ACU PreStory: "Black Honey Ch 5: Payment for Suffering & Tales Between Friends" (Aoi x Uruha)
Title: Black Honey Ch 5: Payment for Suffering & Tales Between Friends
Pairings: Aoi x Uruha
Writer: black_prophet (Midsummer_Slave)
Genre: AU, Sci-Fi with Angst & Smut
Rating: R (Mentioned prostitution/murder/injury)
Warning: This and remaining Chapters for this Fic are rated R for prostitution, mentioned sex acts, violence, injury and murder, and smut.
Dedication: I’m going to blame this one on onichick, because I know she won’t mind. Aoi & Uruha seem willing to push everyone out of the way and break the rules to entertain her, so here you go Oni-love!
Disclaimer: I do not now, nor will I ever, claim to own The GazettE (though I do have several CDs & Concert DVDs and a LOT of pictures). They belong to themselves and each other. This fic and the world it is set in is completely the product of my imagination. I do all my own stunts writing. Please do not attempt these techniques at home. No Beta (sorry for mistakes, I try to spare you).
Previous Chapters: "Ch 1: Asking" "Ch 2: The Beauty & The Hunter" "Ch 3: First Sight" "Ch 4: Friendship, Ruin & A Promise"
***
There. He is there. Knowledge flared, instincts spiking in recognition of his prey, the hated Sinner had escaped before, and then harmed what was his. Inexcusable. Time to fix that mistake.
The mixed-blood Kin gathered himself, banking sharply and wings folding as he fell into a falcon’s dive, streaking toward the ground. There was a certain recklessness in the maneuver, but his kind was not known for their careful nature. A fierce rage fueled his speed until the wind tore cold tears from his eyes and his lungs burned for breath, and beneath him the feel of his prey grew stronger. Still he dove, breaking through the low-lying clouds and their needle-sharp rain. The alley unfolded beneath him, a dank and reeking twist of brick and refuse.
The perfect place for a rat to hide. And then he could see the human in the alley, his dark clothing soaked by the rain and hair stringy. Able to scent the Arch Angel’s blood that lingered on the human, Aoi hissed. I see you.
With a flex of wings that slowed his dive, Aoi curled the black appendages and altered the angle of his attack, turning his body in midair. Wings almost completely folded, he struck with his heels, catching the man in the back and curling hands over the other’s shoulders as his weight forced the human harshly into the pavement. The audible crack of multiple bones breaking made him smile viciously, proof the attack had the desired result.
The human beneath the raging Kin screamed the agony of his broken bones into the trash-filled puddle they landed in, thrashing in a futile attempt to be free. The resistance merely aggravated his injuries, pulling another pain-filled scream from his throat as he stilled. Breath hissing and spluttering, he weakly gasped for air and sucked it in gratefully when pressure lightened just enough for him to breathe rather than drown.
“You.” Aoi growled, his blood-boiling rage filling the word. “You harmed what was mine.”
“What? What?” The man gasped weakly, shuddering. “No, no! I have no idea what you’re talking about. This is just a mistake, a misunderstanding! Please, we can work this out!”
“No.” Aoi crooned, his tone softly vicious as he braced his heels on solid ground and hauled the human to his feet. Releasing his victim with a faintly curious tilt of his head, the Dark Kin couldn’t help but chuckle as once again the man wound up face-down in the water.
“Please, there’s something wrong with my legs.” The human whimpered, shuddering as he was seized once again. “I can’t stand, please! Don’t hurt me.”
“That would be courtesy of your now-broken spine.” He replied conversationally, a dagger coming to hand as he prodded the human’s throat. “If all went well, you should have a few broken ribs too. Now, no screaming, alright?”
The voice that replied was subdued, but quivered with fear. “Why are you doing this?”
“I told you, you harmed what is mine.” The light tone disappeared beneath biting rage and a subtle promise of pain, the blade glancing pale skin and leaving a shallow slice of red in its wake. “I intend to avenge that harm.”
“I need a hospital!”
“No.” Aoi grinned, gathering his prey and launching skyward. “You won’t, once I am done with you.”
The human screamed as the ground fell away. “What are you!?”
“Death.”
**
On the ground once more, Aoi dragged his prey along, growling under his breath. Unmoved by pity, he prowled through a tangle of streets and narrow walkways, snarling each time the mostly-unconscious man drew enough breath to whimper. Finally in a narrow alley he found what he sought, a thoroughly hidden door of rich black wood, tucked away in an alcove. There.
Stepping into the small enclosure, the Dark Kin tilted his head, sharp eyesight picking out the faintly carved symbols etched all around the door. As he knocked -three sharp strikes- the symbols flared, red light painting over him. Hanging from Aoi’s grip on his shirt and half-laying in the street, the man whimpered again.
This time Aoi grinned. “Soon… You’ll be taken care of soon.”
“Please… Mercy… Need hospital…” The human whimpered, thrashing weakly.
Aoi’s smile twisted into a shadow of demonic pleasure as he knocked again, four sharp raps just as evenly spaced as the first three had been. More symbols flared, and he shifted back on his heels slightly. “You will be taken care of.”
The remaining symbols flashed and then died, the door opening soundlessly to reveal an empty stone hallway framed closely by bare walls. The path was close and dark, lit by candles tucked into shoulder-high alcoves every five feet along the stretch. As soon as Aoi and his burden were inside, the door closed soundlessly behind them. With a shrug the mixed-blood Kin folded his wings tightly to his back and followed the line of the hallway, dragging his burden over the stones.
‘Aoi?’ A pleasure-clouded voice enquired. ‘What brings the Merciful One to me? So late and with a guest as well? My my, what an intrigue. Do come in, I assume you remember the way…’
‘As always, you are a gracious host.’ Aoi replied. ‘Yes, I remember the way.’
Ignoring the instincts that surged in reaction to the presence behind that voice, Aoi moved further into the Demon Prince’s domain, shuddering as he passed through layers of protection spells that clung him like the strands of a spider’s web. He let the magic pass without remark, remembering the layers upon layers of spells that wrapped all of the building’s entrances. Even if one managed to get in, there was no guarantee of getting to anyone or getting out alive again. The spells were designed to discern one’s purpose and destroy those of ill intent.
Gathering bits and pieces of the tale from his spell webs, the Demon murmured in intrigue. ‘You bring quite a story to my halls, Merciful Death… And your companion?’
Aoi smiled, rattling his catch until the human groaned. Still alive then, good. ‘Part of my story, and tribute for your hounds.’
Wicked delight flared along the single thread binding the Demon’s mind to his own, an approving croon rubbing against Aoi’s mind like silk. ‘To my chambers with you both then, forget the receiving hall. I am waiting.’
‘I will need instruction, Prince.’ Aoi admitted. He’d never had the honor -dubious though it may be- of an audience in the private chambers.
A carelessness tinted the reply, as though the Demon waved off the formality. ‘No worry at all, I shall send someone to you.’
Hefting his burden, Aoi followed the hall to its end, turning right into another hallway through a suddenly open door. This hall was wide enough that at least three Kin could have walked it with their wings folded, but just as empty as the first. Overhead hung crystal chandeliers set with white tape candles, most of them burned to half-height. More candles lit the length of the hallway, once again set into alcoves.
Aoi knew the Demons preferred candle light, and in his current state could not disagree with them. Senses heightened from the hunt, his pupils had long ago blown wide, expanding and filling his eyes with light-consuming black. There was a distinctly primal cast to his features, echoed by the tension in the black wings that were folded firmly to his back and the drying blood that spattered his bare arms.
A servant opened a door at his right, bowing at the sight of him. “The Master requested I show you the way.”
Watching the other’s eyes dart quickly to the bleeding human he carried and then back to his eyes, Aoi smiled. “Lead on.”
**
The Demon Prince’s lair was a tangle of buildings -nearly an entire block- housing a labyrinth of hallways. The whole of the expanse was filled with tricks, traps, spells and dead ends; all designed to eliminate threats and the occasional unwanted visitor. By the time the servant halted outside a handsome redwood door, Aoi was unsure how far they had traveled, though it hadn’t taken them long. His captive was now conscious and releasing a stream of pained sounds with each movement.
Both Aoi and the servant ignored him, the man bowing and disappearing down the hall before Aoi had a chance to knock. With a shrug the mixed-blood Kin did so, one dark brow climbing as the door opened silently on its own. ‘You do enjoy your theatrics.’
‘Such entertainments are all that I have, some days. Would you rob me of them?’ The tone was amused. ‘Come in, come in already. You must know how such a visit would intrigue me. Do you want me to die of curiosity?’
‘Haven’t you already done that?’ Aoi questioned teasingly, entering a small room with a curtain-wall. He paced toward the dark velvet without instruction, making no remark when it too parted to let him pass without the hint of someone’s hand.
‘Died? Yes. Of curiosity? No.’ The Prince tsked. ‘Do you not know the story?’
‘I confess I do not seem to.’
‘Perhaps we shall both share a story tonight.’
Rounding the corner Aoi halted, surprised at the elegance of the chambers he’d entered. Beneath his feet a dark redwood floor led to a sprawling rug in shades of cream, caramel and gold. A blackwood four-poster bed sat atop the thick carpet, draped in sheets of similar coloring. There were candles scattered throughout the room, and clusters of them on the black tables to either side of the bed as well as the trunk at the foot of it. A fireplace was set into the wall on one side of the room, twin chairs facing it along with a loveseat.
A massive black beast that looked vaguely like a wolf sat beside the loveseat, a companion in gray imitating the same pose and watching with identical red eyes on the other side of the couch. Hellhounds.
Seated between the two, a slim man with sharply angled hair in shades of silver and black watched them. His eyes were normal looking enough in the flickering candle light, but as he inclined his head in greeting they flashed silver. “Ahh, Aoi, there you are.”
“Prince.” Aoi murmured, bowing. “I thank you for receiving me.”
“You bring my hounds food and my ears a story.” The Prince smirked, shifting to lean in a more relaxed manner. “I could hardly resist such an offering, Death Arch. So sit and tell me your tales, I think we are beyond formalities.”
“I will gladly tell you the story.” Aoi murmured, pacing closer to the lounging demon. “But I am unsure as to how long your hounds’ tribute will live, it was my desire that he suffer greatly.”
The reclining male tilted his head, considering the human with a flash of silver eyes. “What did he do to you, Merciful One? To rouse your wrath so thoroughly? Quite a tale indeed.”
“Yes.” Aoi agreed simply, pitching the human before the black hound. “But the shortest version possible is that he attacked and nearly killed my mate.”
The demon surged upright in his seat, barely remaining on the couch as he perked in interest. “Your mate, what wonder is this?”
“There is an Arch Angel that calls to my soul, and this human very nearly killed him.” Aoi curled his lip in disgust and lashed out with a well-aimed heel, smirking when the human screamed and the scent of blood made the hounds growl. “If not for my efforts and those of a healer, my mate would have died. I have extracted some of the debt on my own, but I felt the best course of action lay in currying favor with my rather unlikely friend.”
The mixed-blood Kin inclined his head in a nod, which the Demon knowingly returned. “Very well, I shall let my darlings play with their new toy… But in another room, I think, I wish to hear this story of yours.”
A black door opened on the far side of the room, though what it led to was shadowed. Leaning forward, the Demon crooned to the black beast and then tapped the gray, releasing them from their posts. “Go play, my darlings.”
The human whined and shrank away as the two hounds nosed him, his voice wavering. “What are they?”
Silver eyes flashed red, and the Demon Prince gave a fanged smile. “Hellhounds, oh unfortunate one. These, are hellhounds.”
**
Relaxing into a seat with a glass of wine, Aoi considered the rather unlikely ally and friend he had found in the Demon Prince. One of many princes, the Kin was sure, this man was nevertheless the most powerful of demons that he had heard of. In the proper circles, he was revered and practically legendary, in others he was a mere ghost. Through meticulous work, the Prince had carved himself the perfect reputation. His friends were few, and perhaps -one could argue- just as odd as he.
Aoi being a prime example.
“You still ride the edge of the hunt.” The Prince murmured, tilting his head curiously as the distant sound of screams disappeared behind a closing door. The hounds had seized their prey and dragged him from the room, uncaring for his injuries.
Aoi hoped he was still alive when they started eating him, but had little doubt he would suffer regardless. It was what he deserved for harming the Golden One. “It has been a trying evening.”
“Nearly morning, now.” The Demon countered, swirling the glass of wine in his hand and stroking it with one claw until the vessel chimed. “Talk to me, Aoi. Tell me of your mate, and this human.”
“I got careless on a hunt.” Aoi admitted with a sigh, setting his glass aside with barely a sip taken. “It is, distracting, to find one’s SoulMate.”
“Particularly without looking, hmmm?” Fangs flashed again, silver eyes bright with humor. “You were never the sort to hold out hope for finding your other half… At least, you never struck me that way.”
“I did not.” Aoi agreed. “But suddenly I was in the Red Light district, and I found it anyway.”
One elegant brow climbed, the look playfully scandalized. “I am doubly surprised.”
“You are my friend, do not test that.” Aoi warned, but smiled in spite of himself. “I cannot give it words, so I will not attempt to. But I was hunting, and very careless to let my prey escape, even with so interesting a distraction as my Mate.”
“This prey…” The Demon murmured, considering his guest. “It is he who you gave to my hounds, isn’t it?”
Aoi’s jaw tightened. “Due to my carelessness, he slipped away… He was alive to harm what was mine, and I almost lost my mate because of it. I will spend the rest of our lives atoning for that failure… I have already promised to never allow harm to come to him again.”
“I trust that you will keep that oath without fail.” The Demon waved it away. “You are not the sort to break such promises, Aoi, and not to the other half of your soul. A lie cannot be told between Mates, it is one of the first laws.”
Aoi’s head jerked up sharply, mouth opening in shock before he recovered. “You know of the laws?”
The Demon rolled his shoulder in an elegant shrug, grinning viciously as the sound of a death scream and the howl of hounds echoed through the room. “Even Demons mate, Death Arch, remember that.”
Aoi nodded, blinking in surprise when the Demon stood and paced across the room to a pair of double-doors. Opening them, he sorted through the darkness for a moment and then produced a black coat, humming in approval as he tossed it over his arm. Returning to stand before his guest, he motioned Aoi out of the seat and offered the jacket.
“I think, with the coming of the dawn, you should return to your injured mate.” The Demon hummed, nodding in approval as Aoi pulled on the jacket. “It will suit. Now, because we are friends, I insist that you take this and your story and return to your beloved. And because we are friends, I trust that at some point you will bring your Mate to meet me, and tell me the whole of the tale.”
Aoi blinked in surprise, glancing at the wine, and then the coat, then the Demon himself. “You offer me many things in the name of this friendship, and I’ve not yet begun to pay you back for them.”
“Ahh, but that is how you know we are friends, is it not?” Fangs flashed in a smirk. “I do not ask repayment, not for such simple things as wine and a coat and the aid of my hounds. After all, I enjoy what little I know and the chance for my darlings to have fresh blood, so it is no great thing on my part. But one evening I would have you visit with this mate of yours, and tell me your story. I can only imagine what your Arch is like, smelling of honey and spice as you do. It is, dizzying, to say the least.”
“His blood.” Aoi explained, considering his dark clothing and feeling grateful the stains did not show. “From when I found him…”
“I wish to meet him.” The Demon nodded, hugging the bewildered Kin and nudging him gently toward the door. “Now go, return and be sure that he is well. My kind do not do particularly well at first light anyway, I would rather rest.”
“Highness, I thank you again.” Aoi murmured, glancing over his shoulder.
The Demon tsked. “We are past formality, Aoi.”
“Miyavi, then.” Aoi smiled. “You have my thanks, Miyavi, and yes we will return and tell you the rest of our story.”
The Demon grinned. “I look forward to it, my friend.”
Aoi frowned, hesitating in the doorway. “I did not get a chance to hear the tale of your death, either.”
Miyavi grinned. “Ahh then, the short version? In order for a Demon born to somewhat mortal parents to reach their full potential, they must die. In my youth I challenged a Kin to a fight, or perhaps he challenged me. I do not remember, but eventually I was dealt a death-blow. The saving grace was that a young Arch was nearby, and felt the need to save me.”
Aoi turned, considering the smirking demon in confusion. “An Arch Angel?”
“Yes, the Arch Angel of Resurrection.” Miyavi’s fanged smile flashed. “It was he that gave me the abilities I have now, in a way. Sadly I remember little of him, save that he smelled of honey and spice.”
**
Miyavi, The Demon Prince:
***
Next Chapter: "Ch 6: Reality In Dreams"
Dun dun dunnnnnnn! Right? So I like it! I like it, and kinda got to rambling, so I hope you don't mind. o.o;; *coughs* Got a little someone finally decided to join the party! Who here is glad to see him? Eh, eh? Someone better be, come on now guys! His picture will eventually join the main 'Bio' Post, but for now he's just going to hang out here. Hnnng that picture omfg. What do you guys think? Comments are like Uruha's guitar solos, ok? Yeah. I like it like I like that. Show me some love, babes!
Pairings: Aoi x Uruha
Writer: black_prophet (Midsummer_Slave)
Genre: AU, Sci-Fi with Angst & Smut
Rating: R (Mentioned prostitution/murder/injury)
Warning: This and remaining Chapters for this Fic are rated R for prostitution, mentioned sex acts, violence, injury and murder, and smut.
Dedication: I’m going to blame this one on onichick, because I know she won’t mind. Aoi & Uruha seem willing to push everyone out of the way and break the rules to entertain her, so here you go Oni-love!
Disclaimer: I do not now, nor will I ever, claim to own The GazettE (though I do have several CDs & Concert DVDs and a LOT of pictures). They belong to themselves and each other. This fic and the world it is set in is completely the product of my imagination. I do all my own stunts writing. Please do not attempt these techniques at home. No Beta (sorry for mistakes, I try to spare you).
Previous Chapters: "Ch 1: Asking" "Ch 2: The Beauty & The Hunter" "Ch 3: First Sight" "Ch 4: Friendship, Ruin & A Promise"
***
There. He is there. Knowledge flared, instincts spiking in recognition of his prey, the hated Sinner had escaped before, and then harmed what was his. Inexcusable. Time to fix that mistake.
The mixed-blood Kin gathered himself, banking sharply and wings folding as he fell into a falcon’s dive, streaking toward the ground. There was a certain recklessness in the maneuver, but his kind was not known for their careful nature. A fierce rage fueled his speed until the wind tore cold tears from his eyes and his lungs burned for breath, and beneath him the feel of his prey grew stronger. Still he dove, breaking through the low-lying clouds and their needle-sharp rain. The alley unfolded beneath him, a dank and reeking twist of brick and refuse.
The perfect place for a rat to hide. And then he could see the human in the alley, his dark clothing soaked by the rain and hair stringy. Able to scent the Arch Angel’s blood that lingered on the human, Aoi hissed. I see you.
With a flex of wings that slowed his dive, Aoi curled the black appendages and altered the angle of his attack, turning his body in midair. Wings almost completely folded, he struck with his heels, catching the man in the back and curling hands over the other’s shoulders as his weight forced the human harshly into the pavement. The audible crack of multiple bones breaking made him smile viciously, proof the attack had the desired result.
The human beneath the raging Kin screamed the agony of his broken bones into the trash-filled puddle they landed in, thrashing in a futile attempt to be free. The resistance merely aggravated his injuries, pulling another pain-filled scream from his throat as he stilled. Breath hissing and spluttering, he weakly gasped for air and sucked it in gratefully when pressure lightened just enough for him to breathe rather than drown.
“You.” Aoi growled, his blood-boiling rage filling the word. “You harmed what was mine.”
“What? What?” The man gasped weakly, shuddering. “No, no! I have no idea what you’re talking about. This is just a mistake, a misunderstanding! Please, we can work this out!”
“No.” Aoi crooned, his tone softly vicious as he braced his heels on solid ground and hauled the human to his feet. Releasing his victim with a faintly curious tilt of his head, the Dark Kin couldn’t help but chuckle as once again the man wound up face-down in the water.
“Please, there’s something wrong with my legs.” The human whimpered, shuddering as he was seized once again. “I can’t stand, please! Don’t hurt me.”
“That would be courtesy of your now-broken spine.” He replied conversationally, a dagger coming to hand as he prodded the human’s throat. “If all went well, you should have a few broken ribs too. Now, no screaming, alright?”
The voice that replied was subdued, but quivered with fear. “Why are you doing this?”
“I told you, you harmed what is mine.” The light tone disappeared beneath biting rage and a subtle promise of pain, the blade glancing pale skin and leaving a shallow slice of red in its wake. “I intend to avenge that harm.”
“I need a hospital!”
“No.” Aoi grinned, gathering his prey and launching skyward. “You won’t, once I am done with you.”
The human screamed as the ground fell away. “What are you!?”
“Death.”
**
On the ground once more, Aoi dragged his prey along, growling under his breath. Unmoved by pity, he prowled through a tangle of streets and narrow walkways, snarling each time the mostly-unconscious man drew enough breath to whimper. Finally in a narrow alley he found what he sought, a thoroughly hidden door of rich black wood, tucked away in an alcove. There.
Stepping into the small enclosure, the Dark Kin tilted his head, sharp eyesight picking out the faintly carved symbols etched all around the door. As he knocked -three sharp strikes- the symbols flared, red light painting over him. Hanging from Aoi’s grip on his shirt and half-laying in the street, the man whimpered again.
This time Aoi grinned. “Soon… You’ll be taken care of soon.”
“Please… Mercy… Need hospital…” The human whimpered, thrashing weakly.
Aoi’s smile twisted into a shadow of demonic pleasure as he knocked again, four sharp raps just as evenly spaced as the first three had been. More symbols flared, and he shifted back on his heels slightly. “You will be taken care of.”
The remaining symbols flashed and then died, the door opening soundlessly to reveal an empty stone hallway framed closely by bare walls. The path was close and dark, lit by candles tucked into shoulder-high alcoves every five feet along the stretch. As soon as Aoi and his burden were inside, the door closed soundlessly behind them. With a shrug the mixed-blood Kin folded his wings tightly to his back and followed the line of the hallway, dragging his burden over the stones.
‘Aoi?’ A pleasure-clouded voice enquired. ‘What brings the Merciful One to me? So late and with a guest as well? My my, what an intrigue. Do come in, I assume you remember the way…’
‘As always, you are a gracious host.’ Aoi replied. ‘Yes, I remember the way.’
Ignoring the instincts that surged in reaction to the presence behind that voice, Aoi moved further into the Demon Prince’s domain, shuddering as he passed through layers of protection spells that clung him like the strands of a spider’s web. He let the magic pass without remark, remembering the layers upon layers of spells that wrapped all of the building’s entrances. Even if one managed to get in, there was no guarantee of getting to anyone or getting out alive again. The spells were designed to discern one’s purpose and destroy those of ill intent.
Gathering bits and pieces of the tale from his spell webs, the Demon murmured in intrigue. ‘You bring quite a story to my halls, Merciful Death… And your companion?’
Aoi smiled, rattling his catch until the human groaned. Still alive then, good. ‘Part of my story, and tribute for your hounds.’
Wicked delight flared along the single thread binding the Demon’s mind to his own, an approving croon rubbing against Aoi’s mind like silk. ‘To my chambers with you both then, forget the receiving hall. I am waiting.’
‘I will need instruction, Prince.’ Aoi admitted. He’d never had the honor -dubious though it may be- of an audience in the private chambers.
A carelessness tinted the reply, as though the Demon waved off the formality. ‘No worry at all, I shall send someone to you.’
Hefting his burden, Aoi followed the hall to its end, turning right into another hallway through a suddenly open door. This hall was wide enough that at least three Kin could have walked it with their wings folded, but just as empty as the first. Overhead hung crystal chandeliers set with white tape candles, most of them burned to half-height. More candles lit the length of the hallway, once again set into alcoves.
Aoi knew the Demons preferred candle light, and in his current state could not disagree with them. Senses heightened from the hunt, his pupils had long ago blown wide, expanding and filling his eyes with light-consuming black. There was a distinctly primal cast to his features, echoed by the tension in the black wings that were folded firmly to his back and the drying blood that spattered his bare arms.
A servant opened a door at his right, bowing at the sight of him. “The Master requested I show you the way.”
Watching the other’s eyes dart quickly to the bleeding human he carried and then back to his eyes, Aoi smiled. “Lead on.”
**
The Demon Prince’s lair was a tangle of buildings -nearly an entire block- housing a labyrinth of hallways. The whole of the expanse was filled with tricks, traps, spells and dead ends; all designed to eliminate threats and the occasional unwanted visitor. By the time the servant halted outside a handsome redwood door, Aoi was unsure how far they had traveled, though it hadn’t taken them long. His captive was now conscious and releasing a stream of pained sounds with each movement.
Both Aoi and the servant ignored him, the man bowing and disappearing down the hall before Aoi had a chance to knock. With a shrug the mixed-blood Kin did so, one dark brow climbing as the door opened silently on its own. ‘You do enjoy your theatrics.’
‘Such entertainments are all that I have, some days. Would you rob me of them?’ The tone was amused. ‘Come in, come in already. You must know how such a visit would intrigue me. Do you want me to die of curiosity?’
‘Haven’t you already done that?’ Aoi questioned teasingly, entering a small room with a curtain-wall. He paced toward the dark velvet without instruction, making no remark when it too parted to let him pass without the hint of someone’s hand.
‘Died? Yes. Of curiosity? No.’ The Prince tsked. ‘Do you not know the story?’
‘I confess I do not seem to.’
‘Perhaps we shall both share a story tonight.’
Rounding the corner Aoi halted, surprised at the elegance of the chambers he’d entered. Beneath his feet a dark redwood floor led to a sprawling rug in shades of cream, caramel and gold. A blackwood four-poster bed sat atop the thick carpet, draped in sheets of similar coloring. There were candles scattered throughout the room, and clusters of them on the black tables to either side of the bed as well as the trunk at the foot of it. A fireplace was set into the wall on one side of the room, twin chairs facing it along with a loveseat.
A massive black beast that looked vaguely like a wolf sat beside the loveseat, a companion in gray imitating the same pose and watching with identical red eyes on the other side of the couch. Hellhounds.
Seated between the two, a slim man with sharply angled hair in shades of silver and black watched them. His eyes were normal looking enough in the flickering candle light, but as he inclined his head in greeting they flashed silver. “Ahh, Aoi, there you are.”
“Prince.” Aoi murmured, bowing. “I thank you for receiving me.”
“You bring my hounds food and my ears a story.” The Prince smirked, shifting to lean in a more relaxed manner. “I could hardly resist such an offering, Death Arch. So sit and tell me your tales, I think we are beyond formalities.”
“I will gladly tell you the story.” Aoi murmured, pacing closer to the lounging demon. “But I am unsure as to how long your hounds’ tribute will live, it was my desire that he suffer greatly.”
The reclining male tilted his head, considering the human with a flash of silver eyes. “What did he do to you, Merciful One? To rouse your wrath so thoroughly? Quite a tale indeed.”
“Yes.” Aoi agreed simply, pitching the human before the black hound. “But the shortest version possible is that he attacked and nearly killed my mate.”
The demon surged upright in his seat, barely remaining on the couch as he perked in interest. “Your mate, what wonder is this?”
“There is an Arch Angel that calls to my soul, and this human very nearly killed him.” Aoi curled his lip in disgust and lashed out with a well-aimed heel, smirking when the human screamed and the scent of blood made the hounds growl. “If not for my efforts and those of a healer, my mate would have died. I have extracted some of the debt on my own, but I felt the best course of action lay in currying favor with my rather unlikely friend.”
The mixed-blood Kin inclined his head in a nod, which the Demon knowingly returned. “Very well, I shall let my darlings play with their new toy… But in another room, I think, I wish to hear this story of yours.”
A black door opened on the far side of the room, though what it led to was shadowed. Leaning forward, the Demon crooned to the black beast and then tapped the gray, releasing them from their posts. “Go play, my darlings.”
The human whined and shrank away as the two hounds nosed him, his voice wavering. “What are they?”
Silver eyes flashed red, and the Demon Prince gave a fanged smile. “Hellhounds, oh unfortunate one. These, are hellhounds.”
**
Relaxing into a seat with a glass of wine, Aoi considered the rather unlikely ally and friend he had found in the Demon Prince. One of many princes, the Kin was sure, this man was nevertheless the most powerful of demons that he had heard of. In the proper circles, he was revered and practically legendary, in others he was a mere ghost. Through meticulous work, the Prince had carved himself the perfect reputation. His friends were few, and perhaps -one could argue- just as odd as he.
Aoi being a prime example.
“You still ride the edge of the hunt.” The Prince murmured, tilting his head curiously as the distant sound of screams disappeared behind a closing door. The hounds had seized their prey and dragged him from the room, uncaring for his injuries.
Aoi hoped he was still alive when they started eating him, but had little doubt he would suffer regardless. It was what he deserved for harming the Golden One. “It has been a trying evening.”
“Nearly morning, now.” The Demon countered, swirling the glass of wine in his hand and stroking it with one claw until the vessel chimed. “Talk to me, Aoi. Tell me of your mate, and this human.”
“I got careless on a hunt.” Aoi admitted with a sigh, setting his glass aside with barely a sip taken. “It is, distracting, to find one’s SoulMate.”
“Particularly without looking, hmmm?” Fangs flashed again, silver eyes bright with humor. “You were never the sort to hold out hope for finding your other half… At least, you never struck me that way.”
“I did not.” Aoi agreed. “But suddenly I was in the Red Light district, and I found it anyway.”
One elegant brow climbed, the look playfully scandalized. “I am doubly surprised.”
“You are my friend, do not test that.” Aoi warned, but smiled in spite of himself. “I cannot give it words, so I will not attempt to. But I was hunting, and very careless to let my prey escape, even with so interesting a distraction as my Mate.”
“This prey…” The Demon murmured, considering his guest. “It is he who you gave to my hounds, isn’t it?”
Aoi’s jaw tightened. “Due to my carelessness, he slipped away… He was alive to harm what was mine, and I almost lost my mate because of it. I will spend the rest of our lives atoning for that failure… I have already promised to never allow harm to come to him again.”
“I trust that you will keep that oath without fail.” The Demon waved it away. “You are not the sort to break such promises, Aoi, and not to the other half of your soul. A lie cannot be told between Mates, it is one of the first laws.”
Aoi’s head jerked up sharply, mouth opening in shock before he recovered. “You know of the laws?”
The Demon rolled his shoulder in an elegant shrug, grinning viciously as the sound of a death scream and the howl of hounds echoed through the room. “Even Demons mate, Death Arch, remember that.”
Aoi nodded, blinking in surprise when the Demon stood and paced across the room to a pair of double-doors. Opening them, he sorted through the darkness for a moment and then produced a black coat, humming in approval as he tossed it over his arm. Returning to stand before his guest, he motioned Aoi out of the seat and offered the jacket.
“I think, with the coming of the dawn, you should return to your injured mate.” The Demon hummed, nodding in approval as Aoi pulled on the jacket. “It will suit. Now, because we are friends, I insist that you take this and your story and return to your beloved. And because we are friends, I trust that at some point you will bring your Mate to meet me, and tell me the whole of the tale.”
Aoi blinked in surprise, glancing at the wine, and then the coat, then the Demon himself. “You offer me many things in the name of this friendship, and I’ve not yet begun to pay you back for them.”
“Ahh, but that is how you know we are friends, is it not?” Fangs flashed in a smirk. “I do not ask repayment, not for such simple things as wine and a coat and the aid of my hounds. After all, I enjoy what little I know and the chance for my darlings to have fresh blood, so it is no great thing on my part. But one evening I would have you visit with this mate of yours, and tell me your story. I can only imagine what your Arch is like, smelling of honey and spice as you do. It is, dizzying, to say the least.”
“His blood.” Aoi explained, considering his dark clothing and feeling grateful the stains did not show. “From when I found him…”
“I wish to meet him.” The Demon nodded, hugging the bewildered Kin and nudging him gently toward the door. “Now go, return and be sure that he is well. My kind do not do particularly well at first light anyway, I would rather rest.”
“Highness, I thank you again.” Aoi murmured, glancing over his shoulder.
The Demon tsked. “We are past formality, Aoi.”
“Miyavi, then.” Aoi smiled. “You have my thanks, Miyavi, and yes we will return and tell you the rest of our story.”
The Demon grinned. “I look forward to it, my friend.”
Aoi frowned, hesitating in the doorway. “I did not get a chance to hear the tale of your death, either.”
Miyavi grinned. “Ahh then, the short version? In order for a Demon born to somewhat mortal parents to reach their full potential, they must die. In my youth I challenged a Kin to a fight, or perhaps he challenged me. I do not remember, but eventually I was dealt a death-blow. The saving grace was that a young Arch was nearby, and felt the need to save me.”
Aoi turned, considering the smirking demon in confusion. “An Arch Angel?”
“Yes, the Arch Angel of Resurrection.” Miyavi’s fanged smile flashed. “It was he that gave me the abilities I have now, in a way. Sadly I remember little of him, save that he smelled of honey and spice.”
**
Miyavi, The Demon Prince:
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Next Chapter: "Ch 6: Reality In Dreams"
Dun dun dunnnnnnn! Right? So I like it! I like it, and kinda got to rambling, so I hope you don't mind. o.o;; *coughs* Got a little someone finally decided to join the party! Who here is glad to see him? Eh, eh? Someone better be, come on now guys! His picture will eventually join the main 'Bio' Post, but for now he's just going to hang out here. Hnnng that picture omfg. What do you guys think? Comments are like Uruha's guitar solos, ok? Yeah. I like it like I like that. Show me some love, babes!