A/N:
MorningStar: SON OF A BITCH!!! Okay after three months and the computer
eating part of it, Chapter Six is FINALLY, once more, for the last time,
FINISHED!!! Here you go ppl! I love it, it works. It took forever! Have
fun, I'm giving no previews for the next chapter except that there WILL be
a lemon! Oh, and by the way, the demon is a damned gentleman, how the hell
does that work?? DAMN MURAKI!!!
BuddhaFrog: My computer ate it. I cry because MorningStar is threatening Geeves. I cry because I can't talk to Jooky. I cry because the last time I did commentary for this chapter I got to type it my damn self. Damn computer eating the chapter. Where'd it go? Where'd it go? Off in computer LALA land! I cry b/c I won't be going to bed yet, damn ppl and their damn updating at weird times! But I have a pretty new hair color. But the chapter is a good chapter. It moves it grooves and there is no lemon. I CRY b/c there is no lemon! Why the hell do I have southern accent?! (I really should stop typing everything she says, no?) This was half as long when I was typing it. I had a point and it talked about the chapter more. But b/c my damn computer ate the damn thing . . . and damn is my favorite word as opposed to fuck, at least at this point in time. Anyhow ppl, it took her long enough to write this damn thing. Read it. LOVE AND PEACE!!!
Holli: Geezes, someone pour holy water on BuddhaFrog's comp and exorcise the demon out. Little bastard.
Uhhh . . . yeah. Really good chapter, the plot is coming along great! It's about time, but I understand! And this demon . . . thing . . . is a little bitch. LOL. Yep.
That's it! Laterz! **************************************************************************** **
Chapter Six:
Revealed
Tsuzuki played with the last bits of dessert that remained on his plate absentmindedly. His mind tore through the little bits of information they had managed to gather relentlessly. *What kind of demon brings their victims back to life? Isn't it just the initial kill that gives them power? What purpose are the puppets serving? I hope Watari can find some answers with that feather . . . it's the only clue we have right now . . . but at least Hisoka is feeling better, so he can continue with our investigation . . . I just hope the last sites don't overwhelm him . . . Uhhh, I wish we had more to go on than just a feather and the brief image of fangs that Hisoka got. It would help even more if the victims themselves would talk to us. I can't believe that not ONE of the people Detective Hatoyama and I tried the other day would talk to us . . . although she seemed to get over that really fast, I mean she did . . . Ohhhh, KUSO! I haven't told Hisoka about that yet!! I forgot all about it, though! I really should tell him, but I don't want to upset him . . .*
Tsuzuki looked up from his now empty plate at his partner. Hisoka was staring at him intensely, as if he were trying to figure something out. Tsuzuki returned his gaze to his plate and started to fidget nervously with his napkin, trying to summon up the courage to tell Hisoka what had happened the day the teen had passed out.
"Tsuzuki," Hisoka's voice was like that of a parent whose patience had just given way from dealing with an overly stubborn child. The waves of nervousness that had been crashing into him for the past few minutes had finally broken his resolve to wait for Tsuzuki to just say whatever it was that was bothering him.
Tsuzuki flicked his eyes up briefly to look at Hisoka before returning to his abused napkin. He took a deep breath, let it out, then tried again, "U- uhh . . . 'Soka . . . ummm, do you remember the other day when you passed out?"
Hisoka flushed crimson and stared down at his lap. *So . . . that is what is making Tsuzuki so nervous . . . he is ashamed of how I acted and he doesn't want me anymore . . . He is worried about how I will react, even though he is disgusted with me he still doesn't want to hurt me. But . . . I don't feel any disgust coming from him . . . just worry . . . he must have . . .*
". . . and then she kissed me," Hisoka's head shot up as he caught the last part of what had apparently been a rather long speech as Tsuzuki was panting desperately for air.
"Nani?"
Tsuzuki tilted his head to one side and stared at his partner. It wasn't like Hisoka not to pay attention to him, well, okay, so the teen often didn't pay attention to what he said, but he would at least *listen* before deciding not to pay attention. What was wrong with him? Tsuzuki took another breath and repeated what he had said, but this time it was slower and with more breaths, "I said that after I brought you back to the hotel I went back and interrogated Kakinomoto-san again. I'll tell you what he told me later, that's not important right now. After I left Kakinomoto-san's house I ran into Detective Hatoyama. She said that she would join me in my interrogations and since I couldn't think of a good reason not to let her she came with me. None of the victims would talk to us though, so we bought some soda, and she said that I was probably right about the fact that no one would talk because who would want to remember dying," Tsuzuki paused and glanced down at the bits of paper that used to be his napkin. He took a deep breath and finished his story quickly, "Without even asking me or giving me any warning she pulled me against her and she was kissing me and I didn't know what to do I was so shocked I just stood there and then when I tried to push her off I found that she was really strong and I couldn't, and I really don't think that a woman that tiny should be that strong, but anyway she pushed me away and turned around and walked away from me saying she would see me later and that I should call her Kimiko."
Hisoka stared at Tsuzuki for a few seconds, unable to speak for the intense relief he felt. Tsuzuki wasn't disgusted with him!
Tsuuzki misread Hisoka's silence for anger and he immediately went on the defensive, trying to explain why he hadn't told Hisoka before that Hatoyama had kissed him, "I know I should have told you earlier, but I really forgot about it until just now . . . I mean . . . I had other, more important things on my mind . . . uh, especially after coming back to the hotel to see if you were alright . . . I mean, uh . . . seeing you, and then, well . . ."
Hisoka knew he should stop Tsuzuki before the man either talked himself blue, or embarrassed both of them. When he spoke, his voice was as neutral as usual, revealing none of the rollercoaster feelings he had been experiencing, "Tsuzuki, why couldn't you push her away?"
Tsuzuki paused in his adamant defense of himself, "Uh, well, I told you, she was really strong, almost as if she lifted weights everyday of her life. I didn't think anyone that small could be so strong!"
"Hmmm . . ." Hisoka stared, unseeing, around the restaurant in their hotel, "I didn't get a chance to tell you this before, Tsuzuki, but Kakinomoto-san and Detective Hatoyama are identical in their emotions. All I could read from either of them was intense lust aimed at you."
Tsuzuki leaned back in his chair thoughtfully, "What do you think that means? We know that Kakinomot-san was a victim of the demon . . . do you think Hatoyama could be one as well?"
"I'm not sure. She hasn't shown any signs of being one of the victims, and I think that . . ."
"Asato-chan!" the smooth and somewhat sultry voice of the very woman they had been talking about floated to them from across the restaurant. They both turned and watched as Detective Hatoyama weaved her way gracefully to their table. She gave Hisoka a cursory nod, barely even acknowledging him, before turning her full attention to Tsuzuki, "Asato, I was wondering if you would like to continue with the interrogations today?"
Tsuzuki stared up at Hatoyama, but before he could answer, Hisoka's own, quiet voice spoke up, "Actually, Detective, my partner and I were just going over some of the evidence we've found. We were about to continue the interrogations ourselves, and I really don't think that having *three* police officers will help to relax the victims."
The detective stared at Hisoka as if he were some annoying little insect that she would gladly squash beneath her black leather boots. Her voice was icy when she spoke to Hisoka, using the extreme politeness one reserves for people one hates, "Well then, since Detective Tsuzuki and I started the interrogations I think that the two of us can finish them."
"Actually, Detective Hatoyama, Hisoka *is* my partner and he does need to be shown the proper way to interrogate a victim, especially the victims of such a strange and violent crime as this. I think it would be better if we finished the interrogations together," Tsuzuki spoke up, tactfully dismissing the woman.
Hatoyama glared openly at Hisoka, before turning lust filled, yet still professional, eyes on Tsuzuki, "You're right. The rookie needs to learn, and the best way is through experience. I'll see you later though."
Before either Shinigami knew what was happening, Detective Hatoyama had bent down and pressed her lips firmly against Tsuzuki's. Hisoka was blushing furiously from both embarrassment and anger when he felt an altogether new emotion radiate from Hatoyama. Before all he felt from her was lust, now he was getting a sharp sense of triumph and anticipation. Tsuzuki managed to push the aggressive woman off of him and she smiled before twirling around and sauntering away, Hisoka glaring after her.
"Hisoka, I didn't know she was going to do that! I swear," Tsuzuki was on the verge of babbling again.
"I know, Tsuzuki. I saw," Hisoka's voice was calm, as if he could care less about whether or not the detective had just kissed his lover. His face was pensive, staring off in the direction that Hatoyama had gone.
"'Soka? What's wrong?"
Hisoka looked back at Tsuzuki and shrugged, "It's probably nothing. Come on, let's get these interrogations over with. If we're lucky, maybe I can get a few answers about your admiring detective."
Tsuzuki's eyes widened at Hisoka's teasing statement, he had never heard his introverted partner tease him like that before. But before he could come up with any kind of response, Hisoka had stood up and walked away, leaving Tsuzuki staring dumbly after him.
* * *
Hisoka sighed and leaned against the cool brick wall, "Only one more person to interrogate, or, to be precise, only one more door to have slammed in our faces."
Tsuzuki had a brief moment of déjà vu, this scene was very similar to the one with Hatoyama earlier. Tsuzuki wondered with a grin whether or not this would end the same way as well, probably not, but it was fun to imagine that it would.
Hisoka looked up and saw Tsuzuki staring at him with a far away expression and a dreamy grin. He rolled his eyes, he could just *imagine* what Tsuzuki was thinking about. He pushed himself away from the wall and walked over to his partner, "Hey, baka! Quit daydreaming and let's go."
While they walked Hisoka turned over everything that he had gathered from the detective and the various murder sites that they had visited, as well as from Kakinomoto-san. *Kakinomoto-san and Detective Hatoyama both have the same response to Tsuzuki . . . The emotions from the murder sites are too faded for me to pull anything other than fear or slight flashes of triumph from the de . . . THE DEMON! I wonder . . . if it's true then . . . I wonder if Tsuzuki has thought of that yet? It would explain why . . .* Hisoka's thoughts trailed off as they walked up to the house of the newest victim. The girl, only fourteen according to their records, had been found dead only a week before he and Tsuzuki had been assigned to the case. Apparently the parents had been so traumatized by the sudden loss and return of their little girl they were in total denial that she had even died, refusing to talk to anyone who said differently. Hisoka sighed inwardly, knowing that they probably weren't going to get anywhere with these people either. Tsuzuki walked up to the door and knocked lightly before stepping back to wait for an answer.
A girl, about eighteen or nineteen, opened the door and looked at them , one dark eyebrow raised, "Can I help you?"
Tsuzuki flashed the girl his most charming smile and showed her his fake police badge, "I am Detective Tsuzuki Asato, and this is my partner Kurosaki Hisoka. Is this where Iseki Naoko lives?"
The girl stepped out of the house, closing the door behind her and leaning against it, "And if it is?"
"We would just like to ask her a few questions," Tsuzuki smiled at the girl again.
A heavy sigh escaped the girl's lips, "Listen, my parents aren't home right now, I'm Naoko's older sister, Natsumi . . . well, I was her older sister."
Hisoka looked at Natsumi, "'Was?'"
"Yes, was. I refuse to believe that . . . that . . . *thing* that came back to us is my little sister!" Natsumi's eyes sparked dangerously, and she spat out the word "thing" as if it left a bad taste in her mouth.
"What do you mean 'thing,'" Tsuzuki asked, feeling as if they were getting closer to something, "Most of the other victims' families consider the return of their loved ones a miracle."
"Pah! Miracle! It would be a miracle if the Naoko who came back was my real little sister, but she's not. I don't know what she is," Natsumi pushed herself away from the door and looked into Tsuzuki's eyes, studying him, "Hmmm, you aren't like *her* it's probably safe to tell you. Come inside, please."
Before either of them could say anything, Natsumi had disappeared inside the house, leaving the door open for them to follow. They followed Natsumi past the living room and down a hallway before Hisoka spoke up, "Where are we going?"
Natsumi looked over her shoulder and flashed Hisoka a fierce smile, "To my room. It's the only place that *thing* won't go."
"Why?" Hisoka could feel this girl's emotions, it was as if someone had taken her emotions, stuck them in a blender and hit puree, there was almost no separating what she was feeling more of; anger, hatred, grief, love, or frustration.
She flashed a peace sign at him, baring her teeth in a parody of a smile, "Protective charms. That's how I figured out that thing wasn't Naoko."
"What do you mean? And why do you have protective charms?" Tsuzuki asked.
Natsumi laughed ruefully as she ushered them into her room. Tsuzuki felt a slight tingling as he crossed into the teen's room. *Those must be the charms she was talking about. They're pretty powerful. I wonder how she learned them?*
Natsumi's room was small and uncluttered; the only furniture was a low desk with a computer, a small futon, and a dresser. There were a few small knick- knacks sitting around the dresser and a poster hanging on the wall of lightning striking a tree. Natsumi motioned for them to sit on the futon as she settled herself cross-legged on the cushion in front of her desk. She leaned forward, her elbows on her knees and studied both of them silently for awhile before speaking.
"When Naoko was little she would always wake up crying, claiming to have seen ghosts or demons. My parents just thought it was a little girl's imagination and didn't do anything about it. One night, she came into my room, she was terrified. I let her sleep with me that night, but the next day we went to the library and started studying protective charms. We went everyday for two weeks as soon as we got out of school, learning how to properly cast and release protective charms. Finally we settled on two powerful ones for our rooms and smaller ones for her to carry around with her. After we cast them Naoko stopped having nightmares and she could sleep peacefully, she never had to sleep with me again."
Tsuzuki nodded, understanding. He liked this girl, she didn't just push her sister's fears away like her parents had, she had helped her little sister with her problem and now she was trying to do the same. "You said the charms were how you knew that the Naoko who came back wasn't your sister. How?"
Natsumi sighed and looked to the side, tears of anger and grief forming in her dark brown eyes, "When she got back home from the hospital I had to dispel the charms before she could go into her room. Those charms were made to allow anyone who is human and without malicious intent into the room. I know Naoko, no matter what she never wished anyone any harm. That thing that returned isn't Naoko. It doesn't even act like Naoko. On the surface it does, but every now and then it seems as if she is a puppet without a master, just standing or sitting, a glazed expression on her face, lifeless."
"Have you told anyone else about this?"
Natsumi snorted, "Who would I tell? I tried talking to my parents about it, but they are happy living in the fantasy world where they don't have to remember going to the morgue to identify Naoko's body! But I remember, and every time I try to tell them, they get angry and punish me! It's not fair!!! Why can't I live in the world they're living in!? Then I wouldn't close my eyes and see Naoko's body lying on that cold steel!"
Natsumi stood up and started pacing her room, tears sliding down her face. Hisoka felt her emotions crystallize, bringing her anger and resentment crashing over him. The only other person he had ever felt with such chaotic emotions was Tsuzuki! Tsuzuki seemed to understand what Natsumi needed, because he stood up and wrapped his arms gently around the enraged teenager, and it was as if Natsumi just suddenly deflated. She collapsed against Tsuzuki and just started crying. Hisoka was having a hard time keeping all of her pain from overwhelming him. He felt sorry for this girl, to have to bear such a burden.
After a few minutes Natsumi lifted her head and gave Tsuzuki a watery smile, "I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me."
Tsuzuki smiled back at her, "It's okay, you just needed to get it out. We don't mind. Can you continue, or should we come back later?"
Natsumi sniffed and wiped her nose with a Kleenex, "No, I don't know when my parents will be gone for this long again. Now is the only time we have for sure."
Tsuzuki nodded and they both returned to their previous seats, Hisoka having never left his through the whole ordeal. Tsuzuki continued asking questions almost immediately, "You said your parents wouldn't listen . . . but what about other police officers? Surely someone else came to investigate this?"
Natsumi hiccupped and shook her head, "There was no way I was going to tell that woman about my sister! I didn't trust her!"
Hisoka and Tsuzuki exchanged a surprised look and Hisoka asked, "What woman?"
"She said her name was Detective Hatoyama. I don't know why I didn't trust her . . . I mean, she was really nice to my parents and didn't get angry or even frustrated with them when they continually denied the fact that Naoko had ever died . . . I guess maybe that's it, she just seemed too willing to allow my parents to continue to live in their bubble. I've never heard of a police officer who would risk a case just to allow the victims to delude themselves."
"Is Naoko home, now?"
When Natsumi nodded Hisoka looked at Tsuzuki before turning back to her and asking, "May we speak with her? We want to ask her about her accident."
Natsumi stood up and led them back to the living room where she motioned them to sit down before she walked back down the hallway in search of her sister.
"Hisoka, what is it?" Tsuzuki asked after he was sure Natsumi wouldn't be able to hear.
Hisoka looked at Tsuzuki and shook his head, "I think that Detective Hatoyama might have a little more to do with this case than it appears. You know how I told you that Hatoyama and Kakinomoto-san had identical emotions?"
Tsuzuki nodded, but before Hisoka could continue, Natsumi walked back into the room, a girl who looked no older than twelve trailing behind her. Natsumi stopped in front of the couch where the two Shinigami were seated, "Naoko, this is Detective Tsuzuki and Officer Kurosaki. They would like to ask you a few questions."
Naoko smiled beautifully at the two, "Nice to meet you."
As soon as Naoko sat down in the oversized recliner next to the couch Natsumi left, presumably back to her room.
Tsuzuki leaned forward and smiled at the girl, "We would like to ask you a few questions about your accident. Is that okay?"
When Naoko nodded, Hisoka closed his eyes, blocking out the conversation between his partner and the girl. He focused his mind on reading Naoko's emotions, as expected he couldn't read much, he could feel brief flashes of lust and anticipation, but, stronger than either of those, was a sharp feeling of triumph.
After only a few moments, Hisoka opened his eyes again, his mouth set as he thought about what he had just felt. *Both Kakinomoto-san and Detective Hatoyama felt identical. Emotionless, save for those flashes of lust toward Tsuzuki . . . now Naoko feels the same as Detective Hatoyama did . . . it can't be a coincidence, but what does it mean? Is Hatoyama a victim of the demon as well? Or is she something else? Why was their suddenly triumph after she kissed Tsuzuki? Was she just happy that she succeeded in kissing him a second time? But if that is true, then why does Naoko feel the same way? Was I right before?*
"UGHHH!" the sudden silence mad Hisoka realize that his exclamation had been audible. He looked up to see both Tsuzuki and Naoko staring at him with identical bewildered expressions. Color flooded his face, painting him a bright red, and he ducked his head down, allowing his bangs to fall in over his eyes. "Sorry. I'm having trouble with a problem."
Tsuzuki stared at him for a moment, but Hisoka's minute nod told him that everything was fine. The older Shinigami turned back to Naoko, "Is there anything else that you can remember?"
Naoko shook her head, her short black hair swirling about her elfin features, "Uh-uh. That's all. I was walking home, and then suddenly I woke up in the hospital. I was so scared when I woke up . . . I had no idea what had happened or anything . . ."
Hisoka stared at the girl, even though her lower lip trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes, he felt only the absolute triumph, anticipation, and lust. The emotions that her face showed were nothing but a simple actress' mask she put on and off as easily as one drew breath. He stood up and Tsuzuki did the same, "Thank you. You've helped a lot."
Naoko seemed to struggle with a watery smile, "You're welcome. Are you leaving now?"
They nodded and bid the small teen farewell before walking out of the house. They only got as far as the road before Natsumi ran out of the house, calling after them.
Tsuzuki turned around, his head cocked to one side, "Nani?"
The vivacious eighteen-year-old stopped only an inch away from Tsuzuki and glared up at him, jabbing him in the chest with a finger at regular intervals, "So, *what* are you going to do about that *thing* impersonating my sister?"
Tsuzuki shrugged the enraged teen off of him, taking a quick step back. Hisoka answered her quietly, "We're going to do everything in our power to put your sister's spirit to rest."
Natsumi dropped her head, she seemed defeated, but at the same time relieved, "That's all I ask. I just want this nightmare to end." With that she turned around and ran back into her house, not even bothering to say good-bye.
The two shimmered into spirit mode and flew into the air. After a few moments of silence, Tsuzuki asked, "'Soka, did you find anything out?"
Hisoka nodded his head briskly, "I think so. There are just a few more connections that I need to make."
"Well . . . why don't you tell me what you have so far, and then maybe I can help you figure out the rest."
Hisoka let his mind filter through the information as he spoke, "I told you Kakinomoto-san and Hatoyama had identical emotions. Well, Naoko's emotions were identical to Hatoyama's as well. Nothing except lust, anticipation and triumph. It was strange, though, because the anticipation and triumph only appeared after Hatoyama kissed you."
Tsuzuki shuddered at the memory of that woman's lips on his. It wasn't so much that he was completely opposed to kissing women, but ever since Hisoka and him had become lovers, hell ever since Hisoka had become his partner, he hadn't even *looked* at a woman in that manner. And that woman, Tsuzuki gave a mental shudder; there was just something off about her. Tsuzuki nodded for Hisoka to continue.
"Well, that brings up a few questions: What is Hatoyama? Is she a victim of the demon? If she is a victim, then could she develop emotions on her own? If the victims can have their own emotions, then why would Naoko feel the same as Hatoyama? If not, is she a normal human? Is she being possessed by the demon? Is she just being used by the demon? If so, what for? Why use Hatoyama? If not, then what else could she be? Do you think she could be the demon?"
Tsuzuki thought for a moment on everything that Hisoka had said before he replied slowly, his usual puppyish manner replaced by a more serious and focused one, "I think that you have already figured it out, Hisoka. It would make sense that the demon would use a detective, especially one who has control over the entire case. Besides, who would ever seriously suspect a police officer of murder? Whether or not Hatoyama is being possessed or really is the demon, I don't know."
Hisoka nodded, and let out a heavy sigh, "I just wish I could get a similar emotion from the demon. Then I could . . . wait . . . the feather!" Hisoka's eyes fluttered halfway closed as he remembered the brief, but intense flashes of emotions he had received from the demon's feather. His eyes widened and his head snapped in Tsuzuki's direction, "The demon's feeling of triumph is identical to Hatoyama's! That just leaves the most important question, then: What does she want with you?"
"Perhaps I may help you with that one," a deep, and smooth, timbre said from behind them. The two whirled around, coming face-to-face with what looked like a demented angel hovering not ten feet away from them. The creature had immense blood-red wings that beat the air in steady time, keeping the thing stable. Its eyes were an intense glacier blue, and gleamed somewhat sadistically from a heart-shaped face. Full red lips were parted in a smug smile, revealing sharp, bleach white fangs. It wore only a pair of extremely loose white pants, revealing a smooth alabaster chest. Wickedly curved and sharp claws extended from elegant and graceful looking fingers. The most startling thing of all though, was the long milk-white hair that flowed down it's back and behind delicately pointed ears, identical to Detective Hatoyama's.
The demon gave them a graceful mid-air bow before speaking, his voice as elegant as a courtier's, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am called Xios, although you may know me better as Detective Kimiko Hatoyama. A rather rude and crass woman, if I may say so myself, but she does serve her purposes. A most effective disguise. It is almost a shame that those humans are so easily fooled."
Tsuzuki and Hisoka exchanged a quick glance, they had wanted to find whatever was causing all the deaths. Well, they had, and he wasn't at all what they had expected!
BuddhaFrog: My computer ate it. I cry because MorningStar is threatening Geeves. I cry because I can't talk to Jooky. I cry because the last time I did commentary for this chapter I got to type it my damn self. Damn computer eating the chapter. Where'd it go? Where'd it go? Off in computer LALA land! I cry b/c I won't be going to bed yet, damn ppl and their damn updating at weird times! But I have a pretty new hair color. But the chapter is a good chapter. It moves it grooves and there is no lemon. I CRY b/c there is no lemon! Why the hell do I have southern accent?! (I really should stop typing everything she says, no?) This was half as long when I was typing it. I had a point and it talked about the chapter more. But b/c my damn computer ate the damn thing . . . and damn is my favorite word as opposed to fuck, at least at this point in time. Anyhow ppl, it took her long enough to write this damn thing. Read it. LOVE AND PEACE!!!
Holli: Geezes, someone pour holy water on BuddhaFrog's comp and exorcise the demon out. Little bastard.
Uhhh . . . yeah. Really good chapter, the plot is coming along great! It's about time, but I understand! And this demon . . . thing . . . is a little bitch. LOL. Yep.
That's it! Laterz! **************************************************************************** **
Chapter Six:
Revealed
Tsuzuki played with the last bits of dessert that remained on his plate absentmindedly. His mind tore through the little bits of information they had managed to gather relentlessly. *What kind of demon brings their victims back to life? Isn't it just the initial kill that gives them power? What purpose are the puppets serving? I hope Watari can find some answers with that feather . . . it's the only clue we have right now . . . but at least Hisoka is feeling better, so he can continue with our investigation . . . I just hope the last sites don't overwhelm him . . . Uhhh, I wish we had more to go on than just a feather and the brief image of fangs that Hisoka got. It would help even more if the victims themselves would talk to us. I can't believe that not ONE of the people Detective Hatoyama and I tried the other day would talk to us . . . although she seemed to get over that really fast, I mean she did . . . Ohhhh, KUSO! I haven't told Hisoka about that yet!! I forgot all about it, though! I really should tell him, but I don't want to upset him . . .*
Tsuzuki looked up from his now empty plate at his partner. Hisoka was staring at him intensely, as if he were trying to figure something out. Tsuzuki returned his gaze to his plate and started to fidget nervously with his napkin, trying to summon up the courage to tell Hisoka what had happened the day the teen had passed out.
"Tsuzuki," Hisoka's voice was like that of a parent whose patience had just given way from dealing with an overly stubborn child. The waves of nervousness that had been crashing into him for the past few minutes had finally broken his resolve to wait for Tsuzuki to just say whatever it was that was bothering him.
Tsuzuki flicked his eyes up briefly to look at Hisoka before returning to his abused napkin. He took a deep breath, let it out, then tried again, "U- uhh . . . 'Soka . . . ummm, do you remember the other day when you passed out?"
Hisoka flushed crimson and stared down at his lap. *So . . . that is what is making Tsuzuki so nervous . . . he is ashamed of how I acted and he doesn't want me anymore . . . He is worried about how I will react, even though he is disgusted with me he still doesn't want to hurt me. But . . . I don't feel any disgust coming from him . . . just worry . . . he must have . . .*
". . . and then she kissed me," Hisoka's head shot up as he caught the last part of what had apparently been a rather long speech as Tsuzuki was panting desperately for air.
"Nani?"
Tsuzuki tilted his head to one side and stared at his partner. It wasn't like Hisoka not to pay attention to him, well, okay, so the teen often didn't pay attention to what he said, but he would at least *listen* before deciding not to pay attention. What was wrong with him? Tsuzuki took another breath and repeated what he had said, but this time it was slower and with more breaths, "I said that after I brought you back to the hotel I went back and interrogated Kakinomoto-san again. I'll tell you what he told me later, that's not important right now. After I left Kakinomoto-san's house I ran into Detective Hatoyama. She said that she would join me in my interrogations and since I couldn't think of a good reason not to let her she came with me. None of the victims would talk to us though, so we bought some soda, and she said that I was probably right about the fact that no one would talk because who would want to remember dying," Tsuzuki paused and glanced down at the bits of paper that used to be his napkin. He took a deep breath and finished his story quickly, "Without even asking me or giving me any warning she pulled me against her and she was kissing me and I didn't know what to do I was so shocked I just stood there and then when I tried to push her off I found that she was really strong and I couldn't, and I really don't think that a woman that tiny should be that strong, but anyway she pushed me away and turned around and walked away from me saying she would see me later and that I should call her Kimiko."
Hisoka stared at Tsuzuki for a few seconds, unable to speak for the intense relief he felt. Tsuzuki wasn't disgusted with him!
Tsuuzki misread Hisoka's silence for anger and he immediately went on the defensive, trying to explain why he hadn't told Hisoka before that Hatoyama had kissed him, "I know I should have told you earlier, but I really forgot about it until just now . . . I mean . . . I had other, more important things on my mind . . . uh, especially after coming back to the hotel to see if you were alright . . . I mean, uh . . . seeing you, and then, well . . ."
Hisoka knew he should stop Tsuzuki before the man either talked himself blue, or embarrassed both of them. When he spoke, his voice was as neutral as usual, revealing none of the rollercoaster feelings he had been experiencing, "Tsuzuki, why couldn't you push her away?"
Tsuzuki paused in his adamant defense of himself, "Uh, well, I told you, she was really strong, almost as if she lifted weights everyday of her life. I didn't think anyone that small could be so strong!"
"Hmmm . . ." Hisoka stared, unseeing, around the restaurant in their hotel, "I didn't get a chance to tell you this before, Tsuzuki, but Kakinomoto-san and Detective Hatoyama are identical in their emotions. All I could read from either of them was intense lust aimed at you."
Tsuzuki leaned back in his chair thoughtfully, "What do you think that means? We know that Kakinomot-san was a victim of the demon . . . do you think Hatoyama could be one as well?"
"I'm not sure. She hasn't shown any signs of being one of the victims, and I think that . . ."
"Asato-chan!" the smooth and somewhat sultry voice of the very woman they had been talking about floated to them from across the restaurant. They both turned and watched as Detective Hatoyama weaved her way gracefully to their table. She gave Hisoka a cursory nod, barely even acknowledging him, before turning her full attention to Tsuzuki, "Asato, I was wondering if you would like to continue with the interrogations today?"
Tsuzuki stared up at Hatoyama, but before he could answer, Hisoka's own, quiet voice spoke up, "Actually, Detective, my partner and I were just going over some of the evidence we've found. We were about to continue the interrogations ourselves, and I really don't think that having *three* police officers will help to relax the victims."
The detective stared at Hisoka as if he were some annoying little insect that she would gladly squash beneath her black leather boots. Her voice was icy when she spoke to Hisoka, using the extreme politeness one reserves for people one hates, "Well then, since Detective Tsuzuki and I started the interrogations I think that the two of us can finish them."
"Actually, Detective Hatoyama, Hisoka *is* my partner and he does need to be shown the proper way to interrogate a victim, especially the victims of such a strange and violent crime as this. I think it would be better if we finished the interrogations together," Tsuzuki spoke up, tactfully dismissing the woman.
Hatoyama glared openly at Hisoka, before turning lust filled, yet still professional, eyes on Tsuzuki, "You're right. The rookie needs to learn, and the best way is through experience. I'll see you later though."
Before either Shinigami knew what was happening, Detective Hatoyama had bent down and pressed her lips firmly against Tsuzuki's. Hisoka was blushing furiously from both embarrassment and anger when he felt an altogether new emotion radiate from Hatoyama. Before all he felt from her was lust, now he was getting a sharp sense of triumph and anticipation. Tsuzuki managed to push the aggressive woman off of him and she smiled before twirling around and sauntering away, Hisoka glaring after her.
"Hisoka, I didn't know she was going to do that! I swear," Tsuzuki was on the verge of babbling again.
"I know, Tsuzuki. I saw," Hisoka's voice was calm, as if he could care less about whether or not the detective had just kissed his lover. His face was pensive, staring off in the direction that Hatoyama had gone.
"'Soka? What's wrong?"
Hisoka looked back at Tsuzuki and shrugged, "It's probably nothing. Come on, let's get these interrogations over with. If we're lucky, maybe I can get a few answers about your admiring detective."
Tsuzuki's eyes widened at Hisoka's teasing statement, he had never heard his introverted partner tease him like that before. But before he could come up with any kind of response, Hisoka had stood up and walked away, leaving Tsuzuki staring dumbly after him.
* * *
Hisoka sighed and leaned against the cool brick wall, "Only one more person to interrogate, or, to be precise, only one more door to have slammed in our faces."
Tsuzuki had a brief moment of déjà vu, this scene was very similar to the one with Hatoyama earlier. Tsuzuki wondered with a grin whether or not this would end the same way as well, probably not, but it was fun to imagine that it would.
Hisoka looked up and saw Tsuzuki staring at him with a far away expression and a dreamy grin. He rolled his eyes, he could just *imagine* what Tsuzuki was thinking about. He pushed himself away from the wall and walked over to his partner, "Hey, baka! Quit daydreaming and let's go."
While they walked Hisoka turned over everything that he had gathered from the detective and the various murder sites that they had visited, as well as from Kakinomoto-san. *Kakinomoto-san and Detective Hatoyama both have the same response to Tsuzuki . . . The emotions from the murder sites are too faded for me to pull anything other than fear or slight flashes of triumph from the de . . . THE DEMON! I wonder . . . if it's true then . . . I wonder if Tsuzuki has thought of that yet? It would explain why . . .* Hisoka's thoughts trailed off as they walked up to the house of the newest victim. The girl, only fourteen according to their records, had been found dead only a week before he and Tsuzuki had been assigned to the case. Apparently the parents had been so traumatized by the sudden loss and return of their little girl they were in total denial that she had even died, refusing to talk to anyone who said differently. Hisoka sighed inwardly, knowing that they probably weren't going to get anywhere with these people either. Tsuzuki walked up to the door and knocked lightly before stepping back to wait for an answer.
A girl, about eighteen or nineteen, opened the door and looked at them , one dark eyebrow raised, "Can I help you?"
Tsuzuki flashed the girl his most charming smile and showed her his fake police badge, "I am Detective Tsuzuki Asato, and this is my partner Kurosaki Hisoka. Is this where Iseki Naoko lives?"
The girl stepped out of the house, closing the door behind her and leaning against it, "And if it is?"
"We would just like to ask her a few questions," Tsuzuki smiled at the girl again.
A heavy sigh escaped the girl's lips, "Listen, my parents aren't home right now, I'm Naoko's older sister, Natsumi . . . well, I was her older sister."
Hisoka looked at Natsumi, "'Was?'"
"Yes, was. I refuse to believe that . . . that . . . *thing* that came back to us is my little sister!" Natsumi's eyes sparked dangerously, and she spat out the word "thing" as if it left a bad taste in her mouth.
"What do you mean 'thing,'" Tsuzuki asked, feeling as if they were getting closer to something, "Most of the other victims' families consider the return of their loved ones a miracle."
"Pah! Miracle! It would be a miracle if the Naoko who came back was my real little sister, but she's not. I don't know what she is," Natsumi pushed herself away from the door and looked into Tsuzuki's eyes, studying him, "Hmmm, you aren't like *her* it's probably safe to tell you. Come inside, please."
Before either of them could say anything, Natsumi had disappeared inside the house, leaving the door open for them to follow. They followed Natsumi past the living room and down a hallway before Hisoka spoke up, "Where are we going?"
Natsumi looked over her shoulder and flashed Hisoka a fierce smile, "To my room. It's the only place that *thing* won't go."
"Why?" Hisoka could feel this girl's emotions, it was as if someone had taken her emotions, stuck them in a blender and hit puree, there was almost no separating what she was feeling more of; anger, hatred, grief, love, or frustration.
She flashed a peace sign at him, baring her teeth in a parody of a smile, "Protective charms. That's how I figured out that thing wasn't Naoko."
"What do you mean? And why do you have protective charms?" Tsuzuki asked.
Natsumi laughed ruefully as she ushered them into her room. Tsuzuki felt a slight tingling as he crossed into the teen's room. *Those must be the charms she was talking about. They're pretty powerful. I wonder how she learned them?*
Natsumi's room was small and uncluttered; the only furniture was a low desk with a computer, a small futon, and a dresser. There were a few small knick- knacks sitting around the dresser and a poster hanging on the wall of lightning striking a tree. Natsumi motioned for them to sit on the futon as she settled herself cross-legged on the cushion in front of her desk. She leaned forward, her elbows on her knees and studied both of them silently for awhile before speaking.
"When Naoko was little she would always wake up crying, claiming to have seen ghosts or demons. My parents just thought it was a little girl's imagination and didn't do anything about it. One night, she came into my room, she was terrified. I let her sleep with me that night, but the next day we went to the library and started studying protective charms. We went everyday for two weeks as soon as we got out of school, learning how to properly cast and release protective charms. Finally we settled on two powerful ones for our rooms and smaller ones for her to carry around with her. After we cast them Naoko stopped having nightmares and she could sleep peacefully, she never had to sleep with me again."
Tsuzuki nodded, understanding. He liked this girl, she didn't just push her sister's fears away like her parents had, she had helped her little sister with her problem and now she was trying to do the same. "You said the charms were how you knew that the Naoko who came back wasn't your sister. How?"
Natsumi sighed and looked to the side, tears of anger and grief forming in her dark brown eyes, "When she got back home from the hospital I had to dispel the charms before she could go into her room. Those charms were made to allow anyone who is human and without malicious intent into the room. I know Naoko, no matter what she never wished anyone any harm. That thing that returned isn't Naoko. It doesn't even act like Naoko. On the surface it does, but every now and then it seems as if she is a puppet without a master, just standing or sitting, a glazed expression on her face, lifeless."
"Have you told anyone else about this?"
Natsumi snorted, "Who would I tell? I tried talking to my parents about it, but they are happy living in the fantasy world where they don't have to remember going to the morgue to identify Naoko's body! But I remember, and every time I try to tell them, they get angry and punish me! It's not fair!!! Why can't I live in the world they're living in!? Then I wouldn't close my eyes and see Naoko's body lying on that cold steel!"
Natsumi stood up and started pacing her room, tears sliding down her face. Hisoka felt her emotions crystallize, bringing her anger and resentment crashing over him. The only other person he had ever felt with such chaotic emotions was Tsuzuki! Tsuzuki seemed to understand what Natsumi needed, because he stood up and wrapped his arms gently around the enraged teenager, and it was as if Natsumi just suddenly deflated. She collapsed against Tsuzuki and just started crying. Hisoka was having a hard time keeping all of her pain from overwhelming him. He felt sorry for this girl, to have to bear such a burden.
After a few minutes Natsumi lifted her head and gave Tsuzuki a watery smile, "I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me."
Tsuzuki smiled back at her, "It's okay, you just needed to get it out. We don't mind. Can you continue, or should we come back later?"
Natsumi sniffed and wiped her nose with a Kleenex, "No, I don't know when my parents will be gone for this long again. Now is the only time we have for sure."
Tsuzuki nodded and they both returned to their previous seats, Hisoka having never left his through the whole ordeal. Tsuzuki continued asking questions almost immediately, "You said your parents wouldn't listen . . . but what about other police officers? Surely someone else came to investigate this?"
Natsumi hiccupped and shook her head, "There was no way I was going to tell that woman about my sister! I didn't trust her!"
Hisoka and Tsuzuki exchanged a surprised look and Hisoka asked, "What woman?"
"She said her name was Detective Hatoyama. I don't know why I didn't trust her . . . I mean, she was really nice to my parents and didn't get angry or even frustrated with them when they continually denied the fact that Naoko had ever died . . . I guess maybe that's it, she just seemed too willing to allow my parents to continue to live in their bubble. I've never heard of a police officer who would risk a case just to allow the victims to delude themselves."
"Is Naoko home, now?"
When Natsumi nodded Hisoka looked at Tsuzuki before turning back to her and asking, "May we speak with her? We want to ask her about her accident."
Natsumi stood up and led them back to the living room where she motioned them to sit down before she walked back down the hallway in search of her sister.
"Hisoka, what is it?" Tsuzuki asked after he was sure Natsumi wouldn't be able to hear.
Hisoka looked at Tsuzuki and shook his head, "I think that Detective Hatoyama might have a little more to do with this case than it appears. You know how I told you that Hatoyama and Kakinomoto-san had identical emotions?"
Tsuzuki nodded, but before Hisoka could continue, Natsumi walked back into the room, a girl who looked no older than twelve trailing behind her. Natsumi stopped in front of the couch where the two Shinigami were seated, "Naoko, this is Detective Tsuzuki and Officer Kurosaki. They would like to ask you a few questions."
Naoko smiled beautifully at the two, "Nice to meet you."
As soon as Naoko sat down in the oversized recliner next to the couch Natsumi left, presumably back to her room.
Tsuzuki leaned forward and smiled at the girl, "We would like to ask you a few questions about your accident. Is that okay?"
When Naoko nodded, Hisoka closed his eyes, blocking out the conversation between his partner and the girl. He focused his mind on reading Naoko's emotions, as expected he couldn't read much, he could feel brief flashes of lust and anticipation, but, stronger than either of those, was a sharp feeling of triumph.
After only a few moments, Hisoka opened his eyes again, his mouth set as he thought about what he had just felt. *Both Kakinomoto-san and Detective Hatoyama felt identical. Emotionless, save for those flashes of lust toward Tsuzuki . . . now Naoko feels the same as Detective Hatoyama did . . . it can't be a coincidence, but what does it mean? Is Hatoyama a victim of the demon as well? Or is she something else? Why was their suddenly triumph after she kissed Tsuzuki? Was she just happy that she succeeded in kissing him a second time? But if that is true, then why does Naoko feel the same way? Was I right before?*
"UGHHH!" the sudden silence mad Hisoka realize that his exclamation had been audible. He looked up to see both Tsuzuki and Naoko staring at him with identical bewildered expressions. Color flooded his face, painting him a bright red, and he ducked his head down, allowing his bangs to fall in over his eyes. "Sorry. I'm having trouble with a problem."
Tsuzuki stared at him for a moment, but Hisoka's minute nod told him that everything was fine. The older Shinigami turned back to Naoko, "Is there anything else that you can remember?"
Naoko shook her head, her short black hair swirling about her elfin features, "Uh-uh. That's all. I was walking home, and then suddenly I woke up in the hospital. I was so scared when I woke up . . . I had no idea what had happened or anything . . ."
Hisoka stared at the girl, even though her lower lip trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes, he felt only the absolute triumph, anticipation, and lust. The emotions that her face showed were nothing but a simple actress' mask she put on and off as easily as one drew breath. He stood up and Tsuzuki did the same, "Thank you. You've helped a lot."
Naoko seemed to struggle with a watery smile, "You're welcome. Are you leaving now?"
They nodded and bid the small teen farewell before walking out of the house. They only got as far as the road before Natsumi ran out of the house, calling after them.
Tsuzuki turned around, his head cocked to one side, "Nani?"
The vivacious eighteen-year-old stopped only an inch away from Tsuzuki and glared up at him, jabbing him in the chest with a finger at regular intervals, "So, *what* are you going to do about that *thing* impersonating my sister?"
Tsuzuki shrugged the enraged teen off of him, taking a quick step back. Hisoka answered her quietly, "We're going to do everything in our power to put your sister's spirit to rest."
Natsumi dropped her head, she seemed defeated, but at the same time relieved, "That's all I ask. I just want this nightmare to end." With that she turned around and ran back into her house, not even bothering to say good-bye.
The two shimmered into spirit mode and flew into the air. After a few moments of silence, Tsuzuki asked, "'Soka, did you find anything out?"
Hisoka nodded his head briskly, "I think so. There are just a few more connections that I need to make."
"Well . . . why don't you tell me what you have so far, and then maybe I can help you figure out the rest."
Hisoka let his mind filter through the information as he spoke, "I told you Kakinomoto-san and Hatoyama had identical emotions. Well, Naoko's emotions were identical to Hatoyama's as well. Nothing except lust, anticipation and triumph. It was strange, though, because the anticipation and triumph only appeared after Hatoyama kissed you."
Tsuzuki shuddered at the memory of that woman's lips on his. It wasn't so much that he was completely opposed to kissing women, but ever since Hisoka and him had become lovers, hell ever since Hisoka had become his partner, he hadn't even *looked* at a woman in that manner. And that woman, Tsuzuki gave a mental shudder; there was just something off about her. Tsuzuki nodded for Hisoka to continue.
"Well, that brings up a few questions: What is Hatoyama? Is she a victim of the demon? If she is a victim, then could she develop emotions on her own? If the victims can have their own emotions, then why would Naoko feel the same as Hatoyama? If not, is she a normal human? Is she being possessed by the demon? Is she just being used by the demon? If so, what for? Why use Hatoyama? If not, then what else could she be? Do you think she could be the demon?"
Tsuzuki thought for a moment on everything that Hisoka had said before he replied slowly, his usual puppyish manner replaced by a more serious and focused one, "I think that you have already figured it out, Hisoka. It would make sense that the demon would use a detective, especially one who has control over the entire case. Besides, who would ever seriously suspect a police officer of murder? Whether or not Hatoyama is being possessed or really is the demon, I don't know."
Hisoka nodded, and let out a heavy sigh, "I just wish I could get a similar emotion from the demon. Then I could . . . wait . . . the feather!" Hisoka's eyes fluttered halfway closed as he remembered the brief, but intense flashes of emotions he had received from the demon's feather. His eyes widened and his head snapped in Tsuzuki's direction, "The demon's feeling of triumph is identical to Hatoyama's! That just leaves the most important question, then: What does she want with you?"
"Perhaps I may help you with that one," a deep, and smooth, timbre said from behind them. The two whirled around, coming face-to-face with what looked like a demented angel hovering not ten feet away from them. The creature had immense blood-red wings that beat the air in steady time, keeping the thing stable. Its eyes were an intense glacier blue, and gleamed somewhat sadistically from a heart-shaped face. Full red lips were parted in a smug smile, revealing sharp, bleach white fangs. It wore only a pair of extremely loose white pants, revealing a smooth alabaster chest. Wickedly curved and sharp claws extended from elegant and graceful looking fingers. The most startling thing of all though, was the long milk-white hair that flowed down it's back and behind delicately pointed ears, identical to Detective Hatoyama's.
The demon gave them a graceful mid-air bow before speaking, his voice as elegant as a courtier's, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am called Xios, although you may know me better as Detective Kimiko Hatoyama. A rather rude and crass woman, if I may say so myself, but she does serve her purposes. A most effective disguise. It is almost a shame that those humans are so easily fooled."
Tsuzuki and Hisoka exchanged a quick glance, they had wanted to find whatever was causing all the deaths. Well, they had, and he wasn't at all what they had expected!