Disclaimer: I do not own Tsubasa, neither do i own the starting of this story.

Warning: THIS ENTIRE STORY IS YAOI/ BxB. DO NOT PROCEED IF THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR.

LOTS OF ANGST AND RAPE/ NON CON. BE-WARNED.

Chapter 20: Moving Out

"So have you decided what you want?" Mizuro raised an eye, looking up from the documents he had in hand. "Do you want to leave with us or do you want to leave us?"

"Before I answer that question, I have a question. Let me hear the answer to that question before I answer your question." Kurogane stood before the war master, a plain emotionless look hung upon his face.

Mizuro eyed the tall man quizzically, sighing slightly. "What is it?"

There was a short pause as Kurogane contemplated how to put the question across. To be honest, he was meaning to ask. The question had plagued him since the night of the meeting. Why..?

"Why me?"

"Why must I go?" He grunted, going for the most straight forward way of asking.

There were so many people to choose from, so many eligible candidates.. But he had been so insistent and adamant about sending him to go for the mission. He simply could not understand why.

Though the way things turned out had put him in situation where he had no choice but to obey the orders of leaving the camp.. But seeing how bad a state the stupid blonde is in.. He really had no wish to leave him behind if it was possible. The mage definitely required intensive medical care from the camp. But the war master had refused to let him stay behind to look after his traveling companion.

That was the one thing he could not understand. He needed to know the reason why the warmaster was so adamant in sending him to truly let things go and go ahead with the mission.

A long silent pause hung in the air as seconds ticked by. With a slightly troubled face, Mizuro stared thoughtfully at Kurogane as though pondering whether to let the cat out of the bag.

After what it seemed like an eon, the warmaster finally let a sigh and closed his eyes in defeat.

"Kurogane.. I know this is a tough decision to make... But you must know, I'm not trying to be cruel to break you and Fai up. If he was in the condition to tag along, I would have allowed him to come. After all," He paused for a moment as though contemplating whether to continue what he was about to say before going on. "He is quite a good fighter."

Kurogane exhaled lightly, secretly giving a imaginary nod. Even though he had not let slip any tell-tale sign of agreement, he was actually glad that Mizuro had acknowledge the battle skills of his traveling companion of sometime.

From the beginning, he had this hunch that Mizuro didn't quite like Fai. His evasive style of fighting may have baffle him or even annoy him, but he knew. He knew he was not as useless as all the men had seen him to be. It had proven to be useful in the past counters with their enemies despite all their doubts. It was probably the first impression he gave when fighting the crate-monster that resulted in this outcome. Kurogane could not help but sigh internally at that thought.

"But as of now, he is not. He is not strong enough to last the tough journey ahead." Mizuro added, stating a fact that even Kurogane could not deny. The frantic scratching, his inability to wake up from his nightmare.. There's no way the idiot could have come for the mission. Kurogane closed his eyes wearily for a brief second.

It was as though Mizuro had noticed that inevitable sigh of agreement, he continued to push on, convincing Kurogane of his decision.

"Furthermore, we really need your power and support for this mission to work. You are one of the most eligible fighter I had seen so far in the camp. You wouldn't lose even when I have five men charging at you. I can also sense the leadership skills you possess and what you could potentially be. Your presence would certainly play a huge part in determining the outcome of this mission."

"Of course, above all there is a more important reason why you're required to come along. However, I'm really sorry I cannot tell you.. It is more complicated than you think it is."

"You'll know when the time is right.. So be patient. Come with us. Fai would be in good hands while he recovers here and it wouldn't be long before you come back. The faster we attain our goal, the faster we'll be back."

All these while, Kurogane stayed silent, mulling over that he had just heard.

"Now that i have answered your question," Mizuro paused once again, lowering his eyes slightly before raising them up again to meet the red ones. "So what about yours?"

Another long pause hung in the air but the conclusion was obvious.

Who is he to deny someone who desperately need his help? His sense of duty kicked in at this point in time. He had already made his decision during the course of the conversation.

Kurogane could only grunt in agreement, nodding his head slightly. At his response, Mizuro nodded his head in slight satisfaction.

"I'm sorry Kurogane.." Mizuro thought to himself as he watch Kurogane give a small bow before leaving. He could not help but felt a sense of guilt flood through his insides. The future cannot be changed.

But he only allowed his emotions to take over for that short moment.

A throbbing sensation seized his insides as he buckled up in pain. Grabbing the part which his heart lay, Mizuro struggled to breathe and calm down. But the sensation did not subdue, instead it elevated.

A harsh purple glow engulfed the area, flickering dangerously. Soon, heavy pants filled the inside of the tent as Mizuro's chest heaved, sucking in air. But no matter how much his chest undulate, his still felt short of breath and his pain upon his heart continue to exacerbate.

His hand clenched on the glowing purple stone, praying and waiting for it to be over. It wasn't the first time that happened. It has started out with only a few seconds of pain but the seizure gradually prolonged over time. This time it lasted way longer than he had ever endure before.

Cold sweat emerged and rolled down his temples. The world had begun spinning dangerously. He slumped forward onto the table trying to stabilize his world.

"Watanuki.." Sensing that he was about to lose conscious, Mizuro called out to his personal guard. But his voice carried no volume in the spacious tent of his. Slowly, he attempted to stand up but the pain upon his chest doubled causing him to crash sideways onto the table. Calligraphy brushes and his ink pad tumbled and fell onto the floor making a loud crashing sound.

"Mizuro-sama?" A tall slender male rushed into the room at the disturbance caused by the fall. The initial state of surprise was replaced by a look of knowing and concern as he swiftly approached the man.

"Mizuro-sama." He called with a tone that sounded almost displeased. "Why haven't you called me in sooner?" He reprimanded gently, taking the man into his arms.

As soon as Watanuki's arms touched Mizuro, Mizuro immediately swatted them away.

"No. Stay away from me." Mizuro gasped, exhaling each word with much difficulty. But Watanuki simply helped him back into his arm chair and held out his wrist.

"You should rely more on me." Very slowly, Watanuki sliced a small cut on his wrist and forced it to Mizuro's mouth. "I'm not that weak."

A muffled groan of pain echoed as blood splattered and rolled down the cool skin.

"Thanks Kimihiro-kun." The black eyes glinted with a tinge of purple as he glanced down at the pale body slumped against the chair. He looked up from the body, wiping the red off the edge of his mouth. "It's about time."

Just for a brief second the purple glow was restored to its original state.

"It's my honor." Watanuki muttered as his vision dissolved into darkness.

"My King.."

xXx

Kurogane marched in to the canteen, slamming his hands on the table. It was dinner time and the canteen was simply bustling with people. Everyone's attention turned to him, watching him expectedly.

"I will be leaving for the mission tonight." He announced as the area hushed to a deafening silence. "But as you know, I did not come alone."

All eyes were upon him now.

"With me, I have a companion. During the time I'm away, he will be staying in this camp. He is now under medical care in the medic tent, unconscious. Soon, I don't know when, he will awake. But by then I'll be gone."

Being the commander of his troops back in Nihon, he was used to talking to all the lower ranking ninjas. He knew the exact tone and volume to demand the attention he needed.

"And this man is under my protection. If he so loses a strain of hair or sustain any injuries not related to training when I'm gone," Kurogane growled, casting a menacing look at all soldiers in the area, pausing at the right instant to emphasize what he was going to say.

"It'll be on your heads."

"I'll make sure to see personally to it." He added quietly, lowering his voice significantly but made sure every sentence and word came out crisp and clear.

"I am trusting his well-being upon all of your shoulders." Those red eyes darted from left to right, examining every face as he watched them shudder.

He had meant every word.

Judging by their looks, it seems like the message got across.

"*Tanomu (I'll be counting on you guys)" He then proceeded to give a big bow, bending 90 degrees down, staying in the position for some period of time.

He needed to do this to ensure Fai's safety in the camp. Even though it was not a very pleasant thing to do.. to threaten people.. Especially when he only came here few weeks ago. But there's no other choice. Even though he knew he had gain enough reputation for people to respect him over the past two weeks, he wasn't too sure threatening them would work.

After what it seems like a few minutes, the crowd went back to its original rowdy state, with people talking to one another and gossiping. He saw a few of them nodded at him, acknowledging his presence while others just looked at him before returning back to their own conversation. Kurogane could only assumed that his message was conveyed across.

Well, that's the best he could do to help. He hoped that with this message, most would stay away from the blonde knowing he's under his protection.

Now.. there's one more thing left to do. Kurogane's mind wandered to the next thing he was about to do.

Truthfully speaking, he's the last person he wanted to ask a favor from. But there was nobody better than him to do the job. Now that he had decided to go for the expedition. mission.. journey.. Whatever, he needed to entrust Fai to someone reliable.. Someone who could protect him.

"The faster we attain our goal, the faster we'll be back." Mizuro's word repeated itself again and again in his mind, reminding him, brainwashing him of his decision.

With a heavy sigh and thoughts jostling in his head, he headed towards a certain fat man's tent.

xXx

A small silhouette stood in the far distance against the darkness. It was a peculiar place he's in. Exactly how he could see the figure in the first place, he did not know. But one thing for sure, the silhouette was familiar.

Slowly it moved forward, walking towards him. An evil glint reflected off the light somewhere registered in his eyes as the smirk upon the face spread.

Who?

He squinted attempting to figure out its identity. A pang of fear shot through him for unknown reason. He could feel his palm getting wet from the sweat which was almost oozing out from his perspire glands. Something about this man gave him the creeps.

Taking precaution to maintain a safe distance away, Fai attempted to retreat backwards. But he came to realize that his body would not obey him. His lower half of his body had remained slumped on the floor against a hard surface unknown to him. He could not even turn his head behind to find out what was supporting him from behind.

Slowly the man walked forth and roughly grabbed him by his face.

"Ashura-sama..!?" He muttered in a tinge of fear. His body unwillingly cowered upon recognizing the familiar face.

King Ashura did not say a single word but simple looked at him with utmost pity and disgust before releasing from his grip. It was as though he was the most loathsome person on world, as though he was a bug waiting to be stepped upon. A sense of hopelessness spread through him. Why do people always look at him with those eyes? He hated it. He absolutely detested it.

A knowing expression plastered to the face as a small smile spread. Slowly, his gaze averted from him and those pale blue eyes of King Ashura stared into the far distance. His lips moved for a brief moment, chanting something as though calling something..

He wanted to believe that it was nothing significant, but every part of his body screamed danger. There was no doubt. He's chanting a spell.. Summoning..

"Stop!" He yelled but not a single sound came out from his mouth..

A small sound of rumbling echoed in the far distance at his words. His eyes snapped to the front to register a tiny red dot. Although it seemed harmless.. But he knew better.

Despite his attempt to protest against his actions, King Ashura's lips continued to move faster and faster as the spell reached its climate.

The angry red mass from afar grew larger and bigger towards him, its presence shook the very ground he was sitting on. He knew if he were to remain in his current position, the angry swarm would get to him.

MOVE!

"You know.." King Ashura started as he leaned closer to Fai until his lips was just hovering inches above his ear.

But Fai had no time to listen to what he had to say. He screamed, urging his legs and body to stir.. but they would not budge a single inch. In desperation, he grabbed onto his legs attempting to shift them via the limited amount of strength his arms could provide.

"You can never run from me."

All these while, King Ashura watched as Fai made his fruitless attempts to escape.

But no matter how he willed his body to move, he simply remained frozen still on the ground, unable to move an inch. He could only watch in horror as the red mob crept nearer and nearer, closing the gap in between. Sounds of a thousand million legs pounding upon the floor grew louder with each passing second.

"You can never escape your fate." His words echoed long after he dissolved into the darkness right beside him. He had better things to worry about than his King disappearing into nowhere. The rumble had intensified until the ground was shaking like an earthquake had befallen on the land.

"GET OFF ME!"

When the first ant crawled on to his legs, he swart it away immediately. The bug flew off some distance away. He did not even have the time to check if he had killed it to feel a second prickling sensation upon his other leg. Those eyes darted down to see yet another.. No.. It was more than another.

Three.. No a dozen.. No thousands of ants with their prickling legs scuttled quickly up his body. He tried to swipe them all off..

..but they were just too fast.

Frantically, he ran his hands all over his body trying to get them off.. But to no avail.

One by one they crawled up his body, heading toward his head. In exasperation, both his hands shot up to his ears as he shut his mouth as tight as he could. He could imagine them crawling into him through his ears, mouth and even nose.. Any opening they could find just to enter him.. However little did he know, those places where not the one they had been aiming for.

A sharp pain shot up his neck making him wince in pain. His left hand immediately bolted down to his neck, smacking hard at the spot which the angry red ant just bit.

The sheer force from the smack was enough to crush the creature flat. But that itself was simply not enough to stop what was going to happen later. Immediately after he killed that ant, another sharp pain shot through his neck at the exact same spot. He attempted to kill it off again but there was just too many.

"ATTACK!"

"KILL HIM!"

"KILL THE MONSTER!"

All of a sudden, he heard shoutings. Sounds that he could understand. Surprised at the sudden realization, he looked down and scrutinized the millions crawling up his body.

That was when he realize what the angry red mob was.

It wasn't ants.

It was people.

No. To be exact, it was villagers. Thousands millions of tiny angry villagers waving their ploughing tools as weapons as they charged toward him and stab him with whatever they had in their hands.

He had no idea why, but he hadn't recognized them from the beginning.

"ATTACK! HE'S THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN ATTACKING THE VILLAGE! KILL HIM!"

"No.. It's not me! I didn't attack the village!" He screamed but all that came out was a loud growl and deep grunting sound. At his reaction, instead of stopping, their attack intensified as they attacked him with another level of ferocity.

"MONSTER!"

"HE KILLED OUR PEOPLE!"

"ATTACK!"

All of a sudden it seemed like every one of the people was aiming for the exact same spot.

He didn't want to attack the people. But he just couldn't do nothing and let them attack him. They were overwhelming him. He had to defend himself.

"Nooo.. Go away! GET OFF ME!" He screamed as both his hands shot to the spot on his neck, frantically scratching, prying digging for the invaders to be gone. But all that came out were loud groans of pain... sounds made by a monster in pain and anger.

He trashed internally, willing his body to move and for the tiny villagers to realize who he was. All of a sudden, an unseen force pried his hands off his neck, keeping it by the side of his body. No matter how he tried to get them back up to stop the angry mob of villagers, he could not overcome the force which was keeping his arms at bay.

At the sudden lack of resistance, the tiny people took advantage of situation and attacked him with greater force. They simply gnawed at him harder and deeper. With each strike, the mob burrowed deeper into his body, sending a series of pain down his neck. Fai could only thrash and scream internally willing it to be over. His body tensed with trepidation, his muscles tight in palpitation. Tears begun to form and welled with his eyes.

Why?

Before long, Fai could feel a gaping hole the very spot of their attack. It was as though they had made the hole upon his neck the entrance into his body and each villager begun to wiggle their way in to his body, digging off bits and pieces of him to make way for the tunnel they were creating within his body.

But he could not move an inch. His body seemed to be in another dimension of its own.. dead, lifeless, motionless. Frozen in time. Yet he could feel every single sensation on it.

It hurts so bad he wanted to die.

Please let it end.

"You can never run from me."

He could feel his conscious slowly slipping away. Maybe this is the end. He'll just die here and now. And all his suffering will end.

"You can never escape your fate."

Just when he was about to give up and succumb to the pending death, a familiar smoothing voice reached him, causing him to stir from his path to the endless darkness of death.

"It's ok."

A gentle warmth seeping into his body captured his attention and his eyes glanced down towards its source. The warmth upon his hand slowly grew. As it got warmer, his hands glowed just so gently, seeming dispelling all evils from him. Fai watched in awed as the angry army of people scuttled quickly away from his hand, hiding into the darkness.

"Everything's gonna be fine."

Slowly but definitely, the warmth spread through his body, licking the wounds the crawlers had left, leaving a gentle tickling sensation in its wake. Who is it?

Kuro-?

"Hang in there."

And then it was gone.

Eyes rolled behind those pale lids, darting from one side to the other. Slowly, the blue pair of eyes fluttered opened, blinking once and twice. A soft groan escaped from his pale cracked lip.

"Kuro-tan!" A strangled cry cried out as the slender almost too skinny body shot up to a sitting position to buckle over in pain at the wounds he had suffered over the few days.

Fai's eyes darted wildly around the small white room. A sense of unknown panic spread through his guts. Kuro.. He needed to find him fast.

Flipping over his blanket, he plucked out the needles which was sticking into his arm and attempted scuttled out of bed. In his hast, his legs numbed from the days of sleep failed him and he collapsed hard on the floor.

Slumped on the floor, Fai grabbed onto his legs, massaging them slightly, willing the numbness to disappear. Surprisingly, his body did not feel as bad as he thought it would. He traced the cut wound behind the bandaged and wondered briefly what could have happened after he fainted.

All that he recalled was a triangular ring.. and a red stone. He shuddered at the image before brushing it away.

When he had regained enough feelings in his legs, he pushed himself up from the floor and exited the room.

xXx

"Kurogane, it's time to go." Mizuro said as he appeared beside him on a handsome chestnut brown horse, stopping slightly before him at the parade square of the camp.

A huge cheer echoed at the Warmaster's appearance. Apparently it was an honor for the Warmaster to personally lead a group for a mission. Everyone had gathered at this location, all driven and in high spirit.

Nodding in agreement, Kurogane swiftly pulled himself up his horse. He then gave his own black horse a gentle kick and urged his horse forward.

As they trotted forward, the crowd parted. Masses of soldiers now crowded around the fifty people on horseback, only shifting aside to open up a path for the miniature army.

Kurogane watched as the seemingly disorganized men fall in straight lines on both sides of him once Mizuro reached the front of the group.

Slowly, Mizuro pulled the reins of his horse and turned it to face the crowd. Silence immediately engulfed the area.

It was time for the war master's speech.

"The day for us to embark on this expedition.. this mission to conquer the moon castle has arrived. It's been a good ten years.. Ten years. We had fought this war with Ashura-Ou. For ten years we had our people murdered and slaughter by that of Ashura-Ou's. And for ten years, there had been no conclusive ending between us and our enemies."

Mizuro paused, to emphasize what he was going to say next.

"But today, it's all going to end."

"This time, we'll fight. We'll fight to gain the upper hand. This time, we'll defeat our enemies and find out what we need to win this battle."

"For those who are not coming with us, it is not the end. Wait for us and train hard while we're gone. The real battle is at the back. When we return, a full pledge attack on Ashura-Ou will be launched and that would be the end of this misery."

"So today, let us celebrate this day of change. Today, we leave the camp in search of a new beginning. Today, we'll start the end of this long battle. Today, we take a step to towards our dream."

"Train hard, and wait for our return."

"To Yasha-Ou! To our dreams! To a new future!"

A sudden sharp object protruded in the air at Mizuro's last words. He had raised his fully-sheathed sword into the air. A loud horn sounded nearby, echoing the start of the farewell. With a gentle whip on his horse, Mizuro urged his horse forward.

As the war master passed by, every man in the row would take one step away from him, taking a huge bow and standing still in the position.

So this is how they send their comrades off How interesting... Kurogane thought noting the differences between this country and Nihon. Only when the last men of the group passed the first row of soldiers, then did they start following in their path, heading east.

It was definitely a magnificent sight.

Thousands marched behind the fifty men on horse which formed a single line with the War master in lead. The sound of men marching and the hoofs of the horses softened by the thin layer of snow could be heard throughout the camp. This situation continued until they reached the end of the camp where forests began once more.

Then the whole crowd came to a sudden pause, halting at the edge of the camp just before the beginning of the jungle. The first person of the group got down from his horse and walked forth opening the veil of vines to reveal a hidden path into the forest.

He looked up expectedly at the war master, waiting for him to lead the army of selected people. But he did not command his horse to advance forward immediately.

"Mizuro.." Kurogane started, turning his head back to look at the man to find the war master looking back into the crowd.

A solemn look hung upon Mizuro's face as though focusing on something far in the distance.

He caught a small glimpse of his lips moving as though he was trying to say something. In reflex, Kurogane threw his head backward to see what has caught the Warmaster's attention.

xXx

Fai trudged out of the room, holding his torso in attempt to lessen the pain which was spreading with each step he took. He heaved heavily, willing his body to move forward. He could not explain why but the need to see his traveling companion right now overtook all the desire to rest and recover.

There was this unexplainable sickening feeling in his gut which he could not wipe off. He had sincerely felt it the moment he woke up. That something.. something bad was about to happen.

He wandered out into the hall, seeing the rows of empty beds that filled the large open space. Something's strange..

That was when he realised what's wrong.

Where's everybody?

There was not a single soul in sight. He was fully aware that he had been sent to the hospital for treatment. It has been telling from the white room and the IV drip upon his arm. But to have no one.. Not a nurse or a medic around.. Something is weird..

A sudden panic out of nowhere gripped the blonde as he hastened his pace.

When he scrambled out, half collapsing out of the tent, he felt the eeriness from the lack of human presence in the area once again. Moonlight flooded down giving the place a strange glow. Something was definitely wrong.

At this point in time.. Everyone would have been in their own tents. There would have been movements, hustle and bustle around yet the area remained silent as hell. Had everyone left this camp? Was he really abandoned?

"Nobody wants you." Kurogane's words from his dreams suddenly whispered by his ear. A cold shudder washed over him and all the worst case possibility came tumbling into his head...

No.. Kuro-chan wouldn't abandon me.. He wouldn't leave me.. He attempted to brush off the thought.

That was when a loud horn sounded in the far distance towards his right. His ears picked up and his head immediately snapped to the source. Though dim, the little dots of lights gathered just in front of the forest was evident. Everyone! Something within him told him he needed to get there fast.

Putting in his all, Fai ran forward, half stumbling, half dragging himself to the edge of the forest.

When he reached his destination, he stood on tip toe trying his hardest to find his tall companion in the crowd. But that proved to be a more challenging task than expected. To find a black headed man with red eyes in a sea of black-heads.. It was as good as finding a needle in a heap of hay.

In desperation, he was all ready to wiggle into the crowd but something at the front of the crowd suddenly took his attention.

A flash of moonbeam had bounced off the metal, gleaming in the darkness of the night. There was no doubt.

That sword.. Souhi!

He could recognized it even from a mile away. The person holding the sword.. It must be Kuro-myu.. His eyes squinted hard to confirm the identity its owner. But the owner of the sword did not turn back. Instead, his eyes flickered to his left to see a pair of dark merciless eyes boring into his. As though..

Warning.. No. threatening him.

Goosebumps shot through his arms and crawled up the side of his face. Why.. The pair of eyes, voided of any sympathy.. or even expression continued to bore onto him

All of a sudden, emotions flood back into those eyes and a sense of sadness and pity welled within those black eyes. Slowly, his lips moved, mouthing a string of words which he could not hear.

Moving his lips in sync with the man, Fai mouthed the words in attempt to make out the message.

"Run."

"Run away from here."

It was in his own language. But before he could make sense of the situation, the eye contact between them broke. Fai watched as the Warmaster Mizuro turned his attention to the man by his side.. Fai's eyes widened in surprise upon recognizing the familiar side profile.

"Kuro-puu!" He wanted to yell out loud to gain the raven's attention. If he were to follow Mizuro War master's line of sight.. He would definitely be able to spot him!

A pang of joy and relief flushed through him as he raised his arms, in the motion of waving around like he usually do as a form of greeting to annoy the tall raven.

But just as he was about to shout Kurogane's name, a huge force upon his neck made him stumbled forward, his knees buckled at the sudden weight.

xXx

"What are you looking at? Everyone's waiting for you to go." Kurogane growled in an undertone as he glanced back to see what the war master was looking at.

But only a sea of black met his eyes.

His eyes darted around slightly but nothing special had caught his attention.

"It's nothing." Mizuro tore his eyes away from whatever he was looking at as he looked at the tall raven. At his words, Kurogane returned his sights back to the War master and nodded in acknowledgement.

"Let's go." The war master replied, landing a hand on his shoulders, patting it slightly before giving his horse a small kick.

Deciding to brush off the strange feeling nudging him, he glanced back once more before facing the front as he gave his horse a nudge to move forward.

"Kuro-puu!" It was as though the idiot had yelled right into his ears, making a series of goosebumps crawl up his arm. Instinctively Kurogane snapped his head backwards.

The dark brows plunged down at the strange calling he just heard. But his red eyes only met with a mob of black. His eyes loitered at the sea of people for a moment, his eyes slight darting side to side.

He was damn sure he heard the blonde. Had he woken up? His hands unconsciously steered his horse to turn back to face the camp, almost ready to make his horse gallop back to the treatment tent just to confirm.

"It's time to go." A heavy pat upon his shoulders shook him out of his trance as he turned to face the huge man, Rikkudo. He had met him a few days back during one of the sparring session and he had found the man to be pretty tough an opponent. Even though he had not interacted much with Rikkudo, he knew the man to be of little words. Usually he would not say much, only muttering a few phrases in response if the questions were directed at him.

Despite the warning, his eyes flickered back to the crowd continued to dart around as though trying to find the blonde's presence.

"He'll be fine." As though reading his mind, Rikkudo grunted in a low voice. Even though he should have found some reassurance from his words, a sense of uneasiness nevertheless lingered in his guts.

He simply could not help but worry for the mage.

"Don't worry so much." Rikkudo added in his low gruff voice. "Let's go."

xXx

"Kuro-puu!" The words was about to leave Fai's mouth when a huge force upon his neck made him stumbled forward, his knees buckled at the sudden weight.

The next he knew, a sharp stingy and pungent smell wiggled up his nose causing him to retch violently.

That was all it took to make his legs give way as he crashed into the ground. Attempting to look up to see his attacker, Fai rolled his eyes upwards. But only a pair of dark black boots in front of him bore into his eyes. His vision begun to slowly spin, spiralling in circles.

"Wha-t.." He could only mouth the words as he willed his eyes to open and his conscious to remain sharp.

"He's leaving you know."

The words swirled in circles, pressing closer and closer toward him as his vision slowly begun to spin.

What is he talking about? Did he meant Kuro-min? Kuro-min's leaving? Where is he going? He's leaving me here? Questions jostled in his mind as his vision slowly spun into darkness. What's going on?

"He's leaving you here.. for good."

"He doesn't want you anymore."

"You're useless."

No.. That couldn't be true.. But those words echoed in his mind, filling him with despair as he finally lost conscious.

"You're a burden."

The smirk upon the scarred face was so prominent it probably had gleaned and glowed in the dark.

"And now you're exclusively mine."

xXx

"Everybody's waiting." Rikkudo said as he tightened his grip upon his shoulders slightly, which made it kind of feel like he was threatening him.. but Kurogane took it as his way of trying to reassure him.

"Yeah. Let's go." Kurogane grunted in response, shrugging off the uneasy sensation. Reluctantly, he steered the rein of his horse towards the rest of the parting crowd.

Then his red eyes widened in surprise.

As he was turning to leave, he spotted a mob of blonde at the far end where the crowd ends. It was there only for a split second before disappearing into the darkness of the crowd. He swore he saw the pale hands waved crazily at him from the corner of his eyes.

"FAI!"

There no doubt about it. He definitely hadn't seen wrongly. It had to be him. His eye sight couldn't have failed him.

Brushing away Rikkudo's hand, he swung the reins of his horse and gave a hard kick into its ribs. At its master's sudden reaction, his black horse neighed loudly, lifting his front hooves up and stood on it hind legs for a spilt second.

Making use of this instant, Kurogane tugged sharply at its rein and its whole body turned 180 degrees around to face back to the crowd. Before anyone could stop him, he gave another violent kick into his horse and steered it to where he spotted the blonde mob.

"FAI!"

His brain had blocked out all the other sounds that only the stupid blonde's name rang in his ears.

That was all he could think of.

He didn't even care if there was a path for him to ride through. He simple bulldozed his way through the crowd.

Though shocked by Kurogane's sudden charge into the crowd, the crowd of soldiers nevertheless parted hastily, opening a path for the tall man to go through.

Yes! It's Fai!

His hunch was confirm as the red eyes registered the mob of blonde bobbing in the far distance. He gave another kick, willing his horse to go faster.

He's awake!

Only when he got nearer, then he realized that something was wrong.

The mob of blonde was facing downwards, his face hidden beneath the untidy mane of his. Both his hands dangled loosely in front of a broad pair of shoulders.

His red eyes shot wide open at the sight.

Why is a soldier carrying the idiot?

What the fuck is going on?

He was pretty sure the blonde had gain conscious and had found his way here. Despite the million questions jostling through his mind, his brain nevertheless told him to scoop the limp body from the shoulders of the man carrying him. Hence, in one swift motion, he grabbed Fai by the collar and promptly sit him on his lap.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING TO HIM?" He roared, his anger hitting roof-top. The blonde head wobbled slightly from the roughness of his gesture before resting slump against his chest.

"I found him lying unconscious at the edge of the crowd and was just about to send him back to the medic tent when you arrive. Don't worry about him. Leave him to me. Everyone's waiting for you."

A familiar taunting voice sounded in front of him and he looked up to see the camp commander, Shozu.

Kurogane narrowed his eyes at the fat man before darting his eyes back to the man who was carrying Fai away from the crowd. Then those red eyes shot downwards as the blonde in his arms stirred.

"Kuro-pii?" Those blue eyes flickered open briefly, registering the familiar face, groaning slightly as his hand crawled upwards, grabbing his head slightly.

"You alright?" He growled. His brows then furrowed into a frown.. It wasn't as though the mage could understand him. Instead of waiting for a reply, his hand shot up, tilting the blonde's head to get a better view of his face.

Even though the blonde was frowning slightly, there was no other sign of discomfort. Fai simply grunted before collapsing back against Kurogane's chest. Fai's chest heaved slightly as though he still had difficulty breathing, but other than that, the blonde seemed fine.

"Kurogane.. Everyone's waiting. We need to go now." The ruff voice of Rikkudo travelled over as the sounds of hooves upon the snowy ground. It appeared that the man had chase after him to get him back on track.

"I have no idea how he made it so far here but let me send him back to rest." Shozu offered once again, signalling for his man to carry Fai. "You left him in my care right. I'll look after him."

Looking between the two man, one urging him to pass Fai over, the other urging him to join the expedition troop, he made a decision that was probably the wisest one he had ever made.

"No. He's coming with me."

With that sentence, he swiftly turned his horse around and headed back to the front of the crowd, leaving Shozu and Rikkudo in the middle of the crowd which had gathered to watch the show.

Kurogane rode all the way to the front. Using one hand to steer the horse and the other to support the blonde from falling from the horse, he willed his horse to go faster until he caught up with the war master.

"Mizuro!" He yelled, panting slightly and he stopped his horse in front of the war master. A carriage pulled by one of his men stopped short at his sudden intrusion.

Slowly, Mizuro steered his horse to a stop and eyed Kurogane coldly. His black eyes first landed on Kurogane before tracing its way down and paused at the blonde in his arms. His black brows rose slightly, questioning.

"What do you want, Kurogane."

"I want to take him along with us." Kurogane said, panting slightly as he tried to catch his breath in the cold thin air.

"You said that if he's well, you would have allowed him to come along with us." The tall man continued, requesting.. slightly demanding for the war master to grant his wish. "He woke up and made his way all way to the farewell point."

Mizuro simply looked down at the blonde without a single expression. A cold emotionless face hung upon his face as though he was silently hurling torrents of animosity at the mage, but in a way unknown to all. No. It actually looked like disgust above all things.

"He's not fit for travel." Mizuro said simply, giving his horse a gentle kick to make it start walking. "Get a man to bring him back to the treatment tent. Kusanagi will look after him."

"No. He's coming with us." Kurogane insisted, growling louder as he rode his horse in front to block the war master's path. Mizuro's brow leapt up once again at Kurogane's insolent act.

"Let him take Fai along, Kaho." A familiar voice sounded as the sounds of hooves ceased to a stop. Kurogane threw his head sideways to see the person he had not want to see most.

"What are you doing here." Kurogane could not help but spat in annoyance. He had not forgotten who it was that caused the blonde his injuries.

"I'll take them in my group." Toya added, ignoring Kurogane's comment as he stared meaningfully at the War master.

It was as though the two had a ferocious internal battle amongst themselves as they hurled words with their eyes which none of the bystanders could understand.

After a long pause, Mizuro sighed, breaking the eye contact with Toya as he casted his sight to the front, obviously letting the situation pass.

"I'll put Kurogane and Fai in your Wing then. Him in this state.." He said plainly, shooting another disapproval glare at the blonde slumped against Kurogane's chest, "You'll have to take care of him. Make sure he doesn't drag us down. If he drags us down.."

"I won't hesitate to take his life."

He paused, staring straight at both Kurogane and Toya. He meant what he said. Then he averted his sights back to the path in front.

"We need to move out now. We're running late already."

"Thank you." Kurogane nodded in acknowledgement, bowing as he watched the war master leave, leading the group. Behind him, two rows of men followed suit leaving Kurogane standing on the spot.

Even though he did not like the fact that it was Toya who came to back up his request, he was nevertheless grateful. No matter what, he still felt safer for the blonde to stay by his side. At least he can look out for him. Toya would not be able to do anything to the idiot as long as he makes sure the idiot stays within his sight. He will take care of him while he recovers.

"Thanks." He muttered another grudging word just loud enough for Toya to hear before making his horse move forward once again.

"No problem." Toya replied as he too gave his horse a kick, proceeding further front of the whole platoon.

Now that Toya gave him a helping hand, mixed feeling jostled within him. Could it be that he had misjudge him? He didn't seemed like a bad person.. But evidences all pointed to him as the culprit. He even admitted himself. Is he his comrade? Or is he is enemy?

"Kurogane-sama!"

Just as he was deep in thoughts, a young but deep voice called out to him, making him stop in his tracks as he looked backwards.

"Mizuro-sama wants me to pass you this." A kid of at most twenty rode up to him, stretching his hand out as though he had something to hand over to him. "He said this would be useful in time to come and he wishes for you to wear it for your protection."

"Mizuro did?" Kurogane's black brows leapt up in surprise at his words as he accepted the package wrapped in brown paper. "What is it?" He grunted, opened the package roughly to reveal a small object which glittered slightly under the moonlight.

It was a triangular ring with a red stone embedded in the middle.

Kurogane stared at the ring. For some reason, the ring reminded him of something. But at that instant he just could not remember what.

"KUROGANE-KUN! KAKANAME-KUN! WE'RE LEAVING!" A deep mature voice called out, waving his arms signaling for them to move.

"WE'RE COMING!" The boy, Kakaname yelled back before looking back at the tall raven.

"You should wear that. Let's go now."

"Alright." Brushing any thoughts he had aside, he grunted, taking the ring and put it on his middle finger. He then swing the reins on his horse, giving it a small kick to make it to trot forward.

Little did he know, the little gift was not given to him by Mizuro. Instead, it had belonged to a certain fat man. If he had known, he probably won't have put it on so swiftly. He probably would have gave more thought to it and destroy the ring before it was too late. But he didn't.

As the troop moved forth, the red stone embedded in the ring glittered and shimmered ominously under the moonlight.

If insisting for Fai to come along with him for the expedition was the wisest decision he had made, then accepting the ring.. No.. To be exact, wearing the ring was probably the dumbest.

A/N:

So Kuro finally saved Fai! YAY! haha anw since i made Kuro save Fai from Shozu, i had to take something back in return... SO KURO HAS THE EVIL RED STONE RING NOW! What's gonna happen next? And what's up with Mizuro and Watanuki? *Drum rolls.. TO BE CONTINUE...

Reviews? :)

PS: I'm gonna change the title of this story when i finish it because i realized the title is no longer relevant to the plot i'm going for. I shall keep the new title's name a secret so as not to spoil this story :) It'll be announced closer to the ending! SO watch out for it! :D