Forgotten Horrors

[spacepanda]

“Ready… set… RUN!” Anja took off in a quick dash, hoping not stumble over the piles of snow that were steadily growing taller. She admired the festive lights as she ran, the colors all blending together in a kaleidoscoped blur.


They were now running back the direction they had originally came from, back towards the center of the Town Plaza where the building of her employment rested. She looked back every now and then, to make sure Akaski was following her.


She slowed down after a while, leaning against the side of a building for support. Her breathing causing her chest to rise and fall rapidly. I need to work out. She thought feeling a bit dizzy.


“You… okay?” She asked the demon, although she was not feeling very okay herself.

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

Seeing as they where once again running, it was harder on Akaski than it had been last time. It was probably due to his growing exhaustion, but he managed regardless though this time he was panting as well.


His head ache had grown worse and the movement had caused his vision to blur a bit, though he managed to refocus his eyes after a moment. He knew he was reaching his thirty minute limit, after that he would really have to fight in order to keep himself awake, it would also be the time when his lack of energy would even start affecting his body harmfully.


"I'm fine" He replied though this was somewhat a lie. He should have warned her about his condition, but he chose not to still for the reason of avoiding her worry. He knew she would probably be concerned if she took not to him coughing up blood, so he would try to hide it from her if the time came.

 

[spacepanda]

“Good,” she replied, finally feeling a bit better. I’m glad one of us is feeling okay. What the hell is he made of? Noticing his panting helped her feel a bit less weak, however.


She walked in front of the building she had been leaning against, it’s large windows displaying mannequins in various states of dress. “This is it, just pick out whatever clothes you think you’ll need for the next couple of days. We should be back home in about…” She mulled it over. Although it was cold, she didn’t feel like running again. They were 10 minutes away from the Dessert Café, making that about 30 minutes away from home. “About forty minutes, give or take.”


Crossing her arms she stared at him. “Go on then, I’m following you this time.”

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

Akaski tensed a bit as it seemed he would have a difficult ten minutes by the end of this, thirty minutes was a rough estimate but he knew he would get no longer than that. For all he knew he could start coughing now, but luckily it seemed it was holding off and hopefully it would for the full thirty minutes to avoid a long walk home.


Glancing ahead to the building he quietly entered, unsure of where to go really. He walked further in as he did attempt to hurry through this peering around at clothing. He knew he would need something to sleep in and some casual wear, his own outfit had seemed rather odd when he looked about at typical human clothing, he did after-all look as if he was wearing a Halloween costume.

 

[spacepanda]

Anja lightly pulled on Akaski’s hand. “You’re in the woman’s section!” She stiffled a bit of a giggle. Perhaps she would have to give him a bit more assistance, even though it embarrassed her to have to do so. She put her hand gently on his back and steered him to the Men’s Department.


She shifted her feet a bit, feeling awkward. “Um…just grab a couple of things you wouldn’t mind wearing more than once. I… can help if you need it…” She was hoping he didn’t need it. The last thing she wanted to do was have a conversation about what kind of underwear would be best for him.


Accidentally letting out a soft whimper of mortification she quickly turned the opposite direction to hide the redness creeping back in her face.

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

"I'm alright, you can wait here if you want to..." He replied, looking over the area ahead of him. He truly wanted to avoid being seen if he was to fall weak here, coughing and what not, the more he was out of her sight the better of a chance he would hide for hiding it though, he knew when he started coughing it would be hard to stop.


She didn't seem to keen on entering the men's section of the store either, he assumed it was do to the two being of opposite genders... He guess he would have been embarrassed if he came upon certain places in the women's section as well. It was probably the same experience for her as it would be for him in the situation.

 

[spacepanda]

“O-okay.” She replied with obvious relief. Standing off to the side to give him some space she decided to roam around a bit, being careful not to stray too far from the Men’s Department.


She stopped at perfume display, and began to pick up the bottles there, holding them to her nose. She scrunched up her nose in disgust after each one, not entirely sure why she had thought to smell them in the first place. Maybe I just like to torture myself.


Hearing a familiar voice, she glanced up at the service desk. There she spotted a man attempting to flirt with the cute employee behind the desk. She looked again, more carefully. Victor! Crap, He must be off his shift! She gasped and slowly backed away, choosing to hide behind a mannequin so she wouldn’t be noticed. She wasn’t sure where she had gotten the courage to knock the store display down earlier, but she was sure going to get an earful from him about it if he saw her.


Hurry, Akaski! Dammit! She mentally commanded.

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

Akaski entered the unfamiliar place, peering over the wares quietly though he was forced to constantly refocus his eyes as often they would begin to blur, he was getting rather tired and it would be even harder to stay awake soon, so he attempted to hurry his selection. He took only a couple outfits as he knew he wouldn't need to many. His shoes where just fine and they worked surprisingly well in the cold so he didn't really need another pair.


He already had a thinner jacket on below the green one, so he didn't require another one. His first consisted of a simple long sleeved black shirt and grayish jeans. The next was nearly the same only the pants were black, he was basically just choosing the cheapest items. His sleep ware was simple a short-sleeved T with sweat pants, so over all he had all he needed to.


Yet this took him around ten minutes and his head ache had only worsened during that time. He took a moment before returning to Anja to lean upon the wall, pulling in a few breaths and rubbing the tired look out of his eyes. He then was on his way out of the men's section, heading back towards where he had left Anja.

 

[spacepanda]

Anja felt a wave of relief wash over her at the sight of Akaski returning. She quickly trotted over to him, leading him towards the check out lanes furthest away from where her devious co-worker was still chatting up the sales lady.


“I hope you found everything you needed. We can come back tomorrow if you didn’t, I’m, uh, not feeling well and I want to get home quickly,” she spoke nervously, being careful not to let her eyes rest on the spot Victor was occupying.


“Do you want to wait outside? You can just hand me everything you got and I can buy it really quick…” She hoped he agreed, because if Victor decided to waltz over, she really didn’t feel like having Akaski witness her being, well, owned. She wasn’t quite sure when, but sometime throughout the day she must of somehow grown fond of him, because she was now feeling a bit embarrassed. She didn’t want to look like a fool in front of the demon.

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

Akaski was about to accept her offer and go wait outside, but he got a bit of a bad feeling. He wasn't sure if it was just his body acting up in response to his low amount of energy, or if it was telling him to stay put. He had that feeling from earlier in the day, the one he didn't like very much yet it wasn't a painful feeling like the one in his head or the one beginning to creep into his chest. His tail flicked behind him, he should go... he would start coughing soon and the pain inching its way into his chest made him aware of that fact.


"Come get me if you need me" He said, feeling defensive once again. Yet, he would be sure to keep alert outside in-case something were to happen in the store. He was tired, but he still was a demon and though it would use some of his energy he would try to keep a good idea on the situation inside.


"Don't take to long either, or I'm coming back in" He said before turning himself and heading outside.

 

[spacepanda]

Watching him leave, Anja clutched the clothing and made her way in line. There was only one person ahead of her, so she didn’t feel so would be long… But having Victor around was making her nervous.


It’s not like he would really do anything. She just preferred to get in the least amount of trouble possible. At least at work she could sass him back a bit, but she had learned in the past that he was a bit more difficult to handle in any other setting. Her mind wandered back to the time he had followed her home in his car, yelling obscenities to her all the way home. She had been mortified.


Placing the clothing on the conveyor belt, she watched with satisfaction as the cashier began to ring-up her items.


She stared ahead, noting she could almost view Akaski from where he was standing outside. She smiled, it had been nice of him to offer his assistance should she require it.


“What cha’ smiling at?” She heard a familiar voice and silently cursed.


“Victor.” She greeted with a frown.


“Anja.” He greeted back, throwing an arm around her. Bringing his head close to hers, he snarled in her ear. “That wasn’t very nice of you earlier you know.” He brought his head up, winking at the cashier who simply rolled her eyes.


“Drop it, Victor, I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.” She spoke lowly.


“You’ll make it up to me now.” He batted his eyelashes at her sarcastically.

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

Once outside Akaski made took a few steps away from the door and sat himself beside the wall. Still he was rather worn and it was difficult to pretend as if he was fine, his chest bugged at him even more now, but he still was prepared to aid Anja if she required him. He is protective over what he comes to like, though often he would hide his aid behind a few excuses he still would chose to provide it.


As a gust of wind blew over Akaksi quickly took a small hold on his jacket, it was freezing out still and he was sure the cold air would deliver only further harm upon his weakening condition. He did mentally wish Anja to hurry, he wouldn't be able to last if it took her to long and he could necessarily spend all night sleeping in an alley. He would probably die in this cold if the were to occur.


His hand shifted to the center of his chest: the area where he was hurting, and he lightly took a gripping on the front of his coat. It would start up any minute now and once it did, he wouldn't be able to heal until he slept.


Akaski was finding it difficult to keep his eyes open and though he assumed he should move to wake himself up he didn't wish to waste his energy any further than he already had. He glanced towards the door from where he sat, if Anja didn't come out in the passing of a couple minutes he would go back in.

 

[spacepanda]

“Ugh, fine what do you want?” Anja sighed. She really wasn’t in the mood for any of this, not that she ever was.


“This!” Victor proudly proclaimed, plopping down a pair of swimming trunks.


Anja stared at the item. “Really, Victor? You do know it’s the middle of winter, right?”


“Yea, and shut up! Just buy it!” He placed his arm around Anja again, causing her to visibly shudder with disgust.


“Fine! It’s yours,” and then to the cashier, “Just add it on.”


The cashier looked between them for only a moment before rolling her eyes, ringing up the item in the process. Anja quickly paid for her purchases and handed the extra bag to Victor.


“Here, happy?” She was beginning to think maybe it was best Akaski should be out of the cold. She hadn’t really had it in mind when she said he could wait out there to begin with.


“Ecstatic.” He smiled following Anja as she exited the department.


Ignoring him, Anja quickly trotted up to Akaski, “Hey sorry, back. We can go now.”


“TRICK OR TREAT, BRO!” Victor cackled as he sauntered in the opposite direction.


“Ignore that,” Anja responded flatly. “Ready?”

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

Akaski was quiet a moment as she exited, his eyes shifting in the direction of the man he now knew to be Victor and he now understood why had had gotten such a bad feeling. Akaski didn't truly know what trick or treat was, or how it could be compared to him as he did't know much about human Holidays, but he still didn't like to see him so near to Anja.


Akaski stood himself up with a bit of struggle, though he refused to use to wall to aid him in hopes of hiding his condition from her. He glanced back to her and nodded, "Yes, I'm ready..."


He had released the grip over his chest though it still was biting at him rather badly, moving only made it hurt worse yet he wouldn't let himself wince. He needed to stay strong, at least until he couldn't hide it anymore. Yet, his mind shifted back to the matter of Victor and he felt the need to ask something, a little uncaring as to if she would label this as nice or not he questioned, "Did he bug you? Victor?"

 

[spacepanda]

Anja blinked. She didn’t even think Akaski had bothered to remember Victor’s name, so him showing any concern to how he treated her was surprising. She sighed, there was really no point in telling Akaski what had happened, as it had already transpired and Victor had seemed satisfied. At least she didn’t have to worry about any ‘pay back’ coming her way now.


“It was nothing; I can handle myself,” she lied. She still didn’t want Akaski to know that she was essentially on the bottom of the town’s food chain. At least not yet. She shifted the shopping bags to her elbows so she could cross her arms to generate some warmth.


“Lets go, it’s cold.” She had only been outside a minute and already she felt like her nose was going to snap off.

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

Akaski still held a disliking for the person, even though he had yet to even speak with him... yet he knew he wasn't in the best condition to get into a fight if he could avoid it. He guessed he could avoid the matter until morning, though if he would come across that man again he probably wouldn't be able to keep quiet, especially if he was in better health.


Akaski sighed, turning himself as she had requested and beginning to walk ahead a bit. "Fine.... let's get goi-" He paused a moment, he had take only a few steps and the pain in his chest grew dramatically. A bit suddenly he stumbled, bringing a hand over his mouth as he could feel the cough coming on and silently he cursed within his head wishing he could have held out a bit longer until they arrived at the apartment at least.


Using his hand rather than the jacket he quickly started to cough, not wishing to dirt the jacket with any blood that might be brought about. He crumbled down to his knees as he tried to hush himself, but to no avail as a few droplets of blood dripped from the inside of his palm staining the white snow below.

 

[spacepanda]

“Oh my gods!” Anja shouted, fretfully setting the shopping bags down in a rush. She had watch as he stumbled and fell to his knees, and quickly kneeled next to him. He began coughing and she hoped the cold hadn’t gotten him sick. Suddenly she noticed a small bit of blood had dripped from his hand onto the snow.


“Akaski!” She gasped. If it wasn’t the cold that had gotten to him, what was it? Had he been injured in some way? Quickly scanning the streets she was thankful it was relatively empty. She wrapped her left arm around him in an attempt to steady him so he didn’t fall to the floor in the midst of his coughing fit.


“Are you sick? What’s happening?” She was feeling a bit frantic. What am I supposed to do if he just collapses? She bit her lip in concentration. Maybe something he ate had poisoned him. “Was it something you ate?”

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

Akaski could feel Anja as she came near to him and hoping to keep himself up right he did lean on her a bit. He now felt very tired, his coughing worsened a bit before slowly it began to let up, though he was aware that eve if it stopped for a bit now it would return soon after. His chest hurt badly and it was much of a distraction from the pain within his head yet ever so slowly it creeped away from a moment of some relief.


His coughing slowed and his breath returned to a sort of pant, yet even as his coughing ceased he quickly wiped his mouth, ridding himself of any remnants of blood though it still stained his hand.


"I-I'm just tired..." He murmured between breaths, attempting to pull way from her and once again support himself but even the slightest movements would bring pain to him. "I'm fine... you don't need to worry about it... I'm just so tired..." He once again leaned on her, his eyes nearing shutting though he was trying his best to keep them open. He had to continue his illusion until they reached the apartment, meaning he had to stay awake.

 

[spacepanda]

“Shit!” Anja cursed. It was not something she did very often, but there really wasn’t any other word that she felt was appropriate. What am I supposed to do? The fact that he was leaning on her caused her level of concern to increase dramatically, although he did seem to have enough energy left to try to lie to her.


“You’re not fine, Akaski. In fact, out of all the things in I could think of in the words that are fine, you are the last on the list.” She couldn’t help but to be a bit sassy, she was all atwitter. “Shit!” She exclaimed again.


“Do you think you can make it back? What can I do?” She wasn’t even attempting to hide the worry in her voice, she didn’t think she even could at this point. “You should have told me you weren’t feeling well!” She chided.

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

Akaski was still leaning into her, glancing to the ground as he was trying to keep his eyes opened. His vision was distorted and his chest still pained him before he nodded slightly. "I...I'll make it... I j....just need a bit of help..." He muttered, dropping his pride for once as he knew he wouldn't be able to make it otherwise. He was close to unconsciousness and hoping to make it to the apartment he slowly took the key from his pocket.


"I... I could use this, I'll get tired there... but, it's better than sleeping here..." He muttered his words a little mixed up when being compared to how he normally spoke. He had little energy remaining, and tansporting two people would probably drain him to a dangerous extent, but as long as he still held at least a tiny bit of energy he would be able to get by.

 

[spacepanda]

Anja glanced down at the key. She wasn’t fond of the idea of using it, especially since she wasn’t quite sure he had complete control over where he ended up. “C…can’t you use it alone? I can meet you there…”


Her mind flashed back to their conversation earlier, about humans in the demon realm. She had already came to the decision that the adventurous lifestyle wasn’t for her. Hell, she could hardly handle this, and it was without a doubt the most adventurous thing to ever happen to her.

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

"B..but I don't want to worry about you again" he muttered, pushing a bit closer to her. He wasn't necessarily thinking straight anymore and he was piratically saying his thoughts aloud. "I-I can get us there easily... I've been there before... so it'll be easy to get there" He hated being weakened like this as he knew he would probably be unable to aid her if needed. He wanted to keep her close for this time, things often got dangerous in the demonic realm and he knew being careless could get himself or another killed.


"I-I'm scared... I don't want you to get hurt..." He muttered, something he would never say if he had been in the right mind.

 

[spacepanda]

Anja stilled; he was clearly out of it. On the plus side though, she was now feeling about 100 degrees warmer. So there was that.


She shifted uncomfortably for a moment, not quite sure how to take such a confession. Using the key was the last thing she wanted to do, but he looked really weak, and she wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be able to last in the cold. He was, from what she could tell, a bit stubborn, so she wouldn’t put it against him to just use the key anyway.


Heart now pounding she carefully leaned to the side, taking a hold of the shopping bags with her right hand.


“Okay, Akaski,” she spoke with far more courage in her voice than she had, “Do what you need to do.”

 

[xXRassBerriXx]

Akaski nodded, pulling the key closer to him as he remained near Anja. He had to focus for a moment, to force the haze over his mind away and silently he created the command to return to the apartment, the key obeying nearly immediately.


The land faded to a near nothingness, smudging away in a messy motion and momentarily all the surrounded them was a bleak endless darkness, until a moment later color began to return to the scene in the form of Anja's apartment. It was basicallly the smuding and haze in reverse until it was all once again solid. The two were upon the floor in front of the door still sitting as they had been before they came.


Akaski dropped the key, he had used quiet a bit of his remaining energy taking the two of them there plus the extra addition of the bags and only a couple seconds passed before his full weight fell upon her, his eyes now shut as he entered an unconscious sate.

 

[spacepanda]

Feeling a tad nauseous, Anja fell over with the weight of Akaski’s body. She wasted no time pushing him off and scrambling to her hands and knees. For a moment, she thought she had died. She had never even thought such darkness could even exist. Trembling, she placed her hand near Akaski’s nose, to make sure he was still breathing. He was.


Throwing her head back she left out a large sigh of both relief and fear. She was never, never, doing that again. “Bastard.” She cursed at him as he slept, now feeling better enough to be angry at him. How could he go the whole day and not even tell her he wasn’t feeling well?


Rubbing her eyes for a moment she looked at her phone. It wasn’t even 8:00 and yet she was exhausted. She glanced down at the sleeping demon again. She had been really worried about him, and he, apparently, worried for her. He had even said- he’s a Demon, Anja. She reminded herself again. A demon she was now going to have to somehow drag to the couch.


“Lovely.” She muttered sarcastically, taking off her coat. She stood up, taking a moment to turn the lights in the house on before moving the coffee table out of the way. Well, here goes nothing, she thought as she wrapped her arms around his chest. Slowly she dragged him across the floor in front of the couch, being careful to avoid his horns.


“I think I’ll have to leave you on the floor, buddy.” She couldn’t see anyway she was going to be able to get him on it.