Disclaimer: Yami no Matsuei is not mine :P

You're Not Alone

They skipped over the cemetery first and took a train to Hagi, where another of the girls had been killed. He was led to a back alley this time, behind a restaurant. The dumpster smelled like rot, and the gravel under his shoes held mysteries he didn't want to discover. Still, he walked around the lot. Finally he stopped and, perplexed, walked the area again. Nothing?

He ignored Tatsumi and Tsuzuki, standing very close together as they waited for his verdict.

It was impossible that there be no reaction; everyone reacted to murder. Even if they were caught by surprise, the instant they died would have an impact, and...

He stopped then and turned to the dumpster. He hadn't gone back there yet...

Ridiculous. Who would be behind a dumpster?

He took the next few yards with strong purpose, already knowing that he would feel nothing. He'd already walked around here...

The dumpster was big, taking up a nice portion of the restaurant wall. He touched the wall, the red paint dry, testing. Nothing. She hadn't been touching the wall when it had happened, then. He turned to the dumpster and made a face. He didn't want to touch that. He took a step behind it, tense for a reaction. Nothing? Still?

There wasn't enough space for someone to be comfortably ensconced, but maybe she'd been there out of fear? Maybe he'd chased her and she'd hidden there? But then why hadn't he Felt anything from her run?

The dumpster. It was the only thing left that made even a tiny bit of sense. He inwardly sighed and reminded himself that the restaurant had a bathroom. He could wash his hands thoroughly afterward. He would. Blegh.

He needed only touch his fingertips to be hit. Skipping work, shouldn't have told her to leave the building if they didn't want her to slack off – tired – bored – who's that? Cute, very cute – weird. Trenchcoat?-

He jerked back, breathing hard. He didn't want to be weak – he had to stick this out!

He thrust his entire hand on the nasty dumpster and concentrated.

Sexy voice – glint what's he doing with that? No, no, not yet! Don'ttouchme – fearfear – painpain like she'd never experienced worse than her broken arm no! not yet!-

He stumbled back, shook his head. "Hisoka!"

He ignored Tsuzuki and slammed his hand back – glee – so much fun – will she work? will she be the one? Doesn't matter, will find out soon – blood, listen to that heartbeat slow, slow, such a beautiful sight, eyes blanking-

"Aaagh!" This time when he pulled back he fell. He felt his body shuddering, heard his breath in harsh gasps. Footsteps spewed pebbles everywhere, then Tsuzuki's familiar concern wrapped around him, warming him from the cold.

"Hisoka! Are you okay?!"

He almost clutched Tsuzuki again, but his hand felt too dirty, like slime was dripping from it. He carefully kept it away from Tsuzuki and focused on breathing.

"Kurosaki. What happened?"

Tsuzuki hissed at Tatsumi again. He took another breath. "I... I Felt him."

No need to say who. Tatsumi and Tsuzuki must have understood immediately; he could Feel even Tatsumi's tense expectation. "H-He was wondering if she would... would work." He spat it out. "And that he would find out soon."

Tsuzuki heard something in his voice, because his arms tightened around him. Or maybe it was because he was still shivering like a kitten in the cold.

"Does your hand hurt?"

Hisoka flinched. He quickly shook his head. Tsuzuki made to touch it, but Hisoka snapped back from him. He stood then. "I have to... go to the bathroom."

He escaped before either could say anything more to him.

His first act when safely in the restroom was to turn on the faucet with his good hand and smother his hands in the soap. It smelled like all nasty foam soap, but he didn't care.

No matter how much he rinsed, he couldn't get Muraki's thoughts out of his head. To take such delight in the girl's death, in watching her soul fade from her eyes... he shuddered again in remembrance. Muraki's soul was a black hole of darkness and shadows, full of such hate it made him weak in its stead.

He just let the water run over his hands as he stood there, staring at the faucet blindly. What was Muraki planning? What did killing a bunch of American girls have to do with Tsuzuki? Last Hisoka had heard, Muraki had been after Tsuzuki's immortal body-

Hisoka shuddered at that. No, it was better to not imagine all the what-ifs for that night.

He didn't bother turning when the door opened, knowing who it was before the door clicked closed. "Hisoka."

"I'm fine," he said before Tsuzuki could ask.

Tsuzuki walked up behind him, hesitated. If Hisoka concentrated, he thought he could even Feel the hesitation... did Tsuzuki want to touch him? "I-"

"Tsuzuki." Hisoka turned, almost bumping into him. His eyes widened; he hadn't known Tsuzuki was so close. He felt a rush of heat before Tsuzuki backed up. "We have to go back outside."

"Huh? Why?"

Hisoka didn't like Tsuzuki being out of Tatsumi's sight. Hateful as it was, only Tatsumi could protect Tsuzuki right now. "Come on."

He slipped by Tsuzuki, hyper-aware of his nearness, and impatiently led them back to the alley. Tatsumi was waiting for them. "Are you all right, Kurosaki?"

Hisoka nodded. "I'm fine. Let's move on."

"I want to return to Serendipity," Tatsumi said. Tsuzuki turned on Tatsumi in obvious protest.

"Fine."

Hisoka understood why – there was an emotional connection between him and Serendipity. If he concentrated beyond her pain to Muraki's thoughts, he might be able to pick up more information. To be able to help Tsuzuki in any way he could, he needed to do this.

"Hisoka."

Tsuzuki was worried. Shit. "I'm fine, Tsuzuki." He turned an exasperated look on Tsuzuki. "Besides, the sooner we're done this, the sooner we can eat."

Oddly enough, this news did not deter Tsuzuki in the slightest. Hisoka sighed and gave up. "Let's head back."

A train ride and quick lunch later (much to Tsuzuki's disappointment), the Shinigamis returned to Hisoka's grave.

He needed to find out what Muraki was after. If only he knew, he might be able to help find a way to stop the man from getting it. He needed to make sure Muraki never got Tsuzuki again.

"Kurosaki, are you ready?"

Hisoka was getting tired of hearing that question. "Of course."

The flowers still sat there, though a few had been pushed around by the wind. He stared at them for a moment before moving to them. Would it be better to touch the flowers, or should he try the grave again? He was deadly aware of Tsuzuki's eyes on him. He had to get through this without any incidents. If he did, maybe Tsuzuki would stop hovering like he was helpless.

He clenched his teeth and grabbed the grave roughly.

Regretsorrow who could that be?

He pushed through Serendipity's emotions - fitting that here finally she would-, trying to Feel Muraki, sosorryIwasn'tthere, Feel the roiling hate and madness that accompanied the man like a stench. Pain, pain like she never could have imagined what...? Finally he Felt it, strong enough to make his head swim.

Perfect, better than he ever could have imagined, a specimen with more importance than any other it won't be long now.

He clenched his eyes shut and flinched as the knife flashed down – no, not knife, he'd been wrong, it wasn't a knife, no, no-

Triumph, ultimate triumph there was no way this one wouldn't work perfect bait-

He winced; Serendipity wasn't bait!

She'll bring him straight to me...

The malice made him cry out. He jerked back on instinct, trying to escape; he shivered. He stood on a sudden need to get away, but he stumbled.

"Kurosaki!"

"I'm fine!" he shouted, breathing heavily. Hell. Hell. He couldn't falter now. They were ready to catch him and coddle him like a baby. He wouldn't let it happen. He had to be strong. If Muraki... "Tsuzuki."

"I'm here, Hisoka."

Hisoka searched behind him; he was reassured by the strong Feel of Tsuzuki's presence, his concern and his worry. Hisoka reached out for him without thinking. Only when he felt the security of Tsuzuki's hand on his was he able to breathe properly. "Never leave Tatsumi's side."

The worry escalated, almost painfully so. "Hisoka?"

"He thought Serendipity was perfect bait," Hisoka snapped. "That she would lead you straight to him."

Tatsumi hissed under his breath. "If that's the case, then Kurosaki is right, Tsuzuki. You will not leave my side, not under any circumstances."

Tsuzuki seemed to ignore Tatsumi, because he moved so that Hisoka could see him better. "Hisoka, are you all right?"

Hisoka looked away and studied the grave. "I'll be fine if you take care of yourself."

Tsuzuki's worry didn't abate in the slightest. A part of Hisoka noted that reaching for Tsuzuki was probably why.

"We'll be leaving, then. I don't want you too strained, Kurosaki," Tatsumi said lowly when Hisoka turned to protest. "We need you strong."

There was no point. Strong or weak, he couldn't... Hisoka's eyes shifted to Tsuzuki. Though it was true, wasn't it, that Tsuzuki would worry about him if...? He sighed and capitulated. "Fine." He had to get stronger. He hoped his training over the months since they'd last fought Muraki had helped. If not...

"Good. Then shall we go eat?"

Hisoka looked at him, surprised. "Already?"

Tatsumi smiled at him, but it was more like an aw-what-a-cute-kid smile. Hisoka felt his blood fire up in indignation. "We've been here for a couple of hours."

Hisoka turned to Tsuzuki in shock. "Is that true?"

Tsuzuki looked away and shifted his feet. That told Hisoka before Tsuzuki even opened his mouth. "Well, we've been here for a while, yeah."

Shit. No wonder Tsuzuki had been so upset. He looked back at the grave in surprise. But... two hours? How? It had seemed like only minutes. Ridiculous. It never took so long – it was like flashes, pictures that ran and disappeared in an instant. That's why they were so overwhelming. It was like he was struck with someone else's emotions... how? Just because he was comfortable with Serendipity's emotions? But no... it had to be because he'd been searching through them that whole time, trying to get to Muraki. Two hours for that? But it had been worth it. There was no doubt that Muraki was after Tsuzuki for something. What was that bastard planning now?

Hisoka's fists clenched. He wouldn't let Muraki touch him. He wouldn't let Tsuzuki go again.

"All right; let's get some food."

He feared the dream more than ever now, but he knew that he needed whatever sleep he could manage. He had to be ready. But if he was injured, seriously injured, he might be worse off than if he had just skipped a night of sleep.

Still, he'd gone to sleep, and now here he was, Tsuzuki lost in the fire and him on the ground in pain. He hadn't gone after Tsuzuki this time, afraid he would choke again, but now the fire was spreading, coming close to him, and the air was swelteringly hot. He felt sweat on his face and neck and back. He backed away from it, but it was as if the fire was following him. He needed to wake up.

But Tsuzuki was dead, dead again and that could very well happen if he didn't get stronger. He clutched at his chest, winced at the pain of loss. The feeling never lessened over time or experience. It always hit like a cannonball, destroying him from the inside out. But now it was destroying from the outside, too.

The fire wasn't even touching him, yet the heat made it feel as if his skin was peeling from his body. He covered his face on instinct.

"Trying to die again, I see."

He turned around, but he couldn't see him. "Muraki! What are you after?"

Muraki laughed. "You'll see."

"I won't let you touch Tsuzuki!" Hisoka screamed, but the fire was touching him now and he knew he could very well die right now. It was so hot... "I'll kill you!" Words, and nothing more. He had to get stronger for those words to have weight.

Muraki laughed, calling his bluff. "Kill me? Perhaps I should keep you alive. Yes – I still have a use for you."

"No!" Hisoka would not bring Muraki to Tsuzuki! He wouldn't – no! Fear and panic tripped his heart into overdrive. He bent under the flames surrounding him, coughed.

He couldn't die – he couldn't! Tsuzuki had asked if he could live inside Hisoka's heart – Tsuzuki was living in him – he couldn't die!

Hisoka screamed. What could he do? Muraki's pawn... again, again Muraki was using him against Tsuzuki. Was there nothing he could do?

One of his hands fell to his chest again, clutching it as if it was on fire; it felt like it was. His heart burned. "I won't let you..." he coughed out. But how could he stop it? He couldn't die... he had to...

"I won't let you die yet," Muraki murmured, his voice low.

"I won't let you use me!" he screeched, but he felt the dream world swirl around him and knew-

-He stared up at the ceiling in horror.

"No...!"

He lurched up from the bed. He felt aches and pains all along his body, but he blindly ignored them and threw himself into the bathroom. "No. No..." He turned on the water and just let it run while he leaned weakly against the sink. His hands shook. Muraki was going to use him to bring out Tsuzuki. Was he waiting for the right moment? Was he watching right now? A shiver ran down his spine at that thought. He thanked Tatsumi then with a new fervor, both for coming and for taking a room with Tsuzuki.

If anything happened to Tsuzuki...

He cupped his hands under the water and let it spill over for a bit before splashing some on his face. What was he going to do? Could he tell Tatsumi and Tsuzuki? But he brushed that off immediately. Tsuzuki would freak out and demand Hisoka rest, or be watched over, too. And Tatsumi would at least agree with the latter. Tatsumi's focus needed to be on Tsuzuki. If he watched over Hisoka, too, then there would be openings. And Muraki would take them.

Hisoka's eyes clenched tight against the memory of Tsuzuki lying limp in Muraki's arms. No. No! He wouldn't let it happen again. Not again...

There was a soft knock on his door. He ignored it, letting the water run down the drain. His hands gripped the sink as if trying to break it. He shook his head violently, dislodging the image. And shuddered, remembering Tsuzuki lying lifeless amidst a raging fire...

"Hisoka?"

He jumped a mile high, running to the door and wrenching it open. Tsuzuki stood frozen in surprise on the other side.

"Get back to Tatsumi!" he hissed.

Tsuzuki ignored his order and stepped inside his room. Hisoka noticed he'd left the water running. He turned and saw the mess on his bed. The comforter was tangled around the sheets, parts hanging to the floor.

Tsuzuki quietly clicked the door behind him. Hisoka felt another moment of panic and swiveled back around to Tsuzuki, but the older Shinigami spoke first.

"So you are still having the nightmares."

"That doesn't matter," he hissed. "Get back to Tatsumi. Idiot! Have you forgotten that you're being targeted?"

Tsuzuki's eyes glittered when they turned to him. "This is important."

"Not as important as your life! Now go back to your room!"

"No!" Tsuzuki yelled back, surprising Hisoka so much he jumped back a half-step. Tsuzuki settled a bit. "Why don't you go turn off the water?"

Shit. Tsuzuki had no intention of leaving. Hisoka thought about it for a split second, then ran to the bathroom. The sooner they got through this disaster, the sooner Tsuzuki would be safe. Arguing against Tsuzuki when he was like this was like banging your head against a brick wall. You'd always lose, no matter what. He heard Tsuzuki click on the light while he twisted the handle.

When he came out of the bathroom, Tsuzuki was fixing the bed. Even from Hisoka's distance, he could plainly see the sweat still drying on the pillow. He grimaced. Tsuzuki was pissed; he could Feel it, even though Tsuzuki was doing his best to control his emotions.

Then Tsuzuki turned back to him and gasped.

It was only then, stupidly, that Hisoka remembered that he'd been trapped in the fire in the dream that night. He turned away, but by then it was far too late.

"H-Hisoka, what...?"

"Stay back," he ordered, but Tsuzuki ignored him again, coming up beside him and trying to turn him around. He hissed when Tsuzuki touched his shoulder.

"Show me."

He shook his head and tried to move away, but Tsuzuki had only to step in front of him. "Hisoka, you're burned." Tsuzuki lightly touched Hisoka's cheek, which felt hot as a furnace. Even though Tsuzuki's touch was feather-light, he felt it like it was a slap in the face. He flinched slightly. "H-How...?"

Hisoka shrugged; hell, even that hurt. "Dunno."

"Don't know?" Tsuzuki asked incredulously. "How can you..." Understanding dawned in those amethyst eyes. "The dream," he breathed.

Hisoka turned away from him then, taking advantage of his shock to get some distance between them. He wondered how bad it looked; he hadn't checked himself in the mirror while in the bathroom. And he'd left the lights off. How the hell had Tsuzuki known he was waking up? Had he been listening? "Idiot; you're taking too big a risk. You need to get back to Tatsumi."

"Hisoka, this is... we have to-"

"It'll be healed by morning. Get back to Tatsumi." The longer Tsuzuki was alone with him, the higher chance that Muraki would see and attack.

"Hisoka, you're burned-"

"And I'll be fine in the morning!" he hissed. "Get out of here!"

"I'm not leaving!" he snapped back. "How could I, knowing you're hurt?"

Something warm and painful slithered into Hisoka's heart despite himself. He tried to ignore it. "I'm hurt, but you could be..." He glared at Tsuzuki. "You're in danger, idiot! Get the hell back to Tatsumi!" Didn't Tsuzuki understand how very difficult it was for him to admit he couldn't fucking protect the one person he loved more than anyone?

"Hisoka, when did this start?"

"Who cares?" he challenged.

"Me!"

Hisoka was caught off-balance on that one. He shook it off and took a deep breath. "I'm fine. Really!" He glared until Tsuzuki shut his mouth. "It's nothing; it really will be gone by morning. And I'll be fine for tomorrow-"

"Absolutely not!" Tsuzuki shook his head. "You aren't doing that when you're so tired-"

"I'll only be more tired if I wait!" Hisoka said thoughtlessly. Tsuzuki jerked back from him.

"Why?" he demanded. "Why have you hidden this from me again? Aren't we partners?"

Hisoka flinched. Didn't Tsuzuki understand that their being partners was the exact reason why he refused to tell him? "We can solve my problem anytime." He hesitated, feeling a surge of panic flutter through him. "But you... you're in immediate danger now, being here alone with me... I don't have the strength..." He couldn't meet Tsuzuki's eyes.

"I don't care about that!"

"You should!" Hisoka looked up then, desperate to make Tsuzuki understand. "It's not just me – Tatsumi, the Chief, Watari, everyone – we can't lose you!"

Hisoka stopped cold just as Tsuzuki did; he twirled away in horror. Had he just said that? The hell?!

"Hisoka..."

"You have to go back to him!" Hisoka cried. He felt horrible; the last thing he wanted was for Tsuzuki to go to Tatsumi. His hands fisted at just the thought. Tatsumi and Tsuzuki... his chest clenched. They would be good together, wouldn't they? "You aren't safe here."

"Hisoka, I can take care of-"

"Not against him," he snarled. "Now get your ass back to Tatsumi."

"But what about you?" Tsuzuki pressed.

Who cares? he thought rudely, but he swallowed it back. "I'll be fine. We can talk about it after the mission."

"But you-"

"Tsuzuki, go!" Hisoka slashed the air. "We don't have time – you need to get back to your room!"

Tsuzuki took a deep breath. "Hisoka, he doesn't know-"

"He could!" And that would be all his fault. If Tsuzuki was attacked right this instant, it would be his fault. And would he have to watch helplessly as Tsuzuki was taken from him again? He wouldn't be able to survive it – not this time. "Go back?" he whispered.

Tsuzuki's emotions were scrambled, just like his. Still, Hisoka Felt pain in Tsuzuki's chest. It made him want to weep; he'd hurt Tsuzuki again. His shoulders hunched.

"All right." Tsuzuki moved past him, to the door. Then he hesitated. "Do you promise? That we'll talk about it later?"

At that moment, Hisoka would have promised anything. "Yes."

Tsuzuki seemed to accept that, because he opened Hisoka's door, started to close it. "Wait," Hisoka called. He Felt hope blossom in Tsuzuki's chest. "I'll walk you over."

The hope died.

He walked over the two steps across the hall, watched as Tsuzuki opened the door. Tsuzuki turned to him once he was safely in the room. Waiting?

Hisoka took a deep breath, turned his eyes to the side. The hallway was lit, but Tsuzuki's room was dark. "Be careful."

Tsuzuki nodded blankly and started to shut the door.

"And... thanks." He shuffled his feet uncomfortably. "For worrying. I won't overdo it."

Tsuzuki's face turned sad. "Yes, you will."

Hisoka rolled his shoulders, knowing the truth of Tsuzuki's words. "Because..." How could he possibly say that he could do no less, with Tsuzuki's life and soul on the line? He managed to fight back the shudder that wanted to take his body. He wouldn't think of those days anymore.

Tsuzuki smiled, but Hisoka could still plainly Feel that sorrow. "I know."

No. You don't.

Hisoka let Tsuzuki close the door on him. He stood there for a moment, stupidly staring. As if he could see what was happening beyond that door. As if he could hear a conversation. Surely Tatsumi had woken up. Was Tatsumi asking Tsuzuki what had happened? What was Tsuzuki telling him? He wished he had the power to protect. The ability. But despite all of the training he'd gained from the Chief, he was still...

He walked blindly back to his room and closed the door behind him. Tsuzuki... he closed his eyes and leaned against the door and hated his weakness for having to separate them when he so very much wanted Tsuzuki near.

Selfish.

He slid down to the floor and covered his face with his hands. Yes, that was right. He was selfish and stupid and he was going to get Tsuzuki killed.

His gut clenched at the thought alone.

How could he stop it? He stared at his shinai and hissed. "Ridiculous." How could practicing his swordsmanship help against Muraki, who could conjure up a dragon? How could he save Tsuzuki by doing nothing more than using all his energy to shield? He only knew defensive maneuvers.

Hell, the only good thing about him was his ability to sense Muraki's nearness – nothing screamed 'crazy mass-murderer nearby' like the burns he felt from the curse when Muraki came close enough. Maybe that could act as forewarning...?

As if imagining it had made it come true, his scars scratched like fire. He hissed and surged to his feet. Tsuzuki.

"Hello there, my little doll."

He froze. Muraki was in his room? Hell! His fists clenched. "Muraki." His eyes took in the room. Where was he? His voice-

He swiveled to the bathroom. Even in the darkness, he could see the outline of him; his white trenchcoat shone like a beacon. He backed up. Hell, hell! If Muraki had been waiting for him to be alone, he'd been waiting for the opportune time to grab him and use him as... absolutely not!

He glared at the man who killed him. "What do you want?" he asked again, just as he had in the dream.

"Haven't I told you?" The man stepped forward. "You'll see."

His breathing clogged in his throat. Until that moment he hadn't known he was even holding out hope that Muraki really couldn't see, that maybe he'd imagined it. But wasn't the fact that Muraki was here proof enough?

What could he do? Should he call out, warn Tsuzuki and Tatsumi? But knowing Tsuzuki, he'd race over here despite all precautions... would that be a good thing or a bad thing? Muraki had obviously waited for Tsuzuki to leave...

As he thought it over, Muraki came closer. The burning sensation increased, as it always did. He opened his mouth to shout.

"Bring him to me," Muraki whispered.

He froze.

Muraki moved faster than he could have anticipated, shooting across the room and grabbing Hisoka's arm. Pain lanced up his arm; he no sooner opened his mouth that Muraki was behind him and clamping his other hand over his lips. He struggled against Muraki's hold desperately. Shit, no, he wouldn't be used against Tsuzuki, he wouldn't, he wouldn't...

Panic seized him at the thought – what would Muraki do, how would he hurt Tsuzuki, no, no-

Muraki twisted his arm until he bent his back against it. New pain blossomed then. His scream was muffled by Muraki's hand.

"You know..." Muraki leaned in, breathing into his ear, "though I love my dear Tsuzuki-" Hisoka bristled at the possessive "-I had no intention of taking him tonight."

Hisoka froze in shock. With lightning speed, Muraki released his mouth and reached into his coat. Hisoka fought to get free. Wasn't after Tsuzuki? Then-

Before he could shout, Muraki's hand returned. He saw what he'd once mistaken as a knife; the needle plunged into his captive arm. He cried out then without thinking; pain soared up his arm, raced through his system. It was almost like he could feel it traveling through his bloodstream; a sort of venom that turned his arm to fire. He felt it travel up, and then it was in his chest, moving quicker now, closer – it seized his muscles, one at a time, then grabbed his organs and burned them to ash. Vaguely he felt the needle leaving his skin; he screamed out again at the feel of it. Muraki pulled him back, towards the window. A door slammed.

"Hisoka!"

"Move, Tsuzuki!" A splintering sound split Hisoka's skull. Something grabbed his heart, made its pulsing feel like a knife digging through his skin. He moaned at the feel; what was this? Muraki... Muraki had...

"Hisoka!"

"Tsuzuki..." Just saying Tsuzuki's name made the world spin around him; he couldn't make out the figures in front of him. He felt himself being pulled back and yelped at the pain. It was spreading to his legs; he couldn't walk; he couldn't move. Muraki was...

"Muraki! Let go of him!"

"Ah, my dear Tsuzuki. How are you?"

"Let him go, Muraki, or I swear I'll..."

Hisoka was moved a bit. He felt Muraki's presence behind him. He grimaced. Used as a shield? No. He had to... He tried to escape and screamed in agony. He slumped in Muraki's grip and tried to get his breathing under control. His lungs burned.

"Now, now, my little pet. You don't want to do that." Muraki pulled him up against his chest; his scars burned like they were being placed on his skin for the first time. He couldn't help but scream once more.

"Hisoka!"

"You made a mistake, didn't you, Tsuzuki? You were too busy protecting yourself to take care of your little partner here."

No! Wasn't Tsuzuki's fault... don't hurt Tsuzuki! He turned his head, trying to find Tsuzuki in the blur. Where...?

"No, Hisoka, I..."

Not your fault, not your fault, I should have known... "Idiot," he gasped, "not..." But he couldn't finish, the pain, the pain... it was...

"Now you'll have to say good-bye, Tsuzuki. Too bad, hmm, Shinigamis? You lose." Muraki laughed in delight. "I got exactly what I was after."

"No!"

"I'll come for you later, my dear Tsuzuki, but you'll just have to wait your turn."

Hisoka felt darkness sweeping over him. No... was he still so weak...? But Muraki's arm went around him, picking him up in his arms, and his cursed body seared in even more agony. He slipped into unconsciousness without another thought.