-a night of shadows, tears and waiting; part f-
(read a-e first. duh. XD)

The magenta haired demon moved his hand away from the mouse, instead moving to adjust the band holding his hair back in a high ponytail. It was only making his headache worse... I’ll look at the message in a moment. I already know what it says, anyway... Mithra turned his attention back to the computer monitor, looking at the bottom right of the screen to check the clock on the task-bar. Two twenty four... Actually, he was a bit surprised he hadn’t heard from the Letrum Venator since his arrival in Atrum-Terra. The last he had heard from the blonde was that he was going to speak with Councilman Nuiwa. He didn’t envy Kaine. Having to face the wrath of one angry Ikenna Nuiwa...

Hell. Having to speak with Cairra Darcy over the phone had been quite enough for Mithra. The lavender haired demon overseeing the entire biomechanics and medical research department for Tevrra was terrifying enough. Having to face Ikenna Nuiwa? In person? He really couldn’t imagine that. I’d rather face a whole force of soldiers from Xzutai, thank you very much.

A shrill ringing tone interrupted the magenta haired man’s thoughts and he turned his attention to the cordless phone device lying haphazardly on the desk, beside a few stacks of papers. God damn phone... With a sigh he reached over and picked up the offending device. The green light blinking on the side indicated it was an inside call from within the base. Wonderful... he thought, punching the talk button with an irritated expression playing on his feminine face.

“Mithra Starne,” he bit out irritably, moving his free hand to rub wearily at his vivid purple eyes. This better be important...

“Ah, sir. This is Vana. I just wanted to let you know that Sefth has regained consciousness,” a deep voice responded calmly and Mithra felt the frown on his lips deepen. Damn.

“Well, that’s a shame. What do you want me to do about it?” he snapped, letting out a deep sigh. He was growing far too tired to force a false polite tone into his light voice. He’d save his false diplomacy for the outside calls coming from enraged officials...

“Well, ma’am, eh, I mean sir. As the Letrum Venator is not present, that leaves you in command. Which means you have to deal with him. He’s being a pain in the ass. It’s your problem, not mine,” Vana responded, his deep voice almost mocking.

The magenta haired demon’s grip on the phone tightened and he let out a low growl, his vivid purple eyes flashing with anger. “Vana. Need I remind you that I am your superior? Speak to me in such a disrespectful way again and I’ll see to it that you are thrown off of the force, understand?” he retorted irately, his jaw clenching. How dare the bastard speak to him in such a way? A mere low class soldier, a guard for the damn base... God I hate this place... Sadly, it was nothing unusual. Ma’ams and quiet snickers, haughty looks and arrogant smiles... He was growing to expect it. It still pisses me off.

“Yes, I tend to forget, what with you being so young and all. I’m so sorry. Really, sir,” was the man’s response, obviously not the least bit sorry. “However, the doctors are having trouble keeping Sefth contained, I thought you might want to be present. This is your responsibility, Captain,” Vana added smugly, his deep voice still holding that derisive tone.

“Fine. I suppose it would be too much to expect of you to actually do your job. As you haven’t the brainpower for even the most menial task, isn’t that right, Vana? I’ll be up in a minute,” Mithra stated flatly, clicking the off button before the soldier had a chance to respond. With an irate growl he then tossed the phone to his desk, anger in his purple eyes. Only two more years and I can get re-stationed... In two years he would receive his annual review and he could ask to be reassigned. To someplace far, far away from Gahlrey... Only two years... Ugh...

With that thought Mithra stood, shoving his wooden chair away as he stretched his small frame. Hours of sitting behind the cramped desk had caused his lean frame to grow rather stiff, his body aching and weary...

Damn this base... With another irritated sigh, the short, feminine demon strode across the sparse, small room. He quickly exited the office into a long, sterile white hallway. Mithra crossed his arms about his chest, quickly moving to travel south along the brightly lit corridor.

Even if the man was lean and small framed, he carried himself with a powerful yet graceful stride, his uniform form fitting and attractive, his presence confident and important. His uniform was of course the Hunters’ shades of brown, yet more elaborate than a mere soldier’s attire. Dark brown pants, a brown long sleeved top and two crossed dark leather belts with two daggers holstered at his back. A light, form fitting brown breastplate covered his upper torso and a dark brown muffler-scarf was wrapped casually about his neck, partially concealing his pink lips. To finish the well put together attire, he wore dark gloves and his shoulders were adorned with rather fancy shoulder tassels, with dark brown fringe and bronze trimming.

The uniform suited him well; the man looked rather striking in the Hunter attire. Not that Mithra actually considered himself to be attractive. The demon was far more comfortable in civilian clothing, and honestly... He thought the fancy uniform was somewhat wasted on his small, feminine frame.

He showed no sign of his lack of self confidence however, putting on a stern and commanding front as he walked briskly through the cool, sterile white hallway of the 25-47A Venator facility. The magenta haired demon reached the end of the hallway, approaching a locked wooden door with a key-panel embedded directly beside it on the white wall. He quickly punched in the code to unlock the door. With an impatient sigh he opened the now unlocked door, stepping into yet another long, sterile hallway. No different from the last hallway of course. All the corridors looked the same.... I feel like I’m in a damn hospital. Though I suppose that’s not entirely inaccurate...

Mithra quickened his pace, stepping past door after door, weary and irritated. Why did he have to deal with Virade Sefth? Honestly, couldn’t the fools even manage to contain one nearly dead man? After being burned so severely, how could Sefth be causing trouble?

He had always despised the man. Virade Sefth. Arrogant and disobedient, foolish and obnoxious. It was no real surprise to him that the blue haired demon had went against orders. Especially with the deep animosity he seemed to hold for Councilman Nuiwa’s son... Mithra honestly wasn’t entirely sure about the situation regarding Malba Nuiwa. He knew some of the details, however it was a very hush-hush matter. People were rather tightlipped about it... And that all took place long before I was stationed here... Or even born for that matter... From what he understood, it was rather complicated. Not to mention the whole issue with Druuvbin and....

The magenta haired man let out an agitated sigh, pushing the thoughts away. He simply was far too weary to contemplate the matter. At the moment he had too many things to be thinking about without adding Malba Nuiwa and the so called ‘monster’ Druuvbin to the mix. It isn’t my concern, regardless. Somehow, I get the feeling I probably don’t want to know the details, anyway... He knew whatever had taken place... Aevik Kaine had played a part in it. Rumor had it that at the time... The Letrum Venator and Malba Nuiwa were even close friends. It’s hard to imagine Aevik Kaine having a friend...

Mithra forced himself to concentrate on the task at hand, finally reaching yet another locked door. He punched in the code on the keypad with a slender gloved finger, his pink lips set in a deep frown. Virade Sefth... He forcefully shoved the heavy wooden door open, finding himself in the new elevator corridor. Unlike the older back elevators, these new contraptions were faster, sleeker. Though I’m not sure why we really need ‘stylish’ elevators... An elevator is an elevator... he thought with a roll of his vivid purple eyes. This hallway was just as tediously white and sparse, the only notable difference being five sets of sleek metal elevator shafts lining the south wall. Paying so much just to have ‘hi-tech’ elevators put in. Such a waste of money...

He stepped next to the closest elevator control panel, pressing the button to call a car. Mithra tapped his brown booted foot impatiently, crossing his arms tighter about his chest. He glanced around the desolate, empty hallway, a distasteful frown on his lips and irritation in his purple eyes. I really despise this place.

The metal doors of the nearest elevator slid open and the man took in a deep breath, stepping into the sleek, empty car. Perhaps letting Darcy torture Sefth really isn’t that bad of an idea. He usually despised the thought of torture, but after all the trouble the man had caused... Mithra almost could torture the bastard himself. Well. Not really, but it was still a somewhat amusing thought... The small framed demon moved to press the button for the med floor, watching apathetically as the metal doors of the car slid shut.

The elevator swiftly ascended and Mithra tapped his foot impatiently, his purple eyes watching the lights over the closed metallic door. Five, six, seven, eight... The car swiftly came to a stop on floor nine, the metallic doors opening with a soft hum.

Mithra quickly stepped out of the car, his bright purple eyes taking in his new surroundings. Not that this corridor was different than any of the others... With a small groan the magenta haired demon turned right, heading for the hospital wing of the med floor. After a quick trek he found himself at a large double door, fitted with yet another keypad. The slender, small framed man quickly punched in the code, suppressing the urge to run his fist through the damn device. He really... Just wasn’t in the mood to deal with Virade Sefth.

The panel beeped and the doors clicked, indicating they were now unlocked. Mithra shoved open the heavy swinging doors, his boots clicking on the white linoleum floor as he stepped into the hospital wing main corridor. His vivid eyes took in the long corridor, noting a tall, muscular man in brown attire leaning casually against a closed door. The man had short, cropped black hair and thick, ugly lips. The one and only Dak Vana. Stupid obnoxious bastard...

“Ah, sir. I’m so glad you decided to join us,” the man stated as he turned to face the small magenta haired demon, his deep voice haughty and cynical. “Now that you’re here, I’m taking off. My shift was up over an hour ago. Have fun dealing with the fuck,” he added with a shrug of his large shoulders. He then moved to stand from his leaning position, shooting Mithra a cocky smirk. “Later, sir.” With that said he turned, walking briskly away from the magenta haired man and the closed door he had leaned on moments before.

Mithra clenched his fists but didn’t bother to respond, his pink lips forming an angry scowl. Bastard. His vibrant purple eyes focused on the man’s retreating form, watching until the lowly guard turned a corner, leaving his view. The demon then let out an agitated groan, his gaze moving to the closed door Vana had been against moments before. Well. I suppose I should get this over with... I wonder if Kaine would be angry if I smothered Sefth with a pillow? he thought halfheartedly as he stepped closer to the closed wooden door, reaching out a slender hand to grasp the metal doorknob. I suppose that probably isn’t the best idea...

The small framed man turned the knob, forcefully shoving the heavy door open. On opening the door he noted the scene with a roll of his eyes. Fucking fool...

The small space was sparse and white, a hospital bed situated in the middle of the brightly lit room. A few machines surrounded the narrow bed, IVs running from said technological devices into Virade Sefth’s burned arms. The blue haired demon lay prostrate on the bed, his eyes angry, his burned lips forming a livid scowl. His glower was directed at the two doctors hovering by the narrow bed, of course.

“Get the fuck away from me!” Sefth shouted irately from his lying position on the hospital bed, his gruff voice strained, incensed. “Stick me with that and die, bastard!” he added loudly, his blue eyes locked on one of the doctors, who had a rather large syringe held in his gloved hands.

Mithra stood silently in the doorway for a moment, taking in the two doctors and their seemingly unwilling ‘patient,’ the frown on his pink lips deepening. Two of those ‘doctors’ in charge of the distasteful medical ‘experiments’ the facility was so very notorious for. A tall, fat man with unruly medium length auburn hair and a short, bony man with long white hair and ugly black rimmed glasses. Hard to believe these two are scientific ‘geniuses.’ he thought irritably, his magenta eyebrow twitching. “What’s the problem here?” the demon finally questioned, his purple eyes first focusing on the two men by the bed, then moving to Sefth. “Well? Explain yourself.”

“My problem is I want these fools out of my sight! I’m not a fucking guinea pig. They can go back to their damn lab and fatty can stick that needle up his fat ass!” the blue haired man shouted, turning his gaze to Mithra. “Get them away from me!” he added heatedly, attempting to sit from his lying position. He was rather unsuccessful in his endeavor however; instead he fell back, falling to rest on the thin pillow supporting his head and neck.

“Do you honestly think you have the right to order anyone around after what you did? Hm? If these men want to stick that needle up your ass, you damn well better let them! Be glad someone is trying to keep you alive. Personally I had rather hoped you would die. Incompetent fool!” Mithra remarked heatedly, his light voice rising, his eyes flashing with anger. Foolish man. How dare he? I had to walk all the way up here just to listen to this idiot whine about getting a fucking shot? The magenta haired demon was growing rather angry. Not only had he been forced to deal with hours worth of calls coming from all over the world.... Yet now he was expected to deal with a man whining over a needle? Idiot!

“Yeah well, that isn’t a normal needle ma’am!” the severely burned man shouted in response, his gaze moving once again to the two men dressed in white by his bedside, his dark, blistered face showing his rage. “Tell him!”

The larger of the two doctors let out an exasperated sigh, turning his gaze to the needle held in his gloved hands. “Sir, it’s perfectly safe. We’ve tested it several times before. It will only speed the healing process. Nothing more,” the auburn haired man explained with a sigh, a weary look on his round, chubby face. “And I’m just putting it in his IV. I’m not ‘sticking’ him.... It’s hardly something to be upset about.”

“You’ve only tested it on rats, stupid bastard!” Sefth snapped, again moving to sit, and again entirely failing. He instead closed his eyes, letting out a groan. “God... Damn it...”

“...Rats? Is that true?” Mithra questioned curiously, raising an eyebrow. Not that he particularly cared. Actually it was rather amusing if it were indeed true...

“Well, sir, it is true we haven’t fully tested in on demons as of yet, but...” the frail, bony looking man started but Mithra held up a hand, silencing the doctor.

“That’s fine. He is a rat, it should work perfectly,” the magenta haired demon stated, a small smirk forming on his partially concealed pink lips. “Now. Virade Sefth, I’d advise you to keep your mouth shut and not cause any more trouble than what you already have,” Mithra added firmly, turning his gaze to the burned demon. “You’re in enough trouble as it is.”

“What? For shooting that fucking pixie? I already told them that I didn’t know it was him until I’d already shot him!” the man shouted in protest, a loud growl escaping his dark lips.

The Tevrran Captain let out a dry laugh at this, shaking his head. “Oh? Well, I have news for you. That room? Has a security camera that records 24/7, fool. I’ve already reviewed it myself. I assure you that it’s rather obvious you knew perfectly well what you were doing,” he remarked, his voice flat, his eyes angry. He honestly thinks he can lie his way out of this? Mithra rolled his eyes at this thought, downright annoyed by the man’s idiocy. How the hell do these fools get into the Hunter division, anyway? I thought having a brain was required... I suppose not. At least not at this wretched base.

Sefth remained silent for a moment, a deep frown on his burned lips. He then cleared his throat, a smirk replacing his scowl. “Well. So maybe I knew, but can you blame me? Honestly? The little spoiled bastard child of that idiot Councilman Nuiwa. Why should he get any special treatment? He deserves to die. He’s a traitor to Tevrra and he’s a disgrace. He’s a god damn h--”

“Enough!” Mithra snapped angrily, cutting into the man’s rant. “Your personal feelings for Malba Nuiwa are not the issue. The issue is that you violated a direct order. That is the issue,” he commented coldly, stepping closer to the bedridden demon. The magenta haired man clenched his gloved fists, his feminine face clearly showing his anger. Besides, Malba Nuiwa’s supposed ‘treachery’ to the country of Tevrra is debatable. From what Mithra understood... He was a little torn on the whole situation. He actually felt somewhat sorry for the Councilman’s son, quite frankly. Of course that’s not the issue at hand either.

“He’s a useless little pixie and he’s a waste. I was doing the world a favor. And hopefully I got him good enough that he’ll die from that bullet I put in him. Hell, even if I didn’t kill him, he’s still going to die eventually anyway. Just like that stupid little human of his died,” Sefth bit back irately, his gaze focused solely on the Captain, disrespect and hatred clear on his burned face. “He’s inferior, ma’am. His blood is--” The man was abruptly cut off as Mithra Starne stepped forward, grabbing the man up by his shirt collar. The magenta haired demon jerked Sefth up into a sitting position, his gloved hand tightly clasping the blue haired demon’s burned neck.

“Now listen to me. I am not interested in your skewed perceptions or your narrow-minded, dense thoughts. I have enough to deal with. You have caused this base more trouble than you even know, and frankly I hope Ikenna Nuiwa comes here personally and sucks every last drop of energy from your body. They don’t call him the ‘soulfire-vampire’ for nothing, you know. Now, shut your damn mouth before I shut it for you,” the magenta haired demon ordered coldly, shoving the man back, releasing his grip on Sefth’s burned neck.

Usually Mithra really wasn’t a particularly vicious man, but at the moment... He could almost kill the arrogant bastard himself. Such disrespect and intolerance. Regardless of Malba Nuiwa’s ‘traitorous’ actions, it seemed... So very wrong to say such things about the man. What has become of him... It’s not his fault. His blood, his... And to speak of that human in such a way... Mithra was unclear on the details involving that human from years past, but... It all seemed rather tragic to the small framed man. Though I have a small shred of my heart left, unlike the majority of the fools in this stupid facility.

“What, are you a human lover like that pixie?” Sefth bit back with a smirk, his deep voice mocking and cold, his blue eyes incensed.

“I suppose I don’t hate them for simply existing like fools such as yourself,” the Tevrran Captain replied evenly, his voice flat, his lips still forming an irritated frown. As if you have any room to be judging, Sefth... Disgusting low class fool... Mithra let out an irritated sigh, his thoughts trailing off. He was growing tired of this conversation. “Now. If you’re finished with your childish tantrum, I have more important matters to attend to,” he then snapped, giving the bedridden man a deadly-cold look. Do not argue with me, or I may very well change my mind about the pillow smothering idea...

“Yeah, I guess it figures you’d take up for him. After all, you’re both little pretty girls. So is that a common thing amongst sissies? Human loving?” the burned, blue haired man replied heatedly, the smirk on his dark lips widening.

...Sissy? Mithra stood in silence for a few moments, his face growing blank, his eyes holding no real expression. Let’s see who’s the sissy. With that thought the small framed man smiled, turning his attention to the two doctors who had remained in nervous silence during the exchange between he and Sefth. “So, are you giving him plenty of pain medication? Hm?” he inquired calmly, his voice taking on a pleasant hue. It was a little trick he had picked up, watching Aevik Kaine, actually. The calmer and more amiable you are, the more nervous you make others... “Well?”

“Ah... Yes, of course, sir,” the fat man answered unsurely, his tone anxious, his beady grey eyes showing his unease.

“I see. Well then. You’ll stop administering that. Immediately,” the magenta haired demon ordered pleasantly, his pink lips forming a somewhat dark smirk. I’m being a dick and I’m far too tired to care.

“But—But, sir! That, that...” the scrawny doctor stuttered, his brown eyes widening. “Isn’t that extreme?”

“No. I believe it’s less than what he deserves. Until the Letrum Venator returns and discusses this whole situation with Sefth, you will keep him free of all pain medications. Let’s see who’s a ‘sissy,’ Sefth,” he stated darkly, turning his vivid purple gaze to the bedridden demon, taking in his fading smirk with a touch of amusement. “Though you’re tough, right? I’m sure a big strong guy like you can take it,” Mithra added, his tone sarcastic, his pink lips curved in a smirk.

“I... I... But...”

“That’ll be all. I’m leaving. I’d advise you to not cause any more trouble,” he cut into Sefth’s stuttered words, watching as the fat, auburn haired doctor hesitantly pushed a blue button on one of the contraptions hooked up to the burned demon.

“I, uh, sir, I...Ngh...”

“Oh, but I suppose you probably won’t be in any condition to cause trouble,” Mithra commented with a blink, watching the pained expression flashing across Sefth’s blistered, burned face. “Have a nice night.”

“Nnn...”

Mithra Starne turned his gaze to the two doctors, noting their uneasy glances and their anxious expressions. “Have fun, gentlemen.” With that said the small framed demon turned, exiting the small hospital room.

Well. I guess I’m a real bastard, but that actually felt pretty good... he thought with a hint of a sheepish expression briefly flickering across his feminine face. After all the hell Virade Sefth had caused for him? It... Well. It had felt rather good, seeing the man squirm. He’s a prick anyway...

He let out a small sigh as he started the trek to the elevators, his thoughts drifting back to what the wretched fool had said. He walked absentmindedly through the long halls, distractedly unlocking the needed doors and avoiding the few soldiers or scientists wandering the halls. His thoughts were somehow drawn back to those words uttered by Virade Sefth. About Nuiwa. It... It kind of bothered him, honestly. I don’t even know the man, but... He doesn’t deserve the reputation he has... His blood, his decision to go against his own father to protect that friend of his... The so called monster. It was actually pretty damn brave of the man. Especially considering that... That...

Eh. It’s not my place to think anything of it either way. It’s not my concern... He really shouldn’t be thinking of the Councilman’s son and the ‘monster’ he had protected. I’m sure I have calls backed up by now... Despite the late hour, Mithra was quite sure that the calls wouldn’t be stopping anytime soon...

Damn it... The small framed demon took in a weary breath, his eyes focusing on the elevator he was quickly approaching. The man really almost dreaded going back to his office... Damn Sefth. See what you’ve done? So much trouble... Hell. Mithra blamed Virade Sefth far more than Nuiwa for the mess....

The magenta haired demon stepped in front of the closed elevator shaft, his purple gaze moving to the control panel located directly beside the metallic doors on the white wall. He pressed the call button, then moved his gloved hand to rub wearily at his eyes. If only he could get a few minutes of sleep... Not happening of course...

The elevator dinged, cutting into the demon’s weary contemplations and he cleared his thoughts, forcing his tired mind to concentrate. The doors slid open revealing an empty car and Mithra stepped in, quickly punching the button for floor one. Maybe I can leave all the calls on hold for fifteen minutes and sleep at my damn desk... Though somehow he doubted it would be a real good idea to leave a bunch of already pissed off people on hold while he slept...

The elevator dinged once more and he turned his tired gaze to watch with disinterest as the metallic doors slid open, revealing an empty, cold white hallway. How surprising. Mithra rolled his eyes at the thought, a small wry grin forming on his lips. Yes. This place is so very scenic and fascinating. Really. The magenta haired demon stepped briskly into the hallway, turning to head toward the locked, password-coded door on the far side of the hallway.

He quickly reached the door, the sound of his boots hitting the white linoleum echoing in the long, bleak hallway. He reached out a slender finger to punch in yet another password, rolling his eyes. I should have just used the damn back elevators... Less locked doors...

The device beeped and the door clicked, allowing the demon to enter into yet another long sterile hallway. Stifling a yawn he increased his pace, his gaze focusing on the end of the hallway, the last door to the left... As much as he loathed the thought of having to take more calls... At least he’d be able to sit down... Even if his chair wasn’t exactly comfortable, it was a hell of a lot better than wandering the cold facility corridors...

The magenta haired man finally reached his closed office door, letting out a small sigh as he grasped the handle. Time to deal with more ass kissing I suppose... Sometimes, he really despised his job. Sometimes? Ugh...

Mithra entered the small office, glancing over the white walls and the off-white tile floor. The dying plant and the messy, unorganized desktop... Well it wasn’t fancy, but it was his office, damn it.

His vibrant purple gaze moved to the cordless device, a bit surprised to see that the hold light was not flashing. Could it be... That the calls were finally beginning to slow? I hope so but I’m not that lucky... he thought with a small tired smile, wearily moving across the room to drop into his wooden chair, leaning his head back. The demon closed his eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath. I really need some coffee... Or... Something... At this point he really doubted coffee would help...

Mithra opened his eyes with another weary sigh, his gaze moving to the computer monitor before him, the ocean scenery displaying on his screensaver.... He really missed the ocean surf, the sandy beaches of rural Tevrra... Not the immense, smog-filled cities. The isolated, quiet areas... Ah... The report... He really should read over it... The man moved a gloved hand to the wireless mouse, jiggling the device enough to kick the screensaver off, revealing the window still open, announcing the new ‘PM’ memo.

‘Test Confirmed Positive; seikon-kaijin count increased’

Mithra clicked open the message with a frown on his pink lips, his tired eyes scanning over the text document. His frown increased and he raised an eyebrow. ...That much? Really? Well. He hadn’t quite expected it to be so very high... Damn, that’s... That’s a lot...

His contemplations were cut off by a shrill ringing tone and he turned his gaze to the phone, noting with a sigh that the light was blue. An outside call. Wonderful... More irate officials, undoubtedly...

Well. No use delaying the inevitable...

“25-47A Venator facility, Captain Starne speaking,” he stated calmly into the device, forcing his voice into a composed, neutral tone. Ugh... Damn phones...

“Ah... Starne... I see you... Are still working, hm?” a voice questioned weakly and Mithra raised an eyebrow, sitting up a bit in his seat. “I had a feeling you would still... Be up. It’s... Rather late in Gahlrey now, isn’t it? I suppose this... Fiasco has been rather troublesome for you...”

“Kaine, sir?” he questioned, a frown on his pink lips. The man sounded...Terrible. What the hell?

“Yes, ah, sorry I haven’t been in touch... I’ve been a little... Unconscious I suppose,” the man commented lightly, his tone pleasant, even somewhat amused.

“Unconscious?” the magenta haired demon replied, the frown on his lips deepening. “I take it your meeting with Councilman Nuiwa didn’t go well?” he inquired, shifting in his seat.

“Well. I believe... I may have... Gotten a bit... Carried away. It’s nothing... I didn’t deserve, I’m sure,” the blonde demon responded calmly, his deep voice weak. “I said some rather unwise things... I somehow couldn’t hold my tongue. The man... Is so pigheaded, don’t you agree?” he went on to question, his tone amiable.

Pigheaded? A small smirk formed on Mithra’s lips at the demon’s words. “Pigheaded, sir? Well, I suppose that could be one way to describe him...” he responded with a touch of amusement. He then frowned, leaning back in his seat. “So, uh, sir...” he trailed off, unsure what to say. He didn’t want to chance angering the man with inquiries. He didn’t really detest the Letrum Venator like so many others, and he wasn’t exactly afraid of him but... Well. The man still made him somewhat nervous.

“Starne. Please, you really... Don’t have to call me sir,” Kaine commented with a small laugh. His laugh abruptly trailed off and a cough sounded through the phone. Mithra raised an eyebrow as he made out the sound of the man spit. Uh... “Sir?”

“Just a bit of blood. Nothing to worry about, Starne,” the blonde replied pleasantly after a moment of silence, his deep voice weak, yet still holding that amiable tone.

“Blood?” he inquired, his voice slightly rising. Blood? What did Ikenna do to him? What the hell had the Letrum Venator said to the man to anger him so? Usually Kaine’s pretty diplomatic...

“Hm. What is it that... They call him? That nickname...” the blonde demon inquired lightly, his voice trailing off. Mithra vaguely made out the sound of the man spit once more, assumingly blood...

“Um... The -‘soulfire-vampire?’-” the small framed man responded, his magenta eyebrow rising further.

“Oh? That’s actually... A fitting nickname... I would say...” Kaine commented pleasantly, his tone calm. “Quite fitting.”

Wait... Mithra sat up in his seat, a look of shock forming on his feminine face. Surely Ikenna didn’t... “He... He used that on you?” he inquired, his tone incredulous.

“Hm. Yes. Though, I really did provoke him... It’s my own fault, I’m afraid,” the blonde responded lightly, again spitting –presumably--blood. “It’s rather sad. That’s the first ‘kiss’ I’ve had in... Centuries...” the man added with a dry laugh, his tone amused.

Aevik Kaine... Had been put through the full effect of Ikenna Nuiwa’s energy stealing power? How... How in the world had he survived? Despite the Letrum Venator’s massive amount of energy and strength... Ikenna Nuiwa? Infinitely stronger. The first ‘kiss’ he’s had in centuries. Hm, well that’s not surprising... Who would want to kiss the Letrum Venator? “You... Lived through it? You’re alive?” Mithra questioned, still a bit in shock over the revelation. The soulfire-vampire...

“Am I alive? Well, I’m speaking to you, aren’t I, Starne?” the man responded, amusement in his weak voice. “Though I suppose I could be a ghost and not know it,” he added lightly. “I somehow doubt that, however. I don’t believe it would hurt this much if I were truly dead.”

Mithra frowned at this, actually feeling a little sympathy for the guy. He didn’t really know the man that well and obviously wasn’t friends with the demon, but still. The fact that he had actually... I can’t believe he even lived... Oh, unless he’s getting ready to die now... “Uh, sir? Where are you? Do you need me to send assistance?” he questioned uneasily, not wanting to offend the demon.

“Miss Darcy was kind enough to leave me in an alley... Behind Councilman Nuiwa’s... Office building,” Kaine responded wryly, his tone light. “And no need to send assistance. That’s not... Necessary... Starne,” he added softly, his voice weak.

“Eh, well sir, but don’t you think...” Mithra started, however trailed off, deciding it would be unwise to argue with the man. If he wanted to die in some back alley, more power to him...

“Now... That’s quite enough about me... The reason I called... The test results? Are they in?” Kaine inquired, his tone taking on a more serious note, the light demeanor slightly slipping.

He just got ‘death kissed’ by Ikenna Nuiwa and he’s more concerned about that test? Mithra thought, a puzzled look appearing on his small, feminine face. “Uh, well...”

“My gloves... Was there enough of... His blood to test?” the man then questioned, his tone serious, his mannerisms shifting to that more calm, emotionless demeanor. Mithra never really knew what to expect of the man... One minute he’s friendly and the next he’s deathly serious, the next he’s pissed, the very next he’s friendly again... He’s so odd...

“Well? It tasted as if... It... Am I right?” the man questioned quietly, his voice almost... Hesitant? Aevik Kaine, sounding hesitant? Well, that was a new one for Mithra...

Wait, tasted....? Okay I really don’t even want to know why he can ‘taste’ it in Malba Nuiwa’s blood... he thought, a small shudder running up his spine. Mithra really didn’t get the whole blood fascination so many demons seemed to have... I still think blood tastes pretty nasty... And I am a demon.

The magenta haired demon let out a sigh, his gaze moving to the computer screen before him. He moved his free hand to jiggle the mouse, again kicking off the screensaver to view the message sent from the med floor...

After Aevik Kaine had returned to the base with bullet injuries and blood covering his attire, the man had pulled Mithra aside...

--“Ah, Starne. I have a request... I need you to handle something for me.”—

--“Sir?”—

--“These gloves... I need you to have them tested. There should be enough of Malba’s blood still on them. Some of my blood is on them as well, of course, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to isolate Malba’s from mine.”—

--“Sir... I’m assuming you want a seikon-kaijin count, correct? But sir, you know we have to have authorization... If Darcy finds out...”—

--“Just do it, Starne.”—

Mithra frowned at the memory of the quick exchange. The way the Letrum Venator had looked at his own blood covered gloves, for a moment... Such an odd look had passed through the man’s yellow eyes. Of course it hadn’t lasted. He had regained his calm smile and empty eyes, handing over the bloodstained gloves...

“Starne... Will you answer me? The results?” Kaine cut into the man’s thoughts, snapping him back to the present. Mithra frowned, his tired purple eyes scanning over the text displayed on the monitor before him... So much...

“You were correct,” he answered quietly, the frown on his pink lips deepening. It was such a high... High number...

“...How much?”

“Eight scale.”

“I see,” was the blonde demon’s only response, his voice flat, no emotion evident in his hollow tone.

Mithra let out a small sigh, scrolling through the document, scanning over the details. I still can’t believe it... I knew it would be bad, but...

“I suppose something... Really must be done...” Kaine mumbled quietly, so much so that the magenta haired demon barely made out the man’s words. “Sir?” the small framed man questioned, raising an eyebrow. What had the Letrum Venator meant by that?

“...That will be... All, Starne. You really should get... Some rest... Don’t worry about the calls... I’ll deal with them... When I return,” the blonde demon stated, his tone firm, though his voice held a weak, pained edge. “Get some rest.”

The slender man took in a weary breath, feeling a touch of guilt wash over him. He’s telling me to rest while he’s lying in an alley, possibly dying? That seems kind of... Wrong. “Sir, are you sure you don’t need any assistance?” he chanced asking, an uneasy expression on his feminine face. Please don’t get angry. I’d prefer to live...

“...No. I’m... I’m fine. I’m... I’m just going to... Sit here for a minute...” Kaine responded slowly, his voice low. “Thank... You for convincing that doctor to do the test... Without authorization...” he added, his voice quite suddenly shifting back to that light, pleasant tone.

“Well, sir. It... It was hardly difficult. All it took was me to say the Letrum Venator had requested the test. He was far too afraid to turn me down,” Mithra responded dryly, a hint of a smirk forming on his partially concealed lips. “It wasn’t a problem. It will be if Darcy finds out, but other than that...” he added wryly, rolling his purple eyes at the thought of the tempestuous woman.

“Yes well... I suppose I should have known. I wonder... Do you think there is anyone... In the world... That doesn’t despise the Letrum Venator?” Kaine questioned lightly, his tone airily nonchalant.

Mithra blinked at the man’s question, startled by the inquiry. What the hell? “Uh, well, sir...”

“That was a rather foolish question. My apologies,” the blonde demon cut in, his tone holding an amused tint. “Of course there isn’t.”

“Uh...” Okay, well. He really didn’t even know how to respond to that. What in the world has gotten into him? Provoking Ikenna, ordering unauthorized tests and... The man was acting rather strange. More so than usual.

“I... I’ll let you go now. Get some rest, Starne. You deserve it... After having to deal with Miss Darcy among many other rather unpleasant individuals,” the Letrum Venator stated wryly, his voice soft, rather weak.

“Uh, but sir?” Should the man really just... Sit in an alley? Surely his injuries would have to be intensely severe. His internal organs and... Mithra shuddered at the thought. He actually lived through the ‘soulfire-vampire’ literally tearing the very life out of him... That’s pretty impressive. Even if he dies, it’s remarkable he managed to live at all...

“I’ll be fine... Goodnight, Starne,” was the man’s weak response. With that the call disconnected, though not before Mithra made out a gagged noise resounding from the Letrum Venator.

“Damn it,” he muttered softly, tossing the phone to his cluttered desk. The magenta haired demon moved a slender hand to his head, massaging his throbbing temple. How stubborn... He obviously wasn’t ‘fine.’ Though it wasn’t his business. If the Letrum Venator truly wished to be left alone... What right did he have to question the man? Fine. Die in an alley. It’s not like anyone will care, anyway. Mithra frowned at this thought, feeling a bit of guilt. Well, that wasn’t nice. It’s true, but still, not nice...

The man continued to rub at his aching temple, closing his weary, vivid purple eyes. I really... I really am tired...

Perhaps he should just take Aevik Kaine’s advice. Call it a night, retire to the residential floor...

--“I wonder... Do you think there is anyone... In the world... That doesn’t despise the Letrum Venator?”--

“Oh for fuck’s sake...” Mithra grumbled irritably, opening his tired eyes. Damn my conscience...

The man reached out a gloved hand to grab the cordless phone device, punching in a number with a frown on his pink lips. He then held the phone to his ear, impatiently tapping a finger on his desk.

“Transport. Terac speaking.”

“This is Captain Starne. I’m going to need a transport. To Atrum-Terra.”

“...Now, sir? It’s the middle of the night.”

“Yes, now you fool. Just hurry up.”

“Ah... Fine, it’ll take fifteen minutes or so...”

“Fine.” With that said he clicked the phone off, tossing it once again to the cluttered desktop.

Despite the fact that the Letrum Venator was a cold, bizarre, possibly evil man... He still couldn’t very well let the guy die alone in an alley. I’m too nice. I should be going to bed, not traversing off to Atrum-Terra in the middle of the night to look for the damn Letrum Venator...

With a resigned sigh, Mithra Starne stood, his gaze focused on the room’s only exit. He’ll probably be angry that I’m coming, but he’d be even angrier if I had some local soldiers or an ambulance in Atrum-Terra pick him up... Not that there’s anything that could be done to help him, even if I did have an ambulance pick him up... Ikenna Nuiwa... His power is pretty terrifying...

Hopefully Kaine wouldn’t get too angry with him for coming... Hopefully he won’t decide to kill me... Assuming the man would even be alive when he arrived there.

Judging by the fact that Kaine had been entirely drained by Ikenna Nuiwa? There stood a damn good chance he would be dead by the time Mithra even arrived.

“Well. No sleep for me. Damn it...”

Somehow, he had a feeling this was going to be a long night.

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~~to be continued....
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(my author notes are pretty long, so I'm going to post them on a new page.)
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