Twilight Killers

“Worthless whore!” The words could be heard three doors down in the lavish apartment building as well as the loud thud of a fist striking flesh, a few of the residents looked over towards number one hundred ten with worried expressions; however, most simply shook their heads and continued with their lives. It was better not to get involved, especially when it came to fights between a minor and their guardian, because after the wars anyone who was not twenty-one or older had no rights at all, their parents or guardians could do whatever they wanted and the law would do nothing to stop it. Besides everyone always seemed to have better things to do with their lives...Who wanted to help some kid anymore?

A fact that made his already sucky life suckier in Seth Anubis René’s opinion. Though no one cared for a half-breed’s opinion, particularly not his stepfather. The sixteen year old looked up at the older man through a curtain of silver and green hair, cat like eyes showing hurt and anger as his tongue lapped at the blood on his split lips. A colorful array of bruises covered his body, though his face was untouched for the most part, along with various cuts and scars. He hadn't even done anything really wrong this time. Yes he'd been in a dangerous part of the city-state several hours after curfew...So what? Tons of people his age did the same thing and worse, he bet they didn't get a police escort home and then beaten up. Of course it could help that most of those people didn't have one of the hundred politician who made up the worlds government for a guardian. After all having his ward breaking the laws even in the slightest way reflected badly upon him, particularly if the underground media got a hold of this juicy little tidbit.

Joshamee Taylor glared down at the half breed and viciously backhanded him with a snarl, throwing him back onto the floor. “I keep you out of the goodness of my heart after your no good mother runs off; give you food, shelter, and clothes, and this is how you thank me? By running around with hoodlums and sleeping with freaks!” He sneered walking over the prone teen, making sure to plant the toe of his boot in Seth’s stomach. Joshamee hated this piece of filth who had the utter gull to act as though he were oh so much better than a human--never mind that Seth actual was better than any human--and would use any excuse to beat the shit out of him. 'Goddamn weirdos, they just suddenly pop out of nowhere and us hard working humans have to worry about keeping both our jobs and our lives safe from them,' the thought ran through his head as he drew his leg back before replanting his foot.

Seth winced and curled into a ball around the hurt, keeping silent though he so badly wanted to lash out. Having lived with Joshamee for the last nine years he had quickly learned that fighting back only got him hurt a hell of a lot more, as did interrupting him when he was ranting. Besides he didn't see the point in saying anything anyway, the damn bastard was so set in his ways that nothing he did or said would ever change his opinion. ‘The only reason Mother left in the first place was she couldn't take your fucking abuse any more,’ he snarled in his head, still not saying anything.

Joshamee gave an annoyed sigh and ran a hand through short sandy hair, blue eyes slightly regretful, though the little brat deserved it for being brought home at four in the morning by the local police. “Get up!” He growled and nudged the boy in the back with his toe a bit harder than was most likely needed, but it made him feel better.

Seth rose to his knees with a wince before slowly standing, biting his already bloody lip to keep from whimpering in agony. Everything seemed to hurt, but that was to be expected since he'd just gone through a beating that had lasted for over an hour, though it felt like it had lasted much longer. Once he was on his feet he kept his head bowed in false repentance, not willing to provoke the man before him any further than disappearing the middle of the night and being escorted home had. 'At least I have to go to school soon, so he can't really do anything more,' the thought was simply relieved and a bit excited, after all school would be in session until five that evening. More time away from home, and an opportunity to see his friends. This fact helped him keep up his act of being submissive and contrite.

“Well, what do you have to say for yourself?” Joshamee hissed at the supposedly contrite teen, blue eyes still narrowed in anger. He had a sneaking suspicion that it was just an act, but the boy seemed sincere enough. Besides he couldn't very well keep him home from school, it would look bad, and despite the fact that nothing could or would be done appearances were very important still.

“I apologize for any inconvenience I have caused you, Sir,” Seth said meekly, bowing at the waist slightly. This was perhaps the hardest part of the act that he had to put on, but it was an important part and would help cement his sincerity in the other's mind. Had he been a full-blood, like his mother, he could have simply made Joshamee believe whatever the hell he wanted the stupid human to believe. Having only half his mother's blood was a major draw back.

His answer was a snort and a wave of his hand, “Go get changed and go to school, I have work to do.” He still wasn't sure whether or not to believe the boy, but he was tired of dealing with him, and sending him to school would give the politician an entire day of not seeing him. A win win situation really.

Seth gave another bow and gratefully fled to his tiny bedroom to change into his uncomfortable school uniform. He hadn't been sure how much longer he could have kept up the act, so being dismissed was definitely in his favor. Quickly brushing out his shoulder blade length hair he tied it back and picked up his bag before running from the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

By the time he got to school there was still half an hour before the first bell would ring, not that he minded being so early, after all it got him away from Joshamee and out of the apartment. Besides it also would guarantee that he got two well balanced meals today, instead of only one. School food had improved since the Sixth World War, not that anyone could figure out why.

“Seth,” a coldly sensual voice breathed in his ears and pale arms wrapped loosely around his torso, gently pulling him into a strong body, and halting his day dream about hot delicious food in its tracks, instead it filled it with more erotic thoughts as he simply breathed in the other's scent. It was a unique one, a blend of peppermint, cinnamon, clove, and other spices. And one mustn't forget the underlying smell of rich blood and slightly damp soil.

“Damiano,” he replied and leaned against the support the vampyre’s tall, muscular frame offered. As well as the vibes of safety that radiated into his mind. He always felt safe around this particular friend, although the other had confessed that the blood of a half-breed such as himself was a bit addicting, like coke or heroine. Since the only blood sharing ever experienced between the two had been completely consensual, Seth wasn't worried that Damiano would attack him. Though if he thought about it, that would be way hot.

“That bastard did a number on you this time,” Damiano Arvid commented, flicking out his tongue and gently licking some missed blood from Seth’s lips. Again halting his thoughts, though this time they were of being ravished...or not. He moaned as the other bit his lips slightly before licking them again, and smirked at his reaction.

“Yeah, though I'm feeling better than I was earlier,” he replied sighing contently when the sting went out of his lips and they healed flawlessly. Closing his eyes he let the warm feeling of being cared for wash over him, bathing him in happiness.

“I hope that we didn't have anything to do with why he was mad at you,” a new voice piped up, this one was warmer and softer than the vampyre’s.

Seth opened silver and green eyes to examine the slight form before him. Amir Beldon stood quietly as always, gray falcon like wings currently folded tightly against his body, his brown and green eyes wide with worry and sadness for his friend. “It had nothing to do with the two of you,” he assured the Darker Fey. Despite being the Forest King’s youngest child, or maybe because of it, Amir was extremely sensitive and lacked self esteem. The sad thing was that he often got beaten up because he was friends with two of the highest ranking supernaturals in his school.

“Oh,” he murmured and pressed his lips to various bruises on Seth’s body, healing him with the magic he had inherited from his mother. Amir was a very good healer, though his method of healing was unique because his mother had some Succubus blood running through her veins, making her only child a very sensual and sexually aware creature. Perhaps that was the reason he had attracted Damiano’s attention in the first place, being from a royal line himself the vampyre was hard to please with anything, Amir didn't have to work hard to please his mate at all, he simply had to be himself.

Seth wasn't sure what he, a lowly half breed, had done to warrant the attention and care of such high ranking beings, but Amir and Damiano were not about to let him go for any reason, a fact that he was grateful for.

“I would gladly kill him for you,” Damiano whispered into his ear, arms tightening just a fraction now that he no longer hurt all over, “And I know that Andante would do the same,” he added before loosening his hold again.

“I can't afford that, you’d end up getting caught eventually,” Seth replied, “Besides he isn't worth you taking time to kill… I'll deal with this myself.” He didn't want his friend to get in trouble and the last thing he needed was his asshole of a half brother finding out about just how badly he was treated.

“You and Andante need to work out your issues eventually,” Amir said with light reproof as he finished healing the devil-Forsaken Angel hybrid.

“What me and my Brother need to do is chop each other up into little bits and pieces,” Seth hissed slightly annoyed, he really didn't want to talk about his pure blooded sibling.

Damiano gave a deep chuckle, “I doubt that Douxian would stand by idly and allow that,” he informed calmly a wicked glint in his crimson and black eyes as he thought about the demon’s reaction to that little spectacle.

“Indeed, he'd probably lock us in tiny little cages for a few months until he decided that we wouldn't try again,” Seth agreed calmer now that he could see the humor in the situation.

Amir rolled his eyes and lightly kissed his mate and his friend on the lips, “Come on you two, we won't get any breakfast if we stand here any longer, and I heard it was chicken fried steak and fried potatoes this morning,” the Fey sighed and led his companions toward the cafeteria.

Seth followed obediently, though he made a silent promise to himself, tonight he would no longer be a victim of that rat assed bastard. Tonight he would get rid of the problem himself. Satisfied he pushed part of his mind into a corner so that it could scheme in peace. Yes he would finally stick up for himself and would be free.

Seth found it ridiculously simply and easy to bury the nine inch knife in his step-father’s chest. He had pounced the moment the human had entered the apartment, taking him by surprise. He hardly had to put apply any pressure to get the blade to slide through the flesh to pierce a lung. The old man didn't even fight back or scream as he was stabbed. This might have been due to the fact he was rather drunk and the alcohol dulled and slowed his responses.

Joshamee felt nothing except the burning pain in his chest. Looking down he stared dumbfounded at the blood that soaked his shirt, before he raised his head to stare into his step-son’s inhumanly green and silver cat like eyes. “You fucking bitch,” he gurgled, blood welling in his throat and choking him.

Seth yanked the knife back out, causing Joshamee to give a strangled groan. He smirked but said nothing to the man’s insult, as he'd heard it many times before. Sighing he crouched and sat back on his heels, giving him the appearance of a very smug cat watching a dying rat with unconcealed glee, as he waited for the bastard to give up the ghost. “Ya know, Andante will inherit your money, seeing as ya got no offspring,” he remarked cruelly with a sadistic grin. As much as he resented his half brother, Joshamee loathed his eldest step-son even more.

Joshamee gave one last rattling cough, a grimace twisting his face before he stilled and breathed no more.

“Good riddance ya bastard,” Seth spat as he stood kicking the corpse contemptuously. Quickly bending down he wrapped lax fingers around the hilt, he gave a prayer of thanks for being a half-breed. Because of his heritage nothing of his presence would be found on the body or weapon, magically or scientifically.

Grinning he made sure not a drop of blood was on his clothes or body before walking out of the apartment, “I'm going out, Old Man!” he shouted for the neighbors benefit, making sure to slam the door and stomp down the hallway. Typical sullen teenager, nothing to see here folks, go about your business.

Once free of the apartment building Seth gave a grin that would have made Lucifer resign his position as the top devil. Life had gotten a lot better in his opinion.

Downtown Moiré had been a booming area with bright lights and all sorts of attractions before the war had wiped out half the world’s population, now it was little more than a derelict district. A haven for all of those who were shunned by one society or another, orphans, druggies, and the various dregs from all walks of life; Perfect for a half blooded no body like him to hide out in.

“Oi, Jackal!” A familiar voice summoned as he passed by a warehouse.

Seth lifted his head and grinned at his boyfriend, a dark purple haired Fallen Angel named Vladimir Theart, known on the streets as “V”. “Hey V,” he responded and jogged over to the slightly taller male’s side.

V immediately embraced him, holding as though he would never let go. He hadn't seen his younger lover in months and he'd been worried for him. It was also his way of marking Seth as his to all of the humans and other beings out there watching in the dark. A sharp nip to his shoulder made him look down at the shorter male in bemusement, “What was that for?”

Seth gave an annoyed glare and pointedly wiggled in V’s arms a bit. “I'm alive and in good health, let go!” While he understood his lover’s motives he was still a bit exasperated with it all. A strong hand caught his chin and tilted his head a bit higher.

“What if I don't want to?” V asked softly, a wicked glint in his eyes before he dipped his head to capture his shorter lover’s lips in a kiss that was equally passion and possession.

Seth snarled slightly prior to giving up and giving into V’s desires. After all it wasn't like it hurt anybody for them to be seen like this, least of all him. After what seemed to short a time V pulled away, a slight smirk on his lips as Seth panted a bit breathlessly, though he still managed to glare at the Fallen Angel in annoyance.

“What have you been doing, Love? You smell of death,” V inquired as he rested his chin atop Seth’s head. The smell was faint and no one except for a Fallen Angel would have been able to smell it, seeing as they were so very in tune with such things.

“Hmm, just been getting rid of a pest problem,” Seth said nonchalantly with a shrug of indifference.

“Ah, and I trust that your apartment has no more rodents to be gotten rid of?” V murmured an unholy gleam to otherwise mischievous eyes.

“Yep, though we should probably tell Dante and Xi’ that the rodent problem has been taken care of,” Seth murmured a slightly annoyed look on his face. He really didn't want to have to see either his half brother or his half brother’s lover; however, if he did not tell them personally there would be hell to pay when the authorities informed them of Joshamee’s death.

V sighed and flinched slightly, between the Forsaken Angel and the demon there were plenty of things that one could do to get themselves killed or maimed, particularly if either was in a bad mood. “I believe they're both at their club at the moment,” he said quietly.

“Well then it looks like we'll be dropping by Lycaon before the night is over,” Seth murmured and pulled his mate into a passionate kiss, smiling when the Fallen Angel gave in and lifted him off his feet, disappearing into the well furnished abandoned warehouse.