White Rabbit

Note: Yes! It's an update! Oh my gosh right? Who saw that coming. :gonk: Ok, ok. I'm sorry. And I know everyone probably hates me right now and just wants to read...so I'll make this short. This is NOT the end. (But I do have it written...I do!) I'm posting this now because what I planned as one final chapter...turned out to be twenty-four pages long. ^^; So...without further adue! Here you people are...(oh so belated I know...again so sorries...T_T)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Their eyes bore into him, searing holes and sending his skin crawling with discomfort. Their gazes left not a speck of him untouched, putting each and every feature on blatant display. He felt like a rabbit again, pinned and trapped in a corner by a roomful of filthy, ravenous wolves. It made his insides ice with a painfully real, gut wrenching, panic.

The first man to speak startled him with the unexpected noise, and the rough, scratchy low tone sent an unpleasant shudder through his veins. “Hey, baby, remember me?” The smirk that followed looked threatening, feral and coated with fake sincerity. Ashi reached backwards by instinct for the door handle, only then realizing his fingers were trembling as they scrambled for a hold.

“Oh no, sweetheart.” The rabbit jumped unintentionally, spinning to face the new voice and freezing in place at the sight. Bright, flashing white teeth surprised him. Unlike the gruff, heavy man who’d first spoken, this man almost looked attractive, if not for his gleeful, almost cruel looking grin. Ashi instantly took him for what he used to call a ‘fancy suit’. He looked over the rabbit as a spoiled child might look over a new Christmas toy. “The party’s just begun…and you’re the guest of honor.”

Several low rumbles of unfriendly laughter scattered throughout the room, and Ashi wet his lips in a habitual, nervous move, willing his voice to hold steady. “Sorry, I think I’m at the wrong party.” He turned to face the door, but the other man’s arm barred the way instantly.

“Not even any introductions?” The rabbit subjected him to a blank stare. “Then again…we have all met before. Or don’t you remember me?” Violet sparked with hatred, frustration and disgust, but he forced his face to remain impassive. Of course he didn’t remember. The man knew he didn’t remember. As if in silent answer to his question, he received another schoolboy grin from the fancy suit. “I’m Andrew…but I believe you called me master.”

Ashi felt his stomach recoil at the thought and his expression betrayed only the slightest hint of a grimace. “Sorry. Not ringing any bells.” Again, he reached for the door, but this time the other acted less forgiving.

A surprisingly tight grip caught his hand before it even made it to the handle, and violet shot up to meet with icy sky blue. “Think you’re too good for us now, sweetheart?” The grip hurt, stung, and Ashi sneered, refusing to give even a wince in regard to his discomfort.

“It ain’t hard to be better than shit.” Andrew laughed, but despite its true humor, it held an undertone of malice and the larger man easily spun the rabbit back to face the rest of the crowd.

“Hear that, Keith? He thinks he’s better than us!” The gruff, leather jacketed man who’d first spoke gave a toothy grin, but it looked more like a snarl to the pinned rabbit. His dark, obsidian gaze scoured over the shaking albiri’s figure as Andrew held him in place, and Ashi silently cursed his situation.

“Is that right? Sounds like he needs a little refresher course…on how this game works…”

Violet flickered around the room, his mind slipping immediately into panic-induced quick thinking phase as Andrew’s forceful grip brought him forward towards the other man. How many? He glanced around the cluttered, face filled room, some watching the situation, others turning back to their previous acts in mild disinterest. Thirty…fifty? More? He winced internally.

Dirty, filth covered floor stabbed at his bare feet with various shattered objects, though he struggled offhandedly to avoid stepping on glass. He frowned slightly, trying to force his mind away from the situation and into a proper thinking mode. His assets? Nothing. His strengths? Nothing. He couldn’t trick fifty men into dropping their guns and run off while they were all half naked (or fully naked). He couldn’t crash a car, or blindfold them, or put them to sleep. He couldn’t…

Andrew tossed him forward, startling him from his thoughts and making him grimace as Keith got hold of him. The man smelled heavily of tobacco, almost suffocatingly so, and he found it harder to breath. Thick, heavily callused fingers circled the full circumference of each of his arms, making them look like twigs by comparison, and Ashi scrunched his face in distaste as the man’s musky breath ran the length of his neck and cheek, filling his senses.

“Surely ya haven’t forgotten the rules of the game, baby?” A shuddered traveled through him, and Ashi barely registered how badly he was shaking. Thick and husky, threatening and wild; Keith’s words brought back memories, flashes of a previous existence, and it terrified him.

“I don’t play that game anymore.”

He felt the man chuckle, a deep, thick rumbling that vibrated all through him, and stiff, coarse bristles of an unshaven beard scratched along his tender chin line as Keith spoke again. “I don’t think you understand…” Then, something slick, warm, and wet met with his skin; Ashi tensed, every muscle instantly taut. Slowly, tauntingly, it traveled over the bare expanse of his neck, exploring the frantic pulse and forcing his chin back.

“No one can back out of this game…” The rabbit squirmed, his flesh practically crawling with disgust, like being covered with a million insects, and his heart beat wildly in his chest, animal instinct screaming at him to run. Run, run, run… “Once you start…you’re in it for life.”

Ashi shut his eyes tight, as if somehow that might block out the words, make them untrue. “No…” He shook his head, desperately denying the fact. “No! I’m not like that! I quit that! I-…I don’t want any of this…let me go!” He realized the futility of he actions, knew nothing would sway the rock of a man holding him, but he never once went down without a fight.

First an elbow; he struck back with as much force as he could muster, but it was like striking at armor, or a tree. Keith barely budged. For all the lack of damage it inflicted, he did succeed in at least startling the man, and in the brief instant his grip lessened, Ashi slipped from it.

Thoughts came in a whirl, one swarm of cluttered information mingling with his panic. He fleetingly considered transforming, but thought better of it quickly. Chances were he’d be stepped on…or shot. None of the options turned out pretty. What he wouldn’t give for Lan’s power…. A passing smirk flickered to his face at the thought, but it ended quickly as two hands gripped him, one on each side. He wanted to scream. Instead, he kicked, scratched; anything within his reach became prey. Unfortunately, that wasn’t much.

More of the men in the room began focusing in their attention, and Ashi felt a fresh string of fear. They made a circle now, a ring of men, countless unfamiliar faces eying him with lust and craving as he thrashed in his captors’ steel grip. Then, without warning, Keith spun him, effortlessly trapping the smaller body to his barrel-chest and smirking down at the rabbit’s wide-eyed form.

“Now, now…surely you didn’t think you’d get away that easily?” Ashi barely opened his mouth before forceful lips crushed to his, painfully mashing his tender flesh against the unforgiving barrier of teeth and filling his stomach with bile. His insides lurched. No. No, no, no, no…not like this, get him off! Fragile fingers scrambled desperately to force them apart, but Keith’s grip held tight. His head tossed, he tried to move, escape, anything!

A thick tongue thrust into his mouth, and he felt to startled to bite. It choked him; he couldn’t breath. Tears welled up and stung his eyes as new shouts made it through the crowd. Hoots and hollers, catcalls and an endless number of suggestions that made the rabbit’s blood run cold. With each passing second, his heart sank lower, and he felt his strength diminishing.

“Share a little, will ya?”

“Yeah, how come you get all the fun, Keith?”

“Give someone else a chance!”

“Take some clothes off!”

Ashi’s body visibly trembled, his mind clouding from lack of air and his heart pounding in his head. Blood rushed to his temples, drowning out sound with the rush of heat and need for oxygen. His body swayed. Finally, Keith released his hold on the battered lips before him and the rabbit choked for air. He barely got a full breath in before all new hands gripped him.

Claws. That’s what they felt like. Filthy, dirty fingers of all shapes, sizes and textures explored him, touching him, scratching him. He recoiled from every contact, felt his stomach churn with distaste at every grope and press; he wanted escape, freedom, air, but they gave him nothing.

Then Keith held him again, large, course hands gripping tightly into the frail material of his worn jeans and pulling the smaller figure forward. “Your choice now, baby, we can do this the easy way…or the hard way.” For the first time since the beginning, Ashi’s fear began to ebb. Instead, angry heat rose within him, rage even. How dare they do this to him? How dare he let them??

“Go to hell. You can all go to hell!” The larger man twisted his hands roughly behind him.

“It’s all the same to me, baby doll.” The next instant, he hit the floor. He shut his eyes tight in a wince to push back the stars. Before his vision returned, he felt Keith’s foot on his chest, or, more specifically, his boot. The rabbit gave nothing more than a half-hearted grunt as the air knocked out of him, but refused to open his eyes. “The only thing I don’t get…” Violet squinted up through the throng of faces to Keith’s dark, unrelenting gaze. “Is why you’re resisting so much. It’s not like you have anyone to stay clean for…”

Calm, chocolate brown eyes came unbidden to his mind’s eye, and Ashi caught his lip unintentionally, shutting his eyes tight so as not to betray the emotion.

“You do?”

Too late. Keith laughed, and it sent a heavy pang of regret through him. Coiling fear and anger surged as the rumbling laughter deepened to a more predatory growl, and hands reached his pants.

“What do you know, Andy? Our little streetwalker’s got a boyfriend!” Loud, drunken laughter filled the room and Ashi’s head pounded at the sudden increase in noise; he felt sure he caught a glimpse of bright, white teeth in a flashing grin from the crowd, but his head felt too dizzy to know for sure. “Does he know what you are?”

Ashi grit his teeth and almost replied just before one harsh rip tore away the last thin remains of his worn fabric jeans. The action alone got a startled screech and his eyes widened in brief panic. Violet locked on Keith’s cruel gaze and the elder’s face curled into a positively brutal smirk.

“Does he keep you loose?” Battered, pink lips fell open in shock and surprise, but before he got out another word, Keith spoke roughly. “Bind his hands.”

Those words alone sent a fresh icy sting of fear; nonetheless, the next moment he felt the rough sting of leather straps, and despite all struggle, they greatly outnumbered him and lashed his wrists together in seconds. He barely registered hearing Keith’s zip lower over the thudding pound of his own heart, and the next moment he was biting into the leather of his binds not to scream. It barely muffled the sound.

Completely unprepared and dry, his already weakened body felt as if it were being split in two, Keith’s harsh entrance stinging the whole length of him and straining the limits of what he could take. Ashi felt several muscles tear painfully, and shut his eyes tight at the sting of tears that threatened and finally spilled despite his objection over his heated, burning cheeks.

“My, my…a little out of practice?” It came out breathy and thick, almost a pant, from the man above, but Ashi gave no response, swallowing several times to hold back his cries as the other began moving in him. Each thrust came as merciless and brutal as the last, sending a searing pain all through him every time.

He felt the rough texture of Keith’s jeans against him as well; the other hadn’t even bothered to undress fully. It burned in his gut. Laughter, crude comments, snide remarks and suggestions; it all faded away and jumbled together in his mind. A tobacco mouth met his again, brutal and aggressive, crushing his already bruised lips sadistically and forcing his bound wrists up. He thrashed helplessly against the attack, struggling to push the other off, but it did no good.

“Get used to it, baby. You’ve got a lot of customers tonight…”

Ashi shuddered, his throbbing head dulling the senses slightly as he worked on tuning it all out. If he didn’t think about it, if he switched his mind over to pure intellect, ignored the situation, he could do this. This was his life; he knew this feeling; he could handle it. Keith’s teeth dug into his shoulder and he bit at the leather again, muffling his cry as his back arched. A low chuckle rumbled against him.

“That’s right, baby, scream for me.” Ashi shook his head rapidly, but the move hurt, and he winced. “When I’m through with you…you’ll give yourself to every man in this room…” No… “…and you’ll like it.” Ashi tugged at his binds, trying to move again, but it only wore at his already reddened wrists. “This is who you are…” Not anymore…let me go…I’m different now! “…a whore. You’ll never change.” I don’t care what you say… “Scream.” It came out as a low hiss beside him, and Ashi felt the other’s pace increasing. “Show everyone what you are.”

Despite the blood, pain, and overall situation, Ashi still felt his body responding, betraying him, and he cursed himself for it as tears welled up. He wasn’t like this anymore…he didn’t want to be. He had changed…hadn’t he? Large, callused hands gripped at his hips, lifting them effortlessly and spreading the albiri’s already trembling legs farther to each side of him for better access; Ashi felt all the eyes on them, and his cheeks burned with shame.

No matter how he argued or tried to convince himself though, as Keith finally spilled within him, stinging him to the core and filling his battered body with unwanted seed, he felt despair more than any other emotion. His body hurt, but his heart ached; anger burned, but guilt consumed him. When the larger man shrugged off his abused figure like a soiled rag, he only crumpled, accepting it with no resistance.

‘I’m so sorry, Garnen…’

o~-o-~o

Lilly Ackerman had seen many people enter and leave through the large front glass doors of the police department in her twenty-seven years working there. On this night, as those familiar doors gave way to the panting, wide-eyed figure now clinging almost desperately to its handles for balance and breath, she felt sure she’d never seen anyone quite so panicked. That said quite a lot.

Thick, wavy gold hair lay plastered to pale, frightened features, and the second he got his breath, he stumbled from the door to a half-sprawl at her desk, legs still shaking. Thinking he might need medical attention, she hastily left her computer and paperwork to come around front to help him up, but he quickly shook her hands away as she came near him and offered assistance. Instead, he struggled to speak, stumbling over his words much as he had over his feet.

“I-…I n-need to…”

“What’s your name? Are you hurt? Do you-“

“No! I need to…to talk to…Ger-…Garner…Gar…” He stuttered and seemed more and more frustrated with himself after every failure to get out his purpose. “I…they’re gonna kill him! They’re…th-they…” His voice broke under sobs now and the startled secretary felt her face pale slightly, but she’d dealt with similar before on occasion.

“Who? Take a deep breath and tell me…I can’t help you if I don’t know who.”

“C-carlos…he’s…h-he’s gonna…he’s g-got Shi…he’s-…he-…” After hearing the first name, she went into action.

“Garnen.”

“Yes! G-garnen! I n-need to talk to…to…”

“One second, hun. I’ll have you with him in a jiffy.” She waited for no further comment and made it behind her desk in seconds, picking up the office phone and dialing. Lan watched with great anxiety as she spoke calmly into the receiver. “Yes, I need Garnen Evans at the front desk…and get me online with Chief Bagely. Yes.” She paused, pen tapping for a brief instant as she listened. “Yes. There’s someone here with information on the Romero case.” Another pause. “Yes. Thank you.” Relief became evident on her features as she finally set down the phone, and after another short pause, she turned her gaze back to the obviously anxious boy by her desk. “Lieutenant Evans is just finishing up with some investigators in the far office down that hall…they’re just finishing up if you want to go down there.”

His golden gaze flickered briefly in the direction she pointed and it took only a moment’s notice before he dashed off. Less than a second after he arrived at the door, two puzzled and quietly chattering suited men exited the room, paying not even the barest glance to Lan as they passed by. As soon as they left the room, he scrambled in. Two dark, ebony eyes lifted the instant he entered the room, and Lan felt his breath catch.

He recognized the man, knew instantly he’d found the right one, but the officer looked different, no less daunting or intimidating, but more worn, desperate. Dark circles hung beneath his eyes and his expression looked tired, as if he hadn’t slept in days, and knowing how long Ashi’d been missing, Lan could guess how many. It took a moment for recognition to dawn on the officer; when it did, he shot up from his desk, and before Lan got even a second of warning, the larger man had him pinned to the wall.

“Where is he! What did they do with him? Is he alive? Is he-…” It took another moment before Garnen realized the effects of his sudden offence. The sudden booming voice, giant figure, and rough assault left Lan literally shaking under the officer’s pin, staring wide-eyed in terror at the figure before him and at a complete loss for words.

He remembered the man was big, but he’d never gotten that close of a look at him. Now, to be pinned beneath that barrel chest and arms twice as big around as his legs…Lan felt petrified. And Ashi LIVED with this man??

Seeing the boy’s apparent terror, Garnen backed off quickly, and the tiger could have sworn he saw a faint redness to the other’s cheeks as he shuffled a hand back through his hair nervously. “I um…meant…you…do know where he is…right?” He looked so desperate, his eyes pleading for a positive answer even as the smaller boy struggled to regain his composure, or what he had of it at least.

“I-…y-yes, I-“

“Is he hurt? He’s all right isn’t he? I mean-…”

Not where is he, but was he all right. Even if Garnen couldn’t see him, couldn’t get to him, he wanted to know first if the rabbit was unharmed. Lan decided then and there he would trust the officer with his life; Garnen cared about Ashi.


NOTE: My editor has just pointed out to me…and I’m so dumb not to have thought of this…but the lateness was NOT her fault! Not even in the tiniest, most miniscule, itsty-bitsy-NO. Elisabeth has been an absolutely wonderful, terrific help to me…I don’t know what I’d do without her…and she waits patiently through it all even when I take forever to give her stuff! It usually takes a day or less. PLEASE no one blame her. :gonk: ^^;

Review Replies

MakaiKitty: Okay, you've officially got me scared. What's going to happen to poor Ashi?! I'm starting to really worry that you'll got through with your threats, and not give us a happy ending. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed untill your next update (I'd say I'll hold onto my lucky rabbit's foot, but that seems in bad taste.) Oh, really well written chapter, btw. Maybe one of the best yet. ^_^

xD I’m not at will to say. :ninja: But I agree with the rabbit’s foot comment. :gonk: I’m glad you liked the chapter…sorry it took so long!

winterineden: Garnen, put down the coffee cup and go rescue the whore!!!! Ashi! Hold on lil bunny! Garnen will be there to save you! Right about........er, Garnen? *Winter looks at watch*. Yo, Garnen, get your ass over there and save that bunny!!!!

Lol. xD I think Garnen’s gotten pretty good at that. (Putting down the coffee cup and going to rescue the whore…xP ^^;). *chuckle * I’m happy though that you’re so enthusiastic…I keep getting these mental images and…xD Thanks for the comment. ^_^

Falcon Bertille: Great update! I really liked the scene where Ashi is interveiwing for a job. I really felt for him. There's just something inherently demeaning about begging someone to hire you. When Ashi hit the guy, it was one of those moments that gave me the vicarious thrill of a character doing something I've always wanted to. (By the way, I know the perfect job for Ashi. He should work at the wonderful bakery run by Garnen's friend.) I also loved Garnen asking Ashi who he'd neutered this time, and later, when Garnen could only hit a certain region of his practice target. Your chapters always have these wonderful moments of wit in them. And dear, sweet Lan, trying to get the bunny to drink water. Okay, I admit it, I'm a total Lan fan now.

As for the end of this part, wow! "Cliffhanger" doesn't really do it justice -- more like dangling off the edge of the world. I can't imagine how Ashi is going to get out of this one (or IF he is going to get out of it) and I'm not sure I can keep from biting my lip until the next chapter. So unless you want me to starve to death, you better post it soon!

=^.^= You’ve no idea how happy your reviews make me. You have this wonderful habit of picking out all the exact parts I really felt happy about in a chapter…and telling me that you liked them too…it’s just an awesome feeling. ^^ Thank you, thank you for your inspirational words.

The bakery! When I read that part I was like ‘oh my gosh!’ (god, that does sound oooh so cheerleadery/preppyish doesn’t it? :gonk: Do forgive me…) Anyway! When I read that it really just hit me and…you are absolutely so completely right…that would be the perfect job for Ashi. I can totally see him back there…covered in sprinkles/confectioners sugar (by accident of course xD) grinning from ear to ear. It makes me feel- gah. I can’t say that….I’m already talking too much. But thank you!

And Lan’s got a fan now. Yay! XD I’m glad you like him…not the next story, but maybe the story after that? The little kitten may be getting a story of his own. (At least it’s floating around in my head…^_^;) So if he’s got some fans…that might make it a more likely possibility. ^_^

:gonk: Please tell me you didn’t starve?? I’m oh so sorry I didn’t update before now. T_T Please please please forgive…:gonk: ^^; The next update’ll come soon though. *nod nod *

memorietrail: oh no you can't stop there.please more

More here! And more on the way. Again, apologies for such a long wait. ^^;

wanderingaddict: Wait- I don't get it... Ashi knew that Carlos tortured and killed his friend from the begining, killed Marcus, and obviously went to great lengths to catch him... so why did he not kill him? F- for continuity. Sorry, but thems the breaks.

hmm, I should probably mention that was my only compliant. the rest of the stuff was good.

Ashi’s not a killer! xD But I’m pretty sure I already told you that. ^_^ Thank you for commenting though! I always want to make sure everyone understands what I put up. Nothing should be confusing! ^^

elisabeth chase: men only... oh... what i'm hiring.... you do write awesome evil characters. i grinned like an idiot when ashi hauled off and punched that idiot. i liked this chapter a lot. lots of vindication for our strong little rabbit. hard to see him pitiable and pitiful and in the hands of evil again... but definitely a good read. --elisabeth ;o)

xD I think, much like a comment Falcon made, that that punch really held some specific meaning for me…in that through my writing…I could finally get at least SOMEONE to punch the boss. xD One of those lovely things that just wouldn’t work out for me in real life…but on paper…Ashi can do whatever he likes.

I know…I hate making Ashi pitiful (though he absolutely must be pitiable right? xD)…but sometimes it just has to be done. *sigh * ^^;

Trickster Kitsune: I can feel Ashi's pain regarding interviews for jobs. O_o... Every interview I go to they think I'm a guy because of my name (which could be good for a guy or a girl). But then I get there and they give me this look. >_>... At least I haven't punched or kicked any of them yet! ^_^ I love Garnen's question about who Ashi neutered. ^_^;

And yet another argument... Right on schedule! They can't go more than one chapter without screaming at each other it seems. And those screaming matches tend to get Ashi in trouble... And in this case, *deep* trouble. o_o... I have no clue how he might get out of this one. >_>... Perhaps a self-sacrifice by Lan? He seems like the type, actually. But who knows? Somehow Ashi will get out of this wuthout being hurt *too* severely... Riiiiiight? --glares--

Only one more chapter to go? Ooh! The climax of the story! Can't wait to read it! Please update soon!

On a side note... You forgot to reply to my last review! --sob-- J/k. ^_^; That's what I get for reviewing so soon after the story is posted.

Without being hurt too………um…what’s your definition of severe? :gonk: No, no! No glares! *cowers* :gonk: A self-sacrificing Lan? If it came down to it, I’m almost positive he would be the type yes. He just thinks to little of himself not to. But in this case…little Lan doesn’t have much power in the matter.

Sorry it’s not the finale! Finale'll probably be posted tomorrow. *nod nod* (While I try and write epilogue tonight...)

You didn't have to update your story just to stick in the review reply! ^_^; But I forgive you, of course. ^_~

Oh, but I felt like it. xD And thank you kindly for your forgiving nature. *solemn bow* xD

Rin-chan: Oh, good one on Ashi there! I'd did *something* if someone called me an animal! >.<

It's hard to try and understand why people are the way they are. I've spent much time, a minute here, a good long day here, about thinking of reasons why people may act this way or say such things. Somehow, imagining what may have happened to a certain person and what makes them the way they are, makes me want to keep being overall kind to everyone. I don't know what Billy has gone through, or what Sally had to bear while she was growing up. What that person at the bus stop - I don't know their story, or the person next to them. Ever since I started this story, I've seriously thought about Ashi and Garnen. They're both brilliantly made characters with some information about their pasts, a bit here and there, and are fictional, yet I could seriously believe these could be real people.

I've been pondering over Ashi - him and the ridiculing he must have received through his life for having rabbit features. The tail and ears. I wonder how many comments like that "interview bastard"'s comments, had he heard in his life.

If I ever happened to see an "Ashi" person at a bus stop, I'd probably outwardly look at his ears and tail - then I'd start to wonder. Although keeping my mouth shut would be ideal - who knows how much dislike "Ashi" had to bear, I'd probably greet the stranger. Who knows - "A kind word can warm three winter months" I'd bet Miss Falcon and Miss Kitsune as well, would probably do something like that ^^ Of course I'd probably greet everyone at the bus stop...Seriously, once I started chatting to *EVERYONE* during a bus ride. It was kinda funny - most of them replied my questions, like "Hello, how are you today?" And "Where are you off to?" I wonder if they thought I was insane.

And the way Ashi snipes at Garnen after coming home. I love that - I've noticed that after something especially bad happens, there's a small period of time when you act on impulse. That "red zone" of when you don't quite think things out throughly and often, you say hurtful things or do stupid things. The way you had Ashi start up a fight was done wonderfully - Ashi was still probably seething inside about what that "interview bastard" had done and said. When he got home, Garnen was there and started talking. The frustration and anger just boiled in Ashi - understandably - and everything he said, seemed really from his heart.

“…an animal? Is that what I am, Garnen? An animal?”

...(_ _)... *In a puddle of tears* Oh, poor Ashi-Chan... *Huggles Ashi bunny* And leaving to cool down. That "red zone" Goes away in time, so that was a good touch there, Mr. Moonstar!

Oh, I haven't really looked at what I've written - this is a deep review ^^; Eh, I'll leave it and continue to be thoughtfully insane *cookies and hugs*

Gah, I like Lan and his concern... Eee, he is called "Kitten" sometime too! Eh!? I didn't swipe that from you and use it for Dominick, I hope you don't think that! >.< I've loved the affectionate pet name for kitty people - my best friend Jasmine, I call her Koneko in Japanese sometimes. It means kitten, and I have another story and a character is called Kitten sometimes as well. I love cat-based people ^^ But I didn't swipe it from you, Mr. Moonstar! Ano, thank you for reviewing my stories though, very much. Thank you for taking the time to.

Garnen must be going crazy after Ashi being gone for 3 days.. I bet he's totally grilling himself for letting Ashi walk out the door for that "out-for-a-bit-walk"

"He consistently missed his target’s heads however, and no one commented as every shot hit with perfect aim between his cardboard victim’s legs." - I *LOVE* that sentence... XD

Is Ashi going to be "shared" with all those guys? "Oh my tails and whiskers" - said the "White Rabbit" from Alice in Wonderland, he better live after this, Mr. Moonstar! Ashi noticed they kept the clothes he was walking in - maybe he'll use the last 2 cigarettes and lighter and kill all those guys! Grr! Go, Ashi, go!

*hugs* ^_^ Nice work, Mr. Moonstar! Please update again soon, and the best to you and your days!

Oh yes...

"The second time those white whiskers twitched, he would have screeched for joy and jumped had he not been holding the weakened rabbit at the time.

Finally, that small, pink nose wriggled ever so slightly and round, almost unnatural looking violet eyes blinked to eye him." - He's got whiskers and a pink nose? Ahhh, kawaiiiii! I'll add that up in the picture I drew for you! I actually colored it with pencil crayons - I haven't colored any of my work for so long! I was going to scan it for you yesterday in yearbook/computer class, but the only computer hooked up to the scanner wasn't working. =[ I'll do it for you soon though!

Thanks!

-Rin Rin

o_o That is by definition the LONGEST review I've ever recieved...and it was absolutely wonderful! xD Thank you so much! I'm glad you left it all in there and didn't compress anything...it's all lovely. I can just see you (or my fuzzy imagined mental image of you...) walking around and talking to an entire busload of people. It actually sounds like something I might do if I were really bored...I tend to worry people that way. :gonk: But I can totally relate. xD

Your perception of Ashi's anger and the 'red zone'...is perfect. That's exactly how I think about it and...I can relate to that too. (At least I know I get into times like that...when no matter what someone says...it's bad and becomes ground for argument.) I'm also glad you appreciated Garnen's missing streak. xD ^_^ That was one of my favorite parts in this chap...and you're the second to point it out. So that made me happy. ^^

Two cigarettes and a lighter? xD You certainly have some confidence in him...and I'm sure if he could have...he would have found a way out...but sometimes...there's just no escape. So yes...I believe 'shared' is the perfect term. ^^;

Kikvws: This is excellent! Very entertaining imagery and stunningly beautiful, intricate characters! Looking forward to more.

Thank you! And thank you for taking the time to review. ^_^

winterineden: You are talking about the finale of an really incredible story. Personally, I vote for taking your time until you are totally satisfied with it before posting. Creativity doesn't always follow deadlines. I also am hoping for a happy ending and a sequel! I love these two! They deserve to be happy! I reviewed your earlier chapters, and was sappily drooling over your work. So, if you need a good laugh, check back on what a rabid (or rabbit, in this case) fan has to say. I think I asked a few questions as well. Good luck on the ending.......

Sequel...that's the second time you've mentioned it and...umm...I'm not planning one? I mentioned that I have another story in my head...but it's in a totally different universe...it's sci-fi to be precise...(not really mechanical but it's got starships and aliens sooo...yeah). I do have a companion peice floating around in my head that uses this same 'universe' if you will...a story that would focus on Lan and go into his life (set about four years later)...but nothing more on Ashi and Garnen after I finish this. ^^; I'm glad you like them...and your enthusiasm is greatly appreciated...(you're not the only one rooting for a happy ending. xD ^^;).

Questions? ^^; If you asked some questions that I didn't answer please, please forgive me...I try to answer all questions in my review replies then and there...but if I missed one feel free to remind me...bug me...send me an email if you have to, I won't mind...but if you just mention what you want to know in your next review I'll be sure to answer as best I can. *nod nod*

I hope you're continuing to enjoy it! Your comments really are helpful to me. Thanks! ^_^

Aidan Eiram: I love your story and I can't believe you ended with a cliff hanger. Well write more soon and post it.

Can't believe I ended with a cliff-hanger, eh? Well beilieve it! xD Nah, I'm kidding. Thank you for commenting...I tend to have that lovely habit of adoring cliff-hangers...I try to put them in as often as possible...keeps up interest. xD I've got it posted, sorry it took so long, hope you like it!