Earthian Fan Fiction / Fake Fan Fiction / Pet Shop Of Horrors Fan Fiction ❯ Spun Sugar ❯ 16-20 ( Chapter 11 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Sooner than I thought, Okay, I will try to upload the rest of the series by next week. Let me know what you think.

Anime/Manga: Earthian Fan Fiction / Fake Fan Fiction / Pet Shop Of Horrors Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 07.13.2007 | Pages: 9 | Words: 23.3K | Visits: 253 | Status: Completed

Spun Sugar 16

Inner Demons

Bikky sat on the table frowning as Lord D ran his hands over his body. “You are a very strong young man.” Lord D commented. He had Bikky stand on the scale and made notations on his clipboard. “”I am sure you are excited to be back in school.” Lord D's smile caused Bikky to stare. His flowing hair fell in a ponytail over his left shoulder. Lord D noted Bikky staring at him and smiled. “I will do what I can to aid you.” Lord D promised. “Close your eyes and breath deeply.” Bikky felt the alcohol swab on his arm and he gulped. Just imagining the prick of the long needle in his arm caused him to shiver. “It' will be alright, just relax.” Lord D crooned and Bikky felt a slim hand on his arm.

“Tell me when ok…” Bikky's voice was trembling as he clenched his eyes shut.

“Now I need to stand and bend over the table.” Lord D said and prepared another swab. Bikky looked at his arm in surprise. Lord D was applying a bandage.

“That was it?” Bikky asked looking at his arms. “Dude, every time I get a shot it hurts like hell.” Bikky blushed and apologized for his foul language. Lord D smiled nodding his head for Bikky to switch positions. Bikky leaned over the table exposing his bottom to Lord D. He felt a cool sensation where Lord D's hand swabbed him clean. After a moment Bikky waited. He heard the snap of rubber and saw Lord D removing his gloves.

“If you feel nauseous or ill, then have your dad give me a call.” Lord D said and Bikky stood straitening his clothes. “I do believe you have homework.” Lord D smiled and removed his lab coat to reveal his deep blue cheongsam. Lord D pulled a braided cord and released his sleeves. “I must prepare lunch soon.” Bikky stared in awe at Lord D and vowed that if he ever needed shots in the future, any thing at all, he would go to him. Lord D saw Bikky smiling at him and nodded before leaving the room.

Break

“Awww… Dammit!” Leon swore with a scowl looking around the trashed apartment. “Ryo, Dee, get your asses up here, we've got a 707.” Leon shoved his pager in his pocket and JJ pointed his gun into the bathroom before he gave the all clear. Leon took out his cell phone and dialed home.

-“ Count D's pet shop,”- Leon's smile emerged at the sound of Count D's voice.

“Hey baby, I need you to meet me at the station and uh…” Leon looked at the wall aquarium with the body floating with the tropical fish. “Bring your portable fish tanks. Time to be the fish hero again.” Leon saw Ryo and Dee enter the apartment with their weapons at the ready.

“Stats,” Ryo looked around the shambles that was left of the apartment and sighed before he put his gun away and put on gloves. “Looks a mess.”

“You can clean later, I'll go home and make a mess especially for you.” Dee promised with a smirk at his anal retentive partner.

“Gee, thanks love, where would I be without you?” Ryo smirked and blew a kiss at Dee.

“No doubt somewhere with a spotless domicile and nothing to do.” Dee answered. “We've got three bodies up here, one drowned in the fish tank, one with a snapped neck and the third in the bathroom strangled with the shower curtain.”

“I would say that this was an act of rage,” Ryo said looking around the apartment. “The perpetrator was not thinking when he did this.” Ryo picked up a shredded pillow and looked at the pieces. “He did this with his bare hands.”

“You sure there is only one?” Dee asked and Ryo nodded.

“That was the first,” Ryo pointed to the victim with the snapped neck. His eyes were wide with the vacant confusion of death. His mouth hung open in a perpetual scream that the mortician would have to close. “They all started here, then he attacked first this one, the original intent was to slay this person, the other two got involved, probably to lend aid.” Dee stared at Ryo as he gazed about the apartment gathering clues. It was fascinating to watch his mind work. “They nearly succeeded in wresting the victim free, then, the perp snapped his neck and fought off victim number two and three. The one in the bathroom was the second victim. The shower curtain was a weapon of opportunity.”

“But these two are in the same room.” JJ pointed at the man in the fish tank.

“Yes, but, the fight raged into the bathroom, one was strangled and then the other fought on …” Ryo looked around at the path of the trash. “Was dragged back in here and held under… till the bubbles stopped.”

“We have to find this monster, before he attacks someone else.” Leon sniffed the air and held in a grin. “At least there is no incense, we are just looking for a human.”

“Sometimes the human monster is the worst of them all.” Ryo whispered and left the coroners and forensics team to their duty.

Break

There was never a cessation to the mass pause in activity when Count D entered the precinct. He walked in with several men in black uniforms carrying large portable aquariums. “Detective Orcot requested my services.” Count D explained and looked at the containers of fish that Leon had recovered from the crime scene.

“I'll bet he `requests your services' on a nightly basis.” Count D smiled his most chilling smile as he turned to look at Randolph. “How have you been? Long time no see and all that jazz.”

“Fine, and yourself?” Count D's narrowed and he prepared to go to Leon's office. “Oh and the rights to my services are exclusively Leon's.” Count D's words floated back to Randolph and he clenched his fist counting to ten to calm his rage. Q-Chan sat perched on his shoulder and squeaked indignant at Randolph's stares. Count D raised a delicate hand to sooth his grandmother and walked the short distance to Leon and Jill's office.

Break

Angel stared about himself and saw Sofu sitting in a field. Angel frowned, he could not tell if he were awake or asleep. “Walk with me.” Sofu commanded and beckoned the young man over. “Do not be afraid. We are merely traveling the most sacred temple known to mankind.”

“Temple?” Sofu smiled at the blatant confusion Angel displayed.

“Your body.” Sofu answered with a meaningful nod. “I have purified this area. We must now go and cleanse the rest of you.” Angel took Sofu's hand and walked with him among the fields. He saw decay past the small patch that Sofu had cleared. Every step Sofu took blossomed with life and new buds bloomed under his footsteps.

“What are you?” Angel asked in wonder as flowers opened their petals reaching for the hem of Sofu's cheongsam. Sofu gave him a serene smile and continued on his walk. Angel gasped, as the darkness seemed to pulse as if with a heartbeat and gather among itself. Sofu raised his hand and a gale of wind pushed against the malignant force.

“You are no longer welcome here.” Sofu's voice was a whisper. “You murdering rampage will come to an end. I am command you to leave.” Sofu ground out and forced the darkness back further. He took another step and verdant life emerged from the parched, cracked ground. Angel stared at the flowers and grass tears falling from his eyes as he watched the Kami battle with his disease.

The bleak darkness swirled overhead as a tornado and attempted to land on Sofu. Sofu raised his hands and lightning encircled the whirling vortex. “Sir,” Angel whispered before he dropped to his knees.

“Stand to your feet this instant.” Sofu commanded and Angel stood despite the trembling in his knees. “You have to show yourself strong. Even when I defeat it if you are not strong you will expire.” Angel broke into sobs as the wind nearly knocked Sofu from his feet. Sofu gritted his teeth and looked at Angel. Angel felt pierced by the brightly glowing amber orbs that blazed with fury.

“What can I do?” Angel asked terrified as Sofu's winds raced against the dark tornado that continued to gather its defenses attacking the new life that Sofu had brought. Sofu stamped his foot and the grass renewed with buds of flowers dew still redolent on their petals.

“Hold on to life.” Sofu demanded and pulled the darkness to the ground. He stood over it and held his hands over the writhing darkness. “It is finished,” Sofu said. Light fell from his fingers and pierced the wriggling mass. Angel stared transfixed as the mass diminished fading into nothing. Sunlight burst through overhead and Angel gasped. His entire body felt aflame. He awakened gasping in the garden with his head cradled in Sofu's lap.

Angel gazed at Sofu amazed at the pallor to his skin. Go child… leave me. I… must rest.” Angel crawled away from Sofu before he gathered the strength to stand to his feet. “The disease is no longer among your cells. You are free.” Sofu lay in the soft grass and Angel watched it gently caress his skin. Animals ran to his side and caressed as he fell into a deep sleep.

Break

Laton sat in his office poring over the many case files that Ryo had solved. The many lives he had saved and the many criminals he had defeated. His case record was impressive. Laton thought before he began to look over the videos that Prince Angel had supplied of all the wars involving the Arcadians. It seemed his grandson was quite a specimen of nobility, courage, honor and strength. Laton then looked through the family photos and his smile darkened into a scowl. It seemed he had a lot to discuss with his grandson, a lot indeed.

Break

“I think we might be looking for a female.” Dee said with a puzzled frown as he looked over the report from the forensics department. “The traces of skin that was left on the victims was covered in perfume and there was a sequin found among the debris in the apartment.”

“No woman would have the strength to kill three men with her bare hands, unless she is Count D's grandmother.” Leon said and smirked as D looked up from conversing with the fish in the portable tanks. Leon walked over with an appreciative grin on his face at Count D's bottom. D stood; he turned with a smirk on his face and winked his purple eye at Leon.

“I say that it was a male.” Ryo affirmed standing by his first thoughts on the case.

“You would be correct.” D told him. “The one called Corrine tells me that the men were having a party and one passed out from alcohol consumption. When he awakened his friends had dressed him in his girlfriends clothes and the ensuing rage followed. I will return to the shop now, Chris should be home from school and Aoi will be needing her diaper changed. There are some things T-Chan and the Honlon are quite incapable of.” Count D nodded to his assistants and they carried the tanks from the PD. Jill stared after him and smiled.

“Now all we have to do is find the man who did this.” Dee remarked with a pleased nod no longer surprised when D communicated with animals.

“Yes well, it's nice to get back to good old fashioned detecting.” Leon declared sipping his coffee.

Break

Ryo squirmed in his seat. The steam emanating from the food at the grand table smelled delicious but each time he thought to bring his fork to his mouth he noted his grandfather staring at him. The thoughtful frown on his face causing a shiver to run up his spine. Bikky stared morosely into his plate and Ryo grew worried. When they had received the invitation to dinner at the consulate Ryo had sighed fearing his grandfather wanted a go at him. Lyo had been left in the care of Lord D and Nana. Dee sat beside him and squeezed his hand under the table.

“Tell me child,” Laton said noticing the gesture. “Do you find that the blood coursing through your veins makes you overly dominate?”

“I do not understand.” Ryo frowned and held Dee tightly hoping to quell his anger.

“Perhaps in an attempt to overcompensate for your dominating nature you find it necessary to be submissive.” Laton's thoughtful words caused Ryo to gasp and Dee frowned thunderously.

“WHATS THE BIG IDEA!” Dee stood to his feet glaring at Laton his fist clenched against the highly polished wood grain of the table.

“I am merely attempting to understand why my grandson finds it necessary to spread his legs for another man.” Laton's soft-spoken words slide across the table leaving a thick silence in their wake. Ryo tensed and paled before he stood to his feet. Ryo was silent as he pulled Bikky to his feet and bowed to the king of the dragons. With a stiff, firm grip, Ryo pulled Dee away from the table.

“We are done here.” Ryo said and walked stiffly from the dining hall with his family leaving his grandfather simmering with barely contained rage.

Chapter 17

Beautiful Tragedy

Ryo was silent as they drove away from the consulate. “ What a jerk…huh guys?” Bikky said trying to make light of the failed dinner. “I mean, even to a guy and a girl that was pretty rude.”

“If we were a guy and girl I am sure that he would not have bothered to ask the question in the first place.” Ryo's soft words seemed to bounce against the window of the car and Dee glared behind them. Dee looked at his partner and sighed, he was in no condition to fix dinner and Dee did not have the heart to ask him. Without saying a thing, Dee drove to favorite family restaurant and parked. “Thanks Dee,” Ryo's whisper tugged at his heart and Dee inclined his head sharply at Bikky. Taking the hint, Bikky got out of the car and ran into the restaurant.

“Ryo, do you, I mean, do you regret that we are together?” Dee's halting words caused Ryo to gasp and stare at his lover in the dim light from the nearby streetlamp.

“No, Dee of course not! I love you!” Ryo exclaimed reaching over to clasp Dee's hand. “Never think that, our years together have been the happiest I have had.” Ryo opened his mouth to speak again, but paused when he saw a slight form being pulled into an alley. With out a word, the conversation was put on hold and they stepped from the car. The moment their feet touched the pavement the switched to detective mode. Assured that Bikky was safe inside the establishment they made their way to the ally only to find it empty. With a frown they put their weapons away and went in to dinner.

Break

Lady Aurora sat with her eyes glued to the small Hispanic man. Angel trembled when she licked her fangs and sat closer to him. “Tell me mortal, do you know what I am?” Angel was afraid to answer, afraid to acknowledge what was blatantly sitting next to him. He licked parched lips hoping that she would not force the issue and make him answer. “Do not fear me mortal, my husband has already warned me not to eat you.”

“Ah…you truly are a vampire?” Angel watched her bright amber eyes glow with an intense luminosity that caused shivers to run up his spine.

“I smell life within you, before there was only death, now you bloom. I smell my husband on you as well.” Lady Aurora leaned close and Angel paled gulping audibly. “I have fed recently, there is naught to fear. I need you to do something. There is a positive angel here to project you if you wish.”

“Project me?” Angel wondered and looked at the small, purple eyed, fluffy haired Chihaya. “What are you talking about?”

“One of your companions is going to die. I had a choice, I could ease her suffering or I could lead aid to her. Even as we speak she is being found in a park. It is much colder in New York than it is here, though it is barely fall. After you left, she escaped her rehabilitation and…”

“Mimi,” Angel breathed with a sad sigh. “Poor Roger two in a row, he may never leave that apartment.”

“Precisely, my son likes you and so as does his father I like to keep him happy. Knowing your friends are suffering would not make you happy. My husband may have repaired you but as of yet you cannot travel. Chihaya has agreed to meditate you and give her strength as only you can.” Angel nodded and waited to see what they would have him do.

Chihaya took Angels hand and closed his eyes. Not knowing what else to do Angel closed his eyes. He felt pulled through rushing winds and gasped in shock to find himself hovering above the loft. “Mimi! Mimi turn back! Turn around, girlfriend and listen to that boys song.” Angel felt his vision grow fuzzy. He blinked and when he opened his eyes and was staring at Angel. “What just happened?” Angel asked when his vision cleared. He looked around the pet shop and gasped. Sofu was standing behind his wife with his pale, slim hands on her small shoulders.

“You are well love?” Aurora asked touching the chilled hand. “You are cold.”

“I just need to eat, I will be fine.” Sofu sat beside his wife with a curious frown on his face. “What have you been up to?”

“I have been contacted by my mother.” Lady Aurora informed him to get his mind off the fact that she may have overworked his patient. Lady Aurora held up a tray of white cubes and Angel frowned. If he didn't know any better, he would say it was sugar. Sofu took a dainty cube between his fingers giving Angel an opportunity to appreciate his nails and placed the cube in his mouth.

“Thank you love, please excuse us.” Sofu said to Angel and Chihaya. “Young man,” Angel paused when Sofu caught a trailing sleeve of his robe. “Get to your bed and remain there, you need your rest.” Angel blushed at the look of reproach and hurried to his room. He looked back to see Aurora placing a sugar cube between her husband's lips. Sofu captured the hand and licked the fingers with a slow relish that brought back painful memories of Collins. He missed him, were Angel's sad thought as he returned to his room alone.

“Your mother?” Sofu questioned after he released her hand.

“I fear for our family.” Lady Aurora's words caused a shiver to run the length of Sofu D's spine.

Break

Leon looked at the lease information and handed it over to Jill. “Looks like this is our guy.” Jill commented making notations on her notepad. “ Bill Jonston leased the apartment two years ago. The landlord said he received frequent visits from one Patricia Cornwall, the two are engaged. She has a thirteen-year-old son. They live on Oak and Lake street, get this the boys name is Rain.” Jill flipped a picture over and Leon gasped. He was used to the beauty of the D's but still this young man was striking.

“That's a boy.” Leon asked looking at the tanned skin that was framed by a bundle of raven lack hair. Sets into smooth, sweet features were startling light green eyes that contrasted starkly with his coloring.

“I would think you of all people would be used to pretty boys.” Dee smirked as he and Ryo entered the office.

“Yes they seem to be more prevalent now a days, like a plague.” Randolph said entering the office. Leon sighed and wished he had a Q-Chan with him. Nothing was guaranteed to send the other detective scurrying than the sight of the small winged creature.

“Looks like we need to head on over to Oak and Lake to speak to Ms. Cornwall, see if she can lead us to her intended.” Dee remarked. “Ryo and I will…”

“How about JJ and I head over with you?” Leon tried to sound casual. He remembered the last time Ryo and Dee had left on a simple assignment on their own and ended up captured, Ryo nearly violated with objects and they both had left with no shortage of injuries.

“We do not need four detectives to question one woman and her kid.” Dee argued and sipped his coffee. “ JJ would probably talk about his kids the whole time, Leon would shout at her…”

“So would you!” Leon yelled angry that Jill was not defending him. Some partner he had.

“Yeah, but Ryo will stop me.” Dee smirked and winked at Ryo. Ryo laughed and his grandfather's words came back to him. Was he secretly wildly dominating? He could easily control Dee's rampaging but it did not mean he was dominating. And Submissive? Ryo tried to shake the thought. The graphic image of his legs being spread while Dee moved over him caused him to blush thought he was sure that no one in the room could read his thoughts. Andy was in Chicago.

“We will be back in time for the party if that's what you are worried about.” Ryo promised with a small smile.

“Hey you don't have to promise me anything, but uh… My baby will rip you both new ones if you miss Jewel's first birthday celebration. Apparently in Asia it is a big deal.”

“A baby's first birthday is big deal everywhere.” JJ piped in with a smile he pulled his cell phone and showed them a hastily captured video Shinrai and Kiba taking their first steps. I downloaded this into the computer and saved it on disc. I was going to show everyone tonight.”

“That is so sweet.” Jill cooed looking at the two boys that held hands as they stumbled towards Lord D before falling to their bottoms. Jill looked at the loosely falling strands of silken black hair that cascaded to the floor around the beautiful red Cheongsam that Lord D wore. “You have a beautiful family JJ.” Jill said wondering where Nana was.

JJ sighed before he watched as Ryo and Dee left the precinct to speak to Patricia Cornwall. “Nana has been spending more and more time in her bed these days. Darling tries, but there is not much he can do. He even spoke to his father and Sofu said there would not be much he could do. She was supposed to have been gone a long time ago.” JJ's words halted and he choked back a sob. Closing his phone he slipped it back in his pocket. “Darling does not know if he can help her for much longer, if we are lucky, she might be here for Christmas.” A tear fell down JJ's cheek and he quickly wiped it away. He noted Randolph standing in the office and he frowned turning away going back to the case. “Has anyone found out where Rain Cornwall goes to school?”

Blinking away her sadness Jill looked at the file and nodded. “Looks like he goes to West Lake, a freshman.”

“Isn't Bikky a freshman at West something?” Leon asked he looked around and saw that Ryo and Dee were gone.

“No, I think he goes to East.” Jill said with a smile. “Ryo wanted to get him in West Lake, but Bikky did not want to go to a private school. Hated the uniforms, so he sent to East. It is still pretty upscale, no slums for Ryo's kid, but no uniforms you know. Not to mention that Carol goes to that school. She is a junior now I hear.”

“A junior, dating a freshman, wow.” Leon commented thinking of how lovely Carol had turned out. “Bikky's one lucky kid, she's turning into a real knockout.”

“Like you'd care what a woman looked like.” Randolph smirked and looked over the case files. He was about to utter another comment when Leon got a phone call.

“Orcot, what's the issue?” Leon said into his phone Ryo's voice came through shaking slightly but audible.

-“ We got a fourth victim here.”- Ryo sighed and looked at the blood splattered over the upscale apartment. -“The boy is not here, and Ms. Cornwall has been beaten to death, looks like a blunt object was used, you guys get over here and help us tag the place.”-

“Tell them to keep child services on the line, we need to find this boy I hope he is not with Jonston.” Dee's voice carried through the phone and Leon sighed before he called the pet shop to inform D that they might all be a little late.

Warnings: This chapter has some very disturbing themes. It will continue to be chilling for the next chapter or so. Until this section (Case) is over be prepared…

Spun Sugar 18

Closer

Dee placed a gentle hand on Ryo's hip and gave it a comforting squeeze. Ryo trembled and pulled out his digital camera. He took pictures of the body and the surroundings. “Look at this blood spatter,” Ryo said dropping down and pointing a gloved finger at the wall. “He was swinging wildly but then here, he swung slower as if something was dragging his hand.” Ryo looked around and stifled a gasp. “Dee, look, a backpack…” Ryo wanted to say more but was drowned out by the sound of sirens. “I think Rain may have come home and tried to help his mother.”

“I hope there is not another body out there.” Dee whispered as he bent and began to go through the backpack. He found several books, notepads, and writing utensils. Dee also found a notepad titled: homework and thumbed through. He found a class schedule and smiled. “This is a smart kid, he is only a freshman and he is in all accelerated classes and is on a fast track to college.”

Before Ryo could say anything more Leon and the other officers entered the apartment. Ryo closed off his vulnerable heart and decided he would do his job and find Rain Cornwall. It was the only thing he could do at this moment.

Break

Sofu tried to understand what his wife was trying to tell him. “Your mother is angry because you have a family.”

“She wants to destroy me; she wants to destroy what we have built together. She… Is a selfish… Bitter…” Aurora paused and her fangs grew as she hissed in rage. “I will protect all that we have my love, I will. I will not let her harm one hair on their beautiful heads.”

“You are not alone in this Auri-Chan.” Sofu pressed his lips to his wife's and tasted the cold sweetness that was her personal flavor. Aurora opened her mouth to admit his seeking tongue before she melted against him in complete surrender. As Sofu began to assist his wife from her garments, she forgot what it was she had been upset about in the first place, but then again, Sofu was like that to her. When darkness circled overhead, he was a light that had the ability to smite darkness he was her hero, her balm her love. Aurora clung to his slim shoulders and allowed him to remind her of what it was to live.

Break

Leon entered the pet shop and smiled; they were only an hour late. He looked at the detectives behind him and grinned at the piles of packages they had on hand for Jewel. She sat on Count D's lap clapping her hands at Chihaya's silly antics. Leon looked at him and blinked several times. He had never thought to see the angel with his hair long without the benefit of his wings. “I… Just thought… I mean. I like it this way.” Chihaya explained when others began to look at him. Kagetsuya looked at his lover with a gentle smile. He did not care if his hair was long or short.

Chris ran into the room excited. “Bro, I heard you have a case, what is it about? Can I go with you to work? Career day at school is next week and I want to go with you.”

“This must be the time for it, I was going to ask to tag along with Ryo and Dee, I have to write a paper for my social studies class. It's a pain in the …” Bikky looked at the assembled adults and babies and wisely held his tongue.

“Maybe next week, I mean this case is pretty hairy.” Leon began but JJ just shook his head.

“Leon, we are homicide detectives, when are our cases not?” JJ asked with a sad sigh.

Lord D smoothed his elegant ponytail and looked up at JJ with his big, love-filled amethyst eyes. “You do not have to work homicide… I mean; isn't there another department that you could work for?” Lord D asked handing Kiba to Sofu and then reaching to give Shinrai to Lady Aurora. He stood for a moment and watched his parents coo at their grandchildren. He had never seen the two of them act more human. Angel sat amongst the odd animals the even odder family and took deep breaths. What had he gotten himself into?

“Angel,” Angel looked up at Sofu who moved to sit, graceful as ever, beside him cradling a purple eyed infant. “I was thinking that you should call your friends tomorrow. I have contacted some of my acquaintances and they are willing to be of aid. Perhaps you could invite your friends to visit you here.”

“You mean… Like you would help them like you helped me?” Angel was incredulous.

“Like I have told you, your complete happiness means a lot to my son and I like to give him what he wants.” Sofu said no ore, he simply moved over and Angel sat amazed. Mother had been right. All those years ago when he had stumbled into the orphanage she had nursed him back to health. Mother had instilled in him the faith that if he were kind, if he showed love it would be rewarded. Sofu D and his odd family had certainly made a believer out of him.

Laton stood outside of the pet shop and frowned. He had been told by Zarro that he should not judge his grandson based solely on his sexual proclivities. Whatever, Laton thought with a disparaging snort. He looked around to make sure that no one on the street had observed the puff of indignant smoke that billowed around his head. Hopefully anyone watching would think that he was smoking a cigar. Not that he would ever deign to suck on one of the foul creations. “Planning to go in or stand here and blow smoke rings all night?” Laton turned and frowned down at his king.

“Sire,” Laton inclined his head in a regal nod acknowledging the presence of his sovereign. “Torcha insists that I bring the young lad to meet her. I want to know more of his personality. You know my wife has ever had a deadly temper.”

“Keep in mind my friend that it was not the lady Torcha that caused the rift between the youngest dragon female of royal blood and her doting family.” With these words Zarro opened the door. Laton was bombarded with the sound of loud music and laughter. Squaring his shoulders he followed Zarro inside.

The king was welcomed with open arms and hearty greetings. His rumbling laughter was a surprise coming from a man of such small stature. Zarro bent and scooped Aoi into his arms to give her an exuberant birthday hug and kiss. The child giggled happily and held tight to his long hair. Angel wondered who the stranger was and why everyone was bowing to him. There was a marked contrast of welcome as Laton stepped into the light to reveal his presence. The room grew silent and Zarro sat Aoi on her tiny feet. Angel looked into all the faces of the occupants of the pet shop and saw varying degrees of shock, welcome and wariness. Ryo turned red and could not meet his grandfather's eyes. Laton looked him over and worked hard to contain hr scowl.

Dee stood next to Ryo with his hand resting on the smaller mans hip. It was a simple touch and yet it said much of the men and the intimacy they shared. Dee's fingers clutched Ryo's hip as his fingers flexed in anger. Laton looked at Zarro and saw the blatant question. So, he wondered to himself, what would he do? Angel trembled at the fierce warrior that stood before them all. Not a single person moved, Bikky had turned off the music and sat staring at Ryo's grandfather with a mixture of fear and anger.

Aoi took one step towards Laton, tripped on the hem of her cheongsam and got staggeringly to her feet. Chris held in a chuckle as he thought that the little one year old looked as if she had drank too much. Aoi made it over until she was standing directly in front of Laton and she raised her small arms to him. “O-Gi-Chan…” Coal black eyes left Ryo and Dee to fall down… way down… to look at the pixie faced angel that looked up with her arms raised expectantly. Laton melted into pools of bright blue and smile cracked the hard edges of his face. Ryo was startled to see a dimple form in the chiseled cheek that transformed his grandfather from a fire-breathing dragon to a kind-hearted individual.

Lyo, who had prepared on of his ear splitting screams, peeked around Ryo and gave a halfhearted hiccup before he stepped out and looked at Laton. Laton picked the half Kami child into his arms and snuggled her warmly. The scent of cool breezes and dozing trees assailed him a true sign that she was a child of fall. Laton walked over to Ryo still carrying Aoi. “Evening greetings child. You are well?”

“Yes good evening… Ah… Are you well?” Ryo looked away to hide the blush that crept into his cheeks. His fall of honey blond hair did a good job of obscuring his eyes so like Laton's. “Grandfather.” Bikky scowled at the stilted speech and silently urged Ryo to stand up to the intimidating old man. It would forever confound Bikky how Ryo could deal with hardened criminals on a daily basis and yet still be so naïve and shy around people. Bikky abandoned his stereo to move beside Ryo. If Laton had any intentions of being mean to Ryo, Bikky would definitely have something to say about it.

Laton looked down at the young man who glared at him with fierce blue eyes that pierced him to his core. Aoi wiggled to be let down and Laton obliged as he turned his full attention on the mixed boy boldly challenging him to be kind. Laton was taken aback by Bikky's brassiness. Not many grown men, seasoned warriors of Acadia, had dared to look at him in such a way. Laton bowled his cheeks before he blew a puff of red smoke that encircled Bikky.

“What do you think you are doing!” Ryo demanded and stood in front of the teen. Laton gasped in shock at the first evidence of his blood coursing through Ryo's veins. Ryo glowered at the king of the dragons and refused to back down. “You will not lay a finger, or a flame on him.” Laton's eyes filled with admiration and he gave Ryo a genuine smile.

“Is that a threat?” Laton asked looking Ryo over appreciating the rage that caused his slim frame to tremble and his temperature to rise. Bikky gasped as he could feel the heat that emanated from Ryo's body. Laton took the positive inference in Ryo's silence. “Not many would dare to threaten me.” Laton cautioned and Angel gasped when he felt that more was going on here than met the eye.

“Not many would dare to threaten my children.” Ryo's black eyes glittered.

“That child is not your own.” Laton dismissed Bikky with a careless shrug and Bikky gasped close to tears at the words and Ryo hissed. He was shocked and frightened by the inherent need to inflict bodily harm. Laton felt the rage rolling off of Ryo in waves of carefully contained violence. It was only when he feared that the shop would be harmed by his grandsons untrained flames did he release a bright smile. With a laugh he pulled Ryo into his arms and embraced him. “Now you show proof of your mothers blood.” Dee wondered if the dragon had lost his mind. Count D stood next to his father and smiled glad that the rift had mended and the family could get together at last.

Angel was just settling down when the shop door opened and a whirlwind of chattering, giggling female bounded in with an entourage of what looked like thirty people. Angel gasped when he realized that it was the royalty that he had been introduced to while they were all still in New York. Andy ran to the smallish stranger and bowed. Angel frowned, who was he that a princess would bow to him? “That would be High King Zarro, ruler of Arcadia.” Angel looked up to see Lady Aurora near him. She licked her fangs. When she saw Angel gulp she laughed. Angel was surprised that it was such a merry, ladylike sound. It was an actual giggle. “Relax child or you will give yourself an ulcer. You cannot spend the entire evening here by yourself staring about like a wallflower at her first school dance.” All at once Angel was put at ease and he joined in the festivities.

Count D was tired, but he laughed as he saw his daughter dancing with Leon. She stood on the tops of his shoes and held tight to his pant legs singing along with the soundtrack to Disney cartoons that Bikky played. Count D had been surprised that the boy had spent a week hunting down the songs to make a present of them to Aoi. The royals gladly imparted their many gifts to the small child. Prince Angel kneeled in front of her and presented a miniature orb. It glittered inside just as his own did with tiny Arcadian lights. The silent prince tweaked the cherub's nose before he stood and blended into the crowd and vanished.

Aoi dropped onto her bottom and stared intently at the orb. Count D and Leon gasped as a rainbow formed inside the orb. The more Aoi stared, the larger the colored light grew until it filled the orb. The light exploded and Angel stared in wonder at the rainbow that filled the pet shop. Chihaya laughed and pointed holding tight to Kagetsuya's hand. Sofu stood with his wife and felt pride bloom as he looked at their family and the many friends that had come to love them.

Break

Dee wanted to hurl something hard into a wall. Yesterday had ended so pleasantly. Today… Dee stared about the crime scene with dismay. Ryo was walking through and with a sad sigh he was readjusting his assessment of the events that had taken place while Patricia Cornwall was murdered. They walked into what was obviously Rain's room and sighed. “The violence started here. I would wager it was mom who came home and found Johnston hurting her son. She tried to stop him and they ended up in the living room. The boy was left here…” Ryo indicated a large spot of blood on the bed.

“Something is not right here,” Dee mused. “Jonston has always left his bodies behind. Why would he take the boy?”

“Because he wasn't dead…” JJ said in a hollow voice as he looked around the room. He was afraid to voice his opinions on what had taken place, but he was growing more terrified by the moment. “If this kid is still alive, we have to find him.” JJ bent to retrieve a scrap of bloody cloth and saw the word `Hanes'. “Soon,” he whispered and bagged the new evidence.

Break

Ryo sat down his fifth cup of coffee and stared at the wall. He had already counted every crack in the paint twice. There were fifty-seven of them. “Dee, our office needs a paint job.” Dee looked up at the odd words and sighed at the strained, defeated expression on his partners face. Ryo turned big, black eyes to Dee imploringly searching for answers to questions that Dee was afraid to ask. “Where could he have gone Dee? Where could he have taken Rain?”

“I've been searching all hotels in the area. Dee said and sipped his coffee. He winced and decided that the brew could definitely strip paint off the wall. “JJ is hunting down all the motels and seedier hideout. We have a few contacts that we are hitting up. Leon followed a lead to…” Before Dee could say more his cell phone rang. “Laytner…”

“It's me Dee; I think we may have found `em. I need backup. Jill and I are not going in alone.” Dee smiled at the caution that was now being heavily enforced.

“Gotcha buddy we'll be there as soon as we can. Where are you?” Dee answered and Ryo gladly abandoned his coffee standing to his feet. He quickly made sure that his guns were loaded as Dee alerted the other officers of the good news.

Break

Ryo gagged at the rank smell of trash that assailed his nostrils at the back of the filthy club. Several of the patrons walked by and looked oddly at the detectives and uniformed officers that were combing the area. “Jonston's cousin owns this place. There is an apartment upstairs. I think he may be there. The light was on earlier, and then they went off. There has been no activity.” Jill said and secured her hair into a ponytail. The blond curls were stubborn and she had to holster her weapon before the task was managed.

On a silent signal the uniformed officers swarmed the club and locked it down refusing to allow anyone to leave. Dee and Ryo charged the back stairs. Dee kicked the door in and gasped at the two people he saw on the bed. What, Ryo wondered, was going on? Had Johnston gotten rid of Rain and picked up a bar-whore? The choking sobs caught his attention as Johnston got to his feet prepared to fight Dee. Ryo slapped the light on and gasped at the pretty, teary face that stared wide-eyed at him from bed. Johnston was at a standoff with Dee. Johnston's deranged, bloodshot eyes looking from the bed to the gun as he decided the best course of action. Ryo stared at Rain's terrified expression. For the first time since he had become a detective his gun wavered and Ryo feared that he would be violently ill.

Spun Sugar 19

Heaven's Door

Leon stepped into the apartment and looked between Jonston and Dee wondering how this would end. He saw the shivering child on the bed and frowned. “Dee…” Leon said he could plainly see the desire to kill in Dee's tense stance. “Read him his rights.” Dee flinched at the calm words and took a step towards Jonston. “We know what he did, and he will be brought to justice.” Leon spoke slowly hoping to calm Dee's rage despite the burgeoning of his own. As he took in the scene he saw that Jonston was more than a murderer. Jonston narrowed his eyes at Dee and backed away towards the bed. It was then that Leon saw the switchblade in his hand.

“Don't move!” Leon yelled when he saw that Jonston's intent was the boy. The sound of the gunshot was loud in the close quarters. Dee looked behind him to see Ryo's gun smoking. “William Jonston, you are under arrest for murder, assault, and statutory and a whole mess of things that will ensure that you never see the sun light on another free day.” Ryo choked back a cough to hide his raw emotions. Jonston collapsed on the ground holding his shattered wrist. The blade had dropped from useless fingers to fall harmless on the floor.

JJ stepped forward with his cuffs. Putting on gloves he cuffed Johnston's uninjured arm. “Can I have my pants?” Jonston asked and saw a look of revulsion on Dee's face.

“You should have been wearing them when we got here.” JJ grumbled and dragged the prisoner out into the streets. JJ indulged a moment of pure mean-spirited glee when he felt the chilly drizzle that fell in a relentless pattern to the ground. Pulling the collar of his jacket around his neck, JJ hauled Jonston to the police secured ambulance where they could treat his wounds. Jj looked down and smiled, damn, but Ryo was a good shot.

Ryo took a step towards the bed and wondered why the boy still lay on his side sobbing. “Rain…Rain Cornwall. I am detective Randy MacLean I am going to take you to a hospital.” Ryo reached for the boy and watched horrified as he shrank away from the touch. Rain began to speak and Ryo frowned as he could not understand a word of what the panicked child was saying. Taking in his dark skin tone and thick, jet-black hair Ryo got a sudden understanding. “You're native… a mix perhaps. Your eyes are green. Rain, no one here will hurt you.I will not allow you to be harmed in anyway. We want only to help you.” Ryo again reached for the boy and was surprised when he flung himself into Ryo's arms.

“Néhvéstâhmêstse! Néhvéstâhmêstse! Please, I must get to my mother! She is injured. Néhvéstâhmêstse! Néhvéstâhmêstse!” Rain buried his face in Ryo's chest and Ryo placed a consoling hand on Rain's back.

“First,” Ryo hedged not sure what to say about Patricia Cornwall. “Let us worry about getting you to the hospital. Come on.” Ryo stood and Rain's color darkened. Ryo pulled him to his feet and he cried out clutching the tattered, filthy sheet to his body. Rain collapsed to his knees and shivered on the floor. Ryo looked around and saw that he had no clothes in the room. Shrugging out of his jacket he reached down and wrapped it around Rain's waist. Feeling something brush against him, Ryo looked up and saw Dee offering his jacket. Ryo took it and placed it on Rain folding the sleeves back to reveal his hands.

Dee left the room to see if an ambulance were on its way. “Detective,” Ryo looked down at the whispered words. Rain still crouched on the floor his face flaming and tears falling onto the grimy floor. “I can not walk.” Confusion slide over Ryo and he stared down at Rain's huddled form. Understanding slammed into Ryo like an iron fist and he bent. Careful of the placement of his hands he scooped Rain into his arms and began to walk from the room. He paused when he saw Dee on the stairs with an EMT team. Ryo smiled at his partner as he placed the long-limbed young man on the stretcher. The team went to work strapping Rain onto the contraption and carrying him down the steep stairs.

The team stopped hallfway down and Ryo wondered what the problem was. He jogged to catch up finding Rain reaching for him. “Please,” he whispered and Ryo strained to hear the rest of the soft-spoken words. “Come with me…”

“Yes, of course.” Ryo promised and walked beside the stretcher. His mind plagued by trying to figure out how he would tell the already traumatized teen that his mother was dead.

Break

Bikky dragged a brush through his blond locks and hoped it would dry soon. He was exhausted. “I'm old enough to stay home by myself now.” Bikky grumbled as he wondered why Count D had ushered him to bed as soon as Leon came in. If Leon was here, weren't Ryo and Dee off as well? Bikky winked at Chris and they both crept to try listening at the parlor door. Leon sat on the couch clutching a steaming cup of tea. Count D stood beside him holding the pot. Count D looked elegant in his sapphire night robe.

“Talk to me love,” Count D urged placing a slim hand on Leon's shoulder. Leon sat the teacup on the low table and pulled D into his arms. D sat the pot next to the cup and wrapped his arms around D's trim hips. D sat on the armrest of the couch pulling Leon's head into his satin clad lap. “Tell me what has upset you so.” Count D was reminded of the butterfly fiasco as he now termed it. With his father's insights still in his mind Count D allowed Leon to cuddle.

“Thirteen…” Leon said against the softness of D.

Before Leon could say more Count D placed a finger to his lips and turned a beautiful frown to the hallway where Bikky and Chris crouched. “To bed with you…now,” Count D commanded and T-Chan ran to the boys. Attaching a claw to the backs of each of their pajamas T-Chan hauled them both to bed.

Leon gripped Count D's robe and explained to him the events of the case. Count D sat quiet and listened as Leon poured his heart out in spurts of anger and anguish. “A child D. A thirteen-year-old child… After he went on a killing rampage Jonston went to his fiancée's house and raped her son. She found him in the act and he beat her to death. What D? What can make people do these things to each other?”

“They are just human Leon. You cannot expect so much from them. When pushed into a corner the instincts of a hideous beast surface. I wonder…” D said and placed a kiss on Leon's forehead. “If the cause of the flood was truly unsanctioned weddings, or if the nature of man became too foul. Now you do not have to travel any farther than your backyard to find Sodom and Gomorrah. I was never there but Grandfather could tell you tales to chill the marrow of your bones. Humans are a strange species.”

“If that is truly your stand on humans… How can you love me?” Leon asked and held tight to D. He felt the slim fingers thread through his long blond locks.

“Because even in the midst of chaos the human heart is a true thing of beauty. You showed me that beauty. More than I could ever dream and I thank you.” Count D placed his hands underneath Leon's chin and raised his face until he was staring into Leon's despairing blue eyes. “And I love you my heart…I do.” Count D lowered his face and pressed his lips to Leon's dispelling the outside world. With out a word Leon stood with Count D in his arms and carried him to their bedroom.

Leon did not need to set D down, he simply shut the door with his foot trusting no one to enter the unlocked door. D opened his mouth to admit D's questing tongue and suckled the wet appendage before his own entered Leon's mouth on a like search of sensation. Leon shivered and placed D on the bed. Leon began to undo the buttons on D's cheongsam kissing each section of skin he bared. D arched into the sensual carresses and pulled until Leon's clothing had been divested. "Ah..." D cried out in bliss when Leon's tongue found a sensitive peak of his chest and nibbled. D sucked his lower lip into his mouth and clutched his hands in Leon's wild mane. "Yes...Leon...Shiite"

"Whatever you say baby." Leon promised as he kissed his way down D's slim, pale body. His beauty had no compare, Leon though when he found the intricate concave of D's tummy. His tongue slithered into the button there as his hands traveled the familiar terrain of D's long legs. "For you to be so short, these go on for miles." Leon muttered reverently kissing D's inner thigh.

"I am not short." D panted and yelped when Leon bit the tender flesh he was pressed against. Leon sucked the reddended skin into his mouth and licked to sooth the stinging sensation. D melted against the bed with his legs spread in wanton invitation. Leon smiled and nuzzled taking D's testicals into his mouth he sucked and licked until D could not control himself. "Le...On...Onegaishimasu..." Ohhh... Leon thought, is he begging in Chinese? Leon decided to give D what he wanted. Coating two fingers he took D fully into his mouth as he inserted them into the tightness that had never failed to welcome him. D arched, nearly leaving the bed his hips rocked with the force of his release. "Hai...Hai...Koibito...Hai...Ah" D cried riding Leon's fingers as he sent wave after wave of sugared cream into Leon's mouth.

Leon swallowed with relish as his free hand stroked his own erection coating it with lubrication. Soon, he promised himself. Soon he would be buried in the tightest sheath he had ever known. D collapsed against the bed and leon allowed him to fall out of his mouth. Leon could not resist placing one last kiss at the tip. He smiled when D shivered and whimpered raising his hnads to Leon in welcome. Leon crawled over D and pushed his legs up. Pressing against D's opening Leon forgot that there was a world outside of his bedroom.

Break

For as long as he lived Ryo would forever despise hospitals. The white antiseptic halls would forever be too glaring for his eyes. Every time he or Dee would be injured and end up here he would shudder thinking of his eighteenth year. He watched the doctors and nurses as they bustled about the hospital treating a boy who continued to call for the mother who could not come to him. Each call wrenched Ryo's heart and he clutched Dee to him. Dammit! Ryo thought with a frown. He was a homicide detective; things like this should not get to him. He had seen worse.

“Detective?” Ryo looked up at the silly spongebob print on the scrubs of the nurse standing n front of him. “The young boy that you brought in is asking for you.” Ryo nodded his thanks before he entered the room. Ryo entered and paused at the door. He saw Rain sitting up in bed.

“Tell me Detective MacLean… My mother, she did not survive did she?” Rain gripped the blankets preparing for the answer. "If she had she would be here. There would be nothing that could stop her from getting to my side."

“Ah… well the doctors are saying you will be able to go home in a few days, but I looked into your family and... I found that aside from your mother you have no family. If you would be more comfortable I can send you to a reservation there is one in Oklahoma.”

Rain released a bitter laugh that bordered on madness in its despair. “I am a half-breed detective. I do have other family on my father's side and they do live on the reservation. My father's own brother shot him. He was glad to go into prison for murder. He thought it was a noble penance for preserving the race. My mother had no choice but to take me and run. We were living here in peace until she met Bill.” Rain swept a hand across his brow sweeping his waist length hair aside.

“Where did she meet Bill?” Ryo asked getting his notepad out preparing to take notes he sat gingerly on the bed.

“Its ok, I am on pain pills and they shot me…well its numb now.” Rain blushed underneath his naturally tan complexion. “Mother was going to the bank to transfer part of her inheritance into a separate account for me. I can withdraw a hundred every two weeks. Bill works at the bank, he handled the transfer. They started seeing each other and he came over. I guess we got along. It was always a joke between us that he thought I was…Pretty. When he came over today, it was not unusual for him to wait for mother to come home. I went to change out of my uniform and he… followed he said he wanted proof that I was boy. Then… Then…He pushed me… on the bed…He was on top of me and mother came home, she…” Rain paused and his features twisted in renewed pain. Large green eyes overflowed and Ryo gasped at Rain's pained expression. “I guess now they will put me in foster care.” Rain's stoic expression crumbled and he fell into sobs. “Mother was a kind woman, detective. She did not deserve this. I loved her so…”

Ryo pulled Rain into his arms and stroked his back. “My partner and I have discussed it,” Ryo said as he pushed Rain back onto the pillows. “You are welcome to stay with us and our boys…if you want.”

“Do you take all your cases home?” Rain asked around a sniffle.

“Not all.” Ryo gave a small smile. “Rest now and think about it. I have to go now; my three year old gets upset if I am gone for too long. And Bikky, my thirteen year old, tends to worry.” Ryo stood to his feet. “I should tell you now…”

“You are homosexual.” Rain's voice carried through the blankets that Ryo had pulled up around him. “I noticed that you said partner… As in Life-Partner.”

“You have nothing to fear from us.” Ryo promised and clenched his fingers at the memory of how he had found the boy underneath Jonston. “We would never hurt you.”

“I understand,” Rain said and yawned widely. “I have no where else to go… I have no choice but to trust you.”

“There is always a choice.” Ryo told him with a sad look as he left the room. Rain saw the tears that had glistened in Ryo's eyes and sighed. “Énêševátsêstahe.” He whispered as he fell into an exhausted slumber.

Break

Lord D sat beside Nana's bed and sobbed piteously as she slept. There was nothing much he could now. Lately he had breathed more for her than she had. He heard JJ enter the house and wiped his face. With an effort he repaired his face. The red rims of his eyes cleared and the ravages of tears traveling down his face vanished. Lord D straitened his hair and kissed Nana's cheek. The older lady smiled in her sleep as Lord D left the room. “You closed the case love?” Lord D asked and JJ gasped that he had come from Nana's room instead of theirs.

“Is Nana alright?” JJ grew worried at the sigh that Lord D released.

“She is as well as I can get her.” Lord D confessed with a disparaging laugh. “The case…” He prompted and straitened the pristine white robe that sheathed his body.

“We found the child, he uh…” JJ's lip trembled and Lord D rushed forward to take him into his arms. JJ held tight to Lord D and told him the case that had shaken him to his very core.

Break

Dee found Ryo on his knees in the bathroom releasing his dinner into the porcelain. Dee sat beside him and stroked his back allowing his fingers to travel into the honey tresses that brushed against the pale nape. “Who could do such a thing to a child?” Dee held tight to Ryo as he purged. Dee did not have the heart to tell Ryo how often it happened. In their line of work, mostly they saw dead bodies. They did not have to deal with living victims. Ryo had a kind heart, when he found living victims… Dee thought fast, trying to get Ryo's mind off of the case.

“I think the Arcadians are performing tonight. Come on… Get dressed. Let's go. The boys are at the shop and I am sure that T-Chan and the Honlon will guard them well.” Dee promised at Ryo's stricken look. “Count D called and said he is asking Leon to take him. Lord D and JJ are coming as well. Their boys are asleep at the shop as well. Leonine is at Nana's house with her.” Dee pulled Ryo to his feet and stripped him before turning on the shower. Ryo nodded his head maybe watching the show would give him some hope, but right now he needed comfort. Ryo reached for Dee with a pleading look on his face. Dee nodded vowing to give Ryo the gentle loving he needed. Ryo fell into a deep kiss alowing Dee to plunder the recesses of his mouth.

Ryo would not question his need to submit to Dee, he would simply give in to it. The white noise of the shower falling around them was soon a welcome warm backdrop to Ryo's cries of pleasure as Dee found his cherry red nipples and worked them over with his calloused fingers. It had always amazed Dee that Ryo's nipples were so sensitive. When Ryo clutched at his hands Dee lowered his head and took the tortured nub into his mouth. "Stand here baby," Dee commanded and dropped to his knees on the porcelain floor of the shower. He slithered his tongue around Ryo's sensitive member gently cupping his balls in his hand.

"Dee..." Ryo moaned low and needful as he wound his long fingers in Dee's wet hair. Dee smiled around his mouthful of Ryo and sucked him in hard. Ryo gasped and coughed as he got a mouth of water. He swallowed and bit back a cry when Dee began a light rubbing at his entrance. Ryo relaxed, answering yes to Dee's unspoken question. Dee continued to suck as he inserted the finger and Ryo canted his hips in pleasure.

"Turn around..." Dee said and stood to his feet. Ryo reached down and took Dee's throbbing erection into his hands and stroked his lover. "Dammit Ryo..." Dee growled and forcefully turned him aroun. "Why do like teasing me?" Dee asked harshly nearly blinded by his desire. He pressed home in one smooth, slow thrust.

"Hai... Yes... Dee...Oh... Fuck me... Dee!" Ryo cried out his voice ringing as it bounced off the slick shower walls. "Shiite... Aishiteru..." Ryo raised his hips in time to Dee's movements. "Harder Dee..." Ryo begged causing Dee to grin. He loved when Ryo cried like a wanton hussy. "Fuck Me Dee... Do it harder." Dee slammed his hips into Ryo and felt his lovers body quack as orgasm took them both.

Break

Andy sat in the dim, smoky club perched on a three-legged stool. A long black skirt swirled about her legs. A deep purple top flowed around her belly with its miniscule pouch of impending motherhood. Her husband sat on a stool behind her and Daphnus took up a seat at the piano. Andy looked at the strained expressions on the faces of the detectives that sat around the club. Leon winced when he saw Dee hand Ryo a glass of scotch. “Drink it.” Dee commanded when Ryo simply stared at the drink. Ryo sighed and brought the glass, trembling, to his lips for a sip. Dee sat beside him cradling his own drink. Count D sat with his hand on Leon's and stroked it softly.

“Mama take this badge off of me…” Andy began to sing.

"I can't use it any more,

It's getting dark, too dark to see,

Feel I'm knocking on heaven's door.

Knock, knock knockin' on heaven's door.

Mama put my guns in the ground,

I can't shoot them any more,

That long black cloud is coming down,

I Feel like I'm knocking on heaven's door.

Knock, knock knockin' on heaven's door.

Knock, knock knockin' on heaven's door, yeah yeah.

Knock, knock knockin' on heaven's door.

yeah, yeah yeah

yeah, yeah yeah”

“We're taking him home.” Ryo told their table at large with a wry smile. Leon grinned glad that their case had closed and Rain would be taken care of.

“Then everything will be all right.” JJ said with a smile.

“Careful Ryo, or you will begin your own orphanage. How many spare rooms does that nice house have?” Leon asked with a wry grin.

“Nah, he promised me that this was the last one.” Dee said and stroked Ryo's left hand. Their rings glinted in the candlelight as Andy began another song. They all sat back and let the song of enduring love wash over them.

To-Be-Continued

Author's note: Here is a bit of a note about Rain. He is of the Cheyenne Nation (Half) I have a great respect for the nation and am in fact related to them through my grandfather. He gets so horribly sad when he speaks to his grandchildren in his native tongue and we cannot answer. Through study I was able to learn the language, but because I learned it so late in life, it is physically impossible for me to pronounce the words. So though I can understand my grandfather, I cannot answer him. I have added a bit of cruelty to this chapter and please understand that it is only for dramatic influence only. A translation of Rain's words would be (Help Me!”) When Dee and Ryo find him and (He is an honorable/kind Man) When Ryo leaves him at the hospital for the night. If there are any comments I would dearly love to hear them.

Spun Sugar 20

Family Reunion

It had become a daily habit, Ryo walking the long halls of the hospital when he clocked out. Rain had begun to expect him. If he were late Rain would be sitting up in bed looking for him. Today Ryo held a bag of items that he had brought from Rain's home. He had been surprised that the Crime Scene Investigators had already had the place cleaned. They had all the evidence that they needed. After receiving the diagnosis from the doctor Ryo had been hard pressed to hold in his tears. Rain had already been in the hospital for a week and it seemed he still had another few days before he would be released.

Ryo sighed pushing open the door. Rain looked anxious as he waited. Ryo smiled and waved walking forward. “I called a friend, he is a doctor and I want him to take over your care.” Ryo told Rain after greeting him. “I also uh…” Ryo closed his eyes and tried to think of a way to tell him that he had been by his former home. “Well, your mothers lawyer said that the house was a family heirloom and that it is rightfully yours. They will close it until your twenty-first year. As stipulated in your mother's will, you will continue with the one hundred every two weeks and it goes up to two hundred when you turn seventeen. No stipulations when you are twenty-one, your inheritance will be yours to do with what you will.”

“Will the state help you take care of me, or does my one hundred every two weeks go to that?” Rain asked and Ryo sighed that a thirteen year old should be so serious.

“That will not be necessary, in fact I have not even touched Bikky's inheritance. There is no need.” Ryo smiled rueful to admit such a thing. With his aid of the Arcadians his and Dee's bank account had increased greatly. Each time they took on a battle more funds had been deposited. And now with their new rank as Nobility among their realms… Ryo sighed to think of the amount of money he now found at his disposal. He looked at the blood pressure monitor and heard a commotion in the hallway.

“Doctor…Sir it is not necessary for you to come. My patient is on the mend, you do not need to concern yourself.” Ryo frowned when he heard the bitter tones of Rain's doctor coming down the hallway.

“Truly Dr. Jones, I mean no insult,” Ryo smiled at Lord D's smooth voiced words.

“He is the family doctor and I would like all of our files to be in one person's care is all.” Ryo was quick to come to Lord D's defense as Dr. Jones prepared to launch a verbal assault. “As of yesterday a judge signed a document stating that Rain Cornwall is legally in my care, in a few more weeks he will be officially adopted.”

“Why the heck would you want to do that?” Dr. Jones asked. “After that kind of traumitization, I was going to recommend that the boy be moved to an institution. There is no telling what kind of things he is now capable of. Don't you have a three year old at home to think of?”

Ryo heard the gasp from inside the private room and his eyes narrowed. He began to breath deeply when he felt his temperature rise. Now is not the time to let his dragon instincts surface. Not when he had yet to be trained in their proper use. “That will be quite enough!” Ryo realized how loud he had spoken and frowned. Lord D placed a calming hand on his shoulder. Before he walked into the room smiling at Rain. “Rain is no longer in your care, so you do not have to worry about it anymore.” Ryo turned on his heel and entered the room.

Lord D stood by the bed waiting for Rain to look up. Ryo sat on the bed and peeled the sobbing child's hands free of where they had gripped the blankets. “I won't…I…” Rain hiccupped he felt Ryo's hand on his shoulders but he was falling into a maelstrom of despair and did not acknowledge it. “How could he think such awful things of me?”

“There now child,” Lord D said when Ryo seemed at a loss. Rain saw the curtain of silky black hair fall around him and he looked up into a pair of bright purple eyes. This voice was so masculine, but the face was a work of art. “I am Lord D. I will take care of you. Why don't you lie back and let me get to work,” Lord D was gentle as he turned Rain onto his stomach. “Sutures… Why would they do such a thing!” Lord D's eyes narrowed as he saw the damage to Rain's delicate skin. “So terrible, barbaric even!” Lord D turned an angry stare to Ryo. “You should have called me first!”

“Please, JJ said you were already stressed over Nana's health. I did not want to…” Ryo paused at Lord D's baleful glare that promised severe retribution.

Lord D swept his hair aside and secured it with a satin ribbon that had been in his sleeve. “Regardless,” Lord D huffed shortening his nails and doffing his elegant outer robe. “I would never have consented to such harsh treatment.” Lord D put on a lab coat and gloves. Relax child. I have to remove these; it might be a bit painful but I will do what I can to ease it.” Lord D promised as Rain looked at Ryo before he complied. Ryo nodded and sat on the bed holding Rain's hand.

Lord D closed his eyes entering a healing trance as he searched out each stitch and removed them. Rain gasped, there was no pain. All he felt was a gentle touch and coldness. Lord D was using a soft lubricating gel as he searched around freeing the stitches and mentally knitting the skin together. “Oh… Doctor, that is marvelous.” Rain sighed before he began to doze. Ryo had prepared to have his hand squeezed, but remembered a time when Lord D had treated him for similar injuries. Ryo smiled his thanks, but Lord D's eyes were closed in concentration and he did not notice.

Closing the last stitch just as the room took a sick dive Lord D stumbled away from the bed. Ryo rushed to his side to catch the exhausted Kami before he could fall to the floor. Easily Ryo lifted Lord D in his arms and sat him in the rooms' only chair. “Thank you Detective, I got them all. He will sleep now. When he awakens you can take him home. I will sign all the necessary documents.” Lord D searched through his pockets and pulled out a small purple fruit. At Ryo's questioning look Lord D explained. “It is the Maisia fruit. I carry them when I work.”

“Thank you Lord D, I could not figure out his slow recovery.” Ryo looked at Rains sleeping form and felt a wave of remorse at all the young man had been through.

“I was not surprised, when you told me who the attending physician was. Jones is a fool.” Lord D said with his eyes closed. Ryo gasped surprised that the gentle Doctor would say such a thing about a fellow doctor. Lord D dismissed anything more Ryo could have said and urged him to go home. Ryo ran a hand through his tousled hair and nodded before he left the room. Dr. Jones frowned at him but he ignored it and went home to his family.

Break

“Hey Dee,” Bikky called from his desk in his bedroom. “Could you come here a moment?”

Dee wandered into the room and leaned against the doorframe. “What?” Dee said with a frown. It was his off day and he wanted to spend it in front of the television, not helping Bikky with his algebra, besides, Ryo was the smart one. “Can' it wait until Ryo gets back?”

“No, dipstick, it's about Ryo.” Bikky sassed and Dee suppressed the urge to smack him. “The other day before I went to school, I told Carol I wanted to have a birthday party.” Dee was shocked. Since Bikky had come to live with them he had refused a party. Dee was not even sure that anyone even knew that his birthday was coming. “I know I haven't had one in a while, well… ever. I mean I felt uncomfortable having Ryo and you guys throw me a party. I knew it would be awesome and that I would have a lot of fun. I felt bad because, my dad never did throw me one and I had convinced myself that I did not need that kind of stuff.” Bikky fingered his pencil staring unseeing at his notebook where his homework lay half complete.

“Why the sudden change?” Dee asked stepping into the room Dee passed the various bean-filled bags in favor of the bed. His legs were too long to even contemplate sitting on the one of the squishy chairs that the kids preferred.

Bikky stared into Dee's deep green eyes. “Every year on my birthday, Ryo looks so sad, so I thought… I mean he has been having a tough time with this case and maybe having a party will take his mind off things.”

Dee thought for a moment before he nodded. “He has been a bit stressed lately.”

“You know,” Bikky said with a sad, thoughtful from on his face. “The other day he came in here and talked to me. I could tell it was going to be a serious talk cause he looked all drawn, you know. Like he had eaten a sour lemon or something. He made me promise that I would tell him if anyone ever touched me. Even if they made comments in joking about it; he was so serious it was almost scary. This new kid…” Bikky paused chewing the end of his pencil. “What happened to him? Why is he still in the hospital? Why won't Ryo take me there to meet him? I mean he is going to be living here, shouldn't I meet him before he moves in. Everyday Ryo brings books and plants from his old room but I don't know anything about this guy.”

“He will be here tomorrow…” Dee and Bikky both looked up to see Ryo standing in the doorway. “Lord D went into the hospital today and treated him. I am sorry Bikky, but Rain was in no condition to see many visitors. Dee has been in a few times, but…” Ryo hedged and looked uncomfortable.

“What kind of name is Rain anyway?” Bikky asked with a frown. He had looked around the spare room at the many plants that Rain had in his room at home.

“His father's name was Thunder Cloud, when he was born his mother named him Joseph, but when his father died… was killed, she legally changed his name to Rain Cloud. The skies tears would mark the passing of her love. Rain is Half American Indian. His father was Cheyenne and his mother was Irish. I am sorry Bikky; we made the decision to bring him home without consulting you. It was wrong of us. You live here too and you should have had some say.”

“I don't mind I mean…” Bikky turned red under Ryo's close scrutiny. “If he has no where else to go and we have so much room and…” Bikky grew silent when Dee looked up at Ryo who still stood in the doorway.

“Kid wants to have a birthday party.” Dee told him indicating Bikky. Ryo's sad sigh transformed into a gasp of surprised pleasure. “Truly! But your birthday is next weekend. I have a lot to do,” Ryo smiled and Bikky was glad to be the reason for the pleasant expression.

“Oh, but if Rain is coming to live here aren't you going to transfer him?” Bikky asked. Lyo woke up crying and Ryo excused himself from the room. Bikky sighed and decided that his answers would have to wait. Whatever, he thought and ignored Dee as he left his room. He would find out sooner or later. Bikky tried to get back to his homework. Ryo would not let him hang out with Carol if it wasn't done correctly.

Break

Count D sat up in bed gasping loudly. Leon sat up beside him reaching for his gun. Finding it not by his side he blinked several times to adjust to the darkness of the room and looked around to see D sitting with his arms wrapped around his nude form. Leon frowned, D had worn one of his robes to bed and Leon they had both went to sleep. Why was he naked now? “Baby?” Leon questioned he had to place a hand on D's arm to get his attention. “What's wrong?”

“I feel like…” D paused throwing the covers aside. “I feel like my blood is on fire.” Lord D stood and walked to the window and opened it wide allowing the chilly night breeze to flow over his skin.

“We have arrived as summoned… Brother… We have arrived…” Leon and D both looked around their bedroom and wondered at the words that resonated throughout the pet shop. Leon pulled D into a robe and went to see what had arrived at their home this time.

Break

JJ stared at Lord D in confusion as he stared about the dark room panting. “I feel like I am on fire from within.” Lord D explained when JJ touched him and cold not sense a fever. “Every fiber of my being is alive and singing. I have to… get to the pet shop, my father must know what is going on.” Lord D stood and frowned forcing himself to get dressed. They found the twins sitting up in bed alert staring at Lord D. “They feel it too.” Lord D told JJ who went to check on Nana before they ventured out into the night.

Satisfied that Nana lay sleeping attached to the breathing apparatus that Sofu had set up JJ gathered his family and went to see what had startled him so late in the night.

Break

Lady Aurora stood against a tree in moonlit garden and watched as the hooded figures greeted her husband. Each one embraced him in turn before piercing eyes found her and did not look away. “Diinaheh… What is the purpose of this creatures presence, we can not cure her of her sins.” Sofu smiled gently and extended a hand to his wife.

“Brother Soo-Fu Baanataseh, allow me to introduce you to my Lady wife. Aurora…” Sofu bowed and Lady Aurora had never thought to see him so respectful. He even treated the King of Arcadia as a friend and equal. Who were these people?”

“Soo-Fu Diinaheh,” another cloaked figure stepped up and bowed to Sofu.

“Yes, Liinnouye,” Sofu said to the female who looked his wife over with obvious curiosity.

“I am familiar with this person. She is not Aurora as she has told you. Her true name is Hermione. I have heard recently that her mother is unpleased with her. Do you need us to aid in protecting her?” Liinnouye asked and removed her hood to reveal platinum tresses that fell to her calves in shimmering waves. Teal eyes glowed in the moonlight and Aurora shivered.

“My love allow me to introduce my…” Sofu began but paused when he felt the arrival of his family. “Ah, Children, you are here. I am glad.” Sofu turned watching Count D and Leon cross the garden with Aoi in Leon's arms as Count D was too shaky to support her weight. Sofu began the introductions again and paused As Lord D and JJ entered each carrying a child. “Now, that we are all here.” The cloaked figures drooped their concealing garb and Count D felt tears sting his eyes at their beauty. His grandfather seemed to glow and become more beautiful as he stood in their presence. “Brothers, sisters, this is my family,” Sofu introduced.

“Sofu B,” Liinnouye said addressing her older brother. “I am glad to be here. It is so rare for us to get together like this. I think the last time was…” She paused and looked sad before she turned to Count D. “Oh Sofu D this child is lovely. So young too.” She then turned to Lord D. “Greetings child, I am younger sister of your father.”

“Sister!” Lord D sputtered looking at the young woman with all he features of the Norse. He could mistake her for one of the goddesses of legend. He looked from her ale beauty to Sofu B's dark complexion. He looked like nothing so much as an African tribal leader.

“Despite appearances we all have the same mother and father.” Another spoke and Leon was lost on a sea of shifting red eyes. “You may call me Sofu E… Ah, I think F, G and A are here.” Sofu E brushed his curly sable locks aside as three more cloaked figures entered the garden. “Brothers and Sister, greetings I have looked forward to seeing you. Are any more planning to convene here?”

“No, we are the last, everyone else has decided to remain in hiding.” Sofu A dropped his hooded cloak and Lord D was startled by his Semetic appearance. “As the oldest here, I would like to know why you have gathered us here, but first how dare you wed such a vile creature?” Sofu frowned and Lord D was surprised that his father did not immediately defend his wife.

Well if his father wouldn't… “Lord D thought and stepped forward to speak to the rude man. Sofu A turned piercing dark brown eyes on Lord D and he halted before a word could leave his mouth. Sofu D stepped to his oldest brother and bowed respectfully. “He is but a child. Soo-Fu… I married this woman because I love her. It is love of this woman that led to the birth of my child.”

“Knowing of this parentage, I doubt that J would have allowed him to wed his daughter. And now it seems as if he is allied to a human, a male at that.” Sofu B frowned. “Quick, tell us the reason for this visit so that we may be on our way.” B commanded standing beside his brother ignoring Count D and Leon. Aoi began to cry and Count D reached for his daughter.

“Family or not. I am shamed to share blood ties with such obnoxious snobs.” Count D turned on his heel to leave the garden. Lord D and JJ prepared to do the same.

“Brothers,” Sofu L pleaded tears filling her bright teal eyes and falling down her face. “Sisters” She appealed F and G who huffed and sat among the grass.

“The child is correct in his words Soo-Fu A.” Sofu G said straitening her bright red hair. Green eyes flashed as she continued. “ We cling to the old ways. Now in these modern times… I envy Soo-Fu D and his happiness. I will aid in whatever cause he asks of us.”

“How can you speak in such a way?” B demanded angry with his sister.

“Perhaps we could all learn a lesson on survival. How many live births have there been among us that did not claim the life of the parent and sometimes the child as well? There are not many more of us left. But look Soo-Fu A. Look at this family. Both his son and his grandson have survived a birth. This child has even born twins.” She waved an elegant hand at Lord D and his family. “Am I correct to assume that you were the one to carry this child?” Sofu G asked and Sofu D nodded. Sofu L collapsed glad they had ceased to argue. She turned her eyes to A and he had no choice but to relent.

“Speak if you must.” A commanded and Sofu D smiled. The oldest had always been gruff. “I do believe the children should get themselves to bed. There will be plenty of times for us to get acquainted with them.” Count D and Lord D both bowed to their uncle as they took their family and found their beds.

JJ was in shock as he loaded his family into his car. “Your Aunts and Uncles are a bunch of… Well… They are a bunch of something. I will think more on it in the morning and tell you what I decide.” JJ promised and yawned as he started the car and headed home.

Leon watched D put Aoi in her crib and was silent as they entered their bedroom. “None of them look related at all. If I had even thought you would have aunts and Uncles I would expect them all to be some variation of you, you know…” Leon yawned and climbed into bed. “Family… Man what next?” Leon collapsed onto the bed and pulled D into his arms. D smiled and patted Leon's golden hair before he fell asleep.

Break

Rain sat silent in the back seat of the car as Dee drove them home. Dr. Jones had come into his room demanded that Ryo explain his departure. Ryo was silent, as he had showed the irate doctor Lord D's signature. Dr. Jones had stomped out of the room mumbling about pretentious Asians and their odd eastern medicines. “Not to be trusted.” He had muttered to Dee's smirk.

“We are almost there.” Ryo said looking at Rain through the mirror. “You will have time to get settled in before Bikky's gets in from school.” Rain nodded feeling shy in the strange environment. He stared at the lovely two-story house that came into view. Dee pulled up to the drive and Rain gasped as a large dog bounded up to the car barking with glee. Ryo stepped from the car and began to undo the seatbelt from the car seat that contained a sleeping three year old. As Ryo scooped the child into his arms to carry him inside Rain smiled.

“He is a beautiful baby. Your son I mean. Who is his mother?” Rain looked at Dee before he blushed. Dee laughed and patted Rain's head. Dee picked up the mail before he opened the door.

“I didn't have him if that's what you are asking.” Dee continued laughing even when Ryo used his free hand to lightly punch him. “Ah come Ryo…” Dee began but looked at the surprised look on Rain's face as he looked inside at the large family room. Ryo turned to see what had captured his attention and smiled. A large banner hung over the fireplace that read: WELCOME RAIN! “Bikky,” Dee mused and grinned. Sometimes the little street punk surprised him.

“Come on, while he puts the kid to bed, I'll show you your room.” Dee offered and carried Rain's suitcase.

“Néá'eše,” Rain whispered and Dee frowned wondering what he had said. “Oh, I am sorry. I meant to say thank you.”

Dee smiled at Rain's obvious embarrassment. “No need to apologize, I mean, Ryo randomly speaks Japanese so I'm used to it.”

“He is Japanese.” Rain said smiling as he had remembered asking about the detective's black eyes. “He too is a half breed, like me.” Rain turned puzzled eyes to Dee as they climbed the stairs. “What are your parents nationalities?”

“Don't know, never met `em. I'm an orphan.” Rain sensed the bitter sadness in Dee's easy words as he opened the door to what would be his room. Rain stepped in side silent as he stared around at his plants.

“He got them all.” Rain's eyes watered as he walked around touching each plant. His fingers trailed over leaves and he looked up with tears shining in his eyes. “They have been well cared for.”

“That would be Ryo's doing. If I even look at a plant it dies for spite.” Dee said with a laugh.

Rain laughed and stood protectively in front of his plants. “Then please do not look at them and stay away from the… from mothers…” Rain paused and tears flooded his eyes spilling down his cheeks. “Mother's green house.” He sobbed and Dee reached out a hand.

“What happened?” Ryo asked entering the room and trying to console the weeping young man. Rain shook his head and hugged Ryo tight using his solid form to keep contact with reality as he felt himself begin to faint.

Taking deep breathes as Lord D had instructed Rain stood back and straitened his hair. He shook his head and looked at the bed. “May I have bit of time to sleep?” He asked politely.

“Of course, you must be exhausted.” Ryo said and pulled the shades shutting the room in semi-darkness. Rain smiled and climbed onto the pillow topped mattress on the full sized wooden sleigh bed. He appreciated the strong cherry wood décor of the room and the deep green appealed to his senses. Ryo heaved a sad sigh as he left the room with Dee. He opened his mouth to speak but the doorbell rang.

“We didn't lock it,” Dee said with a frown. “Why is Bikky ringing the bell?”

The bell sounded again and he jogged to answer. Dee opened the door smiling. “Donnie what's up? Sorry I have been so busy man, I mean we had a case from hell and then…” Dee was laughing as he shook Donnie's hand pulling him inside. As Donnie entered Bikky came running up the steps with Cujo at his side. Cujo sniffed Donnie and began to bark wildly baring his teeth snarling in anger.

“Bikky,” Ryo said as he descended the stairs. “Take Cujo into the backyard while Dee visits his friend.” Ryo said with a tight smile. He began to go into the kitchen to prepare dinner. “Quickly Lyo is sleeping and…”

“What about Rain, he is here isn't he?” Bikky asked excited looking up at the fireplace.

“Rain is sleeping as well. He had a long morning and was exhausted,” Ryo explained. Bikky looked down at Cujo and he ceased his barking before he shifted into a young man that only Bikky could see. He folded his leather-clad arms and frowned at Donnie. “I don't like him.” Cujo huffed sounding to the adults in the room as if he were grunting.

“Neither do I,” Ryo said surprising Bikky. Ryo winked at Cujo and Bikky before he ushered them from the house. Ryo began to cook dinner leaving Dee to converse with his childhood friend.

Rain's nose twitched and he sat up in bed rubbing his eyes. He found the bathroom just where Dee had told him it would be. Rain heard voices and the smells of Dinner coming from downstairs. Washing his hands he smiled when he spotted a tiny potty chair in the corner. Opening the medicine cabinet he deposited his medications and saw a pair of gleaming scissors well out of reach of little three-year-old hands. Rain laughed again before he left the bathroom and headed for the stairs.

“Bikky,” Ryo called Bikky in from the backyard. “It's time to wash up, dinner's ready. While you are up there would you please knock on Rain's door and let him know that it is time to eat.” Rain smiled and began to make his presence known. He saw the dark haired figure sitting next to Dee on the couch and paused mid-stride as the man looked up at him. Rain took a deep breath and entered the family room. He saw that Ro had the table set with Lyo already in his high chair. “Oh, hello Rain, did you sleep well?” Ryo asked pointedly ignoring Donnie's questioning look.

“Yes thank you.” Rain whispered and sat where Ryo indicated. He stood to his feet when Bikky came crashing into the house laughing.

“Aww man Ryo… You should have seen him chasing a squirrel, I…” Bikky paused and his eyes fell on Rain. “Hey!” He said with a cheerful grin as he reached out to shake Rain's hand.

“Hello, it is very nice to meet you Bikky.” Rain looked at the brown skin and blond hair before a broad smile wreathed his face. Donnie gasped as his light green eyes lit up from within. “You have blue eyes. You are like me, a half breed.” Bikky laughed for once taking no insult when someone noted his mixed heritage.

“Oh Rain you will fit right in here man, we are all a bunch of half breeds and misfits here.” Dee laughed as he and Donnie approached the table.

“Crap! That's a boy!” Donnie exclaimed and raked his eyes over Rain's slim figure. “With that face and all that hair I thought he was Bikky's girlfriend.” Rain gasped and stepped away from the table. Bikky glared at Donnie wishing that Cujo had not been left in the yard. Ryo and Dee began to run after Rain, but Donnie grabbed Ryo's arm as Lyo began to sob. Ryo jumped at the sound of Dee knocking on the door.

“Rain!” He yelled. “Rain, unlock the door.” Dee called. Receiving no answer he called again.

“I am so sorry, I always seem to say the wrong things around you. You know I don't mean any offense right?” Donnie said with a sincere smile. “We got off the wrong foot. I guess I took it kind of hard that Dee was settled down with a dude you know. Just now, I didn't mean anything bad, you gotta believe me. I wouldn't upset a kid like that. I honestly thought it was girl.” Ryo prepared to accept the apology while Bikky tried to console Lyo. Donnie allowed his hand to travel down to Ro's hip. He gave Ryo's backside a pat before he grinned. Bikky stared in shock at Donnie.

“Excuse me!” Ryo jerked away from Donnie frowning when Donnie refused to release his hand.

“Don't be so uptight, I mean. Call me curious, but I don't think Dee would mind if you showed me why he is so fascinated with you.” Ryo snatched his hand away not worried that he had hurt Donnie. Bikky stood in front of Ryo and frowned at Donnie. “Hey kid this is between adults. Go get your bib on or something.” Donnie said and looked back at Ryo. “I can't stop wondering about it. What is so special about you? One time is all I'll need I'm sure. Come on…” Before Ryo knew what he was doing his fist connected with Donnie's nose. Ryo was shoving Bikky behind him as the crash of the bathroom door being broken could be heard.

“Ryo!” Dee called and Ryo spared not a second glance at Donnie writhing in pain as he bolted up the stairs. Bikky picked up Ryo's abandoned carving knife and situated himself between Donnie and Lyo in Case the man got up in a rage. “It's like a massacre in there.” Dee said and Ryo stepped into the bathroom staring in horror as clouds of raven tresses fell around the floor in wild disarray. Blood spattered the floor as Rain turned the scissors on his arms. Ryo sprang forward when Rain turned the scissors towards his face.

Ryo cried out as the scissors slide across his hand. Ignoring the blood that fell from his hand to fall on the floor Ryo pulled Rain in to his arms and held him tight. “I am not a girl!” Rain yelled struggling against the hold. Ryo began to sob as Dee squeezed the hand holding the scissors. Rain winced and they clattered to the floor. Rain calmed to shaking sobs as Ryo pulled back ad looked at he uneven mess that had become of Rain's once beautiful hair. “I am not a girl. I should not be used in place of one. I …I… Won't… Never again…”Rain collapsed in Ryo's arms heaving and sobbing. Ryo stood carrying him to his bed. After sitting him down Ryo bound the cuts on his arms and looked to make sure that he had not gotten to his face. Sighing in relief patted the top of Rains head.

“I want him out of my house.” Ryo said quietly after he had pulled the covers up around Rain. And left him to rest from his outburst. “Never is he allowed in here again.” Ro said and stomped down the stairs. Dee stared at the mess in the bathroom before he headed downstairs. Ryo paused when he saw Bikky standing in front of Lyo with a large blade.

“Donnie left.” Bikky said with a frown and sat the blade on the table. He sat down at his chair with his arms folded. Ryo dropped to his knees by Bikky's chair and pulled the boy into his arms. Bikky said nothing but glared at Dee as Ryo held him. “I don't like him.”

“Don't worry,” Dee promised putting the knife away. “He will not be back.”

To Be Continued

Explanations: Sofu's siblings all look like different nationalities. They are each named starting with a different letter of the alphebet. The older a Kami is the wiser and more powerful it is. Soo-Fu is a term of respect that a younger will use to address an older. The first initial is used in place of names because there is great power in knowledge and use of a name. The youngers would never use the name of an older. Sofu is a term used to show respect, but is not honorific as is Soo-Fu.

Semetic: Sofu's oldest brother resembles the Hebrew Nation

Rain spoke again in Cheyenne, he said "Thank You."

Another note on Rain, Jonston had him for three whole days before the detectives found him.