Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Eternally Damned ❯ Fevered Dreams, Which Confound Me... ( Chapter 4 )

Eternally Damned

By: Ryu Niiyama

Chapter 5

 

Disclaimer: see chapter 1…

~~~~~~~~~

 

“Come on now…easy does it…” Rei, now in civilian form grunted softly as the detective

helped her into the passenger's seat of her car. Before the pink haired woman could shut the door, Venus ran up, her transformation melting away in a flash of golden light. “…Rei-chan, are you sure you'll be alright… I- I could…” Minako flinched slightly as Rei held up her good hand. The Guji sighed before looking into her friend's anxious blue eyes. “Mina-chan, I'll be fine….” She hissed softly as last vestiges of her power ebbed away, and her injury's true pain made itself known. Swallowing hard the Guji began again. “…look we've gotten through worse scrapes than this…I'm a politician, I know all about close calls…” The raven haired Guji smiled through her pain in hopes to reassure her leader and teammate, yet Minako hesitated to yield. “Rei-chan, I…I don't just mean your arm… you've been through a lot tonight and….” Angry tanzanite flared briefly and Minako knew that she'd reached the end of Rei's patience. Reluctantly, she backed down, blinking back tears. “Alright Rei-chan. Get some rest, I'll stop by the Jinja tomorrow…” Rei nodded in response and Minako closed the door, the sound of it somehow ringing in her soul with a note of finality that made her sick inside.

 

“She'll be fine Minako-san. Have a good evening ladies… and please try not to destroy my city anymore tonight if you can help it… I'm pulling double shifts as it is….” Detective Chiba mocked complained as she got into the sportscar, revved the engine and drove off.

 

“Right…” Forlorn crystalline eyes followed the car until it vanished from sight. Minako startled slightly as Makoto gently squeezed her shoulder. “Give her time Mina-chan… it'll be alright…” Minako turned and looked into eyes which reflected her own pain. Automatically her gaze drifted to Ami who stood off to the side, checking herself for injuries. “Sure…it always is isn't it?” Makoto flinched and looked away knowing instinctively what her leader was referring to. Stiffly the chef nodded and moved away from the blonde, drifting to Ami's side. “Ami-chan? Is everything alright?” The doctor looked at her companion and nodded. “I'm fine Makoto-chan, what about you? You used up quite a bit of your energy…” Makoto tried not to recoil at the constant reminder of Ami's rejection, even as she laughed and waved off the doctor's question with a calm she did not feel. “A good night's rest and I'll be right as rain…”

 

Ami smiled softly before her face fell in mortification. “Kou-sama… I hope she doesn't think ill of me for leaving so abruptly…” Makoto was spent and lacked the energy to contain her burgeoning dislike for `Kou-sama', her temper beginning to run hot. “I'm sure she's fine Ami-chan. It's not as if you could help it or anything, its people like us that make sure that people like her can sleep at night, oblivious to the dangers of the world. Besides its not as if she waited for you to return, she was long gone when I looked in on the table… I wouldn't be surprised…” Any further ventilation of her anger was forestalled by Minako throwing her arm about Makoto's shoulders. The model leaned heavily on Makoto, feigning fatigue even as she pulled the chef in close. “That's enough Makoto.” Reprimanded, the chef held her peace looking out at the lake nearby…

 

“In any event there is nothing that can be done about it now… Makoto, would you walk me home? Ami you don't mind do you?” Minako questioned the doctor, while paying attention to her facial expressions. `Ami Mizuno agitated over a woman?' The doctor had abandoned her fear of relationships that had plagued her youth and apparently took medication for her allergic reactions to love letters, but in all the time Minako had known her, she'd never been this affected by a woman she'd just met… This did not bode well for Makoto at all. And despite her very specific empathy with the chef, Minako couldn't help but wanting to meet the woman that had quite possibly ensnared the good doctor's heart…and see if she was worthy of such a prize….

 

“I'll be fine. Good night Makoto-chan, Mina-chan…” Ami nodded slightly as she called forth her powers once more. Azure eyes flared briefly before the water warrior dissipated upon the wind in the form of mist, leaving her two comrades alone. Makoto sighed softly and shrugged off Minako's hold. The blonde decided not to take the chef's actions personally, smirking a little at the petulant attitude that now radiated from Makoto. With a hollow laugh the blonde slapped Makoto on her shoulder, gesturing for the chef to follow her.

 

“Come on Mako-chan, you'll sulk so much better in your own home….”

 

~~~~~~~~~~

“You're late.” The blonde vampire sneered cruelly. Yuki just shrugged her slight shoulders, her white mane pulled back in a ponytail from human features. “Whatever. What about you? I thought you were going to investigate the Keioh woman and then return? You've been gone since last night. Just where did you spend the day?” Blue eyes widened and the blonde vampire looked away, and was that a slight blush tinting her dusky cheeks? Before Yuki could call her on it, their mistress walked into the room. “Both of you report.” Haruka stepped forward and bowed respectfully. “Keioh doesn't know anything. However she is friends with a Dr. Ami Mizuno, a private researcher and practitioner. I might be able to find out something through their friendship.” `Ami Mizuno ka? Isn't that…?' Yuki quickly masked her suspicion, her expression becoming indifferent and nonchalant.

 

“hmmm…proceed, Haruka-kun. Anything else? I sensed an unusual disturbance earlier tonight…” Haruka's emerald eyes widened and she let out a cough. “Forgive me, Mistress. …I ran into Banniaus last night, Meioh-sama. It seems Demando was also targeting Keioh…” A forest green eyebrow flicked upward but other than that Meioh showed no signs of interest. “Haruka. You don't expect me to believe that fool Demando and his pack of puppies could have mustered enough energy even collectively to put my senses on edge do you?” The blonde vampire tried not to flinch even as she swallowed audibly. She had served her mistress since they were both children, the Tenoh household eternally beholden to the Meioh lineage, but even nearly five thousand years of familiarity did not give her the ability to second guess her mistress' reactions. Before this entire mess began her mistress had been a kind and gentle woman, but despite her benevolent nature, there was no being that didn't fear her wrath…save one. And now? Well Haruka knew her mistress wasn't above casually killing out of hand…

 

“Of course not Meioh-sama. I beg your forgiveness if I implied it as such. Most likely whatever drew that mongrel out was what alerted you…” Haruka stammered out as she bowed repeatedly. Meioh sighed and walked over to the nearest window, jade cascade flaring with the movement. “Please, stop groveling all over yourself Haruka-kun. It doesn't become you. Very well, if Keioh doesn't know anything then its possible she left before whatever that creature was came forth… I doubt that Demando knew that though. What was that sniveling pup trying to find? Or cover up for that matter?” The ruby eyed vampire pondered. “Haruka I permit you to hunt the Keioh woman but if she turns out to be connected to the creature…kill her, and Banniaus if you have to.”

 

The flaxen haired woman nodded. “Meioh-sama, I thought you should know… Tomoe-sama is holding a gala tomorrow. I would not be surprised that with Mimir here, that… Tsukino-san would be as well…” Haruka frowned slightly when she heard her mistress sigh softly. The blonde vampire knew that the taller woman was blinking back tears as her elegant fingers trailed down the window forlornly…

 

~~~~~~~~~

It was rare in the recent months that Setsuna was present on her estate, so the gentle Lady took this time to walk through one of the thick, lush forests that surrounded her manor. She lifted her face towards the sky, ruby eyes sliding closed as the sounds and smells of life permeated her being. The dark haired woman was nearly afloat on a cloud of simple pleasure when her sensitive ears picked up light footfalls… or rather the sounds of the person in possession of the feet making enough noise to wake the dead in the opinion of the seasoned tracker and huntress. If the trespasser were an assassin the Lady hoped his fee wasn't too taxing, for his employer was about to have a minor financial setback.

 

“If it's not one thing it's another…” the ruler of the Meioh house groaned aloud before leaping into the trees about her, unheard. It did not take much time for her to find her unannounced guest… what she found gave her quite the shock. Stumbling about the thick underbrush and obviously lost was the peasant girl whom Setsuna helped the day before. A verdant eyebrow arched into thick bangs and ruby eyes followed the lithe if not somewhat clumsy figure as she attempted to navigate her way through the forest.

 

The Lady wondered why the child would dare return. Had she not heard the rumors and innuendo that the neighboring villages pecked over like hens during their mundane everyday tasks? No matter that it was due to the Meioh linage and its generosity and protection of their ancestral lands that kept those commoners alive so that they may turn around and foster hatred and bigotry. Setsuna shook her emerald tresses and tried not to dwell on such matters. Deciding that she'd been lost in thought long enough and that her “guest” had been neglected, Setsuna jumped down, landing on her feet right in front of the trespasser.

 

The girl startled stumbling backwards, but her hand was on the hilt of her sword and unsheathing it before the Meioh noble's legs had absorbed the impact. Setsuna's full ruby lips twitched upwards in a slight smile as she kicked out a booted foot. `You are indeed quick little one but I am quicker…' The Lady thought smugly as her foot lightly but forcefully connected with the butt of the peasant girl's hilt, effectively resheathing the sword and depositing the blonde girl onto her backside. The Meioh noble fixed a scowl upon her face and glared down at the intruder.

 

“Why are you trespassing on my lands again, little one?” The Lady questioned, her voice hard, though there was no mistaking the amusement that tempered her steeled alto. Rather than shrinking away as the Lady expected, the girl rose to her feet, dusted herself off and offered Setsuna a bright smile.

 

“I came to offer thanks for what you did for my father and I yesterday Meioh-dono. My father would have come as well but with his leg broken…” The girl began, only to trail off as her savior waved her off with an impatient air.

 

“Those bandits were trespassing. Do not think that I stopped them to help you…” It was the Lady's turn to be interrupted as her guest pressed her case, refusing to be stymied.

 

“May I be so bold as to presume that you have a fair and caring heart Meioh-dono, despite what you may say. You tended to my father's wounds. If you were as concerned about your holdings as you claim you would have either killed us as well or left us to find a way home on our own.” Setsuna narrowed her eyes and glared at the younger woman, yet the blonde would not be intimidated. With her unique mixture of innocence and cunning, the girl returned the stare with one of her own. After a few moments Setsuna relented.

 

“You dare much little one… The enigmatic lady let out a breath of air before a smile graced her features. “Cheeky little thing aren't you?” The noble finally contended defeat clasping her hands behind her back, as she looked over her guest. The girl's own grin broadened as the noble's defensive stance began to soften slightly.

 

“So then I am right…” the blonde prodded curious as to how far would this esteemed noblewoman let her go. The Meioh Lady sighed and rolled her eyes strangely enough as if reading the blonde's mind before fixing a mock glare upon her guest. “Don't rub it in…” Setsuna faltered in her admonishment as the smells of prepared food wafted to her sensitive nose, reminding her that she had not eaten all day. Her stomach gurgled its own response and the noblewoman blushed as the girl before her burst out laughing. Determined to save what was left of her aristocratic pride, Setsuna pressed on. “What is that… divine smell?”

 

“Forgive me Meioh-dono, oh this? This is my mother's famous yakisoba. Have you never had yakisoba?” The girl questioned, gesturing towards the bundle that was strapped to her back. Setsuna coughed and cleared her throat as best a noblewoman could and ducked her head. The girl's eyebrows lifted in surprise, was that a blush darkening her cheeks?

 

“Ahh…well it is a peasant's meal…” The girl smiled and decided to take pity on the flustered noble.

 

“That may be true Meioh-dono, but that does not make this a poor quality meal…” The noblewoman's stomach growled its agreement and Setsuna tried her best not to die of embarrassment. The blonde's grin merely increased. “See? Your stomach knows best! My family and I would be honored if you accepted this meal along with our gratitude.” A forest green eyebrow rose as gazed upon the earnest face of the peasant. “Very well, what is your name little one?”

 

“Oh… I am Usagi, daughter of Kenji and Ikuko of the Tsukino family.” The blonde now revealed as Usagi answered, bowing repeatedly.

 

“Well then, Usagi Tsukino-kun, it is said that a meal is can only be truly enjoyed when shared with another. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me?” The noblewoman asked, even bowing to the girl so far beneath her station. Usagi's eyes widened both at the suffix attached to her name, as well as the unusual behavior of the gentle Lady and she nodded haltingly before squeaking out a reply.

 

“M…me? Um… I would be happy to… I mean I would be honored to… Uh, I mean…” Setsuna's gentle laughter filled the clearing as the once cocky demeanor of the girl atrophied into nervousness. The noblewoman took pity upon the girl and leaned forward, gently covering the peasant's lips with her own, effectively silencing her. Setsuna pulled back enough to look into Usagi's dazed eyes. “If you take so long to articulate a proper response Tsukino-kun then you shall never truly decide anything…. Not to mention the food will get cold.” The noble then rose to her full height and turned to lead the way as if nothing had happened. Flustered, Usagi made a motion to follow only to trip over a nearby tree branch. The blonde let out a squeal and then a gasp as she found herself in the arms of the noblewoman. Setsuna released the girl once she was steadied and resumed walking.

 

“Strange how you can fight with such skill yet you can barely manage to keep your feet under you, for the simple task of walking.” The Meioh noble's voice floated back to Usagi as she followed and the girl hung her head at the gentle criticism. Setsuna wondered if she'd gone too far as she heard a slight sniffle come from the girl behind her.

 

“Meioh-dono?”

 

“Yes, Tsukino-kun?”

 

“…That was my first kiss…” Tickled the sensitive ears of the noble and she was sure that the girl had not even realized that she'd said it… and for some reason that hesitant admission filled Setsuna with such pride and purpose that she was sorely tempted to turn and give the girl her second kiss, but this time a true one. She shook her head and cleared her thoughts long enough to hear what the girl truly had to say….

 

“Thank you…”

 

`What a perplexing girl…you are interesting indeed little one..'

~~~~~~~~

 

“Taiki-chan!”

 

The brunette rolled her eyes as she saw Yuki's frosty mane fall about her window like a curtain, before her smiling face quickly followed. Taiki arched an eyebrow at her friend's antics and stood up, walking towards the window and moving any items she had placed nearby so that Yuki could enter.

 

“Why thank you Taiki-chan.” The pale haired girl chirped before her head vanished. Within seconds her bare feet appeared and Yuki vaulted herself into her friend's room landing soundlessly. She frowned and then let out a sigh as she saw Taiki once again seated at her desk, working on a new design most likely. Taiki took after her father in so many ways. Noa Kou was the village blacksmith, he had once been so widely known for his skill in forging swords and armor that daimyo of various clans fought for his designs. The paternal Kou grew tired of the danger his skill brought upon his family and retired as a weapons smith, content to live in the small village outside of Edo under the protection of the Tachibana clan. Now he created various works of art using metal, though he did still forge weapons and armor for aesthetic value and to pass the trade on to his daughter.

 

Noa had noticed his daughter's genius early on and had no qualms about teaching her all that he knew of smithy and engineering. As such Taiki apprenticed under her father working with him in the forge. `And it looks like someone has been working quite a bit today too…' Yuki thought with a grin. Taiki's hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, few stray hairs falling about her prominent forehead. Her face and arms were lightly dusted with soot, dirt and a few flecks of metal. The sleeveless smithy yukata and apron smelled of charcoal and lilacs, Taiki's smithy scent as Yuki had privately dubbed it. “Taiki-chan? Do you think you could stop ignoring me for just a second?” the white haired girl teased her studious friend. Yuki herself possessed a comparable intellect, it was one of the things that allowed them to mesh so easily, but while Taiki was brooding and reclusive, Yuki was playful and outgoing.

 

“I'm not ignoring you Yuki-chan.” The brunette replied knowing that Yuki was used to her working on a project while they talked…yet this project was of great importance and secrecy to the brunette. As much as she loved spending time with her best friend, today not even Yuki could be allowed to break her solitude. “Not ignoring me you say? Taiki-chan, you haven't spoken to me in nearly two weeks…I just thought that maybe today we could… I mean seeing as my coming of age ceremony is nearly here… I just wanted to….” The white haired girl trailed off listlessly, her heart sinking at her inability to express her pain. Sighing she began again. “Well never mind, if you're busy I'll talk to you later ok?” Yuki turned and walked to the window, lingering there for a moment, unsure of what to do. Taiki frowned at the honest hurt lacing her friend's normally upbeat voice. Quickly tucking away her work, the apprentice rose and rushed towards Yuki before she could vault her large frame through the window. “Yuki-chan….wait.” the white haired girl refused to be comforted as she pretended not to hear Taiki's pleading voice.

 

Taiki caught Yuki by the wrist and tugged gently, causing the other girl to fall backwards into her arms. The brunette immediately tightened her hold on Yuki, resting her forehead against the white silk of the other girl's head. “Taiki-chan…don't.” Yuki pleaded, her voice breaking slightly. Taiki tightened her hold slightly and shook her head, the movement acting more as a caress than a communication of denial. “I'm sorry Yuki-chan.” The blacksmith apprentice, offered nothing else to appease her friend but Yuki understood that which was in her heart. The white haired woman slumped against her friend for a moment before pushing away and breaking the embrace. “I guess I just feel a little left out or something…” She murmured, trying to keep the tears from falling. Taiki moved closer and turned her friend around so that she could meet her gaze. “That's understandable Yuki-chan you are the heir to your clan… that is a great responsibility.

 

“It's not just that!…everything's changing. Chichue is treating me differently, and I feel as if the townspeople talk about me more than usual.” Yuki looked away from her friend, her bottom lip quivering slightly. “…and you Taiki-chan…” Taiki's eyebrows shot up in surprise briefly before she carefully schooled her features. “Me, Yuki-chan?” The brunette prompted gently, giving Yuki time to form her response. “…Even you are beginning to treat me differently…My family, no matter what we do for those around us, we are judged by our blood. Humans fear us, and youkai loathe us. Is that to be my burden as well? To be alone? …Like my father?”

 

Taiki inhaled slowly as Yuki revealed her heart. And slowly a smile upturned her lips. “Yuki-chan…come here.” The blacksmith opened her arms and drew her friend into her embrace. She and Yuki were the same height, but Taiki guided the white haired girl's head to her chest, and held it there. “Yuki-chan listen carefully. Then tell me what you hear.” Taiki requested softly. Yuki looked confused for a moment as if Taiki were simple for asking such an obvious question. Nevertheless she answered realizing that Taiki would not release her until she did. “I hear your heart Taiki-chan. The beat is strong, and steady.” Taiki chuckled and began lightly stroking Yuki's silvery mane, the sound reverberating throughout her chest, calming her distressed friend.

 

“Yes. You hear my heart Yuki-chan, you hear that which I can not hide from anyone, but yet few are allowed to know. You hear me… just as you see me, unlike any other. I want you to hear my heart beating as I tell you this, so that you know that this comes from deep within, from my heart.” Taiki intoned solemnly. “You are not alone, and you will never be alone. Your father, your sisters, your clan loves you very much. And my mother and father love you as their own daughter. More importantly I love you Yuki-chan. You have stood by me since we were very small, even when others shunned me for my heritage, for my appearance. You've gotten me into more trouble than I can count, and I've gotten you out of more scrapes than you deserve…” Yuki grinned at that, even as tears streamed down her cheeks. Taiki reached down and gently grasped the ashen haired girl's chin forcing her to stand straight. The brunette flashed a rare smile, and dried Yuki's tears with her thumbs.

 

“And I will never let anything come between us Yuki-chan. You are my best friend, and nothing will ever change that. Even if the world comes crashing down Yuki-chan… I'll stand with you…I promise.” Yuki was at a loss for words as she gazed into the sincere eyes of the friend that she loved more than life itself. Abruptly the white haired girl latched onto her friend, hugging her tightly, sobbing into her neck and clothes. Normally, Taiki shied away from contact, but for a select few she could make an exception. And Yuki Tachibana was more that grateful that she was one of those select few. After the two held one another for sometime silently comforting and being comforted, Yuki spoke.

 

“Taiki-chan?”

 

“Yes?”

 

“You're such a sap….”

 

“Humph… Who's the one clutching me and sobbing like an old woman? And if you say you had something in your eye Yuki-chan, I swear I'll hit you.”

 

Yuki smiled against her friend's soft skin, taking solace in the familiar scent. They stayed that way for another while yet, before Yuki once again broke the silence.

 

“Taiki-chan?”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Thank you. And I'm sorry”

 

“…” Taiki tightened her hold briefly and Yuki nodded, hearing what the other girl could not say. `I love you too Taiki-chan…more than you'll ever know' Taiki pulled away and looked into the piercing blue eyes of her closest friend. “Better?” The brunette questioned. Yuki nodded and stepped back taking a seat on the nearby pallet. “Oh I forgot to tell you, my uncle is coming for your birthday, Yuki-chan.” Yuki arched an eyebrow. You don't mean the crazy one do you? The one who thinks he's an oracle?

 

He's not crazy Yuki-chan, just…eccentric.”

 

“Uh huh. Like I said, crazy.” Yuki jeered, crossing her arms for added effect.

 

Taiki frowned. “Let's not talk about mentally ill family members Yuki-chan, because your aunt Tsubaki beats out anyone in my family hands down.

 

“Tsubaki-oba-san is not… well I mean…”

 

“Yuki-chan. The woman thinks she's a giant hummingbird.”

 

“Correction. Queen of the hummingbirds.”

 

“I stand corrected. Though if she eats my mother's flower garden again… there will be- and I quote my mother on this- hell to pay, youkai or not.”

 

“Wait…she ate the whole garden? All of it?”

 

“No. Haha was able to salvage about half of it… I'd never seen her so mad in all my life. You know how she prizes her roses…”

 

~~~~~~~~

 

A grungy thief slunk into a deserted alley near an abandoned warehouse, his steps cautious and quick. He quickly came across a seemingly discarded cardboard box, but he knew that looks could be deceiving. A modern ID panel slid open and the thief entered his pass code and retinal scan. The machine glowed green in acceptance momentarily and the once seamless wall shifted to reveal a door. Looking around one final time the thief slipped into the entrance, and it hissed closed behind him, leaving the space abandoned once more.

 

“Banniaus.” The thief managed not to jump though he did feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as his lord and master summoned him. He had failed, and he knew that should his lord not be in a good mood his punishment would be swift, and painful. The thief bowed as he reached the base of the dais upon which the throne of his lord was set. The underling's form shimmered and grew as he shifted to his true form. Banniaus was a massive man, with short cropped gray hair and long bangs covering the left side of his face, and the jagged scar that traced his plain features from his forehead to chin. “My Lord.” The man's booming voice reverberated throughout the throne room.

 

“Did you find him?” Banniaus' lord questioned, his soft alto currently kind and seductive, yet the underling knew that once he delivered his news it would quickly change to hard and merciless. Slowly the gray haired man raised his head, amber eyes meeting the visage of his master. Demando, feared and revered as the Dark Fang and the White Prince of Darkness, sat upon his throne his eyes cold and calculating. The Lord of the Tsukikura Clan was beautiful in a hard, ruined sort of way. His collar length white hair partially masked aristocratic features, and the mark of his clan, the upside down black crescent moon emblazoned upon his brow glowing pale onyx in the torchlight of the chamber. Yet his eyes were his most defining feature, the white prince possessed pale, lifeless eyes, yet despite the lack of warmth they were hypnotic and alluring. A most interesting dichotomy indeed.

 

“I did, my lord but I encountered unforeseen difficulty…”

 

Demando stood abruptly, his eyes flashing murderous intent. “You dare come back after you've failed?!” The Lord thundered, baring his fangs. Banniaus did not shrink away from his lord though he wanted to. Even though the grey haired man easily out massed his master he knew in terms of true power that he was woefully lacking. Not that he'd ever thought of challenging Demando anyway. The large man bowed again, and hastened to explain though he suspected that he would be slain for his trouble. “My Lord, I was stopped by Haruka Tenoh, servant to the Garnet Scorpion…” Banniaus knew better than to speak the name of Setsuna Meioh, for that meant instant and painful death…he'd seen it happen far too many times.

 

“Despite that, do you know how long I've waited to find a victim of that bitch that had been infected? Do you not realize the importance of a living specimen? I…” Demando trailed off as he noticed a figure cloaked in shadow near the entrance to the chamber. The white prince favored his second with a look of resigned contempt before waving his hand. “Go. I'll deal with you later…” Confused, Banniaus looked over his shoulder to see what had diverted his master's rage… he was not pleased at what he found. Rather than try to argue, the gray haired man bowed and excused himself. “As you wish my Lord…”

 

Demando exhaled and reclaimed his throne. Taking that as an invitation his guest walked closer, unlike Banniaus before him the figure did not bow. Demando frowned slightly at this, but by now he was used to the figure's insolence. Shrouded in a dark cloak that gave hint to not one inch of flesh, Demando wondered at the beggar that had come to him three years ago, offering him power beyond his wildest dreams. The beggar was a seer, he read the will of fate through the stars, offering his gift to Demando without price, or so it seemed. But the Lord of the Tsukikura knew better, nothing came without a price, but perhaps once he obtained his power, he would not need to pay it…

 

“Your pup failed Demando…” The seer rasped out. Yet despite his seemingly weak voice and hunched over stature, Demando did not mistake the seer for a weakling. He could smell the mystic's power, it hung as an acrid tang in his nostrils and eyes, trying to choke him. “Yes. He did… we will have to find another…” The white prince answered. The seer shook his head, slightly, all of his movements were barely discernable, a trait that annoyed the wolf youkai to no end. “No, time draws short….the Garnet Scorpion grows restless… and there are new players in the game…” Demando leaned forward in his throne, his white brows furrowed in interest and confusion. “Tainted ones…” The seer answered the white haired Lord unasked question.

 

“Elementals? Here? Are you sure?” The seer snorted as if offended that Demando would question his skill. “Yes. They killed Hino, or rather what he had become… They are strong, those of the cursed breed. I have not seen such strength in many generations. Also the Doomed Ronin are gathering….” Demando's frown deepened though he truly wanted to scream in frustration. “Then all is lost there are too many to contend with…” The seer shook his head again and the lord trailed off into silence. “We are too close, the die is cast. Those of the taint are still of Lesser blood. They can be killed, just as those before them.”

 

“What of Meioh and the Ronin?” Demando questioned, impatient. “They have their own quarrel with one another. But the Garnet Scorpion and the heir of the Tachibana Clan have a personal quarrel with you as well…” The seer paused and looked at Demando, a dark sneer upon his face, or at least the Tsukikura Lord imagined it to be so. “Stop shaking Demando, Meioh and Tachibana shall be crushed…”

 

“How? And the Ronin? What of the Ronin?!”

 

The seer laughed, his voice echoing eerily through the chamber, sending chills down Demando's spine. “They are no threat to you…even Kydonil who hates you out of loyalty to her family. Vengeance is not their concern and they can be of great use to us… As for Meioh and Tachibana, their power is great… especially Tachibana, who is wild and unchecked, yet they are victims of the same weakness… a weakness that can be easily exploited….” The seer's left hand emerged from within his cloak and he waved it, conjuring images of both Setsuna Meioh and Yuki Tachibana. Demando growled as he looked upon the images of his most hated enemies.

 

“And with this weakness you can kill them?”

 

“Yes…. I can. It will take time but it can be done…”

 

~~~~~~

 

`Al…most…the..re…'

 

Taiki grunted with the effort as she'd tried to pull herself up. She'd misjudged the distance between the two buildings, and only barely managed to catch the edge. She was growing weaker, having exhausted Yuki's gift long ago. Her vision was already horribly blurry, even with her glasses, and she wasn't sure that she'd make it. Yuki had kept her too long, sunrise was fast approaching, and feeding wasn't even an option. The vampire called forth her already over taxed reserves and stumbled over the side. She lay on her back for a moment panting heavily, her body awash in pain. Abruptly the vampire turned on her side, coughing up blood. `Not…good…' Even her thoughts were sluggish. With a piteous groan Taiki forced herself to her feet, and resumed her flight.

 

She'd stuck to higher buildings, in order to avoid being seen but now with her body rapidly shutting down, any miscalculation would not mean death, but perhaps a broken leg that would immobilize her until the sun rose…then it wouldn't matter either way. The geneticist ran and leapt from a rooftop once more, only to realize belatedly that her depth perception was more off than she'd thought. With a yell the brunette prepared to plummet to the ground below, praying that she'd be killed instantly, despite the difference in resilience than humans her body possessed. The vampire let out a howl of pain as sharp claws bit into her forearm, halting her decent. Taiki looked up at her savior, confusion evident. “Yuki-chan?” The face of her hero swam into focus to reveal violet eyes and raven hair. “I've been looking for you all night…Taiki-chan….Taiki?”

 

“TAIKI!”

 

 

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