aw..thanks you guys! i never considered myself as that good haha (hugs) i thought this fic was gone for the trasher... no to worry, reich came up with another 'thriller' to keep you interested. i know its a bit confusing why i made it MuHis...lets just say Hisoka's mind is playing games as of the moment c/o Muraki mwahahaha

Chapter 9: It Has Begun

"Souna! I can't believe we had this much files in a year!" Tsuzuki whined while staring blankly at the text filled paper. "There aren't any pictures to look forward to."

"Its business documents, not story books," Hisoka noted sarcastically, stress now taking its toll on his slim figure. He glanced at the looming stacks of folders waiting side by side with their measly finished pile of reports.

One week had passed since their new assignment and the two were found glued to their seats from the wee morning till late at night. Hisoka heard Tsuzuki groan in frustration.

"That's it! I'm taking the night and probably the next day off." Tsuzuki stood up and grabbed his coat. "You coming?"

"Go on ahead. I'll finish this last one."

Tsuzuki shrugged. "Suit yourself." Hisoka heard the door close and leaned back on his chair. Fifteen minutes more, then I'll call it a night.

He restlessly tapped his pen on the desk. Still...he would rather stay here than face another endless sleep in his apartment. Every night since the last case, he has been dreaming about Muraki. Sometimes he was in the blissful state, others he would end up sobbing or worst screaming himself awake. He tried everything from sleeping pills to mugs filled with caffeine...yet the dreams kept coming. He couldn't dare tell Tsuzuki about them. He has enough guilt on keeping the case a secret. He stood up to stretch.

A full moon rose high in the dark shimmering night. Its light only blocked by several passing clouds. The grounds below looked inviting for a quick stroll. After pondering for a while, he quickly packed his things and went out. The cool breeze greeted him and he smiled. Taking his time, he passed by the silent park nearby. The chains from the swing groaned with the hum of the wind. Hisoka gazed at the velvet sky, finally relaxed.

"Taking a lovely walk alone, Kurosaki kun?"

Hisoka froze. That voice! He wildly searched for the direction of the speaker. Underneath the huge pine tree, a white silhouette stared back at him, smiling. Scowling, Hisoka made a quick about-face and hasten his steps upon hearing the accompanied footsteps of the stranger.

"Go away!" Hisoka yelled. He cursed inwardly at his childish threat.

"I'm afraid I can't do so. Interestingly enough, your path is also my destination."

Hisoka could feel the sly grin radiating on the strange pursuer.

"How is my dear Tsuzuki?" Muraki asked.

"Take a hike!"

"Tsk tsk. I thought so. And you?" Hisoka felt Muraki move nearer.

"Swell."

A paused ensued. "Not having nightmares lately?"

Hisoka stopped short. He turned to look at him, shocked. How could he...

"How could I know, you might ask" Muraki thought out loud. He chuckled as he moved beside the tensed boy. Hisoka tried to push away the mounting emotions from his head. Muraki smiled as he pressed his hand on Hisoka's shoulder. "Bouya, you of all people, should know better." Hisoka gasped and felt his body grow limp.

"And you know what?" Muraki whispered softly in Hisoka's ear, watching him slowly drop on the floor. "This is just the beginning."

"What do you want from me?" Hisoka asked uneasily. Muraki sneered.

"Who said anything about me wanting you?" Muraki let go of his grasp, made a mock salute and walked away. "I'll be seeing you soon...my little doll of mine". Hisoka stared at him as he disappeared into the shadows.

"It is rather late for a nice cup of tea."

"Complaining on an old friend's surprise visit?" Muraki mused.

Oriya shook his head. "I dread them every time." Muraki chuckled. He sipped his tea and sat back to admire the full moon outside the chamise. Oriya looked at him closely. "So what do you have in mind?"

"Worried?"

"Hardly. Just concerned."

Muraki turned to face his friend. He offered his empty cup which Oriya poured in a fresh batch of oolong tea. "You need not to concern yourself. The plan is going as expected. It is only a matter of time and the subject's emotions to trigger it."

Oriya sighed. "Just don't overplay yourself too much."

Muraki smiled. "I didn't complain when you were playing with your barely-clad voluptuous girls."

"Normal recreation my friend, normal recreation." Oriya laughed and lifted his cup. "A toast to recreation, whether how strange or queer they may be."

"To recreation"

oohh...sounds like Muraki is been a bad boy lately...hmmm wonder what he is up to? a clue for all of my supporting readers to all the mystery in my fics is in the last phrase...hehe sounds rather interesting yes? reviews!