Chapter 10

Kamui was growing seriously worried about Subaru. Since they had hauled him back to the apartment, he'd been quiet. All he did was sit in a corner of his room and stare out the window. He refused all attempts to get him to eat or sleep. Kamui almost wished Subaru would get hysterical and cry, at least that would be a reaction.

Deciding to try once again to reach him, Kamui walked into the room and knelt down by Subaru's side. He didn't know where to begin to console him.

After a while, Subaru appeared to notice him and turned his gaze at Kamui. Making an effort to rouse himself, he said kindly, "Don't worry about me, Kamui."

Kamui thought that was just so typical of Subaru, to think he wasn't worthy of someone else's concern. "I can't help it, I care for you."

"It's all right, I'm not broken," he replied.

But Kamui could see the obvious lie in that statement and shook his head. "You're not all right. I know how you felt about him. You shared your innermost feelings with me, I know you loved him so very much."

Subaru hung his head, but no tears flowed. "It has always been this way for me. Whenever I get to a point where I could be happy with Seishirou-san, everything gets destroyed. Whatever gods out there must really hate me."

Kamui reached up and took Subaru's hand. "I'm sorry. I think if anyone deserves any happiness it would be you. You're the most caring person I know."

In a small voice Subaru said, "I wish you had just let me go on that bridge."

The thought frightened Kamui so much that he clutched at Subaru. "No, please you can't think like this. I need you."

Subaru only shook his head in denial. "You don't need me. All you have to do is hold on to your desire to save Fuuma. You still have a chance that things will turn out all right."

"Subaru, you have to find it in you to believe that things will turn out all right for you too. We can't let Hinoto win. Haven't you sacrificed enough not to see this through? And your friend Kakyou, he needs you as well." Kamui was grasping at straws in hopes of finding a way to stop Subaru from sinking further into his depression.

At the sound of Kakyou's name, Subaru's head shot up. "You're right. Kakyou needs me. Perhaps later..." His voice trailed off. "Kamui, please leave me alone for a little longer. I just need to grieve... I can't believe he's never coming back..."

Kamui levelled a searching gaze at Subaru before deciding it was okay to leave him alone.

"What are we going to do?" Kamui asked Sorata quietly when he got back into the living room.

Sorata looked just as clueless. "I don't know him enough to help him. All I can remember about Subaru-san is that he has a cousin who's really close to him, some guy named Arimi Yuki."

"That sounds familiar. Wait, it's that reporter guy I met at the Togakushi shrine. I have his number." Kamui recalled.

"Let's give him a call." Sorata encouraged.

Kamui dug the number out, amazed he still had it after all the events of the past few days. After dailing the number, he hesitantly explained to Yuki that Subaru needed him. He barely had time to stammer out an incoherent plea for Subaru before Yuki hung up with a comforting "I'll be right over."

It wasn't long before Arimi Yuki showed up with Detective Ikeda Ran in tow. Kamui was a little taken aback and not reassured when the detective shot Kamui a look that said we'll talk later.

"Tell me everything that's happened." Yuki demanded.

Nervously Kamui recounted the events from his rescue and Fuuma's possession to the horrible incident at Rainbow Bridge with the occasional interjection from Sorata. Yuki was astonishingly quick to realise the implications of Seishirou's death on Subaru, having an inkling of how his cousin had felt towards that man. "Okay I'll go talk to him. Ran you'll wait for me?"

"Of course. Take all the time you need," Ran answered.

Bracing himself, Yuki walked into the bedroom. Subaru's head turned at the sudden noise. When he saw his older cousin, something like a dam broke within him. No matter what, Subaru had felt constrained to maintain a stoic front with Kamui but now with Yuki, it was as if he could just let go and be once more the little boy who looked up to the protection of his older cousin. "Yuki!" he cried. Yuki quickly crossed the room and enfolded Subaru in his arms who then began sobbing freely.

"Shh," Yuki said, patting Subaru's back as if he were a small child. "You can tell me everything."

That only caused Subaru to cry more. "He told me he loved me, then he died!" He wailed. "It's not fair!"

Knowing it would do Subaru good to rage, Yuki stood there and let him weep as if his heart was broken forever.

In the living room of Subaru's apartment, Ran and Kamui were having a talk.

"Did you know Kanoe has filed a missing persons report on you?" Ran informed Kamui. "Same for Kotori. She tried to imply the two of you had eloped or something."

Kamui huffed at the audacity.

"It is just your word that what you described happened. You have no proof and I'm sure they have a battalion of lawyers at the ready to tear you apart," Ran said.

"Well I'm not going back to them in case that's what you want." Kamui wanted to make his sentiments clear.

Ran shook his head. "I'd be less sympathetic if I hadn't seen those creatures who were sent after Yuki. But there are just certain things the law cannot deal with. I can't say that the cop in me doesn't wish I could get them to pay for their crimes. For murdering your aunt just to get to you for starters."

Kamui's expression was grim. "All I'm concerned about is getting Fuuma back safe and Subaru's friend too."

Everyone's attention was riveted when Yuki came out into the room. He lifted a finger to his lips and said, "He's sleeping. He's exhausted. I got him to cry everything out. I think he'll feel better when he wakes up."

Kamui's relief was written all over his face. "I'm glad. I was really worried about him."

Ran walked over and guided Yuki to a seat. He was still concerned about his friend's injuries, the most obvious was a big bruise on the side of his face. Ever the practical one, he voiced the thought in all their heads. "So what do we do now?"

Yuki reached up a hand to unconsciously rub his bruised cheek. "At the moment they've got the upper hand. But I think the key is to get rid of that Earth spirit. From what Subaru told me, he's being forced to obey Hinoto's orders. Once we do that, she'll be easier to deal with."

"We can't just get rid of that Dragon of Earth! We have to do it so Fuuma isn't hurt," Kamui cried defensively.

"Actually Subaru may have some idea of what to do. It appears the spirit was dropping hints. But I want to make sure Subaru recovers totally before we try anything." Yuki's dark green eyes dared anyone to object. "And it might not be a bad idea to get allies. I have this editor who has a beef with Hinoto's cult. I get the feeling he might be willing to lend a hand taking her down."

"Are you sure it's wise to involve an ordinary person in this?" Ran asked.

"I don't think he's quite that ordinary. His aura is very strong." Yuki said thoughtfully.

"Okay if you're sure."

Then Kamui spoke up, "I think that social worker of mine, Karen Katsumi, she could be willing too. She didn't like Kanoe taking me away." When everyone's eyes turned to him, he added in explanation, "I saw her glow."

Ran nodded. "I know her. She's the one who kept me up to date on your case. She has an uncanny ability to know when things are about to go wrong. And she cares about her charges. She was most upset when you and Kotori were reported missing."

Yuki summed up. "That's it then. We fill in everyone and get ready for when Subaru can come up with something."

Ryuu was stalking down the hallway in a towering rage. He'd just spent half of an entire day doing some petty errand of Hinoto's. Well if he was to be her personal wish genie, he was glad he had the wits to restrict her to only one wish a day. She hadn't been pleased when she found out about that and had spent far too much of his time trying to wheedle more out of him. Right now, he was relieved to get out of her presence and was looking forward to a nice visit with Kakyou. Somehow, the yumemi always knew how to tease him out of his bad humor.

This time Kakyou welcomed him at what appeared to be a room in a mountain resort. The only thing unusual was that the place was empty save for the two of them. A lovely log fire burned in a fireplace at one side of the room. Kakyou was decoratively lounging at a wide sofa before the fireplace, half covered by a soft blanket.

Ryuu went over and dropped a kiss on his forehead before flopping down beside him. "That woman is wearing my nerves thin," he griped.

Kakyou's golden eyes were sympathetic. "You could tell me all the horrible things you would do to her if you were free to do so."

Ryuu laughed. "Let's see, there's decapitation, impaling, I could cut out her heart. Hmmm, maybe not, too quick. I'd like to drag things out a little bit more in payment for the excruciating conversations she tries to have with me. How about pulling each and every strand of her hair out, I shudder every time I have to see that tenticular mess." Then he sobered. "Unfortunately for me to be free, she would have to be dead, by someone else's hand."

"Let's just work on that another time." Kakyou decided the topic was simply getting too depressing. Changing the subject he asked, "What are you doing here anyway? Don't you have anywhere better to be?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Ryuu asked puzzled.

"Surely there's something more interesting out there than coming to visit me?"

"What? And give up this all expenses paid vacation that you can whip up at a moment's notice?" Ryuu joked. He started inching towards Kakyou and began feeling him up.

Kakyou though was having none of that. He playfully slapped at Ryuu's hands currently worming their way up his clothes. "Stop it. I'm still blocking Hinoto from seeing the future. But I can't do it if you're distracting me that way!"

"Oh you're no fun. What's the point of us melting nicely into this sofa if we're not going to make full use of it?" But he prudently stopped his exploration and flopped back. He sighed then came up with a wonderful idea. "Is this place like for real? I mean is there a real mountain and snow outside those doors?" He asked.

Kakyou looked at him uncertainly. "If you want it I can make it."

"Oh goody, please do." Ryuu whooped and began dragging Kakyou out of his seat.

Kakyou made some hurried adjustments to the dreamscape. "What are you planning?" He asked as he allowed himself to be dragged out the door. His answer was a handful of snow in his face. "Ryuu!" He gasped in shock.

Ryuu laughed and danced away. Running behind a tree, he began gathering ammunition for more snowballs.

Kakyou was not going to give up so easily. He decided to take the strategy of not stockpiling but rather count on speed and a trusty aim instead. His next snowball landed squarely in Ryuu's face. He was so busy laughing in triumph that he failed to notice Ryuu coming up at him in a tackle. He went down and found himself being thoroughly tickled.

Kakyou's pleas for mercy rang out through the clearing as he wriggled beneath Ryuu.

Kakyou wasn't even aware when Ryuu had stopped. All he noticed was the intense gaze that suddenly held his attention. Kakyou's breath caught in his throat as he read the intense desire in Ryuu's eyes. At that moment, all his resolution not to feel anything for the Dragon of Earth flew out the windows. Ryuu's mouth descended to his and all thought vanished.

Ryuu was thoroughly enjoying the stunned look in Kakyou's eyes when he broke the kiss. Kakyou was literally shivering with some suppressed emotion, as if he'd just come to a startling revelation. Instinctively he knew Kakyou wasn't ready to go further. Besides Kakyou appeared to place some importance in thwarting Hinoto's visions of the future and he was sure he would be upset if Ryuu did anything to mess that up. He got off him and offered a hand to pull him up. Lightly he said, "I think that's enough fun for today. Let's get inside and warm up."

It was a few days before Yuki decided Subaru was recovered enough to begin his research on exorcising the Dragon of Earth and a few more days of frustration and hair pulling before Subaru found anything useful in the stacks of books Yuki brought to him from the Sumeragi library. Kamui and the other two teenagers are also going stir crazy at staying in the cramped apartment, but they all recognized the need to lay low. From time to time, Ran came by with news of odd happenings that could be connected to Hinoto's activities. Like people dying mysteriously or others suddenly deciding to give up all their worldly possessions to her group so they could live in isolation in the countryside.

Eventually Subaru said he was ready and called for a gathering. Karen-san and Aoki-san had proven surprisingly open-minded and even enthusiastic particularly after Arashi had backed up Kamui's story. The two were getting along like a house on fire.

"I feel so helpless and guilty, letting those children go off with those people," Karen was saying to Aoki Seiichirou. She had found herself liking the mild-mannered editor immediately on introduction.

"Don't blame yourself, you couldn't have known," Aoki said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"But I should have! And now that sweet girl Kotori, is dead. And goodness knows how many other children have they abused along the way as well," Karen said tearfully.

"I knew what they were up to when my nephew joined then, but I couldn't do anything either. But then I was alone. You were as well. Those people had too much going for them for any opposition to be successful." Aoki smiled gently at Karen. "Now that we're together, perhaps we can bring them down."

Karen was cheered by the prospect. "You're a good man, Aoki-san, so kind. I promise to do my best to help you get your nephew back."

"That's the spirit. I really appreciate you caring so much." Aoki grinned cheerfully at her.

Something about his smile made Karen blush. And seeing her blush, brought an answering tinge of pink to Aoki's cheeks as well. Unfortunately, before either could speak further, Subaru began calling for everyone's attention.

As Subaru began his explanation of what he understood to be the mechanics of summoning an elemental spirit, the doorbell rang. He broke off and went to the door. Opening it, he stood there for a moment, before crashing down in a dead faint.

Notes: Groan. I'm now wondering if I was laying on the angst too thickly. So everyone gets a nice snowfight scene to lighten things up. This was necessary. Yes, Kakyou is falling in love with Ryuu. I realized it wasn't established earlier and there will be no opportunity to do so later. There also won't be any opportunity for angst in the next chapter, just action, I hope. Gulp! By the way if anyone wonders about Kakyou's dreamscapes, well I have to admit I may have been playing a bit too much SIMs Vacation. LOL. In the interests of keeping this story PG-13, I couldn't script a lemon, but you're free to imagine anything that happens after Ryuu gets Kakyou back into the house. And a little scene with Karen and Aoki for those of you who may be feeling that I'm not devoting enough time to the other Ten no Ryuu. Aoki is not married in this AU.

Coming up... the day of reckoning.

A super-deformed Subaru runs out with Fuuma, Kamui, Yuki and Ran holding placards. They run around and rearrange themselves to form a word while shouting, "Omake, Omake, Omake!" Fireworks and confetti fall.

(Kakyou is being tickled by Ryuu in the snow. He's doing his best to seductively wriggle and squirm under Ryuu. The two stop, gaze deeply into each other's eyes and kiss.)

Ryuu (coming up for air after kiss): Achooo!

Kakyou (grumbles at Director Xandra): I knew one of us was going to get a cold if you make us roll about in the snow.

Ryuu (trying to get Kakyou's attention): No, it's not that. I'm allergic.

(Hundreds of large floppy eared angora rabbits are standing around the two bishounen, gazing at them with big googly eyes)

Kakyou (looking about dazed): I didn't do anything!

Director Xandra: Interesting phenomenon! A spontaneous manifestation!

Ryuu (snaps): Stop talking like some scientist.

D-X (sweatdrops): Sorry. Looks like these rabbits are the spontaneous manifestation of the wishes of rabid fan girls who want the two of you to go at it like bunnies!

Kakyou: Oh.

Ryuu (smirking): Always happy to oblige. They don't call me a wish granting genie for nothing.

(The two of them start making out)

D-X (sweatdrops some more): There goes the PG-13 rating for this story.