Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to CLAMP, but as faithful CLAMP fans you should already know that. However, I do own the two original characters that have appeared in the story thus far so, the likeliness of Ameijusto and Suishou should not be used without my expressed permission.

TO THE READERS: Thank you for reading my humble first attempt at a fanfic and of course thanks for all the reviews thus far. Although it may not seem like it, I appreciate each and every one and it's the reviews that keep this story going, despite the periods of long delays. (I am still a student after all…)

NOTICE: I have revamped Chapter 7 for errors and I plan to, at the very least, review the other chapters.

A WISH Fanfiction

HEAVEN AND HELL

(Chapter Eight: Contemplation)

HELL

Anger. Yes, anger was the only word that Kouryuu could even begin to describe the pure hatred that he now bore for the Cat Twins. He felt as if they had betrayed him and of course they would never understand how deeply they hurt him, because to them their actions were justified. They were after all for his benefit. And their timing could not have been worst. Now because of their accusations, the one precious thing in his life was gone, without any hope of retrieval. Ameijusto hated him and she would have nothing to do with him as long as she lived.

In the weeks that followed Kouryuu brooded around Hell. It was then that he truly began to realize just how much time he'd been spending at the Bridge. Almost from the time he awoke in the morning until the late in the evening would have, under normal circumstances, all been spent at the Bridge with Ameijusto. Since there was no longer any reason to go to there he found himself with an enormous amount of time on his hands, and no place to spend it. Besides even if he ran into her on the Bridge, he was certain that she would make good her threat. He had absolutely no doubts in believing that it had been no idle threat made in the moment's passion. He would be as good as dead if he ran into her again unexpected.

However mad at the cat twins he was, there was a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach in their absence. They had been his loyal servants for as long as he could remember, so it was unnerving to be left so utterly alone. It was not as if he never saw them. They stubbornly refused to believe that he released them from his services and continued to seek him out with their usual enthusiasm. But the rift that had begun to form between them was permanent, and not even the sincerest of smiles or the promise of the fulfillment of his darkest desires could rebuild the remnants of their relationship once broken. The affects of which was something that he would have to endure and overcome in his own time. As with everything else in life he would have to deal with this new twist that fate has handed him.

"It is true. You can't truly begin to appreciate that which you have until it is no longer in your possession," Kouryuu mused to himself as he walked along a desolate corridor, his destination unknown.

Dodging the cat twins and trying to escape the loneliness that seeped into his soul brought him to venture into many places that he had hardly ever visited in the castle despite living their his entire life. The Conservatory, the Tower Balcony, Lower Hall, Galleria were all among these places. But he never lingered long. Something would stir inside of him and he would move on, seeking another place to be at peace with; even if it was a disturbed peace. Whatever it was that drove him to wander aimlessly throughout the castle would simple not leave him be. Each time he thought a change in scenery it would coax him into a better mood but, just as he left the last in favor of the new it stayed with him no matter where he went.

Kouryuu now found himself standing in the midst of the enormous royal library. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Its structure was almost completely made of windows, or at least it appeared to be. The stained glass windows were settled between immense bookshelves all filled; some of which dated back to the beginning to time. In all, the library was three stories high, with winding stairs that led to the upper floors and ladders hung from each bookcase providing visitor's access to even the highest of materials. The windows were the most striking part of the place not only because they are so large but also because of the unusual designs that they depicted. The of the smaller windows together told the story of the foundation of Hell, beginning with the Lucifer's decision to rebel against God until the day that he and all the other fallen angels were cast into the Underworld. The center was the most elaborate and the most haunting.

In the middle of the molded glass frame was a portrait of Satan in his classic demonic form, his arms outstretched with a number of demons and beasts before him casting angels into the raging fiery depths that awaited below. He didn't bear the legs of a fawn instead his legs seemed to be made of out fire. It drew Kouryuu further into the room.

Somehow it mesmerized him, slowly he drawing him towards it. The bright flames lighting the glistening night of the display seemed to command his body. But there was something that nagged at him, almost as if it was begging him to remember it as he came closer. It was something that was important of that much he was certain. But what? There was little in his life that he held dear, so it should have been a simple matter of determining what it was that bothered him. However it remained hidden, until he took another look at the angels in the motif. An angel. Not just any angel, but Ameijusto. Then all of a sudden he was reminded of what drove him from place to place. Every time Kouryuu began to get comfortable in a place he began to think, and in his thinking a certain face would inevitability come to mind. It was a vivid as if she stood before him. In his mind's eye he saw her beautiful face streaked with tears, and eyes burning with mistrust and betrayal. He saw her last face before she left him forever.

Without a thought more and little regard about whether or not he was seen he opened a portal to Earth and left, seeking counsel and solace in the earthly realm.

HEAVEN

In Heaven while Kouryuu was having a crisis of the soul in the bowels of Hell, Ameijusto was busy attending to some official business. Amongst a large group of angels, Ameijusto was in the middle of a lesson, but her concentration on the matter was failing fast.

"The most important thing to remember when you perform this spell is the action that must accompany it. Now you all remember the words, right? Good. You must watch me for the motion." She stood up then, and placed her arms shoulder width apart, palms upright. Moving swiftly she extended her arms fully, and began to bring them together again, palms facing each other inches apart centered at mid chest. "Did everyone see that?" Looking around she saw a few dubious faces around her and she repeated the action again.

"I want you all to split up into pairs and practice one at a time. While your partner practices you are to critique them, then switch. Once you have both mastered it, using the same method, practice the enchantment as along with it. Be sure to listen carefully to the annunciation. Yesterday during lessons I could still hear a few of you mispronouncing it. Be careful, any mispronunciation in this particular spell results in something of the opposite of the intended effect. Now split up and begin!"

Almost instantaneously the group split up into groups of two and shifted away from each respective group to practice, leaving Ameijusto alone to her thoughts. Taking up a position at the top of near by hill she sat and watched her students, noting common errors to be discussed later. The novelty of her teacher persona wore off quickly and she began to think of other matters that raged within her thoughts. Kouryuu. His name came unbidden into her mind, but once it intruded upon her there seemed to no way to forget it again. The way he kissed me then, it was a desperate …but pleasant. The feel of his lips against mine, gentle but firm at the same time. An involuntary her fingertips brushed lightly against her lips as these thoughts stirred a reminder in her body, she could feel his arm about her waist, and the warmth of his body pressed to hers. Although these actions may have been perceived as forcefully Kouryuu had been unbearably gentle in his attentions, perhaps sensitive in the knowledge that Ameijusto has been innocent to such things.

Suddenly aware of herself, Ameijusto snapped to attention again. She stood and began to make her way back to her students to resume the lesson. On the way her last free thoughts lingered a moment longer on more personal affairs. Why? Why does he weigh so heavily on my mind when I know him now to be nothing more than a crude liar? I must shake these feelings. I know now that nothing good will ever come of them.

Elsewhere in Heaven the other Archangels have gathered in a small alcove in the castle, talking amongst themselves about the fourth.

Ryuuki leaned against the wall, arms crossed and head lowered, "Now that you mention it Ransho, I have noticed that something seems to be different about her lately. I will not venture too much to say that it is 'wrong' as you have but there is a noticeable change that has taken place. I cannot deny that." Ryuuki raised his head to meet the gaze of the others.

Ransho's face was serene but it only concealed a deep concern. "Toki. What do you think?"

Toki frowned slightly but answered all the same, "I along with all others who know her well, have sensed a change. Her attitude toward her duties have not changed, in fact, she faces them with a new kind of dedication. I fear that it is an alternation in her personality I see. Ransho, I know that you care about her deeply, she was your under your instruction, but I think that you are forgetting something. Ameijusto is no longer a child, like she once was. She is one of our number now and you can't approach this matter as you normally would. She demands the same respect that you would give any of us, in these circumstances."

"Yes I understand." This wasn't something that he particularly enjoyed hearing. No matter how she has changed he could never really see her as anything as a child. And perhaps that was his flaw.

"If she does not come to us on her own time and on her own terms than there is nothing more to be discussed. Ideally, we should do nothing until that time comes." Toki looked at Ransho for approval, but his face was set in stone. Ryuuki merely nodded his head in agreement. "Now, Ransho, if this concludes the matter that you have brought to us today, I have a class waiting for my return." Toki gathered his robes behind him, leaving the Ryuuki and Ransho behind.

Ryuuki shrugged his shoulders in resolve, and placed a reassuring hand on Ransho's shoulder before leaving. Solitary, Ransho sought his own counsel and advised against Toki's conclusion. I know it has to do about him. He thought back to the coronation and the fleeting looks he observed between the two. There had to be some meaning in those stolen glances; the meaning of which he understood, but her…he couldn't he so sure. He smiled to himself and swept out of the castle and towards Ameijusto's teaching pavilion.

He found her soon after, but chose to watch and wait. She seemed to be fairly engrossed at the moment.

"Ameijusto-sama, are you alright?" One of the angels in her company asked. All the other angels had stopped talking at some point. "We were talking but you suddenly looked so distant. I called to you several times but you didn't answer."

Ameijusto blinked repeatedly. Unknowing she had slipped into a personal reverie, ignoring the class accompaniment again. All eyes were on her; curious and concerned eyes. She sighed, "I am sorry everyone. I have been a little preoccupied today. Class is dismissed early." Everyone broke out into cheers and began to scatter she had a yell to make her last instructions heard, "Make the best of the remainder of the day! And I will see you all again in a couple of days! Don't forget to practice!"

She sighed again. No one was listening anymore, as they scampered off into the distance. Resolved, she smiled and watched them go. She was envious of all of them. They were so carefree, like she had been once, before destiny chose her for responsibility. And a chanced meeting of a soul-less demon tempted her naivety and challenged her sense of duty. Yes, long ago, she had been a free spirit and now she was burdened with the knowledge of betrayal and unfamiliar feelings she dare not explore. Although doubt clouded her every step she maintained the façade of confidence for the sake of all those who placed their trust in her.

"Ameijusto I would speak with you if you have the time." Ransho was standing besides her with this winged beast, looking cautiously. For the third time today, she had slipped into her own fantasy world containing her thoughts.

She almost jumped out of her skin at the sound of her name, and more so once she realized that the intruder was Ransho. Given her current state of mind she wasn't all together sure she could face him and keep her countenance straight and convincing. She turned away from him slightly, took several breathes, trying to compose herself before turning again to confront him.

"Yes. I have some time available now." He took her hand into his own and led her into the shade, protecting them from the hot midday sun. He helped her into a stepping position before taking a seat beside her. For a moment nothing was said and in that silence Ameijusto began to panic. I wondering what is going on? Why has Ransho come to see me so suddenly?

Ransho shifted slightly so that he would be able to watch her face once they began talking. "So Ameijusto, how are things going for you?"

The question caught her off guard. "Exuse me."

"Teaching. How is it going?"

She recovered and answered honestly. "It's no easy task. I think that I have a new appreciation for all that you have done for me and continue to do for the other angels. It hard work, I mean, it doesn't feel like that long ago when I was the student, and yet now I am the teacher. It just a strange role reversal that I will have to get used to I suppose. I was extremely nervous in the beginning but since adjusting a little more to the idea I enjoy it very much. It brings me great joy to teach the coming generations for angels." She was glowing with all the pride in her work could provide her. Ransho didn't look surprised at all.

"Yes. I felt the same way long ago, when I began. It is something that gets easier with time and is always rewarding to see your students complete their studies and graduate to the next level. Perhaps that is just the pride of an overly dedicated teacher."

She smiled brilliantly, before giving away to laugher. "Perhaps. But perhaps not. You were always a gracious teacher to me, and I sure that many other angels would say the exact same thing." Ransho laughed as well. It was short lived though. The expression on his face suddenly became serious and it grabbed her attention.

Ransho casually returned her smile, but only briefly before he became expressionless. "To tell you the truth, I did not come here to ask you these types of questions. I speak to you about a wholly different matter."

The panic set in again, in Ameijusto's heart. Immediately her mind launched a torrent of thoughts but they always seemed to return to a repetition of, He knows. He knows. He knows. He knows. He knows. She forced herself to calm down and remain so at least in the presence of Ransho. He was already alarmed and all her actions thus far would begin to make any skeptic a believer. She closed her eyes briefly before opening them again and training her gaze on the archangel beside her.

It was unusual to see her mentor act so distant, but perhaps that was due to the nature of their upcoming discussion. When he looked at her, she could not longer is the warmth that was always behind his brown eyes instead it was replaced with a cold, firm demeanor.

"Ameijusto." She looked at him at the sound of her name. "What do you know of Hisui?"

Puzzled, she replied very little. Although she has been alive during his time in Heaven, admittedly she knew very little personal information about the last Archangel of the Wind. As if not expecting a long answer, Ransho continued. "As you know, Hisui was the last Archangel of the Wind which is why we were in need of your services. In all the history of Heaven, there has never been a dismissal of a principle authority such as an archangel. It was unheard of….What I am trying to ask you is this, do you know the reason why Hisui chose to renounce his vows to God?"

She shook her head.

"No, I thought not. He defied his duties and God's will in search of what he wanted out of--"

Ameijusto turned to Ransho quickly, "What? What could possibly be more important than performing the service that we were born to?"

Ransho looked at her intently, eyes warming as he smiled broadly at her question. "Can you not guess? Love. Hisui fell in love with the son of Satan, Kokuyo. Such a decision can only be made when you truly understand what is you hope to achieve out of life and making it come true."

Ameijusto could hardly believe what she was hearing. In an instance, everything began to become painfully clear. Hisui. And a demon? Not just any demon, but Satan's son. His heir. How could such a match flourish? Her thoughts drifted to another member of the royal family, Kouryuu. He knows of this doesn't he? Does this really change anything that has happened between us? No, it doesn't it. I may be an angel and he a demon but I will not submit to such an indignity that will link my existence to his for all eternity. The parts of the situation may be similar but we are not the same, nor will we ever be.

"—After Hisui made his decision God instituted the creation of angels like yourself," he looked at her gingerly. "Of course other changes were made but all these things were done because of one single choice made by an individual. I just want you know that there are no choices that are without consequences." He rose slowly and bent toward her, dusting his robes of gently, as he did so. Ameijusto looked at him startled as he placed tender hand on her cheek. A genuine smile toyed with his lips, one of a few that she shared with her this afternoon. "When it comes time for you to make the decision of your own, chose from the heart but know what nothing will be left unchanged. Think on it."

Although she was becoming more and more uncomfortable, she desperately tried to maintain eye contact. In a small voice, barely audible for the rustle of the trees she whispered, "Ransho you know, don't you?"

Ransho merely smiled in response and walked a few yards from the tree line. He raised the hand to lips, seconds later a piercing whistle rang out. In a moment or two more, Ransho left the area on the back of his winged beast.

The wind swept by disturbing the peacefulness that the forest had settled into. Ameijusto sat in silence, lost in the whirlpool of her own thoughts and emotions. She reeled in the knowledge that Ransho new her secret, when and how much was unknown but it hardly mattered. The fact remains that he did and tried to counsel her. Without overstepping his authority and invading her right to privacy he came to her. What he told her…well, it was a lot to digest. It's my decision. Could I really choose between a life in Heaven and Kouryuu? Is there really any choice to even consider? I love my life here. I make a difference and with my presence maintain the balance of the elements with the other archangels. This is the only life I've ever known, I don't think that I could really be comfortable anywhere else in the world knowing that I've turn my back against them; knowing that the trust bestowed upon me was betrayed. And for what alternative? It simply doesn't compare. He is a liar who has been deceiving me from the very beginning with false emotions and under false intentions. The worst part is that I believed him, every word of it. I believed every lie that came out of his mouth, I wanted to believe that nature can be changed if given a better option. The truth is...the truth is that nature is permanent and he will be what he is now and forever---a demon!

She stood abruptly, and walked into the failing afternoon light. I know where my place is and is here in Heaven amongst my own kinsmen. And that was it, resolved she prepared to enter a new phase of her life, one of true dedication and one marking the end of childish dreams.

HELL

Ruri looked up lazily for the mountain of pillows sprawled across the bed she and her sister shared. She shook her sister, trying to wake her up but nothing happened. Annoyed, she rolled over closing her eyes in an attempt to visit the sandman once more. On the threshold that would take her to that distant land she wondered dreamily, "Kouryuu, where?" Nothing more was said before nothingness took her away.

EARTH

Kokuyo and Kouryuu sat motionless around the kotatsu in complete silence (), before each of them was a cup, containing their last drops of Green Tea. Save for the new steaming kettle that rested on the kotatsu, the room was still which was also mirrored in the serenity that could be seen in the garden overlooked by the living room they now resided in. Hisui was no where to seen. Long ago, he withdrew from the room leaving the two cousins to talk in private, only returning once to replenish the kettle with hot water, before retiring to another part of the house again. In the afternoon, he left for the market, effectively giving them all the privacy they could need for the better part of the afternoon and early in the evening. The fact that they had not spoken a word besides inane greetings since Kouryuu arrived echoed the seriousness of his visit and it was best to venture out when such an occasion arises.

Breaking the stillness, Kouryuu reached for is mug, raised it to his lips, but stopped short, and returned it to the table again. He sighed aloud, stretching out on the tatami floor supporting his head with his hands. He stared thoughtfully at the ceiling prior to beginning his monologue, "You know it wasn't supposed to be like this. I wasn't supposed to have a heart. I wasn't suppose to care about anyone but myself. I was happy that. I didn't want to be changed; I didn't ask to be changed! But I am a different being that I was then and nothing can bring back what I was. And the future? The future. My future seems bleak."

Kokuyo listened carefully. "Kouryuu what are you talking about?"

Kouryuu sat up, catching Kokuyo's attention. "I am talking about love, dear cousin. Love. I am in love."

Kokuyo raised his eyebrows. "Really? You, in love? I find that heard to believe coming from someone whose definition of love involves one night stands with multiple lovers. I'm sure you 'loved' them all."

Kouryuu laughed bitterly. "Yes I know. That word does sound absurd coming from my lips, but I promise you that it is true. I have fallen in love-true love-with someone. However, she has come to hate me because of the lies that Cat Twins feed to her. She has so much as threatened me with death upon our next meeting. Tell me how can love prosper when is matched just as equally with hate?"

Kokuyo although he was may have seemed disinterested was in truth, his mind was processing everything that Kouryuu has told me, a few details he had not, working on a possible solution. Nothing immediately came to mind. Indeed, what could he really say to Kouryuu? What could he really say to make a difference? To hold on the side of caution could mean that he could lose the one he loved and be too aggressive, well, Kouryuu would never come for a visit in this life ever again. But certainly action was required if anything was to happen at all- the right kind of action.

Laughter. Laughter was the only thing that Kokuyo could do. Kouryuu looked up, surprised at the reaction. "I'm sorry. Only you could put yourself in this type of situation. One of true extremes-life and death, love or lost."

"Thank you, I'm glad you are enjoying the irony of the matter."

"Really this is not that difficult. Just think what you would rather have. Would you prefer a life in that is austere or one with love. It should not be a hard decision. If this is important, if this person is truly the one you love than there is only one thing to do. You have to pursue her. Absolutely nothing will be accomplished if you don't tell her and only think about what could be and never do anything. This requires decisive action. Tell her how you really feel. If she still rejects you than live well in the knowledge that you tried your best, and made an effort. If you don't do this, than you will regret it for the rest of your life, so tell her or shrink away from this responsibility."

Kouryuu nodded and stood up, heading towards the sliding doors and to the garden.

"Rejection is the price that one must pay if you love, but the reward is well worth it."

Moments later Kokuyo entered the garden, alone watching the western horizon.

"Good luck".

Thank you for reading Chapter Eight!!!

I promise that there is more to come in the future. :)

Akuma

CHAPTER NOTES:

() "Kokuyo and Kouryuu sat motionless around the kotatsu in complete silence." A kotatsu is a Japanese style of table that is low to the ground, perhaps measuring something a little larger than coffee table height. It comes round or square and is usually places in living rooms. Since in most Japanese homes all the rooms aren't heated during the winter months underneath the kotatsu is a heater. A larger quilted blanket can be attached to the table, so when you sit underneath it keeps you nice and toasty.

STORY NOTES:

IMPORTANT: I would like to say a little something about Suihou, Ameijusto's best friend. I don't know what I was thinking, perhaps I was sleep deprived as I looked up the meaning of 'quartz' in my English-Japanese dictionary, but I have recently discovered that I have been spelling it wrong and the meaning is a little off as well. It should be spelled Suishou or Suisyou, instead of Suihou as I have been using, and has more of a meaning of 'crystal'; 'crystallized quartz'. At least this is what my new electronic dictionary says, and I am inclined to believe it. Sorry about this, from now on I will use the correct spelling and eventually I'll get around to correcting the error in the other chapters. (All bow down and worship the marvel that the Cannon Wordtank G50 is!)