A Puppet's Master
A/N: Yes, I assume many of you can guess whom we're talking about. ^_^ Reviews appreciated! Everything begins to make sense too o_O; And NO need to worry about the next fic coming up. I'll MAKE SURE that the computer does not switch my files around making it pleasing to the readers ~_~;
~*~*~*~
Miyuki chuckled quietly and approached Tsuzuki with the most amused expression on his features. "Perhaps you are not as stupid as I remembered," he suggested, stopping right before the man.
Tsuzuki angrily growled and clenched his fists. "Give him back." A demand, not a request.
At the same time, Miyuki was somewhat ignoring him. "I can't understand what my love would want with you. You are clearly as selfish as they come. You use him only for your own pleasures."
"…"
Miyuki began circling Tsuzuki, examining his every structure. "You've grown a bit stronger," he finally announced.
Tsuzuki could sense Miyuki's eyes hungrily on his body. "Likewise, I assume."
Miyuki gave a short laugh. "But of course. However, I want to get to the main points here before…Well, that's not of your concern. Let's not waste time."
Tsuzuki snorted. "You're the one that's wasting time."
Instantly, Tsuzuki felt an extreme agonizing rip through his mind. He stumbled and clutched his head, trying to regain focus. He groaned when the pain grew worse and caused his vision to go dark.
"Do not test my patience, Asato," was the simple reply, yet deadly. "Now, I am here to give you warnings."
A wave of relief hit Tsuzuki when he realized the throbbing was decreasing quickly. He began to see the environment they were at again as well. And unfortunately, Miyuki's form came to his vision. Tsuzuki tested his voice to snap at the thing, but found it dry. He waited a few seconds.
Once able to speak, Tsuzuki asked, "What type of warnings?"
Miyuki ignored him. "One, do not try to accomplish two things at once. Two, do not try anything that would anger me. Three, do not bother to search for Hisoka. And lastly, something awful will occur tonight."
The warnings appeared rather simple enough. Tsuzuki didn't understand what the point was coming here although he didn't like the last one.
"Contemplating on why my intentions were so…plain?" teased Miyuki.
Tsuzuki gave a laugh that was stocked with hideous fear. "Why can't you leave us alone? Hisoka is happy this way! You are only going to upset him!"
He barely flinched when he saw Miyuki's fist rise before his head and tried to land a blow on Tsuzuki's face. Ironically, the fist went through him. Miyuki cursed.
"…You are still a Dream," gasped Tsuzuki, finally noticing.
"Yes. It prevents me from receiving any attacks. However, I cannot attack physically as well," explained Miyuki now examining his hands. "You see. I have finally begun the process to become everything. It will allow me to kill you without having to bring you into my world."
Tsuzuki's mind clicked and he shouted, "YOU'RE world! It does not belong to you! It belongs to Yume! He's the new ruler!"
Another amused smirk was then put upon Miyuki's dark features again. "…Why…Of course."
The winds began to pick up in speed and whistled a haunting tune as the trees danced to the beat.
Tsuzuki shivered at the song. "…What have you done to Yume?"
Before Miyuki spoke, his head spun instantly when the winds died down immediately. His brown eyes darted around for a moment and then rested underneath another large willow tree where it was embraced by the shadows. "I must leave now, Asato," he whispered.
Tsuzuki's eyes widened as Miyuki turned to leave. But before he could call out, another voice broke in.
"It's rather rude to depart without so much as a "good-bye"."
And just when Tsuzuki the worst could no longer ascend to a higher place, Muraki stepped from the shadows with his usual seductive lips curved into a keen smile.
He smiled at Tsuzuki. "Good evening, Tsuzuki-san. I must admit, I was not expecting you in such a place. But when I found out that you were here as well, I was thrilled."
"Muraki…Why are YOU doing here?! This is not of your concern! Get away from here!" Tsuzuki screamed backing away with fear in his eyes.
Muraki chuckled and glanced over at Miyuki. "Oh, but this does involve me much so. Isn't that right…Kyomeito-san?"
"You stay out of my way, Muraki!" snarled Miyuki, sending a deadly glare at the other man.
Muraki bowed his head slightly and smirked at Miyuki. "That I will. But, if you get in my way, then we have a problem…Don't we?"
Miyuki's eyes narrowed.
Tsuzuki grew impatient because Muraki had refused to answer him. Apparently, Muraki sensed Tsuzuki's discomfort and irritating for he returned to look back at Tsuzuki.
"Tsuzuki-san…"
Tsuzuki cleared his throat and demanded, "Why are you here?"
"Why, I came for my broken doll. He needs some…tending to. After all, a puppet master must always take care of his favorite doll," spoke Muraki very softly yet his statement itself held thoughts that would bring a chill anyone's spine.
"Hisoka…" gasped Tsuzuki.
At the same time, Miyuki gave a cry and shot his arm up into the air. "Come forth, Dark Dragon!"
Tsuzuki looked in awe as Miyuki was engulfed in what could be described as a wave of shadows. Just as the ex-prince was hidden, a creature of a frightening appearance shrieked and burst through the swirl of dark energy, Miyuki standing unharmed in the same spot.
The dragon's mane twirled to the ground as it floated beside its master, wings flapping harshly causing the wind to howl in protest.
"You do recall my love of snakes, Tsuzuki?" asked Miyuki, "well, I'd love to introduce you and Muraki to one of them in an evolved form. Each creature that I possessed, with the help of my abilities, has grown into the most terrifying and deadliest creatures that exist. Not only that, but I've met new friends as well."
The dragon gave a bellow into the sky, ripping out the silence. It shot into the air and made a dive for Muraki. Muraki smiled at the beast.
"Do not think that it cannot cause you harm," warned Miyuki, arms now crossing. "I may not be able to harm you, but my creatures can since this one is from this world."
Still, Muraki refused to budge. Tsuzuki had the impression Muraki was teasing or insulting Miyuki.
Miyuki growled quietly, angered by the low effect his threat had on Muraki.
The beast drew its long head back and spread his wings far apart and let out a massive sized spark of energy at Muraki.
Muraki watched as the attack reflected crashed against his shield and reflected back onto the dragon. It gave a horrible and painful cry as the attack penetrated deeply into its chest, sending an essence of its dark blood spilling.
Miyuki gaped and watched his dragon crash to the ground with a sickening thud. It faded into the ground, returning to sleep and heal.
"All creatures in this world can feel pain, Miyuki. You should have known that," whispered Muraki.
"Curse you, Muraki! I'm warning you, he was nothing but a simple thing! Wait until you meet the most ultimate dark being ever seen and will ever be seen…"
Before the sentence was completed, Miyuki gave a shriek of agony and clutched his head.
Tsuzuki watched intensely as the man spoke softly to himself and swore. And just as quickly, the man snapped his head up his eyes gleaming dangerously at the two.
"…Death," was all he hissed before he threw his cloak about himself and was engulfed in a fizzy golden fire and was no more.
Muraki still stood beneath the moon's radiant glow. It shown against his form as softly as a petal would scrape a child's cheek.
Winds grew quiet only furthering the disturbance of uncomfortable silence between the two. Tsuzuki almost emitted a gasp when the doctor approached him.
"Stay away from me," he warned not stepping back further. He would not permit fear to show his face.
Muraki gave a smirk. "Why, Tsuzuki-san, I'm hurt. I have no business with you…for now, at least. I've come to take my doll home."
"Don't you dare put your filthy hands on him, you sick bastard!" screamed Tsuzuki, already knowing the reply that would follow.
On cue, Muraki answered, "Too late for that, Tsuzuki-san. I believe you are in no position to give me orders unless you want your beloved to die within his own heart. The amusement was much too obvious among his strong soft voice.
"Why you…"
"Good bye, Tsuzuki-san," interrupted Muraki before he too vanished into the night's unusually disturbing silence
"DAMMIT!"
~*~*~*~
Zenshin radiated a soft moan and jerked his head. His eyes struggled to peal open, but were unable to. He gave a few more tries before finally able to take a glimpse to the room he was in.
First thing noticeable, was the aching in his head. It reminded him of the time he burnt Yukio's hair off and got the beating of his life for that as a boy. Only difference now was that, Yukio wasn't the one that caused him any physical pain.
"Anthony…" Zenshin paused, his memories returning rather annoyingly.
~*~flashback~*~
The pain began to increase with each breath, as if Death himself lied on top of his crushed body beneath the ruins of their "home".
A pair of boots came to a bloody view and the leaves and twigs gave a piercing crunch underneath.
Zenshin growled as Anthony's attractive face came to level with his sight. "You…tr…trai..trai….nnn…"
Anthony's lips tasted of strong spices and blood. Or perhaps that was his own blood he tasted. Either way, it was a bittersweet sensation. And the more he struggled to pull away the tighter the hand clenched at his hair, producing a cry every so often.
"You taste as sweet as ever," announced Anthony, pulling back with an amused smile.
Zenshin croaked in wish to scream, to kill, and to die.
Zenshin's ears caught a faint scream and his attention altered. He watched helplessly as his brother was shoved roughly against the ground and beaten a good while before they realized the girl was running off.
"Run…Arisa RUN! They're behi-AAAAHHH!!!" Zenshin's hands destroyed the earth beneath him with his hands clutching at the dirt madly as the heal of Anthony's heal jabbed into his spine.
"Do not attempt to rescue her with your frivolous words," said Anthony, chuckling as Zenshin's body arched against the pain to prevent his spine from snapping. "Do not forget…I own you…."
Zenshin felt his tears trickle down his cheeks, spilling over the dirt and bruises left. "A…Arisa…" Beside him, he heard Yukio groan and the rustling of feet.
"GET AWAY FROM HIM YOU FUCKING BASTARD!"
The shriek of a child and the grunt of someone's evident pain were the last things that were heard before darkness paid a visit to Zenshin.
~*~end~*~
"Ch'…" Zenshin's eyes tightened as the tears threatened once again to spill treacherously down and reveal his true emotions for the man. Although there was no one physically here, he knew they were always being watched by…something. Someone is always watching.
"…I'm going to kill you, Anthony. You broke my heart and now I'm breaking your soul," he hissed feeling a frightening new presence within him.
It was then that he noticed that the presence of his brother was not welcoming his awakening. "Oniichan?" he called out into the darkness hoping to see his brother's open arms waiting to hold him.
He tried again but received nothing. He heard chattering downstairs. He discarded himself from the bed and dressed with ease, careful of the wounds that were still healing. He slipped on his shoes and then drew his cloak over tightly.
His first thought was to go downstairs and greet his brother. But with a glance of the clock reading 11:00 p.m. he decided different (he expected it to be 9). Since this fallback was worse than he had anticipated and the rage burning within him began to stir violently, Zenshin quietly opened the window leading to the small balcony.
A breeze gently passed over his form, giving him a peaceful feeling. He stepped onto the railing and leapt off.
Unfortunately, he was unaware of the black feline domestic meowing softly with it's scarlet gaze watching Zenshin every step of the way.
~*~*~*~
"TOUDA! BYAKKO! WE…" Tsuzuki paused as he burst through the door finding Watari and Tatsumi there again. "What are you two doing here?"
Tatsumi raised an eyebrow. "When were you planning on telling us about Kurosaki-kun's abduction?"
Tsuzuki parted his lips in hopes for some reason to explain itself but nothing came out. "I…I….Wasn't thinking…I mean…"
"You saw him again," confirmed Watari who was leaning over the kitchen counter. "…Miyuki Kyomeito."
The name brought shivers down everyone's spines in a flash.
Touda rested his eyes on Tsuzuki as the man shut the broken door and seated himself down with his hands covering his sweaty face. "He was that one…the brat's old friend of some sort?"
"Yes…And, his name is Hisoka, Touda," explained Tsuzuki not appreciating Touda's reference to his lover.
Touda nodded a bit too uncaring. "Of course."
Tsuzuki shook his head. "Oh god…"
Suzaku and Byakko both gently knelt beside Tsuzuki trying to comfort their troubled companion and master. "Tsuzuki…" whispered Byakko.
"I…" began Tsuzuki sniffling a bit. "I don't know where he is. God, that bastard has him. And the Muraki…"
"Kazutaka?" repeated Tatsumi visible tensing. "He is here?"
"He's come to 'fix' his 'broken puppet'. I think he's trying to give me the impression that he wants to help Hisoka," explained Tsuzuki, more to himself than anyone else.
Yukio grunted and thrusted his throbbing fist into the glass, ignoring the shards embedding themselves into his skin and the ones crashing loudly to the surface.
"Yukio" cried Watari rushing over to his side.
Yukio made an irritable sound and slapped Watari's hands away from his wound. "I don't need help," he growled.
"Let me see it!" Watari insisted taking Yukio's hands gently into both of his. He softly brushed his thumb over some of the excess shards. "Let's sit down and clean this up."
Tsuzuki glanced up and watched Yukio angrily plop down on the sofa. Watari came close by with a small kit in his hands. Always leave it to Watari to be prepared for the worst.
"There are no clues as to where Hisoka may be?" asked Byakko swishing his tail sadly.
Tsuzuki shook his head and ran a rough hand through his hair. He had planned this vacation as something special for the two of them. Twelve years being together, hell, that's a miracle for many humans.
Something he always found odd was how humans don't value life and love as much. As a Shinigami, you're with your loved one for an eternity, if the love is true. Humans only have a certain period of time to love before Death requests a dance with them. Perhaps, he thought, Hisoka and he value their relationship more because of the experiences they've gone through. The bond from when they started out as partners, to the bond of lovers only increased with much more strength. He knew that bond could never be broken.
They've been through a lot of obstacles and managed to survive each one. But now, Tsuzuki began to wonder if even a Shinigami could escape the request for an eternal dance.
"No," he hissed. "I won't let anyone touch him…never again. I promised."
~*~flashback~*~
"Honestly, do you truly believe this is happening to us?" Tsuzuki asked cheerfully throwing his arms into the welcoming drizzle. "FIVE years together!"
His partner gave a scowl. "I don't see what has gotten you so energetic."
"It's LOVE , Hisoka! Come on now!" Tsuzuki laughed wrapping an arm around Hisoka's waist and twirling him around while he entwined his other hand with a smaller one.
"T-Tsuzuki! People are staring!" exclaimed Hisoka blushing and shoving Tsuzuki off.
Tsuzuki wrapped his arms from behind his partner tightly. "What is it to them? They can never know the feeling I'm experiencing as you blush cutely in my arms!"
"How poetic."
Tsuzuki kissed Hisoka's neck softly. "I love you."
The public affair was bothering Hisoka too much and apparently disgusting the passerby's. Minds began clashing into his tremendously with no mercy.
How sick.
That man's old enough to be his father probably!
People like that should rot in hell!
Sick bastards.
Gays.
Monsters.
"Hisoka?"
Hisoka opened his eyes slowly, not realizing he had even shut them. He must have forgotten the rain as well for when a droplet pricked his skin, he flinched in surprise.
Hisoka realized then was trembling rapidly but not from the cold and bitter weather.
Tsuzuki took Hisoka's hands into his face and kissed him sweetly. "Hisoka? Are you all right?"
"STOP!" he cried shoving Tsuzuki away. He didn't want to feel rejected…not again. His body and mind could not take it.
"Hisoka!"
Hisoka breathed in deeply and took a few steps back, where fewer people would see him. "Don't…they…their thoughts…"
Tsuzuki instantly understood and took Hisoka into his arms in a comforting gesture. "They are not us."
"Loneliness…" gasped Hisoka into Tsuzuki's chest with a shudder.
Tsuzuki caressed his lover's head gently enjoying the silk hair slip through his fingers. He gave a tiny smile. "They are the lonely ones. We have something they don't have. Despite what the world thinks, you are the one I trust…the one I always look forward to seeing when I wake up. And that's the most amazing feeling anyone can ever have. And if they felt that, they would know that nothing is wrong."
"I don't…."
"Do you love me?" Tsuzuki asked suddenly, lifting Hisoka's chin with his thumb and index finger.
Hisoka's eyes widened and his face grew pinker. He stuttered for a moment.
"…Do you?"
Hisoka averted his eyes. "Don't ask stupid…"
"Look at me, Hisoka," demanded Tsuzuki in a gently tone.
Hisoka obeyed.
Violet eyes softened their gaze. Hisoka gasped as Tsuzuki broke his barrier and let every emotion pour into Hisoka's body. Love, passion, lust, concern, happiness…
"Don…Don't…" pleaded Hisoka beginning to pant. Tsuzuki's emotions were crushing him.
"Hisoka."
Hisoka looked up rather sadly at Tsuzuki once the barrier began to shut. "…Don't leave me?"
"Never."
Hisoka allowed the arms to encircle around his entire body and leaned into the touch, welcoming it. "I do, Tsuzuki," he said after a few minutes that appeared to be an eternity.
"Hmm?"
Hisoka blushed deeply but managed to meet Tsuzuki's eyes. "I…I love you."
Tsuzuki gave Hisoka a glimpse of that charming smile. "I know. I won't let anyone take that away."
"Really?"
"Damn straight."
"Who's straight?"
Tsuzuki couldn't help but laugh. "Certainly not Tatsumi and Watari."
Hisoka would have laughed as well if he were Tsuzuki. He could only hide the tiniest smirk into the warmth of Tsuzuki's coat. "Never let it go…"
"Never."
~*~end~*~
"…We have to find him now," ordered Tsuzuki.
Tatsumi lifted his eyes just as Tsuzuki stood up. "We first need to find him."
Byakko and Suzaku nodded in agreement. Touda stood still almost giving the impression that he was asleep. Watari was cleaning after himself while Yukio sat fuming.
Tsuzuki thought of the possibilities of where Hisoka could be.
It was then that Yukio stood up in alarm. "….Zenshin's gone. I can't sense him…"
Everyone blinked up at him in confusion.
"Gone? Isn't he asleep?" asked Tsuzuki.
Yukio dashed up the stairs causing an echo of small quick steps radiating throughout the small yet dazzling hotel room.
They all waited downstairs but Byakko stood near the steps poking his head upward in curiosity.
"SHIT!!"
Yukio scrambled down the steps and leapt off the ones towards the end. "HE LEFT! HE'S GONE!"
Tsuzuki blinked again. "Uh…he…just got up and left?"
"YES!! OH SHIT! HE'S GOING AFTER ANTHONY! I HAVE TO GO AFTER HIM!" shouted Yukio heading for the exit.
"Wait!" cried Tatsumi. "You can't go alone!"
"Suzaku come with me! We're going with Yukio," ordained Tsuzuki taking off after the young man. "Maybe we can get a clue as to where Hisoka is."
"No stop!" demanded Tatsumi again. He gave a groan and collapsed back into the seat he was currently sitting on.
Touda snorted and looked out into the ocean. "Hanging around humans for only a few days and already their stupidity and ignorance is rubbing on Tsuzuki and that kid," he stated.
Byakko looked in the direction Touda was currently distracted by and noticed something. "Have you noticed that there's always some type of animal outside?"
Watari's eyes narrowed a bit. "They're watching us now."
"…Something's about to happen tonight," whispered Touda.
"You think?" asked Byakko tugging on one of his ears.
Touda glared at the cat beast. "I don't think. I know."
~*~*~*~
Muraki watched as he stood on the roof of a building. An army of barely noticeable winged creatures, men perhaps, gliding over a certain small portion of the island. This particular portion was mainly for those with children since it was surrounded with areas that provided activities more suitable for children.
They landed. Close behind them where, from what Muraki could tell, the telekinetic and some time of caster group. A man stepped before them.
"Ah…This must be James," said Muraki with interest, watching closely as James spat commands.
Truly indeed is it a pity to kill a life. But more woeful when it's the life of pure innocents. Children. Muraki could not help but notice how pathetic their tactics were to kill children first. But then again, it's not as if he cared.
He watched the groups split apart, slithering across the grounds not disturbing a single thing. With the help of telekinesis, they managed to enter the occupied domains where the children slept.
Every so often, a small gleam of fire would catch Muraki's interest. Sometimes the glow was a white shade, which could only mean that they were taking the spirits of each child before murdering them.
The only thing that really interested Muraki was that not one of them made a sound as they slept their last night on Earth.
He smirked and began to walk away as they advanced on the building he stood on. Besides, he had a puppet to find before dawn.
~*~*~*~
A/N: WOO! Finally ^_^ yeah! Uh…not much to say…Muraki IS important! !! Don't think he's just there for…twisted purposes (though that fits too XD). Review! ^_^ And don't forget to read "Survival of the Parents"!
