Rose's thorns

Kyuhyun was kicked from behind and he stumbled to the ground. He still didn't really feel anything as he body stayed numb to pain. He jumped up pulling his long dagger out for protection if Shiki decided to attack from the front.

Artemis snapped at Shiki now angry for hurting her and what she considered her master. Seeing the basilisk attack and in return attacked she was suddenly upon the assailant all claws bared as she stomped down on Shiki's chest. A little blood stained her feathers as she let out a deafening shriek right at his face. She landed down before jumping backwards distancing herself and using her wings to push her even farther back, landing beside the human. Artemis was more concerned with protecting Kyuhyun and herself than trying to track the Basilisk and its dark counterpart.
 
Shiki growled at the bird, as he fell to the ground. Sitting up calmly as she removed herself. "Oh poo," he whined, only teasingly as he looked down at the blood on his shirt. "Of course, this bird is a day dweller, she knows nothing of us night creatures." He stood to his feet, the red stains on his shirt slowly turning black as they spread through the fabric.

He slipped the shirt off, tossing it to the ground. Revealing the markings that covered his entire torso, almost illuminating him. The black that dripped from his body soon ran it's course through the markings, the glow dulled as they darkened. The only thought that ran through his mind was the perfection, that was Shiki's foul temper, only growing stronger.

He ran toward them, vanishing into the beast large shadow only inches before them. He shifted his body in the darkness, a shadow that resembled him rising from the ground. It's eyes as red and dark as the basilisk he'd created some time earlier. It's claws lunged at the beast, Shiki's physical body appearing at Kyuhyun's side, laying another blow to the blood stained area. Landing another kick to the same area, hoping to break the few ribs that were still intact.

The basilisk regained it's composure after the dark creature attacked him. It rounded its self, biting at the creature that was attacking it. As it sank it's teeth into the dark flesh, feeling the darkness that resembled blood, ooze between its teeth, it pulled hard. Dragging the creature a good distance from the beast. It took the defensive stance, waiting for another attack.
 
Kyuhyun was ready this time when Shiki disappeared from his view. He lashed out with his dagger deflecting the blow efficiently. He tackled the boy to the ground with a cheeky smirk and kissed his nose trying to psych him out before jumping on the Griffins back taking off.

Artemis fended the the shadow being knocking it away for just a second and taking off with Kyuhyun on her back. She and Kyuhyun were out-matched and out-numbered. If only Kyuhyun knew magic that could combat darkness everything then would be okay. For now they we're safe as long as they for some reason knew how to fly. Kyuhyun hoped to god they didn't know how to fly. He did a quick check over to see if he was injured in anyway and was thanking for the bandages around the bleeding area.

All they had to do was hold out until morning when Shiki's power waned and he came to his senses.
 
Shiki looked a bit stunned, feeling the boys lips brush against his nose. "What the hell Kyuhyun," he shouted as he sat up wiping his nose. For the moment Shiki's rage died down, replaced more by confusion as he glared up at the boy. Teeth sinking into his shoulder knocked him back to his rage like state, the basilisk peering into his eyes as it bit down at him.

Raising another dark creature from the shadows, he practically flung it at the basilisk, knocking it off it's feet. Shiki stood., the blood running black again as he peered up into the sky's at Kyuhyun and the griffin. "You're going to piss me off." He took a step back, the two black shrouded figures attacking the basilisk at all angles as they clawed and bit into its flesh.

Kneeling to the ground, Shiki examined the aspects of the griffin from its under belly, grinning as the black mimicked figure rose behind him. Stepping back into the creatures body, his tattoo's the only thing visible as he was surrounded by the darkness. From inside he had better control of the beast, spreading it's wings wide, as to get the hang of seeing like the large bird like beast. Finally it, well he, took off into the skies. Only barely missing one of the dark figures being flung towards him.

As the basilisk watched the Shiki take off, he returned his attention to the blackness that stood before him, peering into it's blood red eyes. Hissing, he sprang forward, his front claws extended as the back four pushed him forward.
 
Kyuhyun was surprised that his little tactic worked. He pulled a large smile before turning serious again. He urged Artemis to go higher and higher. He was formulating ideas as they went up. They stopped for a little bit to allow Kyuhyun to see what was going on below them. He was alarmed to say the least when he saw a shadow griffin and Shiki inside it. He quickly formulated a plan holding tightly as Artemis flew higher.

The pair was well above them when Kyuhyun stood up and lept off Artemis' back. He felt confident that she would catch him when the time called for it. Squawking the griffin dived below them falling faster than Kyuhyun because of her streamlined shape. She passed Shiki and scraped a claw down the side of shadow beast attempting to distract Shiki from Kyuhyun.
 
Shiki watched the on goings, having no interest in chasing so far after Kyuhyun. The boy was bound to return to the ground eventually, and to chase after him would be a waste of energy. Pushing himself through the darkness, he stood atop the creature as it held steady it's position in the air. It let out a blood curdling screech, looking up at the boy plummeting from the bird. It's original instinct, whatever was formulating in Shiki's mind, to go after the boy.

Shiki moved before the winged beast did, waiting for Kyuhyun to rush past them. Before the boy passed them, Shiki sliced at the air, a dark wave like motion pushing forward from the movement. Knowing Kyuhyun himself couldn't block the attack, he jumped off the black beast just as the griffin brushed by. Falling toward the water below them.

His body slipped through the water, hiding away in the vast darkness. Night had a way of hiding everything from the light, giving a chance for black magic to thrive. Shiki grinned as he noticed the position of the water, the moon light reflecting off and away. Below the surface was cold and dark.

The shadow griffin let out another screech, diving after the griffin. It's black beak dug into the griffins back legs, pulling back as it felt the flesh grinding between the sharp edges of it's beak. It's wings pushed hard, trying to keep the griffin away from Kyuhyun so he'd splash into the dark abyss below.

The basilisk was fairing well, it's scales still decently intact from the claws and teeth that had tried to dig through it. It's dark counter part was oozing blood all over, black puddles, mixed with the blood red were scattered about. The two were at a stand still now, the basilisk panting lightly before making another lung at the dark mass.
 
Kyuhyun spun outta control as he was hit though that didn't make him descend any faster. The ground was coming up towards him and he hissed knowing whatever he was going to hit, it was going to hurt and possibly kill him because he was going terminal velocity unless he was caught quickly. He directed himself towards the griffins not caring who he landed on right now.

Artemis spun around quickly lashing about the dark beast and bit it's neck hard incapacitating it for a little while. With the small opening of incapactation the real griffin dug it's claws in the others eyes before turning to Kyuhyun almost catching him. They were nearing the surface and Kyuhyun now would surely die if he hit anything on the ground even water. With a sound Artemis fell in a head dive and got below the boy catching him this time. The boy fell to hard on her back and they spiraled outta control falling deep in the forest with a thud far from the water source.

Kyuhyun was knocked out for a minute on impact and laid still for a long time until he felt nudging on his side and a small coo from the bird. He sat up surprised that he didn't break any bones from the impact. He got up shakily and limped to the nearest tree taking refuge under one of the large roots as Artemis followed him. She was the reason he was alive and well right now and was able to slow the spiral enough so they wouldn't fall unnaturally.
 
Shiki growled in annoyance. Forcing himself to the surface, the basilisk was the one he took his anger out on. Pulling the darkness of the water up around him, he somehow thrust it forward. As it collided with the already worn basilisk, it tore through it's flesh, acting as a thousand little daggers. The dark figures had faded, most of Shikiyoku's energy waster on pulling such an element out of place.

By now the basilisk had fallen, making one hell of a fight as it finally did. Shiki peered over his shoulder, noticing the small light peeking over the mountains. "Figures, there's never enough hours in the night." As he strode forward, the glow of his tattoo's died down, taking with it his blood lust. He patted the bloodied basilisk on it's head as it laid limp on the ground.

"You did well for yourself," he stated softly, wiping a bit of blood from it's face. "I guess we'll name you Havoc for the hell you've just reaped." He walked back to the water, picking up his black stained shirt as he did. Dipping the shirt in, he watched the black blood drain away, letting out a sigh of annoyance. "Humans don't understand anything." As he returned to the basilisk, now named Havoc, he wiped away the blood, dapping lightly at his wounds. "Once the sun is fully up you can rest."
 
Kyuhyun smiled as the first hints of dawn started to shine. It has been a long time since he slept and he looked over at the Griffin curled up in herself. He shifted over and inspected the wounds on her legs and body. Hissing at the sight of them all he could do was disinfect them which she didn't like that much. Once that was done and over with he made himself comfortable popping another pill in his mouth swallowing it dry and falling asleep waiting for Shiki and the Basilisk (which he hoped wasn't too harmed) to find them.
 
Havoc was still weak from his battle, small growls escaping here and there as the sting of the water filled his wounds. As the cloth Shiki used to clean up the blood began to drip again, he stepped to the beast. Staring down into it's eyes, it only looked up at him, accepting it's defeat with a low growl. "You'll be alright. The next time you see me fighting like that again it won't be against you." Smiling softly at the beast, he soaked the cloth again, then rung it out. As he continued to wipe the beast's body cleaned, he looked up at the sun. His tattoo's faded away, his eyes returning to the light auburn color they originally were.

He yawned a bit, reaching his hands into the air as he stretched. The basilisk was as clean as he could get him, the blood wiped clean away. The wounds he'd gotten would probably leave scars, the few that broke through the scales would be hidden by them once more. Shiki let out a soft sigh, taking a seat next to Havoc, and leaning up against him lightly. "I have to go look for the human soon," he said, feeling himself a bit weak.

Magic was never his thing, it was a difficult thing for him to use and even harder for him to control. Relinquishing some power to the demon was the easiest way for the use of magic to come so easily to him. Since he wasn't use to the use of such things though, it tended to where him out. The fight for maintaining some ounce of control of the demon inside him wasn't easy either. His eyes shut for a moment, resting against the large beast.
 
Kyuhyun woke up a few hours later the sun shining fully in his eyes. He cracked his eyes open letting some of the light in before opening them wide. He stretched cracking every major joint in his body simultaneously before standing up. His shift in weight woke Artemis up who blinked wearily before shaking her head waking herself up. Standin up to her whole height stretching her wings out.

"Do you suppose we should find Shiki now?" Kyuhyun said turning to the majestic beast who coo'd as if saying "Do whatever you want kid,"
Shrugging Kyuhyun boosted himself up onto the Griffin's back. They gave a running start before taking off in the air. The korean stared at the morning skies smiling at how he usually misses this beauty at home.

A few minutes later Artemis and Kyuhyun landed quietly on the ground where the mini battle went on. Kyuhyun saw Shiki asleep and he smiled. It was about damned time. He quietly slid off of the beast's back and slowly walked to Shiki. He knelt beside the half-demon careful not to touch the Basilisk and smiled. He was nice looking when he wasn't angry. Deciding it was time for him to get up Kyuhyun lightly kissed Shiki's nose sitting back on his legs poking him with an innocent face.
 
He seemed almost timid as he opened his eyes, peering up at the boy. Letting out a soft breath he sat up, removing the pressure he was applying to the basilisk side. It took some time to register the bright gleam from the sun, and the light touch that had caressed his nose. Soon he was wide eye'd and rubbing at his noise again. "Damn it Kid, what is it with you and the touching," he said in an angry whisper as he wiped frantically at his nose. He stayed quiet for the most part, not wanting to wake the basilisk as it rested. Heaving out a sigh, he laid against the basilisk side again. "I knew I should have killed you," he half teased the boy, though taking a few seconds to think the option over. Closing his eyes again, he listened to the small hum from withing the beast as he breathed quietly in his sleep. Peeking one eye open, he looked over at Kyuhyun, then up at the griffin that irritated him to no ends. "There are consequences Kyuhyun," he was calm still, though more serious than he had been the first few times he'd spoken. "When I tell you to do something there is reasoning behind it. You need to remember this is my world, not yours. And for last nights mistake you will have to pay."
 
"Didn't I pay enough last night?" Kyuhyun asked grimacing at the thought placing a hand on his bloodstained side "but I get your point," he crawled closer to shiki leaning in a bit "And I'll admit that you won last night,"

Kyuhyun felt oddly happy for some reason, he didn't know if it was because everything about this situation was comfortable even though they were talking about punishment, or if was another reason. "And you still have to pay for hurting Artemis, she doesn't like you anymore but I'm pretty sure she respects you now," Artemis walked towards them hearing her name as she nudged Kyuhyun. Because of kyuhyun's weakened state it was more of a shove that made him tip over into Shiki's lap.
 
"Me pay?!" He rolled his eyes, scoffing at the thought of paying for anything. With his aggressive nature and prideful ways, he'd like to see anyone try to make him 'pay' for anything. "Besides such useless talk, your pet is what--" Shiki stared down at Kyuhyun questioningly as he fell into his lap.

Sighing, he rested his head against the basilisk and left the boy be. "Never mind, we'll discuss it later." Strangely, he felt comfortable with the boy so close, soaking up the warmth of the sun shining down on them. Again he peeked open one eye, looking at the resting beast, it's scales reflecting the bright rays of light.

The puddles of blood and water gleamed and glittered, the light sparkling within them. Shiki looked down at Kyuhyun again, peeking at him through the corner of his eye. 'What a pain,' he thought quietly to himself. "I need to hunt something for Havoc when he wakes up." Shiki brushed his hand through Kyuhyun's hair, waiting for him to get off of his lap and out of his way.
 
[FONT=Tahoma, Calibri, Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif]Kyuhyun watched the sky after he turned around the others lap. He was too comfy to move anymore and was content in just laying there watching little birds flit across the sky. Artemis coo'd a little bit laying down beside the basilisk not touching the six legged creature. It was like the calm after the storm. Kyuhyun felt like he could fall asleep but he didnt want to miss this peaceful moment.

What felt like hours later he felt a hand in his hair combing through the windswept hair. He laughed a bit thining he probably looked horrible. Kyuhyun sat up stretching before hearing his stomach grumble loudly. He remembered he didn't get to eat last night because of Artemis flying away. He smiled sheepishly at the other guiltily.[/FONT]
 
Shiki got to his feet, stepping past the boy. Smiling, he looked over his shoulder, down at Kyuhyun. "There's fish in the lake. I won't be gone long, not in the mood to chase after or fight any of these pathetic forest dwellers. When I return, if you'd like, I can catch a few fish for you." Shiki dust himself off, "Other wise I'm sure you and the bird will fair well for yourself's."

After his parting words, and a small hand gesture he counted as a wave, he parted into the tree's. Pulling out his dagger, he strode on. The forest was full of all types of animals and mythic creatures, some he'd probably never seen before. They had parted ways with the forest of Kirin, and Shiki had no real idea of any other forest animals beyond that point. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking out for anything he could easily kill with one hit.

Finally he noticed a small deer like creature, horns were placed behind it's ears, short yet still efficient for head on collisions.. Down it's back a decorative frill, matching the color of it's fur and tail. Shiki admired it's grace for a moment, having never seen one that looked that way. Shrugging, he threw his dagger, aiming for it's head. The small thud it created as it hit the floor made it known that Shiki hadn't missed.

As he approached it to pull out his dagger and take it back, he stroked it's neck gently, smiling at it. Then nodded his head in appreciation, something he made sure no one ever saw him do, as he lugged it over his shoulders and back to the small group.

As he returned, he tossed the creature on the ground in front of the basilisk, taking a seat before it as well.
 
Kyuhyun watched as Shiki dissolved into the forest. Smiling to himself he thought that Shiki was actually very nice to him despite almost killing him a few times. That didn't really matter though. Kyuhyun stood up careful not to disturb the recuperating beast and went to the water. He waded out taking off his clothes to clean off the dirt and blood on them. The bandages may be soaked now but it was well worth the dip in the water.

He felt refreshed and it wasn't water that was too cold to handle, just cold enough to raise goose bumps and give him a pleasant shock. He dipped his head back and scrubbed his scalp washing away any clingy dirt. He walked back with his jeans and shirt in hand laying them out on a rock by the water for them to dry. He laid down on the grass, the greenery rising a bit high causing him to be hidden for a little bit.

He stared lazily at the sky as Artemis flew aroun in circles to look for food using her sharp eagle eyes. He didn't really concern himself when Shiki came back into the clearing for he was wearing boxers.
 
Sighing, he removed the frills from the animal, the horns as well. Shiki patted the basilisk gently on the nose, rubbing it's snout slowly. The beast stirred a bit, though quickly fell back asleep.

Shiki watched the beast, unsure if he was going to wake up or not. Seeing as that wasn't his plan, Shiki returned to the water with the cloth he'd been using to wipe Havoc's wounds with. After repeating a process of soak and rinse, he went back to work on a few of the basilisk's wounds, wiping away any blood that had dried as he was resting. Havoc let out a low grumble, turning his head the opposite way and paying as little attention to Shiki as possible, making it obvious he still wanted to rest.

"Don't whine," Shiki said to him, watching him turn away to ignore him. He tossed the cloth to the side and returned to his seat at the creatures side, resting against him once again.
 
The griffin eventually cam back a few minutes later with a bearlike animal in her claws it's neck snapped. It was brown with bright blue spirals on either hind leg. The griffin dropped it a little away from the group protecting her food before walking over to kyuhyun dropping a fish on his chest. He didn't know where she got either of the animals but shrugged as he sat up and slinking off to the backpack for matches. He made a little fire pit near the water because there wasn't a chance of his surroundings catching on fire. He made quick work of the fire allowing the flames to heat up and build so they were strong. Kyuhyun cleaned the fish before skwering it with a stick and rotating it on the fire.

Once it was roasted he bit into the fish eating half of it before offering the other half for Shiki.
 
Shiki closed his eyes to relax, beginning to realize why he preferred traveling alone. The sound of the animal the griffin had caught as it landed on the ground caused him to peek around the basilisk for a moment, ruining his few seconds of piece. The handy work of the fire wasn't much help either. He tried to enjoy the serenity of the crackling flames as they burnt whatever it was they were burning. That small detail caught him off guard though, causing him to turn over again and peek at the two.

The basilisk growled softly at Shiki, feeling his every move as he tossed and turned, worrying himself over things that normally wouldn't be a big deal to him. In return, Shiki only glared at Havoc, knowing the beast didn't notice it at all. Wish a sigh, he rested against the creature again, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. Only to open them seconds later as he notice Kyuhyun and the half eaten fish.

"Fish, or rather meat, isn't really my thing. Enjoy yourself." He closed his eyes again, leaning his head against the basilisk in an attempt to get more rest before the sun went down.