Mood: Tired and Ditzy as Hell
Music: Lust for Blood --- Gackt ((Malba’s favorite song. XD Or not. Heh.... *sweatdrop*))

Rae: Aha. I’m back with yet another installment of this bizarre little story. Heh. One hundred and twenty pages or so of an installment. ^^;;

I’m going to warn you right now that not a whole hell of a lot happens in this part. *sigh*

Yes, I suck. Shut up.

Another warning. This is so long, it’s split off into five pages, and uh... it just cuts off in the middle of parts. I really need to get a good website made to host this story, but for now, you’ll just have to deal with pressing the next page button. XD

Oh. And yes, I have new pictures of everyone in their better cooler outfits for ya. (And pics of Kouji-chan. ^_^) Yuup, that’ll be posted after this installment. Pretty pictures. XD

Ahem.

Ansem: *comes floating in* Are they pink pretty pictures? ^___^

Rae: -_-;; He won’t leave me alone.

Ansem: But, but. T.T I’m lonelllllllly.

Rae: O.o;; Er... I’m sorry?

Ansem: ^__^ *glomps Rae* Pink haired friends!!!

Rae: O_O;;; Erk...Can’t...Breathe....

Ansem: Do you have any cotton candy, my pink haired friend of pink hair and darkness? ^___^

Rae: x.x;;; Let’s get on with this part while I try to pry him off of me.....

Ansem: GLOMPS are pink cotton candy darkness fun!!! Pink friends! Shiny pink friends for everyone! *giggles happily*

Rae: O_O;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Yeah... Onto the random lame angsty bull that doesn’t progress the story at all. T.T

Ansem: ANGST? T_T Angst is angsty.

Rae: Er.... Yeah. That’s why it’s called angst, Ansem.

Ansem: Oh? Really? I didn’t know. ^___^ And call me Ansey-chan!

Rae: -_-;;; Ahem.... Story now....

Ansem: T.T Angst?

Rae: Yes. Angst. And random bits of humor. And uh, other stuff.

Ansem: Any cotton candy?

Rae: ....No.

Ansem: What about heartless?

Rae: Uh, no.

Ansem: ...No heartless or cotton candy? T____T

Rae: *sweatdrop*....

Ansem: ...What about shiny pretty fairies? Like Tinkerbell. Is Tinkerbell in this? ^________^

Rae: Er... Well... *mysterious smirk*

Ansem: I like shiny things. ^__^

Rae: That’s nice... O.o;;

Ansem: Heheheheeeeeeeeeeh. ^__^

Rae: -_-;; Okay. STORY NOW.

Ansem: SHINY THINGS!! ^_____^

Rae: x_x;;;;;;;;

.......

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~~~~~~fallout~~~~~~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

With a surge of powerful energy surrounding her, Rae closed her eyes tighter, feeling the power of the Jump tearing through the worlds... A rush of cold water-like energy engulfing her... Such a peculiar sensation...

With another powerful flare the energy dissipated and the pink haired girl opened her eyes, finding that she, Ryuuji and Malba were now standing in the hallway of her apartment. Thank God.

“Well it worked,” she commented aloud, her nervous blue-green eyes focusing first into the open living room doorway, noting the empty room. “I guess they must have moved Druu to my room...” She swallowed hard, sharing a nervous glance with Malba before moving down the hall, to her closed bedroom door.

The darkness sprite quickly followed, managing not to stumble or show any signs of pain. He rearranged his coat to hide his burned wound, then reached out his uninjured hand to turn the crystal doorknob. With a small shaky sigh, he shoved the door open.

Rae bit her lip at the sight meeting her eyes. And I thought Druu looked bad before... The unconscious water elemental was resting in Kitsune’s lap, blood dripping freely from his mouth, from his nose... The ice demon had her arms wrapped lightly around the sprite in a supportive embrace, her bandaged arms stained with the man’s blood... Blood coming from his nose and mouth, dripping down his chin... He... He’s bleeding so much and... He’s paler than Kitsune... Wait, how had Kitsune beat them to the apartment? Didn’t Mals say that it would take over an hour for her to clear Teaja? Whatever the case, she was glad to see the woman.

She then noted with an eyebrow raised the massive flow of energy swirling within the room. A cold dark energy, the overhead lights flickering due to the sheer force of that icy power... Is... Is that all coming from Kitsune? Holy shit... She took in the woman, her strained face, her twitching eyelids.... Man. That is a lot of energy...

Rae quickly glanced over the other occupants of the dark room, spotting her mother sitting with Kouji on the small black couch in the corner, attempting to comfort the completely distraught boy. Jiro sat next to his mother and the half-human, his nails gnawed to the quick, his eyes restless and frightened.

Kopaka sat next to Kitsune and Druuvbin on the bed, pale and weary, a sickly, weak look on his face. He looked awful... Kopaka looks really bad... With a small frown she turned her attention to Yuki, who was standing next to the bed, his teary grey eyes flittering back and forth between Druuvbin and Kopaka, his white lips set in a frown. Everyone is so...

Everyone looked... So very stressed and....

“...God damn...” Malba muttered softly, his dark eyes focusing on Druuvbin. “He looks awful.”

“Kopaka. We, um... We got the stuff,” Rae commented quietly, her voice a little uneven. It... Yeah, Mals. Druu really looks awful... As in really awful...

“Man, am I glad to see you guys,” Kopaka greeted Malba and Rae with a small tense smile, his face pale, dark circles under his eyes. The wind sprite stood from his sitting position, reaching out a hand. Rae handed the case to the grey haired elemental, returning his strained smile with a small smile of her own. “Sorry it took so long.”

“About time,” Jiro commented with a sigh, giving his sister an uneasy smirk. “Hey Malba. Uh... Wait. Where’s Sano? And what happened to you two?” the brunette questioned apprehensively, taking in his sister’s muddy clothes.

“Sano’s with Hanneke,” Rae answered with a small sigh, running a hand through her soaked wet hair. There was no need to explain to her brother or mother who Hanneke was, as... Well. Heh. I’ve definitely told them all about the crazy pervert. Hah... “He’s fine. We just... Ran into a little trouble,” she went on to say, a frown forming on her lips. Trouble... Yeah...

“You could say that...” Malba muttered with a roll of his dark eyes, a frown on his lips. His midnight-blue eyes then focused on Kitsune, a somewhat perplexed look briefly flashing across his features.

I guess Malba’s wondering how she beat us here too... the girl thought, taking in the darkness sprite’s expression. The dark haired man said nothing however and Kitsune did not open her eyes or acknowledge Malba or Rae’s presence, obviously completely engrossed in giving energy to Druuvbin. Come on, Druu-chan... Just hang on...

“I’ll be back in a second. I need enough light and space to mix all this stuff up,” Kopaka commented with a shaky sigh, running a hand over his eyes.

“You could, um, get the medicines ready in the kitchen. There’s plenty of light in there,” Yuki stated softly, his grey eyes focused on the wet black case in the wind sprite’s hands.

“Yeah.”

Hey... Where’s Ryuuji? Rae thought, suddenly realizing the man had not said a word since they jumped. She turned back, noting that the purple haired demon had not entered the dark room, instead stood a little ways back, out of view of the others. She frowned, wondering why the guy was being so standoffish. He didn’t really strike her as the shy type...

“Get in here, idiot,” Malba snapped irritably, casting a glance back at the purple haired demon in the hallway. “Look who decided to reappear.”

With a small sigh Ryuuji stepped into the room, his red eye focusing on the unconscious psychic in Kitsune’s arms. “...Hey,” he muttered quietly, a small frown on his split lips.

Kopaka’s eyes widened, a surprised look appearing on his pale face. “...Ryuuji? Whoa... Dude. Ryuu. Glad you aren’t dead. I was really starting to wonder,” he commented softly, giving the demon a small smile. His blue eyes apprehensively scanned over the man’s numerous injuries and his patched eye, a concerned frown forming on his lips. “Uh, I’ll look you over later. Looks like you got the hell beat out of ya, huh?” he questioned wearily.

“I’ll live,” the demon shrugged, a small smirk briefly forming on his light purple lips. “Not a big deal.”

Kopaka nodded a little, his free hand moving to rub at his eyes once more. “Hey, Yuki... You think, uh, think you can... Keep me from falling over? I’m, uh, not sure I can walk that great right now,” the sprite admitted, turning to give Yuki a small sheepish grin.

“Yeah, Kopaka-san. Of course,” the silver haired ‘spirit’ replied, his concern-filled eyes focused on the weak wind elemental.

Rae bit her lip, taking in the absolutely drained look on Kopaka’s face... He really looked terrible. He must have used way too much energy... “Are you okay?” she questioned, her blue-green eyes apprehensive.

“You look like hell,” Malba added, his dark eyes scanning over Kopaka.

“Heh. I’m fine,” the grey haired sprite replied with a dismissive shrug, allowing Yuki to take hold of his arm, keeping him steady. “Back in a sec.”

The two exited the room and Rae let out a small sigh, meeting her mother’s gaze. “Hey, Mom...”

“So, are you two okay?” Renee questioned, glancing back and forth between her daughter and the darkness elemental, concern in her brown eyes. The woman looked as if she would like to get up and look the two over, however was a little busy with the boy crying into her shoulder.

Actually it was probably a good thing that Renee was taking care of the icy half-human, otherwise Rae would be quite tempted to cry into the woman’s shoulder, just like Kouji... Heh, yeah, that would be real mature. “I’m fine. Wet and muddy, but fine. Malba on the other hand--” the girl started, only to be cut off as the darkness sprite cleared his throat.

“I’m fine. Just... A little banged up,” Malba stated with a small shrug, his dark eyes focusing on the unconscious psychic held in Kitsune’s arms.

“If you call getting shot and burned a little banged up,” Ryuuji commented dryly, raising a purple eyebrow.

“What?” Renee inquired worriedly, her eyes scanning over Malba once again. “Shot? Burned? Where?”

“Don’t worry about it,” the sprite responded with a roll of his eyes, brushing off the human woman’s concerns. “It’s nothing.”

“Nothing?” the woman inquired, raising an eyebrow, a suspicious look appearing on her attractive face. “Getting shot is ‘nothing?’”

“I said not to worry about it!” the darkness elemental remarked irritably, annoyance tinting his edgy voice.

“So... Who’s this?” Renee went on to question, obviously not satisfied with Malba’s answer but opting to let it go for the moment. She instead focused her brown eyes on Ryuuji, taking in the demon.

“...Ryuuji. Apparently he’s our resident pirate,” Malba replied with a dark smirk, glancing at the man’s eye-patch. Rae rolled her eyes at the sprite’s comment, a small smile on her lips. Now was that nice, Mals? Heh... Baka.

“Pirate? Yeah. That’s me,” Ryuuji remarked dryly, crossing his lean arms, giving the darkness sprite an annoyed look.

“Yeah, this is Ryuuji. Oh and Ryuuji, this is my mom, Renee, and my brother, Jiro. The little silver haired guy that went with Kopaka is Yuki. Uh, yeah. I’m assuming you know everyone else,” Rae stated with a small smile, turning her attention to the purple haired demon.

“Yeah. I’ve heard quite a bit about all of you. Nice to finally meet you,” Ryuuji replied with a small smirk, glancing about the dark room. “...Kopaka was right. You really are into black, huh?”

“Er... Well. Yeah, but... I like other colors. I like pink a lot too,” Rae commented defensively, also looking about the dark room, taking in the grey walls and black wood trim. Maybe I should really think of redecorating... I’m starting to think Kopaka’s right... This room is pretty boring...

“Pink? Obviously,” the demon responded with a small smirk, his red eye focused on the girl’s hair.

“Heh...”

“So... Uh, how long will it take Kopaka to make the meds or whatever?” Jiro broke in nervously, his eyes locked on the bleeding psychic resting on the large bed. “He...He really looks bad.”

“It shouldn’t take long,” Malba replied quietly, moving over to sit next to Kitsune, taking care not to drip muddy rainwater on Druuvbin. “Hey, Druu. Sorry it took so long,” he stated softly, his edgy tone softening.

“So I guess Kopaka filled you guys in on what’s... Well, you know. What’s going on with Druu and all, right?” the pink haired girl questioned, her aqua eyes locking on that deathly pale face, the blood leaking from the water sprite’s nose and lips... Druu... God he... He looks so bad. How could anyone think that guy lying there, so sickly and... How could anyone think he’s a monster?

“Yeah. I just got back a little bit ago but...” Renee trailed off, running a hand along Kouji’s back as the icy teen continued to cry. Well... Looks like Kouji has taken to Mom, the girl thought, noting how the boy clung to the human woman.

Jiro nodded, a frown on his lips. “Yeah, we know... Know that he’s dying for no apparent reason,” the shaggy haired brunette stated quietly. “He... He woke up for a little while, but... He’s... He’s worse now. It, it was awful...” Jiro trailed off, shaking his head. “He had a seizure and... All that blood... It’s...”

Druu... Rae moved to stand next to the bed, focusing down on the man, his lightly trembling body, his bloody nose and... Damn it....

Ryuuji let out a small sigh, moving to stand next to the bed as well, his face troubled. “I... I’m sorry I was gone for so long...” he muttered softly, his lips set in a deep frown.

“Yeah. Well, you should be,” Malba retorted irritably, shooting the man a dark look. “Fucking idiot.”

“Mals... Come on, I’m sure Ryuuji didn’t want to be gone like that,” Rae cut in, raising an eyebrow. “Aren’t you being a little hard on the guy?” It wasn’t the demon’s fault, was it? I mean hell, look at him... It looks like he’s been tortured big time or something... Who knows where he’s been and what he’s had to deal with.

“Whatever,” the darkness sprite mumbled, rolling his eyes. “It doesn’t matter. He fucked up and caused trouble for everyone. That’s the point.”

“Malba--” the girl started, but was cut off as Ryuuji shook his head, clearing his throat. “No... He’s right. And I am sorry, really,” the purple haired demon commented flatly, crossing his sleeveless arms about his chest a little tighter, another sigh escaping his lips.

Rae frowned, not sure she agreed. At all. It still seems like Mals is being too hard on him... I mean... yeah...

“...You’re injured,” Kitsune suddenly commented coolly, opening her ice blue eyes to focus on Malba, a frown on her pale lips. “What happened?” she inquired flatly, her voice strained, her jaw clenched. Man she’s giving a lot of energy... That’s... Damn. So... Did she just now notice we’re here or has she been ignoring us the entire time? Rae wondered, watching the woman. With Kitsune, it was actually kind of hard to tell...

“I’m fine,” Malba responded with an indifferent shrug. “It's nothing serious.”

“Hn,” the ice demon replied impassively, her cool gaze moving to focus on Ryuuji. “...You. I see you aren’t dead,” she remarked emotionlessly, briefly glancing over the man. Gee. That was real heartwarming, Rae thought with a touch of amusement. Kitsune really wasn’t one for words most of the time, was she? Heh...

“Dead? No, apparently not,” the purple haired demon responded with a small smirk. “Good to see you,” he added, his gaze focusing on the icy haired woman. “Though I’m going to take a wild guess and say you’re probably pissed too, right?”

“You ‘guess’ correctly,” Kitsune responded dispassionately, her ice eyes once again closing. “Make yourself useful and help me keep him alive, Ryuuji,” the woman went on to say, her voice cold.

Ouch... Damn. A little harsh, neh? She was starting to feel sorry for the guy. Kopaka was the only one who didn’t appear to be angry with the demon. I’m uh, starting to sense a little tension going on here... Though Malba did seem concerned over the eye-patch thing and stuff at first, so... Eh. Who knows? I don’t really think Malba hates the guy like he said but who knows with Kits... She’s hard to read.

Ryuuji smirked a little at the woman’s words, not seeming to take offense. “As blunt as ever,” he commented wryly, moving to sit next to Kitsune. He carefully removed his wet gloves, placing them beside him. The demon quickly wiped his damp left palm on the bed-sheet and then moved to gently place his hand on Druuvbin’s shoulder.

I’m so going to need new sheets and a new blanket, Rae noted apathetically, taking in the bloodstains covering the sheets and comforter, and now with Ryuuji and Malba sitting on the bed, mud-stains as well... Not that she gave a damn. Actually she really couldn’t care less. Somehow she figured Druu was just a bit more important then her boring grey and black sheets...

“Hey, Druu... Can you hear me? I’m sorry I’ve been gone for so long, really Druu. I am,” the purple haired demon commented softly, his smooth voice holding an apologetic tone. He keeps apologizing... The guy’s on a guilt trip or something. Of course I guess it doesn’t help that Kitsune and Malba both seem pissed with him...

Rae stood silently and watched as Ryuuji closed his visible eye, summoning forth energy, pouring power into the dying psychic. The girl could sense the demon’s shadowy dark energy mixing, merging with the force Kitsune was generating. So much power... Damn. This guy must be pretty strong too. His energy feels as strong as Kitsune’s...

She then focused her gaze to Malba, watching the pale darkness sprite’s face. He’s hurting... He’s trying to hide it, but... The dark haired elemental’s eye twitched and he bit his lip, yet remained quiet, his attention never leaving Druuvbin.

Her focus moved to the unconscious psychic cradled in the ice demon’s lap... He... He looks so bad and... God I hope those medicines will work... Because... Druu, I don’t want you to die. You’re... Rae’s thoughts trailed off and she let out a sigh, turning away from the bed, her aqua eyes focusing on Renee and Kouji instead. I can’t look... I’m afraid to look away, but I can’t look either... It’s so much blood and... “Hey, Kouji-chan. How you doing, hunny?” she questioned softly, moving to stand next to the couch. The boy... Seemed completely and utterly distraught.

After receiving no response from the half-human she sighed, sympathy in her eyes. “Kouji? Come on, Kouji. Talk to me.”

“He...He’s going... To die...” the boy finally mumbled through his sobs, not moving from his position on Renee’s shoulder. Rae frowned anxiously, moving to rest a hand on the icy teen’s shoulder. “You don’t know that, Kouji-chan.”

“Yes I do... His color....” the icy haired teen mumbled quietly, hugging on to Rae’s mother tighter, letting out a shuddering sigh. The brown haired woman tightened her embrace on the boy in a truly motherly gesture, comfortingly running a hand along his back.

Mom is good with kids... She has a real soft spot for ‘em... Heh. Poor Mom. Boy what a surprise she had. Drives home from her parents house to find all hell breaking lose, Druu dying, Kitsune’s older brother who Mom’s never even met wigging out, and... Yeah... The girl let out a small sigh, gently patting Kouji’s shoulder, a frown on her lips. Poor kid... I don’t care how old his body is. He’s a kid. Completely. Even if he is technically over seven thousand years old.

“His color... I saw it fade away... He’s going to fade away...” the boy whispered, sobs wracking his small body.

She hated seeing the boy so upset, so sad and frightened... What can I say? I... The girl thought for a moment, trying to decide how to respond to the teen’s teary comment. Well...

“Kouji-chan. Listen to me. Come on, look at me for a sec,” Rae stated, forcing a calm reassuring tone into her voice. She gently pulled the boy back, turning him around to face her. Kouji opened his watery eyes, his lower lip trembling. “Kouji-chan, you saw his color fading, right? But, Kouji that doesn’t mean he’s going to die for certain. That’s the thing about seeing the future. The future isn’t set in stone, it isn’t predetermined. Things change,” the girl stated softly, gazing into Kouji’s tear-filled eyes.

“But I’ve seen bad things... And they do happen,” the teen replied, his soft voice shaking. “Bad things happen and I can see them...”

“I know. I’ve seen bad things before too, but sometimes what you see isn’t the full picture. You may see something that looks really bad, but not see the part that comes next. You understand what I’m saying? Don’t give up hope just because of that color you saw. Because, um, maybe there’s another color that comes after that one. Maybe the next color won’t be bad,” she responded, running a hand across the young teen’s cool tear-stained cheek. I don’t think I explained that very well, but...

“Seeing things doesn’t always mean that what you see is what will happen. Sometimes things change, or aren’t what they seem,” Renee added, patting the teen’s shoulder soothingly. Hah. Mom got what I was saying, so I guess I made a little sense. Er. Well, maybe. Or she’s just really good at figuring out my non-sense making ramblings....

“...You’ve seen things before, Rae-Rae?” Kouji questioned softly, looking into the girl’s aqua eyes. “What have you seen?”

“Hm? Well. Mostly, I've just seen the past. That’s different, because you can’t change the past. But the future? That can be changed,” she replied with a small smile. Not that I’m some big psychic person, but yeah. Mildly empathic and post-cog, with a tiny dash of pre-cog every once in a while, yo. Heh... Though I must not be much of a psychic if I didn’t even notice how screwed up Druu is...

“So... The colors... Aren’t always right?” he questioned uncertainly, his soft voice hesitant. “They can be wrong?”

“Things are never for sure, Kouji,” Jiro commented quietly, his steel-blue eyes locked on Druuvbin, a frown on his lips. “Nothing is for sure...” he went on to say, though a small waver could be heard in his voice.

“Things change, Kouji-chan. The future is affected by lots of things. So yeah, sometimes what you see isn’t what happens. Only what could happen,” she stated with a small nod of her head, giving the boy another smile. “I’m obviously no expert on psychic powers or anything, because I’m just a lame human with not much ability at all, but I do know this much. Nothing is definite. Things change, Kouji-chan.” Now... If only I could believe my own words... Please don’t die, Druu...

“I... I hope you’re right,” he whispered softly, turning to rest his head once again on Renee’s shoulder. “I...I don’t like seeing colors... I... I hate seeing things and how... I can’t remember anything. I hate it...” he admitted with a shaky wavering voice.

Rae shared a look with her mother, a small frown on her lips. Poor kid... Damn that stupid bastard that made him just to.... Experiment on and... How could a father do that to his own child? Man. Mom doesn’t even know the whole story yet, I bet. I’ve got lots of stuff to explain to her later, she thought, taking in the woman’s slightly perplexed eyes. She’s gotta be confused by all of this, I’m sure Kopaka didn’t have the time to explain everything...

She cast her gaze back to the icy teen, noting that his tears had slowed just a bit, though... Not as much as she had hoped. I guess I didn’t help much after all. Meh. I’ve never been good at being comforting and nice and stuff... I’d give him a hug, but, uh a little muddy and wet here... Rae glanced down at her sopping clothes, a frown on her lips. She’d change clothes but... Honestly, she was afraid to leave the room to do so. What if... What if he dies while I’m gone or something?

The girl didn’t want to leave, even for a few moments. She... Was simply too worried. I’ll change later, once... Once Druu-chan’s... Better. And er, it’d probably be a good idea to find something for Malba and Ryuuji to wear too...

With a small sigh Rae turned her attention to her brother, reaching out to playfully punch the older teen on the arm. “Hey.”

“...Hey...” the brunette replied with a frown, his gaze not moving away from the unconscious psychic resting in Kitsune’s lap.

She teasingly ruffled her brother’s shaggy brown hair, much to the boy’s annoyance. “How ya doing?” Rae questioned with a small smile, taking in the teen’s worried eyes.

“Scared? Worried? I don’t know,” he responded flatly, his frown deepening. “All that blood...”

“Yeah. I know,” the pink haired girl agreed, a small sigh escaping her lips. After playfully punching her brother’s arm once more she turned, her attention again focusing on Druuvbin.

Rae stepped closer to the bed, crossing her arms about her chest, a small shiver running up her spine. Druu... The man’s breath was short and rasping, blood trickling from his nose and lips, his face deathly white, pallid... He... Looks so bad...

The girl turned her attention to Kitsune, noting the woman’s deep frown, the tense look on her face. She’s generating a hell of a lot of energy. I mean it’s even making the electricity go crazy... But at least with Ryuuji helping, it shouldn’t be nearly as draining for her now. Yeah, she definitely doesn’t look as strained now that Ryuuji’s helping. The purple haired demon had his eye closed in concentration, shadowy dark energy surging from his body, pouring into Druuvbin. Ryuuji must be pretty damn strong. That’s seriously powerful energy... Er, it’s definitely as strong as Kits’... So, exactly who is this guy, anyway? What kind of demon is he?

Rae then turned her attention to Malba, his frown and worried blue eyes. ’Big bad darkness master’ isn’t looking so ‘big bad’ right now. He’s looking worried and... Kinda freaked out, actually, she thought, noting the anxious look playing across his pale face. “Hang on for a few more minutes, Druu. Just... Hang in there,” the dark haired sprite muttered, his usually harsh, edgy tone replaced by a soft, concerned tint.

Rae crossed her arms tighter, another shiver shuddering up her spine. I... I just wish I could shake this feeling... This bad feeling that... Hopefully she was just being paranoid, hopefully... The dark eerie feeling that had crawled into her thoughts shortly after the psychic’s collapse... Please don’t die, Druu. I... I want to talk to you, and... I... Why do you hate yourself, Druu? Why do people call you a monster? It... It isn’t fair. She hated it. Hated that the psychic actually... He... He believes he’s a monster? That... That really irritates the hell out of me. You’re not a monster, Druu.

Druuvbin let out a gagged cough, a steady trickle of blood continuing to flow from his lips. The water sprite shuddered, his lean frame twitching, shaking. Kitsune’s frown deepened and she slightly tightened her hold on the man, a small sigh escaping her blue-white lips. “Hold on, Druuvbin,” she whispered, and Rae was quite... Well. Surprised to hear a small shake in the woman’s voice.

The girl blinked, closely watching the ice demon’s face. She... She looks really scared... And... Something else... Guilt? What the hell? Rae was completely not used to seeing Kitsune have... Emotion on her face. It was... Kind of frightening, actually. If even Kitsune was scared, then.... Damn it.

“Okay. Got the meds ready,” Kopaka’s voice broke into her troubled thoughts and she turned as the wind sprite walked into the room, (with a little help from Yuki,) three hypodermic syringes containing dark murky liquid clutched in his hand. Glad those needles I grabbed came in handy, she thought distractedly, biting her lip nervously. Please let these work. Please...

“About damn time,” Malba muttered darkly, his nervous eyes moving up to focus on Kopaka, his frown deepening. “Please... Please tell me you aren’t going to shoot all of that shit into him in one dose,” he stated flatly, his eyes locking on the syringes.

The grey haired sprite let out a sigh, a frown on his lips. “I’ve got to, Mals,” he replied quietly, moving forward.

Kitsune opened her ice eyes, focusing on the syringes as well. She said nothing, only took in a deep breath, her face tense.

Rae stepped back, allowing Kopaka room to stand next to the psychic lying limply on the bed. The wind sprite let out a deep breath, his blue eyes focusing on the unconscious man. “It’s a big dose, I know, but... If I don’t do it, he’s going to die,” he stated softly, his lips forming a frown. “Sorry, Druu. I have to.”

That doesn’t sound good, the girl thought with a shudder, moving to stand near the couch, sharing an apprehensive glance with her mother. Druu...

“Are-Are you fucking crazy? That much... That’s too much,” the darkness sprite bit out, an angry, anxious look flashing in his midnight-blue eyes. “You can’t give him all of that in one fucking dose, it’s--”

“Shut up, Malba. If Kopaka doesn’t do it, Druuvbin will die,” Kitsune snapped, her icy gaze focusing on the darkness sprite, an irritated look on her face. “It’s as simple as that.”

“He has to do it, Malba,” Ryuuji added softly, his red gaze focused on the psychic’s deathly white face, the crimson-stains, the fresh blood seeping from his nose and lips.

“God damn it. I know, okay? It’s just... That...” the darkness elemental trailed off, an agitated growl escaping his lips. Malba took a shuddering breath, moving to take hold of Druuvbin’s hand with his uninjured hand. “Those stupid fucking drugs...” he muttered, his gaze focusing on the psychic’s face, unease in his dark eyes.

“Do it,” Kitsune ordered flatly.

Kopaka nodded wearily, his eyes troubled. “Pull his sleeve up, I’m going to give it to him in the arm.”

Oh man... This... What all are those drugs? Rae thought with wide eyes, noting the troubled expression on Malba’s pale face. Mals isn’t happy. At all. That... Damn it...

Kitsune and Ryuuji carefully positioned Druuvbin so the wind elemental could have clear access to his right arm, pulling up his blood-stained lavender sleeve. With a small sigh Kopaka moved forward. “Yuki, hold these for me, okay?” he questioned quietly, briefly glancing at the small framed man by his side. Yuki simply nodded, taking hold of two of the syringes as Kopaka prepared to inject the third into Druuvbin.

Rae shivered, watching nervously as the grey haired elemental carefully inserted the needle into the psychic’s arm, emptying the contents of the syringe into the water sprite’s vein.

Druuvbin twitched, a small moan escaping his bloody lips and Malba tightened his grip on the psychic’s hand. “I know it hurts like hell, Druu. Just... Just hang on,” he whispered, anxiety flickering in his dark eyes.

The wind sprite pulled the needle away, handing it to Yuki, taking another full syringe from the ‘spirit’. He carefully injected this as well.

The water sprite let out a small whimper, twitching, his breath short and rasping. “Ngh...Hurts...” he mumbled, letting out a ragged cough.

“I know it does,” Kopaka responded softly, pulling the empty syringe away. “Just one more, Druu,” he stated gently, a frown on his lips. He then took the last syringe from Yuki, his blue eyes weary and worried, troubled. “Last one.” With that said he skillfully injected the last needle, shooting the much needed medicine into the dying psychic. “There. That’s all, Druu. No more,” he commented soothingly as he pulled the needle away. “Yuki, did you grab any of that gauze from the case?”

“Um, yeah. Here, Kopaka-san,” the small framed man responded softly, taking the last syringe from the sprite, handing him a small square of gauze. He then moved over to the nightstand near the bed, setting the used needles on the black table’s surface. Yuki kept his focus down, his teary grey eyes focusing on the empty syringes. Rae glanced at the silver haired man’s white face, trying to read his facial expression. Yuki... Looks...He’s got that guilty look on his face again... Yuki-chan.... What all are you hiding?

The wind sprite handed the gauze to Kitsune, his eyes meeting the woman’s uneasy gaze. “Hold that there for a minute, Kits,” he ordered softly, moving a hand to rub at his blue eyes. Kitsune nodded, pressing the square firmly against the lightly bleeding injection marks on Druuvbin's pale arm.

“What... What did you give him?” Renee questioned, her brown eyes focusing on the weary doctor. Kopaka frowned, shaking his head. “Nothing you would know, Renny. You don’t have anything like it in this world. It... These are some potent drugs, but... The side-effects aren’t fun,” he replied quietly, moving a hand to once again rub at his blue eyes.

Rae didn’t like the sound of that. At all. Side-effects... Man...

Druuvbin let out a pained moan, his body twitching, a spasm rocking his lean frame. Kitsune sighed, gently running her hand over the psychic’s cheek. “I know it’s painful, Druuvbin.”

The water sprite jerked, his eyelids twitching, a whimper escaping his bloody lips. Druu coughed once more, his frame shivering, his blood-stained teeth chattering. The ice demon moved to wrap the black comforter around his body a bit better, attempting to help keep the man warm. “He’s getting colder,” Kitsune commented flatly, her ice eyes locked on the psychic’s white face.

“I know. Just... Try to keep him as warm as you can, Kits,” Kopaka replied, his voice weak, tired. “There’s... Not much else we can do but wait for the meds to work and keep giving him some energy...” he trailed off, shaking his head, swallowing hard.

Kopaka looks awful... Rae thought with a frown, noting how pale the sprite was getting, the dark circles under his eyes. He really used WAY too much energy, apparently. She was starting to get pretty concerned for the guy, actually. His blue eyes held a drained, fatigued expression and even the way he stood... He looked unsteady, as if he could collapse at any moment.

Rae shivered, her attention turning once again to Druuvbin. The blood leaking from his nose and lips seemed to be slowing somewhat, yet the shudders wracking his body were certainly not lessening, instead only growing worse, his teeth chattering, his lips so very pale that they were almost blue. The psychic gagged, a trickle of blood dripping down his chin. He choked, coughing, another stream of blood forced from his lungs. The continual flow of blood was slowing a bit, yet the psychic was still coughing up that red liquid, half choking on it...

Druu-chan. God. This just really fucking sucks... her thoughts trailed off as he gagged once more, coughing up even more blood. Come on, stupid drugs... Work faster...

“Hey, Druu? Can you hear me? Just... Hang on,” Malba stated softly, squeezing the psychic’s limp hand. “He’s going to drown in his own god damn blood,” he went on to say, his dark eyes flashing with apprehension.

“He’s not going to drown,” Kopaka responded weakly, moving to take the psychic’s pulse. “Hopefully... The meds will start to work better here in a few minutes,” he commented with a sigh, closing his blue eyes for a moment, swallowing hard once more.

The water sprite let out another small pained whimper, a spasm shaking his body. He then choked as another trickle of crimson liquid slipped from his lips, collecting on the already blood soaked comforter. “Damn that’s a lot of blood,” Malba muttered, agitation in his tense voice.

“He’s going to be okay,” Ryuuji commented softly, moving his hand to gently touch the water sprite’s cheek. “You’re going to be okay, Druu.”

“Yeah well, how do you know, huh, eye-patch boy? Captain Hook tell you?” the darkness elemental retorted edgily, looking up to give the demon an angry glare.

...Captain Hook? Despite the utter direness of the situation, Rae had to bite the inside of her lower lip to keep from cracking a minute grin at the darkness sprite’s words. Captain Hook? Oh man, Mals. You are such a dork.

“Captain... Hook?” Ryuuji questioned blankly, raising an eyebrow.

“Dude. I don’t think Ryuu has really spent enough time in this world to know who Captain Hook is, Mals,” Kopaka commented with a small sigh.

“No. Surprisingly I actually know who Captain Hook is. I just wasn’t aware Malba is into children’s stories. A Peter Pan fan. How sweet,” the purple haired demon responded, shooting Malba a dark smirk. “Though I suppose it makes sense. After all, you can really relate to Tinkerbell, right?”

Uh, oh... Rae thought as the darkness sprite’s eyes narrowed, an angry look flashing on his pale face. Man, Ryuuji, that really wasn't such a good thing to say...

“Go fuck yourself, stupid bastard!” the dark haired elemental snapped irately, his voice rising. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are. You’ve been gone for months, and now here you are, acting like you know something? Druu isn’t okay, and even if he lives? He’s not gonna be okay. I’d say he’s fucking far from okay, so just shut the hell up,” the sprite bit out, casting a dark, infuriated glare to the spiky haired demon.

Rae’s eyes widened at the darkness sprite’s outburst, her eyebrow rising. What the fuck? God, Malba... Bite the guy’s head off for trying to stay positive... Why was he being so hard on Ryuuji? She really didn’t quite get it... He doesn’t deserve to get yelled at like that. He doesn’t seem like a bad guy... Druu obviously likes him, or he wouldn’t have been looking for him. So... Why is Mals being so... Bitchy with the guy? Well, I understand him getting irritated at the Tinkerbell comment, but overreacting much? Man.

“Look. I know you’re pissed with me, and I don’t blame you, but don’t you think we have more important things to worry about right now? Instead of throwing a temper tantrum like a two year old child, how about you act your age for once. Immature brat,” Ryuuji responded darkly, his smooth voice cool, irritated. “We can fight all you want later, but right now if it’s okay with you, I’d rather focus on Druu. Feel free to bitch and throw another tantrum later,” the demon added coldly, meeting Malba’s angry gaze with a cool stare, a frown on his split purple lips.

Oh shit... That probably isn’t good, the pink haired girl thought, taking in Malba’s expression. An irate expression, his eyebrow twitching, a hint of red briefly flickering in the dark blue hues of his eyes... Yeah, that’s definitely of the ‘not good.’ Mals is so about to have a bitch fit....

“...Stupid... Bastard,” Malba bit out slowly, his voice dropping, growing ice cold. “If it weren’t for Druu? I fucking guarantee that you would be a dead man. Because you know what? Nothing would make me happier right now than to kill you. Stupid arrogant fuck,” the darkness sprite stated coldly, his eyes locked on the demon.

“Oh? You kill me? Now that’s amusing. You honestly think you could kill me? You little hal--” the demon started but was abruptly cut off as Kopaka let out an aggravated groan, exasperation flashing in his blue eyes.

“That’s enough!” the wind sprite snapped, casting an irritated glare to the darkness sprite and demon. “I’d say Druu has enough of a headache as it is without you two making it even worse, don’t you think? Both of you just shut up. And Malba? Stop being such a jerk and lay off,” Kopaka ordered with an annoyed sigh, rubbing at his eyes. “Druu doesn’t need this crap right now, so keep it to yourselves and shut it,” he then stated flatly, pulling his hand away from his eyes, focusing on the unconscious psychic.

Damn... You go, Kopaka. It was sort of surreal. Kopaka telling someone off... I’m not used to him acting serious. It’s kinda bizarre.

“Yeah, well--” Malba started angrily but was effectively cut off as the wind elemental raised his hand, motioning for the darkness elemental to be quiet. “I mean it, Malba. Stop it. Now,” he ordered firmly, his pale face and weary blue eyes showing his exasperation.

“Calm down, Malba. Now is not the time to be fighting,” Renee broke in, a frown on her lips as she glanced between the darkness sprite and the purple haired demon.

“Mind your own business, stupid human,” Malba snapped in response, turning to give the woman an annoyed glare.

“Hey!” Rae retorted, placing a hand on her hip. “Kopaka and Mom are right. So, just... Calm down,” she stated, watching the darkness elemental. I know he’s hurt and feels like hell, but that doesn’t mean he can yell at my mom. I don’t know why he’s getting so bent out of shape, but he needs to calm down before he goes into that weird red eye mode again...

“Everyone... Needs to just calm down,” Yuki commented softly, his teary grey eyes never leaving Druuvbin, a sad expression on his pale face. “Please calm down, Malba-san.”

Kitsune remained quiet, opting to only give Malba and Ryuuji an irritated glare, a frown on her blue-white lips. The ice demon then rolled her eyes, once again focusing on the shuddering cold psychic resting in her lap.

“...Whatever,” was Malba’s only response to Rae and Yuki, his angry gaze moving away from Ryuuji, instead focusing on the bloodstained comforter. The darkness sprite frowned, his hand tightening around Druu’s.

“Kopaka, you’re right. I... I’m sorry, okay, Mals?” Ryuuji finally responded, a sigh escaping his purple lips, his smooth tone apologetic. “I know you’re pissed. It’s okay. I don’t blame you. Really.”

“...Fucking idiot...” Malba muttered under his breath, his dark eyes focusing on the psychic’s pale hand held in his.

Rae shared a glance with her brother, noting Jiro’s questioning look. Obviously the teen was wondering why Malba was acting so... So hostile towards the purple haired demon. Good question. I’m not sure myself... What’s going on, Mals? Yet... Despite his bitchy behavior, she really couldn’t get irritated with the man. The girl knew his stomach injuries had to be absolutely killing him; the pain would have to be so severe... He really needs to have Kopaka at least look at it or something.

Rae crossed her arms tightly around her chest, a frown on her lips. She still... Well she felt pretty freaking guilty about the whole Kaine ordeal. If only she had... Said something or... Maybe we could have avoided him if Malba had known he was in Laineka...

“Sana...Nai.. Sana nai sa...” Druuvbin suddenly muttered softly, breaking into the girl’s thoughts. His voice so very far off and distant, obviously lost in his unconsciousness... Druu... Hey. What did he even say?

“Don’t be,” Kitsune responded to the psychic’s mumbled words, her tone firm. “Na tana ada kanat, Druuvbin.”

Whoa. What the hell language is that? Definitely nothing I’ve ever heard. At all. “Hey, Kitsune... What language is that? What did he say?” Rae questioned softly, watching the water sprite’s pale face. Poor guy... I hate this so damn much...

“It isn’t something to concern yourself with,” was the woman’s only response and Rae frowned, rolling her eyes. “Of course,” the pink haired girl replied, a hint of irritation tinting her voice. Really, she hated it when the ice demon pulled the whole ‘it’s not your concern’ attitude. ...Well. Maybe Kits has a reason. It’s probably something Druu wouldn’t want everyone to know or something... Maybe. Or Kits is just being a bitch. One or the other.

--He said he’s sorry, I think. I don’t know what Kits said though, because I basically have no idea what language that is. All I know is that ‘sana nai sa’ means I’m sorry. Heh...-- Kopaka’s voice sounded in her mind and she met the wind sprite’s eyes. Oh? Is this about the ‘monster’ thing? Rae questioned softly, a frown on her lips.

--...Yeah. Probably. So... How much did Mals tell you about that?-- the grey haired spite inquired softly, his blue eyes weary.

Not that much. Just... Just that Druu’s got some serious issues and people have treated him like shit his whole life for some reason.... Malba wouldn’t tell me much. Oh, and whoa. Kopaka. You’re over nine hundred years old. That’s... Who knew? Heh, she commented, giving the wind sprite a small smile. Oh, and uh... Kopaka? You really look bad. Are you sure you’re okay? the pink haired girl then questioned, taking in the man’s pale face and tired blue eyes.

--He told you how old I am? Heh. Yeah, I guess I seem pretty old to you,-- Kopaka responded, briefly returning the girl’s smile with a strained grin. The small smirk quickly vanished as the sprite rubbed a hand over his eyes, taking in a deep breath. You didn’t answer my question, Rae pointed out with a frown, Taking in his weary, weak eyes. Are you okay?

--Heh... I’ll live. Don’t worry about it, Rae,-- the wind elemental replied, lightly shrugging his shoulders. --So... How bad is Mals hurt? He hasn’t said anything, but I can tell he’s messed up. What happened?--

He’s pretty fucked up, Kopaka. He got shot in the stomach and um... And um, had the bullet freaking ripped from the wound and... A finger poked in his stomach and... Burned. Second and third degree, she responded with a concerned glance toward the darkness elemental. He was unconscious for a little while...

Kopaka turned his tired gaze to the dark haired elemental, the frown on his lips deepening. --It was Kaine, wasn’t it,-- the wind sprite commented flatly. Rae’s eyes widened a little, surprised. Uh, how did... How did you know? she questioned, raising an eyebrow.

--I put two and two together. I had a feeling Mals wouldn’t want to go all the way to Asikea and... Kouji said something about how Mals was ‘going someplace he shouldn’t’. Then when Druu had one of those... Those seizures a little while ago, he thought he saw something about Kaine, so... Heh. I was pretty worried. I was kinda afraid for you guys,-- the sprite admitted softly, a small sigh escaping his lips.

Well. Kaine really tortured the hell out of Malba and I was seriously afraid we were screwed, but we got out of it alive, thanks to Ryuuji. So... Yeah. Though I feel guilty. I feel responsible for Malba getting all messed up... I... I saw Kaine when I was in Laineka the first time. He talked to me and helped me get in without ID... He seemed nice, told me his name was ‘Aevik’. Turned out I was a freaking idiot for trusting him. When we went to the base... The guy that shot Malba was wearing a uniform a lot like Kaine’s... But I got distracted; I was worried about Malba and... ‘Aevik’ completely slipped my mind. I just wasn’t thinking, the girl admitted, a small shiver running up her spine. It... She felt guilty. Really guilty.

Kopaka remained silent for a moment, meeting the girl’s eyes. He then shook his head, a small smile forming on his lips. --Heh, Rae. Don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault Kaine is a two faced jerk,-- the wind sprite commented, a reassuring tint in his tired mental tone. --Don’t beat yourself up over that, man.--

Not a man, but thanks, Kopaka. I’m still an idiot, but thanks, Rae responded with a small smile.

--Heh.--

With that said the grey haired elemental directed his attention to Malba, a frown on his lips. “Alright Mals. Let me see where you’re hurt,” Kopaka ordered firmly, concern in his eyes.

“It isn’t a big deal,” Malba stated flatly, not moving. “Don’t worry about it,” he added with a small dismissive shrug.

Rae raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small frown. The hell it isn’t a big deal... You’re hurt, Malba. Bad.

“Yeah, well, let me see anyway,” Kopaka responded evenly.

“I said don’t worry about it,” the dark haired elemental snapped, turning to give the wind sprite an irritated glare.

“And I said to let me see it anyway,” Kopaka replied calmly, his blue eyes meeting the man’s angry gaze. “Let me see.”

Come on, Malba... You need for him to look at it... Rae thought, thinking back to the horrific sight of... When the sprite had been tortured, Kaine jabbing his finger into the wound, burning him... Kicking him, throwing him around... I’d call that a pretty big deal, Mals. It had been awful. It had to have hurt terribly, and now... Those burns... Those have got to hurt like hell.

“What happened to you? Ryuuji said something about you getting shot and burned?” Jiro questioned uneasily, his anxious steel-blue eyes moving to focus on the darkness sprite. “Did you really get shot? How?”

Malba let out a small irritated growl, letting go of Druu’s hand, turning around to face Kopaka. “If I let you see it, will you leave me the hell alone?” he inquired sharply, his tone tinted with annoyance.

“Yes, ignore the human,” Jiro muttered softly, rolling his eyes at the lack of response given by the dark haired elemental.

“...How were you injured, Malba?” Kitsune questioned coolly, her ice eyes not leaving Druuvbin. “What did you do now?”

“Oh, yeah, sure. Blame me,” the darkness sprite grumbled irritably, rolling his midnight-blue eyes. “It’s a long story. It’s not important,” he added defensively, dodging the question.

“He broke into the Tevrran base near Laineka to steal the meds, got shot in the stomach, came back to Laineka, and got caught by Kaine. Who proceeded to burn the hell out of him. Should I continue, Mals? Or can you take it from here?” Ryuuji questioned innocently, a small teasing smirk forming on his split lips.

“Gee. Thanks. Idiot,” Malba snapped in response, casting a quick apprehensive glance at Kitsune. The ice/fox demon remained quiet for a moment, her right eyebrow twitching, irritation flashing in her ice colored eyes. Uh-oh... Well. That may not be good, Rae thought, taking in the woman’s facial expression.

“I... I see. So, let me see if I have this correct. You took a human into the Tevrran base, got yourself shot AND alerted Kaine of your presence. Oh that’s fucking brilliant, Malba. I’m impressed. You’ve managed to break your record for making careless mistakes. Wonderful, really,” the woman stated coldly, her gaze moving to lock on the darkness sprite, anger in her eyes.

That isn’t fair. It’s not like Malba... He just wanted to help Druu... “Kitsune, it might have been careless or whatever, but if we had went to Asikea? It would have taken way too long. So, don’t get mad at him, please? He just wanted to help Druu. That’s all,” Rae commented, giving the woman a beseeching look. Come on, Kits... Don’t get pissed.

“Reckless fool,” was the demon’s only response, her ice eyes angry, her lips set in a deep frown. “What if you had failed? Hm, Malba? What then?”

“Look. I was not going all the way to fucking Asikea to get those meds. That would have taken too damn long and YOU KNOW it. So get the fuck off my case. I did what I had to do,” Malba retorted heatedly, his voice rising, anger sparking in his dark eyes. “And I didn’t ‘fail’ so it doesn’t really matter.”

“Kits... I kinda... I had a feeling Mals was going there. I was worried, but... I don’t think Druu could have lasted long enough for them to go to Asikea,” Kopaka admitted softly, a frown on his lips. “Don’t get mad at him okay? He... You’d have done the same thing.”

“Did I say I was angry that he broke into the base? No. I did not. You want to know why I’m angry?” Kitsune inquired icily, her eyebrow twitching, anger apparent on her pale face. “Because you didn’t stop to think for two seconds. You took a defenseless human into a dangerous situation. You recklessly rushed in, got shot, and let Kaine apprehend you. I’m going to wager a guess and say that if it weren’t for Ryuuji, you Malba would be on the first transport back to Tevrra, and Rae? Would be lying in a pool of blood, dead. That is why I’m angry. And yes Kopaka, perhaps I would have done the same thing, but one key difference is I would have used common sense, not rush in like an incompetent reckless idiot!”

“What?” Renee blinked, raising an eyebrow. “Where did you two go, Rachael?” the woman questioned, using her daughter’s full name. She turned her gaze to Rae, a frown on her lips.

The pink haired girl rolled her eyes, letting out a small sigh. “Yeah, so it was dangerous, Kits. I figured it would be. So, don’t blame Mals for that. It was my decision too. Malba and I were willing to be a little reckless if it meant helping Druu. And don’t worry, Mom. Malba wasn’t going to let anything bad happen to me. Besides.... Kaine was randomly going to let me go, anyway,” Rae responded, nervously running a hand through her tangled sopping wet hair. “Believe it or not,” she added, a puzzled look flashing in her aqua colored eyes. What was Kaine’s deal, anyway? One weird, freak... Definitely.

“You know... While we’re on the subject of recklessness, Kitsune? How about you?” Malba suddenly questioned, raising an eyebrow at the woman. “Maybe I’m not the only one who’s been bad today, huh?” he went on to question, a small dark smirk forming on his lips.

Hm? What... Oh, right. How DID she get here so fast? the girl wondered, her brow furrowing. Surely she wouldn’t have...

“What do I have to do with this?” Kitsune inquired irritably, the frown on her blue-white lips deepening.

“Well let’s see here. If I recall correctly, weren’t you in the MAIN district of Teaja when I called you? So tell me, Kits. How the fuck did you get here before we made it back? You beat us here. Now how is that possible, hm?” Malba questioned darkly, smirk on his lips, his voice sarcastic and edgy.

Kopaka and Ryuuji both turned to gaze at the ice demon, eyes widening. “You... Kitsune?” Kopaka questioned, his eyebrow rising.

“Well?” Malba pressed, dark smirk still present on his lips.

“...That isn’t the issue,” Kitsune muttered, pulling her focus away from the darkness elemental. She instead focused on the wheezing psychic resting in her lap, slightly tightening her embrace on the unconscious sprite.

“You didn’t wait until you cleared the Ganea District,” Malba stated, his dark gaze focused squarely on the woman.

“...No. I did not,” the demon responded slowly, not pulling her gaze away from Druuvbin, a frown on her lips.

“You mean... You jumped... You jumped in the city?” Rae squeaked, her voice tinted with surprise. She jumped in a big city full of people to sense the Jump? Holy shit. And she was getting onto Mals for being reckless...

“Yes. I jumped in the Main District. I admit it,” Kitsune replied, her tone flat, emotionless. “Perhaps that was reckless as well, but it still isn’t the issue.”

“Isn’t the issue? Kits, are you... In the Main District? That... Damn,” Kopaka stuttered, his tired blue eyes widening. “Did anyone see you do it?”

“...Well. I’m not entirely sure. I leapt from an elevated train first. Hopefully the passengers considered it nothing more than a suicide,” the ice demon responded, a hint of a smirk briefly appearing on her lips. “At that moment, I honestly didn’t care. I get tired of worrying about our ridiculous world. Perhaps it was a mistake, but I’d do it again, that I assure you,” Kitsune stated, raising her gaze, her eyes resolute. “You can get angry if you wish. Quite frankly I don’t care.”

Rae blinked, surprised to say the least. Whoa. Kits put Druu’s life over their world... That. Might have been reckless, but... I’m impressed. Very impressed. The girl glanced over the occupants of the room, gauging their reactions. Her mother looked quite confused by the whole discussion, which... Well. Made sense, as Rae had not yet had the chance to explain ‘The Jump’ to the woman... Jiro looked rather shocked, his eyebrow rising as he watched the ice demon. Yeah, surprise, surprise, neh? Who knew. Kits can actually be reckless...

She moved her gaze to Kouji, who... Obviously wasn’t really paying much attention. The boy only continued to cling to Renee, tears streaming from his closed eyes. Poor little guy, he’s really out of it...

Yuki on the other hand... What kind of expression was that? Rae watched the ‘spirit’ for a moment, trying to decide exactly what the look flashing through those grey eyes could be. He looks... What is that, Yuki? The guy... She didn’t know what to think of Yuki. The lightning, the way he had known about the Jump...

Unable to decipher the look playing on the silver haired man’s face, she finally pulled her gaze away, a frown on her lips. The girl took in Kopaka and Ryuuji instead. Both wore fairly similar expressions, actually. Surprise. I... Damn. I can’t believe she really jumped in a big city... That. Whoa. I bet Teaja is going crazy now. The energy surge...

“Yeah, well I don’t blame you for doing it, but stop friggin’ bitching at me, because you don’t have any room to talk,” Malba finally replied to Kitsune’s statement, shrugging his shoulders. “Millions of people felt the Jump. I don’t know what the hell that’s going to mean for us, but ya know what? I honestly don’t care. Keeping Druu alive is more important then worrying about the stupid Teajans right now.”

“Yes, but... It’s not the Teajans I’d be concerned about,” Ryuuji frowned, a thoughtful look on his face. “Hopefully the fuss will die down in a few weeks, but until then... It’s going to be national news. Probably international. Which means...” the demon trailed off, his frown deepening.

“Which means we’ll deal with it if he have to. Big deal. Like I said, it doesn’t matter right now. Hell if we have to, we can hang around in this world. I’m not going to worry about it,” the darkness sprite cut in, rolling his eyes.

“Except if we are forced to stay in this world, we’ll lose the ability to help Druu. This world doesn’t have the medical technology to treat him,” the purple haired demon pointed out, raising an eyebrow. “And what about you? Without--” Ryuuji started, however was cut off once again as Malba let out an irritated sigh.

“Shut the hell up, Ryuuji. I really don’t think we’re going to have to worry about it. So the Teajans felt a big fucked up wave of energy. No one is going to know what the hell it was. So it really doesn’t matter. People will be freaked out. Might have some religious groups screaming it’s ‘the end of the world’. Other than that? It means nothing. So just shut up,” the dark haired sprite snapped, casting an angry glare at the spiky haired demon. He then turned his attention to the unconscious psychic resting in Kitsune’s lap. “All I care about right now is keeping him alive. Fuck our world.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Kitsune stated wryly, a small hint of a smirk briefly appearing on her blue-white lips. The woman focused her ice blue eyes on the psychic’s blood-stained lips, a small sigh escaping her. “It would have taken too much time to get to the Ganea District. Druuvbin didn’t have that time.”

Kopaka nodded, a small strained smile forming on his lips. “So... So Teaja’s freaking out. Maybe it makes me selfish or something, but right now... I really don’t care. If Kitsune hadn’t gotten here when she did, Druu would be dead. So I’m not complaining. If we have to deal with some fallout, we’ll manage. I’m glad you jumped, Kits,” the grey haired sprite admitted softly, his tired blue eyes focusing on the woman. “You totally have no room to yell at Mals, though. Heheh...”

“Well, you guys know I don’t give a damn about our world. Never have. So whatever you all decide, I’m with you,” Ryuuji stated simply with a shrug of his lean shoulders.

“Idiot,” Malba responded with a roll of his eyes, though he cast a small smirk to the demon, his voice holding no real animosity.

Rae remained quiet during the non-humans discussion, taking in their faces. Malba and Kitsune... Both of them always bitch and pretend to not care about anyone, but... These people right here. Mals, Kopaka, Kits, Druu, and apparently Ryuuji... They... They care about each other more than anything else. Even their own world. That’s... That’s pretty damn cool. She felt a small smile form on her lips. They... They really are special. Even if they are assassin mercenary types. Heh.

“Now. Mals, I still want to see where you got shot,” Kopaka stated calmly, moving his gaze back to the darkness elemental.

“Damn it, Kopaka...”

“Stop complaining. Fairy,” Kitsune muttered with a small aggravated sigh.

“Bite me. Mutt,” Malba remarked irritably.

“Stupid fucking fairy.”

“Bitch.”

“Fairy.”

“Stupid damn mutt.”

“Reckless incompetent fool.”

“Oh fuck you!”

“I see some things never change,” Ryuuji commented with a small smirk, watching the ice/fox demon and darkness elemental bicker.

Rae smiled a little at that. Somehow it just wouldn’t seem right if Malba and Kitsune didn’t bitch at each other like little kids at least once per hour. It was... Well. In an annoying immature way, it’s pretty cute, actually. The pink haired girl shared a small smile with her mother, shaking her head. You’d think a nine hundred and twenty two year old and a seven thousand year old would be a little more mature... Heh...

“Ahem. Dude. Not to break into the lovers’ quarrel, but--”

“Shut up, Kopaka!” Malba and Kitsune both snapped, turning to glare at the wind sprite. Kopaka merely smiled, an amused look in his tired, weak eyes. “Heh. Sorry. Now, Mals. Show me, okay?”

The darkness sprite rolled his eyes, letting out an irritated growl. “Whatever,” he grumbled, moving to sit on the edge of the bed, resting his muddy booted feet on the wood floor. “It’s no big deal.” With that said he pulled the coat back, revealing his severe wounds.

Kopaka took in a breath, raising an eyebrow. “No big deal? Mals, God... Why the hell didn’t you say anything? That’s...”

“It’s nothing,” the elemental stated with a shrug, pulling the coat back, once again covering the wound.

“Nothing? Malba, that is... That is definitely not ‘nothing.’ That’s serious,” Renee commented firmly, her apprehensive eyes focusing on the darkness sprite’s pale face.

“That looks awful,” Jiro stated with a shudder, a frown on his lips.

“Fool,” Kitsune snapped, her icy gaze locked on the dark haired man.

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(next page now, neh?)