Mark of a Fallen Angel

Mark of a Fallen Angel

Chapter Five

By: Kigen

Side note, special thanks to Faraway Dawn for abuse musing. She’s now getting a smutty side story between Akiko and her love for it, but I still owe her a lot.

Disclaimer: Not mine. Lyserg never gets actively healed, which would involve a lot of hugging and cuddling and soft soothing words, if it involved Yoh or Ren or Horo or someone. Since it involves Hao, Lyserg’s not gonna be so lucky.

:-:-:-:-:

“Akiko.”

“Yes Hao-sama?” the girl turned around from the rose bush she was tending and gave her full attention to the fire shaman. “Do you need something?”

“I need advice.” Hao said bluntly.

Akiko dusted off her hands and followed Hao inside when he left. For Hao-sama to ask anyone, let alone her, for advice, meant that something big was going on.

“What can I do for you Hao-sama?” Akiko asked once they were inside and alone.

“Lyserg is not responding right now, and appears to be in a state of mental trauma. What do you think caused it?”

“Forgive me Hao-sama, but it's not that surprising considering what she's been through.

“I mean,” she continued, “she's been kidnaped, kept captive, genderbent, mentally and sexually tortured. I know it's not my place to judge or question Hao-sama, but don't you think it's a bit much for anyone to deal with?”

“I suppose.” Hao answered with disinterest. “How do I fix it.”

Akiko sighed. “There's a hard one. Get her trust, for one thing. She’s scared witless right now. Try being a bit more gentle, honor her personal space a bit more. Having her spirit near her might help out. Just be nice and gentle.” Akiko suggested. “And don't touch anything private until you've gained more of her trust. That would be my best guess.” she added.
Hao nodded. “I still won't give her, her pixie just yet.” he said to himself, already planning out different thing to do with Lyserg. “Akiko, how did Lyserg react to you when you were with her?”

“She was okay. I think she just liked the fact that I was normal and nice.” Akiko answered, thinking back to the morning.

Hao nodded. “All right. I want you to start working with Lyserg, is that understood?”

“Sure thing Hao-sama.” Akiko answered.

“Go attend to her now.” Hao exited the room.

Akiko smiled a bit and started towards Lyserg's room. “Of course Hao-sama.”

:-:-:-:-:

“Oh sweetie.” Akiko frowned, wiping the tears from Lyserg's cheeks. “Come on hunny, wake up.” Akiko smoothed back Lyserg's hair gently, until the dowser looked up at the older girl.

“Aki...?” Lyserg murmured softly, her eyes hazed and confused.

Akiko nodded. “You all right sweetie? What happened?”

Tears welled up in Lyserg eyes again, as she let out a sob.

“Oh hunny.”

The next thing Lyserg knew, she was wrapped in the warm embrace of Akiko's arms. Not caring about trying to be strong, or anything anymore, Lyserg welcomed the hug, and sobbed into it. Akiko made no attempt to stop the girl's heart wrenching cries. She soothingly ran her hand up and down the length of Lyserg's back, humming softly. Lyserg sobbed until she couldn't anymore, her breath was shaky and hitched by the occasional hiccup as she came aware of her surroundings again.

“There, there, sweetie. Let it all out now. I know it hurts, I know.” Akiko was whispering gently as she held Lyserg. “Feel better?” Akiko asked, looking down and seeing that Lyserg had calmed down.

Lyserg nodded, body still trembling with hiccups and uneven breathing.

“You're exhausted.” Akiko noted, shifting Lyserg in her arms, and readjusting the hurt wrist so it could be iced again. “Relax and go to sleep babe. I promise I'll still be here when you wake up.”

“Stay?” Lyserg asked softly, cuddling closer. Spirits, she needed someone to hold onto right now.

“Of course sweetie.” Akiko said, running her hand through Lyserg's hair and rocking her body. “Just relax and go to sleep sweetie. Close your eyes. I'll stay with you.” Akiko continued to whisper softly, warmly to Lyserg as the younger girl curled closer and closed her eyes.

She felt safe like this.

:-:-:-:-:

Lyserg awoke, feeling warm for once

“Awake hun?” Akiko asked, smoothing back Lyserg's bangs.

Lyserg snuggled as close as she could. She just needed the security and warmth right now.

“Are you hungry yet Sweetie? You slept right through lunch.” Akiko continued running her hands through Lyserg's hair, lulling the child.

Lyserg shook her head. She didn't want to eat, she didn't even wanna move right now.

“Do you want to talk?”

“Not now.” Lyserg pressed close.

“All right sweetie. But you know it'll make you feel better, right? Even if it hurts now, it'll feel better when you're done.”

Lyserg bit her lip. Should she? Akiko was the only person here that she knew she could trust. But it was so painful.

“Want me to go first?” Akiko offered when she saw the girl's obvious discomfort.

“Why did you join Hao?” Lyserg whispered. She wanted to know why someone as nice and sweet as her would willing join someone as evil as Hao.

“Start with the tough questions, eh?” Akiko teased, shifting the two so she could get the feeling back in her legs as she checked on Lyserg's arm once more.

“Well, when I was a little girl, my family took care of this cursed mirror. It had been in our family for generations, and was a symbol of ill fortune and great disaster. But, as the shaman line that trapped the evil spirit inside the mirror, we could not fight our fate.” Akiko was adopting her bad habit of becoming an overzealous story teller with big dramatics and unnecessary flair. “But it was my family's duty. We did not fight it, or mind it.

“So we went on. Years and years passed, and the shamans of my family waned. In fact, it wasn't until my great grandfather's generation that shamanic ability was reborn into the family. It was my great aunt who realized that the mirror wasn't cursed, but the spirit of a powerful shaman over 900 years old dwelled inside Despite the new information, we continued to guard it none the less.” Akiko paused from her story for a moment, taking a sigh of a breath.

“I was about eight years old when I met Hao-sama.” Akiko started, her voice more somber. “My shamanic powers had recently started to boom in the last year, and my parents and older brother struggled to teach me how to use them. Then, the humans came.

“We didn't bother people, we didn't even interact with them much. As a result, rumor spread like wild fire throughout my small town. We were evil witch people who drew upon the powers of oni and demons. We would speak to the demons who hid themselves in the air. And most of all, we were hoarding an evil spirit that dwelled within a cursed mirror, and were aiming to kill them all.”

Akiko scoffed for a moment. “You would think in this day and age, humans would be above such prejudice.

“They came and killed my family, thinking they were protecting themselves of the evil. I took the mirror and ran. It was still my family's duty to guard it after all. But the humans were relentless. They came, carrying weapons still dripping with the blood of my kin-“

“Stop being an idiot and just tell the story.” a male voice suddenly spoke up.

Lyserg twisted in Akiko's embrace, to see a man no older than 22 sitting on the bed next to them. His hair was jet black, and his bangs reached his chin while the rest brushed the tops of his shoulders. His sharp eyes were an opaque blue, almost white in color. His skin was pale, and he wore the strangest combination of clothing Lyserg had seen in a long while. It was a combination of an old fashioned ninja outfit, combined with a heavy black trench and lethal looking combat boots. Weapons were tucked into his clothing, and Lyserg couldn't help but notice the similarities between his clothing and Akiko's. But what caught her attention the most was the cracked, leaf shaped mirror that hung from his neck. It wasn't all that unlike the small round one that hung from Akiko's own.

“Aww Kyo ” Akiko whined, teasingly, almost childishly. “You completely ruin the mood I set.’

“Good.” the boy snorted, and it was then that Lyserg noticed he was a spirit. “You seem to have a bit too much fun replying your family's death.”
Akiko shrugged. “They're gone, the least I can do is capture the emotions correctly.”

“And only you would think like that.” he rolled his eyes.

Akiko stuck her tongue playfully out at the boy. “Lyserg, this is my guardian spirt and the evil spirit of the cursed mirror, Kyo.”

Kyo nodded, not really paying much attention to Lyserg.

“Hello.” Lyserg said softly, feel a bit awkward now in Kyo's presence.

“Hey.” Kyo finally turned his eyes to Lyserg. It seemed like he was studying her.

Lyserg unconsciously shifted closer to Akiko; her safe place.

“It's okay sweetie. He may look scary, but he's harmless.” Akiko soothed, pulling Lyserg more securely against her chest.

“Hurry up and finish your story so we can get on with things.” Kyo said, flopping down onto his back and placing his arms behind his head.

“Fine, fine.” Akiko sighed. “To make a long story short, since Kyo won't let me tell long stories; when the humans came to kill me, I used the mirror as a medium, and Kyo as my spirit. I was able to defend myself, but I couldn't defeat all the humans. There were too many of them.

“And then, Hao-sama came.” Akiko continued. “He killed all the humans that murdered my family for no reason but their own fear and stupidity. I follow Hao-sama, not only because he saved my life, but because he wants to rid the world of human filth.” Akiko ran her hands down Lyserg's arms. “Does that explain things sweetie?” she asked.

“Hao killed my parents.” Lyserg murmured, as though she was remembering something that she had not thought of in many years. “He killed my friends... and he...” Lyserg's shaking hand gripped the material of her dress.

Kyo cocked an eyebrow as the bunched material exposed a bit more cleavage. “I didn't take you as the type for tattoos.”

“What?”

“On your breast.” Kyo turned his head away, done for the day.

Lyserg looked at it, though it was upside down from her angle, she knew who's symbol it was.

“It's a...” Lyserg whimpered.
“It's a star sweetie; Hao-sama's symbol.” Akiko touched it softly.

Lyserg curled against the teen and started to sob again.

He had even branded her as his property.

:-:-:-:-:

Akiko settled Lyserg onto the bed, tucking her in. After sobbing herself into another bout of fitful sleep, Akiko decided it was time to get in touch with Hao.

After making sure that Lyserg's arm wouldn't bother her in her sleep, she left the room. Walking through the labyrinth like hallways, she came upon the room she knew Hao was inside.

Knocking on the door, she entered when she heard, “Come in Akiko.”

“Hey Hao-sama.” Akiko bowed shortly as Kyo nodded in respect.

Akiko was the only one he bowed to.

“How is my queen progressing?” Lyserg had been the best choice for his queen, but she still needed to get stronger.

“Her wrist healed enough that it could be wrapped. And, she trusts me enough to talk to me.” Akiko stopped for a moment, picking her next words carefully. “She panicked when she saw the star. It’s going to take a long time and a lot of work to get her to a state where we can be even start to try to get her to like you.”

“What needs to be done?”

“A lot of mental counseling. We need her to get over her past, and to move past what she's been going through for the past few days. Mainly we need you to gain her trust.”

Hao nodded. “How long will this take?”

Akiko shrugged. “Weeks, months. It depends on Lyserg. She's a strong girl, but she can't fight right now.”

Hao nodded. “Take care of it.” He turned and returned to writing in the book he had been when Akiko and Kyo entered. “Alert me if you need me to do anything, and when you are finished.”

Kyo snorted. “It doesn't work that way.”

“Kyo.” Akiko scolded.
“What?” Kyo turned to his shaman. “He doesn't seem to understand that he needs to play a role in all this. He's the one who broke the girl, he's the one who needs to fix her.”

Hao snorted at the words. “I am well aware of that. However, my presence will do nothing but further distress her at this time. Your master will be the one to handle Lyserg until I am able to do so without causing the girl to panic.”

Akiko nodded, slapping her hand over Kyo's mouth to keep him quiet. “Understood Hao-sama. I will go attend to Lyserg-sama now and-“ Akiko turned to Kyo. “Did you just LICK my hand?”

Kyo raised an eyebrow in a 'duh' expression, nodding.

Akiko wrinkled her nose. “Eww...” Regaining her composure, though her nose was still wrinkled, she finished her words. “I will attend to Lyserg-sama, and try to convince her to eat.”

Hao nodded, not paying the two any mind. He was used to the childish squabbling of the duo by now.

Akiko exited the room, scolding Kyo the entire the entire while. Kyo just followed, completely ignoring the girl as she squawked at him.

Hao smirked. That was one of the many reasons he had chosen Lyserg for his queen.

:-:-:-:-:

Kyo was holding the bowl in his hands, sitting down on the bed as Akiko laid a roll of bandages on the bed. Gently, she shook Lyserg's shoulder, rousing the girl. “How you feeling sweetie?” She asked as Lyserg awoke.

“Akiko?” Lyserg murmured, her hand reaching out.

Akiko took the small, pale hand into her own, giving it a soft squeeze. “Yeah hunny, it's me. Can you sit up for me sweetie? I need to wrap you wrist now.”

Lyserg nodded, pushing herself into a sitting position with one hand. She bit her lip as Akiko wrapped the bandages around her injured wrist.

“There, all done.” Akiko squeezed Lyserg's shoulder. “Time for dinner sweetie.”

Lyserg drew the injured arm to her now protruding chest. “I'm not hungry.”

“You need to eat hun, or you're not gonna get any better. Your body's still pretty beat up, from the change and your wrist.”

Lyserg pulled her legs to her chest, wrapping her arms around them and burring her face there. “I don't think I can eat.” she said softly. “Please don't make me.”

Akiko sighed for a moment, thinking things over. Hao shouldn't have a problem with this as long as she stayed within arm's reach of the girl.

“Would you like to go outside for a little bit Lyserg?”

Lyserg looked up, eyes wide and hopeful. “Really?” her voice quivered. She hated this dark, horrible room that she was stuck in. She didn't want to have to stay in this bed where Hao assaulted her.

Akiko nodded. “There's still about an hour or two before it gets too dark. If you eat your dinner, I'll take you outside, all right Lyserg?”

Lyserg nodded frantically. She wanted, she needed outside of this horrible room.

“All right. Can you feed yourself hun?”

Lyserg nodded again, taking the spoon with shaky hands.

“Home made chicken noodle soup with carrots and celery. A bit dorky, I know, but it'll make you feel better.” Akiko smiled, pushing back Lyserg's bangs as she ate. The bowl Akiko had prepared was a bit large for the girl, even if she had possessed a healthy appetite. Happy that Lyserg was able to eat about half of it, she took the bowl when Lyserg stopped. “That's good hunny.”

“Can we go now?” Lyserg pleaded, holding onto Akiko's sleeve.

“Sure thing sweetie. We just need to get you into something a little warmer to make sure you don't catch cold.”

Akiko pulled out a sweater and helped Lyserg to slip that on. Helping Lyserg into socks that reached right above her knee, Akiko slid a pair of sandals on Lyserg's feet before helping her stand.

“I'll help you, all right sweetie? It's a bit of a walk outside, and you shouldn't even be walking yet. Hold onto my hand, and don't worry about leaning on me if you get tired, all right hun?”

Lyserg nodded, grasping Akiko's hand in hers, and following the girl out of the horrible dark room, and into an equally dark hallway.

The walk was rather uneventful. Lyserg tried to keep track of where they were going, so she could escape her first chance, but there wee too many twisting winding hallways, and she soon became very lost to where they were. Akiko slowly pulled the girl along, encouraging her when a wave of dizziness or a moment of weakness washed over her; pausing until she was ready to start walking again. Eventually, they came to a door that was being guarded by one of Hao's minions.

“What are you doing?” the man asked, an imposing figure. “Hao-sama made it clear that Lyserg-sama was not to leave her room under any-”

“Well Hao-sama has entrusted me to take care of Lyserg-sama. Ease up. I'm just taking her out to see the gardens before the sun goes down.”

The man stared at her for a moment, before letting the two go through. “Lose her and Hao-sama will have your head.”

“You don't need to tell me that. Come on Lyserg-sama.” Akiko pulled the girl through the door, and along the side of the large building.

Turning the corner, Lyserg gasped lightly when she saw the huge garden that lay a few feet before her.

“Like it? While Hao-sama and the other's were in the Shaman Tournament, I had to stay here and keep house. I got a bit bored, so I started planting a bunch of flowers and stuff.”

“It's beautiful.” Lyserg breathed, then blushed heavily when she realized just how girly her words were.

“Thanks.” Akiko smiled at the younger girl. “Go on. You have an hour before we have to go back inside. Enjoy yourself.”

Lyserg didn't need any more encouragement. She walked around, just happy and content to be outside and in the fresh air. She looked at all the flowers, the different plants, sometimes stopping to smell them. “I've never seen some of these plants before. Where are we?” Lyserg asked.

“We're in China. Most of these plants are Chinese.” Akiko explained, picking a fruit off one of the trees. Pealing off the orange skin, she handed it to Lyserg. “Here. Try this.”

Lyserg took the fruit in her hands, taking a segment and placing it in her mouth. “It's really sweet.” Lyserg smiled, eating the rest of the orange as she continued exploring the garden.

Akiko smiled, still following the girl through the garden. They should have been heading inside soon, but she'd give Lyserg a few more moments of freedom.

:-:-:-:-:

Yeah, Akiko’s gonna be playing a big role from here on out. Don’t worry, she’s on Lyserg’s side.

Read and review please.

Ja min’na-san!