Memories Past

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka’s sobs were slowly fading as she stood still in Taku’s arms, gently swaying. She felt so helpless. She felt like she was constantly crying. She hated the feeling. A weak disposition is not what she possessed, but only to those dreams did she begin to break. Madoka thought about her mother. She under went ridicule of the town villagers, but not once had she cracked. Even when she was young, Madoka had grown immune to the stupid jests of the villagers, but what had happened? Now, it was dreams, not even reality that caused her to shed tears.

A faded expression spread upon the female wolf’s face. The thought of reflection laid patent upon her porcelain hued flesh. It resembled that of an intelligent scholar, one that had patiently awaited an answer for years. Within the fragile moments of residing in Taku’s arms, she had carefully reflected upon her dream and past.

“I’m such a child.”

Taku looked down on Madoka at her soft whisper. He pulled her away from the warmth of his body. Firmly, he placed hands on her delicate shoulders. His strong eyes gazed into her own irises. His right hand came off her shoulder and went towards her face. He brushed aside the silver curtain of strands off of her blind eye.

“There are times to act like a child. There are times to act like an adult. You have every right to act like a child in moments like this. But, you carry yourself like a woman in most situations. That is how it should be. You have a cool head upon your shoulders. Don’t get boiled in light situations.”

Taku leaned in and kissed her gently on her forehead. He gave her a light smile before releasing his clutch upon her shoulder. He turned and left for the morning. Madoka stood in the kitchen still pondering Taku’s little philosophy lesson. She sighed, still thinking on what she thought before Taku told her a more reasonable answer. To her, she was the weak one. She seemed to be the damsel in distress and was always upset about something. But when Taku put in to his perspective into the situation, she found out he was right. She only really cried when she had a nightmare of that night, or a sickening dream that she wished was reality. She shook her head, too much thinking for an early morning.

She pressed her fingers against her forehead, still shaking her head. Bare feet padded against the wooden floor as she made her way back to the bedroom. Maybe a little more sleep would do her some good. She pressed her hand against the door, searching with touch for the doorknob. Once found, she gently twisted the knob. She carefully opened the door, not wanting to wake, what she thought, was a sleeping demon inside.

She walked through the doorway and closed the door behind her. Her fingers fell from her face. Her arm down to her side. Her eyes gazed upon the sickly wolf demon on the bed. She walked up to the side of the cot and kneeled down. Her fingers gently rubbed little circles in Riku’s back.

“Don’t you feel well?”

Madoka’s voice questioned with a soft, caring voice. The silver strands of her hair slid gently across her face across her already covered blind eye to her nose. Her honey hued orb was the one that concentrated on Riku, waiting for his response. Her head was tilted to the side. She was looking to see if any features of his face were sticking out. She removed her hand from his back to move aside his hair from the side of his face. Her silver tail curled around her body, laying it’s tip in her lap. The female’s silver ears were perched high on her head, awaiting any form of words from Riku.

[Riku Naoya]

The morning dawn was stretching its light far across the horizon. The glimmer hit the window and peeked into the room where the lying wolf demon was. Riku’s face was still pressed into the pillow. His tail was tucked into between his legs, and his black and silver wolf ears were pressed back against his skull. Felling like he couldn’t hold his stomach contents, Riku bit his bottom lip. He felt so disgusting right now. The scent of humans and the sight of Madoka crying all the time, it was not helping him. He hated it all. Too much stress, it was making him sick. Last night, Madoka could probably read him like a book. She probably knew he hated staying here. Why couldn’t he just pretend to be happy? Even for her? Why couldn’t he do that? It disgusted him. Riku opened his eyes into the pillow.

I’m no wolf. Just a mangy, low-life mongrel.

Riku groaned into the pillow. He hugged his stomach with his hands and curled his legs tighter. Soft footsteps right outside of the door, cut Riku’s groans to himself silent. He moved his face out of the pillow and stared, not at the door, where the sound was coming from, but at the wall. He was facing opposite of where the noise was coming from, his whole body was. The soft sound of the turning of a doorknob came soon after the footsteps ceased for a moment. They continued though as the door was opened.

Not knowing what was going on behind him, Riku jumped slightly as he felt the slight circling on his back. The ears on top of his head twitched to the familiar voice. Madoka. A simple yet caring voice. Riku released a sigh to her question. Even if he said he was fine, she wouldn’t believe him. Truth be told, he was fine, but he felt disgusting. Does that make any sense at all? He could feel her gaze on him, but he did not want to move. The strands of his hair were being moved by her slender fingers. Riku closed his azure eyes. It was quite soothing actually. A chill shot up his spine from the feeling. That’s how good it felt. The touch Madoka had placed upon him was so soothing that his body had to wake itself up from almost falling asleep. His mother used to do that to him all the time. It was a method of putting the young demon to sleep.

The young wolf demon laid there on the bed in silence, just enjoying Madoka’s gentle touch. It was nice. Peaceful. It was weird though in a way. But for some reason, Riku did not want to speak. He didn’t want it to end. He thought if he moved, or spoke, the moment would just end, as if it never happened. Such a weird feeling all of a sudden. His eyes slowly came to an open. They looked at the wall. Such a bland wall it was. Riku smile to the thought. What an idiotic and random thought. What was wrong with him? The hand that rested on his right side, the one that was not under his body twitched. Riku moved it over to where Madoka’s hand was playing with his silver locks. His fingertips grazed hers lightly, playing with them slightly.

Releasing another sigh, the wolf demon stirred from his position and grasped Madoka’s fingers gently. As he did so, he rolled over to face her. There the smile was once again, planted on his face. His vision wavered from the blazing fire to Madoka’s pools. He never answered her question. The only thing he gave her for an answer was a sigh. And sighs usually signified bad things. Riku tenderly pushed his fingers into the crevasses of Madoka’s intertwining their fingers. Their palms were now touching. Azure eyes looked at the locked hands. One hand was masculine while the other was feminine and delicate. Skin tones were different, and smoothness of skin gave away which hand was feminine compared to which hand was feminine.

Without saying a word, Riku kissed the feminine finger, each and every one of them. Delaying his words in such a way that it was uncanny. Riku sat up all of a sudden. He rubbed his free head against his head wiping the stress away to a certain extant. His fingers brushed over the corner of his mouth and ran down his neck. He looked to Madoka and his lips broke the silence; his voice slicing the silence and him finally speaking. Riku kind of played with Madoka’s hand and fingers.

“Yeah, I fine. I was just thinking. That’s all.”

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka jumped slightly when her fingers were grabbed from her. She watched as Riku switched his position from lying on his face to sitting up to face her. He gently intertwined his fingers within her slender appendages. Her delicately, fair skin was pale against his sun-kissed skin. Not that he was tan, his skin tone was darker compared to hers. Her hand seemed fragile against his strong masculine one. Hers made for comfort and caring, his for work and rougher situations.

She smiled as he placed his lips against her fingertips individually. She watched as he ran his hand over his face and other parts of skin until he finally answered her. Silver ears twitched as she listened to him speak. Part of her wanted to believe him, the other part, however, thought this another one of his cover ups. She reached for his other hand and grasped it in her free hand. Her grasp was gentle, but it had a firmness to it.

She leaned in towards Riku. Her forehead pressed gently against his. Their strands of hair gently mixed together. Her lips were just missing his lips and her breath was hot against his skin. She was looking down at the floor at first, but then her honey hued iris met his azure eye. Her lips curved to each word as she whispered them gently to him. Just loud enough for his sensitive hearing to pick up what she was saying.

“You were putting yourself down again, weren’t you? Please, don’t put yourself down.”

Her whispers were soft and had the clue that she was hurt. Hurt that Riku didn’t have enough belief within himself. Like the lover she was to him, she felt this disbelief. She pushed herself forward just a bit more. She closed her eyes. Her lips grazing his in a bittersweet kiss.

---------------------------------------------------

The snow outside had made the village barren to onlookers. Smoke bellowed out of the huts that were scattered about to keep warm. The villagers that were selling their goods in the marketplace area were either not there or bundled up in layers of fur coats. Some of the men were out making repairs on homes to that they would outlast the rest of the winter’s harsh grasp on the area. Soft whispers fell upon those who were outside.

A group of eight were making their way through the woods. Beaten and bruised, they looked like they had been through hell. The clothes they wore were nothing more than ordinary farmer clothes, but they had weapons at their sides. They couldn’t be a professional army of a region, but just seemed to be a village army made in defense of the rogues that ran amongst the hills.

One of the soldiers looked worse for wear as he trudged down the slight incline that led into the village. A grimace, he wore plainly on his face as he held his arm. A soldier from behind him, patted him gently on the back. A sign of reassurance, it seemed. He was one of the first that approached the group of men working outside. Taku was one of the first men of the village watching the group approach.

“We’re sorry to intrude. We were doing fine, until this storm hit. One of our men, slipped and fell on a rock. We’re afraid he broke his arm. Is there a doctor here?”

Taku stepped forward and the young man with a broken arm stepped forward. Taku gently looked it over. The bumps in the skin was evidence enough that the bone had been cracked and moved.

“I’m not an expert, but my daughter is. Is it okay if I take him to her?”

The young man nodded vehemently. The leader of the group agreed as well for the young man to go with Taku. The rest of the village men began to make arrangements with the soldiers to divide the group up so that they would have a place to stay. They needed nourishment. Most of the men were skin and bones and some looked dehydrated as well. The soldiers were more than happy to agree to the hospitality of the villagers.

Taku guided the man back to his home. Kaiya was already in the kitchen, planning out dinner. Haruko was on the floor munching on a piece of freshly made bread. Taku disrupted this peaceful scene as he helped the man through the door. Once he got the man settled in a wooden chair, Taku called out.

“Madoka! Madoka! I need your help!”

Madoka’s head snapped up. She freed herself from what moment she had with Riku and went to the bedroom door.

[Riku Naoya]

His answer had left his lips and drifted freely into Madoka’s hearing. The answer wasn’t all full of truth, but parts of the truth were there, it was just bent a little. Riku’s eyes drifted from Madoka, to the floor, to the fire, then back to Madoka. His one hand held her feminine one and his other rubbed his neck; massaging his skin. His silver ears were still plastered down to his skull and his tail draped off to the side of him, falling over the edge of the cot. Riku’s azure eyes slowly looked up at Madoka as she grabbed his rubbing hand.

While she held his hand, Riku moved his fingers in the slightest way. In a way, he was hesitating to hold back. This was indeed an odd feeling. Usually his heart would jump every time he felt her skin against his, but not this time. Riku’s eyes were sad in gaze against Madoka’s hazel stare. His ears lightened a bit, but as Madoka leaned in, his ears plastered again, as his head leaned back slightly until their foreheads touched. He slowly covered his gaze and then opened. Their gazes met as their faces were so close, their lips nearly touching, their breaths mingling with one another and strands of silver and black hair intertwining in the slightest of ways, enough to notice, and not enough to get in a knot. As her soft words drifted through his sensitive wolf ears, Riku lightly shook his head. He took advantage of the closeness between their lips and pressed a light peck on her soft lips. She could definitely read him like a book, but it didn’t matter. Riku still shook his head to her words.

“No, of course not. I told you. I was just thinking.”

Riku could tell she was hurt, which didn’t make him feel any better, but those words are all he could say. He loved her, Riku loved Madoka. He did. It was his fault for the communication lacking between them. He was the one not spilling. Madoka opened everything up to his knowledge. She did it fully trusting him, know that he would still love her after she revealed her past to him. But Riku, he could not return the favor. He wanted to, but at the same time, he didn’t want to. Riku closed his azure eyes and shuddered at the thought of revealing his past. He had to though. Riku parted his lips. A small murmur was released right before his voice was caught by Madoka’s hushing lips in a kiss.

The male wolf demon kissed gently back. His lips gracing hers. This moment in time he did not want to interrupt but he had to. He loved it when they kissed, but he needed to tell her what’s on his mind, prove to her that he trusted her with every ounce that existed in his bones. Riku pulled away from the kiss and released a stressful sigh. His grip on her feminine hands tightened. The words were in his head. He knew what to say. He knew what he was thinking. He knew everything, but the words…they were caught in his throat. Riku’s forehead was still lightly pressed against hers. Thinking for a few moments, Riku went in for another kiss, but held back. There was nothing but silence. Riku gently guided Madoka’s hands around his neck and left them there. He slid his hands down her sides, feeling her curves and rested them on her waist.

Jade eyes with swirls of azure looked cautiously into Madoka’s hazel one. His lips shivered open. His voice came out in a cracked whisper.

“Ther—“

Taku’s voice cut across the house. His words whipped Riku’s down. As Madoka’s head snapped up from the moment, Riku’s eyes dropped to the floor. He felt her movement as she left him to go to the door. His hands slid off her sides and dropped to rest on his knees. The confidence that he built up to tell her shot down to its lowest level. Riku sat there in silence and brought his one hand up and rested his chin on it. His gaze drifted to the fire. A cold sigh escaped slowly through his nose. Madoka was needed. Riku’s eyes looked from the corners upon Madoka as she went to the bedroom door. There was a slight sign of annoyance, but none that was noticeable. Riku stood up from the cot and walked over to Madoka before she exited the room. His silver tail with tresses of black dragged behind him. Riku stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders lightly. He leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

ooc: Blah...790 words...grrr hahaha Just kidding. ;D

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka smiled as she felt Riku’s lips brush upon her rosy cheek. She turned to look back upon him. She mouthed the words, “Be right back” before closing the door, keeping Riku within the bedroom. She walked soundlessly down the hall. Within steps of turning around the corner, Madoka’s sensitive nose caught wind of something. She paused and listened, there was no more noise, commotion, nothing in the kitchen. She walked towards the end of the hall and peeked at the kitchen.

A gray haze was floating within the wooden room. Kaiya, Taku, and Haruko were all passed out on the floor. She ran over to her family and bent down to each of them. Fingers dug around in the flesh of their necks. A pulse, it pounded against her fingertips in each of them. She sighed, relieved by this.

Silver ears erected upon her head. There was another pattern of breathing in the room. A low growl emitted from her throat as she turned to look to the back of the room. The young man that Taku had brought with him stood against the wall. Yellow eyes flashing, he was no man. Madoka rose to her feet, teeth bared. She could smell the human blood that had soaked into his skin from so much slaughter, but it didn’t mask his demon scent. Her ears picked up his snickering as he pushed himself off the wall and began to walk towards her.

“When he said ‘daughter’ I was hoping for a young woman, not a wolf demon. But, this just gives me a little more of a challenge.”

She watched his movements, her eye calculating how he moved. He began to quicken his pace towards her going in for the attack. He swung a punch at her, but she tossed her head to the side for a miss. He began to swing at her faster and faster and what she couldn’t dodge her forearm was strong enough to take a hit. Distracted enough by her arms, the demon missed her legs. Placing all her weight on her left leg, her right leg swung up at his side. It was enough force to send him skidding across the wooden floor and knock over chairs and the table.

“A little more of a challenge? I think you better rethink that...”

Madoka’s hazel iris flashed dangerously towards the demon. Riku insisted that Madoka wouldn’t kill someone, but the tone in her voice and her gaze on this vermin that had come into her home, wouldn’t leave unscathed. The demon squirmed beneath her glare, but didn’t seem to lack his determination. Madoka lost concentration on what was in front of her for a moment. The screams of her village resounded into her sensitive ears.

She shifted back to the fight, but was too late to prevent his attack. A kitchen knife had ripped into her right shoulder. She doubled backwards and grabbed the knife that stuck within her flesh. Breath hissed between her teeth as she pulled the blade out. She was desperate. This fight had to end, now.

“I don’t have time for this! The villagers are in danger and I’m stuck fighting a third rate demon!”

The demon was laughing now. He had inflicted a wound, but much to his lack of knowledge the blade had caused a minor injury. Sure, it hurt, but it wasn’t like it wouldn’t heal within hours. He watched as Madoka lunged at him, but she stopped attacking right as she cornered him at the wall. Swiftly, she pinned to the wall with two of the kitchen knives through the forearms. He wouldn’t move from there for a while and it took a couple moments to sink in that he was stuck.

Madoka looked at the hallway. Surely Riku would be making his way out here, if the commotion outside and in hadn’t aroused him, the scent of her blood would. She cursed under her breath, she honestly didn’t want to pin the guy against the wall. She would rather have slammed his head against the wall or something and knocked him out cold, but this at the moment was easier and quicker.

She backed away as the demon started to scream a string of profanities at her. She looked uninterested with his words as she went for the door. She practically tumbled out of the house. She rushed down the steps and into the path that led into the village. Her ears picked up the screams and blood splatter of the violent slaughter. No fire, no other means of mass destruction, just causing total chaos.

“The reason I left home before was because of blood shed and fighting. Did it have to follow me?”

Madoka’s fists tighten. No, she wouldn’t stand for it. Her second home wasn’t going to be ruined by a gang of mindless, bloodthirsty demons. It would only take a couple minutes for Riku to catch up to her. She knew he would, there was no need to worry. Without second thought, she headed for the heart of the village, leaving behind the cries of the demon she had left attached to the wall, still yelling profane names at her.

[Riku Naoya]

The mouthed words were all that she had left him before she vanished behind the wooden door. The click of the door left Riku in utter silence. Secluded. The soft silver and black appendages bent back, plastering themselves against his skull. His jade eyes with faded swirls of azure shifted over to the fire. Its glow was dimming as the time of day went on. His body followed the demon eyes. His body turned slowly, something was wrong. Riku’s heartbeat was apparent to him. It pounded in his throat as he walked closer to the fire. Chills shimmied up his spine; they crawled all over his body. He didn’t like this.

As the silence swallowed the demon, something awoke in his demon mind. An omen. His ears grew erect on top of his head. The fine hairs on the back of his head rose. Riku rubbed both of his arms to warm him. Right by the fire, and yet, he was freezing. His wolf tail fluffed out. The fur became a bundle bush. Time seemed to stand still. The male silver and black wolf turned slowly towards the door. Silence. Too quiet. His eyes were alert, his ears erect, and his tail rising in a warning fashion. Breaths were released leisurely through his lips. Something wasn’t right. He didn’t hear any voices. Riku’s footsteps were light as they walked over to the wooden door where Madoka had vanished before his wolf eyes. His hand reached for the knob on the door. His fingers curled around it and slowly began to twist it within his hand.

Within a second of twisting the door knob, Riku’s ears jutted up. His eyes shot wide awake as loud crashes came into his ears. The kitchen! The wolf demon slammed the door open and bolted out of the room. His footsteps were hard against the wooden floor. His legs pushed him quickly out to the kitchen. Stopping at the edge of the hallway, Riku’s eyes glanced over the damaged kitchen. The table and chairs were knocked over. A haze covered the room. Jade eyes searched frantically for Madoka. She wasn’t here. Riku saw the unconscious humans; Taku, Kaiya, and Haruko were all out cold. He quickly ran over to them. He didn’t care if they died, but Madoka would. Riku placed his head against each of their chests. Wolf ears twitched to slight sounds of slow breathing. They’re not dead. His jade eyes looked at the wooden floor as the haze crawled across it.

Pulling his attention away from the humans, an unfamiliar stench drifted into his sensitive nose. The scent of a foul demon, lower class, a type that pathetically massacred anything in their path infiltrated his sense of smell. Wolf ears bent backwards as his eyes found the source. The demon was pinned in the corners by kitchen knives stabbed into its forearms. The scent of blood was what sickened him the most. It was Madoka’s. The demon was unaware of Riku’s presence. His voice cut the silence every where around the home. Profane language being shot at towards the door. Names being called out to most likely a woman. The eyebrows crossed in pure anger. No one talks about his beloved that way and gets away with it.

Fangs of a pure wolf demon bore as the wolf walked over to the demon in the corner. His eyes glowed of anger. He stood firmly in front of the demon. The scent of blood covered his body. Riku wanted to gag from it. His nose was already cursed from smelling human blood all his life, and his hands were cursed to forever see blood stains on them, Riku needed no help from anyone else to smell or see these things. Before the demon could spit out one word Riku threw his hand at the demon’s throat grabbing it firmly with no mercy. His claws dug into the flesh of the demon, right above the jugular. Blood trickled from the mangy demon’s nech down Riku’s fingers, down his arm. It stained underneath his claws and dripped down to the floor once it reached the wolf’s elbows. His voice was low and hoarse. It was enraged. His nostrils flared as the dominant wolf demon leaned in gazing a merciless glare into the intruder’s yellow eyes.

“Listen here you low-life demon—“

The scent of Madoka was quickly picked up. The hopeful scent cut of his words. His head jolted to the door where the trail of Madoka’s scent left. Looking back at the pinned demon, Riku released his deadly grip on its throat only to bash his head into the wall’s corner. His elbow came up swiftly to the forehead of the intruding demon. The blood that trickled down Riku’s arm now stained the forehead of the yellow-eyes demon and dribbled down his face. Knocking out the demon, its head sulked into unconsciousness. Looking down at the demon and its limp body, Riku left a few words of advice with a demonic smirk painted across his lips.

“Don’t move.”

Pushing his legs, the demon disappeared out the door. The unconscious demon was left all alone with the rest of the unconscious beings. His arms hung high above his head as his body draped against the wall and floor. Blood poured down the wall where his skull was mangled in the back from Riku’s vicious attack. It gathered into a puddle underneath the legs. The scent of chaos was every where. Running down the stairs of the porch, Riku’s eyes gazed upon the village. Sensitive ears picked up on liquid splashing against the dirt. It was such a familiar sight to him. Only it wasn’t as bad. Flashes of his past trekked across his eyes as he sprinted down the path of the village. His bare feet thumped against the dirt pathway.

Wolf eyes scanned for the sight of Madoka. The sensitive nose tracked her scent. It was leading the male wolf demon deep into the heart of the village. He was there only once, but once was all he needed to remember what he saw on that day. Riku broke his running. Dirt spurted up from the ground, dust shifting across the ground. Riku’s ears alerted each time a scream pierced the air. It was a massacre. A poor one initiated by lower rate demons. Riku bore his fangs at the sight. Agitated by what these demons were doing riled him up. Jade eyes scanned the area searching for Madoka. He could smell her; she was close, but where? His voice sliced the air in an angered, yet panicked voice.

“Madoka!”

He wheeled his body around looking for her amongst the chaos. The fur on his tail was still a bush, and the hairs on the back of his head were still standing on edge. Screams of humans penetrated the air. Riku gasped for air as her called out her name one last time. His voice cracked towards the end of her name, but he still managed to call it out.

“Madoka!”

Forgetting about the blood on his hand, Riku rubbed his face, wiping his brow down his jaw line. The crimson blood smeared across his skin. Feeling the smoothness as he did this, Riku tore his hand away from his face looking at his hand. He grimaced at himself for doing that; being so forgetful to not remember he had mindless demon blood on his hand. Pushing the stupidity aside, Riku’s gaze jolted back to the scenery around him. His legs sprinted again. The muscle tension building up. Riku ran as fast as he could into the heart of the village. That was where Madoka’s scent would hopefully be the strongest. Chaos. Screams. Massacre. Blood. It was all too familiar to the wolf demon.

ooc: 1,300 words!!! HOLY CRAP!!! I had soooo much freakin' muse it was ridiculous!!! Wow!! I'm so excited. ;D I just couldn't stop typing...I was like type,type,type,type,type,type,type...whoo!!!!! My fingers were going at 100 mph!!! lol My mind is spinning!! I think the fact that I am extremely hyper right now might have something to do with that!!! mwahahahahaha!!! So much muse...must keep typing...need caffeine! Ahhhhahahahahahahaha!!!!! This was so intense. I ready for more!! Yeah! Bring it on!! *cough cough* Lack of air...too hyper...*passes out* Hahahaha!!! Just playing with you!! Weeee!!! My desk chair is very fun to sit at! hahaha It goes, spin,spin,spin,spin,spin until I fall off. hahaha Okay...I'm going to stop now. lol

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka’s chest heaved as she looked up at her enemy, the leader of the thieves, a demon. She winced as she went to push herself up off the wall of the house that she was slammed in to. She started to get up, but the uncomfortable snap she heard before and the extreme discomfort standing up now had confirmed it, her right leg was broken. Breath hissed between her teeth pushing back the painful cry. She slipped to her knees and looked around her.

The villagers stood by, frightened on how this battle would end. They had watched the whole thing. Madoka was running through the square and the demon leader grabbed her by her hair. He went to drag her to the icy lake, but Madoka got her hands on his arm and dug her claws in. Needless to say, he let go of her in an instant, but not before knocking her aside. Madoka got up and the demon went after her with hand-to-hand combat. It was so sudden, how she suddenly lost the upper hand in strength.

His foot swung out, tripping her. Madoka had little time to get up, and she lost it. He came up and slammed his foot on to her right leg. A sickening snap echoed and Madoka howled in pain. She bent down to grab her leg, thinking pressure would help somehow, but she was picked up and tossed into the house behind her. And now, she was sitting there, waiting for the demon to come at her.

Madoka pushed herself up off the ground, but whimpered as she did so. She placed her hand against the wall of the house to keep her balance. She began to limp forward, dragging her right leg. She had to continue to fight. The villagers wouldn’t be able to fight off the demon. She got in two steps before two of the village women grabbed her arms and settled her gently back on the ground. Three of the men ran in front of her, blocking the demon from getting to her.

“What are you doing? He’ll kill you!”

One of the men looked back at Madoka as she yelled. He simply smiled.

“You have done more than enough for us. We need to do something for you.”

Madoka shook her head. Tears began to fill her eyes as she thought about what the man had said. She bit her lip fighting back the tears. The demon began to laugh and ran at the men, full speed. Madoka looked up. It all happened in slow motion to her, the demon’s long claws coming down upon the men.

“RUN AWAY!”

Madoka’s voice was shrill as she screamed. Blood splattered on the ground. All three men hit the earth. Blood had coated the women and Madoka as they sat on the ground. The three of them were shaking at the sight. Madoka picked up her hands feeling the blood on them and then at the lifeless bodies ahead of her. She began shaking uncontrollably.

“I suppressed my fear for so long, but this....I can’t handle it....There’s too much...just like...”

Visions flashed of her dead mother and father laying on the ground. The large pools of blood beneath their bodies. While she sat, unable to move by her fear, she was unable to concentrate on what was going on beside her. The women at her side were tossed into the melting snow. The demon came up to her and picked her up gently by her waist. Her eyes were on the ground as she trembled. He picked up her chin so that her quivering eyes would look into his yellow eyes.

“Such a pretty little thing.”

Madoka couldn’t say anything. Her mind swarmed with the thoughts of the blood. The smell. The color. The sight. She couldn’t handle it. The demon took his left hand and slid his nail across her delicate neck. He didn’t cut the skin, but just traced a line across. He smirked and then placed his nail at the side of her neck. This time his intent was to draw blood.

“I’ll just end it my dear, will that be easier?”

((OOC: I will just leave the demon leader at your control. Do with him as you wish, because I’m sure Riku will not let him live with the condition Madoka’s in. Haha. Have fun))

[Riku Naoya]

A silver blur bolted through the village. The dirt pathway seemed to get longer with every step he took. Riku’s legs pushed his weight as fast as possible to the heart. Madoka’s scent grew stronger and stronger as he drew near. But along with hers, there was another sickening scent. Fresh blood. Skidding against the dirt path, Riku eyed the villagers. Their eyes were filled with terror. This was a usual peaceful village; Riku calmly looked around at their faces. He did not blame them for being cowardly or terrified, that’s how humans were. As he looked upon the human eyes, Riku ascertained they were all looking in one direction. About to look where they were all gazing, a shrilled voice shot into the air. The scream was piercing to Riku’s wolf ears. He jolted from it, but immediately shot a look to the source.

That was Madoka!

His ears were erect. Jade eyes were filled with dread. His silver tail was tucked. But that was all to fade in the quickest way. The moment wolf eyes lay on the blood-thirsty demon, there was rage. Riku stood there a good distance away from the demon. His fists were tight, his claws digging into his own skin drawing blood. Fangs were clenched tightly, Riku bore his teeth the way a wolf would to fend off unwanted beings. Silver ears were pressed tightly against his skull. Muscles all over his body tensed. The sight of Madoka being handled like that awoken the true demon that rested within.

Those filthy hands caressing her skin, the threatening manner he was putting out, the intent of killing her, everything pissed him off to the extent that even more death was felt in the air. The true wolf demon was about to show. Breath hissed through his growing wolf fangs. His claws dug deeper into his palms as his arms quivered from the stress. The longer he looked the harder it was to control himself. His silver hair was standing on end, his tail was a bush, the gentle jade eyes were filled with hatred and shifted to piercing yellow. A low growl began emitting from the back of his throat. The demon’s arrogance pushed the enraged demon to its limits.

“Madoka!!”

The last syllable in her name shifted into viciousness. The low growl became audible as it shifted into a low angered bay. Riku released the tension in his arms and legs and sprinted towards the demon. The male demon within a second shifted from humanoid form to wolf. The moment he landed on all fours, it was all over for the intruding low-life demon.

Hearing the unfamiliar threatening bark, the demon that ruthlessly handles Madoka craned his neck to the oncoming wolf. His eyes filled with shock. Reacting as fast as possible the demon dropped the female demon roughly against the ground. He stepped back attempting to gain balance to dodge, but the moment he took that step he was dead.

Riku was too swift for the third rate demon. His back powerful legs pressed against the ground and launched Riku into the air. Fangs lunged at the neck releasing another snarl, blood was drawn. Riku’s fangs dug deeply into the neck of the enemy. Foul tasting blood seeped on to his tongue; it filled every crevasse in his mouth. It rolled down the sides of his snout, staining his fur even more and poured down to the ground. Crimson liquid splattered all over the attacking wolf and all over the demon’s corpse. Keeping he grip on, the claws of the wolf pressed into the shoulders and stomach. The demon’s eyes were ultimately in shock, they were wide open, his mouth hung open and his arms pushed in a failing attempt to get the creature off of him. Too bad, he was already dead. It was the nerves. The body tumbled to the ground, dirt puffing up into the air. It collapsed heavily with Riku still mauling at his neck.

Low growls emitted from the wolf as he still clung making sure his victim would draw no more breath. His claws curled into the flesh refusing to release. His tail was up and the silver appendages on top of his head were pressed firmly. The yellow eyes reflected fury and the teeth were still bearing, his gums and fangs covered with impure blood. With each pant a slight growl hissed out. Pinning the body for a little longer, the silver and black wolf finally released his target. He pulled his daggers from the flesh and relaxed the deadly claws. Hanging his head over the corpse, blood and saliva dripped from the mouth. Slowly, he backed off the cold body, and panted catching his breath.

The pure demon calmed to a steady breath and slowly transformed back into his humanoid form. His silver hair with black tresses was stained of blood. The liquid covered his body and diseased his skin. Riku’s face showed a blanket of blood. It slid down the side of his mouth and chin. It dripped off of his hands and rolled down his heaving chest, arms, and legs. It was as if he took a blood bath.

The wolf demon stood there over the cold body, he looked down at the ground. He was calm, there was no sudden emotion stirring within him. He just stood there, as if nothing had happened, as if he was clean of any impurities. His head rose. In slow motion, his yellow eyes scanned the villagers. He turned slowly and looked to Madoka. The moment he saw her, the moment their eyes met, jade eyes with pool of azure appeared. The evil demonic aura was gone from him. No more was there yellow eyes, his sensitive wolf ears relaxed, and his bushy tail dragged. Hesitantly, Riku walked towards the fallen Madoka, but not before he gazed at the demon, double checking he did not draw one last scant of air.

His footsteps were light against the cool ground. Nothing was heard, only the bloody wind. Eyes looked over the three men who tried to protect the female demon. Their blood was all over Madoka and the other women. His eyes shifted over the two women. Fear was obviously struck into them. No reaction came from the bloodiest wolf. He only knelt down in front of the trembling beloved. He rested his dirty hands on his knees and spoke her name gently.

“Madoka.”

His voice came out in a whisper. It was hoarse, but it was gentle. What more could he say? Madoka had witnesses something he wished she would never see. She saw the true ferocity he could bring out. She saw him mercilessly slaughter a creature, with no intent of letting up. Riku closed his eyes, and sighed, allowing his head to drop slightly. He moved his hand hesitantly, slowly reaching over for Madoka’s. Blood was still slowly dripping off of his claws, but he just wanted to hold her. That was all. Gently, Riku’s fingers curled around her delicate fingers. He stayed silent.

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka felt her body slip from the grasp of the demon. She hit the ground with a soft ‘thump’. She gazed listlessly upon the bloodstained snow. The fight in front of her caught her attention and she looked up. It took a little to register who the wolf was fighting the demon, but realization crossed her face quickly. She forced herself to her feet.

“Riku!”

Her step on her right leg caused pain to swim up her leg. She screamed in pain and fell to the snow. She glanced over at her leg. The bone had been completely snapped and it was visible. The small wound of the bone visible through the flesh turned her stomach. She turned back to the fight. Riku had completely unleashed his wrath upon the demon.

The villagers began to back away. Though most of them could recall Riku from the day before, they could not recognize the behavior. Madoka watched as uncertainty spread across their faces. She could feel the doubt within them. Even though he was a companion of hers, could he control himself to protect the villagers and not harm them? Men filtered to the front, protecting the women in the back of the crowd. They weren’t going to risk any chances.

“Madoka!”

The female wolf turned quickly to the familiar voice. Taku was pushing through the crowd and made his way over to her. He kneeled down before her. His suntanned face was flushed from running in the cool air and his heavy breaths meant he had ran the entire way. He embraced her around the shoulders, since they looked to be the only place she wasn’t wounded.

“Where are you hurt?”

“My leg’s broken, he hit me in the side and I think that broke a few ribs, and a bruise on my cheek, that’s about all.”

She watched as Taku nodded. She then turned to the finished fight. The color faded from her face. Chills ran up her spine and her breathing became shallow. Fear had set into her flesh and she began to tremble again. She watched as Riku kneeled down in front of her. Her mind, however, didn’t pick up that it was Riku in front of her. Just the blood that coated his body, just the...

When he reached out for her hand, Madoka’s fear completely took over her body. She screamed shrilly and pulled away. She pushed against the front of the house behind her. Her eyes didn’t meet his eyes, just the white snow. Her body was shaking violently as she sat curled up against the house. Her face rested against the palms of her hands ad she continued to scream as if in agony.

Taku quickly ran up to her and held her. He rocked her back and forth to calm her down. She stopped screaming, but she continued to shake. Taku looked over at Riku, a gentle and understanding look upon his face, knowing that Riku wouldn’t understand Madoka’s reaction. He bit his lip sadly and moved his lips gently to his words. This wasn't the first time he saw Madoka act like this, so he was able to calmy reassure Riku.

“We just need to get you cleaned up. It’s the blood that’s getting to her. She’ll be fine though.”

Madoka continued to shiver as Taku picked her up. He turned her face into his chest so that she wouldn’t gaze around at her surroundings. He looked up at the villagers. They were murmuring, and their eyes on Riku. Taku glared slightly, knowing what they were thinking.

“Go home! We need to assess the damage!”

The villagers all looked at Taku when he called out to the crowd. The villagers slowly began to disperse to their homes. Taku began walking home, glancing over to make sure Riku was by his side.

[Riku Naoya]

The smell of blood sheeted the sky. It polluted the air. It covered the ground. It plagued Riku. Everywhere eyes would scan, there was sure to be blood. Such a tragic incident to befall this usual peaceful village; it was indeed a horrific sight. Even more, it was an unforgettable confrontation. Crimson liquid stained the eyes of every being standing in the heart of the village. Dead corpses lay coldly on the thawing ground. Three of them were the men who tryingly failed to protect Madoka who had earlier fought so hard to protect them, and the other was the demon mangled by the inner demonic being of Riku. The demon’s yellow eyes were still wide open as it lay there alone in the middle of the crowd and its mouth hung open. Blood had ceased to flow underneath the stiff body. There was...

Silence shattered as a female’s voice shrieked across the sky. It was a screamed that cut Riku’s heart in half. It was the scream from Madoka. It was not for him, but from him. He was the cause of her penetratingly call. His fingertips had just grazed her delicate hand when she had suddenly pulled away from him. Riku’s wolf ears folded backwards. He allowed his hand to hang there in the air for a few seconds in hope she would take his hand in hers, but it never happened. Everything just worsened. His hand dropped back down to his knees. His breath caught in his throat and his eyes reflected shock, but mostly hurt. Azure eyes were wide as he watched Madoka push herself against the house behind her and curl up. There was no color in her cheeks. It was a ghostly complexion on her skin.

Riku narrowed his eyes and clenched his teeth from the heartache he was feeling. It was so strong. The more she screamed, the more his heart felt like it was tearing from his body. The male wolf demon’s breath continued to get caught in his throat as he watch Madoka rest her face in her hands and cry out. The eyes of the wolf wavered. When she did not meet his gaze, he could not stand to survey her. His eyes shook from side to side at the ground. His hands grasped the cloth pants tightly. Riku shut his eyes tightly against her screaming. He could feel weakness beginning to swell in his eyes. He clenched his teeth harder baring them slightly.

A sudden lightning strike hit him. Riku felt the eyes of many on him. Slowly, he relaxed his muscles and stood up from the ground. He turned to the crowd of humans that stood mindlessly by. His glassy azure eyes opened to find all men. The smell of ambiguity was on them. The men had pushed their women and children to the back to protect them…from him. Realizing this, Riku slid his foot back a little bit. His wolf ears were still back. Riku’s chest heaved. His eyes shook. The heartbeat raced. Riku hated humans…especially the men! Riku released a breath through his mouth baring his fangs slightly once again and emitted a short breathy growl. The look of fear vanished from his eyes, it turned into a dare; a dare to every one of them to come at him. Shows how grateful humans really are. Riku scowled at the thought. This vision proved that Riku was a full-blooded wolf demon. The provoking angered scowl on his face with blood coating his entire body looking upon the villagers. This was proof.

The hurt wolf stood there, and turned slightly to look back at Madoka when he had realized there was no longer anymore screaming. Mixed feelings all conglomerated into the azure and jade pools. Sadness for the sight he saw Madoka in. She was trembling in Taku’s rocking arms. There was hatred from the mindless demon that caused this. There was fear from what this could do to the relationship between Riku and Madoka. And then, there was disgust, from the humans whom gathered around the scene and gave unwelcoming looks.

When Taku’s voice rang through the sensitive wolf ears, Riku turned away from the humans and acknowledge Taku’s presence. The expressions on Taku were meant to help, but they didn’t. Especially the biting of the lip, that didn’t help one bit. Riku’s voice wasn’t heard however. He did not reply to the man’s words. His eyes were on Madoka.

How is she going to be able to handle the truth about my past?

Silver appendages sulked to this thought. His eyes scanned Taku. He seemed alright. What ever demon did to him and his family, there seemed to have no harm done. Riku’s eyes moved to Taku’s. His eyes were looking behind his being. There slight glare is what attracted Riku’s attention to whatever Taku was looking at. Riku glanced behind him. The villagers’ lips were moving in mumbling ways. Their eyes were all on him. The demon met their looks with a disgusted glare. The flattened ears suddenly perked to Taku’s demanding voice. His eyes averted to Taku and then back to the crowd to watch it slowly disperse. Close footsteps slowly faded. Riku knew it was Taku, but the demon just stood there for a few moments. His eyes scrutinized the fallen corpses. In a way, he was paying his respects in the slightest way. Riku blinked slowly and then turned to follow Taku.

The pride of the wolf was not visible, nor was in sensible. Riku did not hold his head up. He did not cross his arms. He did not alert his ears. There was no proud wolf in sight. Silver bangs concealed the glossy jade eyes. The wolf wanted to cry so badly. He just wanted to let every go. Flashes of Madoka’s face and small clips of her screams repeated over and over again in his head. She didn’t even recognize him. Not even his voice. Madoka wanted nothing to do with him. She was afraid of his touch. Riku accidentally released a small cry, it wasn’t loud, it was definitely muffled when Riku bit into him bottom lip. But any one person could tell he was holding back. His heart throbbed; he could feel the pain spreading all over his body. His hands twitched to the pain helping small droplets of blood slowly drip off. His vision blurred even worse as he continued to walk behind Taku at a short distance, holding back the pushing tears.

At this point, he just wanted to cry into his beloved mother’s arms. But that desire could never be fulfilled. It was too far off in a faraway dream. Riku’s footing staggered. He almost lost his balance, but would he endured the heartache and he would hold back the tears until alone.

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka’s arms hung loosely over Taku’s arms as he carried her home. Her head lulled to the side against Taku’s chest. Eyes laid shallow of emotion upon the fading winter ground. Madoka’s chest rose gently with each intake of breath. She had completely calmed down from her episode earlier.

Taku took each step carefully and slowly. His brown eyes gazed upon her pale face. She felt so delicate within his arms, so frail. She looked as if she was a shadow of her normal persona. Frail eyes looked up to meet his. Chapped lips moved to the soft words.

“Taku....tell him.....I’m sorry.....”

Taku gave her a weak smile and placed his lips against her feverish forehead. A fatherly kiss was gently imprinted upon the flesh. He shifted her gently within his arms, careful of her injuries. He watched as she turned her head to look at the few scattered villagers that were heading home.

“She said she’s sorry.”

Taku had craned his neck to look over his shoulder. His eyes fell upon the wolf demon that his daughter had fallen in love with. Right now, he looked like a whipped puppy. His ears and tail hung low and if Taku was able to see his face, he would have no doubt that he was close to shedding tears. Taku felt deep sympathy for Riku. Madoka, out of pure horror, had pushed him away and screamed as if in agonizing pain.

Taku looked back at Madoka in his arms. She had closed her eyes. With hope, he thought that she would be pushing away the memories of today. The last time she had a reaction like this, she had no recollection of what had happen. The last time this had happened, Taku had been in Riku’s position. Taku turned his head to look over his shoulder again at Riku.

“I know your not very fond of me, but I think, for Madoka’s sake, we need to talk.”

Taku turned back ahead. He half-heartedly expected Riku to blow him off, or remain silent. Taku wanted Riku to say something. He thought that if he added that little bit about Madoka, that would give Riku a little more incentive to talk to Taku. But Taku wouldn’t blame Riku for not talking to him.

Kaiya sat at the table, fidgeting in her chair. She had woken up when Taku went to pick her up and set her in the bedroom with their sleeping Haruko. She had gotten up fixed up the kitchen, but scowled at the bloodstains on the wall. The demon was no longer there, apparently Taku had disposed of it. She got up and shuffled to the door and held it open to allow Taku, Riku, and Madoka into the warm abode.

Kaiya went to open her mouth at the sight of Madoka, but Taku shook his head. He was afraid that she would wake up and Kaiya would only cry out with worrisome calls. Taku offered Madoka to Kaiya. Carefully, Kaiya took Madoka into her arms, a little wobbly unlike Taku. She turned away with a worried look on her face.

“Taku...”

“Her leg and abdomen, Kaiya.”

Kaiya’s eyes gazed upon him. It wasn’t what she wanted to know, but she took this as Taku’s business and took Madoka to a bedroom to bandage her up. Taku closed his eyes in deep thought only to reopen them. He sighed, the brittle silence seemed to be too much. He rolled his eyes to pull back the tears. His eyes glanced over at the wolf demon. Would he sit down at the table? Would he engage in conversation with him? Or would he just go back with Kaiya, to Madoka? Taku felt like Riku needed an explanation, to erase what guilt he had.

Taku went over to the table and sat down. He put his elbows in front of him and leaned his arms back towards his head. His masculine fingers ran through his hair. He awaited for passing footsteps or the sounds of a chair being pulled up.

[Riku Naoya]

The broken wolf demon walked silently behind the human who carried Madoka. He tired lifting his head several times to look at the fallen female wolf demon, but could never successfully look at her. Every time he tried, the painful cry she released echoed in his head. The heart ache came back even worse each time the memory flashed. She pushed him away for the very first time; she wanted nothing to do with him. Riku formed fists as he thought; he shut his eyes tightly against the pushing tears, and bit his bottom lip that was already covered in the dead demon’s blood.

Riku wreaked of that pathetic demon’s stench. It was so potent to him. He hated it. That wretched demon and its goons just had to thirst for blood here. Why not somewhere else? Releasing a sigh, the demon looked up slightly, his jade eyes still hidden behind his bloodied locks. Taku’s voice is what lifted his head. The words Madoka has relayed through Taku to get to Riku. The male demon did not respond. He remained silent. His eyes followed the ground and the human’s footsteps. The silver appendages on top of his head twitched to the sounds of the villagers who were leaving the incident’s area and heading home. He could feel their eyes on him; Looking at him as if he was one of those monsters.

Blinking depressingly, Riku felt that what they thought was indeed true. He was a full-blooded demon. Demons are dwellers with the devil, they were always seen as sinful beings and monsters to the damned humans. And third-rate demons like those who attacked did not help all of the demons’ names. They just worsened their reputations.

He curled his arms around his waist, and hugged his elbows. Riku’s eyes held no emotions. He was in a bit of shock, but it was mostly a fading feeling of depression pulling him deeper into the darkness that he has yet to escape. His thoughts were interrupted as Taku’s voice once again floated into Riku’s hearing. The wolf knew Taku’s eyes were on him, but Riku didn’t pick up his head, he was trying to collect himself enough not to cry. Trying to calm him is another way of putting it. A scowl crossed Riku’s face to Taku’s words, but he continued to face the cold ground they were treading on. True, Riku did not like Taku, not one bit, he didn’t trust him. Riku realized Taku cared for his beloved considering Madoka is basically his daughter, but Riku would never truly trust a human again. Especially a male human.

As the group approached the familiar home, Kaiya had come to the door. She held it open for the three of them. Riku hesitated slightly because of the blood that was all over him but then followed through. The crimson liquid had fully dry-stained on to the wolf. Only a few spots on him had moist areas and were still dripping, such as his face and hands, but every where else was dried and tainted. Riku watched in silence as Taku spoke to Kaiya and as Kaiya took Madoka. Riku swallowed hard and wanted so badly to go with her, but the heart aching held him back from going anywhere near her.

Jade eyes with swirls of azure watched Taku sit down at the table. He caught Taku’s glance when he was doing so, but the facial expression Riku had given gave was of nothing. The wooden chair skidded across the wooden chair as Taku sat down, and an echo as Riku took a seat hesitantly as if he did not know if he wanted to do this or not. However, he did not want to be near Madoka, so this was the only other option he had at the moment in his head. The bloodied face was not looking towards the human that sat across from the demon. It was over towards the corner where the blood stains of the demon Riku had knocked out was. Riku’s lips bore only a few words. It was soft, and no eye contact was made at the given time.

“For Madoka’s sake…”

[Madoka Hamada]

Taku picked up his head, hopeful of Riku’s actions. His expression fell when he saw that Riku refused to make eye contact. He took in a deep sigh and pulled his elbows on to the table. His hands folded, settled in front of his mouth at first, but then sank to the table completely. Where would he begin? Taku was debating on how he would phrase his story, but figured he would try his best. Anxiety had set into Taku’s nerves, but there was no going back once he had called the demon to the table.

“I was in your position a couple years back. A swarm of demons had attacked the village. I went out to fight and came home soaked in blood from the demons as well as my own. Madoka was literally made sick by the sight and smell of blood.

She has always had this fear. When she was younger, it was bad enough that a simple cut that drew a couple drops would cause her to have a breakdown. At this point in time, she has grown accustomed to the sight, just not in large amounts. Her past still haunts her violently.”

Taku sighed, this probably wasn’t what Riku wanted to hear. How Taku and Riku were connected by this turn of events. Taku figured this was the best way to lead up to his true intentions. Even though he was Madoka’s father, he couldn’t help her anymore. She had grown in to a young woman and her place was by Riku’s side, not his.

“Madoka, though she is my responsibility, I am no longer the male model in her life. You are. You are the one that she will run to when she’s hurt. You are the one who is lucky to see her when she smiles. ”

Taku looked up at Riku. He ran his fingers through his hair and scratched his head. His eyes were glossy with unshed tears.

“What I am saying Riku, is I am more than relieved that Madoka has picked you to be overly smitten with. I know that life may be hard, but that’s why there’s two of you. One to hold and one to be held. Riku, I’m hoping and praying that everything works out and I’m hoping that you two will stay together. Riku, watch and protect my daughter and she will do the same with you.”

Taku felt relieved after he said it. Taku felt like he needed to let Riku know. Let Riku know that he trusted him. He didn’t know if this would help their relationship or not, but at least it was something to allow Riku to think about. Taku got up off his chair. He went to the doorway and opened the wooden door.

“I’m sure Madoka’s wrapped up by now. You could go see her now.”

And then Taku walked away.


Madoka laid on the cot. She stared at the ceiling. She sat up in the bed, flinching at the discomfort of her broken ribs. The bandages ran from beneath her arm pits down to the curves of her hips. Her shirt laid folded by the side of her bed. Her leg was wrapped and resting on a pillow to keep it elevated.

Her silver hair gently slid along the curves of her shoulders and down in front of her. Her silver ears laid against her head. She held back her whimpers as she leaned over. Her silver wolf ears perked up, listening for oncoming footsteps.

[Riku Naoya]

The wooden chair scratched the timber floor as Riku pulled out a chair to sit across the table from the male human being. His jade eyes with soft pools pf azure slid no where near in eye contact with Taku’s. They moved from the wall to the floor. The first few seconds both beings sat in silence. There was nothing to be said. Riku at the time though, did not really feel like talking to a mere human. But if it was for his beloved, the demon could sacrifice a few words for her.

His eyes were emotionless as they gazed into nothingness. His fragile, slightly sun-kissed skin was plagued by the staining of pathetic third-rate demon blood. It coated his hair, and his clothes. Some areas were still moist, small droplets slid casually down his cheekbones, and dripped off his claws. Some droplets even managed to cascade from his silver and black locks of hair. It was a dismal look upon the wolf. His eyes flashed Madoka’s screaming face, his ears rang from it. His hands could still feel Madoka pushing him away, completely rejecting him. Riku shielded his eyes with his bangs and grimaced at everything.

The male wolf paid no attention to Taku at the time. He was not speaking, so Riku felt no obligation to starting the conversation Taku wished for. Slowly, Riku inhaled clean air smelling the curse and exhaled through his mouth. At that very moment, the appendages atop his head twitched to Taku’s voice. Riku listened closely to the human’s story. His ears honed in on the voice and concentrated on every word formed by Taku’s lips. The story was indeed a tragic one, but it was nothing compared to Riku’s past. Putting that aside, the listening wolf bit his bottom lip and folded his ears back. Maybe, it was too soon to show that side of him, but he couldn’t control it. Riku knows he is a full fledge demon unlike Madoka. He has an inner beast dwelling within him just lurking until it was time to strike.

The responsibility for taking care of Madoka was officially placed into Riku’s lap. Riku could tell this was hard for Taku considering he was like a father to Madoka, not eh biological one, but the closest she has. Riku glanced out of the corners of his eyes to focus on Taku as he began shifting. The conversation was more of a speech coming from Taku. Riku felt no need to speak.

The wolf slowly watched Taku as he left Riku with a few final words. A sudden feeling hit Riku, it was not strong, but it was different. Riku had the trust of a human being to carry now. Riku grimaced at the thought; this wasn’t what he wanted when he first came here. He didn’t want to gain any relations with any of the humans introduced to him. One human trusting him out of how many that existed in the hellhole of a world. Riku shook it off, and stood up from his seat. He wanted to see Madoka but that the same time, he froze in place. The blood still coated him anywhere and everywhere. It was all over him. The rancid smell floated around him and sunk into every crevasse of his body.

Swallowing hard, Riku took a step forward towards the room where Madoka rested. His footsteps were light against the wooding of the floor. Approaching the door, Riku bent his body to sneak a peek into her room. His bloodies silver appendages twitched to any sounds of movement, and his curious eyes rested on the female creature. His heart throbbed at the sight…

He pulled himself back from the doorway and leaned against the wall. He didn’t want to see her just yet. He released a sigh, and rested his head against the wall. Riku glanced down the hallway looking for Kaiya. He had an urge to put his body back into its rightful clothes.

ooc: ugh shortness...dies

[Madoka Hamada]

Her keen senses could pick up Riku’s faint scent, but the scent of demonic blood was stronger. Her body began to quiver at the smell, but she shook her head. She wouldn’t allow herself to sink into one of her episodes again. Claws dug into the sheet that covered her lower body. She closed her eyes and tried to ease her breathing. Slowly, she calmed herself down.

She laid her head down on the pillow behind her, her eyes still closed. She didn’t hear the door open for a brief second to allow her beloved to peek in on her. But the scent had grown stronger. She picked only her head up, but Riku wasn’t there. Her head flopped back down on to the pillow and she turned on her non-wounded side.

She brought her hands up to her face and sighed heavily into her palms. She thought for sure, she had outgrown the fear of blood. But, she hadn’t. Not only had she had a complete meltdown over the scene, but she pushed away Riku. Her heart gave an achy throb at the thought.

“I. Pushed. Riku. Away.”

Her lips moved to the soundless words. The words resounded in her head like a bad nightmare. She turned her head a bit more so that her face was in the down feathers of the pillow. She could feel the tears beginning to overflow her eyelids. She blinked them away and rubbed her face in her pillow. She felt to heartbroken to cry.

Madoka pushed her torso up with her arms and eased herself back up into a sitting position. Pain flickered across her feminine featured face as her broken ribs moved slightly out of healing position. Her arms slid out and she hit her head against the pillow. Her legs curled to her body at the shock of pain. A soft whimper escaped her lips. She wouldn’t be able to move for at least an entire day.

Kaiya had tucked little Haruko into her bed and had come out of her bedroom when she saw the bloody wolf. Kaiya’s stomach lurched at the sight and smell. There was so much that the rust-like smell of the blood was detectable by her nose. She took a deep breath and calmed her nerves.

“The bath is still warm from Haruko’s bath. I’ll go get a towel and your clothes for you to take a bath.”

Kaiya’s slippered feet scuffed into hers and Taku’s room. She picked up the folded clothes that were on her dressing table and picked up a towel that she had folded and set on the cot. She went back out to Riku and presented him with the cloths, but quickly retracted them.

“I’ll place them in there, that way you don’t get them dirty.”

Kaiya went back to the bathroom and set them near the tub. She came back out and smiled at Riku, before heading down the hallway to coax Taku to bed.


((Sorry it's not longer, but Madoka's pretty incapacitated at the moment and can't do much.))

[Riku Naoya]

Stained by crimson liquid, a smell and feeling all too familiar with the wolf demon, the male creature leaned against the wall awaiting Kaiya. She had seen him walk through the door and could sense her disgust in the sight. What human would not be disgusted at the sight of someone still alive covered in blood…a sick human. Riku grimaced to the thought but he knew all too well that those humans did exist. They were all around him. The wood floor felt cool against the demon’s bare feet; still awaiting upon Kaiya’s return with his clothes and a clean towel. She had disappeared into a room that did not interest the demon. Riku remained silently outside of Madoka’s room, the only room he wished to enter. Wish. By definition it is a simple thing that may never come true. Riku’s chest heaved from the onslaught of current events. After the way he was pushed away from the only being he thought loved him, he was lost to his thoughts. Taku’s little speech also returned into the wolf’s head. A fear of blood. A childhood fear. Those are not the easiest to get rid of. The silver appendages on top of Riku’s silver head sunk low.

Releasing yet another sigh, jade eyes looked up from the dismal ground to hearing scuffing footsteps coming from the room Kaiya had disappeared into. The ears slightly twitching, Riku’s eyes lit up to seeing his traditional clothes. A warm smile graced his lips. Who knew that clothes would be the one thing to put a smile on the downed wolf demon? Nevertheless, he was just happy thinking he would soon be clean rid of the look of demon blood impurities covering him. Reaching his arms out slightly just about to extend his hands to take his clothes and towel from Kaiya’s gentle grasp, Kaiya retracted it from his grip so he retracted his offer to take the bundle off her hands. Agreeing with the human’s words, a nod acknowledged, Riku walked into the bathroom and returning a slight smile. It was a half smile. But he still showed gratitude for what Kaiya was doing for him.

Closing the door behind him, Riku peered into the water, seeing the reflection of a bloodied wolf. Scoffing at the sight, Riku stripped of the stained shirt, throwing it over the tub’s side just enough for the material to catch the water, and gentle rubbed his hands over his chiseled chest. Blood soaked through to his skin. That demon sure did make its mark. The blood design was sponged from the shirt cloth, being thicker in some areas and thin in others. It wrapped his entire torso. No longer delaying, the pants fell to the floor, and ripples in the water skidded across the skin layer of the water from Riku’s entering.

Blood mixed with the clear warm water. Red streaked across the tub as the clearness was poisoned by rusty red liquid. He plunged his head under water and stroked his hands through it. He wanted the blood off of him. He didn’t care if the scent was still there, it was always there for him…cursed. Recovering, breaking the water’s surface, blood and water dripped off the demon’s face. Finishing the cleaning portion, Riku pulled himself from the tub and carefully stepped out. Water drizzled down his built sun-kissed body. Tinted liquid dripped from his silver locks and from his hands. Breathing slowly through his nose, the demon strained his hair over the tub and let it hang over his shoulder. He grabbed the towel and wiped his face down, pulling it across the back of his neck and down his chest, curling it around his strong legs. Speckles of water slowly slid to a dry down his body. The towel was left on the floor; stained with the remains of blood that was left on the demon’s skin from the washing.

The black shirt covered Riku’s abdominal and drifted warmly over his shoulders. The neckline draped low on his chest and covered the length of his neck. Pulling the pants up his legs, Riku tightened the strap. The belt was looped. Riku stretched the arm protecting clothes up and tightened to form fit against the wrist and elbow. He was feeling more like his demonic self with each movement. He was no longer in human clothes. The demon bent down, kneeling his left knee on the wooden floor to finish off his traditional look. Black bandages were wrapped intricately around his feet and up his legs to cuff off the black pants. He switched and treated his left leg to the same conduct. He stood up slowly and took in the wolf scent. He caressed the pieces of clothing and looked over the outfit. He soon needed to return home to get another outfit. This one was becoming beat from all the weather it had endured over the years. However, it will do just fine for now. It was his, it was wolf demonic, and it had nothing to do with human. Riku swallowed hard and smiled, bending back his ears. The pride of the wolf showing through. Gathering his thoughts, Riku stepped out, leaving the bloodied water, clothes, and towel behind.

The temperature was cooler outside of the wash room, not as condensed either. Jade and azure eyes peered around the facility looking for Kaiya to tell her about the water and everything he had left behind in the room for clean up. It was his mess, he felt wrong to just leave it the way it was. His footsteps were light as he walked cautiously down the long wooden hallway. Curiosity caused Riku to peer inside the room of a sleeping child.

The innocent child lay silently on the cot. Haruko slept soundly, not even stirring to the light creaking the door had made as Riku opened it. The blankets were down around her ankles, not giving the full potential of warmth that they could offer. The child must be an active one in her sleep. Riku craned his neck to look down the hallway for any signs of Kaiya, especially for Taku. No movements came. Silver ears twitched lightly to listen for footsteps, of scuffs. Nothing. Opening the door wider, for easier access, Riku silently stepped into Haruko’s room, and closed the space between the two. Carefully, Riku worked his fingers around the end of the blanket in the dark, and pulled them lightly over Haruko’s petite body. Gazing at the human child for a moment, Riku found himself kneeling next to her bed. He breathed lightly while being in her room not wanting to stir the child. He folded his arms and rested them on the mattress. He rested his head lightly on them and continued to look upon the angel face. Human children were always a mystery to him. He knew they were blameless, uncorrupted by the evils in the world. Riku lightly brushed some stray tresses of hair out of Haruko’s face. Subconsciously, Riku’s tail began to wag. His ears folded down in enjoyment and a smile crept across his lips.

It was so weird. A sense of comfort overcame the wolf kneeling silently in the dark. A childhood memory penetrated into his head. A memory he had almost completely let go and let get destroyed in the forgotten abyss. The setting was in the afternoon in the village. A warm spring day. The clouds were dancing in the sky guided by the wind. Flowers were in full bloom, and butterflies and bees were feeding upon the wonders on nature. Mother and he walked into the marketplace to visit old friends. He was only a pup but he remembered every moment.

Their names were Rain and Makio. Makio was a good human friend to Mother. And Rain…well, she was my human friend. Rain was the grandmother to Makio. She was old, but she always knew how to treat her friends no matter how senile she became. Makio and Mother would be chatting it up and I would always find myself being picked up and placed in the lap of Rain. I can remember her soft stokes on my fur. She would pet my head in the smoothest way. Lull me to sleep. We would be there for hours on end. Mother and Makio still talking, and me in the Rain’s lap enjoying her sweet touches.

Riku closed his eyes to the self-told story. God, how he missed those strokes on his silk fur…it was all in a long lost memory now…those soft hands with the smoothest touch. He missed being touched like that. Riku loved it. He misses it…but he fears it all at the same time. The peaceful moment could have passed, but the male wolf demon did not allow it. He dwelled on the memory and didn’t care about the horrors in the world at this point and time. He just wanted to relax after a heart wrenching day. This setting…him laying next to the sleeping Haruko in the dark did just the trick. Riku’s head lulled off to the side, resting comfortably on its side, pillowed by his arms. His legs rested off to the side of him. He didn’t budge from Haruko’s side. He remained resting on her cot, and drifted into a slight sleep. It wasn’t deep enough however to keep him from thinking about his beloved who was just a door or two door the hallway. He loved her, but he just wanted a moment’s rest to reminisce about the past and a peaceful day he had almost let die.

[Madoka Hamada]

Silence was deafening upon the demoness’s ears. All she could hear was the gentle intakes of breath from her sleeping family. The fire crackled from the fireplace as the burnt wood slowly began to deteriorate into it’s ash form. Madoka laid on her non-wounded side, watching the fire breath it’s last breaths. She would not need the fire tonight, because the evening had become a little more mild.

Madoka waited listlessly as the silver light of the moon over took the golden light of the fire and soon nothing but silver was there. She closed her eyes and flinched. A subtle throb pounded against the sides of her head, making her uncomfortable. The medication that Kaiya had given to her earlier had not lasted until she was in her deep slumber.

Sliding up, she pushed her torso up into a sitting position. But she was careful not to lean over too far to agitate the broken ribs. She bent her head though and held it in her hands. Slender fingers massaged the temples of her head, easing the pain of her headache, just as her mother had done when she was little. She opened her eyes. Her silver ears twitched at Riku’s heavy breathing. He was sleeping in Haruko’s room. She could hear their breathing patterns as they slept next to each other.

She laid back down on her cot, irritated by her limited movement. Sleep was becoming easier to achieve. Her eyelids became heavier as she drifted off into her light slumber.

Madoka sat in her room. Legs bent beneath her as she sat on her haunches awaiting for an news. Her bedroom door stayed open allowing any movement to be heard if they were to come home. She fidgeted with the ends of her shirt in anxiousness. How could she sit still at a moment like this?

Kaiya had hidden her upstairs, telling her not to move. The bandits were in desire of money and women. Madoka sat annoyed, knowing that she could help in the battle, but Kaiya was worried about Madoka getting kidnaped. She stood up and went over to the door frame. Clutching the frame, she leaned out looking around. Her keen hearing could pick up the sounds of distress and anger among the village.

The door slammed against the wall as it flung open. That was all it took for Madoka to quickly take off towards the kitchen. As she turned, she saw a pale-faced Kaiya. Two of their neighbors were laying a body down on the floor of their home. Madoka quickly ran to Kaiya’s side, but was struck horrified at the sight.

Taku’s body laid broken and bruised and bloody. Clothes were in tatters and hanging onto his muscular body by a few threads. The stab wounds on his body were serious and the blood was running continuously from the wounds to the floor. His eyes looked at her, lifeless, but he spoke her name clearly.

Madoka felt a chill run down her spine. It was her childhood all over again. The smell, the color, all of it was what her nightmares were made of. She screamed and backed up, hitting a counter. She slid down the cabinet door and curled up in a ball. Kaiya ran to her side trying to calm her down.

Madoka opened her eyes to see the warm sunshine filtering into her room. Kaiya’s cries echoed in her head from her dream.

“Madoka please. Please you have to calm down! I need your help. Please, you’re the only one who can help Taku. Madoka. Please, I’m begging you....please....”

She sat up in her bed. This was going to be the last time her fear got the best of her. What if Riku had gotten hurt? She wouldn’t have been able to help him, because of this fear she had. No more, no more would she be afraid. The reason she knew all about medicine was because of her mother. She wanted to help humans and demons alike, but she couldn’t do so because of her fear of blood. She glanced out the window. Yesterday was gone, today was a new day and there would be no more fear.

[Riku Naoya]

The morning dawn, since the beginning of time, bathed the world in a gentle light, kissing the soft thawing grass. Creatures of many species began to stir. Both humans and demons alike opened clear eyes to the new day. Heavy breaths of slumber slowly degraded into light breaths; gentle breaths as the mind started to function again, as thoughts began to crawl, as the body began to awaken from its numbness.

With an intake of breath, a sun-kissed face turned into the cushion of the cot. On the exhale silver and black graced ears twitched to the tickling of another’s breath. Naoya leisurely lifted his head expecting to see his better half. That image faded into the small human girl given the name Haruko. Azure eyes adjusted, looking blankly into the young girl’s innocent façade. That brief moment, Riku recalled back to yesterday’s happening. Reminiscing. Remembrance of the event struck the demon’s dead eyes.

Having enough, the wolf pushed himself up from the ground leaving Haruko with a gentle stroke on top of her mop. His arms stretched above his head and his legs spread using muscle tension to relieve cramps. The silver and black furs on his tail and tips of his ears puffed up and then gave into gravity. He brought his arms down, and gently rubbed the back of his neck.

Breathing heavily from morning exhaustion, Riku quietly walked toward the wooden frame. Taking another deep inhale with slight congestion heard, the demon rubbed his eyes, clearing away the dirt which collected in the corners. Small particles of dry blood smeared to the skin of his fingers. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, licking the roof of his mouth still tasting the foul flavor of blood; but this was nothing new to him. Anything having to due with blood was nothing new to the scarred demon.

Black bandages padded the wolf’s callused feet. The wooden floor thumped lightly from the pressing weight of Riku. He came up to the beginning of Madoka’s dwelling. He continued to step in front of the entrance. Naoya’s jade eyes peered into the room. His ears folded back, and his lips quivered lightly from the pain he felt the moment he looked in on her.

She was sitting up. Her body wrapped from the damages made by that intruding demon. Her silver locks cascading down her face and shoulders. Madoka’s brown and blue eyes glancing out into the light offered by the window and the sun gleaming through it. Riku stood there in silence in the doorway. His lips did not move, not even to a smile. The scream that was released from her lungs pierced Riku’s memory. His heart throbbed just as it did before. It ached from the repeating feeling of Madoka’s hands pushing his away. Ripping away from his vision of Madoka, Riku offered a subtle smile and walked, continuing down the hall. He was just happy she wasn’t dead. He made a promise to protect her and he tends to keep it, no matter what happens –if he’s with her or not.

Suppressing any thoughts of Madoka, Naoya walked into the kitchen area. He had to clean up the mess he had made yesterday in the village. Scanning the room for Taku, his eyes fell upon the stain in the corner of the room. Riku approached the mark and placed one hand upon it. Flashes of that damned demon’s face appeared and vanished. The voice echoed and diminished. The events which took place in the corner slid by his eyes; Madoka pinning the bastard, the cursing anf foul language, Kaiya on the floor out cold, Riku himself bashing the bastard, the scream last heard from the throat of the intruder. It was all there just from one single touch. Riku’s hand slowly slid down the rough surface. There was a slight smoothness to it, but it was what it was.

His hand retracted from the wall, his fingertips stained lightly. Smears were visible to where he glided his palm and fingers. The eyes gazed at the dry liquid pasted to his fingertips as he rubbed his thumb against each one. A sick twisted feeling encased Riku’s presence. It arose from the very bottom of his body. It was a sense of demonic, an evil demonic aura; a reactant from the touch of blood on his hands.
It was that same demonic presence he felt yesterday when his fangs were sunk into the other demon’s tender neck. That same presence he felt many years ago. The inner sense was always strong and overpowering whenever it was released, or in better terms, when it escaped.

For a split second as the male demon stood there his eyes were admiring the blood. His fangs grew longer and hungered for blood. And his eyes shifted to the piercing yellow reflecting the same look of yesterday. The demonic aura around him strengthened and grew to darkness. And then…

The feeling vanished.

It was gone.

But for how long?

Riku lifted his head, snapping out of the trance. His fur was fluffed up. The hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end. The demon grew leery of this demonic presence lurking within his bones.

No matter…Riku’s thoughts were not focusing on this manifestation, he other things more important to worry about for the time being.

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka shifted uncomfortably in her cot. Pangs of pain shot through her side from the broken ribs that had yet to heal. The blocky brace she had on her leg made graceful movement even more unlikely. Madoka huffed, unable to sit still for long. The agitated demoness laid back and rolled on her side. Kaiya had placed the cot on it’s wooden frame so it was off the ground. This would allow Madoka an easier time getting up, when she was suppose to. Sitting up with a defiant look upon her face, Madoka inched closer and closer to the edge of the bed.

“There is no way in hell I am staying in bed all day...”

Madoka thought with a growl. She began to ease herself off the bed, careful how she placed her weight. Placing most of her weight on her uninjured leg, she was able to hobble to the door. She picked up her tan cloth pants and slipped them on over the brace. Her white long sleeve shirt slid easily over her abdominal bandages. She parted the door and the soft scent of her beloved filled her nostrils. Madoka’s body became stiff, her fingers’ joints locked in placed preventing her from opening the door even more.

Her shrill screams echoed within her mind. The red on white and the horrid smell that haunted her. She took a deep, calming breath to ease her nerves. She began to part the door again and this time she was able to slip out.

“You really shouldn’t be on your feet....”

Madoka yelped in surprise, spinning about to see Taku, holding wooden crutches. She clutched her chest as she tried to ease her anomalous heartbeat. Taku chuckled and rubbed her shoulder and met Madoka’s eyes.

"Sorry, did you think I was Kaiya?” he chuckled, knowing Kaiya would have reprimanded her for being on her feet, “Here, these will help...”

“Thanks...”

Madoka’s voice was soft. She took the crutches and slid them under her arms and grasped the bar to help her lift the crutches. She was slightly unsteady on them as she moved down the hall with them. She looked back to see and empty hallway. She smiled at Taku’s thoughtfulness and continued towards the kitchen.

Madoka was startled to see Riku up and staring at the wall where she had pinned the demon from yesterday. The wood would be forever stained and hold the scent of a lowlife demon, but it would fade through time. Closing her eyes to keep her stress and flashbacks withdrawn, she looked over Riku.

Within her chest, her heart ached with a physical pain. She had hurt Riku yesterday and it had plagued her all nights. She wanted to run up to him and apologize and hold him. She clutched the crutches in annoyance, because with them, there would be no running. Will and desire gave into reason as she left the crutches beside the wall. She began her hobble, almost jog towards Riku, silently praying she wouldn’t fall flat on her face. Her voice within her head screamed at her to say the words she thoughts, but they simply stayed on the tip of her tongue.

‘Riku....I’m sorry....Forgive me....I’m so sorry.....’

[Riku Naoya]

The air was dead within the abode of Taku and Kaiya. It seemed lifeless. The events from yesterday seemed to plague every home, every corner, every mind, and every heart. Yesterday a horde of marauding demons, in disguise of traveling soldiers, invaded the vulnerable village. Sisk as they were for pillaging and threatening the lives of many innocents, even going so far as taking some, survival of the fittest played a cruel role in this world. A world of peace, no more. War blackened the skies each and every day. It was the time of return; Alraënia.

A single silhouette stood stilly, staring at the dirtied wall. Azure eyes reflected on the thoughts of the bloodied world of Alraënia. He dealt with it once before and now Riku must endure its relentlessness once again. He must live through it one more time along with every other poor being drawing breath from this forsaken Godless hellhole.

The silent house. The fear of the village. The guilty demon. The w4eaknesses coming through. The corpse. The sacrifices. The victim. The darkening skies. The foreshadowing becoming all so clear. Riku stood there in isolation to his thoughts. His lips quivered to form the outline of whispering words.

“How’s it all going to end this time?”

At the precise moment of the last uttered word, another being made their presence known. The scent, a soft scent, filtered delicately around the room. A aroma so familiar and soothing but heart-wrenching at the same time, danced into the senses of the wolf. Smelling the sweet scent of his beloved, Riku peered from the corners of his eyes. His head, however, remained to face the stained wall. He could feel her gave on him. Jade eyes with pools of azure averted back to the wall. Riku slowly blinked and sighed a heavy sigh. A masculine hand rose wearily to the bridge of his nose and the callused fingertips rubbed the eyes gently. Thoughts gathered and the young demon finally collected himself to turn around.

Slowly, Riku craned his neck, his body following to the gaze at Madoka’s being. His eyes wavered. As much as he wants to smile at her, the poor boy just could not bring himself to do it. He stood there in silence taking in the sight of her, listening to her breaths, and listening to his own heartbeat.

She clutched on to the wooden crutches. Her heart-felt eyes reflected heartache and apologies. She was in such a feeble position. Bandages covered her feminine curves. Silver locks draped over and down emphasizing her shoulders and collar bone and back. Tan pants concealed a bulk; the brace which helped heal her leg. Madoka, as of right now, was a crippled wolf.

Riku watched silently as she leaned the crutches against the stability of the wall. All he could think to doing was watching. The demon turned fully around, and slowly, hesitantly opened his arms to her as she hobbled towards him. As the distance between them closed, Riku carefully took a hold of Madoka’s slender hands and tenderly pulled her fully into his arms. He held her carefully, hoping not to harm her ribs. He held her gently and warmly. Riku held her close to him, but he held her silently. His jade eyes stared blankly down the hallway. Riku did not feel like talking about the current events and what happened between the two of them. The thoughts of it hurt precisely enough.

A soft voice cracked the silence. Riku did not look down at the woman he held so closely in his arms. He just continued to gaze down the deserted hallway.

“You shouldn’t be on your feet.”

[Madoka Hamada]

The warmth of his embrace was calming and eased the troubles within her heart. His masculine scent filtered into her nose and even more tensions eased. She could feel his strong arms cradle her gently so her ribs were not discomforted. The simple touches of the embrace needed no words. It was something that they both needed.

Riku’s voice cracked when he spoke his warning. Madoka’s weight shifted in his arms, uneasily. Reason told her that Riku was right and she should be sitting or laying down. Anything to get off her feet. However, her heart told her that he was wrong. She needed company, his company to be sure that...

Madoka’s hands slid up to Riku’s muscled shoulder blades. Her slender fingers laid splayed across his back as she held him. She turned her head so her face was not buried within his chiseled chest. She took a deep breath, choosing her words careful as she spoke.

“I-I was afraid that you would leave after yesterday.”

Madoka’s nose could pick up the smell of the demon’s blood that still stained her family’s home. She closed her eyes. Her heart had sped up at the smell, but when she focused, she could easily calm herself down. The only reason her heart was still beating irregularly was because of the butterflies Riku still gave her.

The female wolf demon’s silver bangs covered her face and the emotions that were as clear as a summer day that were reflected within her eyes. Thoughts pounded in her head like a bad headache and all she could really focus on was where her and Riku were going. Had she scared him off enough that he was going to leave? Or had their love conquered yet one more obstacle to make them stronger?

(ooc: Sorry that it took so long and that the post was so short. I had a mind block on what I wanted to do. So I just ended it. If it's too short let me know, maybe it will come to me then, but as of now, I lack creative juices for Madoka)

[Riku Naoya]

Riku leaned further into the embrace, but did not change the mount of gentleness he used to hold the fragile female. He could feel Madoka’s fingers spread out across his shoulder blades. Her warmth and her scent filled every sense in and of his body. But as she spoke hesitantly to him, recognizing her feelings and her worries, the male wolf demon pulled away. He held her gently by the shoulders and looked down at Madoka. He contemplated her words for a few seconds, letting them sink in, and thinking of how to respond to her. Riku’s azure eyes gazed down at Madoka’s bang-covered face. Her eyes were shielded for his line of view. His voice drifted in the air with the utmost sorrow and honesty.

“I’m not going to lie…”

His eyes averted away from her just incase she were to look up at him speaking. His eyes drifted back down the empty hallway, scanning the area. He did not really show any kind of emotion. His voice was monotone. He did not blink. Riku just stood there silently holding Madoka’s shoulders gently. His hands slid to her elbows feeling every curve and muscle along the way. His hands dropped off from the feminine arms. The demon continued to stand in front of the broken wolf just incase she still wanted his support because Riku still felt it was necessary for her to rest and stay off her feet. Nonetheless, his words continued from what he was originally trying to say.

“I thought about it. I was considering all of the options. Leaving seemed to be the best one at the time.”

He brought one hand up to his face, wiping his brow, following a path to rub the back of his neck. His silver and black hair intertwined with his fingers. Stress was a clear sign on the wolf demon’s face. Riku hated saying this kind of stuff. But it was all a part of life, was it not? To make it easier for Madoka, Riku walked over to the kitchen table and pulled out a chair, carrying it over to Madoka, signaling for her to sit. Once again, Riku pulled another chair over, sitting directly across from Madoka. He leaned over, covering his face with his hands, his elbows applying pressure on his knees. He slid his hands down his face, looking up to Madoka quickly averting his face to the side.

“I kept saying to myself that I am a full-blooded demon; probably no better than those third-rate demons who attacked yesterday. I kept saying to myself that you would be better off without me. But no matter how hard I tried…”

Riku pulled his face back over in Madoka’s direction. His eyes looked at the ground. His right hand fell to relax on his leg while his left hand supported his head. His thumb hooked underneath his chin, his knuckles pressed against the side of his face while his fingers muffled his lips and the words that he spoke next. As he spoke the words, he jade eyes looked up into Madoka’s face, the azure hints glowing.

“I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t leave.”

Riku leaned back in the chair, resting back and letting his arms rest on his legs. His eyes averted once again away from Madoka. He sat as if he was disappointed in himself because of what he had just admitted. His wolf ears folded back flat against his silver tufts and his tail drooped to the side, hanging dead at the side of the wooden chair. His eyes wavered unsure of how Madoka would take in everything that he is saying.

“I wanted to. I just couldn’t. Besides…”

Rikue stood up from the chair, placing it back, screeching it against the floor as he slid it under the table. He turned back around to Madoka leaning his weight against the wooden kitchen table behind him. He held a half smile on his face, gazing down at his hand seeing the cursed blood. He tilted his head letting his glistening eyes drift shut. The wolf demon shrugged in taking fresh air and the scent of Madoka and the scent of blood. He pushed up from the table and walked towards Madoka. His footsteps were light. He stood in front of her in his original demonic clothes. The black threads, no longer in human clothing, the black clothes wrapping his feet, everything just seemed to be right, but oh so wrong at the time. Riku tilted his chin up looking out the window to the outside world. He continued to look through to that world, speaking to Madoka lightly.

“I figured it would be asinine of me to leave after what Taku told me.”

The wolf demon turned to Madoka. The half smile remained as he looked at her. Riku bent down to her level, placing his hands on her knees, moving his thumbs lightly in circles caressing the insides of her knees. He watched his hands for a few seconds and then looked up through Madoka’s silver bangs. He pushed up, leaning in at the same time, and pressed a firm kiss upon Madoka’s soft seductive lips. Riku pulled slight, ever so slightly away, his lips were still gracing Madoka’s.

“I’m not going anywhere…”

Stealing one last kiss, Riku stood up and headed towards the door to the outside. He had to look for Taku to see what mess had to be cleaned up from yesterday’s events. Riku pulled the door open and stepped out. The young demon looked back at the beloved female wolf he had in his life.

“Not yet.”

Riku held a smile on his face as he said it. He gave her those two last words to hear before he disappeared out the door to look for Taku. Riku stood stately on the porch looking out to the town. He grimaced at the humans knowing for a fact that most definitely hate, or at least feel threatened by his presence. They have reason to be…but still…[/size][/center][/color]

[Madoka Hamada]

The wolf maiden’s heart ceased to beat for a few seconds when Riku admitted to the thought of leaving. At the thought, her fingers slid from his back, and her mind slowly seemed to shut down. She had done it. She pushed Riku to his limits and seemingly broke him. Her breathing shallowed. Muscles and tendons turned to jelly and barely had enough strength to hold her up. She felt weak and completely off kilter.

Riku’s grip on her kept her grounded. He didn’t look at her. His gaze wouldn’t meet hers. His words ran deep through her. He had actually thought about leaving. The word was heavy on her lips, and she didn’t even speak it.

Madoka’s hazel eye watched Riku as the pressure got to him. He was sweating and rubbing the back of his neck to somehow ease the stress. She took the cue from him to sit as he brought the chair over for her. She sat down and stretched out her broken leg to ease the soreness. All Madoka could do now was watch and listen. The stress was evident on Riku’s face as he constantly touched it.

She pulled her hands close to her, setting them in her lap. Silver strands of hair laid strewn on her head and framed her fragile face. Her lips were tense, just one word would make them tremble and she would cry. But she wouldn’t hear that word. Riku had just told her, he wasn’t leaving. Her eyes widen and she picked up her hanging head. Her eyes searched his face, for a lie maybe? Maybe he was just saying this for the moment? But, he looked sure of his answer to stay.

She opened her mouth to say something, but she figured it would be best not to say a word. Riku needed this time to get what he needed off his chest. Once he declared that he would stay, he stood up. He stood in front of her, startling her as he stood right before her. Her face scrunched in confusion at the mention of Taku.

“Taku? What did he say?”

The thought remained in her head and never reached her lips. The confusion disappearing as quickly as it came upon her face once Riku pressed his lips to hers. She missed that feeling. Her heart skipping beats for another reason. He whispered the four words she had been waiting for.

“I’m not going anywhere...”

Her silver wolf ears perked up on her head and her head swam with the euphoric feeling of another kiss. She watched him leave, telling her reassurance again.

She sat still in the chair for a few moments. The mind within her head was sorting through what all happened. She relaxed into her chair, her eyes still holding on to the bewilderment. Her muscled tensed as she got out of her chair and hobbled to the window.

The village was slow moving this morning. A few women were out with their children, but the children were solemn and stayed close their mother’s side. More men than anything were out, cleaning up the ruined buildings. Madoka squinted, she could see Taku working with his friends to rebuild a home of an elderly couple.

Madoka hobbled back towards the hallway that lead to the rooms. Kaiya caught her in the middle of the hallway close to her bedroom door. The wolf demoness watched as Kaiya’s gentle expression switched to an annoyed one. Her eyebrows pulled together to wrinkle her forehead. She crossed her arms across her chest. Her relaxed stance became more dominating. Madoka hobbled faster to her bedroom and slammed the door.

“You better stay off your feet Missy! Or.....or.....Or I will tie you to that bed!”

Madoka sat down on her cot and snickered. Kaiya wasn’t very good at keeping her threats and usually felt bad later for yelling. She wasn’t the punisher in the family, Taku was. Madoka decided that it would be best to stay in bed to avoid being reprimanded by Taku and possibly Riku later. She fell back on her cot, bouncing a little when she landed. It would be a long, boring day for her.

[Riku Naoya]

Cold jade eyes stared into the distance of the village. It was a mournful scene. Damages were obvious. Tension among the humans was evident. The wind was silent. Only the faint scent of a battle was present. A battle between two demons. Fighting to kill. Fighting to shed blood; one for fun, the other out of protection. Two demons.... fighting. Riku pondered the thought. He killed his own kind, for the protection of humans? No... Riku shook his head. The only reason he killed that bastard third-rate demon was for the reason he handled Madoka. Riku did not give a shit about anyone else. They could perish. His eyes intensified as the flashback came. His bore his fangs into the enemies throat with no remorse, no guilt, no second thoughts. That demon had what was coming for intruding on Riku's territory. The sensation of blood trickling between every crevasse of his teeth waved through him. It was a familiar feeling. The feeling of being the dominant demon, the alpha male. But more familiar by his memories. He bit into humans, he had their blood on him when he was younger. Sinfully, it was a great feeling. Riku's eyes shifted toward the ground at this shameful thought. He promised Madoka he would deal with the humans, and now murderous thoughts are crossing the deep cracks of his mind.

Releasing a sigh, Riku stepped down off the porch. The pads of his heels hit the dirt. A stroke of wind hit his face gently. The black pants he wore and the loose collar of his shirt flapped in the slight breeze. It died soon after. Riku did not even have the chance to take it in. Suppose that's a sign to get to work. Slowly, Riku made his way towards the village in search for Taku. The human was with other men from the village working on rebuilding a home. The thought of approaching the men sent a shiver down his spine. The flash of their faces toward the bloody wolf demon penetrated the young demon's mind. They hated him. They thought he was a monster. They were threatened.

Thought I would kill them...

A slight smirk crossed his face, but quickly disappeared. The thought of the male humans feeling threatened by his presence was a good feeling. Means they wouldn't try anything stupid without knowing of the consequences. Once again, Riku shook his heads of the demonic thoughts. His silver ears perked to the familiar scent. The scent of Taku grew stronger as Riku approached him. Azure and jade eyes looked cautiously among the working men. Riku stopped a few feet away from all of them. He stood there in silence for a few moments, just watching contently upon them. His hands hung loosely by his sides. His eyes were intense, slightly hidden from the silver locks dangling loosely.

The wolf demon was hoping Taku would turn to see him. Riku did not feel like grabbing the attention of all the men just to receive dirty looks. No indication of Taku knowing his presence came. The lips parted so slightly. His voice came out just above a whisper. To him, however, it felt like his voice resonated it the air for eternity. This was the first time since yesterday Riku would have contact with the humans... the men of the village. His ears folded backwards, pressing slightly against his skull. He uttered one lone word.

"Taku..."



ooc: Sorry for me replying so late and making you wait so long. And sorry for the shortness. Hope to be RPing with you again.