Catharsis
Written By: Teno Hikari
email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Beta-read By: Hatsy ([email protected])
Disclaimer: I don't own Bakuretsu Hunters ... just this story
Summary: After his confrontation with the evil sorcerer, Zaha Torte;
Carrot Glace finds himself changing ... but is it for better or
worse?
Takes place during 'Sorcerer's Revenge' (the second season of the TV
series - I believe) after Episode 15 - 'Until we meet again'. I'll
try and be as accurate as possible even though I haven't seen the
anime or read the manga for a few years.
Warning: Violence, adult situations, and yaoi - you've been warned.
**********
Drowning deep in my sea of loathing
Broken your servant I kneel ...
(Will you give in to me?)
It seems what's left of my human side
Is slowly changing in me ...
(Will you give in to me?)
Looking at my own reflection when suddenly it changes
violently it changes
There is no turning back now you've woken up the demon in me....
-Disturbd 'Down with the sickness'
**********
I wake up screaming the same exact moment lightning strikes across the night sky. The thunder rumbles so loudly behind the dark clouds that I can barely hear my heart beating. Blood pounds in my ears as I try and catch my breath, while beads of sweat run down my face. A chill went down my spine as I break out in small shakes, drawing the blankets around me. Sitting up in bed, I pull my knees to my chest tightly in order to calm myself down.
Squeezing my eyes shut as I run a trembling hand through the damp dark mess that's my hair, lightning strikes once again. I slow my breathing and begin to take deep breaths, trying to collect myself and stop shaking. Suddenly, my ears pick up the sound of feet pounding on the wooden floor boards of the inn we're staying at ... oh no. I quickly lie back down on the lumpy mattress, pretending to look like I'm asleep.
Relax, I command myself, to still my shaking limbs. The bedroom door creaks open, and I can hear the soft footsteps of my little brother as he enters the room. Not far behind from Marron's soft steps were heavier ones that belonged to the tall blonde Sorcerer Hunter, Gateau. Much to my relief, the girls weren't with them ... otherwise I don't think they'll leave me in peace.
"Carrot?" Marron whispers gently as he approaches my bedside. "Brother, are you awake?"
I snore softly and resist the urge to smile at him. My brother ...wise, calm and patient towards my antics ... you're so much older than I am. His fingers are on my forehead, brushing the cool sheen of sweat from my brow. For a minute I think he knows I am awake, until he turns away, back to the door and his lover.
"I guess he's all right, after all," Marron says quietly.
Gateau made a low chuckle, "Probably having a nightmare of Chocolate and Tira whipping his ass again ... that's normal."
"I hope so," Marron lets out a small sigh before closing the door behind them.
It's not the first time I've fooled my brother, and with these nightmares, it probably won't be the last. I wish it was a normal nightmare where I'm running for my life from Tira and Chocolate in their other forms ... but it wasn't. Sitting up once again, my gaze turns to the window where I can see my frightened brown eyes reflected against the glass. It's raining heavily ... almost soothing, except for the harsh lightning that makes me shudder.
Why ...?
Why did I go up there to face some soul sucking sorcerer alone? Scratch that ... I know why, and agree with my friends that I'm a brainless dolt. Carrot Glace, the Sorcerer Hunter who thinks with his dick first and his brain the very last. Can't argue with the truth now, can I? Maybe Gateau was right about me, aside from being a stupid horny jerk, I must have a death wish.
I've faced evil sorcerers of all kinds in the past, but never before had I felt so afraid of one. This sorcerer was different from the others we've fought against, this was a sorcerer even Big Mamma is afraid of. How powerfully evil he must be that she wanted to take his life ... but she didn't kill him ... she couldn't because of me ... because I was there. Yet again I've screwed things up for everyone, and because of my interference, that sorcerer is still alive. I don't know how I know ... I can just feel it.
[ 'I found you! And this time, she will never tear us apart!' ]
When he said those words, I was more afraid of him than falling to my death from a crumbling mountain. The dark haired sorcerer had laughed as he fell, and his laughter held something more than just insanity ... perhaps happiness? I don't know. I don't think I want to know. Lying back down once again, I pull the covers up over my head and simply stare at the darkness until my eyes can
no longer stay open.
And the nightmare begins again ...
***************
Chapter One
***************
"Darling!"
"Carrot!"
"...WAKE UP!"
I groan in pain as both Misu sisters grab one of my arms and try to
pull me out of bed. Once again, I'm in the object of their human tug-
a-war game. My eyes narrow lazily, mouth filled with the pillow I was
sleeping on and both my arms pulled up in awkward angles. You'd be
surprised how high my tolerance for pain has become ever since I met Tira
and Chocolate when we were little.
"I'm awake..." I mumble before spitting the pillow out of my mouth. "ACK! You're gonna break both my arms off ... and I need those!"
Tira, both the shyest and youngest of the two sisters, reluctantly lets me go before pulling her thick round glasses back up to the bridge of her nose. After releasing me, I'm suddenly pulled into Chocolate's crushing embrace. I bring my sore arms up to pry off her own before she crushes my windpipe.
"Good morning, darling!" The redhead smiles cheerily at me, allowing herself to fall into my lap. I swallow hard as she inches her face closer to me ... lips just barely away from mine. Her blue eyes narrowed seductively as she began to purr. "Did you have nice dreams about me?"
Tira was once again bright red and shaking with fury, "Chocolate! What do you think you're doing?! GET OFF HIM!"
Unfortunately for me, she screams right into my ear while the elder Misu sister tightens her grip around my sore neck. Chocolate gives her younger sister a suspicious look. "And why should I do that, Tira? Did you want to trade places?"
I didn't think it was possible, but Tira turns a deeper shade of red that matches her little red riding hood outfit. Stuttering for a response, the younger sister marches out of the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her. Chocolate tightened her grip before leaning to rub her head against my bare chest.
Her fingers wander up to my collarbone before she pulls back to look at me with worried eyes. "Carrot?" she asks seriously, "What's wrong?"
Breaking out of whatever daze I was in and just look at her stupidly. "Huh?"
"You're not screaming for mercy and trying to run away," she points out, folding her arms across her chest, "Now, tell me what's bothering you."
"Nothing is bothering me," I yawn before climbing out of bed and shrugging into my shirt. I think I should get a new one, this one's still showing off the wear and tears of my fall, even after Tira tried to patch it up again. Sucks ... it was my favorite one too.
"Carrot ..."
"I don't know about you but I'm starved!"
"Carrot ..."
"I hope Gateau doesn't eat all the pancakes this time ..."
"Carrot ..."
"Maybe those hot babes I saw downstairs yesterday are still here ..."
You wouldn't think getting whacked with a pillow would hurt so much. But the way Chocolate handles it, feels like Tira's mallet is inside the pillow case ... along with all of Gateau's bulky muscles. As little Dottas fly around before my eyes, Chocolate leaves me with another door slam, obviously pissed off that I wouldn't tell her anything.
Twitching a little, I raise myself halfway off the floor ...and see him standing before me. The evil sorcerer who takes tortured souls within himself without a care. The sorcerer who Big Mamma had tried to kill, stares down at me with cold, violet eyes. Fully dressed now, his dark cape swishes around him as he stands perfectly still, eyes burning holes into me.
"Who are you?" I find myself whispering.
He doesn't respond and I shake my head, closing my eyes. 'No, you aren't here. Only in my nightmares ... but why do you haunt me?! What do you want?!'
"CARROT, BREAKFAST!"
The sound of Tira's voice and the pounding on the door snaps me back into reality. Looking forward, I find myself staring at nothing. Quietly sucking in my breath before pulling myself up to stand on two feet, I stagger to the door to answer it. Tira's hand shoots through once it is open, grabs my shirt, and literally drags me down the stairs of the Inn....
... Did I mention how high my tolerance for pain is?
********
Okay, now I know there's something definitely wrong with me. Since Marron thought it was a good idea, I've been wandering around town to let my wounds heal away from the Misu sisters, and there are babes everywhere in sight. Young girls and single attractive women are walking around the market place, hanging out and making purchases. So what am I, the babe-oggling-bloodhound, doing? I'm sitting under some shade by myself while quietly brooding ... oh the horror. It's as if some deity has cursed me so I have no interest
to flirt and flaunt around with the opposite sex. Or, I could just
be having a really bad day.
Looking down at my patched-up shirt, I find myself frowning. I think instead of blowing all my money on booze and food, maybe I should replace the shirt and perhaps the rest of this worn outfit as well. Yeap, there's definitely something wrong with me. Maybe I hit my head harder than I thought after my fall. Ah well, I'll kick myself in the ass later.
I end up wandering around the market place some more, sticking to browsing instead of flirting. I don't think I have enough energy to be perverted today. A truly bad day for Carrot Glace. I think it has only happened to me six times in my life, but at least then I kept checking girls out. Now, the only place my eyes are focused is straight forward, wherever my feet are taking me.
As the noises of the crowded market finally seem to die down, I find myself near a dark alley just at the end of town. The end of town ... which means I have a lot of walking to do on my way back to the Inn. Sighing, I am about to turn on my heal and leave when an old woman in the back of the alley calls out to me.
As Tira used to say: 'curiosity killed the Carrot,' and it must be true as I find myself walking into the shadows of the secluded alley. I can't believe someone would set up a booth in the darkness away from other vendors of the market, did she really expect to make a sale this way? The old woman gives me a toothless grin before gesturing to the items on her old wooden table.
"Have a look, dear ... ?" she says, black beady eyes twinkling under
her thick gray bangs. Normally, I'd call her a hag and be on my way, instead my eyes wander over the few items on display. Mostly small pocket watches that don't look like they work anymore, old copper jewelry, some polished earth stones, scented candles, and ...
I blink as my fingers brush against the soft black fabric ... it feels like the material of that cape. Oh man, why the hell did I put on his cape and wave that sword around like an idiot? Oh, right ... I am an idiot. Well, that answers that. Picking the shirt up to hold it before my eyes, I study the fine stitching at the sleeves and wonder if they could be trimmed off to make a tank top. The material is also a little stretchy and, oddly, a little heavy.
"Is it cursed?" I ask in a polite tone, looking thoughtful of the piece of clothing in my hands. Past experience has always told me to be nice to old ladies who look like witches. Or anyone who can shoot lightning from their finger tips to zap you in the ass.
"Just a spell," the vendor answers with a small smile, "It has resistance to certain elements. However, no one needs a shirt like this these days ... and the material is a little heavy, I ..."
"How much?" I ask, rubbing the coin pouch in my pants pocket. She blinks before considering it and giving me a reasonable price which I agree to before she gives me a warning. Funny, how I get the warning after the purchase.
"Just because it has resistance doesn't mean it'll keep you immortal, it only provides a little protection," She says and begins to pack up her small booth for the day. "So, don't go looking for trouble!"
I laugh and pull the new shirt on and scrunch up the old one to take back with me. Hey, it was still my favorite, couldn't just throw it away. I should probably get back, the sun was setting and my friends and I would leave town early the next morning.
"I don't have to look for trouble ...," I tell her, turning away to see a couple figures at the entrance of the alleyway. "It always finds me."
"Hey, punk! Give me all your money, now!"
See what I mean?
"Did you hear me, punk?" Asks a burly man, the leader of a burly man gang. I turn my head to the old lady, and she's packed out of sight. Well, that's good ... now, all I have to worry about is not getting the crap beaten out of me. Man, they got more muscles than Gateau! okay, fearless Sorcerer Hunter, show them your sword and hope they don't call your bluff. Otherwise you're going to be leaking your intestines all the way home ... and the shirt you just bought will be completely ruined.
********
"CARROT!"
Ah, another eardrum shattering yell ... just what my throbbing headache needed. Tira pulls me into the Inn and up the stairs to my bedroom, where everyone is waiting. They rise up to scold me until they see the gashes and bruises on my body ... but hey look, my new shirt's still intact! It's a little dirty, but not hanging from my shoulders in tatters.
"Darling!"
"Brother, what happened?"
"Hey, jerk, who'd you piss off this time?"
Before I can gurgle an answer, Tira pulls me into the bathroom with the first aid kit in hand. Closing the door behind us, I pull off my new shirt and examine the small dark bruises on my chest. Well, at least nothing was broken ... I don't ever want to see a nurse again ... especially a nurse with a huge ass needle she has to carry over her shoulder ... but she was hot and ...
"AHHHH!" I shriek as Tira applies the ointment to my cuts and scrapes. She gives me the 'Stop being a wuss before it really hurts' look, and I suck in my breath and try and take it like a man. Her face looks a little flush, but it's probably because she's mad as hell and would like to beat me to a pulp if I hadn't been already.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to go on anymore panty raids?" She says in my mother's scolding tone. "You're just lucky nothing's broken ..."
"I wasn't," I begin, wincing at the sting of pain as she treats the last cut on my arm. "I wasn't leching out today."
"Right," She snorts, rolling her red eyes behind those glasses. "I'm sure the crazy girl mob just beat you up for being a perfect gentleman?"
Yeah, I knew she wouldn't believe me. Hell, even I don't believe me. Usually all my injuries are brought upon by hounding the opposite sex. However, when it came to bullies, I kicked ass (or tried to get mine kicked as little as possible) and bragged about it later ... but usually I end up running like a chicken. This time however, I hadn't run, I stood there like a man with my sword ... then woke up on the alley floor covered in bruises.
Weird, those goons wanted my money, but when I checked my pockets, my coin pouch was still there and untouched. Guess they just wanted a runt to use as a punching bag to boost up their male ego. I can understand that ... for some odd reason ... at least they didn't kill me.
"All finished," Tira dusts her hands off before placing them on her hips. "Now, what happened?"
"Just got my ass kicked," I shrug. "Nothing new."
"What about that shirt?" she asks, looking at dirty black garment held in my hand.
"I bought it."
A delicate eye brow is raised over the rim of her glasses and I throw up my hands in exasperation. "Honestly, Tira! I maybe a lazy pervert, but not a thief!"
Perhaps it's the tone of my voice or the pleading look in my eyes, but she just nods and accepts the answer. Taking the black shirt from my hands, she mumbles something about having it cleaned by morning, then moves to leave. The bathroom door swings open again as Chocolate (who was obviously listening in) bounds into the room, throwing her arms around me in a tight and painful hug.
"Darling, I was so worried!"
"I'm sorry."
Whatever commotion that was happening immediately stops after I speak. My brother and Gateau stand in the door way, looking at me as if Big Mamma herself were perched on my head. Well, it did feel kinda heavy ...
"Huh? Why are you staring at me?" I ask. "I know I look like shit."
"No, it's not that," Gateau speaks first. "You said you were sorry."
"Darling is finally becoming responsible!" Chocolate cries, crushing
me even more. "I'm so happy!"
"Brother?" Marron asks with his ever present serious amber stare. "Are you all right?"
"Just fine," I wave him off, trying to pry Chocolate's steel grip. "Look, I just got my ass kicked after falling off a mountain Big Mamma destroyed, so I've had a rough couple of days."
"I understand," Marron nods as he places a hand on Chocolate' shoulder and slowly pulls her back. "We'll let you rest for the night, brother."
"Take it easy," says Gateau with a flash of concern in his eyes, before he turns to walk out the door.
"Call us if you need anything," my brother tells me, giving me a gentle hug before following his lover.
"Sweet dreams, darling!" Chocolate pounces me again. I think she really does enjoy causing me pain. "Wait ... you didn't eat dinner, I'll go to the kitchen downstairs and ..."
"That's okay," I tell her, shaking my head. "I'm not that hungry."
"Darling," she insists, her blue eyes narrowing. "You have to regain your strength, and I think some soup might ..."
"Chocolate," I haven't used this commanding tone of voice since we were kids. I try to soften my tone and give her a slight smile. "Please."
"All right, Carrot," She sighs before giving me a light peck on the cheek an older sister would. "Call me if you need anything."
"I will, goodnight."
The door closes behind her, and I'm left alone. Alone ... that's what I wanted, right? My head hurts even more without them to distract me ... how odd. Lying down in bed, I extinguish the candles, plunging the room into darkness. The nightmare I had the night before slowly returns to haunt me.
I lie there for hours, even long after I hear my friends retire for the night. Please don't let me dream about him again ... please just let me have a normal nightmare and wake up as normal, Sorcerer Hunter, Carrot Glace. I snort to myself. Normal, Sorcerer Hunter, Carrot Glace? How those words clash with themselves.
For one, I was never normal. Unlike the others, I can't control my powers ... every time I get hit by any kind of magic, I go berserk. Second, I'm not much of a Sorcerer Hunter. Honestly, I only joined because of my friends ... they trained and I slacked off. The only useful thing I do is turn into those creatures ... how pathetic ...I'm only useful when I'm not human. I'm such a wuss ... I hate feeling sorry for myself ... and I hate crying the most.
It's raining again ... and the rain pours heavily tonight, tapping insistently against my window. Turning my head to the side, my blood freezes despite the fact that my heart is beating rapidly. So loud, I thought it was going to burst free from my chest.
He's here again.
Standing at my bedside, the dark sorcerer of nightmares towers before my sprawled form, and I'm to paralyzed with fear to do anything about it. He raises his hand ... the hand he used to crush the clay water bowl out of shock, and slowly reaches out to my throat. Swallowing hard, my gaze locks onto his, expecting him to strangle me.
But he doesn't ... his hands are warm as they brush against my bare skin, making my hair stand on end. Fingers trail down my torso, leaving goose bumps in their wake, and come to rest on my bandaged arm. I can't think, can't scream out, can't lash out as my body simply tenses at his touch.
"My poor, child," he says in a low voice. "This world has made you suffer so..."
"Who?" I manage to ask after breathing once again. "Who are you?"
There's a look of amusement on his face along with the slowly forming smile I had seen when I asked if he was married. He laughed in amusement and I had smiled like a stupid child that I am. A strong hand firmly grips my chin and pulls me up and nearly out of bed towards his face.
His breath is warm against my cheek and I can smell the night air on him. This ... this isn't a dream! He's here! He's really here in my bedroom and I ... I ... I can't do a damn thing about it!
"All the answers to your questions will come soon enough," he tells me. Fingers run up the nape of my neck and I begin to shiver; his warm touch has turned to ice. "You will remember everything, my Carrot Glace."
My brain seems to awaken momentarily as I begin to pull back and fight against his hold. Trying to look brave, I hiss out between clenched teeth, "Let me ... let me go!"
His amused smile widens slightly before his grip tightens painfully on my jaw, a warning that he could dislocate it if he pleased. He leans forward; long and dark violet strands of his hair fall against my trembling face as his lips seek out mine. My eyes grow large to the point where I think they will fall out of their sockets, as he invades my mouth with his tongue. The kiss is short; he pulls away and whispers against my parted lips while my brain tries to figure out what's going on.
"Never."
Thunder strikes and I find myself jolting up from bed in another cold sweat. Gasping, I look around wildly for any trace of the sorcerer and find myself relieved to see none. Get a hold of yourself, Carrot, it was just another nightmare. He's not here ... he was never here.
I bring my hand to my lips to wipe away the coat of saliva and the taste of ... wine? Was I drinking? I think I must have had some on my way back to the Inn. My jaw hurts, but it is probably because I had the shit kicked out of me today. I ache everywhere. Okay, this is all just nightmare ... some crazy dream I conjured up to scare myself. Go back to sleep, Carrot, and have your normal nightmares and wet dreams. Don't think about that man ... don't think about ...
My eyes lock onto something and the rusty gears in my head begin to turn ... there on my pillow. A single but long strand of dark violet hair. The wind howls outside my window and, despite the noise, I can hear his voice whisper into my ear to taunt me.
'You are mine.'
[ Author's Notes ]
Even after reading some the manga, watching the TV series, and some
of the OVA ... I really don't think Carrot is the big idiot we
believe him to be. As for Zaha wanting Carrot in ::cough:: that
way ... is completely my fault. In the TV episode that they meet
[I'm going to ramble on about some spoilers, run now if you don't
wanna know] ...
Carrot rushes up the mountain (wearing Zaha's cape ^^;) just before
Big Mamma is going to kill him. She can't because Carrot is in the
area, and Zaha (who's wearing nothing but his underwear #^^#) taunts
her but not aware who the foolish young man is, then falls off the
part mountain he was standing on to the rocks below (ouch). Carrot,
the Sorcerer Hunter, sees the dark Soul Sucking Sorcerer fall, and
goes to his rescue.
When Zaha comes to (now wearing his cape), Carrot is looking after
even after he tried to kill the young man, the Sorcerer Hunter
rushes off to give him some water (for the exchange of village girl
who's fixated on Zaha). So, Sorcerer and Sorcerer Hunter find
themselves sitting at a campfire while making conversation (in the
dubbed, we get to hear what Carrot thinks of Marron and Gateau's
relationship ^^;). Anyway, Zaha admits that he likes Carrot and asks
for his name ... when Carrot tells him, Zaha goes nuts again.
Yeah, I know a Carrot/Zaha pairing is waaaay out there in yaoiverse
but thought I'd be brave enough to give it a try ...
You may now throw your stones ::runs::
Written By: Teno Hikari
email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Beta-read By: Hatsy ([email protected])
Disclaimer: I don't own Bakuretsu Hunters ... just this story
Summary: After his confrontation with the evil sorcerer, Zaha Torte;
Carrot Glace finds himself changing ... but is it for better or
worse?
Takes place during 'Sorcerer's Revenge' (the second season of the TV
series - I believe) after Episode 15 - 'Until we meet again'. I'll
try and be as accurate as possible even though I haven't seen the
anime or read the manga for a few years.
Warning: Violence, adult situations, and yaoi - you've been warned.
**********
Drowning deep in my sea of loathing
Broken your servant I kneel ...
(Will you give in to me?)
It seems what's left of my human side
Is slowly changing in me ...
(Will you give in to me?)
Looking at my own reflection when suddenly it changes
violently it changes
There is no turning back now you've woken up the demon in me....
-Disturbd 'Down with the sickness'
**********
I wake up screaming the same exact moment lightning strikes across the night sky. The thunder rumbles so loudly behind the dark clouds that I can barely hear my heart beating. Blood pounds in my ears as I try and catch my breath, while beads of sweat run down my face. A chill went down my spine as I break out in small shakes, drawing the blankets around me. Sitting up in bed, I pull my knees to my chest tightly in order to calm myself down.
Squeezing my eyes shut as I run a trembling hand through the damp dark mess that's my hair, lightning strikes once again. I slow my breathing and begin to take deep breaths, trying to collect myself and stop shaking. Suddenly, my ears pick up the sound of feet pounding on the wooden floor boards of the inn we're staying at ... oh no. I quickly lie back down on the lumpy mattress, pretending to look like I'm asleep.
Relax, I command myself, to still my shaking limbs. The bedroom door creaks open, and I can hear the soft footsteps of my little brother as he enters the room. Not far behind from Marron's soft steps were heavier ones that belonged to the tall blonde Sorcerer Hunter, Gateau. Much to my relief, the girls weren't with them ... otherwise I don't think they'll leave me in peace.
"Carrot?" Marron whispers gently as he approaches my bedside. "Brother, are you awake?"
I snore softly and resist the urge to smile at him. My brother ...wise, calm and patient towards my antics ... you're so much older than I am. His fingers are on my forehead, brushing the cool sheen of sweat from my brow. For a minute I think he knows I am awake, until he turns away, back to the door and his lover.
"I guess he's all right, after all," Marron says quietly.
Gateau made a low chuckle, "Probably having a nightmare of Chocolate and Tira whipping his ass again ... that's normal."
"I hope so," Marron lets out a small sigh before closing the door behind them.
It's not the first time I've fooled my brother, and with these nightmares, it probably won't be the last. I wish it was a normal nightmare where I'm running for my life from Tira and Chocolate in their other forms ... but it wasn't. Sitting up once again, my gaze turns to the window where I can see my frightened brown eyes reflected against the glass. It's raining heavily ... almost soothing, except for the harsh lightning that makes me shudder.
Why ...?
Why did I go up there to face some soul sucking sorcerer alone? Scratch that ... I know why, and agree with my friends that I'm a brainless dolt. Carrot Glace, the Sorcerer Hunter who thinks with his dick first and his brain the very last. Can't argue with the truth now, can I? Maybe Gateau was right about me, aside from being a stupid horny jerk, I must have a death wish.
I've faced evil sorcerers of all kinds in the past, but never before had I felt so afraid of one. This sorcerer was different from the others we've fought against, this was a sorcerer even Big Mamma is afraid of. How powerfully evil he must be that she wanted to take his life ... but she didn't kill him ... she couldn't because of me ... because I was there. Yet again I've screwed things up for everyone, and because of my interference, that sorcerer is still alive. I don't know how I know ... I can just feel it.
[ 'I found you! And this time, she will never tear us apart!' ]
When he said those words, I was more afraid of him than falling to my death from a crumbling mountain. The dark haired sorcerer had laughed as he fell, and his laughter held something more than just insanity ... perhaps happiness? I don't know. I don't think I want to know. Lying back down once again, I pull the covers up over my head and simply stare at the darkness until my eyes can
no longer stay open.
And the nightmare begins again ...
***************
Chapter One
***************
"Darling!"
"Carrot!"
"...WAKE UP!"
I groan in pain as both Misu sisters grab one of my arms and try to
pull me out of bed. Once again, I'm in the object of their human tug-
a-war game. My eyes narrow lazily, mouth filled with the pillow I was
sleeping on and both my arms pulled up in awkward angles. You'd be
surprised how high my tolerance for pain has become ever since I met Tira
and Chocolate when we were little.
"I'm awake..." I mumble before spitting the pillow out of my mouth. "ACK! You're gonna break both my arms off ... and I need those!"
Tira, both the shyest and youngest of the two sisters, reluctantly lets me go before pulling her thick round glasses back up to the bridge of her nose. After releasing me, I'm suddenly pulled into Chocolate's crushing embrace. I bring my sore arms up to pry off her own before she crushes my windpipe.
"Good morning, darling!" The redhead smiles cheerily at me, allowing herself to fall into my lap. I swallow hard as she inches her face closer to me ... lips just barely away from mine. Her blue eyes narrowed seductively as she began to purr. "Did you have nice dreams about me?"
Tira was once again bright red and shaking with fury, "Chocolate! What do you think you're doing?! GET OFF HIM!"
Unfortunately for me, she screams right into my ear while the elder Misu sister tightens her grip around my sore neck. Chocolate gives her younger sister a suspicious look. "And why should I do that, Tira? Did you want to trade places?"
I didn't think it was possible, but Tira turns a deeper shade of red that matches her little red riding hood outfit. Stuttering for a response, the younger sister marches out of the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her. Chocolate tightened her grip before leaning to rub her head against my bare chest.
Her fingers wander up to my collarbone before she pulls back to look at me with worried eyes. "Carrot?" she asks seriously, "What's wrong?"
Breaking out of whatever daze I was in and just look at her stupidly. "Huh?"
"You're not screaming for mercy and trying to run away," she points out, folding her arms across her chest, "Now, tell me what's bothering you."
"Nothing is bothering me," I yawn before climbing out of bed and shrugging into my shirt. I think I should get a new one, this one's still showing off the wear and tears of my fall, even after Tira tried to patch it up again. Sucks ... it was my favorite one too.
"Carrot ..."
"I don't know about you but I'm starved!"
"Carrot ..."
"I hope Gateau doesn't eat all the pancakes this time ..."
"Carrot ..."
"Maybe those hot babes I saw downstairs yesterday are still here ..."
You wouldn't think getting whacked with a pillow would hurt so much. But the way Chocolate handles it, feels like Tira's mallet is inside the pillow case ... along with all of Gateau's bulky muscles. As little Dottas fly around before my eyes, Chocolate leaves me with another door slam, obviously pissed off that I wouldn't tell her anything.
Twitching a little, I raise myself halfway off the floor ...and see him standing before me. The evil sorcerer who takes tortured souls within himself without a care. The sorcerer who Big Mamma had tried to kill, stares down at me with cold, violet eyes. Fully dressed now, his dark cape swishes around him as he stands perfectly still, eyes burning holes into me.
"Who are you?" I find myself whispering.
He doesn't respond and I shake my head, closing my eyes. 'No, you aren't here. Only in my nightmares ... but why do you haunt me?! What do you want?!'
"CARROT, BREAKFAST!"
The sound of Tira's voice and the pounding on the door snaps me back into reality. Looking forward, I find myself staring at nothing. Quietly sucking in my breath before pulling myself up to stand on two feet, I stagger to the door to answer it. Tira's hand shoots through once it is open, grabs my shirt, and literally drags me down the stairs of the Inn....
... Did I mention how high my tolerance for pain is?
********
Okay, now I know there's something definitely wrong with me. Since Marron thought it was a good idea, I've been wandering around town to let my wounds heal away from the Misu sisters, and there are babes everywhere in sight. Young girls and single attractive women are walking around the market place, hanging out and making purchases. So what am I, the babe-oggling-bloodhound, doing? I'm sitting under some shade by myself while quietly brooding ... oh the horror. It's as if some deity has cursed me so I have no interest
to flirt and flaunt around with the opposite sex. Or, I could just
be having a really bad day.
Looking down at my patched-up shirt, I find myself frowning. I think instead of blowing all my money on booze and food, maybe I should replace the shirt and perhaps the rest of this worn outfit as well. Yeap, there's definitely something wrong with me. Maybe I hit my head harder than I thought after my fall. Ah well, I'll kick myself in the ass later.
I end up wandering around the market place some more, sticking to browsing instead of flirting. I don't think I have enough energy to be perverted today. A truly bad day for Carrot Glace. I think it has only happened to me six times in my life, but at least then I kept checking girls out. Now, the only place my eyes are focused is straight forward, wherever my feet are taking me.
As the noises of the crowded market finally seem to die down, I find myself near a dark alley just at the end of town. The end of town ... which means I have a lot of walking to do on my way back to the Inn. Sighing, I am about to turn on my heal and leave when an old woman in the back of the alley calls out to me.
As Tira used to say: 'curiosity killed the Carrot,' and it must be true as I find myself walking into the shadows of the secluded alley. I can't believe someone would set up a booth in the darkness away from other vendors of the market, did she really expect to make a sale this way? The old woman gives me a toothless grin before gesturing to the items on her old wooden table.
"Have a look, dear ... ?" she says, black beady eyes twinkling under
her thick gray bangs. Normally, I'd call her a hag and be on my way, instead my eyes wander over the few items on display. Mostly small pocket watches that don't look like they work anymore, old copper jewelry, some polished earth stones, scented candles, and ...
I blink as my fingers brush against the soft black fabric ... it feels like the material of that cape. Oh man, why the hell did I put on his cape and wave that sword around like an idiot? Oh, right ... I am an idiot. Well, that answers that. Picking the shirt up to hold it before my eyes, I study the fine stitching at the sleeves and wonder if they could be trimmed off to make a tank top. The material is also a little stretchy and, oddly, a little heavy.
"Is it cursed?" I ask in a polite tone, looking thoughtful of the piece of clothing in my hands. Past experience has always told me to be nice to old ladies who look like witches. Or anyone who can shoot lightning from their finger tips to zap you in the ass.
"Just a spell," the vendor answers with a small smile, "It has resistance to certain elements. However, no one needs a shirt like this these days ... and the material is a little heavy, I ..."
"How much?" I ask, rubbing the coin pouch in my pants pocket. She blinks before considering it and giving me a reasonable price which I agree to before she gives me a warning. Funny, how I get the warning after the purchase.
"Just because it has resistance doesn't mean it'll keep you immortal, it only provides a little protection," She says and begins to pack up her small booth for the day. "So, don't go looking for trouble!"
I laugh and pull the new shirt on and scrunch up the old one to take back with me. Hey, it was still my favorite, couldn't just throw it away. I should probably get back, the sun was setting and my friends and I would leave town early the next morning.
"I don't have to look for trouble ...," I tell her, turning away to see a couple figures at the entrance of the alleyway. "It always finds me."
"Hey, punk! Give me all your money, now!"
See what I mean?
"Did you hear me, punk?" Asks a burly man, the leader of a burly man gang. I turn my head to the old lady, and she's packed out of sight. Well, that's good ... now, all I have to worry about is not getting the crap beaten out of me. Man, they got more muscles than Gateau! okay, fearless Sorcerer Hunter, show them your sword and hope they don't call your bluff. Otherwise you're going to be leaking your intestines all the way home ... and the shirt you just bought will be completely ruined.
********
"CARROT!"
Ah, another eardrum shattering yell ... just what my throbbing headache needed. Tira pulls me into the Inn and up the stairs to my bedroom, where everyone is waiting. They rise up to scold me until they see the gashes and bruises on my body ... but hey look, my new shirt's still intact! It's a little dirty, but not hanging from my shoulders in tatters.
"Darling!"
"Brother, what happened?"
"Hey, jerk, who'd you piss off this time?"
Before I can gurgle an answer, Tira pulls me into the bathroom with the first aid kit in hand. Closing the door behind us, I pull off my new shirt and examine the small dark bruises on my chest. Well, at least nothing was broken ... I don't ever want to see a nurse again ... especially a nurse with a huge ass needle she has to carry over her shoulder ... but she was hot and ...
"AHHHH!" I shriek as Tira applies the ointment to my cuts and scrapes. She gives me the 'Stop being a wuss before it really hurts' look, and I suck in my breath and try and take it like a man. Her face looks a little flush, but it's probably because she's mad as hell and would like to beat me to a pulp if I hadn't been already.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to go on anymore panty raids?" She says in my mother's scolding tone. "You're just lucky nothing's broken ..."
"I wasn't," I begin, wincing at the sting of pain as she treats the last cut on my arm. "I wasn't leching out today."
"Right," She snorts, rolling her red eyes behind those glasses. "I'm sure the crazy girl mob just beat you up for being a perfect gentleman?"
Yeah, I knew she wouldn't believe me. Hell, even I don't believe me. Usually all my injuries are brought upon by hounding the opposite sex. However, when it came to bullies, I kicked ass (or tried to get mine kicked as little as possible) and bragged about it later ... but usually I end up running like a chicken. This time however, I hadn't run, I stood there like a man with my sword ... then woke up on the alley floor covered in bruises.
Weird, those goons wanted my money, but when I checked my pockets, my coin pouch was still there and untouched. Guess they just wanted a runt to use as a punching bag to boost up their male ego. I can understand that ... for some odd reason ... at least they didn't kill me.
"All finished," Tira dusts her hands off before placing them on her hips. "Now, what happened?"
"Just got my ass kicked," I shrug. "Nothing new."
"What about that shirt?" she asks, looking at dirty black garment held in my hand.
"I bought it."
A delicate eye brow is raised over the rim of her glasses and I throw up my hands in exasperation. "Honestly, Tira! I maybe a lazy pervert, but not a thief!"
Perhaps it's the tone of my voice or the pleading look in my eyes, but she just nods and accepts the answer. Taking the black shirt from my hands, she mumbles something about having it cleaned by morning, then moves to leave. The bathroom door swings open again as Chocolate (who was obviously listening in) bounds into the room, throwing her arms around me in a tight and painful hug.
"Darling, I was so worried!"
"I'm sorry."
Whatever commotion that was happening immediately stops after I speak. My brother and Gateau stand in the door way, looking at me as if Big Mamma herself were perched on my head. Well, it did feel kinda heavy ...
"Huh? Why are you staring at me?" I ask. "I know I look like shit."
"No, it's not that," Gateau speaks first. "You said you were sorry."
"Darling is finally becoming responsible!" Chocolate cries, crushing
me even more. "I'm so happy!"
"Brother?" Marron asks with his ever present serious amber stare. "Are you all right?"
"Just fine," I wave him off, trying to pry Chocolate's steel grip. "Look, I just got my ass kicked after falling off a mountain Big Mamma destroyed, so I've had a rough couple of days."
"I understand," Marron nods as he places a hand on Chocolate' shoulder and slowly pulls her back. "We'll let you rest for the night, brother."
"Take it easy," says Gateau with a flash of concern in his eyes, before he turns to walk out the door.
"Call us if you need anything," my brother tells me, giving me a gentle hug before following his lover.
"Sweet dreams, darling!" Chocolate pounces me again. I think she really does enjoy causing me pain. "Wait ... you didn't eat dinner, I'll go to the kitchen downstairs and ..."
"That's okay," I tell her, shaking my head. "I'm not that hungry."
"Darling," she insists, her blue eyes narrowing. "You have to regain your strength, and I think some soup might ..."
"Chocolate," I haven't used this commanding tone of voice since we were kids. I try to soften my tone and give her a slight smile. "Please."
"All right, Carrot," She sighs before giving me a light peck on the cheek an older sister would. "Call me if you need anything."
"I will, goodnight."
The door closes behind her, and I'm left alone. Alone ... that's what I wanted, right? My head hurts even more without them to distract me ... how odd. Lying down in bed, I extinguish the candles, plunging the room into darkness. The nightmare I had the night before slowly returns to haunt me.
I lie there for hours, even long after I hear my friends retire for the night. Please don't let me dream about him again ... please just let me have a normal nightmare and wake up as normal, Sorcerer Hunter, Carrot Glace. I snort to myself. Normal, Sorcerer Hunter, Carrot Glace? How those words clash with themselves.
For one, I was never normal. Unlike the others, I can't control my powers ... every time I get hit by any kind of magic, I go berserk. Second, I'm not much of a Sorcerer Hunter. Honestly, I only joined because of my friends ... they trained and I slacked off. The only useful thing I do is turn into those creatures ... how pathetic ...I'm only useful when I'm not human. I'm such a wuss ... I hate feeling sorry for myself ... and I hate crying the most.
It's raining again ... and the rain pours heavily tonight, tapping insistently against my window. Turning my head to the side, my blood freezes despite the fact that my heart is beating rapidly. So loud, I thought it was going to burst free from my chest.
He's here again.
Standing at my bedside, the dark sorcerer of nightmares towers before my sprawled form, and I'm to paralyzed with fear to do anything about it. He raises his hand ... the hand he used to crush the clay water bowl out of shock, and slowly reaches out to my throat. Swallowing hard, my gaze locks onto his, expecting him to strangle me.
But he doesn't ... his hands are warm as they brush against my bare skin, making my hair stand on end. Fingers trail down my torso, leaving goose bumps in their wake, and come to rest on my bandaged arm. I can't think, can't scream out, can't lash out as my body simply tenses at his touch.
"My poor, child," he says in a low voice. "This world has made you suffer so..."
"Who?" I manage to ask after breathing once again. "Who are you?"
There's a look of amusement on his face along with the slowly forming smile I had seen when I asked if he was married. He laughed in amusement and I had smiled like a stupid child that I am. A strong hand firmly grips my chin and pulls me up and nearly out of bed towards his face.
His breath is warm against my cheek and I can smell the night air on him. This ... this isn't a dream! He's here! He's really here in my bedroom and I ... I ... I can't do a damn thing about it!
"All the answers to your questions will come soon enough," he tells me. Fingers run up the nape of my neck and I begin to shiver; his warm touch has turned to ice. "You will remember everything, my Carrot Glace."
My brain seems to awaken momentarily as I begin to pull back and fight against his hold. Trying to look brave, I hiss out between clenched teeth, "Let me ... let me go!"
His amused smile widens slightly before his grip tightens painfully on my jaw, a warning that he could dislocate it if he pleased. He leans forward; long and dark violet strands of his hair fall against my trembling face as his lips seek out mine. My eyes grow large to the point where I think they will fall out of their sockets, as he invades my mouth with his tongue. The kiss is short; he pulls away and whispers against my parted lips while my brain tries to figure out what's going on.
"Never."
Thunder strikes and I find myself jolting up from bed in another cold sweat. Gasping, I look around wildly for any trace of the sorcerer and find myself relieved to see none. Get a hold of yourself, Carrot, it was just another nightmare. He's not here ... he was never here.
I bring my hand to my lips to wipe away the coat of saliva and the taste of ... wine? Was I drinking? I think I must have had some on my way back to the Inn. My jaw hurts, but it is probably because I had the shit kicked out of me today. I ache everywhere. Okay, this is all just nightmare ... some crazy dream I conjured up to scare myself. Go back to sleep, Carrot, and have your normal nightmares and wet dreams. Don't think about that man ... don't think about ...
My eyes lock onto something and the rusty gears in my head begin to turn ... there on my pillow. A single but long strand of dark violet hair. The wind howls outside my window and, despite the noise, I can hear his voice whisper into my ear to taunt me.
'You are mine.'
[ Author's Notes ]
Even after reading some the manga, watching the TV series, and some
of the OVA ... I really don't think Carrot is the big idiot we
believe him to be. As for Zaha wanting Carrot in ::cough:: that
way ... is completely my fault. In the TV episode that they meet
[I'm going to ramble on about some spoilers, run now if you don't
wanna know] ...
Carrot rushes up the mountain (wearing Zaha's cape ^^;) just before
Big Mamma is going to kill him. She can't because Carrot is in the
area, and Zaha (who's wearing nothing but his underwear #^^#) taunts
her but not aware who the foolish young man is, then falls off the
part mountain he was standing on to the rocks below (ouch). Carrot,
the Sorcerer Hunter, sees the dark Soul Sucking Sorcerer fall, and
goes to his rescue.
When Zaha comes to (now wearing his cape), Carrot is looking after
even after he tried to kill the young man, the Sorcerer Hunter
rushes off to give him some water (for the exchange of village girl
who's fixated on Zaha). So, Sorcerer and Sorcerer Hunter find
themselves sitting at a campfire while making conversation (in the
dubbed, we get to hear what Carrot thinks of Marron and Gateau's
relationship ^^;). Anyway, Zaha admits that he likes Carrot and asks
for his name ... when Carrot tells him, Zaha goes nuts again.
Yeah, I know a Carrot/Zaha pairing is waaaay out there in yaoiverse
but thought I'd be brave enough to give it a try ...
You may now throw your stones ::runs::