A/N: Why is it whenever I do a poll for a shocking/revealing/disturbing kind of question, only then do I get reviews from people I've never heard from but apparently are reading my story?
*sigh*
You people don't love me enough. Don't you know that kind reviews keep me going? *sniff*
Warning: 1/2 of a Plot Bunny revealed. Yosh! And er. . .lemon. But not too bad! And Shaynie, feel free to skip (though I assure you it's not a mindless roll in the hay, there's an important reason for it) but don't forget to read the last part!
Review replies:
Eria: Zeke is sooo right! I love long reviews! As long as they're nice that is. . . .Anyways, I'm really glad you like my stories so much. And I so know what you mean! I get strange looks from my family as well when I suddenly burst into hysterical laughter when reading something! And wow! There were so many people commenting in your review, I kinda got swirly-eyed there for a moment! Hehe, but keep the reviews coming anyway! And you know, you're the only one who told me to go ahead and kill of Taka and Kyo if I want to. . . .hmm. . .
nekoMoon-chan: Ah, but don't you think it'd be so. . . . .interesting. . . .if they. . . .die? *evil smirk*
Shaynie: You may un-rebuke yourself now considering that you've read the story! XD Hope you'll love it!
Kat: If you really enjoy my stories, then you must review every time! It's imperative. Authors like me live on reviews. We get SO SAD when we don't get reviews ALL the TIME. . . . (hint)
nagumina: I too would love to give you thirteen signed copies of the drawings but since I am currently scanner-less. . . .I'll try by next week eh? My computer at home recently got that stupid Blaster worm so us at home are kinda nervous about uploading/downloading stuff to/from the net now. . .stupid people. . .I mean, if you hate Microsoft, why target us poor public?
Daemonchan: Why kill them off?. . . .erm. . . .because I want to? *giggle*
Sheera's Greywolf: Aha! Another absentee reviewer! Tsk, you really should review after every chapter. It's like a battery for me, ya know? Keeps me going (^o^)
Yutaka: My dear, I'd be happy to send you the pictures and will do so the instant I get my hands on a scanner! We had some problems with that bloody Blaster worm so I had trouble sending you guys the pics. Please be patient, ne?
Sakusha-san: Your regular insanity puts a smile on my face, you know that? Will I kill them? Find out after this chapter!
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Chapter 27
Reversal
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Beware when she who was human embraces the darkness
For the Dark will rise to swallow us all
And she will be the Moon that brings the tide.
Beware when she who was human seals the Demon's promise
For she will turn the Wheel of the Prophecy
And the Wheel will grind us to dust.
Beware when she who was human cheats Death
For Death will be bound
And Death shall dance to her song.
Beware when she who was human weaves her web of deceit
For Death will bring Life
And Life shall mean Death.
Beware when she who was human is human no more
For Earth shall be as ash
Water shall be as none
Air shall be a memory
And Fire shall burn us all.
Beware.
"You've met Hino already, I presume?" The tone was a balance finely struck between banality and a dry wryness that jarred.
Kyo nodded imperceptibly. "Yes my Lord. When we. . .broke the curse."
"And I can safely presume that you are aware of his true nature?" Enma continued.
The Shinigami nodded as one. Kacho answered him, "He is a. . .god. Though we are uncertain as to him being a god of what exactly." Kyo managed to crack a smile at that. Kacho sounded as though he was unsure what plates to use for dinner that night rather than being troubled over the nature of a deity.
Enma too smiled. "I am not surprised. His name is not one readily written in lore, myth or religion. What little there is has been corrupted beyond the truth as well. The one fact that remains true in all accounts is this; he is one of the Old Gods."
Enma fell silent then, waiting expectantly it seemed for a reaction from any one of them. Not surprisingly, it was Watari that gave it.
"Hino is one of the first gods created?" Watari asked in an awed tone.
"He is," came with Enma's answer. "You are aware also, of the law of balance? That black has white, life has death, male has female?" At the Shinigami's quiet affirmation, Enma continued. "The two who created this world gave births to the gods of land, sea, air, animals, all gods of life and positivity. Naturally, to counter this, they also gave birth to the god of fire and destruction."
The pure gold eyes darkened to ebony. "They gave birth to Hino. He now rules Makai. And Hino has declared War on Meifu, Chijou and Joukai."
Silence reverberated through the Hall like the tolling of a bell. War. A simple word to describe violence and bloodshed. But the three letter word carried with it the booming of thunder, the screams of the wounded and the moans of the dying. The mortal meaning of that word carries that and more.
What of war between all the worlds?
Clenching his fists so tightly that it hurt, Kyo dared to look into Enma's face and ask the question he dreaded having the answer to. "And how does my daughter, Aki, fits into this? How does Hino fit into this?" Kyo gave a brittle laugh. "What on earth does a god of fire and destruction would want with a Shinigami? If this was about Tsuzuki I'd understand! He's the most powerful among us! I'm not even up to his level! Why me?! Why Aki?!" By this time, Kyo had half-risen from his seat and gesticulating wildly. Hisoka was making soothing sounds, trying to placate him but Kyo ignored him. "None of this makes sense!"
It was Takashi's hand, warm and comforting laid gently on the back of his neck that stopped his ranting. Trembling, fallen mute, Kyo forced himself to sit back down.
"She is not your daughter."
His head snapped up, blue eyes wide and fixed intently on gold irises.
"Did you not perceive her true nature as well, Shiozaki Kyo?" Enma rebuked him gently. "She is not human. She never was."
"But. . ." Kyo started, despair lacing his words and tightening his throat, "But. . .Aya. . gave birth to her. . .I. . ."
Like reciting a lesson by rote, the inflection-less tone of Enma's voice killed every objection Kyo would voice. "Aki is unique in that sense. Her birth was made possible by a ritual Hanagawa Ayame enacted upon your capture. Using blood magic and physical consummation of the ritual, a demon's seed was given life within her. Any other ritual would have produced a demon in its true form. But what Ayame had done ensured that Aki has the soul of a demon, the flesh of a human, and the power of a Shinigami."
With each condemning word uttered against the person he had believed to be his own flesh and blood, Kyo felt the icy walls of shock coating him, insulating him from the immediacy of the emotions that clamored to be felt with the revelation. He could deal with it later. Right now, he had to concentrate on not falling apart.
"She inherited Kyo's powers over the elements?" Tatsumi asked, deferential, but a sharp bite to his words was evident.
"She has," Enma agreed gravely. "And that is why Hino granted Ayame that much power in the first place. And why he was so interested in you as well, Kyo. The terms of their agreement was as such; for all the power that Makai can give her, Ayame has promised her first-born to Hino."
"And why does Hino want Aki so badly?" Kyo's voice was dead. Flat. Cold.
The gold eyes held only sympathy and understanding which Kyo refused to acknowledged. "Because she is the key to destroy the worlds."
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They were trying so hard to make him feel better. They laughed about the latest Pink House disaster last week which resulted in Saya and Yuma hiding out under Tatsumi's desk from a very irate Hisoka. They talked about how they'll trash the other divisions in the upcoming Inter-JuuOhCho competition. They talked about everything but what was revealed to them in the Hall of the Dead.
But not talking about it doesn't stop the words from repeating over and over in his head.
. . . . .There is a fine balance between the four worlds; Makai, Joukai, Meifu and Chijou. Each is separated by barriers that prevent the worlds from colliding into each other and destroying that balance. The strongest of these barriers is on Chijou, separating it from Makai for the sum of all good and order upon the three worlds is counter-balanced by the evil and chaos that Makai provides.
The key to the barrier's structure is upon Onokoro Island. Yes, ironic isn't it? The site where the world was first conceived. The Kojiki is true on that point. Onokoro Island is where Izanami and Izanagi first built their home. And it will be the site for the destruction of the world.
Since Makai is closest to Chijou, the barriers between were specially constructed that no demon, human or god can destroy it. Only Izanami and Izanagi, the original creators of the world may pull it down. And this is where Aki comes in. She is unique in her birthright. She is neither human nor demon. She is something else. And that very trait is what Hino is counting on that will destroy the barrier and ultimately, the Balance. . . . .
They insisted on having lunch together first. He agreed, mostly to stop them from asking him again for the hundredth time whether he was alright. Stupid question really.
"Kyo, would you like something to eat? You've been pretty quiet," Watari asked, concerned.
"No, thanks," his smile was more automatic than a genuine reaction to the question. "I'm not hungry."
. . . .And since she inherited your powers over the elements, Kyo, such a feat would be made easier. She can destroy the barrier. And she will. You saw as well, that she has joined Hino. It was irrevocably sealed when she killed Ayame. It wasn't spell-induced or Hino's influence. She did it of her own volition. Like Hino, she has embraced the darkness beyond what the Balance required. She is beyond salvation . . . .
"He actually said that?" Tsuzuki asked, his fine features grim. "That there will be War?"
Hisoka nodded heavily, his chopsticks idly pushing around the dumplings on his plate. The others who were not invited to the meeting hung on to his every word as well. "Aa. He also said that Joukai has amassed its Army. Since we're the only ones sanctioned for travel between the worlds, Meifu is sending in the Shinigami as well."
. . . .There is no other choice, my child. Hino declared War to provide the distraction and energy that Aki needs to dissolve the magic that upholds the barrier. When that barrier fails, Meifu and Joukai will fall as well for Chijou is the tie that holds the worlds together. And when Meifu and Joukai fall, Makai will reign. As Hino intends. . . .
"I've finished the report already," Takashi said to him quietly. "Tatsumi has it and he says we can go home for today. Would you like that?"
His smile this time was more genuine, and tinged with desperation. "Yes, please. I want to go home."
. . .I am sorry Kyo. Aki must be stopped. She must be killed. There is no other way. . . .
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Takashi knew Kyo as he never knew anyone else. His little mannerisms, the way Kyo held his sword, the half-smile he has when he was amused. There was never any question also whether such intimacy between them was too much, too cloying for as he knew Kyo, Kyo knew him as well. The question never arose because it was never thought of. To the two of them, such familiarity is as natural as breathing. As right as life. They had followed each other unto death after all.
And so, Takashi knew without a doubt, that Kyo was near his breaking point. It was evident in the set of his shoulders; it was too stiff, too straight. Kyo had this way about him that no matter what he did, it was all grace and easy movements. Of course, Kyo was a consummate actor as well. He could fool almost everyone. Everyone that is, except him and Hikaru. But Hikki wasn't here. So only he could see that Kyo had reached his limit. Though he was relaxing in his seat, the pose was too casual, too. . .arranged.
"I've finished the report already," he said to Kyo quietly. "Tatsumi has it and he says we can go home for today. Would you like that?"
The smile that burst forth was too bright, too laced with emotion that at first glance, could be mistaken for simple gratitude.
They took their leave from the rest of their colleagues, Hisoka and Tsuzuki giving them understanding smiles. Tatsumi took him aside for a while to assure him that they will somehow survive this and that he was there if he needed someone to talk to. And that the signal for the mass move of all Shinigami to Chijou will be given the instant any unusual activity is spotted upon Onokoro. So use the time well but be alert, ne?
The walk home was silent, the space between them filled with the touch of a breeze and the feather-drifts of sakura dancing. He did not try to touch Kyo. It was too soon. Kyo was walking slightly behind, eyes downcast and arms hugging tight around himself as if to ward off a deep chill.
They reached their apartment with silence still hanging between them. He had taken off his shoes and jacket, Kyo just a step behind. He barely took another step before Kyo's hand clamped down on his upper arm and forcibly twisted him about.
Takashi found himself slammed non-too gently against the wall, Kyo's eyes burning with wild fire. Takashi didn't protest the rough treatment, rather, he smiled and let his arms hang loose by his side.
That fire burned higher, wilder and Kyo kissed him with all of its ferocity.
He welcomed the passion that stopped shy of violence. With each bruising kiss, he countered with soft, sweet flutters, never mind the teeth that bit and nearly drew blood from his neck. In true understanding, he let his head fall back, exposing more of his throat to the soundless gasps and low growls.
What is love but a sweeter form of pain? And what is pleasure and passion but love brought beyond comprehensible pain to exquisite agony and torture?
Kyo did not wait for the nicety of him taking his clothes off for him. Kyo did it himself, nearly ruining his shirt as he tore it away carelessly, the other pieces falling away with as much fervour. His fingers which had barely brushed the buttons of his own shirt were swept aside as Kyo took over the task. In a matter of seconds the both of them were standing inside their doorway stripped to bare skin.
His mouth was claimed again in a hot kiss, tongue darting in and out wildly even as he gently steered Kyo into the bedroom. He was aware that they had reached the foot of their bed and it struck him then; it was the exact position they were in the day he was reunited with Kyo in death. And true to the remembrance, Kyo pushed him back onto the bed and he willingly fell. But here was where recollection ended. Instead of him flipping Kyo around and under him, he was content to stay where he was; on his back.
Fingers clutched his hips in bruising force, forcing him back against the bed as passion finally unmanned the restraint he held. Takashi by this time was slowly but surely, losing himself to the wave after wave of pleasure and pain as Kyo used every knowledge and experience that years of intimacy between them had taught to bring him ruthlessly to the heights of desire, always escalating, never falling but never reaching a crescendo.
A trailing heat blazed its way down his chest and torso, igniting nerve ends in bundles of electricity that had him shivering and twisting on the bedcovers. His hands found silky black hair and he burrowed his fingers in it, needing some sort of anchor to ground him even as Kyo denied him release. So long was he lost the whirling vertigo of desire and passion, the sudden absence of it left him bereft and confused.
"Wha-?" he opened dazed eyes, licking dry lips. Kyo loomed over him, the boy propping himself up and just looking at him with the darkest of emotions swirling in his eyes. A hand lifted itself languidly and a finger was raised to trail a light path from forehead to nose to mouth and over chest and sore nipples to circle his stomach in a languorously maddening caress, his nail scraping lightly over taut skin.
"Beautiful Taka," he murmured, still trailing light scratches. "So very beautiful."
Takashi could barely control himself from the pleading whimpers that escaped him and Kyo smiled a crooked smile at his pleading. Finally ceasing from his mad torture, he descended slowly, sitting back on his knees as his hands pushed aside Takashi's legs, spreading them open.
"Beautiful," he murmured again and his dark head dipped down. But instead of the now dripping erection that begged attention, he ignored it in favour of a more pleasurable act. A hot, moist tongue darted out to lick tentatively at a puckered ring of skin.
The reaction was instantaneous; Takashi let out an explosive breath, jerking his hips up and forward. His fingers spasm over wrinkled sheets, chaining himself to this reality even as his body desperately tried to lose itself to another.
Somebody was chanting, pleading, begging and it took him some time before he realized that it was his own voice, hoarse from spiraling passion that prayed for release. His prayers were answered as a slick finger, coated with cold lubricant replaced the dancing tongue. His hips immediately took action, pumping himself up and down on the accommodating finger that barely needed to move for the enthusiastic rocking his hips gave. There was a throaty chuckle near his ear; Takashi opened bleary eyes to see Kyo leaning over and to the side of him, mouth grazing gently over his ear and his tongue mimicking his finger, plunging and withdrawing.
"Beautiful."
Two fingers joined the first without warning; pushing the passion from waves to a tsunami that threatened to undo him from coherent reason. A strangled gasp burst forth from his throat but before he could lose himself, a strong grip clenched tight in his hair, pulling his head back even as the fingers withdrew in punishment.
"Bad Taka," Kyo chastised him gently and the fingers which were inside him a few moments ago lingered over his lips. "Not yet." His own tongue darted out and he tasted himself.
His pleading was reduced to unintelligible gasps and moans.
"Naughty Taka," Kyo whispered and at a spot near his throat, just near his collarbone and a bare inch from his jugular, Kyo bit down. Hard. Even as he thrust his own wet, throbbing erection into the opening he had so carefully prepared.
Takashi's whole body jerked upwards in response, back arching off the bed. He could only gasp even as his legs wrapped themselves tight around Kyo's bent body, wanting the promised ecstasy beyond sane reason.
For a drawn-out eternity that lasted a second in time, they moved as one whole, him thrusting upwards and back even as Kyo pumped into him. It was a sensation that defied description for when they were joined together as one like this, Kyo and Takashi ceased to exist. There was no Kyo and Takashi. There was only one body, one mind, one soul that soared high beyond four walls.
The promised salvation was near; the both of them just teetering over the edge of the precipice when in one snapped second from endless eternity, Kyo stopped, himself withdrawn fully form the beckoning warmth that begged for a rejoining.
Lost to his own name, Takashi waited for the words he knew was coming.
Kyo placed a chaste kiss on his lips. Drawing back, the smile was more crooked than ever and the blue eyes alight with dark mischief.
Kyo whispered, "Scream for me."
And he plunged back inside in a sliding, scraping, wet thrust that was pure
painpleasureecstasytorturerapturelovehurtagonybliss
And Takashi screamed.
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Passion long spent, it took them endless minutes before either of them found enough energy to move. Kyo roused himself from the dazed stupor, picking himself up from his prone position laid length-wise upon Takashi when his own climax had seen him screaming as well and fallen bonelessly on top of his own love.
But he moved not to clean the remnants of their lovemaking. Instead, in pure reversal of the aggressive role he had taken, Kyo curled into Takashi's side, hugging him tight and burying his face into a broad shoulder.
Takashi stirred gently, turning into the embrace to fully envelop him. His hand found idle pleasure in stroking back black hair damp with sweat. It took less than a minute before a trembling that had nothing to do with passion took over Kyo's body.
In the comfort and shelter of the one person who knew him better than he knew himself, Kyo let go of the desperate hold he had and broke down in soundless, dry sobs as he mourned for the daughter he never had.
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to be continued
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A/N: Wow. . . whatcha think of the lemony lemon? I was trying to show how Kyo needed to get some sort of control in his life when everything else seems to be falling apart. Did I succeed? Anyways, I'm sure you guys are eagerly waiting for the results of the poll. (Even if you're not, I'll pretend that you are XD ). And the result is!
Not telling.
*giggle*
Back to other matters, those who have come out to acknowledge my story, i.e. you people who've finally reviewed, beware! I fully expect more to come from you! If not. . .I'll. . .I'll cry and get all sad and pouty and won't continue this story.
Heh.
Eria: did you send me the drafts already? If you did, I think I accidentally deleted it! Gomen! Can you send it to me (again)? Thank you!