逆境と戦う:Gyakkyō to Tatakau ~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~ & Sosuke0549

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

He didn't pay much attention to the thing he'd sensed, instead he covers his eyes again, and dozes off, remaining like this for an hour, until he hears a familiar voice calling his name. He opens his eyes, and looks down to see Gaara looking up at him. A frown forms on his lips, and he growls slightly. "What the hell do you want?" He snarls to the other Claymore, knowing that despite the distance, Gaara could hear him just fine.

 

Aoi winces slightly as a pang of hunger claws at his empty stomach. He hated this so much. However, he hated Gaara more. He jumps down from the tree, his feet slamming into the ground below. When he stood straight, he staggers a bit, almost falling into Gaara, but manages to steady himself. The deep hunger that was inside him was taking it's toll, making him dizzy and unsteady on his feet.

 

Taking a deep breath, he looks at Gaara, his eyes flashing with anger. For a moment, he just glares at the other Claymore, before repeating his question. "What do you want? Why the hell are you here? Haven't you caused me enough grief as it is? What are you going to do now? Make fun of me because of my jealousy of those humans? That I like men? Yeah, I admit it! And if that's all you came here to do, then save your breath. I don't need you wasting my time." Crossing his arms over his chest, he waits for Gaara to speak, annoyance and irritation in his expression as he glared at Gaara. He ignored the dizziness he felt, and focused on the other male.

[Sosuke0549]

Gaara met the strangers eyes, seeing it was in fact Aoi. The boy quickly frowns.

"What the hell do you want?"[/Quote]

He snarls. Gaara stares up at the other.

"..Please come down.."

 

The claymore jumps down from the tree, his feet slamming into the ground below but when he straightened up he staggers a bit almost falling into him. What was wrong? Gaara took notice of the others appearance. He looked slightly pale, and the fact that he almost fell ment he wasn't well.

 

Aoi had anger in his eyes as he glared at him. But the others cold eyes didn't faze him.

"What do you want? Why the hell are you here? Haven't you caused me enough grief as it is? What are you going to do now? Make fun of me because of my jealousy of those humans? That I like men? Yeah, I admit it! And if that's all you came here to do, then save your breath. I don't need you wasting my time."[/Quote]

So his assumption was correct. The other did like men... He was Jealous of those humans.

Aoi crossed his arms over his chest, annoyance and irritation on his face.

"...I realize I upset you, and I just wanted to apologize... I wouldn't mock you for being envious of humans...or the fact your interested in men...."

He said meeting the others gaze with his stunning blue eyes that were always serious.

"..Are you alright?....your skills are off and your looking pale......"

A little concern in his voice He would of touched the other but...it was clear He didn't like him.

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

He says nothing in reply to Gaara's first statement, only giving him a a cold stare, not fully believing him. The doubt that Aoi felt towards Gaara showed in his eyes. Although, when Gaara asked if he was alright, concern in his voice, Aoi looks away, staring hard at the ground beneath his feet. It felt as if he had been spinning in circles, the leaves and grass unfocused and blurred.

 

"I-I'm fine..." He replies, lying through his teeth. He needed to get off his feet, his head felt so weird, light and dizzy. Taking a step back, he staggers, and almost falls again, but manages to get to a tree and steady himself with it, before slumping against the rough bark of the tree trunk. Aoi needed food, his stomach felt like it was eating itself. Doubling over, he slumps to his knees, holding his stomach tightly.

 

Tears began to sting the corners of his eyes, as he groaned softly, oblivious to the fact that Gaara was still there. Gritting hus teeth, he attempts to muffle the sounds of pain he was making. "Dammit all to hell..." He groans, now hating himself for being such a stubborn fool.

[Sosuke0549]

"I-I'm fine..." [/Quote]

Gaara says nothing, watching as the other took a step only to stagger again. Aoi steady's himself with a tree. slumping against the rough bark.

"............"

Gaara said nothing, He knew the other wasn't fine...however He refused Gaara's help, and concern for him. He decided not to help the other unless he wanted help. Aoi was very strange, and he realized the more kindness he showed the other the more He frowned. The more He helped Aoi, the more hateful he was toward him. Normally people were kind in return but not this particular claymore. Aoi doubled over, slumping to his knees and holding his stomach tightly. Tears began to sting the corners of his eyes, as he groaned softly, gritting hus teeth.

"Dammit all to hell..."[/Quote]

Gaara looks at the ground. The other was very stubborn.

"If you'll allow me to help you, I will...What is wrong"

He asked, crossing his arms over his chest. He wouldn't touch the other any more unless he allowed him too. Not wanting to piss off Aoi any further. He had to find a way to get along with him, His mission depended on it.

"Are we not...friends? "

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

"What's wrong is the fact I'm an idiot." He groans, gritting his teeth again, and forcing himself to sit up, looking over at Gaara. Aoi didn't like this at all. Once again he was at the mercy of the other Claymore, not able to fend for himself. He closes his eyes a bit, softly sighing as he leaned up against the tree again. For a moment he was quiet, until he heard Gaara say something he never thought he'd hear.

 

'Are we not...friends?'

 

Aoi's eyes open at this statement, and looks over at Gaara. He hadn't thought that Gaara would say something like that. His surprise was evident, etched across his face. If he agreed to what Gaara said, then...Aoi would be looking at his one and only friend. For a moment he was silent, not saying anything, before taking a deep breath, trying to piece together his thoughts into words.

 

"Yeah...we're friends... " He looks straight at Gaara, the look in his eye changing from hatred to something different. Thoughtfulness and some other emotion. He winces again, his stomach growling loudly, sounding almost like a bear or a wild cat. He blushes from embarrassment, averting his eyes. "Well now you know what my problem is...surely you've heard about how the 'odd one out needs food every day or else he can't fight.' It could be anything really, even a simple apple could hold him over.

[Sosuke0549]

Aoi's eyes open at Gaara's statement about them being friends. Aoi looks at him rather surprised, he says nothing for a moment before speaking.

"Yeah...we're friends... "[/Quote]

Gaara was now a little surprised, he never expected the other to say such a thing. He looks straight into his eyes. And Gaara noticed how the others eyes changed from hatred to something different. Did the other really mean that? Had he just broken threw the others wall.Aoi winces again, his stomach growling loudly,and he blushes, most likely from embarrassment, averting his eyes. So the other was hungry.

"Well now you know what my problem is...surely you've heard about how the 'odd one out needs food every day or else he can't fight.' It could be anything really, even a simple apple could hold him over."[/Quote]

"I haven't...but I'll help you. Please stay here, I wont be long. "

Gaara quickly left, disappearing behind trees and bushes, about 10 minutes passed before he returned with two apples and some raspberries he had found.

"Here, I assumed this will be enough. "

He handed the other the food.

"..Please eat and regain your strength, I can't have you feeling ill.."

He faintly smiled at the other, as he sat next to him, looking out into the forest, waiting patiently... Gaara seemed to actually care about Aoi. However, he had to know what that Mark ment.., so he'd report to the organization and asked the man in black what the glowing flares ment On his back...

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

He waits, leaning against the tree, waiting for Gaara to return. When he did, Aoi nods when Gaara said he thought what he'd gotten would be enough. He accepts the food, and bites into one of the apples, sighing when the aches of hunger faded. He doesn't pay any attention to the fact Gaara had sat next to him, focusing intently on the food. He finishes the apple, and eats a few of the berries.

 

After starting on the second apple, he looks over at Gaara, lowering the apple from his mouth. Then he looks away, at the apple in his hand. He stares at the bite mark in the apple, a small frown on his lips. A moment of silence passes, and then he speaks up. "Thanks...you now, for caring...and coming after me..." He begins to eat again, a very faint blush on his cheeks.

 

Aoi finishes eating the apple and berries, his stomach now very happy. He could feel his strength returning, the dizziness in his head fading. Sighing softly, he leans his head back against the tree, and looks over at Gaara from the corner of his eye. He then looks up, staring at the sky through the branches of the trees. Sighing again, he runs his hand through his hair. What was going to happen now?

 

"Well...you ready to go? Or do you wanna stay here tonight?" Aoi asks, standing up, brushing off his pants, quite steady on his feet now, all signs of what happened moments earlier now gone. Once he got food in him, it didn't take very long for him to bounce back to his usual state of health. He looks to Gaara again, and waits, a hand resting lightly on his hip, his expression now blank once more.

[Sosuke0549]

Gaara stares out into the distance. Realizing how hard it has always been for him...and yet...he imaged how hard it was for Aoi. Being so different...the only one of your kind...being a failed experiment...a accepted.. and worse...not being excepted by other claymores who were just as bad. A moment of silence passes, and Gaara hears the other speak.

"Thanks...you now, for caring...and coming after me..."[/Quote]

He begins to eat again, a very faint blush on his cheeks. Gaara had never heard the other thank him before...was He finally excepting him?

"...Your welcome.."

After a few more minutes the other finishes eating.

"Well...you ready to go? Or do you wanna stay here tonight?"[/Quote]

Aoi asks, standing up, quite steady on his feet now, all signs of what happened moments earlier now gone. Gaara found himself being a little envious of Aoi again....not only did he need to eat frequently, but he assumed the other tasted his food too...unlike other claymores who had no taste, but Gaara had a little taste however he was Very lucky. He looks to Aoi seeing the boys hand resting lightly on his hip, his expression now blank once more. Gaara looked at the ground, slowly standing.

"We'll stay here tonight."

He says, he flinched, suddenly gripping his sword handle, sensing something in the bushes, his reflexes extremely fast! A man appears wearing all black.

Gaara quickly relaxes, seeing there's no threat.

The man took off his hood revealing his white hair, skin, and eyes, it was Gaara's messenger.

"Cloud..."

The man inspects Aoi, frowning slightly.

"You have a new assignment..."

He muttered to Gaara.

"The organization has noticed that many Claymores have been disappearing in the east forest. We have lost 16 claymores, And we are unsure if they are dead or alive. Your mission is to head there and discover what is going on. "

Gaara nods.

"And you...Aoi Arashi rank 30, you may accompany him and offer your help, Do not fail Gaara."

Cloud turned and suddenly disappeared into the forest. Gaara watched him go, biting his lip. He was worried. He hoped his comrades were ok. Gaara cared to much for others...and it showed.

"Lets go right now."

He told Aoi beginning to run in that direction. His eyes changing color as His speed increased, being that of a Yoma's. Gaara was taking this very seriously.

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

"AGGGGHHHHH!!! AAAAAAAAHHH!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Haku screams out in under pain! Tears running down his face. As a Yoma removed the sharp razor blade from his body. Blood gushing from him.

"D-don't...ugh...ha..g-give up...d-don't you...give them what they want...if we die...we die as Hum--AGH! AGHH! AGGGHHH!!

"Such strong will~"

Before Haku stood a little girl...who appeared to be 12... but was in fact a powerful awakened being.. With her were 4 other awaken beings but not even close to her power...

Haku glared at the girl... her plans were sickening! She was kidnapping Claymores, only to torture them until they lost there humanity and became Yoma...

4 Claymores had fallen fallen victim to her plans...Nina, Rank 20... Mark Stone, Rank 35...Isabella...Rank 26 and Sho Lain Rank 41...

They all stood before them in there disgusting Deformed Yoma body's. No longer human trying to convince them to just release the monster inside them.

 

Haku was bound to the wall. Chained up...unable to free himself...and inside He was slowing succumbing to the Yoma inside him... the pain and torture was becoming to much for him... the others who were going threw the same thing were Lucy, Ranked 18, Jade, Rank 39 Clare Rank 40 and Angela Rank rank 31...

Everyone else...refused to turn...and died... leaving eight claymores dead.

"You claymore's are so stubborn, just join me already~ "

She looked at Clare.

"Your turn~"

The other awaken beings who was once there friend began to stab Clare- giving her extreme pain.

"AAAHH!! Ugghhhhhhh! ... I...I can't! ..I...please.. kill me!!! Let me die a human!!!"

He screamed!

"Useless-"

And with one signal swipe. Clare's head fell off her body...and she was dead..

"You!!! YOU BITCH!!!! I'll KILL YOU!!! ILL KILL YOU--...UGHH!"

"JADE!! Stop!!! Control your temper or you'll awaken!!!!"

But it was to late....Jade couldn't stop the change...and in a few minutes she turned into a Yoma...making the evil little girl happy.

"Who's next~"

 

Haku breathed heavily, struggling to keep his humanity...The Yoma side of him, sensed the danger and was dying to consume him... and he was losing the will to fight it...but he would rather die a human....then a yoma...

I..,.I can't....I can't...do this anymore...

"I don't want anything, except to stay by your side. But if I stay, and you leave, promise me...you'll come back. Because..."[/Quote]

Haku's eyes widened slightly....why,..why was He thinking about....her? Why at a time like this!

"Please...I'll stay here, for now. But promise, in five years...then I'll be able to choose what I want. Give me five years, and I'll become stronger. Then come for me. Please promise..."[/Quote]

Haku bit his lips. Tears slipping from his eyes...He had promised her...and yet....

 

He wanted to servie! He wanted to see her....to keep his promise but he feared, he wouldn't make out out of here alive.

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

They were going to stay the night, but then plans were abruptly changed. A man came into view, and gave them orders to go to the forest in the east, where Claymore had been disappearing. And with that, the man leaves. Aoi looks at Gaara, and takes off after him, easily keeping up even without his Yoma powers. He hadn't even questioned it, but instead went along.

 

He didn't know why he was even doing this. Normally he'd just stick to orders directly for him, but definitely not suggestions. Glancing at Gaara as they ran, he could see the passion in the other male's eyes. Before they had begun running, Aoi had taken off the bandage over his eye, so now both were visible. This way he could locate the Claymore and Yoma's exact location when they were in close enough range.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Fast asleep, Amaterasu was laying in her bed. However, this wasn't for long, when she suddenly felt a chill rolling down her spine. Her eyes open, and slowly she sits up, rubbing her eyes. It was dark outside, and the candle by her bed was burning low. Pulling up her blankets, she looks down at the marking on her ankle, and frowns. It was faintly shimmering, a light blue, just like the color of Haku's eyes.

 

"Haku..." She murmurs, tears stinging her eyes. It had been almost a year and a half since she'd seen him last. Over that time, she'd learned many things, including the fact she was special. She was now thirteen in age, and in five more months, she'd be having her fourteenth birthday, her second birthday while living in the castle as Holy Princess Amaterasu.

 

One thing she learned was she could project her thoughts, but so far each time she'd tried, she failed. But...so ehow she felt like it woukd work this time. She feared Haku was in danger. Closing her eyes, she takes a deep breath, and focuses on Haku, letting her entire mind envelop the very image of the Claymore she cared so much about. She slowly breathes out, and thinks.

 

"Haku...wherever you are, be strong. Don't give up. I believe in you. Please, you have to survive, so I can see you once again. Haku..." her eyes stay closed, and she knew it worked. Her mind's voice would be heard by Haku, her thoughts reaching him.

[Sosuke0549]

"AGGGHHHHHHH!!! AHHHHHHH! Ahhhhhhhh!!!"

Haku cried as his turn passed. Tears slipping down his face...he thought he had forgotten how to cry...but it seems the salty tears came pouring from him.

"It hurts...doesn't it~"

The little girl went to him, and took his chin, cupping his cheek and touching him tenderly as if she cared.

"You poor boy...I can make the pain go away...just give in...you'll feel so much better...I'll take good care of you~ I promise~ "

Haku stared in her eyes...this little girl..was a monster...and yet her touch was so sweet. How could this be...his body tensed as his vain's budged, and his eyes glowed a bright yellow...his teeth becoming sharp...the Yoma in him Taking control, reacting to her...

"Yes..that's it~ let it consume you..~"

"S..stop...H-Haku...fight...fight it!--"

The little girls fingers extended and pierced Angela's stomach, making the girl couch up blood...silencing her.

"You talk to much."

"Haku."[/Quote]

The claymore heard a voice. Haku's eyes widened realizing what was happening and began to fight his inner demon. His enemy sighed.

"You were doing so well ...why are you fighting it? Stop....just join me"

Haku ignored her fighting for dear life! ..

"Haku...wherever you are, be strong. Don't give up. I believe in you. Please, you have to survive, so I can see you once again. Haku..."[/Quote]

That voice.... Amaterasu... was that truly her? Was her voice calling him back from the bits of hell? Why...Why was He going threw so much...Just to see..her again...a little girl...

 

Haku screams as the Yoma inside him fades and he faints exhausted...soon he'd have no strength to fight back and doubted he'd be able to do that again. He had almost lost it... the girl glared at him, and pierced his thighs with her fingers waking him up...

"Bad boy..and you were so close...its your turn again. "

Haku glared at her and spit in her face.

She laughed...slapping his across the face..

"HOW DARE YOU!"

"AGGGGHHHHHHHH!!! AAAAAHHHHHH AHHHHHHHHH!!!"

Please...s-someone....any one....save Me.

She be at him brutally.

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Running as quickly as he could, Aoi and Gaara reach the place that they were told about, Aoi arriving a few minutes ahead of the other male. He could hear screams, and follows the sound, and what reached his eyes made him feel like he'd been turned to ice. Several Claymore lay dead, while Yoma surrounded the surviving ones, trying to get the others to turn, to give into their Yoma sides.

 

Aoi growls, and grits his teeth, his body trembling with rage, just like the time when he'd seen Gaara getting stabbed by his own comrade. The girl looking Yoma turns to him, grinning when she saw him begin to change, taking on the appearance from that day. She laughs, screaming for him to let the creature inside take over, it was better that way.

 

In response he just laughs, making the girl stop talking, and stare at him with shock in her eyes. "Not today ya little bitch." Aoi snaps, and sprints at her, slicing out at her with his claws and weapons. She dodges it, but not completely, a slash on her chest gushing blood. She then retaliates, but he simply spins, kicking her away, the knife on his tail slicing her cheek open.

 

He turns to the male Claymore who was tied up, and breaks the chains holding him easily. "Get out of here, but save your comrades first. My friend and I will distract them, now go!" Aoi turns around, jumping at a yoma nearby, landing nimble as a cat on their shoulders, twisting their head fully around, snapping their neck, so they fell to the ground, limp. Jumping as the body falls, he attacks another one, blood flying everywhere.

 

"Gaara! Help them escape! I want to they something out, it'll be dangerous with them here!" The girl approaches him again, her eyes flashing. "How can you be in a Yoma state and still have your human consciousness?!?!" She screams,slashing out at him with whips made of wire and blade like substance. "I'm in no need to tell you that, since you're about to die anyways!" He begins to laugh, sadisticaly, his voice close to what the girk had sounded like earlier.

 

He was about to lose it, he only had a few moments left, ten minutes at most, before he lost it completely, and his second trigger breaks. He didn't want that to happen at all, so he hoped Gaara wipe listen and get the others out of there quickly.

 

~~~~

 

After finishing her message, Amaterasu lays hack down, and closes her eyes, but doesn't fall asleep rgiht away. She was scared for Haku, fearing she was never going to see him again, but eventually fatigue takes over, and she passes into slumber, tears of worry slipping from beneath her closed eyes as she slept.

[Sosuke0549]

Running....

Gaara ran as fast as he could. The wind whipping threw his hair, His inner Yoma flaring up. When the two of them reached the cave, Gaara could instantly sense a dark presence. Sense many Yoma and Dying Claymores...But Gaara was a little behind be cause Aoi was faster then him. He could hear the other battling inside. He rushed inside to help his comrade.

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

"Ha...h..ha"

Haku breathed heavy. Scared that this was truly the end...until there was a loud crash sound. The yoma child turned smiling.

"Hmm~ looks like we have more"

The Girl Yoma turns to Aoi. Haku watches seeing the boy grin...was He really a claymore? He wasn't wearing their uniform or carrying a sword...what was he?

"R-run! "

He shouts to the other, the little girl laughs liking what she was seeing. The Girl telling him to give in to the monster inside.

"Not today ya little bitch."[/Quote]

The stranger snaps, and sprints at her, slicing out at her with his claws as weapons. He was....a Yoma...He was a Yoma himself and yet he still had his human mind?! She dodges the man but not completely, He managed to slash her chest but She only retaliates. This battle was getting heated. Haku looked to Angela who was unconscious..and suddenly Haku hit the floor, The stranger broke the chains that bound him. He was...free!!!

"Get out of here, but save your comrades first. My friend and I will distract them, now go!" [/Quote]

Haku nods. Struggling to get to his feet. He looked to Angela, pulling out his sword and broke her free catching her as she fell. He slowly put her on his back. His eyes slowly changed becoming a dark yellow. His teeth changing as well. He ran as fast as he could out of the cave with inhuman speed.

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

"Gaara! Help them escape! I want to they something out, it'll be dangerous with them here!"[/Quote]

Gaara heard the others voice further in the cave but he was fighting two awaken beings...he made sure the other two got out...but at the price of him being pinned down by the awaken beings. They had him dangling in the air, holding his arms apart and as his sword hit the ground.

"Damn it! "

They had fought him.

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

The Yoma girl frowned, wings forming out of her back and stretching. They dripped with her purple blood. She looked...terrifying as her eyes glowed red...not yellow, but red, she was truly powerful! No signal claymore could ever take her.

"This is not over yet... You've peeked my interested Claymore, so I won't kill you...yet~"

She giggled and flew out of a hole in the cave ,escaping. Just as she did..Gaara appeared. Blood was gushing from his forehead, covering his handsome features. He was slightly limping. And had a large sharp and pointed rock suck in his back.

"Aoi.. "

He paused seeing the boy like before.. Was he awakening?!

"Aoi! Stop.. Stop changing! "

He appeared behind to the other. Ignoring the pain he was feeling and the blood loss. He gently wrapped his arms around the others body..

"Stop...You won...its ok....just..stop"

He whispered. Tightening his hold on him. He hated seeing Aoi like this.. He wanted to understand him, and desired the others trust. He realized he cared about Aoi a lot... more then He truly should...

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

It was now only Aoi and the female, but just as he was about to attack her when she began to sprout wings, and she takes off, flying through a hole in the ceiling of the cave. He felt his body begin to burn from the inside, as uncontrollable anger flowed through his veins. He screams out, his voice so loud it shook the cave walls, and rocks and pebbles began to tumble all around.

 

His eyes change so both matched, his right eye matching the appearance of his left. His teeth sharpen even more, his claws elongate. He felt as if needles and knives were tearing around in his insides. Agony, pure bone wracking agony. "Aaaaaaahhhhh!!!!! DAMMIT!!!" He yells out, holding his head in his hands. He didn't have much time left, he was so close to losing control.

 

Then the most unexpected thing happens. Gaara appears, and hugs him from behind, telling him to stop. Aoi grits his teeth, his fangs knocking his lip, so blood dripped down his chin. He struggled at first to get away from Gaara's hold, but it was no good. Aoi was starting to lose his mind, he couldn't defeat his enemy. He could only change back on two conditions. If he defeated the enemy, or he was defeated.

 

He was scared.

 

Ten. His heart was being torn in two.

 

Nine.

 

What was this pain he felt? He trips his weapons tightly in his hands. He only had one choice left before he loses complete control.

 

Five.

 

He squeezes his eyes shut, and points the weapons at himself.

 

Four, three, two....

 

He shoves the daggers into himself, and coughs up blood, his whole body going numb. Right as the last second trickles away, he falls limp, his knees giving way, and he drops to the floor, and as his body fell, his appearance returned to normal. "...Gaara..." he sighs, before passing out, blood pooling beneath him on the cave floor.

[Sosuke0549]

The boy He was holding grits his teeth, blood dripping down his chin.

"Aoi-"

The claymore struggled against him at first to get away, but it was pointless. Gaara refused to let go...He could sense it...Aoi was starting to lose his mind. He could only image how scared the other was and the pain He felt.

"Stop Aoi..It's over..Your safe"

He tried to tell the other. Why did he care so much about Aoi. He watches as the other grips his weapon tightly pointing it at himself!

"Aoi!"

The other shoves the daggers into himself, and coughs up blood, and he quickly falls limp, his knees giving way, but Gaara didn't let him fall to the floor. He still held Aoi in his arms...protectively and to Gaara relief, Aoi's appearance returned to normal.

"...Gaara..."[/Quote]

Before he could tell the other anything He passed out, blood pooling around them. If he didn't stop the blood...would Aoi die?!

"Aoi- Aoi! Don't you die.. don't you die on me!"

He quickly ripped pieces of his clothes so he could stop the others bleeding. Removing the daggers and tightly wrapping up his wounds. He felt rather close to Aoi...and the thought of saying goodbye to him...was heartbreaking...he never felt such.. attachment before...was this...normal? Was this what it was like...when he was human?

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

Gaara gently put Aoi down, laying him under a shady tree...He had carried him out of the cave and was looking down at him with a worried expression.

 

"..Thank you..."

Gaara slowly turned seeing A boy. One that he and Aoi saved from the cave.

"What is your name..."

"Haku...rank 47.."

"I see..and where's Angela? Is she ok?"

"She's resting...she's slowly healing but...hasn't awakened yet.."

He gustered over to a Bush were Angela laid.

"I see...I'm glad you and her are alright..I'm Gaara rank 28.. and my comrade is recovering...You may go and report what happened here to the organization.. I'll watch over Angela and him and send your fallen comrades away..."

"..I'd like to help before I leave.."

"Very well..."

Haku nodded and slowly walked back into the cave to retrieve his fallen comrades so he and Gaara could Barry them.

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

Gaara gently , and hesitantly touched Aoi's cheek... He had gotten the sudden urge...to hold, crease, and kiss him.

"Aoi..."

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

As he lay on the ground, his wounds wrapped, his eyes closed, a change in Aoi's body was starting to take place. The marking upon his back begins to shimmer, and the tendrils spread across his skin, touching each of the wounds, making them glow in response, and ever so slowly, they begin to heal, closing up, the blood ceasing to flow.

 

On his face, his chest and stomach where he'd stabbed himself, the wounds along his arms and legs from the battle. Each were being touched, the marking glowing gently.

 

Slowly, he comes back to conciousness, feeling a hand touching his face. Who was it? Aoi thought he was dead, and dead people don't feel anything...right? And yet, he felt his heart beating gently, felt the burning of his marking healing his wounds. A breeze ruffles his hair and clothes, and slowly he opens his eyes partway, too exhausted to open them all the way, and looks around, glancing back and forth.

 

His gaze lands on Gaara, who was sitting next to him, looking at him. It was Gaara's hand on his face...Wait, if Gaara was here, that meant one of two things. Either they were both alive and well (enough), or they were both dead, and were in the afterlife together.

 

"G-Gaara..." He had to force the words from his mouth, his lungs felt like they were on fire. "Am...I alive or...did we both die?" At that point he did not even care that Gaara was touching him, normally he would have flipped out, even when injured, but...something was different... Something had changed.

[Sosuke0549]

Gaara's eyes were else where, lost in thought.

He hadn't seen the other heal. He was gazing out into the forest. Trying to Ignore the rotting stench of his fallen comrades...what did they go threw? How bad was the pain...and why hadn't he been there sooner? Gaara tended to put the weight of the world on his shoulders. Trying to bare everyone's pain.

 

A breeze ruffles his hair and clothes, turning his attention to Aoi who slowly opened his eyes partway, There eyes meet.

"G-Gaara..."[/Quote]

"...How are you feeling"

"Am...I alive or...did we both die?"[/Quote]

Gaara gave the other male his famous small smile. The one that was mysterious and showed a little bit of his pain.

"We're alive...although I'm disappointed that you even thought I was dead"

He said with a somewhat jokeful tone. His gaze turning away from his. His serious expression returning.

"...Stay here and recover a little more while I help Haku with our fallen comrades. "

He stood and slowly walked back into the cave, and shortly came out of the dark hole with lifeless body's on his back. Near by Haku was digging holes.

 

The process took half the day. But in a few hours all the fallen Claymores were barred and had there swords as there tome stone.

Gaara stood before the graves and beside him was Haku .. expressionless, his eyes cold

"Tell me...what we're there names.."

Gaara asked slowly.

Haku's eyes wondered over the graves as he spoke softly.

"Nina, Rank 20... Mark Stone, Rank 35...Isabella...Rank 26 and Sho Lain Rank 41... Lost there humanity and died as Awakened beings....Lucy, Ranked 18, Jade, Rank 39, Clare Rank 40 and Angela Rank rank 31..Died as humans..And here they lay."

He glanced at Gaara.

"I should be going now, I must report what happened here...Thank you...for saving me."

He bowed slightly in respect and turned away...leaving without a second thought. Gaara fell silent, watching the boy go.. and seeing the dead body's...if only...he gotten there sooner.

"Don't do that"

Angela said smirking as she stood behind him.

"Why do you always like shouldering the weight of the world on your shoulders..it's unhealthy"

She smiled at him.

"You might not of saved everyone..but you saved someone..two people in fact, three if you could Aoi.. you did good.."

"...How are your wounds.."

She sighed.

"I'm mostly healed..You and Aoi seem to be a good pare, I haven't seen you guys apart since our mission in the snowy mountains..."

".. We are...friends. "

"I see...friends. And what does that make me?"

"You are my friend as well..."

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Aoi just nods at the things Gaara told him, looking away as the other gets up and walks away. Closing his eyes again, he tries to go back to sleep, but could not manage to get comfortable enough to allow his body to relax. Sighing deeply, he forces his body to sit up, groaning at the strain it took just to do that simple task. Leaning back against the tree trunk, he lets out a breath of air from his lungs, resting his head against the bark of the tree behind him, his eyes shutting part way.

 

Remaining like this a bit longer, he looks up at the sky, before forcibly getting to his feet, using the tree as a support. His whole body trembles, his legs shaking his knees threatening to give out beneath him. Taking deep breaths, he attempts to steady himself, taking a step forward and almost falling flat on his face, but fortunately does not. Gritting his teeth, he slowly moves forward, one step at a time.

 

He arrives where Gaara and Angela were talking, but doesn't step forward, listening in on their conversation, surprised at what he heard.

 

I'm mostly healed..You and Aoi seem to be a good pair, I haven't seen you guys apart since our mission in the snowy mountains..."

 

Angela...why did she have to say it like that. Aoi's cheeks turn pink, and then Gaara speaks up next, making his cheeks darken even more.

 

".. We are...friends. "

 

Friends...they were friends. Aoi steps forward, reaching out and grasping on to a tree branch. He looks to Angela, nodding in greeting, his expression unreadable. Then he turns his gaze to Gaara. "Where are my weapons?" He asks, his fingers brushing against his hips, where his daggers were missing. Aoi felt naked without them, though the way he was dressed, he might as well be naked.

 

What little clothing he was wearing had tears and rips all over, his crotch barely covered as one of the side pant straps at his hips had broken, making his bottoms hang further than they normally did. But Aoi did not care at that moment, all he cared about was recovering his weapons.

 

"By the way...are we leaving soon? I...I can't stand being here any more..." All the death around him was making him queasy, his head hurting, and he was dizzy, his grip on the tree branch tightening.

[Sosuke0549]

Angela gripped her weapon as something took a step toward her and Gaara. Her body on high alert, but she quickly stops herself from attacking when she sees its just Aoi. Gaara on the other hand sensed him...and knew he had heard their conversation. He slowly turned, looking back at the other.

"Aoi! You shouldn't be up! What's wrong with you!"

Angela said...worried about the others health and wellbeing.Gaara saw how the other was

grasping on to a tree branch to steady himself, greeting his teeth in pain, tho his expression was unreadable.

"Where are my weapons?" [/Quote]

"...I have them..."

He said slowly, his eyes wondering over the others ripped clothes.

"By the way...are we leaving soon? I...I can't stand being here any more..."[/Quote]

"I doubt you could get far with those injuries"

Gaara glanced at Angela.

"I'll take care of Aoi.. You have other things you need to do...right."

He slowly pulled out his sword and clanked it against Hers.

"I wish you well on your journey..until we meet again.."

Angela sighed. Frowning a little.

"Alright...You two take care.. and Aoi"

She turned to him.

"Don't push yourself too hard."

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

Once Angela was gone Gaara's gaze returned to his wounded friend, He slowly approached him.

"Your in pain...You really shouldn't be moving."

He said. Watching him closely.

"However..if you really want to leave..then there's a village not too far from here.."

He slowly turned around and got down on one knee, wanting the other to climb on his back.

"We can get there faster...if you let me carry you."

He said, glancing back at Aoi

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

His breathing was hard by that point, and it was taking every bit of effort in him to even stand, his knuckles becoming white from gripping the tree branch so tightly. He heard the worry within Angela's voice, and it stirred something in him, making him look away. Did she really care? Aoi didn't know, but the look on her face, that expression in her eyes and the sound of her very voice saying those things, made him start to believe she actually did.

 

A slight wash of relief flows through him when Gaara said that he had his weapons, the relief showing in his eyes. What surprised him was when Angela said that he wouldn't get too far, but then Gaara said he would take care of him. In the farewell, he nods to Angela, hearing her say for the both of them to take care, and then, to Aoi specifically, to not push himself to hard. He says nothing, but nods again.

 

Soon, the female was gone, and it was just himself and Gaara, his eyes shifting to look at the other as he came closer. He heard the words said to him, about how he shouldn't be moving around due to the pain he was in. Aoi shakes his head, not sure exactly why he had pushed himself to find them. But he had to, Aoi hadn't felt comfortable...alone. Just feeling that made him freeze, but thankfully he didn't have to dwell on it too much as Gaara spoke up again.

 

There was a village nearby? That was perfect. His expression becomes slightly confused when Gaara gets down on one knee, not sure what the other wanted. But like before, he didn't have to ask anything, it was explained seconds later. Gaara was going to...carry him? A faint blush forms on his cheeks, but he knew that was pretty much the only option. In the state he was in, he couldn't even walk a few steps, let alone run.

 

Relinquishing the grip on the tree, he stumbles forward, and moves to Gaara, his whole body trembling with trying not to fall flat on his face. He reaches out, and leans against Gaara, his arms slipping around the other's chest, leaning his head against Gaara's shoulder, forehead close to the other's ear. His face was now darker, glad the other could not see it. But no doubt he could feel the heart in his chest, fluttering wildly, like a bird caught in a trap.

 

"L...let's go..." He mutters, closing his eyes, fatigue washing over him once more. It had taken too much of his energy to even move, and he was tired...so tired. "Thank you...Gaara...You saved me yet again..." He murmurs this, unaware he was doing so in his half lethargic state of mind. "I'm grateful..."

[Sosuke0549]

Gaara was a little surprised that the other didn't refuse him. That he relinquished his grip on the tree only to stumble and lean against him. Aoi was resting His head against his shoulder,

forehead close to his ear. Gaara couldnt help but think the other was sweet... He could feel Aoi's heart beat, fluttering wildly, like a bird caught in a trap against his back.. Why was it beating so fast?

"L...let's go..."[/Quote]

Gaara nods And stands up. Having a firm hold on the other. He began to walk. Aoi appeared to be very tried, losing so much energy.

"Thank you...Gaara...You saved me yet again..." [/Quote]

Gaara paused hearing Aoi mutter those words to him. He glanced at the boy. A slightly confused look on his face.. Did Aoi... actually thank him?

"I'm grateful..."[/Quote]

Gaara faintly smiled at him.

"Your welcome...Aoi"

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

"This should be ok.."

Gaara said as he gently put Aoi onto the bed. It took a little over an hour but Gaara found the village and got both of them into a decent inn. Many people shunned them as they walked threw the streets but Gaara found it easy to ignore them.

Gaara Sat on the windowsill. Removing his sword and Aoi's weapons. He glanced outside hearing chatter down below.

"Please...n-No more.. I can't! "

"Oh but you can Shiki~ I'm paying you to do a simple job!"

Gaara watched as two men argued. One seemed to be a young teenage boy..the other a adult most likely in his late 20's.

"You need the money for your family right? So take off your pants"

"B-but I...S-someone will see! And you-you were so rough last time! I'm done! I don't want your money any more! Just leave me alone! "

"YOU FUCKING BRAT!!"

The older male pinned the younger one against the wall yanking off his clothes, overpowering him.

 

Gaara turned aside as the boy struggled and cried, as he was being rapped.

 

He turned his attention to Aoi. Knowing he must of heard every thing. He closed the window- so now you couldn't hear the boys sobs and the mans grunts and awful words.

"I'll let you rest...Is there anything I can get you?"

He asked. It was as if he didn't hear what was going on out there. Like he didn't care!

But Claymores were not allowed to get into the affairs of humans....so Garra wasn't allowed to help.

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

As they had walked, Aoi almost fell asleep, his eyes closed, his body pressed against Gaara's back, the arms gripping around the other loose, but not enough so that he would fall. Eventually his heart beat had calmed, but he could not tame the thoughts bouncing around in his head, the images that kept him from getting even a tiny nap during the trek towards the village.

 

In the village, they were shunned and pushed away several times, but eventually Gaara had managed to find a place to go, and Aoi lays on the bed he'd been placed on, sighing softly. Eyes half way closed, he followed Gaara's movement as the other went to sit in the window sill, and when he heard the things going on outside he cringes. There was a difference between what had gone on at the tea house, and what was going on down on the ground outside the window.

 

Aoi felt his stomach clench, and even after Gaara had shut the window, cutting off the sounds from below, he could still hear what had been said seconds earlier, ringing in his ears. But the sounds whisk away as Gaara speaks up to him, asking if there was anything that he could get Aoi. Even though it seemed as if the silver haired male did not care, Aoi knew that they, as Claymore, could not butt into the affairs of humans.

 

He wasn't in the right state of mind as he nods to Gaara's offer, his thoughts muddle by fatigue. His thoughts flow back to when he had been on Gaara's back...That was the closest they'd been, ever, physically. Bodies touching, holding onto each other... He had even gotten Gaara's scent memorized, it had pleasantly assaulted his nostrils the whole way to the village, and the feeling of the other's hair gently brushing against his face had been nice as well.

 

A faint blush forms on his cheeks. "Y-Yes...there is...something you can get me...well...g-give me..." He motions for the other to come close, and once he had, Aoi reaches out, a hand grabbing hold of Gaara's shirt, and pulls him down, so their faces were close, lips almost touching, but at the last moment, Aoi releases his grip, lets his hand fall, and sighs softly. "N...never mind..." His heart was pounding hard, but he had lost his nerve at the last second. His marking, though not visible, was flared up, pulsating with each heart beat. "I'm sorry. I...Can you get me something to drink? Water is fine..."

[Sosuke0549]

Gaara watched the other, trying to forget what was going on outside... He notices Aoi's cheeks...and how they turned a shade of pink. Seeing such a thing reminded him of being human again...

"Y-Yes...there is...something you can get me...well...g-give me..."[/Quote]

He motions for him to come closer.. Gaara slowly stood coming closer a little surprised by Aoi's actions since he didn't seem to like physical contact, but Aoi took him by surprise reaching out a hand and grabbing ahold of his shirt. The odd claymore pulled him down, so their faces were close, lips almost touching... Was Aoi...Attached to him? Suddenly Aoi frees him, sighing softly.. as if losing his courage to continue.

"N...never mind..."[/Quote]

He said..but Gaara could hear his heart pounding hard.. was he wanting something from him? Something emotional..or sexual..? Unlike most Claymores Aoi still appeared to be very acted to his human side...He had more human emotions in him then Gaara did. Gaara couldn't help but remember a time when Aoi was acting strange and his mark began glowing...was it happening now? Just like in the past near that cafe? If so why....was it him? Did he trigger something in him? He wanted to know..

"I'm sorry. I...Can you get me something to drink? Water is fine..."[/Quote]

Gaara met the others eyes.. His long sliver hair showered over Aoi's face...as if hiding him from the world.

"..that's not what you wanted..."

He muttered. His voice quite.

"I've noticed..you act very different when two male's are together..Your attitude changes...you blush.."

He cupped the others cheek suddenly his thumb running across the boys smooth skin.

"We're already considered monsters and abominations...you finding men alluring won't change anything...and me touching you...won't either..."

He said simplify, slowly pulling away from Aoi.

"If you want sex.. just tell me.."

 

Sex was a thing humans craved and most claymores lose interest in the act. Being part yoma...you lose interest in sexual activities... and many stay away from it, because there Yoma sides feeds off it- and uses it to trigger a change... it can happen to even the highest ranking Claymores.. there was no need for sex If a claymore couldn't love. (So the organization thought)

Claymores don't fall for humans and they rarely ever fall for each other. But for the first time ever...two male's seemed to like one another..

Two claymore...males.

 

Gaara slowly stood up.

"I'll get you your water.."

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Gazing back into Gaara's eyes, Aoi, at that moment, felt completely vulnerable, laying there on the bed, body unable to protect itself. Open. Defenseless. Weak. And yearning for something that confused him. Gaara's long silver hair brushes against Aoi's cheeks as it falls to make a sort of curtain around his face, his view that of the slightly older Claymore's face.

 

He heard what was said, and he swallows hard, breath catching in his throat when Gaara cups his cheek, where the other ran his ran his thumb, it felt like Aoi's skin was burning, making him shiver,his cheeks darken, and his heart beat even faster.

 

The other had him read so well, and Aoi felt even more vulnerable. Yes...he craved Gaara's touch, ever since that day when Gaara had saved him from that parasite. He remembered so vividly how it felt, the fingers running over his skin,touching him. He had been in a bad mood then, and for a while afterwards he had been in denial, but he had soon come to realize he could not ignore it.

 

Aoi wanted to pull Gaara back as the other moved away, though what he head next came as a shock, his eyes opening wide. He couldn't believe that Gaara had said that...that if Aoi wanted sex, to just...tell him. His marking flares up brighter than ever before, and he was grateful he was laying on his back right then.

 

He knew all about Claymores and the lack in interest of sex and so on. But Aoi was made slightly different, retaining many more of his human emotions and urges. He didn't admit this, but sex was indeed one of those things that had been kept. Aoi looks at Gaara, and suddenly he realized why he always got so flustered. He was beginning to fall for the other.

 

"No...don't...don't go...please...I'm not really thirsty..." He bites his lip, his hand having taken a hold of Gaara's the moment he had stood. He was trembling slightly, eyes focused only on Gaara's face. "I...I want to try...it...but I'm..." his brows press together, and he let's go Gaara, his hand and arm moving to cover his eyes, the lower part of his face still uncovered. He felt so stupid. He so desperately wanted to kiss the other, for Gaara to kiss him, to feel Gaara's lips against his own, but could not find the courage to do so. He wanted to do what those two males had done back at the tea shop.

 

"I'm so sorry Gaara...I'm such an idiot..."

[Sosuke0549]

"No...don't...don't go...please...I'm not really thirsty..."[/Quote]

Gaara stops, feeling the other take his hand with troubling fingers. Biting his lip... Why.. how could He have so much affect on him.. and how could He have so much emotion...it was as if...he really was human.. Gaara found himself envious of Aoi. To still have so much emotions...even tho Your a monster...

He never once looked away..waiting for Aoi to continue.

"I...I want to try...it...but I'm..." [/Quote]

His brows press together, and he let's go of him. Hiding his face.

"I'm so sorry Gaara...I'm such an idiot..."[/Quote]

Gaara said nothing for a moment. He slowly took a seat beside the other. His eyes wondering to the floor.

"..I image...it's difficult to be a claymore..when you have so many...human qualities still."

He looked at him.

"Do not apologize for being who you are.. I won't look down on you.. my perspective of you has never changed Aoi...."

He slowly reached out and removed the others hand from his face, and their eyes met...

"You want to try it...There's nothing wrong with that..even tho..We're Claymores..it's okay to want something...were not completely yoma's...but we're not completely human either.."

 

He wondered what was holding the other back from asking him to lay with him... but didn't push it.. 'nor would he ask. If Aoi wanted to try it..Gaara would aid him.. sex wasn't much for him.. He saw no problem with it..

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Aoi felt the bed shift as Gaara sat back down, and after hearing what was said, he nods slowly. "It....it's very difficult...I'm a monster, and yet...I still feel human...want to do things they do. I'm stuck in between, and for some sick reason, I'm stuck more than any other Claymore...That is why I never got close to anyone. I pushed people away, both Claymore and human. I've only ever been attached to one other...and that ended in disaster...since then...I was determined to never open myself up to anyone. That was until you came along..." It had been a cruel twist of fate, the way things had turned out for Aoi, and his resentment ran deep.

 

Aoi's frown disappears at what was said next, and he felt something deep inside him stir when Gaara told him that his opinion never changed. He wanted to ask just what Gaara's opinion of him was, but his nerves would not let him, so he remains silent.

 

When his hand was moved, Aoi looks into Gaara's eyes, stomach clenching tightly from what he was told. It was okay to want something. They might not be completely human, but at the same time, they weren't fully Yoma either. His wanting to try it...was okay.

 

He lay there, trying to get a grasp on himself, to conquer the fear he felt deep inside. Aoi had never been with anyone before. Sighing, he decides to get it together. His gaze deep in Gaara's, he takes a deep breath. "Gaara...I...I'm asking you now...will you...?" He reaches up, and pulls Gaara closer, like moments earlier, the other leaning over him, lips almost touching. "Forgive me...for asking this of you...I've never done this before...Gaara..."

 

With that, he tugs Gaara even closer, and their lips meet. Like he'd imagined, it felt...amazing...