APH and its characters (c) Hidekaz Himaruya

Boyue's Note: This story contains violence and imperialist!Japan. D8

"That which is done out of love always takes place beyond good and evil." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Pairing: Korea x China

There were many things in life that Yong Soo didn't dare to claim he understood. He knew he was only a speck in the timeline of history and he accepted such fate. He had a loving family and friends that he adored. His life, Yong Soo had always thought, was excellent and he couldn't ask for more.

So it came as a hurtful surprise when Kiku suddenly turned on them. Surely, they had bickered and fought before. But he knew something was different now. Something within the core of Kiku's being had been contaminated.

To think a man that he saw as his own brother – even though they shared different blood – would attack him. Yong Soo didn't know what to make of it. Only that his heart hurt.

He hurried down the street with his eyes forward. Forward, it was the only place he could look. If he looked anywhere else, he couldn't be able to move his legs. His home – ravaged by war. Blood colored the walls. Bodies littered the ground. Anguished cries rose from near and far.

His home – destroyed.

He threw a hand over his nose and tried not to breathe in the stench of rotting flesh. His feet pulled him along the way; his military boots didn't fit him quite well and the hard leather blistered his toes. He turned the corner and ran to the main street. Behind him, the shout of the enemies drew closer. They were after him – ordered to come after him.

Why, Kiku?

Yong Soo tripped over someone's leg and nearly fell to the ground. He took a sharp breath and turned his eyes. They were catching up to him. Their guns lifted high, ready to shoot at a moment's notice.

He turned his attention back to in front of him. He gasped at the fire reflected off the blade of the smooth katana.

"Kiku!"

His brother stared without a sound. His hands gripped the hilt of the sword and positioned it over his face. Yong Soo stumbled back, breathing through clenched teeth. He heard the sounds of gun behind him and knew, without looking, they were loaded and aimed at his back.

He reached for his gun holster, though doubtful he could do much with it. His fingers touched the cold metal of the handgun. He gripped it. And in the moment he used to pull it out, the katana was already underneath his chin.

Yong Soo couldn't even gasp. The sword was so close; he could smell the steel and the blood on it. Kiku glanced up at him; his fingers moved. The evening light shone off the blade.

"Kiku! Yong Soo!"

They both looked. Yao's lone figure hardly counted for reinforcement, but Yong Soo felt a rush of relief through his tense body. Kiku turned the katana swiftly and used it block the jian slashing down on him.

Yong Soo stepped back, hand gripping the gun by his side. He watched his brothers' sword fight. Each was graceful with his weapon. It could almost pass for a choreographed dance. Until blood was spilled.

Yao dropped to his knees with his hand palming his arm, hot blood sweeping through the gaps of his fingers. He gritted his teeth in pain.

Kiku walked over and knocked his sword away with a kick. The katana turned to the oldest.

"Aniki!"

"Yong Soo, you idiot!" Yao shouted through pants. "What are you doing!? RUN!"

Yong Soo did run. But he ran toward Kiku. His legs dashed forward as he raced against the katana drawing to Yao's neck.

He leaped and managed to grab Kiku by the waist and pulled him off-course. Instead of Yao's neck, the tip of the blade left a slit on Yao's cheek. Yong Soo fell to the ground, but Kiku didn't. Yong Soo crawled forward and wrapped both arms around Kiku's leg.

"Idiot!" Yao shouted at him.

"Aniki! Go!"

Yao turned his eyes on him. A mixed look of surprise and shock touched his face. Kiku struggled against his hold, thrusting his leg.

"Yong Soo… N-no!"

"It's okay, Aniki," Yong Soo managed a soft laugh. He held in a cry of pain when Kiku slashed his shoulder. "D-don't worry… about me! Just go!"

Yao made a move toward his sword. Kiku barked an order and his troops pointed their guns at Yao. Yong Soo clutched on to Kiku's leg tighter. The three brothers stayed still for a moment – each contemplating his next move.

Kiku raised his sword high – a gesture to signal his soldiers. Yong Soo knew that the second Kiku moved his sword again, a barrage of bullets would rip through Yao's body.

"Aniki," he cried out, "please run!"

The katana remained in its position. Yao stood up. They exchanged eye contact. Yong Soo pasted a grin on his face. Yao twisted his expression, eyes welling up with tears. The oldest of the three turned on his heels and fled quickly from the scene.

Kiku swung his sword. The rapid gunshots sounded like firecrackers exploding. Yong Soo released his arms and slumped on the ground, relieved that his dearest brother had gotten to safety. He glanced up and met Kiku's stone-cold eyes.

He bit the inside of his lips and scoffed. He got on his knees and took a breath. With all his strength, he pushed himself on his feet. He tightened his muscles and stared at his brother --- no, his enemy.

I love you, Aniki.

Yong Soo ran toward Kiku. Kiku paced back in preparation; the katana ready to strike. Yong Soo lifted his fist; he swallowed the pain from the wound on his shoulder. Kiku twisted the sword. He threw his punch. Kiku dodged it. The blade flowed effortlessly to his neck.

I'd die for you, Aniki.

He blinked and felt himself falling backward. Spots of crimson danced in front of him like fireflies. He hit the ground with a thump. A quiet gasp escaped from his throat. He stole a breath and tasted blood in his mouth.

He looked up. Kiku's eyes stared down at him. Both hands on the hilt, the katana hurtled toward his chest.

I will die for you.

THE END.

Boyue's Note: I would fight for you~ I'd lie for you~ Walk the wire for you - yeah, I'd die for you~!

That song, oddly, fits Yong Soo so well. .____.;;

Gah! I love you, Yong Soo! ;A;

07.20.09

4:45 PM