Disclaimer: Yami no Matsuei and all it's characters belong to Matsushita Yoko and Hakusensha

Words: 4 x 100
Pairing: Touda-centric, possibly Souryuu/Touda later on
Rating: PG

Author's Note: Many many thanks to Willidan, who helped me over my writer's block and to Rushlight for beta-ing and encouragement.

Turning Point

Touda doesn't want to talk or even listen to what the dragon has to say, but Souryuu's presence is hard to ignore and the serpent wishes he would simply get it over with and leave.

For a very short time compared to the entire length of Touda's existence he lived by Tsuzuki's will, in freedom only because of Tsuzuki, not caring about anything or anyone else. Now he has stopped caring at all.

Whatever the dragon tells him won't change that. Now all that's left to wish for is sleep. At least in his nightmares he can see Tsuzuki again.

"Decades ago I promised Tsuzuki I would be there for you if anything happened to him. I swore to help and protect you."

Touda feels relief at the blunt statement. Souryuu's actions of late suddenly make sense.

Tsuzuki had always felt responsible for his shiki and would have trusted the dragon to honour a promise even after their bond was broken.

"At that time I didn't want to accept the depth of your relationship, so I wasn't prepared for your pain. Now I'm at a loss. It can't go on like this. You have to actually let me help you!"

"Tsuzuki wanted you to be alive, free and happy. You won't be put back into prison and you won't be executed. You are under my protection now."

Touda winces in surprise as Souryuu's hand lightly touches the visor.

"I can't free you from this, though. I officially accepted responsibility for you, but that is all I can do."

Souryuu's tone is strong and sure and something inside Touda relaxes. Not that he actually wants to be alive, but the feeling of insecurity about his fate is finally gone.

This is a lot more than the serpent might ever have expected.

Souryuu hesitates for a moment. When he speaks again his voice is gentle.

"You are my responsibility now, but that doesn't mean I can make you happy. I need you to work with me. Can you do that?"

Touda has no answer for him. He doesn't know how to snap out of this lethargy, out of this depression.

"Then promise me something. Don't seek death. Stay close to me. Accept my help and make an attempt."

Touda's throat feels dry and all that escapes is a small choking sound. He is grateful that the visor hides his eyes.

"I promise."

tbc…