In Death...

[An X/1999 and Yami no Matsuei crossover fic]

Disclaimer: same as chapt 1

Chapter 7

To the casual observer, looking at Subaru sitting in meditation position in the center of his living room, he would seem almost serene, unaffected by anything that was going on. Upon closer scrutiny, however, one would notice the slight furrow in his brow and the tiny beads of perspiration that was forming on his head that suggested all was not quite as peaceful as it seemed. And he would be correct.

It was laughable really, if Subaru had been in the mood to laugh. Not only had his opponent clearly underestimated him, he had chosen to confront him at his turf: Ueno Park, where he would not even need to be physically present to battle. After all, despite his effeminate features and delicate form, he was not the Head of the Sumeragi Clan for nothing. Besides, ever since he undertook his duties as the Sakurazukamori, his skills as an onmyouji had definitely improved. He was never weak of course. Even in the old days, he could have easily given Seishirou a run for his money. It was just that he chose not to.

'Stop thinking about him, concentrate,' Subaru commanded himself as he sent another tendril of sakura petals at the silver-haired attacker. His white trench coat had long since been died crimson, bringing out the truth behind his angelic façade. However, he was a stronger fighter than Subaru had anticipated, probably on par with Seishirou. It made sense that Seishirou would form an alliance with him, though it was unusual that Seishirou would actually bother to form an alliance with anybody.

'I see you've become more cautious since our last encounter. However, isn't it basic courtesy to at least show your face in a fight?' The taunt from his opponent brought Subaru's mind back to the battle. He could not be bothered to answer, though it might have been amusing to have his voice echo formlessly around the illusion he had weaved for their fight. There was no need for the public to see the horror that was going on at the Park. In any case, he doubted his opponent would have been surprised.

Blast plants and their natural ability to regenerate. Whoever decided that they should be able to grow so rapidly anyway? Muraki thought as another branch of the Sakura nicked him in the cheek. Branches previously destroyed by his power also seemed to grow again instantly without ever seeming to have been hurt at all. Especially this blasted Sakura. His usual white countenance was further drenched in trails of incarnadine that seemed to have a thousand different outlets on his body.

All things considered, he was faring rather well. Few people could withstand the onslaught of the Sakura for such a long time while only sustaining superficial wounds.

One should never congratulate himself too early, Muraki grumbled silently as the branches of the Sakura flared to life and coiled themselves round him, inhibiting his movements. Apparently, the seemingly innocent onmyouji was tired of toying and wanted to settle things.

'Tell Seishirou that if he has any message, he should come deliver it himself. There's really no point in involving a third person.' Subaru spoke through the image he projected into the illusion he had weaved. At his statement, he noted a faint flicker of incomprehension on the face of the silver-haired doctor, but brushed it off as his imagination. He continued, 'Anyway it was really not necessary to kill that girl. Did you get a good kick out of it?'

Subaru could not keep the bitterness out of his mouth as he reflected back to the picture of the crime scene he had seen on the television. Sickening. He had to resist the urge to throw up, which was amazing really, since few things sickened him anymore. The body, though mutilated, was perfectly recognizable. The killer had taken much pains to ensure that the face of the woman was untouched. In fact, the head had been decapitated from the body and left on the altar of the cathedral. In addition, the facial muscles had been moulded into a shy smile of a girl who had not lost her innocence.

The bound man smirked. They were finally entering familiar territory. 'Oh yes, it was a very entertaining experience. I would love to discuss this further but I must be off. See ya.'

With a chant, a green dragon emerged from the ground and broke the branches that bound the man. As quickly as it appeared, both man and shikigami disappeared, leaving behind only a parting message painted in blood.

'I'll come back for you, my doll. Muraki Kazutaka'

'Sure is quiet around here without Tsuzuki around,' Kanoe-Kachou commented absently.

'Aa,' Tatsumi nodded in assent. 'Good for work. But we are wasting precious Ju-Oh-Cho funds by sending them there so early so they can get used to each other.'

'Haha. You worry too much about money Seiichirou. But I suppose I can't blame you,' Kanoe mused. 'In any case, the Gushoushin will be sending the information today. It'll be a fairly simple case just to get them warmed up. Maybe Kurosaki-kun will have less misgivings about Sakurazuka-san if they worked together.'

At that moment two flustered flying chickens entered the office.

'Ohayo! Kanoe-Kachou! Tatsumi-san!' Gushoushin (blue) greeted.

'Ohayo. Have you sent the information of this case to Tsuzuki yet?' Kanoe asked.

'Hai. But we discovered something else in our research...' Gushoushin (red) hesitated a while before continuing. 'It seems that Muraki Kazutaka is in the vicinity where Tsuzuki-san, Kurosaki-san and Sakurazuka-san are. He's doing lecturing in Tokyo University.' (A/N: not sure if there is actually this university but thought it was a safe bet... hehe)

'Have you informed them of this?' Tatsumi asked.

'No... We didn't know if we should. This case doesn't seem to be connected with him so we thought we'd ask you first.' Gushoushin (red) replied.

'Yeah. Tsuzuki-san is still very unstable and we didn't want to upset him,' added Gushoushin (blue).

Kanoe contemplated this piece of information and came up with the course of action the same time Tatsumi did.

'Don't tell them yet. I'll go join them to make sure they wrap up the case quickly and return safely.' The tone in which Tatsumi said this was neutral but the other three occupants of the room could not miss the shadows flickering menacingly in the background. They knew that Tatsumi cared a lot more about Tsuzuki than he cared to admit.

'My thoughts exactly,' the old Kachou nodded his assent. After all, despite his grumbling, he regarded Tsuzuki as his son and he knew he could trust Tatsumi to protect him.

Turning, Tatsumi left the room to pack for his trip.

A/N: This chapter really sucked... argh... esp the last part.... probably gonna come back and redo it sometime... not doing the YnM characters justice... and i really like them too... anw does anyone know how to write proper action scenes? Cos no matter how many times I do this I jus seem to screw it up even more... or shld I jus heck abt it? Meow...

Anw next chapt Muraki's gonna start playing with Subaru... And yep... can't pull the Hisoka on him... but well... not gonna be very enjoyable too ne?