Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Dark Lover, Soul Taker ❯ Dark Lover, Soul Taker ( Chapter 1 )

Dark Lover, Soul Taker

Warning: Yaoi! This is a side story to my fic 'Light Meets Darkness'. It explains the history behind Auge and Matsumo.

The entire fic is in Matsumo's pov, and takes place before Weiss or Schwarz were even born. (Though technically Farfarello could have been alive, but we're not going to go into that!) : )

There is sex in this fic, so anyone who has problems with homosexuality or is not mature enough to handle reading about anything in sexual nature, please hit the back button. If you have no problems with homosexuality and/or sexual situations, then you are welcomed! Enjoy!

I stumbled again as I ran through the shrouded night, crying out as my shoulder slammed into a tree that appeared to form out of the shadows. Collapsing to the ground in a heap I could barely smother small sounds of pain, grasping the stinging cut on my shoulder, thankful that it had not been injured further by my fall. Sounds of pursuit rushed through me, my powers extending into the soil and trees, witnessing the men that followed my trail in hopes to kill me.

With an effort I struggled to my feet, long silver-gray hair spilling out of my braid, almost blinding me during my flight. I grasped the torn remains of my shirt and breeches, the white material of the shirt wrinkled with rips and dirt, my black breeches and knee-high boots crusted in mud and dust. My hands were scraped from my constant falls, my knees and elbows suffering no less amount of pain. Various animals scattered out of my path, startled birds taking flight, smaller animals dashing for the safety of the burrows. How I envied them for having some sort of haven away from the terror following me.

/Why/ I sobbed soundless, continuing to stumble through the dark maze of trees, the moon unable to pierce the lush canopy and light the path for my pursuers to follow, /Why do they want to kill me?!/

It was a foolish question, on my part. My telepathy had weeded out the threads of hatred and malice within the European village I had ventured into just yesterday. The God-fearing people had claimed me as a pawn of Satan, my powers a mere extension of the Dark Prince's control over my soul. Several of the village's prime men had forced their way into the room I was staying in, just when I was beginning to retire for the night, cruel hands roughly dragging me out into the town square. The mob of people screaming their hatred and fear while they held torches and various weapons. An old priest threw holy water into my face, demanding that I abandon my evil ways in order to save my soul from damnation.

/Fools!!/ I screamed furiously, the same cry of rage I had performed on the mob as I had unleashed my powers on them through my rage and fear, /You're no more monsters than I am!!/

That didn't snuff my regret, though, for having used my ability in such a manner against those humans. I knew that I had harmed a great deal of those villagers with the memories that I unleashed within their minds. Unlike other telepaths, I do not have the capability to break an individual's mind or wipe out a horde of memories. Still, I have a great power, the ability to bring upon a person's innermost thoughts and fears, laying those memories before the individual no matter how furiously they deny the truth within the darkest corner of their hearts. I also have the capability to shield a person's most painful thoughts and fears, creating a barrier that would stay strong within their mind, and no matter how much another telepath tries to force it down, they will never fully break the constructed barrier.

Perhaps one day I shall use that power to help someone like me, with powers similar to mine. Perhaps it will help them to understand their abilities, and not to fear them. Worse come to worse, I may be strong enough to shield their abilities away from their knowledge until they are strong enough in mind and heart to handle such immense power and responsibility.

That is, if I live long enough to reach that time of power.

This time I was unable to smother a cry of pain as I was tackled into the ground from behind, one of my pursuers pinning me almost effortlessly to the ground, my shorter and slimmer frame easily subdued even if I wasn't suffering from slight fatigue and small flesh wounds. The man held me brutally against the hard forest floor, my hair trapped within his fists, the soft strands reminding me slightly of moonlight spilling across a pool of water. I winced as those fists tightened, pulling my head up at a painful angle.

"Foul man! Spawn of the Devil!" The man spat, further enforcing his fury by slamming my head back against the forest floor. Stars shot across my vision, my head growing heavy and dizzy. I grasped weakly at his wrists, my smaller pale hands hardly enough force against his rough and tanned arms.

"Luke! We must take him back to Father Simion!" Another pursuer shouted behind the 'Luke' who appeared only interested in causing me further physical pain. I quivered in a mixture of pain and fear, my powers providing me with images of what kinds of pain this man wished to perform upon me.

"NO! He ran away, therefore he forfeited his right to be saved!" Luke snarled, his eyes glowing within the darkness with an insane light, spittle forming at the corners of his mouth. He was like a wild animal scenting the fear and blood of his prey.

/Please no…this man is consumed by insanity…/ I pleaded quietly, begging the other two pursuers with my eyes, heedless of whether or not they could see my blue gaze within the darkness. "Please stop this, I beg you." I begged hoarsely, my voice raw from the pain beating within my skull.

"Fool," Luke growled, one large hand raising into the air, "it is too late to beg."

It was then I realized that I was about to die.

The sound of something solid slamming into flesh.

A sharp cry cut through the darkness.

…But it wasn't mine.

"Luke!" The two other men shouted in shock.

Luke's mouth opened and closed, his eyes wide in shock. As his mouth opened once more blood spilled out, trickling down his chin and staining the front of his greasy shirt. The man's body was jerked upward by some unseen force, his legs kicking fruitless in the air. The two men and I remained where we were, looking up in awe as the large man disappeared within the canopy, the branches and bushes shielding what was proceeding above us. A sharp wet crunch echoed through the forest, the silence shattered by a steady dripping sound from above. Several liquid drops spattered across the face of the man that had ordered Luke to drag me back to the village's priest, the man's hand coming up to wipe away the sudden wetness.

The man whimpered pitifully as his hand came back stained a dull red, his face also tracked with traces of the cooling blood, eyes alight in fear. I heard the sudden cracking of branches above me, rolling to the side as a body fell down on top of the area I previously lay. Luke's body…was crushed. His head and torso looked as if a large hand had gripped him and squeezed, blood and other bodily fluids trickling out of his horribly mangled body. I barely managed to contain the urge to retch at the smell of ruptured organs and the metallic stinging presence of so much blood.

"Fools. Worthless piles of flesh…You dare walk upon my territory carrying the stink of your presence…" A voice hissed softly above us, shrouded by darkness. I looked up, squinting at the outline of a large form crouched high in the trees, the figure surprisingly clean of any blood of the fallen man. He was shrouded in a large black cloak, the ends tattered and threadbare. The hood covering his head and face revealed no amount of skin, the man's breath soundless as the hood shifted with each slight breath. On each slim hand was a leather glove, the tops of each finger covered in a narrow strip of metal shaped into a sharp claw that hovered above the tip of his fingers. The metal claws were covered in fresh damp blood that dripped ceaselessly, evidence as to whom had dispatched Luke into the next world.

"Demon! It's a demon!" The third man screamed in fear, abandoning his comrades to dash back towards the distant lights of the village. The second man wasn't too far behind, both men running through the brush, the sounds of their flight obvious even to my own ears.

"You cannot escape…" The form said tonelessly, dropping to the ground beside the mangled body, his body moving with the speed and grace of a large cat as he began to effortlessly pursue his human prey.

As I heard the stranger following the two villagers I leapt to my feet and raced into the opposite direction, my flight swift and light, my feet seeming to barely touch the ground as I ran. I miraculously avoided any more trees, weaving my way through tall thin trees, leaping over fallen logs, leaves scattering around me as I pushed my way through them.

And then the screaming started. Oh, the screams. The shrill sounds of mindless terror. Those two men coming to the horrible realization of the death awaiting them with eager open arms.

But what could I do? Those men wouldn't have hesitated to kill me. Was it my place to save them? Truthfully, none of us were safe from this stranger. The sheer power he possessed was astounding, along with the ease as to how he administered it onto his victims.

/It's for the best, really/ A voice whispered dispassionately in the back of my mind, /If the men had reached the village, more would come to try to kill me. I should be thankful to be saved of such a fate/

The screaming soon faded as I continued my flight, finding myself within a clearing as I burst through the tall and thick bushes, my hair becoming slightly tangled with leaves and twigs. The moon was bright and heavy above me, spilling silver light across the thick green clearing and several trees that leaned in to hover low along the edge of the clearing. If I could just make it across, away from the moonlight that revealed my fleeing form, I would be safe and away from this terror.

But Fate was not merciful tonight. A strong arm wrapped itself snuggly around my waist from behind, lifting me up and off my feet effortlessly. I gasped in shock, my hands grasping onto the firm hold around my form as I was lifted almost three inches off of the ground and pulled away from the tree-line I was running towards. I was spun away from my freedom, becoming dizzy as I was tumbled on to my back, the air knocked out of me.

/So fast…/ I thought, trying to catch my breath as I pushed myself up by my elbows, wincing slightly from the sting upon the scraped skin. The stranger stood above me, appearing neither amused nor angered by my dash for freedom. He had been otherwise entertained, though, given the fresh blood that was upon his metal and leather clad hands.

"Why did you spare me?" I asked hesitantly, my voice breaking the heavy silence between us.

He tilted his head at the question. "Have I spared you?"

I clamped my mouth shut, not liking that question. Several more moments of silence passed between us until frustration got the better of me. "Well?" I demanded.

"Well what?"

"Are you going to kill me, then?"

"Should I?"

I gripped my hair in frustration, barely holding back a growl of annoyance. "Stop answering questions with questions!"

The stranger chuckled, obviously amused by how easily frustrated I had become. He moved closer and crouched down, situated directly above my legs, the black cloak spilling around me and eliciting a small shiver at the cool feel of it brushing against me. With casual ease he reached forward with his left hand, the tips of his fingers running across my face, the metal claws a light touch without causing a break in the skin. A small plaintive whimper escaped me from the metallic smell covering his gloves, the material and metal reeking of fresh blood. For some unfathomable reason the stranger reacted to my insecurity, removing both gloves and tossing them to the side, his left hand returning to its venturing along my face.

The silent venturing continued even as his right hand rose up and pushed his hood back, finally revealing his face to me. My eyes widened perceptibly, taking in the paleness of his skin and how the soft strands of raven-black hair framed his face by how each strand was angled along his face and chin. But what was most shocking were his eyes, a pupil-less blood-red that rivaled the brightest of rubies, the intensity of color burning beneath the light of the moon and shadows. Full lips pulled back in a slight grin as the stranger took in my awed expression, hand remaining against my cheek as he leaned forward so that I fell back against the ground, his body crouched over mine like that of a large feline.

"Who are you?" I asked while my mind said simultaneously, /What are you?/

He chuckled. "Who are you?" He countered.

"Matsumo. And you?"

He tilted his head, looking slightly confused. "I have no name."

"What do people call you?"

He smirked unpleasantly, "Demon, Devil, Monster."

/Oh/ I felt a slight trace of sadness at how easily he accepted such cruel words. "Can I…call you by something other than that?" I asked.

He shrugged his shoulders.

I considered carefully, trying to come up with a suitable name. Something that seemed relevant as to what comes to mind when first meeting him. His presence, his voice, his…his eyes… "Auge."

The red-eyed man looked at me curiously. "You wish to name me because of my eyes?"

I nodded, unable to fight a small grin, raising one of my hands in a mirror-like action similar to his. "Your eyes are like burning rubies. I've never seen anything like it. They're quite beautiful." The blush spread across my face from the words that spilled so easily out of my mouth, the heated look that 'Auge' suddenly gained not helping at all. He removed his left hand and gripped my right hand that was pressed against his cheek. I watched in silent focus as his long and slender hand clasped my equally pale hand, my hand as slim as his own yet so small in comparison. He pressed his lips in the center of my palm, the cool heat of it bringing a sharp gasp of air past my lips. "You speak so easily with words that are truthful and come from your heart." Auge whispered softly, his eyes glowing with his own slight amount of awe. His eyelashes swept across his cheeks as his eyelids fell to cover that ruby gaze, a vague dreamy look upon his face.

But something seemed…off, somehow. Like there was something building within him that I could not see. Something that I was certain I had never encountered before.

"And that is one reason," Auge whispered, his eyes snapping open, a alabaster white with a sapphire pupil that burned with the intensity rivaling the brightest of stars, "why your soul calls out to me."

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The world around me became sharp and quiet, Auge's pale burning gaze trapping me beneath its cool heat. My hand remained trapped within his, Auge's grip surprisingly soft and delicate throughout the sharp intensity of those pale burning eyes.

/How can he do this…to a telepath of my ability…/ I asked myself even as a soft groan of dismay escaped me, my body limp beneath his, the will to fight slowly slipping away with hardly any effort.

Auge chuckled, the sound startling my wandering thoughts. "So young and so naïve. Being a telepath does not mean you can escape my influence. To put into words that you'll understand, I am known as a Soul Seer. My red eyes allow me the ability to see within the spectrum of colors that humans are capable of, yet my vision far surpasses any mere human. The gaze you see before you allows me to see the heat of your body and the heat of your soul." A pale slim hand skimmed across the undamaged front of my white shirt, the long fingers coming to rest over my frantically beating heart. I gasped at the shock of sensation from his touch, my eyes unable to leave his as pale fingers released small trails of power that seemed to reach past my skin and touch and tickle across the hot pulse of my heart.

"The frail beating heart. Such a tempting shade of red that pulses before me with the heated fluid of life, the sound of its racing beat like that of birds' wings taking flight." Auge's hand splayed further across my chest, his fingers reaching past small rips in the fabric to touch the smooth skin of my chest. My body arched slightly from the cool touch, mouth opening in a soundless outcry of surprise, fear, and indignation. My one free hand lying beside my head flexed open slightly when Auge leaned forward, his gaze coming closer to my own, his pupils swimming with such intense power that it threatened to consume me.

"Auge…" I whispered softly, the words surprisingly difficult to form. His eyes seemed to blaze with pale fire, invisible tendrils of power extending from the heated glow and washing across my face, a deep shuddering breath pulling the cool tickling power deep within my chest. "What are you doing?"

"Such pain," He murmured softly, lifting his head up, the power pulling away with a soft sigh of air, "So much pain embedded deep within your soul. Those black tendrils have seeped deep within you, almost consuming you." Auge's fingertips moved up from my chest to run across my lower lip, his fingertips teasing the sensitive skin, "You have suffered a great deal of pain and loneliness throughout your life. The grief is soaked deep within the burning gold of your soul, the black and blue disease of such regret slowly eating away such pale burning light."

/Yes…/ I thought painfully, tears brimming in the corner of my eyes, /No one has ever given a damn about me. My own parents abandoned me when they found out I wasn't a normal person, throwing me out into the cold, hoping that I would die and no longer taint their family with my presence. I never got to tell my brother and sister goodbye. No one after that time ever bothered to help me, letting me wander through the cold cruel world, mindless to my screams of sorrow and loneliness. I was so alone and so afraid/ The burning tears trickled down my cheeks, a soft sob escaping me from the pain and sorrow I had held within me for almost twenty years since I was scorned from my family at the tender age of five.

"Yet through such agony and grief, you still have the will to live," Auge whispered, his fingers catching the tears that spilled from my eyes, his eyes shifting back to the earlier ruby shade. He moved his head down to trace his lips across my eyelashes, his tongue flicking out to catch individual drops of tears, "You want someone to love and cherish you. That want and need drives you to continue living on no matter how much pain is forced upon your heart."

My soft cries lessened as his lips continued to trail across my half-lidded eyes and cheeks, slowly sweeping away the burning tears that marked the silent pain that I have known for so long.

"Ironic, really," Auge whispered against my lips, his ruby gaze humored yet with an inkling of pain within those beautiful eyes, "You have suffered through so much pain, the pain of no one willing to love you. I have never had anyone to care about me, to care about my name. Those who have come close to me have called me a demon or monster. Through those people's fear and prejudice I have never had the desire to truly care for another living being." Auge tilted my face to look directly into his, slim hands running through the long strands of my loose hair, his body of darkness surrounding the slight glow of my form beneath the moon's ever present light, "Will you let me love you, Moon Child? Will you let me hold you forever to my selfish heart?" Auge's eyes were wary, almost as if he expected an automatic rebuke for his hesitant questions.

I couldn't believe my ears. I was…wanted. For the first time in so long, someone truly cared for me. My powers assured me of his truthfulness as it brushed through his unresisting thoughts, yet I knew that such use of my abilities was unnecessary to prove his honest words. Without any hesitation I threw my arms around Auge's neck, tears of joy slipping down my cheeks as I murmured words of happiness against Auge's chest, his arms wrapped around me with a quiet weight of desperation for the feel of a willing body against his. Lips covered mine in a smooth and powerful kiss, the taste of tears and moonlight spilled between us.

"So beautiful," Auge murmured, his lips feverishly covering my face and forehead, his hands spilling through the soft weight of my hair, loosening it from its haphazard braid, "Your hair glows beneath the presence of the moon, silver accented by the soft trails of alabaster light."

Hands shifted to trace the skin underneath my eyes and above my eyebrows, "Your eyes are only matched by the cloudless blue sky."

Fingertips traced across softly parted lips, "Tender flesh brushed by the petals of a pink rose."

I sighed softly against his fingertips from such beautiful words, my lips brushing the pads of his fingers in a tickling-soft kiss, "Your fingertips are the touch that plays the strings of the finest instruments and cause my breath to quicken." I whispered softly.

Strong arms wound themselves around me, the touch soothing as his lips traced along my jaw-line.

"Your arms are the steel bands that hold me to the warmth of your body and shield me from the cold wind."

Auge's mouth fit itself over mine, his tongue touching my own and tasting every corner of my willing flesh.

/Your mouth makes my body feel as if it has ceased to breathe yet I have never felt so alive/ Auge's tongue twirled itself around mine, the slick heat of his flesh drawing a whimper of need from me. His touch made my body come alive, the feel of his body on top of mine makes me lightheaded, my arms grasping strong shoulders.

I cried out in surprise as Auge suddenly left me, my arms slipping from their grip on his sturdy form. With certain viciousness he yanked of his cloak, revealing a loose black shirt that hung down to his hips, tough leather breeches and boots equal in color. It took me a moment to realize his intentions and I lifted myself up, wrapping my arms around his neck to steady myself as he laid the cloak out beneath me. The cloak was thick and slightly cool as I lay back down upon it, smoothing out the tickling grass and slightly rough dirt. Auge followed my descent down onto the cloak, his form heavy and strong against mine, pressed from shoulder to hip. One strong leg shifted to lay between my own, the sturdy material of the leather hard against my inner thighs. Auge chuckled as I wiggled against the foreign weight, smirking down at me as I offered a slight glare at his laughter from my expense. He pressed his lips to mine, purring as I ran my fingertips through the black strands falling down to his chin, his form pressing further against mine, allowing more of his leg's weight to press down against my groin.

"Please…" For what I was begging for I do not know. Was I begging him to stop, or to never stop this merciless torture upon my body? My soft cries continued as Auge trailed lips, tongue, and teeth down my throat and over my chest, his lips closing over a cloth-covered nipple. The damp heat surrounding my sensitive flesh causing my body to squirm, hips rising up to press feverishly against his while my hands remained wound through his hair. With a rumbling growl Auge tore open the front of my shirt, his lips marking the pale skin with the heated dampness of his mouth. A startled shriek was pulled from me as Auge's hand rubbed against my groin, his hand sliding past the waistband and wrapping around the slightly erect shaft. I bit my bottom lip to snuff louder groans as the hand shifted back and forth along my shaft, my thighs twitching and spreading against the foreign pressure and weight between them.

"Oh gods, Auge…Auge!…it's too much…please!" I begged, my breathing irregular and heavily as Auge mercilessly ignored my pleas and continued to pump his hand between my thighs as his mouth smashed over mine to smother any further half-hearted begging. His other hand reached beneath me to splay along my lower back, the strength of his arm effortlessly lifting me and grinding my hips up and against the pressure and shift of his hand. While my cries were swallowed by Auge's mouth my left hand desperately wrapped around the shifting wrist against my groin, my right hand grasping thick folds of the cloak beneath us. When my hand tightened around Auge's wrist due to the heat rising between my legs, Auge's hand merely tightened around my erect shaft, a small scream a reward for the sparks of pleasure his measured touch elicited.

It wasn't long before my world spun and shattered as I reached that pinnacle of pleasure, my cries sharp and short from my first ever release. My hands flexed loose and my upper torso fell back onto the cloak-covered ground, pulling away from Auge's mouth so that I could gain deeper breaths and hide my flushed face against the black material.

Auge slowly and carefully allowed my hips to rest level with my shoulders, lifting his hand from my groin and running his tongue through the dampness along his fingers and palm. I groaned softly in sudden embarrassment, trying to bury my face further into the cloak. A hand grasped my chin and tugged it away, my eyes meeting red. "Don't hide yourself from me, Matsumo. I want to see you."

I managed a small uncertain nod as his fingers began to push my torn shirt to the sides, the shirt falling loose and down my arms, Auge's sure hands tugging the material off and tossing it to the side. I barely managed to hold myself back from wrapping my arms around myself as his eyes ran heatedly over my newly bared skin. Auge smiled gently, the action lighting up his whole face. Taking a small gulp of trepidation I rose to my knees and reached forward, hesitantly grasping his smooth shirt, chancing a glance up at the taller man. Backed up by a small nod as I tugged the shirt up and over his head, Auge lifting his arms to allow the shirt to come off of him. His arms came back down from his raised position to wrap around my waist, trapping me within the quiet strength of his long pale limbs. I pressed pale hands to his chest, marveling at the white glow of his skin and the smooth feel of compacted muscles. I ran my hands up and down his chest, unconsciously rubbing across Auge's nipples. Auge's hands had been copying my hand motions, slim fingers trailing up and down my lower back. When my fingertips brushed his nipples Auge slipped a finger down and along the cleft of my breeches, the touch a slight shock against the virgin area of skin. Biting my lip against the sure weight against the soft flesh between my butt-cheeks I continued to explore Auge's chest, teeth biting further into my bottom lip as Auge's touch became more persistent, one finger pressing against the material that guarded the entrance between my rear.

The teasing touches continued, my hands shaking slightly from the continuous caresses along my rear, my hands clenching tight on Auge's broad shoulders as his hands grasped my butt, massaging the tight cheeks within his grasp. I flung my head back, a slight whimper of unknown need spilling out, a dull ache rising within my body, yearning for something that just wasn't within my reach. Auge took the presented gift of my throat with relish, his lips running across both sides of my neck, biting down on one side, his teeth gripping and holding me still without breaking the skin. While still maintained his hold on my rear Auge managed to maneuver my legs so that they wrapped around his waist, pulling me almost completely into his lap, his thighs jerking upward, lifting me further up and into the air. With a small yip I was once again tumbled on to my back, this time with Auge's body on top of mine, his hands pushing down my breeches, finally becoming annoyed with the stubborn fabric, his fingers tearing my breeches into shreds, his own breeches soon following my own. I managed a half-hearted smack alongside his head, my hands covering my groin, ineffectively trying to raise my legs up to help in shielding my nakedness while trying not to look below his waist. Auge only allowed such attempts for just a brief moment, his hands carefully tugging my hands away and pressing them above my head, lean hips pushing past my thighs to intercept any other acts of shielding myself away from his eyes. His hands clenched slightly around my wrists, releasing them with a warning, "Keep your hands right there. Don't move them."

I gulped faintly at his hard tone, my body shivering from his hands wandering down my face, chest, and over my navel, finally coming to rest on my hips. Auge shifted himself down so that his shoulders were wedged between my thighs, his hands holding my hips up, fingers spreading my cheeks.

"What are you doing!?" I gasped, not understanding what he was trying to accomplish in that position.

"Since we do not have any other lubrication to avoid needless amounts of pain, one option is to use saliva." He answered calmly, his mouth moving down to prove his point, tongue flicking out along the rim of my entrance.

"Auge! NO!" I cried, hands above my head inadvertently rising up. Auge growled, a sharp nip against the inside of my thigh a silent warning to remain still. My hands fell back down, trembling slightly while Auge's tongue continued to tease along my entrance. My eyes and hands clenched when the tip of Auge's tongue entered me, his saliva slowly beginning to wet the insides of my entrance while his tongue slid deeper, stretching my inner muscles to the fleshy invasion. "Auge…" A slim finger slid inside of me, the saliva easing its passage inward, the touch warm and solid within me, "AUGE!!"

"One touch, and you're already screaming." Auge chuckled, enjoying the red flush rising across my face. He eased a second finger in to join the first, watching my face to register any pain that his touch elicited. I wiggled my hips against the foreign touch, not sure if it was something I liked or disliked. A third finger joined the rest, my inner muscles clenching against the added width from the three fingers inside of me.

The pain was slight, but enough to raise second thoughts as to what I was doing. I stuttered hastily as Auge removed his fingers and rose above me, his shaft pressing against my entrance. "Auge, maybe we shouldn't-"

Warm hands gripped mine, tugging them to the side of my head as Auge's hips spread mine wider, "The pain will be there, no matter when this takes place. Breathe and try to relax." I gulped against his soft reassurance, thankful that he hadn't lied to me about the pain.

When the head of his large shaft pushed past the stubborn rim of my entrance, the pain was enough to make me disregard his warning. I choked on a scream, my hands clenching beneath his, body shaking from the hot pain that lanced through me.

"Matsumo, relax…"

I shook my head, hair falling around me in a silver and gray mass of disarray, "I-I liked your fingers better…"

Auge carefully hushed my broken whimpers, his hands coming up to brush wayward strands of hair away from my face, lips dropping soft kisses across my forehead and cheeks. I shamelessly threw my arms around his neck and held tight, wanting some sort of anchor while surrendering my body to Auge's sure touch. "Please...just do it..." I gasped tightly, wanting it to be over.

Auge stared down at me, his eyes deep and searching even without those pale eyes that he had used to gaze deep into my soul. With a curt nod he pushed forward, steady and firm until he was snug within me, his breathing harsh against my cheek. His arms wrapped tightly around my shoulders, holding me as close to him as he could, both of us glowing a pale white beneath the silent gaze of the full moon, the shadows moving and dancing around us in a similarly erotic dance. Auge didn't move nary a muscle, allowing me to adjust to his weight on top and within me. I buried my face against his black strands of hair, Auge mirroring my action. "Are you alright, Matsumo?" I managed a brief nod, the small shift of my body sending a small shock of pleasure through me in one amazing bolt. I gasped in surprise, turning my head to look into Auge's eyes. He smiled at my shock, purposely shifting his body so that his length brushed across…something inside of me…Another, larger jolt of pleasure tearing through me with delicious intensity. I purred at the sensation, the pain of Auge's entering me tossed into the winds for the feel of him against and inside of me, the steady heat of him surrounding and filling me, leaving no area available for the cold misery of despair or loneliness.

Seeming to sense that I had adjusted, Auge shifted my hips so that they were angled on his lap, my knees forced up almost to his shoulders. Auge thrust his hips forward, letting out a small joyful sigh of bliss from the sharp movement, his mouth claiming mine in a deep devouring kiss, tongue thrusting its way into my mouth in a similar motion and force like that of his lower region, hips pumping back and forth in a steady fluid motion. Auge bit down on the side of my neck, gripping and holding me in place as our bodies moved and writhed in a timeless dance of pleasure and heat. I ran my lips along his neck and collarbone, tasting earth, blood, and darkness deep within his skin. Auge's thrusts deepened at my inquisitive touches, one hand reaching up to tangle itself within my hair, moonlit strands of hair spilling through his slim fingers. One of my hands wound itself through his hair, raven-black hair a shocking contrast against my pale skin.

The pleasure was mounting with each thrust, my body rocked from Auge's strength and power. Power breathed around both of us in heated bursts of air, the grass and cloak rustling from the sheer press of power. Luminous power glowed beneath both of our skins, swallowing both of our forms in an almost ethereal light. Auge's paler waves of power wound and poured itself against and around me, my slight silver power tangling itself with his. I whimpered from the sinfully teasing touch of our powers and Auge's shifting of angling his body, allowing my shaft to press further against his stomach, the friction almost blinding me.

Mindless soft cries spilled inadvertently out of my mouth, Auge's words mingling with mine as he brushed his lips along my own, whispering in a language that I did not recognize. My hands shifted to grasp the back of his shoulders, gasping as the unconscious movement shifted my legs to allow Auge to slide more easily inside of me. I shouted wordlessly as Auge's other hand wrapped around my shaft, mimicking his thrusts inside of me. In only three hard thrusts I came, white wetness spilling between both of our moving forms. My head fell back against the ground, muscles going limp at the pleasure continued to thrum throughout me. Auge cried out softly, teeth clenching as his release exploding within, filling me with the mark of his presence and pleasure. Our eyes met and I looked into pale eyes with burning sapphire pupils, those eyes almost blind with the power swimming along the surface. My world focused only on his hot gaze, those eyes searing my soul, marking it as Auge's. Only Auge's.

Auge sighed in blissful completion, lips skimming my damp forehead, limp strands of black hair tracing along me cheeks. "Only you shall ever complete me, Matsumo. Only you."

Any answer on my part was silenced by a deep kiss. I sighed into the contact, agreeing with Auge, yet my heart seemed pained from some unknown knowledge that I would somehow hurt Auge. I don't know how or why that thought came to mind, but it would soon rear its ugly head in too short of time.

< < < < <> > > > >

The next decade or so was the happiest time of my entire life. Shortly after our night of pleasure beneath the moon, Auge had whisked me away to his home. To my surprise it was a large castle made of black stone, centered on a steep hill near a human village not even half a mile away. The villagers stayed away from Auge's fortress. Apparently Auge had claimed dominance over the entire area, including the village, over fifty years ago. Any attempts to end his life had been snuffed out quickly. The village also had no easy means of contacting another human settlement for help since it was situated within a large valley surrounded by hills and mountains.

Auge's fortress was simply amazing. Not too lavish, but with a unique beauty, everything simple and eloquent down to the stone pillars and hanging tapestries. In the center of the fortress was a large garden, a glass roof protecting from the occasional downpours of heavy rain. The garden supported a variety of plants and flowers, a large portion of flowers were the kind that opened only at night, their beauty enough to take a person's breath away. A small waterfall was carved into one wall of the garden, spilling out into a medium size pool of water, soft sand glittering like diamonds some six feet beneath the surface. The first time Auge had showed me the garden, I almost lost myself within its beauty for hours. It was also the first place that we spent our many nights together in each other's arms, looking up at the moon hovering past the glass roof.

But our time was not always pleasant. Auge had to contend with the occasional uprising demon or individual of power, usually ending their life with his bare hands if they proved to be too much of a risk, especially to my safety. The worst moment was when a young demon had questioned if I, Auge's bed warmer, as the demon had called me, would be able to service him for a brief period of time. I was harshly reminded of Auge's strength and cruel fighting nature. The demon didn't even have a chance to fight back as Auge tore out his throat, the demon's blood staining the carpet beneath our feet for days. Auge had not stopped there, though. He had hung the demon's decapitated form near the entrance of his fortress, the head set on a pike in the middle of the village to warn any others who dared to anger him and call upon his wrath.

The villagers were another problem. They feared me just as they feared Auge, though I had on numerous occasions tried to appease them by showing that I wished them no harm. After one bad incident where I was called 'a sinful beast that would burn in Hell', Auge did not allow me to go back into the village alone. I still do not know what happened to the humans who had said such harsh words, but I am sure that their time on this earth was brief.

No matter how many times I tried to sooth Auge's anger and worries, I could sense those feeling stewing and mounting within him, and I hoped to some higher deity that his wrath would not fall upon us all.

< < < < <> > > > >

"….ah!…Auge…" I gasped shortly, my body writhing languidly, pressed flush against the mattress as Auge shifted behind me, legs pressed against the back of my thighs as he came inside of me, his hands gripping mine that lay beside my head, lips and teeth running along the back of my shoulders and neck. Auge's body continued to move against and within me, milking the lasting sensations of pleasure. He dropped on top of me, a muffled 'yip' causing him to laugh as he squashed me into the mattress, kissing the top of my crown. After we regained our breath he rolled us onto our sides, his shaft still buried within me, causing me to shudder against the long and thick shaft seated firmly within.

Auge growled playfully behind me, nipping at the back of my neck, causing me to laugh slightly as his lips brushed along my hair, the long strands tickling the sensitive skin of my back. One of his hands traced an idle pattern up and down my chest and navel, the other moving down to cup my groin, blatantly rubbing my shaft that instantly became half-hard during his ministrations. I whimpered against his touch, my hips shifting, allowing his shaft to push deeper. Auge's growl rumbled through his chest and against my back, his hips thrusting forward and into the tight heat that surrounded his shaft.

A hard and frantic knock on the large doors that led into our large chambers interrupted our foreplay. Auge snarled furiously, head shifting to glare at the door, red eyes shifting to his soul piercing one's. "What is it, fool?!"

"Some villagers are demanding entrance into the castle, my Lord!" A timid voice quaked, caught within the tight grip of Auge's power. With an effort I pulled away from Auge's ministrations, my small hand gripping his forearm to try to save the timid servant from any unneeded fear. "Thank you, Richard. Auge will be out shortly." I called out, not having to use my abilities to sense the servant scurrying off and away.

Auge's eyes shifted back to burning red, cursing as he rose from the bed, pulling a wet cloth from the basin near the bed, cleaning off the signs and smell of sex. He hastily and brutally pulled on his clothing, the red shirt harsh and angry against his black leather pants. While pulling on his boots I moved to the edge of the bed, reaching for the wet cloth, Auge handing it to me so that I may clean up as well. Once he was dressed and I was cleaned up I motioned him towards me. Auge moved stiffly towards me, his form clearly expressing his outrage at the villagers' demands and prejudice of his status. I turned him around and away from me, rising to my knees on the bed heedless of my lack of clothing, my hands massaging the tightness in his shoulders and neck. He relaxed perceptively, shoulders slumping beneath my touch.

"Why are they here? They came just yesterday?" I asked softly, rubbing my forehead against the back of his shoulder.

Auge sighed, one hand coming back to grip one of my own. "They demand that I give them more land and food. Fools! This land is mine! I gave them all equal shares to raise their families! They have plenty of food to survive the winter! They dare to demand that I give them even more property and food out of my own home! Ingrates! They have had enough of both to survive the harshest of winters without losing one member of their homes!" Auge huffed angrily, his hand tightening around mine before he pulled away. His hand caressed my face, his eyes looking into mine, "Stay upstairs, Matsumo." He asked needlessly, knowing that I did not wish to have to deal with the villagers' angry words and furious gazes.

Auge left shortly after placing a soft kiss upon my lips, the large door closing soundlessly. I began the process of dressing, pulling on a long pale blue shirt that reached my hips, a darker and richer pair of blue pants accenting the brightness of my hair and eyes, white boots complimenting the outfit. I looked into the larger mirror, releasing a slightly frustrated sigh, "You're becoming vain, Matsumo." I said to the image in the mirror, even though I knew I would receive no response.

I left the room trying to form some order into my long hair, my motions halted by harsh and angry words not too far away. Curious I moved towards the sounds, coming out onto the walkway, looking down from the second floor of stairs. The main entrance was below me, Auge's large chair upon a raised platform situated almost directly beneath where I stood. The main doors were open, no wind stirring, revealing the red moon that peered past the sloping hills.

/Red moon…/ I wondered aimlessly. I looked down, at least fifteen village men standing in front of the large platform, their faces twisted in anger and indignation, several holding torches and to my shock, pistols.

/How could village men possibly attain pistols!?/ I worried quietly, ignoring the angry words of the villagers, instead looking down upon my tall lover.

Auge was standing in front of his seat on top of the platform. Not a good sign if my lover was not seated; if he was standing, that meant that he was preparing for physical actions. I bit my lip, unable to see Auge's face but by hearing his words and witnessing the tightened straightening of his back, I knew that I would be unable to look upon him without cowering ever so slightly before his anger.

"How dare you…" Auge snarled, his voice outraged, power building around him, "You dare demand such a boon when I give you so much. I give you your lives, homes to raise your family, land to feed your children. How dare you make such demands of me, you spineless worms."

"It is our right!" A voice shouted from within the mob of men.

"Right?" Auge hissed, his eyes automatically focusing on that one voice.

The man at the head of the group spoke up, one of the men brandishing a torch. "Your kind should not be allowed to have such land, home, and treasure that you do! You're not one of us, you don't deserve such things. You even dare to parade around your…your male whore before our entire village!"

Those words sealed the man's fate, and I knew that not even I could save him.

"Pig." Auge snarled, his actions a mere blur even to my eyes. His hand grasped the villager by the throat until the man's eyes bulged from the pressure. Without further ado Auge snapped his neck, momentarily holding the limp form before throwing the body into the group of men.

Pistols and torches forgotten, the other men ran for their lives, leaving the body of their comrade.

Auge ignored them, merely moving to stand over the body, his tone furious, "You have yet to face my wrath." With that he calmly raised a booted foot and brought it down upon the dead man's skull, the man's head splitting open like an overripe fruit. I held back the urge to vomit, falling to my knees against the sheer ferocity of the act, a slight moan of distress ringing throughout the silent room.

Auge looked up, his red gaze locking onto my trembling figure. He leapt effortlessly into the air, coming down to drop in front of me on the second floor, his hands reaching to hopefully sooth my fright. I whimpered softly, barely managing to stop the shaking. "You didn't have to kill him…" I said brokenly.

"I will destroy them all for daring such an act against me."

I cried out, gripping his hands with mine. "Please don't! No more! I refuse to stand by and watch you do this!"

Auge stared at me for a moment, his gaze hard. With a fast motion I couldn't follow he grasped my hips, lifting me up and throwing me over one shoulder, moving towards our chambers. I yelled to be let down, my fists ineffective against his back.

Auge pushed open the door, walking to the bed and dropping me onto the rumpled red sheets of the large bed. "Stay here." He ordered, moving out of the room before I could follow, the door closing and locking shut from the outside.

"Damn it!" I cursed, not knowing that Auge had had the key. I rushed for the door, hopelessly trying to jerk it open. I banged my fists against the door until my knuckles were red, cursing and shouting for someone to let me out. I searched the room, careful to avoid the lit lamps, not moving towards the windows since I knew that the sharp rocks at the bottom would not benefit my escape.

"RICHARD!" I bellowed, back to pounding my sore fists against door, "LET ME OUT!!"

There was no answer. Obviously Auge had threatened Richard with his life if he dared to open the door.

In an act of desperation I threw my powers outward, extending it towards the main entrance. The sensation was that of floating without a body yet looking through my own eyes, hearing with my own ears. There was only the mutilated body, the blood already cooling. I flung my powers further outwards, stretching out to the village.

It didn't take long for my powers to reach the village, but I knew I was too late.

The red moon did nothing to dim the sight of the village courtyard soaked in blood, the fountain in the center dyed red, several bodies floating face down in the water.

The windows of each house were painted red, doors torn off of their hinges and thrown to the side.

Bodies were scattered throughout each room. Men…Women…Children…

And in the center of all that carnage was Auge, his body matted in blood and gore, face painted red with the human's essence of life, his teeth equally red, eyes burning white and sapphire. His eyes were turned towards the castle, for some unfathomable reason able to 'see' that I was watching what had just transpired.

I screamed brokenly, mindlessly clutching my head in denial, my howl of sorrow and pain echoing through the castle, servants flinching and covering their ears against the mournful sound.

I felt myself crumble to the ground, barely registering the soft threads of color winding through the carpet beneath me, the red twining with gold.

My lover, my mate…

He had killed all those people…

Men…women…children…

A sorrow-filled voice in the back of my mind finished my monologue as I sank into darkness.

Murderer….Reaper…

< < < < <> > > > >

The days afterwards were an empty blur. Auge had found me within our chambers, still dripping with blood as he moved me to the bed and called for the doctor that stayed within his castle.

Once I had regained consciousness I was unable to be within Auge's presence, shaking uncontrollably against the flashes of blood and bodies that accompanied his figure.

Auge left me alone, his eyes hurt at my refusal of his presence. But what hurt more than his pain was his lack of caring of the murders he had done.

One evening when Richard brought me a meal while I remained in bed, I learned that Auge had left the bodies of the villagers where they lay, not lifting a finger against the wolves, shapeshifters, and demons that gorged themselves on the corpses. Richard tried to sooth my pain, his actions appreciated. He was one of the few humans to treat me as an equal, and I appreciated him for that.

The surviving humans that had worked within the castle were originally fearful of Auge had moved to being terrified. Whenever Auge left his separate chambers from mine he would snap at the servants, slinking off to bury himself within the books of the library, ignoring any other company, occasionally leaving the room in efforts to try to coax me out of my room.

One day came where Auge was forced to leave the castle. Several of the demons that had been feasting on the corpses of the villagers were trying to form their own territory within Auge's. Auge had to leave before the demon's attempted to spread towards the castle.

I heard the door creak open, already knowing that Auge had come to wish me goodbye before going out to get rid of the demons. I lay curled on my side, buried up to my chin in the thick blankets. The bed dipped from Auge's weight, his form pressed up against me from behind, unsure hands gripping my tense shoulders. Silence remained for an undetermined amount of time before I felt Auge drop a brief touch of lips on my temple. Light footsteps left the room, the door closing shut.

I waited almost ten minutes before sitting up, pushing the blankets off, revealing the traveling clothes that I was wearing. A thick black cloak fell past my knees, the black material melting into the same colored boots and clothing. I moved cautiously towards the door, cracking it open to peer out cautiously. After a moment I slipped out, carefully closing the door behind me. Making sure there was no one around I dashed down the stairs, my feet making no sound as I ran. I grunted softly as I pushed the large doors open, squeezing my way out of the small opening. Closing it behind me I ran once again, using the cover of darkness as my ally, the moon thankfully hidden behind large clouds so that my flight would remain hidden.

It was cowardly, I know, to run. I had never seen anyone killed, let alone in the manner that my lover had done. I had always respected the amount of power that he harbored, but up until now, I have never feared him. My emotions were so high-strung, I didn't know what to do. All I did know was that I had to get away, as far as I possibly could.

Maybe then, after some time away, I'll stop being a coward and return to the man I love.

< < < < <> > > > >

Several hours of running forced me to stop near a stream. I pulled out a canteen, filling it with water before cupping more water into my hands and drinking, cooling my parched throat. I had made good distance, far more than any human could make. I had already passed over the mountains, disguising my trail by leaving behind false ones. Even with this reassurance, I knew that I could not slow done for an instant, otherwise my flight may be for naught.

A loud indescribable sound rang around me several minutes after I had continued once again. It took me a split second to realize it was an agonized scream, the sound a mixture of sorrow, denial, and fury.

"MMMMMMAAAAAAAAATTTSSSSSSSSUUUMMMOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

I clenched my eyes tight against the tears that wished to fall, quickening my pace as I fled, cursing my cowardice and love, knowing that I had damned myself by running and that I could never forgive myself for abandoning Auge in such a manner.

< < < < <> > > > >

Almost eighty years passed, and I was still running. I didn't dare stay more than five years in one area, afraid that humans may realize my inability to age or to leave tracks behind for Auge to follow.

At sometime in the late 1800s I found myself in Japan. I had managed to acquire enough money through odd jobs in order to gain access to a boat travelling from Europe. The travel was long and rough, my stomach occasionally spilling itself due to the rough waves we experienced frequently.

I became careless then, relaxing my guard. Since I had not encountered Auge I had come to the conclusion that he had let me go, possibly finding a lover better suited for him. No matter how much that thought pained me, I knew I would deserve it if Auge in fact had taken another lover.

I attempted to bury my silent pain, wandering through Japan until I came to Kyoto, finding it a suitable enough spot to acquire a home. To my good fortune I happened to meet a man dressed in a business suit, offering me a job in the government, which I profusely thanked for his offer. He told me later on that he had offered me the job because he feared for my safety because of my charming looks, knowing that I was at risk for unwanted attention. The kind man laughed at my blush, his black eyes bright with laughter, short black hair bobbing as he explained to me the job I would perform, mainly taking care of records and documents that needed to be put in order and maintained.

"Would you like to meet my daughter, Matsumo-kun?" Shinichi, as I had learned his name, asked me one day. I nodded and Shinichi almost dragged me to his home, laughing at my flustered expression. He introduced me to his wife, Yuzuriha, a tiny woman of stature, but with kind eyes and long hair pulled back in a short bun, dressed in a soft pink kimono.

Their daughter, Tsubame, had her mother's long hair, but with purple highlights from such rich color. Her eyes were large and deep, intelligence burning within her soft gaze. She smiled politely, sitting next to me with the folds of her purple kimono lightly covered with white sakura blossoms.

We hit it off well, becoming very good friends, almost like siblings. Shinichi and his wife Megumi looked pleased, glad that I had found a close companion, especially when they loved to tease me by calling me their wayward son.

Slowly over time I came to trust Tsubame with everything, even with the truth. Where I had come from, my abilities, my age. To my surprise she hardly blinked, offering one of her smiles. "Matsumo, to my eyes you are a man, one that I care for deeply."

I didn't deserve such trust.

After almost two years I had the courage to tell her about Auge. She comforted me even when several tears escaped from my eyes, offering the comfort of her arms as I wept for the loss of the man I had run from.

"You loved him, Matsumo?" Tsubame asked one day as we sat within the garden, peering into the small koi pond. While she wore a soft blue kimono I wore a deep green, my hair pulled back in a conservative braid.

"Yes."

"Do you still love him?"

"Y-Yes!"

"Good." Tsubame sighed at my confused expression. "Matsumo, I love you like a brother, a friend. You share a place in my heart just as my family does. Have no shame in your actions of your past. The best thing you can do is look to the future."

"Tsubame…"

A blush crossed Tsubame's face. "One day you will leave me. I know that, Matsumo."

"No!" I cried out softly. Tsubame silenced me by pressing her fingertips to my lips.

"I ask a boon of you, Matsumo. I am a selfish woman, and I ask for one memory of you that I can cherish and love, since your love lies with another person and since you will eventually leave me."

"What do you ask of me, Tsubame?" I whispered, my hand coming up to cover hers.

Tsubame's blush deepened. "I wish for a child."

< < < < <> > > > >

Tsubame's parents were ecstatic once we announced our decision to be married. Time passed swiftly, and the marriage was soon upon us. Tsubame was so beautiful, her face flushed with excitement when we became husband and wife.

"I don't deserve you." I whispered to her that same day, seated next to her during the celebration of our marriage.

Tsubame gifted me with another smile, her hand coming to rest on mine that lay on my knee. "You deserve everything, Matsumo. I do love you, and I know you love me. Sadly you do not love me as you do your lover, but if I have the love that we share together that we do, then I am a very happy woman."

Her words touched me. I had never even thought of having a wife, or even a child. To have this wondrous woman take all my faults and offer her heart to me, I felt gifted beyond measure. I would do everything I could not to disappoint her.

< < < < <> > > > >

Time passed swiftly once again, and Tsubame became pregnant, almost four months into her pregnancy. All the women in her family couldn't get enough of Tsubame's distended belly, comforting her worries of labor by explaining what happens and how to deal with morning sickness. Shinichi was beside himself, constantly finding an excuse to pat me on the back, even on the streets whenever he got a chance. He always hinted that he hoped his first grandchild would be a boy, but his wife would just smack him alongside his head, declaring him a silly man to try to guess the child's sex so early into the pregnancy. Yuzuriha would secretly confide in me that she hoped for twins, though.

I sighed at those stray thoughts, pulling open the sliding door within Tsubame's and my home, closing it behind me with a quiet sound of wood. I made sure to take off my shoes, a habit especially forced by Tsubame. Tsubame had left earlier to go to the market, shooing me away when I offered to go with her, saying that I couldn't tell the difference between turnips and a cabbage.

I shrugged off the large coat, laying it on the back of the chair behind my wood desk, papers scattered across the surface in uneven intervals. Moving into the adjoining room I carefully removed my business clothes, opting for a comfortable gray kimono with a blue phoenix across the back, a gift from Shinichi and his wife almost a month ago. It was slightly big though, loose around my shoulders, revealing bare patches of skin. I tightened the sash around the waist as I returned into the office area, unaware of the obstacle in front of me until I bumped headlong into it.

I shook my head, rubbing the sore area of my forehead. I stared dumbly at the black fabric in front of me, taking several seconds to come to the realization that I was looking at a black shirt. Numbly I looked up, swallowing as I peered up at a pale face, chin length hair, and a purple strip of fabric that covered the man's eyes.

Auge. My lover, my mate.

The Reaper.

My eyes widened perceptibly, mouth opening in shock, a slight cry forming. Auge's hand shot forward, covering my mouth and shoving me against the desk. Both of my wrists were held behind my back, pressed tightly against my tailbone. I whimpered helpless against the strong hold, looking up to the cloaked gaze of my past lover. "Aauggmphh…"

"So, you remember my name, little lover." Auge said calmly, moving to press firmly against my front. I cringed slightly, sensing the aggression surrounding him. "I left my home in Europe, leaving behind wards and safeguards to keep any intruders from ever finding it. I have been searching for you for quite some time." Auge chuckled, the strip of fabric hiding whatever emotions arose, his mouth twisting in a smirk. "You forget, Matsumo, that I touched your soul. You will never be able to run or hide from me. I will always be able to find you."

Auge released his grip on my face, allowing me to take a deep breath. "Auge, please! Forgive me! I needed to get away. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry that I left you in such a way. I was so confused and afraid. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but please, let me go!"

Auge pushed me onto my back, white sheets of paper scattering from the force. He pinned my hands above my head, hips separating mine to trap me fully against the desk's surface. "You left me. You…left…me! I was so alone and so cold." Auge ran his hand along the sides of my face, the touch surprisingly light and delicate. "I told you, Matsumo. Only you shall ever complete me. I won't let you go."

Auge's mouth smashed against mine, demanding and hungry. I whimpered against the familiar taste of him, trying to hold up against his dominating presence and power. "Au-" Lips cut off complete words, his tongue tangling with mine in blatant domination.

The door to the office area slid open.

A soft feminine gasp. "Matsumo!"

I managed to pull my mouth away from Auge's, a slight pop of air breaking between us. "Tsubame! Get away from here, please!"


Auge whirled on the intruder, his blind gaze taking in the frightened woman, his head tilting down to look at her distended belly. "You have been busy, Matsumo. She is carrying two sons."

Tsubame clenched her hands over her heart, bottom lip trembling while looking at the stranger pinning her husband to the desk.

"No! Leave her be, Auge!" I yelled, uselessly pushing against him.

Auge surprisingly released me, moving towards Tsubame. His power only allowed me to sit up, holding me in place. I cursed at that, realizing that even through the strip of cloth he had managed to catch my gaze with his Soul Seer eyes.

Auge caught Tsubame's chin between two fingers, gazing at her face critically. "I can see why she caught your fancy, Matsumo. Her eyes tell no lies, just like her heart." He dismissed her with a wave, Tsubame almost tripping as she dashed towards me, gripping the front of my kimono while she buried her face against my chest.

Auge's back remained towards us, not moving. His power swirled and roared around us, tearing large pieces of the room away from their foundation. Tsubame screamed softly, protecting our unborn children within her with her arms.

"Say your goodbyes, Matsumo. If you do not leave this family, I shall take them away by force." Auge opened the door, tilting his head back to look blindly over his shoulder. "This is my punishment, Moon Child. I want you to feel the same pain as I did when you ran away."

And he was gone, the winds of power dying away as the door slid shut behind him.

< < < < <> > > > >

"Do you hate me now?" I asked Tsubame, adding the last of my provisions into the small sack, the hood of my cloak pulled back as I looked to my wife sitting on the futon.

Tsubame peered up at me, ignoring the entire black garb I was wearing. "I could never hate you, Matsumo."


"I…" I choked on my words, "I'm leaving you with my unborn children. They will never know their father. What will you say to your family?"


Tsubame's hands fluttered over her stomach, touching the area that held such precious life. "I told you a long time ago that I knew you would leave me some day, Matsumo. I cherish the time we had. You left me with a gift that I will never forget. My family will help to take care of me. They will miss you, as will I. I will merely say that you left home to take care of business and…never came back…." A small tear escaped her, tracing her delicate features.

I knelt down in front of her, cupping her delicate face between my hands. "I will never forget you, Tsubame. I love you, but sadly I love Auge more. But my love for him can only compare to the fact that I will give my life for you and my children, just as I would for him."


Tsubame offered a watery smile. "Would you give this woman, one last kiss, my darling?"

I barely managed to hold back tears as I softly pressed my lips to hers, that light touch expressing my love, sorrow, and regret to her. Tsubame gripped my wrist, clenching her hold in a silent reassurance.

"Goodbye, my wayward lover." Tsubame said as her farewell, her eyes not leaving mine as I finally closed the door, closing the door between her, my one-time family, and my children.

< < < < <> > > > >

Do I hate Auge? I can never hate him. I think I truthfully deserved such punishment that he granted me. I only wish that Tsubame, her family, and my unborn children did not have to pay such a burden from my mistakes.

But the future remains for me. I still run, and Auge still follows. I know that he has allied himself with a powerful individual in order to pull me back to his side. I only hope that no more innocents pay from his decision.

One day I will have the courage to face him, not like the small glimpses of him I get every span of years that I continue moving. We will one day correct the confusion, heartache, and regret that we share.

Until then, I can only do what I had done before meeting Auge. Run. Run away from the pain, from the uncertainty.

Away from my Dark Lover, my Soul Taker.

…Please…

Bear with my selfish heart.

END