Fan Fiction ❯ ~Yume~Dream~ ❯ The Frozen Rain ( Chapter 1 )

~Yume~Dream~

By Destina Fujimiya

Chapter One: The Frozen Rain

Silence had settled over one of the many cities of Tsumetai; well, what had been a city at one time. Now it was pretty much just a useless pile of rubble. It looked as if a dragon had completely devastated it. Well, that actually had happened about a week ago, but not by an actual dragon. It had been a shape shifter… a man on a mission to find a certain boy that he had been seeking for quite a good many years. The man's name was Kiri. Kiri Akuma, a high level demon of a purely evil nature. Never did a natural smile cross his face, unless it was of a malicious intent. Rarely did he ever reveal his true form; but when he did, it was that of a potentially beautiful slim man of about twenty-years or so. Scarlet hair tinged with sapphire fell over his shoulders in waves, reaching to about mid-back. Two wings were constantly extended; one of obvious demonic origin-leathery in look and texture. The other seemed to have been angelic at on time; until either he or another demon tore it to shreds. The man was an enigma; not allowing one to get so close as to possibly understand him or his ways.

Now, the boy that he was searching for was a demon as well, only of a different origin. He and his twin brother were the only cat demons that existed in Yume, and were therefore highly sought after by slave traders and the like. Because of this, they were currently in hiding. Within one of the last remaining high-rises in this city, the two nekos were keeping watch upon the frozen ground about ten stories below. Kori Ame, the younger of the two sat on the windowsill, sapphire locks blowing in the slight breeze that blew in through what was left of the glass of the pane. He was the current prey; Kiri's target. He knew this, yet he was oddly calm about the whole ordeal. Never did he panic; he always kept an uncaring expression upon his face. Perhaps this was meant to be some sort of a reassurance for his brother, Asuka Ame; but it only made things worse for the older twin. He loved his brother deeply, and would be devastated if anything were to happen to his dear younger sibling. Nothing hurt more than to see his own image accept such a fate. He turned his gaze to regard the dark profile of beauty that stood in stark contrast to the silvery hue of the sky beyond. "Kori…"

The younger turned his head at the mention of his name, expression as emotionless as ever. There was no doubt that the happy-go-lucky Ko-chan of the past was gone. In his place, a lifeless doll had been instilled. A doll programmed to accept its fate without a word against it. As he was, Kori wouldn't fight, no matter what Kiri threatened to do to him. There was absolutely nothing that anyone could do to make Kori himself once again. Unless of course, the legends of a mysterious girl coming to reclaim Tsumetai from the clutches of Kiri Akuma were true. Perhaps that girl could wake Kori from this trance he was caught within; this whirlpool of doubt and regret that he constantly tortured himself with.

At the moment, Asuka took it upon himself to approach his beloved sibling and try to help him as much as he possibly could. It was all he had going for him right now. Until Kori opened up to him once more, there was no saving the boy. "Kori… you can't let him just… take you as a slave. What are you thinking? He can torture you, rape you; he will be able to do whatever he pleases and you will have no say at all in the matter. Do you understand?"

Kori chuckled bitterly and diverted his sapphire gaze away from his twin's pained expression. "I know. I am not completely clueless as to what occurs in the slave trade. I know what can and most likely will happen. I will probably be abused. But isn't this my fate anyway? I sensed it, as did you. He is coming for me… can't you feel the overwhelming feeling of darkness approaching? I know my limits. I will not fight nor run from a higher level demon. That is certain death, in what I have chosen to do, I at least have a chance at escaping."

Asuka was about to object to this, but Kori had already turned around and covered his mouth. The younger boy slid to the floor; pulling his brother into the darkness of a corner of the room. As if on cue to this action, a dark, foreboding figure appeared in the soft light of the doorway. Kori's tail found Asuka's and twined around it in an affectionate gesture; soon becoming a prelude to Kori's next action of turning the other's head so as to kiss him deeply. "Aska-koi… I love you so much… don't give up hope on me…"

At this abrupt action, Asuka couldn't help but to blush furiously. They hadn't kissed so deeply in a long time… and not it was meant to be a long-term goodbye. If he was to let his dear younger sibling go, it might be only months until they met once more; yet Kori could completely change to the point of being unrecognizable. They might not ever be as close as they were now ever again. On the other hand, there was the possibility that Kori might never return at all. Perhaps once Kiri had done his torture and finished with him, he might well choose to kill the boy. At this moment in time, Kori was making his way silently and steadily toward the imposing figure that was Kiri Akuma. Asuka leapt to his feet without knowing it until it was far too late. He was now standing right in front of Kori, and being glared upon with the deadly emerald irises of the Great Demon himself. Kori merely stared at his older brother, completely stunned and unable to utter a word.

"What is this thing?" The crimson-haired man leered at Asuka, unable to hold his amusement to himself. "A little hero? I highly doubt you can do anything, bishounen. Koritsu Ame and I have a contract. He signed it fairly, in his own blood. So I suggest you not interfere in business of ours." The man made a sweeping motion with his hand, easily flinging Asuka away from Kori and himself. Kori watched his brother literally sail through the air; hitting a wall with a dull thud. Nothing more was seen or heard afterward. No breathing... no movement. Kori cried out in despair and immediately raced to his beloved brother's side. He lifted up the other boy's head, cradling it in the crook of his arm. "Kiri-san!! You said you would hurt no one if I chose to go with you! You have hurt the one person that I chose to go through this whole ordeal for! You can forget everything!" Kori frowned softly in worry and nuzzled against Asuka's face lovingly, trying to coax him into awaking somehow. Unbeknownst to him however, Kiri was approaching him from behind.

"I do not accept breaches of contract, dear Koritsu Ame. I always get what I want. No matter what it may be." At this statement, Kori shivered as the deathly cold feeling of a metal collar surrounded his neck. He nearly leapt up in astonishment and dismay as the clatter of chains behind him combined with a newfound burden upon the slim column of his neck. "You are mine now Koritsu. You are my pet. My slave. Most of all, you are my desire. You will do as I say, whenever I tell you to do so. Understand? Good." The 'leash' was tugged upon at that very moment and Kori lost his grip upon Asuka; who now fell limply to the dusty floor. He wasn't dead… Kori could feel it. He was simply unconscious, If Kori could somehow convince Kiri to take his brother as well… they could still remain together.

Tentatively, he turned his head so that he now faced his new 'master.' His deeply saddened eyes were met by the other demon's cold, relentless ones. He nearly turned away in fear, but concern for his brother made him do the exact opposite. "Kiri-san… is there any possibility at all that we can… perhaps take my brother with us..?" At the question, Kiri's gaze silently fell upon the injured cat demon on the floor. Without a word, he moved to clamp yet another collar he had held in his possession about the other's neck. He smirked at the prospect. "Two delicious cat demons for the price of just one. How could I possibly pass up such a wonderful opportunity?"

Kiri then moved back to Kori's side; only to kneel down and stroke the boy's face with a slim finger. "And the thought of how he will despise you… for practically selling his soul to me… the thought of that alone makes me want to see the break of a practically everlasting bond between two brothers. The only two members of their family left fighting to the death. Perhaps I will be able to help you with just that." His eyes narrowed in thought, and he nodded to himself. "Come. We must get going if we are to get you both settled in to your new home before dark." Kori sighed deeply, standing up with a soft groan as he went over to hoist his fallen sibling into his arms. Under Kiri's lead, they then made their way into the void of uncertainty which was to swirl around them for the rest of their lives…

* * *

The next thing Hana knew, she was in the midst of Tsumetai. Not as she had been during her previous visits… no. This was reality, it had to be. In the past, she had witnessed life here as if it were a documentary of sorts. She hadn't actually stood on the broken down streets as she was currently. Now she was in a position so that had she seen it fit to do so, she could reach out and touch one of the passersby… in fact, she did do just that, just to make sure that she was where she thought she was.

"Excuse me…" She reached out tentatively to tap a woman lightly upon the shoulder. She did it delicately, as if the people of this place she had merely thought was a figment of her imagination were to dissipate at any given moment in time. Amazingly, her hand had made contact with the furred collar of the woman's coat. She nearly doubled over in amazement and pure bliss. Her suggestions about Yume had been more correct than she could have ever imagined. "Excuse me miss, but can you tell me where I am? I became lost… and ended up here. I am not too familiar with this area at all." The woman turned to regard her fully, a smile faintly visible upon her full lips. "You are in the country of Tsumetai, in the province of Ame. I welcome you. If you'd like, I could take you to go visit the palace where Satsugai resides. He governs these parts I suppose you could say. Our country has fallen into chaos; I suppose you have probably heard that from whatever country you hail from. Everyone has heard Tsumetai's tale of despair it seems. Satsugai however, manages to keep our city in balance. No one knows how he does it, but he does. Oh, I'm sorry… I'm rambling… you would like to meet our savior, yes?"

Hana nodded, but the action was filled with uncertainty. She had never heard of such a man. Satsugai… the name didn't strike her as familiar at all. Perhaps time passed more quickly here? Perhaps they had elected him as a last resort; or there was also the possibility that he had predicted this city's fall as well and had stepped in to aid in preventing it. She did not know that it was a demon bringing death and destruction upon this world… yet she would soon find out. She was going to ask this Satsugai to tell her about the plague of this world. Perhaps there was a reason behind it all; a perfectly believable, easy to understand reason.

* * *

Kiri had in the meanwhile led his two new possessions to his own palace that seemed to be located nowhere at all. Darkness enveloped the massive dwelling, secluding it from absolutely nothing at all, since the terrain around it was as dead as anything could possibly be. Kori had nearly collapsed out of exhaustion on the way, overwhelmed by the heat. The small weight of his brother had seemed to grow more and more with every step he had to take. As ironic as it was, he was glad when they had reached the ominous bastion. Even if it was to be known as his prison for an indefinite amount of time, he couldn't help but to feel relieved somewhat. Even if he was to be chained to the wall, most likely he would be allowed to sit down.

Once inside, Kori was ordered to place his brother on the floor; which was more than gladly done since the boy was utterly exhausted. He groaned softly and collapsed to his knees, panting desperately for air. Despite this obvious case of fatigue, Kiri had already gotten hold of a whip; lashing it across the boy's sensitive back with a resounding 'crack' of leather against bare flesh. "Did I tell you to relax? Did I ask you to sit on my floor?" Eyes narrowing dangerously, he closed the distance between them and gripped the boy's sapphire locks; pulling him to his feet. When Kori yelped in pain, it simply resulted in yet another bloody gash from the whip, only this one across his chest. Kiri smirked now, letting loose his grip once he knew the boy was standing on his own. "Those clothes of yours don't seem to be able to stand the whip at all anyhow… take them off. All of them."

Kori's eyes widened significantly at the order; a furious blush attacking him as he looked to the lushly carpeted floor. Once more he felt the whip, and the demon's cold hands ripping off his leather vest in one swift motion. He was about to object to this action, but one look into the furious emerald eyes of Kiri told him it would be wiser to comply with the order he had been given. Slowly, he began to work his way out of his restrictive clothing, regretting it for it was also symbolic of giving up his freedom. He whimpered softly, trying his best to cover himself from the hungry eyes of the other man. Kiri however, wouldn't have this modesty in his presence. Quickly, he reached over to grip the cat demon's hands; allowing the full slim form of the rarity to be exposed. "Exactly how I imagined you'd be… perfect… desirable. Perfect for my needs."

Kori blushed even more as the full beauty of his slim body was revealed. Even his brother hadn't yet seen him in such a light. They had only gone as far as kissing… they hadn't yet gone to the extent of a deeper relationship. They had it planned, yes; they just hadn't decided to put it into action just yet. Now, Kori regretted that fact. Saddened sapphire eyes glanced to the side, looking at the still figure that was his brother. How he wished that the other boy would awaken and take him into his arms like he had many times before. Asuka was the only one he'd trust… Asuka was the only one who would ever be on the receiving end of his love. These thoughts and these thoughts alone would allow him to suffer through the next few moments without simply giving up… allowing himself to just be abused for now and simply forget afterwards. That was his current plan. It would work. It just had to.

* * *

Meanwhile, Hana had been led through the surprisingly elaborate city by the young woman who claimed to go by the name of Suzuka. Apparently, she had lived in this city since she was a small child and had heard some tales that might have been a possible explanation to the chaos that other cities within Tsumetai were succumbing to. Supposedly, there was a man to which most people had come to call Azara. A Tsumetaean word for "Demon of the Eastern Paths." He was said to prey upon small children and older people alike; not caring whether it seemed improper to the human race or not. His job was to destroy innocence. Like the purist of entities, he was drawn to virgins; yet unlike those same beings, he would take that innocence away. Rarely did those who were found by him ever return. Many rumors were going around that he was an incubus… a user of seduction that would never cease his constant search for sexual satisfaction. After all, if he was never satisfied, why would he stop?

The two of them had reached the palace in no more than about an hour. It was a beautiful residence indeed, and Hana was surprised that the people of the city were able to assemble it so quickly. Suzuka said it had taken approximately a month. Every resident had had their own respective jobs to complete. Men had done the hard labor of building; while women and children had remained at home to sew curtains and create the beautiful tapestries and carpets that lined the massive residence. They had been granted entry by the guards surprisingly quickly; and Suzuka had left not long afterward for a different destination. Unfortunately, Hana had no earthly idea of where she was to be headed.

Just as she was considering a return to the outside… to perhaps explore the city itself a bit more; a beautiful man dressed in black approached her. Silky crimson hair fell over his shoulders in waves. His eyes were a stunning shade of a golden color; something of which she had never seen the likes of before. Something in the back of her mind told her that this man had to be the one known as Satsugai, but she decided to ask… just to be completely sure. "Umm… excuse me sir, would you happen to be the man named Satsugai? I was told to come discuss things with you, as what I wish to talk about is the current reign of chaos overtaking this world."

The man gave a slight nod in response, but cracked a smile at her use of formality. "Hai, I would be the Satsugai you speak of. But there is no need to speak so formally around me. I am a governor in name only. I know nothing at all about the position. The people of this city just hold this belief that since I seem to hold the key to saving their home, that if they give me everything I ask for I will stay. That, however, is not my plan."

Hana blinked as the man named Satsugai began to make his way in the other direction. She trailed him though, protesting this. "How can you possibly betray the people's trust like that?! What are you anyhow? What man would do that to his people? Satsugai-sama… what is it that you plan to shirk your duty here for?" Her eyes were narrowed as she kept pace with him, glaring up at his face though his gaze was focused forward.

"Call me Satsu. No -sama… no formalities. And as for your question… I will give you but one simple explanation." He turned then, facing her fully as he looked into her eyes. He then placed his hands on her shoulders, firmly holding them in place. "For one, I am not from here. Second, I am not a human. I am a demon, which is the perfect explanation as to why the other demon cannot enter this city. As long as I'm here… he has no access. Demons cannot penetrate another demonic entity's lifeforce." He shook his head then; and letting go of her, once more starting toward a yet unknown destination. This confession struck Hana hard, and she couldn't help but to follow.

"So… you're a demon. How can you possibly say that? From what I have clearly seen, you are a charming man… a particularly kind one at that. How could you insult yourself so freely… without any remorse at all?"

Satsu turned abruptly, literally glaring at her with suddenly cold amber irises. "You think that… I am lying?! Oh, princess, you are badly mistaken. You tend to completely forget that you are the trespasser in this realm, you know nothing. And as for me lying, that rarely if ever happens. I am indeed a demon. A vampire to be exact… well, that is what your kind would call me. The people of Tsumetai refer to my kind as the ookami." He growled and shook his head. "I am here to help you recognize your fate. You came here for a reason… and I am trying to aid you. If you don't wish me to, then I'd suggest you just return to your own world. There is nothing for you here."

You are the one who came from the other world seeking to put things together… are you not? Are you the one who is to destroy the plague known as Kiri Akuma? I beg of you… come save us… please…

Hana had been listening to Satsugai's explanation of things… and had been about to apologize when a soft voice had taken the initiative instead. This startled the both of them, and they both turned to view the source. A feline stood in the midst of the hallway; very large in stature, and oddly enough-his fur was a deep blue hue. He much resembled a lynx, long black tufts on the tip of his ears… the eye shape… yet the difference was the fact that he actually had a tail. She could say nothing, completely overtaken by shock. Satsu, however, stepped forward and spoke. "A cat demon… I thought that your kind was long extinct… and I didn't expect that your kind would know projection spells at that."

Projection spells are not too difficult to understand, canine. And yes, we are extinct… aside from my brother and I. I am Koritsu Ame. My brother's name is Asuka Ame. Unfortunately, our chance for survival has lessened by a great deal. Kiri Akuma has captured us, and at this moment… he is… enjoying my physical being. Which is why I have approached you in this fashion. Partly to get my mind off of things here at the palace… and I had sensed the Princess's arrival, and wished to make sure of her safety and where her loyalties lie.

Hana simply stared at the exchange of words between the two demons, unable to believe what was happening. And what was this about her being a princess? Never before had she been so thoroughly confused. How was Satsu a canine? Why was everyone talking about this 'princess' title? "EXCUSE ME!!!" She shouted, to the two demon's surprise. "I would like to know why you are talking about me being a princess… and what exactly it has to do with what is going on right at the moment. I have never been so confused in my entire life. Satsu, Kori, tell me… what is going on? Please… I'm begging you…" She literally fell to her knees, hands clasped together. "I will help you all… in any way I can." She then looked to both the red-haired man and the faded visage of the feline Kori. "I've never wanted to do anything else so much… please, allow me to help save this place."

Satsugai blinked in complete shock at the sudden change in the girl's intentions and nodded. "I suppose… we can trust you. But it's a long story. I suggest we go to somewhere private to discuss this. Kori, you coming?" He had begun to lead Hana forward; but now turned to face the feline. The lynx shook his head regretfully. "Iie… I should be getting back. I will entrust her to you, Satsugai of the Ookami." The feline then faded away… as suddenly as he had appeared. Satsu shook his head lightly and continued to lead Hana toward their destination… finally. The truth would be revealed.

Kiri: Dammit!!! You didn't show what I was doing to that damn cat!

Desi: *blinks* Don't take it out on me! Don't you think that chapter one is a little early for too much lemon?

Kiri: *crosses arms* No.

Kori: I… I agree…

Satsugai: Ooooh… Kiri… you are like the legends say…

Kiri: *blinks* Who… are you?

Desi: *pulls them apart* Bakas! You haven't met yet. X.x

Kori: *blush*

Satsugai: Be my seme Kiri-san!!!!

Desi: o.O;; We'll be… going now. ^^;;