AN: I've gotten some questions as to wether or not this will be a romantic story.. hi-mi-tsu! XD There have been several comments for and a couple against. To be honest, I haven't really decided yet. =\ Keep reading, and you'll find out! =D
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- Hisoka -
As I expected, when I wake up, I have a terrible headache. I let out a muffled groan and open my eyes very slowly, pausing to offer reverent thanks to whoever thought to darken the room.
"You're awake," a quiet voice says from beside me. "Here. Drink this." Someone gently props me up and touches a cup to my lips. I drink hesitantly. It tastes like tea, with some kind of herb in it. Medicine for my headache, no doubt. After I finish drinking, the person sets me down and puts the cup on the bedside table.
I turn my head very slowly and blink. "Sumeragi-san?"
He smiles faintly and nods, settling down in the chair next to the bed again. "Aa. Since you're suffering because of me, the least I can do is help ease your pain."
I smile faintly. "Thank you." I close my eyes, then open them again, peering at the onmiyouji through what seems to me as a thick fog. "How are you feeling?"
He shrugs and glances away. "All right. I would have just as soon stayed Within, but you are right.. there are people who need me."
"Understandable," I murmur. "After what Muraki did to me, I would have liked nothing more, but.. I wanted revenge." I bite my lip. I've never spoken to anyone on this subject, and now I'm telling a complete stranger. Quickly, I change the subject. "I can try to help ease -your- pain, using my powers."
He blinks, then smiles and shakes his head. "Thank you for the offer, but your headache seems bad enough as it is. Don't make yourself worse for me."
I nod and close my eyes again. My headache is receeding.. whatever was in that tea is working wonders. "If you're sure."
"I am," he replies. He pauses for a moment, then speaks hesitantly. "Your spiritual form.. was battered, when I saw you Within.. and not just from my shields, either. I spoke with Watari-san briefly.. he told me you died a little over half a year ago. Do you.. want to talk about it?"
Watari, you are SO dead. "No," I say flatly. "It isn't something I like to think about."
Subaru nods. "I see." He leans back in his chair and gazes at the wall beyond the bed. "It wasn't your fault, though."
I raise an eyebrow. "You're one to talk." He flinches, and I immediately regret my words when I sense pain and shame coming from him. "I'm sorry. I really shouldn't have said that.. please forgive me."
"No.. I deserved it, I suppose." He lifts a hand to wipe at his eyes, and I curse at myself. "You're right. Still, like you, it's something I can't get over."
"You wish he'd killed you, don't you," I say quietly. I force myself to sit up and look at him.
He starts to speak, then closes his mouth and looks down. "Sometimes."
I reach out and take his hand. "You do -not- want to be dead." I gaze at him levelly. "Believe me. No matter how horrible your life is, there are people who care about you. For me, it was the exact opposite. My death saddened nobody. Yours would impact -many- people."
He's startled by my words, but from the look in his eyes, he understands and agrees with what I'm saying. "Thank you, Kurosaki-san," he finally says softly, looking down.
I release his hand and nod. "Call me Hisoka," I say with a faint smile. "Anyone who knows as much about my past as you do shouldn't be formal with me."
When he looks at me again, he's smiling. "All right.. Hisoka. Please, call me Subaru."
At that moment, Tsuzuki pokes his head in the room. He looks concerned, but his face lights up when he sees I'm awake. "Hisoka!" He bounces over to the bed in full puppy mode and hugs me gently. "Yokatta! You're awake!"
I stifle a groan and hesitantly hug him back, and then he pulls away and smiles. "Yes, I am," I reply. "I don't even wish I wasn't. Subaru-san gave me something that really helped my headache.." I glance at the onmiyouji with a smile. "I'll have to get your recipe. Empathic backlash is a very painful thing."
Subaru smiles and nods. "I'd be happy to give it to you." He stands up and bows politely to Tsuzuki and I. "If you'll excuse me, there are a couple things I need to attend to." He walks out and closes the door quietly behind him, leaving Tsuzuki and I alone.
Tsuzuki sits in the chair he'd abandoned and looks at me with a strange expression on his face. "I spoke with the Lady Sumeragi a bit more," he murmurs. "This probably won't come as a shock to you, but it seems that Subaru-san was - is - very much in love with the sakurazukamori."
I nod slowly. "I noticed," I say carefully. "Inside, he's.. all torn up. He doesn't know what to think. The one person he loved betrayed him in the worst way, but he can't bring himself to hate him."
"I wonder what Kachou was thinking when he got us involved in this," Tsuzuki grumbled. "This isn't the kind of thing I usually like to get involved in."
"We're the only ones who could do it," I point out. A little voice in the back of my head adds, 'you, Kurosaki Hisoka, are the only one who can do it, because of your empathy.'. I tell it to shut up, and it retreats. For the moment. "This isn't a case the police could handle. It's a magical case."
Tsuzuki nods thoughtfully. "Aa, I suppose you're right." He leans back in the chair and stares up at the ceiling. "So what we have to deal with now is freeing the spirits from the tree.. and trying to save Subaru-san while we're at it."
I lay back against the pillows and look up at the ceiling thoughtfully. "I don't know what to do," I finally say. "I think we should go back to Tokyo and see if we can catch the blossom star in the act."
He frowns, and I can sense his displeasure with the idea. "All right," he finally says, "but I -don't- want the Sumeragi with us when we go."
"Of course not," I reply, frowning. "I don't look that insensitive, do I? I wish we didn't have to get him involved, but he is unquestionably the person who knows the most about Sakurazuka Seishirou and his methods."
With a sigh, Tsuzuki crosses his legs and looks out the window. "You're right, of course. I just wish we didn't have to get him involved."
I nod in agreement and close my eyes, feeling sleep beckoning me once more. "So do I, but we need him. I'm going to go back to sleep.. I'll see you later." Any reply he makes is worthless to me, because I'm not awake to hear it.
- Subaru -
Awake again. I walk through the gardens slowly, seeing none of the beautiful flowers. My gaze is turned inward.
("You see, Subaru-kun, I am the sakurazukamori. I made a bet with you, and you lost. You are nothing to me. I could break your arm and it would mean less than breaking a glass.")
I shudder and wrap my arms around myself, fighting back tears. Seishirou-san, doushite?! Why did you have to betray me like that.. why did you have to -lie- to me?! And Hokuto-chan.. if I had been stronger, if I hadn't snapped when he.. when he told me that, I could have saved your life.
"Subaru-san," a quiet voice behind me says.
I turn and see my grandmother. She motions for her attendant to leave us, and then beckons me close to her. I sit on the bench across from her wheelchair and try to smile. "Obaa-sama," I say softly.
She returns my smile and reaches out to brush some of my unruly hair out of my face. "Subaru-san, I am very sorry about your sister. Of course, we all learned about it when it happened.. thus is the link connecting all members of the family. That is why we brought you here.. we feared the sakurazukamori would prey on you while you were Within."
"I thank you," I murmur, looking down. I'm not sure if I want her sympathy or not.
With a sigh, she pulls her hand back and regards me seriously. "You are still Clan Head, Subaru-san. You will be involved in the battle for the end of the world. Somehow, you must find a reason to go on. Kurosaki-san was very truthful when he said there are people who need you. Not only the souls trapped inside the Tree, but humanity itself. Every day, you will find someone who needs you. That in itself should be reason enough."
"It's.. very diffucult," I whisper. "I just want things to go back to the way they were, with Hokuto-chan and Seishirou-san by my side."
"I know," she replies. Her voice is gentle. "You have been hurt deeply. I cannot blame you for wanting to remain Within. If you were anyone else, I would let you, and with my blessing.. however, I can't do that. I am too old to take on the responsibilities again, and there is nobody else who can, nor will there be until you produce an heir. It can only be you, Subaru-san."
I close my eyes. "I understand. I will do my best to forget what happened."
She nods. "It's for the best. Now, if you're hungry, dinner should be almost ready. The Shinigami have been notified, but I believe Kurosaki-san is going to stay in bed for awhile longer."
"I can't blame him," I say softly. "Going Within someone is not easy.. I assume it was probably harder for him, as he is an empath and had never done it before."
"Yes." She sighs and looks up at the sky. "He will be fine, but it may take him a little while. Let us go, Subaru-san."
I stand up obediantly and wheel her back inside. While I walk, my mind strays back to the scene Within. Hisoka-san, battered and bleeding.. and not just from my own shields. Whatever happened to him must have been just as bad as what happened to me for him to be that badly broken. I don't think any of his friends realize the extent of the damage.. he probably keeps it to himself. Already, my grandmother's words make sense. Every day, someone needs my help..
I consider that all through dinner, and afterwards, I return to the garden, feeling only slightly less resentful towards life. Every day..
"Sumeragi-san?" A voice behind me, a lilting southern accent. Again I turn, and see the smiling blonde-haired man my grandmother had fostered here before he'd died.
"Watari-san," I reply, bowing slightly. "How is Hisoka-san?"
He grins at me and falls into step, walking next to me. His presence is comforting.. he seems like the type of person who is very kind and cheerful without thinking about it. "He's doing just fine," he says warmly. "He's asleep."
That makes me feel better. "Good. I know the mind dive took a lot out of him."
Watari nods and looks up at the sky, watching the stars. "Kurosaki-kun is strong," he says. "He'll be just fine tomorrow morning. In fact, he'll probably wake up around two or three in the morning and just get up."
I nod. "Perhaps I'll stay with him."
"He'd probably like that." He sighs and puts his hands behind his head. "He's pretty closed-off. It's nice to see him opening up to someone, even a little bit. He seems to like you."
My face heats up ever so slightly at that remark. "The two of us have a lot in common," I reply. "He's been hurt, and so have I. I was just thinking, that maybe.. I could help him."
He smiles. "You're invited to try," he says. "I've tried, and so has Tsuzuki. We can't seem to pull him out of his shell."
"Sometimes, when one has been hurt, it's best not to try," I say quietly. "It's best to just.. be there for them." I smile faintly.
His expression darkens a bit at that. "Suman na," he finally says, blushing. "I didn't realize.."
I blink, then gasp when I realize what he meant. "Oh, no no no, I wasn't referring to myself!" If my face was hot before, it's on fire now. "Please, don't be offended!"
He looks at me, and the red drains from his cheeks, and his cheery smile is back. "Oh, good," he says, sounding relieved. "I was afraid we'd offended -you-."
I shake my head, feeling like a giant weight was lifted off my shoulders. "Not at all." I glance at my watch and sigh. "It's not all that late, but I am tired.. probably due to the emotional stress of pulling myself out of my coma. I think I'm going to go to bed, Watari-san." I smile at him. "Oyasumi nasai."
"Oyasumi," he replies, waving at me.
As soon as I'm tucked into my bed, my thoughts immediately return to Seishirou. I'm somewhat shocked that the Shinigami have been called in to deal with him, but I suppose that consigning his victims to the Tree has made them suspicious. There must be a record kept of every person's birth and death, and the spirits have to go on to be reborn. It's logical to assume, therefore, that if they're stuck in the Tree, that can't happen. I shudder at the thought of all those people being trapped forever.. including my dear sister. For her sake, I'll do everything I can. I should have been able to help you before, 'neesan.. but because I wasn't, I'll be as strong as I can for you now.
My thoughts then drift back to the blonde-haired Shinigami who'd risked his life for me. I frown up at the ceiling. Why am I thinking about him so much? Why is it that I just can't get him off of my mind? The only answer I can come up with is that he was Within me, and so he left a little bit of himself behind, because he is untrained. Perhaps it's that his pain calls to mine, giving me the desire to help him. Or maybe, just maybe.. I can find a friend in him.
That's a comforting thought. I've never really -had- a friend my age, other than my sister. It's nice to think that perhaps someone out there does care about you, after all..
- Hisoka -
I was pleased to find that, when I woke up this morning, I no longer felt like I'd been run over by a train. The pain was mostly gone, and what was left was easily taken care of with a cup of Subaru's herbal tea. I hesitantly climb out of bed and stretch, then look around my room. I'm alone, which is good.. no emotions for me to hold out. I find a clean set of clothing on a chair with a note. I pick it up and blink.
"Hisoka-san, I thought you might appreciate a shower, and you're about my size, so here are some clothes for you. - Subaru"
I grin and put the note down, then take the clothes into the bathroom. Somehow he'd read my mind.. a shower is -exactly- what I want. I carefully undress, then turn the water on as hot as I can stand it. One thing I really, really hate is cold showers. I sigh in pleasure as the hot water cascades down my body. All right, so I'm a clean freak.. so what? I like to look my best, and it's a well-known fact that if you feel good, you look good.
I hurry along with my shower, realizing that there are about thirty other people in the household who will probably also want showers. Today, we're going back to Tokyo to see if we can learn more about the spirit in the Tree. I haven't quite figured out how to ask Subaru to try and reach his sister, though. I'm afraid that won't go over very well.. and it makes sense. I'd sure as hell not want to do that if I were him. It'd just bring back bad memories.
After I'm dressed and feeling almost completely normal, I head out of my room and walk to the courtyard. It's raining out, but it doesn't surprise me to find Watari, Tsuzuki, and Subaru standing under the protection of a gazebo in the middle of the garden. I brave the rain to get to the gazebo, and they smile cheerfully in greeting.
"Ohayou!" Watari chirps. "Are you feeling better?"
I nod. "Much, thanks to Subaru's tea."
Subaru smiles. "It's a family recipe," he explains. "We have to deal with magical backlash a lot, and I thought that empathic backlash may be similar."
"I don't use jitsu of any kind, but you're probably right." I lean back against the railing of the gazebo and yawn. "Are we heading out today?"
Tsuzuki nods. "Aa. We can stay and talk things over at Subaru's apartment, and then decide what to do from there."
"Yes. My apartment is fairly close to Ueno Park, too." A frown darkens his delicate features.
"Yosh'." Tsuzuki grins and pushes himself off of the railing. "We'll go in an hour, then. Take the time to say goodbye to your family, Subaru-san, and we'll head out."
Subaru nods and walks away. I watch him go, then shake my head and glance at the other two shinigami. "This won't end well."
Watari looks somewhat sad. "His -life- probably won't end well."
I sigh and slide down the post, sitting on the wood floor of the gazebo, watching the rain fall.
Subaru, if I could help you.. I would. I just don't know how.
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TBC...
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Writer's block got me. x.x This chapter is kinda pathetic, IMHO..
- Cheyne
cheyne@everlastingstory.net
5:08 PM 5/21/2002
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- Hisoka -
As I expected, when I wake up, I have a terrible headache. I let out a muffled groan and open my eyes very slowly, pausing to offer reverent thanks to whoever thought to darken the room.
"You're awake," a quiet voice says from beside me. "Here. Drink this." Someone gently props me up and touches a cup to my lips. I drink hesitantly. It tastes like tea, with some kind of herb in it. Medicine for my headache, no doubt. After I finish drinking, the person sets me down and puts the cup on the bedside table.
I turn my head very slowly and blink. "Sumeragi-san?"
He smiles faintly and nods, settling down in the chair next to the bed again. "Aa. Since you're suffering because of me, the least I can do is help ease your pain."
I smile faintly. "Thank you." I close my eyes, then open them again, peering at the onmiyouji through what seems to me as a thick fog. "How are you feeling?"
He shrugs and glances away. "All right. I would have just as soon stayed Within, but you are right.. there are people who need me."
"Understandable," I murmur. "After what Muraki did to me, I would have liked nothing more, but.. I wanted revenge." I bite my lip. I've never spoken to anyone on this subject, and now I'm telling a complete stranger. Quickly, I change the subject. "I can try to help ease -your- pain, using my powers."
He blinks, then smiles and shakes his head. "Thank you for the offer, but your headache seems bad enough as it is. Don't make yourself worse for me."
I nod and close my eyes again. My headache is receeding.. whatever was in that tea is working wonders. "If you're sure."
"I am," he replies. He pauses for a moment, then speaks hesitantly. "Your spiritual form.. was battered, when I saw you Within.. and not just from my shields, either. I spoke with Watari-san briefly.. he told me you died a little over half a year ago. Do you.. want to talk about it?"
Watari, you are SO dead. "No," I say flatly. "It isn't something I like to think about."
Subaru nods. "I see." He leans back in his chair and gazes at the wall beyond the bed. "It wasn't your fault, though."
I raise an eyebrow. "You're one to talk." He flinches, and I immediately regret my words when I sense pain and shame coming from him. "I'm sorry. I really shouldn't have said that.. please forgive me."
"No.. I deserved it, I suppose." He lifts a hand to wipe at his eyes, and I curse at myself. "You're right. Still, like you, it's something I can't get over."
"You wish he'd killed you, don't you," I say quietly. I force myself to sit up and look at him.
He starts to speak, then closes his mouth and looks down. "Sometimes."
I reach out and take his hand. "You do -not- want to be dead." I gaze at him levelly. "Believe me. No matter how horrible your life is, there are people who care about you. For me, it was the exact opposite. My death saddened nobody. Yours would impact -many- people."
He's startled by my words, but from the look in his eyes, he understands and agrees with what I'm saying. "Thank you, Kurosaki-san," he finally says softly, looking down.
I release his hand and nod. "Call me Hisoka," I say with a faint smile. "Anyone who knows as much about my past as you do shouldn't be formal with me."
When he looks at me again, he's smiling. "All right.. Hisoka. Please, call me Subaru."
At that moment, Tsuzuki pokes his head in the room. He looks concerned, but his face lights up when he sees I'm awake. "Hisoka!" He bounces over to the bed in full puppy mode and hugs me gently. "Yokatta! You're awake!"
I stifle a groan and hesitantly hug him back, and then he pulls away and smiles. "Yes, I am," I reply. "I don't even wish I wasn't. Subaru-san gave me something that really helped my headache.." I glance at the onmiyouji with a smile. "I'll have to get your recipe. Empathic backlash is a very painful thing."
Subaru smiles and nods. "I'd be happy to give it to you." He stands up and bows politely to Tsuzuki and I. "If you'll excuse me, there are a couple things I need to attend to." He walks out and closes the door quietly behind him, leaving Tsuzuki and I alone.
Tsuzuki sits in the chair he'd abandoned and looks at me with a strange expression on his face. "I spoke with the Lady Sumeragi a bit more," he murmurs. "This probably won't come as a shock to you, but it seems that Subaru-san was - is - very much in love with the sakurazukamori."
I nod slowly. "I noticed," I say carefully. "Inside, he's.. all torn up. He doesn't know what to think. The one person he loved betrayed him in the worst way, but he can't bring himself to hate him."
"I wonder what Kachou was thinking when he got us involved in this," Tsuzuki grumbled. "This isn't the kind of thing I usually like to get involved in."
"We're the only ones who could do it," I point out. A little voice in the back of my head adds, 'you, Kurosaki Hisoka, are the only one who can do it, because of your empathy.'. I tell it to shut up, and it retreats. For the moment. "This isn't a case the police could handle. It's a magical case."
Tsuzuki nods thoughtfully. "Aa, I suppose you're right." He leans back in the chair and stares up at the ceiling. "So what we have to deal with now is freeing the spirits from the tree.. and trying to save Subaru-san while we're at it."
I lay back against the pillows and look up at the ceiling thoughtfully. "I don't know what to do," I finally say. "I think we should go back to Tokyo and see if we can catch the blossom star in the act."
He frowns, and I can sense his displeasure with the idea. "All right," he finally says, "but I -don't- want the Sumeragi with us when we go."
"Of course not," I reply, frowning. "I don't look that insensitive, do I? I wish we didn't have to get him involved, but he is unquestionably the person who knows the most about Sakurazuka Seishirou and his methods."
With a sigh, Tsuzuki crosses his legs and looks out the window. "You're right, of course. I just wish we didn't have to get him involved."
I nod in agreement and close my eyes, feeling sleep beckoning me once more. "So do I, but we need him. I'm going to go back to sleep.. I'll see you later." Any reply he makes is worthless to me, because I'm not awake to hear it.
- Subaru -
Awake again. I walk through the gardens slowly, seeing none of the beautiful flowers. My gaze is turned inward.
("You see, Subaru-kun, I am the sakurazukamori. I made a bet with you, and you lost. You are nothing to me. I could break your arm and it would mean less than breaking a glass.")
I shudder and wrap my arms around myself, fighting back tears. Seishirou-san, doushite?! Why did you have to betray me like that.. why did you have to -lie- to me?! And Hokuto-chan.. if I had been stronger, if I hadn't snapped when he.. when he told me that, I could have saved your life.
"Subaru-san," a quiet voice behind me says.
I turn and see my grandmother. She motions for her attendant to leave us, and then beckons me close to her. I sit on the bench across from her wheelchair and try to smile. "Obaa-sama," I say softly.
She returns my smile and reaches out to brush some of my unruly hair out of my face. "Subaru-san, I am very sorry about your sister. Of course, we all learned about it when it happened.. thus is the link connecting all members of the family. That is why we brought you here.. we feared the sakurazukamori would prey on you while you were Within."
"I thank you," I murmur, looking down. I'm not sure if I want her sympathy or not.
With a sigh, she pulls her hand back and regards me seriously. "You are still Clan Head, Subaru-san. You will be involved in the battle for the end of the world. Somehow, you must find a reason to go on. Kurosaki-san was very truthful when he said there are people who need you. Not only the souls trapped inside the Tree, but humanity itself. Every day, you will find someone who needs you. That in itself should be reason enough."
"It's.. very diffucult," I whisper. "I just want things to go back to the way they were, with Hokuto-chan and Seishirou-san by my side."
"I know," she replies. Her voice is gentle. "You have been hurt deeply. I cannot blame you for wanting to remain Within. If you were anyone else, I would let you, and with my blessing.. however, I can't do that. I am too old to take on the responsibilities again, and there is nobody else who can, nor will there be until you produce an heir. It can only be you, Subaru-san."
I close my eyes. "I understand. I will do my best to forget what happened."
She nods. "It's for the best. Now, if you're hungry, dinner should be almost ready. The Shinigami have been notified, but I believe Kurosaki-san is going to stay in bed for awhile longer."
"I can't blame him," I say softly. "Going Within someone is not easy.. I assume it was probably harder for him, as he is an empath and had never done it before."
"Yes." She sighs and looks up at the sky. "He will be fine, but it may take him a little while. Let us go, Subaru-san."
I stand up obediantly and wheel her back inside. While I walk, my mind strays back to the scene Within. Hisoka-san, battered and bleeding.. and not just from my own shields. Whatever happened to him must have been just as bad as what happened to me for him to be that badly broken. I don't think any of his friends realize the extent of the damage.. he probably keeps it to himself. Already, my grandmother's words make sense. Every day, someone needs my help..
I consider that all through dinner, and afterwards, I return to the garden, feeling only slightly less resentful towards life. Every day..
"Sumeragi-san?" A voice behind me, a lilting southern accent. Again I turn, and see the smiling blonde-haired man my grandmother had fostered here before he'd died.
"Watari-san," I reply, bowing slightly. "How is Hisoka-san?"
He grins at me and falls into step, walking next to me. His presence is comforting.. he seems like the type of person who is very kind and cheerful without thinking about it. "He's doing just fine," he says warmly. "He's asleep."
That makes me feel better. "Good. I know the mind dive took a lot out of him."
Watari nods and looks up at the sky, watching the stars. "Kurosaki-kun is strong," he says. "He'll be just fine tomorrow morning. In fact, he'll probably wake up around two or three in the morning and just get up."
I nod. "Perhaps I'll stay with him."
"He'd probably like that." He sighs and puts his hands behind his head. "He's pretty closed-off. It's nice to see him opening up to someone, even a little bit. He seems to like you."
My face heats up ever so slightly at that remark. "The two of us have a lot in common," I reply. "He's been hurt, and so have I. I was just thinking, that maybe.. I could help him."
He smiles. "You're invited to try," he says. "I've tried, and so has Tsuzuki. We can't seem to pull him out of his shell."
"Sometimes, when one has been hurt, it's best not to try," I say quietly. "It's best to just.. be there for them." I smile faintly.
His expression darkens a bit at that. "Suman na," he finally says, blushing. "I didn't realize.."
I blink, then gasp when I realize what he meant. "Oh, no no no, I wasn't referring to myself!" If my face was hot before, it's on fire now. "Please, don't be offended!"
He looks at me, and the red drains from his cheeks, and his cheery smile is back. "Oh, good," he says, sounding relieved. "I was afraid we'd offended -you-."
I shake my head, feeling like a giant weight was lifted off my shoulders. "Not at all." I glance at my watch and sigh. "It's not all that late, but I am tired.. probably due to the emotional stress of pulling myself out of my coma. I think I'm going to go to bed, Watari-san." I smile at him. "Oyasumi nasai."
"Oyasumi," he replies, waving at me.
As soon as I'm tucked into my bed, my thoughts immediately return to Seishirou. I'm somewhat shocked that the Shinigami have been called in to deal with him, but I suppose that consigning his victims to the Tree has made them suspicious. There must be a record kept of every person's birth and death, and the spirits have to go on to be reborn. It's logical to assume, therefore, that if they're stuck in the Tree, that can't happen. I shudder at the thought of all those people being trapped forever.. including my dear sister. For her sake, I'll do everything I can. I should have been able to help you before, 'neesan.. but because I wasn't, I'll be as strong as I can for you now.
My thoughts then drift back to the blonde-haired Shinigami who'd risked his life for me. I frown up at the ceiling. Why am I thinking about him so much? Why is it that I just can't get him off of my mind? The only answer I can come up with is that he was Within me, and so he left a little bit of himself behind, because he is untrained. Perhaps it's that his pain calls to mine, giving me the desire to help him. Or maybe, just maybe.. I can find a friend in him.
That's a comforting thought. I've never really -had- a friend my age, other than my sister. It's nice to think that perhaps someone out there does care about you, after all..
- Hisoka -
I was pleased to find that, when I woke up this morning, I no longer felt like I'd been run over by a train. The pain was mostly gone, and what was left was easily taken care of with a cup of Subaru's herbal tea. I hesitantly climb out of bed and stretch, then look around my room. I'm alone, which is good.. no emotions for me to hold out. I find a clean set of clothing on a chair with a note. I pick it up and blink.
"Hisoka-san, I thought you might appreciate a shower, and you're about my size, so here are some clothes for you. - Subaru"
I grin and put the note down, then take the clothes into the bathroom. Somehow he'd read my mind.. a shower is -exactly- what I want. I carefully undress, then turn the water on as hot as I can stand it. One thing I really, really hate is cold showers. I sigh in pleasure as the hot water cascades down my body. All right, so I'm a clean freak.. so what? I like to look my best, and it's a well-known fact that if you feel good, you look good.
I hurry along with my shower, realizing that there are about thirty other people in the household who will probably also want showers. Today, we're going back to Tokyo to see if we can learn more about the spirit in the Tree. I haven't quite figured out how to ask Subaru to try and reach his sister, though. I'm afraid that won't go over very well.. and it makes sense. I'd sure as hell not want to do that if I were him. It'd just bring back bad memories.
After I'm dressed and feeling almost completely normal, I head out of my room and walk to the courtyard. It's raining out, but it doesn't surprise me to find Watari, Tsuzuki, and Subaru standing under the protection of a gazebo in the middle of the garden. I brave the rain to get to the gazebo, and they smile cheerfully in greeting.
"Ohayou!" Watari chirps. "Are you feeling better?"
I nod. "Much, thanks to Subaru's tea."
Subaru smiles. "It's a family recipe," he explains. "We have to deal with magical backlash a lot, and I thought that empathic backlash may be similar."
"I don't use jitsu of any kind, but you're probably right." I lean back against the railing of the gazebo and yawn. "Are we heading out today?"
Tsuzuki nods. "Aa. We can stay and talk things over at Subaru's apartment, and then decide what to do from there."
"Yes. My apartment is fairly close to Ueno Park, too." A frown darkens his delicate features.
"Yosh'." Tsuzuki grins and pushes himself off of the railing. "We'll go in an hour, then. Take the time to say goodbye to your family, Subaru-san, and we'll head out."
Subaru nods and walks away. I watch him go, then shake my head and glance at the other two shinigami. "This won't end well."
Watari looks somewhat sad. "His -life- probably won't end well."
I sigh and slide down the post, sitting on the wood floor of the gazebo, watching the rain fall.
Subaru, if I could help you.. I would. I just don't know how.
*******
TBC...
*******
Writer's block got me. x.x This chapter is kinda pathetic, IMHO..
- Cheyne
cheyne@everlastingstory.net
5:08 PM 5/21/2002