Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ Twilight Sky ❯ Tiger Eyes ( Chapter 4 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Cousin D 
Anubis goes to Ryo again, intent on getting another taste of him.
Anime/Manga: Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / / Fantasy / Drama / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.15.2003 | Updated On: 04.09.2003 | Pages: 6 | Words: 6.1K | Visits: 340 | Status: Work In Progress
Anubis goes to Ryo again, intent on getting another taste of him.
Anime/Manga: Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / / Fantasy / Drama / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.15.2003 | Updated On: 04.09.2003 | Pages: 6 | Words: 6.1K | Visits: 340 | Status: Work In Progress
Thanks to Valandra and Zorra, my lovely betas! I couldn't have done it without them.
Twilight Sky
Chapter 4
Tiger Eyes
Shin-
It was Dr. Date and Mr. Date who welcomed the 'guests' to the funeral service while Seiji stood firmly at Ryo's side for support.
The graveyard was a beautiful place, really. The grass was bright green and there were flowers planted everywhere. Shin knew, from talking with Seiji, that this was the same graveyard where Seiji's grandmother was buried. It was probably for this reason that Mr. Date had chosen it for Ryo's granma, because he knew it was a good resting-place.
"He isn't looking at-it-." Touma whispered to Shin as they walked towards Ryo, just behind Shin's mom and okasan. "He hasn't even glanced at his granma's urn."
"You would want to?" Shin whispered back, not taking his eyes off Ryo anymore than Touma was. It was a bright, sunny morning and Shin felt remarkably insulted by the sun that was ignoring Ryo's pain. He glanced up as he walked, glaring at the sun. 'It should be raining.' Shin thought, bitterly.
The funeral was a somber affair, despite the bright sunny morning and the fact that Ryo seemed grateful to have everyone come to see him. Ryo stood between Seiji and Dr. Date at the graveyard with the small silver urn in one hand and, strangely, a katana with a golden dragon's head in the other hand. The strangest thing, though, was the tiger that sat silently just behind Ryo, like a majestic guardian.
"That's Byakuen." Touma whispered, nodding at the tiger.
"You know him?"
"I saw him at the shelter when Joji and Yoko took me there. Ryo asked me not to tell anyone that he lived at the shelter, but I guess that doesn't matter anymore. I wonder whatever happened to them. Joji and Yoko, I mean." He looked at Shin. "You don't seem to surprised to see Byakuen, either."
"He was with Ryo when I found him. Surprised the hell out of me." Shin's mouth fell open at a horrible thought. His poor mum and okasan! They'd never seen Byakuen, what on earth were they going to think?! Shin stepped forward to warn them, but noticed at the last minute that his mum was shaking Dr. Date's hand and had a clear view of Byakuen.
"They can't see him." Touma noted, his keen observations seeing what Shin had seen. Touma stared at Byakuen, confused. "I wonder what Byakuen is."
"What you mean? He a tiger?" But even as Shin said this, he knew it wasn't exactly true. "They must see him! He's huge." But reality and logic didn't seem to be working today. In fact, none of the adults gave any indication that they saw the tiger, not even Dr. Date or Mr. Date who stood practically next to Byakuen.
Shin shook everyone's hand and, when he reached Ryo, he leaned in close enough to whisper. "Your tiger is here?" Just to make sure he and Touma weren't imagining things.
Ryo glanced over his shoulder, to make sure Byakuen was still there. "Yeah. He didn't w-want me to be alone today." Ryo let himself smile slightly and he reached back a hand to stroke Byakuen's head.
Shin just nodded and moved away, letting Touma shake Ryo's hand, while he thought about this development. Surely, Ryo knew the tiger well enough that he'd know if Byakuen was safe or not. But what kind of tiger could chose who saw it? This just didn't make any sense.
"Thank you for coming." Shin's attention was brought back to the present at Dr. Date's voice as she spoke to his mum and his okasan. "I know it means a lot to Ryo."
The pleasantries went on between the adults and soon Xiu and his family arrived, all dressed in mourning white. For once, Xiu's hair was neatly combed and he kept his eyes down as he stood morosely beside his father. Shin was more than a little surprised when Xiu didn't go to talk to Seiji right away and he frowned when he saw Xiu's downcast expression.
"What happen to Xiu?" Shin asked Touma.
"No idea. He looks kinda depressed, doesn't he? Take a look at Seiji, too. Do you suppose they had a fight?"
Just as Touma had noticed, Seiji had a similar sad expression on his face and he wasn't looking at Xiu. When papa Faun and his family came to pay their respects to Ryo, there was almost visible tension when papa Faun came to stand before Seiji. They shook hands coldly with stiff formality, but when it was Xiu's turn to shake Seiji's hand, papa Faun took his son's arm and pulled him away quickly.
"On second thought," Touma said, his eyes slightly wide as he realized what had happened. "I don't think it was Seiji and Xiu who had the fight. Xiu's dad looks pretty pissed."
"You think he found out?"
"The way he's glaring at Seiji, I'd say it's pretty obvious he thinks Seiji's defiled his precious son." Touma was nearly spitting as he spoke. "As if Seiji would ever do anything to hurt Xiu."
Shin's heart went out to his two friends, but he wasn't sure what to do about this situation. He liked to keep a slight distance from Seiji and Xiu's romance, as he knew they could normally take perfectly good care of each other. 'But this isn't normal. I knew Xiu was worried about telling his family, but I really didn't think they'd react badly. They love him so much.'
Byakuen walked away from Ryo for the first time since Shin had seen him, padding silently over to Xiu and butted up against hand. Taken away from his melancholy, Xiu glanced down and saw the white tiger.
'I didn't think Xiu could get his eyes to go so wide.' Shin thought, amused. Xiu's mouth also dropped open when he found a Siberian tiger looking up at him. Naturally, Xiu jerked away from the tiger, bumping into his mama.
"Xiu, darling, what's wrong?" She asked quietly, though loudly enough for Shin to hear.
"Wrong?" Xiu said, almost in disbelief. "Can't...can't you see it?" Xiu looked back down at Byakuen who seemed to be smiling at him.
Mama Faun looked to where Xiu had indicated and frowned. "See what, darling? There's nothing there." She put a large hand on his head and gave him a pitying look. "Oh, my little one. I think this has all been to much for you."
"I feel fine, mama." Xiu protested.
"Don't back talk, little one." She told him firmly. "I can see how hurt you are, being away from Seiji. Even if your papa can't see it, yet." She kissed him on the forehead. "He will come around. It may take a while, but he will come to understand."
Xiu opened his mouth, as if to say something, but closed it again when Byakuen licked his hand before going back to Ryo's side. Xiu just shook his head and kept his mouth shut about the tiger after that.
Everyone stood around the small grave, a hole really, dug for the urn in front of the headstone for Ryo's granma. Ryo was largely silent as the Date family took care of his polite obligations for him, allowing him time to grieve before the ceremony.
It wasn't long before the service began, with Mr. Date giving a eulogy for Mrs. Sanada, telling the small gathering of her love and strength, her independence and her pride. "And," Mr. Date continued, in his deep, powerful voice. "Here, before us, we see the end result, the climax, of her life." He looked at Ryo and let a sad smile. "She lived so hard a life to raise a fine young man. A young man I know she was proud of. Sanada Akane was a proud woman, determined not to take anything from anyone. But her pride was centered on her grandson, Ryo. I know he will live up to her vision of what he could become."
Mr. Date finished and stepped back to Dr. Date and shin looked up at the still bright sky. 'Just rain, all ready! It shouldn't be so cheery when poor Ryo is suffering!'
As if by command, a black rain cloud floated into view. For a moment, Shin was lost in thought as he watched the cloud grow and spread. It was happening incredibly quickly, but not fast enough for Shin. 'Rain!' He silently yelled at the cloud. 'This day should be as miserable as possible!'
Ryo stepped forward, though he didn't seem as if he knew what to say, at first. Ryo licked his lips nervously, looking around at everyone. "I p-promised granma I'd find the twin." Ryo looked down at the katana in his hand. He held it by the dragon's head hilt, letting the tip of the sword rest on the grass and shin saw Ryo's fingers flexing restlessly on the hilt. "I c-can't do m-much for her. Not now. But...I will find the twin." Ryo's eyes took on a hard edge, even as a tear slipped out. "I WILL find it."
Shin couldn't stand it anymore. Ryo was still trying to be strong and he still believed he had to make his granma proud, even though she was dead. He wiped the tears off his own face only to have something wet hit the back of his hand. Shin blinked and looked up. More drops of water. The sun had vanished behind the black rain cloud and Shin smiled up at the rain. 'Finally.' He thought, feeling somewhat better now that the weather matched everyone's mood.
'Of course it rained. You wanted it to, didn't you?'
Shin blinked and leaned in closer to Touma. "Did you say that?"
"Say what?" Touma whispered back.
"Er...nothing." Shin had never kept a secret from Touma, but he didn't think he wanted anyone, even Touma, to think he was hearing voices. 'It's just my imagination.' He told himself firmly. 'I'm letting myself get carried away all because of nothing.' With that, he turned his full attention back to Ryo and the burying of the urn.
Sh'ten-
Sh't en watched the boy from afar, recognizing him from what he'd managed to get from Anubis' mind. The boy looked stronger now, stronger than Anubis had seen him, anyway. 'Well, I guess he is a little attractive. If you like that half-starved, waif look.' Sh'ten leaned against a tree as he gazed down at the funeral. He wasn't especially impressed with this Ryo boy.
What did impress Sh'ten was the tiger-shaped creature that stood behind Ryo, glaring up at Sh'ten.
'I guess there might be something to the boy. After all, if one of THEM sees fit to keep company with the boy, he can't be entirely useless. Maybe if I got a closer look at him, I could see what Anubis sees in him.' Sh'ten admitted. 'Anubis thinks I'm hot so I KNOW he has good taste. I'll just keep an eye on this Ryo boy. Someone who can affect Anubis so greatly might be a threat to us.'
The next day-
For the first time in his life, Ryo walked to school with his head held high. Wearing his new school uniform (Seiji's old uniform slightly tailored) and with his hair freshly trimmed, Ryo didn't flinch from the people looking at him. He had let Seiji convince him that everyone would be awed to see him looking so well.
Ryo almost felt badly that he felt so happy only a few days after his granma had died, but he just couldn't help it. He hadn't been hungry since he'd come to live at the Date home and he'd gotten a bath every night.
"Touma's trial is at the end of the week." Seiji told Ryo in his soft voice that Ryo had learned to recognize as Seiji's public voice. "We'll be skipping school for him. You never met Touma's dad or even saw him, so I don't think you'll be called as a witness, but my mom and grandfather are coming to the courthouse with me, to support Touma. If you want to come, I'm sure Touma would be pleased to have you there."
As if Seiji even had to ask! Ryo nodded. "S-sure. I'll stand by T-touma."
After school-
"Sei-Chan?"
Seiji turned abruptly at Xiu's voice, then turned away again. "I don't think your family would approve of you speaking with me, Xiu. You should go home."
"I didn't ask permission." Xiu told him. "Please. We really need to talk."
"About what?"
Xiu gave Ryo an apologetic look. "Do you mind?"
Ryo quickly shook his head. "I'll see you at h-home, Seiji." He said, moving quickly away so Seiji wouldn't be able to find an excuse to get away from Xiu. He wanted Seiji and Xiu to patch up whatever argument they'd had so Seiji could get back to normal. Seiji refused to talk about it with Ryo, but Seiji had been so depressed for days now. He barely ate and he kept waking up crying, not to mention the fact that he didn't seem to care about anything anymore.
Ryo could stand walking alone. It wasn't as if he'd never done it before.
Seiji-
Seiji didn't want to look at Xiu. He knew that if he did, he'd lose the anger that had been building for the passed several days. Ever since he'd been chased out of the home he'd been welcome in since he'd been a very small child, Seiji had been trying not to be angry with Xiu. It wasn't working very well.
"Well?" Seiji asked, tersely, staring at the cars passing by. "What did you want to say?"
"Seiji..." Xiu started awkwardly. "Papa said...he said that he didn't want me hanging out with you anymore."
"I see." Seiji almost couldn't control the anger that was boiling inside. 'He's going to leave me just because his papa is a bigot! I could kill him! I mean that little to him?!'
"You do?" Xiu sounded surprised and his eyes went wide. "Seiji...do you...do you want me to leave?" He suddenly sounded unsure.
'Of course I don't want him to leave!' "I want what you want, Xiu. I've made that clear in the past."
Xiu put a hand on Seiji's shoulder. "Will you look at me when we're talking?! Papa said he caught you kissing me and he was all bent out of shape. He wouldn't say anything else..."
"DID YOU TRY TELLING HIM THE TRUTH!!" Seiji rounded on Xiu and nearly yelled at the top of his lungs.
Everyone in the schoolyard who knew cool, reserved Seiji, stopped and stared at the unexpected outburst.
"Seiji..." Xiu didn't seem upset by the scream, just sad. "I told him I was in love with you. I told him we'd been dating for almost a year and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. He...He told me that I was confused because you were my best friend and that you were playing with me."
He gave Seiji a significant look. "I told him to fuck off and that I was going to start sleeping with you as soon as you let me."
"You didn't." Seiji's mouth fell open at the thought of Xiu saying that to his papa.
"I did." Xiu bit his lip. "I didn't want you to be hurt, Sei-chan. But now papa looks at me like he doesn't even know who I am. He...I think he doesn't trust me anymore."
Seiji finally looked at Xiu and saw tears in Xiu's eyes. "I think you're right, Xiu. We do need to talk."
Ryo-
They were all bigger than Ryo, of course. Bullies rarely pick on people larger or stronger than themselves. One of them shoved Ryo up against the brick wall of the basketball court, making his skull rattle. Ryo recognized Akira, one of the 'bad boys' of Hana High who prided himself on how many fights he managed to get himself into.
"How's life with Glinda?" Akira asked snidely. It was a typical insult they used for Seiji and, though Seiji seemed able to brush it off, Ryo hated to hear Seiji insulted, though. Seiji was one of his best friends, after all. Besides, the only reason Akira was saying it was because he was to much of a coward to say or do anything around Seiji or Xiu. As bad as Akira was, Seiji and Xiu actually KNEW how to fight and everyone knew it.
"Don't c-call him that!" Ryo half shouted, feeling his blood start to boil. It was getting easier to control the fire lately, but people like this really made him want to cut loose.
"Awww," Akira crooned, looking to the rest of his pack for support. "Little Orphan Annie, here, doesn't want us to tease Glinda. How sweet."
Ryo allowed himself a malicious smirk, even though he knew he was going to say something that was probably very stupid. "You n-never insult Seiji to his face. What's w-wrong? Afraid he's going to s-show you who the real man is when he c-cuts off your balls with his sword? If he can find enough to cut off." Ryo had survived the streets, after all. If he could survive the street gangs, he could survive a little beating by a school yard punk like Akira for Seiji's sake.
Ryo found himself an inch off the ground as Akira wrapped his hands around Ryo's throat and hauled him off his feet. "How would you know how much of a man he is, Sanada? Everyone knows he's Faun's bitch, so maybe he's teaching you..."
Akira got no further when Ryo slammed his forehead into his as hard as he could. Strangely, it wasn't the insinuation that he might be gay that inflamed Ryo, but the suggestion that he'd come between Seiji and Xiu. How dare anyone think he'd hurt his friends like that!
Akira stumbled backwards, releasing Ryo, staggering until his friends caught him and steadied him. Then he stood up straight. "You come crawling off the streets like a mangy cat," He wiped the blood off his forehead where Ryo had cracked the skin open. "And now you think you're good enough to hang out with real people? Seiji's a queer, but he's from a long, noble family line. Faun's queer, too, but his family is rolling in dough. That Shin kid is to stupid to talk straight, but his family is big in the fishing and shipping business. Even that freak, Hashiba, is the smartest person in the whole city." Akira laughed. "Even your freak friends are to good for you, whore."
Ryo paled, stunned.
Akira leered. "It's true, isn't it?" Akira somehow knew he's accidentally hit a sore spot. "You really are a street walker. Fuck, no wonder Glinda wants you around! What's the going rate, Little Orphan Annie? Can Glinda afford you on his allowance or is Faun splitting the bill and sharing you?" He swaggered closer to Ryo, more confidant now that Ryo had deflated. "What's the price?" With both hands, Akira pushed Ryo up against the gate again, but this time stayed way to close. "Come on, what will it take to buy you?"
"You can't afford him."
They all turned at the sudden new voice and Ryo's eyes widened. A man leaned against the gate, behind Akira's thugs. He was very tall with bright blue hair and black sunglasses. His skin was almost milk white under the black leather jacket he wore. The man wore no shirt, showing off his well-developed chest and nipple ring that matched his silver earring. There was an incredible air of confidence surrounding the stranger and Ryo was shocked at the sight of him. This man was no stranger.
This was the same guy who'd killed that guy. That guy...with blood on his mouth...the one who'd licked blood right off Ryo's mouth. Ryo swallowed hard, trying to get rid of the hard knot that had suddenly developed in his throat and to stop himself from shaking. 'I'd forgotten him! How could I have forgotten him?!'
Akira turned away from Ryo slightly. "Who the Hell are you? His pimp?"
The sky darkened very suddenly and thunder rumbled.
"Pimp?" The stranger walked towards them, radiating danger in just the way that he walked. His leather boots made hard tapping sounds at each step he took and his eyes were firmly on Ryo, not Akira. "If I owned such a body such as this, I would not waste it by renting it out. No, he would belong to me and no one else." The man stopped in front of Ryo and Ryo felt himself go very red in the face. Well, it was sort of a compliment. Then, the stranger's eyes went to where Akira was still holding Ryo on the chest. "For instance, you are touching what is mine." The man lashed out and suddenly Akira was dancing away, clutching his hand to his chest and screaming.
"You broke it! You broke my hand!" He cried out pitifully.
"No," the stranger corrected. "I broke your wrist. Next time, I will break your other wrist. Do not touch him again."
Anubis-
The boys, now realizing how deep they were in, took off running and Anubis watched as the boys ran off in panic with an amused smile. 'Some bullies,' But his mind was on far more important matters and he turned his attention to Ryo, who still hadn't moved from the wall. 'My little firefly.'
Ryo-
Ryo's face was drawn and pale, as flashes of the night he'd sold himself rushed back to him.
-Glass shattered and the weight of Bishop Brannon was taken off him. -
He remembered this man, this monster! The thing that killed Bishop Brannon, drinking his blood.
-Ryo looked up from where he lay on the bed, smelling of expensive cologne, to exhausted and hurt to move. There was a strangled cry and a flurry of movement from where the two figures were on the floor. The cry became louder and then died when Bishop Brannon stopped fighting for his life. -
This person wasn't human. 'Monster.' Ryo thought, pressing himself against the wall, hard. 'He drank blood. Vampires drink blood. Granma said there are no vampires. Monsters aren't real.' Yet, this person was very, very real.
As this new shock wore off another thought squirmed its way into Ryo's mind. This man had wanted him then; had called Ryo pretty. And just now, in front of those boys he'd called Ryo his. His own, his property.
"I came back to find you, firefly." His voice was deep and so rough that it sounded like he gargled with razor blades. "I'm afraid I couldn't do with only one taste."
"W-who are you?" 'God! I don't want to be forced again! Not by some guy like this man, this thing, this whatever he was!' This person looked so terribly strong and Ryo just KNEW it would hurt. 'I'm NOT a whore! I'm NOT going to let myself get raped!' Ryo's inner fire began to crackled as he called it to life. 'Not again! Never again!'
Ryo had no intention of letting himself be touched ever again against his will. Not that the last time was really against his will. Ryo tried not to think about that. It only revived bad memories and old pain.
"I am Anubis." The man said his name slowly and sensually as he got closer and closer to Ryo. When he was close enough, Anubis placed his hand on Ryo's chest feeling his rapid heart beat underneath the cloth of Ryo's shirt. "Don't be afraid."
Ryo breathed deeply trying to calm himself and resist screaming. It wasn't right for a Sanada to be scared, to scream and show weakness. No, he'd be brave. This was no enemy. 'He saved me, twice. He said he won't hurt me.' But Ryo had been lied to so many times in his life. Betrayed so often.
Anubis leaned in, his other hand brushing Ryo's bangs from his eyes. "You have such a unique taste. I'd never tasted anything quite like you, before. It was a glorious mix of pain and pleasure, little one," Anubis whispered seductively, bringing his square, broad face down closer to Ryo's, close enough that Ryo could feel Anubis' strangely cold breath on his face. Anubis titled his head to the side slightly, as though he were studying Ryo under a microscope. "I am drawn to you and I chose not to fight nature. Your fire and my ice belong together."
"I don't u-understand." Ryo swallowed hard and tried to make sense of what Anubis was talking about.
"You will once you've tasted me." Anubis moved his hand up to Ryo's face, seemingly intent on touching all of Ryo's face. He ran his palm up and down Ryo's cheek several times. "You will understand why we must be together." Anubis was distracted as he spoke, moving his one free hand into Ryo's hair while the other hand began to caress Ryo's ear. "I've wanted you from the moment I laid eyes on you, Ryo. You're simply irresistible. And your blood-" Anubis paused a moment closing his eyes in blissful remembrance, "it burned, like lava in my veins, giving me a warmth I've never known. I've never in my life been warm and you gave me that precious heat. I thank you, Ryo. My brother also thanks you. He felt that fire in you as I did and he wishes for more, such as I do." Anubis' smile turned even more predatory, if that was possible. "But, as I said, I do not wish to share you."
Ryo started in shock. 'Help me!' Ryo called out to his fire. 'I need...I need you!'
The fire spoke with a lazy voice. 'Don't be foolish. You don't want help.'
Ryo could feel Anubis' breath against his ear. 'Yes, I need help! I have to get away from him, or...or...' Ryo was afraid. Afraid that he might, actually, somehow like what Anubis wanted to do to him.
Anubis leaned down to press his face into Ryo's shoulder and Ryo could hear him breathing. "I won't hurt you. I won't touch you, if you tell me to stop."
But Ryo said nothing, not even when Anubis began to lick his throat. Ryo whimpered with the memories of the last time someone had touched him so intimately. The pain and fear was almost unbearable, but Anubis held him firmly and Ryo found himself digging his fingernails into the sides of Anubis' leather jacket.
"What are you?" Ryo asked, feeling lightheaded, as if he'd been drugged.
"A simple hunter, nothing more." But even as he spoke, Ryo could feel sharpness of the fangs he knew Anubis had tickling against his throat.
Anubis-
Anubis ' senses were racing with the sweet sent of fear, curiosity, confusion, and excitement that assaulted him from Ryo. With gentle hands that betrayed his strength he took Ryo's face in his hand, forcing Ryo's head to expose his throat while his other hand began pulling at Ryo's shirt collar.
Ryo's eyes widened at the sudden movement and found himself trapped against the wall as the larger mans body leaned against him.
"Don't be afraid of me." Anubis told him as gently as he could. "I won't let myself hurt you." He stood up straight so that he could look directly into Ryo's eyes. "I won't let you feel pain." It was a simple trick, one he'd learned as a child in his mother's arms. He was greater than any mere humans and his will was far more powerful. Anubis let himself sink into Ryo's bright eyes, overpowering Ryo's mind and senses. "You will feel no pain."
But it was getting to be to much to wait. Anubis waited until he was sure that Ryo would feel nothing before turning back to Ryo's throat. He leaned down again, but before he could do anything, his finger brushed against something that burned. Not the lovely fire of Ryo's blood, but a scalding, deadly burn. Anubis jerked his hand away from Ryo's throat with a muttered curse.
A closer look showed Anubis what burned. It was a silver chain and, as everyone knew, silver burned. It was a pure metal and Anubis knew his mother, a pure blood vampire, would have been nursing an ugly burn at the slight touch he'd gotten.
"Ryo, take off your necklace."
Ryo didn't obey at once, puzzling. But very slowly, Ryo reached up and slipped the necklace over his head, showing what was attached to the chain.
"Fuck!" Anubis jerked away from Ryo, actually stumbling backwards several steps at the sight of the crucifix in Ryo's hand, glistening in the fading sunlight. "Drop that, Ryo. Throw it away." But...Anubis paused, realizing that there was no feeling of power coming from the crucifix. It was one of the many hated, feared symbols of power, but Ryo had no faith to give the crucifix power. It was harmless.
"I can't." Ryo said, closing his hand around the crucifix, protectively. "It's important."
It didn't matter, so long as the thing had no power. Anubis confidently went back to Ryo, embracing him again. Without preamble, Anubis dug his teeth deeply into Ryo's vein, greedily sucking the warm blood that spurted out of the fresh wound on Ryo's throat. His mouth was on fire shortly followed by his whole body and Anubis knew he'd have to stop. It was to much for him and he could only manage about a mouthful.
Ryo-
Ryo gurgled deep in his throat choking on a scream when the mist in his mind cleared very suddenly. Instead of the pain fading into a soft throb like it was intended to it increased to an unbearable level. He was well aware of Anubis' actions and reasons behind them. His body however, continued to stand firm and stubborn, his final defiant act.
Unexpectedly, a chill ran through Ryo's tormented body casing him to shake violently. Anubis pulled away from Ryo, giving his throat a soft lick just as Ryo's mind was swamped with images. Unfamiliar voices filled his head along with visions of another world. There were other people, all staring at him, pushing and prodding at him, trying to figure out who he was.
WHO IS HE?
ANUBIS, WHAT'S GOING ON?
WHERE ARE YOU?
There was so much that Ryo was unable to focus on any one image. They flew just beyond his grasp. Ryo realized he was inside Anubis' head and that Anubis was inside the head of three others. They were consistent. Repeating over and over, never truly fading but overlapping each other. Their presence's balancing Anubis' sanity with their warm caring feelings for him.
Anubis-
Stunned, Anubis jerked away from Ryo when he realized a telepathic connection had been made and quickly closed off his mind, to both Ryo and his brothers. He watched as Ryo swayed, dizzy from both the loss of blood and the shock of the mental contact that was never meant to be. Anubis only hoped that it wouldn't last once they were apart.
Arago would not be pleased with this new development.
On the upside, Anubis had also seen Ryo's mind. He knew all of Ryo's fears and insecurities, along with his hopes and dreams. But when he tried to dig deeper he was met with a shield of flames and a sword of light. Anubis had to shield his eyes from the brightness and squinted ahead.
There was a figure holding the sword, standing before the wall of flames, as if guarding Ryo.
The figure, a boy with unruly fair hair, held the sword, a nodatchi like Anubis' own weapon of choice, up in front of him. He spoke simply, chanting, echoing words:
CRAFT THE SPELL
IN THE FIRE;
CRAFT IT WELL;
WEAVE IT HIGHER.
WEAVE IT NOW
OF SHINING FLAME;
NONE SHALL COME
TO HURT OR MAIM.
NONE SHALL PASS
THIS FIERY WALL;
NONE SHALL PASS
NO, NONE AT ALL.
The person holding the sword burst into light, far brighter than the sun and Anubis called his shadows to shield him from the terrifying light.
"You will go no further!" The warrior of light ordered fiercely. "I will not allow it!"
"I go where I please." Anubis spoke with the voice of a demon that promised death. "What gives you the right to interfere? The boy was not fighting me."
"Ryo is under my protection. You are not welcomed here." The warrior warned. He took one hand from his sword and raised his hand, palm facing Anubis. The light intensified creeping closer to the darkness, eating away at it. Anubis mimicked the action, the darkness feeding off his anger and growing. For a long moment they stood like that, each battling for dominance. Then Anubis snickered and backed off.
"I concede this battle, but mark me well, the boy will be mine." He faded from Ryo's mind, finding himself again in the still empty basketball court, though his mind was raw from the unexpected confrontation.
He wasn't alone.
Though Anubis was used to using his mind differently than mortals and he'd been trained by Rajura to withstand mental battles just like this, Ryo had not and was in far worse shape. His mind would likely feel like it had been rubbed raw and he suddenly sagged, losing all his strength. Ryo raised his hands to his head and broke into a piercing scream that came from having his mind used as a battlefield. It was a scream filled with pain and fear and it was something that Anubis had no idea how to help with.
Anubis backed away quickly, afraid of having drawn attention and of what he'd brought down on Ryo. 'I didn't mean to hurt him. It shouldn't have turned out like this.'
Before he could decide what to do, there was a voice just behind him and Anubis turned to see two boys, about Ryo's age, standing behind him and glaring.
"That's him, Xiu!" Said the taller, fair-haired one. It wasn't hard to tell that this was the one who'd invaded Ryo's mind and Anubis snarled at the blonde. "He was hurting Ryo."
Anubis didn't bother to try to defend himself. With Ryo still sobbing behind him, now nearly curled in a fetal position, they would never believe him.
The larger youth, Xiu, scowled and stepped forward threateningly. "I'll kill him." This one said without a hint of doubt in his voice. Xiu reached behind his back and pulled out a handful of shurikens (throwing stars) that had been hidden somewhere.
'I'm NOT in the mood for this!' Anubis reached into his pocket and brushed his fingertips against his crystal orb, the source of his yoroi's (armor's) power. He was ready to kill the interlopers, especially the blonde one. He really, really wanted to kill that blonde who'd cast the spell on Ryo, making it almost impossible for Anubis to get into his mind.
"You idiot!"
Anubis felt his arm seized and he turned to find Rajura standing at his side, in full yoroi. "What are you...?" Usually, his brothers let him hunt in peace and let him return in his own good time.
Rajura backhanded him. "Have you lost your mind?! What do you think you're doing, bringing a mortal into our minds?! Naaza's having fits and Sh'ten's to young to handle the overload!" Rajura took Anubis by the shoulders and shook him. "Arago noticed, fool! He knows something's wrong with you! Do you want to have to go through purification? Do you want your sanity crushed?"
The two boys who stared at Rajura's mysterious appearance, said nothing while Rajura was ranting. Rajura only just noticed them and then turned back to Anubis, seeing for the first time that Anubis seemed to be weakened.
"We're going home."
"I won't leave him!" Anubis made to reach out for the crying Ryo, but Rajura refused to let him go and had the strength to do what he pleased.
"You will!"
And they were gone, returning to their own home world.
To be continued...
Twilight Sky
Chapter 4
Tiger Eyes
Shin-
It was Dr. Date and Mr. Date who welcomed the 'guests' to the funeral service while Seiji stood firmly at Ryo's side for support.
The graveyard was a beautiful place, really. The grass was bright green and there were flowers planted everywhere. Shin knew, from talking with Seiji, that this was the same graveyard where Seiji's grandmother was buried. It was probably for this reason that Mr. Date had chosen it for Ryo's granma, because he knew it was a good resting-place.
"He isn't looking at-it-." Touma whispered to Shin as they walked towards Ryo, just behind Shin's mom and okasan. "He hasn't even glanced at his granma's urn."
"You would want to?" Shin whispered back, not taking his eyes off Ryo anymore than Touma was. It was a bright, sunny morning and Shin felt remarkably insulted by the sun that was ignoring Ryo's pain. He glanced up as he walked, glaring at the sun. 'It should be raining.' Shin thought, bitterly.
The funeral was a somber affair, despite the bright sunny morning and the fact that Ryo seemed grateful to have everyone come to see him. Ryo stood between Seiji and Dr. Date at the graveyard with the small silver urn in one hand and, strangely, a katana with a golden dragon's head in the other hand. The strangest thing, though, was the tiger that sat silently just behind Ryo, like a majestic guardian.
"That's Byakuen." Touma whispered, nodding at the tiger.
"You know him?"
"I saw him at the shelter when Joji and Yoko took me there. Ryo asked me not to tell anyone that he lived at the shelter, but I guess that doesn't matter anymore. I wonder whatever happened to them. Joji and Yoko, I mean." He looked at Shin. "You don't seem to surprised to see Byakuen, either."
"He was with Ryo when I found him. Surprised the hell out of me." Shin's mouth fell open at a horrible thought. His poor mum and okasan! They'd never seen Byakuen, what on earth were they going to think?! Shin stepped forward to warn them, but noticed at the last minute that his mum was shaking Dr. Date's hand and had a clear view of Byakuen.
"They can't see him." Touma noted, his keen observations seeing what Shin had seen. Touma stared at Byakuen, confused. "I wonder what Byakuen is."
"What you mean? He a tiger?" But even as Shin said this, he knew it wasn't exactly true. "They must see him! He's huge." But reality and logic didn't seem to be working today. In fact, none of the adults gave any indication that they saw the tiger, not even Dr. Date or Mr. Date who stood practically next to Byakuen.
Shin shook everyone's hand and, when he reached Ryo, he leaned in close enough to whisper. "Your tiger is here?" Just to make sure he and Touma weren't imagining things.
Ryo glanced over his shoulder, to make sure Byakuen was still there. "Yeah. He didn't w-want me to be alone today." Ryo let himself smile slightly and he reached back a hand to stroke Byakuen's head.
Shin just nodded and moved away, letting Touma shake Ryo's hand, while he thought about this development. Surely, Ryo knew the tiger well enough that he'd know if Byakuen was safe or not. But what kind of tiger could chose who saw it? This just didn't make any sense.
"Thank you for coming." Shin's attention was brought back to the present at Dr. Date's voice as she spoke to his mum and his okasan. "I know it means a lot to Ryo."
The pleasantries went on between the adults and soon Xiu and his family arrived, all dressed in mourning white. For once, Xiu's hair was neatly combed and he kept his eyes down as he stood morosely beside his father. Shin was more than a little surprised when Xiu didn't go to talk to Seiji right away and he frowned when he saw Xiu's downcast expression.
"What happen to Xiu?" Shin asked Touma.
"No idea. He looks kinda depressed, doesn't he? Take a look at Seiji, too. Do you suppose they had a fight?"
Just as Touma had noticed, Seiji had a similar sad expression on his face and he wasn't looking at Xiu. When papa Faun and his family came to pay their respects to Ryo, there was almost visible tension when papa Faun came to stand before Seiji. They shook hands coldly with stiff formality, but when it was Xiu's turn to shake Seiji's hand, papa Faun took his son's arm and pulled him away quickly.
"On second thought," Touma said, his eyes slightly wide as he realized what had happened. "I don't think it was Seiji and Xiu who had the fight. Xiu's dad looks pretty pissed."
"You think he found out?"
"The way he's glaring at Seiji, I'd say it's pretty obvious he thinks Seiji's defiled his precious son." Touma was nearly spitting as he spoke. "As if Seiji would ever do anything to hurt Xiu."
Shin's heart went out to his two friends, but he wasn't sure what to do about this situation. He liked to keep a slight distance from Seiji and Xiu's romance, as he knew they could normally take perfectly good care of each other. 'But this isn't normal. I knew Xiu was worried about telling his family, but I really didn't think they'd react badly. They love him so much.'
Byakuen walked away from Ryo for the first time since Shin had seen him, padding silently over to Xiu and butted up against hand. Taken away from his melancholy, Xiu glanced down and saw the white tiger.
'I didn't think Xiu could get his eyes to go so wide.' Shin thought, amused. Xiu's mouth also dropped open when he found a Siberian tiger looking up at him. Naturally, Xiu jerked away from the tiger, bumping into his mama.
"Xiu, darling, what's wrong?" She asked quietly, though loudly enough for Shin to hear.
"Wrong?" Xiu said, almost in disbelief. "Can't...can't you see it?" Xiu looked back down at Byakuen who seemed to be smiling at him.
Mama Faun looked to where Xiu had indicated and frowned. "See what, darling? There's nothing there." She put a large hand on his head and gave him a pitying look. "Oh, my little one. I think this has all been to much for you."
"I feel fine, mama." Xiu protested.
"Don't back talk, little one." She told him firmly. "I can see how hurt you are, being away from Seiji. Even if your papa can't see it, yet." She kissed him on the forehead. "He will come around. It may take a while, but he will come to understand."
Xiu opened his mouth, as if to say something, but closed it again when Byakuen licked his hand before going back to Ryo's side. Xiu just shook his head and kept his mouth shut about the tiger after that.
Everyone stood around the small grave, a hole really, dug for the urn in front of the headstone for Ryo's granma. Ryo was largely silent as the Date family took care of his polite obligations for him, allowing him time to grieve before the ceremony.
It wasn't long before the service began, with Mr. Date giving a eulogy for Mrs. Sanada, telling the small gathering of her love and strength, her independence and her pride. "And," Mr. Date continued, in his deep, powerful voice. "Here, before us, we see the end result, the climax, of her life." He looked at Ryo and let a sad smile. "She lived so hard a life to raise a fine young man. A young man I know she was proud of. Sanada Akane was a proud woman, determined not to take anything from anyone. But her pride was centered on her grandson, Ryo. I know he will live up to her vision of what he could become."
Mr. Date finished and stepped back to Dr. Date and shin looked up at the still bright sky. 'Just rain, all ready! It shouldn't be so cheery when poor Ryo is suffering!'
As if by command, a black rain cloud floated into view. For a moment, Shin was lost in thought as he watched the cloud grow and spread. It was happening incredibly quickly, but not fast enough for Shin. 'Rain!' He silently yelled at the cloud. 'This day should be as miserable as possible!'
Ryo stepped forward, though he didn't seem as if he knew what to say, at first. Ryo licked his lips nervously, looking around at everyone. "I p-promised granma I'd find the twin." Ryo looked down at the katana in his hand. He held it by the dragon's head hilt, letting the tip of the sword rest on the grass and shin saw Ryo's fingers flexing restlessly on the hilt. "I c-can't do m-much for her. Not now. But...I will find the twin." Ryo's eyes took on a hard edge, even as a tear slipped out. "I WILL find it."
Shin couldn't stand it anymore. Ryo was still trying to be strong and he still believed he had to make his granma proud, even though she was dead. He wiped the tears off his own face only to have something wet hit the back of his hand. Shin blinked and looked up. More drops of water. The sun had vanished behind the black rain cloud and Shin smiled up at the rain. 'Finally.' He thought, feeling somewhat better now that the weather matched everyone's mood.
'Of course it rained. You wanted it to, didn't you?'
Shin blinked and leaned in closer to Touma. "Did you say that?"
"Say what?" Touma whispered back.
"Er...nothing." Shin had never kept a secret from Touma, but he didn't think he wanted anyone, even Touma, to think he was hearing voices. 'It's just my imagination.' He told himself firmly. 'I'm letting myself get carried away all because of nothing.' With that, he turned his full attention back to Ryo and the burying of the urn.
Sh'ten-
Sh't en watched the boy from afar, recognizing him from what he'd managed to get from Anubis' mind. The boy looked stronger now, stronger than Anubis had seen him, anyway. 'Well, I guess he is a little attractive. If you like that half-starved, waif look.' Sh'ten leaned against a tree as he gazed down at the funeral. He wasn't especially impressed with this Ryo boy.
What did impress Sh'ten was the tiger-shaped creature that stood behind Ryo, glaring up at Sh'ten.
'I guess there might be something to the boy. After all, if one of THEM sees fit to keep company with the boy, he can't be entirely useless. Maybe if I got a closer look at him, I could see what Anubis sees in him.' Sh'ten admitted. 'Anubis thinks I'm hot so I KNOW he has good taste. I'll just keep an eye on this Ryo boy. Someone who can affect Anubis so greatly might be a threat to us.'
The next day-
For the first time in his life, Ryo walked to school with his head held high. Wearing his new school uniform (Seiji's old uniform slightly tailored) and with his hair freshly trimmed, Ryo didn't flinch from the people looking at him. He had let Seiji convince him that everyone would be awed to see him looking so well.
Ryo almost felt badly that he felt so happy only a few days after his granma had died, but he just couldn't help it. He hadn't been hungry since he'd come to live at the Date home and he'd gotten a bath every night.
"Touma's trial is at the end of the week." Seiji told Ryo in his soft voice that Ryo had learned to recognize as Seiji's public voice. "We'll be skipping school for him. You never met Touma's dad or even saw him, so I don't think you'll be called as a witness, but my mom and grandfather are coming to the courthouse with me, to support Touma. If you want to come, I'm sure Touma would be pleased to have you there."
As if Seiji even had to ask! Ryo nodded. "S-sure. I'll stand by T-touma."
After school-
"Sei-Chan?"
Seiji turned abruptly at Xiu's voice, then turned away again. "I don't think your family would approve of you speaking with me, Xiu. You should go home."
"I didn't ask permission." Xiu told him. "Please. We really need to talk."
"About what?"
Xiu gave Ryo an apologetic look. "Do you mind?"
Ryo quickly shook his head. "I'll see you at h-home, Seiji." He said, moving quickly away so Seiji wouldn't be able to find an excuse to get away from Xiu. He wanted Seiji and Xiu to patch up whatever argument they'd had so Seiji could get back to normal. Seiji refused to talk about it with Ryo, but Seiji had been so depressed for days now. He barely ate and he kept waking up crying, not to mention the fact that he didn't seem to care about anything anymore.
Ryo could stand walking alone. It wasn't as if he'd never done it before.
Seiji-
Seiji didn't want to look at Xiu. He knew that if he did, he'd lose the anger that had been building for the passed several days. Ever since he'd been chased out of the home he'd been welcome in since he'd been a very small child, Seiji had been trying not to be angry with Xiu. It wasn't working very well.
"Well?" Seiji asked, tersely, staring at the cars passing by. "What did you want to say?"
"Seiji..." Xiu started awkwardly. "Papa said...he said that he didn't want me hanging out with you anymore."
"I see." Seiji almost couldn't control the anger that was boiling inside. 'He's going to leave me just because his papa is a bigot! I could kill him! I mean that little to him?!'
"You do?" Xiu sounded surprised and his eyes went wide. "Seiji...do you...do you want me to leave?" He suddenly sounded unsure.
'Of course I don't want him to leave!' "I want what you want, Xiu. I've made that clear in the past."
Xiu put a hand on Seiji's shoulder. "Will you look at me when we're talking?! Papa said he caught you kissing me and he was all bent out of shape. He wouldn't say anything else..."
"DID YOU TRY TELLING HIM THE TRUTH!!" Seiji rounded on Xiu and nearly yelled at the top of his lungs.
Everyone in the schoolyard who knew cool, reserved Seiji, stopped and stared at the unexpected outburst.
"Seiji..." Xiu didn't seem upset by the scream, just sad. "I told him I was in love with you. I told him we'd been dating for almost a year and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. He...He told me that I was confused because you were my best friend and that you were playing with me."
He gave Seiji a significant look. "I told him to fuck off and that I was going to start sleeping with you as soon as you let me."
"You didn't." Seiji's mouth fell open at the thought of Xiu saying that to his papa.
"I did." Xiu bit his lip. "I didn't want you to be hurt, Sei-chan. But now papa looks at me like he doesn't even know who I am. He...I think he doesn't trust me anymore."
Seiji finally looked at Xiu and saw tears in Xiu's eyes. "I think you're right, Xiu. We do need to talk."
Ryo-
They were all bigger than Ryo, of course. Bullies rarely pick on people larger or stronger than themselves. One of them shoved Ryo up against the brick wall of the basketball court, making his skull rattle. Ryo recognized Akira, one of the 'bad boys' of Hana High who prided himself on how many fights he managed to get himself into.
"How's life with Glinda?" Akira asked snidely. It was a typical insult they used for Seiji and, though Seiji seemed able to brush it off, Ryo hated to hear Seiji insulted, though. Seiji was one of his best friends, after all. Besides, the only reason Akira was saying it was because he was to much of a coward to say or do anything around Seiji or Xiu. As bad as Akira was, Seiji and Xiu actually KNEW how to fight and everyone knew it.
"Don't c-call him that!" Ryo half shouted, feeling his blood start to boil. It was getting easier to control the fire lately, but people like this really made him want to cut loose.
"Awww," Akira crooned, looking to the rest of his pack for support. "Little Orphan Annie, here, doesn't want us to tease Glinda. How sweet."
Ryo allowed himself a malicious smirk, even though he knew he was going to say something that was probably very stupid. "You n-never insult Seiji to his face. What's w-wrong? Afraid he's going to s-show you who the real man is when he c-cuts off your balls with his sword? If he can find enough to cut off." Ryo had survived the streets, after all. If he could survive the street gangs, he could survive a little beating by a school yard punk like Akira for Seiji's sake.
Ryo found himself an inch off the ground as Akira wrapped his hands around Ryo's throat and hauled him off his feet. "How would you know how much of a man he is, Sanada? Everyone knows he's Faun's bitch, so maybe he's teaching you..."
Akira got no further when Ryo slammed his forehead into his as hard as he could. Strangely, it wasn't the insinuation that he might be gay that inflamed Ryo, but the suggestion that he'd come between Seiji and Xiu. How dare anyone think he'd hurt his friends like that!
Akira stumbled backwards, releasing Ryo, staggering until his friends caught him and steadied him. Then he stood up straight. "You come crawling off the streets like a mangy cat," He wiped the blood off his forehead where Ryo had cracked the skin open. "And now you think you're good enough to hang out with real people? Seiji's a queer, but he's from a long, noble family line. Faun's queer, too, but his family is rolling in dough. That Shin kid is to stupid to talk straight, but his family is big in the fishing and shipping business. Even that freak, Hashiba, is the smartest person in the whole city." Akira laughed. "Even your freak friends are to good for you, whore."
Ryo paled, stunned.
Akira leered. "It's true, isn't it?" Akira somehow knew he's accidentally hit a sore spot. "You really are a street walker. Fuck, no wonder Glinda wants you around! What's the going rate, Little Orphan Annie? Can Glinda afford you on his allowance or is Faun splitting the bill and sharing you?" He swaggered closer to Ryo, more confidant now that Ryo had deflated. "What's the price?" With both hands, Akira pushed Ryo up against the gate again, but this time stayed way to close. "Come on, what will it take to buy you?"
"You can't afford him."
They all turned at the sudden new voice and Ryo's eyes widened. A man leaned against the gate, behind Akira's thugs. He was very tall with bright blue hair and black sunglasses. His skin was almost milk white under the black leather jacket he wore. The man wore no shirt, showing off his well-developed chest and nipple ring that matched his silver earring. There was an incredible air of confidence surrounding the stranger and Ryo was shocked at the sight of him. This man was no stranger.
This was the same guy who'd killed that guy. That guy...with blood on his mouth...the one who'd licked blood right off Ryo's mouth. Ryo swallowed hard, trying to get rid of the hard knot that had suddenly developed in his throat and to stop himself from shaking. 'I'd forgotten him! How could I have forgotten him?!'
Akira turned away from Ryo slightly. "Who the Hell are you? His pimp?"
The sky darkened very suddenly and thunder rumbled.
"Pimp?" The stranger walked towards them, radiating danger in just the way that he walked. His leather boots made hard tapping sounds at each step he took and his eyes were firmly on Ryo, not Akira. "If I owned such a body such as this, I would not waste it by renting it out. No, he would belong to me and no one else." The man stopped in front of Ryo and Ryo felt himself go very red in the face. Well, it was sort of a compliment. Then, the stranger's eyes went to where Akira was still holding Ryo on the chest. "For instance, you are touching what is mine." The man lashed out and suddenly Akira was dancing away, clutching his hand to his chest and screaming.
"You broke it! You broke my hand!" He cried out pitifully.
"No," the stranger corrected. "I broke your wrist. Next time, I will break your other wrist. Do not touch him again."
Anubis-
The boys, now realizing how deep they were in, took off running and Anubis watched as the boys ran off in panic with an amused smile. 'Some bullies,' But his mind was on far more important matters and he turned his attention to Ryo, who still hadn't moved from the wall. 'My little firefly.'
Ryo-
Ryo's face was drawn and pale, as flashes of the night he'd sold himself rushed back to him.
-Glass shattered and the weight of Bishop Brannon was taken off him. -
He remembered this man, this monster! The thing that killed Bishop Brannon, drinking his blood.
-Ryo looked up from where he lay on the bed, smelling of expensive cologne, to exhausted and hurt to move. There was a strangled cry and a flurry of movement from where the two figures were on the floor. The cry became louder and then died when Bishop Brannon stopped fighting for his life. -
This person wasn't human. 'Monster.' Ryo thought, pressing himself against the wall, hard. 'He drank blood. Vampires drink blood. Granma said there are no vampires. Monsters aren't real.' Yet, this person was very, very real.
As this new shock wore off another thought squirmed its way into Ryo's mind. This man had wanted him then; had called Ryo pretty. And just now, in front of those boys he'd called Ryo his. His own, his property.
"I came back to find you, firefly." His voice was deep and so rough that it sounded like he gargled with razor blades. "I'm afraid I couldn't do with only one taste."
"W-who are you?" 'God! I don't want to be forced again! Not by some guy like this man, this thing, this whatever he was!' This person looked so terribly strong and Ryo just KNEW it would hurt. 'I'm NOT a whore! I'm NOT going to let myself get raped!' Ryo's inner fire began to crackled as he called it to life. 'Not again! Never again!'
Ryo had no intention of letting himself be touched ever again against his will. Not that the last time was really against his will. Ryo tried not to think about that. It only revived bad memories and old pain.
"I am Anubis." The man said his name slowly and sensually as he got closer and closer to Ryo. When he was close enough, Anubis placed his hand on Ryo's chest feeling his rapid heart beat underneath the cloth of Ryo's shirt. "Don't be afraid."
Ryo breathed deeply trying to calm himself and resist screaming. It wasn't right for a Sanada to be scared, to scream and show weakness. No, he'd be brave. This was no enemy. 'He saved me, twice. He said he won't hurt me.' But Ryo had been lied to so many times in his life. Betrayed so often.
Anubis leaned in, his other hand brushing Ryo's bangs from his eyes. "You have such a unique taste. I'd never tasted anything quite like you, before. It was a glorious mix of pain and pleasure, little one," Anubis whispered seductively, bringing his square, broad face down closer to Ryo's, close enough that Ryo could feel Anubis' strangely cold breath on his face. Anubis titled his head to the side slightly, as though he were studying Ryo under a microscope. "I am drawn to you and I chose not to fight nature. Your fire and my ice belong together."
"I don't u-understand." Ryo swallowed hard and tried to make sense of what Anubis was talking about.
"You will once you've tasted me." Anubis moved his hand up to Ryo's face, seemingly intent on touching all of Ryo's face. He ran his palm up and down Ryo's cheek several times. "You will understand why we must be together." Anubis was distracted as he spoke, moving his one free hand into Ryo's hair while the other hand began to caress Ryo's ear. "I've wanted you from the moment I laid eyes on you, Ryo. You're simply irresistible. And your blood-" Anubis paused a moment closing his eyes in blissful remembrance, "it burned, like lava in my veins, giving me a warmth I've never known. I've never in my life been warm and you gave me that precious heat. I thank you, Ryo. My brother also thanks you. He felt that fire in you as I did and he wishes for more, such as I do." Anubis' smile turned even more predatory, if that was possible. "But, as I said, I do not wish to share you."
Ryo started in shock. 'Help me!' Ryo called out to his fire. 'I need...I need you!'
The fire spoke with a lazy voice. 'Don't be foolish. You don't want help.'
Ryo could feel Anubis' breath against his ear. 'Yes, I need help! I have to get away from him, or...or...' Ryo was afraid. Afraid that he might, actually, somehow like what Anubis wanted to do to him.
Anubis leaned down to press his face into Ryo's shoulder and Ryo could hear him breathing. "I won't hurt you. I won't touch you, if you tell me to stop."
But Ryo said nothing, not even when Anubis began to lick his throat. Ryo whimpered with the memories of the last time someone had touched him so intimately. The pain and fear was almost unbearable, but Anubis held him firmly and Ryo found himself digging his fingernails into the sides of Anubis' leather jacket.
"What are you?" Ryo asked, feeling lightheaded, as if he'd been drugged.
"A simple hunter, nothing more." But even as he spoke, Ryo could feel sharpness of the fangs he knew Anubis had tickling against his throat.
Anubis-
Anubis ' senses were racing with the sweet sent of fear, curiosity, confusion, and excitement that assaulted him from Ryo. With gentle hands that betrayed his strength he took Ryo's face in his hand, forcing Ryo's head to expose his throat while his other hand began pulling at Ryo's shirt collar.
Ryo's eyes widened at the sudden movement and found himself trapped against the wall as the larger mans body leaned against him.
"Don't be afraid of me." Anubis told him as gently as he could. "I won't let myself hurt you." He stood up straight so that he could look directly into Ryo's eyes. "I won't let you feel pain." It was a simple trick, one he'd learned as a child in his mother's arms. He was greater than any mere humans and his will was far more powerful. Anubis let himself sink into Ryo's bright eyes, overpowering Ryo's mind and senses. "You will feel no pain."
But it was getting to be to much to wait. Anubis waited until he was sure that Ryo would feel nothing before turning back to Ryo's throat. He leaned down again, but before he could do anything, his finger brushed against something that burned. Not the lovely fire of Ryo's blood, but a scalding, deadly burn. Anubis jerked his hand away from Ryo's throat with a muttered curse.
A closer look showed Anubis what burned. It was a silver chain and, as everyone knew, silver burned. It was a pure metal and Anubis knew his mother, a pure blood vampire, would have been nursing an ugly burn at the slight touch he'd gotten.
"Ryo, take off your necklace."
Ryo didn't obey at once, puzzling. But very slowly, Ryo reached up and slipped the necklace over his head, showing what was attached to the chain.
"Fuck!" Anubis jerked away from Ryo, actually stumbling backwards several steps at the sight of the crucifix in Ryo's hand, glistening in the fading sunlight. "Drop that, Ryo. Throw it away." But...Anubis paused, realizing that there was no feeling of power coming from the crucifix. It was one of the many hated, feared symbols of power, but Ryo had no faith to give the crucifix power. It was harmless.
"I can't." Ryo said, closing his hand around the crucifix, protectively. "It's important."
It didn't matter, so long as the thing had no power. Anubis confidently went back to Ryo, embracing him again. Without preamble, Anubis dug his teeth deeply into Ryo's vein, greedily sucking the warm blood that spurted out of the fresh wound on Ryo's throat. His mouth was on fire shortly followed by his whole body and Anubis knew he'd have to stop. It was to much for him and he could only manage about a mouthful.
Ryo-
Ryo gurgled deep in his throat choking on a scream when the mist in his mind cleared very suddenly. Instead of the pain fading into a soft throb like it was intended to it increased to an unbearable level. He was well aware of Anubis' actions and reasons behind them. His body however, continued to stand firm and stubborn, his final defiant act.
Unexpectedly, a chill ran through Ryo's tormented body casing him to shake violently. Anubis pulled away from Ryo, giving his throat a soft lick just as Ryo's mind was swamped with images. Unfamiliar voices filled his head along with visions of another world. There were other people, all staring at him, pushing and prodding at him, trying to figure out who he was.
WHO IS HE?
ANUBIS, WHAT'S GOING ON?
WHERE ARE YOU?
There was so much that Ryo was unable to focus on any one image. They flew just beyond his grasp. Ryo realized he was inside Anubis' head and that Anubis was inside the head of three others. They were consistent. Repeating over and over, never truly fading but overlapping each other. Their presence's balancing Anubis' sanity with their warm caring feelings for him.
Anubis-
Stunned, Anubis jerked away from Ryo when he realized a telepathic connection had been made and quickly closed off his mind, to both Ryo and his brothers. He watched as Ryo swayed, dizzy from both the loss of blood and the shock of the mental contact that was never meant to be. Anubis only hoped that it wouldn't last once they were apart.
Arago would not be pleased with this new development.
On the upside, Anubis had also seen Ryo's mind. He knew all of Ryo's fears and insecurities, along with his hopes and dreams. But when he tried to dig deeper he was met with a shield of flames and a sword of light. Anubis had to shield his eyes from the brightness and squinted ahead.
There was a figure holding the sword, standing before the wall of flames, as if guarding Ryo.
The figure, a boy with unruly fair hair, held the sword, a nodatchi like Anubis' own weapon of choice, up in front of him. He spoke simply, chanting, echoing words:
CRAFT THE SPELL
IN THE FIRE;
CRAFT IT WELL;
WEAVE IT HIGHER.
WEAVE IT NOW
OF SHINING FLAME;
NONE SHALL COME
TO HURT OR MAIM.
NONE SHALL PASS
THIS FIERY WALL;
NONE SHALL PASS
NO, NONE AT ALL.
The person holding the sword burst into light, far brighter than the sun and Anubis called his shadows to shield him from the terrifying light.
"You will go no further!" The warrior of light ordered fiercely. "I will not allow it!"
"I go where I please." Anubis spoke with the voice of a demon that promised death. "What gives you the right to interfere? The boy was not fighting me."
"Ryo is under my protection. You are not welcomed here." The warrior warned. He took one hand from his sword and raised his hand, palm facing Anubis. The light intensified creeping closer to the darkness, eating away at it. Anubis mimicked the action, the darkness feeding off his anger and growing. For a long moment they stood like that, each battling for dominance. Then Anubis snickered and backed off.
"I concede this battle, but mark me well, the boy will be mine." He faded from Ryo's mind, finding himself again in the still empty basketball court, though his mind was raw from the unexpected confrontation.
He wasn't alone.
Though Anubis was used to using his mind differently than mortals and he'd been trained by Rajura to withstand mental battles just like this, Ryo had not and was in far worse shape. His mind would likely feel like it had been rubbed raw and he suddenly sagged, losing all his strength. Ryo raised his hands to his head and broke into a piercing scream that came from having his mind used as a battlefield. It was a scream filled with pain and fear and it was something that Anubis had no idea how to help with.
Anubis backed away quickly, afraid of having drawn attention and of what he'd brought down on Ryo. 'I didn't mean to hurt him. It shouldn't have turned out like this.'
Before he could decide what to do, there was a voice just behind him and Anubis turned to see two boys, about Ryo's age, standing behind him and glaring.
"That's him, Xiu!" Said the taller, fair-haired one. It wasn't hard to tell that this was the one who'd invaded Ryo's mind and Anubis snarled at the blonde. "He was hurting Ryo."
Anubis didn't bother to try to defend himself. With Ryo still sobbing behind him, now nearly curled in a fetal position, they would never believe him.
The larger youth, Xiu, scowled and stepped forward threateningly. "I'll kill him." This one said without a hint of doubt in his voice. Xiu reached behind his back and pulled out a handful of shurikens (throwing stars) that had been hidden somewhere.
'I'm NOT in the mood for this!' Anubis reached into his pocket and brushed his fingertips against his crystal orb, the source of his yoroi's (armor's) power. He was ready to kill the interlopers, especially the blonde one. He really, really wanted to kill that blonde who'd cast the spell on Ryo, making it almost impossible for Anubis to get into his mind.
"You idiot!"
Anubis felt his arm seized and he turned to find Rajura standing at his side, in full yoroi. "What are you...?" Usually, his brothers let him hunt in peace and let him return in his own good time.
Rajura backhanded him. "Have you lost your mind?! What do you think you're doing, bringing a mortal into our minds?! Naaza's having fits and Sh'ten's to young to handle the overload!" Rajura took Anubis by the shoulders and shook him. "Arago noticed, fool! He knows something's wrong with you! Do you want to have to go through purification? Do you want your sanity crushed?"
The two boys who stared at Rajura's mysterious appearance, said nothing while Rajura was ranting. Rajura only just noticed them and then turned back to Anubis, seeing for the first time that Anubis seemed to be weakened.
"We're going home."
"I won't leave him!" Anubis made to reach out for the crying Ryo, but Rajura refused to let him go and had the strength to do what he pleased.
"You will!"
And they were gone, returning to their own home world.
To be continued...