Chapter 5 _Growled Warning”

Chapter 5 "Growled Warning”

Kyoko picked up a rubber band from the vanity and pulled some of her unruly auburn hair back into a pony tail, leaving the back in a short bouncy layer and a long layer to flow free down her back. She leaned in close to apply just a touch of blush then stood up, walked to the full-length mirror, and turned around examining herself. Suki had talked her into wearing some of her clothes and Kyoko felt different.

The black mini skirt flared out as she turned, showing off shapely legs due to all the workouts she exposed herself to. The tight pink shirt had black lace all the way down the back, and in the front a black lace ‘V’ shape went almost to her breasts. Kyoko shook her head at the exposed cleavage.

It made her wonder if Suki wasn’t the one chasing after Shinbe just as much as he was chasing her. Picking up her cross earrings, she wondered why she had agreed to look like a wild child. She was startled out of her musings when someone knocked timidly on her door.

Opening the door while still fastening her earring, Kyoko beamed, feeling better seeing Suki was dressed wilder than she was. "Oh Suki, you are gonna knock them dead tonight," she said as she looked her friend up and down.

Suki was wearing tight leather pants and a blue sheer top with long flowing sleeves, showing off her figure. Kyoko shook her head, thinking how many times Shinbe would get slapped tonight.

"You’re just asking for Shinbe to act up aren’t you?" she cocked an eyebrow at her friend with laughter shining in her emerald eyes.

Suki was looking Kyoko over, nodding in satisfaction, "Yep, I have a feeling tonight might be the last of the fun for a while. I caught the rumor from Shinbe that starting Monday we are going to have to start training harder than ever." Her eyes lit up, "But for tonight, let’s cut loose. You are going to love this place we are going to. It’s huge and the band tonight is going to rock."

Suki glanced around Kyoko's rooms, her eyes widening. "Wow! I have never been up here," her gaze darted back to Kyoko's. "No one was ever allowed up here except Toya. Do you realize only him, you, and Kyou are on this floor?" She’d been so nervous about coming up to this floor that she had asked Toya's permission before coming up to Kyoko's room.

Kyoko knew Kyou must have wanted her where he and Toya could better watch her. Remembering all he said, she knew he was right about Suki and her being friends in the past, because for some reason she felt like she had known her for a long time.

She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat, "Maybe all the other rooms were taken, I don’t know." She headed for the door, "But I do know I want to have fun tonight because you are right, it’s probably the last of the fun for a while."

Her hand on the doorknob froze and she frowned, 'somebody was out there.' She felt a chill crawl up her back at the knowledge.

Kyoko slowly opened the door and peered out into the hallway. Not seeing anyone, she opened it the rest of the way and Suki followed her out. She turned and locked the door behind her, and then quickly swung around to look at Suki when she heard a startled, "yelp" come from her friend. There, standing in his doorway was Kyou watching her… and he did not look pleased.

Kyou took one look at Kyoko and felt his anger rise. He shifted his eyes to Suki, annoyance clearly evident on his face.

"Leave us," he demanded in a dangerously cold voice.

Suki gave Kyoko an apologetic look, but quickly did as she was told, knowing better than to hesitate. She for one did not want to be on Kyou’s bad side, and besides that, the man gave her the creeps. She had been aware since first meeting him that he was a very powerful immortal, and not one to be crossed. She was glad he was on their side and not an enemy.

Kyoko crossed her arms in front of her, disappointed as she watched Suki hurry out of sight. She turned back to find herself now under Kyou’s attention, and at the moment he did not look happy. She cocked one eyebrow at him waiting. When he just stood there boring a hole in her with angry golden eyes, she felt her temper start to spike. 'Damn him and those piercing eyes of his.’

"What did I do?" she finally asked, giving up on waiting on him to tell her.

Kyou had been annoyed when he had felt Suki's presence on this floor. Then when he watched them leave her room dressed like that, he knew it was not wise to let Kyoko leave. Not only was she in danger from the enemy, she would also be in danger from any guardian, demon, or human wanting to mate with her. Kyou saw red at the mere thought,

"No one is ever to come to this floor without my permission except you and Toya, understood?" his voice sounded like he was scolding her.

Kyoko bristled but quickly reminded herself that this is his building so it’s his rules. "I’m sorry. I didn’t know," she told him honestly. Feeling her own anger subsiding, she clasped her fingers in front of her. She was starting to fidget because he really didn’t look any happier now that she had apologized.

Kyou took a step closer to Kyoko. Staring down at her, he found he could almost see down her shirt. "I was not told you had plans tonight," he felt her mood darken at his words and her eyes flashed a little brighter, but he did not care. If he was to protect her, he had to know what she was up to. He knew how the girls at the college acted, but he could smell Kyoko was still unmated, different from the others… innocent.

Kyoko gnawed on her bottom lip, wondering if she was going to have to tell him her every move. "I didn’t know I had to tell you if I was going out," she tried to keep her voice calm, but knew she had to stand her ground with him in order to have some freedom.

"I’m going out with Suki and Shinbe tonight," she said the words firmly, hoping he would not try to stop her.

Kyou took a step closer, only for her to take a step back from him so she wouldn’t have to look up at him. He smirked inwardly as he took another step forward. He literally backed her up against the wall, surrounding himself with her scent.

"Dressed like that?" his voice sounded angry.

Kyoko's eyes widened now that he was only inches from her, and she was looking up at him. He was so tall. What had he said? Her eyes snapped a little sharper. Dressed like…?

"What’s wrong with the way I’m dressed?" she shrank back against the wall when he lowered his face next to her ear. She could feel his warm breath on her neck.

"Are you looking for a mate?" he whispered dangerously against her ear.

Kyoko was suddenly afraid of the guardian standing in front of her. The words he’d uttered would have sent her into a rage under ordinary circumstances, but now they just made her want to find a nice dark corner to hide in. If a pin had dropped, it would have sounded like thunder in the silence. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard another voice so close to them.

"Kyoko, are you ready?" Toya leaned against the wall watching them. He could smell Kyoko's fear from ten feet away. He gave Kyou a scowl as he watched Kyoko duck under his arm and walk quickly toward him.

Kyou straightened back up, once again appearing indifferent as he watched Toya step between him and Kyoko, hiding her from his sight.

Now where have I seen this before, he thought with annoyance then stated coldly. "If she is going, you are not to leave her side." The muscle in his jaw flexed as he gritted his teeth, not liking the fact that Toya was seeing her dressed so scantily.

Toya could tell Kyou was serious, and the look in his eyes almost gave him cold chills. "I already know this," he snapped then turned and took Kyoko's hand in his, "Come on." He requested softly.

Kyoko wasn’t going to argue with that, and didn’t mind the fact that Toya was practically propelling her in front of him. ‘The faster the better,’ she thought. At the moment she wanted nothing better than to hurry, now that she was completely wigged-out, she practically flew down the steps.

Toya let go of her hand as soon as he knew they were out of Kyou’s eyesight. He watched as she sped up, a frown creasing his brow. He had picked up what Kyou had said to her. He being a guardian, his hearing was excellent. He had gone to find Kyoko when Suki had practically flown down the stairs, almost knocking him down in the process.

It angered him at the words he had heard Kyou whisper into Kyoko’s ear, and it was all he could do to pretend he had not heard it. He never had thoughts of hurting Kyou but… the thought of Kyou saying such things to Kyoko brought out the worst in him. She’d done nothing to deserve that kind of treatment.

Toya tried to push down the bad feeling he had as they met up with the others.

***** As they entered the club, Suki noticed that Kyoko was still being unusually quiet and she finally got up the nerve to ask, "What was that all about with Kyou anyway?"

"Nothing really,” Kyoko answered not really wanting to talk about it, and then she remembered what else he’d said, "He did say that from now on, no one is allowed on that floor except me and Toya." She shrugged sadly then noticed Toya was still watching her.

She wondered if he’d heard what Kyou had said, then blushed and quickly looked away not really wanting to know the answer to that question. This was probably her last night of freedom, so she cleared her mind and looked around intending to enjoy herself one way or the other.

Suki's eyes widened when she felt arms go around her from behind and pull her against a strong body. Twisting her neck so she could see, her gaze connected with amethyst ones.

Shinbe dipped his head down to her neck, snuggling against her, grinning. "Come dance with me,” He beckoned in a seductive voice.

“But we just got here,” Suki tried to pull away halfheartedly.

“I know,” Shinbe winked at Kyoko. “I wanted to grab you up before anyone else could.” He deliberately slid his hand seductively across her belly before turning her in his arms to face him. Giving Kyoko a mischievous look he stated, “She might be back.”

Suki nodded, trying to hide the red that instantly splashed across her cheeks. Shinbe led her off to the dance floor, leaving Kyoko and Toya standing there.

Kyoko knew her nerves couldn’t take much more and she took off to the bar thinking a drink would loosen her up some. She didn’t even look to see if Toya followed. She knew he had been ordered to watch her. It wasn’t as if they were on a date. She almost felt sorry for him.

She turned her attention to the guy behind the bar saying with a shrug of her shoulders, "Whatever the special is." she smiled and he nodded. She laid a twenty down on the bar. She hadn’t a clue what to order; seeing as how this was the first time she had ever been in a bar. She pretended like she had done it a thousand times because she’d witnessed it that many times through movies and TV… she only hoped no one would notice her nervousness.

Toya came to stand beside Kyoko after noticing the bartender kept watching her while he made her drink. He caught the guy’s gaze and growled, warning him to back off. Toya could feel more eyes on Kyoko other than the bartender’s, and he didn’t like it.

Kyoko turned around when her drink was ready and tried to smile at the bartender again as she thanked him, but he wouldn’t meet her eyes. 'Well, that’s strange,' she thought, but hearing someone say her name, she glanced over her shoulder and saw Kamui coming. She smiled at him, then took a swallow of her drink, and almost choked on the strong burning flavor.

Kamui watched her set the drink back on the bar almost spilling it. He grinned as she caught her breath, gasping. "You have to watch out Kyoko, the drinks here are strong." He frowned at the bartender disapprovingly, and then smiled when she seemed to be able to breathe again.

"No kidding,” Kyoko wheezed, wiping a tear from her eye. "That drink is mainlining to kill, geez," she groaned, blinking.

Toya nodded to Kamui as if giving him permission to talk to Kyoko. His gaze wandered the room noticing guardian and human weren’t the only inhabitants within the flickering lights of the club. His lips thinned feeling demons hidden within the shadows.

Kamui watched Kyoko smile at Shinbe and Suki as she watched them dance. When the lights flickered from red to green then blue… the electric blue tint seemed to surround her for an instant, causing Kamui’s vision to tunnel and another image surfaced.

Within his mind's eye, he could see Kyoko running from a huge demon. As his sight skimmed the area, he could tell the field she was in dropped off at a massive cliff. He screamed her name in warning but as she turned to look for him… she never saw the dangerous edge of the cliff as she took the next lethal step.

Kamui could feel the adrenalin rush through him as his wings sprang from his back with a shower of colorful sparkles. As he flew over the demon, he shot an angry life force blast that disintegrated the demon on impact. Pulling his wings inward, he let his body dive off the cliff in a headlong rush to reach her.

Just as the ground was coming up at an alarming rate of speed, he grabbed Kyoko, releasing his wings and floating safely to the ground. When her emerald eyes connected with his Kamui asked, “You just wanted me to save you… didn’t you?”

Coming out of the light trance, he knew that couldn’t have been just a daydream… somehow, somewhere, it had really happened. His eyes focused on her and he wanted to once again feel her in his arms just like he had in the strange memory.

Kamui reached out and grabbed her hand, "Come on Kyoko. Dance with me." The moment his hand touched hers, he felt his heart swell with some unknown feeling. Glittering dust of every color leapt into his bright eyes.

She nodded, loving the song that was playing and already feeling the beat of it making her want to move. They headed straight for Suki and Shinbe out on the crowded dance floor.

Toya turned back just in time to see Kamui pull Kyoko toward the dance floor and frowned. Running his fingers through his wayward bangs he leaned back against the bar, fighting the feeling he had to simply take Kyoko and hide her from the world.

“At least it’s not a slow song.” he grumbled under his breath then gritted his teeth not believing those words had slipped out.

Suki and Shinbe were having a great time when Kamui and Kyoko joined them. The guys were facing the girls in a fast dance. Kyoko hadn’t had this much fun in a long time. Three songs later, she and Suki were ready for a break. As they headed off the dance floor, a slow song started.

Someone grabbed Kyoko from behind, whispering in her ear, "My turn," and swung her around into his arms, away from the others, and back onto the dance floor.

Kyoko came face to face with Kotaro and smiled as she felt the light rush of cool air sweep across her heated face. She knew for some reason he was the cause of the breeze.

"Hi, I didn’t know you were coming tonight," her voice was still breathless from dancing so many songs in a row.

Kotaro watched Kyoko's face flush, thinking she was the most beautiful girl in the world. "I wasn’t going to come until I heard you were coming with Suki," he pulled her close to his body. He had purposely waited on a slow song for just this reason.

Kyoko didn’t mind as she relaxed against him, enjoying the slower movements. It was a nice change from the faster beat she had danced with the others. Kotaro was a very good dancer and his arms were strong.

She glanced up at him understanding he was a guardian, just like the others. She could feel it and knew he would never hurt her.

"So, I understand we will be in class together, right?" she asked, just making sure.

"Yes, we’ll spend most of the mornings together," his voice lowered to make sure no one could hear except her. "Kyoko, how much do you know about why we are really here?" he pulled her even closer to him.

He hadn’t needed to ask Kyou questions about Kyoko’s presence. Deep inside he knew why she was there and the bits and pieces of memories that began flashing through his psyche was all the information he would ever need.

Kyoko could feel his strong muscles flex underneath his purple shirt. "I know you’re a guardian, if that’s what you are asking." She smiled at him, raising her eyebrows slightly, "Why don’t you tell me a little about what you know?"

Kotaro inhaled deeply, "You smell good Kyoko." He whispered, his ice blue eyes never leaving her face. "I know that you are very powerful. I sense that power deep within you." His gaze darted around them, "I think others can sense it too.”

“You know the difference between guardians and demons, right? Though sometimes we appear the same… one is very evil, while the other is your shield against such evil. Can you feel them watching us?" He watched her eyes sharpen as she glanced around, and then felt her stiffen in acknowledgment.

"I think you’re right, Kotaro. I can feel them,” Kyoko laid her cheek against his chest, looking to the right of them. She noticed most of the bad vibes were coming from that side of the room. "They are watching us. I can't tell which ones, but I can feel it," her voice held a hint of wonder.

Kotaro’s arm tightened around her, born of his protective instincts for her. "Yeah, they’re watching you, Kyoko. But as long as I’m here, they shouldn’t cause a problem," he leaned back just enough to lock eyes with her emerald ones. "We make a pretty good team and that’s a good sign," he leaned down quickly and brushed his lips across her forehead. "I think I will keep you," he said matter-of-factly.

Kyoko's lips parted. For some reason, she felt like she’d heard Kotaro say those exact words before… in some other place… some other time. She gazed at him curiously as they swayed to the soft music.

The song ended and Kotaro gave her one last twirl before reluctantly leading her back to where she’d left her drink. He knew she still didn’t realize the danger she was in but that was all right for now. With all of them there to protect her, she could stay naive for a while longer.

Seeing that Suki and Shinbe were watching her as they picked at and played with each other, Kyoko smiled knowing it often ended in Shinbe being slapped. ‘They make a good couple,’ Kyoko thought to herself as she reached for her drink, taking a small sip, this time keeping in mind that she didn’t want to choke again.

Kotaro whispered something to Shinbe and she watched his eyes drift over to the right side of the room. Kyoko was starting to think coming here was a bad idea. She looked around for Toya but didn’t see him anywhere and frowned suddenly feeling unprotected… though she wasn’t sure why.

Suki linked arms with her. "What’s going on Kyoko?" she asked worriedly as she watched Kotaro say something to Shinbe, and then disappear into the crowd.

Kyoko smiled as Shinbe came and put an arm around both of them. "Now girls, don’t go worrying your pretty heads. Kotaro and Toya are just taking the trash out," he grinned as both his hands began to lower down the girls’ backs, getting closer to their target.

Smack! In unison, both Kyoko and Suki left a handprint on each cheek. Suki's temper flared and Kyoko gave in to the need to giggle as Shinbe sighed, a glazed look in his amethyst eyes.

“Ah… love at its finest,” he said with awe in his voice.

***** Toya was not in a good mood. His gaze scanned the room feeling the shift in good and evil. A stream of curses could be heard by anyone standing close enough to hear him as his sight fell on Kyoko. There she was dancing with Kotaro, and she didn’t even know there was danger closing in on her.

He scowled, his irises simmering to molten silver as he noticed Kotaro was practically devouring her with his arms.

Toya didn’t know where to start, either drag Kotaro off Kyoko, or start with the demons that seemed to be closing in on her. "Damn it!" He started across the room toward the evil knowing what had to be done. The silver guardian cracked his knuckles, letting his nails grow longer and sharper as his eyes flashed pure silver.

***** Dark haunted eyes watched Toya cross the room, heading toward the low level demons he had placed there as a distraction. He nodded slightly, sending a signal for the distraction to continue. The corners of his lips hinted in the ghost of a smile as he watched Toya follow his minion out into the parking lot and away from Kyoko.

His gaze drifted back to the priestess as he watched the aura shine from her. He could see the light of the Guardian Heart Crystal within her innocent soul. His own immortal power was hidden deep inside his human façade. He smirked knowing the guardians would not detect him.

After a few minutes, he watched Kotaro follow Toya out of the building, and the two girls were left alone with Shinbe. He moved closer, testing to see if his newfound spell was working to conceal his evil aura within him. When he noticed he was not detected, Hyakuhei stood beside them and ordered a drink, watching her.

***** Toya glared at the five weak demons as they surrounded him. He’d followed two demons outside, only to realize he had walked into a trap as they turned on him. Their appearance was very human had it not been for the giveaway of their black eyes. He sneered as they stalked him, trying to back him up against a brick wall.

The first demon that attacked received a large gash across his shoulder for his trouble, causing the injured fiend to fall back behind his wicked comrades. Toya darted closer to the shadows, trying to draw them out of sight. The last thing they needed was a human audience. Kyou had taught him a long time ago to keep away from human eyes while fighting. He smirked when they followed, thinking he was trying to get away.

Kotaro stepped out the door of the club, opening his senses wide. While trying to detect where Toya had gone two cold arms grabbed him from behind and something hurled itself into his side, trying to knock him off balance. With a snarl, Kotaro kicked off the demon, sending him skidding across the concrete.

Without turning, he reared his head back, coming in contact with a skull and hearing a satisfying crack. He whirled around, sweeping his leg underneath the large demon and knocking him off his feet, only to have to face another one that slithered from the shadows.

“Where the hell are they all coming from?” Kotaro growled as his ice blue eyes narrowed on his new opponent.

Toya was starting to regret his choice when every time he cleared one adversary out of the way, another seemed to appear to replace it. He was getting pissed off as he dodged and kneed the next demon in the stomach. None of them were an equal match for him, but fighting so many was starting to heat his immortal blood.

He was trying to keep his strength at a low level knowing if there were any other demons in the area, they would sense his true power if he used it. Suddenly he realized what was going on and he exploded into motion. They were trying to keep him from Kyoko! Toya's eyes began to glow untamed silver, as his guardian blood rose to the surface.

Releasing his hidden powers, one of the twin daggers slid from his wrist into his palm. With inhuman speed, Toya stabbed the closest demon through the neck, lifting him a foot into the air. He could feel the heat rush through his arm and into the dagger with explosive force. The struggling demon quickly burst into flames with an ear-piercing scream that did not last long as he turned to ashes.

As the next demon came for him, Toya reached out his clawed hand as the other dagger emerged, his eyes now the color of mercury as the blood in his veins began to freeze. He released the power, watching with satisfaction when on impact, his opponent’s skin glittered as ice formed. In the blink of an eye, the demon’s body and soul shattered, raining down on the dry pavement.

His thoughts instantly turned in the direction of Kyoko as he sprinted back up the alley, only to hear Kotaro coming around the corner. Toya passed him up only to find three more of the undead blocking his path, waiting to continue the distraction. He leapt over them, evading the attack smoothly while yelling back to Kotaro, "The rest you can handle. They are keeping us away from Kyoko for a reason."

Kotaro watched Toya disappear around the corner and dropped into a low crouch, knowing he was faster than any of them. He looked past them, more worried about Kyoko than the fight. Then he began to draw them deep into the shadows… away from the building and 'his' Kyoko.

***** Kyoko had started on her second drink and to her surprise it had worked wonders to loosen her up. Maybe it had worked just a little too well. It seemed everything Suki or Shinbe said was making her laugh. Her cheeks were seriously starting to hurt.

She wrapped her arms around her stomach when Shinbe asked Suki if she would be the mother of his child. Suki's eyebrow started twitching right before she tugged on his ear a little too hard.

“What makes you think you are daddy material?” Suki retorted right before letting go and turning the other way with her arms across her chest in a huff. She stomped her foot then smirked when it landed on his.

Kyoko needed to breathe for a minute and she turned away from them trying not to watch their hysterical antics. She heard a soft masculine voice beside her ask if she wanted to dance and she quickly took the last sip of her drink. Sitting it down she nodded, glad to have a moment away from the comedy act. She sighed happily as she was led onto the dance floor, a strong warm hand holding hers… guiding her.

The band had taken a break and the D.J. was now playing a slow hauntingly beautiful song. Kyoko was pulled against a firm chest making her inhale deeply. Smiling, she followed her vision to the long silky dark tresses that were cut in so many lengths coming down in thick tapered locks, up to the perfect jaw line and finally the face that could stop a girl in her tracks.

'He could be a model if he wanted,' she heard in the back of her mind. Her eyes locked with his soft ebony eyes, “Thank you,” she said breathlessly.

Hyakuhei smiled seductively at her, loving the feel of her swaying against his body to the music. "Just what are you thanking me for?" his silken voice flowed across her like a seductive caress. He could sense the power in her, and that drew him to her… just as it had in the past.

Now that she was in his arms, he wanted her for more reasons than just what lay beneath. Her scent was alluring. The memories of another time and realm made his arms tighten around her, claiming possession. The last time he had held her this way, she had been fighting him with fear shining bright in those emerald eyes. He had won her memories but she had won the battle… for now.

"For letting me breathe," Kyoko responded without thought and leaned against him. Feeling the intoxicating drink sneak up on her, she closed her eyes and let him hold her. She felt him lower his face to her hair, nuzzling her, and at the moment she didn't care, because it felt good… everything felt so good.

"Kyoko, it's time to go." A hard voice came from behind her and she knew it was Toya, but she was comfortable. She felt the guy holding her stiffen, then arms came around her from behind, pulling her backward, flush against his chest.

Toya snarled, "I said come on."

Kyoko smiled weakly at the man she had danced with as she was dragged further away. She then turned in Toya’s arms as they approached the doors.

"Where’s Suki and Shinbe?" she mumbled, suddenly drained. "Oh dear, I knew I shouldn’t have had that second drink." She finally looked up at Toya to see his golden eyes watching her intently. “Long Island Ice Tea… yum,” she grinned.

Toya shook his head. He didn’t think he had been gone long enough for her to get drunk, but there she was. "I’m gonna take you back to the dorm, Kyoko. Suki and Shinbe can find their own way when they are ready." He watched her nod her head.

'So trusting,' Toya thought as he peeked out the door. ‘It’s a mistake to ever be that trusting,’ He mentally growled. It looked like Kotaro had the demons handled, so he hurried her to the red Bronco parked close to the curb and slid her into the passenger seat.

Chapter 6 "Enemy’s Touch"

He didn’t say a word as he drove and she almost fell asleep on the way back to the dorm. When he got her out of the vehicle, she looked up at him and for a moment they stood still, Toya holding her to him to keep her steady.

Kyoko gazed deep in his golden eyes and whispered, "Toya, I missed you,” her voice sounded so truthful.

Toya suddenly got the strangest feeling that he had missed her too, somehow, before now. He touched her cheek, frowning as something flashed in his mind. He saw her lying outside, under a tree, sleeping on a blanket… and him above her, sitting in that tree watching her sleep.

Toya closed his eyes for an instant, and the image disappeared but left him with a warm feeling. He steered her toward the building, knowing they really wouldn’t be safe until they were inside. He could feel shadow demons hidden within the darkness watching them and he wondered why they didn’t attack.

Kyoko looked up at all the stairs and groaned, then felt her world tilt. She giggled as Toya lifted her up in his arms. She threw her own arms around his neck as they bounded up the steps, two at a time.

"Hey, I remember this," she closed her eyes and snuggled against him. "Safe, you and me and … dreams." she whispered as she fell into a very light sleep.

Toya stopped at the top of the stairs and stood still, taking a moment to gaze down at the bundle now cuddled in his arms. He had a creeping sensation this was where she was supposed to be. Then he frowned. There was more going on here then what Kyou had told him. He started up the second flight of stairs, wondering at the sense of déjà vu he was getting from holding her against him.

Once they rounded the corner and stepped into the hallway they belonged on, it dawned on him, Kyoko's door was probably locked. Toya scowled as he drew closer to her room, wondering where her key was.

He looked at his own apartment door as he passed it, wanting to slow down, then shook his head, passing it up. He didn’t think that Kyou or Kyoko would appreciate her waking up in his room in the morning.

He was halfway to her door when he stopped, looking down at her. His voice, for once, was soft, "Kyoko. Kyoko, wake up. We’re here.” Toya shifted her to set her on her feet, and had to hold her flush against him to keep her from teetering.

Kyoko squinted, trying to keep her eyes open and focused on Toya. She was so drowsy.

"Hey, where'd you put your door key?" Toya looked her over, even turning her a little, checking for pockets but couldn’t find any. His eyes landed back on her face seeing her confusion. "Kyoko I…" His words died in his throat when he saw the look in her eyes. It was as if something had just dawned on her… more like she had just seen a ghost.

Kyoko was confused, 'something.' What had she been doing? It seemed so important. Her eyes focused on Toya's golden ones and it dawned on her, she had been looking for him... His eyes matched a picture floating around in her head, one she couldn’t clearly see.

"Toya?" She leaned up close to his face as far as she could, searching his eyes, telling him something, but without knowing the words. Her hand gave off a soft blue glow as she touched him.

Toya wasn’t sure what was going on, but when she reached up and touched his cheek with the palm of her hand, he felt something rush through his mind like a tidal wave. Fierce emotions that almost knocked him to his knees, and the one sane thought out of all of it was that he’d found her. The sensation sent a jolt of possessiveness through him.

Kyoko's eyes moved to his lips… she had always wanted to taste them. So close, her breath almost stopped and she wondered if she was still dreaming. Time abruptly started again, even though she hadn’t known it had stopped. She lowered her hand looking down at it. She felt drained. She hadn’t realized it, but she had unknowingly used her powers to try and explain what she was feeling.

"Kyoko? What was that?” Toya held her tighter now, not wanting to let her go, and not understanding why.

Kyoko looked around the hall now feeling strange. She felt like she missed something and it saddened her. "I don’t know...” Kyoko was looking everywhere but at him. She had come so close to kissing him and because she hadn’t… she now felt empty somehow. 'Must be the alcohol,' she thought. "I’m sleepy." She wasn’t lying. She hoped that would get her out of trying to explain what she didn’t know.

Without warning, Toya picked her back up, cradling her to his chest. "If you have your key, I’ll open the door to your room Kyoko,” his voice now unusually husky.

Kyoko blinked. Her key? Reaching down, she felt for it in the hidden pocket of the skirt and pulled it out, giving it to Toya, then relaxed. Her cheek was against his chest, again leaving things up to him. She silently listened to his heartbeat, the rhythm she had missed so much.

Toya glanced back at his room, really wanting to take her there instead. He even started in that direction, but sighed, knowing he shouldn’t. He had just wanted to keep her close to him… that’s all. He turned to go down the hall to her room, and did so as silently as possible, not wanting to alert Kyou.

Deep inside, he knew Kyou was already aware they had returned. He could feel him and didn’t like it.

Shifting Kyoko, Toya unlocked her door and took her inside, closing it behind them with his foot. He inhaled slowly. She hadn’t been in this room long and it already held her special scent. Bypassing the living room, he quickly went into her bedroom, and then did the strangest thing. He crawled up on the bed with her, still holding her, resting his back against the headboard.

At the moment, he couldn’t let go of her, pulling the cover up around her, wrapping her against his warmth. He closed his eyes, pressing her even tighter against him. What was it he’d felt in the hall? It felt like something was trying to wake up inside him, and he wanted to know what the hell it was. He desperately wanted to remember.

Toya opened his haunted golden eyes and watched Kyoko sleep. She looked like an angel. Her face was still flushed from alcohol, causing the corners of his lips to lift. ‘She wasn’t much of a drinker.’ His gaze darted to her rose petal lips, making his stomach muscles tighten, and he tore his eyes away, feeling heat spread across his face.

He could’ve sworn… in the hall just now… she’d been about to kiss him. Toya made up his mind. He moved to lay her gently on her pillow and covered her up, knowing he needed to leave before he did something even stranger. All his instincts were telling him that Kyoko was his, and he had to fight the need to lay claim on her. He stared down at her wondering… wanting.

Kyoko sighed in her sleep, reaching her arms out, she gripped his shirt. “Stay with me Toya,” she mumbled, still asleep.

Toya felt a stirring in his heart as he gazed down at her. He didn’t want to leave either. But he knew he had to… should Kyou find him here alone with her, all hell would break loose. However, at the moment, the idea didn’t sound all that bad. Shaking his head he sighed heavily and placed his hands over hers.

He silently pried her fingers from his shirt and then did something that surprised even himself. He slowly bent down, pushing her hair from her face and kissed her forehead. He stepped back when she mumbled what he thought was, ‘you found me.’

Shaking the weird feeling he was getting away, he walked to the door, turning one last time to look at her sleeping form. Toya grinned from ear to ear as he made his way out into the hall, only to come face to face with a very angry Kyou.

“Just what were you doing Toya?” Kyou’s face was devoid of emotion, although Toya swore he saw a faint flicker of fire cross his eyes.

Toya raised his head up in defiance, not afraid to face Kyou. “I was putting Kyoko to bed. She had a couple drinks too many.” He tried to hide the grin that crossed his face when Kyou’s eyes widened in surprise at his statement.

Kyou could smell the low-level demon blood on Toya and arched an eyebrow. "You fought." It was a statement not a question. "So they know she is here?" He looked over Toya's head and into Kyoko’s open bedroom door. "She was untouched?" Kyou asked, in a tone that made Toya wince.

Now that was a direct question, but Toya wondered at it then scoffed, "Yes, she was touched by many, but harmed by none. I wouldn’t let anyone hurt Kyoko." His voice had raised a notch as if he’d been insulted by the question. Even he hadn’t liked the fact that Kyoko had danced with others.

Toya gritted his teeth in annoyance, wondering again why all of a sudden he was so possessive over her.

Kyou watched the obvious emotions running across Toya's face. No matter what Kyou had taught him, he still wore his emotions so clearly that he could read his younger brothers feelings like a book. Kyou’s eyes narrowed knowing Toya was once again falling in love with Kyoko, even if he had not realized it yet.

He resentfully wondered if those feelings were so strong that no amount of time or space would ever be able to erase them. For now, he needed to see for himself that Kyoko was safe. Kyou silently walked into Kyoko's apartment and crossed to her bedroom. Stopping beside her, leaning down with an arm on each side of her shoulders, he inhaled her scent, then snarled in anger.

Toya had only hesitated a couple seconds before following Kyou back into her room. But when he entered, Kyou was bent over Kyoko. Instantly, Kyou snapped his head up and snarled, giving Toya a powerful death stare, his eyes bleeding into a crimson color. Toya could feel his blood almost freezing in his veins and panic filled his chest. Within an instant, Kyou had Toya by the throat, and pinned him to the wall.

"You dare to let the enemy touch her!" His eyes revealed the truth in his words. Kyou's voice was deadly as he tightened his grip around his brother’s throat, "Who touched Kyoko?"

Toya blinked, scowling, and shoved the stronger guardian as hard as he could. When it didn’t work, he just stopped and stared Kyou straight in the eyes, until finally Kyou loosened his grip, and tossed him sideways.

Toya hit the floor hard then slowly stood up, pissed off and rubbing his bruised neck. "What the hell are you talking about? She was watched the whole time, asshole!” Toya yelled at the enraged face still towering above him.

Kyou's blood receded from his eyes, as he stood there like an angry statue, glaring down at Toya. "Then you watched the enemy touch her." His face was etched in stone, and Toya could tell he was dead serious.

"How do you know?" Toya flew passed Kyou and leaned over Kyoko's still sleeping form, trying to tell the same way Kyou had, wanting to be able to tell.

Kyou watched as Toya tried. He was growling softly now, annoyed and impatient. "Smell past her scent to the ones that cling to her." His voice still held the sting of venom, but secretly he was impressed that Toya was showing signs of trying.

Toya ignored Kyou, needing to block him out completely. He concentrated everything he had on Kyoko, feeling her scent all around him, and then as if shifting through sand, he removed her sweet scent, and found others still there. Suki, he dug deeper, Kamui, Shinbe. Kotaro’s scent was strong and aroused, making Toya scowl. He was going to have a talk with Kotaro about controlling his urges.

Closing his eyes tighter, Toya concentrated. His eyes opened with shattering silver streaks shining within the vivid gold and just stared at her. He smelled it as plain as day. It wasn’t a human aura or demon either. It was just evil… the barest hint of it, but enough.

He felt Kyou's presence beside him. “But… when?” Toya whispered more to himself than to Kyou.

Kyou sat down on the edge of the bed, intently watching her for a minute. So, Toya had let danger near her and not even known it. He did not like this disappointment.

"No more." His eyes never left Kyoko's face. His words were clearly directed toward a now sullen Toya, "If you will not protect her, then I will."

Toya stood watching Kyou. He growled, not liking the feeling of failure and his eyes narrowed. "I know you haven’t told me the whole truth, Kyou. I’ll find out what you’re hiding, and I will protect Kyoko." His words held a soft edge as he said her name. "What am I missing?" the question was said aloud, but meant only for himself.

Kyou grew weary of Toya's confused presence. "Leave. I will stay and watch her." He dismissed Toya without another thought as he crawled up on the bed beside Kyoko, not touching her, but close enough to raise the hair on the back of Toya’s neck.

Toya didn’t like this, not at all. Still confused at the evil he smelled on her, and not knowing where it‘d come from had him mad as hell. Although, nothing compared to the sight of Kyou lying so close to her on the mattress. Toya stormed over to the chair that was in the corner of her room and sat down really hard.

Folding his arms in front of him in stubborn anger, he informed the prick in the bed, "I’ll watch, too."

The room was quiet the rest of the night, but the dull roar within their own minds was deafening. They could have been shouting and it still wouldn’t have been as loud. It had come down to this, both of them spending the entire night glaring at one another over Kyoko’s sleeping form.

***** Kyoko felt the light trying to peek through her eyelids and instantly turned her face to a darker side, moaning. Staying still for a minute helped.

'Oh please tell me I did not drink alcohol last night,' she mentally pleaded with herself.

Now she knew why she’d never bothered to drink the stuff. She’d seen a couple of her friends drink it, and had helped them when they drank too much. Now she knew their pain. "Please, I’ll never do it again. I promise," she moaned miserably, thinking she was alone.

Toya smirked when he heard the pain filled voice. He was still sitting in the same chair he’d fallen asleep in last night. Sometime before daylight, Kyou had slipped away. Toya breathed easier now that it was just Kyoko lying in the bed, though he didn’t know what her reaction would be when she noticed he was there with her.

Kyoko pushed her hands against the mattress, feeling how soft the bed really was. She hadn’t noticed last night. Her eyebrows furrowed as she thought about last night. She remembered coming back, but it was sketchy. She rose up and looked around, her movements stopping when she saw Toya sitting near her in a chair.

"Finally decide to wake up?" he still couldn’t help but smirk at her. She looked so miserable, and he could tell her head hurt by the way she was squinting at him. He watched as she started to say something, then closed her mouth and swallowed.

Toya got up and left the room, only to come right back with a glass of juice, "Here, try this."

Kyoko brought her legs up under the cover into a sitting position, and took the drink from him with a thankful smile. Taking a couple drinks and swallowing carefully, she closed her eyes.

'Geez, why do I feel like I ate my pillow?' She glanced at Toya then raised a delicate eyebrow, 'And why do I feel like he is laughing his head off at me?' She lowered the drink watching him with hooded eyes, "Thank you."

Toya took the drink from her and sat down on the bed beside her, "Kyoko, I know you probably don’t feel like it right now but we need to talk." He had so many things he wanted to ask her, but wanted her to be awake and clear minded enough to answer him. "Do you even remember coming back here last night?" he asked in a soft tone.

Kyoko nodded then grabbed her head, "Oowww!" She whispered, not wanting to make it hurt worse, "Did you stay here all night?"

Without answering her, Toya got up and left the room again, this time returning with a bottle and handing it to her. Kyoko took it, looking at it questionably, and then grinned seeing it was for headaches.

"Thanks… Can I take the whole bottle?" her voice was a little louder this time. She was already feeling somewhat better, but opened the bottle anyway. He handed the drink back so she could swallow a couple of the pills.

Kyoko frowned, realizing she’d slept in her clothes. Looking back at Toya she decided she didn’t want to talk yet. She wanted to take a bath first.

"Can this wait for a little while?" at his instant frown, she pleaded. "Please, I want to take a bath. Then, I promise we will talk." Her eyes drifted to the doorway of the bathroom longingly.

"Okay.” Toya didn’t mind waiting. He didn’t like the thought of that evil scent on her anyway. Kotaro’s smell either. He tried to ignore it, but now that he was paying attention, she even had Kyou's scent on her. He huffed, "Yeah, I’ll wait until you get out."

Toya left her room again and Kyoko waited to hear the door to the hall open, but the sound never came. Shrugging, she got up and headed to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her, and started the water running.

‘I wonder why he’s still here?’ she thought to herself. Trying to remember everything from last night, she undressed and got in the tub, letting the hot water fill it up very high while she relaxed.

Toya heard the water running for a long time and started to worry. Stepping back into her bedroom, he reached for the doorknob on the bathroom, and then jerked his hand back as if it had caught on fire.

'Damn! I’ve got to get a hold of myself. What the hell am I doing?’ He knocked on the door loudly.

Kyoko jumped, the water almost overflowing, "Oh god!"

Toya paused, his heart hammering, and then jerked the door open. Taking a step inside, thinking she was in trouble, he was hit full in the face with a wet rag and an ear-piercing scream. He ran out just as fast as he’d entered, yelling only after the door was again firmly closed behind him.

"Kyoko, what the hell are you doing in there?" He could hear a splash, and then everything went quiet again.

Kyoko glared at the door but relented enough to tell him, "You scared the hell out of me. What did you think you were doing?" She rolled her eyes and grabbed the sponge and soap.

Toya glared at the door, "Well, when I knocked, you sounded like you freaked out."

Kyoko looked at the water level and mumbled, "That’s because I was asleep and almost drowned." She didn’t think he could hear her until she heard his angry reply.

"You really are helpless, aren’t you? Do I have to come in there and watch you take a damn bath, or are you going to wake up now?" Toya jumped back when he heard something crash against the door.

"Fine, you have ten minutes Kyoko. If you aren’t out… then I’m coming in." He turned on his heels and left the room.

Kyoko sank under the water, wetting her hair. Ten minutes! Just who in the hell did he think he was, her keeper? She jerked back up, remembering him carrying her up the stairs, and then something about her hand glowing. Her movements quickened, now that she had some questions of her own she wanted to ask.

A few minutes later, with a huge towel securely around her, she peeked out of the bathroom and sighed thankfully when she saw the coast was clear. Coming out of the bathroom, she headed for her dresser drawers, pulling out an oversized T-shirt and a pair of black workout stretch pants. Right now, she just wanted to be comfortable. She headed back to the bathroom and closed the door.

Toya heard her go back into the bathroom and wandered back into her room, waiting on her. 'Girls are so damn slow,' he thought to himself as he sat down on the bed. Then throwing himself backward in frustration, he lay completely still.

Her scent now surrounding him. He closed his eyes but could still see, and what he was looking at he couldn’t figure out. Last night he had the same fleeting glimpse, but this one disturbed him.

He threw his arm across his eyes to block out the light and tried to hold on to the fleeting vision… Kyoko was standing there with a school uniform on. She looked maybe a year or two younger, but it was Kyoko and she seemed to be staring straight at him. The forest stretched out behind her as the wind ran imaginary fingers through her hair, and she smiled at him. It was a memory that he didn’t remember happening.

Hearing the door open, Toya pushed up on his elbows and watched her come out of the bathroom. "It’s about time." He tossed himself backwards again, now ignoring her until she came and sat down next to him. He glanced up at her, "Have you ever …spent time away from home… say deep… in the woods maybe?" He watched as she nodded and lay down beside him, turning on her side, propping her head up on her hand.

"Yeah, I have. I don’t remember too much about what happened during that time. Why do you ask?" She wondered if maybe he was remembering things that she didn’t. If so, she wanted to know what they were. But how could she ask him anything when she’d promised Kyou that she wouldn’t say anything?

‘What was she talking about?’ Toya lowered his eyes in confusion.

“You don’t remember? Why don’t you remember?" he watched her flop over on her back, looking up and away from him, as if hiding something, and it annoyed him. "Fine, then, I don’t care if you tell me or not." He jerked up into a sitting position and started to get up, but felt her grab his wrist to stop him.

"I don’t know why, but I have a type of… amnesia." She didn’t want to lie to him, and she wasn’t lying to him, not really. How did she know if Kyou was telling the truth about her past? Then she frowned. For some reason, she knew Kyou wasn’t lying to her but… “I wish I could remember."

"How did you get amnesia, Kyoko?” Toya's voice was again soft as he gazed down at her. Normally he didn’t like anybody, but with her it was different. He flopped back on the bed, putting his hands behind his head.

"I don’t know. There are about three years that I really don’t remember much of." She rolled back over to look at him, "That’s all I know." She said the words firmly so he wouldn’t try to pry any more information out of her. Besides, what could she say? She didn’t even remember him.

"You remember nothing?" Toya sighed, wishing she remembered more.

Kyoko closed her eyes, "Just a feeling, like I’ve lost something important and can’t find it."

Toya just lay there, watching her for a moment, and the picture became a little clearer in his memory. He lay back, staying still, when he felt her heartbeat slow. He realized she was going right back to sleep and closed his eyes.

Another image started to flicker behind his eyelids… She was standing on something, she looked angry and her hands were glowing. She raised them up in front of her, and to his amazement, she shot some kind of life force blast at something or someone. His eyes followed it, wondering what she was shooting at.

‘What the hell!’ Toya’s mind screamed. ‘Now I know I’m losing it.’ She had been aiming at Kyou. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes, only to wonder if he even opened them, because right in front of him, was the same very angry Kyou.

"Come," Kyou’s voice was cold. He left the room, leaving Toya with no choice but to follow him. Once out of Kyoko's hearing range, he turned on Toya. "Why are you alone with her?” Kyou snapped then calmed again. He really hadn’t meant it like that, but could already see Toya's eyes darken.

"Jealous?” Toya spat at Kyou. He crossed his arms in front of him, giving the older guardian his most annoyed look. "Who are you, my keeper?"

"It would not do for you to push me when it comes to the priestess." Kyou's voice dripped with venom. "This is not a game, Toya."

Toya smirked. "She trusts me, and that’s enough." It was Toya's turn to snap. Then he took a step closer to Kyou. "Why do I feel like there’s something you don’t want me to find out?" He watched a flash of guilt cross Kyou's golden eyes.

Toya stood rigid with the knowledge that he was right. Kyou didn’t have to answer him, he already knew. "What are you hiding?" he glared accusingly, remembering the flicker of whatever it was he’d just remembered while laying with Kyoko.

Kyou stalked him, forcing Toya to back up, scowling. His eyes narrowed into slits. "Do not bite off more than you can chew." He reached out, grasping Toya's exposed throat, then hissed, "You might find that you choke."

Toya's feet were off the floor by about a foot and he tried everything to gain his release, but he’d pushed Kyou too far this time. He knew he couldn’t beat Kyou. Still he had pushed, knowing the guardian had no tolerance for it. As Toya’s sight began to fade into darkness, his thoughts were on Kyoko. He really didn’t want to leave her alone with Kyou, not after seeing the images he had in his mind. True or not, he wanted to be sure… he wanted her to be safe.

Kyou released Toya after he was sure the guardian was unconscious. A sense of pride swept over him at watching his younger sibling hit the floor in a heap and crumble over, out cold. No, he would not kill him… that had never been his intent. He knew Toya could take a lot more than that.

He had just wanted time to think before answering his brother’s question, but the boy had no patience. Kyou just wanted quiet. He raised an eyebrow, almost smirking. Now he had quiet. He reached down for his younger brother. Picking him up swiftly, he flung Toya over his shoulder, and carried him out of Kyoko’s room and down the hall as if he weighed nothing.

Entering Toya’s room, he dumped him on the floor, none too gently, before closing the door behind him. Kyou turned and simply looked at the door with no emotion at all. The door turned from its off white color to a shimmering fluorescent blue, before fading back to white.

Kyou turned, his lips slightly tilting in the barest hint of a smirk as he walked away. The barrier he had just placed on the door would hold his fuming brother, at least for a little while.