voice suddenly floated through the wind sprite’s mind and he slightly nodded his head, briefly meeting the man’s grey eyes. --Unfortunately, yes,-- he responded mentally, pushing away yet another wave of lightheaded sensations threatening to wash over him.

Kitsune-san... was Yuki’s only mental response, lowering his grey eyes, a frown on his pale lips.

Kopaka wearily rubbed his blurred eyes, swallowing hard as a queasy sensation rushed over him. Not now. He ignored the aches throbbing throughout his body, instead turning his attention back to Druuvbin. He took the man’s pulse once again, biting the inside of his lip anxiously. Malba... Come on man, hurry up...

“Not...A burden, you say? Hm...—Despite—my claims of being...Able to... ‘Take care—of myself’... I believe I have... Come... To be quite... Troublesome...Ngh--” Druuvbin stated haltingly, interrupted by his uneven short breaths and a harsh rasping cough. A thin trail of blood leaked from his lips and Kitsune gently wiped it away with the already blood soaked washcloth.

“That isn’t true, Druuvbin,” the woman responded firmly, resting a hand on the man’s pale forehead. “I promise you, it isn’t.”

“Druu-chan... Don’t say things like that,” Yuki commented quietly, his grey eyes watery, and as Kopaka glanced at the silver haired man... For a moment... A strange wave of melancholy, nostalgia... Not again... What is that? He didn’t have time to think about it right now...

“Hey, it’s not your fault you’re sick,” Jiro added from his standing position near the large bed, his arms crossed anxiously. “It’s not your fault at all.”

“Yeah, Druu. It isn’t your fault,” Kouji quietly agreed, his soft voice shaking, his icy eyes leaking tears.

“Druu. Listen to me. I need you to try to calm down, okay? You’re breathing too fast,” Kopaka stated nervously, trying to keep his voice reassuring and calm, yet... Druu.. Damn it... Come on, man...

“Ngh—I’m...Trying... But...” the water elemental whispered, his voice trailing off as another shudder rocked his body. “It...Hurts...” he mumbled, his voice weak, his breathing fast and jagged.

“I know it does,” the wind sprite responded sympathetically, a frown on his lips, his blue eyes worried. Damn it. This... This really sucks.

“Druuvbin. Calm down,” Kitsune ordered firmly, running her hand over the man’s forehead, apprehension flickering through her ice eyes. “Breathe, Druuvbin.”

“You... You sent Rae and Sanosuke...To Laineka?” Druu suddenly questioned, his white eyes opening, his gaze unfocused, obviously unable to see. “That...I... You put...Them in danger, for my sake? Why...Why would you...” he whispered, his eyelids drooping, a spasm shaking his lean frame. “You...Really shouldn’t...Have...”

I guess he just had a vision of me sending them, huh? “Druu. They’ll be fine. Malba’s with them and they’ll be back soon. Don’t worry,” the grey haired elemental replied comfortingly, though his thoughts ran uneasily over Kouji’s words earlier... ‘Malba’s going somewhere he shouldn’t’... Mals... Damn it.

“...Sanosuke?” Kitsune blinked, raising her eyes to focus on Kopaka, a questioning tint in her voice. “Malba... Malba didn’t say anything about Sanosuke. Only Rae,” the woman stated with a frown.

What? “But... I had Sano go with her,” the wind sprite commented nervously. Why would the teen not have been with Malba?

“He wasn’t with Malba and Rae?” Jiro questioned uneasily, shifting his weight from one foot to another, fidgeting anxiously. “Why wouldn’t he have been with them?”

“Ngh...I... I believe... Sanosuke... Was separated from...Rae...” the water elemental stated weakly, forcing his white eyes open further, clearly trying to remain alert. A cough shook his body, another thin trail of blood slipping from the corner of his lips. “He...Is safe I believe... With... Hanneke? I’m... Not sure what the—circumstances are... I... Can’t see what... There’s—too...Too much...” the sprite trailed off, raising a hand weakly to his head, a small moan escaping his blood stained lips.

“With Hanneke? I’m not sure I’d call that ‘safe’,” Kopaka joked weakly, soothingly rubbing the psychic’s shoulder. This is bad, he thought nervously, his heart-rate increasing at the sight of the water sprite’s steadily deteriorating health. Druu fading faster now, too fast... His pained face and pale, cool skin... He’s not going to last much longer. I’m still surprised he’s even awake... Maybe he sensed me and Kits arguing a minute ago... Could that have somehow woken him up? Or... Maybe he sensed Kitsune getting ready to freak out and wanted to talk to her? I... Man. I don’t know. Just... Just stay with us, Druu...

Druuvbin’s body jerked, his eyes closing as he let out a small whimper, his breath catching as he held a hand to his head. Kopaka and Kitsune shared a quick apprehensive glance, both knowing without a doubt that... Druu needs those medicines. Now.

The ice demon gently pulled the water sprite’s hand away from his face, taking that pale hand in her own. “Druuvbin?”

“Come on Druu, stay with us, okay?” Kopaka commented softly, unnerved by the small suffering whimper the psychic had let out. As he watched the dying man’s face, his blue eyes actually grew a little watery. He quickly blinked, shoving the emotion away. Have to stay calm...

“Druu? Druu? That... Um...” Kouji suddenly stated, his eyes widening, an odd expression appearing on his icy face. “That...”

“Get...Kouji...Away...” Druu whispered weakly, his tone urgent.

“Why?” the wind sprite inquired uneasily, noting the urgency in the man’s soft voice. What? What’s...

“I...Don’t—Want...Him...To see what I’m seeing...” the psychic mumbled, his body jerking once more, shuddering. “D-don’t...Look, Kouji-chan...” he whispered, his breath coming faster, his lean frame twitching.

--Yuki, take Kouji over to the couch or something,-- Kopaka firmly stated telepathically, briefly meeting the silver haired man’s grey eyes. “Kouji, why don’t you go sit with Yuki over on the couch, huh?” he went on to say aloud, giving the icy boy a strained smile.

“No! I... Druu...” Kouji exclaimed, tears leaking from his wide ice-blue eyes. “He... That’s...” he trailed off, his face troubled, frightened.

“Come on, Kouji-chan,” Yuki gently prompted, taking the boy’s hand. “Let’s go over here, okay?” he suggested softly, his grey eyes nervous, teary. “Okay, Kouji-chan?”

“No!” Kouji snapped, pulling his hand away. “Druu? Druu? Don’t... Don’t...” the boy trailed off as a sob escaped him, his eyes locked on the psychic. “Druu?”

“Kouji-chan...Don’t...Cry... Just... Go with Yuki-chan...Please?” Druu whispered unevenly, his voice weak and faraway.

“Um. Yeah, come on, Kouji. I’ll sit with ya too, okay?” Jiro added nervously, his tone unsure. “Listen to Druu, okay?”

“But...”

“Kouji. Go,” Kitsune ordered firmly, giving her brother a quick reassuring look. “I’m not going to let him die. I promise.”

Don’t say that, Kitsune... You don’t know you can keep that... Kopaka’s thoughts trailed off and he turned his gaze back to the psychic, a fresh wave of fear washing over him. His lightheadedness and aching body temporarily forgotten, he took Druuvbin’s free hand into his own. “Druu? What’s happening? What are you seeing?” he questioned softly, giving the man’s cold hand a gentle supportive squeeze. Come on, Druu... Please don’t die. I don’t want anyone else to die.

Kouji’s tears quickened as he stood, allowing Yuki and Jiro to take him away from the psychic, to the black couch across the room. The silver haired man carefully sat next to the boy, pulling him into an embrace. “It’s okay, Kouji-chan. It’s okay.”

“No it’s not,” the boy cried, his voice muffled by Yuki’s shoulder.

Jiro remained silent, awkwardly patting the icy half human’s shoulder, his eyes still focused on Druuvbin.

“Druuvbin, talk to us,” Kitsune stated firmly, her blue-white lips set in a deep frown as she held the man’s hand. “Druuvbin?”

“I...It...You know... This world isn’t n-nearly as—bad as ours, yet... There, are still rather unpleasant... Things to see, neh?” the psychic commented weakly, his soft voice shaking. Kopaka felt the man’s grip on his hands slightly tighten as a ragged cough shook him.

What is he seeing? Kopaka wasn’t entirely sure he even wanted to know. He hated that pained weak voice, the far-away tone, the uneven jagged breaths and... “Druu... Just... Just hold on...” He didn’t know what else to say. What could he say? There wasn’t a single thing he could do. Not a damn thing.

“Ngh—It...” Druuvbin’s eyes opened, the murky white coloring merging with a bright flash of blue. Oh shit... The water sprite’s body jerked, a tremor wracking his lean form. The shudder did not pass, only grew, his body quivering, his eyes glowing an eerie white-blue.

“Don’t hold him down or anything, Kitsune. If he starts shaking too much, just let go of his hand and let him....You know,” the wind elemental ordered with a slightly uneven voice, watching the water-sprite’s convulsing body with growing alarm. “Druu? Druu, can you hear me? Just hang on, it’ll stop, just hold on, okay?”

“What the fuck is happening to him?” Jiro questioned loudly, his steel eyes wide. “What...”

“Druu?” Kouji exclaimed tearfully, yet Yuki continued to hold the boy in a hug, not allowing him to look at the seizing sprite. “Let go, Yuki! Yuki! Let go... I... I... Druu...”

Yuki said nothing, only watched with fearful eyes as the sprite trembled, soothingly rubbing Kouji’s back as the boy cried.

“He’s having a seizure. Kind of. Not exactly, but... It’s, it’s caused by his visions. It...” Kopaka trailed off, closing his blue eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. He’s going to die. I can’t... He took another deep breath, pushing the thought away, opening his eyes. He couldn’t lose his cool, he HAD to stay in control. Not that I have any control of this...Damn it.

“Druuvbin, you aren’t going to die, you understand? I’m not letting you die. So just... Hang on, Druuvbin,” Kitsune whispered, still gently clasping Druu’s shuddering pale hand.

“I....Vetein sa, sana nai sa...” the sprite whispered, his cloudy, misty white-blue eyes flashing, glowing as he continued to shake.

He’s losing consciousness again, the grey haired sprite thought as he took in that odd language, the far off tone in the man’s soft voice. “Druu? Stay with us. Come on, Druu. You can do it, I know you can,” Kopaka stated, not letting go of the man’s hand as he watched helplessly. It was so, so very frustrating. Not able to help, unable to...

“Stop... Stop saying that. It isn’t true. Na tana vetein, Druuvbin. Na tana vetein,” Kitsune commented firmly, her ice eyes flashing with unease, apprehension.

--Kitsune... What does that mean?-- Kopaka telepathically inquired, his tone weary. --What is he saying?-- He really didn’t care if the demon snapped his head off or not. He wanted to know.

The woman remained quiet for a moment before letting out a small sigh, turning her gaze to the grey haired elemental. --Vetein sa. That... It’s hard to translate properly, but... Roughly ‘Vetein’ translates to ‘mistake’ or ‘monstrous error’. Though it also holds an implication of ‘a burden’, or ‘a danger’... I believe it’s what they used to call him when he was younger. He’s saying he’s a mistake. A monstrous error. That’s what he’s saying, Kopaka,-- Kitsune admitted, her mental tone flat, yet a hint of agitation tinted that cool mental voice.

Kopaka took in a breath, a spark of anger quickly washing over him. --People... People really suck sometimes,-- he stated, gently squeezing Druuvbin’s trembling hand. A monstrous error? A mistake?

--‘Sana nai sa’ basically just means ‘I’m sorry’, which is what he said after saying he is a mistake,-- Kitsune added quietly. --...I told him ‘you aren’t a mistake.’ That’s what ‘Na tana vetein’ means...-- she trailed off, her ice eyes lowering, focusing on the shuddering psychic resting in her lap.

--‘Na tana vetein’? That’s how you say it?-- the wind/ice sprite questioned, noting the man’s quaking was starting to lessen. He was still trembling, but the actual convulsion seemed to be easing up. That’s right, Druu. Just hang on, it’ll stop... He knew those odd seizure like states the psychic frequently had during attacks were extremely painful, not only physically, but... His visions. Vision after vision, assaulting him, and...--‘Na tana vetein’ right?--

--Yes...-- she responded distractedly, her attention focused on Druuvbin, gently squeezing his hand in a comforting manner.

“Uh, na tana vetein... Druu. You’re not,” Kopaka stated aloud, doing his best to properly pronounce the peculiar phrase, an ancient language he was completely unfamiliar with. “Na tana vetein.”

Druuvbin’s eyes slipped closed as the spasms wracking his body finally faded, a fresh flow of blood leaking from both nostrils, his breath wheezing and harsh.

“Druu? Can you hear me?” Kopaka questioned softly, briefly releasing the man’s hand long enough to take his pulse. With a frown he again clasped the psychic’s cold hand, not happy with the weak heart-rate he had felt. Not good...

“...Nngh...S--sorry...About that...” the water elemental whispered softly, slowly reopening his white eyes, letting out a small sigh.

“Don’t be sorry. Fool,” Kitsune forcefully replied, letting go of the psychic’s hand, retrieving the crimson-stained cloth by her side. The ice demon carefully sopped up the flow of blood leaking from the elemental’s nostrils, her free hand gently running though his dark-blue hair.

“Yeah man, nothing to be sorry about,” Kopaka added, surprised the psychic had managed to regain awareness so quickly after having one of his ‘psychic convulsions’. “I’m just glad you’re still awake. And dude, you are not a vetein or whatever, okay? Trust me.”

“Did I say that... O-out--loud? Ah, I’m s--sorry...” the psychic replied softly, his voice weak.

“Don’t be sorry, just, you know. It isn’t true. You’re not a vetein, okay?” Kopaka repeated firmly, his blue eyes worried, nervous. Druu...

“I’m not? Hm...” Druuvbin muttered dryly, a small smile on his lips. “I can...Think of...Quite a few people who... Might disagree with you on that,” he added lightly, his weak tone somewhat amused.

“Well those ‘people’ are wrong,” Kitsune snapped in response, her eyes angry, agitated.

“Are they? I wonder...” the water elemental trailed off, remaining silent for a moment before clearing his throat, letting out a small cough. “I...Believe...I-saw...Something about Kaine....But... I’m not...Sure what it was, if it w-was the past, present or---future...Or if... It was even real at all... I’m sorry... I... There was... There’s too much... It’s so fast and...” the psychic trailed off with a rough rasping gasp for air, followed by a small moan.

“Don’t worry about that right now,” Kitsune responded, holding the cloth to his nose, staunching the blood flow.

...Kaine? Man... What if... the wind sprite frowned, uneasily thinking of Malba and the Tevrra base... He had yet to tell Kitsune his suspicions about the darkness sprite’s whereabouts, as he knew the woman would not be happy... But, if... Hopefully the vision isn’t related. It’s possible it was just a memory or something like that.... Malba...

He mentally shook himself, refocusing on the water elemental, giving his pale hand another reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, Druu. Just try to take some slow deep breaths, don’t think about the visions right now,” Kopaka stated soothingly, his blue eyes focused on the fresh blood seeping from his nose. He’s bleeding way too much... If this keeps up...

“I...Ngh...I—It...” Druuvbin winced, his eyes shutting tightly, his facial expression pained, weary. “It... Kitsune... I’m... I’m so very tired...” he whispered, his voice faltering, far-off.

Kopaka felt a sharp pang in his heart at the man’s words, sympathy and worry and... It scared him. The tone in the water elemental’s voice, it... It really scared him. Don’t you dare give up, Druu. Don’t...

“I... I know you are. I know, and I... Stay awake, Druuvbin,” Kitsune replied, her usually flat, emotionless voice replaced by a soft, uneven tone. “...Please?” she questioned quietly, and Kopaka realized that this conversation went far beyond just asking him to stay conscious.

“I...Are you sure...You want me to?” Druu faltered, his soft voice hesitant, uncertain. His weak voice suddenly sounding so very fatigued to Kopaka’s ears. It... Don’t give up Druu... Man, please don’t give up.

“Yes. I’m sure, idiot,” the ice demon replied, her voice firm. “Don’t be a fool. Of course I do. All of us do.”

“...I...I see. Yes, I’ll...Try to, Kitsune,” the psychic responded after a few moments of silence, a small smile gracing his pale, blood stained lips.

Kitsune closed her eyes for a moment, a sigh escaping her. “Good,” was the icy haired demon’s only response, opening her eyes to once more focus on Druuvbin’s face. She continued to hold the blood soaked rag to his bleeding nose, running her free hand gently through the man’s hair, brushing strands of blue away from his pale face.

“Stay awake, Druu,” Kopaka added softly, giving the man a small shaky smile, which... Essentially he knew it was useless as... The water elemental was blind, couldn’t see his smile even if his eyes were open. Those white... Pain filled eyes...

---continue-->
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(this part is so long I had to break it off in the middle of this scene. I'm sorry. T.T Must get a domain...)