Disclaimer: Yami no Matsuei is not mine, it will never be mine. The
characters are the sole property of Matsushita Youko. This story and
concept are the property of Lockeheart (that's me!) _ so please don't
steal. I have been working hard on this!
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.
Also once again, original characters are mine, all mine!
So on with the Show!
Chapter Eight - Complicated
By Lockeheart
********************
"So we meet again little Shinigami . . ."
The darkness that surrounded Hisoka as he opened his eyes was unnatural and almost suffocating. He was topless, and his curse marks burned with an unnatural red blaze. They shed an unholy light, but did nothing to pierce the veil of shadows surrounding Hisoka. The searing pain was back again, but Hisoka just clenched his fists and bore the agony. Dread filled Hisoka's being at the sound of that disembodied voice, and Hisoka knew he was unconscious once again.
A menacing, deep chuckle filled the void, and reverberated within the shadows surrounding Hisoka. A bone chilling cold permeated the air, and Hisoka wrapped his arms around himself. He tried to fold his wings about his frame, only to discover them mysteriously absent once again.
"Funny how things happen . . . do you realize what is happening?"
The voice echoed and Hisoka looked about the area in apprehension. There would be no protection from Hikaru this time from Chymos. Hisoka took a couple steps forward, and shook his head. He could feel Chymos, the malice from the demon was hard not to notice, but it was the lack of specific direction that bothered Hisoka. If the demon was hiding in the darkness, his empathy should eventually lead him to the source of the emotion - to Chymos. But as it was, the negative emotions seemed to swirl about him chaotically without a discernable source.
Hisoka gritted his teeth to bite back the pain of his marks and raised his eyes to the darkness ahead of him. "No I don't." If he couldn't pinpoint the demon, he could at least keep it distracted.
"That little shrew has you wrapped around her finger . . . doesn't she?" The sounds of movement came to Hisoka, and he tilted his head to try to pinpoint the sound. "Doesn't matter, Muraki has you dancing on his strings . . . little puppet Shinigami." Hisoka peered into the darkness as the low voice continued. "Misinformation . . . bribery . . . and to think that even dead, they still act like selfish humans."
Hisoka frowned as he listened to Chymos' words. What the hell was Chymos talking about? "We will see who is the puppet . . . " He felt vulnerable without a shirt, not that such a thing would help in this surreal world. Hisoka raised his head defiantly towards the darkness. "What do you want now Chymos? Didn't you get enough of a punishment last time?"
A low laugh filled the darkness, and Hisoka felt terribly exposed there in the gloom. "Indeed. But I see this time the girl isn't here to help you out." Hisoka frowned and nearly leapt out of his skin as a pair of blood red eyes suddenly appeared directly in front of him. He took a couple steps backwards, and as he concentrated, Hisoka could see the outline of Chymos in the gloom. Chymos sat crouched like a cat ready to spring, and Hisoka wouldn't put it far of the mark that Chymos would do so. "Pity. I so wanted to tear those pretty wings from your back."
"Don't think that I am defenceless here demon." Hisoka lowered his arms and adopted a bolder stance. Hikaru and her peculiar powers were not here at the moment, but Hisoka was a shinigami, he was not without resources. "This is my world."
Chymos tilted his head as if looking around, and Hisoka clenched his fists tightly. "If this is your world little Shinigami, then why is my darkness prevailing here?" Chymos leered at Hisoka, displaying the shiny white gleam of his fangs. "The only reason you bested me last time was because of the brat."
Hisoka closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated on changing the environment. Hikaru had also stated earlier that it was he who created the landscape of this realm; he just needed control. The darkness wavered, and the darkness wavered as a forest suddenly flourished from the ground. Numerous leafy trees shrubs and undergrowth formed about the two of them, enveloping them in a twilight lit woodland. While he was at it, Hisoka formed himself a white dress shirt to drape open over his shoulders. Hisoka opened his eyes to view the change. It wasn't much, but it was his.
Chymos looked about him, almost cringing at the change of scenery. "Cute Shinigami . . . so you changed the surroundings, big deal." Chymos trained his red eyes upon Hisoka once again. "Pretty scene changes won't do anything to help you here." He stepped forward with one clawed foot to crush a branch beneath his heel.
Hisoka's breath quickened as he stared at Chymos. "I want this joining as much as you do. Believe me demon, if I could, I would tear you from me right now." He pulled at his collar, and buttoned up the lower buttons on the pristine dress shirt. He had to delay Chymos, Hisoka had to get answers to some of his questions. "Where is Hikaru?"
Chymos' eyes narrowed at Hisoka's question and Hisoka lowered his hands. "Bah. Stupid little girl went and exerted herself helping you in the real world." Chymos licked his lips and smiled a toothy smile at Hisoka. "Poor little thing . . . she was exhausted when I found her."
The cold that chilled Hisoka earlier seemed to fill his very being. He would know if Chymos had hurt Hikaru . . . wouldn't he? Chymos must have seen the question in Hisoka's eyes because the demon shook his head and growled. "Don't worry your pretty little head Shinigami. I might have found her, but she still has bite. I would have chased her if you hadn't suddenly showed up."
Chymos leered almost suggestively at Hisoka and Hisoka shivered. "Why hunt a morsel when the main course has come back?" Chymos tapped his chest, and Hisoka could see the tiny outline of cracks upon his frame. "I must insist on repaying you for the 'kindness' you showed me."
So Hikaru was safe for now. Hisoka closed his eyes momentarily. His use of her power in the waking world must have weakened the child. Hisoka opened his eyes to look upon Chymos. Now that Hisoka knew that he could tap Hikaru's power in the real world, and knew the cost of doing so, Hisoka would be much more careful. "You deserve what you got demon."
Chymos began to walk, his eyes never leaving Hisoka's frame. Hisoka watched as the demon leisurely paced around him, wary of Chymos' movements. "I deserve what I got? I have yet to receive what is due to me." Chymos gestured as if lecturing a person, and Hisoka let the demon ramble. The more time the demon took talking, the more time Hisoka would have to escape; he hoped. "I helped Muraki with his plan, even stole the girl from her bed as she slept, and for what?" Chymos pointed a clawed finger to Hisoka in accusation. "All the fun is going to happen in the real world, and I suppose I do get a good seat, even if I can't participate."
Anger filled Hisoka at Chymos' words, but he did not rise to the bait. He had been overcome one too many times before by acting rash. "What do you mean?" Hisoka turned to continually face the demon as he stalked about Hisoka. The only things he and Tsuzuki had were questions and no answers. "What is going to happen?"
Chymos' horrible laughter filled the woodland clearing, and Hisoka cringed at the unnatural sound. "Oh this is too much! I know you were in Muraki's grasp - did he not tell you anything?" Hisoka glared up at Chymos and the smile on the demon's face got even wider. "Always wanting to play, that Muraki. He is akin the demons in that respect."
Hisoka felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise as Chymos stopped his pacing to turn his full attention onto Hisoka. "I know what your God has done . . . For one in charge of the dead, He sure is stupid sometimes." Chymos spread his bat wings slightly as if irritated and he spat onto the ground. "Enma is far too lenient on His children, He trusts too much, even when His children fall." Chymos trained his blood red eyes on Hisoka and smiled wickedly. "The High Council can try to rectify things, but it will be too late." Chymos flared out his wings as if to admire their splendour. "The key will unlock the door, and we shall take back what Enma has denied us for so long, and even as He betrays you, He Himself will be betrayed."
Hisoka frowned as things began to click into place. Trinity had called Hikaru a 'lost lamb', and that she would be judged for her crimes. Hikaru was a child, an innocent caught up in this terrible web . . . wasn't she? As for Enma and his ludicrous command . . . the High Council was harsh, but could they be so low as to deceive God Himself? Hisoka narrowed his eyes in anger and glared back at Chymos. The demon was feeding him lies, toying with him. It was what demons did. "You're lying."
"What reason would I have to lie?" Chymos raised his hands in mock defence. "In fact, why am I even bothering talking with you?" Chymos' eyes narrowed, and Hisoka knew that talking was over. "An eye for an eye . . . isn't that what your God promotes?" Chymos lunged forward with uncanny speed, and Hisoka sidestepped Chymos if just barely. The tips of the demon's claws lightly scratched Hisoka's chest as Chymos charged past.
Using one of the trees around him, Hisoka used it as a shield. He winced as Chymos' next attack cleanly took off the bark of the tree he was behind, scratching Hisoka up in the process. Hisoka scrambled desperately away from the tree and from Chymos, unable to think of anything to use for defence. Wood fragments splintered through the air as Chymos ripped a smaller tree out of the ground and threw it at Hisoka.
"Fight me little Shinigami! You were much braver last time we met." Chymos' voice echoed through the woods, and Hisoka peered around the tree he hid behind to eye the hovering menace. "Or was all your bravery nothing but that oath breaker and her power?" Chymos ripped another tree from the ground and made an act of ripping it to shreds. Hisoka watched the actions with apprehension. If Chymos wanted to instill anxiety into Hisoka by his strength, Hisoka was getting there. "She may be clothed in pristine cloth, but she is perhaps just as black as I am."
Hisoka slipped between two trees, using the shadow of the trees and the darkness of the night sky to help hide his form. Chymos remained in the centre of the clearing, the demon's eyes a smouldering red amidst his dark form. Later, Hisoka would evaluate Chymos' words, but for now he just needed to survive this encounter. Chymos swooped in the air, and Hisoka eyed his opponent warily. He needed an edge, something to even the odds between them.
Hisoka eyed the broken remains of the tree Chymos had thrown at him before. The force at which the tree had been thrown must have been phenomenal, and Hisoka shuddered to think what would happen to him if Chymos seized him. Hisoka thought of using his empathy, but at once discarded it. He was within his own mind for goodness sakes, Hisoka pondered that thought as he leaned against a tree. This was all his, his creation . . .
The moonlight was bright against the dark trees, and Chymos began to randomly tear into trees, the loss of his prey making him careless. "Do you want to play hide and seek little one?" Chymos smiled his terrible smile and Hisoka tried to blend into the shadow of the tree he was using. "You drove that damned feather into me like a sword . . . I just want to give you a taste of what I felt."
Sword . . . Hisoka almost smiled as the idea came to him. Of course . . . a sword. Hisoka stepped out from his hiding place to face Chymos, his stance relaxed, yet firm. Chymos spotted him almost immediately, and the demon flew closer to hover above Hisoka like a hawk. "Have you decided to play now?"
Hisoka shrugged indifferently and maintained his relaxed stance. If his idea was going to work, he needed Chymos to come to him. "Why do all of the demons always underestimate a shinigami's power?" Hisoka let a ghost of a smile cross his face. "We become shinigami because we already have innate power - but I guess you cannot help but act like the low grade ignorant demon that you are."
Empathy was not required to relay the emotions coming from Chymos, and Hisoka eyed the fuming demon before him in apprehension. He shifted his stance ever so slightly and braced himself. If this didn't work . . . Hisoka swallowed that doubt.
"And the Shinigami always underestimate the strength of a demon, you will regret you words boy." Chymos narrowed his eyes and raised his claws. "DIE!" Chymos rushed forward with unnatural speed and Hisoka watched the incoming demon, claws and blood red eyes, with detached calm. Hisoka closed his eyes and raised his hands before him, as if holding something before himself. Chymos' laughter filled the air and Hisoka ignored it, instead concentrating on the space between his enfolded hands. Hikaru was not here, the was no help for him, save himself. It was perhaps an irony of sorts, that the lessons Hisoka was taught in his short life, was going to save him here in his new 'life'.
Born from nothingness, the outline of a sword rapidly formed in the cradle of Hisoka's hands. With a slight flash, the sword materialized, it's blade bright and honed. Hisoka opened his eyes and locked them with Chymos' rapidly approaching red ones. The flash of emotion that flew between the two of them was brief, but illuminating. Holding his stance steady, Hisoka braced himself as Chymos descended toward the raised blade, unable to alter his course with the speed he flew with to completely avoid the sharp blade.
It was like cutting through butter, and the force of the impact of the sword with Chymos' flesh was staggering. Hisoka grimaced as a foul black liquid fell upon him, and Chymos sped past him to crash in a heap upon the ground. Hisoka quickly turned around to observe his opponent, and was pleased to see Chymos so slow to get up. He had not skewered the demon, but Hisoka had managed to give him a wound that would sting for quite a while.
The black blood sharply contrasted the brightness of the blade, and Hisoka mentally thanked his father for teaching him the ways of the sword. The man had at least taught him something of value. "Do not think I am helpless without Hikaru, Chymos." Hisoka stepped toward Chymos' fallen form, wary of the demon despite its apparent immobility. He lifted the blade to admire it. "Remember, this is MY world."
Chymos staggered to his feet, his bat wings pulling him off balance as he clutched the large rent along his torso. Black blood issued from the wound, but Hisoka could see that even now the wound was slowly healing. "Congratulations little Shinigami. You win . . . this round." Chymos made a mockery of a bow to Hisoka and the demon's form began to waver. "But do not think you will survive the war. The oath breaker will see to that." Hisoka watched the demon depart in a shadowy haze, and as soon as the demon's presence left the area, Hisoka fell to his knees clutching the bloody sword in his hands.
He had just acted extremely brave, or just down right reckless. His heart was beating rapidly and Hisoka looked upon the sword in his hands. It had just saved his soul, and perhaps more. Hisoka shook his head and closed his eyes. If this is what happened to him in his dreams, he need not wake up, for the waking world held worst things.
********************
It was extreme softness that claimed Hisoka's attention when he awoke to the real world. Velvety and warm, it was like sleeping against a large animal. Hisoka blinked his eyes and raised them to gaze into large, vibrant blue ones. Fighting the urge recoil in alarm, Hisoka blinked his eyes rapidly to focus on the face holing those brilliant blue eyes. Apparently he was sleeping against a large animal.
It was Byakko.
*Are you alright little one?*
The endearment was not condescending, but rather like the name a loving grandparent would give to a dear grandchild. The great Tiger seemed to almost smile, and Hisoka flushed with embarrassment as he realized that the softness he was lying against was that of Byakko himself. The warm voice rolled through his head like a beautiful melody, and Hisoka looked quizzically back up to Byakko. A musical laughter rang through Hisoka's mind, and Byakko shook his head as in laughter.
*Don't worry Hisoka. Just rest.*
"You're talking in my mind . . ."
Byakko looked to Hisoka as if he was a parent explaining something to a small child. *Of course. I don't want to wake your companions, but it is alright if you speak to me, your voice is quiet.* Byakko nudged his head toward something that Hisoka could not see laying as he was. *Are you alright Hisoka? You were moaning in your sleep.*
Hisoka lifted his head to find Tsuzuki nestled in the crook of Byakko's forepaw's, and GuShoShin lay atop the tiger God's back. Both were sound asleep. Keeping his voice low, Hisoka whispered to the tiger. "I'm . . . okay . . . Just some difference of opinion with those bound to me at the moment." Hisoka tried to blink the sleep out of his eyes. "Why are you still here Byakko, and where are we?"
The tiger seemed to pause for a moment, as in thought and Hisoka looked on in silence. *You have an interesting way of saying that your soul is damaged. Tsuzuki told me what he could of what has happened to you.* Hisoka raised his eyebrow at Byakko's accusation, but let it be. *You also have a lot of questions for someone just woken up. We are in a safe place, and as long as you remain here, the external demons after you cannot reach you.* Byakko raised his eyes to look at the night sky. *I'm worried for you Hisoka . . . and for Tsuzuki.*
*I must admit I was shocked at what Tsuzuki summoned me into.* Byakko looked to the wound along his flank, and Hisoka touched the edge of the injury lightly. *It isn't that bad, and it will heal soon enough. But even when I took you all to safety, I couldn't just leave.* Byakko leaned his head down to touch Tsuzuki's forehead. *He is very tired. He needed to sleep.* Byakko looked up to Hisoka. *You ALL needed to sleep, and someone has to guard over you, mind, body and soul.*
The implied meaning was not lost on Hisoka. It was his mind that was being protected. "Thank you." He leaned against the flank of Byakko, and rested his head. The tiger was very warm, and it was difficult not to just sleep. Hisoka curled his hands close to his body, and his wings folded up behind him.
*You're welcome.* Byakko looked to the sky, and to Hisoka it seemed as if the tiger frowned. *Tsuzuki is my master, and my friend, as are you. If I can help, I will do so.* Byakko turned his eyes upon Hisoka. *Do you know that Enma has placed a charge against Suzaku? The High Council has approached SohRyu on the matter.* Byakko shook his furry head mournfully. *I think after this escapade, I to will be accused of aiding a criminal by the High Council.*
Hisoka lifted his head up at Byakko's words. The High Council was also after Tsuzuki's shikigami? Hisoka clenched his fist tightly. "I'm sorry Byakko . . ."
*Don't be sorry.* Byakko blinked his eyes and a light laughter filled Hisoka's mind. *I think Enma's High Council thinks too highly of itself if it thinks it can threaten SohRyu and get away with it. We Shikigami bond with Shinigami for many different reasons, but it is a mutual agreement. We are not tools as that arrogant Trinity leader called us.*
Trinity. Hisoka frowned as he lay against Byakko's side. "Enma has sent His top angels after Tsuzuki and I . . . haven't they Byakko?" It was hard not to shiver slightly at the thought, and Hisoka gave in to the urge. "It has more to do with than just Muraki, or Hikaru, or us. Something important is going to happen really soon, something bad . . . and I don't think anyone realizes just how terrible it is going to be." Hisoka frowned and clasped his hands together. "And I really don't understand the danger of Tsuzuki." Hisoka raised his head to look Byakko head-on. "Is what lays within Tsuzuki really that dangerous?"
Byakko tilted his head, and Hisoka waited in the silence for the tiger God's answer. *Someone up high must believe that the child bound to you is a menace to Meifu, and although that angel said it was Enma's command, it was more likely the decision of the High Council.* Byakko winked at Hisoka. *I may be a little on the happy go lucky side, but I am not stupid. Enma does have a large say, but He does not necessarily have the final say.*
*As for what has happened to you, I don't quite understand . . . all I can say is to be brave.* Byakko looked at Hisoka sympathetically and Hisoka nodded in return. *If it were possible to bring you to my world I am sure that things could be solved, but as of late the gates have become unstable, and only those native to my world are safe to pass. But that is another matter.* Byakko looked to the sky. *When I travel back, I will talk to SohRyu about things. You are correct about something being out of place Hisoka.*
Byakko looked down upon the sleeping Tsuzuki, and Hisoka also looked upon his partner. *Tsuzuki is a unique person, don't you think Hisoka?* Byakko looked to Hisoka, and Hisoka nodded in agreement. Indeed, his partner was a remarkable person. *When Tsuzuki came to me, I was surprised. How could someone who feels so much for others, be a shinigami? A being that takes life?* Byakko touched his nose to the top of Tsuzuki's head, and the sleeping man stirred momentarily. *There is something within Tsuzuki, something that is dark.* Hisoka frowned at Byakko's words but kept silent. *But Tsuzuki is loathe to tap it, refuses to give in to the temptation of such power. I believe Tsuzuki is a stronger person than most because of that.*
Hisoka looked at Tsuzuki and he reached out a hand to lightly touch Tsuzuki's arm. Power . . . Tsuzuki was already quite powerful as he was. The darkness within Tsuzuki . . . "It haunts him . . . doesn't it Byakko?" Hisoka leaned against Byakko's fur, loathe to remove his touch from Tsuzuki. "The reason he believes he is not human." Hisoka brushed the length of Tsuzuki's arm and closed his eyes. "But he is, isn't he Byakko? Human I mean."
*What do you believe Hisoka?* Byakko looked down to Hisoka with wide eyes, and Hisoka opened his to meet the tiger's gaze.
It took Hisoka less than a second to answer Byakko, and Hisoka knew his response was genuine. "Tsuzuki is human. Being human is more than just a person's biology." Hisoka looked down to his arm, and the curse marks that lay beneath the bandages. "I know some humans, who are quite demonic in nature."
*Then that is all that matters.* Byakko looked down to Tsuzuki, and Hisoka could feel the love the shikigami felt for the sleeping man. *The ones who love him, who care for him, who believe in him. Those are the opinions that matter. What does your High Council or Enma really know of Tsuzuki? Have they ever seen him weep over having to claim a newborn's soul because it's his job?* Byakko shook his head and closed his eyes. *Your God is misinformed if He believes that Tsuzuki would let the darkness within him EVER harm an innocent.*
Hisoka looked at Byakko, and then back to Tsuzuki. Byakko's words were right, but Hisoka could not help but feel betrayed. Enma may just be misinformed, but that error would potentially cost Tsuzuki's life, and perhaps his own. Even if Chymos' cryptic words are right, it did nothing to help those trapped in the clash. Hisoka could see dark circles around Tsuzuki's eyes, and he sighed. "We can't keep running Byakko . . . you know that right?" Hisoka arched one of his wings forward to touch it's length with his hand. "Tsuzuki is only delaying the inevitable. The strain on me will only increase with time, and there isn't anything Tsuzuki can do to prevent that." Hisoka looked up to Byakko in sorrow. "I don't want Tsuzuki to suffer because of me."
Byakko looked down to Hisoka in sympathy. *That is the risk one takes to love another person.* Byakko trailed his gaze to Hisoka's hand on Tsuzuki's arm. Hisoka felt a blush rush to his face at Byakko's words, and the tiger God just chuckled at Hisoka's reaction. *Love in any form can make people do things that they would never normally do.* Byakko shook his head and looked to the night sky. *But enough talk. You need to sleep, and let yourself recover. I will guard over you all.* Byakko flicked his tail to lay across Hisoka's legs. *I will wake you if I sense something wrong . . . so please sleep Hisoka.*
Despite his recent encounter with Chymos, Hisoka believed in Byakko's words. His sleep would likely be uneventful, and Hisoka had one of the four Gods watching over him. His body, mind and soul needed to store up energy if Hisoka was to endure the path set before him.
Hisoka looked to his hand which still lay atop of Tsuzuki's arm. If love was what drove Tsuzuki to take such risks Hisoka was not sure if he wanted it. But to deny what the man felt was so very difficult. Even if Hisoka sacrificed what he himself felt for Tsuzuki, it would do nothing to stop Tsuzuki from continually taking risks to protect him. He had tried to push Tsuzuki away in the past, and no matter how hard Hisoka had pushed, Tsuzuki would always come back. A hand to pull Hisoka off the ground, and a smile to soothe any hurt.
Hisoka reached out once again to place his hand on Tsuzuki's arm. The warmth of Byakko's body seeped into Hisoka's and Hisoka's eyes began to close. Whatever hardships he would have to endure . . . at least he would not be alone.
********************
"Do you believe Chymos' words?"
Hisoka opened his eyes to find Hikaru sitting up in the branches of a large tree. It was the same forest that Hisoka had created before, but now the devastation wrecked by Chymos and him was gone. Hisoka looked up to Hikaru and frowned. "I really don't know Hikaru . . . whose to say what is right and wrong anymore?"
Hikaru looked down at Hisoka with her large sad eyes, and Hisoka felt a wave of guilt. Hikaru pulled her legs up to her chest, and balanced precariously upon the branch. She sighed and rubbed absentmindedly at a couple of bruises upon her fair skin. Hisoka saw the wounds and frowned. "You got those helping me in the real world . . . didn't you Hikaru?"
The ghost of a smile crossed Hikaru's face, and she shrugged. "They aren't bad, I heal fast, so it's okay." Hikaru frowned and looked to Hisoka. "You needed my help, I could feel it. So I lent you my strength." Hikaru shook her head and sighed. "Unfortunately that meant that I could not help you when you came back to this place. Was Chymos hard to repel on your own?"
"It isn't alright for you to harm yourself like that Hikaru." Hisoka shook his head angrily and leaned up against the tree trunk. "I don't want you to help me like that anymore. I can defend myself." Hisoka looked up to Hikaru and continued to talk even as he saw the protest in the girl's eyes. "I don't care if you feel like you should. It isn't your fault that you are trapped here, and it isn't your responsibility to protect me."
"Why is it that men are always SO stubborn!" Hikaru released her legs and gestured her hands at Hisoka in frustration. "How about you say 'Thank you Hikaru for helping me'?, or how about 'Please don't overexert yourself Hikaru, I don't want to see you get hurt?'" Her green eyes flashed in anger and Hisoka looked up in shock. "Is it really so hard to just be yourself instead of being prideful Hisoka?"
Hisoka blinked in dismay at Hikaru's outburst. The silence between the two of them lasted for a moment, and suddenly Hikaru's laughter filled the quiet. "Oh my god . . . the look on your face is priceless Hisoka!"
Hisoka frowned at Hikaru's comment, and crossed his arms. "There is nothing wrong with having pride." Hisoka looked up to Hikaru through the fringe of his bangs. "Fine. Let me rephrase myself. Thank you for your help Hikaru, but I would appreciate it if you conserved your energies to protect yourself from Chymos." Hisoka glared up at Hikaru, but even as irritated as he felt, it was hard to keep that anger in light of the laughter in Hikaru's face. "If this is what it is like to have siblings . . ."
Hikaru quieted at Hisoka's words and Hisoka could feel sadness coming from Hikaru. "What is it Hikaru?"
She looked down to Hisoka and the sadness on her face disappeared. "Nothing Hisoka, just remembering my family." Hikaru fidgeted with her fingers and swung her legs. "Do you think that they miss me Hisoka?" She lowered her head. "I did . . . some pretty bad things before I left . . . do you think that they will hold that against me even after this time?"
Hisoka frowned and remembered his own family. He shook his head and pushed away from the tree trunk. "Every family is different." Hisoka looked up to Hikaru. "I am sure your worries are for nothing." Hisoka shoved his hands into his pockets. "I mean, your real family, whether they are blood or not, if they love you . . ."
"I'm sure your family loved you."
Hisoka abruptly looked up to Hikaru's green eyes. "Unfortunately Hikaru . . . sometimes the ones who are supposed to love you . . . just don't." Hisoka looked down to the leaves upon the ground. "On the other hand, sometimes family crops up where you least expect it." Hisoka smiled slightly as he thought of his co-workers in division. "Either way though, the fact of the matter is, you are loved Hikaru, don't forget that. I don't think your family will hold a grudge against you."
Silence filled the air and Hisoka let it be. This talk of family was a little discouraging. His own family had called him a monster, and had shunned their child. Family is supposed to love one another, no matter what . . . aren't they? It was a hard concept to believe, and Hisoka shoved those thoughts deep down. It didn't matter, he had a new family now, even if they were all from different walks of life.
"It is easy to say that they will still love me." Hikaru picked at the edge of her gown. "But . . . I have done some pretty bad things . . . and I will probably do worse things before long." Hikaru frowned as she looked at Hisoka, and Hisoka raised his eyebrow at Hikaru's cryptic words. Chymos had said Hikaru was an oath breaker . . . but she was so young. What could she have promised that would matter so much considering her age?
That train of thought derailed as Hikaru's light laughter filled the air once again. "Enough of this Hisoka! At the moment there is nothing you or I can do to change what others think." Her eyes were alight with laughter, and it was infectious. Hisoka smiled slightly and pulled his hands out of his pockets. There was enough depressing and stressful things happening, why did they need to create more? Hikaru leaned forward and raised her hands. "I'm coming down Hisoka! Catch me!"
Hikaru jumped out of the tree and Hisoka raised his arms to catch the falling girl. He had expected to fall as Hikaru met his hands, but was surprised by the lack of force behind Hikaru's fall. She looked up to Hisoka from within his arms and laughed. "You really do get some funny expressions on your face when you are confused Hisoka." She smiled and pushed slightly against Hisoka's chest to get him to put her down.
"You are a reckless child . . . you know that Hikaru?"
She smiled and shook her head. "I was always told I was a little demon despite everything I was taught." She smoothed out her gown and turned around to face Hisoka. "I can't help being who I am." She gave Hisoka a victory sign and smiled again. "I wanted to congratulate you on your battle with Chymos though . . . very cool with the sword."
Hisoka shook his head in amazement. "How did you know what was happening? Chymos had said . . ."
Hikaru waved her hand in a dismissing motion. "Please . . . Chymos is a demon and a liar. I was tired yes, but like I told you before, you are like a beacon amidst darkness. I couldn't help but to come here to where you were." She frowned as she looked up to Hisoka. "Chymos is a demon through and through . . . and his accusations against me are example of that."
Hisoka shook his head and sighed. "All there is right now are a lot of questions and not enough answers." Hisoka raised his hands in mock defence as Hikaru looked angrily up at Hisoka. "I'm not saying I believe what Chymos said! I'm just saying that things are really chaotic right now." Hisoka scowled at Hikaru, but was sure to show the humour behind his expression. "Besides, you said it yourself, you were labelled a demon when you were younger . . ." Hisoka let his words fade off and fought the urge to laugh at Hikaru's expression.
This banter was soothing, especially everything going on. Hisoka still didn't understand why it was so easy for him to get along with Hikaru. It was just like having a sister . . . an annoying but loveable little sister. Hisoka let the smile he felt inside reach his face, and Hikaru smiled back at him.
"Things are pretty tough right now . . . aren't they Hisoka?"
"Yeah."
Hikaru reached out to pull on Hisoka's sleeve. Hisoka let the little girl pull him down to sit against the trunk of the tree, and Hikaru settled down next to him. "I'll be a part of your family Hisoka . . . I'll protect you and I from all harm." Hisoka was about to protest Hikaru's use of power when Hikaru raised her hand up to Hisoka's lips to silence him. "I know, I'll take it easy. But just like you, I just want to live."
Hisoka let those words roll through his head. He leaned back against the tree and Hikaru leaned up against him. It was strange, to be so comfortable with Hikaru like that, but Hisoka did not mind. He looked up to the canopy of trees above them. Who knew what was right and wrong anymore? He looked down Hikaru who had closed her eyes, her wounds apparent along her arms. He would have to make sure to not call upon Hikaru's powers anymore. Hisoka would not be responsible for hurting the gentle soul bound to him if he could help it.
Hopefully . . . the two of them could get their wish. To just live.
********************
How long Hisoka slept, he was not sure. The fragments of Byakko's conversation and Hikaru's with him were hazy and Hisoka was uncertain as to whether or not they had even took place. It was the quiet murmur of voiced above him, and the loss of Byakko's soft fur that slowly woke Hisoka up.
"How is he doing?" Hisoka feigned sleep, but the concern in GuShoShin's voice was unmistakable. "He looks very pale."
The soft caress of a person's hand along Hisoka's side nearly jolted him out of his half awake state, but Hisoka kept still. It was then that Hisoka realized that he was no longer sleeping against Byakko, but he was curled up . . . against someone? "As well as can be expected I suppose." Tsuzuki's voice was soft, but warm above Hisoka and Hisoka could feel Tsuzuki's chest rumble slightly beneath his head as Tsuzuki spoke. "I can't believe all that has happened. It feels like a nightmare GuShoShin."
Feigning sleep had its disadvantages, as Hisoka could not see GuShoShin's expression as the librarian spoke. "It kinda feels like one doesn't it? I mean . . . I can't believe that Enma has sent Trinity against us." Hisoka recalled the trio of angels from earlier and nearly shuddered. "You don't understand the danger to us Tsuzuki. They are Enma's right hand. The only reason why we survived is because Enma wants us alive."
"You mean He wants Hisoka and I." Tsuzuki's voice was laced slightly with anger, even though he kept the volume low. "I don't understand GuShoShin. Why now? Enma must have known what is within me for quite some time. He never acted before . . . what changed things?"
The silence that filled the air was almost uncomfortable, and Hisoka wanted to wake up, but he didn't want his companions to know he had heard. It was GuShoShin's voice that broke the quiet. "I think it was Hisoka that changed things . . ." GuShoShin's voice sounded apologetic, and Hisoka wished he could see Tsuzuki's reaction, as it just wasn't the same to just feel the older man's response through empathy. "You have changed Tsuzuki . . . at least from how you were before."
Tsuzuki shifted slightly, and Hisoka felt Tsuzuki's hand touch his forehead lightly. "I never had a reason to really live before." Hisoka started to feel more and more like a heel to be listening in on this conversation, but just couldn't help himself. "Aside from Tatsumi, Hisoka has been the only partner I've had that has been willing to stick it out. Even Tatsumi gave up on me after a time as well. But Hisoka . . . Hisoka has stayed with me, despite my flaws." Hisoka could feel the smile on Tsuzuki's face, the happiness the man felt was unmistakable. "He deserves better GuShoShin . . . I only attract trouble."
A soft shuffling sound could be heard, and Hisoka felt another light touch upon his back. "I think the both of you do that quite well on your own, find trouble I mean . . . but that is why you need one another. It's why the Higher ups partnered the two of you in the first place." Tsuzuki's arms encircled Hisoka, the violet-eyed man's apprehension seeping into Hisoka with their close contact.
GuShoShin's voice remained further away as if across the area. "Hisoka has had a rough life and death as well. Do you remember how he was in the beginning? You are the one who opened Hisoka up, who let him finally start feeling. Imagine! An empath unwilling to feel? Hisoka needs to feel in order to fully utilize his empathy. His talent is much more than just reading other's emotions . . . but until he lets go of that chip he has been clinging to, Hisoka won't reach his potential."
Chip? Hisoka fought the urge to 'wake up' and scowl at GuShoShin. He didn't have a chip . . . he just had issues he still had to deal with. Hisoka internally sulked for a moment. What right did his companions have to speak of him? It was that thought that paused Hisoka. It was because they were his friends, the people who cared for him. They did not talk about Hisoka because they wanted to hurt him, only to help.
"If we don't solve this current crisis, those things won't matter." Hisoka could hear Tsuzuki sigh. "We are being attacked from all sides . . . I don't like being backed into a corner."
"I'm sure that if division could, it would be helping us right now. We just have to believe that the chief will stand up against the charges." GuShoShin's voice got quieter, and Hisoka strained to hear the librarian's next comments. "I just hope that they are not being punished as well. You heard what Trinity said. Enma wants a loyal division . . . He believes that we have all gotten too close."
"Well I think the angels will have another thing coming if they try to force the issue. Tatsumi can be very scary when he wants to be." The humour in Tsuzuki's voice was not lost to Hisoka. "Besides, it seems as if they are more concerned about what is within Hisoka and perhaps me. What is so dangerous about the girl GuShoShin? The demon I could understand - Saagatanasu's demonic possession of me was quite . . . unfortunate. But Hisoka is not possessed here, only bound. Hikaru is just a little girl, she poses no threat to Meifu, just to Hisoka's well being. He is still himself."
"But for how long Tsuzuki?"
The silence that filled the air was tense and Hisoka was about to 'wake up' when Tsuzuki answered GuShoShin's question. "If that happens . . . if Hisoka is lost. I will bring him back. He found me when I was lost, I can do no less." The arms about Hisoka tightened slightly and Hisoka marvelled at Tsuzuki's conviction.
"And if he is lost forever . . . than I will do everything in my power to stop the mess that Muraki forced upon Hisoka. It would be what Hisoka would want. Just as I did not want the horror of hurting the ones I love on my conscience back then." Tsuzuki's voice was low, so low that even Hisoka had trouble hearing the man's words. "I will be Hisoka's strength, and if need be, his deliverer." The arms around Hisoka tightened further, and Hisoka could feel the pain within his companion. "I hope that does not happen though GuShoShin . . . cause you know if he is lost . . . I will be as well."
The unspoken intentions were quite evident, perhaps clear to Hisoka for the first time. He lay in his feigned sleep against Tsuzuki, and pondered the implications of things. How complicated circumstances had become indeed. Hisoka mourned once again the dependence of the broken man had on the broken doll, and just how much he needed Tsuzuki.
Sometimes broken things never healed.
********************
It was persistent poking against Hisoka's side that awoke Hisoka from his slumber, for real this time. He frowned and waved his hand at the disturbance. When his actions did nothing but to incite even more jabbing into his side, Hisoka irritably rolled over and cracked his eyes to see what was 'attacking' him. Hisoka had expected it to be Tsuzuki or GuShoShin, but his attacker was none of the sort, and that fact shocked the hell out of Hisoka.
"What are you doing here?"
The little owl hooted happily upon finding Hisoka awake, and proceeded to fly circles around Hisoka's head. Considering that Hisoka was still lying down, it was a rather disastrous undertaking, and Hisoka reached out to gently cushion 003's ultimate crash into the ground. The impact did nothing to dampen the little bird's mood, rather it seemed to intensify the owl's chipper disposition. It was upon holding the little bird close to himself that Hisoka realized that 003 was decked out in some sort of outlandish gear.
Hisoka groaned as he sat up, and grimaced as his healing wounds protested the movement. His activity must have been noticed by Tsuzuki, because the violet-eyed man rushed over as soon as Hisoka was sitting up. "Hisoka you're awake! Are you okay?" Tsuzuki knelt down to be at eye level with Hisoka, and that is when he finally noticed the hooting bird clasped in Hisoka's hands. "003?"
Hisoka gently opened his hands to lay palm up, and 003 hopped excitedly upon the platform. The odd vest, complete with wires and other strange things, jangled in time with 003's motions, and Hisoka found it hard not to smile, if just a little. Tsuzuki made up for Hisoka's lack of expression though, and the beaming grin across Tsuzuki's face seemed to light up the area.
GuShoShin's response was a startled squawk, and Hisoka shook his head. The cavalry had arrived . . . so to speak. But what could a little bird do to help them?
Tsuzuki reached out a hand to touch the strange vest that 003 was wearing, when he noticed the little stack of memory cards strapped to the owl's back. Hisoka watched with amusement as Tsuzuki tried to pull the devices off of 003 while the little bird continued to bounce merrily across Hisoka's upturned hands. GuShoShin hovered over to observe the endeavour, a smile crossing his face. Hisoka sighed, it was good to see some smiles on his companion's faces, they had enough of bad ones.
"Hold still 003!" Tsuzuki admonished the little bird, and 003 complied, if only slightly. Hisoka could feel the little owl's legs upon his palms almost vibrate in excitement, and Hisoka puzzled over how 003 had gotten to them. Wasn't division under a lock down? And Byakko had told Hisoka that they were in a place where those chasing them could not find them. Apparently that only meant those who wished harm, because 003 had found them. Hisoka looked around him for the first time.
It was daylight, and Hisoka could see a abundance of trees surrounding him. A little ways away Hisoka could see the ruined remains of what looked like a temple of sorts, and Byakko was no where to be found. It looked like the forest he had created in his mind to combat Chymos, and Hisoka marvelled at the wild beauty. Byakko must have left a while ago, and Hisoka closed his eyes momentarily. Thank you Byakko . . . where ever you are. Hisoka turned his attention back to Tsuzuki who had finally scooped 003 into his hands and was holding the little bird still long enough to pull the memory cards off of 003's odd vest.
"Division must have sent a message." GuShoShin held his hands out to Tsuzuki who promptly handed the memory cards over to the librarian. Hisoka watched the exchange with detached concern. Division had contacted them . . . they had not been abandoned. Hisoka could just imagine the chief's outrage upon finding out his employees were the target of an internal man hunt. GuShoShin flew over to their duffle bag and proceeded to pull his laptop out of the bag.
Finally released by Tsuzuki, 003 hooted merrily in circles around Tsuzuki's head, and Hisoka smirked at the owl's antics. Tsuzuki noticed Hisoka's small expression though, because the violet-eyed man smiled to Hisoka and reached his hand down to offer Hisoka a hand up. "Did you sleep well Hisoka?"
Hisoka took Tsuzuki's proffered help, and slowly rose to stand aside Tsuzuki. He cringed slightly as his wounds protested the movement, but Hisoka ignored them. He looked to his hand joined with Tsuzuki's own, and shook his head. "I slept better than I have been. I'm okay." Hisoka raised his eyes to meet Tsuzuki's own. "Thank you Tsuzuki . . . for watching over me."
It was extraordinary, but Tsuzuki seemed to blush, and Hisoka gave Tsuzuki a rare but small smile. If these were potentially going to be his final days, Hisoka did not want to regret them. "Where are we?"
Tsuzuki waved his hands to the trees and the fallen temple near them. "It is one of the forgotten shrines, a temple to Byakko from long ago." Tsuzuki's voice lowered and Hisoka could feel a twinge of sadness from his partner. "A positively charged spiritual place, even after these years of neglect. Even Muraki cannot reach us while we are here." Tsuzuki shook his head. "Byakko does not receive the respect he deserves, and I am just dragging his name into the mud with all of this."
Hisoka recalled Byakko's comment that he too was probably going to be accused by the High Council. But Hisoka also remembered Byakko's other words. It was embarrassing to say them, but Hisoka knew that hearing them would help Tsuzuki with his guilt. "That is the risk one takes to love another person . . ." Hisoka blushed as the words left his mouth, and he looked to the ground. "Byakko cares for you very much Tsuzuki, he doesn't care about his reputation at the moment. He worries about you." And me . . . Hisoka left that part unspoken.
The silence between the two of them was broken by 003's antics, and Hisoka watched as Tsuzuki reached out to gently stop the little owl's motions. "Really 003! I get it already! I'm glad you are here as well." Tsuzuki affectionately petted 003's head, and looked to Hisoka. "I'm glad you are still here as well."
If tomatoes could walk, Hisoka was sure he would be deemed the world's first walking tomato. The blush across his face was warm and Hisoka turned away from Tsuzuki to look at GuShoShin. The librarian had finally set up his laptop and was in the process of getting the information off of the memory cards. He was saved from replying to Tsuzuki's comment as GuShoShin beckoned the two of them over.
"Take a look at this! It seems as Watari might have found a loophole through the lock down, even if it is just 003." GuShoShin's voice quavered with excitement and Hisoka couldn't help but feel better. Electric snow crackled across the screen and Watari's face filled the screen. It was relieving to see a familiar face, even if it was just a recorded message.
"Hello there Tsuzuki, Hisoka and GuShoShin! If you are watching this, I can safely assume that my 003 found you guys. I hope you are safe and well." Watari frowned slightly and Hisoka edged closer to Tsuzuki.
"I don't know if you know, but I bet you do. A lock down has been placed on division. Konoe was ready to have kittens when he finally found out about it. The fact that we were kept in the dark disturbs us, and so Tatsumi being Tatsumi, decided to work a little of his magic so to speak." Watari winked and Hisoka sighed. He could only begin to guess what 'magic' Tatsumi had worked. The man was the secretary of the Shokan division, but he was damn scary when he wanted to be.
"They are closely monitoring our movements, and so even though I found a way through the lock down, I can't come personally myself, as much as I want to. Apparently 003 is not considered a threat though, and her movements are still unrestricted. So I modified my toy and fit it to 003. That would be the vest you see on her. Ingenious eh? "
Hisoka looked to the peculiar vest strapped to 003, and he marvelled at Watari's sheer brilliance or stupidity. Anyone could have caught 003, and the message playing right now would damn the Shokan division quite thoroughly. Watari had complete faith in his feathered companion, and Hisoka couldn't help but admire that belief. The little owl could slip between the veil of Meifu and ChiJou, and she would not be watched; at least for now.
"The details are still a little unclear, but from what Konoe gathered from questioning the Earl and some others, it seems the two of you have gotten yourselves into a heap of trouble. Didn't I say that Enma was insane to send the two of you out on this horrible case?" Watari shook his finger at the screen and Hisoka just rolled his eyes. "We didn't think that we were under investigation as well as the two of you. It seems as Enma has had some doubts about the functioning of the Shokan division for quite some time. Whether that is because of what He believes, or what the High Council has spoon fed Him, time will tell."
"They can't hide the lock down from us though, as all our operations save for yours have been brought to a halt. It is kind of difficult to guide souls to Meifu when you can't even get to ChiJou." Watari waved his hands in excitement. "Konoe has started to wade through the red tape, protesting the lock down, the reasons given and the fact that his agents are in the field unprotected. That my dear friends would be the great Konoe working on your behalf."
"Watari . . ." Tsuzuki's voice was quiet, and Hisoka looked to his partner with concern. Tsuzuki's eyes were wet, but Hisoka could tell that it was not because Tsuzuki was upset, it was because he was happy. Hisoka shook his head and looked back to the laptop.
"Apparently High Council has gotten on SohRyu's case about your shikigami, but considering SohRyu is one of yours I don't think you need to worry Tsuzuki. SohRyu is particularly irritable at the moment, so I am sure you can depend on your shikigami for protection and support for now." Watari snapped his fingers and lifted a memory card into the air. "Oh yeah! Even though we can't really do much to help you at the moment, you can tell us what in Enma's name is happening. Just record your messages and strap it to 003. Also if you have any requests -- ones that can fit through a 003 sized hole only please. On her vest is a pull string. Pull it and the rift will open for her to travel back here. I regret that I cannot help you guys out further, but a hole any larger and Enma's angels would be on to me."
Watari tapped his finger to his head as if in thought. "Well maybe GuShoShin could squeeze through, assuming he hasn't pigged out in the time you guys have been gone. In fact, if GuShoShin could come through that would be great. A single GuShoShin twin working up here is wonderful, but the two of them together . . . I am sure we could really hash up some major plans. But it is up to you GuShoShin. We heard about Trinity and their attempt to catch you guys. I'm sorry to say that GuShoShin has been labelled a sympathizer, and they are after you as well my friend. If you decide to come through, just follow 003, we will keep you safe from Enma, and your help would be great." Watari's face got serious, and Hisoka wished Watari was actually there in front of them.
"Whatever you guys do, don't let Trinity capture you. I know it's rough and all, but you can't let that happen. Tatsumi has collected money from everyone in division, as our budget is being closely monitored, and inside 003's vest you will find our collection. It isn't much, but we can't just sit here and do nothing." Watari beamed, and it felt to Hisoka that the clearing seemed to lighten as well. "We want you guys back as quick as possible, and we will work on achieving that goal. Just don't quit on us on your end okay?" Watari made a motion to look off camera, and he stood up. "Hmm . . . it seems as if I've run out of time for the moment. I'm sending 003 now. I pray that you are all well. Watari signing out."
The screen blackened, and Hisoka looked at the dark screen almost numb. Their division hadn't abandoned them, their friends were fighting for them, even if it was on a different front. Tsuzuki and GuShoShin were also still, perhaps pondering Watari's message. It was 003 who once again broke the silence by hooting loudly.
"Well . . . at least we know that division is there for us." GuShoShin's voice was quiet, and Hisoka looked to the librarian. GuShoShin pulled out the memory card and looked over to Tsuzuki. "I can start recording a message now Tsuzuki . . . do you want me to?"
Hisoka looked over to Tsuzuki who stood as if in shock. And perhaps Tsuzuki was. Hisoka himself was surprised by the arrival and message brought by 003. The twittering of birds in the trees filled the silence, along with 003's constant hooting. Hisoka reached out a hand to tentatively touch Tsuzuki's arm. It startled Tsuzuki, and the violet-eyed man looked over to Hisoka. "They didn't betray us."
"Of course not." Hisoka fell back into familiar banter as he rolled his eyes to Tsuzuki. "What in the world would make you believe that they would ever forsake us? We are a family of sorts Tsuzuki, even Trinity said that." Hisoka clenched his fist and looked Tsuzuki in the eye. "Blood isn't the only factor that makes a family."
Tsuzuki looked at Hisoka as if he had grown a second head, and Hisoka flushed once again. He was spouting nonsense . . . maybe he was still worn out from before? Tsuzuki laughed suddenly and Hisoka looked at Tsuzuki warily. "You were talking to Byakko earlier weren't you?" Tsuzuki smiled and shook his head. "Byakko is always saying those clichés and stuff . . . but yeah . . . you are right Hisoka." Tsuzuki winked at Hisoka. "We can't let our family down, now can we?"
Hisoka just nodded speechlessly in response. How Tsuzuki did that, flipping from emotion to the next, Hisoka could not understand. Tsuzuki smiled one of his winning smiles and turned to GuShoShin. "We should do a recording immediately, but we need to collaborate what we know, or suspect." Tsuzuki looked to Hisoka. "Especially you Hisoka, since you are the only one who understands what is going on inside of you." Hisoka watched as Tsuzuki clapped his hands together. "Alright! Let's get going!"
Leave it to the slacker of the Shokan division to get everyone motivated. Hisoka just shook his head in amusement. They had things to do, plans to devise, and lives to save. A typical day for a shinigami.
********************
"Explain to me once again why you won't stay here??" GuShoShin's voice was stubborn, and Hisoka looked to Tsuzuki who sat in thought upon a large stone. "The demons can't get here, Muraki can't touch Hisoka's mind while he remains here. Here is safe." GuShoShin pointed off to the distance and shook his head. "Going back out there is just inviting disaster."
The planning session the three of them had earlier was intense, and Hisoka felt drained. It was hard to explain to Tsuzuki what was happening within him. Of Hikaru's words, and Chymos' accusations. It was even harder to describe his struggle to survive, even when he was just asleep. The questions and explanations flew fast between the three of them, but to Hisoka it seemed as if they were just uncovering more questions than answers.
003 sat quietly on Hisoka's shoulder, as if she could sense Hisoka's dispirited mood. The little owl nuzzled Hisoka's cheek once, and flew away to perch on GuShoShin's laptop. Her little vest was stocked up with their messages, and was ready to go. Hisoka eyed 003 and envied the owl's freedom. He may have wings, but Hisoka felt trapped there in the ruins. He stood and stared at the trees surrounding him, a gilded cage.
Tsuzuki lifted his head to look at GuShoShin, and he flickered his gaze to Hisoka. "We may be safe from the demons and Muraki, but Trinity is still a threat. There is nothing to stop them from coming here and since this is one of Byakko's temples, they will come here eventually." Tsuzuki shook his head mournfully. "This is only a resting place for us. We need to find a way to help Hisoka." Tsuzuki turned his gaze to Hisoka, and Hisoka turned his gaze away. "Having you up there will help us get back to our family sooner GuShoShin."
"I agree . . . but I still can't help but protest your decision to leave here."
For some unexplainable reason, Hisoka just stood in silence while GuShoShin and Tsuzuki argued. Why he was leaving everything up to Tsuzuki was confounding to Hisoka to say the least. But Tsuzuki was the elder here, he had more experience . . . or that is what Hisoka kept telling himself as he listened to Tsuzuki speak. The man was irresponsible at best, but more often than not, his plans worked out for the better in the end. Yet a small part of Hisoka knew that he left things up to Tsuzuki, because he trusted the man with his life.
Hisoka kicked idly at a rock, not wanting to look at either Tsuzuki or GuShoShin. The messages they had recorded had taken a while, and Hisoka had started to feel like a huge burden as they went on to explain all that had happened to him. It was frustrating, having all of this happening to him, but being almost powerless to do anything to rectify things.
Tsuzuki continued to talk to GuShoShin, but he cast concerned glances toward Hisoka, which Hisoka pointedly ignored. There was a very easy solution to a lot of their problems, but Hisoka knew if he even mentioned it, Tsuzuki would get very angry. Hisoka hadn't let Tsuzuki take care of his problems by travelling that path, and Hisoka was sure Tsuzuki would not let him try to solve things the same way. It was a course that Hisoka was scared to take, but it one he might be forced into. Hisoka clenched his fists angrily. It was what he and Hikaru had spoke of . . . why was it so hard to grant that one desire? What was so wrong about wanting to live?
At some point, things between GuShoShin and Tsuzuki must have been resolved, because suddenly the rock Hisoka was toying with was kicked out of his reach. Hisoka blinked stupidly at the rock for a moment, and then looked behind him. Tsuzuki stood there, his trench coat flapping in the slight breeze, and Hisoka felt his throat tighten. "What?" It was automatic, to fall back into he defensive mode, but for Hisoka, it is what kept him going in the past. He was too proud to admit that he was afraid, but Hisoka knew that Tsuzuki knew.
"Hisoka . . ." Tsuzuki's voice was hushed, and he stepped forward to stand in front of Hisoka. "Tell me what's going on in your head." Tsuzuki reached out to hesitantly touch Hisoka's arm, and was a little shocked when Hisoka pulled away from his touch. The sunlight broke through the leafy boughs above them, splashing shadows across the area, and Hisoka shifted his gaze to the ground, unable to bare the look Tsuzuki gave him.
Hisoka looked to the ground, unable to look Tsuzuki in the eye as he spoke. It was better this way, it was better to push Tsuzuki away now. The pain that happened now because of it would be far less than the pain that would come if Hisoka let Tsuzuki get closer. Sometimes one had to be cruel to be kind. "Nothing." Hisoka shook his head as if irritable. The message they created for division had brought a lot of things into focus, while at the same time brought up a lot of questions. "It doesn't concern you." Four simple words . . . a lie that tore into Hisoka's soul, but he still spoke them. Sometimes one had to be cruel to be kind, and Hisoka did not want Tsuzuki to be hurt more.
It was not a strange thing, to feel Tsuzuki's finger press gently up on his chin, and pull his face up to meet Tsuzuki's own. "Of course it concerns me, you're my partner Hisoka . . . we have to look out for one another." Hisoka looked into Tsuzuki's eyes, and he felt like screaming. Not because he was sad, but because everything was happening at once.
It was unfair . . . so unfair. Hisoka took a deep breath and he pulled back from Tsuzuki's touch. Hisoka knew now that Tsuzuki was more than just a partner to him, but with the way things were going, it probably would not matter what Hisoka felt. He would be lost. "You always say that . . . we're partners . . ." Hisoka shook his head angrily and clenched his fists. "Even your strength may not be enough Tsuzuki. You are going to have to face the cold harsh facts! I am not going to make it."
"You will get through this. Correction, we will get through this." Tsuzuki's words were quiet, but the emotion behind them was intense. Hisoka wanted to rage at Tsuzuki's optimism, partially because it was misplaced, and because he was so afraid to believe in Tsuzuki's words. "I will not leave you alone . . . no matter what happens."
Hisoka looked up into Tsuzuki's eyes, and tried to believe the words. Everyone that had mattered in Hisoka's life abandoned him, and although Tsuzuki was different, fate had a funny way of making things happen. "How do you know? How can you promise something like that?" He hated how weak his voice sounded, just like everything of him . . . weak. "Don't promise me something you KNOW you cannot keep!" He pushed against Tsuzuki's chest, wanting to keep Tsuzuki away from him. The man had a huge heart, and it was going to get him killed along with Hisoka.
Hisoka wanted to rage at the sky at the injustice of it all. Perhaps for the first time in his existence, Hisoka had someone who cared for him, but he was unlikely to survive to explore those feelings. "I appreciate your concern Tsuzuki, but don't promise me something like that . . . don't make promises you know you can't keep . . ." Hisoka shook his head and raked his fingers through his hair. When Tsuzuki grabbed his wrist to pull it against his chest, Hisoka did not struggle.
Tsuzuki's eyes were wide, and Hisoka felt as if he were falling into them. A blush rose to Hisoka's cheeks, but this time Hisoka did not feel a need to protest. He had tried to push Tsuzuki away before, and it had never worked. If these were to be his last days, Hisoka did not want to die without knowing what love was. Hisoka could feel Tsuzuki's heart beating against his hand, and Tsuzuki reached with his other hand to brush Hisoka's cheek.
"I can promise . . . because I love you Hisoka." Hisoka's eyes widened as those words left Tsuzuki's lips, and he stood still, afraid to break the spell. Tsuzuki's eyes searched Hisoka's face, looking for something, and Hisoka knew he could no deny what Tsuzuki sought. Hisoka reached up to cup Tsuzuki's hand against his cheek, and smiled. He rarely smiled, the expression a foreign thing to Hisoka, but for Tsuzuki, he would break that barrier. Hisoka knew that Tsuzuki needed confirmation as much as he needed it.
Hisoka raised his eyes to Tsuzuki's, and the emotions within them were intoxicating. Maybe it was because of his empathy, but Hisoka did not care. Tsuzuki loved him . . . and it was enough. Hisoka raised his hand to touch Tsuzuki's cheek. If he perished tomorrow, Hisoka would not regret things. He would not leave this world without knowing what real love was. Cruel fate owed Hisoka at least that much. Demons, Trinity, Muraki . . . nothing mattered except for that solitary moment, nothing save for the man who stood before Hisoka. "Tsuzuki . . ."
The sunlight was warm upon Hisoka, but it did not compare to the man standing before him. There was enough fear these days, and Hisoka wanted to remember something without that fear or pain. He stepped forward and slid his arms around Tsuzuki, needing to draw in his partner's strength. Hisoka buried his face in Tsuzuki's chest, holding the older man tight to him. "I love you . . ." His voice was muffled, but Tsuzuki's arms encircling Hisoka let him know Tsuzuki heard.
The two of them stood there for who knows how long, and Hisoka did not care. He pulled his wings forward to envelop both of them in a feathery embrace. Tsuzuki was warm, and Hisoka closed his eyes as Tsuzuki leaned down to claim Hisoka's lips. It was intoxicating, and oh so sweet.
Two lost souls just trying to exist . . .
********************
Author's Note:
*whew* Well there it is, the next installment of my pet monster. I know that this chapter is long . . . and doesn't have a lot of action this time, save for Chymos' little cat and mouse game with Hisoka. But I needed to touch on some things, and do some cryptic foreshadowing stuff. Maybe I will be the only one who gets them, but as the author I get to know what will be happening before you guys do!
I hope this wasn't too sappy and fluffy for people. I promise things will get much more darker as time goes here. But Tsuzuki needs Hisoka, and Hisoka needs Tsuzuki. Period. Who knows how long either one of them has, especially at this stage of things. I tried not to make Hisoka seem so . . . weak . . . but the reality of things, Hisoka is weakening, heart, mind, body and soul. Bad Muraki! And while I am at it, Bad Demons!, Bad Trinity! And Bad Enma!
Ahem. Also just another note, you readers are lucky, my computer almost decided that this chapter was food . . . I had to do some intense praying and surgery was almost required . . . but I rescued this little gem. Bad computer! No eating the projects!
Reviews and comments on my story thus far would be most appreciated. As a wanna be author, it is encouraging to hear from those who read one's work. So even if you have nothing to say other than 'Good job!', or 'You Suck!', I would still like to hear from you. Those who have reviewed already, I want to thank you for your input! It really does encourage me and helps me get these chapters out.
Also I just have to thank Matsushita for creating such wonderful characters! Humour, 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.
Also once again, original characters are mine, all mine!
So on with the Show!
Chapter Eight - Complicated
By Lockeheart
********************
"So we meet again little Shinigami . . ."
The darkness that surrounded Hisoka as he opened his eyes was unnatural and almost suffocating. He was topless, and his curse marks burned with an unnatural red blaze. They shed an unholy light, but did nothing to pierce the veil of shadows surrounding Hisoka. The searing pain was back again, but Hisoka just clenched his fists and bore the agony. Dread filled Hisoka's being at the sound of that disembodied voice, and Hisoka knew he was unconscious once again.
A menacing, deep chuckle filled the void, and reverberated within the shadows surrounding Hisoka. A bone chilling cold permeated the air, and Hisoka wrapped his arms around himself. He tried to fold his wings about his frame, only to discover them mysteriously absent once again.
"Funny how things happen . . . do you realize what is happening?"
The voice echoed and Hisoka looked about the area in apprehension. There would be no protection from Hikaru this time from Chymos. Hisoka took a couple steps forward, and shook his head. He could feel Chymos, the malice from the demon was hard not to notice, but it was the lack of specific direction that bothered Hisoka. If the demon was hiding in the darkness, his empathy should eventually lead him to the source of the emotion - to Chymos. But as it was, the negative emotions seemed to swirl about him chaotically without a discernable source.
Hisoka gritted his teeth to bite back the pain of his marks and raised his eyes to the darkness ahead of him. "No I don't." If he couldn't pinpoint the demon, he could at least keep it distracted.
"That little shrew has you wrapped around her finger . . . doesn't she?" The sounds of movement came to Hisoka, and he tilted his head to try to pinpoint the sound. "Doesn't matter, Muraki has you dancing on his strings . . . little puppet Shinigami." Hisoka peered into the darkness as the low voice continued. "Misinformation . . . bribery . . . and to think that even dead, they still act like selfish humans."
Hisoka frowned as he listened to Chymos' words. What the hell was Chymos talking about? "We will see who is the puppet . . . " He felt vulnerable without a shirt, not that such a thing would help in this surreal world. Hisoka raised his head defiantly towards the darkness. "What do you want now Chymos? Didn't you get enough of a punishment last time?"
A low laugh filled the darkness, and Hisoka felt terribly exposed there in the gloom. "Indeed. But I see this time the girl isn't here to help you out." Hisoka frowned and nearly leapt out of his skin as a pair of blood red eyes suddenly appeared directly in front of him. He took a couple steps backwards, and as he concentrated, Hisoka could see the outline of Chymos in the gloom. Chymos sat crouched like a cat ready to spring, and Hisoka wouldn't put it far of the mark that Chymos would do so. "Pity. I so wanted to tear those pretty wings from your back."
"Don't think that I am defenceless here demon." Hisoka lowered his arms and adopted a bolder stance. Hikaru and her peculiar powers were not here at the moment, but Hisoka was a shinigami, he was not without resources. "This is my world."
Chymos tilted his head as if looking around, and Hisoka clenched his fists tightly. "If this is your world little Shinigami, then why is my darkness prevailing here?" Chymos leered at Hisoka, displaying the shiny white gleam of his fangs. "The only reason you bested me last time was because of the brat."
Hisoka closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated on changing the environment. Hikaru had also stated earlier that it was he who created the landscape of this realm; he just needed control. The darkness wavered, and the darkness wavered as a forest suddenly flourished from the ground. Numerous leafy trees shrubs and undergrowth formed about the two of them, enveloping them in a twilight lit woodland. While he was at it, Hisoka formed himself a white dress shirt to drape open over his shoulders. Hisoka opened his eyes to view the change. It wasn't much, but it was his.
Chymos looked about him, almost cringing at the change of scenery. "Cute Shinigami . . . so you changed the surroundings, big deal." Chymos trained his red eyes upon Hisoka once again. "Pretty scene changes won't do anything to help you here." He stepped forward with one clawed foot to crush a branch beneath his heel.
Hisoka's breath quickened as he stared at Chymos. "I want this joining as much as you do. Believe me demon, if I could, I would tear you from me right now." He pulled at his collar, and buttoned up the lower buttons on the pristine dress shirt. He had to delay Chymos, Hisoka had to get answers to some of his questions. "Where is Hikaru?"
Chymos' eyes narrowed at Hisoka's question and Hisoka lowered his hands. "Bah. Stupid little girl went and exerted herself helping you in the real world." Chymos licked his lips and smiled a toothy smile at Hisoka. "Poor little thing . . . she was exhausted when I found her."
The cold that chilled Hisoka earlier seemed to fill his very being. He would know if Chymos had hurt Hikaru . . . wouldn't he? Chymos must have seen the question in Hisoka's eyes because the demon shook his head and growled. "Don't worry your pretty little head Shinigami. I might have found her, but she still has bite. I would have chased her if you hadn't suddenly showed up."
Chymos leered almost suggestively at Hisoka and Hisoka shivered. "Why hunt a morsel when the main course has come back?" Chymos tapped his chest, and Hisoka could see the tiny outline of cracks upon his frame. "I must insist on repaying you for the 'kindness' you showed me."
So Hikaru was safe for now. Hisoka closed his eyes momentarily. His use of her power in the waking world must have weakened the child. Hisoka opened his eyes to look upon Chymos. Now that Hisoka knew that he could tap Hikaru's power in the real world, and knew the cost of doing so, Hisoka would be much more careful. "You deserve what you got demon."
Chymos began to walk, his eyes never leaving Hisoka's frame. Hisoka watched as the demon leisurely paced around him, wary of Chymos' movements. "I deserve what I got? I have yet to receive what is due to me." Chymos gestured as if lecturing a person, and Hisoka let the demon ramble. The more time the demon took talking, the more time Hisoka would have to escape; he hoped. "I helped Muraki with his plan, even stole the girl from her bed as she slept, and for what?" Chymos pointed a clawed finger to Hisoka in accusation. "All the fun is going to happen in the real world, and I suppose I do get a good seat, even if I can't participate."
Anger filled Hisoka at Chymos' words, but he did not rise to the bait. He had been overcome one too many times before by acting rash. "What do you mean?" Hisoka turned to continually face the demon as he stalked about Hisoka. The only things he and Tsuzuki had were questions and no answers. "What is going to happen?"
Chymos' horrible laughter filled the woodland clearing, and Hisoka cringed at the unnatural sound. "Oh this is too much! I know you were in Muraki's grasp - did he not tell you anything?" Hisoka glared up at Chymos and the smile on the demon's face got even wider. "Always wanting to play, that Muraki. He is akin the demons in that respect."
Hisoka felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise as Chymos stopped his pacing to turn his full attention onto Hisoka. "I know what your God has done . . . For one in charge of the dead, He sure is stupid sometimes." Chymos spread his bat wings slightly as if irritated and he spat onto the ground. "Enma is far too lenient on His children, He trusts too much, even when His children fall." Chymos trained his blood red eyes on Hisoka and smiled wickedly. "The High Council can try to rectify things, but it will be too late." Chymos flared out his wings as if to admire their splendour. "The key will unlock the door, and we shall take back what Enma has denied us for so long, and even as He betrays you, He Himself will be betrayed."
Hisoka frowned as things began to click into place. Trinity had called Hikaru a 'lost lamb', and that she would be judged for her crimes. Hikaru was a child, an innocent caught up in this terrible web . . . wasn't she? As for Enma and his ludicrous command . . . the High Council was harsh, but could they be so low as to deceive God Himself? Hisoka narrowed his eyes in anger and glared back at Chymos. The demon was feeding him lies, toying with him. It was what demons did. "You're lying."
"What reason would I have to lie?" Chymos raised his hands in mock defence. "In fact, why am I even bothering talking with you?" Chymos' eyes narrowed, and Hisoka knew that talking was over. "An eye for an eye . . . isn't that what your God promotes?" Chymos lunged forward with uncanny speed, and Hisoka sidestepped Chymos if just barely. The tips of the demon's claws lightly scratched Hisoka's chest as Chymos charged past.
Using one of the trees around him, Hisoka used it as a shield. He winced as Chymos' next attack cleanly took off the bark of the tree he was behind, scratching Hisoka up in the process. Hisoka scrambled desperately away from the tree and from Chymos, unable to think of anything to use for defence. Wood fragments splintered through the air as Chymos ripped a smaller tree out of the ground and threw it at Hisoka.
"Fight me little Shinigami! You were much braver last time we met." Chymos' voice echoed through the woods, and Hisoka peered around the tree he hid behind to eye the hovering menace. "Or was all your bravery nothing but that oath breaker and her power?" Chymos ripped another tree from the ground and made an act of ripping it to shreds. Hisoka watched the actions with apprehension. If Chymos wanted to instill anxiety into Hisoka by his strength, Hisoka was getting there. "She may be clothed in pristine cloth, but she is perhaps just as black as I am."
Hisoka slipped between two trees, using the shadow of the trees and the darkness of the night sky to help hide his form. Chymos remained in the centre of the clearing, the demon's eyes a smouldering red amidst his dark form. Later, Hisoka would evaluate Chymos' words, but for now he just needed to survive this encounter. Chymos swooped in the air, and Hisoka eyed his opponent warily. He needed an edge, something to even the odds between them.
Hisoka eyed the broken remains of the tree Chymos had thrown at him before. The force at which the tree had been thrown must have been phenomenal, and Hisoka shuddered to think what would happen to him if Chymos seized him. Hisoka thought of using his empathy, but at once discarded it. He was within his own mind for goodness sakes, Hisoka pondered that thought as he leaned against a tree. This was all his, his creation . . .
The moonlight was bright against the dark trees, and Chymos began to randomly tear into trees, the loss of his prey making him careless. "Do you want to play hide and seek little one?" Chymos smiled his terrible smile and Hisoka tried to blend into the shadow of the tree he was using. "You drove that damned feather into me like a sword . . . I just want to give you a taste of what I felt."
Sword . . . Hisoka almost smiled as the idea came to him. Of course . . . a sword. Hisoka stepped out from his hiding place to face Chymos, his stance relaxed, yet firm. Chymos spotted him almost immediately, and the demon flew closer to hover above Hisoka like a hawk. "Have you decided to play now?"
Hisoka shrugged indifferently and maintained his relaxed stance. If his idea was going to work, he needed Chymos to come to him. "Why do all of the demons always underestimate a shinigami's power?" Hisoka let a ghost of a smile cross his face. "We become shinigami because we already have innate power - but I guess you cannot help but act like the low grade ignorant demon that you are."
Empathy was not required to relay the emotions coming from Chymos, and Hisoka eyed the fuming demon before him in apprehension. He shifted his stance ever so slightly and braced himself. If this didn't work . . . Hisoka swallowed that doubt.
"And the Shinigami always underestimate the strength of a demon, you will regret you words boy." Chymos narrowed his eyes and raised his claws. "DIE!" Chymos rushed forward with unnatural speed and Hisoka watched the incoming demon, claws and blood red eyes, with detached calm. Hisoka closed his eyes and raised his hands before him, as if holding something before himself. Chymos' laughter filled the air and Hisoka ignored it, instead concentrating on the space between his enfolded hands. Hikaru was not here, the was no help for him, save himself. It was perhaps an irony of sorts, that the lessons Hisoka was taught in his short life, was going to save him here in his new 'life'.
Born from nothingness, the outline of a sword rapidly formed in the cradle of Hisoka's hands. With a slight flash, the sword materialized, it's blade bright and honed. Hisoka opened his eyes and locked them with Chymos' rapidly approaching red ones. The flash of emotion that flew between the two of them was brief, but illuminating. Holding his stance steady, Hisoka braced himself as Chymos descended toward the raised blade, unable to alter his course with the speed he flew with to completely avoid the sharp blade.
It was like cutting through butter, and the force of the impact of the sword with Chymos' flesh was staggering. Hisoka grimaced as a foul black liquid fell upon him, and Chymos sped past him to crash in a heap upon the ground. Hisoka quickly turned around to observe his opponent, and was pleased to see Chymos so slow to get up. He had not skewered the demon, but Hisoka had managed to give him a wound that would sting for quite a while.
The black blood sharply contrasted the brightness of the blade, and Hisoka mentally thanked his father for teaching him the ways of the sword. The man had at least taught him something of value. "Do not think I am helpless without Hikaru, Chymos." Hisoka stepped toward Chymos' fallen form, wary of the demon despite its apparent immobility. He lifted the blade to admire it. "Remember, this is MY world."
Chymos staggered to his feet, his bat wings pulling him off balance as he clutched the large rent along his torso. Black blood issued from the wound, but Hisoka could see that even now the wound was slowly healing. "Congratulations little Shinigami. You win . . . this round." Chymos made a mockery of a bow to Hisoka and the demon's form began to waver. "But do not think you will survive the war. The oath breaker will see to that." Hisoka watched the demon depart in a shadowy haze, and as soon as the demon's presence left the area, Hisoka fell to his knees clutching the bloody sword in his hands.
He had just acted extremely brave, or just down right reckless. His heart was beating rapidly and Hisoka looked upon the sword in his hands. It had just saved his soul, and perhaps more. Hisoka shook his head and closed his eyes. If this is what happened to him in his dreams, he need not wake up, for the waking world held worst things.
********************
It was extreme softness that claimed Hisoka's attention when he awoke to the real world. Velvety and warm, it was like sleeping against a large animal. Hisoka blinked his eyes and raised them to gaze into large, vibrant blue ones. Fighting the urge recoil in alarm, Hisoka blinked his eyes rapidly to focus on the face holing those brilliant blue eyes. Apparently he was sleeping against a large animal.
It was Byakko.
*Are you alright little one?*
The endearment was not condescending, but rather like the name a loving grandparent would give to a dear grandchild. The great Tiger seemed to almost smile, and Hisoka flushed with embarrassment as he realized that the softness he was lying against was that of Byakko himself. The warm voice rolled through his head like a beautiful melody, and Hisoka looked quizzically back up to Byakko. A musical laughter rang through Hisoka's mind, and Byakko shook his head as in laughter.
*Don't worry Hisoka. Just rest.*
"You're talking in my mind . . ."
Byakko looked to Hisoka as if he was a parent explaining something to a small child. *Of course. I don't want to wake your companions, but it is alright if you speak to me, your voice is quiet.* Byakko nudged his head toward something that Hisoka could not see laying as he was. *Are you alright Hisoka? You were moaning in your sleep.*
Hisoka lifted his head to find Tsuzuki nestled in the crook of Byakko's forepaw's, and GuShoShin lay atop the tiger God's back. Both were sound asleep. Keeping his voice low, Hisoka whispered to the tiger. "I'm . . . okay . . . Just some difference of opinion with those bound to me at the moment." Hisoka tried to blink the sleep out of his eyes. "Why are you still here Byakko, and where are we?"
The tiger seemed to pause for a moment, as in thought and Hisoka looked on in silence. *You have an interesting way of saying that your soul is damaged. Tsuzuki told me what he could of what has happened to you.* Hisoka raised his eyebrow at Byakko's accusation, but let it be. *You also have a lot of questions for someone just woken up. We are in a safe place, and as long as you remain here, the external demons after you cannot reach you.* Byakko raised his eyes to look at the night sky. *I'm worried for you Hisoka . . . and for Tsuzuki.*
*I must admit I was shocked at what Tsuzuki summoned me into.* Byakko looked to the wound along his flank, and Hisoka touched the edge of the injury lightly. *It isn't that bad, and it will heal soon enough. But even when I took you all to safety, I couldn't just leave.* Byakko leaned his head down to touch Tsuzuki's forehead. *He is very tired. He needed to sleep.* Byakko looked up to Hisoka. *You ALL needed to sleep, and someone has to guard over you, mind, body and soul.*
The implied meaning was not lost on Hisoka. It was his mind that was being protected. "Thank you." He leaned against the flank of Byakko, and rested his head. The tiger was very warm, and it was difficult not to just sleep. Hisoka curled his hands close to his body, and his wings folded up behind him.
*You're welcome.* Byakko looked to the sky, and to Hisoka it seemed as if the tiger frowned. *Tsuzuki is my master, and my friend, as are you. If I can help, I will do so.* Byakko turned his eyes upon Hisoka. *Do you know that Enma has placed a charge against Suzaku? The High Council has approached SohRyu on the matter.* Byakko shook his furry head mournfully. *I think after this escapade, I to will be accused of aiding a criminal by the High Council.*
Hisoka lifted his head up at Byakko's words. The High Council was also after Tsuzuki's shikigami? Hisoka clenched his fist tightly. "I'm sorry Byakko . . ."
*Don't be sorry.* Byakko blinked his eyes and a light laughter filled Hisoka's mind. *I think Enma's High Council thinks too highly of itself if it thinks it can threaten SohRyu and get away with it. We Shikigami bond with Shinigami for many different reasons, but it is a mutual agreement. We are not tools as that arrogant Trinity leader called us.*
Trinity. Hisoka frowned as he lay against Byakko's side. "Enma has sent His top angels after Tsuzuki and I . . . haven't they Byakko?" It was hard not to shiver slightly at the thought, and Hisoka gave in to the urge. "It has more to do with than just Muraki, or Hikaru, or us. Something important is going to happen really soon, something bad . . . and I don't think anyone realizes just how terrible it is going to be." Hisoka frowned and clasped his hands together. "And I really don't understand the danger of Tsuzuki." Hisoka raised his head to look Byakko head-on. "Is what lays within Tsuzuki really that dangerous?"
Byakko tilted his head, and Hisoka waited in the silence for the tiger God's answer. *Someone up high must believe that the child bound to you is a menace to Meifu, and although that angel said it was Enma's command, it was more likely the decision of the High Council.* Byakko winked at Hisoka. *I may be a little on the happy go lucky side, but I am not stupid. Enma does have a large say, but He does not necessarily have the final say.*
*As for what has happened to you, I don't quite understand . . . all I can say is to be brave.* Byakko looked at Hisoka sympathetically and Hisoka nodded in return. *If it were possible to bring you to my world I am sure that things could be solved, but as of late the gates have become unstable, and only those native to my world are safe to pass. But that is another matter.* Byakko looked to the sky. *When I travel back, I will talk to SohRyu about things. You are correct about something being out of place Hisoka.*
Byakko looked down upon the sleeping Tsuzuki, and Hisoka also looked upon his partner. *Tsuzuki is a unique person, don't you think Hisoka?* Byakko looked to Hisoka, and Hisoka nodded in agreement. Indeed, his partner was a remarkable person. *When Tsuzuki came to me, I was surprised. How could someone who feels so much for others, be a shinigami? A being that takes life?* Byakko touched his nose to the top of Tsuzuki's head, and the sleeping man stirred momentarily. *There is something within Tsuzuki, something that is dark.* Hisoka frowned at Byakko's words but kept silent. *But Tsuzuki is loathe to tap it, refuses to give in to the temptation of such power. I believe Tsuzuki is a stronger person than most because of that.*
Hisoka looked at Tsuzuki and he reached out a hand to lightly touch Tsuzuki's arm. Power . . . Tsuzuki was already quite powerful as he was. The darkness within Tsuzuki . . . "It haunts him . . . doesn't it Byakko?" Hisoka leaned against Byakko's fur, loathe to remove his touch from Tsuzuki. "The reason he believes he is not human." Hisoka brushed the length of Tsuzuki's arm and closed his eyes. "But he is, isn't he Byakko? Human I mean."
*What do you believe Hisoka?* Byakko looked down to Hisoka with wide eyes, and Hisoka opened his to meet the tiger's gaze.
It took Hisoka less than a second to answer Byakko, and Hisoka knew his response was genuine. "Tsuzuki is human. Being human is more than just a person's biology." Hisoka looked down to his arm, and the curse marks that lay beneath the bandages. "I know some humans, who are quite demonic in nature."
*Then that is all that matters.* Byakko looked down to Tsuzuki, and Hisoka could feel the love the shikigami felt for the sleeping man. *The ones who love him, who care for him, who believe in him. Those are the opinions that matter. What does your High Council or Enma really know of Tsuzuki? Have they ever seen him weep over having to claim a newborn's soul because it's his job?* Byakko shook his head and closed his eyes. *Your God is misinformed if He believes that Tsuzuki would let the darkness within him EVER harm an innocent.*
Hisoka looked at Byakko, and then back to Tsuzuki. Byakko's words were right, but Hisoka could not help but feel betrayed. Enma may just be misinformed, but that error would potentially cost Tsuzuki's life, and perhaps his own. Even if Chymos' cryptic words are right, it did nothing to help those trapped in the clash. Hisoka could see dark circles around Tsuzuki's eyes, and he sighed. "We can't keep running Byakko . . . you know that right?" Hisoka arched one of his wings forward to touch it's length with his hand. "Tsuzuki is only delaying the inevitable. The strain on me will only increase with time, and there isn't anything Tsuzuki can do to prevent that." Hisoka looked up to Byakko in sorrow. "I don't want Tsuzuki to suffer because of me."
Byakko looked down to Hisoka in sympathy. *That is the risk one takes to love another person.* Byakko trailed his gaze to Hisoka's hand on Tsuzuki's arm. Hisoka felt a blush rush to his face at Byakko's words, and the tiger God just chuckled at Hisoka's reaction. *Love in any form can make people do things that they would never normally do.* Byakko shook his head and looked to the night sky. *But enough talk. You need to sleep, and let yourself recover. I will guard over you all.* Byakko flicked his tail to lay across Hisoka's legs. *I will wake you if I sense something wrong . . . so please sleep Hisoka.*
Despite his recent encounter with Chymos, Hisoka believed in Byakko's words. His sleep would likely be uneventful, and Hisoka had one of the four Gods watching over him. His body, mind and soul needed to store up energy if Hisoka was to endure the path set before him.
Hisoka looked to his hand which still lay atop of Tsuzuki's arm. If love was what drove Tsuzuki to take such risks Hisoka was not sure if he wanted it. But to deny what the man felt was so very difficult. Even if Hisoka sacrificed what he himself felt for Tsuzuki, it would do nothing to stop Tsuzuki from continually taking risks to protect him. He had tried to push Tsuzuki away in the past, and no matter how hard Hisoka had pushed, Tsuzuki would always come back. A hand to pull Hisoka off the ground, and a smile to soothe any hurt.
Hisoka reached out once again to place his hand on Tsuzuki's arm. The warmth of Byakko's body seeped into Hisoka's and Hisoka's eyes began to close. Whatever hardships he would have to endure . . . at least he would not be alone.
********************
"Do you believe Chymos' words?"
Hisoka opened his eyes to find Hikaru sitting up in the branches of a large tree. It was the same forest that Hisoka had created before, but now the devastation wrecked by Chymos and him was gone. Hisoka looked up to Hikaru and frowned. "I really don't know Hikaru . . . whose to say what is right and wrong anymore?"
Hikaru looked down at Hisoka with her large sad eyes, and Hisoka felt a wave of guilt. Hikaru pulled her legs up to her chest, and balanced precariously upon the branch. She sighed and rubbed absentmindedly at a couple of bruises upon her fair skin. Hisoka saw the wounds and frowned. "You got those helping me in the real world . . . didn't you Hikaru?"
The ghost of a smile crossed Hikaru's face, and she shrugged. "They aren't bad, I heal fast, so it's okay." Hikaru frowned and looked to Hisoka. "You needed my help, I could feel it. So I lent you my strength." Hikaru shook her head and sighed. "Unfortunately that meant that I could not help you when you came back to this place. Was Chymos hard to repel on your own?"
"It isn't alright for you to harm yourself like that Hikaru." Hisoka shook his head angrily and leaned up against the tree trunk. "I don't want you to help me like that anymore. I can defend myself." Hisoka looked up to Hikaru and continued to talk even as he saw the protest in the girl's eyes. "I don't care if you feel like you should. It isn't your fault that you are trapped here, and it isn't your responsibility to protect me."
"Why is it that men are always SO stubborn!" Hikaru released her legs and gestured her hands at Hisoka in frustration. "How about you say 'Thank you Hikaru for helping me'?, or how about 'Please don't overexert yourself Hikaru, I don't want to see you get hurt?'" Her green eyes flashed in anger and Hisoka looked up in shock. "Is it really so hard to just be yourself instead of being prideful Hisoka?"
Hisoka blinked in dismay at Hikaru's outburst. The silence between the two of them lasted for a moment, and suddenly Hikaru's laughter filled the quiet. "Oh my god . . . the look on your face is priceless Hisoka!"
Hisoka frowned at Hikaru's comment, and crossed his arms. "There is nothing wrong with having pride." Hisoka looked up to Hikaru through the fringe of his bangs. "Fine. Let me rephrase myself. Thank you for your help Hikaru, but I would appreciate it if you conserved your energies to protect yourself from Chymos." Hisoka glared up at Hikaru, but even as irritated as he felt, it was hard to keep that anger in light of the laughter in Hikaru's face. "If this is what it is like to have siblings . . ."
Hikaru quieted at Hisoka's words and Hisoka could feel sadness coming from Hikaru. "What is it Hikaru?"
She looked down to Hisoka and the sadness on her face disappeared. "Nothing Hisoka, just remembering my family." Hikaru fidgeted with her fingers and swung her legs. "Do you think that they miss me Hisoka?" She lowered her head. "I did . . . some pretty bad things before I left . . . do you think that they will hold that against me even after this time?"
Hisoka frowned and remembered his own family. He shook his head and pushed away from the tree trunk. "Every family is different." Hisoka looked up to Hikaru. "I am sure your worries are for nothing." Hisoka shoved his hands into his pockets. "I mean, your real family, whether they are blood or not, if they love you . . ."
"I'm sure your family loved you."
Hisoka abruptly looked up to Hikaru's green eyes. "Unfortunately Hikaru . . . sometimes the ones who are supposed to love you . . . just don't." Hisoka looked down to the leaves upon the ground. "On the other hand, sometimes family crops up where you least expect it." Hisoka smiled slightly as he thought of his co-workers in division. "Either way though, the fact of the matter is, you are loved Hikaru, don't forget that. I don't think your family will hold a grudge against you."
Silence filled the air and Hisoka let it be. This talk of family was a little discouraging. His own family had called him a monster, and had shunned their child. Family is supposed to love one another, no matter what . . . aren't they? It was a hard concept to believe, and Hisoka shoved those thoughts deep down. It didn't matter, he had a new family now, even if they were all from different walks of life.
"It is easy to say that they will still love me." Hikaru picked at the edge of her gown. "But . . . I have done some pretty bad things . . . and I will probably do worse things before long." Hikaru frowned as she looked at Hisoka, and Hisoka raised his eyebrow at Hikaru's cryptic words. Chymos had said Hikaru was an oath breaker . . . but she was so young. What could she have promised that would matter so much considering her age?
That train of thought derailed as Hikaru's light laughter filled the air once again. "Enough of this Hisoka! At the moment there is nothing you or I can do to change what others think." Her eyes were alight with laughter, and it was infectious. Hisoka smiled slightly and pulled his hands out of his pockets. There was enough depressing and stressful things happening, why did they need to create more? Hikaru leaned forward and raised her hands. "I'm coming down Hisoka! Catch me!"
Hikaru jumped out of the tree and Hisoka raised his arms to catch the falling girl. He had expected to fall as Hikaru met his hands, but was surprised by the lack of force behind Hikaru's fall. She looked up to Hisoka from within his arms and laughed. "You really do get some funny expressions on your face when you are confused Hisoka." She smiled and pushed slightly against Hisoka's chest to get him to put her down.
"You are a reckless child . . . you know that Hikaru?"
She smiled and shook her head. "I was always told I was a little demon despite everything I was taught." She smoothed out her gown and turned around to face Hisoka. "I can't help being who I am." She gave Hisoka a victory sign and smiled again. "I wanted to congratulate you on your battle with Chymos though . . . very cool with the sword."
Hisoka shook his head in amazement. "How did you know what was happening? Chymos had said . . ."
Hikaru waved her hand in a dismissing motion. "Please . . . Chymos is a demon and a liar. I was tired yes, but like I told you before, you are like a beacon amidst darkness. I couldn't help but to come here to where you were." She frowned as she looked up to Hisoka. "Chymos is a demon through and through . . . and his accusations against me are example of that."
Hisoka shook his head and sighed. "All there is right now are a lot of questions and not enough answers." Hisoka raised his hands in mock defence as Hikaru looked angrily up at Hisoka. "I'm not saying I believe what Chymos said! I'm just saying that things are really chaotic right now." Hisoka scowled at Hikaru, but was sure to show the humour behind his expression. "Besides, you said it yourself, you were labelled a demon when you were younger . . ." Hisoka let his words fade off and fought the urge to laugh at Hikaru's expression.
This banter was soothing, especially everything going on. Hisoka still didn't understand why it was so easy for him to get along with Hikaru. It was just like having a sister . . . an annoying but loveable little sister. Hisoka let the smile he felt inside reach his face, and Hikaru smiled back at him.
"Things are pretty tough right now . . . aren't they Hisoka?"
"Yeah."
Hikaru reached out to pull on Hisoka's sleeve. Hisoka let the little girl pull him down to sit against the trunk of the tree, and Hikaru settled down next to him. "I'll be a part of your family Hisoka . . . I'll protect you and I from all harm." Hisoka was about to protest Hikaru's use of power when Hikaru raised her hand up to Hisoka's lips to silence him. "I know, I'll take it easy. But just like you, I just want to live."
Hisoka let those words roll through his head. He leaned back against the tree and Hikaru leaned up against him. It was strange, to be so comfortable with Hikaru like that, but Hisoka did not mind. He looked up to the canopy of trees above them. Who knew what was right and wrong anymore? He looked down Hikaru who had closed her eyes, her wounds apparent along her arms. He would have to make sure to not call upon Hikaru's powers anymore. Hisoka would not be responsible for hurting the gentle soul bound to him if he could help it.
Hopefully . . . the two of them could get their wish. To just live.
********************
How long Hisoka slept, he was not sure. The fragments of Byakko's conversation and Hikaru's with him were hazy and Hisoka was uncertain as to whether or not they had even took place. It was the quiet murmur of voiced above him, and the loss of Byakko's soft fur that slowly woke Hisoka up.
"How is he doing?" Hisoka feigned sleep, but the concern in GuShoShin's voice was unmistakable. "He looks very pale."
The soft caress of a person's hand along Hisoka's side nearly jolted him out of his half awake state, but Hisoka kept still. It was then that Hisoka realized that he was no longer sleeping against Byakko, but he was curled up . . . against someone? "As well as can be expected I suppose." Tsuzuki's voice was soft, but warm above Hisoka and Hisoka could feel Tsuzuki's chest rumble slightly beneath his head as Tsuzuki spoke. "I can't believe all that has happened. It feels like a nightmare GuShoShin."
Feigning sleep had its disadvantages, as Hisoka could not see GuShoShin's expression as the librarian spoke. "It kinda feels like one doesn't it? I mean . . . I can't believe that Enma has sent Trinity against us." Hisoka recalled the trio of angels from earlier and nearly shuddered. "You don't understand the danger to us Tsuzuki. They are Enma's right hand. The only reason why we survived is because Enma wants us alive."
"You mean He wants Hisoka and I." Tsuzuki's voice was laced slightly with anger, even though he kept the volume low. "I don't understand GuShoShin. Why now? Enma must have known what is within me for quite some time. He never acted before . . . what changed things?"
The silence that filled the air was almost uncomfortable, and Hisoka wanted to wake up, but he didn't want his companions to know he had heard. It was GuShoShin's voice that broke the quiet. "I think it was Hisoka that changed things . . ." GuShoShin's voice sounded apologetic, and Hisoka wished he could see Tsuzuki's reaction, as it just wasn't the same to just feel the older man's response through empathy. "You have changed Tsuzuki . . . at least from how you were before."
Tsuzuki shifted slightly, and Hisoka felt Tsuzuki's hand touch his forehead lightly. "I never had a reason to really live before." Hisoka started to feel more and more like a heel to be listening in on this conversation, but just couldn't help himself. "Aside from Tatsumi, Hisoka has been the only partner I've had that has been willing to stick it out. Even Tatsumi gave up on me after a time as well. But Hisoka . . . Hisoka has stayed with me, despite my flaws." Hisoka could feel the smile on Tsuzuki's face, the happiness the man felt was unmistakable. "He deserves better GuShoShin . . . I only attract trouble."
A soft shuffling sound could be heard, and Hisoka felt another light touch upon his back. "I think the both of you do that quite well on your own, find trouble I mean . . . but that is why you need one another. It's why the Higher ups partnered the two of you in the first place." Tsuzuki's arms encircled Hisoka, the violet-eyed man's apprehension seeping into Hisoka with their close contact.
GuShoShin's voice remained further away as if across the area. "Hisoka has had a rough life and death as well. Do you remember how he was in the beginning? You are the one who opened Hisoka up, who let him finally start feeling. Imagine! An empath unwilling to feel? Hisoka needs to feel in order to fully utilize his empathy. His talent is much more than just reading other's emotions . . . but until he lets go of that chip he has been clinging to, Hisoka won't reach his potential."
Chip? Hisoka fought the urge to 'wake up' and scowl at GuShoShin. He didn't have a chip . . . he just had issues he still had to deal with. Hisoka internally sulked for a moment. What right did his companions have to speak of him? It was that thought that paused Hisoka. It was because they were his friends, the people who cared for him. They did not talk about Hisoka because they wanted to hurt him, only to help.
"If we don't solve this current crisis, those things won't matter." Hisoka could hear Tsuzuki sigh. "We are being attacked from all sides . . . I don't like being backed into a corner."
"I'm sure that if division could, it would be helping us right now. We just have to believe that the chief will stand up against the charges." GuShoShin's voice got quieter, and Hisoka strained to hear the librarian's next comments. "I just hope that they are not being punished as well. You heard what Trinity said. Enma wants a loyal division . . . He believes that we have all gotten too close."
"Well I think the angels will have another thing coming if they try to force the issue. Tatsumi can be very scary when he wants to be." The humour in Tsuzuki's voice was not lost to Hisoka. "Besides, it seems as if they are more concerned about what is within Hisoka and perhaps me. What is so dangerous about the girl GuShoShin? The demon I could understand - Saagatanasu's demonic possession of me was quite . . . unfortunate. But Hisoka is not possessed here, only bound. Hikaru is just a little girl, she poses no threat to Meifu, just to Hisoka's well being. He is still himself."
"But for how long Tsuzuki?"
The silence that filled the air was tense and Hisoka was about to 'wake up' when Tsuzuki answered GuShoShin's question. "If that happens . . . if Hisoka is lost. I will bring him back. He found me when I was lost, I can do no less." The arms about Hisoka tightened slightly and Hisoka marvelled at Tsuzuki's conviction.
"And if he is lost forever . . . than I will do everything in my power to stop the mess that Muraki forced upon Hisoka. It would be what Hisoka would want. Just as I did not want the horror of hurting the ones I love on my conscience back then." Tsuzuki's voice was low, so low that even Hisoka had trouble hearing the man's words. "I will be Hisoka's strength, and if need be, his deliverer." The arms around Hisoka tightened further, and Hisoka could feel the pain within his companion. "I hope that does not happen though GuShoShin . . . cause you know if he is lost . . . I will be as well."
The unspoken intentions were quite evident, perhaps clear to Hisoka for the first time. He lay in his feigned sleep against Tsuzuki, and pondered the implications of things. How complicated circumstances had become indeed. Hisoka mourned once again the dependence of the broken man had on the broken doll, and just how much he needed Tsuzuki.
Sometimes broken things never healed.
********************
It was persistent poking against Hisoka's side that awoke Hisoka from his slumber, for real this time. He frowned and waved his hand at the disturbance. When his actions did nothing but to incite even more jabbing into his side, Hisoka irritably rolled over and cracked his eyes to see what was 'attacking' him. Hisoka had expected it to be Tsuzuki or GuShoShin, but his attacker was none of the sort, and that fact shocked the hell out of Hisoka.
"What are you doing here?"
The little owl hooted happily upon finding Hisoka awake, and proceeded to fly circles around Hisoka's head. Considering that Hisoka was still lying down, it was a rather disastrous undertaking, and Hisoka reached out to gently cushion 003's ultimate crash into the ground. The impact did nothing to dampen the little bird's mood, rather it seemed to intensify the owl's chipper disposition. It was upon holding the little bird close to himself that Hisoka realized that 003 was decked out in some sort of outlandish gear.
Hisoka groaned as he sat up, and grimaced as his healing wounds protested the movement. His activity must have been noticed by Tsuzuki, because the violet-eyed man rushed over as soon as Hisoka was sitting up. "Hisoka you're awake! Are you okay?" Tsuzuki knelt down to be at eye level with Hisoka, and that is when he finally noticed the hooting bird clasped in Hisoka's hands. "003?"
Hisoka gently opened his hands to lay palm up, and 003 hopped excitedly upon the platform. The odd vest, complete with wires and other strange things, jangled in time with 003's motions, and Hisoka found it hard not to smile, if just a little. Tsuzuki made up for Hisoka's lack of expression though, and the beaming grin across Tsuzuki's face seemed to light up the area.
GuShoShin's response was a startled squawk, and Hisoka shook his head. The cavalry had arrived . . . so to speak. But what could a little bird do to help them?
Tsuzuki reached out a hand to touch the strange vest that 003 was wearing, when he noticed the little stack of memory cards strapped to the owl's back. Hisoka watched with amusement as Tsuzuki tried to pull the devices off of 003 while the little bird continued to bounce merrily across Hisoka's upturned hands. GuShoShin hovered over to observe the endeavour, a smile crossing his face. Hisoka sighed, it was good to see some smiles on his companion's faces, they had enough of bad ones.
"Hold still 003!" Tsuzuki admonished the little bird, and 003 complied, if only slightly. Hisoka could feel the little owl's legs upon his palms almost vibrate in excitement, and Hisoka puzzled over how 003 had gotten to them. Wasn't division under a lock down? And Byakko had told Hisoka that they were in a place where those chasing them could not find them. Apparently that only meant those who wished harm, because 003 had found them. Hisoka looked around him for the first time.
It was daylight, and Hisoka could see a abundance of trees surrounding him. A little ways away Hisoka could see the ruined remains of what looked like a temple of sorts, and Byakko was no where to be found. It looked like the forest he had created in his mind to combat Chymos, and Hisoka marvelled at the wild beauty. Byakko must have left a while ago, and Hisoka closed his eyes momentarily. Thank you Byakko . . . where ever you are. Hisoka turned his attention back to Tsuzuki who had finally scooped 003 into his hands and was holding the little bird still long enough to pull the memory cards off of 003's odd vest.
"Division must have sent a message." GuShoShin held his hands out to Tsuzuki who promptly handed the memory cards over to the librarian. Hisoka watched the exchange with detached concern. Division had contacted them . . . they had not been abandoned. Hisoka could just imagine the chief's outrage upon finding out his employees were the target of an internal man hunt. GuShoShin flew over to their duffle bag and proceeded to pull his laptop out of the bag.
Finally released by Tsuzuki, 003 hooted merrily in circles around Tsuzuki's head, and Hisoka smirked at the owl's antics. Tsuzuki noticed Hisoka's small expression though, because the violet-eyed man smiled to Hisoka and reached his hand down to offer Hisoka a hand up. "Did you sleep well Hisoka?"
Hisoka took Tsuzuki's proffered help, and slowly rose to stand aside Tsuzuki. He cringed slightly as his wounds protested the movement, but Hisoka ignored them. He looked to his hand joined with Tsuzuki's own, and shook his head. "I slept better than I have been. I'm okay." Hisoka raised his eyes to meet Tsuzuki's own. "Thank you Tsuzuki . . . for watching over me."
It was extraordinary, but Tsuzuki seemed to blush, and Hisoka gave Tsuzuki a rare but small smile. If these were potentially going to be his final days, Hisoka did not want to regret them. "Where are we?"
Tsuzuki waved his hands to the trees and the fallen temple near them. "It is one of the forgotten shrines, a temple to Byakko from long ago." Tsuzuki's voice lowered and Hisoka could feel a twinge of sadness from his partner. "A positively charged spiritual place, even after these years of neglect. Even Muraki cannot reach us while we are here." Tsuzuki shook his head. "Byakko does not receive the respect he deserves, and I am just dragging his name into the mud with all of this."
Hisoka recalled Byakko's comment that he too was probably going to be accused by the High Council. But Hisoka also remembered Byakko's other words. It was embarrassing to say them, but Hisoka knew that hearing them would help Tsuzuki with his guilt. "That is the risk one takes to love another person . . ." Hisoka blushed as the words left his mouth, and he looked to the ground. "Byakko cares for you very much Tsuzuki, he doesn't care about his reputation at the moment. He worries about you." And me . . . Hisoka left that part unspoken.
The silence between the two of them was broken by 003's antics, and Hisoka watched as Tsuzuki reached out to gently stop the little owl's motions. "Really 003! I get it already! I'm glad you are here as well." Tsuzuki affectionately petted 003's head, and looked to Hisoka. "I'm glad you are still here as well."
If tomatoes could walk, Hisoka was sure he would be deemed the world's first walking tomato. The blush across his face was warm and Hisoka turned away from Tsuzuki to look at GuShoShin. The librarian had finally set up his laptop and was in the process of getting the information off of the memory cards. He was saved from replying to Tsuzuki's comment as GuShoShin beckoned the two of them over.
"Take a look at this! It seems as Watari might have found a loophole through the lock down, even if it is just 003." GuShoShin's voice quavered with excitement and Hisoka couldn't help but feel better. Electric snow crackled across the screen and Watari's face filled the screen. It was relieving to see a familiar face, even if it was just a recorded message.
"Hello there Tsuzuki, Hisoka and GuShoShin! If you are watching this, I can safely assume that my 003 found you guys. I hope you are safe and well." Watari frowned slightly and Hisoka edged closer to Tsuzuki.
"I don't know if you know, but I bet you do. A lock down has been placed on division. Konoe was ready to have kittens when he finally found out about it. The fact that we were kept in the dark disturbs us, and so Tatsumi being Tatsumi, decided to work a little of his magic so to speak." Watari winked and Hisoka sighed. He could only begin to guess what 'magic' Tatsumi had worked. The man was the secretary of the Shokan division, but he was damn scary when he wanted to be.
"They are closely monitoring our movements, and so even though I found a way through the lock down, I can't come personally myself, as much as I want to. Apparently 003 is not considered a threat though, and her movements are still unrestricted. So I modified my toy and fit it to 003. That would be the vest you see on her. Ingenious eh? "
Hisoka looked to the peculiar vest strapped to 003, and he marvelled at Watari's sheer brilliance or stupidity. Anyone could have caught 003, and the message playing right now would damn the Shokan division quite thoroughly. Watari had complete faith in his feathered companion, and Hisoka couldn't help but admire that belief. The little owl could slip between the veil of Meifu and ChiJou, and she would not be watched; at least for now.
"The details are still a little unclear, but from what Konoe gathered from questioning the Earl and some others, it seems the two of you have gotten yourselves into a heap of trouble. Didn't I say that Enma was insane to send the two of you out on this horrible case?" Watari shook his finger at the screen and Hisoka just rolled his eyes. "We didn't think that we were under investigation as well as the two of you. It seems as Enma has had some doubts about the functioning of the Shokan division for quite some time. Whether that is because of what He believes, or what the High Council has spoon fed Him, time will tell."
"They can't hide the lock down from us though, as all our operations save for yours have been brought to a halt. It is kind of difficult to guide souls to Meifu when you can't even get to ChiJou." Watari waved his hands in excitement. "Konoe has started to wade through the red tape, protesting the lock down, the reasons given and the fact that his agents are in the field unprotected. That my dear friends would be the great Konoe working on your behalf."
"Watari . . ." Tsuzuki's voice was quiet, and Hisoka looked to his partner with concern. Tsuzuki's eyes were wet, but Hisoka could tell that it was not because Tsuzuki was upset, it was because he was happy. Hisoka shook his head and looked back to the laptop.
"Apparently High Council has gotten on SohRyu's case about your shikigami, but considering SohRyu is one of yours I don't think you need to worry Tsuzuki. SohRyu is particularly irritable at the moment, so I am sure you can depend on your shikigami for protection and support for now." Watari snapped his fingers and lifted a memory card into the air. "Oh yeah! Even though we can't really do much to help you at the moment, you can tell us what in Enma's name is happening. Just record your messages and strap it to 003. Also if you have any requests -- ones that can fit through a 003 sized hole only please. On her vest is a pull string. Pull it and the rift will open for her to travel back here. I regret that I cannot help you guys out further, but a hole any larger and Enma's angels would be on to me."
Watari tapped his finger to his head as if in thought. "Well maybe GuShoShin could squeeze through, assuming he hasn't pigged out in the time you guys have been gone. In fact, if GuShoShin could come through that would be great. A single GuShoShin twin working up here is wonderful, but the two of them together . . . I am sure we could really hash up some major plans. But it is up to you GuShoShin. We heard about Trinity and their attempt to catch you guys. I'm sorry to say that GuShoShin has been labelled a sympathizer, and they are after you as well my friend. If you decide to come through, just follow 003, we will keep you safe from Enma, and your help would be great." Watari's face got serious, and Hisoka wished Watari was actually there in front of them.
"Whatever you guys do, don't let Trinity capture you. I know it's rough and all, but you can't let that happen. Tatsumi has collected money from everyone in division, as our budget is being closely monitored, and inside 003's vest you will find our collection. It isn't much, but we can't just sit here and do nothing." Watari beamed, and it felt to Hisoka that the clearing seemed to lighten as well. "We want you guys back as quick as possible, and we will work on achieving that goal. Just don't quit on us on your end okay?" Watari made a motion to look off camera, and he stood up. "Hmm . . . it seems as if I've run out of time for the moment. I'm sending 003 now. I pray that you are all well. Watari signing out."
The screen blackened, and Hisoka looked at the dark screen almost numb. Their division hadn't abandoned them, their friends were fighting for them, even if it was on a different front. Tsuzuki and GuShoShin were also still, perhaps pondering Watari's message. It was 003 who once again broke the silence by hooting loudly.
"Well . . . at least we know that division is there for us." GuShoShin's voice was quiet, and Hisoka looked to the librarian. GuShoShin pulled out the memory card and looked over to Tsuzuki. "I can start recording a message now Tsuzuki . . . do you want me to?"
Hisoka looked over to Tsuzuki who stood as if in shock. And perhaps Tsuzuki was. Hisoka himself was surprised by the arrival and message brought by 003. The twittering of birds in the trees filled the silence, along with 003's constant hooting. Hisoka reached out a hand to tentatively touch Tsuzuki's arm. It startled Tsuzuki, and the violet-eyed man looked over to Hisoka. "They didn't betray us."
"Of course not." Hisoka fell back into familiar banter as he rolled his eyes to Tsuzuki. "What in the world would make you believe that they would ever forsake us? We are a family of sorts Tsuzuki, even Trinity said that." Hisoka clenched his fist and looked Tsuzuki in the eye. "Blood isn't the only factor that makes a family."
Tsuzuki looked at Hisoka as if he had grown a second head, and Hisoka flushed once again. He was spouting nonsense . . . maybe he was still worn out from before? Tsuzuki laughed suddenly and Hisoka looked at Tsuzuki warily. "You were talking to Byakko earlier weren't you?" Tsuzuki smiled and shook his head. "Byakko is always saying those clichés and stuff . . . but yeah . . . you are right Hisoka." Tsuzuki winked at Hisoka. "We can't let our family down, now can we?"
Hisoka just nodded speechlessly in response. How Tsuzuki did that, flipping from emotion to the next, Hisoka could not understand. Tsuzuki smiled one of his winning smiles and turned to GuShoShin. "We should do a recording immediately, but we need to collaborate what we know, or suspect." Tsuzuki looked to Hisoka. "Especially you Hisoka, since you are the only one who understands what is going on inside of you." Hisoka watched as Tsuzuki clapped his hands together. "Alright! Let's get going!"
Leave it to the slacker of the Shokan division to get everyone motivated. Hisoka just shook his head in amusement. They had things to do, plans to devise, and lives to save. A typical day for a shinigami.
********************
"Explain to me once again why you won't stay here??" GuShoShin's voice was stubborn, and Hisoka looked to Tsuzuki who sat in thought upon a large stone. "The demons can't get here, Muraki can't touch Hisoka's mind while he remains here. Here is safe." GuShoShin pointed off to the distance and shook his head. "Going back out there is just inviting disaster."
The planning session the three of them had earlier was intense, and Hisoka felt drained. It was hard to explain to Tsuzuki what was happening within him. Of Hikaru's words, and Chymos' accusations. It was even harder to describe his struggle to survive, even when he was just asleep. The questions and explanations flew fast between the three of them, but to Hisoka it seemed as if they were just uncovering more questions than answers.
003 sat quietly on Hisoka's shoulder, as if she could sense Hisoka's dispirited mood. The little owl nuzzled Hisoka's cheek once, and flew away to perch on GuShoShin's laptop. Her little vest was stocked up with their messages, and was ready to go. Hisoka eyed 003 and envied the owl's freedom. He may have wings, but Hisoka felt trapped there in the ruins. He stood and stared at the trees surrounding him, a gilded cage.
Tsuzuki lifted his head to look at GuShoShin, and he flickered his gaze to Hisoka. "We may be safe from the demons and Muraki, but Trinity is still a threat. There is nothing to stop them from coming here and since this is one of Byakko's temples, they will come here eventually." Tsuzuki shook his head mournfully. "This is only a resting place for us. We need to find a way to help Hisoka." Tsuzuki turned his gaze to Hisoka, and Hisoka turned his gaze away. "Having you up there will help us get back to our family sooner GuShoShin."
"I agree . . . but I still can't help but protest your decision to leave here."
For some unexplainable reason, Hisoka just stood in silence while GuShoShin and Tsuzuki argued. Why he was leaving everything up to Tsuzuki was confounding to Hisoka to say the least. But Tsuzuki was the elder here, he had more experience . . . or that is what Hisoka kept telling himself as he listened to Tsuzuki speak. The man was irresponsible at best, but more often than not, his plans worked out for the better in the end. Yet a small part of Hisoka knew that he left things up to Tsuzuki, because he trusted the man with his life.
Hisoka kicked idly at a rock, not wanting to look at either Tsuzuki or GuShoShin. The messages they had recorded had taken a while, and Hisoka had started to feel like a huge burden as they went on to explain all that had happened to him. It was frustrating, having all of this happening to him, but being almost powerless to do anything to rectify things.
Tsuzuki continued to talk to GuShoShin, but he cast concerned glances toward Hisoka, which Hisoka pointedly ignored. There was a very easy solution to a lot of their problems, but Hisoka knew if he even mentioned it, Tsuzuki would get very angry. Hisoka hadn't let Tsuzuki take care of his problems by travelling that path, and Hisoka was sure Tsuzuki would not let him try to solve things the same way. It was a course that Hisoka was scared to take, but it one he might be forced into. Hisoka clenched his fists angrily. It was what he and Hikaru had spoke of . . . why was it so hard to grant that one desire? What was so wrong about wanting to live?
At some point, things between GuShoShin and Tsuzuki must have been resolved, because suddenly the rock Hisoka was toying with was kicked out of his reach. Hisoka blinked stupidly at the rock for a moment, and then looked behind him. Tsuzuki stood there, his trench coat flapping in the slight breeze, and Hisoka felt his throat tighten. "What?" It was automatic, to fall back into he defensive mode, but for Hisoka, it is what kept him going in the past. He was too proud to admit that he was afraid, but Hisoka knew that Tsuzuki knew.
"Hisoka . . ." Tsuzuki's voice was hushed, and he stepped forward to stand in front of Hisoka. "Tell me what's going on in your head." Tsuzuki reached out to hesitantly touch Hisoka's arm, and was a little shocked when Hisoka pulled away from his touch. The sunlight broke through the leafy boughs above them, splashing shadows across the area, and Hisoka shifted his gaze to the ground, unable to bare the look Tsuzuki gave him.
Hisoka looked to the ground, unable to look Tsuzuki in the eye as he spoke. It was better this way, it was better to push Tsuzuki away now. The pain that happened now because of it would be far less than the pain that would come if Hisoka let Tsuzuki get closer. Sometimes one had to be cruel to be kind. "Nothing." Hisoka shook his head as if irritable. The message they created for division had brought a lot of things into focus, while at the same time brought up a lot of questions. "It doesn't concern you." Four simple words . . . a lie that tore into Hisoka's soul, but he still spoke them. Sometimes one had to be cruel to be kind, and Hisoka did not want Tsuzuki to be hurt more.
It was not a strange thing, to feel Tsuzuki's finger press gently up on his chin, and pull his face up to meet Tsuzuki's own. "Of course it concerns me, you're my partner Hisoka . . . we have to look out for one another." Hisoka looked into Tsuzuki's eyes, and he felt like screaming. Not because he was sad, but because everything was happening at once.
It was unfair . . . so unfair. Hisoka took a deep breath and he pulled back from Tsuzuki's touch. Hisoka knew now that Tsuzuki was more than just a partner to him, but with the way things were going, it probably would not matter what Hisoka felt. He would be lost. "You always say that . . . we're partners . . ." Hisoka shook his head angrily and clenched his fists. "Even your strength may not be enough Tsuzuki. You are going to have to face the cold harsh facts! I am not going to make it."
"You will get through this. Correction, we will get through this." Tsuzuki's words were quiet, but the emotion behind them was intense. Hisoka wanted to rage at Tsuzuki's optimism, partially because it was misplaced, and because he was so afraid to believe in Tsuzuki's words. "I will not leave you alone . . . no matter what happens."
Hisoka looked up into Tsuzuki's eyes, and tried to believe the words. Everyone that had mattered in Hisoka's life abandoned him, and although Tsuzuki was different, fate had a funny way of making things happen. "How do you know? How can you promise something like that?" He hated how weak his voice sounded, just like everything of him . . . weak. "Don't promise me something you KNOW you cannot keep!" He pushed against Tsuzuki's chest, wanting to keep Tsuzuki away from him. The man had a huge heart, and it was going to get him killed along with Hisoka.
Hisoka wanted to rage at the sky at the injustice of it all. Perhaps for the first time in his existence, Hisoka had someone who cared for him, but he was unlikely to survive to explore those feelings. "I appreciate your concern Tsuzuki, but don't promise me something like that . . . don't make promises you know you can't keep . . ." Hisoka shook his head and raked his fingers through his hair. When Tsuzuki grabbed his wrist to pull it against his chest, Hisoka did not struggle.
Tsuzuki's eyes were wide, and Hisoka felt as if he were falling into them. A blush rose to Hisoka's cheeks, but this time Hisoka did not feel a need to protest. He had tried to push Tsuzuki away before, and it had never worked. If these were to be his last days, Hisoka did not want to die without knowing what love was. Hisoka could feel Tsuzuki's heart beating against his hand, and Tsuzuki reached with his other hand to brush Hisoka's cheek.
"I can promise . . . because I love you Hisoka." Hisoka's eyes widened as those words left Tsuzuki's lips, and he stood still, afraid to break the spell. Tsuzuki's eyes searched Hisoka's face, looking for something, and Hisoka knew he could no deny what Tsuzuki sought. Hisoka reached up to cup Tsuzuki's hand against his cheek, and smiled. He rarely smiled, the expression a foreign thing to Hisoka, but for Tsuzuki, he would break that barrier. Hisoka knew that Tsuzuki needed confirmation as much as he needed it.
Hisoka raised his eyes to Tsuzuki's, and the emotions within them were intoxicating. Maybe it was because of his empathy, but Hisoka did not care. Tsuzuki loved him . . . and it was enough. Hisoka raised his hand to touch Tsuzuki's cheek. If he perished tomorrow, Hisoka would not regret things. He would not leave this world without knowing what real love was. Cruel fate owed Hisoka at least that much. Demons, Trinity, Muraki . . . nothing mattered except for that solitary moment, nothing save for the man who stood before Hisoka. "Tsuzuki . . ."
The sunlight was warm upon Hisoka, but it did not compare to the man standing before him. There was enough fear these days, and Hisoka wanted to remember something without that fear or pain. He stepped forward and slid his arms around Tsuzuki, needing to draw in his partner's strength. Hisoka buried his face in Tsuzuki's chest, holding the older man tight to him. "I love you . . ." His voice was muffled, but Tsuzuki's arms encircling Hisoka let him know Tsuzuki heard.
The two of them stood there for who knows how long, and Hisoka did not care. He pulled his wings forward to envelop both of them in a feathery embrace. Tsuzuki was warm, and Hisoka closed his eyes as Tsuzuki leaned down to claim Hisoka's lips. It was intoxicating, and oh so sweet.
Two lost souls just trying to exist . . .
********************
Author's Note:
*whew* Well there it is, the next installment of my pet monster. I know that this chapter is long . . . and doesn't have a lot of action this time, save for Chymos' little cat and mouse game with Hisoka. But I needed to touch on some things, and do some cryptic foreshadowing stuff. Maybe I will be the only one who gets them, but as the author I get to know what will be happening before you guys do!
I hope this wasn't too sappy and fluffy for people. I promise things will get much more darker as time goes here. But Tsuzuki needs Hisoka, and Hisoka needs Tsuzuki. Period. Who knows how long either one of them has, especially at this stage of things. I tried not to make Hisoka seem so . . . weak . . . but the reality of things, Hisoka is weakening, heart, mind, body and soul. Bad Muraki! And while I am at it, Bad Demons!, Bad Trinity! And Bad Enma!
Ahem. Also just another note, you readers are lucky, my computer almost decided that this chapter was food . . . I had to do some intense praying and surgery was almost required . . . but I rescued this little gem. Bad computer! No eating the projects!
Reviews and comments on my story thus far would be most appreciated. As a wanna be author, it is encouraging to hear from those who read one's work. So even if you have nothing to say other than 'Good job!', or 'You Suck!', I would still like to hear from you. Those who have reviewed already, I want to thank you for your input! It really does encourage me and helps me get these chapters out.
Also I just have to thank Matsushita for creating such wonderful characters! Humour, darkness, romance _ all the fun stuff rolled into one! Thank you!