New Beginnings
Black Shadow was so angry and afraid that all It could think of was swallowing those humans and hurting them so that their pain satisfied all Its desires and to make the pay for the pain they'd caused It.
Words - loud angry words poured forth from Kazahaya's mouth but Black Shadow was sure that it was someone else speaking. There was some other entity there and it was trying to take Kazahaya away from It! Kazahaya belonged to It! Roaring, It rushed forward. Its great maw open wide to swallow the people who were trying to defy It and keep Kazahaya for themselves. It ignored the loud words and set Its eyes on the prize – Kazahaya.
The light hurt but It did not stop. Feet away, inches away and – SPLAT! Black Shadow hit a wall comprised of light. "Whhhaaaaat?! Aaaaaaarrrggh! Nooooooo!" It screamed in pain moving as quickly as It could away from the solid, white-hot light. Shrinking back against the wall, Black Shadow studied the humans inside the circle. They had actually hurt It. Yes they'd hurt It before, but this was so much worse. A part of It no longer existed. Gone - part of Its vast blackness was just gone.
Black Shadow was seriously considering retreating back to Its own dimension when Kazahaya again spoke. His voice was as loud as before and Black Shadow now listened to what the human had to say. Kazahaya was threatening to send It away! But…the human did not have that kind of power! No, it was the Other entity inside Kazahaya that had power, enormous power. The human's expression was fierce as it pointed something at him. Black Shadow for the first time felt fear. Time to go!
"What's going on over there? Are they shooting a movie?"
"I don't know. I saw one of those warehouses shaking like it was about to collapse in on itself but it never did. Maybe the stunt went wrong." They could just make out the flashing police lights.
"Don't forget that light in the sky. I can barely look at it."
"If it is a movie, they're certainly going all out. Either that or its aliens!" The men laughed.
This conversation was being held by two office workers about ten miles away. They stood in the window of their office and blinked, each holding a hand over their eyes as they wondered what on earth was happening down near the waterfront.
TV reporters had arrived at the scene but none got anywhere close to the action nor did they want to after a few minutes. Ambition and the urgent feelings used in reporting were lost as microphones and cameras rested on the ground next to their humbled, kneeling owners. Television helicopters were told that the whole area was a no-fly zone but the warning was unnecessary because they couldn't see to get there.
Weather stations were using radar to try and see just where the light in the sky was coming from but none of their instruments could even pick up the light, let alone the source. The light could only be seen by the naked eye and since it was such a curious sight, many people drove towards the waterfront but as they got closer to the light, they had to stop, get out and kneel on the pavement. It was miraculous.
BANISH THIS BEING FROM OUR SIGHT! Kazahaya spoke the words as forcefully as he could but even though the words were his own, he was not the only one speaking. Grace was still his and They spoke with him. Kazahaya's gaze rested upon Black Shadow and saw It was diminished. It was no longer as high as the ceiling or as wide as the wall and seemed to be shrinking. "Hmph! Too late now." Kazahaya-Plus, spoke with a touch of humor. The demon was trying to escape.
The athame in Kazahaya's hand began to shake and his arm began to revolve making a small tight circle. He widened the circle and the tip of the dagger started to glow.
NOW GO! His voice boomed. WITNESS MY MIGHT!
Light streamed from the athame to the center of shadow entity. At first nothing seemed to be happening. The darkness seemed to be absorbing the light but the demon had become silent. Everything was quiet until a howling wind began to sound.
"Noooooooo! Stooooooop! Kazahayaaaa! Nooooooooo!" Black Shadow screamed. Its tentacles stretched out and grabbed a hold of crates, fallen steel beams and around doorframes – anything that would anchor It. Somehow at the point where It was connected to this world, the hole was getting smaller yet It was being pulled backwards through the hole!
Kazahaya's arm continued to circle creating the vortex that was affecting Black Shadow. Next to him, Yutaka and Hikari looked on in amazement. Saiga squeezed Kakei's hand as he saw what was happening to the living shadow. He wished he could speak and tell the others what he was seeing but he had no voice. Kakei was also speechless as images of different dimensions flashed behind his eyes, as well as seeing the action before them. Rikuo was aware of Kazahaya's body – of the energy surging through him and out of the athame and into Black Shadow. It felt as if they too were passing out of the circle and into the void that was Black Shadow. Rikuo was scared too death but he was also filled to the brim with joy and confidence.
Dead center of the vortex, a light could be seen. It was small, maybe the size of a bottle top and into that tiny opening Black Shadow was being pulled. Air rushed by the six, full of debris that pummeled the living shadow leaving them unaffected. At first, the shadow moved slowly because It was holding onto various objects but the force exerted on It made It turn and It became lopsided. Its black-on-black eyes were turned on Its side.
Pop! A tentacle popped free from a crate and the eyes dipped towards the floor. A steel beam scraped against the concrete floor as more of Black Shadow was pulled into the light and It turned even more. More pops as tentacle after tentacle was forced to let go. No more screams but heavy breathing and grunting came from It as the entity tried to change Its fate.
It was disappearing before their eyes – circling out of existence. It had appeared months ago and had been attracted by the attempted rape of Kazahaya. The fear and pain Kazahaya had been feeling had called out to It. Kazahaya had seen the shadow and his fear had intensified. Black Shadow, savoring those feelings, reached out took hold and tried to swallow him. It failed. It got a second change when Kazahaya showed up again after chasing Osawa.
Kazahaya managed to escape a second time, again with the help of his friends but was marked. Because of that mark, Black Shadow was now being removed from this world. It had selfishly and greedily sought Kazahaya leaving him and those who loved him to search for and find a way to destroy the demon. Destruction was at hand.
Smaller and smaller the smear became until It was the size of a manhole. A fierce wind pushed at It while something pulled at It from the other side. Suddenly It stopped spinning and one hateful black eye could be seen.
RETRIEVE MY CHILDREN! HURRY!
Rikuo, Saiga and Kakei heard this with their ears but also inside their heads as well. Staggering and blinking, they looked at each other as if waking from a deep sleep. Unsure of exactly what to do, they stepped back from Kazahaya and looked around. How to leave the circle without breaking it?
Kazahaya's other hand came up and the palm of his free hand touched the barrier before him. He slid his hand out and away from his body until an opening appeared. The doorway!
"Come on! Look! I see an arm!" Saiga shouted just as he put his shades back on. He rushed out of the opening with the others on his heels.
The hand and arm were consumed in blackness but Saiga didn't hesitate to pull on it. Rikuo joined him and without fear, plunged his arm into the black sphere searching for the rest of the body. Together they pulled out an unconscious teenager. Kakei was waiting and lifted the boy into his arms and hurried back to the circle. As soon as his foot crossed the threshold and he passed through the light – blackness poured from the boy, hit the floor and burned until nothing was left.
"No, no, no! Minnne! That flesh is MINE!" Black Shadow yelled as the humans took away Its nourishment.
Saiga grinned at Rikuo who returned the grin. Never had they thought to save the ones who'd already been taken. Two more teenage boys were pulled out and then a homeless couple. Excitement was high as they pulled the woman out and handed her to Kakei. Good, they'd saved them all! But then, they saw the stump of a hand dart out. Osawa. Did they really have to save Osawa as well? Neither man had a smile as they looked back towards the circle.
Kazahaya stood with one hand still holding the athame pointed at Black Shadow, the other hand still out as if holding open an invisible door. A gentle, warm wind blew about him teasing his short hair and making his robe billow out. Again, Kazahaya spoke but the words were not his.
HE IS MINE AS WELL. YOU WILL SAVE HIM.
Kakei joined them and nodded for them to continue. It was not like they had much choice. When God was with you, when He was saving you and the world – you did as He asked.
Saiga threw back his shoulders, reached for the bloody arm and pulled. He grunted with effort. This was not as easy as rescuing the others. Saiga looked to Rikuo for help. It was still difficult to remove Osawa from the shadow even with Rikuo's help. Black Shadow was apparently not willing to give up Osawa.
Kakei added his strength to the others and they heaved with all their might. An inch at a time, Osawa was pulled from the black death he so well deserved. And with each passing second, Black Shadow voiced his disapproval but Its cries fell on death ears.
It could not believe the ease in which It was being forced from the human world. From two different directions, It was being forced to leave and Its food was being taken from It. Rage and utter fury consumed It becausefor all Its power, It couldn't change what was happening.
Osawa thumped hard to the ground unconscious. Rikuo grabbed him under the arms and Saiga took his feet while Kakei led them back to the circle. As with the others, the blackness dripped from his skin to the consecrated floor and burned away. All six people were still unconscious but they were alive.
It was tight inside the circle but everyone fit. Kazahaya felt Rikuo's touch and knew that his friends were back in place behind him. He brought his hand back to his side and the doorway closed. The circle was restored.
"You have…not won! I will…come here…again!" Black Shadow swore and laughed with a nerve grating sound. They had only sent It back to It's own dimension. It would find another riff or tear and visit Earth again.
NO YOU WILL NOT. YOUR LIFE ENDS NOW.
Kazahaya had visualized the vortex that would take Black Shadow out of this dimension but that was only the beginning. Now he brought to his mind a place so pure and white that it was like the light that surrounded him but it was more, much more. Kazahaya pictured Black Shadow in that light and It slowly being burned away until there was absolutely nothing left.
Black Shadow was still laughing as It continued to circle and shrink until It was a dot inside the white opening. They could still hear Its laughter as if It were still in the room with them. Abruptly the laughter changed into a scream of horror as Kazahaya's vision was realized.
They were made to listen to It scream Its life away. Long minutes went by as Kazahaya stood pointing at the pinprick in the wall until the last scream faded away. Everyone watched as the light poured back through the circle and into the athame. Kazahaya lowered his arm, turned to look at his friends and said,
IT IS DONE. YOU HAVE ALL DONE WELL.
Hikari and Yutaka blinked and were themselves once more. It was done so they set about thanking God, the Goddess, and the four elemental spirits for Their help. Everything they had done to cast the circle now had to be done in reverse to close it. It was hard moving about the circle with so many people inside it but they managed.
The four men smiled at each other before doing what they could to help Hikari and Yutaka. What they had accomplished was so utterly amazing that all through closing the circle, they praised the deities for joining and helping them. The light that had shielded and protected them, slowly descended down from the sky, through the roof and into the earth. All the power and energy they had gathered was now being returned from whence it came. Shortly, only normal and somewhat normal humans occupied the circle.
Tools were put away until finally they were finished. Six people looked down at the lives they thought had been lost and silly grins appeared on their faces.
"We did it guys. We Did It!" Hikari said loudly before her eyes and body began to droop. Next to her Yutaka stumbled because his legs suddenly felt very heavy. Kakei dropped to his knees and Saiga went down trying to catch him. Rikuo fell backwards catching himself on his hands and Kazahaya sank gracefully down to the floor. He managed to crawl over to Rikuo before he collapsed.
Seki found that he could lift his head. Cop's eyes took a quick look around checking out the scene. Hundreds of people were rising from their kneeling positions and hugging each other. Happiness could be felt all around him. Seki couldn't explain what had just happened and he didn't really want to think about it either. Since everyone around him seemed to be okay, Seki stood and looked at the warehouse.
It had already been condemned but now it looked as if it a strong breeze could knock it over. He looked up to where the windows should have been and saw that the thick grey haze was now gone. Not only that but it was silent – no screaming and no other worldly sounds. Cautiously, Seki stepped forward. He couldn't wait to see Saiga. He had a nickname for him – Magic Man. Seki laughed to himself and led the way inside.
The wiccans were busy closing their circles and looked up with joy written on their faces. Those few who had fallen before Black Shadow's power were weeping tears of thanksgiving.
Seki, still out in front, made his way around these people and debris strewn this way and that. A couple of times, he had to climb over a few steel beams but finally he approached the room where he'd first come across an actual demon.
"Hey Saiga! Magic Man! It looks like you guys saved the world! Well, the city anyway!" A laugh was in his voice but as he crossed into the room and saw everyone lying unmoving on the floor, dread replaced his good humor. "Oh God. No!"
Rikuo woke alone in Kazahaya's bed. He sighed deeply and squeezed the stuffed panda bear close. The toy was a poor substitute for Kazahaya's warm body but for now the panda was all he had. He rolled over and sat up. Rikuo's eyes traveled over the apartment but there was still no sign of Kazahaya and it was too damned quiet.
Unable to bear the silence, he reached out and pressed a button. Music flowed from the radio to make up for Kazahaya's not being there and Rikuo began to get ready for work. He was still lonely but at least it wasn't quiet anymore. Showered and dressed, Rikuo went downstairs to work.
"Morning." Rikuo rested his tall body against the doorjamb to Kakei's office.
"Good Morning Rikuo." Kakei said looking up. He noticed that Rikuo seemed restless. "How'd you sleep?"
Rikuo shrugged. "I'm fine. You ready to open?" He didn't want to tell Kakei that he'd dreamt of Kazahaya all night long. "Has Saiga left already?"
Kakei lowered his eyes. He couldn't blame Rikuo for his feelings but things weren't as bad as the boy thought – at least Kakei hoped not. "Yes, he had some errands to run early this morning. He'll call if anything happens."
"Yeah, I know." Rikuo straightened and left Kakei alone.
In a few minutes Kakei followed behind Rikuo with the drawer to the register. Rikuo was standing at the door and staring up at the sky. Kakei felt he should say something; Rikuo was imaging all the worst possible scenarios when he really had no reason to.
"He's going to come home Rikuo, you have to believe that." Kakei went to Rikuo and squeezed his arm.
"Oh really? Its been two weeks Kakei and he still hasn't woken up! We all collapsed from exhaustion but in a couple of days, we were fine. Kazahaya is still unconscious!" Rikuo wrapped his arms about his waist. "It was too much." He whispered. "The spell was too much for him. Kazahaya was still weak. We should have waited until he'd rested! He might just fade away and leave me again." Rikuo whispered.
Kakei turned Rikuo and hugged him. He was really scared that Kazahaya would die. "It's just exhaustion. Yes, he was weak and performing the spell took a lot out of him but he'll be okay. Rikuo, the doctors say that his body was put through a lot of stress and now it's resting. All tests have come back negative – there's nothing wrong with him. Kazahaya just needs rest."
"But for two whole weeks?! How am I supposed to believe he'll come home when he hasn't so much as blinked? He doesn't respond to any of our voices! No! Don't try to tell me everything's going to be fine!" Rikuo pulled away angrily before he lost it and started crying. "Just leave it, Kakei. Open the damn door – we're late." Rikuo said roughly and moved behind the counter.
Kakei shook his head and turned the lock. It had been three days since Rikuo had been to visit Kazahaya in the hospital. It was true that Kazahaya remained still and unmoving at all times but Kakei had not lost hope that the teen would wake up. He was just worn to the bone and needed his sleep. Soon he would wake up and come home again. Kakei would believe that with all his heart because the alternative was just too sad to contemplate.
Saiga was pouring over a new book that he'd bought. Before coming to the hospital, he'd gone to the book store and gotten books on cooking and knitting. He always liked to learn new things and surprise Kakei and the boys with his efforts. Right now he was trying to find a new recipe that Kazahaya would like.
It was mid-morning and Saiga decided to go out for coffee. He got up and looked down at Kazahaya. The boy looked to just be sleeping but they hadn't been able to wake him or get any type of response out of him. It was depressing, all this waiting.
"Hey kid? I'll be right back. Going for coffee." Nothing, no response. Saiga rested his huge hand against Kazahaya's face before leaving the room.
Kazahaya vaguely heard a voice and the warmth of someone's touch. It was nice. He knew he was sleeping but he wanted to wake up. Bit-by-bit he was aware of his body, it felt heavy and stiff and Kazahaya wondered how long he'd been asleep. Rikuo would no doubt fuss at him for sleeping so late.
"I'm back kid. Man this coffee is awful but I didn't want to go too far. You owe me at least a month of Starbucks when you wake up. Ugh! The stuff I put up with for you - traveling all over Japan, becoming 'Magic Man' and now bad coffee. Yep, you owe me big time and I plan on collecting." Saiga chuckled to himself as he sat down. "Yet here I am looking for recipes that might entice you to wake up. I'm going to sneak some food in here and hold it beneath your nose. It's going smell so good that you'll have to wake up so you can eat it!" He laughed again.
Kazahaya wondered at Saiga's words but more importantly, he focused on the voice and tried his best to wake up. He very slowly moved his head to one side, towards Saiga's voice. Kazahaya was afraid that if Saiga stopped speaking that he would just fall asleep again. "Ah -." Kazahaya tried to speak but wasn't sure if he'd said anything.
"Okay then, would you like Greek, Russian or Italian?" Saiga asked out loud as he turned pages then looked up at Kazahaya prepared to have a one-way conversation when he noticed a change. Saiga surged to his feet spilling coffee on his hand and jacket. "Shit!" He hissed and hurriedly put the cup down and rushed to Kazahaya's side. Saiga stared, waiting before he let himself get too excited.
"Sa - ." Kazahaya again tried to speak but his throat was so dry and he couldn't hear Saiga's voice anymore. He made a fist and his eye lids fluttered in frustration.
"Kid? Can you hear me Kazahaya?" Saiga spoke calmly but his heartbeat and blood pressure had risen. As he watched, Kazahaya's head turned more towards him as the kid's mouth formed a weak smile. "Aww, kid. It's about damned time!" Saiga felt tears slip under his shades as he took Kazahaya's hand and held on tight.
Saiga called for the nurse and soon the hospital room was full of white coats. Gently but firmly they managed to prod Kazahaya awake. His vitals were fine and he was hungry – good signs. Saiga stayed in the room refusing to leave, wanting to see for himself that Kazahaya was fine.
"He'll need to stay a few more days until he's able to get around on his own again. Lying in bed for two weeks has weakened his muscles but once we get some solid food in him, we should see an immediate improvement." The doctor said.
"Can I have steak?" Kazahaya blinked his sleepy eyes at the two men making them laugh.
"Not just yet. You can have something light right now and we'll see." The doctor looked into Saiga's shades. He couldn't see the man's eyes but he could feel the worry pouring off him. "He's going to fine."
Saiga looked and saw. A tremulous breath escaped him and he gratefully shook the doctor's hand. "Thanks. Really, thank you."
"Sure. He'll probably sleep again after eating but it will be a normal sleep this time." When Saiga just nodded as he looked over at the bed, the doctor laughed. "I'll send a nurse in with a menu. Go, be with him and call your friends."
Saiga's smile was huge as he nodded and went to the bed. He sat beside Kazahaya and pulled him into his arms for a long hug.
It wasn't all that busy, only a few customers were in the store. Kakei knew there was paperwork to be done but he just didn't feel like it. He was manning the register when the phone rang.
"Green Drug Store. Saiga? He's awake?!" Kakei looked for Rikuo and saw him putting sodas in the cooler. "Rikuo! He's awake! Kazahaya's Awake!" Kakei was grinning from ear to ear as Rikuo dropped a can of soda and hurried out of the store to pick up the office phone.
"Doc says he going to be fine. He'll have to say here a few more days but we'll get to bring him home soon." Saiga was telling Kakei when he heard Rikuo pick up. "Kazahaya is fine! Here he is." Saiga was holding Kazahaya against his chest and held the phone to the teen's ear. He was really quite weak.
"Kakei? Rikuo? Hey, sorry I worried you guys." Kazahaya apologized and waited anxiously for their reply.
"Hey, Kazahaya. I'm so happy you've woken up. I can't wait to see you. We'll close early and be there shortly." Kakei promised.
"It's about time you woke up." Rikuo said gruffly. The moment he'd heard Kazahaya's voice, he'd started to cry. He sat in Kakei's chair with his free hand over his heart. "You always did like to sleep late."
Kazahaya's laugh wasn't as loud or as strong as normal but it was happy. "I knew you'd understand." He paused, "I can't wait to see you Rikuo."
Rikuo breathed deep. "I'll be there soon."
They got to the hospital in less than two hours and walked in to find Saiga sitting on the bed still holding Kazahaya but the teen was fast asleep. At first they were worried but Saiga was smiling at them and Kazahaya too was smiling in his sleep.
"It's okay. Doc said he'd probably drop off after eating. Give him a little longer then we'll wake him if he doesn't wake on his own. Just feeding himself wore him out. Where's my present?" Saiga asked as he saw the games Kakei was carrying and the silly balloons Rikuo held.
"Here I am." Kakei said as he walked to the bed and kissed Saiga.
"Hmm, I like it. Can I have more?"
"Later." Kakei brushed a hand through Kazahaya's hair then down over his cheek. He laughed softly when Kazahaya turned into his touch. "I knew you'd come back to us." Kakei whispered and kissed the teen's forehead. "Rikuo?"
Rikuo shook his head. He wasn't going near the bed yet. He wanted to see Kazahaya's eyes and to see him move and speak before he got anywhere near him. Yes he'd heard Kazahaya's voice but now he wanted more. He wanted everything.
An hour later, Kazahaya opened his eyes and yawned. Outside the sun was still shining so he guessed he hadn't slept too long. While sleeping, he'd remembered everything that happened back in the warehouse but now he had so many questions, like what happened with Osawa? Maybe Saiga would tell him what he'd missed while he was sleeping.
A huge yawn escaped Kazahaya and with effort, he turned over in the bed and froze. Rikuo was standing next to the bed staring down at him. Kazahaya started to smile but Rikuo's look was so intense that it kind of scared him. "What?" He whispered. "What's wrong?" Kazahaya flinched slightly when Rikuo reached out.
Rikuo threaded his fingers in Kazahaya's hair and cupped his head. He leaned over and braced his other hand on the bed. Rikuo brought his forehead down onto Kazahaya's. "When are you going to stop scaring me to death?!" He asked harshly. "You slept so long! I-I thought…you wouldn't…wake up. That you…wouldn't come back…to me!" Rikuo felt fresh tears well up in his eyes. "I'm sick of crying!" He yelled into Kazahaya's face.
Kazahaya accepted Rikuo's fear and anger and was reassured because he knew he was loved. His arms were still heavy but he lifted them to pull Rikuo's body closer to his. "I'm here. I'm here and I'm never leaving again."
Rikuo buried his head in Kazahaya's neck and crushed the teen's body into the bed with his own. They held each other and cried while from the doorway, Kakei and Saiga watched. Everything was going to be okay.
"Kudo-san, you'll be able to go home tomorrow morning but I want you either to go right to bed or find a nice comfy chair and stay there. Don't try to do anything strenuous." The doctor looked pointedly at Rikuo making both guys blush.
"Yes, thank you doctor." Kazahaya smiled at the man, thankful for all his help. Apparently he had also been aware of the living shadow but he hadn't been down at the warehouse when the spell was cast because of work. He was also the same doctor who had treated him the last two times he'd been in the hospital. He was now a friend.
Rikuo cleared his throat once the doctor left. "Like I'd jump your bones the minute we got home!" Rikuo muttered but turned warm eyes to Kazahaya lying in bed. "Not that I don't want to but I want you to participate too." He grinned mischievously.
Since Kazahaya had woken up, Rikuo had stayed with him in the hospital not willing to leave his side for very long. Now that they were alone, Rikuo kicked off his shoes and joined Kazahaya in bed. For a while they just lay together enjoying being close.
"I'll give up looking for her, if you want me to." Rikuo spoke suddenly. "I've come way too close to losing you too many times and I do not want to go through anything like that again. If it means keeping you with me, loving me – I'll let Tsukiko go." Rikuo's once relaxed muscles were now tense. He'd been wanting to talk about this for a while and now seemed the time to clear the air before taking Kazahaya home.
Kazahaya lay tucked under Rikuo's arm with his head on Rikuo's shoulder. He didn't look up at him but the hand on Rikuo's chest curled into a fist. He didn't say anything for a long time, trying to work out in his mind what to say.
"But you wouldn't forget her would you? She'd always be right there, an unspoken wall between us. I don't think I could live like that." Kazahaya finally let his head fall back so he could see into Rikuo's face. "I don't want you to stop looking for Tsukiko. In fact I want you to find her and then tell her that you're in love with me." Kazahaya grinned.
Rikuo was a bit shocked. Never had he thought Kazahaya would willingly approve of him looking for Tsukiko not after everything – not after all the pain. Quiet laughter had him focusing on Kazahaya again.
"I'm kind of surprised to be saying it myself but you should find her. It's the only way for us to move forward and we can't do that if memories of her are always pulling you away from me." Kazahaya tried his best to sit up and it was a trial to do so but finally he was able to look Rikuo in the face. "Right now I know you love me, if you can continue to make me feel that love as you search for her, I'll be okay. You didn't let me know that before and it hurt. I was an after thought to you, if you thought about me at all. I need to know I'm loved by you Rikuo. I promise that I'll stand up for myself more and voice my thoughts instead of trying to run away but I need your love. Can you do that?"
Rikuo blinked several times as he stared at Kazahaya's face. "I was so damned stupid to hurt you. I think I was punishing myself for moving on without Tsukiko and in turn punished you for no reason. I'm sorry Kazahaya, I was a fool. And yes, I can and will love you as long as you want me and longer. I won't ever get so sidetracked that I loose your love again." Rikuo took Kazahaya's hand. "And thank you for understanding about my need to find her. It's not like I'll always be looking but we do come across clues sometimes and then I'll look but I'll come to you first and tell you everything. I won't even ask you to help. I know now that what I asked of you was too much and painful for you. That won't happen again."
"I want to help." When Rikuo's mouth opened Kazahaya explained. "If it will help find her, then I'll use my gift anyway I can. What kind of man would I be if I didn't help the man I love? If you can do all I asked, then there should be no problems, right?" Kazahaya stared into Rikuo's eyes and saw the shock, the hope and most of all the love he wanted.
Tenderly, Rikuo gathered Kazahaya close. "There will be no problems, I promise. You really are something special Kazahaya and I'm glad you're mine."
"Damn straight! And don't you forget it either!" Kazahaya's laugh was swallowed by Rikuo as they kissed.
Deeply involved in the kiss, Rikuo couldn't believe his good fortune in finding someone like Kazahaya. He would promise God and Kazahaya to always be there for him and to love him.
A week later...
Saiga had just finished cooking as he heard voices enter the apartment. "Just in time." He grinned and washed his hands then went to greet their friends. Saiga saw Yutaka first then behind him, the tiny Hikari and his buddy Seki bringing up the rear with a six pack of beer.
"Hey! Come on in!" Saiga laughed along with them as they saw his apron. It was the one Kazahaya had given him showing a yellow smiley face wearing shades. "Suits me don't you think?"
"It's you to a T." Hikari said as she stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. Looking around she noticed the boys were nowhere to be seen. "Where are Kazahaya and Rikuo?"
"They'll be down shortly. Kazahaya still hasn't regained his strength so he moves a bit slower these days." They had just brought him home yesterday and everyone was looking forward to things returning to normal. Tonight's dinner was a way to touch base and to fill in the blanks some of them had about certain things.
Beer was opened and appetizers were being tasted when they heard shuffling footsteps approach the door. Every eye looked up expectantly and shortly, Kazahaya supported by Rikuo, appeared.
"Hey you guys!" Kazahaya was out of breath but no one could mistake his excitement at seeing everyone.
"There he is, the man who saved us all!" Hikari stated and went to him. She hugged him tightly. "Thank you Kazahaya."
Kazahaya blushed at her praise. "Uh-huh, we all did it." When she stepped back, Yutaka was there to take her place.
"Kazahaya, none of it would have worked as well as it did without you. You're a special kid." Yutaka felt the boy trembling and escorted him to the sofa.
"Yeah, from what these guys tell me, you were the center of it all. Good job Kazahaya." Seki saluted him with a beer.
Seeing how embarrassed Kazahaya was, Rikuo sat next to him. "You want some of this?" He picked up a platter and held it before Kazahaya.
"Yeah, thanks." Kazahaya said gratefully.
They switched to small talk while Kazahaya regained his composure. "So Its really gone? No signs of the shadow at all? The warehouse is really free of It?" Kazahaya knew what had happened but there was that slim doubt in the back of his mind.
"Well it's kind of hard to tell." Seki began, "When I found you guys lying on the floor, at first I thought you were dead. Took years off my life but when I realized you were just out cold, I called for buses to come get you all. As they wheeled you guys out, Osawa being the last one, the building collapsed."
Kazahaya blinked and his mouth dropped open. "Huh?"
Seki scratched his head, "Yeah, we were only a few feet away and it just neatly collapsed in on itself. It went down with a quiet crash and there was hardly any dust or debris. The city cleaned up the mess and now it's an empty lot." Seki shrugged. "Go figure."
"We haven't been able to detect a thing Kazahaya." Yutaka said. "I'm told that most of the people stayed around and worked to cleanse the area. Later after the debris was removed, several of the priests went back with Holy Water to pray and bless the area and It's really gone. The only shadows there were ordinary ones. Whatever you did to It – Its gone and not coming back."
"Yes, because of what you were able to do Kazahaya, you're a celebrity now in the magical community. I was told by one of my friends that when you were taken out on the gurney there was still an aura of power about you. It was white and bright like the light of the circle. It wasn't hard for them to figure out you were the one who'd been marked or that you're the one who had cast such a powerful circle. A great many of them wanted to meet you and know more about you but I managed to convince them that you were just an ordinary teen who'd stepped up to do the extraordinary. None of them know your name or where you live so it should be okay. I've got a few letters though from some of them because they wanted to thank you and wish you well. I'll leave it up to you if you wish to reply." Hikari pulled a stack of letters from her large bag and set them on the coffee table.
Kazahaya was bemused by the stack of letters but quickly shook that off and looked up at everyone with a happy smile. "It really worked." Kazahaya started laughing. "What I visualized – worked! It happened just the way I imagined it!" Kazahaya raised his head and shared his smile with the heavens because God had made it possible.
They watched the pleasure on his face and joined in laughing with him. Hikari was about to ask the question that had been burning in her mind since she regained consciousness but Saiga spoke first.
"Okay, Mr. Wonderful, let's continue this over dinner or do you want all my hard work to go to waste?" Saiga stood. "Go wash your hands then make your way over to the table." He ordered.
They did as they were told and were soon eating Saiga's scrumptious meal. It took a while before the talking began again because they were all too busy eating.
Hikari took a drink of wine and finally asked her question. "Kazahaya, what did you visualize, I mean besides the mini tornado?"
"It was a vortex or that's what I was thinking. They way It swallowed – Its victims made me think how It would like being pulled into something." Kazahaya's voice was cold as he spoke of the entity. "Like you told me, I didn't think about what I wanted done to It until the time came. First the vortex, then…"
"Wait, did you plan on saving those people?" Yutaka asked.
Kazahaya shook his head, "No that was God. That was all Him but I'm glad we were able to save them – well most of them. But, umm, after the vortex, I pictured Black – no; It's gone now and doesn't deserve a name. I pictured It in a place so full of light that no shadow could exist. That was the screaming we heard – that holy light burning It away until It was gone completely."
Silence reigned around the table as they remembered that day and the awesome power of the Goddess, God and the four elemental spirits. So much was accomplished because They had been there to help them.
"I think that's why I ended up in the hospital. All that power flowing through my body was – overwhelming. Everything that I wanted to happen happened and I guess there was a price to pay but it was worth it. Right?" Kazahaya looked at Rikuo sitting beside him wanting him to understand why he'd ended up in the hospital.
Rikuo's eyes traveled over Kazahaya's face. He was still pale after being in the hospital for so long but he was healthy and alive. Rikuo couldn't hold a grudge against God because His enormous power had been channeled through the man he loved and it had worn him down. Rikuo nodded, "Right but no magic for a while, okay? Just be normal and see visions after touching stuff or people." Rikuo said in a sardonic tone making everyone laugh. Nobody sitting around the table but Seki could claim being normal.
They finished dinner and moved on to coffee and dessert. Kazahaya now asked his other question. "What about those people and – Osawa? How are they?"
Seki again spoke first. "Well, they're fine. Like you they had to spend some time in the hospital because of dehydration and starvation but they're okay. As for the time they spent inside that thing – every memory is gone. Amnesia. Some memories of being near the warehouse but nothing after that and I hope they never remember after listening to their screams." Seki shivered knowing he would never forget them.
Kazahaya was relieved that the victims had forgotten too but Seki hadn't finished answering his question. He looked in Rikuo's direction and asked, "And Osawa?"
Seki's mouth tilted up on one side. "Insane – stark raving mad and singing like a bird." He laughed at their expressions. He'd only recently found out himself so this was news for all of them.
"He'll have long periods of silence while he sweats and shivers and then he'll snap out of it and want to have a conversation about how best to kill someone. We've been taping him and we guess that in time we'll solve a lot of cases with all the info he's dishing up." Seki drank some coffee and shook his head wonderingly. "Osawa will be locked up for the rest of his natural life in a mental institute. You could almost feel sorry for the bastard. Almost."
Kazahaya slumped back in his seat. Osawa wouldn't be getting away with anything nor would he be coming after them. "We should call Shane. I don't know how we'll explain it to him but he should know."
"I'll call him tomorrow. Yeah, I think he'll feel better knowing exactly what's going to happen to Osawa. And no, there's no way I'll ever feel sorry for him." Rikuo stated looking at Seki.
"Yes it does seem that even though he was saved, that he's receiving a just punishment." Hikari added.
"Indeed." Kakei said. "Okay! Enough depressing topics! Yutaka, when are you going to marry this lovely woman?"
They joked around and kidded each other the rest of the evening. There were no problems to be solved or other worldly threats to take care of and even though Kazahaya was having a lot of fun, he ended up falling asleep on Kakei's shoulder.
"I'll take him up." Rikuo said standing. He looked to their guests. "Thanks for all your help, really. I wouldn't have gotten him back if you hadn't talked to me," He told Hikari. "And you guys," He addressed Seki and Yutaka. "Well things would have been chaotic without your help. He'll probably want to thank you himself when he feels better." Rikuo nodded at the sleeping teenager before turning to scoop him up in his arms.
Saiga and Kakei walked Rikuo to the door. "Call if you need some help."
"Yeah, we're here if you guys need something." Saiga added as he stood with his hands on Kakei's shoulders.
"Night, Kazahaya-kun." Kakei leaned in to kiss a warm cheek.
"I know and I will. Goodnight everybody." Rikuo said and took his burden up to their apartment.
"Check out the parents!" Seki said jokingly.
"Forget you man!" Saiga yelled and looked after his boys.
Kazahaya was taking a bath when Rikuo walked into the apartment. He felt a shiver of arousal as he imagined a naked Kazahaya. They'd yet to make love; Rikuo didn't want to rush Kazahaya. He'd only just started working half days in the store not yet up to working fulltime. Most of his time had been spent with Hinata.
The two of them spent a lot of time in the park because, Hinata loved Kazahaya's tan and she wanted him to get back the color he'd lost. Running around with her had helped him get back in shape and more. She knew nothing of what had happened and with her, Kazahaya could just be a regular guy.
Rikuo was looking forward to the week off Kakei had promised the boys. They were all going to spend some time with the Izangis' but that wouldn't be until next month. Kakei wanted to be sure Kazahaya was back to 100 before facing Mrs. Izanagi. He wanted to show her that he and Saiga were taking good care of him. Rikuo heard Kazahaya moving around and again he could picture him bare so clearly, he grinned.
Kazahaya's tan covered every inch of his body except his privates. It was a funny contrast and he'd teased Kazahaya that they would have to get him tanned all over when they got back to the beach. Trying to ignore his lust, Rikuo went to the fridge looking to see what they had to eat but looked up when the bathroom door opened.
"Hey! Oh don't worry; I called in some take out. They were busy and said it should be here in an hour or so. That okay?" Kazahaya asked as he stood before Rikuo in nothing but a towel.
"Umm, yeah. That's fine." Rikuo pried his eyes away from the low towel and reached a hand up to massage his neck. "So what movies did you let Hinata pick out this time? Not another chick-flick please. Why not some action movies?" Rikuo turned to look at the DVDs Kazahaya had placed on the coffee table.
Kazahaya grinned as he noticed Rikuo's erection. He'd wanted to make love days ago but even he knew he didn't have the energy but now he was feeling much better. Since he'd come home, the two of them had slept in the same bed but they'd only taken comfort from each other. The love was undeniably there.They both acknowledged it now.
The promises they'd made back in the hospital had set them on a new path. If neither forgot to love, they would always be happy.
A mischievous smile grew on Kazahaya's face as he went to his bed and pulled back the covers. He removed the towel and looked over his shoulder. "Hey Rikuo? That delivery guy could be here any minute, we should make the most of our time. Wanna do it?"
He'd turned when Kazahaya had called his name. Rikuo's eyes zeroed in on Kazahaya's pale naked ass then traveled up to meet Kazahaya's gaze and laughed when Kazahaya wiggled first his eyebrows then his ass. He was so hooked. "So are you telling me you feel up to rolling around in the sheets with me?" Rikuo headed for the bed. Even if Kazahaya wasn't, there were things they could do to satisfy each other.
"If we take it easy, I'm sure I'll be fine." Kazahaya sat and moved onto the bed making room for Rikuo.
"What if the delivery guy shows up too soon?" Rikuo pulled off his shirt and started on his pants.
"Kakei and Saiga are downstairs; they can get it for us." Propped on one elbow Kazahaya loving stared at each inch of Rikuo's body as he bared it for him. "You certainly are hard – you may not make it." He laughed as Rikuo forced him onto his back.
"Well I'll have to get you just as hard won't I?" They kissed with passion but soon it turned gentle. There would be time enough for rough passionate sex, for now it would be slow and easy loving.
Kazahaya moaned with pleasure as Rikuo explored his body. He'd lost a bit of muscle tone because of his stay in the hospital but his body was still changed enough for Rikuo to find it absolutely fascinating. "Are you...trying to...kill me?" He asked with his hands deep in Rikuo's hair.
"Mmm, no way. But this is the first time I've gotten to touch you like this and I plan on enjoying myself." Rikuo looked up, a smile splitting his face. "I hope you got a nap today and had a big lunch because I'm nowhere near finished with you."
Saiga stood outside the door about to knock when he heard Kazahaya moan deeply. He shook his head grinning and took the food back downstairs with him. "Guess I should keep this warm for them." Things were definitely back on track.
"Feeling okay?" Saiga asked as they sat down to dinner a few days later.
"Yeah, not bad." Kazahaya answered as he filled his plate. Glancing over at Rikuo he grinned. "Not bad at all."
"Ha!" Rikuo said to the innuendo. "Better eat you'll need your energy."
"Okay, okay – no sex talk at the table!" Kakei said but he was happy to hear the boys were getting along so well. Life was back to normal, well as normal as they could be with the four of them and their special gifts. Painful thoughts and memories of the last months were slowly fading away and happier ones were replacing them.
Kazahaya was still silly but at the same time so much more mature in the way he talked and thought about things. Rikuo had opened up more and shared more of himself with all of them. Kakei had found himself spending some quality time with Hikari and Yutaka learning more magic. It wasn't something he'd pursued before but now he thought learning a bit more could come in handy someday. Saiga seemed to be the only one who hadn't changed much. He was still as dependable as ever on a job or hiding in the office asleep when he was supposed to be working. Every few days, he showed up with something new he'd made – a complete mother hen looking after his chicks!
"I got an email from Shane today. Kakei said and got their attention. "He's well, just checking in and making sure Osawa was still locked away. I assured him that he was and told him of Saiga's visit to the institution." Kakei shivered for he'd seen in a vision of just how messed up Osawa was – not a pretty sight. "Also, I received a thank you card from Aisha's parents. Thanking me for taking care of their daughter since she was such a good customer and for the money she was owed due to a miscalculation of her bill." Kakei met Rikuo's eyes. "That was a nice thing to do for them Rikuo."
Rikuo lowered his eyes and one hand made a tight fist. "Nice would be having their daughter alive. I just sent them a bit of money to help them out. Aisha shouldn't have died. It was just a small way to help her family."
"You did something and that's the point. And now with Osawa talking about all the things he's done, they'll soon know who killed their daughter. Knowing that the person who killed the one you loved is paying for his crime will give them a measure of comfort." Saiga said. "I expect a lot of people are breathing easier now that Osawa is out of the picture."
Silence, except for the sounds of them eating as they remembered the trouble Osawa had personally brought them.
"It's still not over." Kakei told them and looked from Rikuo to Kazahaya. "There's still the man behind Osawa pulling all the strings and then there's Tsukiko. She still needs to be found."
"I know. We've got to be careful and get Tsukiko back as soon as possible. No matter what the situation, things will be better for her and Rikuo once she's found and they've cleared things up between them." Kazahaya told them.
Saiga sat back amazed. "You're okay with us searching for Tsukiko? Really, you won't mind?" Behind his shades, Saiga's eyes were wide as he looked at the teen.
"No he won't." Rikuo answered and took Kazahaya's hand. "We promised a few things to each other. As long as I don't hide my feelings, include him all I do and love him – then looking for Tsukiko is something we can do together." Rikuo felt his heart swell with love for Kazahaya as the teen looked at him with a soft smile.
"The same goes for you too!" Kazahaya said pulling his eyes away from Rikuo's. "Not that you guys were as bad as Rikuo but you had your moments." He shook a finger at them. "Talk to me, let me in and everything will be okay. Okay?"
"Well would you listen to the man? Grew up a lot, didn't you?" Saiga asked and leaned forward. "I think I speak for Kakei," Kakei nodded. "We felt awful for the things we did. We never meant to chase you away kid. We handled things – you, badly. As adults we should have known better."
"Yes, Kazahaya – we failed you and we're sorry for that. If making you a part of all we do will solve our problems then that 's what we'll do." Kakei added reaching out to brush Kazahaya's short hair. "But Kazahaya, no more running away if things get too hard, please. My heart can't take you disappearing again."
Kazahaya closed his eyes feeling blessed to have found these men and to know they cared so much for him. "No I won't run again." Kazahaya pushed back from the table. "I'll be right back." He smiled to reassure them. Kazahaya wanted them to be sure of him and knew this would help convince them.
"What's he doing?" Saiga asked.
"I dunno." Rikuo frowned also wondering why Kazahaya had left the table.
They heard quick footsteps and felt relief that he was nearly back to full strength. They waited and in moments Kazahaya reappeared. He was slightly out of breath but smiling.
In Kazahaya's hands he held a small wooden box. He walked to Kakei and placed the box on the table. "I still wanna keep the box – it's a nice box but you can have the charm inside. I won't need it anymore."
Kakei felt his eyes become moist. He caressed the top of the box with a trembling finger. "Of course. You bought it, it yours." Kakei stood quickly and pulled Kazahaya into his arms. "No you won't need it. You're home now Kazahaya. You're home."
Saiga couldn't believe that he'd forgotten about the charm but now seeing the kid give it up so easily, he felt a weight he hadn't known he'd been carrying lift from his shoulders. The kid would stay! He got up and went to them. "Hey, it's my turn!"
Rikuo watched as they hugged Kazahaya. He admitted to himself that he'd been too scared to ask Kazahaya to get rid of the charm. What if he'd said no or wanted more time to think about it? No, this was better. It had always been up to Kazahaya to decide if and when he wanted to dispose of the charm and he just did. Again, Rikuo felt that all encompassing love in his heart. "Hey, what's for dessert? I've got a sudden craving for chocolate!"
Kazahaya pulled back from Saiga's embrace to grin at Rikuo. "Yeah? Well if Saiga doesn't have any chocolate, I'll be sure to find you some." He stood beside Rikuo's chair and leaned down to kiss him.
Saiga wrapped his arms around Kakei's waist and together they watched the two young lovers. Their family was whole again and stronger than before. Kakei took comfort in knowing that no matter how many obstacles and trials came before them – they would face them together and triumph.
Kazahaya laughed as Rikuo pulled him into his lap and started tickling him. He called out for help and tried tickling Rikuo. Since it looked like fun, Saiga and Kakei joined in. They'd gotten a second chance, a new beginning. Outside, the sky grew dark as night took over the day but inside the light was bright and not just because of the lights; each man's soul shown as brightly as the sun. The darkness would always return and try to take over their lives but the light and the love they share would see them through it…
Legal drugs or illegal drugs, nothing beats the high of being in love...
And it is done! My trilogy comes to an end. I hope many of you got something out of it - whether it was laughter, a thrill or a tear. I enjoyed every line and paragragh I had to write and the research I had to do. Oh just in case you were wondering - buses means ambulances! I have no plans for another LD fic but that does not mean I won't write one! So until my muse gets of his lazy butt - I bid you adieu!