Wishing Kokoros

Mirai Kurosaki

Chapter 11

A/N: I am soooory to disappoint some of you who didn't want Muraki to come. *sulks* I really am sorry, but don't worry, he doesn't play that big of a part. It's just that I wanted to create my own evil character but I need that for another fic I'm writing after this one is complete. ^_~ Besides, there's a twist! More Tsu x Hi! More! ^^; Anyway, I really am sorry. This chapter is…evil. ^^; I was listening to a song and…I just got the idea. But don't be presumptuous! ^^; It'll get better…

~*~*~*~

Muraki jumped down and Miyuki stood up once again, tightly clutching his weapon. He stood silent for a moment before questioning, "What is you've come to do? You want to duel? Then let's finish it now. I'm tired of your interfering with Hisoka."

"I am not interested in what your childish and foolish mind has to offer to the boy."

Miyuki spat at Muraki. "I'm not foolish nor a child! I'm a mature and wise leader! Just as my father was!"

"Congratulations."

A low hiss made Muraki smirk. "You bastard! How dare you use sarcasm in my presence!"

As the verbal argument continued, Tsuzuki went by Hisoka and held the boy close to his body, using it as a shield. "Are you all right?"

Hisoka shuddered violently but managed to nod. "Yes."

Tenkei still continued to heave for breath but it seemed, to Yume, that he would not have much time left before he parts into the next world.

Both Tatsumi and Watari stood side by side, keeping a cautious eye on the guards' movements. They were covered in thick armor, and cloaks hung over their heads, concealing their faces.

Tatsumi cursed softly under his breath. "What is he doing here…"

He is helping you. Isn't that right, Hisoka?

All turned their attention to Yume, who had stood up on his four legs and had gently placed Tenkei down on the ground, eyes shut and hands entwined.

"Tenkei…" whispered Hisoka. He pushed passed Tsuzuki and looked down upon the dead figure before him.

Tsuzuki crossed his arms and asked, "What do you mean helping?"

It makes sense, does it not? Why would Muraki go through all this trouble to save Hisoka when he knows that Hisoka is already cursed? You cannot reverse a spell like the one Muraki has cast. What point of that would be? He is not even real. He's playing with Miyuki's mind.

"But…That's not like him at all. And what… " said Tsuzuki.

Hisoka, keeping his eyes on the body, pointed out, "I created him."

"Hmmm?"

Finally slightly adjusting his eyes to stare at Tsuzuki, Hisoka sighed deeply. "That is why I didn't try to run from the attack. I used a vision of Muraki to create a dream like image to appear."

Watari nodded in understanding, but he then asked, "Why choose him though?"

"Who else can screw up people's mind without killing them better than anyone else?"

"Ooooohhh."

Tatsumi asked, "How did you know about this?"

"I know Miyuki is part of the Kyomeito kingdom. A kingdom of dreams, right? Well, I read it in a book I found in my dresser the time Yume used it," explained Hisoka, finally meeting the others' eyes. "It explained a lot about their world and how to concentrate to create an image from a dream to appear. Almost like how I thought of Miyuki as a boy."

In either case, Miyuki will realize this soon. In the meantime, we have to get Hisoka out of this building safely.

Hisoka paused and thought. "I thought there was no way to escape." He looked over to Tatsumi that cleared his voice and pointed out the hall.

"We can try the opening. Watari and I entered through the guards, so that way won't help," he explained.

Tsuzuki indicated to the guards and large beasts with regard. "How do we get pass them?"

Byakko gasped and pointed to where the guards and beasts stood soaked in blood. "Look!"

The guards and beasts were fading away; depressed looks still remaining in their eyes. They watched carefully until all disappeared and only the captives remained. The last twenty or so captives that still stood ran to where Tsuzuki and the others were.

"Thank you for your help. We lasted long enough until they faded away."

Tsuzuki blinked. "Huh?"

Haven't you realized this place out, yet? Remember that this is all a dream world, like a fantasy. Dream images can't last long within the mortal world, which causes them to only last for a certain period of time. Miyuki hasn't realized their disappearance due to the distraction Hisoka created. But Muraki will too fade if we waste any more time.

"But how do we escape?" asked Hisoka again.

A young girl with bright gold hair and chocolate eyes stepped forward. She wore rags as well and pointed in the opposite direction that Tatsumi suggested.

"Go through the main dungeon. There are only snakes; they won't be much of a hassle for you guys. You can break down the wall I'm sure with your strength." She smiled.

Hisoka nodded. "All right."

The others nodded in agreement and followed Yume's lead very quietly after Tenkei was lifted into Watari's arms. As he was about to exit last, he turned to the slaves and gave a questioning glance. "Aren't you coming?"

The girl shook her head. "No," she whispered. "Miyuki will realize your escape in short time. We have also sworn our devotion to the Kyomeito shrine. We know that Yume will return and that he will bring Tenkei's body back. For now, you must keep it with you. We cannot let Miyuki take the boy's soul. We will not let Miyuki pass without a fight. Our gift to Tenkei."

Their loyalty touched Watari deeply. He smiled and nodded, quickly gaining up to the others with great pace.

All captives turned when they heard a raging below.

"NO! It can't be! I should have known of my guard's disappearance! Damn it! It's all Asato's fault! I will rip him with my two hands, after taking the one precious thing form him away!" He roared and spun around, only to find the remaining slaves standing tall.

"We cannot let you pass, Miyuko-san. As a Guardian of Tenkei's personal guards, I hear by punish you with the crime of murder. You will be punished by death. Your chances have all been drawn and you lost."

Miyuki ignored their threats, knowing the escape currently going on. "You fools! I will create another swarm of guards to kill you all! This is you last chance…"

The girl tilted her head slightly higher, with pride. "You know you do not have enough time to create more guards, Miyuki-san. You are alone. Even your own brother has turned against you."

With a cry, Miyuki dashed at the small pack and thrust his sword deep into the girl's chest. She gasped but kept her harsh glare on Miyuki.

"Y..your mo-mother's….pr-presence…wi-will al-a-always haunt you-your dar-k so-soul."

Miyuki snorted in disgust and turned his sword, causing a river of dark liquid to sprout from the girl's mouth. He watched her agony and flung out his sword, ignoring the stains that were made upon his clothes.

"Anyone else want to die after her?"

All slaves quivered with fear and allowed Miyuki to brush by them in a rush.

~*~*~*~

We're almost there! Hurry!

Everyone continued to race as much as their legs could sustain them. Because of his still abscessed body, Hisoka was the first to trip and collapse.

Tsuzuki looked back and paused in time to catch Hisoka. "Are you all right?"

The others had paused briefly as well. All watch Hisoka shake his head. "Miyuki's close by. He knows where we are," he muttered, with a violent cough following.

Come Hisoka. You may ride on my back if it will help you.

Tsuzuki lifted Hisoka into his arm, despite the protest coming from the boy, and placed him comfortably on Yume's back. He stepped back and allowed Yume to take flight once again.

Watari and the others followed close behind.

They continued heading down a black path until they reached two large doors. Clanking was heard on the other side, as if there were still slaves struggling to be set free.

Tsuzuki stepped forward and struggled to open the doors forcefully. When his arms ached intensely, he decided to stop and try something different.

"Everyone stand back. Byakko, go ahead and just blow it up," he commanded.

A nod came from Byakko and he gathered a large sapphire color beam in the center of his wide mouth. With a growl and confirming that everyone was out of harm's way, he shot the beam and exploded the entire doors.

Hisoka coughed from the thick dust and peered inside. "There is no one inside…"

"What was the noise then," asked Tatsumi.

Snakes.

"Great."

All gasped when another bellow of rage reached their ears.

Watari patted Tenkei's body off with dust and stood up from where he was crouched. "Come on. We don't have any time left."

Yume lead the way once more and leapt through the remaining rubble of what were once the doors. Everyone pushed passed the scraps and followed Yume, who was currently heading to the back of the dungeon.

"Eeeekk!!!"

Tsuzuki leapt and hid behind Tatsumi when a large rattlesnake landed upon the ground before him, rattling its tail in a warning signal.

Tatsumi patted Tsuzuki's head gently and said, "Don't be afraid Tsuzuki-san. It's only a snake. We can easily take care of it."

"But…but…I HATE snakes!"

Tatsumi smiled sweetly and said, "I will personally ask Konoe to take it out of your salary."

Tears formed in Tsuzuki's eyes and he gave out a whimper. "But I don't like snakes!"

Hisoka interrupted by stating in a not too happy voice, "Looks like they like you, though. They're everywhere now."

It was true. About three dozens of snakes had slithered around them secretly and blocked their only way out.

I guess the only way is too fight them off. Tatsumi, I believe you and Watari are the best to guard Tenkei's body and Hisoka. I trust you with this.

Both Watari and Tatsumi nodded mutely in understanding. Tatsumi went to where Yume carried Hisoka, ignoring Tsuzuki's please for protection from 'monsters', and took the boy easily into his own firm arms.

"All right! Time for some more action!" exclaimed Byakko, whisking his large tail back in forth with an eager desire to battle.

Tsuzuki, despite his previous whine about hating snakes, decided to take out his hatred out on them with Byakko. He pointed to the center of one group of the snakes and commanded for an attack that will wipe them away.

With pleasure, Byakko sent a deadly attack where ordered to. He purred in triumph but it was short lasted as another group headed straight for the pair.

Yume was currently slashing and ripping at the creatures that got in his way as he tried to reach the back of the dungeon. He leapt high into the air and swooped down, killing five of the snakes that were in his path.

"Tatsumi! Behind you!"

Tatsumi turned and narrowed his eyes at the sight before him. A few snakes had managed to sneak by Tsuzuki's guard and were prepared to set an attack that would cause death form their fangs.

Before the fangs struck on their prey, shadows swirled around them and backfired by squeezing the snakes to their death.

Watari frowned and squinted his eyes. After confirming his thought he cried out, "Look! They keep coming back!"

Hisoka too had notice this and looked over to Yume, who was not in audible range of Watari's voice due to the cries and hisses made.

Yume-san, every time we destroy a creature, another one replaces it, which appears out of nowhere.

Great. Miyuki must have programmed the snakes to appear in an image by sensing danger. I should have thought of that before!

Everyone scanned over Tsuzuki when he cried out in pain. He knelt down and was clutching a soaking red arm with his good right one.

"Tsuzuki!" Hisoka leapt out of Tatsumi's arm but whimpered when a wave of electric bolts seized through his body. Tatsumi, luckily, caught the boy in his arms.

"Kurosaki-kun," he explained with sympathy, aiding Hisoka back into his arms. "You are still to weak to move."

"But…Tsu-Tsuzuki…"

Tatsumi lifted his eyes to where Tsuzuki was. Byakko had recently dashed to where his master crouched and was fighting off any attackers. "Tsuzuki! Are you all right?"

Amethyst eyes struggled to open. A soft voice came from Tsuzuki. "Y-yes…it is beginning to heal."

Everything froze with such great speed it was deathly frightening. The snakes withered in agony and burst into specks of diamonds. A rumbling sound was then heard followed by the futile shaking of the ground.

It's Miyuki! He's trying to explode the entire palace! We must leave NOW!

With great caution, everyone headed to the back of the dungeon. Byakko had already created a blast and destroyed the wall.

"Tatsumi, give me Hisoka. I'll hand him down to you once you're ready," said Tsuzuki, already taking the prone form into his arm; his injured arm had almost completely healed.

Tatsumi nodded. "All right."

Yume peered downward and growled silently. He spread out his wings and leapt off the rubble, gliding downward. Hurry!

Watari braced himself on the edge and followed Yume's lead, clutching tightly to the tiny body he held. He too flew downward until he was safe upon the ground. Byakko was right behind the scientist.

It was now time for Tatsumi to go. He sprung off and steadied himself until he was ready to take Hisoka into his arms.

Hisoka looked up with jarring emerald eyes at Tsuzuki. "I'm scared," he admitted.

"Don't be," uttered Tsuzuki, giving a charming smile. "I'll be coming down too." With that, he gave a gentle kiss upon the boy's soft lips, causing him to burn with embarrassment.

"YOU!"

Tsuzuki broke off the moment and spun around to see burning chocolate eyes. Miyuki huffed with every breath and began maniacally stepping toward the two.

"I am going to rip you apart inch by inch until you beg for mercy. I will kill you and take back Hisoka! Aaaaahh!" He plunged his sword deep into the ground, causing it to stir even more with protest.

Almost instantly, the entire palace began crumbling. Tsuzuki cursed and tossed Hisoka quickly into Tatsumi's arm, causing the two to grunt at the sudden impact. "Here!"

Hisoka struggled and reached out for Tsuzuki. "Tsuzuki! No! You're going to die if you don't jump down NOW! TSUZUKI!"

In spite of his struggles, Tatsumi bounded backward and joined the others on the surface a safe distance away from the crumbling building where Tsuzuki was trapped.

"TSUZUKI!!"

~*~*~*~

Breathing became harder with every second that passed by. Heavy weight crushed upon his battered body, cutting his oxygen short, even though it wasn't necessary to his existence.

Tsuzuki forced his eyes to flutter open and to clear the blurry vision. Everything was dark and gloomy. It appeared, by feeling, that everything form his shoulders down was trapped among the heavy rubble.

"TSUZUKI!!"

Tsuzuki's weak voice and rasped voice found its way out. "Hi…Hisoka…"

He slightly shifted his head so that he was able to see a tiny group huddling close by. Probably his companions, he thought. He studied the scene harder and noticed the reason for the screaming.

"Come here, Hisoka."

He noticed the mocking innocence in the voice and knew it was Miyuki. Somehow he was unharmed and was currently standing about a dozen yards from the group.

"Don't you dare touch him!" came another voice.

Tsuzuki struggled against the weight. "Hi..H..His-Hisoka…"

"AAAAHHHH!!"

~*~*~*~

"Let him go!"

Miyuki laughed cruelly and jerked Hisoka harshly closer to his body, with a possessive look in his eyes. The boy was too weak to even raise a fist to Miyuki but feebly tried what he could do.

Tatsumi cursed mentally, not believing that Miyuki could surprise him so easily. When the building collapsed, Miyuki had already escaped and set and attack at Tatsumi. Fortunately, he was able to dodge the attack but it caused him to lose balance and drop Hisoka. And of course, Miyuki was there to possess the boy once again,

A soft breeze yet silent breeze sent chills down everyone's spines. The trees rustled and the waves began picking up strength, sprinkling tiny mists upon their faces when crashing upon the sand.

Let him go Miyuki!

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. I thought I trusted you, my dear brother." Miyuki smirked, giving a slightly dirty look at his brother.

Yume met Miyuki's gaze. And I trusted you with our younger brother.

Miyuki huffed and forced Hisoka to gaze into his eyes by harshly grasping his chin. "You are of no use to me, Yume," he began. "Right not, I need this soul to be mine forever."

Watari held Tenkei close to his body and whispered, "Tsuzuki…we need you…"

Byakko growled and dashed in his pure form and sprung at Miyuki. His chance was thrown into oblivion when a powerful attack sent him flying over Miyuki's head, making a breaking contact with the surface.

"Byakko!"

Miyuki! Please do not do this!

"You are mine, Hisoka…." Miyuki leaned his head downward ready to cast his last spell. He chanted softly, draining Hisoka's energy away slowly.

Hisoka tightly shut his eyes until he could not stand the agony his inner body was experiencing. He let out a hoarse scream, indicating the pain he was currently in.

A large cry of protest caused Miyuki to snap upward, but at the last moment. A dark form flew at him and collided with his body, which caused him to lose his grip on Hisoka.

Tatsumi and the others eyes widened with hope and they all gave a sigh of relief. The rushed to Hisoka's side once Miyuki was pounced on.

Hisoka, with the aid of Tatsumi and Yume, was able to spot what had distracted Miyuki. He grunted and cried, "Tsuzuki!"

"Ugh!" Tsuzuki groaned as he was brutally thrown onto the surface, where Byakko was, in human, struggling to regain his footing.

"Tsu…Tsuzuki, are you okay?" he asked, trying to help Tsuzuki lift his head.

"YOU FOOL! HOW DARE YOU INTERFERE! THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME!" Bellowed Miyuki, creating an electrical shock around his sword. His eyes were full of pure hatred at Tsuzuki.

The discomforting feeling that pierced his body was too much for Tsuzuki to handle at once. All he could do was watch helplessly at the blow that would end his partnership with the one true person he loved.

"Good-bye, Asato Tsuzuki."

Hisoka refused the help from his friends and forced himself to crawl towards Tsuzuki. He was then able to gather his thoughts to lift himself up with his legs. He feared he would be too late when the sword was raised in a ghastly pose.

Tsuzuki shut his eyes as soon as the sword plunged right at him.

"TSUZUKI!!!"

The light that burst from the sword was so intense; his eyes ached despite that they were shut. He waited but did not feel the attack. Hopefully, it was harmless enough to peer open one eye. Instantly, he regretted it.

Before him, the sword had indeed made its attack but had missed its target. Instead, the sword was plunged through Hisoka's frail body, blood already spurting swiftly.

All was silent and was frozen from the shock. Not even Tsuzuki could find his voice to cry out.

Miyuki's eyes were shaking with bewilderment. "Why…Wh-why…did you sacrifice yourself! You fool! Why?"

He was rewarded with a mocking smile. Hisoka coughed but managed to speak. "I…I wo…won't…let you…hu…h-hurt him…e-ev-ever."

Still unable to understand, Miyuki shook with rage. "WHY!"

Hisoka laughed hoarsely. "Look…at…w-wh-what's hap-ha-happened to y-you…Mi-Mi-Miyuki. Yo-you're..a…mo-m-monster…Go-go ahe-a-ahead and k-kill me…an-and ta-take m-my so-soul…just li-like you ki-killed you-your ow-own brother."

Miyuki's eyes shot open with shock at the statement. A wave of nausea crashed upon him and he caused the sword to fade away back into his chest. He stumbled backward; tears beginning to spring form his eyes and body shuddering greatly

"Wh..what…hav…have…i…done…"

Hisoka's body finally gave out and plunged right into Tsuzuki's arms. He too was shaking with fear as the others watched in pure horror.

"Hisoka…you…you…"

A finger placed itself on Tsuzuki's quivering lips. "Shhh…I'm…so-sorry…fo-for not…being so kind to you…I…I…" Hisoka stuttered, trying to speak.

Instead, Tsuzuki leaned down and gave Hisoka one last passionate kiss. Tears tangled and leaked down, creating tiny puddles upon the cold surface, mixing in with the gentle mist.

He bent back and stared into bright emerald eyes. "I…love…you…Tsuzuki…." He gave Tsuzuki his first pure smile and shut his eyes with a heave of breath.

Tsuzuki's body refused to control itself even when he held Hisoka to his chest, cradling it with gentleness. "Don't die…don't die….I need you, Hisoka…DON'T DIE!" he continued to ramble.

He sobbed helplessly and stared up into the moonlight. "HISOKA!!!!!!!!!"

~*~*~*~

A/N: …Oh my…