Chosen Sacrifice
~*~*~*~
A/N: Thank you to all those who review!
IMPORTANT NOTE. PLEASE READ: I've noticed, once going to check reviews, that some people don't understand some…things. Well, at first, I was hoping for that. (you know, confuse the readers a little). But, then I noticed that there were some things that just DID NOT make sense to, me at least. It's odd, because I usually always have a friend edit my work so that it's clear of mistakes (one or two mistakes do appear occasionally). Also, some other problem that my computer would not show me incorrect errors in my work! And, surprisingly, English IS my second language, and I VERY often make a lot of spelling errors (hence, why people have to edit my work).
See, when MY computer uploads fics they are in good shape (I always have two copies. One final draft and one rough draft to be exact. I always go back to make sure the plot does slightly make sense in final draft). However, when I check them on ff.net (authors can preview their work for those of you who don't know) and it somehow uploads rough draft, which is very similar to the final, but is more confusing usually (for example, that Spanish error or that 'daughter thing; with Rosa). I've come to the conclusion that my computer is…well, old, and is going through difficult times.
So, what I'm trying to say is, bear with me please. I'm doing all I can to fix this computer and files to make sure final drafts are being loaded correctly. I try to at least final both copies to be sure, but something is still going wrong with my computer.
To clear up some confusion (some of this will be reviewed in this chapter, but I'm putting it here anyway).
James Jake Sanford plays the 'roll' of Jake Sanford (he just cuts off his first name) who is the owner of the resorts, spas, attractions, etc, for Jamaica.
Rosa, in order to roam around the area without being conspicuous, plays the roll of 'Jake's' daughter. Yes, the Japanese thing was incorrect! (I said it incorrectly, sorry!)
Tsuzuki and Hisoka ARE in Jamaica (a BIG detail left out of chapter one for some reason).
Zenshin and Yukio are brothers who do investigations all over the world on Rosa for reasons that can't be said yet, but, have recently been living in Jamaica trying to pin her down since that is where she has been staying for years. Both specialize in magic related items. Zenshin studies into their equipment (talismans, pendants, ancient staffs, powder and herbs, etc.) while Yukio deals with most of the PHYSICAL action (not THAT kind of physical -_-;).
Anthony was/is a friend of Zenshin's and is a mysterious man that specializes in dark arts, and summons his…'pets', cats and ravens, to spy on prey. He is able to see through their eyes if he wishes. More about him later on.
Arisa Hanna Sanford (called Hanna by her brother) is James's younger sister. Has wings and escaped Rosa to warn Tsuzuki and Hisoka by using a specially mixed concoction given to her by her brother to shape shift into any creature she pleases. She escaped as one of the birds that guard the 'hideout' but lost control of her mind in the process, causing her to attack Hisoka and Yukio when meeting.
This is going to be followed by the sequel of Wishing Kokoros. I'm saying this, because this WILL be an important note because something…interesting happens that relates to that particular fic. (Remember, Hisoka's memory was taken away about the incident. The reason Tatsumi, and the others, besides Hisoka, remember is because Tsuzuki decided to tell them. More detail on sequel about that.)
THIS TAKES PLACE 12 year after Wishing Kokoros (long, yes. BUT, I want it that long).
~*~*~
"Zenshin died two years ago."
Tatsumi's statement rung endlessly within the ears of Tsuzuki and Hisoka. The possibility actually never occurred to either of them, which is what was most frightening.
Hisoka licked his lips and realized how hoarse his voice had gotten. "How..."
Tatsumi frowned once more. "I do not think it is in my duty to tell you that. I know Yukio-kun has not been informed for, personal reasons, as Zenshin says, however, I still cannot comprehend for what reason he wouldn't tell you two."
"But," said Tsuzuki, swallowing loudly, finding his voice, "Why…?"
"I already explained what I came to do."
At the last words, the screen began crackling and tearing into uneven pieces. Watari must have only programmed his invention to last for so long. Tatsumi's appearance was hardly there any more.
His voice was still slightly audible, though. "I shall hopefully see you two no later than tomorrow. Good bye."
His arm rose and, probably, shut off the computer device because Tsuzuki and Hisoka's one faded black and decreased in its size until it was no longer there.
The last copy of the files alerted Hisoka into reality. Deciding it was best to ignore the comment on Zenshin for the moment, he went over and found the files neatly stacked on one another. He took them all in his hands and sat comfortably down on the bed.
Tsuzuki had given a large sigh and turned to face his partner. "I wonder why Zenshin never told us about this."
He watched as his partner skim through some of the files, placing the ones he read or didn't find important on the side. He said, "I'm sure he has his reasons. For now, let's do our job and just confront him later. He's not here, anyway. Might as well do something with our time."
Still not convinced, but having no other choice, Tsuzuki nodded and sat beside Hisoka. He really didn't want to read files now.
"What did Tatsumi mean by 'memorize his face'?" asked Tsuzuki, remembering the earlier sentence.
Hisoka gave a shrug. "He wanted me to recognize his emotions so that I could point him out if needed so. Despite he may have shields I can still sense something from him. And if they are shields, they're pathetically weak."
"Here," said Hisoka, passing him the old man sheets. Tsuzuki sighed once more and read. It was Watari's writing. He probably did a summarized sheet, knowing Tsuzuki wouldn't dare try to read many loose papers on the same subject.
James Jake Sanford
Possesses the abilty to fly (wings appear at his will) and the mind
ability known as, telepathy. Also, after selling his soul, he then possessed
what is commonly refered to as Shapeshifting, or Morphing. Lived with his
only live sister, Arisa Hanna Sanford, and his two adoptive parents.
Father's Death: Suicide (born in Kyoto, Japan)
Mother's Death: Murder (born in Amesbury, England)
Age: 21 (approximately)
Height: 6 ft.
Weight: Unknown
Eye Color: Light blue
Hair Color: Light brown (down to his shoulders)
Accodring to Jamaica's spies, he is never seen alone. Clasified under Top Class and Third Leader under Rosa's orders. Not known to be
truly dangerous. Specializes in defense.
Followers: James is believed to train those with telekinesis, telepathy,
precognition, defense powders, shields, and possible other shape shifters.
Tsuzuki blinked in awe and flipped to the next sheet. It was James in a thick coat, face barely visible, and not alone, as the note said. He stood beside another person, appearing as if though they were talking.
"It must have been difficult to get these photos," he exclaimed.
Hisoka nodded in agreement. "Obviously. It must have been good equipment to gather that photo." He read on slightly to himself. "Unless they were assassins."
"Assassins!"
"Yes. According to this, Jamaica uses assassins to do the harder work when gathering things like this. Oh, I'm sorry, the assassins are Shinigamis. Not humans," he said catching his error as he had skipped a few lines.
With an exasperated groan, Tsuzuki shouted, "How unfair! Humans to do this work too?! They can't do as good as a job compared to a Shinigami. I mean, we have to answer to EnmaDaiOh and we're classified as the highest ranking employees, BUT we get some of the lowest pay, AND they still use humans?!"
"Idiot," Hisoka retorted, meeting his partners angered eyes. "I would highly think that EnmaCho's Shoka Division would disagree. Humans are not as conspicuous as Shinigamis. I think that the people that are constantly spotted with James, are experts in empathy. They would easily sense the presence of the dead. Humans could easily pass that test unlike us. Also, if they were to notice us watching, they could somehow research us and figure out we're dead. Then, they'll obviously know something's up. Impossible? Maybe, but as we've seen, anything is possible with Rosa."
A grunt in irritation was all Tsuzuki answered. "What about James? They don't seem so frightened of him."
"I don't think he'll be in the actual battle," theorized Hisoka. "I think…He'll be more like a commander of some sort."
Tsuzuki raised a curious eyebrow. "Commander?"
Hisoka rolled his eyes and instantly knew he needed to explain his theory. "Listen. I already told you James has weak shields. His ability itself is very weak as well. But, I doubt that's what they're relying on for him. Personally, I see him as very intelligent, so does the profile. I think he'll be staying at the hideout while giving mental commands to those he's in charged with."
"But you said that he's mental capability is weak. How can he give commands to so many people at once?" asked Tsuzuki.
"Simple. Give commands to one or two er…Co-Pilots, if you will."
Tsuzuki paused and thought for a moment at the idea. "Ah! As in have two or more people who will be in the battle as Co-Pilots to receive orders and give them to the rest of the crew!"
Hisoka blinked up at him. "I guess you're not such a worthless King of Sweets after all."
His partner only smiled kindly at him.
As Tsuzuki's partner went back to scanning other files, he took another profile with Watari's similar written. Anthony's profile. He had heard very little of this particular man.
Anthony (last name unknown)
No background as to where he originated from, yet rumors hint in
the direction Spain as well, but then moved to Japan. Is fluent in both
languages. Known for interest in black magic.
Most is unknown.
Believed to to be a spawn of Satan himself. Spies hear rumor of
Anthony training those with mixed herbs, potions, beads, and other needed accessories for the dark arts. Has been misleaded as telekinetic.
No photograph was able to be taken. Never seen in public. Top class, First
Leader.
Is extremely dangerous. Has killed one spy who tried to discover more information on him. No more research has been done about him.
Special Note: Believed to be working personally with the "Warlock"
"Wow! He's a lot more deadly than I thought!" declared Tsuzuki reading over the lines once more about the murder.
"There's something very different about him," Hisoka thought aloud, not caring if Tsuzuki had heard.
Tsuzuki leaned in, and said, "Yeah! He killed someone!"
"No." Hisoka shook his head and placed the sheets he held down. "Why is he ranked first rank? This one..." He pointed to the sheet beside his knee. "…Is Rosa's profile. The same thing Arisa had said, but…She's ranked second. Why would he be working for her instead of her working for him? He's clearly much more powerful than any of them put together."
Good point, thought Tsuzuki. "Perhaps he does rule her. They just make it sound as if though she rules him."
"Possibly. But, I've spoken to her. She does make the decisions, from what I can tell. Something's….just plain wrong. I don't even know if she notices his true strength. I just know he's up to something that Rosa is against. It doesn't make any sense though…" his partner continued muttering inaudible possibilities to himself, thinking of all sorts of answers repeatedly.
Tsuzuki sighed; not knowing any answer that could clear up anything. He just wanted to eat and relax with Hisoka. But, like usual, something always prevented that beautiful paradise.
He took another sheet of paper to read. "Hey…" He began once read through most of the work. "Listen to this, Hisoka." His young companion had ceased muttering. Tsuzuki hoped he was listening.
"It's talking about Jamaica asking for help. It's a letter sent directly to EnmaDaiOh. I guess they then sent it to Tatsumi to send to us. It's saying that they've gotten aid from both Spain and Jamaica, but are now asking for Japan, the other country held up in this mess. I guess that since it began in our jurisdiction they want help.
They had stopped researching on Rosa's crew because classified threats with Rosa's regards kept getting sent. Also, after the murder of their spy, they couldn't risk any more lives.
It appears, due to recent news, the 'Warlock' that was spoken of, will also be at the attack. They plan to lose many people that day..."
He allowed the last words to die off, fading slowly. Tsuzuki lifted his gaze to meet Hisoka's own. Green eyes showed no emotion, as usual, but inside, Tsuzuki knew the boy was frightened.
Hisoka cleared his throat. "What else does it say?"
"…I don't want to lose you, Hisoka. You mean too much." Tsuzuki bit his lip, almost drawing blood. Not again. I can't lose him again.
The boy's eyes narrowed, as if though understanding Tsuzuki was trying to prevent him from knowing something. He snatched the sheet away quickly and read it, despite his partner's desperate protests. His breath caught in his throat.
In neat letters towards the end of the letter, Hisoka's eye was caught by these words:
We've received word about Kurosaki's mental outburst from younger Sharou…We have high expectations that Kurosaki will be sacrificed in this battle against Rosa…Tsuzuki's grief….our greatest sympathy…
"So," Hisoka breathed out at last, not even noting how long his breath was held. "Arisa was correct." No wonder Tatsumi was eyeing him with such a sorrowful and sympathetic expression. But was the letter real? It must be…Tatsumi sent it.
Tsuzuki's eyes grew slightly larger than usual. "How did you know about what Arisa had said?"
"I remember her saying something like that. I wasn't completely unconscious. I remembered her saying that once you told me what had happened." He paused. "I'm going to go insane."
Tsuzuki attached himself to Hisoka, tightly gripping the boy's shoulders. "No! I'm not going to allow you to leave me, Hisoka! I know we'll all make it alive! We swore to stay by each other's side!"
"You don't know that we'll survive, Tsuzuki."
"I do! Hisoka, we have to make it together!" cried Tsuzuki. "As partners, we have to stay alive for each other!"
His quiet partner didn't answer for some time. The thought that someone expects you to die isn't the most pleasant thing to have as a memory. But, even Arisa had high thoughts on this abstraction as well.
"Tsuzuki…" Hisoka placed his hands on the man's head affectionately.
Tsuzuki pulled back slightly, Hisoka about half an arm length from his bear hug. He gave a shaky sigh and gulped, waiting.
The boy pulled his hands back, placing them on his lap slowly. Then, he shut his eyes and said, "Whatever happens, I'll be sure that I stay by your side."
Although, inside his heart clenched tightly knowing something awful would occur, Tsuzuki couldn't help but let out a tiny laugh of joy. He nodded then. He reached out to embrace his partner…. Instead, he ran into a mouthful of scattered files.
"Idiot. Look before you leap," Hisoka suggested, heading toward the bathroom.
"…Thanks for the tip." Tsuzuki stood up as well. "Why do you think she said you're going to go insane?"
Hisoka shrugged not giving too much thought on it. "Perhaps…It's the only way Rosa could take me."
"Insanity?"
"Well, if what Arisa said was true, and I snap, Rosa could take it to her advantage. I'm crazy and will attack anyone in my way, probably. Including you," enucleated his young partner, surprisingly calm about it.
Tsuzuki shuddered mentally. The way Hisoka was speaking was too calm. Could he snap at any time? Why is he acting strange…?
~*~*~*~
Air became ten times as difficult to gather into lungs. The room grew to an almost unbearable freezing temperature. Every breath was another sign of death growing closer and closer. The darkness crept up, embracing all shadows, making them become hidden, along with all that intertwined within the path of darkness. A shrill laughter rung so violently with ears, the head would beg to explode. So close to prey…So close…
Arisa shrieked as the door to the hideout was broken down.
~*~*~*~
Tsuzuki saw the form a few yards ahead shiver oddly.
Hisoka smirked and turned slowly around to face the man before him. Jade eyes were no longer their original state, but a shockingly beautiful crimson shade.
Tsuzuki stepped back once, instantly noting the change in Hisoka's eyes and attitude. "Hisoka…"
The boy's eyes narrowed in a threateningly manner. "You're going to betray me," he insisted.
~*~*~*~
The screaming that shook madly within the room was becoming unbearable. The boy was down, and was, from the looks of it, staying in that fatal position. Only action he made, was receiving each horrid blow after another.
It was only a matter of time before they found her and the dog hiding within a small cabinet. Yukio-san….Zenshin-san is dying…
"In here!"
Caught.
~*~*~*~
"What…" Tsuzuki stood firm and met Hisoka's dangerous eyes. "Of course not. You're my partner."
"You use me," Hisoka uttered dejectedly. "Just like that man."
Tsuzuki's brain clicked into action and thought of one name. Muraki. Yes, he quickly understood Hisoka was going to explode into an outburst of hatred any moment. As long as they were alone, Tsuzuki thought he could soothe the trembling Hisoka down without any civilians getting harmed.
He took a large gulp. "Hisoka," he said in an assuring manner, "It's me, remember? I would never hurt you the way he did."
"No. You have your own perverted ways," snarled to boy, body trembling much more violently.
The man took a step closer to his partner, trying to get to an arm length of him.
"No!" cried Hisoka, stumbling back ward, yet holding his sharp gaze at Tsuzuki. "Don't try getting close to me! I won't let you touch me!"
"It's me, Hisoka," encouraged Tsuzuki, stopping where he stood. He needed to calm him down before he tries to make an attack. Don't frighten him, he thought.
Hisoka made a strange whimpering sound in the back of his throat. His breathing became sharp as if though unable to breathe at all. Sweat was beating down the boy's pale skin, and eyes jolting in pure terror.
"I promise I won't hurt you. Don't you trust me?"
"…Trust is a horrible word. You take great risks in it," breathed Hisoka, placing himself against the bureau.
Tsuzuki nodded in agreement. "But, there are also benefits to it. Knowing someone cares about you and allowing themselves to put their life in your hands is a wonderful feeling."
"If you feel nothing…You feel no pain…"
Tsuzuki blinked suddenly at the reaction Hisoka was taking. The boy had not apparently heard him and was muttering to himself with his head bowed. Not in an audible range enough for the muttering, Tsuzuki cautiously took another step forward.
~*~*~*~
Rough and greedy hands attacked her arms, dragging her out. Arisa whimpered in fear, watching in horror as one of the men slung her over his shoulder like a sack of rice.
As they began heading off towards the back area, Arisa lifter her eyes to find Zenshin. He lied on the floor, in an injured position, grasping at the largest wound gasping for air, hoping to decrease the agony he was currently in.
"Time to have some more fun, Zenshin-chan," said a cloaked man, who stood before Zenshin, chuckling.
Rosa had won the first round.
~*~*~*~
Hisoka resumed mumbling and panting.
Taking advantage, Tsuzuki quickly took the last four or so steps and snatched Hisoka's arm almost aggressively.
Just as Tsuzuki anticipated, Hisoka's head snapped back up in reality and he gave a piercing screech. He used his free arm to slash at Tsuzuki's face, plunging his nails into Tsuzuki's skin. He managed to take a good chunk out of the man's cheek before he was harshly slammed onto the bed face first, the papers forgotten.
With a grunt, Tsuzuki took hold of two wrists in each hand and held them against the mattress. Using the legs, he managed to entwine his with Hisoka's in such a way that if the boy tried to strike out with the foot, both he and Tsuzuki would feel excruciating pain throughout their leg.
"LET ME GO! LET GO!"
Tsuzuki began breathing harder as the form underneath him began thrashing with his upper body, thrusting it upward in hopes to throw off Tsuzuki.
He thought of using his mind to synchronize with Hisoka's but thought against it. The boy wouldn't give him enough time to speak into his mind. All he believed he could do at the moment was hold the boy down until either he stopped, or until Tsuzuki got an idea.
He recalled Hisoka snapping before, it taking three larger and developed forms to hold him down. Yet now, Tsuzuki knew only he could somehow calm Hisoka down. If only given the opportunity that seemed to grow farther with every thrust.
Upon his thinking, Tsuzuki hadn't even realized the thrashing and muffled screaming had ceased to exist. He looked down, and realized, Hisoka was staring to his right side (left cheek against the mattress), giving the impression that he was dead.
Waiting a few more seconds to confirm that Hisoka wouldn't attack, he quietly got off and turned the smaller figure around. Hisoka refused to give a flinch or any sign of life. Tsuzuki though could tell he was alive. Hisoka's eyes were green once more, and they were blinking every so often. His chest gave a tiny hint of life within him as well, but not enough to be satisfied.
"Hisoka?" asked Tsuzuki softly, not wanting to alarm the boy. "Can you hear me?"
"Can I?" was the response.
Tsuzuki lifted Hisoka into his arms gently and set him comfortably into the blankets, placing the thickest one over the body. He shoved the rest of the papers out of the way, not giving any care to them at the moment. The response was truly strange.
"You can hear me?"
"Can I?"
"I assume you can. You answered me," said Tsuzuki taking a small hand into his larger one.
Hisoka blinked twice. "Is that what you want me to answer?"
"Are you all right?"
"Do you want me to be?"
Tsuzuki squeezed the hand, receiving only a slight grip in return. "I want you to tell me the truth."
"My head hurts."
"Do you know where you are?" Tsuzuki slightly thought it was a pointless question, but, might as well check.
"Do I?"
"Hisoka," said Tsuzuki impatiently.
The boy gave no response.
Tsuzuki let out a breath and released the hand. He sat down on the mattress, frowning. "You're in a hotel with me."
"All right."
He's giving into commands. That doesn't appear to be a good thing for us.
"Do you remember what happened. Tell me the truth," Tsuzuki caught himself at the end, having the intellection that Hisoka was only answering to a command.
"No."
"Why are you acting like this? Answer me."
"I live to obey. I'm afraid to lose him. So, I obey for his sake."
That was unexpected, thought Tsuzuki. He had the understanding that perhaps this was just a side effect of whatever caused Hisoka to snap for a short period of time. Hisoka moaned before he could ask who was 'him'.
"Nnn…" Hisoka's head shifted a few times, as if regaining life into his body once again. It took almost five whole minutes of silence for Hisoka to finally sit up. He cradled his throbbing head in one hand.
Tsuzuki intently watched Hisoka. "Hisoka," he said at last. "Are you all right?"
"Mm. I think so. I sense something happened again, didn't it?" inquired Hisoka, rubbing his sore eyes from their weariness.
Tsuzuki sighed and nodded. "Slightly worse, but not by much. You stopped trying to escape and went into a zone."
"A zone?"
"Yes. You would only respond to commands," explained Tsuzuki looking away and shutting his eyes.
Hisoka's eyes wondered around the room for a moment before he asked, "Anything else?"
Tsuzuki bit his lip and thought. "No, nothing." He stood up and began to recollect all the scattered papers. He couldn't help but feel disturbed at how quickly things were going by. It was already, what? Almost time for sleep!
"Your face," said Hisoka.
A hand pressed to his right cheek gently. Tsuzuki lifted his eyes and saw Hisoka examined the wound he had received previously.
"Did I do that?" asked the boy.
Tsuzuki shrugged. "Not a big deal. Help me with those papers over there." He pointed behind him.
A melancholy filled Hisoka, understanding it was his fault Tsuzuki was injured but refused to push the man further on the subject, obeyed and began collecting the other remains of their files.
Both worked quietly, not actually minding the silence.
It was only after they both had completed placing the sheets back in order and upon the bureau was when the silence shattered.
"We need to find Zenshin and Yukio," said Tsuzuki, not meeting Hisoka's eyes. The pain in his cheek had subsided, obviously healed.
Hisoka only nodded mutely and was beginning to exit the room when a pounding boom alarmed them.
The boy ran towards the end of the stairs and said, "It's coming from the front door."
The two both flew down the stairs and cautiously waited inside the living room like area. Tsuzuki had taken out a fuda and was prepared to summon any Shiki on any threat that could cause harm to either of them.
Hisoka, convinced that it couldn't have been one of Rosa's men, approached the door, a fuda in his grip as well. The door was beaten on again, with greater force than previously.
"Please…It's me, Yukio," came the unusually hurt voice.
Turning around to receive a confirmed nod from Tsuzuki, Hisoka sauntered over slowly and placed his hand upon the cool doorknob. It instantly made his arm shiver with a cold sensation. He studied the condition of the outside, and, hoping he was correct about the safety of the situation turned the knob.
The door was forthwith shoved almost painfully into his face. Yukio dragged himself in, carrying a bloodied and beaten Zenshin. Tied around his belt was a staff.
"Zenshin!" cried Tsuzuki running over. "What happened?"
"And where's Arisa?" asked Hisoka, noting the girl's absence.
Yukio gasped, soaked in his brother's blood, collapsing to his knees. "Those bastards took her. I came too late to stop them, but was able to chase one away from taking Zenshin."
Tsuzuki looked down at Hisoka, ordering him to immediately gather some materials to clean the wounds. From what he saw, the wounds were burns and gashes of some sort. So deep that some parts of his body were pure black within the middle of a crimson circle.
"Come," Tsuzuki instructed, taking his hand and placing it on Yukio's shoulder. "I'll carry him for you." He took Zenshin into his own arms, not at all shocked by the lightweight of the boy.
Once reaching the room, Tsuzuki lied Zenshin down, in the same manner he had done to Hisoka what appeared only minutes ago. Yukio rushed over and began peeling off his brother's shirt, to inspect where the deepest wounds were.
"Damn it! I don't know herb remedies or magic for healing! Zenshin deals with that!" yelled Yukio, tears forming in his eyes already.
"Leave that part to me," answered Hisoka, entering the room with the materials asked for.
Tsuzuki smiled at the appearance of his partner. Hisoka's face had gone to it's originated color, though, he could sense the boy's weariness from his attack from God knows what.
Hisoka brushed by Tsuzuki and leaned close to Zenshin. "I can only heal the deepest wounds. The rest will have to be hand done."
"That's all right," said Tsuzuki.
Yukio blinked and drew in a shaky breath, watching closely.
Hisoka shut his eyes and began his healing.
Deciding to give Hisoka the space he thought necessary, Tsuzuki guided Yukio out of the room, beside the balcony. Yukio untied the staff and tossed it aside with a slight hind of pure rage.
"What bastards were you talking about?"
"Rosa's men. They broke in somehow and took Arisa by force. Killed Kuro as well. I'm assuming one was a fire caster due to the burns on the dog and my brother. He got away as soon as I entered. The second was already gone with Arisa when I arrived. The last one was the one I saw with Zenshin. Telekinetic. Scared him off and afflicted a few good scars."
Yukio almost smirked in pride at his accomplishment. It was quickly replaced by a frown.
"Were you wounded?"
Yukio shook his head; eyes fixed on the blood soaking his shirt.
Silence. Tsuzuki cast a small glance to catch Hisoka struggling to heal Zenshin. The boy's energy was dangerously low.
"Hisoka snapped again," Tsuzuki told Yukio, although not wanting to deepen the young man's depression, but knew he was to inform someone as soon as it happened.
Yukio blinked in astonishment. "Worse?"
"Yes. Not much. He calmed down on his own. But, he then went into a zone. He would only answer to a command." Tsuzuki, by this time, had lowered his voice.
Yukio cursed silently and bit his thumb in thought. "This is not good. The closer the day to the attack, the worse Hisoka-chan will get, I think. Something's going on that's screwing around with his mind. Rosa…It's her…"
A sigh erupted from Tsuzuki. He crossed his arms and leaned against the nearby wall for support. "I don't know. But things are not going well for us. Zenshin's wounded, Hisoka's going to get worse, and our only source to help us understand what's happening to him is gone. God, what else can go wrong?"
"Perhaps that all our magic supply was stolen except one staff," Yukio suggested.
Tsuzuki didn't know whether Yukio was trying to be sarcastic or was being serious. "Wonderful," The remark that Tsuzuki said was almost out of anger. "Which staff?"
"Harai's staff. He's a dragon that possesses the ability to enter another's soul to clear them of all darkness. Or…Something like that. I think he also can create powerful defenses," explained Yukio, trying to recite his brother's lecture.
Tsuzuki's eyes widened. "Can we use him to help Hisoka?" he asked hopefully.
"No. We need Zenshin to do that. I only summon Harai's master. If Zenshin tries to summon Harai, he will die before getting half way there."
"I don't get it," admitted Tsuzuki.
Yukio sighed and sat on a seat. "Harai and his master are ancient legends that are rarely known to most people now. The combination of the two consists of two different people to summon each. Zenshin was chosen to summon Harai and I, his master, HenDai. Both of us must be physically and mentally fit to accomplish the task, or someone may die. And, if Zenshin was to die in the process of summoning Harai, the dragon would be sent to do as he wish because Zenshin could not complete the task, which, therefore, forbids me from summoning HenDai. Not until the spell is complete that I may summon HenDai for him to command his dragon. That is why we cannot use him. It is too great a risk. Harai is a dangerous dragon, rarely used."
Tsuzuki didn't respond. How…damn perfect. This is not my day.
"Tsuzuki…" It was Hisoka.
Both men got up from their positions to meet Hisoka. The boy was on the verge of collapsing into a faint. Tsuzuki headed over and leaned closer to Hisoka, lifting Hisoka's limp left arm over his broad shoulders, to aid him to stand.
Yukio cocked his head to cast a glance at his young brother. "Hisoka-chan…Thank you." Lying upon the bed was Zenshin, still out, yet the wounds that caused the most threat, were healed as if though never existed.
His attention shifted back to the two hoping to thank the boy once more. However, the boy's head was dangerously bobbing, obviously indicating that any second he would fall into a long sleep.
Tsuzuki gave a small grunt, lifting Hisoka into his arms once more (thinking that he was carrying too many people on this particular day) and began heading downstairs.
"I'm putting him on the couch. I'll be up soon to help you clean the wounds," Tsuzuki started, descending the steps carefully.
Yukio nodded, not really caring if Tsuzuki saw his action. He went back to his brother's side, anger swelling in a blazing storm. With the ache inside, he struggled to control his trembling hands as he proceeded to cleanse the wound that was embedded within Zenshin's right shoulder, closest to Yukio.
"Zenshin," he whispered, "I'm so sorry for not being there when you needed me the most. I swear, with all my heart, everyone one of Rosa's men will die. If they dare to attack, those ones will die. First, I'm going to deal with Anthony. There's something you're not telling me about him. And I'm going to find out soon. I'll torture him the way he's tortured you. I promise, Zenshin. I love you, bro.
What I'm I going to tell Tsuzuki-san, hmm? You'd know what to do. I don't. I can't break his heart. But…Perhaps, it's for the best…"
His constant muttering had prevented him from hearing Tsuzuki enter the room. "How are you?"
The senior knelt on the bed opposite to where Yukio was, beginning to help out.
Yukio shrugged, eyebrows knitted tightly together. "I'm all right. I'm just worry about Zenshin. I wasn't expecting this to happen. It gives them the upper hand."
Tsuzuki frowned, casting a glance at the sad man. "Ah. We mustn't give up, though. There's a way to stop them. Besides, Tatsumi and Watari are coming along. They are hoping to round up some more people."
"Tatsumi and Watari are coming?"
"Yes."
"What of Hisoka?"
The very name caused Tsuzuki's head to snap up in attention. "What about him?"
Yukio gave an apologetic look, but a small one. No use in avoiding it now. He said, "He's going insane."
"He's not insane," Tsuzuki protested, wrapping up Zenshin's left arm gently.
"I didn't say that," confirmed Yukio, trying to slip Zenshin out of his pants and unbuckle the belt. There were quite a few wounds on the legs that needed tending.
Tsuzuki, upon seeing Yukio's action, ran his hand under Zenshin's upper back, slightly elevating him higher so that Yukio would have an easier time removing the clothing and discarding it to the side.
"All I said was that he's going insane. Don't deny it. God, Tsuzuki, I didn't want to tell you but…" continued Yukio, getting a damp cloth and wiping the excessive blood that trickled around the wounds.
Tsuzuki's eyes narrowed. "What?"
"I slightly lied. I got a brief talk with one of the men attacking. I…He, was the one attacking Zenshin. It was…Anthony." Yukio spat the name with such hate that Tsuzuki was almost convinced the very tone of Yukio's voice would place a curse on Anthony.
"Well? What is it?"
Yukio took a deep breath, meeting Tsuzuki eyes. They reflected nothing but pity. "Tsuzuki, they're tapping into Hisoka's mind somehow, making him go insane."
Tsuzuki was taken back in his mind to the conversation with Hisoka. The letter that was given to them also flashed by. He knew Yukio's news was going to be horrible, perhaps, even intolerable.
"Hisoka's going to be used as the boy who will be given to the warlock, therefor, turning us against him, and him against us. Arisa was right, Tsuzuki. As much as I hate to admit it. Hisoka will be lost in this battle. Anthony said many of the troops would be brainwashed so that they would get the advantage once more; we can't kill the innocent! But, for the sake of those we don't want to kill, the ones who are planned in being brainwashed to attack, Hisoka must be given to the warlock in a sacrifice!"
~*~*~*~
A/N: Evil, yes? I'm hoping the confusion is getting better! I'm sorry about the computer problem! ^^; Is there anything else I missed?
