My Body is Your Body

Hello, hello once again! Now I know it’s been awhile since I’ve uploaded any stories and I’m sorry. I’ve been focusing on my art more lately so that's one of the causes and I just started college today so who knows how that’s going to affect things. But aside from all that I finally bring you another chapter. And believe me this one is looooong! Twelve pages longer than the old chapter two ^-^ So let's move right along and answer comments.

MagusDeMortis - Oh stop you're making me blush. There's a lot of people on here better than I am. Yeah, but about the parent's they appeared in the second chapter, but I won't hold it against you. ^-^ I'm sorry about your head is it okay now? How did you hurt it?

beloveless - I'm glad you did check out my original story thank you. About the slash section, I know you're right about that, but you see I don't want that to be the major focus of the story. I assure you it's going to be dealing with a lot of issues for the characters and they're not exactly going to be getting hot and heavy often (So for anyone out there that's reading this for that then you're wasting your time and I suggest you look elsewhere) Plus I've always loved a challenge and the paranormal section needs to get more love anyway. I'm sorry this story hasn't lived up to your expectations so far, but I'm trying my best, believe me. I hope it'll get better for you as it goes on. Thanks for your comment (Oh and no sadly I won't be updating "LotC just yet. I'm trying to focus on just one story to see if it will help me write better when my mind isn't buzzing around with diffrent stories and characters)

beloveless...again - I'm sorry for my absense, there's no excuse for that but my lazyness. I assure you I'm quite alive so please just be a bit patient with my sparadic updates. Thank you.

Well, that's it so let's move on to the main event shall we?

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Okashi poked his head out of some bushes and looked around. He didn’t see anyone around so he jumped out of them and ran to the side of a house, his house. After Kyoji had gotten them out of the mental institution Okashi had told him to take them to his house. They were going to need some supplies for wherever they were going and this was the best place to get them. When they arrived the young boy had got back control of his body and reverted back to himself so no one would freak out if they saw him in Kyoji’s form.

Okashi looked around again then pressed himself against the side of the house and crept along it, heading for his bedroom window that was on the second floor.

~Do do doooo. Do do doooo. Do do.~ He recognized the Mission Impossible theme song and he rolled his eyes.

“Not funny, Kyoji,” Okashi whispered as he made it to his destination, directly under his window.

~Yes it is and you know it. I don’t see why you’re being so jumpy and whatnot,~ Kyoji replied casually, like they were doing an everyday thing.

“Well, I dunno, maybe it’s because we broke out of a mental institution and now we’re trying to break into my own house without getting caught! Not to mention those two guards saw you so now not only are we going to get chased by authorities, but mobs of freaked out people trying to get a monster! So I think being jumpy is within my right,” he huffed.

~Okashi, you should hear yourself, you sound very silly,~ Kyoji said, sounding amused.

“How do I sound silly?”

~Think about it, my dear boy. Who in their right mind would believe what those two saw? If anything they’ll think they’ve been working in that place for too long.~ Okashi was silent, but then suddenly had a terrifying thought he hadn’t considered before.

“But what about the security camer-”

~Already taken care of,~ Kyoji interrupted him, anticipating the question. Okashi lifted an eyebrow in confusion.

“What?”

~As we were going out I corrupted all the cameras with my energy so no one will be able to see anything off them, let alone us so the guards have no back up to their story,~ the demon explained. Okashi was silent for a moment at this news; he had been wondering why his body was tingling as they escaped.

“Wow, very smart of you,” he finally said.

~I try.~

“I just have one question.”

~And what’s that my little host?~ Kyoji urged the question.

“Why did you attack those guards in the first place? I know very well we could have gotten around them with no problems,” Okashi said and crossed his arms, waiting for his answer. His little voice was quiet for a few moments.

~Um, well…just trying to have some fun?~ Kyoji replied with a nervous chuckle. Okashi narrowed his eyes at that and the demon felt the anger that welled up in his host.

“Kyoji, what am I going to do with you?” Okashi asked, sounding very irritated, as he rubbed his temples.

~I’m sorry, Okashi, but that place needed to be taught a lesson for treating you in such a way and those two were just handy.~

“Kyoji, let me make one thing clear. I know you just want to protect me and I appreciate that, more than you know, but there is a line that you have been crossing more than once lately. Not only that but you are using my body to hurt these people and I don’t like that at all,” Okashi told him sternly. He always felt such guilt when Kyoji did things without thinking that hurt others for his sake. The demon was silent then sighed.

~I’m sorry, Okashi, you’re right. As much as I want to protect you I need to think of your feelings when I do. I get a little out of control sometimes, but I promise to really try and work on it~ he told the boy. The brunette contemplated whether or not to believe him.

“So no more attacking people just for fun?” he questioned.

~No more attacking people just for fun,~ Kyoji promised.

“And no more hurting people when your protecting me, there’s no need to go that far,” Okashi added and Kyoji groaned.

~I promise! I’ll go a little easier on people,~ he agreed with a humph. Okashi smiled and chuckled, feeling better now that he had Kyoji’s word.

“Okay, I’ll accept your apology and promise.” He then looked up to his window and he frowned. “Now to think of a way to get up there.” He heard Kyoji give a sigh. “What?” he asked the spirit.

~My little host, how long have we been together?~ Okashi raised an eyebrow at the odd question.

“About two years now I suppose, why?” he questioned.

~In that time you know perfectly well what’s been happening to your body so it should be no problem for you to reach the window,~ Kyoji told him. ~You could probably reach the roof if you wanted too,~ he added. Okashi pouted and twiddled his fingers.

“D-Do I have to?” he stuttered nervously.

~What? Why wouldn’t you want to?~ Kyoji asked, perplexed by the boys question.

“It’s scary doing stuff like that…” Okashi whined. If Kyoji had his own jaw it would have dropped.

~Oh for crying out…this is the easiest way inside and there’s less chance of getting caught and you now decide to get scared by your abilities?~ Kyoji asked in disbelief then sighed. ~Do you want me to do it for you?~ he offered. Okashi looked up at the window again then shook his head.

“No, I’ll do it,” he said softly, deciding he had to start being brave with these kinds of things since he’d probably be doing them a lot more from now on. He looked around to check that the coast was clear before moving off the wall and going to the yard to give himself some room.

~Just do it like I taught you.~ Kyoji encouraged and the boy nodded.

“Right.” Okashi looked up at the window to gauge the distance then crouched down much like a track runner would when preparing to run. His eyes flicked up to check the distance one more time and then he took a deep breath to focus. Okashi was still then in the blink of an eye he launched off and ran toward the house. When he was getting close to the house he then jumped up all the way to the window with little to no effort.

Okashi landed on what little of a windowsill there was gracefully and soundlessly. He grabbed onto the sides of the window to keep his balance and looked down at the ground to convince himself he had actually done it. The boy sighed in relief and looked up to the heavens to give God his thanks.

~That’s my boy, good job!~ Kyoji congratulated once he was sure his host was securely in the window.

“S-Still scares the hell out of me,” he whispered in a shaky voice as he tried to get rid of the feeling of his heart pounding in his throat.

Before Okashi had met Kyoji he was like any other normal boy. He was average in school, one of the slower people in Gym class and couldn’t lift really heavy weights to save his life. But after he had let the demon spirit reside in him his body had slowly been changing. Okashi was now faster than most could dream of being, could jump great distances like he had just done, his hearing had improved so much he could hear a pin drop from the next room if he concentrated and he bet that if he tried he could lift his dad’s car and could hold it up with one hand. In short, his body was becoming more and more inhuman.

He wasn’t sure how just Kyoji’s spirit was manifesting these new abilities, but Okashi was both thankful and scared of them. Scared that he seemed to be becoming less and less human, but he was thankful since they did come in handy in a tight spot. Okashi didn’t know if his body was going to change anymore than it already had, but since they were soon going into the unknown; he guessed that wasn’t such a bad thing if it did.

The boy carefully bent down and searched with his fingers for the bottom of the glass. Finally he was able to get a grip on it and slide it up without a sound.

“Thank God I fixed it so it doesn’t squeak anymore,” Okashi mumbled as he quietly slipped into his room.

~I’ll say, we don’t need your parent’s hearing us,~ Kyoji commented and that made Okashi stop. He had tried not to think about it, but he really might never see his parents again. The two people that had given him life and had loved him and raised him with such care, it made him nauseous just thinking about it. ~Okashi, what’s wrong?~ Kyoji asked in concern, feeling the sudden uneasiness that came over his host.

“Kyoji, if we really do this, if we really run away. Then I’ll-I’ll never see my parents, or even my friends, again, will I?” he asked in a small, terrified voice. The spirit was quiet as he tried to think of a way to comfort his host.

~I don’t know, Okashi, but that is a big possibility,~ he told him, deciding to just be truthful. Kyoji felt a wave of sadness and despair sweep through the small body of Okashi and the boy shook.

~Okashi, listen to me.~ Kyoji had to calm him down before he started to cry and alert anyone in the house that they were there. ~Even if you decide not to go things can’t be the way they once were. If you stay they’ll send you right back to that place or maybe even somewhere else and you might not see them again anyways. I know that all of this is my fault, but it’s the way things have played out. I’m sorry,~ the demon spirit told him and he did regret putting the poor boy through these things, but there was no way to change them now.

Okashi took deep, shuddering breaths and tried to collect himself. He knew that Kyoji was right and he couldn’t back out now.

“No, it’s not your fault, Kyoji,” he told him, keeping his voice in a whisper. “I knew there were going to be struggles when I agreed to let you share my body. You even warned me and gave me the chance to change my mind, but I didn’t. So since I agreed I have to take anything that gets thrown at us and I can take it as long as you’re with me,” he told Kyoji. “Like I said I’d die if you weren’t with me anymore and I’ll do anything to stay by your side.” The spirit swelled with pride at Okashi’s little speech and felt that he had made the right choice when he had chosen the boy to be his host.

~All right, we should get started in gathering your things,~ Kyoji told him when he got over his feelings of delight.

“Right,” Okashi agreed then went about the room looking for things to take. He got out his back pack and an old duffle bag he kept under the bed to carry his things. He put important things in like some of his clothes, blankets and other such things. Okashi then got some not-so-very important things like his portable cd player and some of his favorite books to keep him busy when they traveled. He then went to his closet and dug around until he found a beat up old shoebox.

“Good thing I never really liked putting my money in the bank,” Okashi whispered as he pulled out a few rolls of cash and put them in a safe pocket in his backpack.

~Yeah, or else we’d have to hit the hobo scene sooner than we’d really need to,~ Kyoji commented and Okashi raised an eyebrow.

“Hobo scene? That’s very inconsiderate to the homeless, Kyoji,” he scolded lightly.

~What? It’s true. I just don’t really want to see you in raggy clothes waving around a tin can for spare change,~ Kyoji told him.

“Now there’s a funny image, but, yeah, I don’t really want to do that either,” Okashi chuckled. He then suddenly stiffened and his eyes widened when he could have sworn he heard a creak come from somewhere in the house. *Kyoji, did you hear that?* he thought urgently to his spirit.

~Damn straight I did! Someone is up and about in the house…and coming right to your room!~ Kyoji told him in a panic. Okashi quickly shoved the shoebox back in the closet and hid both him and his back pack in the little space.

~Okashi, the duffle bag!~ the demon spirit hissed at him. Okashi peeked out and felt sudden cold wash over him when he saw his bag on the bed and still open with all his things inside. The footsteps were getting closer, possibly too close for him to act.

He had to take the chance. Okashi dashed out of the closet and snatched the bag and ran back to his hiding place and closed it almost all the way right when the bedroom door opened and the light turned on. Okashi shut his eyes tightly from the offensive brightness that came in the closet from where the door was left slightly ajar.

“Hello? Is someone here?” asked the person who had come into the room and from the voice it sounded like a woman. *Oh no…* Okashi thought in despair when he recognized the voice. He put his eye near the crack of the door when he got used to the light and saw a woman. She had long hair that was the same color as Okashi’s and was dressed in a simple nightgown and she was looking about the room for anything odd.

~Great, it’s your mother…someone is reaaally not making this easy for us,~ Kyoji grumbled. Okashi didn’t reply as he watched her. His eyes widened when she turned enough so Okashi could see her face. *Are those tear streaks?* he asked and felt his chest clench, one thing he hated the most was when his mother cried. She was such a sweet and gentle woman that it was horrible to see her hurt in any way.

~Stay strong, Okashi, you know what will happen if you reveal yourself,~ Kyoji warned him. *I-I know,* the boy replied.

“Honey? What are you doing in here?” A male voice suddenly asked and a tall man with short black hair and clad in dark red pajama’s appeared in Okashi’s line of sight.

~Oh son of a…honestly! Why is this being more difficult than getting out of the nuthouse!?~ the demon snapped in irritation. *Now who needs to stay strong?* Okashi thought in amusement, trying to distract himself from his parents. He wanted so bad to go and hug them or talk to them, but he knew that would be a very bad idea.

Okashi’s mom turned to her husband then looked away, as if in embarrassment.

“Oh, Kaden, I-I just thought that I heard something and thought-and I thought.” Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. “And I thought maybe our baby came home,” she sobbed and covered her face with her hands. “Oh God, Kaden, what have we done!?” she asked as she cried and shook. Kaden went to her and took her into his arms comfortingly.

“Shhh, Shiza, shhh, it was for the best,” he whispered to her soothingly and stroked her hair. “As much as it pains me too it couldn’t be helped. What could we have done? We had to do it,” he told her and his voice carried a sadness of its own. Shiza pushed away from him and tried to glare at him through her tears.

“Did we!? Did we have to send our only son to a mental institution!? There must have been some other way!” she yelled at him angrily, but then broke down into even more sobs as she sat down on Okashi’s bed. Kaden looked at her with sympathy and sat down next to her.

“It was either that or let them take Okashi to jail after what he did. At least at that place he can get the help he needs. We knew he was only getting worse and it just couldn’t be ignored anymore. It was the best thing to do,” he told her and held her to him again.

“But he’s my little baby! What if he can never get better!?” she cried into her husbands’ chest.

“I don’t know, but we have to pray he does. If we don’t have hope neither will he,” Okashi’s dad told her. “I’m sure they’ll let us visit him soon and we’ll get to see him and see if he’s any better. He’s a strong boy, I’m sure he’s fine and doing his best,” he reassured her. With Kaden’s comforting words Shiza’s sobbing subsided into sniffles and little hiccups.

“Y-You’re right, he needed help. I just wish we could have done something ourselves instead of sending him to that place,” she said softly. Kaden pulled away and wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I know, me too. Come on, honey, it’s late. Let’s try and get some sleep,” he told her and stood up. Shiza let herself be pulled to her feet and then ushered out of the room, not saying a word. The room was plunged into darkness again as Kaden turned off the light then closed the door and their footsteps faded away down the hall.

In the closet Okashi was trembling terribly as tears went down his face. He was biting on his finger so as not to make a sound and to prevent him from going to talk to his parents, to tell them everything was going to be okay. Some blood was running down his finger since he was biting it so hard and a few drops fell to the floor. Kyoji was helping with the boys’ impulse to go run to his parents by paralyzing his legs and making sure he made no move to reveal himself.

~Okay, Okashi, the coast is clear,~ the spirit told him once he was sure Okashi’s parents were back in their room and released his hold on the boy’s body. Okashi slowly released his bloody finger from the death grip of his teeth and held it in his other hand to try and stop the bleeding.

“Oh God, Kyoji, what have I done?” he whispered hoarsely as he continued to cry. “I’m putting them through so much pain. I knew I was worrying them with my behavior, but I didn’t mean to hurt them. I-I never wanted to hurt them with what I’ve been doing.”

~Okashi, stop, you haven’t done anything of the sort. I was the one who got out of control and put you in this position. All you did was agree to house my spirit. The paths we choose usually hurt someone one way or another, that’s unavoidable. We just have to bite the bullet and live with the consequences,~ Kyoji told him. Now he was really feeling regret for putting Okashi through this. It was a new feeling to him. Regret. But over the past two years Okashi had made many new feelings arise in the demon spirit he thought he could never feel. He wasn’t sure he liked them, but he concluded it was the consequence of inhabiting such a caring human.

Okashi stopped shaking and tried his best to calm down. Kyoji was right. He had chosen this path and he was going to stick with it. Maybe someday he could make it up to his parents, but until then it was best that he went away. He couldn’t keep putting his parents through these occurrences.

“O-Okay, let’s finish up,” he said as he gathered his bags and quietly exited the closet. He first went and grabbed a handkerchief from his dresser and wrapped it around his finger and tied it awkwardly.

“I think I have a biting problem,” he mumbled and heard his spirit friend chuckle.

~Of course if you were to bite in other situations it wouldn’t be a bad thing,~ the demon practically purred. The boy blushed furiously at the comment. *Kyoji! Jesus, don’t say things like that!* he yelled in his head, fearing he would be heard if he said it out loud. ~You’re so adorable when you fluster,~ Kyoji cooed in delight. Okashi ignored him then went around the room once more and finished getting a few more items’ before zipping up his bags.

~Um, Okashi?~ Kyoji suddenly piped up.

“Yeah?”

~You might want to change the clothes you’re wearing,~ the spirit suggested and sounded like he was trying to hold back a laugh. Okashi looked down at himself and chuckled sheepishly.

“Huh, you might be right,” he whispered. He was in the clothes the institution had given him, but they weren’t really in the best of shape. Since he had such a growth spurt when Kyoji took control the clothes were stretched and ripped in a few places. Then to top it all off he was barefoot.

Okashi quickly went back to his closet and stripped out of the clothes he was wearing and put on some of his own. He slipped a red T-shirt over his head and put on some old blue jeans.

“Now what shoes should I take?” he mumbled then settled for a pair of comfortable sneakers. He pulled on some socks and slipped into his shoes.

~You might want to take your boots too. You never know what kind of terrain we’ll be traveling on,~ Kyoji told him. Okashi nodded and grabbed his hiking boots and put them in the duffle bag and closed that back up. He shut the closet door and walked over to his backpack and grabbed it.

“I guess that’s it, I wanted to get some food and other things, but I can’t risk going downstairs while my parents are still awake,” Okashi told the spirit as he slipped the backpack on.

~Agreed, we’ll think of another way to get food. Now I think it’s best if we leave,~ Kyoji advised and Okashi nodded. He picked up the duffle bag again and headed toward the window.

“Crap, I left it open. Good thing my mom and dad didn’t notice,” Okashi said in relief.

~Yeah, that would have been very bad if they had,~ Kyoji agreed.

When Okashi got to their exit he stuck his head out and thought about the best way to get down. He nibbled on his bottom lip as he thought then nodded when he decided. He put his arm through the straps of his duffle bag so it was hanging on his shoulder then climbed out of the window. Okashi then took firm hold of the sill and lowered his body slowly so he was hanging from it. With his body out of the way he reached up for the window and grabbed the bottom of it with a little difficulty. He carefully pulled it down until the window was fully closed.

“Phew, okay now that that is done I guess I can climb down,” Okashi mumbled. But when he looked down he realized there was nothing he could grab or hold onto to get down. “Oh crap, I think I should have thought this through a little more,” he whimpered as he looked down at the ground and it seemed miles away.

~Oh come on, Okashi. Do the exact same thing you did to get in,~ Kyoji told him.

“What?” the boy asked in confusion and the spirit sighed.

~Just jump.~

“I am not going to jump!” Okashi protested then quickly lowered his voice. “Are you crazy?”

~Come now, my little host, you jumped up to the second story of a building you can certainly jump down from that height,~ Kyoji urged.

“No!” Okashi said stubbornly.

~You know you want to,~ Kyoji said teasingly.

“No, I don’t,” Okashi insisted.

~Come on, boy, jump! Jump!~ Kyoji said in a cutesy voice like he was talking to a dog. Okashi growled at him.

“If it was possible for me to smack you I would,” he told his companion.

~And you know, it is possible for me to take control of your hands and make you let go,~ Kyoji threatened.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Okashi snarled, but knew very well Kyoji could do it if he really wanted to.

~I will as a last resort because it wouldn’t be a good idea for us to be hanging here all night…or early morning, whichever you prefer. Besides I think you’re going to fall soon because your arms are getting tired, aren’t they?~ Kyoji asked and the boy didn’t reply at first.

“….Yes, they are,” he finally admitted in a small voice. Usually he’d be able to hang there for awhile, but with the added weight of his backpack and duffle bag his arms were already starting to shake and wear out.

~So make a choice. Either jump of your own free will or let gravity do it for you,~ Kyoji told him and Okashi narrowed his eyes.

“You don’t have to be such a smartass about it,” he said then sighed in defeat. “Okay, fine, I’ll jump. The things you make me do,” he grumbled.

~I do it out of love,~ Kyoji told him happily and Okashi shook his head.

“I would be scared to see what you’d do if you hated me,” he mumbled then pulled his legs up to rest the bottom of his feet against the house. “Okay, here goes nothing. You better pray I don’t break a leg or something or I’m never talking to you again,” Okashi threatened.

~You’ll do fine, I believe in you,~ Kyoji encouraged. The boy took a deep breath then pushed off the side of the house. He flew back a few feet then started to fall to the ground below. Okashi scrunched his eyes shut and felt his stomach do a flip flop at the feeling of falling. But soon enough his feet made contact with the ground safely. He eeped and stumbled, making himself fall back and land on his rump. Okashi opened his eyes and looked at the ground then up at the window he had just jumped from.

“Oh thank God…” he praised breathlessly and wiped his forhead with the back of his hand.

~See, nothing to worry about. Next time keep your eyes open so you actually know when the ground is coming, little host,~ Kyoji congratulated then advised.

“Yeah, that would probably be a good idea,” Okashi agreed then shakily got to his feet. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to doing those kinds of things though,” he mumbled as he walked quickly to the bushes and went into them. He wanted to stay out of sight so he decided to travel through yards instead of out on the street.

~Sure you will. Once you get used to it it’s easy and not to mention fun,~ Kyoji told him.

“I’ll just have to take your word on that,” the boy said. They were both silent as Okashi made his way, but after a few blocks Kyoji noticed something odd in their direction.

~Um, Okashi, this isn’t the way to get out of town. Where are you going?~ Kyoji asked in bewilderment.

“We’re going to make a quick stop at Lloyd’s house,” Okashi told him and braced himself.

~What!?!~ Kyoji yelled and Okashi had to stop to hold his head.

“Ooow…Kyoji, can you yell a little quieter?” he asked as he rubbed his temples. It was a good thing he anticipated that reaction.

~What do you mean you’re going to Lloyd’s house!? We’re kind of on the run here. Do you really think it’s a good idea to go have a chat with your friend?~ Kyoji asked and Okashi felt his eye twitch.

“Ah, Kyoji, cut that out,” he ordered as he rubbed his eye. “Look, Lloyd has been my best friend for years. He’s the only one who stuck by me through this whole mess. I’d regret it if I didn’t even tell him goodbye before never seeing him again,” Okashi told him and the demon was quiet for a moment.

~….No matter what I say you’re going to do this anyway, aren’t you?~ he finally asked.

“Yep,” Okashi confirmed with a nod. The spirit gave an irritated sigh and knew he couldn’t persuade the boy otherwise.

~Fine, let’s just go there and get this over with quickly,~ he grumbled and his host smiled.

“Thank you for your cooperation,” he said before continuing on his way.

~Yeah, yeah, but you better at least make this worth it and get some supplies out of him,~ Kyoji demanded grumpily and Okashi chuckled.

“You’re so cute when you’re irritated.”

Okashi kept up his pace for awhile until he came to a yard of a small, one story house. He looked around before he crept to one of the windows that belonged to his friends’ room. Okashi set down his bags when he got there and looked around once more.

~Okashi, are you really sure you should be doing this? What if he turns us in?~ Kyoji asked, unable to hold in his concern.

“Don’t worry; he won’t do that and yes I’m sure of it,” Okashi answered he got up on his tiptoes to try and look inside. “Okay, I think he’s in there,” he whispered then reached up and began tapping on the window. He kept this up for a few minutes until the light to the room turned on and he crouched down. The window opened and a boy around Okashi’s age stuck his head out and he looked very grumpy.

“Who the hell is doing that!?” he snapped. “And at four o’clock in the morning!” he growled then yawned widely.

“Psst, Lloyd, down here!” Okashi whispered and Lloyd looked down and he squinted at him then his eyes widened considerably.

“Okashi!” he yelled in surprise.

“Shhhh! Keep your voice down,” Okashi told him and Lloyd covered his mouth with his hand. He looked toward his door to make sure no one was coming to see what the noise was then leaned out of the window to talk to Okashi easier.

“What are you doing here? I thought they took you to that mental institution?” Lloyd asked in bewilderment and Okashi gave a sheepish smile.

“Well, they did, but I, uh, kinda escaped,” he told him and Lloyd’s eyes widened again.

“You escap-mph!” He was stopped from yelling by Okashi reaching up and covering his mouth.

“Why are you such a loud mouth?” he scolded then took away his hand.

“Sorry, but you actually escaped? That’s amazing! I don't know what’s up with you, but you sure have been doing amazing things lately,” Lloyd said and sounded impressed.

“It’s nothing to be proud of, Lloyd. You know I don’t like hurting people,” Okashi told him, feeling that swelling of regret once more.

“I know that, but those guys deserved it. It’s about time you stuck up for yourself after all these years of getting picked on. We both knew I couldn’t protect you forever,” Lloyd said matter-of-factly.

~Nope, that’s what I’m here for,~ Kyoji said haughtily. *Down, demon man. Don’t make me deflate your head,* Okashi thought in amusement.

“So what are you doing here?” Lloyd asked, bringing Okashi back to their conversation. The boys face fell and he bit his lip lightly.

“I-I came here to say goodbye,” he finally said, looking up at his friend. Lloyd raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Goodbye? Are you going somewhere?” he asked and Okashi nodded.

“Y-Yes, I’m leaving town and I probably won’t…ever come back,” Okashi told him, finding it difficult to get the words out. Lloyd’s mouth dropped open and he stared at him in shock.

“W-What? Won’t come back? Are you serious? Okashi, you can’t be serious,” he said, not wanting it to be true, but his friend nodded.

“Yes, I am. I can’t stay here, Lloyd. The police are probably going to be coming after me and if I have any chance of getting away I have to leave,” Okashi explained.

“But forever? You aren’t really going to be away forever are you?” Lloyd questioned and sounded crushed. Okashi lowered his head and shook it.

“I don’t know if forever. I have no idea what’s going to happen to me, but its better this way. I just need to sort things out and get a grip on what I’m doing and I really don’t want to do that in prison or an institution,” he told his friend and looked up at him again. Lloyd stared at him for a moment then slowly nodded.

“I understand, but that doesn’t mean I like it though,” Lloyd said sadly. “But I will be cheering for you out there though and if there’s anything I can do for you just say the word,” he then offered with a small smile.

~Now would be the best time to ask for supplies,~ Kyoji spoke up quickly and Okashi sighed.

“I don’t want to involve you in this, because I don’t want you to get in trouble, but would it be all right if you could give me some food? I want to use my money as sparingly as possible and-”

“Say no more, I’d be happy to,” Lloyd cut him off then suddenly disappeared from the window and Okashi heard the bedroom door open and close. Okashi then sighed again and rested his head against the wall.

~What’s the matter my little host?~ Kyoji asked, not liking the sadness he was feeling from the boy.

“It’s going to be horrible if I never see Lloyd again and I really don’t want him to get in trouble for helping us,” he replied softly.

~We both know how he’s like, Okashi. You more than me obviously. He’d help anyway he could whether you wanted him to or not so please don’t be sad about it. If you’re sad it’ll make me start to mope then we’ll both be traveling while feeling bad. Don’t let me feel mopey!~ Kyoji begged childishly and Okashi couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Okay, okay, I won’t be sad. I don’t need a demon spirit wailing in my head,” he said. They both then waited quietly for Lloyd to return. A few minutes later Okashi heard the door open and close again and he stood up from leaning against the house. Lloyd reappeared in the window and looked like he had his arms full.

“Sorry for the wait, but I got you a few more things,” he said with a wide smile. Okashi raised an eyebrow and tilted his head.

“A few more things? Like what?” he asked.

“Well, first here’s some food I was able to scrounge from the fridge.” Lloyd handed him two big Tupperware containers filled with food.

“Whoa, I wasn’t expecting this much,” Okashi said in amazement as he took them.

“You know me, I’m an over achiever,” Lloyd joked. “Now I also grabbed you our first aid kit and a map of the area around here,” he said and gave the items to his friend.

“Are you sure all of this is okay?” Okashi asked, worried it was too much and Lloyd’s parents would notice. Lloyd just smiled and waved his hand dismissively.

“Don’t worry about it. We always have more than enough food and I can replace the kit before my parents even notice its missing. As for the map no one’s used it in ages,” Lloyd reassured him.

Okashi was still uncertain, but nodded and accepted the supplies. He bent down and started to put them in his duffle bag; he had to rearrange things to make them fit, but soon he was ready. Okashi closed the bag and put his backpack back on and picked up the other bag. He looked back up at Lloyd and smiled at him.

“Thank you for everything, Lloyd, and I don’t mean just for the stuff. You’re the greatest friend I could have ever asked for. I’m going to miss you,” he told him. Lloyd smiled sadly and nodded.

“Same here, buddy. It’s going to be weird not having you around, but I’d rather have you out wandering the world than locked up in some cell,” he said then took a deep breath. “But before you go come here,” he requested then suddenly leaned the upper part of his body completely out of the window. Okashi was startled and dropped his bag to quickly grab him and help keep him up.

“Lloyd, what are you doing?” he asked in bewilderment. Lloyd put his hands on Okashi’s shoulders to balance himself then grinned at him.

“Just giving you one last present before you leave,” he told him.

“What are you talking abou-mph!” Okashi’s eyes widened in shock as Lloyd pressed his mouth against his own, cutting him off. Okashi had stiffened in surprise, but he then slowly relaxed into it and closed his eyes.

~What the hell is that little snot doing!?~ Kyoji cried out angrily. ~Wait, what the hell are you doing!? Don’t kiss him back! Stop kissing back!!!~ Kyoji demanded in outrage, but Okashi ignored him. They were like that for a moment until Lloyd pulled away, a smile on his face. Okashi’s breath was shaky as he opened his eyes and blinked at his friend.

“L-Lloyd, wha…?” Okashi trailed off and he felt his face heat up. Lloyd’s smile turned into a grin at Okashi’s reaction.

“I’ve wanted to do that for awhile now, but I never had the courage to. But since this might be the last time I ever see you I figured what’s stopping me?” he told his blushing friend.

~I’ll stop you if you try that again, buster! You are going down!~ Kyoji was still angrily yelling. *Kyoji, please calm down,* Okashi hushed him, feeling a headache coming on. Kyoji growled and even hissed a little, but stayed quiet.

The boy bashfully looked at Lloyd, not really knowing what to say.

“Lloyd, I…I never thought you-”

“Liked guys? Yeah, me neither, but you’ve always seemed to be the exception,” Lloyd interrupted and grinned when Okashi blushed even more.

“I-I’m sorry I never realized that you…had those kinds of feelings for me,” Okashi mumbled.

“Nah, not your fault. I never told you and I always had the feeling you’ve had the hots for someone else anyways,” Lloyd said and laughed when Okashi’s eyes widened. “Well, looks like I was right about that then.” His expression then turned serious. “I really am going to miss you, Okashi, but don’t worry about me. Maybe when you’re gone I can get myself to start chasing skirts again,” he said, not able to resist making a joke and was happy when Okashi laughed.

“Sorry I’ve been such a burden, but I’m going to miss you too.” They both then hugged each other one last time.

“Okashi?”

“Yeah?”

“Um…Can you push me back up in the window? I’m kinda stuck,” Lloyd requested with a sheepish chuckle. Okashi laughed and he pushed Lloyd up and after some struggling got him safely back on the ground in his room.

“Ow, that hurt,” Lloyd whined and rubbed his stomach. “Note to self: never hang out of a window for long periods of time.” He then looked down at Okashi with a soft smile. “Well, I suppose this is goodbye.” Okashi nodded as he picked his duffle bag back up.

“Yeah, goodbye, Lloyd,” he said with a little wave.

“Bye, Okashi, and good luck out there. I’ll be rooting for you,” Lloyd told him.

“Thanks and I hope things are good for you here,” was the last thing Okashi said to him before running out of Lloyd’s yard and out of sight. Lloyd pouted and sighed when he was gone.

“Don’t get into too much trouble,” he muttered before closing the window.

Okashi ran for awhile until he reached a wooded area that was close to where the end of the town was. He stopped and leaned his back against a nearby tree, breathing heavily. His hand came up and he touched his lips, still shocked about what happened.

“Wow, out of all the years I’ve known him I never thought he liked me that way, did you Kyoji?” he asked his spirit. Okashi furrowed his eyebrows when he got no reply. “Kyoji? Hellllo.” He then sighed and rolled his eyes. “Are you not going to talk to me now?” he questioned.

~You kissed him…~ Kyoji grumbled, obviously not happy.

“He kissed me,” Okashi defended himself, blushing lightly.

~Sure, but if him kissing you wasn’t bad enough you kissed him back!~ the demon snapped and Okashi could hear him growling.

“Okay, I admit that, but what was I supposed to do? He’s my best friend, I couldn’t just push him away and it’s the last time we’ll see each other,” Okashi told him.

~I don’t care, he kissed you! He’s lucky I didn’t tear his face off!~ Okashi scowled at that.

“If you had you would have been in a world of trouble! Now, it’s over and done with, it didn’t mean anything to me. It was like a goodbye kiss, really.” Okashi then grinned. “You know you’re the only man for me,” he said in a cutesy voice.

~…really?~ Kyoji asked uncertainly.

“Of course, I couldn’t think of anyone else that would be better than you. Now who’s my big strong demon?” Okashi asked.

~…I am?~

“That’s right you are. So don’t feel threatened because I wouldn’t dream of being with anyone else, okay?” he asked and hoped he had made the demon feel better.

~….Okay, I suppose. Just don’t let any other guys kiss you,~ Kyoji mumbled and Okashi smiled and stood up straight.

“All right, I won’t. So shall we get going?”

~Yes, the sun is going to come up soon. We want to get as much distance as we can before they discover you’re missing,~ Kyoji replied and Okashi nodded and started walking.

“But you know, Kyoji, you’re really cute when you’re jealous,” Okashi told him and chuckled when the demon gave a surprised grunt.

~Sheesh, you think I’m cute when I’m irritated and you think I’m cute when I’m jealous. Can’t you think I’m cute when I have a positive attitude?~ he asked.

“Well, I guess you’re cute all around then,” Okashi said as he went down a little slope, dodging roots and sticks. “So we’ll be out of the town completely soon, then we’ll figure out what to do from there,” he planned out.

~Sounds good to me. Let’s hope we can do that quick enough.~ Okashi nodded and continued to walk until he found the road that lead out of town and followed it. The two were silent as they trekked and Okashi found himself touching his lips again.

“You know, I think that was my first kiss,” he muttered then narrowed his eyes. “He stole my first kiss dang it…”

~What are you talking about!? I’ve kissed you plenty of times!~ Kyoji snarled, his anger flaring up again.

“I mean an actual kiss, Kyoji, not one of your illusions. As good as those are they aren’t real,” Okashi reminded him. Kyoji didn’t reply, but Okashi could hear him grumbling incoherently.

“Kyoooji, your jealousy is showing,” he teased.

~Quiet you.~

****************

Somewhere hundreds of miles away an aircraft of a sort was speeding toward Okashi’s hometown. It was a small, sleek aircraft that was silent, but went at an incredible speed. Four people were inside the machine, two in front with one piloting it and two in the back.

“I can’t believe we’re being sent out here again!” a man in one of the back seats snapped angrily as he fingered what looked like a long, sharp needle that was also slightly thick. “I mean what is this, the ninth, tenth time!?”

The person in front who wasn’t flying the plane, and the only woman, turned around to look at him.

“Don’t over exaggerate, Bane. It’s only about the third or fourth time and that’s been in the time span of two years, so stop complaining,” she scolded. The man named Bane glared and gnashed his teeth at her.

“Who asked you, Dysis? I’ll complain all I want to,” he growled and the two had a glaring contest.

“You were the one who asked, Bane,” said a calm, almost bored sounding voice that came from the man piloting the plane. “If you have a problem with it then I suggest you go take it up with, Nova…if you have the guts,” he told him coldly. Bane continued to glare at Dysis, then turned his head and slouched in his chair, grumbling.

“Whatever, Barnabas,” he muttered.

In the seat next to him another man, younger looking than the other three, looked from Bane to Dysis.

“Um, may I ask a question?” he asked in a small voice. Bane shot him a glare that made him cower, but Dysis reached back and hit Bane.

“Stop being a jerk, Bane,” she ordered then turned to the other man with a smile. “Go right ahead, sweetie,” she told him.

“Uh, well, I was just wondering. I know I haven’t been with you guys long and don’t know much of things, but why was Nova so insistent we come out here? I mean, I’ve never heard of him sending people out so quickly just because of an energy reading. Is there something special about this Goaku person?” he asked. Bane’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open in shock.

“Are you kidding me? Are you fucking kidding me!?” he yelled and the other man shrank away from him again. “Why do we always get stuck with the God damn newbies?” Bane then asked after he was done glaring at him. Dysis reached back and smacked him again. “Ow! Will you quit that!?”

“Just as soon as you quit being an asshole!” she snapped. “Ash is new so it’s okay for him not to know these things,” she said then turned to Ash. “Well, as you know it’s our job to take care of rowdy demons, right?” she asked and the man nodded. “It’s kind of complicated, but Goaku is a special case,” she told him then bit her lip. Dysis turned to the man next to her with a questioning look. “Um, how much should we tell him Barnabas?” she asked uncertainly. The man was quiet and Dysis was about to ask him again when he suddenly spoke.

“We’ll tell you the basic stuff about this particular case and if it turns out he is actually there and we have to try and capture him we’ll tell you more,” he said and Ash nodded.

“O-Okay, that sounds good.”

“Goaku was a demon that lived a few thousand years ago. In that time the demon problem was rather chaotic so little clans of hunters were established to keep them under control, much like we do now. It worked for the most part. Demons were kept at bay so that the humans could live their lives safely, but then Goaku entered the picture. He was one of the most powerful and evilest demons to go down in history, not that many people know that history. He was powerful, cunning and merciless. Humans were nothing but his playthings and he killed them by the thousands. He was so powerful that he became a Demon Lord of sorts and had armies of other demons to do his bidding. Even by demon standards he was a monster,” Barnabas explained. Dysis nodded and turned back to Ash.

“We’ve even been told that he and his minions would slaughter entire villages just because they were bored and wanted something to do,” she told him with a look of disgust. Ash looked at her in disbelief and gulped.

“Th-that’s horrible,” he stuttered.

“Horrible? That’s an understatement to what that guy really was,” Bane sneered at him. Ash looked over at him then back at Dysis.

“So this guy is still alive?” he asked. The woman opened her mouth to answer, but Barnabas spoke first.

“Yes and no,” he said. “Goaku’s reign lasted a long time, but soon enough the humans started to fight against him. Nova comes from a long line of Demon Slayers and it was his ancestor’s that finally killed Goaku. We’re not exactly sure how, but we know they did. The demons who were his followers were quickly killed after that or they disbanded and fled. But even though Goaku’s body was destroyed it was soon learned that his spirit was still alive.” Ash furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

“His spirit?” he asked.

“Yes, his spirit was still free and roaming the earth, but it couldn’t last long on its own. The way that Goaku has kept himself alive all these years was by possessing the bodies of anything that was alive. Another demon, a human, there has even been some reports of him using the bodies of animals. So Nova’s family has made it their duty to capture Goaku’s spirit and destroy him once and for all. To finally rid the world of his evil,” Barnabas finished. Bane snorted and crossed his arms.

“Sure ike that’s the only reason why they want to capture him,” he muttered sarcastically and earned himself another smack from Dysis.

“Shut up, Bane!” she yelled. Ash was quiet as he processed this information.

“So where we’re going now is where Goaku is?” he asked. Dysis stopped bickering with Bane to look over at Ash.

“Well, that’s what we’re hoping,” she replied. Ash gave her a strange look so she decided to elaborate. “You see, it was rather hard trying to track Goaku throughout the years, but when technology was introduced it was made much easier. With each new advancement it became easier and easier to find his new host and try to capture him…though none of the people who have tried to get him have succeeded obviously,” she said with a sheepish smile. Bane then decided to speak up and input some facts. He leaned in close to the other man with a little wicked smirk.

“But you see, this Goaku guy is very sneaky. Soon he was able to cloak his presence so well that it’s almost impossible for us to get a location on him with any of our equipment until he uses a great deal of his energy or powers,” he told Ash. He then leaned back and spun his long needle around his fingers. Ash furrowed his eyebrows then his eyes widened when he put two and two together.

“You mean the energy reading we got back at HQ!” he exclaimed and Dysis nodded.

“Exactly. We don’t know what he’s doing when he flicks on our radar, but he’s using a great deal of his power for something. We’re also certain it’s him because he has a very distinct reading than with other demons we get,” she explained. “Now, we’re not sure we’ll find much of anything because like Bane was complaining about before we’ve been out to place a few times.”

“So he’s staying in the same area?” Ash asked.

“Yes, we’re assuming his new host lives there, but whenever we’re sent out here we don’t find anything. Our equipment might give us a location, but unless he makes his presence known or we know who his host is it’s hard to find him,” Barnabas said.

“So by the time we get there the track might have gone cold already,” Ash concluded.

“Happens every fuckin’ time,” Bane growled.

“But we pray it’s different this time. Goaku may not be a threat now, but if he were to regain what powers he had when he was alive and unleash his wrath again then the world could be plunged into chaos. If that were to happen then God help us all,” Barnabas told them gravely. An eerie silence fell over them as they raced to their destination, hoping to stop whatever disaster that could be brought by the evil demon Goaku.

============ Ch. 2 End

See I told you it was long! I hope you enjoyed it and aren’t things getting interesting? We see some new characters and hints that Kyoji and Okashi have some kind of relationship other than parasite/host. Now with the last four characters I just gave you there names, but no description. That is going to come later, I wanted to keep just a slight mystery about them (not much mystery but a little) Well, I hope you enjoyed it so please comment and tell me what you think!