Summary: The island changes you. Survival is uncertain. How is Nasuti involved with Seiji's disappearance and can Ryo get him back?

Ryo/Seiji shounen ai Drama strong R

Warning: This story contains shounen ai which is male/male love. Please do not read if such ideas upset you. Please use your good judgment. This fiction also contains violence and foul play. Consider yourself warned.

Rated R for violence, strong language and sexual situations.

Disclaimer: "Yoroiden Samurai Troopers" does not belong to me. God, how I wish it did...


Author's note: The story you are about to read is becoming progressively darker. For anyone who is familiar with my other stories, this fiction will be even darker than those are.



To Have and Have Not
by Libellule
Chapter Seven: All that I am





*******




Blue light reflected off the planes of Touma's face as he stared tiredly at his lap top screen. He had not had a good night's sleep since the untimely disappearance of Seiji and Shin the day before and the fatigue was starting to show. It was hard to believe that it had only been one day since all this had began.

Touma had been searching tirelessly for some shred of information that might lead them to the whereabouts of their friends, or even to the hope that the two missing warriors were still alive.

However, there seemed to be no trace of any sort-- nothing-- Nasuti had looked in the vast library on her estate, checking all her grandfather's resources.

Pacing by the window, Ryo lingered impatiently, stopping every so often to peer out at the fiery orange sun sinking beneath the horizon.

The computer beeped at him-- Touma quickly swept his eyes over the returned data.

Ryo asked anxiously, peering at the monitor over Touma's shoulder.

No results.

God, damn it. Ryo retorted, angrily turning away.

There's still a few more things I can try, Ryo. Touma assured him.

Ryo folded his arms and resumed pacing. Then do it, he snapped.


Taking Ryo's snippety remarks in stride, Touma's fingers flew over the keys as he typed in new search parameters. He knew that Ryo's irritation wasn't directed at him, but at the helplessness of the situation. There was nothing they could do to bring back their friends.

Their armors weren't even linked anymore.

Much to Touma's irritation, Ryo always blamed himself no matter who was the cause. And now that his lover was missing-- well, it made him all the more touchy.

That son of a bitch, Ryo hissed suddenly. I'll bet he did this.

Touma asked without glancing up from the screen.

Ryo muttered. Fucking possessive bastard.

At those particular chose of words, Touma looked up at him and questioned simply,

I mean that he wants to own Seiji-- another victory for the demon general of Darkness. You should have seen the way he was-- Ryo paused awkwardly, just shy of the truth. -- the way he was acting. As if he has some kind of dominion over Seiji.

There was no point in telling Touma exactly what he'd witnessed not when he didn't know the details himself.

It is because of Anubis that Seiji and I are-- not on good terms.

Touma leaned back in his chair thoughtfully. I know you don't want to hear this, Ryo, but I don't think that this is Anubis' doing.

Who else could it be? Ryo retorted.

I don't know. Touma said. Anubis may do a lot of things, but he wouldn't hurt Seiji.

Wouldn't hurt him? He demanded indignantly. Have you forgotten how we used to fight the Masho? I'll bet Anubis would just love to have it out with Seiji.

Touma replied cryptically. He stared at Ryo expectantly.

You think it's Arago, don't you? Ryo whispered.

Well, we shouldn't rule out the possibility.

Ryo shook his head. No. It's not him.

How can you be so certain? Touma studied Ryo's face. Is there something you're not telling me?

I just-- It's not his way, Ryo insisted. Arago would want us to know it was him.

Well, I suppose you're right about that.

Ryo sat on the edge of the desk, utter weariness apparent in his slouched demeanor.

Ryo, why don't you try to get some rest? Touma suggested. I'm almost through here, but if anything comes up, I promise to come get you right away.

He sighed heavily, knowing that his presence was neither helping nor required. All right, Touma. Ryo yielded. But at the first sign--.

I promise. Touma repeated as he watched Ryo go.


*******************

Seiji knew he did not want to open his eyes-- he didn't know why exactly, only that the feeling of apprehension deep in his stomach couldn't be good.

Alone in bed, Seiji thought, Ryo must be up early to walk Byakuen-- that was the only reason Ryo would ever wake before him.

He breathed in deeply-- then winced. There was a lingering pain in his forehead. Had Ryo gotten him to drink last night? Is that why his mind was hazy?

Seiji groaned. Maybe Ryo would get him some asprin since he was up--

The mattress dipped and fingers suddenly brushed through his hair.

Seiji asked as he slowly opened his eyes. But even as his lover's name left his lips, he knew that it was not Ryo who sat beside him. A heavy feeling of dread welled up inside him.

No, Seiji.

But he would recognize that voice anywhere-- Stars swam before his eyes as Seiji sat up quickly-- much quicker than his body would have liked.

Shin instruced reaching out to steady him. You've been unconscious for a few hours.

Shin-- what-- how--.

Shin smiled as Seiji uncharacteristically stumbled over his words. Adorned in an elaborately embroidered linen shirt and pants, Shin looked tired but genuinely happy to see him. Seiji wondered if Shin had had as much trouble as he during his short time on the island.

Shin held out his left hand, plam up to show the gash across it. I believe you're familiar.

Seij scoffed, remembering the nasty cut that had brought him to this wretched place.

Oh, Seiji-- It is good to see you, Shin said grinning. We were so worried about you.

I didn't know that I was in any danger when I picked up that sword.

Neither did I, Shin said. But I suspect the others know now.

Seiji nodded, but didn't say anything. Brooding over Ryo was not constructive, he chided, however, his thoughts couldn't help but dwell on the Fire warrior and his fervid attitude.

Ryo was beside himself when you were missing.--

Looking up sharply despite himself, Seiji wondered if Shin had also gained extrasensory perception.

If I know Ryo, he won't rest until he finds you.

Seiji susposed not-- Until he finds us, at any rate. His emotions must be clearly written on his face and quite easy for Shin to read.

A subtle awareness of Shin's thoughts edged into his consciousness. It would be all too easy for Seiji to push through and know his thoughts. Thoughts were not linear-- more like impressions, flashes of images and emotions, overwhelming and effortless to lose oneself in. The less control Seiji had over his own thoughts and emotions, the easier it was for another's thoughts to intrude.

Turning his violet eyes on Shin, he sensed the water warrior's inner struggle with something.

Without any prodding from Seiji, Shin released his misgivings about the island. He told him how he barely escaped a watery demise, of the bizarre reaction the indigneous people had to him, and of his new gift. Seiji in turn relayed his adventures with Mele and her young charge, but hesitated before avowing the gift the island had bestowed upon him.

The island has made you empathic, Seiji said quietly. It has made me something as well.

What is that? Shin asked.

:Telepathic.: Seiji projected to him.

Shin jumped back despite himself, his chair screeching against the wooden planks of the floor. He was clearly startled and maybe a bit afraid.

You can read minds? Shin asked dumbly.

In a word? Yes, Seiji answered.

Seiji thought he would react in this way, as most people would to having their most personal privacy invaded. It was important that Shin did not fear him.

But not all the time, Seiji added softly.

Shin relaxed somewhat, saying, That's quite a gift to have, I must say. Smiling, he continuted, I know you'll use it... with discretion. I trust you, Seiji.

At least someone does, Seiji said, leaning back against the wooden headboard.

Seiji realized he didn't recognize where he was. The room was small and sparse, with nothing more than the bed he lay in, the chair Shin sat in, and a small table with a mirror across the room. The walls were painted white, but the floors and doorways were carved and remained the natural color of the wood. One large window with equally grand shutters graced the left wall, allowing warm, clean air to drift in from the beach.

What is this place? Seiji asked.

It's our home, came a voice from the doorway.

Mele leaned against the frame, arms folded, while Iliki squirmed her way past, making a beeline for the bed.

The little girl shrieked. In one fluid motion she hurled herself onto the mattress and into his lap. You scared us. She said, her tiny voice muffled against Seiji's chest.

I'm all right now, Seiji replied, running his fingers over her head, smoothing her disheveled black locks. With Iliki in his arms it was hard to ignore how different her aura felt from everyone else Seiji had encountered so far. Her emotions were pure surges of sentiment, uncomplicated, unlike the adults around him.

Pulling himself from the power of her psyche, Seiji looked over at Mele and asked, This is your base?

It's everything-- our base, our home, our protection.

It's quite exquisite, Seiji, Shin interjected. You really must see it to believe it.

It's our treehouse! Iliki said.

This is a treehouse? Seiji asked skeptically.

Look outside.

Seiji got off the bed and walked to the window. He expected to see some kind of outter structure built onto the branches of a tree. Instead, he looked down and realized that they were all actually inside the tree trunk.

Hundreds of feet high and large enough to house all the people of the rebellion, this tree was like an ancient red wood tree. The rooms were carved right out of the trunk.

Take a look in the hallway, Mele said with an amused smirk.

Seiji peered into an expansive space, the center had been hollowed out and he could see clear to the bottom floor. Around the hollowed center, various apartments were carved out along the circle. There were exquisite spiral staircases and a pair of rope pulled elevators that gave access to the many levels of this unique structure.

It's size and refinment reminded Seiji of a hotel. It was obvious that many people found sanctuary with these walls. With it's natural camaflage, he could see what great protection it offered these people.

When you're better, I'll give you the grand tour, Mele said. She reached for Iliki's hand. Come on, darlin', let's leave them to catch up.

As Iliki waved goodbye to the two warriors, a girl with a tray came into the room. It was the same girl that Shin had rescued.

The girl genuflected, careful to keep a respectful distance, and presented the platter to them. Well, to Shin at least. The large tray held an assortment of fresh fruits with beautiful island flowers as a garnish.

The girl bowed three times, her forehead resting against the ground on the final bow as she chanted a quick prayer.

No, really, don't do that, Shin said to the girl. Obviously their language barrior was the source of great confusion, and of great amusement to Seiji.

He burst out laughing. He covered his mouth with his hand as both Shin and the girl glared at him.

Shin hissed. What's so funny?

She thinks that you are a God-- the return of the God of this tribe-- the sea God, Ta'aroa.

She thinks that I'm a... Shin started, blushing furiously.

Oh absolutely, your divine grace, savior of the island who shall bring fertility to these waters once more, oh gracious Ta'aroa--.

All right, that's enough, then, Shin remarked indignantly. He'd forgotten already that Seiji could read minds. Could you tell her that I'm not a God?

What have you to complain about? They think you're a God and I'm a uhane, the highest and lowest forms in this world. It's not fair, I tell you, Seiji teased with an impudent smirk.

Shin glared at him, trying to suppress a grin, Oh come off it! Tell her. I'm serious.

All right, all right! Seiji replied.

Seiji spent the next twenty minutes trying, and failing, to convince the girl that Shin was not Ta'aroa. The girl left more confused than ever.

This is going to be a very interesting venture, Seiji said.



*************************************


He couldn't take it-- the waiting, the uncertainty, the pain of his absence. Ryo shut his eyes tightly trying to block everything out, particularly the devouring feeling that it was all his fault.

It didn't help that two of his teammates were missing. And it only increased his guilt that his treacherous thoughts kept revolving around only one, and his well-being, and not the welfare of the group as it should. His relationship with Seiji was affecting his judgment, skewing his priorities. But now nothing, no matter how many ways he reasoned it, seemed as important as making sure the man he loved was all right.

If only our last words hadn't been spoken in anger, Ryo thought miserably. Then in anger he berated himself. What difference does that make? He is still missing-- they both are still missing.

Even though the remaining troopers had decided not to enter the room where the sword was sleeping, lest there be anymore accidents, Ryo strode down the hall towards the forbidden door. Not hesitating, he turned the brass knob and admitted himself into the room.

The room was dark and quiet. While his eyes adjusted to the darkness, Ryo stepped into the room, frowning with disappointment. He'd almost expected something dramatic to happen when he'd trespassed.

How foolish, he chided himself. To be apprehensive about that sword--

Something moved behind him and Ryo whirled around, gasping. For a fleeting instant Ryo forgot that he was a fearsome warrior, the bearer of Rekka and Kikoutei as he shrank back and looked up into the terrifying face of the Warlord of Darkness.

He breathed, clearly startled.

The Yami Masho returned with evident disdain.

His anger renewed, Ryo snapped, How did you get in here?

Anubis replied through a contemptuous smirk, I am the darkness. I go where I please.

Get out, Ryo demanded, squaring up to the older man. He made no effort to mask his scorn.

Where is he? Anubis asked, ignoring Ryo's command. I will not leave until I see Seiji with my own eyes.

You've no right--.

I have more right to him than you ever will! Anubis snarled, losing his cool demeanor by the very insolence of the boy in front of him. Now, you will tell me where he is.

Unrelenting this night, Anubis loomed over Ryo, commanding the darkness to intimidation-- he was every inch the stuff of childhood nightmares. But in some small place beneath his terrifying facade, Ryo could see that Anubis himself was worried.

He can't feel Seiji's presence either, Ryo thought suddenly.

Holding his ground, Ryo stared at Anubis with a somber, steady gaze. You know the answer already.

Anubis took a step back, his frightful demeanor lessening. A spark of distress flickered across his features briefly before he steeled himself. Damn you... He whispered.

While he despised the man before him with nearly every ounce of his being, Ryo knew a rare opportunity when he saw one. Are you still linked to him? Ryo asked quietly. Can you feel his presence at all?

Is he still alive? He thought, suppressing a panic.

Closing his eyes, Anubis stood very still as he frisked along the tenuous bond that connected him eternally to the warrior of Light.

It is very faint, He whispered. If I did not know the feel of it so well, I would think it vanished entirely.

Yes, he lives.

There was an unwieldy silence settling uncomfortably between them until Anubis turned with a sharp snap of his cape towards the center of the room. His eyes, aptly skilled in the darkness, scanned the floorboards. Suddenly he stooped, kneeling almost reverently, and placed his palm over the blood print on the floor.

It occurred to Ryo that the warlord had come in full battle dress, completely armored for combat. Prepared to fight for Seiji, he thought earnestly. Just as Seiji had instantly come to his defense... They truly are bound to one another.

This is his blood, Anubis stated breaking Ryo from his thoughts. Shooting an accusatory glare over his shoulder, Anubis asked him, What happened here?

I don't know, Ryo swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. I was not here at the time.

Anubis sighed, exasperated, but not surprised.

Turning away from him again, he set his gaze on the sword.

Don't touch it--, Ryo started his warning.

I'm not so fool hardy as you! Anubis snarled. Then, more calmly, he returned scrutiny to the weapon. It can't be... Anubis did not have to get close to it to feel its power. Where did you get this sword?

You know of it? Ryo asked quickly.

Only that it lusts for blood, He whispered. Or should I say, the right blood.

What's that supposed to mean? Ryo retorted. If you know something, please, you must tell me.

Don't get excited, Rekka, He snapped. In my life, I have heard of a sword, known among men as the irae, the wrath of the Gods. It had been said that the red jewel in the blade is half the heart of a God. It cuts those who are bold enough to hold it, looking for the right blood to unite it with its other half.

We know it's a portal. Where would it have taken Seiji?

If I knew that, Rekka, I wouldn't be inquiring after him, now would I? Anubis shot back.

Duly noting his quick tempter when it came to all subjects regarding Seiji, Ryo wisely backed down and tried not to take offense. It took all his will power to restrain himself from lashing out at Anubis. He reminded himself that he did not want to become involved in anything that would delay him from finding the warrior of Light, no matter how satisfying a fight with the warlord of Darkness might be.

Still... he did not like Anubis' erratic behavior. One might call it unbalanced.

I don't like this anymore than you, Anubis said suddenly. But it is necessary that we tolerate certain... annoyances for his sake.

Ryo nodded curtly as Anubis continued. Remember that, he hissed, straightening himself to his full height. All that I do, I do for Seiji. And he withdraw back into the encompassing darkness.

Ryo gaped at the suddenly empty room. Angrily he balled his hands into fists at his side. You remember that you arrogant son of a bitch.

Taking only a few steps forward, Ryo bent and picked up the sword from the floor. As he held the cold weapon, he did not think about the sharp sting in his hand or the blood dripping down his arm. Ryo's only thought before he blacked out was, All I do... all that I am, is for Seiji.





***********

Author's notes:

Hello everybody! Please forgive me for my lack of updating. My life's gotten pretty hectic.

Please Review so that I know people are still into reading this thing.

My updating was a direct result of getting an e-mail from someone about THHN. Many thanks.

wondering about updates? go to my webjournal.



(Libelluledate [dot] bravejournal [dot] com)

I love e-mail. Li_bell_ule@yahoo.com

Thanks again everyone!

Li