Wilted Rose

Summary: (Sequel to ALFoR) After selling his soul to save Marik, a mute Malik is slowly dying with Seto finding himself powerless to help. Meanwhile, Bakura tries to reason with a reckless Marik as Ryou searches for a way to save both demon and human. (MxM, BxR)

Rated: T

Genre: Supernatural/Romance

Author’s Note: I’m not even going to say anything, I’ve kept you waiting long enough. …I’M SORRY!

Disclaimer: It’s still not mine…bleh!

-

8 – The Inferno

Marik fingered the pearl shard that hung around his neck, excited and yet hesitant about seeing Malik again. He wasn’t exactly sure why he was so apprehensive about seeing his old friend; he had seen all of it before, the wings, the claws, the fangs, the eyes...everything that was supposed to be hideous and disfiguring just looked so appealing when Malik was involved. Knowing that, he assumed it was meeting Bakura’s deceased brother that irked him the most. Malik would always be Malik, dead or alive, but he had no idea what to expect when it came to the other demon. He already had preconceived notions towards Touzoku; as far as he was concerned, the man was a monster that wanted to steal Malik away from him. He didn’t know why he didn’t feel the same animosity towards Seto, who he knew had taken a strong liking to the blonde despite having his own to worry about. Maybe it was because, like Seto, his affection lied more in the realm of protection and companionship rather than appearance alone.

Yes, that was it. Touzoku was shallow and he wasn’t.

“Hey, are you ready?”

Marik looked over his shoulder and sunk even deeper into the beanbag chair, a loud groan escaping his lips. He was already feeling too old for all this, and he was only twenty.

“Why are you complaining?” Bakura said incredulously. “Ryou’s doing all this for you and Malik!”

“Well if I had died like I was supposed to, then none of this would’ve happened,” the blonde growled.

“Well you can blame your boyfriend for that,” the other sneered, plopping onto the other beanbag. “Besides, if that suicide succeeded, you’d be just like Akefia,” he continued in a more subdued voice. “No memories whatsoever, totally reborn as someone who you wouldn’t even recognize. If you’re not concerned about your own well-being, at least think of how Malik would feel.”

“I know,” Marik grumbled, rolling his dual colored eyes. “Stop being so preachy, it’s annoying. Though I guess it makes sense; you are courting and angel of all things.”

“Says the guy who likes a little fang in his kisses.”

“To each his own” the blonde shrugged. “What do you see in that little powder puff anyway? You spent what, one afternoon together?”

“Call it love at first sight,” Bakura smirked.

“Bullshit.”

“I had been watching him ever since he was a child,” a soft voice said suddenly, causing the two bickering roommates to turn their attention to the door. Ryou stood sheepishly against the frame, holding a large bundle in his arms. A light blush was painted across his pale cheeks. “So I suppose I knew exactly what to say to let him know that he could trust me. As for why someone as pious and critical as I am would be so involved in the salvation of...of a poor boy that seemed to have no future beyond the poverty he was born into...” A shy smile, “Well it’s just...I had always admired his determination to succeed, and his blunt honestly made me laugh. My reasons for wanting to help Bakura are just as valid as the reasons why I want to help you and Malik. Being an angel has nothing to do with it, I...I want to help people that need it.”

The room was silent for a while, the paler of the two college students gazing at the angel with a mixture of sympathy and gratitude. He knew about the physical and emotional struggles Ryou had to face while he was alive, and knowing that someone who had to endure so much could still be so willing to extend a helpful hand was more than touching. Bakura was usually the first to scoff at the ‘charitable deeds’ others performed, but something about the beautiful angel made him different than the rest. He didn’t want any thanks, any glory or fame. He was doing all of this in secret from his own kind, feeling content simply with the knowledge that he had done something to make a difference. Ryou was the closest thing to a ‘good person’ that the world would ever get to see.

And he was already dead.

“Yet another drawn out lecture from the cherub,” Marik said rudely, closing his eyes. “I asked Bakura, not you. I could care less about your reasons for doing this; all that matters is that you are and that Malik and I benefit.”

“Marik, you’re an ass.”

“We should get going,” Ryou sighed, obviously insulted by the other’s lack of compassion. “We don’t want to be late. I’ll go over the plan again,” he unveiled a small pink orb that glowed faintly. It looked like a larger version of the black one Malik had worn. “As soon as we arrive, we’re going to Ivory, where we’ll meet up with Jounouchi and Seto to map out a clearer course of action. I’ve asked Touzoku to come as well, along with Malik if he’s able to. If not, I advised them to stay where they are... My superiors should be coming shortly after, and then all of us will go to Dartz’s place to try and negotiate a new deal.” He paused, mentally reciting a short prayer. “Again, this all depends on who is willing to give up what. I doubt Dartz is going to make things easy for us.”

“I want to say I’d give an arm and a leg for Malik, but don’t quote me on that,” Marik blinked.

“You’re awfully calm about this,” the angel observed, still miffed at his prior behavior.

“He’s just trying to act all tough. As soon as Malik shows up he’ll turn into putty.”

“Bakura knows all about putty,” the blonde said absentmindedly, leaving the medical student trying to decide whether he was merely being random or making a sexual reference.

“Children, please,” Ryou said exasperatedly.

“Alright, what do we need to do?”

“This,” the pale angel announced, “is the Rose Pearl. Think of it as Heaven’s answer to the Black Pearl. The Black Pearl, as you know, allows demons to walk the earth, given they follow some rules. This Rose Pearl allows humans to visit either Heaven or Hell, given they are accompanied by an angel.”

“Who in their right mind would visit Hell under any other circumstance?”

“Well every now and then we like to scare a few humans out of their wits by showing them some of the rougher parts of Hell,” Ryou shrugged. “You know; the ones that don’t believe such a place exists, so they rape and murder without remorse? Of course we only show them a few designated areas; if they knew there were places in Hell that weren’t raging pits of magma and maggots...well, we wouldn’t be very effective, now would we?”

“Are we going to a raging pit of magma and maggots?” Bakura twitched.

“Oh no, no, no, don’t worry. Anyway, a few ground rules. You’re not to eat or drink anything while we’re there, not even their water. I’ve brought a few supplies with me just incase any of you get hungry, but please ask me. I don’t want anything of our things to get mixed up; we’re going to a bar after all. Also, as long as you stay at least 50 feet in any direction of myself or the pearl, no demon, unless I allow them, will be able to touch you. Go just a millimeter outside of bounds, and you’re free game. Understood?

“Consider us glued at the hip,” the human gulped.

“Marik?”

“How will we know if we’re out of bounds?” The blonde blinked.

“There’ll be a large white circle around us, trust me; you’ll know it when you see it.”

“And if we step out,” Marik continued, standing up, “Can’t we just go back in?”

“Of course, but in order to gain its protection, you’ll have to physically touch the Pearl.”

“Got it.”

“Okay,” Ryou sighed, cupping the Pearl in his hands, “I want both of you next to me, I just need to say a small incantation and we’ll be on our way.”

“One more question...”

“Yes Bakura?”

“How much is this going to hurt?”

“If I do it right, not at all,” the angel said sheepishly. He closed his eyes and concentrated all his energy onto the pearl, which glowed a brighter pink with every passing second. Licking his lips, Ryou muttered a short Latin phrase, activating the sphere’s power and enveloping the room in a bright light.

Marik opened his cursed eye hesitantly, and saw that Malik’s broken pearl seemed to be reacting to it’s divine doppelganger, feebly attempting to match it’s luminosity. With memories of the blonde demon’s painful goodbye suddenly renewed, Marik shut his eye again and promised himself, with a new determination, that he’d never give Malik a reason to say that dreaded word ever again.

-

Jounouchi, despite having spent a good amount of time in his lover’s body, still hadn’t remembered to lower his head whenever he entered the restaurant, and was punished for forgetting by a thick plank of wood that served as the top of the entryway.

“Being tall’s so fun, isn’t it?” Seto, said blandly, wiping the tables down. “You sick of looking down yet?”

“Not a chance,” the blonde turned brunette responded dizzily, holding his throbbing forehead. “Why are you even bothering to clean? We’ve been closed for awhile.”

“We’re having guests.”

“Oh, is that today?” Jounouchi said sheepishly. “Damn, I need to keep on top of things better...”

“You know, if you just hover a few inches off the ground, you’ll be as tall as I am,” the other demon drawled. “I don’t see why being my height is so awe-inspiring.”

“Because now I’m the guy who gets to give the irritating head rubs.”

“Uh...huh.”

“So it’s just those two humans and the angel that are coming over, right?”

“And a few members from the High Council,” Seto muttered.

“Really? I’m surprised they’re willing to dirty their sandals over this shit,” Jounouchi scoffed. “Damn…talk about embarrassing.”

“It’s just another incident they’ll rub in our face for the next hundred years to cement their superiority over us poor demons. What else is new?”

“…Well, we still dress better then they do.”

Loud knocks and unintelligible yells directed their attention to the padlocked door, and with a sigh, the now blonde Seto walked unenthusiastically towards it to let their long awaited guests inside their humble abode.

Bakura was the first to push himself past the disgruntled demon, somehow managing to locate the sink in order to begin washing his hands in distress. The two demons, along with a blushing Ryou and an irate Marik couldn’t find the will to do anything else than watch him try and scrub his skin off.

“I told him it would be a little dusty down here,” the angel sighed. “Hello…Seto right?”

“Yep.”

“But…I thought you were–” Marik began.

“I’ll explain later,” the blonde muttered, allowing them inside. The other demon was hovering over Bakura’s shoulder, amused by the human’s futile attempts to wash off the unseen dirt.

“Do you know where that water’s been?” Jounouchi asked conversationally, watching his expression change. “No one knows where the pipes here draw their water. If could be from the river where they drown the most barbaric of sinners. For all we know, that liquid could contain the broken down flesh and sweat of millions, no, BILLIONS, of–”

“STOP TALKING!” Bakura commanded, not sure where to thrust his hands next.

“Jounouchi, stop it,” Ryou said crossly. “Bakura, I already told you nothing here could touch you.”

“Have you seen Malik recently?” Marik asked the shorter demon.

“Not since that piece of dirt took him away and gave us a cabbage headed useless lump of flesh as a replacement,” Seto replied moodily, referring of course to Noa, who had decided to sleep in.

“So you hate him too huh?” The blonde smirked, sitting next to him on the table.

“I’ve no reason to think otherwise.” A grimace. “I was at a disadvantage from the start… If Malik wasn’t so willing to go, then I might’ve had the chance to–”

“What do you mean ‘willing’?”

“Well he didn’t put up much of a fight when he was being ushered away…”

“That can’t be true!” Marik yelled, slightly panicked. “It…he probably wasn’t thinking straight…”

“Malik’s never thinking straight,” Jounouchi and Bakura said in unison, earning glares from the others.

“Oh yes, that horrible monster in my body isn’t me,” Seto sighed, waving a clawed hand. “That’s Jounouchi. I’m Seto. Dartz decided to throw us into this mess. You too, judging from that eye of yours.”

“I guess. Nothing’s happened though.”

“Nothing’s happened yet,” the demon corrected.

“Whatever…”

“No, trust me on this. Something will happen. If your name is on that contract, you will be affected.”

“Which is why we’re here to begin with, right?” Marik shrugged. “Ryou, how long until Malik gets here?”

“Depending on his condition,” the angel grunted, trying to stop Bakura from bathing in the dishwashing liquid, “he might not come at all, but if what Touzoku says is true, and he really has been doing better– Bakura, control yourself!”

“Touzoku’s his brother,” the tall blonde said blandly, gesturing to his roommate. “Should be an interesting reunion.”

“The two of us trying to kill him, and his little brother trying not to seem like a spaz,” Seto agreed. “Interesting indeed.”

“Can’t wait.”

-

“You know if this Marik guy turns out to be a real ass, I won’t hold back.”

The horned demon and his decidedly doomed charge were lounging in the master bedroom, as the blonde’s fainting spells made it risky to bring him anywhere without a soft surface to land on just incase he decided to clock out. Admittedly, the black outs had been few and far between ever since Ryou had contacted them about the proposed deal rewrite, but Touzoku wasn’t one to take chances. Besides, anymore bumps on the head might give Malik his own bout of amnesia.

...Actually, that didn’t seem like a bad idea.

“Hold back what?” Malik said uninterestedly.

“My opinions.” Touzoku replied, dumping a mass of checker pieces onto his bed.

“Like that’s ever happened,” the other snickered. “Anyway, when are we going to Seto’s?”

“As soon as we get word from that angel I guess.”

“I don’t know if I’ll last that long...”

“Don’t say that,” the horned demon snarled. “You’ve been doing a lot better lately. ...Damn, I probably just jinxed it. I take it back, you look like crap.”

Malik pouted and turned back to his book, slouching deeper into his chair.

“But you really have been doing better,” Touzoku continued absentmindedly, beginning to stack the pieces on top of one another. “You’ve been blanking out a lot less...”

“Doesn’t mean I’m not in trouble.”

“I know, but you’ve gotta look at the bright side sometimes.”

“This sounds so weird coming from someone who died via suicide,” Malik snorted.

The other demon laughed and accidentally knocked his tower down with a single misplaced coin.

“Damn it.”

“I’m bored!” Malik whined. “Go get Ryou and ask him if we can come early!”

“What if he says no?”

“Then we’ll go anyway,” the blonde huffed.

“I like your logic,” Touzoku smirked, retrieving the mirror. “Oh mirror, mirror in my hand, connect us please to angel land!”

“You don’t have to do that you know...”

“But it adds to the mysticism!”

“...”

“What?” Ryou snapped as his pale face emerged from the mirror’s clouded depths. “Oh! Touzoku! How is–?”

“Hey Mr. Angel, I was wondering if it was alright for me and the dying kid to pop in right about now.”

“Who are you talking to? Is that the bastard who stole Malik?”

“Marik!” Malik squealed, tackling his keeper to the side. “RYOU GIVE THE MIRROR TO MARIK!”

“NO, you of all people can’t afford to waste any time! If you’re well enough, tell Touzoku to come over here this instant!”

“Talking to Marik isn’t a waste of my time,” the small blonde bristled. “Talking to you however...”

“YOU TWO ARE LUCKY MY HEART IS SO ABNORMALLY LARGE!” the white haired cherub exploded. “Any reasonable angel would have let you two fall to pieces a long time ago!”

“Okay fine, I’m sorry, can I speak to Marik now?”

“No Malik,” Ryou sighed irritably.

“Who shoved a stick up your ass?” Marik growled, peeking over the angel’s shoulder. “Malik?”

“Marik, you’re okay!” The demon said happily, tears forming. “Oh, your eye! I’m so sorry; I’ll never try and save your life again! ...Oh, wait, I mean I–” he blushed. “I mean I’ll try, but not...well, um... Yay you’re here!”

“You’re so cute,” the other blonde gushed. “How are you?”

“A little tired, but otherwise great! I can’t wait to get there; I have sooo much to tell you! Ugh,” he pulled a face, “I wish I could reach through this stupid mirror and just–”

“Save it for later,” Ryou warned.

“Where’s Bakura? Didn’t he come with you?”

An odd look suddenly came over Touzoku’s face. He had heard that name somewhere before...

“He and Seto...or...whoever that was, are standing watch outside.” Marik shrugged. “He’s being a boob; I suggest not making eye contact with him.”

“What do you mean whoever that was? Seto’s the tall one and Jounouchi’s the dumb one, remember?”

“I know, but they–”

“LATER!” The angel repeated.

“So you’re the jerk who this poor innocent kid is sacrificing his life force for,” Touzoku said disapprovingly, snatching the mirror from his charge. “How’d you get your hair like that? Didja accidentally stick a fork into a light socket?”

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Marik spat, shoving Ryou out of the way.

“...Oh.”

“I’d call you bull-headed, but that’s just way too easy isn’t it?”

“I can see where Malik gets his mouth. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“Say that to my face you gremlin!” Marik growled.

“I just did, porcupine head!”

“QUIT MAKING FUN OF MY HAIR YOU SUNBURNED TROLL!”

“STOP PICKING ON MY HORNS YOU-YOU...YOU!”

“Fantastic comeback Touzoku,” Malik sneered.

“Be quiet, you’re supposed to be frail and sickly!” his keeper hissed.

“Stop it!” Ryou snapped, taking the mirror back. “Stop it, stop it, stop it! All of you are such children! Malik, Touzoku, get over here now! And Marik, grow up!”

The image faded before the two demons could hear the tall blonde’s response.

“Isn’t he a sweetie?” Malik cooed.

“He’s a bad influence on you,” Touzoku said dully.

“Thanks Isis,” the blonde huffed, sitting on the window sill and glaring at the city.

“Who?”

“Nothing.”

“Uh...huh,” he sighed. “Alright, get whatever you need to feel all nice and fluffy and let’s take off. Wouldn’t want to keep your holiness waiting, he might snap his halo.”

“Hey, Touzoku?”

“Yes?”

“Can you look at something for me? I don’t trust my eyes.”

“What do you mean?” The horned demon asked, turning to the blonde.

“I think I see two little black dots in the sky, but...I don’t know if they’re really there...”

Touzoku frowned and sauntered over to the window, laying his head on Malik’s shoulder and squinting grey eyes into the pale blue sky.

“Do you see them?”

“Yeah...what the hell are they? The demons around here rarely fly anywhere.”

“Oh good, I’m not crazy yet,” Malik sighed, relieved.

“They’re headed in our direction,” Touzoku said suddenly, jaw tensing. “No horns, so they’re not from his area...”

“Maybe it’s Seto and Jounouchi?” the blonde suggested, perking up.

“I don’t think so...”

“Then who–?”

“Malik?”

“What?”

“DUCK!”

Touzoku grabbed the smaller demon and dove onto the floor, using his own body as a shield to protect Malik from the shards of stained glass that exploded from the window and littered his formerly pristine floor.

“Touzoku!”

“Just stay down!” the scarred demon commanded, using his wings as an extra barrier.

Two figures seemed to manifest through the shattered pieces of the pane, black feathered wings displayed proudly. One was a rather handsome, though rough looking man with messy brown hair, spiked somewhat like Marik’s, though lacking in both style and impressiveness. The other was a muscular red head with a strange haircut and an even stranger sense of style. He looked to be wearing a kind of sport’s bra...

“Looks like we have some visitors,” Touzoku grunted, extending his claws. “You know, next time I’d prefer at least a day’s notice; I didn’t get a chance to clean.”

“Varon and Amelda,” Malik said, slightly shocked. “They’re regulars at Ivory... Did you really miss me that much?”

“We’re here under the orders of Master Dartz,” Varon announced. “Seems like someone’s been playing hooky with his end of the deal using a little divine intervention.”

“We’ve been sent to ‘take care’ of the problem,” Amelda added.

“Who would’ve thought the only two guys who’d never leave me any tip would be under the command of an even bigger asshole?” The blonde mused.

“...Wait, that’s a dude?” Touzoku blinked.

“Yeah, I was a little confused too...”

“We heard about your little plan to duck out of the contract,” the brunette sneered, flexing his wings. “Sorry to say Master Dartz doesn’t appreciate your lack of gratitude. You got what you wanted, didn’t you?”

“Oh yes, I wanted all of this,” Malik said sarcastically, clasping his hands together. “Chaotic soul snatching and different colored eyeballs; such fun!”

“Well if you hadn’t involved that angel, then Master Dartz wouldn’t have been forced to add a few extra clauses,” Amelda retorted.

“I didn’t ask that angel to stick his nose into my business!”

“Well unfortunately for both of you,” Amelda interrupted, a large black axe appearing in his calloused hands. “He did.”

The effeminate red head lunged at Malik, only to be intercepted by Touzoku, who bolted in front of his blonde charge and gave the other demon a swift kick to the face. His opponent staggered, but managed to lift his large weapon and slam it dangerously close to where Touzoku had stood not three seconds ago.

“Malik, I know you hate listening, but if you ever want to see Marik again, I’d advise you to run!”

“Not gonna happen!” Varon cackled, somehow appearing behind the small demon and grabbing a fistful of hair. He brought the locks to his face and smelled them hungrily. “I’ve always wanted to do this back in Ivory...”

“Yeah, you and every other creep that ever ate there,” Malik snapped, elbowing him in the gut.

“You sure you wanna make this difficult?” The brunette chuckled, flashing his claws. “I wouldn’t trust my skills if I were in the state you’re in.”

“You think I actually have fighting skill?” the other laughed. “Honestly, I just try and get my mouth around whatever body part fits inside and bite!”

“Too much info,” Touzoku blinked, ducking under another axe swing. “You know, taking on a mind reader might not be the smartest thing you’re ever done...”

“I know all about your little ability,” Amelda sneered. “I also know how much concentration it takes to use it!”

The horned demon raised an eyebrow just as Malik was slammed roughly into a bookshelf, Varon’s dagger-like nails tightening around his throat. Trying to fight the pain, the small blonde used his free hands to search for anything he could find, finally finding a large book and throwing it desperately at his attacker.

The tome hit Varon hard, evidenced by a sickening and juicy crunch. Malik wrenched himself from the other demon’s weakened grasp and darted behind the large furniture piece, trying with all his might to topple the oversized structure.

Clutching his nose, Varon opened his blue eyes just in time to see a few dozen hard bound books falling from the sky, an intimidating wooden shelf following closely after. Malik staggered from behind his unlikely barrier and slumped against the bed frame, the familiar wave of fatigue washing over him. Of all the times to have a fainting spell...

Meanwhile, Touzoku unfurled his bat-like wings, and whipped up a small, but intense rush of air, sending the checker pieces he had been playing with towards the axe-wielding Amelda, who expertly blocked most with the weapon’s handle. The ones he missed bounced harmlessly off his chest.

“Really? Is that all you can think of?” He laughed.

“Not really,” the other smirked, as the forgotten game board, guided by the same swirl of air, rose and smacked Amelda in the face. Touzoku’s success at humiliating the other demon was short lived, as he heard his charge’s surprised squeal from the other end of the room. As he whipped around in a panic, Amelda ripped the flat slab of wood from his face and threw the axe at in his direction. Fortunately he, again, narrowly jumped out of the way, cursing wildly under his breath.

Varon had thrown the bookshelf off of him and flew straight towards the weakened blonde, grabbing him by the convenient hood on his top and slamming him onto the ground. The blonde hit the floor hard, a trickle of dark blood escaping his lips. Thinking quickly, he rolled to the side, narrowly missing Varon's claws. The brunette snarled, coming at Malik again with a renewed strength, but his attack was interrupted by a large coffee table, courtesy of Touzoku.

"You okay?" The horned demon shouted, evading Amelda's blade. "I can't fight for both of us you know!"

"Well I'm the one who could drop dead at any second!" the other screamed, scrambling to his feet. "Have some sympathy!"

"Excuses," Touzoku sighed, taking the fight into the air. His opponent smirked, throwing the axe with deadly accuracy; the weapon missed its target by mere centimeters, still managing to graze the already marred cheek. Though small, the cut felt as if it had about twenty knives shoved into it, causing the demon an immense amount of pain. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the offending item, and quickly dove after it without a second thought.

"That's a hit!" Amelda cackled, thrusting himself forward, claws fully extended.

Touzoku frowned and caught the axe by its handle, swinging the blade at its former handler and slicing off a large portion of the effeminate demon's wing. A sharp shriek pierced through the demolished room as the monster fell, a trail of feathers floating slowly behind. Malik's keeper laughed triumphantly and threw the axe down, watching gleefully as it hit Amelda perfectly in the stomach.

"Piece of cake," he snickered. "How're you doing down there Malik?"

"Oh, just great," the blonde panted, exhausted from dodging Varon's claws. As he backed into the area where the large window used to be, he stepped onto a broken piece of glass and stumbled slightly, allowing his opponent to score another blow. Malik hissed in pain before dropping to the floor and grabbing a fistful of glass shards, chucking them at the brunette's bruised face. A few pieces managed to find its way into Varon's eye, lodging itself under his upper eyelid.

"YOU BRAT!"

Malik yelped as Varon lunged, tackling him onto the ground, one eye beginning to bleed heavily. The smaller demon spat into his attacker's mouth before viciously biting into his pale flesh, the familiar and still hated copper flavor flooded into his mouth. Varon howled in agony, wrenching his hand from the blonde's fangs and receiving a prompt kick in the stomach during his moment of vulnerability. Malik took to the sky and was quickly followed by Touzoku, who had grabbed the mirror and tucked it under his arm. The two beaten demons remained below, one trying to fish sharp objects from his eye and the other missing half of his right wing.

"You're hurt?" the younger demon said incredulously. "Why didn't you read his mind?"

"Because I was too busy worrying about you!" his keeper growled, wiping away the blood. "Stop sucking so much!"

Malik opened his mouth to reply but suddenly grabbed onto Touzoku’s free arm, clinging like his life (?) depended on it.

“What's wrong now?”

“I can’t fly,” the blonde grumbled, lilac eye twitching. “You’re lucky I’m so light.”

“This isn’t good,” the other said, an air of panic in his voice. He looked behind him to discover that his charge’s wings had indeed ceased to move. “You’re lucky you grabbed onto before you fell like a rock.”

-

Well, I hope a verbal duel between Mariku and Touzoku was worth the...I forgot how long it’s been wait. Things get physical in the next chapter as the plot inches closer to the climax. ...No, there’s no sex. It’s rated T for muffin’s sake.

Review and maybe I’ll get some motivation to update faster! Oh, and fanart helps too (hint, hint), I’ve gotten a few for A Little Fall of Rain, and I love them so much!

REVIEW PLEASE!