Rune cringed and turned away, he didn't want to know what they'd talked about. He then silently went to sit in his chair, "No...i'm not." his voice more rigid than he'd planned. Gaurded like he knew what they spoke of had involved something he wanted to remain hidden. He gave her a cold look, a warning. He'd not intended the look to be so icy, he'd never wanted to show that face, but it was too late. In realizing this he turned quickly away.

Taka narrowed her eyes as she climbed off of Shou. "My 'condition'? I'm not invalid yet, Rune. And didn't you wanna keep that a secret? I'm so glad you practice what you preach." She grabbed the fast food and began digging into it. At one point she said offhandedly, "So what if we're talking about you? What're ya gonna do about it? Pout at me?" Man she loved pushing buttons.

Shou laughed, "Good move. You sure you wanna see the real form of Rune? I wouldn't even want to see it again. In his true form, he'll kill you. I'm not sure if ya'd want that, wouldn't...and i know he doesn't..." he stopped as Rune came back in carrying the good ans glarring over at Shou.

"Did i not say...'don't piss her off'?"

"She wanted to spar." Shou explained smiling.

Rune then looked up at Taka, "And YOU shouldn't be doing that in your condition...here's your burger and fries." He held out the bags of food. He searched their faces, "You've been talking about me...don't." he glared at Shou again, that kid was going to get him in trouble.

"What a dork. . .I've been around and I've seen. . .a lot of shit. If he thinks. . .I'm gonna let him just. . .roll over and do whatever I say. . .he's got another thing coming. Ow! You're gonna pay for that one!!" Taka redoubled her efforts, landing several well-placed kicks on Shou's shins. The boxing became wrestling, and Taka decided it was time to throw him to the floor and pin him down. So she did. She straddled him, placing both her knees on his arms and knocking on his forehead.

Shou laughed as he rolled away, going to kick at her sideways, "Truthfully, no. He likes you too much!" He swirled around and kicked at her back, "He's afraid to show you what he's really like..." He started to throw punches at her, "...thinks himself a monster...hates it...he doesn't want to show you the truth about himself...me...i've seen it. He'd gotten the rune back once before...transforming him for a while, Lucifer was able to ambush him, but at a great loss of high powered demons." He started kicking at her again, "...but during that time, it was a nightmare...he was a monster....he doesn't want you to see that side of himself...even the lesser form of it. He hates it. He's hiding it from you." He kicked her to the wall. "He's doing what you say because...somehow he's learned to care."

Taka laughed, closing the fridge door. "Wow, so what you're telling me is that the most powerful guy in hell's universe just went out to get me burgers and cheese fries because I told him to. Doesn't that make me more dangerous than him?" She suddenly threw a roundhouse kick at Shou's chest, knocking him into the wall. Not missing a beat, Taka began to pummel him with her fists.

Shou thought a moment, "Well, if it's just sparing i don't see the harm in it. Rune would probably kick my ass otherwise." he laughed, "If i fear anyone, it's him. He's changed a bit, but he's still one deadly guy. You shoulda seen him a few years back, well when i say a few, i mean 200..." he laughed again, walking over to her. "He may have only half his strength, but when i saw him kill all those demons, scared the shit outta me. He's the only guy who can kill an immortal."

He got into a fighting stance, waiting calmly to spar.

"I want some chili cheese fries with that!" she called after Rune. Then she turned to look at Shou. "Don't think calling yourself a murderer is going to impress me, kid. Killing people's easy; that's why we do it. I don't respect you for that. You prove that you're worth keeping around and MAYBE you'll earn my respect." Taka stood and stretched, running her hands through her hair. "Why the fuck are they taking so long? How hard is it to steal something from the prince of hell? It's not like he's smart or anything. . ." She walked to the kitchen and opened the fridge door, not really looking for anything but needing something to do nonetheless. Oh yeah, Shou. She turned to regard him with an appraising look. "I guess I didn't mess you up too badly. Wanna spar?"

Shou blinked, "I am not a pussy...i was a hitokiri...a man-slayer, once i see blood i go nuts and keep killing." He sighed, why be so defensive about being a murderer? " i won't switch sides, i don't want to go back and i'm not a supporter of heaven, not with how they treated Kasumi." he glared at the thought...she was only a weapon to them....so was he. "Me, i don't know why they all picked me to be the supreme weapon or whatever, i would rather not be involved and stay here, but i have no choice apparently, since they are both out for me. I'll work with ya."

Rune looked at the empty package, damn that pregnancy stuff was kicking in fast, guess it's different for all races. He then nodded, "I'll go get more..." He looked over at Shou and glarred, "Don't piss her off while i'm gone okay, cause if she beats the shit outta you, i don't wanna hear it." He then left to retreive more burgers.

Taka glared at Shou. "You're a fucking pussy. French fry?" She held out a greasy french fry to him, taking a drink from her cup of soda. "So what now? Are we just gonna sit around and wait for that brat Dante and that psycho angel to show up again and start shit? Not that I'd mind, but still. I'd like some kind of plan before I get invovled in shit." She looked pointedly at Shou. "Where do you stand in all this? I don't wanna hafta cover your ass if you're just gonna go switch sides anyway." She glared at the floor in front of her and kicked at the empty packaging. "I'm out of burgers, Rune."

Rune shrugged, "Whenever that piain the ass decides to get here i guess. He said he wanted to help clean up first and explain."

Shou calmy explained to the excessivly pissed Amaroq what was going on and even though the 24 hours wasn't up, he had to run for a bit. After leaving beaten thouroughly, though he felt he deserved that, he had caused a fight and wrecked the place, he headed for the directions Rune had left him.

He found the place with little difficulty and frowned...he'd left the ritz to be in a shack. He then shrugged, knocking loudly on the door, "Ne! It's Shou!"

Rune looked at the door and raised an eyebrow, "Did we know we were talking about him or something?" he asked going to the door and letting the man in. "Took ya long enough...did he beat you up?"

"Yeah, but i let him, i did cause a fight and wreck his place."

"You are still a killing machine right? I'd hate to waist my time."

Shou raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, don't worry." He looked over at Taka chowing down on fried stuff. He waved and smiled nicely, never wanting to piss her off again.

Taka frowned. "Hmmm, well shit. I guess we'll just have to pick up some fast food and wait for that Shou guy back at Hiroshi's." They hailed a cab, picked up something deep friend, and instructed the driver to head to Hiroshi's apartment. Once inside, Taka tore open the packages of burgers and fries and began to devour them. Between mouthfuls, she asked, "When's that guy gonna get here? This is beginning to irritate me." She gulped down a softdrink and tore open another burger, devouring it.

Taka slowly looked at Rune, then scooted closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. There wasn't much point in putting up a front now; there wasn't anything she could do to make the situation better. "I vote we get something to eat. I'm fucking starving. Maybe we should check in on Hiroshi and Milena, too. The whole situation got a lot more complicated."

Rune nodded and stood, helping Taka to her feet and started looking around, "Where would they be...oh that's the bar where we met up with Milen...a....oh shit...we can't go in there....Dante is in there...i can feel him"

He scoweled at himself and sat beside her, staring off into the empty street ahead of them. "...no...i'm not. I'm sorry that i don't know what to do or say to possibly make you feel better. I'll do whatever you ask of me....anything...but...i won't let you go through this alone, that's the one thing i can't do. I have to take responsibility for my actions."

Taka shrugged. "I dunno. . ." She looked at the ground, then sighed. "Ok, fine, I'll admit it: I'm scared shitless Rune. I don't now what's gonna happen, and I have to care because it's not just me anymore. I'm scared. I'm fucking terrified. There, ya happy now?"

Rune took a deep breath and looked at her rather worried, "I guess you right....though....the thought of having a kid....made me happy...but....i'll....leave it up to you. I know everything is dangerous right now, and i know you're right, but the truth is...no one is ever truely ready...or qualified...to raise a child."

Taka sat in silence for a long time. "This. . .this isn't going to be easy, Rune. I mean, look at us. Are either of us really, REALLY qualified to raise a kid? I don't think so." She scuffed the toe of one of her boots at an old tin can that was slowly rolling its way past them. "And then there's what we're doing right now. We're defying heaven and hell and we're right in the middle of an ancient war. Not exactly a prime environment to settle down in." She thought about what she had said for a long time, and when she finally spoke again, her voice was hushed. "Maybe this shouldn't happen at all. . ."

He sighed and leant against the wall next to her, "I know....it's bad...and at the wrong time. I need that rune back....it's the only way...i can insure perfect safty for you...and for the baby..." He looked over at her, "...i'm not the right had of hell anymore Taka...at least not really, i'm going to get out of it. I can't do that anymore, and i don't want to. I promise you, i won't...let anything happen to either of you." he sighed again, "We'll figure it out, but no matter what...i won't let anything bad happen. We'll try to hide it for a while, i should probably go get it myself. The sooner we get it back, the better, i'm the only one who can beat him, that's we he made the rune. But, when i get it back, remember to not be in my sight for at least 5 hours...." he didn't know what to do now, he had to make sure nothing happened to her, and that would be hard, he didn't even want to think what would happen if HE knew; they had to hide it until he could get the rune.

"No!! No no no no no!!!" she screamed at him as she pulled away, running her hands through her hair. "You don't get it, do you?! This is not good!! I'm a fucking mercenary, and you're the right hand of hell!! Do you honestly think this can work?! It can't!! This fucking situation is going to cripple both of us!! I can't. . .I can't deal with this. . ." Taka leaned against the wall of a building and slid down to the cement, hugging herself. "I can't do this. . .I don't want to. I don't want to put a child in this situation. This is so bad. . .I can't. . ." She wrapped her arms around her knees and rested her head on them, crying softly to herself. "What are we gonna do?"

Rune's eyes widened. Pregnant? That was what she'd saiid wasn't it? "I'm...going...to be a....father?" His mouth remained open a few heartbeats...what should he do? Would she let him touch her...he wanted to...he wanted to pull her to him again. His eyes softened, indeed this would cause a few problems, what with the danger he was in...and now her, but he was...happy. He was going to have child with her, someone he did love. Though he was often afraid to say it for fear of her being angry with him.

He stepped forward and set his hands on either side of her face, wipping at her tears with his thumbs. This was happy, not sad, he didn't want her to see only the negatives. He wanted her to be happy. He looked into her tearful eyes, Taka...." he smiled lovingly at her then putting his lips to hers, kissing her gently.

"What did you do?! WHAT DID YOU DO?!?!" Taka's eyes were wide with anger, panic, and disbelief. "You fucked me and knocked me up, you asshole!! That's what you did!!! You knocked me up, Rune!! I'm fucking pregnant!!!" She was bawling now. What else could she do? There wasn't anybody nearby that she could maim or kill.

Rune's eyes widened with panic, what had he done? "Taka...I..." She was crying, she was hurting so much and he could do nothing but watch. "...i don't know what...what did i do....Taka....i'm....." He was breathing heavily, his heart constricted as if it were about to fall apart...this pain ...hurt more than the one the rune inflicted.

"Taka....what did i do....what....i....don't...understand..." His eyes were worried, hurt and afraid of what was happening.

Rune's sudden appearance and insitance that she divulge everything brought about only one emotion in Taka: panic. She shoved him away from her, tempted to flee. "Get away from me!! Dammit, Rune, you've done enough!!!" A thought struck her, then, in her unstable state of mind. Of course, this was all his fault! All of it was because of him! "You asshole, how could you do this?! You did this on purpose, didn't you?! Fuck you, Rune!!! Just leave me the fuck alone!!!" She was crying again, somewhere very near either another episode of extreme violence or an emotional breakdown.

Rune had had it, he had to look for her. He raced toward the door, ignoring the pain in his chest. He raced outside, called a cab and headed into town. He scanned everthing as he passed. He then got out and started shouting. "Taka!!! Taka!!! Where the hell are you?! Taka!" He raced in every direction, having no clue as to where she'd have gone.

He stopped suddenly looking ahead, it was Taka walking aimlessly and looking thouroughly upset and not in the normal pissy way. He ran towards her as fast as he could go, when he coaught up to her he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her to him, "Taka...where the hell...?" He shut up, not caring just yet, she was here, in his arms, she was safe. But something was definantly wrong. "Taka...you can tell me, just tell me what's wrong...please...i'm worried about you."

Taka was pulled out of her devastation by angry banging on the bathroom door. A woman was yelling at her to hurry up. Taka's anger suddenly flared again, and she slowly stood, opening the door. A squat woman, probably in her forties, glared angrily at her. "You gonna let other people use the bathroom?" Taka narrowed her eyes. "If you keep up with the attitude, I'll fix your bladder problem permanently, get it?" she growled, placing a hand on one of her guns. She pushed past the woman without waiting for a response and left the store. What would she do now? This ruined everything. Taka was the kind of person who ran through life without a care for herself or anyone else, but this changed things. It forced a responsibility on her that she had never wanted before. She was involved in a dangerous world, and there was no way she could involve a child in it. There was no way she could ever expose a child to what she did and who she knew. But what about Rune? Taka began walking aimlessly, her attention turned inward. Should she tell him? He would be placed in an even more compromising position than before. He'd have a weakness, something that anyone could use to get to him. No, she couldn't tell him anything. In fact, the best thing to do would probably leave. He'd forget all about her, right? He'd forget and go on with his life and be oblivious to what he had nearly brushed with. As she walked, the idea of running away became more and more tantalizing to her.

Rune had gotten up to follow her, he wanted to know, but as he opened the door the cab had already pulled away. He then stalked back inside slamming the door behind him. He then started cursing loudly, kicking at a wall and unfortunatly hitting the stub, stubbing his toe where he began cursing even louder.

He wasn't mad at her, he was mad that he could do nothing to help, mad that he didn't know what was happening, mad he didn't understand. He then plopped back in his chair, thinking even harder, scowling at the wall he'd kicked. 'What's wrong? Dammit...if only i could do something for you.' He thought to himself. He tried to keep his mind occupied, reading...tv...eating...smoking...nothing worked. So he paced the living room, wondering why and what was going on, wondering where she'd gone.

Taka closed her eyes for a long time, but sleep did not overtake her. The only thing she could think about was what if. . .After a good half an hour of trying to calm herself, she decided that she needed to get to the bottom of things before she went insane. She got up, strapped on all her weapons, and went downstairs. "I'm going out," she announced, and left the house without waiting for a response from Rune. She hailed a cab and instructed the driver to go to the nearest convenience store. Once inside she quickly made a purchase and then beelined for the bathroom. She locked the door and ripped open the box she had bought, a box marked "Pregnancy Test." She read the instructions out-loud to herself:

"Remove cap from stick. Done. Urinate on cloth end of stick and replace cap. Ok. . .Done. Wait five minutes. Shit." Taka placed the test on the dirty little sink, pacing irritatedly. Five minutes? How would she survive. She amused herself by reading the graffiti on the walls until the time was up. Carefully she picked up the stick and read the instructions. "Blue means. . ." The test fell from her limp hands and landed with a loud thud on the dirty tile floor as she dropped to her knees in shock. No, it wasn't possible. How could it be possible? Maybe she miss-read it. Taka picked up the box again and read the results. Then she read them a third time, a fourth, a fifth, each time expecting to read what she so desperately wanted to be true. But no, the results clearly indicated what she most feared. She was, indeed, pregnant. Taka carefully placed the test and box in the trash, curling up in a corner. There she hugged herself and cried.

Rune sighed as she left him to his own devices; instead of staring pathetically at the door like some beaten puppy he went to the restroom in search of something to clean up his burns on his arms.

He found some aloe and rubbed it on, inwardly grimacing as it stung. His insides were still hurting from the fire magic, it would pass, but until then he needed to not stress himself. He wrapped his arms in cheap bandages and then headed back to the bedroom door wondering if he should go in. He raised a hand to knock, standing there a good 15 minutes before giving up and deciding she probably needed the time alone.

He sulked downstairs and rested back in his chair, thinking quietly, staring blindly at a staind wall, as if he were severly interested in it. No, he thought of Taka, what was wrong, she seemed to know possiblities of why and wondered why she wouldn't tell him. Anxious and worried he pulled out a cig from his back pocket and lit it. He took a hit then pulled it out and looked at it, realizing he'd done that every time he got worried and pissed and sad...about Taka. "...Shit...i'm in trouble...i'm such a fucking sap." He stared at it a bit longer, as if he were angry at it, then shrugged putting it back to his lips and inhailing.

Taka let Rune lean against her on the ride home. She slowly stroked his hair, content and completely unaware of her surroundings. Her thoughts were turned inward. For instance, what the hell had happened back there? She had always been a volotile person, content to bash in doors and start fights without a second thought, but she was always careful to weigh the situation and she NEVER started anything without good reason. Shou hadn't given her a reason at all. She sighed disconsolately. Either she was dying, going through a growth cycle (highly unlikely, considering her elven heritage), or. . . .She refused to even acknowledge the third possiblity. Of course that couldn't happen to her. There was absolutely now way. But what if. . .? She quickly exited the cab when they returned to Hiroshi's and helped Rune inside. "I'm. . .gonna nap for a while." Taka promptly went into the bedroom and shut the door without further explanation.

Shou raised his hands up in defense, still smiling, "No worries, i won't. Hey i'll catch up to ya later. Now i know people are after me, i'll keep an eye out. Gimme the address and i can meet ya'll later. I should help amaroq clean up this mess, and explain myself to him."

Rune wrote down the address and then nodded to Taka as they exited. "Let's hed back, i need to relax a while, heal up. You'll be okay right?" he asked as they hailed a cab and got in.

"There'd better not be a next time, because if it is I may just flatten a couple square blocks of real estate, hear me?" she snapped at Shou. She helped Rune stand, supporting his weight on her shoulders. "A lot of unsavory people are likely to have heard all that, so we should leave unless we wanna repeat all that. Back to Hiroshi's or what?"

Run nodded, "It's alright. It'll be okay. Sorry to make you worry over me...i was stupid...but i just wanted to make sure you were okay." he laughed at himself, "I'm sorry i'm such a sap."

Shou stood, holding his chest. "That's fine, " he said smiling over at them, "It's not my stuff." he looked over at Amaroq...who was clearly pissed. "I'll buy ya new stuff okay...your highness...don't have a fit." he laughed turning back to the two, "He's a little spoiled. Sorry about being so mean to you, I am an ass," he laughed again, "No hard feeling's i hope? I do it to size people up, guess i picked a bad time to do it."


Rune nodded, "I tried to tell you..." he looked over at Shou, "But you couldn't shut your trap...next time i say...don't...listen to me...ya dope."

Shou laughed more, "Yeah alright. Sorry again."

Taka shook her head. "I. . .I don't know what came over me. I normally just. . .yell a lot when people annoy me." She looked over at Shou. "Uh, yeah. Sorry about the wall and entertainment center and stuff." What else could she say? She honestly had no idea what her problem was. Whatever was causing it was a serious problem, however, and she didn't know if she could trust herself to keep her cool.

Rune panted and then smiled into her, even if he did hurt. "...because Taka...i know somethings wrong...and i just want you to be okay..." he looked up at her, his stone eyes strangly silver, his smile softened, "I don't want you to hurt yourself...i want you to be okay. It's hurt you before...agh..." he cringed, it hurt, stinging pretty good, thankfully it wasn't too bad. His arms took most of the damage, wrinkling lightly from the burn. His chest stung, but only his shirt had been burned, singed to a great extent, with holes still curling and slightly retreating from the burn. "I'll...be okay...i heal quickly..." Even if the burns had been light, it wasn't regualr fire, it was magic...so it hurt him within, more than the exterior. He felt stiff and rigid, not wanting to move very much. His heart even stung.

"Are you...okay Taka?"

Taka blinked, suddenly aware of Rune's presence. The color began to return to her eyes, and the flames slowly began to die down. "Rune? What. . .?" As her senses returned, Taka noticed that he was completely engulfed by her flames. "What...what are you doing?" she asked, confused and concerned. The flames died even further, finally extinguishing themselves. Her form was substantial again, but the dull glow emanating from her tatoo did not vanish.

"Rune..." Taka breathed, suddenly aware that she had badly burned him. She held him to her, her extreme anger swinging wildly to extreme panic. "Oh why, why did you do that you idiot?"

Shou began coughing up blood, "Shit.." he'd seriously screwed up, he didn't want it to be like this, he didn't want to give into the hitogiri that wanted to surface. He couldn't do that. Something wasn't right...and from Rune's expressions...this wasn't very like her. He put up a sheild of darkness around him, holding out his hand to defend himself,.

"Matte!" (wait) he shouted, "I can't fight you like this..." his eyes gave way to their original color, softer and a bit concerned.

Rune's eye's were wide with concern, if Shou gave in to his darkness he'd shed blood...he couldn't allow that...but that wasn't all...something was seriously wrong with Taka, he had to stop her...even if he was going to get scortched.

He ran forward, "Taka! No!" he managed to reach her and grab hold of her burning figure, it hurt, almost as bad as what the rune inflicted him with. "AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHh! TAKAAAAAAAA!" He screamed and howled as he held her, stopping her, not protecting Shou, but protecting her from herself.

He held fast, trying to stop this...he had to find out what was wrong...something was engulfing her and it wasn't the flames that licked at his skin. He tried to sheild himself, but it had weakened quickly, being so close to her. It was burning him.

"AAAARRGHHH!!!" Taka cried out in pain as Shou's hilt collided with her back. The dull rushing sound announced another gathering of her energy as Taka turned and shoved her fist into Shou's stomach. She released her will into his gut, sending him flying accross the room and into an entertainment center. The flames surrounding her grew brighter and brighter, and her body seemed to become insubstantial, its form wavering with the flames. "DIE!!!!" she screached as she lunged at him, her sword held high above her head and her teeth bared savagely.

Shou gasped, that'd caught him by surprise, she wasn't as weak as he'd thought; he'd thought she just had serious intamacy issues and social issues, but she was strong. He quickly brought a sword up to protect himself, trying to stand up, the breath being knocked out of him had slowed him.

"Shit..." he growled, "What are you...? You're no mere elemental are you?" He started swinging at her gathering a dark shadow energy within him, waiting for a moment to release it. He finally discharged it, "AHHHHHHH!" darkness emitted from his body, a darkness that then gathered into his swords as he began to swing even faster...move faster.

He ran behind her and went to swing at her, but instead of hitting her with the blade he hit her with the hilt in the middle of her back. He couldn't quite bring himself to cut her. Why?

Taka's rage only increased as Shou moved to intercept her. "You little shit. . ." she growled. "Don't ever ever ever EVER TOUCH THE HAIR!!!" There was a dull roaring sound as Taka gathered in and released her will at Shou. The full force of her anger, as well as a ball of flame, hit him fully in the chest, throwing him into the wall behind him. The resulting impact and dent nearly shattered the wall. Taka was upon him at nearly the insant he hit the floor, swinging madly at him with her flaming sword.

All Rune could do was put his head in his hands, "...idiot.."

Shou's face changed seriously as she advanced on him, His aura becoming darker, his eyes becoming pitch black, two hellish blades appeared in his hands. Each one dark bladed with black handes, shadows surrounded him as he grinned darkly, "Now fighting i like..." He brought up both swords in an X blocking her move. "Not bad...perhaps i was wrong about you." He growled, grinning still, his hitokiri self taking over.

He used one blade to bat hers away then swinging at her with the other cliping of a small amout of hair as she moved to avoid.

Rune just watched, "Christ...Taka is seriously pissed...but this seems more than normal..."

A low growl came from deep in Taka's throat. A steely hiss sounded from her direction as she drew the long katana from accross her back. "You're gonna regret that, you little bitch. I'm gonna make damn sure of it." She began to advance steadily on Shou, flames springing from her forearms and up her hands, licking up the blade and igniting it to red-hot. Her eyes were completely colorless, alight with a fiery anger that glowed in a sinister way. She curled her lips back slightly, revealing her fangs in a manner so feral she looked almost animal-like. The fire emanating from deep within her grew until she was consumed by it. She continued to advance slowly on Shou until suddenly she leapt at him, swinging her blazing katana in a wide arc at his head.

Rune's eyes widened, she'd gotten upset quickly, something had to be wrong, but she wouldn't tell him. He turned to speak to her but Shou had spoken first.

"Geeze, woman, i was kidding with you, don't get your panties in a twist. And as for whimping out, seriously...i think not." he said smuggly. He'd always had an attitude, he'd always been good...killer wise that was.

Rune gritted his teeth and raised a hand, "Aomori...don't..." he kept making a cutting motion with his hand across his neck, this guy was going to seriously piss her off.

Shou looked over at Rune, "You can call me Shou, but seriously, Rune, what's her issue?"

Rune's teeth were grinding nervously now, "Shou seriously....don't."

Shou shrugged and gave Rune a look of confusion and disbelief, "Don't tell me she scares you?"

Rune nodded and then put his finger over his lips, "Shh...stop...now..."

Shou then stared at him and began laughing, "AhHA! I get it, she screwed ya so your soft on her! She is hot, but man, she does have problems, hope you know what you're doing."

Rune growled, "For the love of....anything you care about...please...shut...UP! Don't piss her off...please..." Rune stressed his words with wide eyes, he feared Taka would somehow manage to murder..or at least seriously maim Shou.

Taka bristled with anger. "You honestly think I was gonna try an' kill you?! I'm not an idiot, dammit! I know what you are and I know you're already dead!! Fucking hell, I know what I'm doing!! But these pure silver bullets would probably hurt like a bitch on a Tuesday night if I decided to pump you full of them!!" She turned to Rune, her eyes and tatoo blazing now. "And keep your fucking mouth closed, Rune, or I'll chop it off for ya!!!"

She put the guns back in their holsters and leaned against the wall, taking a cigarrette from her vest and lighting it with the tip of her finger. "Honestly, I don't care what happens to you, or if you fight on some side. Just as long as I get paid for this. You're not gonna be too difficult about this, are you? What I mean is you'd better not pussy out the minute heaven and hell send their biggest and brightest to retrieve you. I'm not covering your scrawny ass."

Taka couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth. What was her problem? Yes, she was thinking all this as the was saying it, but rarely did she voice such thoughts, and when she did it was usually with better reason than that she was annoyed. What the hell is up with me? she growled mentally. I'm usually pretty irritated, but even I think this is pretty obnoxious. I hope Rune can forgive all that.

Shou jumped up at the sound of the door crashing to the floor, who the hell was this?! He heard Amaroq mutter something about it was his fucking door and bitch. Shou just looked at the woman as she shouted her demand. "Um, I can't die twice ya know? What's going on? Who are you?"

Rune sighed, she needn't be so forceful, we wanted the guy on their side.

He entered and looked at Aomori, "Yo."

Shou looked at him a moment, "...Rune? What the hell is going on? Ugh..." he said in realization, "He sent you after me didn't he, listen i just want to find her first, then i'll go back..."

Rune held up his hand, "At first, yes, i was going to bring you back, but...i'm not going back either. Listen, both ol' Luci and the heavenly father want you...your a...um...weapon."

"A what?"

"Weapon, your power, ugh, they both want it, but no matter what side gets you...this place will be destroyed, along with everyone on it. We...Taka.." he notioned to her, "..and myself are going to prevent that, and we wanted to prevent either side from taking you and ask for your help."

Shou seemed confused, should he even consider it? This was all new to him and was a bit much to take in. "I...don't know...i...guess i could..." he kept glancing over at Taka nervously, this chick had serious issues and a major temper. He sighed and glanced at the glowering Amaroq; at least it wasn't a spoiled brat. He still seemed upset from the comment. He turned back to Taka, "You can uh...stop threatening me now...i'd appreciate it."

Rune huffed a short laugh and then shut his mouth, he didn't want her to hit him.

Taka looked quickly up at Rune. "Hm, an angel won't be much trouble. Let's get this over with." In typical Taka style, she strode purposefully up to the door and kicked it in with a single thrust. The door exploded under the force of her steel-toed boots, sending showers of splinters in every direction. Guns drawn and eyes blazing, Taka threw herself into the room. "DOWN!!! BOTH OF YOU DOWN OR I FIRE!!!" she screamed at the two stunned men in the room.

Rune did not want to go on without knowing, but pushing would make her angry. He thought on it a moment, wondering if he should let her be or not, but decided to continue on.

He looked down the rows of houses and stared going up to each of the windows, peering inside. Each house seemed to be empty, or filled withcorpses of humans. He continued glancing back at Taka, she was avoiding his gaze. He grumbled to himself, something was wrong, he knew it. It was pissing him off that he couldn't do anything.

"Ugh..." he turned to look at her again, "Are you sure you're fine?"

She was obviously upset by him asking so he shook his head, "...nevermind, but you can tell me if you need anything." He continued checking out each one, settling on a house at the very edge, he looked in and there he was!

Rune froze, quickly retreating from the window's view, turning to Taka. "He's in there. He's with someone...an angel...but ...he doesn't seem to be one who knows about the war, an earthborn one."

Taka completely ignored Rune's concern. "Then lead the way. This area of town gives me the creeps, so I don't wanna be here longer than we need to. Let's just get the kid and get out, ok?" The irritation and defensiveness was strongly apparant in her voice. Taka had never been very good at keeping secrets.

"Hmm..." he thought looking around, "The feeling is strong, it could be any of these....but i do believe that we're on the right street."

He then looked over at Taka, something was wrong. "Taka?" he asked, concerned.

Taka exited the cab and stretched luxuriously, looking around. "Ew. Places like this make me wanna puke. Where to now, captain?" she asked him sarcastically, kicking at a bright blue mail box. She rubbed at her eyes, tired, and was surprised to find that her tatoo was still glowing. A little disturbed, she turned away from Rune. She didn't want him to make a big deal out of it. Hell, she'd prefer that he not notice at all. The constant glowing could mean a few things for her, and none of them were very pleasant in her mind.

Rune noticed her silence in the cab, he'd wondered about it, but he knew it was of what'd happened. He scowled, he hadn't meant to cause her discomfort and blamed himself solely for it.

"Let us all know when you sense him," she said quietly, He nodded and tried to concentrate.

He decided that instead of pouting like a child, like he'd done before, he'd focus on getting the job done. THings between he and Taka would surely be rough, but he had to let that slide, it wasn't going to solve itself quickly. He'd leave it at that, take things as they came. If they were to be distant, that was fine, if they were going to rip each other's close off and bang each other like mad, then of course he was all for it; but he would no longer push it.

They came to the north of town, big houses and a few nice mansions lined them. He smelled a great deal of blood having been shed not too long ago, and Aomori Shoushin...the target.

"Here...." He said suddenly, "Stop the cab, it's somewhere around here."

THe cab stopped and they got out, Rune paying him his fee.

Taka nodded as she redressed and strapped on her weapons. "Right. We'll take a cab to the North and just. . .walk around, I guess."

They left the apartment and hailed a passing cab. Taka instructed the cabbie to drive to the North end of town, no place in particular, and then endured the ride silently. She did not speak of what had taken place in the apartment, nor make any move to be openly affectionate to Rune. From the look of things, no one would ever know anything had happened.

"Let us all know when you sense him," she said quietly after a long pause.

Being in her arms felt right, and he was happy she'd done it. When she finally got up and gathered her clothes, he stood up too, looking to gather his own.

"Far end of town i think. I doubt he's really worried about anything, so i doubt he'll try to hide from us. Something tells me that he's to the north of hear on the outskirts. I'll feel him when we're closer." he said, putting his clothes back on. "Ready?"

Taka looked at Rune for a long time, then wordlessly she gathered him into her arms, holding him tightly. "Yeah, well, shit happens." She held him for a long time. She wasn't quite sure why she did it, but it felt right. He needed it. After a long while she released him and got up from the bed, gathering her clothes. "We should keep looking for that escapee; he's our main concern. Where do you propose we start?"

Rune nodded a little, "I told her to check em both out, i wasn't sure who'd have it. However, she might also realize this, we can have a little leverage if we use Dante." He took a deep breath now, calming down, looking away from her a moment, 'Gawd, how pathetic..i shouldn't have cried...'


"Taka...i'm sorry i cried like that......i was just startled.....and hurting. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Taka blinked, shocked and a little afraid by the insistance in Rune's voice. "Yeah. . .sure." She looked at him for a moment, then an idea struck her. "So, if Satan used the Rune to warn you, that means he has it, right? So what Milena and Hiroshi are doing right now is totally pointless?"

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself and gather his thoughts, letting words come together. "At first...." he started, letting the tears in his eyes become less, "it was searing pain, the pain...that comes when he uses the rune...i forgot his ability to inflict through the dreams. He used it against me just now...." he sighed. "Then....i was changing into my true form, the form that will take over me for a few hours before i can return to this one. I'm ashamed of it, that form......" he became quiet, silently cursing himself, "....i'm a monster...a monster...an ugly...bloodthirsty monster...." his breathing became ragged as he thought about it.

He then pulled from her, lowering his head and bringing both hands to his hair, clutching it with knuckles that began to turn white. "....I'm afraid of it.....i'm afraid of that form....Taka..." He looked up at her seriously and put his hands on her shoulders, " Promise me something....when i get it back.....when i change....." he cringed"....into that monster.......i need you to run from me, hide yourself away for 5 hours at least. I know you are strong Taka and dangerous, but greater men than you have fallen when i was in that form. I can't see anything...and all i want to do is kill and consume blood....." He looked at her pleadingly, "Promise me!"

Taka's eyes windened in shock as Rune cried and clung to her. It was horribly awkward, and she didn't know what to do. Rune, Hell's most powerful demon, was crying on her lap. Cautiously she began to stroke his hair and rub his back, not quite sure how to console him, or if she should. Emotions frightened her enough when they were hers, but other people's emotions weren't even in her ballpark. "What happened?" she asked quietly, trying to illicit some kind of coherant response from him. She actually thought about praying to something that he would stop crying.

Rune could hear Taka, could he reach her? He wanted to waked up, he needed too. Suddenly he jolted awake and was panting heavily, sweating and still hurting, he hugged himself. "..it...hurts..." he was sure it was a warning...a reminder. He'd forgotten Luci's ability to inflict people in dreams. And it clung to him. He shook and looked at Taka, he'd never wanted her to see him like this, he was also afraid of how she'd react to his form when the time finally came. Suddenly the pain stopped, leaving him clutching himself, afraid he'd fall to pieces if he let go. He then reached forward and clung to Taka, holding her tightly against him and he actually cried for the first time in his life.

Taka sprang awake, her hand going reflexively to a gun that was not actually at her side. She turned to look at Rune, his face contorted in agony, wimpers and moans coming from his lips. At least it was only him. She lay back down beside him and began to gently brush her fingers over his face. It didn't wake him, however, so she employed a more Taka-esque method: she seized his shoulders and began to shake him, yelling "Hey!" at him.

Quite continent laying next to her he allowed himself to drift off quickly, smiling as he held her to him.

He drifted into a dream filled sleep a vision of a great green feild before him. A few flower blossoms dotting the field. The wind was blowing blissfully across it, winding through the two great oaks that were near him. He smiled, the breeze had a sweet smell, a smell he couldn't place, but sweet just the same. He was smiling greatly, having never felt happier. THe sky was clear blue. He remembered thinking that he hadn't seen a valley like this in years, most everything was developed and spotted with parking lots, strip malls and bars.

He sighed, happily, but as soon as he did darkness encircled him and pain began to grip at his chest. Something was constricting his lungs, something was filling every inch of his body with unbearable pain. He'd almost wished he'd be numb with it, but it didn't numb him, it continued to sear him.

He found himself contorting, becoming taller, great black wings five times his height sprouted from his back. Great leathery dragon wings with scales and claws at each bend. He screamed, but his scream did not escape his sleeping body, no he just twitched.

His teeth sharpened and his eyes were glowing a bright silver, with blood red dotting the center of them. His hair too grew, down to his back and he haunched over glaring down at his razor sharp nails. "No....no...not this form....no...not this form....." he cried, howling and screaming. His true form that would take over once he got the power back and lost his senses. He knew the frenzy would leave him 5 hours after this, but he would be blind and dangerous until then.

In his sleeping body, he was normal, it was a dream, but something was hurting him, causing him pain. He wanted to wake up. He screamed again, this time, the scream escaped his lips.

Taka smiled sleepily as Rune snuggled up against her. There was something so. . .safe about being in his arms, and she was thoroughly enjoying. "Hey now, one step at a time," she replied to his comment. She let her eyes close, her mind relaxing and coaxing her into dreamland. The tatoo over her eye, however, continued to glow a small, warm orange as she drifted into sleep.

Rune's heart couldn't have been beating any faster, if it had, he was sure he'd burst; he was surprised he hadn't already. It had never been like this, but he'd enjoyed it to the fullest. He tried to slow his breaths, closing his eyes for a moment, then opening them and staring down at the beautiful Taka beneath him. He then smiled at her remark.

"Yeah..." he took a deep breath in another attempt to calm himself, "...i don't know what came over me...but i don't regret it." he then laughed lightly, letting a gentle and whole-hearted smile scross hiss lips as her stared down at her. "But...i am exhausted," he said again, collapsing slightly into her arms. "After a good rest, i wouldn't mind doing that gain."

He then pulled out of her, shuttering at the sensitivity of his tired member. He then rolled to her side and snuggled up against her. His body sinking into the comforter, he smiled, he couldn't be happier.

Taka cried out once again as Rune drove her into a second orgasm. Her own convulsions coupled with his made the experience more intimate than she would have thought possible. She lay beneath him, feeling his pounding heart and pulsing cock, and listening to his heavy, satisfied breathing. Her own breathing was slowing as the fury of the moment subsided, and she just lay and listened, his scent mingling with her own in her nostrils. Something was happening to her, something she had never really experienced before. It seemed familiar, but if it was then it had been a long time since she had been overcome by it. She wasn't sure if she should be afraid or overjoyed, but it continued to creep over her like warm water. "Holy shit, Rune. . ." she finally breathed, sighing and relaxing onto the moist comforter beneath them.

He thrust harder as she cried out his name, her words driving him into a frenzy. He legs wrapped around him encouraged him to go as deep as he could...as hard as he could...and as fast as he could. Her biting at his neck was driving him even closer. He didn't want to stop, but he wasn't sure how long he could hold on. He felt her tighten her body around him as she came once, he wanted to drive her there one more time before he let himself get there. In order to make sure he did he kept his pace and leant over to suck on her neck.

He gasped and moaned into her neck as he continued to pound into her and when he was she she was just about there he bite her neck and thrust hard up into her, spilling his seed into her depths.

Taka cried out in ecstasy. The combination of extreme pleasure and pain was nearly too much for her. She noticed him lifting her hips, so she wrapped her legs around his torso and butt, pulling him closer to her. He went deeper and deeper, and that coupled with the friction against her clit finally pushed her to the brink. "Oh fuck. . .fuck. . .RUNE!!!!!!!!!" she cried between gritted teeth. Her orgasm took over her, convulsing her body as extreme pleasure coursed through her veins. He pulled him even tighter to her, every thrust sending another convulsion through her. In a fit of animal lust, she licked and bit at his neck and shoulders, her face drenched in water and sweat and the tatoo over her eye glowing brightly.

Rune smiled down at her as he captured her lips in a rough kiss as he thrust quickly up into her awaiting wetness. Rune moaned against her and then started to move against her, creating a friction that felt just right, a friction she seemed to enjoy. He watched her face contort in pleasure; this made him even hotter. Her sounds, the feel of her skin and how she felt inside...all of it drove him mad.

He thrust in and out of her moaning and watching her, "Gawd..." he growled, "You feel so god-damned good Taka...ah..." he said putting his arms around her waist and lifting her up a little trying to see if he could possibly go deeper, oh how he longed to get deeper into her body. He thrust harder now, and how good it felt, he was deeper.

His eyes were strangly begining to glow silver as these feelings of lust overcame him. He pummeled into her faster, not wanting it to stop.

Taka moaned in pleasure and anticipation. Rune's rough manner had ignited her passion, and she threw all caution to the wind. "Then take me," she commanded, biting an earlobe and scratching at his back with absolute lust. She parted her legs a bit, allowing his shaft to rub up against her thighs.

At first he was disappointed with her turning off the shower and stepping out, but the look she gave him made him growl with anticipation. He followed her into the bedroom. He quickly pulled her too him, kissing her and biting her lip. His tongue darting mischievously about her mouth. His hands were everywhere; first clutching at her back, then massaging her breasts and then playing at her clit.

He soon took her to the bed. Having had it happen so fast, Rune couldn't remember if he'd thrown her there of if they'd fallen. But that didn't matter, he had to have her, he would have her. She was his, at this moment she was entirely his for the taking. He moved his mouth to her neck, sucking and nipping at her as he played with her lower half.

He then moved his kisses to her breasts nipping and sucking at each suculant pink nipple. 'Gawd' he thought, 'She tastes even better than before.'

"Taka..." he growled into her stomach then coming up to nip at her neck, "You...are so...delicious." he groaned in between nips and sucks, "I want...to..eat you..all up..."

His length was pressing against her hip, him grinding against her as he bit her neck lustfully.

Taka smiled as Rune kissed her. Being the control freak that she was, this was absolute bliss. She could quite easily give in to him at that moment, but she wouldn't. Taka decided then and there that she wanted him to take her. She stepped back from him, taking her hands off of him, and turned off the water. Still dripping wet, she exited the shower and slowly sauntered from the bathroom to the bedroom, only glancing over her shoulder once to wink at Rune as she licked her lips. Oh, hell yes, this was going to be fun.

Rune moaned in protest as she stood, his breaths deep as if all the air had gone from him. He stared at her pleadingly.

"Sure you can handle it? 'cause it's just gonna get hotter from here." she asked, rubbing the tip of his penis, making him shudder with delight.

He nodded quickly, not trusting his voice, not really sure if he even had a voice at the moment. 'Hotter...oh gawd...gimme...' was all the thought he could muster up. "Ah...gawd..." he said haorsly, reaching out for her, watching to touch her lucious body, needing to feel her skin all the more. She was driving him mad.

He managed to get enough movement from himself to cup a beast and need it. He couldn't stand it, he needed to kiss those lips again. He found the muscles to make him step forward and and capture her lips with his, kissing her as she touched him.

Taka giggled a bit to herself as she put her skill to work. One of her favorite parts of sex had always been watching other people's reactions to what she did to them. She let that subside, however, and became very serious about her work, using almost ever tactic she had ever learned to work Rune into a frenzy. Just when it seemed that he wouldn't be able to handle it any more, and without any warning, Taka stopped at stood up. She grinned at him, taking a few steps back into the spray of the shower, and licking her lips. "Sure you can handle it? 'cause it's just gonna get hotter from here." Her thumb continued to work on the tip of his penis.

Rune gasped as she took him into her mouth. He moaned as she began to work him. 'i want this forever, gawd...i want to be like this forever with her...' If there was ever was a moment in like where he wished he had the ability to stop time, this was it.

He ran his fingers through her scarlet hair and moaned, "...Taka..."

Milena grabbed Hiroshi's arm, effectively stopping him. "I'm smelling demon blood, and it's high born. He must be close. Keep your eyes open, honey."

Hiroshi only nodded, making a face at Milena's back as she lead them accross a street that badly needed repaving. She stopped outside a run-down little pub, smiling in satisfaction. "It went in here. Here's the plan: you go in first, sit down, survey the scene. I'll come in a little while after and find the guy. We'll wing it from there, ok?"

"Wing it?!" Hiroshi croaked at Milena, but she didn't give him time to argue. Hiroshi found himself prodded into the dark interior of the pub, and he winced as the door shut behind him. He was completely alone in a cramped little room with the Prince of Hell. "Oh my goddess. . ." he murmured to himself, swallowing hard. He made his way to the bar and sat by himself. "Uh. . .a midori sour," he instructed the bartender. Sure, it was good. Hiroshi nervously glanced around the bar, not quite sure what he was looking for.

Milena entered the bar a few minutes after Hiroshi. It was the same little place she had been singing at the other night, so her dresses were bound to still be there. She had a few words with the bartender, who also happened to be the owner, and headed backstage. After a few minutes of intense deliberation, Milena selected a deep crimson gown made of satin that offset her pale skin perfectly. She ascended the stage and the general murmur of voices died out as the first notes of her haunting, sensual voice filled the bar:

I could show the world how to fly/ I could be glad all the while/ I could turn the gray skies to blue/ If I had you./ I could leave my whole life behind/ Leave all my pals/ I'd never mind/ I could start my whole life anew/ If I had you./ I could climb the snow-capped mountains/ Sail the mighty oceans wide./ I could cross the burning deserts/ If I had you by my side./ I could be a queen dear uncrowned/ Humble or poor/ Rich or renowned./ There is nothing I wouldn't do/ If I had you. . . .

Taka smiled and moaned happily, the sensation of the hot water coupled with Rune's touch driving her nuts. "Let's take this up a notch, shall we?" she purred as she kissed her way down his chest. She ran her fingers over his abdomen and inner thighs, teasing him and grinning before she took his penis in her mouth.

Caine grinned and returned his hand to her soft center, rubbing gently and occassionally dipping in a finger or two. He kissed her sweetly as worked her, his other hand running through her wet hair.

Joushin smiled over at Komi, she was so adorable and so innocent. He returned his attention back to the movie and before he knew it, he'd drifted off. That was the last thing he'd planned on, tonight was a fool moon, and tonight may frighten Komi.

Shou laughed smuggly, "Heh, alright, if you really want to know, your Highness, i was going to say, you are such a spoiled brat."

Kasumi smiled sweetly back at him, still lightly blushing, "Anything for Naru-kun." She smiled at his little stammer, "Kawaii desu!" She huggled him more, "You're so adorable Naru-kun!"

Lily gasped as he pushed her into a stall. He was rough...she liked that. She smiled suductivly at him and slid up next to him, "Mmm, a moment with a sexy stud like you...i better make sure this lasts. Hmm..." she hummed, looking him over, "What part should i taste first?" She quickly grabbed him with her right hand, slidding it up to his neck and digging in with her neatly polished nails. Smiling she pulled him into are hard and provocative kiss, biting his lower lip in between.

Dante had been wandering down a bleak, abandoned side street when he paused suddenly. Was it just him or did it suddenly seem cooler? Nervously, he tugged his hood and kept walking. The prince made it only a few more feet before he stopped again and looked around. There was no one else around… So why was he getting the distinct feeling that he was being followed?

"Weird…" he murmured to himself. He glanced around once more, just to double check, before his eyes settled on a crummy little pub across the street. Perfect. He could preoccupy himself from boredom AND paranoia.

Cloak flying, he ambled across the street and through the creaky wooden front door, almost colliding with a couple heading in the direction of the restrooms. Avoiding them, he slipped past them and seated himself on a bartstool.

"I think I'll just start off with a Coke," he told the bartender. "Shot of rasberry vodka on the side."

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

Tao let out a slight semiconcious groan as he was hoisted over Katsuaki's shoulder, then smiled contentedly as he snuggled against the fabric on the back of the man’s shirt.

"As long as I can have a cookie later…" he mumbled senselessly before blacking out again.

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

Ryo was pulling Lily along so fast that the both of them nearly collided with a tall stranger walking into the bar.

"Sorry," the priest mumbled before he tugged the white-haired girl along once more. He pushed open the door to the nearest restroom, which just happened to be the women's and lead Lily to the furthest stall.

"In here," he said, following as he pushed her inside and locking the door behind them. "You want to join in now? Here's your chance."

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

Raven grinned cheekily as she slung her arms around Caine's neck. "And who told you to stop, love?" she asked.

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

Komi snuggled closer against Joushin and lazily rested her head against his shoulder as the movie started. A little quiet movie time with Jou just felt so nice…

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

Amaroq folded his arms, glaring at the demon.

"I’m such a what?" he demanded. "Or are you so lacking in the balls department that you can't even say it to my face?"

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Naru's cheeks went bright red at the words 'my Naru-kun.' Dear God, she was endearing him to her already?
"Th-that’s… So nice of you.. K-Kasumi…" he stammered, biting his lip.