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

Rae gently clutched the psychic’s hand, fighting to keep calm. I... Druu-chan... She remained quiet however, realizing it was more important for Druuvbin to speak with Ryuuji at the moment. As much as the girl wished to speak with the sprite, she... Druu was so worried about Ryuuji. I’m glad he’s getting to talk to him... she thought with a sad smile, taking in the look on Druu’s pallid face. A look of absolute relief. It was obvious how much the water sprite cared for the kokuei demon just by the expression on his sickly-white face. Poor Druu-chan...

“...I... I looked for... Y-you... I tried so hard... To find you but... I couldn’t—see you. I...I’m so...S-sorry, Ryuuji,” Druu whispered hoarsely, his voice rough and rasping, obviously from all of the coughing the man had endured for so many hours... He sounds terrible, Rae thought, a small shiver running throughout her weary body. His voice grating and pained, hoarse and... His throat has got to be killing him. He’s coughed so much and... He’s coughed up so much blood, and...

“Druu, don’t be stupid. It wasn’t your fault. I should have listened to you. You were right. But it doesn’t matter, because I’m fine. So don’t apologize, don’t worry about it right now,” the purple haired demon stated gently, a frown forming on his light purple lips. “All I care about is getting you better, okay?” he went on to say, running his hand gently across the psychic’s cheek in a soothing motion.

“That’s right, Druu-chan. It’s not your fault,” Rae added softly, giving the man’s hand a soft squeeze. “It’s not your fault at all.”

“I... I was so... I’m so... Glad that... You’re...Al-alive...” Druu mumbled softly, his breaths rough and rasping, his voice uneven. “I... Are you...Sure... Are you sure you’re... Alright?” he then questioned softly, his eyelids briefly opening a bit, revealing his milky white eyes. The sprite’s eyelids quickly drooped however, once again closing. “Are you alright, R--Ryuuji?”

“I’m fine, Druu,” the demon responded, continuing to gently stroke the psychic’s cheek in a gentle, comforting gesture. “I’m fine.”

Well... I don’t know that he’s exactly fine, but at least he’s alive, Rae thought, her gaze briefly moving to the man’s patched eye and cut marred face. He’s alive though, that’s what’s important.

“You... You’re lying,” Druuvbin responded softly, his eyelids once again slowly rising, revealing his unfocused white gaze. “What... What happened?” he questioned gently, his voice so very frail and pained. The water elemental weakly raised a trembling, unsteady hand to Ryuuji’s face, blindly feeling the man’s smooth skin. Druu frowned when he reached the large gash marring the majority of the left side of the kokuei demon’s face. “W--what happened?”

Man, don’t get freaked out, Druu-chan. The last thing you need right now is to get upset, Rae thought uneasily, taking in the troubled expression on the water sprite’s pallid face.

“So I’m a little scratched up. It’s just a few cuts and bruises, Druu. Hardly anything to worry about,” Ryuuji responded lightly, moving to touch the psychic’s hand still lightly pressed against his face. “I’m fine,” he added firmly, though he quickly caught the water elemental’s hand as Druuvbin attempted to move to touch the right side of his face. He gently pulled the sprite’s hand away, before the psychic had a chance to feel the patch covering his right eye. “I missed you, Druu.”

“...I... I missed you too... So very much...” Druuvbin whispered softly, another harsh gagging cough interrupting his sentence. His body shook and he let out a low moan, pain clear on his pale face. “Ryuuji... You...” the psychic suddenly frowned, once again moving to touch the demon’s face. “Wh...What happened to your eye?”

Uh-oh...Can’t fool the psychic, the girl thought with a small frown as Druuvbin touched the man’s right patch covered eye. Well... That’s probably not good. Ryuuji obviously didn’t want him to know about that right now.... Honestly, she hadn’t wanted the sprite to know at the moment either. He doesn’t need to be worrying about Ryuuji’s eye right now...

“Druu... It’s nothing, okay? Don’t worry,” Ryuuji stated softly, moving the psychic’s hand away from his patched eye.

“R-Ryuuji...What happened?” Druu questioned again, his voice worried, agitated. “It...”

“Druu, I said not to worry,” the spiky haired man responded, lightly caressing the psychic’s cheek. “It’s nothing.”

“Ryuuji. Tell me what happened,” Druuvbin stated, a firm tone in his soft voice. “Tell me,” he added, the frown on his shivering lips deepening. “Wh-what hap--...Happened?”

Ryuuji let out a frustrated sigh, an uneasy expression flickering across his pale features. “Druu... I don’t want you to get upset. Just... Just don’t worry about it right now.”

“Ryuuji...”

“Fine...But... You have to promise you won’t get upset. Like I said, I’m fine, so just stay calm,” the demon responded after a few moments of silence, his voice troubled, his face holding an anxious expression.

That doesn’t sound too good... the girl thought, her gaze moving to focus on the man’s patched eye. Actually, she was pretty damn curious as to what the hell had happened to it as well, yet... I don’t want Druu-chan to get upset. He’s in no shape to be worrying about anything right now... Obviously the psychic wasn’t going to let Ryuuji dodge the issue however.

“Will you please... Just tell me?” the blue haired sprite inquired, his voice weak and suffering, yet he forced his eyes open, obviously attempting to keep alert. “Ryuuji...”

“...It... I uh, well...” Ryuuji trailed off, an uneasy expression on his face as he set his gaze squarely upon the psychic, taking in his pale trembling lips and his unfocused white eyes. “I... Had a little... A little hizeme-doku uh, poured into my eye...” the demon finally admitted softly, his voice low, his words somewhat mumbled.

...Doku? I know that word. That’s poison in Japanese... Er, in this world, anyway... the girl thought with a frown, nervously glancing at Druuvbin, taking in his reaction to the demon’s words... Uh oh... she thought apprehensively, noting the look of utter dismay playing on the psychic’s deathly pallid face.

“Wh...What? Oh... Oh Ryuuji... I...I’m so...Sorry...” the elemental whispered softly, his tone uneven and upset, his voice shaking. “I...Ngh...” he trailed off as a jagged, harsh cough wracked his body, his face contorting in pain. “I...I’m....” he tried to speak one more, only to be cut off by another choking cough erupting from his lips.

“Druu, listen to me. Calm down,” the purple haired man stated gently, his facial expression showing his concern for the sprite as Druu continued to cough, his body shuddering from the force. “Druuvbin, breathe. Calm down. I’m okay. It... It wasn’t that much, I’m fine. Okay?” he added quietly, stroking the elemental’s pale cheek, his tone almost apologetic. “Don’t get upset.”

Damn... What the hell is that ‘hizeme-doku’ stuff? Obviously not good, judging by Druu’s reaction, Rae thought, biting her sore lip as she gently squeezed the psychic’s hand. “Calm down, Druu-chan. You have to stay calm,” she commented softly, concern flooding her as the sprite gagged, his eyes closing tightly. Druu... Don’t freak out. You’re too sick to be getting upset. “Stay calm, Druu.”

“I...That... How can... I... St-Stay ca-...Calm? You... Ryuuji... That... I’m so sorry... I...” Druu whispered shakily, his voice so soft and uneven Rae could barely even make out his words. Druu... The girl shared an uneasy glance with Ryuuji, unnerved by the jagged, uneven breaths Druuvbin was struggling to take... So sharp and rasping...Druu...

“Druuvbin. I’m fine. I’m far more concerned about you than I am my stupid eye. So calm down. Don’t worry about it right now,” Ryuuji ordered gently, his tone firm, his purple lips set in a deep troubled frown. “Druu, you’re breathing too fast. Calm down,” he added, stroking the psychic’s cheek in a consoling manner. “Calm down and breathe.”

“I...That had to... Hurt... So very... So very much... I...” the water sprite mumbled, his tone upset and shaking, a few tears leaking from his closed eyelids. “I... I couldn’t see...I couldn’t see anything and I...” he trailed off, weakly raising a hand to press against his forehead, a soft moan escaping his pale lips. “I...I’m sorry...”

“Druu-chan, don’t cry,” Rae responded gently, fighting to keep her voice calm and collected. Seeing Druuvbin cry was... He always pretends to be so happy and carefree... Seeing him so sad and crying... It... It was horrible. Heartbreaking. Don’t cry, Druu... Or... Maybe Malba was right earlier. You can cry all you want, I just... I don’t want you to make yourself sicker by getting so upset... The girl’s thoughts trailed off and she released a deep sigh, concern in her aqua eyes.

Ryuuji frowned, moving to wipe away the man’s tears with his thumb, a guilt-ridden expression playing across his face. “Druuvbin. I’m fine, so don’t apologize. I’m the one who’s sorry,” he remarked firmly, his smooth voice holding a tone of reassurance. “Don’t be sorry,” he added, gently running a hand over the psychic’s tearstained cheek.

“I... I couldn’t see you...” Druu mumbled softly, tears slowly trailing down his face, his breaths shuddering and harsh. “Why... Why is it that I... I can’t see anything... Anymore? I...”

“Damn it, Druuvbin,” Ryuuji muttered with a concerned sigh, his facial expression showing his agitation. “I told you it isn’t your fault,” he went on to say, his tone soft, comforting. The demon then gently moved to pull the psychic closer, sitting him up enough to give the man a warm embrace. “It’s okay, Druu.”

“Just stay Calm, Druu-chan,” Rae added softly, releasing the psychic’s hand, enabling Druuvbin to weakly wrap his arms around Ryuuji. Poor Druu. God, he’s so upset... I just wonder what the hell that poison stuff or whatever, is? Obviously of the ‘not good’ category...

“I...I missed you...” Druuvbin whispered weakly, pressing his head against the demon’s toned shoulder as tears continued to spill from his closed eyelids. “I was so worried...”

“I missed you too, Druu,” Ryuuji admitted with a small smile, gently running a hand across the man’s shoulder as he continued to lightly embrace the psychic. “I missed you too.”

A soft smile played on Rae’s lips at the two’s exchange, noting the warm expression on the kokuei demon’s face. It was incredibly sweet actually, the way Ryuuji gently held Druuvbin, running his hand along the sprite’s shoulder in a soothing motion. Poor Druu-chan. He’s definitely upset. I... I’m not used to seeing him cry... It... her smile faded as a wave of guilt washed upon her and she lowered her gaze. I never noticed anything...

“It’s okay, Druu. Calm down,” Ryuuji whispered softly, gently laying the water elemental back, supporting him against his chest with his toned, lean arms. “Just stay calm and... Get better, okay? I can deal with losing an eye. Losing you? That’s a different story,” he added wryly, a concerned expression on his face as he took in the psychic’s shivering lips and tearstained cheeks. “Just stay calm and breathe for me.”

So... I guess the eye-patch must be permanent then... Losing an eye... Damn. That... That really sucks... What kind of poison could have... Kouji had said something about it, hadn’t he? It bled and everything went black... What the hell kind of poison is that hizeme-doku stuff? The girl shivered at the thought, the... The image of the demon’s eye being... Man. That definitely sucks...

Druuvbin let out a small sigh, weakly moving a hand to rub at his closed eyes, a few stray tears slipping down his cheeks. He then pulled his hand away, blindly moving his hand towards Rae’s. The girl quickly took the man’s hand, giving it a gentle, supportive squeeze. “Druu-chan?” she questioned unevenly, biting down on the inside of her lower lip to keep from... Losing it. It was too much... Tears and blood and coughing and guilt and... Ugh. Too much.

“Ah, Rae-chan... I’ve caused... So much trouble for... Everyone, haven’t I? I’m so sorry you... Had to go through all... Of that... All because of me...” he stated softly, his weak voice apologetic. “I’m sorry...”

“What? Druuvbin. Don’t freaking apologize. None of this is your fault at all! You... You’re so... You’re so sick and I... You... I didn’t even know,” she responded, closing her eyes, taking a shuddering breath.

“You and Sano were very brave to... Go to Laineka alone... I... I really am sorry. I... I’ve really... Everyone has been through so much all on account of me...” Druu responded quietly, a cough cutting off his soft words. “I... I’ve caused everyone so much trouble...” he repeated, guilt in his weak voice.

Rae shook her head, moving a bit closer to the man. She released his hand, moving to instead touch his cheek. “No, you haven’t. At all. Druu, do you realize how scared I was when you... When you started bleeding and... I didn’t care what I had to do. I just... I knew I couldn’t lose you. So we had to go to Laineka and... It doesn’t matter. All that matters is you,” she responded firmly, gently caressing his cool cheek. I... I was so afraid... That when we got back, he’d already be dead... I... “I don’t want you to die, Druu-chan...”

“Ah, yes... I do seem to recall something... About you threatening to... Go... What was it? All... ‘Willow’ on me if I died and bring me back just to...k—Kick my, hm... Ass? Did I get that correct?” Druuvbin questioned softly, his weak voice holding an amused tint. A warm smile appeared on his white lips and he moved to gently touch the girl’s hand on his cheek.

A small laugh escaped Rae’s lips and she closed her eyes, a wave of bittersweet emotions rushing over her. “You heard that?” she inquired, fighting to keep her voice level.

“Ah, yes. Vaguely. I... I’m sorry that... I... I frightened you, Rae-chan...” he replied weakly, his hand dropping away from hers to rest on the white comforter. “I really am sorry.”

“Stop saying that,” the girl responded firmly, pulling her hand from his cheek, instead moving to lightly caress his pale forehead. “Don’t be sorry, baka.”

“...Willow?” Ryuuji suddenly questioned, raising a purple eyebrow as he turned his attention to the pink haired girl. “What the hell does that mean?” he inquired, a small smile on his lips.

“That’s a TV reference,” Rae responded with a brief amused smile. “One of those things I’ll have to teach you about later,” she then said, giving the demon a small smirk.

“Hm. I see,” was the man’s response, a somewhat amused tone in his smooth voice. “I obviously have a lot to learn.”

“Rae-chan... I... You are alright, yes? I... You had to...First with V-Veenom and then... Kaine and... I’m sorry,” Druuvbin apologized yet again, a soft sigh escaping his lips, a pained look appearing on his pallid face. “I... Malba... Was hurt so badly and... Kopaka is... Ill... And...”

“Druu. Stop. None of that is your fault, so just stop thinking about it. You don’t have anything to be sorry about... I’m...” Rae paused, clenching her jaw as a wave of guilt once again washed upon her. “It’s my fault, you had this attack, isn’t it?” she then inquired flatly, her tone hollow. “I’m the one who’s sorry.”

A perplexed look appeared on the water elemental’s face and he slowly opened his eyes, revealing his unfocused white gaze. “Why in the... W...World... Would you say... That? How is... This your fault?” he questioned, his tone concerned, holding a tint of puzzlement. “Why would you say that?”

Rae closed her eyes for a moment, moving to gently take hold of the water’s sprite’s pale, cold hand, her heart aching. If the man truly did use that ‘ability’ of his... To take her pain, to... Yeah it was his decision, but I still feel guilty. Geh. “Ryuuji... Ryuuji said that... Druu did you take the pain from the Jump for me? Is that why you’re so sick now? Because I’m a weak, stupid human and you took the pain and... Why would you do that, you idiot? You... You are already in enough pain as it is. For you to take that too... I...” the girl trailed off and she squeezed the man’s hand, biting down on her lower lip.... It... She felt guilty. Really guilty. Big baka...

Druuvbin remained silent for a moment before letting out a sigh. “Ryuuji... Why would you tell the girl that?” the psychic questioned, a bit of exasperation in his weak tone.

“She... Well, she made me say it... It just kind of slipped,” Ryuuji responded sheepishly, an apologetic tint to his smooth voice. “It was an accident.”

“Hm. Well, Ryuuji. It... Was either an... Accident or she... Forced you. I don’t believe... It could very well be both,” the water sprite responded dryly, a small smile forming on his pallid, trembling lips.

“Oh. Well, an accident?”

“Ah... I see...”

“Sorry.”

Druuvbin remained silent for a few moments, as if contemplating what to say. He then gently squeezed Rae’s hand in a gentle, reassuring manner. “Rae-chan. I... I assure you... That... That is not the cause... Of this. I... It is true that I did... I didn’t want you to be put through the pain of the Jump implanting itself...” the psychic trailed off as a cough shook him. He waited for the rasping cough to ease off before continuing, clearing his throat. “Rae-chan, what... Would hurt you or even Ryuuji... And... What would hurt me are--entirely different things. I... I’m rather old and I’ve built quite the tolerance to pain over... The years. I promise you it didn’t hurt me nearly as bad... As what you are thinking...” he stated softly, his weak tone comforting, reassuring.

The girl took in a shaky breath, lowering her gaze to the man’s pale hand held in her own, not convinced in the least. “You... You still shouldn’t have done it. Ryuuji said it takes a lot of energy... Did you use too much? Is that why you...” she trailed off, unable to finish her sentence. Is that why he...

“Ah, yes well, it requires some energy... Yet... I-I had... Enough. I’m... I’m honestly not sure why I lost control, but I assure---you I had enough energy. Not only that, but... The illusion with... the ‘muggers...’ I had enough energy to do that as well. That isn’t the cause of this. I’m not sure why I... I suppose I should have--listened to Kouji-chan, but I... I hon—honestly... I didn’t believe that I was.... I thought that I still had it under control. I didn’t feel...” the water elemental trailed off once more, again interrupted by a harsh, jagged cough rocking his lean frame.

Illusion with the muggers? So that really was just an illusion. Those guys weren’t even real, heh. One hell of an illusion. They seemed real... So... Is... Is he... Is he telling the truth? He... It’s really not my fault? Rae wanted to believe that, yet... “I... Are you sure it isn’t my fault?” she inquired, her aqua eyes focusing on the man’s deathly pale face. “Are you sure?”

“Rae-chan... I’m positive,” he responded softly. The psychic then weakly released the girl’s hand, instead moving to take hold of her arm, gently pulling her closer. He gave the girl a hug, somehow mustering the strength to slightly sit up in order to tighten his embrace, lightly running a hand along her back in a soothing gesture. “I... Up until a few... Seconds before it happened, I... I honestly... I had control... I was sure of it...” he commented quietly, a hint of uncertainty entering his soft voice. “I... I’m not sure as to... Why I lost control,” he then admitted, a small frown forming on his pale lips.

Rae let out a quaking sigh, gently holding onto the man, taking in his cool body and wheezing breaths. So very cold and... Druu-chan... How could... If he was honestly telling the truth... Why had he lost control? “Druuvbin... Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you tell me that you’re so sick? Why...” she trailed off, making sure not to cling to the man too tightly. She felt like glomping him anime style or something, yet somehow she figured that probably wouldn’t be such a good idea. After all, the guy was having quite enough trouble breathing as it was... The last thing he needed was her to strangle him...

“...I... I just... I didn’t want to worry you... Rae-chan...” he responded slowly, a sharp, ragged cough shaking him. “I... I know how you worry about... Things, how you...” he trailed off, lightly pressing his head against her shoulder, attempting rather unsuccessfully to suppress a small pained moan.

“How I obsess like an obsessive compulsive maniac?” Rae added helpfully, moving to gently run a hand soothingly over his shuddering shoulder. God... He’s so cold and... He shouldn’t even be sitting up like this.... The girl frowned at the thought, unsure whether she should be letting the sprite sit up at all...

“An... ‘Obsessive compulsive maniac’ you say? Ah, well... That wasn’t exactly... How I was going to word it, however... That works... I suppose,” the psychic responded softly, a teasing tone in his weak voice. “Seriously, Rae-chan, I didn’t want you to... Be upset or worry... That’s all,” he added softly, his voice taking on a more solemn tone.

A small smile formed on Rae’s lips at the ‘obsessive compulsive maniac’ comment. It... She had been so afraid she’d never get to hear that sweet, teasing voice ever again... It... “Yeah, well of course I’m worried. Druuvbin, you’re... You’re like my best friend. Of course I’m worried. I’m supposed to be. It’s what friends do. Care and worry and... Yeah. Don’t... Druu, don’t hide things from me anymore. Please? I... And don’t ever waste so much energy on something as stupid as taking my pain ever again. You... You big baka,” she stated softly, gently embracing the sprite, her voice a touch uneven. I... Stupid Druu-chan...

“I... I see. Y--Yes, I’m sorry. I suppose... I should have told you, neh?” Druuvbin responded faintly, his hold on the girl weakening, his head leaning to rest wearily on her shoulder.

“Yeah. You should have, but it’s okay. Baka,” she replied teasingly, continuing to gently run a hand over his shoulders and upper back in a soothing motion. “I... I love ya, you know...”

“Ah, well... I... Love you too, Rae-chan... You know tha--that,” he replied softly. A harsh cough suddenly erupted from his lips and he pressed his head a bit more firmly against the girl’s shoulder, a small moan escaping his lips. “Ngh...”

“Druu-chan, you need to lie down and rest,” Rae stated softly, gently moving to lay the man back, letting Ryuji resume holding him in a supportive gesture. “You... You have to get better, okay? Because if you die, I’ll so have a meltdown and um, go catatonic or something, okay?” she added, fighting to keep her voice even as she took in the psychic’s so very pale face, his suffering, weak expression... His trembling lips and shuddering frame... He... He’s... Druu’s in really bad shape... He might be conscious right now, but he... her thoughts trailed off and she suppressed a shudder, instead moving to gently adjust the blankets covering Druuvbin, tucking them around him a bit better. “Just rest, Druu-chan.”

“That’s right. You need to rest and get better,” Ryuuji added softly, breaking the silence he had fallen into while Rae and Druuvbin had conversed. He moved to touch the man’s cheek, a small smile forming on his lips. “You’re going to be okay, Druu.”

“N-nghh...I... I really am... So... Very glad that... You’re here... Ryuuji,” Druuvbin admitted weakly, his tone sounding quite far off, distant. “I....” he trailed off, resting his head against the demon’s chest, tightly closing his eyes as a few tears slipped down his cheeks.

“Why are you crying?” Ryuuji inquired gently, moving to wipe away the tears with his thumb. “Druu?”

“I... I’m honestly... Not sure...” the water elemental responded slowly, his voice so weak, so very soft it was hardly distinguishable. “I...I really don’t... Know...I’m sorry...” he added, his tone showing his weariness.

“Don’t be sorry! You can cry if you want, Druu-chan. As bad as you feel? If I were as sick as you I’d be whining and crying like a little kid. I don’t blame you for crying. At all,” Rae stated firmly, moving to gently take the sprite’s hand. Druuvbin smiled a bit through his tears at the girl’s statement, weakly clasping her hand. “So stop apologizing for everything. You’re way too emo, you know. What, am I going to have to buy you black lipstick and gothy clothes to go with your whole emo-ness?” the girl then teased softly, her voice warm, gentle.

“Nn... Ah, but that would never... Work, Rae-chan... Black really isn’t my color,” the water elemental softly commented, his pale lips forming an amused smile, though tears continued to slip from his closed eyelids.

“Oh please. Any color is your color. You look pretty no matter what you’re wearing,” Rae stated firmly, her gaze locked on the man’s pale, striking face. It was true after all... Druuvbin was... Well. Amazingly pretty. He’s so pretty and... Sweet and... I love ya, Druu... A lot.

“Well... I don’t... Know about that,” Druuvbin replied, his weak tone dry, a wry grin briefly appearing on his pained, pallid, tear-stained face. “Ngh...”

“Uh, yeah. Trust me. You look good in anything,” was the girl’s response, a small smile forming on her lips as well. Trust me baka. You’re pretty. As in very pretty. Heh.

“Ah, well... Thank you, Rae-chan... I... I... Ngh...” the water elemental started, however trailed off, his voice sounding so far off, so very distant. “I...Na...”

Rae let out a small sigh, slightly tightening her grip on the man’s hand. I guess... I guess he’s getting ready to pass out again... Poor guy... “You don’t have to thank me for telling the truth. You’re pretty and ya know it. So... Just... Rest and... Get better, Druu-chan. You have to get better.” She... She was so worried, so... He’s in such bad shape. At least he’s not bleeding now though... That’s a good sign, right? “Just rest, Druu-chan.”

“I’m going to sit right here with you and keep giving you energy until you’re better, okay? So don’t worry about anything right now. Just rest and... Get better, okay, Druu?” Ryuuji questioned gently, his red gaze focused on the psychic’s face, a small sad smile forming on his purple lips. “Just rest.”

“...Ryuuji... Ngh... Na lanei sa....” Druuvbin whispered softly, his voice fading off, his grip on Rae’s hand relaxing as he drifted from consciousness.

Ryuuji blinked, a somewhat startled expression briefly appearing on his pale, cut marred face at the sprite’s mumbled words. “I... Na, uh... Just rest, Druuvbin,” he commented slowly, his gaze lowering, his smooth voice holding a hint of... Well, Rae wasn’t entirely sure what it was that lurked in the man’s voice. ‘Na lanei sa.’ What does that mean? That’s the same thing Ryuuji said to Druu when he was unconscious, right? So... The girl studied the demon’s face, a small frown on her lips. He looks kind of..... Hm. She honestly wasn’t sure. An odd facial expression.... Somehow troubled. The look quickly faded however and Ryuuji let out a small sigh, running his hand along the psychic’s cheek. Hm...

“Druu?” the spiky haired demon inquired softly, his red gaze moving to once again focus on the water sprite’s face, a small frown on his split lips. The blue haired psychic gave no response, only continued to wheeze, obviously unaware. “...Just... Just rest...” he softly stated once more, a brief flash of guilt flickering across his pale features. “I really am a jerk...” he then muttered quietly, his tone self-reproachful.

“Hm? What do you mean?” Rae inquired softly, her eyebrow rising. What... What did Druu say and... Why did Kits get so pissed at Ryuuji for saying it to Druu? She was definitely curious. It...

“...Nothing. Don’t worry about it,” the demon responded after a brief moment of silence, taking in a deep, frustrated breath.

“Uh... Okay...” She wasn’t going to push the guy or anything, as... Well. It wasn’t any of her business anyway, so... I’m still really curious though... The girl could think of nothing more to say, so she just remained in silence, a soft frown on her lips. I... Now Druu’s probably ‘dreaming’ again...Kouji says Druu has terrible ‘dreams...’ What... What all do you see, Druu-chan? The pink haired girl let out a small sigh, her aqua gaze moving to rest on the psychic for a few moments before pulling away, instead focusing on Ryuuji. Taking in his expression, the look of worry and... A hint of frustration. What did he mean? He’s a ‘jerk?’ Ugh. My brain isn’t working well enough to even begin contemplating it... Not that my brain ever really works, but yeah... her thoughts trailed off and she moved to rub at her aching temple. “Hey Ryuuji...” She wasn’t going to press him on the whole ‘na lanei sa’ thing, but there was one thing she still wanted to know...

“Hm?” the purple haired man responded, pulling his gaze away from the water elemental, focusing on the girl. “What is it?”

“...You never said why Druu-chan was a prisoner. Why? Or is that one of those things you aren’t going to tell me?” Rae inquired quietly, her blue-green eyes focused solely on the man, taking in his pale, cut marred face and visible red eye. He actually told me a lot more than what I thought he would. Especially about himself. He had been surprisingly frank about his past and... That was actually pretty nice of the guy. She appreciated the fact that he hadn’t thrown the whole ‘mind your own business, stupid human’ attitude in her face...

“Why? Because of who he is. Druu’s pretty unique. His age makes him valuable in scientific research. His strength and... Even his sickness. There are lots of scientists that would love to dissect him, just for the sake of –‘research,’-” Ryuuji explained, his tone flat, a spark of anger appearing in his vivid red eye. “Plus... Well. There is another reason, but...” the demon trailed off, his gaze briefly moving to Malba. “That’s one of those things I probably shouldn’t say,” he stated, turning his gaze back to the girl, a hint of an apologetic smile forming on his split lips.

Dissect? Research? That... Rae felt a wave of revulsion and anger at that, an irritated expression appearing on her face. “Tevrra really sucks, neh?” she questioned, taking in a deep breath. And... Why did he look at Malba when he said there’s something else? One of those things he shouldn’t say... What is Mals’ connection to Tevrra, anyway? The way he knew the base, that Sefth guy calling him sir... The whole thing with Kaine... What all secrets was the darkness sprite holding? I... He called him sir, and Malba knew that base... Inside and out. How would he know all the things he knew, unless he... Malba are you... The girl’s thoughts trailed off and she glanced over to the slumbering dark haired elemental. I think I might know why you were so familiar with that base... ‘Sir...’

“Tevrra isn’t all bad, but it’s not good either. The government is horrible. They try to keep a nice public image, talks of peace and whatnot, but... It’s bullshit. The government is corrupt. The military is vast and there are ‘research facilities’ branched all over the world. People are pretty afraid of the Tevrrans. They should be. Though I’d say Xzutai is a lot worse,” Ryuuji commented thoughtfully, his gaze moving down to Druuvbin as he gently ran a hand across the man’s pale cheek. “Xzutai and Tevrra are probably the two largest, most dominating countries in the world. Xzutai is a lot more war crazy, however,” he added quietly, slightly shaking his head. “Though don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of other countries in the fray as well. Our world is pretty fucked,” the kokuei demon stated with a wry smirk, a small sigh escaping his light purple lips.

“Heh, and I thought my world was fucked,” Rae joked lightly, a small smile forming on her lips. “Seriously though... I... God I hate that Druu is treated the way he is. I mean I don’t know the specifics and all, but I know that Druu isn’t a monster. At all. The way people treat him... Calling him that, wanting to... Lock him in a damn lab and experiment on him or whatever... It really sucks,” she stated, shaking her head as a look of frustration passed over her weary face. No, she didn’t know why he was treated as a ‘monster’ and why people... She didn’t know, but she also didn’t care. I don’t care. I know that Druuvbin isn’t a monster. No fucking way.

“I know you want to know more about that. About Druu, about Malba, about everyone. I... I’m sorry. It’s not that I... I just, you know, It’s not my place to say things they don’t want you to know,” Ryuuji commented with a small sigh, giving the girl an apologetic smile.

Rae nodded, a small smile forming on her lips at the man’s apology. “Hey, you are a lot less secretive than the others. I’ve only known you for a few hours and you’ve already told me more about yourself than what the others have told me about themselves in like, all the years I’ve known them. I... Thanks, you know. For talking to me and stuff. That’s pretty cool of you. You didn’t have to tell me the things you did,” she stated softly, her tone warm and grateful. It was cool of the guy. I mean he even told me about how he hated himself and how he was all messed up and, er, yeah. Personal stuff.

“I’m not one for keeping secrets. I’m pretty open. I don’t see the point. Plus hell, I spent enough years shut off and moody,” the spiky haired demon replied with a smirk, his tone light. “I have a big mouth. I’m not that great at keeping secrets. Obviously,” he then said, glancing down at Druu. “Like telling you about the Jump...” Ryuuji added, a sheepish look briefly flickering across his pale features. “I guess that’s not such a great trait for a ‘spy’ to have, huh?” he questioned ruefully, shaking his head.

“Hah, well, but it’s nice, actually having someone to talk to that isn’t going to tell me it’s ‘not my concern’ every two seconds,” Rae responded teasingly, briefly glancing over to Kitsune, taking in her sleeping face. Hah... Poor Kits. She has trust issues...

“Yes, well she throws that line at pretty much everyone, don’t take it too personally. What can I say, Kitsune’s generally not a real big talker,” the demon responded with a small dry laugh, his tone light.

“Heh. Yeah, you could say that...”

“I just did.”

“..You know what I mean.”

“Heh.”

Rae rolled her eyes, a small amused smile forming on her lips. She really... She really was glad that Ryuuji had shown up. He was kind of a smart ass but... Well. He’s a nice guy. I’m... I’m glad he isn’t dead. Not only for Druu’s sake, but because... Well. I like the guy. He seems pretty cool. Even if he did have the whole demon superiority complex going on. Heh... The smile faded from her lips as she stifled a sudden yawn, a fresh wave of weariness washing over her tired body. Not that her mind was any less wired up. As tired as she was, the girl... Her worry far outweighed her weariness.

Rae focused her aqua gaze to Druuvbin’s pale face, a frown forming on her lips. How long? How long will he be... “So... Malba wasn’t really specific when I asked him how long Druu’s attacks last. How... If...When will he start getting better?” she questioned softly, taking in the water sprite’s white skin and his harsh, uneven breaths. If he gets better... The girl felt a sudden wave of self reproach at that thought, irritated with herself for allowing such a thing to slip through her mind. Ugh. Now I’m being as pessimistic as Kouji. Not if he gets better, when he gets better. She wasn’t going to think of any other possible outcome. He would get better. He... He isn’t bleeding now, and he woke up for a few minutes. Those are good signs. He’s... He’s going to be fine...

“How long? It depends. This one is pretty bad, so... I really don’t know. Hopefully he’ll at least be able to stay conscious more within the next couple of days. Druu has a really hard time staying awake when he’s like this... I hate that. Because when he’s out of it, there’s nothing anyone can say or do to...” Ryuuji trailed off with a small sigh, moving his bruised hand to rest on the psychic’s cheek, gently running his thumb along the sprite’s cheekbone. “Right now... All we can do is wait. Talk to him when he’s awake, try to keep him calm, try to keep him warm and just... Wait,” he added quietly, his red gaze focused on Druuvbin’s face, a frown forming on his light-purple lips. “We just have to wait.”

“I’ve... I’ve always sucked at waiting,” Rae responded dryly, a small sad smile forming on her chewed-sore lips. The demon was right of course. There was nothing to really be done other than... Than sit with Druuvbin, hold his hand and just... Wait. Yeah, I’ve always hated waiting...

“Well, I’ve always been impatient, so I know the feeling,” the purple haired man responded with a brief grin, moving his gaze to the girl. “I’m not too fond of sitting by and waiting either.”

“So you’re not only bad at keeping secrets but you’re impatient too. That’s really not so good traits for a spy to have, you know,” Rae teased lightly, casting a smile to the demon.

“Tell me about it.”

“Heh...”

The pink haired girl smiled once more, slightly shaking her head. “Well, I guess we’re both impatient big mouths. At least we can keep each other company,” she commented, her aqua eyes moving to focus once more on Druuvbin. “It sucks waiting... But.... It’s all we can do, neh?”

“He’s... He’s going to be okay,” Ryuuji stated firmly, his red gaze moving to that deathly pale face, those trembling pallid lips...

“Yeah.”

“Yeah.”

So I guess... Now all we do is just... Wait...

She really hated waiting.

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

Captain Mithra Starne of the 25-47A Venator facility let out an agitated sigh, his vivid purple eyes closing as his grip slightly tightened on the telephone held to his ear. “I see. Yes, thank you,” he stated flatly into the device, his light, soft voice weary, frazzled. With that said, the demon pulled the phone away, clicking the off button on the cordless device. Damn it...

The small framed man let out another sigh, carelessly tossing the phone to the desk before him, closing his eyes tighter. Why me? The demon took in a few deep breaths, attempting to calm his nerves, to regain full control of his composure. It was already after two in the morning and he had yet to get even a moment of rest from the fiasco that had taken place in the base hours before.

Mithra opened his weary eyes, glancing about his brightly lit surroundings. A small, cramped office with metal cabinets lining the white walls. A small brown desk before him and a dying plant resting on the sill of the only window in the tight room. His office of course. Nothing grand, yet it served its purpose. The desk held a computer and a phone, which honestly, were the only real required tools Mithra needed to do his tedious job. Now, why did I decide to join the damn Hunters, again? the man thought not for the first time, moving to rest his forehead on the small desk’s rough surface with a resounding thump.

He had been young and foolish of course. Full of misguided loyalty to a corrupt country. He had quickly learned how foolish of a mistake it had been, to actually place loyalty, to place trust into... Anything, really. Trust was a fool’s game after all. And I was a fool... Though he had learned to play a new game. False loyalty, ass kissing and subservient groveling. It had gotten him quite far in the mere three years he had spent in the Tevrran force. Promoted to Captain, given a supposedly ‘easy,’ non-stressful desk job. Non-stressful... Right... That’s a bloody joke... It had been far less nerve-racking when he had spent nights in fierce combat, being barraged with Xzutai missiles and gunfire...

Mithra took in a deep calming breath, raising his head from the desk’s rough surface, opening his vivid purple eyes. He supposed he should be proud of his accomplishments. Only twenty-four and already a Captain of the Hunters. The most respected division of the Tevrran forces. Though the demon somehow suspected in addition to his ass kissing, the name ‘Starne’ had a bit to do with his promotions. After all, his father, Seera Starne, was a close friend to Councilman Tuoni, head of military affairs...

It was well talked about at the 25-47A Venator facility. Rumors of Mithra Starne’s connection to Councilman Arlo Tuoni. How else could such a young, 5’4 ‘pretty boy’ advance so fast in the military? The demon didn’t exactly command respect from the men of the base. I didn’t buy my way into my position.... As for my father... Mithra felt a wave of irritation flow through him at the thought, an aggravated growl escaping his full lips. His meddling father. Perhaps joining the military had been an attempt to escape the family name, the family business and stature. Of course it hadn’t worked. Born a Starne, die a Starne...

So yes, maybe he was small in stature, not burly and gruff like some of the disgusting fools of the wretched 25-47A Venator facility. Yet what did his damn appearance mean to his work? What, because I’m short and... So perhaps I look like a girl. That doesn’t mean I can’t do my god damn job. Yes, the demon was small and slender, with long magenta hair and soft, feminine features. It hadn’t stopped him from doing long hard combat in god forsaken countries. It certainly hadn’t stopped him from killing and fighting just as effectively as the six feet tall, muscle bound, brainless fools stationed by his side...

So, it was a bit of a touchy subject for the demon. Especially at two am, when he hadn’t slept for over thirty hours (thanks to a double shift and then the Malba Nuiwa disaster...) and had to deal with conversing (aka ass kissing) with top officials. Having to take the calls barraging his office, having to put up with arrogant bureaucrats and sniveling, two-faced Council-Assistants...

All hell had broken loose when Councilman Nuiwa’s son had infiltrated the facility. First I had to deal with Darcy and now... It was no secret that Ikenna Nuiwa was not a popular man in the Tevrran government. The man refused to bend to the rest of the council’s wishes, always so outspoken and independent. It made him very unpopular amongst the council. So much so that...

They’re like a bunch of damn hyenas... Circling in for the kill... Any chance to make Councilman Nuiwa look bad, to cause trouble... Press leaks and enraged officials, demanding to know why Nuiwa’s son ranked a ‘no-kill’ order. After all, Malba Nuiwa was far from popular as well... For more than one reason.

Mithra had spent hours behind his cramped desk, having to deal with call after call, to politely decline to give information, to listen to ranting and ravings.... I’d rather be back on the damn battlefield at this point... It wasn’t exactly what Mithra had thought would be in store for him, being promoted to a ‘Hunter,’ a Captain no less. To be stationed in a horrid ‘research facility,’ to be put in charge of managing the soldiers stationed in the base... Cold bastards, every last one of them... To manage paperwork and calls, to deal with... The ‘med floor’ and... It was all revolting. All of it.

Frankly, it was too bad Nuiwa’s son hadn’t burned a few more of the bastards... Hopefully Sefth will die from his injuries. It’ll save me the trouble of having to deal with the paperwork for his court martial proceedings... Though even more tragic was the fact that none of those wretched scientists had been on the med floor at the time. It would have amused Mithra greatly if those arrogant fucks had been burned to cinders. It was a cold, horrible thought, but after all the things he had witnessed at the facility? The vile, terrible things he had witnessed? Every last one of those ‘doctors’ deserve to be shot on sight... I don’t care if it is for medical advancement. It’s still wrong, what they do... The magenta haired demon let out a small frustrated sigh, moving a slender hand to rub his throbbing temple. The whole situation was giving him such a headache...

“I deserve a day off after this...” he muttered softly, turning his tired gaze to his computer monitor. A window popped up on the screen, indicating he had a new PM sent down from the med floor. The subject read: ‘Test Confirmed Positive; seikon-kaijin count increased’ Wonderful... the man thought with a frown, his hand moving hesitantly to the wireless mouse resting beside the black keyboard of his computer. Mithra had a good idea as to what the message contained, and... He really just didn’t want to deal with it...

--“Ah, Starne. I have a request...”--

Aevik Kaine had asked for a ‘special’ test.... After returning to the base from his search for Malba Nuiwa, blood covered and bullet-riddled... Aevik Kaine, Letrum Venator...

It wasn’t that Mithra detested the man. The blonde demon was for the most part... Unanimously despised at the facility. Despised by most Tevrrans and the world in general, really. Yet... Honestly, at least the man could hold a halfway intelligent conversation. He may be the cold, unfeeling ‘Letrum Venator’ but at least he has a few brain cells. He wasn’t quite as afraid of Kaine as the rest of the base seemed to be. Not that he hadn’t seen the blonde be quite terrifying, but, hey. So far he had yet to try to kill Mithra or anything. Which was a big plus, in his book anyway. I’m sure most of the base would be rather glad if Kaine decided to kill me...

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(next page, neh.)