YAMI NO MATSUEI

RAGNAROK DESCENDS

Chapter Five – What You See Might Not Be What You Get

To the Reader

Yami no Matsuei is a shounen-ai series (boys' love, guy/guy relationship, or insinuations of guy/guy relationships other than friendship). Apocalypse Rising is a sequel to Kyoto Files Revisited. As much as this story can be read in itself, some of the characters and situations contained in this story unfolded in Kyoto Files Revisited.

Ragnarok Descends will continue to explore darker themes and heavily-debated issues. Just like its predecessor fics, Ragnarok Descends will have violence, gory scenes, and angst.

And to answer the question of some readers via their reviews or personal email, yes... There will be much more of Muraki Kazutaka in this story.

To everyone, happy reading! Let me know what you think via reviews (especially if there are things that can be improved for the subsequent chapters).

Additional Author Notes

A few have written to me via PM as to who is Mako – the name which came up here and there in the last couple of chapters (conversations between Tatsumi and Konoe).

Asukawa Mako (an OC of mine) is a long-time father figure for Tatsumi since Tatsumi's father died. If you wish to know more about this character and how deep of a father-son relationship he shared with Tatsumi, I encourage you to read The Shadows of My Past (a Tatsumi-centric, first-person POV fic which explores Tatsumi's life).

However, please note that the readers of Ragnarok Descends do not have to read The Shadows of My Past since they stand separately from each other.

Disclaimer

I do not own Yami no Matsuei and its lovable characters. However, I do own this fic and Chief Satori and other original characters. Please read and review. Let me know what you think.

Please sit back and enjoy reading. I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing this and the fics that I have been writing.

Many thanks,

PJ Zatken

Location: Gensoukai

"You're still awake?"

Terazuma had a small smile escape from his lips and then nodded. "Yeah. Can't sleep. And you? You looked like you were just about to head out of your room. I was about to knock on the door but you beat me to it."

Wakaba blushed a bit. "I… Well, I was about to come and see you."

The smile on Terazuma's face became warmer, although he was also turning a bit red from Wakaba's admission. "Then I guess I beat you to it, didn't I?"

The two then gazed into each other's eyes. It was obvious that they were glad to see each other. It was also evident that they were also clammed up on what needed or wanted to be said.

After many uncomfortable minutes of hanging around in silence, Terazuma murmured, "May I come in? I…wanted to see you…talk to you."

"S-sure… Come and join me at the balcony. I was coming to get to anyway, ask you if you want to join me for late-night tea," said Wakaba, her face feeling more flushed than before. She looked outwardly calm…shy. Inwardly, however, she was panicking and it was not customary for her to do so. She opened her door more widely and then motioned for Terazuma to come in.

Terazuma saw the bed. In the old days, he would not have any qualms in just sitting at the end of it. Heck, he never had any qualms in crashing on that bed even if he was cursed before. When he first came to Meifu, Wakaba had been the apple of his eyes. At least that was before he was cursed to be bonded with his shikigami Kuro, and even worse to turn into it whenever a woman—or Hisoka—touched him.

But now, it was different. Terazuma and Wakaba were now an "item," using Terazuma's own words. He now felt rather out of place if just casually lounged in his girlfriend's bed, especially since the two still had a long ways to go in terms of building their relationship. Plus, his father taught him well and he felt that he needed…and that she deserved…to uphold her in the highest regard.

However, such changes were uncomfortable for Terazuma. It was obviously making Wakaba feel uncomfortable too.

The curse, in a way, became a blessing for Terazuma. He was able to hang out and get to know Wakaba all these years without having to change who he was to impress her. Sure he was brash and arrogant, but he was unafraid to be himself around Wakaba. He was thankful to her about accepting him for who he was. The two became the best of friends and partners at work.

And all of these years, Terazuma loved Wakaba for it. All these years, he also suffered from not being able to tell her how much she meant to him—not just as a friend, but someone more than that. He resigned to simply being her friend due to the predicament that they were both in, both of them accepting the fact that the curse would forever bar them from truly being together. He never realized how much she filled his life until she was gone and Enma warped her…transformed her into a creature of destruction named Gyokuto, also known as the Jade Hare.

All of that was in the past, and now Terazuma had Wakaba back. The best part of it all, the curse that plagued him all these years was now gone. There was nothing to bar him…them…from being truly happy if they would allow themselves to be happy together.

Terazuma loved Wakaba. She loved him. He knew that she was aware of his feeling for her, and vise versa.

"So why the hell am I so nervous about this? By the gods, give me strength," Terazuma asked himself as he followed Wakaba to the balcony.

Terazuma then sat down, watching Wakaba pour tea for him. After she filled his cup and he thanked her, he said when she was about to fill her cup, "Stop right there. I do the honors of filling your cup—remember?"

Wakaba then glanced at Terazuma. She smiled, placing the pot down and then taking her seat. "How could I forget? You said that it's bad luck to fill your own cup unless you're alone."

"Right," said Terazuma as he filled Wakaba's cup and handed it to her. "Traditions are always important."

The two then sat quietly and took a few sips of tea, taking this time to relax. From time to time, the two gazed into the night sky and allowed their awe and appreciation of how beautiful and ethereal their surrounding was to sink into the core of their being. The night sky was clear, with the full moon and the stars shining brightly.

"Why are you still up?"

"Oh, I talked to Touda," said Terazuma with a smile after taking a sip of tea. "Getting to know each other... Getting to know more about this place…my role here..."

Wakaba's smile was warm, comforting. "I'm sure that you'll gain their trust slowly but surely, Hajime. Just give them time. It's not easy erasing such long-standing misconception on how their Golden Emperor supposedly deceived them all these centuries…millennia. This land almost got destroyed because of it. Many friendships between them strained, even destroyed, because of it. Now that they know that it wasn't the Golden Emperor, and that he's now truly among them through you, then they could start healing from it."

"Yeah, but where do we go from here?"

"What do you mean?"

"How do you expect me to lead them, if I need to heal from all of this, too?"

"Right…" murmured Wakaba, her eyes resting on Terazuma and her tone laced with the empathy that she normally extended to him.

"I have to be stronger, Kannuki." Terazuma then dared meet Wakaba's gaze and then became tightlipped. "Yeah, right…when I said that the first time, you and I know where that led me."

"You're being too hard on yourself. Haven't you learned from what happened before?"

When she saw Terazuma blink, Wakaba clarified by adding, "I know that it's different now from before. There are more depending on you. The survival of this beautiful land lies in your leadership. The big picture doesn't change, though."

"I don't…."

"I know that it's important to give your all, Hajime. That's one of the things that I admire about you…your passion…your pursuit of excellence. You need to learn, though, that there are others around you…others who are willing to do everything that it takes to protect you, to be stronger for a greater cause. This need to be stronger…well, it has to be desired for the right reasons…reasons which transcend above you and your ego. Until you learn that, you'll never find peace within you."

Terazuma looked away, feeling that a knife was stabbed deep into his heart.

"Hajime…?"

"And you? How about you? Lord Enma used you, betrayed your trust."

"There'll come a time that I'll be open to talk about it. For now, though, I'm letting it sink in my heart and mind. I need to think things through. If I need a good cry, I'll allow myself those moments. But for now, I want to focus on the more important things."

"Such as…?"

"Being back again…. But when I'm ready to talk about what's going through my head, I'd also like to hear what's going on in yours right now. What everyone's going through isn't easy."

"I promise…."

Wakaba let out a sigh. "I hope that I didn't hurt your feelings. I didn't say those words to hurt you or stop you from sharing with me as to how you feel about all of this."

"You're right. What you said to me…about what I need to learn…" Terazuma then looked up. He could see the worried look in Wakaba's eyes. "Don't feel bad. I needed to hear those things. Thank you."

This time, Wakaba raised an eyebrow. "I beg your pardon?"

Terazuma blinked, his forehead creasing a bit. "What?"

Wakaba shook her head. "Did you just thank me for the advice I've given you?"

"Yeah…and?"

"Oh, nothing," said Wakaba with a wry smile, her tone lighthearted. She then took another sip from her teacup, trying to stifle her amusement.

Terazuma protested, "Hey, just for the record, I do know how to say thank you." He even pouted when Wakaba giggled. Soon, though, he sighed…letting his pout melt into a contented smile. He allowed that giggle of hers, the sight of her sitting across from him and sharing a happy moment with him, warm his heart.

Terazuma then chuckled with Wakaba, murmuring, "Yeah, I guess I deserve that, don't I?"

Wakaba just smiled more warmly for her response.

When the giggles died down, Terazuma said to Wakaba, "Look, I actually came here for a reason. I didn't come here to wallow in my sorrows, or moan and groan."

Still sounding happy and amused, Wakaba asked, "So you came here for…?"

"You," said Terazuma with a small smile. "I came here for you…to ask you something…"

Terazuma then buried his left hand deep in his robe, fishing and then producing a small square black velvet box from his pocket. He then stood up, took a few steps closer to Wakaba, and then held her hand.

"Hajime…?"

Terazuma allowed a soft smile to escape from his lips while Wakaba was reminded of how handsome he truly was whenever he let his "softer" side show. Although his mind ran a million and one versions of what he wanted and needed to say, he felt so small.

Terazuma then knelt before Wakaba, looking into her eyes. "If I say something oaf-like or act like an ape while doing this, please forgive me…"

Wakaba watched as Terazuma sighed, with the latter taking a deep breath to stop the loud pounding of his heart. He clasped her hand more tightly. "God, I want this moment to be perfect for you…for us… Perfect or not, though, I don't want to let another day pass without telling you what needs to be said."

After seconds' worth of silence, Terazuma added, "Kannuki, I loved you from the very beginning…but just as you said, I can be an oaf at times. I was also a coward all these years because I chose not to tell you how I really feel about you…how much you mean to me."

As Terazuma saw Wakaba get teary-eyed, he continued, "And then you were almost taken away from me. I promised that I'd do everything that I could to get you back. I prayed to the gods to give me another chance to right the wrongs I've done…take the opportunities that I've missed. I promised the gods that if I get that chance, I'd be a better man."

Terazuma's smile then became more heartfelt, his eyes also brimming with tears. "I used to strive for perfection to the point that I was so obsessed by it. With all that has happened to us, I realized that perfection is just a foolish dream. As long as I'm a good man in your eyes…as long as I do what I've been put in this existence for, and do it well to serve the greater good… Most especially as long as I make you happy…to do right by those who depend on me. Those are the things that I should and will strive for. It was you who made me realize that."

Wakaba's eyes then widened once Terazuma opened the black velvet box.

In the box was a gold ring with a half-carat diamond embedded in the band. Two small diamonds flanked the left and right of the diamond.

Terazuma presented the ring closer to Wakaba and humbled himself before her. "My father gave my mother this ring a long time ago. Before she died, she gave it to me. She told me to present it to the one who I'd give my heart to…the one who I'd want to be with."

Wakaba did not know what to say. The tears streamed more generously down her cheeks.

"That very person, Kannuki, is you. I love you very much. I might not as forgiving or as wholesome as you, but I'll do my best to be a better man…a better friend…a better partner. A good husband…."

"Hajime…"

Looking into Wakaba's eyes more intently, Terazuma asked her, "Will you marry me and make me the happiest man in all the five realms, Wakaba Kannuki?"

Wakaba was simply speechless…all while Terazuma waited for her reply.

Location: Konoe Minoru's Residence, Meifu

(The following morning)

"You're early," said Konoe as he welcomed Abigor by opening the fence and motioning the latter to come inside and join him at the garden for a chat. "I thought you're coming to spend time with us around 10:30 in the morning."

The primordial and Lord of Makai gave Konoe a relaxed smile. "I hope that I am not too early."

Konoe's warm smile reassured Abigor, the latter feeling more humbled when Konoe said, "Not at all. You came just at the right time. That'll give us more time to talk…or did you come early to spend more time with Hisoka?"

"Both…" Abigor then took a deep breath, and then gave Konoe a small smile. "Caer and Tsuzuki-san will join us in time for lunch. Muraki is not going to be here. I explained to Tsuzuki-san that Muraki is not welcome here and why that is so. He feels sad, but he understands."

Caught pleasantly off-guard, Konoe murmured, "Tsuzuki?"

"Yes, Kacho… Tsuzuki-san is really coming here to Meifu for a visit. Please talk to him first and help him out. He feels that last time, things were left rather awkward between him and your group—particularly with Hisoka."

Konoe let out a sigh. "Ah, yes…"

This time, it was Abigor's turn to sigh. He sat down on the bench, and told Konoe after a pause, "Tsuzuki-san feels guilty about it. He still has no memory of the past. All the memories that he now has were from the time since he got out of his catatonic state. He is thinking that he disappointed Hisoka…hurt him… As much as he does not know how or why, he feels responsible for it. He feels that he owes Hisoka at least an explanation, if not more."

"And the primordials are okay with this?"

"It is a non-issue with them. Primordials are creatures of free will. As far as they are concerned, Tsuzuki-san is exercising his right to choose. However, they care about his well-being."

"And Muraki..?"

Abigor's eyes narrowed a bit, although his demeanor remained relaxed. "Muraki, to me, is a non-issue. He has a right to air out his displeasure, but he has Tsuzuki-san's siblings to face should he stop Tsuzuki from visiting Hisoka."

After Abigor's comment, the two men fell quiet for a while as they sat down on the bench. Their eyes rested on the flowers and vegetables that thrived in Konoe's garden.

Konoe broke the silence by asking, "Were you responsible for last night's calamities in Chijou?"

The Lord of Makai quietly nodded.

Becoming tight-lipped and not sounding accusatory, Konoe murmured, "Is that why you're deep in thought? A sense of remorse hopefully sinking within you..?"

Abigor gave Konoe a good stare before he let a wry smile slowly but surely escape from his lips. "No remorse... I'm thinking more about the conversation we've left off yesterday."

"Which was about…?"

"Fatherhood, in general…and how you asked me for a favor—from one father to another…" There was a tinge of sadness laced in Abigor's voice when he added, "And how you told me that you still see me as one of your sons, even after all that has happened. It just...complicates everything."

The new Lord of Death fell silent for a minute, frowning a bit. Although his forehead creased a bit, Abigor took note of the fact that those forehead creases were so minute compared to before—all thanks to Konoe being restored to his prime years. "Don't you believe me?"

"I… I wish that you could see me as more than that. I do not know why, but somehow I do." Abigor then sighed, adding, "Then again, it is foolish to think…wish…for things to be that way."

"I'm not quite sure what you're trying to tell me…"

Abigor smiled and shook his head, chuckling quietly before he mumbled, "Forget that I have mentioned it, Kacho. You are right. I just have a lot of things in my head…Hisoka being one of them…"

"Don't worry about it. Friendships are the best foundations of any relationship. You two have already been friends before all of this."

"Are matters not odd, or weird, that my son is just two years younger than I am…maybe less?" Abigor thought out loud while he stared at his crossed feet. "I also have not been the most forthright person in the world."

"Your forthrightness, or your perceived lack thereof, has more to do with the circumstances that we faced together. At times, even you didn't know what was happening. Everyone's shocked with these recent turn of events."

"I know what you mean, but…"

"Hisoka said yes to spend time with you. That says a lot that he wants to have a relationship, at least work on it. I didn't have to finish telling him your request and still he immediately said yes. That speaks volumes that he wants to get to know you, too. He's just very quiet…reserved… Give him time to warm up to you."

"That is not my primary concern."

Konoe blinked. "It's not?"

Abigor's smile became more relaxed, friendly. "My concerns lie more on loopholes, Kacho. Looking for the perfect loopholes to make matters work… Hopefully make matters steer in a favorable way…"

Konoe frowned a bit, but before he could ask Abigor to clarify matter, Hisoka said, "Kacho…Tatsumi-san wanted to know if you we're expecting more guests for lunch today."

With a nod and a smile, Konoe said, "Yes. Two additional guests, Kurosaki… They'll most probably arrive just in time to join us for lunch. The rest of Lord Caer and Tsuzuki's siblings will arrive in time for afternoon tea."

Hisoka's tone was quiet when he said, "I'll let him know."

"All right," said Konoe. He then glanced at Abigor and said, "Lord Abigor and I will head out to the dojo. I'll keep him company until you're done with helping out the others. Also let Tatsumi know that after supper, Abigor will accompany him at that trip."

"May we accompany Tatsumi-san?"

"Of course you may," said Abigor in a friendly tone before Konoe could reply. "But I believe that the Kacho needs you and the others here. Tatsumi-san and I will return before or by midnight. You and the others could wait for our return, if you wish."

The young shinigami gave Konoe and Abigor a look. After blinking for a bit, he became tight-lipped. He nodded once more before turning his back from the two and returned to help Tatsumi and the rest.

As Abigor watched Hisoka leave, he said, "Hisoka does not trust me."

"He went through a lot lately, just as we've all had," said Konoe in a grim tone. "Be patient with him."

Glancing at Konoe, Abigor smiled wanly. "It is better that he stays that way, at least for now. There is something that he needs to learn, which is why I am here. I am glad that he is not letting his guard down, but I am not happy in the other things that I am picking up from him."

When Konoe gave him a bewildered look, Abigor clarified by adding, "There are things…emotions…that I am sensing from Hisoka, Kacho. The training that you have given him all these years helped him by leaps and bounds, but it is time for him to take matters to the next level. Question is, did you prepare him well enough to take that next step?"

Then a familiar voice came from a few feet behind the two men, its owner stating, "The kid's more prepared than you think he is. Passion and resolve, very strong will. You may be a primordial and all, but you're a fool to underestimate him."

"Thank you, Oriya," said Konoe once he received the requested report from the swordsman and newest member of the Shokan Division. He then browsed through the report, choosing to remain silent after he skimmed through the ten-page summary report of pending cases that he now had in his plate to deliberate as the Lord of Death.

"I am not underestimating him. I would not give him that disrespect," was Abigor's calm reply to Oriya, the latter giving him and Konoe a respectful nod. After Abigor returned the kind gesture, he added, "You are familiar with the ways of the warrior...the bushido...Oriya-san. The same goes with Hisoka. I, however, am referring to completely different matters."

"And may I ask what matter might that be?"

"The ways of battle and the ways of war…" Abigor then gazed into Oriya's eyes. "I am taking my son with me to Makai. It is something that Kacho and I have already agreed upon. Hisoka had already consented to this. A campaign or two…short but relatively bloody to say the least. He will return in three day's time. It is time that he learns his father's business and his true place within the five realms, do you not agree?"

Oriya deadpanned, "Kurosaki's place is here in Meifu. This is his home. He even said so himself, and he'll be more than happy to reiterate that to you."

With a wry smile, Abigor murmured, "Then we will see how right you are, Oriya-san. One way or another, Hisoka is going to learn what he needs to learn from me. It is the least that I can do as a father. Or if he wishes to see me as a brother, then so be it."

"Or maybe he'll learn from you as to what an honorable enemy would and should do. Or maybe you'll stop being a thespian and just show him who you really are and what your true intentions are with him and the rest of us here," quipped Oriya, meeting Abigor's gaze without fear. "Which one are you? Doting father, honorable enemy, or crafty thespian…?"

"I will have Hisoka to be the judge of that," said Abigor with a careful yet knowing smile, which made Konoe and Oriya uneasy to say the least.

Location: Pits of Hell

"Bad dreams again?"

Tsuzuki gently smile, hearing the rich yet gentle voice coming from the one who had been his companion since breaking out of his catatonic state. His smile became warmer still as the latter draped a robe on his shoulders. The contents of his overburdened mind and heart weighted so much that he did not notice how cold it was at the balcony of his room.

Muraki then slipped his arms and wrapped them around Tsuzuki's waist, the doctor's ways gentle, loving. After planting an affectionate kiss behind Tsuzuki's neck, he whispered in the other's ear, "I hope that you got at least an hour's worth of decent sleep…one without dreadful dreams… Were you able to sleep at all?"

The amethyst-eyed shinigami and primordial prince let out a sigh, his eyes continuing to rest on the breathtaking view outside his bedroom. A feeling of sadness sank deep into his heart, just as it always did. "I think I did…"

"Still thinking about that boy, Asato?" asked Muraki, breaking the minutes' worth of silence between them.

After letting out a sigh, a deeply-thinking Tsuzuki became tight-lipped. He gave Muraki a nod.

Tsuzuki did not know that Muraki gritted his teeth from his admission, although the latter accomplished the herculean task of controlling his body from shivering in anger. He had no clue that although his lover continued to provide warmth and comfort in such cold weather, the latter seethed in jealousy and entertained thoughts of carnage…destruction….

Hisoka's absolute corruption and utter destruction…

Muraki indeed destroyed and tainted the handsome Hisoka after the latter's three-year torture. He cursed and repeatedly ravished the young man until the latter died. He knew that the torture really never ended for the young one, and he knew fully well that the curse he placed on Hisoka remained active even after death.

What infuriated Muraki was that his work was not complete. Hisoka finding a new life as a shinigami and had won the love, attention, and affection of the object of his obsession—Tsuzuki—was the very testament of his failure.

Still, here was Muraki…stewing in silent yet deep-seated anger since last night. Sure, he still had the upper hand now that he gained Tsuzuki's affections and attention. Yes, the object of his desire and obsession was now wrapped in his finger. Anyone around them would say that Tsuzuki's devotion and affection belonged only to him.

Muraki would also be one to say that based on how unconditionally trusting and vulnerably receptive Tsuzuki was in the bedroom, he had completely won over Tsuzuki.

All of that, however, was an illusion to Muraki. Just the mere mention of Hisoka's name…any mere reference to the beautiful boy ravished years ago…shattered what he felt had been his new and firmly-found place in Tsuzuki's heart.

And worse, Tsuzuki expressed his intention of visiting Meifu today. Granted, the visit would be with Caer but the mere fact that he would be going there to see Hisoka deeply enraged Muraki.

As Muraki planted fleeting and teasing kisses on Tsuzuki's bare skin while cuddling the latter from behind, he thought, "It's that demon spawn Abigor's fault… He fathered that boy. He's also paving the way for Tsuzuki-san to return to that... That irritating boy…"

At one point in time, Muraki bit down on Tsuzuki's skin and drew blood. When Tsuzuki winced, he whispered in a soothing voice, "I'm sorry, my love. I got carried away…"

Tsuzuki took in a deep breath; facing Muraki…his amethyst eyes slightly glazed from Muraki's teasing kisses. He smiled. Such incidents between him and Muraki were common, even welcomed….sought…

And so Tsuzuki murmured with a hint of a smile escaping from his lips, "I'm not complaining. I never complained about… Well, about that…"

"I know that, Asato…"

When the two made eye contact, Muraki let a quiet yet suggestive smirk escape from his lips. His face did not show any signs of the strife and anger bubbling deep inside him.

With a disarming smile, Muraki asked, "Shall we…?"

"But I have to leave very soon, Kazu," said Tsuzuki, this time facing Muraki. He then noticed the other smile, being happy to see a smile grace the other's angelic face. And so he then asked, "Did I say anything wrong?"

Muraki's innocent and gracious-looking smile became warmer still. "You actually said something wonderful…as always. It's nice to hear that…" When Tsuzuki blinked, he lifted his hand and touched the latter's cheek as he added, "You calling me Kazu… It's always nice to hear you call me by that name…"

Tsuzuki's smile nearly melted Muraki's heart, especially when the shinigami said, "I'm glad that I make you happy. Thank you for understanding me about this trip. I won't be gone for long. I promise."

"They don't approve of me very much…the people you're going to visit…"

Tsuzuki placed a finger on Muraki's lips, his eyes fixed on the handsome doctor. In a quiet yet reassuring tone, he said, "What they say or think about you doesn't matter to me. What matters is what we think about each other. Nothing more… And my siblings love you…so what makes you so worried?"

Muraki shrugged his shoulders, replying in a confident-sounding voice, "I'm not worried. I know that Abigor has his opinion about me. The ones you are about to visit do, too. It's just a matter of fact, is all."

"Kazu…."

When Tsuzuki knew that Muraki's attention was fully on him once the doctor rested his gaze on him, Tsuzuki continued in a gentle and intent tone, "Abigor's opinions about you will not change how I see you, or have any impact in my decision. He has been civil towards you in spite of openly declaring to everyone what he feels about you. I want you…us… And besides, Abigor respects our relationship. Please don't think that he is an enemy or a hindrance in our happiness. Sure, you and he had your differences, but he has other endeavors in his mind—my brother, Caer, and the world kneeling at his feet to be exact. Abigor also told me that when the time comes, he wishes to speak with you...straighten things out between the two of you and start again in friendlier terms."

After a few moments of silence, Muraki nodded and smiled. "All right…but you said that you're leaving very soon…am I right…?"

"Yes…"

"But that doesn't mean you're leaving now, does it?"

When Tsuzuki saw that Muraki's smile became warm and suggestive, he chuckled. "I know what you're thinking…"

With his smile becoming even more disarming, Muraki asked, "Could you blame me?"

Tsuzuki's face flushed a bit. "No…"

"Would you deny me?"

Tsuzuki's lips quivered when he replied, "No…"

Muraki drew Tsuzuki close to him and the two kissed. He then drew away from their long, explorative kiss. With his eyes cloudy with lust, he asked Tsuzuki, "Just before you leave…you and me…something to remember me by…"

"We can do it after I come back…" said Tsuzuki with a sheepish smile, his hand instinctively allowing his fingers to caress Muraki's bare back.

"Before you leave and after you come back…"

Tsuzuki chuckled, his face flushing a deeper shade of red. "Both times…? You're greedy…"

The doctor smirked teasingly, taking in a deep breath when he got the expected reaction from Tsuzuki. "And so are you…judging by how hard you quickly get with me…"

"You're really embarrassing me," said a beet-red Tsuzuki, but not with the enmity that the old Tsuzuki would have towards Muraki. And indeed, his platinum-haired lover was right because his body melted into the other's ministrations.

"Just for a little while, my love… Something quick, but sweet…"

And so Tsuzuki kissed Muraki again—his reply to the latter's invitation.

Seconds later, the robe that loosely draped on Tsuzuki's shoulders dropped on the marble floor…the two drawn so close to each other for lingering and explorative kisses, teasing ministrations while they found their way back to their shared bed, ghosting touches that became bolder as each second passed.

And soon, the two open themselves to each other…pushing each other's lust to the brink of fulfillment, granting that sweet release, and finally spending short yet quality time in each other's arms before Tsuzuki's trip to Meifu.

Location: Crimson Castle, Makai

There was a reason why the Crimson Castle—Ashtarote's main castle, fortress, and residence—was called as such. The skies, whether it was day or night, had a reddish hue.

There were certain nights…nights such as the one now…where the skies offered a far more reddish hue than usual. Others such as Abigor and Ashtarote found a semblance of peace in this place which they considered breathtakingly beautiful, especially while taking a stroll at its majestic gardens.

Others, such as those imprisoned within its walls, found the Crimson Castle to be a frightening place to spend one's last days. Here, many of Ashtarote and Abigor's enemies have been tortured and executed in a myriad of gruesome manners.

Over the years, especially these last two years, many things have changed. For Ashtarote, he did not find peace within these walls for he was now a prisoner as well—all while serving as its ruler and a commander who now waged a bloody campaign against Abigor and his realms.

"And also a prisoner in your own body… Truly ironic, don't you think? I like your train of thought, Ashtarote. You could've gotten more out of this if you'd let it. After all, you've never enjoyed as much as power as you do now—all thanks to me… You're telling me that you now regret our little arrangement?"

"I did not ask for war! Innocent citizens do not and should not die because of this!" Ashtarote yelled, his voice reverberating inside the vast chambers that served as his bedroom and sanctuary.

The voice inside Ashtarote's head echoed, "You want to get even with Abigor and the others. I want the same. What better way than to destroy everything? What better way than to push him to destroy everything that he loved most?"

And then there was silence for a few minutes, followed by the voice inside Ashtarote's head asking him, "You want him back for good? You want him never to go astray again? Continue to work with me. Let me handle everything and I will bring him back to you…to us…as a gift. Him…back here in Makai…resuming peaceful relations with me returning to the throne in Meifu…. That is a wonderful dream, is it not?"

Ashtarote cupped his face, his nails clawing on his forehead and cheek until his nail broke into his skin. He quietly sobbed, falling down on his knees before a mirror. His head felt as if it was about to explode from confusion and anguish. He shook his head in an uncertain manner at first, and then his head began to nod as his sobbing became more pronounced.

And for each passing second, Ashtarote's teeth began to grit as deep and raw anger bubbled and mingled into his already-turbulent state of mind and heart. His eyes began to glow red once more, mental images of Abigor adding more fuel to the fire.

Ashtarote became angrier still as the owner of the voice inside his head flashed images of Abigor and Caer in compromising positions in bed, of the two carnally having their way with each other. It made Ashtarote enraged, envious….

A vase then broke against the heavy oak door, the guards outside frightened but nonetheless kept their transfixed positions outside Ashtarote's door. They should know better not to move or else their commander would send them kicking and screaming to the dungeon under the flogging master's care…and maybe the executioner, if their commander wished to do so.

The owner of that nagging and taunting voice inside Ashtarote's head then began torturing Ashtarote by playing scenarios in his mind's eye…images showing Abigor looking, touching, and being with Ashtarote in ways that Ashtarote have always dreamed of.

"That is what you have always wanted, is it not, Ashtarote?"

Ashtarote then murmured, biting down lower lip, "Yes…."

"Then say it… Let me hear that you want it all…" whispered the owner of the voice in a hiss-like seductive fashion.

The demon commander mumbled in the middle of his sobs, "I want Abigor back. I want him to love me. I want him to focus on me, and me alone. I want him to look at none other than just me. I want him to turn his back on everything he held dear all this time. Anyone and anything that interferes with that will be destroyed."

"Good. Then let me continue what we have started. We are so close to what we have wanted. Soon, Abigor and Tsuzuki will be ours… All of them will be ours… Abigor will love you…and he will love me again… You just have to stop fighting me. For once in so many eons, you and I have wanted…and will get…the same things we have always desired. The amusing part is that we do not have to worry about Chijou since Abigor is taking care of destroying that despicable realm."

Then at the same time that the owner of the voice reveled in the irony that took hold of Abigor, Ashtarote began to chuckle. At first, the laughter was low. Eventually, his maniacal laughter echoed inside his bedroom.

Ashtarote rose to his feet, the influence of the one inside his head now taking an even stronger hold than ever before…with him, for now, acting and thinking in one accord with his mental and spiritual captor.

With his eyes glowing bright red, Ashtarote looked into the mirror that stood before him.

The reflection that stared back at Ashtarote, smirking approvingly, was not his own.

Location—Dojo, Konoe Minoru's Residence

Meifu

"No wonder I felt your presence lingering about."

Michael gave Abigor a bland look. "I have you to thank for that. Your actions disrupted the balance between the veils keeping the five realms separate from each other."

Abigor asked in a nonchalant fashion as he took off his shoes and entered the dojo, with Konoe following behind him, "That is what I do. Why do you complain?"

Chief Archangel Michael's eyes narrowed as he glared at Abigor. "To think that you used to be one of us…"

"And to think that you have quickly forgotten that I fell along with the many eons ago, Michael…" quipped Abigor as his demeanor lightened up once his eyes landed on Ukyou. He gave her a respectful nod of acknowledgement.

Konoe cleared his throat before telling Abigor, "Meet Ukyou, a new angel under Michael's charge. She is asked to guard Oriya and Kurosaki."

Abigor placed his hand on his heart, bowing once more before Ukyou. Once he straightened up, he said, "Then it is my pleasure to meet you, Ukyou-san. I thank you, then…for everything…"

Ukyou smiled kindly, giving Abigor a nod after reciprocating the bow. "You're too kind."

"Interesting," murmured Abigor once he glanced at the side of the dojo. He walked towards the corner where a variety of weapons lay in wait on four identical wooden tables.

Konoe followed behind Abigor, being reserved as he saw the latter lift a hand and had it ghost over one weapon after another. He kept his silence as the other examined the weapons.

After many minutes of silence wherein Konoe and Oriya observed and Michael seethed in anger, Abigor asked Konoe, "So Hisoka is being trained in these, Kacho? Who is training him in weaponry?"

"Kurosaki self-trains most of the time. Then there are times that Tatsumi would use his shadows and have them play the role of opponent." Konoe fell quiet once more as he saw Abigor put the mace down and pick up a bo staff.

"I expect no less from him," said Abigor as he now glanced at Konoe. "Before he and I leave for Makai, I will train him on these. That is if he would not mind receiving it from me."

"I'm sure that he'd welcome the opportunity." Konoe then looked towards the door where Hisoka took off his shoes and gave everyone a reverent bow. He noticed that the young man reverently carried a finely-crafted light wooden box.

Hisoka approached the table where Abigor stood, resting the box in a vacant spot. He told the Lord of Makai, "Would you like to inspect them before we duel?"

With a faint smile, Abigor replied, "I am sure that you have taken care of them as well as Grandfather or I would have done…or should I say your grandfather." As he rested his hand on the box, he added, "These swords have been forged in Makai…crafted by my own hands. Before the tragedy that took your mother's life, I asked Jii-san to safe-keep them for me…to keep them for my son in case something happened to me."

Upon glancing at Hisoka, Abigor could not help but become tight-lipped as he continued, "The irony was that Jii-san ended up giving it back to me…thinking all along that he was fulfilling my wish. The bigger irony was that something within me encouraged me to entrust them to you…feeling that doing so was the best thing for these swords. Little did I know that I became the instrument of fulfilling my wish."

"If you want them back—"

Abigor lifted his hand and said, "No, Hisoka. I told you that once these swords were given to you as a gift, you became their new master. All I wanted was a duel here and there with you using them…this one that we are about to have being the first of many, I hope."

The emerald-eyed shinigami looked away, murmuring, "I don't know about that…"

The Lord of Makai's eyes narrowed as his gaze rested on Hisoka, frowning as he picked up the latter's thoughts. The longer that he stared at the latter, the narrower his eyes became.

Abigor then closed his eyes for a second, telling Hisoka, "You are still so blind. Let me help you see things clearer."

Shortly thereafter, one of the swords flew towards Hisoka as if it was a javelin.

A split second after that, Hisoka blocked Abigor's attack immediately upon catching the sword.

The next second, the duel between Abigor and Hisoka—father and son that could easily pass as brothers—began…with one fully intent upon conquering and sending a message across the other...not having any qualms or reservations on humiliating, maiming, or destroying the opponent.

End of Chapter Five