A Piece of Heaven
A/N: I didn't get this chapter done as quickly as I would've liked, but hopefully you'll enjoy it. Comments are always appreciated! There's not much Naoe/Kagetura action in this chapter, but there will be plenty in the next.
THANKS: To Saberai! You rock. 3
Warning: Minor violence, no real sexual activity here.
Disclaimer: I don't own Mirage of Blaze. This fic's just for fun. No profit.
A Piece of Heaven
Chapter two: Parasite
Rushing past the lit up streets of Kyoto, Takaya peered out the passenger-side window, head pressed against the cool glass. Beside him Naoe drove, occasionally sipping coffee from a small Styrofoam cup. The aroma it spread through the air was repugnant. Whereas in the past it had been a source of comfort, now it only made his stomach lurch.
He ached for a comfy bed and to be away from the stagnate atmosphere of the car. Feeling confused and hurt by his confrontation with Naoe earlier, Takaya had trouble focusing. If the man had offered him a reason for his month long disappearance, a few heartfelt words, maybe he wouldn't be so damn upset.
Takaya wanted, needed, craved for the simple show of kindness.
However, such thoughts only succeeded in personifying his worst fear—he'd grown soft. In the past weak sentiments like this had easily been subdued, but now…was he know longer able to control himself?
Self-loathing burned within his heart.
Worst of all, what really made him feel inadequate was Naoe's stoic demeanor despite the growing friction between them. Seeing the man calm and unaffected, it was unnerving.
Takaya bit his lip, recalling the conversation that took place after their brief clash:
"Aren't you taking me home?" He spat.
"If that is what you wish, but it may be best if we head directly to Kyoto."
Takaya turned quickly in his seat. "Kyoto?"
"Yes, I had the opportunity of speaking with Kawano Rosanjin's wife and she's agreed to meet with us. If we go now this muddled situation can be dealt with quickly, before anything…unfavorable occurs."
When Naoe had mentioned Kawano's name, he wasn't surprised. His keen understanding of the situation most likely stemmed from Haruie, who tended to keep him informed.
Thinking the situation over, he knew this matter couldn't be put off. Despite his mental state, duty came first; Takaya chose to head for Kyoto. Hopefully, nothing as troublesome as their fight with the Ikko sect would take place on this visit.
Abruptly the ignition was cut, rousing him from his thoughts.
"We're here." Naoe finished off his coffee. "If you like we can get a room and wait until tomorrow—"
"No, let's get this over with."
Stepping out of the car Takaya peered up at the dingy apartment complex, trepidation rising from the pit of his stomach. Not because it looked like the landscaper had taken a year break from his job or because of the group of thugs hanging-out nearby; maybe it was purely instinctual.
No, something sinister had taken place here. The aura of death was so strong he wouldn't have needed Haruie to point it out if he…err…she were here.
They made their way in to the building and up the elevator, every inch of the place crying out as they went.
"Do you feel that?"
"Yes." Naoe scrunched his brows together. "Let us be extra cautious."
Not one to heed advice, Takaya stepped on to the fourth floor without hesitation. Finding yellow police tape scattered about, along with loose floorboards sticking up every which way.
"What the hell." He muttered, as Naoe immediately stepped in front of him to scan the area.
When everything seemed fine they proceeded.
Walking further down the hall they found apartment 434. The numbers were bolted against a putrid pea-green door, paint chipping off the wood. Naoe knocked and after a few moments they heard a thud and someone rushing around. A moment later they were greeted by a very tall and very flustered women.
"You must be Mr. Tachibana and Mr. Ougi, right? I didn't think you'd come, since it's so late." The woman motioned them inside, untying the floral patterned apron around her waist. "My children are asleep, so we'll have to be quiet."
She quickly seated them before a low table teeming with an array of cookies, and a teapot leaking the sweet smell of Jasmine.
"Please, help yourself to some sweets, it's the least I can offer my tired guests." Two plates were set before them. "And do call me Etsuko."
Takaya took a moment to study the women before him as she sat down. Noting that her countenance seemed no more than thirty, if that. With glowing porcelain skin, large honey colored eyes, and long black hair…Quiet beautiful in an elegant, not flashy, sort of way. And though everything about her seemed normal a slight quiver in her voice led Takaya to believe otherwise.
"Etsuko. Thank you for meeting with us, I need to ask you—"
"About my husband?" Mrs. Kawano began pouring them tea. "He was a great man."
Her words struck Takaya. She spoke as if Kawano were dead.
"What happened with your husband ma'am?" Naoe questioned.
"Well…it was quiet sudden. After his friend died—"
"Wakame Michiru?" Takaya cut in.
"Yes. Did you know him?"
"Not personally. I'm sorry, please continue." He uttered, apologetically.
"Alright, as I was saying, after Michiru died my husband began distancing himself from the kids and me. It got to the point where he rarely was at the house. Then about a month after the unfortunate incident…" Mrs. Kawano swallowed, looking up at the ceiling. "…he said it was over. That night Rosanjin packed and left."
Minutes ticked by and Mrs. Kawano didn't speak, locked in a trance. He didn't want to push her to speak, however...
"I'm sorry, but we must know everything. Did he say why he was leaving? The slightest detail is imperative, so Mr. Kawano can be helped." Naoe said, breaking the ice.
"Helped? Did something happen?"
"Not really." Naoe spoke somewhat truthfully. "As a dear colleague of ours, we are just worried about his psychological state. He doesn't seem himself as of late."
"Yes, and he may never be the same again, not after witnessing Michiru's death." She sighed heavily. " It was in this very apartment complex."
Takaya met Naoe's eyes.
" Michiru came over for dinner in a mess," She continued, unaware of their silent exchange. "You see…he confided to me that his lover was a man and that someone at work had found out. A few people in the office immediately began harassing him."
"How so?" Takaya scooted closer to the table.
"Just lewd messages left on his desk, dirty looks—that's what he'd said. Which is why Michiru planned on transferring to another school. But before he left that night, there was a knock on the door. The rest happened quickly…two young men burst in carrying guns, pushed me to the ground, then..."
She hit the table with her fist.
"That idiot Michiru, always acting the hero. He tried talking the kids down; saying no one need to get hurt, that he just wanted the gun. And when he reached—the boy—the boy shot him square in the chest."
Her eyes, wet with tears, found Takaya's. "From that day on Kawano was no longer Kawano."
Naoe handed the women a handkerchief, which she graciously excepted, dabbing her face. Takaya on the other hand was unsure of what to say or do, only certain this information was what they'd been looking for. It was time to leave.
But first there was one thing he needed to know:
"Why did Michiru confide in you and not Kawano?"
"Maybe because he thought I'd understand and feared my husband would reject his lifestyle. Honestly, I don't think he would of."
Takaya nodded. "Thank you. And Etsuko…"
"Yes."
"I'm going to bring your husband back to you, trust me."
Mrs. Kawano sniffled.
"I-I don't know if that's possible, but seeing you, somehow I believe your words."
A ringing suddenly rent the air and in an instant Naoe was across the room answering his cell, returning only seconds later.
"It's for you." Naoe extended the phone, trying to feign normalcy, but his eyes were a mix of concern and uncertainty.
Putting the receiver up to his ear Takaya said, "Yeah?"
"Is this Ougi Takaya, or should I say Uesugi Kagetora?"
His heart skipped a beat, knowing it was Kawano on the other end…or rather what he now knew to be a possessed Kawano.
"What the hell do you want?"
"Shame, shame Ougi. Do you always speak to your elders so? I may have to punish your little friend now."
In the background he could hear shouting:
"Kagetora, don't listen to him! He's tying to—"
Takaya could feel the blood leave his face; that was Haruie's voice.
"Ah! That got your attention, did it? Well, if you want this woman alive I suggest you hurry to Jouhoku high."
"Wait!" Takaya shouted, however Michiru had already hung up the phone.
By running five red lights and breaking four different laws, they managed to arrive at the High School in record time. As they exited the car no light could be seen coming over the horizon, nevertheless surrounding birds sang as if daybreak were close.
Takaya began stepping towards the entrance; Naoe on the other hand remained still.
"Come on, we need to get in there!"
"Wait." Naoe implored. "This is obviously a trap—"
"Yeah, I know that!" He kicked dirt up from the ground. "Damn it, what's this guy after?"
"It's obvious, isn't it? You." Chiaki said, coming from behind the school.
"Took you long enough." Takaya bit out.
They had called Chiaki right after leaving Mrs. Kawano's place, giving him ample time to meet them here. Somehow they still had arrived sooner.
"Nagahide." Naoe's voice cut threw the air with urgency. "What did you mean he's after Lord Kagetora?"
"His motives are unclear, but why else would he kidnap Haruei?"
"Because he's an out of control vengeful spirit who needs his ass kicked, that's why!" Takaya moved towards the building.
"Wait, Lord Kagetora! There could be a barrier—"
"Nope, all clean." Chiaki cut Naoe short. "I already walked the perimeter when I was waiting for you guys to show."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Takaya raced up the steps and pushed the double doors of the school open. He couldn't see two feet in front of his face except for across the main hall where moonlight streamed in from a high arched window. The rays touched down on a womanly figure sprawled across the ground; it looked as if her hands had been bound.
"Haruie!" Takaya raced to her side, pulling loose the ties around her hands. He scanned her body carefully, finding no bruises, not a single scratch. He sighed: "She's just unconscious."
Though, it was a relief to find her so quickly, it was simply way too easy.
Naoe stood close with his back to Takaya.
"Don't drop your guard, our enemy may be lurking close by."
"Then span out and search the area, I'll stay with Haruie."
"But Lord Kagetora—"
"That's an order, get moving." He glared.
Both Naoe and Chiaki went in opposite directions to scope the area, but as they retreated Takaya felt the hairs on his neck raise—someone was watching him. Slowly, as if nothing were wrong, he leaned Haruie against a locker. Careful not to look concerned he strode over to one of the school's many drinking fountains, glancing around as he went. If someone were close by this would be the perfect time to strike.
Leaning forward to take a drink of water he felt a shift in the air, whirling around Takaya found himself face to face with Wakame Michiru.
"Nice to make your acquaintance again Ougi—I mean—Kagetora."
"Cut the shit." Takaya growled. "What's all this about, Wakame!"
Michiru's smug expression dropped the moment those words were said.
"You've done your homework; what a good boy. And here I thought you were another idiot. This indeed changes things…"
Takaya quickly put up a barrier as Michiru released a massive amount of energy, blinding him temporarily. In a flash the man was behind him, pinning his arms together, breathing loudly against his ear. He twisted violently back and forth, however the strong grip wouldn't relinquish.
"Get off!" Takaya threw his entire weight backwards, sending them both tumbling to the ground. Each of them struggled to gain hold on the other, wrestling, punching, both to close for a powerful attack.
It ended with him pinned beneath Michiru, arms locked between the mans thighs.
"What are you doing?!" Takaya howled as his shirt was hurriedly lifted up.
"Perfect." Michiru shuffled threw his pocket, pulling out a small pouch. He dumped its contents on to Takaya, who had no way to dodge it.
A fine dust settled on his torso where it began to sizzle, until morphing in to molten liquid, moving around of it's own accord. As if—as if it were alive.
"Don't worry it will sink in quick, unfortunately it may leave a few burns." Michiru said softly. "And that's the least of your troubles."
"B-Bastard…Ah! What have you done to me?"
"I'm killing you with a very rare parasite my benefactor bestowed on me."
The man leaned down and touched Takaya's neck, then chin, and past that to his lips.
"Though, I feel bad for destroying such a handsome boy, but if it's what I must do to extract my revenge..."
"…"
"You have a week, maybe more before the parasite eats your soul." Mirchiru pulled back as the last of the liquid penetrated Takaya. "My task is done. Farewell Ougi."
A/N: Where's Naoe when you need him? Hehe. Well, this chapter isn't as long as I'd have liked, but I hope you enjoyed it. Some parts might have been a little corny…cough What do you think of the parasite?