Beasts

“I didn’t get to say goodbye to you Ai.” Kixx purrs, Toshiya stepping out from the darkness behind her. His teal eyes gleaming and the growl emanating from him made my hair stand on end. His white, jagged teeth were now razor sharp fangs. Kyo instantly acted as my shield stepping in front of me, his tattoos spinning in fury and black smog enveloping his body. I could feel rage pulsing throughout him.

“Who are you?” He seethed, fists clenched in fury as he fought for control. “What are you?” He clarifies. My eyes widened in understanding. I always felt there was something more to Toshiya.

“We’re…friends.” Kixx muses. I glance over Kyo’s shoulder to find a smug look on her face.

“What about him?” Kyo nods toward Toshiya, his eyes narrowed.

“I’m with Kixx.” He answers, “You have nothing to fear from me.” His tone is compliant, almost submissive. Kyo steps closer, making Toshiya fall back into the shadows.

“What the hell?” Kixx snaps at Toshiya, “You’re not his dog!” She barks. Toshiya hushes her, and Kyo chuckles.

“I would care more for a dog.” Kyo utters, amusement in his tone.

“He is stronger than me…” Toshiya mumbles, “I know better than to stand against him. I can see now why I could not get close to Ai. She has some sort of bond with him.” Kixx glares back at him. I walk up to Kyo, placing my fingertips between his shoulder blades. His muscles instantly relax at my touch, and the turmoil in his body seems to subside.

“Kyo, these are my friends.” I whisper. “They’ve come a long way.”

“I don’t trust them.” He grunts.

“You didn’t trust me at first either.” I remind him. He glances back at me, his crimson eyes filled with concern.

“Okay…” He sighs, stepping back to my side. His attention moves back to Kixx and Toshiya, “But this is my home, and you will abide by my rules. You will leave if I wish it.” He snarls, turning his back to the two and returning to the house.

Die and Shinya were still behind me, their bodies motionless and rigid. I notice a look of concern and horror and Die’s face as he quickly flaps away, disappearing into the caverns. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through everyone’s minds.

“Are you going to invite us in or what?” Kixx smiles at me, a mysterious gleam in her eyes. She was plotting something.

“Yes, come in.” I nod, plastering a smile to my face. “Let me show you around.”



They’ve been here for a week now; Kixx and her vampire Toshiya. Something wasn’t right about this. I sat above the pond on the bridge, letting my toes hover above the water. I watched how the fish swam around me, avoiding even my shadow. They were smart, smarter than humans. At least the fish knew to avoid any and every part of me. These humans though, they enjoyed danger. I couldn’t help wondering why. What was a human doing with a vampire? If you could call her that…

The woman had no soul, no humanity, nothing. She was nothing more than a walking meat bag fueled by vengeance. I could smell it on her. In fact, I couldn’t rid myself of the stench. It filled my home. I would be scrubbing the walls, floors, and furniture for weeks. I could not wait for her to leave.

And the way she looked at me…I’ve seen that look before, like she was trying to seduce me with her eyes alone. She strutted around me, trailing her fingers over me, pursing her lips for me. She made me want to vomit and crawl out of my skin. And Ai calls her a friend? This woman wanted nothing to do with Ai. I noticed the fish scatter as my shadow twisted with the hatred and disgust in my heart.

“Sorry.” I muttered to them. I didn’t mean to scare them away…

“What are you apologizing for?” Her voice oozed into my ears, making my stomach churn in detest.

“I wasn’t talking to you.” I growl, standing to bolt away, afraid of what I would do to this person Ai cared so deeply for.

She blocked my way, pinning me to the railing and pressing her body to mine. Her dark eyes locked with mine, passion and lust fueling her. “Get away from me.” I hiss, glancing down into the water. I couldn’t help but wonder if avoiding her would be worth drowning for.

“Kyo…” She purrs, “Why won’t you look at me? You have such beautiful eyes.” She muses, pressing closer and trailing her fingers up my chest. “Don’t you want me?” She questions. I could feel myself fighting for control, afraid that the monster inside would take over and rip her to pieces. The very thought was delightful.

“Just…go…away.”I hiss, clenching my teeth hard.

“Kixx!!” A man’s voice barks, filling the cavern. It was her vampire. I looked to find both him and Ai standing by the water’s edge, anger filling his eyes and surprise in Ai’s. His distraction allowed me to shove past Kixx, quickly dashing to Ai’s side as Toshiya stomped to meet Kixx.

“I don’t like her.” I hiss into Ai’s ear. A smile forms on her pink lips.

“She takes some getting used to.” She giggles with a shrug, “She’s very physical.”

“I don’t want to get used to her. I want her gone.” I mutter.

“Kyo! That is my friend!” She glares, making me purse my lips in irritation and anger.

How could she not see the beast that Kixx was? How could she not see that there was not one ounce of humanity in her ‘friend?’ How could she not smell the bloodlust and vengeance seeping out of that woman’s pores? How could she not see the danger she was in?!

“If you only knew…” I mutter, turning my back on her and disappearing into the house. It was too much for me to deal with. The sound of Kixx and Toshiya’s bickering faded behind me.



Kyo stormed away to the house, leaving me speechless and angry. I glance back at Kikki and Toshiya, the two of them obviously fighting. I only shake my head and look toward my tower. I spot a glimmer of raven feathers perched on top.

“Die?” I call out, wondering if he’d heard me. Sure enough, with a loud flap he’s by my side.

“Hello beautiful.” He calls, a grin plastered onto his face. I can’t help smiling either.

“Can we go flying?” I ask. He beams, quickly taking me into his arms. “I need a break from all this drama! No dropping me this time either!” I warn. He smirks mischievously.

“Now that, I can’t guarantee.” He teases, taking off into the sky with me.

“We haven’t spent much time together lately.” I frown, tightening my grip around his neck.

“Do you want me to move back into your room with you?” He teases, making me smack his chest and roll my eyes.

“I prefer sleeping in silence.” I stick my tongue out, making him smile and dive into a nearby tree, scaring away a family of birds. He plops on a high branch, situating me on his lap. I stare at the landscape, grinning as I watch the sun sink the in horizon. “I haven’t seen the sunset in so long.” I smile.

“You really can’t watch it with anyone else, can you?” He questions. I shake my head, resting my chin in my palms.

“They’d burn up.” I frown.

“Except Kyo, he just has a sun allergy.” Die reminds me, making me laugh.

“I feel like that’s a lie.” I smile looking into his eyes. His features are soft today. “You’ve changed a lot since we met.” I mutter.

“You haven’t.” He teases, tickling my sides.

“I take it back! I take it back!” I squawk, squirming away from his fingers. He just chuckles, making the branch bounce. Birds fly on the horizon, twirling together. Tufts of pink, yellow, and orange float above the descending sun. “Do you miss it in Heaven?” I question, taking him off guard. He leans back, lost in thought.

“I suppose I do. But I doubt I’ll ever be allowed back.” He sighs.

“Why were you kicked out?” I whisper.

“I took advantage of people, for my own gain.” He frowns.

“Do you regret it?”

“Yes, I do.” His eyes look somber.

“Can I tell you a secret?” I ask.

“Of course.” He smiles.

“I don’t think you’re that same man anymore.” I smile, looking him in the eyes. Die stares into my eyes, his lips slowly twisting into a smile.

“You know, I hope you’re right.”