Also, the story gets kind of mushy coming to the end so please hold your lunch until the story is over.
Chapter 8: Judgment
I was sound asleep wrapped in the comfort of the blankets when I was awakened by someone kicking in the door. I awakened with a start sitting up in bed. Even though my back side was throbbing, the pain in my rear was nothing compared to what I saw standing in the doorway. Chief Konoe and Tatsumi stood in the door staring at me in shock or disbelief I can't be certain. They were soon joined by Watari, Terazuma and finally Hisoka. The look in kid's eyes screamed traitor. I could say nothing. What could I say. They caught me in bed with the enemy. Speaking of which, I turned to see the other side of the bed empty. Maybe you went to the kitchen.
"You traitor." Hisoka was the first to speak. "How could you?"
"I've always thought you were a goofball, Tsuzuki," said Terazuma, "but I never thought you would stoop so low as to become some psycho's ass candy."
Just then Terazuma's partner walked into the room. Isn't this just great. It's bad enough that my friends see me in this compromising position. Now everyone will know I am a traitor.
"That's enough Terazuma," said Tatsumi pushing his glasses back on his nose. He couldn't even look at me.
"Tsuzuki." Chief Konoe snapped. I watched as the elder man hands clutched into fists at his side. "Where is Muraki?"
I lowered my head not wanting to see the hurt and betrayal in their eyes. I sat up and slowly placed my feet on the floor as I held the blankets close to me covering my naked body. I was so ashamed. I closed my eyes and sighed. "I don't know."
"Liar," yelled Hisoka angrily. I stared up to see all the pain in his young eyes. He surged towards me grabbing me by the shoulders shaking me. "You know where he is, don't you. Why are you protecting him. How could you betray everyone . . . How could you betray me." He sobbed helplessly as he fell to his knees before me. "I don't believe it. I won't believe it. . . He kidnapped you and and forced himself on you. . . You're a victim, right."
I lowered my gaze from his pleading eyes. The kid wanted so much to believe that I was forced to sleep with the devil. When I did not answer. Hisoka released me and lowered his head letting his tears fall to the floor. "How could you?" He clutched his hands into fists.
"How could you betray everyone who ever been hurt by that monster. Me, Marie Wong,
Tsubaki and all the others. Didn't our belief in you mean anything."
"I'm sorry," I whispered to him. Yes, I am sorry Hisoka but I can't help it. I love him. I love Muraki. I know I am damned for it but . . . I have tried so hard to deny these feelings. The only thing my denials did was make me want him even more.
I guess the chief wanted a detailed search of the apartment. There were more men entering the apartment. Chief Konoe closed the bedroom door and preceding in telling the men to search the entire apartment. A short while later, the chief entered the room. "He's not here."
"Well well well Tsuzuki, it seems your little playmate has left you holding the bag," sneered Terazuma staring at me in disgust. "Never thought you would turn yourself into a common whore."
I didn't care about what Terazuma was saying. What kept ringing in my head was the fact that you was gone. /Is it true, Muraki? Did you abandon me knowing that I would be in trouble if I was ever found with you? Did you 'hang me out to dry?'/
Tatsumi was walking around to the other side of the bed. "Chief." He picked something up off the bed. It was a letter. He handed it to the chief. Everyone had gathered around him. Even Hisoka had stood up wanting to read the letter.
The old man opened the letter and everyone began to read. I wanted to see what the letter said but I had no right. So, I waited until he felt like telling me. Chief Konoe wore a strange look on his face as he stared at me. Then he handed the letter to me.
My Dearest Tsuzuki,
I hope this letter find you in good health and spirit. I know that deep down you and I are from two different worlds. I also know that no matter how much you may care for me. You are a guardian of death first and foremost. When the time comes for you to take me in I know you will do it. Even if it is tearing out your heart. You are, my precious one, a creature of duty.
I know that things I have done in my life are unforgivable and that I should be made to pay for my crimes. I understand and I accept my destiny. I just ask that you give me one week to do what I have to do. Once the week is up, I shall come to you and turn myself over to the bureau at noon.
No, this is not some trick. I mean it. I want you to be proud of me. I know that nothing I can ever docan make up for the lives I have destroyed. I just hope my punishment can make those souls I've destroyed rest easier. And make you think a little better of me.
Until then . . .
Kai
xxxxx
That day I was brought before the King of Hades. The room was huge with a few lit candles in the corner. The candles did nothing in lighting the room. It was still dark. When the King spoke it was like his voice was all around me.
"I am disappointed in you Tsuzuki," the voice of the king was like thunder echoing in the spacious room.
What could I say. Nothing. I just remained standing their with my head lowered in shame. I heard a sigh coming from the darkness.
"I have talked with the others. I have forbidden them to say anything about finding you in Muraki's room. I don't want any trouble from this scandal to mess with the interdepartmental relationship. Konoe showed me the letter. You know that your career as well as your life is on the line. If he doesn't show at the end of the week. I will have no choice but to revoke your contract as a guardian and you will have to be judged for your crimes, present and past."
"I understand, sir," I said. "And thank you for giving me this chance."
"Well, let's just hope you don't regret your decision to get involved with the doctor." Another sigh came from the dark. "Contrary to what others may think about you. You are the best guardian of death I have." The king chuckled. "Even though you're a goofball. Now, I want you to go home Tsuzuki and stay there until the week is up."
"And what then?" I had to ask.
"Then, we see if Muraki will honor his word and turn himself in to the bureau."
Or let me suffer the consequences alone. Although he did not say it aloud. The words were clearly understood. My very existence is in your hand, Muraki.
xxxxx
This was it. The week was up and I sat at my desk waiting. Hisoka sat at his desk not looking at me. I for one am glad he is not looking at me. I can't bare to see the look of betrayal in those emerald eyes. I sigh heavily as I stare down at the work on my desk. For the past week, Tatsumi and Hisoka has been taking care of business in my sector. I want to say something but I'm sure the kid probably don't want to hear anything I have to say. I can't say I blame him. What I did was unforgivable.
I sat at home thinking about what I had done. In one night of unbridled passion I may have lost everything. I glance over at Hisoka. He has his back turned to me. I wish I could . . .
Before I could finish my thought. Hisoka speaks. "Tell me why, Tsuzuki?"
I sat silently as I contemplated his question. Then I decided that I may as well tell him the truth. I may have already lost everything since you haven't showed. I sighed. "Believe me when I say I had no intentions of this every happening."
"So what did you intend?"
"When I first saw Muraki coming out of that doll shop. I had every intention of bringing him in, but something happened?"
"What?"
"We talked and I realized that he was not the same evil, cold-hearted monster that we had fought against. He was kind and gentle. He was sorry for all that he had done. I know that doesn't make up for taking your life and everything else that he did. But, every day we watched him, I witness something in him that said that he had truly changed. Soon, I was filled with excitement to know that I would be so close to him. I became jealous when he went out on dates with women. I began to ache for his touch. Soon, I realized that I was in love with him." We both fell silent. Hisoka with his back to me stared up at the ceiling. I sat there with my head lowered.
"You do realize that if Muraki doesn't show up today that you have forfeited your life?" Hisoka said with a heavy sigh in his voice.
"I know," I said.
"Yet, you still love him."
"I do."
"I wish I could say I'm happy for you but . . ." He left his sentence unfinished.
xxxxx
As the clock struck noon you still hadn't showed. I was beginning to think that maybe I was a fool for believing in you. Just then Tatsumi, Watari and Terazuma walked into the office. Two of them I didn't mind but Terazuma I wish he would just vanish from the face of the Earth.
"Well Tsuzuki, it's past noon and he isn't here," said Tatsumi looking at me sadly.
"I understand," I said pushing away from my desk and standing up. "I'm ready to face my punishment." I stood tall and proud.
"I can't say I'm surprised," said Terazuma disgusted. "You are a weak, incompetent fool."
"For once in your miserable life, Terazuma, shut the fuck up," spat Hisoka. The kid stood and turned to face me. "I can't say I agree with your choice of lover's but I am your partner. I will stand by your side, always." Hisoka did something I thought he would never do in a million years. He took me into his arms and held me tight. I didn't know what to say. I thought that he hated me for betraying him. But . . . But. I raised my hand and touch my cheek. I was crying. I was so happy. I wrapped my arms around him and held him tight. I still had my friends and to prove that my thoughts were right. Watari and Tatsumi walked up to us.
"He's right Tsuzuki," said Tatsumi placing a hand on my shoulder. "We are your friends and we will always stand by your side."
"You've always been there for us. So this time, we are going to be there for you," a smiling Watari said with that overly thick kansai accent he seems so fond of.
I watch Tatsumi turned to the window removing his glasses. The big lug. He just hates to let people see him cry. I frowned as I watched him quickly put his glasses on and tear the blinds out of the way. I wonder what could have caught his attention. Then he turned to smile at me. "Someone is here to see you, Tsuzuki."
I pulled out of Hisoka's embrace and walked over to the window. I looked out and my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. Standing in front of the building was you. "He came"
Tears streamed down my face. I know I shouldn't have been so excited but I couldn't help it. He really came. I ran out of the office to meet you. I ran down the stairs as fast as I could. I burst out through the front doors and ran up to you.
"You came," I said to you. My heart felt as though it was about to jump out my throat. "I didn't think. . ."
"I'm sorry I'm late," you said raising a hand to cradle my cheek. I leaned into the caress and sighed.
"It's okay." I said wiping the tears from my eyes.
"Will they let you stay by my side while. . . You know, they do it.?" you asked looking at me with kind gentle eyes.
"I don't know but there will be nothing that will keep me from your side." I stared up at you with love in my eyes. "I love you Kazutaka Muraki."
"I love you, Asato Tsuzuki." You pulled me close and pressed your lips against mine.
Tatsumi walked up to us clearing his throat. We quickly pulled away. Out of the corner of my eyes I saw a lite pink color stain your cheeks. You look so sexy like that.
"Can I ask you a question?" Tatsumi asked.
You nodded.
"Where were you?" Tatsumi asked. "After the fire in Kyoto and now this. Where exactly did you disappear to?"
"I'm sorry but I can't tell you that," you said. "It's best that you never know where I was for your own safety." You turned to me smiling.
Tatsumi nodded his head accepting your answer. "It's time."
You nodded your head still holding your smile. Then we led you into the ministry to face your destiny.
END