Disclaimer: I have no legal ties with Yami No Matsuei. Please do not sue me. Thank you.

Thank you for being understanding and letting me have time to write, but I still need time for the next chapter, which may be the final chapter.

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Tatsumi stepped up in front keeping Hisoka and Watari behind him. The last thing they needed was for the doctor to have additional hostages.

The doctor did not release Tsuzuki but pulled him even closer. One hand grasped the shinigami's wrists while the other rested at the base of his neck. He was like a child showing off his latest toy but unwilling to have others touch it. He whispered words into his captive's ear that the other shinigamis didn't hear but Tsuzuki's expressive eyes conveyed much pain... and defeat.

Hisoka's anger was rising. It would be so simple for you to break free from his grasp, you idiot! Break his arm if you have too!

Tsuzuki reeled as if he had been struck, backing even more into Muraki.

Muraki's smile grew even wider as he held his prize more possessively. He continued taunting the rescue party.

Tatsumi was furious and if looks could kill that hentai would be dead. Yet in spite of his fury, Tatsumi approached with caution. He didn't want to hurt Tsuzuki. "Release him this instant!"

That was Muraki's final warning, but the doctor scorned them. "I don't think so." He smiled.

"I will never let you touch him again."

"Do your worse Tatsumi-san." Challenged the doctor as he breathed in Tsuzuki's scent with a sly smile.

That was the final straw! Shadows rose from the floor. The shadow master was determined to wipe that smile of the villain's face. He held nothing back as he sent his shadows to separate Muraki and Tsuzuki.

Muraki escaped and left Tsuzuki senseless on the floor.

"Take care off him." Tatsumi told his companions as he went after the doctor.

"Tatsumi wait!" Screamed Watari.

"Tsuzuki's hurt!" Shouted Hisoka.

Tatsumi stopped. Hurt? How was it possible? He knew Tsuzuki's proportions well enough. He had given the shadows enough distance before striking. He turned and saw blood pooling around Tsuzuki. The sheet fell way to reveal black wings...

"Tsuzuki!" Tatsumi was by his side in an instant. No! He had hurt Tsuzuki!

Tsuzuki groaned weakly.

"Don't try to talk Tsuzuki." Watari said as he torn the sheet to bandage Tsuzuki.

"You'll be okay." Hisoka tried to assure him but Tsuzuki was in so much pain and losing blood fast.

Tsuzuki gasped painfully. "Don't touch me... empathy..."

Hisoka drew back his hands from touching his partner. "Muraki gave Tsuzuki empathy. Our emotions are hurting him right now."

Watari continued his work.

Tsuzuki's breathing was labored but he fought to keep conscious.

Tatsumi back away, struggling with himself for control. Earlier he wanted to torture Muraki...painfully and slowly. Now he just wanted to rip the maniac's head off. Yet by thinking such thoughts and feeding his anger he was now hurting Tsuzuki, making him untouchable.

"It wasn't your fault..." Tsuzuki murmured.

"All done." Watari announced.

"We're going home." Declared the secretary his face twisted in anguish. Guilt overwhelmed him. He used his shadows to teleport them all to Meifu.

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tbc

04-03-04