((fallout part c. read b first. duh. XD))

--You say that now...But...-- Yuki trailed off, his grip on the girl tightening.

I mean it. Yuki, I’m serious. I don’t care. I really, really don’t. You’re still Yuki, neh? So yeah. Like I said, I’m a pretty cold apathetic person when it comes to everything else except my family. And you’re family, so yeah. Heh. Corny as it sounds, my friends are my family, right? Heh. Seriously, she stated reassuringly. Honestly, it was the truth. Maybe it made her scary, but she didn’t care what he was hiding. He could tell her he assassinated freaking JFK and she wouldn’t blink an eye for God’s sake. She really... Didn’t care. Whatever it was that the man was hiding, she’d deal. Besides, somehow she really doubted he had whacked JFK...

--I’m not a ‘ghost,’ Rae-chan,-- Yuki admitted softly, a shuddering sigh escaping his lips.

Yeah, Yuki. I kind of already knew that. I mean, uh.... No offense, but you weren’t very convincing. I see ghosts, remember? I just kind of let it go, but I always thought you were uh, pretty weird for a ‘ghost.’ I wasn’t sure what to think. I figured you were either the uber ghost of doom, or there was more to you than what you were telling, Rae responded with a small smile, comfortingly running a hand along the man’s back. ...So... Want to tell me what you really are?

--I’m so... I’m so tired of lying... I... I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you everything. After you go get Sano-kun... I’ll tell you and Sano-kun... He deserves to know too... I can’t tell anyone else. Just you two,-- Yuki stated, his mental ‘voice’ shaking, unsure. Afraid.

Okay. That’s fine, Yuki-chan. And I won’t get mad. I promise. Whatever it is you say, I’ll deal. I promise, she replied firmly. The girl couldn’t back down from that promise either. Even if it was something... Something not good, she would deal. No matter what. She still had a hard time believing that it could be anything that bad, anyway. Yuki? He was so soft hearted and gentle. Yet even still, whatever the secret turned out to be... She would keep her promise. She wouldn’t care.

--I... I knew Druu-chan was going to have an attack... I... I could tell. His eyes for a second... And... Rae-chan I’m so sorry. I wanted to say something, I wanted to so bad, but I... I couldn’t. I can’t tell them. I... I’m so sorry,-- the ‘ghost’ suddenly admitted, his hold again tightening on the girl. --I’m so sorry.--

I know you knew... I don’t get what’s going on and why you can’t tell them, but I believe you. You care about Druu, I know you do. So... I’m not mad, Yuki. I don’t get it, but I’m not mad. Rae really wasn’t mad. She had been at first, but... That sad hollow look in Yuki’s eyes had completely killed any trace of anger she had held. She was definitely confused as hell over the whole thing, but she... I’m not mad.

--...Thank you, Rae-chan.--

Don’t have to thank me, Yuki. We’ll talk about all of this later. But yeah, I trust you. I’m not angry and I know that you’re hurting. So... Just, don’t worry, Yuki-chan. I trust you, she commented firmly, pulling the man back, meeting his eyes. She gave Yuki a small smile, patting his arm reassuringly. I trust you.

--I don’t think Sano-kun does,-- Yuki stated wryly, a small smile forming on his lips as well.

Sano’s a baka. He’ll come around. He still likes you. He’s just a big hot headed jerk, the pink haired girl responded, her smile slightly widening. Don’t worry about Sano. If I have to I’ll beat him up until he trusts you, neh? she went on to say, a teasing tone in her mental ‘voice.’

Yuki merely smiled in response, his grey eyes teary and tired, sad and fearful. Rae again patted the man’s arm. She really hated the fact that he was so sad and... Stop worrying about it. I’m not going to get mad, I’m not mad, I’m not gonna be mad. So don’t worry. Sano will get over it too. He really likes you, ya know. So... Yeah. Oh and by the way. The lightning? That was really cool, she stated with a small smirk. As freaky as it had been, seeing that lightning come crashing down, aiming directly for her... It had still been pretty damn cool.

--Cool? Well... I don’t now about that... I’m not very strong, but... At least I did get the Jump to activate,-- the small framed man responded softly. --It was the least I could do, after standing by and watching as Druu-chan...--

No, it was cool. Trust me. If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t have gotten that stupid thing to work and Druu would be dead. So... Yeah, the girl replied, shaking her head. I couldn’t get the damn thing to work... I guess they wasted the last one, giving it to me.

--With practice, I’m sure you’ll be able to use it, Rae-chan.--

I hope so... How did Yuki know so much about the device anyway? Rae held back the question forming in her mind however. Now wasn’t the time to ask. The girl was beyond curious, but it would have to wait until later. What all secrets would the ‘spirit’ share with her and Sano? She was definitely curious...

Hey. You um, you wanna go with me and sit with Druu? she inquired, pushing the questions from her thoughts. She’d worry about Yuki’s secrets later. Right now.... Rae wanted to focus on Druuvbin. Contemplating Yuki’s secrets really wasn’t going to do any good anyway...

The girl turned her gaze to the psychic in Ryuuji’s arms. In the few moments Yuki and Rae had mentally conversed, nothing had changed of course... His breath still uneven and wheezing, his teeth chattering, his skin pale...

--Yeah. Okay, Rae-chan.--

Rae nodded, slowly standing from her sitting position, focusing her gaze on that pale bloodstained face. Druu... She moved forward to the bed, standing for a moment, listening to the rasping uneven breaths, watching that pale, suffering face...

“Hey, Druu-chan,” she stated softly, moving to sit next to Ryuuji, gently taking hold of Druuvbin’s cold limp hand. “Druu-chan, I love you. So you have to get better, okay?” God. This was turning out to just be a beyond sucky day. It...

Yuki sat next to Rae, his teary grey eyes focusing on Druuvbin, his arms crossing about his chest in a nervous, fearful manner. “Druu-chan...”

“So... How do you think he’s doing, Kopaka?” the pink haired girl inquired unsurely, her gaze moving to the wind elemental. “Do... Do you think he’s going to make it through this attack?” She knew it was too early to be asking, yet... She just... She wanted the psychic to be okay. She... Please Druu...

“I... I’m still not sure, Rae. He’s lost a lot of blood and he’s still coughing some up... He’s in bad shape, but... Hopefully the drugs are going to work enough to keep him alive,” Kopaka responded softly, reaching over to take the water sprite’s pulse. “Just hang in there, Druu,” he stated gently as he continued to feel the man’s heart-rate.

“I’m not going to let him die,” Ryuuji commented firmly, running a hand along the psychic’s cheek, his voice resolute. “I’m not letting you die, Druu.”

“You... You really care about, Druu, neh?” Rae questioned, watching the man’s face, the way he held the psychic. He obviously really likes Druu. A lot. So, I wonder if he and Druu.... “Sorry. I guess that’s a stupid question.”

“Druu’s a special person. As much as he hates himself, it makes you want to care about him that much more. It’s sad. He doesn’t get how good of a person he really is. It’s frustrating,” Ryuuji commented quietly, his split light purple colored lips forming a small bitter smile. “He’s frustrating. Stubborn and so very frustrating. Which just makes me like him even more,” he admitted, running a thumb over the psychic’s pallid cheek.

He is special. Too bad he thinks he’s a fucking ‘monster.’ Damn it, Druu. She really freaking hated that. It...

“Druu’s a good guy. No matter what he thinks. We know he is,” Kopaka added with a small weary smile. He then let out a sigh, running a hand over his eyes, swallowing hard. “I don’t want to lose him. I try so hard to find something to help him, to... I don’t know. Nothing works. He keeps getting worse. It’s... It’s not cool.”

“He’s... He’s not doing it to himself somehow is he? I mean if he hates himself so much... It couldn’t be some kind of fucked up psychological thing, messing with his own magick or something, right?” Of course that was a pretty farfetched theory, but hell. She didn’t see the harm in asking at least. Druu... Why do you listen to those freaks who call you a monster or whatever?

“I thought about that when it first started happening, but I don’t really think that’s it. I definitely think he makes himself worse though. If he’d take better care of himself, eat, sleep, tell someone when he’s feeling bad... If he’d stop pushing himself so much... Stop hating himself so damn much... I don’t know,” the wind/ice elemental trailed off, another weary sigh escaping him. “I just wish he’d take better care of himself and let us help him more.”

You don’t eat or sleep enough either? Druu. Big baka... Wait. In the three years she had known the man... Had she ever seen the psychic eat? Now that she really thought on it... Holy shit. I haven’t. Not one time. The only thing I’ve seen is... Well, I think he took a few bites of a piece of birthday cake at my party but... Other than that... In Tokyo... At the restaurant and the club, all he did was drink... All I’ve ever really seen Druu do is drink booze. That’s basically it. “He doesn’t take care of himself at all, does he? And I never even noticed. How freaking stupid am I?” Yeah. She definitely felt stupid. She hadn’t noticed a damn thing. Thinking back on it now...

I was so stupid. He’s all the time rubbing at his head, looking tired and... I just... I thought it was just the visions, I didn’t... I didn’t get how serious it really was... I thought... I don’t know.

“He’s good at keeping secrets,” Ryuuji responded with a small shake of his head, gently running his hand along the psychic’s forehead as Druuvbin let out a choked cough. A bit of blood slipped from the water elemental’s pale lips and he moaned. “I know, Druu. I know you’re hurting,” the purple haired demon stated softly, cradling the sprite comfortingly.

Rae gently squeezed Druu’s limp hand, a fresh wave of sympathy and apprehension flooding her. Which hey, she was already nervous enough to start with. All of this... She was so going to have a panic attack or something by the time it was all over.... With a sigh she glanced around the bloodstained bed, her eyes focusing on the crimson-stained rag near Ryuuji. The girl let go of Druu’s hand, instead taking hold of the red-soaked cloth, moving to wipe away the blood on the psychic’s face. The rag was already sopping wet from the man's blood, yet Rae managed to soak up the majority of the fresh wet blood from Druuvbin's pale face. The girl then cast the rag aside, taking his limp hand once more.

A lone tear slipped from Druuvbin’s closed right eye and Ryuuji wiped it away, a concerned expression on his face. “What really drives me crazy is not even being able to get through to him. Who knows what the hell he’s dreaming, what he’s seeing. We can’t do a damn thing. He’s stuck. I hate that,” the demon admitted, his smooth voice worried, agitated.

“All we can do is be here for him and hope he can at least sense us,” Kopaka responded, resting a hand on the water sprite’s shoulder.

“I wonder if he even knows I’m here? Even though I’m giving him my energy, he... He probably doesn’t even know I’m here. I really hate that too,” Ryuuji commented thoughtfully, his red eye locked on the psychic’s pale face.

“He knows,” Kopaka responded, casting a small smile to the demon.

“I hope so.”

...Ryuuji really does seems like a nice guy. Definitely doesn’t take any shit from Kits or Mals, but he seems nice. And... Whoa, I just realized something. He’s not having any trouble giving Druu energy without Kitsune’s help... How strong was the mysterious demon? Kitsune had been having trouble, straining to work up that much energy, yet... He doesn’t seem that strained. He’s either really good at hiding the whole strained thing, or... Is it possible this guy is stronger than Kitsune?

“Ugh... Damn,” Kopaka suddenly muttered, lowering his head a little, running a hand over his eyes. “Not cool, man.”

“Kopaka-san?” Yuki questioned softly, his grey eyes focusing on the wind elemental, his tone anxious. “Are you okay?”

“I just... Feel a little funky. No big deal,” the grey haired sprite replied with a small weary smirk. “Still. Not fun. Heheh.”

“I’m sorry you feel so bad, Kopaka.” Rae gave the man a sympathetic look, her worry for the wind sprite renewed. He really looked awful. Pale and weary, dark circles under his eyes and... Man. I really feel sorry for him. He looks like hell.

“Um... You want some more water?” Yuki inquired gently, concern on his pale face. “You look really bad, Kopaka-san.”

“You really do,” Ryuuji added, giving the sprite a small sympathetic smirk. “You ought to rest some. Really. I can handle Druuvbin. I’m not going to let him die. Besides, there isn’t anything else you can do right now anyway.”

“I’ll rest later. I wouldn’t mind some water though, Yuki-dude. There’s already some in here right?” Kopaka questioned, giving the ‘ghost’ a small smile.

“Yeah, there’s some left from earlier,” the silver haired man responded, moving to stand from the bed. He cast his gaze to the hardwood floor, quickly locating the water bottle sitting nearby. Yuki retrieved the bottle, handing it to the weak wind sprite. “Here, Kopaka-san.”

“Thanks, Yuki-dude,” Kopaka replied with another small smile, taking the bottle. He unscrewed the lid, taking a few sips. “Not as good as my ‘water’ but it’ll do. Heheh,” the sprite stated, a mischievous look briefly appearing on his weary face as he replaced the lid on the container.

Your ‘water,’ heh. Right... Crazy druggie... Rae thought, thinking of the odd liquid concoction the man was famous for... Yeah, somehow she really figured there was a hell of a lot more in the substance besides water... “Yeah well, I don’t think you need to be drinking your ‘water’ right now, Kopaka. You’re already screwed up enough as it is without getting all stoned and stuff,” Rae responded with a teasing smile.

“Aw, but getting ‘stoned and stuff’ is fun,” the grey haired sprite responded, winking at the girl.

“Heh. Well, yeah. True,” she replied with a small laugh. Crazy Kopaka. Got to love him. Well. Not really crazy though. Just likes to act crazy or something. Yeah, Kopaka was obviously not near as crazy as what he liked to act. But hell. She’d known that for a long time now...

Her contemplations were interrupted as the grey haired elemental winced, closing his eyes. “Kopaka?” she questioned nervously, biting her lower lip.

“...Well. That’s probably not good,” Kopaka stated as he opened his eyes, blinking rapidly.

“What’s not good?” Ryuuji inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“...Well. Uh... My eyes are kind of... Going funny...” Kopaka commented haltingly, rubbing at his eyes, a frown on his lips.

“Kopaka-san? Um... I’m going to give you some more energy, okay? I’ve restored a little, I think I’ve got enough,” Yuki stated, his voice apprehensive, his eyes locked on the wind sprite.

Yuki can give energy? Heh. Well. Yeah, seems how he can call down lightning and all, that makes sense. He obviously has some kind of power going on, Rae thought, watching as the small framed man placed his hand on the man’s shoulder, his grey eyes nervous.

“Nah, Yuki, don’t. You already... Gave too much... I’ll be okay,” the wind sprite remarked, not pulling his hand away from his eyes, letting out another small wince.

“Hey, what did you mean? Your eyes are going funny? How?” Rae questioned, uneasily watching the grey haired man’s weary pale face. His eyes?

“Uh...Everything’s... Kinda...” Kopaka trailed off, pulling his hand away, blinking his eyes rapidly. “Everything’s... Going... Going grey...”

“G-Grey?!” Yuki practically squeaked, his voice rising. As Rae turned her gaze to the silver haired ‘spirit’ she noted the... The look of utter horror flickering across Yuki’s pale face. What the fuck? Damn, Yuki. What the hell is wrong? Grey? What...

“I’m sure it’s nothing, Yuki-dude... I’ll be okay... In... In a minu...” Kopaka trailed off as his eyes rolled back, his eyelids closing. The wind sprite slumped forward, the sealed water bottle slipping from his hands.

“Kopaka-san?” Yuki inquired fearfully, catching the sprite before he could fall face first from the bed. “Kopaka-san?”

“I was afraid that was going to happen,” Ryuuji commented calmly, his gaze focusing on the slumped over wind/ice elemental supported by Yuki. “He’ll be okay. Kopaka’s just completely drained. Actually I’m surprised he was able to stay awake this long. He’ll probably be pretty sick for a day or two but he’ll be fine. He just needs to rest.”

Oh man. Poor Kopaka. “I knew he looked like hell. He isn’t ‘fine’ at all. Poor guy,” Rae stated, sympathy in her voice. “That sucks.”

“Kopaka-san...” Yuki trailed off, his eyes troubled, a deep frown on his pale white lips. As Rae watched the small framed man, she noted the fear in his eyes. Why is he so... I mean I’m worried about Kopaka too, but... He’s going to be okay. Why did he get so freaked out over the ‘grey’ thing? I’d say it was just Kopaka’s eyes going funny because, you know... He was getting ready to pass out. So why is Yuki... Somehow she had a feeling there was more to Yuki’s fearful expression than what met the eye... But... What? What’s up, Yuki?

“Yuki, right? Why don’t you put him over on the couch. Can you carry him?” Ryuuji questioned, glancing over the small framed man.

“I can help,” Rae offered, casting another sympathetic gaze to the unconscious wind elemental. “I’m pretty strong for a lame human girl, believe it or not.”

“No, it’s okay, Rae-chan. I can do it,” Yuki responded softly, a troubled expression lingering in his grey eyes. With that said he gently took hold of Kopaka, lifting him into his arms. Though he looked a bit strained at carrying the sprite’s dead weight, he managed to take the man over to the black couch.

Whoa. I’m surprised Yuki managed that. Or wait. No I’m not. He’s obviously stronger than what he lets on... Rae thought, her gaze focusing on the small framed ‘spirit’.

Yuki moved to gently place the grey haired elemental on the couch, making sure to situate the man in a comfortable position. He then stood next to the couch for a moment, his eyes troubled, a frown on his pale white lips. “I know it won’t help much, but... I’m going to give him more of my energy. I gave him a little earlier, but it wasn’t enough,” the silver haired man stated after a brief amount of silence. “I don’t want him to be sick.”

“If you can manage, I’m sure any little bit would help,” Ryuuji responded with a small smirk. “Don’t drain yourself though.”

“...I won’t,” the small framed man replied softly, moving to sit on the couch, gently repositioning Kopaka so that his head was resting in Yuki’s lap. “I can’t help Druu-chan... I want to be able to but I can’t. So, at least... I can at least do this for Kopaka-san,” he commented quietly, closing his teary grey eyes. He moved a hand to the wind sprite’s forehead, biting down on his pale-white lower lip in concentration as he began to stream energy.

Rae watched for a moment, taking in the feel of the soft warm energy radiating from Yuki. It wasn’t an incredibly strong energy, yet it was strong enough for her to sense. Warm and comforting. That doesn’t feel like what he did with the lightning at all. That energy was... Weird. This energy he’s giving Kopaka feels more like... Well. It feels more like Yuki. I dunno. The soft, sensitive soul with sad eyes and.... With energy like that, he can’t be bad. There’s no way.

The pink haired girl let out a small sigh, her attention turning to Kopaka, taking in his pale face, his closed eyes. Poor Kopaka... I knew he wasn’t ‘fine.’ Even though she knew the man would be okay with a little rest, it still... Well. It sucked seeing the guy passed out, pale and sick. Not that this is the first time I’ve seen Kopaka passed out, but uh, this is a little different. Yes, she’d witnessed the druggie pass out more than once due to his various drug concoctions, yet this was entirely different. No drug had caused this. He gave so much energy, completely zapped himself of all of his strength. That had to hurt. A lot. He was trying so hard to keep Druu alive.... You, you’re a really cool guy, Kopaka. Even if you are a big crazy drug addict.

“Ngh-...Sana nai sa... It...” Druu mumbled softly, breaking into the girl’s thoughts. She turned her gaze back to Druuvbin, lightly squeezing his hand. “Don’t be sorry,” she whispered, a frown on her lips.

“How do you know that’s what he said?” Ryuuji questioned curiously, raising a purple eyebrow.

“Kopaka told me earlier. He said it was the only thing he knew about the language. ‘Sana nai sa’ means ‘I’m sorry,’ right?” Rae remarked, moving her gaze to the purple haired demon, giving the man a small smile.

“Oh. Yeah. That’s what it means,” the demon responded, his gaze moving back down to the psychic cradled in his toned arms.

“Druu... I’m the one who’s sorry. I really didn’t... I didn’t know how sick you are, and... I’m sorry, Druu. I am,” she stated softly, squeezing the man’s pale lifeless hand once more.

“Rae-chan...” Druu whispered softly, his voice distant, far away.

“Yeah, Druu-chan? Can you hear me?” Rae questioned hopefully, biting her lip anxiously. Please wake up... I want to talk to you, Druu. I...

The man did not respond however, only let out a small moan, followed by a jagged cough. A bit of blood slipped from his pale shivering lips, followed by another small whimper.

...Damn it...

“I think he heard you. He just can’t... He can’t pull himself out of it,” Ryuuji commented thoughtfully, running a bruised hand through the water sprite’s blue hair, a frown on his purple lips. “I wonder if that means he knows I’m here too?”

“Yeah. I’m sure he does,” the girl responded quietly, giving the demon a small smile. It seemed important to Ryuuji, for the psychic to know of his presence, to know that he was with him. That he cared. Rae felt a small sad smile play on her lips. Yeah... Ryuuji, I hope Druu knows I’m here, that I’m with him, that I care too... I hope he knows. I really do.

Rae let out another soft sigh, rubbing her free hand over her aqua eyes. So much had happened in the course of one evening. What seemed like days worth of struggle and... In reality... It had only been a mere few hours. It... It almost felt as if a nuclear bomb had been detonated, and now... Now all she could do... Was simply sit and watch the fallout.

Druuvbin dying, Malba severely injured, Kopaka ill, Yuki so sad and defeated, Kouji so lost and broken... Sanosuke left behind in another world... So many things that she had absolutely no control over.

All I can do is watch the fallout...

“I... I think I’m going to go get a fresh washcloth. I... I can at least try to get a little more of that blood off of his face,” she stated with a sigh, her expression weary. “Later once he... Once he’s better, Mom and I can clean him up more, but for now... I want to at least get some of the bloodstains off of his face.” It didn’t seem right. That kind, beautiful face bloodstained and... In so much pain... It....

“Yeah. Okay,” Ryuuji nodded, briefly pulling his gaze away from Druuvbin along enough to give the girl a small smirk.

“I’ll get one for Kopaka too. You can uh, put it on his forehead or something, Yuki.” She wasn’t sure if that’d really do any good, but... Er... Well, on TV they sometimes do that for people who pass out or whatever... Gee. I’m such a medical expert... Heh...

“Okay, Rae-chan,” Yuki responded softly, not opening his eyes as he continued to stream that soft, warm energy into the sick wind elemental.

The pink haired girl nodded, standing from the large bed after first giving Druuvbin’s hand another small reassuring squeeze. No, she really couldn’t do much. Just wait, hope and pray... Rae glanced down at her hands, her aqua gaze locking on those dried, sticky bloodstains... I just have... To wait and... Hope for the best.

“I’m gonna see how Kouji’s doing, too...” With that soft statement she moved to the bedroom doorway, a deep frown on her lips, a worried, weary look in her aqua eyes.

All that was left now... Was to wait and watch the fallout.

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

Okay. Veenom was seriously confused. Beyond serious even. Make that totally confused. Why the hell did he...

The muddy, blood covered poison demon had finally stumbled her way to the edge of the Lainekan border, yet what Veenom had discovered as she arrived... She... I totally don’t get it.

When she had finally managed to make her way out of that damn forest, she really hadn’t been expecting to run into Kaine playing a round of torture pretty boy Malba. Oh, and that weird human girl. What was her name? Ah, whatever. One of Druuvbin’s pet humans...

It had been kind of interesting to watch, in a really gross, really morbid kind of way. Really morbid. That Kaine. He’s a real bastard. Sure, Veenom was into the whole killing thing and stuff... Kind of. Well okay so technically she had never really killed anyone herself, but still. I’ve fought. I just haven’t, well I haven’t exactly needed to kill anyone yet. But I definitely can kill. Totally.

Killing was one thing. Torture however? She wasn’t into torture games. It... That was just really gross. Not that it had surprised her. One thing she had learned really fast while working for Aevik Kaine? The guy was a complete freak. A devil with a pleasant smile and creepy cold eyes. So no, the whole gross torture thing hadn’t been surprising.

She sure as hell wasn’t going to get involved with it. With her head throbbing, her face bloody, her outfit completely ruined... All she had really wanted to do was stumble into Laineka and... Well. Get cleaned up. But NO. Kaine was standing there being all freaky and... Ick. No. She definitely had not wanted to walk into that. So she had been left with no other option but to hide behind a tree and watch with morbid curiosity.

Not that she really cared about that Malba guy. Anyone who would hang out with that disgusting monster, Druuvbin? He’s just another mindless pet. I can’t believe he actually took all that torture for Druuvbin. Why would he do something like that? It was disgusting, the loyalty the pet had for that stupid monster.

That weird human girl had shown a bit of guts too, which was kind of amusing. Watching a wet, muddy, weird human bitch at Aevik Kaine, elite ‘hunter’ for the Tevrran forces. That was pretty stupid, but kind of cool. I’m surprised Kaine didn’t rip her head off.

Yet... The most odd, surprising thing of all? Was...

Veenom let out a small sigh, crossing her arms about her mud-soaked chest, a frown on her dark-purple lipstick covered lips. Somewhat smeared purple lipstick covered lips. Ugh. My makeup is ruined, my face is all gross and bloody, my head is so killing me and now... What should she do?

Aevik Kaine was lying in a pool of blood and mud, eight gunshot wounds littering his body. Yeah that freak Ryuuji definitely put some holes in him. Totally overkill. Well. Okay, not really. She had simply stood and stared for who knows how long, watching the blonde demon lying limply on the wet mud soaked earth.

He obviously wasn’t dead. Hello. Totally not enough to kill Kaine. Veenom knew that for a fact. So... Why... Why the hell is he still lying there like that? He shouldn’t be hurt that bad...

Veenom let out another sigh, her frown deepening. She supposed she should go try to wake the bastard, yet... She really couldn’t stand the guy. He actually kind of gave her the creeps. His freakish polite mannerisms and... Who does he think he’s fooling anyway? Everyone knows Aevik Kaine. Everyone knows how much of a weird freak he is... Really, she didn’t understand the guy.

She never had understood him, still didn’t. From the very first day she met him... He’s always been such a weird freak...

He had approached her over a year ago with a job offer. To work for him, as a ‘shadow associate’ for the Tevrran research division of their army or whatever. Why the hell had she agreed? It... I sold my soul to the devil, but... As long as it gets me my revenge... I guess it doesn’t matter. What Veenom really didn’t get was WHY Kaine had wanted her to help anyway. He knows I want Druuvbin dead, but he wants him alive... I really don’t get it.

--“Why would you want my help? I want Druuvbin to suffer. I want him to die. You know, die? As in not alive? As in dead? Why would you want me to help you?”--

--“Ah, yes Miss Veenom, I’m aware of that. Yet... Perhaps one day you will be given the opportunity to exact your revenge. If you do what I say.”--

Those words spoken on that day over a year ago, whether they were true or not, she wasn’t sure, yet... Veenom had no other leads. No other way to ‘exact revenge’, no way to... If I have to go along with Kaine for awhile... I’ll do it. If it will help me find a way to kill Druuvbin and to kill those pathetic, disgusting humans... Then, afterward, then... Maybe the Tevrrans will kill me. If I go against their orders... Then I can die as well. That’d be fitting I guess.

Until the day she could finally die, she would keep the last dying image of Bekat engraved, burned into her memories. After all, it was the only thing keeping her going. She had nothing else. No one else. She needed nothing. Only that memory. I will make you suffer, Druuvbin. You and those disgusting vile humans.

Now... Why is he still knocked out?! She was seriously getting frustrated. The green haired demon wasn’t sure if she should just walk off and go on to Laineka or if she should try to wake the freak or... Well. Technically she was supposed to be meeting Kaine for some new ‘assignment details’ or something. Yeah. Whatever the hell that means...

“Damn it,” she muttered aloud, uncrossing her arms, running a wet muddy hand through her short green hair. Which only made her hand muddier. “Ew. Gross.” She really so needed a shower. Or a bubble bath. Or something...

Yes, all she wanted to do was crawl back to her tiny two room apartment in the slums of Laineka, soak in her crappy little tub for like, five hours and sleep for a week. Ugh. So gross. I HATE mud... I’m going to need a new outfit... Definitely going to have to sell a human or two, that should probably cover it...

Okay, so standing around in the rain watching stupid Aevik Kaine was getting beyond frustrating. “Fine. Fine,” Veenom muttered, slowly moving forward, closer to the clearing, exiting the Kainitif forest. She stumbled, her eyes blurry and her head throbbing, yet the demon managed to keep upright as she slowly made her way to the fallen blonde.

“Hey. You. Kaine? Hey! Wake up!” she stated loudly, gingerly kicking the man in the shoulder with her mud covered boot.

“Miss Veenom, that really isn’t necessary. I’m quite awake, I assure you,” the blonde responded softly, not opening his eyes.

Veenom raised an eyebrow at the man’s words, the frown on her lips deepening. Er... If he’s awake... Why is he still on the ground?

She glanced over the blood covered blonde man, taking in his injuries. His bullet wounds were already closing, so surely the demon’s powers had dissolved the bullets to, er, ashes or whatever by now. Mere bullets couldn’t do much more than stun Aevik Kaine... “Uh... So what the heck are you doing? You enjoy lounging around in mud?” the poison demon questioned, distaste in her tone. What a freak...

“I’m... I’m just thinking. Thinking about the past. That’s all,” Kaine replied slowly, a small smile forming on his lips. The man opened his yellow eyes, looking up at the woman. “I see you must have run into a bit of trouble, judging by your appearance,” he commented lightly, looking over the green haired demon.

“Er... Trouble. Yeah... You know how that forest is... It can be pretty uh, rough.” She still couldn’t believe how utterly pathetic she had been... How she had let a mere human... I can’t even beat one human? How am I going to kill Druuvbin? I can’t even kick one stupid human’s ass. I still... I have to find a way to get stronger... If it weren’t for those stupid humans, I’d be... But... “You don’t look so hot yourself, you know,” Veenom went on to comment frankly, looking over the man’s mud and bloodstained uniform. That is so going to be a bitch to get clean... I bet it’s ruined. Just like my clothes. Ugh, that stupid rooster... This outfit cost a fortune... Well. A fortune to me. It was actually marked down discount stuff in a thrift shop, but... I'm broke, so anything that costs money seems like a fortune to me... You would think selling humans would be a little more lucrative...

“Yes, well. Did you enjoy the show, Miss Veenom?” Kaine questioned, slowly sitting up, adjusting his glasses.

“Enjoy? Ugh. You really are a freak,” Veenom remarked, revulsion in her green eyes. “Was the whole ‘finger in the guy’s stomach’ thing really necessary? That was just so beyond gross.”

“A freak? Hm. You’re a smart girl, I’m sure you can come up with a better insult than that,” the blonde replied calmly, the amiable smile never leaving his lips. “I’m more than just a ‘freak,’ don’t you think?”

Veenom raised an eyebrow, not even sure what to say to that. With Aevik Kaine? She never knew what the hell to say. He was so... One second he’s all nice and polite, two seconds later he’s biting my head off... Also... She wasn’t sure if she should ask the guy, but... Oh hell. Why not? “So. Wanna tell me why you let them go?” The green haired demon watched the man's face, pondering his decision to let Ryuuji take Malba. That had been truly surprising. For Aevik Kaine, an elite hunter, to let a target go... I can't believe he did that.

“Hm? Let who go?” Kaine blinked innocently, slowly standing, raising a hand to his bloody forehead. “I didn’t ‘let’ anyone go.”

“The hell you didn’t. Come on, Kaine. You had to have sensed that guy coming. And you could have blocked those bullets. I know you could have. So, what’s the deal? You have a thing for getting shot? That get you off or something?” she questioned coldly, a small smirk on her lips. Technically, she really... Well probably shouldn’t be getting nasty with the guy, as he could so kill her if he wanted to, but... I’m not in the mood to play it nice with this freak.

“Well. I suppose I’m just off my game today,” the blonde stated with a dismissive shrug, running a hand gingerly over the closing bullet wound on his forehead.

“And you do know you could be executed for telling that human girl about the operations center in Atrum-Terra, right? That place is supposed to be top secret or whatever. Why the hell would you tell that human about it? Are you really crazy?” She had to wonder. The way the guy acted? Yeah. He’s definitely not got all of his marbles or some other cliché lame analogy thing. Yeah... Tevrra is totally secretive. No one is supposed to know about their ‘research’... For him to tell a human? Crazy.

“Miss Veenom, I believe that head injury of yours is making you hear things. I said no such thing to Miss Rae,” Kaine responded, a small tint of amusement in his deep voice.

What the hell? He’s denying it? I was RIGHT there! I know what I heard! What a freak! She really so hated him. Completely.

“Whatever. I know what I heard. Honestly I don’t really care. I just think you’re a total freak. You don’t make any sense,” Veenom replied heatedly, crossing her arms. I’m so not in the mood for this. My head is killing me and... Ugh. “Just tell me why you wanted to meet me, what these ‘orders’ are so I can go home and get this mud and blood off of me, okay?” the poison demon questioned impatiently, her painted purple lips forming an annoyed frown.

“Abrupt as always,” Kaine commented lightly, his voice pleasant, his eyes... Veenom shuddered. His eyes always gave her the creeps. It’s like his eyes are completely empty, like there’s nothing there...

“Whatever! What the hell do you want from me this time? Huh? Just get to the point!” Veenom snapped, her green eyes flashing with anger. “What’s the mission or whatever?”

“Ah, forgive me. The mission. Yes. About that--” Kaine started but was cut off as a ringing tone sounded from the man’s coat pocket. The blonde let out a small sigh, giving Veenom another of his ‘pleasant’ smiles. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment. I should probably answer this.” Without waiting for an answer the Tevrran demon pulled a thick communicator device from his pocket, raising it to his ear. “Aevik Kaine speaking.”

The green haired woman let out an irritated groan, crossing her arms impatiently. Oh sure. Now I have to wait for him to finish talking on the damn phone! And how the hell do those Tevrrans get cell phones to work out here? I can never get a signal with mine... Of course mine sucks.... Veenom rolled her eyes, focusing her gaze on the blonde. Wonder who he’s talking to?

“Hm, oh yes, Starne. She still holding? Persistent isn’t she?” the man stated amiably into the phone held to his ear, his voice level and friendly. “Hm? No, no. That’s quite all right. Thank you for holding her off but I really should get this over with,” the blonde remarked with a small sigh, the pleasant smile on his lips fading for a brief moment. “No, that’s all right, Starne. Put her through.”

Veenom impatiently tapped her boot on the muddy earth, crossing her arms tighter. How long is this going to take? Didn’t he realize just HOW much her head was pounding? She so didn’t feel like waiting around in the rain for another hour... Ugh. This is ridiculous....

Kaine remained quiet for a moment, obviously waiting for whoever was to be ‘put through’. Veenom jumped as a sudden loud voice rang from the device, so loud she could hear it almost plainly. “DAMN YOU, KAINE!” the female voice snapped angrily and the green haired demon raised an eyebrow. Sounds like Kaine’s in trouble... Or something.

“Miss Darcy. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I’ve been a little... Busy,” the blonde demon stated into the device, his voice calm. “Now, I was told you have ‘pressing’ matters to discuss with me?”

Veenom stepped a little closer, trying to make out the voice on the other end of the cell, however could not quite make out the words spoken. All she could really tell was... Well. This ‘Darcy’ person? Had a really obnoxious, shrill voice. Ugh. She’s going to bust Kaine’s eardrums before this call is over... Darcy... Hm. I think, oh that’s the scary slut-woman that’s the head of the whole biomechanics and medical research department for all of Tevrra, right? Ugh. I get all those freaks confused... Yeah. I think that’s her name. Ci.. Cai.. Oh C-something Darcy. Whatever.

“Oh? So you’ve been informed of the ‘security breach.’ –--Did I apprehend him? No. I’m sorry Miss Darcy, I was not made aware of the situation until much too late. I was in a meeting in Laineka after all,” Kaine responded to the shrill woman, his voice not losing that amiable tenor. “Hm? Yes I searched for Malba, but I’m afraid he’s long gone,” he then stated, turning his gaze to the entrance of the Kainitif forest.

Veenom raised an eyebrow at that. Long gone? Uh yeah, because you let him go...

“No. No that’s not necessary. I do not think he’s still in Laineka.—No, ma’am, I am positive he is not in the nearby area, so there is no need to send out a search team... No, I’m quite positive, as I have received reports his motorcycle was seen heading west. Possibly towards Trinity,” the demon commented smoothly, not blinking an eye. “Yes, of course I have my men looking for him. Yes, I’ll send a unit to Trinity. ---Oh? --–Yes well, if you think it better to send your own force, then by all means do so. I’m sure they’ll locate him. After all, they are your elite forces, Miss Darcy.”

What? Uh... Again, Veenom was really confused. Now he’s lying to one of his superiors or whatever? Er... Does he WANT to be executed or something?

“Yes, Miss Darcy. --Yes I’m aware he was injured. ---How? Well, I believe he was shot... Yes, be sure to have your men check area hospitals and doctors in Trinity. Yes... No, Miss Darcy. I’m sorry, don’t blame my men, I take full responsibility of course,” he stated into the phone device, a small sigh escaping his lips.

As Veenom watched the man, for a brief moment, a spark of anger flashed in his otherwise empty eyes. Oh? Hm. Looks like he doesn’t like this Darcy woman. Not that I blame him. Does she really have to shout like that? Geez.

“Yes. Yes Miss Darcy. I’m sure this will all be resolved. Now, was there anything else?” Kaine questioned, running a muddy glove over his just as muddy coat, brushing off a few clumps of earth still clinging to the fabric. “Teaja? With all do respect, Miss Darcy, what does Teaja have to do with me? Can’t you get one of the divisions actually stationed in Teaja to look int—-Ah. Yes, but Miss Darcy, I am rather busy,” Kaine retorted, his voice losing a bit of that pleasant demeanor, his eyebrow twitching.

He looks pissed. Which is always scary. That freak hardly ever looks anything. He’s usually like a weird robot or something... Always smiling like a zombie thing or... Something. Veenom really just wasn’t in the mood for this. Maybe she should be finding this interesting, but... Honestly, she couldn’t care less about whatever this weird woman wanted or why she was yelling at Kaine. What do I care. All I care about is my clothes and my head...

“You want me to return to Tevrra just to discuss this? Why not simply tell me now, on the phone? Isn’t that a little unnecessary? I--” Kaine cut off as another burst of angry words screeched from the cell. Veenom watched with an eyebrow raised as the demon’s grip on the phone device tightened, his jaw clenching.

“Ah, no ma’am. I wouldn’t dare disobey a direct order. I’ll be on the next transport to Tevrra. We can discuss this matter at length then, yes? ---Of course I wouldn’t question your authority, Miss Darcy. My apologies,” he stated amiably, however his hand tightened more so around the phone, his lips forming a frown. “Yes, Miss Darcy. I shall arrive in a few hours. ---Yes. I see... Yes, until then, I—No ma’am. Of course I wouldn’t withhold information regarding Malba Nuiwa. Whatever would make you ask such a thing? Yes, I must be going now. I’ll speak with you once I arrive in Atrum-Terra.” With that said Kaine disconnected the call, jabbing the off button with his thumb.

“Wow. Sounds like a real bitch,” Veenom commented indifferently, tapping her muddy boot to the moist earth. “And you do know you could so be killed for telling her all that bull, right?”

“A ‘bitch’ you say? Yes... I think that might fit Miss Darcy quite well, however rude it may be,” Kaine answered slowly, a calm friendly smile on his face, yet his hand tightened around the phone, so much so that...

“Uh... You just broke your phone, stupid,” the green haired demon pointed out with an eyebrow raised, her eyes focused on the crushed device in his gloved hand.

“Oh? Yes.... Well. I really was in need of a better one anyway. A newer model. This one gets terrible static interference,” the blonde commented nonchalantly, moving to place the crumpled device back into a coat pocket. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Miss Veenom. That was rather rude of me. However I’m afraid I won’t be able to discuss with you your task at the moment. I’m afraid I must be... Heading back to the research facility,” the man then stated, his hollow yellow eyes again focusing to the entrance of the Kainitif forest.

What? Oh sure, right. Make me wait all this time and then just blow me off! Veenom was getting beyond irritated. She had just had like the crappiest day, and now... “You know, I really don’t get you. Why are you protecting that idiot Malba? Especially since you like tortured and killed the guy or whatever. Now you’re lying to protect him? What is your deal? All for that little loser?” Yeah, she so didn’t get Aevik Kaine. At all. And I don’t WANT to get him. All I want is a bath...

“I didn’t kill Malba,” was the blonde demon’s only response, turning away from the poison demon. He instead focused his gaze to the large stone wall surrounding Laineka. “We will discuss your task once I return.”

“Didn’t kill him? Well, for all you know Druuvbin’s little lame pet will die from those injuries you gave him. I hope he does, just so you get in trouble. It would serve Malba right anyway. How stupid is he? Taking all that abuse for stupid Druuvbin. Hopefully the monster has already died from that weird sickness of his. Then Malba will have gone through all that for nothing. What an id--” Veenom’s rant was abruptly cut off as Kaine let out an irate growl. Before the woman could blink an eye the man had a hold of her neck with his gloved right hand, lifting her from the ground, her feet dangling inches off the wet earth. Oops... I guess I shouldn’t have said all that... Yeah, she should really probably learn to keep her mouth shut sometime...

“Urk—L-let—G-go!” the woman choked out as Kaine calmly watched her with cold yellow eyes, slightly tightening his grip on her throat. Oh, what? He’s actually going to kill me? This is so unfair!

“Really, Miss Veenom. You should work on your manners. That was a rather hateful thing to say, don’t you think?” the blonde questioned coolly, his yellow eyes locked on the poison demon’s face.

“Urk—You—Freak!” she choked out, attempting to free herself from the man, however found her struggle to be pointless. The Tevrran demon’s grip was far too strong. “I—Can’t—-b—reathe!” Her vision was starting to... Fade and she was getting dizzy. He’s...I can’t breathe!

“Miss Veenom, let me give you a small bit of advice. If I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it. Yet, I did not ask for your opinion on Malba, I did not ask for your opinion on anything. So if you don’t mind terribly, I would prefer it if you would be a little more civil while in my presence. Spew your hatred elsewhere. I personally find it to be tiresome,” Kaine commented coolly, his voice holding no emotion, his yellow eyes cold. With that said the man released his hold on Veenom’s neck and she fell to the wet earth with a thump.

The poison demon took in a deep gasping breath, choking. What... What a jerk! Who did that jerk think he was? That was... Stupid freak! God! “Stupid—jerk!” she snapped breathlessly, rubbing at her red, already bruising neck. “Did you have—to strangle me?” Veenom shouted angrily, her green eyes flashing with irritation.

“Now, if that matter is settled, I suppose I should be on my way,” Kaine replied cheerfully, all trace of hostility suddenly vanishing, replaced by that amiable friendly demeanor. “Oh and Miss Veenom, that outfit is simply ruined. Buy yourself a new one. Anything you like. Just tell any of the shops you buy from to put it on my account. And do be sure to take care of those cuts on your face. They look rather painful,” he then stated, giving the woman a calm smile.

What... The hell? God... He is SO weird! “Uh... How much can I spend?” she inquired, trying her best to sound disinterested, but... Shopping would be nice, after resting at her apartment... What couldn’t shopping cure? Get her mind off of that stupid rooster and that monster...

“As much as you like dear,” was the man’s response, turning away.

“Really?” the poison demon blinked, raising an eyebrow as she slowly stood, futilely brushing bits of wet earth off of her ruined outfit. “Cool. Uh, but Kaine, I still hate you though.” He really was such a freak. She so didn’t get him. At all.

“Miss Veenom. I do have a first name, yet everyone refuses to use it. Why is that?” Kaine questioned levelly, his yellow eyes locked on the large white stone wall of Laineka.

“Why? Because no one likes you enough to call you by your first name. Everyone hates you, remember?” the woman remarked, rolling her green eyes. Like anyone would want to be on a first name basis with this guy...

“Oh. Yes, that makes sense. Thank you for clearing that up, Miss Veenom. Be sure to rest up before your little shopping venture. Wouldn’t want to wear yourself out,” Kaine stated pleasantly, turning back to briefly smile at the girl. He then started towards the back gate of Laineka, rubbing a bit at his bloodstained forehead.

“So how will I know where to meet you when you get back from Tevrra?” Veenom questioned, crossing her arms. Hey, she was still annoyed with the guy, despite the whole letting her use his credit at all the shops thing. He tried to strangle me! Ugh. Freak.

“Let me worry about that. I’m sure I’ll be able to find you,” he replied ambiguously. “Until then, Miss Veenom.”

“Er, wait! Can’t you tell me anything about what you want me to do? Kaine! Hey!” she called after the man, however he did not slow, completely ignoring her question. Stupid jerk!

“Hey! Kaine!” she snapped irritably, moving to follow the blonde, a frown on her lips. “Will you stop ignoring me? That’s like, beyond annoying. Hey! Kaine? Hey! Kaine! What, are you mad because I won’t call you by your stupid first name? Oh, well, I guess I could just call you Tevrra’s wonderful ‘Letum Venator’, how about that? Is that better?” she shouted irritably. Of course two seconds after she had said it she realized just how stupid a thing it was to say. I can’t believe I just said that... Do I have a concussion or something?

Calling Kaine the ‘Letum Venator’... She wasn’t entirely sure what it even meant, but... He always gets a really weird look on his face when the dumb people in Laineka and those guys at the Tevrran research base thing call him that. They act like it’s a good thing, but... It’s like, pretty obvious he completely hates being called that... Oh that was so stupid, I shouldn’t have said that... He's going to get pissed...

The blonde demon slowed, stopping. He stood motionless for a moment before finally turning to meet Veenom’s anxious gaze. “Oh? Yes, I suppose you could call me that as well. Whatever you prefer, Miss Veenom,” the man frowned, his yellow eyes briefly flashing with... What? Veenom honestly wasn’t sure. However the look quickly faded, replaced by those hollow blank eyes and that calm cheerful smile.

The green haired woman blinked, surprised by his lack of response. So... He’s not going to strangle me again?

“I really don’t have time to give you all of the details, but... Hm, you know that doctor friend of Malba’s, correct?” Kaine questioned, his emotionless yellow eyes meeting the woman’s green gaze.

“Uh... Yeah, Kopaka. What about him?” Veenom inquired, raising an eyebrow. That weird drug addict? What the heck does Kopaka have to do with anything?

“You are aware that this ‘Kopaka’ has two sisters, correct?” the blonde replied, running a gloved hand gingerly over the rapidly healing bullet wound on his forehead.

“Uh... Yeah. He had two sisters. They’re both dead. So what?” the poison demon questioned, confusion tinting her voice. What the heck is he getting at? What does any of this have to do with me?

“Incorrect. One died, yes. However I’ve recently discovered the other is quite alive, living in Tyyni Sataa. She’s twenty two years old, in college. Following her brother’s footsteps in the field of medicine,” Kaine stated calmly, his tone never changing, his eyes unfeeling, hollow. “She is going under a false surname of course.”

Kopaka’s younger sister is alive? Who knew. He’s a big liar then. Not that I blame him I guess. He didn’t want anyone getting to her like they did the other one... She still didn’t understand what any of this had to do with her. Wait... “You don’t want me to kill her or something, do you? Because, uh...” Veenom trailed off, a frown on her lips. It wasn’t that she couldn’t do it or anything, just... Well. Fighting with her bracelet blade was one thing. Sneaking up on somebody and killing them? Kind of... Gross. Not that I can’t do it. Because I can. I don’t care. Right. And I was totally going to kill that stupid rooster earlier. Totally.

“Kill her? No, quite the contrary, Miss Veenom. You are going to become Miss Nevara’s new best friend,” Kaine replied evenly.

Huh? What? “Uh, excuse me?”

“I’ll explain the details when I return.”

Veenom blinked, raising an eyebrow. Become her new best friend? What? Uh, why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like this?

With an irritated sigh she followed after the blonde Tevrran demon towards the back gate, her brow furrowed in thought, a hand gently pressed to one of the large cuts marring her face. Friend?
“So, uh... Why are you going into Laineka? Can’t you just teleport to the base?” she questioned as the blonde knocked on the gate-keep window.

“Hm, yes I can, however there’s one more thing I need to do before I return. There’s someone I need to speak with for a moment,” Kaine responded smoothly, wrapping his gloved knuckles on the gate-keep window once more. “Open the gate, Grefferd.”

“Her... Friend?”

“I’ll explain when I return, Miss Veenom.”

Ugh... I really don’t think I’m going to like this... The green haired demon let out a sigh, the frown on her lips deepening. How the heck do I get into these things? I guess that’s what I get for selling my soul to the devil. Selling my soul to the ‘Letum Venator’. Whatever that means. Stupid Kaine... Her thoughts trailed off as the large gate clicked, slowly swinging open. Now, all I have to do is stumble back to my apartment...

“It’s rather unsafe for such a young girl to wander the streets of the west section. Would you like me to walk with you to your apartment?” the blonde inquired, his hollow yellow gaze focusing on the path leading to the western section of the medium sized city. The slums.

“Ew. I’d rather get mugged than have you walk with me. And I’m not that young. I’m twenty three you know,” Veenom replied, rolling her green eyes. Like she’d want to spend any more time with the freak. With my luck he’d find some random reason to strangle me again.

“I see. Well then, enjoy your shopping, Miss Veenom,” Kaine stated pleasantly, slightly bowing his head. With that said he walked further into Laineka, his muddy boots clunking against the wet stone of the city’s streets.

“Yeah...” she mumbled, crossing her arms. She turned her gaze to the dark sky, allowing the rain to wash over her face. Which, well. Made her cuts actually kind of sting worse, but whatever. The dark clouds... I sold my soul to the devil for you, Bekat. Would you be angry I wonder? Guess it doesn’t really matter. Because you’re dead. Thanks to those humans... And Druuvbin. She pulled her gaze away from the sky, slowly limping forward, towards the slums of Laineka.

Her sister was dead. No seeing her in the dark sky, no hearing her in her dreams. No... No getting the woman back. No solace. The only thing I had left... Those damn humans, those stupid damn humans of Huisto... Stupid disgusting country, full of disgusting vile humans. No, there was nothing for her now. Huisto and Druuvbin had seen to that.

So I sold my soul for you, Bekat... Did it really matter? It wasn’t like she could really feel much anyway. What soul? Did it matter? At least... At least the devil has an account with all the shops in town. That’s a cool perk.

Still, as she walked through the dark, rain drenched streets, she somehow felt... It didn’t matter. Veenom shrugged the feeling off, her green eyes focusing on the wet stone street.

I’ll do whatever I have to do. I’ll listen to you, Kaine. I’ll do what you say. As long as it gets me... What I want. Plus. Hey, shopping is cool. That’s a plus. Even if he did try to strangle me... With that thought the young woman turned down a narrow alley, crossing her arms tightly about her chest. She moved to the end of the long narrow path, her eyes locking on the run down decrepit building, the cracked wooden side door barely attached to its ancient hinges. Home sweet home.

Veenom opened the warped door, wincing at the loud screech erupting from the rusted hinges. With a roll of her eyes she walked into the small dark hallway, quickly moving to the narrow rickety wooden staircase leading to the second floor. Somehow she managed to climb the uneven stairs in the darkness, even with her head pounding and her legs weak. I hate those stupid stairs...

The green haired demon found herself in another dark, narrow hallway lined with warped wooden doors. Cracked flimsy doors with pitiful excuses for locks on the rusted doorknobs... She never even bothered to lock her apartment. After all, it wasn’t as if she really had anything for anyone to steal. Besides... Her door’s lock was basically broken anyway. So... it really didn’t matter.

--Apt. 17—

The woman stood for a moment outside the rickety door to her just as rickety apartment, a small sigh escaping her lips. It was ironic. No matter how many different apartments she rented, in countless cities, countless countries... They all seemed the same. Eternally empty.

“Home sweet home,” Veenom whispered aloud, a bitter smile on her lips. A dark empty hole of an apartment. Funny. It suited her just fine.

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

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(not over. XD keep going.)