Sorcerer Hunters Fan Fiction ❯ Catharsis ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

Catharsis

Written By: Teno Hikari

email: teno_hikari@yahoo.com / tenohikari@cs.com

Beta Read by: Bluepard and Sarryn

Disclaimer: I don't own Bakuretsu Hunters ... just this story

Summary: After his confrontation with the evil sorcerer, Zaha Torte; Carrot Glace finds himself changing ... but is it for better or worse?

Takes place during 'Sorcerer's Revenge' (the second season of the TV series - I believe) after Episode 15 - 'Until we meet again'. I'll try and be as accurate as possible even though I haven't seen the anime or read the

manga for a few years.

Warning: Violence, adult situations, and yaoi - you've been warned.

**********

Drowning deep in my sea of loathing

Broken your servant I kneel ...

(Will you give in to me?)

It seems what's left of my human side

Is slowly changing in me ...

(Will you give in to me?)

Looking at my own reflection when suddenly it changes

violently it changes

There is no turning back now you've woken up the demon in me....

-Disturbed 'Down with the sickness'

**********

Nearly two months go by as we make up for all our vacation time. Along with the fact that Mama's Sorcerer Hunters are dropping like flies. Not literally, of course, but our secret organization is shrinking and may not be so 'secret' anymore. Rumor is we have a leak somewhere. Wonderful. While the Haz Knights are investigating, we're stuck doing double missions. More evil sorcerers and sleepless nights. So work sucks ass right now ... and so does my mood.

Every day is another 'bad day' for me as I find myself ignoring almost all the pretty women in sight. It's not like I've given up skirt-chasing completely (at least I hope not), but it takes a lot out of me. Pursuing the

quarry, getting shot down, and then getting back up, drains me of my energy more than work does. Instead, I just concentrate on the assignment ... I mean it is my fault that we're behind anyway. Can't say that out loud, though, or the others will go into another depressing mood.

Other than being tired and overworked, the others are doing okay. Marron is still my shadow when we're on a mission. At least he gives me my privacy. Gateau is being less of a jackass... but we still get into our squabbles and, of course, poor Marron is stuck in the middle. That dreaded 'time of the month' that the sisters go through is here. It's like a hurricane, and we're smart enough to stay the hell away until the storm dies down. So, that's what we're doing: hiding out at some restaurant in a town... in the middle of nowhere.

Since I don't remember the name of this place, I've renamed it Sucksville. Other than killing off our target, there's nothing to do here. Our mission was also nothing. Get this, the evil Sorcerer turned people and animals into lawn sculptures, then sold them off. Okay, it was an evil act... maybe an average on the bad-guy scale (maybe), but other than that, he was as sharp as a beach ball.

Sorcerer: 'Who are you guys? Wanna buy a statue?'

Us: 'No and we're Sorcerer Hunters!'

Sorcerer: 'Hunters? What'cha hunting?'

Us: 'Sorcerers.'

Sorcerer: 'Huh? I'm a sor... sorcy... sorcer.. that thing...'

Us: 'Yes, that's why we're hunting you.'

Sorcerer: 'Hunting me? Who are you guys?'

It took the dork five minutes for it to sink in that we were there to kill him. Then another five before he decided to try to run away. He ended up colliding into one of his own statues and breaking his neck. Amazingly, all of his statues came back to life again. Why can't all our cases be this easy? I'd rather deal with a hundred of that idiot sorcerer than a single soul sucking one.

Speaking of him, I haven't had another dream of him since we left the Stellar Church. Maybe it's both the work dumped on us and the sleeping drugs that cause these dreamless nights. Or, on the other hand, maybe I was on drugs during the time I did dream of him. Or maybe both, and drugs are simply involved somewhere in the equation. Anyway, my prayers have been answered, and every night I go to sleep peacefully.

Speaking of sleep...

Gateau and Marron are still chatting away while I've been zoning out for a couple of minutes. My little brother looks past the rim of his teacup to see me stretch my arms and stifle a yawn. Who knew doing nothing could be so exhausting? I give up on my unfinished dinner and push my chair back to

stand up.

"Brother?"

Yes, mom? I try not to look irritated as I face Marron and give him a lazy smile. "I'm gonna head back to the Inn now... see you guys later."

"Hey," Gateau gestures to my plate. "You barely touched your...stuff."

Upon a second glance, I have no idea what I ordered for dinner. Our waitress mumbled something about tonight's special, and I ordered it. The *special* turned out to be a plate of multi-colored slop that tasted like cabbage boiled in Tabasco sauce. My God of Hunger is not pleased. In fact, I think it's going to wreak havoc if I even look at the slop again.

"No, you can have it."

I didn't even wait for his response as I leave the restaurant. Now feeling less nauseated, I walk around the village and stop by some of the open shops. The predatory looks these clerks give me are pretty scary: 'look

fresh meat!'. Obviously they don't get many tourists here because it's such a sucky place (and let's not forget the fact that an idiot Sorcerer turned people into lawn sculptures.) After annoying the shop clerks by not buying anything, I wander around some more.

"Hello again, dear."

No way. My head jerks in the direction that familiar voice came from. There's just no way ... not out here in Sucksville. Taking a step forward I can see her now, the old woman I met months ago. It was her who sold me the shirt I'm wearing now, which still looks as good as knew.

"Uh, hi," I manage to say as I step into the dim alley where she has her shop set up. She still has the same items for sale, though: candles, old pocket watches that don't work anymore, copper jewelry, and a few new items. "Weird meeting again ... here of all places."

"I travel around a lot. An old woman like myself has to make a living somehow."

"As long as you're not selling lawn sculptures..." the words slip out before I realize it. Of course she looks like she has no idea what I'm talking about and gives me a small smile.

"Well, I'm glad to meet you again, dear," says the old woman as her smile gets wider. It's kinda freaking me out right now. "I have something special for you."

***************

Chapter Six

***************

"Good morning!" I chirp. Yes, chirp because of the nice dreamless sleep last night. Sitting down at one of the Inn table with my friends for breakfast, they look at me and mumble. Well, Chocolate and Tira don't say anything since they're both moody as hell. Marron looks a little tired since he's been up all night nursing Gateau. Looking at the older Sorcerer Hunter, he looks sick and disheveled, as if he were caught up in a violent tornado. Turns out Gateau got a bad stomachache from the food last night. Someone getting sick from eating dinner that smelled like month-old unwashed socks? Imagine my shock.

Well, breakfast at the Inn is tastier than the multi-colored slop I had ordered for dinner last night. I think I ate enough for three people. Wait... I did eat enough for three people: My breakfast that I polished off

in five minutes, Gateau's because of his stomach ache and Tira's since she was feeling bloated.

"Well," I begin, leaning back in my seat after finishing breakfast. "Are we finally leaving this place?"

There a loud 'poof' and smoke fills my vision until I find myself back at the Stellar Church with the others.

"Hi, guys!" Dotta waves happily at us, and when I'm about to wave back I notice that neither Big Mama or the Haz Knights are present. It isn't uncommon for Dotta to address us alone, but it is rare. The messenger looks a little stressed, and I can tell.

"Hey, Dotta," I say, giving her a small smile. "What's up?"

More rustling as she refuses to meet my gaze. "Um, well... Big Mama said there was no case for you now..."

"Well, that's a relief," Gateau mumbles as he straightens up a little, absently rubbing his stomach.

"Yes, but you also have to stay in town until a new case is assigned," adds the winged girl. "Sorry, those were Mama's orders."

"I don't believe that will be a problem," says Marron.

"Good! Well, see ya later!"

There's another 'poof' and, as I watch the smoke swirl away, I find myself worrying. The setting returns back to the normal Inn, and Gateau makes a run for the bathroom. Marron follows after him while Tira and Chocolate attempt to eat. I can't do anything as a sense of dread fills me. There's something wrong, and the dream of Zaha confronting Mama and her knights suddenly replays in my mind.

['Carrot Glace belongs to me.']

It was just a dream. A dream that doesn't mean anything. But that look in his eyes when he said that ... it felt ... once again, familiar. I hate that word. I really, really, hate that word.

**********

Since Gateau helped me in my moment of ...forceful expulsion of stomach contents, I thought I'd try and do something nice for him. Because I couldn't talk Marron into wearing nothing but a red bow (not that I would pimp out my little brother like that!), I decided to get my sick teammate some real food when he recovers. Of course, that meant me going around town and taste testing, but I was up for the challenge.

Once back at the Inn, I tap at Gateau's door with my foot. I really hope they're not having sex right now. If they are... I'm eating the food I brought.

"Hey!" I shout, kicking his door. "Let me in!"

The door opens and a shirtless Gateau sticks his head out. "Not on the hair of my chinny-chin-chin."

With that, he grabs the food and closes the door behind him. What a pig. I kick the door again. Hard. "You're welcome, jackass!"

I hear him say thanks behind the door before I throw my hands into the air and head to my own room. I'm bored, and Gateau's getting both food and sex at the same time. Life just isn't fair. I'd go talk to either Chocolate or Tira, but both of them are kinda of unapproachable right now. When I came back to the Inn the Misu sisters were on non-speaking terms to everyone, even each other. Man, it hasn't gotten this bad in a long time. Since I'll never solve the mystery of a female's menstrual cycle, I decide to take a nap.

Flopping on the bed, I resist the urge to use it as a trampoline. I'm in a scary good mood right now and actually look for some hot babes in town. There aren't that many. In fact I see only one, but she is married to the burly blacksmith of the town; correction, a freaky burly blacksmith, who could hack me in half with his bucktooth teeth. So I do the smart thing for once and steered clear.

My hand wanders into my pants pocket to retrieve the gift that old hag gave to me the other night. A long yellow ribbon made of silk. It weird-ed me out when it was placed in my hands. Why in the world would she give it to me? What had made her think I'd want it? Regardless, I took it anyway, and she only smiled before walking away into the darkness.

On a closer look, with the sunlight filtering through the windows, I notice that the ribbon is pretty worn. There are tatters on one end and dirt smudges all over. There's one spot of something dark brown ... no wait

...red. Yes, now that I'm squinting my eyes the color is definitely red. What was it? Ketchup? Tomato sauce? Paint?

Yeah, I'm pretty bored right now if I'm thinking about what caused such a stain. The color of the ribbon kinda reminds me of someone. Someone blonde? A beautiful girl? No... I just can't place my finger on it. Instead, I place it on the dark mark and something snaps.

My head hurts all of a sudden with a skull splitting ache...ears ringing ... it hurts ... everything ... everything is spinning ... can't see straight ... what ...

What's wrong ...

....with ...

....me ...?

**********

"Disperse!"

There's a blinding light followed by a loud explosion that sends debris flying everywhere. I brace myself for the impact, but it goes through me harmlessly. Standing on top of a pile of rubble, I notice there's no fire,

only darkness, and the full moon that hangs in the night sky. Finally, another dream. Odd... this isn't one of my normal dreams ... or nightmares.

I'm suddenly walking towards the source of the chaos. Like a moth to a flame, I guess ... a part of me is afraid to encounter the fires that haunt my nightmares. But I'm still moving, the sound of gravel crunching underneath the heels of my boots.

Getting closer, I can feel it ... and there ... right before me ... My heart skips a beat when my eyes locate three bodies sprawled on the ground. Lifeless. I rush forward and pray that they're still alive, whoever they were.

"Hey!" I'm leaning over one of them now. "Are you alive?!"

Stupid question, but I'm hoping for any kind of answer, even if it's a slap on the head. No response, and my blood runs cold as I turn the body over. A Haz Knight. The three black robed figures are ... were ... Mama's Haz Knights ... the elite. Who the hell could have done this to them?!

I whip my head around and look for any sign of the white robed Haz Knight whom I consider as a friend now. The person who stayed with me after one of my worse nightmares. Please ... don't be dead... Milphey ... wait ... I-I can hear him! Up there, farther ahead, I can see Milphey standing ...sort of. From the look on his exposed face, I can tell he won't be standing for long.

I cast another glance at the unconscious Knights before rushing towards the one I know. What's going on? What happened? Who on Earth are they fighting? All my questions are answered the moment I catch sight of Milphey's opponent.

Zaha Torte.

I swear this guy is like a magnet for me. Ever since I met with the soul-sucker on that mountain, I've been caught up in a maelstrom of confusion and pain. He's an enemy to Big Mama and the rest of us... but why?

"You've done well to last this long," says the violet-eyed man, looking at the injured Haz Knight. "Milphey Yu, in respect to your memory..."

Zaha unsheathes his own sword, and I stop breathing as fear has rooted me to the ground. Milphey lets out a war cry, charging forward. NO! No... this can't be happening. The scene seems to go in slow motion, and I want to cry out to stop it. The sorcerer raises his sword, then brings it down in a single streak of silvery brilliance.

Silence. I can't hear anything, not even the sound of my drumming heart. My eyes widen as I watch Milphey fall to the ground, his blood pooling around him. Emerald hair spills over his face. I can't tell if he's breathing or not. Zaha sheathes his sword before leaning down to pick up something that is laying on the ground.

Milphey...

This is all just some bad dream. There's no way one Sorcerer could take out all the Haz Knights. No way in hell. The fluttering sound of wings breaks the silence, and I look up to see something flying over my head. A crow?

"Ah, so you've located him again. Good. Now take this." Zaha smiles slightly as the black bird swoops down and plucks the offered bright colored object from his hand. "Guide him back to me."

The crow lets out a cawing sound before it flies off into the night. My eyes follow its departure before returning to its master, who looms over the bleeding Haz Knight. Then everything fades away as the scenery changes from the battlefield ... to a bedroom. I really would have preferred the former than the latter. Really.

**********

Candle light flickers in the dimly lit room, casting shadows upon the ceiling. I'm suddenly caught up in a whirlwind of sensations, and it's impossible to describe them all. It's just so hot... but it wasn't like

scalding-boiling hot or sickly-fever-hot; no it was... mmm...nice.

Hands run up and down my sides as a warm mouth plants kisses on my throat. My skin is burning ... melting. I'm in hell and I love it. Hate it. I-I don't know, but I know I don't want it to stop. I mean I do! I hate this...I hate how good this feels... how good he's making me feel. I hate this because of him.

He lifts his head to meet my stare. Those violet orbs still frighten me. Even when he tried to kill me the first time on the mountain, I still came back. Yeah, I'm an idiot. My arms, of their own accord and independent of my tumultuous mind, wind about his neck. Stop. Don't stop. This is wrong. Don't stop... please.

"I've waited a long time for this moment," he says quietly. "For this..." his fingers trail down my chest as he continues, "For you, and the fulfillment of my dream."

He reaches forward to press his lips to mine. I groan into this kiss, spreading my legs so he can settle between them. So good. I don't have the slightest idea of what he's talking about. But, I don't care right now. The only thing I'm aware of is him ... inside me and the mixture of pain and pleasure that follows his invasion. This is wrong. Right. Wrong. Right. Wrong. Oh God.

My nails dig into the skin of his back as I wrap my legs tighter around his middle. My body adjusts to the pain quickly, and it's just a bit uncomfortable. So, it isn't so bad. I mean, the pain pales against Taltmut's forcefulness. Holding on tight as he shifts against me, I'm still having a hard time believing this is real.

Carrot Glace is attracted only to women and would be repulsed to be in this position with another male. I should be freaked out, screaming to be released, disgusted to the point where I'm coughing up my intestines, and more. Instead, I'm all over him, kissing, clawing, mewling, just wanting more of what he has to offer me.

Perspiration runs along his throat as he fights some kind of internal struggle. Our eyes meet once more and a shiver runs down my spine. His violet-eyes are like a windows into my nightmare. Those dark dreams that

contain the fire that burns down everything and leaves nothing but cinders.

His lips form an amused smile. "Well, are you afraid of me now?"

"There are scarier things," I automatically respond. It is just like when he first asked me on the mountain. If only I hadn't saved him. If only I hadn't come back to him. If only, if only...

"Such as?" he prompts, pulling out a little before sliding back in place. I let out a hiss between my clenched teeth while telling my nagging urges to shut up. Did I mention how much I hate/enjoy this?

"Two dominatrix sisters going through their 'time of the month'."

He actually laughs, and I'm not sure what to make of this. His laugh scares me since it is so sudden. Yet, at the same time, it makes me feel even warmer. For some reason my nostalgia for my childhood returns.

"Do you actually fear your female companions more than death?" asks the Sorcerer. "Or are you one of those foolish and naive youths who believe themselves to be invincible?"

"I know I'm foolish and naive," I answer. "But I know I'm not invincible. I do fear death, I think everyone does." Swallowing hard, I dispel my fears and continue to look him straight in the eye. "Don't you?"

Zaha tilts his head in consideration before grasping my forearms to pull me close. "Death is nothing as long as I can make my dream reality."

"My dream," the sorcerer purrs as leans forward to kiss me again while thrusting eagerly. "...Our dream."

**********

I wake, this time surprisingly calm, and it kinda scares the hell out of me. Sitting up in bed, I bring my clenched fist towards my face and open it to see the yellow ribbon. That bright piece of fabric that the crow had taken in its talons... Milphey's bow.

I know what I have to do now.

[ Author's Note ]

Short chapter, blame the plot bunnies that are breeding away in my head.