Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ The Collector ❯ Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride ( Chapter 2 )

SM: *walks into the living room, yawning and scratching her tummy*

Kylyx: *blinks* You look like shit.

SM: Eh? I do? Cool. *flops onto the couch, resting her head on Kylyx's lap and promptly falls asleep*

Kylyx: *stares down at her in confusion*

TheBoy: *rushes in, slamming the door behind him, panting and looking like a frightened animal*

Kylyx: Let me guess. NJ and Shasta chased you down?

TheBoy: Ya. They're demanding to talk to Je - What happened!? She looks like shit!

Kylyx: Up all night writing and playing video games is my guess. Which means, we're stuck with the chapter intro.

TheBoy: Figures. You do it. I have two crazy girls to deal with. *slips back outside*

Kylyx: *sigh* Well folks, there's not much to say about this chapter. Except that your dear Authoress worked hard into the night to finish, as you can see.

Chapter Warnings: Pain. Lots of pain! So much pain you'll go cross eyed! Let's see now... hmm... Blood, manipulation, bodily and mental torture, lots of gore, rape, swearing, violence, and LEMON! Pucker up baby! (NOTE: The lemon is heterosexual... sorry!) More cutie Fire Demon torture, mental instability on Kurama's part... sadness, guilt, and self loathing. All and all, sounds pretty good, ne?

Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride

Chapter Two

~*Tuesday*~

I'll return for you in the morning.

Kurama sighed heavily as he stepped out his front door into the early dawn light, the world around him seeming to match his mood. There was a thick mist hanging low that morning, dense and suffocating in it's embrace, shrouding his surroundings in twilight shadow. Kurama pushed his sunglasses up the bridge of his nose, unmindful of the fact that they were not needed this early in the day. He had worn them in the hopes of hiding his eyes, which were red rimmed and bloodshot from a night filled with terrified, heartbroken tears. His brows narrowed in pain, as a headache pounded drums in his skull, shaking to the very center of his mind. Everything had gone so quickly last night; the threats, the fear, the agreement. When he had pushed with the last of his will, hoping that it would be enough to deter Argaus in his demented mission, it had been with the end of his strength and heart. He knew that it wouldn't work, but he tried any way, desperate for any option other than aiding the crazy Demon. But in the end, he had agreed to help him, making it perfectly clear that it was begrudgingly. This, of course, seemed not to faze Argaus in the least, and he had cheerily left Kurama's home, telling him that he would be back for him in the morning, and to not be late. The tone of his voice still made Kurama shiver as he played it back in his memory, the undertones of a threat obvious in them. If he were to screw up, even once, Hiei would pay for the mistake.

Visions of the Apparitions Realm in which his lover was kept made his eyes burn anew, fresh tears finding their way past and down his cheeks. Angrily, Kurama wiped them away, refusing to allow himself to feel at all. He couldn't be an emotional mess during this; it would only make things worse. Particularly since Argaus seemed to derive a sick enjoyment in his pain. Kurama would not give him the pleasure.

"Right on time." came that nerve grating, pleasantly smooth voice from somewhere to Kurama's right. He half turned, watching the lithe Demon step out from the grayness, the mists seeming to part in his path all on their own. He had forgone the green robes for what, Kurama was shocked to see, appeared to be human clothing. He was dressed in a pair of semi-tight, black leather pants, the cuffs laying over a pair of equally black motorcycle boots. A matching leather vest was zipped over his chest and waist, a fresh white button down shirt underneath it, the cuffs rolled to his elbows, the back laying over his behind in a sort of tailed fashion. Argaus smirked, and spread his arms wide.

"You like it? I wasn't quite sure what these humans considered proper attire for the time, but I suppose this will do. What do you think, Kurama?" as he spoke, he turned a slow circle, letting Kurama examine him from every angle, "Do I look human?"

"I guess."

"I know what you're thinking. The claws give me away, right? Well, as I'm sure you know, only homo-sapiens with high levels of spiritual awareness can see them, and as I'm told, those kind of humans come few and far between. So ignoring the claws, would I fit in?"

"Why does it matter."

"You sound so depressed, my good man! Don't be that way. This is an adventure we are about to embark on! And as I'm told, the only way to get from the human world to the Makai is by boat, which is, I'm assuming, piloted and traveled by humans. There for, I will have to fit in properly. Well? Am I assuming correct?"

Kurama sighed, bowing his head.

"Yes. After a day and night's travel, they will drop off the human passengers, and the ship will travel past a small island, where a small motor boat will pass by, to pick up anyone wanting to travel to the Makai border lands."

"As I thought! So, again Kurama, would I fit in?"

The last sentence was spoken darkly, Argaus' good humor obviously reaching its end, and Kurama glanced at him, finding him still standing with arms spread wide, but his eyes were narrowed; glaring and fierce.

"Yes. You would."

The light returned to the Demon's eyes, and he smiled again, clapping his hands together.

"Wonderful! Now, shall we get going? Unless of course, you have something else you need to take care of before hand. But then, I suppose that the ship would not wait for us. And of course, as you well know, if we miss the boat, we can't get to the Makai unnoticed, and then I would never get my Dream Weaver...."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kurama stared out into the vast, rolling ocean waters, his stomach churning with the tide. He was never one to get sea sick, but with all things considered, the thought of throwing up seemed actually a pleasant thing to do right now. They had been on board the ship for six hours already, and the minute the big beast of a machine lurched into the water, Argaus disappeared into the crowds. Just the thought of what he was doing, and to whom he was doing it, was enough to make Kurama ill. He wondered if the Demon's collection already held a human soul...

He shuddered and leant against the railing, his head bowed as the bile rose in his throat. The bright mirth of the other passengers rang in his ears, and he longingly imagined Hiei's deep, throaty laughter mingling with it all. His heart ached as he thought on his lover, trapped within that little glass ball, subject to torture and maiming. His soul felt sick at the thought that Hiei would retain those awful scars for the rest of his life. And they would scar, deep and sharp and white against his beautifully tanned skin. That lovely back, all muscle and curve, would be marred for the rest of his life. The Heavens knew what other things Argaus' minion would do to him, once all the flesh of his back was spent and peeled away...

"I say, Kurama! You look positively ashen! Come inside, will you? It's getting a mite chilly out there!"

Kurama ground his teeth together at the wretched sound of Argaus' voice, and forced himself to walk towards the main cabin. As soon as he stepped through the door, he wished he hadn't.

The atmosphere in the room was thick, filled with laughter and stale air, green with cigar smoke as it circled around the many bodies packed tightly within. The heat was incredible, feeling like a summer hot house, condensation dripping from every pour on every person. Kurama felt his throat close, his lungs fold in; he was choking, suffocating. Suddenly, one of his much needed breaths was pushed from his lungs as a strong hand clapped against his back, causing him to cough.

"It's amazing, isn't it, my good man? These humans force themselves into situations such as these, packed together like a bunch of flopping fish at market. Positively disgusting. I fear my stomach cannot handle much more."

Kurama glared at him from the corner of his eye, but could not help being in slight agreement with him. The smell was indeed becoming almost too much to bear; sweat, smoke, alcohol, and previously breathed oxygen.

"What say you to heading down to our room, eh? I doubt these... 'people' will miss- Well now, what do we have here?"

The sudden brighten in Argaus' voice made Kurama's stomach clench. It was light and playful, almost eager, like a child eyeing a new toy through a shop's window. Almost too afraid to do so, Kurama followed Argaus' gaze, and found it settled on a pair of pretty, young girls. They were pressed against the far wall, opposite them, and where whispering in each other's ear. Kurama's head and heart began to pound when he noticed that they would speak, stop for a moment to cast longing, suggestive glances towards them, then turn to each other and giggle. This became almost a pattern; talk, look, giggle. Talk, look, giggle.

Oh Gods, no.

"Who do you suppose they are more interested in? Well, I guess it doesn't really matter. The numbers are equal. One for each of us!"

"Wait-!"

But Argaus had already stepped away, dragging Kurama by the cuff of his thin coat. His stomach twisted as they drew near to the two girls; they began to blush as they noticed the approaching boys.

"Argaus, stop! No!"

Surprisingly, the Demon did stop, and turned to Kurama with a confused expression. He dropped his sleeve and stared at him, as if sizing him up.

"What are you saying, my good man? Those two are ripe for the harvest! It is rare to find such pretty young things alone like this! What, are they not your-.... Oh I see! You favor only men! Ok, ok, I understand. If you would like, I can fish out a handsome little thing for you."

"That's not what I-"

"Oh, of course! Please forgive me, I have been speaking as a simple minded lout! You are naturally going to refuse any indulgencies in the," he sent a long glance towards the girls, who smiled shyly back at him, "more exciting points of life. You are, after all, in a 'committed relationship'. Oh well. So be it! Now, if you'll excuse me-"

"Damnit, stop!" Kurama grasped Argaus by the shoulder and spun him back around, his heart freezing when he saw the angry shadows within the Demon's normally bright eyes. He steeled himself against the fear, and spoke freely.

"I won't allow you to hurt them. They are innocent, completely uninvolved!"

Argaus pulled free of Kurama's grip, and fisted hands on his hips, looking sternly down on him.

"You are in no position to be giving me orders, Kurama. Do you forget I hold something precious to you? Or perhaps you no longer care what I do to him. If that's the case, then I can just give them the order to break every single bone in his body, until he complies with-"

"No, Argaus, I haven't forgotten, and I still plan on helping you. But I can't just stand by and watch you hurt someone who isn't even a part of this!"

"Call yourself a Demon, Kurama? It's such a shame. I find it quite stimulating to have an audience while I work. But have it your way. Stay up here with the sweaty, smelly throngs. I, meanwhile, plan to enjoy this horrible boat ride to it's fullest. You may come if you wish, if it will ease your guilt."

With that, the light returned to Argaus' eyes, and he continued the short journey to the two young girls. Kurama wanted to scream, to expose him for what he was, but knew it would get him no where. He felt his throat go dry as he watched Argaus walk off towards the lower part of the ship, towards the private cabins, one arm around each girl, laughing and smiling with them. With a heavy heart, and bile returning to coat his tongue, Kurama followed.

The stairs were long and steep, descending into a dimly lit hallway. Argaus had convinced Kurama to rent out a single room in the second class compartments, so they would not be too disturbed by the other passengers or the staff. The room was located at the farthest end of the ship, again for the convenience of privacy. As the group stepped into the hall, Kurama was oddly reminded of a rabbit's warren; dark and tunneled, filled with rooms of an unknown purpose. Positively claustrophobic.

"Is your friend joining us?" one of the girl's asked, turning her head back to watch Kurama trudge along behind them.

"Who? Him? Joining us? Not likely. His tastes lean more towards being a spectator, rather than involvement."

"What a shame. I've never been in a four-some."

"You think so? I think it's sexy when someone watches." the other girl added, she too turning to give Kurama a suggestive glance. Kurama turned away, stuffing his hands in his pockets in shame.

If only you knew what it was I'm coming to watch.

Argaus unlocked the door to the room, ushering the two girls inside ahead of them. He lingered back, stopping Kurama for a moment as the girls stepped around inside, in awe of the pretty atmosphere in the room; their own room was located in third class.

"I am going to lock the door, and you are going to put up a sound warding on it. During the duration, you will not, at any time, interfere. This includes trying to stop me, or alerting the others on board. If you do so, I will not hesitate to shatter your lover's globe, sending his soul into oblivion. Are we clear?"

"Crystal. Anything else?"

Argaus grinned at him, brightening up.

"Yes, as a matter of fact. Feel free to join us at any time. Now, please?"

Kurama stepped inside, his heart falling as he heard the lock clicking shut. What light there was in the room was drowned out with the shutting of the door, shrouding them all in a cozy darkness. Kurama was the only one present who felt the coming fear, crackling in the atmosphere. Suddenly, he felt a nudge to his ribs, and he realized he had already made a lapse in his duties. Taking a deep breath, he pulled a single seed from behind his ear, and set up the sound ward on the door, thankful for the moment that the girls couldn't see it, even if the lights were on.

Then suddenly, there was light. A single, amber colored lamp, hanging above the large double bed was clicked on. The light became an arc, a gentle hazy bubble over the sheets, barely penetrating the rest of the darkness within. Kurama swallowed the sand in his mouth and took a seat on one of the bar stools, as far away from the bed as possible. He watched with a sick, foreboding fascination as the two girls crawled onto the bed, both on all fours, towards Argaus. He was kneeling tall, hands reaching out to guide the women to him. As they neared, he petted each of their cheeks, as if admiring them as a rare beauty, the likes of which he had never seen. The girls cooed and giggled, pleased by this show of admiration and affection.

"Tell me, my lovelies, what are your names?"

"Sarah." the girl with dark brown hair whispered in a sultry voice, as if this would give her name a sexiness all it's own.

"Laura." the red head answered, trying a pitiful mimic of her companions seduction.

"Beautiful. Simply beautiful."

Argaus drew both women up in a one armed embrace, one unzipping the vest, the other working on the shirt so as to push it down his shoulders. Sarah began kissing his throat, while Laura made her way downwards, unbuckling his belt.

Kurama felt hollow, as if the center of him had simply vanished, as he watched the scene unfold. Creamy skin was exposed, soft and supple breasts fondled and licked by both the other girl and the Demon bedding them. Each woman moaned and panted as Argaus' skilled fingers petting and caressed them, wetting them with saliva and touch. And, every few moments, those playful, laughing eyes would turn to him, bidding him to join in the merriment, daring him to stay in his place. Kurama could not help but stare into those eyes, wondering how such beauty and light could belong to a being so dark.

Laura sat astride Argaus, impaled by his thick length. Sarah was seated in front of her, balancing on his abdomen, stroked and petted by both his hands and her friend's. Each girl mewled and gasped, digging manicured nails into flesh and bedding. Sweat poured down pale skin, to drip on the unholy flesh beneath them. Sarah then turned her head, locking eyes with Kurama, her look that of temptation and wickedness. She smiled at him, silently asking him to join them.

It was then that she screamed.

Laura turned her head as well, her voice joining that of her friend's, and the terror promised to them finally came forward.

Kurama wasn't sure how he had done it, 'distracted' as he was, but he supposed Argaus had perfected his art long ago, when dealing in such matters. He had summoned something, presumably from his collection, it appearing between Kurama and the scene on the bed. It was cloaked in a darkness all it's own, as if a piece had been cut from the night sky, carefully devoid of stars. It stood at least six and a half feet tall, Kurama able to make out it's silhouette from the light cast before it. It's body was strong, perfectly muscled and shaped. It's figure curved beautifully, like a warrior God from times long past.

Kurama stared at it, scarcely aware of Argaus holding the struggling girls in place on the bed, both of them face down.

"Kurama, my good man. Will you turn on the lights? I believe these... ladies... deserve a full show, don't you?"

Kurama didn't remember how he got from his seat to the light switch on the wall. But suddenly the room was bright with every light, burning in his eyes for a moment. He almost wished he had remained blind.

The creature, another Demon, was horrifying to see. As Kurama had thought, it's musculature was impressive, outstanding at best, but remained elegant and smooth. From his sideways vantage point, he could see the Demon's profile. The face was as equally beautiful as the body, angular and graceful, long, black hair falling about it's shoulders. The skin was not as black as Kurama had originally thought; instead it held a hue of blood red, as if it's very life force could be seen teaming underneath a protective barrier. From mid thigh down, it's legs were covered in thick, glossy hair, until they formed into a pair of cloven hoofs. Kurama was reminded of a Fawn, though this appeared to be more of a blasphemy of the magical creatures; as if someone had fashioned it with the soul purpose of insulting the Gods. It stood, arms crossed and feet planted, staring at the two women with hungry eyes. And from top to bottom, it was completely nude.

Kurama tried not to stare, tried to look away from it, but something held his gaze strong as eyes wandered up and down the beast. It's cock was already erect, as if he had been anticipating this moment, pulsing and throbbing.

Argaus laughed, at either Kurama's reaction, or the enjoyment he was receiving from all of this, and threw one of the girls, Sarah, at the beast. It caught her, stumbling into it's arms, and Kurama saw that its fingertips were clawed; something previously unseen when it's arms were crossed. Sarah stared up at the monster, her eyes wide in her panic, and she began to scream. The beast blinked calmly down on her, and raised one of it's hands.

"No! Stop!"

The Demon paid him no mind, and struck Sarah across the face, his talons leaving paper thin cuts in her fleshy cheek, to which blood flowed freely down. Her screaming stopped, reduced to whimpering as she trembled within the beast's grip. Laura, meanwhile, struggled to free herself from Argaus. He had lifted her up, holding her hands behind her back. His own free hand reached up to her chin, holding her head in place, as he slowly pushed himself in and out of her body.

"You will watch, my little one. Watch and see the beauty of pain."

The Demon's grip on Sarah's upper arms tightened, and he slowly lifted her from the floor. Kurama watched, horrified, as her toes scraped at the wooden floorboards, running in place as her face inched closer to the Demon. She shook her head, her entire body, her terror taking control as she fought.

I can't let this happen!

Kurama lunged forward, not thinking about what he could do, only caring about saving this poor girl. She had done nothing. She did not deserve this fate.

But he was clouded by his sense of moral, and was easily smacked aside by the Demon, to slam against the wall and slide to the floor. Faintly, he could hear Argaus' dark, wicked laughter.

Kurama opened his eyes to slits, barely able to move as he could now only watch. The Demon opened it's mouth, the jaws becoming gaping and wide, as liquid fire dripped between it's lips and off of elongated fans. Droplets struck Sarah's face, and her screaming resumed, her tissue blistering and breaking open. The beast released one of her arms, reaching down to grip her thigh and haul it over his hip. Deftly, he thrust his gigantic cock inside of her as his mouth descended upon hers.

Sarah's flesh melted away, dripping to the floor to sizzle and smoke, leaving oddly shaped scorch marks on the floorboards. Her teeth and jaw bones became exposed, bleached white from the heat, the Demon's questing, fleshy tongue probing about, occasionally pushing through the liquefying skin and fat. Suddenly, the Demon tossed his head back, fiery mouth wide as he howled, Sarah's burnt blood caked on his chin and lips. It was obvious he had found his peak.

Then, he dropped her. Her lifeless body thumped on the floor, eyes wide and ruined mouth gaping, her fear forever frozen in place. Laura could no longer scream, her voice gone hoarse a while ago. She had been pushed forward on her hands and knees, wincing as she felt Argaus come deep within. Dry tears stained her cheeks, and as Argaus pulled out of her, she curled up into a ball, shaking and trembling with fear. Her eyes were large, the once cheerful, girlish light inside of them replaced with that only found in the insane. Argaus chuckled, and petted her hair, standing up and pulling on a robe. Still laughing, he stepped into the bathroom, presumably to wash himself.

Kurama stood, carefully making his way towards the naked, shaking girl. When it was obvious the larger Demon was not going to stop him, he ran to Laura's side, and gripped her shoulder. He wasn't surprised when she wailed, scooting away from him to press herself against the headboard, the shaking of her body escalating.

"Laura?" Kurama whispered, edging his way onto the bed. She began crying again, words stumbling out of her mouth in an incoherent wave. It was then, Kurama knew, there was no longer any hope for her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You look so depressed, my good man! Here, have a drink. It will clear your head."

Kurama surprised himself when he took the offered glass, and downed it. Argaus had washed himself, still dressed in the robe. He had sent his Demon away, with Sarah's mutilated corpse and Laura in tow, giving him strict orders not to kill her, but giving him rein to play with both as much as he wanted. The smell of burnt flesh still lingered in the air, even with the musk spells Argaus had forced Kurama to cast. Nothing he did could ever cover up and push away the image of both the girls from Kurama's memory, however.

"Why?" he asked in a shaking, croaking voice, the alcohol and angry tears scalding his throat.

"Just a little fun. You act as though you didn't enjoy any of it."

"I didn't!" Kurama shouted, slamming his fist on the counter top. Argaus was hardly phased, and he snorted.

"Please. Do not give me that righteous act of yours, Kurama. I know your reputation. You used to kill without second thought or remorse. Guilt was an emotion completely lost on you. Why should you be feeling it now?"

"I've changed-"

"Pah. Lies do not become you, my friend, especially when lying to yourself. One as strong as you should never feel pity for these pathetic, frail creatures. You truly disgust me."

"You didn't have to kill her." Kurama whispered, his voice becoming lost among the flood of emotion and hurt confusion.

"I didn't kill anyone. Jargess killed her, only because he gets off on the flavor of death. You should be thanking me."

Argaus stepped away from the bar top and towards the bed, eyeing it with a satisfied feeling, as one would examine a just finished painting. He stretched his arms above his head, spinal cord cracking and snapping as vertebra popped back into place.

"Thank you? Why the Hell should I thank you."

"Because, my silly, beautiful Demon friend. Jargess is one of your lover's care takers while inside the globe. I had given him a slight reprieve, and hopefully calmed my beast's practically insatiable appetite."
Kurama stood quickly, rushing over to Argaus and gripping his wrists, his eyes wild and panicked.

"That thing is in there with Hiei!?"

"Of course he is. Who else could inflict such damage on a being as startlingly powerful as him, and at such long intervals? Granted, the realms nullify any sort of spiritual energy, but even with that, your lover is quite strong."

"That thing is in there with Hiei!?!"

Argaus rolled his eyes with a slight huff and a slump of his shoulders.

"How terribly redundant. Do you have cotton for ears, or are you honestly that dense? How many more times are you going to make me repeat myself, Kurama?"

Kurama sputtered, his grip still tight on Argaus' wrists as he tried to cope with this new shock. That monster, warped and dark, was in that tiny little globe with his lover, doing God knows what to him, for unbelievable amounts of time. Slowly, his eyes fell and his shoulders began to shake, his throat constricting and lungs burning.

"Now, now. There is no reason for such an emotional display. I've told you that your little toy wont be killed, and I am true to my word."

"I don't want that... thing... touching him."

"Eh?"

Kurama looked up again, his strength and will renewed, eyes burning angrily into Argaus'.

"You're Demon will not touch him. Not once. Not ever. If he does, I'll call this whole thing off, consequences or no. Then, I'll kill you."

Argaus grinned at him, pulling his hands away to reach up and pat Kurama's cheek.

"Now there's the Kurama I've heard so much about. It's about time you surfaced."

Kurama growled and angrily swatted his hand away.

"Again with the emotions! I think that is quite enough. Now get undressed. It's time we slept." Argaus turned away, stripping himself of the robe to step elegantly to the bed, his nude skin glowing under the lamp light. Kurama's stomach churned as he looked at the bedding; semen and splattered blood spread across it all in a sick contrast against each other. Kurama swallowed down the rising vomit, and turned away, pulling off his shirt.

"Where are you going?" Argaus called in innocent confusion as he slipped under the sheets.

"I'm sleeping on the couch."

"Now why would you want to do that? The bed is much more comfortable. You'll get a crick in your back if you sleep there."

Kurama stared at him over his shoulder, trying to hold back the bitter retort aching to be released. Argaus just blinked at him, clearly, if not overly puzzled by it. Suddenly, his face relaxed into that of understanding.

"I see. The blood does not sit well with your stomach. No problem." With a wave of his clawed hand over the stains, Argaus whispered a quiet verse, and a gentle, golden light streamed down from his fingertips. The blood slowly faded from vision, the sheets and blanket as clean and fresh as they had been when they first checked in. Amazed, Kurama strode up to the bed, and rubbed the bedding with his fingertips. He stared back up at Argaus, awe and wonder clear on his face. Argaus simply smiled at him, obviously proud of himself.

"Now then, finish getting undressed, and come to bed. The sooner we sleep, the sooner we'll be able to get off this filthy ship and into the Makai."

Kurama, though loathing the thought of sleeping in the same bed with him, pulled back the covers and began to slide underneath, when a hand stopped him.

"I said get undressed."

"What?"

"You still have your pants on. And your underwear, I'm assuming, unless you prefer to 'fly free'."

Kurama was aghast, and he drew back from the touch as though it burned his skin.

"I'm not sleeping naked! It's bad enough that you are!"

Argaus sat fully up, the blanket falling down to his thighs, revealing more of his body than Kurama wished to see, and his eyes narrowed into a glare.

"I do not sleep with others who are still clothed. It makes it uncomfortable and far too hot. You can refuse, if you wish to, but then I'd be forced to give Jargess free reign over your little lover."

Kurama matched his glare, fists tightening at his sides.

"And I told you that I'd kill you if you did."

"I wouldn't doubt it, my friend, but your forget one thing. Have you ever seen or heard of a Demon such as myself? Of course not. My kind are all but extinct. I'm the last of my species, and if I die, so does your chance of seeing your lover again. No one in these three Worlds can release him from his prison, except me."
The tone of voice and the look in his eyes told Kurama that it was the truth; painful and bitter though it was. For the second time, his will and heart shattered, becoming broken glass within his veins, and his shoulders slumped as his head fell forward. With a heavy sigh, he unbuttoned his pants, slipping them down his narrow hips, blood rushing to his face as he did so.

No one... he wanted no one but Hiei to see his body. No one was allowed to look but him. But here he was, standing nude before another, laying down next to someone else, their arms or legs occasionally brushing underneath the covers as one changed their position. Kurama lay with his back to Argaus, curling up on himself, trying to be silent as he wept into the pillow. Deep in his heart, he heard and saw Hiei's disapproving words and eyes; the shame he would feel if he ever knew. And as he slept, though light and restless, he saw his love, chained to the ceiling, his blood spattered and dry over cold, prison walls. His head was hung, kneeling on the floor, eyes burning yet distant as he awaited the next round of torment by a wielder unknown. His eyes seemed to call out to Kurama, begging him, pleading with him: Where are you, Kurama? Why haven't you come to save me yet? Have you forgotten me? Forgotten everything you mean to me? Why aren't you here with me? Why do you let me hurt? Why?

As Kurama awoke multiple times in the night, he wondered briefly if the dreams had been Argaus' doing. If he was just imagining this all, or if he had some odd sort of link to his lover. He considered asking the Demon about it in the morning, but thought better of it. If this was some kind of connection rigged up by him, Kurama didn't want him to see how well it was affecting him.

His life had become painful enough, without Argaus' mocking enjoyment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Through the darkness, she sat straight up in bed, hand to heart as it beat wildly beneath her flattened palm. Her shoulders shook, long brown hair falling down and around her face as she tried to catch her breath. A cold sweat was sticking to her naked skin, and she felt a terrible chill as the cool valley breeze streamed in through the open window, fluttering the curtains in a ghost like fashion. She immediately calmed when she felt a warm hand against her bare back.

"Are you alright?"

She smiled, her body relaxing as she leaned forward against her elbows.

"Was it another nightmare?"

She nodded, her trembling increasing, but no longer from the cold. Her bed mate sat up, wrapping a slender arm about her shoulders and carefully holding her in a comforting embrace. Gentle lips kissed the top of her head as she smoothed the hair back, cooing words of kindness and love to her.

"It," she stuttered at first, her nightmare still holding her in a firm grip, "It was so long ago... Why do I still dream of it? Of them? Their faces... so angry... accusing... so much hatred."

"Because you're human, my love. The human mind is complex, holding onto painful memories; even those we would die to forget. Do you want me to-"
"No. As you have told me, I am human; we are stubborn. I want to beat this on my own... Laria?"

"Mmm?"

"Tell me again... what did the History Books call it?"

Laria held her lover tighter, resting her cheek upon her head, rocking her as she answered.

"'The Burning Times', Kyla. They called it 'The Burning Times'."

Kyla shivered as she sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks. Laria cried with her, for she had seen the dreams that plagued her lover, almost every night now. Neither new why she had started to dream them so frequently, and Laria had offered to remedy that by pushing them away to a dark place in her mind, but she had refused. She wanted to heal on her own, faith in herself divine and strong. Laria loved her faith.

Gradually, Kyla relaxed in her arms, a clear indicator that she had fallen asleep. With a gentle kiss to her temple, Laria checked to make sure the awful visions weren't bouncing in her mind for now, and eased her down on the bed. Tucking the slender body in carefully, she made her way towards the window, intent on shutting it, but something stopped her hands. A soft drumming began between her eyes, traveling through her skull and down her spine. With a shiver, she closed her eyes and opened her mind.

She suddenly froze, eyes snapping open and jaw falling in shock. She felt her stomach twist, and she cupped a hand over her mouth, the other reaching out to hold herself upright as her knees gave way. A million and one things rushed through her senses, drowning her in their intensity, and she struggled to breath, gagging on the fresh air. If what she had seen where true....

"Oh my God."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TheBoy: Is it just me, or does Argaus seem a little like Simkin?

SM: Hmm... you know, I think you're right. He does have that "care-free-fools-attitude" going on for him. But then again, he also has that "death-is-intoxicating-unholier-than-though" thing. I do believe I've found a somewhat happy medium between the two.

Kylyx: *blinks, confused* Who the hell are you two talking about?

TheBoy: Simkin.

SM: From the Darksword Trilogy.

Kylyx: You two... I don't... I just.... Argh! Forget it! *stomps off*

TheBoy: *gives SaintMe a confused, 'what was that all about?' look*

SM: *shrug* Don't forget to review people!! I wanted to apologize for the gore... Never written anything like that before... It just sorta... happened, you know? You ever have that happen to you? You think you have your chapter planned out, and then as your writing it, something completely different occurs? It's like I was in a trance or something, my fingers moving all on their own. Kinda cool, actually ^_^ I've always heard a few of my friends talk about that happening to them, but never experienced it for myself. It was nifty, let me tell you!

I also wanted to apologize if this chapter, excluding the gore and lemony stuff, sucked dick. When you're writing around a scene like that, you kinda get yourself stuck, ya know? Plus, I'm sorry about the lemon being hetero... I know, I know. I said this was a Yaoi story... but hey, there's nothing wrong with a little variety. At least I didn't get TOO graphic with the sex, eh?

Ooo! Ooo! And the little thingy at the ending.... can you guess who it is? *grin* I'm sure you can... that is, if you read the first story. If you did, than you probably knew who it was the minute you read the first word, huh? Not like I didn't make it obvious or anything. *sticks her tongue out*

Oh, and one more thing... about the chapter titles... They don't mean a damn thing... They're just random things that pop into my brain on the spur of the moment. ^_^ I think some of them are rather cute, myself. Blah. Whatever.

Laters!