Chapter 2
Syaoran gasped as he watched the bodies burned, Kurogane came up to him and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. The fire raged through the night sky, mercilessly consuming every bodies in its way.
"Burning the dead is cruel." Lucrius spoke softly. "But it is the only way we could make sure that the parasites in the bodies are dead."
The smell of burned flesh rose up to Kurogane's nostril as he stared at the burning corpse. He closed his eyes and a thought came upon his mind, wondering wether they should continue staying in this world or had Mokona take them to a more pleasant world. But the guilt of leaving these people to die when he could had helped in some way would eat him alive if they were to leave. He sighed and looked over at Syaoran, wondering what the kid was thinking about.
"You both must be tired, let's go back." Lucrius dismissed his men and started walking.
"Come on, kid." Kurogane tapped Syaoran on the shoulder, snapping him out from his reverie and they both followed Lucrius.
Dinner was silent among them. The atmosphere was starting to get very uncomfortable for Kurogane, sadness hung above them and everyone's face was a mask of either stunned, horror and anguish. Even the carefree cheerful Mokona was just sitting beside Fai quietly eating. Kurogane gobbled his bowl of rice and stood up abruptly causing everyone to stare at him. That's it, he couldn't stand this anymore.
"Oi, you." He pointed his chopstick at Lucrius. "Tell us more details about the Parasites and less about the dead people."
Lucrius and Lumina was shocked at Kurogane's sudden outrage, they took a quick glance at Syaoran, Fai and Mokona. They were actually smiling, somewhat happy that Kurogane decided to break this depressing atmosphere.
"Wai! Go Kuro-pi!" Fai and Mokona exclaimed, clapping causing kurogane to sent them a death glare.
"Kuro-pi scary!" Mokona cowered behind Fai, giggling.
"Could you tell us please?" Syaoran's eyes that was filled with determination fell upon Lucrius' emerald eyes.
"Well, besides what we told you, there is something else." Lumina started, she took a glanced at her brother as if asking permission wether or not should she continued. Lucrius gave her a nod and Lumina's face brightened abit. This got everyone's attention.
"We discovered a nest that belongs to the Parasites and they have a queen. Rumors has it that if the queen is killed, all the Parasites will die, even those that are inside the people."
"That means, if we kill the queen, we could save the villagers?" A tint of hope glinted in Fai's eyes.
"It's not that easy." Lucrius spoke up. "We tried sending men, we couldn't even pass the entrance without getting infected. Thousands of Parasites guarding the entrace and they could bite and enter your flesh as easily as snapping a twig." Lucrius snapped his fingers. "Even with armors, they could protect you from a few, but not thousand.
Kurogane sighed heavily as if their hope was given and crushed just like that.
"There is a way." Fai stood up, a cheeky smile spread on his face. He twirled his forefinger in the air and magic inscription swirled around it. "I'm a wizard. I could come up with a spell to protect our bodies."
"Really?" Lumina quipped. Hope rised within Lucrius and Lumina, their face brightened. "You would help us?"
Fai nodded. "Syaoran-kun and Kuro-sama here are good fighters, if I cast a protection on them, they should be able to take out the queen easily."
"You're all really that strong?" Lumina's eyes almost sparkled causing Kurogane to smirked and Syaoran smiled.
"But we've never seen the queen before nor know how powerful it is. It has been feeding on us for three years, who knows how strong it is now." Lucrius interrupted. "It's best to be cautious, I'll go with you."
Kurogane raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Suit yourself."
On that night, Fai woke up dreanched in sweat. The pain on his stomach had increased, wincing as he examined his stomach, his hand trembled when he felt a lumped jutting out from his flesh when he pressed down. Please give me some more time. Fai begged, he had suspected that the Parasite was inside him and after listening to Lumina's story, he confirmed that he was carrying a Parasite in him. Though, after Lucrius explained that by killing the queen, he could be saved. He had hoped that they could defeat the queen in time before his symptoms started getting worst but luck was not on his side. A dizzy spell hit him and he gripped his head, fingers digging into his scalp. He got up and slowly exit his room, he needed fresh air. Breathing in the cool night air, he settled down on a bench in the garden.
"Not sleeping?" Kurogane's voice cut into his head.
Fai turned his head sharply and his eyes widened. Why is he out here? God, Kurogane, why must you always ruin people's privacy! He panic a little but quickly composed himself. He couldn't let Kurogane know about the Parasite in him, if not...if not...wait why was he hiding this from Kurogane? Fai dreaded the thought of getting thrown to the other part of the village, living with those sick villagers, not that he despise the sick villagers, but who would feel comfortable living among the sick that has no cure and dying alone without the people you know. That's right, he was hiding it because the least people knows, the chances of him getting caught was slimmer.
"Hmm not really." Fai flashed a smile at Kurogane's direction which caused Kurogane more annoyance. "You?"
Kurogane stcratched his head and approached Fai, sitting beside him.
Darn! Fai thought. Now he's sitting down. It was getting harder for Fai to compose himself as the throbbing in his head was increasing. Then he noticed Kurogane looking at him suspiciously. Fai sat there uncomfortably but trying not to show it when suddenly he paled. His throat started feeling itchy and he recalled a phrase from Lumina's explanation.
"They will start to feel tired and the itch of cough arised, Slowly they'll starting coughing and vomiting blood."
The sentenced repeated in Fai's head over and over again, causing him more severe headache, his dizzyness was getting worst and his could barely hold the cough rising from his throat.
"Hey, mage, You alright?" Fai's thought was interrupted when Kurogane spoke, he looked over and saw the worried yet suspicious expression on Kurogane.
"Wha..what? Y..Yeah, I'm fine." Fai responded weakly, he cursed himself for sounding so weak.
Kurogane studied the mage intently, he had came out to get some fresh air and relax when he saw Fai sitting in the garden. At first he thought Fai was just coming out with the same intention as him but he changed his mind when he noticed something odd about the mage. Even from where Kurogane was standing, he's years of battle experience made him more observant. His keen eyes caught sight of remaining beads of sweat on Fai temples. The night was cold and Fai was sweating, something was definitely wrong. To add to his confirmation, he noticed that Fai's skin was paler than it was and though the mage tried to hide it, it was quite obvious that he was breathing hard. Kurogane decided to then sit beside the mage and slowly dragged him out from his hiding shell.
Now that he was closer to Fai, more symptoms was shown and the mage clearly looked like he was ill. A lumped was caught in Kurogane's throat as he dreaded the worst - A parasite in Fai. No...Please don't let it be. Kurogane silently prayed. Fai might just have a simple cold or he was just tired. No such luck. Kurogane furrowed his brows as he tried to find a way to help Fai. He understood why Fai hid it from them but he was not at all pleased that he did it. It was true, the less people know about it, the easier it was for Fai to remained here, safe with his friends. Kurogane too dreaded that Lucrius might threw Fai in the other part of the village if he found out though Kurogane would gladly follow Fai if that was the case. He would never leave Fai alone and knew that neither Syaoran and Mokona would too even if it would endangered them all, they would still stick together. They had been together for so long and that's the way it will always be.
Fai nervously glanced at Kurogane, knowing that Kurogane was a sharp person, he probably guessed what was happening to the mage. Argh! Go away Kuro-sama. Fai silently cursed. A part of him was glad that Kurogane probably already knew what was happening to him but another part of him was scared to death. He shifted uncomfortably under Kurogane's stare but the itch from his throat interrupted his thoughts and that was when he couldn't stand it anymore. He started to stand up, he was going to leave, if Kurogane's not leaving. He'll go somewhere that's secluded and hide instead. But as he took the first step, his head swirled and he lost his balanced. His hands reached out and Kurogane caught them before he hit the ground and that was it. He started coughing, his lungs shook at every cough as he held on to Kurogane.
That idiot! Kurogane quickly caught Fai when he saw him falling and just when he caught the mage, Fai started racking with coughs. The hope of Fai getting a cold was completely crushed when Fai coughed out blood that stained his sleeves. Both their eyes widened as they stared at the blood.
No...No! Fai started trembling. His mind was a messed when he saw the blood on his hand and on Kurogane's sleeves. Knowing and confirming that he had a Parasite in his mind was less scarier than knowing and confirming it for real. His legs buckled and he found himself dropping down to his knees.
"Ku..kuro-sama..." Fai looked up at Kurogane desperately.
Kurogane was dumbfounded when Fai looked at him desperately, almost begging him to tell the mage that everything was just a dream, that this was not true and that there was no Parasite in his stomach. Kurogane was quick in action, pulling Fai up, he practically dragged Fai to somewhere secluded so that no one could see them and discovered that Fai was infected. Little did they know, a sillhoutte was watching them the whole time.
Kurogane brought Fai to a place which he thought was secluded enough. Fai was panting heavily and the hand that he was holding on to Kurogane was digging into the ninja's flesh. The pain in his head and stomach increased and he felt really tired. He was so disorientated that he wasn't sure of his surrounding and what was going on. But he knew he was safe as long as Kurogane's with him. But suddenly he felt a tug from Kurogane and panic, his gripped tightened around the ninja's sleeves but he was too weak as he felt his hands being pried off. Fai thought he heard Kurogane said something to him but he couldnt hear it clearly, all he heard was the throbbing in his head getting louder and louder. He reached out his hands towards Kurogane who walked away, leaving him behind. No! Kuro-sama! Please don't leave me alone!
Kurogane looked at Fai with concern as he settled the mage down to the ground. He looked around to make sure its safe and fortunately, he spotted a well near by. Standing up, he was about to make a trip to the well so that he could clean off the blood on himself and Fai, he felt the mage tightening his grip on him.
"Don't worry, I'll be fast." Kurogane whispered gently before prying off Fai's hand and hastily approched the well. He ripped off his sleeve that was stained with the blood and hid it, ripping of his other sleeve, he dipped it into the water from the well and went back to Fai, carefully wiping off the blood from Fai's hand and lips. He took a quick scanned around the area to make sure it was safe for his next move. Kurogane Slung the mage's hand over his shoulder, supporting him as he led them back to his room.
Gently, Kurogane settled Fai down on his futon and drapped the blanket over him. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he looked at Fai's trembling form. Now what? Kurogane closed his eyes. He was lost in thoughts. What should he do now? Should he tell Syaoran and Mokona about this? Maybe they could just leave this world, maybe they could land on Piffle World, the technology there was so advanced that they should have a cure for Fai. Kurogane himself was getting a headache from the situation. He shook his head and his eyes fell upon the mage. Sighing as he watched Fai slowly drifted to sleep from the pain and tiredness. He almost wanted to scream in frustration, so many things happened so fast. A flash of the corpse burning crossed his mind and he cursed to himself. He will not let that happen to Fai!
Fai watched weakly at Kurogane who seemed to be deep in thoughts. He could had already guessed what Kurogane's thinking about and one definite thought that he could guessed was that thing were not looking good. With his condition, he won't be able to help Kurogane and Syaoran in defeating the Parasite queen. He couldn't even stand let alone cast a spell, yet he was the key player to defeating the Parasite queen. Kurogane and Syaoran won't be able to even get near the nest without his spell based on Lucrius' experience. Fai felt so tired, his eyelids were heavy. Panting heavily in exhaution, he tried to keep away and help Kurogane thought of a way out of this situation. But his head protested, screaming at him to take a rest. Slowly, he drifted to sleep, the last thing he saw was Kurogane's eyes filled with concern staring back at him.
The next morning, Kurogane tried to find ways to hide this situation as long as he can. Syaoran had came in to greet him only to grew concern to see that Fai was sick in bed. Kurogane had lied to Syaoran that Fai was having a cold.
"Poor Fai!" Mokona leaped towards Fai who weakly smiled back saying that he will be fine.
Fai was quite stunned when he woke up in the morning to hear that Kurogane had lied to Syaoran and Mokona about his illness. He was still feeling very weak, coughing occasionally but his conditions were better than the night before. Maybe because he had rested, but he knew that it won't last. The Parasite was still in him no matter how much he wished it gone. He forced a weak smile when Mokona leaped onto his hands, concerned over his well-being. His mind wondered off to how lucky he had been after meeting this group of friends who accepted him as who he his despite his past. He had sworn that he would protect this family no matter what. A small genuine smile was etched on his lips at that thought. He was suddenly brought out of his thought when Lucrius barged into the room, his face a mixed of anger and anguish. Lumina was behind him, looking concern and sad.
"You're infected aren't you." Lucrius narrowed his eyes at Fai.
Immediately, Everyone's eyes windened and gasped.
Shit! How did he found out! Kurogane almost panic, his eyes met Fai's who mirrored his panic.
Before anyone could react, Lucrius' men flooded the room and they grabbed Fai who panic and struggled.
No...No! Fai struggled when he felt two men grabbing him by his arm and dragging him out. They were going to throw him to the part of the village where the sick dwells. Fear rised in Fai and he panic. His eyes darted desperately to Kurogane, Syaoran and Mokona.
"I'm sorry...but we can't have an infected in this part of the village. I hope you understand." Lucrius' stern expression fell upon everyone in the room. "Take him out."
"Wait!" Syaoran called out. His expression serious. "We'll take him there ourselves."
Kurogane was quite surprised by Syaoran's action but he knew that the kid had always been like that and he was glad. His eyes locked with Syaoran's and he nodded. Kurogane went over and grabbed Fai away from the two men that was holding him.
"But you might get infected if you stay with him!" Lumina protested, concern for their safety but saddened by Fai's condition.
"So?" Kurogane held on to Fai who was tiredly leaning on him heavily.
Lucrius shook his head knowing that the argument was not on his side, he sighed and grabbed Lumina, leading her away from the group. His main priority was to keep his sister safe and that was all for now. The other officers made way for the gang as they took off.
Fai was both worried and glad at the same time. Worried that Syaoran, Kurogane and Mokona might get infected if they followed him but glad that they chose to stick with him. Though as they were reaching the borders to the other side of the village. Fai pushed Kurogane away "I'll go alone." He rasped. "It's safer if you guys stay here."
Kurogane sighed but refused to submit to Fai's request. Instead he told Syaoran and Mokona to stay behind while he accompany and took care of Fai. Syaoran did not argue knowing full well of Kurogane's intention on leaving him behind. Yes, Kurogane wanted him to find out more information on the Parasite by staying on this side while he himself look for information on the other side.
"Fai-san." Syaoran took hold of Fai's hand. "Hang in there."
"I will." Fai smiled weakly and nodded.