Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Anatomy of Melancholy ❯ Dead Cat Bounce ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Sin and Varish make it to the Eastern Sector station. Chaos ensues because of a particular, petulant clerk. Sin and Varish fluff. Higashi and Kibito at last meet our truculent demons.

Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Drama / Comedy | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.22.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.7K | Visits: 119 | Status: Completed

Chapter four - another short one because I ran out of ideas at the end. Oh, and I forgot something important. Lyrics to the song in the second chapter belong to Voltaire from the song When You're Evil. Lyrics in this chapter are courtesy of Hungry Lucy ... Into Pieces.

Chapter Four: Dead Cat Bounce

Eastern Sector Station:

Sin leaned up against the cool glass, closing her eyes and trying to subdue her throbbing head. She felt a migraine seeping through, a combination of not feeding in almost an entire day and the exhaustion of her surprise banishment. Of course, the crisp, bright light of the Eastern sector did not help matters - neither had the standoffish attitude of their spirit guide. She yanked the hood of her black robe further over her eyes, trying to shut out the murderous phosphorescence. She then thought of something - perhaps one of these people had some of that medicine humans used ... aspirin, if she recollected right.

She squinted, glancing about the barren, desolate station to find her priestly guru in the corner preoccupied at the snack machine. It did not seem that the punishing light distracted him. Then again, he had years of experience on his side that she, being little more than an infant by Kindred standards, understandably lacked. Standing up on rattletrap legs, she sluggishly dragged her aching figure up to the counter.

“Yes.” The pompous prude behind the counter snapped, not bothering to so much as look in her general direction. Sin did not appreciate the cold shoulder routine. Not today, that is. So, in a bid to keep a tight leash on her formidable temper and discharge a good lot of tension, she lent the back of his head the most sour glare she could muster. Discord at last aside, she got straight to the point.

“I suppose I understand. You're not much thrilled to be in the midst of a couple of pariah demons. I am trying to be sympathetic, here, not that you're helping. I just need some aspirin ... I thought you might at least do that for me.” Sin sighed, hoping that he might come around and be a smidgeon more amicable to her.

“You're right. I am not pleased that you are here. I am not obligated to do anything for you. Besides, those of us in these parts do not need medications. I do not keep this aspirin you speak of around.” He condescended, busying himself sorting things behind the counter and once again ignoring her.

“Look here, you,” Sin snarled, her robe hood slipping around her shoulders as she snatched the snobbish ingrate by the back of his starched dress shirt collar and slugged him up against the counter, “I do not have time for this sort of shit. I am going to be honest - I do not give a rat's ass your opinions regarding me. I am about to go postal here, you hear me - I need some aspiring to get rid of this headache or I am going to do something the both of us are going to regret for a long time.” Sin panted, her sharp nails gouging unsightly holes through the hard polished teak.

“Oh, you did not just do that. Let me go this instant,” the man implored, “or I'm going to ...” he sputtered, as Sin tightened her strangle hold. “Let-let g-go ... you're ch-choke, you're choking me.” He pleaded, gasping for air.

“Get me some aspirin and I might consider it.” She bartered in a no nonsense hiss, pursing her lips into a thin, toneless line.

“I suggest you get her the aspirin. I am in no mood to take prisoners should I be forced to put the leather to you.” The cool cat Caitiff intoned, coming around to the other side of the man and shooting him a hard, pitiless glare. “I am only going to say this once, so listen up, smartie artie. Sin and I are here to see the Kaioshin - so, it might be a good idea to treat us to a touch more respect.” He persuaded, dropping a patronizing pat on the mans cheek and opening his bag of chips and popping one into his mouth. “Oh, and if you doubt me, ring Leonard,” he added around a mouthful of chips, hopping up on the counter, “join the cult, scholar - ask him, he can back me up.”

The man ceased his fruitless struggling, looking from one demon to the other. But, that just couldn't be right. It made no sense that Higashi no Kaioshin - that's ridiculous, the man reasoned in his mind. Of course, these demons seemed confident enough. I suppose a call to Leonard couldn't do any harm.

“I do not believe you. But, if you insist, please let me go so I may do as you suggest.” He bargained, coughing and gasping for breath as soon as Sin let loose of him. “Should you be misleading me, you can be certain there are going to be serious consequences.” He threatened, scampering helter skelter into an adjoining room.

“Stupid peckerwood.” Varish scolded, squinting his hypnotic bedroom eyes and analyzing one of the potato chips. “Shoot, and here I thought Arland had a bad case of cranial rectitus - this apple knocker takes the cake.” He decided making a disgusted face and about to pop the chip in his mouth. That is, until Sin stole it.

“Oh, sea monkeys. Sin, you spiteful little shit.” He rebuked the alluring demon menace as she laughed and devoured her goodie. “I thought you had a headache.” He prompted.

“No, just practicing.” She leered, giggling.

“Practicing. Oh, I get it. Right - I am not cutting a pie into that. Forget I asked.” He sighed, hiccupping. “But, if that's your dark horse, then I suggest not being so energetic about it. Otherwise, you're just playing hard to get - and trust me, he figures that out, and pet ... you won't be getting out of bed for a month.” He snickered, smirking like the Devil with a new soul to burn, munching more chips.

“Oh, if you must. I do have a headache. I just felt good for the moment. You know I dote on frightening the pants off of people.” She smiled, hopping up on the counter beside him and curling her arm about his tapered middle and sneaking another chip. It felt so good being near him. Just being close to him made her troubles seem so modest and insignificant. He was her security blanket - her lantern in the darkness.

I will not break into pieces,
Even though I've lost all my pride.
If I fake it then they win,
And all is lost ...
I won't do that again.

Varish cradled Sin tight against him, brushing his nose through her soft, peach scented hair out of habit. She curled in tighter, snuggling into his lap and purring like a spoiled feline. On the outside she seemed stable and together, but on the inside, the resilient demoness had been burning the candle at both ends for longer than she could remember. She might be a tough cookie, but this time she found herself tied hand and foot. She hated to admit being so slight and frangible, but that the robust darling was ... and Varish, being the sensible sage that he was, felt it only a matter of time before she lost purchase and hit rock bottom.

Why must I do this?
Can you help me through this?
Everyone has left me.
You're the only one who loves me.

Of course, the blithe Caitiff was no poster-child of poise and perfection, either. It had not altogether sunken in just yet, but bit by bit, the pieces had started to fall into place. He had lost it all because of a stupid miscalculation. He had gotten Sin mixed up in something she should hate him for. But instead of renouncing him and ending their long time friendship, she lie purring in his arms and drifting into a serene, albeit it troublesome, slumber.

When I fall will you catch me?
I jumped from way too high.
It looked easy from up there,
Then I looked down ...
I never felt so small.

“I'm not going to abandon you.” Sin muttered sleepily, readjusting herself to look up at him. “I told you at the start that I trusted you, and that nothing could turn me against you. I meant it then - and I still do.” She simpered, threading her hand through one of his and curling in closer.

They can not tear me to pieces,
I went and found all my pride.
I was truthful and I see,
That nothing's lost ...
I fought back in the end.

“I can't help it. I need you. You're the only one that understands me. I raised you, and in a lot of senses, you raised me. I hurt you, Sin. I got you tied up in something I am going to regret ... I'm always going to regret it. Shit, Sin I ...”

“No - no, don't do it.” She said, one slender finger silencing his lips. “You did not do this. The Council did this. I am not going to let you beat yourself up over something that isn't your fault. I should not have lost my temper like that. I said a lot of things I did not mean. You are a permanent part of my life, and like it or lump it, you're stuck with me. So get good and used to it.” She teased, poking him in the chest and grinning.

I know why I did this.
Fear can not disturb this.
You never left me.
You really love me.

“You're a Saint, Sin. Honest to God, you are.” He sighed behind a despondent smile, placing a chaste kiss to the top of her head.

“No ... I just love you.” She countered, brushing her lips along his chin.

Outside the station, Higashi no Kaioshin stood in rapt silence, head tilted curiously to the side as he looked on in astonished admiration. He quietly sighed in relief, feeling much more confident in his decision. He at last felt certain that this pair posed no threat. Despite the earlier chat with Kibito, the young God had been harbouring some distasteful reservations about the absurd compromise. But, seeing the couple so tender and affectionate had quick put those groundless fears to rest. It seemed like so many peoples throughout the span of time, demons had been stigmatized an undue reputation.

“You see that, Kibito.” Higashi smiled up at his deadpan guardian. “You need to learn to be more open minded.” He giggled, making his way to the station entrance, a stunned and flustered Kibito tagging close behind.

End of Chapter Four.

So, we're at last getting to the good part. I should point out that you are going to see more of a focus on Kaioshin and Kibito from here on out. I fear I may have frightened some people into thinking this story is centered around the original characters. I suppose, to a point, it is, but in sensible moderation only. The beginning of the story is mostly about them because I had to introduce them. But, that aside, you are going to be bombarded with Shin and Kibito - and this is a long series to boot. I hope that helps. And, no, Sin and Varish are not a couple in the intimate sense. It just happens that both are outcasts in a sense ... and vampires are empathetic, emotional creatures that need a lot of close contact. Oh, and check out Hungry Lucy. Good music.