Mood: Frustrated
Music: Crawling in the Dark --- Hoobastank

Rae: Eh, well I’m back with yet another chapter of the ongoing story of the voices in my head. XD I actually have had this part finished um... for a long time, but I was just too lazy to post it. Jiro and Mom have already read it a couple of weeks ago. XD Sorry. Oh, but the next part is almost finished, I'll probably have it posted in a few days. ^^

So anyway, as I said: I’m back with yet another chapter of the ongoing story of the voices in my head.XD

Sadly however.... NOTHING HAPPENS. AGAIN. *falls over*

....

Meh. I can’t write. T.T What is my problem? I keep trying... But... I suck. T.T

I think I’m drawing it out far too long. I think my intention for this arc was to... Slowly progress, building the tension until you’re ready to like, I dunno. Scream from the stress. Yet instead? It’s getting boring. And drawn out. And lame. And I suck. And... GAH. The guilt. The uber guilt of DOOOOOM.... XD Maaan.... I’m so evil. As Jiro keeps pointing out. x_x;;;;

Ahem. I think I’m getting too into the character interaction and not moving the story. I really like the interactions between the characters, like with Yuki and Kopaka, and with poor Sano getting driven crazy by Hanneke. XD But... Yeah. I know, it’s not moving along and... Um... Nothing happens. Again. T.T And gah... I feel so guilty...

Eggman: Or... DO you?

Rae: >.< And HE won’t leave me alone!!

Eggman: Or... WILL I?

Rae: x.x;;;;;;;

Shadow: Don’t worry, Rae. You can be emo with me. T.T

Rae: .... Someone saaaave me..... *falls over*

Ahem... Yeah. Let’s get on with the story that doesn’t progress and gets long and boring and pointless. >.< *bangs self in head* Damn my lame writing abilities! T.T Get better! Better I say!!! *bangs self in head again for good measure*

Shadow: ...And people say I have problems... O.o

Rae: -_-;;;

Ahem. Story now....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~~~~~~~crash and burn~~~~~~~~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You know, Rae was really getting tired of the plot twists the day was bringing. Yeah, First the whole Yuki’s acting weird thing, then the sudden revelation that ‘oh by the way, Druuvbin is deathly ill and most likely is going to die’, THEN Malba takes a bullet right in the stomach and is like bleeding to death or something, and now? Now to top it all off, the seemingly nice, friendly guy in glasses turns out to be freaking KAINE the uber demon?! To put it mildly, the girl was rather frustrated. Not to mention terrified.

This is SO not fair... Of all the bad luck... I knew it was too good to be true when he got me into Laineka...

“So, Malba, what exactly brings you to Laineka?” Aevik Kaine questioned pleasantly as he stepped closer to the sprite and human, his voice friendly, however his eyes.... Rae swallowed nervously, taking in those cold yellow eyes. Stop looking at Malba like that...

--Stay behind me,-- Malba ordered telepathically, his body tense, his mental tone edgy and nervous. He’s in no shape to fight, period. Yet he’s standing here playing shield the human again... I’m starting to feel like a lame useless anime girl. I’m freaking Kagome or something... Except at least Kagome can shoot arrows. I can’t even do that. I’m even worse than Kagome... That’s sad.

“Oh what the fuck do you think I’m doing here? You think I broke into your stupid ‘research facility’ for the fun of it? Stupid bastard,” Malba snapped, his dark eyes locked on the military garbed demon, his voice angry. “You know why.”

We’ve got to get away from this guy. Druu said that even he isn’t as strong as Kaine... So Malba... Malba can’t take this guy. Especially with that freaking hole in his stomach, the girl thought nervously, tightly clutching the medicine case in her hand. This was bad. Really bad. Damn it! I’m so fucking stupid! Why didn’t I think about the freaking uniform? It’s obvious he’s from that base. Brown uniform, hello?! I knew those uniforms looked familiar, but oh no, I was too off in the ozone to put it together. Idiot! she went on to silently berate herself, biting the inside of her lip.

If only she had thought to tell Malba that the man who had let her in was wearing a brown uniform, if only she could have remembered his name... How could I forget a name like Aevik? That’s pretty freaking distinct.

“Now Malba, there’s no need to get rude,” the blonde demon responded to the sprite’s angry remark, raising an eyebrow. “It was just a simple question,” he stated, stepping even closer, now standing directly in front of the darkness elemental. “It’s been awhile, hasn’t it? You know, I’ve been looking for you, but you are so very hard to find. A shame, really.”

“Yeah well, you know, I’ve just been so busy,” Malba deadpanned, a sarcastic tone tinting his voice. “I don’t have time for this and you know it, so let’s just cut the fucking bullshit,” the elemental then snapped impatiently, his voice angry, his body stance tense.

This guy is a freak... He’s smiling all nice and friendly like, but his eyes... the girl’s thoughts trailed off as she looked over Malba’s shoulder, taking in those cold eyes. I should have known he was evil just by the damn glasses, she thought flatly, glancing at the man’s wire framed eyeglasses. I broke the number one rule... Never trust some nice friendly person wearing glasses. They always turn out to be the bad guy... What’s up with that, anyway?

“You know, Malba, you really should work on your people skills. That’s simply not how a civil conversation is held,” Kaine remarked pleasantly, the amiable smile never leaving his lips. “And such language. You never change, hm?”

“Go fuck yourself, Kaine,” was Malba’s only response to the demon’s oddly lighthearted statement. A pleasant cheerful voice with cold deadly eyes...

Malba... Is it really such a good idea to piss this guy off? the girl thought nervously, taking in the demon’s face, noting the small twitch of his eyebrow. However to her surprise the blonde merely laughed, shaking his head. Oh man... He’s laughing? That’s got to be a bad sign...

The demon’s laughter trailed off and he ran a hand through his wet medium length blonde hair, a smile still on his lips. “Yes, you never change. As impatient and childish as always. Though I suppose it’s endearing in a way,” Kaine commented lightly, amusement in his tone. “It’s really raining, isn’t it? Rather unusual for Laineka this time of year. Hm, I suppose it must be especially troublesome for you, all of this rain. Brings back memories, doesn’t it?” he went on to say, completely changing the subject, his yellow eyes glancing up to the dark, cloudy sky.

Malba’s free hand clenched, his other hand pressed tightly to his side as he let out a small angry growl. “Fucking dick,” the sprite bit out, his voice tight, tense. “Cut the chit-chat. What the hell do you want? Let’s just get this over with,” he went on to say, moving his hand away from his wound, instead crossing his arms defiantly.

Brings back memories? Rae thought, raising an eyebrow at the demon’s words. What is he talking about?

“So, Miss Rae, how in the world did you get mixed up with Malba of all people, hm? I mean don’t you think it’s dangerous, you being a human? You must be rather brave.” Kaine ignored Malba’s angry outburst, turning his attention to the pink haired girl instead. “Or could it be that you don’t know? Is that it?” he questioned slowly, a knowing smirk replacing that calm smile.

What... What the fuck? “What the hell are you talking about?” she bit out, moving to stand beside Malba, giving the demon an angry glare. She was tired of standing behind the man like a little useless moron. So despite the irritated glare the sprite cast her way, she stood her ground, locking eyes with Kaine. “And stop calling me Miss.” The man’s false pleasantries were really starting to piss her off...

“She doesn’t know, does she? That’s exactly what it is,” the man responded, his smirk widening, his cold gaze moving back to the darkness elemental. “Isn’t that right, Malba?”

“Shut up and mind your own fucking business,” the sprite snapped in response, however he pulled his gaze down, not meeting the demon’s eyes.

Rae frowned, moving her gaze to the sprite, trying to take in his expression. His wet pale face held a look of anger, yet... What don’t I know? What... What is Kaine talking about? Is it about the red eyes? Or...

“Well, I suppose you’re right. It’s not my business. If you want to put your little human friend here at risk, then by all means do so,” the blonde haired demon commented lightly, waving a gloved hand dismissively. “However there is something we need to discuss, Malba, that is my business. I’m sure you know what that is,” he went on to say, the pleasantry completely fading, his voice growing cold, gruffer, his eyes narrowing. “Where are they, Malba?”

--Get out of here, Rae,-- Malba’s voice echoed in the girl’s head and she turned her gaze back to the dark haired sprite, her eyes widening. WHAT? she snapped in response, apprehensive, her heart rate increasing. What, you want me to just leave you?

--That’s exactly what I want you to do. Take the meds and get the fuck out of here. Get in the forest and jump. The forest will hide the energy if you go in a little ways first. Now go. I’m going to distract the bastard,-- he replied calmly, not looking at the girl, instead meeting the deadly gaze of Aevik Kaine. --Go.--

“Where are who?” Malba questioned aloud, his voice calm and sarcastic.

“Oh, I believe you know who,” Kaine replied coolly, taking a step closer to the sprite.

“No, I guess I’ve suddenly developed amnesia. Too bad, huh?”

“Ah, that’s very amusing, Malba.”

“I thought so.”

He wanted her to leave? To leave him alone--already injured--alone to fight with KAINE, a powerful demon? A demon with strength even surpassing that of Druuvbin’s? How could she just leave him there? I’m not leaving you here so you can get killed, idiot! Plus I can’t use that stupid Jump thing. Yuki had to freaking make a bolt of lightning zap me to get it to work, she responded shakily through the mind link, turning her blue-green eyes back to the brown clothed demon, noting the dark look on his handsome tanned face. He’ll kill you!

--What? Yuki? Lightning? ...Never mind. Whatever, just go. Once you get in there, find Hanneke, she’ll help,-- the elemental bit out hurriedly, an uneasy tone entering his mental voice. --Hurry up and go.--

How am I supposed to find her? She’s crazy and hides and stuff. Plus I don’t want to leave you! How could she leave him alone? She...

--Do what I fucking say, stupid human! You can’t do anything, so go. He won’t kill me,-- Malba impatiently stated, his ‘voice’ edgy, tense. --Just... Just go.--

How the fucking hell do you know he’s not going to kill you? He’s obviously stronger than you and you’re already hurt. I don’t want to leave you! she responded heatedly, fighting down the wave of panic threatening to overwhelm her. Not again. She had already left Sanosuke to fight a demon alone, and now Malba was asking her to do the very same thing. Not... Not again. She couldn’t just leave him, could she? I know I’m a stupid human who can’t help, but... I don’t want to leave you here!

--He won’t kill me. I know he won’t because he isn’t allowed to, okay? Just shut up. I’ll be fine. Now go. There’s a good chance he will kill you. So just go,-- the elemental responded firmly, hurriedly.

Not allowed? What? I-- her thoughts were cut off as a hot blast of energy washed over her, encircling her. Wha--? A great invisible force slammed into the girl, knocking her back, shoving her against a nearby tree on the edge of the Lainekan border. The medicine case the girl had clasped was torn from her grip by that same invisible force, flying through the air to rest near Kaine’s feet.

Oh this is so bad...

“Now let me guess, you were going to have Miss Rae leave while you ‘distracted’ me, right? Malba, I’m not easily distracted, you should know that by now,” the demon stated calmly. He turned his gaze to the human girl held firmly against the tree by an invisible band of hot energy, an apologetic smile forming on his lips. “Sorry, Miss Rae. I’m afraid I can’t let you leave just yet,” he commented, his eyes cold, his voice slipping back into that false amiable tone.

“Fucking bastard,” Malba growled, casting a quick look back to Rae before refocusing on the demon. “The human doesn’t have anything to do with this. She doesn’t know anything.”

“Doesn’t she? I wonder. Your human friend has a very interesting tattoo on her hand, did you know that? That if I’m not mistaken is a very rare, very ancient demon language. Your average human doesn’t even know of its existence, yet she has a marking on her hand. Don’t you find that rather odd?” Kaine questioned slowly, his voice growing cold, stepping closer to the sprite in a threatening manner. “I doubt she’s as innocent as you claim her to be, but regardless, I really couldn’t care less. You know what I want. Tell me where they are, Malba,” he went on to say, his cold eyes locked on the elemental sprite.

Oh this is so bad, this is so freaking bad, Rae thought, dread swiftly rising within. Her heart was racing so fast she thought it very well might explode and a panic attack was definitely only moments away. He’s going to kill him, he’s so going to kill him... Er, and me...

“Yeah well, you know what? I’m not in a real talkative mood so I guess you’ll just have to do your job and find them yourselves,” the darkness elemental responded coolly, his tone icy. “Oh, but I guess that’s easier said than done for an incompetent fool such as yourself,” he added coldly, his usual edgy mannerisms replaced by a darker, calmer tone.

“Oh? Well, I suppose I could make you talk then,” the demon responded with a smile, his yellow eyes glancing over the lean sprite. “That might be entertaining, don’t you think, Malba?”

Entertaining? Oh shit, this is so bad, Rae’s eyes widened as the demon’s smirk faded, replaced by a dark expression. Malba... And wait, he said ‘them’? I know he’s after Kouji, but who else? Oh, I guess he means Kitsune, right? That would make sense.

“Make me talk? That’s not happening and you know it. I’m not telling you where they are. You’re wasting your time and you’re wasting my time,” the sprite responded flatly, his dark-blue gaze focused solely on the blonde demon.

Kaine’s eyes narrowed further as an angry look momentarily flashed on his face, his jaw clenching as he continued to meet Malba’s gaze. “Oh? Well. If I can’t make you talk...” he trailed off, a small smirk appearing on his lips as he moved his gaze to the human girl. “Perhaps Miss Rae could answer a few questions for me.”

Oh... Shit... That’s wonderful, Rae thought fearfully, her eyes widening at the demon’s words.

“You’re not going to touch her,” Malba growled, uncrossing his arms, clenching his hands angrily by his sides instead. “She’s just a human.”

--I won’t let him hurt you, I promise,-- the sprite’s voice echoed in the girl’s head and she frowned, her gaze locking on the weakened darkness elemental. Malba, don’t do something stupid. You can’t take this guy! she exclaimed, her mental tone uneven, alarmed. She... She was terrified.

“Touch her? Did I say I was going to? I am evil of course, but it’s really not in my nature to physically torture a powerless human girl. However,” he paused, motioning a hand at Malba, a dark smirk on his lips. “However, there are many different forms of torture.” With that said the demon let out a powerful blast of energy, knocking Malba back. The elemental sprite crashed to the ground at Rae’s feet, a small groan escaping his lips at the hard landing.

“Malba!” the girl exclaimed fearfully, her wide blue-green eyes focusing on the prone darkness elemental. She then turned her gaze to Kaine, an angry look in her eyes. “Hey! You stupid fucking asshole! Don’t you freaking touch him! Leave Malba alone!” she shouted, struggling against the invisible force holding her firmly against the wet tree. “Leave him alone!” This is so freaking bad. Damn it!

Kaine smiled at the girl’s screams, calmly stepping forward, his cold yellow gaze set on the fallen dark haired sprite. “Now Malba, get up, I’m not finished with you yet,” he stated pleasantly, reaching down to grab hold of the sprite’s shirt collar, jerking him to his feet. He then turned the dazed man to face Rae, a gloved hand grabbing his face, forcing him to look at the girl. With his other hand he roughly grabbed Malba’s elbow, keeping him from falling. “Miss Rae, you care about him don’t you? You wouldn’t want to see this face in pain, would you?”

Oh fuck... What the hell should she do? He... Malba...

--Don’t... Don’t you dare tell him anything. You understand me? Don’t you fucking dare say a word,-- Malba’s voice weakly sounded in Rae’s mind and she met the sprite’s eyes, panic choking her. I know... I know that... I’m not going to... I just...

--I’ll be okay,-- Malba stated, a cocky tone in his weak mental voice, a small smirk briefly forming on his lips.

I’m so sorry... If I had told you that he was in Laineka... I just wasn’t thinking... I just, I’m an idiot... I’m sorry.

--How were you supposed to know who he was, stupid? It’s not your fault. I was just reckless. That’s all.--

“Now then. I’m under the assumption that you know exactly who I’m looking for, so let’s make this quick and easy. Where are they?” Kaine cut into Rae and Malba’s telepathic discussion, his hand tightening around the darkness sprite’s elbow. Malba struggled against the man’s grip but could not pull away, could not free himself. “Where are they?”

Rae took a deep breath, attempting to steel herself, to... To keep calm...Malba... “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Sorry, can’t help you,” she stated firmly, keeping the fear out of her voice. Which wasn’t an easy thing to do. At all. Yet she always had been a somewhat decent actress, so... “Too bad for you I guess.”

“Is that so? Well, how disappointing. Hm...” the blonde demon trailed off, his cold yellow eyes focusing on the sprite held captive by his gloved hands. “Malba. You know you killed three of my men and gravely injured another. However I believe Sefth may wish he had died, after I’m finished with him,” the demon stated calmly, moving a hand down to Malba’s deep wound, shoving the coat away from the injury. He violently jerked the makeshift bandage away, his eyes focusing on the profusely bleeding wound.

What the fuck is he doing? And huh? What about Sefth? she thought, raising an eyebrow at the demon’s words. Sefth?

Malba once again tried to pull away from the demon, yet was held firmly in place by a wave of unseen energy and Kaine’s firm grasp on his elbow. A dark smile formed on the demon’s lips as he ran a finger along the edge of the wound. “You see, Miss Rae, I have specific orders to not kill Malba. That order extends to my men and my facility. Virade Sefth violated that order, violated MY order. He knew the order, knew Malba is not to be killed, yet he tried to kill him regardless... He will be severely punished for that of course. But even though I wouldn’t dream of killing my dear friend Malba, that doesn’t mean I can’t hurt him a little...” as he stated the word ‘hurt’, the demon violently jabbed a gloved finger into the elemental sprite’s wound, his cold yellow eyes emotionless, empty.

“...God damn you...” Malba groaned, taking a deep shuddering breath, his eyes closing as he bit down on his lower lip.

“Stop that! STOP IT!” Rae growled angrily, her eyes wide. And what the fuck is he talking about? Orders not to kill? Sefth broke that order? What? Malba, oh man, that... That has to hurt so much and God dammit! “I’m not going to tell you anything, you stupid bastard, so just leave him alone! Do you honestly think I’m that fucking stupid? If I tell you anything, all you’ll do is kill me and go after my friends. I may be an idiot, but even I’m not THAT stupid, dumb-ass!” she snapped, giving the blonde demon an irate glare. How stupid does this guy think I am? I mean, hello? I might be a ‘stupid human’ but I’m still not going to tell him anything. Moron.

“Hm, Malba, you know. It’s only fair that I treat your wound received at my facility. Sefth violated a direct order, after all. So, let’s see what we can do for this, hm?” Kaine completely ignored the girl’s angry outburst, instead casting another false amiable smile to the elemental.

Oh shit... “I said don’t touch him!” She didn’t like the smile the demon was giving Malba... That... He’s going to hurt him... Damn it! What could she do? The pink haired girl jerked futilely against the bindings holding her to the tree, yet could not move. Malba...

“Hm... I see no exit wound, so the bullet must still be in you, correct? Well. Let’s see if I can find it,” the blonde stated pleasantly, all the while digging a finger deeper into the wound, causing the already heavily bleeding injury to hemorrhage even more so.

“Fucking—bastard!” Malba bit out between deep pained gasps, fighting in vain to pull away from the demon. He was unsuccessful in his endeavor as the blonde only further increased his grip on the man, sending another massive wave of hot blistering energy over the sprite.

God damn that’s a lot of energy, even I can feel it... Malba... Damn you, Kaine! the girl jerked against the energy pinning her to the tree, finding it to be a completely useless effort. I still can’t move... And what the fuck would I do if I could move? She felt utterly helpless, useless. Watching as... As... “Stop it! Stop it! Please stop it! Leave him alone, torture me or something, just stop that! You said you’re not supposed to kill him! What the fuck do you think you’re doing? He’s going to bleed to death!” Rae shouted, her voice uneven and angry, panic overwhelming her. He’s killing him...

--Calm...Down, stupid...-- Malba’s voice drifted softly through her head, weak and far away, as if his hold on the mind-link was unstable. Malba! Malba, I’m so sorry, I’m sorry! I, what do I do? What do you want me to do? I... she questioned shakily, trying to keep her thoughts clear, trying to keep from completely losing it.

--I want you...to just...Shut up... Don’t say anything...No matter what he does, okay?-- was the weak response sent to the girl’s mind. Malba’s mental tone faded and washed out, far-away...

But he’s killing you!

--He won’t.--

But...

--Just keep quiet, moron!--

“HEY! You said you can’t kill him! So stop it! He’s had enough, quit it!” she shouted angrily, her eyes focusing on the demon. “To think I thought you were a nice guy when you let me into Laineka. You’re a coward! A stupid coward! I mean picking on some half dead guy. Please. How fucking pathetic are you? Am I supposed to think you’re some kind of big bad? Because you are completely coming off like a lame loser!” Rae exclaimed, attempting to divert the blonde’s attention away from the elemental. “What kind of second rate demon are you? I mean please. You’re pathetic. It’s sad.”

--I said to keep your mouth shut, fucking idiot!--

Rae ignored the sprite’s angry mental voice, focusing on Kaine, giving the man a livid glare. “I knew I shouldn’t have trusted some dorky guy in glasses. You really are a pathetic bastard, neh?” Now he’s probably going to get pissed and kill me, but... But... She couldn’t help it. She was angry and panicky and... Her natural reaction to stress was to run her mouth. Plus, maybe if he gets mad at me, he’ll leave Malba alone and um... Well gee. That gets me tortured though, doesn’t it? Hm... She hadn’t really thought that far ahead.

Kaine did not grow angry however, only laughed, shaking his head. “You really have a temper, Miss Rae. And hm... He is bleeding quite heavily, isn’t he...” the man trailed off, a smirk forming on his lips. “I’ll see what I can do about that, but first this bullet needs to come out.” The demon pulled his finger out of the wound, licking the blood away from his brown leather glove. He then motioned his hand and Malba once again was hit with a wave of energy, sending him flying.

“HEY!” Rae bit out, watching with wide eyes as the sprite landed several feet away, near a large gnarled tree on the Kainitif forest edge. “What are you doing?!”

Kaine motioned his hand, picking the elemental up with an unseen force of energy. He slammed Malba against the tree, the same way he had pinned Rae... What is he doing?!

Malba blinked several times, shaking his head in an obvious attempt to clear his senses. The sprite’s wet face held a woozy, dazed expression. “What the...Hell... Are you doing?” he questioned between uneven breaths, squinting his eyes to focus on the approaching demon. Kaine stepped forward, his cold gaze focused on the sprite. “What am I doing? I’m taking out the bullet of course. Oh and a warning. This may hurt, just a little,” he stated amiably.

Oh God... Rae bit her lower lip angrily, watching helplessly as the demon placed his hand over the elemental’s wound. A moment later Malba let out a pained, angry growl. Rae couldn’t see exactly what it was the demon was doing as his hand was blocking her view of the wound... He’s... Is he using energy to pull it out?

Her question was answered as Kaine smirked, holding up a bloody bullet. He had indeed jerked the bullet from the wound, using his magick powers. “Amazing how much damage such a small little thing can do,” he commented, tossing the bullet to the ground.

Malba let out a small groan, his head dropping, his legs buckling. He did not fall however, only slid a few inches down the tree’s trunk before the unseen bands of energy caught him, keeping the dark haired sprite standing. “I...Really hate you...” he muttered weakly, not raising his head.

“Stupid bastard!” Rae exclaimed heatedly, again fighting futilely against the invisible bands of energy tightly encircling her. She knew it was meaningless, yet she fought against the unyielding binds anyway. Her sopping wet hair fell into her eyes at the movement, sticking to her just as wet face. “Stop it!” she snapped, shaking her head to fling the wet locks away from her anger filled eyes. Fucking bastard. He... He’s killing Mals and, and.... Damn it!

“But I have to do something about the bleeding, don’t I?” the man questioned with an innocent blink, turning to meet the girl’s eyes. “So, anything you want to tell me, dear? You know, before I stop the bleeding?” he went on to say, his voice growing rougher, a dangerous gleam entering his yellow eyes. “Perhaps you will tell me something I want to hear? Something that will make this go smoother, if you understand what I’m saying.”

God damn it... “Yeah... I’ve got something to tell you.”

“Oh, well? What is it, Miss Rae?”

--What the fuck are you doing?!-- Malba’s voice drifted through her mind, weak and angry.

I’m... I’m sorry, Malba.

--Don’t tell him anything, idiot!--

“Yeah, I’ve got something to tell you,” she stated slowly, her voice shaking. “I’ve definitely got something to tell you. Go to hell, asshole!” the girl snapped icily, adrenalin and dread washing through her veins.

--Heh... Stupid human...-- the sprite muttered telepathically, though the words held no malice or anger, if anything it was almost affectionate. Sort of. Coming from Malba, anyway. I’m sorry Malba... I’m sorry...

“Go to hell? Yes, I’m sure I will one day,” Kaine commented with a calm smile, turning his gaze back to Malba. “Today is not that day, however.” With that said the blonde haired demon violently shoved the palm of his hand onto Malba’s bleeding wound. Rae’s eyes widened in horror as the sprite let out a small yelp. What is he doing to him?!

The sprite’s head jerked back and he closed his eyes tightly, biting his lip, obviously trying to hold back a cry of pain. What is he... her thoughts trailed off as she realized exactly what the demon was doing. He... He’s fucking burning him! Rae thought with wide eyes, feeling the strong radiating energy the demon was pouring into Malba’s wound. Hot, fiery magick...

“Stop that!” she again shouted, her voice cracking, starting to grow hoarse from her screams. “Stop!”

The man did not stop of course, instead he poured more burning energy over the sprite, so very powerful that even Rae could clearly feel that massive charge. Damn it... The girl closed her eyes, the image too much... The... Damn you, Kaine.

--Heh...Sorry...I got you into this...-- Malba’s voice softly echoed in the girl’s mind and she bit the inside of her lip so hard she could taste blood. It’s not your fault. Malba...

--I think this is a first... Getting shot, tortured and burned, all in less than one hour... Heh...-- the sprite commented with a touch of dark amusement, pain in that mental voice.

Malba...

“There we go. That’s definitely not going to bleed anymore, I assure you, Miss Rae,” Kaine broke into the mental conversation and she opened her watery eyes, focusing angrily on the demon. He had that ‘friendly’ smile once again plastered on his lips, his yellow eyes focused on the girl.

She swallowed nervously, her eyes moving slowly to the darkness sprite. Rae was honestly afraid to see what the demon had done to the injured elemental... Oh Malba... His bullet wound was blackened, the surrounding area on his stomach and side severely blistered, red... God that looks awful... Damn it...

Kaine waved a hand at the man and the energy holding the sprite up vanished, sending him crashing to the ground with a thud. Malba let out a small groan, attempting to sit up, only to fall back to the ground. “Bastard...” he mumbled from his position on the wet muddy earth.

“I’m growing tired of this game,” Kaine stated with a sigh, stepping closer to the pink haired girl, licking a bit of blood from his gloved hand. “Now. You know what I want. Or at this point I’ll settle for even one of them. Tell me and I’ll let you live,” the man moved even closer, his voice growing colder, irritated even.

“Oh, right. You’ll let me live. Like I’m going to fall for that,” the girl deadpanned, raising an eyebrow at the demon. Malba is so fucked... Damn it... And there is no way I’m getting out of this alive. Which means Druu is dead too, because without the meds... Not to mention Sano. Who knows where he is? I... She felt her heart drop, realizing that... We’re screwed. Completely screwed.

“Yes, well. True, I probably will not let you live. But how about this? You tell me what I want to know and your death will be quick. Otherwise,” he paused, glancing back at Malba. “Otherwise you will suffer, even worse than what he has. How’s that?” he questioned darkly, turning to glare at the girl.

So? I’m still not telling him anything. That would be plain stupid. Like I’d really sell Kouji out. Right... “Yeah, well I guess I’ll just have to suffer then. Because I’m not telling you anything,” her voice shook as she spoke and she was completely terrified, but she was SO not going to tell the bastard one damn thing. Not one. “You’re not getting any info from me, so you might as well just give up.”

“Ah you see, you keep calling my bluffs. I like you Miss Rae. Not many humans would stand up to me,” Kaine commented, giving the girl a small smile. The smile quickly faded however as he turned his attention back to Malba, stepping closer to the fallen sprite. “Still awake, Malba?”

“Fuck you,” the sprite muttered, slowly sitting up, leaning back on the tree for support. His hair was in disarray and his eyeliner smudged, a dazed, pain-filled look in his dark eyes. “You... You really have turned into such a fucking bastard...” he stated slowly, squinting to focus on the blonde standing over him.

“I’ve always been a bastard, you know that,” the demon responded smoothly, crouching down to look the elemental square in the eye. “Druuvbin must be deathly ill, or you wouldn’t have risked breaking into the facility to get those drugs. Tell me where he is. I’ll even let the boy go for now. Evil as I may be, pursuing a child is still not something that I particularly enjoy. So just this once, if you give me Druuvbin, I’ll let the boy go. Now. Tell me where he is,” the demon stated flatly, his yellow eyes focused solely on the elemental.

Rae blinked in surprise, raising an eyebrow at the blonde’s words. Wait, What? Druu? He wants Druu?! What the fuck? I figured he meant Kitsune... Why the hell would he be after Druu? And... Of course Druu would conveniently leave that part out when telling me about Kaine. What could the demon possibly want with the ill psychic?

“Yeah, well I’m not giving him to you, so you can go fuck yourself. And if you don’t let the girl go with the meds, he’s going to die. You don’t want that. You want him alive. Look, you want to take me back to Tevrra? Fine, but let her go. Otherwise, Druu’s dead,” Malba stated slowly, his voice weak, his breath short.

What? No! He’s not taking Malba anywhere! He can’t!

“That isn’t good enough. Though I can think of certain individuals in Tevrra who would be quite pleased to see you, it’s still not good enough. Tell me where Druuvbin is. If you want him to live, you’ll tell me. Our facilities are much more capable of keeping him alive. You really want to rest his fate on that pathetic excuse of a doctor friend of yours? Tell me where he is, Malba,” Kaine replied coldly, his voice impatient, irritated.

“Kopaka is smarter than all of those idiot doctors and scientists in Tevrra combined. I trust him. So it looks like you don’t have a choice. If you want Druu to live, let Rae go. I’ll go back with you to Tevrra, that’ll get you a nice shiny promotion. It’s the only option you have,” the dark haired elemental bit out weakly, his eyelids drooping.

Malba... No. No way. He can’t... She didn’t... No. The demon, he couldn’t just take Malba away! Rae growled angrily, fighting once again against those thick unseen binds of energy encircling her. What could she do? She... Damn it!

Kaine let out a small laugh, shaking his head. “Oh, that’s the only option I have, you say? No, I believe I have one more,” he stated coldly, reaching out a hand to run through Malba’ fallen wet hair. He then viciously grabbed the sprite’s black hair, jerking the man’s head up, looking him in the eye. “Perhaps it’s time to repeat history, you think? Yes, Miss Rae, sorry about this, really. It’s nothing personal, I assure you.”

The girl’s eyes widened at this, a new wave of fear running through her. “What?” What is he up to now?

“What the hell are you talking about?” Malba snapped angrily, an apprehensive note entering his voice.

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to harm Miss Rae. However... You are, Malba,” Kaine replied frankly, shoving the sprite’s head back, slamming him against the thick tree trunk. Malba moaned, his eyes blinking rapidly, obviously on the verge of losing consciousness. “Perhaps this will make you more willing to talk, hm, Malba?”

“What the hell are you doing now?!” Rae shouted, her voice hoarse and rough, her body trembling from a combination of the cold rain soaking her and the icy fear engulfing her.

“Really, Malba. I’m surprised you risked being around another human anyway. Do you want this girl to end up like that other human you killed?” the demon questioned pleasantly, his calm, false smile once again firmly in place. “You destroyed the other one, didn’t you? You killed his mind and body both,” he commented almost cheerfully, moving to pull off his right brown leather glove.

“Fuck you!” Malba growled, a pained, bitter look appearing on his face, his eyes flashing with fury. “Don’t even start with that!”

What... What the hell is Kaine talking about? What other human? And... I don’t give a damn what Malba did. He’s a good guy, regardless. Right now she didn’t care about what Kaine was talking about, didn’t care at all. All she cared about was the bitter hurt look that had flashed through the sprite’s dark eyes. How dare that asshole fucking torture Mals and then start up some past mind-fuck game or something? She clenched her fists, fighting futilely against the invisible bonds holding her. “Leave him alone!”

The blonde demon tucked his glove into an inner coat pocket, still crouched next to the sprite, a dark grin forming on his lips. Without warning Kaine sliced his hand forward, cutting Malba’s lower lip with a sharp fingernail.

Rae’s eyes widened, fear running through her. What the hell is he doing now?!

The darkness sprite jerked back, trying to pull away from the demon, yet was simply too weak, unable to move. Kaine slowly ran a finger over the sprite’s lip, gathering blood on his bare skin. He then stood, his yellow eyes locked on his crimson-stained finger. “Yes. This should be enough, right?”

Malba’s eyes widened, a look of realization appearing on his face. “Don’t you fucking dare!”

“Dare what, Malba?” the demon blinked innocently, moving a few steps away from the injured elemental, closer to the girl.

“Kaine! Don’t!” Malba snapped angrily, moving to stand up, yet slumping back over, falling on his side. “I’ll fucking kill you if you do, I swear to any fucking god out there, I will!” he growled, his eyes flashing a dark eerie red, his voice pure ice.

Malba? What... What the hell is going on? Rae thought with wide eyes, her gaze locked on the sprite, on his red eyes and bloodstained, burnt black shirt. Malba...

“Again? ...Again? Again with that? Those red eyes appear so quickly, don’t they, you fool? Don’t they?” Kaine questioned, his voice suddenly growing irate, his yellow gaze focusing on the sprite. “You are going to end up just like that human you destroyed, you know that? That human you murdered? Poor Jinya didn’t have a chance once he met you, isn’t that right?” the demon shouted, his voice angry, gruff.

Jinya? Jinya?! That’s the name on Malba’s lighter! The one he said was a gift from... Someone...He... Someone he killed. Oh shit... the girl’s thoughts trailed off, not sure what to make of this. Jinya? Who was Jinya? Jinya was a human? And... Malba really killed him?

“Don’t you even say his name, you sadistic fuck,” the sprite growled, again attempting to stand, this time succeeding. He grabbed the tree for support, shaky legs barely holding him up. His eyes flickered between dark blue and red, his face angry.

“You’re the one who killed him, not me. I had nothing to do with it. Here’s a thought, Malba. Perhaps I should tell this girl what you really are, what do you think? Or I could just show her...” he trailed off, a cold smile forming on his lips, an enraged, bitter look in his eyes as he once again focused on his blood-stained finger. The falling rain had washed some away, yet a bit of sticky red blood still remained...

“Do it and I will kill you. That’s a promise,” the sprite stated coldly, his eyes flickering, blue, red, blue. Like a weak strobe-light, the red coloring faded, washed out...

Rae shivered at the tone in the elemental’s voice, watching the man nervously. He’s going into that... Weird thing again... Something... Something is wrong with him. It doesn’t feel right. It’s... She had seen those red eyes several times within the last two days, and... She was really beginning to see a pattern. When I sang the song in Tokyo, it happened. Then when he first found out that Druu’s having an attack, it happened again. Then when that Sefth guy shot him... Then when Xzai wouldn’t let us in... And now... His emotions. It obviously had to do with his emotions, with stress and... What’s wrong with you, Malba? It went far beyond just ‘anger management issues,’ didn’t it? Way beyond. Mals...

“You’ll kill me? Don’t make me laugh,” the demon snapped angrily, motioning a hand, sending another wave of energy rushing at the darkness elemental. The sprite fell back, slamming into the tree, falling to the ground with a thump.

“Malba!” He’s going to kill him. He’s already hurt really freaking bad and this asshole keeps throwing him around and...

Kaine let out a small growl, stomping forward, his furious gaze locked on the girl. Rae’s eyes widened and she struggled to move, to do ANYTHING. It was no use. She remained still, held firmly in place. What the hell is he going to do to me?

Kaine stopped in front of the girl, his infuriated yellow eyes meeting her fearful aqua gaze. He simply stood for a few moments, his cold gaze set squarely on Rae. Oh man. I am so dead.

To her surprise the man finally let out a small laugh, shaking his head as the anger faded from his eyes. “I suppose even I have my limits, Miss Rae. Perhaps even I’m not quite that evil. Besides... Killing a defenseless human doesn’t really suit me. Unlike a lot of demons, I actually do not entirely despise your kind. Even if you are...” the man trailed off, another laugh escaping him. He moved his blood covered finger to his lips, licking away the liquid. “I will accept your offer, Malba. You will come with me. Miss Rae, you may leave,” the demon stated flatly, turning away from the girl.

Huh? What the freaking hell? Okay, that was really weird... “No! You’re not taking Malba anywhere!” she snapped, a lock of wet muddy hair falling into her face. She shook her head, forcing the annoying lock of hair out of her eyes. “Don’t take him! Come on, you tortured him and had your fun. Just leave him alone!”

Kaine ignored the girl, instead moving to stand over Malba, lightly kicking the man over onto his back. Malba blinked his flickering eyes, moving his head up, only to drop back to the earth. “I don’t understand why you protect a monster anyway. I do understand why you want to protect an innocent child, but why a monster? What use is he to you?” the demon questioned quietly, meeting the sprite’s eyes.

“He’s...Not a... Monster...” the sprite mumbled weakly, his eyes flickering. Dark shades of blue and red, mixing, flashing...

“Isn’t he?” the blonde responded darkly, his yellow eyes locked on the injured elemental. “Hm. I suppose you might be right. Perhaps... Maybe he’s the sacrificial lamb instead. Regardless, it’s not for me to worry about.”

Sacrificial lamb? Rae thought, raising an eyebrow. What the hell is that supposed to mean?

“Y-you’re not getting him and you’re not getting Kouji...” Malba muttered, his eyes flashing with growing speed, red, blue, red, blue. The red quite suddenly growing brighter, intense, blood red...

“You... You really are going to end up just like that human, aren’t you? Fool,” Kaine stated flatly, his eyes locked on the sprite’s wet face, his sliced lip, his flashing eyes... “Red... Red truly just isn’t your color, Malba.” With that statement the demon kicked the sprite in the side, making direct contact with his burned gunshot wound. The darkness elemental’s eyes rolled back, his eyelids slipping closed as he let out a small groan.

--Hey, Rae... Tell Kits I’m sorry, okay?-- the sprite’s voice whispered in the girl’s mind, fading away as quickly as it had come. Malba? Malba? Malba! Why are you sorry? It’s not your fault! Malba? The girl received no response however and she let out an irate growl. “You stupid asshole! Why the hell did you do that?” Rae shouted angrily at the demon. He was practically unconscious anyway, there was no reason for him to freaking do that!

“Why? Well.... I suppose because I’m evil, Miss Rae,” the demon responded, turning to give the girl another one of his ‘friendly’ smiles. “I agree to the terms of Malba’s proposal however. I will be taking him and you will leave with the medicines. Though do be aware that I will return, and I will take that monster and the boy. So next time, Miss Rae, I may have to kill you. Nothing personal of course.”

Rae felt her body regain functionality, the tight energy bindings loosening, dissipating. The girl immediately moved forward, crouching down next to the unconscious elemental. “Malba? Malba can you hear me?” she bit her lip as she received no response. He looks... He looks awful... Malba... She angrily stood, facing the demon. “You can’t take him,” the girl stated shakily, meeting the man’s yellow eyes.

“I can and I will. Take the medicines to your monster friend. We’ll meet again, I’m sure,” the demon replied, no real emotion evident in his voice.

“Druu is not a monster! If anyone is a monster, it’s you!” she shouted, clenching her fists. “And why the hell should I trust you, anyway? You’ll just follow me. You’re not letting me go, I know you’re not.” How stupid would that be? Why would the man just ‘let her go’? It didn’t make any sense. He’s full of it. This has got to be a trick or something.

“I’m a monster, you say? No, I’m a pawn. A soulless pawn. There is a difference. Now leave or I’ll be forced to kill you, Miss Rae,” Kaine commented cheerfully, moving to grab the medicine case from the wet ground, tossing it at the girl. “Go.”

Rae caught the case, looking down at the black container. How... How could she possibly leave Malba? I can’t. I can’t leave him. Druu wouldn’t want me to either. “No,” she stated firmly, her blue-green eyes focusing on the demon. “No deal. I’m not leaving him with a freak like you.” What am I going to do? I can’t fight this guy, obviously. How the hell am I going to get out of this?

“Malba may be a fool, but he is right about one thing. I need Druuvbin alive. Obviously you must have him hidden away somewhere in the nearby area, so go to him. Give those medicines to that incompetent doctor. Keep Druuvbin alive. I promise I will return shortly, and I will find you,” the demon responded, his voice losing the cheerful tenor, replaced by an emotionless tone. “If Druuvbin dies? I’ll kill the doctor along with you and the blood-fox, understand? Druuvbin is useless to Tevrra if he dies,” he went on to say, his cold yellow eyes meeting her aqua-blue.

Rae felt a shiver run up her spine at the cold, emotionless look in the man’s eyes. It still didn’t make any sense to her. Why would he let her go? It simply wasn’t logical. He’s got Malba knocked out and defenseless, and he could uh, torture me or... Something. Why would he just give up now? I don’t buy it... It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m not leaving Malba.

“Druu wouldn’t want me to sacrifice Malba for him. I’m not doing it. If you’re taking him, you’re taking me. And you don’t want to do that. Because if I don’t give those medicines to Kopaka? Druu’s dead. If he’s not already,” the girl stated, fighting to keep her voice calm and steady. “I don’t know why you want Malba, I don’t know why you want Druu, but you CAN’T have them,” she went on to say, clenching her fists angrily. You can’t have them... God am I bluffing here. I can’t stop him from taking Malba. I’m just a lame human, and he’s ‘Mr. Uber Demon from Hell’ or something...

Kaine let out a small sigh, holding up a hand, motioning towards the girl. A sudden blast of energy shot through her, sending her to her knees, paralyzed. “Wha-What are you doing?” Rae questioned nervously, unable to move, her chest tight, her body numb.

“I’m taking Malba. That’s what I’m doing,” the man stated flatly, a frown on his lips. “Sorry Miss Rae. You don’t have a say in this. The deal has already been established. It’s been a pleasure, really,” the blonde demon went on to say, turning away from the girl, his cold eyes focusing on the unconscious elemental sprite lying on the muddy ground.

“No! Please, please don’t,” Rae replied, struggling to move against the oppressing energy holding her down. “Don’t take him!” Why was she pleading with the man? She knew it wouldn’t do any good, knew that the bastard couldn’t care less, yet... “Please?” What the hell is he going to do with Malba? Where is he taking him and...

“Miss Rae, please save your energy. I don’t particularly have a conscience, so pleading is really a futile effort, don’t you think?” the blonde replied flatly, crouching down next to the unconscious rain soaked darkness elemental. Kaine placed a hand on the sprite’s shoulder, his cold yellow eyes focused on Malba’s pale face. Rae raised an eyebrow at the man’s action, startled by the sudden almost gentle gesture. What the hell? You just tortured him, asshole. So what’s up with this?

The blonde demon pulled away from the sprite’s shoulder, instead moving to briefly run a hand over the unconscious man’s face, brushing a few strands of sopping wet hair away from Malba’s closed eyes. “Malba... He’s so very stupid. I really despise him and his stupidity,” he commented, the cheerful, friendly tone quite suddenly reappearing in his deep, smooth voice. “Well, I suppose I’ll be leaving now. Do get those medicines to your friend a soon as possible.”

This guy is a freak... A real freak. He’s like schizoid or something... Geez, one second he’s smiling, the next he’s poking his finger into your stomach, the very next second he’s all smiles and friendliness again... “You... You are a real freak, you know that?” she snapped bitterly, her angry gaze focused squarely on the brown clothed demon.

“A ‘freak’? Yes, I suppose I am. Among other things,” Kaine replied casually, the amiable smile never leaving his lips. “You really speak your mind, don’t you?”

Bastard... She struggled once again to move, to fight that oppressive energy holding her down, encircling her... Why? Why is he so fucking weird? He... “Why did you help me get into Laineka? Huh? Did you know I was looking for Malba the entire time? Did you... This is my fault, right? You’re taking Malba away and... I... I really hate you, ya know?” She was rambling, she knew she wasn’t making any sense, but... She... No... This, he’s going to take Malba and... And... I can’t deal with this. It...

“Why did I help you? Well, you seemed rather upset, that’s all. Really Miss Rae, you should calm down. After all, it’s not as if I’m killing him,” the blonde demon responded, not looking away from the unconscious sprite, his lips taking on a small frown for a brief moment. “Perhaps... You can tell your ‘friends’ that I’ll be transporting Malba to Atrum-Terra, the Tevrra Operations and Development Center, D1. Perhaps this information may prove useful, yes?” he went on to say, his voice pleasant and nonchalant.

What... What the fuck? Why would he tell me that? Suddenly the girl was rather confused. Well, more confused. Why would the man tell her his intentions? He really is a freaking schizoid or something... “What? Why would you...”

“Hm? No real reason, dear. Just thought I’d let you know,” he chirped cheerfully. “I suppose I really should be going now.”

“No! He... You can’t! Don’t take him!” She struggled once again, fighting in vain against the energy binding her, her heart racing and her emotions surging. “Don’t!”

“Sorry Miss Rae. It is my job, after all,” the man responded with a small dark laugh. “Didn’t I already tell you I don’t have a conscience? Pleading isn’t going to work. I told you it’s futile.”

“You...How are you planning to take him, anyway? Carry him through Laineka? I’m sure that won’t draw attention or anything,” Rae snapped, her breath a bit short from the tight invisible streams of energy wrapping around her, holding her to the ground, paralyzed. Damn it! This really fucking sucks.

“Well, actually I thought it would be quicker to teleport Malba and I back to the base and then have a military transport take him to Tevrra. That would be faster, don’t you think?” the demon blinked, raising a blonde eyebrow at the girl as if it should have been obvious. Oh. Well. How the hell was I supposed to know he can freaking teleport all the way back to that damn facility place? Man, this is so bad...

“I have an even better idea. How about I put a bullet in your head and take Malba instead?” a voice suddenly broke into the conversation and Rae looked up in surprise to see a tall man with spiky purple hair, dressed in faded blue jeans and a sleeveless dark-blue shirt. The man held a gun aimed directly at Kaine in his gloved left hand. Whoa. Where the hell did this guy come from?

Kaine pulled his gaze away from Malba, a somewhat surprised expression flashing across his handsome face. “You? I--” the demon started but was abruptly cut short as a gunshot rang through the air.

Rae jumped, startled by the loud sound reverberating off of her eardrums. Her eyes widened as she felt the energy holding her down dissipate. She stood, her gaze locking on Kaine. The demon slowly raised a hand to his forehead, feeling the blood gushing from the bullet-wound present. “Well... That was rather uncalled for,” the demon muttered, pulling his hand back to look at the blood dripping from his fingers.

“What can I say, I’m trigger-happy,” the man responded calmly, lowering his gun’s aim to the demon’s chest. He pulled the trigger again, sending another bullet directly into Kaine’s heart. The blonde demon slumped backwards to the ground, his eyes closing. Six more gunshots rang through the air as the gun-wielding man shot the fallen demon repeatedly in the chest.

Rae stood in stunned silence for a moment staring at the now most certainly –thoroughly-- dead Aevik Kaine before pulling her gaze up to meet the purple-haired man. Holy shit... Who knew Kaine the ‘uber’ demon could be taken down by a gun? Geez... “Um... Thanks? Uh... Who are you?” she questioned uneasily, biting her lip, studying the man.

Well who the fuck is this? she thought nervously, taking in the man’s appearance. Tall and lean, rather pale skin (though not quite as pale as Kitsune) and spiky dark purple hair. As she took in the man’s attractive face, she immediately noticed that he had an eye-patch covering his right eye and a large fresh gash running across his entire left cheek. His visible eye was a vivid red color, though Rae was fairly sure this was the man’s natural color, unlike Malba and his abnormal glowing eyes....

I’m glad Kaine’s down, but... She was relieved that Kaine had been stopped, yet she was seriously not sure what to think of the gun wielding man. With any luck this guy would help Malba... Yet... With my luck he’s just here because he wants to kill Mals for himself or something...

“You must be... Rae, right? Druu’s told me about you,” the man stated, giving the girl a small smile as he holstered his gun on the holder attached to his belt. His red eye then focused on Malba. “Hey, Mals? You alive?” he questioned gently, leaning down to take the sprite’s pulse. The man briefly examined the blackened gunshot wound and severe burns on Malba’s left side and stomach. “That had to hurt,” he commented with a frown.

Druu told him about me? So I guess that means this guy is a friend, not an enemy, yeah? The girl moved to crouch near the unconscious elemental, placing a hand on his lean shoulder. “Malba. Can you hear me? Malba... Hold on, okay?” He looked so awful... She swallowed hard, fighting back another wave of panic-attack inducing anxiety. How serious of a wound is this for an elemental? For a human it would be.... But... Oh, man Malba... Damn it. He looks so bad...

“We need to get out of here. Right now,” the purple haired man remarked, casting a quick glance towards the demon lying a few feet away. He then moved to carefully take hold of the sprite, picking him up and standing, positioning him over his shoulder.

“Uh, okay,” Rae stated uneasily, standing as well, glancing down at the mud caked thickly on her jeans and boots. Ugh... The pink haired girl then shrugged, turning her attention back to the injured elemental held over the mysterious gun-toting man’s shoulder. “So uh... Who are you?” she questioned once more, a slight tint of apprehension in her voice. Not that she wasn’t grateful for the guy’s help, because she was, but... How did she know she could trust him?

The last guy who ‘helped’ me turned out to be freaking Kaine, so... She took another quick look over the man, noting his dark blue jeans with a faded blue flame design running up the bottom part of both legs. The man also wore a sleeveless dark blue shirt showing of his lean toned arms, along with a pair of dark blue gloves with the fingers cut off. On closer inspection of the man’s face she noted his light purple colored lips were split in three different places and several dark bruises marred his pale skin. Cuts and bruises were also apparent on the man’s arms. Not to mention the eye patch and huge cut on his cheek... Though he looked kind of intimidating, if Druu trusted the man enough to tell him about her...

“Come on,” the spiky haired man stated with a touch of impatience, casting an uneasy glance at the blonde demon lying in a puddle of mud on the wet earth. He then turned, moving towards the entrance to the Kainitif forest. Rae frowned nervously, taking one last look at the fallen demon before quickly following after the purple haired man.

“Kaine will be up in a second. We need to try to get in as far as we can so he won’t be able sense us,” the man stated calmly, though a frown formed on his light purple lips and he further increased his already quick pace.

Kaine... Wait, what? “Uh, didn’t you kill him? I mean you shot him eight times...” the girl trailed off, raising an eyebrow as they stepped into the dark forest.

“Yes, I did shoot him and yeah if he were normal, he would definitely be dead. However Kaine is anything but normal. He’ll wake up in about twenty seconds with a headache and a strong urge to rip my head off. So we need to get out of here,” the man explained, giving the girl a small strained smirk.

He took a bullet to the head and seven in his chest and.... He’ll completely shake it off in seconds? Oh that’s just great... I see he really is ‘uber’.

Malba let out a small moan and the purple haired man frowned, an irritated expression flittering across his pale face. “That Kaine’s a real ass. I know that had to hurt like hell, Mals. Sorry I didn’t get here faster,” he stated, his red eye focused on the small muddy dirt trail they now trekked.

Malba... He was being all protective and stuff over me... I always thought he hated me but... He... He wanted to protect me from Kaine and he... Malba.... I’m so sorry he hurt you... her thoughts trailed off and she turned her gaze briefly to the dark sky, allowing the rain pelting through the trees to wash over her face. Cold drops caressing her already wet, cold skin. She clutched the medicine case tightly in her drenched hands, a frown on her lips.

We’ve got to find Sano and get out of here. We need to get the meds to Druu and get Malba some help...

“So... Um, thanks for saving us back there. Who, um, what’s your name?” Rae questioned, attempting to shove the fear and worry away. You’re cute, whoever you are... But it’d be nice if you’d tell me your freaking name at least. This is like the third time I’ve had to ask...

“No problem, I’m used to getting Malba out of trouble. My name? ...Name’s Ryuuji,” he replied, briefly turning his head to give the girl walking beside him a small smirk.

Ryuuji, that’s a nice name--...Ryuuji? As in... Holy shit! “Ryuuji?! As in Ryuuji, missing Ryuuji, the one everyone’s been looking for, Ryuuji?” Rae questioned with an eyebrow raised in astonishment. “That Ryuuji?”

“Uh. Yeah I guess that’s me.”

“Whoa. So you’re alive.”

“Apparently so, yeah.”

And yet another bizarre plot twist... This day just keeps getting weirder and weirder...

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end part a
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(Not finished. Obviously. Go on to part b now. XD)
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