Disclaimer: Yami no Matsuei belongs to Matsushita Youko. I don't own it
and make no claim to.
This story is loosely based on the manga and the anime, taking components from both. Some liberalizations taken by me to suit my plot. Hope I don't offend or confuse.
So on with the show!
Chapter Three - Firefly
By Lockeheart
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There are certain instances in life where time seems to extend into a moment of perfect clarity. It's as if everything stops and in those few split seconds, life altering changes can occur. These periods are rare, but when they happen, they forever alter the way a person thinks and acts. Clarity of thought brings forth simplicity in actions, and this moment was one for Tsuzuki.
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"Shall we dance dear Tsuzuki?"
Those words eradicated any doubt Tsuzuki had about clashing head to head with Muraki. The man had tried to destroy him, but things were different now; Tsuzuki had something he wanted to protect. An image of Hisoka flashed through Tsuzuki's mind and fury could not even begin to attest for what feelings were directed toward the corrupted doctor. Muraki was nothing but a blight upon the world, a disease that infected and damaged everything he touched. Even now, with the 'calling card' that he had proclaimed Hikaru's murder . . . it was nothing more than a trap, a lure to bring him and Hisoka in.
He looked over his shoulder briefly to Hisoka and saw the pain and fear running through the youth's kneeling form. Fear crept slightly into Tsuzuki's heart, and he felt almost sick. Hisoka was still not well, the little rest that he had coerced the green-eyed teen into accepting earlier that day had not been enough. Just how exhausted Hisoka truly was, Tsuzuki did not know, but he did recognize the intense desire to protect his partner from further harm. If fighting Muraki meant that Hisoka would be safe, then so be it. Tsuzuki clenched his fists and concentrated his energies, manifesting the cool blue aura that was his own.
The clearing was lit up in a dazzling display of energy, and absentmindedly Tsuzuki wondered what the police around the perimeter would make of it. He looked over to Muraki and the sickly glow of the red aura that surrounded the man. Fighting . . . always struggling, it seemed as if this was all his life was for. Tsuzuki took a glance over to Hisoka and felt his heart swell with emotion. No . . . more than a struggle, he would protect the one he had promised long ago to defend.
Tsuzuki narrowed his eyes, and raised his hand to express a 'bring it on' gesture. Muraki's eyes widened and his frightful smile crept across his face. Tsuzuki flared his aura in response as all hell broke loose.
In some circles, people attested that ones ability manifested solely in the heat of battle. That it was in that struggle of life and death, which one found unyielding strength. For Tsuzuki, that philosophy was as twisted as Muraki's love for him. His strength, his will to live on was embodied in the kneeling form on the ground he swore to protect. Tsuzuki couldn't spare more than a glance at his partner but it was enough to empower his resolve.
Bolts of crackling energy flew haphazardly at Tsuzuki that he evaded gracefully, luring Muraki with his movements and away from Hisoka. He launched a bolt of dazzling blue energy back at Muraki with grim pleasure. If Muraki wanted to play with him, so be it. As long as the silver haired psycho left Hisoka alone, it would be enough.
Attracting Muraki was not difficult, as the doctor already had an unhealthy obsession with Tsuzuki as it was. Tsuzuki ducked down behind a tree and cringed as the tree exploded from the force of Muraki's attacks. Diabolical laughter drifted across the clearing, and Tsuzuki peered around the remains of the tree to see where his target had gone.
"Dear Tsuzuki. You really are entertaining." Muraki raised his arms and formed a ball of energy above his head. "I really must pay you back for that little going away present you 'thrust' upon me in Kyoto." Tsuzuki bolted from his cover as Muraki tossed the energy toward the smoldering stump, obliterating what was left of the tree. "It really was bad form of you Tsuzuki to wound and run like you did."
"What the hell do you want Muraki?!" Ignoring Muraki's taunts, Tsuzuki felt his anger flowing through him, giving him strength he didn't know he had. Muraki's fixation on him was unnerving, and did little to help him care about what the doctor said. "How the hell did you survive?!" That thought had flashed across Tsuzuki's mind as soon as he had seen Muraki. As shinigami, it was expected that they heal fast, at least physically. But Muraki was human . . . , wasn't he?
"Like a phoenix rises from the ashes, so to am I." Muraki charged Tsuzuki, engaging the two of them in a lethal dance. "You nearly killed me Tsuzuki. I am rather shocked that you managed that." Tsuzuki dodged one of Muraki's more deadly blows. "But I am not a man without resources, you should realize that by now."
Muraki motioned over to his shadowy companion, which Tsuzuki had forgotten about soon after Muraki's appearance. Tsuzuki eyed the creature out of the corner of his eye, unwilling to let his gaze leave the threatening form of Muraki. It was doing something to the magic circle that was left behind, to what purpose, Tsuzuki could only guess.
Tsuzuki shook his head mournfully and felt an ever so tiny part of his anger evaporate. "You didn't, . . . did you Muraki?" The eerily calm conversation between the two of them as they fought was disconcerting. "Even as twisted as you are, don't you realize just how dangerous a contract with the Demons is?!" Why the hell Tsuzuki was trying to make Muraki understand the gravity of the situation was something that he couldn't understand, but it was a part of whom he was.
Muraki batted his eyes mockingly at Tsuzuki as he smashed his energy- encased fist into Tsuzuki's torso. "How touching! You really do care Tsuzuki!" Tsuzuki's breath exploded out from his chest as he fell to the ground, dazed by Muraki's blow. "But this is nothing but a means to an end, a stepping stone if you will."
"It isn't you I worry for, it is for the people you hurt." Tsuzuki crouched upon the ground gathering his strength. Whatever Muraki had done to make a contract with the demons, Tsuzuki was sure its result would be bad, for both the world and Muraki. A new formed anger formed after that thought crossed his mind. No matter what the reasoning behind Muraki's desperate actions, it had led to the death of an innocent, and for that he would not be merciful. "Where is the child's soul Muraki?! She has nothing to do with this!" Tsuzuki rushed forward, tackling Muraki to the ground, their energies crackling upon contact.
Muraki smiled up from his pinned position beneath Tsuzuki, and Tsuzuki couldn't help but think that Muraki was actually enjoying himself. "Nothing to do with this? On the contrary dear Tsuzuki, she has everything to do with 'this'." Muraki reached out to caress Tsuzuki's face, a gentle touch amidst the fierce combat between them. Tsuzuki shuddered and leapt away from Muraki's touch, his skin crawling. "My key so to speak."
Rampant energies crackled fiercely around Muraki's form, matching the horrible smile that graced the doctor's face. "What do I want? I thought you would have known that by now." He lifted himself off of the ground, brushing his immaculate pants distractedly. "But you see my dear Tsuzuki, a creature's desires flicker and die like a firefly, brilliant for its lifespan, but terribly short."
Muraki raised his eyes to look directly into Tsuzuki's own, making Tsuzuki feel sick. "My motivations have changed, and my sights are set on things much grander than you. But don't feel too put out Tsuzuki, you are still a part of my heart." Muraki laughed abruptly and threw another series of blasts toward Tsuzuki, forcing the man into action or be consumed. "Can't you feel my love?"
Tsuzuki grimaced as he flung a blue shield in front of him, deflecting the deadly bolts of energy. Had Muraki gone insane? As the filaments of energy dissipated Tsuzuki stood up from his defensive crouch and eyed his opponent warily. A shadow fell upon him and Tsuzuki glanced up to see the demon swoop over him, and was startled when the creature did not attack him, but continued away. He risked another glimpse across the clearing to where Hisoka should have been, and Tsuzuki nearly succumbed to panic. Hisoka.
The damage to Hisoka's clothing was apparent, material hanging in strips off of Hisoka's pale form. God . . . in his initial fury to keep Muraki away from Hisoka, he had forgotten about the shadow demon's presence. Hisoka was floundering, desperately dodging the attacks of the demon, and Tsuzuki's anxiety intensified. He had promised to protect the green-eyed youth, and he was failing . . .
A blazing bolt of red energy flew toward Tsuzuki, dragging his attention away from his vulnerable partner. Tsuzuki leapt backwards, the heat of the bolt almost unbearable as it exploded in front of him. "Shame on you Tsuzuki! Look to me! Focus only on me!" Muraki's voice was shrill, and Tsuzuki winced in pain as he limped away. He needed to focus. The only way he was going to be able to protect Hisoka was to focus. Yet intense need kept dragging Tsuzuki's gaze back to Hisoka's plight. "The boy is nothing! - a bother! You will be MINE!!" Muraki obstructed Tsuzuki's line of sight and he glared angrily at the doctor, torn between his need to protect himself, and the need to protect Hisoka.
Tsuzuki surged forward, headless of his wounds, determined to smack that godforsaken smirk off of Muraki's face. Muraki laughed, his voice spurring on the anger in Tsuzuki. "The wheel is turning my beloved, the pawns are almost in place." Muraki looked over Tsuzuki's shoulder to the battle behind him. "My puppets do still have their uses after all."
The scathing retort Tsuzuki had died as a dazzling white light blinded his vision. He brought his hand up to protect his eyes, confusion and worry running rampant within his soul. What was happening? Tsuzuki cautiously looked over to the magic circle that had been activated, and felt his heart freeze. Nothing mattered save for what was happening within that magic circle.
Dimly Tsuzuki knew he shouldn't turn his back on Muraki, but he couldn't help it. Fear gripped his entire being as he watched the energies of the magic circle swirl viciously around Hisoka's form. He looked so small, there in the overwhelming forces, and Tsuzuki instinctively took a step toward his partner. A bolt of red energy crashed into his side, slamming Tsuzuki painfully into the ground and dispersing his visible aura.
A pair of white shoes entered his blurry vision and Tsuzuki shuddered as he felt Muraki's hand brush lightly at his disheveled hair. At the moment, the violent red aura that had surrounded Muraki was gone. "You see Tsuzuki, I am only looking out for your well being." Tears of pain fell from Tsuzuki's eyes as his body desperately tried to heal the gaping wound in his side. He could see his blood pooling out among the waving grasses, and Tsuzuki took a shuddering breath. "Can't have you caught up in the boy's mess now can we?"
He could hear Hisoka's voice, faint in the howling winds brought about by the magic circles energy. Tsuzuki shoved away Muraki's unwanted touch and struggled to his feet, headless of his injuries. "What have you done?" Tsuzuki grasped his side, ignoring the eery calm of Muraki beside him.
Muraki tilted Tsuzuki's face to gaze upon it. "Nothing that wasn't set in place before you and the boy came." Muraki turned his gaze upon the Hisoka. "This WAS unexpected though. I wonder what will happen when the two spells interfere?"
Two spells? Fear enveloped Tsuzuki's being. He had to do something, to stop Hisoka from casting. Magic was a fickle mistress, prone to causing extensive damage if not performed just so. What had possessed Hisoka to attempt something so reckless?
Tsuzuki bolted forward, away from Muraki and toward his heart. "HISOKA!!!!!" The pain in his side was excruciating, but paled in comparison to the anguish of Tsuzuki's soul. Please . . . this couldn't be happening . . . His lungs burned, but Tsuzuki ran forward desperately. "HI - SO - KA!!!!!"
"Hei. Sha. Kai. Jin. Retsu. Zai. Sen. SOUL BIND!!"
The blast catapulted Tsuzuki to the ground, a strangled cry caught in the violet-eyed man's throat. A horrible scream of agony resonated through the area, the voice resonating in pain and desperately afraid. Tsuzuki raised his arms above his head in a futile gesture of protection and clung to the ground, recklessly riding out the explosion of energy; hoping against hope that the agonizing scream had not been his partner.
Muraki stood nonchalantly, smiling softly as surges of energy hurtled about him; his form shielded by his power. "Fascinating . . . I wonder what kind of changes this will bring to the plan?" He murmured quietly to himself. His eyes keen on the site of the magic circle.
Debris rained down upon the clearing, covering Tsuzuki in a false rain of dirt and wood. He clenched his eyes shut tightly and weathered the unnatural assault, fear gripping his heart. The wielding of magic was not something to be done lightly and the shadow creature's attacks had been fierce, but had it driven Hisoka to do something so foolish? What had driven Hisoka to go against everything he had been taught about magic?
Unnatural wind buffeted the violet-eyed shinigami, drawn out from the vortex of chaotic magic and Tsuzuki cautiously lifted his head to a horrible display. The turbulent energies had converged back to their origin, a pulsing pillar of white light born from the magic circle, extending out of sight toward the heavens. That in itself would have been disturbing enough, but it was what was suspended in the swirling pillar of energy that stole Tsuzuki's breath.
Tsuzuki pulled himself shakily to his feet, clutching his bleeding side painfully. Wind causing his clothing to billow wildly as Tsuzuki turned around slowly to look at Muraki who calmly stared back. "What in Gods name have you done Muraki?" Tsuzuki turned his gaze back to the pulsing pillar of light, his face slack of emotion. "Hisoka . . . Hisoka!"
The ghostly outline of the runic markings of the circle hung within the pillar, the image perpendicular to the ground. The runic markings of the spectral circle pulsed in time with the light of the pillar, the markings a deep blood red etched in black. The shadow demon was no more, presumably destroyed in the ferocity of the combined magics . . . but at what cost?
Suspended from the spectral circle was Hisoka, arms outstretched, his head slumped forward. Glorious white wings extended from Hisoka's back, feathers falling to the ground like white rain. He looked like an angel, a chained, bloody angel . . . Tsuzuki could do little more than stare in horror. Hisoka's beautiful green eyes were closed, and Tsuzuki prayed it was because he was unconscious and nothing more. It was a sick parody of a crucifixion and to Tsuzuki's eyes, it was a nightmare turned into reality.
Through the shreds of the shirt Hisoka wore, Tsuzuki could see the curse marks that Muraki had inflicted upon the youth, the symbols glowing. Only now the curse marks pulsed in time with the wavering light of the out of control magic. Tsuzuki took note of all of this within a couple of seconds, his own wounds forgotten. Hisoka . . .
The maelstrom of magic light fluctuated and the evil looking magic circle seemingly drew itself into Hisoka's frame. The curse marks upon Hisoka's skin burned even brighter and Tsuzuki watched in morbid fascination as the markings gained a black rim about their edges, then faded away. Tsuzuki rushed forward, headless of the danger to himself or to the wounds he had sustained.
Hisoka's newly formed wings fluttered slightly and folded around Hisoka's unconscious form. The last of the pillar's light vanished and Hisoka's body slowly fell from the sky, wings trailing skyward. The effect was mildly disturbing to Tsuzuki as he reached out his arms to carefully catch his unresponsive partner's body. What in God's name happened to Hisoka?
Hisoka's weight was light in Tsuzuki's arms, and unrelenting fear in Tsuzuki's heart surged forth. Tsuzuki dropped to his knees, laying Hisoka's unconscious form partially upon the ground. He knelt, holding Hisoka's ashen form close to himself as he gently brushed Hisoka's hair away from his closed eyes. "Hisoka . . . please . . ." It was if the world had vanished, leaving only Tsuzuki and the oh so still form of Hisoka in his embrace. Tsuzuki could feel tears forming in his eyes as he whispered quietly to his partner, unresponsive in his arms. "Stay with me . . ."
"What a bother."
An eerie calm settled over Tsuzuki's features, and he gently laid Hisoka down on the ground. Tsuzuki then rose to his feet, his black trench coat flapping in the windstorm, his stance foreboding. Tsuzuki turned around to face Muraki, who stood where Tsuzuki had left him moments before. "Fix this . . . NOW!!" Tsuzuki's eyes flashed menacingly, and he noted that even Muraki took a hesitant step away from him.
Muraki walked leisurely toward the two shinigami and he gazed coldly at Tsuzuki and then back to the transformed Hisoka. "What makes you think I can 'fix' this?" Tsuzuki barely kept his fury and fear in check. What had happened to Hisoka? He eyed Muraki as the doctor stopped a couple steps in front of Tsuzuki, ever aware of the still form upon the ground behind him. "What makes you think I want to?"
Tsuzuki shook his head in anger and roughly grabbed Muraki by the collar, shaking the man violently. "So help me Muraki . . ." Tsuzuki's voice wavered with strong emotion and he glared hatefully at Muraki. "If you don't, I will - "
"You'll what?" Muraki raised a pale eyebrow, his posture relaxed even trapped in Tsuzuki's grip. "Your obligation as a shinigami forbids the premature taking of a soul. Killing me will do nothing to help your pathetic partner, and acting rashly will only bring the wrath of God upon your head." Muraki smiled deliberately at Tsuzuki, infuriating the shinigami.
Tsuzuki narrowed his eyes and threw Muraki away from him, and turned to look down at Hisoka, pale wings spread out beneath him, blood trickling from multiple wounds. He didn't know what to do, unknown magics had seeped into Hisoka, changing him; perhaps even killing him. Muraki provoked him, but deep down Tsuzuki knew Muraki was right. He looked over to Hisoka's prone form, and the feathery expanse of wings that protruded delicately from the boy's back. He beat down his feelings of sorrow and guilt. Hisoka needed him now, and he would not fail him again.
Red light alerted Tsuzuki to the danger before he actually looked at Muraki. The doctor's form was once again encased in his hellish red aura. Tsuzuki stepped in front of Hisoka's prone form, he would protect Hisoka from this at least. The gleam in Muraki's eyes was cold, and Tsuzuki could feel dread spread through him. "I could lie and say I pity your partner's fate, but that would be a lie." Muraki's eyes slid to the winged form of Hisoka on the ground. "The interference he has caused once again annoys me, but hasn't swayed my desires." Tsuzuki winced as his side reminded him that he was still wounded. He raised his violet eyes to meet Muraki's. "I will be taking him now if you please."
"Never." Tsuzuki's voice was eerily cold, and Tsuzuki himself was surprised by his tone. Whatever had happened to Hisoka, he would figure out later. As long as his partner's heart still beat, Tsuzuki would defend him. Tsuzuki lowered into a defensive stance, his body tense. "I won't let you take him."
Muraki made a slight clicking noise, like a parent would scold a small child. "You are already wounded quite seriously my dear Tsuzuki." He smiled slightly and raised an flaming ball of energy in his hand. "Don't make me kill you."
Tsuzuki laughed at Muraki's comment, the sound dark despite its nature. "I assure you Muraki, there are worse fates than death. You will not take him." Tsuzuki closed his eyes and Muraki cringed slightly as a flare of power exploded from about Tsuzuki's form. A new magic circle formed upon the ground, its light brilliant and red.
Muraki threw his bolt of energy at Tsuzuki, at which the shinigami just stood and endured its impact. Trembling slightly, Tsuzuki began his incantation, heedless of his injuries. "I bow to thee and beseech to you, the Twelve Gods that protect me," violet eyes snapped open to gaze cooly at Muraki's mismatched ones. "Appear before me, come out - Suzaku!"
Tendrils of flame erupted from the magic circle to gently surround Tsuzuki and Hisoka. While the flames did nothing to the two shinigami, Tsuzuki could see Muraki cringe from the blast of heat. With an ear piercing screech, the phoenix form of Suzaku rose from the magic circle, her wings alight in fire.
Tsuzuki watched as Muraki raised a shield to protect himself from the flames of Suzaku. He knew he should feel more, should be angry or fearful, but he felt dead inside. Tsuzuki knew that it was because of the still form that lay on the ground behind him. Suzaku screeched once again, awaiting the order of her master and Tsuzuki eyed Muraki with cold eyes. "Suzaku . . . Explode!"
Magical fire flared out and enveloped Muraki's form, and Tsuzuki felt a small piece of satisfaction in that. Whether or not Muraki escaped unscathed Tsuzuki did not care, and if the doctor died . . . if Hisoka did not recover either than it wouldn't matter anyway. He watched as Suzaku's flames surged dangerously, and was not surprised when Muraki's form burst out of the raging inferno to the dark night sky above.
Tsuzuki looked up to Muraki,, unconcerned by the fury that shone from Muraki's eyes. Suzaku hovered protectively above her master, her crimson eyes glaring hard at Muraki. "Resist if you wish Tsuzuki! You know that this is futile! Without me, you will never truly know what agony has befallen the boy!" Muraki's voice drifted down to Tsuzuki, but Tsuzuki did not look up, instead his eyes drawn down to Hisoka's pale form. "Look at me Tsuzuki! I want to see your broken spirit, succumbing to me!" Muraki's voice was shrill, and to Tsuzuki's ears sounded slightly unstable. Suzaku screeched loudly and fired another blast of fire in Muraki's direction.
Knowing that Suzaku would protect them, Tsuzuki knelt down and gently pulled Hisoka into an embrace, the white wings spread out about them like a cloak Nothing mattered now - not the wounds in his side, not even Muraki; only Hisoka. Tsuzuki blinked fiercely as tears formed in his eyes. He had failed him again . . .
Vibrant red wings encircled Tsuzuki protecting him from a barrage of attacks launched by Muraki. Suzaku cried out in pain and Tsuzuki raised his head to the sky. He clasped Hisoka's unconscious form to his own, tears flowing freely down his face. Everyone he befriended . . . everyone he loved . . . they all went away . . .
Blinking rapidly, Tsuzuki hastily wiped his tears away and shook his head. He couldn't give up yet, Hisoka wasn't dead yet (1). If he gave up hope now, if he gave up on Hisoka now, then what would have been the point of surviving Kyoto? Tsuzuki gazed up to the sky, carefully cradling Hisoka's body against his own, anger igniting his weary soul. "Suzaku! Explode!"
Suzaku complied with Tsuzuki's order and let loose a burning storm of energy, enveloping Muraki's form once again in its fiery embrace. Tsuzuki eyed the deadly explosion and Muraki who struggled against the phoenix's awesome power. Anger was something that Tsuzuki could cling to, something that would give him strength.
Red light lit up the clearing, casting deep shadows as Suzaku's attack began to diminish. Tsuzuki stood up carefully and eyed the sky, unable to see any sign of the demented doctor. He clenched his fists, furious at himself and his inability to protect his partner. Not only had he failed to protect Hisoka, but the young girls soul was still trapped within the clutches of Muraki. Tsuzuki shook his head. Two innocents . . . two innocents were going to pay the price for his failure.
Suzaku hovered patiently over her master, ready to defend him against any attack. Tsuzuki looked up to her and smiled bitterly. At least she had been able to uphold her promises. Tsuzuki clutched his bleeding side, the physical pain nothing compared to the emotional anguish he felt.
He looked down to Hisoka, and blinked back the tears that threatened to blur his vision. In the dying light, Hisoka looked like a fallen angel, pale wings folded beneath him, blood trickling from a number of wounds. Tsuzuki knelt down once again and pulled Hisoka close to him. He lowered his head, touching his forehead to Hisoka's cool one. "Hisoka . . . wake up . . . please . . ." Tsuzuki enveloped Hisoka in a tight embrace, his whispered plea lost to the cold night.
Tsuzuki did not have to look up to know that Muraki had retreated. Suzaku's attitude revealed everything he needed to know. Gentle in her stance, Suzaku lowered her head down to gently press her head to Tsuzuki's back, tears welling up in her eyes as she witnessed her master's pain. The fiery bird made a small noise of comfort, and then vanished, gone back to her world.
The darkness that enveloped Tsuzuki as Suzaku left was nothing compared to the darkness within himself. The only solace he could take from this encounter was that Hisoka still lived, but in what state - only time would tell. The pale moonlight provided a little light, and Tsuzuki felt as if he would shatter. Hisoka had finally been opening up to him, they were becoming closer . . . why did this have to occur?
Gods, this wasn't happening. Tsuzuki carefully stood up, his precious burden cradled in his arms. The gash in his side bled profusely, and Tsuzuki knew he himself needed to rest soon as well if he was to recover. He needed to get back to Meifu, he needed Watari to heal Hisoka. He needed someone to tell him everything was going to be okay. Tsuzuki bit back a sob that threatened to escape him.
He couldn't give up now, if he did than Hisoka was as good as gone. Tsuzuki tightened his grasp on Hisoka, careful of the pale white wings that Hisoka now possessed. Sirens pierced the quiet, and Tsuzuki knew he would have to get out of there as the police would be coming to investigate. The chaos that they had caused probably had stirred up a panic. Tsuzuki winced as he stepped forward, his body reminding him painfully that it was wounded.
First things first . . . he had to get them out of here. Once they were back in Meifu, Hisoka could be healed, and the two of them could continue on their search for Hikaru's soul. Everything would be fine, once they recovered. Tsuzuki tightened his grip on Hisoka and gathered his energy. The air rippled slightly and nothing happened.
Confusion gripped Tsuzuki as he tried to teleport to Meifu once again. The demolished clearing remained around him. Why wasn't it working? Sure he was wounded, and had a passenger to boot . . . but it shouldn't matter that much . . . should it? Tsuzuki looked around in alarm as he heard footsteps approaching. He needed to get out of there.
If he didn't have enough strength to get to Meifu then he would just go to the motel room, and once he healed a little, he would be able to get them to Meifu where he could get Hisoka help. Gripping Hisoka tightly, Tsuzuki changed his destination and struggled to teleport once again. The clearing faded from Tsuzuki's view just as flashlights lit up the clearing, the air rippling slightly where the two shinigami had just been.
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"He seems to be resting comfortably now, and his wounds have stopped bleeding heavily." GuShoShin touched Tsuzuki on the arm sympathetically and Tsuzuki looked down to his unconscious partner sadly. The pale white wings spread out from beneath Hisoka, and to Tsuzuki, he looked like a fallen angel. "You need to rest Tsuzuki . . . if you are to help Hisoka, you need your strength."
"Why the hell won't it work?" Tsuzuki slammed his fist onto the small table that occupied the motel room, startling GuShoShin who sat beside the prone form of Hisoka in the bed.. The librarian had almost screamed when Tsuzuki had teleported into the room with Hisoka in his arms. It had not been the entrance, but their appearance that had frightened the librarian so.
"Why can't I get to Meifu? Hisoka needs attention from professionals, not an amateur like me!" Tsuzuki paced the length of the room, his trench coat long abandoned on the bed. He could feel GuShoShin's eyes upon him, and knew he was worried about the wounds Tsuzuki had sustained, but in the grander scheme of things, Tsuzuki just did not care. "I've tried on my own, and you have as well . . . why can't we get through?"
"I really don't know Tsuzuki . . ." The bird's voice sounded sorrowful, and Tsuzuki looked at him to see GuShoShin pull his ever present laptop onto the bed. "Travel between Meifu and ChiJou shouldn't be a problem for a shinigami, even with wounds like yours. Only something of a dire nature would totally block the void between the world of the living and the dead." GuShoShin gestured to the laptop, frustration evident on his feathered face. "I've tried to get in contact with division, but it seems the network must be down. I can't send or receive any messages."
"What in the world is going on? First of all this macabre case comes up and Enma assigns Hisoka and I personally! Why specifically the two of us?" Tsuzuki fumed and paced about the room. "A child's soul is in the clutches of that psychopath Muraki and demons, she needs us . . . but we can barely help ourselves!" Frustration fuelled his ire, and Tsuzuki continued his barrage of tirades.
Tsuzuki looked over to Hisoka's still form and felt a little of his anger leave him. "What possessed him to do something so desperate GuShoShin? Hisoka is not a irresponsible person . . . so why did he mess with a magic circle invoked by a demon?" He continued his pacing of the small motel room. "And for that matter, why are the demons involved? Are they responsible for Muraki's presence?"
It didn't really solve anything, or do anything to help, but ranting helped calm Tsuzuki's anxious heart. Even though he spoke of different things, his mind was still focussed on the pale youth in the bed nearby. "We weren't ready for this GuShoShin . . . field work I mean. But Enma commanded the two of us to directly take this case, so it wasn't like we could refuse." He wrung his hands together and looked over to GuShoShin. "So why can't we get back to Meifu? Is Enma determined to keep us here until we complete the case? If so . . . why are you trapped here as well?"
Clearing his throat softly, GuShoShin caught Tsuzuki's attention. "I'm sorry Tsuzuki. I don't have any answers to the questions you ask. Only speculations." He scratched his chin in thought. "Maybe this has nothing to do with Enma, but with the entwining of the two spells in your encounter with Muraki and the demon? Magic is erratic that way, if not cast just so . . ." He waved his hand dismissively. "Who knows what kind of chaos those two incantations have wrought within Hisoka? The changes to his outer appearance attest to that!"
Tsuzuki looked down to Hisoka, GuShoShin's voice echoing fears within his own soul. Hisoka had been cleaned up and bandaged, but he was still in a serious condition. The angry outlines of Hisoka's curse marks peeked through the bandages that wrapped around the youth. The symbols glowed slightly, blood-red lines outlined in stark black. Why had they changed?
Tsuzuki trailed his eyes to the delicate ivory wings that spread out beneath Hisoka like a blanket. They were beautiful, but unnatural for the young shinigami. Tsuzuki touched one of the wings gently. "He looks like an angel GuShoShin . . ." Tsuzuki let that laden comment trail off into silence.
Tsuzuki walked up to the window, the night sky dark and foreboding. He pressed his arm against the cold window and leaned his head against his arm. "GuShoShin . . . I failed him." Tsuzuki squeezed his eyes shut as the horrible image of Hisoka desperately fleeing the shadow demon came to him. "I was so intent on keeping Muraki away from him, that I completely dismissed the demon."
"Tsuzuki . . . you did what you could." GuShoShin's voice was loud in the stillness of the room. "You couldn't have known what Muraki and the demon had planned."
Tsuzuki slammed his hand into the window, rattling the glass slightly with the impact. "That's just it. I STILL don't know what they were up to. Why take the child's soul? For what purpose?" Tsuzuki raised his head up and turned to look to GuShoShin, his body weary. "They were so sure we would come, and Muraki had seemed intent on using that magic circle." Tsuzuki looked over to the pale form of his partner. "What in Gods name has happen to Hisoka GuShoShin? Why won't he wake up?"
GuShoShin furrowed his brow and typed a couple of keys on his keyboard. "You said Hisoka used the magic circle to augment his spell?" Tsuzuki nodded affirmatively, his gaze still upon his partner. "Well, a magic circle's powers can be used differently, depending on the circumstances."
"I know that already." Tsuzuki straightened up from the window and padded over to the bed Hisoka currently occupied. He brushed Hisoka's bangs lightly with his fingers. "What are you getting at GuShoShin?"
"Yeah, but what if the circle had already been infused with a spell?" GuShoShin turned his laptop slightly so Tsuzuki could look at the screen. It showed an image of a simple magic circle. "When the shadow demon activated the circle it must have primed the spell that was already adhered to it. Such spells require the target to enter the boundaries of the circle to complete."
Tsuzuki lifted his head to look at GuShoShin in shock. "You mean when Hisoka stepped into the circle . . . ?" GuShoShin nodded in agreement. "How do we know Hisoka was the target? You know that Muraki has a crazed obsession with me." Tsuzuki rubbed at his temples lightly, bowing his head in frustration. "Hisoka's incantation of the soul bind spell must have corrupted Muraki's enchantment within the magic circle. That must be what Muraki referred to when he spoke of two spells interfering."
GuShoShin frowned and closed his laptop. "Who knows Tsuzuki? Muraki is a chaotic variable. Who knows if you or Hisoka were the target of that stationary spell? Who knows how Muraki seemed to know that you two would come in search of Hikaru's soul? Who knows why Muraki needs Hikaru's soul?"
GuShoShin floated over to Tsuzuki and patted the man's back. "All we have right now are questions, and not a lot of answers. We either need to find the demon or Muraki for those answers, and my guess is that neither will be easy to find. Without access to Meifu, we cannot accomplish much."
"I think the demon died." Tsuzuki looked over to GuShoShin who just looked at Tsuzuki in confusion. The comment was totally out of the blue, and Tsuzuki felt a need to contemplate on that phrase. "The demon that we met, before Muraki showed up. I think it was destroyed."
"Are you sure?"
It really was a blur, Tsuzuki's prominent memories were of Muraki and of Hisoka bound in the light. The presence of the demon had kind of gotten lost in the mix of things. "Not really . . . but it was gone after Hisoka's spell was cast."
GuShoShin landed gently on the edge of the bed and sat down. "Maybe it went back to the demon world to report what had happened?" GuShoShin gestured to his laptop. "From the descriptions Hisoka made for me before you two left, and the likeness you described to me earlier, it seems as if that shadow demon was nothing more than a lower denizen of Hell."
Tsuzuki punched his fist into the palm of his other hand. "That's not the point! A demon was there GuShoShin. A Demon! I thought that the demons were laying low ever since Saaga's encounter with JuChoOh?" Tsuzuki shook his head angrily and continued his pacing. "I thought Muraki was smart enough to know how dangerous the demon race can be. As sick as that man is, I cannot believe that he has made a contract with the demon race!!"
GuShoShin looked up to Tsuzuki, a thoughtful look on his face. "Muraki lost a lot back in Kyoto as well . . . did he not? Desperation can do curious things to a person's reasoning." GuShoShin glanced over to Hisoka's pale form, then back up to Tsuzuki. "Maybe he has something he wishes to protect as well? You of all people should understand that."
Tsuzuki shuddered as he remembered Muraki's crazed comments. "Maybe . . . but to work with the demons?" He looked down to Hisoka. The desire to protect . . . it was a powerful force. Maybe GuShoShin was right? "I cannot even begin to understand that demented man's intentions. All I know is that I cannot forgive him for this." Tsuzuki raked his fingers through his hair and abruptly stood up. "I need to find him."
The look on GuShoShin's face was priceless, and had the situation been less dire, Tsuzuki might have found humor in it. "You just barely chased him away before!! What could possibly drive you to want to find that madman!?"
Tsuzuki let his eyes rest on Hisoka's pale face. "I have my reasons." Guilt gnawed at his being, and it would not let go until those emerald eyes opened. "I need to find Muraki before he finds us. He was a step ahead of us before, I won't let him catch us unawares again. We still have a job to complete."
"Since when have you become the spokesperson for hard work?" GuShoShin's comment was insulting and Tsuzuki winced at the librarian's harsh words. "Rushing headlong into danger will do nothing to bring Hisoka back to us!"
Whirling around, Tsuzuki turned to face the exasperated librarian. "What would you have me do then GuShoShin? Sit here and watch as he slips further and further from me?!" Tsuzuki looked sadly at Hisoka's silent figure. Frustration tested his patience, and Tsuzuki felt as if he would go mad if he just sat there and watch Hisoka's still form. "Don't you think I realize the danger?" Tsuzuki let his eyes trail over Hisoka's face. Why won't you open your eyes Hisoka? Tsuzuki shook his head slightly and sighed. "Keep trying to contact division GuShoShin . . . I am sure that you will get through if you keep at it."
"That's a very farfetched plan . . ."
"What choice do we have?" Tsuzuki looked at GuShoShin, misery visible in his violet eyes. "It isn't like there is a physical way to get to Meifu. We will just have to wait for them to get worried when we don't report in. Maybe then they will be able to get in touch with us? In the mean time, we have to continue as if nothing is wrong."
Tsuzuki walked over to the table that held the case information. "Despite all of this . . . we still have a child's soul to recover. I'll be damned if I let Muraki get away with what he has done." He glanced over to Hisoka. "Hisoka would not forgive me if I lost her, even with his injuries." He flashed a small smile to GuShoShin, a ghost of his usual cheerful self coming back.
Tsuzuki walked back over to Hisoka and trailed his fingers across the boy's cheek. "We still have Enma's command over our heads, we have no choice." He glanced over to GuShoShin. "For Hisoka's sake, as well as my own, I have to go."
"You don't know how serious Hisoka's condition is . . ."
Gesturing wildly, Tsuzuki pushed his argument, although in the back of his mind he was not quite sure what his point was. "That is my point exactly! We don't KNOW! Who knows what is happening to Hisoka right now, and what about Hikaru's soul? Do you want her to remain trapped in that bastard's grasp?"
GuShoShin straightened to his full height, which wasn't much if one considered the librarian's form. "Of course not! But even I know when it is time to lick ones wounds and try again later!" The librarian shook his head angrily. "What about our inability to contact or even get to Meifu? Have you even considered the ramifications of that? We need to talk to the others . . . form a plan! Get help for Hisoka!!"
Tsuzuki clenched his fists, and closed his eyes. "I am aware of that GuShoShin. That is why you are going to stay here with Hisoka and keep trying to get in touch with division." He flashed GuShoShin a grim smile. "Hisoka always told me that I am guided by my emotions. It's how I am, and the way I get results." Tsuzuki reached for his trench coat, inspecting the damage to the black cloth.
GuShoShin murmured angrily, Tsuzuki could see the librarian was livid. "If you care for him at all, you won't go after Muraki. Not now, not when Hisoka needs you!" Tsuzuki didn't need to be an empath like Hisoka to know that GuShoShin was terribly afraid, despite his outrage. "Please Tsuzuki! We don't know what is going on, we need to find facts before you rush out after him!"
Tsuzuki winced slightly at GuShoShin's low blow and smiled sadly. "It is because I care for him, that I cannot stay here and do nothing." He raised his amethyst eyes to GuShoShin's and shook his head sorrowfully. "Do you think I want to face Muraki again? I would rather see him fry in depths of hell, which I may still see considering his link with the demons." Tsuzuki flashed a look over to Hisoka. "There are some things in this world, that are worth fighting for . . . worth dying for."
"This is insane! Hisoka would not want you to go alone!"
"Well Hisoka isn't exactly aware to say otherwise, is he GuShoShin? Someone has to stay here with him. The only way I am going to Hisoka back is to figure out just exactly what spell Muraki placed on the circle, and find Hikaru's soul." Tsuzuki pulled his trench coat on, wincing slightly at the pain of his healing wounds. The blood marks blended in with the dark colour of his coat, but he would have to wash the garment later. "Her disappearance seems vital to figuring out this bloody mess."
"How are you going to find him Tsuzuki?" GuShoShin glared at Tsuzuki angrily, and Tsuzuki just glared back. "You aren't just going to stumble across Muraki in the street!" The librarian flew up directly into Tsuzuki's face. "Running around aimlessly isn't going to help anyone!"
It took a lot of effort not to just scream in GuShoShin's face, and instead Tsuzuki stepped away from the librarian and stared out the window. His voice was deadly calm as he replied to GuShoShin's outburst. "I won't be aimlessly wandering. I have a very specific destination." He pressed his hand palm up against the cool glass. "The KuKatsuRou."
"How is going to that man going to solve anything?"
Tsuzuki eyed his reflection in the glass, his own violet eyes staring back at him with a dark look. "It's a start. He's Muraki's friend, and if anyone knows anything, he'll know."
Tsuzuki looked back to GuShoShin and was mildly surprised to see the anger leave the floating librarian. GuShoShin flew over to Tsuzuki, and pressed a small item into his hand. He looked up to GuShoShin's face and was speechless. "I can see that no matter what I say, your mind is already made up." He gestured to the object in Tsuzuki's hand and Tsuzuki opened his hand up to reveal a small cell phone. "Use that if you find anything or need help." GuShoShin pointed at the senseless Hisoka and smiled sadly. "I'll do as you ask. But . . ." GuShoShin looked back at Tsuzuki. "For his sake you better come back alive."
Dumbfounded, Tsuzuki could only nod in agreement. He pocketed the small cell phone and smiled grimly at GuShoShin. "I'm depending on you to get in touch with division . . . they will want to know what has happened." Tsuzuki gazed back at Hisoka, his resolve hardening as his eyes travelled over the youths battered form. "I'll come back. Don't doubt that."
Whether he spoke to the worried librarian or to the still form of his partner, Tsuzuki was not sure. He opened the door and stepped through it, the night wind chilling his weary body. Tsuzuki looked up to the stars twinkling in the sky and grasped the railing of the open walkway that led to the ground below. An image of Hisoka hanging in the air, his new formed wings outstretched in a parody of crucifixion came to Tsuzuki's mind.
"I'll find you Muraki, even if I have to go to the ends of the earth." Tsuzuki narrowed his eyes and straightened up. "You wanted to dance? . . . let's dance." Tsuzuki whirled around and embedded his hands deep into his trench coat pockets, his figure a lone traveller under the veil of night.
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Authors Note:
NEW NOTES:
-Sorry for the repost, but apparently I was asleep when I was writing this one -- cause I didn't even let people know where Tsuzuki was going! My Bad! So there isn't much change -just a couple lines, but well I thought it was kinda important!
-Just a thought for peoples - the gesture that Tsuzuki give Muraki could be taken multiple ways -- I'll let your imagination decide if Tsuzuki is flipping Muraki off or not . . . :)
Sorry for the delay in the chapter. I am still not sure if I am completely happy with this one, but I'll let you guys decide that one.
Note (1): I know that Tsuzuki and Hisoka are already dead, but they are given a 'second life' so to speak. And well, there is always something beyond death, as Tatsumi hinted at in the Interlude.
I switched to Tsuzuki's perspective, cause well - Hisoka is kinda out of it don't you know? :) Also because it was important to get some other . . . threads into motion so to speak. GuShoShin is a strange one to me, always in the background, always there, but not there . . . you know? I wanted the argument between him and Tsuzuki to display emotions for both him and Tsuzuki. I hope it came across.
Ugh . . . I feel like I am losing steam on this story, even though I do have the majority of it mapped out. I wonder if my muse is going for a hiatus? I sure hope not. Encouragement anyone?
Reviews on this chapter and the story in general would be most appreciated. I want to know what you the reader thinks! Helps me plot my victim's - er my character's development.
Once again, I want to thank everyone who has read and those who have reviewed my humble chicken scratches. Thank you very much!
Also I just have to thank Matsushita for creating such wonderful characters! Humor, darkness, romance - all the fun stuff rolled into one! Thank you!
This story is loosely based on the manga and the anime, taking components from both. Some liberalizations taken by me to suit my plot. Hope I don't offend or confuse.
So on with the show!
Chapter Three - Firefly
By Lockeheart
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There are certain instances in life where time seems to extend into a moment of perfect clarity. It's as if everything stops and in those few split seconds, life altering changes can occur. These periods are rare, but when they happen, they forever alter the way a person thinks and acts. Clarity of thought brings forth simplicity in actions, and this moment was one for Tsuzuki.
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"Shall we dance dear Tsuzuki?"
Those words eradicated any doubt Tsuzuki had about clashing head to head with Muraki. The man had tried to destroy him, but things were different now; Tsuzuki had something he wanted to protect. An image of Hisoka flashed through Tsuzuki's mind and fury could not even begin to attest for what feelings were directed toward the corrupted doctor. Muraki was nothing but a blight upon the world, a disease that infected and damaged everything he touched. Even now, with the 'calling card' that he had proclaimed Hikaru's murder . . . it was nothing more than a trap, a lure to bring him and Hisoka in.
He looked over his shoulder briefly to Hisoka and saw the pain and fear running through the youth's kneeling form. Fear crept slightly into Tsuzuki's heart, and he felt almost sick. Hisoka was still not well, the little rest that he had coerced the green-eyed teen into accepting earlier that day had not been enough. Just how exhausted Hisoka truly was, Tsuzuki did not know, but he did recognize the intense desire to protect his partner from further harm. If fighting Muraki meant that Hisoka would be safe, then so be it. Tsuzuki clenched his fists and concentrated his energies, manifesting the cool blue aura that was his own.
The clearing was lit up in a dazzling display of energy, and absentmindedly Tsuzuki wondered what the police around the perimeter would make of it. He looked over to Muraki and the sickly glow of the red aura that surrounded the man. Fighting . . . always struggling, it seemed as if this was all his life was for. Tsuzuki took a glance over to Hisoka and felt his heart swell with emotion. No . . . more than a struggle, he would protect the one he had promised long ago to defend.
Tsuzuki narrowed his eyes, and raised his hand to express a 'bring it on' gesture. Muraki's eyes widened and his frightful smile crept across his face. Tsuzuki flared his aura in response as all hell broke loose.
In some circles, people attested that ones ability manifested solely in the heat of battle. That it was in that struggle of life and death, which one found unyielding strength. For Tsuzuki, that philosophy was as twisted as Muraki's love for him. His strength, his will to live on was embodied in the kneeling form on the ground he swore to protect. Tsuzuki couldn't spare more than a glance at his partner but it was enough to empower his resolve.
Bolts of crackling energy flew haphazardly at Tsuzuki that he evaded gracefully, luring Muraki with his movements and away from Hisoka. He launched a bolt of dazzling blue energy back at Muraki with grim pleasure. If Muraki wanted to play with him, so be it. As long as the silver haired psycho left Hisoka alone, it would be enough.
Attracting Muraki was not difficult, as the doctor already had an unhealthy obsession with Tsuzuki as it was. Tsuzuki ducked down behind a tree and cringed as the tree exploded from the force of Muraki's attacks. Diabolical laughter drifted across the clearing, and Tsuzuki peered around the remains of the tree to see where his target had gone.
"Dear Tsuzuki. You really are entertaining." Muraki raised his arms and formed a ball of energy above his head. "I really must pay you back for that little going away present you 'thrust' upon me in Kyoto." Tsuzuki bolted from his cover as Muraki tossed the energy toward the smoldering stump, obliterating what was left of the tree. "It really was bad form of you Tsuzuki to wound and run like you did."
"What the hell do you want Muraki?!" Ignoring Muraki's taunts, Tsuzuki felt his anger flowing through him, giving him strength he didn't know he had. Muraki's fixation on him was unnerving, and did little to help him care about what the doctor said. "How the hell did you survive?!" That thought had flashed across Tsuzuki's mind as soon as he had seen Muraki. As shinigami, it was expected that they heal fast, at least physically. But Muraki was human . . . , wasn't he?
"Like a phoenix rises from the ashes, so to am I." Muraki charged Tsuzuki, engaging the two of them in a lethal dance. "You nearly killed me Tsuzuki. I am rather shocked that you managed that." Tsuzuki dodged one of Muraki's more deadly blows. "But I am not a man without resources, you should realize that by now."
Muraki motioned over to his shadowy companion, which Tsuzuki had forgotten about soon after Muraki's appearance. Tsuzuki eyed the creature out of the corner of his eye, unwilling to let his gaze leave the threatening form of Muraki. It was doing something to the magic circle that was left behind, to what purpose, Tsuzuki could only guess.
Tsuzuki shook his head mournfully and felt an ever so tiny part of his anger evaporate. "You didn't, . . . did you Muraki?" The eerily calm conversation between the two of them as they fought was disconcerting. "Even as twisted as you are, don't you realize just how dangerous a contract with the Demons is?!" Why the hell Tsuzuki was trying to make Muraki understand the gravity of the situation was something that he couldn't understand, but it was a part of whom he was.
Muraki batted his eyes mockingly at Tsuzuki as he smashed his energy- encased fist into Tsuzuki's torso. "How touching! You really do care Tsuzuki!" Tsuzuki's breath exploded out from his chest as he fell to the ground, dazed by Muraki's blow. "But this is nothing but a means to an end, a stepping stone if you will."
"It isn't you I worry for, it is for the people you hurt." Tsuzuki crouched upon the ground gathering his strength. Whatever Muraki had done to make a contract with the demons, Tsuzuki was sure its result would be bad, for both the world and Muraki. A new formed anger formed after that thought crossed his mind. No matter what the reasoning behind Muraki's desperate actions, it had led to the death of an innocent, and for that he would not be merciful. "Where is the child's soul Muraki?! She has nothing to do with this!" Tsuzuki rushed forward, tackling Muraki to the ground, their energies crackling upon contact.
Muraki smiled up from his pinned position beneath Tsuzuki, and Tsuzuki couldn't help but think that Muraki was actually enjoying himself. "Nothing to do with this? On the contrary dear Tsuzuki, she has everything to do with 'this'." Muraki reached out to caress Tsuzuki's face, a gentle touch amidst the fierce combat between them. Tsuzuki shuddered and leapt away from Muraki's touch, his skin crawling. "My key so to speak."
Rampant energies crackled fiercely around Muraki's form, matching the horrible smile that graced the doctor's face. "What do I want? I thought you would have known that by now." He lifted himself off of the ground, brushing his immaculate pants distractedly. "But you see my dear Tsuzuki, a creature's desires flicker and die like a firefly, brilliant for its lifespan, but terribly short."
Muraki raised his eyes to look directly into Tsuzuki's own, making Tsuzuki feel sick. "My motivations have changed, and my sights are set on things much grander than you. But don't feel too put out Tsuzuki, you are still a part of my heart." Muraki laughed abruptly and threw another series of blasts toward Tsuzuki, forcing the man into action or be consumed. "Can't you feel my love?"
Tsuzuki grimaced as he flung a blue shield in front of him, deflecting the deadly bolts of energy. Had Muraki gone insane? As the filaments of energy dissipated Tsuzuki stood up from his defensive crouch and eyed his opponent warily. A shadow fell upon him and Tsuzuki glanced up to see the demon swoop over him, and was startled when the creature did not attack him, but continued away. He risked another glimpse across the clearing to where Hisoka should have been, and Tsuzuki nearly succumbed to panic. Hisoka.
The damage to Hisoka's clothing was apparent, material hanging in strips off of Hisoka's pale form. God . . . in his initial fury to keep Muraki away from Hisoka, he had forgotten about the shadow demon's presence. Hisoka was floundering, desperately dodging the attacks of the demon, and Tsuzuki's anxiety intensified. He had promised to protect the green-eyed youth, and he was failing . . .
A blazing bolt of red energy flew toward Tsuzuki, dragging his attention away from his vulnerable partner. Tsuzuki leapt backwards, the heat of the bolt almost unbearable as it exploded in front of him. "Shame on you Tsuzuki! Look to me! Focus only on me!" Muraki's voice was shrill, and Tsuzuki winced in pain as he limped away. He needed to focus. The only way he was going to be able to protect Hisoka was to focus. Yet intense need kept dragging Tsuzuki's gaze back to Hisoka's plight. "The boy is nothing! - a bother! You will be MINE!!" Muraki obstructed Tsuzuki's line of sight and he glared angrily at the doctor, torn between his need to protect himself, and the need to protect Hisoka.
Tsuzuki surged forward, headless of his wounds, determined to smack that godforsaken smirk off of Muraki's face. Muraki laughed, his voice spurring on the anger in Tsuzuki. "The wheel is turning my beloved, the pawns are almost in place." Muraki looked over Tsuzuki's shoulder to the battle behind him. "My puppets do still have their uses after all."
The scathing retort Tsuzuki had died as a dazzling white light blinded his vision. He brought his hand up to protect his eyes, confusion and worry running rampant within his soul. What was happening? Tsuzuki cautiously looked over to the magic circle that had been activated, and felt his heart freeze. Nothing mattered save for what was happening within that magic circle.
Dimly Tsuzuki knew he shouldn't turn his back on Muraki, but he couldn't help it. Fear gripped his entire being as he watched the energies of the magic circle swirl viciously around Hisoka's form. He looked so small, there in the overwhelming forces, and Tsuzuki instinctively took a step toward his partner. A bolt of red energy crashed into his side, slamming Tsuzuki painfully into the ground and dispersing his visible aura.
A pair of white shoes entered his blurry vision and Tsuzuki shuddered as he felt Muraki's hand brush lightly at his disheveled hair. At the moment, the violent red aura that had surrounded Muraki was gone. "You see Tsuzuki, I am only looking out for your well being." Tears of pain fell from Tsuzuki's eyes as his body desperately tried to heal the gaping wound in his side. He could see his blood pooling out among the waving grasses, and Tsuzuki took a shuddering breath. "Can't have you caught up in the boy's mess now can we?"
He could hear Hisoka's voice, faint in the howling winds brought about by the magic circles energy. Tsuzuki shoved away Muraki's unwanted touch and struggled to his feet, headless of his injuries. "What have you done?" Tsuzuki grasped his side, ignoring the eery calm of Muraki beside him.
Muraki tilted Tsuzuki's face to gaze upon it. "Nothing that wasn't set in place before you and the boy came." Muraki turned his gaze upon the Hisoka. "This WAS unexpected though. I wonder what will happen when the two spells interfere?"
Two spells? Fear enveloped Tsuzuki's being. He had to do something, to stop Hisoka from casting. Magic was a fickle mistress, prone to causing extensive damage if not performed just so. What had possessed Hisoka to attempt something so reckless?
Tsuzuki bolted forward, away from Muraki and toward his heart. "HISOKA!!!!!" The pain in his side was excruciating, but paled in comparison to the anguish of Tsuzuki's soul. Please . . . this couldn't be happening . . . His lungs burned, but Tsuzuki ran forward desperately. "HI - SO - KA!!!!!"
"Hei. Sha. Kai. Jin. Retsu. Zai. Sen. SOUL BIND!!"
The blast catapulted Tsuzuki to the ground, a strangled cry caught in the violet-eyed man's throat. A horrible scream of agony resonated through the area, the voice resonating in pain and desperately afraid. Tsuzuki raised his arms above his head in a futile gesture of protection and clung to the ground, recklessly riding out the explosion of energy; hoping against hope that the agonizing scream had not been his partner.
Muraki stood nonchalantly, smiling softly as surges of energy hurtled about him; his form shielded by his power. "Fascinating . . . I wonder what kind of changes this will bring to the plan?" He murmured quietly to himself. His eyes keen on the site of the magic circle.
Debris rained down upon the clearing, covering Tsuzuki in a false rain of dirt and wood. He clenched his eyes shut tightly and weathered the unnatural assault, fear gripping his heart. The wielding of magic was not something to be done lightly and the shadow creature's attacks had been fierce, but had it driven Hisoka to do something so foolish? What had driven Hisoka to go against everything he had been taught about magic?
Unnatural wind buffeted the violet-eyed shinigami, drawn out from the vortex of chaotic magic and Tsuzuki cautiously lifted his head to a horrible display. The turbulent energies had converged back to their origin, a pulsing pillar of white light born from the magic circle, extending out of sight toward the heavens. That in itself would have been disturbing enough, but it was what was suspended in the swirling pillar of energy that stole Tsuzuki's breath.
Tsuzuki pulled himself shakily to his feet, clutching his bleeding side painfully. Wind causing his clothing to billow wildly as Tsuzuki turned around slowly to look at Muraki who calmly stared back. "What in Gods name have you done Muraki?" Tsuzuki turned his gaze back to the pulsing pillar of light, his face slack of emotion. "Hisoka . . . Hisoka!"
The ghostly outline of the runic markings of the circle hung within the pillar, the image perpendicular to the ground. The runic markings of the spectral circle pulsed in time with the light of the pillar, the markings a deep blood red etched in black. The shadow demon was no more, presumably destroyed in the ferocity of the combined magics . . . but at what cost?
Suspended from the spectral circle was Hisoka, arms outstretched, his head slumped forward. Glorious white wings extended from Hisoka's back, feathers falling to the ground like white rain. He looked like an angel, a chained, bloody angel . . . Tsuzuki could do little more than stare in horror. Hisoka's beautiful green eyes were closed, and Tsuzuki prayed it was because he was unconscious and nothing more. It was a sick parody of a crucifixion and to Tsuzuki's eyes, it was a nightmare turned into reality.
Through the shreds of the shirt Hisoka wore, Tsuzuki could see the curse marks that Muraki had inflicted upon the youth, the symbols glowing. Only now the curse marks pulsed in time with the wavering light of the out of control magic. Tsuzuki took note of all of this within a couple of seconds, his own wounds forgotten. Hisoka . . .
The maelstrom of magic light fluctuated and the evil looking magic circle seemingly drew itself into Hisoka's frame. The curse marks upon Hisoka's skin burned even brighter and Tsuzuki watched in morbid fascination as the markings gained a black rim about their edges, then faded away. Tsuzuki rushed forward, headless of the danger to himself or to the wounds he had sustained.
Hisoka's newly formed wings fluttered slightly and folded around Hisoka's unconscious form. The last of the pillar's light vanished and Hisoka's body slowly fell from the sky, wings trailing skyward. The effect was mildly disturbing to Tsuzuki as he reached out his arms to carefully catch his unresponsive partner's body. What in God's name happened to Hisoka?
Hisoka's weight was light in Tsuzuki's arms, and unrelenting fear in Tsuzuki's heart surged forth. Tsuzuki dropped to his knees, laying Hisoka's unconscious form partially upon the ground. He knelt, holding Hisoka's ashen form close to himself as he gently brushed Hisoka's hair away from his closed eyes. "Hisoka . . . please . . ." It was if the world had vanished, leaving only Tsuzuki and the oh so still form of Hisoka in his embrace. Tsuzuki could feel tears forming in his eyes as he whispered quietly to his partner, unresponsive in his arms. "Stay with me . . ."
"What a bother."
An eerie calm settled over Tsuzuki's features, and he gently laid Hisoka down on the ground. Tsuzuki then rose to his feet, his black trench coat flapping in the windstorm, his stance foreboding. Tsuzuki turned around to face Muraki, who stood where Tsuzuki had left him moments before. "Fix this . . . NOW!!" Tsuzuki's eyes flashed menacingly, and he noted that even Muraki took a hesitant step away from him.
Muraki walked leisurely toward the two shinigami and he gazed coldly at Tsuzuki and then back to the transformed Hisoka. "What makes you think I can 'fix' this?" Tsuzuki barely kept his fury and fear in check. What had happened to Hisoka? He eyed Muraki as the doctor stopped a couple steps in front of Tsuzuki, ever aware of the still form upon the ground behind him. "What makes you think I want to?"
Tsuzuki shook his head in anger and roughly grabbed Muraki by the collar, shaking the man violently. "So help me Muraki . . ." Tsuzuki's voice wavered with strong emotion and he glared hatefully at Muraki. "If you don't, I will - "
"You'll what?" Muraki raised a pale eyebrow, his posture relaxed even trapped in Tsuzuki's grip. "Your obligation as a shinigami forbids the premature taking of a soul. Killing me will do nothing to help your pathetic partner, and acting rashly will only bring the wrath of God upon your head." Muraki smiled deliberately at Tsuzuki, infuriating the shinigami.
Tsuzuki narrowed his eyes and threw Muraki away from him, and turned to look down at Hisoka, pale wings spread out beneath him, blood trickling from multiple wounds. He didn't know what to do, unknown magics had seeped into Hisoka, changing him; perhaps even killing him. Muraki provoked him, but deep down Tsuzuki knew Muraki was right. He looked over to Hisoka's prone form, and the feathery expanse of wings that protruded delicately from the boy's back. He beat down his feelings of sorrow and guilt. Hisoka needed him now, and he would not fail him again.
Red light alerted Tsuzuki to the danger before he actually looked at Muraki. The doctor's form was once again encased in his hellish red aura. Tsuzuki stepped in front of Hisoka's prone form, he would protect Hisoka from this at least. The gleam in Muraki's eyes was cold, and Tsuzuki could feel dread spread through him. "I could lie and say I pity your partner's fate, but that would be a lie." Muraki's eyes slid to the winged form of Hisoka on the ground. "The interference he has caused once again annoys me, but hasn't swayed my desires." Tsuzuki winced as his side reminded him that he was still wounded. He raised his violet eyes to meet Muraki's. "I will be taking him now if you please."
"Never." Tsuzuki's voice was eerily cold, and Tsuzuki himself was surprised by his tone. Whatever had happened to Hisoka, he would figure out later. As long as his partner's heart still beat, Tsuzuki would defend him. Tsuzuki lowered into a defensive stance, his body tense. "I won't let you take him."
Muraki made a slight clicking noise, like a parent would scold a small child. "You are already wounded quite seriously my dear Tsuzuki." He smiled slightly and raised an flaming ball of energy in his hand. "Don't make me kill you."
Tsuzuki laughed at Muraki's comment, the sound dark despite its nature. "I assure you Muraki, there are worse fates than death. You will not take him." Tsuzuki closed his eyes and Muraki cringed slightly as a flare of power exploded from about Tsuzuki's form. A new magic circle formed upon the ground, its light brilliant and red.
Muraki threw his bolt of energy at Tsuzuki, at which the shinigami just stood and endured its impact. Trembling slightly, Tsuzuki began his incantation, heedless of his injuries. "I bow to thee and beseech to you, the Twelve Gods that protect me," violet eyes snapped open to gaze cooly at Muraki's mismatched ones. "Appear before me, come out - Suzaku!"
Tendrils of flame erupted from the magic circle to gently surround Tsuzuki and Hisoka. While the flames did nothing to the two shinigami, Tsuzuki could see Muraki cringe from the blast of heat. With an ear piercing screech, the phoenix form of Suzaku rose from the magic circle, her wings alight in fire.
Tsuzuki watched as Muraki raised a shield to protect himself from the flames of Suzaku. He knew he should feel more, should be angry or fearful, but he felt dead inside. Tsuzuki knew that it was because of the still form that lay on the ground behind him. Suzaku screeched once again, awaiting the order of her master and Tsuzuki eyed Muraki with cold eyes. "Suzaku . . . Explode!"
Magical fire flared out and enveloped Muraki's form, and Tsuzuki felt a small piece of satisfaction in that. Whether or not Muraki escaped unscathed Tsuzuki did not care, and if the doctor died . . . if Hisoka did not recover either than it wouldn't matter anyway. He watched as Suzaku's flames surged dangerously, and was not surprised when Muraki's form burst out of the raging inferno to the dark night sky above.
Tsuzuki looked up to Muraki,, unconcerned by the fury that shone from Muraki's eyes. Suzaku hovered protectively above her master, her crimson eyes glaring hard at Muraki. "Resist if you wish Tsuzuki! You know that this is futile! Without me, you will never truly know what agony has befallen the boy!" Muraki's voice drifted down to Tsuzuki, but Tsuzuki did not look up, instead his eyes drawn down to Hisoka's pale form. "Look at me Tsuzuki! I want to see your broken spirit, succumbing to me!" Muraki's voice was shrill, and to Tsuzuki's ears sounded slightly unstable. Suzaku screeched loudly and fired another blast of fire in Muraki's direction.
Knowing that Suzaku would protect them, Tsuzuki knelt down and gently pulled Hisoka into an embrace, the white wings spread out about them like a cloak Nothing mattered now - not the wounds in his side, not even Muraki; only Hisoka. Tsuzuki blinked fiercely as tears formed in his eyes. He had failed him again . . .
Vibrant red wings encircled Tsuzuki protecting him from a barrage of attacks launched by Muraki. Suzaku cried out in pain and Tsuzuki raised his head to the sky. He clasped Hisoka's unconscious form to his own, tears flowing freely down his face. Everyone he befriended . . . everyone he loved . . . they all went away . . .
Blinking rapidly, Tsuzuki hastily wiped his tears away and shook his head. He couldn't give up yet, Hisoka wasn't dead yet (1). If he gave up hope now, if he gave up on Hisoka now, then what would have been the point of surviving Kyoto? Tsuzuki gazed up to the sky, carefully cradling Hisoka's body against his own, anger igniting his weary soul. "Suzaku! Explode!"
Suzaku complied with Tsuzuki's order and let loose a burning storm of energy, enveloping Muraki's form once again in its fiery embrace. Tsuzuki eyed the deadly explosion and Muraki who struggled against the phoenix's awesome power. Anger was something that Tsuzuki could cling to, something that would give him strength.
Red light lit up the clearing, casting deep shadows as Suzaku's attack began to diminish. Tsuzuki stood up carefully and eyed the sky, unable to see any sign of the demented doctor. He clenched his fists, furious at himself and his inability to protect his partner. Not only had he failed to protect Hisoka, but the young girls soul was still trapped within the clutches of Muraki. Tsuzuki shook his head. Two innocents . . . two innocents were going to pay the price for his failure.
Suzaku hovered patiently over her master, ready to defend him against any attack. Tsuzuki looked up to her and smiled bitterly. At least she had been able to uphold her promises. Tsuzuki clutched his bleeding side, the physical pain nothing compared to the emotional anguish he felt.
He looked down to Hisoka, and blinked back the tears that threatened to blur his vision. In the dying light, Hisoka looked like a fallen angel, pale wings folded beneath him, blood trickling from a number of wounds. Tsuzuki knelt down once again and pulled Hisoka close to him. He lowered his head, touching his forehead to Hisoka's cool one. "Hisoka . . . wake up . . . please . . ." Tsuzuki enveloped Hisoka in a tight embrace, his whispered plea lost to the cold night.
Tsuzuki did not have to look up to know that Muraki had retreated. Suzaku's attitude revealed everything he needed to know. Gentle in her stance, Suzaku lowered her head down to gently press her head to Tsuzuki's back, tears welling up in her eyes as she witnessed her master's pain. The fiery bird made a small noise of comfort, and then vanished, gone back to her world.
The darkness that enveloped Tsuzuki as Suzaku left was nothing compared to the darkness within himself. The only solace he could take from this encounter was that Hisoka still lived, but in what state - only time would tell. The pale moonlight provided a little light, and Tsuzuki felt as if he would shatter. Hisoka had finally been opening up to him, they were becoming closer . . . why did this have to occur?
Gods, this wasn't happening. Tsuzuki carefully stood up, his precious burden cradled in his arms. The gash in his side bled profusely, and Tsuzuki knew he himself needed to rest soon as well if he was to recover. He needed to get back to Meifu, he needed Watari to heal Hisoka. He needed someone to tell him everything was going to be okay. Tsuzuki bit back a sob that threatened to escape him.
He couldn't give up now, if he did than Hisoka was as good as gone. Tsuzuki tightened his grasp on Hisoka, careful of the pale white wings that Hisoka now possessed. Sirens pierced the quiet, and Tsuzuki knew he would have to get out of there as the police would be coming to investigate. The chaos that they had caused probably had stirred up a panic. Tsuzuki winced as he stepped forward, his body reminding him painfully that it was wounded.
First things first . . . he had to get them out of here. Once they were back in Meifu, Hisoka could be healed, and the two of them could continue on their search for Hikaru's soul. Everything would be fine, once they recovered. Tsuzuki tightened his grip on Hisoka and gathered his energy. The air rippled slightly and nothing happened.
Confusion gripped Tsuzuki as he tried to teleport to Meifu once again. The demolished clearing remained around him. Why wasn't it working? Sure he was wounded, and had a passenger to boot . . . but it shouldn't matter that much . . . should it? Tsuzuki looked around in alarm as he heard footsteps approaching. He needed to get out of there.
If he didn't have enough strength to get to Meifu then he would just go to the motel room, and once he healed a little, he would be able to get them to Meifu where he could get Hisoka help. Gripping Hisoka tightly, Tsuzuki changed his destination and struggled to teleport once again. The clearing faded from Tsuzuki's view just as flashlights lit up the clearing, the air rippling slightly where the two shinigami had just been.
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"He seems to be resting comfortably now, and his wounds have stopped bleeding heavily." GuShoShin touched Tsuzuki on the arm sympathetically and Tsuzuki looked down to his unconscious partner sadly. The pale white wings spread out from beneath Hisoka, and to Tsuzuki, he looked like a fallen angel. "You need to rest Tsuzuki . . . if you are to help Hisoka, you need your strength."
"Why the hell won't it work?" Tsuzuki slammed his fist onto the small table that occupied the motel room, startling GuShoShin who sat beside the prone form of Hisoka in the bed.. The librarian had almost screamed when Tsuzuki had teleported into the room with Hisoka in his arms. It had not been the entrance, but their appearance that had frightened the librarian so.
"Why can't I get to Meifu? Hisoka needs attention from professionals, not an amateur like me!" Tsuzuki paced the length of the room, his trench coat long abandoned on the bed. He could feel GuShoShin's eyes upon him, and knew he was worried about the wounds Tsuzuki had sustained, but in the grander scheme of things, Tsuzuki just did not care. "I've tried on my own, and you have as well . . . why can't we get through?"
"I really don't know Tsuzuki . . ." The bird's voice sounded sorrowful, and Tsuzuki looked at him to see GuShoShin pull his ever present laptop onto the bed. "Travel between Meifu and ChiJou shouldn't be a problem for a shinigami, even with wounds like yours. Only something of a dire nature would totally block the void between the world of the living and the dead." GuShoShin gestured to the laptop, frustration evident on his feathered face. "I've tried to get in contact with division, but it seems the network must be down. I can't send or receive any messages."
"What in the world is going on? First of all this macabre case comes up and Enma assigns Hisoka and I personally! Why specifically the two of us?" Tsuzuki fumed and paced about the room. "A child's soul is in the clutches of that psychopath Muraki and demons, she needs us . . . but we can barely help ourselves!" Frustration fuelled his ire, and Tsuzuki continued his barrage of tirades.
Tsuzuki looked over to Hisoka's still form and felt a little of his anger leave him. "What possessed him to do something so desperate GuShoShin? Hisoka is not a irresponsible person . . . so why did he mess with a magic circle invoked by a demon?" He continued his pacing of the small motel room. "And for that matter, why are the demons involved? Are they responsible for Muraki's presence?"
It didn't really solve anything, or do anything to help, but ranting helped calm Tsuzuki's anxious heart. Even though he spoke of different things, his mind was still focussed on the pale youth in the bed nearby. "We weren't ready for this GuShoShin . . . field work I mean. But Enma commanded the two of us to directly take this case, so it wasn't like we could refuse." He wrung his hands together and looked over to GuShoShin. "So why can't we get back to Meifu? Is Enma determined to keep us here until we complete the case? If so . . . why are you trapped here as well?"
Clearing his throat softly, GuShoShin caught Tsuzuki's attention. "I'm sorry Tsuzuki. I don't have any answers to the questions you ask. Only speculations." He scratched his chin in thought. "Maybe this has nothing to do with Enma, but with the entwining of the two spells in your encounter with Muraki and the demon? Magic is erratic that way, if not cast just so . . ." He waved his hand dismissively. "Who knows what kind of chaos those two incantations have wrought within Hisoka? The changes to his outer appearance attest to that!"
Tsuzuki looked down to Hisoka, GuShoShin's voice echoing fears within his own soul. Hisoka had been cleaned up and bandaged, but he was still in a serious condition. The angry outlines of Hisoka's curse marks peeked through the bandages that wrapped around the youth. The symbols glowed slightly, blood-red lines outlined in stark black. Why had they changed?
Tsuzuki trailed his eyes to the delicate ivory wings that spread out beneath Hisoka like a blanket. They were beautiful, but unnatural for the young shinigami. Tsuzuki touched one of the wings gently. "He looks like an angel GuShoShin . . ." Tsuzuki let that laden comment trail off into silence.
Tsuzuki walked up to the window, the night sky dark and foreboding. He pressed his arm against the cold window and leaned his head against his arm. "GuShoShin . . . I failed him." Tsuzuki squeezed his eyes shut as the horrible image of Hisoka desperately fleeing the shadow demon came to him. "I was so intent on keeping Muraki away from him, that I completely dismissed the demon."
"Tsuzuki . . . you did what you could." GuShoShin's voice was loud in the stillness of the room. "You couldn't have known what Muraki and the demon had planned."
Tsuzuki slammed his hand into the window, rattling the glass slightly with the impact. "That's just it. I STILL don't know what they were up to. Why take the child's soul? For what purpose?" Tsuzuki raised his head up and turned to look to GuShoShin, his body weary. "They were so sure we would come, and Muraki had seemed intent on using that magic circle." Tsuzuki looked over to the pale form of his partner. "What in Gods name has happen to Hisoka GuShoShin? Why won't he wake up?"
GuShoShin furrowed his brow and typed a couple of keys on his keyboard. "You said Hisoka used the magic circle to augment his spell?" Tsuzuki nodded affirmatively, his gaze still upon his partner. "Well, a magic circle's powers can be used differently, depending on the circumstances."
"I know that already." Tsuzuki straightened up from the window and padded over to the bed Hisoka currently occupied. He brushed Hisoka's bangs lightly with his fingers. "What are you getting at GuShoShin?"
"Yeah, but what if the circle had already been infused with a spell?" GuShoShin turned his laptop slightly so Tsuzuki could look at the screen. It showed an image of a simple magic circle. "When the shadow demon activated the circle it must have primed the spell that was already adhered to it. Such spells require the target to enter the boundaries of the circle to complete."
Tsuzuki lifted his head to look at GuShoShin in shock. "You mean when Hisoka stepped into the circle . . . ?" GuShoShin nodded in agreement. "How do we know Hisoka was the target? You know that Muraki has a crazed obsession with me." Tsuzuki rubbed at his temples lightly, bowing his head in frustration. "Hisoka's incantation of the soul bind spell must have corrupted Muraki's enchantment within the magic circle. That must be what Muraki referred to when he spoke of two spells interfering."
GuShoShin frowned and closed his laptop. "Who knows Tsuzuki? Muraki is a chaotic variable. Who knows if you or Hisoka were the target of that stationary spell? Who knows how Muraki seemed to know that you two would come in search of Hikaru's soul? Who knows why Muraki needs Hikaru's soul?"
GuShoShin floated over to Tsuzuki and patted the man's back. "All we have right now are questions, and not a lot of answers. We either need to find the demon or Muraki for those answers, and my guess is that neither will be easy to find. Without access to Meifu, we cannot accomplish much."
"I think the demon died." Tsuzuki looked over to GuShoShin who just looked at Tsuzuki in confusion. The comment was totally out of the blue, and Tsuzuki felt a need to contemplate on that phrase. "The demon that we met, before Muraki showed up. I think it was destroyed."
"Are you sure?"
It really was a blur, Tsuzuki's prominent memories were of Muraki and of Hisoka bound in the light. The presence of the demon had kind of gotten lost in the mix of things. "Not really . . . but it was gone after Hisoka's spell was cast."
GuShoShin landed gently on the edge of the bed and sat down. "Maybe it went back to the demon world to report what had happened?" GuShoShin gestured to his laptop. "From the descriptions Hisoka made for me before you two left, and the likeness you described to me earlier, it seems as if that shadow demon was nothing more than a lower denizen of Hell."
Tsuzuki punched his fist into the palm of his other hand. "That's not the point! A demon was there GuShoShin. A Demon! I thought that the demons were laying low ever since Saaga's encounter with JuChoOh?" Tsuzuki shook his head angrily and continued his pacing. "I thought Muraki was smart enough to know how dangerous the demon race can be. As sick as that man is, I cannot believe that he has made a contract with the demon race!!"
GuShoShin looked up to Tsuzuki, a thoughtful look on his face. "Muraki lost a lot back in Kyoto as well . . . did he not? Desperation can do curious things to a person's reasoning." GuShoShin glanced over to Hisoka's pale form, then back up to Tsuzuki. "Maybe he has something he wishes to protect as well? You of all people should understand that."
Tsuzuki shuddered as he remembered Muraki's crazed comments. "Maybe . . . but to work with the demons?" He looked down to Hisoka. The desire to protect . . . it was a powerful force. Maybe GuShoShin was right? "I cannot even begin to understand that demented man's intentions. All I know is that I cannot forgive him for this." Tsuzuki raked his fingers through his hair and abruptly stood up. "I need to find him."
The look on GuShoShin's face was priceless, and had the situation been less dire, Tsuzuki might have found humor in it. "You just barely chased him away before!! What could possibly drive you to want to find that madman!?"
Tsuzuki let his eyes rest on Hisoka's pale face. "I have my reasons." Guilt gnawed at his being, and it would not let go until those emerald eyes opened. "I need to find Muraki before he finds us. He was a step ahead of us before, I won't let him catch us unawares again. We still have a job to complete."
"Since when have you become the spokesperson for hard work?" GuShoShin's comment was insulting and Tsuzuki winced at the librarian's harsh words. "Rushing headlong into danger will do nothing to bring Hisoka back to us!"
Whirling around, Tsuzuki turned to face the exasperated librarian. "What would you have me do then GuShoShin? Sit here and watch as he slips further and further from me?!" Tsuzuki looked sadly at Hisoka's silent figure. Frustration tested his patience, and Tsuzuki felt as if he would go mad if he just sat there and watch Hisoka's still form. "Don't you think I realize the danger?" Tsuzuki let his eyes trail over Hisoka's face. Why won't you open your eyes Hisoka? Tsuzuki shook his head slightly and sighed. "Keep trying to contact division GuShoShin . . . I am sure that you will get through if you keep at it."
"That's a very farfetched plan . . ."
"What choice do we have?" Tsuzuki looked at GuShoShin, misery visible in his violet eyes. "It isn't like there is a physical way to get to Meifu. We will just have to wait for them to get worried when we don't report in. Maybe then they will be able to get in touch with us? In the mean time, we have to continue as if nothing is wrong."
Tsuzuki walked over to the table that held the case information. "Despite all of this . . . we still have a child's soul to recover. I'll be damned if I let Muraki get away with what he has done." He glanced over to Hisoka. "Hisoka would not forgive me if I lost her, even with his injuries." He flashed a small smile to GuShoShin, a ghost of his usual cheerful self coming back.
Tsuzuki walked back over to Hisoka and trailed his fingers across the boy's cheek. "We still have Enma's command over our heads, we have no choice." He glanced over to GuShoShin. "For Hisoka's sake, as well as my own, I have to go."
"You don't know how serious Hisoka's condition is . . ."
Gesturing wildly, Tsuzuki pushed his argument, although in the back of his mind he was not quite sure what his point was. "That is my point exactly! We don't KNOW! Who knows what is happening to Hisoka right now, and what about Hikaru's soul? Do you want her to remain trapped in that bastard's grasp?"
GuShoShin straightened to his full height, which wasn't much if one considered the librarian's form. "Of course not! But even I know when it is time to lick ones wounds and try again later!" The librarian shook his head angrily. "What about our inability to contact or even get to Meifu? Have you even considered the ramifications of that? We need to talk to the others . . . form a plan! Get help for Hisoka!!"
Tsuzuki clenched his fists, and closed his eyes. "I am aware of that GuShoShin. That is why you are going to stay here with Hisoka and keep trying to get in touch with division." He flashed GuShoShin a grim smile. "Hisoka always told me that I am guided by my emotions. It's how I am, and the way I get results." Tsuzuki reached for his trench coat, inspecting the damage to the black cloth.
GuShoShin murmured angrily, Tsuzuki could see the librarian was livid. "If you care for him at all, you won't go after Muraki. Not now, not when Hisoka needs you!" Tsuzuki didn't need to be an empath like Hisoka to know that GuShoShin was terribly afraid, despite his outrage. "Please Tsuzuki! We don't know what is going on, we need to find facts before you rush out after him!"
Tsuzuki winced slightly at GuShoShin's low blow and smiled sadly. "It is because I care for him, that I cannot stay here and do nothing." He raised his amethyst eyes to GuShoShin's and shook his head sorrowfully. "Do you think I want to face Muraki again? I would rather see him fry in depths of hell, which I may still see considering his link with the demons." Tsuzuki flashed a look over to Hisoka. "There are some things in this world, that are worth fighting for . . . worth dying for."
"This is insane! Hisoka would not want you to go alone!"
"Well Hisoka isn't exactly aware to say otherwise, is he GuShoShin? Someone has to stay here with him. The only way I am going to Hisoka back is to figure out just exactly what spell Muraki placed on the circle, and find Hikaru's soul." Tsuzuki pulled his trench coat on, wincing slightly at the pain of his healing wounds. The blood marks blended in with the dark colour of his coat, but he would have to wash the garment later. "Her disappearance seems vital to figuring out this bloody mess."
"How are you going to find him Tsuzuki?" GuShoShin glared at Tsuzuki angrily, and Tsuzuki just glared back. "You aren't just going to stumble across Muraki in the street!" The librarian flew up directly into Tsuzuki's face. "Running around aimlessly isn't going to help anyone!"
It took a lot of effort not to just scream in GuShoShin's face, and instead Tsuzuki stepped away from the librarian and stared out the window. His voice was deadly calm as he replied to GuShoShin's outburst. "I won't be aimlessly wandering. I have a very specific destination." He pressed his hand palm up against the cool glass. "The KuKatsuRou."
"How is going to that man going to solve anything?"
Tsuzuki eyed his reflection in the glass, his own violet eyes staring back at him with a dark look. "It's a start. He's Muraki's friend, and if anyone knows anything, he'll know."
Tsuzuki looked back to GuShoShin and was mildly surprised to see the anger leave the floating librarian. GuShoShin flew over to Tsuzuki, and pressed a small item into his hand. He looked up to GuShoShin's face and was speechless. "I can see that no matter what I say, your mind is already made up." He gestured to the object in Tsuzuki's hand and Tsuzuki opened his hand up to reveal a small cell phone. "Use that if you find anything or need help." GuShoShin pointed at the senseless Hisoka and smiled sadly. "I'll do as you ask. But . . ." GuShoShin looked back at Tsuzuki. "For his sake you better come back alive."
Dumbfounded, Tsuzuki could only nod in agreement. He pocketed the small cell phone and smiled grimly at GuShoShin. "I'm depending on you to get in touch with division . . . they will want to know what has happened." Tsuzuki gazed back at Hisoka, his resolve hardening as his eyes travelled over the youths battered form. "I'll come back. Don't doubt that."
Whether he spoke to the worried librarian or to the still form of his partner, Tsuzuki was not sure. He opened the door and stepped through it, the night wind chilling his weary body. Tsuzuki looked up to the stars twinkling in the sky and grasped the railing of the open walkway that led to the ground below. An image of Hisoka hanging in the air, his new formed wings outstretched in a parody of crucifixion came to Tsuzuki's mind.
"I'll find you Muraki, even if I have to go to the ends of the earth." Tsuzuki narrowed his eyes and straightened up. "You wanted to dance? . . . let's dance." Tsuzuki whirled around and embedded his hands deep into his trench coat pockets, his figure a lone traveller under the veil of night.
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Authors Note:
NEW NOTES:
-Sorry for the repost, but apparently I was asleep when I was writing this one -- cause I didn't even let people know where Tsuzuki was going! My Bad! So there isn't much change -just a couple lines, but well I thought it was kinda important!
-Just a thought for peoples - the gesture that Tsuzuki give Muraki could be taken multiple ways -- I'll let your imagination decide if Tsuzuki is flipping Muraki off or not . . . :)
Sorry for the delay in the chapter. I am still not sure if I am completely happy with this one, but I'll let you guys decide that one.
Note (1): I know that Tsuzuki and Hisoka are already dead, but they are given a 'second life' so to speak. And well, there is always something beyond death, as Tatsumi hinted at in the Interlude.
I switched to Tsuzuki's perspective, cause well - Hisoka is kinda out of it don't you know? :) Also because it was important to get some other . . . threads into motion so to speak. GuShoShin is a strange one to me, always in the background, always there, but not there . . . you know? I wanted the argument between him and Tsuzuki to display emotions for both him and Tsuzuki. I hope it came across.
Ugh . . . I feel like I am losing steam on this story, even though I do have the majority of it mapped out. I wonder if my muse is going for a hiatus? I sure hope not. Encouragement anyone?
Reviews on this chapter and the story in general would be most appreciated. I want to know what you the reader thinks! Helps me plot my victim's - er my character's development.
Once again, I want to thank everyone who has read and those who have reviewed my humble chicken scratches. Thank you very much!
Also I just have to thank Matsushita for creating such wonderful characters! Humor, darkness, romance - all the fun stuff rolled into one! Thank you!