Mark of a Fallen Angel

Mark of a Fallen Angel

Chapter Nine

By: Kigen

Side note, special thanks to Faraway Dawn for abuse musing. She suffers for your amusement.

Disclaimer: No Shaman King/Naruto crossover, in which Sasuke and Lyserg are the ultimate ukes, even with each other. Proof enough.

:-:-:-:-:

Lyserg watched Morphine sitting on the edge of the bath, her cloth clad legs dipped into the water. When she touched her, the fairy felt just as real as Akiko or anyone else did. Her mind wandered to her friends spirits. Suddenly her face went bright red with a blush.

Faust's love for his deceased wife was more the obvious with there constant cuddling, loving gazes, and romantic words. What if they too...?

Lyserg shook her head. She didn't want those mental images in her head.

Akiko chuckled at Lyserg's face. “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing.” Lyserg lied, her face turning redder as she sunk a bit deeper into the shoulder high water.

“You're blushing.” Akiko pointed out. “And I know it's not the water. What’s up?”

Lyserg bit her lips, a bit embarrassed about the subject. “It's... about you and Kyo...”

“What about us sweetie?”

“How, how does it work?”

Akiko smiled. “How does what work? Us staying together?”

“Well... everything.” Akiko and Kyo were just so different; they didn't seem like they could be a couple.

“This is going to take more than one bath to explain.” Akiko leaned back against the side of the tub. “Even if I tell the short version.”

“Then how did you two get together?”

“I think I can cover that in one bath. The water might get a bit cold though.” she joked.

“I was friends with Kyo since I was four, when I first started to help guard the mirror. It was pretty much one sided at first. Kyo's not the most sociable of all spirits. And he had an even bigger stick up his butt back then, if you can imagine it. He didn’t really start to really acknowledge me or anything until after my family died. And I didn't get a crush until I turned twelve; which was hard enough for him. I never told him about it, even though he probably already knew. He just ingored it if he did know though. He's one of those, 'if I ignore it long enough, it'll go away' type people.

“It wasn't until Hao-sama left us to this house as he started his first plans to win the shaman fight did our relationship go anywhere.”

:-:-:-:-:

Akiko laid on her back, Sneakers on her stomach.

Kyo had gotten her the kitty a few days ago, something to amuse her so ‘she would leave him the hell alone for a moment.’ Though, Kyo was quickly regretting it. With Sneakers, Kyo found out that he absolutely hated cats.

Sighing, Akiko picked up Sneakers and held her in the air so they were nose to nose. “Sneakers, if I tell you something, will you promise to keep it a secret?”

The cat mewed, and Akiko took that as a yes.

“Well, you see, I have a crush on a guy...”

Sneakers mewed at her.

“Yes, it's Kyo. It's only him, you and me here.” Akiko sighed over dramatically. “Am I a bad person for loving someone nine hundred years older than me Sneakers?”

Sneakers mewed again, this time yawning at the end.

“I know, I know. He's older than me. But he's been there forever and he's cute... Don't give me that look Sneakers. I'm not shallow. Even you have to admit he looks cute.

“Okay. I know you usually go for guys with tails and pointy ears, but Kyo's a mirror spirit. He could get those, and then even you'd think he was hot!

“Okay, maybe not... but he's pretty cute for a human.” Akiko let out another melodramatic sigh. “But we're just too different. He's cranky, I'm happy. He's all responsible and I'm not. He likes quiet, I like noise. He's over nine hundred years old and I'm fourteen; he's dead and I'm still alive. Do you think it's not meant to be Sneakers?” Akiko asked her kitty companion.

“Well, yeah maybe... but I still think I have a chance. If only I was nine hundred years older- eight hundred even. That'd be enough, right?”

Akiko sighed again. “We just have to be together... someday... maybe after I die... but then I'd be too old. What if I die when I'm like ninety or something?” Akiko scrunched up her nose. “Eww.... I'll be all old and wrinkly and Kyo-kun'll still be all young looking and pretty, and then I'll be too old and not to young... Oh Sneakers, what am I going to do?”

“Stop talking to that hell cat for one. You don't really expect that thing to give you advice, do you?” Kyo asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Kyo-kun!” Akiko jumped up, dropping Sneakers onto the bed. The cat let out a displeased yowl before taking off and hiding under Akiko's bed. “Umm... how much did you happen to hear?” Akiko asked nervously.

“All of it.” Kyo answered.

Akiko felt her heart sinking and then exploding into a million itty bitty pieces. “All of it?”

Kyo nodded, his expression the same as usual.

“And?” Akiko asked when he made no other moves.

“Wait until you're fifteen. It'd be far too strange to do anything to you before then.” Kyo answered, a sightly pained look on his face.

He winced, as Akiko squealed and launched herself at him, hugging the spirit tightly around the waist. “Really? You like me? You like me, like me?” she squeaked.

“Yes, now get off me.” Kyo grumbled.

“Does this mean I can call you Kyo-koi now?” Akiko asked with big, begging eyes.

“No.”

“Too bad, I'm gonna do it anyways ‘cause I'm you're girlfriend now Kyo-koi!” Akiko flashed him a blinding smiled before nuzzling her face into his chest.

Kyo groaned, a headache developing. When exactly did he decide to start listening to his emotions and not his mind? he should have know it wouldn't have ended painlessly.

“I love you Kyo-koi!” Akiko giggled with childish glee.

She would mature, Kyo reminded himself. She would mature.

:-:-:-:-:

Lyserg blinked in surprise as Akiko ended the first part of the story. “That's how you two became a couple?”

Even Morphine was more than a bit surprised.

“Yeah.” Akiko ran her hands through the cooling water. “Later he told me he was ‘interested’ in me because I was the first person to perk his curiosity, during life or after. I think it was because he couldn't figure me out for the life of him though.” Akiko joked.

Lyserg nodded. For some reason, she was more surprised than she though she would have been. She knew that it had to be some strange way with the way their relationship worked.

“Kyo got you Sneakers?” Lyserg asked, just to make sure. That fact was still bothering her, knowing how Kyo was about the cat.

“Got me, gave in after I whined and begged long enough. Same difference.” Akiko stood up. “The water's getting cold, ready to get out?”

Lyserg nodded, standing up and shivering in the cold air. After drying off and getting changed, Lyserg was brushing her hair as Akiko tended to the room.

Morphine fluttered around Lyserg, making mindful noises as she switched to her injured arm to brush the other side of her hair.

“I'm fine Morphine. It doesn't hurt anymore.” Lyserg assured her.

“All right sweetie, do you want me to stay with you for the night?” Akiko asked. After all, Morphine could only stay if she did.

Lyserg looked at Morphine for a moment, before slowly shaking her head. “No, it's okay. Can you just come back in the morning?” Lyserg wanted to see her spirit soon.

“Sure thing hun.” Akiko smoothed the blankets as Lyserg laid down, Morphine saying her good byes. “Night sweetie.”

“Good night.”

:-:-:-:-:

The next five days after Morphine went as normally as they could considering the situation. The days had been spent with Akiko and their spirits; usually out in the garden or with the kittens. Kyo Jr had really taken to Morphine.

But when Akiko had come in right after lunch, shooing Morphine and Kyo away; getting Lyserg into a bath, she knew something was going to happen. It had happened quickly, Lyserg never really took Akiko as the type to sneak attack someone.

But she had been put into the bath and out of it before she could really respond. Her hair was quickly dried and styled, shiny black clips put on her bangs. A similar black necklace and bracelet were placed around her neck and wrist. She was forced to don an elegant black and red strapless dress. Even when Akiko had started the lengthy process of lacing the back of the dress with red ribbon, she wouldn't answer the dowser’s questions.

She only said, “Just relax sweetie. There's nothing to worry about.” Even though she knew those words only made Lyserg worry even more.

After the dress was finally laced, black sandals were slipped onto her feet; Akiko painted her face with a thin layer of makeup, before telling her to wait in the room.

Lyserg sat on the bed, her insides squirming with dread.

What on earth could she be getting ready for? Her first thought was that Hao was going to take her. But, she had only been a girl for two weeks now, though it seemed so much longer. She was no where near ready to conceive, and Hao had said that there was no point to sleeping with her until she was ready.

But... there had been no point to all the other times Hao had touched her...

Lyserg sat on the bed, hands fisting the silky material of the dress. She tried to keep calm, but was failing miserably. She was so focused on the terror building within her, that she didn't even notice anyone enter the room until a hand was laid on her shoulder.

“Nervous?” Hao asked with a smirk. “There is no need to be, my queen.”

“Wha-what do you want?” Lyserg asked with quivering breaths. Her breathing was so violently erratic that her entire body quaked from the force of the gasps.

Hao's smirk widened. “Relax Lyserg. I've only come to dine with you.” he gently kissed Lyserg's forehead.

“Dine?” Lyserg's lips, painted a soft pink trembled.

“Dinner.” Hao made an amused noise at Lyserg's trembling. “Though, you must calm down or you won't enjoy the meal very much.”

Lyserg allowed her body to be lead to a table in the room, and sat in the chair Hao offered.

That was how Lyserg found herself sitting across from Hao as she stared at the bits of blue cheese that covered her salad.

“Aren't you going to eat?” Hao asked once Akiko took the salad away and served the main course.

Akiko smiled at Lyserg reassuringly. “It's steak filet milan cooked in a creamy brandy and mushroom sauce with asparagus.” She leaned down as she set the plate down, whispering in Lyserg's ear, “Don't worry sweetie. He won't hurt you.”

Lyserg picked up her fork, and was able to take a few tentative bites as Akiko poured their drink. Wine, Sangria as Akiko called it. She had taken a hesitant sip, before placing it back down.

Hao smiled as he watched his queen start to eat. She was still so tentative, so meek around him.

She had at least been amusing when she fought with him. Now, she was more a thing to look at, and perhaps coax a few entertaining reactions out of.

Lyserg managed the eat a few more bites, before her fluttering stomach forced her to stop. Her hands began to twist the napkin, pretending that Hao wasn't staring at her.

Soon the main meal was taken away, and large pieces of strawberry shortcake, topped with fresh strawberries and heaps of whipped cream. Lyserg took a bite, surprised by how nice it tasted.

“Have the books I have given you met your satisfaction?” Hao asked as he watched Lyserg pick at the cake.

His queen froze, looking up at him with wide, mascara framed eyes. Lyserg fought with herself to keep calm. It was just Hao. Nothing to worry about, she could hold a civil conversation with him without wetting herself in fear or passing out with fear. “Y-yes.”

“Oh? And what have you been learning from them?”

Lyserg swallowed, taking a sip of water in an attempt to calm herself enough to answer. “Mainly about the eastern Asian religions and the local shamanism of the areas.” She answered, softly.

Hao nodded. He knew she preferred the company of Akiko or her spirit to the books. “Do you find yourself content with your activities during the day?”

“Yes.” Lyserg answered. Truthfully, she was starting to crave a little variety, but would make no move to announce it.

Hao nodded again, able to hear Lyserg's thoughts more clearly than her actual words. He would have to have Akiko find something else for his queen to occupy herself with.

Hao rose, the dinner finished for the moment.

Lyserg bit her lips as Hao approached, squeezing her eye shut as she waited for whatever would happen.

Hao leaned down, licking the small bit of cream that clung to the corner of her mouth away, before gently pressing his lips to hers. Before Lyserg could even jerk away in surprise, Hao had pulled away.

“Good night my queen.” Hao kissed her hand gently, before turning and leaving the room.

Lyserg sat in the chair, still clinging to the fork in her hand and staring at the door with wide eyes when Akiko came in.

“Are you okay sweetie? What happened?” she knew Hao wouldn't be able to control himself when she was out of the room.

“He kissed me.” Lyserg murmured, dropping the fork.

“What else did he do sweetie?” Akiko stood behind her, hands resting on Lyserg's shoulders in an attempt to offer comfort.

“He asked me... if I was enjoying myself...” That was what Hao had been asking in his own way, wasn't it?

“He didn't do anything else?” Akiko asked, surprised. When it was decided that the two would have a formal dinner, Akiko was sure that it would result with Hao trying to do something to Lyserg.

Lyserg shook her head. “No, he didn't.”

He really didn't.

:-:-:-:-:

Lyserg contemplated the board in front of her, looking at the different pieces that littered the checkered board. She went through half a dozen different scenarios in her head, before picking up a small castle and moving it a few inches.

“Checkmate.” Lyserg said softly, smiling.

“You beat Kyo.” Akiko looked at Lyserg with wide eyes. Yes, it had taken the dowser half a dozen tries before she had come anywhere close to matching Kyo; but she had won.

Kyo snorted. “I'm not a master of this western game. Let her beat me in a game of Go, and then I'll be impressed.”

“Excuses, excuses.” Akiko teased. “I'm the one who taught you the game and I never even come close to beating you.”

“You're just bad at the game.” Kyo huffed, not the least bit happy about his defeat.

“Point? You still got beaten.”

Lyserg smiled as she put the pieces away. She doubted she'd be playing Kyo again today, and Akiko wasn't very found of chess herself. Lyserg picked up the queen in her bandaged fingers.

After the dinner that took place only a week ago, Hao had disappeared to take care of some business. He had left instructions for Akiko to find another way for Lyserg to occupy her time.

Before the change it had been easy. Lyserg had always been training. Before the tournament, she had studdied hard for school. During it, the few spare moments she had were usually devoted to a dectective novel or another mystery.

Now that she was unable to train, and one could only read so much; Akiko had been a bit creative with her activities. It had taken three days to discover that Lyserg had no artistic talent with drawing, scultpting or paper folding. And it had only taken another and a few pricked finger for Lyserg to decide she absolutely hated needlepoint.

It was then that Kyo had come to the rescue with a chess set, asking if Lyserg knew the game. After a quick slaughter with Akiko, it had taken over a dozen tries for Lyserg to win against Kyo. And even then it had been just barely.

Lyserg paused after she closed the chess case, her hand holding onto her stomach.

Morphine made a soft noise as she landed on Lyserg's shoulder.

“Just a stomach ache Morphine.” Lyserg assured the small spirit.

Morphine nodded, though her face was still tensed in concern.

Lyserg picked up Sandals, listening to Akiko and Kyo squabble. Truthfully, her stomach had been bothering her since yesterday, but she didn't think much of it. After all, since when was a stomach ache something to worry about?

:-:-:-:-:

Dates with Hao-sama and Sneakers the psychiatrist. This chapter wins just because of that.

Read and review please.

Ja min’na-san!