)(DISCLAIMER)(: I only own a few of the characters in this fic. Daisuke, Dark, etc. are NOT MY PROPERTY! This is Chapter Two of.. SOUL TRANSIT!

Chapter Two: A Whole New World?

Dark wouldn't leave his room for weeks after Subei died.. They never found his body, only the burnt and charred remains of his bike. The police had gone mad trying to figure out what had happened.. Then they turned towards the possibility of him still being alive.. But not for long. According to all the blood on the ground, and what was thought to be Subei's arm, he would have had a sufficient blood loss, too much, in fact, to survive on his own for long.

'It's not fair.. It's just.. Not fair.. Why? He was the best friend I had ever had! Why did you have to take him from me!' Dark burries his head in his pillow, hair mussed and messy from not bathing in weeks. He looks down at the stains on his sheets from his sweat and tears, then stands, staggering towards his shower as he had finally puked for the last time of his own putrid stench. He pulls off his once white, now grey muscle shirt, peeling off his boxers as he shakily turns on the water, grimacing at the cold, but it was a wake up call. He had to wake up, the funeral was today.

He lifts his hand, taking the shampoo and rubbing through his nappy hair and over his scalp. He had to pull himself together, or he'd never graduate from college. It was the least he could do.. For him. His eyes tear up, and he leans forwards against the white porcelien of the stand in shower, pressing his forehead against the lower bicep of his arm and sobbing once more. Soap begins to dribble into his eyes, and he stops, cursing softly at the pain, and he washes his hair out, then begins on his body, stopping as he saw a small tattoo on his hip. It was a simple stupid stick figure, holding up to arms and the word 'SCORE' was written above its head.

'Why did I ever get that abomination..' he looks at it a bit more, then he remembers..

"Hey, Dark, let's check this place out!" Subei smiled. It was two years ago, when they first moved to the apartment. Subei was wearing his favorite onsamble, a pair of raggedy old blue jeans with holes in the knees, red lining on the hems, and a pair of black converse sneakers. A simple t-shirt and leather jacket was on his upper torso, nothing too fancy, but it still took Dark's breath away. His thick green hair was cut at his shoulders, angled upwards to a slight buzz on the back of his head, he wore glasses then.

Dark, on the other hand, hadn't changed a bit since then, thick violet hair still raggedy. He wore a black spandex top that was sleeveless, a red jacket vest over that, and a pair of leg hugging black leather pants, also black boots with silver studs running up the side zipper and around the heel. His hands held chained gloves, small silver chains dangling from rings on his fingers. He lifted his gaze up to the sign, a few blue lines forming on the side of his face as he saw what Subei was pointing at. A tattoo parlor. It had a crude sign, wood, with a large mermaid on it, 'Bucks Ruts and Tattoo's' written in spray paint over it. He glowered at Subei, "Surely you must be joking.."

"Nope! I've been thinking on getting a tatoo.. And.. This is the cheapest/cleanest place around." Subei grinned sheepishly. Dark sighed, shaking his head and moving over towards Subei, "You're sure about.. This place?"

"Sure I'm sure! It looks clean enough!" and as he spoke a shutter fell from the window, crashing into a million wooden pieces onto the ground. Subei sweatdropped, but he wouldn't be convinced otherwise. They went in ink free, and came out with a tattoo each.

Dark sniffed, glowering at his companion, "I can't believe you convinced me to DO that!"

Subei laughed, "Ah, c'mon, it's not THAT bad!" and with that he moved over to Dark's side, lifting Dark's shirt and lowering his jeans to look at the small bloodied outline of the tattoo on his hip. Dark blushed profusely, trying desperately to pull his jeans up and push Subei away. Subei grinned slightly, "Ah, c'mon.. We both got one.. Both in which are so goofy!"

Subei then lifted his shirt and jacket, lowering his jeans slightly to reveal the bloodied outline of a stick figure with its arms in the air and 'goal' written above it in an arch. Dark flushed, turning his gaze away and trying to glare at the sidewalk, wishing the earth would simply gape open and swallow him whole..

Subei had blinked, then teasingly wrapped an arm about Dark's shoulders, pulling him close and whispering in his ear, "C'mon, it's the first thing our lover's will see!"

Dark flushed deep red, images racing through his mind of just what kind of 'lover' he was looking for, and he suddenly pushed Subei away from him, "You hentai!"

Subei laughed, a rich sound that sent shivers up Dark's spine, and lifted his hand, running a hand through his green locks and turning his gaze towards the small cafe they usually went to, "C'mon then, latte's are callin us, baby!"

Dark sighs softly, letting the warm water soothe his headache as he finishes what he was doing, blushing faintly at the memory, and the visions he had had that following night.. He turns his gaze slightly towards the small picture he had on his side table, moving towards it, not caring his window was open and he was standing buck naked for all to see.

It was a picture of the four of them, him, Subei, Satoshi, and Daisuke, all in which were hugging onto each other in a huge dog pile. Satoshi's glasses were askew, Daisuke's arms wrapped about his waist as he tackled him, Subei and Dark already on the ground, Dark pinned under Subei's weight and sweatdropping. Subei, on the other hand, had that sexy, secretive smile on his face, a hand lifted up like he was about to back hand Dark. It was a great picture, one that a lot of females would want to get their hands on, but one Dark would never let go of.

He hugs the glass frame to his wet chest, hugging it firmly in his arms as he lowers his gaze. What would he do now? He still didn't know jack squat about most of the things around this time frame.. Only that.. He was alone. No, he wasn't alone.. He still had Daisuke and Satoshi, atleast.. Those two would be there for him, right?

He sighs, letting his fingers run through his violet wet locks as he makes his way towards his closet. He felt it wise to actually wear his school uniform for once, it being a similar attire to what Subei had worn before he died. He flips the collar down as he pulls the shirt on, shimmying into his pants and letting out a grunt as he tries to tie his shoes at the same time, bad move, he fell forwards onto his face, meeting the filthy carpet underneath his feet. Carpet, Dark. Dark, Carpet. Displeasure to meet you.

He groans, pushing himself up and finally giving in to gravity and tying one shoe at a time. What a bother this was, always doing things THEIR way, he muses. He sighs, then stands, making his way towards the door and into the main living room. A TV could be heard from his door, a small walkway leading up to the kitchen on the left, the family room on the right. The family room had a wrap around couch, a large book case shoved in the back right corner. Books of different colors and sizes litter the shelves, one or two resting on their sides or on the large circular rug below them.

The tv was angled about ten feet away from the middle of the wrap around couch. Cushions resting around the small coffee table in the middle. The couch itself was black velveteen, red and white throw pillows thrown here and there on the sofa. The ceiling itself was dotted with golden finish, the lights sparkling off the white and gold. The wood was hard wood, probably oak, polished and varnished to a smooth, slippable surface. At the moment, the floor was covered in dust. Dark would have to clean later when he got home.

"Daisuki!" Wiz, Daisuke's pet rabbit creature, clutches to the red head's arm as the boy dresses, trying his best to tie the blasted tie about his neck. He looks to the animal, ruby eyes having lost the glimmer they once held. He lifts his hand, patting the rabbit's head as he makes his way down the stairs.

"Mother, please help me wuh-with this.." Daisuke could feel his tears welling up in his eyes once more, lowering his gaze to the tie as his mother comes forwards, tying it slowly about his neck, "There you go honey.. You going to be okay?"

Daisuke nods his head politely, lying. He makes his way towards the door, looking up as his dad pats his head lightly. His father looked like a clone of Dark, yet a bit older with dark brown hair instead of violet. He rubs his scalp gently, trying to calm the boy as they head out to the car.

"Father.. Do you.. Do you think he's dead?" Daisuke leans forwards from the backseat as his mother slips into the passenger's side. His father looks down, dark colored eyes staring at the steering wheel for a moment longer.. He sighs, then turns his gaze towards Daisuke, "If I told you what I thought, you'd cry. If I told you what you want to hear, you'd cry.. Son, I don't know what to tell you.."

Daisuke lowers his gaze, pulling his arms to his chest he hugs them to his body as he leans back in the seat, watching the world whizz by through the window. He rests his forehead against the glass, closing his eyes as his shoulders tremble. He wanted to cry, wanted to wail, kick, scream, and through a downright fit.. But he couldn't. His body wouldn't let him, neither would his parents. He wanted to see Subei again, hear him laugh, see him smile.. Something.

Thanks to his direct link to Dark, he felt what Dark felt, and at the moment, pain was seering through Daisuke's body, so much so he wanted to die. But, he knew that would do anyone little good. The twins would be so upset if he died, and he'd never see Satoshi again.

His face suddenly flushes as he thinks of Satoshi, even in his time of need the blue haired young man had stayed by his side the entire time. Daisuke closes his eyes, letting his mind wander to that day..

He saw the charred remains of Subei's bike, just barely witnessing it over Satoshi's shoulder, and suddenly he was encased in his arms. He felt his warmth as tears rolled down his cheeks and he wailed..

Subei was Daisuke's best friend and closest relative. He had been there for him, when he really needed him. Been there for him when he wanted a good game of chess, or go, or even a great wrestling match. Subei always let him win, Daisuke droops slightly, he never made Daisuke cry, save with laughter.

To laugh again.. That would be wonderful, but.. His spirits had dampened tremendously because of the incident. He opens his eyes slowly, watching now through eyes heavy with tears. He wanted Subei back as much as Dark did, because he missed his 'brother from another mother' as Subei always put it.. He missed his friend..

The funeral was beautiful, a large oaken coffen lined with white linen sitting in the middle of the room of the temple about twenty minutes away from the University. It was Subei's favorite place to stop and think about things.

Dark lifts his gaze as a light breeze gusts through the trees.. The temple wasn't really all that special, in fact, when it was built it wasn't meant to be a temple at all. It was in fact, an old dojo that a lot of people had trained at in their youth.

It looked to be about seven, maybe eight hundred years old in architecture, but it was fixed up to look livable. It had a green slanted roof, sakura blossoms and roses blooming in the gardens surrounding the front gate, then the inside around the well to the left hand corner. A cobble stone walk greeted many a weary traveler to the wooden veranda and slide doors.

The wood appeared to be cherry, or something of the dark wood variety, and a simple porch swing creaked back and forth on the left hand side of the porch. Two columns rise up from the ground, carved with the many names of the many warriors and students of the dojo, and painted with greens to have what looked to be poison ivy dancing across them in a spiral.

Dark stands on the worn path, seeing the white streamers dangling from the branches of the trees he lifts his hand, closing his eyes as yet another breeze brushes through his blazer, blowing it slightly open and the coolness of the wind touching his skin with icey fingers. He shivers, buttonning up his blazer slightly as he turns his gaze towards the open doors.

He makes his way towards it, taking a deep breath. This was it. This was the last thing holding Subei to this world, or was it? All day he had felt something tugging at his subconcious, but, there was nothing he could do right now.. He looks towards the many faces of students, teachers, family, and what few friends Subei had standing about in the room, laughing and talking about the old days.

Dark could feel something turn in his stomach, something.. Sinister. How could these people be so stinkin' happy? He was dead, dammit! They could atleast show respect by FAKING being upset! He moves towards the coffin, knowing it to be empty at the moment, he places a hand to the smooth surface, resting it there.

"Hey, isn't that Dark-san?" a female whispered behind him. Another giggles, "Yes! He's so good looking.. I heard he and Subei were the best of friends.."

"Yeah! I also heard he's deliciously single.. Ooo!" yet another squeals, the three of them giggling. Dark felt his body heat up with rage and he turns, "Are you here for extra credit, or do you actually give a damn that Subei's dead!?"

The three stop laughing instantly, staring at the fire burning in Dark's eyes. His shoulders heave slightly, and he turns again, jerkily, not bothering to apologize. The entire room had grown to a silent stupor at the sudden outburst. It made a few people start thinking, but Dark didn't care.. They were all a bunch of brown nosers anyway.. What would they know about his lovely Subei? He pulls his hand slowly away from the coffin, letting his arm drop to his side.

It wasn't until then that Daisuke and his family arrive, Daisuke racing out and over to Dark to hug onto the older teen about his waist, "Dark-san.. I can't believe.."

Dark looks down to the red headed boy, letting his fingers press against his hair he hugs him back, resting his cheek on the boy's scalp and then the two move to a corner of the room to talk, Dark, though, kept quiet.

"Dark.. I think he's alive somewhere.. He can't be dead, it's not possible! I won't believe it until they show me!" Daisuke was being stubborn again, hands clenching into tight fists. Dark lifts his gaze slowly, seeing Daisuke he smiles slightly, "I wish I could aggree with you, Daisuke.. But.. I've grown numb now.. I guess.. I wish he was here.. More than anything I do.. But.. There's nothing either of us can do about it.. If he's alive.. Why hasn't he come back? Why hasn't he told us where he was?"

Daisuke seems to faulter slightly at the onslaught of questions, lifting his hands he pounds himself in the sides of his head, tears streaming down his face as he shakes his entire body, "I won't listen! He's alive! He has to be!"

Dark lifts his arms, wrapping them about Daisuke as he sighs, holding the sobbing boy close as he looks towards the others. Some were whispering.. He didn't like it. He let out a hiss at them, then glaring daggers for a few moments he returns his gaze back to Daisuke, lifting them as Satoshi suddenly appears in the room.

The blue haired teen wore a white button up shirt with a black tie, black slacks and freshly shined shoes on his feet. His hair was brushed slightly back, turning his gaze towards the two he moves towards them as well, ifting a hand to brush Daisuke's head.

The red head turns, then clings to Satoshi for a while. Dark smiles lightly at the two, knowing one day, they would become one.. One day.. He turns his gaze to the coffin once more, in one vain hope that Subei would leap into the room, laughing and waving his arms about, 'I'm here! Yo! You're here for credit aren't you! I don't even know you..' and random comments like that..

Dark turns his gaze from the coffin as they place a white blanket of some sort over it, looking to be of pure silk. He closes his eyes, not wanting to see it, fearing seeing it.. This was it.. This was the last time he could ever see or hear Subei..

He wishes he'd never let him ride the bike that morning..

------------------------------------------------ End of Chapter Two--------------------------------------------

And there you have it.. Chapter Two.. Finished.. Booyah! It was sad, wasn't it!? sniff sniff The twins weren't in this chapter! Bwahaha! I will be adding a new character in the next, you wait and see! It'll be awesome with all it's shounen ai-ishness..

heart I can't wait to start on Chapter three.. That's when it's going to get really interesting. I know this chapter was a bit dismal, but then again, it was the guys freaken furneral, c'mon! He has every right to be upset! And poor Dai-chan.. Oh well! We'll see what happens next time.. I won't post a spoiler here, cuz I don't know what's happening yet.. And.. Stuff.. Yeah!