New Hope

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Part 11

Duo ran through the streets of L4. It was already dark when he finished making plans on what to do. He'd gotten a blueprint of the place and memorized all of the possible escape routes. He just hoped that nothing happened to Hisoka within the time frame.

He wouldn't let Hisoka die.

-X-

Hisoka groggily woke up from his haze. He blinked his eyes repeatedly to see where he was. He could see the faint color of white in the background. A shadow was looming over him but he couldn't tell who it was. What was even more bizarre was that he couldn't feel anything or sense anything. His empathy was being blocked.

"So, you're finally awake. Shinigami would be here soon." An unfamiliar voice said. The shadow moved from his sight. "You're going to be a bit hazy. Try not to do anything stupid. I can't afford for you to get hurt before Shinigami comes. Or maybe it would beneficial…"

Hisoka fought his way to seeing clearly. Since he was partially blind in his two main senses. He then felt a sharp pain making him close his eyes tightly. When he opened them, he realized he could see regularly. He looked up to see the person hovering over him. He was stunned as he saw a woman with jet-black hair and azure blue eyes. She was a sight to behold. He froze as her hand cupped his cheek.

"Feel better child? It was hard figuring out to suppress your empathy but I managed. I'm sorry for the pain," she said before running her hand through his blond locks.

Hisoka growled. "What do you want with me?" he asked sternly. She just irritated him more with a smile.

"Didn't you hear me the first time? I said I wanted Shinigami. He will come to me and fulfill my desire. You are just bait but rather also a bonus." She explained. "The first guardian to be refused resignation, the god has been entranced by you, yes? Even if you weren't dead, you'd still have the eternal youth. I wonder…would your blood kill me too?" She whispered the last part. She then chuckled softly. "Impossible." She cupped his cheek. "You should be thankful though. I erased the doctor's daily dose of souls. He should not be bothering you shinigami for a long time. You see, in exchange for his services, I gave him forever. He could end it should he wish. I know he'd take full advantage. But I also know his true desire. It was not what I expected. Ne, you should get some sleep. It's going to be a long day."

The woman stood up and left the room.

-X-

Duo glanced around cautiously. Even if he was invisible, there was a high possibility that whoever kidnapped Hisoka was either powerful or just plain good. So he didn't bother putting it up. He just hoped Tatsumi and Watari would come later if need be. Hisoka could be in grave need of medical attention. He loaded his gun checking for refills. He ran through the seemingly endless corridors searching every room and finding nothing.

After what seemed like an endless maze, he came upon big double doors. It was dark. He felt around the sides of the opening of the door to turn on a switch. He mentally cursed as he realized that there was no switch. As if someone heard his plea, the room was suddenly lit with candles around the walls and two stands with burning fire lighting the center. He looked around carefully, pointing his gun in the direction of his eyes. He walked forward cautiously, not making a sound.

The door slammed shut behind him.

Duo quickly looked then turned around and gasped. There on the floor was Hisoka lying on his back unconscious. He quickly ran towards him and cradled him in his arms. He tried shaking him awake.

"Oi, Hisoka, get up! Are you okay?" Duo frantically called out to him.

No response.

"Hisoka!" he called again.

Hisoka stirred and slowly blinked open his eyes into consciousness. Duo was relieved that Hisoka wasn't out. He gave the shinigami a tight hug. He didn't want to let go even if the nagging feeling at the back of his mind told him to and that he had a mission and that it wasn't over. But he didn't care. He told that part of his mind to shove off and let him enjoy this moment.

"Duo…" he heard Hisoka croak out. It occurred to him what had been happening. The drug must still be in his system.

"Welcome Shinigami."

Duo looked up startled as the room was illuminated. It looked more like some prepared ritual than a regular room. He looked around for the voice and his eyes landed in front of him. There stood a woman. She had dark hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. She looked healthy and perfect that she smiled like an angel.

"I see you've found him. It's no matter. Discard him, I shall become your opponent." She said drawing out a sword. It was a perfectly crafted blade; it was flat and flexible. But it was sharpened to its finest as if it wasn't man made. Duo looked to the woman then back to Hisoka who seemed to be between awake and sleep. He was contemplating whether to run or stay and fight. From what he could tell, his chances are very slim to go through with the latter.

"Draw your weapon Shinigami. I know you want to. Is the human holding you back?" she continued.

Duo was half way listening and trying to decide what to do. He voted for the former. The woman with the sword was threatening enough even if he had a gun, which had better chances but he didn't want to take it. He quickly picked Hisoka up in his arms and bolted out from the room. He had his gun ready incase of immediate attacks.

The woman just smiled as she stared at his retreating figure. "Alright, if you want to play it that way." She held out her hand and the wind began to pick up. She blew on her hand sending the invisible waves towards their direction. With that, she faded within the shadows.

-X-

Duo cursed for the thousandth time. He knew something was up. There was no way his escape plan was faulty. He knew he was heading the right direction but it seemed he was going in circles. It was so messed up. The woman must be playing games with his head. Or maybe he'd been running slower since he had Hisoka to carry.

Turning around another corner he cursed as he ended up with another door. The woman is behind this. He had no choice. Glancing at Hisoka, he still looked dazed and wouldn't be able to do anything. He quickly found an empty room. Hisoka would be safe here. He gently placed the drowsy shinigami up against the wall.

"You'll be safe here. Just stay put, alright?" Duo said. Hisoka nodded slowly. Duo was relieved and soon stepped out the door. Should he have stayed a bit longer, he would've noticed the smirk forming on his partner's lips.

-X-

Hisoka groggily woke up. He didn't know where he was. Surely it wasn't his room. The sheets were too soft and silky to be it. He blinked sleep out of his eyes repeatedly. It took him a moment to realize what had happened during the past few days. He abruptly sat up only to realize what a dumb move it was.

He clutched his head to will the pain of a headache away. He felt something cool being placed atop his head. It stopped his pain. He looked over to the person and was surprised. It was the woman who was keeping him here.

"You're just in time, Kurosaki. You're about to witness the birth of Shinigami's true form."

She said grasping his face in a soft hold. Hisoka was about to pull away but couldn't as they were surrounded by a white light.

-X-

Duo was extremely pissed. He couldn't find an ounce of the woman at all. He traveled back the way he came… or rather where he thought he came from. It wasn't working since he couldn't find the grand room. He was so lost in this maze.

But he was highly paranoid. Duo sensed someone following him. He acted like he didn't notice. Surely with this much shadow, someone would come and attack. He froze as he felt a wind brush his neck. He automatically spun around and pointed his gun. He sighed in relief as he saw Hisoka behind him and pulled it back.

"Hisoka didn't I tell you to stay put?" Duo asked then sighed. He was caught by surprise as the body launched itself towards him. He sighed again before wrapping an arm around him. He felt contented for some reason, like his troubles were going to disappear.

You fool!

Duo snapped out of his little daydream when he heard that voice. He looked around cautiously and down to the bundle in his arms. Hisoka didn't hear it. Maybe it was just his imagination.

It isn't him baka!

Great, now the voice was starting to talk like Heero.

Twit! It's a doll!

WTF? Duo thought to himself. Was that his subconscious? It sounded like it was getting frustrated with him.

Yes, I am!

Duo gasped as he felt himself being pulled back. He blinked repeatedly and noticed his reality had changed. He found himself in a dark place, but enough to see himself. OMG! Where's Hisoka?! He thought panicky.

"He's with the woman."

Duo spun around to the voice. The voice sounded like his subconscious. He looked around seeing nobody.

"I'm right here, baka."

"Ah!"

Duo jumped back as a shadow with red eyes and lips appeared in front of him. He stared and stared, too shocked to speak.

"What the hell are you!" Duo finally yelled out.

The shadow just laughed. Duo shivered; it felt too evil yet not at the same time. The shadow disappeared, then he heard behind him,

"You don't recognize me? I am your God," it said, "I am the God you believe in and in turn have granted you my powers. I am Shinigami."

"And I'm the Tooth Fairy." Duo sarcastically commented. This must be a hallucination and that woman was probably trying something on him.

"Fine, whether you believe me or not, I'm going to take over and punish the woman for attempting to harm what belongs to us."

"Hey wait a-"

TBC-------------

BLK Angel of Destruction: There's chapter 11. I'm working on 12 so it should be up by next week. I think. If I don't forget. Anyways Thanks for your reviews! I really appreciate them!

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