-a night of shadows, tears and waiting; part c-
(read a-b first. Duh. XD)

The girl was almost tempted to go to that stupid Tevrran base and... And what? Kaine probably isn’t there, he’s still in Atrum-Terra I bet... And even if he were there? He’d just... Either laugh at me or strangle me. Depending on what personality or whatever is out at the time... The green haired demon let out a shaky sigh, tears continuing to streak down her face, her green eyes weary and tired, her body aching, throbbing... I just wanted to sleep... Bekat... Why can’t I ever even dream of you? I... It was such a stupid thing to be contemplating. I need to be thinking about how to get that damn money, not... Not crying, obsessing over my dead sister... Though in reality, she was obsessed, wasn’t she?

“I'm crazy. I know I’m crazy. I don’t care,” she whispered aloud, tightly closing her blurred, teary eyes. The young woman knew. Knew that... A normal person would just get over it, but I... Veenom knew she wasn’t normal. Not normal at all. After I get revenge, maybe... Maybe I can finally just... Sleep and... Never wake up. That... That’ll be nice...

Veenom let out a deep sigh, her eyes opening, moving to the rear wall of the apartment’s main room, taking in the flimsy door to the tiny, cramped closet. She... She needed to change. I... I have a lot of work to do... It’s already around one, according to Kyoutasa... So... Hey, maybe I can rob the bandits... Maybe they’ll have enough money... The green haired demon moved to stand, only to slump back to the floor, a wave of lightheadedness overwhelming her. Damn it... She... I’ll go... In a few minutes... I...

For a few minutes, she... Veenom... She really just... Wanted to...

The girl lowered her face into her hands, her green hair hiding her features. She... Honestly she just wanted to cry.

Stupid baby...

So she cried.

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

Darcy was quite amused. Really, more than quite. Extremely even. After all, it wasn’t everyday she got the chance to watch Aevik Kaine suffer. Watching anyone suffer was always fun by her standards, but even better? Aevik Kaine. She despised the man and his fake smile, his cold, blank eyes and his oh so polite mannerisms. He’s such an incompetent fool...

So yes, the chance to watch the blonde demon in pain was something she would not pass up seeing. The lavender haired woman had been rather looking forward to it, actually. From the moment she had walked out of Ikenna’s office, she had... Had been anticipating this moment so very much.

Waiting for Kaine to arrive in Atrum-Terra had been so tedious, and to kill the time, well... She had gone back to the operations center and tortured a few lab techs to pass the time. It had been somewhat amusing... Though Ikenna would probably be rather angry if he found out... Lucky for me, no one is brave enough to dare risk telling him. My wrath is something to be feared, she thought with a small smirk, her silver-white eyes practically sparkling with cold amusement.

So when Kaine had finally arrived, dressed in the ugly browns of the ‘Hunters’ elite uniform, that fake smile plastered on his lips and those yellow eyes void of emotion... She had been so very happy. Fool. Brainless inept insect... Darcy had of course briefed him on the situation in Teaja, ordering the man to look in to it. As much as I despise him, his name is feared even more than mine. If he goes to Teaja, he’ll be far more likely to get answers. People listen to that fool. Whether I like it or not. It was the logical choice of course. To send the Letrum Venator to investigate the matter.

Irritatingly enough, the blonde demon had actually dared to suggest it to all be a mere coincidence. The assassination, the suicide, the energy blast... Is he really that stupid? How could he possibly think it’s all unrelated? And to laugh at the idea of the blood-fox being involved... Inept fool... Regardless of the man’s lack of intelligence, she was satisfied for the moment with ordering him to investigate the matter further. Once he finds something, then it’ll be my turn. I’m rather good with... Examining the evidence, with experiments and hypotheses... And murder of course, but that’s not the issue. Darcy felt a wave of dark amusement at that thought, the cold smirk on her lips widening.

Though now came the most entertaining part of Kaine’s little trip to Atrum-Terra. Yes Kaine, keep talking, it’ll do you no good, she thought, her silver-white gaze focused on the blonde demon, who at the moment stood before Ikenna Nuiwa’s desk, ‘explaining’ the situation that had taken place at the 25-47A Venator facility.

Yes, Darcy had silently stood in the corner of Ikenna Nuiwa’s smaller private office for over ten minutes now. Leaning casually against the wall, her arms crossed about her chest. Watching with such pleasure as Aevik Kaine stood before that dark wooden desk, doing his best to ‘explain’ the situation. Explain why Ikenna’s beloved, precious son had taken a bullet, and why he had been allowed to escape. It was so very amusing, watching the agitated expression on Ikenna’s pale, makeup painted face, the anger in his blood red eyes... This is so entertaining. So very entertaining...

The lavender haired woman moved her focus away from the blonde demon and the angry Ikenna Nuiwa for a moment, briefly taking in the small office. Much less boring than that conference room and his stupid secretary’s office. Cow... she thought, noting the dark maroon walls, the black wood trim and lush black carpet. Intricately carved black furniture, a large planter filled with black flowers in a corner... A very dark, very moody room. Reds and blacks. Apparently Ikenna’s favorite colors... So very Ikenna. Fancy and appealing, dark and moody. Prissy little bastard, the woman thought, turning her attention once again to the red haired man, noting the cold fury in his eyes. Yes, Kaine. You are going to suffer. I guarantee it. And I’m going to enjoy every moment...

“So. Let me see if I have all of this correct, Kaine. Now. You say that my son broke into the facility to steal medicines. Hm, and this rogue officer of yours... Decided to go against orders and shoot my son. After this, Malba escaped, and you were unable to locate him. As... You were in a meeting in Laineka at the time. Is that your story?” Ikenna’s smooth voice broke into Darcy’s thoughts and she focused her full attention on the man, taking in his cold words.

“Ah, yes sir. I do believe that is the full story. I regret this matter terribly, sir and Miss Darcy is correct. I take full responsibility. I apologize on behalf of my men and their inept behavior. I’m sorry this played out in such a way,” Kaine replied smoothly, his yellow eyes focused on the red-head, his tone pleasant and polite. As always. Not a trace of unease in his blank yellow eyes. It was somewhat frustrating to Darcy. She would like to see fear in the man’s eyes... Fear and pain... If I know Ikenna, and I do, I will at least get the opportunity to see pain in Kaine’s eyes... That will do.

Ikenna remained silent for a moment, his red eyes locked on the blonde demon, his pale, makeup painted face carefully blank, no real emotion visible. Except in his eyes... Anger, cold, incensed anger... “Oh? Well. That’s very interesting, Kaine. You know why?” the red haired man questioned nonchalantly, slowly standing from his sitting position behind the great, intricately crafted black desk. The lithe man gracefully moved around the desk to stand in front of Kaine, his eyes locked on the demon’s tan face. “You know why?”

Uh-oh. It looks as if someone’s about to be in deep, deep shit. Hah, this is so wonderful, Darcy thought with a dark smirk, cocking her head a bit as she watched the two. She was so very entertained...

“Hm? Why what, sir?” Kaine responded evenly, the smile never fading from his lips, his deep voice never changing from that light, pleasant tenor. “Interesting you say, sir?”

“Yes. Quite interesting,” Ikenna replied calmly, moving closer to the demon, his iridescent red eyes glancing over Kaine, taking in his crisp brown uniform, his long coat, his high cut brown boots. “Is that a new uniform, Kaine?” he questioned amiably, his tone dangerously calm and nonchalant, however his eyes...

“Hm, ah yes, sir. I believe it is,” was the blonde’s response, his tone pleasant and of course, polite. Always so polite, aren’t you? Annoying bastard... Darcy hated the man’s voice. Despised it.

“Yes, I thought so. So tell me, Kaine,” the man paused, moving closer, his red eyes locking on Kaine’s wire-frame glasses. A small frown formed on his lips and Ikenna moved a pale, lithe hand to take hold of the blonde demon’s glasses, carefully removing them from the man’s face. He then moved to wipe a bit at the lens with his long red cloth waistband, cleaning the clear glass. After satisfied that the lens were clean, he gingerly placed the glasses back on Kaine’s tan face. “Now. You say you were in a meeting, yes? You never actually saw Malba, correct?”

“Ah, yes sir. It’s regrettable, but I was not there at the time of the incident I’m afraid,” Kaine responded evenly, not showing any unease at the red-head’s close proximity.

“Ah, I see,” Ikenna responded slowly, moving to slowly circle around the demon, his voice deadly calm, his red eyes holding that cold, infuriated expression. Deadly calm and livid...

Ikenna is so very bizarre, Darcy thought, slightly raising an eyebrow at the red-head’s actions. Cleaning his glasses? What a fool... Prissy neat freak... Still it was quite amusing. Watching as Ikenna slowly moved to once again stand squarely in front of Kaine, meeting the man’s yellow gaze with his angry red eyes... Yes, definitely amusing.

“So, could you answer one question for me then, Kaine?” Ikenna inquired calmly, his voice taking on an almost casual, blase tone. Which was bad. Darcy knew from experience after all. Really this was getting so very entertaining...

“A question? Yes, of course sir,” Kaine responded evenly, squarely meeting the red-head’s intense gaze.

“If you were in a meeting, and never even had the opportunity to see my son... Why is it that you smell of Malba’s blood? Hm? Tell me that, Kaine,” Ikenna questioned coldly, pulling closer to the blonde. He reached out a slender hand to almost gently touch the man’s cheek, and... Then promptly moved to viciously take hold of his face, jerking him closer. “Why is it that my son’s blood is all over you? Why is that, hm?” he inquired coldly, his tone dripping ice, an almost sing-song like quality entering his smooth voice.

Wait... What? Blood? Darcy blinked at this, surprised to say the least. Is he insane? I don’t smell any blood... the lavender haired woman’s thoughts trailed off and she took in a deep breath, attempting to detect any trace of blood on the blonde demon. Nothing. And I should know. Blood is by far my favorite scent... She focused her silver-white gaze to Kaine’s face, trying to read his expression. Yet of course there was no expression to be read. It was simply that annoying false smile and those irritating blank eyes. Not a damn hint of fear or agitation. Nothing. How irritating. Why can’t you show your terror? I want to see you cower...

“Blood, sir? I’m afraid you must be mistaken,” Kaine responded amiably, his smile never waning, his tone never changing.

“Oh? Mistaken? No, I believe you are the one who is mistaken. Do you honestly believe me to be that foolish? Because I can guarantee you I am no fool,” Ikenna remarked coldly, his grip on the man’s face tightening. “Now, I will ask you one more time. Why do I sense my son’s blood on you? Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” he then inquired, his smooth voice growing ever colder, ever more singsong like and deadly. “Well, Letrum Venator? What lies will you tell me now, hm?”

Oh, now this was rather fascinating. Was it really true that the man had Malba Nuiwa’s blood on him? She couldn’t sense any, yet... Ikenna seemed so very sure.... How incredibly fascinating. Plus, now the chance for Kaine getting tortured had wholly doubled. Which made Darcy quite happy. Hm, but why would Kaine have Malba’s blood on him? Did he kill him? Or... It was all intriguing. Very intriguing.

“I honestly haven’t a clue what you mean. I would never lie to you, sir,” Kaine responded innocently, his tone light and airy, his smile bright and so very false. Idiot... Foolish incompetent... Soulless bastard. It was so very annoying... That damn smile.

“Oh? Well. Let’s see. I wonder if this will help you understand, ‘what I mean,’ Kaine,” the red haired man stated flatly, sending a sudden blast of fire energy through the demon, sending him back to crash against the maroon wall. Ikenna gracefully walked toward the blonde, a cold smile forming on his dark lipstick painted lips.

Darcy felt her smirk widen as anticipation coursed through her. About damn time. Now the good part really begins. Torture is such an entertaining thing... Unless I’m the one being tortured. That is not entertaining. That is just tedious. The lavender haired woman watched with dark amusement as Ikenna stepped in front of Kaine, moving to place a hand on the man’s cheek. It was anything but a kind gesture however. Darcy knew quite well what was about to happen. Let’s see how you enjoy this, Kaine...

“Well? What have you to say for yourself, Letrum Venator?” Ikenna snapped coldly, his left hand pressed against Kaine’s cheek beginning to glow, an aura of red energy surrounding that lean hand...

“...Ah, sir... I.... Have nothing to say. I’m sorry that your son escaped, but I... Assure you I know... Nothing of it,” Kaine responded slowly, obviously finding it a bit difficult to completely hide his pain.
Actually, Darcy was slightly impressed by his endurance, his tolerance to the pain he surely must be feeling. After all, at the moment, Kaine was having his very energy ripped from his body...

Ikenna has that wonderful ability. Tearing a person’s energy slowly from their body, draining it away. Of course to be a real bastard, he literally burns your insides as he does it. It’s a great torture method... the lavender haired woman thought, amusedly watching the scene. Ikenna’s hand pressed firmly to the blonde demon’s face, tearing his very life force away from him, slowly burning his internal organs... It was so very entertaining. And I know from experience just how painful it is. Now Kaine. How does it feel? Smug bastard... Really, she was jealous of Ikenna. I wish I had an ability that effective.... It would make torturing my underlings that much more enjoyable...

“Oh, so you know ‘nothing?’ Is that what you’re going to claim?” Ikenna inquired coolly, a dark smile on his lips. “I see. Well then... Perhaps I should just kill you then, hm?” he then questioned, a flare up of fire energy engulfing the room as he increased his torturous energy drain on the blonde demon. “What do you think? Letrum Venator? Do you wish to die?”

“Do I wish to die, sir? Well, I don’t particularly care either way. If you wish to kill, me...Feel free to do so,” Kaine responded evenly, his tone somewhat strained, yet that pleasant smile still firmly in place on his lips. How is he managing to... I know how much that hurts. He should be on his knees in agony, not standing there smiling like an idiot! Darcy thought, a flash of irritation sparking within at the man’s casual smile and lack of... Emotion. He should be afraid, not... Grah. How very frustrating.

Apparently Ikenna seemed to be thinking something along the same line as the lavender haired demon, as he frowned, a touch of annoyance appearing on his pale face. “...You know, Kaine. This isn’t nearly as enjoyable as torturing Cairra. At least she whines like the little whoreish, spineless bitch she is,” the red-head stated, a tint of exasperation in his voice.

What?! Darcy frowned at this, uncrossing her arms, instead placing her hands on her lean hips. How dare he? Her silver-white eyes flashed angrily and she suppressed the urge to snap back at the man’s statement. Oh, and if anyone is a ‘whore,’ it’s you. At least I don’t sleep around with the whole god damn population of Atrum-Terra... I actually have standards, unlike you. You’d screw anything with a heartbeat. Prissy bastard, she thought irritably, her lavender eyebrow twitching.

“Oh? Well... I’m sorry, sir. I suppose... I could pretend to be frightened, if you wish,” Kaine suggested calmly, his voice pleasant, an almost amused tone in his strained voice.

Darcy blinked at the blonde’s words, raising an eyebrow. Was the man out of his mind? Do you want Ikenna to kill you? ‘Pretend’ to be frightened? Hah...This is great... Her thoughts trailed off and she smiled, noting the angered look on Ikenna’s face, his livid red eyes and deep scowl... That was a very stupid thing to say. Fool.

“Pretend, you say? No, Let’s just make you feel genuine fear,” Ikenna responded after a moment of silence, his voice sharp, his red gaze locked on the blonde’s yellow eyes. With that statement the red-head again increased the flow of energy, draining Kaine, burning him... The room darkened, the temperature rising as immense fire energy swirled within the small office space. Oh, well this is more energy than what he’s ever used on me. Surely Kaine won’t be able to keep up that smile now... Darcy thought, noting the rising temperature, feeling the wave of blistering hot energy slowly engulfing the room.

“Yes, but sir. You have to... Possess the ability to feel emotion to experience fear. I haven’t the capability. I’m sorry, sir,” the blonde stated calmly, his strained voice amiable, his smile never waning. Darcy let out a small exasperated sigh at this, again moving to cross her arms about her chest. It was ridiculous. How could the man stand so much energy being drained from his body? How could he bear that massive fire energy, burning away his insides? Even with the regenerative powers Kaine holds, this is still intense damage being done to his body. It’ll take days to heal the burns and to restore his energy... She was getting rather annoyed with the man’s lack of response to the intense torture. How very annoying.

“I’m growing rather tired of this, Letrum Venator. Tell me what you know of my son, and why you smell of his blood. Tell me or I really will kill you,” Ikenna snapped icily, his red eyes taking on a glowing hue, iridescent and angry. “Tell me what you did to my son!” he growled, moving to slam the blonde demon’s head firmly against the maroon wall. “Tell me or die!”

“...Sir. I have nothing to tell. Though if I may, can I ask you a question, sir?” Kaine inquired calmly, his yellow eyes empty, void of any real emotion. His smile however, was as always, amiable and pleasant. “Well, sir? May I?”

A question? Do you really think you’re in the position to be asking questions? Darcy thought, a bit startled by the blonde’s rather bold action. Bold and stupid, that is... What a fool...

“A... Question?” Ikenna responded slowly, his voice dropping, his red eyes glowing brightly. “You... Have a question. For me?” he then inquired, his voice growing colder and colder with each word, his eyes glowing brighter and brighter...

“Yes. I do, sir. Why is it that you are so desperate to drag your son back to Atrum-Terra, when he is so very against it?” Kaine questioned calmly, his yellow eyes locked on the red haired man. “Why is it that you would go to such great lengths to force your son to do something he doesn’t wish to do?” he pondered evenly, his tone somewhat losing that pleasant edge, replaced by a darker, cooler tone.

The lavender haired woman’s eyes widened at the Letrum Venator’s inquiries, not even sure what to think. Was the man... Was Kaine entirely out of his mind? He... He was actually daring to question Ikenna Nuiwa’s... Oh, Kaine... This has to be the most foolish thing you’ve ever done. And you’ve done some rather idiotic things. Fool, she thought, a dark smirk on her lips. Well. Perhaps I’ll have to find someone else to help me investigate Teaja. As... Ikenna may very well kill Kaine here and now.

“....You... Dare to question my judgment? You dare to question my motivations? Hm? Do you not think I know what is best for my own son? Hm?” Ikenna inquired icily, his voice silky smooth, his red eyes literally glowing with anger. “Well?”

“Ah but sir, what you think is best and what Malba believes to be best are obviously two very different things, now aren’t they?” the blonde demon questioned in response, his tone level, cool and... Even a touch angry, perhaps? Darcy wasn’t entirely sure, yet... You are really just asking to be killed. I can’t believe this... Sure, she had expected torture and pain, but this? Aevik Kaine actually foolish enough to argue with Ikenna Nuiwa? What an utter fool...

“...Malba... Is too interested in protecting a monster to worry about his own well being. He’s blinded by naïve, idealistic sentiments. I know what needs to be done and I will not let a dying, ancient monster’s health be put over my son’s well being! Do you understand me?” the red-head inquired forcefully, an irate tone in his smooth voice. “Don’t you dare ever question my motivations again or I shall rip that false smile of yours from your face along with your lips, you insignificant little fool,” he added heatedly, nearly shouting his angered words.

“Yes, well. That’s all quite fascinating, however that ‘dying, ancient monster’ you speak of? It would appear your son must care for him quite a bit, as the sole reason he broke into the facility was to obtain medicines for him. Perhaps your son doesn’t want that ‘monster’ made to be the sacrificial lamb you so desperately seek to turn him into. It’s interesting. You claim to care so dearly for your son, yet you care nothing for his wishes. That really is interesting, don’t you think?” Kaine commented icily, his pleasant demeanor entirely slipping, the usual amiable tenor in his deep voice replaced by an arctic cold tone. “Fascinating indeed, sir.” The blonde demon met Ikenna’s intense gaze, showing no pain, no trace of fear. A calm, cold look on his tan face, his intense yellow eyes holding an expression Darcy could not quite define. The woman slightly shook her head, absolutely stunned that the man would be so very blunt, so very... Foolish. He really is insane...

“You are right. I do not care about what my son wants. I care about what he needs. Perhaps it isn’t right or fair, but I will do what I have to do to help Malba. Do you understand me, you arrogant bastard? You presume to know anything about this? You are nothing more than a soulless little pawn, with no say in the matter. Period. I don’t care who you are. Letrum Venator? Do you think that name scares me? You may be able to intimidate others with your name and behavior, but I know what you really are,” Ikenna stated coldly, increasing his hold on the blonde’s cheek, his pale hand glowing dark red as he sent a surge of searing hot energy coursing into the demon’s body. “You are nothing more than a broken, hollow little tool for our worthless government,” he stated flatly, his iridescent eyes filled with fury.

Worthless government? Interesting... An interesting thing for one of the council members that leads our ‘worthless government’ to say... Darcy thought, eyebrow raised. Ikenna Nuiwa was quite the powerful man, after all. Sitting on the eight person council that basically ruled the whole damn country...

“Yes well. You are... Right I suppose. About it not being ‘right or fair’ at least,” Kaine responded, a small dark smirk forming on his lips as a flash of cold anger appeared on his tan face. “And a broken, hollow tool for our worthless government, you say? Yes, I suppose that is quite accurate. And you sir? Are a pompous fool, so busy worrying about your son’s ‘well being’ that you entirely forget to care for what he truly needs. Though that’s just the opinion of a soulless pawn, sir,” he added calmly, his deep voice flat, holding no real emotion.

Oh my...God? What the hell is wrong with him? He really has lost his mind. There’s no other explanation... Darcy’s smirk faded as a look of pure shock briefly flickered across her pale face. She took in the absolute rage flashing in Ikenna’s eyes and felt a small involuntary shudder course up her spine. She had never seen the red-head so... So completely and utterly irate. And I’ve seen him pretty damn angry. This... What in the world had gotten into the Letrum Venator? Though she had to admit, there had been many occasions she had wished to call the arrogant red-head a ‘pompous fool.’ Among other things...

Ikenna remained in deadly silence for a few moments, his red eyebrow twitching, rage flashing in his eerily bright eyes. The man took in a slow deep breath, releasing his hold on Kaine’s cheek. He stood still, his red gaze locked on the blonde’s intense yellow eyes. “You... You let my son escape, didn’t you? You had him, you had him right there and you... You let him escape. Isn’t that right, Kaine?” he questioned slowly, his smooth voice low, dripping venom.

“Now why would you think that, sir?” was Kaine’s only response, a small dark smirk still firmly in place on his full lips. The demon raised a gloved hand to touch his injured cheek, feeling the charred patch of skin where Ikenna’s hand had been only moments before.

The red haired man took in another deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. The small room buzzed with a surge of power, hot fiery energy flooding the office space. Ikenna opened his red eyes, moving his focus once again to Kaine. “You... You fucking fool. Do... Do you realize how much danger my son is in? Without... Damn you!” he snapped angrily, his smooth voice enraged. With that said he backhanded the blonde with such force that Kaine nearly lost his balance. “You let him go! Let him go, knowing that... So did you have a little fun with him first, hm? Then after you had your fun, you just... You let him go. That’s it, isn’t it?” he added harshly, a cold humorless laugh escaping his dark lips. “Arrogant fool.”

Darcy watched with an eyebrow raised as Kaine smiled, straightening from his near loss of balance. The blonde touched his injured cheek once more, a look of amusement on his tan face. I can’t believe this... She wasn’t sure whether she should be entertained or afraid. As angry as Ikenna was growing? What if he decides to not only kill Kaine, but me as well? Darcy didn’t like the thought of that. At all. The lavender haired demon wanted to watch Aevik Kaine suffer, not feel that suffering torment herself... And... Was it really true? That the Letrum Venator had let Malba Nuiwa go? Why would he do that? He and Malba despise each other now, I... Darcy was a bit confused. She... Well. This is all very intriguing.

“You know what, Letrum Venator? I believe... I believe that you have come to take your title a little too seriously. Allow me to help you understand your real position, Kaine,” Ikenna stated icily, moving closer to the blonde demon. He moved to grab the man’s face with both hands, jerking him closer.

Uh oh... Is he going to... A bit of anticipation sparked within Darcy as she realized exactly what the red-head was about to do. Luckily he’s never been angry enough with me to do it, but from what I understand... Hm. I wonder if Kaine is strong enough to live through this? She smirked at the thought, her silver-white eyes nearly sparkling with dark amusement. Now this is pleasurable. Almost as good as killing.

The lithe red eyed man moved so close to the Letrum Venator that he was mere centimeters away from the demon, his eyes locking with that intense yellow gaze... “See if you can smile that wretched smile of yours once I’m through with you. Bastard,” Ikenna commented coldly, his tone deadly flat. With that said he pulled forward, pressing his lips against Kaine’s. Not that it was a ‘kiss.’ Far from it...

Darcy’s smirk widened as the room erupted with energy, swirling surges of fiery power encircling the office. Ah, I knew it! This is perfect, she thought gleefully, her silver-white eyes locked on the two. It wasn’t a kiss. No, not at all. It was simply the most effective way for Ikenna to completely steal every last ounce of the blonde’s energy while wreaking absolute havoc on the man’s body. Well, technically I suppose it could be considered a ‘kiss’ of sorts... A kiss of death. Hah...Darcy had never actually seen it performed before, but she had heard such dark, wonderful things about it.... The full version of that torturous method he had already performed on the blonde. Only instead of draining Kaine with his hand...

I just wonder if Kaine can live through it? I don’t believe many have survived when faced with the true power of Ikenna’s ability.... He’s like a damn vampire, yet instead of sucking blood, he sucks your very life energy away. It’s such a great ability... Damn bastard. Really it wasn’t fair. Why did Ikenna Nuiwa get to possess such a great power? Prissy bastard.... Still, it was so very enjoyable, watching as the man roughly held Aevik Kaine’s face, his lips burning the blonde’s as he continued to torturously drag the Letrum Venator’s energy from his body. sweltering hot energy, burning...

Kaine quickly went limp, his hands falling to his sides as Ikenna sent such a searing force of energy over the man that Darcy could clearly feel the heat. I just hope he doesn’t get carried away and burn me as well... And it figures he has to do it through the lips. Slut. Though I suppose it isn’t his fault, it simply works best when in direct contact with his ‘victim.’ That’s why it is working so much better now than what it did when he was just touching Kaine’s face with his hand... Now not only is he burning away his insides, but literally using Kaine's own energy to tear at his organs, like needles. Or knives. Hah. That is so very amusing... It really was an amazing power, she would admit to that. That massive, immense fire energy swirling within the room.... The absolute agony the Letrum Venator must be in... It... Well, it amused Darcy so very much. I suppose this is turning out to be a rather fascinating day after all. What started as another boring day at the lab... Her dark smile widened further at this thought. Yes, a rather fascinating day indeed...

With one last intense blast of immense energy Ikenna pulled away, licking a bit of blood from his lips. Aevik Kaine’s blood. “Well, still smiling, Letrum Venator?” he questioned amiably, his red eyes locked on the blonde’s face. The man’s blistered raw lips and the unfocused, faraway look in his yellow eyes... “Oh? I suppose not,” he stated calmly as the demon slid down the wall, slumping to the black carpet. The red-head stood in silence for a moment, his gaze focused on the blonde, a dark look in his fiery, blood-red eyes. He then turned, moving his focus to Darcy.

“Get him out of my office. Oh, and Cairra? You and Kaine, assuming he lives? You two better find my son. Otherwise... The next time? Not only will I make you as well as Kaine suffer, but after I’m through with you? I’ll kill you both. Understand?” he questioned coldly, locking eyes with the lavender haired woman. “I’m sure the rest of the council would be rather angry if I destroyed the ‘great’ Letrum Venator Aevik Kaine and our ‘wondrous’ head of medical research Cairra Darcy, yet as you and I both know... I care nothing for what those fools think. If you or he mess up one more time? You both will die. Do I make myself perfectly clear, Cairra?” Ikenna added icily, his red eyes smoldering, livid.

“I.... Yes, sir,” Darcy replied, uncrossing her arms, instead moving to let her hands rest by her sides, her fists tightly clenching. I still fail to see how any of this is my fault... I’m not the one who let Malba get away... She wasn’t going to argue with the man, however. As angry as Ikenna already was? The very last thing I need is for him to find a reason to decide to torture me as well... “Regardless of whether Kaine lives or not, I shall see to it that Malba is found, sir. You can count on me, of course.” Stupid arrogant bastard...

“Good. I’m glad we understand each other,” he replied evenly, turning his gaze away from the woman, striding to the closed office door. “You two better be gone when I get back,” he stated coldly, his lithe hand moving to clasp the silver doorknob on the large, black door.

“Where are you going?” Darcy blinked, raising an eyebrow.

“...Out,” was the man’s only response. He then opened the door, gracefully exiting the dark, moody office. Ikenna slammed the door behind him as he left, the sound so loud Darcy jumped a bit.

Well. That had been rather interesting. Not to mention rather enjoyable. Though the lavender haired demon still was entirely unhappy that it was being put upon her to find the man’s spoiled son... Well. At least Kaine suffered. That makes it all worth it, she thought with a short, dry laugh.

Darcy slowly sauntered across the office, moving to stand next to the slumped over blonde demon, her eyes amused and her lips forming a dark grin. “Oh, Kaine? Kaine? Are you alive?” she questioned, her voice saccharine sweet. Kaine weakly raised his head to meet the woman’s gaze, his yellow eyes unfocused, blood leaking from both corners of his raw, blistered lips. “Well? That was rather entertaining, wasn’t it?” she inquired cheerfully, crossing her arms about her chest.

The man opened his cracked lips to respond, however he only managed a soft moan. His yellow eyes then rolled back, closing. The blonde demon slumped, sliding across the wall to fall on his side, his burned cheek smacking the carpeted floor.

“Oh? You didn’t think so? Well. That’s a shame. I thought it was quite entertaining,” Darcy stated, cold amusement in her icy voice.

The woman let out a small laugh, her lips curved into a dark smile. Yes, she had found it rather entertaining indeed.

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

A... A prisoner? Druuvbin? That...The girl frowned, her grip on the psychic’s hand slightly tightening. Why? Why would... Rae focused her gaze on the unconscious psychic for a few moments, contemplating Ryuuji’s statement. A prisoner? She turned her gaze to the purple haired demon, a questioning look in her aqua eyes. “Why was Druu-chan a prisoner?”

“I didn’t know. I didn’t even know his name for awhile. I never asked him and he didn’t tell me. All I knew was his number, ‘subject 342,’ that his status was classified, and he was routinely sent to the med floor. Sometimes they’d keep him there for days. I didn’t know why. But... It... Well the way he talked to me like I was a normal person and... I started talking to him. At night when the main med floor was closed, I had nothing to do besides sit at a desk and stare at the wall until my shift was over... So I’d go see him. I wanted to know why he didn’t hate me. It irritated the hell out of me,” Ryuuji admitted, his smooth voice holding a touch of dark, bittersweet humor. “It really irritated me. And I wasn’t used to feeling anything, so it was bizarre.”

A small smile formed on Rae’s lips at this and she gently squeezed Druuvbin’s hand, taking in his pale, beautiful face. That’s Druu for you. Being nice to his freaking captor? Heh... Druu-chan... I love you. I really do, you big idiot. Oh yeah, you’re such a monster....

“It took me a long time to realize that I actually liked Druu. He was kept there for over a year, and all that time I kept telling myself I was talking to him because I was bored, but... The truth of the matter is that he’s the first person I’ve ever been able to actually... Be myself around. He was nice to me, even though I was an evil, cold bastard. I... I didn’t get it,” Ryuuji commented softly, gently running his hand over the sprite’s cheek, his fingertips tracing his cheekbone. “I knew he wasn’t well, he would get pale and sometimes, even though he tried to hide it, Druu would get so weak. And of course he had that damn cough. I didn’t know how serious it was though. I didn’t know much about him at all and I pretended that I didn’t care. Talking with him was just a way to pass the time, after all...” the purple haired demon trailed off, taking in a deep breath.

“It’s kind of hard to not like Druu-chan. That is if you actually get to know him and don’t buy into the whole ‘he’s a monster’ bullshit,” Rae commented softly, her gaze moving to Ryuuji’s face. Taking in the warm expression on his pale, cut marred face as he gently ran a hand over the water elemental’s forehead... I... I’m really starting to think that Ryuuji likes Druu. Like, really, really likes Druu... I could be wrong, but... she thought, noting the soft smile briefly forming on his lips and the concern in his visible red eye... Hm...

“I didn’t realize that I cared until one night... It was late and my shift was almost up. I had a few minutes to kill, so I... Well. I decided to go see Druu. When I got to his holding cell...” Ryuuji paused, taking in a breath. He then frowned, a troubled look appearing on his face. “I punched in the access code, the door slid open and... He didn’t move. For a second I thought he was just asleep, but... Then I saw the blood...” he trailed off, letting out a sigh.

“He... He had an attack,” Rae commented softly, her eyes moving to that pale face, those trembling lips and chattering teeth... Poor Druu... And why the hell was he in a Tevrran base, anyway? The girl frowned, a small shudder coursing up her spine. The thought of him being a freaking prisoner... That really sucks...Kept locked away in a ‘research facility,’ so sick and... Yeah. She really hated the thought of that. Really hated it.

“The worst one I’ve ever seen,” the demon responded quietly. “All the attacks I’ve seen him have since then? None have been as bad as that one.”

“He had an attack even worse than this one?” She almost found that hard to believe... “Is that even possible?”

“Trust me, it was far worse. When I found him, he was pretty much dead. There was blood... Everywhere. He was barely breathing. His pulse was practically nonexistent. I... I didn’t know what the hell to think. I was sure he was going to die and that... Well. I realized how much I didn’t want that,” he stated softly, a frown on his lips, his expression troubled.

“Oh man... Poor Druu...” Rae mumbled, closing her eyes. God, why are you so sick? What the hell is causing it? Why... Why are you dying? She hated it. The blood and the.... It’s so terrible... He’s so damn sick. I still don’t even understand why... It doesn’t make any sense.

“I radioed for a stretcher to be sent from the medical floor’s hospital wing and told them it was a priority emergency and... I sat with Druuvbin until they came for him. I sat on his little piece of junk uncomfortable cot and held him... He was cold and limp... I didn’t understand. I felt... It was then I realized I’d gotten way too involved. This was supposed to just be a prisoner, yet... I was getting ready to cry like a big baby. It...” Ryuuji trailed off with a shaky sigh, a small wry smile forming on his lips. “I had gotten way too involved.”

Rae gently squeezed the psychic’s motionless hand, blinking rapidly. He almost died in a fucking cell in a stupid Tevrran base? Why was he even there?

“He woke up for a second. I don’t know how, because I’m not exaggerating when I say he was almost dead. He... He barely even had a pulse. He somehow managed to wake up though. Know what he said?” the demon questioned softly, a bittersweet tone in his smooth voice.

“What?” she inquired, not even sure she wanted to know. Judging by the look playing on Ryuuji’s face... He looks... I’m not even sure. Not happy...

“I’m sorry. I’m causing trouble for you, aren’t I? I’m sorry, Ryuuji-san. That’s what he said. To me. He apologized to me for -‘causing trouble.’- Me. One of his fucking captors. That...That hit hard. Really hard,” Ryuuji admitted quietly, shaking his head. “I don’t know why but... At that moment, I realized just how much of a callous, evil bastard I really was. I just sat there, holding him, feeling like such an ass. It was like I woke up from some kind of nightmare and it all hit me... I realized that the reason I had wanted him to hate me so much? Why I wanted all the prisoners to hate me? Was because I hated myself. Desperately hated myself. I hated Tevrra, I hated that base, I hated everything,” he stated firmly, his voice holding a flat, bitter tone. “I hated myself so much.”

Rae watched the demon closely, taking in the bitter expression playing on his pale face, the frown on his split lips... “Okay, well I don’t think you were ever evil then. I think you were just fucked up. Otherwise you wouldn’t have cared that Druu was dying and you wouldn’t have hated yourself,” she quietly remarked, her gaze locked on the man, meeting his red gaze. “I don’t think Druu would have been nice to you to start with if you really were evil. He is psychic ya know. He probably sensed your not evilness,” she then stated, a small smile forming on her lips. He wasn’t evil... I’m sure Druu could sense that.

“I don’t know. All I know is that after they wheeled him off... I calmly walked away, took the elevator to the residential floor... Went in my apartment, headed directly to the bathroom and puked my guts out,” Ryuuji replied dryly, shrugging his shoulders. “All of it hit me. Thinking back on all my years of existence and how I... I had wasted my life, drifting, not caring for anything. I don’t know what happened, but that night I realized how ashamed of myself I really was. How much I didn’t want to be that person anymore,” the demon commented softly, his red gaze focused on Druuvbin, a sigh escaping his lips. Ryuuji then shook his head, closing his eye. “That was a bad night.”

“I’ll bet,” Rae replied, a sympathetic tone in her voice. That doesn’t sound like a ‘callous evil bastard.’ That sounds like a fucked up guy who was... Hurting deep down... her thoughts trailed off and she frowned. “You weren’t evil.”

“Yeah. I think I was,” he responded wryly, opening his eye to meet the girl’s gaze. “I was a real jerk,” he smirked, a self-depreciative tone in his smooth voice. “And I’m still not exactly a ‘nice guy’ now.”

“...Hm.” Well, she wasn’t going to argue with the guy, but... “Er well, whatever. So what happened next after the whole guilt filled night thing?” Rae went on to question, deciding to drop the ‘not evil-evil’ debate. No point in arguing with him about it...

“He almost died. Tevrra is one of the most advanced countries in the world, with the best medical technology around. That research center had the best doctors, the best equipment, everything. They barely kept him alive. He had to have a blood transfusion and he was in a coma for over a month,” Ryuuji stated softly, his gaze focused solely on Druuvbin as he continued to gently caress the psychic’s pale cheek. “I wasn’t supposed to, but I’d go see him. He... I’m always terrified he’ll have another attack like that. That one nearly killed him. More so than his usual ones I mean. I’m not sure Kopaka could handle one that bad. A whole team of doctors with a hi-tech medical facility barely kept him alive,” he admitted quietly, concern in his voice. “I really thought he would die.”

Rae shivered, a cold feeling washing over her as she trained her gaze to the unconscious water elemental. What would happen if he did indeed have another attack that bad? He’s half dead from this attack, but he can have ones even worse than this one? That... That scared her. The possibility of him having an attack that... He had to have a transfusion and was in a coma for over a month? That... Could Kopaka deal with that? That was a frightening thought. The girl shuddered once more, an anxious expression in her blue-green eyes. “What would happen if he had another one like that? What could Kopaka do?”

“I’m not sure. Kopaka has connections with doctors and some underground hospitals around the world, but... I don’t know. Don’t get me wrong, Kopaka’s a good doctor, it’s not that. Despite the way he acts most of the time, he’s smart. He’s not just an ordinary ‘doctor’ either. He was into experimental medicines research, medical biomechanics, you name it. He was good at what he did. He still is. I’m not sure Kopaka believes that, but he is. It’s not that I don’t believe in the guy, it’s just... I really don’t want to see Druu like that again. He couldn’t even breathe on his own,” Ryuuji responded with a small frown, taking in a deep breath. “He was on a ventilator, had IV’s in both of his arms and was hooked up to five different machines... It was bad. I don’t want to see him like that again,” he added firmly, absentmindedly moving a hand to adjust the band on his eye-patch. “It’s bad enough watching him like this, but... At least he is breathing...”

IV’s and a ventilator... Just the thought of that was enough to send chills up the girl’s spine. She couldn’t imagine watching Druuvbin lie in a coma for over a month, unable to breathe and... Oh man. That... I’d be in a perpetual panic attack... “So... What... How did he get out of the facility and how did you get involved with everyone else?” Rae questioned softly, her eyes locking on the pale hand held in her own. Pale and cool, slender fingers and trim, neat nails... He... He has really pretty hands... she thought, biting down on her lip as she lightly squeezed that cool hand. Come on Druu... Just stay alive...

“He didn’t deserve to be locked away in a damn lab for the rest of his life. So... I started planning a way to get him out. I had to wait over a month, all the while hoping he would wake up and live. Otherwise the plan would have been kind of moot, right?” he questioned wryly, running a hand over the psychic’s forehead as Druuvbin let out a small moan, followed by a jagged cough. “It’s okay, Druu. You’re going to be okay,” he added quietly, his tone gentle.

“Just hang in there, Druu-chan,” Rae stated, taking in a shaky breath. She kept her gaze focused on the water elemental’s deathly white face for a few moments before turning her attention to Ryuuji, a frown on her lips. “So, how did you get him out? Was it hard?” she inquired, curiosity in her voice. How secure of a facility was it? Did the man have any trouble breaking Druuvbin out? She was definitely curious. See, Druu? The guy who was supposed to be in charge of keeping you locked up wanted to break you out. You’re that nice and likeable, Druu. You made a supposed ‘callous bastard’ want to help you. Heh...

“The security was tight to put it mildly. Plus if you try to use most forms of magick in the building? It’ll kill you. The place is well protected, so I had to be careful. I waited until he was well enough to breathe on his own and then I got him out. He was still sick, but not so much so that he was going to die without the IV’s. He was breathing on his own and semi-conscious, so I decided to risk it. I managed to get him out of there without getting caught,” Ryuuji stated with a small smile, a tint of amusement entering his voice. “Though I have a special trick that doesn’t get detected by the energy sensors of the building that came in quite handy,” he added, the smile on his lips slightly widening.

Rae raised an eyebrow, her curiosity peaking. “A special trick?” she questioned, a somewhat puzzled tone in her voice. “What does that mean?” she went on to inquire, a small smirk on her lips. A special trick, huh? Heh...

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(next page, neh.)